Thursday 31 December 2009

Real Wedding: Mariam & Ben

It's pretty hard to have a totally original big day, but this cute couple Ben and Mariam had a pretty good go at it! Check out Mariam's gorgeous fabric and button bouquet for starters. Then look at the later photos to spot her second dress of the day, a sari for the reception. At this point you should note that neither of them are Indian they just thought it'd be fun! Whatsmore, instead of doing the first dance together, they continued the Indian theme, and did the Jai-Ho" dance from Slumdog Millionaire with their friends. Isn't that just the coolest idea? Fanastic photos as ever from Christine Chang.

Sunday 27 December 2009

Your Lucky Number

What's your lucky number? For the Chinese, it's the number eight, because ba in Mandarin and baht in Cantonese rhymes with the word prsoperity, which is pronounced fa or faht. Elegant couple Shining and Karl must be superstitious because they planned their big day for August 8th, 2008 (8/8/08). Their gorgeous celebration took place in New York, with one special guest - their dog Whiskey, who carried the rings to the altar in a pouch on his collar. Other ideas to copy include Shining's stunning dress with a simple sage green sash (a fantastic way to introduce colour), the bamboo holder for place markers, and the traditional Chinese bird cages. I love Shining's orchid and veil combo as well - there's nothing more elegant than an up-do! Endless thank-you's to Karen Wise for her photos - exceptional as ever!

Tuesday 22 December 2009

Guest Posting

One of my favourite blogs from over the other side of the pond is Oh So Beautiful Paper. The author, Nole, loves all things paper, and updates her blog on a regular basis with things that inspire her, from paper goods and wedding invitations to interior design, style and anything pretty. I'm particularly keen on her Real Invitations features - check out this fabulous set from her latest posting and click here to check out the feature in full!


Monday 21 December 2009

@ Website for the Weak @

I can't tell you how excited I was when I discovered the gorgeous shopping site, Happiness Itself. Owner Anita Kaushal clearly has an eye for the most wondeful things, and although not all of them are wedding related, just imagine how gorgeous the ceramic key-ring and Kiss Hoarder book could be as wedding favours. And if you're having a simple beach wedding, your bridesmaids could certainly wear the pure cotton lace-trimmed tops over silk skirts. Even the ruffle bag comes folded into the shape of a heart *sigh*.

Saturday 19 December 2009

Real Wedding: Irene & Quinn

On a crisp cold morning like today, it didn't feel right to feature a summer wedding, so here's a gorgeous winter one from New York instead. Irene and Quinn picked a gorgeous venue in the heart of historic South Street Seaport in Lower Manhattan, and said their vows as the sun set over the East River. I just adore Irene's outfit, from the lace overlay on her dress, to her A-line fur coat and full-length gloves - practical and elegant. A talented graphic designer, Irene designed and planned her wedding from scratch, creating invitations, monograms, coasters, menus and maps. Check out the their fabulous brocade cake and the stunning red flowers and table decorations. Many thanks to Karen Wise for her stunning photographs and collages.




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Friday 18 December 2009

BBD Theme: Let It Snow

Inspired by the photo above? Well then why not add a bit of snowy loveliness to your big day, thanks to the gorgeous items below?


Product Credits (from top left corner) - Lace Cuff: Jess James Jake, Feather Hair Accessory: One Little Dove, Vintage Lace Dress: Timeless Vixen Vintage, White Blossoms Ring Cushion: AAlicia Wedding, Satin & Tulle Strapless A-Line Gown: Bridal Bliss Designs, (from middle left) White Takes Flight Feather Comb: Boring Sidney, 14k Nena Stacker Ring with Acquamarine: Michelle Lenae, Ping & Jing Wedding Hat: Boring Sidney, Frozen Crystals Tiara: Which Goose, (from bottom left) White Orchid Shrug: Toccata, White Felt & Gold Earrings: 3 Fun, Pearl Studs: Toccata, Lace Gloves: Malam


Product Credits (from top left) - Snowflake Gift Tags: Pink Lily Press, Shrug: Toccata, Snowflake Tie: Toy Breaker, Round Gift Tags: Fresh Lemon Blossoms, Veil: Myrakim, (from bottom left) Snowflake Invitation: Designs by Adj, Tiara: AC Petrille, Cupcake: The Cupcake Mint, Bianca Nuno Felted Tie Shrug: Glamour Junkie, Mignonne Lace Wedding Dress: Toccata, Snowflake Stationery: Paper Lovely Press


Product Credits (from top left) - White Takes Flight Feather Comb: Boring Sidney, Ruffled Clutch: Murwati, Bridal Bracelets: Totus Mel, White Birch Wood Candle Holders: Snow Owl Wood Shop, Bouquet: April Hiler Designs, Snowflake Invitation: Designs by Adj, (from bottom left) Vintage Gold Paper Snowflake: Two Palms Trading Co, Natural White Birch Gift Tags: Snow Owl Wood Shop, Large Tree Silhouette Papercuts: Jenny Lee Fowler, Lace Hair band: AC Petrille

Thursday 17 December 2009

BBD Theme: Beach Big Day

Feeling inspired to add a touch of beach to your big day? Well check out these items below.

