Margot's Wedding Issue 14 by Helen Ruff

Issue 14

w w w. m a rgo t s w e d d ing. c o . u k

In this issue... Inspire

Q&A with Phoebe Mulrooney of PHOHM

The Curated Kitchen

Top Tips for a DIY Wedding Cake

22 Q&A with Lauren Griffiths of Little Joy Jewellery 26

5 Tips to Help You Style It Like a Pro

Down With the Trumpets

Antique Lace & A Pretty Face

Sign Maker Bride-to-Be

A Grooms Guide to Getting it Right

Wedding Stationery Trends 2019

Cover Photographer | Sam Pharoah Design | RAD Creative | www.radcreative.co.uk Published | In Southsea by Margotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wedding Ltd

Rebecca & Andy

From the editor

48 Fran & Rob

Styled Shoot 10

Howdy pals! Well here we go, our first digital only issue. I decided to go online only because the costs for printing and distributing were killing me! It wasn’t an easy decision because I loved everything about the print product, but it makes much more sense to continue this way. We can keep it as a free product, reach a wider audience and build on our online presence. Getting the special issue into the shops in January is an achievement I’m so proud of. There are still copies to buy online while stocks last. Grab one, it’s a thing of beauty.

Bohemian Romance

Featured Venues 30

Wild Blossom Photography

Real Weddings

The Barn at Avington

As always, I loved putting this issue together, it’s great to feature some fresh new talent such as PHOHM and her amazing floral installations (Q&A on pages 6 and 7). Also Kate, from Jump The Broom, who has provided some styling top tips (pages 26 and 27). I met them both at the Wonderous Wedding Fair’s debut show in Brighton, which was an incredible event. Alex, from The Wonderous Wedding Fair, organised the Artist Residence shoot (pages 10-13) and it’s just so damn dreamy we had to feature it on the cover. Great work guys’.

I recently met bride-to-be Nina at her Hayling Island studio. Her circus-themed wedding in August is going to be mindblowing and I can’t wait to feature it in our October issue. Read all about her plans on pages 62-63. I’m gearing up to host two more wedding fairs this year, an outdoor festival-style event in Hampshire in July, and I’ll be back at the Dome in Worthing in October. I’m just doing one styled shoot this year, a live one at the summer fair… It’s going to be awesome. Put the date in your diary and come and see us (see advert on the back cover)! ENJOY! And, as always, I love to receive feedback. Helen helen@margotswedding.co.uk

Helen

Helen Ruff | Editor helen@margotswedding.co.uk | 07795 076 553 www.margotswedding.co.uk @margotswedding margotswedding

â&#x20AC;&#x153;PHOHM is about creating moments of joy in real spaces.â&#x20AC;?

I can also create any kind of installation, from hanging cake stands to floral chandeliers

Q&A

lr oo ne y wi th Ph oe be Mu

of PHO HM

PLEASE EXPLAIN WHAT YOUR BUSINESS IS ALL ABOUT.

HOW DO YOU WORK WITH WEDDING CLIENTS? I.E. TO DECIDE ON LOOK, COLOURS ETC.

PHOHM is about creating moments of joy in real spaces. I create unique and vibrant installations using artificial flowers and foliage.

It completely depends on the client, some will be happy for me to create something based around a specific colour theme. Others will have seen an image online and want it to be recreated.

IN WHAT WAY ARE YOUR INSTALLATIONS USED AT WEDDINGS? All the works are bespoke. I design and create installations to reflect each couple’s personal taste. My arrangements are versatile; the arches are a perfect setting to get married under, they are also used as a unique photo area or can be used as an entrance or walkway. My flower and foliage walls are ideal backdrops for photos at the reception. I can also create any kind of installation, from hanging cake stands to floral chandeliers. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF YOUR PRODUCT OVER A FRESH FLOWER INSTALLATION? Artificial flowers have come a long way, so don’t be afraid to use them. I can create installations that do not depend on flowers being in season. The use of artificial flowers and foliage also means that all flowers can be reused or kept. WHAT’S YOUR BACKGROUND? I studied Fine Art Painting at Camberwell College of Arts. I specialised in large-scale conceptual installations. I enjoy making immersive spaces for people to enjoy. WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION? I get a lot of my inspiration from nature and my surroundings of course. But I am fascinated by the virtual world of Instagram.

