Monday 31 January 2011

Handmade Wedding Giveaway - Stars 'n' Scars

Today I would like to introduce you to another designer involved in the Handmade Wedding Giveaway.

Stars 'n' Scars


Heart Necklace - Giveaway Prize

Stars 'n' Scars is aptly named after the designers small star tattoo on one hand and a scar from a carpal tunnel operation on the other hand.



Star Cluster Necklace £12

With a degree in jewellery design and silversmithing the designer chooses to work with non traditional materials, often using plastic, paper and found objects in her designs.


Moustache Ring - £6 (£1 donated to Prostrate Cancer Research)


To view more of Stars 'n' Scars designs please visit their Folksy store



To be in with a chance to win the heart pendant or one of the other fabulous prizes don't forget to enter the





Supplier Showcase - Poppy Sparkles

I would like to welcome Poppy Sparkles to the jewellery section of our Supplier Showcase



Poppy Sparkles specialise in birthstone jewellery, allowing you to choose the relevant birthstone for your necklace.



My favourite necklaces are the Mummy Birthstone Necklaces, which are the perfect gift for new mothers or for us more experienced mummy's.  By choosing the birthstones of the recipients children it means that the necklace is incredibly meaningful.  Also you can add further birthstones as your family grows.


Poppy Sparkles also design and create pretty birthstone necklaces for younger girls, making the perfect birthday present or as a gift for a bridesmaid.



Poppy Sparkles jewellery is available from the following outlets.



Friday 28 January 2011

Venue Friday - Wild Boar Country House Hotel


Today is Friday so that means it is time to look at another venue that is perfect for hosting your wedding or for other celebrations.  Wild Boar Country House Hotel in Cheshire is a beautiful 19th century coaching inn that would be a perfect location for your wedding, a romantic weekend away, an anniversary or birthday treat.  It would also be a great place to relax with your bridesmaids for a weekend of pampering as your 'hen' party celebrations.



With their own wedding planner to take care of making you day perfect and a renowned restaurant offering a variety of choices you can be sure that Wild Boar Country House Hotel is a wonderful location for your wedding celebrations.  There is a choice of two different rooms to host your wedding reception, The Penthouse which can cater for 30-80 guests or The Beeston Suite and marquee are able to host up to 130 guests.



Wild Boar Country House Hotel has 37 ensuite bedrooms, so you can be sure that your guests can enjoy a comfortable stay. These are also perfect for a romantic break or enjoy a weekend of  spa and beauty treatments with a group of your closest friends.






 Wild Boar Country House Hotel are hosting a wedding fayre on Sunday 20th February.

Wild Boar Country House Hotel


Tarporely , Cheshire
01829 260309

Thursday 27 January 2011

Vintage Sparkle Workshops


Have you been comtemplating making your own bridal headpiece but were afraid to try without the guidance of an expert?  Fear not, Paula, the designer and owner of Vintage Sparkle is your fairy godmother and is offering you the chance to create a bespoke headpiece for your wedding.  Paula will be on hand to help you create a tiara, haircomb or headband using a selection of vintage and new components.  Then you can choose from vintage pearls, Swarovski pearls, fresh water pearls, diamantes or crystals to surround your choosen compnent.  All the tools that are required to create your bespoke bridal headpiece will be provided and there will also be coffee, tea and Danishes served mid morning.




This fabulous workshop is taking place on 5 March, 9am to midday at Audley's Wood Hotel in Hampshire.  The cost is £200 for you and a friend who can help you design and make your headpiece and you could even inccorporate a family heirloom into the design.

For more information or to book a place please contact Paula at Vintage Sparkle.

Wednesday 26 January 2011

A Cathedral, A White London Cab and a Routemaster

I was delighted last week when Clare, of Fitzgerald Photographic, contacted me about a wedding she shot last November at St.Pauls Cathedral. With such a beautiful location for the ceremony and the contrast of 1950's inspired decor of their reception venue I was excited to receive the photos.  Now I will let Clare recapture the day.




