Afternoon folks 🙂 Thought I'd treat you to a bumper-pack of blog features today given it's been a little quieter than usual these past few days. I hope you've had chance already to check this Spring Wedding Flowers inspiration feature and beautiful French Chateau bridal shoot featuring the beautiful bridal headpieces of Donna Crain. Talking of beautiful headpieces, and bridal sparkle in general, I'd like to introduce you to one of my new sponsors this afternoon, Scotland based Corinne Smith.
The award winning Corinne Smith Design first popped on to my radar in July last year, when Corinne herself contacted me to let me know that she had named one of her newest designs after er, me {I know!!} in reflection of her fondness for Love My Dress. I was completely and utterly flattered, and the design was so pretty too. Since then we've kept in regular contact and I've been able to get to know Corinne a little better.
Love My Dress Wedding Blog – Photography Copyright (c) 2012, Craig & Eva Sanders
I love Corinne's approach to running her business and the passion she has for delivering excellent customer service – something it seems Corinne's own customers love and adore, having recently contributed towards her stealing the 'best bridal accessories' VOWS award for the fourth year in a row. The VOWS {'Voted Outstanding Wedding Supplier'} by the way is an awards body set up in 2005 to recognise all types of companies within Scotland that offer excellent customer service within the wedding industry.
I'm passionte myself about recommending excellent customer service to my readers, and so, let's get to meet Corinne shall we, whilst also enjoying these gorgeous images shot by Craig & Eva Sanders of her latest designs. Just beautiful, aren't they?
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Corinne Smith and I and I am a bridal accessories designer based on Scotland, but shipping my designs to any destination in the world.
Can you briefly describe your products and services?
I design and make headdresses and jewellery and have been doing so for over 8 years. As well as my current collection I also offer a bespoke design service allowing brides to be to have a piece designed which is totally unique to them.
All of my products are made to order for the wearer which is really important to me. When one of my beautiful boxes arrives with a bride, the contents have never been seen or touched by anyone other than myself. I think this is much more special than buying something ‘off the shelf’…
How did you get into accessory design for brides?
Ever since I was a little girl I have been fascinated by the creative process and have always loved making things.
At school I was encouraged to follow a more academic path and studied European Business Law at University. I always knew that I would follow my heart and end up where I am now. I set up my business on a part time basis in 2004 and over the next few years worked every spare minute building my reputation within the wedding industry. In 2010 I gave up my day job to run my business full time and opened my first boutique.
This is probably the best decision I have ever made and my business has continued to grow and exceed all of my expectations. I have just recently moved into a much bigger and better premises complete with luxurious showroom, office, workroom and consultation room…
What inspires you when it comes to designing your pieces?
I draw inspiration from so many different places, but my biggest inspiration undoubtedly comes from the brides that I work so closely with on a daily basis. Most of the designs in my current collections are heavily influenced by the hundreds of bespoke designs I have created for brides over the years…
How would you describe your signature style?
I don’t like to categorise my designs as belonging to a particular style. Being a creative person I am always exploring new ideas, styles and techniques. I love vintage and contemporary designs in equal measure and love to incorporate elements of both into my designs.
One common theme throughout all of my work is the application of meticulous attention to detail and the use of the highest quality materials…
Can you provide a price guide?
My headdresses can range from £100 – £400, with jewellery starting at around £20…
You can see more from Corinne Smith Design via her website. Corinne can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.
Watch out next month folks, as I'll be launching a wonderful competition with Corrine, to provide one lucky winner with the opportunity to work closely with Corinne in designing their very own bridal headpiece, an original copy of which you'll get to keep, and that will also form part of the new collection by Corinne Smith Design. How exciting!
Much love all,
Annabel
♥
Photoshoot Credits-
Photography – Craig & Eva Sanders
Bridal accessories – Corinne Smith Design
Hair Styling – Bespoke Wedding Hair
Makeup – Look Good Makeup
* This is a sponsored post
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.
