2019 - Oh what a year!
As we move into the next year, I think it is always important to reflect back on where the year began.
2019 started with a bang as I was celebrating my own honeymoon with a tour around Malaysia. We started in Singapore and drove around, seeing incredible architecture, colours, eating delicious food, partaking in the odd tea ceremony here and there and cooking classes!
We started the 2019 with big shiny deely boppers on my head, enjoying a live band on a beach in Langkawi marvelling at the swirling, popping and big bright bursts of dazzling fireworks..... a few weeks later and bang crash wallop, I'm elbows deep in beautiful wedding planning, mood boards, fabric swatches and continuing to master creating 3D floorplans.
January and February was filled with planning a Jane Austen Editorial shoot for March as well as meeting with my 2019 couples. April, May, June were finalising the plans for a number of weddings in the Summer and it really kicked off the end of May! In quick procession, the summer flew by as each lovely couple were married and their days gone without a hitch. Only until a few weeks ago has it truly slowed down with weddings, and I have moved back into consultations and meetings with next years (and the year afters!) couples.... a cyclical process which I absolutely love... I have a thing with circles... I just love the connotations you get with circles. It is signified with nature, mother earth, time, karma, equality and diversity, it is reflected in the moon, the sun and planets, it represents the notions of totality, wholeness and eternity as well as timelessness and the idea of movement. As well as that deep understanding that this too shall pass and nothing ever stays the same for long...
Anyway. I digress!
I worked with some utter stars this year and I really wanted to highlight to you a few of these super suppliers as I know it can be rather daunting when you are looking at all these quotes, all these suppliers and just feel "who should I choose!?" The more I delved into this past year... the more suppliers I just wanted to shout about... so excuse the length of this post! - But is it soo worth it... although as a side note (I am writing this bit after I have done this post!) it is so long and may take an age to load so may be better on your desktop!
Florists:
Jasper and Quinn
I've worked with Jordan on two shoots this year and a wedding and I am already feeling lonely without her! With incredible eye, flair for juxtaposition and a positive happy person, Jordan will be able to take your wedding dreams and really bring them to life.
Below are photos captured from our two shoots *awaiting the wedding photos eagerly!*
Jordan works with some amazing florists and I've had the pleasure of working with Tina from Tina and Co Floral Design too on these weddings and shoots!
Rose and May
Felicity has such a gorgeous way to work with flowers and foliage. A lovely lady, her style is natural, relaxed yet elegant and totally seasonal which is something I love... and is why her work was incredible for this shoot!
Honeysuckle Flowers
Just such a lovely team, who remain calm under pressure and have the most beautiful selection of florals! I was obsessed with their decoration of the chuppah here, with me up a ladder placing the fabric across and them creating this beautiful meadow below, it felt magical.
Bramble and Wild
Grace is an absolute gorgeous dream! From her beautiful shop which you must go and see, to her beautiful smile. She was just a joy to work with on our top secret wedding in August! I loved finding out all about how she started, and her wonderful journey to being the award winning artisan florist she is now.
Stationery:
Smitten with Ink
Helene is such a gorgeous soul and star. As soon as we met online we just hit it off and I have to say it has made me so emotional watching Helene and her brand grow this past year with her launching her new website just this last month. She creates beautiful designs and is amazing at drawing beautiful pieces from nature as well as a true talent for sourcing the most gorgeous paper.
Inkflower Press
Rosie is such a warm and gorgeous individual with such a lovely talent to experiment with different mediums like vellum here. She completely captured the brief and se is such a pleasure to work with.
From Sally with Love
Fun and playful and so utterly fabulous, Sally has such a unique style and I love that each suite she creates has something secret within. Sally went above and beyond and experimented with this stunning welcome sign she designed then had printed on fabric. You simply must get in touch and see all of her beautiful artwork too!
Dot the I Atelier
Sarah is amazing - she created my sign for my wedding styling and she worked with me on my first editorial shoot. She has such a great eye for design, colour and brings such joy and passion to her designs.
Meticulous Ink
Athena is so lovely! She is a superstar and when my couple in August's printer fell ill and was unable to print their on the day stationery the week of their wedding, Athena and her gorge team stepped up! Her enthusiasm and positivity shines, and she is generous with her time - what more could you want! Oh she also has a gorge shop in Bath, plus some exquisite printers! Sadly unable to show you the lovely stationery from the day - but go onto their website and see some lovely examples!
Lucky Ink Press
I seriously loved the gold pops and 70s disco vibes of S&B's stationery and it was so much fun pulling together the table plan. Explore more on Holly's gorge website!
Hair and Makeup
Shelley Gordon Makeup
I trusted Shelley with my own face and hair for my own day, and I would trust her with everyone and anyone's. She is an absolute star, using gorgeous products, an accomplished and practised hand, and a warm genuine heart. She will make you look natural, and beautiful - something that if you struggle with confidence is a huge deal. I love her greatly!
