Secret Diary of a Wedding Planner

A New Home

2011-02-25T12:00:00.001+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

You have probably noticed our absence from the blogging world of late. That's because for the past who knows how long we have been quietly working on our new website.

Our new and improved home includes an events calendar to keep you savvy brides-to-be up-to-date on the what's hot in the bridal industry. It is also the new home to the Secret Diary of a Wedding Planner.

The Diary has been moved so that you - our lovely readers, have all of the information about The Little White Wedding Company at your fingertips. Everything is now only a click away!

The first edition of the Diary will remain here should you wish to review past blogs, however all new posts can be found in the second edition.

Click here to visit our new home.

As always...enjoy!

xx

Image: Feather + Stone

Wedding Showcase: Peta May & Kamahl

2011-02-07T15:08:00.005+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

On Saturday, 11 December 2010, Peta May and Kamahl were married by the Brisbane River at Admiralty Towers Park and celebrated with guests overlooking the Story Bridge at Venice Restaurant, the place where they began their romance.

Based in London, Peta and Kamahl met with me on one of their trips to Brisbane to discuss the finer details of their wedding. The aim: something vintage inspired without being overwhelmingly feminine.

Beautiful stationery by Bespoke Letterpress Boutique perfectly set the tone of the day which featured champagne and soft pink decor, soft David Austin's and fully blown peonies.

Congratulations to Peta May and Kamahl!

Supplier list:

Wedding planning & styling: The Little White Wedding Company

Photographs: Ian Wilkinson

Flowers: Always Fabulous Flowers

Reception: Venice Restaurant

Cake: Sweetums Designer Cakes

Marcus Bell - QLD Flood Appeal

2011-02-01T14:21:00.004+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

I was recently contacted by one extremely talented photographer, Marcus Bell (the creative genius behind Studio Impressions) who informed me of his QLD flood appeal.

As a resident of Brisbane, QLD, the award-winning photographer is raising money to help flood victims by placing ten of his own classic images up for sale. All proceeds from each sale will be going to the Queensland Governments Flood disaster relief fund. Each signed "Artist Proof" print is an original award winning photographic work. Each unframed 24 inch print for sale for $950 (plus postage) and is printed to the highest quality 300GSM Archival cotton paper. Many of these prints represents a saving of between 50-75% off the normal edition print price.

In addition to this, 20% of ALL Marcus Bell Photographer Resources Products sold during January and February will also be donated to the fund. This also includes the 5 new Instant Effect Presets products recently released after a year in development.

For more information in relation to the floods and how you can help, please visit the Marcus Bell Blog where you will find links to both the Fine Art Gallery and the Resources site. Alternatively, you may like donate directly to the QLD Premier's Flood Disaster Relief Fund.

Photographs courtesy of:

Marcus Bell

Inspiration Board: Contemporary Elegance

2011-01-27T09:20:00.003+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

As promised, here is the inspiration board compliled from images from our previous Contemporary Elegance submission.

Inspiration gathered from:

Todd Hunter McGaw, Green and Bloom, Faye Cahill, Styled Events, Invitation Station, Caxton Street Catering, Nicola Finetti, Bespoke Letterpress Boutique, Always Fabulous Flowers, Feather + Stone

Contemporary Elegance - the complete submission

2011-01-24T16:45:00.010+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

As you well know I have been featured in the current edition of Discerning Bride magazine. There's not only the Essential Elements feature but also a column for the guys written by yours truly!

In 2010 I shared with you the beautiful images shot by Feather + Stone for the Essential Elements feature so today I thought I'd share the complete submission which includes stationery, floral designs and other inspirational images that weren't lucky enough to make the final cut.

Enjoy the inspiration & stay tuned for the matching inspiration board next week!

divine letterpress suite by Bespoke Press

striking stationery by Alannah Rose

a dreamy bouquet of white tulips created by Green & Bloom

floral accents by Always Fabulous Flowers

heavenly cake designs by Faye Cahill

oh so stylish dresses by Nicola Finetti

ghost chair from Valiant Hire

stunning jewellery by Georg Jensen

p.s. this is the "forget me knot" brooch...how perfect!

contemporary food by Caxton Street Catering

a truly unique venue...Studio 13

stylish hair and accessories by The Powder Room

beautiful images by Todd Hunter McGaw

Photographs courtesty of:
Feather + Stone
Bespoke Press
Alannah Rose
Green & Bloom
Always Fabulous Flowers
Faye Cahill
Nicola Finetti
Valiant Hire
George Jensen
Caxton Street Catering
Studio 13
The Powder Room
Todd Hunter McGaw

Inspiration Board: Burnt Orange Delight

2011-01-17T11:24:00.004+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

Here's yet another inspiration board for you to admire. Entitled Burnt Orange Delight, this board was created as inspiration for an upcoming wedding party after the lovely couple elope!

xx

Inspiration gathered from:
Martha Stewart Weddings
Carla Zampatti
Dasha Wright (via Snippet & Ink)
Pico Soriano Designs (via Snippet & Ink)

Inspiration Board: Charmed I'm Sure

2011-01-05T16:46:00.003+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

A charming inspiration board for you to enjoy!

Inspiration found through:

Cecilia Fox

Karen Buckle

Suzie Clements Photography (via Snippet & Ink)

Justin & Mary Photography (via Snippet & Ink)

Bespoke Letterpress Boutique

Summer Wedding Workshop

2010-12-23T14:31:00.004+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

We have a very exciting announcement to round out the year!

In 2011 The Little White Wedding Company will be introducing a series of Wedding Workshops to our calendar of events!

Held seasonally, with each workshop featuring 3-4 fantastic suppliers and a different reception venue, these workshops are the perfect place for brides-to-be to gather some inside knowledge about the various aspects of wedding planning and be inspired by the work of our showcased suppliers and table settings.

We know that not every bride has the budget or the desire to employ the services of a wedding planner but it's always nice to have a helping hand along the way - this alone was the inspiration behind our Wedding Workshops.

Our Summer 2011 Wedding Workshop will kick off the program with Moda Events Portside jumping on board as the host venue. Studio Impressions, The Powder Room, Wedding Films by Net Productions and The Butterfly Lounge will all be on hand to inspire brides-to-be.

The details...
When: Sunday, 06 February 2011
11am-1pm
Where: Moda Events Portside
Level 2, Portside Wharf
39 Hercules Street, Hamilton
Cost: $20pp (includes refreshments, a glass of bubbly and a goody bag)

To register email your name, phone number and number of guests to info@thelittlewhiteweddingco.com.au.

Click here to view the official invitation.

xx

Photographs courtesy of:
Studio Impressions

A little fun...

2010-12-18T12:44:00.003+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

Sometimes running your own business can be a little stressful. Perhaps it's the mad Christmas rush or the paperwork calling my name now that our last wedding of the year has taken place but this weekend couldn't have come sooner!

A little fun was required to lighten the mood so without any further delay I give to you my latest creation...

Specialising in destination weddings, and those in our home town,
The Little White Wedding Company will turn any wedding planning frowns upside down!

Dripping in diamonds or swimming in pearls,
Inspired by vintage follies or feature a groom wearing volley's,
Creating weddings with charm is what we love to do,
If this sounds about right we're the wedding planners for you!

...other wedding loving businesses and brides are welcome to participate in this poem "throw down" by responding in the comments area. I say bring it on!

xx

Wedding Sneak Peek: Peta May & Kamahl

2010-12-14T11:02:00.005+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

Over the weekend our last wedding for the year took place!

Until the professional photographs arrive here's a sneak peek to whet your appetite.

Photographs courtesy of:

Always Fabulous Flowers

A Bride's Diary: Katie & Mark

2010-12-06T10:32:00.002+10:00

Hi all,

You will know by now that it has been longer than I intended since I last wrote. Between a hectic month or so at work and a couple of weekends away, I have not found any spare moments to dedicate to blogging. I think this means my original promise has technically been broken, but Victoria has forgiven me, so hopefully you can too. I shall endeavour to blog my little heart out from this point forward.

Since the last time I wrote, a few key pieces of the wedding planning cloth have been stitched together. So I thought I would chat a little bit about them here...

The big one - the date!

Well, wasn't this a toughie! We started thinking about the big date a few weeks after we got engaged. Our friends and family were not going to let us ponder on it for too long - it seemed they were becoming impatient.

We started out thinking of the obvious stuff - what will the weather and temperature be like? Particularly important aspects given the frequency with which I faint in temperatures over 30 degrees. So we were thinking September-ish or May-ish. Also, we didn't really want to wait a particularly long time, so we were hoping we could get May 2011 to work for us. That would be just over a year to get everything organised - an achievable goal we thought.

But with both family and very close friends currently resident many thousands of miles of ocean and earth away, this was always going to be a rather troublesome aspect of the planning process. Trying to schedule our wedding between an overseas trip for another family wedding, and the return of our closest friends to Australia, was proving difficult and rather emotional at times. So I decided to bow out of the date choosing process altogether.

Now this might seem crazy, and at first I had only mentioned it in jest in a moment of frustration, but it turned out to be pure genius. I couldn't manage to keep my emotions out of it, so the best option was to keep me out of it all together. So my mother, sister and fiance sat down for a cuppa and picked a date. All I asked for was a 10 days cooling-off period, just to check there weren't going to be any crucial clashes. I suppose it might all seem very business-like, but it worked, so I'm backing my decision!

And 03 September 2011 it is.

The pros - plenty of time to plan and unless it is unseasonally hot there is unlikely to be any fainting. The cons - none really, we're getting married after all, and that's pretty awesome.

I should say though, that if I hadn't been so uncharacteristically irrational about the date for the first six months of the engagement, we might have been married by now! So a few top tips for you if I may:

1. Keep the practical aspects front and centre.

2. Make a list of people you absolutely can't live without on your wedding day - and make it SHORT - you can't possibly please everyone.

3. Know when to let go of an impractical date, or when to let someone else just decide for you.

Now onto the photographer, florist, stationer, venue...I'm exhausted just thinking about it.

Until next time...

Katie

Fresh Designs

2010-12-01T16:25:00.006+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

This week a very exciting email hit my inbox, and well, it's just far too selfish of me to keep its contents to myself!

Faye Cahill of Faye Cahill Cake Designs has launched her latest cake designs which are already being used as inspiration for many of her upcoming weddings.

With a focus on texture, these designs manage to maintain the clean lines and sharp finishes which is bound to be popular with Spring/Summer brides.

Find out why these new designs are already making waves...

xx

Photographs courtesy of:
Faye Cahill Cake Designs

Wedding Showcase: Kylie & Andrew

2010-11-22T15:29:00.010+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

On Saturday, 23 October 2011, Kylie & Andrew were married at the beautiful Stuartholme Chapel and continued the celebration and the Brisbane Polo Club.

Provided with a brief of a wedding reception that didn't look too much like a wedding reception we set out with a colour scheme of ruby red and crisp white and brought the room to life with a relaxed mix of blooms, red lacquer charger plates and deep red votive holders.

The bride wore a beautiful dress made from the same fabric as her grandmother's wedding dress (which was also worn by her 5 sisters), the antique lace perfectly complimented by her vintage inspired shoes.

Congratulations to Kylie & Andrew

Supplier list

Wedding planning & styling: The Little White Wedding Company

Ceremony flowers: Green & Bloom

Reception: Brisbane Polo Club

Reception flowers: Always Fabulous Flowers

Cake: Sweetums Designer Cakes

Photographs courtesy of:

Ben Clark Photography

Seasonal Decor: Autumn 2011

2010-11-18T08:57:00.005+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

With summer around the corner, it's time for the bride's of autumn 2011 to start seriously thinking about their decor.

Forecasts show that red will be one of the standout colours with shades ranging from Persian Red to Burgundy. The colour of passion is the perfect choice for a wedding and its depth complimentary to the autumn weather.

Some brides may have some concerns about the colour being too bold or overwhelming, but when used in the correct way it can be absolutely stunning...don't be afraid to dress the entire table in red for an incredibly striking setting. Red can be incorporated into many aspects of your wedding so to inspire you; here are some images from our favourite suppliers.

beautiful stationery by Ruby & Scarlett

divine cakes by Faye Cahill Cake Design

Keep reading your wedding bibles for inspiration.

