Our Brides

Steph and Alex

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

Alex and I met whilst studying at Durham University. Our love for volleyball brought our paths together as we both joined the university volleyball team. After countless training sessions, long coach trips for away games and socials, (and a lot of nudging from our team mates) we went on our first date. Once the summer term was over, Alex came home with me to Cyprus to meet my family. We have been together for 11 years, and look forward to what the future years bring.

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

I was really excited for my first appointment at Y.A.P! I had done lots of research prior to the appointment, and had planned the trip to Newcastle with my work colleagues far in advance. It was one of my colleagues who had recommended the bridal shop as she got her wedding dress from there a few years ago so I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed! My only reservation was that I couldn’t have my bridesmaids and my mum there with me for my first appointment as they all live so far but it meant I got to visit the studio more than once!

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

Whilst I had done plenty of research on the different styles of wedding gowns, I had no idea what would suit me so I went with an open mind. I always knew I wanted a gown with a nice back detail to it as I was going to wear it in Cyprus, but that was about it. I wanted something simple and elegant yet glamorous at the same time. As soon as I tried on a few different styles I knew the style that I wanted.

Tell us about the ‘You Are Precious’ service you received throughout your bridal journey

The girls at Y.A.P made the whole experience so relaxing. From the moment I made contact, to the first and last appointments, to picking up my accessories, they were so welcoming and I felt really comfortable with them! Despite the initial postponement, every time I spoke to them they were still so enthusiastic and tentative to me. I visited the girls more than once, as I took my bridesmaids first and my mum for a final approval, which took some coordinating as she lives in Cyprus, so timing appointments proved tricky but everyone at Y.A.P made sure I could have that special experience with her when she was over. Everyone was so kind, friendly and experts at what they do. You can tell they love their jobs as they do such an amazing job with such ease.

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

I cried when I first tried it on! Happy tears of course! Heather (my Stylist) actually picked the gown out for me after my consultation and it was the first dress I had tried on! It ended up being a ‘Wow’ dress, which wasn’t what i had planned, but as soon as I walked out of the dressing room in it and heard the gasps and the reaction from my guests, I knew it was the one! I did try on other dresses but always compared them all to this one so knew I had to book back in with my mum so that she could see it for herself too!

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

I felt like a princess! My dress was so stunning it made me feel so beautiful wearing it! The reaction from my bridesmaids and my dad when we did the big reveal said it all! And then when I was walking down the aisle I could see Alex getting all teary! I received so many beautiful comments from everyone so knew I had chosen well! I am just so lucky that I got to wear it twice – in England and in Cyprus!

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

Special, Precious, Personal