Goodbye from me x x x x x

In 2006 two marketers realised a dream and that dream was to own their own business. After researching the bridal market we discovered a gap in Sheffield. In August 2006 there were no high end designer boutiques in Sheffield, time has certainly changed that. Excitedly we painted the windows and decorated the shop. Dresses arrived and on August 11th we opened our doors. Reading some of our good luck cards recently brought a tear to my eye. With cakes, champers and scented candles; we were ready to take on the bridal industry in Sheffield. Our very first bride was Sophie Barnes who wore the amazing Beaujolais by Suzanne Neville. She looked beautiful. Since then we have had the pleasure of serving over 400 brides (I remember all of them well). Some of those brides have remained good friends and I have been privileged to watch their little bumps grow and cuddle some of their babies. One bride even went on to own a very successful bridal boutique! Freya and I have survived many ups and downs; a car crash resulting in my lovely little Punto on its roof and in 2007 we had a very upsetting burglary. Many bridal shops have opened since those early days and however different they may be they all offer the same high standard of love and care. A Sheffield bride is lucky to have such amazing choice on their doorstep. 2008 saw the arrival of our babies, Harry and Jessica. Jessica was born on April 23rd and May 28th was my first day back at work. Working with such a young baby is no easy task but our brides were a priority. By the end of 2009 Claire decided to move to London with her husband as he furthered his career. As many of you know this was around the time the UK went into recession. We continued to trade and the Sheffield brides continued to choose our dresses. Coming from Manchester I have never experienced such community spirit as there is in Sheffield; you have all welcomed me with open arms. I have had the privilege of working with some of the best wedding suppliers and venues in Sheffield. I have made some truly amazing and supportive friends. My latest pregnancy was not the easiest. It highlighted some health issues for me and when Sophie (named after our very first bride) finally arrived this year I had to make a really tough decision; one of the hardest in my life. A modern bride needs a higher level of loyalty and commitment than ever before. This level of service and commitment can only be sustained if I am present in the shop 6 days a week. I have two beautiful girls who also require my commitment but mainly need my time, attention and my love. For the first time since the doors opened in August 2006 I have decided to put my family and my health first. On July 31st I will make my final Journey across the Snake Pass and say goodbye to my first baby, Freya Bridal. Thank you for 6 lovely years and it has been a privilege to be involved in so many weddings and to put smiles on so many people’s faces. I thought you might like to meet my babies Jessica and Sophie.

New Designers

After 5 years in business there was one theme that constantly came up from our brides. We love your dresses but they just need a little bit of sparkle. Whilst we can always add a touch of sparkle to a dresses we know that brides do not want to take that risk.

So we spent 18 months searching designers that we felt we would wear at our own weddings and offered that little bit of sparkle. We tried out one but we think that designer went a little bit too far for our simply elegant brides.

Well Im pleased to say I think we have found the designer. Sophia Tolli worked as a designer for Maggie Sottero for some years she has now developed her own label.



Sophia Tolli gowns offer a superb fit and can easily lose you an inch around your waist. They are a fantastic price point and Im sure they will go down well in Freya Bridal.

Sophia's gowns will be instore from July 1st x x x

Cambrie by Donna Salado

Lauren married in January wearing the beautiful Cambrie gown designed by Donna Salado.

Cambrie by Donna Salado is a silk dupion gown that uses the folds and drapes of the fabric perfectly to create a simple but amazing detail.




Lauren was every bit the Simply Elegant bride dressed by Freya Bridal Designer Gowns Sheffield x x x

Ali By Augusta Jones

May 21st 2011 Helena married Joe in one of my favourite dresses, Ali by Augusta Jones.

Helena was one of the loveliest brides to work with. She travelled from Manchester to buy her dress from us and I was so pleased she did. The dress flattered her figure perfectly. Im proud she is a Freya Bride.



Ali by Augusta Jones moves away from the popular strapless gowns and even offers something different to on the shoulder straps that are becoming more popular. Im sure you will agree the train is an amazing feature, it adds drama whilst retaining its elegance.



All these images have been provided by Lucy West images.

Another Simply Elegant bride dressed by Freya Bridal Designer Gowns x x

Helena By Johanna Hehir

Our beautiful bride Helen was married in Cornwall wearing Helena by Johanna Hehir. She could not have chosen a more beautiful dress. Helen lived in Hong Kong so it was exciting working with her and organising fittings/delivery etc.



We were also given the chance to dress her two beautiful bridesmaids. All the fittings where photographed and sent to Helen because of the logistic. I have never dealt with a more relaxed bride to say she was organising it from such a distance.



Im sure you will agree Helen was yet another Simply Elegant bride dressed by Freya Bridal designer gowns x x x x

Amazing Photoshoot

Well what can I say. Im often asked to participate in various photoshoots but I can safely say I have not enjoyed any as much as I enjoyed the photoshoot organised by Julia from Go Glorious.



I met some truely amazing talent.



Firstly Julia's talent is amazing. Her attention to detail is clear for all to see. It was so professional and amazingly well organised. Brides would be in very safe hands with Julia.



Then there is Jo and Simon for Shoot Photography. AMAZING, you feel instantly at ease and the photos speak for themselves. There are alot of photographers about but these two not only have the talent but have the personalities that put you instantly at ease.



Rachel Edwards is a number I will keep forever. The cakes were amazing just look at the photos. I recommend Rachel to every Freya Bride without fail.



Then there is the mind reading talents of Catherine from Petalis. She has amazing ideas and turned a simple birdcage into an amazing centrepiece hanging from a tree.



To say that this shoot was inspire by Bone China is amazing. Here are just a few photograph to wet your appetite.

Bridalwear for the curvey girl comes to Sheffield.

For years I have been disappointed with the bridal wear that is out there for girls who are larger than a size 16. It was almost like the industry had forgotten them or assumed that fuller figure brides had a desire to hide their beautiful figures underneath vast amounts of tulle.

Well Im please to say after 5 years of searching we have found a collection that I feel is worthy of becoming part of the Freya Bridal family.

Sonsie is an amazing collection designed by Jason Jennings. It was also the first collection to use a size 20 model in their advertising and publicity shots.



Jason has used his wealth of experience designing David Fielden, where he spent 8 years, to design his Ultimate fit awarding winning gowns.



Sheffield's curvy brides no longer have to avoid beautiful bridal shops in the fear that the consultants will laugh because nothing will fit them.

Not only that but if you keep your eyes peeled we regulary hold evenings where our specialist fitters are avaliable solely to serve our Sonsie brides.




Believe you me these gowns a worth a try. The Ultimate Fit corsetry is amazing and the dresses are so beautiful that Im getting brides who are smaller than a size 18 requesting that I bring them into store in smaller sizes.

The Sonsie collection retails from £700 to £1100 including all alterations.

For an appointment with our specialist Sonsie fitter please call 0114 267 6756