Style It Up!

A Darling Affair 14/04/2014 1 Comment

The important thing on your wedding day is to create an atmosphere that your going to feel comfortable in. Have surroundings that reflect your personality and to make it special.

A lot of brides think DIY is the way to go, only to find that they turn into ‘bridezilla’ trying to find the perfect table centre piece.

Don’t go down that path! Get a stylist! Hire that perfect piece or go all out and let them take it off your hands, but whatever you do BE INVOLVED and put your heart into the planning with your stylist.

Our recent Gold Coast Wedding Festival Stylists all have unique flair of their own. There was something to suit our brides and grooms individual taste.

None of them do the same thing as you can see for yourself below:

Lovestruck

The Palace and Co.

Retro in the Rough

The Collector & Co

Autumn Grove Events

Just like Autumn Grove Events sign says “hire me” and click on this link to find your fave stylist: https://adarlingaffair.com/gold-coast-directory/stylists/

Images by: When Elephant Met Zebra

Stylin’ Stationery

A Darling Affair 25/03/2014 0 Comments

When we carefully selected our paper magicians for our recent Gold Coast Wedding Festival, they had to have originality in technique so we could fully give our brides and grooms inspiration and maybe even a invitation that they had never thought of before opening their eyes to the WOW factor!

Here’s a round up of the diverse styling/stationery these wonderful vendors put on show. If you see something you like contact them and say “i want that one!”

Sunshine & Confetti

They say “if it’s on paper we can do it!” and you better believe it. We have had the pleasure of working with this lovely lady on a shoot and if your looking for invitations to suit your “theme” Boom! She will knock your socks off! Oh and she also does wedding styling. Yep a lady who does it all!

Fox and Fallow

These guys are the creators of our awesome signage we have dotted around our fairs. “Creative Ink & Dust” is their tag line and the word creative is not to be used lightly when it comes to them. They are a husband and wife team and love oozes out from them onto the paper or boards they design for you. A class awesomeness at it’s best!

Peachy Flamingo

Who needs paper anyway when you can “totes” have a bag! This peachy keen lady prints on ANYTHING! Paper, fabric, awesome personalised cake toppers and wedding aisle backdrops. I’m sure if she was looking at your face she would love to print something on that too!

Kowhai Kreations

If you want a keepsake or a family heirloom this is your go to lady. Kowhai creates canvas prints for your wedding and more. A reminder for generations down the track…yes your babies and grand babies not just for your own home.

Birds of A Feather – A Letterpress Co.

Specialising in letterpress, a printing method where ink is literally pressed into paper using a heavy press. They do love their creative freedom and branch out to wooden invitations, albums and much more.

Be sure to pop over to their websites to research them more! We would but we’d be there for hours because of our stationery addiction!

Sunshine and Confetti – Fox and Fallow – Peachy Flamingo – Kowhai Kreations –Birds of a Feather

Images by: When Elephant Met Zebra

Some Sneaky Fun Behind The Scenes

A Darling Affair 11/03/2014 0 Comments

Do you guys love photo booths as much as we do!? They add such a fun vibe to any event – especially a Wedding Festival! One of the awesome photo booths at our recent Gold Coast Wedding Festival was the cute and funky When Elephant Met Zebra booth. Brian (the boss man over at When Elephant Met Zebra) doesn’t just take spectacular wedding photos, but he can also provide one of the most fun and interactive props to any event… our Vendors loved this thing so much that we couldn’t keep them away on the night!

Here is a little behind the scenes fun at A Darling Affair – all photos below are either vendors, models, helpers or Darlings… see if you can guess who is who!

If you were there on the night taking happy snaps then head here to find your cheeky photos: http://whenelephantmetzebra.pixieset.com/ada/individuals/

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 some more WHEELIE COOL vendors!

A Darling Affair 11/02/2014 0 Comments

OLIVE & CO.

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

Olive is a travelling vintge café and bar who is endearing, delightful and sure to make your guests gush with her gorgeousness.

