AND SO TO...Interview. Louise Editor of And so to Wed Blog
HAPPY FRI-YAY CASTLE JEWELS!
AT LAST ITS HERE!
WE ARE SO BLESSED TO KNOW LOUISE OF AND SO TO WED MAGAZINE & BLOG.
NOT ONLY IS SHE AN INSPIRING WEDDING CREATIVE, WHO IS THOUGHT OF HIGHLY IN THE INDUSTRY; BUT SHE IS A PIONEER TOO.
A REVOLUTIONARY FELLOW BUSINESS WOMAN WITH A DISTINCTIVE VISION FOR HER INCREDIBLE BRIDAL BLOG AND A VERY PRECIOUS FRIEND TO BVC.
BESPOKE VINTAGE CASTLE ARE PROUD PARTNERS WITH AND SO TO WED BLOG. WE CANT RAVE ABOUT OUR FRIENDS IN ASTW ENOUGH AND COULDN'T WAIT TO SHARE A LITTLE PIECE OF THEIR AWESOMENESS WITH ALL OF OUR BRIDES AND FOLLOWERS!
PLEASE GRAB A CUPPA- POP A LIKE AND BE INSPIRED!
1. For those new to wedding world or have just started planning What is your name, company and where are you based?
My name is Louise and I am Editor at And so to Wed, based in Leeds.
2. What inspired you to go into your amazing Blogger Business?
I run a small Etsy shop hand making cards and when speaking to some friends who all ran small businesses in the wedding industry we wondered if there was a bridal blog that just featured handmade or bespoke items.
When we looked into it there wasn't anything like it out there so we decided to set it up ourselves, And so to Wed was born!
It seemed perfect, I had a passion for all things wedding; having at the time just got married myself, and I absolutely love the idea of brides being able to have something made personally, just for them.
I knew lots of wonderfully talented people in the wedding industry so it just seemed a natural thing to do. From the start I knew that I wanted And so to Wed to grow as a business and not only help brides achieve their perfect day but also support small businesses like myself.
3. What do you enjoy most about your job?
Pretty much everything! I feel very blessed to do what I do, looking at beautiful, handmade wedding items and sharing them with brides is such a joy. I also love being able to support small businesses and watch them grow.
It's an amazing feeling seeing some of the businesses who started around the same time as we set up And so to Wed and to see them now flourishing, it's wonderful that we get to play a small part in their story.
4. Can you give an overview of the services your business offers?
Firstly we are a bridal blog hoping to inspire brides and give them practical advice, tips and 'how to's'. Within this we provide a platform for small UK based businesses who hand make their items to showcase their work so everyone is happy: brides get a one-of-a-kind, personalised item and in the process are supporting small business. We also have a fantastic bridal community where brides share ideas, inspiration and support each other on their wedding journey.
5. Where do you get your daily dose of inspiration?
From our suppliers, they're honestly amazing. Every morning I wake up early and plan the day ahead. One of my first jobs is to look at social media and choose some key pieces to showcase that day. And every day I am always just blown away by how talented our suppliers are. They can make anything you could wish for, from stunning hand dyed, oversized flowers, to fabulously unique and magical favours, flower arrangements that are contemporary and stylish, and handmade headpieces that perfectly reflect a brides personality. There's such an abundance of talent and skill on this tiny island of ours and I find it awe inspiring that I get to share it with you.
6. What project was the most challenging or creative one that you have worked?
We've done a number of collaborative photo shoots over the years and each have presented their own individual challenges but have been completely worth every minute of hard work. Bringing together some of the most wonderfully talented people in the wedding industry is always going to ensure absolutely fabulous photos for all those involved and these shoots are always such a privilege to be involved in. We get to see everyone working their magic as well as having an amazing day trying on veils and tiaras, looking at pretty things and eating scrumptious cake (yes, I know, my job is amazing!).
7. We want to know about YOU so.. throwing it out there what is your fave food?
Gosh, erm, favourite food is my husbands tuna steak and salsa
8. What is your Favourite drink?
Favourite drink is tied between a Mojito and champagne of course!
9. We all love a good movie, what is your best movie ever? Mine is The Notebook, I cry every time! Ha-ha what is yours?
Favourite film is a really hard one, I love so many! Probably just for all round making me smile, Little Miss Sunshine, it's a bit weird like me and celebrates being different and who we are which I like
10. What do you love most about the wedding industry?
I mostly love it's ever changing nature in relation to trends and fashion. I love that it gives couples an opportunity to express themselves, their story and their love for each other. I love that some of the most amazing, talented, ambitious, tenacious, friendly and kindest people I know are in the wedding industry; And I love that it has given me the opportunity to share what I love whilst supporting small businesses.
11. Where do you see ASTW business in the next few years?
Hopefully continuing to grow, helping more wedding couples to have a personalised, bespoke and fantastic wedding celebration that is totally unique to them. We're always on the hunt for my fabulous small businesses that fit the And so to Wed way so will keep adding to our Directory. We're also really excited to be launching And so to Baby in August 2016. This will maintain the core values of And so to Wed but will obviously be for super stylish bespoke babies - very exciting!
12. What are you looking forward to or are excited about for 2017?
The unknown. In my job every day or week there is an opportunity to work with someone new, to discover a new talent or to create something different. I love that I don't know what 2017 will hold but I know that it will be amazing, challenging and exciting.
13. When the working day is over how do you like to unwind?
My hobbies - anything outside, travelling and eating good food. I love reading too my favourite book is Pride and Prejudice. I just love it, it's the only book I've owned ever since I can remember and I love all the different characters, twists and turns and clever writing.
14. What advice would you give to wedding couples?
I would say to make sure that you do exactly what you want to do to celebrate your marriage. Often brides and grooms start off with good intentions, wanting to create the day of their dreams, but end up compromising on this because of family, friends, expectations and being told that things should be done a certain way.
This is your day to celebrate your way and you'll never be able to relive it so make sure it's exactly what you want. If you want to mix things up with the order of the day, do, if you want to wear a green wedding dress then do, if you don't want to have a traditional wedding breakfast then don't. Make it your day, unique to you as a couple.
Enjoy every moment from start to finish, and by that I mean from the moment he proposes, every aspect should be enjoyable and if it's not you need to change something. Don't let things stress you or get to you, it will all be ok and you'll have an amazing day. Remember, at the end of it all you're marrying the love of your life and that's what it's all about.
CREDITS:
And so to.. INTERVIEW HOSTED BY:
BETTY TIMBO
BESPOKE VINTAGE CASTLE
www.bespoke-vintagecastle.com
Cover Photography and Further Images
Jane Beadnell
Janebeadnell Photography
www.janebeadnellphotography.co.uk
Further Images and interview provided by
Louise Editor of And So To Wed
AND SO TO WED BLOG
www.andsotowed.com
For further details on any of the featured suppliers and the latest issue of ASTW Magazine please visit And so to wed.
