Antique gold bride

Having come across a fab website (Polyvore.com) which lets you have fun with a variety of design looks I thought I would have a play and create some funky wedding looks. Here is my first attempt showcasing a antique gold themed bride. I think this looks fab with a stylish, glamourous and romantic feel.

If you have any designs that would like to share with us please get in touch.

Items in this design:
Shoes and bag - Gina
Perfume - Carol's Daughter Pearls Eau De Toilette
Dress - findmypromdress.com
Necklace - Tom Binns for Disney Coture
Rose earrings - net-a-porter.com
Butterfly ring - juicycouture.com
Rose bouquet - Roses2go

Keith Appleby Photography

Today I am pleased to introduce Keith Appleby, principal photographer at Keith Appleby Photography, and Wedding Photographer of the Year 2008.

Keith has been photographing timeless moments since he first picked up a camera at 13. His instinct for capturing people off-guard makes a unique and unforgettable documentation of your day. Keith works to capture the personalities of everyone present so intuitively that you will barely notice his presence, yet the pictures will show that somehow he was everywhere, not missing a single moment.

Here's what Keith had to say.......

What first interested you in photography?
My father was a Dentist and I used to develop his X-rays in the darkroom as a boy - this led to taking & developing my own photographs.

What was your inspiration for setting up your business?
I have always been interested in candid & street photography and when wedding photography became more naturalistic I realised that this could be the perfect marriage (excuse the pun) for my observational skills.

What did you do prior to this?
I was a partner and photographic director of a catalogue production company employing 150 staff. We had the largest photographic studio space in Europe, except IKEA! We designed, photographed and printed catalogues and marketing material for Argos, Littlewoods, B&Q, Harrods, Sony etc.


What do you consider to be your USP?
I aim to fit in as a 'guest with a camera' rather than an outsider, which in turn allows guests to feel completely at ease in front of the camera. My images portray the soul of the wedding whilst capturing the personalities of everyone present.

How would you describe your photographic style?
I am a documentary wedding photographer who specialises in discreetly capturing the magical, passionate moments from the wedding day with emphasis on beauty, style and the glamour of the day.


What do you do to relax in your spare time?
Walking, Golf, and believe or not.... Photography!

What are the current wedding photography trends?
The big trend is for 'reportage' photography. This sounds a bit like going into a war zone (actually weddings are a bit like a friendly war zone). In fact reportage photography is about 'reporting' or 'documenting' what's in front of the camera. This is often done with wide angle lenses which gives a very graphic feel to the images. I would advise couples to be diligent when choosing their reportage photographer and make sure that they can also shoot beautiful shots of the couple together, their guests, and any family group shots that might be required.

What are your top three tips to a bride and groom when choosing a photographer?
Do you feel real emotion when you look at the photographer's work? Do the pictures move you? Are you nearly shedding a tear when you look at his (or her) images? If so then you're on the right track. It's all about emotion. You also need to ensure that you are happy with your photographer's personality and that his manner and appearance will fit in with your guests, as this is so important.

There are literally hundreds of run-of-the-mill wedding photographers and you could look at all of their websites and not me moved by a single image. Their photographs might be technically proficient but what's missing is the emotion and passion. There's no second chance with wedding photography.

Describe the best wedding you've ever worked on?
There is no 'single wedding' that I could call the 'best' because each wedding can have many wonderful & moving moments. I have covered a wedding which had Enrique Iglesias as the 'entertainer' in Cairo, with 3,500 guests, which of course was special, and many others with some wonderful touches. My ideal wedding is when the bride & groom (and guests) are not self-conscious and are having such a great time that they hardly know I'm there. This gives me the opportunity to take photographs of people uninhibitedly enjoying themselves and makes for some great images.


Have you ever had a disaster on a job? What did you do to fix it?
I've never has a disaster and take great care to ensure that this will never happen. As a professional wedding photographer I always carry spare equipment as a back up. The most stress is caused by actually getting to the venue. If I get caught in a motorway traffic jam for 3 or 4 hours then I could be scuppered. So I always leave plenty of time to get to my venue - as it would really be a disaster if I never arrived!

Have you worked with wedding planners and if so how do you consider they change a wedding?
Yes, many times. It's not so much that they 'change' a wedding rather they ensure that the bride and groom have a totally stress free day because everything is taken care of by the wedding planner.

To find out more information visit the Keith Appleby Photography website.

Sophisticated Sapphire

Blue has always been a traditional wedding colour, and as we all know you are supposed to walk down the aisle with "something old, something new, something borrowed - and something blue".

The sapphire symbolises loyalty, but at the same time it gives expression to people's love and longing.


Photo credits:

Flowers: Unique Floral Online

Blue dress: Chic Accessories

Cake: Tasty Layers

White dress with blue sash: Bridal Wave

Table setting with blue glasses, Champagne glasses and button hole: The Knot

Ribbon: Inviting Smiles

Shoe: Shoe Wawa

Car: Cobra County

Table with hydrangeas: HyStudio - Life Behind the Lens

Captain Corelli's Mandolin

Love is a temporary madness, it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your root was so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is.

Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being in love, which any fool can do. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Those that truly love have roots that grow towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossoms have fallen from their branches, they find that they are one tree and not two.

'Captain Corelli's Mandolin' by Louis de Bernieres

Happy Mother's Day

Today's post is dedicated to all the mum's, especially my own and I'd like to say have a really happy Mother's Day. I am very lucky to have such a special mum (pictured above on my wedding day). What better way to honour today that to highlight some beautiful Mother of the Bride outfits.

Department stores like Debenhams, John Lewis and House of Fraser are also great places to look for that special outfit.

Photo credits:
1 & 2: Condici
3: John Charles
4: Frank Usher
5: Ispirato

82nd Oscar Glamour

I just love Oscar night and the anticipation of all those glamorous celebrities in their fabulous dresses walking the red carpet. Now with me being a bit of a magpie when it comes to sparkles it is no surprise that the dress designed by Osca de la Renta and worn by Cameron Diaz was my favourite.


Armani Prive was my favourite designer overall of the night. Both Jennifer Lopez and Amanda Seyfried looked beautiful in their Swarovski crystal encrusted creations. Bling it on.....


As well as Osca de la Renta and Armani Prive, here are a few of my other favourites of the night.



Photo credits:
Cameron Diaz - Oscar.com
1, 2, 3 - GMTV
4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 - Oscar.com

Anna Lou of London

Looking around for some inspiration for Mother's Day I came across these fab bangles and cuffs from Anna Lou of London. As a treat for Mother's Day they are offering a free gift if you spend over £25.


As you can see they come in a variety of styles and colours but this is just a snippet of the Anna Lou range. Worn by a host of celebrities, these accessories could also make lovely bridesmaids pressies which could be worn on the wedding day. It's well worth checking out their site......