A Fun-Loving Luxury Castle Wedding Shoot

So sorry for not blogging yesterday - it was my husband's birthday, and the day ran away with me! But to make up for it, I've got a brilliant fun-loving wedding shoot by a group of super-creative wedding professionals in Ireland. Shot in the idyllic Clontarf Castle, it's full of 2014 wedding trends, and super-luxe wedding details. I love the glittery ombre cake, sequinned cupcake toppers {the sequin trend is HUGE this year} and succulent bouquet. The 'bride' looks gorgeous in her three Sarah Foy wedding gowns {my favourite is the first off-the-shoulder look}, with Bridget Bardott-inspired hair styles. If you can't decide whether you want an up, or down-do for your wedding day, why not have both? Ask your hair stylist to create a pretty chignon for the ceremony, and to tell your bridesmaids which clips to remove for a more relaxed reception look. Stunning pictures by Paul Kelly - don't miss the other credits at the bottom of the feature!

Introducing Written With Light Wedding Photography

Three years ago, when I was choosing my own wedding photographer, I thought it would be a business transaction. My concerns were cost and quality, and it never really occurred to me that I needed to really like my wedding photographer. I mean obviously I had to respect them professionally, and find them easy to get on with, but I never expected to actually like them as a potential friend. Now I see that this is ESSENTIAL, and it's why I'm delighted to introduce Hannah Vine from Written With Light Photography. Hannah's a self-declared hopeless romantic, who makes a special effort to find out the story behind each couple, so she can reflect their personalities through her pictures. Hannah understands the need to build a personal relationship, feels real warmth towards her clients, and it shows in her lovely wedding photographs. Written With Light Photography has a super-clear, flexible pricing structure to fit every budget. Hannah charges £50 an hour, so a twelve hour wedding would cost £600. Couples can buy the copyright of their images {in a prettily packaged disco} for £100, and beautifully created wedding albums for an extra cost. A pre-wedding engagement shoot {recommended!} only costs £50. Don't miss the Written With Light Photography website and blog.

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The Quickest Way to Pretty Quirky Wedding Nails

Regular readers of this blog will know that no wedding detail is too small! While the uninitiated may think it's enough to choose the perfect wedding flowers, favours, dress and stationery, I'm getting excited about the tiny things, like how to have the best-dressed cutlery, shoe stickers {yes really}, and now.....pretty wedding nails. In some ways, how your hands look is going to be of primary importance. You're going to be given an exciting new ring, you're already wearing a gorgeous engagement ring, you're holding a bouquet, and sooner or later, someone is certain to take a picture of your hands - probably your wedding photographer. So give that man or woman something to admire....just think how many ordinary French manicures they've pictures already....and add these cute nail decals by Stick It Vinyl. My favourites are the dandelions - there's something about making a wish on your wedding day that suits my whimsical nature.

{I want these!} All nail stickers / decals by Stick It Vinyl, from £1.25 per nail

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The Perfect Engagement Ring

With the start of February, you know it's not far away....Valentine's Day's a-coming, and across the land, men are preparing to propose! I know it's all become terribly commercialised, but I'm a sucker for romance, and anything that promotes love has got to be a good thing in my book. I've chatted to loads of guys about why they didn't propose sooner, and a big reason is the expense of the engagement ring. They just don't realise, that with rings, we don't mind! We just want to get engaged, and you can always save up for a big and better rock later!! So personally, if I was getting engaged all over again - I'd like this one from Artemar please. Simple, chic, and completely adorable.

{I want this!} Dual Stone Horseshoe Engagement Ring, £405.77 by Artemar

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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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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.

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