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.