Friday 31 January 2014

Introducing Mark Seymour Wedding Photography

There's nothing like a personal recommendation from someone you can trust. I loved my wedding photographer's work, but it was a friend's endorsement that clinched the booking. That's why I'm delighted to introduce Mark Seymour Photography. He's a three times winner of the prestigious MPA Wedding Photographer of the Year, and one of a handful of ambassadors for Nikon UK, but the clincher is his word of mouth reputation. It seems every wedding he photographs, leads to five more, and then five more again, and that's a lot of happy brides! With over 20 years experience, Mark's unique documentary style of wedding photography captures your whole day, without endless staged shots - although Mark's an expert at those as well! His full package starts at £1595, which includes a pre-wedding photo shoot {essential to get you relaxed in front of the lens}, full day coverage, and your pictures in digital form to print as you wish. Friendly and approachable, you'll enjoy Mark's company on your wedding day, when you notice him! Most of the time, he'll be snapping his stunning, natural shots, while you get on with having fun. Mark's based in London, but happy to travel around the UK, and abroad. Enjoy these gorgeous examples of his work, but don't miss his website - Mark Seymour Photography and blog.










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Thursday 30 January 2014

Real Pretty Australian Beach Wedding with Monochrome Detailing - Part 2

As promised, here is Part 2 of this incredible seaside Australian wedding, pictured by Jen Huang. Organised and conceived by Polka Dot Bride, I'm in love with all the pretty, neutral details, and the beautiful beach setting. Don't miss Sian's feminine feather hair accessory, her divine nude strappy shoes, and Ross' seedpod buttonhole. Also loving the variation of the portrait shots - tonnes of fun ideas for your own wedding photographs - leafy hearts all round! All the vendor details listed below, if you missed Part 1, click here!





Real Pretty Australian Beach Wedding with Monochrome Detailing

When the lovely Jen Huang got in touch with me to ask me if I'd like to feature a gorgeous Australian wedding shoot, I nearly bit her hand off! I'm completely in love with her beautiful pictures, and all the wonderful stealworthy wedding ideas. There are so many, I'm dividing this wedding into two - the next set will appear later this afternoon, so you'll have plenty of time to drink in every wedding detail. First for the pre-wedding shoot {such a fabulous idea!}, and the wedding tablescape, later the wedding dress and stunning portrait pictures. I'm loving the pretty pink and monochrome wedding scheme, the stunning rustic wedding stationery, complete with crossed oars to reflect Ross' rowing background, and the personalised pillows. Throw in the relaxed waterside venue, and the incredible cheese table and rustic bunting, and I'm a very happy wedding blogger. Don't miss the details of all the vendors below, including the lovely Polka Dot Bride.





Wednesday 29 January 2014

Wedding Trends of 2014 - Unconventional Ushers

Weddings are ALL about the girls. The bride, the bridesmaid, the flowers girls....the groom and ushers must feel a bit left out. But that's all set to change thanks to this latest wedding trend for 2014, and it's all thanks to our lovely American cousins. Over in California, ushers {or groomsmen, as they call them there}, stepped into the limelight years ago - with their trendy braces, bow-ties, and cute matching socks. And now, thanks in part to the popularity of American wedding blogs here in the UK, the trend is winging its way across the Atlantic. And I couldn't be more of a fan! British boys are deliciously dapper, and slightly eccentric - the perfect combo for an unconventional usher. Whatsmore, the UK is the home of smart Savile Row tailoring, so I reckon we're going to beat the American boys at their own game. More fantastic groom ideas on my Pinterest board. Take a look at more Wedding Trends for 2014.


{Photo Credit} Swoon By Katie, see more from this wedding shoot on 100 Layer Cake



Tuesday 28 January 2014

Nine Reasonable Engagement Rings

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, thousands of girls across the country are crossing their fingers that 14th February 2013, will be lucky for them. So to whet your appetite, here are some of the prettiest engagement rings from independent Etsy sellers. The best thing? They're all under £250. 'Accidentally' leave your browser open on this page so your boyfriend gets the hint!

