From performing on international stages to running one of the UK’s best-known bridal boutiques, Laura’s journey into bridal retail has been anything but conventional. It’s this diverse career experience - from fashion to hospitality and entertainment - that she credits with shaping the success of Bellissima Weddings.

Growing up surrounded by fashion, Laura developed an early appreciation for craftsmanship and style and as she began importing jewellery from Italy, it was the bridal accessories that consistently outsold everything else. Since realising the bridal industry was one she wanted to discover more fully, Laura jumped at the opportunity to buy a boutique and take on her own bridal shop.

Although, the early days weren’t without challenges. Taking over a business with little documentation meant learning quickly, but Laura’s instinct for product selection soon paid off. ‘Within two years, Bellissima had outgrown her walls - customers were queueing at the door on Saturdays and pleading for more appointments than I could offer. My idea of a small but perfectly formed boutique was fast turning into something much bigger.’ Today, Bellissima has expanded significantly, growing from a small boutique into a destination store complete with an outlet, fittings area and workrooms.

Laura believes Bellissima’s constant review of customers’ wants and needs has contributed to the business’ success and uniqueness. ‘Bellissima may get older, but our customer does not - so each year we reassess our collections, our décor, our customer service and our procedures. We look at our socials as what worked last year may not work this year.’ This constant review and improvement has helped the store create positive life moments for more than 15,000 brides over the years.

This customer-centred approach has also helped shape Laura’s buying strategy. She shares, ‘before a buying trip, myself and Amelia, the manager, will have a good look at figures, the performance of specific labels and styles and decide on a budget for each label based on all of those variables.’ Additionally, the Bellissima team keep in mind what their clients are truly after - a bride ’wants to feel that everyone loves her choice of dress and yet is happy to surprise her guests and groom if it makes her feel a million dollars. As long as we keep this in mind when we buy, then we’re good!’

The outstanding boutique has also recently celebrated a milestone, after 25 years of being in the business! Laura shares that they turned the shop into Club Bellissima, with a DJ, fully tended bar, a huge grazing table, photo booth, signature cocktails and so much more! What more could you want? Alongside team Bellissima and their partners was everyone who had helped the store get where it is today. With a ‘great mix of friends, ex-employees, landlords and cherished suppliers’, the party was a hit!

Here’s to another 25 years of Bellissima Weddings, with its thoughtful customer service and incredible stock, the store is truly one that brides trust and cherish.