Wedding Wonder of the Week! Wrapper Star

Happy Wednesday!

Today I have a really special Wedding Wonder to share with you. Ally from WrapperStar. I first met Ally at the Ice The Cake Awards 2011 after collaborating together to produce some charity 'raffle ticket chocolate bars' - I did the design, Ally made them up into the amazing bars! Since then we have kept in touch through the crazy world of Twitter!
And a few months ago we decided to pool our resources and team up together officially! So now you can get Kate Lewis Designed yummy chocolate bars from WrapperStar! So maybe I am little biased in my opinion that Ally is herself a star, but read on and I'm sure you'll see why.....

• Tell me a bit about yourself and your company.

I’m Ally; busy chocoholic mum of two aka WrapperStar. I create personalised chocolate bars which are perfect for any occasion! The majority of my work is in the world of weddings though you can just as easily find me creating goodies for children’s parties anniversaries or corporate events.

• Are you married?

I am married, & just finalising our plans for next May as we will be celebrating our 10^th Wedding Anniversary (where have those 10 years gone?!) We’ve booked a once-in-a-lifetime (grown-ups only) trip to Las Vegas to mark the milestone & are already getting very excited :)

We met at my cousin’s wedding & every year on their wedding anniversary I send them a card saying ‘Without the two of you, there wouldn’t be the four of us.’ It was the Groom & Best Man (my 2 cousins) who were at school with my hubby & engineered the seating plan.

Now that I work in the wedding industry I wish I could do it all again, calling on the talents of all the wonderful people I know & work with; so much has changed since I got married!

• What attracted you to working in the wedding industry?

Before children I left my London career in Marketing to follow my passion for food & fulfilled a dream of running my own restaurant.  During those 5 years I have catered for/hosted many weddings/birthday parties/christenings/Christmas parties etc & I used to bake cakes / make party favours for people as a memento of their day & as a ‘thank you’ from us.  I’ve always been a complete romantic & loved weddings, so starting my business gave me the chance to combine my creative nature with my passion for making people smile while fitting around family life & still being linked with my favourite food – brilliant!

• What is your favourite part of working with bride & grooms (to-be)?

Hearing their initial ideas & then creating something just for them…..I love their reaction to the end result & then hearing how the guests loved them makes me feel really proud.

• What is your most favourite wedding theme at the moment?

Just loving ‘colours’ at the moment. I’ve done a lot of purple weddings recently yet every one is very different.  I create a wrapper to match a couple’s stationery or theme, so for me it’s all about seeing & understanding the theme for their day.

• Top wedding tip?

Individually personalise your wedding favour chocolate bars to double up as your place settings; that way everyone has a very personal memento of your day to keep once they have scoffed the chocolate inside! 

• What do you think the next big wedding trends might be?

I think it’s all going to be about colour…….I think Rainbow colours or strong colour combinations are gonna be big.

Kate Lewis Design "spotty butterfly" in rainbow colours - bars by WrapperStar

• Where can we find your fabulous company? 

www.WrapperStar.co.uk

@WrapperStar on Twitter

Ally Jones on LinkedIn

• What are your plans for the future?

I have a number of plans afoot teaming up with other wedding suppliers & launching some new Christmas & Children’s design ranges too……. Watch this space!

Photography credits to http://gentlevisions.co.uk/ 

What a fantastic product! And very yummy too! Don't hesitate to get in touch with Ally if you have a party or Wedding - or any other event - she's lovely and will supply you with just what you want!

Love Kate x

Wedding Wonder of the Week! Little Cakes

Hello! Happy Wednesday!

Today's Wedding Wonder of the Week is the delicious and spectacular Little Cakes!

• Tell me a bit about yourself and your company

I started LittleCakes back in February 2011, and I never expected it to grow so quickly.

I work from home in the historic market town of Uppingham in the tiny county of Rutland but cover the whole of the East Midlands and beyond. Each cake is designed to order, so every Little Cakes customer gets a little piece of edible art unique to them.

It’s also really important to me to use top quality ingredients, with the emphasis being on local and organic ingredients. So the flour I use is organic, and is milled locally in an old, traditional water mill; eggs are free range and from a local farm; butter is always organic and preferably British; sugar is UK-grown or Fairtrade. I also try to support local businesses too, buying ingredients and equipment from smaller local companies where possible to do my bit to boost the local economy.

