Phillipa Lepley bride Slaney

Phillipa Lepley bride Slaney married over a weekend celebration at Ashford Castle, Ireland, wearing a couture silk crepe gown defined by sculptural simplicity.

The corseted silhouette was cut with elongating princess-line panels, finished with a modern square neckline and bold straps that framed the scoop back with delicate square bows. For the ceremony, Slaney paired the gown with a detachable pleated Watteau train in peau de soie and a two-tier silk tulle veil. Falling in soft pleats from the back neckline, the train framed the bride in an elegant, cape-like silhouette.

“I initially fell in love with the Watteau train,” Slaney shares. “I loved the sleekness of the dress from the front, with the drama of the cascading train behind. It felt modern and youthful, while remaining classically elegant.”

As the day evolved, the gown transformed with it. The Watteau train was removed for the evening, replaced with a sheer ivory ‘Scroll’ lace overskirt, worn trailing for dinner before being gathered into a dramatic bow for the dancefloor. “The couture process was invaluable,” Slaney says. “We went on a journey to design multiple looks that would evolve throughout the day. As the bride, you only get one chance to wear a wedding dress, so staying in my Phillipa Lepley gown all night felt really special.”

An international client, Slaney experienced the atelier’s bespoke couture service, with fittings thoughtfully arranged around her visits to London. “The team were incredibly accommodating, arranging appointments around any trip that brought me to the city,” she reflects. Designed to support brides travelling from overseas, the international couture process ensures the same meticulous craftsmanship, dedicated attention, and seamless experience for which the Phillipa Lepley atelier is renowned.

Photography by Barker Evans

Planning by Olivia Buckley International