And So To Wed Issue 3

ISSUE 3 SUMMER 2015

IN THIS ISSUE On the cover

Photograph by Tiree Dawson

Articles

4 To be Loved Collection 11 Canvas just got classy 17 The Secret Bride 18 Paperknots Amour Collection 31 How to throw the perfect hen party 33 Dior styled photoshoot 39 Foxybuds 41 The Lodge on Loch Goil 45 8 Wedding morning must haves 53 The Chalk Spot 54 5 ways to use chalkboards in your wedding 55 Spain in Eden 61 The Whimsical Cake Company 63 Swoon At The Moon

Your weddings

23 Kelly and Dean 47 Claire and Oliver

The important bits 63 Our Contributors 64 Little Black Book

Beautifully bespoke After a very exciting and busy three months we have got lots of fabulous ideas and inspiration for your big day. The Summer Issue is packed full of beautifully bespoke wedding gowns, stationery, venues, cakes and more! We also have two fabulous weddings to share with you. The first took place on the beautiful Amalfi Coast in Italy where the weather could have spoilt the day but the couple embraced the rain and the sunshine came out to give them a truly breathtaking and wonderful wedding reception. The other, a classic country wedding held in the stunning surroundings of the Lake District where the yellow and grey styling included pompoms, bunting and chocolate eggs.

As you hopefully know by now, we love all things handmade and bespoke and as such, have included a fabulous Dior inspired photo shoot encapsulating all things bespoke and beautiful. We got to know Peaktipis and The Chalkspot, two fantastic and unique businesses both of which will add some real magic to your big day. Wedding in a Teacup share with us their top tips for planning a truly personal hen party and we take a sneak peek into The Lodge on Loch Goil, one of the most wonderfully whimsical venues we've ever seen!

All the items and services we feature are either handmade or have a bespoke element to them and all are made here in the UK. We think that is something that is really worth shouting about, we have so much talent on this little island and we think that is amazing! So pour yourself a glass of something scrumptious, sit in the sun and enjoy!

Made in England, couture bridal house, Lyn Ashworth by Sarah Barrett, is excited to reveal it's 2016 ‘To be Loved’ collection.

This utterly dreamy collection is of typical Lyn Ashworth fashion and oozes femininity and luxury. With her sharp eye for style, designer, Sarah Barrett has sourced absolutely beautiful and unique fabrics to create this collection and creates all the gowns by hand.

Full swooshy, floor sweeping skirts and new shapely silhouettes bring this timeless collection to life for today’s bride. Pretty, feminine hand stitched, embellishments and exquisite details are just breathtaking against the softest tonal hues of ivory, pinks and sea pearl.

Head designer of Lyn Ashworth, Sarah Barrett, says: “This collection is for the bride that appreciates quality and craftsmanship. The attention to detail and impeccable fit a woman strives for is achieved with a Lyn Ashworth gown. The 2016 collection is breathtakingly romantic yet is still able to offer a relaxed sophistication.

“I have had great fun designing this collection and have sourced some really different fabrics and lace to adorn the gowns.”

For further information about Lyn Ashworth by Sarah Barrett, please visit: www.lynashworth.co.uk

Peaktipis are the Midlands award winning and leading suppliers of giant Kata Tipis for weddings and special occasions throughout the UK, since 2011.

Co-founders Matthew and Duncan share a mutual love for the outdoors and it was this passion along with their practical nature, that sparked their interest in the Tipis and encouraged them to ‘Trade in their Trowel’s’ from their previous profession for their magnificent Tents. Their Tipis {or Teepees} consist of giant hat, Kata Tipis and also smaller Kungs, fondly known as a ‘chill-out’ Tipi. They take their design inspiration from the traditional dwellings of the Sami people, nomadic reindeer herders from Lapland – meaning they can with stand anything the elements throw at them, all year round.

In 2011, Peaktipis broke onto the scene predominantly in the wedding market, initially making a mark in their home counties throughout the Midlands and surrounding Peak District National Park – the perfect picturesque backdrop for outdoor Tipi Weddings. Celebrating their 5th birthday this year, Peaktipis recently won a prestigious Wedding Industry Award as the East Midlands Best Marquee provider as well as winning

winning a once in a lifetime adventure trip with Tentipis, to go back to their Tipis’ heritage in the Swedish Lapland. It’s certainly turning out to be a memorable 2015, even ahead of a busy and exciting wedding season.

Want a Wedding with distinction & individuality?

Brides {especially} are striving to make their wedding day stand out but with weddings being steeped in tradition, how do couples go about introducing a distinctive touch to their day? Whether it’s the food, a signature drink, the decoration or entertainment, there needs to be something to differentiate the day.

