Claire’s journey – Venue Meltdown
Hi there,
It’s been a while since my last post and I’m sorry, but when you read the story below you will hopefully understand why!
Venue meltdown
OK, so it’s entirely my own fault. My last post was all about being in a calm place and having everything on track, I should have realised that was tempting fate…
A few weeks ago my fiancé and I discovered (through a lucky accident) that our reception venue had forgotten to mention a massive conference that had booked out 90% of the hotel’s accommodation on the very same day that we were to have, and I quote, ‘near-exclusive use’ of the facilities.
My first reaction was disbelief, which quickly gave way to tears, frustration and, eventually rage. Our guests now had nowhere to stay and we were going to be completely overwhelmed by another event.
Emails flew back and forth, phone calls were made and we quickly realised that there was no repentance, no apology and nothing we could do except try to get our money back. Luckily we were able to obtain a full refund (we’re still waiting for any meaningful apology) and I was then pitched right back into a venue-finding frenzy with just four months to go.
Fortunately I managed to find an absolutely beautiful hotel that had one Saturday free all summer, and it was the one we wanted. A quick visit later and we have happily paid another deposit and secured a contract so detailed that it rivals Apple’s latest terms and conditions document. Well. Once bitten and all that.
So, what have I learnt? I have learnt that no matter how ‘exclusive’ a venue is, and no matter how professional they seems to be, you need to get every last detail written in to your contract from the start. Ask specific questions about other events (we actually did that) and then make sure you get all of the guarantees written in (we didn’t do that).
The whole experience has been harrowing to say the least but I think we may have come out on top as the new venue is considerably more impressive in a number of ways.
As you can imagine, I’m happy to be turning my attention back to some of the nicer details now. We have our wedding rings and I am about to start making my own ribbon flower bouquet, having discovered that real flowers are prohibitively expensive when you want to get married halfway up a mountain.
Another sponsor announced! Brides Up North!
Roll up Roll up..
We are very happy to announce the addition of another sponsor to the WEDDING CARNIVAL!! at the amazing Salford City Stadium
We have worked with Julia at Brides Up North on a few projects in the past and are over the moon that she will be not only sponsoring the event, but she will also be there exhibiting on the day to meet and greet our couples!
in addition to our other very special sponsors
iLove Media Collective
Zankyou online wedding list
With over 45 suppliers now confirmed, on the day demonstrations including cupcake decorating, floral arrangements, hair and makeup and dove release PLUS a fantastic catwalk at 12pm and 2pm you don’t want to miss out!
Be early for this one. FREE ENTRY and goodie bags if you register below
Wedding Carnival update
We just wanted to give you a quick update with the exciting things happening for the Wedding Carnival! being held at the amazing new Salford City Stadium
Over 20 suppliers have already confirmed spaces at the Carnival and we are still expecting a lot more! If your interested in being part of the event see here for details
A sneak peak of the floor plan!
You can also register here and you will receive a FREE goodie bag on the day!!
Its definately not to be missed!!
All Wrapped Up Open evening! This Wednesday 6-9pm!
We know its hard to get out of work during the day for a nosey round the shop so we are starting a new “open evening”
the 1st Wednesday of each month for you to come in, meet Kelly and Colette and also have a look round,
there will of course be a few treats and maybe a few samples to take away!
Our first one will be held Wednesday 1st February 6-9pm
Click here for directions and how to find us
Look forward to meeting you!
Come see us in 2012!
We just wanted to give you a quick update of when/where you can meet the All Wrapped Up Events team
Apart from the open evening we are now holding the first Wednesday of every month, first one Wednesday 1st February 6-9pm
We are also taking part in the following fayres (more added daily)
26th February 2012
12pm until 4pm
Sunday 4 March 2012 12
noon – 4pm
18th March 2012
11.30 am – 3pm
24th March 2012 11.00 – 4.00 (Free Entry)
25th March 2012 12.00 – 3.00 (Free Entry)
29th April 2012
Introducing Mark Gilligan – Pictures and words photography
A while back now All Wrapped Up worked with a fantastic photographer called Mark on the wedding of Victoria and Tim, it was a fantastic day and the photos spoke a thousand words painting a picture of a truly magical day which I was very proud to have been a part of and helped plan.
With the introduction of All Wrapped Up Elite members we wanted to give you a bit more of an introduction into the people we have worked with and who we have no hesitation in recommending
Mark Gilligan – Pictures and words photography
“Pictures and Words! They go so well together!
Mark Gilligan FBIPP, LRPS, is a respected Cheshire, and Cumbrian wedding photographer.
