RUBY & THE WOLF - THE FAIRYTALE COMES ALIVE!

The first thing you notice about Ruby & The Wolf is the name - for me it evokes a dark wood with flashes of crimson - there's something of the fairytale about it ... and then you see the flowers and the fairytale comes true!  The flowers wowed me the first time I saw them - so different from anything else out there.  

Kirstie Deane, the brilliant florist and stylist behind the brand, has a natural, elegant and timeless style and an amazing stylist's eye.  With a background in design and animation production, she takes her inspiration from all things design-related including fashion, interiors and film.  I can personally blame Kirstie for my addiction to Pinterest and Instagram!

Her work covers everything from simple, colour co-ordinated posies to match the bridesmaids dresses, through a single stunning button-hole, to glorious, blousey, exotic blooms in a vintage style vase.  Whatever she does, your eye can't help being drawn to it. 

Not only can Kirstie provide all the flowers for your special day but she can help you with all the visual and styling elements, including choosing a colour palette, creating a mood board or even choosing table linen.  

She adores helping you bring your ideas to life and you'll love having her on board.  Her friendly relaxed manner means working with her is a real pleasure but don't be fooled ... she's taking in everything you say and translating it into her vision of you and your style.  And, believe me, you won't be disappointed!

Come and meet Kirstie at the fair and have a chat with her about what magic she can weave for you!

PEARL BESPOKE DRESSMAKERS - BRIDAL COUTURIER

Introducing Pearl Bespoke Dressmakers, a bespoke bridal couturier in central Bristol.

Pearl Bespoke specialise in designing and making wedding dresses, but can also help you with dresses for any other occasion.

Owner and Designer, Pearl Legay-Clarke, is currently working on several 1920s and 1930s inspired dresses with a modern twist.

She designs and makes each garment to suit and will work with you right the way through from initial design consultation to the final fitting.

The team also try to use sustainably sourced and natural alternatives (to synthetic fabrics) as far as possible, ensuring the design of the dress is considered at all times.

And the Pearl Bespoke portfolio consists of more than just wedding dresses. Think bridesmaid, prom and theatrical/commercial costumes too. So whether you're looking for a red carpet style or a vintage reproduction, come and meet Pearl Bespoke at the Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair and discuss the bespoke dress of your dreams.

BROWN IN TOWN - STYLE IS FOR LIFE, NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS!

Our favourite man about town will be charming us all again this year with his usual flair and panache!  If anyone is a great advert for their business, it's David Minns of Brown in Town, and the Groom can't go far wrong by taking some sartorial tips from this super stylish gent.  Over to David to tell you more: 

"What is it that makes the Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair one of the highlights of our calendar year?  You!  

Or course, the venue, the Clifton Pavilion, is beautiful.  With its art deco architecture and view out over the Bristol Zoo, it is a wonderful place to while away a morning or afternoon perusing the wares of the wedding fair stallholders and, perhaps, afterwards to take a stroll around the historical zoo gardens.

But it is, for the most part, your love and appreciation of all things vintage which makes it such a hit for us exhibitors you see.  We work ourselves into a frenzy preparing and fine tuning our displays for your delectation because, unlike so many other wedding fairs, the stallholders at the Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair enjoy exhibiting as much as you like attending.

In fact, I am still working on commissions I took following enquiries from last year's Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair.  So why do Brown in Town's grooms favour a vintage look for their wedding suits: is it because they have always hankered after a suit that reminds them of the suits which their grandfathers wore, most commonly a three piece suit of grey flannel, and in some instances, tweed?  Or is it because they want to do something a little bit different (or, at the very least, avoid hiring)?

And why not.  Our forefathers' suits were all tailor made for the individual using the best of British Materials - which explains why vintage garments have stood the test of time - and were cut to flatter the individual and make them appear more elegant. Which they always did.

Ergo, because they were tailor made, there is generally to be found inlay within the garment which can be adjusted, both by taking the seams in and also by letting them out - which is so often not the case with today's off-the-peg clothing as it is often trimmed out - you won't find as many of today's off-the-peg suits available in your favourite thrift store or charity shop in years to come, as we do vintage suits.

Undoubtedly, there will be the question of ensemble: three piece suits are often considered to have vintage appeal as, historically, we have worn waistcoats to keep us warm - waistcoats are also a great way for the groom to wear a fob watch, a popular family heirloom - but two piece double breasted suits were almost equally as popular, and are now enjoying something of a renaissance all their own in sartorial circles.  

Once it has been decided if the groom will be wearing a two piece suit, or three piece suit, the next question is invariably one of colour.  There are myriad cloths, and cloth colours, but those which strike a resounding chord with vintage lovers are tweeds for their autumnal shades i.e. brown or fawn. A herringbone pattern in the cloth is another popular choice.    