She is a 1950’s inspired, hand crafted, bondwood caravan and loves nothing more than to be a part of making happy memories. I am the Co. which makes up the Olive & Co.

What is it about weddings that you love so much?

I am a hopeless romantic and believe in a happily ever after. There is just nothing like a wedding to bring people together and the name of love and to restore our hope and faith in something that lies at the very core of every human being.

The world needs more love!

What do you do in your free time?

Give free hugs…

WINNIE COOPER

Winnie is a limited edition Roadhaven Van. There were only 200 vans ever made and Winnie is number 197. She was originally built in 1970 and has now been restored to her full glory! Winnie is a gorgeous girl and is available to hire for weddings, parties and fun times!

For more information on these gorgeous travelling vintage vans, check out their websites:

www.oliveandco.com.au | www.facebook.com/WinnieCooperVintageCaravan

The Brides Market… a very cool concept!

A Darling Affair 03/12/2013 0 Comments

Last night, two thirds of the A Darling Affair team had the pleasure of seeing Brisbane’s newest bridal concept come to life in front of our eyes. The Brides Market is the vision of Jennifer Gifford (yep, the same talented lady who brings us those divine bridal gowns!) and is a bit of a one stop shop for brides. Our feedback from the evening? It’s AMAZING! This place is a must see for brides and vendors alike, there are separate sections of the store set aside to showcase different vendors, along with a gorgeous fitting room to try on some spectacular gowns and a really cool space for meetings.

This is a wonderful new way for brides to plan their special day and for vendors to showcase their work in a beautiful, creative retail space. Part bridal boutique, part wedding emporium and part industry hub in a seamlessly integrated space. It’s located on Logan Road in Woolloongabba which is a really cute precinct with lots of cool cafes and restaurants nearby.

It’s open every day, so you can pop in and look at all things pretty at a time that suits you, and if that wasn’t enough, they’re also hosting Sunday markets once a month and Thursday evening flower and food markets! We are in love. Do yourselves a favour darlings and check this one out.

xxx

Breathtaking Backdrops

A Darling Affair 15/07/2013 0 Comments

Let’s set the scene of two lovers soon to become one. To the alter the bride would traditionally walk to gaze into the eyes of the one she loves and there connects for the first time to be husband and wife.

It may sound theatrical, but really it is. People well up with emotions and grin from ear to ear for this joyous occasion. Families come together and unite through love.

We present to you what was the simple alter with a few minor decorating touches or a full blown creation. The “backdrop” now sets the scene………….

Style Le Aisle

Aaron Shum Photography – styling by Wholehearted Studio

The beauty and rawness of our land – KISSstudio

Rustic love

A touch of class with a chandelier- (The real life bride and groom behind KISSstudio!)

Boots Photography

AND Here’s a sneak peek into the future of a wonderful venue opening up on the Sunshine Coast. The Lakehouse. You can get married on site and with glorious shots of the lake behind.

The Lakehouse is due to open in September and we are a tad bit excited! (insert squeal here!!!)

This beautiful shot was taken by Images by Lou O’Brien

Last but not least our beautiful location for The Sunshine Coast Wedding Fair 2013. The gorgeous The Chapel – Woombye.

Styled by our amazing dream team: Style Le Aisle, Dear & Tine Photography, Willow bud, Marilyn Crystelle Bridal, Natalie Hunter Makeup, Altered Images Hair & Beauty.

You can meet all these amazing vendors mentioned at the Sunshine Coast Wedding Fair August 10th.

**Limited time to buy your tickets online and bring a friend for free.**

Just click here: https://adarlingaffair.com/tickets/

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

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/

Let there be Light!

A Darling Affair 02/04/2013 Fairy Lights, fresh honey, Gold Coast, Industrial Lighting, Lanterns, Lighting, Naked Bulbs, styling, Wedding Fair 2 Comments

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?

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.

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.

Lighting: 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!

Image: Down Bangalow Road

Image: 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.

Image: 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