Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding - July/August 2020 (Issue 81)

www.brettharknessphotography.com RAZZLE DAZZLE ’EM Zoe Skinner’s wedding sparked not only joy, it was the launchpad for her own business after she struggled to find the right shoes to go with her wow-factor dress. “I’m not a great fan of heels, trainers are more my thing. I’ve got quite a collection which gave me the idea of creating my own personalised ones with a hidden wedge,” she explains. Zoe set to work, taught herself how to make the shoes and created a sparkly pair for her big day. They were a big hit, brides-to-be started asking her to make them for their weddings and Glitz Kicks was born. “I never planned on it happening but I am so happy it did and in such an unexpected way!” she adds. Visit www.facebook.com/Glitzkick From Holly with love Hampshire-based designer and dressmaker Holly Winter is giving back to NHS workers who have had to postpone their weddings due to COVID-19 by offering to make them their own bespoke wedding gown, free of charge. “I’ve selected five brides who I’ll be working with over the next two years. The first has just told me she’s been able to nab a register office in August now for her legal ceremony, so I’m currently frantically trying to get her dress ready for her,” she reports. Visit the website www.hollywintercouture.com THE COMPLETE PACKAGE Hampshire-based Test Valley Bridal Services is going from strength from strength and expanding its offering as a one-stop-shop for brides-to-be. Owner Patricia Ireland learnt her sewing sills at school and worked in a variety of roles from doing alterations to teaching before launching her business in January 2016. From small beginnings offering a range of services, Patricia teamed up with Burleys Bridal Boutique which became the mainstay of her bridal alterations work. In June 2018 the two companies merged and Text Valley Bridal Services Ltd was born, comprising the two distinct but complimentary businesses. “Burleys has been renamed Test Valley Bridal Boutique and continues to stock a range of quality dresses from our main supplier Victoria Kay,” explains Patricia. With her wealth of expertise she’s able to not only help brides-to-be to find the one , but also with any alterations needed to achieve the perfect fit. Due to demand she’s now introduced another side to the business, on- the-day dressing of the bride and bridal party. “Moving forward we’re excited for the future and are now able to offer a personalised end-to-end service for brides from meeting them at wedding fairs and helping them choose their dress, to advising and carrying out alterations, storing the dress until the big day and now dressing them on the day to make sure everything looks and feels perfect,” Patricia adds. For more information visit www.testvalleytextiles.co.uk SWEET SURPRISE If you’re looking for something to keep guests of all ages happy on your big day, a chocolate fountain is sure to do the trick. The latest addition to Southampton-based Blake Entertainment’s range of services, their all-new showstopper comes complete with wow- factor stand which can be customised to suit your wedding theme. Available for hire, it comes with a range of sweet treats for dipping in deliciously runny Belgian chocolate – what’s not to love? Visit www.blakeentertainment.co.uk 10