{Ring Credits}
Top row - 1. Gold Pearl Ring by Artemer 2. Engagement Rings by Annelis Jewelry 3. Rainbow Moonstone Ring by Secret Charm
Middle row - 1. Yellow Gold Faceted Heart by Every Bear Jewel 2. Aquamarine Engagement Ring by Dalkullan Jewelry 3. Triangle Diamond Ring by Artemer
Bottom row - 1. Love Ring by Fabulous Wire 2. Golden Bunny Ring by Every Bear Jewel 3. Micro Pave White Diamond Ring by Louisa Gallery

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Monday 27 January 2014

British Wedding Dresses by Halfpenny London

I found wedding dress shopping surprisingly stressful. I'm not really a big shopper, and the idea of dragging my girlfriends around endless boutiques, scared the life out of me. In the end, I only went to about four wedding dress shops, plus one sample sale. In retrospect, I wish I'd done more, and enjoyed the experience a bit more. As a result, I'm a huge fan of doing your research online - that way, you can pick two or three of your favourite designers, and get your bridesmaids together for one big day. One designer definitely worth putting on your list is Kate Halfpenny of Halfpenny London. A stylist-to-the-stars, Kate has a truly fabulous collection this year, and it's always worth visiting her boutique, because she keeps a selection of vintage gowns as well. I love her wedding dresses - they're elegant and pretty, and there's something deliciously eccentric and English about them as well. Here are a few of my favourite designs - LOVING the giant floral headdresses by the way!!


Friday 24 January 2014

A Shabby Chic Village Hall Wedding with a Sassi Holford Wedding Gown

If you can find the right village hall, then they really do make for the most wonderful wedding venues, while being super-kind on your wallet. Lucky Gemma and James found Littleton Millennium Memorial Hall in their local area, and fell in love with its natural light, wooden floors, and the amazing cricket field out the back. It was crying out for their natural, shabby-chic wedding decorations - most of which they DIY'd using burlap and tissue paper - including my favourite - pastel pompoms! I love Gemma's gorgeous Sassi Holford gown from Brides of Winchester - she chose her wedding dress after losing two and a half stone on the Cambridge Weight Plan, and felt all the more glamorous for it. Enjoy all these gorgeous pictures by Gemma's friend, Paul Cutcliffe from Final Cut Services. If only we all had a wedding photographer as a friend.....!


We celebrated our wedding on 31st August 2013, with a ceremony at St Swithens church near Winchester, and our reception at Littleton Millennium Memorial Hall.


My wedding dress was called 'Petra' by So Sassi {the 'esprit' label from Sassi Holford}, which I bought from Brides of Winchester. I had a bespoke shrugette by  So Sassi made in matching lace, and wore a pearl necklace and earrings, My veils was three-quarter length, and simple. I decided to go for a vintage look for my makeup, and had dark nails and lips on the day to add a bit of colour.


Wednesday 22 January 2014

Before the Big Day in Wedding Magazine!

I might as well come clean - there's nothing I like more than seeing my name in print! And if you take a look at the picture below, and squint a little, you'll see me quoted in Wedding Magazine....several times. VeeeeeRY exciting! Now I know that strictly this is the online version, so it's not actually print, but I have the actual magazine safe here at home - next to my bed - for whenever I need a little ego boost. Wedding Magazine journalist Vicky Rolison knows how to write a good article - so do give it a read - particularly if you're considering DIY-ing your wedding!


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An Historic Castle Wedding with Rich Purple Detailing

If you've read this blog for a while, you'll know I get tearful every time I watch one of Deneemotion's incredible wedding videos. Denis creates these gorgeous trailers for his full-length videos, and they're the perfect taster to send your wedding guests after your big day. One of his recent couples, Stacey and Matt celebrated their wedding at the gorgeous Lympne Castle in Kent. I'm a complete sucker for an historic venue, and I love how Stacey chose a royal purple, as her signature colour - the shade suits the venue perfectly - and it happens to be Pantone's Colour of the Year for 2014! With elegant full-length bridesmaids gowns, fabulous Mischka Badgley shoes, and stunning orchid buttonholes to reflect Stacey's heritage - this lovely wedding is a lesson in elegant sophistication.



