August 17, 2017 Retailer Feature - Heart Aflutter
Meet Cecilia, Owner of Heart Aflutter bridal boutique in London, England:
The story behind your boutique:
When I got married about 6 years ago, I struggled to find dresses I wanted to try on and boutiques I wanted to go into. I am petite and curvy and I didn’t want a traditional wedding dress. At the time no one seemed to cater to my needs or my budget. I ended up going with a vintage wedding dress, which I absolutely loved, but it would’ve been nice to have other options. While researching for my wedding, I came across so many amazing international designers and I was frustrated that they weren’t available in the UK. This stayed in the back of my mind for a few years. It took being made redundant at my job and ending up in another terrible job to give me the push to actually go and set up my own business. I eventually gave up the day job about 4 months after opening the doors to Heart Aflutter and I’ve never looked back — best decision ever!
The location:
We are based in Hackney, East London — which is the coolest part of London. Our studio is set in an unassuming building which is home to a ton of creatives and startup businesses. From graphic designers, illustrators, photographers, and even a pilates studio, Netil House is the perfect space for our independent bridal boutique. And I absolutely love being surrounded by so many creative people. There is also a café called Morty & Bobs (where I have lunch and coffee everyday!), a rooftop terrace (with 360° views over London) and a market!
How did you discover Truvelle?
Soon after opening the boutique I received an introductory email from Truvelle’s marketing manager. Then Gaby came to London on a trip the following spring and wanted to meet up and so we did! It was so great to meet the woman behind the brand and I felt very privileged to have this kind of one-to-one contact with the designer herself. Also I think Gaby got us straight away. We kept the conversation going until New York Bridal Market in October and that’s when I got to see the new collection and place our first order. It was the right time for both of us, and our working relationship really took off from there. We were Truvelle’s first ever UK stockist and we're very proud of it!
Your favourite Truvelle dress?
Oh man, that’s so hard. When we got the Cambie in last year I was mesmerized and said if I was going to get married again (to the same husband of course) this would be the dress I’d choose! It has all the elements I would have loved in a wedding dress: the cap sleeves, the cinched waist, the floaty skirt, and the subtle hint of beading to make it extra special!
Dress: Cambie, Wildflower Halo by Marie Canning, Shoes: Armani
How would you wear it?
I am a sucker for unusual purple flowers like clematis, hellebores, and fritillaries — so I would choose a dark bouquet with all of these. I would have matching heels like these lavender ones by Armani. Jewellery would be simple, a porcelain flower halo by British artist Marie Canning would be my ultimate choice. I would love to see Cambie in a “trulli” venue in Puglia, Southern Italy — so unique!
What do you love most about The Heart Aflutter Bride?
I love that our brides are different, confident, and they are not afraid to depart from tradition. I also love that the most important factors in their weddings are always to have fun, be comfortable, eat good food, and have lots of dancing!
To learn more about Heart Aflutter, visit them online.
Photography by: James & Kerrie Photography
