Late comers pull a rabbit out of the hat!

A Darling Affair 27/02/2014 0 Comments

Behind the scenes at A Darling Affair HQ our vendors on our mile long wait list might just receive an email saying at the last minute: “Your in!”

Planning an event sometimes there are things that happen to our vendors that are out of their control. For example, sickness, family stuff to sort out. Hey we’re all human and things happen even to the ADA team…(Carrie wasn’t even at The Wedding Festival herself!) So we are completely understanding and take this into consideration.

Now all that messy behind the scenes side, a part that you never see as the show must go on.We’d like to introduce you to two vendors who stepped up to the plate with flying colours. And boy did they put on a show for our lovely guests.

Birds of A Feather – Letterpress Co.

The Birds of a Feather Team work closely with you so you get what you want. They encourage you to bring in those samples, magazine clippings, sketches and Pins you’ve been obsessing over. They will bring your obsession to life and don’t worry they won’t think your crazy because they share that same passion for stationery just like you!

They just love their big machinery and the vintage letterpress graces their studio. Letterpress is a printing method where ink is literally pressed into paper using a heavy press. So if the grooms want a heavy machine to be involved in their stationery then Birds of A Feather Letterpress Co is the perfect match for you!

GC Flowers +

Krishna and her team from GC Flowers +, are hands down awesome. They are up for a challenge and are in for the action. This is professionalism at it’s highest level.

During her son and daughters wedding in 2013 Krishna saw a neach for affordable, unique supplies for special events. Her team of floral designers have over 30 years combined industry experience, having won awards for their floral designs. We were so lucky to have such a cheery team come on board for the A Darling Affair at The Wedding Festival!

Be sure to check out their websites! They’d love for you to stop by:

www.birdsofafeatherco.com.au

www.gcflowersplus.com

And that’s a wrap!

A Darling Affair 24/02/2014 5 Comments

Did you come to A Darling Affair – Gold Coast on Friday 21 February at Rabbit + Cocoon? If you did, then this news will be no surprise to you… but if you didn’t make it, then let me be the first to tell you how FREAKIN AWESOME it was! Seriously, we had the best and most amazing venue, vendors, models, and what a turnout!

Right from the beginning of the day when our vendors were putting in their hard yards setting up their incredible sites, the atmosphere was electric. We all knew something really special was about to go down. We had trucks, minivans, cars and caravans rocking up from 10am that morning and there were ladders, power tools, trolley’s and trailers filling up the amazing venue that is Rabbit & Cocoon.

Come 5 o’clock and we already had a line-up of people waiting for the gates to open. Our vendors had put the finishing touches on their incredible stalls and we opened the gates to get the party started! With a glass of bubbles or a beer in one hand and a totes-amazing A Darling Affair tote in the other (thanks Peachy Flamingo!), the crowds started visiting the stalls of more than 40 of the freshest and most creative wedding vendors on the scene at the moment. The crowds continued to flow through the gates all night.

Our awesome DJ, Aaron from Cut-A-Rug, provided the playlist for the evening and along with our live music acts including Sarah Head, the tone was set for a night of fun and frivolity!

Major highlights of the night included our four interactive fashion parades, made all the more enjoyable by our incredible models who were more than happy to join in the fun with the rest of our guests getting their pics snapped at our photo booths. Thanks again to The Brides Market, Begitta, Bohemian Brides, Urbanna, The Beauty Case, Elina Valttila and our super amazing models!

The piñata smash was another highlight of the night! Guests lined up to take a hit at the incredible piñata supplied by Party Pony.

And finally – the annual Dance Off was a huge success, with guests getting their dance on IN THE RAIN to win $300 off a DJ package with Cut-A-Rug.

By 10pm when we closed the gates, none of us could wipe the smile from our faces. The evening was a huge success and we had received so much amazing feedback from Brides and Vendors, without whom, this event wouldn’t have happened.

I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again, we have the BEST vendors, venues, models and Brides any Darling could ask for… thank you for being so amazing!

To see a little video wrap up, check out this sweet little video from When Elephant Met Zebra: www.whenelephantmetzebra.com/ada

Thank you to the super talented When Elephant Met Zebra for all of our official event photos.

Introducing our SPECIALITY VENDORS!

