Inside Ānela: Newcastle’s beautiful new destination for mother-of-the-bride and groom dresses

A NEW LUXURIOUS STORE JUST FOR MOTHERS OF THE BRIDE AND GROOM

For years, mums across the North East have found themselves searching the rails of general occasionwear stores, hoping to stumble across something suitable.

Ānela was created to change that.

The deluxe store offers a dedicated shopping experience for mums, allowing you to explore beautiful wedding wear designed specifically for you.

Rather than simply choosing something that “will do”, the focus is on discovering a look that feels authentically you – something stylish, refined and flattering that celebrates the special milestone moment. 

And with many of the designs created exclusively – including their very own Ānela collection – there’s another reassuring detail: you won’t find someone else wearing the same outfit on the big day, too.

Co-founder Brogan has even designed some of her own pieces, ensuring the collections feel distinctive and unique to the boutique.

DESIGNED TO FLATTER, NOT HIDE

What we love is that at Ānela, the approach to styling is refreshingly body positive.

Rather than hiding behind fashion “rules”, the focus is on helping you find silhouettes and fabrics that make you feel confident, comfortable and truly yourself.

That might mean adding bespoke details to softly cover the arms or finding shapes that feel supportive, elegant and flattering for your body – making you feel the best version of yourself on the big day.

And if something needs to be tailored further, bespoke adjustments can be made, ensuring the final look feels just right.

The goal isn’t perfection – it’s confidence.

BORN FROM REAL EXPERIENCE

Ānela was created by Jo and Brogan, who together bring two decades of experience in business, bridal retail, styling and fashion.

Their journey began when Brogan interviewed for a role at Jo’s previous bridal boutique, and the pair quickly formed a friendship that grew into a creative partnership.

Over the years, they helped countless brides find their dream dresses, but something always felt missing when it came to mothers.

That realisation became even more personal in 2025 when weddings arrived in their own families.

Brogan married in Las Vegas, while Jo’s daughter Abbie celebrated her wedding in the beautiful forests surrounding Kielder Water in Northumberland. Preparing for these moments highlighted just how difficult the search for mother-of-the-bride outfits could be.

So they decided to create the solution themselves.  Jo has thoughtfully set out Ānela’s vision over the last three years and coupled with Brogan’s fashion experience and creative eye.  Ānela has its own designer range of dresses – meaning you can feel confident that no one else will be wearing the same outfit on your daughter or son’s special day (the ultimate goal, right?).