my mood in february ~ rainbow brights

It's been a dreary old start to the year. All we've seen is white landscapes and grey skies. Now I'm not always a huge fan of colour (my entire wardrobe is monochrome) however for a theme you just can't beat it.  Inspired by my earlier post {rainbow brights} I love the idea of a wedding with a real 'pop' to it. I don't just mean a bit of colour co-ordinated ribbon here, and a few colourful flowers there, I mean every shade of every colour everywhere. It's not a theme for November let's be honest but how vibrant would this be for an August wedding? It just oozes party party party and a great excuse to serve colourful cocktails to the guests. I hope it brightens your day!

{click on image to enlarge}

turn up the heat with bright purple dresses for your maids ~ Debenhams

i love this modern rainbow chandelier, hang over the dancefloor or top table ~ Not On The Highstreet

make more of a statement with these hot pink flock initials ~ Heals

use bright vases as centre pieces purple vase ~ Heals

for fabulous fun it's got to be cupcakes with rainbow colour icing and sprinkles! ~ Flickr 

splash that colour at the top table with these champagne flutes ~ Heals

hang some colour from the ceiling with clusters of tissue poms ~ Not On The Highstreet

add some serious sparkle with these colourful gems ~ By Elise

short n cute ivory prom dress stands out amongst the brights ~ Priscilla of Boston @Angelica Bridal 

for sunny brights you can't beat orange and pink gerberas ~ theknot

serve bold and beautiful cocktails for your guests with blue margaritas ~ superficialgirls

let your guests know they are in for a treat with these hot pink lace invites ~ mooks

your guests will be green with envy in these Louboutins ~ Net A Porter

jazz up your H20 with these colourful water bottles ~ Maxwell & Williams

get your girls in a bright turquoise number they can wear again ~ Debenhams

add a touch of vibrant pink to your outfit with this fuschia hair flower ~ Carrie Yeo

pour smarties or M&Ms into bowls for delicious decoration ~ Flickr 

spritz yourself with this colourful Lola scent ~ Marc Jacobs

pop pics of you and your h2b in colourful frames on the guestbook table ~ Urban Outfitters

heart and sole

Oh yes! These shoes are proving to be 'the' latest style accessory for brides and you can see why!  These are Vivienne Westwood Anglomania for Melissa Heart.  With their blue hue and the large heart, the fact that they are rubber, means that they are likely to be comfortable enough to last the day and well into the night.  Match your bridesmaids in the pink or gold for added wow, all available from ASOS.

city chic

 

  

A friend of mine is getting hitched in NY NY. She has been looking for 'the' dress for her outdoor spring garden wedding (how fab does that sound) and has really struggled. Generally collections in the UK are all a bit too 'weddingy' (how often do I hear that phrase?!) and she wants something a little more appropriate to walk around the streets in, and dine at a restaurant in after, "boho glam' I recall.  I've spotted this Rachel Gilbert Coco silk dress and just how cute is it??!! Totally chic, still glam but definitely not too over the top to strut the streets of NY in.  Sold?

petal power

 

 

I'm so loving paper decorations right now. Whether it's origami birds, paper flowers instead of real ones, tissue pom poms and now these falling flowers. If you have a bare space, suspending paper cut flowers onto fishing wire from the ceiling (or beams if you have a barn type venue) would totally transform it into a wonderland.  With some scissors, a flower pattern and a needle and thread, I reckon this could be quite diyable? I might have a go myself (though with two cats these would last all of 2 minutes hanging from my ceiling).

{images via Design You Trust & Changzhi Lee}

ssshh

What better way to treat yourself around Valentines! The fabulous Mirror Mirror bridal boutique in Angel Islington, London will be hosting a Charlotte Balbier event from 15th - 20th February.  Charlotte's designs are for girls looking for fairytale femininity with modern style; think bows, taffeta and lace with exclusive fabrics in shades of vintage golds, ivory and soft pinks...

{images courtesy of Charlotte Balbier}

Mirror Mirror will be unveiling the full and amazing collection of Charlotte's 2010 designs with a special 10% discount on gowns ordered throughout the event, plus a £50 accessory voucher.

For more information and to book, please call 0207 713 9022 (limited spaces available)

what the dickens

{image courtesy of Jez Dickson Photography}

Feeling a bit tired and overworked I thought i'd cheer myself up by looking at Jez Dickson's wonderful photography. I headed over to his blog only to spot a picture of me staring back from the screen! A lovely little surprise feature on my blog was posted by him and I wanted to say a BIG thanks!  I met Jez whilst at a friend's wedding that I helped organise, whilst I was busy being bridesmaid and he was busy busy getting some fabulous shots of the day. This paragraph is by no means the last you will be hearing about him.... I'll soon be posting THAT fabulous wedding in question so keep 'em peeled.

one size fits all

Oh the joys of beng a woman! We come in all shapes and sizes and it's hard enough to shop for ourselves (i've been 'jean' shopping for about 2 months now with NO joy) let alone anyone else.  I'm currently shopping as a bridesmaid for the 3rd time and each time you'd think it gets easier, but no. It really is quite impossible (sorry to have to tell you this if you are about to become one!).  I'm a curvy (cough cough) 5ft nothing girl, so when put next to a size 8 5'7 girl it's highly unlikely we're both gonna look good in the same dress and that's not even touching on the fact i'm a pale blonde and she's a bronzed brunette. So what are the choices?

