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!

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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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!

Real Wedding: Christine & Michael

Don't you wish you were a bridesmaid at this wedding?  Beautiful bride Christine chose the most gorgeous dresses for her assistants - I love the low round necklines, the elegant cut and the stunning green-grey colour that seems to suit every colouring.  They really will be able to wear their gowns again.  I'm also loving Christine's dress and the pretty pink-and-white bouquets - groom Michael is a lucky man indeed! Thank you to Karen Wise for her lovely shots.

Real Wedding: Patty & Tim

Truly, I've never been that keen on orange flowers, although that was until I spotted these gorgeous Karen Wise shots of Patty and Tim's wedding.  The bouquets are just fabulous - such a happy combination of chrysanthemums, roses, berries and sunflowers, which absolutely suit the couples' colouring.  Patty's dress and veil are a vision of simple elegance and isn't Tim's button-hole just the cutest?  Autumn should be all about hips and haws!

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Real Wedding: Neha & Neir

There's nothing like an explosion of colour to bring light to a grey day, and it's so glum out there this afternoon, that I thought it was the perfect time to publish these dramatic photographs from Neha and Neir's big day. They got married on a cold and rainy day in November - typical weather for the UK - but it didn't seem to take the shine off their ceremony!  Just goes to show, that if you add enough colour, no one will notice the climate.  Big thanks to Karen Wise for her spectacular pics.

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Real Wedding: John & Elizabeth

Aren't these fabulous purples just the bomb?  I'm loving the deep aubergine shades, and is that a couple of artichokes I spy in the bridal bouquet?  Add in the black detailing on Elizabeth's dress, plus her sexy choker, and you've got a wedding made in heaven. John and Elizabeth married in January, and with winter fast approaching, it's the perfect time to take inspiration from their big day.  Many thanks to brilliant photographer Karen Wise for her gorgeous photographs. 

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Real Wedding: Anli & Kenneth

Is there anything more stunning than a magnolia tree in full bloom?  The heavenly pink petals gently unfurl, bringing much-needed colour to the early spring landscape. And don't they make the best backdrop for gorgeous wedding photos? Anli and Kenneth celebrated their big day earlier this year, and I just love these fantastic photographs by Karen Wise.  Check out the Chinese bamboo and paper parasols - soooo chic, and super cheap from Brollies Galore.