It was four seasons in one day at Stanley House on Wednesday 3rd April; we had sleet, then rain but when our VIP guests began arriving, the sun shone through!
Since we launched the 2019 Great Northern Weddings Awards eight months ago, couples all across the North West have nominated and voted in their thousands - culminating in the very best of North West wedding businesses all making the journey to Stanley House for our long-anticipated Awards Ceremony. And the room was filled with excitement and nervous anticipation! You might remember back in 2017 that Little White Books decided to take a small sabbatical from the Awards to refresh the categories and revise who is eligible to vote. We came back with new categories – mostly new Venues categories; but we replaced the old ‘Venue Styling’ category with ‘Finishing Touches’ to include items such as lights, props and mirrors – and ‘Photography’ became one category rather than being split ‘male and female’ - because the girls can be just as good as the boys!
Our hosts for our 2019 Awards Ceremony were the fantastic Scene My Event, themselves finalists in the Best Entertainment category - and they delivered such a fantastic ceremony, kicking off with a performance from the INCREDIBLE Ellie Sax and perfect hosting skills from SME's Pat Mulligan.
Don't forget that all the businesses listed below are FINALISTS - they have all worked so hard to achieve their Final Five, or Final Three, places through your nominations and your votes! All our images here have been supplied by the amazing Sarah Glynn Photography - and be sure to watch out for Sarah in the 2020 Great Northern Wedding Awards! Finally, huge thanks to all the team at Stanley House for helping to create such a successful event - we had a ball! Follow the #GNWA2019 hashtag for all the latest news.
Best Bridalwear Retailer
Amelias Bridal Boutique - WINNER
Ava Rose Hamilton
Emma Louise Bridal - HIGHLY COMMENDED
Lulu Browns
The Bridal Lounge of Accrington
Best Cake Company
E Bella Wedding Cake Company - HIGHLY COMMENDED
Finch Bakery - WINNER
Lisa Marie Cakes
The Blackrod Cake Company
Victoria Cakes
Best Entertainment Provider
Alex Birtwell - HIGHLY COMMENDED
DFC - WINNER
PC Roadshows
Scene My Event
Six15
Best Finishing Touches Supplier
Add a Little Sparkle - HIGHLY COMMENDED
AM Flowers
Brides Little Helper
Creative Cover Hire - WINNER
Sonje Jones
Best Florist
AM Flowers
Red Floral Architecture - WINNER
Sam Williams Flowers
The Flower Shop Clitheroe - HIGHLY COMMENDED
The Rose Boutique
Best Hair Stylist
Bridal Boutique Hair & Makeup
Bridal Hair by Sam Gateley - HIGHLY COMMENDED
Hair by Lauren
Nala & Knot - WINNER
Wedlocks
Best Makeup Artist
Beauty by Laura Jane
Kerry Baker
Leanne Jackson - WINNER
Lucie MUA
Nala & Knot - HIGHLY COMMENDED
Best Photographer
Beth Alderson
Christopher Lewis
Kerry Woods - HIGHLY COMMENDED
Project Valentine - WINNER
Red Sweets
Best Stationery Company
A Little Bit Vintage
A Moment of Magic - HIGHLY COMMENDED
Brides Little Helper - WINNER
T For Two
The Paper Doll
Best Transport Provider
Broughton Wedding Cars
Classic Wedding Cars
Horgans Wedding Cars
Malvern Wedding Cars - HIGHLY COMMENDED
The Love Bus Wedding Company - WINNER
Best Videographer
Abbey Videos
Adam Wing - HIGHLY COMMENDED
Big Bear Wedding Films
Marry Me Films - WINNER
Sky Weddings
Best Wedding Venue - Barn / Farm
Bashall Barn - WINNER
Beeston Manor
Rivington Hall Barn
Best Wedding Venue - Boutique / Intimate
Charnock Farm
Shireburn Arms - WINNER
The Belle Epoque
Best Wedding Venue - By The Water
Brockholes - WINNER
Storrs Hall
The Belsfield
Best Wedding Venue - Country House
Eaves Hall
Mitton Hall - WINNER
Stanley House
Best Wedding Venue - Countryside
Beeston Manor - WINNER
Ribby Hall
Rivington Hall Barn
Best Wedding Venue - Creative Space
Ashfield House
Holmes Mill - WINNER
The Monastery
Best Wedding Venue - Heritage / Historical
Bolton School
Knowsley Hall
Samlesbury Hall - WINNER
Best Wedding Venue - Hotel
Abbey House Hotel
Gibbon Bridge
Stirk House - WINNER
Best Wedding Venue - Hotel and Spa
Mottram Hall
Ribby Hall
Stanley House Hotel and Spa - WINNER
Best Wedding Venue - Town or City
Ashfield House - WINNER
Sparth House
The Midland Hotel Manchester
Little White Books also recognise individual business achievements in the Great Northern Wedding Awards and the following awards are presented to seven businesses who continue to blow our minds as they strive for success in the wedding industry.
