Meticulous Ink

I have, for many years, been obsessed with all things stationery related. I could hang around in WHSmith for hours as a child. Of course, I later discovered the delights of the rather more sophisticated Paperchase but, my tastes have moved on once again...You might now find me loitering, for far longer than is considered normal, in the beautiful premises of Meticulous Ink.

"Dedicated to creating exquisite paper goods"

And their goods really, really are exquisite. And meticulous.

There's something so special and exciting about a wedding invitation. I love to keep all the invitations I've received over the years. They're just like a photograph. They evoke such strong memories and say so much about the bride and groom.

We're really looking forward to welcoming the lovely and enormously talented Athena Cauley-Yu to the Fair. Here are some examples of their work and some words from Athena about what to expect at the Fair....

Meticulous Ink are a traditional printers and stationers, using hand crafted techniques to produce outstanding bespoke paper items. Including print methods from die-stamping and embossing to foiling and letterpress, there is unlimited choice to make your wedding stationery chic and sophisticated or outrageously glamorous. We will be showing a wide variety of samples including wedding invites, order of service booklets and menus, at the Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair to inspire a stationery suite that gives a great first impression of your wedding to your guests.

Take a look at their website - http://www.meticulousink.com/

Rachel Goodchild Designs - E-cards

Forgotten to send a Christmas card? Fear not my lovelies! The wonderful Rachel Goodchild has launched a gorgeous range of E-cards to save us all from our forgetful and disorganised selves.

They're all fabulous and, as always, have a wonderful vintage feel. You can check out the E-card samples here.

Bristol Vintage - Crockery Hire and Event Planning

Now for a post about the fabulous Ali Cook and Katie Daniels, of the equally fabulous Bristol Vintage.

I've known Ali and Katie for many, many years after we met at Aardman Animations. I've worked with some exceptionally talented people over the years and these 2 are among the best. They are truly, truly passionate about vintage and about people. A pretty perfect combination to help any bride put together the perfect wedding reception.

Their collection of crockery is simply stunning and their collection of vintage props is as extensive as it is eclectic. Their long-standing love of vintage means they have some amazing sources. They can find anything. Ali's love of shopping is pretty infamous and I get soooo excited to see what fabulous vintage finds she'll come up with from her latest shopping jaunt.

They can cater for up to 200 people for weddings, parties, film premieres. Just name the event. As far as we know, Bristol Vintage have the biggest collection of original babycham glasses for hire too. Babycham glasses! How fabulous. They work with some of the best destinations in Bristol such as Goldbrick House and hold fabulous regular cream teas at Hotel du Vin.

I think that Ali and Katie are pretty confident in what they do. But they're also extremely humble. Never likely to really, really big themselves up. So here I am to do it for them. They are absolutely, without a shadow of a doubt, the choice when it comes to vintage crockery and prop hire, event styling and organisation.

Their creativity, their energy and their all-round loveliness is pretty hard to beat. I love 'em. Here's just a few images from their amazing collection...

www.bristolvintage.co.uk

Miss Jones - Exquisite Lingerie

The trouble with these blogs is that 'older posts' drop off the page and you have to scroll down and click 'older posts' in order to find these so-called 'older posts'.

It occured to me today that my post about Miss Jones (the most amazing hand-made lingerie imaginable) has now 'fallen off' the bottom of the page. Too beautiful not to re-post. Here's more from the wonderfully talented Jacqui Jones...

Red Ruby Rose

Didn't someone really famous and clever once say "You can never have too many gorgeous bags". No? I think they must have because I really, really need one of these wonderful creations. Handmade by the incredibly talented Rowena Dugdale of Red Ruby Rose.

Rowena hand-makes these clutches, many of which with her own textile designs and we think they are spectacular! We can't wait to see them at the Fair.

Lots of brides are carrying clutch-bags, or using them instead of posies for their bridesmaids. Very stylish. And a perfect gift for your bridesmaids to keep. Rowena even offers a discount to brides for multiple purchases. Brilliant.

For more information, and more bags, check out the Red Ruby Rose website by clicking right...here.

c20 Vintage Fashion

We are so, so excited about this next exhibitor. c20 Vintage Fashion have an enormous collection of vintage fashion including couture and designer peices from Biba and Ossie Clark. In the business for over 40 years, they really know their stuff.

Their wedding dresses are to die for! If you want an authentic vintage dress, these guys are for you.

The lovely Xanthe Swift will be joining us at the fair and we can't wait to see what beauties she brings with her!

1950s gown




1920s beaded evening dress




1960s Ossie Clark dress

C20 Vintage Fashion is an inspirational archive of designer garments and unique pieces from every decade of the twentieth century. We will be selling a handpicked selection of beautiful vintage items from the collection. www.c20vintagefashion.co.uk

I think you'll agree they're pretty special. Check out the photo gallery on their website for some heart-stoppingly, fabulous dresses!

