DIY Wedding: Kristy and Jesse’s Dream Wedding Day

Kristy and Jesse shared their beautiful DIY Wedding with their family and friends, creating a day they would all remember forever.

Kristy and Jesse couldn’t wait to be married. After being in a long distance relationship, their wedding day signified the time when they could stay together. After the long search for the perfect ring, the couple set out to plan the perfect DIY wedding. Wanting to create and a memorable and fun day for their family and friends, Kristy and Jesse worked relentlessly on every aspect of the day. We got to speak to the newlywed couple about the day and all the work they put into it. From the hunt for the perfect dress, to marrying in a church very close to Kristy’s heart, they managed to create a day they will remember forever.

Tell us a little about the proposal and the lead up to the wedding?

The decision to get married was really a mutual one for us. We knew we couldn’t fathom a life without one another and getting married was the next step. As we had been living 10,000 miles apart with Kristy in Sydney, Australia and Jesse in Louisiana, USA, we had made the decision that next time Jesse was in Sydney (at Christmas 2011), we would go looking for an engagement ring. Jesse wanted Kristy to choose whatever ring she fell in love with. We spent an entire month searching for rings, looking at jewelry store after jewelry store with no luck. It was December, stocks were completed and we couldn’t find a thing to suit Kristy’s tiny fingers.

Everyone joked that we were “unofficially” engaged and we decided to wait until I came over to Louisiana to start the search for “the ring” once again. After a week of searching with no luck, we stumbled upon the perfect ring just five days before Kristy was due to leave Louisiana for Sydney. The jeweler promised she would do her absolute best to get the ring in and resized in time for Kristy to head back home and she managed to pull through with her promise - but Kristy continued to wait.

Just one day before Kristy was due to fly out, Jesse told Kristy he wanted to take her “somewhere pretty to take photos”. Kristy is a photographer and loves nothing better than to photograph nature and Jesse knew this was the perfect time to propose. He packed a backpack with “water and snacks”, tucking the ring inside.

As Kristy busily snapped away at the gorgeous pine trees and forest scenary, Jesse got down on one knee, waiting for Kristy to put the camera down and turn around. We were finally officially engaged and our next chapter begun!

Full story can be found here, at Kristy’s Blog.

What was the inspiration behind your wedding theme or vibe?

We wanted our wedding to be a relaxed and fun event for everyone involved. Not wanting a boring sit down dinner, we decided to turn the traditional wedding idea on its head and do everything ourselves.

We decided to rent out an empty studio space and hired a wedding stylist to transform the literal blank canvas into a vintage oasis. Mixing modern pieces with gorgeous vintage furniture and rustic elements, we created the ultimate “Southern In-Law” style. Mixing old and new, traditional and unique.

We did almost everything ourselves - from redoing furniture pieces that would feature in our reception to designing the invitations, RSVP cards and “wedding logo”. This even appeared on our cake to providing our caterers with recipes to suit Kristy’s allergies and creating our own lolly buffet.

You can find a full recap of the wedding here, and Kristy’s Blog.

Favourite detail or moment of the day (besides becoming husband and wife of course! or Wife and Wife, or Husband and Husband!)

It would have to be the ceremony. Our wedding day was one we had dreamed of for five years. After spending five years, 10,000 miles apart, dreaming of the day we would finally be together, that day had finally come and it finally felt real. When you spend so many years dreaming about a day it feels incredibly surreal when it actually becomes a reality.

A traditional church wedding was incredibly important to us as Christians. We were married in the exact same church, standing on the exact same steps, that Kristy’s Mum and Dad were married in almost 30 years earlier.

Did you undertake any DIY projects, if so what?

Just about every part of our wedding was a DIY project!

Invitation - designed by Kristy and sent to Invitation Tea Towels for Printing

RSVP Cards and Wedding Mad-Libs - designed and printed by Kristy

We re-did vintage furniture pieces that we had found at Vinnies and on Gumtree which featured in our wedding.

Wedding Canvas - Kristy designed and created our wedding canvas which featured in our reception.

