When I say the word alternative, what do you think of?
Did you think Gothic, or Boho?
What would you say if I told you that Alice In Weddingland was an alternative wedding blog. Would you think it was jam packed with gothic and boho goodies. Well, you’re kind of right but it’s sooooo much more.
Alternative in the dictionary sense is purely the non-traditional and that’s exactly what the Alice In Weddingland wedding blog is all about: breaking tradition and doing things differently.
The alternative wedding blog
And that’s exactly what Alice In Weddingland is: an alternative wedding blog giving you unique wedding ideas. A wedding blog that breaks the norm, that breaks tradition and gets away from candy-floss, pink fluffy weddings. I’m not saying I don’t like candy-floss or fluffy pink weddings, it’s just that there are already plenty of blogs out there giving you some great resources in that respect.
What I want to give you is a a little slice of internet heaven that is populated with all sorts of alternate, non-traditional, unique wedding ideas and today’s stunning wedding bouquets from Mary from the Little Bouquet Shop are just that! Although the bouquets you’re about to see are from Mary’s ‘gothic’ range, they are simply stunning and a divine example of just how elegant and feminine non-traditional flowers can look.
When I stumbled upon the Little Bouquet Shop I was instantly struck by Mary’s unique bouquet designs: they were different and really beautify, I mean really beautiful! The colours were infused superbly, the mix of flora was stunning and the designs themselves just made each and every part of the bouquet exquisite!
I have to admit, I sat at Mary’s website for such a long time just staring at her bouquets! They are truly that lovely!!!
Unique wedding bouquet designs
I think floristry is such a beautiful craft and there are some really, really super clever talented people out there creating outstanding pieces of art. You can now have unique bouquets using fruit and veg!
Mary is a super talent designing beautiful, beautiful bridal bouquets and bringing to life the visions of her Brides: she works closely with them to ensure they get just what they want. Some of her Brides have even inspired her most popular ranges.
This is one talented lady! Mary has an eye for putting flowers together like Rembrandt did with the paint on his canvas.
Alice In Weddingland - unique wedding ideas wedding blog.
Tips from Mary from the Little Bouquet Shop
I must confess that my Brides inspired some of my most popular bouquets and creative work. There is no shortage of wonderful ideas from Brides who just need help transforming their vision into an actual bouquet… that’s where I come in. In fact, one of my biggest challenges is to protect my Brides from idea overload and second-guessing every decision.
Making wedding plans in the right sequence will also help minimize stressful decisions. For example, I always recommend that my Brides select their wedding dress before thinking about their bouquet. It makes little sense to choose the perfect bouquet only to find out later that the wedding dress of your dreams doesn’t work with the bouquet you envisioned. Always make current decisions by building on the previous ones… it will greatly simplify the many decisions you’ll need to make leading up to the wedding day. Think of planning a wedding like making a multi-tiered cake. You can’t add the next tier until the previous one has been put in its place.
And for goodness sakes, have FUN! If you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed, you’re doing it wrong.
Mary
I think Mary’s bouquets are incredibly gorgeous and are upheld by beautiful photos that do them a great justice! Even the names she’s given to her staple designs are fabulous.
She’s got some spectacular bouquets in her website gallery and if you’re into black and white weddings like I am, you must check out her Pixie Stick bouquet 
. She is extraordinarily talented in her art and her alternative wedding bouquets are inspirational.
More frabjous stuff:
I thought it was high time I did another Alice In Wonderland Moodboard for you guys so here it is, only this one is packed full of decor only. No dresses, no ties… just decor goodness all wrapped up in a bundle of Alice loveliness.
Alice In Wonderland wedding invitation - by Anista Designs | Eat me tags, party booth props & cupcake toppers – by Windrosie | Wedding signs – by True Connection | Alice In Wonderland pocket watch – by Old Junk Yard Boutique | Alice In Wonderland table numbers – by KuteKardz.
Curiouser and curiouser: If you’re having an Alice In Wonderland Wedding please do get in touch and let me know. I’d love to know your Alice In Wonderland wedding ideas/plans.
