Now that looks like a yummy wedding favour!

What a great idea! Big yummy lollies as wedding favours just don't tell your dentist. We think this is a great cost effective way of producing favours and dead cool too, I suggested to a bride to do the same but with ice lollies, but she didn't think it was such a cool idea...get it....cool...groan I know sorry.

Rustic wedding sign

We love this rustic homemade wedding sign used at a wedding last year to direct guests in the right direction to the booze, as an image the background just adds more of a rustic feel....you can't beat a few bales!

Wedding rings

I guess buying your wedding rings is probably one of those moments where it suddenly all feels real, the rings will obviously be with you all your life but don't forget it's always nice to have a record of them in your album. It's always difficult to photograph jewelry but here at L&L HQ we love a challenge so we always try to do something different or find an interesting surface to photograph rings against. This image with the rings photographed against a plain background with lots of light is simple and striking, it lets the rings do the talking.

January Wedding Show Dates

Dates for your wedding planning diary!!!

6-13 January
Blackburn Bridal Couture designer sample sale, London
It’s not just high street stores that have bumper January sales, bridal boutiques do too! And with prices slashed on sample gowns from the likes of Jenny Packham, Claire Pettibone and Olivia Couture, the Blackburn Bridal Couture sale is one of the hottest tickets in town. There’ll be up to 75% off original dress prices and an alteration service available in-store at an additional charge.
Sample sale appointments are £10 each which is redeemable against a gown purchased. Call 020 8297 118 or email info@blackburnbridal.co.uk quoting ‘designer sample sale’ for more information or to book your appointment.

6 January onwards
Lusan Mandongus designer days, nationwide
If girly glamour is right up your street, take a look at the fabulous new Lusan Mandongus collection at their series of designer days across the country this month. And if you purchase your dream Lusan Mandongus dress on the day, mention You & Your Wedding and you’ll get a free veil!
6-7 January at Surrey Brides, 52 Church Street, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 8DP. Call 01932 846812
13-14 January at Blush Boutique, 80 High Street, Uppermill, Saddleworth OL3 6AW. Call 01457 829800
20-12 January at One & Only Bridal Couture, 91 Lancaster Road, Preston PR1 2QJ. Call 01772 558833
27-28 January at Lily White Bridal, 44 Brentwood Avenue, Jesmond, Newcastle NE2 3DA. Call 01912 814915

7 January
David Fielden sample sale, London
If you're searching for super-savings on your wedding dress, head to David Fielden for up to 75% off gorgeous gowns with prices starting from just £250. There’s no appointment needed and doors open at 10am so get there early to bag a bargain.
The sale takes place at 241 Fulham Road, London SW3 6HY. Call 020 7351 0002 for more information.

7-20 January
Phillipa Lepley winter sample sale, London
And for even more amazing dresses at discount prices, make sure you add these dates to your diary. As well as dreamy Phillipa Lepley dresses made with Italian satin and French lace, there will be shrugs, veils and mother-of-the-bride outfits on offer at buy-me-now prices. The sale starts at 10am so our top tip is to get there early to avoid the queues.
The sale takes place at 48 Fulham Road, London SW3 6HH. Call 020 7590 9771 for more information.

13 January onwards
Charlotte Balbier trunk shows, nationwide
If you want to really wow your sweetheart come wedding day, take a look at the gorgeous new Candy Kisses collection by Charlotte Balbier. Just as sweet as they sound, these oh-so-cute dresses are deliciously decadent and feature creamy soft satin, rich taffeta and elegant lace. Take a look and fall in love at an exclusive trunk show near you.
13-14 January at Glamour Bridal, 12-14 Bank Street, Bolton BL1 1TS. Call 01204 388390.
20-21 January at The Wedding Company, 159 The Ridgeway, Plympton, Devon PL7 2HJ. call 01752 347775.
28-29 January at Te Amo Boutique Weddings, 3 Accrington Road, Whalley, Clitheroe BB7 9TD. Call 01254 824861.

14 January
The London Wedding Event, London
If you’re thinking of tying the knot in the capital, this exclusive invite-only event should be top of your to-do list. Showcasing the wow-worthy Chandos House and it’s super-luxe wedding suppliers, there’s a designer wedding dress catwalk show and delicious cake and wine tasting, as well as the chance to chat to expert wedding planners. And should you choose to book Chandos House for your wedding before 30th January 2012*, they're o­ffering brides the chance to have a pair of custom-made wedding shoes designed for your special day.
To register your interest in this event, visit chandoshouse.co.uk or call 020 7290 3860

