Supplier Spotlight – Grace Benson Make Up Artist

Tags

Grace Benson., Make up artist

This post just missed my Anniversary Special, but I just had to feature it. Grace was the hair and make up artist for my wedding and done an a-mazing job! Here’s more about her.

1.Tell me about Grace Benson Make Up and what you do?

Grace Benson Make Up is a bridal hair and makeup service that will come to you for your special day.

2. What areas do you cover?

All of the south east. Sussex, Kent, Surrey and London

3. How long have you been a Make Up Artist?

I have over 8 years of experience in the industry but have worked for myself and my wonderful brides for the last 4y years.

4. What is the best part of your job?

The wonderful people I meet and getting to be part of their special day.

5. What advice would you give when choosing a Make Up Artist for a

wedding or event?

Be aware that a beautician that does make up is very different from a Makeup Artist. You want the make up to look as perfect at the end of the day after all your tears as it does when it is applied, have your trial as early in the day as you can to check this. A really good makeup artist will give you a little touch up kit so you can make sure your look will last all day – even the best lipstick wont last all through all that kissing!

6. How do I get in contact with you?

Call me on 07738271023. Email grace@gracebensonmakeup.com or check out my website: www.gracebensonmakeup.com.

Follow me @GraceBensonMUA or www.facebook.com/gracebensonmakeup

 

 

{First Year Wedding Anniversary Special} Supplier Spotlight

Tags

Flowers & Sparkle, Hiptwist, wedding flowers, wedding stationery

A year ago today I got married. It was such an amazing day and that was thanks to all the super wedding suppliers involved. I caught up with two of them – Flowers & Sparkle who created my floral displays and room decor and Hiptwist – who created my pretty wedding stationery.

I caught up with Lisa from Flowers & Sparkle, a Sevenoaks based Florist.

Tell me about Flowers & Sparkle and what you do?

Flowers & Sparkle is based in the heart of Sevenoaks offering wedding & event flowers.  Our work is very  on-trend, we love to think outside of the box and show our clients new ideas and show them how flowers can be used creatively. We co-ordinate this with wedding stationery, venue decor, chair covers dressing service and much more……..

What areas do you cover?

We cover most of the Kent down as far as Lympne and Tenterden, also South East London as far as Blackheath Greenwich area

How long have you been a florist?

For over 5 years now – although working on weddings and events has been much longer coming on for 10 years with our venue decor services

What is the best part of your job?

I love meeting new people, bringing couples dreams to life and then seeing the actual dream for myself when we have finished working on a wedding.  Even after all the years of transforming venues I always get that butterfly feeling in my stomach when you see the end result, it never ceases to amaze me what the Flowers & Sparkle team achieve.

What advice would you give when choosing flowers for a wedding or event?

You must feel comfortable with your florist, view their portfolio, don’t be rushed into choosing a florist, visit several florists to ensure their style and attention to detail lives up to your expectations.  You will know when a florist is the one for you, don’t let them rail road you into what they want it’s your wedding, they should listen and give advice.

 How do I get in contact with you?

Flowers & Sparkle can be contacted via

www.flowersandsparkle.co.uk

www.facebook.com/flowersandsparklesevenoaks

www.twitter.com/flowerssparkle

lisa@flowersandsparkle.co.uk

01732 741927

Flowers & Sparkle at my wedding

 

I caught up with Sarah from Hiptwist, a couture wedding stationery supplier

Tell me about Hiptwist and what you do?

At HipTwist, we specialise in creating beautiful Wedding Stationery with a distinctive elegance. All of our stationery is handmade, and we draw inspiration for our stationery designs from a wide range of sources, from fashion to photography, to create unique designs with a contemporary edge. We use only top quality materials and work hard to source stunning embellishments and finishing touches to create stationery that you and your guests can’t stop talking about! We produce the whole range of stationery, from the first Save the Date card to Table Plans and Thank You cards, all co-ordinating in colour and design.

How long should I allow for my stationery?

As a general rule you should send your invitations out 3 months in advance of your Wedding. Your stationery will take approx 4 weeks to produce (or more for large orders), so you should look to order your invitations at least 5 months before you Wedding. If your Wedding falls in the busy spring/summer period, you should aim to order your invitations and book into the diary for your ‘On the Day’ stationery at the start of the year to avoid disappointment!

