Hattie Glendenning's wedding was a testament to personalized craftsmanship and heartfelt connections, where every detail, especially the attire, told a story. From her own distinctive bridal gown, drawing inspiration from a 1990s runway aesthetic, to the custom-designed ensembles for her groom, bridesmaids, and family, the event radiated a unique charm. The journey began with a surprising reunion between Hattie and Harry, blossoming into a deep partnership that not only redefined their personal lives but also shaped their professional endeavors, leading to the creation of HAX tailoring.
Hattie's path to marriage with Harry was an unexpected turn of events. Their initial encounter occurred six years prior while colleagues at Freddie's Flowers, but circumstances kept them apart. It was during a New York work trip, following Hattie's recent breakup, that fate intervened. Harry, having heard she was in the city, orchestrated a chance meeting. His confession that he flew to New York specifically to see her underscored the depth of his affection. This serendipitous encounter ignited their romance, leading to a crucial four-month period of shared isolation during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. This time cemented their bond and encouraged Hattie to pursue her dream of establishing her own tailoring business, HAX, in 2023. Harry later joined the business, making their partnership both personal and professional.
The proposal itself was as intimate and thoughtful as their journey. In December 2023, Harry proposed to Hattie at Glebe House in Devon. The engagement ring, a custom creation by Clarice Price Thomas, featured matte gold with an east-west setting and delicate Victorian-era loop detailing, perfectly reflecting Hattie's unique style.
For Hattie, designing her wedding attire was not just about making a dress; it was an artistic expression. She envisioned a relaxed yet chic look, drawing inspiration from a '90s runway design. Her quest for the perfect fabric led her to a pleated cream silk, reminiscent of tree bark, which she discovered a year before the wedding. This early find allowed her to meticulously craft her vision. Hattie's generosity extended to her bridal party as well. She offered to create custom HAX pieces for her four bridesmaids, allowing them to choose their preferred color and style in 12.5 oz linen. These design consultations, often accompanied by champagne, transformed into cherished moments of connection and excitement leading up to the wedding day.
Beyond her bridesmaids, Hattie's dedication to custom tailoring encompassed a wider circle. She designed outfits for her childhood friend Celeste Sykes, who officiated the ceremony, her sisters, parents, in-laws, and even the groom, Harry. These bespoke creations fostered a deep sense of intimacy and shared anticipation among their loved ones. Harry's suit was a particularly meaningful project, inspired by a photograph of Hattie's grandfather on his wedding day, featuring a dark brown 10oz tropical wool, double-breasted style with wide lapels and high-rise pleated trousers, complemented by a vintage Celine tie. Hattie's own bridal ensemble, a high-necked jacket with vintage glass buttons and a flowing skirt, almost faced a last-minute crisis due to tight sleeves, but a clever alteration transformed them into "amazing bell sleeves," a design element she now credits as a stroke of genius.
The wedding planning wasn't without its challenges. Two weeks before the event, the original venue became unavailable. However, a friend's generous offer of a derelict gymnasium behind his house, which the couple and their friends transformed into a beautiful reception space, proved to be a fortunate turn of events. This collective effort highlighted the strong bonds of friendship and family that were central to their celebration. The ceremony took place in the serene Chelsea Physic Garden, officiated by Celeste, who shared a poignant memory of predicting Hattie's future love. Harry's speech, delivered before lunch, humorously referenced his role in their love story and the start of the pandemic, evoking laughter and emotion.
The reception at Chelsea Physic Garden featured three long tables adorned with gingham tablecloths and napkins, meticulously crafted by Hattie from fabric she sourced in India. The floral arrangements, including Hattie's bridal bouquet, were lovingly prepared by her mother, Liz, a photographer, who sourced the peonies from Covent Garden Flower Market. Following the meal, guests boarded classic Routemaster buses, heading to the after-party at the renovated gymnasium. The evening was filled with vibrant music from a soul band and DJ sets by friends, culminating in a joyous dance floor and the couple being lifted onto their friends' shoulders as Cher's "Believe" played. Reflecting on their perfectly executed celebration, Hattie realized the culmination of their journey was truly extraordinary.
The wedding beautifully reflected Hattie and Harry's journey, from an unexpected reunion to a meticulously planned celebration. Every detail, from the bespoke outfits for the entire bridal party and family, crafted by Hattie's own tailoring business, HAX, to the adaptable and resourceful approach to venue changes, underscored their love story's unique and personal essence. The event was a testament to the power of shared moments, creativity, and the strong support system of friends and family, culminating in a truly memorable and joyful occasion.
