Claire Ogden Designs - Handmade Jewellery

My Magical Corner - Where The Magic Happens

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ogden Designs) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Fancy seeing a small piece of magic? wondered where I work and create all my lush designs? want to see what all my lovely brides get to see when they pay me a visit?

Now you can, let me share with you my magical corner, let me enchant you with my wonderful pictures showing you where all the magic happens. Together with a whole heap of magic and creativity we have created a perfect haven for me to work in, reinvented old furniture, added lots of charm, a lick of paint here, a dash of femininity there.

I hope you are loving my floral notice board that cost under £10.00 to create, I have yet to populate it with all my inspiring pictures and sketches.

I have even shared my award with you, which I am so very proud to of won and as you can see it sits proudly amongst my work!

Exclusively MALE! One of the Groomsmen

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ogden Designs) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0000

I am delighted to have GROOM feature on my blog for the second time, this time around they are sharing some very fabulous top tips to helping all of you lovely men decide on your wedding attire. There is even an amazing special offer currently running too.....see below for details!!!

Choosing your bridal gown is usually one of the most exciting preparations during your wedding planning stage. Chances are your groom would not spend the same time or effort it took you to pick your gown in deciding what to wear at your wedding. However, his attire should be as well chosen as your gown (without upstaging your bridal gown, of course); after all, it is his wedding, too. Here are some tips to help you and your groom, in choosing his wedding attire.

It is also customary for all the other male members of the bridal party to wear similar attire, although the groom’s attire is often a little different from the groomsmen. There are many ways to distinguish the groom from the rest of the bridal party. Typically, colour is a good way to do this. For instance, a groom could wear an ivory waistcoat tie to match the bridal gown, and then use different coloured waistcoats and ties for the rest of the wedding party, perhaps to match the bridesmaids. This puts together a very even, attractive look.

Recent fashion trends have changed a lot; and so has the way of the wedding wear, too. Here are some recent trends:

The latest in-vogue look for men is traditional and elegant. The overall effect is conservative, tailored and distinguished. For formal weddings, we are seeing a real trend toward traditional, slim fit morning tails (see photo) in a wide range of colours including black, silver, grey, navy blue, brown and even ivory!

The trend for less formal weddings is still strong with roughly half of the wedding outfits we hire are fitted lounge suits or Albert style suits (¾ length jacket). For destination weddings and daytime summer weddings, we see a lot of cotton and linen suits. For evening weddings, we are doing a lot of silver or charcoal grey and navy blue suits.

Wedding colour trends to watch in 2012 include: teal, orange, mustard, antique blue, deep red, latte, lavender, charcoal and sage. Pink is also as popular as ever!

We are also seeing very few tuxedo shirts with traditional pleats or a bib front. Most guys are opting for a more simple, updated style (see photo).

Day cravats are bang-on-trend - suitable for wearing beneath a shirt, they make a fashionable alternative to wearing a tie. These cravats are very easy to tie, just a simple end over end knot is needed, and then simply shape the cravat to suit. Polka dots & paisley designs are selling like hot cakes at the moment!

Accessories are increasingly being used to make the wedding party look unique and make a fashion statement. Silk pocket squares (to match the cravat), quirky cufflinks, silk scarves and even bowler hats are all proving very popular.

Groom Hire would like to offer your readers 20% OFF ALL SUIT HIRE during February 2012.

Groom have 5 stores across the North West: Manchester, Liverpool, Warrington, Wilmslow and Chester.

Groom’s stunning collections of suits and accessories have been brought together using the finest fabrics, co-ordinating immaculate colours with design and fit, so you can be sure that you will find the right outfit whatever the occasion.

Groom also offer a bespoke service but they find that their unique range of ready to wear Savile Row style suits offers the discerning customer the bespoke look without the price.

Unique to Groom is their bespoke waistcoat & tie making service – to hire or buy. With over 500 shades of silk to choose from Groom are able to coordinate your menswear whatever your colour scheme!

Groom also operate a Price Match Policy – for additional peace of mind.

www.groomhire.co.uk

Stores; Warrington, Wilmslow, Liverpool, Chester and Manchester, full address details are online.

Fresh Inspiration: HOT Rock Chick Mood Boards

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ogden Designs) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0000

It appears more so these last few years that people are moving away from the traditional style weddings and looking for an alternative theme, many are challenging the 'vintage tea party' or 'ultra chic country garden affair' but what about the 'hot rock chic' theme? has this been considered too.

I have pulled together some more beautiful mood boards to tempt you into trying something a little more unique and memorable for your big day.

I hope I have inspired you.

Fresh Inspiration - Bridal Boards

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ogden Designs) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:17:00 +0000

I want to share with you my beautiful Bridal Boards, I hope these gorgeous collections fill you with inspiration.

Whats New to tell You

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ogden Designs) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 17:04:00 +0000

Hello every single one of my adorable followers,

Gosh I have had such a lot happen in January, both in my day job and with my business.

Lets start at the beginning shall we....

I have been silly busy in my day job, meeting deadlines and bring work home in the evenings (not good) but worth it when the deadlines are met!! as a massive bonus I saw Sean Bean (who was filming in the boutique shopping centre below) and Linda Barker (Changing Rooms) happened to pop in the office to see my manager (sadly no autograph) but she wore some amazing boots!!

On the wedding front I have two commissions I am pulling together for summer time, gorgeous bridal themes and very exciting indeed. I also have the pleasure of working with a fabulous competition winner to help make her dreams come true for winner a tiara in December!! YAY!!

I have been receiving some fabulous comments about my website over the past month, that pleases me greatly!

I have also been completing my taxes and catching up with my ironing :(

So now I can hopefully concentrate on all my little boutique requests and supplying for photo shoots.

I am going to post some inspirational mood boards this coming week to inspire you and an excellent offer from GROOM Menswear!!

BookWorm Beauty - THE MAN WHO RAINED - Ali Shaw

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ogden Designs) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:59:00 +0000

My beautiful book work has done not only me and Ali Shaw proud but her Auntie Ann too. Thank you so much Kellyann!!

