Miss Wedding Blog » London

The Wedding Sanctuary, Somerset House, London

LittleMissWedding — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 10:55:48 +0000

If you’re anywhere near London and getting married sometime soon then make sure that you pop along to The Wedding Sanctuary at Somerset House, next Sunday (20th March)… I’m definitely going to be making an appearance with a friend of mine that has just got engaged and I can’t wait as its going to be full to the brim with some of the UK’s best wedding suppliers.
One of my favourite wedding photographers, Julia Boggio, who took these photos is going to be at the event. As is Helen Carter, wedding planner and guest blogger responsible for all these gorgeous wedding inspiration boards on LMW.

You’ll be invited to sip champagne and nibble delicious canapés thanks to catering from Table Talk whilst browsing the show for inspirational wedding ideas, including 5 stunning dining tables styled by wedding planners of the UKAWP.
In the boudoir brides will get a chance to meet stylists, make up artists and view Sassi Holford’s dresses and Emmy’s custom made wedding shoes. Other fabulous wedding suppliers include Zoe Clark from The Cake Parlour and Cutture – who design beautiful lazer-cut stationery.

It is definitely an event not to be missed. To book tickets and for more info visit the The Wedding Sanctuary website.

Thanks to Julia Boggio Photography for all the photos in this post – she will be at The Wedding Sanctuary too so do make sure that you go and speak to her as she is one of the UK’s favourite wedding photographers.

LOVE to Cake

LittleMissWedding — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:50:24 +0000

Isn;t this just fabulous? Its the wedding cake of sculptor/cake designer Louise Hill, from Love To Cake, that she created for her very own wedding. Louise’s background is in special make up and creature FX – making blood and guts for film and TV (including creating the body parts for BBC’s Holby city!). She now uses her skills to make cake sculptures and has won awards doing so!… check these out…. wouldn’t you just love one for your wedding?
“The sheep was for my own wedding last August! He is a Welsh spotting show sheep, I am Welsh so we thought it appropriate. I made him using vanilla sponge with vanilla buttercream and chocolate for the details. I do not use fondant on my cakes, only sponge buttercream and chocolate.”
“The sea turtle is my signature cake. He won me Gold at the Cake show 2009″“This hedge cake was made for a wedding last year. I love to make cakes that no one has seen before. Simple ideas become exciting when made in cake.”“Billy Bragg was made for a fan. Billy Bragg himself then featured it on his website which was fantastic!”

Louise lives in Stoke Newington and will deliver to Greater London (or further if persuaded). I think these cakes are just something else. Do check out her website for more info, Love To Cake.

London Bridal Designer Sale.

LittleMissWedding — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 13:35:32 +0000

I have just added a new event to my list of wedding shows and events – its the London Bridal Designer Sale at the Thistle Hotel, Marble Arch, London, next weekend (20th and 21st November). Apparently there is up to 70% discount on loads of leading bridal designers – Amanda Wakeley, Amy Michelson, Anna Christina, Annabel B, Atelier Aimée, Caroline Castigliano, Christiana Couture, Galit Levi, Lyn Ashworth, Max Chaoul, Oleg Cassini Icon, Sharon Hoey, Toi Creazioni, and many, many more…Tickets to the event are free but brides must register a time slot to get their ticket, which they can do on the website, Bridal Designer Sale

If you do make it to this event please let me know what it was like and if you managed to find your dream dress…..

Vintage Crockery Hire

LittleMissWedding — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 10:28:26 +0000

Are you looking for a vintage crockery hire company for your wedding? – well here is a list of all the companies out there that have contacted me because they hire out vintage crockery and props and help with styling to make sure you have the perfect vintage party!