How long have you been involved in wedding stationery?

HipTwist was set up in 2009, so about 3 years. Time goes so quickly as we are constantly busy for almost the whole year!
What is the best part of your job?

The best part of the job is creating stationery that gets such amazing feedback from Brides, Grooms and their Wedding guests – beautiful stationery can be such a big talking point on a Wedding day and lots of guests take their Place Cards or Order of Service home with them as a momento of a special day. Our favourite items to create are table plans, as they take a lot of time but are so impressive to look at, especially the framed ones.

It is also fantastic when we see the names of our previous couples on the guest list of a couple ordering their stationery, as it shows that we have been reccommended!

What advice would you give when choosing stationery for a wedding
or event?

The first thing to decide on is your colour scheme, and what sort of general ‘look’ you are after e.g Pearls & Lace, Vintage, Black tie, Colourful, Crystals & Sparkles, English Country Garden. This should help you really narrow down your search and find stationery to tie in with your theme.

If you are on a budget, a top tip is to think carefully about what will be in your Wedding photos – it is worth spending a bit more on table decoration e.g Place cards and Table Names as well as a table plan as these will be photographed a lot! You can save money in other ways, e.g having one Order of Service between two guests, or sending your invites out early so that you don’t need to also send Save the Dates!
How do I get in contact with you?

You can take a look at our website at www.hiptwist.co.uk to browse our stationery collections and either contact us via the website or email us at hiptwist@webplus.net. can also be found on Facebook.

Hiptwist at my wedding

 

 

No10 Bridal Charity Catwalk Show & Auction – 19th September 2012

Tags

breast cancer care, catwalk show, charity auction, Hitched.co.uk, No10 Bridal, Northbrook Park, wedding suppliers

I’m very excited to be working with No10 Bridal in planning their Charity Catwalk Show & Auction, in aid of Breast Cancer Care. This exciting event will be taking place on 19th September 2012, at 7pm, at the stunning Northbrook Park, near Farnham and is sponsered by Hitched.

Sip champagne and eat cupcakes, watch No10’s new collections catwalk show featuring top British designer label Madeline Isaac James, the new Bridal gown collection from Watters, Donna Lee Designs, Bridesmaid dresses from Alvina Valenta and the stunning mother of the bride and special occasion collection from Jaego. Along side this we will be showcasing some spectacular accessories, tiaras, belts, hats, fascinators and shoes.

Bid for some amazing prizes donated by wedding suppliers, in the charity auction, including a designer wedding dress and photography services, to name but a few. With all proceeds from the evening going to Breast Cancer Care, this is your chance to support a fabulous cause.
Look forward to seeing you there! x

Last night was a fabulous success with lots of money raised for Breast Cancer Care. Look out for the final amount raised and a special blog post, coming soon

Styled Shabby Chic/Vintage Shoot

Tags

Akira Photography, Beauty Fiend, glass drinks dispensers, Magnolias, shabby chic, Starborough Manor, The Edenbridge Florist, vintage, Vintage Rose Cupcake, Violet & May Vintage, Wear It Again Sam

We all know what a washout this summer has been so far and so, when my idea started of having an outdoor styled shoot, I knew what a risk I was taking. It was a risk that thankfully paid off though, as the morning of my shoot, on Saturday 11th August, was met with glorious blue skies and warm sunshine! Cue, big sigh of relief and smiles all round!

My styled shoot was designed to showcase the glass drinks dispensers I hire and quickly grew into a shabby chic/vintage theme, incorporating local businesses too. I was blown away by the support for my shoot from all the businesses involved – it  definitely highlighted for me the importance of small independent shops and suppliers.

The shoot was held in the stunning grounds of Starborough Manor, Edenbridge. This gem of a country manor is reached after travelling down a private tree-lined road, with the end of the road opening out to this:

A 5* B&B, Starborough Manor can also host weddings and events – a simply gorgeous venue! Selecting where to shoot in the grounds was tricky – there were so many pretty places, but the moat proved to be a good focal point, with Starborough Castle providing a beautiful backdrop.

