GOLDBRICK HOUSE WEDDING OPEN DAY
SUNDAY, 6TH SEPTEMBER
11AM - 3PM
This Sunday you'll find us exhibiting at Goldbrick House Wedding Open Day. It's a great opportunity to see what this fabulous venue in the heart of Bristol can offer you on your wedding day and to meet 20 of Bristol's best independent wedding suppliers!
Doors open at 11 am with free entry and there's even a glass of bubbles for the first 50 people!
Why not come and say hello and take a look at this unique venue! Hope to see you there.
* * * * * * * * * * *
THE QUIRKY, THE QUAINT AND THE CURIOUS...
THE BLUE MOON MARKET, CARDIFF
I'm really excited to be going to the Blue Moon Market in Cardiff next week! I've been dying for next weekend to come round as there's SO much going on I literally can't wait!
With over 50 stalls and 8 themed shopping zones, there will be stalls selling vintage clothing, crafts, antique jewellery, trinkets & treasures, cupcakes & sweet treats, homewards, gift and just so much more. And the background to the day will be live entertainment from The Haywood Sisters as well as magicians, mystics & fortune tellers!
Oh - and not forgetting the vintage tea room (always my favourite!).
It's all under one roof - the spectacular Cardiff Masonic Hall and there'll be something for all styles - Vintage, Victoriana, Steampunk, Retro, Burlesque, Shabby Chic ... the list goes on! Get your tickets here.
From 11am to 4pm on Saturday, 6th September - don't miss it!
* * * * *
Maison Paradiso
PRESENTS
Pop Up Restaurant & Immersive Party
Arnolfini 5th Floor
SATURDAY, 13TH SEPTEMBER
Maison Paradiso indulge their passion for buildings and architecture and enjoy the challenge of bringing life to a new space for their latest event.
Set in the skies, with stunning 360 panoramic views of the city, the next Maison Paradiso event, based in the chic modern warehouse setting of the 5th floor Arnolfini, promises to be another feast for all the senses, with a fabulous pop up restaurant and a surreal immersive party featuring entertainment from ballerina rabbits to hanging aerial starlets.
The night promises fun interactive activities as well as a feast style menu created to reflect the Utopian flavour, courtesy of the renowned chefs at Kate's Kitchen (another favourite of ours!) If you choose to dine you will be seated at large tables and served family style with guests sharing from central dishes.
As always, guests are encouraged to dress to impress either in evening dress, Bohemian glamour or quirky vintage. Take a look at the last two events for a taste of what to wear http://www.maisonparadiso.com/new-gallery & http://www.maisonparadiso.com/may-kings-weston-house
Tickets are selling fast and can be purchased via the Maison Paradiso Website for £49 to include dinner and £18 for party tickets.
* * *
SARAH BAKER - AUTHOR!
I'm absolutely thrilled to announce that our very own Sarah Baker - blog writer extraordinaire and contributor as #vintagebakerfinds - has an agent for her new book 'Angela's Ghost'.
Sarah's been a good friend for many years after we worked together and found a mutual love of all things vintage, as well as books … she regularly sends me presents of books she loves and has introduced me to so many amazing authors. For the last few years as well as doing an fabulous job of the Bristol Vintage blog, and her pieces for #vintagebakerfinds, she's been honing her skills as a writer and she's been snapped up by Bryony Woods of Diamond Kahn & Woods Diamond Kahn & Woods Literary Agency.
Check out Sarah's website and watch this space for more news on her book!
* * * * *
Maison Paradiso
Return to the Mansion - Kings Weston House
Bank Holiday Sunday, 4th May
I first came to live in Bristol over 25 years ago and, during that time, I've enjoyed all sorts of nightlife in bars, boats, clubs and restaurants but as I've got older (but not necessarily more 'grown up') I've hankered for something a bit different, offering something more and, with Maison Paradiso, I think it's arrived!
The brainchild of Keda Breeze - the creative force behind the wonderful Hoochie Coochie Kabaret - Maison Paradiso is a Bristol based production company who create fantastical events in unusual spaces. Not just an excuse to dress up (who needs an excuse?), the events include pop-up dining, high end cocktails, film, circus, projections and great music, all set in amazing locations.
As someone who loves to dress up, dance and play at living the high life for a few hours, the Bohemian decadence of these events fulfils all my nightlife desires!
