Wedding Cake Inspiration- Engagement Diary

Posted on November 9, 2011 by Ailbhe

My super talented aunt was over visiting from Jersey last week and has offered to work her magic on our wedding cake as a wedding gift. She makes the most beautiful dainty sugar flowers and coloured icing. Anyway she asked what style I might like to have, and of course I had lots of pictures on hand to show her. Here is my wedding cake inspiration…

Wedding Cake inspiration

Pretty lace cupcake via Enchanted Weddings

I think the theme is definitely floral!

Colours and flowers

Clockwise from top left:
1. via The Knot, 2. via The Knot, 3. via Style me Pretty, 4. via Love My Dress , 5. via Style me Pretty 6. via Martha Stewart, 7. via Project Wedding, 8. via Apartment34, 9. via Caroline Tran

I thought all the cakes by this company were simply stunning!

Cotton & Crumbs

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Bridesmaid Invitations; will you be my bridesmaid

Posted on October 21, 2011 by Ailbhe

I had my bridesmaids picked out in my head for a while, but was trying to think of a nice personal way to ask them. I decided to make ‘will you be my bridesmaid?’ invitations. I love designing invitations and I love getting crafty but rarely have time to do it anymore, so this was a great opportunity! Whats more I had so much fun that it has inspired us to create some fun products for the Pretty as a Picture Shop including bridesmaids invitations and calling cards that can personalised for yourself or for friends as a great gift.

DIY Bridesmaid Invitation

I had come across some vintage bridesmaid patterns and loved the illustrations on the cover, they reminded me of those old school Bunty and Cindy magazines!

Inspired by 70′s fashion illustrations

I started off getting a photo of each of them (facebook can be handy!) and doing an illustration of us all in those style dresses.

Pen and watercolour illustrations

Next I wanted to get that old comic dotted print effect so I found this tutorial online.

Grainy dotted effect

Next I designed the background image and text and printed it out. I followed a really simple pop up card tutorial and put two horizontal slits in the back of the card. I stuck a piece of blue card on top of this to cover the slits. I mounted the simple ‘Will you..’ on to the top.

Pop up card

I carefully selected my wedding colours from some paint sample strips I had and used them to ask them their dress colour preference. (I got mine in Woodies)
I also did up a little RSVP card to match.

Main bridesmaid invitation

I finished it off by sealing the envelope with a mini oval portrait of each of the girls.

Final invitation suite!

Thanks to all my bridesmaid for saying ‘yes!’ I’ve promised not to put them in the lovely dresses they are sporting in these drawings!!

Want to ask your bridesmaids to partake in your wedding in a special way? Order your personalised bridesmaid invitations today!

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Engagement Photo Shoot;Engagement Diary

Posted on October 12, 2011 by Ailbhe

Today I’m just showing you a sneak peak of some photos from our engagement photo shoot with Brosnan Photographic. Christina had the genius idea of using the Botanical Gardens as our location, not only for the beautiful scenery but also because there was shelter should we need it. The Irish weather didn’t let us down and true to it’s nature it POURED! We didn’t let that deter us however, and all three of us headed out armed with umbrella’s and rain coats.

A rainy day!

I think we were both nervous to begin with, not being used to being in front of the camera, but Christina put us at ease and after a while we relaxed and had fun!

Botanical Gardens photo shoot

Thanks to the super talented Christina of Brosnan Photographic for coming out in the rain with us and making it so enjoyable!

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Engagement Diary – dress shopping!

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Ailbhe



So Jane finally convinced me to book my first wedding dress appointment, I’m going on Saturday, I know I’m probably a bit late but thanks to Jane scaring me I’ve got the ball rolling.  In honour of this I thought I’d share a few dresses I really like, they’ve given me an idea of what I’d envisage myself in, but who knows what I’ll end up with! Of course that will be a surprise at the end- but here are some images I’ve collected so far.

Pretty vintage dress by J-Crew

I love this dress! reminds me of something out of an Jane Austen book!

The dresses below are by Jacob Luppino and Anthony Pittorino from J’Aton couture, I became slightly obsessed with them for a while. Their work and detail is exquisite and each one hugs women in all the right places. I don’t mind sharing all these beautiful creations with you because the 20k price tag is slightly out of my budget!

JAton Couture

Back detail

This would be on display forever in my living room…

Bridesmaid dresses

Even the bridesmaid’s dresses are stunning!!

Pictures from top:
Rebecca Twigley wedding to Chris Judd
Red haired model
Real Weddings
Back of dress
Bridesmaids

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Engagement shoot inspiration

Posted on September 14, 2011 by Ailbhe

This week we’ve been wracking our brains to think of a good place for an engagement photo shoot. Below is an inspiration board of some of my favourite photographs of other people’s engagement sessions. Some filled with props and others really simple and sweet.