I dedicate this blog to someone I lost a year ago who was one of the most important people to me. She made me laugh, she cared for me like a mother, the most selfless person I knew and I miss her every single day...... Auntie Ann xx

The first book I read this year, was pre-ordered some months ago! When I heard this author had wrote another book, I had to have it!!! The book I am talking about is The Man who rained by Ali Shaw. Weird title but makes sense once you read it!

"When Elsa's father is killed in a tornado, all she wants is to escape - from New York, her job, her boyfriend - to somewhere new, anonymous, set apart. For some years she has been haunted by a sight once seen from an aeroplane: a tiny, isolated settlement called Thunderstown. Thunderstown has received many a pilgrim, and young Elsa becomes its latest - drawn to this weather-ravaged backwater, this place rendered otherworldly by the superstitions of its denizens. In Thunderstown, they say, the weather can come to life and when Elsa meets Finn Munro, an outcast living in the mountains above the town, she wonders whether she has witnessed just that. For Finn has an incredible secret: he has a thunderstorm inside of him. Not everyone in town wants happiness for Elsa and Finn. As events turn against them, can they weather the tempest - can they survive at all? The Man Who Rained is a work of lyrical, mercurial magic and imagination, a modern-day fable about the elements of love."

I pre-ordered this book as I love the writing style of the author, so easy to slip into reading, the same as slipping into nice clean sheets after a bath! I also picked this as I loved the genre which is supernatural / fairy tales, but he makes the most magical of things, seem like normal life!

Haven't we all just had enough some days and imagine what it would be like setting up fresh in a small village, no pressures, no stresses, just figuring out life and how we fit in! This is what happens to Elsa, the final straw is her boyfriend proposing to her! She flees to the village of Thunderstown, where she accidently meets Finn. This is where the supernatural part kicks in.....he looks human, but inside he is made of clouds. He has no heartbeat, but instead a thunder storm. Even though they are physically different, they connect on many levels and she starts to feel like she isn't alone in the world. They become friends, then they fall in love. This is all new to Finn as his mother deserted him when he was smaller, and he has been brought up by a man who resents him.

I wont give away the ending, but the villages believe in curses and bad spirits, and they believe Finn is a curse. 3/4 into the book, you feel Elsa's sense of loss. If you have ever lost anyone special to you then you will sympathise with this character. It is heart wrenching, and painful to read, and it brought me to tears as im dealing with similar feelings in my personal life.....except the book does have a fantastic ending.

I think I most connected with Elsa, as I said, who doesn't dream about running away sometimes, starting a new and doing anything you wanted with no ties to your old life.

I did feel exhausted by the end as it is an emotional book, but the ending gives you hope that good can come out of a bad situation. I would recommend this it is a fantastic story and also feels fable like. I'm sure there was multiple life lessons and hidden meanings, but I loved the story. Plain and simple. Beautifully written, and what an imagination the author has. Ive heard the author is working on another novel, and I wait with baited breath!!!!!!!!

THE ONE & ONLY BRIDAL SHOWER COMPANY

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ogden Designs) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Something very new and exciting for you, I want to present the beautiful Victoria to you, she has found her niche and made her stand in the market, The One and Only Bridal Shower Company is steaming into the industry at full speed and I am so proud to feature this amazing company on my blog!!

“Feather boas and L-plates aren’t for everyone,” says Victoria Winter of The One & Only Bridal Shower Company.

Recognising a gap in the market for bespoke hen parties with a glamorous twist, Victoria and her team offer a complete planning service for bridal showers, complemented by an online store (www .theoneandonlybridalshowercompany .co .uk) full of bridal gifts, decorations and stationery.

“We don’t do package deals, as we believe bridal showers are as unique as the bride herself,” Victoria says. “We can be creative and plan an event that is sophisticated and suited to the bridal party.”

Victoria has contacts with London, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire venues and will use her planning experience and eye for detail to bring your ideas to life.

Your event can be based around one of these top trends for 2012 bridal showers, or planned from a blank page.

Elegant dining: Previous One & Only events have taken place in a gorgeous London restaurant, such as Christopher’s in Covent Garden (pictured). Your hens are welcomed on arrival by a cocktail or a glass of Prosecco and encouraged to mix and mingle before dinner. A private dining room helps guests to relax and a bespoke three-course menu can be agreed beforehand to take the stress out of eating out.

Tea and cake: Afternoon tea is a flexible theme can be tailored to the age group of your party. Perfect for including mums, grandmothers and children, the food and fine china provides a real talking point. There a number of optional add-ons. Prosecco is ideal for a grown-up twist. Dine in a hotel restaurant or why not book a suite? Many hotels offer suites with enough seating for 10 and the bride-to-be can stay on that evening, too, for a small-scale evening event.

Spa sensation: A daytime spa taster or day-and-stay spa overnight is ideal for a relaxing bridal shower. Choose from a selection of spas that specialise in groups. You can expect lunch on arrival, treatments in the afternoon and plenty of time to relax in your robe, swim and chat with your group. Hertfordshire and Essex have some ideal, dedicated spa resorts that will also provide dinner and comfy rooms for an overnight stay.

If the above suggestions don’t suit, you can be as creative as you like with your ‘One & Only’ event. “Brides in their late 20s or 30s have been to a few hen nights themselves and may have a very good idea of what they don’t want,” says Victoria. “The amount of choice out there may be overwhelming but a little guidance will take all the stress out of the event.”

The One & Only Bridal Shower Company will be expanding their online store next year. You will still be able to buy invitations, balloons and table decorations but more colour schemes and themes will be available.

However, if you hire them as a planning service, they will source and assemble decorations based on what the bride, or chief bridesmaid, has asked for.

“You are not limited in any way with our service,” Victoria says. “Our events are 100% customisable, 100% personal and 100% bespoke.”

IN THE PRESS!!! Lancashire Life Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ogden Designs) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:09:00 +0000

I have ben featured in the Lancashire Life Magazine January/February Edition, I am delighted to have been featured for my Award Win back in November!!! How very exciting!!

So what are you waiting for!!! Book in with me for your wedding!! Im AWARD WINNING Darling!!! x

HAPPY NEW YEAR

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ogden Designs) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 19:13:00 +0000

Now I have finally come round from our new years Eve bash I just had to share the pictures!! I think there are more to come but our friends are clearly recovering too!!

