Well, Fairies, we’ve reached December and all we can say is, “What a year!”
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Wedded Wonderland has seen, done, and been a part of some really exciting things in the last 12 months and we’ve been pinching ourselves for how lucky we are to experience this journey with all of you, every step of the way.
From Thailand and Italy to all over Australia, we’ve talked, taught, laughed, hosted, and danced our way through 2017, taking lessons with us from every new experience. We’ve seen the launch of Creative Business Hub, the growth of our sister pages – Bubz Wonderland and Proposals in Wonderland – and we’ve helped our members, followers, and friends learn and grow within this exciting industry that we love oh-so much.
From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank each and every one of you for your ongoing support over the last year and beyond. We have some exciting plans for 2018 and we want you to be there for every moment of it!
So stayed tuned, and take a walk with us through 2017’s Adventures in Wedded Wonderland.
January
Customs House – An Evening of Lustre is Luxury
An unveiling of Customs House‘s wedding space, The River Room, as a striking, upscale venue for Brisbane weddings. The event was filled with VIP guests enjoying drinks and canapés in a breathtaking setting, taking in the spectacular sights of the Wedding Showcase in The Long Room and the intimate location of The Boardroom.
Images by Studio Impressions
February 28th
Wedded Wonderland’s Annual Bloggers Breakfast
Bringing together some of the biggest names in the Bridal Blogging sphere, Wedded Wonderland hosted the annual Bloggers Breakfast; a platform to discuss the latest trends and challenges within the Wedding World. With a showcase of gowns from the likes of Jean Fox Bridal, Demetrios Bridal, Duchess Boutique and Luv Bridal, as well as catering, styling props, and florals from our talented Directory members Chefs About, Harbourside Decorators, and Azariade, the Breakfast was the perfect way to connect experts and influencers from around the world.
Images by Life Studios Inc
April 10th
Wedded Wonderland Directory Launch & Network Event
This year saw the launch of Wedded Wonderland’s Social Media Directory, a one of a kind list that makes it easier for Brides to connect with the best suppliers from all over Australia. Held at the Grand Pacific Group’s historic QVB Tea Room, the event included major figures in the wedding and fashion spheres, from Nicola Finetti and Steven Khalil to Melissa Sassine and Natalie Anne.
Image by Society Photography
May 2nd – 4th
Wendy El-Khoury Hosts & Presents at DWP International in Thailand
Our own Fairy Godmother mother, Wendy, flew to Thailand to emcee the 4th Annual Destination Wedding Planners Congress, an event that hosted over 450 wedding connoisseurs from over 65 countries, including Preston Bailey, Marcy Blum, and Katherine Apostolidis.
May 29th
WW x Creative Business Hub Social Media Seminar #1 – Sydney
One of our most exciting ventures this year was the launch of Creative Business Hub, an initiative to help businesses step up to the challenges of today’s fast-paced online world. Since its launch, CBH has helped over 1,000 businesses grow in the digital landscape. The first official seminar in May focused on helping businesses develop their online presence and create a dynamic social media strategy, and included guest speakers Natalie Anne and Diane Khoury.
Via Pepper Image
June 13th
Wendy El-Khoury on Studio 10
Wendy headed over to Studio 10 to give viewers her expert advice on how to use DIY hacks and shortcuts to help save money on their wedding. She was also joined by John Emmanuel Floral Events, who brought to life this gorgeous floral archway.
June 9th – 11th
Hair Expo Australia – The Festival of Hair
Wendy and Natalie Anne took to the stage at the annual Hair Expo Australia to discuss social media trends around the hair industry. With an audience of 500 in the festival’s amphitheatre, Wendy discussed these trends and features of the industry as Natalie Anne did live hair styling on stage.
Via Creative Business Hub
June 20th and 27th
Sydney Social Media Masterclass
Hair stylist Natalie Anne took the lead on this video training masterclass, showing the attendees how to cut and edit videos, create voice overlays, and how to speak on camera. The Masterclass attendees were also shown how to set up adverts on Facebook, how to create the right content for their style, and how to establish brand authority online.
July
Sydney Online Advertising Masterclass
The second Masterclass for July focused on online advertising and how to find your client online. Wendy led the class on how to generate and recognise leads, creating a Call-To-Action campaign, and how to follow up your clients.
July 10th
Digital Beauty
A collaboration with Natalie Anne, Digital Beauty saw hairdressers, makeup artists, and cosmetic specialists come together to discuss and demonstrate the role of the digital world in the hair and beauty industry. Along with photographer Jessica Abraham and makeup artist Natalie Sader of Glamours By Nat, Natalie Anne did a live hair styling and demonstrated the difference between creating content on a phone vs a camera, how to brief a photoshoot and the elements that go into a shoot. She also discussed the impacts of social followings and how to control it, while Wendy took the attendees through the fundamentals of how to set up personal brands, how to create a bio, and finding a niche in a competitive industry.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWXWJhdFvu8/?taken-by=creativebusinesshub
August
WW x Creative Business Hub Social Media Seminar #2 – Melbourne
The second official WW x CBH seminar took the discussion to Melbourne, where attendees learned all about developing an online presence and creating and executing a successful social media strategy. The event also included guest speakers Anna Campbell Bridal, The Dream Day Co, and The Style Co.
