I N F ORM AT I O N FO R E X H I B I TO R S F I R S T CO M E S LOV E FA I R
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“I just wanted to tell you again how grateful I am that you had me at FCL this year. I knew it would be the perfect place to re-launch but I certainly didn't anticipate the success that would come from it. I already have 7 new clients from it, which is almost my quota for the entire 2014 season!�
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Cover Image: Melissa Mills Photography
F I R S T CO M E S LOV E SP R IN G & S U M M E R FA I R S
THE BOUTIQUE BRIDAL FAIR (and then comes marriage) is a boutique bridal fair for folks planning pledges and parties – chock full of sweetness and sass, inspiration and independent retailers. First Comes Love
yes, yes, you can find wedding wonderfulness in Western Australia
Hosted by us, the gals behind Studio Bomba and Mitchell & Dent , First Comes Love celebrates creativity and pooh-poohs carbon-copy weddings. The aim is to help people planning the most personal days of their life seek out perfect pairings with retailers of goodness. They’re right here under our noses, don’t you know? Having found ourselves a little like fish-out-ofwater at the big brash expos, we wondered if other independent retailers felt the same? The answer was a resounding “yes!”. So we created an alternative. For people like us. And we're doing things a little differently this year with several small fairs of aceness hosted in different digs, rather than one big shindig that not everyone may be able to make it along to. So, who wants to come join? Find out how you can. Read on, kind people, read on… Best, Angela Mitchell & Leah Dent PAGE
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OPPOSITE
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clockwise from top left 1_ Eats and Drinks: Delish Ice Photography: Still Love 2_ Gown: Loui Col Hair: Identified Hair Make-up: Grace Buckley Photography: Still love 3_ Hair: Identified Hair Make-up: Grace Buckley Photography: Still love 4_ Styling & hire items: Hire Society Photography: Natasja Kremers
is not like the ‘Yellow Pages’ of wedding retailers in expo form. It is a carefully curated and designed fair, promoting the cleverest of the creative folks we have in this town, to the oftenfrustrated couples who are trying to find them. First Comes Love
WHY APPLY TO BECOME A PART OF FIRST COMES LOVE?
established in 2010, was the first bridal fair of the alternative kind in Western Australia and has a loyal following. It was made for folks who have undoubtedly been heard to say, “I wish I could find {insert something wonderful here} in Perth”. Well, you can, you know. First Comes Love,
brings your target audience to you, which is lovely, isn’t it? Not only will hundreds and hundreds of people be coming to see your wares and engage with you in an appropriate venue, but you’ll also meet like-minded retailers of complementary services and products. First Comes Love
provides you with an opportunity to display your wares in their best light in an amazing venue – a lovely old characterful pub and a nice new arts centre on the water are much nicer blank canvases to start with than a corporate booth, don’t you think? First Comes Love
is serious about style and loves local designers of goodness, rather than importers of ickiness (an official term) – people who craft their product and make it perfectly personal to the pair getting hitched. First Comes Love
is designed from top to bottom and promoted heavily by media experts (did you know that Studio Bomba was Western Australia’s most awarded brand agency in the last two Australian Graphic Design Awards? And one of our founders is a national design judge?). First Comes Love
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SOME SERIOUS STATS FOR YOU
First Comes Love 2011
First Comes Love 2012
First Comes Love 2013
1 venue (The Oxford)
1 venue (The Oxford)
6 musical acts
2 extra rooms
1 venue (St George’s College)
8 walk-through fashion parades
4 minutes 51 seconds per average visit to the First 12 exhibitors in the photo Comes Love website gallery 5 models and 8 walkthrough fashion parades 25 main exhibitors 24 hair & makeup trials 65 independent businesses involved 250 posters posted
9 musical acts
5 musical acts 12kg of take away coffee served (they were busy)
23 exhibitors in the photo 19 exhibitors in the photo and stationery galleries and stationery galleries 42 main exhibitors
51 main exhibitors
2,000 little pocket directories printed 33,000 postcards distributed
480 bags of free popcorn 1,227 Facebook fans
175,000 website views in the first year
1,483 people attended 1,972 e-mails sent by the event organisers Angela and Leah (!) 2,000 little pocket directories printed
“Once again, thank you for a fabulous event. The positive feedback we have received from clients and friends who attended is overwhelming. It is always a privilege to be part of FCL.”
