15 minute read
PUT A RING ON IT Weddings may be on hold but we’re still looking forward
E&W Couture is known for breaking stereotypes
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BETTER OFF WED
Weddings are being entirely rethought right now, so we’re looking towards 2021 and beyond for inspiration…
By Lisa Evans
The rules are ever-changing when it comes to weddings this year – they were even banned when lockdown began – and it’s led many couples to postpone their dates until next year or even until 2022, so we’re looking ahead and focusing on the positives by chatting with a plethora of pros and gazing longingly at their incredible creations and collaborations to think about what’s to come and to remind us not to lose inspiration, hope, joy or vision.
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© DEAREST LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY GIRL ABOUT GOWN Let’s be honest, the dress is important, isn’t it? We want to look like the best version of ourselves, and sometimes that means eschewing the traditional because it just doesn’t feel right. Here’s a mood board of dresses we love right now…
E&W Couture
reaking bridal stereotypes since , this Cardiff-based brand is, says its creative director Sophie Creed, for badass babes who want to do it differently. ere she tells us more
Tell us about your designs… e believe in a bridal revolution we don’t think bridal should be kept in a box, and we don’t think you should be pressured into not feeling like yourself. Our dresses are unusual, gure flattering and comfortable. And we make each dress for you according to measurements so no more buying in between’ sizes.
What’s in the range? e’ve got sparkle, lace, simplicity in dress form or in separates for all you alternative gals. e’ve got a range of skirts, tops and trousers for you to mix it up. e like questioning the conventional styles and adding our own take on traditional. orn and made in Cardiff, all of our pieces are designed, developed and manufactured at our city centre workspace. www.eandwcouture.co.uk
All of these outfits are by E&W Couture – there are dresses, separates and even trouser/top co-ords. Bridal shouldn’t be kept in a box, says creative director Sophie Creed
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Autumn vibes Couple: The Protheros Location: Court Coleman Makeup/ hair/ photography: Yolanda Kingdon Flowers: Jan Lima Flowers Dress: E&W Couture Jacket: Mermaid Effect
© YOLANDA KINGDON PHOTOGRAPHY Docs and dresses - coolest combo ever? Another E&W Couture number
DRESS IS MORE Here are some other dress shops we covet…
One1 Bridal, Cathays; www.one1bridal.com Lauram May Bridal Boutique, Royal Arcade; www.lauramaybridal.co.uk Perfection Bridal Cardiff, High Street Arcade; www.perfectionbridalcardiff.co.uk CocoMio, Cathays; www.cocomiobridal.com Castle Bridal, High Street; www.castlebridal.co.uk Leigh Alexandra, Llantrisant; www.leighalexandra.com
Simple and sleek: the Leigh Alexandra debut bridal collection, Bloom, is a perfect balance of modern and romantic
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SNAP DECISION Meet our pick of local photographers…
aalie one o Fo oora ardi
How would you describe your style? Some things shouldn’t ever be faked; real emotions always win for me, so I try and capture everything exactly as it happens naturally.
What shots do you LOVE to get? Laughter or tears (happy ones); a picture that makes you feel something when looking at it is the best type.
How should we find a wedding photographer? Think about style and editing (do you like dark and moody or light and airy?) and then stalk the photographers’ Instagram pages.
Best moment you’ve had as a wedding photographer? Halfway through the vows, a drag queen ran down the aisle singing ‘it should have been me’ while hitting the groom with his handbag. o hotorahycardiffcom
Natasha Ford of Honeydew Moments
What’s your photography approach? Heartfelt photography for modern romantics. I love to let the day unfold without interfering too much.
Special shots? I’m known for my golden hour photographs and have even been dubbed ‘the queen of sunsets’ by a few of my brides! I’m giddy for pretty light.
Top tips to those looking for a photographer? Look at portfolio over price – fall in love with their work and their style before anything else. And make sure you like the photographer as a person, their personality has to click with you.
