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Guides for Brides Customer Service Awards 2019 Winners!

Guides for Brides Customer Service Awards 2019 Winners!


Alison Hargreaves Guides for Brides Bio
Alison Hargreaves Updated:
4th of September 2023

It's been another incredible year for the Guides for Brides Customer Service Awards! Every year we love to celebrate the best suppliers and venues in the wedding industry, all of whom provide amazing customer service to their couples. Our shortlist is made up of wedding businesses that go that extra mile for brides and grooms, and it's always a tight-run race right up until voting closes. Check out our Guides for Brides Customer Service Awards finalists for 2022.

Guides for Brides Customer Service Awards 2019
This year our Customer Service Awards Ceremony took place at the amazing Bodleian Libraries in the heart of Oxford, which was the perfect location to host our finalists and winners. Find out more about the suppliers who helped us created our most beautiful Awards Ceremony to date here - they're all amazing wedding suppliers too! 

Without further ado, here are the winners from each of our categories at the Customer Service Awards 2019! Did your wedding suppliers make the list? 

Beauty, Hair and Makeup

Winner: Gemini Styling

Based in Essex, Gemini Styling is a one-to-one wedding hairdressing service that has been helping brides based in Essex, Suffolk and Hertfordshire for over 20 years. Plus, their Guides for Brides exclusive Booking Bonus means that the bride will receive a free luxury cut and blow-dry the day before the wedding when you book for at least four people.

Gemini Styling Guides for Brides

Finalists

Bucks Beauty

Jules Makeup Artistry & Hair Design

Katie Burt Makeup

Laura Carroll Makeup Artistry

Liz Parkins Make Up

Love Make-up & Beauty

Makeup By Lorna

Suzanne Hale Wedding Hair Specialist

Tangled Hair Oxfordshire

Bridal Wear

Winner: Butterfly Bridal Boutique

This gorgeous bridal boutique in Bicester, Oxfordshire prides itself on its dress gallery of over 80 gowns, all carefully selected to suit a range of tastes, styles and budgets. Butterfly Bridal Boutique also stock a stunning range of veils, belts, jackets and accessories, so you can add the final touches to your wedding day look.

Butterfly Bridal Boutique Guides for Brides

Finalists

Anna McDonald Bridal Gallery

Bicester Bridal

Boho Bride Boutique

Bridal Reloved Wallingford

Fross Wedding Collections

Mae Bridal

Pink Confetti

Shades of White

Sophie Grace Bridal

Susie Grist Couture

The Bridal Boutique of Jules

Trousseaux

Cakes and Sweet Treats

Winner: Ann’s Designer Cakes

The amazing wedding cake creations from Ann's Designer Cakes are as much a treat for the eyes as they are for the tastebuds! This London-based artisan cake company has been in business for fifteen years, and offers every bride a highly personalised service, including a design consultation and cake tasting.

Ann's Designer Cakes Guides for Brides

Finalists

Designer Cakes by Elle

Catering and Catering Hire

Winner: Lemon Zest Cuisine Ltd

This award-winning catering company based in Brackley, Northamptonshire is a family-run business that prides itself on attention to detail. Their reviews consistently mention their excellent service with a smile, as well as their truly delicious wedding menus.

Lemon Zest Guides for Brides

Finalist

Floral Vintage Crockery

Foster's Catering Ltd

Hey Pesto Catering

Oxford Fine Dining

Celebrants and Toastmasters

Winner: White Rose Ceremonies®

Working in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, White Rose Ceremonies® specialise in creating truly personalised wedding ceremonies to suit each couple's individual style. Whether your wedding is a blend of cultures or religions, formal or casual, big or small, Rebecca and David Waldron will help you craft a wedding ceremony to reflect your ideal day.

White Rose Ceremonies Guides for Brides

Finalists

Lynn Tierney Ceremonies

Norfolk Bluebells Celebrant

Toastmaster Dan

William Freeman Toastmaster and Celebrant

Discos & DJ’s

Winner: Smooth Moves Events

If you're planning a rustic wedding, then you'll love the new rustic DJ setup that Smooth Moves Events offers! It works perfectly for a barn, farm or countryside wedding. Planning a modern wedding? Smooth Moves also have a classic light-up DJ booth, and they're sure to keep your guests entertained all night.

Smooth Moves Guides for Brides

Finalists

DJ2K Professional Wedding DJs

Incandescence

Innovents Entertainments & Services

The Wedding DJ's

Visually Sound Events

Entertainment

Winner: Picture Perfick Photobooths Swindon

The trend for photobooths is still going strong, and Picture Perfick Photobooths Swindon have been providing fun and entertainment at wedding receptions for years now. This family-run business is popular with brides due to their fabulous service, fun props and open booths, allowing for larger photos.

Picture Perfick Photobooths Swindon Guides for Brides

Finalists

Freezeframe Photobooths

Florists

Winner: Penny Blossoms

Oxfordshire wedding florist Penny Blossoms are known for their intricate and original designs. At the initial consultation, Penny chats to the couple about their relationship, the proposal, their favourite colours and flowers, all to help customise their wedding flowers and make them unique to the couple.

