Good morning lovely ones!

It’s the last day to participate in  the b.loved reader survey which closes tomorrow! On Sunday we’ll reveal the winner of the Handmade Wedding Book, so hop on over and tell us what you really think of b.loved to be in with a chance to win!

On these very pretty pages here at b.loved I’m always searching to share something new and exciting.  I love introducing you to the very best suppliers in the wedding industry and have been thinking for a little while for a more stylish and interactive way to share the very best of then in a new and exciting way.  You visit b.loved for the latest contemporary and stylish ideas for your wedding, for a little inspiration or perhaps to find the perfect piece to complete your look.  So what better way to introduce new suppliers than inspiring you with some fresh ideas of how to incorporate their products into your day?!

So, today I’m delighted to introduce a new feature, starting with a gorgeous new accessories label.  Ladies, prepare to b.inspired by… Hope & Grace

Stylish sisters Nina & Clair spent their childhood making outfits and dressing up, but when it came to the most important dressing up days of their lives they struggled to find beautiful wedding and bridal accessories that were classically elegant and totally different at the same time.  For the past two years they have been searching the globe for the perfect pieces, and brought them back to the UK to share with you. They have secured collaborations with highly-regarded designers, including Kate Middleton’s favourite milliner Vivien Sheriff, and Australian designer Peter Lang, respected not only for their contemporary designs but attention to detail, and exquisite quality.  The collection covers everything from striking modern headpieces using silks and chiffons, to more delicate beaded and embellished pieces, as well as a range of the most perfect bridal shrugs for both winter and summer weddings.

The St Tropez Comb is our muse for our first style board combining dusky pink and taupe for a modern vintage theme ~Inspired by the elegance of the 1920′s this Swarovski crystal comb designed by Stephanie Browne works with hair up or down.  It’s subtle glamour and sparkle make it an heirloom piece to treasure long after your wedding day.  Wear with a silky, streamlined dress with vintage detailing, like this soft pewter design from Reem Acra, and a beautiful dusky pink bouquet of roses.  Combine soft duck egg blue vintage china with antique cutlery in silver and pearl for a sophisticated modern vintage scheme.

dress by Reem Acra // cutlery with linen napkins from Cox & Cox //vintage rose bouquet by Dominique Bader via Love My Dress // antique china by Jill La Fleur & CLY Creation via Style Me Pretty

The delicacy of floral headpiece Fleur inspires an ethereal, feminine and romantic pale and interesting scheme in buttery creams and blush ~

Made from the finest ivory silk, this oversized headpiece designed by Vivien Sheriff has a soft, romantic quality.  It pairs well with similar sheer textures, like this elegant pale grey Vera Wang dress and papery,  ruffled texture of David Austin roses and peonies in the palest blush hues.  Neutral colours and natural textures, kraft paper, twine and ceramic give an almost rustic edge.

peach tassels via Etsy // peonies via Luxury & Opulence // cake with crown by Elizabeth Messina // dress by Vera Wang photographed by Elizabeth Messina // invite from Follow Studio // bottles with straws via Style Me Pretty // cup with angel wings from Love Loans & Linen

Taking the lead from the unusual shape of St Tropez headpiece, we create a colourful chic garden party scheme ~

The delicate, vintage inspired details of the St Tropez headpiece combined with a striking shape create the opportunity for a brave use of colour.  The palest pink dress sets the tone for something unique, with wild flower bouquets in vibrant reds, pinks and rose golds adding texture and interest to the look, colours that could be repeated in the ceremony or reception decoration with oversized paper poms creating focal points in an open garden venue.

bride by Brancoprata // wrist corsage from The Brides Cafe // vintage books via Style Me Pretty // rose gold ring via Heart Love Weddings // paper poms by Ashley Anne Photography

See more of the stunning Hope & Grace collection at www.hopeandgrace.co.uk, where you can also purchase online with most headpieces and shrugs available in just 5-10 days!

What do you think of our new feature? I hope you like seeing a little inspiration around each of the pieces!  More to come next week from another lovely new supplier!

