We're kicking off our #LoveBLOOMS campaign by introducing you to our favourite Northern lass, Helen Hargraves! Helen is the owner of our Cheshire boutique and is a self-confessed wedding o'holic (that's a phrase, right?).

'I am obsessed with weddings! Working in an industry where you are part of a bride’s journey and knowing you are finding a bride’s dream dress is the best feeling in the world.' 

 Helen has worked in the wedding industry since 2014, when she launched her own company with her sister, Kitty. Love Honour and Be True specialised in bridal specific cosmetics. They designed and manufactured a line of lipsticks inspired by brides for their big day. Helen and Kitty's products were used by over 100 make up artists nationwide, featured in many blogs and magazines and were even worn on the runway at London Bridal Fashion Week! That's where her dream of owning a bridal boutique started...

'At Bridal Fashion Week I met lots of boutique owners who were there to buy dresses for the next season, speaking and listening to them whilst watching the latest designs parade up and down the runway was all the inspiration I needed and from that moment on I knew this was going to be my future.' 

 Helen put some feelers out to see what other boutiques in the North West were offering. She realised that most of them stocked similar styles of dresses, so to stand out (and not die of poofy, sparkly boredom) she needed something different. Helen already followed Rock the Frock online and loved our values. She got in touch with Karen Whybro (our lovely founder) and nine months later she officially opened her own RTF boutique! 

'My aim is to make Rock the Frock Cheshire the destination for all brides who are ethically conscious individuals that want to show off their amazing personalities.'

 RTF Cheshire opened 14 September 2018 and Helen has loved every minute. We asked her to tell us about some of her favourite moments to far...

'My favourite part of an appointment is meeting the bride to be and hearing all about her wedding plans and their vibes on what they want to wear on their wedding day. I think it is really important to get to know the bride and understand what they want from their wedding dress so that we find the perfect match.'  

 'I had one beautiful bride drive all the way from London because she loved Makani by MilaMira. I am the only boutique in the UK currently stocking the dress so after a 4-hour drive, she arrived at the boutique. Makani was the first dress she tried on and it was the one. Her intuition was right and the long drive was worth it!' 

We hope this post has helped you get to know the amazing person behind the boutique. If you ever want to chat before your appointment, Helen is only a phone call away (or, if phone calls make your palms sweaty, emails and messages are always welcome... and they mean we get to use emojis so yay! Heart eyes, prosecco, bride, shooting star, peach!).

We adore our Cheshire boutique and think Helen is an absolute gem. We know you will too!

Love, RTF x

All images in this post are by the amazing Danielle Boxall Photography