Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding - Jan/Feb 2018 (Issue 43)

Rock it your way A fabulous new bridal boutique, Rock the Frock Cheshire, has opened its doors in Bramhall. We caught up with owner Helen Hargraves to get the lowdown… What is your background? Prior to opening Rock the Frock, my sister and I launched a cosmetics brand specifically for brides called Love Honour and Be True. We had huge success culminating in our products being used at London Bridal Fashion Week. It was here that my dream of owning a boutique started! What happened next? While researching, I found there was a gap in the North West bridal market for something different. I followed an Essex-based company called Rock the Frock online and knew I wanted a boutique with the same values, feel and style. I contacted the owner, Karen Whybro, and nine months later, here I am! Tell us about the concept. We stock incredible designers whose collections are exclusive to us in the North West, some even the UK. Our main focus is for brides to show their personalities on their special day. The shop is a destination for all ethically conscious newlyweds-to-be who want a perfect bridal experience in a relaxed, contemporary setting. Our gowns vary from bohemian to romantic with some incredible dip-dyed creations too! Visit rockthefrockbridal.co.uk and turn to page 51 to find out more about Cheshire-girl Helen. And the winner is… Wedding suppliers in Cheshire and Merseyside cleaned up in the North West regional heats of The Wedding Industry Awards (the-wedding-industry-awards.co.uk ). Here are the winners: Dressmaker or designer Mariée, mariee.co.uk Hairstylist Kreative Hairdressing, kreativehairdressing.co.uk Marquee provider Tipi Unique, tipiunique.com Musical act (solo, duo or string quartet) Jennie Sawdon, jenniesawdon.com Photographer The Crawleys, the-crawleys.com Planner Charlotte Elise Weddings and Events, charlotteelise.co.uk Special touch BIRDIE Camper van, birdiecampervan.com Stationery Knockknockpenny Studio, facebook.com/knockknockpennystudio Transport Churchtown Wedding Cars, churchtownweddingcars.co.uk Photographer ( newcomer ) Stephen Walker Photography, stewalkerphotography.com With the average cost of a wedding in the UK now reaching the dizzying heights of £30,355, the government has announced plans to lift restrictions on tying the knot outside in an effort to bring this figure down. The venue is the biggest expense of an average big day. The Treasury has said that by giving people more choice, it could lower the amount spent while giving the hospitality industry a boost. As it stands, couples must wed in a register office, approved licensed premises or in a religious building. However, with al fresco celebrations on the rise, it could be that couples will soon be able to legally marry outside – bringing England and Wales in line with Scotland, where brides- and grooms-to-be have enjoyed more freedom of choice for years. The great outdoors Unique Glitz & Glam is an exciting new venture adding a touch of sparkle to weddings in the region from Southport’s Unique Hair & Beauty. Owner Kelly Kearns has been making brides look their big-day best for many years, and she has now turned her attention to a quirky new addition to her repertoire – wedding glitter stations. “We’re make-up professionals with a passion to help you discover your inner sparkle,” she tells us. The company can be on hand to make hen parties shine, or even rock up on the wedding day to entertain your guests and douse them in glitter! The service caters for both men and women at a whole range of events. For more information, head to @uniqueglitzandglam Sparkle all night Southport’s Vincent Hotel has recently announced that it has been awarded a second AA Rosette following an inspection. The hotel and wedding venue, which is located close to the town’s lively Lord Street, was praised by the AA for its “exceptionally high standards in culinary excellence” and for being a “stylish, contemporary hotel” with a diverse and flavourful menu. “We’re thrilled to have received such a glowing report,” says general manager Andi Mosson. “The team works tirelessly to ensure all our guests receive a memorable meal and leave extremely satisfied. This is testament to their hard work and passion.” For more information, visit thevincenthotel.com TO DINE FOR danielleboxallphotography.co.uk 10