Bristol Vintage and the Alzheimer’s Society

There's something a little different about this years' Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair…

This year we're fundraising for a very important cause.

Bristol Vintage's own Ali Cook tells us a bit more: 

'This year I have decided to run a prize raffle and my exhibitors, the Zoo and some other great local companies have all very generously donated prizes for the event.

The reason is that I wanted to support a charity very close to my heart – the Alzheimer’s Society.  They’re a fantastic organisation, which works hard to help people suffering from dementia through fundraising, volunteers and research on the cause, cure, care and prevention of this disease.  Three of the team working at the Fair this year are volunteers for the Society.

My Gran suffered from dementia at the end of her life and sadly, my wonderful Mum was similarly diagnosed two years ago.  As a family, we are living through learning to adapt to Mum’s changing perception and the loss of some of her precious memories and, therefore, a little bit of herself.  It’s hard, particularly for her and my Dad, but we’ve got some fantastic support from nurses, doctors and local support groups and the Alzheimer’s Society is an invaluable resource for information and support to help us cope.

I love organising the fair and hope it’s a fabulous day for all those of you who visit and who exhibit and thank you all for helping me support this really great cause by attending or donating prizes.'

Ali x

Rachael Sweet, Community Fundraiser for Alzheimer's Society said:

'We're delighted that Ali has chosen to support us at the Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair. There are over 7,000 people living with dementia in Bristol and South Gloucestershire and our vital work in the community could not continue without donations from local fundraisers such as Ali. Money raised from events such as this enables us to help people live well with dementia today while researching a cure for tomorrow.'

Find out more about how you can fundraise for the society here, follow their great work on Facebook and Twitter and come and visit our Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair on March 16th. You'll be supporting a brilliant cause and did we mention there's some great prizes on offer? 

Pearl Bespoke Dressmakers

Bristol Vintage is thrilled to introduce you to Pearl Bespoke Dressmakers.

Pearl Bespoke design and make dresses for special occasions.

Whether it's a wedding dress or a bridesmaid's dress you're after…

…whether you're looking for a red carpet style, something more theatrical or a vintage reproduction, Pearl Bespoke will design and make it for you.

You can find out more by popping into Pearl's new bijou shop on Bristol's St Nicholas Street or check out her website, Facebook page and Twitter. Do make sure you come and meet her in person this Sunday at our Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair - she'll have some beautiful dresses for you to admire and will be on hand to answer your dress design questions.

(Thanks to Bang-Tidy Photography for Photos 1 & 3)

Marie Man Photography

Bristol Vintage is delighted to welcome back Marie Man.

As an experienced photojournalist, Marie Man documents your day in a natural, friendly and relaxed way that will retell your story beautifully for years to come. 

With her fashion photography background you have the option to get as creative as you like...

...and you'll be free to enjoy your day, soak up the atmosphere and spend time with friends and family, safe in the knowledge that it's all being recorded for you and for the generations to come.

All of Marie's packages include a pre-wedding shoot. Her full day packages start at £1,400 and she's happy to travel anywhere.

In her own words: "I'm delighted to be part of the Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair as it's great to be able to exhibit in my home town and I love the effort that Ali puts into the Fair every year. All the better that we can support a great cause this year too. I'm looking forward to it so much!"

Find out more on Marie's website, blog and Facebook page, but do make sure you come along to our Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair this Sunday (March 16th). Marie will be on hand to show you her work and chat about your upcoming wedding!

Brown in Town, Tailors and Atelier

Bristol Vintage is thrilled to introduce you to Brown in Town.

The Founder of Brown in Town Tailors and Atelier is the incredibly stylish David Minns.

Known as Bristol’s local tailor, David has been meeting the sartorial needs of the sartorially discerning for over 5 years in the West Country.

David provides a personal bespoke tailoring service from Hotel Du Vin's old cigar humidor, to gents with a discerning eye…

... grooms looking for something individual…

...and those for whom a suit is their modus operandi and who understand first impressions last.

