SAUNDERS CREATIVE - DECALS, TABLE PLANS & SIGNS DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR YOU!

I recently popped along to The Little Wedding Space where I was incredibly excited to see the work of Saunders Creative.  Becky & Victoria Saunders are two talented ladies who offer a bespoke service specifically designed for your wedding day.  They can design table numbers and plans, the order of service, signs, decorations and more. Excitingly, their decals can be 100% bespoke and their designs include hand drawn illustrations.  

Using a mixture of illustration, hand-lettering and computers they generate the designs which they then hand finish and prepare into decals.  

The design is then scanned into a computer where the artwork is generated ready to plot the designs using a vinyl cutter.  The pair can work in a vinyl with matt, metallic or a frosted finish to give an artisan feel.

Then it's simply a case of revealing the adhesive side of the vinyl, placing it on your chosen surface, smoothing over the front and finally removing the protective paper.   After which ... step back and admire your own personal artwork. Although the process sounds technical, the final stage couldn't be simpler and the result is something totally personal to you, and really easy to use. 

I've already ordered a decal for my home!  At the fair, they will be showcasing a selection of set designs which are already adhered to a collection of beautiful vintage windows which can be hired out.  If you want something truly unique and extra special come and talk to these ladies at our fair and I think you'll be hooked!

DAYS OF GRACE VINTAGE - UNIQUE HEIRLOOM GOWNS

We're thrilled to have Days of Grace Vintage joining us again this year with their signature lace gowns - both original and reworked, harking back to early Downton Abbey through to the elegant 1930's. 

Linda, the designer and owner of Days of Grace will be showcasing their growing collection of 1920's beaded gowns (think Great Gatsby), which suit any age group, together with whimsical boho vintage gowns - even a couple from the 1970's, though their main era spans 1900 to the 1950's.

Paola de Paola Photography

The lovely thing is, each one is entirely unique and an heirloom to treasure.  There will be soft champagne hued veils, exquisite jewelled headdresses and unusual beautiful accessories.

Choose from their own label creations in antique lace, original vintage gowns and designer samples, including Jenny Packham, Sarah Houston and other vintage-inspired collections.

Days of Grace have something for every vintage bride and you will adore searching their collection for that perfect gown!

CLIFTON ROCKS - UNIQUE HANDMADE JEWELLERY

We're so pleased Clifton Rocks are joining us again this year.  Based in Clifton, this independent jewellery company makes & designs contemporary jewellery as well as showcase unique handmade jewellery by national and local designers, include pieces by Clare Chandler, the shop's owner.

As well as the dress and suit, most couples would agree the rings are the most important purchase as they will last you a lifetime and be a reminder of your love, so it's essential you find something perfect for you!

Clifton Rocks specialise in making beautiful bespoke wedding and engagement rings  and Clare and her co-workers, Sammi and Jacks can make alterations and repairs and one-off commissions.  Gold can be re-used and stones re-set and used for new designs.

The beauty of this is that if you have a family heirloom or a piece of jewellery with sentimental value that you'd like to incorporate into the design they are full of fabulous ideas to help create something that is totally unique to you. So whether you want something totally modern or something vintage to be restored or transformed into a totally new piece, Clifton Rocks can help.

As well as your own wedding rings or one-off piece of jewellery for your big day, they also have a selection of earrings and necklaces which would be perfect bridesmaids gifts!

Come and meet Claire at the fair and have a chat with her about what she can do for you.

PETE CRANSTON - SIMPLY HONEST PHOTOGRAPHY WITH PASSION

After doing us proud as our 'official photographer' last year, we're thrilled to have Pete Cranston exhibiting with us this year.

We love Pete's style of photography.  He's passionate about showing the true you and he sees the beauty in everyone - a combination that makes for great photos you'll adore!

Pete's wedding photography captures those little instants that make the atmosphere of the whole day - a beautiful smile, a quick glance, an instant of bonding - those fleeting moments that would otherwise be lost forever.

Most of all, his photos are about  the emotion of the day.  You'll look at the photos and all those wonderful feelings will come flooding back.  

Pete works organically, seeing how the day unfolds and making the most of what he sees with real, in the moment, photos of you, your family and friends.

As he says "If you want to marry the love of your life and you want to share that with those closest to you ... we probably will (get on).  I work best when you are relaxed and thinking more about being married rather than getting married."

