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Mirror Mirror Charity Ball 2023
Emma-Jayne Smith
Our first Charity Ball! What a night! I think it’s fair to say everyone had the best night at Healing Manor
on Saturday 25th February, it was incredible. I hit my target by raising over £2000. What a difference that money will make to Sands, the baby loss charity and Andy’s Man Club, the male mental health charity.
Obviously we had the most amazing night, but it was a fundraising night. I am so proud of how much money we actually raised for both these charities. Both are very close to my heart and I want to do as much as I can to not just raise money but also awareness as its so important that people don’t feel alone!
From being a little girl I knew I wanted a family, a husband, a home, the lot! Then as I got older and learnt more about things my mum went through to have me (a very long IVF journey), it made me think that I could potentially struggle to have a baby. I had no reasoning for this, just a gut instinct. Unfortunately I was right. Matt and I planned to start our family after our honeymoon in 2017. It took us until April 2018 to see a positive pregnancy test. A full year! And as soon as you see that line that is it. I was mapping out that little baby’s whole life! Unfortunately this was taken away from us when at 7 weeks 3 days I started bleeding. I can’t even tell you the pain I felt in my heart when I knew what was happening. We started trying again as soon as we could but during that time we hit all the little milestones of our first baby…the 12 week scan date, the 20 week scan date, the day we would have announced it, its due date…it was heartbreaking. There was even someone who I knew who was pregnant when I was and they would have been about the same due date. So seeing her bump grow and then be born was another reminder of where my baby would have been at. We finally saw what we needed to see though in January 2019…another positive test! I was so happy, but also nervous after my loss last time. But I thought there’s no way it’ll happen again. I was counting down the weeks to get past that 7 weeks 3 days but this time we didn’t even make it to that. At 6 weeks 2 days our second little baby left us. I was so broken at this point. People would tell me not to worry, don’t stress, it’ll happen…but how did they know. No-one could know that I would definitely be able to carry a baby full term. Months passed again and we fought to see a doctor just to see why this was happening. We had to fight because to them we had “only” lost 2 baby’s and it hadn’t been quite a full year in between each pregnancy, even though we were now nearly 2 years on and no baby still. The doctor said there was no reason why this was happening, just unexplained infertility. And let me tell you, I did everything. I tried all the old wives tales, I had acupuncture, I drank cough syrup and took aspirin. I don’t know if any of these helped or not but I couldn’t just do nothing. In September 2019, around what would have been our second baby’s due date, we found out we were pregnant again. I was happy again but so nervous! But we kept getting to each milestone and getting past it! Our little miracle finally joined us in May 2020 and we could not be happier, if not more tired then I ever knew you could be haha! He is such a blessing to us.
I was very lucky with the support I received from my friends and family for the Charity Ball, but also the amazing suppliers we had keeping the night going! Kirsty at Healing Manor
was brilliant throughout the lead up and on the night keeping everything on track, our fabulous magicians, John Morton
and Dave Burns
kept everyone entertained, as well as the stunning Karys Kennedy
with her beautiful singing voice, Dale Styward
the DJ with some brilliant music and a last minute change to our photographer with Sky Green. Thank you all so much! You helped bring my night together and I really appreciate it.
I also want to shoutout to all the support we received from local businesses for our raffle and auction prizes. You were all so generous! I’ll post a list of all the amazing businesses at the bottom of this blog, but a few of the prizes we had donated were incredible! We donated a full pamper session at Mirror Mirror, Rebecca Barker
donated a massive £200 voucher for semi permanent makeup, we had Grimsby Town FC
signed merchandise, a huge photoshoot with all the photos from the fabulous Merika Green, a course of laser hair removal from RW Aesthetics, tickets to see Wicked
in London, a golf voucher for 4 guests at Grimsby Golf Club, a party hire package from The Modern Castle
and finally a brand new party option from Floss N Pop
of S’mores board hire. The auction started off civil…but it went wild at the end, it was hilarious!
All of the heartache we experienced before Jesse came along affected me, but also Matt. He was amazing during all of it, keeping strong for both of us but that had its toll on him. I’ll let Matt tell you his story though…
“Life, in general, began taking its toll on me - with the stresses of losing babies and feeling as if I couldn’t do anything to help console EmJay was torture.
