Have You Heard the One about the Celebrity Bride, Don’t Tell the Bride and the Gothic Bride?

And the Bride Wore Black...

Gothic Fashion Show at the Wedding House, 3-4 Great George Place, Liverpool, L1 7AG Thursday 3rd November 2011 6pm-8.30pm  

They say everything comes in threes, and for the the Wedding House in Liverpool last week, that was spookily so.  Kerry Katona was papped entering the Wedding House with a Channel 5 film crew in tow, filming the latest TV wedding craze, Celebrity Wedding Planner. The show pays up to £12k towards a couple’s wedding day, on the basis that they put their trust in a mystery celebrity who organises the wedding on their behalf.

Following on with the TV theme, BBC3’s Don’t Tell the Bride airs tonight at 9pm with bride-to-be Amanda trying on her ‘dream dress in her dream shop’; the beautiful boutique that is Cloud 9 Bridal at the Wedding House. Let’s just hope she didn’t pay a visit when proprietor Shirley Briers, ‘trashed’ one of her exclusive Ian Stuart gowns, all in aid of the Gothic inspired bridal fashion show at the Wedding House on Thursday 3rd November. 

Shirley says of the Trash the Dress trend,

"We took inspiration from Ian Stuart’s ‘Flower Bomb’ dress and added black fabric strips of tulle, ostrich feathers, black flowers, diamante brooches and ribbon bows. The top edging was a beaded belt, the skirt was then ripped and graffiti was added. Black lace, a big tulle bow, ostrich feathers and a diamante brooch were also added to the top hat, courtesy of Rocks for Frocks. The gloves were the bride’s ‘something borrowed’. We wanted a gothic twist to the Trash the Dress trend, which involves a bride wearing her dress after the big day for a photo shoot in an inappropriate environment such as a beach, urban setting or muddy field. The rich dark interior and gothic exterior made this a perfect and unique backdrop for our own Gothic Trash the Dress catwalk.”

 For one fright only, each boutique gave an appetizer of their AW collections with a nod to the Gothic-Glam trend in their very own distinct style. Brides-to-be and their hentourages fell in love with the romance, magic and mysticism of the iconic gothic grade II listed building in all its lit up glory, whilst enjoying entertainment from in house band Kikosi and flowing pink fizz. Gothic models included a bevy of local beauty queens from Miss Liverpool Galaxy 2011 (Sarah Fairley), Miss Galaxy International 2011-2012 (Jamie Lee), Miss Merseyside Galaxy 2011 (Brooke Baday) and Miss Teen Merseyside Galaxy 2011 (Sophia Hatoum).

Organisers of the event, Kate Bentley of Eat Your Heart Out Vintage and Danielle Jenkins of Hollywood Glamour explained  

“We wanted a fashion show to represent the gothic heritage of the newly re-launched Wedding House. Our collections are influenced by the timeless style of the past as well as catwalk trends from the present; offering the finest selection of fashion forward vintage clothing. Materials of luxe lace, velvet, silk and floaty chiffon, translate the look from the runway to the big day. We’re delighted with the turnout and reaction from all our visitors.”  

Not everything on the night was so scary; guests were spellbound by the cute flower girls modelling dresses from boutique Ruby & Tom, the Gothic inspired wedding cake made by Edible Magic and the dessert table by Half Dozen Designs. With thanks to Tatty Lashes Handcrafted stationery, Beauty Box, Miss Bouquets, Rocks for Frocks, and Calidad Creations.

Liverpool reveals a dark side as brides follow designers to go Gothic

Check Bespoken Dreams out in yesterday's  Liverpool Echo!

A model displays a creation by British fashion designer Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen spring-summer

IF the word Gothic conjures up images of sullen inky-eyed teens, or Twilight’s beautiful blood-guzzling vampires, then it might be time for a rethink.

 

Because the biggest name designers have decreed that fashion is feeling in a dark mood and that means a resurgence in all things decadent and dramatic.


Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen unveiled a Gothic inspired collection in Paris for spring/summer 2012, full of satin and lace, and so too did Yves St Laurent and Chanel.


But it isn’t just stunning evening dresses which have crossed to the dark side - bridal gowns have too.
The queen of wedding style Vera Wang has just released a collection in New York called Witchcraft by Vera Wang. It features black gowns designed with lace, tulle and organza, and has had fashion observers predicting that in the next few months at least black could well be the new white.

There’s no doubt that Gothic glam is having a moment and, with Halloween just around the corner, it’s a trend that Liverpool fashion followers are finding more of a treat than a trick.

“Brides fall in love with the romance, magic and mysticism of the look,” explains Liverpool wedding planner Helens Burns. “But it’s a trend that is accessible to all, not just Gothic brides.

“Rich colours such as deep reds and purples and emerald greens have an edge without the bride having to wear all black, and materials such as lace, velvet, silk and chiffon all hint towards Gothic glam.

“A lot of fashionistas drew inspiration from the Duchess of Cambridge’s iconic wedding dress, and from Sarah Burton’s recently unveiled collection for SS12.”

Helen, who lives in Allerton, launched her Bespoken Dreams wedding consultancy in April. She says the Gothic trend doesn’t just centre around what the bride wears, it’s all about setting the scene too.

“Castles, stately homes and country manors are the perfect backdrop to build this theme around and props and accessories including candles and dramatic flowers like black roses and calla lilies all add to the feel,” she explains.

"Dramatic italic and Gothic fonts can be used on wedding stationery and menus, and quotes from Gothic-inspied literature like Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey or favourite movies are perfect nods towards the trend which can be used on table plans and place settings.

“Brides and bridesmaids might also want to experiment with darker make-up for lips and nails, so there are lots of ways to incorporate touches without going for a full-blown Gothic wedding.”

In perfect timing for the trend, Liverpool will host a Gothic Fashion Show on Thursday November 3.

The event, at the Wedding House near the Anglican Cathedral, is being co-ordinated by Kate Bentley from Eat Your Heart Out Vintage boutique in aid of Alder Hey’s Clothes Throw Appeal.

More than 30 suppliers, covering everything from cakes to corsetry, will be taking part in the show encouraging guests to unleash their inner Gothic girl.

“The theme translates into mystery, subtle seduction and quiet confidence for any bride-to-be or fashion conscious woman,” says Kate.

“Our collections are influenced by the timeless style of the past as well as catwalk trends from the present, offering fashion forward vintage clothing. Materials of luxe lace, velvet, silk and floaty chiffon take the look from the runway to the big day.

“For the show, each boutique will give an appetiser of its autumn/winter collections with a nod towards Gothic glam. Cloud 9 Bridal, Eat Your Heart Out Vintage and Hollywood Glamour are among the names showcasing their collections with hair and make-up from in-house professionals.”

The Gothic Fashion Show will take place at The Wedding House, 3-4 Great George Place, Liverpool 1 on Thursday November 3, 6-8.30pm.

Dawn Collinson

Liverpool's Gothic Wedding House Relaunch Party

Where the Heart Is

Home Sweet Home for the North West’s Bridal Best

Liverpool’s iconic gothic building the Wedding House  relaunched last week over a two day event in true celebratory style.  And keeping in with the essence of any fabulous wedding knees up, guests were indulged with fun, fizz and festivities.  Special guest Lord Mayor Cllr Frank Prendergast officially opened the event by cutting an aptly coloured pink ribbon before stepping inside the beautiful grade II listed building to sample an array of the thirty elite suppliers now housed there.  Wow!

From its original detailed Victorian tiled floor to the inviting rich red staircase, it’s clear to see how the Gothic Revival inspired a genre of romantic poetry in the literary world.  And within the wedding world, it seems the Wedding House has stirred many a romantic too.  Brides and their entourages came in droves to sample the four floors of top design inspiration and personal style advice to help plan their special occasion. 

