Everyone is finding it tough at the moment and wants life to get back to normal.

We will be profiling local independent businesses regularly over the coming weeks in a feature called UP CLOSE IN MALDON DISTRICT to help showcase our town centre and village traders. By spending locally, you help support local jobs - and so build our communities back stronger.

This week we talk the bridal shop owners in our two town centres – Sharyn at Bridal Reloved in Maldon High Street and Cila Estevinho at Burnham-on-Crouch's Bridal Rack.

THE wedding industry was one of those hardest hits during the long months of the pandemic – but the good news is that the bridal shops in both Maldon and Burnham-on-Crouch town centres have pulled through to the return of more normal celebrations.

The owners of Bridal Reloved in Maldon High Street and The Bridal Rack in Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, have told Nub News how pleased they are to be welcoming brides back through their doors to confident planning of their special occasions.

And with both shops offering a beautiful array of dresses for brides of all shapes and sizes – and to suit all pockets - any bride wanting to find a way to support local independent traders doesn't have a difficult task ahead.

Sharyn Warner, of Bridal Reloved, said: "We have been open since mid-April and I cannot tell you how happy we are to be seeing our brides again - both 'old' brides for their fittings in readiness for their upcoming weddings in the next few weeks, and for the 'new' brides that we have met and are still to meet over the coming weeks.

"We have had such fun in the boutique and we just love seeing it come to life again helping the brides find their 'I do' dress.

"There now seems to be more confidence in the wedding Industry now that weddings have opened up again and that is reflected in the brides who are coming through our doors - so lovely to see them excited again for their special day.

"Myself and my team are now able to look to the future with hope and excitement and look forward to welcoming many more brides."

Cila Estevinho echoed Sharyn's feelings on the return of wedding confidence and added: "We from The Bridal Rack are so excited to be able to have our brides going ahead with their weddings this year. It's such a joy to see.

"Many of the postponed weddings are at last now taking place.

"It is wonderful to see the confidence in planning a wedding and choosing that dream dress return – and I think the sacrifice by so many now only makes the occasion even more special!"

[H2]Window displays to grace our town centres[.H3]

Many would agree that the window displays of bridal boutiques in our town centres definitely add an extra touch to the presentation and appearance of our town centres, helping to give them an upbeat feel and yes, a sense of the future, new beginnings and that thing every community needs right now – hope.

Cila and her neighbouring shop have just invested in new planters outside their pristine premises, where passers-by often pause to take a look at the dress displays, and Sharyn's huge windows are as beautifully maintained as ever, with an ever-changing selection of multiple exquisite gowns on show.

Cila said: "I think that as a community of independent businesses, we need to work together to help people see that Burnham-on-Crouch offers a great place to visit, not just for a trip to a particular shop.

"If someone visits my boutique, I hope I can make them see it as a lovely day out with the other shops and places to eat and drink nearby, with the Town Quay and the atmosphere. If we work together in the town to offer people that experience, I think we will all benefit. It is a beautiful place and after this pandemic, everyone wants to get out and find something new, to enjoy real experiences again."

Sharyn also described how having her shop in Maldon is for her rather like coming home.

• You can find The Bridal Rack Facebook page by using the link here and the Bridal Rack website by using the link here or telephone 07488 368550.

• You can find the Bridal Reloved website here. Sharyn is also on Twitter @BridalRelovedM and Instagram at bridalrelovedmaldon or telephone 01621 927007 or 07751 304964.