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So, this time last week I was busy lugging boxes of props and goodies, cupcake towers, bay trees, hydrangeas, giant silver urns and wicker hearts up the rather magnificent staircase (below) in readiness for the descent of well over 100 of the Yorkshire wedding industry’s finest upon the Brides Up North Tweet Up Yorkshire 2012 at Dine Services’ The Mansion, Leeds!

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I was also feeling just a little bit nervous (thank you to my friends Sarah and Shona from Leafy Couture and the wonderful India Hobson – who took all the beautiful photographs that you see before you – for talking me down!) It’s always super scary planning and hosting a party for your peers and although I had a completely sold out guest list in one hand, the twelve year old inside me was still whispering “What if nobody comes..?”

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But it turns out that you like me, you really like me (or you like buttercream frosting, one of the two) since    all the planning, plotting and heavy lifting was well worth it and my industry friends and colleagues showed up in scores to raise a glass, feast on canapés, cake pops and cupcakes, pull some poses and generally get their chat on. 

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If you are new to the wedding blog, and are wondering what the beejezus a Tweet Up is, then let me explain.  Once a year or so I like to say a big thank you to all my sponsors and colleagues who have supported Brides Up North and it’s message so wholeheartedly since it’s inception (Join the Northern Revolution!) and these events – supported by my friends at Wedding Ideas Magazine – are my way of doing just that. 

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They are not for profit events solely for everyone to get together in beautiful and inspiring surroundings, knock back a few drinks, enjoy themselves and hopefully forge some long lasting business connections (although no one’s forcing anything – this isn’t speed dating) in a relaxed environment that will last for seasons to come.

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The whole reason that Brides Up North works for my sponsors and is enjoyed by my readers (hello, you!) is that it’s almost like chatting with a friend – just one who never gets sick of talking about weddings!  I’m here to refer, suggest, enlighten and basically show you just how fabulous the Northern wedding industry is.  Everything I post is at my own discretion and although I promote my sponsors on these pages I won’t take on a sponsor or feature anything that I don’t personally like or believe in.  It’s like one big conversation. 

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I do think it’s important though to carry on the online conversation in real life – and that’s why I think events like these – to let me and other members of the industry connect together and share ideas and recommendations – are so vital to the success of Brides Up North and to the industry as a whole.

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After some lovely bubbly fuelled chats last week I have so many new ideas and avenues to explore and hopefully as a result lots of fabulous new content and very talented supplier suggestions to share with my bride to be readers – watch this space people!

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Speaking of conversations, there is a constant one going over on the Brides Up North Facebook page, where we are building a real community of brides and suppliers and a great forum to interchange ideas.  Come over and join us today!  In addition, don’t be shy!  I would also love to see more debate and discussion on the actual blog too – don’t be afraid to leave your comments on blog posts – this blog is written for you:  I love to hear from you!

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Whilst I have got the mic, so to speak, I think a few “thank you very much”s are in order:

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To the wonderful, efficient and ever perfect Dine Services  team – thank you as always for looking after us so well.  The team are the best in the business and I believe that their venues are among the best in Yorkshire.  For a gorgeous, perfectly catered, classy and stress free wedding day look no further than this super squad and their beautiful collection of stately homes, castles and houses. 

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I count myself seriously lucky to work with Dine hosting the Brides Up North Wedding Exclusives (the Autumn dates for which have just been released – click the banner at the top of the wedding blog to reserve your VIP bride to be goody bag) and can’t wait for the next season. 

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Next up, huge snaps for the super talented India of India Hobson Weddings who created such a beautiful photographic record of the event.  This lady has massive talents and anyone looking for the prettiest wedding pictures should give her a call.  You will not be disappointed.

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The ever lovely Steven of Forever Film was also there to capture all the action on film… big love to him and more from him later…

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Massive effort on the part of Sarah and her team at Leafy Couture meant that the Mansion room and staircase were transformed into an indoor garden, bursting with colour and scent.  The Leafy Couture girls are exceptionally creative florists and super friendly to boot – working from a very slim brief from a busy wedding blogger they created floral displays to die for.  I’d recommend them wholeheartedly for your big day – whether it’s a huge affair or small soiree!

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Helping the Leafy team to dress the venue was Alex from Simply Bows & Chair Covers, a company that works right across the Country to beautify your wedding day furniture.  Alex used dreamy shades of turquoise, pale pink and purple to create a soft and float Midsummer’s look. 

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Limelight Photobooth Hire were the absolute hit of the evening with their amazing (and brand new!) flocked vintage style booth.  With dozens of props and endless patience, the ladies looked on as we all – getting more and more merry – struck our crazy poses.  For a fun way to tackle your guestbook and break the ice, give these girls a shout. 

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Another man that everyone was talking about was the super slick Glen Roughead (the new King of Swing) – find him on Twitter here – who kept us entertained with his rat pack perfect set.  Seriously, someone give this man a recording contract!  I’ll be screaming in the front row!

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Book him for your wedding now.  That’s an order. 

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Last but not least (as they brought the sugary stuff!), a huge thank you to Skye of The Whimsical Cake Company, Natasha of Buttercream Cupcakes and Karen from Icing & Lace who outdid themselves with delectable displays of delicious cupcakes and cake pops.  I’m still on a sugar high now!

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I so enjoyed the night.  I hope that you enjoy these images too.  Can you spot yourself? 

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Until next time!

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If you are a wedding industry supplier who would like to be added to my guest list for the next Brides Up North Tweet Up in Yorkshire, just drop me a line – julia@bridesupnorth.co.uk – first come, first served, numbers are limited. 

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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2012 India Hobson Weddings

This is not a sponsored post

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