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Regular readers of the wedding blog (hello you!) will know that I was recently thrilled to be invited to host not one but two glittering gala dinners in Yorkshire and the North East on behalf of The Wedding Guide at their inaugural North of England Wedding Awards.
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Its pretty nerve wracking standing up in front of your assembled colleagues, peers and industry friends – the great and good of our wonderful Northern wedding industry – and playing hostess with the mostess for the evening (in the full glare of those spotlights) but I managed to channel my inner Holly Willoughby *indulge me* and the show went on!
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Wedding Awards 2012 from Sarah MacVean on Vimeo.
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I genuinely am happy to see Northern wedding businesses getting the recognition they deserve for being bloomin’ brilliant at what they do, and I talked about this from my soapbox as part of my role as host. Here is a little excerpt from what I said:
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When the ladies at The Wedding Guide told me about their plans for this inaugural awards ceremony, I was
truly thrilled. What has taken so long?
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Through my Brides Up North blog, brand, directory, wedding industry networking parties and wedding exhibitions – both on and offline – I have spent the past two years campaigning hard for recognition on behalf of our regional talents. You might say that I have a bit of a chip on my shoulder.
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All too often – be that in magazines, the media or online – the focus is so strongly on the South of the country that I feel the quality of skills and services provided by our wedding industry in the North of the UK are overlooked.
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It’s become a catchphrase of mine, but through my brand and the mouthpiece it allows me I’ve been urging Brides to support their local businesses {amazing businesses like those represented in this room tonight} by Joining The Northern Revolution and choosing to work with the wonderful suppliers right on their doorstep. And it’s working.
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With higher unique hits to the site than ever, record attendances across the board at the Brides Up North events and an inbox bursting with couples looking for local recommendations it appears that the message is getting across.
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Finally, with an awards ceremony not only recognising but dedicated to bridal talent in the North, and voted for by your customers, I feel like we have taken a big step in the right direction. Let’s celebrate our achievements because things are truly fabulous up North.
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I meant every word.
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Massive personal thanks must go to Phil Woodhead of Grace The Weddings Company who dressed me (and a growing baby bump) for both gala dinners, in head to toe “Brides Up North” pink lace – shoulder pads, peplum, train and all. This man is a design legend (and when I heard that he had every back issue of Vogue from the last 20 years in storage I just knew that we were going to get on!). You can see him getting a huge clap on our video clip! Contact him to discuss designing your dream gown. Like, now.
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Huge congratulations once again to all the winners and finalists in every category! I’ll be back soon with all the official photographs from both events, but for now, enjoy this little film – courtesy of Macvean Videography – which should give you just a little insight into what the night is all about.
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North East Winners
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Graphic Embers – Stationery
Kelly Ann’s Cakes – Cakes & Sweet Treats
CWC Malings Ltd – Catering Company
Make-Up by Jo – Health & Beauty Provider
Fern – Floristry
Rosina Brown Bridesmaids– Bridal Party & Accessories Retailer
Rosina Brown Bridal – Bridal Gown Retailer
Webbs Special Occasion Cars – Wedding Transport Provider
Dandy Events – Wedding Enhancements
Alexander Lomas – Music & Entertainment
North East Wedding Planners – Wedding Services
One Digital Image– Videography
Figment Studios – Photography
Beamish Hall – Joint Winner – Venues
Longhirst Hall – Joint Winner – Venues
Beckwith Events – Judges Choice Award
Pansy Potters – New Business Award
The Wooden Ladybird Company– New Business Runner Up
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Yorkshire Winners
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Butterflies & Snapdragons – Stationery
Couture Cake Design – Cakes & Sweet Treats
CWC Malings Ltd – Catering Company
Gel Bridal Studio – Health & Beauty Provider
Twisted Willow – Floristry
Forevermore Bridalwear – Bridal Party & Accessories Retailer
Yorkshire Menswear – Menswear Retailer
Curvy Bridal – Bridal Gown Retailer
Reece Wedding Cars – Joint winner, Wedding Transport Provider
The Yorkshire Heritage Bus Co Ltd – Joint winner, Wedding Transport Provider
Chair Covers Yorkshire – Wedding Enhancements
Alexandra Parker – Music & Entertainment
Love To Marry – Wedding Services
Know Media – Videography
Marmalade Photography – Photography
Hazlewood Castle – Venues
Duncan Mansfield Photography – Judges Choice Award
Rebecca Downes Designer Dressmaker – New Business
Buttercup Boutique – New Business Runner Up
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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Video © 2012 Macvean Videography
Brides Up North sponsored The North Of England Wedding Awards
Contact Brides Up North to submit your business as a Featured Supplier
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