Supplier Spotlight - Country Garden Wedding Flowers from Foxgloves & Roses

Nicola from Foxgloves & Roses creates exuberant and joyful country garden wedding flowers that have a just picked from the garden feel. Just like the flowers Kate Middleton that chose for her wedding flowers earlier this year.

The style of Foxgloves & Roses flowers is different from traditional florists. Nicola likes to keep in tune with nature by using flowers that are in keeping with the season (she says it's cheaper for brides too) and has a love for real plants and flowers whether that’s long stems of honeysuckle, sprigs of scented viburnum, almost forgotten favourites, perennials or summer flowering annuals. She also likes to use plants from beyond the garden like branches from wild apple trees, prickly briar roses and brambles with their luscious purple blackberries.

Working from her home in East Hendred, one of the downland villages in South Oxfordshire, Nicola is surrounded by a frequent source of inspiration as well as material for arrangements - she knows all the best spots nearby for catkins, rosehips or blackberries. Her garden is often a starting point for ideas too. As well as the usual flowerbeds and vegetable patch there is an old-fashioned cutting garden full of beautiful flowers like snapdragons, larkspur and cornflowers that she raises from seeds.

She started the business because she loved the idea of being able to go into the garden and pick what she liked to fill a vase or two without feeling guilty the borders were being denuded of blooms. Now she cuts flowers from March to October and sells bouquets locally.

Nicola likes to get to know her brides and develop a rapport - how else can she create their perfect wedding flowers. She always starts with a free wedding flower consultation, usually at the bride’s home or at her chosen venue. She’ll show her portfolio, find out about the bride’s wedding plans and talk about ideas for themes and colour schemes. Then she’ll go away and create a plan for the bride’s perfect wedding flowers.

For more information and inspiration please visit the website.

I love the style of Nicola's displays, they are perfect for a country wedding looking to incorporate a vintage theme.

Lots of Love

Ruby News - A Day out at the races!

Today's blog is a little self indulgent and not at all wedding related but I don't care!  I had a fabulous weekend with my girlfriends, we all got dressed up and spent a day at Ascot for the King George IV Race Day.  I wore a polka dot Monsoon dress with my favourite butterfly fascinator from the Fascinator & Hat Shop, I first wore it last year but I love it so much that I decided to wear it again this year!

The day started early, a 9am rendezvous at the pub for bacon sandwiches and bucks fizz but such was our level of commitment to the day that we endured the early wake up on a Saturday morning!  So with picnic hampers packed, many, many bottles of fizzy and plenty of picnic blankets we headed on our merry way.

After queuing up at the entrance for what we later discovered to be a random check point (we are all too honest) we made our way into the race track.  For those of you who haven't been to Ascot before, it really is a sight to be seen. 

In the winners enclosure - can you spot Prince Harry?

The VIP boxes towering above us, champagne bars, music from the bandstand and the well maintained grounds are simply stunning, we weren't lucky enough to be in the VIP section but we secured our spot in the picnic area, pitched our blankets, cracked open a bottle and settled down for the afternoon.

The atmosphere all day was fantastic and the excitement and tension during a race was electric with everyone hoping for a win.  There were so many different groups of people from all over the country, next to us was a group of work colleagues from a gym, behind us a group of girls on a hen do and to the other side of us was a family enjoying a day out together.

It was a day filled with lots of girlie chat, laughter, people watching, interesting outfits (some stunners and some dodgy choices), very posh men in top hats smoking cigars and lots of ladies in big hats.  After several bottles of champagne, a few wins and a few losses, we made our weary way home, stopping off on the way for a Chinese takeaway - who says we don't have class!!!!

Lots of Love

On Location - Country charm at the Old Swan & Minster Mill

Enviably set within some of the most handsome gardens in England, when you arrive at the historic Old Swan & Minster Mill, it is hard to imagine a more picturesque and magical location for your wedding in the Cotswolds.

Set in the village of Minster Lovell, the Old Swan & Minster Mill couldn’t be more romantic if it tried.  The village has a timeless air untouched by modern-day living, golden thatched cottages with picture-book gardens that line the main thoroughfare to the church and weeping willows frame your views.  With the hotel sitting alongside the beautiful River Windrush, set in 65 acres of magical gardens, wild-flower meadows and woodland.  They even have their own chickens!!!

The venue has two fabulous locations licensed for civil ceremonies; the Garden Temple on the Mill Pond lawn and the Minstrels Gallery for a more intimate feel.

In 2012, the new Great Hall will be complete. Overlooking the idyllic gardens and the River Windrush, this magnificent room will accommodate up to 150 guests. The Great Hall with its cathedral-style beamed ceiling and grand inglenook fireplace has been designed to blend into the surroundings of the warm honey-toned Cotswold stone. Although traditional in character, the building will be brimming with modern technology and be environmentally, very friendly. The Great Hall will provide a reception area for drinks, dining and unique glass dance floor over the river.  Check out the video too see what this fabulous room will look like.