Wedding “logo” - Kristy designed a wedding logo (a heart made up of dozens of smaller hearts) to represent all of our friends and family who came together to make our dream a reality. This logo appeared on our invitations, RSVP cards, printables and even our cake. (see the cake here).

Gluten Free Candy Bar - we hired the majority of our candy buffet pieces and then sourced all of the lollies and pieced it all together ourselves

Wedding Menu - as Kristy is a coeliac with many allergies, it was incredibly important to Jesse that Kristy feel “normal” on their wedding day and be able to enjoy all of the food without worry. For this reason we created our entire wedding menu and ensured all food at the wedding was gluten free. Kristy developed all of the recipes for our wedding which were then handed over to our caterers who created our incredible buffet spread.

Any family or religious traditions incorporated into your day?

We were married in the church Kristy’s parents were married in - and in the same church Kristy and her sister Katrina were christened in. As Christians, it was incredibly important that we had a traditional church wedding with traditional vows.

Talk to us about your dress, where is it from? How long did it take to find?

I had randomly stumbled upon my dress on Pinterest when we were “unofficially engaged” and fell in love. I was desperate to see it in real life, however, after spending many hours searching, I found that it was nowhere to be found in Australia. As Mum and I were planning on heading to Louisiana to see Jesse and his family, we contacted a dozen bridal boutiques in Louisiana. We stumbled across one three hours away that had my dream dress.

I booked an appointment for whilst we were in Louisiana, hoping Jesse wouldn’t mind driving us all the way to Lafayette because I needed to try on this dress.

Luckily, he agreed to drive the three hours to take me. We arrived at the store and I fell in love. It was the gorgeous mix of vintage, rustic, country, shabby chic that I love and there were hundreds of gorgeous dresses laid about.

So my Mum, Jesse and I walked into A-Net’s Bridal where they quickly put Jesse out on the porch so I could try on my dress (which Jesse was seriously peeved about as he didn’t know the Groom wasn’t supposed to see the Bride’s dress before the big day!). We headed to the back dressing room which had a gorgeous old lounge, a hugeeeeeeeee ornate mirror and a gold Persian rug on the floor. The room itself made the process so much more special - it was grand and grown up and oh so exciting. I knew this was the same room that hundreds of other brides to be had found their dresses and the feeling was quite overwhelming.

I held the dress in my hands and fell even more in love. The fabric was lush - it looked even better in person and had so much detail. As I stepped my feet into the dress, my heart started pounding.

I didn’t look until my mum had zipped me into the dress and when I looked up into that big ornate mirror, it felt like someone was pushing right against my chest. My chest was tight, I had a lump in my throat and I knew I was right.

“Wow Kristy… you were right,” my Mum said. But whilst I had somewhat of a moment, it wasn’t the moment. There was one thing that wasn’t right - just a simple addition that would make it perfect. I decided I needed a back on the dress and the team at A-Net’s Bridal Boutique assured me there was a modest version that would be absolutely perfect.

When the time came to order my dress, I took a huge risk and ordered the dress online. I ordered my dress from House of Brides and whilst it was quite a bit stressful waiting so long and not knowing if I’d made the right choice - my dress arrived on time, 6 months later. My dress took quite a bit longer than it usually takes as it had to be made in my size (they don’t stock the smaller sizes as standard stock so it had to be hand made) and it arrived in a teeny tiny little box.

I have to admit, I had a panic attack when it arrived. The box was shoe box sized and the outside of the package read Polyester Bridesmaid Dress. My dress certainly wasn’t polyester and I couldn’t imagine how it could fit such a tiny box so I thought there was a mistake. I opened the box with my heart racing and then I saw the lace. I pulled the dress out of the box and sure enough, it was my dress - and it was perfect.

I can’t recommend House of Brides enough - I also bought the crystal sash on my dress from House of Brides and it arrived really quickly. I saved a fortune buying my dress online and if I had have gone with the store in Sydney who could have shipped it in for me I would have paid $2000 more. Even with shipping, I paid less than $1000 for my dress - and just slightly more than that once the sash was added.

