2013: It’s On!

January 2nd, 2013 | Julia Braime

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Well helloooooooo Brides Up North!  It’s 2013!

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We survived apocalypse (and Mum’s trifle) – so lets blearily prise open our glitter heavy lids and welcome in this brand New Year with a bang!  Whether you just slipped your sparkler onto that ring finger (Congratulations you!) or are preparing to say I do imminently: it’s all to play for, and I can promise you another – bigger and better – 12 months of gorgeous weddings, helpful features, supplier showcases, diary dates, inspiration galore and of course, some very special collaborations and surprises here on these swirly silver pages.

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It’s pretty, it’s useful and it’s local to you.  And it’s coming right up.  Welcome to the Northern Revolution!

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I’ve spent a lovely Christmas break relaxing with friends and family, catching my breath after a whirlwind year (if you are just joining the party then you can read all about a busy 2012 here, find out all about me here and about the wedding blog in general here) and preparing for a fast paced start to 2013.

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As well as getting ready to welcome our first Brides Up North baby – currently cooking nicely! – welcoming a new member of staff to the team, putting the finishing touches to a raft of freelance bridal features and planning some rather snazzy tweaks to this here website (coming soon!), I’ve been up to my ears in packing boxes as we get ready to ship out to our brand new home and Brides Up North’s sparkly new headquarters in a few days’ time.  Phew.  After all, if you don’t do it all at once, why do it at all?*

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*Not advised

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I’ve adored recapping some of my very favourite Real Weddings from 2012 on the wedding blog over the last week or so – there was a whole lot of stunning going on last year!  If you’ve had a break from your computer screens over the last 10 days then why not take some time to catch up.  Inspiration overload! 

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And you know what? I think things are only going to get prettier around these parts in 2013.  I already have an inbox busting with beautiful submissions that I can’t wait to share with you.  Come to think of it, the packing can wait!

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We are also looking ahead to a full season of Brides Up North bridal events – across three regions this season – at painstakingly selected partner venues packed with the very best of each area’s bridal supplier talents.  What these people and places can add to YOUR big day is unfathomable, and it’s all there and waiting for you.

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I LOVE meeting our readers in real life – and have so many tips, hints and recommendations up my sleeve to share with you in person – so make sure to diarise at least one of our free entry (yep, you read that right) Luxury Wedding Exhibitions this season and come along to say hello.  If you can’t make an event, make sure to check out our Directory of the regions’ finest too. 

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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…

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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!

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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.

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All our Brides Up North events in 2012 were sell outs on exhibitor space with a record attendance for every venue, so if you are an exhibitor please do get in touch for details soon to avoid disappointment.

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If you would like to beat the queues, gain speedy entry and grab yourself a FREE Brides Up North Goody Bag packed with treats from Brides Up North and sponsors like House of Fraser, Debenhams, Belle Bridal Magazine, Yorkshire Bride as well as HUNDREDS of pounds worth of on-the-day-only exhibitor discounts – while stocks last only – you can be an early bird and pre-register for VIP Bride to Be access now.  What are you waiting for?

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Simply use the contact form below, stating THE EVENT VENUE OF YOUR CHOICE e.g. “Hardwick Hall” in the subject box and “VIP Bride To Be” in the body section.  Only the bride need register for larger groups.

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You can also email me direct at julia@bridesupnorth.co.uk if you do not wish to use the contact form.

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I’d also love to hear from those of you who tied the knot in 2012 and perhaps even feature your own Real Wedding on these pages.  I accept submissions from brides and grooms, photographers, planners and other wedding vendors, and as well as weddings, I also love to see engagement session photographs, couples shoots, trash the dress, cherish the dress and styled session photographs. I accept wedding submissions of all themes, sizes, religions and gay weddings.  From intimate do-it-yourself-dos with a difference to big budget blow outs, I believe that every wedding is special. I want to share in your day and help to inspire tens of thousands of other brides to be across the North of the UK and the wider web. Click here to see some of the most recent beauties on the blog. And it’s so simple too! Just click here to find out how to submit a Real Wedding.

