Documentary Image

Morag MacDonald is a respected and multi-award winning documentary photographer, specialising in beautiful portrait photography, wedding photo-journalism and film stills. In November she was honoured to win all 3 annual titles in her MPA region; that’s Portrait Photographer of the Year', 'Wedding Photographer of the Year', and 'Overall Photographer of the Year 2011'. 

Photography for Morag is so much more than a job – it’s a way of life.   Her inspiration comes from observing the way light moves across a landscape or catches in a child's eye. It’s her passion and when she’s not taking photographs, she’s running training courses, lecturing in Photography or planning her next shoot, be it a wedding, a family portrait session or boudoir photography. Her unique wedding photos are a mixture of gentle reportage photography and more dramatic fashion influenced imagery. Her experience and skill with lighting allows her to create wonderful mood and drama.    One look at her brilliant website and you’ll be captivated by the images she can produce. 

Her style is natural, simple, stylish and fresh and she works in a gentle unobtrusive way, preferring to remain unnoticed.  Being based in Bristol means Morag is in the perfect location to carry out wedding photography in Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and throughout the Cotswolds.  She regularly photographs weddings in Devon and Cornwall as well as Wales, and is happy to travel further afield and abroad.  Her beautiful studio is nestled in the heart of Paintworks, Bristol's dynamic new creative quarter. It’s conveniently situated on the A4 Bath Road, very close to Temple Meads Train Station.  The studio is open for makeovers, fashion and boudoir photography. 

Morag’s beautiful bridal boudoir photography and sensual art nudes are all part of Bristol Boudoir Photography.  When you visit the studio for an ultimate boudoir photography session, you’re greeted with a glass of bucks fizz, an hour of pampering with the makeup artist and treated to a 2-hour photography session with Morag.  The visits are by appointment only, so your time remains undisturbed and private in a safe all-female environment.  These shoots are ideal for hen nights, giving you an opportunity to have a little fun and purchase stunning images looking your very best.  The studio can accommodate you and a party of up to 4 friends and they’ll make it a fun occasion.

Come and talk through your wedding ideas with Morag at the fair. She’ll have albums of work to show you and is offering £100 discount for visitors who book on the day.  Till then, check out the wonderful images on the website and sign up to the Facebook page to be kept informed of offers.  You can contact Morag or Jo at Documentary Image, 
Studio 5.14 
Paintworks, 
Bath Rd, 
Bristol BS4 3EH or

call +44 (0) 117 972 0834 or email: studio@documentaryimage.com

City Sightseeing Bristol

Lucky, lucky us.  On the day of the fair there’s going to be a fabulous retro green double decker bus parked outside the Clifton Pavilion.  You won’t be able to miss it as it’ll have our banners all over the sides and lots of information [and perhaps the odd goody bag too] inside.  That’s not all, the bus will be taking visitors on some delightful trips around Clifton and the Downs and a photographer will be around taking pictures of our gorgeous vintage-dressed models.  It’s not to be missed!

City Sightseeing Bristol provide guided and themed tours, a-to-b travel and everything else in between.  Picture yourself on an open-topper at Sea Walls – overlooking Clifton Suspension Bridge; a stunning vista.  They can add a different perspective to your big day with some novel transport between your church or registry office and reception.  Share the delights of Bristol with your local and visiting guests; an ideal way for your wedding party to relax before the reception starts and if you travel with them, you can even take your wedding photos on the Downs (or any other venue) and still get to your reception on time!

With a variety of modern open-top and classic buses available, City Sightseeing Bristol pride themselves on the personal service they provide, tailor-making trips to suit your wedding requirements, whether that’s carrying a group as small as you like or catering for over 80 people by offering more than one bus or a shuttle service. 

For private hire enquiries and bookings contact the lovely Nicola Padden on 0117 367 0208 or by email at nicola@citysightseeingbristol.co.uk and do come along and try this fabulous green bus on the day.  It’ll be a real treat.

Fishee Designs Photo Booth - Update

Fabulous news.  Owner of the vintage photobooth, Emily Fisher will be offering to take your photo on the day of the fair.  For just £5 a photo you can try out the props, outfits and stills to create your own memory of the day.  She’s bringing her portable studio and will post edit the photos and send them to you via email.  Couldn’t be simpler or more fun. 

For a modern twist on the retro booths of old, get in line to try out this fantastic idea for your wedding day and have a gorgeously vintage picture taken.  Me first!

The Vintage Guide to Britain

We’re thrilled to be listed in the Vintage Guide to Britain.  Their website helps you find all things Vintage from events to shops and markets, pop-ups, holidays, museums, collectors, antiques and gorgeous vintage and retro handmade goods.  If it’s vintage and it’s in Britain; it’s on their site.   

