The first of December has ticked by so festivities may commence we cry! Apologies, there is something about this time of year that puts me into the rhyming mood. So it is time to gift you all with our second annual sum-up of the year along with embarrassing pictures of the team, so put the kettle on and take a moment to catch up with our mini-adventures.
A huge 'Thank You' to all our brides for choosing us in 2016!
New Carpet....It's lovely!
Firstly it is worth mentioning that My little Wedding Shop has passed the landmark 5th Birthday and and to celebrate….hold on to your hats…I have rewarded us with….new carpet (partially!) Its green and fluffy and simply lovely! Who knew we could be so extravagant!
The big news of 2016 has been the graduation of Georgina from Apprentice to a qualified, full time member of the team. I can’t thank the super Chris from KTL enough for his support of George and pushing the academic side of her qualifications. Georgina has been a part of My little Wedding Shop since her work experience back in 2013 and it has been wonderful to see her develop her skills and confidence, George has a bright future ahead of her and I am thrilled that she has chosen to contribute her skills to My little Wedding Shop.
Chris from KTL our Apprenticeship saviours!
Georgina...now all grown-up & official!
Ruth from Harriet Wilde and her very stylish shoes....of course!
Back in February we were thrilled to host the ever smiling Ruth from Harriet Wilde shoes here at the boutique in Bridgnorth. Ruth was wonderful with our brides, Mother of the Brides and even our Grandmother of the Bride who all chose Harriet Wilde shoes to compliment their special day outfits. It is always fun hosting these events and transforming our little boutique into a designer shoe shop for the weekend so look out for new events in 2017!
This year has brought a few additions to the designers available through our boutique. I met Julieann Bird at a wedding fair in Lichfield and was very impressed by her beautiful accessories and her incredibly generous nature. I was over the moon when Julieann accepted our request to stock her jewellery and with every piece hand crafted in Shrewsbury, just down the road, what could be better? We have also welcomed Victoria Millésime, London based bridal accessory designer whose new GoldDust collection just blew us away. Victoria creates stunning handmade pieces with a delicate style that have tied in perfectly with our latest Jane&Edward couture collection, we are very excited to see her work here at the boutique.
In 2016 we welcomed Maudette to the team. Maudette has worked hard to ensure our veils have been displayed perfectly and has beed a dedicated member of the window display team (despite the incident with her thumb) so thank you Maudette for joining us here!
Maudette joins the team.
Maudette can hold a pose very well...
George Thinks she's a bit creepy...I just don't see it!
I am thrilled with our latest Doone Valley bridal wear collection, after working out the designs in early Spring it is always wonderful to see the ideas come together and transform into the finished gowns.
Working out the pattern...can look a little strange!
Developing a design...the fun of preparing a new collection!
Setting up for the shoot.
This Summer brought us new collaborations as we worked with local photographer Bethany Stanley on our Doone Valley collection photoshoot. After many hours of looking for the perfect location that would reflect the hand crafted, Made in Shropshire, ‘romantic window light-feel’ that Beth and I wanted for the shoot, we finally realised that the best location was actually right here at the boutique! During this time we were on the hunt for the perfect model which led us through a convoluted route to discover the beautiful and witty Ash Millman, which in a twist of fate, it turns out used to work at the Winding House Tea Rooms just up the street and used to walk past the boutique every day!
From left to right:
Natasha Caldecott, Hair stylist. Ash Milmann our lovely model Me then George, the boutique team. Omie Megan, make-up wonder woman. Kate Slater, lace creator & Beth Stanley, our amazing image capturer!!
This amazing day enabled us to feature a completely ‘Ladies in Business’ collaboration bringing in Jewellery designer Gilly Page with her statement flower crowns; Natasha Caldecott hair stylist who created the perfect styles to match our gowns with Ash’s flame red hair; Kate Slater with her unique hand crafted lace hair accessories & once again, Omie Megan, our favourite and amazingly talented make-up artist who accentuates the natural beauty that is shining through! An amazing team and I think the resulting images speak for themselves!
This Summer I did take a day off (just the one!) to take my Dad out as a Birthday surprise to visit the Rolling Stones Exhibition at the Sachii gallery in London followed by an afternoon tracking down locations from his childhood. A great day and a few fab discoveries for him and me…did you know I share my Birthday with Keith Richards? Well, now you do!
Me & My Dad...fellow music lover
Yet to perfect the 'Selfie' moment
Now that's a spin!!
I was thrilled that I finally managed to take a moment to make myself something that I have wanted for quite some time and I finished my coat ready for Winter. I love wearing this coat and I get so many comments on it, it makes me feel very special when out and about!
George and I are quite familiar with working under pressure and the responsibility of the commissions we undertake, none more so than the request by my 4 year old niece Trixie-Ann for a new skirt for her favourite doll! As a little twist I created a matching outfit for her and her doll which has proven so successful that the Christmas commission for more of the same has just been accepted!
Super cute!!
The beautiful Jenny in her custom veil.
Yes, yes we are!!
2016 has brought a few lovely surprises and our custom veils have received some lovely recognition, being featured on ‘Love My Dress’ and also ‘Hello’ Magazine!
Jo & family with the unique and very tasty marshmallow tree!! Thank you!
The best moments of 2016 have, as always, been working with our incredible ladies creating bridal gowns and bespoke creations for your wonderful wedding days. Both George and I are so privileged to work with each and every bride. From first visits through to final ‘Best Wishes’, it is a joy and I am incredibly proud of the work we have achieved this year. From Bohemian field weddings, vintage tea parties, destination spectaculars and rustic barn weddings every gown we have created has inspired us. To see how happy our brides are has brought smiles to our faces and when we are also presented with very unique ‘Thank You’ gifts, there is definitely laughter too!!
Congratulations to all our 2016 brides, you are all marvellous!!
So here’s to the wonders that 2016 has brought us,we continue to go from strength to strength and we are very excited about 2017’s adventures!
Have a fabulous festive season and a Happy New Year to you all!