Most Curious London 4th-6th March 2022

Happy Friday lovely people! We hope you have all had a good week and looking forward to some chilled (or party) vibes this weekend. Chilled vibes are most definitely the flavour in the Dunstone household after what has been such a busy week. Looking forward to a glass of wine in front of the fire tonight!

Before we sign off though from another week of gorgeous wedding inspiration, we have something very exciting and special to share with your eyes and ears today.

Festival Brides is joining forces with Most Curious Wedding Fair London (which is taking place at The Truman Brewery in Brick Lane on 4th-6th March 2022) as one of their main media sponsors and we are so so excited to be more involved in what is one of our favourite wedding shows in the UK. What’s more, the lovely Becky, founder of Most Curious, has asked us to help her choose the BridalNEXT winner for 2022 and we honestly couldn’t be more honored to be involved.

But what is BridalNEXT I hear you cry!? As the name suggests, it is the next ‘big thing’ in the UK wedding industry – a new and emerging wedding supplier who Most Curious believes is pushing the wedding trend boundaries and creating or providing a service that is going to be huge in 2022. Festival Brides role is to choose a winner and, judging by the line up for 2022, we have a lot of work on our hands! They are all so talented!!!!

Becky shares more below.

BridalNEXT 2022…

The time has come to announce for the first time, one of the most exciting elements about the Most Curious show! And who better to do that with than our media sponsor and dear pals Festival Brides. Yup we’re making in official, Most Curious X Festival Brides is strrrrong for 2022, it’s a team up for the dream up! Joining forces for lots of intentional and hopefully impactful schemes on this London come back show and one of the biggies is bridalNEXT.

Established in 2012, BRIDAL NEXT is the section of our show which supports and promotes new, fresh and emerging talent in the industry. It is a platform for designers and artisans who have launched their brand no earlier than 2019 and has a discounted price to keep it accessible to start ups and young brands. It is one of our ways of fostering and introducing innovative and exciting new names into the wedding world. A jumping board for those who would like to expand, reach or experiment with the Most Curious audience. It unites them with the coolest and most creative, adventurous couples out there.

New for 2022, BRIDAL NEXT is also being run in conjunction with Festival Brides, another big player in the industry who is striving to champion emerging, talent in the wedding world. The showcase culminates in the BRIDAL NEXT Award, given at the show, to the most directional brand exhibiting that year, chosen and awarded by FB founder and creative director Laura Dunstone. You can read more about what the winner gets here!

Please Meet The BridalNEXT Crew 2022!

Blake Ida

Insta: @blake_ida_bridal

Pushing the term Bridalwear into a very fashion led place, Blake Ida is made in London, and bespoke every time from the finest quality silks and silk blends. The collection can be tweaked and is made to fit you exactly, to your measurements, up to any size you wish. No compromises on style, no preconceived ideas about what a wedding outfit should look like, just dreamy ideas and a truly custom made ethos.

“Because your dress should fit like a glove,’ says founder Carrie, ‘we make every order made to measure. And because we believe you shouldn’t have to compromise on a single detail, you can also customise our styles by choosing which silk, shade and length you like best. We can customise design elements for you. Our brides don’t compromise on a single detail.’

SKEN Studios

Insta: @skenstudios

SKEN is a sustainable jewellery brand making playful, light-hearted pieces from their Manchester studio, founded by Sabira Silcock. The designs effortlessly combine a sense of humour with a sense of occasion, resulting in playful, uplifting pieces to be cherished for years to come. Serving as a much-needed reminder to seek out the joy in the world, wherever you are. In fact, about the only things taken seriously at SKEN Studios are the craftsmanship and their environmental credentials.

Their joyful designs are all lovingly handmade in recycled silver and carefully packaged using recycled materials. Known for their signet rings, SKEN Studios are now branching into bridal jewellery and wedding rings. Along with their core collections, they make bespoke made-to-order jewellery and host ring-making workshops in central Manchester.

Whole Lotta Love Weddings

Insta: @wholelottalove_weddings

Meet Zuza (Zhuzha), the woman behind Whole Lotta Love Weddings, a super special London based wedding planning and styling service – Non-traditional, retro-inspired, modern, cool, colour-loving, and most importantly free-spirited rule-breaking couples are her ideal clients.

‘I’m proud to be NOTHING like the old-school traditional white wedding, taffeta loving, chair organza bow cover enthusiasts,’ asserts Zuza! ‘With me on board you will SAVE TIME and MONEY and enjoy your wedding day the only way you should – like ROCKSTARS!

