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Behind The Blog: Brides Up North Goes Vintage At The Bowdon Rooms, Cheshire

May 23rd, 2013 | Brides Up North: UK Wedding Blog

Martin Hambleton Photography

Ellie and I taking a breather!

If you follow the wedding blog over on Twitter or Facebook (and why ever not?! – go get involved) and catch my feeds of a Sunday, you will know that the last few months have been absolutely manic behind the scenes here at Brides Up North HQ. And I’m talking every. single. weekend.

We are verrrrry near to completing a full season of fabulous Brides Up North branded luxury wedding exhibitions for Spring 2013, with just one to go (diarise this: we are at Sarah Beeny’s Rise Hall on Sunday 9th June, bringing together the best wedding suppliers in East Yorkshire under Ms “Restoration Nightmare”’s very, very lovely roof) and with eight (EIGHT!) under our belt since the season kicked off back at Allerton Castle on a frosty morning in early February, I’m ready for a summer holiday!

I think I have aged at least ten years since New Years Eve.

Each event is hard, hard work and takes months of planning, promoting, sales and admin. Oh the admin! Luckily I have a full time assistant here at Brides Up North HQ now (hello Kate!), but this blog and it’s related events are my (other) baby, and I invest a lot of time and energy into making sure that each and every event is individual, venue appropriate and just right.

Martin Hambleton Photography

Last Sunday, it was time for my tiny team to head North West for the very first time, to the unique and authentic vintage venue that is The Bowdon Rooms, Altrincham. Just on the doorstep of Hale and Bowdon, this delectable dance hall with it’s high cornices and sprung floors is prime for a wedding party.

Martin Hambleton Photography

Matt Bowen Photography & Florence The Vintage Caravan

Martin Hambleton Photography

And what a swell party it was! Our wonderful team of wedding industry suppliers decorated the venue from head to toe with their vintage and luxury loveliness. Feathers, sequins, beading, antique lace and the odd cloche hat sat beautifully alongside fresh blooms and pretty printed papers.

Martin Hambleton Photography

It didn’t stop inside either, outside Matt Bowen Photography brought along his gorgeous new girlfriend: Florence The Vintage Caravan (available for hire as a photo booth on your big day) and Event In A Tent and Woodland Weddings invited visitors into their cosy tipi for delicious canapes by Greengages. As the weather – amazingly – was in our favour, the garden also played host to an impromptu jam session from Dominic Halpin and his swing band, who also entertained hourly on the main stage.

Martin Hambleton Photography

Pretty florals from Barkers The Florist, who beautified the whole venue with their blooms

Martin Hambleton Photography

And oh! the music. The venue is an operating jazz club, so I was keen to reflect this on the day. Performances from Dominic and the boys along with Minerva Ensemble, It’s A Wind Up! vintage DJs and with Phil Lyons and his New Vintage Band on site kept the place buzzing all day long.

Martin Hambleton Photography

Stunning stationery from Uberfly Invites

There wasn’t much time to chat once doors opened! My wonderful friend Ellie and I (big love to Ellie) were on our feet all day greeting brides to be and their families, and shifting a whole lot of Brides Up North goody bags.

Martin Hambleton Photography

Luckily, my friend and fellow exhibitor Martin Hambleton Photography was around to catch a bit of the action in these beautiful images showing off the talents of our other suppliers, although even he got a little bit side-lined!

Martin says: Well done on organising such a brilliant show! I’m sorry there aren’t as many images of brides browsing – every time I moved away from the stand looking for shots, someone stopped to look at my albums so I had to dash back (that’s not a complaint)!

Martin, that kind of distraction I absolutely do not have a problem with!

Martin Hambleton Photography

Delicate table settings by Pretty Little Trio

If you didn’t make it on Sunday, we are doing it all over again in November! As part of our Autumn tour, we’ll be back in Altrincham on Sunday 3rd November 2013 for another beautiful event filled with wedding inspiration and some winter vintage sparkle.

But first, a little rest, if you please!

Enjoy these images and do visit our wonderful exhibitors’ websites when sourcing your wedding suppliers. I would personally recommend each and every one of them.

Martin Hambleton Photography

Until next time North West!

