Monday 25 February 2013

Jessica Charleston






Driven by a passion for luxurious fabrics and innovative design, Jessica Charleston designs bespoke wedding dresses with an emphasis on hand detailing. Finding inspiration from the Far flung East to her local flea market Jessica creates original designs with a sense of discovery and romance. From lace applique and beading to hand printed fabrics Jessica will design you something unique which speaks volumes about your character and is perfect for your wedding day.



When you first come to my studio we'll talk about your wedding day, your style and what inspires you. We'll look at a huge range of fabric options, predominantly silk and French lace. I'm also constantly on the look out for new sustainable fabrics (Bamboo is one of my favourites). Once I've got to know you a bit better I'll start sketching out my initial ideas for your dress. I am always flexible and love venturing in new directions. Having a bespoke wedding dress will really help you stand out from the flock. So the more adventurous you want to be the better. Surprise me!

Photos by Hattie Ellis


Saturday 23 February 2013

Project EPIC Photo Shoot

Wow, what a day! Today saw the arrival of the day we have been planning for what has felt like several weeks, but in reality we have managed to pull together in only two weeks!! When we decided to launch our magazine for the Weird and Wonderful Wedding World Show, we knew we had to pull something out the bag, unlike anything else on the market today. We wanted to offer something different to the usual goody bags full of business cards to give away on the night, and felt a glossy magazine was the way to go... And it wouldn't be complete with out some EPIC photos. The brief for every one involved was 'Bristol meets Vogue'.

We were up at stupid o'clock in the morning ferrying dresses around, thanks to Brad for being the man and his van, the WWWWBristol team arrived at At-Bristol at 8am to be greeted by our out sourced team for the day. We unloaded the van and set our room up that had kindly been arranged by Sarah from the At-Bristol events team. We all literally exploded all over the room, there were dresses and make up galore and buzz in the room around us with excitement for what was about to commence! OMG.. I can not tell you how much the whole day exceeded my expectations. I knew everyone would be great, but I did not ever expect to be able to nail the looks and the shots so perfectly to match my imagination.

We had a huge team to help us through the day and by god, we couldn't have done it without everyone involved. Each and every person was as excited and enthusiastic as the next and every one totally got my vision for the shoot. Grace Kingsley MUA was able to pull together the most perfect team for hair and make up, including Jenny Davies and and Simon on Make Up, Michelle Hoskins and James Brown on Hair Styling. Each of them creating the most amazing theatrical hair and make up, each thoroughly embracing their own style and the chance to get creative.
Crown and Glory Accessories
Laura Michelle Power was THE most amazing Photographer I have ever had the pleasure of working with. With her relentless enthusiasm, her continued passion and skill for her art. She was a pleasure to have on shoot for the entire day, and again, totally got my vision and nailed it with the shots. 



Our exhibitors have all been amazing, with all number of awesome products provided by some fabulous suppliers. Dresses from Lisa KeatingEmily GarrodJessica CharlestonBeyond BurlesqueDrac in a Box and Angels Carrying Savage Weapons. HUGE thanks to Lindsey from ACSW for coming along for the day to help dress the models, they would have had corsets  on upside down if it wasn't for her! (Nothing to do with me.. ! *lies*) Hair Accessories from Crown and GloryProfessor MaelstrommeDeath and Glory Taxidermy, who quite frankly stole the show!
WWWW Bristol Photo Shoot by Laura Michelle  25

Our models, Star, Aymie, Lucy, Rachel and Emilia, totally rocked it! They were all so much fun to shoot, their combined unique looks all representing alternative women of today, worked so well together.

Weird and Wonderful Wedding World
We initially had two locations within At-Bristol planned for the shoot, the fibre optic display outside the Planetarium entrance and under the fish tank tunnel over in the Aquarium, but whist we were there we thought it was a shame to pass up the opportunity to shoot with the beautiful Cathedral as our back drop. Three entirely different settings proving to provide lots of truly EPIC shots. As At-Bristol will be the setting for not only our alternative Wedding Show but also to many alternative weddings in the future, we wanted to create some inspiring shots for future brides to look at to see just what amazing images can be created with a little imagination!
Laura Michelle Photography2
You can check out the video we have created for you below to see our day on the Weird and Wonderful Wedding Photo Shoot.. But you will have to wait for the final images! We will be doing a few more sneak peaks but the HOTTEST shots will be saved for our magazine, which will be available to buy via mine and the WWWWBristol website as soon as we publish, you will also be able to pick up a free copy if you are the first 100 through the door of the show itself which takes place on 13th April 2013. Entry is free to the show if register online and you will also receive a complimentary cocktail, it will be £5 on the door if you forget to register. You can check out more of the Photos from the shoot in the album on Facebook Here.