And then of course there’s the venue, often seen as the real backbone of a wedding and here lies the answer: ‘Tipis’.

Offering a whole new take on a stock standard white marquee, the beauty of Tipis as a venue choice is their ability to allow a couple to differentiate their wedding from ‘the norm’ and create a complete distinction {even from other Tipi Weddings} in a number of ways and here’s just a few:

retro, simple and rustic or even a more classic, romantic look – they are completely versatile for style.

Lots of Tipi brides prefer the DIY route for their finer details such as decorations, favours, the table plan, through to signage in and around the Tipis.

However, if you don’t have a crafty hand, there are oodles of talented specialist suppliers out there who can help create your vision. Pinterest is a great FREE source of inspiration, and a perfect starting point for your planning regardless whether you go DIY or just want some initial ideas to share with certain suppliers to get those creative ‘wedding’ juices flowing.

Location

Whether it’s gracing the grounds of a stately home or in the middle of an open field with views as far as the eye can see, the location choice for a Tipi Wedding is completely flexible. Tipis {or Teepees} look spectacular in any setting, and allow the best of both worlds in terms of formal or laid-back. Those wanting a hint of formality can opt for the Tipis within the grounds of a prestigious venue, and those wanting a non-traditional and relaxed approach can embrace the outdoors and open countryside surroundings of a field or even a back garden. The Tipis really do give you the freedom to have exactly what you want with the only general ‘must’ being suitably flat, dry grounds with relevant access for setting up. Peaktipis work with a range of different venues and locations throughout the UK and can work with you to help source your dream Tipi Wedding location that ticks every box!

Decoration and theme

They are a true blank canvas {no pun intended} and are visually impressive with a natural wow factor – dressed or undressed they are equally as stunning.

Having delivered over 100 successful weddings and events over the past five years, Peaktipis suggest that no two weddings are ever the same as every Bride and Groom applies their own personal stamp on their day, making it truly unique, memorable and personal to them. The tents are beautiful structures in their own right, but the possibilities are also endless in terms of the styling, decoration and theming. It can vary significantly from way out and

Tipi Formation

Teepees provide a unique and breath-taking alternative from the standard ‘four walls’ of a traditional venue and can be flexibly grouped and linked together to create a unique space as large or as intimate as required. They can be set up in a wide variety of configurations according to personal taste, guest numbers and to suit the surroundings. If there’s a fantastic view, focal point or you’re lucky enough with the Great British weather to have sunshine filled blue skies {and starry nights}, the sides can be raised to experience all of this from within. Equally, solid wooden doors, and the addition of crackling, open fires can create a cosy, magical atmosphere for a winter wedding too. The friendly and experienced Peaktipis team can help advise on the number of Teepees required based on your requirements and will happily provide several bespoke options until you are happy and decided on ‘the one’.

Round tables, trestle tables or a mixture of the two – you really don’t have to conform to anything with Tipis! Whether you want the comfort and formality of chairs, a little more of a relaxed feel with rustic benches or a completely laid-back outdoor approach with hay bales, or even all three, the layout and furniture choices for a Tipi Wedding allows you to really break away from the mould. Peaktipis {pulling on experience from their previous profession} have manufactured all of their own furniture to complement the Tipis, so take great pride in its quality finish and design. They also have lower level chill-out furniture, for those wanting a little more comfort to rest those dancing feet for five.

The team can source any alternative options too, through their trusted contacts if you’re after something specific – you really can make it your own.

As you may have already gathered, choosing a Tipi wedding means that there are no rules, leaving every aspect of the day open to choice and personal preference. This can extend to your food, entertainment, right through to you and your guests' accommodation.

The freedom to have traditional sit-down catering, an outdoor BBQ, fish and chips or even a hog roast are just some of the endless choices available to feed your family & friends.

Being outdoors means you have the perfect playground to provide your guests with lots of different entertainment, from fun photo booths to traditional lawn games.

Choosing a Tipi also provides the perfect way for you and your guests to sleep under the stars {so to speak}.

A village of Bell Tents perfectly pitched close by to the Tipi means that there’s no waiting around for taxis or walking to the nearest hotel, you and your guests can keep the celebration going. Luxury furnished bridal suite bell tents can also provide a fab alternative for your first night as ‘Man and Wife’ but with a few extra home comforts.

Peaktipis have lots of trusted and recommended friends in the industry who can provide all of these fun and bespoke services to make your day one to remember.

The ‘I Do’s

Wanting to move away from ‘tradition’, lots of couples are seeking out ways to have more flexibility in their actual wedding ceremony. A Humanist ceremony or ‘blessing’ is a great choice for a Tipi Wedding, whether it’s outdoors or even inside the Tipis, it’s something that is becoming more and more popular. Subject to completing the legal formalities, you can choose to celebrate your day in your own unique way by creating a personalised, bespoke ceremony that reflects you and your beau's personalities.

