Friday Friends - Lindsey Wilks

My very own tea cup and saucer painted by Lindsey, check out the stripe and dotty bunting and the hidden bow in my cup! 

Rose glass for my rose lemonade, I love the pinks and greens together

The Peacock pin or bonbon dish, perfect to keep trinkets, sweets, anything in. Have a set of six and serve ice-cream with all the trimmings!

This weeks Friday Friends is someone I am so pleased to have met and a super talented lady who is divinely modest about her skills. The lovely artist and designer Lindsey Wilks.

I first met Lindsey when she came to the studio to chat about dresses, I'm always really interested to hear what everyone does and Lindsey coyly told me she painted porcelain. I'm not the biggest crockery fan as it's usually a bit dull, but took a look at her site and was so excited (and relieved) about what I saw.

Fabulous explosions of colour, beautiful painted scripts and typography to die for. Lindsey has a definite style and flare and there is nothing twee about her gorgeous colour popping works of art. She told me she just loves painting flowers but the little details she adds are so much more than this. The tiny gold hand painted dots reflecting the opulence of gilt edged Louis XVI designs, I think they would sit perfectly in Sophia Coppola's Mary Antoinette too.

The plates and tea cups are a florists dream, heavily laden with roses, blossoms, Lillie's, all together with personal swirling messages that make these items such an individual gift for someone. Lindsey is currently painting all of her wedding plates that are going to look stunning, you don't really need flowers with these around.

The best thing (I like to be practical about pretty things!) is that you can properly use these, they are all fine to go through the dishwasher, eat your tea from with steak knives, and this kind of crockery is worth getting excited about. I just adore the absolute gorgeousness of it all!

You can see and buy Lindsey's work here in her etsy shop. or click on the pictures above.  Just in time for Christmas presents.

Thank you Lindsey for sharing! x

Friday Friends - Wings Art aka Chris King

So some of you may have noticed a few changes around here on the blog? This brilliant splattering of glitter and objects is down to Wing aka Chris King of Wingsart.net who has given us a make-over.

This man is not only an excellent graphic designer he's also super talented with a blue pencil and a pot of black ink as an illustrator. His use of colour is always eye poppingly gorgeous, pinks and greens is a winner with me.
These talents may also be one of the reasons why he's the man I chose to marry. Kind of handy don't you think?

So what exactly does Wing do?

He makes type and graphics look beautifully spaced and incredibly stylish. This is more complicated than you think and nearly impossible to work out, but those white spaces in between the text are very important.

Wing designs logos and branding that always hits the mark and will certainly get you recognised, I've included some of my favourites below. He designed my bow which will last forever as our icon, it perfectly communicates our style. Kind of what a logo is supposed to do.

He sketches, inks and colours fabulous posters, he did our wedding invitation (above) which was a big fold out poster for each of our guests. I'm always blown away when I see the sketches and the inked versions, it's usually hidden away so I don't comment, he never thinks they are good enough!  It's rare seeing someone who can really draw in a proper way nowadays and is so fascinating to look at. 

Wing's also a big knowledge on illustration history and weekly art book reviews on his blog. He never says anything bad, the bad ones aren't worth mentioning. I'm so jealous of his book collection and it will make you want to add to your big time. I love the way he photographs the pages so you actually see the size and what the book looks like before buying.  

He does lots of other things too, designing graphics for the Kiddimoto balance bikes and helmets, commercial stuff making businesses look intelligent, album covers and zombie t-shirts, the list goes on. Basically making pages look beautiful in a very cool way.

On the rare occasion he may also give some excellent advice on your dress being made in the studio, his opinion is always appreciated and acted upon. If your dress has a waist detail that really flatters, or an ultra feminine silhouette thank him for his inspiration.

You may like to look at his blog, it has beautiful type, exciting visuals and he's not a bad writer either. You'll definitely learn something and if you like 80s B movies you'll love it.

Here is more of his wonderful work, I know this is a little biased but I love our new designed blog!
Thanks Wing xxx

Wing does a comic book movie every week for Illustration Friday and usually with a theme. These ones are my favourites, can you guess which films they are from?

