THANK YOU BRISBANE!

A Darling Affair 27/01/2015 0 Comments

Wow! Where do we even begin!? For those who came along to our first ever Brisbane Fair, held on Saturday 17 January at The Old Museum, you’ll know what I mean. What an incredible day!

We spent more than 6 months planning this baby and we wanted it to be the biggest and best alternative wedding fair that Queensland had laid it’s pretty little eyes on. We carefully selected the most creative, unique and insanely fun vendors to take part and chose the character filled Old Museum to be our host. With three studios joined by a long and beautiful veranda, all overlooking a picturesque garden area – it really was the perfect location for A Darling Affair.

The day itself was a scorcher – 37 degrees! But you guys handled it like champions and it didn’t stop you coming out in force to soak up the atmosphere that A Darling Affair has become known for. Our foodies kept your bellies full with delicious treats and kept your temperatures down with ice-blocks and yummy cool drinks. We saw loads of you enjoying the live tunes out on the lawn and making the most of the shaded picnic areas and chill out zones while you sifted through your goodie bags chatting about all the rad vendors you’d just met.

Our fashion parades also attracted huge crowds and the gorgeous indoor tree provided by Autumn Grove provided the most beautiful backdrop to those stunning gowns and dapper suits on display. Stay tuned this week as we post official wrap up’s of all our fashion parades on the day – there is some seriously beautiful inspiration to be seen!

There was an awesome vibe and an electric atmosphere at our Brisbane fair and we’ve had some incredible feedback from Brides who have booked loads of our vendors for their weddings already – this puts a gigantic smile on our face to know that we have helped you guys plan your big day!

So sit back, relax and enjoy the first round of official photos from our first ever Brisbane Fair. We want to thank the insanely talented and hard working When Elephant Met Zebra for these photos (they do weddings too guys! check them out!). And don’t forget to stay tuned this week as we release more images and post our official vendor and fashion parade wrap-ups!

Thanks for being so amazing Brisbane! This was our biggest and best fair ever and we can’t wait to come back in 2016!

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And don’t forget to check out the VENDOR DIRECTORY for Brisbane for more wedding inspo, you’re going to love these guys!

DELICIOUS WEDDING CATERING

A Darling Affair 16/01/2015 0 Comments

It’s really hard for my mouth not to water when doing these blog posts about the most wonderful caterers with amazing and unique concepts for their businesses.

All these vendors will be serving up the goods for your taste buds this Saturday on the lawns at The Old Museum for you to enjoy. We are going to taste them ALL and we hope you do too!

PIZZANTICA

PIzzantica believes that a memorable occasion comes from sharing a fantastic meal with family and friends.

Pizzantica have built their business in a way that gives you this experience – Restaurant style Pizza catering service at your place using their funky VW Kombi van mounted ferrari-red pizza oven with the pizza prepared and served in the traditional Napoli way by their Italian PIzzaiolo (Italian pizza chef).

Their customers rave about the quality of food, the stylish presentation, service and the uniqueness of the concept and how this all comes together to add to the success of their special occasion.

I HEART BROWNIES

Lulu from I Heart Brownies runs a small local business specialising in delicious Gluten-Free Chocolate Brownies. Made using only the best locally sourced, ethically produced ingredients, each and every delicious ‘I Heart Brownie’ is hand produced with 100% heart!

Lulu spent most of her free time baking, it was always something that she had a passion for but never seriously considered pursuing it as a career. It’s funny how the right thing is sometimes right in front of us but we just can’t see it.

I Heart Brownies has supplied their delicious brownies to over 50 weddings and special events. Their mouth watering flavours include: Raspberry, Chocolate Mint, Cherry Coconut, Choc Orange, Turkish Delight and Salted Carmel. YUMMO!!

POPTACO

After a long relationship with Mexico itself, Kristal – owner of Pop Taco, wanted to create a true representation of it. Celebrating it’s cuisine here so she could surround herself with it’s colours, aromas and fun.

Poptaco is a vibrant fiesta catering service and authentic mexican taqueria located on the Gold Coast. A Darling Affair recently had Poptaco cater our launch party for Brisbane and we seriously couldn’t stop popping taco’s in our mouths all night long.

