Bellissimo presents The Lifestyle and Wedding Show at The Italian Villa 2011

After two busy days of beach weddings, it was time to host our annual Lifestyle and Wedding Show at the stunning Italian Villa at Compton Acres in Canford Cliffs.

This ever popular venue came alive with over 45 of the highest quality exhibitors on Sunday for what is one of the most highly anticipated wedding shows of the season. With over 400 guests through the doors last year this was going to be a busy day!

And sure enough as the clock struck 11am, there was a queue of brides to be and their families waiting to come and see what fantastic stands we had set up for them this year. The Bellissimo team were ready and waiting, with goody bags to give out to all our lovely brides to be, which included yummy cupcakes courtesy of  Lisa Notley who also had a stand where our guests could sample her amazing baking. We were lucky enough to have a taste of both the carrot and the chocolate cake - well there have to be perks of the job and ladies love cake don't they!

The Bellissimo Team at the Italian Villa 

We had stands over two floors, in the Medici and Verona Suites, and guests were treated to a wide selection of exhibitors to talk to including, accessories, styling, stationery, florists, photographers, musicians and many many more.

There were two fabulous fashion shows which took place in the Sienna Suite and featured stunning bridal collections from Exquisite Bridal and Calm Amongst the Chaos and a range of gorgeous footwear from Shoe Devotion. Ina of Ina Halsor Photography took so many wonderful photos...here's a sneak preview! Have a look at our Facebook page for the full collection...

All images courtesy of Ina Halsor Photography

We were treated to wonderful performances by Katie Francesca and Jay T Singers prior to each show and one lucky couple won a wedding at The Villa in our prize draw. Congratulations to Katrina and Andy who won and will be getting married next year!

The feedback from the show was excellent once again, with plenty of comments from exhibitors and guests on how well organised and well attended the show was.

We had a great day talking to lots of lovely couples, many of whom had already booked their wedding at The Villa, but many of whom were undecided on their venue and had come to see this renowned wedding venue.

If you didn't get the chance to talk to any of our team on Sunday, please feel free to give us a call on 01202 533014 or email us at info@bellissimo-weddings.co.uk for a free, no obligation chat about the planning of your wedding.

Dont forget our next wedding show at the RNLI in Poole will be on Sunday 15th January so put the date in the diary and we'll see you there!

Natasha 

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Wedding Exhibition - The Menzies East Cliff Court Hotel - Sunday 2nd October 2011

With wedding season drawing to a close, wedding fayre season is upon us, so on Sunday 2nd October, Bellissimo Weddings hosted our first show of the season at the Menzies Eastcliff Court Hotel on Bournemouth's beautiful Eastcliff. And what a day to have chosen! It was nearly 30 degrees and the beach was absolutely packed! But luckily we had some determined brides-to-be that despite the glorious weather turned out to come and see what we had on offer. I did notice a few bikinis poking out of dresses though! And one couple even arrived with their beach towels under their arms!

Courtesy of dorsetbeaches.co.uk

Our guests were treated to a glass of bubbly and some delicious canapés on arrival courtesy of the hotel and then were free to wander around where all our exhibitors were on hand to talk to our brides-to-be about their wedding plans.

We were lucky enough to have FourT4 Photography take photos of the day and all the photos you see in this blog have been taken by Jon himself. Jon is a fantastic, very professional and unobtrusive wedding photographer who covers weddings, civil ceremonies and events around Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire.

Jon's stand

We had three suites full of exhibitors so guests had plenty to see...

In the Ocean View Suite, Cake Cucina had the most amazing cakes and cupcakes on display...

All courtesy of FourT4 Photography

...and in the Garden Suite Simply Love Vintage displayed a selection of their fabulous range of vintage crockery, china, and vintage inspired accessories. They are available to hire for your wedding or event and add the finishing touches to your vintage themed day! 

Courtesy of FourT4 Photography

Flaura Boutique had created some gorgeous bouquets for the day, which were used by the models in the fashion shows...