More of the story can be found here and here.

Any funny stories in the lead up to or on the day?

There were quite a few - from receiving my “Polyester Bridesmaid Dress” that was the size of a shoebox and freaking out thinking that I’d ordered the Barbie size to spending time getting to know the incredible (and hilarious!) Henry Roth himself as he personally altered my sister’s bridesmaid dress to ensure it was perfect.

Advice for other couples planning a wedding?

People always say that your wedding day is “the best day of your life”, however, we truly believe it’s just a glimpse of what’s to come. Your wedding day is the start of your story together. Sure, there might be hiccups and mishaps on the big day, but just remember that you have the rest of your lives to spend together making memories!

It’s an incredible day, full of joy, laughter, tears and plenty of planning - but it is just one day! Relax and enjoy every second because it goes by in an instant.

VENDOR CREDITS

Photos: Lucie Zeka Wedding Photography (see full details - here)

Bridal gown: Allure Modest Gown, House of Brides (see full details here)

Shoes: Diana Ferrari

Flowers: Brides in Bloom

Bouquets: reception flowers purchased and arranged by bride from Sydney Flower Markets

Rings: Zales USA

Bridesmaids dresses: Henry Roth (Henry Roth 88888 Gown in Flamingo)

Grooms & Groomsmen suit: Spurling Formalwear (Beige Self Stripe Two Button Single Breasted Lounge Suit).

Ceremony - St Paul’s Anglican Church, Burwood

Reception - Private Photo Studio in Sydney (we don’t want to share the details as we had a terrible experience with the owners)

Catering: Flavour’s Catering

Cake: Sweetcheeks Cookies and Cakes

Reception stylist, any decorations or details: Nicolle at RaRa Kitty

Stationery designer - Kristy (who designs wedding stationery and accessories for clients at Kiss Freelance)

Hair and Make up: Nieves Calvo, Get Threaded Met Centre

Transport: Broadway Wedding Car Hire

Cinematographer: Adrian Tan and Amath Magnan

Photo Booth: PhotoSocial

Gluten Free Candy: Big Lolly

Candy Buffet Hire: Unique Vintage Weddings

Vintage Fashion Inspired Weddings: Rockabilly Theme

This Rockabilly Themed wedding will take you back in time, and give you a glimpse of some vintage fashion ideas

Melanie McNiven Portraits specialise in taking beautiful photos for special occasions. From newborn babies and children to weddings, these photos are unique and timeless. They recently received the opportunity to take photos for a vintage fashion inspired wedding. The theme behind the shoot was “Rockabilly”. We got to share some of the wonderful photos they took, as well as find out about all the different people involved in the shoot. From the makeup artist to the beautifully designed dresses, the detail and time taken made for a truly memorable shoot.

We got to chat to them about the different people involved in the shoot. The photos show the outcome of the fun and unique photos.

Parasols and design: Parasols with Love

Flowers: Blooms of Noosa

Makeup: Photo Finish Makeup

Wedding Dress: Silver Sixpence

Bridesmaids dresses: That Shop

Models:
Miss Frankie Mae Felon

Scarlet Tinkerbelle

Kiki Vanity

Jordan Copper - Male Model

Head pieces: Marla Carmeta Designs

The stationery used on the day was intricate and unique, adding another element to the shoot.

They also prepared a beautiful, bright red setting which contrasted beautifully with the dresses and suits.

If you’re interested in having photos taken you can check out the Melanie McNiven Portraits website, or email them here.

Fairytale Bridal: Antonia and Emanuel’s Wedding Day

Antonia and Emanuel’s Fairytale Bridal Inspired Wedding

Antonia and Emanuel are both teachers from Queensland. We got to speak to Antonia about their special day. Inspired by Disney, the coupled enjoyed nothing less than a fairytale day. When we chatted to Antonia about the fairytale bridal ideas that inspired the wedding. We discussed the proposal, what they enjoyed most and Antonia’s Disney inspired dress.