WHERE DOES THE NAME PHOHM COME FROM? My name is Phoebe Hill-Mulrooney. I wanted the business name to reflect me. I am the business. WHAT’S THE MOST CREATIVE INSTALLATION YOU’VE DONE? I think my installations for the Selfie Factory were probably the most creative. I wanted to steer away from the traditional flower wall and make more interesting spaces for people to be photographed in front of. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK? I love making amazing displays. When I walk into my studio all filled with beautiful flowers it really does make me happy. I love working for myself, meeting clients, discussing and designing concepts and ideas. I am truly happy and inspired everyday with my work. WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? Well hopefully PHOHM carries on being a success. I am currently in the process of designing a very cool horse box trailer bar for weddings so watch this space. www.phohm.co.uk

219

Bohemian Romance The main location for this shoot was the Artist Residence in Brighton, a creative, bohemian and eccentric boutique hotel in the heart of the city. It offered the perfect backdrop for this modern boho bridal shoot, coordinated by Alex of The Vintage Parade.

Styled Shoot

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The overall theme was bohemian romance and inspiration was taken from the 70s. The styling is reminiscent of lazy, hazy warm summers from days gone by. The vibrant but muted colour palette included pastel pinks, blues and vibrant shades of orangeâ&#x20AC;?.

ALEX CVIJOVIC

Styled Shoot

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The objective of the shoot was to promote The Wonderous Wedding Fairs debut show in Brighton, which took place in March. Alex creates stylish, fun and interactive wedding shows and the opportunity to collaborate in creative photo shoots is available to her exhibitorsâ&#x20AC;?.

ALEX CVIJOVIC

The Curated Kitchen.

l a rm fo to e v ti a rn e lt a A luxurious ing catering wedd Your wedding catering doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be

Helen Warner

a choice between formal silver service or super casual street food, it can be both relaxed and completely luxurious.

10 16

Helen Warner

The Curated Kitchen specialises in luxurious feasts, grazing tables and afternoon tea for informal weddings in Surrey, Sussex, Kent, London, and beyond.Â They believe in stripping away the unnecessary formality of traditional event catering, and inspiring guests to feast with abandon in a stylish, laid-back atmosphere.

Helen Warner

Featured Caterer

There’s no reason informal dining should compromise on taste, style, quality or service. The Curated Kitchen focus on beautiful homemade elements and carefully curated, locally sourced, organic and homegrown produce. Creative Director Dani May-McCallum explains that, on her heaving tables, you’ll find typical grazing fare such as local and speciality cheeses, creamy Norbury Blue and Sussex Charmer for example, alongside homemade chutneys and sticky relishes. Jostling for space with salty cured meats, surrounded by handcrafted quiches, towering pies, artisan breads, homemade slaws and fresh organic fruit and salads. An example of a favourite dessert - smooth and silky organic bergamot lemon syllabub, served with homegrown raspberries. Heaven! All Dani’s food is dressed with dainty, homegrown, edible flowers. Her aesthetic is simple, clean and decorative with an heirloom twist. Think timeless elegance.

And Your Story

www.thecuratedkitchen.co.uk

11 17

18 22

19 23

Top Tips for a DI Y Wedding Cake Many brides opt for a DIY wedding cake when it comes to their big day, so we have Lara Kenny of Love from Lila xx, a bespoke wedding cake company based on the Surrey/ Hampshire border, sharing her tips.

Lara xx

No .1 To decide on what cakes you need, look for cutting guides online. For ‘normal’ 3” high tiers, look at 1x2” serving sizes. As an example, an 8” cake will give you about 26 slices.

www.jennyowensphotography.com

No .2 If you are thinking of having a naked cake or even cupcakes, they need to be made the night before the wedding and can only be left out for 4 hours. Instead, try a seminaked cake which will stop the cake drying out as quickly.

No .3 When it comes to filling the cakes, fresh cream and cream cheese are a no-no for quite a few reasons. For my jam layers, I pipe a dam of buttercream around the edges and fill the middle with jam to help stop the layers slipping around – this is really important if you want a cake that doesn’t lean or break.

No .4 When stacking cakes, it’s best to look at YouTube videos to see how to stack them properly. To avoid stacking cakes, why not try a deconstructed cake like Meghan’s royal wedding cake last year?

No .5 If you want flowers to decorate your cake, you shouldn’t use flowers from your florist as there are all sorts of chemicals and pesticides on them, and the flowers themselves could be toxic. Instead, find a company like Maddocks Farm Organics for edible flowers.