She loves to design, plan and lead the way – all the way. She will hook you up with the best suppliers, brief everyone involved to create something unique and special for each of her couples, can run the day seamlessly if needed and her biggest love is transforming the venue into dream setups.

Whole Lotta Love Weddings | Caroline Opacic Photography

SÜSS Cake Studio

Insta: @susscakestudio

Suss Cake Studio | Most Curious London | BridalNEXT

Süss is an online Cake Studio in East London that specialises in the curation of Natural Dessert Tables, Wedding Cakes and bespoke Celebration Cakes. ‘We bake cakes with mindful ingredients,’ says founder Julia, ‘cutting down on sugar where we can and supporting local organic suppliers to make treats that are good for the planet and your body. Our Natural Dessert Table concept has the main Wedding Cake at the centre, surrounded by a selection of smaller cakes and treats and decorated in your desired style. Looking great and a sure-fire way to ensure every guest gets the piece of cake they desire plus to catering to different diets.’ A big part of Suss’s treats are made with a little nod to Julia’s German heritage, hence why the black forest cake is one of our all time favourites. Yum!

Notes Studio

Insta: @notes.studio

Notes | Rebecca Carpenter Photography | BridalNEXT

“When our 9-5’s in fashion ground to a halt along with the rest of the world, what once seemed a pipe dream quickly became reality. As two best friends with a shared love for all things weddings and a vino or two, we decided to take the leap and Notes Studio was born.

Combining our two true loves, each design is inspired by a different wine and the tasting ‘notes’ that pair with it. We try to channel this into each of our collections, focusing on texture and colour.

This new beginning gave us purpose in the midst of terrible and uncertain times, and although starting a business during a pandemic felt like a crazy idea, it also gave us the time and creative head space to build something to be really proud of.”

Emma & Sarah, Notes.

Coy Biscuit

Insta: @coybiscuit

“In 2017 I was still a fairly fresh illustration graduate, trying to make ends meet in a really unfulfilling job. I had some experience in baking (definitely more passion than experience) and was desperate to find a way to use my degree in a way that was actually satisfying to me.

I realised there was a gap in the wedding market that I could potentially fill. I had a lot of friends who were getting married but there was nothing, in terms of gifts for hens that weren’t tacky. I wanted to give people the option to gift and/or enjoy a beautiful piece of edible art as well as exploring “luxury gifting” in general, that was about a taste of naughtiness without the smut!

Our elegant cookies are sex positive and celebrate the human form, whatever colour, shape or size.”

Words by founder Esi Essel.

Love Lane London

Insta: @lovelanebridal

Love Lane Bridal | Most Curious London | Bridal NEXT

“We loved our wedding. For us, it was magical,” explains founder Gift Kanangnuch, of the origins of Love Lane. “Unfortunately, we only got to have one! As a happily married husband and wife team, helping other engaged people look amazing on their wedding day is what we love doing best now.

We think wedding wear should be simple and elegant, complementing and promoting the wearer’s unique beauty rather than outshining it.

Currently, we provide a range of gorgeous veils, capes and hair accessories. We are super excited to be releasing our first two dresses in January 2022! We design everything ourselves and make it locally in London.”

Pic of Gift, her husband and CEO (Canine Executive Officer), Rosie!

Callie Pettigrew Stylist

Insta: @calliepettigrewstylist

Callie is a creative event stylist & designer who creates modern, sophisticated settings for style-conscious, design-led couples. With a focus on table-scaping and a contemporary approach, Callie uses her background working in set design, interiors and brand events to set the scene for your big day and make sure your tables are the talk of the town. Whether it’s on the day or full styling, she uses colour and texture to create a visual aesthetic that represents you as a couple and brings a fresh approach to your wedding. Stay tuned as she’s also rebranding soon!

Callie Pettigrew Stylist | Most Curious London | BridalNEXT

A Piece of Cake

Insta: @apieceofcake.ldn

A Piece of Cake wedding and celebration cakes can be found in East London. Founder Sahrish loves all things cake and offer a wide range of cakes of several sumptuous styles, from buttercream to fondant cakes.

“Not only are aesthetics important to me, but flavour is too,’ Sahrish describes. “All of my flavours are hand developed and tweaked until it’s just right and I am more than happy to work with you on serving up a treat!

I pride myself on adding to your day in the best way possible and I’m so happy to work with you to decide exactly what it is you want too, from the vision to the flavours. It is my personal goal to make sure every cake I create meets my high expectations in taste and design so that you can enjoy every last crumb.

Connie Norton Millinery

Insta: @connienortonmillinery

Connie Norton | In The Attic Photography | BridalNEXT

Connie Norton is an ethereal modern, couture millinery brand based based in Royal Tunbridge wells.