14-20 January
Silk Brides sample sale, Staffordshire
Don't fancy elbowing your way to a dream dress at a sample sale? Then the Silk Brides new year clear-out is for you. You can do your bridal homework now by visiting their listings so you know which dress you want to try and find out what discount is on offer. Already available are David Fielden, Jenny Packham, Pronovias and Sassi Holdford dresses and more will be added up until the sale begins.
Entry to the sale is by appointment only and takes place at 32-34 Bird Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6PR. For more information visit silkbrides.com

21 January
San Patrick designer day at Shay Harris Bridal Lounge, Southampton
If you've set your heart on a big day frock made from yards of delicate lace and frothy cloud-like tulle, the new San Patrickcollection is for you. Take a look at a selection of the most in-demand dresses at the Shay Harris Bridal Lounge designer day and get a 10% discount if you decide to buy.
The designer day takes place at Shay Harris Bridal Lounge, 74 Bedford Place, Southampton SO15 2DF. Visit shayharris.com or call 023 8063 8602 to make an appointment.

21 January
Alan Hannah sample sale, London
For one day only, Alan Hannah will be holding a bumper sample sale offering showroom samples and brand new dresses from last season's English Romantics collection to bargain hunter brides. There's a £30 booking for appointments but this is refundable if you buy on the day.
The sale will take place at the Enfield showroom at Unit 18 Riverwalk Business Park, Riverwalk Road, Enfield EN3 7QN. Call 020 8804 1444 to book an appointment or visit alanhannah.co.uk for more information.

21-22 January
Stephanie Allin designer weekend and fashion show hosted by Exquisite Bridal Couture at Chewton Glen Hotel, Hampshire
For a day of pure bridal indulgence, head to the sumptuous Chewton Glen Hotel where’ll you’ll be treated to a champagne afternoon tea as you watch the latest Stephanie Allin designs glide past in a designer catwalk show. You’ll get to rub shoulders with Stephanie herself in an intimate Q&A session and met headdress designer Polly Edwards to get her advice on big day tiaras. The Exquisite Bridal Couture team will also be on hand to offer help and advice on picking your perfect dress and you can quiz the Chewton Glen wedding planners on big day organisation. What a great way to start 2012!
Tickets are £25 per person with the cost of up to four tickets being redeemable against a dress order from Exquisite Bridal Couture. To reserve your tickets call 01590 610433 or email natalie@exquisitebrides.co.uk
*Chandos House must be booked and confirmed with signed T+C’s and deposit paid before the 30th January 2012 to qualify for this exclusive offer

6-13 January
Blackburn Bridal Couture designer sample sale, London
It’s not just high street stores that have bumper January sales, bridal boutiques do too! And with prices slashed on sample gowns from the likes of Jenny Packham, Claire Pettibone and Olivia Couture, the Blackburn Bridal Couture sale is one of the hottest tickets in town. There’ll be up to 75% off original dress prices and an alteration service available in-store at an additional charge.
Sample sale appointments are £10 each which is redeemable against a gown purchased. Call 020 8297 118 or email info@blackburnbridal.co.uk quoting ‘designer sample sale’ for more information or to book your appointment.

6 January onwards
Lusan Mandongus designer days, nationwide
If girly glamour is right up your street, take a look at the fabulous new Lusan Mandongus collection at their series of designer days across the country this month. And if you purchase your dream Lusan Mandongus dress on the day, mention You & Your Wedding and you’ll get a free veil!
6-7 January at Surrey Brides, 52 Church Street, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 8DP. Call 01932 846812
13-14 January at Blush Boutique, 80 High Street, Uppermill, Saddleworth OL3 6AW. Call 01457 829800
20-12 January at One & Only Bridal Couture, 91 Lancaster Road, Preston PR1 2QJ. Call 01772 558833
27-28 January at Lily White Bridal, 44 Brentwood Avenue, Jesmond, Newcastle NE2 3DA. Call 01912 814915

7 January
David Fielden sample sale, London
If you're searching for super-savings on your wedding dress, head to David Fielden for up to 75% off gorgeous gowns with prices starting from just £250. There’s no appointment needed and doors open at 10am so get there early to bag a bargain.
The sale takes place at 241 Fulham Road, London SW3 6HY. Call 020 7351 0002 for more information.

7-20 January
Phillipa Lepley winter sample sale, London
And for even more amazing dresses at discount prices, make sure you add these dates to your diary. As well as dreamy Phillipa Lepley dresses made with Italian satin and French lace, there will be shrugs, veils and mother-of-the-bride outfits on offer at buy-me-now prices. The sale starts at 10am so our top tip is to get there early to avoid the queues.
The sale takes place at 48 Fulham Road, London SW3 6HH. Call 020 7590 9771 for more information.

