Jenna and Graeme's Pre-wedding shoot in Brighton

Jenna and Graeme from Buckinghamshire chose sunny (and windy!) Brighton as the backdrop for their pre-wedding shoot.  Pre-wedding and engagement photo shoots are becoming more and more popular.  They absolutely loved theirs and think that there are lots of reasons to make them part of your wedding plans …

1. It’s a great way to get to know and feel totally comfortable with your photographer, before the big day

Our wedding photographer is Phil Bourne, owner of e.motion images. He’s a brilliant photographer but he’s also an old friend of mine, so for me and my hubby to be, it was really important to feel confident and relaxed with Phil … not as mates, but as photographer and bride.

A pre-wedding photo shoot was a brilliant opportunity to do that and we think it worked pretty well!

2. It’s a great way to express yourself and your personality

We love all things vintage and fun … so straight away we knew we’d have a vintage photo shoot. After some thought and chat with Phil, we also knew Brighton would be the best venue for this. Not only was it an excuse to have some fun by the sea, we also knew it would really suit the vintage theme.

I’ve also seen some lovely picnic shoots, beach parties for two, and tea parties used as engagement themes. Some carefully selected props make the pictures stand out too!

3. Photos can be a great way of injecting personal touches in to your wedding day

We’ve used our pictures on our invites, order of service and in other little touches to be revealed on September 1st! (our wedding day!)

4. We’ve also made our own album as a keepsake and some as presents for family and friends, which they love!

The only piece of advice I would give anyone doing a pre-wedding photo shoot is to ‘be prepared’! When we did ours, the weather was absolutely freezing … and as you can see, very, very windy!!!!

To check out Phil’s work, have a look at http://www.e-motionimages.co.uk/or contact him phil@e-motionimages.co.uk

If you would like your wedding or your pre-engagement shoot featured on our website, please email your details to info@clarebeckwithweddings.co.uk and send us a few sample shots to look at.  We especially like to see your unique weddings with lots of special touches as these are most likely to be published.

Turning heads

Now I don't know about you, but if I come across a stray button, or a piece of ribbon or the like, I pop it in my 'button box' (a small plastic airtight food container) which is where it lives untouched...well ...forever. 

But some people have a way with bits and bobs and can create the most inspired pieces from the most unlikely materials.  Which is why I just had to introduce you to Chloe Haywood from Hatastic http://www.hatastic.folksy.com/

Chloe started making hats and fascinators when she couldn't find a hat to go with a vintage cream crepe dress for a very special wedding. She wanted a fascinator, but all she could find were bright and brash designs that were really expensive and looked like everything else on the high street.

I met Chloe a few years back when I worked on her equally creative sister's wedding. She can lovingly craft the most amazing head pieces including bridal veils, hats and fascinators.

Each item is handmade from secondhand, vintage or recycled items.  Her headpieces are unique, so you know that your design is a true one off.  No mass produced stuff here.  Perfect for the bride or wedding guest with an individual style.

Hatastic! has been nominated to be Accessory Designer of the Year at the Finest Fashion Awards in July 2011.  One to watch!

Photo credits: http://www.julietlemon.com/,  http://www.jerileebrownphotography.co.uk/

Paige and Harish's vintage wedding at The Bingham, Richmond

It was a complete treat to be invited to work with Paige and Harish on their wedding at the fabulous Bingham Hotel in Richmond.  Wonderful riverside location, wonderful ideas, completely wonderful couple. 

Paige, originally from New Jersey, USA and Harish met at St Andrews university just over 6 years ago, when Paige popped a valentines card under Harish's door. Brave move, and it clearly bowled him over! 

Their guests flew in from all over the globe and were treated to the amazing Bingham hospitality.  They could not have had a more perfect day for their celebrations as temperatures soared to an unseasonal 26 degrees on Easter Sunday.

I've been excited to see their photos - mainly because they incorporated so many really interesting details - a wedding planner's dream.  Take a look.

