Dragonfly Contemporary designs – New Bridal Boutique Launch Party

Evening all,

’tis the night before Christmas…. well not quite… but I am feeling very festive now that my decorations are up and the tree is all sparkly, and my last event of 2012 has finally happened. Last Thursday evening I had the absolute pleasure of helping Suzi with the official launch of her bridal boutique, Dragonfly Contemporary Designs. Previously located just down the road near the fabulous wedding venue and restaurant The Daffodil and following a short stay in Montpellier, Dragonfly has returned to The Suffolks in a brand new location boasting white floors, Farrow & Ball grey and HUGE mirrors to show off the range of designer bridal gowns from Suzanne Neville, Sassi Holford, Lyn Ashworth, Claire Mischevani and Stewart Parvin. Swoon.

I was enlisted to help in the organisation of this event, co-ordinating suppliers, filling goodie bags and getting the word out about this beautiful place – it came hot on the heels of also helping to co-ordinate the recent Johanna Hehir showcase in the Cotswolds, so  I’ve been lucky enough to have an amazing preview of some gorgeous 2013 collection dresses.

We had the beautiful Kimberlee Collicutt there to model one of the gorgeous dresses, with Lucy Pearce from BooLou Beauty doing the make up and the rather dashing Paco Delgado creating the gorgeous up do . Paco has also recently launched a new salon in The Suffolks, which is absolutely stunning both inside and out.

Goodie bags were filled with macaroons from the supremely talented Contemporary Cake Designs, cookies from The Great Norwood Street Deli, letterpress Christmas cards from new cool kid on the block Cherry Press, hair treatment samples from Paco Delgado, super cute screen printed pin badges from Megan Alice England (she is just launching wedding favours and stationery), a plantable gift from moi, and discounts at local cafe’s and shops. Each bag was finished with a pop of colour by way of a buttonhole from Bloomers (nice new branding Bev!).

Bev from Bloomers also created a gorgeous floral display, and Xavier from Contemporary Cake Designs displayed one of his gorgeous cakes from his new collection… super duper mega pretty.

The place was absolutely full of wedding industry folk, local business owners and real brides – it was so lovely to see the support for Suzi and her team, and of course not only did I get to catch up with some friendly faces but I also got to talk “wedding” with those ladies getting hitched next year. Loved the turnout of their bridesmaids too, good work !

Here are some shots of the dresses, I absolutely adored the dress worn by Kim and all the pretty jewels too!

Checkout my Facebook page  for more images, with huge thanks to Marcus from Bigeye Photography for taking them all. And a big congratulatory hug to Suzi for a very successful launch. Don’t tell anyone but she’s running a special offer of 10% off all wedding dresses if you book an appointment in December 2012 and there are some fabulous sample sale dresses to get your hands on too. Top secret mind.

More Christmas/Wedding decor DIY tutorials coming up this week I promise… glitter reindeer next!

Jessie

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http://www.jessiethomson.co.uk

Bridal Boutique Celebrates New Opening in Cheltenham

Dragonfly Contemporary Designs (www.dragonflycontemporarydesigns.co.uk), a high-end bridal boutique based in the regency town of Cheltenham Spa in the Cotswolds, is inviting brides and local industry suppliers to an open evening in their new boutique located in The Suffolks.

After a brief move to Montpellier, the designer dress shop has re-opened in a beautiful location on Great Norwood Street, also home to the long-standing florist Bloomers of Cheltenham and myself!

From 5-9pm on Thursday 6^th December, brides-to-be are invited to come along and see the new boutique, where they will receive a glass of bubbly on arrival, special discounts off dresses when they book appointments, and a free goodie bag. Some of the best local suppliers will also be showcasing their work during the evening, with bridal experts Suzi Hounam-Brooker and Rita Fong Man also on hand to give tips and advice on choosing the perfect dress.

Dragonfly Contemporary Designs stocks some of the most well known bridal designers in the industry, including Suzanne Neville, Sassi Holford and Lyn Ashworth amongst others. The new boutique – previously the home of popular gift shop Milly B – with it’s crisp white interior and soft grey finishes, shows off the range of wedding gowns beautifully, with maximum privacy for brides wanting a very personal experience.

