The well-groomed gentleman…

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And now for something different – Hello to all you Mr’s-to-be, yes I’m talking to you gentlemen. The time has come, for you to stand beside your bride in full, fashionable, splendour. Gone are the days of the quick-hire simple black suit. It’s time to suit up, and be “better than the Gap” – thank you Ryan Gosling. In 2013 we’ve seen grooms rise to the occasion in colour unbridled, ties in all shapes and colours, and shoes even women would swoon over. This trend is sure to continue in 2014 as fashion savvy misters get braver and bolder in their wedding fashion selections.

A Darling Affair proudly presents our sponsor – Urbbana, the brainchild and fashion-forward label of the fabulously talented designer, Sam Abi.

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Sam’s work has been featured in the Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival, frequents in GQ magazine and is available to Australian grooms (and generally stylish men) in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth – and of course in Brisbane, at the Portside Wharf. But here’s the latest good news, Urbbana has opened its newest store right in the heart of our beloved Gold Coast, beneath the Hilton.

Urbbana’s collection is vibrant, sharp and luxurious, featuring the finest fabrics and stitching. You will find everything a groom will need by the way of accessories, including shoes, in store. Of course there is also the option of custom made suits, from the finest European fabrics – the possibilities are endless.

We are excited to showcase Urbbana in it’s debut into the Queensland wedding market at our Gold Coast Wedding Festival – hosted at Rabbit + Cocoon on February 21st. As Ron Burgandy, a man of style who loves a good suit would say – you stay classy gentlemen,

Em xx

Photo credits: Images supplied by Urbbana

The Year of Colour!

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2013 saw the introduction of some beautiful colour to the traditional white wedding gown.  We saw all shades of champagne, blush pink and floral gowns make a splash on the wedding scene and we loved it!

Our local dressmakers are really making a mark with their flair and passion for technique, style and colour.

Take our very own Begitta – Bridal & Couture for example and this amazing lavender gown which she released this year.

Or the crazy talented Jennifer Gifford Designs and her gorgeous floral piece.

This beauty from Wendy Makin has also caught our attention this year.

We think Brides are going to get even more adventurous in 2014 and are officially calling it the “Year of Colour”.   We can see a lot of pastel watercolour along with the continuation of floral in wedding gowns coming our way. What a beautiful way to let your personality shine through on your wedding day.

– Emma xxx

Photo credits: Begitta – Beth Mitchell Photography, Jennifer Gifford – Florido Weddings, Wendy Makin – Jennifer Oliphant Photographer

Venue Partner for A Darling Affair – Gold Coast

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You’ve all been very patient over the last few months as we’ve set the wheels in motion for 2014. We’ve been busy little bees behind the scenes setting up some new and exciting things leading in to the new year. So here is announcement number 1 for 2014. A Darling Affair has secured a venue partner in Rabbit + Cocoon – a dedicated creative precinct in Miami, the heart of the Gold Coast.

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Does the name ring any bells? You might remember that leading in to our Gold Coast event for this year, we got up to some shenanigans at Miami Marketta…

[Photos courtesy of Alyce & Colette]

Well, you guessed it (you clever thing), Rabbit + Cocoon is the home of Miami Marketta, a fabulous industrial venue, complete with street art, several studios housing creative professionals, and of course plenty of space for running fantastic events.

If you’ve been following us on Facebook you would have already saved the “when” for our event, Friday the 21st of February, and now you can add the “where”. A Darling Affair Gold Coast  is set to be our first evening event, and what a great night we have planned for you all!

Watch this space for more details shortly….

Did someone say GIVEAWAYS?!

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Woooooohooooo!!!!! FREE STUFF!

Here we have it folks, a run down on what freebies and fantastic deals you can snap up at our wedding fair this weekend.