A Darling Affair 13/02/2014 0 Comments

PARTY PONY

In a nutshell, who are you and what do you do?

My name is Nicola; I operate Party Pony from my home based studio in Brisbane.

My main business is making bespoke pinata’s for Brides, professional stylists and DIY party stylists. I also make tassel garlands, balloon tails, bunting, custom confetti and feather crafts. Phew!

What is it about weddings that you love so much?

I love how modern weddings are a reflection of the couple and are often more of a party or holiday, than a formal event. Many Brides go with flowing, ethereal gowns and casual styling these days and that is so me .

If you were a colour, which colour would you be, and why? I am so pink, neon pink. I have no idea why! I am so pink, neon pink. I have no idea why!

MISS POPPINS

In a nutshell, who are you and what do you do?

Miss Poppins is a boutique nanny & babysitting agency, focused on providing a unique service for those couples who wish to have children be a part of their big day. From kids tables, to age-appropriate activities, games and off-site babysitting in hotels or homes. We are there to make sure that Mum & Dad enjoy the wedding, knowing that their children are being entertained and supervised by fully qualified nannies.

What is the most unique thing you’ve seen at a wedding?

The brides best friends performing one of her favourite songs for her and the groom. Three talented singers, an acoustic guitar, a violin, and a very emotional crowd.

What do you do in your free time?

Plan lots of exciting ideas for Miss Poppins, eat yummy food, explore and spend time with my wonderful boyfriend.

LOVE JAR CANDLES

We provide Pure + Natural Soy Candles to the Sunshine Coast/Brisbane/Gold Coast and Tweed Coast areas. They are eco-friendly & totally yummy (and will make your house smell amazing!)

WEDDING PLANNING PLAYBOOK

We’re the wedding blog and magazine for South East Queensland and Northern NSW couples offering fresh planning tips, tools and real weddings, a calendar of regional events and a selection of great local suppliers.

Happy planning!

For more information on these super special vendors, be sure to check out their websites:

www.partypony.net.au | www.misspoppins.com.au | www.facebook.com/lovejarcandles | www.weddingplanningplaybook.com.au

Introducing our STATIONERS

A Darling Affair 24/01/2014 0 Comments

FOX & FALLOW

In a nutshell, who are you and what do you do?

Fox & Fallow is the creative collaboration between Janet Pogorelc (The “Fox”) and Darrell Kwong (The “Fallow”). Hailing from sunny Brisbane this pair love all this cute, whimsical and rustic.

Specialising in creative ‘ink and dust’, Fox & Fallow create custom designed wedding stationery, chalkboards and timbre signage for fun, quirky and creative brides and grooms. Combining hand-drawn typography, illustration and laser cutting, their stationery will definitely impress your guests and their fun program fans, paddle signs and menu wheels give them endless entertainment and photo ops.

What is the most unique thing you’ve seen at a wedding?

We created a full chalkboard backdrop for a bride and groom who had their wedding photos taken in front of it. They also used it for their thank you cards which were a super sweet keepsake for their guests.

What do you do in your free time?

Fox & Fallow takes up most of our free time as we both have day jobs. But we do like to spend any free time walking our fluffy Corgi Geordie, scouting out new cafes in Brisbane or chilling out with a bit of Yoga.

SUNSHINE & CONFETTI

What is the most unique thing you’ve seen at a wedding?

Setting off a wishing lantern. There’s not many places it can be done due to fire hazards, but… it is amazing to watch.

What is it about weddings that you love so much?

Seeing an idea (or dream) come to life and helping to creating something special that reflects each couple. Then of course getting lovely comments. That always lights up my day

What do you do in your free time?

Free time?? It doesn’t happen often, but usually a swim or a run. I recently got a paddle board from my lovely hubby, so I’m really liking that at the moment. We put my beautiful 3yo daughter Willow on the front and we go out together.

And, we have friends and most of our family in Sydney so we go back to catch up with everyone quite regularly too.

PEACHY FLAMINGO

In a nutshell, who are you and what do you do?

I’m a Designer, Illustrator & Tote Creator!

What is it about weddings that you love so much?

The celebration of Love! It is truly one of the happiest and special days that a couple will experience together and to share it with your most favourite people in the world makes it even more special!

What do you do in your free time?