Friday Friends - The Beau Ties

Photography by James Bailey

Images taken from facebook

This weeks Friday Friends is the coolest girl band THE BEAU TIES! 

We were introduced to the crazily talented ladies at a tweet up recently organised by the lovely Little Wedding Helper at Goldbrick House, Bristol. These four girls stood in the corner looking a little dubious at their 'wedding industry' audience and just started singing the most gorgeous Southern Bluegrass/ Blues/ Rockn'roll A Capella harmonies. No mics just feet tapping, hand clapping beautiful sounds. It sure silenced me.

I'm not great at describing music so here is how they describe themselves.

"Bristol based band of babes singing A Capella! Covers from Little Richard to Nina Simone and some toe tapping originals written by the girls themselves. Sarah Jade, Emma Steel, April Jackson and Kim Fielding met at The Old duke and still pour your whiskeys from time to time!"


These girls ain't no typical wedding band and you would so want them to be at your wedding (or any event) as they would make you look incredibly cool. They didn't disappoint in styling either with a perfect splattering of leopard print, tattoos and prettiness. I have a feeling from their facebook pics that they may do some even more brilliantly style costuming for performances. We may have to get them in some of our dresses! 

Speaking to the ladies themselves you couldn't meet a more down to earth band, they even bought their collie dog along too who patiently waited outside whilst they sang.

Check out their facebook to see where they are playing next. I'm wanting to hear a  lot more from The Beau Ties and if you don't like them, well ...............

Warning: you will get a Total girl crush 'wannabe in your band' fan alert.

Friday Friends - Sneak Peek and Sharing

 Photography by Sally T Photography

This is a mini Friday Friends that I promise will be covered in way more depth soon. 

A Beautifully styled by designer and super talented organised lady Katy Howieson of What Katy Did Next. 

Katy got together some wonderful suppliers to take part in a styled shoot to promote Thimble and Bobbin home wares and along with photographer Sally Thurrell created a gorgeous world of homely loveliness. 

I'm incredibly flattered our dresses get to grace such stunning girls and be surrounded by so many pretty things, in a warm country cottage.

The shoot was featured on Love My Dress recently and we will be going into more depth about all the amazing people involved soon. And of course sharing pics of our dresses!

Here is a link list to some gorgeous stuff to keep you going ................................................

Photography: Sally T Photography
Head wear: What Katy Did Next
Home wares (cushions, hearts, prints and other textiles): Thimble & Bobbin 

They have a shop here too 

Make Up: Make Up By Jo    

Hair: Vintage Tinsel
            Art: Alexandra Garrity Art           

Tea cups and saucers: Tea With Ruby
Venue: Bousdale Farm
Models: Beth Dooley & Pippa Welch
Aprons: Pinnikity

Friday Friends - Laura Michelle, 'Power' photographer!

Laura Michelle Photography

Laura Michelle Photography

My Friday Friend this week is Laura Power of Laura Michelle Photography. I have been waiting to write this for such a long time, and at last I can share this amazing lady.
Laura first came to me for bridesmaids dresses after a vintage wedding fair, I was in the changing rooms at the time and Anna pointed at her across the room saying this girl just came over and wanted a dress. Laura was at another wedding dress stand and didn't come back, so I assumed she was the one that got away!

Thankfully she emailed me a few weeks later and came to visit the studio where we chatted bridesmaids dress and she told me she was a photographer. I thought nothing of it until I looked her up and fell head over heels in love with her blog and photography skills.

This is just a selection of my favourites, she is able to make beautiful the most mundane things and she was the only option when it came to shoot the bridal collection. I'm a complete control freak and we usually do all the photography ourselves but Laura is one of those people you can totally trust and is great to be around all day. She's also one of those uber talented people who doesn't have any idea quite how talented she is.

Here are a few other things about this wonderful photographer:

- Laura has seven (yes, 7 like a doctor) years of photography study behind her, a degree, two years of black and white study and two years of colour study

- She's super passionate about photography

- She has so many different cameras, lomo cameras, Polaroids, all sorts of gadgets to make amazing images with.

