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

Wedding Day Poetry - Another Happy Customer!

I love receiving feedback from satisfied clients! The below poem was commissioned by the bride’s sister as a surprise; to be read out during the civil ceremony. I was informed the bride and groom are a fun loving couple; not serious or mushy at all – so it was a splash of humour and a dash of sincerity – my speciality!

 

The poem made them cry tears of love and laughter – Operation Jeanette and Paul accomplished!

Much love x

Jeanette & Paul’s Wedding Day ~ Friday 5th August 2011

Welcome to today's celebration

5th August 2011

As we celebrate the new life, of husband and wife

Jeanette and Paul – a match made in heaven!

It's a beautiful ode of a couple bestowed

In marriage, till death do you part

For better or worse, let me rewind this verse

Back 22 years, to the start!

Well lads and lasses, it was collecting glasses

At the local back in '89

When their eyes first met and Paul wooed Jeanette

At closing, with pork scratchings and wine!

A romantic Blue Nose, Paul began to propose

Every year for the next 20 or so,

But was always met, with the same answer from Net,

"I'm not ready to be Mrs Robbo!!!!"

Was it the engagement ring, that made her heart sing

Not one, not two - but three?!!!!

Or the fact they just click and she can cherry pick

A lifetime of taxi rides - for free!

Macca had her soul mate; so they set the date

A day planned with precision and care,

Every detail and bit - from Aqua Fit

...To keeping Sharon away from her hair!

A shared passion in their romance, they love to dance

They’ve swept each other off their feet

And will party till dawn from the Registry lawn

…Down to the Huyton Civic Suite!

Our groom and bride have glowed with pride

In the roles you play here today

Best Men - Michael and Adam

And Thomas - for giving your Mum away

Let no man put asunder, here’s to James down under

Luke, Cian and Millie’s special roles too

Melissa the beautiful bridesmaid; Mal you couldn’t persuade

Net to let you be bridesmaid too?!!

First and foremost, today we’ll toast

Absent family we dearly miss

And for the epilogue, Roley the dog

Sends a big fat doggy kiss!

If there's one thing you take from this wedding keepsake,

From ‘your sis’ - please let it be this

Today is your beginning of always and ever

A lifetime of happiness and bliss!

So here's to Mr and Mrs Robinson

Who we all love more than you know

To love, laughter, and a happy ever after

Congratulations Mr & Mrs Robbo!

Written by Helen Burns

For Better or Verse  at

Bespoken Dreams Wedding Design and Consultancy

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

Kate Moss and her Bonpoint Boho Bridesmaids...

...Try saying that after a 3 day MossStock bender!

Mrs H looked gorgeous in Galliano, whilst her bevy of bridesmaids looked beautiful in

Home to the pretty cherries so favoured by children, this famous name has always built its legend on grace and happiness....

The poetic and lovely dresses, ivory chiffon embroidered with rosebuds, were designed by Christine Innamorato, Bonpoint Artistic Designer.

With more than 100 addresses worldwide (Paris, NY, Tokyo, Bejing, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Shanghai, Hong Kong, San Paolo...) Bonpoint is the French Fashion and Couture House for children. Its spot-on style, poetic universe tinged with humour and magic, inspired window displays and the warm atmosphere of its boutiques and flagship stores in the heart of Saint Germain des Près in Paris, and on Madison Avenue In New York, makes Bonpoint a unique fashion destination.

Rich in the savoir faire of a Maison de Couture house, thanks to its artisan studios in Paris, Bonpoint cultivates the précision of beauty, the passion for quality and a meticulous attention to detail and finishing.

Show stealing or what?  A la Moss stikes again...

Congratulations Kate & Jamie x

Much Love x

Matthew Williamson Bridal Collection Fall 2011

Matthew Willamson's first range of bridal wear is inspired by iconic styles within their ready to wear collections from the past twelve years. Occasion wear pieces have always been a staple category within their ready to wear collections and have often been worn by customers for weddings in the past, so a full bridal range for them was a natural extension. Signature styles have been reworked and translate into perfect bridal gowns that will appeal to both the classic and contemporary bride. "The starting point for the collection has been to capture the essence of the brand and all its signature elements demonstrating a feeling of luxury and opulence. Each garment features a high level of craftsmanship evident in the gentle forms of the silhouettes, the use of fine embroidery, ornate beading and luxurious natural fabrics. Long and short corset column gowns give a lean silhouette and structure and are then softened with an artfully draped overlay of soft ivory tulle. Hand sewn ivory feathers strewn across the tulle creates an enchanting ethereal effect. Elsewhere buttermilk silk satin has been printed with a burn out technique of a hand painted abstract winter wonderland design providing a modern, softly textured fabric draped into a classical strapless gown. To compliment, bridesmaid dresses in the same fabric are cut into softly draping one shoulder dresses, fitted at the waist. For a modern take, a knee length silk chiffon shift dress has been embroidered by hand with a floral design. Dense beading and embroidery techniques trail across the fabric creating high impact couture like effect. Jewel embedded mink and rabbit fur cropped shrugs have been designed with the collection in mind to lengthen the silhouette and add a real sense of luxury to such an opulent occasion. Relaxed beach style weddings are considered with sheer ivory silk chiffon maxi dresses, plunging necklines and waterfall ruffled skirts embedded with Swarovski crystals." www.matthewwilliamson.co.uk

Hen Parties: A Load of Cobblers?

