Approved Wedding Suppliers
People tend to only get involved with weddings once or twice, as a bride or groom, or as a close member of the wedding party helping with the planning. This means that it can be very difficult to pick suppliers with confidence.
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I have photographed a lot of weddings and have met some fantastic suppliers and some not so fantastic suppliers along the way! I have put together a list of approved suppliers, people I can confidently recommend to be good at what they do, provide a great experience and are ultimately reliable.
Toastmaster Dan
I had the pleasure of working with Toastmaster Dan, where I saw the difference of having a professional toastmaster at a wedding. It is not just about having someone making the announcements, but having someone confident and experienced to help the day go smoothly.
Paul Newton, Magician
Paul was one of the first wedding suppliers that I met, and not only do I respect him as a supplier, but we have become good friends. He will not only dazzle your guests, but is a lovely man - he is a lot more personable than a lot of magicians! Get one of the best magicians in the industry!
Brides of Southampton
I have a number of brides who have recommended this bridal dress store. They provide a personal service and help you find the dress that will compliment you on your special day.
As well as a great service, I get beautiful brides in stunning dresses!
Evolve Hair Professionals
Well, anyone in the New Forest area knows that not only are people at the Evolve extremely talented - hair and beauty is a passion - but they are somewhat adept at therapy as well! Mandy has a long list of happy clients and does some beautiful work!
The Daisy Cake Company
Just looking at the Daisy Cake Company portfolio you will see a stunning array of wedding cakes. The cake that they baked for Sarah and Phillip's wonderland themed wedding was exquisite. Having met some of the team, they truly care about their work.
Hampshire Event DJs
I actually know Simon Clarke mostly through charity work. Others will know him as Simon on the radio, from his time with Wave 105 and the BBC. As well as his voice on the radio, Simon is a fantastic DJ, complete with lighting that will spruce up any venue! Now he is part of the Hampshire Event DJs, who come very highly recommended
Love Soul Choir
I have worked a lot with the Love Soul Choir, from intimate shows to supporting Take That at St Mary's Stadium. With such a mix of people, headed up by choirmaster Dan, you get a lovely atmosphere from people who really love what they are doing. And you will be struck by the quality of this professional choir.
Amy Rouse Make Up
I met Amy at a wedding at the Double Tree Hilton by Southampton, just outside of Chilworth. Not only did she do a fantastic job, but she worked well with the bride and two bridesmaids who were all very different characters. Bringing her own ring light for a not particularly well lit corner where she had to work was very professional and allowed her to do a fantastic job.
DoubleTree Hilton
The Double Tree Hilton by Southampton is on the edge of Chilworth. The staff are professional and the event room is stunning. One thing I liked in particular was the size of the rooms for getting ready - it can be a bit cramped so having plenty of space for a number of people plus MUAs and hair stylists is a must. With a lovely garden with perfect areas for photos, it is a Southampton venue to consider.
Hanger Farm Arts Centre
Totton's Hanger Farm Arts Centre is a popular venue for the whole area. With a drinks reception area, and large function room, the venue is perfect for setting up how you want it to look. It also has easy access to some beautiful fields next door, perfect for those couples photos (like the one on the front page of my website!)
The Benedicts
The Benedicts are a covers band that offers a wide range of music at a very high level. Very professional, with their own equipment and a long playlist, these guys are both fun and serious musicians. I really liked their duo piece that played during the arrival drinks, something that added a lot of atmosphere to the wedding event.
Beaulieu Hotel
The Beaulieu Hotel is in the heart of the New Forest - easily accessible yet feeling tucked away. With excellent service from the staff, this is a perfect venue for your whole day event, from getting ready, to the service, to the wedding breakfast and the evening celebrations. With a beautiful garden this is the perfect venue for your all in one wedding.
Wedding Music
When I got married, most of the decisions were made by my wife. I had some input, but I was only allowed to make decisions if it was in agreement with what she had already decided! In fact, there were only really 3 things that I had a say in:
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The venue
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The wedding photographer (can you see why I'd be fussy?!)
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The music
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It's weird how because music is so emotive, it is so important to so many of us. So to help you along I have created three playlists. Wedding songs, idea for walking down the aisle, or playing whilst signing the register. There is an alternative playlist for those who don't want the typical soppy numbers, like a bit of rock, or just want something a bit different. Finally, there is a playlist full of first dance numbers. I have tried to keep them all varied, so hopefully there will be something to at least get you started!