I draw, brainstorm new ideas for my collections, and try to get to a beach & blog. I have a Fiji Destination Wedding Blog called Bula Bride.

KOWHAI KREATIONS

What is it about weddings that you love so much?

I love the idea of growing old together, the celebration of joining not just a husband and wife together but their families also.

I love seeing people forget any worries they have, even if only for that day and SMILE.

What is the most unique thing you’ve seen at a wedding?

A picnic style reception, All guest sitting on blankets on the ground hanging out and eating good food.

If you were a colour, which colour would you be, and why?

YELLOW

1. Because yellow is happy and reminds me of sunny days.

2. Because my name Kowhai means yellow in English.

Don’t forget to check out our Darling Stationer’s websites: www.foxandfallow.com.au | www.sunshineandconfetti.com.au | www.peachyflamingo.prosite.com | www.kowhaikreations.com

The loveliest bird you’ll meet.

A Darling Affair 30/07/2013 0 Comments

We have an obsession with someone and her name is Tanya. She owns The Lovely Bird down at Cotton Tree on the Sunshine Coast (never fear she sells online too).

Tanya is bubbly, funny as heck, full of inspiration and ideas – we don’t know how she fits it all in her gorgeous head – a styling guru and is totally “on-trend”.

So if you are stuck for some inspiration for your wedding day, or looking for some awesome favours, crafty bibs & bobs and a good old laugh to take the planning pressure of your big day off your shoulders have a chat to our lovely Tanya.

I always leave her shop with something in hand, a smile on my face and a new project that she has inspired me with.

The Lovely Bird is a sponsor for our Wedding Fair on August the 10th and we can’t wait to see the awesome POP UP SHOP she will be having at the fair. So bring your coin purses xxx

Check out some of her goodies below and there’s something AWESOME that we wish we could win at the bottom of this article (but we can’t cause we’re the organisers of the event)….

Yep you read it right! A HUGE Washi Tape Giveaway! I would love to see the person receive this at the Wedding Fair!

August 10th! Pre-purchase your tickets! 2 for 1 offer ends this Friday – a friend comes with you for FREE! – after that it is $10 per person at the gate.

See you there xxx

Crafty hands

A Darling Affair 03/06/2013 craft, DIY, paper 0 Comments

Weddings that we love at A Darling Affair all have an element of craftiness to them.

From the earliest age i was exposed to scissors, paper, glue and pencils. I had a very DIY wedding 6 years ago and i just love how much it has evolved since then.

Raise your scissors and hold them high. Here’s a tribute to the people who make your weddings grand when you just run out of time!

Party Pony Handmade Party Decor:

Beckoning Designs – Handbound guest books and albums:

Sunshine & Confetti:

Sweet Details:

Perfectly Sweet:

Christelle Creations: (image: Mihaja Wedding Photography)

Fox and Fallow:

Fresh Honey:

Bowerbird Designs:

Come and meet these lovely crafters/stylists/makers/creators at the Gold Coast Wedding Fair June 22nd

Buy your tickets here for your special 2 for 1 deal: https://adarlingaffair.com/tickets/

I’ll see you there – Carrie xxx

Small Creations

A Darling Affair 29/05/2013 Cakes, cupcakes, gold coast wedding fair 1 Comment

Jemma from Cupcaix Cakes is here to chat about her delightful small creations, CUPCAKES!

“I’m the cake artist/designer/everything girl behind Cupcaix Cakes!

One of the big focal points of your wedding reception is the cake. It sits proudly on its own table all night while guest ooh and ahh over it, take photos and lick their lips in anticipation!

If you haven’t already decided on your cake, let me help you. Think of cupcakes and cakes like you think of fashion. There are trends that come and go and there are your classics. I like to take inspiration from fashion and fabrics when designing what I like to call “cupcake collections”

These days we have so many tools, moulds, impression mats, and cutters that we can virtually copy anything and incorporate it into your big day. Beautiful aspects of your dress such as lace, pearls, ruffles and bows can be matched to your cake and the best part is it’s all edible! You pay thousands for a gorgeous dress, but can you eat it? (ha!)