Owner Kristal is hardworking, calm and such a pleasure to work with we highly recommend her and her delicious food for catering at your next fiesta! You won’t be disappointed with the taste sensation that happens in your mouth and the money well spent.

Tickets are available for The Brisbane Wedding at the gates via cash or eftpos. See you tomorrow xx

VEHICLES WITH PASSION

A Darling Affair 13/01/2015 0 Comments

We LOVE vendors who have passion and put all their love into their business and there is no shortage of that when it comes to restoring old vehicles. You will see these magnificent works of art on display this Saturday and can chat to their owners about having them at your wedding.

KOMBI CELEBRATIONS

Kombi Celebrations was founded in early 2011 by Deborah and her gorgeous partner Steven, and was born purely from their mutual love of these nostalgic vehicles. Steven, co-owner of Kombi Celebrations has been a self-confessed Kombi enthusiast since he was knee-high. Deb’s love grew when they purchased their first Kombi Kid together Blewis a blue bay-window camper – which they keep for themselves for camping trips with their family – and then came Florence the TV star (as seen in the final series of Packed to the Rafters 2013).

Kombi Celebrations has one of Australia’s largest award winning VW Kombi fleets for hire servicing Queensland from Cairns to Byron Bay, NSW, ACT and VIC. They provide 5* service excellence in the event transport industry and have a network of over 16 vehicles on our fleet servicing the east coast of Australia with the majority all with the ability to seat up to eight guests makes the kombi a perfect, stylish vehicle when organising transport for a large wedding party or group affordable and easy.

Kombi Celebrations believe that their infectious energy and passion for what they do, not only contributes to the success of the family business but also has been a huge factor along with their amazing crew – to the wonderful reviews on their facebook page they have received from wonderful clients.

THE LINCOLN LIMOUSINE

Holden Oldies & The Lincoln Limousine are a passion of Brian and Linda – aka The Woody’s by their friends – of their love of restoring old cars for weddings and events.

They offer a full chauffered limousine experience for one of the most important journey’s in life – your wedding day ride. They it memorable and special.

There is not another car operating in SEQ like the Lincoln Limousine for hire. So having this bad boy cruise you to your wedding is one of a kind.

GATHERING EVENTS

Jennifer and her husband renovated their little 10ft vintage York caravan and it has been given a new life, purpose built to host custom events and celebrations. It took 12 months together so every element is custom made with love. Jennifer has over eight years in the event industry and her number one priority is old fashioned quality customer service.

Their vintage caravan bar allows BYO or they will work with the venue, and all drinks will be served by their charming and super qualified bartenders. Cocktails included.

The exterior of the caravan can be branded for couples on their big day – making it their very own ‘slice of heaven’ for the day!

Come and see these beautifully restored with love vehicles at The Brisbane Wedding Fair. They will all be polished and shined to perfection at the entrance to The Old Museums building for you to have a look at and admire. xx

SWEET WEDDING DAY DELIGHTS

A Darling Affair 12/01/2015 0 Comments

PERFECTLY SWEET

Alicia from Perfectly Sweet and specialise’s in creating a distinctively unique lolly and dessert buffet that is personalised to the theme, style and mood of your specific event. eg. Weddings, Engagements, Birthdays, Baby Showers, Christenings, Kitchen Teas, Corporate Events, Product Launches or any special event. What ever the occasion Perfectly Sweet can sugar coat your event and have your guest buzzing with excitement

It’s such a special feeling being able to set up a buffet for someone’s wedding and seeing there reaction when they walk into the room. Alicia loves being able to be apart of someone’s special day and sweetening their event.

HANSEL & GRETEL

Megan is a Brisbane based baker and cake decorator with a passion for creating cakes that make people say ‘I can’t cut it, it’s too pretty!’

Each couple she meets with are unique, therefore, their cake should be a reflection of them and their event. All of her cakes are sketched from scratch for each individual couple. No picking a cake out of a binder here!

Planning your dream cake starts with a complimentary consultation and cake tasting with owner/operator Megan. At this time you have the opportunity to try a variety of our fabulous flavours and discuss what design ideas you may have!

Cakes are priced individually as each cake varies on the amount of detail and time it will take to execute your design. All Hansel&Gretel Cakes are made completely from scratch (no shortcuts here!) and only the finest quality and locally sourced ingredients are used in our cakes. Its also important to Megan that your cake be styled to perfection.