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A true fairytale wedding
You’re going to need a lovely large cuppa tea with this mornings post! Today’s real wedding is loaded with beautiful people and beautiful things and was photographed by one of my favourite wedding photographers, the lovely Christina Craft from Funky Town Photography. And when you’re finished with her stunning photos of Stephanie & Michaels wedding you must see her amazing wildlife photography, it’s beautiful!!!
But first, a little story if I may… when I was 15 I saw a National Geographic documentary on the Orca’s of Vancouver and I fell in love. I have always loved animals and seeing these stunning creatures amongst their breathtaking scenery made such an impact on me that I knew, one day, I would go there and see them… and I did.
Rob and I visited Canada a few years ago and it was just as I had imagined… spectacular! And while I saw the whales, in fact they swam right under our 26ft boat, our tour through the rockies was the most incredible adventure for us and it now holds an incredibly special place for us.
I still remember arriving at Lake Louise, the incredibly beautiful glacial lake, and I remember hiking around and singing and hearing our echoes bounce of the mountains. We stood for what seemed like an age looking back at the Chateau Lake Louise Fairmont Hotel thinking ‘what a place to get married’, and that’s exactly where Stephanie and Michael said their vows. I absolutely adore this wedding, it would be one of those on my list of Dream weddings for me
From Christina: ”Stephanie & Michael had an event that can only be called extraordinary. Every detail and moment was absolutely perfect. Stephanie dreamed of her wedding at one of the most incredible hotels in the world when she visited there with her mother as a child.
Stephanie & Michael had emotional vows and speeches as well and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house when they had their ceremony in front of one of the most famous scenery in the country.”
Alice In Weddingland - unique wedding ideas blog.
Hands up those with a major case of shoe envy!!! {Both hands and feet in the air}
I have a picture similar to this view. Rob and I had tea and scones at the window on the ground floor and the view truly is something special. To say words of love, and honour and life long commitment would be so… I am truly lost for words.
Check out the names on the carpet – love it!!! What a beautiful touch.
I love the styling of this wedding: the colours are beautifully reminiscent of the fresh, crisp early spring tulips. They are the early awakening of new times.
Whoop whoop! That’s the kind of Bridesmaid I would have. Fun!!!
See the gallery in the full post…
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It’s 9.56 pm Saturday night and I’m sitting on the couch, all snuggled up in my throw to keep Jack Frost away as I write this post. Hubby’s tucked up in my favourite chair and is watching a recording of Jonathon Ross nattering about Daniel Craig and bobbing his head like the Churchill dog which has left me with a mental picture of a mini Jonathon Ross in the back of my Rav bobbing away. Hmm, not sure I like that one. Anyway…
… back from my digress and on to this edition of Down The Lens, your guide to great photographers around the world.
Just a quick note about my DTL: the photographers showcased in my Down The Lens features are all selected by me. They are not submissions. I select these wedding photographers because I believe they are outstanding in one way or another. They are my personal choice governed by what I believe is great wedding photography. Those I select are not selected because of being part of an ‘elite’ club or because they’ve won a ton of accolades. Some are award winners, most are just great people doing great work and are chosen as they represent talent in their craft.
I literally google, a lot, {perks of my job } and look through dozens and dozens of wedding photography websites worldwide so that I can bring you awesome examples of wedding photography that is within your reach.
Down The Lens: your definitive guide to spectacular wedding photography
Today’s unique wedding photography showcase is by Julie Harris Photography and a huge congratulations goes out to Julie who gave birth to a widdle baby girl only two months ago {oh I’m getting clucky} . Because she’s so busy falling in love with her new role as Mummy, I didn’t want to disturb her by having her answer my usual, frabjous Q & A sesh so this Down The Lens for today will be a little different.
Today you get the eye-candy that is her photography and let me tell you, it is a stunning, visual showcase before you this morning. I LOVE Julie’s style, I LOVE her imagery {sorry for the capitals but she so deserves them }.
I actually found it hard to choose the pictures to post because there are so many stunners, however after reading this post jump on over to her website and have a good look around because there are a lot of beautiful images of Brides and Groom and In-laws and friends all celebrating love! Oh, and send her a congratulations on becoming a Mummy
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better example of a contemporary, traditional wedding photo. It’s the very traditional, lineup and smile at the camera, kind of job, but when you look at it, it doesn’t look stiff, the people don’t look uncomfortable and they’re not standing there with that “oh god a camera” type grin on their faces.
