Thursday 24 July 2014

Enchanting South African Garden Wedding with DIY Details

Celebrating your wedding in your parents' garden has got to be one of the best ways to say I do. Personal, meaningful and a lot less pricey than a hired venue, you can start your preparations months before your big day. And when your parents' garden happens to be a gorgeous jungly South African affair, like Louis and Nadine's, then you'd be crazy to do it anywhere else! I'm loving all their sweet wedding details, including the simple gingham ribbon decorations and napkins, the ceramic hanging altar-area, and the speech bubble table plans. We need more speech bubbles at weddings! Also loving the tulip garden decorations, streamer confetti and cool safari-style tent marquee. Most of all I love how happy Louis and Nadine look to be a Mr and Mrs. Fabulous photographs published with thanks to the hugely talented We Love Pictures - our favourite South African photographers.


Tuesday 22 July 2014

A Pretty Pastel Wedding with a Vera Wang Gown

A wedding in paradise is a pretty good start to married life! This heavenly Hawaiian wedding has made me wish for warmer climes and a beachside big day. I'm loving the breezy blue-grey bridesmaid dresses {by Jenny Yoo}, bride Tracy's stunning ruffled Vera Wang gown and the fabulous outdoor ceremony. Add the white peony bouquets, and orchids in Tracy's hair, and this wedding ticks every one of my boxes. Fabulous pictures published with thanks to the lovely Jen Huang Photography.


Monday 21 July 2014

Vintage-Style Wedding Drinks Dispenser

One of my favourite details at our wedding in Provence, was our signature cocktail. We actually had two - a Georgia Peach Bellini {because I love bellinis} and a Moscow Mule, because they're refreshing and my husband's favourite cocktail. We served the peach bellinis during the day reception, and saved the mules {accessorised with striped straws and mint} for the dancing in the evening. We had waiting staff, but I love the idea of making your signature cocktail self-service with these fab vintage-style wedding drinks dispensers from Papermash. Just add some of their geometric paper cups in your wedding colour palette, and some pretty striped straws or DIY flag drinks' stirrers, and you'll have the prettiest cocktails in the world! Do check out Papermash's Sale - it's on now, and its a good 'un!


{I want this!} 1. Wedding Drinks Dispenser, £50 | 2. Paper Cups, £3.95 for 8, both from Papermash

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Tuesday 15 July 2014

Introducing Linus Moran Wedding Photography

There are so many brides and grooms who hate having their photograph taken! It must make the job of a wedding photographer seriously difficult - after all, the more relaxed a subject, the better they look. If you're awkward in front of the camera, then I recommend a reportage-style photographer like Linus Moran Photography. Linus is based in Dorset, and he's known for his natural, candid style. You'll hardly notice he's there, and that's how he gets the best shots of his subjects - when they least expect it! Equally, if you want the formal group photographs and detail pictures, he's just as skilled. Linus uses mostly natural light, to avoid those 'caught in the flashlight' moments, and his albums document the whole of your big day in all its beauty. I'm a massive fan, and I'm sure you will be too - just take a look at these gorgeous shots, and of course his blog. Linus' packages start from £995, and he's happy to travel across the UK and abroad.

 

 






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Saturday 12 July 2014

An Outdoor DIY Wedding with a Cream Tea Reception

Any bride looking to keep her wedding within a sensible budget is going to L-O-V-E this inspirational big day. Kelly and Gavin flashed their cash where it mattered - i.e. venue and wedding photographer, but kept everything else wallet friendly, by searching for bargains and DIY-ing many of their wedding details. You'll love their handmade stationery, bunting, decorations and hand-picked wedding flowers. And I'm slightly obsessed with their chocolate wedding cake, with its personalised bunting. More fabulous details on how Kelly and Gavin saved money on their wedding outfits in Part 1 - in the meantime, enjoy these stunning shots by Linus Moran Photography.


My husband got down on one knee in Venice to pop the question. Two years to the day, we tied the knot at Kingston Maurward stately home, in Dorset, on March the 16th 2014.



After seeing several different venues Kingston Maurward ticked all the boxes, with the chance of an outdoor wedding I've always dreamed of having. Both being artistic, we enjoyed making as many things as possible. 




