Mon 23rd Apr, 2012

New hardback wedding reports from The Wedding Reporter

To celebrate a year of documenting weddings from the matrimonial frontline, The Wedding Reporter has launched a newly rebranded website to coincide with the beautiful bespoke hardback books that brides and grooms can now commission for their wedding reports.

Launched in March 2011 by freelance writer Emma Woodhouse, The Wedding Reporter aims to create literary legacies for discerning couples who wish to have a firsthand, creative non-fiction account of their day. This romantic narrative acts as context to the images and films of a wedding, tying together the aesthetics with traditional storytelling and acute observation.

In collaboration with Leah Spicer Creative, the newly rebranded hardback books offer couples the opportunity to have their very own love story published for posterity.

The Ebury Collection wedding blog. Photography copyright 2012 Ali Lovegrove Photography

With beautiful typography, bespoke illustrations reflecting details of the wedding and the opportunity to incorporate photos alongside the narrative, published wedding reports offer an ever-lasting way to cherish the wedding day memories.

Creator and director of The Wedding Reporter, Emma Woodhouse commented: “As well as being a beautiful chronicle for newlyweds to pass on to future generations, wedding reports are a fantastic gift for parents, bridesmaids and even guests who are unable to attend the wedding for themselves.”

Pop over and take a look at The Wedding Reporter's beautifully design new website - www.theweddingreporter.co.uk or if you're interested in having your wedding day captured in words, Emma can be contacted via email - emma@theweddingreporter.co.uk

Tue 10th Apr, 2012

Bespoke opera and classical music for your wedding

I'm delighted to feature the fabulous Opera Bespoke on the blog this morning.

Founded by professional opera singer, Margaret Cooke, Opera Bespoke provides exceptional, classical musical performances for all parts of your wedding day, whether it's a solo opera singer to wow your guests at the marriage ceremony, a string quartet at your drinks reception, or surprise singing waiters during the wedding breakfast.

All their young experienced artists have performed at the highest level with the country's top opera houses and orchestras, including The Royal Opera House, Glyndebourne, English National Opera, the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Albert Hall. They have also appeared with some of the top pop acts of our time, most notably Dame Shirley Bassey, Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney.

Ever since Margaret was a little girl, performing has been in her blood. Her passion for music was spotted at the tender age of 11 months when she jumped up from the floor and started girating (in the way wobbly toddlers do) to Hot Chocolate’s “You Sexy Thing”! Her appreciation of music has accompanied her throughout her life and after dipping her toe into pop, jazz and musical theatre, her heart and talents eventually led her to the wonderful world of opera.

"I’ve performed for many of the UK’s top opera companies in various operas from classics like “Carmen” to modern contemporary productions where I’ve been required to appear on stage covered head to toe in green body paint!  Never once have I experienced a moment of boredom – always challenged and exhilarated.  There is nothing comparable to the feeling of singing with a live orchestra to an auditorium packed with expectant spectators and critics.  On an opera stage, there is nowhere to hide; no room for error and you owe it to yourself and your audience to push yourself to your limits.  As Maria Callas, the great soprano said:” An opera begins long before the curtain goes up and ends long after it has come down. It starts in my imagination, it becomes my life, and it stays part of my life long after I've left the opera house”.

The Ebury Collection wedding blog. Photography copyright 2012 Opera Bespoke

"Although performing on stage in an opera is spine-tinglingly exciting, I’ve always loved the curtain call and hearing how the audience communicate their enjoyment of the performance and reward each singer for their hard work.  I always wish I could chat to them backstage and find out what they thought of the performance, whether they are opera buffs or newcomers and generally connect and get to know them.  Sadly, the professional opera world does not cater for this sort of familiarity and my aim has been to bring the magic of opera performance, up close and personal.

For many opera is seen as entertainment for the upper classes, a very formal event where you dare not sneeze. But without knowing it you will be amazed at how much opera you already know and love. You will have been mesmerised by Luciano Pavarotti’s rendition of “Nessun Dorma” from Turandot by Puccini during the 1990 Fifa World Cup and delighted as you hear the “Flower Duet” from Lakme by Delibes when played in British Airways adverts and films such as the American President and Meet the Parents."