A little switch up in the schedule today, with some gorgeous table inspiration from Austin Wedding Photographer Hyde Park Photography, with styling by boutique event planners Liv By Design and flowers by Stems Floral.  Set by a private creek in Austin, Texas, the shoot was inspired by gorgeous spring lilacs and green viburnum, with a pretty purple and green palette, and soft Southern style.  I love the use of modern white ceramic vases bringing structure and height to the display, and contrasted with pretty white crockery and vintage glassware place settings.  The style of table and chairs is lovely, something you might expect to find in a farmhouse kitchen, with a well-loved timber top and elegant yet rustic white dining chairs, with the chandelier hanging overhead adding a touch of country-chic.

Gorgeous, right?! Thank you to all the talented suppliers who collaborated on putting this pretty, inspirational shoot together.  A chandelier hanging over an outdoor wedding table? Hell, yeh!

Before I go today, there’s just 24 hours left to complete the b.loved reader survey which closes tomorrow! Thank you to all for your responses and feedback so far, and remember one lucky participant will win the  Handmade Wedding Book!

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Suppliers

Photography ~ Hyde Park Photography

Styling & Design ~ Liv By Design

Florist ~ Stems Floral

Submission via Two Bright Lights

When he finally gets down on one knee, holding that pretty, sparkly ring out and asking you that all important question, sometimes you don’t need to faff around with the intricacies of wedding planning, and you just want to get on and do it!  Michelle and Danny planned their wedding in less than three months, including their gorgeous daughter throughout their day (even adding a mini flower-girl to the cake topper!).  Their pretty, colourful country pub wedding is fantastic inspiration for those of you thinking ‘why wait’, with the bride and groom making most of the gorgeous details themselves.  The rustic, country garden theme even meant they could arrange their own flowers, using a mix of different charity shop finds, vases and ceramic jugs!

Their day was captured by German-born wedding photographer Anne Schwarz.  Now based in the London, she specialised in documentary-style photography, capturing your day naturally as it unfolds.

Danny and I met when we were 7 at middle school but we didn’t really become good friends until our late teens. We first got together as a couple when we were 22 and I think our close friends were quite relieved that we finally did! 6 years later (after many break ups and make ups!) we had our beautiful daughter Matilda Rose… and of course she was my gorgeous little flower girl.  We got married at Guildford register office. We wanted a small and informal ceremony so this seemed perfect.

Our reception was at the Half Moon Pub in Windlesham – an idyllic country pub and a perfect venue for the relaxed country garden wedding that we had in mind. We both grew up in the local area and had been to the pub many times before so it felt part of us.  My dress was from a local bridal shop and was the last one left from old stock. I didn’t get that ‘this is the one’ feeling when I tried on dresses like other brides, and I was up against the clock as we only booked the wedding with eleven weeks to go! I had always had an idea in my mind that I wanted a dress that was a one off, I liked the base and shape of the dress and I had a vision of how it could be altered to make it unique. I wanted to have more fabric added to make it feel soft and romantic. I found a local seamstress and she made my dreams come true! She added another layer a soft Georgette fabric to the skirt and changed the waist to a gathered band of soft fabric. The final dress was more than I could have dreamed of.  Danny wore a lovely black suit with a crisp white shirt and black polka dot tie, as did the Best Man.

I knew that I wanted to make as much as I could myself to give our day that personal touch, so to start with I bought some wedding magazines and saved the bits that I liked the look of. I also did many hours of research online.  Wedding blogs are a great source of inspiration! I got my wedding cake idea from a magazine and I’m so glad I spotted it. I didn’t want a traditional wedding cake with flowers. The peg dolls were perfect and so easy to make, we even had a mini Matilda peg doll standing alongside the bride and groom. My cake was made by two lovely ladies at St Johns in Woking and then I decorated it myself with different pieces of lace.  I wanted to have reams of coloured bunting hanging from the ceiling and a good friend of my sister in law had made bunting for her own wedding and offered me the use of hers! I was thrilled and am still so very grateful to her. The bunting looked beautiful and completed the look that we wanted. I made everything I could: our invitations, the place mats, the favours (little fabric bags with mini Cadbury milk chocolates inside, tied with string and a ‘with love’ label