Now that that your mouth is watering and your craving a sugar fix get online and grab your tickets to the Wedding Fair this Saturday to see the AMAZING eye popping displays that these ladies will be showcasing.

STYLING STATIONERS

A Darling Affair 12/01/2015 0 Comments

WITH LOVE STATIONERY & DESIGN

As a commercial graphic designer by day, her love for paper, special printing methods, stationery beautiful paper goods (and our course weddings!) led Jackie to start WITHLOVE.

Jackie aims to work with couples to produce wedding suites that tell a story about their day. Creating Stationery that is too pretty to throw away – a keepsake for many years to come.

Jackie is a stickler for quality (she is a bit of a perfectionist – and is proud of it) so you can be sure that when you receive a WITHLOVE product it has passed with flying colours her high standards test.

PEACHY FLAMINGO

Not only is Kylie an Art Director/ Graphic Designer, she is an all round creative dabbling in Craft, Jewellery and Illustration – all to which plays apart in her aesthetic.

Peachy Flamingo makes Custom Wedding Stationary, Cake Toppers & Tote Goods. Totes make a unique favour idea in which guests can use day to day. The Bridal Party Collection comes in both totes and drawstring gift bags, they then can be used through out the day to carry all the necessities

Also available are magnificent custom screen printed or hand painted calico banners – which will make for a lovely keepsake and wall hanging in your home for years to come.

CARTAMODELLO PAPETERIE

Cartamodello Papeterie started as most passions do: as a hobby.

While Laura was freelancing as a graphic designer she decided to open an Esty store and was totally blown away by the marketplaces response and how quickly her little shop took off. The business is a girl-and-guy-in-love partnership, making beautiful stationery for other loved up couples. Having Chris on board has been especially awesome for grooms and being able to see them get excited about planning and prep work as well.

Cartamodello are really passionate about high quality papers and wood and love trying to be as environmentally-conscious as possible when it comes to making beautiful stationery.

Come and touch, feel, smell and buy some of these amazing goods on sale for your home or book in your fav customised wedding stationery suite for your big day at The Brisbane Wedding Fair Jan 17th 10-4pm.

Buy your tickets online HERE or simply rock up at the gate and grab them on the day.

HAIR AND MAKE UP BEAUTIES

A Darling Affair 11/01/2015 0 Comments

THE BEAUTY CASE

Khesahn and her amazing team behind The Beauty Case have worked hard and long creating a business that not only makes people look good but feel good as well. The great thing is they offer BOTH hair and makeup.

The Beauty Case girls bring a lot of fun, positivity and really bad jokes to your wedding day pampering. When they finish your hair and make up they just don’t pack up and go home they are there to help you get dresses and help Mum or Dad pin that damn button hole on. They have been around plenty of weddings and photo shoots to help you get it just right.

Honesty is their best policy when they do your hair and make up – they tell you if it’s not going to work, look bad or simply you just don’t have the features/enough hair to do it – they want you to be upfront with them and hope that they make you comfortable to do so with them.

PEEKABOO MAKEUP

Peekaboo is a culmination of years of study and interest in all things beauty and glamour.They provide hairstyling and makeup to suit a bride’s unique vision of her day. From vintage glam, to the more natural or even a modern inspired look.

Peekaboo don’t get too caught up in the industry of hair and makeup – they are all about getting to know their brides, their vision and making it happen!

VELBELLA

Lauren and Rebecca decided to combine their sole trading businesses and create Velbella – specialising in hair and airbrush makeup artistry.Now they have a team behind them creating beautiful looks for brides and their bridal party.

What makes Velbella unique is that they have for sale their own brand of airbrush makeup kits and products if brides want top do their own makeup on their wedding day. The products are light wearing, long lasting and flawless!

Come and have a chat with these hair and makeup artists about what would suit you and your wedding day ideas. You will also see the handiwork of The Beauty Case team in all 3 fashion parades as they are our official makeup artists for The Brisbane Wedding Fair.

