Our Brides

Nikki and Shaun

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

We met over 15 years ago when I was at university and I was working as a barmaid in my local pub and Shaun used to drink in there with his friends. We got engaged in New York in 2011, but life got in the way of the wedding and we waited until we had a house and two kids before tying the knot last year!!

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

Honestly, I was really nervous about it. I wasn’t at my ideal weight after not long having our little one, and was worried that nothing would fit or look nice. When I arrived at YAP though, the girls completely put my mind at rest. They took the time to pick out dresses I would feel comfortable in, and made so many helpful suggestions as to what would suit me.

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

I knew I wanted a bigger skirt, and something that looked quite classic. I also kept being drawn to dresses with sleeves and ones with illusion backs. It’s hard not to love all of the dresses in YAP though, there’s so much choice!

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

The consultation was brilliant, Louise, my bridal stylist, was really excited to hear about our plans for the wedding and although I didn’t exactly know what I wanted, she was happy to help me try and problem solve. She was really helpful, and didn’t make me feel at all intimidated. I also really appreciated her honesty as a stylist as to what I looked happiest in.

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

On the day of the wedding, Jo ( the Y.A.P founder) came to dress me at my venue. This was an absolutely amazing service! It took so much stress out of the day, she also helped to dress my 10 bridesmaids! She was such a calming influence and is such a lovely genuine, friendly lady.

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

At my appointment I tried on some different styles which really helped me decide what elements of my dress I wanted and didn’t want. I found a dress that I absolutely loved on the internet- Morilee ‘Katherine’. I had tried on a Morilee dress at Y.A.P so I immediately contacted them to see if they stocked it. They didn’t, but they really couldn’t have been more helpful – they brought in the gown on sample loan from the designer, and I was able to try it on back in the studio. As soon as I did, I knew it was definitely the one. It had all the elements of the other dresses I liked, rolled into one dress.

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

I absolutely loved it, and got such a lovely response from everyone about it. I had prayed for sunshine on the wedding day, and it ended up being the hottest day of the year (August bank holiday) so to say I was a bit warm was an understatement!!!

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

Special, Friendly, Relaxed