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What do wedding planners do?

Your Wedding Planner Does More Than Just Wedding Planning

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Book a complimentary wedding planning consultation

Ahead of the brand new shiny website and following yesterday’s article where we unraveled the question, “do I need a wedding planner?” You contacted us with specific questions about what it was a wedding planner actually did. You wanted to now what it was that you didn’t know! The questions to ask, and the things to consider as you begin the exciting adventure of planning a wedding for the very first time. It’s unchartered territory and I’d like to help answer some of your questions.

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Wedding Flowers

As the considerations are seemingly endless the earlier you discuss your plans with a professional the less likely you are to encounter any issues that were so important to you. These could be restrictions at your venue that don’t allow naked flames or even insisting on their preferred suppliers, it could be crazy weather, your timings, the additional costs that squeeze your budget or noise restrictions that exclude your favourite band. Saving precious time early in the process could be the best wedding decision you make. Book a no obligation consultation with a planner and get an hours free wedding advice, it really could save you time and look after your budget, as well as ensuring a seamless and stress free day.

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Special moments

Design & Styling

And one of the best pieces of advice I could give would be to carefully consider any decision to style your own wedding. It is an exciting time and if you are a creative with passion and vision for how your wedding will look, I know you will be tempted to enlist the help of your bridal party to place your pretty details in your beautiful venue. You will want to oversee the proceedings whilst liaising with your hand picked suppliers, but the reality is you rarely have the time and your photographer and hair and makeup team will be calling you. Your closest friends and family will want to shower you with love and attention, and you will feel under pressure. A talented team of stylists will bring calm and joy to your most memorable of occasions. Enjoy this magical time and don’t be afraid to ask for expert advice.

From ‘wedmin’ to design, expert advice on venues, locations, artisan wedding suppliers, and a talented creative, an experienced wedding planner will inspire and guide you, reassure and excite you. They’ll have amazing ideas – one of our favourite Yorkshire venues has an outdoor fireplace we think is just made for toasting marshmallows!

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Toasting marshmallows

A professional wedding planner really is an engaged couples best friend.

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Reserved for your wedding planning meeting

Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness Pamella x

Luxury Retreat Preview Woodlands Boutique Hotel Leeds

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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 ….

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

YSL, Yves saint Laurent, Leeds YSL, Harvey Nichols Leeds,
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.

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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.

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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?!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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!

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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 centrepiece, gold flower stands,
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.

wedding indi=ustry professionals, wedding industry business woman,
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

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A very warm welcome for all the guests at the champagne drinks reception
friends, networking, garden party, outdoor celebrations, woodlands boutique hotel,
Sunday sunshine networking
tableware, gold glasses, gold stationery, navy and gold foil stationery,
Luxe tableware place setting, with luxury gold foil stationery and gold glass chargers
tablescape, gold details, candles, wedding breakfast,
Candle lit details on the mirrored gold tablescape
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Bride to be and her gorgeous Mum
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Luxury Retreat guests L-R Chloe, Javie and Dee
couture wedding dress, couture gowns, sequin gowns,
Exquisite gowns from Anita Massarella
inspirational stories, sunday luxury retreat,
There was a wonderful buzz in the room as speakers shared inspirational stories
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Lucky winners of the 5 golden tickets
style challenge, flower class, flower arranging demonstration,
Mini bouquets and vases for the afternoons guest Style Challenge
chair sash, banquet tablescape, tall centrepieces,
Banquet tablescape and chiffon drop chair sashes
rose gold, balloons, swoon balloons,
Hello Love rose gold balloons decorate the marquee wall
rose gold balloons, script balloons,
hello – love balloons from Swoon Balloons

 

chair details, wedding chairs, chiavari chairs, hire chair sashes, luxury wedding chair detail
Luxury chiffon drop and diamante tie chair detail
thank you gifts, luxury thank you bags,
Thank you gifts for the wonderful support team
Pamella dunn, luxury wedding planner, luxury wedding stylist,
Pamella Dunn finishing the final styling
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Pamella Dunn Luxury Wedding Planner, wedding business trainer and mentor

 

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Pamela Dunn Luxury Retreat157.JPG

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

 

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Introducing Brand Ambassador Lisa From The Bobby Pin and more …

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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.