You can write your own vows, exchange rings, include readings and music and you can even sign a certificate too to reflect an element of tradition. You can also personalise it with a symbolic act such as hand fasting, where the hand of the bride and groom are wrapped in ribbons and a knot is tied – the origin of the phrase to tie the knot!

Equally if you’d prefer to keep an element of tradition about your day, you can opt for a church wedding or civil ceremony and retreat back to the Tipis for your wedding breakfast and celebrations – the choice is yours.

There are lots of ways to reflect you and your beau’s personalities through your wedding celebration choices, but if you love the idea of being outdoors and want your day, your way, then a Tipi Wedding from the East Midlands Award Winning Tipi suppliers, could be the perfect choice for you. Stunning by day and coming alive at night, Tipis make an enchanting and magical choice for your big day.

The passionate team at Peaktipis love talking Tipis, so why not get in touch on 0844 411 3460 or drop them an email at info@peaktipis.co.uk and see how they can help make your special day, just that. They’re a sociable bunch, so why not follow them across Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram too. www.peaktipis.co.uk Photography: JAKT Photography, 83 Photography, Paul Read Photography, Samuel Docker, HBA Photography, Becky Ryan, Cooling Photography, Gemma Williiams Photography, Three Six Seven Nine Photography, Lucy Little Photography

The Secret Bride Lists! Lists! I love lists! I am the queen of lists! Some might say I'm a little bit addicted to lists. I have always thought this was not exactly the coolest of traits to have, in fact at times I have hidden my list addiction from those carefree judgy eyes, but now, as a bride to be, it is apparently the defining characteristic of being an organiser extraordinaire!

I'm in my element, a true professional, hand me the filofax and a pen and I will plan the best wedding that has ever been!

So to start, that is exactly what I did, I bought a wedding planner. A lovely little book with colour coordinated tabs and pretty ribbon. Me and Mr Right sat down with 'the book' and started to jot down our different ideas, needs and wants. Very quickly our wedding began to take shape, how painless, how easy this wedding organising is! Or so we thought!

First we went to look at venues, this is when my list loving came to the fore. I made a list of all the venues available within the area. I then rang round them all to get a general idea of price, facilities, services etc, this ruled most of them out. One thing we learnt very quickly when venue shopping was that in most cases venues had a bit of a ‘we’re wonderful and don’t need your business’ attitude. Every time we enquired we were told that they couldn’t be flexible, our day had to fit in with their policies and in some cases we were told ‘we’d be lucky to have them’! We felt like we were trying to court Johnny Depp! Since when did it become the case that us, the paying customer, had to grovel and change our plans to fit in with what a service provider wanted. After countless hours and going square eyed we finally narrowed it down to 4 places we wanted to visit. These 4 places restored our faith in wedding venue providers and made us realise that actually, there are wonderful venues out there who realise that it is your wedding day and not theirs, it’s just a matter of finding them.

We visited all 4 venues and at the last one we both just knew. It was like that magic moment when you walk into a house and know that you’re meant to live there. It was just right. The look, the feel, how lovely the staff were, it was all just perfect. Luckily for us we both fell in love with it so there was no difficult discussion. We spoke to the wedding planner who bent over backwards to accommodate what we wanted for our day.

So now we're feeling very smug, we have our stunning contemporary venue with outdoor space and the flexibility to plan the day as we'd like. Now we have a date!

Written by our Secret Bride

things to think about when finding the perfect venue ●

What do you want from your venue?: Do you want a stately home, a modern look and feel, a tipi? Does it need to be big? Small? Be close to travel links? Do you want a blank canvas you can make your own or somewhere that has décor and detail in abundance? Make a list of 3 things you need your venue to have and 3 things you'd like your venue to have, this is a good start to get you thinking.

●

Work out your budget:

●

Don't forget to ask about...whether

Sit down with your partner and work out exactly how much you have/are prepared to spend on your wedding. Don't forget to speak to parents as they may wish to contribute. Don't forget to take into account hidden costs such as insurance, corkage charges etc. the venue will provide the catering or do they allow outside caters. Can you provide your own music? If you can, do you need to provide insurance if you're having a band or DJ? What access will you have before and during the day?

Do they charge corkage? Where can you take your photos? Do they have a list of recommend suppliers?

●

Don't forget to barter:

See what the minimum price is they will go to then ask if they can include anything extra in with that, an extra canapés, a welcome drink, DJ, you'd be surprised what else you can get if you just ask!

