An Essex Wedding - November/December 2020 (Issue 95)

All the latest from around the county NEWS Nearlywed FLORAL FANCY We’ve been catching up with local suppliers to find out what it’s been like working in the wedding industry during the last few crazy months, and how they’ve adapted to the challenge. Alison at Alison White Wedding Flowers (www.alisonwhiteweddingflowers.co.uk) tells us about a very last-minute booking, which required all her skill and talent to pull off… “Many couples have postponed their wedding to 2021, but I was looking forward to a few small weddings in August and September. When the rule of six was announced, one of my couples – who originally planned to marry in Italy and moved their wedding to the UK at the end of September – decided to bring their date forward before the new restrictions came into force. So on Tuesday 8 th September, they planned their wedding at That Amazing Place (www.thatamazingplace.co.uk) for three days later on Friday 11 th September. This wouldn’t normally be enough lead time, especially as it was a big order to bring their day to life with flowers, but never shy of a challenge, I got to work. Flowers were ordered, arrangements were created and the floral arch was built just the day before. The weather was perfect and the happy couple had a wonderful day with their closest loved ones. It may have been hastily rescheduled, but no one would have known!” It goes to show that nothing can stop love, not even a pandemic! TWO BECOME ONE As a new bridal boutique on the scene, Erin Kelly Bridal wanted to do something extra-special after lockdown to welcome its customers back through the door. “A lot of my brides that had come into the boutique had requested bridal separates,” owner Kelly says. “I’ve always been a fan of bridal designer Catherine Deane, and wanted the brand in store. Not only do they have incredible gowns but a fantastic range of separates too.” Kelly worked with the designer to put on a trunk show, and although postponed twice, it finally went ahead and was a huge success. “It went so well, I now stock the designer,” Kelly says. So these gorgeous styles are now a permanent fixture. To find out more about the boutique, head to www.erinkellybridal.co.uk YOUR TYPE ON PAPER Happy birthday to The Perfect Wedding Shop, which is celebrating its five-year anniversary. Katie Barnes, owner of the luxury stationery company, has overseen it grow and expand during this time, and she has now taken the next step of launching a showroom to display the company’s gorgeous samples. “Over the summer of 2020 we finally had the opportunity to create the perfect space,” Katie tells us. “From September, we’ve been safely offering appointments. My favourite part of the showroom is our inspiration wall, displaying everything from save-the-dates and invites to table plans, welcome signs and place settings. We look forward to welcoming many more couples here soon.” To find out more, head to the website www.theperfectweddingshop.co.uk YOUR ESSENTIALS 9