Friday 10 February 2017

PURE BLISS MASSAGE ... AND RELAX!

Many of you will know that I have now sold Bristol Vintage to the lovely Zoe Fletcher, who's been happily running the business since last October.  

The wedding fair was my last job with Bristol Vintage and, as I'm leaving the world of Vintage weddings (though they'll always be in my heart!), I wanted to take this opportunity to tell people about my other passion in life - massage therapy!


Over 15 years ago, after 23 years as a PA, I hit a milestone birthday and, during a very memorable 3 week holiday, including a friend's amazing wedding and a sky-dive from a plane, I decided that I wanted to do follow my passion to work for myself.  I loved my job working in a fantastically creative company with the BEST boss, but I had a yearning to do something physical and something that would benefit others.  I'd had massages from my early 20's when I suffered from debilitating migraines and they had really helped me and made me much better at relaxing and taking a bit of 'me' time, as well as opening me up to yoga and other complementary therapies. 

When I returned home, I went to sign on for an aromatherapy massage course and managed to bag the last place -  so I took that as a sign!  The course was fascinating - I loved the oils but most of all I really, really loved the massage and how I could knead knots and aches and pains out of people's bodies.  

Once qualified, I was very lucky as my boss agreed I could go part-time and so started my massage career and my company, Pure Bliss Massage.  After a couple of years part-time I gave up my job and became a full time therapist.  


Of course, Katie and I started up Bristol Vintage as a side-line and it grew and grew and I had a year with a broken arm when I couldn't massage at all - but that just made me realise how much I missed it.  And that's what led to my selling Bristol Vintage and meeting with Harriet of the de Winton Paper Co to rebrand my massage business.

My new website is now on-line and, for the first time, I'm spreading the word via social networking.  I work from home in my converted loft and I've now been massaging for 15 years and am constantly training - mainly with the superb Jing Institute in Brighton - with current treatments including Aromatherapy, Indian Head Massage, Thai Foot Massage, Advanced Clinical & Deep Tissue massage, Table Thai, Holistic Facials and, the ultimate in relaxation, Hot Stone Fusion!



If you've never had a massage then I'll explain exactly how it works but if you're a massage fan and looking for a local therapist I work very flexible hours and my work is very much led by what you need.  If you're nervous about trying massage take a look at my testimonials and they should reassure you!  I even provide gift vouchers for presents.  If you'd like to know more please take a look at my website and email or phone me for a chat or to book an appointment.


I'm so happy to have handed over Bristol Vintage to Zoe, who I know will carry on and grow the business but I'm really excited to be taking the next step in my career as a massage therapist! 

I hope to be able to help some of you in the future!

Au revoir!

Ali xxx

Website:  www.pureblissmassage.co.uk


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Thursday 9 February 2017

FINAL GORGEOUS PHOTOS FROM SU LARKINS

Our final blog piece is a selection of photos from Su Larkins of Su Barclay Photography.  Su has been coming to the fair and taking beautiful photos for several years and her gorgeous daughter, Jess Parkes has been modelling, previously for Jen Ford of Clifton Hill Costume & Textiles, Heartfelt Vintage and, this year for Atelier 19, along with Astrid Davis.

This year Su's photos focus on Jan Knibb's exquisite collection of clothes and accessories curated for her wonderful shop, Atelier 19.  Many of the accessories are by Gemma Sangwine, who was also at the fair and has been with us on several occasions.

Model: Jess Parkes; Head pieces by Gemma SangwineWedding Gowns by Jan KnibbsAtelier19,Cheltenham
Hair & Styling by Mandy Hawkins; Photography by Su Barclay Photography
Model: Astrid Davis;  Head pieces by Gemma SangwineWedding Gowns by Jan KnibbsAtelier19,Cheltenham
Hair & Styling by Mandy Hawkins; Photography by Su Barclay Photography

