Sunday, November 29, 2015

A Beachside Wedding in Ibiza with Jimmy Choos & Bouganvillia

This amazing Ibiza wedding will have you dreaming of summer! It's a stunning example of a destination big day. Simple, chic, and perfect. The great thing about getting married abroad is that the venue usually speaks for itself - you don't need stacks of extra wedding decorations. Plus all your friends feel like they're on holiday, so they come ready to party!



We hosted our wedding in Ibiza!! We both went to Ibiza a few years ago for my birthday with a group of friends. Back then, we were just friends but during the week, we started to feel differently about each other – the magic of Ibiza made us fall in love!


I went on a recce with my maid of honour and made appointments with lots of venues on the island over 3 days – and visited lots of beautiful churches! It was a tough job but someone had to do it! ;) Our ceremony took place at San Agustin Church, and we chose the Elixir Shore Club for our reception venue.


We kept it really simple as the venue was so beautiful and had the most beautiful backdrop of Es Vedra – the magical island of love.


My wedding dress was the 'Amelie' by Gemy Maalouf from Secret Dress House. I had tried on lots of the traditional-style gowns in other boutiques and really didn't feel like 'me'. Then, following the recce with my maid of honour, we knew I needed something a bit different – and suitable for the HOT weather!  


A friend had recommended Secret Dress House and as soon as I met Kelly and checked out her beautiful and more 'fashionable' collection, I knew this was the boutique for me! I knew I didn’t want a strapless dress {partly due to it being a church wedding} but other than that, I was open to options – but it had to be cool!


When Kelly picked 'my' dress I wasn't sure at first but as soon as I tried it on, I knew! I finally felt like me – and as it was made of pure silk, it was so breathable and perfect for the Spanish heat! I loved Grecian feel, the detail, the train…and the lace back! I asked for the longest veil they had – I wanted a statement veil for the church!  


Jonny & I love our House Music – so I walked down the aisle to a live piano version of Penguin by Avicii. On our way back up the aisle as man and wife, our church band played an acoustic version of 'We Found Love' by Calvin Harris & Rhianna – another song that means a lot to us. 


My hair and make-up was done by Jaime Bravo. Ok, I’m lucky, Jaime is my sister-in-law {and bridesmaid}, but if she wasn't I would still pay for her to come to Ibiza to beautify the wedding party – she is simply the best! She is so 'on trend' and knows what looks would suit each girl. She is super quick, yet a perfectionist – what a winning combo on your wedding morning! She even converted girls reluctant to have their hair & make-up done into them wanting to use Jaime every day!


Jonny knew he wanted to wear a suit in a blue/grey colour - and something quite relaxed. Burton has a great range and he opted for skinny fit trousers and a waistcoat, with braces for the evening.  


Jonny and his ushers' blush bow ties were custom made from Kraft 2 Kotton 1 Korner on Etsy. He also wore blue shoes from Dune, a white skinny fit shirt and pink socks from Charles Tyrwhitt  


Our wedding flowers were created by Florist Dreams, who came highly recommended to us via a contact we made in Ibiza. 

Gary and Holly were a pleasure to deal with. I knew I wanted a simple blush rose bouquet and gypsophila for the bridesmaids and buttonholes – I love the simplicity and how the colours worked together.




Without a doubt, my shoes had to be Jimmy Choo! They were the first pair I tried on and I fell in love. They were classic white, peep toe with sparkles and a comfortable heel size. For the evening - dancing and shots on the beach – I changed into bespoke Swarovski Crystal Havianas flip flops.


Our wedding photographer was Ily Grantham. We met Ily when she did our engagement shoot in Arizona and we fell in love with her! 


We were quite nervous about doing a photo shoot and felt a bit uncomfortable at first but within minutes, Ily had us relaxed, enjoying it – and the photos were incredible!!! We knew we had to fly Ily out to Ibiza!


My bridesmaids gowns are the convertible 'Annabelle' in blush by Jenny Woo for BHLDN. I came across these first on Pinterest and was obsessed – I then visited the BHLDN boutique in Beverley Hills {love that place} and tried them on with my {bridesmaid} sister-in-law. I loved the fact that they could be styled in so many different ways to best suit the girl. 

For more on this wedding, click for Part 2!

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Friday, November 27, 2015

Before the Big Day Black Friday Wedding Sales

It's a big day in the world of sales, and this is your chance to buy everything for your wedding at a bargain price! Black Friday is a pretty new concept in the UK, but wedding vendors are jumping on the bandwagon, so it's definitely worth taking a look at your favourite shops, to see if you can snap up something special. Wedding dress, bridesmaids gowns, and wedding decorations are your best buys - here's my round-up of some of the BEST Black Friday Wedding Sales.....








♥  Luxury shoe and accessories brand Freya Rose is offering a whopping 30% discount off their exquisite creations for one day and one day only. Use the code BLKFRIDAY

♥ WOW - BHS has a brilliant wedding collection, with flower girl dresses, groom's suits and even mother of the bride outfits. And talk about a deal - they're offering a whopping 50% off everything this Friday.

