Loving these cute personalised cake toppers by Brighton based Sarah Broadhurst aka Miss Cake. Made from lasercut acrylic in a range of colours, the large cake toppers range from £10-£20 with the smaller cupcake toppers around £2.50 each.
Michelle xx
Good morning buys and girls.
Did you see my recent bridal inspiration that featured on the fab Love My Dress wedding blog….here’s a preview. Head on over here to see the full post.
Image credits: 1. anthropologie.com 2. blog.brancoprata.com 3. blog.sassandbide.com
4. tumblr.com 5. blog.brancoprata.com 6. prettystuff.tumblr.com
7. thisivyhouse.tumblr.com 8. prettystuff.tumblr.com
Image credits: 1. blog.brancoprata.com 2. tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com
3. thebridesguide.marthastewartweddings.com 4. stylemepretty.com
Michelle xx
Today folks I have some great advice from someone who knows a thing or two about great photography. I am so lucky in my job as both a blogger and as a wedding planner too that I get to work with some of the most talented and creative photographers around. And I get to drool over their delicious images too.
But I am often sat wondering how they do it, how do they capture those incredible images, how do they expertly freeze that brilliant moment on film, the ones that are so natural and full of emotion that you actually feel like you were there yourself just by viewing the photograph?
Well a creative eye, a lot of skill and years of practice is the answer, but to give you a little more insight, Fiona Kelly a London-based wedding photographer and proud member of my Dream Team, has some great tips on how you too can grasp the art…..
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
“Most people don’t enjoy having their photo taken, and yet everyone reacts positively and loves photos that capture something of the essence of a moment. An image that shows the real person, not overly posed; a natural reaction. Capturing that emotion is not straightforward, especially when someone is aware that they are being photographed. Its one thing managing to grab an amazing photo of someone laughing, smiling or even crying, when they aren’t aware that image is being taken. Quite something else when you have a rather camera shy person stood in front of you! This is when its up to you, as the photographer, to gain that persons trust and help them relax in front of the camera. Here are some great ways to get those great ‘natural reactions’ with just a little assistance…
Reach out to the person & put your camera down
I know, the irony isnt lost, but just think of how much of a wall that camera can be, especially to someone a bit uncomfortable about having a photo taken. Its a great black lump that stops your rather nervous model from seeing your eyes and connecting with you. Im not suggesting packing the camera away, but lower it a bit every now and again. Have a conversation, ask questions and find out about what makes the person you are photographing tick. Once they trust you and have connected with you a little they will relax. Once they have relaxed you will start to see the real person, and while you are chatting you can start taking a few pictures. The conversation will make them more animated and you can begin to capture some real reactions and show their personality.
Keep taking photos
Once you have put the person at ease then take the time to take a few more photos than you think you might want or need. As with any new situation, most people take a little while to get into the swing of it so keep taking those shots. Make sure you try a few different angles and crops. Most people have a ‘good side’ or a pose or position thats more flattering than others so try out some options. Don’t be afraid to direct them, after all they can’t see how they look through the camera.
Have a bit of fun, and be a little silly
You may find some people leap into the whole ‘photoshoot’ thing quicker than others. One way of figuring out the persons comfort level is to have a little fun and get them to play around with different expressions. Can they be a bit silly, serious, sad or cheeky? (Feel free to join in and help them get into the swing of it!) This isn’t the be all or end all, as some people will immediately feel really self conscious, but at the very least they might start giggling at how silly they feel and you have immediately helped them relax and the ice is broken.
What happens in between the ‘shots’ is the key
These are the times when you can see the real person you are photographing. These moments are the ones that happen right after the shot that the person was waiting for. They relax, they stand or sit the way they would naturally and this can make for wonderful photos that reflect the true personality of your subject. What this means for the photographer is that you should be ready to shoot at all times. Be prepared, anticipate the unplanned and look for those perfect shots that capture your subjects natural reactions.
