Wedding Post Boxes of Distinction

It happens quite often in the wedding industry when someone looks for something in particular for their wedding, they can’t find it so they make it and voila! A business is born.   Wedding Post Boxes of Distinction was founded for this reason and we’re delighted that they are exhibiting with us this Autumn.

Why did you start making your post boxes?

We didn’t know what wedding post boxes were until our daughter got married and asked
if I would make one for her and her fiancé. As I’ve spent a lifetime making things that
was no surprise, but I did have to ask what they were.
Having cleared that up I set about designing a box, as we’d heard stories about cardboard
post boxes being stolen at wedding receptions and knowing that they can contain a large
sum in money and gift vouchers I decided it had to be solidly built and lockable.
Being a big fan of all things Victorian I based the design on the original “Penfold” pillar
box, called after its designer, not Danger Mouse’s sidekick, but you see the connection.
Keeping the proportions right meant it did end up nearly 3 feet tall, but try sneaking that
out under your arm!
As I said I’ve spent a lifetime making things but I think the post box got more attention
then anything else I ever made. At the wedding reception I had to keep telling people
how I’d made it. It was still remembered and asked about months after the wedding
which leads us to where we are now.

Tell us about the different styles available
At the moment we have two basic designs, the Victorian and a smaller square design
which is based on the first London post box in 1855. This one doesn’t have a small door
on the back, the front opens and it comes with a shelf so that you can use it for storage
after the wedding.
You can get the post boxes in a range of colours, plain red naturally then with gold or
silver trim and in white or green again with or without trim. We can provide other colour
options.
What’s the most popular colour and design?
So far I think the Victorian design in white and gold is most popular, just ahead of the red
and gold.

Pollyanna Vintage

We really enjoy blogging about our exhibitors, especially when they’ve not exhibited with us before. We like to get to know them and what they do.  Equally interesting is why they started their vintage inspired business!

We caught up with Linda who is the owner and founder of Pollyanna Vintage,  a lovely vintage hire business based in the Staffordshire countryside with an enviable stock of props, bunting, games, china and table decor.

We asked Linda why she loves vintage and how her business started.

“Well, vintage is just an integral part of whom I am and where I’ve come from.  The influences of my childhood are memories of afternoon teas and dinners with beautiful china; not that I was participating, my father was the local game keeper so I was a total observer !! The impact though was very special and lasting.

I am fascinated by the history of these delicate fabulous pieces…. who owned and used them? Were they in a stately home or the ‘best’ china in a humble home ? Amazing they have survived. My favourite era is probably the early 1900’s for china; the quality of fine bone English china (made in Staffordshire of course!) is unbeatable. That said I collect so many different and quirky things from all ages….my latest is 1950’s baking, totally wonderful.

So, this really underpins why Pollyanna Vintage was born to share all this loveliness with those couples so in love with each other  and of course vintage.  My passion, creative flair and love of weddings are the perfect mix to ensure that special, unforgettable day is the most memorable day for you and all of your guests.  From china hire to cutlery, table linen to decorations, props to vintage games Pollyanna has everything for a totally vintage wedding or just a hint of vintage; put this together with my bespoke wedding planning service and you have the total package. “

We’re super excited about Pollyanna Vintage exhibiting with us on 22nd September – in the meantime have a browse round their website! www.pollyannavintage.co.uk

Introducing the Something Borrowed Boutique {who love to spread vintage chic love}

Tori and Carly have been friends for nearly 20 years, meeting on the first day of secondary school and making a beeline for each other! Recently they founded The Something Borrowed Boutique and we’re thrilled that they are exhibiting with us on April 14th 2013 at The Malmaison Hotel in Birmingham.

So how did this gorgeous business start out?  We asked the girls Tori and Carly ….

