The White Emporium

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2020 What A Year!

30th December 2020 by Gemma Leave a Comment

Where to begin with 2020? I toyed with not putting a year in review together as it really doesn’t feel like this year has gone to plan! However on reflection I have achieved a lot, The White Emporium is still functioning which after loosing 90% of my weddings and events for 2020 needs to be celebrated!

So at the start of the year business was booming, I had a business mentor helping to navigate the growth of TWE, I had a fully booked summer and along with Nikkita Palmer Designs we were quoting to style some large local events. It was head down time, working hard completely oblivious to the carnage that was ahead.

In March TWE got flipped upside down when lockdown came and the postponements started. I’m not going to dwell on this but to say a huge thank you to all my couples, for being so supportive and understanding through out all this chaos. I honestly could not have got through the year without you! I can’t begin to understand how you have all been feeling with so much uncertainty, but I do know that when you do get married it will be amazing and completely worth waiting for!

Amy and Adam managed to say ‘I Do’ just before Lockdown. Real wedding featured in Coco Wedding Venues Shot by Aaron Collett Photo.

So we all know the bad of this year, as a business and individual I have been entitled to £0 financial support, like so many other small business to have been completely excluded has had a hugely damaging effect mentally, but there has been no choice but to keep taking steps forward.

That is enough of the bad lets celebrate the good!

When lockdown started and it became apparent that local charities would immensely suffer I was drawn to the plight of St Johns Hospice Moggerhanger. Loosing their funds overnight meant they were at risk of being unable to provide their crucial end of life care. Joining forces with The Flower Mill we quickly set about contacting local businesses to arrange a raffle, we raised an amazing amount £2025! A huge thank you to everyone who bought a ticket and every local business who donated a raffle prize!

Next up was getting the business through Summer, so I threw my efforts into creating The Stay Home Picnic, a chance to achieve escapism in your own garden. Joining forces with Nikkita Palmer Designs, The Bountiful Table and FM Tents. The picnics were hired for birthdays, anniversaries, small parties (when they were allowed) and missed wedding days.

Stay Home Picnic Celebrate
Stay Home Picnic, we had to be the models! Captured by Em J Photos.

Dried flowers have always been a love of mine, so I started creating bouquets and hoops to sell, I have loved creating various design and later in the year I started working on commissions for intimate wedding bouquets and bespoke vase displays. You can still find a limited number of design available on my ETSY page and I am hoping to bring them back bigger and better for Mothers Day and Easter! You can find out more about TWE studio here.

Towards the end of August and the beginning of September I had a couple of weddings!!!! 1 fully styled intimate affair at The Farmhouse Redcoats and a small celebration at Tip Top Venues. I was so nervous, I felt like I was just starting out as a stylist not nearly 6 years in!

Outdoor Ceremony at The Farmhouse Redcoats
Natalie and Mark said I do in September at The Farmhouse Redcoats. Captured by Nicki Shea.

October saw me style a wedding editorial for a print magazine at the stunning Rushton Hall, more to come on photoshoot styling in 2021! Due to Lockdown this shoot ended up being the last shoot of the year I would work on. Another victim of Covid has been the cancelation of so many beautiful shoots, ideas being put on hold and re-worked for another date. However a lot were able to proceed from the modern and fresh Blossom shoot as featured in Wedding Sparrow that we were lucky enough to start the year with to 70s boho vibes, ruined church locations and rebellious shoots full of love and colour.

In November just before lockdown I held a pop up dried flower shop at Epanoui and it was lovely being in hands on selling products. Then we headed into Lockdown 2.0 plans for Christmas wreath workshops were shelved but very excitingly I got to style the set for a new pilot TV show The Fiddle Faddlers, available on Youtube and perfect for any toddlers in your life. Because 2020 was the strangest of years November which is usually the quietest months of the year was also one of the busiest! I lent backdrops to Love and Life Studio and styled Christmas backdrops for Two-D Photography. I also appeared on an episode of Work Actually Podcast, it was so refreshing opening up about the challenges 2020 has bought and definitely worth a listen if you want a peak inside my mind.

Christmas Pop Greenery and Dried Flower Wreath Kit
Christmas Pop DIY Wreath Kit

I also saw the start of selling Christmas products for the first time. I sold out of calligraphy baubles and dried flower baubles so it was then time to launch Christmas wreaths and table centres. I have loved working on physical products and feel so honoured so many people chose to support my business by buying from me. A huge thanks to Epanoui and Browns of Stagsden for believing in me and giving me a platform to sell from. Hannah and I joined forces for the DIY wreath kits and from every kit sold we donated £5 to Mind – Bedford, Luton, MK. I was fortunate to be able to hold a couple of socially distanced wreath workshops at Southwood Social Hub that were beautiful and simple in their striped back styling.

One From One of My Favourite Shoots of The Year. Captured by Hannah Duffy.
Strength is Beauty, I loved curating this shoot! Shot by Victoria Mitchell Photography

So on reflection 2020 hasn’t been all bad, I had hoped heading into 2021 there would be a road map for the reintroduction of wedding ceremonies, but we will get there and the weddings will be better than ever! For now lets just take it one step at a time.

Full image credits – Aaron Collett Photo, Em-J Photography, Nicki Shea, Hannah Duffy and Victoria Mitchell Photography

Filed Under: Blog Post, Real Life, Uncategorised, wedding inspiration Tagged With: 2020 a year in review, covid, real life, real weddings. support local

Why I Love Weddings!

13th October 2020 by Gemma Leave a Comment

Lets face it 2020 has been shit if you work in the wedding and events industry. The past month has probably been the toughest for us all, just as we thought the tide was changing, the rug gets pulled from under us. The icing on the cake has been the suggestion that our businesses (that we have built from scratch with love and passion) aren’t viable. Not worthy of support and The Business Secretary even dared to suggest we should get Better Jobs!

It is so hard to not be angry at everyone especially those making the decisions that effect all of our lives. After months and months of fighting to keep a business going to then basically be kicked down either further, it is hard to keep swimming and fighting every day to keep a business you love alive. Our businesses are more than viable, we are probably the only industry guaranteed to succeed with 2021 and 2022 bookings scheduled into our diaries. We just need a little help to get to the other side.

With all that said this post isn’t an angry one! It’s a joyous one!

After picking myself up off the floor I went back to the reason I started this little biz! A biz that keeps my daughter in nursery, puts shoes on her feet and allows us the little treats in life we all live for.

That reason is that I BLOODY LOVE WEDDINGS!

You can’t work in the wedding industry if you’re miserable, we are a glass half full gang, we deal in joy! We bring families together, put smiles on peoples faces, fill rooms with laughter and capture peoples hearts. We produce once in a lifetime moments… that is our job!

Calligraphy Signage for Ali Pat, real wedding on Rock My Wedding Photographer: Michelle Wood
Calligraphy Signage for Ali Pat, real wedding on Rock My Wedding Photographer: Michelle Wood

I have been growing my Venue Styling business in Bedfordshire for over 6 years, I have seen small DIY weddings, I have seen 6 figure weddings, I have styled weddings in Italy and they all have one thing in common. A celebration of Love! True love cannot be forced or bought! The Government maybe prioritising financial institutions and ‘traditional’ sectors, it may feel like they are restricting us, neglecting us and casting us aside but they will never be able to break the spirits of the wedding industry! We get up every day because the very nature of our work gives people a reason to keep on going. Yes we may not be saving lives but we give people hope, we create events and we provide escapism from the day to day world that weighs so heavily on our shoulders.

