Sunday 19 August 2012

Emporium Bridal Expo Recap Part 3


Yeah! The final instalment of my Bridal Expo Recaps! I feel like Peter Jackson with the Lord of the Rings! Or Twilight... this is my Twilight post! Trilogies are so in nowadays *chuckle chuckle*. Though technically, Twilight wasn’t really a trilogy... or was it? They had 4 movies, but the book set, had 3 books. But I digress... back to work. This recap deals with the rest of the vendors who exhibited at the Bridal Expo.

Equipment Hiring & Decor
1.       Rooney’s
You know you’re Zimbabwean when you’ve been to a function that hired equipment from Rooney’s. They’ve stood the test of time and they just keep getting better. I loved this quote from their pamphlet: “We’re not saying we are good because we’re 60 years old. We’re saying we’re 60 years old because we’re good at what we do.” Happy 60th, Rooney’s!
144 Seke Road, Harare, Zimbabwe
P.O. Box 1351, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel(Skype): +263 4 748621-7, 771560-3
Fax:+263 4 770348

Arundel Office
Arundel Village
50 Quorn Ave
Mount Pleasant, Harare
Tel(Skype): +263 4 302417, 302421

2.       Dreams Hiring Services
I came across this company at work when I was considering a certain venue for my upcoming wedding. They’re good at what they do. I have not dealt with them personally, but from afar, I love their  work!
Address: 303 Empowerment Way, Willowvale, Harare
Tel: +263 4 2911527/8
Mobile: +263 772 254 959, +263 772 700 283
3.       Oreac Events
I remember Oreac from Bulawayo, so you could imagine my excitement when I saw them exhibiting, and telling me that they’re also based in Harare! They do it all! Not only do they do equipment hire, they do decor, catering, they supply PA systems, DJs, photography and videography. Excellent!
Harare:
Address:18 Suffolk Road, Strathaven, Avondale, Harare
Mobile: +263 772 937 972, +263 772 815 195

Bulawayo:
Suite 201, 2nd Floor, Sterling House
82A Jason Moyo St, btwn 8th Ave & L. Takawira St. Bulawayo
Tel: +263 9 77044/5
Mobile: +263 772 937 972
Email:info@oreacevents.com
4.       Weddings Forever
Weddings Forever was established quite recently, and they have done quite a fair number of weddings so far. They are still new, but they are great at what they do, judging by their stand. They will go all out on your wedding day, cause they are still making a name for themselves, and for sure you will not be disappointed. They also supply wedding gowns and wedding accessories.
Address: 4 Edmonds Road, Belvedere, Harare
Mobile: +263 779 668 871, +263 713 357 049, +263 716 063 346

Stationery
1.       P. M. Sunflower Creations
I visited their stand and I was impressed beyond words. Not only do they have the normal invitation cards, favour boxes and table numbers, but they also have seating charts, gift boxes, and so on and so on. It’s delightfully overwhelming! If you want it, I guarantee, they probably have it. They also can do wedding websites, which is such a great help if you have family in the diaspora. So in other words, go get that wedding website! J
Address: 5 McGlew Close, Mount Pleasant, Harare
Mobile: +263 734 620 501
2.       The Posh Paper Place
I loved the creativity of this stand. Not only do they have amazing stationery, the owner, Denise, has such an eye for colours and beauty. It’s great to work with someone who can take your vision and make it into reality. You will not be let down.
Address:Willowmead Junction (upstairs), Cnr Willowmead Lane and Rolfe Avenue, Rolfe Valley, Harare
Mobile: +263 772 269 500

Hair and Beauty
1.       Lee’s Hair Salon
They do microbonding, highlights, blow waves, bridal styling, hair weaving, haircuts and relaxing. Go check them out!
Address: 5 McGlew Road, Arundel, Harare
Mobile: +263 772 330 254
2.       Makeup by Nyasha
Nyasha blew me away when I went to her stand! She knows her craft, and is truly skilled in it. I’d recommend booking her 6 months in advance, where she tells you how to prepare your skin. 2 months before, you’ll have your first makeup trial, and then make up for the day. That is professional! I was highly impressed!
Address: Mezzanine Floor 1, Rainbow Towers
Mobile: +263 773 827 079


PA System and DJing
1.       Premier Sounds Solution
They did the sound for the Bridal Expo, and if you were there, you would agree that they did an amazing job. So take that amazing...ness, and have it at your wedding. You’ll have a nonstop celebration!
Address: 44 Auckland Road, Southerton, Harare
Mobile: +263 772 679 825 (Romeo)
+263 772 950 860 (Tinashe)
+263 733 867 217 (Tanya)