I set up Opera Bespoke to provide entertainment for weddings.  All our singers perform at the highest level with the country's top opera houses and have the ability to transform all aspects of your wedding into a truly unforgettable experience. Solos and duets during your wedding ceremony, a string quartet or live popular opera during your drinks reception?  A popular choice with brides and grooms are our surprise singing waiters, chefs and hidden guests.  Our fantastic surprise singing waiters and hidden guests can transform your wedding into a day that you and your guests will talk about for years to come.   What we love about our Singing Waiter performances is that every wedding is individual and every audience is different. We can never predict how an audience is going to react – “stunned”, “amazed”, “in awe”, “blown away”, “tears of joy” are just some of the comments we have received."

What could add to the sense of occasion more on your wedding day than experiencing the country’s top opera singers singing live, close up, especially for you - and don’t worry, not only are you allowed to sneeze during our performances, you are positively encouraged to sing along and wave your napkins in the air!

All Opera Bespoke packages can be tailored to suit any budget, no matter how big or small, taking pride in making Opera and Classical Entertainment widely accessible whilst maintaining the highest possible standards.

To find out more or discuss your wedding requirements, please contact Margaret on 020 8354 3112 or email info@operabespoke.com

"As performers, we derive immense enjoyment and satisfaction from performing so directly to an audience and immersing ourselves in the atmosphere. The most important thing is that we create lasting memories which will always remain in the hearts of brides and grooms up and down the country but I think the comments from our clients say it better:"

“Words will never be enough to say how much we enjoyed the opera singers.  All the guests are still talking about it.  They said it was absolutely stunning and even the children were so happy.  It was just magical and my husband and daughter cried and said it was the highlight of the evening.  My husband congratulated me for organising such a wonderful event and said he will never forget those two opera singers.  As I said, I just cannot express how much happiness they gave to our wedding breakfast”.

“I wanted to say a big big thank you to everyone at Opera Bespoke for making our wedding day so magical.  Although it has been over a month now since we got married, when we see people who were at our wedding, the first thing they say is how brilliant the opera singers were.  It made a real difference, and made our wedding so just that little bit more special and unique.  My 7 and 4 year old nephews keep singing "funiculi, funicula" and waving napkins around whenever we go to their house!!  Please pass on our sincere thanks to the three singers”

“The performers were outstanding and added that extra special edge to our day.  The power of the performance was shown on the faces of all of our guests, there was a mixture of initial confusion, followed by sheer delight and enjoyment.  Nessun Dorma provoked a few tears amongst family members, but tears of contentment and remembrance.  A truly stunning performance for a truly stunning day”.

Tue 24th Jan, 2012

Introducing The Wedding Reporter

I'm delighted to introduce you to one of our latest sponsors - The Wedding Reporter.

The lady behind this great concept is Emma Woodhouse. Emma can perfectly capture your wedding from start to finish but not in the way you would expect. For Emma is a wedding literacy gem, who will document your day including emotions and tiny details, and create a word-based equivalent of a photo album - a literacy legacy.

I was curious to hear more about Emma, her background and how she came to be The Wedding Reporter. Emma happily obliged and what you're about to read is a great insight into Emma's journey to becoming a writer and why she loves what she does...

"I didn’t really fit in at my creative writing classes. I was the youngest person there with the brightest pencil case and biggest notebook. I sat in the same seat every week, on the corner of the horseshoe, so that I could see everybody without being the centre of attention myself.

Each week we would have to read out our homework assignment in front of the rest of the class. The old ladies described vast landscapes from their childhoods as practice for their memoirs. The not-quite-middle-aged men wrote snippets of science fiction or convoluted postmodern nonsense to make them feel intellectual.

I rocked up and with shaking hands and a faltering voice, read my stories about strippers, adulterous presidents and cross-dressing Victorians. My poor teacher, having had the luxury of simply reformulating the same response to everyone else, sat with her jaw agape as she tried to think of some constructive criticism.

The difference between me and them was that I wanted to write about people and more specifically about the relationships between people. I wanted to know what made a great love story and even better, what made a heartbreaking tragedy. I spent pages and pages describing a certain look between characters or the inner monologue of a suitably bereft lover.

