We’re Back!! The last couple of days we experienced some glitches in the Matrix resulting in some unforseen firefighting, but we’re getting things back on track at the moment, so please bear with us (you may spot some oddities as you peruse the site…)

Getting back to business with a really fun post I think you’re going to love… today we start a new monthly series Cool Chicks: Hen Party Ideas to Amaze, Delight, Entertain and Enjoy. Don’t worry – this is a willy-straw-free zone, we’re into celebrating in style and the hen party is the ideal opportunity to get together for some fabulous fun and proper girly time. This afternoon we start with the trend of the moment – Vintage-inspired, granny chic Hen Party Ideas… we’ve found something for everyone, from relaxed afternoons of sewing and baking to party time in a secret Speakeasy…

1. Vintage Styling and Tea Parties

If you fancy getting your groove on as a 60s siren, going glam as a 50s femme fatale or a chic as 1920s flapper, then ladylike chic of afternoon tea and some dressing up time will be just the ticket. Around the country smart girls are gathering for tea and scones, cupcakes and champagne and a whole lotta glamour. There are lots of options all around the country at different prices, from a full styled photoshoot complete with costumes, make up and champagne in a studio, to a simpler vintage style make over twinned with afternoon tea.

For Vintage Styling Hen Parties try:  Decade Darlings Vintage Styling in Dublin, the Rock and Roll Tea Party  in Leitrim, or Oh So Sweet Occasions in Waterford.

2. Cake Decorating Classes

For those of you who want to earn your treats, an afternoon spent crafting pretty cakes might be just the way to relax and unwind with your girls. What could be more therapeutic (or hilarious, if like me you have zero crafting talent) than creating original decorations for your own vintage style tea party? Watch out if you’re invited as a guest to a cake decorating hen party though – you never know but the bride might get some ideas for your jobs for the wedding!

Try: Angel Cake Bakery in Coleraine, or A Cake for You in Dublin  Image: Honey and the Moon Photography 

3. Sewing Classes – For Crafty Hens

Sewing and embroidery is another old school skill that has come back en vogue in the last few years. Not one for the wild hens (like my mates) but for the truly crafty ladies who want a nice relaxing afternoon, a cute class in creativity might be just the ticket before hitting the bubbly and a nice dinner. Dublin is a hub for sewing classes so it’s perfect if you’re planning a city break hen party or just a nice one close to home.

Try: When Poppy Meet Daisy on Capel St. in Dublin 1, The Craft Lounge on Wicklow St in Dublin 2, and A.Rubanesque in the Powerscourt Centre.

4. Dancing the Night Away – Vintage Hen Party Dance Lessons

For girls who want to get down and boogie woogie old school stylee, a little dance training with a vintage twist may be just the ticket to start the night off with a bang. Whether you’re fancy tripping the light fantastic with a bit of swing or getting to grips with the Lindy hop, grab the girls and put on those dancing shoes.

Try: Galway Swing or Lindy Hop at  DubLindy in Dublin

5. Vintage Movie Night

Remember back in the day when we used to have sleepovers, watch Dirty Dancing and swap stories about who wanted to meet/shift/snog whom, and how gorgeous Jason Priestley and Jared Leto were? Well we’re grown ups now ladies, so we’re not advocating getting into PJs on front of the telly. We’re thinking something altogether more glamorous – how about a private screening of a vintage movie, followed by a vintage-inspired after-party with live band, retro DJ and classic cocktails?

Look no further than Film Fatale - the next edition is coming up on Sat 27th July in the Sugar Club in Dublin 2 with a screening of the Audrey Hepburn classic Funny Face. But other dates are organised around the country so keep an eye on their facebook page: www.facebook.com/filmfataleevents

6. Stay Classy with Vintage Cocktails

If you’re all a flutter for The Great Gatsby you will adore the idea of going back to the 20s with a little prohibition style cocktail fun. It may surprise you to know that Dublin does in fact have one or two bona fide speakeasies, where you can hide out with your girls and enjoy some amazeball cocktails in secret surroundings. The VCC was the scene of the infamous One Fab Christmas Party 2012 there, we highly recommend. The punch comes served in silver teapots into china tea cups and the decor is velour-fabulous. For the truly avant-garde, keep an eye out on The Blind Pig twitter or facebook pages for their regular secret cocktail classes (they don’t advertise or even tell you where they’re on – the day of the class you rock up to the ATM on Wicklow St and call a mobile number for directions!)