Instead it’s almost as though the guys were already standing around chatting away and Julie’s simply said “Do you mind if I grab a shot of you guys” and they all naturally filtered into a line, happily smiled and Julie looked down the lens at the right moment and then clicked the shutter button. Stunning!
Her images are a beautiful representation of marriage, of love and of weddings – they are so moody you feel like you were there.
Have you ever sat and looked through a friends wedding album and ooh and ahh’d – honestly! Not just to be nice to your friend. The kind of ooh and ash’s that made you tenderly reflect on her wedding as you turned each page. And with each turn you were given yet another stunning image, whether it was of her in her stunning dress or Grandma on the dance floor – well this is they kind of album Julie presents.
When Julie’s up for it, I promise you I’ll add a Q and A sesh back to this post and let you know when it’s up. But for now she’s tucked up enjoying life as a new Mum and it’s something that, having gone through it myself, I would never want to disturb those first few precious moments of getting to know your child, it’s too precious!!!
So I leave you to your morning cuppa and the rest of your day. I’m off to spend time with Boo before she goes back to pre school tomorrow {:( so not ready for my little BF to leave me again}. Have a frabjous day whatever you get up to!
P.S. Please do let me know what you think peeps. Which photo/s are you’re favourite? What do think of Julie’s style? I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
More frabjous stuff:
I love it when I open my eMail on my trusty, shiny, MacBook and there in front of me is an email about real people doing real things and this engagement shoot is another example of great engagement photo ideas.
This is the second engagement shoot {yes you heard me right}, the second {talk about lucky} for Benji & Fiona photographed by the irrepressible wedding photographer Dominc Clark III (the name says it all): he’s cool, he has a wicked sense of humour and he’s an awesome photographer.
The couple… well, if you’ve missed it, they’re getting married in an old theatre! How absolutely frabjous is that!
Check out their first engagement photo ideas in their apocalyptic adventure engagement shoot and read more about the frabjous Dom Clark III in the previous post.
And here’s their Indie Rom Com full of colour, love and bubbles of laughter. Benji and Fiona are daring to be different and are injecting more fun into their wedding adventures by creating another legacy, that of their life as an engaged couple.
Benji & Fiona’s lounge room wall is going to look amazing with all their stunning shots from their engagement shoots and what I love the most is how playful their being with their engagement photo ideas
So much fun!! Oh I do love seeing people in love, you just can’t stop smiling with them! I am a true, hopeless {I mean, quite pathetic} romantic!!! I am super excited about their wedding and can’t wait to see their adventure unfold with Dominic!
If you’re interested in an engagement shoot that’s a little different, get in touch with Dom, he’s your man!
P.S. Have you done an engagement shoot? Would you? Let me know and drop me a comment with your engagement photo ideas
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Thank you to everybody who entered the competition to win tickets to The National Wedding Show, we were inundated with entries and just wish we could have given tickets to everybody, but there can only be 4 lucky winners and here they are:
The Winners
CONGRATULATIONS to our winners as follows:
London ticket giveaway:
1st Prize: Julie Taylor. Congratulations Julie you’ve won a pair of tickets to the show and afternoon tea in the brand new Vintage Cafe at the show.
Runner up: Paul Green. Congratulations Paul, you’ve won a pair of tickets to the show.
Birmingham ticket giveaway:
1st Prize: Joanna Mills. Congratulations Joanna you’ve won a pair of tickets to the show and afternoon tea in the brand new Vintage Cafe at the show.
Runner up: Kathryn Jolley. Congratulations Kathryn, you’ve won a pair of tickets to the show.
Thank you again to everyone who entered. Stay tuned for more competitions really soon!
I hope to see you at the show
Zarn x
Bridal Tiaras
As a fellow bling obsessive I like nothing more than finding new sparkly things and todays tiara couture brings the fairytale bling out of the books of Brothers Grimm and smack bang into the 21st Century.