No .6 If you need to transport the cake, refrigerate the cake for 1 hour or so before travelling, and I’d recommend taking each tier on its own, then stacking at the venue. Take corners slowly and keep the air con on if it’s a hot day!

No .7 Most importantly, have a dry run a couple of weeks before the wedding so that you can test out your recipes, design and skills!

www.lovefromlila.co.uk Buy edible flowers online www.maddocksfarmorganics.co.uk/

Best of luck creating your DIY wedding cake, Love from Lila xx

Q&A if fi th s wi th La ur en Gr

of Lit tle Joy Jew ell ery Hi Lauren! Please tell us a bit about your background. I studied at the renowned School of Jewellery based in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, where I was awarded a highclass BA Hons Degree in Silver & Goldsmithing. I graduated in 2010 and launched Little Joy Jewellery alongside working freelance as a designer/maker. Can you tell us a bit about the materials you use and where they come from? Little Joy Jewellery has a strong ethos on responsibly sourced materials. From Fairtrade gold that travels from Peru & Australia, Eco silver that’s 100% recycled, to conflict-free diamonds that are GIA certified. We have even developed a ring box design in collaboration with Byron & Gomez, award-winning furniture designers who wanted to reduce their wastage. We use their timber offcuts to produce our ring boxes. How would you describe the aesthetic of Little Joy Jewellery? Simple, minimalist. What inspires you? I draw inspiration from the minimal lines that occur in the natural world. I have developed a distinctive style that’s both simple and intricate.

Bamboo Shoots Weddings

What drives you?

My passion for my traditional craft drives me to develop every day. My little boys are very important to my strength and drive to keep the business going. It’s important to me they see what hard work can achieve and the satisfaction you can gain in making your dreams a reality. What aspect do you love most about your work? I enjoy the bespoke commissions, especially weddings, as the pieces I produce will be worn and cherished forever. Making bespoke designs pushes my skills and keeps my brain active. Utilising inherited gold to make new designs is a huge responsibility but the satisfaction it gives clients makes all the

hard work worthwhile. It’s a privilege to give new life to old, sometimes forgotten, jewellery.

great excuse for a romantic weekend away on the beautiful Isle of Wight!

Can you tell us about the awards you’ve won?

If couples or hen groups are coming over to the island for a workshop can you suggest accommodation/other activities you’d recommend, so they can make a weekend of it?

The award that meant the most to me was perhaps the 1st prize Craftsmanship award by the British Jewellers Association. I felt a huge amount of pride to be recognised by makers that I admire in the field of goldsmithing. I also won an award from Goldsmiths who gave me a bursary to make my first Fairtrade gold collection. Can you tell us a bit about your location and your studio? Little Joy Jewellery is situated in a harbourside studio and showroom in Bembridge on the Isle of Wight. The studio it’s situated within is a newly renovated building that was once used for boat building. Can you tell us about your workshops for hens? We teach traditional silversmithing techniques to produce modern silver jewellery in simple and easy steps. Classes run from 11am-3pm, in which time we design and make a finished piece of silver jewellery. Lunch can be provided by The Modern Kitchen Garden Company. Can you tell us about your workshops for couples? We offer a wonderful day workshop for couples to come along and design and make their own wedding rings. With a well-established jeweller by their side, they are able to design and make their own dream ring in responsibly sourced silver or gold. It’s also a

There are many amazing places to stay here on the Isle Of Wight! We love Vintage Vacations and Tiny Homes Holidays www.tinyhomesholidays.com Why not try the world renowned Mermaid Gin? Their distillery is based in Pondwell where you can view the making of the Gin and most importantly sample it! www.isleofwightdistillery.com/product/wightmermaids-gin. ` We also host some incredible music festivals here including the Isle of Wight festival and rhythm tree festival www.rhythmtree.co.uk What are your passions outside of the business? I love being a mummy to my two little boys, Elan age 6 and Finn age 3, they keep me very busy! We love going for walks and paddle boarding. What does the future hold? Expanding our client base in the UK and internationally, building on our strong reputation and improving my practice along the way. I plan to introduce new exciting materials and precious stones that we can responsibly and ethically support. www.littlejoyjewellery.com

tigerlily tigerlily

Unique Wedding Stationery

Browse our beautiful collections and personalise the designs or have a bespoke creation made just for you.

