We’re giddy about today’s featured UNVEILED Network Member! Introducing Nora Eve Bridal in Chesterfield, a gorgeous little boutique that you’re going to be putting at the top of your shopping hit list!
Let’s take you on a virtual tour; picture exposed beams, soft pastel tones, fluffy pampas and trendy Edison bulbs leading you through to the private fitting rooms, so that your and your bride tribe can really make the most of this very special experience. Whether you find your dream dress or not, you’re going to have an amazing time being fussed over at Nora Eve Bridal.
Stocking some of our favourite designers, such as Madi Lane, Savin London and Mori Lee, Nora Eve reckons their signature, romantic style is ‘modern boho’, offering something for everyone in sizes 2-30. With their online Fitting Room portal you can also have a little browse and earmark some favourite gowns before you even step foot in store, really ensuring you’ll get the most from your appointment and that the girls will know your style inside out by the time you’re ready to try on dresses and find The One.
Let’s meet Emma, the boutique’s owner…
With images by UNVEILED Network Member Freya Raby
Hi Emma!
Hi! I’m Emma Swain, owner of Nora Eve Bridal. Nora Eve is a multi-award-winning bridal boutique located a short walk from the cobbled streets of Chesterfield. A haven for stylish brides, here you’ll find dresses from sought after designers including Madi Lane, Jolie by Berta and Savin London.
Where did your passion for bridal fashion begin?
As a single mum, I had a desire to create a better life for me and my daughter, while doing a job I loved! I started a diploma in wedding planning and it was while visiting dress shops with my clients that I realized they were all so samey. So, after a vivid dream one night I opened Nora Eve in 2012 with a vision of being a boutique that’s a bit ‘extra’.
Tell us about what makes your boutique special?
With high ceilings, luxurious navy walls and filled with pampas, Nora Eve is a haven for stylish brides. We have two private fitting rooms and a luxury lounge where you can turn your dress shopping experience into a real celebration with your bridal party, while sipping on pink fizz and singing along to our playlist of old school classics.
We also have our own signature scent, which our brides loved so much we made it into candles you can take away. Our vibe is relaxing and fun, for the perfect bridal experience.
Does the boutique have a signature style of gown?
At Nora Eve, we cater for modern boho brides with wildly romantic dresses from designers such as Madi Lane or the classically contemporary styles of Maggie Sottero.
Which labels do you stock and why did you choose them?
We fell in love with Australian designer Madi Lane during lockdown, and our free-spirited boho brides agreed! Stocked at Nora Eve since the end of last year, Madi Lane is quickly becoming our most-loved designer.
Savin London is a quintessentially British designer crafting exquisite dresses. With floral embellishments and embroidery, they are the must-have styles for our luxury loving brides.
The edgier little sister of Berta, Jolie By Berta’s debut collection is seductive, sophisticated and a little bit sexy!
Rebecca Ingram offers our brides romantic styles in crepe, lace and chiffon at an affordable price point.
Timeless and classic dresses by Maggie Sottero are enduringly popular at Nora Eve, we love the fitted silhouettes and delicate lace fabrics.
Mori Lee is another designer offering timeless romance, with iconic A-line, ball gown and mermaid styles they always bring a touch of bridal magic to our fitting rooms.
We’re also really excited to be the exclusive stockist for Ella Kate, a new British designer for trend-setting brides, available at Nora Eve now!
What sizes do you carry?
We stock samples in sizes 8-28, and dresses can be ordered in size 2-30.
What sort of price point are your gowns?
Our dresses start at £1000 up to £3500 for our luxe range. Our newest designer, Ella Kate, is priced at £1500 to £2200.
Where would you advise brides to look for inspiration when beginning the dress hunt?
Whether you have a good idea of what you’re looking for, or need some inspiration when it comes to finding ‘the one’, our website is a great place to start. You will find all our dresses in our virtual showroom, simply select your favourites and we’ll have them ready for you to try on at your Nora Eve appointment.
How do you approach each appointment?