Hot band on the circuit, Kikosi set the party atmosphere as guests were wowed by a first dance routine choreographed by Danielle Norman from Butterfly Wedding Choreography.  Also wowing the guests were the easy-on-the-eye semi naked hunks courtesy of My Sexy Butler.

The Wedding House is the brainchild of husband and wife proprietors Neil and Jennifer Shaw of Knutsford.  Neil purchased the building eight years ago to house his Liverpool Groom formal hire store.  He approached several other businesses at a Liverpool Echo wedding show and invited them to join, several of who are still there now. In 2011, Jennifer, a business improvement consultant working predominantly for global PLCs, took a sabbatical to help out in the family business.  

Jennifer says “I started by approaching some of the best wedding and special occasion related businesses within the North West; my vision to bring in some younger, funkier and more bang on trend businesses who would widen the appeal to any stylish customer looking for something a little bit different for their special occasion.”  

Like any blushing bride-to-be, the Wedding House is now at her most beautiful.  Nestled in the heart of the city centre and open seven days a week, the cream of the wedding crop exclusively provide an all year round wedding show experience to guide brides through the exciting planning process.  A wedding treat retreat! 

“We are still very much aimed at the wedding market, however, I equally see it as a destination of choice for a fashionista visiting for that special outfit to make them stand out from the crowd at the races or something to give their party the WOW factor, whatever the occasion.”

For a detailed guide of all suppliers at the House please visit www.theweddinghouse.co.uk

Much Love & Happy Planning....xxx

The Wedding House Relaunch - Where The Heart Is

Gothic Building is Home Sweet Home for the North West’s Bridal Best

The Wedding House Relaunch Party, Liverpool City Centre –7th & 8th September 5.30pm-7.30pm

Stepping inside Liverpool’s iconic gothic building the Wedding House, it’s plain to see how the architectural Gothic Revival inspired a 19th century genre of romantic poetry in the literary world. And within the wedding world, the relaunch of the Wedding House is stirring many a romantic too. From its original detailed Victorian tiled floor to the inviting rich red staircase, this beautiful Grade II listed building is a sanctuary for any discerning bride and groom-to-be. But it’s not just for couples in love. Now home sweet home to over thirty elite suppliers, the Wedding House has four floors of top design inspiration and personal style advice to help plan any special occasion.

The Wedding House is the brainchild of husband and wife proprietors Neil and Jennifer Shaw of Knutsford. Neil purchased the building eight years ago to house his Liverpool Groom store. He approached several other businesses at a Liverpool Echo wedding show and invited them to join, several of who are still there now. In 2011, Jennifer, a business improvement consultant working predominantly for global PLCs, took a sabbatical to help out in the family business.

Jennifer says “I started by approaching some of the best wedding and special occasion related businesses within the North West; my vision to bring in some younger, funkier and more bang on trend businesses who would widen the appeal to any stylish customer looking for something a little bit different for their special occasion”.

Nestled in the heart of the city centre, the Wedding House is re-launching in September, and like any blushing bride-to-be, is now at her most beautiful. Open seven days a week, the cream of the wedding crop exclusively provide an all year round wedding show experience to guide brides through the exciting planning process. A wedding treat retreat!

“We are still very much aimed at the wedding market, however, I equally see it as a destination of choice for a fashionista visiting for that special outfit to make them stand out from the crowd at the races or something to give their party the WOW factor, whatever the occasion”

About the Wedding House

The Wedding House originally opened its doors in 2003. Proprietor Neil Shaw purchased the Grade II listed building to accommodate his second formal menswear and suit hire store, Groom Liverpool. With a wealth of knowledge and fifteen years experience within the wedding industry, Neil’s first Groom store opened in Warrington, and today Groom also has branches in Wilmslow, Chester, and more recently, Manchester city centre.

