Image: David H Photography
With the latest addition to our family there’ll be a few subtle changes to the schedule of the blog for the coming weeks while I’m adjusting to life with our new baby.
I’ll still be posting the very coolest real Jewish weddings every week, but there’ll also be a brand new feature running where I interview all sorts of inspirational women in the wedding industry whom I greatly admire. These women successfully combine running their own business with married life and in a lot of cases, raising a young family.
The series is called Chitter Chatter and the twist is is they have to answer my questions in just 140 characters or less….
Today I’m chitter chattering to the super amazing Nova Reid of Nu Bride. Nova is very special to me – we are BBFs (Best Blogging Friends) and I was literally beaming with pride when she won her Wedding Blog Award last year for recognition of her work to inspire and encourage a more visually inclusive UK wedding industry.
Nu Bride, often described as more than just a wedding blog, was launched in 2012 during Nova’s own wedding planning and is a beautifully curated resource that is informative and inclusive, whilst offering advice and guidance for the modern bride. She lives in London with her husband, David.
What was your first job?
Retail Assistant at Dolcis shoes. Paid £2.40 an hour. (See, I always had a thing for shoes!)
Tell me more about your career before launching Nu Bride
Busy, varied and eclectic! From professional singer and actress to a holistic therapist
What made you start Nu Bride ?
Inspired by my own wedding planning and the lack of inspiration for women who looked like me in wedding magazines.
What inspires you to keep growing and developing your business?
Change. Helping people. Positive feedback. The importance to validate human beings by acknowledging and representing them.
What obstacles have you overcome along the way?
Gosh too many for 140 characters! Resistance to change, privacy issues with weddings, copying. The latter is a HUGE downside to blogging.
What is the best opportunity Nu Bride has brought you?
So many fantastic partnering opportunities… and winning Best Inspiration Blog at the 2014 Wedding Blog Awards
Image: Paul Cahill
What’s your best tip for a work / life balance?
Manage your diary. Set time for work and play. Schedule social media posts. Turn your mobile off & spend time with loved ones. Nothing is that urgent
What are your top tips for working from home when you’re self employed?
Turn off the TV and Facebook. Don’t get tempted by housework! Structure your day.
97% of Britain’s small creative businesses are run by women. Why do you think this is?
Because we’re brilliant. Clearly! Brilliant multi-taskers…
How did you meet your husband?
At work. But I didn’t fancy him then LOL!
What was the highlight of your wedding day?
Our ceremony hands down. We wrote our own vows. String quartet & a gospel choir. Not a dry eye in the house!
Was there anything standout about what you wore?
A Madeline Isaac James dress with a stunning pleated train and red Jimmy Choo’s. My favourite colour.
Looking back, is there anything you would change about your wedding?
Nothing about the feel of the day, it was perfect. Little things: No hideous chair covers and to invest more in flowers
What are your top tips for brides-to-be when planning their wedding?
Be yourself. Don’t be pressured to step outside of what feels natural, in order to conform to tradition.
Secret to a happy marriage?
Honest communication and laughter.
Image: JK Photography
Love is…
different for everyone and utterly indescribable in 140 characters.
Favourite quote?
Be inspired to be better. (By me!) and that ‘here’s to the the misfits’ one by Steve Jobs that Karen sent me. Love it!
Favourite gadget?
Don’t do gadgets. Gadgets are for boys!
Favourite film?
Unfair. Too many
Last holiday?
Antigua Caribbean. Stunning.
Currently reading?
My phone!
If you could be trapped in a lift with any living person who would it be and why?
Oprah Winfrey. Because she is a legend. Her strength, drive for equality and character inspires me in so many ways.
Tell me something about you that most people don’t know… preferably non work-related
I used to sing with Beverley Knight
What is your guilty pleasure?
SHOES and CAKES ! I have a sweet tooth and designer shoe problem.
What did you do today?
Other than roll over and turn off my alarm. Nothing yet, It’s still first thing in the morning.
What’s next?
Breakfast!
Thank you Nova! Find Nu Bride on:
@Twitter
@Facebook
@Pinterest
@Instagram
Great post! I love these type of articles where you can get to know someone a little better. Great work ladies x
Thanks lovely Nicola. Glad you enjoyed it. Was great fun working with Karen 🙂