Cakes
1.       Cake Link
Cake Link has been in existence for 11 years now, and they do gorgeous cakes in a variety of flavours. There was a cake tasting at the Expo, and I tried their red velvet cake. I now know what the fuss is with red velvet cake. It. Is. Divine. If you’re like me and you absolutely cannot stand fruit cake, Cake Link is the place for you. They also do special orders, special needs cakes, and their prices are  reasonable.
Address: 6 Normandy Road, Alexandra Park, Harare
Tel: +263 864 406 9958
Mobile: +263 773 372 295/6, +263 772 329 059



*Sigh* The Bridal Expo Recap Trilogy is complete. I’m now pumped, what will be the subject of  my next trilogy? Just kidding, lol. I would love to hear from you, if you have worked with any of these vendors personally. All these reviews were just my views from my interaction with them at the expo. I recommend them all, if you’re planning your wedding, just give them a call, and see whom you’d love to work with!



Friday 10 August 2012

Emporium Bridal Expo Recap (Part 2)


Hello Zimbo Brides! Here’s Part 2 of my Emporium Bridal Expo Recap. This part is focused on the wedding attire (dresses, suits and accessories) and florists.

Wedding Attire
1.       Angelic Looks Bridal
Angelic Looks stocks wedding gowns from some well-known designers: Alfred Angelo, Pronovias, Sincerity, Benjamin Roberts, Modeca, Tia, Bonny and Linzi. If you want the dream designer gown at a reasonable price, this is the place to go! I know a certain bride (*cough* Nyasha *cough*) who’s got her eye set on a certain Alfred Angelo dress...
Address: 9 Frinton Ave, Mabelreign, Harare
Tel: +2634334208/+26342900360
Mobile: +263 772 278 885/+263 772 804 671
2.       EuStellar House of Brides
EuStellar surely is a one-stop shop for the couple and their team. They stock gowns, bridesmaid dresses, groom and groomsmen suits. They also do hair, make-up and nails. This is the place to go for the fuss-free bride. For our Bulawayo brides, EuStellar House of Brides is in your city as well.
Address: 7 Admore Close, Chisipite, Harare
Mobile: +263 773 404 470
Byo Address : 37a Brentwood Road, Matsheumhlope, Bulawayo
Mobile: +263 772 703 017
3.       J.B. Couture
I love the fact that we have local wedding dress designers!!! Joanne Burger offers wedding and formal dress designs that are in a class of their own. They are purely breathtaking! She designs according to your taste and body shape, and consultations are strictly by appointment. I would recommend her to the fashion-forward bride and bridesmaids, or someone who wants a personal touch to her dress.
Address:16 Kew Drive, Highlands, Harare
Mobile: +263 776 188 137

4.       La Collezione Dei Conti
Haute couture? No, it’s hott couture (I’m allowed one corny statement per post); Italian designs for the discerning couple. The company is based in Sandton, but you can place an order and have it delivered here in Zimbabwe. And with the designs that were on display, you’d want to place an order. There was this gorgeous bustier made of pearls that was on display, the only one of its kind. Oooooh... if I hadn’t already had a dress, I would’ve splurged on it!
Address: Shop U20c Upper Level, Michelangelo Towers Mall, No. 8 Maude Street, Sandton 2196
Tel: +27 11 025 3839
Mobile: +27 76 878 6878
5.       Brides & Dames
Brides and Dames has lovely wedding gowns and accessories, all you need to complete your wedding look. Fittings are strictly by appointment, so make sure you make a booking before you show up at their store. Word on the street says that they have new gowns in stock, so make that booking fast to see their new styles.

P.S.: Check out their wedding planning and decor company as well: http://www.facebook.com/BridesDamesPlanningDecor
Address: Shop 5 Mon Repos Mall, Newlands Shopping Centre, Harare
Mobile: +263 735 752 762
6.       Status-Quo for Men
Visit Status-Quo for suits at reasonable prices. Pick up a shirt, tie and cufflinks while you’re at it. All you need for the groom, groomsmen and the fathers is in Status-Quo.
Address: Shop 15 Mon Repos Building, Newlands, Harare
Mobile: +263 775 676 100
Emergency No: +263 712 800 183
Email: statusquonewlands@yahoo.com 