I did my own flowers for the tables with the help of my mum, my sister-in-law Maria and good friend Sara. We went to our local garden centre the day before the wedding and I just picked the flowers I liked the look of (with lots of help from my mum!). It was crazy, there were flowers everywhere!!! I collected different vases from charity shops, friends and relatives in the weeks leading up the wedding. Some were cut glass, some were ceramic jugs, others were large jam jars! It all added to the relaxed, miss match feel of the wedding. One of the jugs was one that I painted at a ceramics cafe on my hen do! My sister in law Maria made us some padded hearts with Bride and Groom sewn to the front. They were lovely and looked great hanging from the head table. She also made us some bride and groom dolls which are now hanging in our kitchen.  Another idea that I got from a wedding magazine was to have a postcard line instead of a guest book. I collected different postcards in the weeks leading up the wedding and we tied a long piece of string up above the cake table. Our guests wrote their messages on a postcard and pegged it to the line. By the end of the night the line was full of cards and looked fab! The cards are now kept in a special memory box and will be treasured forever.

What was your first dance, and how did you choose the song? 

Our first dance song was Fyfe Dangerfield – Shes always a woman. It has such beautiful lyrics and sends tingles down my spine when I hear it. Danny had broken his ankle 6 weeks before the wedding and only had the cast removed a week before! The first dance was a bit awkward for him as his foot was very sore but he managed it and as we danced it felt like we were the only people in the room. A treasured memory.

Do you have any advice for couples currently planning their wedding?

If you’re having children at your wedding give them a party pack to keep them occupied during the speeches. We gave out colouring books and stickers which the kids loved. Ask for help! That’s what your best man and maid of honour are for. Ours were fantastic and we couldn’t have done it without them. Try to make it personal, it’s the personal touches from our day that our guests loved the most. The day is a celebration of your love and ultimately the best party you’ll ever have! You don’t want to look back and think I was too stressed to enjoy it or my feet hurt so much I can’t remember much else!

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suppliers

photographer ~ Anne Schwarz

dress ~ Gill Cripps

shoes ~ Next

bridesmaids dress ~ Mango (customised)

flower girl dress ~ Monsoon (customised)

stationery ~ DIY

flowers & decor ~ DIY

makeup ~ Sarah Pearce

venue & catering ~ The Half Moon, Windlesham

cake ~ Lynda Brain and Diana Pinto at Salvation Cakes decorated by the bride

Today I am so thrilled to share the work of one of the most talented photographers in the UK.  Marianne Taylor, named Best Wedding Photographer at The Wedding Industry Awards 2012, is one of my absolute favourite photographers for her creative, contemporary style and skill for capturing the very essence of the people she is photographing.

Devri and Michael’s London engagement shoot takes in some of the most iconic features of our favourite city.  Don’t you just love their classic all-American style?  They look so elegant and chic wandering along the streets of London, completely and utterly adorable in love.

Devri was so excited to share a little of their story with us ~

I was born and raised in the lovely scenic Salt Lake City, Utah region of the United States. I left my hometown and went to College at Brigham Young University until in my third year of college I decided that a change was needed in my life. I got accepted to the University International Study Program in London and spent 6 months living in the beautiful city studying and falling deeply in love with the city of London. When I returned to the US to complete my degree, I worked within the Dean’s Office of the Business School. One of the associate dean’s wanted to survey the students using study rooms, and sent me from room to room to administer the survey. Nobody wants to be interrupted while trying to study or when working with a group so needless to say I was not getting favourable responses! It was the end of the day and I was approaching the last few rooms completely fatigued. I walked into one of the last study rooms to find a group of graduate students working on a project. I recited the same speech that I had been giving all afternoon and told them that I’d be back in two minutes to pick up the completed survey. When I left the room Michael told his friends that he thought I was really cute. When I returned back into the room they all sparked a conversation with me and I got the sense that they weren’t just interested in the survey, but that they were interested in me. Michael was the one asking questions about me and seemed to be the most intrigued. With his charm and witty personality, Michael managed to get my phone number, set up a first date, and was the reason for the big smile that was plastered on my face when I left that study room. We tease that it was the study room that brought us together, but some may say that it was fate. Honestly, after our first date to a little Chilean restaurant the rest of our relationship is history. 

