'Credible & Incredible' Supplier of the Week - Bride & Glory

This week it is my pleasure to introduce you to a lady who personally inspires me.  Wedding Planner Anna MacDougall from Bride & Glory...

 

Please tell our readers a bit about you & bride&glory…

Oh yikes, a bit? Now here’s a challenge – you know I can’t stop once I get started!

Controversially, b&g wasn’t born out of a love for weddings but instead out of a genuine passion for event management in general. For the past 12 years, we’ve been lucky enough to have learnt from some of the best in the world of corporate event management. Far from the glam & shiny side that’s presented to guests, organizing any event is seriously hard work – as anyone who’s ever thrown a dinner party will well know.

We’re that extra pair of hands that helps our couples to focus on the excitement of promising to spend the rest of their lives together, rather than whether the canapés are ready, the band shows up on time and your tables are laid out perfectly. We deal with the endless to-do lists and spreadsheets that drive you insane, so you don’t have to.

 

Where did the company name come from?

From a marathon 6-hour webcam session with my graphic designer (and bestest friend), who simply wouldn’t let me give up when I couldn’t find a name I loved and for which the domains were still available. I bet he’d just watched Pride & Glory! I instantly loved it though, snapped up the domains and have almost literally become bride&glory.

What services do you offer?

In a nutshell – whatever services you need us to. From full planning over months to help on specific projects (like sourcing suppliers or managing the RSVPs) or, the most popular service, our day-of coordination, which offers support shortly before and on your wedding day.

We don’t do packages. Our couples tell us what they need and we work out how to best help them achieve it. Our hourly rate is transparent so you always know exactly what you’re paying for.

Who is a typical bride&glory client?

They come from all walks of life and are fantastic couples, who have put an enormous amount of time and love into planning their wedding day. They mostly work full time and have extremely busy lives, so they often just want someone to help pull the last bits together and ease the stress levels. A client recently called us their ‘Go-to Girl’, which we thought summed it up perfectly.

What does a day in the life of a Wedding Planner consist of?

Depending on how many weddings we have going on at the time, it’s anything from sourcing suppliers to managing spreadsheets, budgets & to-do lists to venue recces. If we’re not working for our clients, we’re out promoting b&g, meeting suppliers, working out ways of how to improve our services or buried in accounting (we’re frequently caught hiding from the last bit though).

How do you decide which suppliers to work with?

It’s a mix of recommendations, references, personal experience of their work and that good old gut feeling. We love what we do and are proud of putting our service to our clients above all else. If a supplier doesn’t share that work ethic, they’re not likely to be the ones for us.

What is your favourite wedding style?

The ones where couples let the day be a reflection of who they are, especially the ones who are happy to play with their quirks and where guests walk in and say: ”That’s just so X&X!”

What do you think will be a big trend in 2012?

Probably sounding hideously pompous now but we don’t pay that much attention to trends. What matters isn’t what’s de rigueur in any given season, it’s what makes you happy and makes your day reflect you as a couple. So whether that’s retro quirk, vintage romance, monochrome chic, rock-chick glam or a barn in a field – if it feels right and you love it, run with it.

Who inspires you?

Our couples, who put so much love into planning their wedding days. All the fantastic suppliers, who rally together and work extra-hard to help turn the plans-on-paper into reality. My darling husband, who is always right behind all things b&g.

Oh, and Pink – for being such a cool rock chick, never afraid to say what she thinks.

If you could co-ordinate a wedding for anyone in the world who would it be and what type of day would they have?

Will you turf me out if I cheesily tell you that would be my gorgeous little sister? It would be her day, so whatever she wants – but I have a feeling there would definitely be tipi-style Kåta tents involved.

What is your greatest achievement?

Setting up b&g when some people thought it was ever so slightly insane and making a home for my husband, Barley (our beast) and I in our crumbling little Chapel in Bucks.

If you weren’t doing this job what do you think you would be doing?

Something that involves lots of lists and plenty of stationery. Oh, and ribbons, to extend our ever-growing ribbon drawers.

How do you spend your time when you are not working?

Isn’t this where I’m meant to say something really impressive, like broadening my horizon by visiting art galleries and learning Chinese? I can’t lie! It’s mainly spent with friends, walking the beast to the pub with my husband, reading (one can never have enough books!) and travelling, whenever the schedules allow it.

