It's nearly Christmas... how did THAT happen?

Well, hello there! My goodness, how on earth is it December already? …[gasps!]

Thank you for popping over to catch up on all the latest news, enjoy reading!

So, since my last blog, Wedding Fayre season happened (during September and October) I don’t think I had REALLY quite understood all that it entailed and, I have to confess, they were much more involved than I had imagined, but such good fun and highly productive, each show very different. The Fayres I was fortunate to exhibit with were held in Frome and The Bath & West Showground, hosted by the wonderful team of "The Wedding Emporium" ladies. With Frome being my first ever, I asked my stunning friend Lucy to come and help, as well as bring a sense of young radiance and beauty to my stand, the doors opened while I was doing some finishing touches to Lucy's makeup look, both of us were overwhelmed that within minutes we had drawn quite a crowd, totally unprepared, but both chatting away merrily we relaxed nto the fun and excitement of it all. We had an absolute ball and we look forward to booking next year for the same event. Then, at the Bath & West, I was asked to provide Catwalk makeup for a few of the stunning models, showcasing Bridal Gowns from "Nina Jarmaine" and "Bridal Reloved" in Street and accessories by the exceptionally talent "Tessa’s Tiaras" and the most beautiful hair up-do's by the Sam Dare of and Lauren Gosling, during the spectacular weekend Showcase. A two-day event, with the set-up on the Friday, which really whet the appetite for what was to come during the rest of the weekend as I wandered around looking at other exhibitors setting up their stands before I left for the evening... I think the adrenaline pushed me through to the Sunday afternoon, after two very early starts on the Saturday and Sunday… for anyone who knows me properly, I’m a bit of a hedgehog at this time of the year, so those early starts… really did hurt me, lots! I had been quite anxious about the large Fayre and dealing with all the visitors, based on the crowds which had gathered at the Frome Wedding Fayre, so I was relieved to have assistance from the incredibly bubbly Claire of "A Creative Creation by Claire", on the Saturday and we had such good fun chatting to everyone and then mingling with the other Suppliers as the day came to a close. That evening, the wonderful Mel of "Melanie Todd Cake Design" came over to stay and, I confess, we did enjoy a couple of glasses of bubbles in the hot tub!

I also exhibited at a new Fayre in Sturminster Newton, which Charlotte of "Lily and Lottie Events" pulled together in the most extraordinary way for her first event, and one, which I gave a little ‘Pre-Wedding Beauty Checklist’ chat about to Brides-to-Be. Not accustomed to public speaking, it was a slight blur to me, rambling and giggling nervously throughout (a bit like my Blogs), but it seemed to be well received and I have since taken bookings from a few more brides, not only for bridal makeup, but beauty treatments too, ahead of their big day… however, I think I really need to practice before I do anything like that again, being completely and utterly out of my comfort zone, but a great experience just the same.

I met so many wonderful Brides, their Bridesmaids, Fiance’s and lots of Mother’s of the Bride too. A real family event and each Fayre offering something different for the engaged couples to ponder over while compiling their Wedding Lists of ‘things to do’, giving them a unique taste of the vast array of Wedding Suppliers across the South West. I too was completely overwhelmed by the amount of Suppliers, all showcasing their businesses in the most professional, friendly and elaborate ways. I was extremely lucky to meet and exchange business cards with a variety of different businesses, and formed a few new friends along the way too, from florists to outdoor venues…and everyone in-between, plus some very interesting and rather bespoke businesses which I hadn’t even considered for Weddings, but which all added a really quirky element to the Fayres. All in all, a really enjoyable and fun part of my business, if not somewhat exhausting, but I loved every moment!

The leads from the Wedding Fayres, as well as word of mouth recommendations this year, really have completely overwhelmed me, with current provisional bookings for the next 18 months running into the dozens already, so much so, I had to create a new spreadsheet just to keep a track of them all! Some beautiful brides and breathtaking venues, I cannot wait for 2018/19 Wedding seasons!

After this busy spell, on top of my beauty clients, my husband whisked me away to Dubai for a week of relaxation, giggles, sunshine and shopping, where a few more items of makeup were added to my pro kit, having spent a very long time in Sephora…while my husband sat and people watched outside. Later, sat by the pool, with above spreadsheet and notebook in hand, with Fayres, Photoshoots and holidays under my belt, it was time to turn my attention to business this month and, of course, Christmas. December sees bridal makeup trials, my final beautiful Bride of 2017 on 30th December at the exclusive North Cadbury Court and my wonderful beauty clients for all their pre-Christmas pampering treats... and last, but not least, family time, tree, baubles, gifts, gorgeous grub and bubbles! What’s not to love about the Festive Season right?

So, with 2017 almost at a close, this really has been the most incredible year so far for my business and I feel very proud of all that has been achieved, what with the rebrand, styled photoshoots, gorgeous brides, Wedding Fayres, plus meeting so many talented South West Suppliers, visiting venues and so much more, I cannot wait to see what 2018 holds in store…(that wasn’t deliberately meant to rhyme), HOWEVER, well, a little bird tells me that there will be some incredibly exciting news for Beautifully Preened in the New Year, but you’ll just need to keep your eyes peeled for the next Blog post…

Until then, I wish you all a VERY Merry Christmas and an equally Peaceful and Happy New Year! Cheers!

Heather xxx

Beautifully Preened by Heather Alexandra