Throughout our lives we are all noted in history one of three times, when we are born, when we die and if we choose to marry. That date is forever recorded as a symbol of 2 families joining together. Forever providing a date for future generations to track back to, a date that says, THIS IS US and WE WERE HERE.

Image from a styled wedding at Cripps Barn shot by Emily and Steve Photography

A wedding unites families that would have otherwise been strangers, it brings everyone you love together in one space. There are very few times in life when that genuinely happens. A wedding is a day you wish will never end and you will always reflect back on and hold dear. The day you make your public declaration of love to the person who makes you smile everyday and picks you up when you are down.

Yes there are those who view weddings as expensive for just one day and those people are relishing the demise of the big celebration right now. But this is one day in your whole life, a day you will (hopefully) never get to repeat, this is your day. I believe the cost of a wedding is fully justified. The industry is full of talent and skill, businesses that have spent years and thousands of pounds learning and evolving. No one challenges ‘traditional industries’ on their costs. The wedding industry is self sufficient never having asked for government support we have kept our heads down and worked hard. We are our own little ecosystem with each wedding feeding a whole plethora of industries from big multi million pound well oiled machines to solo kitchen table businesses, all of them building each other up with each new booking. All with one thing in common… a genuine passion for their job.

Everyone deserves their ‘Cinderella Moment’ a chance to stand proudly at the top or bottom of the aisle and say ‘This is me, This is Us!’ A moment to cast aside their day to day, to be more than their job title, to be more than a daughter or a son, to be more than their social media makes them feel. For one day to feel like they are the luckiest person in the world, with everyone there for them and them alone.

Styled Wedding at Caswell House. Captured by Rob Tarren Photo

The people I work amongst are fighters, they are hard working, they are determined. They are full of strength and passion, with smiles constantly on their faces, refusing to give up. Constantly putting their customer first even though their whole livelihood is falling apart. Many of us work alone but it never feels that way, the guys and gals I am lucky enough to work with have become my closest allies and the best of friends!

Nothing else matters in a wedding apart from the celebration of love, the chance to share your life with someone, to declare that you will forever walk the path ahead with the person who stands beside you. If we cannot celebrate that, than what can we celebrate? Love will always win and weddings will always continue and we will still be here to give you the best day of your life!

Image Credits:

Michelle Wood Photo

Rob Tarren Photography

Emily and Steve Photography

Filed Under: Blog Post, Real Life, Uncategorised, Wedding Advice, wedding inspiration Tagged With: celebratelove, iloveweddings, weddingsrock

Moggerhanger Park

30th September 2020 by Gemma Leave a Comment

Remember when we used to head to magazines for our wedding inspo? There is still something very satisfying about seeing your work in physical print. I love a magazine, I wish I had more time to find a quiet spot to get lost in their pages.

This is another throwback, this time to 2016 and a shoot I will always credit to introducing me to one of my wedding pals I could not face this crazy industry without – Becky of Love From Becky.

Moggerhanger Park Romantic Parisian Styled Shoot
Moggerhanger Park Romantic Parisian Styled Shoot

On a cold and misty day a group of local Bedfordshire wedding suppliers headed to Moggerhanger Park to curate an elegant, romantic shoot. Inspired by the peachy tones of Moggerhanger and with elements of Parisian sophistication.

  • Moggerhanger Park Romantic Parisian Styled Shoot
    Moggerhanger Park Romantic Parisian Styled Shoot
  • Moggerhanger Park Romantic Parisian Styled Shoot
    Moggerhanger Park Romantic Parisian Styled Shoot
  • Moggerhanger Park Romantic Parisian Styled Shoot
    Moggerhanger Park Romantic Parisian Styled Shoot

I styled a chic ceremony setup , complete with hand painted banner backdrop and as with all my setups surrounded by candle light. The banner featured a romantic verse and was a beast to hand paint, its amazing to see the journey my calligraphy has been on from these early days. To see more recent examples of my calligraphy head to the Signage section of my website.

  • The elegant terrace of Moggerhanger House
    Moggerhanger Park Styled Shoot
  • Flower Crown of dreams
    Flower Crown of dreams
  • Moggerhanger Park Romantic Parisian Styled Shoot
    Moggerhanger Park Romantic Parisian Styled Shoot
  • Moggerhanger Park Romantic Parisian Styled Shoot
    Moggerhanger Park Romantic Parisian Styled Shoot
  • Rose Gold Sequin Table Runner
    Rose Gold Sequin Table Runner £6 each to hire. Image from TerriLori Studio
  • Rose Gold Sequin Table Runner
    Rose Gold Sequin Table Runner £6 each. Photo from Summer Lily Photography Studio

The tablescape was a romantic sweetheart table for two. With calligraphy chair swag. Rose gold sequin table runner, brass candle sticks and vintage china plates.

Moggerhanger Park Romantic Parisian Styled Shoot
Moggerhanger Park Romantic Parisian Styled Shoot

The cake was bold and eye – catching and accompanied by macaroons and cake pops.

  • Moggerhanger Park Parisian Inspired Shoot
    Moggerhanger Park Parisian Inspired Shoot
  • Beautiful Bull Dog Rocking His Flower Collar
    Beautiful Bull Dog Rocking His Flower Collar
  • Flower Crown of dreams
    Flower Crown of dreams
  • Moggerhanger Park Romantic Parisian Styled Shoot
    Moggerhanger Park Romantic Parisian Styled Shoot
  • Moggerhanger Park Romantic Parisian Styled Shoot
    Moggerhanger Park Romantic Parisian Styled Shoot
  • Moggerhanger Park Romantic Parisian Styled Shoot
    Moggerhanger Park Romantic Parisian Styled Shoot
  • Moggerhanger Park Romantic Parisian Styled Shoot
    Moggerhanger Park Romantic Parisian Styled Shoot
  • Moggerhanger Park Romantic Parisian Styled Shoot
    Moggerhanger Park Romantic Parisian Styled Shoot
  • Moggerhanger Park Romantic Parisian Styled Shoot
    Moggerhanger Park Romantic Parisian Styled Shoot
  • Moggerhanger Park Romantic Parisian Styled Shoot
    Moggerhanger Park Romantic Parisian Styled Shoot
  • Candles lining the steps of the sweeping stone staircase
    Candles lining the steps of the sweeping stone staircase
  • Elegant styled shoot at Moggerhanger House
    Elegant styled shoot at Moggerhanger House

The whole look was effortless, with the models styled with tossled hair and soft make-up. Their dresses were elegant and simple and perfectly suited the refined setting of Moggerhanger. Each model wore a mix of striking head pieces that perfectly paired with the dresses.

Photographer: Terri and Lori. Accessories – Love From Becky Venue: Moggerhanger Park Flowers: The Flower Hut Stotfold

Filed Under: Blog Post, Photoshoots, Uncategorised, wedding decoration Tagged With: elegant styling, parisian inspiration, Stately Home

Beach Elopment

12th August 2020 by Gemma Leave a Comment

It’s amazing to look at where my styling has taken me over the years and to see how my work has developed. To make the website more user friendly I will be showcasing all my press featured work on the blog instead of it’s own drop down. So I am going back through the archives to dig out some of my favourite work and over the next few weeks/months will be sharing one wedding or shoot a week.

