BRIDES looking for a stylish wedding gown are in for a nice surprise in Hartley Wintney.

A new bridal shop called BOO, based in the High Street, held a stylish grand opening last Thursday.

Previously called Brides of Odiham, the business owned by Anna Johnson has rebanded to BOO, having relocated to larger premises from its original shop unit in Odiham.

Excited with the move and the prospect of new opportunities, Anna said: “Odiham will always be in our hearts. That’s where we started and it’s obviously a part of our brand.

“Hartley Wintney and Odiham are both very similar villages – but for us Hartley Wintney is just perfect for where we want to move forward.

“I think the High Street here is really vibrant and we are really happy to be here.”

The businesswoman has signed a five-year lease for the shop unit which provides enough space to have two dressmakers, Ben Shallow and Adrien Nortier, trading under the name of Bahbua, who will be providing an onsite alteration service.

Anna said: “It works really well having the boys at the back of the shop, because then our brides get to meet them and can see them doing the alterations.

“And if someone wants something bespoke, the boys are here as well.”

It has been quite a year for Anna, who last September acquired the business from Barbara Ryder, who set it up in 2010 with her daughter Teresa.

Anna joined the firm as an employee a year later, while BCoT-trained Ben and Adrien have been working for the business as contractors since 2012.

Anna is proud of the made-to-order and made-to-measure gowns available at BOO.

“A designer we’re particularly proud to stock is Alan Hannah, which is a leading British design brand.

“And we also stock another award winning British designer Mark Lesley as well as Canadian designer Paloma Blanca.

“When the bride comes in to choose her gown, we will give her exclusive use of the boutique and she will be offered tea, coffee and bubbly, as will her guests.

“The idea is that every single bride should enjoy the experience of choosing her wedding dress and it’s really about the atmosphere and creating memories.”