I want to thank each and everyone of you who made my 2011 so very special. Thanks a million. I have lots of ideas and ranges lined up for this year and I am going to try very hard and get my online shop (non-wedding) up and running on my site. I am always interested in featuring new and exciting news so please get in touch mailme@claireogdendesigns.com

These pictures are of myself, Mr. Ogden and Little Ogdens, along with our fabulous forever friends the Kellys!! ps.We DONT take ourselves seriously we were being stupid, drinking and having lots of fun!

oh and Mr. Kelly, I thought the disco was ace, your mega mix rules and your seamless track to track was fabulous, not bad for 0.69p! a detached house and lots of loud music! (Every Day Im Shuffling!)

BookWorm Beauty - 2012 1st Review

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ogden Designs) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Kellyann is back and making an impact on my blog for 2012. Thank you for all your support and comments shown to kellyann in 2011, she will be around a whole lot more this year.

A very happy new year to you all! Hope Santa brought you all the books you wanted! I hope my last blog helped with any difficult people to buy for!

My first book review for 2012 is The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern which was one of my Christmas recommendations. This book is perfect for when you want to inject a bit of magic, wonderment and romance in to your normal day life (Everyday then!!).

Why I was tempted to read such a beautiful novel....

In 1886, a mysterious travelling circus becomes an international sensation. Open only at night, constructed entirely in black and white, Le Cirque des Rêves delights all who wander its circular paths and warm themselves at its bonfire.

Although there are acrobats, fortune-tellers and contortionists, the Circus of Dreams is no conventional spectacle. Some tents contain clouds, some ice. The circus seems almost to cast a spell over its aficionados, who call themselves the rêveurs - the dreamers. At the heart of the story is the tangled relationship between two young magicians, Celia, the enchanter's daughter, and Marco, the sorcerer's apprentice. At the behest of their shadowy masters, they find themselves locked in a deadly contest, forced to test the very limits of the imagination, and of their love...

A fabulous, fin-de-siècle feast for the senses and a life-affirming love story, The Night Circus is a captivating novel that will make the real world seem fantastical and a fantasy world real.

This book appealed to me as the book description reminded me of an Alice Hoffman and Sarah Addison Allen novel. They write wonderful modern day fairy tales which remind me of the magic you believed in as a child. I loved that there are so many characters in the book, and you do get a back story on most of the characters, and not at anytime do you feel you are being drawn away from the main story.

The story starts with two rivals who initiate a 'game,' there is no timeline, and no set task. The game plays itself out with the two players, Celia and Marco. Both been trained in the art of magic and both knowing they are opponents in a game, but this is all they know. They both find themselves in the travelling circus where they discover they are opponents but they fall in love which isn't allowed.

The plot unfolds introducing some fantastic and enchanting characters. My favourites being the flame-haired Murray twins know as Widget and Poppet. They are born at a pivotal time, and are important to the story.... but I won't tell you how. They remain child like as no one ages in the circus, it is the only life that they have known and they love their life entertaining the customers of the circus, especially when Bailey enters the equation. Bailey is introduced to the story, through his love of visiting this mysterious circus, and he is quickly enchanted by the magically tents of different wonders. The author writes that as Bailey enters the circus, he is captivated by the scent of the popcorn, and the reader is also. When she writes about the hot popcorn smell and the caramel apples, you really do smell it!

The plot did get a little complicated at times, but I couldn't put this book down! It enchanted me into this magical world of the circus, and I wanted to know more about the different tents and what they held. How the author described the ice tent gave me shivers, and my imagination went into overdrive at the mounds of glistening snow, icicles and show covered everything :) I loved the back story of the reveurs who loyalty follow the circus from town to town. They share each other’s excitement of following the circus, passing on any bits of information they hear, and once there, losing themselves in the night circus.

I would give this book a 9/10, losing 1 point as I lost the plot a little bit. The book is a fantastic read for those wanting an enchanted read, something to draw them away from any post Christmas blues. I know we shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but I have the hardback version and it’s really is beautiful. Black and white illustrations, with a red ribbon for a bookmark, which follows the colour code of the night circus (black and white) and red for the Reveurs who use this colour to distinguish them from the crowd.

I really can’t recommend this book enough, and I’m afraid I don’t feel I have done the book justice in describing just how enchanting this book really is! It brought a lot of childhood nostalgia back to me and I think this is the main reason you should read this. Relive your childhood memories!!

WHO TO KNOW - Rose Patricia Millnery

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ogden Designs) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 16:28:00 +0000

My very last WHO TO KNOW Feature of 2011 is brought to you by Rosa Nunn the super talented lady who I admire greatly. Her works speaks volumes and her creative levels are amazing. I hope to work a lot more closely with Rosa in 2012! A beautiful feature to end the year on!!

When did you begin your business and what do you specialise in? I started my business about three years ago and originally sold handmade clothing and ready to wear hats that were all inspired by the fashions of the 1940’s and 1950’s. However I found that I enjoyed designing and creating hats more than making clothing so I decided to concentrate on Millinery and have recently and rebranded my website to www.rosepatriciamillinery.com

I really love your beautiful designs, you are so talented! how did it all begin? I have always been creative from a very young age and in the past have made jewellery, knitting, embroidery, etc.

For many years I have always wanted to sell my designs and have my own business but never had the opportunity until a few years ago. I started out by selling a small range of hats and clothing in the Upmarket at Brick Lane London and did for about a year.

What is your favourite aspect of your business? My favourite aspect of my business is the feedback and reactions that I receive from my customers when they receive their hat. I always ask my clients to send me a photo of them wearing the hat as I as I like to see my clients as more than just customers. I genuinely like to make sure that all of my clients are 100% happy with their purchase.

What inspires you most and where do your ideas come from? My main inspirations are from the fashions of the 1930’s, 1940’s & 1950’s. This can be from films, books, museums, exhibitions or just from talking to relatives and friends of the family.

Which, in your opinion, style of hat is popular for this season? In my opinion I would say that a fabulous half hat embellished with feathers and crystals would prove to be a real show stopper, certainly the one that is shown on my website would appear to be a very popular design. Alternatively a small circular cocktail hat for a mother of the bride always seems to be a popular design.

