“I love the word Sister. It could mean family but it could also mean your best friend or your wing woman. Speaking as someone who had a huge number of bridesmaids at my wedding, I know from experience that dressing a group of fabulous, diverse women in a way where they feel amazing, yet look like a cohesive wedding party is a challenge! Luckily, that’s what myself and my team do every single day.” – Kate Halfpenny

Wear it…

To that glamorous party

To that night out out
To that super hot date
To that friend’s cocktails
To that new restaurant

To that club
To that wedding

To that super special wedding

To that super special wedding with your sisters
To that super special wedding for your sister

Brides have been enjoying Halfpenny London’s Brit cool style since 2005 and now the brand have extended their offering to include the bridal party too.
The Halfpenny London Sister collection is steeped in designer Kate Halfpenny’s signature ethos of versatility and individual expression.

Every bride who walks through our door is completely unique and our differences should be celebrated. I wanted to carry my mission statement of ‘being the bride you want to be’ through to the wedding party by creating an edit of ultra-flattering, interchangeable pieces which look fabulous together and also allows every bridesmaid to feel incredible on the big day and beyond.

The Sister collection has something for everyone – from my signature separates to dresses and even a jumpsuit. They’ve all been designed to be worn on the wedding day, then incorporated into your wardrobe afterwards to wear again and again, styled in your own unique way.”

To shop the Halfpenny Sister collection visit – www.halfpennylondon.com

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Signature LoveShackFancy style where Victoriana meets boho with custom lace patterns, ruffles, ribbons and vintage textiles is perfectly poised for stylish brides worldwide. Launched on the date of Creative Director Rebecca’s anniversary, it is a bridal collection that has been long-awaited. In fact, it was Rebecca’s own wedding day and the dress she designed for her bridesmaids that inspired the beautiful world of LoveShackFancy many moons ago. I’m obsessed with the easy to wear gowns that bring something new to the sought after lace wedding dress.

The vintage-feeling heirloom pieces in this capsule bridal collection have been inspired by a romantic garden or beach bohemian or quintessential countryside wedding celebrations in mind. Celebrating age-old textile craftsmanship with lots of hand embroidery and custom lace patterns.

LoveShackFancy’s ode to love and the traditions of craftsmanship within the collection, it is no wonder they aim for these poetic bridal pieces and flower girl designs to be passed from generation to generation.

The bridal pieces are so ultra-feminine and sit perfectly within the brand’s main collection. For bride’s, aside from the main wedding collection, it could be a second LoveShackFancy perfectly dance floor friendly gown, post-wedding casual but super pretty brunch number, beach party swimsuit and everything in between it’s no wonder the brand is so popular with brides already. Plus with gowns for bridesmaids, best girls and flower girls the whole gang could sport complimentary gowns for the celebrations.

Check out and shop the full, gorgeous LoveShackFancy bridal collection (and all their other fashion pieces) at www.loveshackfancy.com

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“Before the world was turned upside down, the idea for my new collection was conceived during my daily commute from Kent into my atelier in Bloomsbury. Life was incredibly fast-paced and I’d forgotten how important it is to unplug and take a breath. Time was such a luxury then, and the forced solitude of my journey helped me remember the childlike pleasure and freedom of daydreaming.” – Kate Halfpenny

Inspired by the changing landscapes and dawn light, bridal designer Kate Halfpenny has delivered this exquisite collection of intricate leafy embroidery, cloud-like puff sleeves, hazy soft layers and shimmering beadwork. “The Daydreamer collection is a natural evolution of the brand. We’ve continued to develop our own, exclusive beading and embroidery, while my obsession with textiles has reached new heights! The result is a distinctive edit of finely crafted details and ethereal silhouettes, grounded with our signature clean lines and luxury textiles. Every piece is steeped in the heritage of Halfpenny London and I’m confident our brides will love them as much as I do” says designer Kate Halfpenny.

I love how the brand has evolved with countless mix and match options across collections. It’s so fun to be able to change your look throughout the wedding day, adding a cape for the evening or removing an overskirt for dinner, sleeves for a ceremony and ruffles to party.

Finding new ways to serve brides the Halfpenny London team are hosting virtual appointments with their stylists, which is a great way to discuss your initial ideas with an expert, seek advice on styles fitting for your wedding, location and time of year before shortlisting options to try when bridal boutiques are able to reopen.

And for those amazing key workers who are tirelessly caring for the nation, Halfpenny London has increased their discount for Blue Light Cardholders to 25% at this time.