Photographs courtesy of:

Ruby & Scarlett

Faye Cahill Cake Design

Industry News

2010-11-01T15:02:00.006+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

One of the many advantages of being a wedding planner is that I get the pleasure of receiving invitations to some fantastic events.

Last week was particularly exciting for me as two suppliers whose work I have grown to love were celebrating a new and exciting stage of their businesses.

First up was the showroom and product launch for Styled Events.

With tables decked out with beautiful settings, flowers and stationery it was like Christmas come early! I had heard about the new space and products for a while so I was almost bursting out of my skin by the time the showcase rolled around.

Oh, and to top off the evening there was a fantastic goody bag!!

Later that week, it was Anna from WhiteGold Boutique's turn. I haven't know Anna for very long but I've quickly become a fan of her work.

This second party was to celebrate the official opening of her first WhiteGold Boutique salon...what a landmark for the business!

If you're in need of some pampering visit the salon at:

Shop 66

Park Road

Wooloowin

I raise a delicious glass of bubbly to both teams! Congratulations!

Lots of love

Victoria x

Oscar de la Renta

2010-10-29T10:12:00.005+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

To round out this week of jam-packed dream dresses we have the latest Oscar de la Renta collection!

For me, Oscar de la Renta is the master...

Happy Friday!

Victoria x

Photographs courtesy of:

Brides.com

Monique Lhuillier Fall 2011

2010-10-28T08:56:00.004+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

We're almost at the conclusion of this wedding couture blast and today I bring you the latest collection from a designer who is always a favourite with my brides...Monique Lhuillier.

I have to admit, the dresses are so gorgeous in this collection that I actually had a lot of difficulty picking my favourites so there are a few extra's in this post!

Victoria x

Photographs courtesty of:

Brides.com

Temperley Fall 2011

2010-10-27T10:00:00.004+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

To continue with our showcase of the latest gowns hot of the runways in New York, here's a sneak peek at Temperley's latest collection.

It's a world away from yesterday's Vera Wang but there's something in the casual elegance of these dresses that I'm drawn to.

Victoria x

Photographs courtesy of:

Brides.com

Vera Wang Fall 2011

2010-10-26T11:04:00.008+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

There's always models storming the runways somewhere in the world but recently they took to catwalks that made us sit up and take note...the 2011 Fall bridal shows!

To kick off the parade we have the most incredible Vera Wang dresses to share with you. By now you know it only ever takes one word to ever describe her work...dreamy.

Victoria x

Photographs courtesy of:

Brides.com

Wedding Showcase: Rebecca & Andrew

2010-10-22T11:56:00.007+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

On Saturday, 18 September 2011, Rebecca married her high school sweetheart Andrew. After a tradtional service at St Andrew's Church, guests were invited to dance the night away by the river at the Gallery of Modern Art.

The balcony at GoMA looked spectacular and the food was simply delicious. The band was amazing and the guests cheerful.

All in all it was a spectacular evening.

Congratulations to Rebecca & Andrew.

Supplier List

Wedding Planning: The Little White Wedding Company

Flowers: Divine Flowers

Cake: Sweetums Designer Cakes

Band: Graham Hobson Entertainment

Reception: GoMA

Catering: Caxton Street Catering

Victoria x

Photographs courtesy of:

Ben Clark Photography

www.benclarkphotography.com.au

A Bride's Diary

2010-10-19T09:27:00.004+10:00

Hi there

You might not know me because I'm not usually from around here. In fact, while I've been an avid reader of this blog for some time, I am a newcomer (and a tentative one at that) to the blog-writing game. But when a sister asks a favour like this, it's hard to refuse - particularly when she's planning your wedding.

So in case you haven't worked it out already, I am Katie, older sister of Victoria (The Little White Wedding Company's planner extraordinaire), and recent engagee.

So what's the goss...

To bring you up to speed, about six months ago, I was delightfully surprised by a proposal from my then boyfriend Mark. See...here we are celebrating, or at least conducting a brief re-enactment of our excitement for your benefit.

Of course, the engagement was quickly followed by the standard series of questions from friends and family: Have you set a date? Have you set a date? And, not unexpectedly, have you set a date? Of course, the rest of the who, what, when and why (actually most people had figured that out already) also flooded forth.

Luckily for us, previously-discussed wedding-planner-extraordinaire/sister Victoria leaped effortlessly to the rescue, starting first with a lovely intimate family dinner that she had beautifully planned and styled by the time we got home to Brisbane that evening. She also asked a small favour - that I write a monthly blog about my experience of the wedding planning process for her to publish on The Secret Diary of a Wedding Planner.

The promise...

So for the next 10 months or so I will be fulfilling that promise, starting next week with the first installment and sharing my experiences as a bride-to-be for your information and/or amusement. I look forward to sharing my insights with you.

Until next time...

Katie

Flowers for the Superstitious Bride

2010-10-10T15:53:00.004+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

Whether you've adopted them or not, superstitions have long been a part of weddings. It's bad luck for the groom to see the bride before she walks down the aisle; For good luck the bride should have something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue; The "single lady" (hello Beyonce reference!) who catches the bride's bouquet will be the next to wed.

The list goes on...

Being surrounded by beautiful blooms in Spring I've been thinking about flowers much more than usual so to further fuel the superstitious fire, here's a few popular flowers and their meanings.

Tulip - love & passion

arrangement by Always Fabulous Flowers

Sweet Peas - pleasure

arrangement by Always Fabulous Flowers

Rose - love, joy & beauty

arrangement by Palais Floral

Roses - love, joy & beauty

arrangement by Always Fabulous Flowers

Peony - bashful with a spirit of ambition & determination

arrangement by Always Fabulous Flowers

Orchid - love & beauty

arrangement by Palais Floral

Lavender - devotion

photography courtesy of Palais Floral

Chrysanthemum - wealth, abundance & truth

arrangement by Always Fabulous Flowers

Anemone - unfading love

arrangement by Palais Floral

Beware, some flowers aren't as sweet as they may appear. Some to be cautious of are:

Striped Carnation - refusal

Red Poppy -consolation

Choose wisely...

Victoria x

Photographs courtesy of:

Always Fabulous Flowers - www.allfabflowers.com.au

Palais Floral - www.palaisfloral.com

Introducing...A Party Pack

2010-09-30T13:06:00.004+10:00

Bonjour mes amis

Two fabulous women - Nikki Buckland of Paper Scissors Rock Stationery and Anna Matjasec from Invite With Style have joined forces to bring you a stress free and stylish tool to help you create the perfect party.

By combining their formidable creativity and talent for sourcing the loveliest and most original party accessories from across the globe, A Party Pack can help ease the hosting duties whether it be for an engagement party, high tea or baby shower. "A Party Pack makes hosting a stylish party as easy as opening a gift box! Each gorgeous A Party Pack box is filled with chic essentials to create a beautiful party."

For more information about A Party Pack visit the website - www.apartypack.com.au

Victoria x

Photographs courtesy of:

A Party Pack - www.apartypack.com.au

Wedding Sneak Peek: Rebecca & Andrew

2010-09-19T17:58:00.006+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

Yesterday a lovely couple were married at St Andrews in South Brisbane and then continued the celebration at GoMA.

Until the professional photographs arrive here's a quick sneak peak for you to enjoy!

Happy Sunday.

Victoria x

It's a Date!

2010-09-11T11:26:00.005+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

As some of you know, my sister happily accepted a proposal earlier this year. Since then we've been trying to decide when the wedding should be held. some say May, some say September and some don't have an opinion. We've reasoned with family commitments, budget, optimal weather conditions and a whole range of other factors.

Anyone who's engaged or is close to someone that has just been proposed to know that setting a date is sometimes not the easiest task on the planning checklist.

To help you decide when to hold the most romantic date of your life, here's a list of things for you to consider.

Weather - no one wants to be rained out on their wedding day so take the time of year into consideration. Look at the previous year's rain fall and temperatures for that time of year and use that as a guide. Key word: guide.

Family Commitments - once you have settled on a time of year, check with those who are close to you to ensure they don't have any existing commitments for that time. You don't want your best friend or sister to be in the middle of an overseas trip!

Budget - If you have a lot of spare change lying around this won't bother you but if you are budget conscious have a discussion with those contributing to the wedding and decide when would be a realistic time for it to be held. You want to avoid starting your marriage in debt!

Availability - If you need to book a venue for your ceremony and/or reception you may need to be flexible with your date depending on their availability. This of course also depends on your desire to hold your wedding on a particular date or at a particular venue. Know your priorities from the beginning.

Public Holidays - There are two side to this factor. If you choose to get married on a public holiday you will most likely encounter extra fees from your suppliers. If however, you get married over a long weekend (but not on the public holiday) you'll miss out on those extra fees and be able to extend the celebration without having to worry about work schedules.

There are of course a couple of "issues" that may arise when trying to set a date:

Difficult Friends/Relatives - When it comes to your wedding those close to you are always going to have an opinion...about EVERYTHING! Stay focused on the factors that are important to you and follow your instincts. It's your wedding so you need to be happy with the final decision.

Pleasing Everybody - This is never going to happen so forget about it...RIGHT NOW! The average wedding has approximately 120 guests. That's 120 individual schedules that you'd have to coordinate! If your invitations go out on time it will give your guests plenty of time to clear their diaries.

Try not to let these factors dominate your decision making. As I said before it's your wedding and you and your fiance need to be the ones happy with the final decision.

My one final tip: Follow your instincts; we have them for a reason!

Victoria x

Photograph courtesy of:

Ruby & Scarlett - www.rubyandscarlett.com.au

Spring has Sprung

2010-09-01T09:36:00.008+10:00

Bonjour mes amis

Spring has finally sprung!

After months of cardigans, gloves and berres we can finally shed some layers and soak up the sun.

Naturally with the trees and flowers in full bloom and birds singing their tune this is a great time of year to get married.

To help ease you out of the winter blues, get inspired by these joys of spring.

Victoria x

A Column by ME!

2010-08-26T17:14:00.004+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

This week ends on a very exciting note.

I can finally share with you all some news that I've been bursting to announce to the world.

When the next edition of Discerning Bride is published there will be a little something by moi! A great (if I may say so myself) little column.

The distribution of this issue is still a little way off so I'll be sure to keep you posted.

Have a great weekend!

Victoria x
http://www.discerningbride.com.au

Inspiration: Contemporary Elegance

2010-08-22T11:08:00.012+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

A few weeks ago, I teamed up with one half of the amazing Feather + Stone - Seth & Tenielle. Today I'm thrilled to be able to share the results of that shoot with you!

The Task: An inspirational shoot for an upcoming issue of a wedding magazine

The Theme: Contemporary elegance

The Colours: Black and white with a hint of green

The venue for the shoot was Studio 13. Located in Brisbane's West End this industrial space with it's permanant rigging is perfect for the modern bride.

These photo's in particular, perfectly demonstrate how by changing only one or two elements you can give them setting a completely different look.

As is the case with a shoot like this, a little extra help is required to pull it all together. Of course I called on a few of my favourite suppliers:

Always Fabulous Flowers

Invitation Station

Styled Events

Valiant Hire

...and of course the photographers for the day...Feather + Stone.

Victoria x

Photographs courtesy of:

Feather + Stone - http://www.featherandstone.com.au

Spring/Summer 2010/11 Fashion – LISA HO

2010-08-17T11:27:00.007+10:00

Bonjour mes amis

I’ve recently returned from a wonderful trip to Melbourne and am more fashion obsessed than ever before so what better time to share with you the beautiful Spring/Summer bridal collection from one of Australia’s leading designers, Lisa Ho!

It’s almost impossible not to lose yourself in the collection as you’ll soon experience for yourself. Oozing sophistication and enhancing the divine curves of the female form this latest collection from Lisa Ho really is just what the doctor ordered.

“There’s a romantic sophistication to the collection,” says Lisa. “It’s harder edged, more modern, but always glamorous and relaxed. These are pieces for the woman who is always moving forward.”

With that in mind, what better way to move forward in your relationship than getting married? The strong presence of nude tones, the beautiful draping and the divine craftsmanship of each dress perfectly lend themselves to the romanticism that goes hand in hand with weddings.

For more information on any of these dresses, contact your nearest Lisa Ho boutique.

Victoria x

Photographs courtesy of:
Lisa Ho – http://www.lisaho.com.au

Luxury Wedding Soiree Photo Album

2010-08-05T14:43:00.010+10:00

Bonjour mes amis

As you well know the Luxury Wedding Soiree was held on Sunday, 18 July 2010 at The Plantation.