Talk us through a typical day. The first thing I do every day is check my emails for orders or enquires. I also check the activity on my facebook, twitter and website accounts.

I spend a lot of time during each day researching hat designs I also spend a fair bit of time sourcing suitable fabrics and vintage embellishments to be used in the creation of my hats. Because my hats in my couture range are handmade using the traditional blocking there is always a hat that needs creating and finishing.

Do you hire out as well as sell? No, because when I design a hat for a client I like to have the knowledge that this item has been specifically created for them.

Do you wear your own creations? Yes I do as much as I can.

What plans do you have for the future? Ideally I would like to have my own shop with a studio attached in order that I could provide all my clients with a full design and creative process.

We want to come and say hello! Where can we find you? I am currently using a workshop space that I have in my garage at my home in Epping, Essex and if my clients would like to visit me they are more than welcome.

INSPIRE 101 Wedding Workshop

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ogden Designs) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 10:42:00 +0000

I am delighted to share with you the details for this amazing event, brought to you by Cedar Events Inspire101 Wedding & Event Workshop taking place February 2012. One not to be missed presented by a host of high end professionals. Registration is now open.

Are you involved in the wedding industry or considering starting a successful career in wedding and events planning? Would you like to attract high end clientele?

You can now learn the secrets of how to provide luxury service to high end clients by becoming an expert wedding planner in the sumptuous and luxurious surroundings of the exclusive Jumeirah Carlton Hotel in Knightsbridge, London.

The Inspire 101 wedding and events workshop promises to be an insightful 3 days of candid discussions about the opportunities available to today’s wedding & events professional.

This is a 3 days Inspirational, Educational and Experiential program (IEE Program)

Attendees will leave with real skills to enable them grow their business and take things up to another level.

Numbers of participants will be restricted in order to ensure that each person receives the one to one attention they truly deserve.

Providing a practical, hands on learning experience, Award Winning Seyi Olusanya will be supported by her dream team of award winning industry experts whose clients include royalty and celebrities. Extensively published in national and international magazines such as Conde Nast Brides, OK and Hello they are rated as amongst the best in the UK.

Amongst our celebrated wedding industry experts are:

Yemi Osunkoya of Kosibah, multi-award winning couturier

Yemi Osunkoya is the designer behind the Kosibah label. Kosibah is an exclusive brand specialising in figure enhancing bespoke bridal, evening and formal daywear.

Kosibah specialises in contemporary and elegant couture bridal, evening and formal daywear using luxurious fabrics and sumptuous embellishments. Yemi’s signature use of corsetry and boned bodices cleverly recreates the classical and elegant hourglass figure, producing gowns that curve, shape and flatter the wearer. All gowns are made to measure.

Pippa Mackenzie – multi-award winning photographer

Pippa Mackenzie Photography is made up of the multi-award winning wife and husband team Pippa Mackenzie & Ian Hearnshaw. Specialising in documentary and fine art photography, they have risen over the last five years to be one of the UK’s leading wedding photography businesses. They have both travelled worldwide and have worked for a number of high profile clients.

Pippa specialises in telling a story, and has extensive experience in documentary photojournalism (Discovery Channel and National Geographic) and documentary television (where she won a BAFTA). This background has given her the perfect foundation to become an award winning wedding photographer. She is a true people-person and it is her passion, energy and out-going nature that brings out the best in our couples.

Elizabeth Solaru – Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium

Elizabeth Solaru is the founder of award winning cake company Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium. Creating amazing cakes that dazzle the eye and the taste buds of any bride and groom, the company has a prestigious list of clients including royalty, celebrities, TV shows, five-star hotels and glamorous West End stores. Renowned for her intricate designs, Elizabeth’s cakes are adorned with amazing bridal inspired sugar flowers, peacock feathers and jewellery. Structures include tiered, traditional and towers of treats, and flavours such as Triple Chocolate Delight, Elizabeth’s Secret Recipe Fruit Cake and the Bailey’s Irish Cream Cake are best-sellers. Designs have attracted a great deal of media attention, with wedding cakes featured in glamorous national and international publications including OK, Conde Nast Brides, Squires – Wedding Cakes, Party Cakes, Magie de Zuckers and Hello.

Our VIP Award Winning Speakers

To find out more click on the schedule below:
Click here for The Inspire 101 Wedding & Events Workshop Schedule

WHO TO KNOW - Perfect Choice Planning

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ogden Designs) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 10:09:00 +0000

I would like to introduce you to this lovely lady Laura Soothill of Perfect Choice planning. I am delighted to feature such a creative individual she has worked organizing some amazing photo shoots and events and I believe she is most definitely one to know!!

When did you begin your business and what do you specialise in? Perfect Choice Planning was officially created in 2011 after 8 months of development. I wanted to make sure everything was right, the branding, idea, name and whole showcase of the business was perfect, or at least at a stage where other people can see it! I have always been involved with organising events, whether it was in my paid job or in my social life. After a few miserable and unfruitful months of job searching, I decided that I couldn’t just sit on this idea any longer and put it into production.

Joanne Spencer Photography

Emma B Photography

On my website, it states that I specialise in all aspects of planning. This may seem broad but my aim with the business is to help people create their perfect day, no matter what their ideas or inspiration. I wouldn’t want to shut anyone out by suggesting I only specialise in certain areas – no matter what people’s dreams are, I want to be there to help them realise them! The specialities of Perfect Choice Planning are the numerous smaller services I offer rather than the larger packages, which can be bundled together to create bespoke packages perfect for the individual bride or event host. Even if it isn’t on my website, doesn’t mean I don’t do it so just ask as I am very accommodating with requests.

What is your favourite aspect of your business? I love people; meeting them, speaking with them and getting to know them, as everyone is so unique and different with their own ideas and imagination. Anyone who knows me will say that as well as being extremely organised, I could talk the hind leg off a donkey – as the saying goes! I am an absolute chatterbox and this makes it really easy for me to speak to people – something I have never had a problem with.

However, I love all the aspects of the business; the organisation, the planning, the people, the inspiration, the sense of achievement and pride at the end, and the building of contacts in the wedding and event industry – I couldn’t believe how much was out there before I joined the world of Twitter!

