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Behind The Blog: Brides Up North Does 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!

This is not a sponsored post

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! »

THIS SUNDAY! The Brides Up North Vintage Wedding Exhibition At The Bowdon Rooms, Cheshire

May 17th, 2013 | Brides Up North: UK Wedding Blog

Are you ready to rock and roll Cheshire?!

I’m headed North West this evening to get things ready for our first ever show in the region this Sunday at the unique venue that is The Bowdon Rooms in Altrincham. Just the right side of retro, with amazing vintage features set into high, high ceiling, a sprung dance floor for jiving the night away, spot on location and plenty of room – this venue is the business. I can’t wait to pack it to the rafters with wedding industry talent and give it a special vintage twist this Sunday.

Come along and see Brides Up North and our fabulous exhibitors (plus a few exciting surprises – wait and see!) this Sunday 19th May 2013. If you are looking for an authentic and friendly venue with a real vintage vibe, yet big enough to hold a proper party – this is for you. We are open from 12pm – 4pm and entry is FREE!

The Bowdon Rooms team, All The Little Details, Amanda Morgan Photographer, Barkers The Florist, Beautifully Vintage, Event In A Tent, Greengages Catering, it’s a Wind Up!, LCH Jewellery Design, Look Darling, Marie Antoinette Cakes, Martin Hambleton Wedding Photography, Matt Bowen Photography, Melanie James Bridal, Minerva Ensemble, Perfection On Linen, Pretty Little Trio, Richard Milnes Photography, Romantica UK, Spiritus Bars, The Little Bridal Company, The Wedding Guide, Uberfly Invites, Unforgettable Memories, Wonderful Weddings By JT, Woodland Weddings and Your Perfect Day can’t wait to meet you!

And yes, of course Dominic Halpin’s Swing Band are coming along too!

Amanda Morgan Photographer

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 as 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 Welcome Pack fill in your details below, marking YOUR EVENT VENUE OF CHOICE e.g. “THE BOWDON ROOMS” in the subject line and quoting “VIP”. You can collect your VIP Bride-To-Be Welcome Pack 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. Welcome Packs are limited and subject to availability. We operate a first come, first served policy.

Amanda Morgan Photographer

This is not a sponsored post

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

Posted in BUN Wedding Exhibition, North West Fair, North West Wedding | Filed Under | NO COMMENTS yet, click here to start the discussion! »

Rose Gold: A Vintage Inspired Dusky Pink Styled Shoot In The North West

May 2nd, 2013 | Brides Up North: UK Wedding Blog

Today we join a very talented collective of North West wedding suppliers for a dreamy vintage inspired bridal shoot sent to me by Emilie of Dotmoxee Photography. Be inspired, and let this loveliness get you excited about something very special coming up your way soon North West…

Dotmoxee Photography say: As wedding photographers we’ve always found ourselves flicking through a good home and fashion magazine, reading about the latest wedding trends, and thinking about our next inspiration shoot. We always aim to keep our work up to date, as well as working with like minded suppliers in the North West.

We met Francesca (Cheshire Cat Cake Company) back in November at a wedding fair and where amazed by her talent. Naturally we both liked the idea of collaborating and decided to extend the invitation.

Francesca from The Cheshire Cat Cake Company says: When Emilie (Dotmoxee Photography) approached me to join her in a vintage shoot in Sale, Cheshire, I jumped at the chance. Having great photographs of my work is essential to capture intricate elements of my bespoke designs and also appeal to the modern sophisticated bride.

We agreed to use the gorgeous palette of dusky peach and rich gold colours as our theme and after showing off our mood board we soon had our bridal shop, florist, venue stylist & head pieces on board. Now we just required our model for the day and a make up artist to complete the team.

The biggest challenge was finding a date when everyone was available, but once it was set we were all committed to the shoot. The day itself was gloomy at best (chance of snow, light showers) but with a glimmer of sunshine we took our chances.

As the rain came down Chris Gratin (Beautifully Vintage) worked her magic and styled an area in Pearl Bridal Boutique (Sale). Chris is a real treat to have on a shoot – her enthusiasm counter balanced the poor weather with charm and stunning vintage props.

All the while Make Up Artist Jenny Reddiough was giving our model Bernadette a bridal makeover, the lovely Nicole (Pearl Bridal Boutique) had selected the dress ‘Dulcie’ (by White Rose) from her 2013 collection and with Rachel of Penny Brown providing her wonderful hand made head pieces, Bernadette’s look was complete.