A few weeks on and the photographs have arrived and I'm almost bursting with excitement to be able to share them with you.

The lovely folks from Studio Impressions and Calli B Photography captured all of the different elements at the Soiree and are true representations of the creativity and quality of all of the participating suppliers.

Enjoy!

Victoria x

Seasonal Decor: Summer

2010-08-04T20:29:00.018+10:00

Bonjour mes amis

Nothing says Summer like a sprinkling of sunshine, pastel or gold so why not incorporate one of these beautiful tones into your wedding?

Take inspiration from the following images and you'll provide the happiest of settings for the happiest of days!

a beautiful bouquet of yellow roses by Green and Bloom

hello Harry Winston...

fabulous stationery by Ruby & Scarlett

a delicious cake by Sweetums Designer Cakes

Victoria x

Photographs courtesy of:
Porfyri Photography - http://www.porfyri.com.au
Green and Bloom - http://www.greenandbloom.com
Sweetums Designer Cakes - http://www.sweetums.com.au
Ruby & Scarlett - http://www.rubyandscarlett.com.au

The new POLKA DOT BRIDE!

2010-07-28T16:12:00.009+10:00

Bonjour mes amis

Recently, Ms Polka and her fabulous team relaunched her hugely popular website - Polka Dot Bride.

A favourite for not only brides but us industry insiders, I'm sure Polka Dot Bride will continue to grow and inspire us all! Complete with blogs dedicated to wedding wisdom, honeymoon's, DIY projects and more it's a must stop destination for all brides-to-be.

Congratulations again to the amazing team at Polka Dot Bride, I can't wait to see what you've got in store for us.

Much love

Victoria x

Inspiration Board: Classical Vintage Romance

2010-07-21T18:48:00.005+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

Here's a little inspiration for those of you who love all things vintage and romantic!

Victoria x

Luxury Wedding Soiree...Not Long to go Now!

2010-07-14T15:29:00.006+10:00

Bonjour mes amis

Well the countdown is officially on! With only 4 days to go until the floodgates open and the Luxury Wedding Soiree begins I'm buried deep in gift bags and ingredients for cupcakes and can barely contain my excitement.

For those of you who have not yet heard about the Luxury Wedding Soiree, please allow me to enlighten you!

The Little White Wedding Company and The Plantation have collaborated to provide Queensland brides with an experience like no other. This exquisite event is being held on Sunday 18 July, 2010 from 10am - 3pm at The Plantation, just 15 minutes from Hastings Street in the beautiful Noosa Hinterland and will feature a selection of Queensland's finest wedding industry professionals. Suppliers will be on hand to showcase their beautiful craft and also answer any questions you may have.

The beautiful ceremony area near the Paulownia Plantation will be styled to perfection as will the reception marquee which will showcase a variety of table settings which include stationery, floral designs and bespoke styling items. Wedding cakes, roving canapés and Champagne will also be on hand for guests to enjoy.

The following suppliers are participating in the Luxury Wedding Soiree:

Kisses

Bespoke Letterpress Boutique

Noosa Wedding & Event Hire

Twig & Grace

Sweetums Designer Cakes

Silk Hair & Makeup

Perry's Sunshine Coast Event Hire

Suncoast Vintage Limousines

Noosa Hinterland Tours

To register for this event, please send an email with your full name, contact phone number and wedding date to enquiries@theplantation.com.au.

Click here to view your invitation to this delightful event as well a complete list of participating suppliers. As the date nears, I'll share with you some inspiration from some of the participating suppliers!

Victoria x

Photographs courtesy of:
The Plantation - http://www.theplantation.com.au

Calli B Photography - http://www.callibphotography.com.au

Introducing...In The Booth

2010-07-13T16:42:00.005+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

Kate and Steve recently introduced themselves and their fantastic product to me, and well, it just wouldn’t be fair for me to keep it to myself!

In The Booth, are professional photobooths unique in design and unlike anything else in the photobooth market.

So you can get to know Kate and Steve, and In The Booth a little better I asked them for a little more information as well as some fabulous photo’s of course...

…look out for my personal favourite…a hint - top hat!

How long has your business been operating and was the focus always on weddings?

In The Booth began trading in April 2009. Weddings are a huge part of our clientele – the booth is the ultimate party starter and breaks the ice at the reception in no time! Engagement parties, special birthdays and corporate events are also very popular.

What sets your booths apart from other suppliers?

When the idea first came to us about starting a photo booth company, we quickly realised the imported ‘shopping centre’ style of booths available on the market weren’t what we were after. Their lack of space for guests and low image quality didn’t meet the high standards we required. After two years of engineering and development, we have our own Australian made booths in production. Our booths give your guests the uncompromising solution of a hard-walled, enclosed photo booth that comfortably fits six to eight people (and often many more!). We are the only company capable of capturing a three-quarter body shot as opposed to the passport style ‘head and shoulders’ shots. We are also the only photo booth company in Australia to offer video messaging in our booths! Your guests can leave a fifteen second video message which is supplied to you on DVD with your photo files after your event.

What's your favourite wedding moment so far?

Our favourite moment is more of a favourite story. We recently had a booth at a wedding where the groom hadn’t been so keen on having a photo booth at the reception. It was his fiancée’s idea and he had gone along with it reluctantly throughout the booking process. We received a phone call after their honeymoon and the groom had called especially to tell us that his wife had proven him wrong and that he would never argue with one of her ideas again! He said the booth was the best decision by far they had made for their wedding; everyone had a fantastic time and all the guests were still raving about it. We love a booth convert!

What would you recommend to brides so they can maximize their guests In the Booth experience?

We don’t supply props with our booth as a rule because we like your booth experience to be original – you don’t want hundreds of photos of everyone in the same silly hat! Instead we recommend ‘interactive’ props like a whiteboard where guests are made to use their imagination. Amazing, creative images come out of our booths when your guests have to think outside the square!

What backgrounds are available? Can these be personalised?

We have a range of backdrops to choose from to customise your booth experience. If you have a particular fabric you would like to use, we can provide a custom backdrop for an additional fee.

Victoria x

Photographs courtesy of:
In The Booth – http://www.inthebooth.com.au

Put Your Best Foot Forward

2010-07-06T21:47:00.006+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

Who at one point or another hasn’t thought to herself (while at a stylish event of course!) “I wish I’d worn more comfortable shoes” or “My feet are killing me!” Weddings are no exception and being a day long occasion these cries can be heard by the bridal party and guests alike.

Colin Cowie’s recent Wedding Note “Novocaine For My Feet” summed it up perfectly and provided some great advice that I couldn’t have said better myself. So to ensure your feet are looked after and you can dance the night away put these tips into practice:

1. Have a backup plan. Buy two pairs of shoes for your wedding. One in your usual size and one a half-size larger. This will provide you with a comfortable alternative if your feet swell from standing for long periods of time.

2. Get to know your shoes. In the lead up to your wedding wear them around the house for 15-20 minutes every day. This will help break them in and prevent you from suffering those dreaded new shoe blisters.

Victoria x

Photographs courtesy of:
Feather + Stone – http://www.featherandstone.com.au

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

2010-07-06T21:21:00.008+10:00

Bonjour mes amis

The month of July is a very exciting time for The Little White Wedding Company as it's our very first birthday!!

I've had such a fantastic year and am incredibly appreciative of all of the support I've received from family, friends and wedding and event professionals.

As I'm unable to send you each a slice of our birthday cake but still wish to share the love, The Little White Wedding Company is offering 25% off ALL On-the-Day Coordination packages booked in the month of July 2010.

To read a testimonial from a bride who experienced the benefits of this package first hand...click here.

Email us at info@thelittlewhiteweddingco.com.au for more information on this limited-time-only offer.

Victoria x

Wedding Showcase: Stephanie & Gavin

2010-07-03T10:40:00.007+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

As promised in one of my previous blogs, in the lead up to the Luxury Wedding Soiree I’m bringing you some of the gorgeous weddings that have taken place at the Soiree’s venue, The Plantation.

Stephanie and Matthew were married on Saturday 20 March 2010 at a Catholic Church at Sunshine Beach and then continued the celebration at the luxurious country estate, The Plantation.

Adding a subtle country touch to their wedding, Stephanie and Gavin arrived at the reception by horse and cart before enjoying canapés with their guests around the iconic fountain…all the while being accompanied by a classic string trio.

Family and friends were then treated to a delicious 3 course meal with a candy buffet as a little something sweet to finish off their evening.

After relaxing for 3 glorious days at The Plantation, Stephanie and Gavin jetted off for their relaxing honeymoon.

To experience all of this and more, be sure to come to the Luxury Wedding Soiree on Sunday, 18 July 2010 from 10am-3pm. For your invitation and a full list of the fabulous participating suppliers click here.

REMEMBER: REGISTER TO ATTEND THE LUXURY WEDDING SOIREE NOW – entry to this fabulous event is free of charge!

Victoria x

Photographs courtesy of:
Focus Films – http://www.focusfilms.com.au

Engagements: Celebrate in Style

2010-06-30T16:24:00.009+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

For many couples, when they first get engaged things can be absolutely chaotic. Hassled by family members to set a date (I’m a little guilty of this at present), endless questions about what your wedding dress will be like, and who’s made the cut on the guest list…it can go on, and on, and on!

It is important though to take time to smell the roses if you will and this week we’ve found two who have done just that and celebrated their respective engagements in style.

First up are Skevie and Photi…don’t be fooled by the white dress; this is no wedding but instead their fabulous engagement party!

Held at Tattersall’s, Skevie and Photi celebrated their engagement with 200 family and friends with a simple yet elegant celebration. Not only did this couple manage to squeeze in a rehearsal for their first dance but they’ve now also practiced cutting the cake – a 3 tiered design topped by a beautiful sugar flower arrangement.
Skevie and Photi are in the throws of planning their wedding for May 2011 and after seeing the photo’s from the engagement party, I’ll be waiting with baited breathe to sneak a peak at the shots from their big day.

Adrianna and George are the second couple who are celebrating their engagement with style.

This gorgeous couple were introduced by mutual friends while out at dinner, and while the pair hit it off straight away, at the end of the night when George asked Adrianna for her phone number she decided not to give it to him. After a little persistence and hard work (gentlemen take note!), George managed to get his hands on her phone number through a friend and the rest is, as they say…history.
After dating for 2 years, Adrianna and George will marry in November 2010 at The Greek Orthodox Community of St George with the reception to follow at Victoria Park Golf Club.

With a gorgeous engagement shoot by Poryfri Photography, they’ll have memories that will last a lifetime.

Photographs courtesy of:
Porfyri Photography – http://www.porfyri.com.au

Victoria x

Wedding Showcase: Cassandra & Matthew

2010-06-17T10:28:00.007+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

With the Luxury Wedding Soiree fast approaching I thought it would be nice to showcase a few weddings that took place at The Plantation.

Cassandra and Matthew were married on Saturday 08 May 2010, and held both their ceremony and reception at the stunning estate that is The Plantation.

After the ceremony friends and family were treated to a charming garden party and enjoyed games of croquet and boules.

The festivities of this classic affair then continued into the night with a seated formal reception under a beautiful silk-lined marquee.

To experience all of this and more, be sure to come to the Luxury Wedding Soiree on Sunday, 18 July 2010 from 10am-3pm. For your invitation and a full list of the fabulous participating suppliers click here.

REMEMBER: REGISTER TO ATTEND THE LUXURY WEDDING SOIREE NOW – entry to this fabulous event is free of charge!

Victoria x

Music to Your Ears

2010-06-10T18:20:00.006+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

I remember that the last time I left a restaurant in a bit of a state was because the music was so loud I could barely think let alone have a conversation with my dinner guest. Finding the right performer or music for your big day may feel like a big task in itself, and you’d be right! It can be a challenge to find music that not only you and your partner love but your guests will also enjoy.

If you’ve got an idea or an expectation of how you'd like the music to be played or when be sure to provide your band, performers or wedding planner (whichever route you’ve taken – remember with modern technology you can also have complete control of this if you choose to use your iPod) with this information. No one can read your mind and chances are whoever you hire is not there to make a rock and roll comeback…at least you hope they’re not! They are there to provide the soundtrack to your wedding day and if you get it right add a little extra romance and excitement to the occasion. Also, consider that they are most likely seasoned professionals and can offer useful advice on stage placement, or suitable times for music to be played.

