Wedding Dresses: Honor

Take inspiration from the New York catwalks for modern bridalwear. Honor is the label from opera singer turned medical student turned designer, Giovanna Randall and my new favourite NY label. 

T.A x

An evening with Jenny Packham

In July we were invited to an exclusive preview of Jenny Packham's 2015 collection at the Elizabeth Street boutique, with a talk from Jenny herself followed by hair styling in the garden, champagne and macaroons.  

The flowers were by the wonderful Philippa Craddock. 

Dress heaven, I found one that we are going back to see.

Here is a selection of designs from the 2015 Jenny Packham bridal collection.

T.A. x

Stylish Brides: Fearne Cotton

Fearne Cotton married in Richmond with a ceremony at The Orangery in Kew.

Follow Fearne Cotton on Twitter

T.A. x

Q&A with: The Cut London

Unique engagement jewellery has increased in popularity in recent years. I spoke to Kate Baxter, the jewellery expert behind The Cut London about trends for 2014 and forecasts for 2015.

Kate Baxter of The Cut London

What are you noticing to be the strongest trends in engagement rings this year? How has this changed from previous years?

The biggest trend I’ve noticed with my readers is towards rose gold - a colour that was hardly ever used in engagement rings is now on everyone’s mood boards when they come to me! This is in tandem with the general move towards vintage styles - like classic dainty halo designs or art deco shapes - I think rose gold feels inherently characterful but can look really fresh in an engagement ring as it’s still quite uncommon. 

I have designed my own engagement ring with London based jewellery designers Robinson Pelham. What do you think is driving this move towards bespoke/unique engagement jewellery? 

Good for you! Everyone should get a bespoke engagement ring in my opinion. I think it’s becoming more popular as we are more interested in customising and tailoring everything to exactly how we want it - weddings have lead the way with more unusual venues and styles, and people want something that feels more ‘them’ when it comes to a ring, too. A platinum solitaire just doesn’t reflect many women’s individual style or personality, so why should she wear one just because it’s tradition? 

Who are your favourite jewellers for unique engagement rings? And wedding bands? 

My favourite jewellers for unique engagement rings are Polly Wales, who is leading the way in a more organic, natural style and uses lots of grey and muted tone coloured diamonds. She’s amazing. I also love Hattie Rickards for her trademark bold, graphic style - perfect if you’re looking for something chunky with lots of colour and VERY non-traditional! 

I would always recommend that the jeweller who designed your engagement ring should make your wedding band, to ensure they fit perfectly and comfortably together, but also so you can get a hint of the style in your wedding band too. That way you get a perfect set that look great together. 

You offer a complimentary engagement ring finding service, how does this work?

Well it’s usually men who email me with a slightly panicked tone, looking for help in finding a ring for their girlfriends. I talk them through her style, ask them what kind of jewellery she already wears, what she’s hinted at in the past. It takes a very brave man to get a custom ring made so I applaud them all! Once I’ve built up an idea of what she might want, I can either take them window shopping and offer an expert opinion (this is quite risky in case we get spotted!), or refer them straight to a jewellery designer who I think will be the best match style-wise.

What do you think will be the big trends for jewellery in 2015? 

COLOUR, COLOUR & COLOUR! Unusual and traditionally underused gemstones are going to be huge in fine jewellery in the coming few years, as people learn more about them and designers experiment with different materials. Opaque stones such as marble, granite and quartz are on the rise in fashion jewellery, and there’s definitely a 70s vibe coming out too with turquoise, coral and lapis lazuli appearing everywhere. 

Thank you Kate!

Polly Wales

Hattie Rickards

Arabel Lebrusan 

Follow The Cut London on Twitter

Wedding Inspiration: Cakes

I only ever feature things I like on this blog, but in the process of planning our wedding I am being careful not to give away too much!

When it comes to wedding cakes, there is so much choice. Whether it's floral additions, interesting flavours or classic with a twist, like the leaning tower of Pisa style Victoria Sponge below, I love the idea of choosing a cake that is just a bit different... 

A floral creation from Lili Vanilli

Wibbly Wobbly Victoria Sponge from Patisserie Viennoise

Simple pretty seen on Once Wed

Say Cheese! from Northumberland Cheese

Coming up Roses from Cake Geek

#weddingcakes

Wedding Stationery: Cutture

Established in 2009, Cutture offers bespoke laser cut and experiential stationery for weddings, and events. 

Follow Cutture on Twitter

Q&A with: Upstyl & Son

I recently came across this wonderful interiors brand at a local shop, Ruby & Norm, on Lee High Road in London. Blending antique inspired furniture with modern upstyling techniques, Alexandra Stylianidis Mathie the founder has a great eye for colour and design.  

We asked Alexandra about wedding styling and how you can incorporate her beautiful pieces into your big day…

On Wedding Decorations…

No wedding should ever follow someone elses blueprint, so to make your special day totally individual, treat your guests to the same treatment you will yourself. The Simple Candy Cane chairs will brighten up your special venue and personalise your guests experience with simple individuality. Choose a palette that suits your theme and if you are feeling super generous, give them to your guests as the most amazing favours they have ever had! 

On Gifting...

For the classic and retrospective couple, the half moon tables will give their new home a sense of everlasting class, bringing with it a grounding history and plenty of good karma!

And of course, for the ultimate in bespoke and alternative wedding gifts, why not gift a consultation with UpStyl&Son to truly personalise their matrimonial haven, all using their existing wares and upstyling their family heirlooms; a true unity of two individual and dynamic lives.

Thank you Alexandra!

www.upstylandson.com

Follow UpStyl & Son on Twitter

Wedding inspiration

Image via Whiter than White Weddings

A month ago my boyfriend and I got engaged in Paris, my favourite city in the world.

 I have been looking for inspiration online ever since and the best places I have come across so far are...

Wearing it Today's WIT Wedding Wednesdays

The Frugality's Wedding posts

Whiter than White Weddings

Pinterest

Lucy Says I Do

Temperley Bride

Little Linens

Snippet and Ink

Style Me Pretty

100 Layer Cake

Once Wed

Stone Fox Bride

Over the next fifteen months I will be posting about the things that inspire me along the way, I would love to hear what inspires you?