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'Just a dream' - Bridal suite and photography studio open in Dereham
Nikki Finch and Steve Hitchman have opened their businesses together, with the hope of each complementing another. Left to right: Nikki Finch, Kacie Wodcock, Steve Hitchman, Hetti Kaspers - Credit: Breckland District Council
Two friends have made their dream a reality after opening a bridal suite and a photography studio together in Dereham.
Nikki Finch opened LEH Bridal Dreams on Saturday while friend Steve Hitchman opened his studio under the same roof, creating a one-stop-shop for anyone planning a wedding.
The two businesses enjoyed their ribbon-cutting on Saturday. Left to right: Karen Brame, Roy Brame, Steve Hitchman, Nikki Finch - Credit: Breckland District Council
The businesses are located on Norwich Road, just a few minutes' walk from the town centre.
Breckland council chairman Roy Brame cuts the ribbon at LEH Bridal Dreams and Photography by Steve Hitchman - Credit: Noah Vickers
Breckland District Council (BDC) chairman Roy Brame cut the ribbon at the grand opening, which featured a model sporting one of the gowns, flutes of prosecco and a sweet cart.
Kacie Wodcock, a friend of Ms Finch, showed off one of the suite's beautiful dresses. - Credit: Noah Vickers
Ms Finch and Mr Hitchman received funding, advice and a bespoke e-commerce course from BDC.
As well as having a photography studio on-site, Ms Finch will create wedding packages with other suppliers. Mr Hitchman’s studio will meet the bridal photography needs, in addition to the family and pet sessions he will be offering.
Left to right: Nikki Finch, Karen Brame, Roy Brame, Steve Hitchman, in the LEH Bridal Dreams showroom. - Credit: Noah Vickers
“I want to cater for people who want to get married without spending tens of thousands of pounds,” said Ms Finch, “which is why I decided to stock a selection of pre-loved wedding dresses, shoes, centrepieces and artificial bouquets.
Ms Finch's daughter Hetti Kaspers (left) with Kacie Wodcock (right) - Credit: Breckland District Council
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“What happens to everything you buy after the wedding? You shove it in a cupboard. Reuse in this way is more sustainable and it makes the dresses more affordable.
“I buy dresses outright, or sell them on behalf of the owner. I’m happy to accept donated dresses - I’ll give 80pc of their price to charity.”
Left to right: Karen Brame, Roy Brame, Steve Hitchman, Nikki Finch, pictured just prior to the ribbon-cutting at LEH Bridal Dreams. - Credit: Noah Vickers
Mr Hitchman said: “For me and for Nikki, it’s just a dream.”
“We have no idea what’s going to happen in a year, but it’s a dream that we’ve both wanted so to be able to have that opportunity is amazing.”
Addressing the gathering of friends and family, Mr Brame said women would be able to visit the shop to buy their dress, while Mr Hitchman would make couples "both look lovely - how [much] more could you ask for?"