I was asked by a lovely couple, Carolyn & Paul, to capture their special day and knew instantly upon meeting them that it was going to be an enjoyable occasion! They warned me to expect plenty of demands…Carolyn not only a bride to be but also a Senior Events Manager, along with plenty of quirky & unique photographic opportunities. Ultimately, they wanted me to capture the mood of their day and to enjoy being part of it.


The day began early with bridal preparations at Carolyn’s mum and dad’s home in Buckinghamshire. There was excitement & anticipation in the air that Carolyn embraced fully, setting the tone, for all those around her and the day ahead.


The Mason’s London Wedding took place on Saturday 20th November 2010. The ceremony was held in the Honours Chapel of St Paul’s Cathedral. Carolyn arrived with her father in a vintage white London Taxi. Hordes of tourists hustled to take photos of the bride outside the South Entrance at St Pauls.




Permission was granted to marry in the honours Chapel due to Carolyn’s father being awarded an MBE for his services in the Aviation Industry. Carolyn and Paul had the honour of getting married near to Admiral Nelson, Duke of Wellington, Alexander Flemming, Florence Nightingale and Sir Christopher Wren to name a few.


After the ceremony, Paul and Carolyn’s guests were taken away to a ‘secret location’ (the venue had been kept from all the guests to build some element of mystery and surprise) in a traditional double decker Route master bus, with each guest enjoying a mini bottle of champagne to drink on the journey.



The guests were taken on a scenic route of London, via London Bridge and over Tower Bridge to take them to the reception venue; Mary Jane’s Bar in Aldgate. This glamorous 50’s décor themed bar was chosen to provide a massive contrast to the grandeur of St Pauls Cathedral. Guests walked down a bright purple carpet (matching the wedding theme colour) to be greeted at the door by the burlesque hostess / toastmistress; Kitten Von Mew.



Speeches were made before the Wedding Breakfast from the ‘Romeo and Juliet’ balcony box while guests ate mini burgers and drank champagne. Father of the Bride, groom Paul and the Best Man, started their speeches with a rendition of the Muppet show (as the box looked similar to Statler and Waldorf’s on the Muppet show!)


The Wedding Breakfast consisted of a monster sharing style starter platter, followed by posh Bangers and Mash and huge chocolate brownies for pudding. A 120 strong tower of lemon curd and chocolate cupcakes was made by Carolyn & her mum. All of the table decorations and theming were also made by the very creative bride!



The First Dance had a twist; it started with “Unchained Melody” but burst in to “Crazy In Love” by Beyonce and Jay Z, with the bride and groom grabbing microphones and props and singing karaoke style! Much to the amusement of the guests! Entertainment was provided in the form of Mary Jane’s Big Voice karaoke room where guests belted out the classics whilst others enjoyed pulling some moves on the dance floor to the DJ’s sounds of the 80’s! A large gilt edged gold frame was passed around guests throughout the night for them to pose for a framed photo, with a fancy dress box available for those who wanted to dress up for their picture.



The beautiful ceremony location and unique reception venue perfectly reflected the couple’s personalities. Resulting in a wonderfully romantic yet memorable wedding day that both the guests and I thoroughly enjoyed! It was an absolute pleasure to have been asked by Carolyn & Paul to capture their special day and to have felt so involved & part of it from the start.

A Note of Thanks

“Clare, thank you so much for everything you did on our wedding day. You are the most perfect wedding photographer! Your calming influence in the morning of the wedding made the preparation photos at my parent’s house both fun and exciting. You were great at taking control of the guests throughout the day and getting all the group photos we requested around St Paul’s Cathedral. It was a challenge trying to get so many group shots in different locations, but you produced the most fantastic shots and on time with our demanding schedule! Everyone has commented on how amazing the photos are. They are an amazing record of an amazing day. We love them! They are beautiful. Thanks so much again.”

Caroyln & Paul Mason - London, Nov 2010


And a thank you to Clare from me too, for sharing an amazing wedding.

Fitzgerald Photographic

{www.fitzgeraldphotographic.co.uk}


Tuesday 25 January 2011

Inspiration - Yellow


Dresses from Annabel & Ruby

It is such a grey day here today that I needed an injection of colour and what better than yellow.  This is a colour of hapiness, sunshine and cheers even the greyest of days. I have been reading with interest a series of posts on the Flourish Studios blog all about the pyschology of colour and writes -

"Yellow is an emotional colour. From the most delicate primrose yellow to a warm, intense mustard shade yellow exudes emotional strength, self esteem and friendliness."

