Winners 2005
BRIDAL ACCESSORIES
Sweet Chestnut Designs is based near Biggar in South Lanarkshire. Its owner and designer Catherine White's unique style is the result of her passion for crafts and her time spent studying engineering at college, when she worked with all types of metal in an industrial way. Catherine fell into her current business almost by accident; she was about to dismantle a tiara she'd made from a craft magazine when friends convinced her that there could be some mileage in the bridal market for such creations. She then started developing her own designs and it turned out her friends were right! Catherine won the award thanks to a combination of several factors, including her talent for design, the unique service and excellent value for money offered and, particularly significantly, the personal support she gives brides as their big day approaches.
BRIDAL RETAILER
Belmont Bridal proprietor Jane Smith worked in the voluntary sector for many years before a career switch allowed her to focus more on her artistic background (she graduated in Fine Art). She has now been working in the bridal industry for almost a decade. Jane and her team pride themselves on offering a caring and personal service that, when her artistic flair is taken into consideration, proved to be a winning formula for her customers. Brides who voted commented in particular on the staff's adaptable approach to arranging fittings and their willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure they got their ideal dress.
WEDDING DRESS DESIGNER
Joyce Young has been a fashion designer since she graduated from the Glasgow School of Art in 1975. After gaining vast experience in the fashion industry she decided to launch By Storm, a new concept in the bridal market. The first shop opened in 1994 in Bearsden, Glasgow. Joyce designs for modern brides, mothers and guests who want a less formal look. The customers who voted for By Storm praised the team's expert knowledge, professional attitude and design skills - they felt that this combination of factors led to outfits that were even more gorgeous than they had imagined was possible.
GROOMSWEAR
With many years' experience supplying wedding outfits, the team at Prestige Formal Hire is dedicated to offering a first class level of service, whether the customer is hiring or buying. One of the things customers really loved about this company was their policy of travelling to their own homes, not only to deliver the outfits but also to take measurements - they even offer a collection service so you can do everything from the comfort of your own home. Customers said this extra service simply took the stresses and hassles out of buying wedding outfits.
FLORAL DESIGNERS
The category of floral design turned out to be a very tough decision for the judges. A Touch Of Paradise won in the end thanks to a combination of factors, including a thorough knowledge and understanding of design, a genuine dedication to explaining all the various aspects of floral arrangements and a great degree of flexibility in offering arrangements that are specifically tailored to suit the individual customer's needs.