Recently I have been turning my organising to styling photo shoots as a way of showcasing my organisational and communicative talents, bringing suppliers together to create beautiful images. This started with a personal styled shoot with Emma B Photography where I modelled with my gorgeous younger sister with my 1979 MG Midget.

Tell us about a typical day in the life of Perfect Choice Planning. For me there isn’t really a typical day is different each time! At the moment I work full time whilst I am setting up Perfect Choice Planning so I will work 9-5 before coming home and changing into my Perfect Choice Planning hat, which can continue until 1am! I like to keep myself busy so I dance several times a week, visit and socialise with friends, go to music gigs & festivals, head to the Lakes for the occasional Lake District Walk as well as eating and sleeping somewhere in all that! Like I said, I like to be busy! I always make time for everything and everyone but sometimes wish there was an extra few hours in the day, or days in the week!

As I have been working on styled photo shoots recently, I have had the pleasure of coming home at night, liaising with suppliers for my next shoot, arranging visits and meeting new people in the event and wedding industry. I have also been dabbling in a bit of writing and you can view my ramblings on my blog too.

What inspires you most and where do your ideas come from? I find that everything inspires me. Most of my ideas come when I’m driving, as it’s the only time when I get chance to clear my mind and think! This makes it quite difficult to note down ideas, as I should be concentrating on the road! However, I do have a good memory and ALWAYS carry a notepad and pen wherever I go, so when I reach my destination, I quickly jot things down. I am also notorious for being up late putting ideas into action, as my creativity seems to gush out between 11pm and 2am! Again, I always keep a notepad next to my bed and I’m thankful my boyfriend is a heavy sleeper, or else he’d probably start getting annoyed at the lamp going on and off throughout the night!

I have to say that my biggest source of inspiration, especially on my personal style, has to be Twitter. I think it’s great and would recommend anyone to get on to it, as there is such a great community of people in the industry. I will be blogging about my eBay obsession in the future, and the blogs and suppliers on Twitter heavily influence my purchases!

The inspiration for my Retro Day Out Photo shoot with Emma B Photography came from our orange-looking 1979 MG Midget and I knew straight away that I wanted to theme and style the shoot around that. I also had the pleasure of modelling for it with my sister, working with my very good friend Emma from Emma B Photography and having my lovely boyfriend on site to help.

What was your favourite event that you have been a big part of?

I am really enjoying doing the styled photo shoots as I am meeting some wonderful creative suppliers. I will definitely be doing as many of those as possible so keep your eyes peeled and if anyone is interested in working with me, please don’t hesitate to contact me with your ideas. I am always open to working with new and established contacts alike so if you have anything you would like me to get involved in, I would be delighted.

What plans do you have for the future? I have big plans for the future and plenty of them! There are quite a few blog entries in the pipeline, a couple of photo shoots and even a competition. I attended both the North West and Yorkshire Brides Up North Tweet Ups, and also eventually hope to become busy enough to reduce my working hours to work more on the business maybe eventually working as Perfect Choice Planning full time – anything is possible and I always say everyone should hold a little bit of hope in everything.

I just want to do something I love and enjoy, a sentiment that I know most people reading this can relate to. By making other people happy gives me so much joy, and to get paid for it is an added bonus.

Where can we find you and register for your fabulous service?? My website is live and you can view what I have been up to on my blog as well as read about my up-coming projects. I am also an avid user of Twitter and can be found tweeting under the alias of @Perfect_Plans quite often. It’s rare that I have a quiet period on there but if I do, I always come bouncing back with a torrent of tweets. As well as Twitter, you can find me on Facebook: Perfect Choice Planning, which is a relatively new page for me so lots of likes on that page would be magic ;o)

BOAST ABOUT BUSINESS - Wedding Venues - JOIN IN

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ogden Designs) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 07:00:00 +0000

My New Year Plan involves you!! I want to do a massive series of blog posts on WEDDING VENUES across the world, I want to blog about why they are worthy of your interest and how beautiful wedding venues can be showing how very different buildings and locations really are.

I need your help! In order for me to bring all the delightful details I need to research and do my homework! This is easier said than done, and for those who know me well, know how busy I am. If you are a wedding venue then get in touch, as a starting point I want you to complete my SUBMISSION FORM with all your information, from there I will make contact for further details.

Sell yourselves to me people and you are sure to be featured in my line up!

I need to spend time collating my information and thoroughly going through submissions and I will, of course, be approaching venues that take my fancy.

The deadline for all completed submissions is January 31st so you can begin 2012 all refreshed and pop this to the top of your ‘To Do’ list first job back after Christmas!

I really hope you are very excited about this series of features as I am and are just as keen to spread the word about your venues to the world, although I really do need your input and at the moment the response is not great.

If anyone can recommend their favourite WEDDING VENUES then please email me the details so I can make contact. I really want this to be amazing and do all you people proud!

Party Season, Having Fun, Laughing out Loud!

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ogden Designs) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 12:22:00 +0000

I do hope you have all had the best Christmas ever, we have in Chez Ogden (loving the phrase Yemi!!), lots of laughter, family time and a little too much to drink (oops). I have to admit just before Christmas we were living it up large and after a concoction of boozy parties and lack of sleep I seriously needed chill time (not as young as I used to be LOL)

Anyway since I have spent Christmas looking far from gorgeous it appears we took no photos!! so I thought I would share a few of the ones from our Christmas parties (I have had my hair done again - hope you like it Yemi!!)

My works party came first (mid week) followed by Mr Ogden's the following night (which was carnage and I was VERY hungover from, AND had to go to work, looking REALLY bad!) yes I did wear the same dress but after a quick wash and press it was fine (and I sprayed it with glitter hairspray, I ADORE the stuff).

My Works Party

Gorgeous Girls!

I am going to wrap this around your head......

So you were not joking then!!

Check out my Secret Santa Gift!

Gorgeous Trio...Living it Large

I'm in the mood for dancing!!

I LOVE this one, its my fave!

Mr. Ogden's Works Party

Mr and Mrs Ogden (Sober)

Gorgeous Trio LOL

EXTREMELY Gorgeous Trio!! Watch those hands boys!

