Because there are no words...

This post comes simply as a dedication to the loving memory of two wonderful men whom were called up to join the stars too soon and taken away from us in the last few months.

Rest in peace, Pops and Uncle Gordon. So many of us will miss you.x

The Enchanted Bride is BACK!

This is a bitter sweet post unfortunately. 

Where has the Enchanted Bride been for the past five months?

Well, I became an Enchanted Bride in December, in an intimate and beautiful candle lit church ceremony with only closest friends and family present. You can read about that below in my only post of 2014 so far.

One of my Brides who had been a very close personal friend for many, many years took advantage in the cruellest way. I had started planning her wedding, offering her my very best and most beautifully creative ideas, because that's what friends do. I wanted her wedding day to be a stunning Winter Wonderland complete with snow machine, and knowing that I too was having my own winter wedding, I was very careful not to tread on her toes. I didn't even tell her about our wedding plans because I didn't want our wedding to over-shadow hers. Despite originally planning on an ice blue and silver colour scheme for our own New York winter wedding that we were hoping for, I changed it to midnight blue and gold so as not to steal her thunder. I bypassed a beautiful snowflake wedding cake because I knew that was what she wanted for her wedding. And instead of being met with the love and gratitude you'd hope a friend would give, I received an evening-only invitation and all of my ideas passed off as her own. Exactly the same as I did, she had customised shoes, a candy stand and frosted glass mason jars with candles inside. 

Then came the biggest blow of all; she went on to set up her own events company and pretended that Enchanted Occasions and Sugar Rush by Enchanted never existed. My company and blog that I had worked so hard to build up and the exams I studied so hard to pass...smashed in a soul destroying instant.

After spending a short while licking my metaphorical wounds and reflecting on my goals, I have used this betrayal and set back as an opportunity to put into play a whole new game plan. 

I've worked too hard for too long to let someone take it all away from me.

A very, very wise and wonderful man once told me "You must be first, best, or truly different."

By the end of this wedding season I plan to be all three. 

You read it here first; PINK LEMONADE PRODUCTIONS is the new baby of Enchanted Occasions and will offer a whole new line of exciting and brilliant vintage props and stands for hire for Weddings, parties and events.

Think carnival, village fete and retro cinema and you are halfway there!

It will take me longer to recover from the betrayal than it will take my company, but with a powerful new alliance between Enchanted and a few other small and talent based companies, World Domination is well within sight!

Despite all, I wish my former friend every success in her endeavours. 

I'd just like to take this opportunity to thank all of my beautiful brides and loyal readers for your continued support and encouragement. 

Stay tuned for more ideas, tips and tricks, and remember that true friendship has no price. Every set back is an opportunity.

Much love,

Mrs Enchanted xoxo

Mr and Mrs Enchanted 11.12.13

In my absence, I have gone from being Miss Enchanted, to Mrs Enchanted! 

Four years and two beautiful children later, my Fiance and I tied the knot on 11.12.13.

Mr Enchanted and I wanted a wedding that was intimate, understated, and personal to us, so planning and putting it together was a relatively simple process. We wanted our day to reflect who we are as a couple, but we didn't want to take ourselves too seriously, so we injected humour into the day by choosing the colour scheme of midnight blue and gold - The colours of Disney's Beauty and the Beast.
Mr Enchanted wore canvas Mickey Mouse shoes that we had found in Disneyland Paris the month before our wedding, and I wore a pair of shoes decoupaged with the pages of a book to reflect Belle's love of stories. His suit was navy with a gold waistcoat and midnight blue cravat, and he wore a simple buttonhole of two cream roses and gypsophelia.
My bouquet was personal to me and so I made it myself; it contained ten cream roses, one to represent each year that has gone by since my beloved Father passed away. I added gypsophelia as a filler and tied it with an ivory tulle bow. My dress was simple with a draped tulle bodice and understated train, (the culprit behind my dragging the pew-end decorations back up the aisle as we exited the church; much to everyone's delight...including mine!) and I wore a fur shrug as my 'something borrowed' from my wonderful friend Michelle.

The candle-lit ceremony took place at 4.30pm at Saint Andrews Church in Melton, which is truly beautiful. Simple wicker stars were woven with gold thread and placed at the foot of each pew end.
I walked the aisle (solo) to the Piano Guys' instrumental of Christina Perri's A Thousand Years and we said
our vows in front of thirty of only our closest and most important friends and family.
We personalised our vows, and instead of saying "as long as we both shall live", we said "for as long as stars are above you".