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Before we say goodbye until tomorrow when the usual twice daily blogging schedule resumes with gusto and I let you get back to whatever you should be doing this first morning back in the office (I know, I’d make planning your wedding a salaried role too, but they just haven’t caught on upstairs yet) make sure that today is the day that you click through and join our community over on Twitter and Facebook.  I can’t always fit all the newest news and offers from my Featured Suppliers into a blog post, so that’s where you’ll find all the hottest gossip first.  Plus plenty of extra pretty, musings and tips.  Go, go, go!

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I’d also love to encourage even more interactivity here on the blog pages in 2013 too.  Never feel shy to leave a comment on a post, ask a Featured Supplier a question at the end of an interview, tell our real brides exactly what you loved about their wedding, track down where items were sourced from or just say hello.  It’s dead easy and we are all ears.  This is YOUR blog, so get the discussion going! 

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To start you off, why not leave a comment on this post to tell us about your wedding plans in 2013, your perfect proposal or simply say hola!  I’d LOVE to hear from you.

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Happy New Year!

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Julia x

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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2013 Karen McGowran 

This is not a sponsored post

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

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Drumroll, please…

October 30th, 2012 | Julia Braime

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Brides to be, some dates for your diaries if I may!

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After just closing a super successful and inspirational Autumn season of Brides Up North events (we do do ‘em best, even if I do say so myself), I can’t believe that we are already looking ahead to 2013 here at Brides Up North HQ.  My inbox is already absolutely awash with enquiries from the regions’ best wedding suppliers, reserving their places at what look set to be an absolutely smashing series of Brides Up North shows in the New Year -  I think I might be up until the early hours this evening!  I can’t wait to get planning, and to see you – my lovely readers – at one or more of our events.  Do say hello if you see me!

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You know I’ll be reminding you about each and every one of these fabulous dates nearer the time, so for now, just mark ‘em in that calendar, and get on with browsing the rest of the pretty I have coming up for you on these pages.  There’s a lot of it…

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If you are a wedding supplier reader (*waves hello!*) you can find out more or request a booking form by email me julia@bridesupnorth.co.uk – we are working through your enquiries as fast as we possibly can.  The sooner the better to register your interest, we work on a first come, first served basis and strictly limit our suppliers by category.  Watch out for a few more dates and venues being announced soon too!  I can’t wait to add some new regional talents to add to our amazing supplier database in 2013.

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Roll on the Northern Revolution in 2013!  Yee-hah!

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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Image © 2012 Brides Up North

This is not a sponsored post

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

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Hall Of Fame! Were You Caught On Camera?! Brides Up North Super Showcase Autumn 2012!

September 11th, 2012 | Julia Braime

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Once again, a ma-hoosive thank you to all the gorgeous brides to be and their families (over 1,800 of you in total) who supported the Brides Up North Super Showcase Grand Wedding Exhibition at Ramside Hall Hotel this Sunday.  Watch out for some more North East events coming soon!

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How do I repay you for such support?  Only by sharing what you lovely lot got up to in our onsite Limelight Photobooth on Sunday!  <<<EVIL CACKLE>>>

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Apologies in advance.  Did you make our Brides Up North Hall Of Fame (/Wall Of Shame)?!

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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2012 Limelight Photobooth Hire

Limelight Photobooth Hire 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

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It’s Here!!! THIS SUNDAY: The LARGEST FREE ENTRY BRIDAL SHOW IN THE NORTH EAST Has Arrived!!!

September 8th, 2012 | Julia Braime

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I can’t believe it’s finally here!  Months of plans and preparations have paid off as I look forward to our headline event this season – the MASSIVE Brides Up North Super Showcase Grand Wedding Exhibition at Ramside Hall Hotel on Sunday 9th September 2012: that’s this weekend!  Eeep!

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We are throwing open the whole venue (two massive ballrooms, a grand marquee and some outdoor exhibits – perfect on a sunny weekend like this one) to welcome OVER 100 of the region’s finest wedding suppliers and all you lovely brides-to-be and your families.

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I’ve worked day and night (with some assistance from my small yet perfectly formed team of helpers!) to bring this event together and make it bigger and better even than our last show this Spring -  which was a fabulous day packed to the rafters with wedding inspiration and over 1,000 visitors!  What can I say?  I love a challenge!

