What is your most memorable wedding?
I remember it like yesterday. Kerry was my first bride. Her dress was quite a challenge as she was well blessed in the breast area. I dressed her in the morning and was so proud to see my creation walking down the aisle that tears streamed down my face and my business grew from there. And that was over thirty years ago.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Creative. Modern. Vintage. Contemporary.Versatile
What about your business are you most proud of?
Creating thousands of individual gowns for individual brides. I have never made two dresses exactly the same so all my brides have worn their own exclusive style.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Organise your wedding but then do not stress about the details. The day goes so fast do not worry if something goes wrong, only you know it should have happened your guests will be oblivious, so enjoy every minute.
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
I sewed a piece of a brides deceased Dad's shirt close to her heart in the bodice so she could feel he was with her on the day.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
On the brides first appointment we chat to establish the wedding date, place, theme so a suitable style can be chosen. If the bride requires a bespoke gown we establish which style she prefers, try dresses on and finally make a decision on the style of the dress. The next stage is to choose fabrics and adornments from the wide variety of samples available. A toile (mock up) is created for the next fitting to ensure the bride likes her choice and to enable a perfect fit to be achieved. The dress is then created from the chosen fabric and the adornments attached ready for her next fitting. A couple more fittings are required but the final fitting is not carried out until 2 weeks before the wear date to enable a perfect fit on the day.
What do you love most about your job?
The fact that every dress I create is going to be a brides dream dress and the most important dress she will ever wear.
What is your favourite style of wedding dress?
I have two favourite styles to create but both are vintage. The twenties styles so wonderfully recreated in Downton Abbey. The fifties rock'n'roll full circle skirted gown. There are so many versions of this style: Strapless. With lace neckline. Lace bodice & neckline. Lace bodice, neckline with sleeves. V neck, scoop neck, slash neck, high back, low back. The options are endless.
What is the best way to incorporate "Something Blue" into the wedding outfit?
On a fifties style dress add a blue net petticoat which peeps out when you walk. Or add a blue bow or flower to an underskirt.
What is your favourite wedding dress of all time?
Kate Middleton for it's timeless simplicity.