You can contact David on 0117 3180 608 or 07864 087288 and connect with him on his blog, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and LinkedIn but come and meet him this Sunday (March 16th) at our Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair. David (along with Douglas) will be kitted-out by way of example and inspiration and David will be on hand to answer your questions.  Form an orderly queue! 

John P Crooner

Bristol Vintage would like to tell you about John P Crooner.

John P is a singer who specialises in weddings.

Whether it's for your drinks reception or your evening entertainment, John P sings classic standards, big band and swing.

His influences include Sinatra, Buble, Matt Monro, Dean Martin and Bobby Darin (to name a few) and he's always open to requests.

John P's skill is building a wonderful connection with the audience, singing a little something for everyone. His singing is sophisticated, but with a party feel.

Find out more on John P's Facebook page or follow him on Twitter, but make sure you come and hear him sing live at our Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair on March 16th. 

Clifton Rocks

Bristol Vintage loves Clifton Rocks.

Clifton Rocks is a Bristol jeweller with a unique contemporary collection.

They feature work by talented local and national designers, including pieces like this double heart necklace by the shop’s owner Clare Chandler.

This Forget-Me-Not necklace is by Sam Richards.

The lace earrings and lace cuff bangle is by I Love a Lassie.

And this gorgeous necklace is by Jacks Turner.

Their collection is constantly updated and Clifton Rocks also has an on-site workshop, where Clare can make alterations, repairs and one-off commissions on request. Find out more on their website, follow them on Facebook and Twitter or pop by their shop at the top of The Mall in Clifton Village (across the road from The Mall pub and up the hill from Cote Brasserie). But make sure you come and meet Clare and see some of her beautiful and unique jewellery at our next Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair.

Mr. Sawtime

Bristol Vintage is thrilled to tell you about Mr. Sawtime.

Think of a violin string. Now imagine it still thin, but broad like a bendy metal sheet. Now imagine drawing a violin bow across the edge….it vibrates like a violin string - but it's a musical saw!

Mr. Sawtime has been playing his Sandvik Stradivarius saw since he was a teenager. He's performed at parties, schools, fetes and festivals, on TV, in concerts and on records. His repertoire includes classical, country, jazz standards and ballads played to discreet backing tracks.

You can contact Mr Sawtime by emailing Gary at mrsawtime@virginmedia.com but come and hear him play live at the Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair on March 16th. He's not to be missed!

Matt Bee

Bristol Vintage is delighted to introduce you to Matt Bee.

Matt Bee is a wedding singer who plays beautiful contemporary live acoustic music.

Think about the songs you love…

…because whether it's background music during your drinks reception, or a special song as the bride walks down the aisle, you can trust Matt to provide the very best live acoustic music.

With a variety of wedding packages available comes a guarantee that Matt will learn 8 of your personal favourite songs (or more).

You can find out more on Matt's website or follow him on Twitter but do come and hear him play some of his classy and beautiful set at our Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair on March 16th. We'll see you there!

Pudding Bridge

Bristol Vintage is thrilled to introduce you to Pudding Bridge.

Pudding Bridge is the home of celebration accessories for weddings and parties.

Whether you're after a stylish vintage-inspired photobooth…

colour pop tulle Pom Poms…

or something from the new Sequin Collection of stunning table linen (recently launched with our very own Little Wedding Helper), you'll certainly stand out from the crowd with Pudding Bridge

With new products being added all the time it's worth checking out their website or following them on Facebook and Twitter, but make sure you come and meet owner Helen on March 16th at our next Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair. Helen's bringing the Sequin Collection and some stunning crystal and pearl chair backs for you to see! 

The Jeanie Lee's

Bristol Vintage is thrilled to introduce you to The Jeanie Lee's Bespoke Cabaret Entertainment Company!

The Jeanie Lee's offer industry professional Singers, Dancers, Comperes, Fire Artists, Aerialists and Burlesque performers to add glitz and glamour to your wedding.

Whether you need a pianist and vocalist for an intimate affair…

…or an all-singing, all-dancing cabaret show for a big do…

The Jeanie Lee's have everything you need to make your occasion spectacular!

Find out more on their website, on Facebook and Twitter, but do make sure you come to our Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair on March 16th as they'll be performing live!