It took a while for me to realise that what I am is essentially a romance writer. I thought I was penning great literature, but in truth I am not bothered by metaphors or intricately woven political messages. I love love stories and there is no greater love story than a man and a woman publicly vowing to spend the rest of their lives striving for mutual happiness."

The Ebury Collection wedding blog. Photography copyright 2012 The Wedding Reporter

"In this day and age, when you don’t have to get married, I think it is a huge gesture when a couple decides to make that commitment. Nine times out of ten, most couples don’t really realise the magnitude of their actions until they are stood at the altar, hearing the words come out of their mouths. I absolutely adore the fact that my job is to watch that moment of realisation and attempt to transcribe it into a literary legacy, so that when they read it back in years to come they feel equally as affected and overcome.

I’ve written a lot of love stories in my time, from secret stories in the back of my exercise book about boys we had a crush on, to lengthy duologues set in a coffee shop for my drama degree. I started writing love stories before I even knew what love was. I started writing before I even knew how to craft a story.

My own story to this point has not been straightforward. In my other lives I’ve moonlighted as a barmaid, television runner, visual merchandiser and most recently a civil servant protecting England’s heritage. I did not even intend to get married, let alone create a career in the wedding industry, in a job title that didn’t exist.  But as any writer has to do, I created a world and now I am living in it.

Sometimes when I’m sat at the back of a ceremony room with my trusty notebook, surrounded by someone else’s friends and family, I laugh at the thought of what I’m doing. But then, when those same family and friends start coming up to me and telling me stories about the bride and groom, reminiscing about their own personal relationships and asking me when they can read the story, I know that this new world I’ve created is not so fantastical after all.

It’s just a slightly rose-tinted one in which people are not afraid to admit that they’re a sucker for a love story, too."

Fri 16th Dec, 2011

Hall of Cakes | Victorian-style wedding cakes

I'm really delighted to be able to share these amazing cakes with you on the blog today. Nicola Hall, the creative talent behind Hall of Cakes, makes and designs these elaborate cakes, which are inspired by Victorian style and architecture.

Here is Nicola's story of how she decided to leave a career in the city and ended up appearing on the BBC!

A 15 year long career working as an insurance broker in the city changed almost overnight after a chat with her new husband whilst lying in a sun lounger on their honeymoon...

On return from their honeymoon and with Nicola’s creative streak, her love of history and her experience of planning her own wedding, the seed of an idea was taking shape.

“My husband thought I was slightly crazy (which made me even more determined!) and I soon booked myself onto evening classes in sugarcraft. I continued my city job, but also started to dabble in baking cakes and practising my new found sugar skills.”

In May 2007 Nicola left the city and launched Hall of Cakes. She felt there was a real gap in the market for what she considered to be real traditional wedding cakes. “I couldn’t seem to find (even from some of the top wedding cake designers) a real passion for the beautiful piping and cornice work that was used in the Victorian era.

There were of course designers that used piping (and beautifully so), but nothing that was, for want of a better expression, ‘completely over the top’. The old fashioned Victorian cakes were literally covered in various royal icing techniques and another thing that I loved is that they were all white. White tiers, white piping and lots of it!

These skills are not something you acquire overnight. During the first two years of Hall of Cakes, I made many occasional cakes (kid’s cakes, christening cakes etc.) and the wedding orders gradually came in. I grew in confidence, in skill and of course experience and the wedding cakes grew bigger, more intricate and elaborate.”

Wedding photography copyright 2011 The Ebury Collection wedding blog

Nicola did a lot of research into the Victorian Era and visited many beautiful buildings to see the level of detail used within the architecture - in particular Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, which was the home of Queen Victoria. The architectural detail recreated in Royal icing often comes from ceiling roses, original fire places and cornicing from the Victorian period.

"I am very proud to say that four years on from leaving the city that Hall of Cakes is a complete success. Clients now come to me from all over London and the Home Counties for my design skills and for the level of expertise in sugarcraft.

