Amanda & Martin's Outside Affair

Amanda & Martin Taylor

24th June 2011 at Ribby Hall

One of my favourite wedding venues in Lancashire (and one that I have blogged about before) is Ribby Hall in Wrea Green so I was extremely pleased when this wedding appeared in my inbox from 2cPhotoDesign.  Amanda and Martins civil ceremony took place in the spectacular Summer House, which is one of only a few places that you can actually get married outside in Lancashire.  Amanda, the bride, tells us a bit more more about their day...

 "It was a perfect day from start to finish. The planning of the wedding was a little different from the norm as I was engaged to groomzilla and the only thing I really had any say in was my outfit for the day. Credit where credits due, he did a really good job."

"The one piece of advice we would offer any couple getting married is meet up with your photographers and venue staff a number of times before your big day as out of all your suppliers they will be the people that spend most of your day with you. So if you feel comfortable with them you will be able to relax and enjoy your day."

"We would recommend both Ribby Hall and 2C Photo Design to any couple getting married as they were both helpful without being intrusive. People still mention how lovely our venue was and how amazing the food tasted. As for the photos they are amazing and personally we find that very important for when the excitement of the day has ended as they are a clear reminder of how special and perfect our big day was."

Amanda & Martins List of Wedding Suppliers:

Photographer: 2 C Photo Design

Venue: Ribby Hall

Cake: Kelly's Cakes, Blackpool

Flowers: Sonje at The Wedding Place, Blackpool

Make up: Sonara Parker

Hair: Claire Osbourne at Phase One

Dress: Ronald Joyce from Merry Hill Brides in Birmingham

Shoes: Jimmy Choos

Bridesmaids Dresses, Men's Suits & Jewellery: Debenhams

Nails: Emma Pemberton at Phase On

A Taste of Lancashire: The Sweet Pantry

 New to the wedding industry, I first came across this little gem on Twitter and invited them to be part of the 'Taste of Lancashire' feature.  I love showcasing new businesses that have a certain spark about them, and with the Candy Buffets being bang on trend right now today's post is perfect for the bride with a sweet tooth!  So I'll hand over to Amy now but I must warn you, you may end up peckish after reading this. 

I’m Amy and I run a new business called The Sweet Pantry – where we aim to make your big day that little bit sweeter.   The Sweet Pantry offers a range of unique sweet filled wedding favours, gifts and centre pieces – designed to have your guests ooo-ing and ahh-ing in delight. You choose your style, favourite sweets, colour scheme and personal message and we’ll do the rest. Your favours could even double up as place settings.   And imagine, a whole table filled with your favourite vintage and retro sweets. Let us introduce you to our candy buffet.

We will decorate the table to your chosen colour scheme and provide beautiful glass jars filled with sweetie treats resulting in a candy table good enough to eat. We’ll even throw in striped candy bags and scoops so your guests can enjoy ‘pick n mixing’ their way through the sweet treats.

We offer free delivery within a 20 mile radius of Bolton for candy buffets and centre pieces – but can deliver anywhere across Lancashire and to any venue. Our prices also include set-up and collection.

Why did you start The Sweet Pantry?

When I’m asked this everyone assumed I’ll say because ‘I love sweets.’ Well it’s true – I do. But it was more about offering a service which provided quality products which could be personalised to your taste, without costing the earth.

After some research I found that candy buffets and centre pieces can’t be tailored and ordered online – so everything offered on www.thesweetpantry.co.uk can be customised and ordered online. Choose your sweets, style, colour scheme and personal message for any message tags – and we’ll do the rest.

And if we don’t have what you’re after online – then brides can get in touch with us and we’ll work with them to ensure their sweet dreams are fulfilled.

Why should Lancashire brides book you?

As a bride-to-be myself (I get married in 2013), I understand the choices out there are huge, and you want to be able to put your style on any products you choose for your big day. The Sweet Pantry offers quality products and excellent customer service – so once you’ve placed the order you can move on to your next decision, whether it’s the cake, car or flowers, knowing your favours, centre pieces or candy buffet is in safe hands.   The Sweet Pantry is also locally based in Bolton, so we always love working with local brides and grooms.

Have you got any tips for our brides when it comes to booking a candy buffet or choosing favours?

Put your stamp on things. So whether it’s a funny or sentimental personal message to your guests on the favours or centre pieces and your favourite sweets inside – make sure any decisions you make reflect you and the groom-to-be. Remember you big day is all about the two of you.

Fried eggs and giant strawberries may not be your typical wedding favour or centre piece – but it’ll definitely be remembered and make for some great photos. Remember candy striped bags and sweet scoops are supplied with all centre pieces and candy buffets – just like when we were younger!

Do you have any special offers for Lancashire Brides readers?

10% off until the end of February – simply use discount code NYSALE1 on the website – or get in touch if you’d prefer to order by phone or email.

Where can our readers meet you? Is there a website?

Visit us on www.thesweetpantry.co.uk, www.facebook.com/thesweetpantry or at www.twitter.com/thesweetpantry

We are also attending Wedding Fairs at The Fisherman’s Retreat in Ramsbottom on Sunday 29^th January and The Reebok Stadium on Sunday 25^th March. Come and say hello!

Slaidburn Wedding Fayre

Sunday 11th March

12-4pm

Slaidburn Village Hall

The Green

Slaidburn

Clitheroe

Lancashire

BB7 3ES

Slaidburn Village Hall lets you put your own stamp on your big day whilst providing breathtaking views of the Hodder Valley.  As well as over 20 of the finest and local wedding suppliers around, the wedding planner will also be on hand to discuss having your wedding reception at Slaidburn Village Hall.

