Should I Hire A Wedding Planner?

Being awarded Wedding Planner Of The Year and receiving recognition from Bridebook has been one of Pamella’s highlights since launching her business nearly 10 years ago. One of the questions she frequently gets asked is why do I need a wedding planner, and as we are about to launch our brand spanky new website we thought we’d share our thoughts on why you need a wedding planner.

Hiring a wedding planner …..

Well the truth is, not everyone does, so we put together this article looking at areas to consider when planning your wedding. Which we hope uncovers some of the mystery surrounding the role of a planner.

Candles and cake …

Where you begin your personal wedding planning journey really depends on how you visualise your marriage taking shape. Most of us live in an era where we struggle to find extra hours as we rush from one demand on our precious time to another, where often just finding time to even think about what you might like for your significant celebration is tricky.  Consider this short list and step into the magical world of wedding planning confident you are heading in the right direction.

Wedding Dress Dreams

6 key wedding planner questions Pamella asks:

1 – Have you chosen a date, place and venue?

Wedding Venue Searching …

Wedding Venue Searching

2 – Have you a budget you will work to?

When your venue is a blank canvas

3 – Are you a creative looking to DIY your wedding, with support from family & friends?

Creative wedding decor lighting

4 – Do you need help with the design and styling?

Pamella shares her vision for wedding designing

5 – Do you need help with the administration, the coordination and on the day management?

When it all comes together on the day …

6 – Have you identified key suppliers who you can work with?

Wedding Vendors sent with love

These considerations will help you highlight where you will want additional support, advice and guidance. The answers will be quite different for every couple, but using the services of experienced professional planners for all or part of the above will allow you those moments to reflect, and take in the whole experience confident in the knowledge you are in safe hands.

Wedding Planning, Saving You Time And Money ….

Book a complimentary consultation …

Wedding planning with expert advice is the secret, book a complimentary consultation you’ll be pleased you did!

Pamella x

My Wedding Business Course: The London Edition

The world of weddings at PD HQ has always been a sparkly one, but when Charlotte Spain of highly commended blog Redamancy came in to our world a little over a year ago it got a whole lot sparklier. There has been a liberal sprinkling of luxe shimmer, a twinkling glow of sass and style that lights up our world. We love her and here she shares the inside story of the My Wedding Business Course at the BLoved Hive.

Redamancy Blogger Charlotte Spain

Hey ….

I’m here to share some truths about the business training and a little behind the scenes goss on the my Wedding Business Course.

B.LOVED.HIVE

Having been an instant success since its beginnings in December 2015, The My Wedding Business Course is incredibly close to celebrating its first birthday. And before we bring out the white and gold birthday cake (so on-brand for the Queen of Weddings, and founder of ‘My Wedding Business’, Pamella Dunn) and blow out the candles on a successful year of mentoring, coaching, and making dreams come true, we wanted to give you the full lowdown on My Wedding Business’ first trip to London. Undoubtedly, the first of many.

Amy Scott of Something New Wedding Planning

120 existing, and budding, wedding professionals will have attended one of these courses before the end of 2017. That’s 120 inspiring men and women who will continue to shape the face of the wedding industry from this point on. From wedding planners to florists, couture dress designers to wedding bloggers – anyone who is anyone has walked through the door of Pamella Dunn HQ and been met with the, now, iconic “Hi Darling!” and a massive hug. Pamella’s excellence in customer service and throwing a great event, has meant every single delegate has left her course with a burning desire to make their life, and their business, exactly how they want it. Because she’s just shown them how.

Your vibe attracts your tribe

And so it wouldn’t be fair to keep this beehive of success up in the North of England, where it began, when there are wedding professionals far and wide who would love a bit of brand-PD fairy dust sprinkled upon them. As well as a dusting of realism for good measure, because the great thing about Pamella is that she wants you to succeed so much that she’s not going to fob you off with glossed-over non-answers. So, September 22nd 2017 marked My Wedding Business’ first trip to London. Now, if that sounds to you like some sort of school / university field-trip then I assure you that the amount of giggles had over the course of 24 hours was very much the same. Because you cannot recreate the vibe of the original series in Yorkshire without bringing along your trusted Photographer, and friend, Amanda Wilcock from Cream Photography to take some professional headshots and make everyone roar with laughter. And a couple of us My Wedding Business Day One-ers wanted to come along for the ride too.

Networking over lunch

After much deliberation and window-shopping through venues, there was only one place that would capture all of the creativity, excitement, and inspiration that these courses bring. The B.Loved Hive, based in The Biscuit Factory at Bermondsey is a space that every Girl Boss / Femtrepeneur / whatever you like to call it, would feel like they could conquer the world from. And if there’s one thing that these courses try to instil in every delegate, it’s that. Even the colour-scheme inspires! Millennial pink captures the essence of the industry’s non-existent glass ceiling (hallelujah!) whilst complementing tones of black and grey really demonstrate the grit and determination required to get the job done.

ALEX

ALIA

AMY

HANNAH

JADE

CHARLOTTE

RANA

I have attended a few of Pamella’s courses over the last 12 months. I was there right at the very beginning when creating a mini-styled shoot was on the agenda, and I’ve since delivered blogging workshops after my win at The Blog Awards in April this year. But, you could just tell that the group of beauties that walked through the door of The Hive last Friday morning meant business and were here to learn. All currently studying with The UK Academy of Wedding and Event Planning, and all aspiring Wedding Planners themselves, it was clear to see that each and every one of them had something so valuable to bring to the industry.

Fizz & Bloom business branding

Alex, of Fizz and Bloom, already has the whole style, customer service, and luxury living thing down to a tee having run her own Beauty Salon since 2009. And it was whilst beautifying the ladies of Norfolk that she realised she would love to channel her creativity into producing stunning weddings under her namesake, Fizz and Bloom (pretty cool, huh?)