{Wedding Credits}
Cinematographers: Deneemotion Boutique Wedding Cinema
Wedding Photographer: Julia and You
Wedding Planner: Erica Davis at Lympne Castle
Florist: Christine Flowers
Bride's Dress: Demetrios Bride
Shoes: Mischka Badgley
Groom's Suit: Moss Bros
Wedding Cake: The River Cake Company
Hair Stylist: Vicki Lord
Make-up Artist: Stacey Triplow

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Tuesday 21 January 2014

Wedding Trends of 2014 - Chill-Out Areas

I don't know about you, but I've been known to get a little tired at weddings. If you think about it, they're something of an endurance test - take in their duration...at least 12 hours, and what you're wearing....sky-high heels and a glamorous {breathe-in!} dress, then throw in the fact you're fed copious amounts of champagne and food.....and it's not surprising some of us might want a little rest half way through the celebrations. I'm not suggesting you supply comfortable mattresses for your guest, but maybe a little chill-out area? I started spotting them at weddings a few months ago, and now they're everywhere. Definitely a trend for 2014 - all you need to decide is your style of chill-out zone. Will you go shabby chic with your mum's old Laura Ashley sofas? Or how about Gentleman's Club style - with lovely vintage leather Chesterfields? Or a zen beach vibe, with lots of squishy bean-bags? Either way, take pity on your friends' feet, and provide a little comfort. More ideas on my Pinterest board & Facebook page.



Monday 20 January 2014

Real London Wedding with a Short Wedding Dress & Louboutins

Huge kudos goes to any bride who bucks the trend and wears a short wedding dress. Double-points go to Imogen, who paired her gorgeous gown with incredible Christian Louboutin's. If you've ever wanted to treat yourself to a truly extravagant pair of shoes, your wedding day is definitely the day to do it! School sweethearts, Imogen and James picked the ICA gallery as the venue for their modern London wedding, and I'm loving the combination of sharp suits and soft pastels. James looks fab in his dark suit and knitted tie {very this season}, and Imogen's bridesmaids look elegant in dark-blue dresses of their own choosing. But it's the flowers that have really got my wedding antennae twitching. Soft hydrangeas plus pastel roses, with sprigs of rosemary and lovely shabby chic containers - they're a wedding blogger's dream. Throw in the delicately decorated cake, and I'm in heaven. Fabulous photographs published with thanks to Lucy Birkhead Photography.


Saturday 18 January 2014

Wonderful Wedding Blog Web Links

What are you up to this weekend? Starting your wedding planning? My husband and I are going to see American Hustle, as a rare date night since Ivo was born nine months ago. I'm going to stuff myself with popcorn, and be that annoying rustling person in the front row. Then on Sunday we'll head out to Columbia Road Flower Market, so I can fill the house with Dutch tulips and cut-price daffodils. Then all week I'll pretend spring is nearly here! Hope you have a fabulous break - here are a few of my favourite wedding blog links from this week.

{Photo Credit} Susan Stripling - see more from this Vintage Flower Market inspired wedding on Green Wedding Shoes

♥ Easy wedding DIY - chalkboard projects
♥ Oh my! This bride is elegance personified. And I love her ballet shoes.
♥ Is your pet going to come to your wedding? Here's a great DIY floral wreath to make sure they look the part!
♥ Seriously cool {if messy!} idea for an engagement shoot
A perfect luxe monochrome wedding
♥ A stunning library themed wedding for a couple who both work in publishing!
♥ Love this Hansel & Gretel themed wedding shoot - look out for the tiny-weeny little mushroom!
♥ Remember my post on sequins being on trend for 2014 weddings? Well this couple are ahead of the curve!
♥ An Irish botanical themed wedding shoot
♥ A great wedding combination of industrial AND shabby chic - who'd have thought it!
♥ All my 2014 Wedding Trend posts so far.....

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Friday 17 January 2014

Wedding Trends of 2014 - The Great Wedding Bake-Off

Last year, we all went crazy for the Great British Bake-Off....again! Watched by millions, the programme has turned the nation baking mad - even men are turning their hand to baking the perfect souffle. So if you add in the DIY craze that's still dominating the wedding world, you get a HUGE trend for 2014....Wedding Bake-Offs. Essentially, it's a mini-version of the Great British Bake-Off on one night. Instead of providing pudding, challenge your guests to bake the perfect cake or desert, create a desert table, and instead of cutting one cake, cut dozens! As bride and groom, you get to be the judges {of course!}, and you could even provide a special prize cup for the winner. For inspiration, enjoy the look of the delicious cakey treats below, or check out my Wedding Cake Pinterest page.