Courtesy of FourT4 Photography

The fashion shows featured some absolutely stunning dresses by Bliss Bridal, Christchurch showed off by the five gorgeous models, Emma-Jayne, Sasha, Lauren, Anita and Julie. Bliss Bridal showcased bridesmaids and guests dresses as well as brides dresses to give brides-to-be and their guests some food for thought on what to wear on the big day. The models hair was expertly coiffed by Laura at Hair by Laura and the make up beautifully applied by Tara Sanger.

 All courtesy of FourT4 Photography

We didn't forget about the males of the wedding party either and Gibb Menswear of Southbourne were on hand to offer the men some style tips too!

At the entrance to the hotel we had a wonderful vintage car supplied by All Aspects Wedding Services which looked gleaming in the Bournemouth sunshine!

So an all round successful wedding show and if you like what you see and would like to attend or exhibit at a Bellissimo Wedding Show, please contact Melanie or Natasha on 01202 533014 or email us at info@bellissimo-weddings.co.uk.

And don't forget that the next show is the Wedding and Lifestyle Show at The Italian Villa at Compton Acres, Poole on Sunday 30th October between 11am and 4pm.

See you there!

Natasha

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The Carlton Wedding Fayre - Sunday 20th February 2011

We were delighted to work again with Menzies Carlton Hotel over looking Bournemouth's sea front on Sunday 20th February for their spring Wedding Fayre. Held from 11am-4pm it was jam packed with some of the finest wedding suppliers in Dorset.

A big thank you goes to the wonderful Ian Hamilton who took time out to photograph the show for us and has provided us with the images within this blog. Ian describes his photography style as "discreet" believing that a wedding day should be captured quietly and sympathetically creating a storybook of memories.  For more information on Ian and his fantastic photography please visit his website.

 

 

Couples had a really impressive 31 exhibitors over three different rooms at the hotel to enjoy and were treated to a glass of bubbly and canapes on arrival.  Another thank you has to go to  Party Proppers Plus Party Proppers Plus who set up The Causerie suite to showcase what it could look like for a wedding breakfast. They are the perfect contact if you're looking for some venue decorations from balloon arrangements to fairy lights also they can help to create some beautiful wedding stationery.

It really was a case of having everything under one roof from a selection of fabulous photographers, florist, gift list services, casino, chair covers, wedding rings and a DJ to name but a few. All those that we managed to talk to after their visit to the exhibitors were bursting full of ideas for their big day.

 

Whilst at the fayre couples were given the chance to enter a prize draw to win a selection of fantastic prizes. 

Prizes were:

- A sumptuous 2 course meal for two and a bottle of house wine in the Fredericks Restaurant at The Carlton Hotel followed by a one night stay at the Hotel and a delicious full English breakfast the following morning. 

- Beautiful bouquet of flowers courtesy of On The Wild Side Florist 

- An engagement style portrait shoot plus print credit with a combined value of £200 courtesy of Andy Rapkins Photography.

 

Gemma Rowlands - happy to win the bouquet of flowers prize 

A big thank you goes to the staff at The Carlton Hotel and to all those who came along to exhibit without you we wouldn't be able to put together such wonderful and informative wedding fayres. Also once again thank you to Ian Hamilton.

If you missed this fayre we have another coming up on Saturday 12th March at The RNLI Lifeboat College in Poole from 11am-4pm free entry and free parking. Come along and visit a large choice of contemporary suppliers to help put together your wedding day.  This is beautiful and unique waterside venue. Also on the day there will be a selection of presentations on a number of wedding topics giving you hints and tips to ensure your day is perfect which you can book in for in advance.  Check our facebook/Twitter for a full schedule which will be published in the next few days. 

Wedding & Lifestyle Show at The Italian Villa - 31st October 2010

In the beautiful surroundings of The Italian Villa in Compton Acres. Bellissimo joined with the team at The Villa to create a Wedding and Lifestyle Show which took place on Sunday 31st October 2010.  This was our biggest show to date and it was a huge success with over 400 visitors coming along.  We are pleased to announce that The Villa have already asked us to repeat this success next year with another show on Sunday 30 October.