Which colour is correct, however, is a cloth colour that flatters the wearer, one that compliments either the wearer's skin tone, hair colour, eye colour or, here in Bristol at least, one's beard colour. Assuming the suit colour has not been chosen based on wedding dress colour or colour scheme, the reason that it is of the utmost importance that a groom look good in his wedding suit, is that those wedding photos will last for years to come, and wearing a suit colour which compliments the wearer, not just the event, is essential.             

This will be Brown in Town's second year exhibiting and we are honoured to be a part  of the Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair.  Moreover, we're looking forward to the opportunity to wax sartorial with the discerning groom, for it is our experience that brides and grooms that appreciate all things vintage appreciate the fine art of bespoke tailoring.

And with only a few weeks to go, both myself and Brown in Town mannequin, Douglas (who adorns the window of Zip Pin Alterations in Clifton Arcade), are busy preparing our suits for this year's event, wanting to be sure that we do not wear the same outfits that we wore to last year's event, naturally.  That's our excuse anyway!
See you there ..."                         

Enquiries

Email: david@brownintown.co.uk
Website: http://brownintown.co.uk

LILY & LOUIE - UNIQUE VINTAGE STYLE

We're so glad to be welcoming back the wonderfully talented Lily & Louie to this year's fair.  We loved their beautiful dresses and accessories last year and this year they'll be bringing even more with them from their studio in Exeter.

A real bride wearing the 'Lily' dress  with a tulle overlay
and a bespoke veil to match her dress (similar to far away thought veil) 

Jayne Miller, the creative talent behind Lily and Louie, designs and creates individual dresses and accessories inspired by a past age of elegance.  Inspired by the style and fun of the 1950's, their current collection includes full, tea-length dresses in silk, satin taffeta and tulle.  

They can also make bespoke dresses individually designed for you where Jayne will chat to you about design ideas and produce drawings to bring your vision to life. She will then produce a bespoke pattern and the dress will be made and fitted to perfection.

Real bride wearing  a bespoke dress with an ivory and gold lace overlay on  the bodice & long flowing skirt.
The bridesmaids are all in made-to-measure blush silk dresses.

As Jayne says " There are many choices of fabric colours and lace styles to choose from to create your own one-off creation".

A selection of different styles, colours and fabrics for your perfect dress.

But her talents don't end there, as Jayne also designs and makes beautiful birdcage veils, Tiaras and headbands. Their beautiful accessories include capes, boleros and wraps as well as elegant necklaces and pretty garters and all are made from quality lace and silks, freshwater pearls, Russian veiling and Swarovski crystals.  They can even provide personalised wedding cufflinks!

Oh - and if that isn't enough, they can supply personalised wedding stationery!

Featured on Love my Dress and many other wedding sites, we're very proud to have this sought after supplier exhibiting at our fair.

VINTAGE BUTTON BRIDAL DESIGNS - BEAUTIFUL VINTAGE BRIDAL ACCESSORIES

For beautiful vintage-inspired headdresses, everlasting bouquets, jewellery and accessories, you're going to love Vintage Button Bridal Designs.

Owner Clare Lloyd is the designer behind Vintage Button Bridal Designs and these gorgeous, bespoke pieces. Each item is handmade using vintage jewellery, precious metals, stones, buttons, pearls, lace and crystals. 

Clare can also incorporate an heirloom piece to create a truly unique accessory you'll want to treasure long after your wedding day.

So whether it's a corsage, a piece of jewellery, hair accessories or one of her signature everlasting bouquets, Clare will work with you every step of the way to to create something truly special.

Most recently, Clare has been working on a new range of antique gold floral and leaf designs inspired by Pantone's colour of the year, 'Marsala.' Clare says: "I love using colour in my designs and I wanted to try to incorporate some lovely soft antique shades into my work.  There is so much ivory and diamanté out there that I wanted to give brides to-be a choice of something a bit different"

Find out more about Vintage Button Bridal Designs on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram, but do make sure you come and visit Clare at the Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair.

Enquiries:

Email: info@vintagebuttonbridaldesigns.co.uk

Website:  www.vintagebuttonbridaldesigns.co.uk

MISS JONES - CELEBRATE YOUR UNIQUE FEMININITY WITH EXQUISITE COUTURE LINGERIE

If you're looking for something really special for your wedding night or honeymoon Miss Jones lingerie is the perfect answer!  Miss Jones is luxurious handcrafted wedding and honeymoon lingerie, created from a love of sensual fabrics, fine detail and vintage glamour by costume designer Jacqueline Jones.

Jacqui says "I wanted to create a collection of beautiful, delicate, highly decorated pieces that create  a special blend of English Rose femininity and sensuality.  Miss Jones lingerie is flirtatious; empowering each woman to create a sense of tease with her own style, to enjoy her sensuality and express herself with her lover whilst looking and feeling irresistibly beautiful and confident."