Hepcats of Nam
Sarah made all my hair dreams come true with our tropical editorial and I love her passion and style! She is lovely, kind and generous to boot and I loved how she worked with both our models hair, elevating it and making it look just spot on!
Elouise Abbott Makeup
Elouise is such a star and created just a beautiful and flawless look for our couple. She really embraced the beauty of the two, yet was playful with colour and bringing a sparkle to the skin. I loved her attention to detail so much! Also, just look at that smokey eye!
Cakes & Catering
Dainty Bakes
Oh my gosh what can I not say about this lovely lady?! Megan is someone hat as soon as you have met her, you feel as though you have known her forever. A warm heart and so creative, Megan and I have worked together twice over the past year and bit and I always recommend her to my couples!
Kate's Homemade Cakes
I think there must be something about cake makers and designers that mean you are just so lovely! Kate is an absolute star so kind, warm and has a great eye for colour and style! https://www.kateshomemadecakes.co.uk/
Adorabella Cake Designs
Illusion cakes and just high end art - this is what I think when I think of Xaviera's stunning work. I am gagging to work with her again as she really created something magical and something I have never seen before! Just look at the sugar work feathers!
Mon Bel Amour
Angela's gorgeous cake this year was epic, beautifully iced and each layer something different and delish! The layers were beautiful and finished with lovely foliage. Such a treat to watch Angela dress this cake... especially in a swelteringly hot marquee!
Lesley Marshall
What can I say!? Lesley's creations are phenomenal and totally incredible. When my lovely couple in September's original cake maker sadly closed, Lesley stepped up to the plate and delivered an exceptional and astounding cake that had everyone talking! Also it tasted amazing!
Sausage & Pear
I worked with the team at Sausage & Pear in the summer and they are amazing - even more so amazing when you think we were in a field with no running water! Their food was delicious and not only were they great at looking after the wedding party, but also the suppliers (something I honestly look out for in a catering supplier as it is so important to keep your suppliers *especially photographers!* fed) Ross and his team are such stars and would highly recommend their delicious food!
Veni & Son
Oh wow the team at Veni & Son have such a gorgeous menu to choose from and I loved seeing what they created for our wintery editorial!
Big Event Catering
Just the nicest people with delicious food! The bar, and the catering were amazing, and they worked so hard to deliver an exceptional 3 course meal plus canapes within a marquee, away from water too! Rob and Shirin will go above and beyond for you!
Bridal Accessories
Able Mabel
Just the most beautiful hand-crafted hair pieces from Able Mabel were used in this Outlander winter editorial - these are all sold now, (of course they are though! Just look!) but honestly, you need to get in touch for that little touch of bespoke glam!
Tulle and Blue
Jane's work is so beautiful and synonymous with class and elegance. She has an amazing background that you must ask her about, and she has created some beautiful pieces for the Austen shoot - sadly we weren't able to capture the stunning garter and ring box, but this beautiful cape and ring pillow brings me such joy! Head to her website to see more from Wedding Paperie, Bridal Capes and Separates, Fascinators, Velvet Ring Boxes, Tiara hire, Vintage lovelies to hire.
Clare Lloyd Jewellery
Clare works to create such stunning pieces and I was so excited to be able to work with her stunning and exquisite jewellery and hair pieces. She is so lovely, warm and kind and I cannot shout about her enough!
The Lucky Sixpence
Janie's beautiful work is just one of a kind and she works tirelessly to create bespoke and elegant pieces for her clients - she was so amazing with our Austen shoot and I cannot wait to hopefully work with her again. You must check out her lovely work!
Adorn by Ashley
I really have been spoilt with the stunning people I've had the pleasure of working with - Ashley worked with our lovely bridal designer to create this stunning veil with appliqued leaves, and this gorgeous cape.... So much fun and playful. You must check her out!
To Be Adorned
Such a beautiful person inside and out, Becca creates just the most perfect accessories for not just your body, but also your cakes! Her passion is so palpable and she will work tirelessly to find the right colours for you! She is fab, kind and her garters are also beautiful!
Dresses & Suits
Emma Dee
I just cannot quite believe that these beautiful dresses are made by hand by the super talented Emma who has a beautiful array of dresses, but most importantly bespoke pieces specifically for your day!
Chantelle Sophia
I think I may have a thing about working with dressmakers! Chantelle created such exquisite dresses that I am seriously thinking of getting remarried (to my husband!) just so I can wear one of her gorge creations!
Carina Baverstock
Carina and her gorgeous team at her bridal boutique very kindly lent us these two beautiful dresses for our Austen editorial, and she has such an amazing selection of dresses to choose from that are just that little bit special!
Hause of O
Dani and her insanely cool designs are just the most perfect for brides who like a little personality, romance and flair on their special day because, yes it is your wedding, but it is your day and you should have it just the way you would like it!
Suave Owl
With a selection of dapper, elegant and well... suave gorgeous suits the chaps behind Suave owl, seriously know a good suit! You should certainly get in touch for all your groomsmen and groom needs as they may have something a little bit special too!