Martin Hambleton Photography

Pearls, lace and sparkle by Beautifully Vintage and Melanie James Bridal

Martin Hambleton Photography

Cakes that taste as gorgeous as they look by Marie Antoinette Cakes. Doing my diet no favours whatsoever.

Martin Hambleton Photography

Fancy frocks by The Little Bridal Company

Martin Hambleton Photography

Lovely linens and delicious details by Perfection On Linen

Martin Hambleton Photography

Pretty paper by All The Little Details and favours by Romantica UK

Martin-Hambleton-Bowdon-Rooms-wedding-fair-for-BUN-011

Martin-Hambleton-Bowdon-Rooms-wedding-fair-for-BUN-004

Elegant styling by Look Darling

Martin Hambleton Photography

That date for your diaries again – Sunday 3rd November 2013 at The Bowdon Rooms, Altrincham – save it!

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Contact Brides Up North to submit your business as a Featured Supplier

Posted in BUN Wedding Exhibition, Featured Supplier, North West Fair, North West Wedding, UK Wedding Blog, Vintage Wedding, Wedding Venues | Filed Under | NO COMMENTS yet, click here to start the discussion! »

Wait Up White Gallery! I’m On My Way…

May 20th, 2013 | Brides Up North: UK Wedding Blog

No rest for the wicked!

After an absolutely cracking and very special first bridal event at our newest venue, The Bowdon Rooms (North West, I love you too!) yesterday – more on that later – I’m hopping on a train and heading South to join the party down at White Gallery, London. Just a day late, but no one will notice that, right? I’m certainly doing penance for my lateness with a 5am alarm call to catch the early train.

Ian Stuart at White Gallery London by Christopher Dadey

Ian Stuart at White Gallery London by Christopher Dadey

It’s a good job I’ve got an excellent babysitter on hand (hello Mum!) as I just couldn’t miss this trade and press only event. White Gallery London is a big deal behind the scenes in the wedding world: a huge exhibition and set of catwalk shows at which the big name bridal designers launch their new season collections to the trade.

I’ve got a press pass with my name on it, some sparkly flats and my trusty iPad, and can’t wait to hit the shows to see what loveliness is in store for brides to be this season and next. In particular, I’m looking forward to the Stephanie Allin catwalk, popping out to see my friends at Caroline Castigliano, Suzanne Neville and Belle & Bunty, Maids To Measure and Emmy Shoes before heading back to the main exhibition to do the rounds, look out for some new design talent and say hello to my friends at Alan Hannah. After all that I’ll joining the Brides Magazine team and some familiar faces for a cocktail reception and eventually pouring myself back onto a train headed North. Phew!

It’s a hard job, but someone’s got to do it! "*Pinches self*. I’ll be reporting back soon on which trends will be hitting bridal boutiques near you, but in the meantime, word is that the opening day of White Gallery has already been very special indeed.

Stewart Parvin at White Gallery London by Christopher Dadey

Stewart Parvin at White Gallery London by Christopher Dadey

In their catwalk review and some sneak peek pictures from day one, the official pr team for the event report that the event got off to an impressive start yesterday with four stunning designer catwalk shows from some of industry’s most prestigious names.

Amelia of Good Results says: Opening the shows in his own inimitable style was Royal couturier Stewart Parvin. Reaffirming his signature aesthetic of chic understated elegance, the collection displayed a high fashion yet demure take on Parvin’s classic bridalwear. Trends included clean chic lines with tone on tone embellishment and an emphasis on texture and fabric which resulted in another strong collection from Stewart Parvin – the master of couture.

Stewart Parvin at White Gallery London by Christopher Dadey

Stewart Parvin at White Gallery London by Christopher Dadey

Stewart Parvin at White Gallery London by Christopher Dadey

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At the second show of the day Ian Stuart chose to celebrate the diversity of women’s style with a
collection that was as cutting edge as it was classic and as eccentric as it was refined. Trends included ‘Pure and Simple’ clean lined gowns with elegant draping, ‘Natural Woodland’ distressed fabrics and untidy trimmings that created an organic feel, ‘Romantic’ beautiful ball gowns adorned with roses, bows and dramatic decorations as well as enchanting pastel hues in blush pink, pale lilac and powder blue, with hints of cranberry and antique gold. Embodying personality and uniqueness within each design, Ian showcased a collection that ultimately reflects all that women are.