In February of this year, Michael surprised me by taking me on a business school trip to London. He knew that I’d die to go back to the city for a visit and he also had something else up his sleeve. Our second day in London on a cool beautiful morning, Michael got down on one knee and proposed to me on Westminster Bridge. All of our friends from the business school that had come on the trip with us were on the other side of the bridge taking pictures and cheering. We then decided to take our engagement pictures while we were still in the beautiful city and four days later we had our engagement session in the same spot.

Marianne Taylor is a creative reportage wedding photographer based in London, and available for weddings all over the UK and overseas.  To see her latest work or find out more about her wedding and couple shoot packages visit www.mariannetaylorphotography.co.uk

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Have you taken part in the b.loved reader survey yet? We’d love to hear your opinions! What do you love, where can we improve & what would you like to see more of? Tell us before Friday (18th May 2012) and you could win the gorgeous Handmade Wedding Book

Morning lovely readers! Just how gorgeous was the sunshine this weekend? It made it all the more pleasant to sit at my desk writing away, light and warmth streaming in the window whilst gathering some pretty inspiration to share with you this week.  I love the sun, don’t you? It makes everything sparkle and sing, it makes me feel happy!

This morning’s inspiration is an idea that’s been in my mind for a while now, the delicate pattern of swiss polka dots are a pretty inclusion in your elegant wedding design.  Then I spotted the new (and might I add completely gorgeous) Millésime Collection from Victoria Mary Vintage and from the delicate dot detail of this blusher veil ‘Peach Polka’ was born.  With the detail soft and small enough not to be overbearing, you can afford to pair the veil with a pretty dress like ‘Elope’ from Sarah Seven (another designer whose collections I am in love with at the moment!), simple and elegant with a modern ballerina style.  Colour-wise, I’d team this look with soft blush, peach and subtle gold hues, perhaps dressing bridesmaids in gorgeous gold dresses, a look that will easily take them through from daytime ceremony to evening reception.  This is an elegant, sophisticated palette, which, with the addition of a few pops of minty green succulents is given a contemporary edge.  For decorations and details, a sheer swiss-dot fabric over a warm neutral table cloth gives a neutral base to add mismatched crockery and crystal glassware.  A touch of lace adds texture and detail, and I’m indulging my love of ribbons with this ballerina-inspired escort card idea from the Queen of wedding ideas, Martha Stewart.  Finally, a gorgeous two-tiered cake decorated with the most dainty of pindot designs, is a clean and simple design to complete the look.

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Image Credits

Top Row: gold & coral bridesmaid by Belathée via Magnolia Rouge, pindot wedding cake by Hello Naomi via Emmaline Bride, blusher veil photographed by Hannah Mia for Victoria Mary Vintage

Middle Row: peach and succulent bouquet, succulent wedding favour & peach and ivory table centre all by Caroline Tran via 100 Layer Cake

Bottom Row: ribbon escort card display via Martha Stewart Weddings, swiss dot table setting by Sylvie Gil via Style Me Pretty, ‘elope’ swiss dot wedding dress photographed by Brandon Witzel for Sarah Seven

How lovely is it to wake this morning with the sunlight pouring in the window and a glorious blue sky? I can’t wait to get out there today, working in the garden (and boy, does it need some work!) and perhaps going for a stroll a little later around Richmond Park.  For those of you planning your summer weddings this year, I bet you are glad to finally see some sun! Let’s hope it sticks around for now on!

