Wednesday 29 June 2011

Lots Of Lovely Wedding Ideas From Guest Blogger Miss Lady Amy!


Good morning, how are you all? What a lovely couple of weeks I have had. Such a lucky lady. Apologies for not being here last Wednesday but didn't Nikki do a lovely post on her trip to York and the delightful boutique hotel they stayed in? If you missed it, it's definitely worth a read, full of useful information, pretty sumptuous pictures of the luxury antique styled interior
http://knotsandkisses.blogspot.com/2011/06/fabulous-wedding-inspiration-from-my.html



I was away last Wednesday, a day out in London, shopping, lunch and enjoying the Kings of Leon at Hyde Park with my other half Wayne.
We went to celebrate his birthday and have quality time together, with VIP tickets and 24 hours with no children it was most enjoyable and very relaxing.. We wandered around in awe. Everything is so much bigger and more glamorous in London. Harrods, Selfridges is awesome. The shoe department is out of this world, I literally couldn't focus, there were so many shoes =) After treating ourselves with a few gifts, we headed to a lovely pub for lunch before our gig began. Prepared with my Hunter boots and anorak, even in the rain and mud I was dancing and singing away with beer in hand. The atmosphere was incredible and as always, KOL were awesome. Love them.. they never fail to deliver.


I have so much to ramble about having had over a week off from writing, heehee... Anyway, a bride of mine who is having a rather hippy chic and floral style wedding next year has inspired this weeks post. So this week I have dedicated my post to a pretty Floral Display of delicate feminine designs. I adore the muddle of flowers and colours together, like a gentle rainbow of nature.. Before I share with you my floral inspired mood board, take a peep at this awesome online store, filled with Shabby Chic accessories and floral prettiness, all the details and 'bits and bobs' you could wish for to help decorate your Floral Shabby Chic wedding.. http://www.livelaughlove.co.uk/shabby-chic-accessories-c-27.html


Here are a few beautiful, summery flowery bridal hair styles, which I came across recently when researching for my 'hippy' styled bride. I simply adore these images and had to share them with you all... http://mouille.wordpress.com/2011/03/28/we-love-romantic-hair/ They reflect a very elegant, feminine look, the style oozes softness and sensuality with a glow of summer hippy chic..


Ladyamys Floral Display of hippy chic prettiness



Using a floral pattern, style for the dresses and shoes is a great way of introducing lots of colour and textures but keeping everything within the same style and it not being 'too much'.

I love the individuality of these dresses, they are uber pretty and girly without being 'fairy like' or too twinkly..

This style is perfect for that DIY or budget bride. Using old vintage style fabrics to make the wedding attire, wild flower bouquets and simple but very beautiful floral details through out the design.
Crockery, Table clothes, Stationery, Hair accessories, Fabrics and Cake.

Credits


http://www.ebridalonsale.com/dresses/mismatched-bridesmaid-dresses-and-floral-bridesmaid-dresses/



I hope you have enjoyed this flowery post

Please pop over to my blog 'Ladyamy's Diary' to keep up with my wedding rambles and latest special offers


Love Lauren
x







Tuesday 28 June 2011

Gorgeous Autumn Plum & Burnt Orange Wedding Styling

I had a lovely chat with a bride last week who is going for a really Autumn feel to her wedding and wanted her stationery to reflect this. After lots of pastel coloured summer orders this excited me no end!
She wants to mix gorgeous deep plums, burnt oranges and mustards ... like the palette below .. but still keep it quite floral. I'm already sketching lots of ideas!


My head is now swimming with styling ideas to match this gorgeous palette! The great thing about Autumn weddings is you can have lots of strong colours for your bridesmaids and flowers .. mix matched bridesmaids would look fab, but gorgeous plum dresses with burnt orange flowers would also be fab.
Keep the table linen dark and sumptuous and light your venue with candles as this will make the most of those beautiful colours. Feather accessories and tweed touches are fantastic with this look and add a bit of drama!



Friday 24 June 2011

Vintage Style Wedding Dresses Under £500!

I do love a Vintage or Vintage Style wedding dress! There's nothing I like more than an old bit of lace ... but is it possible to do Vintage or Vintage style on a budget?
I decided for today's supplier spotlight to try and find gorgeous wedding dresses that suit a lot of the styling I showcase on this blog, but don't blow the budget or your bank balance out the water!
I have to say I was delighted to find lots of options for under £500 .. some of which I already new about and some of which I came across whilst searching.

The first company is a particular favourite of mine .. http://www.bhldn.com/ . BHLDN are based in America but shipping costs are quite low and although they also do some blow the budget dresses they also offer very reasonably priced dresses under $1000. The two I found below are $600 so around £375 plus shipping.