Starting off with this beautiful beach elopement. Throwing it back to 2015. Not long after I had started and really testing the waters with my styling. Myself and a team of fellow suppliers headed off to Camber Sands for my first ever beach shoot. Although over 5 years old this shoot is still incredibly relevant and important, not only does it show how myself and some of the other featured businesses have grown over the years but over the next few months you are going to be seeing a lot of elopement inspiration as smaller more intimate ceremonies become the choice of many.

The shoot was featured on Rock My Wedding and my first ever feature on their pages. Rock My Wedding is one of my favourite wedding blogs and it is definitely where a lot of my couples hang out.

Beach elopement shoot featured on Rock My Wedding
Beautiful romantic elopement beach shoot featured on Rock My Wedding

This shoot was full of laid back bare foot elegance. Georgina our stunning bride wore her hair in a relaxed fish tail braid, (man I wish I could do my hair like that!) Her make-up was soft, dewy and subtle. Georgina wore a dress from Very and our handsome groom Patrick paired his own light coloured chinos, with a crisp white shirt and navy braces.

  • Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands. Fish Tail Braids.
    Beach Shoot. Camber Sands
  • Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands. The look of love.
    Beach Shoot. Camber Sands. The look of love.
  • Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands. Lost in the dunes.
    Beach Shoot. Camber Sands. Lost in the dunes.

The main focus on styling for the shoot was a low level palette table, perfect for relaxed beach picnic vibes. I am a bit of a picnic addict and through lockdown have been hiring the Stay Home Picnic setup, perfect for some garden escapism. I didn’t want the setting to be dominated by my styling so everything was kept neutral and simple. Sequins don’t always mean uber glam, I used a rose gold sequin runner to provide a pop of colour and add a different texture into the mix. Interested in hiring rose gold table runners follow this link for more info.

  • Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.Styled Tablescape.
    Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.Styled Tablescape.
  • Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.Styled Tablescape by The White Emporium.
    Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.Styled Tablescape by The White Emporium.
  • Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.Styled Tablescape by The White Emporium. Peach Tones.
    Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.Styled Tablescape by The White Emporium. Peach Tones.
  • Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.Styled Tablescape by The White Emporium. Peach and Blue Tones.
    Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.Styled Tablescape by The White Emporium. Peach and Blue Tones.

I created a cute lace tipi, perfect for sunset snuggles. surrounded by candle light and pretty wild flowers in blue hues.

  • Lace tipi setup for a beach elopment
    Romantic beach tipi styling
  • Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.Lace Tipi.
    Tipi styling close up
  • Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.Hints of blue corn flowers.
    Wild flowers in blue and lilac tones

Camber Sands provided the perfect space for long beach walks and to top it off we welcomed horse Guinness into the shoot. The dream is to one day ride a horse along a beach!

  • Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.The look of love.
    Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.The look of love.
  • Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.The look of love.
    Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.The look of love.
  • Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.The look of love. Sunset Stroll.
    Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.The look of love. Sunset Stroll.
  • Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.The look of love. Sunset Stroll.
    Whats a beach shoot without a horse?

I hope you loved this throwback to 5 years ago, a perfect beach elopement shoot to share in a heat wave when we are all dreaming of splashing our feet in cold water.

Photographer – Terri From Summer Lily now Terri and Lori Studio

Make-Up: Kate MacKenzie

Hair: Updos By Natasha

Cake: Petals and Crumbs

Additional Imagery from: Love and Life Studio

Filed Under: Blog Post, Photoshoots, Uncategorised, wedding inspiration Tagged With: beach elopement, beach picnic, beach shoot, intimate wedding, styled shoot, tipi styling

How To Celebrate Your Non Wedding Day In Lockdown

4th June 2020 by Gemma Leave a Comment

June is here (how did that happen) and for most this marks the start of summer. For some it is bitter sweet as they should have been saying their vows in front of loved ones. As a wedding supplier I have had all of my June and July weddings postpone, I am still quietly hopeful for the end of August but every week is a new development so all we can do is wait. This means that there are many couples who face a non wedding day, an empty date that they had spent months and years planning for.

My advice to you is don’t let this day pass with out marking it, you picked that original date for a reason so it still needs to be celebrated and memories made. So I have put together some ideas for an amazing weekend that made my heart soar and put a smile on my face, all from localish to Bedford Businesses who all need your support right now.

First up has to be The Stay Home Picnic. A collaboration between Nikkita Palmer Designs and myself. Relax just the two of you in a bohemian paradise, sip champagne and graze on the yummiest platter of fresh food from The Bountiful Table. Discuss your dreams and ambitions and lay back picturing the day you will eventually get to say you vows and dance the night away.

  • Chill Out Picnic With Hand Picked Flowers
    Fresh Flowers Hand Picked and displayed in simple vases. Photo from Em. J Photos.
  • Stay Home Picnic Calligraphy Place Names
    Calligraphy place names. Photo from Em. J Photos.
  • Stay Home Picnic Grazing Food
    Grazing boards as part of The Stay Home Picnic. Photo from Em. J Photos.
  • Spend the weekend in style with a boho picnic.
    The garden gas never looked so good, whilst relaxing with The Stay Home Picnic. Photo from Em. J Photos.
  • Perfect place settings that don't need cutlery.
    Stay Home Picnic Place Settings. Photo from Em. J Photos.

What could be more romantic than having a night under the stars so upgrade your picnic package to include a bell tent from FM Tents, with a starting price of £80. What could be more memorable than star gazing cuddled under a blanket surrounded by candle light (I can provide all the lanterns). Wouldn’t this be the perfect surprise for a couple for their non wedding day, who are maybe feeling burdened by the stress that postponing a wedding brings. All deliveries and setup are contactless and follows government guidelines.

No wedding is complete without photos so don’t let this date be missed. Ayelle Photography are offering relaxed socially distanced mini photo shoots to help capture those memories, get dressed up, grab the flowers supplied with your ‘Stay Home Picnic‘ and make your own mini bouquet. Trust me you will look back on those images in years to come and a smile will spread across your face, not many people will be celebrating a non wedding day in lock down.

Ayelle Photography capturing the non wedding moments
Add Ayelle to capture your stay home picnic for precious memories.

Cake! Of course you need cake and I am totally in love with Oh My Cakerys loaded brownies, this gal say’s it how it is, her in your face cakes are the perfect tonic for adding an air of light heartedness to the occasion and they taste amazing.

Oh My Cakery Loaded Brownie
Oh My Cakery Loaded Brownie

Pamper and chill. The night before your wedding and the morning of should be spent relaxing and laughing. You might not be able to have your gals and guys with you in person but they are only a Zoom away. Treat yourself to a pamper package from Lords and Ladies, who have just launched their online shop (there is also the perfect one for men). Put on a face mask, sip the champagne, eat the cake and get your friends on the screen. Its amazing how normal a Zoom social gathering soon feels.

  • Gifting Boxes From Lord and Ladies. Perfect for a good nights sleep.
    Perfect for the men. Pamper yourself with a gifting box from Lords and Ladies. Imagery from Love and Life Studio
  • Gifting packages from Lord and Ladies
    Pamper yourself with a gifting box from Lords and Ladies. Imagery from Love and Life Studio

Back to the romance… The whole reason you are getting married is to publicly declare your love and committal to someone. You can still do this. Ok it might not be legal but it can still be romantic. Kelly Hawes is a celebrant who has been conducting virtual ceremonies, yes it sounds totally void of emotion but she says totally the opposite –

”The ceremonies have been a fantastic way to bring everyone together in celebration on a day that would instead feel empty. Ive been totally blown away by the emotion and connection felt between us all despite being through a screen.The couples have all commented just how much they enjoyed the moment and I hope I have left them with an everlasting memory during a difficult situation. ”

So memories and laughter can still be made, your day might not be happening when you originally thought, but you can still celebrate! Having to wait a little longer is going to make it all the meaningful, memorable and enjoyable when it does happen. Plus everyone is going to want to have a huge party!

