Creatiques an expression of style

18 years ago an amazing friendship was born and a true talent emerged. In a small town a girl was to be married and a then unknown designer was asked to help. Some stunning bridesmaids dresses were made with a flare and service that, for this young bride to be, was not seen elsewhere in the planning of her day. The night before the big day the bridesmaids excitedly decided to try yet again their dresses on and then disaster struck, one of the dresses was a bit tight, no fault of the designer but it was !! With a hint of panic the bride called the dressmaker and told him what had happened and with no hesitation he came to the house and fixed the problem with a smile. The next day went without hitch and the wedding party all looked amazing. So why am I telling you this ?? Well the bride that day was me and the designer was Mr Andrew West a rare and fantastic young man who went about life with zest and a determination to do things to perfection.

Sadly Mr West and I lost touch but thanks to a fabulous magazine called Wedding Ideas 17 years later we were to reunited and this time Mr West now Pearce was with his fabulous husband Rob and the two of them were running a Bridal Boutique in Southsea. Imagine my surprise when I heard of this not to mention further when I discovered we were both up for awards for being the best in the business at what we do.

Both of us won at the awards Creatiques for Retail and myself for Planner and so I decided to see if Andrew and Rob really were as good as their brides said and if the zest was still there. So last weekend off I went.

Creatiques though small is full of a warmth you cannot describe with an energy that lights the boutique. The boys run by appointment and so close the doors to all others whilst dealing with the very important client in front of them. Tea, coffee or bubbles? And they are off....

The time, care and attention to detail given to their clients is of extraordinary levels and it is easy to see why this boutique and it's owners won the award of Wedding Ideas ' Best Bridal Retailer 2011'.

Coming soon.... ' My Day at Creatiques and what went on at their Designer Show'


Words by Julie Tooby
www.creatiques.co.uk

Designer Wedding Show by Creatiques

The buzz is going on.

Be at the designer event of the year!!!

The Wedding Ideas Award Winning Bridal Retailer, Creatiques, will be at the Royal Beach Hotel on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th February for the Justin Alexander designer weekend, where you can see his new collection.

Also at the event will be Julie Tooby, from Essentially You - Director and 3 times award winning wedding planner, her expertise will make you realise that you may have never thought about a wedding planner, or on day coordinator but it really does take the pressure off of your day and simply is one of life's little luxuries you CAN afford.

We are also very pleased and lucky to announce that the gorgeous Pippa from Wedding Ideas magazine will be joining us on Sunday, come and meet Pippa and pick up the latest copy of the top selling bridal magazine but be quick as she will run out very quickly- it is the nations favourite!

Also appearing is some of the amazing talent the city of Portsmouth has to offer - Emma from Eden Florist will show you that there is more to flowers than flowers, its art.

Don't forget, if you can't make the show or simply want another look, you can view and try on the collection during the week after the show. The collection leaves the boutique on Friday 11th February, so book early to avoid disappointment.

We look forward to seeing you over the weekend, or by appointment at the boutique.

www.creatiques.co.uk

We did it again!!

3rd time in a row for Essentially You, voted UK's Best Wedding Planner 2011

The day is Friday the 14th January 2011, I've got my new shoes, evening gown and lipgloss on. I'm wearing a stunning hairpiece and necklace from Tantrums & Tiaras and I'm ready to go.

The venue is the Brewery in London, the Event - The Wedding Ideas Awards, an accredited yearly ceremony where the creme de la creme of the wedding industry gather and are recognised for their work by the public.

As I enter the room it is adorned by glitz and glamour and a buzz of excitement mixed with anticipation. As I mingle and sip champagne with the finest and most knowledgeable wedding guru's the enormity of the event hits me and I am so proud that Essentially You has been voted to the finals by all our fabulous couples, their friends and family and fellow suppliers.

After a lavish meal it's on to the awards, first up, the lovely Rachel Southwood, owner of Wedding Ideas Magazine who introduces the beautiful Jenni Falconer and then we are off. As I sit with a nervousness over me the category for "Best Wedding Planner" is announced by talented florist Emma Lappin, she reads out the 5 worthy finalist.... and then it happens "and the winner is ESSENTIALLY YOU" I cannot believe it.

As I walk to the stage to be met by the glamour upon it, I take a quick look around the room to see smiling faces and I am humbled that we have again be given such an accolade.

A massive thank you to all the brides, grooms, guests and fellow industry lovies that voted, without you we are nothing.

A round of applause to the nations favourite wedding magazine which goes from strength to strength celebrating all that is great in the world of weddings- a fantastic day that will be hard to top, well done team giraffe.

Lastly a thank you from the bottom of my heart to my family, children and wonderful husband who supports myself and Essentially You in all that we do and endeavor to achieve.

Article by Julie Tooby
www.TantrumsandTiaras.org
www.emmalappinflowers.com
www.weddingideasmag.com

Wedding Awards 2011

LOCAL FIRM SHORTLISTED AS FINALIST FOR THE 2011 WEDDING IDEAS AWARDS

Essentially You has been shortlisted in the Wedding Planner category of The 2011 Wedding Ideas Awards, the UK's only consumer wedding awards, voted for by readers of the UK's best selling monthly wedding title. The awards acknowledge the very best companies who deliver fabulous products for every bridal budget, coupled with exceptional customer service. There are 16 categories and there have been in excess of 8,000 nominations this year. It's been a record, recession-busting year in every way – for the awards, the magazine and the parent company – Giraffe Media Ltd.

