Love gives us a fairytale !

"Once in a while, right in the middle of our ordinary life, love gives us a fairytale."

[Author unknown]

I love this quote, it just makes us realise that we cannot plan for love, it finds us when we least expect it!

Photography credit: Elizabeth Messina

Hollywood Glamour

Today I'd like to venture into the Glitzy world of Hollywood and the Movies
Suggested colour schemes for this event or wedding can be black, white, red, pale pink and gold.

This theme is all about making the guest, or guests of honour feel like Superstars.
Its about lots and lots of bling and many, many lights. whether that be twinkle or candle.
You can't escape the allure of a red carpet and that can be a fitting entrance for the important individual or couple.

Venues in Glasgow that would suit this theme ie. a supper club or an old fashioned formal restaurant idea would be "29" Glasgow and Rogano

As a prelude to your event, your invitations should give your guest an insight into your movie world.
For a party, these movie stub invitations are pretty cool A Party Shop -Cinema Ticket Invite
For a wedding, these invitations are simple yet elegant Entwine-Design Big Day Invite

Champagne is a must, whether a party or a wedding, lovely bubbles to make you feel all the more like a starlet.

For your venue, firstly use your colour pallette simply, by using a white base for your reception tables with a black overlay or napkins and black sashes to any chairs you cover.
Shades of gold, red or pink could be brought in in little touches as an accent.
This idea can also be dressed in reverse.
Then to create a more glamourous centrepiece, consider a tall vase with coloured ostrich feathers or
a silver candleabra draped with pearls and fitted with some pale pink candles and flowers which would bring subtle sophistication.
Classic flowers such as roses , carnationa and lilies suit this theme well.
For a little bit of fun consder a pile of movie reels with a little Oscar statuette perched on the top.

Consider naming you tables after your favourite movies or actors.

This little black and white movie table plan would suit the theme Movie Tableplan - Canvas Graphics , or this one Hollywood - Canvas Graphics

For a really grand cake, consider the "Love for Hollywood Movie Cake" from Michelles Sugar Art [ its actually a Birthday cake but could possibly be adapted to show a couple for a wedding.] or something a little like this from Sweet Things Toronto

For wedding attire, you simply can't beat a man in a Tuxedo Debenhams - double breasted or Evening Tailcoat
For the Bride , where better to shop than Hollywood Dreams for just that superstar wow or Candy Anthony for lovely vintage pieces.
For the bridesmaids I just love this from Monsoon
In the good old days of Holywood, dresses with a bias cut and a  fishtail hem proved to be very popular.

If its not a wedding, and instead a Hollywood/Movie themed party, the high street is a veritable feast of glam cocktail and evening dresses in outlets such as Monsoon, Coast, Debenhams etc.
And remember , all those hollywood starlets of old, never stepped out without their glossy tousled hair and their pillarbox red lipstick

If the event is a wedding, consider these lovely little gifts as favours to show your guests you appreciate them sharing your day Clapperboard frame / Star Keychain and Bottle Stopper

For the ultimate in Supplies for your Hollywood style event see http://www.hollywoodparty.co.uk/ or Party Junction - Hollywood

For a little bit of visial inspiration for putting together this theme see Hollywood mood board at Plans and Presents Facebook

All that Jazz - The Shoot

To follow on from my last post, I would just like to highlight the marvellous work of all those involved and give you an insight into some of the best Wedding Suppliers that Scotland has to offer.

Lindsay Fleming Couture is an award winning Bridal Design team based in Scotland, run by Grace Lindsay and Julie Fleming.
A specialist in Celtic and Medieval designs, over the last few years they have picked up two Vows awards for their spectacular designs.
This year, they decided to go an little bit different and ,  All that Jazz a collection of 20's inspired bridal gowns was created.
These designs will transport you back to a thrilling care free era , reminiscent of the style of Greta Garbo and the creative genius of Coco Chanel.
And this year Lindsay Fleming is going on her travels with several dates planned, possibly coming to a venue near you -  Roadshow


Their breathtaking designs were photographed by Donna Marshall and Mark Archibald of Archibald Photography , Winner of 2009 Vows Award for Photography.
Based in Biggar, they are very much sought after photography team, and are completely passionate about what they do.
They specialise in capturing candid, spontaneous moments and reflecting the personalities of their clients.
They offer a friendly relaxed approach which makes their subject responsive, and this is a major reason why their images are so stunning and timeless.

The gorgeous headpieces worn by the models in the shoot were from Baba - C Designs , a Vows award winning jewellery designer who offers a fantastic range of  exquisite tiaras, veils, capes and jewellery.
They have a enormous collection of handcrafted designs to choose from, or you can have a bespoke piece commissioned.

I would like to thank Archibald Photography for sharing these beautiful images with me and would also like to thank Lindsay Fleming Couture and Baba C for allowing me to showcase their enormous talent.

