Strawberry Fields Wedding Theme

Despite the howling gales outside and the pouring rain, my thoughts have turned to summer - I guess I'm just good at going to my happy place!  But I've been helped along hugely by this the fifth edition of e-zine Utterly Engaged, and in particular, this feature of theirs inspired by strawberry shortcake.  So many ideas, in particular their use of layered linens to create a truly individual effect. In other words, a wonderful source of DIY wedding ideas - don't miss their monthly online magazines.

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Real Pink Detailed Wedding: Sarah & Andy

Delicate pink has to be the most romantic of colours, perfect as a subtle hint against the white of the traditional bridal gown. Sarah and Andy used it to fantastic effect on their big day, adding peonies (always my fav), scented sweet-peas and traditional roses, for a luxurious feel. Gorgeous details-to-copy include the oh-so-elegant blossom stationery, multiple mini vases (so this season) and diamond Love necklace *sigh*. So many wedding ideas, it's a wedding blogger's dream! Huge thanks to photographer Juliette Neel for her fabulous pictures.

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That Friday Feeling Wedding Web Links ♥ 9

Wedding stationery has mostly been my obsession this week, because I've finally designed my invitations, and I'm now seeking out quotes to get them printed thermographically. Choosing my wedding stationery was agonising. I LOVE graphic design, and I hugely admire so many stationery designers, but my wedding budget meant I couldn't afford bespoke invitations. Your budget might be bigger, or you might just fancy a drool, so check out all these gorgeous web-links from my favourite wedding bloggers. PLUS don't miss the free Valentine's printables. DIY shows you love them more!!

♥ {Above} Gorgeous Follow Studio stationery all the way from trendy Sydney - don't miss the whimiscal gorgeousness of their wedding stationery blog for amazing wedding ideas.

♥ Seal everything with a kiss {via Eat Drink Chic}

♥ Lovely bunting inspired wedding stationery via one of my favourite wedding blogs Beyond Beyond.

♥ Cute FREE printable Valentine's Day cards from How About Orange via Oh So Beautiful Paper, the best wedding stationery blog in the world!

♥ Arcadia Stationery introduction from Love My Dress wedding blog - loving their work.....

♥ Fantastic laser cut stationery via OMG I'm Getting Married. A great find for a bride and groom looking for original wedding ideas.

♥ DIY brides will love this! Wedding invitations you can download and print for free via Ruffled wedding blog.

And now for a couple of Vintage Before the Big Day postings!

♥ We love Azulsahara and Wedding Soon for their unique designs and their support for Before the Big Day.

♥ My own attempts at DIY wedding stationery on the Save the Dates for my own wedding.

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Real Countryside Wedding: Sarah & Val

This is just the most dreamy of weddings, and huge thanks must go to Sarah and Val for letting me feature their big day, and the lovely Annie Beedy for her gorgeous photographs.  Particularly inspirational is the lemon drizzle cake and the country-garden flowers, as they add a delicious homemade whimsy to the whole affair, while the mushroom grey and clean white lines of the marquee add elegance.  The garden looks stunning, the little birds on the tables are the cutest, and I'm always a huge fan of paper lanterns, by day and night. LOVE it!

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My Wedding - Buying Dresses in NYC

This is where I tell you all about planning my own wedding. After all, if I'm publishing all these Real Weddings, it's only fair I share my trials and tribulations. Read the rest of my wedding diary.

Buying Wedding Dresses in New York
If you follow me on Twitter, you might have spotted that I've just been on holiday. My cousin lives in the Caribbean {lucky me}, so I took off mid-Jan for a spot of sunshine. The flight stopped in New York, home of some of the best wedding shopping in the world, and I was off the plane in a shot, ready to try out some of the best bridal boutiques I could find.

First stop was Saja Wedding. I've already featured them on Before the Big Day, and Saja's dresses are simply gorgeous. Ethereal and floaty, they're perfect for a summer wedding. From simple to detailed, Saja also creates a heavenly range of accessories. Here are a few of my favourites from my marathon trying-on session!

Next stop, was the legendary J. Crew Bridal Boutique on Madison Avenue. It's a gorgeous place, with giant dressing rooms, and a dreamy selection of gowns, shoes and accessories. I do most of my shopping alone, but the group that was due to arrive after me included 12 bridesmaids, all looking for dresses along with the bride! J. Crew's dresses start wonderfully cheap, so I was hoping 'The One' would be one of those under $500. Here are a few of my favourites.

Last on my list {it was a flying stop}, was Lovely Bridal. A recent addition to the bridal market, it's a cute shop in Soho, just doors away from super-trendy Bleeker Street and the Magnolia Bakery. The changing room here was even bigger, and trying on the dresses was a real experience. They stock lots of fantastic designers, but my eye was drawn to the Delphine Manivet gowns, and those from LA designer Alix & Kelly.

So which one did I choose? I'm afraid I can't tell you that - not because I'm keeping it secret, but because I still haven't decided...... So with only 4 months to go until my big day, I still haven't chosen my wedding dress - argh! Please tell me which is your favourite - maybe we could have a vote?

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Introducing Urban Bridesmaid

If you're looking for affordable wedding photography with personality, look no further than Urban Bridesmaid. Photographer Louisa goes beyond the normal shots you'd expect, to really capture the personality of the bride, groom and guests. That's not to say she doesn't take fantastic formal shots, but if you're looking for more of a mix of reportage photography, then Urban Bridesmaid should be top of your go-to list. Based in South London, Urban Bridesmaid is happy to travel, and Louisa offers reasonable prices, with wedding commissions starting at under £1000. Check out some of her work below, and keep your eyes peeled for more of her weddings, soon-to-be featured on Before the Big Day.

This is a Sponsored Post for Before the Big Day Wedding Blog.

Real Vintage Wedding: Agata & Stefan

London weddings always have a special magic about them. It's the sparkle of a capital city and the feel that the celebrations could go on and on, late into the night. Agata and Stefan came from Poland and Bavaria respectively - they met and fell in love in London, so they wanted their wedding to reflect the important role the city had played in their relationship. Add in a touch of vintage, and you get an amazing aray of wedding ideas. From the 1960's Route Master bus they hired to transport the wedding guests, the Chelsea Registry Office ceremony venue, the reception on a boat on the Thames and Claridges for dinner, every element celebrated London. Agata chose a 1920's inspired wedding gown from Jenny Packham, and as a surprise to Stefan, had the flower Edelweiss flown in from Austria to be included in the buttonholes and bridal bouquet. But my favourite wedding idea has to be the wish lanterns they released from The Embankment, opposite the London Eye. What a fantastic ending to an incredibly romantic wedding day. All these gorgeous photographs are published with thanks to the team at Segerius Bruce. For a list of Agata's suppliers, please see the list below.

List of Suppliers
The couple got ready and stayed at The Cadogan Hotel in Chelsea
Wedding dress by Jenny Packham Bride
Groom's suite made by Pogson & Davis
Bridal Make up by Lauren Hersheson
1960’s Route Master Bus hired from This Bus
Evening entertainment provided by Sav The Deceptionist
Wedding Cake by Peggy Porschen

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Wedding Theme Idea - Big Balloons

Time for me to come clean - I'm obsessed with balloons. Specifically white, round balloons. There's something so complete about them, and I love the airy feel they give a wedding reception. The best thing about them? They're way cheaper than flowers, which means you can fill your venue without breaking the bank. For wedding inspiration see the pics below, and for stockists, click here, or here or here.

Photo Credits {clockwise from top left} - Martha Stewart, Jen Sedillo, Amy Atlas, Caroline Tran, Once Wed

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