Jacqueline trained at The Bristol Old Vic theatre school in Bristol  A theatrical costumier who has styled period dramas for film and television, the collections are inspired by the luxury and sensuality of grander times.

Photographs of burlesque starlets and actresses from the silver screen of the 1930's & 1940's cover the walls of Miss Jones studio and it is this romance with the past that influences the designs.

"I adore luxury lingerie and the opulence and romance of Bridal couture.  I think it is important for the Bride to think about the sensual moments she will share with her newly wed, both on her wedding night and honeymoon ... this can often be overtaken with planning the big day and keeping guests happy!

I set up Miss Jones as a luxury bespoke lingerie company where true luxury comes from having something made especially for you by hand, with the utmost attention to detail.  I use traditional couture skills to create the pieces, and offer a true personal service."

Her Bridal, Honeymoon and Boudoir collections include beautiful garters and sensual lingerie and each piece is carefully made by hand from luxurious fine silk and French leavers lace, perfectly embellished with real Swarovski crystals, beads and pearls and finely appliquéd embroidery.

"Making lingerie for the Bride's boudoir trousseau is so special.  This is her time for sensuality.  Because after a day of being dressed up and in the spotlight, this is a time for the bride to wear something soft and luxurious, a little flirtatious.  The designs mix tradition and romance with  touch of playfulness".

You can also hold a Miss Jones Evening for yourself and your friends, giving you the opportunity to take a closer look at the whole collection and get a discount on your purchases.

HEARTFELT VINTAGE - ALL YOU COULD WANT UNDER ONE ROOF!

We're really excited to have the fabulous Heartfelt Vintage joining us for the first time at this year's fair.  If you haven't yet visited this luxury vintage boutique and tea room then make sure you instantly add it to your 'to do' list!  It's like walking into a treasure trove filled with beautiful, covetable items.  I have been known to stand outside just staring at a dress in the window with a wistful look on my face!

Kate and her team at Heartfelt are one of the few places in Bristol offering a bespoke wedding service including the most beautiful dresses and accessories, as well as  a seamstress, headpiece designers and hair and makeup artists.  They can also help you with florists, photographers, entertainers, vintage crockery and much more.

On the day they'll be bringing along some stunning unique vintage wedding dresses, each with their own history.  And if the dress isn't the exact fit, their seamstress has some magical ways to help make it just right for you as well as talking you through the options of finding your dream dress if you know what you want but just can't find it.  

The Heartfelt website has some clever tips worth reading before you visit the fair on what to bring with you when you're looking for your perfect vintage dress.

As well as bridal wear and accessories, Hearfelt stock a truly lovely selection of handpicked quality vintage pieces along with preloved designer items and vintage inspired designer pieces so, when you go along to find your wedding dress, your friends may also find the ideal outfit for your big day!

But Heartfelt is so much more than just a vintage shop - they have a scrummy tea room, so you can have a rest after the hard work of buying gorgeous vintage items AND they provide a range of Hen Party activities including fascinator making, vintage makeovers with photographs or just a glamorous afternoon tea with a glass of bubbly - whatever you choose they guarantee you'll have fabulous vintage fun!

Enquiries

Email:    heartfeltvintageltd@gmail.com    
Website: www.heartfeltvintage.co.uk

RETROPRESS - VINTAGE DESIGN IS THE WORD!

There's something so exciting about receiving news of a wedding in the post, and the style and look of the invitation are the first moment your guests will see what kind of day it's going to be, so it's important to make a great impression.  Retro Press can guarantee you'll do just that!

A creative letterpress studio who mainly design and print bespoke wedding stationery with a refreshing, quirky, vintage style that's just a bit different from the norm, Retro Press like to keep it fun, fresh and funky and whatever you choose will be unique to you.

Kate Clift, the owner of Retro Press is passionate about her work and says " We do everything here at Retro Press, from the Save the Dates and invitations to bunting and posters ... and everything in between."

"Everything we do is personalised, so even the 'templates' you will find on our website can be changed to suit a particular couple with regards to wording and colours."

"The 'travel tag' style is definitely our most popular invitation but we can do anything - any shape, size, colour, traditional or more contemporary - but also vintage.  Always retro!  The Save the Date coasters are also highly desired as these are unique and such a great way of having something memorable for the guests to keep."



Kate has impressive credentials - with a degree in Graphic Design, she undertook a 3-month internship at the famous Hatch Show Print in Nashville where she fell in love with the letterpress process and brought this passion home.

Invented back in the 15th Century, letterpress is a handmade process, giving each piece a rich, unique quality with no two prints being identical.  

As Kate says "... here at Retro, we love, live, eat, breathe every single little thing letterpress so we can't see how you won't be captured by it's charm too!"

I must admit I'm hooked and you will be too once you've had a chat with Kate at the fair.