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7 models and 3 full parades in the chapel
52 mentions in the media 93 Instagram hashtags by folks visiting the fair (116 89 independent by exhibitors!) businesses involved
1,200 people attended
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6 rooms and 1 quadrangle
31,569 website views during the First Comes Love weekend 45,000 postcards distributed 122,533 dollars worth of media coverage achieved*
* Muse Bureau , 2012 Public Relations Campaign Report
114 independent businesses involved
229 free fairy floss sticks 1,807 Facebook fans 2,000 little pocket directories printed 35,000 postcards distributed 44,588 website views during the First Comes Love weekend OPPOSITE clockwise from top left 1_ Vehicle: Chevy Wedding Car Hire Photography: Still Love 2_ Eats and Drinks: Red Bird Cake Company Photography: Still Love 3_ Wearables: mkay Bow Ties Photography: Still Love 4_ Wearables: Loui Col Designs Photography: Still Love
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1 S PR I NG FA I R T HE OX FO R D HOT E L
SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2014 12PM TO 6PM Have you been upstairs at the Oxford?! It has character and personality, super-high ceilings and shiny-shiny floorboards, red-brick walls and a balcony to watch the sun set from. There is a dedicated bar and heh, what could be nicer than a glass of wine with which to while away some wedding-dedicated hours? Not to mention their leisurely Sunday lunches. Folks can fill their bellies, then fill their glass and fill their afternoon ambling about the venue meeting the people that will help them make their event amaaaaazzzing, darlings. “I just wanted to send you a huge thank you for letting me be part of your absolutely divine bridal fair. I had such a wonderful day and met so many lovely people. It was really well organised and everyone who I spoke to was raving about how beautiful everything looked.” PAGE
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The Oxford is situated in the heart of the ‘bridal mile’ in Mt Hawthorn and Leederville and is a damn good wedding venue in its own right. The parking is easy and the public transport stops right outside.
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S U M M E R FA I R M A ND URA H P E R FO R M IN G A R T S C E N T R E
SUNDAY 11 JANUARY 2015 12PM TO 6PM The Mandurah Performing Arts Centre is stunning. It is situated on the boardwalk overlooking Mandjar Bay. It is contemporary, bright, breezy and filled with natural light. In January, Mandurah is also filled with holiday-makers and sun-seekers – relaxed happy souls from near and far (not too far to drive from Perth! not too far to drive from Bunbury!) who have time on their hands. And icecreams in them, most likely. Makes for good mooching. First Comes Loves will be taking over the whole ground floor foyer and dance studio for exhibitors to show off what they do best, the Fishtrap Theatre for fashion parades and the Serpentine Room for hair and makeup. The parking is ample and free (good on you Mandurah). There may even be dolphins. Nice.
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THE OXFORD HOTEL LEEDERVILLE
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MANDURAH PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
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THERE ARE three LEVELS OF PARTICIPATION IN FIRST COMES LOVE
LEVEL
01.
500
$
FULL DISPL AY
plus GST
Oodles of room to show off your wares, chat to folks all day long about what you do best and get lots of fuss and attention online. This package is ideal for retailers of awesomeness such as florists, fashion designers, film-makers, hair and makeup artists, photographers, planners, shopkeepers, stationers, stylists and vehicles. Includes a 2.50m by 1.5m space with a full trestle table with white cloth,
“Our new little business got a lot of attention and lovely feedback was received. I spent yesterday in front of the computer responding to enquiries and pulling many quotes together so a massive thank you for the opportunity to launch our business.”
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or a stool and mirror with table and the ability to take online bookings from the public for paid trials (we look after everything for you – the online listings, the bookings and the payment), or parking space for vehicles with table, plus two chairs and access to power if required. Also includes a dedicated webpage per exhibitor with images and links to your website and a listing in the FCL annual directory booklet that will be available for folks to purchase at the fair and throughout the year.