Every shoot starts somewhere and mine was lovingly sketched out on a piece of paper – Picasso I am not – but the vision was there!

So from paper, to reality. I always wonder what it’s like behind the scenes of a shoot so here are the photos behind the day and the finished result!

Behind The Scenes

Locations decided – now time to decorate!

Where to put this bunting? Me, hard at work and ever so slightly camera-shy!

Last minute make up touches by Toni on model Kerry

So that’s how it’s done! Nataliya perfecting the shots of model Kerry

Rose Cupcakes from Vintage Rose Cupcakes – almost too pretty to unwrap!

Tea anyone? Model Kerry relaxing between shots

The Finished Result

Hat and Vintage Dress from Vintage shop – Wear It Again Sam

Jug and crates from The Edenbridge Florist
‘Love’ sign from Magnolias

‘Dream’ sign and crates from The Edenbridge Florist
Bottles and holder from Magnolias

‘You’ve got the key to my heart’ – Keys and wooden key holder from Magnolias

Candelabra, drapes, crates, flowers, ‘Dream’ sign, jug, hanging heart tealight holders  – The Edenbridge Florist
‘You & Me’ sign, ‘Love’ sign, keys, wooden key holder, photo frame, bottles and holder  – Magnolias

Glass Drinks Dispenser – Available To Hire from Finest Detail Weddings & Events

Shabby Chic style table, sweet holder, pebbles, glass bottles – Magnolias

‘Love’ sign and flowers – The Edenbridge Florist

Toni applied bold red lipstick for the next set of photos – setting the hat and dress off perfectly

Table and chairs & ivy trees – The Edenbridge Florist

Vintage Tea and China – Violet & May Vintage

Cupcakes – Vintage Rose Cupcake

Finest Detail Weddings & Events wishes to thank the following suppliers for this shoot:

Akira Photography – Nataliya –  for amazing photos as always

Starborough Manor – for a stunning shoot location

Toni – for beautiful make up

Wear It Again Sam – for a gorgeous vintage dress & hat

The Edenbridge Florist – for all your pretty props & flowers

Magnolias – for your lovely, unique pieces

Vintage Rose Cupcakes – for cupcakes far too pretty to eat

Violet & May Vintage – for your elegant vintage china

Kerry – for being an amazing model – the pictures speak for themselves!

Mr H – for all your help on the day

x

Supplier Spotlight – Akira Photography

Tags

Akira Photography, Wedding Photographer

There’s nothing like a photograph to capture memories and your wedding photographs are no exception. This week I chat to the lovely Nataliya from Akira Photography and discover her photo tips for your big day.

Tell me about Akira Photography and what you do?

Akira Photography is all about you and photographing your memories, I photograph weddings, babies and families.

Where are you located and what areas do you cover?

I am based near Sevenoaks in Kent and will travel anywhere for a nice cup of tea! I have so far been on location in Geneva in Switzerland which was amazing!

How long have you been a photographer?

I started photographing Landscapes in 2004 and went to Photography School then as well. In 2006 I started to photograph friends’ children, I then emigrated back to the UK and continued with photographing families. Now my own children are older I am photographing weddings and loving it!

What is the best part of your job?

Hard question! There are a few things….firstly when I am out working it never feels like work, I get such a buzz just photographing people I just feel like I’m out having a ball and I generally am! Secondly, waiting to hear back from people when you have sent them their galleries and the response is great and they are so happy. That fills me up with joy!

What advice would you give when choosing a photographer for a wedding or event?

Make sure you connect with them, I need to really get along with my couples and connect with them, find out about them, hear their visions for their wedding day and the result of the photography they are wanting. Make sure they shoot in the style you want!

How do I get in contact with you?

You can email me or phone me:

0787 290 7711

Nataliya@akiraphotography.co.uk

www.akiraphotography.co.uk

Shabby Chic/Vintage Styled Shoot

I had an amazing shoot on Saturday at Starborough Manor, made all the more fabulous by the sunshine and the wonderful suppliers and local businesses that supported it! Pics on the blog soon! x

Sneak Peek

Tags

Events, photo shoot, shabby chic, weddings

Here’s a sneak peek at just a couple of the pieces I have picked up for my styled shoot, coming soon.

