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Morning all! I’ve some special news to share today.
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Firstly though, just a quick thank you to all the beautiful brides to be and their families who turned out yesterday to make the second Brides Up North Wedding Exclusive at the gorgeous Allerton Castle another record attendance! Just in case you missed that: another record attendance! (I love you all).
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It was so lovely to see so many of you turn out to visit this amazing venue and all our brilliant exhibitors – pretty special, no? Roll on our Spring event!
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Our most beautiful show yet!
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I’ve had an extremely busy weekend (no rest for the wicked) since as well as hosting our own show at Allerton Castle I was in the North East on Saturday night hosting the second gala dinner for the North Of England Wedding Awards! Once again, a huge well done to all the fabulous finalists and the winners.
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With the Yorkshire winners last week
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The weekend was rounded off perfectly with a huge Thai takeaway and much couch slobbing catching up on Xfactor and the first episode of the latest series of Downton Abbey – my absolute fave. Lady Mary’s 1920s wedding styling was the perfect way to end the perfect working weekend. I love my job.
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So, that news I mentioned at the start of the post. The Brides Up North team is set to grow in the New Year – in more ways than one!
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We have a hectic schedule of wedding exhibitions in the New Year as we are bringing back your ten favourite Brides Up North luxury bridal events across Yorkshire and the North East, with Wedding Exclusives at Allerton Castle, The Mansion, Rise Hall and Nostell Priory and the massive Brides Up North Super Showcase at Ramside Hall Hotel next Spring and Autumn, plus five more super exciting events at some brilliant new venues to be announced. Yes – five more! Watch this space!
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As well as the bridal events, 2013 will also see another set of Brides Up North Tweet Ups for the wedding industry (I can’t wait!), a very exciting and fashionable collaboration over in the North West (news soon!), more Brides Up North one off soirees and even more brilliant blog content than ever before. Watch out for our new industry guest blogger very soon.
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… and I have a few other very special Brides Up North surprises lined up for you too.
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So. Work wise, it’s going to be a pretty busy year. Hands in the air. I need some help.
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If you have attended one of our bridal events, you will have met some of the fantastic team of helpers who pull out all the stops to help me deliver what I believe to be the best bridal shows in the North – Kate, Robin, Katherine, Leah and my long suffering husband, Alan (who rocks a pink tie pretty well these days). I couldn’t do without them and I am pleased to announce that as of January 2013, Kate will be assisting behind the scenes at Brides Up North on a full time, salaried basis.
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Kate, who has 30 years experience in wedding planning and event management as well as being the brains behind Ramside Estates Life magazine for two seasons, brings a wealth of commercial, events, bridal and publishing experience to the table. If you come across her at our shows and in your future communications with Brides Up North be sure to say hello (and give her a kiss from me!).
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Handily, Kate also happens to be my mum! Which is helpful, because the Brides Up North team is also growing in other ways too…
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Some of my industry friends have already guessed (there is only so much tummy sucking in a girl can do!), but Alan and I are delighted to announce that we are expecting the arrival of a baby son or daughter in the New Year!
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We can’t wait to meet our new arrival, and are so excited and nervous in equal measure.
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Don’t fear readers – this isn’t going to turn into a baby blog any time soon (although if you have any tips for me – please share – I’m absolutely clueless!), and Alan and I have made the decision to keep our family life private and away from these pages. However, as a one off, I couldn’t help but share all the exciting developments that are going on both with the business and brand and in my personal life too.
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These are the happiest times.
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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2012 Brides Up North/ Wooden Hill Images/ David Lawson Studios
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comments
Huge congratulations Julia and Alan! x
Thank you so much Han! We are over the moon xxx
Congratulations on so many things Julia! The wedding shows look amazing, I wish there were more like that my way! But more importantly, congratulations on your very special baby news! Don’t worry about over sharing, I’m clueless too and one day I’ll need the inside info! haha
Thank you so much Charlene – once I have any info, I’ll let you know it over coffee xxx (or a big glass of wine by that point…!)
Congratulations Julia – that’s fantastic news.
Looking forward to seeing you rock the maternity look!!
Alison x
Not sure about that! HA HA! xxx Thank you!
Congratulations Julia!!! Amazing news!! Don’t worry about being clueless – you could read all the books in the world but you’ll only work everything out when you’re holding your bubba anyway 🙂 best learning curve ever!! Hope you get some time to put your feet up at BUNHQ over the next few months xxx
You sound like you might have some tips for me Sally! xxx
Amazing news! Congratulations! And the wedding show looks FABULOUS! What a venue to have it in!
Becky x
It’s a stunning venue, love it! And thank you! xxx
Congratulations Julia!! so happy to see your business growing and still having time for a family too! Brilliant news you deserve it so much!!! xx
Thanks Helen, that is so nice xxx
WAHOOOO!!!!! XXXXXXX LOADS OF LOVE
Ha ha ha thanks lovely, see you soon! xxx
Congratulations to you both! What wonderful news xxx
Thanks Vicki! Exciting times all round! xxx
Congratulations Julia, great news. It will just come naturally to you and you’ll have a blast. PS thanks for a superb show at Allerton yesterday.
Thank you Chris! So glad that you enjoyed the show too! What a turn out! x
A Huge CONGRATULATION! I had a sneaking suspicion.
Love
Becky xxx
I bet! It’s getting hard to hide! xxx Thanks Becky!
Congratulations, that is fabulous news! Sx
Thanks Sara! xxx
That is fantastic news. I’m thrilled for you both xxx
Thank you Tracey! xxx We are really excited!
Congratulations Julia, that is fabulous news – all round! Hope you have a happy and healthy pregnancy 🙂
Thank you so much Kerry xxx
Congratulations to you both – being a parent is the best thing ever! Fiona
Aww thanks Fiona! We can’t wait! x
What fabulous news Julia congratulations – hope you have been feeling ok? X
I’ve been lucky, I’ve been absolutely fine! Thank you so much xxx
Awh Julia, that’s fabulous news! Congratulations!! Can’t wait to hear more on Friday! It’s the best , most rewarding (if a bit tiring) thing you’ll ever do! Great news!! Xxx
Thanks so much lovely! Looking forward to seeing you on Friday – very special! xxx
Congratulations Julia, it truly is the happiest of times, I hope it all goes really well for you. The Brides Up North wedding fair looks stunning, job well done!
Thank you so much Amy – and yes, we do try! xxx
Oh wow! Congratulations! Sounds like next year is going to be amazing 🙂
Congratulations to you both! Amazing news and lovely to read all about your success here too. Claire xx
Wow Julia, congratulations on all counts xxx
awwwww wow, a MASSIVE congrats to you and Alan. Amazing news, you guys are gonna rock at being parents!!! 🙂 T x