LEVEL
HALF DISPL AY
02.
400
$
plus GST
Not everyone needs a whole lotta room to shine. This package is ideal for celebrants, photographers or stylists with small portfolios or laptops or iPads, hair and makeup artists who don't wish to demonstrate or book trials, and venue representatives. Includes a 1.5m by 1.5m space with a small table or barrel and white cloth, one chair and access to power if required. Also includes a dedicated webpage per exhibitor and a listing in the FCL annual directory booklet that will be available for folks to purchase at the fair and throughout the year.
LEVEL
03.
150
$
plus GST
ADVERTISING ONLY
Can't make it in person? Do you have something too big to bring to the fair (like a venue), live far away (like way down south) or do something a little tricky to show off in person (like a custom wedding cake made of cheese, and yes, we know a guy). This package is ideal for regional retailers and out-of-towners with online shops. Includes an online advertisement on the blog section of the website (see below) linking to your website and a full listing in the FCL annual directory booklet that will be available for folks to purchase at the fair and throughout the year.
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Your amazing ad goes here
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first comes love WEBSITE FOR ONE & ALL
FREE!
$
During the weekend of the 2013 fair, the website received 44,588 hits by 12,987 unique visitors who spent an average of 4 minutes 32 seconds on the site. Over 3000 unique visitors per month continue to view the website throughout the remainder of the year, spending an average of 4 minutes 12 seconds per visit. Exhibitor's webpages and advertisements remain on the website for at least 6 months following the fair. As most bridal blog advertisements cost about $525 per annum, so we think ours is a pretty sweet deal. ANNUAL DIRECTORY
A directory booklet will be available for purchase at the fair and throughout the year. Many exhibitors have let us know that people who were unable to attend the fair found them through THE LITTLE DIRECTORY OF WEDDING WONDERFULNESS alone. We have also heard from brides to be that the directory became their ‘wedding bible’ when planning their big day. SOCIAL MEDIA
Throughout the year, we share news about our First Comes Love alumni (when it comes to our attention, so do please keep us in the know). We like to spread the word via Facebook, Twitter and our blog.
OPPOSITE clockwise from top left 1_ Eats and Drinks: Delish Ice Photography: Still Love 2_ Entertainment: The Baker Boys Photography: Still Love 3_ Styling: The Articulate Photography: Still Love 4_ Photo and Stationery Gallery Photography: Still Love
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FASHION PARADES
THAT'S NOT ALL… YOU ALSO GET… (NO, NOT STEAK KNIVES)
Exhibitors of wearables, jewellery, accessories, shoes, blooms and hair and makeup artists are all invited to contribute to fashion parades curated by FIRST COMES LOVE and held throughout the day – at no additional cost. We supply the parade stylist, models, hair and makeup artists, music and lighting. If you'd like to take part, just put your hand up. CURATED DISPL AYS
BELOW from left to right 1_ Styling: Debra Hayes Styling Photography: Still Love 2_ Styling: The Butcher, The Baker, The Stylist and Creator Photography: Still Love
OPPOSITE
Styling: Machéll Styling Photography: Still Love
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We are romantics at heart at FIRST COMES LOVE and can't help but bring people together. Should the opportunity arise, we do like to create little tableaux of terrificness using the wares of several exhibitors – such as the little love grotto in the Oxford showcasing vintage picnic and partywares set admidst flamingos and fake turf (courtesy of Rooftop Movies). It was the perfect setting to view big screen wedding films and partake in free popcorn and fairy floss. Again, there is no additional cost and if you'd like to take part, just put your hand up. However, please note that the parades and displays are curated by team FIRST COMES LOVE .
To ensure FIRST COMES LOVE is a success, we become busy little worker bees in the lead-up to the event.
SO, HOW DOES FIRST COMES LOVE FL AUNT ITSELF?
