Well, what a year ! I cannot believe how quickly it has gone and how much has happened. Here is just a quick snapshot of what has been going on.....
Spring Open Event
We started the year off at the Sami Tipi Open Event, which was held at the beautiful Bawdon Lodge Farm in Leicestershire. Whilst the weather was a little chilly, the atmosphere was warm and friendly , full of talented hand-picked suppliers and lots of excited Brides and Grooms.
I was a little nervous to start with, but within minutes Val from Benessamy Wedding and Events, Jodie from Sami Tipi and Lynn from Bawdon Lodge Farm took me under their wing to make sure I knew where I would be, if there was anything I needed and where the refreshments were ( I love tea and probably drink far too much of it ! )
I guess this must be how some new Brides- to- be might have felt. A little nervous about stepping into the unknown ( you don't get married everyday ! ), but very soon in their element as it was such a fun and relaxed event, with great food, drinks and music to enjoy - everyone was smiling . I know there is another one planned for 2016, so watch this space !
This picture was taken at the end of the day with some lovely suppliers -Allie, Lisa, Karen, Lara and Kerry
Branding
I was very lucky to meet the super-talented Mirlah from Best Day Ever, who as well as designing this website, designed all of our branding. I am so happy with it all, as it is exactly what I wanted, embracing a soft, romantic feel - I hope you like it too.
Weddings
How lucky do I feel to have written and conducted such a wide variety of weddings this year ? Very lucky, I can tell you ! I love how creative people can be, once they are given free reign to include whatever they want. So many times I met with couples who would ask " Is it ok if we include this ? " Of course it is ! has always been the answer. From indoor to outdoor, marquee to tipi, candle ceremony to hand-fasting and even boom-whacking, 2015 has covered it all. Here are just a few photos I would like to share..
Styled shoot and Open Weekend
I was delighted to be asked to be involved in the styled shoot at Swarkestone Farm, Derbyshire that is exclusive to Sami Tipi. I knew the photos would be great as they were being taken byYvonne Lishman photography, who I have been lucky enough to work with before.
The ceremony area, designed by Ticketyboo Events went down extremely well with Bride and Grooms- to- be and is sure to be a popular venue. It was great to chat with couples about their plans, whilst enjoying the sunshine and meeting a few family pets ! ( we are absolutely fine with having pets at the ceremony if that is what a couple wants ).
Swarkestone Farm, Derbyshire. A Sami Tipi exclusive venue
The Wedding Industry Awards
Oh my goodness ! I only went and won Best Newcomer 2016 in the East Midlands at The Wedding Industry Awards !! I am absolutely thrilled and so proud to have received this ward. I am really thankful to all the Brides and Grooms who took the time to vote for me and the suppliers who I have worked with along the way this year who inspire me to keep improving and growing.
I think it is only fitting that along with the one of me holding my much-loved award, that I am pictured celebrating with Jodie and Craig from Sami Tipi, and Lynn and Richard from Bawdon Lodge Farm, who were there to support me at the beginning of the year when I started, and of course the lovely Thomas from Thomas the Caterer who won a well deserved award too.
So next week I am off to London, to The National Finals of The 2016 Wedding Industry Awards. The National Finals. That is not a typing error, I just had to type it twice as I still cannot quite believe it. I am keeping everything crossed !
I will keep you posted :-)
Jo xx