- I loved that she said that it doesn't matter how expensive your camera is, it's the skill in using it. The two photographs below were taken on a cheap digital point and shoot.

- She's a very lovely person that you would want at your wedding, not bolshy, just lovely.

- Laura will capture the most amazing moments when your not looking and get images of your family that perfectly represent their personalities. At the same time she is brilliant at directing models/brides to look your very best.

- She's very well traveled, has a black lab named Alfie and is getting married herself this year too! 

- Here are the photos Laura took at her first bridesmaids consultation at the studio.
- Here are the behind the scenes images of the bridal shoot! 

This image Laura took whilst in San Francisco of a couple at sunset, this is how great she is at capturing split second moments, even with a crappy camera.

The ceiling in the Bellagio Lobby, Vegas

My favorite image of the bridal shoot taken on the beach.

I know, once again I must seem like I'm totally over the top about this lady but she is wow factor, up and coming and soon to be up with the very best. I was blown away when I saw the shots from our bridal collection, the above image is exactly what I dreamt of and there was no way I could have taken this image myself.

NOTE: Now I've seen some terrible wedding photos, the type you want to hide they are so bad, taken by people who call themselves professional photographers.. And that's the one thing from your wedding that you keep and look at again and again. The photographer is even more important than the dress!

We all need to value genuinely talented photographers like Laura far more, it's certainly not just pushing a button on an expensive camera.

Friday Friends - Part 2

Photography by Oscar and Rose

Oscar and Rose photography
Emma of Oscar and Rose is quite a talent and we were so, so, so excited to see these photos she took at the Mansion House of us with the Marry Me Somerset girls. There will be more images coming up in a separate post but for now I just love this image. I think I'm supposed to be looking wise in some way but I was more entertained at Lisa's face. She didn't stop us giggling all day!

Marry Me In Somerset - these ladies are organisational wizards and fabulous at bringing people together. We have been to a few of their events and all have been great fun and really important in getting to know more people in the industry. I owe a lot of my growing confidence in speaking to people to them.
They have a directory of carefully selected wedding businesses based in Somerset and are genuine in their passion to promote excellent quality, so there is no longer that feeling of being ripped off when you are trying to organise your wedding. Use this site.

The wedding reporter

Before I met the infamous Cloggins I really didn't get what the wedding reporter was all about.
I'd followed her tweets and heard so many people talking about her that I was desperate to find out more, and I am so glad I did. I get it now!
She 'writes love stories' and you're the characters. Cloggins will get to know you, attend your wedding and write your story. It is then bound into a beautiful book (she collaborates with designer/illustrator Leah Spicer) that you can read over and over again, your own personal love story.
A genius idea of which she is the inventor of, the original, one and only wedding reporter.

Note: I'm so sorry if my grammar is terrible! Cloggins is a highly skilled writer stressing the importance of good grammar, as it represents you and your business. She's wise and true.

A stunning Bramble and Wild Bouquet. Photography by Oscar and Rose

Bramble and Wild Floral Emporium

So pretty the flowers and the ladies, just like a florist in a movie wearing a gorgeous dress in her flower shop. Bramble and Wild Floral Emporium is based in our favourite town of Frome on Catherine Hill and I just love the rustic natural style to their floristry. It's not just putting a bunch of flowers together, they understand colour and shape and design every time they pick up a bloom. 

Aunties Vintage China

Now I love a vintage tea set as much as everyone else, especially an art deco one but lately I have seen many, many vintage tea cups. What I loved about Aunties Vintage China was that they showed me something new at the wedding fair. A completely beautiful fine china brooch bouquet.
 As you can see it's full of colour, texture and indulgent prettiness. I remember seeing these delicate little brooches on my travels over the years and buying a few keeping them wrapped safely in tissue. Seeing them all together in a bouquet, glossy and bright is wonderful. Read more on their website here.

The Little Wedding Helper

Kirsten aka the little wedding helper is a super lovely lady here to co-ordinate the styling for your wedding.
She'll also help put all your decorations together on the morning of your wedding so you a free to spend all your time concentrating on yourself, friends and family. I can doubly vouch for this lady as she styled Sara's wedding into a candle lit, Phantom of Opera affair!
I love the Coco Cola styling with the polka dots and stripe suitcase, we just need Minnie Mouse to sit atop.

