Lancashire Bride In Demand

I recently was asked to do a spot of guest blogging about venue decoration for website www.soontobemarried.co.uk.

I decided to tackle a difficult subject... Orange!

The article has now been posted so make sure you check it out at
http://www.soontobemarried.co.uk/wedding-ideas/orange-theme-wedding-orange-wedding-theme-/153/

Please let me know what you think and what ideas you'd like to see in the future x

A Lancashire Wedding: To Laugh Often and Love Much

I LOVED sifting through the photos of Zac and Steph's wedding album.  This picture should explain why...

Jonathan Bean definitely caught the real and cheeky side to this couple!

Now over to Jonathan to tell us more about the big day.

"I just loved Steph & Zac's wedding day. From the off when I arrived at Steph's parents house in Lancaster I was made to feel as welcome as an old friend, and there were just so many big smiles throughout the day it would have been impossible to have come away without one too!"

"The service took place at St. Pauls Church in Scotforth, Lancaster, just up the road from where Steph was getting ready, and one of my favourite church wedding venues in Lancaster. It's such a pretty venue with great grounds for the pictures and it helps that the vicar is just a little bit bonkers (in a really good way!)"

"The rain just about held off, with only a few short drizzly spells, and we mostly enjoyed some lovely summer sunshine. The beautiful bouquet and flowers were once again provided by the fabulous Flowers by Catherine."

"From Scotforth we went onto the very popular Garstang Country Hotel for the reception and wedding breakfast part of the day, where we heard some great speeches before the meal moving Steph and Zac, family and friends alike from fits of laughter to some very touching tears in the briefest of moments."

From the midnight blue bridesmaids dresses to the exquisite flowers, I have to say that I love this wedding and all the emotion it carried.  Its exactly what a wedding should be, lots of emotion but still lots of laughter.  And not forgetting, how gorgeous Steph looks!



And we couldn't leave this cheeky one out either!

With thanks to Jonathan Bean Photography and the newly married Zac and Steph x

A Taste of Lancashire: Claire Ogden Designs

Hi Claire, please introduce yourself and your line of business.

I am Claire Ogden, a Jewellery Designer based in the quaint hills of Saddleworth, in the UK, I create exquisite pieces that are individual and unique in their own right! My work stands out from the rest.  Wedding Jewellery and bespoke design are the aspects I really LOVE! I relish in the fact that my bridal jewellery is so very unique and the finishing touch to the very perfect day! I enjoy working together with my clients and giving them what they are expecting and much more.

All of my products have been created to infuse each piece with a sense of individuality, boldness and an impression made to last. ‘Once seen never forgotten’ philosophy! 

 I love to make a difference and create jewellery that shines through and gets noticed but designing each piece to last the decades and be wearable for a lifetime. All of my jewellery, wedding jewellery and hair accessories are made using the highest quality materials, I carefully handpick very small quantities to ensure you an exclusive design with limited materials made individually just for you.

 How did you get into this line of business?

I am just too creative, I have too much creative energy and needed to find something to satisfy all my bubbling creativeness! It began because I just couldn’t find the perfect accessories to make my look complete so I gave it a go and made them, from then it seems to have spiralled into Claire Ogden Designs!

Can you provide bespoke pieces?

I most certainly can!! I create a lot of bespoke pieces both bridal and non-bridal and have a lot of repeat business too.

What is your favourite piece?

This is hard to answer because I have the handmade jewellery side and the bridal side, I have to admit though that my tiaras impress me time and time again and I would have to say I would choose one of those, but I LOVE the Alice in Wonderland brooches and bracelets too!

 How much time goes into making the pieces?

Bridal pieces take time, there is a lot involved from sourcing the materials / researching the theme / era /period and creating the design, speaking with the bride to be and drawing up sketches which all takes place before the piece is created. Once the piece has been completed (which can take between 4-7hrs depending on how intricate the piece is) there are also photographs taken and sent. The finished result is always worth all the effort!

 Can you give us an idea of prices?

Hair Combs from £40 to £85.

Small Tiaras / Headband Styles from £75

Larger Tiaras from £85

Intricate Tiaras from £130

Bespoke designs prices vary but I do work to your budget and the price you want to pay.

Where can we find you?

I have an amazing blog (www.claireogdendesigns-theblogspot.blogspot.com) where you can find me and everything about me here, this also leads to my online shop. I am currently creating a new website which will be live very soon. I am always only an email or phone call away (claireogdendesigns@gmail.com) (07538 564277)

I promote my work a lot of time through word of mouth, I work a lot with social media and try to break into new circles and alternative networks by featuring in lots of different places. You can always find me on Twitter (@cogdendesigns) and my blog has become very successful and is the backbone for pushing me forward.  I run a couple of fabulous blog posts each week (Who to Know and One to Watch), which focus on other businesses in the wedding industry or creative individuals who simply need to be shouted out about.  I am currently creating a new website which will be live very soon and am in the process of producing promotional CD’s.

