This Blog Post Was Written By Bethany, PA to Luke Granger
As a family business, we at Luke Granger Photography know the importance of shopping small. As much as we regularly use well known brands like Amazon, we try to support lots of small and local businesses too. We wanted to share our favourite finds with you all, we hope these recommendations will help each business grow a little as it's important to remember that every like on social media, every purchase or positive review can make a huge difference to a small business.
As always, we would never recommend something we didn't love, most businesses listed below have already been tried and tested by us or are businesses or people we have worked with before. Many are completely unrelated to weddings but we still feel it's important to share their amazing work with you all and will add to list over time.
When you make a purchase from a small business you are not funding a lavish lifestyle; you are enabling a family holiday, paying children's dance lessons or helping them learn to swim.
Boutique Cakes By Amanda
Amanda's cakes not only taste amazing but they certainly bring the wow factor. Based locally to us in Gravesend, Amanda has created us some beautiful masterpieces for our family birthdays; the dedication and precision in each one is clear. Jessica loves choosing her birthday cakes and is always so excited to see what Amanda makes for her.
Thomas Cookie
Working hard to brighten everyones day in the form of freshly baked treats is the Maidstone based team at Thomas Cookie. A menu of Cookies, Cookie Cups, Brookies and S'mores that can be delivered across the UK is enough to make anyone smile. Be sure to try the Brookies, they are delicious.
Rebecca Morley Osteopathy
I first started visiting Becky for regular treatments in 2016 and as a result no longer suffer from migraines. Knowing how to ease pain and discomfort with the use of multiple techniques, Becky has clinics in both Old Harlow (Essex) & Aylesford (Kent) and is the sunshine on a rainy day. It is so important to look after your health so regardless of your age, don't suffer in silence, get in touch with Becky and she will do her best to fix you.
Dean Cripps
Commercial & Equity Release Advisor Dean, is a hard working family man and will always look after his clients best interests. Whether you are looking at getting a mortgage on a new or current property, Dean will find the best rates for you and keep the process as stress free as possible. Email him at dean.cripps@ramsayandwhite.com to discuss how he can support you and your investments.
Wood Shed
During the Coronavirus pandemic, the Wood Shed Team have created something amazing. Usually found catering for local events, the Gravesend business used their initiative and began creating 'make your own pizza kits'. Complete with instructions, freshly made dough and toppings, this little box of heaven is delivered to your door, allowing you to make your own rustic creation. Hands down, this is the best pizza we have ever eaten.
Birdie Barn
There are lots of companies on the market making personalised gifts however Birdie Barn are my favourites. Their style and ethics shine through with everything they make and it is clear they love the brand they have made. I purchased these gorgeous ECO Friendly tote bags recently which are fab for running errands or taking samples to clients.
MvC - Mobile Valet Clinic
No job is too big or small for enthusiastic Dervis. Friendly and efficient in all that he does, It is clear he takes such pride in running his valet business, he does a fantastic job and we love that he can visit us at home. Check out his Instagram to see his before and after shots.
Boyson's Sausages Ltd
Full of flavour Boyson's award winning sausage recipes speak for themselves and we are big fans of their whole menu. Owner Lee, recently came out of retirement to reboot the family brand that has been popular in Kent since the 80's.
Darby's Accountants
A good accountant can be hard to find but the team at Darby's are a fantastic bunch. Based in the East Midlands, they are certainly not local to us here in Kent, but always deliver a great service remotely.
J Hearnden Skips
A skip is not something that looks attractive but it certainly serves a purpose and the J Hearnden team always give fantastic service. Based in Dartford, Kent if you are doing some home renovations or are a tradesman, be sure to give them a shout.
The Label Lady
If you love organising as much as Sophie Hinchcliffe or Stacey Solomon then be sure to check out the beautiful labels made by the lovely Jemma. Alongside being a Nurse, mother and running a successful party business, Jemma has made The Label Lady a huge Instagram success already. I chose to label all the rooms in our house and would label everything in the kitchen if Luke would let me.
Berry and the Bee
Talented Hollie creates the perfect accessory by adding one of her creative designs to what was once a simple leather jacket. A fantastic statement piece, like this beautiful bee design, will become a staple in your wardrobe; a talking point I'm sure. Perhaps the perfect addition to your wedding day outfit?
Sweets In The Post
If you want to spread some sugary joy to a loved one, friend or colleague then this is the company for you. We sent all our wedding clients a box at Christmas and they were so well received, that we will definitely be doing the same again this year.
Lucy Locket Loves
Working from home can sometimes get a little dull but wearing Lockets is enough to brighten anyones day. Super comfy, stretchy and funky, lockets are the perfect purchase for a legging lover like me. Jessica and I even have a matching set of mermaids.
PYO Pumpkins
The last couple of Autumns we have made a family trip to Beluncle Farm in Hoo, to partake in a spot of Pumpkin picking. Understandably, its a muddy occasion but there is something quite satisfying about choosing your favourite one (or 6 in Jessica's case). Prices are reasonable but I would highly recommend wearing wellies.
The Gravesend Florist
There are times in life when words are not enough but the lovely ladies at The Gravesend Florist know exactly what to do. Beautiful bouquets or arrangements can be made to any budget, colour scheme or design and even delivered locally for free.
Space Tidy
There is something so satisfying about what Matt from Space Tidy has achieved for himself and his young family. Such an innovative idea, the growing team utilise even the most unusual spaces to create bespoke under stairs storage. When we buy our forever home, a Space Tidy system is 100% being installed.
The Kentish Soap Company
I met Jayne and her husband John as they are fellow members of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. I have since tried some of their natural products myself and absolutely love the passion they put into their family business. Their strong environmentally friendly values sit perfectly alongside being based in the Garden of England. I can't wait to attend one of their soap making workshops, such an amazing idea.
Pinnable Parties
If your planning a party and need a helping hand, head over and speak to the lovely Ami. Her balloon bouquets are so beautiful and there really is something for everyone. Filled with vision, she also writes a great blogs about motherhood and empowering women, I wonder how she finds the time to do so much! Follow her @amielizabethblog
Christmas Tree Farm
Jessica loves our trips to the farm in Orpington, so we try to visit a few times a year. At £13.00 for us all to enter, the experience is such good value and we could spend hours feeding the baby lambs and goats as they are just so adorable. If you are local and haven't visited, we would highly recommend it as a way to enjoy a couple of hours outside.
Sunshine Scrapbooking
I do enjoy a spot of crafting so was over the moon when I came across Sunshine Scrapbooking over on Instagram. Plenty of choice, well priced and a speedy delivery meant that my craft cupboard is well stocked ready to preserve all my precious memories.
Each of these small businesses has been selected to feature because I think they deserve recognition and support for their hard work. None of them asked/paid to be featured and did not know they were being mentioned until after the article was published.