HEARTFELT VINTAGE BRIDAL & WEDDINGS - THE HOME OF CREATIVE, ADVENTUROUS WEDDINGS!

It's fair to say we love Heartfelt Vintage Bridal & Weddings!  Based in Alma Vale Road in the heart of Clifton, if you haven't yet visited this vintage lifestyle boutique then you're in for a treat!

Established in 2014 by husband and wife team Will and Kate, the business was bourne out of their desire to create a little haven of calm and creativity amidst the chaos of the modern world.

With a background in the performing arts, running festivals and producing artists all over Europe, it's no surprise that Heartfelt Vintage has evolved to become a multi-faceted business offering a number of different services under one roof.

Part vintage boutique, part tea room, part party venue, they are unique within Bristol and the only place in the city where you can enjoy a cup of loose leaf tea and a freshly baked scone at the same time as choosing from their beautiful selection of vintage wedding dresses!  There's no hard sell here - Heartfelt like to think of themselves as the antidote to modern life. 

Bristol's only supplier of authentic vintage wedding dresses, they have a stunning range of unique dresses from the 1900's to the 1970's, all lovingly restored.  And don't worry about vintage dresses being too small - they have a fantastic alteration service who can either make a dress fit or can build a replica from scratch if you fall in love with a particular gown. 

Heartfelt love creating something from nothing.  With their creative backgrounds they love helping you plan your wedding and turn the most mundane space into something magical.  Some of their most memorable wedding locations last year included a front garden, a cinema and a woodland cemetery!

Offering different wedding planning services 'The Creator', 'The Searcher', the Co-ordinator' and 'The Fixer', they can cover every aspect of your wedding from just sorting out a problem to helping you organise the whole thing from start to finish.

You can also hire their beautiful venue for a vintage hen party with scrumptious food and a variety of activities.

You can either simply hire the tearoom for your own private party, book one of their ready-made party packages or ask them to put together a bespoke party for you.  Or they can bring the Heartfelt Vintage Bridal mage to a venue of your choice.

From vintage makeovers to photo shoots and fascinator making, to afternoon tea with live music, they'll ensure there's always a warm welcome, enough tea to sink a battleship and lots and lots of cake!

We're thrilled to be welcoming Kate and her team back to the Vintage Wedding Fair and we can't wait to see their gorgeous stand.

Photoshoot credits:
Creative Direction & Styling | Kate Ashwell at Heartfelt Vintage

Photography | Leelou Wedding Photography

HMUA | Lou Mack Makeup & Hair

Flowers | Emerald & Jade Flowers

Flower Crown | Deni Maxa at Heartfelt Flowers

Cream 1950s Lace Dress | Heartfelt Vintage

Green Upycled Wedding Dress | Linda Thomas Eco Design

Assistant Stylist | Lizzie Williams

Location | North Street, Bristol

W: http://www.heartfeltvintage.co.uk

T:  0117 904 2898

E:  heartfeltvintageltd@gmail.com

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ABIGAIL'S VINTAGE BRIDAL - BECAUSE EVERYONE IS UNIQUE

We're incredibly excited to have Abigail's Vintage join us for the first time this year.  Abigail has an amazing collection of beautiful vintage wedding dresses, with a constantly changing stock of around 200 at any one time.

Abigail searches the world to find the finest original and unique gowns and chooses a selection of wonderful examples of period style.  Each dress is meticulously cleaned and restored to its former glory, before it joins her stunning collection.  

A self-confessed frustrated historian who can sew, Abigail's love of old black and white films and her passion for the past led her to study for a degree in Costume Design Interpretation at Wimbledon School of Art. As well as learning the practical skills of pattern cutting and dress construction, her studies fostered a greater understanding and respect for the skill of dress makers of the past.  

Following a number of years in film, theatre and television, Abigail honed her skills as a beading designer, for a top Ladies evening wear and Bridal designer doing miles of fine hand sewing as well as working with the pattern cutters to create some truly wonderful gowns.

As Abigail says "For someone who wants something a little different, unique in fact, a vintage wedding dress is a lovely option.  I take the hard work out of finding what you need and help to make your special day as wonderful as you imagine."

Abigail offers such a personal service, shopping for your perfect dress will be an absolute pleasure.  After an initial consultation to chat about your requirements, you visit Abigail to view her collection and, in the unlikely event you don't find your dream dress there and then, Abigail will attempt to source your perfect dress!

If your dream dress doesn't fit you perfectly don't despair.  Abigail offers an alteration service from gently tweaking to bring a vintage dress into line with modern tastes, to complete remodelling. 

Take a look at her past perfect gallery to see some of the stunning dresses her previous brides have chosen.  You will be SO inspired.

If you're looking for some vintage glamour for your honeymoon, take a peek at the stunning vintage kimonos on the Abigail Vintage site.  They are so glamorous you won't be able to resist!