There’s also a fabulous blog sending out weekly updates and a whole list of online shops where you can indulge yourself in all things Vintage.  Now *drum roll please* for our wonderful followers, the Vintage Guide is offering a freebie!  Yes, that’s right.  If you’re exhibiting at the Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair or you’re a follower of Bristol Vintage and you’d like to be listed for free on the Vintage Guide, get in touch with them via their website, Facebook or Twitter and quote ‘Bristol Vintage’.  See you there!

Flo-Jo Boutique

At Flo-Jo Boutique you’ll find a collection of hand made undies, knicker making kits and frilly pinnies.  They search high and low for their retro-inspired prints and find inspiration in vintage silks which they ‘upcycle’ into unique one-off garments. 

Designing, sewing and making all things vintage inspired since 2004, they now concentrate on making one-off pieces and hosting knicker making and sewing parties so you can buy, but you can also create.  Why not book the perfect Hen Party that includes learning how to make a pair of French knickers with vintage lace and a garter for the bride?  There are many different packages on offer with Cox & Baloney and the Hotel du Vin where you can round off the creativity with cocktails or a high tea and very soon, Flo-Jo will be moving into their very own boutique venue on Gloucester Road.  Here they’ll have a retro style 50s kitchen inspired workshop space, filled with sewing machines. 

At the fair, Delia will be bringing a gorgeous selection of knickers and garters to show you just what you can make using vintage silks and lace.  She’ll have some of the Fancy Pants knicker making kits too.  They’re a great introductory sewing project for lovers of vintage and make perfect bridesmaids and hen party gifts.  Each kit includes a fully graded reusable pattern and you can choose from their range of cute cottons, frilly elastic and satin ribbons.

If you’re after something to buy, all their lingerie is handmade in their studio in Bristol and each piece is unique.  From cottons to satins to the sheer luxury of their limited edition vintage silk collection, each item can be gift wrapped to make that purchase extra special.  Their website has plenty of gift ideas from aprons to eyemasks, all in gorgeous retro designs.  There’s even a haberdashery section so you can buy the materials direct and do check out the double sided bunting.  Delia will be bringing some on the day to show you just how fantastic it can make a room look.  There’s plenty available to hire for your wedding or to make yourself with her kits.  Flo-Jo is a fun place to create and they have expert advice to guide even the total beginner in the art of knicker making.  

Come along and meet Delia at this year’s fair and happy knicker making!

Erika Glanville Bespoke Memory Frames

Erika Glanville has come up with a brilliant idea with her beautiful, bespoke memory box frames.  They’re a gorgeous wedding gift for the happy couple, the mother of the bride or perhaps you’re already married and want some way to display your memories of that special day; these make great anniversary presents.

There are so many little keepsakes after a wedding, so many things that have gone into making the day perfect and Erika can incorporate these into a collage that will make those memories last. Think about the invitation, order of service, swatches of fabric, dried flowers, cufflinks, jewellery, place names, ribbons and lace, a champagne cork, cake decorations, confetti and shells from a honeymoon; the list is only as limited as your imagination.

These wonderful memory boxes lend themselves to so many other special occasions and prices vary depending on your individual requirements and the size of the box, so do come along and meet Erika at the fair.  Normally only available through Facebook, she’ll be bringing along some samples for you to have a look at on the day and you can chat about your wedding and what mementos you’d like to keep framed.  

Contact Erika on erika@jglanville.demon.co.uk

Lilygrace Originals

Chatting to Hazel Mathiot leaves you in no doubt that the fine artist is passionate about jewellery and the 30s and 40s inspired designs she creates are one-off collectible pieces you’ll want to treasure.

Inspired by American designer Miriam Haskell, Hazel hand makes each piece with love and care, combining both precious and ordinary elements to make what can only be described as wearable art.  Her new website is currently under construction, but one peek at her current collection available on Etsy shows you the gorgeous range of earrings, pendants, chokers, cuffs and necklaces available, each sumptuously made from a beautiful array of corals, glass beads, embroidery, vintage silks, lace, organza, freshwater pearls and rhinestones. 

What’s so lovely about each item is that they come with a little story.  Click on any of her designs and you get a detailed description of how its been made and what precious stones she’s used.  Each pair of earrings, each necklace, each choker has a whimsical name and once bought, they’re sent to you packed in a complimentary organza gift bag.  Halfway between fine and costume jewellery, Lilygrace designs are playful, romantic, lustrous, delicate and dainty; think Belle Époque and Showgirl; think roses and teardrop pearls. 

