I didn't really have a clue about what style of dress I wanted and didn't really know much about any designers, I'd heard of girls going crazy for Vera Wang and Jenny Packham but all I cared about was the dress itself rather than buying a dress for the sake of a designer name. I started off in Brides of Berkhamsted and instantly fell in love with Julie and Lucy, the mother and daughter team that run it, they couldn't have been more lovely and pulled out a range of gorgeous dresses for me to try on. The shop was like you picture a bridal boutique to be like, it even had a stage and chairs for the spectators! I tried on such a mix of styles, some I instantly hated, others I liked parts of but from the very beginning I realised that I really loved Lyn Ashworth's dresses which were all couture and handmade in England. She had a few that had a mixture of a bit of lace, a bit of vintage sparkle, an organza skirt, buttons down the back and a big bow. I shortlisted a couple of those. My Mum and Carolyn, one of my bridesmaids, both cried when I walked out in Helena, which is the one I ended up buying! We had lots of fun looking at shoes and veils, I felt like I was in a movie it was so magical trying on such beautiful dresses unlike anything I've ever worn before in such a gorgeous shop. I think it suddenly felt real that I was engaged and a real life Bride!


We went away and decided that I'd need to go and visit a few more boutiques and try lots more dresses on before I made any decisions. So we went to three boutiques in St Albans, Satin Bow Bridal, The Bride and Perfection Bridal. I again tried on a real range of dresses from full lace fishtail fitted gowns to A-line and everything in between. I kept an open mind but ended up comparing each dress back to Lyn Ashworth's Helena. One thing I did pick up is that I loved a sweetheart neckline which Helena didn't have, this is something that I had altered when I eventually did order my dress.


After a couple of weeks of thinking and a couple more trips back to Brides of Berkhamsted to try Lyn Ashworth's range again, I decided on Helena. I loved everything about her and as cliche as it sounds, I knew she was the one.  The dress is from Lyn Ashworth's classic collection by Sarah Barrett, it's described as a collection inspired when walking in endless beautiful English countryside.
Yard upon yard of silk dupion, organza, satin and the finest lace creates something of natural beauty, so romantic they take your breath away. All gowns are designed and made on the Duchy of Lancaster Estate surrounded by beautiful countryside. All of Sarah's gowns are manufactured on a made to order basis with love and precision using the most beautifully crafted fabrics from around the world and where possible, locally sourced. The signature Lyn Ashworth by Sarah Barrett dress is Romance with a capital 'R".