Absolutely Beautiful Weddings ~ Sunday 28 March, Claridges, Mayfair, London

Hi Everyone,

Here's a little treat for all you discerning Brides (and Grooms) to be, though if you don't happen to be either, please be wonderful and send this page link to all your wedding planning friends right away!  You'll feel all warm inside and your friend will be ecstatic with excitement and love you forever, I promise.

Absolutely Beautiful Weddings...You'll perhaps want to print this one off and save it for a special time to read through – maybe in the bath later on this evening, or once you've settled in bed to read before lights out.  It's a sure fire way of ensuring you have the sweetest of dreams!

Those of you who check in to my 'Sunday Serving' posts, will know about the Wedding Magazine sponsored event 'Absolutely Beautiful Weddings' already, as I mentioned it here.  This is a slightly more detailed feature that will explain what you can expect if you attend, and an opportunity for me to profile some of the very talented people involved.

I am truly bubbling over with excitement about this event, and you will be too, when the champagne corks are popped, canapés served and the dapper chaps that are Tenors Unlimited serenade you at what's set to be one of the most fun and fantastic wedding events of the year.

Wedding MagazineSet in London's most luxurious 5* Art Deco Hotel, Claridges, 'Absolutely Beautiful Weddings' will provide anyone attending with the rare opportunity to chat over stylish and unique wedding ideas on a one-to-one basis with some of the most talked-about, and talented people working in the UK wedding industry.

In attendance will be Julia Boggio ~ widely regarded as one of the UKs top Photographers, Sassi Holford ~ designer of some of the most beautiful bridal wear around, Lisa and Tania ~ the design duo behind the wonderful Magpie Vintage, Emmy Scatterfield of Emmy Shoes, Milliner Edwina Ibbotson (she only designs for Madonna!), Nicki Macfarlane ~ creator of the prettiest bridesmaids dresses you can imagine, The Utterly Sexy Cafe Team led by the wonderful Amanda Baird, Charlotte Hewson of Chartula Stationery, the Florists Hayford & Rhodes, and last but not least, the truly lovely girls that represent Luella's BoudoirTiffany Grant-Riley, 'Vintage Wedding Planner' and resident Wedding Planner at Luella's Boudoir will also be on hand to discuss all your wedding planning needs.

Imagery Copyright (C) 2010, Claridges

Claridges

That's one truly impressive line-up ~ all cream of the crop, first-class, award-winning companies.  Let's get to know them a little better…

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Magpie Vintage… proud and deserved winners of a Perfect Weddings Award 2010 (as voted by you!), Magpie Vintage was formed by the union of the creative talents of Lisa Harris and Tania Borton.  Lisa and Tania are full to the brim with creative passion ~ passion that is transferred into some of the most exceptionally pretty and beautiful jewellery and headdress designs I have ever seen.  Their designs offer a contemporary take on Victorian opulence and antique and vintage gems. 

Magpie Vintage offer so many ways to be adorned, from necklaces, rings, brooches, earrings, headpieces and cufflinks. Dating back from the 1900's to the 1960's each piece on offer has been lovingly restored until it gleams and radiates its former glory. 

Now in their fifth year, Magpie Vintage are proud to be stocked at Sassi Holford, Caroline Castigliano, Jenny Packham and Phillipa Lepley, as well as a range of other prestigious boutiques throughout the country.  You can read more about Magpie Vintage and see lots more lovely examples of their work by reading this feature.  That's my incredibly gorgeous friend, and Love My Dress Guest Blogger Cat Hepple there on the left on her wedding day, having her bespoke Magpie Vintage necklace applied by her Bridesmaids…

Copyright (c) 2008, Lovegrove Weddings (Left)
Copyright (c) 2010, Magpie Vintage (Right)

Magpie Vintage... Magpie Vintage...

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Edwina Ibbotson…I recall my friend Lisa from Magpie Vintage first telling me about Edwina, 'You will love her! She's such a sweet and lovely person, so unbelievably talented – her stitching is so small, you can barely see it, her designs are out of this world, I really want you to meet her…' 

Edwina Ibbotson is a Milliner extrordinaire.  Working from her London based boutique, she designs and creates the most astounding hats, artistic veils, head-dresses and fascinators for the likes of Madonna, Royalty and a host of A-list celebrities.    Edwina will work with brides, mothers of the brides or even guests to create one of her incredible designs for your wedding day.  I'll be interviewing Edwina exclusively for Love My Dress in the near future.  In the meantime, a photograph of this extraordinarily talented lady at work in her studio with her Assistant Caroline, followed by some of her designs she created in collaboration with Magpie Vintage…

Imagery Copyright (c) 2008-2010, Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images

Edwina Ibbotson, Milliner...