Wedding planner - Clare Beckwith Weddings http://www.clarebeckwithweddings.co.uk/
Photographer - Helen Jones photography http://www.helenjonesphotography.co.uk/
Brides's dress - J Crew (USA)
Bride's sash - Marisa (USA - handmade in New Jersey, where bride is from)
Bridesmaids dresses - David's Bridal (USA)
Bride's shoes - New Look
Groom's suit and groomsmen's waistcoats/cravats - Moss Bros
Flowers - Conservatory Florist, Richmond, Surrey
Wedding cake (birdcage) - The Cake Parlour, Wimbledon
Groom's cake and cupcakes with St Andrews crest - The Cake Parlour, Wimbledon
Favour bags - Handmade by groom's mother with fabric bought in USA
'Something borrowed and something old' - Vintage birdcage charm from Ireland (a gift from Paige's bridesmaid Grace - pinned to bouquet)
'Something blue' - Ribbon monogrammed with bride's initials and date of wedding - J Crew (pinned to bouquet)
'Something new' - Bride's necklace - Baccarat
Invitations and placecards - Vera Wang
Orders of Ceremony, table numers and seating plan - Ruth Springer Design
Frame for seating plan - Not on the High Street
Tall Birdcages - Wedding Day Hire
Double sided picture frames - John Lewis
Oversize Balloons - Signature balloons

Ivory lace for balloons - John Lewis

Ivory satin ribbon - The Ribbon Company

Invite Betty to your wedding

If you want to bring a bit of retro style to your wedding, why not invite Betty? 

Betty, owned by Hayley of Vintage Scoops http://www.vintagescoops.co.uk/ is a 1973 Bedford cf who has been lovingly restored and decorated in beautiful shades of pale blue and cream. To complete the authentic 50's feel she is decked out in Cath Kidston oilcloth and festooned with bunting.

We bumped into Betty while we were Easter egg hunting at Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire, and thought what a perfect addition to your wedding she would be.

The ice cream comes locally from Beachdean Dairies and is free from artificial flavourings, colourings and additives.  The flavours are to die for.  There are all the usual ones you'd expect like rum and raisin, double chocolate, sticky toffee fudge.  But they also have a selection perfect for weddings such as Champagne Sorbet, Bailey's or Pimms and Lemonade. They also have a range of lollies. I expect any kiddies at the wedding might enjoy the bubble gum flavour. And the men-folk? Well, what better than the lager and lime, or cider varieties?

A passion for all things vintage

There's something about vintage weddings we adore.  Pretty vintage dresses (be they the genuine article, or simply vintage inspired), beautiful flowers like peonies and roses, music from yesteryear...the list of beautiful and desirable things goes on.

You can really have fun with the styling of the reception too and with the current popularity of vintage weddings, there are no shortage of suppliers to help you create the look you are after.  One particular one that caught our eye in the week was http://www.rosesallover.co.uk/

When Rosie Watson and Katie Coakes first met at work back in 2006 little did they know that their shared fascination for the old fashioned would eventually mean they would end up starting their own business together four years later.  Scouring flea markets during their teabreaks really paid off when they launched their professional china hire and styling service.

We loved their vintage collection (and their passion) so much that we contacted them to find out more.  Rosie told us

"Our ethos is to reclaim, revive, recycle and breathe new life into forgotten treasures. We offer the ultimate ‘green’ style solution, and choosing vintage means that brides on a budget can make their funds go further. Why buy new when you can re-use something original for a fraction of the cost?"

We totally agree Rosie, and wish you and Katie all the best as you approach your first anniversary!

Pretty vintage weddings

Imagine an English country setting, a glorious sunny day and a historical venue full of exquisite fine bone china, lace, pearls, sweet peas, peonies, roses, pastel colours, mirrors catching flickering candlelight, and glass sweet dishes displaying retro sweets from yesteryear and you have yourself a vintage-themed wedding.

