Five of the best wedding photographers in the North West

Having been involved the wedding industry as an accessory designer for four years now (that went fast!) I've had the pleasure of meeting, and working alongside, many of the best wedding industry suppliers in the North West of England.

After a recent accessory consultation with a bride, she asked me if I could recommend a local photographer, and since we are blessed in this region with some varied, and talented photographers, I actually recommended my favourite 5. She then asked if I could recommend a hair and make-up artist, again, aware of how quickly my hair and make-up friends book up, I recommended 5. A florist? Again, 5...

You see what's happening here?!

My 'Top 5' series starts today with wedding photographers.

My top 5, North West based wedding photographers

1. Chelsea Shoesmith Photography 

I first 'met' Chelsea when she kindly allowed me to publish one of her images of one of my brides wearing a Glorious hair accessory on her wedding day.

Since that moment, I've been involved in a couple of styled shoots, conceived and captured by Chelsea, and have enjoyed tea & chat with her on a number of occasions.

Chelsea is always thoughtful, adores her craft, is a calming presence, continually strives to improve her skill, and captures her subjects with simple clarity.

2. Stephen McGowan Photography

I worked with Stephen on a styled wedding shoot conceived by Edith and Winston Bridalwear (they'll pop up in one of my future 5 of the best...). I was struck by the ease which Stephen interacted with a room full of strong women, his permanently happy demeanour, and impressed with his photographic skill capturing moving objects, birds and beautiful brides.

3. Zap Image

I met Philip Eagland, the principal photographer at Zap Image, at a Cheshire wedding fair, and loved the uniqueness of his images.

Since then I've worked on a styled wedding shoot with Philip where his enthusiasm for the concept, and the way he framed the subjects, has me very excited to see the final edit!

4. Clare Basiuk

I always love seeing images of my brides wearing their Glorious accessories on their wedding day, and was particularly delighted to be sent Clare Basiuk's joyous photos of bride Laura (top), wearing her Sofia headpiece.

Clare's photography shows an unfailing ability to capture the fun and warmth of a wedding day, and I can't wait to meet and work with her very soon.

5. Teresa C Photography

Her gorgeous saturated colour and vibrant images caught my eye after receiving these wonderful images through from Glorious bride Hannah. 

I haven't yet worked with photographer Teresa C, but would love to one day!

How to get the most out of a wedding fair

www.glorioustiaras.co.uk


When planning your wedding, a trip to a wedding fair can offer up really big rewards.

For starters, you'll find a good variety of wedding industry professionals under one roof, meaning that instead of spending several weekends trawling around local bridal shops, wedding accessory suppliers, and cake designers, you can see them all in the space of a few hours. Those exhibitors are also keen to do business on the day, so they'll be competing hard to win your time, attention, and money!

However, wedding fairs, especially the big ones, can seem overwhelming, but follow these essential tips and you'll come home at the end of the day having made a serious dent in your 'to-do' list, made some good savings, and enjoyed a fun day out!

1. Register beforehand Many of the shows charge an entry fee, but if you book your tickets beforehand some offer discounted entry, whilst others waive the fee altogether.
2. See who's exhibiting and take a look at their websites You're a busy person! You don't have time to attend a show that doesn't have exhibitors doing what you want! It also helps to know who you definitely want to make the time to go and see whilst your there.
3. Take a shopping list with you It sounds simple, but it'll help keep you on track in what is a relatively short space of time. Most shows run for 5-6 hrs, and by the time you've stopped for coffee & a peek at the catwalk show...
4. Don't go alone If nothing else you'll need someone to help you carry bags, hold up mirrors whilst you try stuff on, and take pictures on your mobile phone. An extra body is also useful to go and queue at the busier stands and have a giggle with as you go around.
5. Try to get there early Goody bags are chock full of nice giveaways, but shows usually only have a limited number, so grab yours before they run out! You'll also get the pick of the time slots for trying on dresses; having your hair done, hands hennaed, or enjoying a free advice session with an expert wedding planner.
6. Make a note of the catwalk times on the way in The catwalk shows are a unique way of gaining inspiration for your wedding day look. You won't want to miss out on seeing how the pros put things together, and the suppliers of those catwalk outfits will be at your show if you see something you absolutely HAVE to have.
7. Book time slots with exhibitors It will help you to structure your day, and make sure you get to try on that special dress; have your hair styled for free; even get your teeth whitened at a special discount!
8. Ask for discounts It's a bride-to-be's and groom-to-be's market. Exhibitors want to fill their order books before they pack up at the end of the day and are happy to offer discounts to make that happen. Some will advertise 'book today' discounts, but if not it's always worth asking, especially if you're thinking of buying more than one product or service from the exhibitor.
9. Ask questions You've paid your entry, made time to be there, and your business is in demand, so don't go home wishing that you'd asked for references, found out how long something would take to make, or whether you could have it in a different colour/size/quantity.
10. Try things on; ask for samples It's important that you get a real feel for the products on offer. I'm amazed at the number of brides-to-be who visit my show stand with it's mirrors, and comfy place to sit, and still try to get an idea of how a hair accessory will look by just looking at it sat on the table! The uniqueness of a show is that you can look, touch, taste, smell, and try on, so get stuck in!
11. If you like something book it! Remember this is a busy time of year for the wedding industry and the most popular designers, venues and entertainers will book up fast.  It's heart breaking to set your heart on something and then find you can't have it because your chosen supplier just doesn't have availability. Even worse to find out you could have had it if you'd booked it 20 minutes earlier...You'll normally need to put a small deposit down to hold the service, but so worth it to know that your name is now in their diary.
12. Ask if you can pay a deposit or spread payments Many exhibitors are happy to offer you flexible payments arrangements, but you won't know unless you ask.
13. Collect business cards In some cases you will need to 'go away and think about it'. Take a business card or brochure so you've got the exhibitors details, but be sure to make a quick note about why you liked them on the back of the card, you'll pick up a few and it's easy to forget by the time you get them all home, which honeymoon company had the best flights, or which cake maker offered the best customer service.
14. Don't feel you have to share your details Lots of exhibitors will want your email address to send you promotions after the show. Some you'll be keen to receive - a sample sale on that dress you wanted? Yes please! Others you won't - insurance for your day when you've already got a policy sorted? No thanks! Don't be afraid to say no (politely). 
15. Enjoy the freebies! There are often plenty on offer. Free wine tasting, free make-up consultations, free cupcakes, free hair styling, and if you have the time, enter a few of those competitions - you might be the lucky couple that wins a free spa break, and let's face it, you could do with a foot massage after a long day at the wedding shows!

Come and see me exhibiting at the following shows:

Hollin Hall Wedding Fair at Hollin Hall Hotel, Kerridge, Cheshire 3rd April 2016