“My background of working for London’s only haute couture fashion house as an embroiderer inspired me to learn as much as I possibly could.

Following this, I have put all of my traditional hand embroidery techniques and skills into my millinery pieces, creating unique one-of-a kind designs.

Starting with a couture spring summer collection full of bright colours and beautifully detailed flowers and now moving into bridal wear, the collections continue to grow.

As well as couture and bridal collections I offer a bespoke service for hat lovers bursting with ideas or people who would simply love something made especially for them for a very special occasion.”

Jens Plants and Florist

Insta: @jensplantsandflorist

An exciting new Plant, event florist and dried flowers shop on Brick Lane with a life affirming story behind it. An emphasis on the big colour and the bug vibes – over to Jen!

“For over a decade, I worked in the Investment Banking Industry where my job came to an end in the dreaded 2020. Did I want to go back in that Industry?….no way. I always had a creative side in me which has now exploded. My passion to create floral arrangements and my love for plants has been unleashed and unlocked to create greatness. I put on my favourite tunes, dance and create. It’s the best job I’ve ever had and it doesn’t seem like work. Everyday is fulfilling, creating, enjoying and making it happen.”

Dokmai Collection

Insta: @dokmaicollection

Founder Elaine Hagan is a former graduate of the Manchester School of Art and began working in her first bridal shop at 16! After spending too long in fast fashion environments, she says her true inspiration was on a visit to Laos. “I visited fabric weavers, the kind, calm and creative workers made me decide I wanted to collaborate with them, and have my fabric woven there,” explains Elaine.

Laos is celebrated in my work, vibrant exotic floral colours, interspersed with reflections of my home environment, cool natural hues from Norfolk Woad, which I used for my own wedding dress. My wedding wear is a step away from traditional white, satin, lace. Playful designs without restrictions. Avant-garde yet comfortable, flattering, soft breathable natural fabrics designed to celebrate individual uniqueness.

Dok-Mai in Lao means ‘to flower’ or ‘to bloom’ which is how I want the wearer to feel.”

Chris Lloyd Art

Insta: @chrislloydart

Chris Lloyd is an queer artist and illustrator from Kings Cross, whose art hangs in the homes of Greg James (BBC Radio 1), popstar Mollie King, and the legendary DJ Annie Mac.

He designs and illustrates your bespoke wedding invites. Give him a photo of your venue, and he’ll draw your venue, illustrate your messages, or even paint you, the happy couple into the design!

Since he started his art company earlier this year – he’s had his watercolour art appear on 100,000 coffee cups at a store in Bloomsbury, been commissioned to illustrate the ‘Big Bee Competition’ for BBC Radio 2, and has been featured sketching on Spanish TV (it’s a long story!).

Somebody Elses Guy

Insta: @somebodyelsesguy

Named after the classic song by Jocelyn Brown, Somebody Else’s Guy is a new, exciting, sustainable fashion brand from the mind of Newcastle-based designer Corey Dixon.

Her unique items are gender neutral, you pick the outfit that makes you feel your very best! “The only labels here, are the classic disco tracks each garments name pays tribute to,” says Corey.

Corey gives a second life to ‘somebody else’s’ clothes as she up-cycles, making couture affordable. Clothes that may have been bound for the bin are reworked into bold, one-of-a-kind outfits; tulle, organza, feathers and lace are just a few materials used to create her statement pieces with a twist of

tailoring.

Rotted In Rosemary

Insta: @rootedinrosemary

Wolf & Co. Photography | Rooted In Rosemary | BridalNEXT

Rooted’s Founder & Creative Lead, Ashleigh, has always had an obsession with colour and a passion for anything creative for as long as she can remember. She worked in the TV, Film & Entertainment industry, with a degree in Prosthetic Make Up & Wig Making, and began her early career working as a wig maker for Madame Tussaud’s! After an amazing 6 years in the industry and the sad passing of her mother, Ashleigh embarked on a new adventure in the world of flowers. A lifelong dream of both and her Mumsie, Treenie, and in her memory, in 2019 Rooted in Rosemary was born and she’s never looked back. Rooted produces fun, creative, bold florals for the design-led, style savvy client. She was the florist on this year’s campaign and the florals were game changing. Ash’s natural eye and talent is quick thinking and high impact!

Our Communitea

Insta: @our_communi.tea

This artisan confectionery mother and daughter team handcraft chocolate and bakery products for wedding favours, dessert bars and new for 2022 they are adding their own floristry creations! Behind the brand, and indeed every sale, CommuniTea also gives back into their social mission, providing pop-up tearoom projects which create social and employment skills opportunities for young people. The tearooms provide specialist alternative education placements for vulnerable individuals and raises funds through profit share for a purpose-built specialist teaching and wellbeing facility.

