A Pearl-Adorned Slip Dress: A Sister-in-Law's Wedding Gift
The romantic journey of illustrator Scarlet Alexandra and musician Toby Pugh has been truly remarkable. Their connection began in childhood, meeting at five and seven years old in southern Spain. Years later, they reconnected as adults, embarking on a relationship that quickly deepened. Their initial date, an impromptu three-and-a-half-week road trip through Morocco, allowed them to discover each other's true selves in an adventurous setting. Toby's proposal, occurring in Jimena de la Frontera, Spain, held significant emotional weight, as he first sought Scarlet's father's blessing. He presented her with a stunning vintage sapphire and diamond ring and, as an added personal touch, played a song he specifically composed and recorded for the occasion, titled 'Will You Be... My Wife?'.
Despite the joy of their engagement, the wedding planning faced unexpected challenges. Scarlet's father became ill, prompting the couple to arrange a civil ceremony early so he could attend. Tragically, he passed away three weeks before the ceremony, leading to a funeral and the wedding taking place within a week of each other. To find a silver lining amidst their grief, they decided to proceed with a larger celebration, sending out last-minute invitations for a September wedding. Embracing their laid-back personalities, Scarlet and Toby opted for a relaxed, low-stress summer wedding at a friend's finca in Spain, relying on long-time friends and family for help. This communal effort saw friends arranging flowers, baking cakes, and decorating, while a dedicated catering team managed the rest, creating a truly personal and heartfelt event.
A highlight of the wedding was the couple's attire, a thoughtful gift from Toby's sister, actress Florence Pugh. Scarlet's backless, pearl-embellished slip dress from Galvan was customized with a pleated train, reflecting her desire for a unique touch. Her wedding day accessories were minimal but meaningful: an aquamarine and diamond pendant from Toby served as her 'something blue,' while pearl earrings from her mother-in-law and an antique diamond tennis bracelet from Florence completed her look. Toby's navy suit from Paul Smith, featuring a distinctive lining and a light pink silk tie that belonged to Scarlet's late father, along with a gold and pearl brooch from his sister, ensured his outfit complemented Scarlet's. During the ceremony in the finca's courtyard, Toby's sister Bella serenaded the couple with Tom Odell's 'Grow Old With Me' as Scarlet and Toby walked down the aisle together. This decision was particularly significant for Scarlet, who chose Toby as her companion to honor her father's memory without seeking a replacement, making their shared walk a symbol of their new beginning.