• Are you married? If no: do you have a secret wedding wish list?

No, I’m still waiting for a certain someone to pop the question! When we do get married, it will certainly be something non-traditional, off the wall and a bit quirky. We have a two year old daughter and plenty of children in the family, so whatever we do, there will be lots of children running around! And yes, I will make my own cake. Possibly even a series of cakes.

• What attracted you to working in the wedding industry?

I love the romance of weddings and the whole creative process that a wedding cake requires. Planning can take days or even weeks, working on designs that tie in the various elements of each wedding, and that’s before the actual cake making begins, and that’s what I really enjoy. And it’s a real honour to be chosen to make a couple’s wedding cake, and such a privilege to contribute something towards their celebration.

• What is your favourite part of working with bride & grooms (to-be)?

Meeting to chat all things wedding is always exciting, so I can get ideas to incorporate into designs, and I’ve yet to meet a couple who aren’t eager to taste some cakes!

• What is your most favourite wedding theme at the moment?

Textural embellishments, often originating from details on the bride’s dress, including blossoms, pleats, drapes, pearls; all edible, of course.

• Top wedding tip?

Bring as many details and images of the different elements of your wedding to your cake consultation, but whilst it’s great to have an idea of what cakes you like, don’t feel you have to find your dream cake image to give to your cake designer. A good designer should be able to listen to your likes and dislikes, tastes and style and design something unique to you (and within your budget) for your big day.

• What do you think the next big wedding trends might be?

Stacked cakes with tiers of different heights; a ‘collection’ of two or three wedding cakes carrying the same theme and/or colour scheme; bolder non-traditional colours; fabric-inspired embellishments.

• Where can we find your fabulous company?

You can find me on www.littlecakes.me.uk, 

on Facebook www.facebook.com/LittleCakesUK 

and on Twitter @Little_Cakes_UK

• What are your plans for the future?

Ultimately to open a cake studio from which to work, display cakes and meet with wedding clients. But short term, to throw out the rule book and get far more wildly creative!!!

I hope you've enjoyed reading all about Little Cakes and swooning over their amazing creations? My favourite I think has to be the black wedding cake - LOVE!!! It's just so different!

Love Kate x

Wedding Wonder of the Week - Aaryanna Designs

Happy Wednesday!

Today I have a sparkly & gorgeous Wedding Wonder for you....Aaryanna Designs.....

• Tell me a bit about yourself and your company.

Back in 2002 after being made redundant I decided to start working for myself and returned to my previous love of dressmaking where I specialized in special occasion wear including bridal and communion dresses. While doing this I started to design and create tiaras and wedding jewellery eventually this became my new focus. Leaving the dresses behind Aaryanna Designs was born and I have not looked back since.

• Are you married?

No I am not married and have to admit I love being single. I really am all for people getting married if you meet that special person but I also think life can be an amazing journey on your own.

• What attracted you to working in the wedding industry?

I love being creative and although not a girly girl I also like pretty things :) The feeling I get from helping my brides and the fact that they choose me to be a part of one of the most important days of their lives just really gives me a real sense of achievement and satisfaction.

• What is your favourite part of working with brides & grooms?

I think once I have sent the brides their order and they either email me or send a ‘Thank You’ card because they are so pleased with their jewellery and the service I provide just makes all the long hours worthwhile.

• What is your favourite wedding theme at the moment?

I don’t really have a favourite theme as to me your accessories and jewellery should be your own personal choice. The jewellery I create tends to be more timeless and elegant.

• Top wedding tip?

Sit and think about what you like and what suits you. Buy your dress first and then take your time looking for the right jewellery. Remember expensive accessories are not always the best so don’t be swayed by the price.

• What do you think the next big wedding trends might be?

I think the vintage theme will be around for a little longer but I think it may be softer and more understated. Going for timeless, elegant jewellery is the way forward for me.

• Where can we find your fabulous company?

Website: http://www.aaryanna.co.uk/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/aaryannadesigns

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Aaryanna-Designs/157320290981961

• What are your plans for the future?

I am currently working on new designs and want to be able to offer as much choice as I can for my gorgeous brides to be! I am working hard to bring brides one of the largest choices of pearl and crystal bridal jewellery available.

