New Radio Advert!

Hi Everyone,

Lots of things going on at Mrs Jones Bridal Boutique at the moment including...... a new radio advert!!

It aired this morning for the first time and will run for approx 9 weeks! We decided to run a campaign to promote awareness in the area - news is spreading in Newbury that we are here - but I still get people coming in who only 'stumbled across' us and didn't know we were new!

I was a little hesitant in radio advertising - I had visions of some really cheesy jingles but hopefully we've avoided that and the ad is pitched at the right level!

Listen out for the ad on Newbury Sound from today - I am really interested in your comments!

Have a listen by clicking on the below - I have added a few pics to the audio below - just for fun (and to enable me to embed it in the blog!)

Mrs Jones x

New Designer News!

Hi everyone,

I am extremely pleased to announce that as from next month we will be taking a new Designer... and that Designer is the very talented and fantastic... Alan Hannah.

'Alan Hannah' the label was established in 1988 by Alan Hannah who started out by designing and supplying accessories to retailers. In 1990 Alan was joined by his future wife Marguerite who became Creative Director and Designer of a new bridal wear range, while Alan focused on Sales and Marketing.

The label went from strength to strength with stockists opened all over the UK and in the rest of the world. Soon Alan Hannah was at the forefront of bridal fashion with a string of awards including designer of the year for Marguerite on several occasions.

Today, as always, all Alan Hannah gowns are designed and made in London - it is important to Alan and Marguerite to retain the independence and quality of the label and therefore they have invested in modern production and training techniques to enable them to continue making the gowns in the UK and their new North London HQ was opened by HRH The Princess Royal in 2010.

Alan Hannah gowns are hand crafted using the finest materials. Beautiful silks, organza and slipper satins are the signature style and as every dress is individually made for you, you can even make changes to the designs to create your dream dress. Alan Hannah dresses do carry a premium and prices start at £1900-£3000+

The dresses are being made as we speak and delivery is due shortly. We are taking bookings to try these fab dresses on from November onwards..

If you are interested in finding out more or want to be the first to try the dresses on, please call on 01635 35113 or email me laura@mrsjonesbridal.co.uk

For full details on this fantastic designer visit www.alanhannah.co.uk
Mrs Jones x

Savannah

Seville (I think this is my fav!)

Sienna

Melita

Vienna

Sally in Charlotte Balbier 'Alice'

Hi everyone

Just back from BBEH ( a trade only bridal exhibition in Harrogate). Was a good show - lots and lots of lace (the Kate factor!) and very tiring but was great to see (and buy!) some new dressses from the 2012 collections. These will be hitting the shop in the next few months so will keep you posted on all my lovely new dresses!

I came back to a lovely email in my inbox from the mum of one of my brides. Her daughter Sally got married to Stuart on Saturday 10th September in Charlotte Balbier 'Alice' and looked fantastic - as I knew she would! The weather held out well for them at Newbury Manor. Jane sent me this fantastic picture while Sally enjoys the Greek sun on honeymoon!

Congratulations again Sally - totally stunning. The dress looked fab, your bouquet complimented perfectly and I loved your hairband (a fab piece from Tantrums and Tiaras!)

See you all when you get back!

Mrs Jones x
Alice is by Charlotte Balbier and available to try instore
http://www.mrsjonesbridal.co.uk/charlottebalbiercoll.html#nogo

Accessory Evening 29th September 2011

Hi everyone,

Following a very successful Accessory Evening back in May, we are running another one at the end of the month! As before, the very talented Kelly from Tantrums and Tiaras will be with us to showcase her new collection of sparkly hair pieces and jewellery.

We will be serving bubbles (of course) and we will have special promotions on the night to include shoes..

Entrance is free but spaces are limited so please book you place by phoning 01635 35113, email laura@mrsjonesbridal.co.uk or call into the shop.

The evening will take place on Thursday 29th September 6-8.30 pm and we will also have with us Lydia from 'Mascara' who was a big hit last time giving girls inspiration and ideas for hair to go with Kelly's fabulous pieces!

I look forward to seeing you there

Mrs Jones x

2 year Anniversary of Mr and Mrs Jones!

Nope, the shop is not even 1 yet.... It's Mr Jones and I who are celebrating our 2 year wedding anniversary on Sunday 4th September!