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An exhibitor space sell out, the event is now recognised as the largest free bridal event in the North East, and if that’s not worth popping along to, I don’t know what is!

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I’m thrilled to say that it looks like all the hard work has been worth it as all the elements have come together to make one amazing day.  The web is abuzz with excitement, and the VIP pre-registrations are flooding in.  I just can’t wait to see you all now! 

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To get your FREE VIP Bride-to-Be goody bag packed with fabulous treats and exclusive on the day discounts worth ££hundreds of pounds (seriously these are too good to miss!) and speedy entry make sure to pre-register pronto, while stocks last.  One lucky lady will also take home a pamper hamper courtesy of our amazing friends at Clarins!

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To register for a free Brides Up North VIP Bride-To-Be Goody Bag fill in your details below, marking “Ramside Hall” in the subject line and quoting “VIP”. You can collect your VIP Bride-To-Be Goody Bag upon entry to the Super Showcase on Sunday 9th September 2012.

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

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If you can’t make it this weekend, but want to visit another of our absolutely beautiful wedding fairs this season, ALL remaining dates confirmed and now open for VIP Bride-To-Be Registration this Autumn are as follows. Remember – these are the only shows this year actually being coordinated by Brides Up North! Accept no imitations, and get them in your diaries!

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The Brides Up North Wedding Exclusive at Allerton Castle

Luxury Wedding Fair

Allerton Park, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire

Sunday 16th September 2012

12pm – 4pm

FREE ENTRY

Click here for pre-registration

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The Brides Up North Wedding Exclusive at The Mansion

Luxury Wedding Fair

Roundhay Park, Leeds, West Yorkshire

Sunday 7th October 2012

12pm – 4pm

FREE ENTRY

Click here for pre-registration

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The Brides Up North Wedding Exclusive at Sarah Beeny’s Rise Hall

Luxury Wedding Fair

Rise, East Yorkshire

Sunday 21st October 2012

12pm – 4pm

FREE ENTRY

Click here for pre-registration

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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2012 Brides Up North

The Brides Up North Super Showcase Grand Wedding Exhibition is a Brides Up North event

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

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Candy Floss Kisses! Supplier Showcase: Love Is Sweet Company PLUS 15% OFF For Wedding Blog Readers!

August 1st, 2012 | Julia Braime

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Yesterday, after a virtuous early morning workout at the pool, I took a two mile detour on the way home to stop at the corner shop for a mix-up.  Not so virtuous, I know, but maybe there is something psychological left over from my swimming lessons days which tells me I need candy just after swimming lengths!

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Personal psychoanalysis aside, one thing is for sure – I am a big sweetie fan – so when I met Featured Supplier Rachael of Love Is Sweet Company at the last Brides Up North Super Showcase Grand Wedding Exhibition, I knew it was going to be a lasting relationship.  Rachael was even kind enough to fuel my North East Tweet Up wedding industry event with sugar spun candy floss (she was a big hit!) and I can’t recommend her sweet services enough.

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Let’s meet the lady holding all the love hearts. 

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How did Love Is Sweet Company begin?

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Love is Sweet Company began after planning my own wedding. I absolutely loved being involved with the wedding industry! I was just finishing my BA (hons) degree in Textiles and Surface design at the time, so thought I’d put this to use in creating decorative and beautiful sweet displays.

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Sweet bars were fast becoming the new trend for brides and grooms to be. But I found there was a gap for really decorative and personalised designs.

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Tell us all about your sweetie table and candy floss cart service?

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I’m passionate about giving my brides and grooms a really personal service to create beautiful sweet displays. Most of my glass wear is uniquely sourced so no two sweet bars are the same! Sweet bars are designed to match colour schemes or themes, I can add items from vintage tea cups and tea pots to candelabras and flowers and bunting. Give me a theme and I’ll design something to match.

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For a personal touch I add traditional sweet cones to every bar with your big day details on them, these make fab little favours for your guests to take home.

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Everyone loves candy floss! Bringing the fun of the fair right to you, our fabulous cart is perfect for every occasion. The cart is hired by the hour and supplies you and your guests with as much floss as you can possibly eat! Freshly spun in front of your eyes, it’s like magic!