I also sell on other stores/websites I sell on Folksy and Etsy, WOW Thank You, Kellyeyes Boutique, By Gina Jewellery, Precious Creations, Hastings Crystal and Mootiful in Macclesfield, I do have a couple more lined up. I am currently working with Kosibah (Wedding Dress/Couture Gown Designer) creating headpieces for the new 2011 collection, the fashion show is due to go live on 01 September in London. My new website is www.claireogdendesigns.com which will be live before the end of the month!

Lancashire Bride were blown away when we first saw these images.  They are so intricate and unbelievable pretty and perfect for for any bride to be.  The enthusiasm and love for her work is definitely shown in the end result.  I can't wait to see more from this lady! x

A Taste of Lancashire: Simply Bows and Chair Covers

Todays feature is very close to my heart...

You may or may not know that I set up the Lancashire office off Simply Bows and Chair Covers 4 months ago.  Having worked in wedding and events I was often left disappointed with the low quality and standard products I had to work with.  I was eager to find a company that could provide high quality table linen and chair covers with a fashionable edge and exemplary service.  I then stumbled accross Simply Bows and Chair Covers and I have never looked back.

At Simply Bows and Chair Covers we provide top quality chair covers and table linen supported by impeccable and professional service.  We encourage our clients to create a theme for their big day whether it be based on a colour or a more extravagant idea and our chair covers can transform and brighten up a room.

 We manufacture all of our chair covers and table linen in house using the highest grades of fabric and to ensure we can control the quality of the products we deliver. In addition, our chair covers are made to measure each venue we work in and are professionally fitted by our team of Event Specialists. 

Simply Bows and Chair Covers have offices up and down the country.  From right here in Lancashire, down to devon and right across to Newcastle & Northumberland.  To find out more information please check out http://www.simplybowsandchaircovers.co.uk/.  To contact your Lancashire office please call Joanne on 07584 026981.



Silver Sixpence In Her Shoe

I am so pleased to have Nicola from Silver Sixpence In Her Shoe as featured supplier today with a very unique and creative idea.

Hi Nicola, please can you tell us a bit more about Silver Sixpence In Her Shoe.

I design and handmake vintage inspired accessories for the modern bride. The majority of my business comes from brides wanting bespoke birdcage veil headpieces and garters. However I have also done things for bridesmaids, Mother of the bride and even guests. This is really what led me to set up the craft parties as I could see people were looking for something unique to wear to events. I now run classes and private parties where ladies can come along and craft up their own headpieces! It’s a great hen party activity.

How did the name come about?

I was looking for something that fitted with wedding traditions but had a point of difference, that would be remembered. I actually asked a lot of friends at the time and said I liked the old, new, borrowed, blue rhyme and a friend came up with “silver sixpence” and I thought it sounded nice with the “in her shoe” added. It’s not easily forgotten!

  How did you get into making your beautiful pieces?

It really was as simple as planning my own wedding and not being able to find what I wanted for the big day. I had people ask me to make theirs after that and tell me to quit my job and do it full time. I have always sewn - I did a fashion design degree, but was a high fashion buyer in London for 10 years prior to this. I guess that has given me the confidence to set up my own business.

Annie Birdcage Veil

Coco Garter

Ruby Ring Pillow

Can you tell us more about your vintage themed hen parties?

Well as mentioned before these are run as classes local to me in Didsbury Manchester at various venues and also as private parties, It is a great hen party afternoon activity and is usually accompanied by a good few glasses of bubbly! I set all the materials up in cute vintage china and glass bowls and after a little explanation of what will follow everyone gets stuck in. I have mood boards, plenty of examples of my own work for people to try on and lots of gorgeous materials and trimmings to rummage through for inspiration and I am of course on hand for advice but I like to let people be creative with their own ideas too. Best way to get inspired!

I find that the couple of hours fly by and people always end up very surprised with how good their piece is they have made! The girls will often trot off to the night out wearing their creations or save them for a photo op at the wedding. It’s great fun. I am currently running these across the north at £30.00 per head inclusive of all materials for 2-3 hours depending on group size. I can couple up with a partner for afternoon tea service to be provided too at an extra cost

What about our readers who aren’t very creative and can't sew?

People are constantly amazed by how easy they find it to make something brilliant! I think it is important to have lots of inspiration and I always make sure I give extra help and support to those who are not so confident. It is my job to sense that with people. It is all handsewing too so fingers tend to be spared!

Where do the parties take place?