Do you have a current special offer for Ice the Cake readers?

How could we refuse! We’d love to offer three fabulous Ice the Cake readers our DOC (day-of coordination) service at half price between January and March 2012. So if you’re getting married some time in those 3 months, get in touch and we’ll tell you more.

To keep it fair, these packages will be awarded on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and are subject to us being available on your wedding date, so the sooner you get in touch, the better your chances.

A Message from Anna...

You don’t need a wedding planner but you may well want one. Think why you get your shopping delivered – you could do it yourself but with your insanely busy life, it’s just so much easier to get someone to drop it off.

Please ignore the clichés – most of us are nothing like J-Lo in the movie!

And if you do decide to consider getting a planner on board, just make sure you vet them properly. Check references, speak to couples & suppliers they have worked with and most importantly, meet them in person. A planner will not only become your ‘Go-to Girl/Guy’ but sometimes almost a great friend, so you must make sure you really like them. It’s a but like speed-dating: if it doesn’t click, move on. The right planner for you is out there – you’ll know it when you meet them. 

Contact Bride & Glory:

Phone +44 1908 551 678    Mobile +44 777 639 2369

anna@brideandglory.co.uk    www.brideandglory.co.uk    twitter.com/brideandglory  facebook.com/brideglory

Thank you Anna for being such an inspiration and for such an interesting insight into your world...  XX

Photos Courtesy of Anneli Marinovich 

'Credible & Incredible' Supplier of the Week - I Heart Buttons

This week I am delighted to introduce you to a company that I have had the pleasure of getting to know quite well over the past few months.  The Lovely Lesa and her gorgeous designs have to be seen to be truly appreciated.  When Lesa donated a bouquet as a prize for our first Wedding Fayre back in June I absolutely fell in love with her work, creativity and exceptional attention to detail.  It is therefore with lots of love that I introduce this weeks 'Credible & Incredible' Supplier of the Week - I Heart Buttons...

 

Where did the company name come from?

I had a few other names I had thought of, but they were taken. Was doodling and drew an ‘I’, a ‘heart’ and then a ‘button’ and there it was.

How do you come up with your designs/what influences you?

I get ideas from everything around me.  It may just be a flash of an idea and then the more I think about it, the more I can let my imagination go.  My Summers Day bouquet started off when my kids were running from a bee on a hot summers day. My “Step back in Time” bouquet came from some green velvet material I saw in a shop.

 

What would you call your ‘style’?

Funky, quirky and sometimes loud.  Customers have said they love my bouquets as they are so out of the ordinary and not in a traditional style.

 

What is currently your favourite design?

I am designing it at the moment! My next bouquet will be something very different and I cannot wait to start it and then show you all.  I don’t think you would have seen one like it before.  I also loved my Red & Blue, I Love You bouquet as the Red and Blue really did it for me. Was sad to see that one go.

 

Who inspires you?

Being honest, it is more “things” that inspire me than any person.

If you could design a button piece for anyone in the world who would it be and what would you create?

As you know Sue, I LOVE Betty Boop (a love that I heart Buttons shares with Ice the Cake). So it would be a very glamorous style of bouquet in red and black with lots of sparkly heart buttons.

 

What is your greatest achievement?

I think opening my shop at the end of August has been the greatest achievement. Having only started out the business earlier this year, I sometimes can’t believe how well it’s going already. I can’t wait until next year!  I have also arranged a photoshoot which is taking place this coming Sunday – that was hard work too!  Oh, and not far behind that would be becoming a semi finalist for your 2011 Awards. Was over the moon to have made it to the semi finals.

Tell us about your fabulous boutique…

My shop opened on 31 August. Even while I was setting it up I had a lady come in who loved my bouquets and within 3 weeks had placed a bridal order.  I have all my bouquets on display in my glass cabinet and I am mostly creating when I am in the shop and that really seems to draw people in.

If you weren’t doing this job what do you think you would be doing?

Coming from a legal background, and moving to the Isle of Wight from London 2 years ago, I would probably have gone back to an office. Or, of course, M&S as the staff discounts are great!

How do you spend your time when you are not working?

Looking after my 2 and 3 year old. My husband works in London for his job so it’s just us 3 a lot of the time. My free time is in the evenings when I can catch up on all the tv my husband hates such as Eastenders, Big Brother.  And even then am usually bouquet making as I can do both at the same time. I also love driving my car. She is my third baby!