Initially the football team really helped, being surrounded by a group of other guys who has experienced similar things was good but I still didn’t like talking about things. The football itself was a good distraction for a while.
Eventually with stresses of life and work (among other things) started to lead me down a dark road. The occasional thought here and there until it got to a point I never thought I would reach. I was there thinking is there really any point. Would anyone miss me if I wasn’t here. My thoughts stemmed from a massive lack in self esteem and believing that I wasn’t worthy of my relationships with friends and loved ones.
I got to levels of coping mechanisms that I didn’t even contemplate I would ever involve myself with. From there I was stuck. Even the smallest of things in life would push me to those mechanisms.
Eventually, there were a few people I had confided in but this only made things worse. I felt like a burden to my friends and family and resorted to closing myself off again.
I made some very positive life changes, such as a new job which gave me more time at home and to spend doing things that would help as a distraction.
I’ve been fortunate enough that I haven’t looked back so far this year and going to Andy’s Man Club
has helped with this. Although I still played down my issues after hearing other stories, thinking that my issues aren’t as bad as others and I’m just being stupid, after speaking with some of the fantastic facilitators helped me realise that they do matter and no issue that makes me feel like this is small. I have a group that I go to weekly that helps me have a reset on the week as well as a laugh and joke with others men who haven struggled with these sorts of thoughts and actions. It’s great knowing we’re all there for each other and I’m finally beginning to open up and it will help build new relationships. I can’t imagine looking back and not going to AMC now and I just hope that I can start to help people get back on track the way I’ve started to. “
Again, thank you everyone for all your support, no matter what it was. I am so very grateful. I am planning on making this a regular event as I do want to help as many people as I can. But lets make it even bigger and better!! Hopefully see you at the next one!
Our fabulous donators -
Barnets Barbers
@barnets_barbers_cleethorpes_
Beth Hunter Photography
@bethhunterphotography_
Bizzy B’s
@bizzyknitting
California Nail & Beauty Clinic
@staceyjane24
Charlotte Fenty Beauty
@charlottefentybeauty
Charlocks
@_charlocks
Costa Cleethorpes
@costacleethorpes
Dough Bros
@doughbros_uk
Floss n Pop
@floss_n_pop
Grimsby Town FC
@officialgtfc
Grimsby Golf Club
@grimsbygolfclub
The Globe
@theglobecleethorpes
Holidays By Design
@holidaysbydesigncleethorpes
Hats and Tiaras
@hatsandtiarasuk
Hair & Beauty by April @__hairandbeautybyapril_
Jenny Harwood Massage Therapy
@jennyharwoodmassagetherapy
KG Professional
@kgprofessional
LW Health & Fitness
@lw_healthandfitness
Megs
@megshairandbeauty_
Michelle Hallett MUA
Makeup by Rebecca Barker
@rebeccabarkermua
Millie MUA
@milliemakeupartist
Merika Green Photography
@merikagreenphotography
Mr Foggs gin parlour London
@mrfoggsgb
The Modern Castle
@the_modern_castle
Metamorphosis Jewellery
@metamorphosis_jewellery
Polished
@michellelintonpolished
Temple Spa
@alison_clover_temple_spa
RW Aesthetics
@rwaesthetics
Seaholly florals
@seahollyflorals
Skinny Wrists
@skinnywristsjewellery
Sorority
@sororitysistersuk
Sugar So Sweet
@_sugarsosweet
Sweet Treat Bakes
@sweet_treat_bakes1
Tranquility Treatments @tranquillity.treatments
Andy Archer Tattooist
@andyarchertattooist
Wicked
@wickeduk
Do they all have to have the same hairstyle? Totally up to you, if you don’t want them to then that is fine! If you love a uniformed look, then go for it. I do actually love to see all the bridesmaids in the same style, but sometimes it just doesn’t work for your maids. There are so many ways to think about this, if they all have the same dress would you love for them to show their personalities with their own hairstyles? Or would you love them all to have the same dress and same hairstyle? If your maids have got different dresses or the multiway dresses, would you like them to have the same hairstyles to bring them all together more or keep them different with hair too? Do I let them pick their style? You could shortlist some styles for them to pick from so you know you’ll like them but they pick their favourite, or you could give them