Not to be missed this week ~ 

Well, the last two actually, but who’s counting?

Are you planning a destination wedding? This ‘how to plan a destination wedding’ guide from Bridal Musings is not to be missed!

This dreamy desert bridal shoot from Wedding Chicks is soft & feminine with some jaw-droppingly beautiful headpieces

Lovely letterpress inspiration from Oh So Beautiful Paper, I love this bright pink & gold set!

Over at Itty Bitty & Bijou, they’ve found some pretty perfect modern favour packaging for you

Pale blue wedding shoes and a pink cardigan? Oh yes, please! But the one detail I really love about this pretty wedding from Love My Dress is the brides elegant and unusual up-do! Oh yeh, and it’s in Portugal!

Kids before confetti? Sara from Under the Vintage Veil discusses how to do things your way.

I couldn’t resist sharing another one from Bridal Musings this week, I adore this modern blush pink and red summer inspiration board! A striking and fun combination

On b.loved this week ~

We went crazy with colour for the damp bank holiday in this retro red, aqua and yellow beach wedding inspiration, and not a seashell in sight!

We joined Kirsten & Luke between the sheets for a romantic, intimate and sexy shoot by South African photographer Jacki Bruniquel

You loved this contemporary African bridal shoot, with statement hair, ethnic jewellery and dresses inspired by the bushveld.

We got you thinking about alternatives to the traditional white or pink rose bouquet with a gorgeous selection of modern, pretty and personal bouquet choices

And started preparing for married life with beautiful contemporary collectable homeware from Rowen & Wren

Coming up this week on b.loved ~

We get some classic all-American style with the lovely Devri & Michael on their London engagement shoot by Marianne Taylor

We’re sharing come contemporary lilac and green inspiration for your reception tables

On Friday we announce a new feature with more beautiful inspiration and styling ideas for your wedding from our favourite suppliers!

And just before you go and enjoy the rest of your weekend, please don’t forget to head over and fill out the b.loved reader survey!  I really appreciate your time, and as a little thank you one of you lucky readers will with the Handmade Wedding Book, perfect inspiration and ideas for creating some handmade details for your wedding.

Stay sweet

xo

Happy Friday lovelies!  Just a quick reminder to take part in the b.loved Reader Survey 2012 if you haven’t already.  There’s just one week left to let us know what you  really think of b.loved, and you could win the fabulous book Handmade Weddings: 50 Projects to Style and Personalize Your Big Day!

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I’m sure you’ve poured a lot of time and effort into designing and styling the perfect wedding for you and your fiancé, the perfect reflection of you, but does your home say the same thing?  As the place you are going to begin your married life together, perhaps bring up children, and celebrate many happy occasions, your home is the one place that really represents your personalities as a couple or family.  I love collecting things for our home, sometimes they’re impulse buys, things I love that I know will fit perfectly into an empty corner, and sometimes they are long considered purchases, classics that I know will remain in our home for many years to come.  I often say I’d rather go without and wait for the perfect piece.

Until I stumbled across Rowen & Wren, a stylish online homeware store that features so many beautiful products I almost had to be restrained to stop me purchasing them all With a classic, elegant style, these are the pieces you will collect and treasure throughout your lifetime, the ones that make a house your home.

Two years ago, owners Lucy and Graeme were discussing their dream jobs over a romantic dinner.  With a background in design and consultancy, Lucy confessed she’d love to own a beautiful homeware store, and the idea of Rowen & Wren was born.  Initially as an online store, but with plans for a destination store in the future. Lucy explains her vision ~

“to create a shop which focused on stocking beautiful home products and that would also bring unique homeware collections together”

{Clockwise from left: Aster Tarnished Silver Floor Lamp £38, Hinden Linen Bench £868, Knowle Leaf Coaster Tiles £7, Barley Bottles £28-48}

Lucy’s passion for updated-classic homewares is evident, she searches for pieces with sophistication and longevity that not many other stores offer.