Find out more & see all the Halfpenny London Daydreamer Collection at – www.halfpennylondon.com

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For this food truck wedding guide, I caught up with Feast It, the Airbnb of the event catering world, to get the lowdown on hiring a food truck for your wedding. Having organised the catering of over 5000 weddings in the last 12 months, CEO Digby Vollrath gives us the inside scoop on top tips for your perfect food truck wedding. 

The Cheese Truck

Make sure you nail the logistics 

First things first, can your food truck access your wedding venue? “This might sound like a no-brainer but in amongst all the excitement of your wedding planning, it’s the technical bits that get lost in all the noise,” explains Digby. “98% of the time this is never an issue, but make sure to check with your venue to see whether they have height restrictions, adequate space and even the correct power points so your supplier can get things cooking. We don’t want your guests having their dinner served from a car park now do we!”

Think about the size of your guest list

“Your food truck supplier will help you to estimate how many servings you’ll need but it’s also important to have some insight into how many guests will be attending before you agree to any formal wedding food truck bookings,” Digby tells us. “Don’t get me wrong, most of the food trucks on Feast It are used to huge crowds at mammoth festivals, but the team will still need to order in stock for your menu and would hate for you to pay for excess food or even worse – someone going hungry!” 

Consider how the season can impact your food truck arrangements

Whilst searching for your dream wedding food truck, keep the season of your celebration in mind. “What time of year it is could impact your wedding menu; for example, if you’re having a summer wedding, your chosen supplier could be more than happy to incorporate local, seasonal ingredients into your menu such as fresh fruits, zingy greens and ripe meats. If your wedding is falling in autumn or winter, these ‘low season’ dates can really play to your advantage as many food trucks can become much more affordable in these slower months.”

Good & Proper Tea

Plan your wedding food truck around your theme

Next in this food truck wedding guide is keeping to a theme.  “A great way to start the hunt for your perfect wedding food truck is by considering your theme,” Digby advises. “Don’t be vague by starting your search with just ‘street food’ in mind, help yourself out by tying the food you want into your wider wedding day theme! If you’re throwing a festival wedding, you may want to have a food truck that looks a little vintage to compliment your big day aesthetic rather than a boldly coloured VW van. Are you paying homage to your Italian heritage? Then take a look at the incredible selection of Italian food trucks out there serving delicious pizzas and arancini!” 

Ask the food truck supplier how they are willing to personalise your menu

“Our creative food truck suppliers spend their time travelling around the country cooking up a storm, and jump at the opportunity to make a wedding meal that is tweaked to your liking and a little bit different. Why not take your incredible wedding menu to new heights by working with your caterer to personalise your menu. If you have two main dishes, why not name them after yourself and your lovely new life partner!? These small little details make all the difference to making your big day feel a little more special and our incredible selection of wedding food truck suppliers are more than happy to get a little creative with you!”

Feast It Wedding

If you’re ready to start browsing food trucks for your wedding, take a look at the huge directory on Feast It here.

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I’m living vicariously through my brides again and dreaming that I could take a spin in the new Temperley Bridal Summer 2020 collection.  You’ll see why…

Mirabelle

This new bridal collection titled Honesty, is a celebration of romance and craftsmanship.  Alice has drawn inspiration from antique porcelain fans, chinoiserie screens and Victorian corsetry amongst other curios.  As you expect from a Temperley bridal collection the embroidery detail is insane and the silhouettes have a modern edge.

Sparkles ahoy!

Rosie

Daphne

There are wedding dresses for making a statement with an elegant sense of drama and fantasy.  The above head to toe sequins in platinum or vintage feel pearlescent tones prove that.  And then there are more understated sculptural styles with artfully sprinkled stitch flowers or cut-tube beads and petals.

Toledo

Annabel

Within the Temperley Bridal Summer 2020 there are the expected, iconic bohemian designs made from the finest French lace with delicate scallop detailing, which offers a modern take on a signature style. It’s the opulent embroidery techniques include corded 3D flowers, iridescent sequin petals, trompe l’oeil folded ribbons and appliqued mesh roses with crystal stone outlines that always draw me in.

Serayha

Holly

The sense of British eccentricity is still on show, ready to transport brides into the magical world of Temperley bridal. See more from the collection and find your nearest stockist here – Temperley Bridal

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Devlin Photos from our Rock N Roll Bride Magazine Editorial

NIP & FAB DRAGON’S BLOOD FIX PLUMPING MASK
I’ve totally stolen this one from a celebrity makeup artist I worked with recently. Before an event, or just as a treat when my skin is feeling a little parched, I do my normal nightly cleanse and tone and then apply this plumping mask as I would a moisturiser and go to sleep in it. In the morning my skin feels fantastic. It’s often sold out and for good reason, stock up whenever you see an offer!