free rein to choose whatever they prefer. I’ve noticed over the years that when bridesmaids are picking their own hairstyles, the ones that are second, third or fourth in the chair tend to have similar to the first one anyway. If you are letting your maids pick their hairstyles why don’t you get them to decide on a style and send it in to your group chat a few weeks before the wedding. You might find that they are looking at similar styles anyway. This way there is no deciding on the wedding morning and everyone will know whats happening. What if one of them has extensions? Hair extensions are not a problem! I can make sure they are styled so no-one will see any bonds or tapes so don’t worry about that. All I would say is to just make sure they are fitted close to the wedding date so they are fresh, but not too close that they will be tight and sore on the wedding day. Can my maid of honour have a different style? Definitely! I’ve been seeing this a lot this year. Different hair styles, different style dresses, even different colour dresses! So, yes! Your maid of honour can absolutely have a different hair style if you want her to feel more special. What accessories do they wear? What fits with your wedding? Do you want flowers, pearls, sparkle? Or keep them simple and have no accessories? I personally love a hair accessory, I feel like it totally finishes the style and makes your bridal party stand out more from the rest of the wedding guests. There is no right or wrong way with your bridesmaids hair. The main thing, I think, is that everyone is happy and comfortable with how they look. This is what will show through on your wedding photos. A confident bridal party is the most beautiful. (Photo credits) Chris Waud Photography & Photography by Roberta (Wedding Suppliers) LC Makeup Artistry Coates Couture Hall Farm Hotel Healing Manor
You might think that booking your bridal hair for your wedding day is it, but don’t you want to make sure your hair is in the best condition as possible ready for your big day and those beautiful photos? Of course you do! You want to look your very best on your big day, so why not start a healthy hair care routine to help with this. See what hair care your hairdresser recommends. Using a good shampoo and conditioner can make the biggest difference, I’ve seen it happen so many times with my clients! I recommend washing your hair once or twice a week, and with a good shampoo, you can do that. It can take some training, pushing it an extra day each time, but its definitely possible. I would also recommend a deep conditioning treatment every 2-4 weeks depending on how often you wash your hair. I would always recommend a classic colour and cut on your wedding day to help keep your look timeless. In years to come you probably won’t want to look back at your wedding photos and wonder what you was thinking because you’d gone with a colour trend that was fashionable at the time. However, if you are one to make a statement with your look, then don’t let me stop you! I do love a statement hair colour and your wedding day should be all about you and what you love. I would advise to fit in at least 3 colours in the lead up to your wedding if you’re thinking of changing it. Just to make sure it is what you want and you are happy with it. I would also recommend getting your hair trimmed!!! This isn’t just for your wedding day, this is for life! Every 8 weeks for a trim will help keep your hair in gorgeous condition which will help keep it longer which is generally what my brides want to achieve. For your actual wedding colour and cut, I would probably book this for a week before the big day. Enjoy some time for yourself, you’ll have no doubt been finishing any bits that need doing and have a list of jobs for that week, so have that time while your colours been done to relax. This is your day! Your dreamy wedding hair plan… 7/8 months before your wedding - decide on what colour you’d like to be for your wedding and get booked in! Have a consultation and get the shampoo and conditioner your hairdresser recommends. 6 months before your wedding - First colour and cut towards your wedding hair! 4 months before your wedding - Second colour and cut, make any changes to bits you’re not sure about. 2 months before your wedding - Third colour and cut. This should be your ideal colour now! The week of your wedding! - Final colour and cut ready for your big day! Treat yourself to a conditioning treatment too, have that luxury hair!