Bridal hair vine,Bespoke bridal hair accessory,
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.

cake jewels,accessorised cake,
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.

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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!!

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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”

festival hook box,festival present,bridesmaid present,bridesmaid ideas,
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

CEO wedding academy,Academy student,Wedding Planning student,

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 wedding academy,Academy student,Wedding Planning student,
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!

 

wedding venue,Northallerton,exclusive use wedding venue,
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!

gold wedding ceremony,solberge hall wedding ceremony,getting married in the north,
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.

wedding trend report,studio styling,studio stylist,filming,
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!

 

wedding planner course,in the studio,wedding academy students,
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….

 

on set,filming,behind the scenes,wedding trend report 2017,
Lyndsey on set

Lindsey xxx

head shot,professional head shot,business photograph

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.

head shot,professional head shot,business photograph
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.

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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! 

Business branding,business card,flatlay,
Chaplin Events branding

Siân x

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Photography credits

Headshot – Cream Photography

Styled Shoot image – Arabella Smith Fine Art Photography

blushing bride,Amy Of Something New Wedding Planning,

Introducing Pamella Dunn Brand Ambassador Amy Of ‘Something New Wedding Planning’ ..

Be inspired by this girl boss making her business dreams a reality! Amy was one of our original interns, we are so proud of her, and she has so earned her wedding planning and styling stripes.  This feature is a Saturday night treat; enjoy.

Day 11 ….

blushing bride,Amy Of Something New Wedding Planning,
Amy ….

PAST

I was known for two things as I was growing up; my love for lists and my obsession with highlighting everything (and I mean everything). Apparently to everyone around me, friends, teachers and family, this meant I was destined for organisational greatness. 

 With a first class degree in events management, 4 years in corporate hospitality under my belt and a subscription to brides magazine I decided the area I really wanted to work in was the wedding industry.

stylist at work,behind the scenes,new wedding business,
Behind the scenes

 I enrolled on a course at the UK Academy of Wedding and Event Planning to expand my understanding of the industry, and that is how I met Pamella Dunn; an amazingly charismatic and generous individual both with her time and her knowledge. My first day working with Pamella was on a double wedding over Valentine’s Day weekend (no pressure then) at two very different venues with two very different concepts. Seeing her passion and love for the job and her commitment for perfection really motivated me and emphasised this is what I wanted to do. I wanted to makes peoples dream day a reality. Pamella pushed me to set up my own business and truly made me believe I could succeed. 

wedding website logo,uk wedding planner,uk wedding stylist,
Something New

 PRESENT

A couple of years later and that’s where I am now. I am the extremely proud owner of Something New, a wedding planning and styling business. We have an ever expanding catalogue of beautifully rustic wedding props to hire and a keen eye for detail. Combine that with our clients ideas, taste and love story and you have got yourself the perfect combination to create an unforgettable day.

business hashtag,wedding planning business,
#snwp

 FUTUREOver the last couple of years I have been lucky enough to work with some gorgeous couples at some truly stunning venues. And what is next for Something New? We have some really exciting projects in the pipeline which I can’t wait to share with you all, a diary full of wedding fairs and some very exciting  weddings spread across the country. I know it is just the beginning for us.

late night working,working by candle light,website updates,
Burning the candle ….

xxx

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wedding creative,wedding stylist,wedding designer,

Introducing Pamella Dunn Brand Ambassador Sarah Of Styling Farm

It’s Friday and the weekend …. Time for catching up with nine blog features showcasing fabulous creatives and inspiring business woman making wedding dreams a reality. Tonights ambassador is a real treat and I just know you’ll be blown away with Sarah and her beautiful styling business.

wedding creative,wedding stylist,wedding designer,
Farm Styling creative director Sarah

Day 10:

Hey ..

Welcome to Farm. I’m Sarah. Here’s a little bit of information about me & how Farm has evolved.

Once upon a time, I’m not going to think exactly how long ago now, I grew up in a beautiful Georgian house which my parents ran as a luxury wedding venue. As a family we lived and breathed and revolved around the magical goings on in that house, in my memories I recall it as though living amidst a flurry of hazy happiness and floating organza. Something about it must have stayed with me.