Ian Stuart at White Gallery London by Christopher Dadey

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In the afternoon Alan Hannah chose to showcase both Alan Hannah and Miamia on the catwalk. The Alan
Hannah collection includes gorgeous clean and fashion forward silhouettes in silk duchesse and taffeta with beautiful hand beaded necklines and shoulder detailing. Setting the trends for 2014, Alan Hannah has
created sheer backs with spectacular beadwork that created a dazzling presence on the catwalk. The MiaMia collection builds on the bohemian look of the previous collection whilst adding new fabrics and
embellishments to unstructured chiffon and organza. The updated classic theme has been developed and
expanded with unusual beadwork and inspired floral detailing.

Hey, East Coast Mainline? Step on it!

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Contact Brides Up North to submit your business as a Featured Supplier

Posted in Events, Press, UK Wedding Blog, Wedding Dresses | Filed Under | NO COMMENTS yet, click here to start the discussion! »

Pin It Forward UK…

May 15th, 2013 | Brides Up North: UK Wedding Blog

Heard of Pinterest? Of course you have, right? Who hasn’t? Addicted? Who isn’t? Well, as it turns out, my best friend Jane, who emailed me the other day asking “What’s this Pinterest thing, and should I be doing it?”.

My answer would be this – if you are planning a wedding, looking for decorating inspiration or just like pretty visuals– then you probably should, yes!

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Pinterest is basically an online tool for collecting and organizing the things you love in mood board style formats. It’s fun, useful for collating your inspirations all in one place and as you begin to cultivate your boards it adds a little bit of creativity to your screen time. You can “pin” things from around the web onto boards you create, on any topic you’d like.

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When I was planning my own wedding, I was all about my scrapbook. This was a real book bought lovingly from John Lewis, covered in hearts with pretty rainbow pages. I spent hours tearing and cutting from wedding magazines and printing from blogs to create an area where all my ideas came together visually. I was actually really proud of it – it felt like a little art project – and I would show it off in a not entirely unbridezilla like manner to anyone who cared to look. Looking back, a move into professional wedding blogging was the next obvious step, although I would never have dared to dream it at the time!

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Well, Pinterest is like that wedding scrapbook. Only there is less chance of mashing pritstick into the carpet and people who actually want to share in your wedding obsessing can opt to follow your boards. Brides to be, get involved.
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I was contacted recently by the Pinterest team to be a part of their blogger team as they launch Pinterest properly in the UK. It turns out that Pinterest are adding some snazzy new features to make the pinning experience even more relevant.

As Will Taylor, blogger at Bright.Bazaar explains in this blog post for Pinterest, about the Pin It Forward campaign and the launch of Pinterest in the UK ‘While the site has always been available worldwide, the team is making Pinterest feel even more welcoming for those of us across the pond. In addition to Pin It Forward UK, there’s a new (very proper) British English language setting and improvements to make local UK content more easily discoverable for UK pinners when searching.’

As a wedding blogger, for whom most content comes direct to my inbox as a result of submissions or specific press requests, I mostly use Pinterest when planning special editorial shoots for the wedding blog or as inspiration for styling my bridal events and networking parties. Some I choose to keep secret using the handy “Secret Boards” feature until my inspirations become reality. Check out this shoot and this shoot, inspired by the Electric Avenue and Romantic Opulence boards. All our Wednesday Wedding Inspiration mood boards (like this one from this morning) are also uploaded onto a rather pretty page.

I also host some of my personal boards over there too… at the moment its all about dream homes, babies, shoes and shopping facilitation! What can I say, I’m a complex character…

Come on over and follow the Brides Up North boards, I’d love to see you there!

Cat Hepple Photography

Electric Avenue shoot by Cat Hepple Photography

Joe Dodsworth Photography

Romantic Opulence shoot by Joe Dodsworth Photography

To finish, as part of the Pin It Forward UK campaign, I’d like to introduce you to a fellow blogger – and Northerner – Rachel from Marry Me Ink. Rachel runs a cool blog especially for the tattooed bride. Click here to check out her blog, and here to check out her boards.

Happy pinning Brides Up North!

