Prom Princess

Now for something a little different this week!   I have been speaking with Claire Ogden from Claire Ogden Designs and she has shown me some spectacular work this week that I am so excited to share with you.

This is what Claire had to say:

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.

Every girls dream is to be the Belle of the ball and be swept of her feet by prince charming right? Well Bethany Siddall had her dream come true when I made her a special unique prom headband to complete her new found look….

Capturing all aspects of the outfit in my piece was quite a complex thing to do and ensuring it all worked together was quite a challenge, have no fear ladies I met my challenge and made a truly terrific piece!

This little show stopping piece was designed to catch the admiring glances of passers buy and cause a bit of a stir, leaving the wearer beaming with confidence, shining like a star and heart beating all of a flutter, I wanted dramatic meets elegant flair with an original

funky’ look…..did I succeed? Your comments please…..

You see when I hatch a plan I make sure everything is covered, this piece had to be fabulous, there was no if’s and buts it just HAD to be divine. The prom dress itself was a gorgeous little number from Monsoon sporting bright colours and a powerful floral theme, I planned to enhance the best features of the frock and match the headband not only with a colour of the dress but tie in the gorgeous colours within the makeup palette, jewellery and shoes.

The best bit was still to come, we had such an amazing time creating the desired look, we made a complete afternoon of it, now ladies don’t we love to be made up, the whole process is so relaxing with the finished effect always being fantastic and we often wonder why we can’t create that look ourselves? I had a really good time creating a gorgeous face and twisting those luscious locks into spirals for a dramatic sexy soft curl up do!! Oooh all those pins....

So the next time you fancy something that little bit special ladies, why not divulged yourself in a personnel bespoke service, (I offer an amazing one), created all around you and make yourselves feel as extra special as Bethany did on the way to her prom, looking like that I am sure Prince Charming will be first in line to sweep her high off her feet, do you?

I think you will agree that these pieces are outstanding, you can visit Claire at her website and via her online shop

Visit Claire on Facebook  and follow her on Twitter 

Real Weddings - Bev and Paul

I often talk about my wonderful suppliers and the amazing work that they do, yet I rarely talk about me and what I do, or even showcase the weddings that I have done.  So today I thought I would do just that, and I thought I would let the pictures tell the story of Bev and Pauls wedding, these weren't taken by an official photographer but by friends and family.   I was also part of the ceremony after being asked to do a reading which I was delighted and honoured to do.  At the end of these lovely images is a video of the vows.  Well worth watching!

Getting ready as her daughter Pippa expertly does her make up for her

The Groom Paul before the ceremony (trying to hide his nerves!)

The Bridesmaids on their way to the wedding

The Bride and her dad walking up the aisle.

The Vows

Just married and signing the register.

Walking down the aisle to "Oops I did it again"

A gorgeous and incredibly happy couple

Meet Mr & Mrs Goldberg

Family photo.

The bride with her gorgeous children

Bev with her lovely daughters

taken at Linlithgow Palace which was the venue for the Wedding Ceremony

Time for some champagne

The groom making his speech and telling his new wife how beautiful she looks

The wedding breakfast

Cutting of the cake

Bev and her Dad there wasn't a dry eye in the room!!!!

The Bride and Groom having their first dance.

Here I am with the Bride and Groom towards the end of a fantastic day and the perfect wedding!








There wasn't an official videographer but one of the guests caught the ceremony for Bev & Paul

The reading that I was delighted to do for Bev & Paul

FOUNDATIONS OF MARRIAGE
by Regina Hill


Love, trust, and forgiveness are the foundations of marriage. In marriage, many days will bring happiness, while other days may be sad. But together, two hearts can overcome everything...In marriage, all of the moments won't be exciting or romantic, and sometimes worries and anxiety will be overwhelming. But together, two hearts that accept will find comfort together.

Recollections of past joys, pains, and shared feelings will be the glue that holds everything together during even the worst and most insecure moments. Reaching out to each other as a friend, and becoming the confidant and companion that the other one needs, is the true magic and beauty of any two people together.

