An Essex Wedding - July/August 2020 (Issue 93)

MEET KATIE GRIMES OF KATIE FRANCES ART Tell us about your company… I’m an independent wedding stationery company providing save-the- dates, bridesmaid cards, welcome signs, table plans and everything in between! I started back in 2017 after graduating with an illustration degree, which I love to combine with my designs to create something totally personal. What’s your favourite product you offer? It has to be my personalised bridesmaid cards. They’re 100% customisable and they’ve been super-popular. I love seeing the excitement of brides ‘proposing’ to their bridesmaids in the early stages of planning. Why should couples choose Essex suppliers for their wedding? Meeting with suppliers is vital, as it allows you to show them exactly what you want and gives you the opportunity to bounce ideas off each other – it’s so much easier in person than by email. It’s just another way to make your day perfect. If you could design a product for a celebrity, who would it be? I’ve sadly missed the boat, but I would have loved to have designed stationery for Ellie Goulding’s special day. She’s been one of my favourite celebs for years, and her beautiful flower-filled wedding at York Minster was so my style. I could imagine creating some wonderful illustrations to complement it. Visit www.katiefrancesart.co.uk MEET JULIA BEAZLEY OF VINTAGE TIARAS BY JULIA BEAZLEY Tell us about your company… I set up my business ten years ago, working from my home studio in Billericay. I make vintage accessories for the whole bridal party, and each piece is a one- off made from precious vintage components. I create tiaras and headpieces that complement your dress and leaves you with an item to cherish and hand down through your family. What’s your favourite product you offer? I love designing a bespoke accessory that the bride has input in regarding design, colour and materials. Even more so when it incorporates family jewellery, creating a piece with personal significance. I can also make simpler versions for bridesmaids and flower girls. Why should couples choose Essex suppliers for their wedding? You can visit me at my studio to try on pieces, and every accessory will be designed just for you. My items often provide something old, something new and sometimes something blue . It’s a dream job and I’m privileged to be part of such an amazing day. If you could design a product for a celebrity, who would it be? I would choose to make a tiara for Ferne McCann. I enjoy watching the TOWIE star’s series about bringing up her little girl and would love to create something for her if she gets married. Visit www.vintagetiarasbyjuliabeazley.com www.tayl orslens.co.uk MEET EMMA FEWS OF ELF OCCASIONS Tell us about your company… Elf Occasions is a wedding decoration and styling business, which I launched in 2017. When sourcing suppliers for my own wedding, it was difficult to find things that were out of the ordinary. I’ve always been creative and believe that attention to detail is important, so I decided it was time to put my creativity to work. I enjoy sourcing and making high-quality products to ensure my couples have the very best for their day. I also offer personalised signage, from deluxe mirror table plans to welcome signs to complement the overall theme. What’s your favourite product you offer? When it comes to decorating a client’s wedding, everything is personalised, such as my handmade silk flower centrepieces to match the colour scheme. I also create keepsake silk flower boxes as thank you gifts. Why should couples choose Essex suppliers for their wedding? Alongside keeping your carbon footprint down, by choosing local you’re getting a more personal service; I always meet my couples face-to-face. I’m also able to turn items around quickly, such as a table plan I created for a couple within a few days after they were let down. If you could design a product for a celebrity, who would it be? I hear Fred Sirieix from First Dates is engaged. I’d love to design signage and centrepieces for their wedding. He’s such a lovely character and I adore the decor of the First Dates hotel. Visit www.elfoccasions.co.uk www.pho tographerliamgillan.com 52