Jade having fun for her professional photography shoot

Jade of Jade Leung Weddings and Special Events already has style in abundance (check out her insta if you haven’t already) and yet her biggest hurdle coming onto the course was the fact that in North Wales, where she lives, Wedding Planning has not yet become commonplace. Although, seeing her passion, enthusiasm, and gorgeous attitude on the day, it’s clear as day that she will certainly find a way to become one of the big names.

Hannah Thomas

Hannah is another future superstar of the wedding industry. You can tell that she has what it takes to push through any boundaries that any of us have to face in the industry, and her desire to learn shone through the whole day. If she ends up being your wedding planner in the future then you’ve done good!

Alia wedding planner and stylist, Dubai and London

Alia hails from Lebanon and spends half her time in London and the other half in Dubai. Like all strong business women, Alia came onto the course keen to get her pricing right and perfecting her business model before going all guns blazing over in the UAE. Ladies and Gentlemen, watch this space…

Rana

Rana is extremely well travelled and has lived all over. It was obvious to see from the very start that she has the style and flair to make all of her dreams come true, with that gentle sophistication which makes for all of the best planners and stylists. Keen to seek out networking opportunities, she is ready to launch and there will be no looking back!

My Wedding business course September 2017

JADE

So now you have met the truly inspiring gang of go-getters that we all got the pleasure of meeting a week ago, and they got the pleasure of hearing Pam lead them through a whistle-stop tour of the industry. What does it cover? What doesn’t it cover! How to price your business, how to utilize social media to gain bookings, discovering your ideal client, how to network your way to the top of your game. It’s all there – a guide of how to achieve everything you could want along with coffee (I’d turn up to any event for that alone most of the time), lunch, and the invaluable opportunity to meet people who are just like you.

Sharing stories ..

This time, in addition, we had the genuine pleasure to hear from Louise Beukes who founded not only The Hive, but the infamous B.Loved Blog which shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. In fact, Louise is more in-demand than ever! Having recently launched her own courses, styling shoots for big-name brands, and running her popular Facebook Group ‘Meet, Learn, Thrive With The Hive’. She spoke to the delegates about her own story – where she started, how she made it work, and the legacy that she has now built with her own two hands (and a dose of that signature style).

Blogging workshop

That was just the morning! And the afternoon passed with similar gusto – a blogging workshop delivered by myself, and headshots and product shots taken by the fabulous Amanda. There was just enough time for us all to flick through the incredible collection of magazines displayed around The Hive, and get to know each other and our stories a little bit more, before we realised the time and couldn’t believe that another My Wedding Business course had just wrapped up.

Because we can’t go anywhere without some styling magic …

And it’s with an enormous amount of pride that I am able to write this summary. Not only because I can look back and see how far my own business has come since I attended that very first course back in December ‘16 – and the enviable opportunities that have come my way because of the advice that I gratefully received from Pamella. But also because the lady right at the helm of it all has become more than a mentor; she is a friend. And seeing your friend living her dream up-and-down the country, all the while inspiring more wedding industry pros to live their own, is something you cannot help but feel in awe of.

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2018 marks the year that Pamella will accomplish everything she set out to achieve 7 years ago, when the business brilliance that is Pamella Dunn Events was born. She will host a 3 day International styling retreat in Australia for those who want to learn about creating weddings with killer effects and exquisite details from the very best. And the best part about it all? She will be inviting you along for the ride – yes, you! But until then you can still book on another My Wedding Business course and join the likes of Alex, Jade, Sarah, Alia, Rana and a whole host of other graduates who now have all the tools they need to go hell for leather with their businesses.

Pamella, thanks for having me! Until next time folks…

A Destination Wedding Tour

Portofino to Alassio

The Italian Riviera

Throughout my career as a luxury wedding planner, it has always been my goal from the very beginning to travel, travel, and travel some more. And with the International Wedding Retreat 2018 being planned as we speak, my wanderlust has been greater than ever before. So you can imagine how happy I was when the exclusive invitation from Love Me In Liguria landed in my inbox one working day. An invitation, that was sending me, along with nine other international luxury wedding planners, to the Italian coast to experience first-hand the romance and breathtakingly beautiful vistas that couples can witness on their own wedding day. I really didn’t need asking twice!

Incredible views

Fast forward through the exciting stages of packing, planning and pinching myself and I was on my way, ready to meet my travel companions for the next four days. Arriving in Genoa, the first destination on our agenda for the week, the port provided the picture-perfect location to meet everyone for the first time over a welcome lunch at our boutique hotel.

Genoa

Sitting and soaking up the rays under an ocean of blue skies we were given a very warm welcome by the organisers of this incredible adventure: Francesca and Valentina of Love Me in Italy and the Lunargento Publishing House and wedding and event planner Simona Chiavaccini. Safe to say we were in very good company! And glancing around the table I could tell it was going to be a week full of swapping stories, discussing all-things-weddings and genuinely spending time in some very good company.

Marco, Pamella & Daria with Portofino in the background

And with that, let me introduce you to my new friends: Simona the PR and Marketing Manager from Zankyou – an online magazine reigning large in 23 countries and the largest wedding portal worldwide. Elisabetta of Intimately Inspired Events, Rui of Rui Mota Pinto Tailor & Planner, Froonck from Froonck of Der Wedding Planner, Olivia of Love Circus, Millie from Matthew Oliver Weddings, Daria of Caramel Events Wedding, Mirjam Wedding Guru, Marco from Ihr Hochzeitsplaner und Trauredner, and Mihai of High Emotion Weddings,

Rui, Foonck & Marco

The welcome lunch swiftly gave way into a four day blur of guided tours, meeting expert wedding suppliers, dining on Michelin-starred meals and raising champagne to toast the trip. I guess it is just the way things go when 10 international wedding planners meet 55 Ligurian Vendors in the country of love.

We were welcomed into castles and villas, palaces and restaurants and truly educated on the hospitality of this Italian paradise. Love Me In Italy excelled themselves in bringing together the area’s industry finest to firmly place Liguria on the map as a land of weddings and love. Not too much of a stretch for a region that is known and loved all over the world. And what’s not to love? Marinas, blue skies, sunshine and wine – it’s all right here.

