Mori Lee, Madeline Gardner & Their Amazing Wedding Dresses

So I'm yet to try on my first wedding dress and the thought of doing so makes me nervous for some reason.. excited, but nervous. I guess I just have to get that first one on so I'm not a wedding dress virgin anymore and than it will be smooth sailing from there. Just because I'm being a chicken about trying them on it doesn't mean I'm not having fun scrolling through websites and magazines (very excitedly) picking out which are my favourites. There are a handful of designers which have caught my eye with their stunning styles, details and features, Madeline Gardner being one of them. I must must MUST share my top picks with you. The majority of these dresses are Mori Lee by Madeline Gardner and with Madeline Gardner being a New York designer and Mori Lee having a head office in the UK, thankfully it will be a lot easier for me to seek out this gorgeous range.

So many to look at, admire and one day try on.. choices choices, decisions decisions. I have sought out the two closest bridal stores to me that stock Mori Lee by Madeline Gardner, so at least I have a good starting point. I can't wait to get the girls together for bubbles before heading off on the search for 'The One' or 'The Other One'.. sorry Andy ;-)

Wish me luck!!

T x

Cupcakes & Tea at The Chelsea Teapot

We just couldn't help ourselves.. after our delicious breakfast at Toms Kitchen Chelsea and our effort to find the Nespresso store in the freezing cold, we just happened to walk past The Chelsea Teapot on our way home and felt the urge to pop in and sample some of the goodies that were tempting us from the window. It's always been one of those places I stop and stare in the window or do double takes as I'm walking past.. it just looks too good not to visit, so we finally made it happen.



Not only do their cakes, cupcakes and other goodies look colourful and delicious but they also pride themselves on offering organic and wheat free options which taste equally as good. As the massive sweet tooth I am, I opted for a red velvet gluten free cupcake and a pot of English Breakfast.. Andy went for a savoury option and had a grilled chicken salad roll.



The vintage interior and decorations are so homely and sweet with my cupcake and tea served on vintage fine bone china, it is definitely a cute local spot I would love to return to with the girls especially to sample the afternoon tea.

Conveniently located on the King's Road, this charming independent cafe not only serves you 'breakfast, lunch and tea-time treats' but can also cater for private parties including; children's parties, baby showers, christening parties, hens parties and vintage afternoon tea parties etc. Well worth a visit, whether it be for breakfast, lunch or just a treat.




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Are there any other afternoon tea hot spots I should know of?

T x

A delicious breakfast at Tom's Kitchen Chelsea

Andy and I loooooove our breakfasts, it's the most fun meal of the day. We usually go for a long walk, settle in at one of our favourite locals or enjoy trying somewhere new (which is always a bit risky but.. if you don't give it a go, you'll never know). Recently we haven't been able to find a morning that suits both of us, that is until yesterday.. Yay! And what better way to get back into the breakFEAST spirit than at Tom's Kitchen.

I wasn't going to blog about lifestyle stuff and life in London, at first I thought it would be best to stick to the theme of weddings but we just do too much fun stuff in this amazing city that it's hard not to share it with you.

We decided to make the 35 minute walk to Tom's Kitchen on the journey to finding the big Nespresso store I thought I saw close by one day, in order to refill our caffeine supplies for our lovely new coffee machine. It turns out I had no idea what I was talking about, I swore black and blue I knew were it was but it was nowhere to be found. What we did find, conquer and demolish was a Tom's Kitchen breakfast.



This was the second time I have been for breakfast and I just love the layout and atmosphere of the restaurant, the first time I had the blueberry pancake and O M G was it UHMazing! A huge fluffy, tasty, round breakfast of delishinous that was the size of the entire plate. Ordering a pancake is usually a rare affair for moi and this time I went for my usual.. an egg white omelette (w/ spinach, tomatoes, avocado & mushrooms). But not without ordering coffee's first which were also a hit, strong in flavour and nice and hot.

  

I usually make my omelette's with the extras mixed into the eggs so I thoroughly enjoyed this omelette which was a thin tasty layer of eggs wrapped around the fillings.

  

For breakfast it's a bit on the pricey side but the food and coffee is quality and well worth a visit.. or two.. or more. Their lunch and dinner menus also sound incredible but we're yet to trial them. Tom's Kitchen is definitely one of our favourite breakfast spots in London and I'd happily recommend it to any friends, family or visitors.

27 Cale St, Chelsea

London SW3 3QP

020 7349 0202

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What are some of your favourite breakfast spots in London? 

