Our Brides

Heather & Michael

Tell us how you and your partner met. Your ‘love story’…

Michael and I met through mutual friends back in 2010. Our first date was on new years eve, to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 1, and after that (in typical student style) a house party. We’ve been pretty much inseparable since then.

How did you feel before your first appointment to try on gowns?

Part of me was worried that I would feel silly once I saw myself in a gown.. like a little girl putting on a grown-ups dress! I was actually quite nervous to try gowns on- I know people think that we play dress up all day, working in our studio, but we honestly don’t .. I promise!

Did you have in mind the style and look you wanted from your gown? If so what was it?

I definitely had a style in mind. I wanted to feel natural and not too formal, yet keep it appropriate and special enough for church. I also knew fitted styles were out of the question- not quite right for the outdoor fun and games we had planned for the reception.

How do you think being Senior Bridal Stylist helped to find the perfect dress for you?

It did give me a bit of head start.. I think having the experience of seeing so many gorgeous brides go through this process before I did, I knew what really mattered most was how I FELT in my gown. I did a lot of looking online at potential gowns that we could borrow from the designers on their sample loan programs. I ran a few through the girls and they helped me narrow it down. The dress I ended up saying ‘yes’ to was about to be discontinued so I needed to decide fast!

Tell us about the ‘You Are Precious’ service you received …

Even though I am part of the team, and this is where I work, my whole experience as ‘a bride’ was made to feel so special. The girls know how I don’t like a fuss, so I tried on the sample of Maggie Sottero ‘Jorie’ with just the Y.A.P girls there- nobody else. When my actual gown arrived, Jo and Brogan un-boxed and steamed it ready for me coming in to the studio, as a surprise. I pencilled myself into the studio diary to bring my Mam and Mother in Law to see my gown as they had no idea what it looked like! Jo made my appointment very special and gave me and The Mams a glass of bubbles each to celebrate- just like we do when our brides ‘say yes!’ to their dress.

How did you feel when you found your precious gown & how did you know it was ‘The One’?

I could picture the whole day coming together when I tried ‘Jorie’ on. I felt like there couldn’t be anything more perfect, and I loved every single inch of the gown. She had just the right amount of detail and she felt soooo comfortable and easy to move in. Day to day, I wear high necklines and never anything backless, so I was surprised when my gown ended up being V- neck and open to my waist on the back. I didn’t get the overwhelming feeling of ‘this is it!’ and start crying- not everybody does- I just knew 100% that I had to get married in this one!

How did you feel in your amazing Y.A.P gown when you tied the knot?

Like I’ve said before- I’m not one for fuss and attention however walking down the aisle in the most amazing dress I will ever wear really made me enjoy those precious moments more. Michael loved it (it’s the first thing I asked him in the car to the reception- What do you think of my dress?! Haha) and I had lots of comments on my gown and how right it was for me, which is such a wonderful compliment to receive. I honestly think I love the gown more now after spending such a precious, magical day wearing it. It makes me emotional to think we now have our daughter on the way and I’ll be showing her my gown one day and telling her about our wedding memories!

What three words would you use to describe your overall Y.A.P Bridal Journey?

Magical, destined, effortless