Guest Posting

One of my favourite blogs from over the other side of the pond is Oh So Beautiful Paper. The author, Nole, loves all things paper, and updates her blog on a regular basis with things that inspire her, from paper goods and wedding invitations to interior design, style and anything pretty. I'm particularly keen on her Real Invitations features - check out this fabulous set from her latest posting and click here to check out the feature in full!

@ Website for the Weak @

I can't tell you how excited I was when I discovered the gorgeous shopping site, Happiness Itself. Owner Anita Kaushal clearly has an eye for the most wondeful things, and although not all of them are wedding related, just imagine how gorgeous the ceramic key-ring and Kiss Hoarder book could be as wedding favours. And if you're having a simple beach wedding, your bridesmaids could certainly wear the pure cotton lace-trimmed tops over silk skirts. Even the ruffle bag comes folded into the shape of a heart *sigh*.

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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BBD Theme: Let It Snow

Inspired by the photo above? Well then why not add a bit of snowy loveliness to your big day, thanks to the gorgeous items below?

Product Credits (from top left corner) - Lace Cuff: Jess James Jake, Feather Hair Accessory: One Little Dove, Vintage Lace Dress: Timeless Vixen Vintage, White Blossoms Ring Cushion: AAlicia Wedding, Satin & Tulle Strapless A-Line Gown: Bridal Bliss Designs, (from middle left) White Takes Flight Feather Comb: Boring Sidney, 14k Nena Stacker Ring with Acquamarine: Michelle Lenae, Ping & Jing Wedding Hat: Boring Sidney, Frozen Crystals Tiara: Which Goose, (from bottom left) White Orchid Shrug: Toccata, White Felt & Gold Earrings: 3 Fun, Pearl Studs: Toccata, Lace Gloves: Malam

Product Credits (from top left) - Snowflake Gift Tags: Pink Lily Press, Shrug: Toccata, Snowflake Tie: Toy Breaker, Round Gift Tags: Fresh Lemon Blossoms, Veil: Myrakim, (from bottom left) Snowflake Invitation: Designs by Adj, Tiara: AC Petrille, Cupcake: The Cupcake Mint, Bianca Nuno Felted Tie Shrug: Glamour Junkie, Mignonne Lace Wedding Dress: Toccata, Snowflake Stationery: Paper Lovely Press

Product Credits (from top left) - White Takes Flight Feather Comb: Boring Sidney, Ruffled Clutch: Murwati, Bridal Bracelets: Totus Mel, White Birch Wood Candle Holders: Snow Owl Wood Shop, Bouquet: April Hiler Designs, Snowflake Invitation: Designs by Adj, (from bottom left) Vintage Gold Paper Snowflake: Two Palms Trading Co, Natural White Birch Gift Tags: Snow Owl Wood Shop, Large Tree Silhouette Papercuts: Jenny Lee Fowler, Lace Hair band: AC Petrille

BBD Theme: Beach Big Day

Feeling inspired to add a touch of beach to your big day? Well check out these items below.

Product Credits (from top left) - Wedding Sign: The Back Porch Shoppe, Relax Stones: SJ Engraving, Deck-Chair Place Markers: Beau-Coup, Starfish Place Markers: RSVPCT, Pear-shaped Diamond Ring: Kates Zabone, Thank You Parasol: I Do Originals, Muslin Bags: Nuvonova, Personalised Fans: Beau-Coup, Coral Save the Date: Simple Te Design, Seashore Wreath: Beach Grass Cottage, Starfish Hair Pins: Kalyn Designs


Product Credits (from top left) - Shell Bouquet: Romantic Flowers, Travel Journal & Shell & Starfish Tiara: Not on the High Street, Coral Stationery: Buddy and Bean, Palm Tree Cake Topper: Wedding Collectibles, Candle Holder: Beau-Coup, Map Confetti: DDE Forest, Starfish necklace: Hampton Jewels

Gothic Fantasy

Traditionally the bride wears white to her wedding, but what if you're not the traditional type? My advice? Do it your way - it's not your wedding unless it reflects your character. One couple that did just that are the fabulous Alyssa and Brian, who had a gothic vegan wedding. Alyssa wore a gorgeous black dress, and stunning starred veil, which she made herself! My favourite details have to be the tiny pumpkin, the dramatic invitations (made by Paper Source) and the cupcake wrappers which said "poison" and "beware" (as always double click on the pic for a closer view). Many thanks to Jessamyn Harris for her inspirational photographs.

BBD Theme: Gothic Fantasy

Feeling inspired to add a touch of gothic fantasy to your big day? Well check out these items below.

Product Credits (from top left) - Black silk cocktail hat : It's the Little Things Ut, Hair Clip: Lo Boheme, Silverty Icicle Crown: SE Studio, Wedge Birdcage Veil: Brendas Bridal Veils, Coffin Ring: Idle Hands Designs, Garter: Piper Ewan

Product Credits (from top left) - Feather Bustier Gown: Love Karlak, Red & Black Dress & Shrug: MT Coffinz Underground, Choker: Dark Elegance Designs, Necklace: Bella Morte 87, Feathered Belt: Icing 101, Black Wedding Dress: Stephanie Madesh, Gloves: Miss Brache, Corset Dress & Skull Jacket: MT Coffinz Underground

Product Credits (from top lef) - Black Diamond Ring: Bloom Studios, Sign: The Back Porch Shoppe, Rose Bouquet: Showcase Bridal, Invitation: My Blue Tulip Design, Red-backed Invitation Set: Kindly Spoken, Napkin Set: Mary Wibis, Rose Hair-clip: Countessa

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!