A HELPING HAND

from An Essex Wedding - Issue 105 July/August 2022

TRAVEL GOALS

Looking for #wedspiration but want to support local businesses in the process? Here are nine Essex suppliers whose handmade creations are sure to add a wow factor to your big day

Who? Affinity Fine Jewellers Where? Rayleigh Why? “Our fine jewellery store has an extensive range of samples for couples to view,” says Affinity’s Lauren Fossett. “Every ring is made to order, meaning this way the customer can fully tailor their bridal jewellery to exactly what they’re looking for. They can choose widths, weights, colour and clarity of any diamonds, and they can even select their own gemstones. We also offer a bespoke wedding ring service that allows you to shape and fit your wedding band to your engagement ring. Our service is competitively priced, and we offer outstanding customer service, liaising with every customer personally.” www.affinityjewellers.co.uk Who? ATW Creations Where? Old Harlow Why? “ATW Creations provide bespoke wedding stationery that’s completely unique to you as a couple,” says owner Amy Wallace. “Your wedding invitations are a sneak peek into your day, much like a trailer for your very own movie. It sets the tone and theme of your wedding, so needs to be extraordinary. From your save the dates, to menus and table plans, every design is made in-house and completely from scratch – you won’t find another invite like yours! We work hard to make sure your stationery perfectly encapsulates you as a couple. This can be portrayed through wedding crests, venue, maps, landscapes or order of the day illustrations.” www.atwcreations.co.uk

Who? Atmosphere Hire Where? Coggeshall Why? “We are professionally trained wedding event planners offering affordable prop hire along with full or part venue set-ups that won’t break the bank,” says Atmosphere’s Maxine Holt. “We specialise in full event coordination, venue styling, prop hire and even making tiny but important things like invitations, table favours and personalised gifts. We spend hours painting and hand-making props and centrepieces to keep costs down for our clients. If they require anything special or out of the ordinary it’s no issue, as we thrive on doing something different. Our responsibility is to take the pressure off and make your event as special as possible.” www.atmospherehire.com

www.hapusphotography.co.uk/ www.hapusphotography.co.uk/

Who? Cottage Cakes Where? Braintree Why? “I make bespoke cakes, personalised to my customers’ needs,” says Cottage Cakes’ Susan Clark. “I also make other baked goods such as biscuits, brownies, chocolates and cupcakes, all of which are perfect for wedding favours – or as an alternative to a traditional wedding cake. All of my bakes are designed and handmade in my home kitchen in Rayne, where I constantly test new designs, trends and flavours, bringing them together to create the perfect treat. I believe in big, bold flavours, and am happy to experiment to get amazing flavour combinations.” www.facebook.com/peartreecottagecakes Who? Handmade Vases By Nicola x Where? Basildon Why? “I provide artificial hatbox flower arrangements that are perfect thank you gifts for your bridesmaids, mother of the bride, mother of the groom and maid of honour,” says Nicola Kopsch. “These can be made in almost any colours to match your wedding scheme, while the ribbons are personalised so can say anything you like! The hatboxes are available in small, medium and large, meaning I tailor to all different budgets, and I can also provide real preserved single roses in an acrylic clear box which last up to three years. Gift tags can also be added into the roses to make the gift even more special.” www.instagram.com/ handmadevasesbynicolax Who? Nirvana Chocolat Where? Loughton Why? “We create delicious wedding favours, handcrafting luscious truffles and artisanal chocolates for couples and their loved ones,” says Nirvana’s Melinda Newman. “My bespoke Belgian treats are created using sustainably-sourced chocolate from West African farmers, and are all handmade to order, with a mix of dark, milk or white chocolate on offer. You can then adorn each gift box with ribbons and diamantés for added glam and glitz, all the while relaxing safe in the knowledge that I’ll then liaise with your wedding planner or the venue to arrange delivery. Once you’ve booked me, I take care of everything else – so you don’t have to.” www.nirvanachocolat.co.uk

www.markcoventry.com

Who? Studio Artemis Where? Leigh on Sea Why? “Studio Artemis is a bridal bouquet preservation company,” explains owner Natasha Heasman-Langley. “I create contemporary artwork from your bouquet, and am also able to add photographs or other extras such as buttonholes or flower crowns. Every piece I create is made by hand, from the initial drying or pressing process to the layout of your flowers, and I will work with you to ensure the final piece is personalised from mount to frame. My style is very contemporary compared to other bridal bouquet preservation artists, as I enjoy making the artwork look modern – and deconstructing the bouquet so you can really enjoy every detail.” www.instagram.com/thisisstudioartemis Who? Victoria Charles Headpieces Where? Margaretting Why? “We produce seasonal ready-to-wear millinery collections along with a bespoke bridal service which operates from our Essex studio,” says Victoria Carson. “Creating unique, sophisticated, stylish headwear for the whole wedding party and/or guests, each hat and headpiece is handmade to an exceptionally high standard with strict attention to detail, all the while using the finest materials available. During your final appointment you will also be shown how to wear and position your hat or headpiece, which will then be presented in a beautifully branded storage box.” www.victoriacharlesheadpieces.com

https://fairweatherphotography.co.uk

Who? Tying the Knot Design Where? Westcliff on Sea Why? “I provide bohemian inspired macramé decor to purchase as well as hire, for couples who love free-spirited styling and need that creative push to bring their event vision to life,” says owner Jo Barnetson. “From macramé chairbacks, bouquet wraps, tableware and lighting installations, through to ceremony backdrops and wall hangings, every item is handmade, using only natural materials. Whether that’s a touch of boho fringing, a twist or tassel, layering or intricate shape patterns, all designs are bespoke and unique. I can help you transform a blank canvas space using macramé, into something memorable for your big day.” www.tyingtheknotdesign.co.uk