Thank you Ciara and Patrick for getting in touch to share these gorgeous black and white images from your wedding! Ciara tells me that her photographer Lorriane Cryan provided the lovely umbrella prop.
Wishing you both all the best!
Please someone organise a mini party like this for me! I'm throwing out the hints today. I'm open to any theme...come on my lovely friends.
Well, while we're on the thread of all things vintage, I thought I'd share a beautiful story, a beautiful dress and a beautiful bride with you.
Here are a few words from Mel about choosing her dream dress -My engagement ring is vintage and after looking at a few contemporary dresses online, I decided that they just weren't for me. I didn't like the idea that no matter how beautiful my dress was, another girl could be getting married up the road wearing the exact same thing.What a beautiful wedding - you can read more about it on RMW. For Irish brides looking for a beautiful vintage dress, have a look at Dirty Fabulous. This shop hopes to re-open in September so keep an eye on the their website and blog for details. Trust me, this shop carries the most beautiful vintage dresses for weddings any other special occasions. Some of my clients have also bought their bridesmaids dresses here too. Read my other articles about Dirty Fabulous -
There's a story to go with this and I think you're going to love it as much as I do! Next week, I'll open it up and show you what's inside...
Today has been full of lovely surprises and nice things! My email inbox contained lots of smile-inducing things this morning :-)
Do you remember this great 'Thank you' card that I received from Penny? I designed Penny's hairwire and jewellery for her wedding. I have this card on display in my showroom and so many people comment on it. I absolutely love it too and I remember it brought a big smile to my face when I opened the envelope!
Well, Siobhan, another Rangoli client has sent me a link to some cute chalk boards that she found on Etsy. I think they are really fun and would be perfect for 'Thank You' cards. They are made by a company called Linden Lovebirds and are called 'Thought Sticks'. Even better, they only cost $17.
I know how popular the dramatised version of Pride and Prejudice is for many women, myself included! We love the romantic storyline, dashing suitors and the gorgeous dresses and accessories. It's pure escapism to be transported to this different era!Pride & Prejudice Matinee Production 4pm Sunday 25th JulyRead more about this event at Belvedere House, Gardens & Park.
Chapter House Productions presentation of Pride & Prejudice on the Belvedere House Lawn. Gates open at 3pm bring your own picnic and low back seating, show starts 4 pm. To order tickets and find out more details, phone Belvedere House Gardens & Park, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath 044-9349060. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - Adapted by Laura Turne.
Take a step back in time with Chapterhouse Theatre Company as we meet Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters. Whilst their interfering mother engineers various courtships, sisters Elizabeth and Jane must pursue their own quest for true love. Amongst misunderstandings, mistakes and miscommunications, the two girls must fight for the men they love until Elizabeth can finally surpass her prejudices to see past the proud exterior of the enigmatic Mr Darcy. After all, it is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife…
Picnic with family and friends in the magical surroundings of Belvedere’s beautiful gardens and enjoy a wonderful afternoon of theatre.
Sometimes cakes can nearly be too beautiful to eat! How about floral displays that will get your mouth watering?
Helen Powell is a Warwickshire wedding and event florist and she created these dreamy floral confections. I love the idea of these as centre-pieces for a table setting. You could have different 'desserts' on each table.
Congratulations to Erin and her husband Shane on their recent marriage! I am so thrilled to share more gorgeous wedding photographs with you. I met Erin at a wedding fair in the Summerhill House Hotel last year and she then arranged to visit my showroom to discuss jewellery and hair accessories for her wedding.
Erin loved the style of my hairwires and they complemented the elegant side hairstyle she had chosen. These bespoke pieces can be customised in lots of ways and Erin chose the longer length so she could weave it into her hair. I also designed her Swarovski crystal and pearl drop earrings. Below are a few words from Erin -
I came across Rangoli at a Wedding Fair in the Summerhill House Hotel. My mother in law convinced me to try on a few pieces & immediately I knew that I wanted one. Aisling & I settled on a floral themed piece with long wires to wind through my hair.
Having long, dark hair, the pearls & diamanté contrasted really well. I absolutely loved wearing the wire & the compliments are still coming months later.
Thanks as always for sharing this wonderful montage from your wedding day. I know you will inspire lots of people!
2. Unusual guest books
3. Easy-peasy Monograms
4.Soft wedding hair styles
5. Whimsy
I'm really grateful to all of you who get in touch after your weddings to thank me and share some of your photos.
Here's a few words from Alison -Our wedding reception was held in Finnstown House on a gorgeous sunny day in April. The hair comb that Aisling made for me was perfect – I wanted a flat piece that I could wear at the side rather than hide it under my veil. It was very elegant but a little different too and I loved it. The earrings were a perfect match and I felt so special wearing pieces that were made just for me.Thanks for sharing Alison - I really appreciate your kind words!