“I love to fill my home with pieces that evoke the past but are redefined in clean and contemporary finishes” 

There are currently three collections ~

Refined Rural with a contemporary country style, the range is full of calm, easy to live with neutrals and soft wood tones.

{Clockwise from left: Bray Linen Bread Bags £11-18, Linen Union Fish Tea Towel £13, Gilby Metal Storage Trunk £38-86, Sky Hanging Lanterns £16-26}

Distant Home full of globally inspired pieces this style is perfect for creating a well travelled look.

{Clockwise from left: Handblown Glass Tumblers £24, Natural Horn Bowls £18-24, Dahra Etched Tray £48, Arum Carved Stone Pendant £148}

Timeless Living pieces combining past influences with a modern twist revealing a passion for vintage style

{Clockwise from left: Fluted Tea-Time Sand Clock £24, Itzy Ceramic Bud Vase £14,  Barnaby Button Backed Sofa £988, Albury Desk Lamp £172}

For the shopper looking for something a little out of the ordinary, Rowen & Wren is a must-see, here you will find unique pieces that often can’t be found on the high street, combined with quality workmanship and excellent customer services.  Their next day delivery is a popular option, with customers not being able to wait a day for their new piece to arrive!

“We’ve heard of lots of lovely uses for our products, but one of our all time favourites has to be from a couple who purchased our Melbury Bell Jar to store and showcase the top of their wedding cake, this is a lovely way to bring a memory of your special day into the home. Equally lovely stored under our bell jar would be a dried bouquet or boutonniere, again treasuring a little something that epitomizes the theme of your day!”

Do you have a favourite piece from the current range?

As with a lot of things, Graeme and myself couldn’t agree on a favourite piece from our new collection, so we’ve picked one each!  Graeme’s current favourite is our Hana Teapot, we try not to go overboard on the amount of R&W products we have at home, however this is one piece we couldn’t resist. Not only does it look lovely, but it also makes a wonderful cuppa!  My current favourite would have to be our Barton Baby Stone Pot, I love products that look authentic and these have a beautifully weathered finish making them the perfect vintage accessory, we used one as the table centrepiece for our Easter Lunch filled with chocolate eggs, both kids and adults loved it! 

{left-right: Barton Baby Stone Pot £78 , Hana Teapot £78}

Of course most of these beautiful pieces would look great at your wedding too, I love the idea of incorporating some of these very special items into your special day, before enjoying them in your home together.

The full Rowen & Wren collection can be seen at www.rowenandwren.co.uk, and is also available from the homewares section on Not on The Highstreet.

Morning gorgeous ones!

This morning I want to ask you a question.  How important is your wedding bouquet?  Have you just picked a colour and asked your florist to come up with a design? Or are you a little more descriptive about what you want to carry down the aisle?  The bouquet is such a personal part of your wedding day, and second to your dress I think it’s one (often forgotton) item where you can really inject a bit of individuality into your day!  Whether it’s a subtle touch, like the Duchess of Cambridge’s meaningful bouquet of sweet William and lily of the valley, or something bold and colourful that makes an impact as you walk down the aisle, today I’m sharing my (current!) favourite bouquets, each with a totally different style!

monochrome bouquet

The perfect choice for a stylish city wedding, a simple yet elegant white bouquet with pops of black from gorgeous anemones, texture from garden and spray roses, and pretty silver hues from silver brunia berries and velvety sift  dusty milller leaves.

{anemone bouquet by Sprout, photographed by SMS Photography via Style Me Pretty}

spring bouquet

If your getting married in late April, May or early June, make the most of the beautiful peony.  My absolute favourite flower of the moment, these gorgeous full blooms come in shades of pink from the palest blush to a vibrant fuschia.  They make a gorgeous bouquet just on their own, but as an expensive flower per stem, also work perfectly with a selection of pretty scented spring flowers like roses, gardenia and sweet pea.

