Ok, so not the most exciting picture! Pembroke Lodge

So this pictures not going to set the wedding photography world on fire but we thought we upload it as the building in it is so interesting. The venue is Pembroke lodge in Richmond Park London, here's a potted history of this now excellent wedding venue.

Pembroke Lodge began life as the mole catcher's cottage in Richmond Park. Hunters who rushed around the old deer park wanted an exciting hunt without the risk of molehills tripping them up.

The mole catcher's cottage was eventually extended, and given to Elizabeth Herbert, the countess of Pembroke, principal lady-in-waiting to George III. Elizabeth then extended the house further, creating the building seen today. In 1847 Queen Victoria granted Pembroke Lodge to prime minister Lord John Russell. In 1854 the Earl of Aberdeen's Cabinet met at Pembroke Lodge and decided to proceed with the Crimean War against Russia.

Lord John Russell's grandson, Bertrand Russell, born in 1872, grew up at Pembroke Lodge. Russell wrote that living here left him accustomed to the wide horizons.

A prehistoric burial mound he stood on still exists close to the Lodge.

There are wonderful views to the west, while to the east there's a remarkable vista through trees, focusing precisely on St Paul's Cathedral in central London.

So if your looking for a good venue in the capital then don't miss out on looking at Pembroke Lodge, though maybe not if your a mole fan ha ha....

**Visit Pembroke Lodge Website**

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!

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

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! 

Wedding Picture Of The Day #117

Well it looks like the sunny weather is leaving us again so for today's picture of the day we though we'd have one last hurrah of sunshine and glorious skies.

Inspiring bouquets with a twist!

There are so many gorgeous flowers you can have in your bouquet its hard to decide where to start. You may have some favourites which remind you of your childhood, visiting your grandparents garden or a place you would visit on family holidays. Check out our previous blog entry here to see some of our favourite bouquets from past weddings.

If you are looking for some ideas from across the pond  here are some great bouquets we have found on the fab blog Green Wedding Shoes.

And if you are looking for something a little more unusual than why not incorporate some veg into your bouquet! Check these out...

Above using green artichoke mixed with ornamental kale, dill, pretty blue thistles and some ranunculus.

Here the florist has used some baby purple artichokes from the local farmers market

And this is just ornamental kale! Lovely colours for a truely individual look.

Special thanks for Green Wedding Shoes and their photographers for the images above.

Handmade wedding ideas on GWS

Whilst looking on the fab blog Green Wedding Shoes from Southern California we have spotted some great ideas for planning your own DIY handmade wedding. Kelly the bride is keen on craft/DIY ideas and so relished in every part of the wedding planning and preparations, she says 'From the moment we got engaged until the wedding day, I was always working on a project of some sort – from building the website, to designing, printing and packaging our invitations, to designing and printing our programs, menus, decorations, table numbers, designing our favors… it sounds crazy, but I loved every minute of it.' 

above pictures courtousy of  Jenny Jimenez

Check out Kelly and Jeff’s wedding here

Also, whilst on the topic of handmade weddings we found this popular link on GWS of Gemma and Steve's wedding with some great photography by Justin Lee Photography. Gemma and Steve really made a fantastic wedding on a budget, have a look through the images and be inspired what can be achieved with a little imagination. 

Check out the rest of their wedding ideas here

Green Wedding Shoes showcase some truly stunning weddings with a big slant on vintage/ handmade. Making bits for your wedding yourself can not only save you money but will personalise your wedding and make it unique and different, and who knows with those dark nights just around the corner you may just find a new past time!

All thanks to the couples, the photographers and Green Wedding Shoes for providing such great inspiration.