BUSINESSES in Colchester and north Essex are celebrating after being praised by a celebrity on well-known wedding site. 

Kate Howland, from Colchester, couldn’t believe her eyes when Love Islander Olivia Bowen included her business, Amelia Events, on a list of the UK’s best wedding vendors.

The business sees her travelling around the country supplying bespoke décor and wedding stationery.

Olivia, who is also from Essex, put together the list as part of her new role as guest editor at the wedding planning app Hitched, a role she was “honoured” to take on.

Olivia said: “Amelia Events say they ‘bring your Pinterest dreams to life’ - and let’s be honest, that’s all any of us want when planning a wedding, isn’t it? Their images are just stunning.”

Gazette: TV star - Olivia BowenTV star - Olivia Bowen (Image: PA)

Kate has worked in the events industry for about 12 years and started her own business, which she says helps “bring visions to life”, early last year, working alongside her mum Jill.

“It’s been amazing,” she said. “I drive around still and just think ‘how is this my life?’.”

The 28-year-old has visited wedding venues up and down the country as part of her job but says Gosfield Hall is one of her favourites to visit.

Gazette: Family - business owner Kate Howland with her mum Jill who helps at weddings and eventsFamily - business owner Kate Howland with her mum Jill who helps at weddings and events (Image: Kate Howland)

TV star Olivia also included Gosfield Hall, where she married fellow Love Islander Alex Bowen, in her list of the country’s top ten wedding vendors.

“This is where Alex and I had our wedding, and I have to say, it’s totally award-worthy,” she said.

“It’s an incredible wedding venue with the most luxurious amenities, and the wedding suite has to be seen to be believed.”

Gazette: Stunning - Gosfield HallStunning - Gosfield Hall (Image: N/A)

She also praised Adam on Piano, a pianist based in Colchester.

Olivia added: “I just love the sound of piano music, so the idea of hiring a pianist to play is just dreamy.

“Adam on Piano has been doing weddings for over 15 years, and yes, he’s based in Essex but he also travels across the country to play beautiful music at weddings all over.”

Mulberry House, a wedding venue in High Ongar, and Rayleigh-based Kirsty Bowks Bespokes, which creates live drawings of wedding guests, also made Olivia’s top ten.