In a new series, brides recount how they ended up choosing their wedding gowns. Perhaps the most exciting, but overwhelming, sartorial decision you will make in your life, there is plenty to learn from those who have been through the process – from the pitfalls you must avoid to how you know when you’ve found ‘the one’. This time, Pruzan founder Jessie Hyman opens up about how she settled on the modern two-piece wedding gown she chose for her English countryside nuptials.
Our wedding felt like an English countryside dream with a dash of London’s chic finesse. The venue, West Wycombe, is a stunning Roman-style villa on a National Trust estate, surrounded by idyllic fields in every direction. We worked with amazing florists to bring to life dahlias and cosmos paired with wild grasses – all enhancing and highlighting the natural scenery while making a stage for the wedding itself.
I really wanted to have a ceremony in nature, so we wed on a tiny island surrounded by our closest friends and family and two beautiful swans that swam by (which also happened to be the motif for our wedding). We carried on our night in a marquee, complete with a hidden after party room and an ice sculpture of our dog.
I knew I wanted a dress that was modern yet unforgettable — a silhouette that felt extraordinary, and more dramatic than I’d typically wear. I envisioned something bold, like a voluminous skirt, to create that statement moment.
I focused on how I wanted to feel, rather than trying to find a specific dress
There are so many amazing designers creating beautiful bridal gowns – I was excited to start but I wasn’t sure of the details of what I wanted so I focused more on how I wanted to feel than on finding a specific dress. I worried that having a rigid vision might lead me to choosing something popular instead of a dress that truly felt like me.
I didn’t want to be pulled into trends
I wanted to avoid being influenced by bridal trends, so focussing on how I felt in the dress was key for this. It was difficult not to get distracted but I was determined to choose a look that felt personal and authentic. I’ve always been captivated by Renaissance ballgowns in period dramas — the elegance of a fitted top and dramatic skirt has always drawn me in. That silhouette felt like the perfect choice, balancing my love for a show-stopping moment with a fresh, contemporary edge.
I wanted a designer that would let me have a personal touch
I went to three different designers before I went to Maison Rabih Kayrouz. I probably had tried on a dozen dresses before the one I went with. Once I put the MRK dress on, I felt immediately sure that this was the one. It felt like the perfect combination for me – the playfulness of being a two piece, with the gorgeous drama of the tiered skirt. I knew I wanted to customise the top a bit to suit the neckline I had learned I liked the most from previous try ons. The MRK team was super helpful with this.
I went dress shopping with my husband
This was definitely a choice that might raise a few eyebrows! But for me, it was the perfect decision. I wanted to make my own choices without the influence of friends or family, and I knew he’d give me the space to do that. That said, he skipped the final fittings, so details like the custom top stayed a surprise.
I think it is important to evaluate who will join you at these fittings – make sure you feel that your voice is coming through rather than the influence of what someone pictures you to wear to your wedding day.
Start early and consider your comfort
My advice would be to get the ball rolling early. These dresses take time to make, and you don’t want to have to forgo your first choice due to time constraints. Also, remember that you want to be able to enjoy your day. Make sure you can dance and move freely, and wear comfortable shoes!
I chose based on feeling — pure and simple
The moment I slipped into the dress, I felt extraordinary. The skirt was nothing short of breathtaking. I felt like how a bride should feel – wearing a gown that marks how special and significant the day is.
The magic of the dress truly came alive on the wedding day
I remember the moment I finished putting it on, hair and make-up done, and I just felt like this was exactly what I wanted to feel on my wedding day – a radiant, ethereal version of myself. I felt like myself at every moment.
My other looks
For my second look, I worked with Paula Nadal. We were playing dress up in her studio when I asked to try on a dress backwards to see what the deep V would look like. We started draping fabric and invented the new dress together. It was so fun to work with her – she’s insanely creative and talented.
For my rehearsal dinner look, I popped into the Simone Rocha store across the street after an early fitting appointment at MRK. I didn’t mean to find the rehearsal look there – I went on a whim. I had so much fun trying on extremely frilly dresses and matching pantaloon sets. When I tried on the Rose Top and Skirt, I was immediately in love. The look felt extremely my style – it was interesting, sculptural and I felt immediately relaxed and cool wearing it. It was the perfect Friday night look, I never shopped beyond that moment for it.
For our town hall wedding, I wore a Stella McCartney bubble dress — a playful and bold dress that felt anything but traditional. With its dramatic sleeves that could be styled off the shoulder or as a balloon-like cape, the dress had a standout attitude that I loved. It perfectly balanced being fun and unconventional while still feeling appropriate and glamorous for the occasion. I will definitely be re-wearing this piece in the coming years – it's too good to not!
