White by Gossip Gowns

The magical experience of finding the perfect wedding gown is one we’ve all dreamt of, and it’s seriously a special, often teary, step along the wedding planning journey. And while there can be multiple hiccups within that search for The Dress, an all too common one that really hurts is when your dress loses it’s ‘unique’ factor.

Imagine stumbling across your dream gown, ecstatically ordering it months in advance, and then, as the wedding date swiftly approaches, that same design starts popping up seemingly on every bride in town. It’s the curse of the ‘trendiest dress in town’, and this is where ‘exclusivity’ saves the day. And more specifically for our Brisbane (and surrounds) brides, a new showroom in Newport, White by Gossip Gowns.

They boast an incredible selection of exclusive gowns, all lovingly selected, bespoke and unique. Although incredibly difficult to choose favourites, we couldn’t help but share these stunning examples below. Make sure you source them out at A Darling Affair and book an appointment with them ASAP. Every bride deserves to look and feel unique and special, as well as stunning, in their wedding dress.

White by Gossip Gowns

White by Gossip Gowns White by Gossip Gowns

The 10 Reasons Why You’ll LOVE A Darling Affair

It is not long now till our fair date and A Darling Affair promises to be an absolute visual feast. It will joyously inspire and excite you without lumping piles of stress or decisions on your plate. Our focus is fun, festival vibes and oh my gosh we have some epic treats in store for you.

We oh so humbly call ourselves the Queens of ‘Creative Weddings’ and want to fill your mind, and goodie bags, with great ideas and contacts to bring your unique, creative and bold plans to fruition.

A Darling Affair Brides Tribe

Seriously, we know you will have the best day! Our confidence is so high we’ve even assembled 10 reasons why…

  1. Fashion shows. Gorgeous gowns and male models in suits. Enough said.
  2. Celebrant ✔️ Live Music ✔️ Invitations ✔️ Photographer ✔️ Basically bring your checklist and you’ll soon be in organisational Nirvana.
  3. Kombi Photo Booth. Because taking a break from all the planning with silly squad pics in the Kombi is what every doctor ordered.
  4. Live music. The atmosphere will be chilling and cruising thanks to some incredible (non-cheesy) live musicians, that you will probably fall in love with and book in for serenading your big day.
  5. Free parking. More coins for food trucks.A Darling Affair, Brisbane 2018
  6. Or Ice cream. Like gooooood ice cream. In an Insta worthy cart that is now booked in for your engagement party ✔️
  7. Did we mention Food Trucks. The nice ones, the ones you’d happily drive to the other side of town and wait in a large queue for. Mouth Watering and Foodie Approved.
  8. Assemble your Bride’s Tribe and make a truly epic day out of it. The Fair is happening 2pm – 7pm. So I’m thinking Mimosas/Lunch beforehand and somewhere equally fabulous afterwards? If we weren’t busy packing up, we’d join you!
  9. Prizes. Door prizes, raffles, Oprah giving away free cars… ok that last one isn’t *guaranteed* but our prizes trump it anyway 😉
  10. We want you to have fun! It’s not about stressing you out with pressure, trends and 50 vendors doing *almost the same thing but which one is better?* We celebrate unique ideas and elements to help create a masterpiece of a memorable wedding day, and seriously love the chance to help you get there.

So looking forward to seeing you and your fabulous crew there! So scoot on over and grab your tickets now.

 

For full shoot credits, check the talented team out below:

PHOTOGRAPHY: www.pruefranzmannphotography.com.au/

CREATIVE DIRECTION: www.wholeheartedstudio.com.au/

STYLING: www.himandherevents.com.au/

FURNITURE HIRE:  www.theperfectpartyco.com.au/

MAKEUP: www.thebeautycase.com.au/makeup-and-hair-services.html/

HAIR: www.jodycallanhair.com.au/gallery/

DRINKS CART: www.gatheringevents.com.au/

ICE-CREAM BIKE: www.wheelandspoon.com/

PHOTO BOOTH: www.instakombi.com/

CAKES: www.hanselandgretelcakes.com.au/

VENUE: www.brc.com.au/functions/eagle-farm-venues/

FLOWERS: http://www.mrsgibbonsflowers.com.au/

SIGNAGE: www.ejrdesigns.com.au/

NEON SIGN: www.neonrepublic.com.au/

JUMP SUIT / SEPARATES: www.gingerandgold.com.au/

GOWNS: www.jennifergifforddesigns.com/

JACKETS: www.winstonwolfe.com.au/

TINSEL JACKET: www.shoprachelburke.com/

SUIT: www.urbbana.com.au/

 

 

Get your Reception LIT

Question… when was the last time you curated a large scale lighting installation to deliver perfect ambience, wow factor and timed specifications for ‘I can see what I’m eating’ and ‘dancing shoes ON’?