Filed Under: Blog Post, Hire Packages, Uncategorised, Wedding Advice, wedding inspiration Tagged With: laid back styling, picnic hire, stay home picnic

A Stay Home Picnic

12th May 2020 by Gemma Leave a Comment

I haven’t blogged in a while, I have a few scurried away mostly about this crazy period in the world of small business, that I will get uploaded over the next few weeks. But this one I just had to get out first, and its all about a brand new service, perfect for this mad time!

I don’t know about you but I am tired of these 4 walls, week days, weekends all become the same. Last weekend we fancied a change, we fancied a little escapism but within our home bubble. With a Glam Garage full of an unused hire collection hubby and I had an idea. We created our own low level chill out, we bought yummy picnic food and I styled it all together for our own boho picnic area. And do you know what it was amazing! We laughed, we relaxed, we pretended we were anywhere apart from our own garden. I shared a little snippet on Insta and the amount of love was overwhelming. So I wanted to make this little bit of escapism available to others.

Chill Out Area Styling and Hire
Chill out areas styled by The White Emporium. Image from Becky Harley Photography.

I am no good with food, the thought of having to go through hygiene tests and all the council paper work is a little beyond me, so time to call in the professionals. I was recommended The Bountiful Table by a friend and I instantly fell in love with their style. Their food is right up my street, it looks yum, is beautifully presented and is the perfect grazing opportunity. Boxes include 3 cheese varieties, 1 pot of humorous, a selection of crackers, olives and stuffed peppers, vegetables and fresh fruit & nuts! Dietary requirements can be met so get in touch for more info.

Nikkita of Nikkita Palmer Designs and I have previously created the perfect boho chill out area, so we have slimmed it down and created a smaller version. Perfect for back gardens and living rooms the package contains a Persian Rug, Low Level Table, Macrame Runner, a food serving board and a selection of scatter cushions, a couple of vessels for flowers and some freshly picked blooms. Need a little help for how to put it all together we will provide a helpful guide.

Boho chill out area
Chill Out Area Styling. Image by Becky Harley Photography

Everything will be delivered to your door on a Saturday morning and collected on a late Sunday afternoon. All contact less and fuss free. Over the hire period it is yours to use inside or outside, all we ask is you keep it dry and abide by the Government Social Distancing Rules.

Now it is hard to put a price on creating memories, on escapism and on breaking up the monotony of lockdown but this is business so we have to, so all of the above can be hired and eaten for £100, based on 2-4 people. £190 for 6-8 people. Plus for a limited time we will be offering free delivery. bookings need to be made by Thursday morning, dietary requirements can be catered for and if you want to over size your boho styling then we can add in lanterns, extra rugs, small furniture and extra flowers.

Boho styled elopement shoot in The Lake District
Boho Picnic: Image from Nikkis Moments

Due to Government Guidelines and the need to balance family life we can only currently offer this service in the Bedford are and surrounding villages.

Now to make the most of the summer from the safety of your own home, get in touch for more info and to book. thewhiteemporium@outlook.com

Filed Under: Hire Packages, Uncategorised Tagged With: hire. stayhomepicnic, picnic

2019 A Review

13th January 2020 by Gemma Leave a Comment

Wow what a year 2019 has been for The White Emporium!

I’m not going to lie at the beginning of the year I was worried, 2018 had been all about keeping The White Emporium going whilst looking after a new born, so 2018 passed in a blur and it was all about living in the moment with barely a thought to the following year. So when I entered 2019 I didn’t have as many bookings as I would like, or needed. I had returned to my part time job 2 days a week but looking at my books I couldn’t see how I would make ends meet. So I crossed my fingers, put my head down and put faith in my little business that I could make it work.
 I made some mistakes at the beginning of the year with the marketing of The White Emporium, I threw money at advertising that didn’t pay off and I got pretty disheartened. Then I found myself redundant from my part time job and the guaranteed income that had been my security. It was a real sink or swim moment! I was terrified and filled with the biggest sense of failure and guilt that I had let my family down, the worst moment came when we had to pull out of our house move. My little business that I had slowly grown, nurtured and loved needed to stop being a hobby job and become a fully functioning businesses. It was time to put my big girl pants on or let it go and walk away! I thought a lot, I cried a lot, I talked and I listened to those in the industry I trusted and the fact is I couldn’t let it go, this business is my second baby and I wasn’t ready to throw it all away.
2019 will forever be known to me as the year of the last minute. I threw myself into photo shoots, open days, Rustic Wedding Show which I love and I got hustling with my fellow suppliers. The result is 2019 has been my best year ever!!!!!

The mumbiz juggle is real

Me and my Little D -Pic Ferri Photography

I worked on photo shoots with local suppliers in beautiful barns on elopement shoots and a pole tent and I assisted The Brand Studio Co on a gorgeous wedding dress brand shoot in the Cotswolds. My work has been featured in industry leading publications –Love My Dress, Outside Bride, Bloved , Mr and Mrs Unique, Magpie Weddings and many more. My work with photo shoots and experience from my former life as a designer saw me join forces with Wild Bird Marketing to assist on their branding shoots for clients.
2019 saw a new first for me… people paid me to write! I frequently write for Magpie Weddings about styling trends throughout the year and in the height of summer I also created blog posts for other bloggers and they paid me! Result!!!!

Elegant wedding styling

Styling at one of my favourite venues, Cripps Barn. Photo by Emily & Steve Photography

I had a record number of styled weddings at some of my favourite venues Cripps Barn, South Farm, Bassmead and Tip Top Venues. As well as heading to new venues Caswell House, Barns at Red Coats, Dodford Manor, Flaxbourne Gardens and Vanestone Park. Dry hire continued to be popular with White Emporium stock heading all over the surrounding areas with numerous returns to Newton Park Barn, Lattenbury Hill and lots of private functions.
My calligraphy signage has continued to grow and grow, my writing technique improves every time and this year has seen the creation of table plans, one of my favourites being an acrylic sign created for a stunning winter wedding and I even turned my hand to writing place names.
This year I introduced assistants to my main styling packages and I had amazing help the awesome ladies Nikkita, Jess and Vikki.
Nikkita has become my right hand lady but she is also phenomenology creative in her own right with Nikkita Palmer Designs we have joined together to create the Eclectic Collection, a one stop shop for a complete dry hire venues, combining the smaller dry hire items of The White Emporium with the larger furniture pieces of Nikkita Palmer Designs.

Chill Out Areas a collaboration between Nikkita Palmer Designs and Myself

Chill Out Areas a collaboration between Nikkita Palmer Designs and Myself. Photo Becky Harley

This year also saw the first The White Emporium overseas trip with 3 days spent in Italy at Castello Monaci to style a wedding with my gal Claire Clarke Weddings, I had the best time and weddings at the castle are truly magical. It was 3 days of travelling, hard graft and a few hours relaxing by the pool. In the evenings we ate and drank like queens under a fairy light lite sky.