Florists
1.       Kirsty Jean Flowers & Decor
All I could say when I saw the stand for Kirsty Jean was... wow! I say it again, two weeks later... wow! Gorgeous decor, excellent centrepieces, and the wooden shelter that housed their creations? Erected it themselves! I’m a creative person, and I believe in celebrating creativity. Kirsty Jean, I celebrate you!!
Address:12 Knowles Close, Mt. Pleasant, Harare
Mobile:+263 772 289 557
2.       Barbreanne
Confession time: This stand caught my attention because of the floral arrangements which had purple flowers. I love purple and our wedding theme includes purple, so obviously my first question was whether I’d still find purple flowers for my wedding in a few months. I loved her honesty and the way she was so helpful. A refreshing quality when all you hear sometimes is, “Ha, don’t worry, tinazvo zvese (we have it all)!” I recommend them highly.
Address:39 Argyle Road, Avondale, Harare
Tel: +263 4 2930234
 Cell: +263 774 077 600


I hope you find Part 2 useful. Again, this is only from my first impressions on visiting the vendors’ stand. I’d love to hear from brides who’ve had personal experience with our above vendors. The last part, Part 3, will showcase the rest of the vendors who exhibited. Equipment hiring, cakes, sounds, you’ll find it all there!

Tuesday 7 August 2012

Emporium Bridal Expo Recap (Part 1)


Last Friday and Saturday were great days for future brides and wedding enthusiasts as Zimbabwean wedding vendors came out of hiding and gave us a great event. The expo was held on the 27th and the 28th of July 2012. Hosted by the Wedding Emporium, it made me realise that we’re stepping up our game when it comes to weddings. The previous generation’s view on weddings is being replaced by our own. Brides and grooms are now taking control of their day and fulfilling their vision for their special day!  I’ve decided to write my review outlining my personal experience with the exhibitors. I’ve added their contact details for those who’ll want to work with them.
Venues
These are the venues that exhibited. I unfortunately could not take pictures, but their stands were gorgeous!
1.   
           Bliss Garden and Hiring services
The event coordinator, Rutendo, was representing the above venue. I fell in love with her immediately, not only because we share the same name J. She knew her job, and was very professional. She is very accommodating, and is someone you’d want to work with. Not only is it a garden venue, they also do decor and equipment hire.
Address: 10 Elsworth Avenue, Belgravia (off 2nd str. Ext)
                        Cnr Huyton and Pringle Road, Mandara
Tel: (+263) 4 795144, 795162, 795067
Cell: 0773 215 343
Email:partybitz@bliss.co.zw
2.       Wild Geese Lodge
The representative for Wild Geese Lodge was a treat to talk to. I got to the stand, and had no idea what to ask her. She must have sensed my trepidation, cause she got up and started to ask me various questions and told me about their venue. By the time she was finished, I had all the important details of their venue and how they coordinate events. From my first impression, they’re great to work with if you need people who can pre-empt you, and will do above what you ask them to do.

Address: 2 Buckland Lane, Teviotdale, Harare, Zimbabwe
                         Tel/Fax: +263 4 2930379, 2917977-9
                         Tellular: +263 772 145 103
                         Email: events@wildgeese.co.zw
                         Web: www.wildgeeselodge.com

3.       Dunhu Ramambo
Dunhu Ramambo consists of 3 lodges: Chengeta, Pamuzinda and Umbozha Houseboats. Not only can they be wedding venues, they also can double as honeymoon getaways. They sound great for those couples who wanna get away, but don’t want to travel too far.

Cell: +263 772 573 022 or +263 772 568 832
                        headoffice@dunhuramambo.com
                        reservations@pamuzinda.com

4.       Pamvura-By the Water
I had no idea this venue existed until I went to the Weddings Wow Stand! I thank God for events like these. Pamvura is located on the North Shore of Lake Chivero. I can imagine weddings by the water, pun intended, and Zimbo versions of beach weddings! I’m not too sure about kid-friendliness though...

Tel: +263 4 2930234
 Cell: +263 774 077 600

P.S: From the people that give you Pamvura, also give you  the African tree of Life, a metal baobab tree that has glasses filled with a signature cocktail for leaves. I thought that was such a creative idea! For those who want to add a bit of novelty to their cocktail hour, this is the way to go!

Photography
1.     
            Precious Memories Photography
I did not manage to speak to the owner of this company, but from the flier I saw, they must be brilliant. They also do special event and studio photography.
Bridget Doran
Mobile: +263 772 415 590

2.       Wild & Wonderful Photography
They do Weddings, Bridal Photography, Portraits, corporate functions, special events, wildlife, and so on. Again, I did not manage to see their work, but from their flyer, they must be good!
Mobile: +263 774 935 185

Phew! Here’s a little snippet of what I experienced, and I hope future brides will find this helpful. Look out for Part 2, where I give you details on where you can get dresses, as well as decor and flowers.
 This is a review based on first impressions, not personal experience; if any brides have had personal experiences with these vendors, we’d love to hear from you!