What is your most memorable wedding?
I have worked at many amazing weddings. I love dressing up to suit a wedding and have worked at 1920's themed, 1940's vintage and recently a wonderful steam punk wedding. If there is no theme I tend to still wear a steam punk hat to identify me as a creative and entertainer. I always get a lot of interest before they even see my silhouettes which are always a wow factor as guests love seeing art being created in the moment. It is a fast paced and stylish art form with only 6 silhouette artists in the UK.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
My style of silhouettes is a flattering likeness. You will be able to identify the person I just cut in the room minus the double chins! As silhouettes are black they don't show up wrinkle or grey hair so they are well received by all guests! I make sure that everyone has a great time and I chat all the way through making sure the guests feel at ease and happy.
What about your business are you most proud of?
I am proud of all the jobs I have worked at, but particularly when I worked at King Charles Christmas Party at St James Palace, the 4 seasons hotel in the Seychelles and a 4 month promotional tour for Shopper Stop in India. I was luckily enough to meet many celebrities at events and my top ones have to be; Stephen Hawkins, Goldie Hawn, and Gwyneth Paltrow, Judge Rinder, Dawn French and Michael Macintyre to mention a few...
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Nothing ever runs to time and no one knows what was is planned, so relax on your wedding day and let the suppliers take over the hard work for you. They are seasoned pros and know how to create the perfect wedding. Have someone on the day to make sure the running order is moving along is a good idea. Take it all in.... and if you have time, the personal touches you can do yourself will be a great achievement and talking point on your day whether it is the favours, table plan design, table theme or even a display. Make it your own wedding and include personal items or theme to suit you both.
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
The steam punk wedding had ink and feather quills as favours which was really thoughtful and in keeping with her theme. The bride did her own table designs with wooden blocks and flowers and feathers and cogs. Easy and effective personalisation. There was also wedding shots in test tubes and sweet sweet. All the guests and the dog wore steam punk outfits and got into the spirt of it.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
I will ask for the location, date and number of guests, email over a quote and allow them time to mull it over. There is never a hard sell! Once they come back and agree to the booking I will send out a booking form and ask for deposit of half the fee to secure the date. If the wedding is cancelled before 6 months prior to wedding they will receive the deposit back and if I cancel (which is unlikely) they will receive the deposit back. The remaining balance is paid just before the wedding date. Payments are made by bank transfer only and I will send out a receipt of payment. On the day I will arrive 30 minutes before work to familiarise and set up. I will work when the guests enter the drinks reception and continue on until the end of the meal. (Unless another schedule is suggested). I do not cut guests whilst they are eating or in speeches. I do find it easier to see who is left to cut whilst guests are seated and concentrate on the top table during the meal. Everyone knows who I am at that stage so I don't need to interrupt guests from chatting amongst themselves.
What is your No. 1 top tip for keeping a crowd entertained?
The crowd will be interacting themselves whilst watching a silhouette being cut the general banter is around whether the paper is big enough for the nose and which of the many chins I will capture...! The end result is always a big WOW factor when they get to see the likeness. I always allow guests to interact but will ease the conversation along.
Where is the most memorable place you have performed?
I have worked at many wonderful wedding venues. I have my favourites but the most spectacular for me is Knowsley Hall. It is a bit of a distance but I love the interior and the grounds are amazing. The space is large to host a big wedding. Locally I love Hedsor House, Wasing Park, and Ufton Court. They are all different types of venues and are great at what they do.
Have you had any interesting surprises at a wedding?
I have worked at Stoke Place for a lovely same sex couple on of which was a hairdresser to the stars so the guest list included celebrities such as Frankie and Wayne Bridge. There were surprises around every corner from giant Elephants to musicians, food stations, flowers, and entertainers.
What is your party trick?
Hmm... cutting silhouettes freehand using scissors?! Although I am an artist in many ways and I also love acting in my local drama group so I am well versed to performing at all types of events and even taking on the odd character. I also love dancing in spare time...