Do a bit of homework before the shoot
Its amazing how much you can find out about someone before the shoot by asking a few simple questions and chatting a little, even over email. The more you can find out before the easier it will be to get a feel for the person you are shooting and what makes them tick. It also means they will feel more comfortable with you as they will get to know you a bit through this process too. This can help you to work out what to say or do that will make them relax and allow you get those fab shots.
When it comes down to it, there are no hard and fast rules. Nothing is going to guarantee that you get that killer shot that just truely sums up the person you are shooting, but you can certainly help things slightly. Be yourself, be friendly and chatty and above all be ready, prepared and constantly watch whats happening because you never know when that perfect shot is going to happen.
Thanks so much to Fiona for these helpful tips, I know as someone with a keen interest in photography I love to hear from the pro’s about how they do it and I still remain in awe. As a blogger the ability to take good photo’s is a must and great photography is something that really inspires me and I hope to continue to learn more about this fine art, sharing my learnings with you as I go, and moving away from the trusted iPhone to my DSLR which sadly remains a dustcatcher at the back of my office.
So tell me, do you have an interest in photography, do you know your ISO from your Aperture? Would you like to know more about the basics of photography or is there any burning questions you have for our resident experts? I know many photographers who read the blog so if you do have any questions get them in now.
Much love,
Michelle xx
Last week I introduced you to a new feature called Floritecture where I will be demonstrating the architecture behind a flower arrangement. Working with some of the UK’s most talented florists this feature aims to inspire you with creative floral arrangements whilst also talking about the why’s and how’s behind the arrangements.
Today’s has been brought to you by Becky Hay of Blossom Flowers and this one was actually created for a photoshoot I recently co-ordinated. Becky responded to my brief for the Industrial Eclectic shoot and came up with not just one but several stunning floral masterpieces.
I asked for textural, organic arrangements that would fit with the industrial vibe we had going on at the shoot, my only specification being they needed to be loose arrangements and fit into the muted colour scheme of industrial and soft greys, pale and dusky minks and pinks, with a hint of purple.
I can honestly say I was blown away when she arrived at the shoot in her flower van and did the grand unveiling. I think I may have even squealed a little when I saw the arrangements, and the bouquet, well it was a little piece of magic that everyone fell in love with on the day and I’m sure you will too….
Image credits: Flower images ~ FO Photography, Image of Becky ~ Becky Hay
Becky Hay of Blossom Flowers.
~ Blossom has been recognised by Florist & Wholesale Buyer magazine to be included in the Good Florist Guide, and was awarded a Silver Award for Excellence in the 2007 Flower Shop of the Year Competition run by the Flower Council of Holland. Blossom is one of only 55 florists in the UK, and the only flower shop in Manchester to have achieved such status.
Becky Hay is the owner and creative force behind Blossom. Since her very first job as a ‘Saturday girl’ in the local flower shop, her childhood ambition was to have her own shop. Before realising her dream, Becky trained and worked as a Landscape Architect which equipped her with excellent design skills and a wealth of horticultural knowledge.
You can find out more about them by visiting their website and following on Twitter.
A hand-tied bridal bouquet
Becky of Blossom Flowers said: “The echeveria has qualities of an air plant but was a little softer in texture and colour. The roses, ranunculus, and cyclamen were all chosen for their colour as well as the ‘ruffle’ quality of their petals, while the orchid was chosen to be a more edgy and darker element. The coral fern was chosen for it’s structural form and sprayed silver to tie in with the shoot”
As always your feedback is really appreciated so please drop me a comment in the box below about this new feature and any particular arrangements you’d like the inside scoop on. Or if you are a creative florist and have something to submit for the feature then get in touch now.
Have a lovely day.
Michelle xx
I have long been a fan of Whichgoose, an American company that specializes in the most whimsical natural vine crowns and vintage floral headpieces. Well recently I’ve noticed they’ve been adding a few more delectable items to their collection from vintage net gloves to handbags, hairbows and boutonnieres….
