The owner of a Kenilworth bridal shop says she would "do it all again" as the business celebrates its 20th anniversary this summer.

True Romantica Bridal first opened its doors in August 2005 and has remained at the same spot on Warwick Road ever since.

Business owner Polly Townhill said she has the same love for the business as she did when it opened two decades ago, and will actually mark the major milestone in September as she and her husband Vinnie also celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary.

And throughout August, True Romantica Bridal will be offering a 10 per cent discount on all dresses as a 20th anniversary offer.

"Now that I'm still here, 20 years on, I don't regret anything and I'll do it all again in a heartbeat," Polly told Nub News.

"It's not like being at work at all.

"If it wasn't for the Kenilworth people, I actually don't think I'd still be here. 

"They're super loyal, the Kenilworth people, they want to support local businesses."

True Romantica Bridal as it looked in 2005 (image supplied)

Polly was encouraged to get into the industry by her mother Sheena - a self-taught seamstress - and worked at a wedding dress shop in Shirley before opening True Romantica Bridal in Kenilworth.

The unit had previously been a florist and Polly actually had to remortgage her house to take the leap and launch her own business.

"I was encouraged by my mum and she is still my seamstress. 

"She said I would be great at doing it myself.

"I'm a very impulsive person and I am no stranger to taking a few risks.

"If you've got an idea and fire in your belly, you know you can make it work."

True Romantica Bridal is offering discounts this August to celebrate the anniversary! (image by Nub News)

Following the passing of her father in November last year, Polly had also considered closing the business, but ultimately decided to renew her lease in January.

Now open for appointment only and selling off the peg only, the business has seen great change to the high street over the last 20 years.

In particular Polly spoke about the changes after the pandemic and reopening after the first national lockdown.

She explained: "So after Covid, it's changed the high street so much.

"Beforehand on a Saturday I'd have loads of groups waiting, people all over the shop because it was never an appointment basis. The landline would be ringing off the hook.

"But it works better now because the girl gets a whole boutique to herself and she's got all that lovely big changing room and gets all the attention.

"So it does work better."

Polly has thanked the people of Kenilworth for their continued support (image by Nub News)

Having used the same suppliers for the last 16 years, Polly also said how the styles of dresses brides are looking for has changed.

"Everyone is looking for plain now," she said. 

"When Will and Kate got married the lace really came in. Lace is still here now but not so much."

And when asked what the secret to 20 years of success was, Polly explained: "Quite simply, it's just passion.

"I always said as soon as I lose the fire in my belly for this, I'll close the doors.

"And you have to build a trust and relationship with your brides.

"They are going to come back for fittings and they need to trust you.

"And if you're not passionate about what you are doing, you're never going to sell a wedding dress to anyone."

To find out more about True Romantica Bridal, head to the website here.