I truly wish we had a ‘love story’ but we actually knew of each other for 9 years before we actually took the plunge to say hi. We had mutual friends, and I am so glad we did otherwise I would never have been lucky enough to meet Chris. Chris was the brave one to ask me out on a date, and then the rest is history. From that moment I have never been happier.
I utterly loved it! I attended my first appointment after having my baby girl only 11 weeks before hand. Being a new mum, I didn’t feel ‘beautiful’, I was tired, and feeling uncomfortable with my weight. However, the moment I went into Y.A.P I felt so at ease, I was complimented, and I truly felt like a princess. The girls did amazing at picking out several gowns to try on to compliment my figure, and after only having to try a small handful on, I knew that I had found ‘the one’.
I didn’t have a style, I just wanted to wear a gown that made my fiancé proud to be marrying me. The girls picked out several wildcards to which they were all perfect! I had no expectations as to what I wanted the gown to look like, all of them were just so beautiful.
The team kept in touch along every step of the way. They offered for me to try my beautiful gown on every time I visited - even when just to collect it, (and they looked after my gown until I could arrange storage for it.) Also due to the pandemic, they very kindly sent me a ‘thinking of you’ card as they knew our wedding was postponed, and I found this so thoughtful as it really was the aftercare service that was so thoughtful at such a horrible time.
When I came out of the fitting room and saw my Mums eyes start to fill up with tears, I just knew that was it. The girls complimented me, and told me their own genuinely thoughtful feelings, to which really made me feel like a million dollars! I got the princess reaction that every girl deserves.
Even though I only got to wear my dress in front of 11 guests, I felt like I was in front of thousands because I felt so special. The staff, family and registrar all complimented the dress, and so has everyone who has seen the photos. I wish I could wear it every day.
Magical. Princess making. Unforgettable.
Tell us about the perfect accessories …
I had everything planned out… Then Covid-19 hit and sadly our magical 2 year in the making plans were stopped at the very last minute. So, after rearranging for the 5th time, I ended up with the simplest accessories; a beautiful veil from Y.A.P, earrings and a bracelet. Next year for my second celebration blessing wedding, I am preparing even bigger and better than my original plan!
Talk to us about the location and how you styled your day …
We had different plans in place for our special day originally, but due to being postponed we stripped it back to the basics to what a wedding is about (and only 10 days' notice!!). We had the beautiful orangery at our amazing venue Woodhill Hall decorated with florals. Our date was originally due to in spring, but instead took place in December so we didn’t want to change the colours as it was supposed to be a bright day filled with love - so we kept our original rustic spring theme and it was just perfect. For the celebration later this year we shall be going ALL out as per our original plans for Spring 2020.
Tell us about your chosen suppliers and how they made your day perfect …
Due to the pandemic, I could not praise our suppliers, the small business’, and the wedding industry anymore if I tried. I am so thankful for those who have struggled with this year’s unprecedented times yet still were so thoughtful, and simply reaching out to us to check we were ok meant the world. 2020 has taught everyone to appreciate everything we have and how much we miss normality.
Stephen Beecroft was our photographer and Purpl Haze Florists createdour flowers for our day.
If you could give one piece of advice for future Y.A.P brides about to embark on their bridal journey, what would it be?
Enjoy every moment. The world changes every day and you truly don’t know what is around the corner, so enjoy every moment of planning your special day. Embrace that princess feeling. Do not worry or stress, as you have to remember what your wedding is about, it is about marrying your soul mate, your forever best friend, and when you get to say those special words of ‘I Do’ you will realise what the phrase ‘happily ever after’ means.
Gabrielle thank you for sharing your 'Love in Lockdown' Bridal journey with us! We are so over the moon that you and Chris are FINALLY husband and wife and we cannot wait to see more pics from celebration No. 2!
Lots of love, luck an happiness.
You Are Precious always,
Your Y.A.P team xoxo
