CHARLOTTE DONNELLEY-DAVIDS, HAND LETTERING ARTIST AND ILLUSTRATOR AT ITCHY & SKETCHY

What do you offer nearlyweds?

I needed a creative outlet from my corporate job back in 2017, so I picked up a chalkboard and began lettering motivational quotes. From that year, I started working on personalised projects for my store and turned my ever-developing skill to the wedding industry. I work closely with pairs to develop full-on-the-day signage, from welcome signs to place cards and everything in between. I create every sign by hand with no vinyl or print, making every item completely bespoke and unique to weddings.

What’s your favourite part of the job?

My favourite part of this business is being a small part in my clients’ weddings. I love having the chance to create signs that can be used on the big day and in their new life as a married couple.

What’s one piece of advice you can share with lovebirds?

When working out what signage needed, picture the wedding venue and guests’ journey. Once I have this information, I can help guide and advise on what signs work best in each room.

Check out: https://itchyxsketchy.com

KATY OSTRO, FOUNDER OF SOMETHING BLUE BY OSTRO

What do you offer nearlyweds?

For three generations, my husband’s family have been the leading supplier in the gemstone industry of blue topaz. While the company has a wealth of experience with this gemstone, it never embarked on a jewellery brand, focusing more on production and wholesale. But whenever I travelled with my husband to trade shows, I always looked for jewellery that I felt would do justice to our enchanting Ostro blue topaz but never found anything I loved. So, it was my dream to create a brand of jewellery dedicated to our stunning gemstone while simultaneously encompassing the something blue part of the old English rhyme associated with weddings. Hence, I decided to leave my career in law and HR to create Something Blue by Ostro, which launched last year. In general, jewellery brands will have little knowledge of their gemstones, but we have an in-depth understanding of our blue topaz that are each handselect and can be traced through their journey from source to the setting.

We offer bright, modern and affordable jewellery for both the bride and groom as well as the bridal party. Each piece in our Out of the Blue collection features a signature Ostro blue topaz set within sterling silver and white enamel. We have one exceptional piece for the bride, a handmade English lace garter that can be worn with a detachable Ostro gem charm.

What’s your favourite part of the job?

Whether envisaging new pieces, writing the copy, doing photo shoots or working on social media – I love the creative process.

What’s one piece of advice you can share with lovebirds?

Think of the hidden gems of love! As you grow in love, there are many secret joys to discover. With this in mind, we have designed our Hidden Gem collection for him and her.

Check out: www.somethingbluebyostro.com

Party Piece

This hand-beaded headpiece called Spring Laurel, £575, is adorned with colourful faux pearls. A must-have accessory for fashion-forward brides this summer, it’s from the new Flower Child Collection by https://alexandraharpermillinery.com

Written in the stars

The Zodiac Disc Necklaces, £50 each, from www.nikitabyniki.com are double-sided, 18-carat plated designs printed with the star sign and symbol on opposing sides, meaning they can be worn either way. The disc hangs on an adjustable chain that can be styled as a long pendant or choker and each one comes in a recyclable gift box printed with an empowering message and a jewellery cloth.

Hair Necessities

This soft pink bangle band adorned with a cute gold heart, £4.90, is the perfect pick for bridesmaids. It’s available in an array of pretty colours with a wide variety of charms available. Shopping for your honeymoon? Then check out the cute Summer Sorbet Set of three bangle bands with one boasting a diamanté strawberry ice cream, £21.50, https://byeloiselondon.com