Further info on all involved;

Laura Michelle Photography
I am a big believer in nostalgia and holding onto that specialness that photography once had. I also believe in making great photographs. Through the use of both digital and analogue I love to help couple's remember their day with that warm fuzzy feeling & plenty of humour! Creatively photographing in an unobtrusive and friendly way is so important to my style. I want my couple to feel completely comfortable with me and love getting to know them through the whole wedding process.The most amazing thing about doing what I do is that I get to meet so many individuals! Every single one of them is so unique and quirky in there own way! With every mother of the bride who looks at me through proud tears or Grandad, who holds my hand and thanks me for being there... oh my god, I am just so lucky. To be welcomed like part of the family to this celebration and document the experience with my camera, is incredible. www.lauramichelle.co.uk

Grace Kingsley
I have worked with in the Make Up and Beauty industry for just over ten years and absolutely love it! I get to work with loads of different people, Play with make up and be creative nearly every day. I have worked in Fashion, Film & TV, Music Videos and have even taught at the London Make Up School but have always specialised in Weddings along the way.Working with brides is great as you get to make them look and feel fabulous on their special day. I work with them from their first phone call or email to plan a look at their trial right through to the last lip stick check before they walk out the door to walk down the isle! 

Over the years I have worked with Bristol Fashion Week, Tres Chic magazine, west weddings, Beautiful Brides, Trap Magazine, ITV to name a few but now I am able to add The Weird and Wonderful Wedding World to my list which has been amazing! This has been one of my favourite projects and it gives endless possibilities to how a bride can look on her special day!I am trianed in all aspects of Make Up, not just the pretty stuff! I come with lots of experience and a huge amount of passion and knowledge.

You can find my portfolio at www.gracekingsley.co.uk or have a little tweet with me at @Graceyk_MUA


Michelle Hoskins
One of my main passions in life is make up and the art of creating that beautiful look. I love the overall challenge of delivering my vision from styling and dressing the hair to applying the final lip gloss! I enjoy all aspects of make up from fashion, bridal, theatrical through to the day to day challenge of looking your best.

I also participate in body art competitions, including the use of prosthetics. In the last year I have taken part in eight competitions and I have placed in seven of them which certainly demonstrates that I thrive under pressure. Amongst those competitions I got first place at the Professional Beauty competition for Fifty's Glamour 2012 and I am also doing it again this year. I've also taken part in the AHT body painting competition and got first place at the semi finale and second place in the final. My finest achievements then came with UK Skills 2012, during which I not only came first in the heats, but went on to receive the overall gold medal for Media Makeup. My goal for this year is to enter the IMATs competition in London.

I've also been involved in two fashion shows, from the Fuze fashion show in Bristol where I was make up director and also as a make up artist in the Bristol fashion show at Cribbs Causeway. In March I've been asked to be make up director of over 15 make up artists and over 50 models for the fashion show in Bath.

I couldn't think of better and more enjoyable challenge than being a make up artist. If you would like to see some of work please visit my Facebook page www.Facebook.com/michellehoskinsmakeupartist or my webpage at www.michellehoskins.jimdo.com.


Jenny Davies
Jenny Davies-Freelance Makeup artist working throughout the south west and south wales. Work with brides to create  a stunning look for their big day, also work on fashion shoots/shows, promotional events and makeovers/makeup lessons.

James Brown

My Name is James and I am a Freelance Hair Stylist. I have been in the industry now for several years and really love the thrill of creating something new and exciting. I Specialize in weddings, shows and pageants. Trinity Styling Ltd offers Hair, Make up and Photography all at one affordable price and also works in close conjunction with other up and coming artists of the fashion industry.
I have had much success being the winning stylist for Miss Bristol 2010, 2011 and 2012, Miss Swindon 2012, Miss Dorset runner up 2011 and Miss Fashion Vs Beauty 2011 and 2012 and Miss Beautiful hair 2013. I have had success in London Fashion week 2012 and have styled both winner of Signed by Katie Price Amy Willerton and Miss England 2012 Charlotte Holmes.
I am available for Pageants, Hair cuts, Weddings, catwalk shows and much more and can be contacted on trinitystyling@gmail.com and our facebook page trinity styling ltd.

