I am delighted to tell you about an amazing wedding show called The Wedding Sanctuary. If you are bored of *countless trestle tables and suppliers looking desperate and unenthusiastic, then this is definitely the show for you. Conceived by wedding planners of the UKAWP and hosted at the prestigious RSA House, The Wedding Sanctuary is an innovative wedding show designed to offer top design inspiration, personal style advice and the best one on one planning support available. Your one- stop planning refuge.

* disclaimer, I’m not saying all fairs are boring but there’s a fair few that are!

The images throughout the post were taken at RSA House via a special photo shoot arranged with suppliers involved with The Wedding Sanctuary.

The UKAWP are also proud to have partners such as You and Your Wedding Magazine  who are offering a superb reduction on their magazine subscription if you attend the show.

So why do I think this show will be fabulous?

ASK THE EXPERTS

Top names in the industry such as Julia Boggio Photography, Mary Jane Vaughan (florist), The Dreamcatchers (film) will be paired with the fabulous wedding planners who make up the UKAWP to offer top tips and the opportunity to ask specific questions regarding every element of your wedding day.

BE INSPIRED

You will be invited to sip champagne and nibble delicious canapés courtesy of renowned event caterers Harbour & Jones whilst browsing the inspiration zone for design ideas. Stunning dining tables will be styled by wedding planners of the UKAWP alongside Mary Jane Vaughan and Cutture Stationery, displaying the very best of what is available to hire for your wedding reception, with pricing guidelines and practical information included. Last year the table designs were just gorgeous

HEAR FROM THE EXPERTS

Take advantage of the opportunity not only to listen to presentations and advice from some of our experts, but also to put your burning wedding questions to them direct. One of those such experts will be me, I do love to talk weddings after all!

Important details

EVENT DATE

Sunday, 3rd March 2013

SESSION TIMES

11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm

Guest numbers are limited for each session so please book early to avoid disappointment; a very limited number of tickets will be available for purchase on the day.

TICKET PRICES

£10.00 for a single ticket
£17.50* for a single ticket with 6 month subscription to You & Your Wedding magazine
£15.00 for a double ticket (so you can bring your groom)
£22.50* for a double ticket with 6 month subscription to You & Your Wedding magazine
* Best “You & Your Wedding” subscription price available anywhere!

PURCHASE

By clicking here and paying via debit or credit card . Please note we do not have a credit card facility to take payments over the phone.

Shoot Credits:

Photographer Julia Boggio Studios

Venue RSA House

Styling & coordination UK Alliance of Wedding Planners

Makeup Mariam Jensen

Hair Severin Hubert for Hepburn Collection

Florist Mary-Jane Vaughan

Wedding Dresses Johanna Hehir

Bridesmaids dress Twobirds Bridesmaid

Suits Cad & The Dandy

Stationery Cutture

Accessories Victoria Millésime

Cake Tempting Cake

Hire (tableware etc) Options Hire

Models Chloe-Jasmine Whichello

Joseph Bader

Sjaniël Turrell

Since the civil partnership law was passed in 2005 I have been excited about the prospect of organising a same sex wedding. I didn’t expect it to take 7 years though! In June 2012 I finally organised a female civil partnership, my clients were lovely and I now consider them dear friends.

When organising this wedding I was astounded at what little help there is out there for couples. There are plenty of magazines and blogs aimed at heterosexual couples with advice and inspiration, but hardly anything for gay couples. The blogs in the UK have started featuring civil partnerships which is a definite step in the right direction.

Of course organising a heterosexual wedding or civil partnership is pretty much the same, but there are some etiquette dilemmas that may confuse couples. It can be hard knowing the protocol for a civil partnership, especially if you have not been to one before.  For example will you walk down the aisle together or separate, will there be bridesmaids and a best man?

What readings and music are appropriate? What about the speeches, who will speak?

Alongside the planning service you select, Dream Occasions will assist you with these dilemmas and many more.  If you are planning a civil partnership and would like some help, do give us a call. You can view Nicky & Natalie wedding via our gallery.

“We owe our perfect day to you, thanks for all your hard work, planning and caring that you would create the day of our dreams. Now I get why you’re called Dream Occasions. We hope to work together again in the future..” Nicky & Natalie, (female civil partnership) June 2012

Photo credit: Mark Bothwell

This is my final report of the UKAWP study trip to New York… (pt 1) & (pt2) & (pt3)

Saturday 13^th October

This was our last day so the primarily focus was sightseeing & yes more shopping – I wont bore you with the details but I did manage a visit to ground zero (oh my gosh so emotional), a horse & carriage ride round central park and a visit to the empire state building (cannot believe how long this took) before falling to my knees inside Banana Republic!

Kelly and I got the first flight out on Sunday morning with less talking this time, I was back home around 9pm enabling me to say happy birthday to my Son on the Monday morning – now that’s what I call perfect planning!

Epilogue

I had a wonderful time with my fellow planners whom I consider good friends, I’m glad I managed to do some sightseeing this time and even more glad I found Banana Republic at 5pm on the Saturday – better late then never.

