mr & mrs unique wedding & lifestyle magazine ss14

ISSUE 001 SpRINg/SUMMER 2014

UNIQUE WEDDINGSINSPIRATION

STYLE TRENDS

LOVE

weDDinG AnD liFesTYle MAGAZine

2 MR & MRS UNIQUE | SpRINg/SUMMER 2014

www.mrandmrsunique.co.ukMr & Mrs Unique Wedding Directory cherry picks the very best unique, eclectic and creative wedding services across the UK. Ideal if you’re looking for inspiration or suppliers in your area for your big day.

You can find us here:

www.mrandmrsuniqueweddingblog.co.ukFor wedding inspiration and a behind the scenes look at what our suppliers get up to.

Mr & Mrs Unique- Wedding Directory, Blog & Online Magazine

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Hello!

Thank you so much for dropping by and checking out our first ever edition of Mr & Mrs Unique Wedding & Lifestyle Magazine, it’s a very exciting time for us!

We hope to bring you an insider’s view of what our suppliers get up to, what we love and hopefully bring you bags full of inspiration for your big day!

We have real weddings, photo shoots, engagements, delicious food and drink ideas, colour and style inspiration, plus advice and guidance from the people in the know; our lovely suppliers!

Lots of hours and late nights went into our first edition and I just wanted to thank everyone who has let me publish their stories or photos, I couldn’t have done it without you!

plus a massive thank you to Katerina from Rhubka Design, the lady behind the design at Mr & Mrs Unique.

Hope you enjoy the read and if you have any suggestions or comments please get in touch [email protected]

Message from The Editor

Erica Willoughby-SmithFounder and creative director of Mr & Mrs Unique directory, blog, magazine and co-organiser of Tie The Knot Wedding Carnival

photo credit: Alexa Loy photography

SpRINg/SUMMER 2014 | MR & MRS UNIQUE 3

Mr & Mrs UniqUe

Mr & Mrs Unique celebrates the unusual, the quirky, the interesting and above all the unique aspects to weddings that so many couples seek these days; offering a colourful array of some of the very best UK wedding suppliers; a blend of the extraordinary, talented, crazy & downright amazing!

Not only do we cherry pick the very best unique, eclectic and creative wedding services, our business

has grown considerably to include a successful directory, a resourceful wedding and lifestyle blog, visual and inspirational online bi-annual magazine, supplier workshops and Tie The Knot- The Unique & Eclectic Wedding Carnival.

We aim to feature only the most unique services from the best suppliers across the UK. Businesses that are committed to the highest quality of products and service, integrity and value; ones that can demonstrate that their uniqueness is in keeping with the Mr & Mrs Unique seal of approval.

ADVerTisinG & sUBMissiOnsIf you are interested in joining Mr & Mrs Unique and have a service that would be of interest to couples that look for something a bit different and outside the box, please email us [email protected] or follow our guidelines here

FOllOw Us On sOciAl MeDiA

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spring/summer 2014 | mr & mrs uniQue 5

cOnTenTs Boudoir nights ................................... 6 Lavender & Linen

Top Tips For Tipi styling ...............10 World Inspired Tents

spring/ summer colour inspiration ............................14 Mint Green, Coral & Sand and Yellow

Alexa loy competition winners......................18 Alexa Loy Photography

will You Marry Me? .......................26 Nevie- Pie Cakes

wedding Yurts cocktail ............... 30 Wedding Yurts

Baroque Bridal shoot....................32 Mr & Mrs Unique Photo Shoot with Brighton Photo

Mr & Mrs Unique Presents… The Floral workshop .....................38 The Basement Florist

DiY Glitter Globes ...........................42 Guest Post by Whimsical Wonderland Weddings

Unique weddings…. Missi & Yoni ....................................44 Babb Photos

Delicious Pudding Tables .............52 Dewsall Court

The Thinking Behind The styles ..........................56 Fleur De Lace

A little Piece of cupcake ........... 60 A Little Piece of Cupcake

scrapyard love ...............................64 Sharon Cooper Photography

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Boudoir Nights

Whilst doing a styled photo shoot at Elmore Court a few months ago it was simply too good an opportunity to miss to take advantage of the beautifully renovated suites in the historic house. The rooms make the perfect backdrop for boudoir photography with their sumptuous furnishings and luxurious feel.

