Perfect day

Friday, 21 November 2003

Valerie Tall

It is curious how life goes around in circles. Sometimes it seems as if there is some master plan which directs our lives.

Valerie was born in Brigg hospital and later worked as a 'shop assistant' at Parker and Cladingbowl's. She couldn't have guessed at that time that she would be once again working in a shop in Brigg – but this time as the owner of the leading wedding studio in the region.

Valerie has always been hard-working and keen to get on in life. At school she felt driven to do well, to be senior prefect and to do her best. Later, in her working life, her efforts lead to success in a catering career and rose to become the restaurant manager and later one of the two duty managers at Briggate Lodge Inn (now known as Forest Pines Hotel).

The most interesting part of her work there involved organising the wedding groups and parties. Indeed, when her next-door-neighbour got married, Valerie was so heavily involved in the organisation of the wedding that she became convinced that she had found her true vocation.

While this was happening, her own social life hadn't stood still. She had met Colin while he was staying at Briggate Lodge on business. Valerie and Colin later married in July 1997.

Colin Tall

Colin had been working on the Thames Valley area for Lloyd's bank, when changes in technology caused by the introduction of the PC (personal computer) meant that there were large changes in the banking industry. A 3 and a half year project that involved two years in Bristol and 18 months visiting the bank's cash centres and International branches brought him to their mortgage unit – during which he met Valerie. This tour was followed in October 1995 by early retirement. Three months later he was asked to assist on a project at the mortgage unit. This would last six months, but it became a six-year stay, both at the mortgage unit and in our region. A 'second retirement' followed in December 2001.

In August 1998 they discussed setting up a business and in January 1999, they set up the Valerie Tall Wedding Consultancy. The financial security offered by the retirement settlement from the bank, helped quell the final doubts holding the couple back from starting up their own business.

Looking back, the success which they achieved in the first year – 33 weddings - seemed inevitable given the skill and ambition of Valerie and Colin; but it had been a risky venture. Although there were wedding consultancies in the south of England, there were none in our area. The couple were opening up a new market, with no guarantee that a demand even existed.

Nevertheless, through hard work and through the high standard of the weddings arranged, word about the Wedding Consultancy spread leading to more couples coming for help and assistance with their weddings. This year Valerie will arrange over 100 weddings and she has bookings up to 2006.

Valerie and Colin love their work. They like dealing with people and become 'a part of the family' as they arrange a wedding. This relationship can become close – particularly when the bride has lost a parent through bereavement or divorce. Valerie fondly talks about her customers as 'my girls'.

It can become so close that in one case, Valerie was told by the bride-to-be that she was pregnant before she had told her own mother. Thankfully, this is an unusual instance. Valerie is often asked, though, for advice - and she has been invited to go shopping with the bride – in one case to London.

The only regret for Valerie is that when the wedding is over, she loses touch with the couple as they go on honeymoon. This doesn't mark the end of the relationship, however, as many of the brides keep in contact with 'thank you' cards.

Until recently, the couple ran the business from their own home, one portion of which was reserved for displays of stationery. Even though the couple enjoyed being visited by the brides-to-be and visiting them in their homes, they are pleased to have opened a shop. "Now 'home is our home' again, but it does make going to work the next day more exciting. And isn't it lovely being able to enjoy 'going to work' and not for it to be a chore" – Colin.

Opening the Wedding Studio/shop in School Court has given them a base where their range of wedding stationery and gifts can be displayed. In the few weeks since the shop has opened they have met many new customers looking for interesting and special gifts.

For Colin, the shop makes complete a long-held ambition. Many years ago he had a dream of owning a business such as a sub-post office combined with a small shop. Life for him – and Valerie too – has come full circle. Their shared dream of running a business in which they could arrange the best day of the brides and grooms' lives has become reality.

Valerie and Colin may be content with the success they have achieved so far, but they are not resting on their laurels. Recent changes in legislation have opened up new opportunities. It is now possible, for instance, to marry in places other than churches and registry offices. In future it shall be possible for people to get married in their own homes.

Couples, too, are leaving marriage till later in life: the average being now in the late 20s. One couple were aged 60 and 68, yet were nevertheless as lovestruck as teenagers!

Weddings are becoming ever larger and more complex. Some venues now have a lower limit of 200 guests for example. This is not a problem for Valerie: she can provide the best possible service no matter how large the ceremony. The fact that Valerie can offer a 'one-stop-shop' wedding service also means that her brides have no worries on their big day.

But you don't have to be getting married or attending a wedding to visit their shop. The range of gifts and ideas they have covers the whole spectrum – from christenings, through anniversaries to Christmas gifts. So, why not go in and browse – you'll be made very welcome!