Visit tigerlilyuk.com to purchase all our designs or request a bespoke creation or contact us on info@tigerlilyuk.com

Arabella Floral Beautiful flowers for weddings and events

www.arabellafloral.com

Daniel Thomas Photography

5 tips to help you

Brandy Snap Photo

pr o st yl e it li ke a

GE T M O ODY First up, don’t just dive straight in! I am a BIG fan of a mood board, mainly because I can start with just one item or colour I love and work outwards from there. Take your time to create a palette, look for images that inspire you online and decide on the kind of atmosphere you want to create: do you want it to be soft, feminine and romantic? Bold, dark and edgy? Or something totally different? Invest your time at the start and it will pay dividends in the end. MAKE YOUR MARK In the same breath as advocating online inspiration, it’s also really important to bring your styling back to the most important person: you (or in my case, my client!). When you’re designing your table it’s great to take a look around you and bring in elements you might have a strong personal connection with. Maybe use items that have been made by you or your family, it creates something really unique and makes for a great story! L AY E R U P My theatrical background taught me the importance of using both height and depth to create a powerful visual outcome, and this is really useful when table-scaping. Starting from your basic laid table, look at where you can add different textures, for example layering table cloths or using tactile materials for your place cards/ menus. Add colour where you can, a good rule is to start with three colours and work up (black and white don’t count!) Finally add height with candles, vases,

26 38

flowers, servingware etc. Play around with them and take a big step back regularly to check you’ve got balance and cohesion across the board. LESS IS MORE Coco Chanel once said ‘before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off’ and I think this perfectly sums up how to style anything, whether it’s your outfit OR your table. Often, out of excitement, you can ‘over-style’ so I always look for pieces that might actually be making everything a bit too busy. PRACTICAL MAGIC This is where my inner planner starts giving my inner stylist a talking to, and it’s important you do the same! Whilst laying out your beautiful items, flowers and stationery etc, take a moment to consider how usable the table actually is: are guests going to burn themselves reaching over candles? Where can larger serving dishes go? And how easy will it be to clear without knocking a million things over? Obviously, you want to let your creativity run free, but no one will thank you for having to navigate thirty mini-cacti just to get to the bread basket...

Written by Kate Hirons www.jumpthebroom.co.uk

Ellie Gillard Photography

Chloe Lee Photography

Chloe Mary Photography

Kirsty Mackenzie

The Barn at Avington. h eco c a n v a s wit An deaway gla mpi n g hi y r u x u l a d cotta ges a n i ndustrial

bla n k

If that hasn’t totally convinced you, here’s a brief guide to the venue…

Angela Ward Brown

The Barn at Avington has recently been shortlisted for ‘Best New Venue’ by The UK Wedding Awards. Since its launch in early 2018, the venue quickly built a reputation for being couple-focused; perfect for those who love to be creative and work with a blank canvas. Set in stunning Hampshire countryside, couples can have their humanist ceremony by the river, canapes in the garden, toast marshmallows under the starry sky and glamp in the luxury hideaway.

e n t ly b e e n ton has rec g n i v A t a n The Bar V e n u e’ b y ‘B e s t N e w r o f d e t s shortli i n g Aw a r d s. Th e UK Wedd

Featured Venue

THE BARN A unique venue, this barn is an industrial blank canvas to make your own – white walls, steel beams, corrugated ceiling, pendant lights… chic design for the modern couple. From the top of the scaffolding tower you can hang just about anything – from banners to floral clouds, glitter balls and giant pompoms! Working with highly recommended, local suppliers, couples are free to style the barn as they please. With creative and practical assistance from Event Manager, Beth, the ‘blankness’ does not need to be intimidating! As well as Beth’s help, you also get the luxury of time. The Barn at Avington is not a conveyor belt of celebrations, instead offering each couple a full week to create, relax and party.

Angela Ward Brown

T H E A C C O M M O DAT I O N

Angela Ward Brown

Sleeping up to 12, the eco-build cottages offer the perfect ‘home from home’. Our favourite little luxury is the ‘Dutch tub’ – a log burning hot tub which is the perfect way to relax after a day of wedding set-up. Whether the accommodation is used for the bridal party or relatives, the cottages have the facilities to fulfil every need. In addition to the cottages, ‘The Glade’ provides a luxury glamping hideaway complete with 5 star bathroom and rustic kitchen. Open the curtains the morning after your wedding to watch deer stroll by, then cook your delicious breakfast of local produce on the open fire. Simply idyllic.