The shots were taken at Elmore Court’s ‘The Oak Room’ with its magnificent four-poster bed

and freestanding copper bath and ‘The Master Suite’ with its enormous bed and beautiful wood panelling.

Now we know that boudoir shoots are not everyone’s cup of tea, and the thought of stripping off in front of a stranger may fill you with horror, but by using some completely unique vintage items we created a look that was alluring, but not too revealing. Krystina from

Photography by Fig PhotographyStyling & words by Lavender & Linen


Fig photography immediately put our lovely model, Emily Iles, at ease, and with a fantastic hair and make up crew on hand (Sandie from Bella Bridal and Katie Bolton respectively), the look was created.

The stunning clothing was supplied by Saxon & Wolf – a vintage clothing specialists who can source items to suit your shape and preferred look (particularly from the 1900s to 1940s).


Included here was a 1930s pink silk and ecru tap pants and bra set, a 1920s mint green and ecru teddy, and two silk vintage kimonos. perfect items for your bridal trousseau or indeed for a special boudoir shoot!

We dressed the room with a variety of our vintage treasures, from perfume bottles, cotton reels, bone china, and ribbons to Edwardian jewellery cases, black & white photos and old books.

The gorgeous pedestal arrangement by Stephanie Saunders Flowers really highlighted the impressiveness of the copper bath and brought a gorgeous floral touch to the room. The purple and white hydrangeas and roses alongside the greenery were perfect against the bold blue of the walls.

So, if you haven’t considered a boudoir shoot before, perhaps this might change your mind? Or perhaps you might decide some beautiful silk vintage underwear would be the perfect addition to your honeymoon?!

SUPPLIERS:photography by Fig photographyStyling & props: Lavender & LinenVenue: Elmore CourtFlowers: Stephanie Saunders FlowersCake: Cake Sweet CakeVintage Boudoir Clothes: Saxon & WolfeHair Styling: Bella Bridal HairMake Up Artist: Kate BoltonShoes: Rachel SimpsonModel: Emily IIes


Photography by Sarah Lauren PhotographyWords by World Inspired Tents

Styling by Devon Vintage China and Jolly Good Wedding

Top Tips for Tipi Styling


Here at World Inspired Tents we have been privileged to work with some super creative stylists and customers since we starting pitching Nordic tipis back in 2007. We are always impressed by the huge range of themes that the tipis can accommodate, from rustic woodland styling with poles wrapped in ivy and tin baths filled with ice and bubbly, to traditional country weddings with lace, vintage china heaps of bunting.

Some of our favourite weddings have been seaside affairs, with fabulous nautical fabrics, sand filled tea-light holders, chocolate shell-shaped wedding favours and even a visit from a vintage fish and chip van!

As well and glorious summer events, the tents are often used to create a backdrop for magical winter weddings, decorated with candelabra, open fires, miles of fairy lights and cosy reindeer skins.


Throughout the 2012/13 wedding seasons we saw a growing trend for more relaxed festival style weddings often held in meadow settings, with wildflowers in reclaimed jars, coloured lanterns, and rainbow-bright Bollywood colours.

Looking ahead to the 2014/15 seasons, we are seeing more and more customers wanting to ‘bring the outside in’, with earthy fabrics, lots of greenery and informal floral arrangements – interpreted with both a formal English country garden take on the theme and a more rustic feel.

Whatever styling our customers decide on, the tipis provide a wonderfully atmospheric, warm and welcoming backdrop for any theme – and the open fires are always a hit!