I am also very proud that my designs have featured in many national publications such as Wedding Ideas, BRIDES and Cosmopolitan Bride. They are also being featured on BBC One in an episode looking at the history of the wedding cake, as part of the 'Best of British' series."

The business is run from a beautiful home studio where couples can see Nicola’s cakes on display. “I absolutely love what I do and continually push myself beyond my comfort zone to achieve beautiful wedding cakes and a level of absolute perfection.”

Nicola covers London, Kent, Surrey and Essex and can be contacted on 020 8099 0686 or via email nicola@hallofcakes.co.uk

Wed 7th Dec, 2011

Carys Boyle's handmade ceramic works of art...

If you're planning a winter wedding and just can't find that perfect little finishing touch for your tables, then you might have just found them here.

Each unique piece is handmade by skilled artisan Carys Boyle. Carys produces a range interior accessories, jewellery and buttons using porcelain which make ideal gifts and decorations for weddings.

Her inspiration for these minimalist forms comes from the coastal environment. She is interested in how the sea affects objects found on the shore and photographs and sketches these to design her work. She is particularly drawn to the organic forms of driftwood, the smooth contours of pebbles and the patterns created by seaweed left on sand and rocks and this is evident in her work. Slip casting is used as a starting point, and then the forms are slip trailed and manipulated to create pieces that are a lot stronger than their delicate appearance.

She has a studio at her home near Chester which is ideal for a working Mum as she is always around for the children and is able to work unconventional hours.

She sells her work in galleries and boutique shops around the country and on 'Not on the High Street.com'.

The Ebury Collection wedding blog. Wedding photography copyright 2011 Alison Mclean

Mon 5th Dec, 2011

Cosy winter wonderland floral inspiration

As some of you might already know, I love an inspiration shoot. Especially ones that are full of creativity and imagination.

I received an email from Gemma at Planet Flowers, asking whether I would like to feature a shoot where she'd recently collaborated with Blue Sky Photography. Now Gemma is one very talented florist and has created some of the most unique and inspiring floristry I've seen, and together with the brilliant photogaphy of Blue Sky, I literally didn't hesitate to say yes.... even though it's not a bridal shoot, there is more than enough inspiration for any a winter wedding.

I'll hand over to Niels and Alie from Blue Sky Photography, and Gemma to tell you all about it...

"Do you ever have ideas in your head? Things you’d love to try or just play around with if only you had that little bit of extra time?

Sometimes you just have to make the time to dream a little; and play a little... And last winter in the middle of all the breathtaking (and persistent) white stuff that fell around us we created that space.

In the week we scheduled the shoot, the blanket of snow had pretty much coated the whole country in a blanket of soft, fluffy loveliness. The scene was perfectly set for a cosy outdoor hideaway. And so we set about converting the Planet cutting garden shed in to a little Christmas grotto.

The vision was to create something warm and inviting, oozing with layers of texture, rich colours and the welcoming aroma of all things winter-wonderful.

We conjured up an intimate outside dining space for four, imagining guests huddling closely under twinkling fairy lights, drinking mugs of mulled wine or steaming hot cocoa (marsh-mallows a must) accompanied by spicy ginger bread… with the soft sounds of a Christmas carol or two…

Getting the look…

Leading up to the shed we hung an ilex berry wreath against the distressed stable door. Above the potting shed hung a deconstructed wreath of white hyacinth bulbs and pine cones, while inside, old wine bottles with ilex berries were filled with candles to light the way to the shed and provide unctuous flickering candlelight…

The Ebury Collection wedding blog. Wedding photography copyright 2011 Blue Sky Photography

An old kitchen table was up-cycled by layering with a cinnamon stick table-top. Tactile texture combined with alluring aromas to fill the potting shed to the brim with the smells of Christmas.

A red rose and moss chandelier was hung above the table to add further height and carry the warmth of the red towards the roofline of the potting shed…

A dark red amaryllis and berry floral runner lay down the centre of the table. Moss place mats and ceramic table-ware with real linen napkins added height, contrasting colour and alternative textures to the eclectic wood colourings.

A home-made gingerbread snow-flake and a little hand-tie of winter foliage bunch on each napkin embellished the place setting. (Just the kind of simple and effective touches you may like to use on your Christmas table settings this year – we promise not to squeal you found the inspiration here).