Their next night is at one of my favourite venues - the gorgeous Kings Weston House and I can't think of a better place to play lady of the manor! Featuring a pop up restaurant from Kelly Sealy's 'Pig & Swig', a dusk building projection, 'Gin Palace' with some of Bristol's best barmen as well as aerial circus performances and music into the early hours from the brilliant Bedmo Disco DJ's it promises to be a magical night to remember!
Tickets are £15 or £45 to include dinner and are available from Event Brite but, be warned, they're going fast! Hope to see you there!
Sign up to the Maison Paradiso website for news of an early summer Gin Garden, a late Midsummer Night's Dream, an unforgettable Halloween Party and a Christmas Spectacular. I'll be posting about them here too!
* * *
THE BATTLEAXES WEDDING FAIR
SATURDAY, 22ND FEBRUARY 2014
We're really excited to be exhibiting our beautiful vintage crockery at The Battleaxes first Wedding Fayre this Saturday from 11 am.
Not only is this venue set in beautiful surroundings, but they will soon receiving their weddings licence and have opened up some fabulous guest rooms. And if you haven't yet experienced the food it comes highly recommended by myself and Mr Cook!
Hope to see you there!
* * *
Dining, Art and Revelry at Maison Paradiso
Valentine’s Dinner Dance
Maison Paradiso is an exciting new Bristol production company, dedicated to creating innovative events in beautiful spaces. The debut happening is a Valentine’s dinner and dance in the spectacular Kings Weston House stately home. Guests will be welcomed to a world of bohemian decadence and revelry, where gastronomic delights and fine beverages create a heady mix with film, art, music and dancing.
On entering the house guests will be greeted with welcome cocktails a performance installation, before enjoying a lavish three course meal provided by favourite Bristol pop up restaurant Mia Casa. Following dinner, guests will be invited to dance until the small hours with the Maison Paradiso DJ’s, or relax and enjoy film in the silent cinema. Some of Bristol’s finest cocktail barmen will be on hand to keep spirits flowing throughout the night.
This is certainly not just an event for couples, dinner is served supper club style, with mixed groups on large tables. It’s a great way to spend an evening with old friends or make new ones, with everyone brought together by sharing great food and good times. Guests are invited to enter into the spirit of the evening by dressing to impress, flamboyant attire encouraged!
The dinner itself is incredibly tempting with starters of a delectable selection of Mediterranean inspired dishes, served on boards to share. The main course is a choice of mainare pork saltimbocca with parma ham, sage & Marsala wine or twice baked goat's cheese & thyme souffle. This is accompanied by gratin of fennel, spinach & taleggio, sauteed new potatoes & caramelised onions, peperonata and salsa verde, and finished off with rhubarb & ginger crumble tart with mascarpone cream.
Kings Weston has recently been lovingly restored and brought back to life by local businessman Norman Routledge. Located just past the Downs and eight minutes from Bristol city centre, it is truly one of Bristol’s hidden gems. It is a Grade 1 listed building, which was designed in the early 18th Century by Sir John Vanbrugh, the same architect who designed the stately Blenheim Palace.
The production is headed up by Bristol arts producer Keda Breeze who was the driving force between some much loved Bristol projects, such as breathing life back into the historic Mauretania Club, creating the wonderful circus cabaret Hoochie Coochie Events and running the pop up Empire Theatre on Old Market last year.
Tickets cost just £45 for dinner and party, or just £10 for the party only. Early booking is very highly recommended.
Maison Paradiso takes place on Friday 14th of February at Kings Weston House BS11 0UR.
For more information about the event please go to www.maisonparadiso.com or
* * * *
THE LITTLE WEDDING SPACE
I'm very excited to be supplying crockery for
customer's tea & cake at this brilliant venture from Ruth Garner and
Kirsten Butler. It's a great idea and if you're planning to get married
it's not to be missed.
Something special is happening in the heart of
Clifton ...
From October 16th to 28th, for two weeks only, The Little Wedding Space will open its doors, giving discerning couples in the South West the opportunity to browse the wares of some unique suppliers.