Castello Monaci the dreamiest of venues

Castello Monaci the dreamiest of venues

Halfway through the year when I realised things were getting busy and I was starting to feel the pressure I turned to a business mentor who is helping me plan for the future and continue growing the business in a manageable way. The downside of the growth this year is I feel I have had another year of chasing my tail and that I may not have given all my customers the love I would have hoped. What makes my business unique is the personal service each couple receive and at times through the year I felt I sent more apologetic delay emails and than anything else.
2019 saw the year I joined forces with The Forest of Marston Vale and donated 9 trees to their planting campaign, I am so excited that through my weddings I am able to help protect the environment around us, it would be amazing if in a few years time I have contributed enough trees to have a mini woods!
December saw more firsts with wreath workshops held at Epanoui at the start of the year I never imagined I would be hosting two sell out workshops and receiving amazing feedback for them. It also saw us transform Tip Top Venues & Country Tipis Tipi into a winter wonderland Christmas party.
You maybe asking why I have written about the bad as well as the good, well this is an honest review and having a small business that you are emotionally invested in isn’t all rosy and that in all honestly some weddings I invest so much time that I barely make minimum wage.
When wedding season comes it consumes my life for 4/5 months of the year, I live and breath weddings but I wouldn’t have it any other way. This year has been a journey and I have no doubt 2020 will also be full of twists and turns. I have so much I wish to achieve but my proudest moment of 2019 has to be making The White Emporium a viable business that can help support my family and is able to make a small difference to the community I live in.
So what does 2020 have in store for The White Emporium? More amazing and beautiful weddings at old locations and new. More hire packages launched as part of the Eclectic Collection. More trees planted in The Forest of Marston Vale and more wreath workshops.
Lastly none of this would be possible without the support of my couples and wedding friends and acquaintances, their feedback and recommendations mean the world to me, so a huge thank you to everyone!
Photo Credits – Top to Bottom
Ferri Photography
Emily & Steve Photography
Becky Harley

Filed Under: Uncategorised

Giving Back

5th November 2019 by Gemma Leave a Comment

When I first started The White Emporium it was by dream that I would be able to give back to and support causes close to my heart. After many years of building the business gradually I found myself in a position earlier this year where I either walked away from the small business I loved or I take the jump and make it my main income. As much as I hate talking about The White Emporium as a job as I see it as a passion, it does have to pay my bills and contribute to supporting my family. I am so excited to say that my decision to proceed and take a risk has paid off, over 6 months later The White Emporium has grown bigger than I ever believed it would and I am constantly chasing my tail to keep up.

With this growth comes my ability to give and after months of thinking about what is important to me and my family and where can The White Emporiums support do the most good not just now but in the future as well. I am literally so excited to announce that I have partnered with The Forest of Marston Vale to help contribute towards their mission to plant an extra 5 million trees in the Bedfordshire area. Country life is at the very heart of what I do, it inspires me, defines my styling hand writing and out in the fresh air is where I feel happiest and relaxed. I want to be able to help teach Devon the importance of protecting the environment and caring for the world around us so that her generation can help protect it for years to come.

Woodland styling

styling from a photoshoot with Lola Rose Photography.

Here’s a little more about The Forest of Marston Vale –

”The Forest of Marston Vale is a Community Forest and a Charity, planting trees and using woodlands to make life better for the people and wildlife in the 61 square mile area of the Marston Vale, between Bedford and Milton Keynes The Charity has planted over 2 million trees to transform the landscape and improve the prospects of the Marston Vale, because trees make life better – for people, for wildlife and for the planet. They help to cool and clean our air, lock up carbon, reduce flooding, provide sustainable raw materials, and are our best hope in combating the climate crisis. The Charity’s ultimate goal is 30% tree cover across the Forest and that means planting another 5 million trees.”

So when one of my amazing couples books either a ‘Take The Weight Off‘ Styling service or ‘A Helping Hand‘ styling service with a minimum hire spend of £500 then I will donate a tree to the forest tree planting initiative. So far in 2019 I will be donating 9 trees to next years planting. I will soon be emailing the couples who’s weddings have helped contribute to say a huge thank you and inviting them to take part in public tree planting days.

There are many other ways that I am tackling my environmental impact which I will be blogging about in due course but I just couldn’t contain my excitement about the trees so had to shout about it! It has always been a goal of mine to be able to give back and I am so pleased I am finally in a position to be able to make a difference no matter how small.

Images from Lola Rose Photography

For more info about the work of The Forest of Marston Vale follow the link.

Filed Under: Blog Post Tagged With: forest of marston vale, giving back, local community

Me Time

12th April 2019 by Gemma Leave a Comment

I don’t know if it’s because I am a mum, or small business owner or both, but I find it incredibly difficult to take me time. Any time I do spend by myself that’s not work related is usually spent punishing my body at some gruelling exercise class. Great for cleaning out the cobwebs and a de-stress, but not so great for a relax and unwind.

Lords and Ladies Beauty Salon Bedford

Hidden gem of a salon. Lords and Ladies

When Lords and Ladies asked me to try their new Therapeutic Harmony Massage I couldn’t say no. 85mins of peace and quiet away from a computer, phone (I bet my i-phone thought it had been abandoned) or baby. Absolute bliss! It was during this 85 glorious minutes this blog post was born, as in the back of my mind that little niggle of guilt was speaking to me. Should I really be laying there with my eyes closed when there was so much to do and I had left Little D in the care of family, should someone else be looking after my child when I was basically off having a jolly! As Amy’s skilled hands pummelled and smoothed my overworked body my mind was free to wander and soon banished the feelings of guilt away. Not only can I not remember the last time I was that still and quiet without being asleep but I actively chose not to think about work. Instead I set to solving the problems of Brexit, day dreaming about where I would love to go on holiday and wondering just how Game of Thrones was going to end. In the past year I don’t think my brain has dared to venture outside the realms of weddings or babies.

The massage itself was everything I could have wanted it to be. Amazing smelling oils, firm hands that got into those hard to find knots made worse by the constant lugging of heavy boxes (oh the glamour of being a Venue Stylist) all set in the stunning ambience of this gem of a salon. The mix of deep tissue massage, head massage and sweeping strokes was really vitalising. when I stood up I felt like the elastic man, with a flexibility lost since the day Devon broke me. I also walked out mentally pumped, my brain was on fire and it continued into the next day, I was so motivated, the massage proved to be a non toxic version of Red Bull!

Elegant relaxing treatment rooms at Lords and Ladies

Styled Decor of Lords and Ladies.

So why don’t I take more ‘Me Time’ if it’s good for business and my energy levels then surely I should feel ok about it. Maybe it comes from the comments made in jest about my daughter forgetting who I am as I am away for work, (I know they don’t mean it but it stings all the same). If I have to leave her for work then I shouldn’t choose to leave her for pleasure. I am terrible at switching off, always thinking about the work that needs to be done, what candle sticks need to be de-waxed, terrible at sitting down still, when there is always something itching at me to be done.

The mum business juggle is real

Devon and I Ami Louisa Photography

But the concept of ‘Me Time’ is so important. Throughout my NCT classes they almost drilled the concept into you, find some time to switch off and unwind, it will make you a better mum. But in reality who actually does it? But we should! we really should! I sometimes think of my life as that of the old advert for the Duracell bunny, the bunny keeps going because it can, because it’s packed full of energy but eventually it also falls over. Mums and business owners are the same, if we don’t stop, take that half hour out, get our brain lost in that book then at some point we to will burn out.