Artwork by Gemma Milly Illustration www.gemmamilly.com

The Amour collection is a deluxe suite made from luxury materials and the finest quality paperstocks – perfect for the couple wanting to add a touch of stylish elegance to their stationery.

The design of each item is created with contemporary fonts and clean lines alongside delicate floral illustrations. The simplicity of the design perfectly complements the opulent materials used, creating a luxurious tactile suite that you’ll be thrilled to send to your guests.

The main wedding invitation is printed on a soft powder-mint tapestry 300gsm paperstock that features a beautiful subtle shimmery floral pattern. (Alternatively, for those with lower budget you can opt for the powder-mint to be printed onto a plain 300gsm paperstock). A diamond shaped monogram tag comes in both paper options and can also include the charming gold corner clips shown in the images above. The tag combined with a metallic twine and a gorgeous thick gold glittery ribbon then binds the items together.

To provide your guests with further information you’ll need a details insert – this is printed on a luxury gold shimmery 300gsm paperstock. Also available within the suite is a RSVP card in a soft blush colour with gold text.

This comes with a silver brocade textured RSVP envelope for your guests to return it to you.

Visit www.paperknots.co.uk for more details

You can pick and choose the items of stationery you require to suit your needs and budget. Onthe-day stationery is also available in this suite, which can include the order of service. table names, place names, menus and a table plan.

Further bespoke items can also be requested and designed to match.

Prices range from £0.75 - £3.50

Photography by Daffodil Waves www.daffodilwaves.co.uk

On 19th April 2014 Kelly and Dean said 'I do' at Crosscrake Church and then celebrated with family and friends at The Plough in Lupton. We hear from Kelly as she shares her big day.

'I really wanted a classic country wedding, with a vintage feel, our day including lots of handmade details which made it feel original and special. I had a light grey and yellow colour scheme which made it feel very spring like and complimented the Easter weekend.

The day started early, waking up at the hotel with my family and bridesmaids, it was a really relaxed atmosphere getting ready and dancing to my prewedding playlist. I had a lovely moment of calm waiting in my dress before we set off to the church at 2.30.

There was a small crowd outside the church, people from the village where I grew up to wish us well. The ceremony was perfect, all my nerves went away when I saw Dean.

Once we got back to The Plough ,the day just got better and better. I remember just loving every minute, all of our guests were happy, relaxed and enjoying themselves, the hotel looked beautiful, I had the biggest smile on my face all day! Before I knew it the evening guests were arriving and all of our family and friends were dancing the night away.

I loved the bunting which my mum and I spent weeks making, it was a great feeling knowing that nobody else will have anything like it. Also all the cakes which my mum made looked amazing, I roped my dad into making all the icing buttons. All the little handmade details I got from hours and hours of trawling wedding blogs and Pinterest. The flowers made my whole theme come together, they were perfect, and the jam jars made a great little gift to give my guests as they left.'

'One of the best engagement presents I received was a 'wedding' USB stick. By the time my wedding came it had everything on, from my cost spreadsheet, to all the contact details I needed, hair, dress and make up ideas, wording for invitations etc. It was great, it came everywhere with me. My advice is it's never too early to start planning! Also, on your special day get your bridesmaid to say 'click' to you, in that moment you take a mental picture of everything that's happening around you. My bridesmaid kept saying it to me when we crossed paths and now I have some very vivid memories of little moments of my day that otherwise would have gone unnoticed.

I know everyone tells you to enjoy every moment because the day goes so quickly, but it's so true! Don't stress too much the week before, enjoy the run up, it's a great part of the wedding experience!'

Vendors: Photography - Tiree Dawson Dress - Mears Ghyll Bridal Room Flowers - Abi Garnett at Blossoms and Bees Wedding Flowers Make Up - Amiee Chorley Hair- Shelley Gibson

How to throw the perfect hen party Wedding in a Teacup share their top tips!

With hen party season in full swing Hester Lear, owner of online gift and décor boutique 'Wedding in a Teacup' shares her top tips to ensure you throw your bride tobe the perfect and most personal hen do.

Once you’ve agreed a time and a place for the action, get everyone excited with a snail mail invitation – there are times when a text or email just won’t cut it! Send a badge invitation personalised with the date of the do, each guest’s name (good for larger parties where everyone doesn’t know each other) or simply HEN – then everyone can wear them on the day – a great ice breaker! Or is the bride to be more eco minded? Pop our sunflower seed packets in A6 envelopes for a lovely introduction to a country weekend away.

If you’re staying away for the night, make sure a few of you get there before the bride to be to set the scene and decorate! A lovely idea is to get everyone to bring their favourite (or funniest) photos of her and peg them up around the room. Scatter bright confetti on the tables, pop fun paper straws and retro charms in the drinks and string bunting and colourful pom-poms from the walls. Top it all off with a ‘hen party in process’ sign to make sure you’re not disturbed! Gifts for all the girls are a really thoughtful touch, and can be practical too.