For more information contact [email protected], 01271 865306, www.worldinspiredtents.co.uk


sPrinG/sUMMercOlOUrinsPirATiOn

Mint green lollipop cookies: Nevie-pie CakesBlue cake pop: A Little piece of Cupcakegreen teardrop material and beads: Wilden Bride

green straws & badge: Wedding in a teacupHeart invites: Elinor Rose Stationerygreen floral invite: Russet & graygreen wedding bells: Retro press Ltd

MinT Green


Coral Luggage label, straws and confetti: Wedding in a teacupCoral beaded flower: Wilden Bride

Multi-coloured invite: Russet & graySquare cookies: Nevie-pie CakesCoral chevron invite: Elinor Rose Stationery

cOrAl

Photography by Jade Sayers Photography


gold material: Wilden BrideWhat is a marriage poem: Bespoke Versepaper Flower: Elinor Rose StationeryYellow luggage label: Wedding in a teacup

Tipi flyer: papakataCream script invite: Russet & grayEat, drink & get married invite: Retro press

sAnD & YellOw


Alexa Loy Photography Competition Winners.... Sarah & Kevin

We recently ran a competition with the Alexa Loy Photography for one lucky couple to win their wedding photography. After receiving many entries, Alexa decided that Sarah and Kevin’s entry sounded exciting and declared them winners of receiving a whole days wedding coverage. Here Alexa tells us about why they were chosen, her thoughts if the day, plus we get to see some of her favourite images of the happy couple.

“I adored photographing Sarah and Kevin’s wedding and I am so pleased that we chose

Photography and words by Alexa Loy Photography


them as winners of the Mr and Mrs Unique competition. Full of London adventure, homemade goodies, beautiful flowers, gorgeous colours, thoughtful details, an awesome indie playlist and a whole lot of love.

When they first contacted me with their entry, they sounded like they were just my kind of couple – laid back, friendly and looking for a wedding that was fun and perfectly suited to their personalities. And they were so smiley in the picture they attached I couldn’t wait to get to know them!

The day was one of the most happy weddings

I have ever photographed, so much positive energy and love in the room. Sarah and Kev got married at Marylebone Town Hall and decided to meet each other before the ceremony, which was the most incredible moment to photograph. Sarah wore a beautiful dress by Charlotte Casadejus (from Luella’s Boudoir) and her bridesmaids dressed in a mix of light coloured dresses that complimented each other, while Kev and his best man were rocking some gorgeous blue suits.

After the ceremony their guests piled onto a red London routemaster and there was tour of London en route to the Balham Bowls Club


where they had their reception. The pub has a vintage vibe with an amazing atmosphere. Kevin and Sarah added to this with their table decor and served up pie and mash - delicious!

Their guests had taken part in a competition to fill to desert table, the most amount of delicious homemade cakes ever seen. There was not a dry eye in the house when it was time for the speeches and it was amazing to watch as

everyone filled the dance floor into the night. I absolutely adored photographing Sarah and Kevin’s wedding, and it was amazing to receive this card from them after they received their final images “Every time we look at the photos we relive the atmosphere, emotion and love of the day. We can’t thank you enough for choosing us to win the competition!”


Probably the most romantic words anyone could ever say to you, closely followed by ‘how big would you like the diamond?’

‘How did you/he propose?’ is the first question you will be asked when you share the happy news of your engagement (followed by ‘have

Cookies & words by Natasha from Nevie-Pie CakesPhotography by Jade Sayers Photography


you set a date? Where will the wedding be, and, let me see your ring, basically be prepared for an interrogation that would shame the Spanish Inquisition.) The tale of the proposal will be retold time and time again and written down in family folk law for generations to come...so you need a good story.

Now, if like me, you spend a large proportion of your time looking at Facebook I’m sure that you will have seen some of the many amazing proposals out there. The proposer (mostly the man, but not always) secure the help of family, friends, movie makers, choirs, buses, dancers and marching bands (sometimes all at once) to help them pop the big question. One could even ponder the thought that if your proposal doesn’t ‘go viral’ can it really count? There are even

engagement planners who, for a modest fee, of thousands of pounds, will help you plan the perfect proposal. They will find that secluded beach, the firework designer, the string quartet, and organize a photographer to capture the moment.

It is all a little bit excessive isn’t it? I mean what’s wrong with the ring in the champagne glass anymore?

So I tried to think about how I would like to be proposed to. personally I shy away from anything too public or over-the-top because it would make me question if the marriage could ever be better than the proposal. And I would be mortified to find myself sitting in a darkened cinema expecting to watch Hugh Jackman and instead watching a film featuring my future fiancée asking my father for my hand in marriage, all set to music, with white doves flying away! It would be enough for me to say a very firm ‘No!’

