The Designer Wedding Show 2011
Wow. I'm not quite sure where to start with this post. There is so much bubbling around in my over-excited and totally proud little head right now that I fear this is all going to come spilling out in complete gobbledygook - who knew that was an actual word?! Love it. See what I mean?? 4th sentence in and I am already off on an unrelated tangent.
ANYWAY.
This past weekend saw my introduction to the Designer Wedding Show in London, which takes place over three days every February and October.
First of all, I was asked if I would like to exhibit. ME. That in itself is pretty mega to me.
Second of all, my stand was frigging awesome.
Now those who know me, know very well that I'm not the most confident person out there and I'm not one to shout about my successes, but this show has made me a bit giddy and given me the bit of self belief I've been looking for. The reaction I got to the stand was utterly amazing and I can't have wished for any better. Most of my conversations over the weekend started a bit like this:
Visitor: Are you Nat?
Me: I am Nat!
Visitor (gazing around and spotting my tagline): You DO make stuff look pretty!
A particular visitor stuck in my head because her reaction was just fantastic; as she walked around the corner and spotted my stand, she stopped in her tracks and let out an almighty 'WOW'. After taking everything thing and passing compliment after compliment my way, she stood in the middle of it and said 'I don't want to leave, just being in here makes me happy'. Now if that isn't praise, I don't know what is. As much as I would totally love to take all of the credit from such reactions, I think it is rather important to tell you about someone wonderful who made my stand the way it was; someone I would not have been able to do the show without:
Introducing Abbey Saltmer (an events stylist/prop hire/wedding planner/coordinator) off of Beau Collections fame:
When I first got asked to exhibit at the Designer Wedding Show, I rang Abbey to ask if she would style my stand for me. She gets my style and I couldn't think of anyone more perfect for the job, her taste is impeccable. Her only brief to work from was the fact that I wanted it to be inspired by the styling from the Love My Dress Soiree.
The result was the most gorgeous stand I could have ever imagined; one that visitors wanted to live in and one which I was very sad to pack up. All of the props - from the dresser, suitcases, chaise lounge and chandelier down to the vintage blue typewriter and jam jars were supplied by Abbey and can be found on her website if you would like to hire them for your wedding or event. She went beyond her call of duty to help me from set up to breakdown of the show and everything in between and I seriously cannot thank her enough.
I would also like to thank By Appointment Only Design who supplied me with quite possibly the most beautiful bouquet of roses I have ever seen. Yes, those pink roses on the dresser are real. And stunning. So thank you Tony and Javier! Another thank you goes to Rebecca from Eclectic Mix who lent me some wonderful accessories to wear each day at the show, accessories which I will be sad to send back. Please do check out her website, lovely stuff!
The show is proving to be a success with enquiries already finding their way to my inbox. I am excited to see what the future brings for I am Nat - be sure to keep checking back to find out! I hope your eyes are as pleased as mine when looking at these photographs.
Credits:
Styling: Beau Collections
Flowers: By Appointment Only Design
Photograph of Abbey: James Melia Photo
Love My Dress Soiree Photographs: Katy Lunsford
Love My Dress Soiree Styling: AVA Event Styling
Until next time,
Natalie x
Sara (The Shabby Chic Bride) says:
WOW Nat! I mean it, you have a career as a set designer if you ever have time apart from your amazing stationery and graphic design stuff. Can you come and decorate my house please?? xxx
Natalie says:
Ahaha thank you Sara! I can't take the credit for the decoration though, that was all Abbey from Beau Collections - check her out ;) xxx
Elizabeth Solaru says:
It looks absolutely beautiful! Wow!
vicky trainor says:
I am so so happy for you Nat, lots of new and exciting chapters aheadxxxxx
Natalie says:
Thank you my darling!! :) xxx
CottonCandy says:
WOW! This looks flipping fab! Well done you, this is amazing! Must check out the fair next year! x
Natalie says:
Ooooh yes you must, you should try exhibit, I think you would totally stand out! xx
Rebecca says:
The stand and your work looks fantastic!!! Hope you had a great time x
Kelly says:
Looks great Nat. Well done!!!