Recently I attended a launch, or rather a re-launch, of a riverside venue. I was looking forward to seeing what would be unveiled as I had been there several years ago for a cocktail-style party and clearly remembered the unique entry way, beautiful Venetian décor, and unbeatable river views. Continue reading “Blank Canvas v Pre-Styled Space”
I’m loving all of these beautiful backdrops, unique ways of seating guests for the ceremony, and amazing aisles.
I think the ceremony is one area that can often be forgotten and people don’t tend to use their imagination nearly enough on this aspect of the day.
But first impressions are lasting so consider incorporating some of these beauties into your own space to say “I do”.
{Soften an industrial space with a flowing backdrop}
{A backdrop of frames is a quirky addition}
{Now everybody has a front row seat}
{Perfect for a Winter Wonderland or Christmas theme}
{360 degreee views}
{Make the statement up high for interest}
{An example of how you can turn around a concrete space}
{Twilight style with a canopy of falling flowers | Walking over water}
{Making a barn look pretty} 
{Location, location, location!}
{Sunset and candlelight}
{Choose a focal point like this beautiful big tree}
{Even plain indoor rooms can be converted with the right colours and textures}
{Bridesmaids walk in from different sides – LOVE}
I am a massive fan of outdoor dining… if my tiny deck at present would allow it, I would be trying to source one of these babies quick smart!
I love the combination of greenery and nature, water flowing soothingly through the centre of the table, and the serenity that surrounds this space. Add some Bentwood chairs or folding Americanas, and you’re set for a great dinner party!
Granted, having a beautiful garden helps, but you can still incorporate pretty touches wherever your location may be. Next time you are planning to host a get together, a rehearsal dinner, a bridal/baby shower, think about how you may make it that wee bit special.
{Work with your surrounds, not against them}
{A simple strand of lighting can make a big impact}
{Add a pop of colour with some gorgeous florals} 
{Breakfast events are a favourite of mine – mix it up!}
Lately I have been exploring design themes, what new trends are emerging, and the way forward for wedding styling… namely, showing restraint throughout the decor and tablescape.
Today’s Polka Dot Bride post ‘Less is More in Styling‘ comes with professional guidelines and tips from Nicole Shield – Events of Design, and is illustrated beautifully by Wanderer Photography who captured a friend of mine’s wedding.
I am excited about this post almost as much as the next one I’m currently working on which has great advice from an interior designer… watch this space!
I attended a friend’s Bridal Shower recently and was quite blown away… not only by the water’s edge location but also by the styling coordinated by her step-sister Sarah Neil.
The high-tea was themed in a vintage way that spoke of elegance rather than the rustic type which has been in the spotlight of late. It was the amazing attention to detail coupled with incredible hostessing that I appreciated. The stylist, hostess, bridal party, and an array of other willing helpers were very hospitable which made this a lovely afternoon of pre-wedding celebrations.
Given the effort put into her shower, I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the hen’s party this weekend!
{Photos taken by Sarah Neil, Georgia Williams, and yours truly}
I loved these Date Night Sticks created by one of the bridesmaids. All the guests at the Bridal Shower could write an idea onto them and pop them into the mason jar. This is then given to the married couple who will pull out a stick every time they go on a date for a different idea. I’m a big fan of continuing to date even when you are married, and this is a special way of doing that.
What fun ideas are you seeing at Bridal Showers of late?
Burlap is back… or perhaps it’s not back per say, but it is definitely in. The emergence of the meagre potato sack (kind of loses its glamour when you put it like that) has given stylists and couples a ‘new’ old texture to work with. The popularity of rustic, earthy, and less traditional wedding receptions has grown tremendously in the past year as we catch up to what our North American counterparts have been inspired by for years.
Whilst listening to Taylor Swift is about as country as I get, I must admit that I’m starting to like the way burlap is being used – light touches are gracing everything from tabletops to cakes to bouquet stems. I think therein lies the trick, it has to be a light-handed touch, otherwise its heaviness outbalances everything else. Unless you’re going the full country hog and completing your look with sunflowers, you only really want to have enough burlap to create a soft and pretty rustic appeal.