While an overblown proposal may be perfect for you, I would need something much more personal and intimate, but with also something that has involved thought and planning. And really what better way to say it than with cake…or to be more exact, cookies. After you have been graciously accepted, you can celebrate by eating the sweet treat. Or if (heaven forbid) you’ve been rejected you can console yourself by pigging out and telling yourself that someone who thought of such a wonderful way to propose can find someone who appreciates it!


Cocktail time…

The cocktail featured in this recent Mr & Mrs Unique photo shoot, was inspired by a Venetian postprandial called a Scroppino.

To make simply add one shot of pink botanical vodka to a cocktail glass, one scoop of raspberry sorbet and top with Prosecco – sweet, fruity and simply delicious!

Credits:

Mr & Mrs Unique competition winners Lucy & Rob,

Dress: Wilden Bride,

Jewellery: Isobel Hind Couture,

Flowers: The Vintage Floral Design Co

Beach Hut: Vintage Events

Photography by Binky Nixon PhotographyRecipe and words by Lizzie from Wedding Yurts

Baroque Bridal Shoot


Art direction & Photography by Heather at Brighton PhotoStyling & Co-ordination by Erica from Mr & Mrs Unique


CREDITS

Venue: Asylum

Art Direction & photography by Heather Shuker for Brighton photo

photography Assisted by Roberto Zampino & Emily Hocking

Styling & Co-ordination: Erica from Mr & Mrs Unique

Dresses: Wilden Bride & Federica Bruno

Hair: Jo from Lovehair

Make Up: Zoe Cornwell Make Up Artist

Jewellery: Rosie Weisencrantz

Millinery: La Dame au Beret

Table Styling: Curious Fair

glassware: Helene Millot Furnishings

pink Cake: Nevie-pie Cakes

Cupcakes: Frenchmade

Models: Alissa polanski, Este Cann, Shanna Corridan


presents...

The Basement Florist

The Floral Workshop Words by Noeleen from the Basement Florist

Photography by Alexa Loy Photography

Food by The Illustrated Chef



This Spring I held my first workshop alongside Mr & Mrs Unique. The reason behind the workshop was to show people how easily flowers can be arranged to great effect with just a little guidance, and to encourage creativity and the perception of flower arranging into something more than just ‘chucking them in a vase’ after you’ve put the rest of the shopping away!

In addition, I wanted to show everyone how easy it really is to grow your own seeds at home, and to encourage people to look in their own gardens for beautiful plants and flowers can look incredible cut and enjoyed in the house.

The flowers were chosen primarily for season, but also for colour, texture and contrasting shapes.


Scented narcissi, pale pink anemone, bright yellow mimosa, fresh green ruscus foliage, orange ranunculus and hot pink antirrhinum and delicate fritillaria combined to create a punchy, colourful display arranged in a crescent shape above the pot, i.e. weighted with height using the

antirrhinum to the right, balanced to the lower left using the mimosa.

And the final result! Well done ladies, we had a blast!! Thanks for coming along, hopefully see you at the next one!!


DIY Glitter Globes


Guest Article by Lou from Whimsical Wonderland Weddings

Inspired by pretty snow globes I thought why not have glitter globes all year round, with non-festive decorations within. Imagine your jars filled with the things you love that represent you as a couple, next to your flowers or cakes. How cute would that look?

Try getting different sized jars with mismatched arrangements and glitter too. I really want to try some with some cute artificial flowers or foliage or perhaps our initials written on some clear plastic within.

OR if you don’t fancy these for your wedding they are still really fun to do at home.

This blog post was first seen on www.whimsicalwonderlandweddings.com

Thanks Lou!

WHAT YOU NEED

gLUE YOUR JAR LID

STICK DOWN YOURDECORATION

ADD gLITTER

gLUE ON THE LID

DIY gLITTER gLOBE COMpLETE

ADD WATER


Missy and Yoni …Photography & words by Laura from Babb Photo


I loved everything about this wedding.

Lots of the day was themed around the fact that they were moving to Mexico to teach English. The had a Mexican day of the dead cake, a globe as their table plan, toy planes as favours and their families all got up dressed in sombreros to sing Mexican style music to them as a surprise. I was singing the song they wrote to them for weeks after the event.