As she’s online, we’re lucky Hazel’s going to be at this year’s fair, so you can get a chance to chat to her yourself.  Not only does she take commissions, but they’re a specialty.  She can design a unique piece for you to go with your dress or for the bridesmaids, perhaps in your favourite colours and stones or incorporating a family heirloom.  She’ll also be bringing along some gorgeous bridal crowns, which have yet to be launched on the site, so you get a first peek.  You heard it here.

Fishee Designs Photo Booth

Fishee Designs Photo Booth provides a vintage photography session at your wedding!  They’re completely mobile and you can use their provided props, outfits and photography stills to create your very own fun, timeless memories. 

Owner Emily Fisher loves taking photos and has a passion for the vintage style combined with modern technology.  She works with you to provide high quality photographs with a natural, vintage feel.  A true vintage girl in a modern world, Emily will ensure you relax and have fun in the photobooth and have some wonderful quality photos to show afterwards.

So how does it work?  Well, Emily’s vintage photobooth is a completely portable studio that uses professional equipment and provides a relaxed environment with a modern twist on the retro booths of old.  She’ll set up and take photos on the day and then edit them professionally, sending you a CD containing all the high resolution, gorgeous shots.  You can then upload them direct or download them from her Facebook site.  Prices start from just £250 and include all the vintage backdrops, props and authentic post production editing.  

We’re thrilled Emily’s bringing her photobooth to this year’s Fair and even more excited that you can try her services on the day.  Whether you dress up or just fancy seeing what you look like in true vintage photo style, Emily will be on hand to take your picture and answer any questions.  She’s Bournemouth based so this is a real opportunity to have a bit of fun and an ideal way to try out this ingenious extra for your wedding party.  If you’re in the area, Emily also has a studio with a more elaborate version, but wherever she is, these gorgeous vintage quality pictures tell a great story.

Bridezillas

No, it’s not what you’re thinking.  Bridezillas is in fact a specialist bridal boutique dedicated to women who know exactly what they want for their wedding as well as beautiful accessories to complete their bridal look. Bridezillas believe your bridal shopping should be one of the best shopping experiences ever and should not stop at finding that all important dress.

The boutique opened on Keynsham High Street in Bristol last year at the same time as they launched their new website.  Bridezillas sell wedding accessories so think tiaras and headbands, jewellery, shoes, gifts and fabulous finishing touches including veils, shrugs and wraps, ring cushions, garters, parasols and bags.  Once you’ve chosen your dress you’ll want to head over to find the perfect accessories to complement it and all without the bother of searching through department stores.

The shop itself is a delight with a dressing table all set up ready for you to sit down and try things on.  The relaxed atmosphere means you can take your time choosing, after all it's the one day you want to look and feel your best and the staff are on hand to help find you something that reflects your style and personality, whether that be classic, romantic, modern or vintage. With a vast range of products from carefully handpicked quality designers, you’re sure to find the right bit of sparkle.  You can also book a VIP Wedding Wednesday, a fantastic way for your bridal party to have Bridezillas to yourself for a while.  They’ll close the doors to the public while you and your guests enjoy a glass of bubbly and try on some of the beautiful accessories.  You can even bring in your dress, to make sure everything’s perfectly suited.  

Owner Amanda Davis-Harrison will be at the fair with a selection of gorgeous accessories, including some jewellery she’s designed herself and all of which you’ll be able to buy on the day or through her website.  Bridezillas became Amanda’s passion whilst planning her own wedding and discovering how hard it was to find accessories she liked.  She’s made the boutique somewhere brides can find everything under one roof, where they can take their maid of honour and bridesmaids to relax, have fun.

Her boutique is a place you can take the time to choose and try things on in beautiful surroundings, but why not come and meet Amanda at the fair.  You might find your perfect accessory.  She's also on Facebook and Twitter.

Heavenly Vintage Brides

These gorgeous dresses range from the 40's to the 60's but Helena of Heavenly Vintage sells original vintage pieces from the 30s, which she adores, through to the lovely tailoring of the 40s, the fabulous nipped in waists and hourglass shapes of the 50s, long A line lace dresses and cute short shifts of the 60s and even a few lovely 70s boho dresses.  Each decade has so much to offer and is so different to any other and Helena feels one of the very best things about vintage wedding dresses is that there is such a wide choice - so many shapes and styles.

