Face Off – Veil versus Wreath

Veil Versus Wreath

When planning my wedding, I made a firm decision – NO VEIL. Well, fairly firm, sort of firm….okay hubby wanted a veil so I folded and ended up with a veil. His reasoning was that you’re not really a bride without a veil, and I was in love, so in the end I didn’t really care either way.

Me 2007 3

So many things have changed since 2007 in wedding industry trends, one is the departure from a traditional veil.

Floral wreaths in particular have taken the bridal scene by force – and I LOVE it. They are so care-free and whimsical, and yet sometimes so incredibly lavish and indulgent. There’s barely a bridal shoot without a wreath, and some may wonder – is the veil done and dusted? Enter the stunning vintage style, full-length veils that are now re-emerging. With delicate vintage lace and embroidered details, and stunning capped styles – veils are far from outdated.

So what do you think? Veil versus Wreath? My vote, wreath…yes, if I could go back I would walk down the aisle with a crown of flowers.

Or maybe you would choose a different style of head piece altogether. Choices…choices….

Em xx

Photographers: James Frost, Dear & Tine, Emily Louise, Florido Weddings

Things we love – Fanciful Feathers

Feather on Ground text

There’s a strong boho-vibe in the wedding industry at present and along with that we’ve noticed an emergence of feathery details. I’ve always had a “thing” for feathers; I would often be found sketching feathers in my notebooks when I should have been taking notes. There is just something so whimsical about their delicate, floaty nature; something so day-dreamy about them – it’s easy to get carried away. Maybe it’s that dreaminess that makes them such a welcomed addition to a wedding celebration.

Kicking off with stationery, add that extra detail and texture with a feather – much like these designs from Gemma Lauren InvitationsGemma Lauren Invitation

[Photo by Anna Gilbert Photography]

Or create a more dramatic bouquet by incorporating some stunning plumes…Feather Bouqet

[Bouquet by Lavish Floral Design, Photography By Dear & Tine]

Add some finer details to your centrepieces by placing feathers in vases,

Feathers in vase

[Styling by Fresh Honey Weddings, Photography by Dear & Tine]

Or take the boho-vibe that step further with some dream-catchers…Alyce and Collette Dreamcatcher

[Styling by Cherry Red Styling Co., Photography by Alyce & Colette]

I absolutely adore the boho-luxe golden feather embellishments on this cake by Rebellyous Cake Co.Rebellyous Cake Co

[Photography by Down Bangalow Road]

And last but certainly not least, by way of Bridal accessories ask your florist to incorporate feathers in your floral wreath…Lavish - head piece

[Wreath by Lavish Floral Design, Photography by Dear & Tine]

Or absolutely indulge your fancy for feathers with this stunning “Maine” head piece, created by Heidi of Shut the Front Door.maine - shut the front door head piece

[Photography by Karen Buckle]

All these feathers are leaving me little light headed, and certainly light hearted! I hope they’ve lifted your spirits and send you floating away with some inspiration for you big day.

Emily xxx

A Darling Christmas Gift Guide

present

“Tis the season to be jolly…Fa la la la la, la la la la!”

Here at A Darling Affair headquarters we are pretty organised with the Christmas shopping already. Are you?

So that you don’t get stuck raging in the shopping centre car parks – going round and round – or lining up for ages at the check outs, here is a lovely little shopping guide from us to you. We want you to be JOLLY! Enjoy your shopping and select presents with love, not out of haste and without thought.

So here we go!

The Lovely Bird is nestled in Cotton Tree on the Sunshine Coast. Away from the major shopping complex. But it has something for everyone. Machine gun pens for the boys, jewellery for the girls, and crafty goodness for all ages (my girl can’t get enough of stacking the towers of Washi tape)

washi

Oh and don’t forget her lovely range of Christmas cards. Seriously, if you haven’t posted some now time is running out!

christmas cards lovelyb

Another one of our all time time faves is Each To Own. She has beautifully cut jewellery made of wood and plastics. Instead of wearing daggy cheap Christmas earrings why not pretty deer brooches?

each to own

Yes please! There’s even blue or black for the boys.

If you know a recently engaged couple, why not one of these:

wedding consultantThe picture says it all! Perfect! From the well organised, brilliant mind of Our Wedding Consultant.

And for the person who has it all….MASSIVE SCRABBLE PIECES…(bet they don’t have those) from the same lovely ladies who brought us I Do Wedding Tea Towels.

scrabble

They can be found at Lamington in Noosa along with a treasure trove of other fantastic gift ideas.

lamingtonEnjoy your Christmas Season with those you love.

Emily & Carrie xxx

Vendor Feature: Shut the Front Door

Here is a feature full of pretty, vintage, and one-of-a-kind loveliness. Heidi, of Shut the Front Door, designs and handcrafts gorgeous bridal adornments:

My passion is creating beautiful handmade hair pieces, bridal accessories and bespoke wedding fascinators, I love blending textures and mixing the old with the new to create something unique and memorable.

Whimsical handmade designs, blurring the boundary between past and present…drawing vintage styles gently into modern times.

Take a look for yourself…

[slideshow]

Vendor Feature: The Lovely Bird

The Lovely Bird is located at Cotton Tree, on the Sunshine Coast. It’s a quirky and unique gift shop, that proudly stocks an eclectic mix of gorgeous gifts – stationery, books, magazines, cards, twine, vintage vases & bottles, washi tape, bunting, jewellery, vintage finds, pencil cases, notebooks, pens, stamps, homewares and all sorts of unique finds. Throughout the shop you will also find a splash of items that Tanya has made herself…a few cards here and there, invitations, notebooks with my own artwork, writing sets,  bunting that I’ve sewn, earrings & necklaces that I’ve made. She has setup a small little studio space, so often you’ll find her sewing away on her old Janome!
Tanya is also the resident expert on all sorts of crafty things. Having trouble with your crochet? Pop down to the store and she’ll be more than happy to help you out. She also runs the occasional Crafty Night, an in-store workshop, they are well worth the visit.
From the moment we stepped into The Lovely Bird, we new we were a match made in heaven. This gorgeous little store is the epitome of all that is vintage, handmade and gorgeously unique!
Tanya has graciously agreed to take care of some of our Darling tickets, so head on down and grab a few…but pockets and purses beware, we are sure that’s not all you’ll come away with!

Vendor Feature: Inspired Bouquets by Gabriel

Brooch Bouquets are a stunning and unique alternative to the traditional fresh flower bouquet. They are also fast becoming very popular!  Gabriel from Inspired Bouquets creates lovely arrangements that will last well beyond your special day.

Each Inspired Bouquet is made from a variety of different high quality materials including brooches, buttons, jewellery, lockets, crystals, fabric flowers and sparkle! For a more personal touch, and added sentimental value, Gabriel will include your own special pieces.

Every custom order is quoted according to your own personal requirements and budget. Having been a bride on a budget herself, Gabriel is more than happy to work with you to make sure that you can have one of these stunning pieces without breaking the bank.

Undoubtedly a gorgeous accessory for a bride – though why not order a one-of-a-kind brooch bouquet for a birthday, graduation, formal, or any special occasion?