Missy and Yoni also had a Jewish/Humanist ceremony. There were elements of a traditional

Jewish wedding, to celebrate the groom’s faith and also secular elements to reflect the bride’s beliefs. I loved the fact that their day was so very personal to them.

It also took place at two of the coolest venues I’ve ever worked at. The Asylum which is a beautiful, crumbling old former chapel and the Big Red pizza Bus in peckham. Both venues had so much character.

Missy and Yoni were just a joy to work with.


SUppLIERS:

Ceremony Venue: Asylum Arts - Caroline gardens, peckham, London

Reception Venue: The Big Red pizza Bus Deptford, London

Bride’s Dress: ghost

Bride’s Shoes: Vivienne Westwood Anglomania / Melissa

Hair and Make up: pretty pout

groom’s Attire: Moss Bespoke

Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Collectif

Cake: Debby Sass at Cakespace

Flowers: Columbia Flower Market

Stationery: Destill

Caterers: Mike and Ollie

Wedding ceremony singers: Carly Bond and Marc Finer


Delicious Pudding TablesStyling & Words by Samantha Vaughan at Dewsall Court

Photography by Gemma Williams Photography

As you can imagine, this shoot was a lot of fun. It was inspired by many of our couples wanting to do something stylish and standout with their afternoon tea, cheese or pudding tables. Our team are a very creative bunch so we decided that styling their ideas was a service we could offer. We went for the ‘Downton’ pudding table which is great for events in the house, the midsummer night’s dream pudding table which works wonderfully well in the Wainhouse barn, the traditional farmhouse cheese table with its tankards, decanters of port and acres of local cheeses, and the very refined afternoon tea all tiny and perfect!

We have also found that couples sometimes want to use a cake instead of a pudding but as foodies we find wedding cake at the end of the meal a strange one and think that a pudding instead of a cake works much better. As such, we have come up with some really great puddings and beautifully stylish gateaux which aren’t an obvious departure from either a pudding or a cake and shows a couple who are clever with their budget rather than struggling with their budget. These pudding cakes make a wonderful centrepiece to the styled tables and create a sense of spectacle and a highpoint to the wedding breakfast.


It is so important for venues to be constantly responding to the needs of their couples and to be able to be flexible with what they offer, ensuring that each wedding truly is unique and

not a churn out of the wedding they had the week before, and the week before that. We really do try to constantly evolve so that we can do that for our brides and grooms.


The Thinking Behind the StylesStyling and words By Alice from Fleur De LacePhotography by Sharon Cooper Photography



Fleur de Lace took two styles combining this year’s trends. Each adding personality in its own way to your wedding décor and in particular

the tablescape; what a fantastic word to describe how each table at your wedding sets its own scene.

For the more eccentric among us, don’t be scared to think outside the box. Our Natural style brings the popular bright yellow shining through using daffodils, table napkins and little birds.

Whilst the table itself is dressed with subtle hessian, the centre is lined with a runner of mossy wood. glass Bottles with stems of daffodils and White freesia settle nicely on the bed of moss, whilst hanging balls holding more moss and stems hang from above but are low enough to be part of the table itself. A moss ‘Mr and Mrs’ hangs in the background as the theme continues away from the table.

Nature

At Fleur de Lace we don’t want to be ‘run of the mill’ but love adding personal touches wherever possible and want to keep the fun in all aspects of your décor If you have an idea, step out, go with it, be inspired and don’t be scared of the cost DIY wedding ideas are endless. For advice with any design query, big or small, contact Fleur de Lace for a chat or for our help. We also have a treasure trove of products for hire, unique Floristry designs and hand-painted signage, including names and numbers.


We have all been asking if vintage is here to stay or if it’s a fad and will soon be over. In our opinion ‘Vintage’ is here to stay as long as we keep ideas fresh, mixing the consistency of lace, jam jars and country garden flowers with more contemporary ideas and different twists.

With the Fleur de Lace vintage look we made a table runner of hardback books wrapped in brown paper. It gave a platform for the bottles of flowers to be displayed at different levels. We personalised each place setting with a hand-painted name plaque and table number.