Sexy Ladies!! (Well the two on the right are!)

Jennifer Aniston joined the party!!

Prop me up before I drink that shot!

The NEW FACE of PRADA Handbags!

Kermit the Frog! and a hot looking lovely!

Boy Band!! I'm Sexy and I Know It!!

Then there were four.


A little dishevelled looking (and very drunk)

Can you spot the hardcore drinker?

And if you thought it couldn't get much worse.....I think it just did!

DRUNK!

BOAST ABOUT BUSINESS - Wedding Photographers - HURRY

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ogden Designs) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:19:00 +0000

Remember my plan! thats the one that involves you!! I want to do a massive series of blog posts throughout the duration of 2012 on WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS, I want to blog about why they are worthy of your interest and how so much can be captured in just one picture.

I need your help! In order for me to bring all the delightful details I need to research and do my homework! This is easier said than done, and for those who know me well, know how busy I am. If you are a wedding photographer then get in touch, as a starting point I want you to complete my SUBMISSION FORM with all your information, from there I will make contact for further details.

Sell yourselves to me people and you are sure to be featured in my line up!

I need to spend time collating my information and thoroughly going through submissions and I will, of course, be approaching photographers that take my fancy and there are quite a few! I have come across some amazing talent and what to share you with the world.

The deadline for all completed submissions is January 31^st now you have no excuses push yourselves to complete my form and be part of my blog. It TAKES TWO MINUTES.

I really hope you are very excited about this series of features as I am and are just as keen to spread the word about your work to everyone.

If anyone can recommend WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS then please email me the details so I can make contact. I really want this to be amazing and do all you very talented photographers proud!

Remember I didn't win the MOST SUPPORTIVE WEDDING SUPPLIER Award for nothing!!

There are millions of you on Twitter alone I really want a high response! come on fill in the form, shout out about how talented you all really are!

In The Press

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ogden Designs) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 06:40:00 +0000

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and are currently getting ready to welcome in the New Year!

I am excited to share with you my work featured in the January issue of Wedding Ideas Magazine. You can find my work on pg.200 Web Watch. (Featuring three pieces) and pg.262 Statement Hair Accessories (Champagne Roses Tiara £95).

The Best of The Rest...

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ogden Designs) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0000

With the end of the year in sight I have a couple of massive thank yous that I need to say. I have had a fabulous year and moved into the wedding industry going from strength to strength. I have met and worked with some amazing people and appreciate every last one of you.

My first thank you must go out to Candice Thomas of Cerendipity. Candice knows exactly why she is so very special to me, not only do we work exceptionally well together, we will be friends for life. In business she is amazing with an excellent attitude and determined motivation to push things forward. Her manner is so lovely and easy going and her knowledge is sound. I am so glad that Candice is a big part of my life, thanks Cands x

My second thank you is a big one, this goes to Yemi Osunkoya of Kosibah. We all know that Yemi is very talented and his wedding gowns are known all over the world but what I love about Yemi is his warm heart, encouragement, support, belief and humour, many a day Yemi makes me laugh. I love every minute I work with Yemi, he is bursting with enthusiasm and positivity and is such a lovely man. I can't thank him enough for the opportunities this year and I hope we will continue to work well together in 2012. With Yemi's assistance I think I may be able to take over the world! Thank you Yemi x.

One of the wonderful things about Claire is that she probably doesn't realise how talented she is as a Designer/Maker of jewelley pieces. The creations she came up with for my Bienvenue 20 Collection of couture bridal gowns were simply exquisite. A deceptively simple balance of vintage and contemporary that worked beautifully. She is certainly a name to watch out for in the bridal industry!

Enchanted Wood Photography - Bienvenue 20 Collection

I have a lovely big squishy thank you for my Bookworm Beauty, Kellyann Lees, thank you for being my bookworm, your blog posts are an inspiration and the Christmas list has really got people itching to read the books. I hope next year we can bring lots more reviews for my blog and share your beautiful stories with the world. We have a gorgeous new header for 2012 too!! Thanks Kellyann! x

I must thank Lesa Simmons of I Heart Buttons, Lesa and I have formed a perfect team and be sure to watch this space over 2012 for plenty more news on this front. Thank you Lesa for asking me to be part of your new venture and wishing us both all the success in the world!!x

I am stunned, it is so beautiful! You are soooo god darn talented! I would LOVE you to make similar ones for all my bouquets

Finally I would like to thank YOU, every single one of you, for everything. If it wasn't for you lot I wouldn't have won my recent award, made as much jewellery as I have, created a new beautiful website, been a part of the wedding industry and developed my strengths within myself and my work. I am only where I am because of all the support and love I am given and I am very proud of everything I have achieved in 2011. Some of my testimonials are outstanding!! Thanks so much. xx

I hope you all have a fabulous Christmas and New Year and I will be back in January with more posts, news, pictures and jewellery to wow you with. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Claire xx

A FABULOUS FEATURE

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ogden Designs) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0000

I have been featured by Ice The Cake after winning the award for the Most Supportive Wedding Supplier of the Year!! It is a fabulous feature and I just have to share. Happy Tuesday!!

'Credible & Incredible' Supplier of the Week - Claire Ogden Designs

I have waited a long time to introduce you to this lady and her beautiful creations. Her designs her stunning and finished items exquisite. Her attention to detail is exceptional but team that with her lovely personality and supportive nature and you have a Wedding Supplier that offers truly incredible service. Recently crowned 'Most Supportive Wedding Supplier of the Year 2011'. Claire Ogden Designs - need I say more?...

Please tell our readers a bit about you & Claire Ogden Designs…

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. I founded Claire Ogden Designs in July 2009 and have been trading for two years.

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. I am proud to say that my wedding designs I am producing are now leading above my jewellery designs and are being sought after within the industry.

Charleston Hair Comb

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.

It all began simply because I am just too creative, I have too much creative energy and needed to find something to satisfy all my bubbling creativeness! I just couldn’t find the perfect accessories to make my look complete so I gave it a go and made them, from then it seems to have spiralled into Claire Ogden Designs!

How do you come up with your designs/ what influences you?