Do you have a current special offer for Ice the Cake readers?

I sure do! Take 10% off any of my current bouquets for sale or if you would like me to create you something spectacular for your wedding day, I will give you 10% off a bespoke order.

A Message from Lesa...

I have a fabulous new bouquet in the making. It will be truly gorgeous and original. I cannot wait to share it with you.  And if you are visiting the Isle of Wight in the coming future, pop in and say hi.

To Contact I Heart Buttons go to:

www.iheartbuttons.co.uk

Email:  enquiry@iheartbuttons.co.uk

Tel:  07956 272983

Visit their shop:  23 The Lanes, Royal Arcade, Union Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight  PO33 2LQ

'Credible & Incredible' Supplier of the Week - Poppy Sparkles

This week we are delighted to introduce you to the very talented and creative Viv Smith, Owner of the incredible 'Poppy Sparkles'...

Where did the company name 'Poppy Sparkles' come from? 

I started Poppy Sparkles after the birth of my second child, Poppy, which clearly inspired my name in part. The Sparkles part is how I often refer to my jewellery. ‘Poppy Sparkles’ has become like pseudonym – my jewellery-making, sparkly loving alter ego. In fact there are a number of people who assume my name is Poppy!

How do you come up with your designs/ what influences you?

I’m influenced by colour, shape, texture and things I love. I’m rather fond of buttons, especially mother of pearl buttons and polka dot buttons. I’ve actually created collections of button jewellery to indulge my love of these!

I find inspiration in a number of places – looking at fashion and jewellery online, on the High Street and in the media. I also love to just sit in my workroom and ‘play’ with different beads and materials, experimenting with different colours, shapes and textures until I find something that I just have to bring to life.

Inspiration sometimes finds me and I can find myself inspired by a variety of things. I’m often inspired by seeing particular colours together that I might not otherwise of considered putting together. A little while ago, my daughter’s bedtime beaker inspired a bright and vibrant pendant necklace.

As I look to taking Poppy Sparkles forward, I’m finding myself taking longer over designs and collections, seeking to create something that stands out amongst the traditional strands of pearls and crystals. Once I have an idea, I make up a variety of mock pieces with jewellery making wire (as opposed to pricey sterling silver). I then hang prototypes up in my workroom, returning to tweak them as and when I notice something that can be improved or needs changing. I also try pieces on to see how they look, checking the overall look as well as size, so I can see if a necklace sits too high or low.  It might take me a number of weeks, even months before I’m finally happy or have developed an initial idea into a full collection, but when it’s right, I know.

What would you call your ‘style’?

I like to think that I have a modern, yet classic and timeless style. I aim to create pieces that have style as opposed to fashion, which changes so fast. I want women who purchase Poppy Sparkles to be able to wear their jewellery again and again.

I tend to prefer cleaner, simpler designs, letting the colour and materials used take centre stage, rather than a complicated design. I’ve started to be a bit braver and am introducing more intricate pieces that have more depth and interest, such as my Boho Collection and Lustre Collection. 

What is currently your favourite design?

I have a lot of new designs at the moment and it’s really hard to pin point a particularly favourite. I’m also fickle and my favourite design changes fairly frequently! I love my Polka Collection as it manages to be bright, fun and flirty, but still grown up. However, I think if I had to pick just one design it would be my Lustre Necklace – I love the lustrous freshwater pearls, the mother of pearl button focal. It’s lovely as bridal jewellery, but a refreshing change from the usual strand of pearls and crystals or pendants readily available.

Who inspires you?

I’m inspired by a number of people – it is my dream that I can make Poppy Sparkles a full time venture and not have to return to a ‘day job’ when my stint as a full time mum is over. I love following the journeys of those who are ahead of me and take inspiration from those who have managed to successfully build a full time business from designing and making items.

If you could design a piece of jewellery for anyone in the world who would it be and what would you create?

I’m always rubbish with these kinds of questions, but love reading other people’s responses to them. I’d love to design a piece for someone famous, not particularly because I’m starstruck by celebrities, but would love the endorsement of a celebrity and the inevitable boost that would give my business. With the up and coming nuptials of Liz Hurley, it’s fair to say that it would be amazing if I was commissioned to create her bridal jewellery.  I would also love to see Katherine Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, wearing some Poppy Sparkles Jewellery.

