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One of the stunning gowns from the Maggie Sottero 2012 collection

This week has been an exciting one, starting with a trek up to the gorgeous city of Chester to visit one of our readers’ favourite dress labels Maggie Sottero. Recently moved to their sparkling new premises, I got to see where all the magic happens, hundreds of beautiful wedding dresses all in their pristine packages waiting to shipped out to their new owners.  It was dress heaven and not even the thought of lunch could tear me away!

The next day started with the poshest bacon sandwich I have ever seen,  presented with a side of rocket and pot of Earl Grey tea! I met with Wedding Ideas Award winner Ellie Sanderson for a quick catch up and even got a sneaky peek at the gorgeous Oxford wedding boutique, which is soon to launch the lovely bridesmaids’ collection from Twobirds. Their gorgeous gowns will sit alongside the stunning new year collections from royal favourite Sassi Holford and Suzanne Neville.

Full up from my sarnie, I whipped home for a quick change of clothes before I headed back out to swanky Soho for a presentation by the fabulous Bridal Coach, Michele Paradise. Champagne, canapés and cupcakes were consumed and the waiters even burst out into song, which is apparently a regular occurrence at the new trendy Archer Street bar.  It was a great chance to mingle among friends and I was fully inspired to stand up straight and be confident in my frame.  Indeed, I have been working on my posture all week – maybe that’s the answer to my latest back ache? Hmmm… maybe I tried a little too hard.

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Moevenpick Karon Beach Phuket - Plunge Pool Villa - "I will be here in March!!"

Yesterday I started my day in Mayfair with a breakfast presentation by the Swiss hotel group Movenpick, renowned for their good food and quality service. I was extra excited to hear they are now set to launch another 30 hotels all round the world over the next three years, Paris being the latest conquest.  I am hoping to sneak in a visit during my trip to Thailand next month, just to make sure the bacon sandwiches are up to standard. I wonder if they serve rocket with theirs?

On I went to visit my new friends at the fashion label Intuzuri. I fell instantly in love with the gowns and it was very clear that they are preparing to take the UK market by storm.  Such a friendly company and you will love the dazzling dresses which screamed quality and sophistication, but with an affordable price tag. Get ready to see their new collection promoted in the March issue of Wedding Ideas.

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Pippa having a cuddle with the gorgeous baby Edie

My week ends back in the comfort of Herd HQ (home of Giraffe Media, who publish Wedding Ideas), where I was greeted by the team and a cupcake, which was sat in the fridge awaiting my arrival, I thought they were joking when they said they were saving it for me…

After catching up with the senior management team, I even fitted in a squeeze with the gorgeous new giraffe baby Edie. I’m not broody I promise!

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Pippa and James from Romantica loving the latest issue of Wedding Ideas Magazine

 

I finished my day with a pub lunch and a lovely catch-up with James from the popular dress label Romantica of Devon, who was more than happy to cuddle up to the latest issue of Wedding Ideas.

Catch up with me next week to find out who I will be meeting up with next back in the big smoke!