Good morning beautiful people 😉
I must apologise for the absence of the past two days of any new blog posts. Every once in a while (and I mean, a very long while), one needs a little break from the daily blogging routine to focus on other things. On this occasion, the focus has been a day spent reflecting on the most wonderful and decadent of evenings that occurred on Wednesday this week, when I hosted my very first UK wedding industry networking event, at the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Arts – the ‘Love My Dress Summer Soiree’, if you will 😉
Love My Dress Wedding Blog – Photography Copyright (c) 2011, Katy Lunsford and Helen Russell
I hardly know where to even start to explain the experience to you, but for today, I’m going to use ‘incredible’. And in every way, and on every level, it was just that. From the huge effort every single supplier and team member involved in preparing this event put in, to the lengths to which my many wonderful guests went out of their way to travel and glam up for an evening, to the love that has been shown on Twitter and beyond, not forgetting the absolutely peeeeeeerfect warm, hazy sunny Summer evening. The whole thing was frankly, out of this world.
This post is purely a teaser/preview – and full post dedicated to all the many people and suppliers who helped make the Summer Soiree a roaring success will follow in the next few days, but in the meantime, a list of links to other blog features about the event is provided at the end.
That just leaves me to say, a huge, heartfelt thank you to everyone who believed that this event could, and would be a success, who made the effort to support me and my team, surprise me on the evening and make for one fantastically memorable occasion.
You are all completely amazing and I so hope you had a wonderful time 🙂
These photographs were taken by my two official photographers for the evening, Katy Lunsford and Helen Russell. Please follow them on Twitter @katylunsford and @Helen__Little…
….. I simply can not WAIT to share the full set of images with you! 😉
In the meantime, you can take a peek at the accounts of the night from these other people too. I had to number the list. Long bullet pointed lists are a bit of a pet-hate of mine! Sorry! 😉
(1) This is soooooooo funny!!! Hehe!!! Sent in by Photographer’s Chris & Dani Barber, who were the most entertaining guests on the evening…
(2) I adore this review of the evening by Aisling of the Any Other Wedding Blog – thanks so much Aisling! I loved partying on with you into the wee hours, you were a hoot 😉 xXx
(3) Film makers Mintyslippers wrote about their experience documenting the whole evening {and day preparing} on film. By the way, you can see the teeny tiny teaser film here. The full film will be published soon )
(4) I love this honest and fabulously written account of the evening from Miss Bush Bridalwear owner, Emma Meek…
(5) The gorgeous Michelle from Pocketful of Dreams wrote about the evening. Michelle is a regular contributor to Love My Dress and responsible for most of these pretty bridal inspiration boards.
(6) One of my official photographer’s Katy Lunsford looking simply divine…
(7) Blogger Anna And The Ring tells us who was wearing her favourite dress…
(8) Photographer Neda Larodi-Blake writes about her experience as a guest…
(9) Photographer Chris Hanley captured these stunning images…
(10) The Archibald Photographer looked to have had lots of fun with Lindsay Fleming Couture…
(11) The Snaparazzi photobooth images are online for all to see ;)))
(12) My amazing Illustrator Charlotte Thomson-Morley wrote about her road-trip up to Gateshead where she painted a live model, Burlesque dancer Scarlett Daggers, on the evening of the Soiree. Amazing!
(13) Kate Fletcher from Vintage Style Hire whose gorgeous props helped decorate the evening, shares her photobooth images 😉
(14) Dress designer Linda Davey of Dresses At No. 9 blogged about her time on the very glamorous Quayside that evening…
(15) Charlie from the Fifties Weddings Blog talks about the fun had on the night – thanks Charlie! ;))
(16) Blogger {and gorgeous Bride-to-be} ‘Love Audrey’ blogs about her evening – I am so glad I met this lady, she looked divine ;))
(17) The gorgeous Elizabeth from wedding blog Bridal Musings shares her experience. Thank you Lizzy! 😉
(18) Madison from The Pastel Pirate Wedding Blog also wrote about her excitement, what a delightful writeup, thanks so much! 😉
(19) And one of my fave Bloggers Anna of Anna & the Ring blogged about THAT dress {no, it wasn’t mine 😉 xXx}…
(20) Love My Dress {and hair, and makeup} hehehe 🙂 Thank you Joanne Linder at Vintage Twee
(21) A most fabulous glamorous make-over for the evening!
