Thomas Talks to Boelle Events
Wedding Stylist and Planner
It’s always a joy to chat to the immensely talented Cathy from Boelle Events – an uber funky wedding stylist and planner who’s style is more bohemian than Sienna Miller at Coachella.
Like us, no two weddings are ever the same for Boelle, everything is impecibly crafted and tailored to every couple. Her ultra creative designs are taking wedding styling to another level with vibrant colours, gorgeous fabrics and handmade props.
Here Cathy takes a much deserved break from tie-dying table running, printing fabric and hand-making giant dream catchers to chat to us about her lovely business.
How did you get started in wedding planning and styling?
I studied Event Management at Uni in Cornwell but found it a little too regimented if I’m honest; I wanted to work in weddings and events but with a more creative and chilled out style. A lot of the weddings I saw were very traditional and I couldn’t see anything that represented my Boho style. There were many brides who were looking for this style too, so I started making my own made-to-order vintage bunting and props which I sold through local shops and on Etzy. This slowly grew to the point where I was ready to officially launch as a wedding and event stylist when I moved to Derby.
Tell us a little about your background?
I’ve had lots of different jobs along the way from managing a Vegan Café to in-venue Wedding Co-ordinator and Conference and Hospitality Manager for a hotel group. I worked full time in various event management positions while I built up my business on the side. It was lots of hard work but totally worth it as I learned so much: from people skills to accounts; which has been a huge help in running all aspects of Boelle. One of the most fun jobs that I had was overseeing creative dance shows at the Eden Project – co-ordinating dance troops in the Rain Forest Dome was incredible.
How long have you been trading as Boelle?
This year is my third year of trading as Boelle. It was 100% the right move. I literally have the best job in the world!
And what exactly do you do at Boelle? What’s a typical day look like?
Most days I’ll be making something (right now I’m hand dying reams of gorgeous Indian bunting). I’ll often be talking to couples on Skype as many of my brides live down south or overseas. Whenever I get a new enquiry, I like to arrange a Skype call as soon as possible to get to know the couple and understand their initial vision for the day. I’ll also be working on style plans or meeting with couples to present back my ideas. No two weddings are ever the same so every day is completely different.
What inspires you to do what you do? What really gets your gears going every day?
How much styles are changing and evolving. I’ve worked with and follow lots of Australian stylists and their styling is unreal, they are really killing the boho beach vibe and are taking wedding style to another level. Their weddings are so chilled and fun. I think sometimes we can fall into the trap of being too regimented or caring more about what others’ think when really your wedding should be all about you as a couple. I have a love/hate relationship with Pinterest as it’s great for inspiration however, sometimes people want to completely recreate what they see, but that’s someone else’s wedding (or a styled shoot) your wedding should be unique to you.
For me, I’m inspired by making every wedding unique and personal to the couple.
What do you love most about your job/business?
How creative I get to be. I get to experiment with new ideas and spend my time with amazing happy people. It is my dream job. It’s hard work and long hours, especially in the summer when I disappear into the wedding season bubble but it’s so worth it – to give each couple their perfect wedding day.
What advice would you give couples starting out on their wedding planning journey?
Don’t just enjoy the day, enjoy the whole planning process. Try not to get too overwhelmed or stressed; enjoy the journey as your day will come and go so fast. Take control of the planning by setting aside a few hours a week to do wedding stuff as a couple. I always say if you are starting to get stressed out ask yourself ‘what’s the worst that can happen?’
What’s hot in your industry right now?
Tropical, colourful and summery styling is trending right now. I often influenced by what’s hot in interior design as this can be worked beautifully into weddings. I’m seeing lots of industrial looks but also vibrant colours such as bright pinks and greens.
What ambitions do you have for your business?
I’m planning to co-ordinate more destination weddings. I usually go travelling in the winter months and next year I’d like to gain some planning experience in exotic wedding destinations such as Bali, LA, Ski Lanka or Australia. I’d love to expand my corporate work – styling venues for product launches and high-end dinner parties which is super fun. I’m also looking at creating party styling boxes where you can hire everything you need to recreate a themed look for a party in your own home or venue.
Are there any bucket list activities you have to tick off?
More large weddings would be amazing (I am currently working on an Asian wedding for 350 guests with an enchanted garden theme which is so exciting). I’d like to do more weddings in Cornwall and of course, overseas. To keep being creative and pushing the boundaries. I never repeat the exact same look; every wedding is individually tailored to the client. That’s what keeps every day fresh and loads of fun.
How would your friends describe you?
Bubbly, a risk taker, workaholic and totally bonkers.
Where and how can we reach you?
07817538006
For more Thomas Talks see last month’s chat with Sami Tipi,