Tiararama, UK based tiara and hair accessory brand, are passionate about creating exquisite hair adornments and unique bridal tiaras and do so with punch and power. Founded by Suzanne Laughlin, Tiararama offer both a mainstream and couture service for Brides who love Tiarars.
Personally, I think bridal tiaras need to make a comeback and Tiararama are doing a damn fine job at achieving that. I never wore a Tiara at either of my weddings but I absolutely would love to now. There is something elegant and femininely fairytale-like about Tiaras and what a better time to wear one than on your spectacular wedding day.
Unique tiaras become the statement piece
Now as most of you who follow my wedding blog know, I am a huge fan of headwear: clips and headbands, but I’m not a huge fan of the pretty, seen-it-before Cinderella type Tiaras. However, the new contemporary, vintage, alternative kind of headwear is just my kind-a-thang! I love prettying my hair on those days I want to feel extra girly!
Combining her love of classical design with a theatrical twist Suzanne’s Tiaras have taken Cinderella, loaded her with drama, intensity and elegance and have transformed that Cinderella type Tiara into a melodic head-turner. You can see in the stunning photos below just what I’m on about…
I love the drama of Suzanne’s work. Her alternative styles, her unique designs and her creative talent have created a new brand of Tiaras that are sure to make a huge splash on the wedding market. No matter what hair colour you have, a blingy headpiece shows it off beautifully!
Photography by Clare-louise Photography
These Tiaras are beautiful and they’re elegant and they are so unique that I adore them. In fact I want one to wear on my 10th Anniversary this year!!! What do you think?
And I can’t wait to hear from the first Bride who wears one. Would you wear one? Would you wear a Tiara? Drop me a line, let me know what you think about bridal tiaras.
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The Best Man speech, Groom speech or Father of the Bride speech isn’t just about the fear that’s crystallised in the speaker it’s as much about the fear from the audience too!
So how do you manage to do a great speech (The Kings Speech) and not bring fear into the audience either 
?
On this wedding blog we’ve covered some of the key psychological aspects of the Best man speech, groom speech and father of the bride speech as well as how to view your audience differently Best man speech, groom speech and father of the bride speech part 2 (and not as a pack of wolves).
In this post we look at the Top 5 things you can do to ensure you have a great time and knock that fear on the head.
The Best Man Speech, Groom Speech, Father of the Bride Speech – TOP 5 techniques to stop the panic and keep calm
Starting at number 5…
5 – Preparation is the mother of invention
Although this is at number 5, this is probably one of the most important aspects of doing a great speech, as either the best man, groom or father of the bride…but…it really lays the foundations for the other 4, so that’s why it’s at number 5.
Don’t wait until the last day to quickly write your speech on the back of an envelope or napkin, not unless you have a repertoire to perform from.
Sketch it out as early as you can. Give yourself plenty of time to get all the stories & anecdotes together, this will help you relax and not panic about the content of your speech. It also means you can make changes to it as the day gets closer, giving you plenty of time to review your speech.
Design your speech to have a beginning, middle and end. Think of the end as the punch line (it doesn’t have to be a joke, but can summarise all that you’ve said in a punchy way)
I’ll cover how to design a speech in another post and how to make it fun for you so you’ll really enjoy getting it together.
4 – Be funny but not the joke
Do people laugh when you tell jokes? Are you good at the punch line? Or is it all just wet fish on the dinner table?
If you’re great at telling jokes or know how to use situational humour during your speech then add them to your best man speech, groom speech or father of the bride speech.
But if you’re not…STOP right now. There’s nothing worse than watching someone try and tell a joke that you clearly know is nose diving. People hate squirming in their seats from a diving joke more than a bad joke!
So if you’re really not good at telling jokes, forget the punch line…just don’t do them, they’re not expected or needed. If you’re good at them… then do ‘em!
3 – The audience is listening
Your audience is on your side. They want to help you and give you their attention in listening to what you have to say. Sometimes someone may speak to the person next to them, a baby might cry or aunty faint. But that doesn’t mean to say they think that what you’re saying is boring.
