Twelve years ago, I embarked on a journey fueled by passion and a vision to redefine the bridal experience. Love and Lace Bridal wasn’t just a business idea—it was a dream born from a deep love for creating unforgettable moments for brides-to-be. From the very beginning, I knew this wasn’t about selling dresses, it was about crafting memories, building confidence, and celebrating love in its most beautiful form.

Over the years, that dream has blossomed into something extraordinary. Love and Lace Bridal has become a name synonymous with excellence in the wedding industry. Along the way, we’ve earned recognition that reflects the heart and soul poured into this business. From being finalists in The Wedding Industry Awards to winning the Luxe Wedding Awards, these accolades are a testament to the dedication, creativity, and care that define everything we do.

Our work has even caught the eye of the industry’s most respected voices, with features in Weddings and Honeymoon magazine showcasing our unique approach and the joy we bring to our clients. But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Over the past 12 years, I’ve witnessed the challenges that have led other bridal shops to close their doors. Yet, through perseverance, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to our clients, Love and Lace Bridal has not only survived but thrived.

The journey to creating Love and Lace Bridal wasn’t just about business—it was deeply personal. It all began when I went shopping for my own bridal gown. What should have been one of the most magical experiences of my life turned into something entirely different. I walked into those shops full of excitement, only to be met with what I can only describe as the “Pretty Woman syndrome.” You know, that feeling of being judged, dismissed, and made to feel like you don’t belong? It was heartbreaking. Instead of feeling special, I left feeling sad and disheartened, questioning why something so joyful could feel so cold.

Years later, I found myself in a similar situation, this time with my sister. She was looking for her gown, and I was determined to make it a beautiful experience for her. But again, we were met with the same dismissive attitudes. My sister, who is beautiful inside and out, was made to feel unworthy simply because of her size. Watching her feel like she didn’t deserve to feel beautiful on her wedding day broke my heart. It was a moment of clarity for me—a realization that this wasn’t just about dresses or sales. It was about how women, especially nervous brides, were being treated during one of the most important moments of their lives.

I’d spent years working in customer service roles, and I knew one thing for sure: this was not how women should be treated. Brides deserve to feel special, empowered, and celebrated. They deserve to walk into a shop and feel like the most beautiful version of themselves, no matter their size, shape, or background. That’s when the seed for Love and Lace Bridal was truly planted. I wanted to create a space where every bride felt seen, valued, and radiant—a place where they could find not just a dress, but confidence and joy.

This turning point wasn’t just about identifying a gap in the market, it was about addressing a deeper need. It was about creating a business that stood for something bigger—a mission to empower women to feel their absolute best on one of the most important days of their lives. And that mission became the heart and soul of Love and Lace Bridal.

 

From the very beginning, creativity has been at the heart of everything I do. As a child, I was always drawn to the artistic and the imaginative, constantly creating and expressing myself through art. That passion for creativity stayed with me and shaped so much of my journey. I pursued a makeup and hair course, reaching grade three, and later went on to earn an HND in Theatre Costume Design. These experiences gave me a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, detail, and the transformative power of design—skills that would later become invaluable in my bridal business.

When the idea of opening Love and Lace Bridal began to take shape, I knew I couldn’t do it alone. I needed to learn, to grow, and to surround myself with people who had walked this path before me. So, I reached out to other bridal business owners and suppliers, asking for their advice and guidance. It was a humbling experience, but one that taught me the importance of seeking help and building connections.

One supplier, Michael, became a pivotal figure in this journey. He took us under his wing and shared his wealth of knowledge, training us in everything we needed to know to run a successful bridal shop. From the technical aspects of measuring and ordering gowns to understanding the nuances of the industry, Michael’s mentorship was invaluable. He didn’t just teach us the practical skills, he gave us the confidence to step into this world and make our mark.

Every step of this journey has been a learning experience. It’s been about combining my creative background with the business acumen I’ve gained along the way, and about leaning on the wisdom of those who were willing to share their expertise. Together, these lessons became the foundation of Love and Lace Bridal—a business built on creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to making every bride feel extraordinary.

Looking back, it’s incredible to see how far Love and Lace Bridal has come. We started in a small, hidden premises on a quiet side street—tucked away, but full of hope and ambition. Those early days were all about building something meaningful from the ground up, learning as we went, and staying true to the vision of creating a space where brides could feel empowered, beautiful, and celebrated.

Fast forward to today, and we’ve grown into a thriving business in a high street location, right at the heart of the community. It’s a reflection of the journey we’ve been on—always evolving, always adapting. Whether it’s staying ahead of fashion trends or responding to the way people shop, we’ve embraced change as an opportunity to grow and improve. That commitment to evolution has been a cornerstone of our success.

Over the years, the business has also transformed in other ways. When we first started, I was in a partnership, sharing the responsibilities and challenges of running the shop. But as time went on, I took the reins fully and became the sole owner of Love and Lace Bridal. It was a big step, but one that allowed me to shape the business entirely in line with my vision and values. Now, with a small team of talented bridal stylists by my side, we’ve created something truly special—a place where every bride feels like the star of her own story.

And honestly? I love what I do. Every single day, I get to be part of one of the most important moments in someone’s life. I get to see the joy, the excitement, and the transformation that happens when a bride finds the dress. It’s not just a job—it’s a privilege. And as I reflect on this journey, I feel nothing but gratitude for the challenges, the growth, and the incredible brides who’ve made it all worthwhile.