Then I traveled, lived and worked as life requires one to do. I lived in London, Spain, Canada & France. I graduated in a subject entirely at odds with design, but spurred on by my first little walk up flat renovation I went on to renovate, build and design several houses. In 2005, whilst living in Canada, I – along with a very dear friend –  set up an interior styling company & by 2010 we had regularly featured in newspaper, magazines & had our own little spot on Saturday morning television. In 2010 I moved to France and my journey in styling and design continued.

Then, in 2013, I settled back in my beloved Yorkshire. Ready for a fresh direction.

creative styling,wedding styling,
Getting her creative on

Inspired by my childhood, driven by my experience in design & styling, motivated by my brief stint working with a super talented florist & an equally supportive new venue I turned Farm on a new path into events and wedding styling. I submerged myself in several intensive courses – notable of which was Pamella Dunn’s business workshop an Introduction To My Wedding Business Course for it’s endless mentorship, networks and invaluable advice. And I love it. I love the attention to detail, the endless creative possibilities, the happiness, the journeys and the stories.  Everything I have learnt, my years of experience in styling, my professionalism, my passion, my flair, my creativity, my imagination, I now pour into your day.

pheasent feather,country wedding styling,crespedia,
Country chic

So, Welcome To Farm.

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wedding planner,at work,wedding stylist,

Introducing Pamella Dunn Brand Ambassador Stacey of Rose Gold Events

Stacey was making waves in the wedding industry even before she launched her fabulous business Rose Gold Events as she appeared on camera filming in the studio with UK Academy Of Wedding And Event Planning whilst interning for Pamella Dunn Events. You are going to love her and her gorgeous wedding business ….

wedding planner,at work,wedding stylist,
Planner, designer and stylist

Welcome to Rose Gold Events, a shiny new Yorkshire based Wedding Stylist & Planner.

New website,holding page,exciting new venture,
Rose Gold Events are working behind the scenes to bring you a fabulous website

We all know that every wedding is unique, this is the heartbeat of the wedding industry that I am so excited to be part of.

So how did I get here?

Launching my own wedding styling & planning business has been a ‘one day’ dream of mine for quite some time. My qualification background began in Art & Design, followed by a degree in Marketing & Events which landed me a great job in the corporate world. FYI: the corporate world and a longing to be creative do not mix well. So… a diploma in Wedding Planning Styling & Design, 2016 interning for two fabulous wedding planners Pamella Dunn Weddings & Rosy Apple Events, and my own destination Lake Como wedding & UK after party LATER…. I am now 100% ready to launch and define Rose Gold Events as a credible go to wedding stylist & planner presenting flawless attention to detail.

 wedding styling,wedding stylist,behid the scenes wedding styling,

Although I love to keep up to date with the latest wedding trends, I find UK bridal couples still prefer a more bespoke experience. At Rose Gold Events we embrace being unique, being true to yourself and having your own style. I hope to inspire, excite and guide my bridal couples by working together picking out those little moments with attention to detail,  bringing an idea to life, passionately as if it were my own! 

client design brief,rose gold wedding design,rose gold wedding,
Client design brief

My event styling and planning services are for the discerning couple wanting to celebrate their wedding in a timeless, elegant and deeply personal style. I can also offer my personal experience and gained expertise in planning a destination wedding from concept to completion. I have gained a wonderful ongoing relationship with many suppliers in Northern Italy, specifically the Italian Lakes where a boot shape section of my heart belongs.

rose gold wedding,rose gold candles,
Rose gold candles

 I’m based in the countryside of South Yorkshire, offering my styling & planning services to bridal couples near and far. I am supported by my likeminded, travel addict husband and my little heartbreaker Pugsley the Pug.

Totally inspired by the real life & love that begins within my own home. 

Thank you for reading my feature.

