In the studio this week… An exhibition stand for photographer Matt Pereira at the National Wedding Show
An exhausted Matt Pereira has just returned from the three day National Wedding Show at London’s Olympia, and as we helped him plan, design and style his stand, I couldn’t resist sharing the gorgeous photos with you.
Matt has exhibited at the National Wedding Show for several years now, and has always had a professional looking stand, but he was looking to up his game this year and make sure his stand reflected the way we’ve developed his brand identity recently. Gone are the plain walls covered in dozens of images; and in their place beautifully wallpapered MDF courtesy of Laura Ashley and a select number of stunning photographs in matching frames.
We’ve put a lot of thought into how we styled the stand. Matt has always had a real-life bride on his stand, which has been a fabulous crowd-pleaser and also provided testimonials on tap. So we made sure that he took a bride along again.
We also thought creatively about the whole look and feel. And thanks to Laura Ashley and an early morning flit to Kempton Antiques Market, Matt and I sourced some fitting furniture, and best of all, vintage suitcases and books! The suitcases add a touch of “manly glamour” to the whole stand, whilst also being a nod to Matt as a destination wedding photographer.
Matt placed photo books on the edges of the stand for passers by to flick through and was under strict instructions to relax when the visitors were touching them – however greasy their fingers might be! A lot of photographers tend to get quite territorial (understandably) when people are flicking through their expensive albums. But I think if you want to create a warm and welcoming vibe then you have to get over the chocolate fingers and accept that you’re likely to have to write off the album as an exhibition expense.
The details made a big difference. We didn’t want to go girly on the styling, so we took inspiration from Matt’s brochure which is all textured paper, leather and “wallpaper”. The books are perfect for the Autumnal colour personality and work really well with the suitcases. The blocks add to the tone and the coffee table is so much more full of personality than one of the standard Ikea units Matt was using previously.
Engaging with the visitors (well done with the hands off the album too Matt!)
Kate, the gorgeous bride in the pic above was on the stand on Saturday in her wedding dress, ready to gush about Matt. And I always think that people respond really well to seeing the “real thing” alongside the wedding photos.
We wanted a bit of a unique giveaway so Matt hand-baked (and iced) biscuits which he cellophane wrapped and tied with ribbon (grosgrain as specified by me!).
And of the biscuits Matt said:
“Cookies went down a treat, and it was great that I had handmade them (and badly iced them) as it was a good talking point”
It’s been an absolute pleasure working with Matt on this stand because he’s taken our vision and followed it through right down to the last detail. And because of that he has a really coherent stand.
It’s too early to tell how just how much of an impact this has made on his sales, as wedding photography tends to be a bit more of a consultative sell. But his leads were up by 500% on last year and we have created a cracker of a communication plan to ensure that he maximises on the potential of each and every one of his leads. I’ll keep you posted!
Fiona & team – you continue to impress me! Huuugely
Gushing always welcome.
I think the pro photography definitely helps but it was a fun project to do and we’re all very proud of the end result
Beautiful pictures, concept and project! Well done again for being so definitely NOT run of the mill!
I was there!! It looked AMAZING…I was sooo so so SO impressed. I loved the furniture and the wallpaper etc….fab ideas. Very inspiring!
It’s great to see the advice from your book on exhibiting put into action with such a fab stand – so thanks for sharing with us. By the way, anyone who hasn’t read it yet – I heartily recommend it.
So, now I am back and somewhat able to resurface into the land of the living … I have to say an enormous THANK YOU to Fiona for her input into my stand design and to the whole approach for the show. It did look utterly fantastic, and whilst it took a huge amount of work to make it work, it was worth it …
Thanks also to the rest of the Flourish team for all their input into my ongoing brand development and marketing – it’s a very exciting time for me and I am thrilled to have such a fantastic team behind me!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
xxxx
I think putting Matts framed photography images in the context of ‘home’ setting works brilliantly. Clients can relate to the visual of how their photos might look in their own home. Fab job Fiona and all at Flourish – Matt they ‘done you proud’!
Hi .. I have a weird one for ..I am doing the National Wedding Show at The NEC in October for he first time and have opted for wallpapered MDF boards also. How did you attach yours to the stand as they are (by far) the best I have seen.
All help appreciated thanks
Mel x
Hi Melanie, thank you for stopping by. I will double check with Matt, but in the meantime I’d suggest you go for a v. lightweight MDF board and possibly use a strong velcro to attach to the shell scheme? All the best with the show – this might help you with your stand planning… http://amzn.to/duMsIW
Good luck!
kind regards
Fiona
Thanks so much for responding. I’m going to buy the book you suggested and also will take your advice on board and velcro thanks. Any tips Matt has about getting it to stick will be great.
There’s a cupcake in it for you! ha ha ha
Thanks again
Mel
Thanks Mel. Hope you enjoy the book. Have put a call out for Matt so hopefully he’ll share his secrets very soon…
Just wondering if you attached the MDF with any kind of brackets to the shell scheme or did it just lean against the frame?
Thinking of doing smething very similar for an upcoming exhibition.
Hi Steven
to be honest I don’t know how he attached them, but heavy duty velcro could work? Good luck with the show. Fiona