Brides-to-be, top wedding bloggers, industry insiders and the bridal experts from Matthew Williamson joined us last night to sip delicious lavender and lychee martinis and orange sparkle champagne cocktails by Liquid Chefs (liquidchefs.co.uk), and coo over Williamson’s fabulous boho-style wedding dresses and Escape collection, at the designer’s Bruton Street boutique (28 Bruton Street, London, W1, matthewwilliamson.com).

A specially created winter-wedding-wonderland display featured icy-cool gowns set against a stylish snowy backdrop, beautifully framed by oversized calligraphy, penned by Paul Antonio (paulantonioscribe.com), who gave us a sneak preview of his amazing new stationery line launching next year – brides watch this space!

From wonderland outdoors to the tropics inside, the decor transported guests to hot honeymoon climes as we spied hummingbird and crystal butterfly-adorned wallpaper. The changing rooms decked out like vibrant rainforests also tied in with Matthew Williamson’s Escape honeymoon collection, which featured exclusively on the night.

Everyone was wowed by the designer’s first bridal collection with embellishment, feathers, Swarovski Crystals, intricate embroidery and billowing silk chiffon in the detail. The Escape collection of hot-weather kaftans, jumpsuits, swimsuits and accessories in the designer’s signature prints, as well as sequin-encrusted evening gowns that looked like they’d been plucked straight off a red carpet event, also kept things fabulous.

The make-up experts at Bobbi Brown (bobbibrown.co.uk) set up a make-up station to sprinkle a little of their magic over proceedings with mini-makeovers and advice, while renowned hairstylist Michael Van Clarke (vanclarke.com) created amazing bridal hair dos for models. Floral geniuses Appointment Only Design (byappointmentonlydesign.com) decorated the boutique with stunning flower arrangements à la Matthew Williamson.

Too pretty to eat wedding cakes by Zoe Clarke (thecakeparlour.com) inspired by Matthew Williamson’s collection went on show, while mini-cupcakes and W-cake samples made the rounds for tasting. Style savvy boutique honeymoon specialists Beach Tomato (beachtomato.com) imparted great getaway advice and hot honeymoon tips for all. Wedding shoe impresarios Harriet Wilde (harrietwilde.com) brought along their hot heel know-how, along with a – we-want-it – wall of delicate lust-have bridal shoes. We caught up with our fave love-to-follow bloggers Annabel from Love My Dress (lovemydress.net) and Charlotte, Adam and Victoria from Rock My Wedding (rockmywedding.co.uk) over a cocktail!     

The night finished on a wedding high with packed You & Your Wedding goody bags handed out to all, these included: 20% off at Matthew Williamson: Bobbi Brown lip gloss, make-up remover and voucher: Michael Van Clarke hairspray, mousse and voucher: Boux Avenue lingerie voucher: La La Lashes lash serum: Elemis body lotion: Green & Blacks white chocolate and a Luscombe elderflower drink.

Photography by Naomi Kenton Photography (naomikenton.co.uk)

Date for the diary!
If you like the sound of this, look out for other reader events in the new year, including a fabulous fashion and travel event at Blackburn Bridal Couture, London (blackburnbridal.co.uk) in association with Rayavadee Thailand. Put 26 January 2012, 6-9pm, in your diary for the chance to see dresses by some of the top designers – Claire Pettibone, Anoushka G, Jenny Packham and Anne Bowen to name just a few  - grab a goody bag and an awesome discount, and discover the secret to a dream destination wedding. Tickets are £10 per pair on 020 8297 1188.