It's kind of how my journey began (well quite a few months before when searching for my wedding dress!).

I don't want to bore you for hours with lots of pics (I can do that to Mr Jones on Sunday and I will be making him watch the wedding video again!) but I thought I might add a couple of my favourite pictures to the blog (especially as lots of my brides always ask to see pics!).

As a treat, Mr Jones is taking me for lunch where we got married at Washbourne Court Hotel, in Lower Slaughter, Cotswolds and I can't wait!

Hope you like the pics and I haven't bored you too much!

Congratulations Mr Jones - love you lots. x

A beautiful Mrs Jones Bride - Kate Pink in 'Davenport'

Hi everyone,

This week, sees us showing off another stunning Mrs Jones Bride.

Kate Pink (now Whiteway) married Matt on 28th July at a beautiful country house in Somerset. Kate wore a Blue by Enzoani gown called Davenport. I love this dress's simplicity as it is a statement dress but without all the glitz and Kate looked stunning in it - she didn't want anything over the top or fussy and I think it really suits her. We teamed it up with a simple ribbon edge veil and small pearl tiara which is all it needed to enhance Kate's natural beauty!

Thanks to Kate for sending the pictures -I particularly love the black and white picture below - so gorgeous and very happy! The weather looked fantastic and a truly memorable day.

Thanks also to Kate, for her lovely card and comments. x

Congratulations Matt and Kate. You both look stunning and very happy! Enjoy married life and bringing up beautiful baby Eden.

Mrs Jones x

Pictures courtesy of Matt Sweeting Photography http://www.mattsweeting.co.uk
For more information on Blue by Enzoani and 'Davenport' visit http://www.mrsjonesbridal.co.uk/blue.html

A Beautiful Mrs Jones Bride!

Hi everyone,

I thought I would publish some pictures of some very special Mrs Jones Brides as I have loved keeping in touch with them to find out all about their day.

The first is Donna Conn (now Timms) a totally gorgeous girl who married Darren on 16th July 2011.

She got married in a Benjamin Roberts '930' dress which looked absolutely stunning on her! We teamed it with a scalloped vintage style veil and sparkly tiara and she looked fabulous! She even had the same wedding jewellery as me! I really enjoyed getting to know Donna and her mum and they are welcome back in for a cuppa anytime!

After a church wedding in Thatcham they had a fabulous reception at The Regency Hotel and despite the earlier rain, the sun shone down just as she was leaving to go to the church!

Donna kindly sent me these pictures to share and some lovely words of thanks..

'I just wanted to say thank you so much for all your help. You were always so welcoming and helpful and I just loved visiting your shop. Thank you for making my wedding dress shopping the experience I had always dreamed of.

Our wedding was amazing, I absolutely loved it and was such a poser. We were even very lucky with the weather and it stopped raining an hour before I was due to leave. I loved wearing my dress so much and wish I could wear it again. (I am planning on watching TV in it at home) '

Thanks for your lovely words Donna and congratulations to you and Darren. Enjoy married life!

Mrs Jones x

To find out more about Benjamin Roberts and the 930 dress click on the link below : http://www.mrsjonesbridal.co.uk/benjaminroberts.html

Country Garden Tea Party

Hi everyone,
To accompany our current 'Country Garden Feature' in Buzz Magazine we have put together an afternoon tea party window. Last week, I met a lady from Vintage Camelia who hires out fantastic vintage china and tableware for weddings and parties. She has absolutely loads of fabulous things so if you are thinking about hosting your own garden tea party but don't have the time to hunt round all those vintage and charity shops looking for good pieces, then give Charlotte a call or visit the website at www.vintagecamelia.co.uk.

She has kindly loaned me a few pieces for my window display and along with my cake from www.thelittlethatchamcakecompany.co.uk it makes for a great display. Add to the mix, the brilliant new Luccia from Charlotte Balbier (which only came in on Friday but has caused quite a stir in the window already) and you have a picnic fit for a princess!

Come and have a look yourself and try on the new Luccia. She has a very unsual circ 1930s esque neckline with a lovely lace skirt and a very glamourous organza train which comes out from the waist. She has spent more time off the mannequin (and upstairs being tried on of late!) so come and be one of the first to try her!

