The GAIA story began in 2013 when multi award-winning bridal boutique owners Maria and Simon Ryan decided to create their own bridal collection to appeal to the brides that came to their store. The designs proved to be popular and the success of these initial styles gave them the confidence to offer their collection to other independent bridal retailers under the Catherine Parry brand name.

Fast forward to today and, relaunched as GAIA in 2020, Maria’s designs are now available through a network of almost 50 retailers across the UK and Ireland. She remains at the forefront of the design process, personally sketching each and every new style at her studio in Wales, travelling the world to source the finest fabrics and laces to ensure that GAIA gowns don’t just look beautiful, but they feel beautiful to wear too, and gaining a rapidly-growing social media profile in between!

Maria and Simon are also deeply committed to providing the highest standards of customer service too. They maintain a close and supportive relationship with their retailers – and proudly hold a prestigious Bridal Buyer industry award for customer service to prove it! – as well as taking the time to personally respond to the enquiries they receive from brides-to-be and attending GAIA retailer events whenever the opportunity allows.