Fill hen do survival kit pouches with goodies to keep everyone in tiptop condition; sweets, plasters, paracetamol, mini bottles of booze and detox face masks – they’ll thank you for it later! Arrange the pouches on each hen’s bed before everyone arrives for extra wow factor. Don’t forget the bride to be – this is (hopefully) the only hen do she’ll have – so ensure she’s spoilt rotten! Our ‘bride to be’ tote bags are larger than the pouches so you can cram more goodies in them – a lovely keepsake, and great sash alternative for the more fashion conscious! Fill with gifts that she can use on the day and keep for her BIG day. Pop in a pocket mirror personalised with her name and the date, top it all off with a handmade bride to be necklace that she can wear with style and pride the whole weekend. Finally, for the ultimate take-home gift for your bride to be, create a hen-do guest book for her. We love the idea of filling a photograph album with all the chicks’ childhood photos and memories of her – add to it throughout the day and gift it to her at the end, leaving a few blank pages for her to add in the fun of the hen do! Or bring along a ‘fill me in’ poster and some colourful pens so everyone can write their message and memories on it throughout the weekend – it makes a wonderful keepsake.

For further information visit www.weddinginateacup.co.uk

This fabulous styled shoot inspired by Dior. Brachetto Weddings was put together by a distinctive crew of high-end creatives who worked in tandem to bring their vision board to life.

"In our styled shoot we wanted to channel the dramatic flares and luxurious styles that are synonymous with Christian Dior. To replicate the luxurious feel in our shoot; we used feathers and crystals as an added touch.

The luxury of the shoot was offset by our stunning colour palette of soft pastel colours, such as lilac and rose infused with bold golds and purples. Our "DIOR Goes Country" was styled in a bid to inspire future couples who may want a luxurious or understated day.

This shoot depicts that both styles can beautifully complement each other."

With thanks to: Venue - The Rendezvous Hotel, United Kingdom Planner & Stylist - Brachetto Weddings Photographer - Photography by Kathryn Videographer - 2-Little-Ducks Florist - Minnie Bees Favors - SoBelle Favors Macaron Designer - Medici Macarons Dessert Table - Cakes For Show Make-Up Artist - Glam by Elizabeth Daisy Bridal Dresses - Prestige Gowns Bridal Jewellery - M by Minihaha Model - Abigail Wright

Photographer - Photography by Kathryn

Foxy Buds is Caroline Bowater 'I'm a floral designer based in the small town of Bradford on Avon near Bath. I am happy to travel to provide wedding and event flowers so please just ask!

My passion is wedding flowers, I love the whole process of meeting with brides and grooms to discuss their ideas and then pulling it all together to create the final design for the wedding flowers. It is such an exciting and emotional time for couples and I always feel very privileged to have a small part of their special day.

I believe in the small, intricate details that make wedding flowers so very personal and unique for your special day.

Please get in touch and we can either discuss your ideas face to face during a complimentary initial consultation or by email.'

Floral Design for weddings - Wiltshire, Bath, Somerset and Bristol.

www.foxybuds.co.uk Tel: 07725484375 Email: foxybuds@yahoo.com

The Lodge on Loch Goil

In the perfect location we create happiness - The Lodge It's the day you've imagined all your life. Your wedding day, when all your dreams come true. It's about your story as a couple, making a new chapter together, about creating memories to last a lifetime.

At the Lodge we guarantee you the space to create your magical day, simple and intimate or lavish and glamorous, we can cater for every bride's desire.

That's why you should choose an exclusive wedding venue as individual as you are.

The Lodge Exclusively Yours Resting on the shores of Loch Goil, The Lodge is a 5star exclusive-use venue specialising in small intimate weddings, corporate hospitality, fashion shoots, and luxurious getaways. Built in 1864, The Lodge has been lovingly restored and now houses one of the UK’s largest collection of Arts and Crafts furniture and antiques. The seven luxury bedrooms, dramatic sitting room and cosy whisky bar all display period charm, whilst the spectacular dining room exhibits

fine examples of original stained-glass windows by Daniel Cottier, hand-painted wallpaper, oak-panelled walls and parquet floor.

The Tree House - A Fairy Tale Castle in The Sky A memorable wedding begins with a romantic location and The Lodge treehouse is as special as your day will be. This enchanting treehouse sets the perfect scene for a unique wedding celebration and private dining experience. Life is a fantasy hideaway where you can stimulate endless imagination in natural surroundings, a place to contemplate life especially on your wedding day. Understand and be inspired.

The Summerhouse Rustic Romance With A Difference The Lodge’s Victorian Summerhouse is the most romantic honeymoon suite in the world.