Tell us a little about the proposal and the lead up to the wedding?

We were on an overseas trip in Tokyo, Japan and had just gone on a tour to Mt Fuji. It was a miserable day, raining with fog so thick you couldn’t see the mountain. He originally planned to propose there but instead took me to Tokyo Tower that night. We were on the top of the building and you could see the whole city lit up. He pulled me aside and said he had planned a special tour for us and gave me a piece of paper. I opened it up and it was a magic eye puzzle. I stared at it trying to read what it said until it came clear and read “will you marry me?” Of course I said yes!

What was the inspiration behind your wedding theme / vibe?

Disney! One of the alternating centerpieces was a glass dome with flowers on the inside inspired by Beauty and the Beast, as was the draping on the cake table and main table. My dress was also snow white inspired from the Alfred Angelo Disney range and we had a Cinderella horse and carriage.

Favourite detail or moment of the day? (Besides becoming husband and wife of course! or Wife and Wife, or Husband and Husband!)

Walking down the aisle to see each other at the front of the church. Also opening the notes from each other in the morning.

Did you undertake any DIY projects, if so what?

Our invitations were the pop up card with the church on the inside form Classic Wedding Invitations. As fun as they were on the inside, the outside needed to reflect our style more. So we took the time to glue lace on the outside and tied a ribbon around them. We also put the wedding favours together using a cork top jar. We tied twine around the top into a bow and tied a brown card onto it that we stamped with “thank you”, our names and the wedding date. Then they were filled with personalised rock candy.

Any family or religious traditions incorporated into your day?

In the morning at the grooms house one of the uncle’s played the piano accordion while the family did some Greek dancing prior to getting ready. This was followed by a traditional Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony at St. George Church West End.

Talk to us about your dress, where is it from? How long did it take to find?

My dress was a Disney inspired Snow White Alfred Angelo gown. I added a large bow to the back of the dress. I picked it on the first day of trying on dresses, it was the first dress I tried on and I knew it was the one.

Any funny stories in the lead up to or on the day?

When the boys were getting ready in the morning and put their suits on for the photos one of the groomsmen had the wrong suit on because the arms were too short. No one knew where it was and it was finally found back at the groom’s house. Another moment was when the Priest gives us wine to drink and made my groom skull it three times to the point that he gagged. The Priest had to wipe the sweat from his forehead!

Advice for other couples planning a wedding?

Don’t worry if you don’t get to see all your guests, if you try to see everyone the night will be over! Also, don’t worry if everything isn’t perfect no one else will notice accept for you.

VENDOR CREDITS

Photos: Studio 60 and Buko Productions

Bridal gown: Alfred Angelo

Shoes: Forever New

Flowers: Brisbane Market Flowers

Rings: Kosta Gold and Diamond’s

Bridesmaids dresses: Dream Dresses

Grooms and Groomsmen suits: Dom Bagnato

Grooms Shoes: Myer

Bow ties or ties: Myer

Ceremony: St. George Greek Orthodox Church

Reception: Brisbane City Hall

Cake: Emily Sweet Treats

Reception stylist: Elegant Settings & Styled Events

Stationery designer: Classic Wedding Invitations

Hair and Make up: George Salon & NC Makeup Artistry

Music: DJ Nicky Zee

Transport: Cinderella Carriage Hire

Cinematographer: Sipka

Bollywood Weddings: Ideas for your big day

Bollywood Weddings by Sugar & Spice Events.

Sugar & Spice are an events planning company, based in Queensland. While they plan many different types of events, they specialise in stylish and unique weddings. With the beautiful work that they do, Sugar & Spice have been named one of the top 25 Wedding Stylists in the country by Modern Wedding Magazine, two years running.

Bollywood weddings are beautifully vibrant and fun. These photos are just a sample of the amazing wedding that Sugar & Spice styled. These wonderful photos gives you an idea of how Bollywood weddings can inspire a colourful and entertaining day for you and your guests.

Sugar & Spice recently styled a Bollywood inspired wedding. Incorporating bright colours and stunning textures they created a reception that was truly unique.