Flo-Jo Boutique

Don't we all love treating ourselves to some lovely new, girly knickers? Well, take a look at these from the fab ladies at Flo-Jo Boutique. They are just lovely. A perfect gift or, for all you gorgeous brides, you could tuck away a few pairs in your suitcase to be extra fabulous on your honeymoon!


Flo-jo Boutique  is Delia and Erika; two Bristol based designers with a range of vintage inspired clothing. Think lindy hop meets lemon drizzle, frilly knicker elastic and ice cream sundaes in the back of a pink Cadillac!

All our products are lovingly hand made here in the UK, original design and often limited edition. We continuously search for new fabrics to inspire, and for you to desire!

Flo-Jo have also launched a fantastic new range of make your own knickers! Flo-Jo's fancy pants Knicker Making Kit. Don't you just love them! Now you can whip up a brand new pair of knickers in an afternoon...

Fancy pants knicker making kits are available from the Flo-Jo Boutique website as well as Not on the High Street - www.notonthehighstreet.com 

Most importantly, they will of course be available at the Fair!

More Handmade Corset Company

I had an email from Cathy and Penn of The Handmade Corset Company this morning. Now, this would always make me happy as they're such lovely ladies but I literally caught my breath when I saw the attachments.

They were some images from a recent photoshoot. Cathy and Penn made everything you can see. The corsets, the amazing pink bloomers and the hair corsages. They bought and embellished the black knickers with ribbon.

I know how talented Cathy and Penn are, and I really ought to expect to see something this great, but I'm still overwhelmed when I see their work. I think you'll see why they had such an impact me....

What do you think? Jaw-dropping aren't they? Just imagine something like that created especially for you. Amazing.

The model is Chloe Jasmine Whichello (isn't she beautiful) and the photographer was Damien Lovegrove.

Click here to go to their website.

Jo Hansford Photography

I am so excited about this post. Jo Hansford's photography is just spectacular. Her website is well worth a visit. Although give yourself plenty of time, I get completely lost in it. Seriously, I could spend hours looking at Jo's work.

I can't help feeling slightly envious of Jo's brides! How amazing to have your biggest day captured like this. This first image of the bride in the field gives me goose bumps!....

Jo is a storyteller, visually capturing the memories of your day, turning those shared moments and conversations into a treasured collection of images. Jo's relaxed philosophy provides all the reassurance you need to create natural and stylish images. 

Amazing.

I love the images below too. A bit of venue or honeymoon inspiration perhaps...

More images to follow soon. In the meantime, click here to go to Jo's fantastic website.

Country Cupcakes

We're so excited to have Nikki from Country Cupcakes joining us. I met Nikki at her cupcake school earlier this year. I must say it was one of my favourite morning's of 2010! Nikki is truly inspiring. I don't mind admitting I consider myself something of a cupcake goddess myself after being taught by such a pro.

The Times call Country Cupcakes the top cupcake provider in the Country and we're not about to disagree. Nikki's cakes are not just utterly beautiful, but also utterly delicious.

Oh, and let's not forget Nikki's rock 'n' roll side - “The rock and roll wedding of the year Pearl Lowe and Danny Goffrey.  Cupcakes by country cupcakes.” - Hello Magazine

Take a look at Country Cupcake's brilliant website for some truly stunning wedding cakes. - http://www.countrycupcakes.com/

The Little Wedding Helper

Allow us to introduce Kirsten Butler of the Little Wedding Helper. The Little Wedding Helper is just a brilliant company, the perfect string to every brides bow! Kirsten says that they're not wedding planners but an extra pair of hands. You could also call them an extra pair of eyes, as Kirsten focuses on making your wedding as stylish (but as stress-free) as possible. 

The Little Wedding Helper will provide as much (or as little) help and advice as you need from helping develop a colour pallet, down to advice on table decor, linens, flowers and of course, vintage crockery (come in Bristol Vintage!). 

We love her and we think you will too. Here are a few images from some of Kirsten's most recent vintage styled weddings...

The only way we can really find out how we can help, is to meet you! Initial consultations are free, at a location that is convenient and hot chocolate is always on us! We listen to your ideas and vision so we can then inform you about how The Little Wedding Helper can compliment those ideas and sprinkle some creative inspiration. No sales pitch, no catches. Just a get together over cake & tea & then it's up to you!

Click here to visit the website.

Beehive Brides, Vintage Styling and Make-up

OK. How about some serious vintage glamour? If you're not sure how to achieve a vintage look for your hair and make-up, look no further than the lovely Fiona Maynard, owner of Beehive Brides. Fiona's been making women look like movie starlets for the past 15 years. 

We're so happy to have Fiona joining us at the Fair. Who wouldn't want to look this beautiful on their wedding day....

Movie Star Glamour For Your Wedding...