1. Savoir Wedding- Events and Styling
Think vintage tea party, English country garden, French ‘shabby chic’. “We’ve got an ever increasing range of vintage and vintage inspired wedding props from tea sets to mismatched bottles, from napkins to bunting . Chances are, if it’s a vintage chic wedding you want we’ve got the perfect prop.” According to Josie they’ve got enough mismatched tea cups and saucers, cake plates and other tea party essentials for a wedding or party of 50 guests. If you’re planning your big day on a budget and need a little help with your wedding styling they can help with that too – coming on board at the beginning of your planning and helping you create your ideal wedding style, or at any stage in the planning process when you need a little inspiration. For more information and to receive a full list of props get in touch: josieanddan@savoirweddings.com or 07969366409, also check out their website, Savoir Weddings
Both these photos are courtesy of Lisa Devlin Photography – gorgeous I love them.

2. My Vintage Party
Laura was one of the first people that I met in the wedding industry when I started blogging, and I even covered her very own wedding on LMW, Laura’s vintage wedding. I have featured Lola, her vintage caravan for hire, so I thought that I would let you know about the main part of her business, My Vintage Party. Laura loves all things vintage so its no surprise that she set the company up, hiring out everything from crockery, cutlery, glassware and accessories. Beautiful quintessentially english pieces from English Potteries, check it all out on her site, My Vintage Party Love that photo by Sarah Vivienne Photography, infact there are a whole load of gorgeous photos in this post.

3. The Vintage Table
Next on my list is The Vintage Table who nudged me into writing this post (and also sent me those lovely photos above of their cups, saucers and vintage goodies for hire). Claire who runs it is based in London and she provides beautiful vintage English crockery for parties and events in and around London (though they can deliver further afield for a charge). A lot of the crockery is from the 1950s which is perfect for a pretty vintage wedding. “We have an eclectic mix of crockery so that we can help customers to create the look they are aiming for. The range is diverse – we have everything from art deco through to the retro Homemaker.” For more information check out the site, The Vintage Table

4. The English Tea Party
The English Tea Party is , according to Victoria Moy, The original vintage crockery and accessories hire company, established in 2006, from her Grade II listed farmhouse in Devon. It started like all small business as a venture to help supplement the family income, now TETP – is a full time business with a team of four! They pride themselves on being a truly quintessential emporium of English vintage; from vintage tea cups to cake stands, teapots to tea plates – the extensive range of accessories embraces a mix of vintage and country style with a contemporary feel. They hire out their beautiful vintage collections for weddings, garden parties, birthdays, christenings, baby showers, corporate events – with a corporate client list including Christian Louboutin, Elizabeth Arden, Endemol TV – Big Brother, Vogue and Stella McCartney to name but a few! I love this photo that they sent me of their collection. I really like their website too, be sure to check it out, The English Tea Party and if you’re living in Dubai then you can even hire from them there too.

5. Roses all Over
Roses all Over is a Sussex based vintage china/prop hire and styling service, run by friends Rosie and Katie. They only supply the ‘real thing’ so genuine vintage china and props (everything is original no reproductions). They want to encourage as many people as possible to consider antique/vintage options instead of buying new, and they support the Antiques are Green campaign, helping to promote the green hallmark of antiques. Roses all Over work direct with the bride and with event planners and caterers, be sure to check out their site Roses all Over. I also love these photos which were taken by photographer, Debs Ivelja – I think I need to feature some of her weddings as her blog,
Debs Ivelja Blog has some beautiful weddings photos.

6. Cupcakes in The City
Cupcakes in the City (of Liverpool) makes freshly baked cupcakes and petit fours. They also have about 80 sets of vintage crockery, including a vintage 3 tier cake stand, available for hire – perfect for Hen parties and weddings (there is full list of what she has on the website). Vintage linens are available for hire and Leslie, who runs the company is happy to travel to your home/event and set everything up for you to have your very own vintage tea party. For more info check out the website, Cupcakes in The City.

Have you used any of these suppliers? if so please let me know your feedback. This post is going to be work in progress and I will add to it as and when I find more suppliers, or get round to the rest of my emails! Please do let me know if you know of anyone worthy of a mention or if you are planning a vintage tea party.