The stunning bouquets were provided by Sale based Laurel Weddings, the colours and button details worked perfectly and complemented the rest of the styling; shoes by Rainbow Club (as part of their lace collection). Francesca took the opportunity to experiment with different techniques. Her use of a tinted, copper leaf gilt with the addition of large ruffle rosettes looked adorable.

For the companion design, she created a double tiered cake swathed in ripples of buttercream, with wired pearl detail , emulating folds of cascading fabric. Finally topping this with an additional tier, again using the copper gilt, and punctuating with a giant, copper edged, single rosette to complete the design.

With one eye on the weather our chance finally came to venture outdoors. Walkden Gardens is one of Sale’s hidden gems and this was our opportunity to make the most of it. Nicole provided Bernadette with a second dress (‘Payton’ by Sweetheart Gowns) and after a quick touch up from Jenny we were on our way.

We all worked together to create an inspiring set of images and hopefully provided you with some insight into each suppliers work.

Little Black Book

Bridal Dresses – Pearl Bridal Boutique

Cake – Cheshire Cat Cake Company

Styling – Beautifully Vintage China Hire & Vintage Accessories

Makeup & Hair – Make Up By Jenny Reddiough

Headpieces – Penny Brown

Flowers – Laurel Weddings

Photography – Dotmoxee Photography

Model – Bernadette

Fancy more beautiful luxury and vintage inspiration? Mark your diaries with the first Brides Up North North West Luxury & Vintage Wedding Exhibition at The Bowdon Rooms, Altrincham on Sunday 19th May 2013! VIP Pre-Registration is open now, click here, don’t miss out!

Laurel Weddings is a Brides Up North Featured Supplier but this is not a sponsored post

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

Posted in BUN Wedding Exhibition, North West Fair, North West Wedding, Styled Shoot, Vintage Wedding | Filed Under | 1 COMMENT so far, click here to join the discussion! »

BREAKING NEWS: New Dates & Venues For Brides Up North Spring 2013 Luxury Wedding Exhibitions Announced!

December 11th, 2012 | Brides Up North: UK Wedding Blog

Joe Dodsworth Photography at Thorp Perrow

The images in this post are a cheeky peek – without giving much away! – at the amazing professional images by Joe Dodsworth Photography (dresses supplied by Curvy Bridal) from our photo shoot at Thorp Perrow, North Yorkshire, yesterday in advance of the Brides Up North Christmas Party being held there tonight.

You’ve probably guessed it already, given that I can’t stop talking about how gorgeous this venue is, but I am thrilled to be able to announce this afternoon that we are partnering with CWC Malings in the early summer of 2013 to open up this new wedding venue to the public and bring you a special marquee Brides Up North Luxury Wedding Exhibition at Thorp Perrow, with exclusive access to both this beautiful stately home and it’s utterly beautiful grounds. The date is set, so mark in in your diaries – Sunday 12th May 2013 – this is one not to miss.

And that’s not all! We do work hard here behind the scenes at Brides Up North you know!

North west brides, I have been promising an event your way for a while now and the time has finally come to announce our first Brides Up North event collaboration in the North West. Hurrah! I am over the moon to be working with the authentically vintage and fabulously stylish space that is The Bowdon Rooms in Altrincham to bring you your first ever Brides Up North Luxury & Vintage Wedding Exhibition at The Bowdon Rooms on Sunday 19th May 2013. Another one to mark down now – VIP Bride to Be registration will be open for both events very shortly!

Joe Dodsworth Photography at Thorp Perrow 2

So, the Brides Up North event calendar for Spring 2013 currently looks like this (er, wow!), with luxury bridal events with carefully selected partners at their stunning venues a-plenty. We are super excited to get this New Year started, and can’t wait to welcome you to one or more of our shows. You know that I won’t let you forget any of these dates, but I wanted to share the news here first!

Watch out for VIP Bride to Be registration for your preferred event opening very shortly!

YORKSHIRE: Brides Up North Luxury Wedding Exhibition at Allerton Castle, Knaresborough – Sunday 17th February 2013 (12pm – 4pm, Free Entry) – 40 of the region’s very finest suppliers in this stunning North Yorkshire castle setting, rarely open for public viewing. This venue is magical and has to be seen to be believed.

NORTH EAST: Brides Up North Bridal Bonanza Grand Wedding Exhibition at Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield – Sunday 24th February 2013 (12pm – 4pm, Free Entry) – A huge show with 80+ of the North East’s best bridal exhibitors at this 4* country house venue – the setting for my own wedding, actually, with huge banqueting spaces and beautiful parkland. Throw in two professional fashion shows and this will be a day jam packed with wedding inspiration

YORKSHIRE: Brides Up North Luxury Wedding Exhibition at The Mansion, Leeds – Sunday 3rd March 2013 (12pm – 4pm, Free Entry) - One for the fashionistas, this chic private wedding venue on the edge of Roundhay Park will host the most beautiful celebrations and will be full of the area’s best suppliers for one day only.