This exciting new
venture, brought to you by Kirsten Butler and Ruth Garner, aims to give couples the opportunity to meet
with creative businesses and The Little Wedding Space will be playing host to some
very special guests including: Emma Norton Flowers, Daisy Lane, Sweet and
Pretty, Jo and Co, Pudding Bridge, Find Your Perfect Wedding Venue, Lizzy May
Designs, Anna Tyler, Wedding Reporter, the Vintage Sash Company, and of course
Ruth Garner Photography and The Little Wedding Helper themselves.
You can meet some of the suppliers, see their gorgeous products and plan your wedding in a relaxed and stylish environment whilst enjoying a cuppa and cake
For more info take a look at The Little Wedding Space and make sure you don't miss this special window of opportunity.
PRETTY NOSTALGIC GATHERINGS
SATURDAY, 26TH OCTOBER, 10AM TO 4 PM
KINGS WESTON HOUSE
There's a new event in Bristol and it's going to be absolutely MASSIVE! If you haven't yet come across Pretty Nostalgic magazine you're missing a real gem. It's the most gorgeous read written by, for and about people with a passion for vintage. Every edition is a visual treat and is full of fascinating people, lifestyles and beautiful vintage goodies.
As you can imagine, I was thrilled when I heard from Rachel Goodchild, their Head of Creative Marketing, that they were planning this inspirational event in our own back yard!
So what's it about? Well "... it's a wonderful day of seasonal shopping, entertainment and inspiring talks - all set in the stunning grounds of Kings Weston House, on the outskirts of Bristol." There are some incredibly exciting and unusual exhibitors (check out the Jane Austen Dancers! - http://prettynostalgic.co.uk/blog/jane-austen-dancers/) and I'm really excited to be exhibiting the in the Pretty Nostalgic Wedding Room.
Check out the blog for lots more information on what's happening on the day and, in the meantime, feast your eyes on the gorgeous venue - just a short drive from Bristol town centre. It's definitely a day you shouldn't miss out on so get the date in your diaries now!
http://prettynostalgic.co.uk/gathering-event/
Dining, Art and Revelry at Maison Paradiso
Valentine’s Dinner Dance
Maison Paradiso is an exciting new Bristol production company, dedicated to creating innovative events in beautiful spaces. The debut happening is a Valentine’s dinner and dance in the spectacular Kings Weston House stately home. Guests will be welcomed to a world of bohemian decadence and revelry, where gastronomic delights and fine beverages create a heady mix with film, art, music and dancing.
On entering the house guests will be greeted with welcome cocktails a performance installation, before enjoying a lavish three course meal provided by favourite Bristol pop up restaurant Mia Casa. Following dinner, guests will be invited to dance until the small hours with the Maison Paradiso DJ’s, or relax and enjoy film in the silent cinema. Some of Bristol’s finest cocktail barmen will be on hand to keep spirits flowing throughout the night.
This is certainly not just an event for couples, dinner is served supper club style, with mixed groups on large tables. It’s a great way to spend an evening with old friends or make new ones, with everyone brought together by sharing great food and good times. Guests are invited to enter into the spirit of the evening by dressing to impress, flamboyant attire encouraged!
The dinner itself is incredibly tempting with starters of a delectable selection of Mediterranean inspired dishes, served on boards to share. The main course is a choice of mainare pork saltimbocca with parma ham, sage & Marsala wine or twice baked goat's cheese & thyme souffle. This is accompanied by gratin of fennel, spinach & taleggio, sauteed new potatoes & caramelised onions, peperonata and salsa verde, and finished off with rhubarb & ginger crumble tart with mascarpone cream.
Kings Weston has recently been lovingly restored and brought back to life by local businessman Norman Routledge. Located just past the Downs and eight minutes from Bristol city centre, it is truly one of Bristol’s hidden gems. It is a Grade 1 listed building, which was designed in the early 18th Century by Sir John Vanbrugh, the same architect who designed the stately Blenheim Palace.
The production is headed up by Bristol arts producer Keda Breeze who was the driving force between some much loved Bristol projects, such as breathing life back into the historic Mauretania Club, creating the wonderful circus cabaret Hoochie Coochie Events and running the pop up Empire Theatre on Old Market last year.
Tickets cost just £45 for dinner and party, or just £10 for the party only. Early booking is very highly recommended.
Maison Paradiso takes place on Friday 14th of February at Kings Weston House BS11 0UR.
