FRIENDS
Personal recommendations are always best. I’ve been a bride too, and some of these I know to be excellent from personal experience; the others from working very happily and successfully alongside them.
DRESSES
Oh I’ve seen so many – and it’s hard to narrow it down. But my favourites have always been from:
HAIR & MAKE UP
I’ve watched all of these people work their magic on brides and they excel at creating that inner glow of confidence that comes from looking exactly like yourself, only better:
Kelly at www.ellkymay.co.uk
FLORISTS
I’ve seen both florists deliver jaw-dropping, wildly creative and ravishing floral arrangements to rave reviews.
and a new discovery - www.amaminiflowers.co.uk which does particularly beautiful wedding arrangements.
CATERERS & PARTY DESIGN
www.mange2.co.uk - Georgie did my own wedding 12 years ago, and the canapés still come up in conversation. Scrumptious food and stunning parties: seriously impressive.
www.lillingston.co.uk - the most glorious, the most lavish, the most ‘everything’ parties and weddings, here and abroad. I’m hoping some of the glamour has rubbed off..
www.sherlockparties.com - Nicky's a perfectionist, in the nicest possible way. Food looks amazing, tastes even better.
MUSIC
www.saloonstar.co.uk - we’ve worked together numerous times (including at my own wedding – not strictly work, but first-hand experience undoubtedly). The only band that will entice me to have a boogie myself after 14 hours on my feet. Laugh-out-loud brilliant.
www.ronniescottsrejects.com - their version of ‘You Can Call Me Al’ was unbelievably close to the real thing – better probably.
VIDEOGRAPHERS
www.jeffwoodvisuals.com - the man’s an Artist, that’s all there is to it.
www.gregjamesphoto.co.uk - almost invisible, yet always where it matters; charms all ages; a class act.
www.abeautifulday.com - I don’t speak Dutch either, but don’t worry – Fried-jan speaks impeccable English, and his ‘same-day’ movies (i.e. shooting as far as dinner, then editing at the speed of light before showing the footage to ecstatic and emotional guests the same evening) take some beating.
www.jenksandco.tv - you’ll have to watch a couple of their movies to see how it’s done – great fun, a total ice-breaker, and a hilarious memory of a wonderful occasion.
CAKE
So many of the best wedding cakes I’ve seen recently have been made with love and lots of bowl-licking by family and friends, but for those who decide to let someone else wear the ovengloves, these bakers can’t be beaten:
Karen at www.finaltouchcakes.co.uk
OTHER WEDDING SUPPLIERS:
www.roving-artist.com - I’ve seen Mike Herbert cut a silhouette of a bride & groom, Aston Martin, dog and glasses of champagne in about 60 seconds. Astonishing .
www.nonsuchsingers.org.uk - OK, I sang with them for 20 years, so I’m a little biased. But this really is one of the best choirs in London, and they can send small groups to weddings to sing whatever you like.
www.incognitoartists.com - brilliant singers masquerading as staff - hilarious and uplifting.
www.perfectpitchmarquees.co.uk - Jesse's your man. Nightclubs, ballrooms - you name it. And rather good-looking staff..