Try: Vintage Cocktail Club in Temple Bar or The Blind Pig, Dublin 2

7. A Little Bit Daring – a Burlesque Hen Night

They say girls just wanna have fun – well this is one for ladies who like to live a little… twirling feathers and turning top hats, this is classy entertainment for girls who like to look gorgeous and feel sexy. I can see a few partners stumping up the cash for their ladies to join the posse on this particular vintage style hen party extravaganza.

Try: The Irish Burlesque School in Dublin or Whistle Bait Babies in Belfast,

We’re busy collating ideas for future hen party posts so if you do know of cool and classy activities, courses or hideaways do drop a line in the comments below or email editorial@onefabday.com

Original Article: One Fab Day : Very Vintage Style Hen Party Ideas

Lilac Rose is a Limerick based bridal boutique specialising in original and vintage inspired bridal and bridesmaid gowns. Run by a husband and wife team Lilac Rose are more than experienced in helping you find the perfect dress and accessories for your big day.

Their Original Vintage Collection of vintage bridal gowns are specially sourced from the US and Europe. All gowns in the Original Vintage Collection date from 1920s to 1970s and emulate the style, decadence and elegance associated with fashion’s most inspiring decades.

Lilac Rose also stocks beautiful bridal headpieces and veils from Visionary Veils as well as Sharon Galvin, plus brooch bouquets from Ruffled Ruby. They take pride in sourcing vintage inspired bridal gowns that stay true to the cuts and styles of true vintage design from the 1900′s-1970′s.

How to Enter

As always, entry couldn’t be easier – just fill in your name and email address below and you’re in the draw. Make sure you’re subscribed to one of our mailing lists or your entry won’t count.

The Rules

You must be a fan of One Fab Day on Facebook to be eligible for entry; one entry per person; no cash alternative is possible. Entries close at 10pm on Sunday  30th June 2013.  The winner will be chosen at random on Tuesday 2nd of July, contacted at that time, and later announced on the website. 

Original Article: One Fab Day : Win Some Vintage Style Worth €200 from Lilac Rose

Moon Star Night Wedding Inspiration Image credits:

Couple on Moon -  Kelly Kollar Photography via Ruffled | Veil – BHLDN | Star Light – Stiffkey Period Lighting |I Love You To The Moon and Back Print – First Snowfall | Dress – Jason Wu |Festoon Lights – Domus | Cake with Moon Topper – Urban Comfort | Hip Hip Flag - Jennifer Sosa via Ruffled

Original Article: One Fab Day : I Love You to the Moon and Back – Starry Night Wedding Inspiration

Coolclogher House is a luxurious country manor house situated on the outskirts of Killarney, Co.Kerry. The private listed manor sits with a backdrop of the Kerry mountains making it ideal for eye catching wedding photos in an elegant venue. Coolclogher house is licensed for civil ceremonies, meaning the staff can host your entire day from your wedding reception to a relaxed banquet surrounded by unspoilt countryside.

If you’re in search of a hidden gem for your wedding then be sure to check out www.coolclogherhouse.com

David McConville is a specialist dentist with branches in Sligo and Donegal. Specialising in invisible braces, David McConville Orthodontics guarantees perfect teeth to show off in your wedding photos. Ensuring a tailored solution to each client, and with years of experience fitting adult braces, David McConville Orthodontics is perfect for brides who aren’t quite comfortable with their current smiles and want to look their very best, and most confident come the big day.

