as a plus sized woman...
...I don’t often share images of myself as I’m much more comfortable behind the lens. Somehow, as a woman working in the editorial more fashion focused side of weddings, it can often feel like there isn't space for people that look like me, and that I need to work harder to fight this perception - that I might not perform on a wedding and deliver the service every couple deserves because of my size. I’ll never forget Eureka O Hara‘s iconic Drag Race speech talking about how bigger people are often perceived as lazy and un-motivated - and this resonated with me a lot. I work so hard for my couples, and always will. My size doesn't determine the value I bring to my clients.
I've realised over the years that by not showing up I may be failing my couples who could benefit from my experience. When I got married, I remember saying to my mum "I'm going to go for this style because it's good for plus sized girls" rather than because I loved it... and I was calling bridal boutiques before making appointments to make sure there would be dresses that I could get into (not even necessarily fit into comfortably, just be able to imagine in my size) after hearing a horror story of a friend going to a bridal boutique and being told "we don't have any samples that will fit you, but we can order the size if you find a dress you like".
With the average dress size in the UK being a size 16, I feel a responsibility as a content creator to champion all shapes and sizes and endeavor to work with inclusive suppliers for whom this is a priority, too... and I am so thrilled that so many of my lovely bridal shop friends stock a wide range of samples to help all women have a comfortable, fun shopping experience.
I’ve always made a conscious effort to diversify my feed and keep my language as genderless and neutral as possible, so that you know that no matter your body shape, skin colour, gender, who you love… you’ve found someone who wants to tell your story through beautiful, relaxed, editorial photography. (I talk more about how I work with queer couples here). I'm here to help you feel good and capture your day on camera. Being sensitive to any insecurities you might have is part of my job.
Amy (pictured) is a dream and is working hard to show brides that you don’t have to lose weight for your wedding (unless you want to). You’re beautiful as you are and with the right suppliers you’ll have the most incredible day. We connected over our passion to celebrate all body types and encourage you to believe that your wedding aesthetic doesn't have to be determined by your size.
This inspiration shoot was organised to celebrate the beautiful Amy. A reminder that you are perfect, no one does you like you, and you can have the wedding you want without changing a thing about yourself!
Keep scrolling for the amazing team that helped make this happen.
team
planning + photography @fayewildephotography
planning + bridal @ivorywhitebridal
planning + styling @the.blissful.bride
stationery @pollyandmeuk
dress @essenseofaustralia via @ivorywhitebridal
veils @rebeccaannedesigns
shoes @charlottemillsshoes
florals @torimayfloral @blackthornandbloom
model @amycurvemodel
HMUA @laurataffbridal
jewellery @temprell
venue @suttonboningtonhallweddings
A special thank you to Ivory White Bridal who have always stocked a wide range of bridal sizes and co-planned this shoot with me, and Temprell who made two new sample rings for the shoot so that Amy would be able to wear the jewellery.
#curvemodel #curvebride #plussizeweddingfashion