Creative Director of Sugar & Spice, Decinda MacDonald, described the wedding as “spectacular”, and we couldn’t agree more. These beautiful florals are shown throughout the reception and add even more to the colour and intricacy of the styling.

If you’re interested in having an event styled and organised by Sugar & Spice you can visit their website here.

Outdoor Weddings: A Photo Shoot with Classic Wedding Invitation

Outdoor Weddings Shoot to Give You Ideas For Your Wedding Day

Classic Wedding Invitations had the opportunity recently to collaborate on a shoot with some very talented vendors. The idea behind it was to present a wonderful outdoor wedding. This setting, created a green and lush backdrop. While we provided the wedding invitations and photo booth accessories for the shoot, many more aspects were also involved. The photos taken at the shoot present some wonderful ideas for a classic, outdoor wedding.

There is much detail that gets put into all Classic Wedding Invitations invites. From printing, to laser cutting, there are many ways to create your perfect invitation.

The invitations used in the shoot are our Wilderness Invitation. More about them and information on how to order can be found here.

The beautiful greens of the grass and trees made for beautiful shots of our models. An outdoor wedding is a great option to consider, especially if your day is blessed with good weather!

The beautiful dress worn here is by Karen Willis Holmes, a Sydney based designer. Karen has stores all over the world including in the UK and New York.

The intricacy of the shoot, can provide ideas about ways to personalise your reception and ceremony. The flowers used throughout the shoot are by Brett Currell from Wedding Flowers & Styling Melbourne.

The cakes and treats used in our shoot were from Little Malvern Cake Company. The detail and care they take with the creation of their cakes makes them perfect for weddings.

These wonderful photos were taken by Immerse Photography. If you’re interested in their services, you can find out more here.

Our beautiful models from the shoot were Hannah Vanderheide and Matt Crowley.

The hair and makeup artist was Sue from Magical Makeovers. She created a lovely, natural look for our bride.

Other vendors used in the shoot:

Photos: Immerse Photography

Invitations and Photo Booth Props: Classic Wedding Invitations

Dress: Karen Willis Holmes.

Flowers: Wedding Flowers & Styling Melbourne

Cakes: Little Malvern Cake Company.

Jewellery: Jeanette Maree.

Makeup: Magical Makeovers.

Wedding Rings for Men: Unique Wedding Bands.

Find the Perfect Wedding Ring for Men

Lord Coconut specialise in handcrafted wedding rings for men. They are the only specialist men’s wedding ring store in Melbourne. They are a great option if you’re looking for a unique option for the groom or grooms that other jewelers may not offer. Located right in Melbourne, and also available online, Lord Coconut is an easily accessible and unique piece for your ring. We got to speak to Mark from Lord Coconut about choosing the perfect ring, how they got started and the story behind the name.

1. What tips and advice do you give to couples when choosing the grooms wedding rings?

Choose the type of metal used in the ring carefully:

- Sterling silver is cheap but very soft so your ring is unlikely to last as long as your marriage so try to spend that little bit more if you can. If not, and we all know how expensive weddings are, go into it with your eyes open in the knowledge that it will need replacing at some stage.

- Titanium is very light and tough but it does scratch and is dangerous for tradies (if your hand is crushed in an accident its easier to cut your finger off than the ring).

- 9ct gold is durable enough for most people, but it does come in at a fair price. It’s best not to get white gold Rhodium plated as it comes off within 6-18 months. And why hide the fabulous warm 9ct white gold colour?

- 18ct gold is unnecessary unless you like the deeper colours. If the colour variation between 9ct and 18ct isn’t important save your money and go for 9ct. Don’t even think about getting 18ct white gold rhodium plated! The finished colour will be no different to a 9ct white gold rhodium plated ring, and will be twice the cost.

- Platinum rings are the most expensive of all and if you really want to spend that amount on a ring we’re more than happy to help you out.

- Tungsten rings are ones we don’t sell. They are usually made overseas and we get lots of couples coming in after a year or two deciding that they now want a grown up wedding ring. One for the little boys I’m afraid.