© ESME WHITESIDE PHOTOGRAPHY I believe in Pink Couple: Jade Wortley and Cara Blue Morgan Location: The Giraffe Shed Cake: Miss Havisham Cakes Hair and makeup: Rebel Rock Hair and Makeup Photography: Esme Whiteside Photography Flowers: Emma Cox Floristry Pink dress and bow: Claire Mischevani Dress: E&W Couture Veils: W Collective Stylist: Luna and the lane Stationary: Sundown Paper Jewellery: Babes and bad Examples Filmed by: Leesha Williams Photo Created by: The Giraffe Shed and Esme Whiteside, for their photography workshop
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Best moment you’ve had as a wedding photographer? Capturing my rst micro wedding’ after coronavirus hit. It felt incredible to be back doing what I love. honeydemomentscok
Xena and Akis of Bull & Archer Photography
What’s your style? Romantic documentary, with a passion for adding a touch of fantasy.
What are your favourite shots to capture? The morning prep, and the rst moment you get to shoot the couple together; there is an energy surrounding them, a cocktail of emotions and it’s exhilarating to be part of.
Top tips to anyone who’s looking for a wedding photographer but can’t decide? See if you have chemistry. Don’t settle for a photographer that you don’t vibe with. llandarchercom
FLORAL INTENTS AND PURPOSES Here we speak to two florists renowned for their off-beat approach…
Forbesfield
This business is run out of a two-story coach house in Barry, nestled between High Street and The Goodsheds development. Owner Beth Forbes-Simpson tells us more.
Your specialty? e love spontaneous floral design and have always worked instinctively despite formal training at horticultural college. e love mixing flowers that lots of other designers would shy away from using together. othing is off limits.
What do you predict the trends will be next year and beyond? ried and preserved flowers will continue to thrive, and pampas grass is still getting love coupled with that wild, bohemian style.
Tell us something unusual… e wanted to make a bouquet that was good enough to eat, so we called upon the skills of chocolatiers Cocoa Therapy, and bakers ale Cake outique. The result was slabs of high-quality chocolate and buttery blocks of shortbread with our floral designs embedded into them. We’ve also just designed and created a range of preserved floral wearables from cuffs to hair accessories for brides, which are retailing exclusively through achel urgess ridal outique. oreseldcok
Jan Lima Flowers
an, whose business is based in her home studio in Cyncoed, says she tries not to have a signature look, as that can stifle creativity.
Spontaneous floral design where nothing is off limits is what you’ll find at Forbesfield
Field of dreams Flowers: Jan Lima Flowers Location: Rosedew Farm Photography: Yolanda Kingdon Dress: High Society Bridal Boutique Hair and makeup: Janet White-Ashby & Co.
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© ALL PHOTOS BY ALEX SEDGEMOND
Give us a taste of what you offer… Being given creative freedom or a new challenge results in me being able to achieve so much from a project, I feel less restricted which then evolves into something more original. I’m also known for my love of flower crowns and headpieces lockdown has given me the chance to explore original ideas, making installations, painting designs on leaves, floral jewellery, and dried flower accessories for men such as bow ties and pocket squares.
What floral trends are on the horizon? With the uncertainty of current times, many are scaling down their requirements. The trend for dried flowers and grasses continues to grow, as do hints of metallics amongst natural, textural arrangements. We are also seeing all-white bouquets where even the foliage is bleached white. And potted plants and succulents are being used to decorate the venue.
Tell us something unusual… I think differently to many classically trained florists, probably due to my design background. We incorporate many of my vintage, rustic or quirky props into our displays and we also forage in woodlands to combine an interesting range of flowers, foliage, twigs and branches. anlimafloerscok
Sitting pretty Flowers: Jan Lima Flowers Location: Rosedew Farm Photography: Yolanda Kingdon Dress: High Society Bridal Boutique Hair and makeup: Janet White-Ashby & Co.
