Nantwich mum quits nursing to launch wedding dress business

A Nantwich mum has swapped life on the hospital ward for filling the wardrobes of brides-to-be!

Kate Dyson has traded in 15 years as a nurse to tie the knot with her dream venture – a wedding dress shop.

And after months of hard labour, the mother-of-two from Swanley Bridge has just opened her new outlet in Tarporley.

With the help of hubby Karl, her shop Bridal Haven is already pulling in the ladies keen to find their dream dress for the big day.

Kate, whose two children go to Acton Primary School, said: “I was a specialist nurse in organ donation, and although I loved it, it took its toll.

“I was dealing a lot with bereaved families which is very sad and had an impact on me and my family.

“Now I couldn’t be happier!”

With help from her mum Elizabeth Ross and Karl, Kate invested a large five-figure sum to convert the village’s former health foods shop into Bridal Haven.

“I had been looking for premises for a while,” she added.

“Initially I wanted to be in Nantwich but nothing came up that was suitable.

“I just happened to be driving into Tarporley one day and saw this for sale. It was perfect.”

Now she is selling dresses from top British designers including Stephanie Allin, Lyn Ashworth, Caroline Atelier and Lara Hannah.

“I deliberately wanted to showcase just British designers, and all dresses are made in the UK,” she added.

“I think that is important, to support British work as it’s such high quality.”

She also stocks a range of Flower Girls dresses made by Nicki MacFarlane, who designed the Flower Girl dresses for Kate Middleton’s wedding to Prince William.

“The response has been great since we opened,” Kate added.

“We expected it to quieten off a bit near Christmas, but a lot of women are planning a year ahead and looking for their dress!”

For details visit www.bridalhaven.co.uk or visit the shop on High Street, Tarporley.