When Anthropologie announced the were introducing their own wedding dress line, BHLDN, in 2011, I looked enviously over at my American friends who were able to buy them. The dresses were everything the UK wedding dress market was missing – super feminine and delicate heirloom-quality wedding gowns with an elegant and modern twist. Some of the most incredible and sought-after designers were creating collections for the brand too including Catherine Deane, Vantana Watters, Tadashi Shoji, Badgley Mischka and Nicole Miller.

While British brides were always able to order the gowns online, I for one have been desperately waiting for the opportunity to see and try on these dresses in person. That time has finally arrived!

I’m sure you can imagine my immense elation when BHLDN got in touch with me recently to not only let me know about their first ever UK trunk show with. I was over the moon! But even more so when they invited me to come in and try on some of the dresses for myself. Needless to say, I hopped on a train to the city just as soon as I possibly could!

Trying on and being photographed in these stunning Catherine Deane dresses in an Anthropologie store is my idea of heaven. I mean, talk about a Pinterest-perfect location!

With a plunging neckline, embellished illusion back and silk tulle skirt, Winnie was the first dress I tried on. This intricate gown blends modern details with a sense of vintage nostalgia. I was instantly obsessed with the embellished neckline and I teamed it with the Winter Daisy headband.

Next up was Tamsin. I am a big fan of tulle and the ballet-inspired ball skirt of this dress was just made to twirl in. The delicate and feminine gown features a sheer v-back and an exquisitely embroidered Italian cotton. This dress was so beautiful and I wore it with my own Emmy halo headband and Miu Miu sparkly pumps!

My surprise favourite of the bunch was the Marilyn gown. It’s the kind of dress I’d probably never have picked off a rack, but as soon as I put it on I felt amazing. It fit my curves perfectly and held me in in all the right places. This dress goes to show that you should never judge a wedding dress by how it looks on the hanger!

Inspired by the past, designer Catherine Deane created the Marilyn dress with a glamour-meets-goddess air. I really did feel like a modern day Cleopatra in it! The structured bodice with embroidered beading combined with the draped sleeves was super flattering. Yep, I really wanted to take this one home with me! The shoes and headband I wore with it were both from the range available at the King’s Road Anthropologie. In fact I loved the headband so much I bought one then and there – whoops!

Just standing with a pineapple candle in my hand… so normal.

Finally I wore Angel and I loved how simple it was. A very romantic gown, the combination of the sleek, satiny georgette fabric with the lace insert plunging neckline added just a hint of sexiness. I kept this one fuss-free and wore it without any accessories as I lounged on a bed in the middle of the shop (yes, we got some stares from the customers!)

I found this sheepskin vest hidden at the back of the sale rack and couldn’t resist trying it on… while climbing a fake ladder. Yes, it’s true, this shoot was a little bizarre… in the very best way possible!

If you would like to experience the magic of BHLDN for yourself, you’re going to want to book yourself an appointment at the trunk show which is taking place at the King’s Road Anthropologie store between February 19th and March 1st. Appointments are strictly first come, first served and are available between 10.15 am and 5.45 pm.

They will also be giving away a $500 BHLDN gift card to one bride who Instagrams during the trunk show using #BHLDNUK!!

This event is a limited-time opportunity for brides to shop from the brand’s favourite assortment of Catherine Deane dresses in person, without the cost of international shipping. For further information on the UK trunk show and to book an appointment visit the BHLDN website.

Edit: The trunk show is now fully booked but they have a wait list which they using to fill all cancellations. If you’d like an appointment, email them and they’ll add your name to it!