However, even with its reputation preceding itself it was a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty, scenery, culture and history of this enchanting region up close. Mountain view after mountain view, each one a worthy postcard picture, signed sealed and delivered with the promise of the most breathtakingly beautiful wedding one could ever hope for. Along with the fine dining, perfect wine selection, and impeccable customer service that we knew our clients would certainly be treated too as well, this trip was one we will never forget.

Exclusive Villas

When we weren’t indulging in canapes and aperitifs, we were winding our way through the streets of Portofino and Alassio where we could marvel at the villas and private gardens which hinted at the affluent lifestyle of Liguria’s locals.

Exquisite Gardens With Breathtaking Views

Our journey took us onto Santa Margherita Ligure and Zoagli – all offering something totally different from the last, boasting their own appeal and sentiments, but all jostling for that special place in our memories that we would fondly recall once back in the UK.

Italy

I cannot thank Love Me In Liguria enough for their incredible welcome, hospitality and enlightening trip through the Ligurian region of Italy. I can firmly conclude that anyone lucky enough to be loved in Liguria should certainly take the chance. I am already itching to share the details with our international clients who are searching for their dream wedding location. Liguria truly is the land of the loved.

 

Until our next adventure …

Much love Pamella x

How To Get Into The World Of Weddings With Pamella Dunn

When you’re interviewed by the gorgeous talent that is the Wedding Enthusiast Ellie Kime ……

Ellie Kime

We know, we know, it’s the last day of August. We get it, we just don’t like it – so instead, we’ve made it indulgent cream and luxe sparkles with a Q&A from the amazing Pamella Dunn.

International Award Winning Luxury Wedding Planner and Stylist Transforming Venues With Killer Effects And Exquisite Details

Pamella is the Fairy Godmother of weddings, having been planning countless glamorous events over the years, keeping her trademark look locked down whilst constantly predicting upcoming wedding trends, evolving her style and working her magic on the most sublime venues across the country. As well, Pam has always been keeping her doors open to advise, nurture and support upcoming businesses in the industry. Even if you haven’t hired Pamella Dunn Weddings (or if you haven’t been able to – she’s super in demand!), there’s a very high chance that your wedding has been in some way inspired, influenced or affected by Pamella.

Image credit: Soniya Zeb at Rudding Park

All of this has culminated in a SUPER exciting opportunity, coming this November – a 5-day intensive masterclass run by Pamella Dunn teaching you everything you need to know (and so, so much more) about the wedding industry. EEEEEEEEP! How incredible does that sound?! It’s five days crammed with insider info on how to grow your successful wedding business, with tips on bossing social media, branding, and making effective first impressions, as well as hands-on guidance in positioning, floral design and venue styling. On top of that, there’s an on-location shoot day included, and a make-up masterclass. Every single aspect of the full week course has been handpicked to maximise the potential of your wedding business, and help it unlock goals that never even seemed a possibility before. As well as taking away all of this new-found genius, you’ll also be able to get the answers to any burning questions you may have in a completely safe and supportive environment, AND professional images for your portfolio and business. You will also leave with new friends, an award winning mentor, a clear idea of how to develop your business and lifetime membership to the private members club My Wedding Business Club. Ok, we’re finally done – I mean, come on guys, we’ve only got five days!

My Wedding Business Intensive Masterclass

To find out more about this insane opportunity, we sat down with the queen that is Pamella Dunn to get behind the name and squeeze some more details about the exclusive event:

You’ve spent so many years as an incredible wedding planner & stylist and are THE name in the industry – how come you’ve also turned to business mentoring?

My background in the corporate world involved business development, recruitment and training of hundreds of small business owners. I coached and mentored them, training in areas they may not have had experience of before, such as social media and marketing, customer service and finance. My role also involved conferencing and events and I was able to draw on this to support businesses in the wedding industry. It’s where my passion lies in helping others be the best they possible can be and raising the bar promoting excellence within the wedding industry. To be able to bring together my skill set and my passion has been a dream come true, and I really feel that I’ve found the role I’ve been searching for throughout my varied career.

What’s more rewarding – planning a wedding or watching brand ambassadors go on and do amazing things?

Well, I really love weddings. They are all so very different, meaning I’m never bored, and meaning each one involves my personal investment. I genuinely could not be happier when I see the months of planning finally come together for the client, and their reaction!. But I also adore the mentoring; the growth of the brand ambassadors is an on going relationship of support that gives me so much joy and makes me immeasurably proud of the brands as they continue to grow and dominate the industry.

Can you tell us a little more about the bits included?

The masterclass brings together really exciting practical training in styling, florals as well as on location for a shoot which will be published and everyone will be credited and delegates will receive the professional images. There will be education workshops covering social media, marketing, and advertising, as well as guest appearances from industry experts. The week will be exciting and full of surprises, culminating in a makeup masterclass and fabulous lunch.

What about the masterclass are you most excited about? 

The makeup masterclass I think. Under the guidance of the highly sought after artist Aimee Akbar, it’s an opportunity for us all to learn techniques we can use ourselves as well as what is involved in wedding day makeup – which is useful for all involved in the industry whether it be for big days, shoots or editorials! Having said that, the flower and design seminar will be world-class too, so I’m torn between the two…ask me tomorrow and it’ll probably change!

What do you think is the single most important thing for those starting out in the industry?

 

Vision.

Definitely a dream vision of the most incredible business and brand they would like to create. It will keep them focused as the business begins to grow and the time to continue planning and developing becomes more and more limited. Competitors and challenges will distract along the way but with a clear vision and end goal you remember why you started and push through in pursuit of that long term dream.

With that in mind, what else is in your vision? What else have you got in the pipeline for stage 2 of world wedding domination?

It’s funny that you should say world domination, actually, because my long held dream and my vision when I began the courses was to take the fabulous masterclasses across the globe. I absolutely love to travel and an adventure that involves meeting and mentoring gorgeous wedding and style conscious friends around the world is planned for 2018. With the first incredible event planned for Sydney we are ridiculously excited and busy behind the scenes planning the schedule for new year and beyond. They know a thing or ten about weddings, the Aussies, and I can’t wait to soak up the wedding feels over there and also spread some of mine!