Photo Shoot Inspiration

Tags

florist, inspiration, photo shoot

Without a doubt, my local florist’s window display always catches my eye. I especially love this week’s display as it captures the theme of my forthcoming styled shoot, so I just had to share.

Supplier Spotlight – The Proposers

Tags

Engagement, marriage, proposals, The Proposers

I’m very excited to be featuring ‘The Proposers’ this week on my Supplier Spotlight, for a couple of reasons. Firstly, for having a fab website (love the ‘sssh’ – go check it out!), for having the best idea and really spotting a gap in the market and for all the buzz there is surrounding what they do! Meet the girls of the moment, the lovely Daisy and Tiffany.

• Tell me about The Proposers and what it is you do?

We’re the UK’s first marriage proposal planners. The idea is that while there are plenty of people to help you plan your wedding, when it comes to popping the question, men don’t have anyone to turn to.

Our most basic package costs £100. We send a questionnaire to the man asking him about himself, his girlfriend and their relationship, and based on that we tailor two proposal ideas specifically to them.

We also offer to co-ordinate it from start to finish and we negotiate for the best deals. People tell us their budget (whether it be £300 – £30,000) and we come up with ideas based on that.

We have recently arranged a proposal which involved a romantic treasure hunt around London. Having spoken to the wannabe groom, he explained that London was a special place for him and his girlfriend as they had shared lots of happy memories there together. We then decided to arrange a proposal where we set up a treasure hunt for his girlfriend taking her around iconic tourist attractions in London. At each attraction she found a photo of her and her boyfriend, or a memory that he has written out, and a clue. The clues eventually lead her to a VIP members bar over looking London at sunset where he was waiting for her on bended knee. Of course she said yes!

 

We’re currently setting up a proposal in the Lake District for a sporty couple which ends up with them abseiling into a private cave filled with memories and her favourite foods whilst being serenaded by her favourite music (it will mean that we have to abseil down there to set-up first, eek!).

• Where are you located and what areas do you cover?

We’re both based in London but our reach is all over the UK and Worldwide. Only recently we arranged a proposal in Ibiza and next month we’re jetting off to Malaysia (we’re really excited about that one. We can’t say much now but it’s going to be very hi-tech)

• Tell us about yourselves and your experiences in this industry?

Well we’re born to do this. You don’t just become a proposal planner overnight; it takes time to really know your stuff. In fact, over the past 10 years we achieved quite a few things we’re proud of, and here’s a few:
– Written for top magazines such as Grazia, Marie Claire, Elle and Cosmopolitan to name a few, not discounting plenty of wedding magazines and blogs. As a result we know all of the best venues, stylists, photographers etc who can help with your proposal.
– Extensive worldwide travel with time spent working in Australia, Greece, Switzerland and Ibiza meaning we have contacts worldwide so if you want to arrange a proposal abroad, we know how to do it.
– Graduated with degrees in Advertising & Marketing and Drama & English, so when it comes to creative ideas, we’ve certainly got an imagination and think outside of the box – no proposal will be too much of a challenge.
– Most importantly, we’re at the age where everyone is getting married so we’re in the ideal position to learn and share our knowledge

• Why did you set-up the business?

We are two extremely passionate romantic girls who love a romantic proposal or two. We planned our first proposal in 2011 and have inspired many proposals since but the company officially launched in May 2012. We met a few years ago when we witnessed a creative proposal ‘gone wrong’ in Hyde Park. The thought was there but unfortunately the spelling wasn’t. The Wannabe groom had decided to propose by writing “Make me the happiest man alive and marry me” in candles on the grass. Unfortunately he had spelt ‘happiest’ wrong. Luckily for him, Tiffany and I spotted this and quickly amended it before the bride-to-be arrived – we also offered to take some photos for him whilst he was down on one knee. We stayed around to watch the magic happen and was delighted when she said YES. Both being huge romantics and suckers for a good story, we spotted a gap in the market and decided to set-up The Proposers which offers bespoke proposal planning to anyone that just needs a bit of a helping hand.

