Our Brides

Natasha & John

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

John and I met almost 7 years ago on a now ‘not so popular’ dating site. I made the first move and messaged him, and didn’t think he’d reply. John apparently had seen my profile a good few times beforehand but never dared message me as he thought I wouldn’t be interested. We soon exchanged messages and then numbers. We arranged our first date for 2nd January and went for dinner; John was so nervous that he had his menu upside down whilst pretending to choose what to eat. We chatted for hours and everything just seemed to click for us! Years flew by, we’ve both finished degrees and are now a qualified nurse and paramedic. We bought our home together in August 2017 and he proposed on 24th February 2018 -after a day out at the arcades and drinking bubble tea – just the two of us, in our living room. He knew I’d hate a big proposal and it was honestly perfect; he’d even taken my Dad out earlier that week to ask his permission. Being known as ‘the queen of planning’ John also gave me a wedding planner when he proposed (it was my first of three!).

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

I’d put off trying gowns until I really had to; I was really anxious that all of the sample sizes shops would have wouldn’t fit me as they’d all be far too small and I wouldn’t be able to try anything on that I really liked.

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

I did some research into designers who carry a plus size style of wedding dress which were the style and look I preferred. I knew A-line would be the most flattering for my body shape and knew I didn’t want white or ivory either. I fell in love with the designers Maggie Sottero and Rebecca Ingram. They had so many different gowns; especially ones that fit into my rustic/boho look and also went into a plus size too without compromising on any detail.

How did your consultation during your appointment help to find the perfect dress for you?

Heather knew the dress that I’d already tried on (Camille Anne by Rebecca Ingram) and that it was the top of my list at the time. She asked what style and colour I might be looking for in a gown and also how I wanted to feel wearing it and also asked about little details about the wedding – where it was, what theme/colour scheme we had – something that no-where else had asked.

Heather was absolutely amazing! She really had listened to everything I’d said about what I wanted from a gown and helped me pick a few options – I was really impressed at the variety of dresses that YAP had – they range in sizes and she expertly picked a few options for me to try on.

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

At my first appointment I had two gowns that I loved, one was Camille Anne by Rebecca Ingram and the other was by Mori Lee. I really liked both of these dresses but felt that Camille Anne was ‘the one!’ It flattered me much more and definitely was more individual and different to any others that I’d tried on, I hadn’t lost any of the details for it being plus size and just felt amazing. I think I cried not just because it was ‘the one’ but because always being plus size I never thought that I’d look as beautiful as I did and that such an amazing gown existed that actually fit me or that I’d be able to buy from an actual wedding boutique as stunning as YAP.

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

As soon as I put my gown on I got really excited. I knew it was the right choice and I’d had the seamstress add some sleeves to it too which really finished the gown off and made me feel more comfortable – no one knew that they weren’t part of the gown! I was so excited to show my bridesmaids (as I’d kept it a secret from them!) and most of all show John and see his reaction. I’m pretty sure his words were ‘wow….you look absolutely amazing’ as I met him at the end of the aisle.

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

Perfect, Friendly, Genuine – Everyone I’d come into contact with at YAP from booking appointments to my wedding day were so genuine and friendly and this just made the whole experience for me and my family. The YAP dressing service was second to none as well and definitely worth it to be able to take the pressure off family and bridesmaids! Danni was so helpful for me and my bridal party and she just kept me at ease all morning; helping with getting my bridesmaids and mum ready, sorting gypsophila for their hair and obviously helping me into my dress and making some last minute alterations to the buttonholes. Danni really made such a positive impression on my bridal party who obviously hadn’t met her before that they still mention her now and how amazing she was! Every time I was in the boutique to try on my dress she’d always make the effort to come and see me and remind me just how amazing I looked in my dress and just filled me with so much confidence and you can tell that what the YAP girls say is genuine and heartfelt. Other shops I’d been to just didn’t seem to be as sincere and genuine as the girls at YAP are and that for someone who wasn’t confident in finding her perfect wedding gown made all the difference and that’s why we chose to purchase my gown at YAP.