Tori: Knowing each other such a long time means we know each other inside out. Carly was my Chief Bridesmaid and I’m so glad she was there in the morning when we were getting ready. She may not realise, but there was a point when the tears were close – I couldn’t put my earrings in! But she came upstairs at just the right time and sorted it. It may sound small (and make me seem like a nut-case) but its one of the special memories that I have from my wedding day. Plus she made sure I was dressed up as ‘Oops i did it again Britney’ rather than ‘Bald Britney’ on my hen party 🙂 x 

Carly:Tori keeps my head screwed on! I want everything to happen now whilst Tori makes sure that I take account of all the ‘boring’ bits, accounts etc! We are great friends with a determination to make weddings beautiful and common trait. 

 

The Story:

We both got married  last year and when planning we found it hard to design a day that looked as good as the magazines. We both wanted people to discover quirky, funny, pretty things throughout the day, rather than feel that they could be at absolutely anyone’s wedding. 

We set about designing our own things and whilst busily planning our own big days, decided we would also turn it into a business helping other people. 

Its so rewarding knowing how much our friends and family want to help us move our venture forward. Carly’s dad is a welder by trade and helped us design our amazing trees which we then set about buying tons of crystals for! 

A good friend helped us with our photo booth design, turning our idea into a reality. People have such fun with this at weddings and it stops your big day being to ‘stuffy’ and traditional. We cringe at gawdy weddings – the most modest of venues can be transformed with the right decoration. ALL weddings should look beautiful. 

We have lots more plans over the coming months – a vintage bike as a prop or to serve treats! 

Eric is our vintage car, a Rover 1963. Carly’s grandad had left it in an old lock up when he passed away. Some 12 years later we rescued and restored it. He has imperfections but is a true beauty.  

We just want to spread the love!! 

 

Come and see The Something Borrowed Boutique on 14th April 2013 at The Malmaison Hotel Birmingham. Purchase your tickets here.

 

The Wedding Parlour

We are always overwhelmed at the amount of talent that lies within the wedding industry. More than ever before are people realising their talents and starting small businesses to fulfill the growing need for unique and quality wedding accessories.

One of our new exhibitors The Wedding Parlour is exactly that. Founder and designer Shirley has been successfully designing and making accessories for a long time but a few years ago, spurred by her daughter getting married and not being able to find anything she liked, she created a vintage inspired headpiece to compliment her Daughters dress.

So many people loved it that the idea to create The Wedding Parlour was born!

Shirley is inspired by a variety of different sources and she spends alot of time finding the right fabric, beads and lace. Everything she makes is hand produced with love, with inspiration influenced by Hollywood glamour and art deco styling.

Shirley has a brand new collection to showcase at our next fair and we cannot wait to see her creations! here are some previous designs for an idea of the type of stunning designs you can expect from The Wedding Parlour.

Get Knotted {Vintage Bridal Bouquets}

Our up and coming fair has attracted some amazing new exhibitors and we’re thrilled to introduce you to Lindsay of Get Knotted Vintage bridal Bouquets.

Vintage inspired bouquets, lovingly created with different upcycled materials such as buttons, necklaces and pearls have surged in popularity recently. Brides love the fact that they can keep them after the big day and that they can incorporate family heirlooms making them a one of a kind keepsake.

We’re looking forward to seeing Lindsays beautiful creations in the flesh next month and caught up with her briefly to describe her work.

‘I have been a wedding planner for the last 10 years based in the Scottish Borders, where I also offer freelance floristry services. Recently my love of vintage bridal bouquets has led to my creating more and more of them, and they need new homes!

Each element of my bouquets is hand-wired with vintage and/or vintage-inspired pieces, including up-cycled brooches, necklaces, lace, pearls, diamonte, feathers and more. Whilst the construction of each is similar and they follow one of several loose ‘templates’, each individual bouquet is truly unique. Unlike a traditional, fresh flower bouquet, these really do last forever and can become a wonderful heirloom piece.

So, if you are looking for an unusual alternative to a fresh flower bouquet, or you suffer from hayfever or you are getting married abroad and want to pop your bouquet on in your suitcase, take a look at the selection on offer in my shops www.notonthehighstreet.com/vintagebridalbouquets and www.etsy.com/shop/VintageBridalBouquet (no ‘s’)

I absolutely love what I do and am so happy to be part of Vintage Chic Wedding Fair.’