T H E L O C AT I O N

Angela Ward Brown

The Barn at Avington is on a working farm, so there is no shortage of space or stunning rural scenery. It is a wonderfully peaceful location adjacent to the River Itchen. There is an abundance of wildlife, acres of foliage for foraging (with Beth’s expert assistance) and walks to cure the hangovers. The field across the road from the barn provides parking and a glamping site for friends and family. This area can be made into your own little festival with the help of a bell tent hire company. There’s a gated play area for kids, golf course for those wanting to de-stress on the morning of the wedding, great local pubs and fantastic wedding suppliers on the doorstep.

F I N A L LY

Angela Ward Brown

The barn is available for humanist ceremonies or ‘vow renewals’ which Winchester Registry Office offer. Like many outside venues, they are hopeful that the law is soon to change to allow legal ceremonies. As much as the venue tries to be as ‘rule free’ as possible, like all venues they have a few… Firstly, you have to choose from one of their six caterers - from sumptuous sharing boards to incredible slow smoked meats, you won’t be disappointed and there are options for all budgets. Secondly, they provide the bar, aptly named ‘The Bar at Avington’. They pride themselves on working with couples to ensure that their favourite tipples are on the menu and personalised cocktails are created.

Featured Venue

Angela Ward Brown

Ra c h e l L o u Photogra p hy

A wedding at The Barn at Avington is more than just a day. Relish having the freedom to have friends and family help you set up, enjoy a big BBQ the night before, brunch for everyone the morning afterâ&#x20AC;Ś this really is a venue where there is no need to rush.

w w w .t h e b a r n a t a v i n g t o n . c o . u k

Rebecca & Andy Rebecca and Andy had a super relaxed, child-friendly celebration at home.

Real Wedding

“The most important thing for us was just to

get married, ls,

we didn’t really plan or focus on the small detai we trusted that, as long as we had a venue and

food,

everything would slot in to place.”

“Our main focus was creating a really intimate

wedding with family and

y much everyone had an input.”

special friends. We only had 20 guests so prett

“We had a very limited budget so we tried to

save money where possible and w from friends and family.”

buy as much as we could second hand or borro

“We held the ceremony at a local Edwardian boutique hotel which

super small and intimate. The evening reception was in our garden”

, in the evening, we got our

and “We had vegan afternoon tea

h breads and side dishes. It

to make a big vegan curry wit served in bamboo dishes. We

Real Wedding

local Indian restaurant

was all very relaxed and

entally friendly as possible.”

tried to be as eco/environm

Photography | www.emmahillfilmphotography.co.uk Dress | www.storyofmydress.com Venue | www.alexanderhotels.co.uk/langshott-manor Flowers | www.instagram.com/stefs_flowerbar

“When I tried on the two-piece dresses I felt amazing. My whole life particularly comfortable or happy in clothing - until now! I tried on

I have never felt

lots of top and skirt

combinations until I found the right one, which was all designed and

made in-house.

I still wish I could get married again just to wear my dress. I loved it!”

“Our first dance was ‘Have I told you Lately that

I Love You’ by

cian James Lattimer”.

Van Morrison. Played by our wonderful musi

Down with the Trumpets Lucy Dixon set up Lemon Entertainment after eight years working in the music industry. She realised how hard it was to find and book high-quality bands for weddings. Lucy supplies clients with fantastic musicians who make their living from recording and touring with established, well-known artists such as Florence and The Machine and Ed Sheeran. Lucy says: “I know how to put on a fantastic party, I focus on the details and I know which elements are a must have for a memorable event. If I was to label my style, it would be ‘Luxury with an Edge’. Think House of Hackney meets The Cashmere Jumper or Diptique meets David Bowie.” Lucy shares her favourite songs for different parts of the day…

Pictured: Dos Tiempos

Fa vo ur it e so ng s CEREMONY

What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong Be Mine - David Gray You Make My Dreams - Hall & Oats DRINKS RECEPTION

She Moves in Her Own Way - The Kooks You are The Best Thing - Ray Lamontagne Home - Edward Sharpe EVENING RECEPTION

Friday I’m in Love - The Cure I Wanna Dance with Somebody - Whitney Houston Down with The Trumpets - Rizzle Kicks I Bet That You Look Good on The Dancefloor - Arctic Monkeys Don’t You Want Me - The Human League You can usually find Lucy with her Chihuahua Hendrix, at gigs, boutique shops and quirky cafes. www.lemonentertainment.co.uk

Creators of breathtaking, bespoke outdoor venues for Weddings & Events. Kissing Gate Events offer wild weddings in fields & woodlands.