For more information and to look at our styling archives, go to www.beehivebrides.co.uk

Lizzie Ford, Floral Design

Lizzie Ford is pretty infamous around this neck of the woods. Her work is just stunning and every time I see her work, it sends me in to a little reverie in which I'm gracefully wondering around my own little florist shop in a lovely linen apron, stroking peonies, smelling roses and dreaming about weddings...I digress.

It says on Lizzie's website that she's 'no ordinary talent' and that is certainly true. We are so thrilled that she's joining us at the Fair. Her flowers will provide an endless source of inspiration for all you lovely vintage brides...

Click here to visit Lizzie's website.

Creative Frame Photography

As I go through life, I find myself appreciating photography and the photos I have, more and more. Nothing quite captures a memory in the same way. I've always been one to hide away from the camera but Tony Hepburn of Creative Frame Photography would put even the most camera-shy bride at ease.  

Tony is a truly creative force with an amazing professional background. He's also one of those incredibly warm, caring people that makes you feel like you've known him for years. I think this wonderful picture and Tony's words below sum up his creativity and approach perfectly...

Few occasions are as momentous… or as fleeting… as the day you commit to love forever. Moments appear and are gone – a shared look, the gentlest touch, the scent on the breeze. Capturing these moments on film is my passion. A passion to make your memories live and breathe life into that which you missed.

My work is a form of visual expression that is intrinsically recognisable as truth - personal truth and the shared universal truth that reconnects us to the human condition. 

I studied the craft at such luminaries as the BBC and Aardman Animations, mastering technique, challenging my evolving expertise, until I couldn’t resist that powerful draw – a craving to reveal, uninhibited by script or pretence.  

Your wedding is my opportunity to bring my skills to bear in the most meaningful of ways.  To capture your joy, forever, is my challenge.  I couldn’t do what I do, without you.

This is your day – the inception of your future life together.  The detail is too important to miss.

Cloth Magazine

We're so proud to announce that the Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair is being sponsored by Cloth Magazine. Cloth is a fabulous magazine and website offering inspiring, practical and easy-to-follow advice on clothes making and homeware, as well as embellishing and updating your existing wardrobe.  

Brush up on your sewing techniques or keep up-to-date with the latest events and products. Why not subscribe - we LOVE getting our copy - it's gorgeous and never fails to inspire me to get my sewing machine out. Well, at least to think about getting my sewing machine out.  

 

Look out for details of the Wedding Fair in issue 6, available from December. Also check out issue 7 for a wedding dress project. Perfect!

Check out their fantastic website at www.clothmagazine.co.uk

Rachel Goodchild Designs

Another fantastic exhibitor joining us for the Fair is Rachel Goodchild, founder of Rachel Goodchild designs. Her cards and gift wrap are just fantastic. We're so excited to have Rachel join us. Just take a look at this lovely lady modelling 'Red Roses'!...



Rachel Goodchild is a British designer who also runs her own online company http://www.rachelgoodchild.com/ selling mainly packaging (gift wrap, greeting cards, gift bags & boxes), selling to the trade & retail market. Her designs have also been used by Charbonnel et Walket, The Art Fund, Warner Textile Archive and more. Five of her designs were recently featured in a textile book titled The Pattern Sourcebook (Laurence King Publishing). Her work has featured in The Sunday Times, Country Living, Homes & Antiques, Period Living & Country Homes & Interiors



The Venue - Clifton Pavilion, Bristol Zoo Gardens

We're just thrilled about the venue for the Wedding Fair. Clifton Pavilion at Bristol Zoo Gardens is a beautiful two-storey, art-deco building. It's a fantastic venue. Two of my best friends got married there a few years back and it was just wonderful. The gardens are fantastic and we got to wander around the zoo after hours!

Take a look at their website for more information about the zoo as a wedding venue - http://www.bristolzoo.org.uk/weddings

The Hand-Made Corset Company

The Handmade Corset Company is owned by the gorgeous Cathy Price and Penn O'Gara. All of their work is simply stunning. And not just corsets, they also create the most beautiful corsages and fascinators. We can't wait to see their handywork at the Fair. This is what they say about themselves and about the process of creating a corset....

The Handmade Corset Company grew out of Penn O'Gara and Cathy Price's shared love of costume, textiles and general joie de vivre. With backgrounds in fashion, theatre and film, Penn and Cathy have combined forces to produce these exquisite examples of their work, to intrigue and inspire.

Now it's your turn...!

Each corset is absolutely unique in design and is produced in close collaboration with the customer. Starting with a picture, colour scheme or concept provided by you, we will design and create a beautiful and individual corset to fulfil your dreams. The finished corset will be an original celebration of colour and texture, using a range of sumptuous fabrics including silk, dupion, organza, velvet tulle, leather, lace, feathers and beads. Your very own work of wearable art. 

Cream Corset



Red Corset

Aren't they wonderful?! You can always find an excuse to wear a corset can't you? Well, maybe they're not for a Tesco run but there must be lots of reasons why I need one of these!

Want to see more? Head over to their website - http://www.handmadecorsetcompany.com/