Every year we hope to attend the Wedding Ideas Awards and every year something else gets placed in the diary for the same day, or we are unable to go for one reason or another. However, this year we were thrilled to finally be able to go along and see what has been keeping the Twitterati so excited in the months leading up to them. It was the 7th year for the awards and I hear they just keep getting better and better each time. We were not disappointed; the team at Wedding Ideas certainly knows how to throw a party! We were also flattered and delighted that some of our pieces were showcased on the night by the lovely Kim from The Wedding Community, who was also on the judging panel, and the equally lovely Pippa and Lucinda from Wedding Ideas magazine. All three ladies looked stunning.
The awards were held at The Brewery, London, not too far from where I work as a lawyer. It’s not a venue I’d been to before but would absolutely recommend it for parties, product launches and even weddings. The space was transformed into a gorgeous ballroom with pink lighting, pretty candelabra, flower displays and an ice sculpture which doubled up as a vodka luge in the shape of a giraffe (the magazine’s mascot!), it was all simply breathtaking.
The lovely Lucinda, above, wearing our Martha chandelier diamante earrings http://www.olivierlaudus.com/html/display_items.php?id=947&keywords=martha&page_number=1&item_name=Martha%20Chandelier%20Diamante%20Earrings
Much like a wedding, there was a seating plan, and we were lucky to be on a table with Sandra and Richard from Wedding Ideas and the team from Mandalay Stationery, amongst others. After dinner entertainment was provided by the hilarious and rather unique Rob Deering before the awards commenced. They were presented by Rachel Southwood who founded Wedding Ideas in her back room (so legend has it!), a lovely lady who is an inspiration to us all. Not only has she managed to create a hugely successful magazine and brand but she also has a very special bond with her team. You get the feeling she really cares about their development and job satisfaction, and in turn her employees not only see their role as a job but also as an innate loyalty to Rachel and the brand.
Above: Wedding Ideas editor, Rachel Morgan
Above: Entertainment from Rob Deering
More on the wonderful awards and who-won-what can be found on the Wedding Ideas website www.weddingideasmag.com , however, I did want to mention the Special Achievement Award which was won by Military Wedding Discounts http://militaryweddingdiscounts.com. Set up by military wife Emma to help members of the Armed Forces in the UK and USA save money on their weddings, it was a truly deserved recognition. When Emma went up to collect her award, a surprise video message from her husband Noel (currently serving in Afghanistan) was played. His touching message was a strong reminder of the sacrafice our military have made being so far from their loved ones. In fact, it was difficult for most people in the room to hold back the tears while watching it.
Above, left: Kim from The Wedding Community wearing our Rebecca Sunburst necklace http://www.olivierlaudus.com/html/display_items.php?id=959&category=146&sub_cat=159&page_number=2&item_name=Rebecca%20Sunburst%20Flower%20Necklace%20Set
Above: Pippa from Wedding Ideas wearing our Natasha floral cuff http://www.olivierlaudus.com/html/display_items.php?id=614&keywords=natasha&page_number=1&item_name=Natasha%20Floral%20Cuff%20Bridal%20Bracelet
When the ceremony was over, we got the chance to catch up with old friends, as well as make some new ones. With more than 350 wedding industry folk at the do, it really was a fantastic night. A big well done to Wedding Ideas and congratulations to all the winners. I’m very much looking forward to next year’s awards and, who knows, maybe we’ll even be up for one ourselves next time!
Sangeeta x

































































































