Stylish Brides: Fearne Cotton

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

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T.A. x

Stylish Brides: Olivia Palermo marries in Carolina Herrera

This weekend Olivia Palermo married Johannes Huebl in a private ceremony in Bedford, New York.

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Wedding News: Jimmy Choo launches bespoke shoe service

When on a recent dress shopping visit I asked a shop assistant what is the most popular brand for brides'  shoes, she instantly answered, 'Jimmy Choo'.

There is a whole area on the Jimmy Choo website dedicated to those who have said 'I Do in Choo'.

But Jimmy Choo has now launched a bespoke shoe service, where you can choose your perfect heel height, colour, fabric and design. Perfect for brides (on the neutral end of the spectrum) through to Mothers of the Bride, bridesmaids and wedding guests. 

From £475. 

Follow Jimmy Choo on Twitter

#IDoinChoo

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 

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The Chicest Wedding Outfits

How to dress for a British summer wedding?

It's the question on everyone's lips. With weather this unpredictable, finding an outfit to wear to a wedding can be more of a stress than a pleasure.

I've pulled together a selection of my favourite looks from British occasions and catwalks (Jonathan Saunders SS14 and Erdem SS11).

One of my favourite brands for occasionwear is Beulah London, who have an extensive range of beautiful silk dresses, suitable for wedding wear. They even have an amazing wedding dress, the Jasmine. 

Lulu Frost is also great for wedding guest jewellery, a very quick and easy way to glam up something you've had for a while. 

Finally, I can't get enough of Charlotte Olympia's gorgeous range of satin pumps in varying heel heights - perfect for matching to your outfit!

1. Lulu Frost 

2. Charlotte Olympia

3. Beulah London

#summerweddings

Wedding News: Jenny Packham Sample Sale

Jenny Packham are having an end of line sample sale next week on Thursday 12th June, 8am-6pm at their Carlos Place boutique!

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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

Words for Weddings

“Love is a temporary madness, it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. And when it subsides, you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion, it is not the desire to mate every second minute of the day, it is not lying awake at night imagining that he is kissing every cranny of your body. No, don't blush, I am telling you some truths. That is just being "in love", which any fool can do. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident.” 

― Louis de Bernières, Captain Corelli's Mandolin

Wedding Stationery: Cutture

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

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Dream Honeymoon: Capri

This week I'm dreaming of travelling to Capri and below are my top picks of what to where when you're there…

1. Prism Swimsuit, Avenue 32

2. Isabel Marant Obira Dress Matches

3. OPI Juice Bar Hopping Nail Varnish, ASOS

4. Panama Hat, J.Crew

5. Illesteva sunglasses, Net-a-Porter

6. Ancient Greek Sandals Antigone Gladiator Sandals, My-wardrobe.com

7. Eve Lom Daily Protection SPF, EVE LOM 

8. Isabel Marant Melvyn Lace Dress, Net-a-Porter

Where to stay

JK Place Capri

T.A x

Wedding Events: Masterclass at Liberty of London

Liberty of London will, this weekend, be playing host to a wedding masterclass with French fragrance brand Diptyque and Wild at Heart flowers. Customers will be treated to a 30 minute consultation where experts will help you choose which scent and floral arrangements to use for your special day. You will be able to see how a candle scent will match a particular type of bouquet or discover how to layer fragrances to create a unique and personal fragrance for the day.

There is a £40 booking fee which is redeemable upon purchase at Diptique and Wild at Heart (£20 redeemable on each counter) and you can bring up to two friends along.

If you are interested in booking a masterclass, call Liberty on 02077341234 ext: 2483.

Hurry there are only a few spaces left!

Follow Liberty on Twitter.

Wedding News: ELLE to launch ELLE Wedding

ELLE magazine is set to launch a bi-annual bridal magazine ELLE Wedding this September. 

Expect everything from the best places to shop to the suppliers to know about - perfect font on wedding invites to the most modern shoe to complement your wedding dress. All produced by the same team as the award-winning title. 

