About Us

JO WARD, DIRECTOR:



I have always dreamt of owning my own bridal shop but, like everyone else, you get caught up in your hectic life and there never seems to be the right time to take that brave decision and set up in business on your own.

However, in April 2009, my daughter Abigail was stillborn at 41 weeks; my husband and I were devastated. I was at a loss as to what to do with myself but it made me realise that life is too short and you should follow your dreams, and that’s exactly what I have done. I have focused all my energy on establishing Abigail’s Bridalwear in memory of our daughter.

I was lucky to have the support and love of all my family and friends around me at the time along with the support from Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity (Registered Charity no 299679).   I want to be able to give something back to this charity that tirelessly funds research and promotes changes in practice that could help to reduce the loss of babies’ lives.  I will be making a donation to Sands for every dress sold at Abigail’s.

If you would like to make a donation please visit www.justgiving.com/Abigail-Ward which is our own just giving page. All donations are sent securely and directly to the charity.

NATHALIE MAY, MANAGER:


 

 

Abigail's Manager, Nathalie May, comes with an impressive background of having sold more than 1,000 dresses.

With a degree in fashion, where she specialised in forecasting and trend analysis, Nathalie worked as a personal shopper and carried out garment quality control for John Lewis and House of Fraser.  She says: “After seven years of running a very successful store, I felt it was time to spread my wings and take on a new challenge.”

Abigail's has secured distribution agreements with top designers such as Augusta Jones, Lyn Ashworth, Blue by Enzoani, Hollywood Dreams, MiaMia, Ellis Bridals, Venus Bridal and Ronald Joyce.  Bridesmaid dresses by Dessy, Alfred Sung and Ronald Joyce complete the portfolio.

Nathalie adds: ”I am lucky to have personally sold more than a 1,000 wedding gowns and over 2,000 bridesmaid gowns. I have always been pleased to sell to any budget or style requirement and strongly believe that a happy bride results in a memorable shopping experience.  Some bridal shops offer just the dress, but it is the personality and service which you want to buy into. My strengths are colour and body shape analysis which is paramount for finding your dream dress and theme for your wedding.”

  
 LOLA SANDS, CONSULTANT

 

Lola Sands came to Abigail's having managed a very successful bridal shop in Tunbridge Wells for over 5 years.  Having decided to leave her previous employers, Lola took 18 months off and didn't intend to return to full time employment in any capacity until Nathalie was appointed the Manager of Abigail's.

Lola says, "Nathalie and I managed sister shops for some time.  We became close friends as well as colleagues.  When Nathalie offered me the opportunity of joining Abigail's, I jumped at the chance.  We have the same philosophy and understand the bridal industry very well.  We are dedicated to finding the right dress for every bride and strive to ensure that the whole experience is filled with fun and excitement.  I truly believe that the whole process of buying a wedding dress should not be stressful.  It should be a time full of laughter and new beginnings. 

"I feel very priviledged to work at Abigail's.  We have two beautiful (and totally private) fitting suites, which allow us to concentrate all our efforts on every bride as an individual".