Category Archives: Events

The “By Appointment Only Design” Party at One Mayfair + Why This is the Central London Venue for YOU!

March 4, 2011 in Events | Written by

Three weeks ago I was invited to attend a party at One Mayfair hosted by by By Appointment Only Design.  As I’ve said a few times in similar posts to this one, I always feel a little unnerved and perplexed as to why I get invited along to these things…this party was being dubbed on the inter-webs as being the swankiest of all the swanky events, so I brought my friends Emma Case and  Shell de Mar (who took these fab pictures for us) along with me to hold my hand. I promised them a free cocktail or two so it didn’t take much persuasion!

When I thought about how to write up this event, I felt strongly that I didn’t want this post to be the usual industry party report style – “Oh it was faaabulous daaarling, the cocktails were divine and I swooped around the room like a princess all night…blah blah blah” because let’s be honest, what are you – my loyal readers and brides-to-be going to get out of that!?  (for the record the event was bloody incredible in fact, and my breath literally was taken away as I walked into the pink lit – inside and out! – venue)

I am well aware that I’m exceptionally lucky to get invited to a soirée like this, but I’m also keen to make sure that the things I take away from them, and report back about, are relevant to you guys too.

I met with Alicia Barron, events manager of One Mayfair (as well as the sister venue, One Marylebone) for a coffee last week as I was keen to chat to her about how relevant a seemingly uber posh central London venue would be to Rock n Roll Bride readers…many of whom are on a tighter budget than the weddings they might typically host. However to my surprise Alicia was keen to point out that the venue was actually not as pricey to hire as one might expect, and that the bespoke service they offer is certainly worthy of such a stunning location. “One Mayfair is a Grade I listed de-consecrated church in the heart of Mayfair. Opened late 2009, the venue is certainly a bit of a hidden gem, tucked away on North Audley St in Mayfair. The venue is a constantly evolving space, and a roof top smoking courtyard currently being built” she explained.

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The Designer Vintage Bridal Show Feburary 2011 ♥ My Report + Exclusive Photos

February 23, 2011 in Events | Written by

In November I received an email from Bran Cook (PR extraordinaire) to ask if I’d be interested in being one of the attractions at a brand new wedding fair she was helping Rachel of Rachel Simpson Shoes and Clare Guest of The Wedding Club (a fabulous bridal boutique in Birmingham) to organise. At first I was a little confused. What would they want me there for? Who would want to come see me at a wedding fair? What would I even put on a wedding fair stand?! However I bit the bullet and said I’d be there with bells on…big pink ones.

Over the next few months I received regular updates (both via email and on The Designer Vintage Bridal Fair blog) about all the amazing suppliers that were getting involved with the show and my initial uncertainty and nerves turned to utter excitement! I had basically signed up to hang out at the beautiful Highbury Hall in Birmingham with a load my favourite wedding suppliers for a WHOLE WEEKEND…woohoo road trip! I even booked into a hotel with my girls Lucy of Lucy Ledger Designs and Debbie of DC Bouquets which further transformed the weekend from a ‘business trip’ into a fabulously giggly and gossipy girls weekend (and yes we did lie in bed until 3am chatting and laughing uncontrollably!) And I call this ‘work’ right?!

My girls, room-mates and gossip buddies – Debs & Lucy!

I literally couldn’t wait to get there…especially when I was informed that a) my stand was right next to photographer Emma Case (who I love more than life itself…not just because her work is amazing but because she has fast become one of my very best friends and b) that our room was the one with the bar in. BONUS.  Then, when I arrived I was informed that there was even a football table in the corner or our room (great for all the poor grooms-to-be who weren’t so interested in all the vintage prettiness.) Also in the bar area were the super rad It’s a Wind Up, vintage 78 DJ’s who constantly kept us entertained us with their classic record collection (and they even played some Elvis just for me!)

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Happy Valentine’s Day – Smooooooozing and Swanning Around The Mark Niemierko & Browns Bride Valentine’s Party

February 14, 2011 in Events | Written by

0001 - David Willems Photography - MARK NIEMIERKO AND CAROLINE BURSTEIN, BROWNS FASHION

After Tuesday’s wedding blogger’s shoot came Mark Niemierko‘s Valentine’s Party, hosted by Caroline Burstein of Browns Bride (pictured above). Let me get one thing straight here… I was more than a little bit surprised to receive an invite to such an event.

“Seriously? Me? a pink (well rainbow) haired slightly-punky-in-no-way ‘high end’ wedding blogger…really?! You want ME so come and cover the event? Erm… OK then” Was pretty much the thought process I had when the invitation landed through my door.

