A Dazzling DIY Wedding

I love weddings – especially when they fall on a Friday, resulting in a day off work: an excuse to wear my favourite heels and drink champagne – what’s not to love? 

Last Friday we were invited to a gorgeous wedding in the English countryside (and were treated to typical English weather!). Even though the rain did not let up (buckets of luck for the bride and groom!), it didn’t put a dampener on the day. 

The ceremony was held in a beautiful local church – all stained glass windows and oak-panelled walls. The bride looked absolutely breathtaking and I found it difficult not to shed a tear when the couple were saying their vows – always such an emotional moment. 

The reception took place at Tithe Barn, a gorgeous 16th Century building in the Hampshire countryside. We were treated to champagne and tasty canapés on arrival - the sun even made a brief appearance so we could enjoy our drinks outside! 

Sarah (the bride), is incredibly talented and there were so many amazing touches and little details which made their day so unique. From the hand-sewn menus to the table centre arrangements and the present table, the book theme was carried through beautifully. 

The food was delicious - steak and ale pie with creamy cheddar and chive mash, followed by white chocolate passion fruit roulade with raspberry sorbet and sesame seed shard. 

After the meal, the bride and groom took to the dance floor for their first dance. The band was one of the best bands I’ve ever heard – they kept the party going all night long! There were also some great fancy dress props for photos which guests (including me!) had loads of fun trying on (and wearing on the dance floor!). 

The day was over too quickly – such a beautiful wedding, made even more special because of all the personal touches. I am crossing fingers Sarah will let us feature more of her gorgeous wedding (and some DIY tips) when she’s back from honeymoon! 

Matt and Sarah, thank you for letting us share your perfect day!

A Truly Traditional London Wedding

We have been invited to many fantastic weddings - each one special in it’s own way. From an olive and lemon themed alfresco Italian, to an equally beautiful and glamorous setting in the South of France. Cape Town wine farms to bright and sunny Zimbabwean gardens, country churches and rustic barns filled with charm.

Last weekend, however, was a first for us as we had the pleasure of attending our very first London wedding.

A wedding in the capital has a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ to it – the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan life at it’s best: busy streets, bright colours, red buses, black cabs and iconic buildings. There is also something truly special about taking a moment to appreciate where you live; something we Londoners don’t do enough of.

After a beautiful ceremony at the Queen’s Chapel at the Savoy we were transported to the reception in a ‘big red bus’, with a glass of bubbly in hand we got to really appreciate the beautiful city we live in. A fellow (equally chuffed) guest commented, as we went through Trafalgar Square, that had we been in Paris we would be ogling the amazing sites, where as when in London we all live such hurried, head down, get to the tube fast, rushed lives that we don’t often look up and enjoy the architecture and fantastic scenery around us. 

The reception was held in a stunning Cavendish Square venue, the canapés were delicious and the champagne and wine flowing. After a hearty British dinner, we were treated to gorgeous little sweet treats, including chocolate orange ice cream lollipops, finished off with an incredible wedding ‘cake’ (made up of assorted cheeses) - cut with a sword, no less.

So, what to wear?

One trip to Moss Bros, a quick stop at the dry cleaner and a shining of shoes, meant the husband’s outfit was in the bag. In true me fashion, I planned my outfit for at least a month in advance, and in true me fashion, left the actual purchasing to the very last minute! 

I chose something for a rainy day and thanks to another great lifestyle blog – Florence Finds – I was inspired to buy the waterfall jacket from French Connection, and it's quickly becoming a wardrobe staple. It is perfect for work, to throw on with jeans and heels and, well, just about anything. 

The final outfit included: a new, shorter hair cut (as good as a holiday and all that) Essie coral nail polish, a little navy blue lace Whistles number – good for this time of year when we are all devoid of tan and out of time to fake it - and my old faithful: Jimmy Choos (another very positive kick back of getting married is great shoes). 

Perfect for the weather and a good cross-over outfit appropriate for both the church and dancing the night away. 

Unfortunately, due to a half dead phone, and a clutch too small for a camera, I didn’t take many photos but will beg the bride, who wore the most divine vintage wedding gown, to share a photo and planning tip or two on here soon. 

Watch this space...