Blogger Spotlight: Louise Baltruschat Hollis, Whimsical Wonderland Weddings

Whimsical Wonderland Wedding exists to help with all wedding planning ideas bringing you an eclectic mix of inspiration, trusted suppliers, and real wedding features. Founded by Louise Baltruschat Hollis in 2010 while planning her wedding, the blog has become a vital resource for couples on the lookout for advice based on personal experiences. Whimsical Wonderland Wedding’s DIY tutorials range from wedding favours to growing your own wedding flowers. In this spotlight, Louise, who recently made it into our top ten wedding blog ranking chats to us about how the blog has been a source of comfort, working with sponsors, how PRs can build better relationships with bloggers, and why she plans to post more videos via the Instagram Stories platform.

Why should people read your blog? What makes it different? I like to think that Whimsical Wonderland Weddings is a friendly, welcoming and inclusive place for brides and grooms to find a little escapism when planning their weddings.

I pride the blog on featuring some of the best photography in the UK and beyond, along with super stylish and loved up nuptials for oodles of ideas.

There are lots of planning advice articles on the site, including my totally free planning tools and spreadsheets to ensure maximum organisation. I also launched our own wedding directory, the Supplier Love page last year to promote even more brilliant UK wedding businesses and allow couples to find their dream team all in once place.

How do you measure the success of your website? Honestly, it’s something I struggle to do. As I see it, I have my dream job, which pays the bills and is my full-time employment. Therefore Whimsical Wonderland Weddings has been a huge success personally for me.

I struggled with mental health issues and still do, but the blog really was a source of comfort and distraction for me in the hard times.

I think it’s important to measure success against your own goals and dreams rather than trying to compare yourself to others.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a blog? Do it! But for the right reasons. Begin blogging about a topic that makes your heart sing where you can’t wait to log into the computer at random hours and write. It needs to be a real passion and hobby to really shine out in the crowd. Also, great photography is key. If taking your own images, invest in learning about how to create great images and get networking on the social channels.

How do you work with marketers and PRs? When I am contacted directly with relevant brands that would work well with my blog, I pop over my media pack for different opportunities in which we can work together. I only work with my sponsors in term of promotions via the blog as I focus on real wedding reports and editorial shoot features primarily. I have featured weddings after submissions have been arranged and submitted by PRs too.

How do you use social media to promote and share content? What are the challenges? I post all content on my social channels. I think Instagram has to be my fave right now. It’s so engaging and interactive. Visuals need to be stunning and always properly credited with the correct suppliers and photographer, which is really important to me. I have also recently discovered Snapchat which is super fun and it’s wonderful to see a behind the scenes snapshot into the lives of brands and bloggers. Although my day to day life is not overly exciting as I am usually found in my dining room on my Mac.

What can PRs do in working better with you? 

I think it’s important that PRs understand the blog and the niche they are contacting as well as establishing a personal relationship.

For example addressing emails by the bloggers name and engaging in friendly chat. Then sending relevant brands and stories to the publication in question.

What has been your blogging highlight? Ohh, that’s a tough one. I’d have to say finally getting married last year and blogging my own wedding, it was a long time coming after cancelling our wedding due to heath problems 6 years ago now. Then there are the amazing emails I receive both from couples enjoying the blog and resonating with articles I have posted, to hearing about featured suppliers connecting with like minded couples.

What will be big in your blogosphere in the coming months? I think after Instagram launching Instagram Stories, video and live broadcasting will be pushed to the forefront. But images will still be so important and Pinterest just keeps on growing. That along with authentic, personal writing and personality, will still be really key in running a successful blog.

Image courtesy of Alexa Loy Photography