For more information about the event please go to www.maisonparadiso.com or
To book tickets go to http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/maison-paradiso-valentines-dinner-dance-tickets-9639129897
* * * *
THE LITTLE WEDDING SPACE
I'm very excited to be supplying crockery for
customer's tea & cake at this brilliant venture from Ruth Garner and
Kirsten Butler. It's a great idea and if you're planning to get married
it's not to be missed.
Something special is happening in the heart of
Clifton ...
From October 16th to 28th, for two weeks only, The Little Wedding Space will open its doors, giving discerning couples in the South West the opportunity to browse the wares of some unique suppliers.
This exciting new
venture, brought to you by Kirsten Butler and Ruth Garner, aims to give couples the opportunity to meet
with creative businesses and The Little Wedding Space will be playing host to some
very special guests including: Emma Norton Flowers, Daisy Lane, Sweet and
Pretty, Jo and Co, Pudding Bridge, Find Your Perfect Wedding Venue, Lizzy May
Designs, Anna Tyler, Wedding Reporter, the Vintage Sash Company, and of course
Ruth Garner Photography and The Little Wedding Helper themselves.
You can meet some of the suppliers, see their gorgeous products and plan your wedding in a relaxed and stylish environment whilst enjoying a cuppa and cake
For more info take a look at The Little Wedding Space and make sure you don't miss this special window of opportunity.
PRETTY NOSTALGIC GATHERINGS
SATURDAY, 26TH OCTOBER, 10AM TO 4 PM
KINGS WESTON HOUSE
There's a new event in Bristol and it's going to be absolutely MASSIVE! If you haven't yet come across Pretty Nostalgic magazine you're missing a real gem. It's the most gorgeous read written by, for and about people with a passion for vintage. Every edition is a visual treat and is full of fascinating people, lifestyles and beautiful vintage goodies.
As you can imagine, I was thrilled when I heard from Rachel Goodchild, their Head of Creative Marketing, that they were planning this inspirational event in our own back yard!
So what's it about? Well "... it's a wonderful day of seasonal shopping, entertainment and inspiring talks - all set in the stunning grounds of Kings Weston House, on the outskirts of Bristol." There are some incredibly exciting and unusual exhibitors (check out the Jane Austen Dancers! - http://prettynostalgic.co.uk/blog/jane-austen-dancers/) and I'm really excited to be exhibiting the in the Pretty Nostalgic Wedding Room.
Check out the blog for lots more information on what's happening on the day and, in the meantime, feast your eyes on the gorgeous venue - just a short drive from Bristol town centre. It's definitely a day you shouldn't miss out on so get the date in your diaries now!
http://prettynostalgic.co.uk/gathering-event/
The Beauty Event @ Berwick Lodge
I'm really looking forward to this weekend. I have my biggest wedding order this year via Pieminister, who I love working with, but I always find it a bit hard to wind down after all the packing and preparing. Luckily for me, I'm having a real treat on Sunday when I'll be enjoying myself at the first of three Vintage Afternoon Teas run by Sarah of The Beauty Event.
Bristol Vintage are very proud to be sponsoring Sarah's events at Berwick Lodge in support of The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation, Penny Brohn Cancer Care and The West of England MS Therapy Centre.
This is the first of three events and the entrance fee of £25 includes afternoon tea, a guest speaker and a one-to-one beauty treatment, as well as entertainment from The Marionettes. Berwick Lodge is a beautiful venue and I'm excited about having an afternoon kicking back in such lovely surroundings. Oh - and I've got the added bonus of having an 'Anti-ageing facial'! I'm expecting to look and feel fabulous after such a lovely afternoon! For more information or to book for one of these three events, go to The Beauty Event
CHRISTMAS AT THE ORANGERY 2013
Last year I had to go away during December, but it meant that I missed one of my favourite Christmas events and what I always think of as the start of my Christmas ... the fabulous 'Christmas at the Orangery' run by the multi-talented Rachel Goodchild.
I missed the new venue last year but I know it was really popular so I'm looking forward to selling this year at Bradbury Hall, Henleaze.
The fair has over 30 exhibitors selling quirky and unique Christmas gifts and it always has a really lovely atmosphere. There's a raffle too, with prizes from each of the exhibitors in support of Penny Brohn Cancer Care.
