Vintage Rose

I feel a little neglectful of my blog; however, since my beloved laptop died an untimely death last week and the blog site seems sketchy at best in terms of an error preventing me from actually writing any text, writing has proven to be difficult. However, I aim to please, and so here I am endeavouring to fulfil the appetite of Brides-to-be the world over by providing more food for thought. Today's post is a theme idea; Vintage Rose.

With feminine touches and an antique feel, this fabulous theme has endless possibilities. Flowers obviously play a large part in this theme as suggested by the name. Use roses wherever possible; in your stationery, your cake, and naturally, your bouquet. There are hundreds of variations of shades of pink, and as a general rule there is a shade of pink to compliment most other colours. A dusty, blush or nude shade of pink would suit this theme best. Colours that best complement these shades are dove greys, parchment beige-creams, ivories and golds; however there are many more possibilities.

Think Antique when dressing this theme; there are lots of clever ways to fake authenticity today. With Vintage and Shabby-Chic being an increasingly popular trend, vintage Wedding Fairs are beginning to pop up all over the country, offering ideas and inspiration for the vintage-loving Bride; however do be aware that due to it's popularity, the words 'Vintage' 'Antique' or 'Shabby Chic' will automatically bump up prices thanks to the current desirability. With a little bit of clever bargain hunting at your local car boot sale though, you can begin to uncover forgotten and unwanted treasures that will lend themselves perfectly to your theme. Look out for mismatched floral china, glass cake pedestals, and pearls and lace in abundance.

Clockwise from top left: Blush - Bourjois Paris, Bridal Garter - KrumpetsDesign on Etsy, Cake - Leslea Matsis Cakes, Rose and Pearl Chair Sash and Centrepiece - Pinterest, Shoe clips - Etsy, Rose Garland - eBay, Fabric flower bouquet - Cultivar on Etsy, Rose Lipstick - YSL, Nude Nail Polish - Paul & Joe, Rose Quartz Drop Earrings - Kendra Scott, Summer Garden Wedding Invitation - Imagine Wedding

I absolutely love this theme, it has a really romantic and dreamy feel to it. Follow it through to your Bridesmaids by choosing mismatched dresses in shades of pink and parchment, and stick to a relaxed and boho-vibe hair style to avoid anything looking too 'done'. Make-up should be natural and flirty; think blushed pink cheeks and full feathery lashes, with eyes in shades of mink and taupe. There are endless possibilities for the perfect dress for this theme, too; anything from a slinky column sheath in blush tones to a powder-puff tulle princess gown in antique cream or a stunningly dramatic taffeta masterpiece, the sky really is the limit!

I hope this has given all you lovely readers lots of inspiration. I promise not to leave it so long next time!

Until then...

Live well, laugh often, love much.

The Enchanted One xoxo

A Midsummer Night's Dream Theme - Royal but Rustic

 Let's be honest; no Bride is complete without her accessories. This post is all about bringing the Bride's look together, injecting a bit of her own style and personality and really giving the finished look some pzazz. The Bride's look is going to be Royal but Rustic; inspired by Titania, Queen of the Fairies, but with a little dusting of contemporary wearability.

First, obviously, the Tiara. After all, what is a Royal without her crown jewels? This beautiful silver coloured tiara from Etsy features rhinestone flowers and a leaf design. With or without a veil, a tiara is the perfect way to feel extra special on your Wedding Day.

Tiara - Etsy

The Bouquet - Keeping with the rustic theme, I've chosen this stunning hand tie of wildflowers in soft shades of pink and blue. Featuring pale pink Roses, Nigella, Gypsophelia and a selection of other various wild hedgerow flowers, this bouquet is rustic simplicity at it's finest.

Wildflower Bouquet - The Flower Magician

  The Clutch - Not every bride opts to have a clutch, but let's be honest; it's nice to have everything to hand for a quick lipstick touch-up or a mint. This particular clutch I chose for it's undone and raw feel, which is contrasted and complimented by this perfect sparkly jewel.

Bridal Clutch - Etsy

It's no secret that I have a minor obsession with shoes, and this beauties from Elegant Steps are no exception. The aptly named 'Fairytale' shoes are the perfect combination of lace, sparkle and beautiful rose details that made them the perfect selection for a Royal but Rustic theme.

Diane Hassall Fairytale Shoes - Elegant Steps

There are a few things to consider when choosing your Bridal accessories. A statement necklace will compliment a simple neckline, where as something more dainty and classic would suit a dress with more detail. Less is definitely more and it's all too easy to over accessorise considering the wealth of stunning choices available. If the dress is very detailed and 'Statement', keep accessories classic and minimal; whereas a simple gown can be dressed up with bold jewellery. A pashmina can work well for chilly evenings or as a back up in case the weather is typically British. Parasols are very popular right now; paper parasols in bold colours can make for excellent photographs in hot weather. Remember to be prepared for all eventualities, as very hot weather can be just as much of a pain as very wet or cold weather...blisters from sweaty feet and new shoes, sunburn and dehydration are all big risks, especially after a few cocktails.