Best Independent Business
For more than 50 years this family business has been a trusted member of their local community, and in that time they have diversified and developed 3 strands of their business that are thriving. Customer Service and understanding is key as this business not only supplies floral artistry for weddings but for funerals too. Within the dynamics of a family business there’s usually one, creative force who pushes the business out of its comfort zone and in to the limelight of new audiences. This person is unflappable, super-strong and more importantly she’s a real, genuine talent. She approaches every job or photo shoot opportunity with zeal and the desire to offer something new. Little White Books are thrilled to present the award for 2019 Best Independent Business to Sarah from Skelmersdale Flower Centre.
Best Individual Business
This person has been working with Little White Books for many years now and is one of the wedding world wonders who holds down a job in the real world too. This is so impressive to us as the wedding supplier skill this person has takes hours upon hours of design and artwork. Her finished pieces and range are all bespoke to the individual couple, but with a strong branding presence it’s impossible to mistake this persons work for that of another. Bold and beautiful her eye-catching work never misses the spot and she has won Best Stand at the Great Northern Wedding Show 3 times. Little White Books are delighted to announce that the winner of Best Individual Business is Designed By Natalie.
Best Wedding and Events Team
Since the launch of the Great Northern Wedding Magazine 4 years ago we have developed relationships with some incredible venues across the North West. When it comes to choosing a venue couples can find the choices overwhelming as we’re certainly not spoilt for choice in our amazing region. And this is where the people come in. You can have the most spectacular venue in the world but without the right team it’s just a shell. There were many contenders for this award and we chose the winners based on their consistent success and constant strive for improvement. Headed by a Power House Female who manages to be a tough business woman while nurturing and developing the staff around her. Little White Books are so happy to present the 2019 Best Wedding and Events Team award to Katie and the team at Ashfield House.
Best New Business
This business has years of experience in her chosen field but only recently rebranded to focus her talents on the wedding industry. With a huge social media following and a big family to care for it amazes us that she has time to create so much wonderful content and make the day of so many brides, bridesmaids, mums and special guests. She works at a pace that we’ve never seen before, and with immaculate attention to detail. No request is ever out of her reach, and she’s unflappable under pressure. Creative really doesn’t come close. The Little White Books award for the 2019 Best New Business goes to Katrina Deegan Hair.
Social Media Superstars
We all know how vital social media is to the marketing and promotion of wedding businesses. Creating a profile that honestly reflects your brand isn’t easy – it takes time and bravery to truly represent yourself and your business online. This business does it like no other. Never afraid to stand up for their principles we can’t get enough of the joy this business shares with their followers every day. They recently celebrated their 3rd anniversary; and The Social Media Superstars 2019 are Finch Bakery.
Most Innovative
Every business in this room innovates. In this industry its essential – you innovate or you fade. This business absolutely sets the trends and forges the path that we all want to travel. Often imitated but never bettered, what amazes us about this business is how they can be such inspirational industry leaders while remaining true to their roots and a down-to-earth pleasure to work with. With demand for their creative skills in huge demand they employ a staff of people, all super-talented and committed to creating the most spectacular floral displays. These guys don’t do less – more is always more. Without a doubt. Little White Books are so happy to announce that the 2019 award for Most Innovative goes to Mat, Vicky, Simon, Foxy, Bev and the team at Red Floral Architecture.
Best Business Achievement
Building an independent business that stands the test of time is no mean feat. To remain fresh and exciting you need to bring energy, drive and passion to work with you every single day. This business has that in spades. The original “Naughty Corner” these sisters are not only fabulously talented they’re hilarious and wonderful company. It’s easy to see why their reputation continues to drive brides and grooms through the doors of their gorgeous shop. 2019 sees this business celebrate its 25th Anniversary and it’s this that we want to recognise today. Little White Books are honoured to present the 2019 award for Best Business Achievement to Angela and Julie at AM Flowers.
