Wedding Dress | Wedding Ideas

In our current issue we ran a story about destination wedding planning, featuring Alison Hotchkiss from Alison Events. Her new book, Destination Wedding Planner - The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Wedding from Afar is a fabulous resource for anyone considering holding their wedding away from home.

Destination Wedding Planner $39.95 available at all good bookstores nationally.




Our story from Issue 13.

So, it was with much anticipation I opened the lovely envelope on my desk this week from Alison. Inside the kraft envelope was this wonderful card wishing me the best for the new year.



Stitched onto cardboard is a canvas, screenprinted illustration by Jenny Pennywood depicting a log cabin, deers and a bear. Certainly not something I get to see everyday on my way to work, that's for sure. A touching sentiment about staying warm and cozy is printed on the back - now this is something I have no trouble doing in the middle of our summer! I love the tactile quality of the canvas and stitching - it makes this card really unique.

It may sound odd but my favourite part of the whole card is that the stamps coordinate beautifully with the address label and the kraft envelope.



The right stamp can really make the presentation of an envelope. Definitely something to consider when mailing out wedding invitations - a ghastly stamp will ruin all the hard work you've put into choosing the perfect envelope and typeface or calligraphy. Australia Post always have a variety of stamp designs available at different price points so ask to see what they have in store, then buy up in bulk. And if you can't find anything that is just right, ask about a 'postage paid' rubber stamp which most major branches are happy to do if you bring in bulk envelopes for mailing. A simple single coloured impression is often better than a multi-coloured paper stamp that clashes with everything else to ruin the overall effect.

Australia Post also offer their personalised stamp option. A word of caution here - choose your images wisely or your stamp may end up looking like something from a Barbara Cartland novel and perhaps not the stylish, sophisticated addition you had hoped. To my mind the designs they offer a too corny but you may be able to wing it if you couple them with a fantastic photo of your own.

Vintage stamps are one of my trusty standbys - if you look you'll see I often use them in stationery shoots. I have a fabulous stamp album full of samples from many eras. Some of the designs are so exquisite they add another dimension to the overall design of the envelope. Of course you can't mail them but you can photocopy them and use them as a design element, perhaps on an inner-envelope.


A stationery shot from our Lush Blush story in Issue 6.

The other alternative is to make your own. Use an illustration you've drawn, a photo you've taken or a favourite piece of copyright-free clipart and print out as many as you need. Again, you can't use them for mailing but you may be able to use them as decorative elements on your stationery items. I found a wonderful article on Something I Made about making your own stamps if you're interested in giving this a go for yourself.



I guess the message is consider every little detail when preparing your wedding stationery. It's worth the effort as the result will be wonderful.

Posted by Jane Cameron

One of our lovely readers, Lyndsay at It's a Date Event Design sent me a note to let me know about the gorgeous gift basket she had made for her sister. Not only is the basket filled with thoughtful and desirable gifts, but they are wrapped using our Modern Spice patterned papers from Issue 3. What a terrific way to use them - they look fantastic. Thank you very much Lyndsay for letting us see your handy work.






These fab photos are by James Sann.

Posted by Jane Cameron

Yesterday Annabelle and I went to Melbourne to attend The Wedding Establishment showcase event, every detail organised by the lovely Tanja Radman - what energy this woman has - she was positively inspiring and we had so much to talk about. The event was the ideal opportunity for brides to meet a select range of quality wedding industry suppliers, all in one place.

An earlier event was held at the Tea Room QVB the previous week during the infamous Sydney dust storms that turned the city red. Check The Wedding Establishment site for a complete rundown of all the exhibitors.


The Tea Room QVB in Sydney

This second event was held in Melbourne at Comme in Alfred Place - such a lovely building. One of the grand upstairs areas was transformed to accommodate all the exhibitors.


Comme in Melbourne

As we ascended the wide original staircase we were greeted by waiters carrying platters of delectable finger food and cool drinks - just perfect for the relaxed environment. Models in stunning Mariana Hardwick, Ava Madison, Baccini & Hill and Pallas gowns mingled amongst the guests giving us all a sneak peek into the amazing array of dress choices. It was so nice to finally meet Louise from Harvey&Ella who let us in on her recent trip to France where she has sourced some exciting new fabrics. Her bridesmaid dresses are fantastic - the kind of dress you would actually wear long after the wedding.


Left to Right: Baccini & Hill, Ava Madison, Pallas and Mariana Hardwick

Annabelle and I were so pleased to finally meet many of our advertisers and suppliers - those whom until now had only been a familiar voice at the other end of the telephone line. The beautiful letterpressed invitation that we received for the event was printed by Chapel Press who had many examples of their stationery on display. These stylish, embossed thank you cards were a surprise treat from Chapel Press in the goody bag.



Then there were the cakes - oh the cakes! Babycakes had an inspiring macaroon display, giving brides an alternative to a traditional wedding cake. Splendid Servings had a fantastic yellow and black themed cake that would have been perfect for our Ladies and Gentlemen story in Issue 7.


Babycakes macaroon display


Splendid Servings striking cake

After chatting with the lovely Jessie from j studios and seeing examples of her great work, we practically had to drag ourselves away from chatting with the girls from Infinity Photography - they had a a great stand enticing brides with their beautiful albums. Across from Infinity was A Piece of Paris who had a sophisticated range of wedding stationery. I was interested to learn they offer a styling service as well.

One of our final ports of call was Kate Hill Flowers that was decorated with the most glorious display of fragrant flowers. We also saw a gorgeous helleborus and sweetpea bouquet from Texas Flower Rangers that just seem to capture the essence of spring.

There were many other exhibitors, too many for us chatterboxes to speak with them all. Please do check The Wedding Establishment site for a complete list of contacts.

Before we left Comme we stopped in at the restaurant downstairs for lunch - we were in heaven and wished our ultra-delicious meals would never end. Alas, they did and we had to hurriedly make our way to the airport to fly home to Adelaide. Not hurriedly enough as it turns out we missed our plane! What a fun day though.

Posted by Jane Cameron

The Art of Sweetness
Australia's one stop shop for gorgeous cakes, stationery, flowers and event styling, Sweet Art Cakes & Events, is spreading it's wings with the opening of it's first concept store in Sydney's swish Strand Arcade. Opening on August 24 2009, the 2nd floor Sweet Art boutique will join some of Australia's leading fashion labels located in the exclusive arcade and will provide the ultimate destination for anyone who wants style, flair and elegance to play a part in their special day. With a client list that includes A-list celebrities, royalty, major corporations and private clients from around the world, you will be insured the best of the best when you visit Sweet Art. To find our more about the services Sweet Art have on offer visit www.sweetart.com.au or visit the new concept store on the 2nd level of the Strand Arcade at 412-414 George Street, Sydney.







Posted by Emilie Harrison