Stacey Gates – Enthusiastic Stylist of Rose Gold Events

 Email- stacey@rosegoldevents.co.uk

Follow Us on Instagram – @RoseGold_UK Or Twitter – @RoseGold_UK

 

relaxed head shot,profile photo,

A Pamella Dunn Introduction to Brand Ambassador Lucy From Lucy Rotchell Wedding Design

Vintage, rustic and a little boho, Lucy is just gorgeous and your dream planner for all things country chic. Lucy lives the closest to me and we have had already had some fun adventures, one day we’ll share the inside gossip but for now I’ll hand over to the girl herself.

relaxed head shot,profile photo,
The always smiley Lucy Rotchell

Day Eight

Hi, I’m Lucy, founder of Lucy Rotchell Wedding Design.

With a dad in the industry, a passion for weddings, florals and all things vintage and many years experience as a PA, becoming a wedding planner always felt like a natural progression, not to mention there isn’t another career comes to mind that I could honestly say I would be as enthusiastic about and throw everything into.

I qualified as an Accredited Wedding & Events Planner with the UK Academy of Wedding & Event Planning in July 2016 and very shortly afterward Lucy Rotchell Wedding Design was born!

qualification,UKAWEP,UK Academy Of Wedding And Event Planner,
A Qualified Wedding Planner

My aim is to create a relaxed and informal working environment where clients can come and feel totally at ease and completely without pressure, my passion is vintage/rustic and I want the eclectic and personal feel it gives to shine through in my work. So whether its a few ideas to get you started on your magical wedding planning journey or its full coverage that you’re looking for I would love to hear from you. I’m a Yorkshire girl so any excuse for a cuppa and a bit of Victoria sponge!

barn wedding,Yorkshire Barn wedding, Yorkshire Barn Ceremony,
A barn ceremony styled by Lucy at The Coniston Hotel

Since qualifying I have also been fortunate enough to gain amazing experience as a Brand Ambassador for award winning wedding & events planner, Pamella Dunn. The opportunities and knowledge this has afforded me have been beyond anything I could have imagined.

mood board,wedding mood board,wedding planning inspiration board,
An inspiration board for one of Lucy’s 2017 clients

The free reign of a wedding in our day and age is definitely my driving force for why I love what I do so much. Anything goes! Your wedding can be as crazy, as unique, as YOU as it wants to be and I believe helping someone create their vision and seeing it all come to life is something just a little bit special.

I would love you to follow or journey on Instagram

wedding intern,wedding work experience,

Hold the front page, this girl needs no introduction; she’s going to make headlines …

Introducing Pamella Dunn Brand Ambassador Ellie Of Ellie Kime Weddings

Day Seven:

Hiya! I’m Ellie, from Ellie Kime. As you may have guessed, my wedding business is, at the heart of it all, me. My unbridled eagerness, my passion for making dreams come true, my magpie tendencies for anything remotely shiny, and my penchant for making conversation and connections with the industry’s best…all of these culminate in my wedding planning. Alongside a (terribly chosen) philosophy degree in the Smoke, I’ve been gaining experience in the industry for years: working as an events coordinator, interning under the wonderful Pamella Dunn, working for the most incredible wedding blog and network And So To Wed, and assisting with the dreamy A Most Curious Wedding Fair.

wedding intern,wedding work experience,
Meet the gorgeous Ellie Kime

I’m also one of the recommended wedding planners at the beautiful Deighton Lodge, just outside York. This inimitable experience, coupled with my trademark enthusiasm and creative flair, means I want to take the wedding world by storm. In fact, positive mental attitude: I’m going to take the wedding world by storm.

tablescape,wedding table design,rose gold bear,rose gold,pineapple wedding decor,
Creative wedding design and decor by Ellie

Whether you’re a bride looking for someone who you can be confident in entrusting with organisation and styling of your big day, or as an industry member looking for someone who is a perfect fit for your next vision, I’m your gal. It’s all about making a connection, whether it’s with your perfect idea of how your entire day should run start to finish, how your venue will match your Pinterest board, or how to find the suppliers who will be as excited about your day as you are (and I am!). I live, breathe and dream weddings and happiness, and am regularly on the hunt for more adjectives because there’s only so many times you can describe something as gorgeous. Even though most things in the wedding world are gorgeous. We’re lucky like that!

collaboration,tfp shoot,wedding inspiration shoot,
Deighton Lodge Shoot

First stop: graduation. Next stop: the wedding world with Ellie Kime Weddings

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