So tell your bridal party and bring them down next Saturday to the Old Museum to help you decide on all your beauty needs for you big day xxx

PICTURE PERFECT PHOTOGRAPHY

A Darling Affair 11/01/2015 0 Comments

WHEN ELEPHANT MET ZEBRA

When Elephant Met Zebra got it’s name from the two lovebirds behind the scenes of the business. Brian’s favourite animal is the elephant and his wife Sheena absolutely loves zebra’s.

Brian has a team of fine art film wedding photographers based in Brisbane, but they regularly travel all over Australia and internationally to photograph beautiful weddings.

Rather than documenting a wedding with thousands of randomly captured pictures, WEMZ craft images of life, movement and emotion with the subtle touch of the artist’s hand.

Considering an entire collection of stylised photographs as a representation of the couples special day, they comprehensively design imagery using fashion and editorial photography techniques, while still remaining fluid enough to show the wild emotional component of a wedding.

You will see Brian with his band of merry men photographers snapping pictures left right and centre at the fair on Saturday, as they are our official event photographers. So don’t forget to put on a bit of lippy and a rockin’ hair style, you may just be featured on our blog 🙂

RYDER EVANS PHOTOGRAPHY

Ryder always loved photography but never thought he would become a wedding photographer until he was a second shooter at a wedding with his mate and since then he was hooked and has never looked back!

Ryder produces wedding photography that captures your most natural self, the joyful, teary and unscripted moments. He’s all about caoturing what’s important to you as a couple.

As an all day wedding photographer Ryder Evans does this so he can tell the complete story of your day, stating as early as you like and will be there right up until you leave the reception, because after all that’s where the party begins, right?!

STUDIO SIXTY PHOTOGRAPHY

Studio Sixty Photography like the quote “from little things big things grow” to describe their photography business. 20 years old and still loving every minute of it.

They keep things simple so their service provides ‘the best photography with a smile’. This husband and wife team Sally and Jason are fun to be around and have great personalities. They are very personable and lovely. Scouts honour – we’re not lying.

Ahhhh we love these photographers to bits and we know you will too. We never get tired of chatting to these fine folk. Come and meet them all in person at The Brisbane Wedding Fair on Saturday xx

Fancy Films

A Darling Affair 10/01/2015 0 Comments

Nothing else captures the raw emotions of your wedding day like someone who is a whiz behind the video camera.

We know we can all record on our phones these days but to have a wedding professional edit your wedding day through moving images and music evokes an emotion that you and your future kiddies will never forget.

Introducing our VERY talented film vendors who will be excited to meet you at The Brisbane Wedding Fair:

MILQUE

When you view Milque wedding films it’s easy to lose yourself in the romance.

Professionally captured by experienced young and approachable cinematographers, Milque films are more than just a wedding video, their a beautifully captured account of all the special moments that made up your wedding day.

With a Milque film you can spend your life reliving your beautiful day time and time again.

ONE DAY IN MIND

It is very rare to have all the people you love in one place at the same time.

After Maria and Al from One Day in Mind had their wedding celebrations, they craved to have that feeling of intense exaltation of emotion again and wondered if it was possible to preserve it’s experience across space and time.

This couple produces fine films for fine folk. In 1000 years time when we have long left this place, it is ODIM’s hope is that they capture your wedding day to tell the tale of not just who you loved, but how you loved with honest authenticity.

Come and chat all things film and meet these fantastic teams who love what they do with a passion at The Brisbane Wedding Fair Jan 17th – The Old Museum 10-4pm.

Grab your tickets HERE to beat the crowds at the door fumbling with their loose change xx

DARLING DRESS DESIGNERS

A Darling Affair 09/01/2015 0 Comments

We are so excited to welcome back some fantastic and talented women who create the most wonderful dream dresses for your wedding day.

These designers have won awards, had their dresses on TV commercials and are shown in local and national magazines. They are equally beautiful in nature as the gowns they personally design for you and put a whole lot of heart and love into every stitch they sew.

You will meet and see all 3 designers at The Brisbane Wedding Fair with their gowns on display and parading down the catwalk.

JENNIFER GIFFORD DESIGNS

Jennifer Gifford is so talented in her approach to dress designing that but every time you chat to her, her eyes light up with excitement if it involves anything to do with being creative. We have worked closely with Jennifer and love getting sneak peeks of her upcoming ranges. She is also the brains behind one of our major sponsors The Brides Market.