Our reception was at Venue77 in Ipswich, where we welcomed our guests with Champagne cocktails. Our tables were decorated with a single pink rose lit by an LED light, which was placed under an upturned cylindrical vase and stood atop a stack of vintage books. The centrepieces were reflective of the Enchanted Rose. On our buffet table, we had book page wrapped mason jars with tealights inside.
The supplier for our linens, Ella's Events in Colchester, Essex, were absolutely brilliant, and their range of products available to hire is not only extensive, but incredibly reasonably priced, and the team couldn't do enough for us. 

For our buffet, we served sliced hot joints of pork and beef with soft and crusty bread rolls, a selection of salads and hot buttered new potatoes. We also had a large cheese board with sliced french stick and crackers, canapes, and a dessert table with cheesecakes and gateaux. We had so many compliments on our food, which we provided and the chefs at our Venue prepared and cooked, which frankly saved us a small fortune. We had approximately 60 guests which we comfortably catered for and STILL had so much food left!

Our first dance was to Ellie Goulding's How Long Will I Love You, which was less of a dance and more of an awkward shuffle with Mr Enchanted trying to avoid standing on my wedding dress! However, there was a beautiful Kodak moment when a confetti canon was released above us half way through the song.

All in all, it was an understated and emotional day, which was heartfelt and individual.

We didn't have an official photographer, but we decided that the people who knew us best could capture the moments that represented us as a couple. Unfortunately, amidst all the excitement, the details such as our table decorations, shoes and flowers were missed, but we have perfect memories of our special day because we did it all ourselves with the help of friends and family. 

Below are a few photos from the special day. 

I wish we'd had some proper photos taken but we still had a beautiful evening.

There were sadly a few loved ones who were unable to make it, so plans are in the pipeline to renew our vows and do it all again as soon as we can! 

Until next time...stay true to yourselves as a couple. Your wedding is about you, not everyone else.

Much love,

Mrs Enchanted xoxo

Wedding Etiquette 101

It saddens me a little that I've had to write this post, but recently it's become apparent that either people are not as well versed in Wedding Etiquette as they should be, or perhaps have just forgotten their manners.

There are certain "unspoken rules" that exist where Weddings are concerned, but since these may have fallen by the wayside...they are about to become un-unwritten. Oh, alright, they are about to become written. Nowhere near as fun to say that way, I'm sure you'll agree.

1) The very VERY first, and MOST important rule, is money.

Too many people ask "How much have you spent?" "What did that cost?" "How can you afford it?", without any specific reason other than to just, and I'm sorry for saying this, be nosey. Money is a topic that is uncomfortable at the best of times, and this is most certainly not the best of times. Please don't break this rule; it's just bad manners, and whilst you're sharing their special day, unless you are sharing the expense also, it's none of your concern. 

2) This has become a problem for SO many Brides. It's that sticky 'plus-one' situation. 

Never assume that you can bring a guest unless specified on your invitation. It's not fair to the couple for you to bring uninvited or unexpected guests, and if there is food being provided, it's downright rude. Guest lists are catered for; additional guests will throw out the numbers, not to mention the hard work it takes to chase up every single RSVP and  make a list, checking it twice. Brides, like Santa, need to be sure of who has been naughty or nice, and who can and can't attend. That list is deemed useless if the Bride's third cousin has decided to bring along his latest Flavour of the Month. Harsh, but true.

3) AWOL is just as unacceptable as turning up uninvited; it's equally unfair for the Bride and Groom to cater for Guests who have no intentions of turning up, despite sending a positive RSVP. Weddings are incredibly expensive as it is; one Bride catered for forty more Guests than turned up to her reception. All of which had confirmed this a mere 24 hours before. Don't fall into the trap of thinking you won't be missed; if you've been invited, the couple have deemed you special and important enough to share one of the most special days of their life together. It's an honour to be invited to celebrate this occasion, it's only fair to behave as such.

4) Following on from this, using a wedding as an excuse to get drunk and have a knees-up is appalling. You may not over indulge and make a fool of yourself- this is the biggest day of someone else's life. Show some respect for the people who, as previously mentioned, have deemed you special and important enough to share this day with. 

5) Don't assume you'll be invited to both parts of the celebration either; usually, numbers for the ceremony are more restricted that for the reception, and making the decision to bump someone off the day list may be a necessary evil, and especially difficult if the choice is between a friend and a family member.