Who’s this course ideally aimed at?

The course is aimed at style conscious, sassy business owners and interior lovers looking to take it to the next level. Whether that next level is a business launch, to create impact and develop your already successful business, or taking the plunge on a vocational personal investment to realise your life-long dreams, everyone will benefit. Other than that, the only requisites are people who are looking to enjoy a fun and informative week where they will take away new skills, professional images, and a network of supportive like minded friends.

If you’d like any more details about the Intensive Masterclass, view the event here or get in touch with the lovely Pamella Dunn. We can’t wait to see what magic you make with her!

Thank you to Ellie for taking the time out to interview me, and thank you for this recent comment on your Facebook page.

“One of the best, most door-opening things I’ve ever done was apply to be one of Pamella Dunn Weddings‘s interns. Her tutelage, inspiration, and constant support (and the giggles!) have got me where I am today, and I’m so lucky to have such an incredible lady as a boss, friend, and mentor. Which is why I was SO happy to interview her for the And so to Wed blog, chatting about her uber exciting new venture – the My Wedding Business 5 day Intensive Masterclass for people just like me! Eeeeeeep!”

My Wedding Business Training

My Wedding Business Training

At Pamella Dunn Events we like to make dreams come true. Not in a clichéd fairytale way but in a way where we take your desired vision and make it a reality. With a touch of glamour, of course. Although, there is always a happy ever after for our brides, grooms and other clients too.

Delegate Laura enjoying the photography workshop as Cream Photography work their magic ensuring everyone is comfortable in front of the camera

We tend to talk about dreams coming true a lot in the wedding industry, in reference to the wedding day itself – when everything comes together to produce a fabulous result that kick-starts your long-term future. However, there’s another side to the industry where exactly the same thing happens… Business.

A Specialist Workshop with Marquee Experts Village Farm Marquees

The My Wedding Business Course is perfect for anyone who has ever dreamed of working with weddings. It’s a day packed full of inspirational advice that helps bring everything you need together for a successful business, coaches you in order that you produce fabulous results for your clients, and kickstarts your long-term future as a budding entrepreneur. Alongside like-minded go-getters you will learn everything it takes to succeed in the glamorous world of ‘I do’s’.

Personal branding images and head shots are included on the one day course, here are Susanne from Beamsley Blooms business cards and marketing material

The course is an absolute must for anyone who has dreamed of owning a wedding business, those who already run a business but want to branch out into the world of weddings, and anyone who wants to up their wedding-game and aim for a whole new target market. Maybe you’re recently married and fell in love with a certain aspect of your wedding day that you’d now like to pursue as a career. Nothing great ever came from staying in our comfort zone so now’s the time to step out and strive for what you want. Run by the highly-acclaimed, award-winning wedding planner Pamella Dunn, you will leave the course with everything you need to hit the ground running, including a luxury gift bag full of exciting goodies.

Professional branding images are included for each delegate

With a track-record in running an incredibly successful luxury wedding business and a background in coaching, Pamella knows just what it takes to make your business stand out as a market leader. The course covers everything you need to know from social media to styled photoshoots and you’ll also leave with a professional headshot to put straight on your website. Pamella’s little black book of the hottest wedding industry contacts means she’s extremely well-placed to suggest connections and help you network your way to the top of your game.

Bridebook UK Award Winning Wedding Planner 2017 Pamella

Former course attendees have gone on to successfully launch their businesses, connect and collaborate with similar businesses to produce applaudable results, and comfortably find their right target market to work with. Now it’s your turn… Whether you’ve got an idea for a business and want to make it happen, or you want to take your existing services to the next level then the My Wedding Business Course is exactly what you need. With the next course taking place in Leeds on August 30th, followed by our London date on Friday September 22nd at the B.Loved Hive there is no time to waste. Book your place on the course today and start making those dreams come true.

A date for your diary August 30th 2017 My Wedding Business Course

Huge thanks to Charlotte Spain of Redamancy for this fabulous guest blog, I’m looking forward to meeting everyone. Also for those that missed our Instagram post we are excited to have opened up applications for this years internships. If you’d like apply, and we’d love you to, email over your CV and covering letter to pam@pamelladunn.co.uk we love hearing from you.

Best wishes

Pam x

Luxury Retreat Preview Woodlands Boutique Hotel Leeds

Our eagerly awaited preview to the International luxury retreats was last Sunday, it was a truly fabulous day and here Charlotte from award winning blog Redamancy shares all the fabulous details ….

A Champagne Reception – the perfect way to start a sunshiny Sunday

What do the words ‘luxury’ and ‘styling’ have in common? It’s a pretty straightforward answer; Pamella Dunn. Pam, or Pami to friends (which I am so lucky to be able to call her), has been stirring up styling sensations in the wedding industry for the last 7 years. I first met Pamella when I was given the enviable title of intern and brand ambassador, along with 6 other fabulous ladies, back in June 2016 and getting to know her and her business has been an absolute delight. The number one thing I have learnt? If Pam asks you to go on an adventure, you don’t even hesitate. It will be the best ride of your life.

Tall tropical floral designs made conversation easy across the banquet table

Ever since I first met Pam I knew that one of her dreams was to take off around the world, inspiring little wedding wannabes (and I use that in the nicest sense of the world, as I too was a wedding wannabe) with her sparkling style and creative coaching methods. I love it when people hustle for their dream above and beyond anything else, and so when Pam mentioned to me that she was putting on a Preview of the Luxury Styling Retreat in Leeds before it headed to SYDNEY (!!!) I was practically happy dancing around my kitchen. Actually, I was literally happy dancing around my kitchen. Would I like to assist in planning it? Boy, would I!

Place setting details were carefully considered

Cue excited emails passed back and forth between myself, Pam, and all-round wunderkind Ellie Kime, a brainstorming session, a very delightful meeting in Filmore and Union (still dreaming about that Pistachio Rose Latte) and lots of instagram promotion. Sunday 14th of May had certainly seemed like a long way off when we were planning it but as with all majorly exciting things it soon came around quickly!