So I have made a promise to myself (I will try very hard to follow) to take time out. starting with picking up a book again, so the last thoughts I have before I go to sleep aren’t about answering emails or how I will juggle looking after Devon with trying to pack for a hire collection, but about something meaningless, something I have spent 5 blissful minutes escaping into.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Real Life Tagged With: mum life, real life, small business owner, time out

A beautiful day by the sea.

2nd April 2019 by Gemma Leave a Comment

Throwing it back almost 4 years to the second styled shoot I ever worked on. This beautiful Camber Sands styled shoot featured in Rock My Wedding , given it’s age I still feel it looks timeless and elegant. Full of the perfect boho beach inspiration.

Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands. Lost in the dunes.

Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands. Lost in the dunes.

Georgina and Patrick were the most wonderfully in love couple, that just oozzed chemistry. Georgina had a messy fishtail braid, perfect for a windy beach, her dress was simple, elegant and so relevant in today’s bridal fashion trends. Patrick wore light coloured chinos, paired with a white shirt and braces. How wonderfully laid back they looked!

Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands. Fish Tail Braids.

Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands

Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands. The look of love.

Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands. The look of love.

To keep the look of the table in keeping I styled a low level striped back palette table, with scatter floor cushions, a splash of sequins and mini cacti. The perfect elopement setting included a lace tipi, perfect for snuggles and getting out of the breeze.

Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.Styled  Tablescape.

Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.Styled Tablescape.

Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.Styled  Tablescape by The White Emporium.

Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.Styled Tablescape by The White Emporium.

Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.Styled  Tablescape by The White Emporium. Peach Tones.

Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.Styled Tablescape by The White Emporium. Peach Tones.

Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.Styled  Tablescape by The White Emporium. Peach and Blue Tones.

Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.Styled Tablescape by The White Emporium. Peach and Blue Tones.

Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.Lace Tipi.

Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.Lace Tipi.

Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.Styled  Tablescape by The White Emporium. Peach and Blue Tones.

Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.Styled Tablescape by The White Emporium. Peach and Blue Tones.

The flowers included peachy tones, whites and hints of blue corn flower.

To make the shoot even better Guinness the horse got in on the action and made the perfect model.

Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.The look of love. Sunset  Stroll.

Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.The look of love. Sunset Stroll.

Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.Hints of blue corn flowers.

Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.Hints of blue corn flowers.

Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.The look of love.

Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.The look of love.

Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.The look of love.

Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.The look of love.

Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.The look of love. Sunset  Stroll.

Summer Lilly Studio. Beach Shoot. Camber Sands.The look of love. Sunset Stroll.

Photos: Summer Lily Studio

Styling: Moi –  The White Emporium

Hair: Updo’s by Natasha

Make-Up: Mackenzie – Live Life Pretty

Cakes: Petals and Crumbs

Dress: Very

 

 

Filed Under: Blog Post, wedding inspiration Tagged With: beach shoot, styled shoot, wedding inspiration.

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thewhiteemporium

The White Emporium
Stand Up For Weddings- The wedding industry has b Stand Up For Weddings-

The wedding industry has been shut in all but name since the first lockdown in March. Many businesses lost nearly all of their projected 2020 turnover, many couples now face uncertainty knowing if their dream days will be able to go ahead or not. 

The wedding industry is full of creatives, entrepreneurs, hard workers and go getters but the past 10 months has taken its toll. We understand the safety of everyone is paramount and as an industry we have done as we have been told. 

What we need now is financial support to get this unique and beloved industry through these times, to get us to the days when we all want to celebrate again. We need rapid testing to be rolled out to allow large scale weddings and events to reopen. 

Now is the time to keep fighting for our businesses and for our couples so when this is all over we can all celebrate love and friendship together again as it’s meant to be!

#whataboutweddings #standupforweddings #2021wedding @borisjohnsonuk @rishisunakmp
Friday - ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Or is it Mon Friday - 
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Or is it Monday or Wednesday? Can we even tell the difference any more? 
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Sharing some ceremony inspo with you, concrete vibes and metallic tones. Who said Persian rugs have to be boho. Lillies were added to the greenery for a more modern edge to a copper arch. It's all just deliciously dark and moody.
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Hire items: Single width copper arch, candle sticks and Persian Rug.
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To see more of this wedding head over to: @unconventional_wedding
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suppliers involved in this image - 
photo: @ayellephoto
Concept and planning: @chloe_eleanormua
Styling@ me
Flowers: @wildsapphireflorist
Venue: @eastfieldsfarmbarns
Lights: @all_style_marquees
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#industrialwedding #industrialweddingsinpiration #barnwedding #modernwedding #industrialstyling #aislestyle #aislegoals #weddingaisle #ceremonygoals #ceremonystyling #weddingceremonystyling #metallicwedding #rusticluxe #twestyled #bedfordshirewedding #venuestylist #styledshoot #weddingeditorial #alternativebride #unconventionalwedding #farmwedding #industrialweddinginspiration #weddingarch
TWE Hire Range - ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The voting was unanimous, you would like to see more of my hire range. Every image I share features either items from my hire collection or my styling work, but I am going to start really shouting about these items in the post and every Friday an item will have some dedicated time in my stories. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I know it's so difficult trying to plan a wedding or event when you just can't get to see items first hand. But just holla and I can send over measurements and more details, (well from the weekend when we aren't self isolating.)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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2020 saw a lot of love for my glass and gold card box, or cigar box, chocolate box or confetti box. Versatility is key for a hire range and this glass beauty lends itself perfectly for collecting cards at an intimate wedding.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Photo: @nickisheaphotography⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Venue: @barnsatredcoats⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#weddingdecorhirebedfordshire #weddingdecorhirehitchin #weddingdecorhire #cardbox #moderncalligraphy #rusticluxe #creativewedding #indiewedding #weddingtrends #weddingstyling #luxewedding #welcometable #weddingdetails
Hire Inventory- Final checks are being made to my Hire Inventory-

Final checks are being made to my new hire inventory pack. If you are a planner or a florist local to Bedford and you want to have a handy keep guide of my full hire range then drop me a message as cross fingers they will be heading to inboxes by the end of the week.

Pic from: @emilylittlephotography 
Flowers: @flowers_at_fifty_eight 
Venue: @tiptopvenues_ 
Tipi: @countrytipis 
Glassware: @wrenark_ 

#tablescape #tablestyling #weddinghirebedfordshire #weddinghirebedford #tipiwedding #lakesidewedding #tabledecorhire #rustichire #rusticluxe #rusticluxestyling #dahlia #weddingdahlias #brassvessels #colouredglassware
Styled Shoots- This time last year @_wildstems_ a Styled Shoots-

This time last year @_wildstems_ and I were planning this beauty of a shoot!

2020 despite being creatively restrictive also provided a great creative outlet there were some pretty amazing shoots and still so many yet to share.

Do you work in the wedding industry and have always wanted to put together a styled shoot? I am working on something exciting that could help build your confidence, so what would you like to know about styled shoots?

I can’t wait to get working on some more beautiful shoots and editorials. 

