Our Brides
Anneka and Darren
Tell us how you and your partner met. Your ‘love story’…
Darren and I met in a bar in Newcastle, he kept looking at me although he says I kept looking at him. So we have to agree to disagree on that one. My friends who I was out with did their best ‘wingmen’ duties and gave him my phone number and theirs in case he lost it (which he did). I didn’t think I was going to hear from him, but I did after he had tried to find me on facebook but he was spelling my name wrong (I can forgive that) so he eventually gave in and text my friend for my number and the rest is history.
How did you feel before your first appointment to try on gowns?
I felt like I wasn’t feeling like I should’ve been, and like most brides to be. I thought I should be feeling really excited when in fact I was the opposite. I was really really nervous, scared I wouldn’t like or suit any of the dresses and felt like I wouldn’t fit into anything. I actually had a feeling of dread about the whole experience and really worried myself about the sizing and whether the staff would be nice or not. Obviously I’ve watched far too many TV shows and films because it was the opposite.
Did you have in mind the style and look you wanted from your gown? If so what was it?
Yes, I was firmly set on a long sleeved fitted dress. The more it covered the better in my eyes. The dress I was getting in my head was Rebecca Ingram – Bethany.
Tell us about the ‘You Are Precious’ service you received along your bridal journey
Thankfully everything I felt before I went to my appointment was actually the complete opposite when I arrived. From the moment I walked in Ruth really put me at ease and I knew everything I had been worried about would be more than OK. I was still nervous but she was absolutely gorgeous and so so lovely along with Danni and Brogan. They are all so uplifting, reassuring, they really build your confidence and make you feel so special. In fact, they were all so lovely I wanted to move in! Ruth really listened to what I wanted, or should I say what I thought I wanted, I was really open to trying on her ideas too – good job as she picked ‘The One’! Nothing was too much for them and they were so good at keeping in touch and keeping me updated. You can really tell they all LOVE their job and they are really invested in every brides journey, it really just oozes out of them.
How did you feel when you found your dream gown & how did you know it was ‘The One’?
Emotional! I remember staring at myself in the mirror before Ruth opened the curtains and I knew I loved the dress but didn’t know it was ‘The one’ at that point (little did I know Ruth said she had a feeling this was going to be it to my mum and Danni when she had left me behind the curtains). It was the point where she asked me if I wanted to try a veil with it and it all came together – I cried, I never thought in a million years that would have been my reaction, but that’s how I knew it was ‘The One’.
How did you feel in your amazing Y.A.P gown when you tied the knot?
I felt amazing, really special and comfortable (this was one of my main stipulations).
What three words would you use to describe your overall Y.A.P Bridal experience?
Personal, magical, unforgettable