I am very pleased to announce Caroline Chamberlain Couture as my sparkly new sponsor!
The Getting to know you… series is the only blog series that really delves into the minds of the talented people behind the products that we use for our wedding suppliers. These talented folk are usually only known to us via the service they provide, but I like to get to know them a little better.
I featured Caroline and her gorgeous dresses here at the beginning of the year. Show her some love and leave a comment. Now Caroline’s in the hot seat…
What was your most loved food as a child?
I loved my Mums Shepherd’s Pie! And for dessert it was Angel Delight!
What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod/stereo?
Currently it’s John Newman, Love Me Again.
What is one of your favourite quotes?
Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world… Marilyn Monroe
What indoor/outdoor activity do you love?
I really love walking with my Boxer dog, Dillan.
What chore do you absolutely hate doing?
Ironing, I can’t stand it!
What is your favourite form of exercise?
Aside of doggy walking, I like swimming.
What is your favourite time of day/day of the week/month of the year?
My favourite month of the year is May, the start of spring always feels filled with promise. I love it when the blossom comes out.
What’s your least favourite mode of transport?
I would have to say taking the bus.
Which of your body parts do you like the most?
That’s a hard one to answer! I quite like my eyes.
What sound/smell/taste do you love?
I love the smell of fresh ground coffee. I always start the day with an Americano so I guess I love the taste of it too!
Have you ever had something happen to you that you thought was bad but it turned out to be for the best?
My last shop premises got me into a little financial difficulty, I’m over it now and my new premises are fab but at the time I thought it was the worst decision I’d ever made to move there. As it worked out, although it was a difficult time, the reputation I built up there was fantastic. The area was quite exclusive but it has stood me in good stead now and I have a good name in the local area which means I get a lot of word of mouth referrals.
What’s one of the best parties you’ve ever been to?
My friends Halloween party a few years ago now. Everyone made a real effort with their costumes and it was such a laugh, at one point we were all laughing so much my best friend fell off her chair and went straight through the back of the gazebo! All we could see were her feet poking back through… As she was dressed as a witch, it was all very Wizard of Oz…
What was the last movie, TV show or book that made you cry or tear up?
Oh! I cry at the drop of a hat at sad things so I tend to steer clear of sad movies! I tear up at sad news stories… There are so many terrible things that happen in the world, I’m sure it would probably have been something I saw on the news.
What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
My mum has Alzheimer’s and it took us such a long time to convince her to see a doctor. Facing up to that situation and getting her to see a specialist is probably one of the hardest things me and my family have ever had to do.
What was the last experience that made you stronger?
The breakup of my last relationship has certainly made me a stronger person. It was a very difficult time but I know now I am much more resilient than I thought I was.
What did you do growing up that got you into trouble???
Probably sneaking into my older sisters room when she was out and playing dress up! She used to shop in Chelsea Girl and Clockhouse at C&A!! I just loved her clothes!
When was the last time you had an amazing meal?
I visited a friend of mine in London a few months ago and we went to Kettners. It was delicious!
What’s the best/worst gift you’ve ever given/received?
My dog Dillan! Absolutely the best present ever!
What do you miss most about being a kid?
Probably that feeling of being totally carefree! And the excitement you feel on Christmas Eve…
What is your first memory of being really excited?
I would say the same as the last question I think…Christmas time as a child, it’s beyond exciting! I’m not sure how old I was but the year I got my Sindy house sticks in my mind!
What was the first thing you bought with your own money?
I remember buying 2 cassette tapes, one was Abba Super Trouper the other was Adam and the Ants, Prince Charming. I’ve always had a very varied taste in music!
When was the last time you were nervous?
We have a large local wedding fair in Lincoln called the Bailgate Wedding Fayre. I was asked to organise the fashion shows for them, so it would be the week running up to that in March! I enjoy doing them, but still get nervous that everything will fall into place. The next one is in October, I’m getting butterflies now just writing this!
What is the most important thing you have learned/best advice you’ve been given?
To trust my gut feeling, I’ve learned over the years that it’s usually right. Don’t over think things.
What story does your family always tell about you?
That I cried for the full first year of my life! Apparently the night of my 1st birthday was the first full night’s sleep my mum and dad got after I was born!
At what age did you become an adult?
That’s a tough one! It would probably be after leaving University, when I got my first full time job. Although caring for someone with an illness like Alzheimer’s certainly makes you grow up. I think there are so many milestones and life events that change us as human beings. With each one we all probably grow up a little more.
Describe what it is you love the most about your work…
I love designing my new collections, from that initial stage of making Inspiration boards and sketching, right through to seeing the finished garment on the mannequin. I also love that feeling when I’ve finished a gown for a Bride and she’s so pleased with it. It’s a privilege to be trusted with creating what is probably one of the most important gowns someone will ever wear.
I’m still cracking up about that Halloween story!! Please visit Caroline’s website and see her gorgeous designs!