BEAUTY PIE SUPERDROPS HIGH-INTENSITY HYDRATION
I’m a recent convert to Beauty Pie and love the chance to experiment with different products relatively inexpensively.  One of the products I’ve discovered and fallen hard for is the Superdrops. It’s the ultimate glowing skin booster. A pipette of the water-like serum before moisturising day and night has really transformed my skin. It’s not sticky or oily so quickly sinks into skin, imperative when you rely on speed during your morning routine.

EMBRYOLISSE SMOOTH RADIANT COMPLEXION
After the roaring success of the ‘French Facelift in a Bottle’ Embryolisse have expanded their skincare range and this new potion is similarly incredible. Specifically targeting those dull skin types this cocktail of Hyaluronic Acid and Natural Polysaccharides instantly plumps and brightens. Radiant Complexion absorbs quickly but best applied once your daily moisturiser has had a chance to sink in from my experience. My personal trick is to take a small amount, dab on fingers and then lightly tap and slap onto my face before applying foundation. I find the tapping and light slapping helps to not only wake me up but also gets the blood pumping to the face and results in a fresher appearance.  It’s a great primer and has a lovely effect on its own for the days you don’t need to wear foundation on top.

BEAUTY PIE PRO-GLOW STROBING DROPS

Mega glow guaranteed with these babies! Super effective but be warned you only need the tiniest drop as a little really does go a long way here.  Days when my skin is particularly dull, I mix a touch with my foundation to get a glow from within effect.  For an event and what would be perfect for a wedding day is a little dab of Strobing Drops across the top of cheekbones, peek of forehead and cupids bow for a strobe effect that’s super pretty.

ICONIC LONDON PREP SET & GLOW

The final and mustn’t skip stage – setting spray.  I’ve tried a few but this one from Iconic London is the only one I’ve found that actually works and keeps everything in place.  Tested through the busiest weddings and hottest days, you can now get a mini size which is great for a refreshing spritz on the go too.  I also found using it under makeup was a quick win when every second counts in the getting ready process, it locks in your moisturiser and has a good priming effect.

Brides glowing skin can be yours.  Glow get them!

Devlin Photos from our Rock N Roll Bride Magazine Editorial

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Image via Pinterest

Stay in a glam treehouse, Big Sur

For the ultimate ‘Glamping’ experience, Treebones Resort caters for coastal dwellers and keen outdoors explorers. Ranging from Yurts to Twig huts, Treebones creates a magical experience surrounded by spectacular views of the ocean. For an unforgettable stay, the cocoon named ‘The Autonomous Tent’ is secluded on the edge of the resort, with its own private deck and outdoor fire pit – hello honeymooners! 

Stay at a wildlife reserve, Santa Rosa

It may come as a surprise that there’s a hidden “Sonoma Serengeti” just minutes outside the city of Santa Rosa in California. This 400-acre wildlife reserve, Safari West, is home to giraffes, cheetahs, lemurs, zebras and more. Guests can enjoy a stay in the safari “glamping” tent imported from Botswana, that includes a private deck overlooking the park and is nestled right next to the giraffes.  More Santa Rosa ideas at www.sonomacounty.com

Stay in an Airstream, Greater Palm Springs

Greater Palm Springs’ Hotel Paseo is the first luxury hotel to open in Palm Desert in over 30 years. Palm Springs is so on my travel wish list and unique to this hotel is a restored 1950’s Airstream trailer, featuring a queen-size bed, stainless steel kitchenette, shower and personal patio.  The Airstream has all the amenities of a luxury hotel in addition to an Instagram-worthy exterior. Honeymooners selfie time! More Palm Springs ideas at www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com

Stay on a historic boat, Sacramento

The Delta King Hotel is Sacramento’s unique treasure, offering guests a historic stay. Dating back to 1924, and with a rich history of river voyages between San Francisco and Sacramento, after five years of restoration the Delta King reopened to reign, once again, as the heralded monarch of the Sacramento River. Taking permanent residence as a 44-room luxury hotel, the Delta King boasts an award-winning restaurant and large theatre. More Sacramento ideas at www.visitsacramento.com

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Modern Vintage Wedding Photography

Here’s the thing. Words are one of the best ways to decorate a wedding. They have the power to move people, make them laugh and get them talking. They touch people, they unite people, they get people in the right mood to party. They can sum up a lifetime of love in a couple of sentences and they can make people wee their knickers if you get the timing right. In essence, a wedding speech can add a pretty awesome moment to your day. And, yes, even if you’re the one delivering it. In fact, when we delivered our bride speech, we found it much more emotional and joyous than when our partner delivered their speech. (Just don’t tell them that). So here’s our guide to rocking the mic…