Is a bridal hair trial worth it? Absolutely! Most stylists will want to do a wedding hair trial for you, as well as for them. It's like a sneak peek into your hair dreams and a chance for you to test-drive that perfect look. Plus, it helps us figure out if your hair needs a little extra love before the big day - like hair extensions, a fresh color, or a bouncy blowdry. At Mirror Mirror, I always add a trial into the wedding package. This gives me a chance to see what your hair is like, prepping me to work my magic on your wedding day! From hair tips to accessory advice, I've got your back on all things wedding glam. What happens at a bridal hair trial? This is an opportunity for you to trial your hair style. Bring in your inspiration pictures and your hair accessories and veil. I have various hair accessories in the salon for you to experiment with so you can get a better idea for your wedding hair. If you wear clip in hair extensions then you can bring those in too. If you normally have bonded/weave/tape hair extensions in or you want them for the day then make sure you have had those fitted for at least a week before your trial to see the complete wedding hair look. You might want to bring someone with you, your mum or maid-of-honour or a bridesmaid. Or you can come on your own! Whatever makes you feel more comfortable. Should you wash your hair before a wedding hair trial? For your wedding hair trial you should come in with your hair clean and dry. You can wash it that day or the day before as along as your hair isn’t dirty ready for styling. For your hair trial, skip the heat styling tools, like straighteners, just blowdry it, to keep your hair in the best condition for me to work my magic on! When should you have your trial? This is totally your choice. Most brides will book their wedding hair years in advance so to have a trial then could be too early for you as you might change your ideas. I would recommend to have your trial alongside your makeup trial or a dress fitting or even both. That way you can see your hair with another part of your wedding day look. Some brides like to have their trial for their hen do but this just depends if you want your hair to be a surprise on the day or if you want to show it off as many times as possible! If you have booked your wedding hair years in advance but you want to put your mind at ease then why not have a hair up for another occasion sooner? Or have an extra bridal trial? I don’t want my brides to be nervous about their hair at all so if an extra trial is what you need then just let me know. The goal is for you to feel confident and at ease with your hair on your big day. During your bridal hair trial with me, I am happy help you with any other wedding questions if I can. Besides hairstyling, I'm your go-to wedding girl. With my fair share of wedding mornings under my belt, I'm armed with tips galore. Feeling the wedding jitters or hunting down suppliers? I've got your back with a list of trusted suppliers. Your big day is going to be perfect, and if I can sprinkle some extra magic, count me in!
Ashleigh and Harry started dating in 2016 and have the cutest love story! I’m not going to lie, with all the emotions on the wedding morning and then Ashleigh telling us all how they met and started dating, I nearly started crying! “I’d followed Harry for a few years on Instagram purely by chance really! Someone I knew at the time was learning how to play guitar and knew I loved Arctic Monkeys so offered to learn a song of my choice. I searched #ArcticMonkeys on Instagram to see if I could find an example video to demonstrate how to play my chosen song and came across Harry, he was amazing and after scrolling through his feed and realising we had nearly identical music taste I decided to give him a follow. It didn’t take long for me to realise I actually had a bit of an internet crush! I was 15 at the time and it took nearly 2 years for me to finally pluck up the courage to start commenting on Harrys posts with the eventual aim of “sliding into his DMs”… he beat me to it and slid into mine. We quickly realised we lived 250 miles apart, but our connection was immediate and insane. We spoke for just over a month before travelling to meet each other, and once we did the rest was history. I moved to Grimsby for us to live together a year later, we bought our first house just shy of a year after that and Harry got down on one knee in our own living room during lock down a week before my birthday in 2020. We’ve achieved some amazing things in our nearly 7 years together and I couldn’t imagine a more perfect person to be doing it all with.” Ashleigh and Harry got married on 29th October 2022 and to match the month, they picked the most gorgeous theme of moody, dark and romantic. Absolutely stunning! “We loved every second of wedding planning (nearly). It was a little stressful at times but we had some incredible people supporting us through, including our parents and a great team of friends behind us! I’d give a special shout out to my Maid of Honour, Sophie, who was the most hands MOH I could have asked for…she was a natural! It was such an exciting time, we were glad to have nearly 2 years to plan it as it gave us enough time to make sure everything was perfect but not feel a massive strain of trying to get it all done so quickly.” “Every moment was incredible, but the most incredible moment was seeing each other from either end of the aisle. The moment you lock eyes for the first time is so beautiful and overwhelming.” “Enjoy every moment of planning. Know that your day will be perfect regardless of any stresses or circumstances. Big yourself up all day, you look amazing and you should feel it! All that matters in the end is that you and your partner get to enjoy the day and that you’re making such a wonderful commitment to each other." Wedding Vendors from Ashleigh and Harrys wedding - Hair - Mirror Mirror Make up - LC Makeup Artistry Dress - Proposals Bridal Room Suits - Moss Bros. Venue - Stallingborough Grange Hotel Photographer - Esther Louise Triffitt Photography Videography- Team Edwards Photography Cake - Kimmies Cakes Styling - Jack loves Jill Florist - Peonies and Plumes Vintage Furniture - the little wedding warehouse