Jennifer loves creating beautiful gowns for beautiful girls preparing for the biggest day of their lives. Each gown is a stunning handmade bridal gown with classic silhouettes, using beautiful french laces, tulles and silk.

BEGITTA – BRIDAL AND COUTURE

Designer Begitta Stolk is known for her distinct style of couture construction, working with her signature draping and hand finishings she steps out of the ‘box’ and into a wonderland of glorious devotion and love to the world of couture.

When we say a ‘wonderland’ we mean what ever you can imagine Begitta can create. Custom made with love for you the bride to be.

ANNA DUTTON COUTURE

Anna Dutton began her business professionally at 15 after being taught to sew from a very young age by her mother who was a well known bridal couturier for over 40 years.

She always loves the squeals of joy from brides to be who pick up their completed bridal gowns whom she has worked with from sketching a design concept, to fittings right through to being there to dress the bride on the day! This amazing journey is why Anna love’s her job so much!

Anna pride’s her business on great customer service and her unique product. Anna doesn’t follow trends but rather her creative vision, every gown evolves from inspiration which can be from so many things, but her favourite inspiration is exquisite fabrics and embellishments.

Anna encourages all brides to be to have the gown of their dreams while providing gentle guidance.

Don’t miss out on meeting these creatives at the Brisbane Wedding Fair January 17th and seeing their gowns grace the runway. Grab you tickets online HERE xx

PRIZES!

A Darling Affair 08/01/2015 0 Comments

Everyone who comes along to our Brisbane fair has the opportunity to win more than $5000 worth of insanely good prizes on the day! If you wanna know what is up for grabs then continue reading and prepare to be amazed…

CASSANDRA LADRU PHOTOGRAPHY is offering up a free engagement session and print package which is valued at $780
KOMBI CELEBRATIONS is giving away a 3 hour champagne kombi hire package in “Alfie” or “Lola” the kombi which is valued at $795
WEDDINGS BY POPULAR DEMAND is giving away a very awesome free ceremony package valued at $750
JUDDRIC PHOTOGRAPHY is offering up a free engagement shoot which includes a 2 hour portrait session and all photos quality processed and supplied in hi-res which is valued at $500
HOPE & LACE is giving away a one-on-one consultation with Erin to discuss any aspect of your wedding (from vendor options, to assistance with budget forecasts, to run sheet compilation). Valued at $80
TRICIA KING PHOTOGRAPHY is giving away a free couples shoot valued at $500
CHASE THE SUN DESIGNS is offering up 50 very cool personalised calligraphy swing tags which are valued at $125
FERGUS AND THE CAT are giving away a handmade Unisex Bow Tie valued at $75
AVE EVENTS are offering up a super helpful kick start wedding planning package which is valued at $500
PEACHY FLAMINGO are giving away a Bridal Party Tote Set (up to 5 totes) valued at $115
THE CURIOUS CARAVAN are giving away a free $200 bar tab for luxury coffees, teas & hot chocolate at your wedding or engagement party AND a free 24hr lawn game hire voucher valued at $95
BLUSHING CONFETTI is giving away 2 x A3 foiled prints to adorn your walls at home valued at $150
HANSEL & GRETEL are giving away a delicious sample pack includes eight servings of our fabulous flavours, tea or coffee portions and some sugar cookies to finish with which is valued at $30
BEGITTA is giving away a stunning hand-made headpieces to the value of $195
MADE WITH LOVE are giving away a $500 hire voucher to go towards your wedding hire
CUISINE ON CUE are giving away a very tasty prize – complimentary assorted platters (eg antipasto, sushi, charcuterie) to be shared by guests on arrival at your wedding reception which is valued at $750
HODGEPODGE HIRE are giving away a $250 hire voucher to go towards your wedding hire
THE BALLERINA BRIDE are giving away a free make-up trial valued at $85
HELLO MAY are giving away a very awesome 12 month subscription to their magazine which is valued at $60

To win one of these amazing prizes you just need to purchase an online ticket right HERE, or sign up to the prize register on the day!

Please note – terms and conditions apply to all prizes given away at A Darling Affair. Terms and conditions will be supplied to the winner of each prize via email once the prize draws have concluded.