Judging the Best Newcomer Award was a challenge, with so many amazing new businesses to consider. All entrants for this Award were established in the industry post October 2014 and have taken the wedding world by storm. Read on to find out what we loved about each Regional Winner and who was crowned National Best Newcomer and why!
North West Best Newcomer - Pink Frosting Cake CompanyÂ
Kelly is a luxury wedding cake designer, providing brides with an exceptional service. The Pink Frosting Cake Company make choosing your wedding cake a luxurious experience, with champagne and wedding magazines on hand to compliment the cake tasting session. Kelly draws on wedding dress designs for her inspiration, focusing on silk and ruffle textures in particular. Her "all hands on deck" approach means that she is always there to help her brides, no matter what the hour!
What did we love about Kelly and her company, Pink Frosting?
Kelly showed true commitment to really learning her trade rather than just learning on the job, by attending courses by many of the UK's cake design gurus: Mich Turner MBE, Rosalind Miller, David's Cakes, Zoe Clarke and Peggy Porshen. She is now passing on the skills she has learnt to her assistant as well as using the techniques and inspiration to design genuinely unique wedding cakes.Â
South West Best Newcomer - Upton Barn and Walled GardenÂ
This beautifully converted cider barn and unique walled garden provide a stunning place to say "I do." Offering each couple with a blank canvas for their big day, Upton Barn and Walled Garden deliver a personalised, family-orientated service to every bride and groom.
What makes Upton Barn stand out?
A venue that doesn't charge corkage is always going to win popularity points, but that is only a small part of the ethos of common sense, understanding and professionalism that runs through Richard and Claire's management of their venue. As a "blank canvas" venue, where couples are responsible for sourcing and liaising with their own suppliers, we were particularly impressed that Richard and Claire put so much effort into understanding the market and the latest trends, and networking with local suppliers.
East of England Best Newcomer - George James Bridal
Offering brides to be a luxury and undoubtedly, high end experience - George James Bridal stocks designer gowns at affordable prices. The boutique oozes style at every corner, with a homely feel throughout for maximum comfort. Passionate about helping brides of all age, shape and size - the focus of this boutique is finding brides their dream dress and delivering an amazing wedding experience.
Why George James Bridal?
The boutique's owner, Nicola, is clearly passionate and driven; important factors if you are going to succeed in the bridal boutique industry. Her inspiration is deeply rooted in family values, she has started small but with the infrastructure and support in place to grow, she has a clear understanding of what she need to do to succeed and she is already demonstrating the ability to delegate tasks effectively to others.
East Midlands Best Newcomer - My Perfect CeremonyÂ
With a clear focus on creating your perfect ceremony which captures the true essence of celebration and involves your loved ones. Whether it be for a wedding day, vow renewal or welcoming a newborn into the world - My Perfect Ceremony works closely with you to write and conduct a memorable and meaningful ceremony.Â
What makes My Perfect Ceremony special?
Former Deputy Superintendent Registrar, Jo Clarke, removes all preconceptions on how a ceremony "should" be conducted. She has built on all the skills and knowledge from her previous career, and with a warm, enthusiastic and adaptable attitude she should be assured of success in the fast growing industry of personalised, bespoke wedding ceremonies.
West Midlands Best Newcomer - Sharon Cannon MakeUp ArtistÂ
A true professional, Sharon has worked in the makeup industry for over 12 years. From working backstage for fashion events to working behind the camera for TV and photo shoots, Sharon recently concluded that her true passion is wedding make up. Bringing the height of professionalism and talent to the wedding industry, Sharon is creative and works closely with each individual bride to develop a bespoke bridal look which compliments and enhances their wedding day look.
What impressed us about Sharon's business?
Sharon has extensive experience through working as a TV and video make up artist and has recently transferred her skills to the wonderful world of wedding make up. In addition to the techniques she has learnt she offers her brides a range of high quality professional products designed for the TV set but perfect for a wedding day; heatproof, sweat proof, waterproof and long-lasting.Â
North East Best Newcomer - L W EventsÂ
The ethos behind L W Events is to recognise that a wedding is one of the key occasions in a lifetime where we celebrate and create memories. "Plan with empathy, design with playfulness, create with passion." Passionate about the wedding industry, Â this event planning company are meticulous in their planning, expert communicators and take the time to get to know each individual bride and all her wedding day wishes.
What we love about LW Events?
Lindsay takes her experience from from theatre,  event coordination and event management to plan the entire experience, rather than a list of the elements that make up the wedding day. We loved her honest approach and her understanding of brides dreaming of champagne but with a budget for lemonade, and her realistic image of planners needing to "maintain the image of a swan - cool and calm and paddling like thunder underneath".
And the NATIONAL BEST NEWCOMER AWARD goes to...
The Wedding Festival CompanyÂ
After winning the London and South East regional Award for Best Newcomer, the Wedding Festival Company went on to win National Best Newcomer! Providing bespoke Music Festivals for wedding receptions, The Wedding Festival Company focus on diversity and believe weddings to be a free spirited celebration of love and a true reflection of the couple themselves. With a strong passion for music and British festivals, this company goes far beyond the "festival themed" wedding, creating a mini music festival which oozes romance and magic. Featuring hay bales, fairy and festoon lighting, live music, face painting glamping and silent discos - the reception will feel like a mini Glastonbury.
What made the Wedding Festival Company stand out in this area?
The London and South East region is competitive and fast moving, and Sarah-Jane and Simon's Wedding Festival Company hit the market at just the right time. Music Festivals are thriving across the UK, couples are looking to do something different on their wedding day and are turning away from bling and glamour and towards family gatherings, and farmers are keen to find alternative uses for their land.  It is a simple, logical concept which is bound to be popular.