GIVEAWAYS

Vendor Door Prizes

Be sure to register at the door to go in the draw to win these prizes (unless you purchased your ticket online, in which case you are already registered you clever cookie)

Engagement Photo Session – Alyce & Collette

Crystal Pen Set and Guest Book – Ann Dally Celebrant

Custom Bridal Head Piece to the value of $150.00 (to be claimed within 12 months) – Begitta 

A Large (6″) Dream Catcher valued at $60.00 – Bowerbird Designs

$250.00 Voucher toward Stationery or Styling – Sunshine & Confetti

$500.00 Voucher toward a premium video package – Yellow Bull Media

Other Giveaways

$300.00 worth of custom Chalk Board Signage – Fox & Fallow (Get snapped at their stall on the day to enter their facebook competition)

Free Custom Pinata – Party Pony (Win in the day’s piñata bash)

BOOKING PROMOTIONS

Alyce & Collette – 20% discount on bookings made at the fair

Arctic Fox Furniture & Prop Hire – 10% discount on hire, collect a voucher from their stall at the fair

A. T. Beauty – 10% discount on bookings made at the fair

Blossom & Twine – Each booking at the fair goes in the draw to win $250.00 off their floristry package

Boots Photography/Films – Book an all day wedding photography package and go in the draw to win a wedding film package to the value of $1800.00

Bowerbird Designs – 10% off orders placed at the fair

Dizzyjen Designs – Free instructional signage with orders for ribbon wands

Holden Oldies – Bookings for 1 car will receive 10% discount, and bookings for 2 cars will receive 20% discount

KISSstudio – The first 5 bookings of an all day coverage photography package receives a free Photo Booth for their wedding

Maytide – 20% discount on the purchase of any full stationery design suite

Signs of Wear – Orders over $200.00 receive complimentary hire of additional items to 20% of the of the original hire price.

Wedding Bling – 25% discount on favour station bookings

Celebrating With a Celebrant

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hand in handOur guest blogger today is Benjamin Carlyle – Civil Marriage Celebrant.

He is an awesome celebrant and we know you will love his little article. It had us chuckling away. Please enjoy:

“A Celebrant is definitely a multi-tasking creature indeed! They are there, guiding you along the path of pre-wedding amble, giving directions at the crossroads and ultimately directing the flow of your wedding day ceremony.

Rossjen2A good Celebrant was a Ninja in a past life with the ability to foresee issues before they rear their ugly heads. With swift and deft strokes all manner of trouble can be aborted before Aunt Mary even bats an eyelid. We will console the emotional Groomsmen, sail over the seas of awkward moments with banter and charm, defend the Bridal party from falling props and even move the clouds and rain out west just long enough to bathe in sunshine.

ryanmichellebw.bA Celebrant will provoke ideas that suit your style and with a splash of colour here and a unique ritual there, a beautiful ceremony will then be formed. Each moment in your ceremony should resonate with your vision for your journey deeper into the land of love. If you decide to incorporate rituals, they should represent your qualities and strengths, with your own unique blend of words and style. Wine Box and Water rituals are quite popular at present.

ritual1untitled (126 of 450)wed_51.a1Great celebrations always come with a soundtrack that sets the mood. Personally, I attribute the wedding ceremony to that of a song, so if you like Country then dang it, lets get our boots a stomping, Hillbilly style. Let your imagination run free!

benjaminThe paperwork trail of getting married is not as complicated as it seems but the correct documents are key to making this a success. It’s a beautiful moment in your ceremony when you sit down to sign your marriage certificate, all the pressure is now lifted and a giddy sense of excitement and frivolity fill the air.

Sands1The right Celebrant for you will have the resources and abilities that will suit your style and personalities. Ask the hard hitting questions to discover if you connect to your Celebrant, before you commit to just ‘anyone’ marrying you on your special day. Always chose a Celebrant that is confident, has experience in public speaking and has the ability to trouble shoot when the dog runs the wrong way with the wedding rings tied to its collar.

commitment3Congratulations on your path of Marriage and may you enjoy the Celebration!

Kind Regards,

Benjamin Carlyle – Civil Marriage Celebrant

Come and meet Benjamin at The Gold Coast Wedding Fair THIS SATURDAY!

He is a wonderful person with an abundance of warmth and charm. He REALLY does have a passion for being a celebrant.

Photo Credits: Adam Ward Photography, Photographic Art and Tarnie Carlyle

A night out on the Gold Coast – Miami Marketta

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We headed down to one of the Gold Coast’s finest art and design markets – Miami Marketta, at the invitation of the lovely event organiser Emma Milikins on Friday evening just passed.  We enjoyed the great atmosphere, food, music and meeting so many creative folk – yes, our pockets came away a little lighter. Such a great night out and a fabulous way to let the Gold Coast locals know about our upcoming Wedding Fair.