Mis matching dresses? Yes, but you have to get the same colour - which in case you are wondering is 'cornflower' blue ~ like I said ~ impossible. Next and final option? Two Birds. These have been doing the rounds in the U.S for some time and are hugely popular and now I know why. One dress, 15 ways to wear it, 18 colours and no alterations. Get your gals and head over to wrap up the dress search at the only UK store which has just opened in Notting Hill.

{images via Two Birds} 

shoe day

To be honest I thought Red or Dead went away a long time ago, but clearly I was wrong! Whilst mooching Schuh I came across these exclusive little beauties.  The ivory Bon Bon shoe is just too cute for words, whilst the satin, hot fuschia Martha shoe knocks the socks off other pink shoes for bridesmaids (or you!) with the bold bow on the heel.  And what's super nice about both of these shoes...? Look carefully and there's a teeny little heart on 'em. Love that.

two halves

Awww, maybe a bit much to be walking down the street with this Love Tee but would make for some pretty damn cute engagement shots don't you think?

{via Design You Trust}

{Mmm}

Ah! Gay Paris. Ohhh how I j'adore thee. I've only ever been once and it's been a while but how can you not just think it's the most trés chic city there is? The language, the buildings, the style yes I could definitely go on. Don't get me wrong, London and NY are pretty damn close, but right now it's all about chanelling the french (geddit) and the Parisian look.

rock n roll goes retro

First and foremost, I'm sure you are all asking who is this punky, pouting, pink haired sexy lady? For those not in the know (shame on you) she's Kat - aka the Rock'n Roll Bride - a world renowned blogger of all things rockin for weddings and whom quenches my thirst, and thousands of others, for wedding inspiration on a daily basis.

Second, I'm sure you are all dying to know more about who shot these, and how you can go about getting you some of that.  More details below the hotness....

 

 

 

A few days ago, I posted a snippet of information {boudoir babe} on the Vintage Boudoir  shoot  now available from the acclaimed wedding and potrait photographer Julia Boggio at her studios in Wimbledon.  Well, to get tongues wagging Julia and Kat joined forces  (dream team or what) to produce these awesome shots to promote the Vintage Boudoir series to all us girls out there.

Julia says, "The pin-up look is so much more erotic than a lot of modern boudoir, which often shows too much."  So whether you want to dress up in the boudoir's costumes or bring something along that you've dreamt of being photographed in, Julia will make you feel happy and comfortable in front of the camera to get the demure and sexy shots you are after, and judging by Kat's photos they are testament to that!

Julia explains "We design each look in our style book and then source the props and outfits needed to create the image."  So along with setting the scene (how fab is the dressing-up room scene and those ostrich feathers) you will receive the all important wow factor with hair from the talented Sev from The Hepburn Collection (he did that pink hair justice) and super stunning make-up (false lashes a go-go) by Kaz Fernando.  After being pampered within an inch of your life, you'll slip your very own (to keep!) vintage stockings on, and get ready to pose n pout your little heart out in at least two knock 'em dead outfits.

With shots this good, even shrinking violets would want them hung up pride of place, Julia says "This is tasteful, colourful, fun and sexy. It should be part of your interior design". She's not wrong there.  The only problem is to decide what retro pin-up look to go for.....I'm thinking 'Forces Sweetheart' would be soooo ace ;)

For the full article and for more information please click on the links below:

Kats Rock'N Roll Bride Feature & more hotness

Contact Julia Boggio Studios for more details

A huge thanks and big up to Julia and Kat for letting me spread the fun x

your highness

 

The amazingly talented Flo & Percy have just added a new addition to their wondrous Wonderland Collection.  This is the Duchess headband and is a diamante and feather delight. A perfect finishing touch to a 1920's or 1930's vintage dress from The Vintage Wedding Dress Company or Fur Coat No Knickers me thinks.

{Mmm}

 

 

Is it that they come in an array of pretty pastels? Is it the petite size? The cream leather? The 50's style? It must be all of the above, as everytime I see one of these Nissan Figaro cars, it makes me smile from ear to ear. Especially the pink ones. When I learn to drive (yes yes I know, how old and I still can't drive!) I'm gonna get me one of these. In the meantime, I wonder if you can fit a bride + dress in there? Possibly not, but then that's half the charm.