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Why not try our gourmet package? This allows you to get create and add tantalising flavours to your floss. From strawberry and cherry to watermelon and blueberry, yummy! And to top it off you can add popping candy to the top of your floss, for a real exploding experience.

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What can a bride and groom who book Love Is Sweet Company expect?

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Every bride and groom can expect a truly unique and personal service. I’m passionate about customer service and feel getting to know my customer is an essential part of this.

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And of course you can expect that your wedding will be a ‘sweet’ one when hiring Love is Sweet Company.

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What sets you apart from your competition?

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I offer a number of services all in one place from the sweet bars to candy floss, popcorn to sweet favours.

Unlike some other sweet bar companies I stay with your bar for the hire period to make sure its clean and tidy from beginning to end.

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I provide my clients with a memorable and personal experience.

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Why is booking Love Is Sweet Company a good alternative to wedding favours?

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Just like the sweet bars I can match your favours to colour schemes and themes. They all come personalised with your guests names on too, which double up as unique place settings.

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You can order jars filled or empty. Our empty jars work fabulously alongside our sweet bars, allowing guests to fill up their own jars from the bar.

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We hear that you have a popcorn cart too? Tell us about it?

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I’m proud to welcome a new addition to the Love is Sweet Company family, our Popcorn cart!

Bringing more fun and theatre to your special day. More and more brides are looking for new and exciting features for their weddings. The popcorn cart does exactly that, filling the room with the sweet aroma of fresh popped corn, yum yum!

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You can hire the popcorn cart alongside our candy floss cart, giving your guests a real fun filled afternoon.

Our gourmet package can be added to the popcorn too, giving your mouth a real popping experience.

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Can the bride and groom choose the sweets that are included in your sweetie tables? What special added extras can they choose from?

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Of course! The choice of sweets is completely up to the bride and groom, of course I’m there to suggest favourites. You can choose from jelly rings to eggs, love hearts to jelly babies any thing your heart desires.

We also have a dessert bar option, add things like cupcakes and cake pops, brownies and whoopee pies even a wedding cake!

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We have lots of exciting new options coming very soon watch this space!

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Where are you located and will you travel?

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We are based in Gateshead and travel free of charge within a 25 miles radius, a small fee is applied outside of this. We can travel anywhere in the North East.

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Can you give Brides Up North an idea on price?

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Our sweet bars start at just £110 for up to 50 guests. This includes; selection of sweets, decorations, personalised cones, tongs and scoops, glass wear and trays, messages to your guests, delivery, set up, supervision and dismantle.

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The candy floss and popcorn cart are hired by the hour at just £75 per hour each. Hire both together for just £100 per hour. Check out our gourmet package on the website too.

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And our fabulous sweet jars start at just £1 each! What a bargain!

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Can you do a discount for my readers?

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For a limited time only, I’m offering an exclusive discount for Brides up North wedding blog readers. If you’re getting married in 2012 contact me and quote Brides up North to receive a massive 15% discount off your hire.

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How can Brides Up North see more examples of your work/ find out more?

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The best place to get regular yummy info on Love is sweet Company is to head over to our Facebook page.

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I post regularly on here with new information, offers, deals and competitions. Head over now and hit the like button – you’ll be missing out if you don’t! Get involved in the exciting world of Love is Sweet Company.

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Of course, head over to our website www.loveissweetcompany.co.uk to find out more details on services and products.

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Watch out for Love Is Sweet Company when they exhibit at the Brides Up North Super Showcase Grand Wedding Exhibition on Sunday 9th September at Ramside Hall Hotel Durham from 12pm – 4pm.  This is our headline event and the largest FREE ENTRY bridal event in the North East, with two professional fashion shows and over eighty exhibitors.  Have you pre-registered for speedy entry and your VIP Bride-To-Be Goody Bag yet?  Click here to do so, whilst stocks last.