Perched on the waters edge with its wood

burning stove and breathtaking views over a sea loch, our Summerhouse is Scotland’s most secluded hideaway. Why not indulge yourself and the one you love and take a romantic break in one of Scotland’s most amazing venues.

The Lodge is so unique, our exceptional levels of customer service are adopted by all of our resident staff who, paying attention to every detail, strive to make sure your stay is as memorable and enjoyable as possible.

We offer a bespoke experience offering excellence in cuisine, accommodation and service.

Our special corner of Scotland is a stunning part of the world at any time of the year, with each season bringing its own beauty and tranquillity.

For more information about this simply stunning venue visit www.thelodge-scotland.com Photography credits: Fotogenic The Lodge on Loch Goil Sanders Photography Craig and Eva

It's the morning of your wedding, what do you need in your emergency bridal kit?

1.

Hair grips - not just for if that random bit of hair won't stay in place, they can be very useful for holding the

material of your dress together if needed or as a stand in zipper for any mishaps with the grooms trousers, bridal party members dresses etc.

2. Paracetamol - this is one of the biggest days of your life and you don't want a headache to stop you enjoying it.

3. Sewing kit - just in case!

4. Plasters/foot gel pads - because lets face it, you will be dancing the night away.

5. Bottled water - it's important to stay hydrated on your big day, not only will it help prevent headaches and hangovers it will also help your skin to look fresh and glowing.

6. Hair spray - your hair will have to last probably all day

and all night so it may need a few blasts of hair spray throughout the day. It's also handy to hold your make up in place.

7. Tissues - you probably will cry!

8. Champagne - of course!

Bride to be tote available from www.team-hen.com

Claire and Oliver Wood got married on 16th June 2014 on the Amalfi Coast, Italy. “We opted for a destination wedding in Italy because we didn't want a traditional church wedding and wanted it to be modern. We wanted to keep it quite small and simple so we could really enjoy the day and making it into a holiday with our friends and family made it very special. We chose Italy because we could legally get married there and it was close enough that people could join us.

We had quite a relaxed start to the day and although one of the reasons we wanted to get married abroad was the weather, it rained all morning and there was a thunder storm later in the day! We spent the morning getting ready because our wedding wasn't until the afternoon, it gave us time to spend with our groomsmen and bridesmaids and reflect on the day ahead. We walked separately to the Cloisters, in the heart of Sorrento. The wedding ceremony venue was perfect for us because although we didn't want a religious ceremony we did want something traditional. Following the ceremony and some photos in the centre of Sorrento we drove to our

reception venue, which was along the coast. We opted for Relais Blu because it is a modern, boutique hotel and offered stunning views across to Capri. By the time we arrived the rain had stopped and we enjoyed drinks and canapĂŠs on the terrace before speeches and our wedding breakfast. Following plenty of fun, laughter and memories we moved on to cutting the cake and finished the day dancing by the pool.

The best thing we did was to keep it simple and not get caught up in detail which didn't matter to us.

On the day all that really mattered was spending time with each other, friends and family and not details like the place cards. But, saying that we did have a picture that people could sign, and it now hangs proudly in our hallway, which is an excellent idea rather than something which you put in a drawer and forget about. The photography was really important to us and we confirmed with Chantal before we did anything else - before even booking the venue! We wanted to be confident that the photos would reflect the day and remind us of our happy day for years to come and even with our high expectations, they were exceeded.

We'd say try and stay focused on what is important to you, not what you feel you should do. It is a beautiful and special day but it is just one day so our advice is have a budget in place and try and stick to it. Definitely consider going abroad because it removes a lot of the stress and hassle and getting to spend a few days with the people that are closest to you was one of the best things about our wedding.

Everybody had time to meet each other before the wedding, which made the big day more fun, meant everybody was relaxed and took the pressure off.

In Italy they have a saying that a wet bride is a lucky bride! I have to admit there were times on the day when I struggled with the concept but the weather isn't in your control so be prepared but don't rely on it being sunny wherever you are!“ Photographer - Chantal Lachance Gibson Wedding dress - Ellie Sanderson Wedding venue - Relaisblu Wedding planner - Sorrento Sunland

The Chalk Spot started as an upcycle project at home, creating a chalkboard to treasure for a very special little girl's first birthday. We have had a whirlwind start to our small business and couldn't be more proud of what it has achieved. http://www.thechalkspot.co.uk/weddings.html We have many years of retail experience under our belt, from busy market stalls and shops to head office buying and merchandising teams. We strive for excellent customer service and hope to make each sale personal and enjoyable.