I'd like to say a huge thank you to Aaryanna Designs for sharing these gorgeous designs with us - stunning!

Love Kate x

Wedding Wonder of the Week! The Cake Box

Happy Wednesday!

Today I have a lovely Wedding Wonder of the Week to introduce you to!  Let me introduce Liz from The Cake Box and her beautiful elegant cakes..........

• Tell me a bit about yourself and your company.

I have been designing cakes for over 13yrs and my company The Cake Box in Cheshire caters for any design and budget. I get a lot of repeat business which makes my job worth while.
 

• Are you married?

 Not Married at the moment but fingers crossed hey !!

• What attracted you to working in the wedding industry?

I started cake decorating at a young age with my grandma and my passion for cake decorating bloomed from there

• What is your favourite part of working with bride & grooms (to-be)? 

Getting the chance to be part of their special day and designing their bespoke wedding cake and seeing their faces when its revealed.
 

• What is your most favourite wedding theme at the moment?

White, classic, simple, elegant design

• Top wedding tip?

Always have a budget and colour theme

• What do you think the next big wedding trends might be?

Royal Wedding cakes 
 

• Where can we find your fabulous company?

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/thecakebox2012
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/box_cake
WEBSITE: www.the-cake-box.net 

• What are your plans for the future?

Open a shop in Macclesfield, increase my customer base and spend a day working at Choccywoccydoodah

Well I'm certainly excited for the new shop opening in my home town of Macclesfield! Big thanks to The Cake Box for sharing all this with us!

Love Kate x 

Wedding Wonder of the Week! I Heart Buttons

A big hello on this sunny Wednesday morning! 

Today I have a real treat for anyone who loves: weddings, buttons, colour and anything totally gorgeous! My Wedding Wonder of the Week is I Heart Buttons.

•  Tell me a bit about yourself and your company.

I'm Lesa and I started making button bouquets after one randomly showed up in a google search one day.  It was love at first sight. I researched how to make them, bought some buttons and other materials and gave the result to a friend. One of her friends saw it and asked me to make one for her wedding. From there I opened an ebay shop, launched my website and started getting lots of enquiries.  From there, I Heart Buttons was born in July 2011 and has been going strong for nearly a year now.

• Are you married?

         •  If yes: will you share some of your details?

I am. 10 years ago I got married in Mauritius.  Being totally honest, it was all a bit of a blur. It didn't take a lot of planning and was a small wedding with my parents, my husbands parents and three friends. My only regret is that I didn't know about button bouquets then....

• What attracted you to working in the wedding industry?

The button bouquets. I come from a legal secretarial background and just stumbled across the button bouquets and it started from there. Now I am in the wedding industry, I love it. It's a bit more exciting than legal work ;)

• What is your favourite part of working with bride & grooms (to-be)?

Starting their bouquets. When I get the first reaction from seeing the buttons chosen, I love it. The brides are so excited. Some have even confided to say that this is the best part of their wedding planning (and one bride said it was more exciting that the actual marriage) lol!

• What is your most favourite wedding theme at the moment?

I don't have a favourite but I love to be able to really go to town with my bouquets so anything that is bold and perhaps a little unusual is fantastic.

• Top wedding tip?

I had my eye on the most gorgeous wedding dress - when it came to trying it on, it was just ok. The lady in the shop showed me a dress that would suit, I wasn't too sure, but when it was on, it looked amazing so I would always say, no matter what you have in mind, let the shop give you some dresses to try on which in their opinion would suit you as they really do know their stuff.

• What do you think the next big wedding trends might be?

Button Bouquets!!! 

• Where can we find your fabulous company?  

Website: www.iheartbuttons.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/iheartbuttonsuk

Twitter: www.twitter.com/iheartbuttonsuk

Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/iheartbuttonsuk

• What are your plans for the future?

To spread the button love!  There are lots of exciting plans for the future and I hope to be sharing some very exciting news with you soon.

Thank you so much Lesa for letting me show how fantastic your button bouquets are! I have something in common with you - my only regret about my wedding was also not knowing about button bouquets!! I would have LOVED to have one of your beautiful creations, and what an amazing keepsake too! I'm intrigued about your new exciting news - let me know when you can share!

Love Kate x

Wedding Wonder of the Week - Angela Smith Jewellery

Morning!


I hope you all enjoyed the Jubilee weekend?