0001 - David Willems Photography

So it was with some trepidation that I headed to Browns Bride in Marylebone, London on Tuesday evening accompanied by a couple of the girls also involved in the blogger’s shoot. We were a little late (photo shoots never run to time + taxi fail!) but as soon as I arrived a cocktail was thrust in my hand (hey, I could get used to this!) and Mark excitedly told me all about what was going on…who I simply must meet…why he was so excited to be working with wedding bloggers…and which dresses I should try on (OK I made that last bit up. The room was filled with Oscar de la Renta, Monique Luillier, Peter Langner, Carolina Herrera and Vera Wang, a girl can dream right?!)

0053 - David Willems Photography

It was great to meet so many people including Helen, the bride-to-be who won my competition to attend (well now she’s a newlywed as she got married on Saturday…and yes I’ve told he she must send me the photos. After hearing all about her plans I am very excited to see them indeed!)

But that’s not all. I am thrilled to reveal that not only did they actually let me in the door (!) but Mark commissioned the fabulous Allora Visuals to create a special behind the scenes video EXCLUSIVELY (yeah big letters…I’m that excited) for Rock n Roll Bride. That’s pretty darn ace huh! You won’t see this video anywhere else. Rock n Roll Bride is where it’s at baby…

(You should spot a familiar face at about 1 min 39!)

I’m a little bit gutted that I wasn’t able to get in the interview video (boohoohoo I hate being late) but luckily for you lot, Mark still sent it over to me so share with you all.

…And, in case you’re interested, my perfect Valentine’s Day would be pink champagne, a thai take away and a movie marathon with Gareth & the kittens. And my prediction for 2011 wedding trends would be that we’ll be seeing a lot more opulence and extravagance in weddings, but still with quirky, DIY and Rock n Roll touches. It will definitely still be all about the personal details and putting your own stamp on your wedding day… just with a little bit of Marie Antoinette thrown in for good measure!

Be sure to check out all the photos…this is the wedding elite right here…and me! haha

0149 - David Willems Photography - KAT WILLIAMS, ROCK N ROLL BRIDE BLOG

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And The Winner of Two Tickets to Mark Niemierko’s Valentine’s Party at Browns Bride is…

February 8, 2011 in Competitions, Events | Written by

Helen, who said:

This for me is Wedding week! I get married next weekend at the gorgeous Coworth Park. What better way to kick it off than drinks at the beautiful browns brides! I’m just round the corner and I don’t need an excuse to pop round to their shop to see how my gorgeous dress is doing xxx

Congratulations!! Be sure to check your inbox and please get your full name plus the full name of your +1 to me ASAP so we can put you on the guest list. I look forward to seeing you there!

Love To Learn – Come Hear Me Speak in Dublin, September 5th & 6th 2011

February 7, 2011 in Events | Written by

As many of you will know, I find it very hard to keep my mouth shut when I’m seriously excited about something. This was one of those instances (I tweeted and facebooked about this already!) I received an email from Christina Brosnan of Brosnan Photographic in Ireland asking if I would like to be flown out to Dublin in September to speak at a photography conference with a difference that she was hosting! The icing on the cake came when she told me that the other speakers were none other that Rock n Roll Bride favourites Feather Love Photography and epic planning and styling team Bash,Please – both from California!

Seriously, like she even had to ask!?!? As you can imagine I’m pretty darn excited about this. I hope to see some of you there! Spaces are limited to just 25 attendees so book your tickets as soon as you can – there is even an early bird discount if you book before the end of March. Squeeeeeeal!

♥  ♥  ♥

We’re bringing together the talents of alternative, indie, vintage wedding photographer Noa Azoulay-Sclater of Feather Love Photography and luxury wedding market styling team Paige and Kelly of Bash,Please. These ladies are leaders in shaping the alternative wedding industry and setting trends internationally. Love to Learn 2011 is not going to be a technical workshop. We are not going to focus on how to use a camera or edit your photos, but we are going to help you develop your own artistic style, find your strengths as photographers, and target the right market.

This 2 day event with 3 fabulous guest speakers and special guest will get you motivated, inspired, and lead you to make the right choices for your business. We want you to remember what made you passionate about wedding photography!

The Guest Speakers:

Noa (Feather Love Photography): Based in San Diego, Feather Love Photography has become a well known name in the wedding photography industry in America. Noa loves weddings that are a bit different and is influenced by the look and feel of old movies, record covers and the photographic style in old penthouse-style magazines. Noa has been published in several international publications with a recent publication in People Magazine of her wedding photos of Emily Deschanel and David Hornsby.

