A Timperley seamstress has become a fully-fledged bridal designer with the launch of her own wedding dress brand.
Anneka Davies has run Button and Bride in Timperley village since 2016, opening up the shop front on Stockport Road in 2018.
A specialist in bridal alterations, she has built up connections with a number of "amazing" bridal boutiques over the years, who would each recommend her services to their brides.
Taking the knowledge she has accrued over 15 years in the bridal industry, she has now developed her own wedding dress brand, Anneka Bickerton.
The name reflects the importance to her career of her grandmother, Margaret Bickerton.
"She taught me how to sew," said Anneka, 40.
"Her sewing and pattern-cutting skills are an inspiration to me - I still reference some of her vintage sewing patterns.
"She passed away just as I went to Salford University to do a fashion degree, but I took all of her sewing equipment - scissors, needles, threads, books, everything - with me and I still use them today."
Anneka, who has extensively redecorated her shop to coincide with the launch, said she is very excited by her new venture.
"I have always loved the idea of creating my own things," she said.
"I love problem solving, getting to know people, and coming up with dresses that people love.
"My years working in bridal alterations has given me the opportunity to fit dresses of all silhouettes on all body types. I know what flatters and what fits."
Describing the way she works with brides, she added: "I have created a collection that consists of a range of bodices, accessories and skirts that can be combined to find a silhouette they feel comfortable in and shows off their personality.
"I have designed a selection of full dresses which use combinations of the separates to help inspire them. We will then pick fabrics, they have full scope to come up with whatever design they like.
“It can be overwhelming so it’s my job to make sure they express their personality in something that’s flattering and fashionable.”
The process takes at least six months from the first consultation to wedding day, Anneka added.
She said her experience with alterations had given her great connections with local wedding wholesalers.
“I know where to go for the most beautiful lace, silks, beads, flowers... whatever you need. There’s an endless amount of different fabric these days and I have many samples that people can have a look at.”
Anneka is due to start taking her first appointments soon, with the wedding season traditionally starting in January and getting especially busy between April and September.
“Anneka Bickerton has been a long time in the making and I’m so excited to get started.”
Anneka Bickerton at Button and Bride, 377 Stockport Rd, Timperley, Altrincham WA15 7UR. To book a consultation with Anneka, call 07525 260489