For more information please visit the website or follow the Old Swan & Minster Mill on Facebook and Twitter.

I was lucky enough to stay at the hotel earlier this year, on my birthday, and I have to say I totally fell in love with its charm.  My boyfriend and I arrived for an early check in and after a delightful tour of the venue we visited the snug in the Old Swan to sit in front of a roaring open fire with a glass of wine. 

We were later treated to a sumptuous dinner before retiring to our room for the night, which was wonderfully comfortable with an enormous bed!  On checking out I was delighted to be offered a box of eggs, laid by the hotels chickens just the day before.  I really can't wait until the Great Hall is completed, it will be an amazing wedding venue, especially with the glass dancefloor over the river!

Lots of Love

Supplier Spotlight - Tailored outfits for flowergirls & page boys from Little Eglantine

Come into the world of Little Eglantine, and your flower girls and pageboys will receive the personal, warm and sophisticated touch of French 'Haute Couture' which sets their collection apart.

Little Eglantine, created by the French designer Stephanie Staub, offers luxury made to order dresses for flower girls and outfits for pageboys, for weddings, Christenings, Holly Communions or parties.

What makes Little Eglantine so unique not only lies in the exceptional and innovative designs Stephanie offers, but also in the choice of her embroidered, or plain silk taffeta fabrics.

“Childhood is queen with Little Eglantine. My creations source their essence in French refinement and good taste, whilst also retaining children’s mischievousness and innocence.”

With her attention to detail and refinement, the designer will help you choose and develop designs that will look beautiful and exquisite on children.

“I approached Stephanie without a clear idea or colour scheme for my wedding and she came up with the perfect idea for the wedding. It was all down to her keen eye for colour which was perfect on the day.  The garments were beautifully crafted, original and bespoke. Totally unlike anything one would find in a retail establishment.” A happy bride.

So why treat yourself (and your flower girls) to a touch of Little Eglantine and let Stephanie‘s unique talent and taste deliver the opportunity to have a creative input into the design of the outfits for your junior bridal group.

For more information check out her website or follow Stephanie on Twitter and Facebook.

What is not to like with these adorable fabrics and designs, I especially love the full skirts and big sashes - too cute!

Lots of Love

Supplier Spotlight - Vintage Inspired Embroidered Wedding Accessories from Extra Special Touch

Vintage is a huge theme in weddings at the moment and it is a trend that doesn't seem to be going anywhere fast.  I was thrilled when I got an email from Heidi from Extra Special Touch introducing her range of embroidered products which fit perfectly within this trend.

She specialises in personalised embroidered napkins to give your wedding breakfast table a unique extra special touch, you can match the design of your own wedding stationery, or you can use their matching stationery which uses the initials of the happy couple as a background design.

They come in a range of colours and font choices, traditional to contemporary styles and are created using only quality cotton napkins which can be embroidered in any colour to match your wedding colour scheme.

They are ideal to use as a unique favour for your guests to save as a souvenir of your special day, and they are great to use in your new family home for years of happy marriage.

You could even have individual guests names embroidered and use the napkins as place settings.  Don't forget the all important bridal garter - so cute with this vintage style brooch.

Also on offer is a range of personalised embroidered gifts for the wedding party, including Father and Mothers of the Bride and Groom, Bridesmaids, Pageboys, Best Man and Groomsmen.

Heidi loves to undertake commissioned work, so please visit the website if you would like something extra special. You can also follow Heidi on Twitter and Facebook for even more ideas for your wedding.

Embroidered napkins are such a great way to give your guests a personalised gift that they can use again and again - I love them!  With the huge range of items on offer from Heidi the only limit is your imagination.

Lots of Love

On Location - Tortworth Court Four Pillars Hotel offering 50% off available dates in 2011

Nestling in picturesque Gloucestershire countryside, amidst acres of beautiful private grounds, lies Tortworth Court, a place so magical that it seems made for weddings. 

It is a place where, in the past, Lords, Knights and Dukes all played their part in weaving a rich, historical fabric.Today it is where Victorian splendour combines with contemporary luxury, to create a wedding venue that dreams are made of.  With a number of rooms licensed for civil ceremonies and they can cater for anything from a small, intimate gathering, to a large, lavish wedding.  With an array of exquisite settings for your special day you can choose from old-world character to contemporary elegance.

Moreton’s

Originally the library, Moreton’s Restaurant has been sympathetically restored to its former grandeur.With its extensive oak panelling, regal archways and ornate windows overlooking the manicured grounds, Moreton’s is a majestic setting for a civil ceremony and can accommodate 96 guests for a wedding breakfast.

The Orangery

Once a grand conservatory, which housed exotic plants, the Orangery now makes an enchanting wedding venue, adorned with natural light from the extensive glass panels. It is licensed for civil ceremonies and can accommodate 96 people for a wedding breakfast.

The Westminster Suite
This magnificent, self-contained suite benefits from floor to ceiling windows overlooking the beautiful grounds and has a large dance floor, stage and bar. It is licensed for civil ceremonies and can cater for up to 220 for a wedding breakfast or 280 for a wedding reception.

