Meath Style Awards: Who will be first to the altar to collect Best Wedding Supplier?

Bespoke stationary creating the perfect love story on paper

PaperTwigs Designs

Tell us about your business

PaperTwigs Designs is a bespoke illustration studio based in Wilkinstown created by myself, Kathryn Leonard. It is mainly a one women show with some occasional help at busy times!

PaperTwigs specialises in creating bespoke Wedding Stationary & high end greeting cards. Each design is illustrated by myself before creating a template for my range of pre designs or bespoke custom designs.

Much of my work is inspired by the beautiful Irish countryside along with a love of whimsical and vintage nostalgia . With much of the designs rooted in celebrating love, family, home and friendship.

The best thing about your service?

I offer a complete service for customers who wish to avail of a my bespoke collections or pre designed bundles which are a more affordable option. My designs are completely hand drawn and unique.

For my wedding clients I will create a design based on the information and story the couples provide me with. Working together we create their perfect love story on paper.

The best business advice you've ever been given? Be brave & just do it! I left my full-time job in September 2023 to pursue the dream of growing & expanding PaperTwigs. It was a big step but I am so happy I took the plunge and can give it my all now.

What does the future hold for your business?

I am building and growing every month. My range of stockists is expanding and I am aiming to have a range of PaperTwigs cards in a retail in every county in Ireland, with a view to export in the future. I hope to be in a position to grow my team to employ further staff in my business soon.

'I love being part of the customer's big occasions whatever they are celebrating'

Mrs Smith's Bakery

Tell us about your business

Mrs Smith's Bakery is a small production and a local and friendly customer orientated bakery producing lots of delicious and freshly made treats, serving fabulous Geometry Coffee and creating bespoke custom-made cakes for every occasion, run by Emma Smith in Kells.

Describe the best thing about your service

I work with each customer on a very personal level, given that I am a one woman show!

This allows me to get to know couples or individuals closely, and amazingly lots of my repeat customers I now class as friends. I love being part of customers’ special days through their cake or treats, for whatever occasion they are celebrating. Nothing makes me happier than to see a happy couple or a child cutting their cake or tucking into a slice!

What's the best business advice you've ever been given?

Don't worry about what others are doing, and don't feel jealous or concerned if you aren't where they are - everyone is on their own journey in business - and you are most likely being watched by someone who wishes they were in your shoes!

What does the future hold for your business?

This year, I have introduced guest cake artists to join me in the bakery to hold 1/2 day cake decorating courses, so the plan is to develop these, either on my own or with my fellow cake artists! I have lots of people coming from around the country and the UK so very excited for that. I also hope to develop my online sales too.

'It's such a privilege to bring that special day to life musically'

Laura Colgan Music

Tell us about your business and team

Laura Colgan is a professional wedding vocalist who specialises in Ceremony Music, Drinks Reception Music, Full Live Wedding Band & DJ and Day Two Celebrations that caters for all things music.

The business covers weddings and occassions nationwide. Laura is a musician herself but works closely also with a very talented team of musicians ranging from piano, guitar, violin, cello and Harp upon request from couples. Laura has the utmost respect for every awesome, talented musician that plays with her.

Describe the best thing about your service

The best thing about our service is that I get to orchestrate and create a musical soundtrack for a couple’s wedding day. How cool is that! Often during a consultation, for example, a bride or groom will tell me they love certain songs that they think may not be appropriate for a ceremony due to it having lots of drums maybe. Fear not, my job is to reimagine what may be a tricky song, strip it back and create a more acoustic, soft and sophisticated version of it whilst still offering their favourite song.

When our ceremonies conclude, we then perform at their drinks reception until dinner bell and 99% of the time, that always ends up in a party which sets the tone before heading into their meal. Spirits are high. By far, the best part of my job are the friends I get to make along the way. From the initial booking, there are always lots of chats and craic over the phone and by message.

Even when it’s all over, my couples stay in touch and thankfully to date, we have 5-star reviews, which I am so grateful for. It’s such a privilege to be booked to sing for a couple’s wedding day.

I understand that they have been imagining walking up the aisle in preparation for the day and I get to bring it all to life musically. I love my job so much and am eternally grateful for each couple that has chosen us to be a part of their wedding day.

What’s the best business advice you’ve ever been given?

Never give up and to always believe and be true to myself. Always work hard, be unique and be kind to everyone you meet. Manner’s cost nothing. Someone once told me, there’s only one Laura, nobody else has my voice. Be the best Laura that I can be and always give 100%.

That has always stuck with me. It’s that phrase known worldwide “Never Give Up.” I have worked so hard to build my business and always reinvest in my equipment and voice. Being a singer, we are our own worst critic at times. Our singing voice is coming from our bodies which makes it quite personal, but I always aim to grow Laura Colgan Music as much as I can. The sky is the limit!

What does the future hold for your business?

Thankfully the future is super busy and we are very thankful for all of our bookings. Our diary for 2026 is now open. Aside from Weddings, I offer Funeral Music, Pub Gigs, Private Parties and all celebrations so I am delighted to be busy. I am also working behind the scenes on my own music and hope to release some new singles in the coming months. Hopefully the future will hold a Meath Style Award for Best Wedding Supplier. Wink wink!

Growing a family-run business adding magical touches to the big day

Seppy's Sweet Pea's

Tell us about your business and team

Seppy’s Sweet Pea’s is a wedding supply rental company supplying high-end quality artificial flowers and signs. The business is based in Carlanstown, Co Meath but supplies nationwide.

The best thing about your service?

Seppy’s Sweet Pea’s was inspired by owner Jessica McGivern’s loving mother, Seppy with her beauty, creativity and love for flowers. Personnel at Seppy’s Sweet Pea’s love being part of a couple’s special day and help making it that bit more special.

What’s the best business advice you’ve ever been given?

My sisters have encouraged me and supported my vision telling me I can do it and have been my biggest support every step of the way.

What does the future hold for your business?

Hopefully many more weddings with many more happy customers.

The plan is to continue to grow a family-run business and to be able to create something to last for generations to come.

- The 2024 Meath Style Awards in association with Specsavers take place in the Headfort Arms Hotel this Friday (June 7th)