(22) Mr & Mrs Lawson, along with Tobiah Tayo and his beautiful wife looking absolutley beautiful…
(23) Blogger ‘Only Gorgeous Weddings’ recounts her Cinderella Night 😉
(24) I adore these photographs, espesh the ones of you Jay ;)))) Thank you, people of Blue Sky Photography! 😉
(25) Photographer Paul Joseph describes his view of the evening – thanks Paul, I love those booth pics ;))
(26) Accessories Designer Nicola from Silver Sixpence in her shoe wrote of the fun she had, and need to change to ballet flats by the end of the night 😉 {GOD I know that feeling!!}
(27) Bride to be Becca, and Miss Pickering Protoge, spills the contents of her goodie bag…
(28) Online wedding giftlist company Zankyou blogged about their visit…
(29) Stationery Elle of Elle is for Love wrote about the process of preparing to attend the Soiree – this is such a fun blog post!
(30) Wedding Designer and Co-ordinator Andri of ‘Always Andri’ wrote about her experience….
♥ ♥ ♥
If I have missed anything from this list, please email me on [email protected] and I’ll add today!
I’d love love love to hear back from those who were there on the evening, or those who perhaps couldn’t make it but could be persuaded to come next time.
And there will be a next time 😉
Annabel xXxXx
♥
The Soiree Team
Photographers – Helen Russell & Katy Lunsford
Film Makers – Mintyslippers
Venue – The Riverside Terrace Suite, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Arts
Catering/Canapes/Cocktails – Fresh Element
Overall Concept, Styling & Co-ordination – Me + Kim Groves
Hero Of The Day/All-Round-Handyman – My Husband {Thank GOD for him!}
My Outfit – Once Upon a Time Design + Emmy + BHLDN + Forever Vintage + Kat Swank
Stylists – Severin Hubert of Hepburn Collection + Lisa Jones
Flowers – Bel’s Flowers + By Appointment Only Design
Calligraphy + Signage – Paul Antonio
Entertainment – It’s A Windup! {Vintage 78 DJ’s} + Fonix Music {jazz trio} + El Bucko {DJ}
Illustrator – Charlotte Thomson-Morley
Burlesque Artist in Feather Boah – Scarlett Daggers
Photobooth – Snaparazzi
Vintage Props – Vintage Style Hire + AVA Event Styling + Event Prop Hire + Chic-Osity
Vintage Style Dessert Feature – AVA Event Styling
Additional Popcakes – Popcake Kitchen
Flapper Dresses on Models – LeLuxe Clothing, via Vintage Teasets
Models – Emma, Eve and Zoe, c/o Hauterfly Events
Burlesque Performance Artist –Vicky Butterfly
Sound & Light Expert – JM Pro Audio
Stage Draping & Swagging – Amanda Hearn
Masquerade Masks – Samantha Peach + some of my own paper masks from Cox & Cox
Name Tags – Purple Peacock Stationery + Sugalily
Instax/Polaroid Hire Cameras – You Snap
The lady with a pen documenting everything – The Wedding Reporter
Lady with the huge beehive – Stacie Stewart 😉
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, getting in the sea, 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.
Awesome pics!
You’re stunning Annabel. Great job putting this together, it looks perfect. Sorry I missed it (cringe)
You look fab Annabel!
Annabel, you looked gorgeous! The whole evening was planned to perfection and we all had so much fun! Hope you’ll do it all again next year xx
Oh it looks so fabulous!
