Last updated 14:35, Thursday, 06 November 2008

When you hear the name Gretna Green, you immediately think of weddings. Steeped in history and romance, it sees brides and grooms from across the world tie the knot each year.

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Joyce Young's Collection

And now a new venture has opened there – helping brides getting married throughout the area look radiant on their special day.

Joyce Young By Storm is a bridal studio next door to the world-famous Blacksmith’s Shop, where couples tie the knot over the historic anvil.

The shop was launched earlier this month and has couture and ready-to-wear collections that offer all the style and elegance associated with the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly.

Joyce, 54, has been designing since she graduated from Glasgow School of Art in 1975.

It was in 1993 that she set up By Storm, which also has established shops in Bearsden in Glasgow and London. Last year, it picked up the title of best bridal designer voted for by customers in the VOWS awards.

Joyce Young Collection dresses can be made to measure. Standard sizes are available in Joyce’s three shops.

New dresses are added to the collection every year and dresses are made by a team of seamstresses in Glasgow. Couture gowns, individually designed by Joyce, can also be made.

Joyce has witnessed changes in the style of wedding dresses over the years.

She said: “When I started the business, trends were still very much inspired by Princess Diana’s wedding, and big dresses were popular. Trends have changed and there is a lot of choice now.”

Joyce has kept her designs simple, sleek and sophisticated.

She said: “Simple and elegant gowns never date; they transcend time.

“Lace is popular at the moment and there has also been a swing back to the big style of dresses.

“There has been a lot of beading as well as gathering on dresses on the catwalks this year. High fashion dates very quickly though.”

She added: “A bride should wear her dress; the dress should not wear the bride. You need to choose something that suits your figure and colouring; delicate brides don’t suit big dresses.”

By Storm at Gretna Green stocks wedding accessories such as shoes and ring cushions.

Joyce designs bespoke mother-of-the-bride outfits, a service available at the Glasgow shop, and there is also a Weddings Abroad Collection of lightweight gowns that are perfect for brides getting married in exotic locations.

For a tartan-themed wedding, her Tartan Spirit Couture Collection has bridal gowns incorporating a hint of tartan which can be teamed up with the groom’s kilt.

By Storm at Gretna Green is currently open by appointment only.

Joyce said: “Offering a one-to-one service is crucial when you are looking for your wedding dress. It is a special experience and should be relaxing.

“You can sometimes hear the piper playing from the shop, which will help brides get into the wedding mood when they are trying on dresses.

“The studio is not just for brides getting married at Gretna Green. Brides from all over the country and further have worn my dresses.”