In a new True North film we go behind the scenes at Northern Ireland’s first exclusively plus size bridal shop where owner Rebecca Bryson is on a mission to promote body positivity and help brides of all shapes and sizes embrace their curves.
Rebecca struggled to find the perfect dress for her own special day and was left feeling embarrassed after visiting several bridal shops that did not stock dresses in her size.
Plus size women are often forgotten by the bridal wear industry and wedding dress shopping can be a negative experience for them.
This led Rebecca and mum Lynn to spot a gap in the market for a bridal boutique specialising in stylish modern bridal wear for women of all sizes.
Lynn says: “I don’t think size should determine what you wear. Why would a girl who is a size 24 want to wear something old fashioned if she is 23 years of age and getting married?
“She wants something young and fresh or sexy and fitted. We hope to have something for everybody here no matter what size or shape you have.”
Bride-to-be Bex from Antrim has worn a tracheotomy tube since childhood and various health conditions have caused her weight to fluctuate over the years.
With support from fiancé Gavyn she refuses to let her illnesses get in the way of life and in preparation for her big day, visits Rebecca’s bridal boutique in search of a dress that will show off her curves - and tracheotomy tube.
Nicola a nurse from Portadown has been kept busy during the pandemic, but has still found time to plan her dream wedding with Paddy who she describes as the love of her life.
After years of dieting and struggling to control her weight, Nicola feels it is impossible to live up to the idealised standard of how women are supposed to look. These days being happy and healthy are more important to her.
Nicola says she never felt comfortable or confident in any of the bridal shops she has visited as the dresses did not fit properly. Will Rebecca have the perfect gown to make her feel like a princess?
True North: Wedding Day Curves, produced by Tyrone Productions and narrated by Derry Girls star, Tara Lynne O’Neill, airs Monday 20 June at 10.40pm on BBC One Northern Ireland. Also available on BBC iPlayer.