Exclusive Eliza Jane Howell Designer Event – with exclusive 10% discount on all Ophelia May Designs!

I’m delighted to tell you about an exclusive designer event that I’m involved with, taking place at my fabulous stockist Melanie James Boutique on Saturday 7^th December to introduce the stunning new collection by Bridal Designer Eliza Jane Howell.

 
 

 

The new Eliza Jane Howell collection draws inspiration from the exquisite vintage gowns of the golden era of fashion, with dresses adorned with an array of pearls and crystals that epitomise sophistication and vintage glamour.

Come and meet the designer’s team and be the first to view this glamorous collection, exclusively available in Manchester at Melanie James Boutique, with a fantastic 10% discount available on any dresses ordered. And a free glass of bubbly and a goodie bag will be waiting for you on your arrival!

I will be there to showcase my full collection, along with several new designs that I can’t wait to unveil at the event! I will also be offering an exclusive 10% discount on any pieces ordered during the day.

Here's a little sneak peek of a new design...

 

Lots of other fabulous bridal suppliers will be there, including gorgeous stationary by To & From, vintage wedding decor by Pebble in the Pond and stunning floral displays by Hearts & Flowers. It really is a day not to be missed.

For more information and to get your ticket please email Melanie at info@melaniejamesbridal.com or head over to www.melaniejamesbridal.co.uk. 

You can see more of the Eliza Jane Howell collection over at her website - www.elizajanehowell.com.

Hope to see you there!

Handmade & Hitched Blog Feature

I was so excited to be featured on Handmade & Hitched blog recently. This gorgeous new blog is full of creative wedding ideas, product reviews and DIY tutorials.

The blogs lovely creator, Michelle, is determined to support small businesses and promote unique products that you won’t find anywhere on the high street, so it’s the perfect place to showcase my designs.

 

So for all of you brides looking for inspirational ideas to add something a little bit different and individual to your wedding , this blog is one not to be missed!

You can read the post about Ophelia May here.

Etsy Shop Now Open!

I’m so pleased to announce that Ophelia May has now officially opened on Etsy!

Now you can purchase the full collection online, so if you’re looking for a stunning headpiece or that perfect bridal sash, then why not head over to Etsy.com/shop/OpheliaMayBridal to have a browse!

I am also taking bespoke orders so if you don’t see exactly what you are looking for or you would like some alterations to a piece then please don’t hesitate to get in touch via info@opheliamay.com.


 

Ophelia May - Now available on Etsy

 

Wedding Fayres

It’s been far too long since I last updated the blog but it has been a very busy few weeks here at the studio so I’ve got lots to catch up on.

I have exhibited at two more fabulous Wedding Fairs, both full of fantastic wedding inspiration, amazing suppliers and of course lots of lovely brides!

 Made in Manchester Wedding Fayre

27^th October

 

The first was the ‘Made in Manchester’ Wedding Fayre organised by the lovely Nicole from Bridal Chic in the City, which took place on 27^th October at 2022NQ, an edgy event space recently opened in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.

All the exhibitors were small local businesses each with beautifully unique services.  It was so great to be part of a fair that offered something a little bit different to the brides, and with stunning floral bouquets by Floral Chic Design available, gorgeous cakes by Penny Belle and pretty wedding gifts by Glitzy Pig, they certainly had plenty to choose from.

Along with the fayre, Ophelia May received its first little bit of press! The online newspaper Mancunian Matters published a piece about the fair on the website, complete with a little quote from moi! Take a look here - www.mancunianmatters.co.uk/content/161012996-here-come-brides-manchester-wedding-fayre-descend-northern-quarter-big-day-bonanza

 

My stand at the 2022NQ Fayre

The Annalise Halo was very popular with the brides

 

Luxury & Vintage Wedding Fayre

3^rd November

 The following week I took part in the ‘Luxury and Vintage’ Wedding Fayre, held by the North’s No.1 wedding blog Brides Up North. The Fayre took place at the gorgeous Bowdon Rooms, which with its beautiful Edwardian architecture, was the perfect venue for this luxury event, and it looked stunning inside.  