Marquee

Set against the alluring backdrop of Tortworth Court, the marquee makes a divine setting for a wedding breakfast or reception. During the summer, why not make the most of the spectacular grounds and have a barbeque or a hog roast? The marquee can accommodate 150 for a sit-down meal or 170 for an evening reception.

Special Offer

Book your special day in 2011 and receive 50% off your wedding breakfast. Various late availability dates available Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout August, September and October 2011.  With wedding breakfast packages start from as little as £59 per person inclusive of private room hire, a master of ceremonies, three course wedding breakfast and a complimentary bedroom for the bride and groom.

 

For more information about this wonderful hotel please visit the website or follow the Four Pillars Group on Facebook and Twitter.

 

I love this hotel, it is Victorian glamour at its best with wonderful grounds and such flexibility for your wedding, and with a massive 50% discount on offer you need to get your skates on!

 

Lots of Love

Supplier Spotlight - Chic, Boutique & Unique Maps, Wedding Invitations, Save the Dates and much more from Cute Maps!

These whimsical handmade creations are individually tailored to depict an enticing visual story and lasting memory of that special day. Wedding guests will be WOWed with this perfect twist that every Bride looks for in her wedding stationery.

Cute Maps are currently available as Design Only, Standard & Large Postcards or Greeting Card formats, in 3 different colour options to suit all tastes and budgets. And with 100 Standard B&W Postcards coming in at £110 including design, this is the perfect budget, green and yet very unique alternative.

These flexible designs can be sent as Save the Date postcards, invitation inserts or even the invitation itself! Recent clients have created magnets, signs, stickers & tote bags from these fantastic designs. The possibilities are abundant and are always impressive!

Each map begins its journey at the hands of creator Sheree who conceived the idea during the design of her own wedding invitations. “I was on a very modest budget but wanted something with a bit of individuality and personality. So I created a ‘cute map’ that added a functional yet whimsical twist.”

She then went onto design a website and launched http://www.cutemaps.co.uk/ with instant orders coming in from across the world! Cute Maps are also now available to buy at www.notonthehighstreet.com/cutemaps

Sheree is currently developing a further range of ‘cute’ products to match her creations so watch this space!

For further information, images or samples visit the website or follow Sheree on Twitter.

I adore these maps, they really do live up to their name and are a perfect alternative to traditional invites, especially if many of your guests are from out of town.
 
Lots of Love

Supplier Spotlight - Hen party fun with Theatre Workout!

Hen parties can be so predictable, aren’t they? Wouldn’t you prefer to do something different for your pre-wedding celebrations? Something fun, entertaining yet cultured? Theatre Workout have been working with all the big West End shows for years and offer a unique package for your hen party, teaching song and dance routines from Chicago, Dirty Dancing, Grease and many more fantastic shows. They’ll also organise theatre tickets, meals and hotels in London for you, so you can just turn up and have fun.

Theatre Workout also offer private coaching and lessons for your first dance as a married couple - ideal if you or your partner have two left feet! Whether you want a simple waltz or something more memorable, they’ll work with you to make it just right.

For more information check out the website or follow their stories on Twitter and Facebook.

These workshops look like so much fun - the perfect way to get all the girls together for your hen do, but which dance routine would you choose?

Lots of Love

Supplier Spotlight - Amazing music to keep your guests dancing all night from MADHEN

MADHEN were formed in 2001 with the aim of providing high quality musical entertainment for any occasion.  If you’re looking for something different, memorable, fresh and exciting then they may just be the band you’re looking for. They pride themselves on high-energy performances, and playing a great selection of songs that will keep the dance floor busy all night!

All members of MADHEN are full time professional musicians with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the entertainment industry.  As well as MADHEN being a great party band, they also have a wide range of tribute acts that we perform including 'So 80's', 'So Blondie', and 'Scizzor Sisterz'.

The band has performed all over the world for many prestigious clients, from private parties and weddings to film premieres, magazine launches and large corporate events. Many clients and events organisers use MADHEN time and time again.

Just as important as the performance on stage is the service they provide behind the scenes. They will do their best to make your evening stress-free. These high standards have helped secure their place as one of the country’s finest and most in-demand party bands. They can advise on all aspects of production (sound/ lighting) and work with some of the finest DJ’s.

Check out their website for further information, follow their adventures on Twitter and Facebook or visit their Youtube page to see them in action.

I was lucky enough to see Madhen perform at a friends company party recently and I was totally blown away by their energy, perfomance and range of songs.  I've never before seen a crowd react so well to a set list that included 'I Don't Feel Like Dancing' by the Scissor Sisters, 'Sex is on Fire' by Kings of Leon followed by 'You Can't Touch This' by MC Hammer! If you are looking for first class entertainment to wow your guests and keep them dancing all night, then look no further than Madhen.

Lots of Love





P.S. I have totally got a crush on Matthew the lead singer!