2. When did Lord Coconut begin and how did you come up with the name?

There is a great little story on our website which explains how my great great grandfather may have gotten the Lord Coconut nickname. Its up to you whether or not you believe it. Either way I’m sure the name will stick in your memory!

3. How do you collaborate with other jewellers How does it work? Where are most jewellers based?

Lord Coconut represents over 40 Australian based jewellers. About half live and work in Melbourne whilst the remainder are scattered around the country. Jewellers have their own unique style. We either hand pick from within their existing ranges or help them develop their first range for men. We also provide advice to jewellers on what is selling within the store. This enables them to tailor their range to meet our clients expectations. We usually have a sample of each jewellers rings in-store and each wedding ring order is custom made to size for each and every customer. We are also able to act as the go-between, between a customer and jeweller if a custom design is required.

4. Do you have any interesting client stories or requests?

Each and every client has an interesting story to tell. As we are off ground level, we can spend the time getting to know the couple to ensure they choose the perfect ring to reflect their personalities. It’s an important choice and we hope our interest in each couples story puts them at ease. Especially when spending a big amount of money. Furthermore, the ring is often the groom’s first.

We did have one couple come in one week before the wedding requiring one of our handcrafted rings. A little odd as who forgets about getting a wedding ring? After a little discussion it was determined that one of the bride’s father’s was ill and unlikely to see the wedding if the original wedding date was kept. It was a bit of a push but we were able to get their custom made ring ready in time. This meant that the bride and groom enjoyed a perfect day with the rings they wanted.

On another note we are selling more and more of what we call ‘proposal rings’. These rings (which are essentially wedding rings) are for same sex couples. A sterling silver wedding ring will be purchased and used as part of the proposal with the view that the ring will be upgraded to a gold version once same sex marriage is legalized. The proposal ring is then retired to the top draw.

5. What types of ring options are there?

Our rings mainly come in sterling silver or gold (9ct or 18ct in white, rose and yellow) but we have a small titanium range and most rings can be made in platinum. We have over 80 different styles in stock ranging from 2mm to 12mm wide, brushed or polished, thick or thin and textured or smooth. We like to think we have one of the broadest ranges of locally made men’s wedding rings in Australia. Even if we don’t have exactly what you have in mind, you’ll walk away with a firmer idea of what you like and what you don’t.

If you’re interested in the other rings that Lord Coconut has to offer, or to find out more about the brand, you can visit their website here.

Gowns by Tanya Anic

Gorgeous gowns that will take your breath away!

About Tanya
From her studio in Sydney, Australia, designer Tanya Anic presents contemporary interpretations of the most elegant and classic of bridal gowns. Every design is created with attention to detail, using exquisite fabrics imported from many countries including France and Italy. Fabulously jewelled and sequined lengths of organza, layers of soft tulle, intricate laces, fluid satins and delicate silks provide the inspiration towards each new style.

Once you have chosen the theme, the desired feeling for your special day can be achieved with a Tanya Anic custom-designed gown, made especially to flatter the feminine form of your silhouette. This is enhanced with a selection of beading, lace, applique and embellishments, uniquely chosen to complement your personality and distinctive attributes.

Dove by Tanya Anic
This classic bodice design features a beaded and sequined lace imported from France. Details include a creative bateau-illusion neckline and silk-chiffon slimline skirt. The fitted bodice defines structure and curves to compliment this creation. Colour pictured is ivory.
Photography: Our Carousel
Hair and makeup: Angie Lee
Flowers: Amity Blooms

Lyric by Tanya Anic
This strapless, bohemian draped skirt design compliments shape and creates movement. Features include a natural bust-line and flattering relaxed fit to the knee with kick pleats of flowing fabric. This soft luxe embroidered tulle has a natural feel with the extravagant look of nobility.
Colour pictured is ivory.
Photography: Our Carousel
Hair and makeup: Angie Lee
Flowers: Amity Blooms

