Our blogging bride Grace continues on her quest to plan the perfect wedding
Steven and I are unashamed to confess that we are real foodies! One of the massive draws of our chosen venue Haberdashers’ Hall was the award winning caterers that accompany it, Chester Boyd. We knew deciding on a menu for our 80 guests was going to be tough, so we ‘roped’ in my Mum and Dad to help us decide so they came along for the day. I hasten to add they didn’t need much persuading!
We spent a wonderful afternoon at Haberdashers’ Hall, we pre chose options for each course to taste – two amuse- bouche, two starters, two main courses and two desserts – all washed down with champagne! Each dish was as delicious as the next and we are still trying to decide between lamb or duck for a main.
With our gorgeous Ivy Ellen http://ivyellenweddinginvitations.co.uk/bespoke invites now in the post, we are eagerly awaiting our guests to RSVP so we make all the final arrangements with the venue and start the all important and much daunting task of the table plan!
Monday, 9 August 2010
Wednesday, 4 August 2010
Next stop - Bananas about cake
Next on the list of wedding ‘to-do’s’ was to choose our cake – as a passionate cake baker this has to be something really special! With so many options to choose from cupcakes, dessert cakes, cheesecakes, even Whoopie Pie cakes – my first stop was to ask some National Wedding Show exhibitors for advice – all of whom suggested that we go with what we really like rather than what is in fashion.
We decided pretty early on that we wanted a cake that looked very traditional (in keeping with our venue and theme) but should have a bit of a modern twist. With banana cake being my ultimate favourite and chocolate being Steven’s, we have chosen a layer of each to accompany the traditional fruit. We hope the four tier creation will impress our guests!
If you too are looking for a London based company to fulfil your cake dreams:
You will find stunning bespoke cakes at The Little Cakery http://www.thelittlecakery.co.uk/
For the ultimate cupcake tower The Humming Bird Bakery will impress http://hummingbirdbakery.com/
If traditional isn’t your bag, indulge in the ultimate dessert cake at The English Cheesecake Company http://www.englishcheesecake.com/
Friday, 30 July 2010
Wedding-tastic week! First stop – DRESS!
Bride to be Grace Dewhurst has had a wedding-tatsic week - managing to fit months of planning into a few days - we salute you!
Wow what a week! We seemed to do more in five days than five months. I started with the first fitting of my wedding dress and got see my beautiful ‘Samantha’ in the ‘flesh’ so to speak. Sassi Holford had certainly worked wonders as the dress did not need any alterations at all, and felt light as a feather despite the multitude of tulle!
Now I just need some suitable accessories to accompany ‘Samantha’ – I have chosen to have a mid length veil with simple satin edging and no blush so a sparkly headpiece would look fabulous.
A National Wedding Show favourite of mine, Juliann Beads http://www.julieannbeads.co.uk/ offer some really gorgeous combs – which are a lovely modern twist on a traditional wedding favourite. You can also order brooches to match which will really suit the drop waist line of the dress. My favourite range is Moonlight, which is a vintage style bridal chic mix of pearl and crystal.
A National Wedding Show favourite of mine, Juliann Beads http://www.julieannbeads.co.uk/ offer some really gorgeous combs – which are a lovely modern twist on a traditional wedding favourite. You can also order brooches to match which will really suit the drop waist line of the dress. My favourite range is Moonlight, which is a vintage style bridal chic mix of pearl and crystal.
For our first engagement anniversary Steven surprised me with Diamond earrings to match my engagement ring – so I will wear those for the day as my ‘something old’. I am hoping Mum might lend me her diamond necklace as my ‘something borrowed’!
Next stop - sorting out the cake..
Grace xx
Thursday, 10 June 2010
Is it a Fashion Show...a Premiere...no it's a Wedding!!
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I remember being at a wedding waiting for the guests to be seated and the bride to arrive and for a minute it felt like I was waiting for a fabulous couture fashion show to begin. There was this quiet chatting amongst the people waiting for the wedding to begin and the energy in the room was full of anticipation, excitement and optimism Although the ‘audience’ was calm, the music was soothing and atmosphere was electric, I knew that was going on ‘backstage’ was controlled chaos. There would have been months of preparation for the fashion show. A considerable amount of money is spent on music, the venue, the clothes, transportation, hair and makeup, shoes, fittings, photographers, videographers and the rest. You’re probably now confused as to which one I’m talking about, the fashion show or the wedding!
