“Caroline made me a beautiful wedding dress.
I had absolutely no desire to have the bridal shop experience, but knew what would suit me and Caroline helped turn that into a reality….”
– Lucy
Hello, I’m Caroline!
I'm a bespoke wedding dress designer in Bedfordshire and I
work with modern brides, who want what they want, above the constraints of rules, expectations and traditions.
My mission is to create a one-of-a-kind wedding dress that perfectly reflects your personality and individual style.
While I specialise in a wide range of wedding dress styles, my brides typically book me to create something unconventional, that can’t be found in the shops.
About my Bridal Atelier
My wedding dresses are individually designed and hand-crafted entirely by me; there is no factory or middle men.
I work in my boutique home-atelier in Heath and Reach, Bedfordshire, which is easily accessible from the Leighton Buzzard, Woburn and Milton Keynes areas.
That said, I have had brides travel to me from much further afield than that.
Hello, I’m Caroline!
and I'm a bespoke wedding dress designer in Bedfordshire
and I work with modern brides, who want to rock their day in their own unique way!
My mission is to create a one-of-a-kind wedding dress that perfectly reflects your personality and individual style.
I specialise in a wide range of wedding dress styles, but typically my brides book me to make them something unconventional, that can’t be found in the shops.
"Caroline made me a beautiful wedding dress. I had absolutely no desire to have the bridal shop experience, but knew what would suit me and Caroline helped turn that into a reality." - Lucy
About my Bridal Atelier
My wedding dresses are individually designed and hand-crafted entirely by me; there is no factory or middle men.
I work in my boutique home-atelier in Heath and Reach, Bedfordshire, which is easily accessible from the Leighton Buzzard, Woburn and Milton Keynes areas.
That said, I have had brides travel to me from much further afield than that.
Many clients make a day of it, by combining a visit to my bridal atelier with a trip to Woburn Safari Park or Rushmere Country Park.
"It was immaculately constructed and passed the ceilidh/90s clubbing test with flying colours. Lots of people commented on how beautiful and well-made it was on the day and how I hadn't had to hoik it up a single time - a mark of an impeccable seamstress..." - Lucy
My journey into professional wedding dress design
My passion for dress designing began when I was about 13 years old.
Having nurtured this interest throughout my teens, I studied a BA (Hons) degree in Fashion at the University of Westminster and regular supplementary courses at London College of Fashion, most notably in Bridalwear, Corsetry and Draping.
Even today I regularly update and broaden my skills, by undertaking online professional courses, such as couture embroidery and embellishment techniques.
This enables me to create even more unique and personal elements for your exclusive wedding dress.
After my degree, I spent a good number of years working as a designer/pattern-cutter in the fashion industry, but my interest settled on evening wear, which made the wearer feel “unique and amazing”.
I like to tap into each of my clients; to discover what their vibe is, then infuse that into their gown.
This link of the chain is naturally impossible to forge with mass-produced clothes, so to continue my creative journey, I decided to start my own business.
My journey into professional wedding dress design
My passion for dress designing began when I was about 13 years old.
Having nurtured this interest throughout my teens, I studied a BA (Hons) degree in Fashion at the University of Westminster and regular supplementary courses at London College of Fashion, most notably in Bridalwear, Corsetry and Draping.
Even today I regularly update and broaden my skills, by undertaking online professional courses, such as couture embroidery and embellishment techniques.
This enables me to create even more unique and personal elements for your exclusive wedding dress.
I then went on to work in the fashion industry for several years, developing my skills and my enthusiasm for making clothes that actually fit.
I like to tap into each of my clients; to discover what their vibe is, then infuse that into their gown.
This link of the chain is naturally impossible to forge with mass-produced clothes, so to continue my creative journey, I decided to start my own business.
“…it was immaculately constructed and passed the ceilidh/90s clubbing test with flying colours.
Lots of people commented on how beautiful and well-made it was on the day and how I hadn’t had to hoik it up a single time – a mark of an impeccable seamstress…”
– Lucy
I did not enjoy wedding dress shopping!
When the time came to plan my own wedding, I struggled to find the right dress.
So much time was wasted traipsing about and I hated the conveyor-belt approach to wedding dress shopping, that was common at the time.
Therefore, I decided to make my own bridal gown. I focused on styles that accentuated my best features (cleavage and shoulders) and hid my worst ones (wide hips).
I selected fabric choices that suited my personal taste and the overall look of our wedding.
Having thoroughly enjoyed the process of getting what I wanted for my big day, I wanted to share this experience with other brides.
The beginning of my wedding dress business
I did not enjoy wedding dress shopping!
When the time came to plan my own wedding, I struggled to find the right dress.
So much time was wasted traipsing about and I hated the conveyor-belt approach to wedding dress shopping, that was common at the time.
Therefore, I decided to make my own bridal gown. I focused on styles that accentuated my best features (cleavage and shoulders) and hid my worst ones (wide hips).
I selected fabric choices that suited my personal taste and the overall look of our wedding.
Having thoroughly enjoyed the process of getting what I wanted for my big day, I wanted to share this experience with other brides.
The beginning of my wedding dress business
The beginning of my wedding dress business
The beginning of my wedding dress business
In 2000, I started my wedding dress-designing business in Harrow-on-the-Hill, London.
I moved to Heath and Reach in Bedfordshire in 2004 and continued running my business. It seemed that people in my new locality were particularly keen on encouraging and supporting local businesses and understood the value of individually handcrafted items.
My wedding business flourished, with many word-of-mouth referrals.
Having taken a few years off from the paid commissions, to raise my four sons, I came back to designing, full of renewed vigour and a mountain of ideas!
But this time, I was a mother and had become more patient, confident and resourceful!
What makes my dress-making service different?
When you choose me to create your special gown, you’ll receive a completely personalised and relaxed service.
There are no middle men or factories involved – I undertake every part of the dress design myself and make every effort to get to know you and understand your requirements and concerns.
All of my bridalwear designs are made-to-order, which means significantly less wastage.
My dresses are ethically made and I strive to source sustainable materials.
On top of that, you get my own artistic perception of your design, which in itself lends an extra level of exclusivity!
What makes my dress-making service different?
When you choose me to create your special gown, you’ll receive a completely personalised and relaxed service.
There are no middle men or factories involved – I undertake every part of the design myself and make every effort to get to know you and understand your requirements and concerns.
All of my designs are made-to-order, which means significantly less wastage. My dresses are ethically made and I strive to source sustainable materials.
On top of that, you get my own artistic perception of your design, which in itself lends an extra level of exclusivity!
“…Caroline made me feel comfortable every step of the way and I’d highly recommend her.”
– Lucy
"...Caroline made me feel comfortable every step of the way and I'd highly recommend her." - Lucy
Do you have a specific request? Perhaps you have some lace or a particular feature from a relative’s dress that you’d like to be incorporated.
This is where my creativity comes into its own. It’s these individual touches and attention to detail that will make your dream wedding dress a reality – a dress that’s been exclusively designed just for you.
Lucy’s wedding photos: Claire Bemister Photography
Lucy’s wedding photos: Claire Bemister Photography