Valentina by Tanya Anic
This fitted bodice design features a classic sweet heart neckline with an overlay of lace forming a flattering sleeve and V neckline. The Italian corded lace with luminous sequins gives subtle light reflection upon a leaf-shape pattern. The low V back gives a slimline, contemporary interpretation of a classic gown, with a soft flow, tulle skirt to give movement for a noble, elegant look.
Colour pictured is ivory.
Photography: Our Carousel
Hair and makeup: Angie Lee
Flowers: Amity Blooms

Summer by Tanya Anic
This bodice design creates a flattering line with the contrast of a full- flowing skirt. An ultra- soft, French Chantilly appliqued lace brings natural radiance and detail to the neckline to complete a relaxed and feminine look. Colour pictured is ivory.
Photography: Amy Nelson-Blain

Zelda by Tanya Anic
This column, Art Deco design features a V neckline and low V back for a glamour flattering fit. The fabric, a champagne silk with pewter lace is embellished with exquisite silver and pearl beads.
Photography: Apple Tree Road (Missy Sippy, Double Bay)

Seraphina by Tanya Anic
This strapless design features a sweetheart neckline and trumpet style skirt to give a flattering, slim fit. The fabric is a lace ivory with a subtle nude coloured background and embellished with glistening, pearl-shine sequins.
Photography: Lil elements

Versatile, Sustainable & Beautiful: Silk Flower Wedding Bouquets

Interview with Anika from Prestige Flowers & Co.- Wedding Bouquets

We had the pleasure of chatting to Anika, owner of Prestige Flowers and Co. Have you ever considered a more environmental option for you wedding bouquet flowers? Read on for more information about these beautiful silk flowers, tips on choosing your flowers and how Anika got started.

What are silk flowers, please tell me a bit more about this and the process involved in making them..

Silk flowers are the most realistic alternative to fresh flowers, and are available in every season. Hard-to-get favourites such as peony flowers come in a stunning variety of buds, flowers and colours and thus can even feature at Winter weddings. Many now are scanned from fresh flower specimens and recreated so that they’re botanically correct - with pollen and everything! We purchase our flowers from incredible Australian suppliers, and we only deal in exceptionally high end botanicals. Many of our silk florals are from the same supplier who provided the many florals in The Great Gatsby. It’s quite an amazing process, we receive them just like fresh flowers, and must remove leaves and stems and then arrange them according to the designs required.

When did you start the business and when did your love affair for flowers begin? And please tell me a bit about your journey in starting the business.

My love affair with flowers began at a young age, growing up learning floristry from my Mother who was a master florist in the city, and has done arrangements for many politicians and celebrities such as Mariah Carey. I’ve learned the art of fresh floristry for over fifteen years now, and moved to silk flowers to provide my clients with something more reliable, and without seasonal limitations.

What made you want to go down the path of environmental and economical weddings? What are the advantages of silk flowers when compared to real flowers?

Living in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges has always installed a love for nature, and the amount of wastage that is created by offcuts of both fresh and silk flowers can make a huge impact long term. Being that wedding bouquets are typically a single-use item, I’ve always been concerned about the collective environmental impact when making a new set for each client. Along with floral offcuts required with both fresh and silk flowers, there are also many delivery boxes and packing materials that must be taken care of. All of our promotional materials are printed on 100% recycled paper and Brides being able to hire their bouquets, means they are recycling items which would otherwise be made for single-use. We finely check all of our silk floral items between bookings, to ensure that every Bride enjoys bouquets just as they would look, if purchased brand-new.

How do you recommend brides choose the right flowers for them?

Our hire ranges feature simple and classic designs that don’t stick to a theme, so they compliment almost any gown and Bridesmaids. We wanted something pretty universal that makes it easy for Brides to select their favourite package. I’m often consulting with Brides over the phone to ensure they are happy with their decision prior to booking. A great rule of thumb in choosing any wedding flowers is: if your gown has lots of detail, compliment with a simple, neutral coloured bouquet. If your gown is sleek and simple in design, you can afford to have a larger mix of florals and colours to balance the look.