When you book your appointment at Nora Eve, you’ll be invited to select dresses in our virtual showroom ‘My Fitting Room’, so that we can prepare them for your arrival and maximise your time with us. Then we’ll give you a call to answer any questions and give any final directions, details on parking.
When you arrive at Nora Eve your stylist will be waiting for you at the front door, ready to introduce themselves and tell you all about Nora Eve before we chat about how you want to feel in your dress and get excited about your wedding day ideas! We select different dresses for you, listening to what you like and dislike about each style until you find ‘The One’.
Towards the end of your experience we’ll go back to your favourites and try them on with veils, accessories and a gorgeous bouquet to hold. This all makes it feel very real and we usually get some happy tears!
Tell us about the fittings and alterations process?
Most of our collections are available to order in a range of sizes and lengths, so alterations are kept to a minimum. If any tweaks are needed, we work with two local seamstresses to ensure a perfect fit.
Why should brides shop in independent, local boutiques?
For the experience! It’s all about bringing your best girls and having fun. We love being part of your tribe while offering support and advice if you’re feeling nervous or self-conscious. We want to make your dress shopping experience a special and personal one.
What do your brides love about your service?
Every one of our brides is valued and important to us, so you will receive a thank you gift at your appointment, whether you say ‘yes to the dress’ or just enjoy the experience.
What are your top tips for brides when choosing their wedding outfits?
- Be open minded. You may book your appointment with a particular dress or style in mind but it may be something completely different that steals your heart.
- Trust your wedding dress stylist. We have hundreds of appointments under our (sparkly bridal) belt, and understand body shape, comfort and style, so when we make a suggestion, you might just be surprised!
- Don’t bring a camera. It’s too tempting to look back and over-analyse how you look, it’s best to remember how amazing you feel in your dream dress.
And the no-nos?
- We limit the number of guests at your appointment as it’s so easy to be influenced by others. Listening to advice is great, but never choose your dress based on what someone else prefers.
- Don’t book lots of appointments in one day – it’s overwhelming! Try to stick to one or two boutiques with lots of choice, you’ll know when you find the one!
- Stick to dresses within your budget, unless you’re genuinely prepared to go over! We always speak to our brides in the fitting room so we can help you find your dream dress at a price point you can afford.
What trends do you see emerging in bridal fashion for 2021 and beyond?
Comfort is the key – brides will settle for nothing less after a year in joggers! Our brides want to have fun and eat lots while celebrating with their guests. Our bohemian styles are perfect for this and increasing in popularity alongside more trend-setting elegant crepes for our fashionista brides.
And what about accessories?
We have just welcomed Kiri & Belle’s gorgeous new collection to our boutique, featuring trendy earrings, necklaces and bracelets made from timeless freshwater pearls. We also stock a large range of veils and accessories by Richard Designs and are soon to introduce personalized embroidered veils by Rebecca Ann Designs which are the perfect custom detail to your bridal outfit. Our Ella Kate brides will be able to choose scrunchies and hair wraps made from their dress fabrics to complete their outfit as part of our commitment to sustainable fashion.
Is there a special discount that you would like to offer to our readers?
Brides Up North and UNVEILED readers get a complimentary upgrade to our VIP experience! Book your experience online or email us bride@noraevebridal.co.uk quoting ‘UNVEILED’ to upgrade your booking at no extra cost.
Is there anything else that you would like to tell us about?
In top secret news we’ll be moving from the quaint cobbled streets of Chesterfield to a cool, new loft-style space this autumn. We can’t wait to reveal more!
Pick a fave…
Dress for 2021? Savin London are giving me all the feels this season. I LOVE Willa from his new collection and I can’t wait to try her on!
Trend for 2021? Capes and bridal wings are looking to be very popular with our brides so far this year.
First dance track? I wouldn’t have a first dance, I’d rather elope and have a non-traditional celebration! But if I had to choose I’d go with something fun rather than a slow dance.
Iconic wedding dress of all time? Meghan, Duchess of Sussex’s Givenchy dress has got to be the one for me! So modern, yet classic.
Celebrity you would most want to dress? Billie Eilish because of her unique style, I love a challenge!