Sponsors were featured on arrival surrounded by this showstopping organic balloon arch

The night before the event I couldn’t sleep. I know this sounds like a terribly clichéd thing to say but it’s true. Not even the thought of setting my alarm for 5:45am could dampen my spirits (I’m more of a 8:45 girl myself). The next morning at 6:37 – I’m always 7 minutes behind schedule, potential future clients look away now – I was in my car, downing coffee in world-record time, and hot-footing it along the motorway.

The gorgeous YSL consultants Steph and steph from Harvey Nichols leeds

I arrived at the beautiful Woodlands Hotel to find Pam doing what Pam does best – styling up a storm. It was a golden botanical haven, and the marquee styled to the nines really felt like a place where plans would be made and goals would be set. Exactly the type of place you want to be if you’ve got a hunger and passion for all things wedding biz. I immediately set to work helping recreate Pam’s vision, and as more of the LSRT (Luxury Styling Retreat Team) arrived it began to sink in that this was really happening.

Chloe and Javie catching up at the drinks reception

This event was all about style, so I’m going to have to go into lots of adoring detail and descriptions and you’re just going to have to bear with me! Gold sequin tablecloths bathed the banqueting table running down one length of the room, lined with chivari chairs standing proudly dressed in their sashes. Golden glass charger plates, luxe golden cutlery and gold-rimmed goblets from Whitehouse crockery delivered opulence at its very best. Leafy green tropical table centrepieces stood high on golden plinths and candles filled every available gap. Palms reinforced the botanical look and balloons from Swoon Balloons provided some luxury fun. Pam’s favourite detail from the event was the stunning name plaque hoops she’d had designed to sit above each keynote speaker’s chair and I have to say it was an inspired idea which really added something a little bit special. Sofas created a chill-out area (3 course fine-dining experiences can be tiring, you know) and the table lined with gift bags just made me want to squeal.

Tropical gold tablescape styling

By 10:00am setup was pretty much complete, which gave us half an hour before the guests were due to arrive. It was just enough time to revel in what Pam had created and take in the incredible atmosphere, which stayed with everyone for the rest of the day. During this time I met Kylie, the CEO of the Wedding Academy – with whom I completed my Advanced Diploma in Planning and Design – and Brand Manager for the Academy, Martha. After chatting with them for just 10 minutes I already felt totally inspired, so how the heck was I going to feel after the inspirational speeches?!

Kylie with wedding academy students past and present

There was no time to dwell on that though as I shot off to the conservatory to be on hand to greet guests when they arrived. Champagne, anyone? This little welcome soiree was made even better by Liz Keeting doing her thing, performing some of the top wedding songs to ever exist. L is for the way you look at me… O is for… “Omg that balloon arch looks incredible!” I said in my inside voice, because I did not want to drown out Liz’s beautiful voice for a single second. Claire from Swoon Balloons had created an amazing display of white and gold balloons that really set the tone for the day as soon as guests arrived. My favourite detail? The printed banner displaying all of the suppliers involved in the event, from the lovely Zoe at The Golden Letter who designed the most stunning stationery suite ever, to YSL who sponsored the gift bags. Yes, you read that correctly – Yves. Saint. Laurent. There were also these super gorge quotation cards on the welcome table, inscribed with motivational sayings to get everyone in the mood. “Work until you no longer have to introduce yourself” is my favourite quote of all time and I’m very happy to say it made the cut.

The amazing voice of Liz Keeting

After guests had enjoyed a little bit of bubbly in the sunshine, we all headed inside to commence the day. Liz, who was also acting as super-glam MC, had a special announcement for our guests. Hidden under 5 chairs were golden tickets that awarded the lucky recipient a free consultation with the lovely ladies from YSL in Harvey Nichols in Leeds, as well as a £50 voucher for a beauty makeover. What a prize, is what I thought when Pam told me, which was definitely echoed by the girls in the audience who threw themselves on the floor to check under chairs!

Helen Davies Curator at Sarah Beeny’s Rise Hall

Bums firmly back on seats, it was time for the speakers. First up, Helen Davies of Rise Hall. It sounds like an incredibly fancy title, and this lady deserves every single bit of it. ‘H’ is for Helen, but it’s also for Hustle and she has this in abundance. Helen started her own wedding planning company, The Wedding Concierge, 5 years ago. Within 12 months, Helen had been approached by Sarah Beeny (yes, the very one) who asked her to take over the wedding side of things at Rise Hall, which up until this point had been pretty poor, and turn it into a wedding venue of dreams. Helen was unsure at first, as anyone would be, but six days later she moved into Rise Hall with just a computer and a suitcase. What she has accomplished is quite frankly astonishing, or it would be if it wasn’t the result of sheer graft and determination. Because that’s the real reason Rise Hall is now a top wedding venue and hotel, hosting around 40 weddings a year – Helen quite simply worked her arse off. Her talk provided inspiration in bucket-loads and you could tell there was a buzz amongst the guests once she’d finished.

Keynote speakers Helen Davies and Anita Massarella

Next up, couture dress designer Anita Massarella. Now, let me tell you, this woman has a wicked sense of humour! – she had us all in absolute stitches! She’s a fantastic speaker and storyteller, and you want her to keep reeling off amazing anecdotes all day! She happened to mention that she had designed a wardrobe for Margaret Thatcher and I swear every single jaw in the audience dropped. Imagine being able to say that?! Anita also brought along some of her stunning dresses, and it’s not hard for one second to see why people pay the prices they do for Anita’s designs. To put it simply – they are bloody gorgeous! Anita is one of the most focussed and driven people you could hope to meet, and I’m very glad I got the chance.

