Another Royal Occasion

Over the weekend Zara Phillips, granddaughter of The Queen, wed her Rugby player boyfriend Mike Tindall in Edinburgh, Scotland. Attended by The Queen & The Duke of Edingburgh, Prince Charles & Camilla, William & Kate, Prince Harry and Princess Eugenie and Beatrice, the ceremony was the first Royal wedding to be held in Scotland in almost 20 years. Zara chose a gown by one of The Queen's favourite couturiers, Stewart Parvin, and accessorised it with a full veil, tiara and Jimmy Choo shoes. The ceremony and reception was held in Cannongate Kirk's Holyroodhouse. I love Zara's full veil with the tiara. Very regal indeed!








Photos courtesy of ninemsn.com.au

Posted by Emilie Harrison

The Wedding Writer

Susan Schneider, three-time Executive Editor of Elegant Bride, Modern Bride and Bridal Guide, has come out with a novel of the likes of "The Devil Wears Prada" but for the bridal set. Yes, I read it in two sittings. I invited my editor pal over to the Wedding Library to dig the real dirt, but she swears it's all a work of fiction.

I say buy it immediately if you are getting married, intend to get married or ever were married. (Furthermore, if you're in the industry it's simply irresistible.) Perfect for the deck chair, with margarita in hand, poolside in East Hampton. Ahhh summer reading.....
Learn more about it here or The Wedding Writer can be purchased here. And read about Susan's visit to the Wedding Library in her own words, here!

A Symbol of Love

Sydney based designer Marta Niegowska had a budding urge to create, so she took on the age old form of moulding wax into shapes to form her unique unisex jewellery collections that make the label Bilingual. After exploring a range of concepts and ideas, it was the series of interlocking silver rings made by Marta for her partner to wear while he was away, that got people talking and the designer soon found herself taking orders for colleagues and friends. She soon launched Bilingual at the Powerhouse Museum Youngblood Design Markets during Sydney Design Week in 2005. Marta explores various ideas through her pieces that induce humour or provoke thought. More than just a beautiful adornment, wearers of Marta’s designs are drawn to her concepts as much as her craftsmanship and she designs to open people’s minds to imagine what jewellery can be. Each collection of locally handmade rings, earrings, bangles, neckpieces and wedding bands engage the wearer with the symbolic nature of her work. More than ever before gents wedding rings, like the ladies, symbolise love, committment and personal taste, they must be something loved and cherished. Afterall, it will be worn for a lifetime to come. All Bilingual silver jewellery is made from 100% recycled Australian silver. To view the Bilingual collection of men's and women's pieces visit www.bilingual.com.au.


Facet


Momento


Destiny

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Feather Weather

It's a fair call saying it's freezing here in Australia. Winter has well and truly settled in and if you're having a winter wedding and still have your heart set on a strapless or more revealing gown consider this gorgeous Miu Miu feather collar. There's nothing worse than being cold so it's important to still keep yourself a little rugged up. Why not do it in absolute style?! Available to purchase at www.net-a-porter.com.


Feather collar £412.50

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Design Star

Ever since the first Sarah Janks gown came through our doors I've been in love. The craftsmanship and detailing is simply exquisite. Sarah is excited to announce the opening of her flagship studio in Sydney's North Shore, introducing her debut Tempus collection. Reinterpretating classic shapes with a modern slant, Sarah employs traditional techniques with impeccable fit and attention to detail. The dichotomy of fitted versus fluid is underlined by second skin bodices accompanied by ball gown or curvaceous hourglass skirts. Slinky bias cut dresses in chiffons, liquid satins and morocains balance the tailored pieces in the collection. The intricate embellishments and fabric manipulations are inspired by pressed flowers, old hand written love notes hidden in the folds of the skirt, small tokens of affection and a nostalgia of an era where romance blossomed into love.

Sarah has come a long way from leaving South Africa where she was born and raised to landing in London with just 300 pounds. Sarah found her first job at Kashkets, who were responsible for the outfits worn by Prince William, Prince Harry and the page boys at the recent Royal wedding of Will & Kate. Twelve years on and after almost a decade working for incredible designers such as Roland Mouret, Jonathan Saunders and Jenny Packam, Sarah moved to Australia and this week opened the doors to her Neutral Bay Studio.

Be sure to visit Sarah's studio at Shop 9, 7 Waters Road, Neutral Bay, Sydney 2089. Bridal and gown consultations are by appointment. Contact details can be found at www.sarahjanks.com.



Petticoat


Valon


Maria


Brielle


The gorgeous Adina gown we featured in issue 18

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Real Wedding - Karen & Paul

One or our favourite weddings from our autumn issue was Karen and Pauls at Gunners' Barracks. It was a fun and relaxed wedding that really celebrated their love. Karen incorporated a lot of thoughtful touches that helped make their day unique to them.







We didn't have space in the magazine to show the stationery that Karen designed for her wedding. Below is the screen printed invite as well as the balloon hens party invitation - such great ideas!



Karen and Paul's wedding was shot by Bradley Patrick from SugarLove Weddings. Bradley has also just launched his new commercial site: www.bradleypatrick.com which showcases a lot of the celebrity work he has done.