Friday 22 February 2013

Toasted







Toasted Glass is the product of my borderline obsession for painting on glass. I have been painting on glass for twenty years and after a long break to focus on motherhood, I am back in business and loving it. The designs range from intricate lace, butterflies and peacocks to simple winged hearts and clock faces, across a wide range of stemware, cups, decanters, bowls and vases, all painted by hand, signed and dated. Of course the real beauty of that, is you can commission your own design or choose tones to suit your colour scheme. 



Champagne flutes are perfect for wedding toasts and can be personalised with names and dates. All the designs are baked on which makes them suitable for dishwashing at a medium temperature setting and means they needn't just sit on the shelf as decoration, after your big day. Boxed pairs of personalised shot glasses make great presents for the Best Man and Bridesmaids (presuming they are over 18 of course) and your top table guests will remember the day forever with a bespoke champagne flute.



If you would like to find out a bit more about what inspires me; from a fun look at Valentine's Day to champagne cocktail recipes, then please read my blog 


Thursday 21 February 2013

Three Scots and a Bar Man









Three Scots and a Barman are a four piece wedding band based in the city of Bristol. Their repertoire covers everything from 50′s rock’n roll to current day chart topping hits. They say "If you’re looking for some fun packed, energetic, floor filling entertainment for your wedding, party or function, you’ve come to the right place. We are all seasoned musicians with years of experience under our belt, so we know a thing or two about entertaining a crowd. The different personalities and skills of our band members allow us to perform an eclectic mix of Pop, Rock, Soul, RNB, Blues, Reggae and Folk music."


They also pride themselves on being extremely flexible and accommodating saying "we can set up when you want, play when you want, for as long as you want and deal with song requests as best we can." The band has an extensive song list to choose from and they can also perform as an acoustic duo for ceremonies and receptions as well as offering DJ sets, lighting and additional music.



Wednesday 20 February 2013

'Til there was Uke



We are ‘Til There Was Uke, a Ukulele/Vocal Duo performing an eclectic range of covers from 1920s to the present day.
We can provide the perfect musical backdrop to your day with our relaxed, enjoyable sound during the all-important ceremony, entertainment during your drinks reception, add atmosphere to your wedding breakfast or keep your guests entertained while photos are taken.
Your wedding day should be one of the most memorable of your life. We want to help make it as special and individual as the couple getting married. ‘Til There Was Uke will bring a touch of originality and vintage style to your day.
We have a variety of packages to suit every theme and budget and all can be tailored to your requirements:
Classic Reception This includes 2 x 45 minute sets (with a 15 minute break) and your pick of a mixture of 35 songs from our extensive set list.
Classic Plus Is as above but with a personalised twist, the set list of 35 songs can include up to 10 songs requested by you. We will source the songs, learn them and perform them with a sprinkle of ‘Til There Was Uke treatment.
Decade Defined This package is perfect if you have chosen to have a specific vintage theme to your wedding defined by an era, we can play an entire set to suit. Choose from: Totally 20s, Thrilling 30s, Fabulous 40s, Fun-Filled 50s or Swinging 60s.
Ceremony We will learn and perform up to 4 personal song choices throughout your wedding ceremony. We can provide music as your guests arrive, play for the entrance of the bride, during signing of the register, and as your guests leave.
“Thank you so much for playing at our wedding. Your performance was superb and we have had lots of positive feedback from our guests. You added that extra special touch to our vintage wedding! We are so glad we stumbled across you and would not hesitate to call upon you again!” Anne & Gary Wilks


“’Til There Was Uke came to the rescue for our wedding ceremony and drinks reception when we had been cancelled on by two other bands. As it turns out it was all for the best as the girls were the perfect addition to our special day – Not only did they perform all the tunes I requested, but they were great in communication, provided real attention to detail and added that special touch of ukulele magic – Thank you so much!” - Laura and Jamie Saunders



Friday 8 February 2013

We had a little rebrand!