{peony bouquet by Pat’s Floral Design, photographed by Joey + Jessica Weddings via Style Me Pretty}

succulent bouquet

For a contemporary, rustic wedding there is no bigger statement than a solid succulent bouquet.  The soft, pale greens, purples and silvery tones combined with the gorgeous texture creates a modern bouquet with real wow factor.  Succulents are a great long-lasting choice for a wedding in the heat, or for a bride who wants their bouquet to last for more than a few days.  How cute would it be to pot these up around your home as a permanent reminder of your wedding bouquet?

{succulent bouquet by The Flower Studio, photographed by Erica Velasco via Style Me Pretty}

vintage bouquet

As an alternative to a blush rose bouquet, how about a soft and pretty combination of wildflowers in gorgeous peach and pink tones?  The addition of vintage lace and a sparkly vintage brooch to the stems gives a gorgeous, personal touch with a timeless feel.

{vintage bouquet by Red Orchid Designs, photographed by Lane Dittoe via Style Me Pretty}

rustic fruit bouquet

For something a bit different, how about the textures and contrasting colours of this gorgeous red and green bouquet.  The rosy red apples, branches, ivy and roses are an unusual but gorgeous combination for a daring winter bride!

{apple bouquet by Blush Floral Design, photographed by Babb Photo}

single bloom bouquet

A single bloom makes a soft statement and works particularly well with a heavily detailed wedding dress. This stunning King Protea has an unusual shape and texture, but the soft pink tones paired with loose foliage create a dreamy one-off bouquet.

{king protea bouquet by Brown Paper Design, photographed by Jose Villa via Once Wed}

colour pop bouquet

This stunning mango-orange bouquet was the inspiration for my own wedding bouquet last year!  I love the mix of textures and tones, including dahlia’s, ranunculus, parrot tulips, cockscomb, calla lillies, roses and orchids to make the perfect bouquet for a wedding in the sunshine!

{orange bouquet by Flora Fauna, photographed by Corbin Gurkin Photography via Style Me Pretty}

winter bouquet

For a stunning winter bouquet combine crisp winter roses with gorgeous silver tones and green foliage.  The touches of pine in this gorgeous bouquet add the scent of Christmas into the mix too.

   {winter bouquet by Bloomingayles, photographed by Anneli Marinovich via b.loved}

summer bouquet

Make the most of what nature has to offer in the summer with a gorgeous wildflower bouquet.  Combining juicy peonies, tulips, daisies and wildflowers in a loose hand-tied bouquet creates a relaxed rustic bouquet perfect for a marquee wedding.

{summer bouquet by Holly Flora, photographed by Picotte Weddings via Style Me Pretty}

bold & beautiful bouquet 

The stunning contrast of plum, green and peach in this bouquet, combined with the amazing spotted texture of the lilies and foliage make a completely modern and unique bouquet.  I absolutely love the contrasts and textures in this one!

{plum bouquet by Fleur Chicago, photographed by Jennifer Kathryn Photography via Style Unveiled}

I hope you’re feeling inspired! Which bouquet is your favourite?

To see more of my favourite bouquets, as well as table centers and arrangements, hop on over to my Flowers & Bouquets board on Pinterest!

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Finally before we go I’d love to hear your thoughts on b.loved in the b.loved Reader Survey 2012.  It takes just five minutes, and you could win the fabulous book Handmade Weddings: 50 Projects to Style and Personalize Your Big Day!

Good morning readers, before we start with today’s post, just a quick reminder to take part in the b.loved Reader Survey 2012 and you could win the fabulous book Handmade Weddings: 50 Projects to Style and Personalize Your Big Day!

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When photographer Eddette Steynberg of Purple Apple Studios mentioned she had an African-inspired shoot she had recently shot in the bush near Johannesburg, I leapt at the chance to feature it!  Of course you all know by now how much I love Africa, the sounds of the bush, the unusual flora and fauna, oh and the relentless heat of the African sun, so it was a given I was going to love this shoot.  What really captured by imagination though was the combination of traditional African ideas with new, contemporary ones.  Styled shoots are meant to push the boundaries, so we’re not suggesting you turn up to your wedding in full African regalia, I hope you can take away something from this shoot that you may want to use in your own wedding, whether it’s a bold use of colour, statement necklace or striking bouquet.