As vintage style weddings are so popular nowadays, we wanted to offer you some style tips to get you thinking about a vintage theme for your special day so we asked Vintage expert Beth Morgan from Be Vintage for some ideas.

As a bride, it’s important to stand out from the crowd, so why not set the scene in a beautiful genuine vintage wedding dress. http://www.thevintageweddingdresscompany.com/ has a stunning collection of original vintage dresses starting from the 1900’s, right through to the 1970’s. All their dresses are beautifully cleaned and restored and can be tailored for you to a couture finish using their in-house specialist alteration service.

For new dresses that are created in a vintage style, take a look at http://www.circabrides.com/

1930's style dress by Circa Brides

1970's style dress by Circa Brides

For a completely personal touch, Magpie Vintage is a company that makes bespoke jewellery using vintage pieces, so if you have an old brooch that belonged to your grandma they can incorporate that into a necklace for you. http://www.magpievintage.co.uk/

Here are some other ideas to achieve the style you want:

1920’s style

If you favour a 1920’s feel, think:

• Flapper dresses with a low sash

• Pinstripe suits

• Long pearl necklaces

• Pretty beaded bags, feathers and stylish headpieces

• Arrive in a classic Regent convertible car!

• A jazz band for your guests to listen to during the drinks reception

Inside your venue, you could use feathers draped on tables, single glass candlesticks standing on mirrored bases with pearls intertwined everywhere, creating a simple but very effective vintage look. Pretty glass sweet dishes displaying pastel coloured sweets can be dotted around. Birdcages can be used to display simple flowers and draped pearls.

The Victorian era

For the Victorian era, the clothes and accessories comprise frock coats, capes, long lace gloves, parasols, and beaded bags. For a lovely collection of lace gloves, parasols, fans and vintage beaded bags available for hire, try http://www.bevintage.co.uk/

If you are having a Victorian themed wedding, why not arrive in a horse drawn carriage?

Your guests could drink tea from vintage bone china teacups and saucers and eat pretty cupcakes served from vintage cake stands whilst listening to a harpist or violinist playing in the background.

Inside your venue, the room could be full of pastel coloured roses, sweet peas and peonies displayed in cut glass rose bowls or single stem glass vases grouped together. In between the flowers could be glass and silver candlesticks draped in pearls providing a sophisticated romantic atmosphere.

You could also use teacups, saucers and teapots to display flowers for an unusual piece of vintage charm. You could also use perfume bottles, glass decanters and sweet dishes as displays on your tables. For all your glass vases, vintage china, candlesticks and lots of extra accessories available for hire see http://www.bevintage.co.uk/

Credits: Clare would like to thank Beth Morgan from Be Vintage for her thoughts and ideas on Vintage weddings

Photo credits: http://www.circabrides.com, http://www.bevintage.co.uk

Birthday Party Heaven

Oh my goodness this is gorgeous! What little girl wouldn’t want to throw her birthday party at the Betty Blythe Fine Food Pantry in West London, especially if they love all things pink and glittery? They get to delve into the dress up boxes, experiment with sparkly make up, eat scrumptious cakes, as well as mini muffins and brownies, all washed down with hot chocolate. Wish I was 10 again!

If you aren’t 10, but still love the concept, they have some great ideas for grown- ups too! I love the new range of seasonal hampers they’ve just bought out for Spring /Summer. They are packed full of yummy things, from fresh sandwiches and cakes to Champagne and ginger beer! Perfect for an informal party in the park! You can even tailor the contents to your own taste.

They’d also be great catering for a wedding reception or garden party. They say on their website “Canapés, fine dining and tea parties are presented by elegant starlets and dapper chaps, dressed in our black and white outfits and a touch of red lipstick, we and add a touch of vintage style to any occasion.”

Feels like Summer already!

Credits: bettyblythe.co.uk