This brings me nicely to the next step…your playlist. Do you play your favourite song, or that piece of music that brings back happy memories? Do you go all out and entertain your guests and create the perfect atmosphere? The answer is, all of the above. You have to remember, this is YOUR wedding so it is YOU that has to be happy. Play your favourite tunes. Mix it up with some soft dinner music so guests can carry on conversations while savouring their delicious meals. Have a great band or choose great music that your guests will appreciate and help create your desired atmosphere. You know your guests better than any one else involved in your wedding so follow your instincts. For example, if you have some rowdy guests who believe downing a bottle of scotch is the ultimate sign of masculinity then a harpist isn’t going to stand a chance. I suppose at the end of the day you really have to consider why something is called a cliché. Generally, it’s because it just works. I’m most definitely not saying that you shouldn’t dare to be different, I’m all for thinking outside the square – what I’m saying is think things through to ensure it will be the perfect fit to the wedding you have spent endless hours planning.

Fun fact: It has been researched that a marriage may not be so successful if the bride danced down the aisle to the ever so famous Steps song Tragedy. Remember, there is a difference between cringe-worthy and clichéd.

Hot Tip: Check with your venue if there are any noise restrictions so you don't receive any complaints or are surprised with a request to turn the volume down. This is particularly important to keep in mind when booking live performers.

Victoria & Amber x

Photographs courtesy of:

Ben Clark Photography - http://www.benclarkphotography.com.au

Luxury Wedding Soiree

2010-06-02T14:58:00.010+10:00

Bonjour mes amis

Over the past months or so Kellie Armstrong from The Plantation and I have been working on a beautiful event called the Luxury Wedding Soiree.

I've mentioned The Plantation in a previous post but just to refresh your memories...it is one of the most beautiful and luxurious venues in QLD and is absolutely perfect for brides who dream of country estate weddings.

This exquisite event is being held on Sunday 18 July, 2010 from 10am - 3pm at The Plantation, just 15 minutes from Hastings Street in the beautiful Noosa Hinterland and will feature a selection of Queensland's finest wedding industry professionals. Suppliers will be on hand to showcase their beautiful craft and also answer any questions you may have.

The beautiful ceremony area near the Paulownia Plantation will be styled to perfection as will the Reception Marquee which will showcase a variety of table settings, wedding cakes, stationery & floral arrangements. Roving canapés and Champagne will be served to guests as they listen to the beautiful echo of live music or admire the craftsmanship of the wedding gowns on display.

At the conclusion of the event a lucky door prize will be drawn for one couple to receive a complimentary table décor package from The Plantation as well as The Little White Wedding Company’s On-the-Day Coordination package, free of charge when booking their wedding at The Plantation. When departing, every couple will be presented with a gift bag that contains supplier information as well as a couple of exquisite treats to enjoy.

To register for this event, please send an email with your full name, contact phone number and wedding date to enquiries@theplantation.com.au.

Click here to view your invitation to this delightful event as well a complete list of participating suppliers.

As the date nears, I'll share with you some inspiration from some of the participating suppliers!

Victoria x

Images courtesy of:

The Plantation - http://www.theplantation.com.au

Flavour of the Month

2010-05-18T14:58:00.014+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

Cake is something that’s very close to my heart. Yes, you read correctly, cake means a lot to me. I trace it back to my beautiful mother’s delectable cupcakes (and every other cake she’s made for that matter), which have been a favourite of mine since I was a young girl. It’s not wonder then that accompanying my clients to their cake tastings has to be one of my favourite parts of planning a wedding. While it’s not too helpful in the hips and waist department I just can’t resist popping in those gorgeous samples so they can melt in my mouth, making my taste buds dance in the process!

Just like everything else in the world of weddings there are trends in wedding cakes which are constantly evolving so to help you on your way I've provided you with a look at what’s hot right now!

Gold/Silver Leaf
I absolutely love gold and silver leaf! For those of you not familiar with it, edible Gold and Silver Leaf is gold or silver that has been beaten into extremely thin sheets. There are some varieties which are non-toxic and can be used to decorate food or beverages.

I absolutely love the look of macaroons that have been roughly coated with this product but for even more of a wow factor ask your cake designer to dedicate an entire tier to a gold leaf design.

Well-renowned cake designer Faye Cahill of Faye Cahill Cake Design first started using this product in early 2007. “The cake decorator’s imitation gold that we use looks too heavy over large areas, and I wanted something with a rich and glamorous look to compliment dark tones. The first design I created with it was the "love birds" cake which continues to be a popular design, and we often do variations on it to compliment individual wedding schemes.”

I asked Faye why she thought the gold/silver leaf attracts brides…here’s what she had to say. “I think the unique look appeals- it is something that is not seen often on wedding cakes, and also it catches the light beautifully. If the room features candelabras or tea lights, the gold and silver looks amazing. Couples want to give their guests a special experience on their wedding day, and it doesn't get more decadent than eating 24 carat gold leaf or real silver.”

Of course all of you discerning brides will also want to know what’s hot when it comes to cake trends so I’d be a fool not to ask! While Faye believes that couples still want to have a little fun with their cake design she’s noticed that the tide has turned away from the really cartoonish and crazy designs. “We are seeing a return to classic and beautiful styles with lace and flowers dominating. The all white look is definitely making a comeback, and many of my brides choose to display their cakes on a classic American style plateau. For more dramatic looks painted and stenciled designs are popular, often based on the invitation stationery.”

Macaroons
Macaroons are a great new take on the traditional wedding cake. I’ve personally tried to create these delights myself but while they taste fantastic I haven’t quite mastered the piping technique so I thought for some more reliable information it would be best to turn to an expert in the field, Nadine Ingram from Cookie Couture who is in her 4th year of business and still going strong!

Nadine puts this innovative approach to wedding cakes down to the macaroon’s colour and form as it’s the perfect sculptural element for a wedding cake. “In terms of flavour a lot of macaroons can have quite a fragrant quality which is perfect when paired with the flowers on a cake. Aside from all of this, macaroons make such a delightful accompaniment to cake. A lot of guests don't even get to the cake, but who could resist a petit macaroon?”

Macaroons can also be more cost effective than a traditional wedding cake depending on your requirements and vision. “Often when using macaroons there is just as much 'support' required to hold the cake up as a traditional cake, to ensure the delicate macaroons are not crushed. I usually suggest creating a beautiful cake that is going to hold up for 8 hours rather than having macaroons dropping around your guests stilettos! Remember you can always have extra macaroons and cake in the kitchen to ensure the guests don't go hungry. They will never know they weren't part of the cake on display.” Being in the wedding industry whenever I admire such detailed and exquisite items I always wonder how much blood, sweat and tears (so to speak) went into their creation but Nadine has quickly put me at ease by professing her love for making macaroons. “I do always say though that you should never let a macaroon see you are scared. They are extremely difficult to make and even though I have been making them since I was at Le Gavroche in London (15 years ago) I am still learning from them.” Fabulous Packaging
Some couples choose to present their guests with a slice of their wedding cake or a small individual cake or cupcake, beautifully wrapped as their bonbonniere. There are plenty of ways to wrap your choice of bonbon…for individual cakes or cupcakes that are iced to perfection, clear boxes can be purchased so your guests can admire the artwork of your cake designer. My personal favourite though are natural boxes with creative adornments which can hold complete cakes or disguise individual slices of your wedding cake. If you pick up the current edition of Bride-to-Be Wedding Cakes and flick to page 18 you’ll see a great selection of examples of how you can give your cake boxes that extra punch. Remember there are no set rules for your wedding so if you would prefer to use these for your lolly buffet go right ahead!!

Cupcake Wrappers
If you’re a fan of cupcakes consider dressing them up a bit. There’s a great range of detailed cupcake wrappers available through Pink Frosting for you to choose from and you’ll find that even with plain icing they completely transform the traditional cupcakes into stylish and inviting treats.

Regardless of whether you choose to go with a fabulous wedding cake such as those featured by cake designer extraordinaire Faye Cahill or some mouth-watering petit treats like those by Cookie Couture I wish you good luck and advise you draw out the tasting process :)

Victoria x

Images courtesy of:

Faye Cahill Cake Design – http://www.fayecahill.com.au

Cookie Couture – http://www.cookiecouture.com.au

Pink Frosting – http://www.pinkfrosting.com.au

Mother's Day & more...

2010-05-10T09:25:00.007+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

As you all know, yesterday was Mother’s Day. My sister and I decided that instead of buying our mother a gift, this year our present would be a lovely day out and about…just the women in the family.

We started with a relaxing lunch at The Gunshop Café at West End where the food is to die for and the atmosphere is great. Being vegetarian I ordered a fig, haloumi, candied pecan and beetroot vinegarette…which was absolutely delicious.

After we’d finished our meals, we headed over to the Queensland Art Gallery to marvel at the delights in the Hats exhibit. There are so many mind blowing creations that it should be added to your “must see” list if you either live in Brisbane or are planning a trip soon.

While the “Hats” exhibit is also showing a small hat salon is located in the Gallery which has some beautiful pieces available to purchase and at fairly reasonable prices. There are some great ideas for brides if you don’t want a traditional veil but would instead prefer something a little more unique as well as an abundance of pieces that would be great for wedding guests and race goers who are looking for the final piece to complete their perfectly styled outfits.

In the Gallery’s shop I also stumbled across these gorgeous correspondence cards which are originally sold at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. My sister who’s recently engaged (so exciting!) pointed out that these would make nice invitations or “thank you” cards and she’s absolutely right. With the help of a calligrapher these would be just gorgeous. I couldn’t resist the butterfly print but they are also available with shells and dragonflies.
While you’re in the area you should also pop into the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) and if possible check out the stunning reception space (I believe this is usually by appointment only but you never know you may get lucky). You should also be sure to visit the Queensland Terrace at the State Library which is a great open space...see below for a few examples from previous events held at this venue!
For more information about all of these venues visit the following links:
http://www.thegunshopcafe.com
http://www.qag.qld.gov.au

http://www.slq.qld.gov.au

Wedding Showcase: Rhiannon & Terrence

2010-04-29T12:50:00.007+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

On Saturday 06 March 2010 the beautiful Rhiannon married the equally charming Terrence at Q1 on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

With both Rhiannon and Terrence living in New York they decided to enlist the help of The Little White Wedding Company to ensure everything ran according to plan on their wedding day.

With the ceremony and reception both being dressed in understated elegance the guests whom had travelled from far and wide were able to relax and enjoy the day.

Before I share the photographs from Rhiannon and Terrence’s wedding, I would like to point out that the bride created her wedding stationery suite herself…a job very well done!!

A huge thank you must go to the very talented Todd Hunter McGaw (http://www.toddhuntermcgaw.com.au) for these beautiful images which perfectly captured this magical occasion.

Victoria x

Seasonal Décor: Spring

2010-04-23T17:31:00.008+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

With most weddings taking approximately 250 hours to completely plan it makes sense that the planning process often begins several months or even over a year before the wedding date (of course this varies from couple to couple, depending on the popularity of their venue etc.). With this in mind we’ve decided to create a seasonal décor blog that will provide brides with inspiration for their table settings with each season’s “hot” colour. Right now, it’s pink for 2010’s spring brides.

I know there’s a misconception about the colour pink and I experience on a regular basis. I’m convinced that this is because they have flashes of OTT weddings (that of course feature fluro pink and look more like prom!) they’ve seen on one of the many wedding shows on TV. I’m not talking Colin Cowie’s show…I’m a huge fan of his…the shows I’m talking about are more like Bridezilla…get my drift?

Me personally…well I love pink! It’s such a versatile colour – the deep shades like magenta and cerise can exude elegance, the lighter shades light-heartedness while a mixture of shades perfectly compliment a garden or country setting and when used as just a hint colour it can complete vintage inspired bouquets and arrangements. Pink is just so effortlessly feminine and versatile that I can’t seem to get enough of it!

If you’re a little hesitant that’s ok…just because you wish to feature pink doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate other colours. Flick through Martha Stewart Weddings current issue and you’ll see some unexpected but seriously delicious pairings with copper, gray and navy which will put your mind at ease.