T xx

The 2013 Wedding Industry Awards - London and South East Winners

Hello lovelies,

I thought I would share this fountain of knowledge with you, the people at Wedding Industry Awards announced the winning suppliers and services of 2013 earlier this year.. you can see the national winners here. For all you fellow Londoners I have listed our regional winners conveniently below.

Enjoy!

T xx

London And South East Winners

The winners are displayed alphabetically by category.

The Winner - Best Wedding Accessory (Tiaras etc), London And South East

Jo BarnesEastleigh,
Hampshire,
447958166723
www.jobarnesvintage.com

The Winner - Best Wedding Bridal Retailer, London And South East

Froufrou Bridal BoutiqueTunbridge Wells,
Kent,
01892 541381
www.froufroubride.co.uk

Maids to Measure
London,
Greater London,
02073869537
www.maidstomeasure.com 

The Winner - Best Wedding Cake Designer, London And South East

Rosalind Miller CakesLondon,
Greater London,
07957571797
www.rosalindmillercakes.com

The Winner - Best Wedding Caterer (independent), London And South East

Jacaranda CateringMidhurst,
West Sussex,
01730810900
www.jacarandacatering.com

Kalm KitchenPuttenham,
Surrey,
01483 813360
www.kalmkitchen.co.uk

The Winner - Best Wedding Co-ordinator (venue), London And South East

Jennie Hopcroft The Pinewood HotelSlough,
Buckinghamshire,
01753 896400
www.pinewoodhotel.co.uk

The Winner - Best Wedding DJ, London And South East

Mighty Fine EntertainmentHarrow,
Greater London,
020 8427 2252
www.mfent.co.uk

The Winner - Best Wedding Dress Designer, London And South East

Joanne Fleming DesignBrighton,
East Sussex,
07403047616
www.joanneflemingdesign.com

The Winner - Best Wedding Entertainment (non-musical), London And South East

Coco Photo BoothsLewes,
East Sussex,
0800 040 7692
www.cocophotobooths.co.uk

The Winner - Best Wedding Florist, London And South East

Ruby & GracePangbourne,
Berkshire,
0118 9767652
www.rubyandgrace.co.uk

The Winner - Best Wedding Hair Stylist, London And South East

Pam Wrigley Wedding HairLondon,
Greater London,
0208 742 1994
www.weddingmakeupandhair.com

The Winner - Best Wedding Live Entertainment, London And South East

The JazzberriesLondon,
Greater London,
02072724466
www.jazzberries.co.uk

The Winner - Best Wedding Make-Up Artist, London And South East

Kristina Gasperas Make Up ArtistLondon,
Greater London,
07812 351 575
www.kristinagasperas.com

The Winner - Best Wedding Marquee Provider, London And South East

The Arabian Tent CompanyLewes,
East Sussex,
0800 88 15 229
www.arabiantents.com

The Winner - Best Wedding Menswear Supplier, London And South East

SIMON JAMES MENSWEARWoking,
Surrey,
01483 808525
www.simonjamesmenswear.co.uk

The Winner - Best Wedding Photographer, London And South East

Sean Gannon - Energy PhotographicWindlesham,
Surrey,
07903798755
www.energyphotographic.co.uk

Cotton Candy PhotographyPortsmouth,
Hampshire,
07595 166 159
www.cottoncandyweddings.co.uk

The Winner - Best Wedding Planner (independent), London And South East

Cranberry Blue Weddings & EventsSevenoaks,
Kent,
01732 463633
www.cranberryblueweddings.co.uk

The Winner - Best Wedding Special Touch, London And South East

Jennifer Sue WeddingsTunbridge Wells,
Kent,
07748843413
www.jennifersueweddings.co.uk

The Winner - Best Wedding Stationery, London And South East

Amelia Lane PaperLondon,
Greater London,
hello@amelialanepaper.co.uk
www.amelialanepaper.co.uk

The Winner - Best Wedding Transport Supplier, London And South East

OxonCartsOxford,
Oxfordshire,
07747024600
www.oxoncarts.com/weddings

The Winner - Best Wedding Venue, London And South East

Caswell HouseWitney,
Oxfordshire,
01993 701064
www.caswellhouse.co.uk

The Gallivant HotelCamber,
East Sussex,
01797225057
www.thegallivanthotel.com

The Winner - Best Wedding Videographer, London And South East

Mark Brown FilmsLondon,
Greater London,
www.markwbrown.com

From The Hip Wedding FilmsGodalming,
Surrey,
07905377882
www.fromthehip.tv

The London UK Wedding Show Saturday 16th Feb

Hello hello,

So my lovely Bridemaid and I attended the UK Wedding Show this past Saturday and I thought I'd share some photos from our day out..