Model: Astrid Davis;  Head pieces by Gemma SangwineWedding Gowns by Jan KnibbsAtelier19,Cheltenham
Hair & Styling by Mandy HawkinsPhotography by Su Barclay Photography
Model: Jess Parkes; Head pieces by Gemma SangwineWedding Gowns by Jan KnibbsAtelier19,Cheltenham
Hair & Styling by Mandy Hawkins; Photography by Su Barclay Photography
Model: Astrid Davis;  Head pieces by Gemma SangwineWedding Gowns by Jan KnibbsAtelier19,Cheltenham
Hair & Styling by Mandy HawkinsPhotography by Su Barclay Photography
Model: Astrid Davis;  Head pieces by Gemma SangwineWedding Gowns by Jan KnibbsAtelier19,Cheltenham
Hair & Styling by Mandy HawkinsPhotography by Su Barclay Photography
Model: Jess Parkes; Head pieces by Gemma SangwineWedding Gowns by Jan KnibbsAtelier19,Cheltenham
Hair & Styling by Mandy Hawkins; Photography by Su Barclay Photography
Model: Jess Parkes; Head pieces by Gemma SangwineWedding Gowns by Jan KnibbsAtelier19,Cheltenham
Hair & Styling by Mandy HawkinsPhotography by Su Barclay Photography


Model: Astrid Davis;  Head pieces by Gemma SangwineWedding Gowns by Jan KnibbsAtelier19,Cheltenham
Hair & Styling by Mandy HawkinsPhotography by Su Barclay Photography


Ivory Flowers - photo by Su Barclay Photography
Model: Jess Parkes; Head pieces by Gemma SangwineWedding Gowns by Jan KnibbsAtelier19,Cheltenham;
Feather Cape: I Do Vintage Bridal; Hair & Styling by Mandy HawkinsPhotography by Su Barclay Photography
Model: Jess Parkes; Head pieces by Gemma SangwineWedding Gowns by Jan KnibbsAtelier19,Cheltenham
Hair & Styling by Mandy HawkinsPhotography by Su Barclay Photography
Model: Astrid Davis;  Head pieces by Gemma SangwineWedding Gowns by Jan KnibbsAtelier19,Cheltenham
Hair & Styling by Mandy HawkinsPhotography by Su Barclay Photography

Model: Jess Parkes; Head pieces by Gemma SangwineWedding Gowns by Jan KnibbsAtelier19,Cheltenham
Hair & Styling by Mandy HawkinsPhotography by Su Barclay Photography

Model: Astrid Davis;  Head pieces by Gemma SangwineWedding Gowns by Jan KnibbsAtelier19,Cheltenham
Hair & Styling by Mandy HawkinsPhotography by Su Barclay Photography
Model: Astrid Davis;  Flower Crown by Flora Bellahttp://www.flora-bella.co.ukWedding Gowns by Jan KnibbsAtelier19,Cheltenham
Hair & Styling by Mandy HawkinsPhotography by Su Barclay Photography

Model: Jess Parkes; Head pieces by Gemma SangwineWedding Gowns by Jan KnibbsAtelier19,Cheltenham;
Hair & Styling by Mandy HawkinsPhotography by Su Barclay Photography



Ivory Flowers - photo by Su Barclay Photography




Tuesday 7 February 2017

OUR GORGEOUS MODELS AT THE FAIR

Our Vintage Wedding Fair would not be the same without the stunning models who walk the fair on the day, showcasing the beautiful dresses and accessories, as well as the fabulous talents of the hair and make-up artists.  We have two of our own models, Loz Clark and Leony Jessup to thank this year, as well as  Heartfelt's Model, Heidi Matthews and Atelier 19's models Jess Parkes and Astrid Davis.    

These gorgeous ladies give brides and other visitors the opportunity to see just how fabulous the outfits look and what amazing work the MUA's do!  As before, all photos are by Fran of Evoke Pictures

Thanks ladies - you're all gorgeous! 

Model: Loz Clarke; hair: Beehive Brides; make-up: Loz Clarke; dress: Days of Grace Vintage
Model: Leony Jessup;  hair and make-up: Beehive Brides;  dress: LK Bespoke Bridal

Model: Heidi Matthews; Hair & Make Up: Able Mabel @ Heartfelt;
Dress: Heartfelt Vintage
Model: Loz Clarke - details as before

Model: Leony Jessup - Details as before
Model: Heidi Matthews; Details as before
Model: Loz Clarke - details as before.  Feather Cape: I Do Vintage Bridal

Model: Leony Jessup; hair & make-up as before; dress: Days of Grace Vintage
Model: Loz Clarke; Details as before
Model: Leony Jessup; hair & make-up as before; dress: LK Bespoke Bridal
Model: Jess Parkes; hair & make-up by herself with help from Mandy Hawkins; Dress & accessories Atelier 19 (Jan Knibbs & Gemma Sangwine) 
Model: Astrid Davis; hair & make-up by herself with help from Mandy Hawkins; 
dresses & accessories Atelier 19 (Jan Knibbs & Gemma Sangwine) 
Model: Jess Parkes; details as before
Model: Astrid Davies; details as before
Loz Clarke & Leony Jessup
And a special thank you to these three gorgeous ladies who modelled for Nancy Rose Hats!

