A new bridal shop has opened in Walmer and owner Jeska Hammond is calling on all brides-to-be to make an appointment.

The Bridal Boutique of Jules in Dover Road, Walmer, is a warm and welcoming haven full of gowns and wedding accessories.

The fashion graduate and her late mother Julia always dreamed of running a bridal shop, so the venture is all the more meaningful.

Jeska worked in a bridal shop in Canterbury until June last year. Her family and friends persuaded her to run her own business and she has finally taken the plunge.

She said: “This was originally going to be my living room but everybody kept saying: ‘You should do something for yourself’.”

And since making that decision, moving from Guston and getting her hands on the keys for the Walmer premises in October, Jeska and her fiancé Mark have transformed the former fishing tackle shop into a high-end boutique decorated with vintage, up-cycled and second-hand delights, topped off with luxurious velvet curtains and hydrangea arrangements.

As this was also Jeska’s mum’s dream she has made sure she has been included.

Julia died from cancer just over four years ago. Not only is she remembered in the name of the shop but Jeska has up-cycled many pieces of her mum’s furniture including a desk and mirror and has also used her mum’s old school books as shoe shelves.

She said: “I thought to myself ‘what am I going to do with the books?’ and then I was lying in bed one night and thought ‘shelves for shoes!’”

“My mum would be proud. It was always our dream.”

The shop stocks dresses by Stephanie Allin, Timeless Couture, Minna, The Robing Room as well as Rachel Simpson shoes and Miranda Templeton accessories, not forgetting garters and horseshoe gifts by Atelier Rousseau – designed by a fellow fashion graduate whom she studied with at the University of Kent.

Jeska is passionate about the fact the dresses are all designed and made in the UK.

She said: “That’s something I wanted. I spent a long time sourcing them purely because there is so much variety and I wanted their uniqueness. It was really hard to choose but I chose ones I knew I would be passionate about selling and that I loved.”

Jeska also offers a couture service, using her fashion background and knowledge to work with brides to design and create exactly what they want.

She said: “We’ll go through the whole design process together.”

She is working alongside a seamstress who will make any alterations.

Jeska has chosen to run the business by appointment only, with flexible hours, so that she can give each bride-to-be the time and attention they deserve.

She said: “They get my full attention for two hours.

“I want it to be really personal because it’s so special.”

And if things go to plan in the coming months the mum-of-one is hoping to start offering menswear, including suits for weddings and special occasions, showcasing her love of Harris tweed.

To make an appointment call Jeska on 01304 389710.

Visit www.boutiqueofjules.co.uk or email info@boutiqueofjules.co.uk for inquiries.

Follow The Bridal Boutique of Jules on Facebook and on Instagram @thebridalboutiqueofjules.