As a UK Wedding Planner I am in a fabulous position to work with wonderful professional wedding suppliers in the most idyllic locations. This beautiful English summer’s day was no exception as I collaborated on a styled shoot to create magical images to inspire brides and grooms planning their wedding. Styling and design are where my heart is and working with clients to create a really personal day makes my heart sing. As well as our gorgeous clients I love supporting and mentoring new talent coming in to the wedding industry and I’m completely blessed to have seven amazing interns all hungry for hands on experience. All very different with their own unique flair and style they are most definitely the stars of the future and on today’s blog we hear from Ellie; you’re going to love her …
“Ellie, can you help out at a photoshoot? It’s a couple of hours drive, but you’ll be working with one of the finest photographers around, you’ll be surrounded by handmade creative beauty, and oh—by the way—it’s in a lavender field, one of the country’s most incredible natural sights?
It’s hardly a gripping intro, because OF COURSE I said yes. I typed yes as quickly as my little fingers would fly across the keyboard, I started pre-planning the treats I would bake for the aforementioned drive, and I excitedly did some background research on the suppliers I’d be working with. That was just one of the perks of this opportunity: the collaborators on the shoot are some of the most creatively talented and exciting people in the industry. And I was part of that! It all sounds a bit Northern-boy-on-the-West-End-stage for the first time, but it’s got truth to it: looking at the photos below, I know I was part of that. HOW. EXCITING.
What were the other perks of the opportunity, you say, other than working with some of the best in the business? Having an amazing day in a sumptuous location (I don’t know how nice your office is but try taking a day trip to the Cotswolds Lavender Field every once in a while), learning new skills on-the-job, crafting new industry relationships and creating something beautiful. The photos Jane captured are stunning, and it’s pretty impressive that I was a small part of that – especially when you consider that the alternative was half-heartedly prepping a dissertation!
Mainly, however, it taught me the importance of saying yes to every opportunity that you’re able to take on. It’s a cliché but it’s a cliché for a reason: you get out what you put in, and if you put in loads of yesses, you’ll get loads of yesses out of it. Whether you’re well established, just starting out, or anywhere in-between, taking on a new project can open so many doors and could take you anywhere and everywhere. Especially in the wedding industry, where coherence in themes is important, and recommendations are so often relied upon, gaining a reputation as being up for it can catapult you to stardom (relative wedding-stardom, but that’s all anyone really wants).
Obviously I am not advocating selling yourself short. I’m not the best at maths or business (my school record is testament to that) but even I know that consistently and permanently saying yes to free jobs is not a workable business plan. Strike the balance right however, and the relationships you’ll make with the people you say yes will provide you with income – and from there you can fly. Next time someone asks you to be part of a shoot, or an event, or to lend them a hand on a project – say yes, and see where it takes you. Chances are I’ll be lending a hand too – anything to get away from this dissertation…”
I love this fun flowing account from Ellie and I hope it inspired you too. If you would like to gain experience and network with some of the loveliest and talented new wedding vendors please get in touch. And check out the amazing talent below who collaborated on this shoot.
Have the most amazing time planning your wedding, you know where we are when you need us!
Much love Pam x
Credits:
Photography – Jane Beadnell
Stylist & flowers – Our fabulous team ….
Hair & Makeup – Cat
Cake – Zoe
Accessories – Betty
Stationery – Jane
Hand dyed silk ribbon – Sophie