It’s all too easy to think you know what other people are thinking, but it’s the biggest mistake you can make. You don’t and can’t. So any reaction from the audience that you don’t understand or think is negative (unless you’ve got a few tomatoes heading your way) is usually a case of your nerves getting the better of you.
So think of it this way, you’re doing a speech to 5 of your best friends ever and they are intensely interested in what you’re saying because you are an interesting person and have something of value to say.
2 – Make friends not enemies
In a similar way to number 3, (but different enough ) you want to have the audience on your side. Plying them copious amounts of wine is a great way to start, but even through red or white lenses, they’ll still spot a phoney a mile off.
Go round the people at the wedding before your speech and make friends with them, (you don’t have to be life long buddies) but get to know them a bit. Ask some questions about them, how they know the bride and groom etc. This is a great way to get over the ‘pack of wolves – sea of faces’ that causes so much of the panic and nerves in people, who do the best man speech, groom speech or father of the bride speech.
1 – Smile you’re on camera
You may not understand initially why this is the number one reason that can help you do the King’s Speech to start with, so let me give you a few pointers.
People warm to smiles
Smiles are a natural way to let someone know we are happy and inviting
People who are inviting attract other people
Attraction is what makes us …attractive
Attractive people are liked
Liked people are confident
Confident people get more
Those who get more smile more
Those that smile more…( I think you get the picture!)
So smile You’re ON Camera and you would’t want to look any other way. Oh…and smiling also makes you feel great too.
And if you just follow these 5 basic principles of how to do the King’s Speech as the Best Man’s speech, Groom’s Speech or Father of the Bride Speech, you’ll be having a great day!
Have fun & smile
Rob
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The Shortlist: Your vote matters.
Thank you to everyone who entered the competition to win your wedding photography by Amy Lewin. We had some wonderful entries and Amy and I had a hard time getting to just three of you, but, the show must go on… now it’s time for you to vote.
Help us by voting for your favourite entry below.
In no particular order:
Emmeline
Where will you be getting married?
Red Barn , Norfolk
What will make your wedding unique and how will you break tradition?
Our Wedding is themed around Oak trees, leaves and acorns as Steve (my husband to be) proposed in a Oak Forest.
Myself and mum and mother in law to-be are making everything from oak leaf printed napkins to clay acorns and oak leaf chair ties. It’s also got an Alice theme to it as well: teapots pouring flowers from the spouts, flamingos and pocket watches!
My hair is being styled very quirky and my dress is traditional with a twist. Steves suit is tailored tweed.
Theres an irish band with country dancing and a harp playing ‘Five Years Time’ by Noah and The Whale as I skip down the isle.
Our rings are handmade out of oak, set in rose gold. A hog roast and paella for dinner, our 2 favourite dishes. Served of cause by Steve and my self! (and maids). Cake made out of cheese towering up with dried fruit and chutneys.
Oh and of course bottles of the finest port. I cant wait till the big day and just talking about it gets me so excited.
Melissa
Where will you be getting married?
Hampshire
What will make your wedding unique and how will you break tradition?
We are going to have a New Zealand themed wedding with all the trimmings and my Mum will give me away and my brother will step in and do the father of the bride speech as sadly my father passed away four years ago.
Helena
Where will you be getting married?
The Bahamas but the reception will be in the UK
What will make your wedding unique and how will you break tradition?
I’m breaking tradition as I’m getting married in the Bahamas by a lake and afterwards we’re going for a swim. We won the wedding as part of the Bahamas 16 weddings competition. We’re just organising our reception in the UK and it would be amazing to win the photography.
Vote now:
Please note: We have a number of people emailing saying they can’t see the Vote button. This is because there is only one vote per IP address. We had released it to per PC however this was abused by some voters repeatedly voting for one person over and over again. Sadly, this meant we had to then put it back to per IP address.
If your IP address has been registered already as a vote you will therefore not be able to see the voting button again.
The repeated votes are recored in the voting logs and will not be counted in the final count.
Winner to be announced shortly.
NOTE RE VOTING: I’ve received a few comments/emails regarding not being able to vote/see the vote button. Voting can only take place once per computer to ensure there are no repeat votes counted.
Good luck!
Zarn & Amy x