Fiona, of Flourish Studios, explained in previous posts that colours fit  into seasonal groups. Yet by combining yellow with a colour from a different seasonal group can make the colour lose it's confidence and make it less appealing.  So if you are choosing soft, subtle shades of yellow keep the rest of your palette pale.















Monday 24 January 2011

Handmade Wedding Giveaway - Michelle Samuels Designs

Today I would like to introduce you to another of the designers involved with the Handmade Wedding Giveaway.

Michelle Samuels Designs


Handmade Wedding Giveaway Prize


Based in Cheshire, Michelle designs beautiful dresses for weddings and formal occassions.


Oyster Raw Silk Bridal Dress with matching Shrug Jacket
£275


Michelle turns her designs into a beautiful reality using silk in varying shades of cream.


Ivory Raw Silk Bridal Dress with embroidered organza detail
£325


Then adding a splash of colour in her bridesmaid or flowergirl dresses



Pink Raw Silk Bridesmaid Dress
£40


To order any of these designs visit



Please don't forget to enter to win a beautiful bridesmaid dress from Michelle or one of the other fabulous prizes in the




Supplier Showcase

Today I am excited to share an idea I had over the Christmas holidays that will offer a different kind of blog advertising for creative independant businesses.  Inspired Celebration reguarly showcases the talents of designer makers and I wanted to find a way to help them promote their businesses in  a way that would also be beneficial to you, my lovely readers.  Hence the launch of the Supplier Showcase, which will allow you a preview of the designers work instead of just seeing an advert, but also allowing you to connect with the designer through a link to their website or online shop. 

I will also be adding adverts to the sidebar for businesses that may not benefit from having a showcase however their business will still be a vital part of your planning for your celebration.  But lovely readers I will not allow businesses to join the Showcase or to advertise unless they are small independants as fits the style of Inspired Celebration.

For all showcase and advertising enquiries please email me, I look forward to working with you.


Friday 21 January 2011

Venue Inspiration - Hargate Hall

Whilst Inspired Celebration is a showcase for fabulous design to help make your celebration spectacular, I also have a love of architecture and know that there are some amazing places to hire for your party.  Therefore I have decided that over the next few weeks I will feature a different venue every Friday, but not just wedding venues.




Today I have chosen Hargate Hall in the Peak District as it is the perfect venue for a wedding or a family celebration.  Set in 7.5 acres of parkland with views extending across the beautiful Peak District in the heart of England, this county house, built in 1899, offers ample possibilites for your celebrations.  Hargate Hall is liscensed for Civil Wedding Services and is available throughout the year and will be yours exclusively for the weekend.  The Main Hall lends itself well to a ceremony, offering you the option of where to position the marriage table, allowing up to 76 seated family members and friends to witness your vows.  However if the weather is on your side you can choose to be married in the intimate location of the summer house, yet your guests will have to watch from outside.




Hargate Hall offers you incredible flexibility in creating your perfect day, allowing you the option of catering for your party, using the facilities in the apartments but they also can recommend local caterers to take away the worry of ensuring your canapes are complete whilst trying to get ready for your big day.  This flexibilty extends to your drinks options, allowing you to purchase your drinks from any retail outlet, without any corkage charges or they are happy to lay on a pay bar for your wedding or the whole weekend.  There is also the option of having a marquee in the grounds for your reception.




With 12 self catering apartments that comfortably accomadate up to 77 people in a total of 22 bedrooms, you really can let the party continue all weekend or consider Hargate Hall as the location for any celebration, especially if you have a large family with a milestone birthday or anniversary to celebrate or would just like to have a special party with a group of friends.




With a growing trend to get married in the middle of the week Hargate Hall have recently added a new
Mid Week Wedding Package and can offer exclusive use of the country house for your wedding day.