Haute Couture designer Anita Massarella

Kylie Carlson, Director and Founder of The Wedding Academy rounded up the inspirational talks. I was really intrigued to hear Kylie speak because I’d already heard what a charismatic and engaging speaker she is, and she did not disappoint. I even lent over to Pam during Kylie’s talk to comment on what a ‘ball-buster’ she is, because when Kylie sets her mind to something – she achieves it. She doesn’t let anything stand in her way, and if there is an obstacle of some sort then she quickly susses out the most efficient way around it and achieves her goal. Which is why it’s not hard to see why The Wedding Academy has received the international acclaim it has. With Kylie at the helm how could it have achieved anything less?

Academy CEO Kylie Carlson with academy students past and present

That rounded up the morning’s events, and as the guests seated themselves at the table for lunch, the suppliers quickly headed off to the bar for a well-deserved glass of vino and a bit of a chin-wag. You just can’t beat it on a summer’s day! I did ask the guests how they enjoyed their food though, and I was met with lots of faces that resembled the heart-eyed emoji. However, with this being an industry event, it’s safe to say that this bunch of lovelies enjoyed the networking opportunity just as much as the food!

Woman in business doing what they do best – networking with a glass of champagne in hand

The afternoon kicked back off with a floral styling demonstration, from florist support on the event – Jade from Flowers By Jade. I think the guests were a bit disbelieving when it was explained to them that Jade was going to demonstrate how they could recreate a very similar centrepiece to those on display, at home, however her easy way of explaining things made us all realise that it’s actually possible. That’s the great thing about Jade; she’s down-to-earth, she’s bubbly and she’s very approachable. I find flowers quite daunting, because there are so many different types and I can never remember their names let alone their appropriate seasons. But Jade put us all at ease with her demonstration, and then it was time for everyone to try out these tips and tricks by styling their own greenery display in a gorgeous white vase. Bonus – they got to take it home too. And there were some absolutely fabulous creations!

Tall centrepiece tropical florals

Once everyone had arranged their own floral display, and after a very inspirational note to end on from the woman herself – Pam, it was time for mojitos and a dessert table selection to wind down the afternoon. One way to move 24 women into another room fast is to mention ‘cocktails and cake’, just FYI. It was so lovely to see everyone chatting to the people who they’d met during the day, swapping Instagram handles and friending each other on Facebook, especially as many of them had turned up alone without knowing anyone else.

Fabulous wedding industry professionals, L-R Ella, Katie, Louise and Laura.

I couldn’t believe how fast the day had flown by when everyone started coming to say thank you and goodbye, laden with the luxury goody bags stuffed full of treats. I met some truly wonderful people who I know I will stay in touch with, and it was definitely a sentiment that I could see a lot of people shared. There was such a positive tingle in the air come 4:00pm that day. It’s like when you’re little and you go to a children’s party – you’ve had the best time playing with all of your friends and you’re so chock-full of sugar that you genuinely feel that life is better than it ever has been, and you can’t wait for tomorrow. That’s the feeling that the Luxury Stylist Retreat gave me. And with a conclusion like that, you can’t possibly tell me that you don’t want to come to Sydney and do it with us all over again? I’ll see you down under. G’day Mate.

A fabulous day and a wonderful article, thank you Charlotte. I’ll finish with the highlights from the day by hugely talented photographer Soniya Zeb, including the super stylish gold foil stationery suite from The Golden Letter, gold chargers, tableware and glassware from luxury event hire company Whitehouse Crockery, all styled to perfection by Rebecca from Pop Up Weddings and Charlotte of course from Redamancy. 

Soon to follow, a fabulous film from Ash at To Have And To Hold Films

A very warm welcome for all the guests at the champagne drinks reception

Sunday sunshine networking

Luxe tableware place setting, with luxury gold foil stationery and gold glass chargers

Candle lit details on the mirrored gold tablescape

Keynote speakers Kylie Carlson, Helen Davies, and Anita Massarella

Bride to be and her gorgeous Mum

Luxury Retreat guests L-R Chloe, Javie and Dee

Exquisite gowns from Anita Massarella

There was a wonderful buzz in the room as speakers shared inspirational stories

Lucky winners of the 5 golden tickets

Mini bouquets and vases for the afternoons guest Style Challenge

Banquet tablescape and chiffon drop chair sashes

Hello Love rose gold balloons decorate the marquee wall

hello – love balloons from Swoon Balloons

 

Luxury chiffon drop and diamante tie chair detail

Thank you gifts for the wonderful support team

Pamella Dunn finishing the final styling

Pamella Dunn Luxury Wedding Planner, wedding business trainer and mentor

 

All props available to hire from My Wedding Hire email pam@pamelladunn.co.uk or call 07900 216132

 

Luxury Wedding Retreat Preview

If you are planning your wedding, in the industry, a lover of fashion, style and celebrating opportunity and have not yet heard about the Luxury Wedding Retreat Preview event happening in Leeds on Sunday May 14th 2017 you are going to be just a little bit excited to learn ……. The event is an introduction to three day retreats and styling sessions planned in exotic locations around the globe. To share this one day event with you is a dream come true. It’s a luxury day that delights the senses in every way, and with Yves Saint Laurent sponsoring the event and provided luxury gift bags I’m ridiculously excited about everything we have planned for you.

YSL Harvey Nichols Leeds will be sharing with you fabulous makeup and beauty advice on the day

The Luxury Retreat Preview launches at Woodlands Boutique Hotel Leeds on Sunday May 14th 2017 opening with a sparkling champagne reception. The day is proudly sponsored by Yves Saint Laurent and with an itinerary of keynote speakers, couture fashion, a fabulous flower style challenge, cocktails and fine dining, it is an exclusive date for every fashionistas diary. Curious? Let me introduce you to a fabulous line up of keynote speakers; Anita Massarella, Kylie Carlson and Helen Davies.

Leeds couture designer Anita Massarella

Kylie Carlson CEO at The Academy Of Wedding And Event Planning

Helen Davies curator of Exclusive use wedding venue Rise Hall

Proudly sponsored by Yves saint Laurent and luxury London stationer The Golden Letter a ticket will get you behind the scenes access to the hottest UK Sunday soiree before the retreats go international. Join us at this exclusive retreat and discover the art of couture fashion and beauty advice, experience unforgettable flowers and hear how looking after yourself and living the dream go hand in hand.