But I am especially thankful for the wonderful U.S suppliers we met who were generous with their time and knowledge. I hope they all stay in touch.

I hope you enjoyed reading about the trip, lots of love as always

Continuing our review of the New York study trip………

Thursday, 11^th October

After our meeting with Preston Bailey we headed out to see Dan Fehlig from the Upper Crust & 91 Event Space.

We actually ended up talking lighting & design more then food! The location is not only where the kitchens are, it is also a boutique venue that can be hired for weddings and events. Dan kindly showed us how he goes through the process of designing the event from the consultation stage to the day itself. Lighting & production plays a big part in the events held at 91 Event Space, with the brick arches, white walls and white oak floors it enables numerous designs to work within the space.

We were all astounded at how reasonably priced the lighting & production prices are compared to the UK.  I kinda wish I could organize a boutique wedding there – any takers?

Look at their website for some fabulous before & after shots .

After a quick but LATE lunch Kelly and I popped over to the Plaza Hotel to take a look at their ballroom  , our fellow members had an official visit on the Tuesday which we had missed so we decided to conduct an unofficial visit instead! After navigating our way to the ballroom we were delighted with the opulence of the Plaza, on our way out we managed to resist the gorgeous temptation in their food hall.

Friday, 12^th October

Our only official meeting of the day was with Christian Oth Photography, we had a wonderful chance to view photography trends and had an insight into how Christian and his team work.

There was a team of designers working hard on compiling the albums so we tried hard not to disturb them. After a look at his studio space we delighted in reversing the tables and took some pictures of Christian after handing him our small thank you gift. 

I then managed to get a few hours in of shopping for gifts for the family before  embarking on a twilight cruise with Andri Benson & Helen Carter. Seeing New York as the sun was going down was beautiful.

Later that night we all went out for cocktails and dinner at the Mondrian Soho hotel where we people watched the New York glamorous clientele.

Photo Credit

91 Event Space & Andri Benson

Continuing our review of the New York study trip………

Thursday, 11^th October

Following our meeting with Ceci New York we went on to see Preston Bailey which of course was incredibly exciting for us. His studio was a visual delight and we took time to admire the welcome plaque before having our meeting with him. I have lots of his books here at Dream Occasions and love browsing through the abundance of floral delights.

Preston was as interested in learning about us, the UKAWP and the UK wedding industry as we were learning about his clients, wedding design and business acumen. It was fascinating hearing about the trends in New York and how he viewed the wedding industry. I wish you could fully appreciate how gorgeous his boardroom table was, a glass top filled with silk flowers, beautiful.

We picked up some insightful business tips and I know it encouraged us all in the path we are taking – especially our view on how unethical taking commission is.

He showed us a book he has written to be published in January called “Dear Preston”, this book was amazingly helpful and I hope to include with course literature for the UKAWP in 2013.

If you ever needed proof you can be NICE and SUCCESSFUL,Preston is it.

To be continued……………….

Photo Credit – Andri Benson

If you were reading my facebook page yesterday you will have noticed there has been a momumental change in the marriage laws, namely the time you can now marry.

“From today, October 1 2012, the UK will join the 21st century as outdated restrictions on marriage and civil partnership times are removed. The Home Office have announced that people wanting to get married or register a civil partnership will now be able to do so any time of the day or night under the Protection of Freedoms Act. Couples were previously restricted to between 8am and 6pm. ”

The New Law Doesn’t Apply to Church of England Ceremonies

At present, both canon law and the 1949 Marriage Act say that weddings can be conducted only between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. The restriction in the Marriage Act will be lifted from 1 October, when provisions in the Protection of Freedoms Act come into force. But the new law does not amend canon law.

Read more: Churchtimes

But will the venues want to do ceremonies at midnight or later?

Local authorities will not be forced to conduct marriages outside the traditional hours so it remains to be seen how in reality this change in law will affect the majority of weddings. Yes, some venues will do well from a midnight or 3am ceremony a-la vegas style (think blackpool tower or tower of London) but I think that will be the minority.

Read more: Daily Mail Online:

What this law does mean is more flexibility

Not every couple want to have a full day of drinking and eating, many say to me they want a wedding more reminiscent of a Mediterranean wedding. They want the wedding to feel like they have just gone out for a dinner, albeit a luxury one.

Of course, having a later ceremony can help with the budget restraints as a later ceremony means evening food is unnecessary and if you are paying for all the drink, less drink is going to be consumed. I can see 6pm being a popular time to marry as this still gives couples some time in the evening to celebrate with family and friends.

Possible timetable – no dancing

Emphasis on a leisurely meal. No fuss or frivolity, I’ve shortened the ‘drink reception’ into a cocktail hour as I feel this will flow better. I’ve allowed longer for the meal in case of cheese & port courses!

6pm      Ceremony

6:30      Cocktail Hour

7:30      Speeches & cake cutting

8:15      Wedding Breakfast/Supper

10:30    Carriages home

Possible timetable – whole shebang

Emphasis on a having an evening party more similar to evening balls. Again I’m allowing an hour for the drinks (normally it’s 1 ½ hours) , slightly less on the meal but some time for dancing!