Our chalkboards have a beautiful rustic and shabby chic feel which make great presents and keepsakes for yourself, friends and family. We pride ourselves on the quality of our products. We carefully selected real wood for our frames and source beautiful resources from British suppliers.

All of us at The Chalk Spot understand how important it is to make your wedding day or civil partnership about you and your partner. We specialise in personalised chalkboards which can be used in a variety of ways for your wedding ceremony.

Our welcome signs, itineraries and table plans can be tailored to your colour schemes. They will suit most wedding themes including vintage, rustic, classic and modern.

We have lots of items to help tie everything together including bunting, favours, thank you gifts, and marquee, prop and photo booth signs, as well as much more! All our wedding chalkboards are versatile and can be designed just as you wish.

Discover more at The Chalk Spot www.thechalkspot.co.uk

1. Welcome sign – give your guests a big, personal 'hello' by having a chalkboard sign with your names, wedding date and decoration unique to you

2.

Dance floor rules – make your guests smile with

some cheeky and fun guidance for throwing some shapes

3. Gift – chalkboards make a unique and personal gift that

will remain in your house long after the big day to remind your husband, parents, bridal party or friends of your wonderful day

4. Order of events – let your guests know what's going on when, whether it be the order of service at the church, the schedule for your reception or your music list, a chalkboard provides a fun, rustic way of letting your guests know what's what

5. Thank you cards- a small chalkboard can be used to thank your guests for sharing your wedding day, take a photo with your thank you message, print on postcards and voila, a cute and cost effective way of saying 'thank you'

Held in the iconic Eden Project this Spanish themed wedding shoot was a lot of fun to style! After a visit to the Mediterranean biome the surroundings gave me lots of inspiration to get going. The bright bursts of colour from the exotic flowers and rich green of the plantation created a stunning backdrop and I knew big bold colours would be key to this look.

I dressed the chunky wooden tables with delicate lace cloths, still exposing some of the natural wood. I then introduced the colour pallet of cobalt blue and fiery orange. The beautiful blue wine glasses provided by The Creative Crockery Company gave a pop of colour and worked well as a contrast to the bright orange fans provided by Gillan Cove Wedding Favours.

Bright blue napkins laid on the plates carried the colour theme through and created a base for the pretty little name place cards. These, along with the menu cards, were created by Fairytale Wedding Stationery. Each one had an intricate Spanish fan on the edge with an orange flower and were mounted on blue card with a touch of sparkle. They played on the Spanish wedding theme and really opened my eyes to how stationery can play a large part in styling.

The cake was a striking work of art and a true taste of Spain. Christine from Peboryon, went to the genius of Antonio Gaudi for inspiration, tailoring together recognizable features of five of his most famous Barcelona projects.

Eden’s science team have to check each and every flower that comes into the biome before they are arranged as they run the risk of them pollinating with their own species. With this in mind I had to get creative when thinking of bouquets. The Paper Gardens was an excellent choice, Pam provided me with stunning handmade bouquets made entirely from paper and tied in perfectly with the colour scheme.

Holly Luisa worked wonders with the ladies hair, I wanted slick back buns to create the typical Spanish look which she did to perfection. They were finished with hair flowers for the bridesmaid and a floral bun crown by Holly Young. Natasha Flower worked to the brief also and created dramatic eyes with ruby red lips to create the Spanish look.

The brides dress was gorgeous, the details and embellishment sparkled in the sunlight and the ruffled skirt gave it a real Spanish kick. The bridesmaid dresses picked up on the blue colour which runs throughout and looked great as a contrast to the brides dress. All of which were provided by Amanda K Bridal.

Each and every element collectively created the Spanish Wedding look overall and I was really pleased with how it all came together, all captured on camera by the wonderful Toby Lowe.

A bit about the author…

Jenny Wren is a qualified and experienced wedding planner, covering Cornwall and Devon. Having lived in and loved Cornwall all her life, Jenny is as familiar with the county as she is with its wealth of suppliers.

Jenny has been involved in an array of weddings, events and styled shoots and thrives on the challenges her work brings her. She is proud to be the recommended planner for many venues in Cornwall and regularly contributes to bridal publications offering tips and advice on wedding planning. Jenny set apart as being the only wedding planner in Cornwall to hold a prestigious accreditation from the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners.

A bit about the venue…

The Mediterranean biome offers a truly unique wedding setting, marrying in the same distinctive atmosphere of the Mediterranean without leaving Cornwall. The biome offers two fully licensed ceremony venues, the Lookout which is perfect for small intimate ceremonies for up to thirty of your nearest and dearest. Of the Citrus Grove enables

couples to say ‘I do’ with up to 180 guests. Our couples then benefit from having an ‘alfresco’ drinks reception and endless photo opportunities regardless of the British weather!