A professional photographer, Mark is cited as one of the best in the world for his landscapes and landscape weddings. He has been working in and around imaging, crafting photographs, pictures and video as well as writing as a professional journalist for over 35 years. This has seen him become the recipient of many photographic and video industry awards, both national and international, for his wedding and landscape photographic images. He has been accredtied with the ‘Investors in People Award’ too for his teaching of the subject and brings all of those skills to his workshops.
A Fellow of the British Institute of Professional Photography and a member of the Royal Photographic Society, Mark is also a regular features writer for many magazines such as ‘Lake District Life’, ‘Lancashire Life’, ‘TGO’, Country Walking’ and he has contributed to Manchester United, FHM and Rugby World to name but a few.
He is also a respected Commercial photographer and has undergone web and advertising work for many hotel chains, watch specialists, jewellers and the motor trade.
“I love being entrusted with the photography for your special day. Bespoke reportage or ‘fly on the wall’ wedding photography is a speciality of mine, as well as Landscape and Portraiture photographs. My client base is as diverse as the world we live in. The pictures in the galleries are just a very small example of my work and I will be happy to discuss any requirement you may have”
Mark also has a 10% off offer on at the moment and packages start at just £750 !
To contact Mark
Website www.picturesandwords.org & www.wastwaterphotography.co.uk
Facebook click here
Twitter @wastwater1
Telephone 07946316769
email mgilligan@picturesandwords.org
A sweet engagement story…
The lovely Amy from The Sweet Pantry has sent us the wonderful story of her engagement to Sam and we couldnt wait to share it with you all..
Sam (25) and I (26) – yes he’s toy boy - met at university in Lincoln just over 4.5 years.
As we met at the end of University (and he lives in Bolton and I lived in Christchurch) we decided to go our separate ways. However, Sam couldn’t resist me (obviously, ha) and invited me to go on holiday with him to Marbella – of which I obliged, and like they say the rest is history. I moved in Bolton just over three years ago – and Sam proposed in June 2011.
So to the proposal… it was our 4 year anniversary and I knew we were going away for the weekend to celebrate this. I didn’t know where we were going until the day it’s self. So Sam took me to Chester, we had a walk around the river and went to the Grosvenor hotel in the centre of Chester for afternoon tea (which is heaven for me – I love afternoon tea). It was here Sam produced my anniversary present, a photo album which had pictures in it from the very first night we met (me in fancy dress drunk as a skunk on a night out at University), and then pictures in chronological order up until the weekend previous.
I spent ages looking at all the pictures and memories – it was amazing – anyway – and the final picture – a photo of the engagement ring.
As I hyperventilated and turned to him he produced the ring and popped the question! Shocked doesn’t describe how I felt (as well as happy of course) – and I just about got out a yes!
Sam and I get married in May 2013 at Mitton Hall in Lancashire.
If you want to visit Amys site or contact here click here
Thanks so much for sharing the story with us Amy, you both look really happy together!! Your website is fantastic and can’t wait to work with you in the future
Roll up Roll up…
We are proud to announce very special sponsors of our WEDDING CARNIVAL!!
iLove Media Collective
Zankyou online wedding list
Want to know more?
Being held at the Salford City Stadium you will not be dissapointed!
Come join us with our Elite Group of suppliers and many more for a day of fun and inspiration
Attending on the day will be a host of top class suppliers to the wedding industry
Bridal catwalk shows at 12pm and 2pm exhibitors include, Bridal Wear, Menswear, Cakes, Stationery, Hair and Make-up, Flowers , Chocolate Fountains, Candy Carts, Vintage Props, DJ’s, String Quartets, Wedding Cars… and so much more!
Be early for this one. FREE ENTRY and goodie bags if you register below
Open Evening Wednesday 1st February 2012
We know its hard to get out of work during the day for a nosey round the shop so we are starting a new “open evening”
the 1st Wednesday of each month for you to come in, meet Kelly and Colette and also have a look round,
there will of course be a few treats and maybe a few samples to take away!
Pur first one will be held Wednesday 1st February 6-9pm
Click here for directions and how to find us
Look forward to meeting you!
All Wrapped Up Events supports M44 buy local scheme
2012 is the year to buy local – All Wrapped Up Events and M44.co.uk are supporting the buy local cause all the way.
You may have noticed we’ve added a little badge to our site with M44 buy local
We want to encourage everybody in Irlam & Cadishead to use local traders, shops and services.
There are some fantastic businessess on our doorstep and we can all do our bit by trying to buy local whenever possible, and support the smaller, local businesses in our area.
To show your support, we are asking all the businesses in the M44 Business Directory or listed on the M44.co.uk site to display a BUY LOCAL sticker in their window or on their website.
If you want to support the best local businesses in the area, get in touch with www.m44.co.uk and they will send you a sticker!!