Penny Blossoms Guides for Brides

Finalists

Amore Fiore

Budding Sensations

Chirpee Flowers

Flowers by Kirsty

The Daisy Chain

Hen and Stag

Winners: The Crafty Hen

Good news for brides hoping for a fun crafting hen do - this year's winners The Crafty Hen host parties nationwide! Bond over cakes, crafts and fizz while you make accessories for the hen night, such as flower crowns, pom pom headbands or stylish jewellery. You can even create personalised pottery, cheeky nipple tassles, or colourful bunting for the wedding itself.

The Crafty Hen Guides for Brides

Honeymoons and Overseas Weddings

Winner: Exclusive Yacht Weddings

Award-winning destination company Exclusive Yacht Weddings are specialists in yacht and beach weddings in Cyprus. Based in Paphos and covering the whole island of Cyprus, Exclusive Yacht Weddings have spent over 20 years planning every kind of destination wedding imaginable, from religious ceremonies in churches to civil ceremonies on the beach or blessings by a yacht Captain.

Exclusive Yacht Weddings Guides for Brides

Jewellery

Winner: Rosalyn's Emporium

Rosalyn's Emporium in Buckinghamshire offers couples the chance to make their own wedding rings, meaning you can create a design that's completely tailor made to you. Don't worry if you have no jewellery-making experience - your bespoke jewellery will all be professionally finished!

Rosalyn's Emporium Guides for Brides

Finalists

Aspire Fine Jewellery Limited

Lover's Rock Diamonds

Music

Winners: The Blue Lion Band

Our entertainment at the Customer Service Awards 2019, The Blue Lion Band are truly a Guides for Brides favourite thanks to their amazing service and fantastic high energy sets. The band can be anywhere from 3 to 15-piece, so no matter your wedding requirements, they're sure to have the package for you. 

Finalists

Ariella Strings

Bathsheba's Wedding Ceilidh Band

Saffron Strings

The Redfords

Photographers

Winner: Sam and Steve Photography

Sam and Steve are the perfect choice for couples who want relaxed, natural wedding photographs with a sense of fun. This Oxfordshire-based husband and wife team work to capture all the key moments of your day to tell your wedding story. They also charge by the day, not the hour, so they won't leave until the party's over!

Finalists

A1 Photogenics

Aimee Kirkham Oxford-Photography

Beyond the Frame Photography

Carol Elizabeth Photography

Chic Media

David Craik Photography

Elizabeth Donovan Photography

JLawrence Photography

Katie Hamilton Photography

Paul Gapper Wedding Photographer

Photography by Derek and Debbie

Sam Bennett Photography & Film

Stationery

Winner: On Cloud Nine

Wedding stationers On Cloud Nine create absolutely gorgeous suites of bespoke wedding stationery in every theme you can imagine. Right from the word go, they put their special stamp on every piece of stationery you'll need for your big day, from save the dates to thank you cards and everything in between.

On Cloud Nine Guides for Brides

Finalists

Paper Tree Design

Transport

Winner: Always Chauffeur

This award-winning luxury chauffeur service in Berkshire are known for their beautiful cars, well-present female chaffeurs and excellent communication. Whether you're looking for a 1920s vintage limo or a modern Range Rover, there's something at Always Chaffeur for every bride.

Always Chaffeur Guides for Brides
Platinum Wedding Cars

Portfolio Heritage

Venue Decorations & Furniture Hire

Winner: The Event Designer

Natasha Clarke of The Event Designer works with couples to create, style and set up wedding decor that's unique to them. The Event Designer's range of packages include DIY hire, a fully bespoke design plan, on-the-day management and co-ordination, as well as fun extras like a fully licensed bar service and a glitter bar. 

The Event Designer Guides for Brides

Finalists

Bespoke Sweets and Treats

Stylish Centrepieces

Videography

Winner: Video Studio Alex

This Oxfordshire-based team of wedding videographers has captured over 400 weddings, spanning over 17 years, and every video tells a different story. Video Studio Alex capture the feel and emotion of the day in a natural and unobtrusive way, and offer combined wedding photography and videography packages to meet every couple's needs. 

Finalists

Capture and Cut Weddings

Julian Voigt Wedding Films

Veiled Productions

Wedding Attire

Winner: Charisma of Fawley

This completely refurbished and rebranded occasionwear boutique in Hampshire is the perfect place to shop for the mother of the bride or groom. As well as the latest occasionwear designs, they also stock a stunning range of hats and fascinators to add that finishing touch.

Charisma of Fawley Guides for Brides

Barn Wedding Venue

Winner: The Tythe Barn, Launton

This incredible barn wedding venue in Bicester, Oxfordshire is famous for their incredible variety of spaces, award-winning catering and attention to detail. The Tythe Barn perfectly combines original 14th century features with all the mod cons to give each couple the wedding experience they've always dreamed of.