As well as her beautiful gowns and kimonos, Abigail also offers a small selection of beautiful vintage accessories from jewellery, sashes and lace collars through to tiaras and veils to give your dress a perfect finish.

We can't wait to see what she'll bring to the fair so come along and take a peek!

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.

DAYS OF GRACE VINTAGE - VINTAGE STYLE HEIRLOOM WEDDING DRESSES

Days of Grace Vintage is where you'll find beautiful one-off vintage-style wedding dresses and accessories.

Owner and designer, Linda Duriez continues to have one of the largest collections of original Edwardian gowns in fine lawns and laces that work perfectly with fresh flowers and vintage styling.

So on 21st September at The Daffodil, you'll find unique lace gowns sharing rail space with original period pieces, fine tulle veils and gorgeous accessories. She'll also be bringing along a 1920s beaded collection for the bride that's a great alternative, especially for second weddings, and they seem to fit and suit all sizes.

There will also be a few (and very select) vintage-inspired dresses from designers Linda favours. And as there's often only one of each style available, you'll still get that exclusive look.

For headwear there'll be stunning art deco style side headbands in sparkling crystal and diamanté and a boho range using shells, flowers, feathers and buttons (completely new for The Daffodil!).

When it comes to the veils, lots of the finest are beautifully transparent and often embellished with lace and beadwork in the softest creams. But even if you don't fancy a veil, Linda has all manner of unique accessories available from her archives.

You can find out more on the Days of Grace Vintage website, find them on Facebook and follow on Twitter, but do come and see these beautiful dresses and accessories on 21st September. You can try them on and ask Linda's expert advice on fit and style.

(Thanks to Venetia Norrington of firetopphotography.co.uk for the Poltimore house pictures and props from virginiasvintagehire.co.uk)

Vintage Baker Finds - Vintage Zizou

Every so often I find a vintage supplier who's just too good not to share. So while they might not strictly be 'Bristol' based, they certainly get the Bristol Vintage & Vintage Baker Finds seal of approval.

First up is Vintage Zizou.

Vintage Zizou is a speciality vintage and contemporary clothes shop and a dress agency.

Owner Anca Cesar sources her stock from across the UK, Europe and the US to bring you quality pieces.

They have a large section of branded and unbranded dresses, coats, hats, shoes, handbags and jewellery…

…and if you're not sure what you're looking for, need some style advice, fashion tips or want to know how to care for your new purchases, the friendly staff are on hand to help.

When it comes to bridal, they stock wedding dresses, cocktail dresses and party dresses, outfits for flower girls and the Mother of the Bride, as well as some gorgeous accessories.

So pop across the bridge to their shop at 16 Castle Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1BU or take your time looking through the online stock available on their website. The prices are surprisingly reasonable for top quality vintage.

See you soon for more Vintage Baker Finds!

When Sarah Baker isn't writing children's books she writes features for Vintage Life Magazine and Pretty Nostalgic. You can find her on Twitter @bysarahbaker or follow her on Pinterest.

Pearl Bespoke Dressmakers

Bristol Vintage is thrilled to introduce you to Pearl Bespoke Dressmakers.

Pearl Bespoke design and make dresses for special occasions.

Whether it's a wedding dress or a bridesmaid's dress you're after…

…whether you're looking for a red carpet style, something more theatrical or a vintage reproduction, Pearl Bespoke will design and make it for you.

You can find out more by popping into Pearl's new bijou shop on Bristol's St Nicholas Street or check out her website, Facebook page and Twitter. Do make sure you come and meet her in person this Sunday at our Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair - she'll have some beautiful dresses for you to admire and will be on hand to answer your dress design questions.

(Thanks to Bang-Tidy Photography for Photos 1 & 3)

Heavenly Vintage

Bristol Vintage wishes you a Happy New Year and introduces… Heavenly Vintage.

Heavenly Vintage adapts beautiful vintage gowns to make them perfect for the modern bride.

As well sourcing these vintage delights, owner Helena has been busy working on her own collection of vintage reproduction dresses.

The Heavenly Collection comprises of 10 styles, most of which can be varied (different sleeve lengths or necklines etc). 

At our very own Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair, Helena will be showing a collection of totally original vintage dresses.

She'll have about 65 unique outfits ranging from Edwardian to the 70's, all of which have been cleaned and repaired where necessary and all in fantastic ready-to-wear condition. 

Among the collection will be dresses that show off the elegance of the 30's to the sweet prettiness of the 50's and the boho relaxed look of the 70's.

Find out more on the Heavenly Vintage website and take a look at Helena's new blog. Do make sure you come and meet her on March 16th. It's a real opportunity to see these dresses up close and try them on as Helena's normally based in her West London studio and rarely comes to vintage fairs - we feel very privileged to have her!