When I am resourcing new materials or pieces for a bespoke design I tend to pick pieces that I connect with from this the idea for the design develops simply from me choosing that particular piece, I often ‘see’ the finished product as a photograph in my mind and then produce a quick sketch, when I have finished the design and go back to my sketch it is quite scary how alike the two are!

Essence

I also adore the whimsical fairy tale theme, I love magic and enchantment and delicate florals, I have a couple of new ranges yet to launch but until I find all the materials I want to use you will simply have to wait.....watch this space!

I wanted to create themes that would be classics and never date, I have recently launched LOVE Wonderland (which is Alice and her Wonderland inspired) and Charming Fairytales (which are all things fairytale charm bracelets) both these ranges are fast sellers and very sought after (I seriously need to create lots more for my store)

I find I create what I like rather than follow fashion and trends, I am not sure if this is the correct way to do things but it makes my jewellery a lot more unique and individual and I do get a lot of repeat business so I guess I must be doing something right.

What would you call your ‘style’?

Romantic, unique and fairytale

What is currently your favourite design?

Breathless Tiara, I adore this piece, it is so striking and simply breathtaking.

Breathless

Who inspires you?

Yemi Osunkoya of Kosibah, his belief in me is so strong and he is always on hand to help with everything. Yemi has given me the very best opportunities to date and working with him is a dream come true.

Candice Thomas of Cerendipity, she is my ROCK, I love her thoughts and ideas, drive, passion and energy, we work so well together we could be one person, I think we were separated at birth! I have made an exceptional friend for life and you can see much more of Candice and I working together in 2012.

What is your greatest achievement?

Foremost working with Yemi Osunkoya, of Kosibah in London, I am touched at how well my pieces were received and am overwhelmed at the fact that they were modelled on the catwalk along side his fabulous wedding gowns! We have a wonderful business relationship together, he is the best.

Secondly, Winning my award!! Of course it is very exciting but it gives me the recognition I deserve and helps me drive my product forward. I was so shocked at winning, genuinely ‘gobsmacked’

Finally working with Lesa Simmons of I HEART Buttons, we work so well together and make an excellent team!

Vintage Buttons

If you weren’t doing this job what do you think you would be doing?

Something creative at least, I can’t sit still!!

How do you spend your time when you are not working?

Reading, spending time with my family, my boys are our everything and I adore them, we are such a close family the four of us and together we have the best fun, movie nights and board games are a great way to spend time out and of course eating scrummy food with our friends! Christmas will be amazing in our house, it always is!

Evolve

A Message from Claire...

Try to maintain a positive outlook, believe you can do anything and try your best at everything you do but most importantly be yourself and be happy!

Important Note: Advertising in magazines is not really the way forward, it costs a lot of money with little return, I have tried more than once and wasted both time and money, use a PR company instead but do your research well, ensure you are happy with who you trust your marketing with.

Thank you Claire we love your designs and working with you and look forward to continuing to do so throughout 2012. xx

You can contact Claire via her website: www.claireogdendesigns.com on Twitter @cogdendesigns & on Facebook www.facebook.com/claireogdendesignsjewellery

1 comments:

Yemi Osunkoya said...: It was very sweet of Claire to mention myself as one of the people that inspire her. One of the wonderful things about Claire is that she probably doesn't realise how talented she is as a Designer/Maker of jewelley pieces. The creations she came up with for my Bienvenue 20 Collection of couture bridal gowns were simply exquisite. A deceptively simple balance of vintage and contemporary that worked beautifully. She is certainly a name to watch out for in the bridal industry!; 12 December 2011 15:27

Wrapping Gifts

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ogden Designs) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Here is a sample of my wrapped gifts this year. I think they look amazing, I hope you agree!!

I have used brown packaging paper, a selection of ribbon, disused christmas decorations and a greenery garland I had no use for. I have used sticky labels as gift tags this year. I have to say though the childrens christmas gifts have not be wrapped this way but keeping with the theme I have used foil red paper littered with large snowflakes.

ps. Glitter hairspray is a must and can be used on just about anything.

Coming Home for Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ogden Designs) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 14:33:00 +0000

I wanted to share with you my home this Christmas, please feel free to use any of my ideas as inspiration, I love this festive period and can't wait for Christmas day!!

1. Dining Room Fireplace. 2. Mirror in Master Bedroom. 3. Christmas Tree in the Living Room. 4. Log store in the Living Room. 5. Shabby the cat in the Living Room

Christmas Tree, Oh, Christmas Tree

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ogden Designs) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0000

In the run up to Christmas I am sharing with you my festive pictures, today we have Christmas decorations and tree decorations. Hope you are so getting excited for Christmas!!

1.Christmas Tree. 2. Decoration in Hallway. 3.Father Christmas in the Living Room. 4. Large snowman in the Dining Room. 5. Small snowman in the Dining Room

1. Snowman Christmas Tree Decoration (ancient). 2. Father Christmas Landing level. 3. Gingerbread Man. 4. Homemade Decoration. 5. Clip in Flower Decoration (Housing Units)

Frank Millar The Genius! MUST WATCH!

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ogden Designs) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:57:00 +0000

The Incredible Wedding Supplier of the Year Awards 2011 from FrankMillar on Vimeo.

BookWorm Beauty - Christmas BOOK List

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ogden Designs) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Its that time of year again, when people start their Christmas shopping! Soooooo hard what to think to get people, so why not do an online wish list and everyone can see what you would like! I personally have a book wish list...which is 8 pages long and I WILL read every one of the books I have listed! I do buy from my list, but being addicted to books I also add a lot to it too!!!

As you know, and if you don't you do now! Ive just brought my first house with my lovely solider, and our house wish list is growing like a Vin Diesel movie.....fast and furiously :)

I think the best gift is a book (that's why I am Claire's Bookworm Beauty), from an early age I would get excited at opening a card and seeing a book voucher, instantly deciding in my head what to spend it on! So I have put together some recommendations for presents:

1. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

This is a wonderful and beautiful book. All about a game involving a mysterious circus which appears unannounced with tents of never ending magic, awe and surprises. There is a love story, intrigue, suspense, and many magical moment. The characters are wonderful, the back stories are interesting and help develop the characters. I want to go to the night circus!!

2. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

This book is set in the mid 1900's, in the depression era. When everyman will do what he needs to, to earn a living and to feed himself and his family. I first saw the film, then read the book, and I was impressed with how loyal the film was to the book! I know I've picked another circus book but this is coincidence, honestly I'm not secretly harbouring thoughts about running away to a circus :) The love story in this is so romantic, as the flirting starts off innocently, then becomes dangerous and forbidden, but who can stop true love from developing. One of the main characters is Rosie the elephant, and I shed a few tears as her story developed. A fantastic setting for a gorgeous romantic story.

3. The time travellers wife by Audrey Niffenegger

I LOVE this book! The tale follows Henry who starts to time travel when he narrowly misses being in an accident which kills his mother. He cant control when and where he time travels too, but then this becomes more consistent as he meets and falls in love with Claire. This is a beautifully written romance novel, which the added storyline of time travel. This isn't written as a sci-fi novel though! I did have a very good cry at this book, as there are some heartbreaking moments. But the ending is worth the tears!

4. Series of books Gail Carriger called the Parasol Protectorate
This is probably my favourite series of book.....EVER!!! The books in this series are Souless, Changeless, Blameless, Heartless and Timeless is the final book to be released next year. The genre of these books are Steampunk (a sub-genre of science fiction, fantasy, alternate history, and speculative fiction that came into prominence during the 1980s and early 1990s). Set in Victorian England, Alexia Tarabotti is classed as a spinster, left on the shelf in her late 20's, as she has no romantic interest in anyone, until Lord Maccon comes along. Lord Maccon (I imagine Gerard Butler playing this part), is a gruff, manly, brute, who is also a werewolf. He is leader of the pack, and makes sure that laws are abided by. In this society, vampires, werewolves and ghosts live amongst humans and are of the norm! These books involve Alexia solving various mysteries which pick up different characters along the way. Of course there is a love story, but this is one passion and feistiness! I love how Ms Carringer writes, a modern day Jane Austen with a twist of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle!!! I would also recommend Gail's blog as she is one interesting lady!!!

5. If you know someone who liked suspense and thriller novels, you cant go wrong with James Patterson! I loved Honeymoon, or the series The Women's Murder Club, or any of the Alex Cross Novels. I can easily sit and read 1/3 of a book without noticing! You never want to put his books down as every chapter leaves you wanting more as the story develops at a fast speed. I have never read a James Patterson novel and felt unsatisfied!

6. If you want that easy to read (and this is no discredit to the author), total chic lit escapism style read, then I recommend Meet me at the cupcake cafe by Jenny Colgan. The main character Issy is dumped by someone who is so wrong for her, and then she is fired....by him?!! Through this she decides that she will live her life and do what she wants to do.....open a cupcake shop. She shows that through hard work and determination she can achieve her dream! A very good 'feel good read', but I warn you, do not read if you are thinking about dieting!!! As the cakes she makes through this are divine!!!!!!!!!!

7. The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins

These books are fascinating! Set in the future, the hunger games are carried out each year, and a child of 16yrs or below of the different sectors are picked to fight to the death in an arena where they need to survive and kill fellow contestants. Alliances can be made, but for how long as they are still the enemy! These stories kept me interested

8. Room by Emma Donoghue.
This is like nothing I have ever read before! The story is told from the perspective of a child who doesn't know the world exists. His world is his mother, a room and the skylight and his cupboard. He knows a bad man enters every so often, but he doesn't know about normal society. Then he escapes from the room and the reader slowly realises the situation this poor boy is in! I cant write too much as it will give away the story. This is a book for the person who is kind of hard to buy for as I cant see anyone not being warmed by this story!

9. Wither by Lauren Destefano
I read this recently and I couldn't put it down! The main story is that scientists have been expanding their experiments on the human race but this has gone horribly wrong! Males only live till 25yrs and females live till they are 20yrs old. A cure is trying to be found but in the mean time girls are being stolen and married off for breeding purposes! The main character Rhine Ellery has only four years left to live when she is kidnapped. From this point she plots her escape even though she forms friendships with the other 'wives' and servants. Her husband isn't a monster as being married with numerous wives is the done thing in these ages, so you cant hate him! I thought this would be a little too sci-fi for me but it wasn't! How Rhine adapts to her situation, and finds opportunities and friendships along the way is so intriguing! I have pre-ordered book number 2 already...roll on Feb 2012 !!

10 For my final recommendations I couldn't pick one! I looked at my favourite novels by Alice Hoffman and Sarah Addison Allen and I couldn't pick one! Their books are magical, up lifting tales of woes, magic and hope. Both authors write beautifully and if they are writing for grown up who have never grown out of reading fairy tales, how ever they do have adult style problems. I do love Garden spells by Sarah Addison Allen, and The Story Sisters by Alice Hoffman, but I cant recommend enough that you try all of their books!

I hope you all receive a book which gives you the escapism you need from the day to day troubles and worries! Happy Christmas to you all x

I am going to add to my list all the books on here I have not yet read. I love the way that Kellyann sums the books up making you want to read to find out more and every book she has recommended that I have read has been fabulous. I have one hell of a good Bookworm! she seriously knows her stuff....take her advice and read at least one of the above books!!

The AWARDS - I WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ogden Designs) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:21:00 +0000

Today was the big day for the Ice the Cake InCREDIBLE AWARDS ceremony in Bicester. If you haven't already heard................I WON!!! The Most Supportive Wedding Supplier Award!

SHOCKED was not the word, good god, I trembled so much I am surprised I made it up to the podium (in my killer heels), then when I got there I had to do a speech!! which began with OH MY GOD, I made sure I thanked every last one of you for your support!!

I am sure I will be posting many more pictures but this is a great (big cheesy grin) one. I met some amazing peeps who I speak to all the time and felt famous for twenty mins!! I HAD THE BEST TIME, well done Ice The Cake!!

One Sexy Awarding Winning Bridal Designer and her Gorgeous Girls!! with my new award!

I hope to post more but right now (after three hours travelling, still wearing my tiara) I am taking off my makeup and going to bed because I am slightly drunk and can't type properly.... Thank you to every one of you for all your support and amazing congratulations wishes! Today I ROCK!