Lovelocked: A Fresh New Bridal Fair

A little while ago, an interesting email landed in my inbox… a search for a real-life couple wishing to renew their wedding vows. Only, it wasn’t just an intimate vow renewal, but the chance to dress up and whisper sweet nothings to your loved one in front of an onlooking crowd. Oh, did I mention at a bridal fair? Now that’s mixing things up a bit!

Image by Nicole Barralet Photography

Tessa Grosvenor, owner/founder of Lovelocked Events, explains exactly what Lovelocked is all  about, “Lovelocked is a fresh, new bridal fair alternative. Complete with an emotional wedding ceremony and a fully styled, interactive ‘cocktail style’ reception. Australia’s first vow renewal bridal fair, Lovelocked’s inaugural show was on Sunday 12 January at the Brisbane Powerhouse. With a sell out crowd, the day was a huge success with many brides booking the products and services offered by the vendors on the day. Guests witnessed a real life ceremony, tasted the food and wine, saw photographers in action and touched, smelled and saw some of the hottest trends in wedding styling.”

Getting ready is always the fun part, and the lucky couple for 2014 got to experience that just as you would on the day! Our blushing bride was dressed by Karen Willis Holmes, with hair perfected by Hare’s Hair, and makeup by The Beauty Case. Our groom was dressed by Wil Valor complete with patterned bow tie.

Image by Milque Photography & Films

Image by Milque Photography & Films

Next came the nerve-wracking part… the ceremony! This sunny and fresh take on ceremony styling was delivered by Styled Events with a draped canopy for our couple to say “I do” and white tiffany chairs for guests. Celebrant Josh Withers was on hand to conduct the vow renewal.

Deb from Boots Photography, “Lovelocked is great for couples as they got to watch a ceremony take place and see how decorating your ceremony location and aisle makes a huge difference… It’s full of great inspiration, and vendors they can talk to in a relaxed lounge environment while sipping champagne and eating nibbles, so it’s not intimidating but relaxed.”

Image by Jess Jackson

Image by Jess Jackson

Image by Jess Jackson

Nicole Barralet had the honour of photographing the couple around the Powerhouse and New Farm Park and loved the “chance to actually photograph a couple at an expo… it gave us the chance for people to observe what we were doing before booking a photographer.”

Image by Nicole Barralet Photography

Image by Nicole Barralet Photography

Image by Nicole Barralet Photography

Image by Vellum Studios

This was the first wedding fair for bride-to-be Elisha, who found she “was able to view a number of Brisbane’s top wedding suppliers in one unique space. From being able to view spectacular table settings, to invitations and cakes, and being able to chat one-on-one with photographers and dress makers, it was a valuable experience and a must do for any bride planning a wedding.”

Table styled by Imbue | Image by Boutique Art Photography

Hannah & Kate from Boutique Art Photography, “If you’re looking for a wedding fair that will help you set your wedding apart then Lovelocked couldn’t be more perfect.  With amazing vendors that love to work together to create unique setups and products there’s no reason to keep on looking.”

It’s not often you get to see a mass of vendors working together, but that’s exactly how it happened at Lovelocked. Each photographer had a part of the day to photograph, and floral/styling/stationery suppliers worked together to design a table concept. It was fantastic to see what they came up with!

Table styled by Hope & Lace / Kate Dawes Flower Design / Ivy Invite | Image by Jess Jackson

Table styled by Sunshine & Confetti / Blossom & Twine | Image by Jess Jackson

Table styled by Bespoke Occasions / Alba Roses / Senna Jean Designs | Image by Vellum Studios

Styling Polkadot Events / Flowers Kate Dawes Flower Design / Stationery Love & Adore Event Stationery / Image by Jess Jackson

Styling Polkadot Events / Flowers Kate Dawes Flower Design / Stationery Love & Adore Event Stationery / Image by Jess Jackson

Jess Jackson [photographer], “I had such a great time at Lovelocked. I think it’s a great opportunity for brides to see vendors in action, doing what they do best. The whole day was a real feast for the eyes – it really came together perfectly.”

Wedding cake by The Flour Girl | Image by Jess Jackson

It was finally time for drinks and dancing (or at least foot tapping) as an original version of Blurred Lines was crooned by Nik Conomos. This was the beginning of the fashion show where a gorgeous line up of gowns (and “grooms”) paraded before an intimate crowd.

Image by Boutique Art Photography

Wedding Gown by MXM Couture | Image by Boutique Art Photography

Lastly I couldn’t resist putting in some pics of the people who attended – whether it was your fiance, mum, or bridesmaids in tow, there was something for everyone.