Of course the degree to which your shades of pink feature in your wedding is entirely up to you. For more discreet touches, secure your neatly folded napkins with a luscious pink bow, fill your champagne flutes with Rosé, feature a pink lolly buffet or hint at the colour in your stationery.

For more of a dramatic impact though, the most obvious option is to adorn your tables with pink floral arrangements. These can sit beautifully on the palest of pink overlays or for some contrast on the tables use tid-bits of black or navy. Alternatively, if your style is more clean and streamlined you could dress the room in white and saturate it with the perfect pink lighting.

The ways in which you can incorporate pink into your wedding really are endless and my personal preference as to how to approach this tends to chain regularly depending on my mood (funnily enough, the same applies to my nail polish!) so instead of focusing on one take, visit a variety of inspirational images from Martha Stewart Weddings website to help you on your way!

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/cameo-and-black

Victoria x

Spring/Summer Fashion for the Bride-to-be

2010-04-16T08:38:00.007+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

I have a confession to make…something which I've been harbouring for a while...I am in LOVE…with Collette Dinnigan!!

Even though her latest bridal collection has been out for a little while now, I’m still completely and utterly in awe of both her Snow White & Secret Garden collections.

With beautiful lace detailing and breathtaking embellishments you can't go wrong with Collette Dinnigan. The shape and design of her dresses show that this designer not only knows how to dress women (let's face it, that's no secret when talking about Collette Dinnigan!) but that she also has the ability to know what brides look for in a wedding dress. Take a few minutes to look through both collections on her website and whether you're having a formal affair or a more relaxed garden wedding or anything in between you're bound to find something for you. http://www.collettedinnigan.com

I don’t want to ruin the experience for you with my blabbing so I thought I’d let the pictures speak for themselves.

Collette Dinnigan - Bridal - Snow White Collection:

Collette Dinnigan has boutiques in Sydney, Melbourne and London. Check their website for details.

With the 2010 spring/summer collections shown in New York the reports came flying in: lace, volume and textured layers are key elements this season. With standouts presented by Vera Wang who added a little extra detail to her collection by incorporating bows on most of her dresses. Monique Lhuillier who so beautifully layered her gowns and added delicate detail with her effortless lace work, and Carolina Herrera who reinvented the classic wedding dress with a black floral print there’s plenty of options for every bride-to-be who wants to stand out from the crowd. Pair these looks with a modern bun or up-do and you’re bound to be a fashionable spring bride.

Victoria x

Introducing...Invite with Style

2010-04-12T10:58:00.014+10:00

Bonjour mes amis

Not too long ago, I was lucky enough to be contacted by the lovely Anna from Invite with Style, who introduced her great range of stationery to me.

Since then, Anna and I have decided to introduce each other to our respective communities so without any futher delay I'd like you to meet Anna & her beautiful stationery!

My name is Anna & I am the owner/designer of www.invitewithstyle.com.au & I was lucky enough to be asked by Victoria to introduce myself to her lovely readers...

Hello!

I design beautifully unique wedding invitations to suit a range of style & budgets. I am a woman with a passion for all things perfect and pretty and I truly love my job.

I have a huge range of designs available on my website or if you have a specific style or theme in mind for your big day I would love to create a custom designed invitation especially for you.

My invitations have been featured in Cosmo Bride & Bride To Be magazines and I pride myself on my customer service and impeccable finished products.

I know how difficult and confusing it can be trying to choose the right vendors for your wedding, so if you have any questions or would like to discuss your options I am more than happy to take some time out for a chat :)

Visit www.invitewithstyle.com.au or email me at hello@invitewithstyle.com.au.

Reasons why Invite With Style are climbing their way to the top:
- All of their prices include a complete set of stationery that includes: invitations, rsvp cards & envelopes rather than pricing each item separately like their competitors
- You only pay for how many invitations you order, they do not make you pay in batches of 20-50 invites
- All stationery is printed professionally on a digital press & is finished impeccably each time (no home print jobs here)
- You will receive an unlimited amount of proofs until you are 100% happy with your invitations
- Your invitation will be created by an experienced graphic designer
- They can print all of your guest names & addresses on your invitations & envelopes for one low price of $35.00 (no matter the quantity)
- Invite With Style invitations are the most competitively priced deluxe invites in the biz!

Anna

2010 Spring/Summer Fashion Forecast...for the Groom

2010-04-09T14:42:00.015+10:00

Bonjour mes amis

Even though all eyes will be on you on your wedding day, your groom-to-be is the most important plus you’ll ever have so it’s only fair that he should have the chance to dress to impress as well.

Let’s face it though…men can sometimes be a little difficult to dress, whether it’s because he doesn’t like shopping or he just doesn’t feel at home in a suit. Nowadays though, grooms are pushing the boundaries when it comes to wedding attire, making their outfits their own if you will, and by allowing this freedom makes the process more enjoyable for everyone involved.

When you flick through the pages of the wedding bibles, it doesn’t take much to notice that the most stylish grooms are the ones who have dressed to suit their personalities whether it be by adding a fashionable hat, vest, or stand-out frames to their outfits.

You can’t go wrong with a tailored suit…in fact I’d say that’s a must, but we’re not really talking about the base of the outfit…I can’t say it enough, what makes a groom stand out is the little touches…the folded pocket squares in patterned fabric, the unexpected converse sneakers, perfectly manicured hands and styled hair.

Some inspiration for the fashion forward grooms-to-be will be coming soon to help him on his way!

Happy Hunting!

Victoria x

A Day in the Life of Alice

2010-04-03T14:56:00.009+10:00

Bonjour mes amis

I hope you are all enjoying your Easter break but not eating too much chocolate!

I kicked my long weekend off yesterday with an Alice in Wonderland themed Tea Party and if I may say so myself it was just gorgeous and of course very timely with the release of Tim Burton’s interpretation of the classic tale.

As with every event, it started with the invitations…all the necessary information positioned carefully in the hidden garden of dancing flowers as well as a request that all guests bring their favourite tea cup and saucer. Of course the invitation wouldn’t be complete without delightful phrases from the story like “RSVP by 29 March…or…OFF with your head!” dotted tastefully throughout the invitation.

The location was Brisbane city’s Botanical Garden’s Camellia Lawn, a great spot with an abundance of trees for shade. Picnic rugs in a variety of colours & fabrics were placed for some ground cover & then came the fun part, dressing it up!

Beautiful floral arrangements consisting of carnations, roses, lisianthus and snapdragons were bound with vintage inspired fabrics & secured with baby blue ribbon. Cake stands held blissful cupcakes in Lemon Delicious & Ferrero Rocher flavours. White porcelain & wrought iron, tiered stands were the home of mixed sandwiches and mini quiches while small silver buckets played host to musk sticks topped with fairy floss. Finally, to quench the thirst of the guests, a refreshing guava punch was served with chopped strawberries & mint!

It has however, always been & will always be about the little touches & this occasion was no exception. The napkins were white and pale pink striped, the heirloom china tea cups filled with flower heads, while “eat me” and “drink me” cards were dotted on the food stands & tea cups.

Despite a couple of drops (and I seriously mean one or two!) the tea party came to an end with the presentation of baby blue goody bags, tied with “Thank you for following me down the rabbit hole” cards to each guest…a huge success!

Here’s a sample of the images from the event…more will be available on our website in the coming weeks!

Have a great Easter break.

Victoria x

5 minutes with...Marcus Bell from Studio Impressions

2010-03-24T12:02:00.011+10:00

Bonjour mes amis

This week we round up our series of “5 minutes with…” interviews with Marcus Bell from Studio Impressions and I can promise you won’t be disappointed!

You only have to flick through the first few pages of any Studio Impressions album to be convinced that what you’re looking at are some of the most beautiful photographs you’ve ever seen. As if that wasn’t enough, it’s not even minutes into one of their initial consults that you know they understand how important your wedding day is – something which every bride-to-be wants to be assured of. I can promise that you’re search stops here!

Here’s what Marcus had to say during our 5 minutes…

In your opinion, what goes into creating the perfect picture?

The most wonderful thing about a picture is that it can say a thousand words in any language all within one image. The most important thing that goes into creating the perfect picture is the people within the image, people that have a wonderful story to tell and share. For me I’m blessed to always have wonderful people that allow me to tell their stories.

How long have you been a photographer & how/why did you start?

I’ve been photographing now for over 15 years and for the past 10 years I have been photographing professionally. For me I was very fortunate as photography was in the blood, I’m a third generation photographer and simply has always, and always will be my life. I love it and have the best job in the world.

What advice can you give to those who are camera shy?

Ensure that you have a photographer that enables you to completely forget about the camera. It can come down to connecting more with the person behind the camera then how talented that person may be as a photographer. Even though I take great pride in my ability as a photographer and the imagery I produce, I know 99% of our couples choose myself or Adam because of who we are as people then the ability we have as photographers.

The images you produce are always so honest, how do you achieve this time and again?

The honesty in the images truly derives from the people we are fortunate to photograph. We do take extra steps to build a relationship with our clients and as a result the couples invite us in to their lives, where they are just so open and inviting that they forget about that we even have a camera. As a result we capture the most interment and powerful moments in their lives that truly reflects who they are and how they felt during the wedding day. To be honest this is also where the true beauty in people lies and this is what we get to photograph the “real them”. It’s funny everyone asks do I only photograph beautiful people as everyone I photograph just looks radiating amazing. But truth be told my answer is always “Everyone is beautiful it’s always when you photograph the soul of a person you get to se the beauty in everyone”

Do you have any tips for keeping photos in good condition?

Getting professional advice is always so important and it is always worth spending a little more to ensure you are always getting a product that will last your lifetime. With photography there is so many ways to cut corners but what will look great today may not be the same in 6 months time. There are many tips to mention, but one tip is never to place an image directly onto glass within a frame, always use a spacer like a mat board. Choosing a reputable photographer and framer will ensure your memories will last a lifetime.

Obviously, I couldn’t blog about Marcus and his work without posting some of his images so below you will find a selection of those taken in the Hermitage Museum from his recent trip to St Petersburg…jealous yet?

If you would like to learn more about Marcus and Studio Impressions subscribe to Marcus's blog at http://www.studioimpressionsphotography.com/blog/ or visit their website at... http://www.studioimpressions.com.au

Victoria x

5 minutes with...Cara Marie from Invitation Station

2010-03-17T16:23:00.008+10:00

Bonjour mes amis

This week we make a return to our “5 minutes with...” series with the focus on Cara Marie, the creative genius behind Invitation Station.

On the off chance that you have not heard of Invitation Station, let me tell you it is well worth investigating for not only those of you getting married but for anyone with an upcoming special event! Keeping in mind that your invitation (or save the date card) is the first treat your guests will receive you want to make sure that it not only subtly hints at the style of your wedding or event but also reflects your personal style. To achieve this, an excellent stationer is a must and that’s why Cara Marie forged such a name for herself in the world of stationery…

…here’s what Cara Marie had to say during our 5 minutes…

In your opinion, what sets you apart from other stationers?

Invitation Station is a boutique studio and not a shopfront. Being in a studio allows us to take extra time with each customer, to really get to know a couple without any interruptions. We design per couple, every time, ensuring a unique outcome for every invitation suite. As we design and manufacture our own bases and paper stocks, we know that what leaves our studio is our design from start to finish. Quality is of the utmost importance to us, and this is reflected in all our invitations.

How long have you been creating stationery for weddings?

Invitation Station (Cara Marie) has been creating stationery for the last 10 years. Before this is a background of desktop publishing and marketing for various businesses.

Have you noticed any trends in wedding stationery?

As far as trends go, we don’t see people generally wanting the same stationery. Invitation tastes are always different. However, colour schemes do seem to be played out throughout the year. At the moment classic black and white is a definite favourite amongst couples. It is also great to see people don’t feel they need to spell out their whole bridal party colours in an invitation, but instead are giving little hints within the classics. Nude and ivory is also another popular combination for 2010, and we are seeing a welcome steer towards nice and deep charcoal’s instead of metallic silvers.

How do you ensure that the wedding stationery reflects the couple’s style?

Dedicating ourselves to each couple we meet and really getting to know their likes and dislikes is the easiest way to make sure we are meeting the couple’s expectation of ensuring their stationery reflects their style. We start from scratch, discussing colour, base types that best suit the wording involved, what the couple like as far as adorning their invitation. We offer a wide variety of colours, ribbons, embellishments and print styles. If we don’t have it, we will definitely go in search of that particular item that will make sure each customer is as happy as the ones before them. We want our brides and grooms’ guests to be talking about their wedding from the moment they open their invitations.