{boutique vs budget} bridal gloves

I have a sneaky suspicion that bridal gloves are going to make a bit of a style comeback (I'm not the only one ~ see the post on Pip Pip and All That) so whether you are looking for something luxurious or for more of a style statement these two bracelet style options hit the spot either way. Just charming don't ya think?

{boutique; Sara bracelet glove Lucy Marshall budget; fingerless victorian lace gloves Etsy}

boudoir babe

 

  

 

*Wolf Whistle* Helllloooo! I love the fact that this is available in the UK. It's the kind of thing you read about  happening in the U.S and you think, I wish we had that here. Well we do! In Wimbledon in fact, at the Julia Boggio studios.  Chances are you've come across Julia before as her wedding and potrait photography is über amazing and regularly appears in bridal publications with the most fabulous shots (one of my faves). Or maybe you saw Julia's world famous 'Dirty Dancing First Dance' clip on YouTube (check it out if you haven't already - so cute!)

Isn't there just something about retro pin ups that make you wish you were in that era? Boy have I tried to achieve the look many a time for fancy dress parties unsuccessfully mostly. It's the hair, the style, the lips, the curves - it just all adds to the subtle sexiness.  So how exciting that you can actually experience that for a few hours with the Vintage Boudoir. Be pampered, preened and get ready to pose in some saucy little outfits (designed in house!) for some truly delicious shots for you (and anyone else) to treasure.  Message to The Boy: Charley wants ;)

{Mmm}

I totally blame working for a design agency on this one.  Are you ready for this. I'm going to admit to a rather embarrassing addiction....

Ampersands. I'm obsessed, so much so, I seem to have an ever growing collection of ampersand related trinkets. Jewellery, art, homeware, clothing... in fact it's got so bad that I'm even considering getting an ampersand tattoo. The Boy is not pleased about this.

So what do I like about it? The shape, the swirls, it shouts English to me (don't ask me why) and I love that it's a symbol that everyone knows what it means and that it has a lovely long word to describe it. What's even sadder is I'm not the only one. There's lots of us, and this Ampersand appreciation blog is evidence. There's only one way to be cured... I'm thinking an ampersand themed wedding. No?

pocketful of poses

Oh how I wish I could be one of those women who regularly bought flowers for the house (or of course, as a gift from The Boy would be even better). To have my rooms scented with fresh florals would be such a delight.  Perhaps I could drop a hint about a subscription to roses for a year and receive a posy a month from the wonderful Real Flower Company. Great idea for a wedding present to your wife to be or for a couple. Pocketful of poses, yes please!

too many cooks?

 

Why is it I always think about food in January? It's the time I shouldn't be thinking about all that grub, but I just do. So if you are organising a hen do for a foodie bride to be, then you may well want to book an Afternoon Tea Party class at The Kitchen in Parsons Green.  With a glass of bubbly on hand and a Michelin star chef to guide you, you'll prepare some scrumptious canapés and then you get to decorate your very own Michelin Star cupcakes. Yum. Just enough room left for another glass of bubbly I reckon...

{Mmm}

I'm gonna start something new. You know, it being a new year and all. I've decided that there are too many delicious things out there {Mmm} that you need to know about and quite frankly I just want to blog about. OK, so they may not be 100% wedding related, but you know, it may inspire you in some unexpected way. Here goes the first!

It smells gorgeous, it's by the über talented Mr Jacobs and it is just to die for in terms of dressing table credentials. It's Lola from Marc Jacobs.

house of fun

 

 

 

 

Don't tell me I'm the only one that finds it dull dull dull to stand shuffling and grinning for twenty minutes whilst the group shot gets taken (especially when I can see the champers, but just can't get at it). Yawwwwn. I know they are mostly to keep the oldies happy, but if you want to keep your guests entertained, then I fully recommend the Fun Booth.  Amazing photographers Steve Gerrard offer the booth of fun as part of the package.  Just add props, signs or whatever you like. The fun is endless and a definite ice-breaker for the more reserved guests (yes, Mothers in Law - we mean you).

plain bored

If you don't want to go down the fussy n frilly route of wedding invitations, then these  quote invitations  from The Paperie will make your guests chuckle. I love the frankness of the invites and think they are great for a couple willing to share and show their sense of humour. If the King Edward VIII quote doesn't get appreciated at least the handsome design and letterpress will.

maki's cakes

 

 

 

 

 

I know I know, it's January which generally means diet time for most of us. So if you are off the sugar and carbs, you may want to look away now as these cakes literally look too good to eat.  These  incredible edible works of art are from Maki's Cakes.  The amazing looking signature cakes are known as 'Temari' and are based on a small toy ball that originated from Japanese traditions.  Maki trained in food art in Tokyo and with a background as a pastry chef at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel the cakes are made to the highest quality and always with fresh ingredients and are bespoke to your theme and colours. Whether it's lemon sponge or fruit cake, you can choose teeny cute individual cakes or a more traditional tiered wedding cake.  Either way, it almost seems a shame to cut them. But then again...