Love Local with The List: The Boho Bride

Kezia Morse-Wolfe is the creative force behind The Boho Bride, making bridal wear and accessories for the modern, bohemian bride. With a first class degree in Costume Interpretation, she has worked in the West End and dressed the cast of Wicked and Harry Potter as well as the stars of the Birmingham Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera House. However her mind kept wandering to the bohemian bridal world and in 2020, with a little push from the pandemic, she decided to channel all her energy into making The Boho Bride a reality.

Read Kezia's story here. 

 

"When Covid hit, theatres closed and furlough followed. I found I could channel all of my energy into realising my dream and The Boho Bride was born."

 

How It All Began.

I grew up in Kent, went to uni in Bournemouth, then lived in London for a while before moving to Guernsey. I have always had a love for theatre and I fell in love with textiles at school. My textiles teacher encouraged me to pursue the subject as she saw my skills developing and I went on to study costume design and construction. I graduated from the Arts University Bournemouth with a first class degree in Costume Interpretation then found work in the West End as an alterations seamstress, which I absolutely loved. 

The rest, as they say, is history and I've been fortunate enough to work for companies such as the Royal Opera House, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Wicked and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. 

 

Realising My Dream.

Although the world of theatre is an amazing one, it can be a little unsociable with show hours, and it does become a little repetitive. My mind kept wandering to the bohemian world of bridal wear. I loved the idea that it was a way that my skills in couture construction and design could become part of someone's real life and not just on stage, so I started designing and selling bridal wear and accessories online. 

My business started gradually, and was sped up by the pandemic. When Covid hit, theatres closed and furlough followed. I found I could channel all of my energy into realising my dream and The Boho Bride was born.

 

"Brides were having to find their dresses off island and then take multiple trips to the UK for fittings, alterations, collections etc... which is costly not only for your purse, but also for your time and the environment."

 

Moving to Guernsey.

As this business idea grew, and theatres remained closed, my partner and I decided to move over to Guernsey in 2021 to be with his family. We wanted to see if we could set ourselves up here and it now really feels like my forever home. I realised quickly that there was a need for my skills on island and I set up my alterations business Sew. Guernsey as a sister business to The Boho Bride, initially with mobile fitting for fashion and bridal alterations. 

I soon became aware of a massive limitation for Guernsey, which was that brides were having to find their dresses off island and take multiple trips to the UK for fittings, alterations, collections etc... which is costly not only for your purse, but also for your time and the environment. So now there is the option to design and have your dress made with me, on-island. Or if you find your dream dress off island you can bring it back and know that it's in safe hands for your fittings and alterations here.

Because of the high demand for bridal alterations, my focus with Sew is now predominantly bridal alterations although I do still enjoy working on a few fashion pieces when I can squeeze them in. I spend my days in my little home studio, a cute and cosy barn conversion, designing, fitting, making and altering wedding dresses and accessories, and I love every second of it. 

 

My Favourite Moments.

My favourite part of the job is when I see a bride in her final fitting of a bespoke dress and she feels calm and beautiful. What makes those moments even better is when I receive a message or photos later on, and a heartfelt thank you for creating a wedding look that made them feel truly comfortable and themselves on their wedding day. It's true what they say, supporting a small business really does make the founder do a happy dance.

 

'It's true what they say, supporting a small business really does make the founder do a happy dance.'

 

Celebrating Local Life.

The slower pace of life (not that I’m very good at that!), the closeness to the beaches and the amazing local restaurants are just some of the reasons why I love life in Guernsey. But the summer is a juggle! With beautiful Guernsey to enjoy, it seems that everyone comes out of hibernation and our social lives get busier - but obviously for me, it’s also the busiest time of year as the wedding season is in full swing. I have to be really strict with myself to ensure I make time for myself and don’t hit the point of burnout. I need to be able to work with my brides throughout the entire summer, and give them all the best of me.

I also love Guernsey in winter. I love all the little markets that pop up, I love seeing all the amazing talent and home made goodies from people across the island, and I absolutely love Christmas. As soon as 1st December hits, I’ll have all of the cheesy Christmas films on loop in the background whilst I work.

 

It Might Surprise You To Know...

I’m a bit of a Strictly Come Dancing super fan! My ideal Saturday evening in the colder months consists of a warm bubble bath, glass of wine, cosy pjs and a pizza on the sofa in front of the glitz and glamour.

 

Why The List Loves The Boho Bride.

Kezia seems to have really solved a huge issue for local brides with her on-island sewing and alteration services alone. Combine that with her high level training and experience in costume design, and Bailiwick brides now have access to a truly bespoke experience worthy of wedding planners in the big cities. If not better in fact, due to Kezia's authentic personalised local touch. She knows all of her brides well and is on hand to help them right up until the big day.

 

 

The Boho Bride is the home of modern bohemian bridal wear in Guernsey and you truly know where your dress is coming from. It's made right here on island in Kezia's studio. The studio is a calm, creative space where you can discuss your ideas over a coffee or a glass of Prosecco and create something that is totally ‘you’ and perfect for your wedding day. It doesn't get much more slow fashion or sustainable than that.

Brides-to-be on the hunt for a wedding day look or accessories can get in touch with The Boho Bride here.