Clockwise from top left:
Sitting in a field
Chalkboard Save the date
Walking in Paris
Coffee break
Vintage car red
50s inspired
Lavender field
Dog ‘save the date’

Our wedding photographer Christina Brosnan gave me the tip of picking somewhere that is special to us. So with that in mind I’ve done up a more personal board of images that might help me to make up my mind:)

The first is of my little Yorkshire Terrier dog ‘Teddy’.  Aiden bought him for me about 2 and a half years a go and he comes everywhere with us! The car would be Aiden’s most prized possession ( next to Ted and I of course :P )
Aiden and I usually meet at the weekends and go for coffee or to take the dog walking so I’ve included a few places we love to go!

My dog
Aiden’s car
Coffee catchup
Wicklow Field
Kilruddery House
Killiney Hill
Glendalough
Wicklow Hills

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My Engagement – shoot!

Posted on August 31, 2011 by Ailbhe

The first time I had ever heard of an engagement shoot, was last year when Jane had booked her photographer Eric Savo.  Like myself she hadn’t heard of this idea until it was put to her by Eric. Engagement photo shoots,  for those you who haven’t heard of them, are a pre-wedding photo sessions. I think they are a great idea as it’s a way to get to know your chosen wedding photographer before the big day and also it’s a bit of practice getting comfortable in front of the camera. Jane was anxious about hers because she hates having her photo taken, she ran out the door after work that day, quickly got ready and met Eric at Brittas Bay with her Fiance.

Jane and John Joe at Brittas Bay

To her amazement (and genuine shock) when she received all the photographs, herself and John Joe couldn’t choose a favourite! Both of them were really happy that they had done it, as they felt better prepared for what was in store on their wedding day.

After a tough elimination process they picked one photo out of the bunch that was blown up and mounted by her photographer. The idea was that they could use this on the day instead of a guest book, so people left lovely messages on the mount. It was a real talking point and everyone was asking who took the gorgeous photograph.

It’s now framed in their living room and they love that it’s a natural shot of them together in the run up to the wedding.
It just proves that you don’t need to spend hours getting ready to capture lovely photos and you can be creative with the shots afterwards. I plan to turn one of ours in to a Save the Date postcard, which is why I need to take the plunge and book our session in!
Like Jane and John Joe we also hate getting our photos taken, so their story gives me hope, so thanks for doing it first Jane! :)

Me signing the mount on the day!

Photos and photographer on the day were taken by Eric Savo

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Engagement Diary – Drinks on arrival!

Posted on August 17, 2011 by Ailbhe

My Fiance and I had a BBQ at the weekend and decided to jazz it up a bit by making a few cocktails. It was a nice colourful change from the usual red or white glass of wine on offer and were great fun to make!

It got me thinking about drinks on arrival at my own wedding. I’ve seen signature cocktails done before and I think it’s a lovely idea, especially if it’s sunny outside!. Based on my summer wedding (fingers crossed it’s sunny!!) I’ve compiled a few inspirational photos, including ideas for the display and general presentation of pretty drinks:)

From top:
Wedding sign via www.peacockphotoblog.com
Fruit Cocktails Via www.100layercake.com
Customised bottles with pretty lids via www.forgetmeknotweddingsblog.com
Chalk painted glasses via www.southernliving.com
Jars of Cocktails Via www.ritzybee.typepad.com

I love this Whiskey idea! this would be great for a winter wedding:)

This is a great way to dress up an old cabinet, complete with little names or flags for the glasses.

Whiskey Table via www.theloveliestday.com
Cabinet via www.capclassique.wordpress.com

Pear Melba Cocktail

This is a lovely pear and fresh raspberry vodka cocktail I found on Martha Stewart to try out.

Ingredients
6 ounces fresh (or thawed frozen) raspberries
1/4 cup chilled sugar
2 teaspoons Chambord or other black-raspberry-flavored liqueur
3/4 cup pear nectar
3 ounces best-quality vodka

Directions
Puree raspberries and sugar in a food processor; strain into a bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use (up to 2 days; makes enough for 60 drinks). Pour nectar, Chambord, and vodka into a cocktail shaker filled with ice; shake to combine. Strain into 2 martini glasses. Pour 1/2 teaspoon raspberry puree into each glass.

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My Engagement – Extra wedding details

Posted on July 27, 2011 by Ailbhe

Lately I’ve been seeing a growing trend with Irish weddings where a lot of extra details and effort has gone into the decorating of their venue. It had me wondering how I might decorate the interior of my Castle Wedding.
The weddings that stand out to me are the ones where the bride and groom have injected a little bit of their personality into their day. At the moment I’m loving unique ways of displaying table flowers as well as sweet and simple table decorations. I’ve been inspired by a lot of diy projects that are available out there and recently have been checking out second hand goods at car-boot sales for all those quirky vases and picture frames.