I cannot even begin to explain how fabulous this event was. Totally decadent but not in a hooty-snooty way, in a ‘this room is so jam-packed full of incredible people who are completely warm, friendly and out for fun’. Everyone was amazing, my jaw was on the floor for most of the night as I found something new to ogle, or another amazing dress walked by me (And suits – Men you did us ladies proud too!). Annabel looked fantastic and what struck me the most was the amount of love in that room for this lady, most of all from her beautiful family, was so lovely to see.
Already planning my frock for the next one.
THANK-YOU does not even come close, Annabel I want to give you a big kiss right now, two days later and I am still on a high. Michelle xxxx
These are just beyond beautiful, the attention to detail is just out of this world Annabel. Looks like the most fabulous night and I am so devasted to have missed it so last minute 🙁 Annabel you look drop dead gorgeous! Cat looks so beautiful in her dress and I love the photo of Emma writing 🙂 You did an amazing job and I hope there is another one very soon!! xx
Stunning pictures, looks wonderful.
Annabel, this looks fabulous! I followed the evening on Twitter (yep, I’m sad) and it sounded like EVERYONE had a fabulous time (though I want to know what happened to TattyBojangles?!).
I’ve been having treatment for cancer recently so was too knackered to make the journey but would love to make the next one – I want my Cinderella moment too!
Congratulations, pulled off with aplomb!
Wow it looks amazing, I’m so gutted that I couldn’t be there, but I will definitely be there next year!
Those photographs of you Annabel are just beautiful – you looked gorgeous and congratulations on holding THE party of the wedding industry – utterly fab night! So looking forward to the next one – thank you!
WOW! It looks amazing – so sad i couldn’t be there it looks fabulous!
Oh wow Annabel, the shots of you on the bridge are incredible!
I also adore the photos of the beautiful, tattooed burlesque dancer getting ready & her legs in the photobooth. And the photos of the venue, the vintage decor, the dessert table…and all those glamourous guests. Captured the atmosphere perfectly.
Can’t wait to see more photos from Helen & Katy!
Thanks again for an amazing night ~ you sure know how to throw one hell of a soiree!! x
The photos are fab! We had a lovely evening, can’t wait for the next one (Sarah B – we will look forward to seeing you there!) xx
Yes. I made it into one of the pics. Albeit my back but still. Those are my suspenders.
Even from these you can see what a fabulous and fun evening it was for everyone. And you of course, looked sublime. Huge congrats to you and everyone who was a part of it xo
Haha Danny!! ;)) I have actually just added a photo of your back ;))))
xXxXx
Wow – that looks like the best party EVER!!! x
This looks amazing! Everyone looks so beautiful, the outfits look fabulous and you can see how much fun everyone was having. Makes me want to get dressed up 🙂
Thank you so so much. I like to do things properly if I am going to do them at all, you know?
My Sponsors and guests (without whom this blog would not even be here!) deserved some major love and I hope they felt it that evening :))
xXxXx
Oh Sarah B…..!!!!!!!!!!!
You will be my guest of honour at the next one!!!!!
xXxXx
There aren’t enough adjectives in the world to properly sum up these pictures Annabell! For now,I settle on sensational 🙂
What amazing photography from what looks like an incredible evening!! You’ve managed to really set the scene and done it so well, big up to you Annanel! x
Thanks girls, it was kind of sensational!!! ;))
xXxXx
Ooh! It’s me, it’s me! Pulling a funny face in the mirror I mean.
The pics are gorgeous Annabel, Katy and Helen did such a fabulous job. Now there are two chicks truly dedicated to their art!
Thank you so much for a very memorable evening.
xx
Looks aaaamaaaazing! Annabel, how gorgeous are you?! Super jealous of everyone who was able to go! Looking forward to more photos!!! Congratulations on pulling off such a fantastic event, everything looks fabulous!
The pictures with the glitter ball are amazing!