As with all my Dream Finds they are available for shipping to the UK, with most items costing around £4 to ship ~ you can’t beat it really.
Michelle xx
Good morning folks,
As you read this I am having a much needed lie-in after my whirlwind tour of Paris. What an amazing City, I really cannot wait to tell you all about this once-in-a lifetime girly adventure I’ve just had.
Later I’ll be busy packing for the next stop on my magical mystery tour around Europe. Well it’s not really a tour as there’s only two stops, and there’s no really mystery as I know where I’m heading. But it sounds good, right?
I am actually off for a week of pure luxury just outside of Sorrento in Italy ~ I cannot wait for sun, sea, sand and plenty of…… limoncello! Of course.
For now I thought you might like a pretty mood board to stare at. Here you go then….
Combining my two favourite shades right now, lavender and pale green.
Image credits: 1. greylikesweddings.com 2. ruffledblog.com
3. fortheloveofsweettea.tumblr.com 4. etsy.com 5. citified.blogspot.com
Some love stories touch your heart like no other, this is one such love story that has had me shed a tear or two as I write up the post.
The pictures here by Julia and You are beautiful, the story even more so, and please watch the proposal video as it is one of the most heartwarming and touching proposals I have ever seen.
Here’s Polly to tell you a little more about her journey to marrying her best friend Jon…..
“Jon & I met through work. We both work in the Police Force in the same Borough. I’d noticed him about for a few years and thought he was gorgeous, unbeknown to me he was thinking the same thing. We both had partners at the time so never actually spoke to each other. One day I was at his police station sat in ‘his’ chair, both newly single & the rest is history. The gorgeous Greek was mine. About 2 years into our relationship (Dec 2010 ) we went on holiday to Thailand….. I’ll let this do the talking:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nALqBqD5hNQ
We set about planning our wedding straight away and Set the Date of May 26th 2012!
Unfortunately our world was rocked when I got diagnosed with Cancer in July 2011. We found ourselves with a new focus.
Lots of talking and crying later we decided to go ahead with the wedding & just hoped my chemo would finish in time (I finished in March this year, & got the all clear in April).
We both wanted a relaxed fun wedding/party, rather than a formal traditional wedding so we started by booking Tipis4hire. We fell in love with the tipis as soon as we saw them! We didn’t really want a theme as such but I suppose we’re going down the festival-ish route. We’ve got people camping on the field and we’re sleeping in a Giant Tree house overlooking the Tipis.
Conventional venues just couldn’t offer us the flexibility we really wanted , and so we found North Hill Farm in Hertfordshire. Luckily there was a very pretty church in the local village & the Vicar agreed to marry us. Yay!! The Hog roast is booked along with a fish & chip van for the evening party.
Jon has been amazing, organising most things whilst the chemo made me poorly, or I was having a breakdown over the fact I’d have to wear a wig on my wedding day!! I’m over that now 
All in all, we just want our wedding day to be a celebration of life and of our love for each other. I cannot wait to marry my best friend surrounded by all my favourite people!”
Polly and Jon, I wish you all the luck in the world and hope your wedding day is everything you dreamed and more. It certainly sounds like it’s going to be incredible. Your story is both brave and beautiful, thank-you so much for sharing.
And to the amazing reportage wedding photographer Julia West of Julia and You, a special thank-you for allowing me to feature her beautiful images.
I am sure you’d like to join me in wishing Polly and Jon a lifetime of happiness together.
Michelle xx
Today folks I have something rather different to share with you. If you’re a regular to Pocketful of Dreams you will know I have something of an obsession with flowers. But whilst I appreciate their beautiful aesthetics I know very little about flower types, origins and how to grow them myself. So it’s just as well that I have a few rather talented friends who do know a thing or two about blooms.
