Three years ago today I sat down, with a mixture of trepidation and excitement, to write my very first post. I can’t quite believe it, honestly it only feels like yesterday, and there’s not a day goes by that I am not grateful for all that has happened since then. So today I am taking a moment in celebration of Chic Vintage Bride’s 3rd year of being, to look back at all we (for without you, there would be no CVB) have achieved and to share with you a few things we have to look forward to!

(Image – The Sweetest Occasion)

I am so proud of everything my little blog has become and achieved in just 3 short years. I don’t usually like to blow my own trumpet, but I think its important to recognise and celebrate these milestones. Especially as so many have only been possible thanks to you! A few highlights have been reaching 4 million followers on Pinterest, making the Top 100 Wedding Blogs list, being named one of Huffington Posts 11 Inspiring Wedding Pinners to Follow oh and of course that mention in Vogue. And in just the last year CVB has joined Google+, Instagram and the brand new Ello (have you seen it yet? I am LOVING it!), was named one of 25 Must Follow Wedding Pinners and most momentous of all? I gave up my job to work on Chic Vintage Brides full time….. and got a puppy! I have to be honest and say life feels pretty perfect right now….. but never one to stand still for long, I have such a lot of exciting new developments, plans and projects up my sleeve!

Exciting times ahead…..

I have been teasing you all week with talk of further birthday celebrations, but now I have to make an itsy confession. Whilst I had big plans to unveil a swanky new re-design for CVBs 3rd birthday (after all it has been a whole 2 years since the last one – I don’t know about you, but I am ready for a change!) unfortunately despite our (mine and Mr Es) best efforts we’ve had to postpone until December. We have been working long and hard on this re-design, making sure every last thing (font, colour, icon, layout and widget) is perfect! And by perfect I mean not only pretty to look at but also impeccable in terms of what it delivers to you the user. Much as making the decision to postpone was a hard one, I would postpone it again rather than unveil something we don’t absolutely believe it perfect for you.

The excitement doesn’t end there though, because the re-design doesn’t just involve a swanky new blog – oh no, it is so much more than that!

♥  A Beautiful New Chic Vintage Bride

With some sadness we will shortly be saying a fond farewell to Yvonne, who has been with me from the very beginning of Chic Vintage Brides. She was the first thing I found when I set out to brand and design my blog back in 2010. So sweet and innocent, from the moment I stumbled across her I knew she would be perfect with her vintage inspired style and demure gaze. But I realised at the start of this year that after 3 years it was time for a new identity, someone who better reflects the brand my little blog has become, someone a little more glamorous and sophisticated. Someone who exudes the vintage inspired essence of CVB and most importantly someone who also reflects the direction I hope to take the blog in over the next 3 years. Having found someone who I think does all of the above and more I can’t wait any longer to share her with you, so here’s a sneak peek…..

♥  Fancy New Features

As well as a new identity and branding, the new blog design will also have a whole host of fancy new pages and features! Such as a News page, somewhere to share all the latest exciting fairs, events, promotions and competitions; a beautiful new boutique brimming with vintage inspired fashion, jewelry, decor and gifts, everything you will need to help you create your dream day. And a fabulous new Directory to showcase all of the very best wedding professionals and vendors who will help turn your vision into a reality.

♥  New Collaborations

I am working hard with the very best wedding industry professionals from around the world to be able to bring some new regular posts within those categories that I know mean the most to you! The ones that require some extra special professional insight and input to ensure only the highest quality and most creative inspiration and information for you vintage loving brides-to-be. So, starting soon, keep a look out for exciting new regular articles within Honeymoon, Floral Design and Beauty!

And last but not least…..

♥  A Chic Vintage Team!

That’s right, I have finally realised that the only way  Chic Vintage Brides can continue to grow and improve is with help. I can no longer single handedly cover the roles of Editor, Social Media Manager, Sales Manager, Account Manager, Marketing Manager, Finance Manager and dog walker! To beging with I was nervous, like many bloggers, my blog is my baby and I struggled to even imagine handing any part of looking after her over. But since making the decision I am now excited at the thought of becoming a team, sharing my knowledge, learning myself and hopefully having someone to chat with over a coffee (even if it is over Skype!) I will shortly be advertising a number of positions, the majority being interns to begin with, so if you have an interest in and knowledge of blogging, social media, weddings and all things vintage, or have an enthusiasm and willingness to learn, email me at [email protected].

I have learnt SO much over the last 3 years, yet still feel very much like the new girl, and I’m not sure I will ever feel anything but. I know I have barely scratched the surface of the ever-changing wedding industry and blogging business, and that excites me so much.

Thank-you to everyone – sponsors, partners, wedding industry professionals, followers, friends and passers by; who have been a part of the last 3 years. I am so looking forward to the next 3!!

Well, I’m off to blow out some candles and enjoy some sparkly with my ever supportive husband!

Amy

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