Yet last weekend I dipped my toe, literally, into the neon scene. I have rather bright pink toes! So I thought I would delve and see what neon joy can be found for a wedding.

Whilst I am an aficionado of pink, I must say that the other colours in the neon spectrum are a little frightening to me. However, I’m quite in love with what I’ve found for you.

Shall we start with dresses?

From coral to the brightest yellow I’ve ever seen. I think I’ve got you covered. Perhaps for your maids a wonderful twobirds bridesmaids dress? Or a little shocking pink underneath lace from the lovely Belle and Bunty. Are you the bride that can carry off that amazing yellow from Prabal Gurung? I would love to see you in it! Or perhaps a patterned coral feel for your maids from Anusha? I do love the idea of the interchangeable slips from Katya Katya Shehurina. Go bold! And finally in our little dress section the lovely designs of Louise from Oh My Honey. This little number is fab but I know her new season is even more spectacular!

Top | Coral - twobirds bridesmaid | Lucky Lace Dress – Belle and Bunty | Neon gown - Prabal Gurung |

Bottom | Sirena - Anusha | Isabella - Katya Katya Shehurina  | Florence – Oh My Honey |

Now for some accessories. I fell in love with these Emmy shoes when I first saw them at a little showcase a few weeks ago. Aren’t they fabulous! I rather am swooning over the J Crew bracelet, a very tempting purchase if, like me, you are a little nervous of the neon. With the amazing statement necklace below perhaps coupled with those beautiful rings from Astley Clarke, you could look neon-tastic! Or how about some rather crazy earrings? Yet with all the neon perhaps you need something a little less colourful with a beautiful beflowered hairband! And let’s not forget the mothers, I think this little hat from Bee Smith is rather charming.

Top | Frida –  Emmy | Neon chevron bracelet – J Crew | Neon Tassel Necklace – Olivia Divine | Hot Tropics ring stack – Astley Clarke |

Bottom | Neon Earrings - Martine Wester | Handcut paper headband –  Anissa Lee | Pink Pleated headpiece –  Bee Smith |

How about a daring neon pink eye (the good sort!) The lovely Ana Ospina tried this look out on me a few months back and I loved it! I’m all for fabulous eyes on your wedding day. Go on ladies, make it happen! (Also aren’t those eyebrows almost perfection!) And for nails, I would send you to Claire K, who I first met through Asma of Boudoir Lashes. A top notch nail artist she be!

| Eye – Miss Beauty Addict | Nails – Claire K Nails |

Not forgetting a few nibbles. A fabulous neon chevron cake from Cake Maison and an amazing array of meringues from the Meringue Girls!

| Leilani – Cake Maison | Meringues – The Meringue Girls |

And to decor. I keep on trying to find an excuse to buy a Bonbon Balloon or two. Perhaps Bean will finally take the hint for our anniversary? A girl can hope! How about a little neon for your stationery? Or perhaps you could festoon your whole wedding with these wonderful paper tassels? I am seriously considering a little home festooning myself! And then think of all the fun you can have with these sparkly tapes from Papermash, I do believe they could create a little bit of a stir! Or if you’re after something a little grander, how about these amazing letters from Scene Setters? And if that’s all a bit too much colour, how about buying a few neon chalk pens to write upon a pretty piece of slate?

Top | Balloon – Bonbon Balloons | Love in Paradise – In the Treehouse | Paper Tassel Garland – Paper Poms |

 Bottom | Glitter Tapes – Papermash | Letters – Scene Setter | Slate – The Slate Boutique |

Oh and finally a little love for the prettiest little purses! Who doesn’t love everything from Alphabet Bags?

| Alphabet Bags – Heart Canvas Pouch |

So I think I’ve convinced myself that I love neon. Have I convinced you or were you already a convert. Neon can look beautiful. You need not fear you’ll look like a blast from the past!

“We got married at Skinners’ Hall, one of the ancient livery halls of the City of London. Having spent our relationship living together in central London it was important to us that we were married in the city that we utterly love. With multiple family members living around the globe it was also vital that they could reach our wedding with relative ease. Our majority London based friends could also relax without worry of how to get home or spend money on hotels. It being the Olympic year we were determined to enjoy what we hoped would prove a London afterglow and (bravely/foolishly) picked a date right between the Olympics ending and the Paralympics starting. After looking at numerous venues, Skinners’ Hall fitted the bill perfectly; enabling us to have our whole wedding under one roof whilst offering lovely outdoor spaces for a central London summer wedding. The utterly beautiful venue has separate rooms for each of the main activities: ceremony, reception, breakfast and then dancing. This was great as it gave the day a very natural flow.”