 Back up flats or Weddington Boots might be worth considering. After all, having spent all day in high heels, dancing the night away in some soft ballet pumps might be a very appealing option, as might be having a pair of pretty wellies to prevent your beloved shoes being ruined by muddy puddles or wet grass. Being prepared for anything means that when the heavens open or the forecast is for a million degree heat, you will quite literally be cool as cucumber!

This just about wraps up the Midsummer Night's Dream Theme...it's been a tricky one but lots of fun along the way. Until the next post...which I promise not to leave so long this time...

Keep wishing, keep hoping, keep loving!

The Enchanted One xoxo

A Midsummer Night's Dream Theme - The Details

When it comes to the big day, it's the little details that make it really special. When running with a theme, whether it be all out or just subtle inspirations, those little details will be what tie the whole day together and bring the WOW factor.
It helps to think about your photos; imagine your photographer capturing those thoughtful touches that will all too soon be the memories of one of the best day of your lives together, and you'll begin to have an understanding of the magic that a little imagination and thought can bring to your special day.

This theme is all about rustic charm, romance and beautiful lighting; and of course wouldn't be complete without infinite twinkly fairy lights. (Digging through the Christmas decs, anyone?)
Think jam jars with candles (I'm so obsessed with jam jars, I know!) on the tables and hanging from branches draped in soft glow fairy lights, rustic bird cages wrapped with ivy and roses and filled with pillar candles (the LED pillar candles are the safest option) and my personal favourite idea- rustic bird tables also wrapped in ivy and filled with LED pillar candles would make stunning floor lanterns. Hang wicker hearts around your venue too for a homemade feel.
No rustic style wedding is complete without beautiful rustic signs. How stunning are these ones from Go Jump in the Lake?

They can be yours! Buy them here in Go Jump in the Lake's Etsy shop.

Continue your theme by keeping your food really rustic too; How about a buffet style Barbeque? Have wicker baskets and vintage crates containing cutlery, condiments and napkins on the buffet table. Alternatively, you could go for an all-out quintecentially British summer picnic; fill wicker picnic hampers with a quiche, cold cuts, salads, a selection of cakes and scones, fresh fruit and finger sandwiches, a bottle each of red and white wine and put a basket on each table. This way, you have the formality of a sit-down dinner without it actually being formal. With a little imagination, this option could not only work out to be very budget friendly, but can also be gourmet. Check out some catering companies for inspiration:

Smoked salmon and lemon cream sandwiches
Brie and grape sandwiches
Mini prosciutto and asparagus mini frittatas
Potato salad with herb and lemon dressing
Sausage rolls with cranberry and sage
Chocolate and Banana muffins
Summer fruit berries
Bottle of mineral water

This 'posh picnic' is being charged at £25 per head, but by having a basic finger buffet catered, you could collect hampers (Ebay!) and pack them yourselves, adding your own ideas along the way.

Then of course, there's the Wedding Cake. A 'Naked Cake' will lend it's perfectly to the theme and would look stunning as the centrepiece of a dessert table. You could even make your own cake by filling sponges with cream and fresh fruit (you could cheat and buy them from a supermarket, too!) and simply stack. The more imperfect, the better! Cover the layers with summer berries to add colour and that all important homemade opulence.

You could ask ten or so of your wedding party / guests to each make their favourite dessert and gather all your lovely homemade desserts together on one table, placing your wedding cake in the middle.

I hope this had provided plenty of inspiration and ideas you can take away for your own wedding!

Until next time...

Be creative, be inspired, be yourself!

The Enchanted One xoxo



I do not own the copyright to these photographs.

A Midsummer Night's Dream Theme - The Designer Dress

Those who know me will know that Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream holds a very special place in my heart; A ten-year-old me played Frenemy to Puck and first-in-command to Queen Titania in a made-up character role for a Primary School adaptation of the Play.
As balmy summer evenings draw (hopefully) near, it's no wonder the minds of Brides-to-be begin to wander to rustic forest charm and the romantic enchantment of an open-air evening soiree.
This week, my Blog is going all-out Midsummer Night's Dream Themed, starting this evening with The Designer Dress.

It's no secret that I am a little obsessed with Alfred Angelo; and this stunning new gown from the Private Collection is absolutely no exception. The aptly named Juliet (different play, same genius writer) is opulent and indulgent with an adornment of rhinestones and crystal beading, with sequins and pearls decorating a beautiful sweetheart neckline. The satin with lace overlay provides a soft and romantic feel to the gown, which is fit for any Fairy Queen, and celebrates the beauty of femininity with it's fit and flare structure and silhouette enhancing lace-up back.

 

Find a stockist here

 

A short and sweet blog tonight; Sunday is supposed to be the day of rest, after all!

 

Until next time...

 

Have hope, have faith, have fun.

 

The Enchanted One xoxo