All images featured in this blog were taken by the very talented Ina Halsor and are subject to copyright - please do not reproduce without the express permission of Ina  - you can make contact with her via the link to her website above

Busy brides after the shot for a photocall

Show in full throttle - guests were able to take in the beauty of the Italian Gardens from the back of the Medici Suite in the Villa

Just one of the lovely stands on offer for guests to look at - exhibitors really did go to town with their stands at this show

Lovely stand featuring cakes by Lisa Notley

A wonderful day which brought together suppliers from the wedding world and suppliers who can help the newly weds find everything they need to start up their new home.

Tony Marsh from Absolute Fun Casino chatting to one of our guests 

Well Groomed of Lower Parkstone provided the suits for the male models to model during the fashion show and this was their stand

Habitat at their stand - featuring some lovely contemporary furniture and home items

Two fashion shows took place throughout the day with stunning bridal gowns on display. Dresses provided by Natalie at Exquisite Bridal in Lymington and Michelle at Bliss Bridal in Christchurch. The lovely boys from Southcoast Butlers were kitted out in suits from Well Groomed in Poole.

Faye and Jake modelling their stunning outfits 

Klynton in black dinner suit from Well Groomed and Lisa wearing gown from Bliss Bridal 

Anita modelling one of the beautiful gowns from Exquisite Bridal of Lymington 

Rob from South Coast Butlers 

Before each show guests were treated to a performance from Ed Hailwood a wonderful singer for all your event needs and alongside this a treat from Alexandra and Andrey from Dancezone who can teach you all the moves for your perfect first dance - always such a pleasure to watch and great to have Ed back at one of our shows - such a joy to hear Ed singing and always enjoyed by the visitors to our shows so thank you Ed for taking part and thanks also to Alexandra and Andrey for your stunning exhibition performance

Ed Hailwood singing to the crowds with catwalk arrangements courtesy of Crystal Adonis 

Alongside the bridal dresses we had a catwalk show with some stunning shoes,bags and other accessories from Sugar Plum Fairy Autumn/Winter collection.

Lisa modelling for Sugar Plum Fairy 

Sasha modelling for Sugar Plum Fairy - Autumn/winter collection 

Food was provided on the day by the wonderful Beales Gourmet Catering who are the in house caterers for all the functions at the wonderful venue and also run a very successful outside catering service to a number of local wedding and function venues including Lulworth Castle, The Lighthouse Poole and Highcliffe Castle.  Food was served to all the visitors outside with the wonderful back drop of The Italian Villa gardens.

Some guests enjoying food from the Winter Food Court in the Italian Gardens 

The stunning images that you can see throughout this blog were captured by the talented Ina Halsor. Ina is a contemporary photographer who manages to capture stunning moments effortlessly in a cool contemporary way throughout all of her work.Thank you Ina for coming along and taking these beautiful images.

One of our models - Sasha preparing for the catwalk in a stunning gown from Bliss Bridal - busy girls backstage 
Sasha is wearing crystal jewellery from Crystal Adonis 

Lisa looking amazing after the show for some shots with the bridal cars 

Our bridal models

Throughout the day a competition was running that visitors could enter to Win a Wedding at The Villa with other elements being provided by some of the lovely exhibitors of the day. A fantastic prize worth over £5,000 the prize was drawn at the afternoon fashion show and won by this lucky young lady who was presented with her scroll with details of her prize plus a bottle of bubbly to celebrate further.

A huge thank you goes out to all those who came along to exhibit at the show this year. As always thank you to our lovely models both male and female who always create such beautiful fashion shows. The talented hairstylists who made the models look even more fabulous Laura Mackenzie of Hair by Laura and stylists from Chris and Helens team from Off the Square Hairdressing who created some beautiful bridal hair and the gorgeous make up looks created by Annabel Hornsby and Robyn Vallender.

 

Looking lovely Lisa!

One of our models - Natalie - looking stunning and showing her lovely hairstyle by Off the Square Hairdressing of Wimborne 

Anita - wonderful model - and looking great in this gown

Emma-Jane - in one of the bridal cars looking amazing as ever 

Gorgeous girlies!