“We wanted the day to be the most memorably fun day of our lives. It was important to us that in the Olympic summer the best of British got a look in; be that in clothes, our choice of menu, black cabs and the amazing sparkling English white wine. We can’t thank those Olympians enough for creating the most fantastic and positive vibe that our guests were only too happy to carry forward to our wedding.”

And now for some pretty pictures from Ross Mathews.

Laura’s top tip: “Keep logistics simple – and if it turns out to be 33 degrees centigrade hire some fans!!”

Congratulations Laura and Steve!

Photography – Ross Mathews Wedding Photography | Venue – Skinners’ Hall | Bride’s dress – Pronovias | Bride’s shoes – Upper Street | Hair and makeup – Diane James | Groom’s suit – Cad & the Dandy | Groom’s shoes and accessories – Barker, Mark Marengo and Simon Carter | Groomsmens’ suits – Moss Bros | Flowers – Pollen Nation | Catering and cake – Party Ingredients | Rings – Boodles | Entertainment – Bagatelle and Soul Avenue | Transport – City of London Black Taxis

Baby Im amazed at the way you love me all the time
Maybe Im afraid of the way I love you
Baby Im amazed at the the way you pulled me out of time
Hung me on a line
Maybe Im amazed at the way I really need you

Paul McCartney – Maybe I’m Amazed

Sarah and Robbie first met at university and although they got together a year later it took them another five to get hitched.  Their venue, the stunning George Hotel in Edinburgh and the perfect Scottish wedding, captured by Mike Cook Photography.

“We didnt want somewhere really fancy or intimidating and it was recommended to us by one of our friends. As soon as we walked in we knew it was exactly what we were after. It was relaxed while still feeling very special. The staff were amazing. We were treated like royalty all day and nothing seemed too much effort.”

After arriving by classic car, Sarah was walked down the aisle by her father to the theme from Braveheart (Robbie’s favourite film) to see a man in a kilt (how Scottish can you get?!).  ”It was very emotional for me and Robbie.  The thought of being the centre of attention made me so nervous, particularly the thought of walking up the aisle. Walking into the ceremony room though and seeing everyone you love smiling at you was the best feeling ever. I could have walked the aisle 100 times!”

“We had a humanist wedding so wrote the vows and the story of how we met ourselves. We wanted our story to be a true reflection of our relationship so it was a mixture of funny stories, romantic stories and embarassing moments! It was very emotional saying our own vows and hearing the story of our journey so far in front of all our friends and family.”

After the ceremony it was time to party, with a dinner of Scottish featherblade beef and sticky toffee pudding, favours of homemade tiffin made by Sarah’s mother and dancing with music provided by a live band.

Sarah’s words of wisdom, “Keep it personal – make sure its a reflection of the two of you rather than what you think is expected of you. Involve those you love, people like helping and being a part of such a special day.”

And now it’s time for the images from Mike Cook Photography.

 Congratulations Sarah and Robbie!

Photography – Mike Cook Photography | Venue and Catering – The George Hotel, Edinburgh | Bride’s dress – Kavelle | Bride’s shoes – Monsoon | Bridesmaids’ dresses – Coast | Makeup – Rosie Fraser | Videography – Geewhiz Wedding Films | Flowers – Lily Pad Flowers | Rings – Lime Blue | Entertainment – Strings Aloud and Franco | Transport – Ecosse Classic Wedding Cars | Decor – Zenith Events

Sun is shinin’ in the sky
There ain’t a cloud in sight
It’s stopped rainin’ ev’rybody’s in a play
And don’t you know
It’s a beautiful new day hey,hey

Runnin’ down the avenue
See how the sun shines brightly in the city
On the streets where once was pity
Mister blue sky is living here today hey, hey

Electric Light Orchestra – Mr Blue Sky

It occurs to me that sometimes you might not want to read a wall of text and look at some pretty pictures. Sometimes you want a little titbit (no tidbits here) to perhaps smile about or make you go, oh! and then for you to go on with your day. Perhaps adding a little bookmark or a mental note to remember the post.