Back to work on a Wednesday seems bizarre - but here's a fab Wedding Wonder to distract you for your work! Angela Smith Jewellery - a lovely lady making stunning pieces of jewellery.........

•             Tell me a bit about yourself and your company.

I started making beaded jewellery 18 years ago shortly after the birth of child, I realised that I would be at home for at least 3 more years and wanted something to do to from home, so having bought a kit to make 6 pairs of earrings it became apparent that this was something I enjoyed doing and following encouragement from my family and friends I decided to start making more jewellery to sell.

I am still as passionate about making jewellery now as I was when I started all those years ago. 

•             Are you married? And if yes: will you share some of your details?

Yes, we will be celebrating our pearl anniversary 30th next year. My wedding day was a very special day in my life. I was a poor student at the time and also a member of a very community minded church so the whole day was gifted by family and friends. Family contributed financially and friends gifted their talents, so one made the cake, one designed and printed the stationery, one made my outfit and the bridesmaids outfits,  one did my hair and make-up, one did the photography, one did the flowers, one offered to hire a car and chauffeur  it for the day, and some of the other church members did the catering and waited on, so the whole day cost me just £250

•             What attracted you to working in the wedding industry?

I eventually decided I should introduce wedding jewellery to my range after I had been asked to make the most amazing headdress. The whole thing was quite incredible and very difficult to describe, it had swirls of wire and beads over the head to form a very loose cap, it then had a wire and crystal band over the forehead with a crystal drop in the centre, the band then dropped down at each side of the face, looping to the ear lobes to attach to the ear with an ear post which then had long earring drops down to the shoulders.

Having made this I thought well if I can make something as elaborate as that I can make tiaras no problem!!!

•             What is your favourite part of working with bride & grooms (to-be)?

Seeing the brides face light up when she comes to collect her jewellery and knowing that I have created something special that will be treasured and worn well beyond the wedding day

•             What is your most favourite wedding theme at the moment?

I don’t have a favourite theme but I love knitting tiaras, and these can be made to fit in with numerous themes just by adding different beads. These tiaras are totally unique and as I never follow patterns I know that each one will be never be repeated exactly.

•             Top wedding tip?

Don’t feel under pressure to follow trends – you really don’t have to spend thousands if you don’t want to. The day will be far more special if it reflects your personalities and likes. Most important enjoy the whole thing from the planning right through to the wonderful day

•             Where can we find your fabulous company? 

For regular updates on my jewellery you need to go to my facebook page https://www.facebook.com/angelasmithjewellery

For more detailed features on my jewellery please visit my jewellery blog www.angelasmithjewellery.blogspot.co.uk

You are more than welcome to follow me on twitter www.twitter.com/@pearlysmith

To view my jewellery in person please visit Gallery at 12, High Street, Eccleshall, Staffordshire. www.galleryat12.co.uk

•             What are your plans for the future?

As well as continuing to provide my bespoke jewellery service, I am in the early stages of planning to work alongside a friend to provide another wedding service which combines a small part of both of our businesses, so we could be launching this by hitting the Staffordshire wedding fairs this Autumn – watch this space!

Thank you so much Angela for sharing with us. I'm intrigued into your new wedding service - keep me informed! How exciting for you!

Love Kate x

Wedding Wonder of the Week! Adore Photography

Happy Wednesday all! Today I have a cracker of a 'wonder' for you.......Mike from Adore Photography™. I first 'met' Mike in Twitterland and he's always been very supportive of my work, so I wanted to share some of his fantastic work with you!

• Tell me a bit about yourself and your company.

Hello! My name is Mike Litchfield and I run adore photography™. I studied photography and design 14 years ago. It was a great education and enabled me to spend a lot of time in studios and in darkrooms. Away from college I assisted various wedding and portrait photographers in Nottingham and Derbyshire. But my career headed down the design route, where I spent 10 years working as a graphic designer in studios and agencies. The photography skills often helped, as I shot a lot of images for the studio's clients. But 3 years ago the desire for self-employment proved too strong, I left the design agency and set up adore photography™ and Litchy™ - for graphic and web design services.

• Are you married?
  • If no: do you have a secret wedding wish list?

No I'm not married. No I can't believe it either (tongue firmly in cheek!), but the only wish I have is that it is a nice and relaxed affair. Cheery, well designed little touches and decorations around the place. But most importantly that my bride, family and friends all have a good time. I know I will.