One such friend is Kat Weatherill who owns a gorgeous little flower boutique in Barrowford, Lancashire, Kat cut her teeth in garden design and really does know her hyacinths from her hydrangeas. She is taking part in the ‘British Bloggers in Support of British Flowers’ campaign and bonus points for us will be sharing her journey right here on Pocketful of Dreams as she attempts to raise awareness and support for British Flowers and their growers.
I am positive this will be an exciting journey and I’m really looking forward to hearing all about it, here’s Kat to tell you a little more…..
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
{Gorgeous British grown Dahlia’s, Delphiniums, Mollucella
in a beautiful bouquet direct from the grower Common Farm Flowers in Somerset.}
“I love flowers, I am a ‘plantaholic’, I garden and I believe strongly in supporting ‘Buy British’ and your local businesses. So imagine my delight when Vanessa Kimbell, broadcaster and British Blogger of Goddess On A Budget tweeted about a campaign she is spear heading ‘British Bloggers in Support of British Flowers’. It sent me running to get my soap box (actually a vintage British bushel crate!) and my lap top.
{British Anemones and Prunus in a simple hand-tied bouquet,
grown and created by Green and Gorgeous in Oxfordshire}
The challenge is to help raise awareness and support for British Flower Growers and British Flowers. There has already been a shift in the way we think regarding fresh food, in the supermarket now we try to buy seasonal, with more local and organic produce available. There are more people growing their own veggies, (even if its only a few tomatoes and a herb box, it’s a start!) and allotments becoming more popular again.
Now its the time to think about the flowers, when you put a bunch in your shopping trolley, do you look at the label? Do you wonder how the florist includes peonies in your bouquet in January? No? Maybe its time to.
{Gorgeous Roses & native flower arrangements at an RHS show
by The Traditional Flower Company grown in Staffordshire.}
Many of the flowers we see in the supermarkets and florists have flown thousands miles from halfway round the world, often the flower farms do not follow the ‘Fair Trade’ policy and the workers are exploited. They are mass producing flowers to meet demand, but lets do our bit to reduce the ‘Flower Miles’, enjoy and celebrate the beautiful seasonality of British Flowers, red roses for valentines? I know personally I’d rather have a bunch of white scented British Hyanciths and Hellebores.
{How Handsome! Beautiful British Hellebores
from Green and Gorgeous Flowers}
One of my favourite sayings when dealing with a problem is “How do you eat an Elephant? – One bite at a time!”
So how do we begin this Flower Revolution? Vanessa Kimbell has taken the first bite for us:
“I am starting a campaign to ask that we foodies apply the same principles to flowers as we do to our food and support local, sustainable, seasonal and British. We’ve had a revolution in the way in which we source and buy our food .. it’s time we applied the same logic to flowers.
Think of the impact we foodies could have if we apply the same standards to flowers. We’d revolutionize the way people think about flowers.There are lots of ways we can create change but to start with ..~ Look out for British flowers in the Supermarket.~ Support our flower growers and buy from florist who stock local British flowers.~ Look out for local growers at the farmers markets and farm shops.~ Ask for British Flowers wherever you go.~ Grow your own.. it doesn’t get more local that!”
{Beautiful, simple and effective jam jars filled with flowers
from Common Farm Flowers}
I will aim to assist you as much as I can over the next few months, with further blog posts about this worthy campaign. I will also create a list of British Flower Growers (and their Blogs) as I discover more (including those that deliver nationally) and hopefully advise you on “growing your own”, it doesn’t have to be scary, or a huge task, a simple pot of daisy like Cosmos to cheer your day, or a few sweet peas to bring scent, pleasure and beauty to your home. But if you have a little room to spare what would bring more joy than your own small cutting garden?