Luella’s Bridal Evening, 18th August, London

LittleMissWedding — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 10:45:17 +0000

Normally I don’t dedicate a whole post to all the sample sales, bridal evenings and events that I get sent but Luella’s Boudoir in Wimbledon is a special place and I really like the range of products that they sell. I used to pop in to the shop when I was engaged and working nearby in Wimbledon so I suppose its a personal recommendation.
So this August 18th (next Wednesday) Luella’s Boudoir is launching their designer evenings (which will run every month) and give you a chance to meet with designers, hair and make up artists and to get tips on styling and inspiration for your big day.

You’ll get to meet Freya Rose, london-based shoe designer, Alexis Daly, from HairandBeautyonthebigday.co.uk (who I have already featured on LMW – Wedding Hair and Make Up, London) and Yarwood White, jewellery design team. There will of course be a chance for you to have a good look round Luella’s Boudoir too.

If you are interested please call the boutique on 0208 879 7744 to reserve your place. You will also find on Little Miss Wedding, voted one of the leading UK Wedding Blogs, a list of all the upcoming UK Wedding Events. And if you do go please leave a comment and let me know if you enjoyed it

Summer Wedding bouquets and arrangements

LittleMissWedding — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 17:37:15 +0000

Thanks to Britt and Liz from Flourish & Green for sending me these photos from a recent wedding – The bride is actually a friend of mine’s sister and I recommended Britt, seeing as she did a fab job at my own wedding a couple of years ago. She uses local and seasonal flowers and foliage – the arrangements below look so crisp and fresh!What a wonderful mix of fresh, seasonal flowers for this summer wedding at Pembridge Lodge, in Richmond Park – Hydrangeas, Delphiniums, Stocks, garden roses call Walzertrum, Peonies, Oreganum, Flowering Mint, Alchemilla, Lisianthus, Beech foliage for the big pedestals and Ivy for the other foliage. Love Peonies… so wanted them at my own wedding but got the seasons a bit confused as they are definitely not the flower of choice in the winter. Still I was very happy with my roses and berries!* What did you really love about doing this wedding?
We loved taking the bride and her mother for a market visit and although her dream was to have sweet peas, they were just going over, which we stressed to her and in the end we had to use mostly peonies and roses – she welled up with delight when she saw it – just a lovely moment to remember. Another lovely bit was seeing them after the wedding when although trying to hide away looking very grubby and tired we got huge hugs and kisses from Dawn (mother of the bride) who couldn’t have been lovelier!The Mother of the bride sent a glowing testimonial and here are just a few of her words…
The Church flowers and arrangements at Pembroke Lodge were absolutely perfect. You understood exactly the look that Kate wanted and got it completely right. All those words breath taking, stunning, magnificient seem too predictable so really I’m at a loss as to how to express our appreciation. We loved everything.
Wow well clearly only a good word to say about Britt and Liz from Flourish & Green and I have to say that I had the same experience with them at my wedding. I’ve featured their work on LMW before, summer wedding flowers from a wedding at High Road House in Chiswick, do have a little look at the post – flowers in the little jam jar vases make cute table arrangements.

Kew Gardens Wedding * Dan & Vicky

LittleMissWedding — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 19:50:23 +0000

I have most Friday’s off work and one of my favourite places to go with baby is Kew Gardens – I love it there, its such a gorgeous setting that I am not surprised its such popular wedding venue. In fact one of my best friends is planning to get married there next summer so this wedding really struck a chord with me. That and the fact that it is beautifully photographed by Amy Murrell from EspeciallyAmy.Vicky and Dan got married in June in St Anne’s Church in Kew. The reception took place in Cambridge Cottage, Kew Gardens. Gorgeous wedding dress from Pronovias and the bridesmaids look really pretty in that shade of green (always a good colour to choose as it blends it with the flowers and foliage really well)Dan’s surname (and Vicky’s new surname) is Rock (hence the play on ‘Rock Garden’ as the top table) and all the other tables being named after parts of the garden (Alpine House etc)! You will also notice those delicious looking mini victoria sponges cakes, a sweet little touch since the bride’s name is Vicky.
* So Amy what was the best thing about photographing this wedding?
Choosing the best bit about photographing this wedding is really hard! The bride, her dress and her flowers were all beautiful, the cake (which was made by the Groom’s Mum) was stunning and so in keeping with the venue. Shooting in Kew Gardens was such a treat in itself, as was working with a couple who were so amazingly in love.
If you loved this wedding then do make sure to check out both her wedding site, EspeciallyAmy and her main photography site, Amy Murrell. What do you think, would you want to get married in the Royal Botanical Gardens of Kew? I have to say its a spectacular venue but one that was a little out of my price range especially given that you have to use some of the dedicated suppliers (though they could chose their own photographer!), but it is a very special place.