What has been your favourite creation to date & why?

Favourite creation to date…I can’t actually answer this question by narrowing it down to any single invitation. We aim to be excited by every invitation that leaves our studio. If it hasn’t thrilled us and been a joy to work on then how is it going to impress anyone else? I can honestly say that I get quite excited for every invitation suite we work on, and of course the couples we work with add to that excitement too. I really like pushing the boundaries, and if I have to admit it, I am a fan of patterned stocks and unique textures, with the former not being something used in stationery all the time, it does give me an extra buzz to create patterned stocks.

If you would like to learn more about Cara Marie & Invitation Station please visit her website at: http://www.invitationstation.net.

Victoria x

Introducing PORTOBELLO BRIDE

2010-03-08T15:24:00.004+10:00

Bonjour mes amis

I know that we’re in the middle of the “5 minutes with…” interviews but I have to interrupt the series to introduce an amazing new website, Portobello Bride.

Portobello Bride – The Boutique Wedding Market only went live recently but it is already becoming the one-stop website for brides-to-be. After you explore it for yourself you’ll understand why.

Complete with a boutique wedding guide, wedding markets, a bride’s style guide, exclusive events and a blog, everything you could ever need or want to know is only a click away.

The boutique wedding directory is a great place to start no matter what stage of the planning process you are at and you can rest assured that those found on the website meet the high standards of Portobello Bride’s creator, ensuring that you will find only the best suppliers in each field…“We like to think of our wedding guide as a boutique directory, small in size but abundant with quality and style. All our wedding service providers are invited, recommended or accepted because they offer beautiful, edgy, unique, customised, creative and simply special products or services.”

My personal favourite though, is the boutique wedding markets. There are so many “expo’s” around and very rarely are do they live up to our expectations. The boutique wedding market however, will be set in gorgeous venues, provide guests with the opportunity to experience local produce and will even allow those looking to purchase and/or order any treasures that may be found directly from the exhibitors there and then. Sydney & Melbourne market dates will be announced soon so be sure to keep your eyes and ears open!

Of course it goes without saying that I am delighted to be featured on Portobello Bride & I hope you enjoy exploring this incredible website as much as I do.

If you would like to experience Portobello Bride click on the following link http://www.portobellobride.com.au. You can also subscribe to The Boutique Wedding Blog at http://portobellobrideblog.blogspot.com/

Victoria x

5 minutes with...Margaret & Michelle Williams from MXM Couture

2010-03-04T18:22:00.012+10:00

Bonjour mes amis

First of all, I must apologise for not finding the time to bring you an interview last week. There are weddings to plan and last week was spent creating run sheets and putting the finishing touches on some upcoming weddings.

This week the focus is on Margaret & Michelle Williams from MXM Couture. These women are incredible to say the least! The dresses they create are so unique and the detail that goes into the lace and bead work never ceases to amaze me…see the pictures below.

What I love most about their dresses though, is that they can transform your body & make women feel beautiful which is what we all want on our wedding day.

Here’s what Margaret & Michelle had to say during our 5 minutes…

What makes your dresses different from the others on the market?

What makes MXM dresses different is our unique construction. For example, our dresses are constructed differently for each client and are comfortable. Our application and utilisation of fabrics is also a point of difference.

When designing a wedding dress which fabrics do you prefer to work with & why?

We don't have a real preference of fabric - all fabric is unique and exciting to work with. The fabric choice is dictated by many things when we’re designing.

Which styles of wedding dresses best suit which body shapes?

Styles of dresses are dictated by shape, proportion etc....we work hard on every construction to perfect the body. It takes too long to explain all the tricks and illusions that go into creating the perfect dress for individual body shapes. .Our clients are often amazed at how we can get the body looking so good with shape in the areas they never thought possible.

What makes a good wedding dress?

What makes a good wedding dress is the last fitting when our Bride is standing in front of the mirror in their dress saying “I don't want to take it off!” We achieve the perfect dress when we have the design right i.e. fabric, colour, fabric suitability, suitability for the location, and of course the fit has to be perfect and comfortable. The dress needs to bring out the best in the body and personality of the wearer for her to really shine.

Is it helpful for Bride’s to get their inspiration from magazines or does that lead to unrealistic expectations due to differing body shapes & skin tones, etc?

It is great if the Bride gathers inspiration from magazines of things she likes as it gives us an insight into the brides personality. At the consultations we do a lot of listening as it’s important to capture the real essence of visualising and getting direction into design. Brides also see us without bringing magazine pictures as they like to leave it to us that’s fine too.

For more information about Margaret & Michelle & MXM Couture please visit their website at http://www.mxmcouture.com.

Victoria x

5 minutes with...Greg Cleary from Sweetums Designer Cakes

2010-02-18T12:31:00.005+10:00

Bonjour mes amis

This week I’d like to introduce you cake designer extraordinaire, Greg Cleary from Sweetums Designer Cakes.

Greg has been designing fabulous cakes for over 30 years and his creative flair & attention to detail has cemented him as a favourite amongst brides.

I can personally vouch for the quality of Greg’s cakes as he was generous enough to create a cake for the official launch of The Little White Wedding Company, and let me tell you…the cake melts in your mouth and each bite leaves you wanting more!

Here’s what Greg had to say during our 5 minutes…

Why did you choose to make your living by creating cakes for special occasions?

I have ALWAYS wanted to make cakes, from a very early age, it was all about cake!!!!!

What’s the most outrageous request you’ve had?

The most outrageous request would probably have been 2 nude torso's on top of a wedding cake, to scale of the bride & grooms figures.....When I delivered the cake to the reception, there were nude torso's as table centerpieces, so the cake didn't look out of place at the reception.

What’s the average amount of time you spend on designing & making a wedding cake?

The time taken to make a wedding cake varies incredibly, the simplest looking cakes are always the most challenging, as EVERYTHING has to be perfect as you have no where to hide. Approximately 20 - 25 hrs would be an average time frame.

What makes a cake more expensive & what are your suggestions for getting more for your money?

The amount of hand work, eg piping, moulding, sugar flowers, decorations etc add to the coast of a cake. Everything has to be hand made and coloured, it all takes time, and labour cost are expensive, even though you never get the price for what the cake is really worth.

What is your favourite flavour & cake design so far?

My favourite flavour would be anything citrus; I love the clean freshness on the palate...but I love any flavour as long as it is fresh and made with quality ingredients.

For more information about Greg & Sweetums Designer Cakes please visit his website at http://www.sweetums.com.au.

Victoria x

5 minutes with...Liz from Pulse Physiotherapy

2010-02-11T12:18:00.011+10:00

Bonjour mes amis

Yesterday I introduced you to my personal trainer so in keeping with the exercise theme of the week; today I’d like you to meet Liz Quinn from Pulse Physiotherapy.

A few years ago I started doing Pilates at a practice in the city but I wasn’t very happy with the experience so I decided to change studios. I was driving home from work one evening and saw Liz’s studio and thought I’d give her a call. From that very first phone call I knew I was going to love doing Pilates at Pulse, she was easy going & incredibly friendly and one of those people you just get good vibes from.

It’s now been 3 years & I have to say that thanks to Liz, not only has my core strength improved but I’ve also had less back pain which has haunted me for years.

Here’s what Liz had to say during our 5 minutes…

How is Pilates different to other forms of exercise & what are the benefits?

Pilates varies greatly from traditional forms of exercise such as running or lifting weights. It uses your own body weight or spring resistance to tone and strengthen muscles safely and efficiently. It has a large focus on improving core strength around the abdomen and back, whilst strengthening the lower and upper limbs.

Instead of building bulk, Pilates elongates muscles in the strengthening process. This in turn improves muscular tone without sustaining any muscle damage. Studies show that this form of strengthening is extremely effective at improving not only general body tone, but bone density, flexibility and posture. It is also a great way to rehabilitate injuries and prevent any further joint or muscle damage.

How fit do I need to be to practice Pilates & how long does it take to see results?

A person of any age and fitness level can begin Pilates. Pilates caters for beginner through to advanced fitness levels and I regularly encourage those who have not attempted Pilates before due to poor fitness to come and give it a try! As Pilates engages partial resistance to strengthen and tone, a high degree of cardiovascular fitness or muscle bulk is not required.

Results are often seen quickly. Within 4 - 6 weeks a change in abdominal tone and strength is often observed. Then depending upon how regularly you practice Pilates, excellent results can be achieved within 8 - 12 weeks depending upon your specific goals. Some examples of regular goals may be a sliming of the waistline, toning of the arms and thighs and an improvement in flexibility and posture. These can all be achieved within the time frames mentioned above.

Is Pilates good for those who want to target a specific area of their body?

Pilates is excellent at targeting either specific areas or even specific muscles, and it achieves this whilst activating your central core. For example, whilst you are toning your triceps or inner thigh, you are continually working on your tummy tone and shape. You can imagine that after a 60 minute full body workout your tummy muscles, which have been working throughout, are very fatigued. What an efficient and safe way to shape your abdominal region!

Are there any people who shouldn’t do Pilates?

There are no limitations as to who can attend Pilates. At Pulse we have a wide spectrum of clients ranging in all ages and all fitness levels. We cater for those who want a general workout to clients requiring specific injury rehabilitation and advice. As Pilates does not exclude any particular body type or fitness level, its worldwide population has grown substantially over the last 10 years. We would recommend however that if you are suffering from acute or chronic pain, that you consult your physiotherapist before attempting Pilates.

What’s your opinion on group Pilates classes at fitness clubs? Are these beneficial?

Group Pilates classes at fitness clubs can be beneficial. I know many people who have attended group gym Pilates classes and thoroughly enjoyed their experience. There are however several differences between attending a group gym class and for instance a class at a specialised Pilates studio such as Pulse.

At Pulse we employ only the highest trained professionals. Our instructors have taken many years to achieve their respective qualifications in Pilates and Physiotherapy and are required to undergo intensive ongoing professional development within the studio. In addition, class numbers are always kept to a minimum to allow for individual attention. Each client has undergone an individual session with one of our trained staff prior to their first class, ensuring their Pilates technique is effective and hence, safe! There have been many occasions in group gym classes where poor technique combined with inadequate supervision has resulted in injury. I would always recommend that if you are considering joining a Pilates class that you look for a specialised Physiotherapy based studio in your area.

For more information about Liz & Pulse Physiotherapy please visit her website at http://www.pulsephysio.com.au.

Victoria x

5 minutes with...Krysia Child from Dash! Spot on Fitness

2010-02-10T11:31:00.004+10:00

Bonjour mes amis

This week the focus is on personal fitness & getting into shape for the big day so I’m introducing you to two incredible women who can not only help you achieve your weight & fitness goals but also change the way you approach exercise.

First up is for this week is my very own personal trainer Krysia Child from DASH! Spot on Fitness. My mother is actually responsible for introducing me to Krysia after running into her at a park during her morning walk and ever since then I’ve been a huge fan of her work.

At the beginning of our "relationship" I challenged Krysia to a 2 month challenge to whip me into shape for the official launch of The Little White Wedding Company & even though most of my sessions were filled with complaints about how much my body hurt (all due to my natural tendency towards the “less is more” approach!) I have to commend her for not only putting up with me but for also transforming my body.

Krysia & I are also in the process of putting together a Bridal Bootcamp for those of you who would like to challenge yourselves before your wedding day but until then…here’s what Krysia had to say during our 5 minutes…

What are the best types of exercise to lose weight?

One of the best types of exercise to lose weight is anaerobic interval training. Anaerobic interval training consists of periods of intense work followed by periods of rest. Anaerobic interval training can be performed on a bike, out on the road running or walking, swimming, boxing or skipping.

An example of an anaerobic interval training program is:
Warm up of 5 minutes at about 50% of your maximum effort, followed by 10-20 minutes of 90seconds at 100% effort (sprinting) with 90 seconds to 2 minutes of 75% effort (recovery) followed by a 5 minute cool down at 50%.

What would you recommend for the Bride & Groom in terms of diet & what are some common mistakes?

I would recommend that both the bride and groom see a nutritionist who will be able to help them in making smart and balanced nutritional choices leading up to their big day.

