Supplier Spotlight - Heart Aflutter Bridal Boutique

I cannot even keep my cool over how excited I am for today’s post. I have been a long time fan of award-winning Heart Aflutter Bridal Boutique and when Cecilia said she’d like to be a part of Supplier Spotlight, I was so honoured to chat to her and get an insight into her side of the wedding industry. Theirs is a Insta feed I have lusted over for many an hour, bringing such a varied selection of sought-after and independent designers such as Sarah Seven, Truvelle, Laudae, Vagabond, Tara Lauren and many many more, to the heart of Shoreditch in East London. Everything from sequins to lace, and from ball gowns to jumpsuits, this Bridal studio is one-of-a-kind and you’ll see avant-garde brands you won’t find anywhere else.

One of my Brides, and wonderful friend, Ellie shouts about Cecilia and the team, and how utterly wonderful they were when it came to helping her find her dream dress for her to walk down the aisle in. They are incredibly passionate about body positivity, and cater to all shapes, sizes and budgets, with an incredible selection within the number you say you’re sticking too. Calm and collected, helpful and friendly, these are compliments I hear over and over again when it comes to the team at Heart Aflutter.
Over the lockdown period, they have been so diligent in keeping their customers informed and I’m so pleased to hear they’ll be reopening on the 2nd July! So if you’re hoping to find your dream wedding attire with them, go read up on their blog on how to shop safely, and get in contact through their website (link at the bottom of the interview). I am so proud to be able to showcase them and for you to be able to get to know them all better!

So without further ado, I’ll hand it over to the wonderful Cecilia of Heart Aflutter!

All photos - Stephanie Green Photography

Firstly, please introduce yourself!
My name is Cecilia and I'm the owner & founder of Heart Aflutter Bridal.
I'm originally from Italy but I have lived in London since 2009. I have been married to my British architect husband since 2011 and I'm mummy to two gorgeous little boys called Oliver and Oscar. Heart Aflutter Bridal is a modern bridal studio in East London stocking a great selection of bridal designers from all over the world.

Why and how did you get started in Bridal?
It’s kind of a strange one…
My background is in translation and linguistics, I even hold a masters degree in Scientific, Technical and Medical Translation from Imperial College London. I worked in video games localisation for quite some time too, notably at PlayStation – random, I know! I started my own business because I really found a lack of untraditional bridal options when I was looking for my own wedding dress, so I decided I had to do it myself!

So, what do you think makes the perfect wedding dress?
That really is such a subjective thing!
But generally speaking, great fit, great construction, and it must make you feel amazing!

How do you decide choose which dresses to stock in store?
And how do you react to trends?
It’s a variety of factors. I am always looking for something new and different, so exclusivity is one big aspect.
Then it’s usually down to a combination of things I personally like, things I think will sell, and things I think are going to set a trend.
Speaking of trends, I don’t think we really react to them, we make them happen!

What was your first client and fitting like?
Aaaah that’s such a fun one as I actually started my business from my spare bedroom!
There was so much demand for the designers I was bringing to the UK, I simply couldn’t wait to have some premises locked down. So the very first fittings happened at my home! Everyone was just so excited to have that opportunity and was so friendly and supportive! My very first bride even invited me to her wedding!

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt along the way?
Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks or does. Keep focused on what you’re doing, do it well, and it will pay off.

Highlight of your career (so far)!
Oh my there have been so many! But I think having a successful bridal business after 5.5 years is a pretty good achievement!
I have seen so many businesses coming and going in the time we have been open, so we must be doing something right!

What does a typical day in your life look like?
I would normally get my kids ready for nursery, drop the youngest off, then head to the studio.
Days are never the same in the studio as there’s always something different to do! From seeing brides, answering emails, working on marketing/social media, unpacking boxes of dresses etc. etc. It’s very varied!! I would then collect my kids from nursery in the late afternoon, have dinner once they’re in bed and usually I would continue working from 9 pm till about midnight!! I am not good at switching off!

One bit of advice you’d give to your couples when it comes to planning a wedding and for Brides choosing their Wedding Dress?
Just 3 words: Do. Your. Research.
There are so many sources of information available out there, so make sure you have researched what style/budget fits you and your wedding, and stick to it!

What’s your favourite part of finding a Bride her dress?
It truly is that connection that we establish that allows me to understand exactly what she’s looking for and finding her that perfect match.
I guess it’s the fact they trust me/us, and that is truly a great gift!

What do you expect the next big trend in Weddings will be?
Sustainability is and will be a big thing going forward. Couples are definitely being more conscious with how they spend their money and I expect they will want to spend it on what’s really meaningful.

What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
Just keep doing what we do, do it well, and make more and more brides happy!
On a personal level, achieving a better work-life balance would be a bonus!

Thank you again to the lovely Cecilia for being such a great guest,
and if you haven’t checked out her amazing store and dresses - what are you waiting for?
You can find Heart Aflutter below:

Instagram - @heart_aflutter

Facebook - HeartAflutterBridal

Pinterest - heartaflutterUK