I love styling shoots and this is one of the most adventurous we have done. Packing all our bits into the backs of cars we headed off to the beach with our fingers crossed for the sun. On arrival we were met with a beautiful but slightly busy beach, after dodging the groups of people we got to setting up and creating a beautiful setting with the sand dunes as a back drop.

As a collective I work with a few different photographers and the lead photographer on this shoot Terri submitted her images to Rock My Wedding, her shoot is available here – http://www.rockmywedding.co.uk/bridal-inspiration-from-camber-sands/

I thought it would be lovely to share with you images from a couple of the other photographers.

 

The shoot started with a rustic palette table set amongst the sand dunes, mini cactus and succulents adorned the table which was decorated with a sequin table runner and metallic glass candle sticks, the key colours were blues bought in with the cushions and blue rimmed plates, peach and blush pink flowers and small hints of lace.

I am a huge fan of tipis and I loved this cute little lace one decorated with peonies. and set against a backdrop of shepherd crooks filled with blue and violet toned flowers.

Our bride looked stunning with a fishtail plait, perfect for a windy beach, it was topped with a flower crown in subtle peach tones which is a must for any summer wedding, her simple strapless dress was elegant and the textured bodice provided the perfect amount of detail. Our handsome groom wore deck shoes, a bow tie and braces, he was epitome of cool. Don’t they make a stunning couple!

 

To finish the shoot off we managed to bag ourselves a horse (ow yes in true beach paradise style we found this handsome gent enjoying a gallop along the sea edge with his lovely rider). The finale to this shoot doesn’t get any better! What a perfect day!

 

Photography copyright: www.nikkismoments.com

and http://www.loveandlifestudio.co.uk/

Hair: www.updosbynatasha.co.uk

Make Up: www.facebook.com/makeupbymackenziekate

Styling: Little old me! (The White Emporium)

Flowers: Wood View Floral Designs – lesleymutz@hotmail.co.uk

Cake: www.facebook.com/petalsandcrumbsbycarissa

As 2015 is in it’s final throngs, it’s time to get a little reflective and look back at the highs and lows of The White Emporiums first wedding season. I would be lying if I said it had been all plain sailing and smiles. There have been tears, tantrums and the odd dark moment when I have contemplated chucking it all in, but at the end of the day this is what I love, and I am so proud of how far this year has taken me and my little business.

Like many small businesses just starting out I am still working a full time job to pay my bills, life is a constant juggling act, there is always something that needs to be done and even when I get a brief few minutes to sit down my mind constantly races and I’m racked with guilt about the mounting to do list I should be slogging through. I think some of my friendships have suffered, whilst friends meet for coffee I am running round charity shops or firing off emails. Lazy Sundays are a thing of the past, now on Sundays I scrub jam jars and endlessly pack away hire items, would I change anything – No. One day I will be able to cut hours down and push more time into The White Emporium, it will be a day full of excitement but ultimately fear, on the one hand I will be following my dream but on the other hand cutting my ties to my relatively safe but demanding full time job. Am I nervous about this prospect yes, but I am so excited I lay awake dreaming about how I can grow the business and pack full the extra time I will have! I am very fortunate that I have a very supportive family and importantly a husband, he understands my drive and he can see it working, we have made it a rule that every Friday and Sunday night is our time, no laptops and emails. For anyone starting out I would recommend the same, yes it is constant hard work but if you don’t have anyone to share the good times with whats the point. I often talk about The White Emporium as a we (not an I), it really is a team effort behind the scenes, I have friends and family who keep me sane and lend a hand, I have a husband who does my heavy lifting and the occasional wedding fair support and most importantly I have super mum who is a shit hot florist on the side and is real back bone to what I do.

That’s enough of the lows here are the highs – I have a brand spanking new website! It is a million times more user friendly and will properly enable me to share and promote the work I do to you lovely lot. I am so pleased with the work the lovely Jack did on the site and I can’t wait to get firing out emails to everyone I know getting them to have a look.

The White Emporium is in the finals of a regional wedding competition! Words a year ago I could have only dreamed about typing! I’m keeping everything crossed and praying to the wedding gods that we win.

I have been involved in some amazing photoshoots this year with a super talented bunch of local suppliers and we have been featured in some pretty amazing places, Rock My Wedding http://www.rockmywedding.co.uk/bridal-inspiration-from-camber-sands/ Whimsical Wonderland Weddings http://whimsicalwonderlandweddings.com/2015/11/romantic-boho-woodland-metallic-copper-wedding-ideas.html and your Herts and Beds Bridal. Next year there will be more shoots and they are getting bigger and better.

Most importantly I have got to meet so many amazing couples and to be part of their special day is like recreating my big day all over again. The White Emporium has been so well received and supported by my lovely couples, I couldn’t have done it without them. A huge thank you to all of you!

So onto 2016 – here are The White Emporiums New Years resolutions – To get more organised, sometimes my desk reflects my head – a messy jumble of ideas and to do lists. To build on my customer relationships. To add more lovely product to The White Emporiums range and to grow the styling service I offer. To make sure there is a blog post every week – you guys are allowed to email me if I fail in this!

So here’s to jumping excitedly into 2016!

Thank you for all your love and support in 2015 you all rock!

Gem

The White Emporium xxx