Classes are running at Airyfairy cupcakes in Didsbury monthly at the moment and I am also planning in dates for alter in the year with The Dish Ran Away with the Spoon in West Didsbury. The classes will expand running up to Xmas with new ideas added to the list. For hen parties I usually go to the serviced apartments where the girls are staying and set up there or at someones home but a local venue can be hired at extra cost.

Where can our readers meet you? And do you have a website?

My product is currently being stocked by the White Closet  in West Didsbury and The White Room in Sheffield.

I will be doing the Vintage Wedding Fairs in Harrogate on Sept 18^th and Chester on October 16^th plus the West Didsbury wedding event on Oct 15^th.

My website is www.silver-sixpence-in-her-shoe.co.uk/

Collete Bow

Lancashire Bride love ALL of Silver Sixpence In Her Shoes designs, there a must have for brides to be!

A Taste Of Lancashire: Kerry Blu

I have a very special supplier on the blog today, an award winner nonetheless!

Based in Blackpool, Kerry Blu  is one of UK’s leading costume jewellery online retailers. Specialising in bridal jewellery and tiaras, they have handpicked a stunning mix of designs featuring beautiful handcrafted and ready-to-wear jewellery and tiaras ranging from vintage inspired statement pieces to more delicate designs. They also have a range of lovely finishing touches to make your wedding that extra bit special.

 

"What our customers love about our jewellery and accessories is that there is something for everyone. From our elite range to our budget range you will find your perfect piece of gorgeousness amongst our boutique! We also offer a semi-bespoke service, so even if you don’t see exactly what you want amongst our collection we can tailor our handcrafted items to suit your colour scheme or preferred finish."

Their boutique collection of headpieces and jewellery can be found at Blush Bridal Boutique in Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire and they are currently looking for more Lancashire stockists.

 These gorgeous peices also secured Kerry Blu the County Brides Award for Best Accessories.

"In 2011 we were thrilled to be nominated for an award by County Brides Magazine for best bridal accessories in the North West. Our customers and brides-to-be had been voting for us online in the weeks leading up to the awards. The lavish black tie charity awards ceremony took place on 24^th June where we were one of four finalists in our category for best accessories. We were absolutely delighted to win the award. All proceeds from the event were donated to Breast Cancer Care and Christies Hospital."

For more information on Kerry Blue please see http://www.kerryblu.co.uk/

A Taste Of Lancashire: Love Bouquets

I am very excited to feature this little Lancashire beauty today.  And I think the reason why speaks for itself...

I love these beautiful, sparkly and unique alternatives to the traditional flower bouquets, and can see why Natalie from Love Bouquet is kept very busy!

Love Bouquets provide vintage and modern crystal and brooch bouquets.  The company began when Natalie began making her own bouquet for her wedding, she then posted pics on a forum only to receive a huge response. And a business was born!

Natalies very own bouquet

Since starting the business Natalie has become super busy. ' We believe its because we offer the highest quality but at an affordable price, we also offer great customer service and most of our brides turn into friends after the wedding as we work so closely with them to create there dream bouquet.  Inspiration comes from antique jewellery. I find that if I have alot of art deco brooches it encourages me to design a bouquet based on the era. We also try to design things to fit in with current trends so if blue is next years colour we will create a bouquet to fit, when it was the royal wedding we created a bouquet themed around the union jack.' 

Love Bouquets most popular bouquet is a 10x10" round crystal posy.  It is very large for a crystal bouquet but also very pretty and can be tweaked to suit themes, colours and we usually add pictures of loved ones.  And its also very good value for money.   'Sarah’s Teardrop is my favourite design, we created it for a dear friend of mine who has cancer and we are currently raffling it off to raise money for Macmillan nurses(its currently raised over £1000.) its an elegant design and is very wow.'

 

Sarah's bouquet

Its not just bridal bouquets that Natalie offers.  Other products include bridesmaid and flower girl posys and buttonholes.  The posies make a brilliant gift and keepsakes for your bridesmaids too.

Love Bouquet are based in Bury, Lancashire but will ship their bouquets all over the world.   "They travel really well, all our bouquets are sent special delivery insured."  Make sure you check out their website http://www.lovebouquets.co.uk/ for more gorgeous pics.  And if you want to contact Natalie to discuss your bouquet please email lovebouquets@gmail.com.



Moodboard: Lancashires Red Rose

A red rose themed moodboard to inspire the romantic brides out there.

Credits: Martha Stuart Weddings, Simply Bows and Chair Covers, http://www.wed-ing.com/, http://www.floranovedesign.blogspot.com/  



How cute are the red velvet cakes by the way? Although their orginally from an American based recipe, it is such an unusual yet striking cake and could be the talking point of any wedding.  And believe me, they taste good too!