E V E N T S

Offering an array of services: Marquees, Bell Tents, Horsebox Bar, Catering, Event Planning & Management, Horsebox WC.

Weddings

Events

Parties

Festivals

Glamping

07787 433771 info@kissinggateevents.co.uk kissinggateevents.co.uk

ti e men s a e l p

s â&#x20AC;&#x2122; t o g r Ma g n i d Wed wh en co nt ac ti ng ad ve rt is er s

Antique Lace

& A Pr et ty Fa ce

Photos | www.teddypigphotography.com Hair and makeup | www.bridalhaircompany.co.uk Model | Teddie Hargrave | www.starnow.com/teddiehargrave

A small, elegant studio in Shoreham by Sea, near Brighton, is where these ethereal antique lace dresses are handmade. They’re created using 100-year-old lace which, historically, was hand-stitched onto Victorian wedding costumes and worn as veils. The different types of lace originate from Devon, Ireland, Belgium and France. It’s now sourced from the attics of wealthy country house estates and private collections. The elegant styles of these dreamy dresses include column, slight A line or drop waist. The lightweight embroidered tulle is supremely comfortable, and all waistlines are easily adjustable. Cap sleeves and cowl necks can be added if required. The slips (which are sold separately) are vintage, often 1930s bias cut, and are both flattering and demurely glamorous! Headdresses are handmade using vintage elements, for example tiny iridescent shells and freshwater pearls which were rescued from a disintegrating 20s silk flapper dress. Their delicate look complements the fine needlework of the antique lace. There is also a selection of carefully chosen vintage and antique veils. Sizes range from 6 to 12 and prices from £600-£1600. Alterations take around a month to six weeks. www.antiquelaceweddingdress.co.uk 07535 706 970

Sign Maker Br id e- to -b e

Roll up! Roll up! Under four months ‘til the big day, and this circus-themed wedding is getting increasingly elaborate! Matt and I discussed marriage while courting, agreeing to a small low-key day, or even eloping to Vegas, but as soon as he got down on one knee (up a tree) our plans grew. I work as a sign maker and I use the circus a lot as inspiration. I guess you could say we have gotten a bit obsessed with the vintage theme. We have vintage circus posters throughout our house, a full-sized carousel horse taking pride of place in our living room and the odd clown dotted around here and there. We’re lucky to have the use of my parents’ field on Hayling Island to host the wedding. With a big top, carousel, festival food carts and circus acts all booked, the wedding is shaping up to be the nuptial spectacular of the century. Our invitations and save the dates have been designed by a friend and graphic designer Studio Moo. She has really captured Matt and I in this image and has pulled off the vintage circus theme perfectly.

I’m using the wedding as a brilliant excuse to extend my letter light hire selection. With the circus font BAR sign and a CIRCUS sign on its way. I’ve tried my hand at making a life-sized papier-mâché tiger. We thought he would feel right at home on the stage as ‘The Lounge Kittens’ play on into the night. With just a few months left and most things are organised, it’s time to start enjoying the lead up with the hens and stags, and count the minutes until I become Mrs Nina Powell…EEEK! By Nina Burras

Nuptual Spectacular!

Bride to-be

Instagram @missingchopper www.missingchopper.com Invitation design | www.studiomoo.me

The Grooms Guide to

t Ge tt in g it Ri gh By Pippa O’Neill

You’ve assembled all your best friends, ordered the suits, picked out some very fetching cufflinks, and are ready to marry the love of your life. Whether you’ve had opinions on everything from the colour scheme to the canapés or have gratefully left your better half to do a lot of the assembling, this ship is half yours baby, and it’s your responsibility to make sure she steers right into your happily ever after.