Photographers, Videographers & Photobooths
Lucy Baker
Lucy is just one of those people you felt like you have known forever. She came and sadly was poorly on the day, but completely kicked ass. She was so positive, lovely and a joy at work with making our models feel so at ease, happy and as such it shows!
Albert Palmer Photography
Oh my gosh, I swooned when I saw Albert's stunning photography from S&B's wedding and I am tenterhooks for K&N's pics too! He is fun, will find the best light and so discreet! https://albertpalmerphotography.com/
When Charlie Met Hannah
This duo is fun, thoughtful and super creative. Their style is fab and not only have they knocked it out of the park for each of these beautiful pics, but their video is also just the cutest!
M&G Photographic
Matt and Patrick captured one of my fave weddings of this year so beautifully, so elegantly and with total romance. I love their style, and their communication was totally flawless!
Coastline Video
Sam from Coastline is amazing, totally discreet - I hardly saw him (!) but when I saw the video for K&CJ - wow! You felt like you were back there again, taking in their special day, feeling the emotions again and having the best time.
Sophia Veres
I worked with Sophia this year on a beautiful wedding which we are unable to publish for privacy of the couple and their guests, however it was amazing to work with her and I was able to see her gorgeous creations on her camera before the end of the day. Check out her website though and you will be able to see some of her other gorgeous pieces!
The Proper Booth
Ahh a favourite of mine in this industry. She is such a star, has the best and most awesome photobooth I've seen - there aren't many (or any!) like this in the UK and Charlotte even makes the most precious and lush bespoke signs to go with your photos. You can even do GIFs and Boomerangs... SO IN LOVE
The Little Red Bus
This duo is amazing, and I seriously loved working with them on K&CJ's wedding back in August. With pure passion and a range of funky props they are seriously a great way of not only being transported from your ceremony location to your reception, but also a fabulous and different option for a photo booth
That Little Bit Extra....
Emily Johnston Glass
One of my oldest friends, and also one of the most beautiful souls to ever work with and know. I feel so lucky that I've had the pleasure of knowing Emily for almost 18 years! She creates incredible dichroic glass, and is constantly pushing the boundaries, growing her own plants, pressing them and turning them into these stunning panels which you can write upon, but then use after... absolutely eco-friendly and of course totally bespoke.
Dance Factory
Michele from Dance Factory in Bristol came into a wedding I planned in November this year and not only had she taught the B&G their first dance but she then was able to rally over 100 guests to take part in a cha cha! It was such great fun and Michele is lovely! Something very different but very fun!
Hustle & Twine
Amanda has such beautiful pieces and I loved her hand-crafted macrame that was so perfect for the textural element of the editorial! From chair banners, to a table runner, bouquet wrap and plant holders, these little extra touches make a huge difference!
Extra Special Touch
Heidi's beautiful elements are really just exactly what it says on the tin... that Extra Special Touch! From monogrammed linen for your table to ribbons, you can add so many of her elements to your day making it feel bespoke, beautiful and truly you.
Keeping it Vintage Devon
Tracey has so many amazing pieces, when I was able to work with her I was just the most excited. Utilising her gorgeous rental pieces really elevated and created a theme, vibe and atmosphere and I was so pleased with the outcome... also Tracey is just the most kind person you will meet full of ideas!
The Blossom Company
Izzy and her gorgeous team worked with me at Longleat where we transformed their orangery into a paradise for K&B. One of my most favourite ceremony rooms, she has such an amazing eye for detail and is so lovely too!
Camomile and Cornflowers: Ribbons
Beautiful hand dyed ribbon, gorgeous for your bouquet or other elements around your day.
Enamel Wares
Gorgeous enamelware for your wedding or event can be hired in by the ever lovely Hannah. She has such a beautiful soul and I just love her range of white and blue enamel dinnerware perfect for you to hire in and make your day sing.
The Rustic Dresser
Laura is an absolute dream, she has gorgeous rustic pieces to elevate your wedding into that beautiful rustic woodland vibe! She is also a stylist and we worked together on the November Outlander Editorial that has been featured on The English Wedding Blog and Bride & Tonic!
Prestige Event Hire
Prestige has so many lovely pieces perfect to transform your marquee or dry hire event space! Located in Bristol - they are so handy for South West weddings and will try their hardest to make sure you have everything you need...
Rustic Rentals
Lynne has so many gorgeous pieces to choose from to turn your venue into such a paradise of beauty! She is always updating her amazing selection and has such a keen eye for detail! She has a wide selection of Rustic, Vintage, French with modern accessories including French Vintage Items for your wedding or event - we worked together on the tropical editorial and loved her style.
Cahoots
Cahoots are such a seriously slick operation! Working with them at the Bath Assembly Rooms twice now, I have such confidence in them and their delivery!
The Prop Factory
I worked with the lovely team at the Prop Factory with K&CJ's wedding and they are amazing. I couldn't quite believe the range of products they have, and I just loved this strong man bell!