Oh never, yeah us too.

So in the interest of saving our sanity, let’s all decide to bring in the professionals when it comes to lighting up the wedding reception.

And when we say professionals, we tend to think of Out of the Dark Event Lighting. They are ambience geniuses and specialise in seriously show stopping installations. We cannot wait to see what they create at A Darling Affair, it’s sure to be a talking point and no doubt they will be swiftly filling their calendars with bookings.

We’ve selected a few of our favourite looks they’ve recently created, and are currently dreaming of what they might come out with next. All hail the lighting legends!

Wedding Lighting

Rattan & Mass Greenery
This is a bohemian classic and creates some serious chill vibes for your evening. Mix and matching the shades creates a layered, less uniform effect. We also can’t stop staring at the gorgeousness that is the accompanying floristry from Bower Botanicals in this installation. Amazing!

 

Wedding Lighting Sheer

Sheer Linens
Ethereal and perfectly diffused for a soft, whimsical glow to the evening. A small cluster of these would be a gorgeous feature over the dance floor or bridal table, or regular lines above long feasting tables would take your guests’ breath away.

 

Wedding Lighting Fairy Lights

 

Fairy Lights en masse
A classic approach which never fails to set the romantic, twinkling scene. Paired perfectly with an overabundance of florals and greenery for a true secret forest feel.

These lighting legends will be at the fair and boy are you going to love meeting them! So head on over to the website and grab your tickets now.

Menswear Trends we can’t get enough of

In case you missed the memo, men’s suiting is gaining some great style momentum at the moment. We’re loving seeing bolder trends and variations on classic styles. Grooms are absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing wedding outfits for themselves and their crew. Here in Brisbane we have some incredible local talent who will be represented well at A Darling Affair and will no doubt catch your attention strutting their tailored stuff down the runway.

We have noticed a particularly swoon worthy trend around lighter tones, lots of pink and purple hues, linen blends and soft patterns which we just love love love. And when we find a trend we like, we’re soon lost down a rabbit hole of inspiration boards, magazine cuttings, style forecasting heaven.

Here is a gorgeous selection of some of our favourite finds from our three local favourites, Urbbana, Will Valor and Institchu.

Intitchu Linen Suits

Intitchu

Wil Valor Suit Collar

Wil Valor

Wil Valor Wedding Suit

Wil Valor

Institchu Linen Suit

Institchu

 

Urbbana Pink Check Suit

Urbbana

 

To come and see the mens style for yourself, grab your tickets now.

How to be The Greatest Groomsman of All Time

First of all, well done! You must be a loyal and enjoyable enough friend to be summoned as essentially a ‘wedding wingman’. Or you simply share genetics with the Groom and willingly or not have to stand by your brother’s/cousin’s side for his big day. Regardless, your title has been bestowed, but you quite possibly have no idea what you’re meant to do with it.

Sure, Hollywood may lead us to believe that groomsmen are led by a single goal of complete inebriation and blinding Vegas lights, and only produce issues and roadblocks to the success of a wedding day. But, we know that’s all lies and an epic groomsman loves nothing more than saving the day, providing solutions, and essentially becoming the Groom’s hero.

So to help you on your path of heroic wedded deeds, here are our 5 ‘I’m the Greatest Groomsman of All Time’ Solutions that you can essentially print out, give to the Groom and earn yourself some serious pat-on-the-back kudos.

Solution 1: Don’t get overwhelmed by all the planning.
You can see it, your mate is obviously excited for the impending nuptials but the 100 bridal magazines, 20 varieties of roses and guest list whittling is starting to make his eye twitch. Give him a reassuring pat on the back and load Groomology on his phone for him. They are simply a ‘no BS Wedding Resource for the Modern Groom’. And bonus, sign up to their newsletter and you get a Free Vow and Speech Writing Kit.

