A CAERLEON wedding shoe designer is a finalist in the Bridal Buyer Awards 2011.

Yona Armstrong, 34, set up online company Crystal Couture just over 12 months ago.

But her luxury wedding shoes and accessories, decorated with Swarovski crystals, have already won her huge interest from retailers and attracted customers from around the world.

Crystal Couture is already on sale in Debenhams stores at London’s Oxford Street, Cardiff, Swansea and Manchester and the mother-of three’s designs have even featured in iconic fashion magazine Vogue.

But now they have won her a place in the Best Shoe Collection category in this year’s Bridal Buyer Awards.

Mrs Armstrong said: “I am delighted that my designs are being recognised and appreciated, particularly amongst such an established field.

“After only a year in business, I can’t quite believe the progress we have made although I always knew that most women have a love affair with glamorous shoes so we should be on the right lines."

She added: “I love creating beautiful shoes and accessories which help to add something to a special day and I can’t wait to see how far Crystal Couture can go.”

Bridal Buyers Awards is a prestigious event in the wedding fashion industry and this year attracted more than 300 entries in 16 categories. Winners of the competition will be announced in a ceremony in March.

See Mrs Armstrong’s designs at iwantcrystalcouture.com