Amazing pictures, everything looks wonderful – looking forward to the full set of pics xx
woweeee…it looks and sounds amazing (iv heard lots of good things) and i heart your dress Annabel!!!really wish i could of come to meet you and lots of lovely people but i just didnt have enough time to get a dress and everything sorted…next time though i wouldn’t miss it for the world x x
Us Southerners DEMAND that you re-run it down here please! Go on, you know it’s only fair….
You looked so stunning and what an amazing night xx
Wow – looks AMAZING!! I saw so many tweets about the LMD Soiree I couldn’t wait for the pics – great job – what a spectacular looking event – congrats!
Annabel, i am over the moon for you, i had no doubt it would be a huge success 🙂 you looked totally beautiful, wow!!
So sad i wasn’t up to making it…. i hope i shall be at the next one 🙂
Amazing images Katie xxxx
Thanks so much Lou, I hope you can make the next soiree ;))
Helen Russell was also one of my official photographers – you can follow her on Twitter at @Helen__Little ;))
Lots of love,
Annabel xXx
Beautiful photographs that have captured the style and glamour of the evening perfectly. All nights out should be like this! xxx
Now that is a sexy photo of me rocking the camera. Don’t be confused people, Im not taking photos but making the movie of the Soiree.
One of the best nights EVER!!! Thanks so much Annabel. (PS your outfit was fabulous) Janet xxx
All of it looks awesome Annabel and so classy … so sorry I couldn’t make it! Will def. try to make the next one….Go ‘Up North’!!!
I had such a great time at the the LMD Soiree. Thank you very much Annabel for such a great night and to all the amazing people I met, making this night one I’ll remember forever.
Emma Jones
Oh my! It’s looks so utterly AMAZING! Sooo upset that we couldn’t be there! Fabulous photos too! xxx
Annabel it was awesome and so fab to see on of my frocks made it into this set of wonderful images. Cat Hepple wore it so beautifully!
When’s the next one then? xx
Looks like fun was had, not too many sore heads the next morning I’m guessing…..
Hi Annabel, thank you soooo much for a wonderful evening, my step mum and i came up from Nottingham but i know some came further. Im a bride and we met some lovely people. I’ve never seen so many fabulous dresses and it was so nice to feel that everyone made and effort to dress up vintage style. One of my best nights! Tan x
Looks like an amazing night. Looking forward to seeing all the images.
Hi Tanya! I had someone drive up from Brighton, a Scottish contingent drive down and people from East an West coasts of the UK come over. I feel immensely proud of all the people who made this possible and ensured that you and everyone else who went out of their way to get here, had a wonderful evening 😉
Thanks so much for your comment 😉
xXxXx
Huge congrats Annabel, you’re such an inspiration – can I come and live in your head for just a day??!
And I HAVE to know where you got your amazing flapper-usherette outfits from. I need them for my bridesmaids!!!
Hi Lily 😉
The dresses were from Vicky of http://www.vintageteasets.co.uk – she is the reseller for http://www.leluxeclothing.com – an American company who specialise in creating the most beautiful 1920’s/flapper style dresses.
Contact her on:-
Twitter – @vintageteasets
Email – [email protected]
xXxXx
Well what can I say that hasn’t already been said? We had a fabulous time Annabel, thank you for hosting such a wonderful event. It was a real pleasure to bake for your guests and I will always remember the look on their faces as they spotted our ‘Boudoir’ cake table. We are so pleased you asked us to be involved xxx
What an absolutely gorgeous event! Well done Katy and Helen – your pics are making me a little green with envy here! I can see why so many people on my Twitter feed were so excited for it now! How would one go about bagging oneself an invite to a future LMD Soiree. . . . ?! (Too cheeky? I hope not!) Gemma x
https://twitter.com/#!/GemmaLatham
http://www.gemmalatham.com
https://twitter.com/#!/WICIManchester
http://www.womenincreativeindustries.org
Awesome photographs of an awesome soiree! We’re so thrilled to have made it onto the hallowed pages of Love My Dress – that’s made our week, month and year!