To set up a consultation check out www.davidmcconvilleorthodontics.ie

Frogprince Weddings is an event planning service that will create a design concept for your big day and make sure each detail is reflective of your relationship. Each couple receives a bespoke service, with the Frogprince team assessing your likes/dislikes, personal taste, and most importantly the details of your love story that can be incorporated into wedding day details. Whether it be flowers, venue decor or ceremony design Frogprince has you covered.

To see some examples have a browse through www.frogprince.ie.

A memento is an object kept as a reminder of a person or event. Memento Photography is a Dublin based photographer Derek O’Rourke, who will document each moment of your wedding day, ensuring the day is remembered for generations to come.With a wealth of experience and a background in animation, design and photography Derek offers a contemporary on-trend approach to capturing your wedding day.

For examples of his work visit www.mementophotography.ie.

Original Article: One Fab Day : From Kerry to Donegal – the best of Irish Wedding Suppliers

Emannuelle Junqueira has three different bridal collections. The first is her Exclusive Collection, the creation of a brand new dress based on the dreams and ideas of the bride.

The second is her Custom-Made Collection which consists of ready made dress styles that are used as the starting point to create a personalized dress for each bride.

And lastly, the Off White Collection which is a prêt-à-porter collection of gowns we fell in love with and have featured here. She also has a collection of pretty and dainty wedding lingerie.

For those of you living in South America (!) or just looking for some amazing wedding dress inspiration pop over to www.emannuellejunqueira.com.br  for more gorgeousness!

Original Article: One Fab Day : Stuff We Love: Emannuelle Junqueira

Ali is a graduate of Art at Trinity, who then went on to study both metalwork and beadwork at the National College Of Art And Design. With this unusual combination of skills Ali Nash provides high quality jewellery with an interesting combination of metals and precious and semi-precious stones.

The Ali Nash jewellery collection consists of a wide range of necklaces, bracelets and earrings with each piece created as part of a limited collection making it perfect for any bride in search of exclusive jewellery for her big day, or for a bridesmaids gift.

Ali creates each piece herself combining vintage inspired aspects with more modern materials and techniques.

The collection is created with vermeil gold and pieces vary from statement necklaces to more simple bracelets, at really good prices many are perfect to gift to members of your bridal party. The perfect jewellery for a modern bride.

The collection is available to buy online or directly from Ali’s studio in Dun Laoghire. If you like what you see, there’s plenty more over on www.alinash.com.

Original Article: One Fab Day : Stuff We Love: Ali Nash Jewellery

It’s clear from the current Flight Of Fantasy collection that Heidi is a fan of fairytale elegance – the collection is a romantic mix of feathers, cool whites and Swarovski crystals while all the time managing to avoid clichés. Heaven for many brides.

There is a beautiful balance to this collection – a blend of light and delicate with the twist industrial edge to her headpieces. With the added masculine edge the sweet bridal designs cleverly veer away from any tackiness or over sense of familiarity: tiaras in less traditional forms, crystals draped in a tear-drop veil.

Heidi handcrafts each headpiece to a high standard with the best quality silks, Swarovski crystals and French lace and added personalised embellishments.

Heidi has a background in beauty therapy, which then developed into wedding consultancy and she was then given the opportunity to design head pieces with an established designer in Australia. Taking a leap Heidi based herself in Australia and began her own business, keeping things personal with her dainty dog logo inspired by the family chihuahua.

Fairytale designs perfect for any bride wanting romance with an edge. To find out more pop on over to www.shutthefrontdoor.com.au

Original Article: One Fab Day : Stuff We Love: Shut The Front Door

Original Article: One Fab Day : One Fab Day in the Irish Independent – June 2013

Ciara filled us in on how she and Alan met, back when they were just teenagers! “We met ten years ago, right out of school at Alan’s Debs ball. Alan was sitting on the next table and we were introduced by a mutual friend and got chatting. I was won over by Alan’s charismatic moves on the dance floor! We met up again by chance and possibly a little meddling by our mutual friend a few weeks later. After two quite unsuccessful dates (long story), we became quite inseparable!” What a wonderful story of teenage love turning into a marriage!