After all, the story of the proposal will last forever and be told a million times so it needs to be right.

• What is the best part of your job?

Hearing about all the yes’s! It’s fantastic to work with people who are about to get engaged – you can’t help but share their excitement (and shed a tear or two). And there is nothing better than hearing the excitement in the couple once the proposal has happened and she’s said yes. It doesn’t feel like work at all. (we haven’t heard a NO yet!) We also get to work with some fantastic suppliers, wedding bloggers, wedding planners, photographers….

• What advice would you give to someone considering proposing?

Never use Google for your proposal idea, these are generic ideas that thousands of people have already used and they aren’t necessarily right for your relationship. Proposals need to be unique and personable to their relationship. i.e you shouldn’t propose in public if your girlfriend is quite shy. Take some time to really think about what your girlfriend would like as (I bet) she’s probably been thinking about this day her whole life so try and make it extra special for her, whether it be a romantic trip away, sky diving or home cooked candle lit meal, make it special and rememberable forever.

• What advice would you give to women who are hoping to be engaged soon?

Hang in there, he will do it soon but in the meantime, why don’t you give him a little hint! We have sneakily created a secret hint hint box on our website that takes you through to a page dedicated for women who want to give their boyfriend a kick-up the bum. Maybe he’s nervous or maybe he’s disorganised, either way we can give him a push in the right direction by sending a one-off email that details all the do’s and don’ts of proposing which will hopefully prompt him and get the ball rolling. It will never be traced back to you either, so go on, you’ve got nothing to lose and a wedding to plan.

• How do I get in contact with you?

www.theproposers.co.uk

info@theproposers

0207 823 9119

 

 

Supplier Spotlight – Enfleur

Tags

Enfleur, Events, florist, Gaynor Lawson, Kent, weddings

This week I chat to Gaynor from Enfleur, a Wedding and Event florist based in Sevenoaks, Kent.

• Tell me about Enfleur and what it is you do?

Enfleur is a specialist Wedding & Event florist covering most of Kent and surrounding areas, founded by me – Gaynor Lawson.

I really get a buzz from working on weddings and realised this was where my creative flair and talent could be best explored. So I left my position in a local florist shop and set up Enfleur.

Four years and countless fabulous testimonials further on and Gaynor is still loving every minute of it, “We have only one rule and that is; we only take on one wedding per weekend. This is so that we can give our clients our undivided attention for their wedding day. All too often when working in shops, I found day to day business or multiple wedding orders meant that focus was lost.”

• Where are you located and what areas do you cover?

We are based in Sevenoaks and generally cover anywhere within an hour’s drive (approx 50 miles) from here, although we’re happy to go farther afield as required.

Image copyright – Enfleur

Image copyright – Lollypop Photo

• How long have you been a florist?

Fully fledged for 5 years, a keen amateur for many more!

• What is the best part of your job?

On a grand scale, I love taking a brief from a client no matter how sketchy or detailed it is, and transforming our joint ideas from paper into fabulous floral designs that make clients smile from ear to ear!

However, it’s the small things that really matter, such as weaving a swatch of lace from a bride’s dress into her bouquet, or concealing a treasured locket of a lost loved one inside a bouquet, so that only the Bride knew her loved one was walking down the aisle with her.

•  What advice would you give when choosing flowers for a wedding or event?

Portfolios show off your florist’s skills – testimonials show you how happy their clients were! Ask about both.

Bring your likes and dislikes to your consultation – it’s as important for me to know flowers or styles that a client dislikes just as much as likes, to ensure complete satisfaction.

Be open about your budget – I always say that there is no flower ‘off limits’, it’s just the quantity we use that matters.

Seasonal flowers are usually good value for money and there is nothing quite like using scented summer flowers, but there are some flowers available all year round that perform exceedingly well too – ask your florist’s advice!

Image copyright- Rightshot

• How do I get in contact with you?

Gaynor Lawson

Tel: 07775 621849

Email: enquiries@enfleur.co.uk

www.enfleur.co.uk

www.facebook.com//enfleur

www.twitter.com/enfleur

Image copyright – Gill Taylor