• What attracted you to working in the wedding industry?

There are multiple reasons really. The biggest buzz, I think, is providing a couple with images that they are delighted with. Images that they feel have captured the spirit of their wedding, especially the bits they may have missed themselves.

• What is your favourite part of working with bride & grooms (to-be)?

You're in a very privileged position, close to what's happening at a very important time in people's lives. I shoot mostly reportage style; I hide myself in the background usually, so I can enjoy seeing the emotions of the bride and groom and how they change throughout the day. It's great to observe!

• What is your most favourite wedding theme at the moment?

I love the vintage feel that some people are going for at the moment. Either all the way, or just vintage influenced. It makes for a nice relaxed atmosphere too.

• Top wedding tip?

Bach's Rescue Remedy!!

• What do you think the next big wedding trends might be?

Good question! I tend to keep an eye on what happens in the States, where I have a few contacts, as I feel that has a big influence on trends over here. With the Jubilee happening and the way the economy is, I think 'vintage' may become more 'mainstream'. But I just think that weddings are becoming more of a personal experience and a reflection of the bride and groom's personalities. That’s how I think it should be, really.

• Where can we find your fabulous company? 

The website is at www.adorephotography.co.uk

But you can interact with the photography business at www.facebook.com/adorephotography & www.twitter.com/adorephoto

If you're interested there's also a bit more at http://about.me/mikelitchfield

• What are your plans for the future?

To keep building both businesses and possibly move into a few other areas. I think there are numerous possibilities for adore photography™, including taking on more photographers and offering other wedding services, whilst maintaining my own vision. I'm always interested in hearing people's views and suggestions, so if your readers have any I would love to hear them.

Immediate future plans are getting out into this sunshine though!

Cheers!

Mike

Thank you so much to Mike for taking the time to share all of this with us! I hope this encourages you to check out Mike's website where you can marvel at more of his captivating photographs!

I'd also love to know your thoughts!

Love Kate x

Wedding Wonder of the Week! Carlton Adkins Wedding Photography

Today's Wedding Wonder of the Week is a very fabulous photographer, Carlton Adkins. I 'met' Carlton on Twitter following his fashion photography and only recently discovered he is also brings his camera-genius to Wedding Photography too! So having discovered his involvement in the wedding industry I just had to feature Carlton as a Wedding Wonder!

• Tell me a bit about yourself and your company.

I have been a photographer for 15 years mainly in the fashion industry my website www.carltonphotography.co.uk. About 10 years ago I felt wedding photography changed, in my opinion for the better with the “reportage style” which was more my style and since then I haven’t looked back.  I take a lot of my style from what I know as a fashion photographer and mix it up with documentary style photography, very little  is posed as I find a lot of brides to be (and grooms) are not comfortable with posing and they don’t want all their time taken up on the day by a bossy photographer (which I’m not by the way…)

• Are you married?
• If yes: will you share some of your details?

Yes I’ve been married 10 years this june which may have had some influence me deciding to also go into the wedding business.

• What attracted you to working in the wedding industry?

I get a great deal of satisfaction from shooting a wedding as you can be faced with anything rain, wind or shine it’s a challenge I thrive on  and when they come to pick up their album it’s always great to see a happy client.

• What is your favourite part of working with bride & grooms (to-be)?

Pretty much all of it from the first meeting to handing over the wedding album, I enjoy building up a relationship with them before as I feel this is the most important thing to get the images that I do on the day.

• What is your most favourite wedding theme at the moment?

Not really got a favourite each wedding is unique to me as something different happens on each and it’s never quite the same which Is probably why I enjoy photographing them so much.

• Top wedding tip?

From my point of view is enjoy it take time to take it all in as it goes so fast.

  

• Where can we find your fabulous company? 

www.carltonadkins.co.uk

www.facebook.com/carltonadkins

twitter: @carltonphoto

• What are your plans for the future?

As well as wedding photography on the day I am planning to introduce a studio shoot post wedding like a fashion shoot if you like, as a stand alone optional package, with make up and hair etc.

I hope you've enjoyed these fabulous images from Carlton Adkins - it is so true that a picture tells a thousand words and never more so than to re-live your wedding day! Please take time to check out Carlton's website.

Love Kate x