Solution 2: Become The Master of Beverages. All beverages!
Not just a crate of whatever stubby the bottle-o had on special that week, but read up on some great whiskies and show off your knowledge when culturally swirling them in a glass. And line up some top drop coffee for the morning after your bucks’ celebrations.

Solution 3: We’ll all be looking Mighty Fine come Show Time!
Yes some of us may have sported a 5 o’clock shadow for the best part of 10 years but fear not… we know a guy! Specifically The Mobile Barber Shop (you’re welcome). A fully decked out barber shop van ready to park up for the morning of the big day and work some clean-shaven magic.

Solution 4: Wow everyone with our outfits just/almost as much as the other halves.
Well fitted and seriously dapper is the order of the day. Yes, it’s time to leaf through some style magazines, even scroll some red carpet slideshows and find a style that suits the Groom to a ’T’. Call your tailor and set up a date. Don’t have a tailor? Give the team at Urbbana a call, they’ll look after you.

Solution 5: Do what you do best.
Either use your witty one-liners to calm the Groom’s jitters, or be the level headed one who remembers to pack breath mints for everyone. There will be reasons the Groom wants you around for the day, so figure out what that might be, and own it!

Because over all, your mate getting married to his other half is the main goal of the day… but if you can make it smoother, more fun or brilliant then congrats! You are a Epic Groomsman!

Image Credits: Groomsmen: Groomology; Florido Weddings Barber images: The Mobile Barber Shop

A Darling Affair Official Campaign Reveal

We are so excited to share with you our biggest shoot yet! We worked hard as a team to pull off one of our most vendor filled shoots in the history of A Darling Affair… and boy did everyone pull out all the stops.

The concept was to produce a shoot that would give couples a taste of what a day at A Darling Affair would look like. We are all about bold, bright, friendly, stylish, feminine and fun weddings…  so together we worked to create a shoot that would showcase that.

Thank you so much to everyone who was a part of this shoot. It really was a team effort! For full credits (it was a big team!) scroll down to see the full list.

If this shoot is anything to go by, A Darling Affair November is going to be the greatest day ever! Don’t forget we have Early Bird tickets available for a short time only, grab yours here. Scroll on to see this beautiful shoot for yourselves.

 

PHOTOGRAPHY: www.pruefranzmannphotography.com.au/

CREATIVE DIRECTION: www.wholeheartedstudio.com.au/

STYLING: www.himandherevents.com.au/

FURNITURE HIRE:  www.theperfectpartyco.com.au/

MAKEUP: www.thebeautycase.com.au/makeup-and-hair-services.html/

HAIR: www.jodycallanhair.com.au/gallery/

DRINKS CART: www.gatheringevents.com.au/

ICE-CREAM BIKE: www.wheelandspoon.com/

PHOTO BOOTH: www.instakombi.com/

CAKES: www.hanselandgretelcakes.com.au/

VENUE: www.brc.com.au/functions/eagle-farm-venues/

FLOWERS: http://www.mrsgibbonsflowers.com.au/

SIGNAGE: www.ejrdesigns.com.au/

NEON SIGN: www.neonrepublic.com.au/

JUMP SUIT / SEPARATES: www.gingerandgold.com.au/

GOWNS: www.jennifergifforddesigns.com/

JACKETS: www.winstonwolfe.com.au/

TINSEL JACKET: www.shoprachelburke.com/

SUIT: www.urbbana.com.au/

Hansel and Gretel Designer Wedding Cakes

For years we have had the pleasure of working alongside Hansel and Gretel Cakes. The plus side is often we have been allowed to taste their cakes! It’s one thing to create a beautiful looking cake, but it is another if its insides are as delicious as it looks!

Making beautiful and tasty cakes for Brisbane and its surrounds, Hansel and Gretel Cakes are a creative delight! Owner and cake creator Megan Norris offers free tastings and meets with you so that she can design a cake personal to you. That way, you can be sure you are going to be in love with your cake.

We went through their drool worthy wedding cake gallery to show you some of our favourite designs.

To see all the ADA vendor cakes at our fair, subscribe to our newsletter to hear first when tickets are available!

Josie Gown By Jennifer Gifford

We’re always on the look out for beautiful wedding gowns to feature, so when we stopped mid scroll because of this beautiful wedding gown we came across, we knew we needed to feature it here on the blog for all our beautiful brides.