These were some beautiful table decorations that I loved.



I fell in love with the bling around the plates and the napkin ring to match.



Champagne tasting?? Why not!! This was actually a stall for a supplier who personalises champagne bottles.. and their champagne was delish!!



This is the idea I have for writing the table plan onto, I would love to source a giant mirror and display it on the garden for guests to see where they are seated. This is a slightly smaller version than what I have in mind but I was super excited to be able to show my BM.



Complimentary goody bags.. always a pleasure.



Here are some of the goodies inside of our goody bags.

And yes, I did take advantage of the complimentary entry for the Bride.. so at £5 entry each we had a fabulous time browsing and gaining inspiration.

The National Wedding Show is on this weekend, you can find more information here. I have managed to convince not only my BM to come along again but also another gorgeous friend of mine.. tickets are confirmed, now to just plan another Bride 2 Be outfit!

I hope you're all having as much fun as me!

T xx

DIY - Glitter Banners

Hello lovelies,

I recently came across a fabulous blog all about DIY and handcrafting, it's called Ellinee. Sometimes it's fun to get your hands dirty and add a bit of DIY to your big day.. it also adds a personal touch since you will know what hard work went into it.

All of Ellinee's blog posts are fabulous and a great read,however I feel in love with two in particular. I love love LOVE a bit of bling and these DIY glitter banners are just gorgeous. They even post a downloadable template of both the 'Love' and 'Mr & Mrs' banners.. UH Mazing right?!?



Here it is again.. http://www.ellinee.com/blog. Well worth multiple visits or even better, subscribe to get their updates via email.

Much love

T x

Happy Valentines Day!!

I hope everyone has had and is having a wonderful and romantic Valentines Day celebrating your love with your lurrrrved ones. I myself am one LUCKY gal.. aside from Mr A waking up terribly ill, he still managed to spoil me rotten.. once again! I would have been a happy girl to just be able to spend this romantic day together, go for a nice breakfast and a walk along the river in the gorgeous sun (that decided to show it's face today) and then go for the special dinner we had planned at C London. BUT.. Mr A was unable to shake off the bug and has been sofa ridden all day. I spent the day at the gym and running around trying to find stuff to make him better, he's only just starting to get some colour back in his face now so as you might have guessed.. our dinner reservations were cancelled. Sounds romantic.. I know!

Not to worry.. as George Clooney said.. "I don't think you need a special day to tell people you love them". So as nice as it would have been to hop on the Valentines train and act like hopeless romantics all day, my fiance and I find special ways every day to let the other know how much we love them and we always fit in quality, hopeless romantic time together as well. So really it would have just been another 'day in the life' so don't you worry, we will be making up for it.

Anyway, back to the spoiled rotten bit. Although Mr A was feeling like death and all of our plans had to be put on hold, he still managed to make the day special and make me feel like a Princess (as every girl should when they've found their Prince). Slowly throughout the day I received little gift by gift, it was like a Mary Poppins bag of Valentines gifts. First I was given the most beautifully written card and a cute little red package to open, when I ripped it open I found this inside..

One of the cutest books I've ever seen.. 'London for Lovers' by Sam Hodges & Sophie Vickers. The blurb reads 'For first dates and soul mates, long term Londoners or just visiting.. London for Lovers freewheels through the capital to find you through a few hours that could change everything'. This book is incredible, it literally goes through the city of London and takes you through some amazing date days and nights out including hidden secrets and famous landmarks. A brilliant read and a great find.. huge points to Mr A.

Then I kissed the fiance on the head and set off to run my errands.. when I returned home with a bag full of medicine in tow there was a stunning bunch of flowers awaiting me on the kitchen table. No Mr A did not do a Superman and miraculously fly out to get these himself, he had arranged for them to be delivered.. too sweet!!

While I started taking my Instagram shots of my lovely gifts he then appears with a bag of goodies.. it was the sweetest thing and it was like a showbag.. who doesn't LOVE showbags. So I started pulling out gift after amazing gift.. and this is what it looked like. Spoiled right?!?

Chocolates, chocolates and more chocolates, a tea light candle holder full of a bag of mini marshmellows (YUM), a mini hot water bottle hand warmer (my hands are always freezing) and a diamond ring key chain. So amazing and so thoughtful in everyway.. one very lucky girl right here.