If your invitation says "evening celebration" or similar on it, feel free to be inwardly offended, but try not to make a fuss. If you feel you should have been invited to the ceremony, chances are the Bride and Groom feel the same way, but it's not always possible. Health and Safety regulations in Registry Offices are particularly strict; numbers absolutely cannot exceed the maximum capacity, which I've known to be at 20; to include the Bride and Groom, two registrars, and two witnesses. That's down to 14 other guests, which is essentially just seven couples. This number is lowered again should the couple have children. Something to bear in mind before you get upset about being invited to the evening reception.

I can only apologise if this has seemed like a negative post, but if you are a Bride to Be suffering concerns of the above, a little link to this post on Facebook should subtly pre-warn you guests as to your expectations where their behaviour and etiquette are concerned. Which, coincidentally, are not high expectations at all.

Until next time, when I promise to be more upbeat...

Best behaviour...Santa is on his way, after all!

The Enchanted One xoxo

Have Groom, will Travel...

I've been considering doing a piece on Destination Weddings for a while now; after all, with some very clever planning and budget savviness, a Wedding abroad can save you a fortune.

Hosting your Wedding in another country means obvious cuts to your guest list; ideal if you'd prefer an intimate gathering to an all-out BWW (that's Big White Wedding to us insiders!), and this is becoming increasingly popular amongst Brides and Grooms to be, instead choosing to hold a reception on their return for absent guests. 

Here are a few of my favourite Destinations; prepare to get bitten by the travel bug!

Vegas

Honestly, what kind of Wedding Planner would I be if I didn't mention the obvious choice?

Vegas is the ultimate place to tie the knot and it can be done on a very modest budget. Cliche though it may sound, getting married in Vegas doesn't always mean Elvis and a drive-through ceremony.

For the Fun Factor, think Circus Circus; a hotel and casino on the Vegas Strip which houses it's very own indoor theme park! As do many of the big hotels in Vegas, Circus Circus has a Wedding Chapel inside which is licensed for civil Ceremonies. Wedding packages at Circus Circus start from just $325.

Chapel of the Fountain, Circus Circus Hotel

                                                   Image courtesy of Equallywed.com



New York
Central Park is a beautiful location to hold an intimate and elegant ceremony. From the Cop Cot to Belvedere's Castle, there are lots of different settings for the perfect 'I Do' moment. Beautiful all year round, Central Park is an iconic New York location where a piece of paradise can be found in the middle of a concrete Metropolis.
Alternatively, you could chose the 'When in Rome' approach and marry in true no-nonsense New Yorker Style with a quick and simple ceremony at the City Clerks office. Other New York locations include the Top of the Rock, the Brooklyn Bridge, and even Times Square. American Sky offer Wedding Packages from £650.

Times Square

                                          Image courtesy of American Sky


Belvedere Castle, Central Park

Image courtesy of www.powertripberkley.com

South Africa
So what about an African Safari? It's certainly got the 'wow' factor. Known as the 'Rainbow Nation', it boasts a plethora of different cultures and stunning scenery; making it the perfect place for adventure loving couples.
The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is ideal for an intimate Wedding Ceremony, the hotel offers one of the most romantic and memorable locations in the world to get married due to it's position nestled beside the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range and Table Mountain.
With exclusive Spa facilities and an in-house cinema, there are plenty of opportunities to unwind before the big day.
A Wedding Package at this stunning resort can be added as an addition to your holiday booking from £370 when booked directly.

                                       Images courtesy of the Twelve Apostles Hotel


Things to consider when choosing to Marry abroad
It's worth checking out the minimum residency period that applies to the country you've chosen as your destination. This can vary from 1 to 7 working days, so bear this in mind when budgeting for your trip. The residency period is a basic requirement that states how long you must be in the country before you can marry there.
The legalities can also be a factor; in some countries, couples are required to take a blood test to prove they are not related (yes, really!). Also, sometimes an Affidavit is required; this is a document that is obtained through a notary public that confirms your marital status. You will usually be advised of how to obtain any essential documents when booking your Wedding, but it's always worth double checking just to be sure.
Also ensure that provision will be made for transporting your Wedding Dress; the last thing you want is to be forced to pack it into your hold luggage. It will not only end up creased, but there is always the possibility that your luggage might get lost and you definitely don't want to be seperated from your gown for your Big Day.

Until next time...
Dust off your passport and book your flights!

The Enchanted One
xoxo

Real Life Weddings: Tahnee and Tony

The gorgeous newlyweds

Mr and Mrs Goodchild

When my wonderful September Bride Tahnee and her Mum Kim approached me in July and asked for my assistance in putting together a wedding in three months, I was both nervous and excited.

It would seem that I had nothing at all to worry about; Tahnee, her Fiancé Tony and MOB Kim had lots of ideas and were very hands-on in the planning process. 