13 January onwards
Charlotte Balbier trunk shows, nationwide
If you want to really wow your sweetheart come wedding day, take a look at the gorgeous new Candy Kisses collection by Charlotte Balbier. Just as sweet as they sound, these oh-so-cute dresses are deliciously decadent and feature creamy soft satin, rich taffeta and elegant lace. Take a look and fall in love at an exclusive trunk show near you.
13-14 January at Glamour Bridal, 12-14 Bank Street, Bolton BL1 1TS. Call 01204 388390.
20-21 January at The Wedding Company, 159 The Ridgeway, Plympton, Devon PL7 2HJ. call 01752 347775.
28-29 January at Te Amo Boutique Weddings, 3 Accrington Road, Whalley, Clitheroe BB7 9TD. Call 01254 824861.

14 January
The London Wedding Event, London
If you’re thinking of tying the knot in the capital, this exclusive invite-only event should be top of your to-do list. Showcasing the wow-worthy Chandos House and it’s super-luxe wedding suppliers, there’s a designer wedding dress catwalk show and delicious cake and wine tasting, as well as the chance to chat to expert wedding planners. And should you choose to book Chandos House for your wedding before 30th January 2012*, they're o­ffering brides the chance to have a pair of custom-made wedding shoes designed for your special day.
To register your interest in this event, visit chandoshouse.co.uk or call 020 7290 3860

14-20 January
Silk Brides sample sale, Staffordshire
Don't fancy elbowing your way to a dream dress at a sample sale? Then the Silk Brides new year clear-out is for you. You can do your bridal homework now by visiting their listings so you know which dress you want to try and find out what discount is on offer. Already available are David Fielden, Jenny Packham, Pronovias and Sassi Holdford dresses and more will be added up until the sale begins.
Entry to the sale is by appointment only and takes place at 32-34 Bird Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6PR. For more information visit silkbrides.com

21 January
San Patrick designer day at Shay Harris Bridal Lounge, Southampton
If you've set your heart on a big day frock made from yards of delicate lace and frothy cloud-like tulle, the new San Patrickcollection is for you. Take a look at a selection of the most in-demand dresses at the Shay Harris Bridal Lounge designer day and get a 10% discount if you decide to buy.
The designer day takes place at Shay Harris Bridal Lounge, 74 Bedford Place, Southampton SO15 2DF. Visit shayharris.com or call 023 8063 8602 to make an appointment.

21 January
Alan Hannah sample sale, London
For one day only, Alan Hannah will be holding a bumper sample sale offering showroom samples and brand new dresses from last season's English Romantics collection to bargain hunter brides. There's a £30 booking for appointments but this is refundable if you buy on the day.
The sale will take place at the Enfield showroom at Unit 18 Riverwalk Business Park, Riverwalk Road, Enfield EN3 7QN. Call 020 8804 1444 to book an appointment or visit alanhannah.co.uk for more information.

21-22 January
Stephanie Allin designer weekend and fashion show hosted by Exquisite Bridal Couture at Chewton Glen Hotel, Hampshire
For a day of pure bridal indulgence, head to the sumptuous Chewton Glen Hotel where’ll you’ll be treated to a champagne afternoon tea as you watch the latest Stephanie Allin designs glide past in a designer catwalk show. You’ll get to rub shoulders with Stephanie herself in an intimate Q&A session and met headdress designer Polly Edwards to get her advice on big day tiaras. The Exquisite Bridal Couture team will also be on hand to offer help and advice on picking your perfect dress and you can quiz the Chewton Glen wedding planners on big day organisation. What a great way to start 2012!
Tickets are £25 per person with the cost of up to four tickets being redeemable against a dress order from Exquisite Bridal Couture. To reserve your tickets call 01590 610433 or email natalie@exquisitebrides.co.uk
*Chandos House must be booked and confirmed with signed T+C’s and deposit paid before the 30th January 2012 to qualify for this exclusive offer

January Sales!

Calling all you 2012 Christmas wedding couples don't forget now's the time to get yourself some bargain decorations for your wedding Christmas trees, favours/gifts and general funky stuff try these sites as a starting point.

Pedlars

Cox & Cox

NotOnTheHighStreet

Emma Bridgewater

Have a look at this it's fun for your eyes!

Firstly Happy New Year! and with a new year it's time for a new fav wedding site to recommend, especially as it features us on it........

OMG I'm Getting Married is a great blog that showcases great weddings, great wedding suppliers and great ideas so stop what you're doing fire up you clicking finger and follow this link to lovely weddingness......(A new year and a new word, weddingness......sorry still high on the brandy butter)

Click Me

Winter wedding ideas

Just some ideas we've come across that could be helpful for all you lucky people have a winter wedding soon.
 
We all know British weather is flighty at the best of times so don't worry about rain or snow just be prepared! Get a gaggle of umbrellas at the church/venue for your guests and don't forget to keep one back for the bride to have it the wedding car.