Newlyweds can choose to have their reception in either the Gallery or to stay in the biome to continue their celebrations. Choosing from one of our extensive menus inspired by Greek and Italian cooking, to suit their taste and style, served on our beautiful Mediterranean Terrace, before partying the night away under a sea of stars in our Citrus Grove to the entertainment of your choice. As a parting gift each of couple’s cherished guests are given a personalised return pass to visit Eden the following day.

SuppliersPhoto Shoot Coordinators: Jenny Wren Wedding & Event Planning www.jennywrenweddingsandevents.co.uk Hazel Parsons - www.hazelparsons.com Venue: The Eden Project - www.edenproject.com Photographer: Toby Lowe Photography www.tobylowephotography.co.uk Table Décor & Drinks Dispensers: The Creative Crockery Company www.thecreativecrockeycompany.co.uk Wedding Favours: Gillan Cove Wedding Favours www.gillancoveweddingfavours.co.uk Stationery: Fairytale Wedding Stationery – www.fairytaleweddingstationery.co.uk Wedding Cake: Peboryon - www.Peboryon.com Bouquets: Paper Gardens - www.facebook.com/PaperGardens Postbox: The Cornish Postbox Company www.facebook.com/cornishpostboxco Hair Stylist: Hair Design by Holly Luisa www.facebook.com/pages/Hair-Design-By-HollyLuisa Make Up Artist: Natasha Flower – www.natashaflower.co.uk Dresses: Amanda K Bridal - www.amandakbridal.co.uk Headwear: HY Millinery - www.hollyyoungboutique.com

www.thewhimsicalcakecompany.co.uk

OUR contributors Sarah Barrett www.lynashworth.co.uk Peaktipis www.peaktipis.co.uk Gemma Milly Illustration www.gemmamilly.com Paperknots www.paperknots.co.uk Tiree Dawson www.tireedawson.co.uk Wedding in a Teacup www.weddinginateacup.co.uk The Rendezvous Hotel www.rendezvous-skipton.co.uk Brachetto Weddings www.brachettoweddings.com Photography by Kathryn www.photographybykathryn.com 2-Little-Ducks www.2-little-ducks.com Minnie Bees www.minniebees.com SoBelle Favors www.sobellefavors.com Medici Macarons www.medicimacarons.co.uk Cakes For Show www.cakesforshow.co.uk Glam by Elizabeth Daisy www.facebook.com/glambyelizabethdaisy Prestige Gowns www.prestigegowns.co.uk M by Minihaha www.facebook.com/mbyminihaha Foxybuds www.foxybuds.co.uk The Lodge on Loch Goil www.thelodge-scotland.com Team Hen www.team-hen.com Chantal Lachance-Gibson www.photographychantal.co.uk The Chalkspot www.thechalkspot.co.uk Jenny Wren Wedding & Event Planning www.jennywrenweddingsandevents.co.uk Hazel Parsons www.hazelparsons.com The Eden Project www.edenproject.com Toby Lowe Photography www.tobylowephotography.co.uk The Creative Crockery Company www.thecreativecrockeycompany.co.uk Gillan Cove Wedding Favours www.gillancoveweddingfavours.co.uk Fairytale Wedding Stationery www.fairytaleweddingstationery.co.uk Peboryon www.Peboryon.com Paper Gardens www.facebook.com/PaperGardens The Cornish Postbox Company www.facebook.com/cornishpostboxco Hair Design by Holly Luisa www.facebook.com/pages/Hair-Design-By-Holly-Luisa Natasha Flower www.natashaflower.co.uk Amanda K Bridal www.amandakbridal.co.uk HY Millinery www.hollyyoungboutique.com The Whimsical Cake Company www.thewhimsicalcakecompany.co.uk

Little black book Set up for the style conscious bride who wants to know where her items come from and what their story is, we ensure that all of our vendors either hand make their items or offer a totally bespoke service. We get to know them and it is only when we are happy that they fit the And So To Wed way that they make it into our fabulous Little Black Book. It is because of this unique partnership that we can be confident that you will find quality, creativity and flair within our exclusive Little Black Book. Coupled with this, we know that each of our vendors provide the best customer service possible ensuring that you are treated as you should be, like a queen.

You can get to know our vendors through our website at www.andsotowed.com as they regularly feature in our blog. Here they share their ideas and inspiration as well as their processes and how they work. If you want your wedding items to have provenance, And So To Wed is for you.

We're confident that you will find what you are looking for within the And So To Wed Little Black Book but should there be something you'd like that you can't find then please contact us as we know lots of lovely people who may just be able to help. You can get in touch at hello@andsotowed.com or via facebook at www.facebook.com/andsotowed

Now you've found the one,

enjoy finding everything else x