A little more inspiration... Rustic Country Garden Party

Just a quick post to share a few more of the inspiration boards I have put together with complimenting themes; garden party and country rustic! 

I picked out popular shades of purple for this board...proving this theme's versatility

Vintage props inspired this rustic board...

Pastels shades and lots of texture feature here...

This board was festival inspired with lots of soft feminine details.

Short but sweet, I'll keep sharing boards as I make them!

Keep searching for inspiration! 

Mrs Enchanted xoxo

Thinking outside the box...

Happy New Year!

I feel awful having abandoned my beloved blog for sooo long, but my New Year's Resolution has been to keep sharing my experiences and ideas with you all! So many people have asked me when the next blog post will be, so Myah, Stacey and Karis...this one is especially for you!

Also, as a side note, a MASSIVE congratulations to my very own Disney Princess Myah, who got engaged to her partner Lawrence during his recent visit to Florida, where the lovely Myah is completing her second Cultural Representative Program with the Big Cheese, Mickey Mouse himself! Exciting stuff!

So, the inspiration for blog post comes from a lady who contacted me recently about her upcoming wedding. Her colour scheme is red and navy, since her husband to be is in the military. Initially I thought I would hit an inspirational wall, but having done a little bit of research, I came up with an inspiration board that I hope she will love.

The venue, Hintlesham Hall, is a Grade 1 listed Country House that sits snugly on the Suffok / Essex border and truly is stunning. Having had connections to the Tudor Royals, and prestigious families throughout it's lengthy history, it's easy to see how prospective Brides and Grooms could consider it the perfect place to say 'I do' and begin married life together. 

The Bride to Be wanted classic elegance with a hint of sparkle, and so I came up with collage of images that I feel would do the venue justice,

The more I looked at this colour scheme, the more I fell in love with it. For the second time this year, I've been asked to do something a bit different, and I am finding new possibilities outside of my comfort zone! This colour scheme works. It's rich, it's classic and if done properly, is really elegant! 

What are your thoughts on colour schemes 'outside the box'? Let me know in the comments section!

"Life begins where your comfort zone ends".

Take a risk and you'll surprise yourself :)

Mrs Enchanted 

Xoxo

Venues in the Spot Light...Colchester Town Hall

I LOVE discovering an amazing venue, and when I did a wedding fair at Colchester Town Hall, boy did I discover an amazing venue!

Situated right in the heart of Colchester's town centre, this gem of a venue is everything you could ask for; elegant, grand and steeped in history. 

With a gorgeous staircase for photo opportunities, the Mayor's Chamber for a ceremony and the Moot Hall for a reception and Wedding Breakfast, it certainly has the wow factor. 

The architectural features are to DIE for, with columns, stunning ornate ceilings and beautiful wood panelling as far as the eye can see. A venue like this would require very little dressing and is therefore ideal for couples looking to keep things elegant and classic.

My personal favourite room, the Moot hall, has a Cathedral feel about it; with palatial high ceilings, stained glass windows and parquet flooring throughout. The natural light flooding through the enormous windows ensure that the Moot Hall never feels dark or dingey and the huge expanse of space means that up to 200 guests can easily be accommodated. 

The Moot Hall is a breath taking and regal location for a ceremony or reception

 

Colchester Town Hall offers tonnes of photo opportunity spots, such as the Mayor's Balcony

Colchester Town Hall is available to hire from just £150 for a ceremony; head to http://www.colchester.gov.uk/article/11861/Civil-Ceremonies-and-Wedding-Receptions for more information.

Keep your options open, you never know what you might unknowingly uncover!

Mrs Enchanted 

Xoxo

Pink Lemonade Productions...the story so far

I appreciate that I have been neglectful of my blog for a little while now but in all honesty Pink Lemonade Productions has been the central focus of my attention as it has been incredibly successful so far.

Here's what we've been up to!

First up was a photo session for the website; I really wanted to go for a country, rustic feel and so this was one of our favourite shots. This particular photo was taken in a rare moment of sunshine, although in hindsight it could have done with a bit more colour. Here are a few more fun ones...

It was super windy and so everything kept toppling over. Here are our mares Evie and Millie trying to steal the limelight!

The fun continued when I was moving the hay; Millie decided to give chase! It was such a giggle.

Evie was keen to investigate the vintage suitcases...

Papa Smurf made his debut in my favourite frame. 

Next up was the Wedding Fair at Priory Hall in Hadleigh. Let me tell you, this venue is full of quintessentially English country garden charm. Tudor period features and quaint courtyard areas make this venue a fantastic hidden gem in the suffolk countryside. Check out the gorgeous images below from Priory Hall's Website!

We were set up in the marquee, and a fantastic day was had by all who attended. Cyndy Hilton, the Lady of the Manor as it were, is charm and grace personified; not to mention the expert organiser of the Weddings and events that take place at Priory Hall.

Here is a small collection of the centrepieces we offer, as well as some of the beautiful flower arrangements made by Judi at Heirloom Blooms. 

Here is Marilyn, our gorgeous star of the show; I am so proud of our popcorn machine, especially since she has now been sign written. We served both sweet and salted popcorn to all of the suppliers and couples attending the fair. 

Next up was Colchester Town Hall Wedding Fair; and let me tell you, these photos don't even begin to do the venue justice. Read more and prepare to be wowed on my dedicated post here.

Here we are, all set up and ready to go! This time the popcorn was lightly salted and seasoned with vanilla infused sugar. It was incredibly popular! By the time of this fair, our gorgeous flyers had made their debut. 

We absolutely love the images we use, but our absolute favourite is the gorgeous festival style photograph featuring some beautiful products courtesy of Three Bird Nest. Pink Lemonade Productions is incredibly grateful for permission to use this stunning image, and we love telling everyone who asks about it. Check out their Etsy store or Facebook page! 