How long does it take to see results?

It all depends on how motivated and determined the individual is to get results.

If your wedding is close I would recommend the following training program:
The Ultimate Bridal Boot Camp – this is aimed solely at the bride-to-be and consists of 4 sessions per week over a 4 week program where everything is geared towards ensuring the bride is looking fabulous as she walks down the aisle.

Or if you have a little more time up your sleeve why not treat yourself and your bridal party to the Royal Treatment?

The Royal Treatment package gets the job done. This package is 2 sessions per week over 8 weeks and is designed to help the bridal party get themselves fit and healthy in time for the wedding.

It is important to realise that if it is weight loss that you’re after you need to burn around 9000 calories before you lose 1kg of weight!

This is easily achieved if you are working with a personal trainer and are monitoring your intake of food and output of energy. To see results in the fastest time possible you need to workout at least 3 times a week with 5 times a week being optimal. Include weights training and interval work in your workouts to boost your metabolism. Set realistic goals and stick to them!

Remember - Personal trainers are expert body transformation specialist.

What is a common weight loss myth you encounter?

The Biggest Loser façade which peaks when the show airs – this is where people believe that they too are able to lose between 10 and 15kg a week.

People forget that to be on the Biggest Loser the contestants are removed from their family, friends and daily commitments. Although the show serves as a great motivator it is unrealistic.

Aim for a healthy loss of 1 to 1.5kg of fat each week and you will be removing weight in a healthy and sustainable environment. Focus on removing weight, that way you will be keeping it off for good.

Are regular sauna visits & massages useful when trying to lose weight?

Absolutely – they help with the recovery process. Sauna visits and massages can help you recover from your personal training session and in doing so will keep you motivated, attending your training sessions and on track to achieving your goals.

If you would like some more information about Krysia’s personal or group fitness training please contact her on 0421 187 226

Victoria x

5 minutes with...Sandee from Always Fabulous Flowers

2010-02-04T10:36:00.012+10:00

Bonjour mes amis

This week I’m shining the spotlight on Sandee Newton from Always Fabulous Flowers.

Sandee and her husband Dave have been very supportive of my business from the very beginning & were even kind enough to provide me with some gorgeous floral arrangements for the launch of The Little White Wedding Company! If you would like to see these, visit the gallery on our website…they really are to die for.

Here’s what Sandee had to say during our 5 minutes…

How long have you been working in the floral industry & how did your career start?

About 20 years. I starting doing girlfriends weddings and it just grew from there by word of mouth. I then did a few courses but basically just love flowers and am self taught.

What are the most affordable & most expensive flowers to use in bouquets & floral arrangements?

Often it's not the type of flowers but the amount of labour involved. In large displays obviously bigger flowers such as hydrangea, disbuds and peonies go further than smaller headed roses or tulips. For bouquets smaller individually wired flowers (such as hyacinth and stephanotis) would cost more than something as simple as a few bunches of roses tied with a ribbon. The myth that using greenery instead of flowers to bring the cost down is gradually being dispelled. Foliage such as Dusty Miller can cost as much per bunch as roses or tulips. The right foliage/berries can add another dimension to bouquets and arrangements by incorporating different textures.

What are the most popular arrangements?

For bouquets the posy style is always fashionable - easy to hold and suits most dress styles and is usually less expensive than trailing/teardrop style bouquets. For receptions glass vases with the flowers in groups or submerged with floating candles are one of the latest looks. Also LED lighting is becoming more popular - replacing candles in modern, minimalistic venues or buildings where no naked flames are allowed. These can uplight a whole vase from the base or as in the case of battery operated fairy lights, be wound through willow branches.

Are there any flowers to avoid?

Maybe just ones you don't personally like, or are perfumed (if you have allergies). Tulips in warmer months need to be supported and also fixed so they can't open like a poppy. Brides are best using flowers their florist knows how to work with.

Do I only need to pick flowers that are in season - is it possible to have them brought in from other regions?

Because Australia is so vast we're fortunate to have tropical flowers (from northern QLD) and also winter bulb flowers (Victoria and Tasmania) and many natives (Western Australia) for most of the year. While orchids such as dendrobium (known commonly as Singapore orchids) are sent weekly from Asia, most flowers are not imported. You almost need to bring in a shipping container of flowers to make the cost viable. Many flowers have long seasons (10-12 months of the year) and some like Peonies or Lilly of the Valley have a short 5-6 weeks.

If you would like to book Sandee for your wedding or would simply like to learn more about Always Fabulous Flowers please visit her website at http://www.allfabflowers.com.au/.

Victoria x

5 minutes with...Emily-Jade O'Keefe

2010-01-27T14:37:00.010+10:00

Bonjour mes amis

This week I bring you part 1 of 7 in our series of “5 minutes with…” interviews which will feature short Q&A’s with a variety of industry professionals including a florist, photographer, designer, personal trainer, cake designer, stationer and this week’s guest, marriage celebrant Emily-Jade O’Keefe.

Some of you may know Emily-Jade from Triple M’s The Cage radio show or as Emily Everywhere which is featured on Mornings with Kerri-Anne and Brisbane’s Courier Mail blog. What some of you may not know though is that she recently became an accredited marriage celebrant, bringing a fresh take on one of the world’s oldest and most romantic institutions.

Emily-Jade was also kind enough to be the MC at the official launch of The Little White Wedding Company bringing the evening together beautifully by ensuring everything ran to schedule and of course calming my nerves!

Here’s what Emily-Jade had to say during our 5 minutes…

What inspired you to become a marriage celebrant?

I simply love weddings. It’s my hobby. I have been a bridesmaid 7 times and married to the same person 3 times. So you could say it is an addiction. Although my 3 weddings to my husband could be construed as “research’’. We did the big wedding for family in the white dress and in a church followed by a large reception, then while on holidays in Bali decided to have a Bali Blessing ceremony and on our one year anniversary renewed our vows in Vegas with an Elvis impersonator. So I can give my clients real advice on what style of wedding would suit them. I’ve had traditional, personal and fun.

What’s the difference between the service you provide and the one that would be received from an in-house priest?

I have personality and my couples have choice. That’s the big difference. Most people getting married are around my age and I know what they are looking for and am willing to provide it. A priest does the same wedding each week, and the church has certain rules they have to abide by, so you can’t change it, if you choose to marry in that church for whatever reason you have to like the ceremony because there is no changing it. With me, and most celebrants, we are willing to think outside the square and create a personal and different wedding for anyone who wants to shake things up a little. Or we can just as easily stick to tradition.

What can the Bride & Groom alter the ceremony to make it more personal?

With me the sky is the limit and I love trying new things out. From watching a slide show during the signing of the register of that particular couples life together, to filling everyone’s champagne glass to toast the couple during the ceremony, to friends writing a funny story of how the couple got together and getting them to read it like a play. It’s so nice to do something different, especially for me because I am doing it all the time.

Do you have any tips for writing vows?

I tell my couples that this is the one and only opportunity to say to your partner publicly what you normally say in private. So just say it. Get a piece of paper and write all the reasons why you love that person, all the situations where they proved their love or made you feel loved or just went over and above for you. Then fashion those words into your vows-it is easier than most people assume it is.

What has been your favourite “wedding” moment so far?

There are so many that I can’t pick one. But I do love children being involved. At one wedding a Bride got her little nephews and nieces to do the readings and they were lovely lines from story books like Winnie the Pooh. Or at another the Groom already had a daughter from a previous relationship, so she was included in the vows and had to say her own “I do’s”. Both times brought on tears and I love a good happy cry at a wedding. I am looking forward to many more favourite wedding moments!

If you would like to book Emily-Jade for your wedding or would simply like to learn more about this fabulous marriage celebrant please visit her website at http://www.emilyjade.com.au/.

Victoria x

Welcome to 2010

2010-01-21T17:33:00.004+10:00

Bonjour mes amis

Welcome back to the Secret Diary of a Wedding Planner! I hope you all had an enjoyable Christmas break & a very happy new year. After almost a month away from The Little White Wedding Company I'm more than ready to get back into the swing of things.

So far this year is looking very promising with several enquiries for both 2010 & 2011. I can't wait to meet all of these new brides & help them plan their weddings!

This post is only short & sweet & I'm not going to address any trends or share any tips this week but instead I want to share with you some new developments for the Secret Diary of a Wedding Planner. This year blogs will be posted once a week, sharing more tips & tricks & styling ideas, making it your first port of call for wedding advice.

In the coming weeks I'll also be kicking off our series of mini "5 minutes with..." interviews which will showcase one supplier from a few different areas of the wedding industry which will hopefully answer any questions you may have about bouquets, stationery, personal fitness and more.

I'm also opening the blog up to questions so if there is anything you'd like a little advice with just leave a comment & I'll address it the following week.

I look forward to sharing more of The Little White Wedding Company's experiences with you in 2010.

Victoria x

Add a Sprinkle of the Christmas Spirit to Your Upcoming Wedding

2009-12-11T14:05:00.012+10:00

Bonjour mes amis

Well the Christmas and New Year festive season is upon us yet again! And just because your big day falls in these festive months doesn’t mean you have to cover everything in fake snow or make your guests wear party hats and blow on party whistles. The Little White Wedding Company has some great little tricks to celebrate your festive nuptials.

For weddings in December or around Christmas time consider some of the following…
1. Mini Christmas puddings make great bonbons as well as elegantly decorated baubles
2. Why not add small; sprigs of mistle toe or dusty miller to your floral arrangements?
3. Try introducing small hints of either silver, red, green or gold to your colour theme and styling items
4. For a Christmas twist on the standard guest book, use a small white Christmas tree for guests to attach their best wishes to.

For weddings that fall between Christmas & New Year consider some of the below ideas…
1. New Year’s Eve is the perfect time for parties and what rings in the New Year better than a fireworks display? Alternatively, you could provide each guest with individual sparklers or if your reception is situated near a river gather the guests to view the public fireworks display
2. In the order of the day try including some time for you and your guests to bring in the New Year with a count down that’s capped off with a great performance by your band!
3. Provide some cards for your guest’s to write down their new year’s resolutions and have them placed in either an antique birdcage or a white hatbox, whichever suits your theme best
4. Champagne is for celebrating and you’ll already have some on hand so why not create some personalised labels made to stick on the bottles. These can include a photo of the happy couple, a small message, and of course the date!

As this the last blog for 2009 I would like to take the time to thank you all for your support & wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Speak soon

Victoria & Gemma x

I LOVE the festive season!

2009-12-05T19:20:00.013+10:00

Bonjour mes amis

This week I come to you with the assistance of my “editor” sister, Katie who enjoys this time of year almost as much as I do!

For this blog we’re sharing some ideas to help you bring some festive cheer to the table. My personal favourite is a White Christmas theme…a novelty for those of us in Australia who do not receive snow over the festive season.

This is how we have envisioned our family’s table this Christmas:
A clean, white table cloth plays host to this predominantly white theme. Hints of silver are introduced by silver charger plates which hold neatly folded white napkins bound with beautiful silver napkin rings.

In the centre of the table a white ceramic dish holds an assortment of white flowers including gardenias, carnations, chrysanthemums & white camellias. The rest of the table is scattered with tea light candles in clear glass votive holders.

To add a little extra, unexpected touch, the champagne glasses used have a little frosting around the rim…perfect for toasting!

Also, keep an eye out for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Parade. It has already screened in America but for those of us in Australia the wait is not yet over. I love the decadence of this show and each year the lingerie gets more beautiful & of course more revealing. If your wedding is approaching keep an eye out for something you may like to wear on your honeymoon!

Keep an eye out for next week’s blog as I’ll be sharing some tips on how to bring some of the holiday season to your wedding…in a tasteful way of course.

Speak soon

Victoria & Katie x

New Addition

2009-11-26T21:38:00.005+10:00

Bonjour mes amis

A couple of blogs ago I promised to inform you all as soon as each of the new packages were completed.

Well…the time has come! After almost two months of collecting information & finding the perfect vessels The Little White Wedding Company can finally add The Express Planning & Design Package to its planning services menu!!

This package is perfect for brides who want some assistance with the most time-consuming aspects of the planning process as well as a helping hand with your table décor. This fuss-free package includes:

- Stationery selection & RSVP management
- Bonbon selection & wrapping
- Planning checklist
- Bridal emergency kit
- Preferred suppliers list
- Choice of 5 table décor options
- Setup of table décor & bonbons on the wedding day

The five gorgeous décor options cover the following themes: Vintage Follies, Glamorous Charm, Oriental Fusion, Contemporary with a Twist & Country Chic.