Product Credits (from top left) - Wedding Sign: The Back Porch Shoppe, Relax Stones: SJ Engraving, Deck-Chair Place Markers: Beau-Coup, Starfish Place Markers: RSVPCT, Pear-shaped Diamond Ring: Kates Zabone, Thank You Parasol: I Do Originals, Muslin Bags: Nuvonova, Personalised Fans: Beau-Coup, Coral Save the Date: Simple Te Design, Seashore Wreath: Beach Grass Cottage, Starfish Hair Pins: Kalyn Designs


Product Credits (from top left) - Shell Bouquet: Romantic Flowers, Travel Journal & Shell & Starfish Tiara: Not on the High Street, Coral Stationery: Buddy and Bean, Palm Tree Cake Topper: Wedding Collectibles, Candle Holder: Beau-Coup, Map Confetti: DDE Forest, Starfish necklace: Hampton Jewels

Monday 14 December 2009

Gothic Fantasy

Traditionally the bride wears white to her wedding, but what if you're not the traditional type? My advice? Do it your way - it's not your wedding unless it reflects your character. One couple that did just that are the fabulous Alyssa and Brian, who had a gothic vegan wedding. Alyssa wore a gorgeous black dress, and stunning starred veil, which she made herself! My favourite details have to be the tiny pumpkin, the dramatic invitations (made by Paper Source) and the cupcake wrappers which said "poison" and "beware" (as always double click on the pic for a closer view). Many thanks to Jessamyn Harris for her inspirational photographs.










BBD Theme: Gothic Fantasy

Feeling inspired to add a touch of gothic fantasy to your big day? Well check out these items below.

Product Credits (from top left) - Black silk cocktail hat : It's the Little Things Ut, Hair Clip: Lo Boheme, Silverty Icicle Crown: SE Studio, Wedge Birdcage Veil: Brendas Bridal Veils, Coffin Ring: Idle Hands Designs, Garter: Piper Ewan

Product Credits (from top left) - Feather Bustier Gown: Love Karlak, Red & Black Dress & Shrug: MT Coffinz Underground, Choker: Dark Elegance Designs, Necklace: Bella Morte 87, Feathered Belt: Icing 101, Black Wedding Dress: Stephanie Madesh, Gloves: Miss Brache, Corset Dress & Skull Jacket: MT Coffinz Underground

Product Credits (from top lef) - Black Diamond Ring: Bloom Studios, Sign: The Back Porch Shoppe, Rose Bouquet: Showcase Bridal, Invitation: My Blue Tulip Design, Red-backed Invitation Set: Kindly Spoken, Napkin Set: Mary Wibis, Rose Hair-clip: Countessa

Friday 11 December 2009

A Rural Idyll

It's gorgeous getting married in the English countryside - stunning views, peace and privacy, plus cheaper suppliers than in the cities. This beautiful wedding took place on a farm, meaning all their food was seasonal and locally grown, a great idea if you're looking for an eco-friendly big day. The happy couple, Amanda and Jim, also drew on their rural surroundings for inspiration, their cake was decorated with a unique basket-weave motif and they gave each of their guests a pot of raspberry jam on departure. I also love the simplicity of the bride's slim-fit dress and the luxurious purple worn by her bridesmaid. Huge thanks, as always, to Karen Wise for her lovely photographs. And remember, if you love getting inspiration from Real Brides and Grooms, then click here for much more Before the Big Day weddings!


Friday 20 November 2009

Where to Sit?

Unless you're a party organiser, you've probably never considered the various weird and wonderful ways in which to tell people where to sit at dinner. But now it's your wedding day, and you want to make it stand out from the crowd, and make it unique to you as a couple.  So here are a few fabulous ideas for place markers - some with the added benefit of special offers for Before the Big Day readers!  And whatsmore, many of them have the double-function of acting as wedding favours - which for the uninitiated - are little gifts for your guests to thank them for coming.

ParDay are offering free shipping on all orders.


Orange 1 are offering 10% off orders of $15 or more until 01/01/10


Art Kitten are offering free shipping with code BIG DAY


Paper Acorn are offering free shipping on orders over $40 with code BIG DAY


Good Guest are offering 20% off with code BIG DAY


Paper Acorn are offering free shipping on orders over $40 with code BIG DAY

Thursday 19 November 2009

Real Wedding: Dayna & Mike

Maybe it's my girly side, but I just love baby pink, so this wedding immediately caught by eye as I was flicking through the fabulous e-zine Utterly Engaged.  Dayna and Mike met at high school, and after many twists and turns, celebrated their big day this September in a flurry of petals and prettiness.  They didn't have a big budget, so all the gorgeous details you see are DIY, which goes to show you can get fantastic, lux-looking results, with a dollop of imagination and a bit of legwork.

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