It's inspiring in each other a dream or a feeling, and having faith in each other and not giving up... even when all the odds say to quit. It's allowing each other to be vulnerable, to be himself or herself, even when the opinions or thoughts aren't in total agreement or exactly what you'd like them to be. It's getting involved and showing interest in each other, really listening and being available, the way any best friend should be.

Exactly three things need to be remembered in a marriage if it is to be a mutual bond of sharing, caring, and loving throughout life: love, trust, and forgiveness.

Ultimo Bridal Couture

Today I am delighted and privileged to be able to share with you the stunning Bridal Couture & Bridal Lingerie from Ultimo.  If you are looking for that romantic dress  look no further than this stunning collection.  These gowns are beautiful, comfortable and affordable.


The opening collection features a capsule range of four bridal gowns designed by Brian Rennie, the former head of design for legendary fashion house Escada. Brian spent 20 years with the luxury brand, where he created red carpet dresses for celebrities including Beyoncé, J-Lo and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Dresses from the Ultimo Couture Bridal Collection are priced from £300 to £400 and available in sizes 8 to 18, crafted from luxury materials including French lace, chiffon, satin and silk.  

Brian Rennie, Creative Director of Ultimo Couture, said; “We already have a presence in the bridal market thanks to Ultimo’s bridal lingerie, so really it was a natural progression for the business to move into bridal dresses – particularly with the success of Ultimo Couture.

“Coming from a luxury design house, the challenge for me was to create a collection of ‘off-the-rail’ dresses that could easily be mistaken for big name bridal designers, and I think we’ve most certainly achieved this with the opening collection. We have four beautiful designs that offer women a modern yet romantic look and tick all of the boxes.”

Michelle Mone, creator of Ultimo and Ultimo Couture Bridal, said; “What we have achieved with Ultimo Couture Bridal is incredible; despite the fact that the dresses are highly affordable, there has been no compromise on quality, elegance or style. I’m extremely excited about the collection and I’m sure brides-to-be will be too when the dresses go on sale in January. All of the designs are sophisticated, timeless and modern, as well as being thoroughly affordable priced from just £300.”


The collection showcases four designs, including an ivory strapless gown and a champagne satin fish tail gown with crystal strap detailing. Each of the floor length designs have been crafted from sumptuous materials, tailored beautifully to show off the brides figure and finished with Swarovski crystals to give a glamorous edge.

Michelle added; “Brian is an absolute genius when it comes to designing beautiful gowns for women, he really has the Midas touch. The drama and femininity of his designs, as well as his extravagant use of fabric and ability to create flattering silhouettes for all women, is really quite magical and showcased perfectly in the forthcoming Bridal collection.”

Ultimo Couture Bridal is available exclusively from Debenhams stores nationwide.

To compliment these stunning gowns Ultimo famous for their high quality and beautiful lingerie also have their fabulous Bridal Collection.

Michelle Mone OBE, creator of Ultimo, has unveiled her stunning new bridal lingerie collection fit for a queen! Modelled by Brazilian beauty Racia Oliveira, the range is available exclusively from Debenhams stores and online at www.ultimo.co.uk

Michelle Mone said; “Just as a perfect marriage is built on a foundation of love, trust, and commitment, a perfect appearance on your wedding day is built on a foundation of gorgeous, well-made underwear!”

The sumptuous range caters for a wide variety of dress styles, from off the shoulder to low cut and backless, and includes a basque, a multiway bra, French knickers, a thong, a suspender belt and a garter belt. Each piece is crafted from rich jacquard satin, delicate eyelash lace and finished with pastel blue rosebuds to cover “something blue” on your special day. 


 

Michelle added, “Every bride wants to be perfectly glamorous on her wedding day and luxury bridal lingerie is the base for that perfection. Facing the cameras, family and friends on your wedding day can be incredibly daunting, but wearing the right underwear will give you a flawless silhouette and ensure you feel both confident and relaxed.

“We’ve spent an inordinate amount of time developing this stunning range to ensure it’s everything wedding lingerie should be – beautiful, luxurious, comfortable and flattering. Any bride would feel like a princess for the day wearing this gorgeous range.” 