Sure there are thousands of fabulous weddings with fabulous details at which to swoon but is there ever cold hard advice (albeit with a smattering of humour?). No I think not.

So from today I shall be offering pearls of wisdom to get your through your wedding day.

But where to begin?

Oh yes, let’s start big.

Numero uno, the big cheese, the tip which is every inch a King.

Please, please, please.

CHECK OUT ALL SHOOTING LOCATIONS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING DAY.

I’m sure these pictures illustrate a great day for the couple but I’m not sure I would have coped.

My hair does not handle water well! I think I might have cancelled the wedding.

Learn from other people’s mistakes.

Oh the poor people!

Sometimes that old wooden bridge can’t take the weight of 20 people. It’s just common sense.

So if you have a secret but highly important tips you would like to share with the whole class, do email me at anna@farfromtheweddingcrowd.com. I’d love to hear from you, feel free to submit them anonymously or however you please. Carrier pigeon is probably a little optimistic though.

Ever since I first saw this image a few weeks ago I have been daydreaming about how fabulous the scene looks.

Sure it’s a little sad that amongst such beauty something man made is created to dominate, but let’s look past that.

What a way to while away the hours, some might watch an Audrey Hepburn marathon or partake in a little James Bond. I myself would be tempted to enjoy a little Poirot (or perhaps a snug in a snowy mountain top stately home would be more fitting?)

Then a little thought, perhaps, perhaps this could be the setting for a special wedding. No need for anything save the scenery.

Imagine, sailing up the aisle by boat. Your expertly pinned veil blowing in the breeze. Perhaps at dawn, with the sun slowly rising behind you.

Then if the dancing is too much, you can jump into the crystal clear water and enjoy the respite it offers from the sun.

Hmm, I think I’ve found the way I want to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. So who wants to come?

]]> http://farfromtheweddingcrowd.com/2013/06/that-friday-photo-2/feed/ 0 http://farfromtheweddingcrowd.com/2013/06/a-fabulous-wedding-in-split-from-pj-photos/ http://farfromtheweddingcrowd.com/2013/06/a-fabulous-wedding-in-split-from-pj-photos/#comments Fri, 14 Jun 2013 07:00:17 +0000 anna http://farfromtheweddingcrowd.com/?p=5650 Because sometimes, all you need are the images.

This is a wedding I fell in love with and am so happy to share it with you.

I asked the photographer Petar of PJ Photos, a wedding photographer based in Croatia, to share some words with us.

“This wedding represents everything that I adore at weddings; two people who are crazy for each other, just closest friends and family with whom they want to share that love and the perfect scenery and in this case scenery was created by the greatest Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic, since the ceremony took place at “Kastelet” and at Mestrovic gallery, two of my favorite spots for weddings in Split.

After a couple of emails Adriana and me realized that we have studied at the same university, knew the same people and even met each other 10 years ago, so when it comes to this wedding I felt some kind of special responsibility”

Sit back with a cup of tea and just breathe in the love and the beauty. These images show so much love and happiness. What a way to end the week.

Amazing. I know. Oh how I wish we could host such wonderful weddings here in the UK.

“My dress was made by a friend of my Mum’s… I wanted straps (and they are few and far between). I also found it weird that for the most expensive item of clothing a lot of people will ever buy, you can’t try it on in your size – I was clipped and pinned into a lot of white material when I tried on dresses. After a while, I kind of got snow blindness. A lot of white frocks quickly merge. In the end we went to my Mum’s friend and described the sort of thing I wanted. She found a pattern, I threaded beads, and the dress was done. Ignore people that tell you you have to have it years in advance, it can be done in under 2 months (yay procrastination!)”.  With her magnificent dress, her hair styled by her cousin, her make up by her sister and a bouquet that she tied with her mother she headed to church to be wed.

“My dad accompanied me down the aisle. To Ave Maria (I think).  Erm not sure what we went out to. I am not hugely well versed in organ music. I emailed our organist for a list of suggestions and then you-tubed. I kind of still think that organ music sounds like… well, organ music if you see what I mean!”

