An Essex Wedding - Page number 68 - May/June 2021 (Issue 98)

68 Describe your designs and service in five words… Bespoke, luxury, sentimental, unique and inclusive. How did you come to launch your business? I was a designer of high street occasion and bridalwear for many years. I felt that something as special as a wedding dress should be a bespoke experience, and so I launched my business where clients can be a part of the dress-making journey – watching the gown of their dreams being created. I love that I’m designing something that will take my clients into the next chapter of their lives. Why should brides choose to get their dress from a local designer? By using a local designer, there’s much more freedom to create your perfect dress. I love working with clients and planning the full journey of how their dress will look once it’s brought to life with the unique details they want to add. It’s also a great opportunity to support the local economy in these difficult times. What’s your top tip for brides looking for their dream dress? When trying on, wear shoes and undergarments that are as close as possible to the ones you’ll wear on the day; this is especially important for bespoke gowns. If your heels are even a couple of inches too high or too low it can make a big difference to how the dress sits. Most importantly, enjoy the moment and cherish the experience! Visit www.couturiosity.co.uk SAY HELLO TO BILLY HARRISON OF COUTURIOSITY SAY HELLO TO CARLA LYNCH OF DRESS CODE NINE Describe your boutique and service in five words… Exclusive, professional, friendly and customer-focused. What designers do you stock? Eternity Bridal, Art Couture, Adrianna Papell, Christina Wu, Mary’s bridal, Angela Bianca, Eddy K. How did you come to launch your business? I have always loved dresses. I saw there was a gap in the market for prom, evening and bridal gowns in our location, so when an opportunity came up in 2017 to start my own business I went for it. I’m still enjoying every moment. I love being able to help brides find their perfect dress, and I now have a fantastic team. Why should brides choose to get their dress from a local boutique? We’re passionate about giving brides-to-be a relaxed, no-pressure experience. Our approach is focused on you; we listen to what you like and show you what suits your requirements. We’ll always give you ideas, but ultimately it will be your decision. What’s your top tip for brides looking for their dream dress? Try a gown that’s the complete opposite of what you were originally looking for. You might be surprised. Visit www.dresscodenine.co.uk Carla’s favourite dress : DCN958AC by Art Couture Billy offers bespoke creations Describe your boutique and service in five words… Unique, friendly, surprising and great service. What designers do you stock? Paul Zeni Bridal, Kenneth Winston, Christina Rossi, Richard Designs and Emma Bridals. How did you come to launch your business? We opened Martels Wedding Village nearly seven years ago, and decided we needed a bridal shop for all our visiting brides. We chose to run it ourselves, starting out with pre-loved and ex-sample dresses, but we soon realised that brides love a new dress on their big day, so from there we started our collections. Why should brides choose to get their dress from a local boutique? Buying local is easier and much more cost-effective when it comes to revisits for fittings and extra purchases such as bridesmaids dresses and accessories. You’ll also be supporting a small business; we’re a team of just three and we do a happy dance every time a bride finds their dress. What’s your top tip for brides looking for their dream dress? Decent underwear is a must – preferably a strapless bra. Try to avoid lots of make-up and fake tan and keep an open mind. Visit https://martelsbridal.co.uk SAY HELLO TO KAREN LAMBERT OF MARTELS BRIDAL BOUTIQUE Karen’s favourite dress : Chloe by Paul Zeni Bridal