Our Brides

Victoria and Steven

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

The way we met was perhaps unusual to some. I’d recently come out of a two-year relationship and was playing an online game with some friends. Steven was the only one of the group that I didn’t know. We started chatting, one thing led to another and ten years later here we are!
I was never a believer in ‘fate’ but we’ve talked about how we met and our lives beforehand quite a lot over the years. There are quite a few times where we missed each other by seconds! I’d like to think that we didn’t meet at those times because it wasn’t the right time or we weren’t ready for each other. Either way, I’m glad that we met; I couldn’t imagine life without Steven now.

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

I was nervous… really nervous. I didn’t really know what I wanted as I’d never really been one of those girls who dreamt about her wedding day. I was worried that I’d end up annoying everyone with my indecisiveness and that I wasn’t going to find my wedding dress!

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

I’ll never forget the smell of the boutique. I know that sounds really weird! I was still panicking about not finding my gown so my mind was all muddled, but the smell is something that will always stay with me; and not in a bad way!

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

I had literally no idea what I wanted, style wise. I’d picked a few Mori Lee gowns on Pinterest and the styles varied quite a bit. I’m mostly legs, so I knew I couldn’t pull off a ballgown. I guess you could say I knew what I didn’t want? Haha!

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

As soon as Jo started asking me questions, things started to fall in to place. I don’t remember her really asking about what I wanted in terms of style, but more like how I wanted to feel. I’m not girly by any stretch of the imagination (hand me a baggy hoodie and skinny jeans and I’m happy!) so this was going to be the one time in my life that I really looked feminine. That’s what I wanted and it was the line of questioning that led to that.

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

Jo and the entire team are fabulous. You will not find service like theirs anywhere else, I promise you that. Like a lot of women, I’m always worried about my weight and undressing to try the gowns on was one of my biggest concerns. It needn’t have been, however; Jo put me right at ease.

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

It was overwhelming. You’ve seen things like “Say Yes to the Dress”, right? When the brides start crying? I didn’t think for a second that would be me, but it absolutely was. As I said, I’m all legs and everything else it straight up and down. I’m not lucky enough to have an hourglass figure, but wearing ‘Emma’ by Maggie Sottero made it look like I do. Cue the waterworks!

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

If I could start the planning all over again, I would go straight back to Y.A.P every time. Jo and the team have been so, so helpful right from the get-go right up to the aftercare as well. There was no question after that first appointment; ‘Emma’ was my dress and Y.A.P was where I would make that purchase. I even went back to get my bridesmaids’ dresses as well!

Tell us about the perfect accessories..

My shoes were Mary Janes that were ivory lace to match the lace on my gown and veil (also from Y.A.P!). My hair and makeup were done by ND Makeup. My jewellery came all the way from Cyprus and was handmade. It was a gift from my parents and is absolutely stunning!

Where was your wedding held and what kind of day did you want?

Our wedding was held in the chapel at Wynyard Hall and the reception followed in the ballroom and conservatory. I just wanted a day that we’d remember for the rest of our lives. It surpassed all expectations.

What colour scheme/ theme did you choose for your big day?

The colour scheme kind of happened by accident! It was ivory, wine red and pale pink.

How did you feel in your amazing Y.A.P gown on your wedding day?

I felt exactly as I wanted: feminine and like a princess. I didn’t want to take it off!

Victoria and Steven had their dream day at the picturesque Wynyard Hall and what a day it was! Victoria tells us how she felt feminine and ‘like a princess’ on her big day and talked us through her journey to becoming Mrs Harper..