Just as a preview to loyal followers, I've included the description for the Glamorous Charm setting in this blog.

“Less really is more” - the style mantra that inspired this setting. By keeping all of the styling items clean and simple your tables will be transformed into elegant settings that speak for themselves.

Sitting on top of crisp, white table cloths are beautiful, silver, 4-arm candelabra’s each holding white, drip-less tapers. At the base of the candelabra three small, clear, glass fishbowls are abundantly filled with white seasonal blooms. These are placed in between five pillar candles in hurricane vases ensuring that no matter where your guests look they’ll be met with tasteful elegance.

Silver charger plates hold each guest’s napkin which has been neatly rolled and bound with a diamante cuff adding that much needed yet subtle hint of “bling”. Each setting is completed by a small silver photo frame containing each guest’s name allowing it to act not only as a place card but a bonbonniere.

Tea light candles scattered around the flowers and candelabra encourage your guests to succumb to the glamorous charm of the evening.

To read descriptions of each of these designs or if you are interested in any of these packages and would like to receive pricing information please email us at info@thelittlewhiteweddingco.com.au.

Victoria x

TLWWC listed as one of the TOP 10 WEDDING CONSULTANTS IN AUSTRALIA!

2009-11-13T15:08:00.012+10:00

Bonjour mes amis

Last month after years of success with the original American version, one of the most popular wedding websites The Knot was brought to Australia.

Recently I learned that The Little White Wedding Company has been included on TheKnot.com.au’s list of the top 10 wedding consultants in Australia!

This is a great honour and I’m very flattered that we’ve been included on the list. To view the complete list click on the following link: http://www.theknot.com.au/wedding-planning/wedding-planning/10-best-wedding-consultants.

Inspired by their top 10 list I’ve decided to create one of my own focusing on some of my favourite things I’ve come across this year.

1. Count me the Stars – a beautiful & inspiring book of poetry by Kylie Johnson
2. Little White Dresser – creator of gorgeous accessories made from delicate lace & beads
3. Yurima – a pianist from South Korea whose musical creations are as sweet as lullaby’s
4. Just Joey & Climbing Roses – absolutely magnificent roses which I found in my mothers garden
5. South for the Summer – an alternative millinery option offering some creative headpieces made from different coloured feathers
6. Candles in tea cups by Chi Designs
7. All things Martha Stewart
8. Green is the New Black – a great guide written by Tamsin Blanchard for those wanting to become more environmentally friendly in every aspect of life.
9. Christian Louboutin’s – my favourite shoe designer! I particularly love the little flash of red you see as you walk
10. Have you met Miss Jones? – an online shop with some great votive holders made from bone china

I hope you enjoy exploring my own top 10 list!

Victoria x

Since we last spoke...

2009-10-29T12:43:00.007+10:00

Bonjour mes amis

So…since we last spoke I’ve been busy working on a few new packages, visiting new venues & participating in an interview for a gorgeous website regarding environmentally friendly weddings.

Over the coming weeks The Little White Wedding Company will be launching two new packages! I don’t want to ruin the surprise but one will be for body-conscious brides & the other for brides who want a helping hand but a fuss free wedding. Keep an eye on this blog for the official launch of these packages.

A few months ago I was featured in the Brisbane News and this has opened several doors and presented me with some great opportunities. One of the things that came out of this article was being contacted by The Plantation. For those of you who have not heard of The Plantation, it is one of the most gorgeous venues that is absolutely perfect for country estate weddings. I actually stayed there on Monday night and have to tell you that I could have stayed there for many more nights. The property is so tranquil and is manicured to perfection. Whether you are looking for your wedding venue or you simply want a luxurious weekend away The Plantation should be on your list of places to check out. Visit their website for more information & some breathtaking images http://www.theplantation.com.au/.

I’ve also being working on a new PR campaign a part of which will involve the addition of a PR/Media section to the website. Here you’ll be able to find book reviews for The Little White Wedding Book, media releases, photos as well as articles & interviews. The most recent of these has just gone live on the Style Collective website – http://stylecollective.com.au/bridalstyle.asp?idcontent=465 – and focuses on our Pure Planning Package, The Little White Wedding Company’s green initiative.

Don’t forget to stay tuned for more exciting news!

Victoria x

New Additions to TLWWC!

2009-10-02T13:12:00.008+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

The Little White Wedding Company is excited to introduce the latest Couturier package aimed at assisting high school students preparing for their semi-formals or formals. This is in addition to the already existing Principle Couturier Package.

The Secondary Couturier Package could be the helping hand your young adult needs to find the perfect outfit that's bound to be a hit with their family, piers and of course the date!

In more news...we have finished our beautiful stationery album - an amazing collection of the country's best stationers. Our album ranges from luxury letterpressed stationery suites to 100% recyclable and even plantable stationery pieces.

The Little White Wedding Company is happy to offer help in the selection and ordering process of you stationery and even coordinate your RSVP's. If you would like to view our album or are interested in this service please contact us for a complimentary consultation.

Finally...I'd like to welcome the newest member of The Little White Wedding Company's family, Gemma!! Gemma is a business student from Brisbane enjoying work experience with TLWWC and has lent a helping hand with the Secret Diary of a Wedding Planner over the past couple of weeks and is fast becoming a vital member of the business...thanks Gemma :)

Speak soon

Victoria & Gemma x

Spring/Summer Forecast

2009-09-18T13:04:00.009+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

The office is finally finished! Yes, after some back breaking work The Little White Wedding Company has moved into its very own oasis. The vintage style and elegant simplicity reflect the charm and grace of the company and the people that work there.

With the madness over, we found it a perfect time to put together some trend forecasts for all the ‘brides-to-be’. With bibles in hand we have compiled the must have styles and expert predictions for Spring and beyond.

With Spring in the air what a perfect time to talk flowers! Bouquets this season have ‘sprung’ with the first blooms of Spring. Colours of pastel pinks, lavenders and buttercup yellows blossom with the sweet aromas of peaches, cherries and jasmine. Think vintage details with crystal ornaments and natural fibres, bound together with and antique broach. Or for something bolder use strong sorbet colours of orange and yellow along side sexy reds to reflect an exotic spring carnival of colour. Remember to have fun with your bouquet and to make sure they reflect you personally while keeping within your theme.

From little details to big decisions, the trend forecasts for dresses are in! While we maybe experiencing the warm days of Spring and Summer, the catwalks are already looking towards Autumn and Winter 2010. Perfect for those March to early August dates. So take notes now! Textures are a must, think feathers, embroidery, beading, lace work and intricate head wear to finish of your ensemble. This all embodies the vintage spirit as the must have theme for seasons to come. While white is a must, latte, mocha and vintage creams are standout trends throughout the bridal party. Gold is the new silver and metallic fabrics in wet look finishes update delicate styles. When it comes to jewellery dowse yourself in stones and flashes of coral, garnet and aquamarine to finish the vintage charm.

Make sure your always reading you bibles and happy hunting!

Victoria x

Official Launch Party

2009-08-10T12:55:00.012+10:00

Bonjour mes amis,

I apologise for the delay since my last post - I have been absolutely flat out planning the party for the official launch of my business & completing the office renovations.

The launch was held at Mirra Private Dining & Events and turned out to be a spectacular evening (if I may say so myself!). The night was a great opportunity for my favourite suppliers & function managers to get together and let their hair down - it even turned out to be a reunion for some!

I arrived earlier in the day to set up a "real life" planning timeline that featured gorgeous stationery samples, a beautiful cake, photography albums and of course flowers for the bridal party. As well as this there was also a bride & groom who mingled through the crowd in some of the most spectacular wedding gowns while the guests were treated to the delicious canapes & the seductive voice of Michael Buble.

Oh and did I mention that I had my very own wedding cake!! White chocolate cake with a layer of white chocolate ganache....mmmmm...

For those of you who are interested below is a snippet of my speech from the night:

My company is about providing clients not with a wedding planning service but a wedding planning experience that they will look back on with fond memories. It’s about recommending suppliers of the highest quality whether it’s for pieces of furniture for a lounge area that guests can relax in or the wedding cake which will melt in their mouths. It’s about making not only the bride and groom feel spoilt but also their guests, and most importantly, it’s proving that dreams can become a reality if you have the patience and flexibility to match.

A couple of the images from the evening are posted here and more will be going on my website shortly so make sure you have a peek in the coming weeks.

Victoria x

Wedding in a Week

2009-07-03T09:22:00.009+10:00

Hello Sweetpeas

This week has been crazy!

I've got some lovely clients who are based overseas and were back in Australia for 1 week so we selected the venue and vendors in a matter of days. This was important for me to do as I wanted to ensure they were comfortable with the people who would be involved behind the scenes of their wedding. We've been all over Brisbane visiting various venues and suppliers and have as a result put lots of miles on the car.

It was a welcome change though as previously we had only had email correspondence. I'm certainly feeling much more confident now that we've met face to face and am sure it's going to end up being an absolutely gorgeous wedding inspired by several vintage elements.

On the business side of things, last weekend and some evenings this week were spent roping family members into painting and decorating my new office. It's not quite finished but we're definitely getting close. We've painted the walls and floor, put some rugs down and I've even put together my first Ikea desk...quite a feat for me! I'll be sure to post some photos once the flowers and coffee table go in.

On top of this I've also been sorting everything out of the launch of this business. I've booked the perfect venue, am about to have the invitations printed and am finalising the details of the gorgeous media packages I'm sending out. The launch is set for later this month so is fast approaching and I am now both nervous and excited. I'll also be sure to keep you up to date with this and will post some photos of the evening.

Speak soon

Victoria x

Oh the generosity...

2009-06-20T11:58:00.012+10:00

Hello sweetpeas (as my mother used to say)

So last Monday I had a photoshoot...one which had been in the works for what felt like forever!!

It was for my media kit which will hopefully be completed in the coming weeks. For the shoot I was loaned the most gorgeous dresses from DARB Bridal Couture & breathtaking jewellery from McKinney's Jewellers both based at Emporium in Fortitude Valley.

Two new friends of mine, Amelia Axton and Henryk Lobaczewski were also incredibly generous and provided the hair and make-up and photography. To have a look at their portfolios visit http://www.ameliaaxton.com and http://www.henrykphoto.com. Without these two the shoot would not have gone ahead so I send many kisses & hugs their way.

I really was and continue to be overwhelmed by the genorosity that was shown to me throughout this process.

To have a look at some of the photos which came out of the photoshoot visit my website at http://www.thelittlewhiteweddingco.com.au or simply scroll to the top of this page to see me in a wedding dress!

Speak soon

Victoria x

Bonjour!

2009-06-16T22:48:00.012+10:00

Hello and welcome to the Secret Diary of a Wedding Planner. This blog has been created as an interactive outlet for The Little White Wedding Company's website.

The Little White Wedding Company was started earlier this year by Victoria Cameron and is based in Brisbane, Australia but of course will work wherever the weddings may be :)

To give you a little more information about the business I'll explain the different services that are available...all of which are based around the quaint 'Little White' concept...

The Little White Wedding Planner - Aimed at providing clients with a complete wedding experience The Little White Wedding Company offers a variety of planning packages ranging from the full planning package (covering every detail no matter how small) to on-the-day assistance should you only require a little extra assurance that the wedding day runs smoothly.

The Little White Wedding Book - The Little White Wedding Book is a comprehensive guide for brides who want to plan their own wedding and save a few pennies along the way. With a handy planning checklist and budget guide it is the perfect companion for a bride-to-be. Jam-packed with useful advice The Little White Wedding Book is the ultimate planning assistant. This gorgeous book is available to purchase via http://www.thelittlewhiteweddingco.com.au/ for $29.95!

The Little White Couturier - Born from a passion for fashion The Little White Couturier offers a fashion styling package aimed at getting its clients frocked up and looking glamorous for that very special occasion. With no gender prejudice both men and women are able to enquire about this service, after all everyone wants to look their best!

Keep your eyes on this blog to receive information about the latest wedding trends as well as an inside peek to what it's like running a wedding planning business.

Hopefully you'll get as lost in the world of weddings as I have.

Victoria x