The current businesses based at the WH are

Absolute Lighting & Events, Beauty Box, Bentleys 1, Butterfly Wedding Choreography, Calidad Canvas, Calidad Creations, Chair Style, Classic Video Productions, Cloud 9 Bridal (including award winning designer Ian Stuart), Daisy's Little Things, Dave McGrath – Toastmaster, Eat Your Heart Out Vintage, Edible Magic Cakes, Eye Candy Buffets, Flower Fashion, Groom, Gypsophila Couture, Herve Photography, Hollywood Glamour, Jane Arts, Kikosi, Match a Print Stationery, Millinery by Rosie Olivia, Miss Bouquets, My Sexy Butler, Rocks for Frocks, Ruby & Tom, Tatty Lashes Handcrafted Stationery, The Chocolate Cellar, The Chocolate Fondue Co, The Champagne Fountain Co.

The Wedding House is holding a launch party on 7th and 8th September 2011 from 5.30pm - 7.30pm. The Wednesday evening is Press Night followed by a VIP Thursday evening, both open to the public.

I hope to see you all there!!! x

3-4 Great George Place
L1 7AG
Liverpool
Merseyside

T 0151 709 8283

W http://www.theweddinghouse.co.uk/

E enquiries@theweddinghouse.co.uk

Utterly Flutterly! Liverpool Lashes for B2B Lasses

"We all love our lashes and eyes with impact are the trend of the moment. But forget mascara, panda eyes or fake eyelashes that peel off on the dancefloor, the ultimate treatment for long-lasting, luscious lashes is semi-permanent eyelash extensions. During this procedure, which lasts 1 ½ – 2 hours - a long, perfectly curled extension will be stuck to each of your individual lashes, for flawless, dramatic results. Extensions are light and comfortable and they last for the life of your lash, which can be up to three whole months!

There is no day-to-day maintenance needed and you don't even need mascara, so eyelash extensions are perfect for the wedding, honeymoon, holiday and festival season – you can just wake up and head to the beach every day, looking glam without lifting a finger. And with different lengths and thicknesses available you can choose your own look, from natural to maximum impact!

They're called semi-permanent because everyone naturally loses a lash or two every day. You might notice this more when your lashes have an extension attached, so you will need a repeat appointment every now and then to keep your extensions looking full. On average, people have their lashes topped up every three weeks to a month. The treatment is completely pain free – just a chance to lie down and chill out as your therapist works her magic! Local company Liverpool Lashes specialise in the treatment and will apply the lashes in the comfort of your own home, so you never have to leave the house with less than perfect lashes again.

Visit www.liverpoollashes.co.uk for pricing details and regular offers.

Phone 07764 487 284 to make an appointment or simply text DREAMS LASHES to receive a call-back."

Much love and happy fluttering!

Kate Moss Wedding Inspired By the Glamour of the Great Gatsby

"I wanted it to be kind of dreamy and Twenties, when everything is soft-focus," said Kate. "The Great Gatsby. The code name was GG for a while. That light and that kind of fun decadence. It's rock 'n' roll Great Gatsby!"

A gal after my own heart!  Read all about Kate and Jamie's beautiful wedding day in the full interview of the September issue of Vogue.  Simply Stunning...

Be a Fashionista Fly on the Wall here...

Jenny Packham Designer Day at the Liverpool Bridal Gallery

Jenny Packham - 27th August 2011 - Liverpool Bridal Gallery

When Mr. Dreams romantically enquired how I'd like us to celebrate our 2nd year anniversary 'weekend' in two weeks time, (I think he said weekend, almonst certain of it) I wondered whether I would be pushing it to request our celebrations start at the ahem, Jenny Packham Designer Day at the Liverpool Bridal Gallery on Saturday 27th August 2011.  Work and pleasure, non?  Thinking better of it and not counting my chickens we'd get to year two if I ever made such an absurd suggestion, (I might have to return the favour and go and um, do joinery man things one day) I decided to let you lovely lot know about it instead.  And if my surpirse flight to Vegas/New York/Florence/Santorini* - hubby, delete where appropriate) happens to leave on the Saturday evening, then ladies, I'll see you there.