Suzi said: “I am delighted to welcome new brides into my boutique. It’s been hard work getting the layout and design just right, but feedback from appointments so far has been extremely positive. I feel very proud that I was able to bring this Cheltenham gem back to The Suffolks!”

For more information on attending the opening evening please contact Suzi at suzi@dragonflycontemporarydesigns.co.uk or call on +44 (0)1242 224 466.

Get in there ladies!

Jessie

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http://www.jessiethomson.co.uk

Wedding Trends for 2012 – My Predictions

Well welcome back ladies and gents, hope you all had a wonderful break over Christmas and a very happy new year. It seems there has been lots of engagements announced which is VERY exciting, and many couples really kicking into full planning mode now 2012 has come around.

Recently I shared a few of my thoughts on wedding trends for 2012 via Facebook, and promised to do a full blog post on it for the new year…. so here you have it! Just a few of those key themes I expect to continue throughout 2012, with photo’s from REAL Cotswold weddings taken by the fabulous Marcus Ward from Bigeye Photography and the talented Kay Ransom from Kay Ransom Photography.

<<a big CONGRATS to Marcus who has just announced the birth of his beautiful baby boy!

Many thanks also to the gorgeous couples who submitted their wedding photo’s for this post. All of them were simply stunning!

Now, feast your eyes on this….

Budget Friendly

Due to the trend for not being seen to be too flash when times are tough, I’m continuing to see couples tightening their purse strings and sticking to much smaller budgets for their wedding days. This is something I’d expect to continue in 2012, but couples will also be getting more creative with decorations and personal touches to make the day incredibly special. I predict a continued love affair with vintage finds, flea market chic, upcycled decorations, DIY projects in abundance, contributions and support from family and friends in the wedding party.

Budget Friendly Decor

Credits: Photography by Kay Ransom, http://www.kayransom.com; Styling by Jessie Thomson, http://www.jessiethomson.co.uk

Vintage Typewriter Guestbook

 Credits: Photography by Kay Ransom, http://www.kayransom.com; Styling by Jessie Thomson, http://www.jessiethomson.co.uk

DIY Wedding Sign

Credit: Photography by Marcus Ward, http://www.bigeyephotography.co.uk

DIY Plantable Favours

Credits: Photography by Marcus Ward, http://www.bigeyephotography.co.uk; Styling by Jessie Thomson, http://www.jessiethomson.co.uk

DIY CD Favours

Credits: Photography by Marcus Ward, www.bigeyephotography.co.uk; Styling by Jessie Thomson, http://www.jessiethomson.co.uk

Jam Jars and Wildflowers

Table displays and venue decorations are increasingly done DIY, and collected jam jars with twine and ribbon around them, filled with blooms, are still the number one choice for brides on a budget and those looking to boost their eco credentials. They’re also often used for tea light holders and favour displays.

wildflowers in jam jars

Credit: Photography by Marcus Ward, http://www.bigeyephotography.co.uk

a pretty display of flower filled jam jars tied with ribbon

Credit: Photography by Marcus Ward, www.bigeyephotography.co.uk

Snap Happy

Photo booths are everywhere! From hired in booths, photographers offering the service as part of a package, to DIY inspired backdrops with props. Don’t expect this trend to go anywhere in 2012. Guests love it, and some fabulous photos are created.

DIY Photobooth

Credits: Photography by Kay Ransom, http://www.kayransom.com; Styling by Jessie Thomson, http://www.jessiethomson.co.uk

Credits: Photography by Kay Ransom, http://www.kayransom.com; Styling by Jessie Thomson, http://www.jessiethomson.co.uk

Royal Wedding Mania

Kate and Wills showed us all how to hold a grand affair, yet kept it simple and chic. The popular couple will still be more than likely to influence weddings next year, with brides increasingly seeking simple white flowers and modest lace dresses for their wedding attire.

Royal wedding inspiration

Lace wedding dress with simple white flower bouquet

Credits: Photography by Marcus Ward, http://www.bigeyephotography.co.uk

Environmental Bliss

Year on year eco-friendly weddings are increasingly popular and I don’t see that changing in 2012, as the general public become more aware of their impact on the environment. Who hasn’t watched Frozen Planet?! From responsible venues, to seasonal flowers, locally sourced suppliers, vintage and second hand dresses, upcycled decorations, plantable favours, UK honeymoons… the possibilities to be eco-friendly AND fabulous are endless!