Charbonnell Handbags and Heels Chocolate

I couldn't help myself, the handbags and heels chocolates were demolished. Anyway.. that was not the end, he then comes out with ANOTHER bag. This one was home to a treatment voucher for The Grove which is a stunning estate complete with spa, restaurants, bars, afternoon tea etc. Mr A received a voucher for The Grove for his birthday so we will be able to enjoy a spa day there together some time soon. Woop!

I wasn't the only one who was spoiled, I did my best to spoil my man as well.. not the easiest feat when he is feeling so poorly but I hope my pressies helped to cheer him up. I fell in love with this card immediately and snatched it up straight away, it was perfect.. I especially loved the hanging heart and key detail. Super cute. I picked it up from The Card Factory.



HAPPY VALENTINES DAY LOVE BIRDS!!

What are your Valentines Day stories? How were you spoiled or how did you spoil??

T xx

A Wedding Timeline

Hello beauties,

In amongst all of the wedding shows, dress fittings, wedding magazines and pinterest marathons it's easy to forget that in order to successfully organise a stress less or less stress wedding of your dreams we must stick to a schedule and complete tasks in good time so you (or your wedding planner) is not running around like a chicken with it's head cut off when the day grows quickly closer.

Your wedding might be 18 months away or 6 months away but in wedding years this translates to days since times flies by so quickly without us even noticing. Scary!! Not to worry, if you follow a trusty timeline that your wedding planner will supply you with (and make sure you're on top of) then all will fall into place.

Below is an example of a basic wedding timeline, a more detailed one would include dates and details specific to a particular bride. The wedding day has only a few tasks mentioned as this special day requires it's very own timeline.

Organising your wedding day should be fun and exciting, so enjoy every little bit of it.. and if things do start to get a little stressful then remember to take some time our for yourself. Run yourself a nice hot bath, organise a spa day with your bridesmaids, go on a shopping spree.. just forget the wedding planning for a short while and you can come back to it with fresh excitement and a clear mind. Otherwise, just hand it ALL over to your wedding planner. ;-)

If you would like some assistance creating a timeline for your wedding day please get in touch.. I'd only be too happy to help, complimentary of course. 

Much love

T x

Wedding Timeline

8 - 12 Months Before Wedding……………………...…………………......

	Decide on a wedding date and time
	Decide on local church and contact to discuss possible dates
	Arrange to speak with the vicar/priest
	Divide and categorise expenses
	Decide on the type of wedding (Formal/Semi-formal/Informal)
	Devise initial guest list
	Find location for reception
	Send ‘Save the Date’ cards
	Select and inform a bridal party (bridesmaids, maid of honor/groomsmen, best man)
	Find a photographer
	Find a videographer
	Arrange wedding insurance
	Give notice of marriage to the local register office
	Contact register office in district where marriage is taking place. This is to ensure registrars are available.

6 -8 Months Before Wedding……………………...…...………………......

	Discuss and select colour theme
	Shop for bridal gown and matching attire (shoes, veil, jewellry, garter etc)
	Find a caterer (food and drinks)
	Find a band
	Find other entertainment (fireworks, magician, giant gameboards etc)
	Find a florist
	Arrange ceremony and reception music
	Compile names and addresses for the guest list
	Reserve accommodation for out of town guests

4 - 6 Months Before Wedding……………………...…...………………......

	Select menu with caterer
	Select drinks packages
	Order invitations and other stationary
	Shop for bridal party dresses/suits
	Plan and book the honeymoon
	Book wedding night accommodation
	Arrange and book transportation
	Plan wedding decorations and favours
	Confirm floral arrangements
	Order wedding cake
	Finalise arrangements for ceremony and reception
	Ensure all deposits are paid and contracts are signed
	Devise gift lift or wishing well
	Select readings/poems
	Book a hair and makeup artist

3 Months Before Wedding……………………...…...………………...........

	Buy wedding rings
	Select gifts for bridal party, parents and helpers
	Buy guest book

 2 Months Before Wedding……………………...…...…………………......

	Send wedding invitations
	Have hair and makeup trials (cut, colour, style etc)
	Begin making arrangements for rehearsal dinner

1 Months Before Wedding……………………...…...…………………......

	Confirm and finalise all aspects of the wedding
		Church and priest
		Reception venue
		Caterer (Food and drinks)
		Attire (Dresses/Suits/Accessories)
		Florist
		Cake
		Decorations
		Transport
		Accommodation (Bride and groom and other guests)
		Honeymoon
		Other suppliers
	Send suppliers and venues event schedule
	Have final dress fittings
	Pick up wedding rings
	Select relatives or friends for certain jobs (guest book, music etc)
	Devise seating chart
	Bride and groom to work on their vows (if writing their own)
	Discuss photos and/or arrange trial shoot with photographer
	Discuss requirements with videographer
	Discuss requirements with the band