How did Alan decide to pop the question? “We decided to take a little holiday in September 2011 as a well deserved break. We bought our first home in spring of that year, so after six months of wallpaper stripping and floor sanding we booked a cheap flight to Sardinia. At the end of a fun day learning to windsurf, or more accurately falling into the sea, we were sitting out on the balcony of the apartment. Out of the blue, Alan jumped down on one knee, asked me to marry him and immediately jumped back up again. I thought he was joking at first, it was certainly surprising, but then I quickly said yes of course! He had always said he would surprise me someday with a proposal, and he certainly did!” 

Ciara chose a Blue Bridal dress from Bridal Rogue Gallery in London, fitting the fifties’ theme of the wedding. “I suppose there was a strong 1950s influence on my dress, Al’s suit and my bridesmaid Caroline’s dress. I’ve always been interested in the fashion of the 1950s, and I certainly looked at lots of pictures of the greats like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn when deciding on my hairstyle and accessories.”

The bride and her bridesmaid did their own makeup on the day, but had help from Sahaira with their perfectly coifed updos.

Your wedding day involved several locations across Dublin. How did you decide to stay in town for your big day? “From the beginning we decided that we wanted to have our wedding in Dublin city. We were both born and raised here and all our memories are here so it didn’t feel right to book a countryside venue.” 

How about Ciara’s sweet Betty Draper look for these photos? Stunning!

“We were delighted to be married in our beautiful local church, the ceremony was so relaxed and personal and it’s so great to have those memories in your own community. Alan even got some photos with his parents in the same spot where his communion and confirmation photos were taken, which was brilliant!”  And I bet just a little more facial hair than the last few photos, eh Alan?

The couple made sure to spend ample time planning their wedding ceremony, something that sometimes gets overlooked. “The ceremony was our main priority and we spent a lot of time selecting readings, music and reflections which really meant something special to us.”

Ciara’s brother sent their special ceremony over the top with his thoughtful wedding present. “My brother gave us a beautiful and unusual wedding present. He commissioned a special piece of music to be composed for us to celebrate our wedding day. It was played for the first time by the string quartet during the ceremony. It was a very touching part of the day for us. Also our friend Lisa sang beautifully during the ceremony which was such a treat.”

We love the idea of using colourful ribbons attached to streamers to welcome the couple out of the church.

The couple chose to have their photos taken in Dollymount and lucked out with some glorious sunshine! “We wanted to have our photos taken at the Clontarf seafront and Dollymount because that’s where we first lived together. We were determined to go there rain or shine which Mark Barton was great about. He said if you two are up for it so am I! Thankfully we had a beautiful windy, chilly but very sunny day!”

These photos from Mark Barton are timeless and really add to the fifties’ feel of the couple’s wedding photos.

The couple even brought Dublin into their wedding reception with a little guessing game for their guests! “We put together a little Dublin themed quiz for the guests to play at dinner. We took photos at nine locations in the city, some quite easy and some more obscure (these photos 1-9 also served as our table numbers!), and invited the guests to guess the locations. The winning table who got all nine locations correct won I ♥Dublin key rings! It got everyone chatting and brought out that competitive streak, the banter was flying!” What a great idea to get everyone chatting from the start!

How did you decide on the Thomas Prior Hall in Ballsbridge for your reception? “The location of Thomas Prior Hall was just perfect for us for starters, but we were just blown away when we saw the hall. It was so grand and beautiful but also intimate. The hall didn’t need lots of decorations and dressing to give it a sense of occasion, the original features of the building gave it lots of character and charm. When we met Barbara the wedding coordinator we were confident this was the venue for us. She really listened to our ideas about the day and encouraged us to add our own personal touches. The food was delicious and the staff were fantastic!”

The couple mixed a few different themes in their reception decor, including a nod to Alan’s favorite pastime. “Bicycles appeared on lots of things because Alan loves cycling. Everyone knows how much he loves his bike! He even managed to fit in a little cycle on the day, when he took the bike (which we used to hold the seating plan) for an impromptu spin around the dance floor to Queen’s song Bicycle Race!”