6pm      Ceremony

6:30      Cocktail Hour

7:30      Speeches

8pm      Wedding Breakfast/Supper

10pm    Cutting of the cake + first dance

10:15    Evening music commences

12am    Carriages home

What would an evening ceremony look like?

Ok so I know we don’t have the evening heat of the Mediterranean but an evening ceremony lit by fairy lights, lanterns orlittle candles – just imagine how pretty that will look.

But of course you might decide to hire a lighting speciaist to light up those trees and have fireworks released just as you finish exchanging vows.

“Being able to have an evening ceremony really does provide a fantastic opportunity to create a real atmosphere with the use of a tailored lighting design. Any number of ideas can be utilised to ensure you get exactly the look and feel that you’re after. For example, fairy lights can be used in their thousands to create a magical, intimate setting or coloured lighting can be used to highlight your venue and help unify a colour scheme. The possibilities are almost endless!” James, Wedding Creative

What about the photography?

If you’re worried about not having any daytime images why not adopt a little trend from the U.S and ask your photographer to do a ‘First Look’. There is where some private shots are done before the ceremony – I’m not going to explain this is full details because Michelle – pocketful of dreams does it so well and has many images for you to look at as well! Below is an image from a wedding planned by Californian planner, Whitney Drake. The beauty of the ‘First Look’ is you get some daytime shots of you as a couple then beautifully lit ones of the ceremony and wedding breakfast etc.

“I think it’s great that couples have an opportunity to get married at whatever time they want, obviously it makes my job more challenging in terms of lighting the wedding but I would brief my “Bride & Grooms” beforehand so they are aware of the type of photography they will be restricted to. To me a wedding should be whatever the bride & groom wants, if only they could lift restrictions on where you can get married…..now that would interesting” Jasmine Photography

But what do you think?

Whether you are getting married or if you’re a venue or supplier, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Photo Credits:

Church: Mydas Photography

Outside ceremony with the moon Noel Delpilar  

Outside ceremony with trees lit up: Trump Int’l Beach

Ceremony with white chairs Silverstone Golf Club via weddingwire

First Look Photo Boxlight  photography & wedding planned by the gorgeous Whitney from Wish Wonder Dream

I was recently asked to help answer some bridal dilemmas in the September/October issue of An Essex Wedding magazine, I thought they might be useful for some of my blog visitors that are unable to buy the magazine so I have recreated the question below.

Q. I would love our wedding to express our personalities, but I’ve just been so bombarded with ideas from friends and relatives, blogs and magazines that I just don’t know where to start. I feel I need to focus and make it uniquely about us. Can you help?

It can be very easy to follow the crowd, and this is why so many weddings look similar. My advice is to sit with your fiancé and answer the following questions:

• Choose one word to sum up your dream day
• Do you want your wedding to be: fun / glamorous / quirky / classic / rustic  or vintage

Then you can begin to think about the overall tone of your celebrations. Don’t get too caught up in little details yet. Your design could be bold & daring or you could favour a classic look with subtle touches.

Start collating images in a scrapbook or via pinterest of styles you like, using a variety of media sources including wedding magazines and blogs. This enables you to slowly create a moodboard of looks you love. Don’t rush it or try to force a design, and don’t panic if you change your mind, this is perfectly normal. And finally the most stylish weddings are those where the venue type and wedding décor work seamlessly together

Some of my some design tips can be seen in An Essex Wedding magazine , the magazine wanted some ideas on ‘Country Vintage’ and ‘Asian Flair’ and I was delighted to help them. I think An Essex Wedding is great at showcasing local weddings and frequently have brilliant wedding theme ideas.

Over the years I have been fortunate to have many weddings featured in magazines and blogs, despite this it is still a thrill every time. Therefore I was delighted when Wedding Venues and Services contacted me asking if they could include Poppy & Rob’s wedding in their April issue.

With thanks to the following key suppliers

Photography – Kerry Morgan
Flowers – Jades Flowers
Bar – ibarco
Stationery – A Bespoke Design
Lighting & Draping – Wedding Creative
Furniture – Great Hire
Marquee – American Marquees
Band – Flood the Floor
Cake – Maisie Fantaise
Caterers – The Moveable Feast

If you were married in 2007 or later or are planning your wedding now, then I’d love you to spend 5 minutes completing this anonymous online survey conducted by Splendid Communications. The owner is Liene Stevens and she provides some wonderful resources for wedding businesses across the world.

Splendid Communications has no financial bias hinging on the results of this survey. It makes zero difference to their company whether or not a couple uses magazines over blogs (or vice versa) when planning their wedding, or whether or not they identify more as modern or vintage. However, learning how couples make specific decisions does matter to many wedding businesses as it will help us to improve customer service and provide services and products that meet actual client needs.

 Interestingly it is a global survey so hopefully will give Dream Occasions (when results are published) an insight into any major differences between the UK & US wedding planning market.