After a traditional service it was off to the reception and a simple barn decked out with flowers from the market, home-made and hand-stenciled crates, lanterns, hop bines and an alpaca themed table plan drawn by the bride’s own sister (who happens to be an illustrator).  A buffet feast was put on by a friend of the family, with enough for seconds and leftovers for lunch the next day and an array of cakes were contributed by friends and relatives including a superb stacked Victoria sponge by  H’s aunt and a traditional iced fruit cake by C’s.

With dinner over it was time for dancing, starting off with a waltz by the newlyweds and a good old-fashioned ceilidh. “The band were fantastic and it meant that everyone (kids, older people and those shy of throwing shapes without instruction) could get a go. There were some casualties from wild abandon, but nothing that a ‘sit down and catch breath’ couldn’t cure.”

H’s advice, “Don’t be too bamboozled by what other people want you to have e.g. you don’t have to have a colour, or a florist, or a hairdresser if you don’t want to. When people want to help, assign them tasks that you don’t want doing in a specific way!”

Congratulations H and C and kudos on your magnificent DIY wedding!

And now for Cassandra Lane’s wonderful pictures

We apologize for the lack of alpaca pictures.  We have been assured that they are in fact real.

Photography – Cassandra Lane | Venue – a barn | Bride’s dress – friend of the mother of the bride | Bride’s shoes – Dorothy Perkins | Bride’s accessories – John Lewis | Bridesmaids’ dresses – Ghost and John Lewis | Groom’s suit – Marks & Spencer | Catering – family friend | Transport – Warrington’s Coaches | Entertainment – Ermine Street Ceilidh Band

I love my wedding ring. It belonged to my Mamgu (my Welsh grandma) and has this special art deco like engraving which has been almost rubbed away from her wearing with two other rings for many many years. I adore that I see a connection to my past every day. If anything I cherish that more than the actual significance of it being a wedding band. I most certainly do not need a ring to tell me I am married.

However, more often than not I forget to wear it. Firstly, in the winter it is a little too big and I have almost lost my rings on more than one occasion. If you’ve ever seen a little round lady, scrabbling around on the platform at Victoria station, that was probably me! And then in the summer I feel a little “claustrophobic” wearing them. I know that sounds ridiculous, it just feels a little constraining. (And no psychologists out there, it’s not a secret desire to be free of a man I love with all my heart and then a little more!) For me it’s not big deal, although I’m pretty sure Bean would love me to wear them more.

Here they are in all their glory!

Tarah Coonan Photography

Indeed, there is oft talk about men who choose not to wear a wedding ring. Indeed there were certain mumbles when Prince William chose not to wear a ring. I never expected Bean to wear a ring. If anything it would have saved us some money if he had chosen not to. I thought it would be nice but as my father has never worn a wedding ring I never assumed Bean would. Yet Bean was the opposite, his father chose to wear a wedding band, as his father did before him. Bean comes from a farming family, men who worked with their hands. The perfect/usual excuse for not wearing a wedding ring.

However, a certain single friend finds it relatively strange that our friend’s husband does not wear a ring. She uses the line that she likes to know a man is attached when she speaks to him at the bar. Whilst I agree that married men should not appear available I am sure that Bean has chatted to girls at bars. I know he’s chatted to girls before he was married and it is possible for a man to explain he is attached.

Is a wedding ring a magical chastity belt? 

Of course it isn’t. People don’t automatically not cheat if they are married.

The more I look into a man wearing a wedding ring the more it appears to be only a cynical marketing ploy. The more people who wear wedding rings the more money we can earn. 100% increase in turnover. Boom! I’m not saying that men don’t want to wear rings or that men that do not want to to wear them are bad cheaters. We are all different. I do rather love seeing Bean idly toy with his wedding ring but would I think he cared about me less if he did not wear one? Of course not, marriage cannot be summed up by a “bestowal of earnest money.” So should you be worried if your intended refuses to wear a ring? I guess it depends in the person you are about to marry. Trust is not found in a band of gold. If you do not trust them now. You will never trust them.

Yet how about those woman who do not wish to wear a wedding ring?