YSL

Reserve your seat today for just £99 plus booking fee here and look out for your invitation coming in the post, there will be 5 lucky winners receiving VIP golden tickets who will take home fabulous prizes on the day.

You can enjoy relaxing after the event and experience the hotel facilities with accommodation available to book online from an amazing £69 per room per night B&B.

Introducing Brand Ambassador Lisa From The Bobby Pin and more …

Wedding Millinery & Accessories

This fabulous young bridal accessories company is just gorgeous and has made an incredible name for themselves in less than a year. I’m a huge advocate of businesses that thrive on hard work, are passionate about exceeding customer expectations and generous supporters of other small businesses. This entrepreneur is truly inspirational, if you are considering launching your wedding business or looking for some motivation to take your business to new heights you’ll love hearing what can be achieved in a very short time.

Bespoke Bridal Hair Accessory

Hi, I am Lisa the owner of The Bobby Pin Bridal and the Co-Owner of The Hook Box Co and The Bridal Market.

Well what can I say about the most incredible journey of the last year.  It all started in Spring 2016 when I decided to quit my day job and fully focus on my dream which was to build my business empire within the wedding industry.  I have had such an amazing start with The Bobby Pin it has exceeded my expectations completely from when I first launched and I even won The British Wedding Award for Best Accessories 2017 which was a complete shock and so far from what I believed was possible.

A Bespoke Accessorised Cake

I have always been very business focused and always knew one day I would work for myself but in what I really didn’t know.  The Bobby Pin was born through deciding to take up a new hobby in millinery and enrolling into night school at Leeds College of Art.  I loved making hats but I just couldn’t see much opportunity in this for me in terms of a business so I turned my attention to what brides would be wearing in their hair.  The penny dropped straight away and I started researching all the trends and became obsessed with everything wedding related.  In terms of my bridal pieces I have very much taught myself how to make these as there isn’t much in the way of training.  I just love experimenting with wire, crystals and beads and it somehow makes itself into a headpiece.

Hook Box Subscriptions You’ll Love

In October 2016 I met a fellow Bradfordian girl over coffee one morning and at 4pm that day we were still in the same coffee shop talking about how much business potential we could have has a partnership.  So from then on Katherine Cocksedge (The Bridal Market) and I were inseparable.  We have recently launch the Hook Box Co which is a Bride to Be subscription box helping brides to plan their weddings with lots of help and advice and some amazing gifts thrown in.   We also decided to launch a one off Bride to Be, Bridesmaid, Hen and because I love nothing more than a festival, we have done a summer festival box for the ladies who love glitter!!

Your Bridesmaid Hook Box

So as you can imagine life is pretty busy at the moment but my one piece of advice I would give out about this industry is that networking is your best friend.  I have been lucky enough to be surrounded by great like-minded people like the amazing Pamella Dunn who have done nothing but support me following a great day on her My Wedding Business Course.  I really don’t think half of my success could have been achievable without these people constantly giving me great advice.  I really do believe in the saying “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know”

Your Festival Hook Box

So I will crack on with my little empire for now and see what other trouble I can get myself into.  All I know is that am I so thankful I get to do this every day and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Lisa xxx

Introducing Wedding Academy Student Lindsey

Pamella Dunn Brand Ambassador Lindsey supported behind the scenes in the studio for the filming of the Wedding Academy International Trend Report 2017 and has gone on to secure a fabulous post at a beautiful wedding venue. Hear her inspiring story and how she made it happen even before graduating from the academy.

Day 13:

The Dream Job

CEO Kylie Carlson From The Academy Interviews Lindsey Watson

 

A bit of background…

I am 27 years old, married with two children aged 2 and 4. Whilst planning my own wedding I was in my element and I thought to myself, “I could totally make a career out of this!” And so I started looking into courses, having two young children I thought it may be pretty difficult to juggle everything but then I found Wedding Planning Academy.  I spoke with the course consultant/tutor Zoe and explained what I wanted to achieve, which was to become an wedding/event coordinator within a venue, and Zoe pointed me in the direction of the Venue Coordination course. Having checked the units, I knew the course was for me as it covered everything I needed! And so, I signed up and since the course material was available almost immediately I started studying straight away! It’s easy to follow and as I have 2 years to complete the course, with no deadlines to meet, it fits perfectly into my lifestyle!

 

Northallerton Wedding Venue Solberge Hall

Solberge Hall  (Northallerton)…

So… this is the place where it all started for me – it quite literally changed my life (without sounding over dramatic!). After starting my course I knew I needed experience, completing the course would make me a good venue coordinator but I want to be a fabulous venue coordinator!  And so the search began for the right venue, a venue that would be open to me learning all there is to know about them as a whole, what they do and how they do it!

I came across Solberge Hall online and saw that it had some great reviews and a small, experienced events team. I called Solberge and spoke with the Operations Manager Jamie, who was more than happy for me to visit the venue and do some shadowing of his staff to learn about the venue and how it ran. I shadowed for a while and then a job in food & beverage came up, I figured I needed to know how a venue worked from food & beverage right up to the operational side of the venue and so I went for the job, interviewed, and got the position!

I worked on food & beverage for some time and worked closely with Jordan, the Food and Beverage Manager learning all about how they provide a great customer experience and continuously deliver everything that is expected of them on the events side of things. For example, setting up weddings and conferences, all while following functions sheets to ensure all elements are delivered to the clients exact specification. So although other people may beg to differ, in my opinion, spending time within food and beverage has certainly given me the background on events – after all, would the events run without this team? Absolutely not!

Wedding Ceremony

After my time on food and beverage I worked with Jamie learning all about the operational side of the venue, and my gosh is there a lot to learn on the operational side of the venue! Jamie literally seems to do it all – from standing in the kitchen to ensure food runs out efficiently during events to holding meetings with the teams each morning to ensure the smooth running of the day within the hall. He is very hands on and has taught me A LOT and although there’s still plenty left for me to learn, in a relatively short space of time with him I feel I’ve gained so much knowledge!