This is not a sponsored post

Contact Brides Up North to submit your business as a Featured Supplier

Posted in UK Wedding Blog, Wedding Inspiration | Filed Under | 1 COMMENT so far, click here to join the discussion! »

The Editorials: Maids In Heaven In Wedding Magazine

May 14th, 2013 | Brides Up North: UK Wedding Blog

The Editorials is a series bringing the offline bridal freelance writing that I do on a monthly basis for numerous glossy magazines (both National and regional) online.

Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog in Wedding Magazine

Although the blog has been whirring away as usual these last eight weeks, with a small baby it’s harder to get to the shops – so my lovely friends at Wedding Magazine have just sent me a job lot of glossies to catch up on. Today, we visit their April/ May issue, and my column about keeping your team on side. After all, you want some friends at the end of it all, don’tcha?

I wrote: These days, bridesmaid duty doesn’t have to equal sartorial disaster. There are plenty of options out there for dressing your best girls and still staying friends at the end of it all. Not a hoop skirt or Little Bo Peep impersonator in sight, unless you are being intentionally ironic!

Whilst a strong vintage, alternative or high glamour focus might demand a certain look, there’s nothing worse than overstepping the mark between theming and fancy dress. Once you’ve chosen your own dress, the best bet is a set of bridesmaid frocks that will flatter and contrast with your own styling and suit your chosen venue. And when it comes to adhering to a chosen dress code, the bridal party always should lead by example.

Consider your wedding day colour choices and inspirations carefully, but don’t feel that every collar and cuff has to match. Think about what will look best in your wedding photographs: bridesmaids’ should help to create a beautiful background to show off their leading lady. Try offsetting an all-white palette with deeper tones in the Winter, choose all over florals for a fresh and contrasting Spring time look or complimentary rosy hues for warmer weather.

Katy Lunsford Photography

Image by Katy Lunsford Photography

You First

Pick your own gown first. You might be dead set on a certain style, but tastes are often known to change once shopping starts. That way, you can be sure that your style selections will enhance the overall look. A sash of lace around a bridesmaid’s waist can set off a matching wedding dress beautifully.

Cat Hepple Photography

Image by Cat Hepple Photography

Maids To Measure

Image by Maids To Measure

Would It Work For You?

Be fair. If you wouldn’t be seen dead in it, why should your best mate? Do show some consideration of their shape, size and usual style. Do they all have to wear exactly the same? Equally, remember that your guests do know you, and how tall you are. Forcing your girls into unflattering flats or sky high heels when they would rather be wearing the opposite is just cruel, and discourages dancing. That’s never a good thing.

Sarah Gawler

Image by Sarah Gawler

Shop Around

Don’t feel pressured to buy for your bridesmaids in the same boutique as your wedding gown. Whilst this can be advantageous in terms of ease and pricing, there is no need to narrow your options if you want to look elsewhere. Gems can be found in independent fashion boutiques, online, via the big name bridal houses and never, ever rule out the Great British High Street.

Steve Gerrard Photography

Image by Steve Gerrard Photography

Image by Belle & Beau Photography

Dare To Be Different

Just because everyone is working rainbow brights, contrasting cuts or pastel pales doesn’t mean that you have to. My favourite bridesmaid styles this year have all been in elegant tones and classic shapes with a quirky twist. Don’t shy away from unexpected colours or a bit of embellishment. After all, everyone loves to sparkle.

Jonny Draper Photography

Image by Jonny Draper Photography

This is not a sponsored post

Contact Brides Up North to submit your business as a Featured Supplier

Posted in Bridesmaids, Press, UK Wedding Blog | Filed Under | NO COMMENTS yet, click here to start the discussion! »

THIS SUNDAY! The Brides Up North Luxury Wedding Exhibition At Beautiful Thorp Perrow!

May 11th, 2013 | Brides Up North: UK Wedding Blog

Thorp Perrow Wedding Exhibition

And it’s here (!!) – our Brides Up North Luxury Wedding Exhibition at Thorp Perrow, North Yorkshire on Sunday 12th May 2013 – FREE ENTRY – 12pm till 4pm.