Noa will be focusing on inspiration and guiding us to find our own unique style and voice as photographers.  Day one will be filled with deep discussion and motivation on giving us a push to become better artists. With her success with Rue Magazine, E! Entertainment, The NY Times, interviews in Photo Pro and The Photography Parlour, and personal workshops, Noa is helping photographers grow as individuals and pushing for change in the industry. Noa will also lead us in a styled wedding shoot, because what is a photography workshop without a shoot right?!

Paige & Kelly (Bash,Please): This hot California duo (also the creative geniuses behind Emily Deschanel and David Hornsby’s wedding) is taking the luxury wedding market by storm. With features in publications such as Once Wed, Style Me Pretty, Martha Stewart,Rue Magazine, 100 layer cake (the list goes on and on), Bash,Please are on America’s event stylers most wanted list. They are also the creators behind HITCHED, one of the most innovative wedding events around.

On day two Paige and Kelly will focus on the business of weddings. Being a well sought after styling team these girls have lots to offer on targeting the luxury wedding market. They will discuss marketing your brand, staying true to your art, and building relationships within the wedding industry.

When and Where and What to Wear:
The fabulous Dylan Hotel in Dublin on September 5th and 6th. Dress comfortably as you will be sitting quite a lot, but not too shabby as the Dylan is super swank!

The Schedule:
Monday will kick off at 9.30am and finish around 7pm. A full day of motivating, inspiring, shooting, and eating. You will hear from Noa and finish the day with a styled wedding shoot. Tuesday will start at 11am (for anyone who went out partying!) and finish around 5pm. Paige and Kelly will speak about the luxury wedding market.

Special Guest Speaker:
Kat of Rock n Roll Bride is going to tell us how to get featured on wedding blogs and why blogs rule in general!

Cost:
This event is limited to 25 attendees. Event cost is €1,200. Early bird rate of €950 if booked before the 1st of March. With 2 full days and 4 fab speakers you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck (it’s well worth it!). Full payment is due at time of booking. All Love To Learn attendees will receive special discounts from our sponsors. Be sure to follow us on twitter to find out about our awesome sponsors!

Registration:
To register a spot at Love to Learn 2011 send an email to Christina at christina[at]brosnanphotographic.com with your name, email, phone, and address.

Twitter:
Follow our updates on twitter @Love2LearnIRL

A Most Curious Wedding Fair – April 16th 2011

February 7, 2011 in Events, Styled Photo Shoots | Written by

Rebecca started her business, A Most Curious Party, whilst she planned her 2008 wedding (It was a beauty! I blogged it here.) Her vintage styling company has gone from strength to strength in the last couple of years, however now she’s going one step further and planning a bridal show with a difference!

She explains, “I was totally disheartened by the barren landscape of boring wedding suppliers on offer to do my husband-to-be and I justice on our big day. Since then things have utterly changed for the better and there are so many great designer, makers, florists, vintage dress companies, photographers, stationers, you name it, on the scene who have changed the face of the wedding industry, not to mention the bloggers like the one only Kat from the one and only Rock n Roll Bride whose influence is immeasurable. Similarly, now, there are vintage wedding fairs popping up around the country and this can also, only be a good thing. But I still feel we can go one further people! The experts putting together vintage wedding fairs are doing a grand job and full respect to them, but maybe, just maybe vintage isn’t enough.”

“Vintage is now part of mainstream culture and certainly mainstream wedding culture as its whimsical, aged beauty is so well matched to the fairytale day brides and grooms wants. I knew I absolutely wanted this as part of my wedding day, but only part of it. The other parts I wanted to be an all singing, all dancing carnival of delights, an aesthetic shot of love to the heart, colourful explosions that had the attitude and the punch that could express the ‘us against the world forever’ feeling that our wedding day signified to us.”

“So, after the two year hunt for fun inspiring creatives that can cater for weddings as well as two years of running a vintage (yes – vintage!) hire and styling company for brides A Most Curious Party, I have set up a wedding fair that hopefully incorporates all these things, uniting expressive brides with expressive suppliers – The Most Curious Wedding Fair!”

She is a girl after my own heart and in order to kick start the promo of this fabulous event, Rebecca organised a vintage inspired photo shoot to show off all the amazing people who will be exhibiting at her show (be sure to check out the full list after the ‘jump’)

The first “Most Curious Wedding Fair” will be taking place on 16th April 2011, 11am-5.30pm at St Andrews & Blackfriars Hall, Norwich, Norfolk NR3 1AU. Tickets cost just £2 (!) and only £1 for brides-to-be and are available to buy on the door. That’s a total bargain I say!!

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