MOST brides have a picture of the dress they want to wear on their big day and our Bride Of The Year winner Lindsay Crowe is no different.

Creating Lindsay's dream dress is the job of Gill Robinson, who runs her own bridal gown service, Silks.

Silks, based in Dunsford Close, Hillside Park, has been making original, one-off dresses for Swindon's brides for the past 20 years.

Gill, 43, an experienced dressmaker, said: "Brides have more freedom in the style of dress they choose when they come to me."

"A lot of them have had a look around the shops, most of which carry the same lines.

"This way they are not confined by what the shops say is in fashion."

She said it could take her up to 40 hours to make a bridal gown and 15 hours to make a bridesmaid dress.

But bride-to-be Lindsay is delighted.

"To me the dress is what I am most looking forward to," said the 24-year primary school teacher.

"I have always had an idea what I wanted and I think I have found what I am looking for."

But she said the most important thing to her was to make her fianc Ian Woods proud.

"Ian said I'll look lovely in whatever I wear, he's a romantic like that, but I want him to love it as much as I do," said Lindsay of Islandsmead, Eldene.

Gill will also be making the dresses for Lindsay's bridesmaids, her sister Stephanie, 19, Samantha Turpie, 21, and Ian's three-year-old niece Ellie Hughes.

And the realisation of winning the Advertiser competition is finally sinking in for the couple.

"There isn't a day that goes by that we aren't looking at something or making choices," said Lindsay.

Fairytale day

Lindsay and Ian will have their photographs taken and a DVD slideshow made of their day by Tony Powell who will produce a £1,000 package.

  • The Goddard Arms Hotel in Old Town will provide reception and accommodation worth £3,500.
  • Silks, of Hillside Park, is offering a handmade wedding dress and four bridesmaids' dresses worth £2,500.
  • A three-tier wedding cake worth £400 by Something 2 Celebrate.
  • Hand designed wedding invitations, thank you cards and RSVP cards, menus and place cards by Anna Elisabeth, worth £250.
  • Wood Street jewellers Deacons will supply wedding rings worth £300
  • Flowers worth £250 from George Lesley Flowers.
  • Bridal cars from Dangerfield worth £150.
  • Tiaras by Lynette is offering a tiara worth £120.
  • Pronuptia suits worth £500 for the bridegroom and best man.
  • Sharron Whiteley will do full facial, make-up and hair for the bride and bridesmaids worth £250.
  • Top Hat Entertainments will provide a disco worth £300.
  • Jewellery and hair jewels for the bride and three bridesmaids worth £300 are being provided by The Sparkly Princess.
  • Choc Choc Fundo is providing a large chocolate fountain, to cater for 150 guests, worth £500.