Jan 20, 20223 min read

Pretty Woman 'Real Bride' - Holly Nicolson

Introducing our first bride to our new ‘Real Bride’ blog post series, Holly Nicolson - and what a gorgeous bride to start off with!!

There was only one dress for Holly and it truly was love at first sight. Holly came to us having seen a picture of a Justin Alexander dress she knew she had to try on. We had fun trying on a couple of options however the Justin Alexander gown stole the show and most definitely was the one.

A dress made in preppy chic heaven, Hollys clean and modern dress spoke for itself. This crepe long sleeve, fit and flare gown features a pearl seam detail down the sleeves, along the wrists and at the neckline. A clean V-back with pearl buttons down the train adds a little drama to this elegant dress. Holly wore a long, single tier, plain veil which finished off the look beautifully.

Holly was a dream bride to work with. From her first appointment, to fittings and collecting her dress the day before the wedding we loved every minute of it.

Thank you Holly for choosing to be a Pretty Woman bride.

We would love to know your proposal story?

Well my partner and I had been together for almost 10 years and we already felt married! For my 30th in January 2020, he took me up North to a very small and quiet village, where we stayed in a stunning hotel overlooking hills and gorgeous landscape. I thought it was just a really special birthday and I didn't suspect a thing. Zane had badly hurt his knee playing football one week before my birthday, but nevertheless, he slowly got down on one knee(hovered more like!) and popped the question beside a wintery, frosty river and snowy mountains. I couldn't have imagined anything more perfectly intimate for us.

2. What made you visit Pretty Woman?

I used to drive past your shop every morning on my way into work and I was always in awe of the amazing dresses in the window. They were completely different styles to ones I had ever seen in other shop windows - they were just amazing. When I got engaged, I didn't have any other bridal shop that I even had to consider reaching out to. It was always Pretty Woman. And when I found out you stocked my favourite brand Justin Alexander, I knew it was meant to be!

3. How long did you search for your bridal dress and what made you decide it was the one?

From the moment I started looking at dresses, Id only ever wanted one particular dress and it was the one I specifically came in to try. I tried to keep myself open-minded however was always drawn back to this one dress. I was so incredibly nervous to put it on, incase it didn't suit me as or i didn't love it as much as id loved the photos of it. But all these feelings immediately disappeared as soon as I stepped in to it. A lot of people always say you'll probably get a ‘wow’ moment when you put a dress on - that wasn't how it felt for me. I felt complete comfort and security and I couldn't stop beaming. It was a simply perfect dress and I loved it. Thats when I knew!

4.Were your wedding plans impacted by COVID?

Unfortunately, yes. We had to postpone, but not for long which I feel so lucky about and grateful for, as I know how many couples have had to postpone for longer periods of time. We were due to get married in July and had our day in September 2021. My brother also couldn't make it from Thailand due to travel restrictions,however he was with us over FaceTime most of the day, probably screenshotting all of us towards the end of the evening for blackmail later in life!

5 What was your personal highlight of your wedding day?

Having family and friends together, finally, after such a difficult year - the love I felt in the room that whole day was something I will never forget or ever take for granted. It was the most joyous time of our lives.

6. If you could give one piece of advice for future Pretty Woman brides about to embark on their bridal journey what would it be?

Enjoy every single moment. It is the most stressful time of a brides life, but alongside it, the most wonderful. Take time to savour everything you are doing and don't let worries get in the way of your special journey.