MADE WITH LOVE

Made with love HANDMADE

Discover all things handmade from around the counties

The suppliers around Hampshire and Dorset are a creative bunch that add personal touches to create memorable weddings. We’ve selected talented companies to learn more about the teams behind the businesses and how they can bring the wow factor to events.

Ali Roberts, owner at Alison Jane Calligraphy

When did you first start the company? I started creating and sharing my artwork during the covid-19 lockdowns on Instagram as I had plenty of time to get creative and explore. I quickly realised I enjoyed doing this type of work and launched my wedding stationery business in early 2022. My work features watercolour designs and calligraphy – all items are hand-lettered and not printed.

What do you offer nearlyweds? Each couple’s wedding day should reflect their taste and style. I love getting to know each pair so I can design them something special, whether that’s a floral design, a piece featuring their favourite pet or even the couple walking towards their chosen venue.

I’ve designed stationery with different themes in mind such as Disney, Gatsby and passport invitations complete with a boarding pass and travel jacket to keep each item inside. I also offer semi-custom suites with designs already available on my website.

I offer save-the-date pieces, invitations, table plans, welcome signs, place cards and many more items. Couples can personalise the stationery by changing images, colours, wording or fonts as I offer a highly bespoke service. As they touch the calligraphy, they’ll feel the raised ink and know it has been made especially for them. They’ll see the care and attention you have put into your wedding day by choosing such a quality piece of stationery. Each item is wrapped beautifully and delivered to your door.

What is your favourite part of the job? I love all aspects of my job! I enjoy everything from designing new suites for couples, lettering each invitation and creating table plans. I love when couples send me photos of their day afterwards! It’s always fantastic to see how their vision came together and hear the amazing reviews. Check out: www.alisonjanecalligraphy.com

Dawn Clarke, founder at Dawn Clarke Designs

When did you first start the company? Dawn Clarke Designs started in 2019 and specialises in UK-made children garments for special occasions. Having the good fortune of being mentored by a professional British designer, I’ve learnt to pattern draft using traditional techniques to ensure every outfit is planned and conceived from vision to the finished piece.

What do you offer nearlyweds? I offer nearlyweds an opportunity to purchase beautiful flowergirl and pageboy outfits created in the finest of fabrics. I would love every child to know what it’s like to wear a luxurious outfit that’s simple and timeless.

What makes the business stand out? It feels amazing helping nearlyweds find a fabric in a specific shade to match their colour scheme. I’m just about to launch my first readyto-wear celebration dress created from the finest pure silk that’s soft and manufactured right here in the UK.

What is your favourite part of the job? I love the creative journey of each piece. It’s always my absolute joy to listen and help couples find the right outfits for their special day. Check out: www.dawnclarkedesigns.co.uk

Charlotte Cornelius, founder and designer at Charlotte Cornelius Bespoke Jewellery

When did you first start the company? I set up my home studio in 1998 after studying and working in the jewellery industry. I thought the time was right to start creating individually designed wedding rings for couples who were seeking something more personal and creative than the high street could offer.

What do you offer nearlyweds? Working closely with each couple, we love to offer the unique experience of bringing their visions to life. Our clients can choose from our most beautifully cut and one-of-a-kind colour gemstones and dazzling diamonds that are all traceable and responsibly sourced – just like our gold and platinum.

What makes the business stand out? Our fantastic team and our creative designs make us stand out. All our jewellery is handmade with great care and outstanding skill by our inhouse goldsmiths who create pieces that last a lifetime. Our mission is to create jewellery that encapsulate our clients’ emotions and personalities.

What is your favourite part of the job? We love seeing happy tears when a commission is collected, and the friendship gained with our wonderful clients who return to us for all those special anniversaries. We get incredible feedback while getting to know their style and needs. Check out: https://charlottecornelius.co.uk

Find your perfect wedding ceremony venue in Southampton

Westgate Hall

Westgate Hall (seats up to 74)

A magical ceremony venue steeped in history, nestled among the medieval town walls. Recently restored and now beautifully decorated it’s a picture perfect location for your special day.

The Mayor’s Parlour (seats up to 50)

A grand and spectacular setting for your special day. Marvel at the magnificent high ceilings and picture yourselves enjoying photographs on the stunning marble staircase.

Southampton City Art Gallery (seats up to 120)

One of the most stunning venues for ceremonies in the city. Paintings and sculptures provide a beautiful backdrop for couples seeking somewhere unique, with ample space for guests to enjoy this harmonious setting.

Golden Jubilee Room (seats up to 50)

This beautiful ceremony room is located in the Register Office in Bugle Street. The building is part of the Medieval ‘French Quarter’ of the city and boasts a stunning stained glass window.

Magnolia Room (seats up to 8)

This is a smaller, pretty room in the Register Office, where you can invite up to 8 guests. It is a perfect choice for couples who are looking to keep their ceremony a little more private.

Tudor House & Garden (seats up to 35)

Located in Southampton’s Old Town, Tudor House offers couples a unique and beautiful setting. From the 16th century Banqueting Hall, to the lovely Georgian Room overlooking the Tudor knot garden, the house and gardens provide the perfect setting.

Tudor House & Garden Southampton City Art Gallery

Stephanie Wilcock, owner at Stephanie Frances Bridal

When did you first start the company? I started making bespoke bridal and evening dresses from my home studio after graduating with a BA Hons in Fashion Design in 2012 to build up a portfolio of work. In 2017, I opened my first bridal boutique in Southbourne to offer various services, from designer gowns to bespoke dresses and alterations. In January 2022, we moved into our current bridal boutique in Wareham, Dorset.

What makes the business stand out? What makes us stand out the most is my background in design as I do all the alterations for our dresses. I can explain and show how I would alter dresses to fit perfectly during appointments or how I could adapt a gown to make it unique to each bride. Not everyone can imagine how something would look after alterations, so I love watching brides’ faces light up when they can see what their perfect dress will look like!

What is your favourite part of the job? Meeting people is my favourite part of the job! I love getting to know my brides during the journey, from picking a dress to collecting it for their wedding. I usually do at least six appointments, so it’s bittersweet when it’s time to say goodbye! Check out: www.stephaniefrancesbridal.co.uk

Top tips

www.kateizakphotography.com Ali says, “Make the day a reflection of you both! Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and is your chance to spend it the way you want. Don’t settle for the same as everyone else; choose things you like and share them with your loved ones.”

Dawn says “Try and think ethically when buying garments for children. Are you buying outfits that have been manufactured in the UK, which would have a lower carbon footprint as a result?” Charlotte says, “Our top tip would be to ensure you prioritise the rings early on as they’ll be with you forever! Knowing if the pieces are being designed and handmade locally or in Britain is one of the best ways to ensure you’ll receive amazing quality items using proper skills, training, fair conditions and pay for workers.”

Stephanie says, “Don’t over shop and book too many appointments in one day when looking for a wedding dress! There are so many dresses out there; you could go on forever trying different options. Once you’ve found a dress you love and can see yourself liking for years to come, that’s the feeling you want – even if it’s the first dress in the shop!”