I'm so pleased to be joining Rachel and her fantastic exhibitors again - put the date in your diary and hopefully see you there!
The Beauty Event & Robin James Vintage Afternoon Tea Party
Sunday, 19th May from 2-5 pm
We're thrilled to be providing crockery for The Beauty Event's Vintage Afternoon Tea Party to be held at Robin James Aveda Spa, House of Fraser, Cabot Circus, Bristol, on Sunday, 19th May from 2-5pm.
Tickets are £20 redeemable against a future booking made on the day and include a complimentary Aveda Ritual: spa, hair or make-up & Aveda gift bag for every guest.
* * *
Hoochie Coochie Wonderland Ball
Early Bank Holiday Weekend, Thursday 2nd May - Rehab, Bristol
The Hoochie Coochie Wonderland Ball is described as "A fantastical one night spectacular". It certainly makes a special destination for those who love to revel in the glamorous and unusual. It is held in Rehab on Park Street, one of Bristol's most magnificent buildings, adorned with huge stone pillars and glazed domed ceilings.
Expect a spectacular circus and cabaret stage show hosted by Clayton Wright AKA Dave the Unicorn, starring renowned international artists. Other attractions such as drag dancers, fire eaters, hair and glitter and even oysters and DJ LoydiTron from gay night Wonky
One of the most notable things about Hoochie Coochie is that the audience are as much a part of the show as the performers - it really is an event for those who love to dress up and dare to look different. The dress theme is anything which takes inspiration from Alice characters: Dodo, Duchess, Cheshire Cat, March Hare, Caterpillar, Mock Turtle, King of Hearts, Tweedle Dum and Dee, White Rabbit, Gryphon and Eaglet. Otherwise anything glamorous and flamboyant.
Tickets cost £14 and are available here and from the Bristol Ticket Shop
To celebrate the event a series of fantastical Alice imagery from print and film is currently being shared on their Facebook and Twitter. Take a look - stunning pictures!
BERWICK LODGE OPEN DAY
I've just spent this morning at one of Bristol's hidden gems and can't wait to spread the word!
I met up with Kirsten (aka The Little Wedding Helper), photographer Frances Taylor and Jo from Berwick Lodge at said Berwick Lodge. Wow - what a place. It's only 10 minutes drive from the centre of Bristol and just off the M5 but, set in it's own grounds, it's like being in another world.
The minute you walk through the front doors you feel like you're in your own home - a bigger, more beautiful 'dream' version! The house looks grand and is full of amazing furniture but there's nothing stuffy about it - it just feels so comfortable ... in fact the three of us had to laugh as we all said "I'm pretending I live here"!
I'm really excited to be involved in their Open Day on Sunday, 21st April. It's the perfect opportunity to come and have a look around the house and garden (and take a peek in a couple of the rooms) and I guarantee you'll be wanting to hold your wedding or next big event there.
It's the perfect wedding venue - close to Bristol for your guests, but with guest rooms for close family & friends and a private dining area as well as the main restaurant. There's also a stunningly cosy lounge with a big fireplace and comfy sofas, where you can sit and relax, read a book or play some of the in-house board games.
For summer, the garden has a pretty summer house, Victorian lamps and outdoor garden furniture.
I think you can tell I'm a little in love with this venue ... in fact I'm wondering if I can wait until my wedding anniversary for an excuse for an overnight stay!
* * * *
NEWS FOR THIS WEEKEND
If you're looking for vintage fun or are a bride-to-be wanting some fabulous inspiration there are three events on this weekend which Bristol Vintage are proud to support:
We're very proud to be supporting today's Under the Edge Arts Vintage & Craft Fair at Under the Edge Arts, Wotton-Under-Edge. It's a lovely day out and you can have tea & cake served on our vintage crockery and even listen to one of our old gramophones. For more information go to: http://www.utea.org.uk
The first is being fun by Jo & Co to raise funds for The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation. It will take place from 11-4.30 at Bakers & Cutlers Halls on Sunday, 3rd March. You can find out more information here: http://www.weddingblogdesigner.com/2013/01/wedding-wishing-well-wedding-fair.html. Jo has already managed to raise an incredible amount for this really worthwhile charity and she'll be holding a raffle at the event (with a beautiful trio from us as one of the prizes!).