♥  Book your wedding make-up with Beauty Call today, and they'll do one of your maid's hair or make-up completely free - saving £60.

♥  For wedding decorations, presents and original accessories, it doesn't get better than Not on the High Street, particularly with up to 50% off this Black Friday! There are literally pages of discount - my fav? These Bubble Gum balloons with 30% off!


♥  You'll be amazed what you can find for your wedding on ASOS - fab bridesmaids dresses, pretty accessories, and the all important 'getting ready robes'. They even have beauty products for your big day. All with 20% off this weekend, with the code CYBER.

♥ If you buy your wedding dress from bridal designer Louise Selby this weekend, she'll give you a veil for free! Book your appointment on 020 8948 8681

♥ I'm a big fan of Coast's Wedding Collection - they have brilliant bridesmaids dresses for brides on a budget. And now you can snap up a deal with 30% off their entire wedding collection. Use the code JUSTFORYOU at checkout.


♥ Another massive deal for you - House of Fraser is offering 50% off everything today! It's a great opportunity to get reductions on pretty Phase Eight wedding gowns and smart suits for your hubby-to-be.

♥ Bought your wedding rings yet? Take a trip to reliable high-street jeweller Goldsmiths for 25% off selected watches and jewellery from Friday through to Monday.

♥ Buy your wedding undies from M&S, with 30% off today. It's knicker-tastic!

♥  Buy your wedding stationery from fantastic designer Printed Love Co today, and you'll get a massive 25% off with the code BLACK FRIDAY






♥ If you're worrying about the cost of your wedding day look, take a look at my blog post on how to buy your wedding dress for less.

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Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Totally Tropical Boho Bridesmaid Dresses

Random fact of the day - I'm planning a tropical themed New Year's Eve party {long story}. As part of my research for fun ideas, and what to wear, I stumbled upon the most incredible bridesmaid dress company E-V-E-R. If you're a boho bride, or fun-spirited, or just love a good print, you're going to fall head-over-heels for this brilliant brand called Show Me Your Mumu. Created by two fabulous girls who live in New York, their website is stuffed to the rafters with fantastic gowns, playsuits and getting ready robes. Be warned - you'll come away wanting an Hawaiian themed big day!



Here are just a few of my favourite gowns.....





{Sources} Top picture from Green Wedding Shoes Blog, all other shots from Show Me Your Mumu

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Friday, November 20, 2015

For Eternity Engagement Rings

Engagement rings are a constant source of fascination for me. There are very few objects in the world that symbolise so much - they represent a choice, a promise, hope for the future, and of course love. I've long been a fan of the solitaire diamond - to me, the single gemstone meant my husband had chosen his one love. But now I'm intrigued by the new trend in eternity rings - and they way they look forward to the future. This diamond band by Silly Shiny Diamonds is particularly pretty - would you choose an eternity ring for your engagement?


{I want this!} Diamond Eternity Ring, £560 by Silly Shiny Diamonds

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Thursday, November 19, 2015

Cute Christmassy Winter Wedding Favours

Is anyone else already getting excited about Christmas? Twinkling fairy-lights, warming mulled-wine, snug scarves and rustling presents under the tree? It's no wonder winter weddings are amongst the most magical. Several of my friends have chosen to host their big day in December, and all their weddings felt like we'd stepped straight into Narnia. Add a little bit of fairy-tale to your wedding reception with these adorable gingerbread house coffee biscuits. Delicious favour, and sweet treat in one, they're the perfect after-dinner treat. Cookie Art London make stacks of amazing biscuits - check out their 'Will You Be My Bridesmaid' set, and edible Christmas tree decorations.


Gingerbread House Biscuits, £12 for 16 by Cookie Art London

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Saturday, October 17, 2015

Wedding Trends of 2015: Semi-Naked Wedding Cakes

Look alert wedding peeps - there's a new trend in town. Hot on the hills of last year's naked wedding cakes, bakers have started dressing their cakes again! But not too much. Just a touch of frosting, a whisper of white, a hint of what's to come. They're pretty much the prettiest cakes in town. Feast your eyes! P.S. This semi-naked look is sooooper easy to DIY.




Sources: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

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Monday, September 28, 2015

Vintage Wedding Decorations - Cloche & Bell Jars

My latest wedding decoration obsession are these vintage-style bell jars. They're perfect for a botanical or garden themed wedding, or a vintage-themed wedding, and I love their versatility. You can literally fill them with anything! I love how the bell jars in the picture below are filled with herbs, but I've seen them covering designer shoes {imagine naming your wedding tables Jimmy Choo, or Christian Louboutin!}, wedding cakes, vintage books and even sylvan scenes of moss and toadstools. For more ideas, check out my Pinterest board - it's stuffed with excellent wedding inspiration and ideas. For more pictures from this fabulous event styled by Sterling Engagements - check out the wedding blog Grey Likes Weddings.



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Friday, September 25, 2015

DIY Autumn Leaf Wedding Confetti

This is such a genius idea, I can't believe I hadn't thought of it before! I love everything autumn, and there's nothing I like more than going out for a long walk, and picking up lots of natural momentoes - think polished conkers, spiky horse chestnut cases, and mottled leaves. So this quick and easy wedding crafting project ticks all my boxes.