Silk flowers are the preferred choice for many Brides who want to know exactly how their bouquets will look, prior to the day. It’s also an advantage for Brides who want a mixture of their favourite blossoms if they’re not all usually in season at the same time. For more information you can email Anika at - orders@tokeepyounear.com

Floras Bell Bridal Headpieces - An Interview with Maria

Floras Bell is a boutique that creates bridal headpieces, located in Sydney. The Australian based company specialises in designing and creating hand-crafted headpieces. We recently had a chat with Floras Bell creator Maria about her passion to begin her own business, bridal headpieces and the best parts of her job!

1. What sparked your interest in starting FLORAS BELL?

A few years back, the man of my life proposed to me and I will never forget that feeling of joy and excitement which the bride is experiencing! As every bride, I wanted to look beautiful on our wedding day, but having purchased the dress of my dreams I couldn’t find the right headpiece to finish the look. I designed my own headpiece, which worked perfectly with my dress and was admired by our guests. It is now in the keepsake box to pass to our daughter upon her engagement one day. In search for the right avenue to invest my creativity, style and passion, I created FLORAS BELL.

How did you learn the skills of the trade? Are you self-taught?

Yes, I am self-taught, I did a few millinery courses and knew how to sew and use the sewing machine from a very young age.

What are you inspired by? How do you go about starting a new collection?

FLORAS BELL’s motto is “Elegance inspired by nature” and our designs capture and preserve natures enduring charm and clean lines. Blossoming trees, fields and woodlands whispering “beauty” have a profound impact on my aesthetical values. Flowers have always been a part of human connection expressing thoughts and feelings and through my unique creations I convey a feeling of joy, happiness and love. Having lived in Europe for most of my life, I also draw my inspiration from tradition-rich European art, culture and fashion history.

What advice do you offer for brides trying to decide between your headpieces and the style that suits them.

Close your eyes and think back to your childhood memories of getting married and how you imagined yourself look on your big day. This is a very good starting point which can help determine the style of the headpiece - whether its something subtle, romantic or more of a statement and glamorous piece. Once this has been decided, choose the materials to compliment your dress and overall look. Finally, remember to think of a few practicalities - how is it going to fit with your hairstyle, how easy is it to adjust if you were to change hairdo, etc. And Vuala!- you have your headpiece.

Do you offer custom design if clients provide inspiration and what has been your favourite project so far to work on?

Designing Bespoke headpieces is probably my favorite part of the job! I love working with brides to design something special and unique. You can completely unleash your creative spirit and make something spectacular. I have made a few custom-made pieces and all brides fell in love with my creations. My favorite one is got to be the one very dear to my heart - my best friends wedding in the UK is this April. I wanted to create something extra special for her which she will always treasure as a memento of the day and our friendship. I put all my heart and soul into it like i do with all of my headpieces and cant wait so see her walking down the isle looking beautiful and glowing with happiness. Unfortunately I cant reveal anything about it at the moment but it is flying to UK as we speak, but I will share photos with you shortly after the big day.

Featured are images from the FLORAS BELL First Bloom collection.

Wedding Dress Designers - Jennifer Regan

Jennifer Regan is one of Sydney’s top wedding dress designers and ready-to-wear artisan. Her gowns are a product of her passion for fashion design, costume design, pattern making and couture techniques.

The following ‘Wilderbloom’ collection is inspired by the simplicity, innocence and raw beauty of the wild which is evidently portrayed in these pictures.

Each piece in the Wilderbloom collection echoes a tried and true classic silhouette, modernised with subtle, yet directional usage of floral patterned lace and Jennifer’s signature soft drape skirt to allow natural movement and a seductively slim body line. These creations are designed with comfort in mind while upholding a regal, timeless and sophisticated style as well.

There are 10 looks in this collection.

The collection retail price range $1895 - $2895

Title- Wilderbloom Collection by Jennifer Regan

This stunning ready to wear bridal collection by Sydney based designer Jennifer Regan is nothing short of breath taking! Check it out here.