Image by Ateia
September
WW x Creative Business Hub Social Media Seminar #3 – Brisbane
Held at the Stamford Plaza, the third Social Media Seminar focused on utilising digital platforms, creating a social media strategy and keeping followers engaged, with Wendy and guest speakers Alysia Bridger of Celebrations by Alysia and Caitlin Mitchell of A Little Cake Place discussing the changing landscape of social media and how businesses can use this to their advantage.
Image via We Are Twine
September
Peter’s of Kensington Bridal Brunch and Wedding Registry Event
Filled with all things good and tasty, the Bridal Brunch celebrated Peter’s of Kensington’s bridal registry and allowed guests to explore the massive range of homewares and appliances that Peter’s has to offer, with one lucky lady winning a $500 Peter’s of Kensington’s voucher. The gorgeous event was coordinated by Mary Ronis and flowers by Crazy About Flowers.
September 18th
Wendy El-Khoury on Studio 10
Wendy joined powerhouse bridal designer Steven Khalil and journalist and media personality Jo Casamento to discuss the red carpet fashion at the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards.
September 28th
Wendy El-Khoury on Studio 10
Studio 10 can’t get enough of our Wendy! She joined the panel once again to show off affordable dresses for any Mother Of The Bride to look and feel fabulous in. Special mention to Roman and French for the beautiful jewellery.
October
Demetrios 2018 Collection Launch at Primus Hotel Sydney
In a night of elegance and opulence, Demetrios debuted their 2018 Collection inside the Primus Hotel, one of Sydney’s most beautiful venues. With the hotel’s art deco space adorned with floral and candle centrepieces and gold accented lighting, it was the picture-perfect location for Demetrios’ stunning and versatile bridal collection launch. The highlight of the event was the giveaway of a $50,000 wedding package at the Primus Hotel, complete with a rooftop ceremony, three-course dinner, and two-night stay in the Presidential Suite.
Images by Carmen Hickey
October
An Afternoon with Wedded Wonderland and Creative Business Hub Sydney Seminar
The fourth seminar from WW x CBH was held in Sydney once again, and focused on how to build consumer relationships online, creating a professional social media strategy and building an online profile. Held at the Sydney Harbour Marriott, the event also included guest speakers Steven Khalil, Natalie Anne, Jason James, Luxury Bridal Blogger, and Bahar Etminan.
Images by Carmen Hickey
October 10th
Wendy El-Khoury on Studio 10
Wendy headed back to Studio 10 to take the panel through some of the best outfit choices for the Spring racing season. Suppliers included Dresses For Hire, Forever New, White Runway, Review, and Fame & Partners.
October 23rd – 26th
Wendy Presents at Engage!17 Italy
One of this year’s most exciting adventures was Wendy’s invitation to speak at Engage!17 in Venice, Italy – an extravagant 3-day event where luxury wedding experts from all over the world present and network with one another. The event was particularly exciting as Wendy was the first Australian speaker on the Main Stage!
What’s To Come in 2018
Bridal Bazaar – A Luxury Bridal Market
In 2018, The Bridal Bazaar – A Luxury Bridal Market will take the on-trend Luxury Bride, Fashionista and Socialite on a guided journey through the exotic world of Wedded Wonderland. From evening wear, resort-wear and pre-wedding planning, all the way to her honeymoon, The Bridal Bazaar brings all the beauty of an Instagram news feed to life in the most magical way. Giving the bride-to-be access to the Luxury Wedding Market in one location, she can shop and leave with her bridesmaid dresses, bridal accessories and honeymoon outfits in hand!
Florists and stylists alike will showcase awe-inspiring visual installations, and prominent international and local menswear and womenswear designers will present their latest collections on the fashion runway and through live fashion installations. It’ll be an event like no other.
Image via Xsight
Morning With Wedded Wonderland
Wedded Wonderland will be kick-starting 2018 with a Morning With Wedded Wonderland, bringing together leaders in the weddings, events, and digital marketing worlds to discuss industry trends. The event will also see our exciting reveal of Wedded Wonderland’s Ambassadors.
Ambassador Event
With Wedded Wonderland’s fantastic Ambassadors revealed, we will be welcoming them to an exciting year ahead and showcasing what it means to be an Ambassador for one of Australia’s biggest and fastest growing digital publisher of weddings.
Creative Business Hub Summit
Across two massive days in August 2018, The Creative Business Hub Summit will bring together established professionals in the creative industry as they educate, inspire, and demonstrate how to succeed in today’s competitive small business world.
Helmed by social media expert and Director of Creative Business Hub and Wedded Wonderland, Wendy El-Khoury, this event will be tailor-made for entrepreneurs wanting to grow and thrive in their industry. With an impressive lineup of speakers from a range of creative fields, this event will cover social media strategies, marketing, PR and advertising, finance, and the nitty gritty of the startup world.