Wedding Fever
I was 12 years old when I started in the wedding business - that's 42 years on and off! My parents owned a hotel, and if you're the child of hoteliers or publicans, you'll know exactly where i'm coming from when I say that it's literally 'all hands on deck' during certain seasons - namely summer for weddings and Christmas for parties.
Moncreiffe Arms Hotel, Bridge of Earn, 1950’s
Moncreiffe Arms Hotel, Bridge of Earn, early 1980’s. My first - and only - modelling assignment! My parents took over in 1979 and in the picture you can see the place is almost unchanged except the bushes have grown quite alot! As far as I know, those same bushes are there to this day!
As soon as I was old enough to hold a serving fork and spoon in one hand and a silver salver in the other, I became a waitress. There were lots of weddings all summer long, and lots of parties. In those days the weddings and the parties were bigger. Every year until I was well into my late teens. My mother was the events coordinator of the business - and an excellent role model - my other career would have been wedding planner if it wasn't corset maker!
When I left school I stayed in the hotel business, then spent 10 years or so in PA jobs but always with a hand in 'events'. It's in my blood and I'm good at it even if I do say so myself.
During my 30's I was a Conference Manager at an Oxford College and was the go to wedding organiser. When I became a corsetiere, the brides still came. And I welcomed them.
For this reason, I have had 'Wedding Fever' since I was 12 .. I just love weddings!!
My first bridal corsetry commission was in 2011 and Marianna's corset became the cover of the book I wrote about corsetry which was published in 2012. I am not sure if she knows how 'famous' her corset is to this day.
Marianna’s corset was my first bridal commission back in 2010. it had detachable straps, and was to be worn under a vintage dress.
So this year, having gone full time on the corset making, I've had a few more brides than usual, and their grooms are getting in on the act too! The more the merrier!
It's always such fun to be involved with brides. I know lots of corsetiere's shy away from them but I say come one come all! Tell me your stories and lets create something perfect!
I've already signed up 2 brides for 2024 - they're marrying eachother! But I only have limited full ensemble bridal slots, so if you're thinking of a corset and gown for your big day, please do get in touch - and keep your eyes on the blog.