Very shortly I’ll be visiting other venues within the ‘Classic Lodge’ brand and again, it’s all about gaining more knowledge, and, could I stay in the venue that I’m at now and learn this one way of running a venue/events team? Yes!  But I’m out there looking for a great start to my new career and thinking outside of the box (or hall in this instance!). My thoughts are that by visiting other venues it can only widen my knowledge and enable me to gain other perspectives on running a hotel/event. This is being arranged by the General Manager, James – another example of how the team at Solberge Hall support me in becoming a better, well rounded, wedding/events coordinator.

Set design in the studio for filming of the International Wedding Trend Report 2017

The wedding academy course also offers me more than just study, support and a qualification. I have had the opportunity to be mentored and work alongside one of the advisory board members Pamella Dunn on the International Trend Report filming day in the studio.

To summarise – it’s true what they say, knowledge is power! And if you can find that one venue, one that will have your back, understand that you might drop the ball now and again while you’re learning… and catch it for you! Then you’re onto a winner! Learn, gain as much knowledge about ALL aspects of the venue then… you’ll get your dream job!

 

Lyndsey far right with Academy students left to right – Stacey, Nina and Vikki James

The Dream Job…

I guess, you could say I’m one of the very lucky ones – in the sense that not many people get paid for doing what they love but now, I do! I remember the first email I sent signed, ‘Lindsey – Wedding & Events Coordinator’ and I thought to myself, this is my dream job, and I’ve actually got the position – and I’m doing it right now! It seemed so surreal and it was just a great feeling of achievement! Solberge saw something in me, something that I don’t see in myself half the time – yes, I know I’m passionate about the role and yes, I know myself that I would have done whatever it took to get the position, but they have definitely seen something that made them think that I’d be right for the position!

Although I’ve not long been in the position, I have to say I absolutely love it! I wake up wanting to go to work, looking forward to my various meetings, whether it be meeting with the lovely couples getting married at Solberge or meeting with businesses who are wanting to hold a conference here. No two days are the same, and that’s what I love about the job – it varies so much from day to day.

I have a fabulous manager, Kate who has actually only recently been promoted to Manager from event coordinator – which again shows that with hard work, you can work your way up! Kate has been showing me the ropes – I still have so much to learn within the events team – but I’m taking it all in, making notes, trying to dive in as much as possible to make sure that I do become a fabulous event coordinator. Is it scary? At times, yes! Being new isn’t always the easiest of things to be – but nothing stays new forever!

 

What’s Next…

I’ve just started in this role. But what’s next for me? I’d love to become a Wedding & Events Manager! You’ve got to keep dreaming and well, it’s the next big dream! Running a small team of coordinators would be amazing – it’d mean I’ve reached the top of my game! I’m determined and I’m sure that with more hard work and dedication… I’ll get there! Watch this space….

 

Lyndsey on set

Lindsey xxx

Introducing Pamella Dunn Brand Ambassador Sian of Chaplin Events

I’ve had a really wonderful Mother’s Day, it has been all about family. The sun shone and everyone came over for good food and summery gin and tonics. It’s been a fun day and now I’m excited for this fabulous feature which introduces you to the utterly gorgeous Sian. She has recently celebrated a very special birthday so I’ve no doubt she has had an amazing weekend. Let’s hear from her as she shares some background on her new wedding business.

Sian founder of Chaplin Events

Day 11:

Hi I’m Sian and my events journey began almost 10 years ago when I had the pleasure of working for the UK’s largest bridal trade show, The Harrogate Bridal Show. This was a fabulous introduction to the industry & really ignited my passion for events. I just love to see an occasion go from notes jotted onto a piece of paper to a completed celebration, seeing ideas come to life and being proud of the end result!

Over the years I have worked in many roles, strengthening my skills and furthering my love for all things events. I am quite fortunate that in my current role I am actively involved in organising events all over the world in some wonderful countries; India, China, Thailand to name a few!

With a broad events background and the enjoyment of planning my own wedding, I made the exciting decision to launch my very own event planning business in January 2017, Siân Chaplin Events. The introductory wedding business course, organised by Pamella Dunn Events was fantastic and offered a huge stepping stone into the industry. The course provided me with encouragement, positivity and motivation to go it alone and use my skills and experience to support clients with their planning requirements. 

The services I offer are ever growing and can be tailored to suit each and every individual client.

Venue Sourcing – UK and international, I can help you find your dream venue for any occasion that you’re planning. Once the venue is sourced you’ll be surprised at the sense of relief, then the fun really begins!

Supplier Sourcing – There are so many aspects to think about when planning any event, the list of people involved can become endless. I understand the importance of making your celebration perfect and will work closely with you to source the perfect suppliers based on your vision.

On the Day Coordination – Having an events professional at your wedding or special occasion can make the world of difference. I can take on the management of all suppliers, leaving you to enjoy the celebrations and spend quality time with your guests.

Event Support for Small Businesses – Do you own a small business and love the idea of running a floristry, craft, cake decorating workshop but aren’t quite sure where to start and feel you would really benefit from some admin support? I’d love to be involved!

Weddings, birthdays, baby showers, hen parties; there isn’t an event I don’t love to be involved in! 

Why should you book me as your event planner? I care about each and every event as if it’s my own and have a tremendous amount of passion for the industry. I will work with you every step of the way, keep you in the loop and relieve the stress that organising your own can cause. My priority is for you to feel completely comfortable in my company and trust in me to offer an excellent service.

A photoshoot collaboration

What’s next in my event planning journey? I’m currently working on some fabulous styling collaborations and gathering inspiration for my next styled shoot, after having just coordinated my first wedding shoot and loving every minute! Keep your eyes peeled for exciting announcements over the coming months!

No job is too big or small, let’s meet over a cuppa and start making plans! 

Chaplin Events branding

Siân x

Follow my event planning journey on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Photography credits

Headshot – Cream Photography

Styled Shoot image – Arabella Smith Fine Art Photography