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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2012 Alan Gibson Photography/Dreams Digital Photography

Love Is Sweet Company is a Brides Up North Featured Supplier and this is a sponsored post

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

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BREAKING NEWS: New Dates Announced For Brides Up North Wedding Exhibitions 2012

May 21st, 2012 | Julia Braime

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I am so excited to be able to announce the full set of Brides Up North Wedding Exhibitions for Autumn 2012 this afternoon on the wedding blog.  The first set of Brides Up North events for brides to be this Spring were a roaring success, with a sell out on quality exhibitor places, record attendances for all venues and a generally fabulous and inspiring day out for everyone visiting (even the weary grooms, who soon perked up on arrival!).  With huge industry, press and online support for this next set of events, I am hoping that they can be even better!

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So, are you ready to do it all again?  I can’t bloomin’ wait!

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Without further ado, here are the must-mark-in-diary dates:

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Sunday 2nd September 2012

Brides Up North Wedding Exclusive at Nostell Priory

Nostell Priory, Wakefield, WF4 1QE

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Sunday 9th September 2012

The Brides Up North Super Showcase Grand Wedding Exhibition

Ramside Hall Hotel, Carrville, Durham, DH1 1TD

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Sunday 16th September 2012

Brides Up North Wedding Exclusive at Allerton Castle

Allerton Castle, Knaresborough, HG5 0SE

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Sunday 7th October 2012

Brides Up North Wedding Exclusive at The Mansion

The Mansion, Roundhay Park, Leeds, LS8 2HH

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Sunday 21st October 2012

Brides Up North Wedding Exclusive at Sarah Beeny’s Rise Hall

Rise Hall, Rise, East Yorkshire, HU11 5BL

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And North West brides to be… don’t think that I have forgotten you!  A very special Brides Up North event is coming your way next Spring!  Save this date: Sunday 10th March 2013!  More details to be released shortly!

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To register for a VIP Bride To Be Goody Bag and speedy access for any of the events: just email me at julia@bridesupnorth.co.uk with your name and the show (or shows!) that you would like to attend.

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All exhibitor enquires for all events: please email julia@bridesupnorth.co.uk.  Exhibitors strictly limited by category.  Book now for early bird discounts.  I operate a first come, first served policy. 

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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2012 Brides Up North

This is not a sponsored post

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

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This Crazy Little Thing Called Wedding Blogging

March 19th, 2012 | Julia Braime

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It seems like this wedding blogger has been here there and everywhere over the past couple of months, whilst still somehow finding the time to share gorgeousness like this, this and this here on the wedding blog.  I’m pleased to report that all this hard work seems to be paying off, as visits to Brides Up North have never been higher than in this first quarter of 2012.  So I guess I’m doing something right!

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You can’t ride the rollercoaster of starting and developing your own brand and business without the odd pit stop though, or you might go crazy (or more crazy)!  So, weary of mind, body and spirit, I thought it was high time for two things.  Firstly, a little break to have some “real life” fun, hell, just to have a real life!  And secondly, a long over due personal post to recap just some of of what I’ve been up to behind the scenes.

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I always find writing my more personal posts slightly more daunting than say, a Real Wedding or fashion feature, but you guys seem to like them and it’s a nice way of reflecting on all my hard work – and proving that bloggers don’t just spend their days on an extended holiday or lazing on the sofa.  Not this one anyway!

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So here goes.  An insight into the crazy World here at Brides Up North HQ.  Excuse the limited and rather rubbish selection of iPhone pictures, I’m no professional!

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Let me take you back.  Way back, to a snowy week at the start of February.  We thought that we were home and dry, Winter was over, and then all of a sudden – flurries of the white stuff.  In my previous life as a solicitor, an unexpected snowfall and the very possibility of a snow day would have been met with unprecedented glee – but the week before my very first Brides Up North Wedding Exclusive (and in a fairly remote castle location too?) – No thank you very much. 

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Lets just say that there was a lot of weather forecast watching, prayers being fired upwards left right and centre and a few expletives that week.  But, just as I had accepted that what would be would be, the snow suddenly disappeared as quickly as it had arrived, and we were in the clear!

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All ready to go!

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The first ever Brides Up North events team!