Huge thanks to the below dream team and to see more of this shoot head to @weddingsparrow 

Head over to @weddingsparrow to see more.
Curated by myself and @_wildstems_ 
Photographer- @hannahduffyphotography 
Dress: @bowendryden 
Venue: @thebarnatbrookendgreenfarm 
Hair: @emma_kim_hair 
Makeup: @alikynoch
Chairs: @wedhead_london 
Stationary: @whitecottageweddings 
Jewellery: @epanouilifestyle 
Cake: @neighbourhood_bakes 

#styledshoot #weddingeditorial #weddinginspiration #minimalistchic #weddingcake #weddingcakeinspiration #married2021 #blossomshoot #weddingsparrow #springweddinginspiration #wildstyling #minimalistweddinginspiration #modernweddingstyling
Don’t stop being inspired- I have a couple of e Don’t stop being inspired-

I have a couple of emails left to send to this years couples but that should be everyone with an inventory pack. 

So please get inspired and dare to dream a little!

I love this tablescape I styled for @therusticweddingshow at @horsleyhalefarm, tables @nikkitapdesigns_hire and flowers @flowers_at_fifty_eight. Shot by @annaticreates 

#bohostyling #bohovibes #Tablescape #married2021 #tablestyling #weddinginspo #stonewarevessels #stonewareplates #venuestylist #venuestylingbedfordshire #tooiwedding #modernweddingstyling #britishflowers #knottednapkins #calligraphyplacenames #muslintablerunner #minimaliststyling
We need a drink! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ One d We need a drink!
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One day this will all be over. I wonder if Bojo will do an announcement saying we can all hug now? Releasing party poppers as he does Sambuca shots of his desk? Now that would be a Press Conference I would love to watch!
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We don't know much right now but what we do know is that at some point in time their are going to be some insane parties! 
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So with all the doom and gloom what is better than spending your days planning that party or at least day dreaming about it!
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@nikkitapdesigns_hire and I have your party decor hire sorted. So get pinning and day dreaming!
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This dark wooden dresser is perfect for a gin or cocktail bar!
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photo: @gourmandpixels
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#postcovidparty #partylikeits2022 #decorhirebedfordshire #partystling #drinksbar #ginbarstyling #ginbardecor #diyginbar #weddinghirebedfordshire #gardenpartybedfordshire
Big girl pants on! Let’s face it tonight’s an Big girl pants on!

Let’s face it tonight’s announcement isn’t going to be what we want it to be. Back In March we probably never would have thought we would be where we are tonight. But there is absolutely nothing we can do about it, we can’t control it all we can do is handle how we react. 

I know people are struggling financially and mentally. Plans keep getting cancelled and re- made, our day to day life is constantly changing but we have totally got this! Dig deep and you will find the strength to get through this!

My inbox is always open! 

I love the attitude and strength of this shoot! 

Concept, creative direction, hair & MUA- @triciasluxurymakeupandhair 
Flowers- @theflowerstory 
Styling - me
Cakes- @lindseyarberphotography 
Dress- @bowendryden 
Model- @chloejasminecjw 
Venue- @chicheley_hall_weddings (sadly shut)
Photographer- @tu.aneta 

#tablescape #caketable #girlboss #biggirlpantson #womanup #luxurywedding #luxewedding #styledshootinspo #weddingcakeinspiration #married2021 #luxestyling #caketablestyling #wecandothis
2020 a year in review! A year of to many tears, t 2020 a year in review!

A year of to many tears, to many packets of hobnobs and not enough weddings. But also a year full of support, laughter and working out what is important in life. 

Of fighting everyday to get your voice heard so Excluded businesses and the impact of missed weddings get to have their say in parliament. 

To the best, most understanding couples who have helped get this business through the year. I know life has been shit for you, but we can get to your day together. To the local businesses and local community who have supported me when I am down, bought products from me and who keep me going.

Full 2020 review blog link in bio! 

This isn’t my top 9 but it is a reflection of my year. 

Pic 1 - this shoot was the start of a catalyst in my mind and I can’t wait to grow an idea I have been playing with. Huge love to @_wildstems_ for just getting me and to @hannahduffyphotography for capturing it so perfectly. Shoot featured in @weddingsparrow 

Pic 2- time to stay home. Captured by @loveandlifestudio 

Pic 3- the year of the dried flower. Thanks @nikkiwatkinsphotoandfilm for this FaceTime shoot! A perfect sign of the times.

Pic 4- Me and my little D we have spent so much time together this year and I will take some credit for the gorgeous diva you are becoming. Pic: @em.jphotos 

Pic 5- the stay home picnic! You literally saved summer. Pic: @em.jphotos 

Pic 6: photo shoots provided a creative outlet, so many amazing ones to share. @victoriamitchellphotography  captured it perfectly, @flowers_at_fifty_eight thank you for just being awesome and such a support!

Pic 7- dried flower wreaths and Christmas wreaths were an unexpected hit! I deffo think these will be making a return in 2021! Thanks @epanouilifestyle 

Pic 8- I styled some weddings!!!! Flowers by @becky_the_flower_bee 

Pic 9- Christmas, and I am so grateful for all my baubles selling out! I wish I ordered more! 

Only 2020 goal ticked- Being on @workactuallypod cast!

2020 may not have gone to plan and 2021 may not be starting so well but one day my grid will be full of smiling faces and beautiful venues! 

Huge thanks to businesses tagged plus many more I didn’t have room for!
Christmas Haze! I hope everyone else is enjoying Christmas Haze!

I hope everyone else is enjoying the post Christmas / Pre- New Year haze? Tier 4 here means there is literally no where to go and no one to see. So it’s quiet days filled with lazy mornings and afternoon walks. 

Trying to hold onto these days and not get to caught up in the promise of the new year / new start momentum. Things will get better but need to keep reminding myself it’s not going to happen as the clocks strike midnight! 

Love this setup at @crockwellweddings featuring my brass candle sticks. Flowers by @hibiscusfloral Shot by: @willwarr 

#tablescape #tablestyling #winterwedding #brasscandlesticks #crockwellfarm #greenerywedding #married2021 #farmwedding #oxfordshirewedding #weddingdecor #weddinginspiration #decorhire #weddinghirebedfordshire #daventrywedding
Happy Christmas! This is me signing out for the n Happy Christmas!

This is me signing out for the next few days. Wishing you all a happy Christmas for what must be the strangest of festive holidays we have ever faced. May you find  happiness and comfort in these quieter days. 

I have picked this photo by @nickisheaphotography from N&Js wedding back in September, the only fully styled wedding I managed to work on. I feel it perfectly sums up 2020, the masks in the background a constant reminder of Covid. But do you know what love does conquer all and this couple prove it! As a team you can overcome anything! Love really is everywhere, family, friends, partners, pets. strength and support is there. My heart has broken for others and myself so much this year. When all you want is to hug someone who is hurting and you can’t is something I will never forget. 

However you have made it this far and you can make it to the other side. This isn’t forever. 

You will get married, you will hold each other and one day this will all be behind us.

So signing out for Christmas with some hope because sometimes that’s all we have. But that’s enough! 

Have a lovely few days!

Venue: @farmhouseatredcoats 
Flowers: @becky_the_flower_bee 

#realwedding #covidwedding #married2020 #outdoorceremony #outdoorceremonies #outdoorceremonydecor #bohobride #bohodecor #bohostyling #ceremonyarch #ceremonygoals #loveconquersall #christmas2020 #twestyled
That’s a wrap- The last of the dried flower com That’s a wrap-

The last of the dried flower commissions left for their new homes today. 

I have loved the dried flower journey I have been on over the past few months. A huge thanks to everyone who has supported this little business by buying and shouting about my little projects. You really have kept the wheels turning, the bills paid and shoes on Devons feet.