The awards will be presented at a glittering awards ceremony at The Brewery by the Barbican in London on Friday the 14th of January 2011 , following a Champagne Reception and a delicious three course lunch. The evening will be hosted by TV presenter Jenni Falconer, entertainment by Andy Abraham and over 200 leading names from the bridal industry are expected to attend.

Rachel Morgan, the editor of Wedding Ideas magazine, explains the significance
of the awards:

"The 6th annual Wedding Ideas Awards will see la creme de la creme of the UK's wedding industry honoured for their work with real-life brides – the people who matter! Many of the nominees work with us anyway, and we are especially delighted that these people have been recognised for their brilliance, in these tough times and considering just how many nominations we had this year. We send our congratulations to Essentially You for being nominated for one of these prestigious awards."

For more information please contact Julie Tooby on 07976 645480 or julie.tooby@essentially-you.net

The winners will be announced in the Wedding Ideas Awards Special issue, on sale on the 26th of January 2011, available from all good newsagents and supermarkets. For more information on the Wedding Ideas awards please contact rachel@weddingideasmag.com or go to www.weddingideasawards.com. Follow The Wedding Ideas Awards 2011 on Facebook.

A Royal Occasion

On Tuesday 16th November 2010, Prince William announced his engagement to the lovely Kate Middleton. In association with Wedding Ideas Magazine, Essentially You were invited down to the Palace to be interviewed by Sky and BBC News.

The wedding industry is a frenzy with excitement and we were right there in the thrust of it all, where, when, what will she wear, which designers....?????

The date has now been set for April 29th 2011, at Westminster Abbey. This will be a state affair and give a huge boost to the wedding industry and nation alike.

Congratulations to William and Kate all at Essentially You love you and wish you well in a long and happy marriage together x

Article by Julie Tooby

A gem in the heart Tunbride Wells

Chez Bec is regarded as one of the UK's leading designers of wedding jewellery having won the highly coveted Wedding Ideas Awards 2010 for Best Bridal Accessories. We were also one of 3 Finalists for Best Bridal Accessories in the Wedding Ideas Awards 2008 & 2009 and were shortlisted as one of 5 Bridal Jewellery Finalists in the UK Jewellery Awards 2008.

Having one of the largest collections of pearl wedding jewellery available online, offering a stunning range of wedding jewellery, vintage-inspired bridal jewellery, tiaras, headbands and wedding hair accessories. Their collections feature an abundance of the most beautiful freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals and all of their jewellery is hand-made to order in their studios in the South East of England. They personally select only the finest pearls, crystals and other materials to use in their jewellery which gives each piece an exquisite finish.

To ensure that you have the most perfect piece of Wedding Jewellery for your special day, Chez Bec, also offer a Bespoke Service whereby they will design and make your jewellery exactly to your requirements. They want you to feel every inch the bride, and what better way than with a truly unique wedding jewellery set to wear on the most important day of your life. In addition, the majority of their jewellery can be tailored or altered to suit your individual needs. Unlike a lot of other companies, there is no extra charge for the Bespoke Service. You simply pay for the jewellery you choose, not the design service.

Chez Bec is regularly featured in the leading bridal and fashion press in publications such as You & Your Wedding, Wedding Ideas, Perfect Wedding, Wedding, The Scottish Wedding Directory, Best Scottish Weddings, Brides, Grazia, Marie Claire, The Times and Hello.

All orders are gorgeously gift wrapped as standard in luxury gift boxes complete with lashings and lashings of the softest white tissue paper and a hand-written gift card. And all at no extra cost. A perfectly packaged gift or a present to yourself, whatever the reason for your purchase, we are sure you will love the packaging.

Set in the heart of the beautiful spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells in Kent is an exclusive, private studio where they offer highly personalised bridal consultations strictly by appointment.

Set away from the hectic pace of everyday life, the studio offers a peaceful haven of tranquility where you can take your time browsing, and trying on, our stunning collections of bridal jewellery and wedding hair accessories. You can even bring your dress and other wedding accessories with you to ensure that you get your look absolutely perfect for your big day. During your consultation, you will meet head designer, Rebecca Doyle, who will talk through all of your needs with you and will be able to discuss any bespoke requirements that you may have.

Consultations are strictly by appointment only there are only have a limited number of appointments available during the week, in the evenings and at the weekends. It is essential that you book your consultation early as appointments do get booked up very quickly.

We are happy to announce that you can receive a discount from the fabulous Chez Bec on your wedding jwellery by quoting 'Essential'

Have a look at Chez Bec on line and give them a call

www.chezbec.com

Wedding Awards 2011

We Have been lucky enough to be nominated for 'Wedding Planner of the Year 2011"

Please vote for us and lets make it three in a row!!

Click here to vote
www.weddingideasawards.com