One of the main messages I’m feeling during the global pandemic is that you need to support small businesses and this feeling alone has put me right in the zone of sharing the love right now.
We had such a positive response from our Events Under Canvas mini virtual wedding fair last week that it’s inspired me to write another one (why not, hey!). I’ve put together a Luxurious Glitter virtual wedding fair to give you a little insight into some of our most loved Essex & Kent wedding suppliers. I’d go so far as saying that this would be one of my dream wedding days (apart from my own, of course!).
Our virtual wedding fair/supplier love will take place over two parts so you can get some essential daytime and evening inspiration. If I’ve missed you off and you want in, give me a virtual nudge and I’ll add you! It’s a bit of fun and is just really nice to keep my head in a positive space right now and give fellow small businesses a little support from us because I think we all need it right now.
So here it is – part 1! Enjoy…
A WILD WEDDING VENUE
Our virtual wedding starts in a tipi. We’ve got rainbow lanterns and ribbons hanging everywhere and it’s all looking super vibrant and colourful, of course!
I really love the settings that Browning Bros has to offer (c’mon and do an open weekend when this is all over, please!) and not just because we got married there last year, but because the experience from start to finish was just fantastic. Nat and Archie are fab, Helen – their organiser – is lovely and the bar staff and security all made the day!
The Browning Bros glamping experiences are known for being stunning and really out there and they have two gorgeous outdoor wild wedding locations around Teybrook Farm. Chalkney Water Meadows (where we got hitched!) is set in a beautiful meadow next to a lake, while Teybrook Orchard is a wonderfully secluded spot between an orchard and 20 acres of woodland.
There’s plenty of glamping available for your party guests at the end of the night, plus super special options for the wedding party. We had the pleasure of a log cabin and enjoyed the outdoor jacuzzi…
Check them out here:
FUN & VIBRANT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
Fun, relaxed and non-traditional - Chloe is our kind of gal and our go-to photographer! Chloe loves weddings that are full of colour and personality which, when you meet her, is really her style. Guaranteed to bring smiles, fun and colour to your wedding day you’ll get the most epic pictures and the pleasure of having Chloe at your wedding!
Check Chloe out here:
MODERN & FRESH WEDDING SIGNAGE
I had the pleasure of meeting Boards by Jess earlier this year at the Quirky Wedding Fayre, Margate and I was blown away by her fresh style. Jess creates the most perfect boards with her modern calligraphy and hand lettering style.
Jess has a range of signs available to hire or you can have a whole bespoke set designed just for you, for your big day.
Check Jess out here:
STUNNING WEDDING HAIR & MUA’S
Hair is such a personal thing on our wedding day. Not all hairdressers are wedding hair stylists so your usual go-to hairdresser might not offer this service, leaving you the daunting task of finding one that you love.
Roll up Clare Louise Hair and Lynnette Chasmer Hair. Both stylists are amazing at what they do and create the most gorgeous wedding hairstyles.
For your makeup, we have our very own glitter fairy, Alexandra Sullivan Makeup Artist and AS Bridal Makeup – both incredibly talented MUAs that are there for you on the morning of your day to deliver you a stunning look that will last all day.
You'll find Lynnette here: Lynnette Chasmer
Find more on Clare Louise here:
For more on Alexandra, head to her IG page:
And for AS Bridal:
GETTING DRESSED UP
There are so many talented dressmakers and boutiques out there, but we’ve always loved the super talented Lucy Can’t Dance and Tilly Von Tiki.
Lucy’s flare for dressmaking is next level and in their amazing tropical studio, the LCD team creates ‘quirky wedding dresses for non-traditional brides’. Expect tassels, sequins, timeless lace and eye-catching dip-dyed one or two-piece dresses and jumpsuits.
Tilly created the most bespoke, beautiful dress for me, plus bridesmaid and ringmaster outfits for my kids. It was like she got into my mind and exploded with everything I was thinking of and more. Alongside creating stunning one-off pieces, Tilly is an incredible seamstress, so if you fancy altering a more traditional dress, or you’re looking for a one-off tailored number for your groom, Tilly’s your girl.
Hand-painted jackets are a just have to go with your epic dress and we just love Jo Painted It. Hand-painted leather and denim jackets and even shoes – anything you want personalised, Jo can paint. She’s new to Instagram, so check her out and give her a follow!
Check LCD out here:
The wonderful Tilly, here:
And Jo Painted It, here:
FLORA & FAUNA – GO FAUX!
I’m a huge lover of real flowers but was converted to faux after meeting Adeela from Fauxevermore. Adeela creates beautiful bespoke arrangements for you, including bouquets, buttonholes, corsages and hair flowers, from faux flowers.
There’s also a range of hireable displays for you to check out including eye-popping arches, milk churns, table displays and garlands.
They’re all stunning and reusable. The perfect eco-friendly touch to your day.
Find out more from Adeela, here:
GO FUNKY WITH YOUR CELEBRANT
With all outdoor weddings, you’ll need a celebrant to conduct your ceremony. And while this isn’t actually legally binding (you’ll need to organise the formalities before or after your main day!), it means you can have a lot of fun with your vows and have your ceremony just as you want it.
Michelle Funky Celebrant is a super fun and super vibrant celebrant who really gets to know you and works with you both to put together a really unique ceremony that’s super special for you and captivating for all your lovely guests.
Check Michelle out, here:
PROPS AND FURNITURE & STYLING
Not all venues supply furnishings and this is quite an important part of your day!
Amy from Anthology Vintage Hire has a super cool collection of props and furniture you can hire in for your day. From barrels, sofas, chairs and dressers, through to rugs, cases and crates and anything in between. Think unique, vintage style that works effortlessly in our tipi setting, by the way!
If you want to call in the experts to help you dress your venue, we love Rock the Day. They’ll work with you to make what you want for your venue and have a superb selection of games and furniture to hire that’ll ramp up your décor and give your day a truly unique twist. Boho, modern and alternative all covered and your photo game will be strong with this team on your side.
Check out Anthology Vintage Hire, here:
And more on Rock the Day, here:
EAT THE CAKE
When it comes to wedding cakes, there are so many super talented bakers and creators out there. Everyone we’ve met and sampled has wowed us with their cake creating artforms.
Bake to the Future Lou’s cakes literally blow my mind though. She’s so creative with all her flavours and styles and showcases geometric cakes with a little fun twist. The details and colour in her designs are literally perfection.
If you’re looking for a vegan wedding cake baker, then you must check out Tiny Sarah’s Cakes. Her fun characters and use of colour, mixed with off the scale, delicious, eco-friendly and vegan ingredients really make for masterpiece cakes with so much character! Her cakes, biscuits, rocky roads and the best vegan brownies I’ve tried would be great for grazing tables and favours, too.
Head over to Bake to the Future, here:
And Tiny Sarah’s Cakes, here:
And there you have it! I think I’ve just about covered most of our dream day here and hope you’ve all enjoyed it and got a little inspiration for your big day. This is a two-parter, so come back next week to read up on our evening entertainment and food ideas!
Thank you & stay safe,
Claire x