Today I headed off to Battersea for a day at The Designer Wedding Show. No ordinary day. A day as an actual bride-to-be, with one of my actual bridesmaids, looking for those gorgeous, hard to find, must have delights that are uber critical for ones BIG day.
I can't witter on too much about my BIG day. I am waiting on my Save the Date cards from the printers in order to announce my wedding to my family and friends. It's been a busy month which means my work is last in the queue. I'm told we'll be finished in a week or so, then I can come out of hiding and get them in the post! I should stop writing now really, because I am close to discussing my wedding in detail. I could write 2000 words alone about the venue's history, its' uses over the years and how the blue of the interior matches my palette exactly and how the gold detailing in the ceiling isn't too bold and as for the chandeliers...see, this is dangerous.
The two words to describe my wedding mood board (Yes, I have one. What can I say?!) are glamorous and fabulous. Those of you who know me will know my love of sparkly, gorgeous things and those of you who have visited The Designer Wedding Show will know it is the place to start! I have exhibited at the show on many occasions and as an exhibitor I have often walked the aisles wondering if I would ever require the services of a cup cakerie. Today I was that bride-to-be and as a bride-to-be I visited the show armed with my list. Top of the list being shoes, flowers and yep, cup cakes
I chose my main wedding cake instantly; a beautiful hydranger inspired creation. It was love at first sight and Rosalind Miller was my show favourite. Her work is delightful. I also loved her cupcakes (see above left), most especially her cameo cakes.
For my shoes I have chosen Francesca by Emmy Shoes. They match my dress perfectly. I am told they'll be comfortable all day, but that doesn't matter because I will happily hobble around for the sake of such a beautiful pair. The best thing about Emmy is you can try at the show, dream about them on the journey home and then pop online and order. My sister had a gorgeous pair of D&G shoes for her wedding. Shoes are important in our family!
Finally, flowers. The above image is pretty similar to the bouquet I loved on display at Jane Packer's stand. Her pieces are intricate, stunning and robust enough to survive both the day and the hurtle into the crowd. Along with shoes, chucking the bouquet is also important in our family. As the oldest single girl I have a total of 7 caught bouquets in my loft. Before Jon and I were engaged people stopped throwing and just handed them to me in a sort of feeble chuck, so techically it was still a catch. As one of the last to be married I am duty bound to ensure it is thrown, and caught, appropriately.
I'm off to Jane Packers shop to chat "lily of the valley" v "hydranger" in a few weeks. Yes, I know, lily of the valley is best known as the flower of grannies, but since Liz Hurley it's seeing a revival. Plus I want to do something in loving memory of my lovely Grandma. I'm discovering weddings aren't just about things that sparkle, loving memories play a big part.
I would absolutely recommend The Designer Wedding Show to any bride-to-be as a starting point in their preparations. It's a beautiful show, the exhibitors are great fun and I wonder how they stay fresh for the 3 day duration. Will they really remember my wedding date? Tomorrow when I book my cake and unwrap my shoes we shall see!
Next month I'm at The National Wedding Show and several local shows. Come on. Indulge me.
Happy Valentines Day.
Images above: Cakes on stand © Rosalind Miller. Francesca shoe © Emmy Shoes. Bridal Flowers © Jane Packer. Images are intended to show what I have chosen for my wedding. They are copyright each business and may not be reproduced without permission.