It has been really fantastic to meet all of these people, and there were so many more that I just didn't get a chance to properly speak too. Hopefully I will meet you again at another Marry Me Event xxx

Friday Friends - Part 1

Last Sunday the 11th March we were delighted to take part in the Wedding fair organised by Marry Me Somerset at the Mansion House, Bristol.

 Marry me Somerset ladies Abi and Lisa wore two dresses we designed with them in mind and looked fabulous all day whilst whizzing around the Mansion House keeping us all happy.

The Mansion House, Bristol, is a wonderful location and a real hidden gem. Not many people have heard of this beautiful Mansion, official residence to the Lord Mayor of Bristol and just off Clifton Down. Surrounded by a road of historical grand mansions this is a prestigious address that has real wow factor when you step inside. 

Our stand at the fair with Mum hosting and looking gorgeous and smiley as always. We are still getting into the swing of fair set ups and decoration, many levels will be our next stage with exciting props.

We were upstairs in a grand room with all of these wonderful designers and makers. At first we all thought it would be a little awkward but then you realise that we are all so different in our styles. I had an amazing time getting to know all of these fascinating and talented people, that I would have previously been way to scared to talk too ........

A suit that Fits - super suave, expertly cut suits for gents and ladies.David the studio manager knows how to wear a suit well and not only sent us home wanting to suit up our husbands but added a 'Suit That Fits' tailored jacket and shirt to my want list. I love the tailored womens jacket with bow tie, so Chanel in the 20s with an equestrian cut.

Lisa Keating bespoke corsets - This lady is such a huge inspiration. Lisa studied at the same University as us and has already has a long career in corsetry making the most wow factor corsets I have ever seen. They are made with such skill that they look like prized museum pieces. Lisa designs corsets for underwear (this is what I want everyone to wear under dresses!) and as outerwear for bespoke bridal gowns and any occasion. Her current project is a corset for a burlesque star.

These really are works of art up close when you see the bead work, lace applique and her signature hand sewn roses. I'm going to get back to burlesque as soon as I possibly can so I can reward myself with a cupped, sequined affair or at least learn how to make one in one of the workshops Lisa runs.

Beth Philpot Bridal and Jewellery Designer - Beth is a totally gorgeous lady and one whom we need to shout about as she isn't the shouting type.
Beth's bridal wear is again bespoke and cinematic romance is key to her style with flowing, ultra feminine lines. When you read her vast CV in costume design for film and opera it makes perfect sense. Her dresses are beautifully cut with considered detailing at every point then complimented with her oh so pretty jewellery.

Each of the roses was handcrafted by Beth at her studio in colours perfect for this seasons pastel tones. She too runs workshops and hen parties.

Lily and Louie Bridal and accessory designers with a stunning antique dress collection that I fell head over heels for. Jayne is the lady behind Lily and Louie designing with a real genuine passion for vintage dresses and style. We both chattered on about how much we both love, love dresses to the point of obsession and her bridal collection too is just gorgeous. I wanted to buy the whole rail of vintage dresses and wear them with all of her hand made accessories.

Madeline millinery and accessories, stunning designs and wow factor hats!!! When I suggest to people when visiting the studio to get a hat or head piece, this is what I mean. No silly bits of feathers that make your head look massively out of proportion, these are proper sized, beautifully, beautifully made and elegant. You should never be afraid to wear a substantial piece like these, as they are designed to give you that wow factor finish.
I was hugely impressed with this lady, the designs are something really special and I just wish I had spoken for longer to this super talented designer.

This was only half of the wonderful people we met, part 2 coming up later ...........

Friday Friends - Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair

 On the 26th February we exhibited at our first wedding fair of the year with the fabulous organisers Bristol Vintage. I will talk about wedding fairs and shows sometime in the future and I have to say that this was one of the best from an exhibitors point of view.
I stupidly left the card out of my camera but we had a really great day. Many Many Thanks to Ali from Bristol Vintage!