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The trend for dried and preserved flowers will continue to thrive in 2021 and beyond says the team at Forbesfield Go bold Model: Abigail Bullen Location: Rosedew Farm Photography: Fox Photography Cardiff Flowers: Jan Lima Flowers Venue styling: Flossie and Blossom Events Makeup: Katy Jones Makeup Dress: Laura May Bridal
© FORBESFIELD HEY, GOOD LOOKING We asked the team at The ME Clinic what treatments they’d recommend for both bride and groom
“Our most popular treatment is the Lipofirm Pro,” says Douglas Sykes, managing director. “It’s perfect for inch loss, skin tightening and body contouring. We also offer GeneO facials, ideal for nourishing the skin deep down, and we offer the NOON Aesthetics range of in-clinic and home care products for use in the lead-up to the big day.
“Close to the wedding, we suggest avoiding any invasive treatment whatsoever, or any treatment that could cause edema (swelling) or that requires any downtime, such as traditional chemical peels.”
Churchill Way, Cardiff; www.themeclinic.co.uk
© ALEX SEDGEMOND Forbesfield florist teamed up with local chocolatiers and bakers to create edible bouquets BELOW: More of Miss Havisham’s Cakes’ show-stopping designs
Intricate details are key at The Sweet Cake Kitchen
DRINK IT IN
THE GIN TIN BARS Cardiff-based mobile bars that travel to you to offer a variety of drinks (especially gin, obviously). The bars can be dressed to suit a particular style or colour, and a customised cocktail menu is offered for the big day. www.thegintinbar.co.uk
THE COCK & PANSY This is the events arm of Gays Who Wine; it’s a queer pop-up pub that you can hire anywhere in the UK.
Whether you’re stout fans or it’s a tequila slammers kind of party, their mobile pub will be fully stocked with all of your favourite drinks. They offer food too, and they don’t bat an eye at wacky styling requests – not even that time someone wanted snow in August. www.gayswhowine.com YOU WANT A PIECE OF ME? Just like so many elements of weddings, cakes are a chance to inject a little fun and personality into your day. Here, two local cake creators tell us about their incr-edible constructions.
Joanne Towers, Miss Havisham’s Cakes Based in Pontyclun
Tell us about your creations… When I’m designing a cake, the last thing that I want to see is a photograph of another cake. I’d far rather know the flower choices and what song the couple have chosen for their rst dance, to give me a sense of who they are.
You blend art and baking, tell us more… Edible images have been around for decades but they’re often used for novelty cakes. The images that I use are usually intended for things like textiles, graphic design and other craft projects. Last month we launched a second business, Satis Designs, selling edible art sheets to other cake artists.
What are the biggest trends on the horizon? odern abstract designs are my most popular request. There’s recently been a return of Lambeth-style cakes and retro piping, with modern twists.
How will the pandemic sway future cake choices? tyling and detail will be far more important than size. There will probably be a bigger emphasis on cake stands, displays, cake separators, props and flowers to create something spectacular. A small cake, that serves 3 can still be as impressive as a ve-tier cake in my opinion. @misshavishamscakes
Claire Bevington, of The Sweet Cake Kitchen Based in St Fagans
What makes your cakes unique? I love colour trends and incorporating them into my designs for me, the intricate details are very important. y passion is working with dried and fresh flowers, creating a fusion of preserved and new.
