Jason and Sarah have known each other since 2006, but only started dating in August 2013. Within 6 weeks, they knew it was for keeps and decided to get engaged. It was a joint decision so they chose and bought a ring together while on a weekend break in Scarborough. Whilst walking along the beach, on a rather chilly September day, Jason drew a heart in the sand, added their initials, and then dropped to his knee to propose. When Sarah said yes they were applauded by well wrapped up dog walkers!
“I lived near The Bridal Gallery in Coventry and often walked past. Initially I met Annette, who was busy hovering when I walked in without an appointment! I was made to feel welcome, and got the opportunity to try on a number of dresses that I would never have normally chosen, but Annette was great in suggesting different silhouettes that wold flatter my figure.
I had purchased a dress prior to attending the shop, but I was having massive challenges with the owner of that shop and was having second thoughts about my dress. I had bought in haste, within days of engagement, and I made a massive mistake! Annette was understanding, and helped me through the journey in deciding that the first dress I chose was not for me. I didn’t have the bridal moment, I didn’t feel connected……but when I tried on Heather, from the Phoenix Gowns range, I just knew that dress was for me! The fit, the sparkle, the overall effect with the veil, I well and truly had my bridal moment.
With a fabulous selection of bridesmaids, flowergirls and accessories in store I didn’t feel the need to visit any other boutiques as we were also able to dress my bridal party; two bridesmaids and two flower girl, along with finding the perfect accessories to compliment the dress; shoes, a tiara and a veil. It was great that they also provide an in-house alteration service to ensure that the dresses fitted perfectly, including adding detachable sparkly straps to my dress, so the service really was fully inclusive from start to finish.
When it came to choosing a wedding venue I have always loved Vegas and knew that if I ever got married I would want it to be there so booked The Chapel at the Luxor. Liz at The Bridal Gallery had packed our dresses and accessories to ensure that they arrived safely and crease free and I purchased silk flowers that would travel well. Whilst I did attend a couple of wedding fayres, I knew that a UK wedding wasn’t what I was looking for.
On the day when I put my dress on I felt utterly amazing – if I could bottle that feeling I would. I went from being the chubby school kid who was bullied, to being applauded when walking through the casinos in Vegas (its lucky to touch a bride you know!) and looking and feeling like a gorgeous bride. What an experience! The look on my husbands face when the doors opened and he saw me for the first time as well, that was such a special moment and yes, he cried! We were lucky to be joined by our family and friends in Las Vegas, which made the day even more special and along with being in a pod on the Linq (similar to the London Eye), looking out at the lights of Las Vegas as husband and wife, the memories are priceless.
We held a party for more family and friends when we returned to the UK at The Standard Triumph in Coventry. Sarah and the team at The Bridal Gallery took my dress back for a complimentary clean (to ensure we both looked our best!), removed the straps and even fixed a small rip!
We planned to celebrate our first anniversary in Mexico and were planning to have a sunset beach front dinner. I decided to go all out and get another gorgeous dress to mark the occasion. I chose another Phoenix dress from The Bridal Gallery, this time in a gorgeous fuchsia colour that was available off the peg, in my size and just waiting for me to buy it. The colour went well with the tan that I managed to get from the gorgeous weather in Mexico! We had a fabulous holiday and the anniversary dinner was a very special way to celebrate our first year as a married couple