Hey everyone, there have been a number of wonderful vintage fairs held of late, and I'd like to dedicate today to raising the profile of these events and championing the suppliers who get behind them. I'd like to do this because I think these fairs are offering the bride in the UK today something exciting, alternative and refreshingly different from the more traditional fair. By the way, whilst we're on the subject, you can book tickets now for the Designer Vintage Bridal Show – one of the best shows in town and super for all you Midlands Brides too! The Discover Vintage Wedding Fair also takes place tomorrow in Somerset.
I'm going to blog a few posts today that showcase imagery from the following fairs that have taken place in recent weeks, starting with the Mrs Scoops and Little G's vintage Wedding Fair that took place on 26th February at Cruck Barn in Milton Keynes {hello! I can't find a link anywhere for Cruck Barn, does anyone know if there is one?}.
This event was organsied by Gemma Wales {The 'G' in 'Little MIss G'} and Hayley Southwood, owner of Vintage Scoops, a traditional English vintage ice-cream van available for weddings, parties and social events…
"We worked really hard to find a quirky venue and Cruck Barn was perfect; a 14th century barn in the centre of Milton Keynes, with oodles of character and beautiful exposed beams.
The idea to organise the wedding fair came from all the wonderful relationships I have built up over the past couple of years on twitter, I really wanted to get all my favourite people in the wedding industry in one room and share all my friends with Milton Keynes…."
Love My Dress Wedding Blog, All Photography Copyright (c) 2012, Jordanna Marston, unless otherwise stated
In attendance a the event were photography colleague Jordanna Marston, who took some of these lovely photographs and Love My Dress reader Lucy Peddar, who was my roving reporter for the day and who also took along her camera. Over to you Lucy…
"As soon as Cruck Barn came into my view butterflies began to flutter I tell you! Betty, Mrs Scoops kitsch and very adorable ice cream van beckons you into the barn entrance along with the retro Calico Moon VW van & Beetle and Ella May's cute little vintage caravan!
Love My Dress Wedding Blog, All Photography Copyright (c) 2012, Lucy Peddar
I made a mad dash to Betty first of course, camera at hand when all of a sudden a very sweet lad said, 'Would you like an ice-cream?'…'ooh is Hayley your mummy?' inwardly I was cursing myself 'there you go Lulu, you've just embarrassed this poor boy!'. So please say sorry Hayley, the excitement was just too palpable and my inner monologue escaped me!"
Vintage Scoops ice-cream van below…
"On entering the barn the first thing to hit you was the very sweet melody of three fabulous women The Saperilla's singing the likes of 'Don't sit under the apple tree'. This music just induces you to wiggle your booty, yes this is true and I thought it rude not to, so I did! The room was heaving with people, and I mean 'heaving'! I felt like a kid entering a theme park whereupon one's parents ask 'which ride do you want to go on first Timmy?
I catch sight of Hayley, the fair organiser and owner of Vintage Scoops from the corner of my eye perching whilst having her hair made into victory rolls by the fabulous ladies of Lifestyle Salon! We both shriek a little, as ladies do and gush over one another for bit! Hayley soon has to disappear as she has to be everywhere at the same time of course! I scan the room and decide to make a tour!"
Love My Dress Wedding Blog, All Photography Copyright (c) 2012, Lucy Peddar
"Here I happen upon the very charming Shaneen of Rosewarne Cox Photography. Such a talented lady who has a fabulous eye for those special moments and really applies the most amazing soft hues and filters to her photos! She is finding it very hard not to just leave her stand for a second and snap away with her camera. I would undoubtedly find this just as hard if I was in her position!"
"Next up I spy some very cute dresses made by Bryony of Poppy Children. I take about 10 minutes to pick a minty green dress for my daughter Imogen's 1st birthday this summer! Each dress has characters from a story that Bryony has created unravelling around the dress. Bryony also has a women's collection of 50's style dresses which are just as divine and perfect for tea parties or even as bridesmaids dresses…."
Love My Dress Wedding Blog, All Photography Copyright (c) 2012, Lucy Peddar
"There are beautiful handmade soaps by Village Green Soaps, (I buy lavendar) which can come neatly wrapped in paper and tied with a cute bow as favours…"
Love My Dress Wedding Blog, All Photography Copyright (c) 2012, Lucy Peddar
"Beautiful stationary by the ladies of 'Knots and Kisses' that evoke fairgrounds & vintage floral patterns. This is the equivalent of a sweetie shop to stationary nerds! I scan the room and spot Vicky Trainor, her work lights up like a beacon calling to me, yes I'm dramatic I know! Her floral stationary is so individual as it wraps itself around her stand like a tapestry of fabrics, embroidery, mottos, colourful doillie-like patterns and fine needlework! Your eyes work overtime just taking it all in.