The beautiful Luccia by Charlotte Balbier £1299

Mrs Jones x

Buzz Magazine New Feature

Hi Everyone,

I am very pleased to share with you something I have been working on with a few colleagues!

Buzz Magazine is a local community magazine circulated to circ 40,000 homes in the Newbury area but also available in Waitrose, Morrisons, Sainsburys and other local shops and businesses. I have been working on a regular column for the magazine and the first is out now! I got together with couple of wedding colleagues who offer excellent service and quality to write a feature on all things weddings....

There will be a different topic for each edition and the three of us will write from our different perspectives; myself regarding the dress, Karen from Allium Design re flowers and Lesley at Memories Thru a Lens for all things photography! The aim is to share our experiences and ideas and give a little bit of inspiration to those planning a forthcoming wedding!

Our first topic was all about creating a very 'English Garden Wedding' and unsurprisingly I wrote about lace dresses and how to create that soft boho look!

I hope you like it - next one is out in November!

Mrs Jones x

 

Sample Sale Update and Another Royal Wedding!

Hi all,
After a successful (and tiring!) sample sale weekend I am pleased to report things went very well. We had a record number of girls through the doors as Carly and I were fully booked all day Saturday (and then some!). Thanks to everyone that came down. We also opened Sunday (our first) and this was fully booked all day too! I even had to ask Mr Jones to help out getting our brides drinks and nibbles!

Due to the high demand, we will be extending our sale for another two weeks. There are still quite a few bargains to be had including some of the Caroline Parkes dresses and some Amanda Wyatt so do give us a call or pop in to make an appointment and/or look round. After the 2 weeks we will be removing the samples so please don't leave it too long if you are planning a visit!

So, another Royal Wedding this weekend and this time it was the Queen's grand-daughter Zara Phillips to Mike Tindall. Although I was very busy working, I made time to look at the photos of course!

Stewart Parvin was the chosen designer this time (the Queen's favourite who recently achieved the Royal Warrant of Appointment as Her Majesty’s couturier) so I suppose it is no great surprise. A thoroughly charming guy (I met him in May) and he has a great eye for detail with his signature style being simply cut dresses in fabulous sumptuous fabrics. Zara's dress reflected this - well cut, classic and simple with silk tulle shoulder straps  and quite an exquisite skirt. Take a look at his blog excerpt on the day of the wedding
http://bridal.stewartparvin.com/blog/30th-july-2011


'Officially released' photo - BBC News

Love this photo of Zara and Mike Tindall. They both look so relaxed and in love! Zara's dress was very 'her' - unfussy yet exquisitely cut in a sumptuous duchess silk satin - perfect for a 'down to earth' and 'gutsy' princess! The Queen also wore Parvin - a pale pink jacket and hat which looked simply stunning!

We wish Mr and Mrs Tindall all the best and congratulations to Stewart on a fabulous dress which will firmly cement him as the bridal designer for those wanting impeccable style and quality. Apparently it cost just £7000, so relatively accessible, and certainly a snip compared to Kate's £250K McQueen!

Mrs Jones x

Super Sample Sale - this weekend! More dresses...

Morning all,
I am very excited about our first sample sale this weekend. Not least because we have a large number of sample dresses in excellent condition at discounted prices but also because we have some new additions to the sale!

To make room for some new collections we have decided to sell off 15 samples. These are sold as seen (ie you buy the dress in the shop) but as they are mostly 2011 collections and only been in our shop max 8 months they are in excellent condition! They are available in a range of sizes and any alterations needed will be carried out by one of our excellent seamstresses! As well as those advertised in the previous blog, there are a few further teasers below so make sure you come down early or better still book yourself an appointment!

In addition to our Amanda Wyatt, Charlotte Balbier, Benjamin Roberts and Blue samples I am delighted to announce that we will have some very special Caroline Parkes Couture samples... Caroline Parkes is an established designer who up until recently had our own workrooms and showroom on the Fulham Rd in London. She studied at Hardy Amies on Saville Row and has had a very successful career designing fabulous bridal gowns for all sorts of clients including some very prestigious! Caroline is well known in the industry and I am extremely lucky to have her - she actually does my alterations and is thinking of starting a new collection.... More news on this another time...

