Friday, 12 October 2018

Eugenie and Jack's Wedding

Seems like they are such a lovely couple, both with enormous kind hearts when you hear them interviewed. They seem so in love and so natural. 

That warm friendly feeling is everywhere as we see the Autumnal theme in the flowers. 

It's a strict dress code, morning suits and hats. The guests have started to arrive. Some are already inside sitting in wait for the proceedings. Pixie Lott was the first to catch my eye. 


The William's ready to leave, the daughter Theodora one of the bridesmaids. 


Outside Windsor Castle the wind is whipping up and the hats are literally flying!!! Not Holly she seems to not have one!!

A quick sketch of MOB & Princess Beatrice. 

Fergie in emerald green and Beatrice in french navy R&R with a bee brooch as a mood to her Mum and Dad's wedding emblem 


Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos founded the London-based label, Peter Pilotto in 2017.


The fashion brand is known for their modern and feminine designs, intricately fabricating dresses in classic silhouette shapes.


She met the brand designers when she co-hosted an event in support of women artists, and has been a fan of the brand ever since.


She has notably worn several of their pieces throughout the years, and worked with the designers to create her own bespoke wedding dress.


The designers, Mr Pilotto and Mr De Vos, studied Royal Wedding dresses throughout the years to perfect the dress to silhouette of the dress.


The fit of the dress and how it showed off her figure was stunning. I loved the Celtic feel and the emerald tiara, the ratings were a present from Jack.  No veil!! Well that had been considered. 

Ahead of the royal wedding, Princess Eugenie revealed that her dress might show off her back scars from the scoliosis surgery she underwent when she was 8. The royal is an outspoken advocate for scoliosis awareness and recently posted X-rays on her instagram to share her journey with the disease.

Like Meghan Markle and Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Eugenie is likely to unveil another reception dress later today. 

Eugenie’s decision to opt for a British designer to make her stunning outfit follows in the footsteps of her mother, Sarah Ferguson, whose dress was designed by Lindka Cierach, British couturier and fashion designer. 


I think this is one of my favourite photos of the bride!! I look forward to learning more about the design in the bespoke fabric. 

Fergie's flamboyant gown was made from ivory duchesse satin and heavily beaded, especially over the bodice, with symbols including hearts to represent love and waves, a homage to Prince Andrew’s career in sailing.


The perfect couple, truly in love with dreams for their future together, cheers! Tequila time!! But I must go and sew!!!

More photos from the day. 

Wednesday, 10 October 2018

Are you ready for another Royal Wedding?

We all remember what she wore at Prince William and Kate's wedding!

She says the moment they announced her engagement she knew which designer she was going to to especially design her wedding dress. 

This was what she chose for her engagement photos. 

And below is what she wore this year for Prince Harry and Meghan's wedding. 


This next dress is one of my favourites that she wore with beautiful embroidery on layers of lace and tulle. 

I'm excited as I think she will dare to be different and chose something to reflect her personality. I can't wait to see what she has chosen. 

We know who's doing the cake, and we know who's singing but we haven't discovered who's done the wedding ensemble. Can't imagine I will get much sewing done this weekend as I watch the story unfold!!! 

Wednesday, 26 September 2018

The Silk Road Adenture

What a fabulous programme with Joanna Lumey telling us of her epic, dreamy journey along the ancient trading route. If you haven't been watching it's worth catching up on. 

Sadly some of our Silk Firms that I have got off for years seem to be having to turn their attention to faux silk fabrics and stretchy fabrics to satisfy today's market. There's a fabulous feel and quality when I'm lucky enough to get to use it for my bride's dresses. Silk is actually the most crease resistant natural fabric and can be used with good old Ulster Linen to stop it from creasing as much. 

This time of year we have shows to keep us up to date with the latest trends in fabric from the most classic  of fabrics and laces to the most daring for those who want something different.  As with everything in life you get better quality the more you pay and so we have to cut the cloth to suit the budget. 

While I'm away to find out more, check out the way a silk worm works to produce the finest fabric. It live's off the Mulberry tree it's staple diet, nothing but the best to produce the best. 






Sunday, 16 September 2018

Latest news from the Bridal Industry of Trends for 2019

Start to consider main aspects you may want in your dress: do you want a dramatic backless dress or an elegant long-sleeved number? Do envisage yourself in a princess style ball gown or a fitted mermaid style? Whether you’re a sophisticated and romantic bride looking for something classic, a bohemian bride looking for a relaxed and whimsical look or a vintage bride who loves all things retro,you’re sure to find your perfect wedding gown in our wedding dress finder,that suits both your style and body type. 
Well it seems that embroidery and lace detail are still big on trend. While layers of femininity exude, trousers and even shorts have hit the catwalk and the rails. After seeing the wedding look for Charia Ferragni it didn't take long bridal designers to reproduce the notion.