{Sweet peas and cornflowers at the farm of Green and Gorgeous flowers}
Meanwhile to further my support, part of the challenge set by Vanessa Kimbell to kickstart British Bloggers in Support of British Flowers Campaign, is for 30 British food & lifestyle Bloggers to grow our own posy of flowers and share this journey with you, with the grand unveiling of the bouquet by 15th August this year. This has been facilitated by the lovely people at Thompson and Morgan, who are generously donating the seeds to us bloggers. I received mine in the post recently, Cosmos ‘All Sorts, Cosmos Double Click ‘Rose BonBon’, Zinnia ‘Candy Cane’, so its going to be a ‘blooming’ gorgeous summer!
I hope you enjoy this flowery journey with me. Have a beautiful day.
Kat x
Anyone who is a regular reader of Pocketful of Dreams will know of my love for all things flower-related.
Whilst I appreciate the aesthetic values of a fab flower arrangement I must admit I know very little about how to put them together, the different varieties of flowers there are (and trust me there’s a lot) and what works well with what. And I know I’m not alone in wanting to learn more about the art of flower arranging.
So in my quest to learn more I have hooked up with a few experts in this field, florists who really know what they are talking about and have caught my eye with their flair and creativity. Together we have developed a new feature for Pocketful of Dreams readers, called Floritecture.
The idea behind Floritecture (yes it is a made-up word) is to demonstrate the architecture behind a flower arrangement. What flowers were used in a particular arrangement and why they were used.
I am hoping that this new series will not only inspire you by showing some really creative and wonderful flower arrangements but also to help you, as well as me, learn a little bit more about flowers.
First up in the Floritecture series is this wonderfully vibrant bouquet by Leafy Couture. Combining decadent purple with sunny yellow, this is a really unusual combination that works so well together. The purple lissianthus and freesias provide plenty of rich colour and texture whilst the sunflowers and camomile (mini-daisies) add a retro, almost nostalgic feel and perfectly compliment the bridesmaids floral patterned dresses.
Image credits: Flower images ~ JB Creatives, Image of Sarah ~ James Melia
Sarah Richardson of Leafy Couture.
~ Described as “The counties finest florist” by Wedding Flowers Magazine Leafy Couture specialises in bespoke arrangements for weddings, events and corporate clients all over Yorkshire. You can find out more about them by visiting their website, blog and following the action on Twitter.
A bridal bouquet
Mini sunflowers, purple freesia, camomile, purple lissanthus and purple veronica
Sarah of Leafy Couture said: “The feel of the wedding was to be relaxed and informal, we chose mini sunflowers as they are happy and vibrant. The mini ones work very well in the bouquet when complimented by little textures. They are stunning by themselves but we added freesia for fragrance ( great for a nervous bride), we added camomile ( mini daisies) to add to the relaxed feel and also veronica as it is a spiky shape so adds another texture. The bouquet was finished with a purple ribbon to compliment the bridesmaids dresses. The flowers were for a late summer wedding and the sunflowers were perfect for this. They also looked so vibrant and worked with the 1950′s style bridesmaids dresses as the hand-tied complimented the shape of the dress”.
I do hope you’ve enjoyed this new column, as always your feedback is really appreciated so please drop me a comment in the box below. I’ve been working hard behind the scenes at Pocketful of Dreams to come up with new and inspiring content that you will enjoy reading so please, please do let me know if you’ve found this helpful and would like to see more like it.
Have a sunny day.
Michelle xx
Usually when I feature a shop or product in my Dream Finds column I like to feature one that’s homegrown, this is after all UK lifestyle blog. But sometimes I find something that’s so flipping good from across the water that I just can’t help but share it. Fear not though, as Up In The Air Somewhere ships internationally.
The paper maché sculptural bowls created by Susan Dwyer are made using thin strips of recycled paper, in various finishes from classic gilded gold to off-the-moment shades of mint and peach. They would look beautiful in your home holding all sorts of treasures and trinkets, or as interesting vessels for planted dispays at a wedding or event.
The prices are not shock-horror either, starting from £11 for the smaller bowls rising to £45 for the larger ones. Postage to the UK depends on the size of the item and how many you order but expect to pay between £12-£20.
Michelle xx