I love to wear my wedding ring but as I’ve said before I like it more for the family history than proving I have a relationship with my husband. However should I have always assumed I was going to wear a wedding ring? Should woman who choose not to, be cast out as lepers? Is it a sign that I wish to bear? Is it anyone else’s business that I am a married woman? I am perfectly capable of talking to men and woman without jumping their bones.

I love my rings but there one more than one occasion I have felt embarrassed by such an obvious display of my marital status. It appears boastful, that I am happy and you without your ring cannot possibly be as happy. (Obviously this is a ridiculous conclusion.)

What does a wedding ring mean to you? Do you need one? Do you need your intended to wear one?

Anyhoo, enough of my partial history lesson and onto some pretties.

I’ve been sneakily following Jonathan of Mr Yen fame for a while now. I’ve loved watching him grown into his signature style and so when I was brave enough to say hello on twitter and he so kindly replied, I thought there was no better time to showcase his work.

Jonathan’s papercuts are simply exquisite, inspired by nature and cut by hand with his trusty scalpel. Oh yes, no handy laser cutter here. Just a deliciously steady hand and a ridiculous level of skill. (Whilst I have been known to wield a scalpel on occasion, trust me, skin is a far easier medium to work with than paper!)

I hope you enjoy this little selection of his work as much as I do!

Perhaps a delicate addition to your wedding decor? Monogram banner.

Please someone propose with this. Oscar Wilde was a rather clever soul.

Oh those flowers! Just look how delicate the work  he creates and at the little details he adds. So sweet! Papercut.

Who wouldn’t want a delicate heirloom to cherish for years to come. The hours Jonathan spends embracing the love of his art show in every cut. The uniqueness of each piece calls out to be treasured.

Now, one day I hope to own my own piece of his work. Perhaps to celebrate a special moment, like this couple has chosen to do. They used a wedding image and Jonathan has captured the moment perfectly. A moment to possess long after the memories darken a little, when perhaps your wedding photographs are hidden away. A moment to smile about, every day.

I would suggest that his work is the perfect gift for the first year anniversary of paper! Go on couples, surprise each other!

Or just sit back and enjoy more of his work on his website.

“We instantly fell in love with the splendor and charm of the building. We wanted a civil ceremony with a difference. Although we have no connections with the area we both feel we have now. It was a great choice for us, as all our friends and family could be there to share the day with us and we made it into a weekend celebration. As an added bonus all monies go towards the upkeep and maintenance of this amazing building rather than line a fat cat’s wallet.”

Arriving in a zebra-emblazoned black (and white) cab, Emma walked down the aisle with her father and her goddaughter to meet her man and exchange vows under the Palm House’s great glass dome.  Emma in a satin dress with a lace long-sleeved jacked and Adam in simple but elegant navy suit and knitted tie.

“The palm house is filled with magnificent plants and flowers from all over the globe so we didn’t go to town with flowers. We had a table lantern/birdcage on every table and Ginger Buds made wreaths and lit candles to make it look spectacular.  The birdcages and lanterns were raffled off to raise money as a donation for my mum’s school.   I went for a loose bouquet and a miniature one was made for my goddaughter, using lots of fresh greens and pale whites to create a simple yet elegant arrangement. We had a table arrangement that we used for both the ceremony table and then for the top table at the reception which looked perfect. Lily of the valley which is a favourite of ours was used on the buttonholes and smelt delicately gorgeous.

After a tasty vegetarian feast (Emma, Adam and many of Adam’s family are vegetarian) it was time for dancing, with the newlyweds leading the way  with Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton’s Islands in the Stream.

“Make sure you know whats important to you for your big day and just go with it. Just have a great time and enjoy it as it is over in a flash.”

Congratulations Emma and Adam!

And now for the wonderful pictures from Samantha Clayton.  Enjoy!

Photography – Samantha Clayton | Venue – The Palm House, Sefton Park | Bride’s dress and shoes – from The White Closet, Didsbury | Bridesmaid’s dress – John Lewis | Groom’s suit – Hugo Boss | Flowers – Ginger Buds (07849 324703) |Cake – Marks & Spencer | Rings – Form Bespoke Jewellery | Catering – Pickled Walnut | Entertainment – One Stop Boogie

Islands in the stream
That is what we are
No one in between
How can we be wrong
Sail away with me
To another world
And we rely on each other, ah-ha
From one lover to another, ah-ha

Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton – Islands in the Stream