We are always very keen to support brand new companies that are making their way in the big wide world of weddings and especially when what they do is unique and all about the vintage!
Please be upstanding for a newcomer to the show this October, Illustries – designers of beautiful, bespoke memory books…
“We are Illustries, and we’re brand new to the wedding industry. At Illustries, we don’t believe in dusty photo albums hidden away on shelves or treasures stored in boxes! Illustries was created by Samantha Neal, designer and artist, and Emma Penrice, writer and marketing consultant, from ideas discussed when Emma struggled to find that elusive true ‘memory book’ – a place where words and pictures could come together – for her own wedding. Emma and Sam had worked together before, so knew their styles complemented each other, and after many brainstorming sessions, Illustries was born!
“Our wedding Illustries reflect every moment of our customer’s special day, capturing events and feelings for posterity and turning them into a memento to cherish, share and display. We interview our customers and their nearest and dearest to write their story in thousands of beautiful words, from first meeting to happy ever after. Their gorgeous photographs complement the story and we use bespoke colours, graphics and other creative design elements – dozens of little touches – to craft a unique book or magazine that echoes their wedding theme. Every element of their day is included, from vows, readings and speeches to the cake and decorations, making an Illustry a great place to celebrate all those little details that are so easily forgotten.
“We are proud of the brand and of the products we have created – quality and originality is everything to us: we don’t have wordcount limits, we don’t use any template software, and all the ideas that make our Illustries so special have been developed from scratch.
“We think that there is a gap in the wedding market for truly bespoke products. Couples spend so much time and attention on creating their own unique wedding, and then all too often the only option is a big, black wedding album where all those glorious images hide. Our clients are looking for something different – something that reflects them and their unique relationships. So we have created three very different styles of Illustry – something to suit every style of wedding. Each Illustry is then lovingly crafted to create a memory book that fits our customer –perfectly.
“We aren’t what you’d first think of as a ‘vintage’ company but our products are bespoke, so we can make them reflect any theme, look or era our customers are passionate about. We have definitely found that couples looking for lovely vintage finds are really original and after something different, something that reflects their own taste and style – and that’s us! On a personal note, we just love the fabulous quality and quirkiness that you see in vintage fashion and design.
“We think the trend towards personalisation is going to go from strength to strength – and by that we mean ‘making things personal’ rather than putting your names on everything! It doesn’t have to be all about a particular theme, more about everything meaning something special to the bride and groom. We’re also seeing strong colour making a comeback – although those lovely ‘washed out’ shades are still popular, there is a definite resurgence of brights! Particularly in vintage styles, there are some great colourful pieces out there.
“We are only launching Illustries fully this autumn so this is our first Designer Vintage Bridal Show. We are so looking forward to meeting all the brides and grooms – we just love hearing all their stories and finding out what ideas they have. And we’re really enjoying meeting other suppliers and learning our way around the industry.”