{Credits}  Dessert Table by Margaux Kropf, picture by Kali Leenstra. See the rest of this wedding on The Wedding Chicks


{Credits} Cakes by Azale, picture by Sonya Khegay. See the rest of this wedding on The Wedding Chicks


{Credits} Cakes by Cakes by Rumy, picture by Jen Huang. See the rest of this wedding on 100 Layer Cake


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Thursday 16 January 2014

Romantic Layered Wedding Gowns by Claire Pettibone

I've long been a fan of Claire Pettibone wedding dresses, and her collection for spring 2014 is as fabulous as you'd expect. She's famed for her romantic vintage-inspired gowns, and her latest collection - named Decoupage - suggests she was inspired by the traditional art of layering paper cutouts. The result is a line of divine dresses, featuring layers of chantilly, silk and vintage lace. It's the backs of the dresses that really take my breath away - just imagine the stunning view for your guests as you stand, saying your vows. Which is your favourite? Take a look for Claire Pettibone Trunk Shows in the UK - you never know, you might pick up a bargain! P.S. Her Still Life collection for Autumn 2014 brides is incredible!



Wednesday 15 January 2014

A Relaxed Boho Country Wedding Inspired by a Painting - The Reception

With a brilliant boho teepee reception venue, an incredible lake-side location, and even a bell-tent village for guests wanting to camp overnight, this stunning big day ticks all my boxes. Lisa and Marcus decided on a relaxed, country wedding, and discovered the amazing Lyndon Top campsite as a wedding venue. Theirs was the first wedding ever held there, and it made for some challenging logistics. Everything, including electricity, had to be brought in - but didn't it make for an incredible wedding? I love all Lisa's wedding details, from the DIY'd reception flowers {including cornflowers - my favourite!}, the boho but elegant teepees, and the Lisa and Marcus' decision to forego cake and favours, and choose cheese instead! Nowadays it's all about having your wedding your way, and picking and choosing from the standard traditions. Enjoy Lisa's answers to the Before the Big Day Bride's Questionnaire, and feast your eyes on Victoria Phipps Photography's amazing work!


We celebrated our wedding on 6th July 2013 at St Mary's Church in Ashwell. We hosted our wedding reception in a teepee at Lyndon Top, overlooking Rutland Water. Our teepees were from Papakata, who I would highly recommend. Their teepees look fantastic and their attention to detail is excellent.


We were hoping to create a relaxed, country wedding, with a hint of boho, and were delighted to find a field overlooking Rutland Water, so we had a fantastic view of the lake as well.



A Relaxed Boho Country Wedding Inspired by a Painting

This beautiful boho wedding has me wanting to recreate my own wedding all over again! Lovely bride Lisa, was inspired by a the painting, 'Midsummer Eve' by Edward Robert Hughes, and painted her own design for her wedding invitations, Save the Dates, and table stationery. I've fallen in love with the relaxed country feel, the dreamy lakeside teepee wedding reception, and Lisa's divine messy bouquet, made up of spray roses, sweet-smelling honeysuckle, and mint. Every wedding detail fits perfectly, from Lisa's bespoke head-dress, her sweet page boys' and flower girls' outfits, and her divine David Fielden dress - which was actually the top and bottom of two dresses put together. Enjoy these wonderful pictures by Victoria Phipps Photography, and stay tuned for the amazing reception photographs. You wait till you see the Lyndon Top lakeside reception venue!


We celebrated our wedding on 6th July 2013 at St Mary's Church in Ashwell. We hosted our wedding reception in a tipi at Lyndon Top, overlooking Rutland Water.


We were hoping to create a relaxed, country wedding and were delighted to find a field overlooking Rutland Water, so we had a fantastic view of the lake as well.