As the time nears for the music to start and the bride to walk down the aisle accompanied by her friends and family, the energy in the room intensifies...with the bride and bridal party as well as the audience members. And this is where the similarities end. The supermodels have been trained, have practiced and have done this many times before. They look calm, full of confidence and walk seamlessly down the catwalk as though they are walking down the street. They know where the cameras are even though they don’t acknowledge them. They look comfortable in their own skin and the new and extraordinary clothes they are wearing. Whereas the bride has probably never done this before and may have concerns about how they look, how to walk in the dress with high heels and a veil and not trip, what people think of her, will it be perfect, how will she look in the pictures, do they like her hair, her makeup, her shoes? How will she cope with being the centre of attention as she has never done that before? Questions, emotions, panic!
Relax...you can learn how to be the supermodel of your wedding. Models weren’t born knowing how to glide seamlessly down the catwalk even if they have the wrong size shoes on! You can too. I know this is a new concept but you spend so much time worrying about flowers, invitations, guests, cake, music, venue and many other things but how are you doing? You’ve probably never organised such a large event before and in addition to organising it you are the star of the show! That’s where I come in. I can teach you, quickly, how to feel confident on the inside and reflect that on the outside. How to buy the perfect wedding shoe and walk in it gracefully. How to work with the camera to get the best photos, find your best angle and not end up looking like a meringue, even if you have chosen reportage photos!
If you would like to feel more confident on the inside, look more confident on the outside, walk seamlessly and painlessly in your shoes, learn how to have great posture forever, find your best angles for the camera and thoroughly enjoy your big day, be sure to visit my Bridal Confidence Coaching sessions at the National Wedding Show – or, if you can't wait until then, visit http://www.thebridalcoach.co.uk/ for more information.
As the time nears for the music to start and the bride to walk down the aisle accompanied by her friends and family, the energy in the room intensifies...with the bride and bridal party as well as the audience members. And this is where the similarities end. The supermodels have been trained, have practiced and have done this many times before. They look calm, full of confidence and walk seamlessly down the catwalk as though they are walking down the street. They know where the cameras are even though they don’t acknowledge them. They look comfortable in their own skin and the new and extraordinary clothes they are wearing. Whereas the bride has probably never done this before and may have concerns about how they look, how to walk in the dress with high heels and a veil and not trip, what people think of her, will it be perfect, how will she look in the pictures, do they like her hair, her makeup, her shoes? How will she cope with being the centre of attention as she has never done that before? Questions, emotions, panic!
Relax...you can learn how to be the supermodel of your wedding. Models weren’t born knowing how to glide seamlessly down the catwalk even if they have the wrong size shoes on! You can too. I know this is a new concept but you spend so much time worrying about flowers, invitations, guests, cake, music, venue and many other things but how are you doing? You’ve probably never organised such a large event before and in addition to organising it you are the star of the show! That’s where I come in. I can teach you, quickly, how to feel confident on the inside and reflect that on the outside. How to buy the perfect wedding shoe and walk in it gracefully. How to work with the camera to get the best photos, find your best angle and not end up looking like a meringue, even if you have chosen reportage photos!
If you would like to feel more confident on the inside, look more confident on the outside, walk seamlessly and painlessly in your shoes, learn how to have great posture forever, find your best angles for the camera and thoroughly enjoy your big day, be sure to visit my Bridal Confidence Coaching sessions at the National Wedding Show – or, if you can't wait until then, visit http://www.thebridalcoach.co.uk/ for more information.
Monday, 7 June 2010
Invitation Inspiration!
We had to apply for a special licence from the Arch Bishop of Canterbury in order to get married at St Bartholomew the Great and just received confirmation today! Yay - so relieved, so the hunt for THE PERFECT invitation is now on. We want something unusual but to tie in with the antique theme of the wedding and my girly side…I have found almost sheer perfection on the Ivy Ellen website http://ivyellenweddinginvitations.co.uk/ and the ‘DIY’ option offered is a great idea to help save some pounds.
When the samples arrived on our doorstep from Ivy Ellen, the decision was instantly made, ‘Butterfly Love’ was heaven itself and with a colour choice of 55 – we can match our theme perfectly. The design even matches my wedding shoes, with butterflies and Swarovski crystal sparkles! We wasted no time in ordering the ‘ready made’ option of Wedding and Evening invitations. Now we just need to finalise the guestlist, easier said then done!
Grace x
Friday, 4 June 2010
Princess for a day!