We’re really pleased to have Get Knotted on board our next event who will compliment our growing list of vintage inspired exhibitors. x

Vintage Chic Wedding Fair 22nd April {part two}

As promised, here’s a bit more info about our exhibitors at our fair last week at the Centennial Centre Birmingham. The list of exhibitors was our biggest yet and they all pulled out the stops to showcase their stunning work. So here goes…..

Photography and Videography

One of the most important suppliers for your day are photographers who are there to capture the essence, emotions and details of your big day. These memories will last a life time so it’s important to find the right one. Liezl Croft, Steve Gerrard, Daffodil Waves, Maria Lynne and Chris Barber were our tog exhibitors who each have their own defined style. All have a number of years experience under their belt and are clearly passionate about what they do. They all come highly recommended.

Something a little different at this fair…..Fishee Designs‘ photo booth was a massive hit – brilliant entertainment and memories created.

For video there was Mark from The Big Day productions who creates super 8 footage of your wedding day and we’ll be featuring Mark in a separate blog post in the next few days.

Floral Art

In Bloom, Fusion Flowers and Passion for Flowers bought along some stunning floral creations. Their work is utterly stunning, stylish and very vintage.

Fusion Flowers also did a few demonstrations for Brides on the day which were very well received. In Bloom bought along a huge vintage birdcage and Passion for Flowers created a stunning stand with a nod to their popular signature style.

Bridal

Finding the dress can be a minefield however Luxe Bridal, Glory Days Vintage, Stella Liliana and Lovely and Vintage were on hand with an impressive array of beautiful vintage dresses and accessories from across all eras.

Accessories

Beaubuttons is really making a name in the wedding industry with her individual and bespoke button bouquets. Cute as a button don’t you agree!

Victoria Delany a highly trained jeweller with a new quarter based studio bought some amazing designs along. Was tempted to get my credit card out there and then!! She will happily discuss a designing a bespoke piece for you.

Connie and Dolly’s and Bella Roxs’ stand were equally stunning with some beautiful pieces which can also include individual pieces to make them 100% individual to you.

Gil Fox is a highly experienced Milliner and again her designs really stand out from the crowd. Very reasonable prices too.

Cakes and Sweets

Yummmmmm cakes nom nom nom!

We have so much respect for these cake makers and designers who included Lolas Bakehouse, The Red Cake Company, Pattacake Bakery and Cotton and crumbs. They have bags of creativity and patience to do what they do. A very hard choice to be made if you’re looking for a wedding cake as they are all so amazing! Respect to them all.

Emilys Best sweet shop was yet again extremely popular . The second time this authentic vintage sweet shop has exhibited with us now. (The very best of luck to Ruth and her Husband for the imminent birth of their first baby)

Stationery

Stationery sets the scene for a wedding theme and is the first impression your guests will have of your day. Huge thanks to Garden Studio Crafts (they have exhibited with us from day one : )), Perched Bird and Studio Seed. Again similar to photographers, these designers have their own definitive style but all stunning none the less.

Hair and Make Up

Local pin up Queen Lynsey Le Keux and Sarah Russell have serious talent in making Brides look the very best on their big day. Fabulous hair and make up : )

Planning

It was wonderful to meet Claire from Double You at last. She has some brilliant contacts within the wedding industry and is dedicated to making planning your wedding less stressful. Let her do the hard work while you enjoy the build up.

Entertainment

We are so fortunate to have Simon Partridge as our signature entertainer. He’s been with us from the very start and he effortlessly brings our fair to life. If you came to the fair I bet you you’re still humming away!!! Heaven…… I’m in Heaven…..

Thanks also to My Dance Birmingham What a great concept! With all eyes on the Bride and Groom for their first dance, you want to make a good impression and wow your crowd! Let the professionals teach you or have fun learning some burlesque for your hen night….

