A Lavish Affair at The Baths

I visited the lovely Marisa and Michelle from A Lavish Affair in Melbourne last week and was lucky enough to get a peek at a gorgeous wedding hosted at The Baths Middle Brighton. Styled by Marisa and her team, the wedding of Kristen & James was an understated but uber-chic affair with the most gorgeous views overlooking the gorgeous Middle Brighton Baths, on The Esplanade, in Brighton, Victoria. Their 80 guests were seated at one long table so Kristen & James were able to get the most out of the space. The table was then decorated with eight tall vases filled with white tulips as well as an array of smaller vases of Rannuculus and Lisianthus roses. Crystal candlesticks were also a feature on top of the gorgeous mirror runner, which gave the illusion of double the florals and showed off the romantic flicker of the tea light candles. The luxury latte cloth gave the table a fresh, relaxed and sleek feel and looked fabulous with the chairs. If you'd like to speak to Marisa about your wedding feel free to get in touch with her via the website www.alavishaffair.com or to find out more about The Baths Middle Brighton visit www.middlebrightonbaths.com.au.

Photographer - Hilton Stone Photography
Stylist - A Lavish Affair
Reception venue - The Baths Middle Brighton
Brides Dress - Shane McConnell
Florist - Styles Entwined
Honeymoon - Sailed around the Whitsundays

Posted by Emilie Harrison

A Beautiful Day

Earlier this year, we were fortunate enough to work with two of our favourite people, Lisa Vorce from Oh, How Charming! and Aaron Delesie, master photographer, on one of the most beautiful, relaxed weddings we've ever published. Day and Max were married in Santa Barbara in the US with amazing panoramic views of the surrounding hillsides.

Lisa worked her magic and created an understated, informal setting that included just the right amount of elegance and sophistication. It goes without saying Aaron's photos are spectacular – he really did capture the mood of the day perfectly. You can find the complete story in our current issue, on sale now.







A few spreads from this wonderful story in our latest issue.

And if you thought this story couldn't get any better, just wait until you watch this beautiful video of Day and Max's wedding, shot by the very talented team at Living Cinema. It is just so joyous, it brings a tear to my eye every time I watch it.

I do hope you will enjoy it too.



Posted by Jane Cameron

Stationery Couture

The very lovely Vanessa from Staionery Couture recently gave me a stationery trend tip - metalic neutrals. If you're wanting a hint of silver or gold, it needn't be full on. Soft metalics are making a big comback. Not only are they suitable for the more formal occasions but are also fast becomming popular for the more relaxed occasions such as garden or afternoon weddings. If you'd like to find out more about Stationery Couture's lovely collections visit www.stationerycouture.com.au

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Rosette-A-Rama

There's no question these shoes have 'wear me' written all over them. Most Christian Louboutin's do, however these sassy little numbers, complete with white rosette and floral lace panels (£885), cause the heart to race and the mind to wonder. Something tells me they're far too pretty to be stuck under a long wedding gown. If these are your choice then short it is. Let your twinkle toes shine! Available online at www.net-a-porter.com.

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Ribbonesia

I found these beautiful ribbon sculptures from Ribbonesia via the Lushlee blog. How amazing are these animal-inspired creations, crafted from ribbon by hand. They would make an interesting alternative for a buttonhole. I just marvel in the delicate folds and intricate detail - very inspiring.







Love the logo too!

For the Sweet Tooth

I was one lucky lady to visit Cristina Re's gorgeous store in Collingwood, Victoria, today. Not only will you find the most delicious selection of chocolates, cakes and even lunch time meals, you'll also find her complete and rather colourful collection of papers, paper accessories and other bits and pieces you'll need to create your ultimate wedding or celebration stationery. If you live in Melbourne, or plan to vist, be sure to put this store as a 'must visit'. There's nothing better than a cup of tea and a scone! Visit www.cristinare.com for store details.


The simply scrumptious selection of chocolates and other sweet treats to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. Yum!



Posted by Emilie Harrison

Twobirds with One Stone

We can all appreciate finding a dress that suits all your bridesmaids is a task in itself. Certain styles will always suit certain shapes and sizes better and fair's fair, you can't have one bridesmaid feeling thrilled while the other feels disappointed. Twobirds have come to the resuce, creating one dress that can be worn numerous ways, thus eliminating every bridesmaids dilemma. Having recently extended their range with the launch of the Rosettes range, Twobirds Surry Hills boutique is quickly becoming the one-stop-shop for the bridal party. Made from a silk jersey, the dress is ideal for travelling (wrinkle be gone!) and can be worn multiple ways simply by twisting, tying, knotting or folding to create a range of necklines from plunging to strapless and capped sleeve. With more than 15 options it makes it more than possible for your bridesmaids to feel comfortable and sexy. All dress styles come in a variety of lengths, multiple hem lines, colours and are avaialble in two sizes - 6-14 and 16-22. Dress prices start at a very reasonable $320. Visit www.twobirdsbridesmaid.com.au for collection details.