This is a brand new exclusive use wedding venue and private stately home that we are opening to the viewing public for just one day only – and this you have to see! Even if you already have your venue booked, this is still for you. Come and make a day of it, visit our marquee full of absolutely outstanding wedding vendors (the very best in the business, I promise you), enjoy the beautiful gardens, ornamental lakes and the stunning arboretum, and explore the never before open stately pile.

Think Atonement, think Gatsby… and you are halfway there…

Joe Dodsworth Photography at Thorp Perrow

“At Thorp Perrow you’ll find trees covered in blossom, carpets of bluebells and bold drifts of wild flowers.”

This wonderful house has only very recently been opened to the public for weddings (having previously only been used as a private home) can hold up to sixty people for smaller events such as lunches and dinner parties. For larger occasions a marquee can be attached to the house or erected at the front of the house close to the lake.

Come and visit the team behind these images as well as a collective of the region’s very finest suppliers this Sunday.

On site this Sunday you’ll be able to sample the talents of Buttercream Cupcakes, Make Up By Jo, Amy Sunley Photography, Glen Roughead Swing, Cat Hepple Photography, Cordelia & Co, Curvy Bridal, Peter Boyd Photography, It’s A Wind Up!, Limelight Photobooth Hire, Perfectly Practical Parties, Victoria Farr Hair & Make Up Specialist, White Petal Design, Gray Events Ltd, Kelly’s Event Boutique, DJB Photography, Firenza Floral Design, Twisted Willow Floristry, Joe Dodsworth Photography, Love on Location, Lissa Alexandra Photography, Elise Flowers, Kiss The Bride Magazine, The Wedding Guide, Simply Bows & Chair Covers, Travel In Style (Wedding Cars), Noble Fine Art, Swing Thing Duo, C & J Rentals, White Wedding Company, Ruby Shoes, Brides & Belles and more…

. Joe Dodsworth Photography at Thorp Perrow

If you would like to beat the queues, gain speedy entry and grab yourself a FREE Brides Up North Welcome Pack packed with little treats from Brides Up North, the regions’ best bridal glossy mags well as some fab on-the-day-only exhibitor discounts – while stocks last only – you can pre-register for VIP Bride to Be access now. What are you waiting for?

To register for a free Brides Up North VIP Bride-To-Be Goody Bag fill in your details below, marking YOUR EVENT VENUE OF CHOICE e.g. “THORP PERROW” in the subject line and quoting “VIP”. You can collect your VIP Bride-To-Be Goody Bag upon entry to the Luxury Wedding Exhibitions. Only the bride need register for larger groups.

You can also email julia@bridesupnorth.co.uk if you do not wish to use the contact form. Goody bags are limited and subject to availability. We operate a first come, first served policy.

Joe Dodsworth Photography at Thorp Perrow

Thorp Perrow 2

Joe Dodsworth Photography at Thorp Perrow

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Little Black Book

Photography – Joe Dodsworth Photography

Venue – Thorp Perrow & CWC Malings Catering

Wedding Gowns – Curvy Bridal

Hair & Makeup – Debonnesse & Love Hair & Beauty, Ripon

Hats & Ribbons – Quaintrelle: Millinery by Claire Spooner

Flowers including hair pieces – Twisted Willow Floristry

Models – Ruth Sturdy & Katie Dewar

Joe Dodsworth Photography at Thorp Perrow

Exhibitor enquiries for all Brides Up North events in 2013 – please email contact@bridesupnorth.co.uk – and brides to be, you can also pre-register for all of these events NOW! Click here.

Thorp Perrow, North Yorkshire – Sunday 12th May 2013

(Luxury Wedding Exhibition)

The Bowdon Rooms, Altrincham – Sunday 19th May 2013

(Luxury & Vintage Wedding Exhibition – 40 exhibitors)

Rise Hall, East Yorkshire – Sunday 9th June 2013

(Luxury Wedding Exhibition – 40 exhibitors)

Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham – Sunday 8th September 2013

(Super Showcase Grand Wedding Exhibition – 100 exhibitors)

Allerton Castle, North Yorkshire – Sunday 15th September 2013

(Luxury Wedding Exhibition – 40 exhibitors)

Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield, Co Durham – Sunday 29th September 2013

(Bridal Bonanza Grand Wedding Exhibition – 80 exhibitors)