I received an email from a lovely Liverpool bridesmaid-to-be this week, searching for a different and discerning hen-do for her ‘very refined’ friend.  I read this as ‘classy’ and loved her straight away!  #Mykindagal.  Now, I’m ALWAYS on the look-out for exciting new ways for ladies to celebrate-singledom-sophisticatedly one last time.  Immediately I thought of a brand new service offered by those gorgeous creatives, Clare and Nina at Nook & Willow. 

Nook & Willow are an Accesoristas Online Dream.  Fact.  All their goods are handmade in England using only the finest leathers. Finished to perfection, any piece from a Nook & Willow collection is instantly recognisable. A favourite within the fashion world and sold across the globe via fashion powerhouse ASOS.com, unsurprisingly they have gained many celebrity fans and count Sienna Miller, Elle Macpherson and Coleen McLoughlin among their customers.

So, when my bridesmaid-to-be exasperatedly exclaimed ‘all hen do’s are just so tacky’, I thought – What….

 A LOAD OF COBBLERS!

Ladies, take it away...

“Ever thought about putting your own creative stamp on a pair of wonderful shoes?

“I’d like a bow here….. I want the straps this colour.” 

Stop right there, as now it’s your chance to!

Nook & Willow are opening their studio doors for their up and coming shoe making courses. You will get the chance to design, make and keep your very own footwear!

Spend the afternoon creating your own bespoke sandals with array of quality leather samples and expert advice off creative duo Clare Wilson and Nina Halliwell. In just one productive afternoon, you will figure how to mould materials of your own choice over a traditional shoe maker’s last. Next, you will learn how to embellish your footwear – be it fringed tassels, bows and more!  Not to mention devouring some fabulous home-made cake within the process.  Yum!

Each workshop holds up to five people, so you can come along and meet new people or book as a group, with friends or family.

The workshops are running from June 2011 costing £80 per person.

To enquire further about the workshop, contact  creative directors, Clare Wilson and Nina Halliwell.

Nook & Willow

Studio 2c, 36 Seel Street, Liverpool L1 4BE

                   

Facebook

Twitter

0151 708 5576

studio@nookandwillow.com

Business Dreams - We heart PR!

PR and Marketing services for small wedding businesses

“When actions WON’T speak louder than words…”

Here at Bespoken Dreams, we heart PR! We heart weddings, words (and wine…of the pink fizzy variety). We LOVE the suppliers we work closely with, who OF COURSE love weddings too, but words – not so much. Words, schmwords. You know your brand, nurtured it in fact, but can sometimes find it hard expressing it (unless helped perhaps by said wine of the pink fizzy variety).

Well, we want to help you shout it from the rooftops just how fantabulous YOU ARE. We want to use our words, our media contacts, your ethos, your dreams.

Business Dreams = Branded Dreams = Brands Delivered

Services
Press Releases - £115 per release
Want the wedding world to know about a newsworthy product, launch, service, or have something exciting to share? Want to strut your stuff, market your brand and enjoy that media spotlight? We will draft a press release to charm journalists and bloggers alike. After an initial consultation we will research your topic to produce a maximum 500 worded press release with a kick. One set of changes permitted. Include one relevant image and your logo.

For an additional £35 – we will distribute the press release to media


Copywriting - £150 maximum 500 words
Lost for words? We provide textual content to tell your story, beautifully. Taglines, website, blog, brochure text and mailing content. We won’t cramp your style, we’ll match it, or indeed revamp it.


Pitch Perfect - £100
Our friends at For Better or Verse  know how to pitch with a punch. Humorous, sincere and concise…they’ll hang on your every word! Initial consultation, draft review, one client change permitted, job done.

PITCH SAMPLE

Red Carpet Makeup makeup artist Kathryn Rooney


Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend
That I can’t deny
But there’s one best friend I must defend
For she can be quite shy

She deserves our praise for her clever ways
How she illuminates our day
And conceals our darkest secrets
Highlighting our forte

Her compliments are radiant
She can often make us blush
She shows us how to make an entrance
Feeling Feminine, Glamorous, Lush

There is no end to our flawless friend
And we must recognise
How her timeless classic friendship
Adds sparkle to our Sultry, Smokey Eyes

Our perfect friend can easily blend
And contour our emotions and mind
But who is this mate who transforms our state?
Leaving our cares behind

She makes us Our Most Beautiful
From Blushing Bride to WAG
Glamorous, Natural, Sophisticated
Her name is Makeup Bag!

Miss Makeup Bag will hold your hand
From first date to the races
School Proms, Weddings, Hen Parties
She’s a lady of many faces!

At Red Carpet she’s friends with the Elite
MAC, Lancôme, YSL
We only use the Finest
By Terry, Armani, Chanel

So whatever look you desire
Birthday to Elegant Ball
Step onto our Red Carpet
And give Miss Makeup Bag a call!

For more information please contact helen@bespokendreams.co.uk

Much Love x