I didn’t have to think twice when Annabel asked me  to style part of her Soiree at The Baltic in Newcastle. Even the prospect of a six hour drive didn’t put me off!  As plans for the event unfolded, it became more and more exciting.

There was a lot to organise. A design that would fit inside a transit van, a transit van to hire, the hotel to book and a dress to buy! I wasn’t quite sure how I was going to manage it all with my ever increasing workload, but I’m so glad I did.

I set off the day before. Sian (my second stylist!) had kindly said I could stay at her in-laws for the night. She married a Geordie boy which was rather convenenient!

I hopped on the A1 and headed north.  Having lived in North Yorkshire, I was used to the drive, but wasn’t expecting just how long that road would be!  A lovely welcome from gorgeous puppy Henry, a delicious meal and bottle of wine was the perfect end to the journey.

We got up early the next day and arrived at The Baltic on the dot of 10am. With experience I know these events take longer than expected to style so I wanted to get there early so we could make most of the day and perhaps take in a bit of shopping!  I saw someone arrive and said “excuse me, do you know – oh – you’re Annabel!  It’s so weird when you feel you know someone you’ve never actually met!! After an excitable chat, Sian and I got to work.

As the event was so well organised and perfectly executed by Kim from The Fine & Funky Events Company, everything unfolded with minimum effort. The florists were amazing and Amanda, Vickie and Amy, the lovely ladies from Ava Event Styling  arranged the most exquisite display. I’ve taken a few notes!

Sian and I did get our shopping trip, a quick bite to eat and a last minute check on everything before we disappeared to the hotel to get ready.

Once in our finery, we followed all the ladies (and a few gentlemen) across the Tyne to The Baltic - it was a lovely sight to see.

More on Vintage Vixen Iced Teas, Cake Pops and  Photo Booths later, but over to Sian for her take on the day:

Being a half-Geordie by marriage I always love a trip up to Newcastle, but heading up north to help style the Love My Dress Summer Soiree was extra exciting. Seeing the room transformed from a modern, sparse space, into a decadent ballroom, jammed full with vintage inspiration was the highlight for me.  It showed exactly what you can achieve with a willing team and some great vintage furniture.

Kate and I set up a vintage styled seating area, complete with boudoir chairs, dressing tables, bowler hats and old fashioned telephone, ready for guests to relax and pose in. It looked so good that we were asked if it was an art installation!

Getting dressed up for an evening of wedding glamour was such a treat. It’s not often that a girl has an excuse for a fancy frock and fake lashes.  Once we got to The Baltic for the big do, it was great to see other guests’ dresses – my favourite is below. We had a wonderful time, it was lovely to watch people enjoy sitting in our area and posing for photos with the telephone, top hats, vintage books and vanity sets.

I was honoured to be involved, even in a tiny way, in such a wonderful event - Annabel is a real inspiration.

Sian’s favourite dress of the evening, Dresses at No. 9‘s creation for the photographer Cat Hepple.

Photographer Helen Russell plays with Vintage Style Hire’s Box Brownie camera and wears a top hat. Both props can be hired for your event.

Gorgeous ladies pose with the Vintage Style Hire props. You can hire the dresser, mirrors, distressed tables, vintage telephone, books and vanity set from us.

Dress designer Linda Davey of Dresses At No. 9 and friend takes a call.

Great photos of Love My Dress guests show exactly how the vintage props can be used for great photographs of your guests at your wedding day or event.

Sian and I are both looking forward to next years Soiree.  Annabel – it was an incredible night. 

To end, my favourite photograph of the evening.

Vintage Style Hire | 07875 667642 | kate@vintagestylehire.co.uk

Images courtesy Helen Russell and Katy Lunsford.