Detail, lace with insets of insert geometric patterns are big on trend highlighting the female shape. From big circular skirts with pockets to fit and flare to show off your figure choose what suits you.








Saturday, 25 August 2018

The joys of being your own Boss!

No matter how long I have been doing this I still wake in the middle of the night thinking about work. Ideas, I have always had too many and don't know which one to start first. This is why working for clients really suits me, as when I'm designing a bespoke item  you ultimately are working to fit the exact brief of the client and so I don't get side tracked. However I always have more ideas and not enough hours to fulfil them all. Deadlines keep my mind on focus.


When you are your own boss you have to hope that your present customers are so happy with your work that they in turn tell their friends and you eventually get further work. Social media is another way of spreading the news but the best way is for people to contact me so that we understand and work out what is best. 

As your own boss you have to be good at everything. Winning and satisfing customers, marketing and selling, designing and making, finishing and photographing, after this comes paperwork and book keeping, dressing the window and networking; never a switch off. 


Ideas and inspiration is the easy part. I remember a lady telling when I was doing my degree ' enjoy every second you can now experimenting as once you start earning your keep you won't have time to play!' So true once you go into work you need to do your paying work before the playing. 


It's the drive to get playing that pushes me to work more hours. Research and development is essential to keep up to date. 


Always put your best foot forward! 

Sunday, 12 August 2018

Steph & Tim's wedding gets featured in Confetti


STEPH AND TIM'S GORGEOUS, PERSONAL WEDDING AT MOUNT STEWART, CO. DOWN

Mount Stewart was the ideal location for Steph and Tim's wedding!Having known each other since school, Steph and Tim’s journey down the aisle began with a super romantic trip to Australia. Tim, a marine biologist, drew the words “Will you marry me?” in the sand on a deserted island off Mission Beach in Queensland. “Tim had duck taped up the ring box to make sure there were no ring disasters. It was a complete surprise but something Tim had been planning for a while,” recalls Steph.
“We had quite a long engagement. Having known each other so long, we weren’t in any rush to get married. The plan was to buy a house before spending so much money on one big day. But being inspired by Mount Stewart and deciding on this venue started our planning, and we got married 11 months later!” they told us.

“Not only does Mount Stewart have the stunning manor house and incredible award-winning formal gardens, but also the extensive walks around the lake and surrounding woodland. On one visit it came up in conversation, wouldn’t this be a lovely place to get married… and the planning stemmed from there.”


When it came to budgeting, the couple spent the bulk of their overall cost on the venue and making sure the catering (and drinks of course!) were top notch, and opted to DIY the rest. “We both enjoy being creative so the DIY element added a personal touch to the process. This included making all our stationary and wedding decorations. Tim is great with Photoshop so designed all the save the dates and invites. It was a lot of cutting and sticking to put it all together! Tim also made wooden crates from reclaimed wood for the bar.”

Steph admitted that there was a slight hiccup on the day, but in the best kind of way. “We planned for the forecast bad weather so bought umbrellas, ponchos and blankets for the guests. However we hadn’t anticipated glorious sunshine and guests getting sunburned!

“After the speeches and dinner, we loved seeing all the guests grab a drink and wander out to enjoy the evening sunshine, play lawn games and potter around the lake. Everyone was really relaxed and gearing up for the night ahead.”

What would the couple’s words of wisdom be for anyone planning or leading up to their wedding? “Enjoy the whole process,” they advised. “Don’t see it as just one day, enjoy the build up and the months running up to it to make the most of it all.”

 


WEDDING SUPPLIERS
Venue
Mount Stewart
Marquee
North Down Marquees
Photographer
Francis Meaney Photography
Dress
Joanne Ferguson, Newtownards
Shoes
Kurt Geiger
Headpiece and Veil
Handmade by Joanne Ferguson
Bridesmaids
Chi Chi London
Groomswear
Marks & Spencer
Groomsmen
Marks & Spencer
Groomsmen
Next
Flowergirl
John Rocha at Debenhams
Pageboy
Next
Flowers
The Flower Room, Holywood
Hair
ProHair by Catherine
Makeup
Rebecca Bryson
Ceremony and Reception Music
Ulster String Quartet
DJ
Sarah Harkness vis Dance 'Til Tomorrow
Catering
Posh Nosh
Cars
Klass Cars
Rings
Portfolio of Fine Diamonds
Rings
Lunn's Belfast