What is your greatest achievement?

After completing a bespoke jewellery commission I always feel a sense of pride, knowing that I did my best. I love working with clients to realize their dream jewellery.  To date, I am most proud of the jewellery I designed for one of my brides, Louise. She loved her handmade wedding jewellery so much she wore it throughout her honeymoon and wears it often, especially for special events or when she wants to feel special.

If you weren’t doing this job what do you think you would be doing?

Prior to starting Poppy Sparkles I was a full time English Teacher in a secondary school, but it’s not where my heart is. I love being creative and if I hadn’t have taken a career break for my children I think I would have started to pursue a more fulfilling avenue for myself by now.

How do you spend your time when you are not working?

Much of my time is taken up being a mum, so most of what would be my ‘free time’ once the little people are in bed is then spent on Poppy Sparkles. I also run a blog where I indulge my love of handmade and independent shops, as well as my love of crafts – http://www.poppysparkles.blogspot.com In rare moments of free time I like to craft and read.

A Message from Viv...

At the moment I am working on a new website for Poppy Sparkles and new collections as I look to take Poppy Sparkles forward with a stronger focus on Bridal jewellery, as well as bridesmaid jewellery and pieces for party guests.

To make way for new collections, a number of designs are being offered with 40% off, including a number of pieces that would be ideal for brides, bridesmaids or party guests. Sale items are available whilst stocks last. 

To Contact Viv at Poppy Sparkles go to:

www.facebook.com/poppysparkles

www.twitter.com/poppysparkles

www.poppysparkles.co.uk

Thank you so much for being our 'Credible and Incredible' Supplier of the Week.  We absolutely love your Polka & Boho Collections. xx

What an Incredible Fayre!

Sunday the 9^th October saw our sparkling wedding event take over the Spread Eagle Hotel, Thame.  As local suppliers, many of whom are Finalists in the InCREDIBLE Wedding Supplier of the Year Awards 2011 set up their exhibition stands, there was a real buzz in the air.  At 10.30am the doors to The Old, New, Borrowed & Blue Wedding Fayre opened.
 

With a complete variety of wedding suppliers from your essential Florist and Photography to your Ice Sculptures and Sweet Tables there was something for everyone.  Anna McDonald launched her up to 70% off ex-sample wedding dress sale and saw lots of Brides to Be trying on her beautiful gowns.  Scott Marsh from Xcelerate Fitness took to the stage at midday to give an inspiring talk about your Bridal Body Blueprint with information about nutrition and fitness and at 1.30pm, Caroline from Cuddle my Soul began her Bridal Make-up demonstration.

Ice the Cake were delighted to welcome the VIP Winners quite early on at the event Kerri Coote and her husband to be enjoyed drinks on arrival and will return at a later date for their meal in the Spread Eagle Hotel’s restaurant.

The stunning photographs taken by Frank Millar Photography show what an inspirational and fun event the Wedding Fayre was.  So after raising over £200 for Cancer Research and such a successful event what is next for us?  We are doing it again – only even better!

The Winter Wonderland Charity Wedding Event is taking place at the Tally Ho Hotel, Ploughley Road, Arncott, Bicester OX25 1NY on Sunday 13th November 2011.  The doors open at 10.30am and there is an exciting line up during the day including two Catwalk shows; An up to 70% off ex-sample Wedding Dress Sale from BOTH Anna McDonald Bridal and Butterfly Bridal Boutique; A inspiring colour theming presentation by You and Your Style; Free Wine Tasting and an Incredible Free Prize Draw - First Prize - one lucky visitor will win a 'BMW for a weekend' courtesy of Specialist Cars in Tring (Subject to availability/T&C's apply).

Plus if you pre-register on Ice the Cake's website you could be in with a chance of winning VIP Entry for you and your guest (just like Kerri) which on this occasion includes: Drinks on Arrival and either 4 tickets to the Tally Ho Hotel's Christmas cabaret evening on either the 26th of November, 2nd or 9th of December OR if you book your wedding at The Tally Ho Hotel you will receive 50 additional glasses of bubbly to your wedding package

If you are newly engaged, nearing your wedding date, renewing your vows or organising a special anniversary there is something for everyone.  With exclusive special offers and so many wonderful suppliers you cannot afford to miss this absolutely amazing event and of course help us raise lots of money for Cancer Research.   

We hope to see you there xx