Vicky is just an angel in person, the sort of lady you wish lived next door so you could pop round for a cuppa! She is so dedicated to her craft that you can tell instantaneously that she lives and breathes this. She also organizes fabulous workshops which you should check out on her blog!"
Lifestyle Salons performing their vintage makeovers with a victory roll at £5 a pop 😉
"The day unfolds all too quickly before my eyes as I knew it would, however in that time I have the pleasure of acquainting myself with the very jovial boys of Retro Me photobooths, the resplendent Natasha Collins of Nevie Pie Cakes which must I say are pure works of art & Angelina cupcakes where Layer upon layer of buttercream heaven unfolds.
Alice would be indeed be proud to showcase these her mad hatter's tea party…."
"For the brides and grooms looking to personalise their barn wedding and who have a penchant for lampshades look no further than Lamps by Lavis – vintage lighting specialists. Each roof can be adorned with odd lampshades creating a halo of one's sitting room, very unique and a lot of fun!"
"If you are looking for something different from your wedding bands then Patrick Laing is someone you should check out. Patrick makes rings that mould your partners imprint on the inside of the ring. So your husband will wear your imprint and you will wear his. Very sweet and quite romantic actually…"
Cakes by Angelina Cupcake below there and a stand by Lifestyle Salons top right….
Daisy Cupcakes on the right below there…
"Flowers, flowers, flowers, you can never forget the flowers! I met the lovely ladies Emily and Hayley of Manic Botanic and can honestly say that they are fabulous (and super nice)! From their pastel bouquets, to their hot pinks, burnt oranges and pure whites centre pieces, they provided me with a feast for the eyes! I think it is so important to like and implicitly trust ones florist.
One, because very few of us know much about flowers and can only describe with big arm gestures the type of look we want for our wedding. Two, they are the true artists of your wedding day and hold much of the power into how your vision will unravel into the body of your venue! Well I would indeed have no trouble in placing my trust in these two ladies…"
Knots and Kisses below with Manic Botanic Florist beneath…
Flowers by Knots and Kisses below, along with more cakes by Angelina Cupcake…
Lifestyle Salons nails and hair, and cute shopping bags by The House Gallery…
"For hen parties and weddings, both Ruby Vintage Teas and The Gourmet Trotter {no link available} provide a unique service! Ruby Vintage Teas provide oodles of vintage crockery, birdcages and ornaments to compliment an array of cakes and cucumber sandwiches.
They would be just as fitting for hen parties too! This is the hen of course that enjoys a darjeeling and victoria sponge in lieu of a vodka induced hangover, or why not just have both? The Gourmet Trotter offer luxury picnic hampers for fine dining or alfresco outdoor events. I wouldn't be surprised to find these on the set of Downton Abbey, they are incredibly indulgent and why not?"
Love My Dress Wedding Blog, All Photography Copyright (c) 2012, Lucy Peddar
"Beyond the frippery and fancy of the stands that display all the detailed planning and bling that go into ones wedding day we reach the heart of any bride-to-be and the true star of the show, the dress.
Johanna Hehir is one gifted lady. This is the first time I have seen her dresses and they have to be seen in the flesh to be truly appreciated for their fine workmanship. Mae, her new collection are simply angelic. Lace and satin beauties that have delicate elements of embellishment. They are beautifully subtle and perfect for brides who are looking for a timeless vintage look with a modern twist."
Exhibitors on the day were as follows. If you have a few spare moments over this weekend, I'd encourage you to check them out…
♥ Johanna Hehir
♥ Rose and Aster
♥ Calico Moon
♥ Lamps by Lavis
♥ Angelina Cupcake
♥ Nevie Pie cake
♥ Retro Me
♥ Ella May vintage caravan
♥ Knots and Kisses
♥ Vicky Tainor
♥ The Sophisticated Touch
♥ The Saperillas
♥ Rosewarne Cox Photography
♥ Village Green Soaps
♥ Vintage Scoops
♥ Poppy Children
♥ The House Gallery
♥ Polkadot of Winslow
♥ Lifestyle Salons
♥ Manic Botanic Florist
♥ Ruby Vintage teas – Joanna Caldwell {no link available}
♥ Patrick Laing
I'd love to hear from anyone else who might have attended, but otherwise I hope these supplier links and pretty photos provide some inspiration today.
In the meantime, a huge thanks to the two lovely ladies Jordanna Marston and Lucy Peddar for providing images and words for this features.
I'm hoping there is another Mrs Scoops and Little G's vintage Wedding Fair on soon, so that I can attend and sample that ice-cream for myself! To be sure you're in the know, you can follow Mrs Scoops on Twitter, where details of future events will be, will be circulated…
Next up, the Vintage Bride Designer Sale.
Much love all,
Annabel
♥