Cathy, Pam and Beth wearing sumptuous designer wear 
Cathy, Pam and Beth wearing sumptuous designer wear 








Monday 6 February 2017

MORE PHOTOS OF OUR WONDERFUL EXHIBITORS FROM EVOKE PICTURES

Our second blog post showcases the exhibitors upstairs and in the Clifton Suite at the lovely Clifton Pavilion.  There are so many beautiful photos from Evoke Pictures which I think really do our exhibitors justice - so many talented and creative people - we hope if you didn't get to visit these photos will inspire you to get in touch with them! 
Beehive Brides - photo by Evoke Pictures
Beehive Brides - photo by Evoke Pictures
Beehive Brides - photo by Evoke Pictures
McGill Sisters Films - photo by Evoke Pictures
Clifton Pavilion - photo by Evoke Pictures
Always You Photography - photo by Evoke Pictures

Always You Photography - photo by Evoke Pictures
Always You Photography - photo by Evoke Pictures
Brown in Townphoto by Evoke Pictures
Brown in Townphoto by Evoke Pictures
Brown in Town photo by Evoke Pictures
Gramophone Groovesphoto by Evoke Pictures
Gramophone Grooves photo by Evoke Pictures
Gramophone Groovesphoto by Evoke Pictures
Vintage Button Bridal Designs - photo by Evoke Pictures
Vintage Button Bridal Designs - photo by Evoke Pictures
Vintage Button Bridal Designs - photo by Evoke Pictures
Heartfelt Vintagephoto by Evoke Pictures
Heartfelt Vintagephoto by Evoke Pictures
Heartfelt Vintagephoto by Evoke Pictures
Heartfelt Vintage photo by Evoke Pictures
Babes in the Woodsphoto by Evoke Pictures
Babes in the Woods - photo by Evoke Pictures
Babes in the Woods - photo by Evoke Pictures
The Little Wedding Helper photo by Evoke Pictures
The Little Wedding Helper - photo by Evoke Pictures
The Little Wedding Helper - photo by Evoke Pictures
The Little Wedding Helper - photo by Evoke Pictures
Daisy Lane Floral Design - photo by Evoke Pictures
Daisy Lane Floral Design - photo by Evoke Pictures
Daisy Lane Floral Design - photo by Evoke Pictures
de Winton Paper Co - photo by Evoke Pictures
de Winton Paper Co - photo by Evoke Pictures
de Winton Paper Co - photo by Evoke Pictures
de Winton Paper Co - photo by Evoke Pictures
The Marionettes - photo by Evoke Pictures
The Marionettes - photo by Evoke Pictures
The Vintage Sash Company - photo by Evoke Pictures
The Vintage Sash Company - photo by Evoke Pictures
The Vintage Sash Company - photo by Evoke Pictures
L K Bespoke Bridal - photo by Evoke Pictures
L K Bespoke Bridalphoto by Evoke Pictures
L K Bespoke Bridalphoto by Evoke Pictures
Billy Driscoll photo by Evoke Pictures
Billy Driscoll photo by Evoke Pictures
Bath Cake Company photo by Evoke Pictures
Bath Cake Company photo by Evoke Pictures
Bath Cake Companyphoto by Evoke Pictures
Bath Cake Companyphoto by Evoke Pictures
Days of Grace - photo by Evoke Pictures
Days of Grace - photo by Evoke Pictures
Nancy Rose Hats  - photo by Evoke Pictures
Nancy Rose Hats  - photo by Evoke Pictures
Nancy Rose Hats  - photo by Evoke Pictures
Bristol Vintagephoto by Evoke Pictures
Bristol Vintage photo by Evoke Pictures
Bristol Vintagephoto by Evoke Pictures
Bristol Vintagephoto by Evoke Pictures
We hope you've enjoyed looking at the pictures of these talented wedding exhibitors.  Tomorrow's post will feature our beautiful models and the talents of hair and make-up as well as the stunning dresses and accessories!  Call back tomorrow for a real treat! 
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