Keli Naylor-Reynolds discovers a stunning wedding dress at Oxfam in St Neots, inspiring others to consider eco-friendly options for their big day.
A remarkable wedding dress discovery has captivated the local community in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, as 41-year-old Keli Naylor-Reynolds found her dream gown for just £100 at a charity shop. The serendipitous find occurred last year while Keli was driving home after picking up her daughter from school and found herself stuck in traffic. Seizing the moment, she decided to park and explore the Oxfam shop, where she stumbled upon the exquisite wedding dress displayed prominently in the window.
“I immediately saw the dress and loved it and had to try it on. I had no makeup on, my hair was up and I was in joggers from walking the dog but I put the dress on and it fit me like a glove,” Keli recounted. She described the experience as transformative, stating, “It just felt like a second skin. I felt absolutely incredible and the fabric was so beautiful – it felt like it was meant to be.” Given the dress’s price tag of £100 as opposed to its original retail price of £1,500, Keli expressed her disbelief at finding such a bargain.
The upcoming wedding, scheduled for October 11, 2024, at the Cambridge Registry Office, reflects Keli’s commitment to sustainability. Alongside other eco-friendly choices, she plans to incorporate homemade confetti and charity shop decorations to create a memorable yet environmentally conscious celebration. Keli, who has an eight-year-old daughter and two step-sons, has already expressed her intentions to return the dress to Oxfam after her wedding. “The best bit is I can take it back to Oxfam when I am done and it can be sold again for someone else to love and enjoy,” she said, looking forward to the possibility of sharing this experience with her daughter in the future.
Encouraging other brides-to-be, Keli remarked, “You don’t have to spend hundreds and thousands and kill your bank balance on a dress. Charity shops like Oxfam have some incredible clothes – and you never know, you might just find yourself the dress of your dreams like I did.” She highlighted the dual benefits of saving money while supporting charitable causes through purchases at such shops.
Mandy Hattle, manager of the St Neots Oxfam shop, expressed joy at Keli’s experience, saying, “There is nothing we love more than when someone comes into our shop and finds the perfect thing for them – especially when it’s their dream wedding dress!” She emphasized the positive impact of community donations on Oxfam’s missions to combat poverty and inequality worldwide, adding her gratitude to those who have shared their wedding dresses for resale.
As Keli prepares for her significant day, her story serves as a testament to the unexpected treasures that can be uncovered in charity shops, along with the meaningful connections these finds can create within the community.
Source: Noah Wire Services