The room was full of gorgeous suppliers offering everything from photography and make up to vintage garden games and music. I had a great stand near the entrance next to the lovely Gwyneth from Vintage Afternoon Teas, who had a beautiful selection of vintage china and wedding décor on offer.

It was so great to meet the other exhibitors as well, including Nicola from All the Little Details, who has the most beautiful hand crafted wedding stationary and Rachel from Marie Antoinette Cakes, whose cakes were just melt-in-the-mouth delicious!

 

My stand at the Bowdon Rooms Fayre

 

 

The brides loved the Madeline Headpiece

Both fayres were fantastic and I received an amazing response from the brides, with lots of interest and amazing feedback, which I’m very grateful for! That’s the last of the wedding fairs for me this year but I do have a few lined up for the new year already, with some amazing organisers, so I hope you will all come and say hello!

First trip to the British Bridal Exhibition in Harrogate

Last Sunday the British Bridal Exhibition was held in Harrogate and I was lucky enough to get tickets, thanks to the very generous Melanie from Melanie James Boutique.

 

Along with Melanie, her mum and her seamstress, the lovely Chloe, we set off to Harrogate, very excited to browse all the latest collections from hundreds of bridal designers.

We saw a huge selection of beautiful wedding gowns and accessories from the likes of Amanda Wyatt, Justin Alexander, Ivory & Co and Rainbow Club and we were able to catch up on all the latest trends.

 

And after getting slightly lost on our way through the 250(!) exhibitors, we had a much needed rest at the famous Betty’s Tea Rooms, where we enjoyed the delicious ‘Afternoon Tea’, complete with the cutest finger sandwiches, melt-in-the-mouth scones and three mini desserts. This was definitely one of the highlights of our day!

 

 

 

After a good old natter about the show, we headed back to the venue, just in time to catch the afternoon catwalk shows.

All in all, it was a fabulous day!

Chill Factore Wedding Fayre

I recently exhibited the new collection at the Chill Factore Wedding Fayre on Sunday 1^st September. Not only did I have a stand at the fayre but I was also lucky enough to be showcasing my bridal accessories alongside the stunning bridal gowns from Melanie James Boutique on the catwalk.  

  

As this was my first ever wedding fayre I didn’t know what to expect but it turned out to be such a great (if a little exhausting!) day. I was able to meet lots of lovely brides to be and I got some amazing feedback about my pieces!

Another highlight was meeting the other vendors, including Emma from Pebble in the Pond, whose gorgeous vintage items decorated the catwalk and Meagan from Meagan Sarah Photography who captured the day perfectly on film.

 

Take a look at some of Meagan's beautiful photos below.



Ophelia May stand

To see more of Meagan's work, go to www.weddings-portraits.co.uk.

 

Melanie's wedding gowns looked amazing on the catwalk and I think my accessories were a perfect match! Making their first runway appearance were:



Annalise Halo, Photo credit: Georgina Shellard



Melody Headband, Photo credit: Georgina Shellard

Madeline Headband, Photo credit: Georgina Shellard

Rose Hair Clip, Photo credit: Georgina Shellard

Isla Belt, Photo credit: Georgina Shellard

Clementine Belt, Photo credit: Georgina Shellard

Elizabeth Belt, Photo credit: Georgina Shellard

 

Looking forward to the next one now, which I have lined up very soon! Keep an eye out for more details!

New Stockist: Melanie James Boutique

The new Ophelia May collection is now on display and available to buy in the beautiful vintage inspired Melanie James Boutique in Chorlton Green.

I am delighted to be working with the lovely Melanie, who designs her own haute couture label of exquisite bridal gowns, using luxurious fabrics and embellishments.

With Melanie’s individually handcrafted collection, one-of-a-kind ethos and her support for local independent artists and hand picked products, I think it’s the perfect place to showcase Ophelia May designs!

Head over to the Melanie James website for more information on this gorgeous little boutique.

www.melaniejamesbridal.co.uk