Preserve jars filled with frosted bonbons and baby apples added a burst of festive red to the table. Pine cones were studded with berries and moss making mini-trees which we scattered round the floor of the shed – these would look equally lovely on a mantelpiece or festive tablescape.

Petite Christmas wreaths adorned the back of each chair tied on using red silk ribbon. We imagined having friends round and adding a hand-written place tag onto the ribbon so that they knew where to sit, feeling totally welcome and utterly spoilt.

The great thing about playing is that you can just use things which you have lying around… we used Niels’ mum’s cute German lantern which sat sweetly beside an old picnic chair and one of our winter foliage pomanders. The kitchen table was lying under some pots, the ceramic plates were picked up in an outlet store – mix and match, make the style your own.

Winter is a time for savouring; it’s about a collection of textures; putting your own stamp on your home and trying a contemporary twist on traditional elements."

Thank you so much to Gemma, Niels and Alie for sharing this shoot with me. I love it!

Wed 9th Nov, 2011

The latest collection by bridal designer Johanna Hehir

I've been a fan of British designer Johanna Hehir for quite a while now and when I was sent a little video of her latest collection, I couldn't wait to share it with you.

I love the unique and recognisable romantic style to her wedding dress designs and her use of lace too. One of my favorites from her new collection is mid-way through the film, a gown with full length puff sleeves. A beautiful vintage inspired design.

Johanna Hehir designs are stocked across the country, click here to find your nearest stockest.

Tue 8th Nov, 2011

Fetcham Park launch | Surrey wedding venue

The 30 October saw a lavish event to mark the launch of a new wedding venue - Fetcham Park in Surrey.

Fetcham Park is a Grade II listed, Queen Anne mansion set within beautiful grounds, which were originally designed by Capability Brown.

On entering the house, you are greeted by the most impressive murals by renowned French artist Louis Laguerre, which date back to the 1700s. The murals surround the staircase and ceilings of the reception hall and will make for the most wonderful wedding photographs.

The Shell room houses yet another magnificent ceiling painting, a unique chandelier as well as ornate plaster work and gilding.

The glamorous event was hosted by Laura Coudery, the custodian of Fetcham Park, along with Miss Bush Bridal Wear and Tigerlilly Weddings.

After mingling with some of the most renowned people in the wedding industry and being treated to canapes and champagne, we were welcomed into the grand entrance hall for the main event - a fashion show.

The show featured gowns from Jenny Packham, Stephanie Allin, Suzanne Neville and Jesus Piero, all available from Miss Bush Bridal Wear and a masterpiece of floristry, a floral and diamante skull by Bloomin'gayles.

The Ebury Collection wedding blog. Photography copyright 2011 EFC Photography

Delicious canapes were provided by At Home Catering.

The beautiful orchid garland on the staircase was the work of Wild About Flowers.

The dress of the day, a black Suzanne Neville gown, along with the jewelled floral skull created by Bloomin'gayes.

Thu 27th Oct, 2011

Zita Elze's new Living embroidery collection

Back in August you may remember a little blog post I published here about florist Zita Elze and her incredible floral wedding gowns.

Well Zita's officially launched her 'Living Embroidery Bridal Collection' at The Designer Wedding Show just recently in Battersea. With her incredible new Stipa gown taking centre stage at the event's fashion show and her exhibition stand showcasing an enchanting and strikingly beautiful beach-themed wedding setting.

Following many years of producing beautiful floral wedding designs, Zita has embraced haute couture with her “Living Embroidery Bridal Collection”, a new range of exquisite wedding gowns made with fresh flowers, leaves and grasses. Brides looking for a floral designer to express their individual style, can work with Zita to create a real wow factor.

Once worn on your wedding day, your gown can be carefully preserved with the flowers, petals and grasses lasting a lifetime.

Zita's two wedding gowns, one of which is called ‘Stipa’ has a breathtakingly beautiful satin bodice studded with fresh spray roses, with a long, full skirt made from swathes of stipa grasses. The dress ‘Espuma’ also has a bodice of fresh flowers and a skirt comprising 70 meters of carefully torn strips of chiffon. The effect is spellbinding.

