HANDMADE WITH LOVE

Add a personal touch to your big day with locally-made products

We’re lucky to be part of a county full of talented artisans that create a dazzling array of bespoke wedding products. To help inspire you, we’ve rounded up some of the best suppliers that our region has to offer.

ENCAPSULATED MEMORIES

encapsulatedmemories.byemma@gmail.com www.encapsulatedmemories.com

Have you thought about what you’re going to do with your bouquet once your special day is over? On average, eight per cent of a couple’s overall budget is put towards flowers, yet there’s often no thought about what happens to them afterwards. Gone are the days when the only option was to bin them or air dry them, there are now lots of ways flowers can be preserved.

Flower preservation is a worthwhile investment that’s becoming popular amongst newlyweds who want to not only keep a part of their day for themselves but also to gift to their family and friends. Framed options are a traditional approach to displaying your bouquet; however, resin is taking the spotlight with more modern and varied options to choose from.

Encapsulated Memories is a small business in Llanharan offering flower preservation. The owner, Emma Cross, tells us more: “I’ve been building this dream for just over a year. It all started because I wanted to learn how to preserve my own bouquet from my wedding. My heart and soul goes into every order and I feel so honoured to be able to preserve such precious, memorable handmade pieces. I offer framed options, resin and new jewellery products.”

Emma offers a wide range of shapes to choose from, including hearts, spheres, blocks, arches and hexagons designs, letters, coasters, tea light holders, teddy bears and frames. Prices start from just £10.

FRUITY BOUQUETS

01656 669 650 | www.fruitybouquets.co.uk

Fruity Bouquets is a family run business, providing high quality edible gifts and treats. The team offer signature chocolate strawberries, beautiful fruit arrangements, wow factor displays for parties and weddings, chocolate fountains, fruit tables, sweet carts and their ever popular popcorn and candy floss machines, meaning they have something to suit everyone.

Catering for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and bereavements, the team have every occasion covered. With national delivery available, you can send unusual and delicious gifts or treats to family and friends across the UK.

The company has a shop at Pyle Garden Village, situated within the new James Food Hall, which houses the Fruity Bouquet’s commercial kitchen, where they create numerous fruit and chocolate arrangements every day. There are a number of new products, with lots more coming over the next few months, all of which will be showcased at their shop. Pop in to meet the team and enjoy some tasty samples.

PERTHYN LOW ALCOHOL SPIRIT

02920 098 909 | www.perthynspirits.com

Four Welsh rugby icons, Shane Williams, James Hook, Lee Byrne, and Mike Phillips, have united to launch Perthyn Low Alcohol Spirit. Ideal for weddings, the drink is pronounced “Pear-thin” and takes its name from the Welsh meaning of belonging. The drink is inspired by rugby and the memory of the grass beneath their feet, the sound of the crowd, the thrill of the game, but most importantly, the friendships formed along the journey.

Perthyn Low Alcohol Spirit uses locally and responsibly-sourced botanicals interpreted by knowledgeable and passionate distillers. It’s distilled in Cardiff Distillery, which offers an ideal climate, along with quality local botanicals, in the shadows of the world-famous Principality Stadium. These botanicals make for a zesty spirit with notes of citrus, cardamon and thyme.

Shane Williams, the co-founder of Perthyn Low Alcohol Spirit, says: “We created Perthyn Low Alcohol Spirit to find a sense of belonging and share that with other individuals who value authenticity, reciprocity and quality. Perthyn is perfect for health-focussed individuals who want to feel included without having to compromise on taste or well-being. Perthyn is a constant reminder of how you want to live, so you can try to embody that happiness and bring it with you every day.”

POP CYCLE

hello@popcycle.uk | www.popcycle.uk

Pop Cycle is an award-winning plant-based business offering vegan and gluten-free ice lollies and poptails. Based near Mumbles on the Gower in South Wales, the team make ice lollies full of fresh juicy fruit using the best ingredients. The pops are made in small batches with no artificial ingredients or preservatives and are usually sweetened with just a little agave syrup.

Pop Cycle began pedalling lollies in 2014 at markets and events around Swansea. “I was inspired by the idea of pedlars and a desire to create more wholesome, fruity and dairy-free iced options,” says the owner, George. “It seemed like a growing number of people were avoiding dairy, and veganism needed catering for. I was also determined to use Fairtrade ingredients wherever possible, and what better way to get kids to eat fruit? I was pleased people liked our modern take on the lollypop and the great feedback I got on the flavours gave me the confidence to develop the business further. As well selling a small retail range to local cafes, I developed training workshops to develop skills for vulnerable people.

“I started doing poptails for weddings following a personal request, and our services quickly became in high demand,” adds George. “People seem to love the quirkiness and the flavours. Pops are great alongside arrival drinks, as an alternative dessert or even on the dancefloor. We love chatting with guests and lollies seem to please all ages. Wedding packages include the ‘Pop Cycle Tricycle’ and we offer a wide range of flavours to choose from.”

Pop Cycle has the coveted Great Taste Producer status in the food industry, following consecutive Great Taste Awards.