Finally....there's the Website Launch!

Www.PinkLemonadeProductions.com is live and ready to be loved by all! Check it out and let us know your thoughts.

A million Thank You's to the brilliant and talented Harleigh Allouch; she managed to translate the inside of my head into web page format with very little to go on! 

Harleigh, you have been my sounding board, my designer, my creative director, my go-to, my confidant and most importantly, my friend. 

You too can have a beautiful we page by clicking here.

Until next time...

Wake up, dress up, show up and never give up :) 

Mrs Enchanted xxx

Old Time Perfection - Hayley and Mike

It's not secret that I love all things retro, vintage and rustic; it was after all my love of the whimsical and quirky that was the brainchild behind Pink Lemonade Productions.

When I was approached by the most fantastic couple who had a vision of vintage for their wedding next August, needless to say I was very excited.

Meet the Couple

Hayley and Mike went to school together and got together in 2007 after finishing their exams.

Five years later, in 2012 they'd booked a skiing trip in the French Alps for Christmas.

"On Christmas Morning, Mike took me to the top of a mountain and proposed to me. When we got back to the Chalet, all my family and some friends we went with were waiting with a cake and champagne to celebrate." 

Goosebumps, anyone? Check out their beautiful engagement photos!

Hayley and Mike have chosen my three favourite things for their big day; pastels, vintage and rustic.

When I created their Inspiration Board, I was thrilled to find that I'd managed to translate their vision of vintage perfectly.

Hayley and Mike have chosen not to have a specific colour scheme and instead opted for an entire palette of pastel shades which works beautifully. 

In this board, I kept the focus on texture. The contrast between the hessian and lace, wood and flowers ensures that the whole feel stays soft and romantic. It's also a little 'undone'; nothing should be uniform for this look, hence the colour palette working so well. Perfect blooms should be set with wild flowers, mismatch the china, and definitely consider a 'naked cake'.

Isn't this gorgeous? It takes me back to baking cakes with my Grandmother. 

It's important to keep this theme going beyond the decor for authenticity. 

"We're not having a seating plan, formal sit-down dinner, not even speeches! We're having an afternoon tea party with Pimms and we just want a really chilled out and fun day," Hayley told me. And why not? Your wedding should always reflect you as a couple, and if the boho free spirited vibe works for you, then go with it. Make your own rules for your wedding! 

I can't wait until next August to bring this beautiful couple's theme to life.

Until next time...

Be yourself and write your own rules :)

Mrs Enchanted

Xoxo 

DIY PROJECT: Tassel Garland

It's very easy to get carried away with decor and spend a fortune, but with a little effort and imagination, it's easy to find hundreds of DIY projects that are simple and beautiful.

Today I am showing you how to make a beautiful tassel garland!

This is so easy to do...no sewing, no glue, just string, scissors and fabric!

This particular garland I am making is to tie in accents of a black and white themed event that Pink Lemonade Productions are doing on Thursday.

Here's what I used:

Pinking shears

5 x half meter various monochrome fabrics

Twine

First of all I cut strips of fabric widthways across the fabric, approximately 2.5cm to 5cm wide. With this type of garland, it adds to the effect to vary the width of the fabric strips. I made sure all edges were cut with the pinking shears (to make zigzag edges).

I used big polka dots, gingham, stripes, plain black and a mixed polka dot pattern.

Once you have lots of strips (each of mine measured approx 50cm in length) lay out your base which could be string, ribbon, twine or bunting tape. 

Lay the fabric strips against the twine as above, with the looped end crossing the twine. Then, tuck the loose ends through the loop and pull through, leaving the top knot loose. 

You can pull the 'tails' tighter once you have all of your tassels in place.

Alternate the fabrics to add depth and texture to your garland. Keep going until you have enough scrappy tassels to fill your length of twine! It is really that simple. 

Easy peasy :) 

 

Happy scrapping! 

Doesn't it look adorable? :)

Also, voting is still open (just!) for the Wedding Blog Awards...we would love to make the short list. Every vote counts :) we've received nominations so far for best newcomer and best inspirational blog, so thank you very much for everyone who has nominated us. <3 

Much love, 

Mrs Enchanted xoxo

Wedding Blog Awards 2014!

So for the first time ever The Enchanted Bride has received nominations for the Wedding Blog Awards...to say I'm overwhelmed is an understatement.

My little blog just started as a go-to for Brides to be looking for a little inspiration and ways to DIY and save money; and has turned into a journal of real life weddings, trend alerts and advice!

After taking a few months off, I realised just how passionate I am about the wedding industry, and remembered that it's about the readers, not the writer. We, Mr Enchanted and I, also launched Pink Lemonade Productions, our brand new company that is combining all of the planning and advice of Enchanted Occasions, and the fun elements of Sugar Rush, with the addition of some amazing rustic, retro and vintage props.

The past few weeks have been absolutely incredible; the launch was at The Mayor's Charity Masquerade Ball, which couldn't have gone any better! We set up our Facebook page, which has started gaining momentum, and we're pleased to say that the next few months are going to be a very exciting journey.

Anyway, back to the Wedding Blog Awards...

I would absolutely LOVE your support in the Inspiration / Newcomer category, and you can cast your vote here

http://www.weddingandweddingflowers.co.uk/blogawards/2 

All you have to do is enter the URL, www.theenchantedbride.blogspot.com and select the category.

Then, pop your name and email address in, and submit! It will take five minutes and is really easy. Very single vote counts!

Thank you so much to all of my lovely readers all around the world, you are the reason I love writing :) 

Much love,

Mrs Enchanted