         

Heavenly Vintage’s prices range from about £350 or £400 to around £1350, with a good range in between and all the dresses for sale are in great condition.  So if you’re looking for that perfect vintage wedding dress, take some time to browse their gorgeous, Heavenly collection online. Each dress is carefully chosen and sourced and vintage gowns have been adapted to make them perfect for the modern bride, whilst retaining their unique charms and remember, there’s only ever one of each!  Helena also stocks headdresses made from vintage silk flowers to complement the dresses.



Choosing a Wedding dress requires a personal service, so Heavenly Vintage work on an appointment system where you can discuss your individual requirements.  Each takes 1.5 hours in their West London home, but we’re lucky enough to have Helena at this year’s fair in Bristol.  She’s currently working on a collection of 'vintage-inspired' dresses, spending a lot of time trying to get the detail right with fabrics that look authentic. Unfortunately it won't be ready in time for the fair, but by the end of the Spring she’ll have even more dresses on the website to offer and in a full range of modern sizes.  Helena loved being part of the Bristol Vintage Fair last year and is really looking forward to being there again in February.  We’re thrilled she’s coming down from London and urge you to catch her while you can.

Beehive Brides

Experience star wedding treatment from professional hair and make up artist Fiona Maynard.  Beehive Brides offers you vintage bridal hair and make-up, by a professional, freelance make-up artist; based in Bristol and covering the South West area. 

Fiona’s a fully qualified hairdresser with over 20 year’s experience, including work published in many British and continental hair magazines.  A specialist in colouring and dressing long hair, Fiona decided to boost her training ten years ago to become a fully qualified make-up artist.  She’s since worked across a wide range of film and television projects, including the Magdelene Sisters, BBC drama Monarch of the Glen, Messiah and Cranford and Archangel with James Bond himself, Daniel Craig.  Since 2007, Fiona’s specialised in wedding hair and beauty – with a focus on vintage and retro looks to really reflect her passion and experience in this area. 

She’s picked up lots of industry insider tips over her years in TV and film, all of which she uses to bring out your natural beauty and glow on your wedding day.

Fiona believes that practice makes perfect and so recommends a trial around four weeks before your wedding day.  She offers a detailed consultation where you can both look at favourite pictures and styles, details of your wedding dress, any matching veil and hair decorations as well as the colour and type of flowers you’re planning.  She’ll work with you to try out various options with hair and make-up until you’re both happy with the chosen look.  With her relaxed professional approach, there’s no need to be nervous about looking dramatically different on your wedding day and if you’re keen on a more natural look, this is exactly what she’ll provide and you can simply relax and enjoy the pampering. 

Thoroughly experienced at calming the nerves, Fiona and Beehive Brides will help your wedding day get off to a beautiful start, arriving in plenty of time so you can enjoy the luxury of a professional beauty service in your own home and using a make-up kit that includes ranges from MAC, Clinique, Laura Mercier and Clarins.

From timeless, classic glamour to full on retro styling, Fiona and her team will give you the full-on star treatment and, if you’d like a little taste of vintage, she’s offering half hour sessions on the day of the Fair!  Come and meet her in person and for only £15, you can try a little 40s, 50s make up or perhaps a classic hairstyle you’ve always thought would suit you but haven’t dared try.  

She’s full of tips, wonderfully artistic and can advise you on styles to suit you. Spaces will go fast, so make sure you book in advance by calling Fiona direct on 07710 415365 or through Facebook.  You can also get hold of her through her website but I warn you, you’ll be spoilt for choice if you stop by the gallery section.

Jo Hansford Photography

From the moment you click to enter Jo Hansford’s website you’re surrounded by stylish images.  Jo is not just a photographer, she’s a storyteller, visually capturing the memories of your day and turning those shared moments into a treasured collection of images you can keep forever. Her relaxed philosophy provides all the reassurance you need to create natural, beautiful images.

From your first cup of coffee shared with Jo, you’ll start the process of building an understanding of how she works to use both her energy and creative flair to create your unique and relaxed images on the day.  The wedding prices start at £1450 and there are many options available.  There’s also an ingenious online service for your family and friends to view and purchase the pictures from anywhere in the world using an exclusive password.  The site is compatible with mobile devices such as iPhones and iPads so you can view from wherever you are at your own convenience.  Reprints start from £15 and albums from £295.

Receiving a 'Highly commended' at the Perfect Wedding Awards 2011, she was quite literally 'pipped' at the post and we’re certain it won’t be the only award she’s up for this year.  She’ll be bringing albums of gorgeous images to the Fair for you to look through and I defy you not to get lost in them.  Jo really does have an incredibly relaxed touch, inspired by the beauty, life and vibrancy of the Mediterranean she knows so well. She’s inspired by people, captivated by places, sun drenched views and corner café memories and these qualities make up the essence and flavour of how she works with you to capture your wedding day.  