Hargate Hall is a fine example of a late Victorian country home and is a fabulous location for hosting a wedding or a party.  For further details or to book please visit their website, send an email or give them a call

{www.hargate-hall.co.uk}
{01298 872591}

Thursday 20 January 2011

Inspiration- Vintage Inspired Stationery

Vintage is still a very strong trend for 2011 and as in music there are many variations on a theme.  Today I have put together a tiny selection of vintage inspired stationery and will expand on the vintage theme in the coming weeks.






Tuesday 18 January 2011

Candelabras

Adding decorative details to your wedding or party venue mean that you can add a personal touch to the celebration.  I adore candelabras, adding decorative lighting to many occassions and creating a beautiful ambiance as the candles flicker.  Candelabras may conjur up images of large antique brass pieces but there are some very decorative options available to hire or purchase.  With the growing trend to use candelarbras as centrepieces at weddings there are companies that will have a variety of candelabras for you to hire to complement your theme.  This is the perfect option when you are on a budget and do not necessarily need to use such decorative pieces again.  Here is a selection of candelabras available for hire throughout the UK.





(January Offer Hire 8 Candelabras for £100, Book before 31st Jan)






Available from Candlewick




Available from Midlands Candelabras








Available from 88 Events Company


Or you may prefer to buy some candelabras for your celebration.









Sunday 16 January 2011

Handmade Wedding Giveaway - Dottie Designs

Today I would like to introduce you to another designer involved with the Handmade Wedding Giveaway.

Dottie Designs


Wedding Guest Book £18.95

Beautiful bespoke Guest books your guests will want to leave you a message to be kept forever.


Wedding Photo Album £31.50

Every book from Dottie Designs is made to order and can be personalised to your choices.



Wedding Keepsake Box £17.50

There will be many things you want to treasure and these keepsake boxes are the perfect place to store your treasure forever.


To order your own Guest Book, Photo Album or Keepsake Box for yourself or as a gift visit



Please don't forget to to enter to win a Guest Book from Dottie Designs or one of the other fabulous prizes -

Friday 14 January 2011

Benevolent Brides

Wedding Fairs are a wonderful place to meet suppliers and designers in your locality.  Today I am excited to share with you news of a charity wedding fair in Yorkshire to be held at the end of the month.  Benevolent Brides was created by Hayley Hoyle of The Harrogate Wedding Lounge after discovering Robert Winston's charity Women for Women.  Hayley has been invovled with raising funds for the charity in the past and decided to really make a difference by organising Yorkshires biggest charity wedding fair. 

Women for Women raises funds, awareness and provides training for research in to the causes and treatments of conditions that affect women and their babies.  With nearly 250 babies dying every week in the UK from complications during pregnancy, their work is essential for women and babies nationwide.  To learn more about their work please visit their website or the charity page on the Benevolent Brides website.

Benevolent Brides is being hosted at the prestigious Crown Hotel in Harrogate on Sunday 30th January between 11am and 4pm.  There will be full catwalk productions, an entertainment stage and even a 'man creche' complete with casino and bar aswell as close up magic, competitions and goody bags.  Hayley has brought together many wedding professionals from the region who will be able to chat with brides, grooms and their families.  Not forgetting that 100% of proceeds will be donated to Women for Women.


For further information or to register for your FREE tickets for the fair please visit www.benevolentbrides.co.uk

Thursday 13 January 2011

21st Birthday Cards

'21 Today, 21 Today, I've got the key to the door, never been twenty one before'. A 21st Birthday signified becoming an adult, however we tend to celebrate this now on our 18th birthdays, yet I think it is still an amazing age and should definately be celebrated.  I still have my cards I received on my 21st Birthday and enjoyed reading through them recently when we moved house and sorted out the attic.  Sending cards is a time honoured tradition that should definately not be forgotten for milestone birthdays as they can become precious momentoes.  Here is a selection of cards to be cherished.


A fabulous embroidered card that can be kept forever.





 Gorgeous embroidered cards that are a great keepsake.







I love the floral print on these cards.



This nostalgic design is fantastic.








A fabulous selection from an Inspired Celebration favourite.


Plenty of candles to blow out!





Eye catching designs in bold colours.



Another bold design to celebrate a 21st birthday



I love the embroidered felt envelope.
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...