Next is good old Ebay. You've got to love Ebay for vintage and antiques ... I've found loads of homeware on there in the past but was surprised to find some really gorgeous new wedding dresses on there ... and not just the dodgy ones from China! These gorgeous vintage style dresses are amazing value .. the first one is £210 and the second £325.


I love Monsoon ... its my favourite high street shop .. and I honestly think they do the best bridal range on the high street, especially if you're after something a little more vintage and bohemian in style.
These two dresses from the current collection have a lovely seventies feel to them. The first one is £150 and the second £225. Find them at http://www.monsoon.co.uk/



Finally a lovely vintage dress company I found through Twitter. Love Miss Daisy is a online shop that sells gorgeous vintage clothing and accessories and also has a range of Vintage bridalwear. They advise booking an appointment and going to try their dresses on as they don't offer refunds ... but its well worth the £30 fee which is deducted from any purchase. I love all their gowns and they are incredibly reasonably priced.
You can visit their website http://www.lovemissdaisy.com/ to view current stock.
The two below are my current favourites .. although I have to say I have cheated on the last one which is £550 .. whoops! The other one is £400 though.


Thursday 23 June 2011

Wedding Venue - Marmadukes Hotel in York

As promised I'm carrying on with the inspiration I found whilst on my trip to York last week by sharing with you today the gorgeous little boutique hotel we stayed in .. Marmadukes.
I fell in love with this hotel when I found it online because of its gorgeous antique furnishings and vintage styling and it totally lived up to my expectations! We stayed in a Four Poster room with a roll top bath and couldn't have been more comfy!




We had a fantastic breakfast ( in the lovely sunny conservatory on the first day and in our room on the second ) and I was delighted to find when I checked out that they also have a Civil License and accomodate weddings!
The lovely Jodie who is their wedding co-ordinator was more than happy for me to share what they offer with you and sent me lots of information. You can also find out more on their website http://www.marmadukesyork.com/



They have a capacity to sleep up to 44 people and can accommodate 50 for a wedding ceremony and breakfast and then 100 for the evening reception.



I asked Jodie to tell me a little more about what they offer for weddings at Marmadukes ....

"Picturesque private lavender filled garden, a secluded garden spa, and an accessible location from all over the UK and beyond – what better way to celebrate your special day, than planning your event at Marmadukes boutique Hotel, York?

We understand the importance of detail when it comes to planning your wedding, which is why our experienced and friendly Wedding Planner is on hand from the moment you select us as your ideal venue.



Marmadukes is licensed to hold religious and Humanist ceremonies
Marmadukes provides a beautiful backdrop to your special day, with a host of spaces perfectly suited for memorable wedding photographs. From idyllic, elegant and luxurious surroundings of Marmadukes, you can be assured that your wedding venue will serve as an ideal canvas for capturing memories of your day.
 

The idyllic setting of Marmadukes is matched by the bespoke, friendly service you will receive from our experienced team. We take personal pride in ensuring that everything is perfect for your special day. Your personal Wedding Planner will work with you, along with the assistance of our Executive Chef, to guide you through all your options to ensure that your day is no less than perfect. We will bring you an expertly planned and organised schedule, sublime and delicious food, and carefully-selected wines served by superbly trained waiters and waitresses, in a venue that offers a truly magical experience. On your big day, we will work unobtrusively in the background to ensure a seamless service – the gold standard of hospitality.


There are a range of Rooms to suit your day: from the beautifully appointed Lounge for the more intimate affair, to The larger conservatory; an impressive open natural space capable of hosting up to 45 guests seated.After your celebrations are over, a cocktail bar and private rooms will provide a choice of sophisticated spaces to relax, unwind and relive the day over a glass of champagne before retiring to bed in your luxurious bridal suite.


You can contact Jodie and Marmadukes via the details below. Hope you loved this gorgeous little wedding venue as much as I did!

Marmadukes Hotel

4-5 St Peters Grove
Bootham
York
YO30 6AQ

Telephone: 01904 640101
Faxmile: 0870 8660179
http://www.marmadukesyork.com/
E-mail: reservations@marmadukesyork.com

Wednesday 22 June 2011

Fabulous Wedding Inspiration From My Trip To York!

As some of you may know I went away for a couple of days last week to celebrate being with my partner for 5 years! We decided to go to one of my favourite places in the country York .... as its my perfect combination of historic buildings, fabulous shopping and perfect tearooms!
We had a lovely couple of days, but more than that I came back totally inspired!
Tomorrow I'm going to share with you the gorgeous Boutique Hotel we stayed in which I found out also does weddings!

But for starters I'm desperate to design a range based on the beautiful ceiling in the Chapter House in York Minster below. I love the intricacy and slightly Russian peasant feel to the design. I'm imagining a stationery design with a real arts and crafts feel to it and some embroidery style font & Russian doll motifs ....


