For the past three years, alongside running Jellybean, our business had the privilege of working with the lovely team at Wedding Fayres Yorkshire. If you didn’t know already, with my background in graphic and web design, I was approached by them several years ago and through Jellybean, we provided marketing, website management, and social media support, as well as working on events such as the North of England Wedding Awards.

It was more than just a business arrangement – it became a friendship. Together, we built campaigns, supported suppliers, and worked hard to promote venues and businesses across Yorkshire. I’m proud of what was achieved during that time, and we will always look back on those years with gratitude.

But sometimes in business, you have to take a step back and reassess where your time and energy are best spent. Earlier this year, I was hit with some unexpected news about my health – I need heart surgery pretty soon which took me back quite alot. That, combined with the busiest wedding season Jellybean has ever had, made it clear I couldn’t give 100% to both commitments anymore.

I’ve always believed in doing things properly or not at all. If I can’t commit fully to a project, then it’s fairer for everyone if I step back. The decision wasn’t easy, but it was the right one – for my health, for Jellybean, and for Wedding Fayres Yorkshire. When I left back in June, I made sure nothing was left unfinished and everything was handed over clearly, so they could continue without disruption. And what a summer it has been too!

There was another reason it felt like the right time. Over the past year, I’ve been reflecting on the direction we want Jellybean to take. My passion has always been building a brand couples can trust through our service, our equipment, and our reputation in the wedding industry with our amazing team. While I’ve enjoyed being part of Wedding Fayres Yorkshire and the North of England Wedding Awards, being closely linked with another business also means being linked to their way of working.

Every business has its own priorities, style, and approach…. and that’s okay. But I knew I wanted Jellybean to be fully responsible for its own standards, decisions, and direction. Stepping away gives me the space to put all my energy into Jellybean, growing the team further and into making sure every couple we work with gets the very best we can offer (which has always been our true value). I personally stand over our company values along with Stacey, Natasha and the rest of #TeamJellybean – and we are known for truly that…. our team effort and for looking after each and every customer.

That said, I’ll always be thankful for the role Wedding Fayres Yorkshire has played in our journey. They have supported Jellybean in the wedding fayre world, given us the opportunity to be part of the awards through judging and sponsorship, and introduced us to some truly amazing people in the industry (where we have built some amazing friends). Although things feel different now and it seems they may have decided to move on without us, I’m still grateful for those years and the part they played in where we are today. We will always remain open to working closely with them in the future where the opportunity arises.

While I wish them nothing but the best, my focus is 100% on Jellybean and on the couples we serve.

This wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the right one – for my health, for my peace of mind, and for the continued growth of Jellybean. My time with WFY taught me the value of genuine relationships, listening to the people you work with, and putting care into every detail. Those lessons will stay with me and continue to shape how we do things at Jellybean.

Here’s to new beginnings – and to making the future of Jellybean Photobooth the best yet.