In the last few weeks the Weird and Wonderful Wedding World Show has become something we could never have imagined. When we first started we were like over-excited puppies - we had such big ideas for the show and we couldn't wait to get it out to the world, although we planned everything down to the last word, before we released anything.  Ali is my very organised partner in crime and I couldn't have done it without her. We barely even knew each other when we first met up for coffee and when the idea was born, but since the show has grown we have become good friends and work-wise, I have found she is the Ying to my Yang! We both had huge plans for the Weird and Wonderful Wedding World show from the beginning, united in our vision, we each came to find we both implement these ideas in different ways. She the organised ex-PA and me the wayward creative. Together I think we are a force to be reckoned with!
Weird and Wonderful Wedding World
Plans for the show have gone from strength to strength, we have some AMAZING exhibitors on board (you can check these out here) and our dream is starting to become a reality. We didn't think, between us, that we quite had enough on our plate, so we decided to put together a magazine for the show which will be sold via my website and via the WWWWBristol website when it's all finished and published. We will also be printing these to give away to our awesome brides on the night. The magazine will have some great content and showcase all the exhibitors... But wow, even that wasn't enough, we decided you alternative brides out there needed some totally rad photos for inspiration. So we got together with our blossoming new wedding photographer who we just knew would be up for some awesome fashion photography, Laura Michelle. We have a load of gawgus models lined up for what is going to be the most epic photo shoot of my life! I could tell you more.. but then I would have to kill you...!
Weird and Wonderful Wedding World
With all this going on, I suddenly felt that our original logo just wasn't cutting it! So, inspired by Shauna Haider of Nubby Twiglet, and The Blogcademy Headmistress, I rebranded the entire show and started initial designs for the Magazine. I am so pleased with the finished branding and think it represents the show perfectly.
Weird and Wonderful Wedding World
We want the Magazine to be high quality with a look that stands out against other wedding magazines and very much want to keep the integrity of the Weird and Wonderful Wedding World Show itself. We are really pleased with what it is going to look like and can't wait to share it with you!

Tuesday 5 February 2013

Drac in a Box




 +44(0)7523010751

Drac-in-a-Box Gothic Clothing is all about looking amazing in true Gothic style. We are designers and retailers of Goth, Steampunk, Victorian Style clothing, corsets, Gothic Lolita and Punk. 

We are specialist in extreme elegance and gothic couture, including alternative bridal wear and Neo Victorian. We are a British Company, and we have now been selling gothic and alternative clothing to a worldwide market for over 13 years.


Drac-in-a-Box is headed by Nicole and Loris, who have been goth for longer than they choose to remember.



As a company we take inspiration from art, music and literature of the alternative subculture to create true gothic clothing. All of Drac-in-a-Box exclusive designs are all hand made in the UK with the greatest attention to detail and finish.



We also provide a bespoke design service to bring your dream garment to life.
Let us help you with your gothic wedding, your special occasion or simply build a more extensive and beautiful wardrobe of gothic clothes.

Saturday 2 February 2013

Laura Michelle Photography






My name is Laura Michelle Power and I am an alternative wedding photographer from Bristol.

I am a big believer in nostalgia and holding onto that specialness that photography once had. I also believe in making great photographs. Through the use of both digital and analogue I love to help couple's remember their day with that warm fuzzy feeling & plenty of humor!



Creatively photographing in an unobtrusive and friendly way is so important to my style. I want my couple to feel completely comfortable with me and love getting to know them through the whole wedding process.



The most amazing thing about doing what I do is that I get to meet so many individuals! Every single one of them is so unique and quirky in there own way! With every mother of the bride who looks at me through proud tears or Grandad, who holds my hand and thanks me for being there... oh my god, I am just so lucky. To be welcomed like part of the family to this celebration and document the experience with my camera, is incredible.



I have been photographing for ten years, it all began with studying black and white film photography at college. Digital wasn't something I was even aware of at that time! So it was quite a slow process, developing negatives in my bathroom and spending an entire day hand printing one perfect black and white photograph. It sounds crazy now but those were some of the best years of my life! You really had to consider every click of the shutter, you didn't care that your clothes smelled like darkroom chemicals or that you hadn't seen daylight in days - all that mattered was the art of making great photographs. Those days gave me invaluable skills that I feel really help the way I photograph today.



It was during studying for my Photographic Art Degree that I shot my first ever wedding with a friend. It felt like a disaster - the stress & the responsibility was insane but seeing those images made me realise that this was what I wanted to do! Wedding photography allowed me to combine my love for documentary candids with traditional portraiture and a little editorial fashion as well! This is the great thing about current wedding photography - you can really get creative!



It’s such an exciting time to be getting married right now! Weddings can be so different & with so many suppliers offering alternative's - you can do pretty much anything you want. I absolutely love working with imaginative & creative couple's, who really want to have fun on their wedding day and who take control and make their wedding their own. That’s why wedding fairs like this are so awesome. It presents so many options to brides and can help give them a direction or theme.