Wedding Gowns http://www.lindsayfleming.com/
Photography http://www.archibaldphotography.co.uk/
Headpieces http://www.baba-c.com/

All That Jazz !

Photo Credit: Archibald Photography
Gowns: Lindsay Fleming
Headpieces: Baba C Designs

Vintage Oh La La !!!

Today I would like to share with you the work of two very talented people.

The first is Kat Williams aka Rock 'N' Roll Bride, and Queen of Kick Ass Weddingness, and the second is Julia Boggio, universally considered as one of the UK's top Wedding Photographers.

On a snowy day in early January Kat was invited down to Julia's studio.
What happened next is every girl's dream.!

This shoot is the perfect balance of sass and class and is just totally hot, hot, hot !!!

I don't think there is a woman in the land that would turn down the chance to be photographed by Julia, and that includes me.

Julia specialises in pin up photography from the 1940's and 1950's.

She says that "Pin up is all about tantalising the viewer with what's being covered up, but saying I'm cheeky and sexy in an expression."



I think she just brings out your inner minx and believe me, its inside us all somewhere !


To read Kat's full blog and see the remainder of the amazing images taken be Julia.

http://www.rocknrollbride.com/2010/01/rock-n-roll-bride-loves-vintage-boudoir/


To see other amazing examples of Julia's work
Website http://juliaboggiostudios.com/
Email  email@juliaboggiostudios.com
Phone 020 7042 9777

I would just like to say Thank You to both Kat and Julia for allowing me the honour of sharing their truly sensational work.

Featured Supplier - Planet Flowers

I have met a fair few folk whilst being a social networker.

There are some lovely suppliers on Twitter and Facebook that hold a wealth of experience from around the country.

Today I would just like to bring to your attention the work of Planet Flowers of Edinburgh.

Their floral designs are always exquisite and unique, and I stand astounded at the beauty of their creations every time I see them.
For an example -Mansfield-Tranquair

For a little bit of history behind this fantastic mother/daughter team, Planet Flowers is headed by Rachel Marshall who has gained invaluable experience in the 35 years she has been a florist.
Rachel's daughter Gemma joined her 8 years ago after gaining her masters diploma in floral design.
Together they have built a enthusiastic team who will transport your guests to a lavish fairy tale or make a memorable impression with a surrounding that glows with seductive sleek modernism.
Providing guidance through every step of the process, their meticulous attention to details, fresh ideas and exceptional expertise means you can concentrate on preparing yourself for the event.

From being published in National Bridal resources Wedding Magazine to the glowing  testimonials they have recieved, your event will be visually spectacular and in very good hands with this outstanding team.


To contact the Planet team

Phone-0131 539 7781
Email- hello@planetflowers.co.uk
Website- http://www.planetflowers.co.uk/

Photo Credit Rankine Photography

Distinctly Scottish !

The prettiest thing I saw today was in the Confetti wedding outlet in Glasgow.
http://www.confetti.co.uk/

They had a table dressed firstly with a white tablecloth,then overlayed with a cloth of Blackwatch tartan. Napkins were white and  were banded with some pale green ribbon, and then banded on top with a further band of the same tartan.
A sprig of heather was then placed underneath the ribbon.

A floral centrepiece that incorporated heather and thistles, and bonbonniere bags tied with dark ribbon completed the look.

Blackwatch Tartan

It is a great reception decor idea for those wanting  to bring their heritage into their wedding.
I particularly like this tartan, but any tartan could be used.

To tie this decor in with the rest of your day, simple touches with either navy or dark greens would work well.

Featured Supplier - Louise Beattie - Wedding Photographer

Today commences a series bringing you the very best of the UK's Wedding Photographers.

Firstly, I would like to showcase the work of Louise Beattie , a photographer based on the East Coast of Scotland.
I met Louise through Twitter and am astounded by the beauty and clarity of the images she creates.

To provide a bit of background to her story so far, Louise's passion for photography began in her mid teens, from a love of beautiful imagery and a desire to create images that would give you a sense of being in a place - to recreate the emotions and feelings felt at the time.

It was some years later, whilst researching a photographer for her own wedding, that she fell in love with weddings and photographing people - "until that point I had no idea how exquisite wedding photography could be, how you could tell a story of one of the most important days in a couples life and preserve it for a lifetime and more. That was when I finally realised what I wanted to do when I grew up".

Choosing a photographer to capture your wedding or celebration is one of the most important decisions you will make.
Finding a photographer can be incredibly difficult and that is why time must be taken to choose somone that you instantly feel comfortable with, as this relationship will show in your photographs.
And to find someone who's style and personality blends with your own.
The moment I started researching Louise's work a sense of calm enveloped me.
Her words "Your life is like no other, it should be cherished, celebrated and remembered" epitomises how individual each person is, and the passion she has for her work really shows in the wonderful work.

