HANDMADE IN YORKSHIRE

LOCAL BUSINESSES MADE IN YorkshireThe region’s designers on how to fill your day with gorgeous products

We’re so lucky that Yorkshire is brimming with super-talented creatives who design, make and sell gorgeous products to adorn your big day. Not only do these products look amazing, but by buying local you’re supporting independent businesses and reducing your carbon footprint. What’s not to love?

KATE FEARNLEY

We chat to Kate Fearnley of Stokesley’s Kate Fearnley bridal boutique...

What does your company offer for weddings and what’s your background? After graduating with a degree in fashion from Northumbria University in 1999, I launched my brand in Middlesbrough in 2002, and was based on Linthorpe Road until 2021. I’ve won many awards including ‘Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year’ award from Cosmopolitan magazine in 2010 and was awarded the national title of Best Wedding Dress Designer award at the 2019 and 2020 Wedding Industry Awards and was also awarded the title of Outstanding Customer Service in the Bridal and Occasion wear Category at The North of England Wedding Awards.

What is the most popular product you offer for weddings? We offer ready to wear and bespoke wedding dresses, veils, illusion shoes and all bridal party. All designed and made from our North Yorkshire studio and showroom. I

find that a fuller skirt and pockets seems to be a popular design silhouette we offer in our collections.

Why is it important that couples choose local suppliers and products for their wedding? We should now more than ever be supportive of local suppliers. I think it makes it even more special that the items you choose to create your wedding day are slightly more unique than what you would possibly find on the internet or from huge brands. Most local suppliers will have a highly recommended local supplier list that they have worked with which I think always helps.

What style/theme of wedding do you love designing for the most? Kate Fearnley designs are for the modern bride searching for a unique and stylish look. We tend to find our designs suit and are worn at the less formal themed weddings such at barn venues and other interesting alternative locations; soft lighting, greenery, relaxed yet sophisticated.

We chat to Lisa Steane of Bradford’s The Bobby Pin...

What does your company offer for weddings and what’s your background? The Bobby Pin was established in 2016 and we are proud to create the most incredibly beautiful accessories for modern brides with a love of sparkle: luxe hair vines, pins, clips, headpieces, and jewellery. The Bobby Pin embodies femininity, elegance, and luxury, with affordable accessories perfect for any bride’s style. Keen to remain top of the bridal accessory game, our on-point collections are continuously being updated and adapted to reflect current fashion trends and leading big-day looks.

What is the most popular product you offer for weddings? Our most popular product this season has been the Tiggy vine (pictured far right), this floral hair vine has been a showstopper and is available in blush and silver, it also has matching pieces Tamara and Tia for bridesmaids too.

Why is it important that couples choose local suppliers and products for their wedding? I think it is important for people to choose local suppliers as these can usually be recommended by other local suppliers in the wedding industry and that means they can be trusted. Also, if you are local to the region, it is easier to deal with any unforeseen circumstances as they can be resolved faster due to being more local. What style/theme of wedding do you love designing for the most? I have been so lucky to deal with the most amazing brides this year after a very hard 2020. My brides all have different wants and needs, and our vast collection means we can generally cater for most styles needed for brides looking for accessories

Lisa Steane, The Bobby Pin, www.thebobbypin.co.uk Get social: www.instagram.com/thebobbypinuk

MY BILLET DOUX

We chat to Natalia Willmot of York’s My Billet Doux...

What does your company offer for weddings and what’s your background? My Billet Doux offers handmade luxury cushions to be used for presenting the rings at the wedding ceremony, sending a love note, keeping the vows and/or sending/giving a piece of jewellery. They are made with antique and vintage ribbons and the most beautiful fabrics and silks. I was lucky to spend seven years in London working with a high end textile and costume dealer which gave me an eye for quality and beautiful pieces. As I’m creating a keepsake for my clients all my creations are made with an attention to detail and pieces I have collected for a long time. What is the most popular product you offer for weddings? Our cushion Pensée has been popular and is made in a limited edition – it comes in different colourways to go with many themes. It’s also made with an exquisite1920s white jacquard with embroidery and trapunto in gold French ribbon.

Why is it important that couples choose local suppliers and products for their wedding? I value meeting the couple so much as I want to provide a unique and special experience to be remembered. Choosing local means you can meet the suppliers face to face and create that important connection so that they can help make your day special.

What style/theme of wedding do you love designing for the most? My dream customer loves romance and loves vintage and antique pieces and appreciates the quality of my pieces. My dream customer wants to give something special to their other half and create a moment to be cherished forever

Natalia Willmott, My Billet Doux, www.mybilletdoux.com Get social: www.instagram.com/mybilletdoux

BUNNY LOVES EVIE

We chat to Kelly Earp of York’s Bunny Loves Evie...

What does your company offer for weddings and what’s your background? We design and hand make a range of enchanting and slightly alternative wedding accessories with a vintage and boho twist. We have been creating our pieces for more than10 years and can create something special for all kinds of bridal styles and requests.

What is the most popular product you offer for weddings? Our most popular product this year has been our handbeaded blossom floral hairpins which we can create in a variety of colours. I think these have

www.photography-by-petrina.co.uk been so popular as they are perfect for any time of year (as we can change the colour) and they also work so well in so many different types of hairstyle. They’ve been a perfect accessory for the many micro weddings we’ve seen take place this year too, as they can be bought and stored in case of a date change.

Why is it important that couples choose local suppliers and products for their wedding? I think it’s great if couples can choose local suppliers for their big day. Not only does it boost the local economy but you cannot beat being able to pop along to have a chat with someone to discuss your needs and build a relationship with your supplier, which is slightly more difficult to do if they are further away.

What style/theme of wedding do you love designing for the most? I love creating pieces for all styles of weddings. I think its hard to choose a favourite! But I do love a slightly Gothic, alternative wedding where you can create something really different. I worked on a wedding piece last year which was an alternative 1920s shoot and I was in my element. I love working with brides who want something a little bit bold and different, especially with a big pair of statement earrings to really stand out from the crowd!

www.photography-by-petrina.co.uk Kelly Earp, Bunny Loves Evie, www.bunnylovesevie.com Get social: www.instagram.com/bunnylovesevie

JOSHUA JAMES JEWELLERY

We chat to Shannon Mugford of Joshua James Jewellery...

What does your company offer for weddings and what’s your background? Since 2019, Joshua James has offered a beautiful array of wedding accessories including delicate bridal jewellery and sophisticated male pieces from big brands such as Thomas Sabo and Swarovski. Our brand has also recently set up a new bespoke ring service which allows couples or individuals to design their dream wedding ring(s) down to the very last detail. A luxury service that adds to the magic of organising a wedding.

What is the most popular product you offer for weddings? Our most popular products for weddings would have to be from our personalised jewellery collection. Most often, a bride or wedding guest will add a heartfelt message onto a necklace or a bracelet before gifting it to someone from the wedding party. This makes for a really special sentiment to such an important day.

Why is it important that couples choose local suppliers and products for their wedding? By supporting small and local businesses, you are supporting the owner’s livelihood, as well as their family’s. Additionally, you will most likely find truly one-of-a-kind pieces that you won’t find on the high street; pieces that have been carefully designed and created by hand, making them extra unique and meaningful.

What style/theme of wedding do you love designing for the most? Our dream customer would have to be a soon-to-be-wed couple who enjoy sentimentality and the essence of their purchasing. We pride ourselves in producing exclusive jewellery and rings that capture the alchemy of a wedding and a marriage. Pieces that symbolise eternal love and happiness, and so a couple who can appreciate this is who we’d love to target.