FIRST COMES LOVE

If the thought of stretch Hummer limousines, diamante encrusted dresses and plastic tiaras balanced atop over-styled hair-dos, leaves you feeling queasy, you’re not alone. Determined to put an end to tacky weddings in favour of beautifully styled, personalised celebrations, the lovely ladies at Studio Bomba launched First Comes Love last year, creating a fancy fair for off beat brides on the hunt for venues, outfits, caterers, photographers, makeup artists, hair stylists, florists, jewellers and all the other services and trinkets needed to make a wedding day special.

    First Comes Love returns in fine form this weekend, taking over the Oxford Hotel for two days of wedding bliss.
    “Last year we felt like we were organising a really big party, but without any RSVPs, so to see folks with their happy smiling faces come chat to Perth’s most creative pledge and party people just made our day,” co-organiser Leah Dent says of the success of the inaugural First Comes Love. “The exhibitors were amazing, so clever in the way they styled their spaces and so generous with their time and expertise.”
    Unlike large-scale wedding expos that lack in personality and atmosphere, First Comes Love is a curated bridal fair – which means that Dent and her partner in crime Angela Mitchell have hand picked all of the exhibitors, and with limited space available, every stallholder has had to be top notch to make the cut! Dent and Mitchell have laboriously sorted through every application, only picking the best of the best to make it into First Comes Love 2012.
    Just under 1200 brides and grooms to be attended First Comes Love in 2011, and with even more inspiring exhibitors showcasing their wares at this year’s event, First Comes Love volume two is sure to go off with a very romantic bang.  
    When asked what we can expect from this year’s festivities, Dent responds coyly, not wanting to spoil any of the surprises that Studio Bomba have up their sleeves.
    “There will be some friends from last year, some super new folks and we’ve even found some extra little spaces in the Oxford Hotel to fill with goodness. You’ll find celebrants, film-makers, florists, hair and makeup artists, jewellers, photographers, stationers and stylists. There will be fashion and live music and sweet treats galore.
    “First Comes Love is small and sweet and sassy with lots of independent retailers and inspiration. It is the bridal fair equivalent of drinks with good friends rather than a night out in Northbridge.”
    When it comes to advice for brides and grooms to be, Dent encourages couples to keep it simple and stick to what they love; “Keep it personal. Tell your story. Enjoy the ride.”
    First Comes Love will descend on the Oxford Hotel in Leederville this Saturday, May 26, and Sunday, May 27, from 11am-4pm. Entry is $10 per person, payable at the door.
    Discover all of the wonderful First Comes Love exhibitors and get plenty of tips and style ideas for your big day via firstcomeslove.com.au.