Pictured below are a number of ways to incorporate burlap (you may like to consider pairing burlap with lace, pearls, baby’s breath, lavender, or other dainty touches):
- Bonbonniere – combine with jam jars or coffee beans
- Bouquets & Boutonnieres
- Cakes
- Centrepieces – combine with jute twine
- Chairs
- Decor – combine with bunting or wine bottles
- Invitations
- Ring Pillows
- Tablescapes
What are your thoughts on this trend?
I’m not going to lie – when I realised that this week brings the final instalment of the Twilight trilogy, I cast my mind back to Breaking Dawn Part 1. Whilst I wouldn’t call myself a Twihard by any means, I possibly re-watched the first half of that movie on a flight to Perth simply to reminisce the extraordinary attention to detail that was bestowed upon the wedding.
From the ethereal forest to the skilfully carved pews to the pearl-lined French Chantilly lace gown… I loved it all! However, what perfected the ceremonial styling was the canopy of 160,000 strings of wisteria that cascaded down from the trees. It defined a parameter wherein guests and bridal party could interact, where they felt invited, where an atmosphere of intimacy existed.
After seeing this breathtaking set up, a realisation dawned on me – styling in the past has always focused on what was at eye level, or on the ground, but never what was ‘above’. It was all about the tablescape, the red carpet, but never the ceiling. I truly believe that having something skywards is what ‘ices the cake’. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that you could take away almost all other decor, and you would still have a spectacular setting for a wedding.
Check out these amazing ‘canopies’ and consider how you may include suspended flowers, chinese lanterns, fairy lights, paper cranes, bird cages, parasols, or drapes:
It is only fitting that my first wedding post is about one splendid day – perhaps my favourite of all the weddings I have attended so far. Set in a barn, at Boomerang Farm Golf Course, it was the perfect environment for a rustic reception.
However, before I get ahead of myself, let me back-track to the ceremony… it was a beautiful autumn day and the guests were waiting with anticipation on tiered log seating. You could see surprise flicker across their faces as one by one they noticed the corrugated tree house complete with rickety bridge suspended in the background. The groomsmen were combing their fingers through stray hairs whilst the groom greeted family in his dapper grey suit.
Then it was time. The cars rolled to a stop, the guests rose, and the groomsmen stood a little straighter. A bevy of beauties including an adorable tutued flower girl sashayed down the aisle to the original version of ‘All I do is dream of you’. The bride came into sight and excited whispers rippled throughout those present. It is at this time that I always look to the groom to see his expression when he first lays sight of his bride. However this was the exception as I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the braided blonde hair, the sweetheart neckline, and the layers upon layers of soft silk organza ruffles. Laura was a breathtaking vision.
The couple exchanged heartfelt vows amid misty eyes before heading off for photographs whilst guests were treated to nibbles and croquet. I snuck into the barn to ensure the finishing touches were in place and was blown away… Events of Design had transformed an empty old barn into a fairy lit vintage reception. The attention to detail was incredible – wooden tables were draped with doily runners, assorted cream and white flowers stood in various sized vessels, and tea lights were sprinkled in between. Lavender seeds in brown paper packets sat atop white napkins and were finished with a sprig of lavender. White folding Americana chairs completed the look.
What I particularly loved was that the styling didn’t simply finish at the tablescape. It extended to the mantle where ceramic mugs flowed with baby’s breath. A milk and cookie station was positioned at the side balanced by a wishing tree table for guests to give their best. Mason jars hung from the rafters and chalkboards detailed the guest list and menu. This truly was a well-thought out and perfectly executed design.
It would be amiss of me not to acknowledge the array of wedding vendors who helped make this day: Venita Drennen skilfully crafted the wedding and bridesmaid dresses, Lillian Sutton enhanced the girls’ beautiful features, and Emma Coombes styled their locks. Feather and Stone captured the preparations, the ceremony, and even the dancing as guests partied into the night.
There was a lot of laughter and a lot of love.
If you would like to find out more about Laura’s new phase of life as a Mrs, then check out her blog: The Velvet Doe.
laced 