Tuesday 14 January 2014

Wedding Trends of 2014 - Sequins

Spotted on the 2014 Spring/Summer catwalks, sequins were everywhere, and they'll be a massive trend for 2014 weddings. But these weren't the pink sequins of a six-year old wanna-be-Princess, they were elegant, modern and striking. Marc Jacobs chose striking petrol blues, Givenchy vertical black stripes, and Tom Ford, a square snake-skin effect. To translate this into the wedding world, planners are picking individual details and giving them a subtle shimmer. You don't want your whole wedding themed around sequins, just a few special accents. Whether it's your dress, the table cloths, or just your confetti, stick to golds, blues and even dark greens. I love these ides below, but take a look at my Pinterest board for more ideas.

{Photo Credit} 1. The Cake That Ate Paris | 2. Sequin Love Sign, £250 by Pocket Full of Dreams UK



Monday 13 January 2014

Wedding Details - The Best-Dressed Cutlery / Flatwear

I'm ready to admit that I'm getting pretty niche with this wedding detail, but if you can obsess with the nitty-gritty on a wedding blog, then where else?! So let's talk cutlery wrapping. Yes I know the norm is to put the knife and fork on either side of the plate, but why do what's normal when you can be original and creative? Cutlery wrapping is a great way to add pizzazz and colour to your wedding reception tables, particularly if you can't afford to splash out on tonnes of flowers. Wraps are super-easy to DIY, whether you're going for a rustic theme, {use hessian like our real bride did her}, light-hearted {love the chevron pattern}, or pretty. Here are a few of my favourites, check out my Pinterest board for more!


{Photo Credit} Picture by Katrina Louise, see the rest of this wedding on The Wedding Chicks



Sunday 12 January 2014

The French Wedding Show

A few months ago, I was lucky enough to be invited to partner up with The French Wedding Show. Organised by the lovely Anne-Laure from Et Voila Weddings, the show is designed to help couples planning their wedding in France, to meet fantastic French suppliers who speak English. Add in a heady dollop of wedding inspiration, lots of delicious cake, lovely people and buckets of French wedding venue ideas, and you've got The French Wedding Show in a nutshell. As I got married in Provence, I have real life experience of what it's like to plan a wedding in France, so Virginie invited to me along to offer advice and ideas. I had the MOST fantastic day, meeting tonnes of excited brides and grooms, and sharing my enthusiasm for destination weddings. One couple are even getting married in the same venue as me!! All the vendors were hand-picked, and top quality, and lovely people to boot. I can't wait till next year's show, but in the meantime, enjoy these stunning pictures of the day by Chloé from Caught the Light, who just happens to have been my wonderful wedding photographer! Click for more details of wedding fairs.


Brides who booked early received a very exciting goodie bag!


The French Wedding Magazine! Read your copy online here - it includes an article on How to Theme Your Wedding by me!


The stunning 20th Century Theatre venue in Notting Hill....which would also make a brilliant wedding venue.




Stunning dresses by The Mews, who stock a dreamy range of French designers, including my favourite, Delphine Manivet.


I love the vintage crate filled with baby's breath!


Beautiful wedding flowers by Jenny Moss, an English florist who lives in France (Tel: 0556 618 202)


Wedding stationery by Gemma Milly


Me & my fish-bowl of Haribo Heart Throbs wedding favours, DIY'd out of glassine bags bought from eBay.


I DIY'd the giant purple balloon decorations, using a lot of helium, and silver streamers, all bought from eBay. The hardest bit was tying the knot in the balloons!


Talking to brides and grooms!


Anne-Laure from Et Voila Weddings offering advice to brides and grooms.


Just a few of the fabulous vendors.....
♥ Jenny Moss - Stunning English wedding florist who lives in France (Tel: 0556 618 202)
♥ Gemma Milly - Beautiful wedding stationery
♥ The Mews - English stockist of French designer wedding dresses
♥ The Cake - Stunning wedding cakes in the South West of France
♥ Toni Lazzaro -A brilliant make up artist in Paris
♥ Ariane Douguet -A fantastic soprano singer
♥ Discotecnik - DJ, DJ live and bands in the South East
♥ Jazz Around Midnight - Jazz band in Paris and all over France
♥ Studio 80 - Videographers in Paris and all over France
♥ Virginie'e - A fantastic make up artist in the South West of France
♥ Carre Vert - French wedding florist

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