All you need is a huge pile of pretty autumn leaves, a heart punch {buy them here}, kitchen towel, and a couple of hefty books. Punch out pretty hearts and press them between kitchen towel, and tada! You've got perfect autumn confetti. Use it to decorate your wedding reception tables, or put it in cones for your friends to throw at you as you come out the church. Tutorial here.


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Wednesday, September 23, 2015

A Pretty Shabby-Chic Wedding with a Mint-Green Cake!

You'll easily spot my favourite detail in this lovely pastel-themed wedding. It's the mint green wedding cake! I love everything about it - from the ruffled icing {very this season}, to the shabby chic lace bow, and the pretty mini-bunting topper. It's perfect! There's plenty more stealworthy wedding details - you'll want to copy Heather's bridal style, her Pronovias wedding dress, unstructured bouquet and DIY'd limoncello wedding favours. I'm also a big fan of their twine-wrapped jam jar vases. Fabulous pictures by Jack from Firsthand Photography. If you missed Part 1 of this wedding click here!



We celebrated our wedding at St Edmund's Church at Holme Pierrepont, with our reception next door at Holme Pierrepont Hall.


At the beginning, we didn't have a definitive theme, however it slowly developed with the help of online blogs. We explored lots of ideas, and created our own wedding scrapbook.


We ended up with a kind of rustic, traditional feel to the decorations. Pierrepont Hall is an amazing venue with beautiful gardens surrounding it, and we were really lucky that the weather held out.


Our wedding caterer was Fiona Herbert, who also managed the whole day. The team were vital to the smooth running of our wedding, and everything ran perfectly. All our guests commented on how good the food was at our reception.


Our wedding photographer was Jack at Firsthand Photography. She was fantastic - we hardly knew she was there, and have had so many people comment on how great she was since our big day. 



Funnily enough Jack lives just around the corner from us, so she popped round one evening for an introduction, and we instantly felt at ease.





Mrs Umbels was our wedding florist. They were absolutely fantastic - such a talent and very patient with us. Once we met Sarah in her little hut in the countryside, we knew she was the florist for us.


Our wedding favours were little kilner bottles of homemade limoncello and sloe gin. These doubled up as place names, as the bottles were labelled with little luggage tags.


We had a three-tiered cake with frosting in mint to match the hall and the bridesmaid dresses. It had ruffled icing and a lace bow, and we topped it with mini-bunting saying ' Just Married'. On the cake table we also had matching cake pops and cupcakes, all iced with mint and orange.


I loved planning my wedding! My advice to brides would be start early, breaking this down into a {big} list, and don't settle - you only get one big day!


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Tuesday, September 22, 2015

A Pastel-Themed Stately Home Wedding with a Pronovias Gown

Take one Princess-style gown, sprinkle it with confetti, and add an elegant chignon, and you've got the recipe for a beautiful bride. Everything about this lovely shabby-chic wedding is romantic, from the white vintage car, to the incredible stately home venue, and the mint-green wedding cake. I've fallen head-over-hells for Heather's stunning Pronovias wedding dress - you'll want to add it to your must-try list. And her bridesmaids' strapless Coast dresses were a great buy! Enjoy these Getting Ready and Ceremony pictures by Firsthand Photography - look out for the inspiring Reception shots in Part 2, later today.


We celebrated our wedding at St Edmund's Church at Holme Pierrepont, with our reception next door at Holme Pierrepont Hall.


At the beginning, we didn't have a definitive theme, however it slowly developed with the help of online blogs. We explored lots of ideas, and created our own wedding scrapbook.


We ended up with a kind of rustic, traditional feel to the decorations. Pierrepont Hall is an amazing venue with beautiful gardens surrounding it, and we were really lucky that the weather held out.


I got my dress from Beautiful Brides in Nottingham, it was a Pronovias design which I still love!


I created our wedding invitations. Initially we sent out Save the Dates with an illustration of Holme Pierrepont Hall that Lee drew for me. I then designed the invitations, which were a collective set of cards - invitation, RSVP and directions / accommodation options. I tied them all together with some simple twine.



Lee wore a set of Ted Baker tails from Moss Bros. He added a silver-grey waistcoat and cravat, and a pink rose buttonhole.



My bridesmaids' outfits came from Coast. They were strapless, Grecian style gowns in mint green. They wore silver shoes, and they all had their hair up for the day.


Mrs Umbels was our wedding florist. They were absolutely fantastic - such a talent and very patient with us. Once we met Sarah in her little hut in the countryside, we knew she was the florist for us.


We chose lots of different pastel colours for our wedding colour palette, and they all came together beautifully.



We chose the traditional Wedding March for walking up the aisle, and our first dance was 'Grow Old with Me' by Tom Odell.







Our wedding photographer was Jack at Firsthand Photography. She was fantastic - we hardly knew she was there, and have had so many people comment on how great she was since our big day. 

Funnily enough Jack lives just around the corner from us, so she popped round one evening for an introduction, and we instantly felt at ease.


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