Catwalk by Te Amo Wedding Boutique at 2.30pm with entertainment from amazing vocalist Laura Worden.

Complimentary bubbly on arrival and canapes served all day.

Speak to a wide range of wedding suppliers including:

Simply Bows and Chair Covers

Special Wedding Cars

Te Amo Wedding Boutique
Slaidburn Village Hall

Shutterleaf Photography

Riverside Cafe

Bean Photography

Grafted and Crafted

Little Wren Designs

Adam Riley Photography

Laura Worden

Flowers from the Heart
Greenwoods Grooms hire
Mrs Spendloves Truly Scrumptious
Rebecca Jane Weddings
The Wedding Guide
Claire Murray Make Up Artist

** There are still a small amount of stands for businesses who wish to exhibit. **
** Only £40 to exhibit. **
** Sorry but we are currently full for photographers and stationers. **
** Please email joanne@simplybowsandchaircovers.co.uk or call 07584 026981 for an exhibitor pack. **

Grab A Wedding Bargain

So the high street sales may have nothing worthwhile left, but here at Lancashire Bride we've got some of latest Wedding Day bargains from some of the best suppliers in the county.

www.carolynscottphotography.com

Fable and Promise Wedding Company based in Blackburn currently have a fantastic wedding dress sale on.

Wedding Belles are professional wedding beauty specialists and are offering 10% of all bookings made before the end of January.

Simply Bows and Chair Covers are offering free table runners when you book your chair covers with them before the end of January, email joanne@simplybowsandchaircovers.co.uk.

Brides to be can receive 10% discount on bridal and pamper packages at Tropical Trotters.

Pamper N Play based in St Georges Shopping Mall in Preston sell handmade pampering treats that look and smell delicious.  They are offering 10% of favours when you book in January.

Butterfly Bridal in Lancaster are having a one day only sale on Sunday 29th Janurary 9am until 1pm.
 Absolute bargains on Bridal gowns, Mother of the Bride, Bridesmaids, Proms, Shoes, Jewellery, Tiaras!!!

Sarah McLean Photography is offering all weddings booked in 2012 a complimentary engagement photo sitting with images.

Wrapor- unique, bespoke, briald & evening wear shrugs and wraps- are running a January Facebook special.  They are offering £20 cash back on your Ivory faux fur Wrapor shrug, please use the Facebook link to quality. 

If you are having a January sale, offer or event and want if featured on Lancashire Bride then please email me at joanne@simplybowsandchaircovers.co.uk.

Amanda Wyatt Designer Event at Glamour Bolton

February 4th & 5th 2012

Amanda Wyatt's 2012 collection has proved extremely popular with Glamour's brides and Debbie, owner of Glamour Bridal and Prom in Bolton, is delighted to be hosting the entire collection during the designer event.   Not only that but the amazing Amanda Wyatt will be there herself!  For expert advice on choosing your dream dress this event is a must for all brides to be.

'Marbella'

'Naples'

As always, appointments are at a premium so make sure you book yours now and get a voucher for £75 off your wedding accessories. 

Contact Debbie on 01204 388390 to book your place.

Gemma & Ben's Almost Edible Lancashire Wedding

Welcome to Gemma and Ben's Lytham Hall wedding, the first of many Lancashire weddings I will be featuring in 2012.  When Mick Cookson contacted me I just could not resist the girlyness of this wedding, and just wait until you see the intricate detailing on one of the most enchanted cakes I have ever seen!

Gemma and Ben got married in September 2011 at the grand manor house at Lytham Hall, in Lancashire.

Gemma looked stunning wearing this lace detail waist drop dress with capped lace sleeving.  And Ben looks rather dapper too!

And here come the to die for details... butterflies, pale pink, sorbet lemon and bridesmaids in classic shift dresses, oh yes, I am in wedding heaven!

With thanks to Gemma and Ben and also the fab Mick Cookson for the use of their wedding photography.  To check out more of Mick's work please visit http://www.mickcookson.com/ and http://www.mickbookson.blogspot.com/ where Mick regularly blogs his recent weddings.  And before I get lost in all the pretty little details I must remember to ....

Its That Time Of Year Again...

Image by stylemepretty.com on Pinterest

So its January and for many that means diets, detox's and gym regimes.  However, my diet and regime is not for my personal health but for my business.  I have never been so compassionate about anything in my life and I am determined that 2012 will be MY year.  I love the wedding industry, albeit it can be a little bitchy at times but what is life without gossip?!  On the otherhand I have met so many inspiring and creative people that I wouldn't swap it for the world.  So here is a list of my New Years Resolutions and (without giving too much away) my business objectives.

-  I want to finish the year with 30 weddings under my belt
- I want to continue blogging regularly (several times a week)
- The major one... To become self employed and run the business full-time- eek! This will also mean I can dedicate more time to blogging in order to achieve my next goal...

-  Once my readership for Lancashire Bride is strong enough I want to start taking sponsorship and donating half to a local Lancashire charity.

- To join a business network (scary but they remind me of being in the brownies!) and make some more great and local contacts.
- I want (NEED) to spend more time on marketing.  My lovely Mum bought me an amazing marketing book for Christmas and I am determined to follow its rules from cover to cover.  Starting this week!

Daunting, yes, but very achievable.  So raise your glass to the next 12 months.  Cheers.

Remember to check out the blog this afternoon when I'll be showcasing more photos from this little cracker of a wedding...