The second is The Avon Gorge Hotel Wedding Fair. Held at this beautiful venue from 10-4pm, you will be able to see all the different options for a beautiful wedding with stunning views over the River Avon and the Suspension Bridge. The Hotel offer several different wedding packages, including a Vintage one, with crockery supplied by ourselves.
There's plenty of time to go to both Fairs and make a day of it - the perfect day out!
Have a great weekend!
BRISTOL VINTAGE WEDDING FAIR
INFORMATION
We're getting really excited about this year's Fair. We've got some gorgeous exhibitors, with quite a few more still to come on the blog - so keep your eyes open.
We thought we would post up information about the fair now so you can plan your visit. So here we go:
The fair will be open from 10am to 4pm and the venue is: Clifton Pavilion, Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton BS8 3HA.
DIRECTIONS:
At junction 18 of the M5, exit towardA4/A403/Bristol/Avonmouth/Docks.
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Portway/A4 heading to City Centre/Bristol/A38.
Sharp left onto Portway/A4176 (Bridge Valley Road).
Continue to follow A4176.
Bristol Zoo is located on your right hand side at the top of Bridge Valley Road.
Alternate directions:
Leave the M5 at J17.
Head onto the A4018 following signs to the city centre/Westbury on Trym. (Cribbs causeway Road).
Follow this road to the next roundabout and bear left onto Wyck Beck Road.
Stay on this road until the next roundabout, head straight over onto Passage Road.
Stay on Passage Road and it merges into Falcondale Road.
Stay on Falcondale road and it merges into Westbury Road, stay on Westbury Road, stay in the right hand lane and follow the signs to the zoo, (Stoke Road temporarily) then the A4176 (Upper Belgrave Road) which merges into the Clifton Down Road. Follow this to the Zoo. If you are visiting us in mid-October/November please use the alternative directions found below whilst Upper Belgrave Road is closed.
The Zoo car parking is on the left hand side of the road.
If you are using a SatNav, use BS8 3HA as your destination or click here to use the AA route planner.
Click here for a Google map to plan your own journey.
* * * *
Weird & Wonderful Wedding World
The Beauty Event @ Berwick Lodge
I'm really looking forward to this weekend. I have my biggest wedding order this year via Pieminister, who I love working with, but I always find it a bit hard to wind down after all the packing and preparing. Luckily for me, I'm having a real treat on Sunday when I'll be enjoying myself at the first of three Vintage Afternoon Teas run by Sarah of The Beauty Event.
Bristol Vintage are very proud to be sponsoring Sarah's events at Berwick Lodge in support of The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation, Penny Brohn Cancer Care and The West of England MS Therapy Centre.
This is the first of three events and the entrance fee of £25 includes afternoon tea, a guest speaker and a one-to-one beauty treatment, as well as entertainment from The Marionettes. Berwick Lodge is a beautiful venue and I'm excited about having an afternoon kicking back in such lovely surroundings. Oh - and I've got the added bonus of having an 'Anti-ageing facial'! I'm expecting to look and feel fabulous after such a lovely afternoon! For more information or to book for one of these three events, go to The Beauty Event
CHRISTMAS AT THE ORANGERY 2013
Last year I had to go away during December, but it meant that I missed one of my favourite Christmas events and what I always think of as the start of my Christmas ... the fabulous 'Christmas at the Orangery' run by the multi-talented Rachel Goodchild.
I missed the new venue last year but I know it was really popular so I'm looking forward to selling this year at Bradbury Hall, Henleaze.
The fair has over 30 exhibitors selling quirky and unique Christmas gifts and it always has a really lovely atmosphere. There's a raffle too, with prizes from each of the exhibitors in support of Penny Brohn Cancer Care.
I'm so pleased to be joining Rachel and her fantastic exhibitors again - put the date in your diary and hopefully see you there!
The Beauty Event & Robin James Vintage Afternoon Tea Party
Sunday, 19th May from 2-5 pm
We're thrilled to be providing crockery for The Beauty Event's Vintage Afternoon Tea Party to be held at Robin James Aveda Spa, House of Fraser, Cabot Circus, Bristol, on Sunday, 19th May from 2-5pm.
Tickets are £20 redeemable against a future booking made on the day and include a complimentary Aveda Ritual: spa, hair or make-up & Aveda gift bag for every guest.