AKA The hubby and my dad – cheap labour, but a bit too much back chat  

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The inaugural Brides Up North Wedding Exclusive at Allerton Castle ended up being a roaring success – way beyond my hopes.  Beautifully decorated by our 40 fantastic exhibitors, this stunning venue really came to life and the day saw a record attendance.  I couldn’t have asked for more, and my thanks must go out to each and every exhibitor, visiting bride and the Dine and Allerton teams for making the day so excellent.

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Never one to take much of a breather, there was no lie in for me the next day and it was onwards and upwards, as the next Brides Up North Wedding Exclusive – this time at The Mansion in Leeds – followed a very short two weeks afterwards.  One record attendance event in a fortnight would have done it for me, but the turn out at The Mansion exceeded all expectations and it was another truly fabulous day.  Yorkshire, you rock.

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And then, the hat trick!  Brides Up North rounded off a very busy three week period with the Brides Up North Super Showcase Wedding Exhibition, this time in the North East, at Ramside Hall Hotel in Durham.  This one was a biggy to say the least – in fact it was the largest free bridal event in the area this Spring – with over 100 exhibitors, two professional fashion shows and nearly 1000 visitors.  Woah mama!  That’s a lot for one gal to coordinate!  Luckily I had a team of fabulous helpers and each and every exhibitor really worked hard to make it a knock your socks off show.  To say that it was a good day is a complete understatement – and this first Super Showcase has to be the highlight of my Brides Up North career thus far.  Thank you to everyone who supported this huge event.  I can’t wait till the next one… and here’s a clue – you might want to save Sunday 9th September in your diaries now!

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A little Snaparazzi action with the boys from AMV

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After a few glasses of bubbly and a twelve hour sleep, it was time to boogie all my cares away.  In the week following the Super Showcase I moved back into my old bedroom at my parents’ house for a few days and awaited the eagerly anticipated AMV Live Music and Brides Up North Battle of The Wedding Bands at As You Like It Jesmond.  The first event of it’s kind and oh what a night it was!  The whole of the downstairs venue was packed to the rafters with lovely couples looking to book their wedding band whilst six amazing acts performed some classic party hits and more contemporary tunes.  AMV Live Music were flooded with bookings and I just drank some vino, bopped about chatting to brides and grooms and had the time of my life.  It was so much fun to let off some much needed steam but also to take the time to get excited with my readers about their forthcoming weddings.  When can we do it all over again?

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It’s been back to the desk since then, catching up on admin – all the boring bits about running your own business – plus planning the next two Brides Up North Wedding Exclusives in Yorkshire in just under a month’s time (have you noticed the new banner at the top of the blog?  You can register for your VIP Goody bags now! GO GO GO!), plotting some really rather fabulous blog content including one SERIOUSLY kick ass competition – coming up very soon – and finalising details for the next set of Brides Up North Tweet Up wedding industry networking events.

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I’ve also found the time to attend The British Bridal Exhibition in Harrogate, including the twinkling Bridal Buyer Awards where I was thrilled to be part of a panel of “web experts” (who, moi?) judging the Best Retailer Website Award, delivered a webinar and three seminars to the Forward Ladies and The UK Alliance of Wedding Planners on blogging for business and even been nominated for a little award of my own – for Best Wedding Directory at The Bridal Magazine Awards in just under a month.

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Told you that I’d been busy. 

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So one of the most nerve wracking, exciting, thrilling and dynamic periods of my life was wrapped up beautifully this weekend with a break in London with my hubby, and then joining my family and friends to watch my great friend (and honorary little bro) Nick wipe the floor at the Top Model UK competition – winning both the top prize and the public vote.  Nick’s a Brides Up North model, so I’ve been campaigning hard for votes here on the wedding blog and it seems that your votes really did count!  Thanks to each and every person who voted for all of your support.  I can’t wait to see where his career might go, and we discovered him ladies!

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There’s been a fair bit of bubbly consumed this weekend, but I’m starting the week fresh and bursting with new ideas.  I’m never one to rest on my laurels for long, so what’s next for Brides Up North?  Well, just you wait and see…

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A couple of bottles of bubbles later…next year’s winner?  Working it Zoolander Style on the Red Carpet!

