Small car, small bouquet, Big Love!

The image above really captured my imagination! There's so much love packed into that tiny space :-) and how about that dainty bouquet blowing in the wind? Sometimes size is everything - the smaller the better.

Here's a photo of my Dad with his first car, a Fiat 600, trying to look nonchalant. I'm not sure whether my Mum and him would have fitted in there on their wedding day though :-)

The top photo is by Alante Photography

Tara and Daniel's Aussie-Irish wedding!

One thing I love about my job is getting to hear about the planning that goes into each wedding. I love hearing about troublesome aunties and hair trial disasters - there's always a few hiccups! However Tara and Daniel's wedding seemed a dream to organise even though they planned their day from Australia. Tara also received a very thoughtful gift from her close friends as she will tell you below...

"My name is Tara Gibbons Bradford I was married to Daniel Bradford on the 3rd of September 2010 at the Park Hotel Mulranny Co. Mayo. We organized our wedding from Australia as my now husband is Australian and that is where we live. It was not a huge task to organize everything from so far away as we used email rather than phone calls which was just as easy and I also had my mum, my sister and my friends that were always willing to lend a hand when needed.

I had chosen my dress in Ireland just after we got engaged and my 3 best friends gave me a voucher for Rangoli for my 30th birthday. When I went onto the Rangoli website and had a look at Aisling's designs I was so happy as I love jewellery that is a little bit different and I knew I didn’t want the norm for my wedding day. When I went to Ireland last Christmas I visited Aisling in her studio in Dublin to decide on my accessories, she was extremely helpful and even put my hair up roughly how I wanted it for the wedding day so I could get an idea how the pieces would look with the hairstyle. After trying a number of pieces I chose a beautiful rhinestone and pearl comb and asked Aisling if we could attach a hair wire, this was no problem. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to wear earrings or a chain but after trying some of Aisling's necklaces we decided on one.

I did not try everything on (my dress and accessories) until the wedding day and I was so so happy with how it all looked together, I got so many complements on my accessories and how different my headpiece was, even my hairdresser commented on how different and beautiful it was. I want to Thank Aisling for all her help and advice and for creating such beautiful pieces for me to wear."

Tara and Daniel - thanks for sharing some of your favourite pics! You both look fab. I appreciate your kind words and wish you all the best in Ozzie-land :-)

Photographer Lisa Daly Photography

I've been tagged!

I was tagged by Pamela from Farrell & Chase on her blog and the idea is for me to answer some questions about myself so you can get to find out some more about me! So here we go...

1. Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Dublin and I really love this city! It's not that I'm a home bird as I absolutely love travelling, but Dublin has a special place in my heart and I love 're-discovering it' when I've been away for a while.
2. What made you choose the career path you have?
I've had a curvy career path! I started off studying graphic design and illustration. A six month trip to India and Nepal in 1993 inspired a love affair with colour and ornamentation and I chose to return to college to study jewellery design. I also specialised in textile design and ended up combining traditional jewellery techniques with textile skills...and having lots of fun! I suppose everything that I do is inspired by pattern and ornamentation - I have to surround myself by it :-)
3. Who is your favourite bridal designer?
This is a really hard question for me as I get to see so many gorgeous gowns every day! For delicacy and femininity I would pick Claire Pettibone but I have stacks of 'favourites'.
4. What is your favourite colour?
I go through phases of loving different colours and it would be boring to have to pick just one...and so unfair. I just love everything between blue and green and I think peacock or petrol blue is my ultimate favourite.
5. Where is your favourite holiday destination?
Travel is one of my passions. Myself and my husband like adventures and discovering places that are off the beaten track. Two years ago we spent three weeks in Iran and it was one of our most memorable holidays for lots of reasons. The people are incredibly welcoming, (contrary to what the media might lead you to believe). I got to experience a completely different culture and occasionally, it felt like stepping back in time. I also had to get used to wearing a veil but this had its benefits - I was able to blend in and observe everything around me. Iran is a totally fascinating country and I would definitely go back if I can.
6. What is your favourite past time?
Hmm, sipping or guzzling wine with good friends...
7. Do you have any pets?

