A wedding dress is more than just fabric and design — it’s the embodiment of a bride’s personal style and the emotions that come with stepping into a new chapter. For Kate Hutchinson, the journey to finding her dream dress was filled with excitement, surprises, and a few unexpected turns. She and her husband, Mark, tied the knot on 19th July 2024 at the breathtaking Finca Son Berga in Alaró, Mallorca. Set against a backdrop of rolling hills and Mediterranean charm, their wedding was a beautiful fusion of intimacy, elegance, and effortless fun. With a focus on live music, great company, and a magical atmosphere that carried through the night, every detail was carefully considered—including the dress that would define her walk down the aisle.
The Journey
I tried on about 20 dresses overall and even settled on at least two before changing my mind. I thought the process would be more straightforward, but it took me a few goes to get it right. The team at Caroline Castigliano were incredible—they really took the time to understand my vision and venue, guiding me towards a dress that felt perfectly me. In the end, I found the one—a timeless yet modern design with elegant details that I absolutely loved.
The Vision
I thought I had a clear vision in my mind, but as soon as I started trying on dresses, I quickly realised there are so many decisions to be made—neckline, straps, skirt shape, etc. The dress I ended up with definitely matched my vision of being timeless and elegant, with a modern twist, but the actual design turned out to be slightly different from what I initially had in mind. It was a pleasant surprise, and I’m so glad I kept an open mind throughout the process.
The Decision
Choosing my wedding dress was definitely a big decision, and at the start, it did feel a little overwhelming, but I took the time to create a moodboard of inspiration. Once I was clear on my style and how I wanted to feel on the day, I kept it simple and only took one person with me to each appointment, which really helped me stay focused. The team at Caroline Castigliano made the whole experience so enjoyable, guiding me through the process with such care and expertise. It wasn’t high pressure at all, just a really fun and exciting journey.
The Style Support
I didn’t rely on many people to complete my bridal look, as I wanted to stay true to my own vision. I took advice from a couple of close family members and my bridesmaids, but it was more about how I felt in the dress than what anyone else thought. The team at Caroline Castigliano played a huge part in helping me finalise the look—they offered expert advice on accessories and styling, making sure everything came together beautifully.
The Evening Look
I did decide to change in the evening because I wanted to be able to dance freely with my friends and family. I opted for a shorter dress, which was perfect for the vibe of the evening. Plus, Mallorca was incredibly hot that time of year, so the longer dress would have felt a bit too much with a lot of dancing. It was the best decision for staying comfortable and enjoying every moment of the celebration.
The Accessories
For the veil, I knew I wanted something simple — a single-tier with a lace trim to match the lace on my dress. Initially, I wasn’t going to wear one, but I’m so glad I changed my mind. It really elevated the photos and added a beautiful presence as I walked down the aisle. I also chose a Maria Elena headband to add a bit of sparkle, but something practical that would stay in place throughout the day. For earrings, I went with simple diamond studs, which were a meaningful 16th birthday gift from my godmother.
The shoes were a big decision for me, as I wanted comfort above all else (and the venue had a lot of cobbles to contend with) but still something beautiful and elegant. I went for the Emmy London Harriet Low Block Heels, which were incredibly comfortable and stunning. I was so happy that by the end of the night, they were still in perfect condition — I can’t wait to wear them again.
The Second Outfit
When choosing my ‘welcome drinks’ and ‘pool party’ outfits, I wanted to keep it relaxed and fun while still feeling bridal. For the welcome drinks the night before, I went for an ivory fit-and-flare dress from Joseph, paired with ivory Manebi wedges and a woven Prada handbag. For the second day we had a pool party, so I wore a white and blue sundress from Melissa Odabash. It was light, playful, and perfect for a day of fun in the sun! Both outfits were easy to wear and kept the vibe relaxed while still looking put together.
Advice For Brides
My best advice is to start by creating a moodboard of the styles you like, ensuring it matches the vibe of your day and your venue. Try not to let others’ opinions overwhelm you — I preferred to take just one person I trusted to each appointment. It really helped me stay focused.
It’s hard knowing you’ll only wear the dress once, but remember, you’ll have the photos and videos for a lifetime. Go for what you truly want, and you won’t regret it.
If you love dancing, a second evening dress is a must! It doesn’t need to be fancy, but it will give you the freedom to move and enjoy the celebration.
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