Table details

How pretty are these little glitter placenames?! and an illustrated menu is right up my street, don’t be surprised if that pops up somewhere on my tables.. The whole table just looks so decadent and Parisian french, I wouldn’t want my guests to touch anything!!
www.100layercake.com

I love these Fruit and veg crates on a table, who would have thought! but the textural combination of rough wooden boxes with soft peaches and petals adds real character to your standard table setting.
I’m not sure what to do yet but I think I’m going to steer clear of using your standard black on white table numbers. Of course with my love of paper and art I’m biased but I think the floral art nouveau style table numbers below are gorgeous, such a lovely touch if kept with muted colours or to tie in with a theme. The botanical illustration table number is a similar idea too, really liking the vintage appearance they have.
I’m not sure where I would find those old tins that hold the flowers but I was drawn to them because of the turquoises and golds, if anyone has ideas let me know! I think they would brighten up tables and mantlepieces.


From top left:
Peaches and flowers table via http://dyingofcute.tumblr.com
Floral table names via www.factorydirectcraft.com
Vintage flower print table number via www.lapetitecoquin.blogspot.com
Vintage tins of flowers via www.weddingbeepro.com
Letterpressed Wine tags via www.papermash.co.uk

Below is a table used to display a wedding cake or cupcakes, I might find an old table like this second hand online or at a car boot sale. My Fiance can be in charge of painting it…
That little sign coming out of the trumpet is so cute! although not much point if the head table is facing a wall, which I think mine is…BUT I might invent another use for it!


Cupcake table via www.polliblog.com
Bride and Groom seats via 100layercake

Below are a collection of images I thought were really inspiring, a couple of which would be easy to do myself. I think that cut out place name holder could be applied to anything, even a flower. Check out how to make these yourself via the link below. The same goes for the other images too like the music sheet, that could be more related to my wedding theme but it’s more the idea of adding a splash of colour to under plain white plates. I think we can agree that all girls like candles at their wedding to add a bit of atmosphere, so here is someone who went all out!


From top left
Unique place names! via www.intimateweddings.com
Pretty Jars with lace
Romantic wedding room via www.alanataylor.com
Music sheet mats via www.missmustardseed.blogspot.com
Personalised sweet favours via www.Stylemepretty.com

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My Engagement – Outdoor wedding decor

Posted on June 29, 2011 by Ailbhe

With the lovely weather we’ve been having lately it got me thinking of how I might decorate my wedding venue. It’s always nice to add those personal touches to your wedding day and I think it adds to the guests experience too. Today I’ve put together some inspirational images of how you could decorate the outside of a venue, whether its for an outdoor ceremony, reception drinks or just things that are fun and engaging for your guests.


Woodland table setting via Love My Dress, outdoor table via Green Wedding Shoes, blackboard seating plan via Style Me Pretty, hanging lanterns via Martha Stewart Weddings, photo hanging line via Weddings by Dan

If there are any trees around you could use them to hang cute handmade decorations like these flowers and paper pom poms!

Hanging flower decorations

The Wedding Dress Blog

Hanging Pom Poms

Via Bluebird

Lanterns and candles always provide a lovely atmosphere in the evening for guests that would like a break after the meal. Weather permitting why not set up a little scene with a vintage dressing table to position your guestbook or put photographs on.

Outdoor decorations

Pretty outdoor decoration ideas via The Knot

I love the idea of a photo booth, set someone up with a Polaroid camera to take shots of your guests having fun. I love this really easy backdrop, just a sheet hanging in the breeze!


via The Wed Hub

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My Engagement-Bridesmaid Dress Inspiration

Posted on June 22, 2011 by Ailbhe

Seeing as it’s coming up to the time where I’m to pick my bridesmaids, I thought I would dedicate this post entirely to Bridesmaid dress inspiration!
To start, here are a few bridesmaids that have featured in our favourite on screen weddings!

From Top Left: My Best Friend’s Girl, My Best Friend’s Wedding, Wedding Crashers, 27 Dresses, I Love you, Man, Friends, Sex in the City, Bridesmaids.

Here are a few dresses I’ve picked out based on my colour scheme.


From top left: Turquoise Dress-Jim Hjelm, Gold Dress-Bari Jay, Turquoise Dress-Jim Hjelm, Coral Dress-ASOS, Gold dress-Jim Hjelm, Gold Dress-at B Couture, Peach dress-Jennifer Lopez

I’m really loving the mismatched bridesmaid dress trend at the moment, I’m hoping to have 3 bridesmaids so one in each colour would be perfect! here are a few pretty examples :


From top left:1,2, 3, 4,

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