We put together a little sneak preview into what our guests can expect at our fair this Saturday by way of a bridal makeover for two stunning ladies.

Before joking copy

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Our living display featured a lavish floral installation by Julia Rose, gowns by Begitta, and of course our models – Tatiana and Elisha.

Elina Valttila was the talent behind the gorgeous hair and makeup styling to complete the bridal makeovers.

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Alyce & Collette joined us to capture our shenanigans and certainly brought the party with them, those girls are bursting with energy and fun. Here are a few more of the images they snapped from the evening, enjoy!

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Thanks for a great night out Gold Coast! We’ll see you again on Saturday, and this time we’ll bring the fun. 10am to 4pm at The Abbey, Cobaki Lakes – be there or be square!

Small Creations

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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”

peach cupcaixThese 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!)

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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!

black and white cupcaixOur 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!”

tiered cupcaixJemma 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/

You have arrived at the Sweet Station!

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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.

ImageFURNITURE

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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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/

Let there be Light!

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Elissa, from Fresh Honey, lights the way in the first edition of this months “Lovely Light” series.

Elissa is one of our beautifully talented sponsors for A Darling Affairs – Gold Coast Wedding Fair.

Here are a few of her thoughts on styling with light…

“Lighting is one of the most effective tools you have in your styling arsenal when it comes to setting the theme, tone and mood of your wedding day. With a little thought and planning, the right lighting choices will complete the look and feel of your special day, imbuing it with elegance, glamour and style. Ignore its importance or handle it clumsily, and you risk your wedding lacking the ambience, romance and magic it deserves!

So let’s kick this blog post off with a few of my all-time favourite ways of bringing light, illumination and style to weddings.

Candles, candles, candles

Never underestimate the impact a humble candle can create, especially when used en masse! Candlelight is soft, romantic and spiritual, making it perfect for weddings. If you are on a tight budget, make good use of candles as they create an amazing atmosphere at a very small cost.

The other wonderful thing about candles (which is also a money saver!) is the way in which they double as a décor item that you can style in a myriad of ways. Clustered in jars, dripping from candelabras, glowing inside paper bag luminaries or floating in water with delicate blooms, candles are a fail-proof lighting option for weddings. Did someone say romance?

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Fairy Lights

Delicate strands of fairy lights are ‘oh, so enchanting’, creating an allure that is almost impossible to top in my opinion! When strung up against the roof of a marquee or hall, wrapped around a tree or incorporated into your décor in another way, fairy lights are a magically captivating way to play with lighting.

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fairy light chandelier

Cafe Lighting

Cafe lighting has taken the wedding industry by storm in the last few years, lending an industrial edge which is at once both vintage and modern. I love this type of lighting at weddings, as it’s so whimsical and fun, yet still quite rustic. It looks fantastic both inside and out, and works really well when combined with other décor elements, such as lanterns, chandeliers or fairy lights.

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bulbs and lanterns

under the bulb dancingLighting: Byron Audio

Paper Lanterns

Paper lanterns are always a very popular choice when it comes to wedding lighting. Whether strung individually, between poles or in colourful clusters with fluffy pom-poms for extra impact – it’s hard to go wrong with these pretties!

lanterns and flowersDown-Bangalow-Road-weddings062Image: Down Bangalow Road

ColourRoomImage: Byron Bay Bunting

Chandeliers

Are you looking for elegance, glamour and a splash of drama? Cue the chandelier, or even better – multiple chandeliers! With their dripping crystal jewels and undeniable vintage charm, chandeliers evokes old-world glamour like nothing else. For added appeal or to really ‘up-the-ante’, mix it up with some fairy lights or naked industrial bulbs.

outdoor chandelierfresh honey chandelierImage: Fresh Honey Weddings

Lighting has the power to literally improve, enhance and transform every other element of your wedding, so taking the time to talk over your options with a lighting professional is a worthy investment. Your wedding planner or venue should be able to recommend a lighting company whom they know and trust, so be guided by this when deciding on which kind of lighting to incorporate into your wedding day. For more lighting inspiration visit my pinterest page “Let there be Light” http://pinterest.com/freshhoney/let-there-be-light/)

Image Sources: Unless otherwise stated all images have been sourced online and repined to my lighting board: http://pinterest.com/freshhoney/let-there-be-light/”

Thanks Elissa xxx