With Gosfield Hall already being Their dream venue, and the very fashionable colour scheme of Hot Pink and Orange chosen, it was up to me to source some suppliers and tie up any loose ends.

The sun came out in time for the Drinks Reception

The 'theme' for the Big Day was cocktails and sparkle; the centrepieces were tall martini glasses filled with coloured gemstones on mirror plates with scatter crystals. Soft, romantic lighting was provided by a plethora of tea lights in jars and mini hurricane lanterns, which adorned the tables in the ballroom, the ceremony room and the terrace, where guests later gathered to watch a magical firework display arranged by the Tahnee as a surprise for Tony.

Tahnee opted for fresh flowers, including stunning lillies in the arrangements as a beautiful tribute to her late Grandmother. The special moments were frozen in time by the amazing Photographer Lucy Jones, who captured every gorgeous detail, with a passion apparent to all. 

Floral Arrangements by Lucy Bowman

The bride wore the absolutely breathtaking Cinderella from Alfred Angelo's Disney Fairytale Collection; which was aptly named as the entire day was truly magical. Her Bridal look was finished with a gorgeous tiara fit for a Princess and crystal drop earrings. 

The Bride's make up was soft and natural

Bridal Hairstyling was by Amie-Louise Snow

Lucy captures every thoughtful detail perfectly

Lending a hand with the Bridesmaid's Make up (That's me!)

All in all, it was an absolute honour to be part of this wonderful event, working alongside some absolute excellent suppliers. The event was intimate, personal, and most importantly, Enchanting.

The Ceremony was held at Gosfield Hall, Essex

Photographs courtesy of Lucy Jones Photography

Photos courtesy of Lucy Jones Photography

Until next time...

Live your own Fairytale.

The Enchanted One 

Xoxo

"In My World....Everything Would Be Nonsense."

I have come across many variations of the Alice in Wonderland theme and the subtle hints of this classic tale are so easy to incorporate. The theme is very easily adaptable, too, and can easily have twists of kitch or vintage. This theme is suited perfectly to Brides and Grooms who wish to add a certain playfulness to their day; couples who don't take themselves too seriously and would prefer a more relaxed and fun atmosphere. There is no room for grown-up seriousness here, but plenty of room for being a little creative and being very hands-on!
 From playing cards to keys, tea cups to croquet, there are a million ways to add a bit of Alice.
Here are the very best Wonderland accents I have discovered so far!

www.marthastewartweddings.com

Pocket Watch Ring Box
Isn't this amazing!? It's so easy to DIY too! Cheap vintage style pocket watches can be found on eBay for just a few pounds. Go all Mad Hatter and remove the timepiece (although using a mallet to do so might just be going a step too far...ditto using mustard on it!) and line the inside with velvet. Voila, a very simple but very unique ring box!



Playing Card Bunting

Another project that is so easy and so cheap, but amazingly effective. Simply punch holes into a pack of playing cards, thread string or ribbon through the holes and then tie lengths of patterned or coloured ribbon between each card. This would look gorgeous as a top table swag, too!

Eat Me / Drink Me Tags

No Alice themed Wedding would be complete without these. There are hundreds of variations of these tags, from flags on cocktail sticks and simple tie on tags like these, to drink stirrers and jar labels, which would make a gorgeous addition to any Candy Buffet. Tie tags to teacups, glass stems and stick in cupcakes and on straws in glasses. There are lots of printables available on www.Etsy.co.uk; you can get an entire printable suite including invitations for about twenty pounds.

www.facebook.com/not2shabbyboutique

Wonderland is nothing without a Mad Hatter and a Tea Party, and while I'm sure there will be more than one Hat wearing Crazy at every wedding, you'll need the whole package for authenticity.

These gorgeous Vintage Teaparty Treats can be found at the Not2Shabby Boutique. With the Tea Cup candles as little as £6.50, they would make lovely attendant's gifts or table decorations as the candles can be matched to your colour scheme. The Cake Stands start at an incredibly reasonable £8, and the cupcake candles work out less than £1 each...perfect for favours as they are scummily scented too!   

You have a completely free reign to go as crazy as you like with this theme; since craziness is at the heart of the tale. For more inspiration, Google 'Alice in Wonderland Wedding Cakes' to be delighted and disbelieving at some of the awesome creations!

I hope I've provided a little inspiration...and I apologise for leaving my beloved blog abandoned for so long, but with a Wedding coming up in just a few short weeks, this Fairy Godmother has been running low on Fairy Dust by the time the evenings come!

Until Next Time....

A Very Happy Unbirthday To You!

The Enchanted One xoxo