Hello readers. Although I’m no longer an official member of the Love My Dress® team, Annabel has asked me to stop by briefly today and share something that will be of particular interest to our colleagues within the wedding industry.
Way back in March, I attended The Wedding Sessions, a day-long workshop hosted by The Wedding Reporter, Emma Woodhouse, and Kirsten Butler, the talented stylist otherwise known as The Little Wedding Helper.
Designed for both new businesses trying to find their feet and established suppliers looking for a gentle nudge in the right direction, the workshop aims to help develop and indulge your creative ideas, enhance your presence online, understand the importance of marketing and networking, and give you lots of little lightbulb ideas that will help you stake your place in the wider wedding industry.
Kirsten explained how the idea for this unique workshop came about…
‘Emma and I were chatting over lunch and a pot of tea about the journeys we’d been on, from leaving full-time jobs to starting our own business within the wedding industry. We wanted to share our experiences, the lessons we had learnt (and are still learning!), the ups and downs of running your own business and how to get yourself noticed in the wedding world, from social media and blogs to magazines and networking.
We didn’t want this discussion to be a formal business event. We wanted to sit around a table with fellow creative business owners, or those who were just starting out, and talk in an informal environment with lots of tea on hand, a delicious lunch, lots of information to take away and a few treats too. It was as simple as that, and the first Wedding Sessions was born!’
Franky above – studying hard!
As I’m lucky enough to call Kirsten and Emma my friends, it would be easy for me to gush about my experience at their inaugural workshop, but believe me when I tell you that the day had a profound effect on me.
At the beginning of 2014, I knew I wanted to make some big changes in my career. I needed to establish new goals, refocus my creativity and chase the dreams I had allowed to lie dormant for far too long. The Wedding Sessions marked a real turning point for me and I have come a long way since attending, both in terms of refining the services I offer and gaining new clients.
Spending time with two successful business owners was inspiring in its own right, but the wealth of knowledge they shared was invaluable. Kirsten and Emma offered advice on finding your niche, branding a business and marketing your work. They gave us guidance on writing a business plan and unravelled the mysteries of social media.
There was also plenty of time to forge connections with like-minded wedding professionals. Networking within such a laidback setting was a real joy. Many of us have remained in contact and some have even gone on to work together.
‘The Wedding Sessions course was a true godsend for me. Having just decided to start my sample wedding dress business, I was completely unaware of the diverse and inspiring range of people and businesses who make up the wedding industry. Kirsten and Emma really know their stuff, run incredible businesses themselves and genuinely want everyone to succeed and flourish. I was gripped from start to finish! I still refer to my Wedding Sessions bible and will definitely be attending any follow-up courses they have’ (Laura, Bristol Bridal Boutique)
More than anything, I think Kirsten and Emma gave us all the tools and encouragement needed to harness our creativity for financial reward. As they said at the time, isn’t that what it’s all about?
Due to popular demand, The Weddings Sessions will be back in Bristol on Wednesday 1st October. Take my advice and sign up now.
Much love,
Franky
Photography – Frances Taylor Photography
Venue – Private Dining Room at Jamie’s Italian, Bristol
Flowers – Daisy Lane Floral
Cupcakes – Chunky Cherub Cakes
Website, logo and branding – Golden Apple Designs
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