Yes, we have a gorgeous black cat called Samson. However, I'm number 2 in the pecking order for lap cuddles.
8. What is your favourite song?
I actually don't have a favourite song but I love listening to Bebel Gilberto in my studio. I can listen to her albums over and over and still love them. I also browse new music online at last.fm
9. What is your favourite meal?

Indian food is definitely top of my list - South Indian food in particular. It's much lighter, with lots of vegetarian and fish dishes subtly flavoured with chilli and spices. My favourite meal would have to contain dhal, vegetable or fish curry, rice, chapatti, raita and pickle. The image above is a South Indian Thali served on a banana leaf.
10. What items are currently on your work desk?
I bought a huge desk when I set up my business in 1998 and I love that every piece that I have made has been at this desk. However, in my case, it's really a question of what surrounds my desk. I have trays and trays of stones and pearls, tools and wires, inspiring pictures and drawings as well as photos of clients. It's very organised chaos though and it's my space which is what makes it special. I feel like my studio is my second home!
Well I hope you enjoyed reading a little bit about 'my world' - It's been fun thinking about the answers :-) And I have someone in mind to tag...

Amanda's wedding

Thanks Amanda for getting in touch to tell me what a wonderful day yourself and your new hubby had! Doesn't she look so elegant? I love those soft finger-waves.

Amanda wanted a neat side piece to decorate her hair and to pick up on the beading detail in her gown. The comb I designed featured a mixture of gold and silver beading with pearl and rhinestone accents. I also designed her delicate drop earrings. Here's a few words from the bride herself -

"Finally a couple of pics for you from our fabulous day. I got some amazing compliments on the lovely pieces you made for me. They looked amazing and really made my day that extra bit special. I truly did feel like a princess. Thanks again for the great work (in the short time!) :-)"

The comb below is a silver version of Amanda's headpiece and this design can be customised in a number of ways. Read more about my recent commissions or see my Rangoli Brides Album on my website or Facebook page.


Photograph by Barry Keogh

Maya Hansen Corsets

I stumbled across the designs of Maya Hensen while blog-hopping and I just love her quirky corsets for their eye-popping colours and daring shapes. Maya is based in Madrid and specialises in the corset form, designing both underwear as well as evening and bridal gowns.

Maya certainly celebrates the female form and loves to accentuate narrow waists and décolletage. These sculptural, steel boned corsets combine high fashion with European style and traditional corsetry methods. You can see how her creations are also inspired by goth, punk, and rock.

Maya has a number of different collections but I love her 'Cake Corsets Collection', inspired by cakes and candies! These pieces combine richly colourful suedes and brocades along with decorative patterns and trimmings. Delicious...

Visit Maya's website to view her complete collection or plan a trip to Madrid if you feel like having a special piece designed :-)

All photos found via MayaHansen.com

My Autumn break!

I'm back from the wilds of the Sheeps head Peninsula ... totally relaxed and looking forward to getting back to my designing! I thought I'd share some of my fave pics from my autumn break.

We had the most amazing weather - I never got to wear all those woolly jumpers I packed! This small peninsula is tucked between the Mizen and the Beara peninsulas in West Cork and is truly a hidden gem.


And here is a short video clip I took while walking one of the Sheeps head walks. The sun was shining, the light and colours were incredible and best of all was the complete silence. Truly memorable.



I have lots of interesting blog posts lined up, including some more Rangoli wedding features and interesting commissions that I am working on. So it's back to the more glamorous and sparkly world of weddings :-)

All the best - Aisling!

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Hello and goodbye!

Rangoli is closed for holidays and will re-open on 18th October.

I'm off to West Cork to stay in a gorgeous old stone cottage for a couple of weeks with my hubby. I've packed lots of wooly jumpers, walking boots and stacks of books. It's going to be pure bliss :-)

And for anyone with an up-coming wedding - I have a selection of gorgeous pieces in the showroom that can be purchased from stock on my return.

See you when I get back - refreshed and full of ideas for new creations!

Aisling

Image via We Heart It.