There are so many reasons why cupcakes are a great choice:

Guests can serve themselves – meaning there is no plating up at the venue which can cost around $2 per head, then no wastage from the uneaten or half eaten plates.
They’re neat, clean and easy to take home. You can even use cupcakes as your bonboniere in cute little boxes personalised for each guest.
Every guest gets an even portion – no fighting over the big piece!
You can order exact numbers for the number of guests attending – no leftovers to have to take home at the end of the night
You can still have a small cutting cake atop your tower of cupcakes, for those couples who still want the traditional ‘cutting of the cake’
You can mix and match designs to create your own cupcake collection.
We can supply you with a number of different flavours, and stuff your cupcakes with yummy treats like berries, lemon curd or whatever takes your fancy!
It makes it easier to cater to the dietary needs of guests as we can do a gluten/ dairy free batch for you at no extra cost
Super easy to transport and set up for those out of the way type weddings. I did a wedding cake to go to Stradbroke Island a few weeks back and the bride told me it was a nerve wracking bumpy ferry ride over, with a 3 tier cake on her lap! Cupcakes can be boxed up and securely transported without worry.
You can match your cupcakes to a tiered cake, macarons, cookies, cake pops and make a lovely dessert buffet that will wow your guests!

Our small creations from Cupcaix are guaranteed to wow your guests and we deliver from Byron Bay to Brisbane and out to Toowoomba. Not only will they look amazing, but the flavour will wow them all!

We make everything from scratch with quality ingredients. Choose your cake, fill it with yummies, top it with rich chocolate ganache and fondant that actually tastes nice, and voila!”

Jemma from Cupcaix cakes will have her cakes and cupcakes on display at The Gold Coast Wedding Fair and she will have plenty of time for a chat about plans for your big day!

Go ahead and buy your tickets today: https://adarlingaffair.com/tickets/

Mouth Watering Wedding Favours

A Darling Affair 15/05/2013 dessert, favour, Sunshine Coast Wedding Fair, yum 0 Comments

Anna from Anna’s Perfect Partie’s has our mouths watering so bad right now and here’s why:

“Creating that perfect wedding favour is such an important way to end such a magical occasion, they should compliment the theme of your wedding and leave your guests with a beautiful memory. This can be quite challenging and time consuming. You want them to be personal yet fun and unique .

I just love edible favors at weddings. Gone are the days of the almonds!

My cakes in a jar add that perfect touch to your wedding whether you include them on your dessert bar or display them separately as your guests leave. Cakes in a jar add that cute factor and create a real talking point amongst your guests.

You can choose to add a small tag to each jar with a personal message encrypted. A sweet ribbon, twine and a small wooden spoon adds that finishing touch .

Eton Mess in a Jar

Lemon Curd Cheesecake in a Jar

Banoffee in a Jar

More couples are now opting for a cocktail wedding as opposed to a larger seated reception. Having a cake in a jar is a perfect accompaniment as your guest can be standing while enjoying their dessert. There is no mess and every portion is controlled so nobody misses out!

The biggest decision you will have is choosing what cake flavour to give your guests. You can choose a cheesecake to a layered sponge. I can create something gorgeous and delicious that will tie in with your wedding theme whether it be vintage or contemporary. Be original and give your guests something amazing to take away with them from your special day”.

Anna will be at the Sunshine Coast Wedding Fair August 10th.

We hope to see you there x

You have arrived at the Sweet Station!

A Darling Affair 07/05/2013 decorating, props 0 Comments

Nicky, the gorgeous creator behind Sweet Details, speaks about using furniture and props at your sweet station. Lets get into the finer details:

“One of the most effective ways to take your dessert table or candy buffet from simply being sweets on a table to conveying the theme of your wedding or telling a story is to use props and interesting pieces of furniture.

Op shops, ‘trash and treasure’ markets, vintage shops or ebay are an abundant treasure trove when it comes to finding unique pieces.

FURNITURE

Don’t be restricted to a standard trestle table – there are so many other options to choose from. Think buffets, vintage chairs, drawer units, wine barrels, stools. Use multiple pieces to create interest and height.

If you are using a table, look for unique shapes, textures or finishes to work with your theme.

PROPS

Remember to keep a good balance between the sweets on your table and don’t go overboard with display pieces. Try and think outside the box!

Use cute fabric or branches to use as table runners. Add height by using old suitcases, wooden crates, tree stumps or small stools on the table. Wooden ladders are a great eye catcher and look great displaying sweets.