NORTH EAST: Brides Up North Super Showcase Grand Wedding Exhibition at Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham – Sunday 17th March 2013 (12pm – 4pm, Free Entry) - The big one! Our biggest event in the calendar sees over 100 of the North East’s most fabulous suppliers all under one roof, plus two professional fashion shows. Don’t miss it! Seriously.

YORKSHIRE: Brides Up North Luxury Wedding Exhibition at Nostell Priory, Wakefield – Sunday 7th April 2013 (12pm – 4pm, Free Entry) - This stunning stately home and newly renovated event space is one not to miss from your venue hunt. Browse the National Trust gardens and parkland before stopping by to meet over 35 of the area’s top wedding suppliers.

YORKSHIRE: Brides Up North Luxury & Vintage Grand Wedding Exhibition at The National Railway Museum, York – Sunday 21st April 2013 (10am- 5pm, Free Entry) - A huge and premium brand new show at a VERY exciting new venue! Join over 60 of Yorkshire’s absolute finest exhibitors at Brides Up North’s first ever luxury and vintage event in the heart of York. The beautiful vintage trains will keep the boys happy too…

NORTH YORKSHIRE: Brides Up North Luxury Wedding Exhibition at Thorp Perrow, North Yorkshire– Sunday 12th May 2013 (12pm – 4pm, Free Entry) - The one everyone is dying to see, this newly-open-to-the-public venue throws open it’s doors with it’s first ever bridal event this Summer. Bring a picnic, you won’t want to leave!

NORTH WEST: Brides Up North Luxury & Vintage Wedding Exhibition at The Bowdon Rooms, Altrincham – Sunday 19th May 2013 (12pm – 4pm, Free Entry) - The North West’s most fabulous will be joining us for a day of inspiration at this beautiful, authentic space. Our first show in the North West, and one most definitely for the diary.

Exhibitors – some of of events are already sold out and the rest are filling quickly. For event information and booking details please email julia@bridesupnorth.co.uk ASAP to avoid disappointment.

These are Brides Up North branded events

Contact Brides Up North to submit your business as a Featured Supplier or to promote your own event

Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog

Posted in BUN Super Showcase, BUN Wedding Exclusive, North East Fair, North East Wedding, North West Fair, North West Wedding, Yorkshire Wedding, Yorkshire Wedding Fair | Filed Under | NO COMMENTS yet, click here to start the discussion! »

What’s On This Weekend? Quite A Lot Actually!

October 12th, 2012 | Brides Up North: UK Wedding Blog

Get ready for another bumper weekend of wedding inspiration people! There are absolutely LOADS of bridal events across the regions this weekend, but I have a few special shout outs this morning for some great bridal events brought to you by lovely people that I love to work with.

Even though I run my own branded (and rather brilliant, even if I do say so myself) wedding exhibitions, I still like to support my industry friends and colleagues who do the same for me – and plus, I get to bring you news of all the shows that you need to see.

First up, brand new Brides Up North Featured Supplier Beamish Hall are holding a wedding fair this very Sunday 14th October at their lovely hotel in County Durham from 11am – 4pm, and it’s free entry too. If you are still on a venue hunt, make sure to pop in and say hello to the team.

After that – hop in the car and hot foot it across to Belle Bridal Magazine’s White Wedding Wonder Show – at Sunderland AFC from 12pm – 4pm. With 100 exhibitors, some fab goody bags (with Green & Blacks, Choccards, Paul Mitchell, Gosh Cosmetics and organza filled sweeties from Love is Sweet Company) and an opera themed fashion show – this is well worth the £2 entry fee!

Wedding Wonder Show

My friend Karen at Belle Bridal Magazine has also been telling me about their £1,000 beauty box to raffle for Breast Cancer UK with prizes from Chez Bec, Euphoria and Aruna Seth plus bouquets, cakes and other fabulous jewellery pieces. Stick it in the diaries now ladies!

Mentions should also go to the Darlington Weddings Bridal Fayre being held at The Bannatyne Hotel in Darlington from 12 – 4pm, with free goody bags, and By Gina’s Explore Wedding Fayre at Woodhorn Museum, Ashington from 12 – 3:30pm.

Bannatyne Hotel Wedding Fayre