Posted by Emilie Harrison

Circus of Love

Collette Dinnigan showed her spring/summer 2011 ready-to-wear collection in Paris on Tuesday to a delighted crowd. The collection, Circus of Love, took inspiration from the fun, frivolity and youth of the circus. In hue's of butter cream yellow, willowy blue and pistachio through to dusty pale pink nudes, Dinnigan's asthetic harked back to the 1970's sport scene, complete with pleats and tulle.

Collette became the first Australian to start showing her ready-to-wear collection in Paris in 1995. Since then she's become, undoubtedly, Australia's finest fashion export, being stocked in the most beautiful boutiques around the world. This year is a milestone for the Collette Dinnigan label, celebrating 20 years in business in Australia, her London boutique is celebrating its 10th anniversary and it's the 15th year she's debuted a collection in Paris. A truly amazing list of achievements. Collette has boutiques in Sydney, Melbourne and London and is also stocked in selected David Jones stores. Visit www.collettedinnigan.com.au for collection and stockist details.










Photos courtesy of vogue.com.au

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Jacqui Esdaile & Sergio Pires

Wedding day makeup is important - you want to look fresh and natural but most of all you want your makeup to bring out your beautiful self without being heavy and overloaded. We featured the wedding of Jacqui Esdaile & Sergio Pires in our current issue 16 (on sale now!) and loved her fresh look. Makeup artist Hayley Dutton created the look Jacqui was after - gorgeously glowing skin coupled with sexy but understated eyes. I spoke to the lovely Hayley and she shared with me how she created Jacqui's pretty look.

"In order to get this look we started with the MAC Prep and Prime Ultra-Fluid Primer to create a beautiful base to work with and remove any excess oil in preparation for Jacqui's more dewy base. We then mixed in a really soft illuminzer stick to Jacqui's MAC Studio Tech Foundation, which hydrates and refreshes the skin. The combination left Jacqui's skin looking flawlessly dewy. For her eyes we selected and mixed some amazing eye shadows from Shu Uemura's Pressed Eye Shadow Collection, which absorb and reflect light for a multi-dimensional effect. We also applied individual lashes to the outer corner of her eyes to extend and lift. Jacqui's cheeks where highlighted on the cheek bone with A Touch of Peaches Blush by MAC. We topped off her look with nude lips and a gorgeous lip glass to ensure her lips had a high-gloss glass finish for the day".

Hayley's available for makeup all over New South Wales so if you'd like to make contact with her feel free to call her on 0413 765 017 or email her at hayley@hayleydutton.com.







Photographer - Blumenthal Photography
Bride's Dress - Manuel Mota by Pronovias
Bridesmaid's Dresses - Camilla
Florist - Blond Flores
Groom's Suit - Ted Baker @ David Jones
Reception - Royal Botanic Gardens Restaurant, Sydney
Hire Company - Decorative Events
Bridal Registy - David Jones
Honeymoon - South America

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Stay Strappy

The warmer weather has well and truly hit which means it's time to pack away your coats, warm jumpers and boots. It also makes it a time to start stocking up your summer wardrobe. I did my first attack on the weekend picking up a black mono-shoulder dress for my birthday and a long, flowy dress for a friends wedding at the Art Gallery of South Australia at the end of November. Exciting! My pick for a great summer sandal? This Gucci contrast strappy would be a more than practical shoe for the warmer months. I think it would also make a uber comfy wedding shoe. Who wouldn't want to wear Gucci on their big day? Available online at www.net-a-porter.com.


Strappy contrast leather sandal £502

Posted by Emilie Harrison

McQueen Continues...

The first Paris showing without Alexander McQueen at the helm of his own label was always going to be an emotional rollercoaster. After his passing designer Sarah Burton took the reigns and made it her mission to keep Lee's fire burning bright. The collection proved to be a huge succes for not only Burton, but for the label itself. Staying true to the brand and to McQueen's vision, Burton included McQueen staples of brocade, embriodery, raffia, feathers, animal prints, handpainted leather and obmre silk ruffled chiffon. This collection was a real homage to McQueen and no doubt he would have been proud as punch. Visit www.alexandermcqueen.com or www.vogue.com.au for collection details.




Photos courtesy of vogue.com.au

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Well Noted

It's most important to send thank you notes/cards to your guests after your wedding. Thanking them for the gift and time they gave to attend your special day is #1 once you've returned from your honeymoon. Stationers extrodinaire Ruby & Willow have just released some lovely note cards which would be perfect for that special thank you. Available in a variety of gorgeous colours and designs there is now no excuse. The lovely Kate is even offering a note card giveaway on her blog so visit www.magnoliarouge.com to visit or alternatively visit www.rubyandwillow.co.nz for note card and stationery collection details.









Posted by Emilie Harrison