flower girl!

Sorry for not posting recently, I need to get into more of a routine with this.

Anyway, Mum has been busy crafting away this weekend, we finally have all the brides maids bouquets done, plus the flower girl headband and flower ball.

All made from hand made fabric flowers and mini doves with added broaches and buttons.

Amazing dresses

So while I was looking for inspiration for dresses, I found this:

Even though this dress looks like something for halloween rather then a wedding, the method for making it could lead to a future fashion trend.
The silk is made from genetically engineered silk worms. Scientists have tweeked the worms silk producing process to create florescent coloured silk.
So far this process has been used to create stand out suits and ties, but now wedding dress designer Yumi Katsura has creating this show stopping piece.


This has got me thinking about my chosen wedding dress ( which is not white ) and other unusual dress designs:

Celebrate the different:

Simple little dress curtacy of Etsy seller Charmbridge.

This stunning Aline black tulle dress would be perfect in a shabby chic wedding, for a simple clean look. 

It seems that Japanese brides have all the fun!
Check out this site for more outstandingly different dresses.
Sugar Kei

The green colour just pops with this transitional ball gown with a twist. 

Geen fairy! 

A "sheepish" bride from Lincoln had an unusual idea for her dress, which stemmed from rural transitions and a passion to promote alternative materials.

I am usually very disheartened at 'shearing time' seeing our beautiful clippings of lustrous locks bagged and practically given to the wool board! I have consequently set out on a mission to prove that wool is still a wonderful commodity to be celebrated, and what better way to celebrate it than on our own wedding day.

The Frock from the Flock

Bouquets!!!!

Hi everyone,

Sorry for the lack of activity, I've been busy procrastinating about sending out save the dates.
After not being too happy with the original print (mainly due to my silly spelling error), I have finally sent the updated cards off to be printed!

I just wanted to post up what Mum (Marcia) and I have been up to over the last few weeks:

This was our first attempt at doing wedding flowers, but i am so happy with how it turned out.
Thank you so much to Barbra who provided the die cutter and to my fabulous mum who created the stunning arrangements.

This is the first of the bridesmaids bouquets, made from hand crafted fabric flowers, buttons and vintage broaches. We also added shabby chic lace to the base for the ultimate crafty touch.
It looks stunning, so pleased how it turned out.
Now onto making four more!!!

Save the day!

The brilliant wedding planner that is my mum, has been nagging me for months to get these finished and off to the printers, well finally they are done!

Following on my superhero theme, I have taken the Noir style and created a fun little strip for me and Gaz as superheroes.
The invitations will follow this on into a whole little story later on. I'm currently working on them.

Designing for other people I dont tend to have trouble with, but designing my own wedding stationary is proving to be very difficult. I think this is down to the fact that I am my own worst critic, even though I have had these practically done for the last month, each weekend I have come back to them for more tweaking.
This weekend was my cut off, my last cut off being two weeks ago (but again... critic!). So after a few hours today, all sorted... I hope.

Little budget tip here... I am having them printed on Ebay. For 100 double sided A5 card I have paid £26 with free postage.
(a little more then I needed but they only sell in 50s. There is only £3 difference between 50 and 100 so im not too fussed that I only need 70).
Compare that too Staples or any wedding invitation sellers, and you've got a bargin.

The only thing that has helped me is that I've had a few years learning photoshop. For others out there who may need a little help putting stationary together, just let me know and I would be happy to create something to your taste.

Otherwise check out Etsy for sellers who sell the printable stationary.  You can grab them for not very much and then have them printed on Ebay and still get the save the dates done for under £100.

Etsy save the date printables

Inspiration ideas for budding superheros

Tiaras and wedding jewellery ideas

I though I would just showcase my mums new wedding set that she has created.

When I said I didn't really want a tiara for the wedding, she wasn't put off. She decided to make one anyway and sell it through her Etsy site.
I'm sure theres lots of girls out there who love tiaras!

** Thats me modelling with the new blonde look :) 

These are a few of her bridal earring collection too:

UKs best alternative venues!

The first thing most brides will think about is the venues for the wedding and reception. If a church is not your thing, then finding an inspiring venue for your nuptials will be top on your list.
Most venues how will now accommodate for the wedding and reception which could save you money, as well as the hassle of transporting guests.
So here is a little list of alternative venues to get your planning started.


West Midlands safari park
Spring grove house:

Unfortunately you wont be able to brave the lion den in your designer dress, but you will be able to have a civil ceremony and reception for 220 guests in the manor house.
The colonial interior has the feel of a gentleman's hunting mansion in deepest Africa, with grand staircase, lion head statues and hand painted safari landscapes.
The grounds even boasts its own safari pavilion for night time entertainment.
Be warned though, the extravagance comes with a hefty price tag. Best get saving!



Wilderness wood
East Sussex 

For adding a touch of glamping to your eco wedding why not try sitting out under the canopy of trees and stars.
This 62 acres woodland paradise can come with all the trimmings, from rustic decorations, barns, outdoor kitchens and camping site for your guests. Perfect for veteran festival goers, the site will supply music, staff and log cooked roast.
The site can accommodate for up to 120 guests for the ceremony and reception. The only down side seems to be that you have the hire the loos for your guests!



Tunnels beaches
Devon

Perfect for a smaller budget, this intimate setting in Devon over looks the stunning cliffs and the rawring waves.
The garden and your facilities are exclusive and private during the day and your guests are able to explore the tunnels, coves and beaches in privacy in the evening.
Overlooking the sea, you will be able to dine in the function room or on the terrace. You will also be able to stay in one of the cliff top apartments where you guests can stay in the renovated bath house!

This is a more affordable option for most couples and well worth a look if you can guarantee the English weather.

Cutty Sark
Greenwich

ARHH MEHARTIS!
Why not go for the maritime feel by getting hitched under the Cutty Sark.
The ship is located in a dry dock that has been transformed into a stunningly different venue.
Cutty Sark is one of the world’s most famous ships and is the last surviving tea clipper, the fastest and greatest of her time. She stands as a glorious monument to the age of sail and to all those who lost their lives in the merchant service. Situated on the shore of the mighty Thames River the ship provides commanding views over Canary Wharf and the City of London.
For bigger weddings, you can dine underneath the ship in the dry dock. For smaller weddings you have the choice of the cargo hold, that now exhibits the history of the ship.




Tutbury castle 
Staffordshire

This was one of the venues I was looking at when I was living in Stoke, before moving

back to Redditch.
The ruins are spectacular, set in the scenic country side of Staffordshire. The Great hall can accomodate for the marriage ceremony as well as a banquette for up to 36 guests. The site also hires out a marquee for larger weddings.
The one thing I loved about this venue was that after the wedding the couple can choose to have a pagan "hand fasting" ceremony at midnight.
A new feature is that they will also conduct the wedding and reception at midnight by torch light in the ruins.
Perfect gothic romantic setting.




Just a few of my favourites.
Please let me know your fav and ill post them up :)