I am hoping to bring bouquets back for Mother’s Day but for now that’s a wrap! I’m looking forward to getting stuck into a new project in 2021.

#driedflowers #driedflowerbouquet #driedflorals #driedflowerswedding #driedflowersstyle #driedflowersweddingbouquets #driedflowersweddingbouquet #weddinginspiration #intimatewedding #driedflowerstyling #pinksofa #velvetsofa
Quiet- Apologies I have been a little quiet on he Quiet-

Apologies I have been a little quiet on here over the past few days. If I’m honest the latest announcements and finding myself and my whole family in tier 4 has been a little overwhelming.

To me Christmas is everything, it’s my favourite time of year, I love everything about it and adapting to the new rules has been a little tough to get my head around.

I don’t want to wish time away but I can’t wait for this to all be over and to be able to hug everyone I love and celebrate all the events we have missed this year together.

Sending you huge hugs to everyone else who feels their world has been a little flipped upside down again. 

This shoot at @clophillecolodges is live on @greenunion.co.uk so head over and have a look. 

What a dream team to work with-
Photographer: @claredavisx 
Planner: @greensoulweddings 
Styling: me
Flowers: @flowers_at_fifty_eight 
Venue: @clophillecolodges 
Furniture: @nikkitapdesigns_hire 
Cakes: @twolittlecatsbakery 
Stationary: @lunaandsol.design 
Glassware and cutlery: @wrenark_ 
Ribbons: @bertieandfred 
Celebrant: @kellyhcelebrant 
Dress: @lisa.lyons.bridal 
Suit: @vintagesuithire 
Barefoot sandals: @elliehooper56 
Earrings: @love_from_becky 
Hair: @kateatalaybespokehair 
Mua: @alikynoch 
Marque: @marqueeswithpryde 
Models: kirstie and Jason

#styledshoot #weddinginspo #clophillecolodges #ruinedchurch #summerweddinginspo #naturesembroidery #outdoorwedding #outdoorceremony #ceremonyarch #wildfloralarch #ecowedding #ecoweddimginspiration #wildflowerwedding #meadowwedding #married2021 #summerwedding #englishcountrygardenwedding
Natures Embroidery- This venue is everything. Rui Natures Embroidery-

This venue is everything. Ruins and views, plus they are super eco friendly! I can’t wait to get back here and turn this space into a winter wonderland next December.

Super excited to have this eco orientated, bold, bold coloured nature inspired shoot featured on @greenunion.co.uk today.

What a dream team to work with-
Photographer: @claredavisx 
Planner: @greensoulweddings 
Styling: me
Flowers: @flowers_at_fifty_eight 
Venue: @clophillecolodges 
Furniture: @nikkitapdesigns_hire 
Cakes: @twolittlecatsbakery 
Stationary: @lunaandsol.design 
Glassware and cutlery: @wrenark_ 
Ribbons: @bertieandfred 
Celebrant: @kellyhcelebrant 
Dress: @lisa.lyons.bridal 
Suit: @vintagesuithire 
Barefoot sandals: @elliehooper56 
Earrings: @love_from_becky 
Hair: @kateatalaybespokehair 
Mua: @alikynoch 
Marque: @marqueeswithpryde 
Models: kirstie and Jason

#styledshoot #weddinginspo #clophillecolodges #ruinedchurch #summerweddinginspo #naturesembroidery #outdoorwedding #outdoorceremony #ceremonyarch #wildfloralarch #ecowedding #ecoweddimginspiration #wildflowerwedding
Holly F*** Christmas is next week! I feel like I Holly F*** Christmas is next week!

I feel like I have been building for Christmas since October! But then also so totally unprepared that it’s next week! 

Having my head down making baubles and wreaths seems to have made the past few weeks turn into a blur! 

Who else is having a bit of a Crap it’s Christmas next week moment!

Throwing it back to this sumptuous festive shoot at @northmymmspark 
Planner: @songbird_weddings 
Photographer: @beckyharleyphotog 
Cake: @meadowsweetcakes 
Florist: @rebeccamarsalaflowers 
Styling: me
Stationary: @oliveandmillicent 
Dress: @burrbridal & @rachellambdesign 
Menswear: @chimneyformalmenswear 
Hair: @clairebarberella 
Mua: @bellesbeautymua 
Shoes: @rachelsimpsonshoes 
Head piece: @love_from_becky 
Jewellery: @cocogreyjewellery 

#christmasiscoming #christmas2020 #christmastablestyling #christmasdecor #christmasideas #christmastablescape #countryhousewedding #winterwedding #winterstyling #velvetTablelinen #sumptuosflowers #northmymmspark #minicakes #weddingplacesettingideas #weddingplacesetting #christmasinbedford #bedfordchristmas #minicakes #calligraphymenus #velvettablecloth
Winter Wedding- Happy anniversary to this beautif Winter Wedding-

Happy anniversary to this beautiful pair who danced the night away under a canopy of fairy lights last year @southfarm1 

This weddings feels like a lifetime ago tho I have only styled a handful since.  There was candle light, fairy lights, lots of draping and I really wanted to stay and party with them. Santa even turned up! 

Pic: @jamesfearphotography 

#winterwedding #farmwedding #southfarmwedding #christmaswedding #fairylight #weddinginspiration #married2021 #decemberwedding #barnwedding #christmasweddingstyling
Place names- I read somewhere that if you are hav Place names-

I read somewhere that if you are having Christmas dinner with family then it is recommended this year to set out tables setting with place names so it’s not a big free for all. 

That’s probably why this week I will be writing lots of calligraphy place names for people to decorate their Christmas tables with.  Orders being taken up until Wednesday for Christmas delivery.

Pic: @emilylittlephotography at @countrytipis  marque at @tiptopvenues_ lakeside venue with @flowers_at_fifty_eight 

#dahlia #placenamelove #placename #christmasplacename #christmasplacesetting #christmasiscoming #christmastabledecor
Christmas Tables- Who’s styling up a Christmas Christmas Tables-

Who’s styling up a Christmas table this year? Missing some key pieces? Get in touch if you need to hire in any key pieces? Have you seen the 2 table designs I styled?

Charger plates, cutlery and glassware from @wrenark_ 

#christmasdecor #christmastablescape #christmastablestyling #christmastablesetting #christmastablescape #christmastabledecoration #christmasstyling #calligraphybauble #stayhomechristmas #tablescape
The last one! This is it, the last wreath related The last one!

This is it, the last wreath related post of 2020. The final 4 have headed to @browns_of_stagsden ahead of the weekend. 

Again a huge thank you to everyone who bought one or a wreath kit. You have really kept me busy and I have loved making them.

I’m giving my hands a rest for a few days and then it’s all about the table centres. 

I hope you all have a lovely weekend!

#doorwreath #christmaswreath #seasonalwreath #brownsofstagsden #featheredwreath #christmasdecorating #christmasdoors
Last Shout Out!!!! The order books will be closed Last Shout Out!!!!

The order books will be closed for wreaths and wreath kits Friday. I can’t thank everyone enough for buying one and supporting my little business! I haven’t stopped smiling for weeks!

Drop me a message if you would like to order one! 

There will also be a few new designs heading down to @browns_of_stagsden on Friday. Perfect for weekend shopping!

#christmaswreath #christmasdoors #seasonalwreath #christmasdecor #christmasiscoming #greenerywreath #bedfordchristmaswreath #bedfordshirebusiness #supportlocalbedford #foragedwreath
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