The magazine will hit the shelves in September, priced at £7, and complemented by a wedding channel at www.elleuk.com.

Wedding Dresses: Laure de Sagazan

This blog makes no effort to hide my love of everything French. From destinations to interiors, style to language, I am a Francophile through and through, which is why I was so excited to come across this amazing French bridal designer Laure de Sagazan. 

Stocked at The Mews Notting Hill, which I am soon to visit, Laure de Sagazan gives vintage-style French lace a contemporary update for the modern bride, with certain pieces that can be worn as separates later down the line. 

Not to mention the atmospheric, inspiring imagery...

www.lauredesagazan.fr

Follow Laure de Sagazan on Facebook.

Wedding Beauty: Dry Skin

I have always had extremely dry skin, which is not something you want to worry about on your wedding day. For a long time now, I have been seeking a remedy for keratosis pilaris (red bumps on the top of your arms) and have tried a lot of different products. 

Three great products I have recently tried include…

Kiehl's Gently Exfoliating Body Scrub (comes in Lavender and Grapefruit)

This exfoliating scrub has a great texture and really does get rid of dry skin, removing nasty bumps and smoothing the surface. With water, the scrub quickly forms a lather and you don't need to use much for a noticeable result. I am using the lavender scrub and it smells fresh and uplifting - perfect for a morning shower. 

Caudalie Vine Body Butter 

This is an intensely moisturising body butter that smells divine, from their new Vinosource range. I am a huge fan of  Caudalie products and use their Divine Oil regularly (another great product to combat dry skin). This hydrates and smooths the skin and works best straight after showering to lock in the moisture. 

Groovy Food Virgin Coconut Oil

This is an unusual choice of moisturiser and I decided to try it having read it as a suggested treatment for KP on a beauty blog. Available at Waitrose, this coconut oil is something I originally used in the kitchen but decided to try it one day as a moisturiser after showering. The results are instant and it smells delicious!

My search still continues for a remedy, but these products are certainly improving the condition of my skin.

Wedding News: Temperley's Wedding Week at Bicester

Temperley have launched Wedding Week at Bicester Village until Thursday 1st May. The week will celebrate everything bridal and shoppers will be treated to champagne, cake and expert advice.

A Temperley seamstress will be on hand for specialist bridal appointments and complimentary alterations can also be booked in. 

Monday saw The Real Flower Company turn the boutique into a floral wonderland with bridal arrangements and the chance to win a bouquet worth £150.

Today Wren Press will showcase stationery and wedding invitations consulting brides on their dream stationery and offering one lucky winner £500 towards their personalised stationery of choice. 

Tomorrow butter London will be on hand to give shoppers manicures, with a competition to win £350 worth of products. 

On Thursday, a bridal seamstress will be on site to offer temporary alterations to Temperley gowns.

www.temperleylondon.com

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Bridal Accessories

I have started a search for beautiful bridal accessories for my wedding and have so far come across a beautiful mix of hairbands, clips and jewellery - always classic silver and white with a vintage, romantic twist. I love 1920s deco but also am drawn to more floral boho-inspired pieces too.

My favourite plaes to browse are Net-a-Porter, Matches, Shopbop and, for more affordable options, Nowseen.

1. Jenny Packham Onda Headband 

2. Jennifer Behr Hair Clip

3. Anna Rivka Hair Clip

4. Nowseen Diamond Trophy Ring

5. Dolce & Gabbana Headband

#bridalaccessories

Wedding Tips: The Tiffany App

We are currently creating my engagement ring with a London-based jeweller (more to follow!), but I've been seeking inspiration from everywhere I can during the design process. 

I recently came across this brilliant app on the Tiffany website. Not only does it allow you to sift through different styles of rings but you can 'try it on' by hovering the photo over your ring finger. This really helps when deciding on size, style and shape. 

A must for all brides-to-be who are choosing their engagement ring. 

Tiffany.com

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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?