Eco-friendly table display and favours

Credit:  Photography by Marcus Ward, http://www.bigeyephotography.co.uk

Eco Bride and Groom Place Cards

Credit: Photography by Marcus Ward, www.bigeyephotography.co.uk

Eco-friendly chilli seed favours

Credits: Photography by Kay Ransom, http://www.kayransom.com; Styling by Jessie Thomson, http://www.jessiethomson.co.uk

Setting the Theme

Almost all of the brides I’ve worked with this year have wanted to have a design concept or a theme to base their whole wedding day around. Having a unique and personalised day has become top of the agenda, with more and more daring ideas and dreams being realised!

1920's film inspired invitations

Credits: Photography by Marcus Ward, http://www.bigeyephotography.co.uk; Stationery by Megan Alice England, www.meganaliceengland.co.uk

1920's film inspired place names

Credits: Photography by Marcus Ward, http://www.bigeyephotography.co.uk; Stationery by Megan Alice England, www.meganaliceengland.co.uk

Moroccan Themed Wedding

Credits: Photography by Marcus Ward, www.bigeyephotography.co.uk; Styling by Jessie Thomson, http://www.jessiethomson.co.uk; Props by Oasis Events, www.oasisevents.co.uk

Goodbye Fruit Cake

It’s pretty rare to see a traditional wedding cake on display these days, and increasingly popular are alternatives such as sweet buffets, cupcakes, ice cream bars, pudding tables, “cheese” cakes, cake pops… all completely mouth watering for guests to enjoy!

Shabby Chic Cupcakes

Credits: Photography by Kay Ransom, http://www.kayransom.com; Cupcakes by Cirencester Cupcakes, www.cirencestercupcakes.co.uk; Design inspired by Jessie Thomson, http://www.jessiethomson.co.uk

Sweetie Cart

Credit: Photography by Marcus Ward, http://www.bigeyephotography.co.uk; Sweet cart provided by Something Borrowed Something Blue, www.somethingborrowedandsomethingblue.co.uk

Clash of the Colours

Next year I predict that we’ll see a real contrast between weddings with very simple and pale colour schemes versus those with a mix of bright splashes of bold colour! I predicted that Kate Middleton would chose a simple bouquet of sweet lily of the valley for her wedding, and it’s a craze that’s been kicked off. However I’m also seeing brides wanting to inject more fun into their big day, especially at barn weddings where colour can really add further dimension to the room.

Colourful Spring Flower Bouquet

Credit: Photography by Marcus Ward, http://www.bigeyephotography.co.uk

Bright Colour Bouquet

 Credits: Photography by Kay Ransom, http://www.kayransom.com; Flowers by Rachel Jones, www.racheljonesflowers.com

Bright and colourful DIY inspired decor for table decorations

Credits: Photography by Marcus Ward, http://www.bigeyephotography.co.uk; Styling by Jessie Thomson, http://www.jessiethomson.co.uk

 

Under the Veil

Brides are becoming more adventurous with their accessories and that includes ditching the veil or tiara. Instead bespoke creations, vintage heirlooms and wreaths of flowers are being wrapped around flowing locks – a distinctly bohemian vibe will stay strong for 2012.

Floral bridal headpiece

Credit: Photography by Marcus Ward, http://www.bigeyephotography.co.uk

Boho Alternative Veil

Credits: Photography by Kay Ransom, http://www.kayransom.com; Headpiece by Gillian Million Designs, www.gillianmillion.com; Design inspired by Jessie Thomson, http://www.jessiethomson.co.uk

Delicate Details

Lots of brides like to add a personal touch to their wedding day now and there is a lovely trend growing for incorporating family heirlooms into dresses, jewellery, headdresses and bouquets. Vintage buttons from Grandma’s wedding dress, or a family member’s engagement ring…. Either way it’s a nice way to cover your something old or something borrowed.

Antique ring detail on brides bouquet

Credit: Photography by Marcus Ward, http://www.bigeyephotography.co.uk

So there you have it folks! Were there any ideas on this list that you plan to incorporate into your own wedding plans this year? Or are you being more daring and doing something completely “off trend”?! Would love your comments!

Now, off to write up some proposals and prepare for a big event in February… it’s a good ‘un and a big birthday bash rather than a wedding, so hopefully lots of fab ideas to share soon.

Jessie

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