Posted by Emma Henderson

Charming Seating Charts

I wrote about it on Martha Stewart's Bride's Guide today, and reiterate it here. Escort cards are tried and true, but seating charts can be useful, especially for a complicated floor plan. Laura Hooper has made them charming, too. These pretty maps can be customized to any theme and I think are particularly creative when you have table names instead of numbers. And they make a great keepsake remembrance of all the guests at your wedding.

Gruber Photographers

My friend Terry Gruber has been working on his web site and facebook page and he's ready for us all to like it! And as a ridiculously marvelous incentive, he's offering a day of photography sweepstakes for "liking" his facebook site. It's worth about $12,500!!! I like it, I like it!

So, give it a whirl and like it too: http://www.facebook.com/GruberPhotographers

Sweet Treat

If you're after a super creative way to display your cake pops, macaroon pops or gourmet lollipops then you might just fall in love with this Sweetie Pop Tree. The tree is completely customisable with accessories such as wooden leaves, paper flowers, birds, squirrels or acorns (sold seperately). The trees are crafted from maple wood and are made in Canada. If you'd like to find out more visit www.weddingthings.com. The Sweetie Pop Trees retail for US$50.



Posted by Emilie Harrison

A Summer Woodland Table

I created this table to show a client and love the way a strong linen can make such an impact on a simple design. Recently I found this invitation on the web and eureka, I knew it would be the perfect mate to the table setting.

I wish I were throwing a woodland party to use these ideas!

Real Wedding - Julia Downs & Simon Strong

For their recent wedding in New South Wales Julia & Simon wanted the feel of their big day to be, most imporantly, homely. Choosing vintage, nostalgic and handmade undertones, they created more than just a homely feel. The day was filled to the brim with love, happiness and lots of emotion. They held their wedding in The Q Stations Govenor Bourke Room surrounded by family and friends. Julia opted for a Maggie Sottero gown and being the clever girl she is she even did her own bouquet! The palette was mainly neutral with a bold splash of yellow to celebrate Australia's colonial roots. A big congratulations to Julia & Simon!











Photographer - Global Sanctuary
Gown - Maggie Sottero
Stationery - Julia Made Imaginarium
Cakes - Exquisite Cakes
Bomboniere - Polka Dot Cookies
Brides rings - Tiffany & Co
Venue - The Q Station, Manly

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Silky Smooth

To celebrate her 12th Silk anniversary Lisa Gowing launched an exciting collection of demi-couture ready-to-wear gowns in Spring 2010. Being the uber-designer that she is, Lisa has now expanded the collection to include 15 new styles. The new collection of luscious and luxurious vintage inspired gowns is now available to view online and try in her studio in Edgecliff, New South Wales. Recalling the glamour of past era's, the collection draws inspiration from the 1920's through to the 1950's. All designs are hand made in pure silks with hand placed jewel and European lace detailing. Matching tulle and lace or jewel trimmed veils, headpieces and silk flowers are also available. Handmade locally by Lisa and her team, the ready-to-wear collection is hand made using time honoured couture techniques. The Demi-Couture gowns feature the same superb cut, luxe fabrics and feminine detailing that have become synonymous with Lisa’s couture designs, constructed in layers of silk and exclusive trims including European laces and crystal or jewel embellishments. If you'd like to register to attend one of her open days or to make an appointment to view and try the collection outside of these open days then phone 02 9327 6332 or email studio@lisagowing.com. Be sure to visit the website at www.lisagowing.com.au for all collection details.













Posted by Emilie Harrison

Big News!

A Short Story

It seems that model weddings are happening left, right and centre at the moment! Anja Rubik wed her long time partner and fellow model, Sasha Knezevic, on the Spanish island of Mallorca over the weekend. Anja's modern Pucci gown was designed for her by Emilio Pucci designer and close friend Peter Dundas. With a short hem, long, flowing skirt and a veil Anja looked every bit the modern model bride. This gown is a fabulous choice for a destination wedding but it also helps when you have amazing legs such as hers. Congrats!




Photos courtesy of HarpersBazaar.com.au

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Butterflies Galore

A client of mine will be getting her cake from her venue, and she is concerned about the in-house artistry as she'd like her design to be similar to this cover of Martha Stewart Weddings. I promised to decorate the cake personally if the in-house baker couldn't do it, but then I stumbled upon Wedding Star. I was planning to search out butterflies in different sizes and hues (or call my friends and Martha Stewart to find out how it was done). But now we don't have to!

Getting a cake with your venue is a great perk -- but often my clients are worried that the execution may not be exactly as they pictured it if they could choose their own baker. My advice is to show the in-house baker lots of pictures of what you're looking for. Look at their work and make sure they are up to the task. If not, adapt your design to suit their style. If you don't like their sugar bows, use real ribbon. If their sugar flowers are not delicate enough -- use real ones. And if all else fails, go simple and classic.

Kit by Wedding Star

Cute execution also shown by Wedding Star -- love the combination of sugar flowers and butterflies