Ultimo Bridal is available from Debenhams stores and online at www.ultimo.co.uk priced between £13.00 and £51.00, in sizes 8-18 for briefs and 30-38 A-G for the bra and basque.


For more information and to purchase this wonderful collection visit the Ultimo Website or visit your Debenhams store.


Beauty Weddings would like to thank Michelle Mone and Claire Morrison team at Ultimo for all their help in putting this blog together.

Capturing the Day!

One thing I find astonishing is that booking a photographer for many couples is way down the priority list and is often one of the last things that they organise.  This is such a vital part of your wedding day and the one thing that will capture the essence of your special day, and for you to look back on in years to come.   

I have been speaking to Alan Watson from Alan Watson Photography and have the priviledge of showcasing some of his work.

Alan is originally from Ayrshire and is now based just outside Edinburgh but he covers the whole of Scotland and Northern England. He has been commissioned to attend many weddings including that of a member of the Scottish Parliament and a Player from the Scottish Rugby Team.

At Alan Watson Photography, their sole intention is one of capturing your special day in a style and manner that will provide a lasting memory. Your wedding is unique and so are you. Alan will provide you with a totally bespoke record of your special day; it should be fun, natural and glamorous. You will have chosen the best location and you want to remember it the way it was! That’s his job to do that for you.

Alan said I love my job and love dealing with people. My style is relaxed and informal, I have attended many weddings and I know how stressful they can be. Do you want your photographer shouting orders at you and your guests? I’m guessing not, you want to enjoy your day, with your family and friends around you, you’ve worked hard enough for it!

I consider my job, as well as taking excellent photographs is to be of assistance to you throughout my time with you. I will be there to work with you and take the photographs you want. You want a record of the day and before I leave you, I will hand you three copies of all the full sized files on DVD. Also, the “copyright” © of these photographs will then pass to you both, no need to contact me to ask permission (or pay extra) to use these images, unlike some other photographers. All I ask is that you allow me to use three or four of your images for my own marketing purposes.

If it sounds easy – well it is, I know the stress that Brides go through and I have deliberately made it as easy as possible, so you can just tick off another little box and not have to worry about it – you will be in very safe hands, remember Alan Watson Photography for all your photographic needs.

So remember don't leave it too late to book your photographer, it's such an important part of your day and make sure give yourself enough time to book the right professional for the job.

To contact Alan visit his website Alan Watson Photography on Twitter and on Facebook

Irresistible Cupcakes

I was very excited doing the blog this week to share with you these absolutely delightful, melt in the mouth cupcakes by Wendi at Cupcakes4you who are based in Glasgow.   

I love these wonderful and creative designs that Wendi does so effortlessly and will make a unique addition to any wedding centerpiece.   Not only do the look fantastic you can eat them too.

In addition to this the stunning vintage tea sets that you can hire from her will make that Vintage Wedding that extra bit special.

Cupcakes4you started out as a small part time business, but has quickly grown and expanded due to demand for their services. As well as the vast variety of cupcakes in various flavours and colours, which they provide for all occasions.

Cupcakes4you also provide giant cupcakes, cupcake bouquets and baskets, cupcake table settings, cupcake tier hire, and of course their popular vintage china hire service.

Their table settings have been proving extremely popular with brides this year, as cupcakes have found a resurgence, and mixing cupcakes with silk flowers in a beautiful arrangement certainly makes for a different centrepiece at any wedding. 

In a similar vein, the cupcake bouquets and baskets are a popular replacement for standard floral gifts for the mother of the bride/groom aswell as just to let someone know you care.

Hand in hand with the kitch cupcake revival is the quaint tea party. This is where their china hire service comes into it's own, providing customers with some gorgeous china dating from the early 1900s' upto late 50s', giving any get together a more refined touch. 

This service also includes cake stands, teapots, cutlery and linen accessories aswell as genuine 1920s' gramophones with a selection of original 78rpm recordings, taking you back to the heady days of jazz and swing.

To see more of these fantastic cupcakes or to contact Wendi visit her today at Cupcakes4you website Like her on Facebook