The Liverpool Bridal Gallery regularly host designer days at all of their boutiques, where you can view an extended range from the designer and receive exclusive offers available that day only.

SO why not be ahead of the Bridal Pack-Ham (sorry) and preview her 2012 collection before any other UK store.  Not due to hit the stores until October!

And not only that....

10% Discount on gown orders placed that day

20% discount - Bridesmaids

FREE STANDARD ALTERATIONS worth £140Only 10% deposit needed

Secure with just 10% deposit (providing wedding is 9 months away)

Other dates for your bri-ary:

Hollywood Dreams - 15th October 2011 - Liverpool Bridal Gallery

Alan Hannah - 19th October 2011 - Liverpool Bridal Gallery

Sophia Tolli - 4th February 2012 - Lancashire Bridal Gallery

Benjamin Roberts - 25th February 2012 - Liverpool Bridal Gallery

Apts can be made by calling 0151 428 3998 or enquiries@liverpoolbridalgallery.com

Much Love and Happy Trying xx

Introducing Pepe Botella Bridal Designer - Me Gusta!

Adding to my LOVE of all things Spanish and going back to my roots, mi abuela Emiline!  Senorita Swooning aqui...x

'Pepe is one of the leading players in the international bridal industry following Pronovias and Rosa Clara'

Pepe Botella  opened his first shop selling ceremonial and bridal wear in Alicante 36 years ago. From the outset, he sought to depart from the austerity of the traditional bridal gown, focusing on freedom of expression with bold styles and innovative fabrics. In 1980 he presented his first collection and went on to achieve wide critical acclaim. After 20 years at the helm, it was time for his daughter to show she had inherited her father's talent. Lucia Botella spent her childhood surrounded by dresses at the family's studio. After honing her skills and completing an apprenticeship observing her father, she presented her first collection in 2000. Drawing on endless sources of inspiration from 1950's glamour to haute couture to beach life, Lucia has proved herself a fearless innovator, continuously moving the brand forward. Now positioned at the avant-garde of bridal design this Spanish powerhouse produces 2 bridal collections per year: the Gaudi collection for press and the Mainline collection. With over 150 stockists and 3 stores in Spain alone, Pepe is one of the leading players in the international bridal industry following Pronovias and Rosa Clara. In recent years their designs have travelled far beyond the catwalk in Barcelona to Latin and North America, Japan and all over Europe. In 2011, Pepe Botella joined other top names for the second time to present their collection to UK buyers at the White Gallery in London. The new 2012 collection 'Despertar' (meaning 'Dawn') represents a return to its Latin roots with dramatic and romantic reinterpretations of classic Spanish influences alongside refreshingly modern crisp clean lines and body hugging silhouettes. Muy muy bonita xxx STOCKISTS MORGAN DAVIES LONDON  25 AGDON STREET   LONDON  EC1 V 0AZ   Phone 020 7354 3414       www.morgandavieslondon.co.uk  JULIA TASKER BRIDAL COUTURE  SHOP 3 NORTH TERRACE   BOWNESS-ON WINDERMERE, CUMBRIA LA23 3AU  Phone 015394 46900  www.juliataskerbridalcouture.co.uk  THE WEDDING SHOP   36 LONDON ROAD  CHESHIRE SK9 7DZ  Phone 01625584674      www.the-wedding-shop.co.uk  ABIGAIL´S  COLLECTION      64a HIGH STREET  COLCHESTER,  ESSEX CO1 1DN  Phone 01206574575   www.abigailscollection.co.uk  BRIDES AND GOWNS  26 THE STRAND    DERBY DE1 1HZ  Phone 01332267000   www.bridesandgowns.co.uk  LONDON BRIDE COUTURE  17 CHURTON STREET  LONDON  SW1V 2LY  Phone 020 7821 0404      www.londonbridecouture.com      BEAUTIFUL BRIDAL BOUTIQUE  61B SEAMOOR ROAD  WESTBOURNE, DORSET BH4 9AE  Phone 01202 765532   www.beautifulbridalboutique.co.uk