I was also incredibly inspired by the vintage ice cream van I came across outside the Yorkshire Castle museum. Not only did it sell amazing ice cream it had that real retro vintage styling I adore. I can just imagine this turning up at a festival style wedding .. perhaps with a candy floss cart as well! You can find lots of vintage style ice cream vans and carts online.



I also love the idea of a fairground style wedding .... and may well do a stationery design based on this in the future ... so was delighted that right next to that gorgeous ice cream van was a beautiful old fashioned carousel! Base your wedding styling on the font and colours ... or just have one at your wedding!



And finally .... I can't really talk about my trip to York without at least giving a small mention to my favourite place in the world ... Bettys Tea Rooms! I of course had to have Afternoon Tea there whilst we were in York. I adore the gorgeous silver cake stands and the pretty finger sandwiches and little pastries! You can easily replicate this idea for your wedding and serve afternoon tea rather than having a full Wedding Breakfast.




Remember to check back tomorrow for all the photos and wedding ideas from the hotel we stayed in in York!

Nikki x

Monday 20 June 2011

Antique Gold & Ivory Wedding Inspiration To Match Our Stationery

I wanted to revisit my Antique Rose range of stationery today. As well as the ever popular dusky pink colourway in this range it also comes in a gorgeous shade of pale antique gold.
I find this colour so versatile as its easily adaptable with the rose print to a country style wedding, but my favourite is to glam it up with a bit of burnished gold for a decedent vintage look.
You can find all the details of my Antique Rose range on the website www.knotsandkisses.co.uk



Here are some styling ideas I've come up with to go with the range ... keeping dresses vintage and floaty, but glammed up with vintage jewellery and gold decor. The key is to mix lace, diamante and antique gold finishes with cottons and natural wood for a perfect shabby vintage look.

cake : www.cottonandcrumbs.co.uk ; bird placecard holders: Wedding Of My Dreams at www.notonthehighstreet.com ; dress www.bhldn.com

tealight holders : www.notonthehighstreet.com ; Hair accessories : www.bhldn.com 

dress: www.bhldn.com ; Love letters : www.notonthehighstreet.com

Friday 17 June 2011

Friday Supplier Spotlight : Fabulous Accessories For Your Wedding!

I discovered today's featured supplier whilst looking for styling ideas to match the launch of my new Wonderland range of Wedding Stationery. Claire Ogden's Alice inspired charm bracelet appeared on the launch post for the new range and so I couldn't wait to showcase the rest of her work on the Supplier Spotlight.
I asked Claire to let us know a bit more about herself and what she can offer for your wedding ....




"Claire Ogden Designs is the home of beautiful unique and individual handmade jewellery pieces, wedding jewellery and wedding headwear, tiaras, hair combs and more.


I am a handmade jewellery designer who designs and create all my own handmade pieces, handmade tiaras and bespoke jewellery. My website is the home for my news reel, testimonials, galleries and online jewellery shop with creations which are unique to me and I can guarantee that each piece is made to the highest quality.

My work reflects how passionate I am about creating jewellery, I aim to infuse each piece with a sense of individuality, boldness and an impression made to last. ‘Once seen never forgotten' philosophy! My work is also very OOAK (One of a Kind) and will not be reproduced.


I love to make a difference and create jewellery that shines through and gets noticed but designing each piece to last the decades and be wearable for a lifetime. I want to make people aware how individual my pieces can be, how enchanted my bridal pieces are and for them to appreciate each piece in its own individual right.

My wedding collections are simply stunning, my handmade free form tiaras provide a beautiful focal point and frame the hair style or veil beautifully, I adore the vintage feel and bohemian look, I want to create a highly individual style that has never been seen before but works wonderfully well with the bridal gown and other accessories. I create alternative options and additional pieces all of the compliment each other consisting of handmade necklaces, handmade earrings, bridal hair combs and beautiful handmade bracelets which are all rich in both depth and detail and carry plenty of the WOW factor!


If you are searching for women's designer jewellery, something special, bespoke pearl jewellery, custom design jewellery, unique, different, original and noticeable jewellery come to me, together we can create a truly individual style, suited just to you I will always provide you with the perfect pieces for any occasion.

The service that I provide you with is exceptional because I want to ensure that you not only find the perfect designer jewellery for yourself but for gifts for your loved ones and will return again and again because you were so very well looked after. My testimonials stand proud and hold their own weight provided from a variety of different sources, there is nothing better than meeting the brief and making it happen, read through them on my website.



Bespoke orders are more than welcome, I offer a very thorough service and work very closely with you to create just what you want, I work within all budgets, it is amazing what you can create from any amount, it is all about the design and passion.

I hope you will pop to my online shop and have a look, I am always only an email away if you would like to know anything more."

You can see more of Claire's work and contact her though her website and blog http://claireogdendesigns-theblogspot.blogspot.com/p/online-shop.html