WONDERING HOW TO ELEVATE YOUR DAY FROM WEDDING OF THE YEAR TO PARTY OF THE CENTURY? HERE’S OUR QUINTESSENTIAL GROOM’S GUIDE.

ar ts Fo r th e br av e he

Are you a whisky connoisseur? Perhaps you’re thinking of getting into single malts now you’re going to be a fancy married man. Winchester-based Rab from Spirits of Scotland is your go-to guide for all things scotch-related. He offers a variety of wedding packages from a cash bar chockablock with drams and whisky-based cocktails ranging from £2.50 to £6, or a malt whisky tasting package that allows your guests to sample a plethora of delicious scotches before perhaps settling on their favourite. If you’re hankering for something to enjoy with your drink, Rab also sells quality hand rolled Cuban and Honduran cigars. Perfection. www.the-spirit-of-scotland.co.uk/

th e do g Fo r th e ha ir of

Sussex company Cloven Hoof have been disrupting the rum industry with their unique Guyanan and Trinidadian rum blended with a mysterious concoction of natural spices. Looking for a wedding favour a million miles away from sugared almonds? This bad boy could be for you! 50ml miniature bottles retail at just £3.33 each. Now THAT’S what we call a morning after the night before! www.justminiatures.co.uk/ products/cloven-hoof-spiced-rum-miniature-5cl

Fo r th e sp ee ch es Every good best man’s speech needs a stag story, so consider this your speech material-spawning gift to him and book yourselves on a Dark Star Brewery tour. Based in Partridge Green, they offer a range of eighteen beautiful beers to sample; from your classic Session IPA, to the more titillating Crème brulee. From only £10 per person this feels like a blissful start to the ultimate stag weekend! www.darkstarbrewing.co.uk/

Fran & Rob Photographer Benjamin Stuart talks us through Fran & Robâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s simple, stripped back wedding at the pub where they first met.

48 64

Real Wedding

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Their wedding was all about close friends and

family. e.â&#x20AC;?

Excellent food and drink in a relaxed atmospher

49 65

“They didn’t want anything traditional, or cliché, no cutting the cake or first dance.”

“Fran is a

stylist a

great hair

and mak

. She also eup artists

loo

b and he

dressed Ro egant.”

ple and el

ible; sim ked incred

nows lot o

n, so she k

in fashio nd works

“Fran’s incredible dress and long coat combo was perfectly on point for the chilly March day.”

Real Wedding

Wedding Venue | www.adaytoremember.london/old-marylebone-town-hall Reception Venue and Catering | www.thewestbourne.com Dress | www.catherinedeane.com

“Fran & Rob had their own style and look, they

stayed true them.”

to who they were, and their day truly reflected

e.”

“They caught a black cab to their reception venu

“The best man was from Italy and

he did half his

speech in Italian as he forgot to spea

k English.”

“Rob is Italian so they had an Italian feast and

great wine.”

Coat | www.charliebrear.com Photography | www.benjaminstuart.co.uk

Wedding Stationery Tr en ds 20 19

Burnt Orange is apparently THE colour for 2019 and I love it! Such a gorgeous, muted tone but with a warmth and vibrancy that works, not just for Autumn, but for any season. At Tigerlily, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been seeing customers requesting orange more and more and one of our favourite recent jobs was a customisation of our Summer Meadow design to give it a wild, bohemian feel with more colours, focussing on orange. The invitation set also had gold foiling on the invite and guest name tags and was finished with a matching envelope liner.

These finishing touches can really give your invitations that extra look of luxury - guest name tags are a great way to enhance the look of your invitations but also, it saves you writing all the names out yourself! As well as envelope liners (which I particularly love for their practicality of strengthening the envelope, as well as how the invitations sit so beautifully surrounded by the design), another popular choice are envelope seals. There are many forms but we particularly like our circular stickers which can be personalised and any of our designs added to them. Order plenty and you can also use them on your wedding favours or to seal gift bags - an easy, stylish and cost effective way to add a hint of your design throughout your wedding.

Another look for invitations that we have been producing more and more are invitations printed on vellum. This is really beautiful, subtle look which can be used alone or by laying the vellum over another printed card beneath. A recent design used white ink printed onto vellum with a powder pink peony design for the envelope liner. We loved this for it’s simplicity and understated elegance.

Botanical designs continue to be popular and it’s one of our specialties – I love foliage and floral designs because you can create any look or style. Bold contemporary palms and

tropical plants or delicate, detailed meadow plants for a vintage or rustic feel. At Tigerlily we can create any look you want to fit perfectly with your wedding style – your wedding stationery is your guests first hint as to what your wedding will be like, so we know how important it is. And don’t forget your ‘on the day’ stationery – we can produce any item of stationery for your wedding day to continue your individual style. From signage to wedding itineraries or order of service booklets, from your ideas we can create something just for you.