LET YOUR PARTNER IN ON IT
Admittedly it is nice surprising your partner with a speech on the day but it’s easier for everyone involved if they know.  That way you can divvy up the thank you’s in advance and you don’t run the risk of needlessly repeating the same thing.
You don’t have to tell them exactly what you’re going to say but talking about your speeches in advance lets you stake your claim on the best anecdotes. You don’t want to be left with the speech-scraps! In terms of speech running order, opt to go first (if you can). That way you can relax and actually listen to the other speeches while you merrily down the Champers.

GO FUNNY
Next on our bride speech tips run down is that your speech should not be more romantic or less humorous than your other half’s.  You can make it cute and loving, you can even shed a few tears towards the end, but make sure you’re funny and self-depreciating too – especially at the start. No one is expecting you to do stand-up but try to get a laugh in within the first few lines and everyone will feel more relaxed. You included.  Obviously avoid ‘wedding gags’ or anything generic you find on Google. Instead look at the comedy in your relationship. Laugh about your differences or point out your regular ‘debates’. It might seem counter-intuitive to include that sort of thing in a wedding speech, but that actually helps show you love the reality of your relationship rather than presenting an idealized version of it!

Roberta Facchini Photography

CUT THE CLICHES
Don’t refer to your partner as your ‘soulmate’ or ‘best friend’. It may be true but these terms have been overused to the point of them being meaningless these days.
The trick is to prove, don’t tell. Don’t just say they are caring, tell us about that time last week when they picked you up from the train station at 3am when no Uber would respond. Don’t just say they are funny, tell us about their amazingly accurate impersonation of Taylor Swift. You get the idea…

TELL A STORY
Rather than a collection of random anecdotes and a few thank yous, your speech should tell a
story. Despite needing different elements, creating a theme is a key component of every great speech. An example would be if a teacher spoke about all the different lessons her husband had taught her over the years – the good, the bad, and the ability to yell every football chant at the local derby. A natural flow will be generated from the speech and your guests will be latching onto every word from the beginning, up until the almighty climax.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO USE CUE CARDS
Emotions would have risen throughout the ceremony, the glasses of cava will be flowing and then, it’s time for your speech. Don’t be afraid to use notes as your brain will no doubt be scrambled from the eventful day. Certainly, try to memorise the speech so you’re familiar with it, but no one’s going to judge you for having the security of a few cue cards. You don’t want to forget about thanking the in-laws!  Our advice is use A4 paper (definitely don’t read from your phone!) but only print half way down
the page so you can maintain eye contact with guests.

Andrew Billington Photography

RELAX, BREATHE, AND HAVE FUN
Believe it or not, you’re meant to enjoy yourself at your wedding so just let loose with it. Talk slower than what feels natural so that the guests can take it all in and be sure to leave a few pauses for laughter. Check the acoustic of the venue and get a mic if need be. So many potentially great speeches are ruined simply because the guests can’t hear them. Lastly, remember to smile. It’s scientifically proven to be infectious and those scientists know what they’re on about.

FINALLY
If you want to add an awesome moment to your day, enlist the services of the team of TV scriptwriters at Speechy. Creators of Amazing Speeches.

Find out more at www.speechy.co.uk

The post SUPER-STYLE YOUR BRIDE SPEECH first appeared on The Bijou Studio.

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Captured by And Your Story

The Curated Kitchen offers a luxurious alternative to formal wedding catering, as Dani explains “The ethos of the company is simple, to celebrate the simple pleasure of delicious food by creating warm, sociable dining experiences of sheer indulgence.”  So let’s get Dani’s expert wedding grazing table advice for building something beautiful for your wedding.

SEASONAL

To help keep grazing tables authentic and of the season, I love to use fresh, seasonal, local produce and homemade elements. I also like to include some interesting flavour combinations to really pique interest and tantalise the taste buds.

Captured by Helen Warner

POSITIONING

Think about the best position for your grazing table, you’ll want to create a focal point but you’ll also need plenty of space around it for guests to loiter and feast with abandon.

Use props, interesting platters, heirloom tableware, florals and foliage to help create a real impact and incorporate any theme you may have. You could add extra wow factor by using an interesting piece of furniture to display your graze upon.

Captured by And Your Story

STYLING

Using boards and platters displayed at varying heights helps to create interest and gives a landscaped effect, it also allows you to fit more food on the table!