Three months (of pretty much constant searching) later, I finally chose and ordered my beautiful Sassi Holford dress, I feel like such a princess in it. I wanted a dress that looked like a modern day version of Grace Kelly’s wedding dress and I found it! Although with its full tulle skirt, I do worry whether I will fit down the aisle. I spotted a fantastic shoe designer at the National Wedding Show last year in Luella’s Boudoir stand, www.luellasboudoir.co.uk her name is Aruna Seth. My shoes, gold leather with Swarovski crystal butterfly embellishments are very extravagant and exactly what I wanted for my big day (if I can resist the urge to wear them before then!).
At the last National Wedding Show, I spotted some stunning bridal designers with a penchant for all things vintage for example Ellie and Charlotte www.ellieandcharlotte.com and Vlasta Collu www.vlastacollu.com both make bespoke gowns with a classic twist, I particularly love the 1950’s style prom dresses in the latest collection - perfect for the bride looking for something a bit different from the norm.
If you want to add some accessories inspired by the bygone era to your special day, look no further than Rachel Simpson Shoes – the vintage styles are stunning http://rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk/
Grace x
At the last National Wedding Show, I spotted some stunning bridal designers with a penchant for all things vintage for example Ellie and Charlotte www.ellieandcharlotte.com and Vlasta Collu www.vlastacollu.com both make bespoke gowns with a classic twist, I particularly love the 1950’s style prom dresses in the latest collection - perfect for the bride looking for something a bit different from the norm.
If you want to add some accessories inspired by the bygone era to your special day, look no further than Rachel Simpson Shoes – the vintage styles are stunning http://rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk/
Grace x
Wednesday, 2 June 2010
Venue fit for a queen!
Grace Dewhurst has worked on the PR team for NWS for many seasons and has recently gotten engaged to the lovely Steven. It’s so exciting for one of our own team members to be getting married! Grace has begun her mission to prepare for the big day and is letting us share her journey with her through her blog.
With the UK’s largest consumer wedding show at my finger tips, The National Wedding Show, I thought planning my own wedding would be a doddle. However, with just nine months to plan the perfect ‘City Wedding’, we’ll see how easy it really is…
My fiancé, Steven and I chose our church and venue almost immediately. We both loved The Priory Church of St Bartholomew the Great in Smithfield Market, London, for its rich history and spooky interior (so spooky in fact, Steven had nightmares after we visited the Rector!) Also, we are both massive film fans and the church has played a big part in many films including Sherlock Homes, Four Weddings and a Funeral , Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, Elizabeth: The Golden Age and The Other Boleyn Girl to name just a few…followed by a reception at Haberdashers Hall, also in Smithfield Market.
We wanted a venue close by to the church and one that complemented the age of it (St Bartholomew the Great is more the 1,000 years old!). Of course, Haberdashers Hall was a perfect choice, modern in design but seeped in history, the hall is just a few second stroll. Although apparently on her last visit, the Queen took a chauffer from St Bartholomew’s to Haberdashers Hall!! Hopefully none of our guests will be feeling so regal.
With the venue sorted, it’s onto the next task on the list – tracking down the dream dress. Wish me luck!
Grace x
If you too are opting for a city chic wedding then why not check out the following National Wedding Show exhibitors:
The Grand Connaught Rooms www.grandconnaughtrooms.com
One Whitehall Place www.thistle.co.uk
Army and Navy Club www.armynavyclub.co.uk
With the UK’s largest consumer wedding show at my finger tips, The National Wedding Show, I thought planning my own wedding would be a doddle. However, with just nine months to plan the perfect ‘City Wedding’, we’ll see how easy it really is…
My fiancé, Steven and I chose our church and venue almost immediately. We both loved The Priory Church of St Bartholomew the Great in Smithfield Market, London, for its rich history and spooky interior (so spooky in fact, Steven had nightmares after we visited the Rector!) Also, we are both massive film fans and the church has played a big part in many films including Sherlock Homes, Four Weddings and a Funeral , Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, Elizabeth: The Golden Age and The Other Boleyn Girl to name just a few…followed by a reception at Haberdashers Hall, also in Smithfield Market.
We wanted a venue close by to the church and one that complemented the age of it (St Bartholomew the Great is more the 1,000 years old!). Of course, Haberdashers Hall was a perfect choice, modern in design but seeped in history, the hall is just a few second stroll. Although apparently on her last visit, the Queen took a chauffer from St Bartholomew’s to Haberdashers Hall!! Hopefully none of our guests will be feeling so regal.
With the venue sorted, it’s onto the next task on the list – tracking down the dream dress. Wish me luck!
Grace x
If you too are opting for a city chic wedding then why not check out the following National Wedding Show exhibitors:
The Grand Connaught Rooms www.grandconnaughtrooms.com
One Whitehall Place www.thistle.co.uk
Army and Navy Club www.armynavyclub.co.uk
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