‘I was determined to find a wedding dress that was also rewearable’

“I think the pandemic has forced people to reevaluate things and career shifts has definitely been one of them.” Mum of three, Laura Erskine has worked as a parenting expert for over 10 years but says she’s an entrepreneur at heart. In fact, she set up her first pop-up shop creating hair accessories aged just 10.

But, like many during Covid times, she realised she wanted to return to her long-standing passion for fashion. And as a second-time bride, she found herself combining both to create Spellbound Bridal Couture.

Unique

“My own wedding day was postponed four times during the pandemic. With time on my side, I was determined to find a bridal gown that gave me the same excited happy butterflies that I experienced when my husband proposed to me.” Laura, who is from Dublin explained.

“I initially went for a sample sale off-the-rail wedding dress shortly after my engagement, which never truly fitted well even after alterations.  I chose to channel my disappointment at all the postponements by sourcing an alternative bridal gown.”

The lockdown restrictions including retail closures, gave Laura time to browse online the vast array of bridal gowns available globally.

Transitional

“Even with so much choice, none had the wow-factor I was looking for. Over time my ideas became more refined, I was determined to find a wedding dress that could be created to my exact body measurements, was unique, and rewearable.”

She found The Dress in Paris. “I knew I had found the perfect gown when I happened upon some designs by a small Paris-based dress designer.”

Laura says that the marriage of her own ideas and her distinctive designs was a perfect union. “My journey to ensure it fit like a glove using just text and video calls, since travel was restricted, was seamless. The final result was a bridal gown that took my breath away initially, and later my husband’s. I fell in love with my wedding dress, I married the man I adore, and I really felt like a fairytale princess on the day of our nuptials. It was the happiest day of my life.” It was that feeling that prompted Laura to set up Spellbound Bridal Couture.

“These types of transitional gowns mean brides can move flawlessly from day to night during their wedding day celebrations without wasting any precious time with her guests. It’s a second chance for a wow”

 

Demand

“I’m so thrilled to be able to bring this to other Irish brides. With the exclusive contract for my dress designer’s unique collection, it is the only bridal boutique in Ireland to carry these couture gowns from Paris. There’s a made-to-measure service offering brides the perfect fit for their silhouette”.

Now Laura’s promise is to deliver an enchanting bespoke gown, in which you will both look and feel beautiful. Importantly, Spellbound bridal is offering the gowns within just 16-weeks.

“I don’t think brides no longer need to feel pressured to decide on their dress a year in advance of their wedding date. I think this will appeal in particular to those who have had to postpone their ceremony and celebrations over the last two years, and now wish to switch their original gown to suit a new season, wedding venue, or theme.”

Laura says that the two-looks-one-dress style is already proving popular.

“These types of transitional gowns mean brides can move flawlessly from day to night during their wedding day celebrations without wasting any precious time with her guests. It’s a second chance for a wow!”