Imagery Copyright (c) 2010, Magpie Vintage

Edwina Ibbotson millinery, for Magpie Vintage... Edwina Ibbotson millinery, for Magpie Vintage...

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Sassi Holford…Sassi Holford designs and makes classic, English wedding gowns with a contemporary edge.  Exquisite lines and sumptuous fabrics echo the bride’s own style, and nothing is spared in the structure and the detail to provide the renowned Sassi Holford cut and fit.  The key to this is the integral corset in every gown that results in a streamlined silhouette and – just as important – the high level of comfort necessary for the wedding day.  All Sassi Holford gowns are handmade in her Somerset studio by her first class team of talented cutters, seamstresses and hand beaders.  And did you know, that Sassi is completely self-taught and has been designing now for over 28 years! A natural born talent indeed…

Imagery Copyright (c) 2010, Sassi Holford

Sassi Holford, beautiful bridal designs... 

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Emmy Shoes…Emmy Scarterfield is the innovative designer behind Emmy Shoes. She has worked for many of the most influential fashion houses in Italy and UK including Giorgio Armani, Bottega Veneta, Pringle and Mulberry.  She now spends her time designing bespoke shoes, each pair of which are individually made to order for each bride. Emmy and Sassi Holford created the wedding dress and shoes for the Royal Wedding of Autumn Kelly.

Imagery Copyright (c) 2010, Emmy Shoes

Emmy Shoes, custom made wedding shoes...  Emmy Shoes, custom made wedding shoes... Emmy Shoes, custom made wedding shoes...

Oh how I love Emmy! So much so in fact, I chose to wear Emmy shoes on my own wedding day

Imagery Copyright (C) 2010, Karen McGowran Photography 

My Wedding Shoes, 'Crystal Pearl', by Emmy Shoes... My Wedding Shoes, 'Crystal Pearl', by Emmy Shoes...

You can read more about Emmy Shoes on the Love My Dress feature here.  By the way, I was honoured to receive an email yesterday, advising me that Love My Dress is now listed, along with a select few others, in Emmy's 'Little Black Book'.  What an honour!

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Julia Boggio…Widely regarded as one of the UK's top Photographers for her fabulous Wedding and Vintage Boudoir Imagery (as seen on Kat Williams' fabulous Rock n Roll Bride website here!), Julia Boggio is one uber-talented lady when it comes to capturing precious moments and memories in her hallmark unique and stylish way.  Her exquisite wedding photography marries documentary story-telling with the creation of something beautiful to look at.

Julia and her Husband James, became a YouTube phenomenon when their wedding dance was viewed by literally, millions of people! The video drew so much attention in fact, that Madame Oprah Winfrey invited Julia and James on to her show, and they had the honour of meeting Patrick Swayze.  You can see the You Tube video, the Oprah appearance and read all about Julia's Vintage Boudoir photography on this Love My Dress feature.

Imagery Copyright (C) 2010, Julia Boggio photography

Julia Boggio Wedding Photography...

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Luella's Boudoir…Established in 2006 by newlywed Rachel Attwell, Luella's Boudoir is a unique bridal boutique in Wimbledon Village, London offering the bride & bridesmaids everything they could ever wish for.  From wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, shoes, lingerie, jewellery, hair accessories, veils, shrugs and swimwear, to gloves, bags, fascinators, stationery, & even gifts. 
 

Luella’s Boudoir will be hosting a 'Pop-Up Shop' at Absolutely Beautiful Weddings, and their wedding planning team will also be on hand to help with any queries and advice on catering, props and even cars.

Imagery Copyright (C) 2009, Gemma Reynolds

Luella's Boudoir... Luella's Boudoir...

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Nicki Macfarlane Bridesmaids…Nicki MacFarlane will be showcasing her beautiful bridesmaid, flower girls dresses and page boy outfits.  Nicki offers a full bespoke service and many of her dresses are embroidered, beaded or have had Swarovski crystals attached. All the fabrics used are of the highest quality and are sourced individually for each occasion.  Nicki says she aims to inject a sense of drama into each wedding, and thus there is no holding back on fabrics, petticoats or attention to detail. All flower girl dresses have the child's name embroidered inside and come with a pretty carrier bag containing their accessories…

Imagery Copyright (C) 2010 Nicki Macfarlane Bridesmaids

Nicki Macfarlane Bridesmaids...