Take a look at what his couples say - if you want a photographer who somehow can be everywhere at once, is charming, has fun with you and makes everyone feel relaxed, Pete's your man!

You can go ahead and enjoy your day knowing that Pete's there taking in every moment through his lens! 

DARREN CAMPBELL - MAKING YOUR SPECIAL DAY MAGICAL!

What I love about my vintage couples is that they have great imaginations and are always looking for something to make their day that little bit different and memorable. They also want their day to be fun and for their guests to have a fabulous time!  Darren Campbell absolutely fits the bill on both counts!  Take a look at his gallery and you'll see how much people are enjoying themselves!

Winner of the Best Wedding Entertainment at The Wedding Industry Awards 2013, Darren is a contemporary, award winning magician. He is a member of the prestigious ‘Magic Circle,’ and a full member of Equity.  Specialising in interactive, close up magic, he offers the perfect opportunity to create something unique and give your guests a truly amazing experience that they will remember for years to come.

Darren can mix and mingle with your guests at a drinks reception, perform tableside between the courses of a meal, or entertain as the evening guests are arriving, continuing into the evening reception.

Darren says "Couples can expect a professional reliable service. I take pride in replying to all enquiries quickly and outline everything the couples need to know.  I always check in with couples a week before the wedding just to confirm all the final details.  On the day I will be there in good time I will be presentable and ready to amaze, amuse and above all entertain the guests."

Not sure you need a magician?  Chat to Darren at our fair and I promise you'll be convinced within minutes!  Just don't expect him to tell you any of his magic secrets!

MAISON DU MACARON - PERFECT WEDDING FAVOURS!

I'm always researching new and different exhibitors for the fair so I was very excited when Louise from Maison du Macaron contacted me.

In case you haven't come across them before, Macarons are a French sweet meringue-based confection made with egg white, icing sugar, granulated sugar, almond power and filled with ganache or butter cream and, in my humble opinion, are nigh on the perfect sweet treat!

Maison du Macaron are a small local family run business who specialise in these divine treats for weddings, parties and events.

Offering individual macarons, macaron towers and wedding favours, these little bits of perfection are available in a selection of flavours including raspberry, lemon, chocolate, vanilla, coffee, pistachio, orange and even salted caramel!

The origin of the Macaron isn't clear but according to some sources Catherine de Medici may have brought the recipe from France to Italy as early as 1533 but it was in the early 1900's that they became famous after being introduced in their current form by the famous Parisienne bakery and cafe, Laduree.

We are fortunate enough to have our very own Bristol company, Maison du Macaron creating these gorgeous melt-in-the-mouth treats and you will be able to see a selection and learn more about them at the Fair!

YOUR UNIQUE SCRAPBOOK - UNIQUELY PERSONALISED VINTAGE WEDDING GUESTBOOKS

We're so thrilled to have Your Unique Scrapbook join us again at the fair.  Their stand is always full of beautiful, covetable pieces and you'll find their wonderful guestbooks and accessories very hard to resist!

Each guestbook is unique to you and personalised with your names and wedding date.  Sharon Barbour, the incredibly creative lady who makes these charming pieces, can work with your colour ways and any specifications to produce a perfect piece for you.   

But they don't stop there!  They can produce personalised stationery, pens, photo albums, even stunning keepsake suitcases - everything to make your wedding complete in the same vintage style.  And a wedding album makes a fabulous gift for the bride and groom to look at and remember their wedding day.

Looking for a Bridesmaid's gift?  What about their fabulous Paris vintage tea diary, launched last year?  And their natural flower petals confetti, in pretty envelopes is proving really popular with guests and venues alike!

We're really excited that Sharon is introducing this new book to her collection.  Over to her to tell you all about it.  "We love this handmade Forever Memory Wedding Guest Book - shabby chic theme.  The pages reflect hints of the rustic life, love and promises to be kept.   This is a book to treasure. 

This book will give you the memories of your wedding day and beyond. Guests are asked 'Where did you meets us?, How did you meet each other? and "Where will we be in 20 years?", you can add your own too and change these.

HOW did your story begin?  There is a special page for this for your guests to be reminded of your love journey. Lots of pockets, cards with cute angels and fairies, embellishments, ribbon and lace.  The book is aged to look very old, but precious.

Come and meet Sharon and see her beautiful products at the fair - I promise you'll be tempted!