You can contact Jo now on 0117 953 5801 or email her at jo@johansfordphotography.com and I highly recommend you take a walk through the website.  Linger at the wedding gallery by all means, but take a look at her delightful blog too, with its pictures and stories of weddings and engagement shoots.  You’ll be inspired. 

Custard House Clothing

Welcome to Custard House Clothing, the home of reworking vintage clothes.  If you have an item of clothing that you’d like altered or customised or perhaps you have something you’re longing to wear as a wedding guest but you’d like it to look more vintage inspired, Custard House Clothing provide a professional dressmaking service that’s perfect for you.  They can help out whether it’s recreating your favourite worn out winter coat, a special dress that needs a re-vamp or making you that perfect vintage outfit you saw in a magazine.  Custard House can turn their hand to anything, sorting your hemlines, linings, fixing holes and recreating an item you’ve loved but have worn to death!

With a boudoir boutique-style new shop at South Arcade, St Nicolas Market open Monday to Saturday and an outdoor stall open Fridays and Saturdays, talented owner Janine Chisholm is also available by email for any enquiries.  A former student of Theatre Design, Janine specialised in Costume, completing a Post Graduate in Innovative Pattern Cutting at St Martins College of Fashion. She worked in Professional Theatre and Television for years and her passion for clothes and helping people with their dress led her to create this ingenious business that’s so much more than alterations.  Janine also sells an evolving range of carefully selected vintage and vintage-inspired clothes customised by herself and talented designers Sawdust and Diamonds.  There’s also vintage accessories from Mulberry china tea sets to the perfect evening clutch, vintage buttons to update your favourite cardigan, pre 1990's clothing patterns if you fancy making something yourself, scarves and sunglasses.  It’s all there and more with items from local designers adding to the eclectic mix.

So perhaps you have a dress that needs a revamp?  Why not bring it along to the Fair and ask her advice?  Janine can inject vitality and new life into tired clothes, creating a brand new look for you that’s perfect for attending a wedding or perhaps a vintage wedding dress itself!  She can offer styling suggestions and we’re thrilled to discover she’s writing a book due out Autumn this year in which she details how to rework your own clothes alongside constructive advice and some beautiful visuals.  Till then, bring your wardrobe to Custard House Clothing to uplift, refresh and re-style and take a good look at their website or Facebook page.  Who knows what you’ll find?

Cloth Magazine

Just a quick note from us to let you know there’s a short story about our Vintage Wedding Fair on the Cloth homepage today!  Cloth is a fantastically creative magazine and we feel very lucky that they’re mentioning us.  Why not pop along to the site, or even onto Facebook and Twitter?  They’re bursting with ideas and inspiration for making bespoke clothing, accessories and homeware.

http://www.clothmagazine.co.uk/

www.twitter.com/clothmagazine

www.facebook.com/clothmagazine

Rachel Goodchild Designs

Rachel Goodchild’s website is a delight of vintage inspired giftwrap and greetings cards and she now has a brand new wedding page, showcasing the full range on offer. Of course, that’s not all from this home of vintage design; there are wedding mirrors, bespoke wedding invitations and individual wedding blogs.

The wedding blogs are a fantastic idea and a wonderful on-line resource available for the wedding couple and their guests. No more bits of paper falling out of your wedding invitation, instead use a wedding blog to include everything; the wedding list, details of the church and reception venue, maps and directions, local accommodation and transport, contact details, details of the stag and hen nights, and a display of wedding and honeymoon photographs. It’s all your wedding details in one place.

Her range of vintage bespoke wedding invitations is also gorgeous and can be personalised with your choice of photograph. You simply choose one of her lovely designs and Rachel incorporates your photo and wording. Each invitation is full colour front and back and each order delightfully and individually vintage.

That’s not all, there’s a gorgeous wedding prints limited edition poster, hand mirrors that make perfect wedding favours and wedding e-cards; a fun, stylish and environmentally friendly way to send a personal picture message to family and friends. You can create your own vintage look from Rachel’s large and exclusive library of template styles, picture designs and messages [both pre-written or using your own] as well as some beautiful fonts.

All of Rachel’s designs are simple and elegant and she’ll be bringing along some exquisite samples to the fair along with two brand new wedding ranges. 

Oh and before you come and see all of these, do check out the wedding ideas section on her website. It’s choc-full of inspired articles, gorgeous hairstyles and much, much more.

http://www.rachelgoodchild.com/wedding.php

http://www.weddingblogdesigner.com/

http://www.facebook.com/RachelGoodchildDesigns

https://twitter.com/#!/RachelGoodchild