Hello my Queens!
I am Elizabeth and I am the founder, owner and bridal mavern at Maidens and Ravens, here in the historic city of York.
Did you know that a mavern is someone who is experienced and knowledgeable? Seemed like a fitting name for me.
I started my journey into Bridalwear in 2019 but before that I always had a love for art, making things, sewing, knitting and vintage clothing. Growing up in Edinburgh, I enjoyed charity shop snooping and loved buying dresses from the 60s and 70s which I would get tailored to me. Like all of my friends, my prom dress was a 1980s bridesmaid dress - mint green with puff sleeves and lace! I wanted to look like Sarah from Labyrinth in the ballroom scene with David Bowie, complete with ribbons in my hair! I still love that look.
Believe it or not I am a practising family lawyer and since 2003 I have been helping people with their divorces, financial arrangements and children matters. All very rewarding but over the years I missed a creative outlet.
Like many of you, I became an avid watcher of Don't tell the Bride (I loved when the groom had to choose the dress) and Say Yes to the Dress. I started imagining how wonderful it would be to own my own bridal boutique and help brides find their perfect dresses.
I opened my original boutique, Bridal Reloved York in 2019 and after winning the Best Bridal Boutique in Yorkshire at the North of England Wedding Awards in 2022 and 2023, I became fully independent in 2024 choosing to better adapt my boutique to my brides.
I have a real passion for helping all of my brides. I am a people person and am genuinely committed to helping you find a dress which makes you feel beautiful and meets your dreams! I firmly believe there is a dress for every bride (and a bride for every dress!). I love brides of every age, shape, size and colour. I pride myself in being fully inclusive and making your appointments as relaxed and enjoyable as possible.
I love quirky, interesting dresses - vintage inspired, colour and alternative styles especially dark and gothic. That said, I also adore classic looks, beautiful princess ballgowns and clean contemporary styles. I have a real eye for what suits you and will suggest different options to adapt a dress to work better for you. I will often pick out a wild card dress for you (sometimes it comes to me as soon as I meet you!) and many of my brides have actually found that it is the one.
Basically, whatever is your dream dress, I want to help you achieve it and if you have no idea, then that's absolutely fine too. We will find it.
Fill out our form to book your appointment and I will be in touch to confirm your appointment and answer any questions you may have.