Welcome to Lovely & Unique Wedding Fairs: May 2014

On a horribly rainy day in April we still managed to get the brides queuing out the door of The Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower in Gosport. This magnificent vaulted brick building, built in 1771, was once a Gunpowder Storage Magazine and the perfect setting for a Lovely and Unique Wedding Fair. With 34 exhibitors ranging from cakes to coats of arms, we even extended the fair outside with the help of 3 Men and a Marquee into the museums beautiful grounds.

Prop 'a' Print set up their fab vintage photo booth for fun and frolics whilst Amy Baker entertained us all. Worn Once Sparkles and the models (provided by Baytree Beauty) did a sterling job of entertaining brides throughout the day on the catwalk, with DJ Joe’s stunning laser show whilst Grace from All In The Swing acted as compare.

It was great to see so many new faces and to hear so many of our exhibitors had a such a successful day. We hope the brides enjoyed it as much as we did and can’t wait to see them again at our next event!

Jenny Owens kindly photographed the whole event for us, we have picked out some of our favourite pics but to see the rest just Click Here!

In the run up to our Lovely & Theatrical Fair at the amazing Groundlings Theatre on 1^st June, we decided to collaborate with a few exhibitors that we love, to create an amazing photo shoot which would showcase the venue and it’s unique potential as a weird, wonderful and quirky venue!

Set in Central Portsmouth between the buzzing Gunwharf Quays, the fascinating Historic Dockyard and the beautifully quaint Old Portsmouth cobbled paths, the Theatre is just around the corner from the registry office but also licensed for weddings and civil partnerships. So as well as a great location the Theatre offers one of the most individual, unusual and original settings available for a lovely & unique wedding!

On the day of the photo shoot the theatre folk were busy setting up for a Hawaiian themed wedding, but were kind enough to let us have free roam of the multitude of rooms, extensive prop collection and the awesome wardrobe, which contains over 11,000 costumes!

After a quick explore with our amazing photographer for the day, Hana Venn, we decided on a variety of picturesque locations that the venue had to offer. Starting in ‘The Green Room’ which had beautifully huge Georgian windows, was filled with more vintage suitcases than you can imagine and an eclectic mix of props and furniture…but most unusually umbrella’s hanging from the ceiling!

Whilst Claire Greaves from Couture Hair & Makeup began to work her wonders on our beautiful models, we had fun photographing the two young daughters of one of our brilliant suppliers Cheryl, from Eliza Mabel. They were the perfect models for the adorable Eliza Mabel Bridesmaid dresses and accessories, natural posers for Hana and her camera! But who wouldn’t be when there was the promise of some of Queen Bees treats once the shoot was over.

Setting up in the main theatre room was Allison, the amazingly talented women behind Queen Bees. Providing exquisite table decorations, yummy treats and the most scrumptious popping candy macaroons I have ever tried…I didn’t know you could make such a thing! Allison will be joining us at The Groundlings Theatre Wedding Fair to provide a pop-up tea room, so make sure you come along to taste some of her goodies.

Once makeup and hair was complete the older models joined us wearing some of the gorgeous dresses supplied by Lisa Sheridan Frocks. Together with matching handbags and headpiece’s they helped to set the tea party theme emerging from the day. They worked seamlessly with the cute gowns of our younger models and we ended up with some fun shots on the striking, rustic, wooden staircase which leads up from the café to the theatre room.

The finishing touch to many of the outfits were the stunning jewellery and hair pieces supplied by the incredibly gifted Amanda, the creator of Bijou Junkie and these inspiring, handmade pieces. Hana did an amazing job with some really intricate close ups which showcase not only Amanda’s creations but the astonishing work of Claire’s hair and make-up. We all stood in awe as she used air brush make up to build up flawless layers on the models, which created the ideal soft bridal look with a hint of vintage pink lipstick.

As you can see from the pictures we all had such a fun day working in such a unique venue and amongst such great suppliers. Now we just can’t wait to showcase it all on June 1^st to brides and exhibiters alike. So come and join us to explore the character and charm of this stunning building, meet lots of lovely suppliers, enjoy live entertainment, tasty refreshments and to top it all if you’re one of the first 50 brides through the doors you’ll receive one of our luxury goody bags!

Here's some of our favourite images but to view them all click here!