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The Utterly Sexy Cafe…For those looking for something totally yummy, the unique vintage inspired catering and styling company Utterly Sexy Café will give advice on how to style a beautiful event, as well as discuss menus and cakes that are stunningly visual and delicious – I mean, look at those cakes below, how gorgeous are they?  I wrote about the super fun and scrumptious service that is the Utterly Sexy Cafe here.

Imagery Copyright (C) 2010 The Utterly Sexy Cafe

The Utterly Sexy Cafe, Wedding Cake... The Utterly Sexy Cafe, Wedding Cake... 

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Tenors Un Limited…Whatever you may be doing at this very moment, stop right now – go fetch a cup of tea, get comfy, then click the play button below (and promise me to listen right to the very end). Close your eyes and imagine these guys singing, to you, for real, and tell me your heart doesn't sing, just a little tiny bit…

Whatever genre of music usually does it for you, don't you think that's just incredibly beautiful? I can't actually listen to it without clutching my hand to my heart and feeling it fill with romance, truly…

Tenors Un Limited‘The Rat Pack of Opera’ began performing in 2002.  Using talents honed in their previous solo careers in the opera, theatre and recording worlds, they set out to bring their own unique blend of wit, charm and vocal arrangements – along with original compositions – to the classical crossover genre. 

Imagery Copyright (c) 2010, Tenors Un Limited

Scott, Paul and Jem have performed alongside such notables as Sting, Hayley Westenra, Lionel Ritchie, Simply Red, Daniel and Natasha Bedingfield, soul diva Beyoncé, The Opera Babes, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra…just to name a few.  And on Sunday 28 March, they will be performing at 'Absolutely Beautiful Weddings'.  You have to be there…

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Hayford & Rhodes…Retail Florist Of The Year Winners (2009), Hayford & Rhodes are a team of florists that are seriously passionate about flowers. Co-owned by three sisters, Amy, Laura and Joanna Rhodes, Hayford & Rhodes is the new name and the sisters the new face of what was originally William Hayford Ltd.

The historic florist, established 1924, remains one of the oldest and most prestigious in London and continues to run as a successful family affair.

Hayford & Rhodes only order the freshest and finest blooms; flowers are delivered direct from Holland four times a week and are checked individually to ensure they meet only the very highest of standards.

Imagery Copyright (c) 2010, Hayford & Rhodes

Hayford & Rhodes Florists... Hayford & Rhodes Florists...

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Chartula…Founded in 2003 by designer and illustrator Charlotte Hewson, Chartula originated on London's Portobello Road, creating beautifully designed, exquisitely printed, couture stationery, for the sophisticated and style conscious. 

Chartula love all types of printing, both modern and classic and admire the craftsmanship and technology that creates their stationery. From classic engraving to the latest laser cutting, Chartula has been built on a respect for both old and new printing methods, a passion for design and a personal touch.  This exciting philosophy has won Chartula an enviable list of uber cool satisfied clients, including newlyweds Rod Stewart CBE and Penny Lancaster, starry-eyed couple Sophie Ellis-Bextor and The Feeling's Richard Jones, and in 2005 our beautiful floral stationery was voted the winning design for the GMTV Wedding…

Imagery Copyright (c) 2010, Chartula

Chartula Stationery... Chartula Stationery...

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How To Book…So there you have it, a little peek into the Absolutely Beautiful Weddings team.  Have I convinced you yet, that you ABSOLUTELY have to be there?  Tickets cost £15.00 and are available by telephoning 0207 704 0012.  You can also follow Absolutely Beautiful Weddings on Twitter.

 

For Press Information Contact Jules at Marie Louise Public Relations, 020 8537 0011 or email [email protected].

I hope to see you there – drop me a line to let me know if you'll be coming 😉

 

Annabel

Annabel View all Annabel's articles

Founder of Love My Dress. Passionate Podcaster and Editor. Annabel lives in rural North Yorkshire with her husband and business partner Philip, their two daughters and menagerie of furry hounds. She loves photography, meditation, walking, being outdoors and star gazing. She is fierce when it comes to championing talent within the wedding industry and when she's not working on Love My Dress, she supports her husband Philip in the running of the family's sustainable flower farm and floral design business, Moonwind Flowers. In 2013, she became a published author.

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