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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2012 Brides Up North/ Snaparazzi

This is not a sponsored post

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Where To Start? Top Tips For Navigating & Making The Most Of Wedding Fairs

March 1st, 2012 | Julia Braime

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So, it can’t have escaped your notice that the largest free bridal event in the North East is this Sunday at Ramside Hall Hotel, and that Brides Up North is at the helm, can it?  (If it has, click here for all the details of the Brides Up North Super Showcase Wedding Exhibition). 

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When I was a bride to be, I LOVED attending wedding fairs – the hustle and bustle, the masses of wedding inspiration, brand new ideas, the gowns, the bling, the freebies and the general feeling of happiness and excitement floating through the air.  I can hardly believe that the Brides Up North brand has grown so much that I am now throwing my own massive event – and it feels like one big fabulous party!

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I’m bursting with excitement about the weekend, but I know that as well as being a lot of fun, wedding exhibitions need to serve their purpose too.  This event is primarily about assisting you lovely ladies with the wedding planning process and grouping together as many fabulous local suppliers in one area as possible for you to chat to.  There is something for everyone on Sunday – from boho brides to pretty princesses, cool customers and vintage vixens, and it’s all under one roof.

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I also understand that 100+ stands over two huge function rooms is a lot to take in.  How to prioritise your time and get the most from the event.  From experience, I tend to waft around dashing from pretty thing to pretty thing, touching and trying and oohing and ahhing, so my advice on this is pretty useless.  To assist, I’ve called in one of Sunday’s exhibitors and wedding exhibition connoisseur Mark of Mobeus Jewellers, who’ll lead you through the labyrinth of lovely! 

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So lets hear form this seasoned exhibitor, fabulous jeweller and all round nice guy about how to make the most of wedding exhibitions and get the best results from your day out.

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Better meet the man himself first…

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How many wedding exhibitions have you attended Mark?

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I have been exhibiting at wedding fairs for at least 10 years so it must be dozens over the years, if not hundreds.

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Why are wedding fairs important to Mobeus Jewellers?

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At a fair, we can get right to that target audience, often meeting hundreds of people in a day who would not normally visit our shop. That’s extremely valuable for anyone supplying the wedding industry.

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We get the chance to meet people who want to have a chat about their ideas for wedding and engagement rings. Some people have a bit of an idea what they would like as a wedding ring but haven’t seen what they are after. We are able to take their ideas and make them into their own personal designs.

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How do you make the most of wedding exhibitions?

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A lot of people are quite shy at first when they visit the stall, so we just ask them some simple questions to get the conversation going. We’re never pushy and just like to get a feel for the couple and what they are after as sometimes it’s hard to describe in words.

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We see all the different groups – the brides and mums, the gangs of girls together and some blokes who look like they have been dragged along kicking and screaming – but they love it when they get there!

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Here are Mark’s top tips for making the most of wedding fair season:

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Prioritise what is important to you

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It’s going to be very difficult to get round every stall, so decide before you get there what you want to get out of the exhibition. People often forget about the permanent things from the wedding such as the photography and rings and instead concentrate on the flowers and table designs. That’s fine if that’s your priority, but make sure there’s enough in the budget for the things that will last.

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Find a supplier you can relate to

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It’s your wedding, so you need someone who can understand your ideas and what you really want. That’s particularly important when choosing your wedding dress and rings. If you can relate to your supplier and get on well with them, they are really going to work well for you.

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Get at least three quotes

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Find something you like, think about it and then get another quote. There are a lot of big decisions to be made when choosing things for your wedding so don’t rush in. Sleep on things – your suppliers will still be there the day after the exhibition. And don’t always go for the cheapest price, look for something you really want and work with your supplier to get the right deal.

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Visit other fairs

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As well as visiting fairs at your venue or the larger ones in your area, it’s probably worthwhile getting outside of your immediate region to meet different suppliers – they may have the exact thing you’re looking for.

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Mark and his team of goldsmiths will be at the Brides Up North Super Showcase Grand Wedding Exhibition at Ramside Hall Hotel this Sunday.

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To find out more about Mark’s specialist shaped ring service visit www.mobeus.biz

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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2012 via slimpatch.com,  mattneuman.com, solarsea.ca

Mobeus is a Brides Up North Featured Supplier

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