One of the things I love most about my job are the days when people collect their jewellery or hair accessories. There is always a buzz in the air and these happy emotions are so infectious!
After meeting Esme and chatting with her, we were able to narrow down the style of headpiece that was going to be perfect with her beautiful gown. I then made up some small sample pieces so that Esme could choose her favourite combination of beading as well as the scale of the piece. The colours we chose were a pale gold crochet with a variety of gold and silver-lined crystal, mat gold beading and cream coloured pearls.
Amada Lebel creates whimsical one-of-a-kind cake toppers. Well, some are cake toppers and some are designed for those who don't feel the need to have a cake but still want a cake topper - I love this idea! If you look closely you will see that the base of the cake-topper is actually a box which you can open and store things in. And these can be used as a cake-topper for a cupcake stand too. Amanda describes this piece below -
“From This Day Forward” mini topper. A smaller version of one of my larger pieces. About 7” tall but with all the quality of it’s larger counterpart. This will look great on your large or small cake. I have many couples purchase this for on top of their cupcake tree.See more of Amada's designs at her Etsy shop or visit her blog for more inspiration.
Recently an amazing opportunity presented itself to have the chance to work with Arizona photographer Stephanie Fay. Stephanie was due to visit Ireland with her husband and in-laws and always loves to shoot a couple when she visits different countries. She put the word out via WeddingsOnline.ie that she was looking for a cool loved-up couple to photograph!
The lucky couple Deirdre and John, got to spend an afternoon with Stephanie in Killruddery Estate in Wicklow. Deirdre happens to be a talented florist - check out her beautiful floral arrangements, and is also one of the partners in The Bridal Lounge. Make-up artist Aoife Callaghan who worked on this shoot, runs this exciting new venture with her. (I should probably explain here that a couple of our 'real' engaged couples were unavailable for the date chosen and Deirdre saved the day for us - not that we had to twist her arm)!
You won't need to read my gushing descriptions to appreciate how amazing these pictures are. Both Deirdre and her husband John, (who are only recently married), confided that they almost love these images more than their wedding photos! I think this explains the charm of an engagement shoot. It allows you to be photographed in a really relaxed setting whilst getting to know your photographer. Secondly it's about having lots and lots of fun and being super-romantic with your partner. It's up to you to put your own stamp on the style for this day - choosing lots of props and and gorgeous outfits to wear...
Aoife and Deirdre styled this engagement shoot and I loved hearing all of their ideas. The four of us enjoyed working together and Stephanie's enthusiasm inspired us too. Below Deirdre wears my 'Secret garden' cuff bracelet which is made from fine crochet.
For some reason, engagement shoots have not really caught on in Ireland yet. This shoot is certainly an inspiration. Here are a few words from Stephanie -During this photo shoot, we wanted to convey to all our blog readers around the world just how beautiful and memorable engagements can be. As photographers, it helps us get to know the client on a more personal level. In turn, as a client, you walk away with even more images of you and your fiancé to keep forever. Why not enhance your engagement shoot with props and outfits to bring together a more creative photoshoot? Every girl wants to feel beautiful and an engagement shoot is the perfect excuse!
Think about your personality and possible props that might enhance your engagement shoot to be specific to you and your fiancé. No matter where you live, you can always find a special place to have your engagement session. Because this shoot was at the beautiful Killruddery Estate, we felt it was appropriate to have a more sophisticated look. The outfits, the shoes, and the props all seemed to fit with the location. Think about where you want your shoot and what you want it to look like, and convey that to your planner or photographer to pull together your dream engagement session.
Both of Deirdre's outfits and shoes were hired from Covet, an Irish company who hire clothes and accessories from leading world designers. I will give details of both dresses soon.
Here Deirdre is seen wearing my 'Secret Garden' headband, featuring a variety of Swarovski crystals and semi-precious stones. These headpieces are made to order and can be customised in a number of ways.
I love the soft romantic feel to this entire shoot. The floaty feminine dresses are perfect too! Below, Deirdre wears a Rangoli crochet bracelet with freshwater pearl and blue topaz drops.
This montage shows some of the beautiful props sourced by Deirdre including vintage books, champagne glasses and a rug which was a wedding gift for Deirdre's parents!
The colour palette is so gorgeous here with the greenery making the colours pop.
And finally - the perfect end to a lovely afternoon with Stephanie! To see more of this shoot visit Stephanie's blog or take a look at her website.
A big thank you to Stephanie from Deirdre, Aoife and myself - we hope you'll return again some day!
Here is one of my recent bridesmaid commissions. The beautiful dress is by Alvina Valenta and was purchased from White Orchid. This picture really does not do the dress justice as it is the most rich vibrant olive green.