* * *
Hoochie Coochie Wonderland Ball
Early Bank Holiday Weekend, Thursday 2nd May - Rehab, Bristol
The Hoochie Coochie Wonderland Ball is described as "A fantastical one night spectacular". It certainly makes a special destination for those who love to revel in the glamorous and unusual. It is held in Rehab on Park Street, one of Bristol's most magnificent buildings, adorned with huge stone pillars and glazed domed ceilings.
Expect a spectacular circus and cabaret stage show hosted by Clayton Wright AKA Dave the Unicorn, starring renowned international artists. Other attractions such as drag dancers, fire eaters, hair and glitter and even oysters and DJ LoydiTron from gay night Wonky
Expect a spectacular circus and cabaret stage show hosted by Clayton Wright AKA Dave the Unicorn, starring renowned international artists. Other attractions such as drag dancers, fire eaters, hair and glitter and even oysters and DJ LoydiTron from gay night Wonky
One of the most notable things about Hoochie Coochie is that the audience are as much a part of the show as the performers - it really is an event for those who love to dress up and dare to look different. The dress theme is anything which takes inspiration from Alice characters: Dodo, Duchess, Cheshire Cat, March Hare, Caterpillar, Mock Turtle, King of Hearts, Tweedle Dum and Dee, White Rabbit, Gryphon and Eaglet. Otherwise anything glamorous and flamboyant.
Tickets cost £14 and are available here and from the Bristol Ticket Shop
To celebrate the event a series of fantastical Alice imagery from print and film is currently being shared on their Facebook and Twitter. Take a look - stunning pictures!
BERWICK LODGE OPEN DAY
I've just spent this morning at one of Bristol's hidden gems and can't wait to spread the word!
I met up with Kirsten (aka The Little Wedding Helper), photographer Frances Taylor and Jo from Berwick Lodge at said Berwick Lodge. Wow - what a place. It's only 10 minutes drive from the centre of Bristol and just off the M5 but, set in it's own grounds, it's like being in another world.
The minute you walk through the front doors you feel like you're in your own home - a bigger, more beautiful 'dream' version! The house looks grand and is full of amazing furniture but there's nothing stuffy about it - it just feels so comfortable ... in fact the three of us had to laugh as we all said "I'm pretending I live here"!
I'm really excited to be involved in their Open Day on Sunday, 21st April. It's the perfect opportunity to come and have a look around the house and garden (and take a peek in a couple of the rooms) and I guarantee you'll be wanting to hold your wedding or next big event there.
It's the perfect wedding venue - close to Bristol for your guests, but with guest rooms for close family & friends and a private dining area as well as the main restaurant. There's also a stunningly cosy lounge with a big fireplace and comfy sofas, where you can sit and relax, read a book or play some of the in-house board games.
For summer, the garden has a pretty summer house, Victorian lamps and outdoor garden furniture.
I think you can tell I'm a little in love with this venue ... in fact I'm wondering if I can wait until my wedding anniversary for an excuse for an overnight stay!
* * * *
NEWS FOR THIS WEEKEND
If you're looking for vintage fun or are a bride-to-be wanting some fabulous inspiration there are three events on this weekend which Bristol Vintage are proud to support:
We're very proud to be supporting today's Under the Edge Arts Vintage & Craft Fair at Under the Edge Arts, Wotton-Under-Edge. It's a lovely day out and you can have tea & cake served on our vintage crockery and even listen to one of our old gramophones. For more information go to: http://www.utea.org.uk
The first is being fun by Jo & Co to raise funds for The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation. It will take place from 11-4.30 at Bakers & Cutlers Halls on Sunday, 3rd March. You can find out more information here: http://www.weddingblogdesigner.com/2013/01/wedding-wishing-well-wedding-fair.html. Jo has already managed to raise an incredible amount for this really worthwhile charity and she'll be holding a raffle at the event (with a beautiful trio from us as one of the prizes!).
The second is The Avon Gorge Hotel Wedding Fair. Held at this beautiful venue from 10-4pm, you will be able to see all the different options for a beautiful wedding with stunning views over the River Avon and the Suspension Bridge. The Hotel offer several different wedding packages, including a Vintage one, with crockery supplied by ourselves.