Ciara and Alan have pretty practical advice to share for brides and grooms in the throes of wedding planning:”When you begin your wedding preparations write down the most important aspects of the day, this will help you both focus on what’s important throughout your planning- there is so much choice out there it’s easy to get distracted and end up with the wedding you think you should have, not the wedding you both really want. Also, don’t be tempted to ask everyone you meet their opinion when making choices about your day – it will only add to the confusion! Go with what’s right for you both!” And it seems like that system worked well for these two – that looks like one happy couple!

“We had lots of help from our families with the preparations but Auntie Deirdre deserves a special mention for creating 6 flavours of delicious cupcakes for the cake table, all beautifully decorated!” They look delish!

Where to for the honeymoon? “We planned our honeymoon before we started planning the wedding! We took a three week Californian road trip. We flew to San Francisco before hiring a car and driving to Yosemite National Park, the Sierra Nevada, Death Valley National Park and on into Las Vegas. We stopped off in New York for a few days on the way home. The perfect trip for indecisive people like us! Snow and desert heat, city and countryside, sea and mountains all in one trip!”

Thanks Ciara and Alan, for sharing your big Dublin day with us! Looks like it was such fun for everyone, we’re only sorry we missed it! And special thanks to Mark Barton for sharing these wonderful images of the happy couple’s special day!

All the Wedding Details

Original Article: One Fab Day : From Teen Love to Happily Married – Alan and Ciara’s Dublin Wedding by Mark Barton

Multi-coloured Geometric via Cake Design Square 2 tier with Checkerboard Colour Patches via Sweet and Saucy | Fox Multi-cloured Cake Lee Bird Photography via Hostess with the Mostess | Heart Topper with Gold,Peach and Black  via Faye Cahill Designs

Pretty pastel colour palettes get a little bit of zing with the use of geometric patterns like squares, triangles and chevrons.

Pink V-Shape detail with Flowers via I (heart) Cake Decorating / Blue Pink and Navy Geometric Cake Clean Plate Photography via Lael Cakes / Pink and Silver Cake via Wedding Chicks /Orange Flower Cake Gabriel Ryan via Loverly /Triangular Trim Cake Jen Huang Photography via Paper Crave / Blue Print Cake Christine Meintjes  via The Pretty Blog

Black, white and gold has been the defining colour palette over the past 6 months or so, and with the current love affair with all things deco and Gatsby-inspired, there have been some amazing geometric wedding cakes appearing in those tones at vintage inspired glam affairs.

Yellow square with Flower Cake via Wedding Bee;  Black White & Gold Sweet and Saucy via Style Unveiled Turquoise Black and White Cake Scott Michael Photography via Ruffled / Small Black Geometric Cake Katie Pritchard via Green Wedding Shoes /Gold Leaf Cake with Black Details Jen Huang Photography via Lael Cakes / Peach & Black with Gold DetailsKT Crabb Photography via La Magnifique / Black Cake with Geometric Gold and White Detail via Beau and Arrow Events

The great thing about geometric patterns on wedding cakes is that they can take any shape, form or colour palette, from the super bright and daring to the soft and subtle. Let your imagination and that of your cake designer (your poor mum!) run wild…

White Cake with Pink and Orange Decor Martha Stewert Weddings via 100 Layer Cake | Turquoise, Pink and Blue with heart Cake Topper via Ruffled | Blue Cake with Yellow Triangular Decor via Style Unveiled | Green and Gold Cake via / Checkboard Colour Cake Studio EMP via 100 Layer Cake | Gold and Orange Triangular Decor Natalie Bray via Sweet Marie Designs | Triangular Painted Detail  Cory Ryan Photography via The Knot  | Yellow and Peach Decor via Revel.com

Inspiring or what? Hope you liked all the colourful creations. And if you’re looking for a great cake creative then check out our list of the best wedding cake specialists in Ireland…

Original Article: One Fab Day : Stand Out from the Crowd – Geometric Wedding Cakes