Lexi Applebach

By: Lexi Applebach

I’m still coming down from the high of my very first wedding showcase! It was such a massive milestone for me trying to connect and get into the wedding industry in Newcastle. I spent the day at The Exchange 1856 with Emma Jordan Weddings and Colette Malik Consultancy, and honestly, the whole experience was immaculate.

I got to dive straight into the mechanics of the day, helping with the setup and the breakdown, which gave me a real look at the grit it takes to pull off an event this seamless.

The Loft: Scouting the Ceremony Room

I was assigned to the Loft, the ceremony room, to help couples navigate the venue and answer their questions. Being in that space while it was buzzing with vendors and excited couples was easily the highlight of my day.

It wasn’t just about looking at pretty things; it was about seeing how these pros actually showcase their skills:

• The Vision: @jvictoriaphotography was there sharing her work and her expert eye for detail.
• The Content: New-school creators @momentco_ and @moonstudiocontent showed exactly how they capture those behind-the-scenes moments and “beautiful chaos” through video.
• The Personal Touch: @ellysiumillustration displayed her live illustrations—she draws guest silhouettes during the wedding so everyone goes home with a custom piece of art.
• The Design: @wildfernweddingsuk set up a stunning ceremony space, complete with a greenery arch that perfectly showed the potential of the room.
• The Atmosphere: @mellissamcgrathmusic was singing throughout the showcase, and her voice is exactly what you’d want for a walk down the aisle.
• The Fashion: @anelaweddingwear was even there with Mother of the Bride pieces for moms to try on and book styling appointments.

A Culture of Support

The environment at this showcase was so welcoming. What struck me most wasn’t just the business side of things, but the heart behind it. There was so much support and love moving around the room. I loved seeing all the moms helping their daughters, whether it was daughters getting married or vendors mom’s helping promote their business, it felt like a big family coming together to make sure everyone was looked after. It’s clear that the people who want to be part of your wedding day genuinely care about making it the best day of your life.

The Scout’s Advice: Why You Need to Go

If you’re trying to find your vendor team or nail down a venue, you have to get to a wedding showcase. It is the best way to get real intel and feel the vibe of the people you’re hiring.

My tips would be to be friendly and outgoing. Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation. Talk to everyone! Everyone is there to help you and lead you in the right direction. Also pick their brains about anything and everything. These vendors are there because they love what they do. Chat away, ask for their advice, and see how their expertise can help bring your vision to life.

Ready to Build Your Game Plan?

As a wedding scout, I’m here to help you navigate every hurdle, from scouting the perfect venue to vetting your vendor team. Whether you’re planning a local North East celebration or a cross-border wedding, I’ll help you find the clarity and grit needed to make it happen.

Planning your dream wedding shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Let’s look at your “In/Outs,” talk through your vision, and see how we can bring it to life.

Be sure to check out Emma Jordan Weddings and Colette Malik Consultancy to learn more about the incredible events they curate!

What was your favorite part of this showcase, or what’s the one thing you’re looking for in your dream venue? Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @lexiapplebach for more scouting reports and wedding intel!