Our Brides

Melanie and Christopher

Tell us how you felt before your first appointment to try on gowns…

It was a task that I was secretly avoiding, even going as far as designing and finding a dress maker to make my Chief Bridesmaids outfit in the meantime, rather than starting the search for my dress. I was worried that as a size 16/18 with hips and a bum that I would be told that I wouldn’t fit into the majority of styles out there. My Chief Bridesmaid, Laura organised appointments at boutiques in and around Newcastle upon Tyne. At Y.A.P Bridal Boutique I was met by my bridal consultant, where I ran through my ideas, my style, my likes and dislikes at the beginning of my appointment.

On arriving at Y.A.P Bridal Boutique what were your initial thoughts…

As soon as I walked in, I noticed the clean white walls and all the thank you cards on the mantel piece, along with the photographs of the reason behind the name of the business. I loved the crushed velvet sofa and for some reason I felt like I had walked into a boutique in France.

Your Style Ideas…

I did have a style in mind, I wanted to cover my upper arms so had thought about the style of dress TV presenter Christine Bleakley wore for her wedding day, but with a different bottom half. I was conscious of my curves and felt some styles would draw more attention to them. I wanted something with a little bit of sparkle, but with no lace. I wanted something fitted to pull me in around the waist as I felt it would be more flattering for my shape.

Your Consultation to Finding the One…

My Bridal Stylist Louise asked a series of questions and then went a little more in depth asking for more details for clarification and really took the time to figure out what I would like and dislike. It was very subtle in the way that she asked me the questions, it felt like we were simply getting to know each other and sharing possible ideas. I was so impressed as I felt confident we would be walking out with the right dress for me.

Tell us about your bridal stylist and the ‘You Are Precious’ service you received…

Louise welcomed us with a warm smile and what I was surprised at was the energy that came from the store even though our appointment was around 4pm on a Saturday. All the staff were energetic and fresh in their manner, it felt as though we were their first appointment of the day.
Louise guided us through the process including filling us in on the services the team could offer – nothing was too much trouble at all. Her overall manner was confident but relaxed and in no hurry for me to make a decision. I liked the fact that she allowed me to pick dresses out for myself whilst she selected some too. Louise slowly built up my confidence even when I was making negative comments about my shape and size. Also, whilst trying on the dresses, Joanne, Danni and Heather offered their opinions/ideas as they were working away in the boutique.

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

After trying on different styles of wedding gowns, I remembered as I walked into the boutique, I had noticed a dress that I liked at the end of one of the rails. As I didn’t feel the connection that so many wedding magazines describe with the first couple of dresses, I thought it was no harm in asking whether I could try the dress I had seen on. Louise surprised me by saying that it was the first dress she thought of and she had been holding on to it to show me, until we had worked through our initial dresses to work out what I liked. The dresses I tried on were all equally beautifully made with stunning details on all of them. The boutique literally caters for all types of brides whether traditional or non-traditional with all the different styles and detailing to go with both categories. When I put my dress on, I loved the shape it gave me. My Chief Bridesmaid Laura and my Mam started to cry which made me a little emotional. I felt that the dress showed off my shape and I felt it was the perfect match for me. It was completely different to what I originally had in mind. I believe someone in heaven was trying to guide me to my gown, as whilst I stood in front of the large ornate mirror in main boutique, an Ed Sheeran song suddenly started to play – which is mine and Christopher’s song. Due to being concerned about my upper arms being on show in a strapless style of gown, Louise and Joanne suggested that their recommended Seamstress Anne could bespoke design and make a bolero for me. Anne created a beautiful piece to match my dress perfectly and even added matching fabric into my gown including extra sparkles to tie it all together.

Talk to us about your overall Y.A.P Bridal Journey…

I walked into the boutique nervous about my shape. I came out of the boutique with my head held high and confident in finding such a professional team who I could trust with my dress and alterations. What I loved most was the welcome I received when coming into the store, I felt like I was the only bride that the Y.A.P team were dealing with and I loved the reason behind the name of the boutique and its belief that each bride has their own individual love story and journey too, as every bride is different.

The beautiful Melanie was married to the love of her life in a fabulous ceremony that took place in Central Park – New York.The couple and close family then took in the breathtaking sights from the top of the Rockafella Centre. Magical surroundings in the crisp month of November made for so many perfect memories for the pair. Celebrations continued back in the North East of England with the newlyweds family and friends – with a New York theme of course.