WITH LOVE FROM BOBBIN - BESPOKE ACCESSORIES FOR THE SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

We're really thrilled to have With Love from Bobbin joining us in Bristol for the first time - we love her beautiful designs and we know you will too!

Ashley loves getting to know each bride individually, finding out about your personality and plans for your wedding day and she takes great pride in making something truly unique and personal to you.

Creating everything from signature headpieces, bespoke garters and custom made belts, Ashley lovingly handcrafts each piece.

After graduating in textile design, Ashley honed her skills in London sourcing and buying for top brands such as LK Bennett, Coast and Reiss and With Love from Bobbin came to life through Ashley's love of fine silk and antique lace as well as her obsession with 'trinkets' with stories attached.  

She now spends her time between London and Cardiff and her work allows her to make the most of her creativity and eye for detail, marrying whimsical story-telling and delicate adornments within each beautiful handcrafted piece.

With Love from Bobbin's beautiful creations have appeared in scores of magazines and press articles, including Love My Dress, Mr & Mrs Unique, Dotty Vintage Weddings, The Wedding Bazaar, Bespoke Bride and many more.

With Love From Bobbin is based in the Atelier, a beautiful bridal collective in Cardiff, offering bridal wear design, bespoke accessories and stationery services. 

Come and see With Love from Bobbin's beautiful pieces at the fair ... oh and you don't have to be getting married - anyone can wear these beautiful accessories so make sure your bridesmaids take a look too!

HUSKY TONES - BLUES BAND

The Husky Tones are a Bristol based blues band performing rich, raw energetic blues from the 50s, 60s and 70s. They play original arrangements of classic blues by artists such as Nina Simone, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Bonnie Raitt, John Lee Hooker and many more. Uptempo, danceable, soulful, romantic, everything that blues offers the Husky Tones can bring to your event.

The Husky Tones perform in a variety of line ups and are therefore adaptable to any event, everything from a duo of voice and guitar to a full on electric band including bass, keyboard, drums and harmonica.

Given enough notice they are also willing to learn a specific blues song for your wedding (perhaps for the first dance) if your choice is not already in their repertoire of classics.

For the Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair they will be performing as an acoustic duo with the formidable Victoria Bourne on vocals and drums and the inimitable Chris Harper on guitar at 2pm till 2:40 and 3:20pm till 4. 

Come and have a listen and feel free to hang around for a chat with the band.

LE SOULIER - BEAUTIFUL SHOES TO WEAR & KEEP FOREVER

I'm very excited that Le Soulier will be exhibiting with us in Bristol!  Her shoes are literally a work of art to wear on your wedding day and have forever as a keepsake of your day.

I came across Le Soulier whilst scouring the web and wedding magazines looking for new and unusual suppliers who I felt would appeal to the brides who attend our fair. When I felt my heart beating a little faster I knew I'd found something really special.

Sonia, an innovative shoe designer who graduated from the University of Reading with a degree in Footwear Design and Construction, honed her skills designing for many well known high street brands.  Being such a creative soul she formed her own company 'Sole Creations' working with top designers, transforming their bridal collections.

Sonia's philosophy is to make wedding shoes that stand out from the crowd by adding personality and creating a style statement.  Her shoes are works of art that are totally personal to you. 

Dealing with clients all over the world, Sonia's service couldn't be more simple.  You buy your own shoes, ensuring a perfect, comfy fit.  Sonia can create hand painted designs on almost any surface (silk, leather, synthetic) with the exception of patent or gloss and, as long as there is enough surface area for your desired design, then any style, colour or heel height will work. 

You can email or call Sonia to discuss a colour scheme and overall look to complement your dress and flowers and you can post or email swatches and samples. Nothing is impossible create, from flowers, tartans & bows through to your married name and more, - the choice is endless.

Once you've both decided on the final unique look, Sonia does her magic and transforms your plain, dull shoes into your very own personal work of art.

No two pairs are the same and if you're wondering where to start, take a look at the Le Soulier Brides page or at her gallery

I'm already planning my ideas for a pair of Sonia's shoes for my 20th wedding anniversary  and I know I'll be joining the scores of happy customers on her site.

Sonia's unique creations are beautifully hand-painted with love and care and are something you will be able to cherish for a lifetime as part of your wedding day.

Sonia herself can't be with us on the day but several of her gorgeous pairs of shoes will be to get your creative juices flowing!