‘We love gatherings and love when people choose to enjoy our products at their celebrations,’ describes founder Judy Tomlin. ‘They’re created to bring warm smiles to your soul and those you share with. We’re a family run business, passionate about holistic education, creativity and enterprise. So when you purchase our products you enjoy the love we put into them and our heart-felt thanks for supporting our social mission.’

Our Communitea | Photography By Vicki | BridalNEXT

Sevens and Twelves

Insta: @sevensandtwelves

“We love records. We love them so much that we turned a batch of old records into place-settings for our own wedding. Each record was personalised for our guests and coloured to match our scheme. We were blown away by how much our guests loved them, none were left behind and many are now framed on the walls of our guests’ homes.

We set up Sevens & Twelves to offer vinyl-themed place-settings, table plans and favours to other music-loving couples.

New to the market in 2021, we are excited about working with passionate couples to design and provide stylish, personalised and theme-matched records for their wedding, guaranteed to create discussion around the tables, while also rescuing unwanted records destined for landfill in the process!”

Words Ant & Katie

Sevens & Twelves

Scholars Bakes

Insta: @scholarsbakes

With a background in photography and a love of art a design – Scholars Bakes was born with a humble start on an ‘honesty box’ table outside our apartment door in an old Victorian school building, Scholars Place in Hackney, to where it is today, designing Bespoke Luxury Buttercream wedding & occasion cakes.

Every cake is made fresh to order – with the quality of the bake itself & flavour being as important to me as the beautiful entrance it makes into a special occasion. I’ve finessed my baking techniques & flavours to make each cake a special experience for each individual client & their guests. I take inspiration from everything from ceramics to texture to architecture, in an ever ever evolving style of sharp buttercream edges & soft blooms, or curved Belgian chocolate spheres with metallic edible paint sprays.

Folklore Florists

Insta: @folklore.florist

“At Folklore we’re inspired by nature, and folk tales and classic literature that grew up out of it. We love stark bare branches and twigs, wild tangled forests and soft scented meadows. We’ve got the soil between our toes, come join us.”

Words by Amber Tapping, Folklore Florist

Ballad Bride

Insta: @ballad.bride

“Bespoke Bridalwear for soulful brides.” A new bridal brand steeped in ritual and magick! By Laura Jekyll – over to Laura to give you the vibes!

Gently close your eyes. Turn inwards. And start to imagine your wedding.

Tell me what you see. The scents and tastes. The sounds. What you touch.

Stepping into your appointment with Ballad Bride is stepping into a sacred space.

The subtle alchemy of ritual and design. Wedding wear that speaks to your soul.

These robes tell your story.

A dedication to love. An intention for your future together.

It’s wedding-wear design that asks how you want to feel. How you want to move. Connecting you with the people, places, moments and memories that feel most important.

The sacred act of dressing for your wedding.

Ache For Cake

Insta: @ache4cake

“We have a need to feed! We want to put cake in your pretty little faces and don’t care who knows it! We specialise in cakes that are elegant yet somehow still ridiculously fun. Not only do our cakes look AMAZING they taste DIVINE too. And no probs if you want your dream cake gluten free or vegan – we got you,”

Words by Davina Bye, ACHE for Cake!

Ultramarine

Insta: @ultramarineflowers

Ultramarine creates wedding florals for modern couples. Gemma has a background in set design and prop styling, including styling parties, set dressing on video commercials and prop styling photo shoots. This experience has meant that Ultramarine has a unique take on creating beautiful, contemporary and original floral arrangements. Our floral design work spans editorial photoshoots, shop window installations as well as events and weddings. They are colourful, playful and full of life! Gemma and her team love working with creative, untraditional and forward thinking couples, who want stylish florals on their wedding day. As well as colour, seasonality is really important to us and we strive to use majority seasonal flowers and buy from local growers as much as we possibly can and never use floral foam.

Amehndi

Insta: @amehndi_uk

Amrit Nagi has combined her passion for weddings of all cultures, her own Indian heritage and Mehndi (henna) into a new business. She uses her skills in intricate illustration and drawing to decorate candles, guest books and stationery with hand drawn Menhdi patterns and Mehndi inspired designs to be eye catching decor as well as keep sakes for the couple of guests. A new idea for the design-led Asian wedding couple or of course open to all who love the style, or would like to commission Amrit’s digital and hand drawn skills for any aspect of their wedding!