Caroline lives in Newbury now and has a selection of samples she has kindly given us for our sale. These gorgeous lace, silk and chiffon dresses are an absolute bargain and will sell out soon so come down early to view them! I am quite excited that someone will get a real bargain and be dressed by Caroline herself who will alter them to fit their perfect owner! Some of the dresses would have retailed by Caroline for £3000+ and we have them at just a snip from £399-£799

So what are you waiting for? Call now on 01635 35113 or email laura@mrsjonesbridal.co.uk to book an appointment. We are open until 7.30 pm Friday night (tomorrow) all day Saturday until 5.30 pm and Sunday 10-4 pm!

See you there

Mrs Jones x

Garbo by Charlotte Balbier. Size 14. Was £1299, Now £799.00

Benjamin Roberts 2212 Size 12 Ivory. Was £1149, Now £699.00

Daisy by Charlotte Balbier Was £1299, Now £699.00 Totally beautiful and different - a real bargain!

SUPER SAMPLE SALE WEEKEND!!

Hi everyone,

I am very pleased to announce that our Super Sample Sale Weekend will be taking place on Friday 29th July - Sunday 31st July! We will be discounting over 15 sample dress in the collection to make way for new stock in the coming months. All dresses are only 6 months old so they are in great condition and the price includes any cleaning necessary!

Come and grab a bargain as all dresses are reduced by 30-50% ! They really are a steal. Sizes vary from 10-14 but can be adjusted for the perfect fit by our seamstress. Whether you are getting married this year and need a dress quickly or want to plan early for next year and grab a bargain, see you there!

Here is just a taste of what's on offer.. Book your appointment now and don't miss out! Open late Friday night (if you want to pop in after work), all day Saturday and Sunday 10-4pm! These dresses will go quick and they are availble at these prices for one weekend only!

One of my favourite dresses (will be hard to say goodbye)
Olympia by Charlotte Balbier. Was £1399, now £699. Save 50%! Size 12
This is a total bargain and I expect her to be nabbed quickly!

The Lovely 'Dijon' - Blue by Enzoani. Fab dress at a fab price. Was £1499 Now £899. Size 12

Ambiance by Amanda Wyatt Was £999, Now £550! Save 45%! Ivory size 14.


All dresses are priced between £525-£899 and up to 50% off!

That's just a taster for now but prices are reduced for that weekend only so hurry, book an appointment today at laura@mrsjonesbridal.co.uk or call 01635 35113

See you there!

Mrs Jones x

Three 'Celebrity' Weddings - Boho, Regal and Contemporary

Hi all,

Hope you all had a good weekend? Busy weekend for 'celebrity' weddings this weekend, and all very different!

Boho Chic - Kate Moss and Jamie Hince


First of all, Kate Moss married Jamie Hince in an elaborate 'Cotswolds Affair' mixing boho chic with Rock n' Roll! They married in the beautiful village of Little Farringdon and Kate wore a John Galliano gown. It was gold, sequined and sheer - very 'boho romantic' with sophisticated embellishments which gave it that luxurious look.

I thought it was fab, very reflective of her style and it got me thinking about Kate Middleton's recent Jenny Packham creation of sheer sequined fabric which looked fresh and floaty.

I loved her vintage esque long flowing veil - again very boho and the perfect compliment to the dress!






Pictures courtesy Daily Mail www.dailymail.co.uk and www.Instyle.co.uk

Love her style - try Alice from Charlotte Balbier. Deep ivory gold colourings with simple straps, perfect for Country Chic!

A Right Royal Affair - Prince Albert and Charlene Wittstock

Prince Albert of Monaco wed Charlene Wittstock this weekend (although it wasn't without controversy) but leaving that aside, Charlene wore 2 dresses (like Kate!) both designed by Georgio Armarni

The first was her 'official' wedding ceremony dress was an off the shoulder white duchesse satin gown with fabulous embroidery and detail on the bodice with an impressively long train. According to reports, the team at Armani took 2,500 hours completing the dress. The thousand plus swarovski crystal and embroidery detail on the bodice took up 700 hours alone! Teamed with very '1930s esque' hair which I particularly loved, she looked as demure and graceful as Kate but with her own unique style.