Annabel and the team, we have huge respect for pulling it all together – the Baltic looked incredible, the outfits looked brilliant and the party was seriously rocking!
How can you top that? We’ve a sneaky feeling that you’ll have it in you!!!
Big thanks! Niels and Alie x
Thank you so much for such a lovely evening.. everything was Ahhhhmazing, lovely to put faces to lots of twitter names. Lots of love! Mettex
WOW!!! Absolutely STUNNING & beyond fabulous! You looked soooooo gorgeous & the event? TO DIE FOR! Bask in the glory because you did such an amazing job & deserve the accolades! Much Love (in anticipation of MORE), Kat Swank
I think I may have used the word ‘fabulous’ one too many times that night.
Freaking ‘eck this looks absolutely amazeballs wowsers – next time, nothing will stop me!
Soooo sad I missed this… please tell me the next one is for Christmas??! I don’t think I can wait a year…
Thank you for inspiring me to create your magical powder blue tulle dress, all without a single fitting!!! scary. I feel very proud and adored the whole process from the watercolour sketch to liasing with Kat Swank over the look and details. I hope that many happy memories of a steamy summer night will follow.
Love Dana xxx
But Danny it was ‘faaaaabulous!!!!’ ;))))
For all those who missed it this time, I promise there will be another. I have a crack team of soiree specialists working on ideas right now.
Let’s do this! ;))
xXx
Dana – it was an absolute joy to wear your dress and you are a joy to work with my lady, an absolute joy. I had a few wobbles didn’t I? ;))) But it all came good in the end and I felt a million dollars.
Thank you so, so much for everything xXxXxXx
This looks like it was amazing with lots of fun had!! I hope I get to be a the next one x x
Oh Annabel!
It was simply the most wonderful night. I’m actually a little concerned I may not enjoy my wedding as much as I enjoyed your soiree, it was simply perfect.
The attention to detail was incredible and for a vintage loving girl like myself the decor was a dream come true! I’m not sure I’ve ever seen so many fabulous dresses in my life either, everyone looked amazing.
The only downside for me was that I want to hire practically every vendor I encountered at the party and alas, my budget won’t allow for such an indulgence! I’m hoping we can stretch to cake pops though, they were incredible!
Thank you so much for allowing me to attend, Annabel. If there’s room for a recently-married-but-probably-still-reading-LMD-er next year, I’m there!
Loveaudrey xXx
What a fantastic evening Annabel. Once we got ourselves ready the adrenalin kicked in and we were ready to party!
It was a long day styling hair for your amazing friends but was sooooo worth it! Thank you for allowing us to be part of your very special celebration. Love XX
and these are just the preview images? cant wait to see the rest!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow! I am so loving the photos!!!! Katy and Helen you did so well! The photos are fantastic! xxxx
Annabel it was such an amazing night – thank you so much! You have left us with some cracking memories and some fab new friendships with other suppliers. Everything was simply divine! Katy – fab pics too lady! x
It was sooo amazing, thank you so much for putting on such an amazing do and thanks for the link 🙂 best hostess ever!
Oh Annabel, just catching up after being away. Looks like an amazing night, totally gorgeous, I do hope to make it to the next one! Well done to all involved and to you for having such a beautiful vision xo.
I just had to comment! What an amazing evening and I’m ever so slightly gutted I couldn’t make it-even more so that it turned out I could of in the end! I just love all the stunning dresses and wouldn’t even know where to start if I had the pleasure of attending the next one. Maybe I should start thinking now…? 🙂
x
Annabel, thanks soooooooo much for throwing such an incredible glitzy, glam party. It was really such a fabulous evening and a great treat to meet so many fab people in the wedding industry xxx
Stunning, fantastic photo’s looks like a great time was had by all.
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