Add the personal touch by using blackboards with a message. Your favourite flowers or fruit in wooden boxes or jars to add pops of colour.

BACKDROPS

Backdrops are the best way to make a real feature for you table and give it impact to further enhance your theme.

Ideas include: printed backdrops, old wooden doors and windows, blackboards, paper pom poms, ribbons, hanging flowers in jars, kraft wrapping paper or interesting fabric.

The possibilities are endless so use your imagination!

DIY

The best way to make your table really unique is to do some DIY!

Head to your local hardware store or craft shop and make your own props. Buntings in different shapes and materials look great and are so easy to make. Have a look for interesting trims such as tassles, string, ribbon, lace, buttons etc. Why not personalise your table by pegging photo’s onto a string to use as bunting?

Handmade paper items always look great and add a personal touch to your display. I have handmade rosettes using paper and pages from and old book.

In conclusion once you have a basic idea of the look you want to achieve, keep your eye out where ever you go. Sometimes pieces you wouldn’t normally look at for your home may be perfect props for your table. Try and see past the intended use for an item and be open to doing a bit of DIY.

The trick is finding the balance between using furniture and props and keeping it looking inviting to your guests. If you get this right you will have a table that is a fabulous feature at your wedding that will keep your guests talking.

Have a sweet day!

Nicky xxx

Most images are Sweet Details creations with a few Pinterest finds: http://pinterest.com/adarlingaffair/

The snow fell upon our high tea…

A Darling Affair 01/05/2013 DIY, flowers, high tea, styling, sweet things in life 0 Comments

For the Month of May on the blog we are celebrating the “Sweet things in life”

Nakita from Jhar Binx and Zave Cake Artistry is inspired by flowers and her love of cooking to bring to the table what she knows to be “sweet”:

“Baby’s breath is known to be the cheap filler flower for old fashion bouquets, well not anymore.

Beauty can come from many places and to me this fine spray of snow inspired flakes is absolutely beautiful and should not be forgotten, in fact should be utterly embraced as a sprinkling of vintage beauty either adorning your tabletops in lavish sprays or being walked down the isle of a garden wedding or just sitting on the kitchen window sill in all its sweetness.

We have been using bunches of these white soft specs on our high tea tables and I must say it has out done the rose as one of my favourite flowers.

Baby’s breath for us has added a soft vintage touch to our High tea décor and a little bit of something unique.

Remember that sometimes the most insignificant things can be the loveliest of all.

Happy caking baking and creating!” – Kita xx

Nakita has so kindly shared a little treat for you from her own kitchen:

INSPIRED RECIPE – SNOW WHITE MARSHMALLOW

500grams Caster Sugar

2 Tablespoons Liquid Glucose

2 Tablespoons Gelatine Powder

2 Egg Whites

2 Teaspoons of Vanilla

2 Cups of Desiccated Coconut

Grease and line a 18cm x 25cm x 4cm lamington pan. Combine the caster sugar, liquid glucose and 200ml water in a saucepan over low heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil and cook over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes until a sugar thermometer reaches 120°C.

Place 200ml cold water in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the powdered gelatine, and then stand for 10 minutes. Place the bowl in a saucepan of simmering water and stir until completely clear. Stir the gelatine mixture into the sugar syrup.

Beat egg whites with electric beaters until stiff peaks form. Continue to beat while you gradually add the sugar syrup, and then beat for a further 10 minutes until mixture thickens and becomes glossy. Fold in the vanilla and pour the mixture into the pan. Chill for 1 hour until firm.

Cut the Marshmallow into Squares, the easiest way to do this is to run your knife under hot water, wipe of quickly on a tea towel and cut each line with the knife still hot but not wet.

Take each square out and roll in coconut

MMMMMMmmmmm….

Late comers pull a rabbit out of the hat!

Birds of A Feather – Letterpress Co.

GC Flowers +

And that’s a wrap!

Introducing our SPECIALITY VENDORS!

Introducing our STATIONERS

The loveliest bird you’ll meet.

Crafty hands

Small Creations

Mouth Watering Wedding Favours

You have arrived at the Sweet Station!

The snow fell upon our high tea…

A DARLING AFFAIR

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