“I wanted to form exceptionally soft, voluptuous folds using plant material. I used a the grass, stipa as it is silky and smooth with a texture you can’t find in fabric,” explains Zita. For ‘Espuma’, I created amazing volume in the skirt by first layering 70 meters of chiffon, then tearing it into narrow strips and finally rubbing each strip with a grater to give it a rough, distressed texture.”

The Ebury Collection wedding blog. Wedding photography copyright 2011 Julian Winslow

Brides interested in ordering dresses or accessories from Zita’s “Living Embroidery Bridal Collection,” will meet Zita for a personal consultation to discuss their vision and then to choose the theme, style, and the emotion they wish to reflect. Each dress is custom-made a few days before the wedding so that the flowers retain their fresh beauty. Post-wedding, the flowers on the bodice gradually dry out, but retain much of their form and colour.

You can also accessorise with floral sashes, veils, bracelets and hair pieces. Brides can commission all or part of a gown and any accessories. Gowns start at £5,000; accessories start at £200. Every design is unique and available worldwide.

Zita also runs the Zita Elze Design Academy in Kew where students from across the world can learn how to master her innovative techniques and style. She also offers special “hen days” where bridal parties learn how to make spectacular arrangements for the home, accompanied by a champagne lunch. Or for those wanting an even more intensive creative experience, she offers a week’s course in floral wedding design.

“I love working closely with the bride, absorbing the ambience and emotions she wishes to evoke and then recreating this with flowers,” explains Zita. “I transform venues into something magical, a stage where the bride can live her dream alongside those she loves.”

Mon 24th Oct, 2011

A David Fielden bride and a rustic country wedding

After a beautiful engagement in in Cinque Terre, Italy, Stefan & Louise tied the knot in August at the beautiful Belmont Abbey in Hereford.

"Their reception was held at nearby Hellens Manor. We both wanted a wedding that showed off the beauty of the venue and of the Herefordshire countryside. I’m addicted to flowers and lights so wanted as many garden flowers as possible throughout and then as many lanterns and lights for when the sun set. The straw bales fitted in perfectly. There were donkeys, ponies and horses so there was definitely the countryside theme going on! Thankfully the weather was perfect so the straw bales really helped everyone to mingle and enjoy the summer evening."

Stef and Lou had a few things to overcome in the lead up to their wedding...

"Unfortunately the lead up to the wedding was quite stressful. Stef contracted septicaemia in March and spent the following 3 months in hospital. Luckily he recovered and was able to make good progress at home. However, once he was out of hospital we had only two and a half months to plan the wedding. It was very difficult to fit in wedmin around Stef’s recovery, but he didn’t let it deter him - he was a star!!"

The Ebury Collection wedding blog. Wedding photography copyright 2011 Dominic Whiten

I adored my bouquet. My mum’s friend is a retired teacher but absolutely amazing with flowers. She kindly did all the flowers which were just superb.

When I went for the fitting for my wedding dress 4 weeks before the wedding the dress didn’t fit at all. The shop in which I had bought it said that if they were to alter it and make it a size smaller they couldn’t guarantee it would look nice (!!!). This really didn’t fill me with much confidence so I went on a manic rampage to find another dress. The shop had said they would sell my other dress which meant I was free to find one ready for 4 weeks time. This is a lot harder than I had thought. Luckily I have a fabulous mum, best friend and sister. They booked appointments all over London to find a dress that would be ready in 4 weeks. I found the perfect David Fielden dress in a shop called Teokath in Wimbledon.

"The wedding was very much a diy/community affair. For instance, Stef’s mum is Swiss so we had a liqueur called Roteli for the favours. Stef bottled all of these at home which took an age – he was amazing!

A few touches I did love were the solar lights in the orchard, the straw bales and the barrel of the local beer Butty Back!"

Supplier info (UK)

Dress: David Fielden

Photographer: Dominic Whiten

Caterers: Ascari

Bridesmaids dresses: House of Fraser

Groom’s suit: Moss Bross

Transport: Hereford Wedding Cars

Cake: Makes and Cakes

Music: The Creatures

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