There's plenty of time to go to both Fairs and make a day of it - the perfect day out!
Have a great weekend!
BRISTOL VINTAGE WEDDING FAIR
INFORMATION
We're getting really excited about this year's Fair. We've got some gorgeous exhibitors, with quite a few more still to come on the blog - so keep your eyes open.
We thought we would post up information about the fair now so you can plan your visit. So here we go:
The fair will be open from 10am to 4pm and the venue is: Clifton Pavilion, Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton BS8 3HA.
DIRECTIONS:
At junction 18 of the M5, exit towardA4/A403/Bristol/Avonmouth/Docks.
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Portway/A4 heading to City Centre/Bristol/A38.
Sharp left onto Portway/A4176 (Bridge Valley Road).
Continue to follow A4176.
Bristol Zoo is located on your right hand side at the top of Bridge Valley Road.
Alternate directions:
Leave the M5 at J17.
Head onto the A4018 following signs to the city centre/Westbury on Trym. (Cribbs causeway Road).
Follow this road to the next roundabout and bear left onto Wyck Beck Road.
Stay on this road until the next roundabout, head straight over onto Passage Road.
Stay on Passage Road and it merges into Falcondale Road.
Stay on Falcondale road and it merges into Westbury Road, stay on Westbury Road, stay in the right hand lane and follow the signs to the zoo, (Stoke Road temporarily) then the A4176 (Upper Belgrave Road) which merges into the Clifton Down Road. Follow this to the Zoo. If you are visiting us in mid-October/November please use the alternative directions found below whilst Upper Belgrave Road is closed.
The Zoo car parking is on the left hand side of the road.
If you are using a SatNav, use BS8 3HA as your destination or click here to use the AA route planner.
Click here for a Google map to plan your own journey.
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Weird & Wonderful Wedding World
Saturday, 13th April 6-11pm
At-Bristol Science Centre
I'm so excited to announce that I've joined forces with Emily Fisher of Fishee Designs Photo Booth to create a second wedding event next Spring - Bristol's First Alternative Wedding Show, offering something quite different to the Vintage Fair.
It's an evening Wedding Show with a bar and entertainment - a real event - to be held in the fabulous surroundings of the At-Bristol Science Centre. Register for free and you'll receive a glass of Kir Royale on entry and the opportunity to meet a selection of some of the best alternative exhibitors, as well as a catwalk show with a difference and the chance to try out some of the most exciting hands-on interactive exhibits in the UK!
There'll be lots of new exhibitors and a few familiar ones showing you a side of themselves you've not seen before! For more info take a look at our new blog below:
http://wwwwbristol.blogspot.co.uk
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Penny Brohn Cancer Care
Festive Afternoon Tea
Sunday 9th December
Hosted by
Hotel du Vin
We're really pleased to announce that we're again supporting Penny Brohn Cancer Care by supplying the crockery for their Festive Afternoon Tea, to be hosted by the fabulous Hotel du Vin. More details from Penny Brohn's site below.
Tickets cost £25, with £20 from the sale of each ticket donated to the charity. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling 01179 255 577 or emailing events.bristol@hotelduvin.com.
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We're thrilled to be supporting The Petticoat Fair at the lovely Daffodil Restaurant, Cheltenham on Sunday, 21st October, in aid of Wellchild - the charity for sick children
There'll be 40's & 50's inspired stalls, FREE retro-themed workshops and cream teas served on our lovely crockery.
Admission, which includes a cream tea, is £10 and the first 200 advance tickets will receive a free goodie bag.
For more details:
email: events@wellhcild.org.uk
call: 0845 458 8171
Visit: 222.wellchild.org.uk
Marry Me Somerset have listed us on their Fairs page, plus we're now part of their Members Directory, so for fabulous vintage tea cups and more to hire, click here. See you at the Fair ladies!
Emily and Jess of Bespoke Bride have featured us on their lovely website. Do take a look as they have some wonderful wedding packages to offer including some absolutely beautiful handmade stationery. 
Lucky us... we're listed on Boho Bride today. Do check out Sarah Evetts' beautiful site. She offers creative ideas and inspiration for free-thinking brides of all budgets and tastes.
We're delighted to be featured on Vintage Wedding Fairs this week. Find us on their Somerset page as well. 
