Last Sunday I attended the Wedding Journal Show held in the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast and it was undeniably a fantastic day out for any prospective couples getting married.
The sheer number of exhibitors in attendance was unbelievable, catering for literally every single aspect of your wedding. From cars, to stationery, to music and entertainment, quirky and unique fairground attractions, selfie mirrors, mobile bars, sweet and macaroon carts, right down to of course the perfect dress, meant this really was an incredible one stop shop whatever your wishes and desires may be.
If you have never been to a Wedding Show before like me, picture the most extravagant luxury wedding scene in a movie and with lots of flowers, bows, sparkly and pretty things, every vendor dressed to their Sunday best, gorgeous models swanning around in elegant princess gowns, a VIP lounge set in an exquisite oriental tent, champagne, cocktails to sample, runway shows showcasing the latest dresses and suits, I mean the list is endless it really is a wedding wonderland and for a few hours I felt like I was in the happiest, most magical place in a Disney princess land minus a Prince Charming!
Obviously I have nothing to compare the show to but I can’t imagine any other being as spectacularly put together by the Wedding Journal Show and Penton Publications, who very kindly collaborated with me to run a competition for my lovely readers to win tickets for the event and they invited me along as well.
Below are just some of the standout vendors and suppliers that I felt just had that little bit more magic and uniqueness to offer a couple on their most magical day together.
For that perfect dress I would say hands down the collections from Marie Therese Bridal, Verona Bridal and Angel Star Bridal Boutique offered a variety of dresses any bride would be gushing over. They all had such high end fabrics, intricate beading and delicate lacework fit for a princess bride and the owners where just absolutely charming and very attentive you will be in very good hands. Below are featured just a few of the incredible dresses available.
Noya Ambar available at Marie Therese Bridal
Noya Celine available from Marie Therese Bridal
Noya Jasmin available from Marie Therese Bridal
Maggie Sottero Raeleigh available from Marie Therese Bridal
Starla Wedding Dress available from Marie Therese Bridal
Verona Bridal
Verona Bridal
Verona Bridal
Verona Bridal
Angel Star Bridal Boutique
Angel Star Bridal Boutique
Angel Star Bridal Boutique
Angel Star Bridal Boutique
Angel Star Bridal Boutique
Angel Star Bridal Boutique
Of course no wedding would be complete without a dream location for the reception, and whether you are looking for an intimate setting, extravagant or traditional, there where so many of the UK and Ireland’s finest hotels on hand showing off their stunning hotels and surroundings, whether it would be a lakeside resort, castle, countryside manor set in sprawling private gardens, there where so many choices whatever your tastes and you could be assured that they could make your day the most memorable. Featured below are just some of those beautiful locations.
Virginia Park Lodge, County Cavan, Ireland
Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Chalets, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh
Lough Eske Castle, Hotel & Spa, County Donegal, Ireland
The Manor House Country Hotel, Killadeas, Enniskillen
Culloden Estate and Spa, Holywood, County Down
The Little Extras – to make your wedding so special and tailor made and one that your guests will never forget they will really appreciate the little personal touches and the wedding show did not disappoint with the sheer variety of vendors offering just that. From quaint little bars, fairground attractions, to wedding favours, entertainment, vintage car hire to even a princess carriage the hardest part would be picking them. I just had to share some of my favourites.
Then of course not forgetting the very important mode of transport and these next three vendors where just incredible with the fleet of stunning cars and carriages that they have available to whisk you away to your magical day.
If you are looking for an amazing wedding planner I cannot recommend enough the lovely Julie Anne Robertson owner of Event Planners NI. Their table settings and portfolio where just exquisite not to mention how friendly and welcoming Julie Anne was and I felt so at ease and smiling with her as she explained to me her passion for her business. I am sure you will agree from the photos below just how spectacular she could make your wedding.
Another event planner who stood out was SBD Events with their pretty marvellous flower wall. Again I was very impressed with their table settings and extensive clientele.
When it comes down to your entertainment I know there are a vast array of DJs and bands but what I loved about these next two acts was the Big Band style and something different to offer as well as them being very charming!
Wedding venues aside if you still cannot decide where to pick then another fabulous idea was the marquee and tents available from LPM Bohemia. They are the most beautiful crafted structures I have ever seen. Really magical and offering so many beautiful linings, colours, reception areas, flowerbeds, pathways, I mean literally whatever your vision they can deliver.
Last but not least it wouldn’t be quite complete without someone there to capture your beautiful day and where there are literally hundreds of photographers out there it really comes down to one you are happy with. Work out the style you want and find a photographer who has captured that in their portfolios. Out of everyone on the day the two that I found captured my eye with their photos on display was One Fine Day Photo and Graham Crichton Photography. They where very friendly, approachable and interacted very well with all the couples enquiring about their services.
If you still are baffled about who to go with why not issue all your guests with disposable cameras and ask them to take photos throughout the day, this will give you so many natural photos of your day and you could also create an online photo album and get your guests to upload any photos taken on their phones of the day.
I really hope you enjoyed my review of the Wedding Journal Show. I didn’t know what to expect before I went, but I am delighted I did go and I am secretly looking forward to next year. I just need to find my prince charming now. I wonder if any of those boy band members are available……
Special thanks to the Wee Tram for our transport to and from the Show and also the very informative tour of the titanic surroundings.
