My interview with Louise Beukes, wedding blogger and top UK wedding stylist

[image:  Anneli Marinovich Photography]

Continuing with ‘The Wedding Smashers‘ series where I interview some of the best in the business, today I’m delighted to be talking to Louise Beukes, one of the UK’s top wedding stylists and bloggers.

I was introduced to Louise when I first started blogging weddings, and Kate from Perfect Details wrote a guest post for Smashing The Glass mentioning Louise and her inspirational blog, b.loved weddings.

I immediately started following Louise on Twitter and we connected over all the social media spheres. She’s one of a handful of wedding experts who keep me up to date on all the latest trends, news, and W-day design themes, and I’m forever inspired by her innovative projects and creative prowess.

So let’s meet the lovely Louise!

[images:  Anneli Marinovich Photography]

So Louise, what’s the ‘Louise Beukes’ story? How did you start your company and what’s happened between then and now?

The b.loved story began in March 2011, a month after my own wedding. After working for 10 years as an interior designer I loved the pretty aspects of planning my wedding, and was still reading 100’s of wedding blogs daily! I was approached by a blogger to feature my wedding, two weeks later my own blog was up and running ready to share our wedding story and to inspire other brides. I quickly discovered my niche in providing contemporary inspiration in a world of vintage weddings! Since then, b.loved has grown massively, with the b.team – a panel of wedding experts – joining the line up to share their experience and talents with our readers, and adding a wedding design & styling business to the brand.

How do you unearth inspiration and a create a theme for a couple who have no idea what their creative vision for their day is?

The first part of my process is getting to know the couple. We’ll meet up over drinks for a chat and I’ll ask lots of questions about them and their relationship. Simple things like where you like, what brand of clothing you wear, and where you go on holiday reveal so much about your personality — and I use this information to determine what I call their wedding ‘ brand’.

[image:  Fiona Kelly photography]

Can you tell us about the process of starting b.loved?

I didn’t think about it too much! For someone who usually makes very considered choices, it was a bit of a leap-before-you-look decision. After two weeks of late nights, the blog was up and running. I’ve never looked back!

What do you think makes b.loved stand out amongst other wedding blogs and grow into the big success that it is today?

I think our aesthetic makes us stand out — I’m all about clean, minimal design with pretty touches.

What advice would you give to other wedding/event bloggers hoping to grow their own blogs?

Don’t give up. Work hard. Be nice! There’s no magic formula, but the industry is very supportive — get lots of opinions and advice and listen to it. Don’t be afraid to try new things, if it doesn’t work move on and try something else!

[image:  Anneli Marinovich Photography]

Walk us through a day in the life of Louise Beukes. What are you daily duties and responsibilities for your business? Do you try to keep a traditional 9-5 schedule or do you work nights and weekends?

b.loved is my life, it’s the first thing I think of in the morning and the last thing before I go to sleep! It really is all-consuming, but the rewards are more than worth it. I usually spend 30 minutes or so checking Facebook, Instagram and Twitter on my phone before I get out of bed, and continually check it throughout the day! When I get to my desk, I start with checking that my scheduled posts are published and sharing the links through social media. I tend to reply to any urgent emails as and when throughout the day, and go through the bulk of my emails in the evenings. A typical day would include preparing blog posts, responding to submissions and enquiries, keeping on top of my blogging schedule, sending out media packs and dealing with sponsors enquiries, before working on my latest project — be it a new styled shoot, event or client wedding. I tend to do client consultations and meetings on the weekends as I find it’s easier for my couples, and keep a couple of nights a week free for networking and catching up with friends in the industry. My husband looks after the technical side of the business — which usually means a number of calls from me every time something needs updating, changing or fixing. I don’t know what I’d do without him!

What has been the most rewarding experience since launching your business?

Hosting the b.party a few weeks ago. With 150 wedding industry professionals on the guest list it was an extremely nerve-wracking experience, I was worried no-one would even turn up! The feedback since has been truly overwhelming, and I’m so grateful to everyone who worked so hard to make it happen.

What’s the most creative thing you’ve ever done for a client’s wedding?

Every wedding is creative in its own way. Next year’s couples are giving me quite a lot of creative reign, but you’ll have to wait to find out what we’re planning!
[image:  Anneli Marinovich Photography]

What advice would you offer budding entrepreneurs?

Building a business is not a part-time occupation. It’s all-consuming and takes over every aspect of your (and your family’s) life. But it’s oh-so worth it.

What sites or blogs do you visit daily?

My favourite blog is The Pretty Blog, a South African Wedding & Lifestyle blog run by some of the most creative, talented and genuine people I know. Christine and Nicola are not afraid to take risks and push boundaries, their success is such an inspiration.

[image:  Fiona Kelly photography]

What is your favourite wedding trend?

I’m currently loving the return to film photography, the quality of softness and romance is so well suited to weddings and the fact that film is so precious makes it all the more special.

And what wedding trend are you ready to see left behind?

I’ve never been a huge fan of chintzy vintage weddings, but I can’t see the vintage trend going anywhere soon!

What is your favourite blog post on your site?

That’s a hard one! I don’t have a favourite blog post, but the one I’m most proud of is the b.team introduction post. The team has been instrumental on helping to grow the blog, providing advice, inspiration and fresh, original content that our readers connect with. They’re an amazingly talented bunch of ladies, and I feel very proud and lucky to have their support and to share their expertise!

Finally , what’s your best advice for brides planning their wedding?

There’s a quote I share with all my brides, that puts a little perspective on wedding planning.
“A wedding is a party, not a performance. If at the end of the day you are married to the one you love, then everything went perfectly”

We can all get caught up in the details of the day, but sometimes you need to remember just what the day is all about.
[image:  Fiona Kelly photography]

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Louise’s blog  —  blovedweddings.com
Facebook — b.loved
Twitter — @blovedweddings

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