Friday 11 July 2014

An Outdoor DIY Wedding with a Cream Tea Reception

Back in my teenage years, we used to go to these amazing parties at Kingston Maurward in Dorset. I have fond memories of the incredible stately rooms, and stunning grounds, including a tranquil lake and arboretum. So it was a wonderful blast from the past to receive Linus Moran's stunning photographs of Kelly and Gavin's wedding. The happy couple chose Kingston Maurward as their wedding venue, and despite getting married in March, managed to have an amazing outdoor ceremony, in the bright spring sunshine. Just goes to show you should always think positive about the weather! Kelly and Gavin love a bargain, and were keen to DIY as many of their wedding details as possible. You'll love their wedding flowers, sweet trees, table stationery, and all their pretty decoration details, including pompoms and bunting. What's more, Kelly's Benjamin Roberts wedding gown only cost £250. Find out more in her answers to the Before the Big Day Bride's Questionnaire, and enjoy Linus Moran's fantastic wedding photographs....more to come from their reception later today.


My husband got down on one knee in Venice to pop the question. Two years to the day, we tied the knot at Kingston Maurward stately home, in Dorset, on March the 16th 2014.


My wedding dress was from Preloved, a Benjamin Roberts wedding dress that should have been £1700, selling for £250. I fell in love with it, and it fitted like a glove. I love a bargain!




Thursday 10 July 2014

Including Your Pets in Your Big Day

I'm a BIG dog fan. Particularly pugs - I love their squishy faces. But if I had a pet, I'm not sure I'd have included them in my big day. Admittedly, there's nothing cuter than a dog running down the aisle with the rings, but what if they feel the call of nature at a key moment? You don't want the symbolism of dog poo to represent the start of your marriage. Never mind that fact that it would be the only thing that anyone remembered about your wedding day! I think the secret is to keep their appearance short and sharp, and to dress them in a bow-tie. Because dogs in bow-ties look hilarious. There's a huge range on Etsy - enjoy the pictures....particularly this one of an extremely angry cat model.

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Wednesday 9 July 2014

Brilliant Bridesmaid {Dressing} Gowns

Did you know about the tradition to give your bridesmaids a present on your wedding day? I completely failed!! I had an idea to give them all a pair of espadrille slippers, but never actually got round to buying them. So I wish I'd discovered these heavenly robes by Girl with a Serious Dream before now. Their signature Samantha silk robe has an easy, draped fit, and comes in a range of divine colours. I love the kimono style of the sleeves, and the luxury feel. Choose a selection in your wedding colours, and they'll make your getting ready photographs look fab! P.S. Buy this one for yourself - it's a honeymoon must-have!!


{I want this!} Samantha silk robe, £102 by Girl with a Serious Dream

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Tuesday 8 July 2014

A Tiny Irish Wedding in South Africa with a Bride in Boots

There's a photography team in South Africa who I've admired from afar for several years. They're called We Love Pictures, and they're husband and wife, Travis and Maike. Every wedding they photograph is stunning, and none more so than this tiny wedding of only six guests! Michael and Lynne chose a wonderful restaurant called Le Petit Dauphine in Franschhoek in South Africa for their big day. I've been there - and the food is amazing! So if you're struggling with your guest list, and worrying about your wedding budget, take inspiration from this wonderful, unpretentious wedding day.



Monday 7 July 2014

Just the Cutest Flower Crown in the World

There must be something in the air post-Glastonbury, because I've seen more girls wearing flower crowns than ever before! I have to admit, I'm a massive fan - there's something delightfully boho about wearing flowers in your hair, and if I had my time again, I'd dress all my bridesmaids in them. My latest discovery is this pretty from Mari Style Couture, who's based in Belarus! Each flower is carefully hand sculpted from air dry clay, which is non-toxic, soft and flexible. You can request whatever design you want, so your crown can exactly match your wedding flowers. Personally I'm in love with the peonies, but if you wanted a more subtle look, you could always go with the rose hair clip.



{I want this!} Bridal Flower Crown, £96 | 2. Rose Hair Clip, £24 , both by Mari Style Couture

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