Contact Louise - email - studio@louisebeattie.com
                        - phone - 01241 815 655
                        - website - http://www.louisebeattie.com/

Why there needs to be change at Wedding Fairs !

Heres a fabulous well written article by I AM STAGGERED on why there needs to be a change in the world of Wedding Fairs.
The groom often gets left out at these events & we try to tell ourselves that they are not really interested but apparently the"Post Beckham" man is all about the involvement.

On Twitter this morning there was a very lively debate about the validity of a Man Creche at these events & how that could be percieved as being offensive to our men.

ARTICLE

Its all white on the night !

All this wintery weather has got me thinking.
All you can see for miles around is the dazzling white of snow, snow and more snow wth the occasional  sparkly icicle.
In light of this , I want to consider an All White wedding theme.

You can be forgiven for saying that all white may be plain or boring, but the reality is it is striking, crisp and chic and it can be very simple to bring together.
Accenting with a shade such as silver will just add to the elegance of the theme.

As a lovely introduction to your event, consider these invitations as a prelude for your guests.
This invitation is by Finishing Touches by Adele
This theme could be carried through in placecards, menus, order of service and a Table Plan.

For the decoration of your venue, white tablecloths serve as the classic base.
Keep on theme with white napkins and accent them by binding them with some silver ribbon.
For your centrepieces, there are many classic white flowers and styles of arrangement.
You could consider a cube vase tightly packed with white roses or carnations, placed on a mirrored plate with some scented t lights surrounding.
You could have a church candle arrangement with a wreath of luxurious white blooms surrounding.
Arrangements could be high or low.
The addition of a silver candelabra , a string of faux pearls or the use of table diamonds would increase the bling aspect.
A fishbowl with a single white orchid or large rose and some beargrass is striking in its simplicity.
Here are some gorgeous examples of what you could do.
Planet Flowers
Floral Haven
Other ideas that could be considered are tall vases with white marabou feathers or painted wilver and white twigs or martini glasses with white and silver beads.

For wedding attire, of course there is the brides beauitful white gown, I love the Valentino Sposa Collection for Pronovias 2010 Collection
For the bridesmaids consider a splash of color or have them in platinum or silver or pewter
Example from Coast
Example from Coast
Example from Debenhams
Example from the Dessy Collection. This collection has co-ordinating Flowergirl gowns and Waistcoats and ties for the male wedding party.

For your favours consider these elegant favour boxes, my recent November bride chose them and they are just gorgeous [ Silver box ] , they were filled with Ferrero Rocher.
Or as an alternative a Heart shaped wine stopper from the Confetti Shop.

For the cake , just a little hint of colour will be sufficient.
You could choose to just use silver ribbon around the cake or choose a Brushed silver cake topper or other silver adornment.
Cake example here - Top Tier cakes
Cake example - Scrumptious Cakes

The snow may soon be melting but this is a wedding theme that will remain Timeless......


[Photo Credit:  blog.finestationery.com ]


See some  pictorial inspiration Plans and Presents Mood Board

Pretty Good Start !

Its been a pretty good start to the year for recognition for Plans and Presents.

Today have been published in two places.

Firstly as an advert on English-wedding.com and also an article I have written for same site
Recharge those Bridal batteries !

And have also been featured in an article on wedding co-ordiantors in the Scottish Wedding Directory - see Pg 283.

2010 Theme Song !

I have been promising you my new theme song for the last week or two.

My 2009 Theme Song Take That's "The Garden" was very hard to beat. Beatiful words, beautifully sung and by a band who put on the greatest show I have EVER seen !

My 2010 theme song is by a female singer, who has had phenomenal success on both sides of the Atlantic and is one of my favourite singers.
Her vocal range is amazing, she has fantastic presence and she just lights up a stage.

This song basically speaks of what I strive to achieve.
To be a constant help to all those I love, my family and friends and in my work life to be a support for those that need my expertise and just really need someone to take off the pressure.

So I give you my song for 2010 Leona Lewis "Footprints In The Sand"

Plans and Resolutions !

I have decided to kick off  2010 by making some plans and resolutions.

My first resolution is to try to achieve a better work / life balance. Being self employed gives you little chance of time off.
My second resolution is to focus a little more on me. To be happy and healthy you need to take care of yourself so I think I will try to make sure I get a little more pamper time.

The plans I have made concerning my work and blogging are :

1. One weekly advice post and one creative post [ wedding or party].
2. Do more supplier and venue reviews.
3. Create a mailing list so blog/facebook and twitter followers are first to know of special offers.
4. Get myself out there more. My events at present are
Renfrewshire Wedding Show - March 7th
Stirling Wedding Show - March 27th

I hope 2010 is a happy and proeperous year for all of us.