Alan Feeny bought along his usual air of distinction. He’s a man of many talents as a celebrant, toastmaster and speech writer. A lovely guy too : )

Styling and China Hire

Inspirational ideas for your vintage wedding bought to you by the following wonderful exhibitors. Darby and Joan, Penny Lane, Vintage Twee, Cotton and Roses, Meeni,  TheWedding of my Dreams and Whimsical Wishes. It’s the little things that bring a wedding together and these girls certainly know how to style a wedding. So many different beautiful ideas embracing every vintage era.

Classic Cars

Thanks to Darwin Classic cars for bringing their vintage Daimler. It’s a stunning venicle and a perfect way to arrive in style at a wedding or special occassion.

My Craftea Day

Hannah from My Craftea Day delivered some brilliant craft demos which were highly popular. She’s a crafty one lol!!!!  Such a fab concept for DIY Brides and for Hen Do parties. (Actually kids would love this too!!! I know ours would!)

Lastly….

Thanks to I am Staggered which is a brilliant concept for Grooms. They were on hand to help with speech writing , honey moon planning and more. Their blog is well worth a visit!!

Here’s a few images from the day – there’s alot more on our Facebook Page so check out of page and please like if you’re stopping by.

On to planning our Autumn fair now plus plans in the near future to bring Vintage Chic down under! xx

Tallulahs Trinkets

Good morning,

Not so bright out there today so need something to light us all up…..!!

Today we are featuring another previous exhibitor Tallulahs Trinkets who us based in rural Worcestershire but has internet presence so able to cover the UK.

Tallulah’s Trinkets is a small business with incredibly high standards and was  created by Annie Nicholls.  Each and every piece is designed and created using only the highest standard of components including Swarovski crystals and original vintage jewellery.

Annie has been very busy working from home in Worcestershire designing, creating, wiring & beading to bring you an exclusive range of individual handmade treasures including bridal tiaras, jewellery, hairpins and combs. Individually created pieces range in style and boldness.

Each item no matter how small is made with care, consideration and is designed to last making it a future treasure for the next generation.  ♥

Photography courtesy of Billingham Photography www.billinghamphotography.co.uk

www.tallulahstrinkets.co.uk

Sharper Millinery

Ladies, let’s be honest here. On opening a wedding invitation what’s the first thing we think of. What are we going to wear and ‘oh fab I can wear a hat !’

No wonder we like them so much -they’re fun, flirty, chic, glamorous and oh so girly. They also make a real statement and can be as simple or outrageous as you like! (although Princess Beatrice may have got it slightly wrong at the Royal Wedding tee hee!)

For Brides, the rise in popularity for vintage inspired weddings sees lots of birdcage veils as they compliment vintage dresses so perfectly.

 

We recently had the pleasure of working with Sally who owns Sharper Millinery. She exhibited with us at our fair in Birmingham last week.

A highly talented and experienced Milliner, Sally has been interested in sculpture, fabric technology, textiles and mixed media throughout her creative career so far. The need to invest in materials that are unusual or to change the surface quality ensures that  her work has both quirky and unusual elements.

She creates stunning hats, head sculptures, hair corsages, pins and broaches, which appear to be flamboyant sculptures inspired by colour, shape and form. Drawing on her experiences of using textiles and sculpture adds to the variety of different shapes and styles and materials offered including plastics, fancy fabrics, found materials and traditional Sinamay, Crin, Straw, silk and velvet.

 

Her new bridal range inspired by the glamour of the 1940’s and the elegance of the 1950’s is proving to be very popular, offering brides-to-be a truly unique piece which can’t be found on the High Street. The birdcage veil is still the most popular with brides as it offers a beautiful vintage inspired look mixing feathers, flowers, jewels or lace with sumptuous millinery net.

Millinery is also not just for weddings. Sally has designed flamboyant and exciting headpieces and hats for clients to visit the races, several client attended race meetings throughout 2007, 2008 and 2009 and won ‘best hat and best dressed lady’ at different locations. She has also created a headpiece for the new Lady Mayoress, Vivienne Wilkes for the inauguration of the new Mayor in 2009.

So, for a bespoke and one off headpiece to treasure forever then get in contact with  Sally at Sharper Millinery.

(Photos courtesy of Emma Case Photography and Emily Quinton Photography)