The evening dress was a more playful Armani tiered gown, a great compliment to the heavier and formal structured dress for the blessing.


www.youandyourwedding.co.uk


www.bbc.co.uk




www.hellomagazine.com


Love the look? Try Olympia for Charlotte Balbier for a tiered one shoulder dress with long lace bodice - very elegant and graceful! Cora by Amanda Wyatt for an off the shoulder regal feel and Isabella by Charlotte Balbier for a simple silk satin stately look.

Olympia by Charlotte Balbier

Isabella by Charlotte Balbier

Cora by Amanda Wyatt

Contemporary Country: Abbey Clancy and Peter Crouch

Abbey married footballer Peter Crouch at the Stapleford Park Hotel in Leicestershire, probably the most low key affair of all three! Abbey chose a dress from less well known designer Giles Deacon and it was one to reflect a more contemporary style for the day.

The flattering bodice really showed off Abbey's tiny figure while the big romantic skirt was fun and indulgent . Coupled with the simple rose bouquet and her trademark long flowing blond locks, it was a more contemporary twist on the 'English Country' wedding. I loved the very rich and sumptuous silk fabric, pleating and rouching.

Abbey wore it with red nails and vampish heavy eye makeup for quite a dramatic look!



Photos courtesy of Daily Mail www.dailymail.co.uk

Love her Look: Try a longer fitted bodice with an unusual skirt in a fishtail style like Casablanca by Blue by Enzoani or for something fuller, try  Dabra from Blue by Enoani - long fitted bodice with statement size skirt!

 Casablanca by Blue by Enzoani

Statement skirt Dabra by Blue by Enzoani

Congratulations to them all - hope it gave you a little bit of inspiration or simply just a gossip!

Mrs Jones x

My Best Friend's Wedding - The official photos and read her story!

Further to last week's blog post and the lovely feedback, here are some of the 'official' photos! Charlotte and Kaz look even better and more in love, now they have been professionally shot! Love some of the black and white shots and of course the fabulous pictures of Charlotte looking radiant in her fantastic 'Pixie' from Charlotte Balbier . Of course the dress was from Mrs Jones Bridal Boutique where we have lots of similar dresses from Charlotte Balbier - perfect for that quintessential 'Country Garden Wedding!'

Read her story below..

Congratulations again Mr and Mrs Miles!

Photos courtesy of Maria Ashby-Giles Photography
Venue: The Olde Bell at Hurley
Dress and hair accessories: Pixie by Charlotte Balbier at Mrs Jones Bridal Boutique



My Story:
We wanted to keep our wedding simple, personal and fun. We both love food, fine wine, cooking and music and enjoying all four with good friends, so we wanted more of a party than a 'wedding'.

We chose the Olde Bell at Hurley as it has a very rustic feel, serves amazing food and wine and we just fell in love with the Malt House - its self contained 'old malt' building which was a fantastic blank canvas to add our personal touches to and large gardens for photos (it even had a vegetable garden which I loved!)

We created the invites ourselves, with a little help from family and friends. We backed each one in off cuts of luxurious home furnishing fabrics which meant each invite was different and added a little bit of interest to set the scene for the day. I wanted to keep the flowers very simple and seasonal - I had built up quite an eclectic mix of glass vases and ceramic milk jugs, all borrowed from family and bought in charity shops, and we filled each one with flowers so the colour and scent was in abundance all day! We used homemade chalk boards for menus and table plans which went perfectly with the venue.

For the dress I wanted something light to wear (and thank goodness I did as it was a fabulous day and very hot!). I'd been drawn to Charlotte Balbier dresses as I really liked her unique style, use of lace and little touches. After trying on a few styles I decided on 'Pixie' as I wanted a dress with lace straps and I just loved the way the lace fell over the train, and the little belt added that something extra! It went so perfectly with the venue and was such a perfect reflection of my style.

I love cooking so I made little jars of chutney and jam as favours which went down well and I called on a few favours for decorations - my Mum made 60 ft of bunting which looked fab hung up along the walled garden! We served slow cooked lamb for the wedding breakfast and each table elected a 'chef' to carve for everyone - great fun - and we broke with tradition in having a 2 tier chocolate ganache torte wedding cake decorated on top with summer berries! Finally a cheese and biscuits platter ensured we certainly didn't go hungry!

The day went so quickly (everyone says that!) but it was the perfect refelection of us both. I am only sad I can't wear my beautiful dress again!

Charlotte Miles