 2 Weeks Before Wedding……………………...…...…………………......

	Post wedding announcement to be prepared
	Contact guests who have not responded
	Finalise seating arrangements and placecards

1 Week Before Wedding……………………...…...……………...……......

	Pick up wedding gown, bridal party and grooms wear and accessories
	Reconfirm all suppliers and venues
	Send event schedule to bridal party and helpers
	Give final guest count to reception venue and caterer
	Wedding rehearsal
	Brief bridal party and other helpers
	Ensure all balances are paid
	Give rings to best man/ring boy
	Manicure and pedicure

 The Wedding Day…………………….……...…...……………...……......

	Hair and makeup
	Begin dressing 2 hours before the ceremony
	Ensure photographers capture the process

February Wedding Shows In London

Calling all London Brides.. There are two great weddings shows coming up this month that you can have a lot of fun at. Meeting potential suppliers, getting some fabulous inspiration, watching catwalk shows, trying on dresses, sampling goodies and more.

In date order the first one to grace London is The UK Wedding Show.



The Show: Taking place at the UK’s fastest growing venue, this show will have over 120 stands at our 2013 exhibition. An extended area will be used which will enable the provision of more facilities for our visitors than ever before, including a new Coffee Bar and an extended Champagne Bar. National and local suppliers will be displaying an extensive range of items, with designer pieces and bespoke packages provided by several companies. Everything that a couple could need is here under one roof at this dedicated exhibition, with stunning fashion shows to watch, and a free goody bag for all of our visitors.

Here's one for you Brides.. Brides get to register for free entry Woo Hoo!

Date: Saturday 16th, Sunday 17th February 2013

Opening Times: 10.00am - 5.00pm

Price: £9 Advanced and £10 on the door.

Fashion Show Times: 12.00pm, 2.00pm & 4.00pm

Address: One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1XL

Venue Website: http://www.excel-london.co.uk/

The next show is a MUST for all brides to be.. It's The National Wedding Show.



The Show: Whether it’s inspirational ideas straight from the catwalk, expert tips and on-trend advice or the unrivaled range of dresses, nowhere else offers brides-to-be and their closest family & friends such an amazing, fun and stylish day out. Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting times of your life but it can also be stressful – that is why we have been working hard throughout the year to bring you a selection of 250 wedding experts and suppliers, enabling you to source all the products you need for your special day, all in one place. So whatever you are searching for and whatever your budget, The National Wedding Show has it covered: from bridal and grooms wear to florists, venues, photographers, cake designers, jewellers, wedding planners and honeymoon destinations.Our flagship show feature: the glamorous Catwalk Show offers insight and information on the latest fashion trends, not just for the bride-to-be but also the groom, bridesmaids and mother of the bride.The Vintage Area celebrates this growing trend for weddings with exquisite antique dresses to vintage-style flowers, décor and wedding invitations, culminating in a Vintage Café where you can unwind with a traditional afternoon tea. And to start the celebrations early, indulge yourself and party with a glass of bubbly and a delicious bite to eat in the Champagne Bar or VIP Lounge.

www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk

Date: Friday 22nd, Saturday 23rd, Sunday 24th February 2013

Opening Times: Friday; 12pm-7pm, Saturday; 10am-6pm, Sunday; 10am-5pm

Price: Advanced - Friday £13.50, Sat/Sun £15.50, Child (5 - 15) £6.50, VIP £35, Weekend (Sat/Sun) £18, Friday Group (4 + people) £11.50, Sat/Sun Group £12.50.

On The Door - Friday £16.50, Sat/Sun £18.50, Child (5 - 15) £7, VIP £40, Weekend (Sat/Sun) £20, Friday Group (4 + people) £14.50, Sat/Sun Group £15.50. Buy tickets here.

Fashion Show Times: Friday – 12:45, 14:15, 16:00 Saturday – 11:00, 12:30, 14:45 Sunday – 10:45, 12:05, 13:45

Address: Hammersmith Road, Kensington, London W14 8UX

Venue Website: http://www.olympia.co.uk/

So get your bridesmaids, mothers, friends, aunties, cousins and everyone else together to make a girly day of it. I've already registered for my free entry at The UK Wedding Show.. ;-)

Do you know of any other Wedding or Bridal Shows that are a MUST DO??

Until next time..

T xx