The Wedding Box - Uncovered

The lid was well and truly lifted on “The Wedding Box” at their Wedding Fayre held at Centrex Conference Centre on Sunday 6th September when an estimated 260 people turned out to peruse the marvellous array of products and services being offered by some 20 independent providers in the main market area.

Visitors to this exclusive, ‘invitation only’ event were also treated to a unique, first viewing of an eye-catching collection of Haute Couture bridal gowns now being provided by Ritz n’ Glitz’ – the MidCalder based outlet of top wedding accessory designer, Allyson Murray. These exquisite creations were beautifully ‘cat-walked’ in the Centrex arena by some of West Lothian’s most dazzling models, many of whom are poised to participate in this years Miss West Lothian Competition.

Reigning Miss West Lothian and ‘Britains Next Top Model’ finalist, Ashley Brown, also made a glamorous return to the catwalk to showcase some of Allyson’s elegant bridal gowns, along with a collection of luxurious, limited edition lingerie provided by top Scottish fashion boutique, Boudiche.

The highlight of the day took place at 4pm when Ashley drew the winner of the days top prize: a medley of requisite, wedding day services being provided by members of the ‘Wedding Box’ collection of companies with a combined value of £3,000.

That prize was presented by Ashley to Bathgate based ‘Bride-to-be’ Emma Robertson who is preparing to walk down the Isle of St. Michaels Church, Linlithgow in June , 2011. The ever-present stresses of organising her ‘special day’ might now be made a little easier – and a good deal less financially burdening – following the collection of her prize.

Allyson Murray who, with the help of all the other wedding day service providers, including myself, pulled the day together said: “While I felt that, overall, the day was a great success, we are aware that we have a few areas where we need to improve. But we are convinced that the associate companies who comprise the ‘Wedding Box’ are now ready to establish themselves as one of the top Wedding Fayre hosts in West Lothian, providing not only a comprehensive and diverse choice of quality products and services but, as a group of experienced wedding service providers, we can also offer a wealth of help and advice which every soon-to-be-bride will be glad to take advantage of.

“The fact that we had attracted the participation of major retailers such as Debenhams and Boudiche helped make the September Fayre an overall success, and we’re now looking forward to pressing ahead with a regular programme of events based on this winning formula.”

Photographs from the event featuring curent Miss West Lothian & Britains Next Top Model finalist, Ashley Brown; up and coming West Lothian Model, Amanda Tinning and other girls who starred on the day:

Fascinating stuff

I was fortunate enough to be asked to shoot a collection of fascinators and wedding accessories for Ritz nGlitz; a quality, high-end bridal gown and accessories outlet based in MidCalder.

The accessories - and especially the fascinators – were literally ‘fascinating’, while having the opportunity to work with – and light – such a fantastic collection of exquisite tiaras, necklaces and bracelets was a real pleasure.

Some of the resultant head and shoulders shots were used in a power-point slide which was displayed at the ‘Wedding Box’ wedding fayre held at Centrex, Livingston on Sunday 6th September.

Thanks to models Michelle and Rachael for being so patient with me, and to Make-up artist, Jade, whose skills made my photography look better than it might otherwise have.

Michelle & Rachael

Working with Jenelle.

I was first privileged to see Jenelle at a wedding fayre held at ‘The Club’ in Broxburn, West Lothian. She was part of the team of gorgeous Miss West Lothian candidates who took part in the show. Jenelle was an immediate ‘stand-out’ at the show as she graced the catwalk in her own wedding dress (yes, sorry lads, it’s true) and looked absolutely stunning.

I was then given the opportunity to bring Jenelle to the studio for a portrait shoot. It was Jenelle’s first experience of the studio environment but I have to say she took to it like the proverbial duck to water and could have convinced anyone that she’d been modelling for a while. Husband, Rod, was, I think, as taken a back as I was at how relaxed she was.

The time flew bye, and It was a real treat to work with her; as well has having looks to die for, she also has an easy, professional manner and takes direction very well and i’m definitely looking forward to working with her again soon.

Jenelle:

Ritz n' Glitz at The Club

I was given a marvellous opportunity to visit ‘The Club’ in Broxburn at the end of last week. Many of the local residents will remember it as the snooker halls but the transformation into a top entertainments venue has been incredible: a great place to enjoy a quiet drink, a 1st class meal or – for the more energetic – an opportunity to take in some entertainment and get on the dance floor.

My reason for going there was to watch the gorgeous young ladies of the Miss West Lothian competition showcase the exceptional talents of Mid-Calder based Allyson Murray. The girls took to the catwalk on three occasions and brought an extra dimension of elegance to Allyson’s jaw-dropping range of Bridal Dresses and Accessories.

Featuring among the sumptuous assembly on the catwalk was local girl, Ashley Brown who is currently competing in Living TV’s ‘Britains Next Top Model’ competition. But I’d say the competition she had on stage at The Club last Sunday was just as great as any she’s had to face on the TV show.

If you’re perusing these pages en route to organising your own wedding, then you might save yourself a great deal of time – and money – by visiting the Ritz n’ Glitz link opposite – believe me, after visiting The Club last Sunday, I know exactly what these dresses can do for a girl!