To help create the luxe feel go to the effort of decanting any shop bought dips and relishes into nice pots, jars, dishes or bowls – no one wants to see houmous still in it’s plastic tub!

Insider tip: Put a base layer of parchment or greaseproof paper on the surface of your grazing table – not only will this help to protect the surface of your beautiful heirloom dresser, it makes super short work of tidying up (win!).

Captured by Helen Warner

Told you your mouth would be watering… thanks to The Curated Kitchen, check out their site for more innovative wedding dining ideas.

The Curated Kitchen – thecuratedkitchen.co.uk

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Captured by Nataly J Photography

Your wedding ceremony represents the fusion of two beautiful souls and their families and heritage. You are about to embark on an amazing adventure as you move toward this major milestone together.
Customizing the ceremony can sometimes be stressful as you try to balance the budget and fulfill your wedding dreams, but it’s not impossible. Here are 10 simple ways to personalise your wedding ceremony.
1. Write Your Vows
Writing your vows personalizes the ceremony by letting you each speak from your heart. Speak with your officiant about your plans, and don’t wait until the last minute to start writing your expression of love . You can include anecdotes about your relationship and offer up a promise to your partner. Remember that your officiant serves as a sounding board and may help clarify phrasings that feels off as they guide you through the process.
2. Choose Who Will Walk You Down the Aisle
Traditionally, a father escorts the bride down the aisle, but modern couples switch up the antiquated roles. Even grooms can be accompanied by their parents to their place at the altar. Stepparents and birth parents walk their children down the aisle in a way that feels right to the person getting married. Do what feels comfortable for you.

Captured by M and J Photos

3. Include Special Readings
Couples often include a special reading in their ceremony, and officiants can help source passages from religious texts or other relevant sources. Love letters, children’s books and songs all work well as a reading. This is an excellent way to include friends and loved ones on your special day.
4. Keep Sitting Open
Larger weddings may necessitate assigned seating, but keeping seating open at the reception allows guests to mingle. You know the people you’re inviting, so if you think they’ll move chairs around, assign seats. However, open seating helps guests settle in and feel comfortable, creating a natural flow.
5. Add Heirloom Details
Include family heirlooms on display at your wedding to represent the joining of your lines of heritage and those loved ones who have passed on. For example, you could display your grandmother’s quilt to express her love and talent. Quilts are typically made in three layers that include a layer of softer fabric on the top, a bottom layer of fabric and soft batting between these layers. It’s been known that the double wedding ring style, a quilt that features a double set of interlocking rings, is frequently made or given to newly wedded couples.
6. Display Photos
At the entryway to the ceremony, share photos of you and your partner. This allows your guests to take in your journey to marriage before they sit down to witness this milestone in your lives.
7. Honor Lost Loved Ones
Honor relatives who passed on by placing a family photo in the front row or incorporating their birth flower into the decorating or the bridal bouquet. Eliminate the pressure of only choosing flowers that are in season and include a fun bouquet made from paper to represent your loved one. It can also be used as a take-home gift! Place their names in the programs and offer a nod to them with a favorite song as an interlude. These meaningful gestures will remind you of their love and support.
8. Pick Meaningful Music
Certain ceremonies necessitate musical selections, but if your ceremony offers room for flexibility, select songs that hold meaning for you and your partner. Additional songs work well as interludes between the recessional and processional instrumentals. That means that jazz and pop tunes are open to you, too.
9. Involve Your Pet
As a member of your family, don’t feel weird about involving your pet in your ceremony. You will need to speak to the venue first to see if they are pet-friendly and what supportive steps you will need to take to please your pet and the venue. Why not let your pet be the ring bearer or flower girl? They can even be the one to “walk” you down the aisle.

Captured by Roberta Facchini Photography

10. Create Your Own Ritual
Create a ritual unique to you as a couple. You may pull from an older tradition, such as a Celtic handfasting where you and your partner’s hands are bound by a cord to symbolize your eternal bond. In the Hebrides, islands off the coast of Scotland, couples would hand fast for a year before the ceremony that forged their eternal bond.
Light a candle, drink out of a wine-filled chalice or jump a broom. Work with your officiant to create a personalized ritual you and your future spouse are both happy with to symbolize your shared lives as a married couple.

From writing your own vows to creating a ritual, may these 10 suggestions offer guidance on ways to personalise your wedding ceremony in ways that hold deep meaning to you both. Consider this old Irish wedding blessing as you move forward with the details: “May the sun shine, all day long, everything go right, and nothing wrong. May those you love bring love back to you and may all the wishes you wish come true!”

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