The flowers have a real spring feel with the white Tulip and purple tones of the Lavender and Limonium, along with the occasional Avalanche Rose. The Lavender colours gave the flora a pretty vintage feel accented by the purples in the bunting. A pinwheel on each place setting adds to the décor as well as giving your guests entertainment and a token to take away. This table could be ideal for an ‘afternoon tea’ style wedding, a subtle evening affair or for any couple that like the Vintage Country garden feel.

New Vintage

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.fleurdelace.co.uk

pin: Fleur de Lace Weddings and Events

Twitter: @Fleur_de_Lace


A Little Piece of Cupcake

Naked Chocolate Cake Cakes & Words by Louise from A Little Piece of Cupcake

Photography by Binky Nixon Photography



INgREDIENTS

339g I salted butter at room temperature339g caster sugar6 eggs1/2 tsp vanilla extract80g Bourneville cocoa powder339g plain flourpinch of salt3 tsps baking powder

300ml double cream3 tbsp s icing sugarSeeds from 1/2 vanilla podBlack cherry or black currant preserve

prepare and line 3, round 8 inch baking tins with baking paper. Set your oven to gas mark 4. Mix together your butter and caster sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time. pop in 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. Sift in cocoa and mix so that its now completely brown mixture. Add flour, salt and baking powder and mix. Divide the mixture evenly between 3 tins and cook in the oven for 20/25 minutes Once cooked, leave to cool for 10 minutes in the tins and then transfer onto wire racks to cool completely.

Now your ready to whip up your cream. pour your double cream into the mixer with 3 tbsp of icing sugar and seeds from 1/2 vanilla pod, whisk until cream is thick, almost think enough to hold above your head without it falling!

Now your ready to assemble the cake!

Lay down one of the sponges into a cake stand Spoon a large dollop of your preserve on the sponge and spread evenly. On another sponge, pop a spoonful of cream and smear it across evenly, now put this sponge on top of the first one so that the cream meets with the preserve. Now repeat, now the cake is complete, just add another layer of cream to the top and decorate with fresh flowers and berries. Now Enjoy!


Naked chocolate cakeNaked Victoria sponges have been huge this year! So it’s great to see other flavours, even a combination of different coloured sponges looks so effective! perfect cake for a rustic barn wedding!

Carrot cupcakesDried fruit and flowers is another trend this year, and why not? They look fab – and natural! The glacier cherries give these cakes a retro pop of colour especially with these mint green baking cups! These would be great favours for your guests or a lovely addition to a cake table in a laid back tipi style wed fest!

Purple ombre naked cakeNaked cakes are bang on trend this year and so is ombre! Clients have opted for these multi-coloured layers underneath a covering of butter cream frosting - so the colour of the sponge is a lovely surprise for their guests! This cake is a perfect combination of two great trends this year! Especially with these amazing fresh flowers from Wild Orchid Florist.

Rustic buttercream cakegood old American buttercream frosting is another one of my favourite trends right now, it’s delicious, rustic, soft, romantic and looks ace on a cake table! It can be used with all cake flavours, you can alter the colour of the buttercream to fit in with your scheme and can be used to cover tiered cakes too.


Anna and Laurence met at a music festival in 2008 and have been going to a few every year ever since. They love their old VW cars and go to shows whenever we can, toying with the idea of having a campervan as their wedding ride.

They have been living together now for 5 years and Laurence proposed when they were halfway up a mountain in India last year and being away gave them a thirst for adventure!

They hope to get married in the woods and adore the theme of wildflowers, so they are currently having fun with ideas and enjoying planning their dream party!

Here Anna and Lawrence tell us a bit about their photo shoot:

‘Sharon told us about how she could organise an old, rusty yard for a photo shoot with once loved buses and cars strewn everywhere, weeds and ivy taking over, with abandoned vehicles, engines, twisted metal and the aroma of rich, old leather, we couldn’t have been more excited!

From our first email to a coffee round the corner post-shoot, each interaction with Sharon was an infectious sense of fun and adventure. Cliché or staged is not her style. Her photos will capture moments in time you’ll never want to forget. We just love this set of photos and cant wait to plan our wedding.’

Scrapyard Love…Photography and words by Sharon Cooper Photography

Engaged couple Anna & Lawrence

mr & mrs unique wedding & lifestyle magazine ss14

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