Although it may differ from year to year, this is the kind of thing we get up to, in the name of public relations (which is really just a fancy schmancy term for being big blabbermouths and showponies)… • Updating the website and blogging • Promoting exhibitors through social media channels • Regular e-mail newsletters leading up to the event • Online banner advertising • Listing the event on tourism and directory sites • Print advertising in targeted media • Media releases sent to print journalists • Media releases sent to appropriate blogs • Postcards distributed in cafés, shops and venues • Street posters • Large scale banner signage at the venues • Small scale directional signage during the fair • Interviews and sponsored editorial
“I just wanted to congratulate you all on such a great event. It was very well done and targeted with great character. Well done and thank you!”
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F I R S T CO M E S LOV E A STU D I O B O M B A I N I T IAT IV E
Who is FIRST COMES LOVE? and Leah Dent are the two gals behind first comes love – an independent and privately-run event. And it is not their only gig. This is what they do for the rest of the year… Angel a Mitchell
studio bomba
studiobomba.com.au Founded by Angela and Leah, Studio Bomba trades in good goods and fine services. It is home to a collective of independent designers who work with lifestyle brands and retailers, publishers and arts organisations. Their work has been awarded and published internationally. Clients include the likes of Baci, Frankie, Fringe World, Rooftop Movies, Silvana and Vasse Felix. Studio Bomba also houses a design shop, local fashion label and a little coffee bar. mitchell & dent
ABOVE
Angela Mitchell (left) and Leah Dent (right)
OPPOSITE clockwise from top left 1_ Photography: Natasja Kremers 2_ Wearables: mkay Bow Ties Photography: Natasja Kremers 3_ Blooms: Lime Flowers Photography: Angela Higgins 4_ Eats and Drinks: Cakes by Dark Cherry Photography: Angela Higgins
mitchellanddent.com.au Following the purchase of their beloved 1905 Chandler & Price letterpress (dubbed ‘Herbert’), M&D was founded to create event stationery, greetings and artworks, sold here in Australia but also shipped to the UK, France, Sweden, the Netherlands and distributed through an agent in the USA. Angela and Leah love Perth and are super-excited about the creative folks they find here, who often find it difficult to find an audience in their own town. First Comes Love is all about ganging up and showing WA the goodness right here at home.
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HOW TO APPLY TO BECOME A PART OF FIRST COMES LOVE
STEP
STEP
01.
02.
CHOOSE YOUR LEVEL: full displ ay, half displ ay or advertising only
What level will work best for you business? E-mail firstcomeslove@studiobomba.com.au if you have any questions that need answering.
REGISTER ONLINE
Go to firstcomeslove.com.au/registration to apply to become a part of First Comes Love 2014/2015. VERY IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE
“Thanks again for putting on an amazing event. We were so lucky to be a part of it and we met so many other amazing exhibitors that we can include in our professional network and now call our friends!” “It was an amazing day and had the best energy of any market I have ever participated in. You could feel it talking to the people and it was practically bouncing off all of the vendors.” PAGE
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The information that you supply at registration will be used to promote your business in printed and online media, should your application be successful - so do be careful with your typing and spelling! Due to the limited space available and the very careful curation of the First Comes Love event and website, not all applications will be successful. Whilst we would dearly love to invite gazillions of Perth peeps to participate, First Comes Love is designed to be an intimate, personal and creative little fair - it is the boutique bridal fair equivalent of your favourite high street, as opposed to a giant shopping mall. Successful applicants will be notified via e-mail and issued with a tax invoice. Full payment will be required upon notification to secure your placement.
FRIDAY
25
JULY 2014
REGISTRATION OPENS
FRIDAY
15
AUGUST 2014
REGISTRATION CLOSES
WEDNESDAY
20
AUGUST 2014
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS NOTIFIED BY E-MAIL
FRIDAY
29
AUGUST 2014
FINAL PAYMENT IS DUE TO SECURE YOUR PL ACEMENT
SUNDAY
21
SEPTEMBER 2014
FIRST COMES LOVE OXFORD HOTEL
SUNDAY
11
JANUARY 2015
FIRST COMES LOVE MANDURAH PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
SO, WHAT COMES NEXT? C LI C K H E R E TO A PPLY
FIRSTCOMESLOVE.COM.AU/ REGISTRATION
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