Bristol Vintage

Image credit to Bristol Vintage

Planners and stylists of all things lovely I can definitely vouch for Bristol Vintage as not only do they have my favourite Babycham glasses for hire they are incredibly well organised and lovely people.

What they say about Bristol Vintage

" Bristol Vintage is a Bristol based company working throughout the south west co-founded by Ali Cook & Katie Daniels. Between them they have over 10 years experience organising boutique events, weddings, parties and film premieres. Inspired by their passion for vintage and love of tea-cups and cupcakes, Bristol Vintage was born!

At Bristol Vintage we scour the land so we can provide you with the most unique collection of vintage and mismatched crockery in the country. We take pride in delivering you the best service at the best price."

Bristol Zoo 

Well, the Bristol Zoo Pavilion was a stunning venue, light, impressive and screaming of period grandeur with crystal chandeliers and high high ceilings. They also have the best carpet I have ever seen, leopard spotted!

Photography by Dawn Wilkins

 Anna and me at the fair with our tape measures and lollipops!

Photography by Dawn Wilkins

Photography by Dawn Wilkins

During the day we were very honoured to have our tulle prom dress modelled by the completely stunning Sonali Patel. We were very proud of our girl looking just amazing all day long as she walked around the fair with her hair styled by Shear Madness and photographed by Dawn Wilkins.


Sheena Holland

Image credit to Sheena Holland

At the fair we were positioned in between some amazing ladies. I had seen Sheena Hollands work before at vintage fairs but this was the first time I got to really look close up at the sparkling, jewelled delights that Sheena had designed. Jaw droppingly, want inducing. I fell in love with the green feather hairband and most of the day I was distracted (whilst speaking to people) at the twinkling pieces as people kept trying them on across the room. Thankfully she has an online shop as she travelled all the way down from Derby. I've got some saving to do as I don't think I could buy just one! Take a look in here shop here

Meticulous Ink

Images copyright to Meticulous Ink

 Athena of Meticulous Ink, Bath

 On the other side of our stand was the beautiful Athena of Meticulous Ink, Bath. I firstly noticed Athena's beautiful curly hair with a huge corsage which left me feeling very jealous that I cut my hair off! But when I went to say hello and looked down onto the table to see some of the best hand pressed, stationary I have ever seen. You have to see their website to get it and if you happen to be handed a business card, it's something to treasure. It is really wow factor in weight, texture, the raised gold logo, the varnished lettering, perfect spacing. 
I love my business card design but this is another world in terms if paper stock and is exactly what they say, Meticulously fine design and printing. Take a look at their website here. They have an etsy shop too just so you can buy a little of the quality.

Note: I know I get excited about things easily but I am in all honesty very hard to please, especially when it comes to the way things look. I expect the very best talent from people and I just don't talk about the rest. So these Friday Friends are people and businesses that I think really are something very, very special indeed.

Friday Friends - Mundy's Florists

We recently finished this fabulous floral print dress (fabrics as nearly always from Millie Moon) and it has gone to the window display of Mundy's in Street all thanks to Anna. It looks amazing in the window surrounded by all the beautiful flowers and they are long time acquaintance's of Anna so over to her to tell you all about them  .......

Last week I was excited to be able to lend one of our new dresses to Mundy's of Street Floral Designers to be part of their Mother's Day window display.

I suppose you could say Mundy's is where it all started for me - I proudly got my first Saturday job there in 1997, aged 14, and stayed working for them through school, college and university until eventually moving on to my 'proper' graduate job in 2005. I don't suppose many people can say they spent 8 years in their first part time job - I must have enjoyed it!

Mundy's Floral Design is a family run business that has been established over 120 years. The quality of their flowers, plants and floral accessories is second to none, not to mention Julie has 20 years experience in creating bridal flowers for over 2500 brides (me included.)

I honestly believe that in the time I spent working for Mundy's I gained the interest in colour/texture and developed the creativity that got me to doing what I do today. I'd also like to think I picked up a few things about retail and customer service and, as middle aged as it sounds, I've become a keen gardener. So thanks for everything guys.

Don't forget Mother's Day is March 18th - 'Say it with flowers....'