Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding - November/December 2020 (Issue 83)

All the latest from around the region NEWS Nearlywed PICTURE THIS How’s this for a novel idea? An artist at your wedding to capture you and your nearest and dearest in timeless artwork. Not only great for adding an extra touch of live action theatre to your day, but also a great keepsake too! Hampshire-based Lucy McLoughlin is one of the few live event artists in the UK; drawing on 20 years experience she creates beautiful portraits in real-time. “I love to paint live to truly capture the style, spirit and energy of a wedding. In a digital world where everything is virtual and everyone has seen it all, my mission is to provide unforgettable experiences and artwork that people will treasure forever.” As each painting is finished, it’s signed and dated then mounted with card and displayed in a pop-up gallery at the wedding venue. As the gallery grows during the reception, it creates a great focal point, helping guests to break the ice. More than a memento, the all-important people in your wedding party can receive their own one-of-kind portraits as wedding favours. Lucy’s style of painting is inspired by fashion illustrations so it’s more about the body and clothing – capturing an impression. “I take photographs so no one has to pose, then I paint live to respond to the moment. I can paint up to 20 guests on the day and more afterwards in my studio using the photos I took,” Lucy explains. To find out more visit www.liveeventartist.co.uk EDITOR LOVES Gone are the days of a sorry-looking cake table tucked away in the corner of the room. Nowadays the cake is one of the stars of the big day. This showstopping creation by Southampton-based Suzy Blake Cake Atelier, www.suzyblakecakeatelier.co.uk certainly draws the eye. Suspended from the ceiling it looks like it’s floating on air. Just one of the stunning details showcased in an inspirational styled shoot by local suppliers featured on page 51 this issue. Congratulations! A big Your Hampshire & Dorset Wedding high five to Dorset’s Goldcrest Jewellers, winners of The Best Family Run Jewellery Business 2020 South West England in the SME News Southern Enterprise Awards 2020. It’s the latest accolade for the multi- award winning business and their biggest to date. “As you can imagine we are completely blown away,” says owner Neil Strudwick. A goldsmith with more than 30 years experience Neil launched the business in 2010 with his wife Donna. She runs the retail side while he’s in the workshop doing repairs, making display and customer-designed pieces including wedding rings. For further details visit www.goldcrestjewellersdorset.co.uk Psst… Goldcrest Jewellers hit the headlines shortly after launching the business when they were shortlisted to make the wedding rings for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge! www.atla sphotography.co.uk CHANGE OF NAME Dorset-based Amazing Emily’s has changed its name to Annamara. Don’t worry though, they’re still amazing and will continue to offer the same great wedding and special occasionwear, bespoke designs, sewing, alterations and more. Owner and fashion designer Emily Smith felt it was time for a change to reflect how the business has grown and developed. “I decided to combine all my work under one brand name and my new website www.annamara.co.uk will be hosting all three of my collections, bridal, bespoke and kids’ couture,” she explains. As well as a range of bridal gowns and accessories the burgeoning business includes a bespoke evening collection, corseted designs, mother-of-the-bride and –groom outfits, bridesmaids and flowergirls dresses, catering for all your big-day needs and beyond. The new name is a combination of both her daughters’ names, Annalise and Tamara. “I chose it so that if either or both of them want to follow in my footsteps the name will hold a special heritage for them if they wish to pass it on in the future,” adds Emily. YOUR ESSENTIALS 9