About WBA…

Annabel Candler, Founder. Any challenge accepted!

Bringing you creativity & imagination with organisation & logistics!

The Story So Far…

“Weddings by Annabel was created in November 2010. I worked across Manchester and West Yorkshire in marketing, events & PR after achieving my Marketing degree at Huddersfield Uni. Then I came home to the fells and worked briefly in marquees (I have the scars to prove it!). One client asked if she could have a chat over a coffee with me about everything but the marquee. Of course I went along and three hours later we had nailed her complete wedding plan! It felt glorious and she was over the moon to feel so confident about her special event. That was it… I knew I had found my dream job!

WBA has helped over 100 couples and their dream day plans and doesn’t shy from any request, from sheep serving beer to ceremonies in a cave. I love designing the wedding to suit each couple, getting to know them and their nearest and dearest. Every wedding should be different, worthwhile and memorable. It should be obvious who’s wedding it is from the moment a guest sees the invite never mind the venue! I love to explore who the couple are, what matters to them and then manage the day with all that in mind.

I have also worked on numerous public events during my WBA years including street festivals, Halloween experiences and food events. I also created a women’s networking group which I ran for six years. I am also trained in Mental Health, Well-being, Project Management, Leadership & Emergency First Aid which are great backing for any event creation.”

Who?

Annabel Candler, Founder - BA Hons
Into my gardening, photography, old cars, frisbee, watercolour painting and a good Sauvignon Blanc!
Mummy to two loud, bonkers girls (Harriet age 10 & Lucy age 5),
Wife to the wonderful Luke for over 13 years,
Sister to one super creative artist & all round good egg.
Daughter to two super supportive, loving & experienced entrepreneurs.

What?

Put simply, my ethos is…

Honest kind opinions, calm demeanor, fun & laughter. Focus is on no waste and developing the perfect atmosphere.

Not everyone has to get married but if you do, do it right for you.

Annabel’s eldest ‘mini me’, Harriet, modelling for a styled shoot.

PUT YOUR HANDS TOGETHER FOR OUR TEAM…

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”

— Mark Twain

As WBA grows a little each year, I need back up. I need good people to have my back and be flipping awesome for my wonderful clients and venues. I have three ladies below that are fun, professional, organised, creative and just a good laugh!

INTRODUCING….

Lindsey Robinson

Account Executive

Having been involved in some major venues in Cumbria, Lindsey comes to WBA with bags of experience. Working alongside venue owners, colleagues and clients, she coordinated and planned many events, each with DIY elements. She has seen a lot, good and bad! She is joining the team to help Annabel’s lengthy admin tasks and venue portfolio. They just need to stop chatting and actually get some work done now…!!!!!

KATARINA PRIOR

Executive Assistant

Having a family member on the team could lead to danger but actually, we are a great match! Being my sister, we know each other very well, so tasks are handed over terribly easily! Every time we meet we share ideas and contacts. Both of us have a history in events and many creatives in the family tree. It can only be a good thing!

“Annabel asked for a summary of my awesomeness and this is what I could muster!… I am an artist who creates art and runs workshops to strengthen communities and inspire people to improve the world, environmentally & socially. I have nearly 10 years’ experience in project management and marketing, from running my own arts projects and working with organisations. I am the creator and director of Myriad Studio an organisation which runs relaxed, social and fun workshops www.myriadstudio.uk. I have been working for the arts organisation Prism Arts for over 4 years. They are an arts charity working with people with learning disabilities and autism who want to be artist, actors or theatre practitioners. I manage their marketing and communications, as well as assisting with project and event management. I have worked on small and large events, from weddings, to large Town Centre Events like Winter Droving, and festivals like Solfest. I live in Edinburgh, but grew up in Cumbria and work in both locations. I have a fine art degree from Central Saint Martins, London and have just finished studying Social Enterprise Leadership (Arts and Cultural Leadership) with University of Cumbria and the Brathay Trust.”

Heather Trafford

Executive Assistant

After Annabel being part of Heather’s wedding, she knew Heather could be a valuable asset when she started her own planning role. Juggling new baby and new business, Heather joins with a ton of experience in the world of weddings in Cumbria.

It’s so awesome to have backup; reliable souls who feel the same about events and clients special occasions as I do! Now let’s get them working!!!