Designed by Jennifer Gifford, this stunning dress comprises of floral detail and silk overlay fabric. This dress, named Josie is so unique with its delicate petal embroidered French tulle, scoop neckline, feminine flutter sleeves and a four layered 1/2 circle tulle skirt with a train. Designed as an overlay she can be worn over the a slip or strapless gown.

We can’t wait to see some of Jennifer’s beautiful gowns hit the A Darling Affair fashion parade runway again. The count down is on!

 

 

So Delish

On the hunt for some delish grub for your guests? From cakes and desserts, to sit down feasts, our catering vendors have all your food bases covered.
Wild Child Catering specialises in creating 100% bespoke cakes and drool-worthy dessert tables. Creator Kendra is a master at putting together the most amazing, Instagrammable dessert spreads and is a genius at eclectic, vintage and boho-chic themes. Kendra works closely with her clients to customise one-of-a-kind menus based on couples wants and needs. You want a pie table? She can do that! A skyscraper of Parisian macaroons? You got it! Have your heart set on a donut tower? No problem!!!
We were so lucky to have Icecream Curls with us at the fair! It was an absolute scorcher and they had us cooling down with delicious, super fun ice-cream curls. This fab biz create delicious frozen treats that have people craving more up and down the Sunshine Coast! The first of it’s kind in Queensland, Icecream Curls is made from scratch by husband and wife team Sam and Dannii.  All of their fresh ingredients come from local suppliers and they’re strong believers in keeping things local and supporting others chasing their dreams. Community over competition!

The Little Bluebird Fine Cakes and Sweets create gorgeous individually designed wedding cakes and coordinating sweets for lovely couples who are looking for something special on their big day. With a timeless and distinctive style that makes them unique, The Little Bluebird offer crisp, elegant and designs that are executed with perfection and taste out of this world.

Hat’s off to Parma Street Food (formerly known as Maribelle’s Street Food) for not only being a favourite with our guests, they were also one of the friendliest vendors at the Sunshine Coast Wedding Fair! The only food truck of its kind on the Sunshine Coast, Maribelle’s offer different menu choices for any occasion, ranging from Italian antipasto platters, cheese and fruit platters, canapes and even a buffet and restaurant style option for the couple looking for a sit-down feast. They really have all the bases covered for a delicious and original wedding menu that will keep your guests talking about your day for years to come.
Thank goodness for Head Over Wheels! These guys kept everyone cool with their refreshing drinks on such a hot day, plus they looked great and tasted soooo good! New to the Sunshine Coast, since May of 2017 they have already helped celebrate multiple weddings, birthday parties and community and corporate events from Byron Bay to Noosa. Not a bad start! Their gorgeous mobile caravan bar is an absolute wow factor, guaranteed to make your celebration even more memorable. Operating as a BYO alcohol and beverage service, the Head Over Wheel’s friendly and talented bar staff ensure that your guests are happy and hydrated at all times. Plus, their amazing decor and relaxing ambiance create incredible photo ops!
Photo Credit: Daisy Chain Weddings

Stationery Love

 

The Sunshine Coast Wedding Fair sparkled with old world charm thanks to our darling stationery vendors. These talented ladies got us all inspired with their dreamy calligraphy skills and gorgeous paper goods.

Artist Danielle is the talented creator of Lindqvist Ink. Specialising in fine art stationery suites for weddings and events, her range includes invitations, save the dates and RSVP’s, plus on-the-day items such as place cards, menus and seating charts. Danielle’s skills have seen her published multiple times in publications across the globe, it was a treat to see her work for ourselves!
 The Frankie Collective partner with brides, mums-to-be or event planners to create luxe paper stationery. From the first mention of ‘save-the-date’,  all the way through to individually hand-lettered place cards and thank-you’s, stationery has the ability to leave a lasting impression. On top of paper stationery, designer Jane Hill also offers custom or hire options of signage for your wedding or event, as well as stunning wall prints and beautiful little bits and pieces to make your house a home.
 Little Duck Calligraphy
Designer Tess is the brains behind the oh-so-gorgeous Little Duck Calligraphy. Tess is highly sought after for creative collaboration both in Australia and internationally and has been featured in magazines worldwide.  Tess works together in a partnership with each and every client she has to create the wedding stationery of their dreams, from save the dates to thank you notes and everything in between.
Photo credit: Daisy Chain Weddings