If suddenly looks like snow is going to descend everywhere make sure you know someone who has a 4x4 or two that you can borrow just in case your chosen transport can't deal with the white stuff.

Churches are cold even in summer time so something we've seen before to overcome that in the winter is to offer blankets for people as the come in the church, or just warn people and let them bring their own blankets.

Hand and feet warmers are a good idea too if the venue is an ice box, bulk buying is usually possible online get googling for the best price.

Why not ditch the traditional champagne and go for mulled wine or mulled cider for you drinks reception. If you what something really different what about a cheeky soup option.

Wellies.....have some knocking about just in case.

If your having a marquee and you can get permission a fire/brazier could be a great thing to have and makes a bit of a feature.

Do you have any other great ideas if so let us know and we'll add them to the list. 

wedding picture of the day #140

Pouring with rain when this shot was taken believe it or not but by craftily keeping the bride and groom inside in the dry and shootying through a window we were able to achieve this lovely shot. The reflections in the glass give the picture an unusual dreamy look and the muted colour adds to that too. So don't panic if you have rain on your wedding day there's usually someway to beat the weather and get some great shots.

Wedding Picture of the day #139

We love this picture of Catherine and Daniel taken just after their wedding ceremony  before leaving the church. Catherine and Daniel are lit by the daylight coming in through the door whilst the stairway behind them is lit with tungsten lighting giving the warm glow. It was a beautiful snowy wedding last December where the church was expectantly cold inside but all their guests were warm inside thanks to the mulled cider and hand and feet warmers given out. A brilliant idea!

what makes a good wedding?

What makes a great wedding?

We get asked all the time “I bet you see some shocking things at weddings?” and to be honest “not really” is usually the reply, most of our couples have authentic real weddings that most people would enjoy, that’s not to say there all the same or boring far from it it’s that they are all perfect for the bride & groom whose wedding it is.

So how do you do it? Well I think it’s all about keeping it simple, there’s nothing wrong with having a large budget and having lots of flowers or costume changes as long as it works for you but where some people maybe come unstuck is when they start entering ‘Four Weddings’ territory when their wedding starts becoming a competition to be better then all the rest, which really is always going to be a pointless exercise as what’s great for you won’t always be great for someone else. Some of our favourite weddings have been really small affairs and everything has been kept simple or handmade as we like to think of it, they’re the weddings where the really important things stand, the couple, the wedding and the guests.  

Now what an earth does make a good wedding? Most of all though it’s about the two of you having fun and enjoying yourself! Forget what everyone else thinks, forget the possible problems, we have never seen one wedding that hasn’t been brilliant even if there have been little problems along the way, it doesn’t really matter if there’s problems that’s why you hire professionals like photographers, Toastmasters or Florists let them deal with any issues and you just get on with the fun.  

So what makes a great wedding? There is an equation for that and it is as follows;

Couple + Family + Friends + Fun  = great wedding….Simple…..oh and great photography to remember it all.    

The Wedding Vine

Yes we're probably really late coming to this but just found this excellent website do have a mooch it's full of great ideas.

theweddingvine.com/

Wedding Picture of the Day #127

How cute! Lovely little shot this nervous little flower girl, the large wardrobe as a background gives a great sense of scale and makes the little girl look smaller. It's the light and great expression that makes this shot's such a beauty!!!

Wedding Picture Of The Day #124

As much as we love photographing people sometimes some objects just catch your eye. This shot was one of those times, with light to die for and gorgeous colours there was no stopping the shutter finger! 

Latest Work

Wedding Picture of the Day #103

Today's picture we think this is quite a special shot because when it was taken. This wasn't just a normal baby with dad candid picture this one was taken as a bride entered the church and incredibly this baby looked up and started watching the bride and her little eyes lit up, what a moment. It's strange to think this little girl may remember that moment in the future perhaps even when she's planning her wedding.

100 wedding pictures for #100 Pic of the day

So here we are at 100! We picked one wedding at random and selected 100 pictures from it to celebrate our 100th wedding picture of the day.

Click to enlarge

Wedding Picture of the day #97

Lovely moody shot of a young Bridesmaid pre-wedding ceremony! Lit by one spot light from above is just the ticket to give this picture its atmospheric look, oh and the funky wall paper helps too.

*Latest Work* Military Wedding at Hambledon Church & Reception at Greenlands Henley

 

Check out Greenlands wedding venue details here

Wedding Picture of the Day #94

*Latest Work* Stoke Park Wedding

What a wedding! Great couple, great venue, great weather and more things to photograph than you could shake a stick at....we could have done with a month off after this one! We could have filled the blog up with shots from this wedding but didn't so we hope you like this small selection but we're sure we'll feature more pictures from this wedding in the future if your lucky.

Stoke Park Website www.stokepark.com/