Kate Edmondson Bridal Couture

LittleMissWedding — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:19:26 +0000

Kate Edmonson is a british designer of bespoke wedding dresses and headpieces, all of her dresses are designed and handmade in her West London studio. She has been designing for private clients for over 10 years and here is a little peek at her talents.
Prices start at £1500 and go up to £5000, though she does design tea dresses from £600. For more information have a look at her site, Kate Edmondson Bridal Couture and let me know what you think. My lovely friend Annabel was a bit quicker off the mark on showcasing Kate and has written a great feature on her blog Love My Dress so be sure to check that out too

Creperie Nicolas – Crepe & Coffee Van for hire

LittleMissWedding — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 08:15:44 +0000

Another great idea for those looking for something a bit fun and different for their wedding… if like me, you fell in love with Betty the Vintage Ice cream Van or Lola the vintage caravan that I featured recently on LMW then Creperie Nicolas is going to be right up your street! Creperie Nicolas – a beautifully restored 1965 Citroen H van that serves delicious sweet and savoury crepes and fresh Illy coffee – is owned by husband and wife team Gill and Keith. They drive it to weddings, parties and venues all over London and the South East. I have to say that I am loving all these old school vans (in fact I’ve just asked my brother to find me one – not sure what I am going to use it for, but I know that I want one!)

* So how did you come up with this idea?
“We decided to set up a creperie after talking about doing it for years. We enrolled at a ‘crepier school’ in Brittany, and learnt how to make authentic crepes and galettes. On the same trip we bought the van, in Normandy. Whilst the van was being fitted out we honed our crepe making skills at home, testing out the results on friends and family. Everybody knew about sweet crepes, many were unaware of the savoury buckwheat galettes which are gluten free and delicious. We had a espresso machine fitted, and calibrated to meet Illy’s exacting standards so we could serve the Illy coffee we love. It took over a year to get the van looking the way we wanted, but we were delighted with the result.”

* So hows it been going so far?
“Since we started trading in April, we have attended events and farmers markets. We are enjoying meeting lots of people and getting positive feedback about what we are doing. We think the van is perfect for relaxed parties, it’s a great talking point and makes people smile (and the food is great). In London you can find us on the first Sunday of every month at Wanstead farmers market.”

Well good luck to you all @ Creperie Nicolas – I have to say I am slightly jealous of your business idea. I’ve tried the wholewheat savoury crepes and they’re delicious and healthy, so I can imagine this really taking off. Check out their website Creperie Nicolas for information on hiring. What does everyone else think? Surely a coffee and crepe is the ideal pick me up for guests after all the dancing and booze!

Morgan Davies Bridal Sale, London

LittleMissWedding — Sun, 16 May 2010 18:03:16 +0000

The girls at Morgan Davies asked me to post about their upcoming sample sale on Sunday May 30th at their Islington bridal boutique. Given that they stock some fab designers like Jenny Packham, and I got my whole wedding outfit from there so can highly recommend it I thought that I would….

Just to remind you that we are having a fantastic sample sale on Sunday the 30th May from 10am – 4pm and girls don’t even need an appointment. Designers include Jenny Packham, Alan Hannah, Augusta Jones and many more. Most of the dresses are pre-dry cleaned and are in really good condition, girls can also expect great service being continued, just because it’s a sale, doesn’t mean you don’t deserve some help and attention from our consultants.

For more info visit their website Morgan Davies – make sure you ask for Annalize (and PS her husband is a great photographer if you are looking fot that too!)