The shoot focussed on two looks, the first shot out in the bush, contrasting hot orange against the rustic colours of the surrounding landscape.  Traditional beaded necklaces and indigenous florals were combined with a contemporary dress and makeup.

Make-up artist Jonice describes the look ~

“I was inspired by nature around us, using earthy colours and a dramatic contouring shadow to make the eyes stand out. I wanted the lips to look like juicy fresh fruit. For the cheeks I used an orange/bronze colour to give warmth to the face”

Dress designer, Anene Ferreira created a dress compliement the natural beauty of the African landscape, with an unusual embroidery design to the skirt.  Moving away from the traditional, mass-produced look she wanted to create a dress noticed for it’s individuality.

The incredible hairstyle with loose braid mimics the raw texture of the dress, capturing an ethnic feel with a feminine touch.

Describing her unique African bridal bouquet, florist Lisinda from Vintage Orchid said ~

“I wanted to incorporate the rustic African feel and stay true to my roots by using Protea Pin Cushions in warm orange. Berries of any form always lend added colour and texture. This uniquely unstructured hand bouquet was loosely tied with rugged raffia and an added bold green water lilly leaf gives a truly unique twist.”

The second look is inspired by this stunning contemporary feathered dress also by Ane Ferr. The drama and volume of the dress was complimented with statement hair and makeup, incorporating netting and texture with smoky eyes accentuating the brides features, contrasting with the safari neutrals of the beautiful venue.

A few words from the photographer ~

I loved arranging this shoot with these talented wedding vendors and was fortunate to have two gorgeous models on hand, Anri and Leo-Mari. The idea behind the shoot was to integrate a traditional African wedding theme with out-of-the-box thinking when it came to the dress, styling, bouquet, hair and make-up! I challenged the ladies to come up with totally unique concepts based on the venue, theme and settings I gave them and felt extremely blessed that they were all so involved excited to be part of this project.

Eddette is a South African photographer based in the UK.  Her creative, artistic style is perfect for couples looking for someone fun and relaxed to shoot their wedding.  To see more of Eddette’s work check out her blog or visit www.purpleapplestudios.co.uk

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Suppliers

Dresses ~ Anene Ferreira

Make up ~ Jonice De Villiers

Hair Stylist ~ Lente Oosthuizen

Florist ~ Vintage Orchid

Models ~ Anri & Leo-Mari

Venue ~ The Blades

Hello readers! Did you all enjoy the long weekend? I’ve been busy watching your responses to the b.loved Reader Survey, and am loving hearing what you have to say! If you haven’t completed it yet (it takes 5 minutes, seriously!) click here to start, and you could be in with the chance of winning the fabulous Handmade Weddings book (which is patiently waiting in my office for the winner to be announced!).

I’m so excited to share today’s shoot by the fabulous South African photographer Jacki Bruniquel.  She is not afraid to push boundaries, and paired with her artist style creates awesome shoots that capture the very essence of her subjects.  A couple of weeks ago I shared this gorgeous, feminine boudoir shoot by Cat Hepple, and today we go a little further in exploring this ‘boudoir’ style of shoot with a ‘between the sheets’ couple shoot.  Jacki’s creative documentary style captures the intimate, sexy, romantic and fun personalities of Kirsten & Luke, they quite obviously adore one another.  There is a quiet energy and love between these two that is reflected in these images, no need for fancy props, just two people in love.

The second part of the shoot on a deserted nearby beach captures the same intimacy, love and sense of fun!

Kirsten & Luke get married this month, after their spectacular engagement shoot I can’t wait to see their wedding!

If you love Jacki’s images as much as I do, make sure you head on over to her blog to see all her latest shoots and weddings.  Jacki is based in Durban, South Africa, she shoots weddings all over South Africa and internationally.