Your Hampshire & Dorset Wedding - Mar/Apr 2020 (Issue 79)

NEW BUSINESS ALERT A warm welcome to Aurora Jacques, a newcomer to the local wedding scene, recently launched by friends of more than 20 years, Jacqueline and Dawn. The former nurses teamed up to follow their dreams after discovering a shared love of designing and creating beautiful bridal and evening gowns. “It’s something we’ve both wanted to do for a long time and felt that if we didn’t try making a go of it we would always regret it. Now feels like a great opportunity to put our designs and ideas together and create those dream dresses,” says Jacqueline. The pair create bespoke dresses and accessories, including veils, necklaces and bracelets from their studio in North Dorset. Their debut collection, showcased at their launch evening in January was inspired by 1940’s Hollywood glamour incorporating beautiful tulle, satin, lace and silk fabrics, along with Swarovski crystal and pearl embellishments on the dresses and accessories. “We believe it’s important to design the perfect dress with our brides, including them in every step of the process to ensure that the dress fits like a glove and is everything they’ve dreamed of. We’re both excited for the future and are already drawing up ideas for our second collection,” adds Jacqueline. Visit aurorajacques.co.uk BRIDAL GLAM Bridal Treasures boutique on the Isle of Wight has kicked off 2020 in a sparkly new home. After seven years in business owner Nikki Spurrell is looking forward to welcoming brides-to-be and helping them find the one. “At the new premises we can offer private and exclusive consultations in luxurious surroundings with no time restrictions and one-to-one knowledgable advice.” Located in an oak-beamed Grade II listed building, the boutique is in a picturesque rural setting surrounded by the downs,with the hills of Whitwell as the backdrop. With private parking in the large gravelled courtyard it has a welcoming special-occasion feel. Complete with a stylish lounge, chandelier and lush velvet sofas, as well as fizz and comfy slippers for the bride and her entourage on arrival, the aim is to make the dress shopping truly memorable. Plans in the pipeline include adding to their range of bridal designer dress labels, shoes and accessories. To find out more visit facebook.com/bridaltreasures.nikki WINNING WAYS A whole bevy of local wedding suppliers have started out the year with award wins to add to their tally of industry accolades. Among them Hampshire florist Jo Hicks, The Wedding Industry Awards (TWIA) South Central regional winner, was also recognised for the third time in a row in the Hampshire Wedding Supplier Awards. Sally Malcolm of Blushing Brides in Bournemouth has been shortlisted in the Bridal Hair and Make-up Specialist of the Year category for the The 9 th English Hair and Beauty Awards 2020 and is due to find out if she’s been crowned the winner at a black-tie event at The Leonardo Royal Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton on Sunday March 15 th . Sally who celebrated 10 years in business last year said, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be a finalist in these prestigious awards. It makes me very proud to be part of such a thriving industry and to win this award would certainly be the icing on the cake!” We wish Sally the best of luck and a big high five to all the other recent worthy award winners from around the region. Flowers: johicksflowers.co.uk Image: lemontree-photography.co.uk Images: facebook.com/williamsphotographyprints 10