Biggest cake trends coming up? ried flowers give a modern, luxurious look to a cake, and are really versatile too. Another on-trend technique is textured buttercream, which provides a bespoke cake as you’ll never get two that are the same. oing forward to , go bold and choose colours that suit your palette. @thesweetcakekitchen
WHERE O WHERE? When it comes to deciding on the magical location, here are just a few of our choices…
Hensol Castle
With its majestic turrets, gothic towers and picturesque landscape, the castle is an idyllic wedding venue all year round. Set in 650 acres of beautiful welsh countryside and accompanied by a 15-acre serpentine lake, the 17th-century castle in the Vale of Glamorgan has been sympathetically renovated and off ers an endless choice of backdrops for your photographs. Interesting fact: There is a gin distillery located in the cellars of the castle which will soon be opening to the public for gin tours and experiences. www.hensolcastle.com
Fairyhill
Fairyhill by Oldwalls is a grade-two listed Georgian house set in 24 acres of glorious gardens. In 2017, the grand property reopened its old doors to unveil its extension and renovation, adding the ultimate pinch of 21st-century cool to the celebrated Gower landmark. It’s based in ritain’s rst designated area of outstanding natural beauty, and awardwinning beaches are at the ready for your photographs. Outstanding feature: The K Room is a contemporary glass space, licenced for civil ceremonies, with panoramic views of the venue’s listed heritage grounds. www.oldwallscollection.com
Mr and Mrs O’Hara’s Canada Lodge and Lake wedding Dress: Eva Ashley Bridal Shoes: Jenny Packham Florist: Natasha at Ivy B Photography: Honeydew Moments
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PUT A RING ON IT
Art Deco diamond (1908-1935) ring set in platinum, £4,800 From Alicat, just outside Cowbridge; , just outside Cowbridge; www.alicatjewellery.co.uk
Bespoke precious metal wedding bands rings, est. £500 From Duxford Studios, Llandaff; www.duxfordstudios.com
Kunzite and 18ct rose gold ring, handmade to order, starting at £5,500 handmade to order, starting at £5,500 From Neil Rayment, Bute Street; www.neilrayment.co.uk
Rose-cut grey diamond in 9ct white Rose-cut grey diamond in 9ct white and rose gold, £1,540 From Anne Morgan, Penarth; www.annemorganjewellery.com
TOP: A magical sunset at Fairyhill; ABOVE: Pencoed House Estate
Mr and Mrs Davy’s wedding at Hensol Castle Dress: One Bridal Suit: Dyfed Menswear Hair and makeup: Jenna McDonnell Florist: Hilary’s Floral Design Photography: Honeydew Moments Video: Steve Ratcliffe Shoes: Ted Baker
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Canada Lodge and Lake
It’s a rural idyll, just a bouquet’s throw away from Cardiff city centre, which offers luxury venues and accommodation, nestled in the lush green landscape of the countryside. The views across its shimmering blue lake create a gorgeous photographic backdrop. www.canadalodgeandlake.com
Pencoed House Estate
Offering an idyllic and serene setting in the heart of the countryside in Capel Llanilltern, the estate and its 36 acres of peaceful grounds afford wonderful photographic opportunities. As an independent family-run venue, they have flexibility in abundance, too, and so can create quirky additions to your day, whether that be afternoon croquet on the lawns or a full evening casino in the marquee. www.pencoedhouseestate.co.uk
De Courceys Manor
Everything here is family owned and family run, with a passion for delivering personal and bespoke service. The enchanting manor, located in Pentyrch, has been refurbished and repositioned as a key destination for luxury weddings, and bespoke venue hire for events of all sizes. www.decourceys.co.uk FINISHING TOUCHES Just a few more weddingthemed creative businesses we want to share with you…
Cinnamon Pig A family-run venue and event stylist company based in the Vale of Glamorgan. www.cinnamonpig.com
Enchanting Chalkboards Cardiff-based Suzy Walters creates hand-drawn chalkboards. @enchantingchalkboards
Ameow Designs This Roath-based business creates bespoke botanical jewellery (pictured), so that, postbig-day, your wedding bouquet can live forever inside resin accessories. www.ameow.co.uk
Pink Peony Weddings and Events Design This Vale of Glamorgan-based independent business is brimming with bespoke ideas for weddings. @pinkpeonyweddingsandevents
Balloons, Glitter & Glitz A small, local business, based in Rumney, providing bespoke balloon set-ups with flare. @balloonsglitterandglitz
Emily Evans Luxury Travel Counsellor Emily, based in St. Mellons, is part of the global network that is Travel Counsellors, and she specialises in bespoke honeymoons. www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/ emily.evans