Tythe Barn | Barn Wedding Venues Oxfordshire | Guides for Brides

Finalists

All Manor of Events

Dodmoor House

Heaton House Farm

Lillibrooke Manor & Barns

Mercure Box Hill Burford Bridge Hotel

Redhouse Barn

White Dove Barns

Country Wedding Venue

Winner: Manor Hill House Weddings

Manor Hill House is a beautiful exclusive use wedding venue set in the heart of the Worcestershire countryside. With availability for both indoor and outdoor weddings, four stunning reception rooms, and a huge range of bespoke wedding catering packages, Manor Hill House Weddings are able to offer a huge amount of flexibility to both brides and grooms.

Finalists

Dumbleton Hall Hotel

Eynsham Hall

Findon Manor

Four Leaf Clover at Gorcott Hall

Nailcote Hall Hotel

Saltmarshe Hall

The Master Builder's at Bucklers Hard

Large Wedding Venue

Winner: Ramada Park Hall Hotel & Spa

Ramada Park Hall Hotel and Spa is a Grade II listed Georgian hotel in the West Midlands, and makes an impact as soon as you pull onto the driveway. This magnificent hotel can cater for weddings up to a massive 850 guests, thanks to their elegant Ballroom, outdoor wedding options and Orangery, and their 74 bedrooms make accommodation easy.

Ramada Park Hall Guides for Brides

Finalists

Balmer Lawn Hotel & Saltus Spa

Best Western Smokies Park Hotel

Malone Lodge Hotel and Apartments

Manor Wedding Venue

Winner: Brympton House

When you book this incredible Grade 1 listed medieval manor house, you'll get exclusive use for 24 hours, making them the perfect choice for both glamour and privacy. Based in Somerset, Brympton House also boasts a 33 acre garden, 5 star banqueting and 30 elegant bedrooms for your guests. 

Brympton Manor Emma Pilkington Guides for Brides
Image credit: Emma Pilkington

Finalists

Askham Hall

Glenfall House

Hothorpe Hall

Southdowns Manor

Stoke Place

That Amazing Place

Woodside

Small Wedding Venue

Winner: The Bell in Ticehurst

The Bell in Ticehurst is a quirky sixteenth century coaching inn in East Sussex, catering for up to 80 guests for sit down ceremonies and receptions and up to 120 guests for a evening party. With characterful detail, plenty of cozy nooks and crannies, delicious food and faultless service by staff, The Bell in Ticehurst is one of the most unique properties in the area.

The Bell in Ticehurst Guides for Brides

Finalists

Slater's Country Hotel & Inn

Talhenbont Hall

The Talbot Inn

William Cecil Hotel

Sporting Wedding Venue

Winner: Wynyard Golf Club

Golf clubs always make for elegant wedding venues, and Wynyard Golf Club in County Durham takes top spot this year thanks to their fabulous customer service. The venue offers a range of rooms to cater to weddings both big and small, all of which come with beautiful panoramic views of the golf course.

Wynyard Golf Club Guides for Brides

Finalists

Brocton Hall Golf Club & Weddings

Forrester Park

Stately Homes, Castles and Mansions

Winner: Highfield Park

This stately Queen Anne Mansion set in 35 acres of Hampshire countryside offers sophisticated civil ceremony options for weddings between 60 and 140 guests. The original 17th century features mean that Highfield Park is a wedding photographer's dream, and there are 58 ensuite bedrooms for guests wishing to stay overnight. 

Highfield Park Guides for Brides

Finalists

Ashridge House

De Vere Horsley Estate

Durham Castle

Harrowden Hall

Knowsley Hall

Lumley Castle Hotel

Unique Wedding Venue

Winner: The Matara Centre

The Matara Centre in Gloucestershire truly deserves the title of Unique Wedding Venue, as the spaces offered are like nowhere else. The venue offers an Asian-inspired cloistered courtyard, extensive gardens with beautifully quirky landscaping, and no fewer than six licensed ceremony areas. Even the accommodation is unusual, including a honeymoon lodge and converted haylofts. 

The Matara Centre Guides for Brides

Finalists

Cambridge Quy Mill Hotel

The Engine Shed

Waterside Wedding Venue

Winner: Lodore Falls Hotel

What better location for a waterside wedding venue than the breathtaking Lake District? The newly refurbished Lodore Falls Hotel is set against an unbeatable backdrop of the Lodore Falls and mountains, and looks out onto lake views. As well as their surroundings, the venue is also famed for their delicious food, thanks to their award-winning head chef.

Lodore Falls Hotel and Spa Guides for Brides

Finalists

Polhawn Fort

Raven Hall Country House Hotel

The WatersEdge

Congratulations again to all our winners and finalists! Check out our gallery from the night below - don't forget to tag Nigel Chapman Photography if you're sharing on social media!

Also take a look at the photo booth image gallery below. Remember to credit Freezeframe Photobooths if you're sharing on social media!

Alison Hargreaves Guides for Brides Bio

About the author


Alison Hargreaves

Alison has been advising brides, grooms and bridesmaids for more than 25 years. She has an unrivalled knowledge of the British wedding industry and frequently appears on podcasts and expert panels. She regularly attends international wedding conferences to keep the UK at the forefront of wedding planning trends.

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