THE UN-WEDDING SHOW: A wedding fair for the cool bride

Written by Melissa Woods

Photos by Parrot & Pineapple and Joanna Bongard

We are finally coming out of the crazy whirlwind dream that came true - THE UN-WEDDING SHOW - our debut (annual) wedding fair for the cool bride.

Photo by Parrot & Pineapple Photography

We landed in Leeds, London and Birmingham in February 2019 bringing you a carefully curated collective of 130 of the UK’s coolest independent wedding suppliers. Our main aim was to support our Book Of Love directory suppliers by giving them an opportunity to meet their dream clients - our audience of cool brides, face to face in beautiful surroundings.

We welcomed almost 2500 modern brides and their tribes through the doors having no idea our first events would be this popular! We have been overwhelmed by stories from our awesome suppliers many of whom received multiple bookings (often on the spot!) for creative weddings that they are really excited to be a part of and from of beautiful brides who found their dress, their bridesmaid dresses, cake maker, booked their photographer, stationer, decorations, stylist, florist… you name it!!!

Photo by Parrot & Pineapple Photography

Photo by Parrot & Pineapple Photography

We kicked off in Leeds on 3rd February 2019 at the super-cool Duke Studios. Our talented suppliers transformed the space into a wonderland with their enchanting installations and creative wares for the modern bride. The atmosphere was electric and we have been inundated by suppliers who came want to be involved in the next one. We can’t wait to visit Leeds again for future events.

Photo by Parrot & Pineapple Photography

Photo by Parrot & Pineapple Photography

HUGE thanks to all of the staff at the venue for going above and beyond for us. Duke Studios can be hired as a wedding venue if you are after a blank canvas, warehouse space in Leeds. The venue is fully equipped with its own PA system, bar and HUGE projector screens to give your event another dimension.

Shout out to the Grub & Grog gang for keeping our attendees fed and watered whilst they waited patiently for our epic queues to go down!

Photo by Joanna Bongard Photography

2 weeks later on 16th & 17th February 2019 we arrived in London for our flagship event which took place in the STUNNING Core Clapton, Hackney’s latest wedding venue. The former Edwardian parish hall is flooded with natural light… white space at its absolute best. The barrel vaulted ceiling is a real show-stopper and lends itself perfectly to being transformed into a GIANT RAINBOW… apparently!

Our theme for this show became ‘neon brights’ based around our rainbow ceiling and the news that our fantastic sponsors, Vowed & Amazed, had something new up their sleeve for us…

Photo by Parrot & Pineapple Photography

Photo by Parrot & Pineapple Photography

Photo by Parrot & Pineapple Photography

We were delighted to showcase the brand new neon feature that is available to hire from Book Of Love directory originals, Vowed & Amazed. The husband and wife duo were the first people to create the giant light up alphabet letters that took the wedding world by storm a few years ago. The couple who continue to innovate the industry then went on to create even more weird and wonderful props for hire including the iconic ‘Til Death Do Us Party’ neon which is one of the things that inspired me to start our Book Of Love directory (true story) so that people knew where to go to get their hands on this stuff! Their brand new design, a flashing ‘LOVE TO LOVE YOU BABY’ neon went down a storm with our brides and their tribe! If you didn’t stop for a selfie in front of it, were you even there?!

Photo by Parrot & Pineapple Photography

Photo by Parrot & Pineapple Photography

MEGA THANKS to gorgeous sisters Eram and Aelia of BOOM BLOOMS for our neon bright florals around the venue including the INCREDIBLE display that framed our neon feature wall! We can’t get over the colours, textures and personality that these girls bring to the table and we can’t wait to work with them again!!

Photo by Parrot & Pineapple Photography

Photo by Parrot & Pineapple Photography

Photo by Parrot & Pineapple Photography

We were so proud of the party spirit displayed by so many of our attendees who quaffed the delicious cocktails from our partners, Sabel. Their cheery bar staff kept our brides sufficiently topped up throughout the day!

We knew we wanted to partner up with caterers who were vibrant, inventive BIG on flavour and the Sabel guys did not disappoint with their array of delicious canapes upstairs and colourful pop up cafe downstairs. The cafe was transformed with a selection contemporary furniture pieces from HIRE IT who have the coolest collection we have seen when it comes to hiring stylish event furniture.

MASSIVE THANKS to the lovely Martha of Anemone who was our venue stylist as well as one of the awesome exhibitors beneath our neon rainbow. Martha has an in depth knowledge of the venue and is due to celebrate her own wedding there very soon!

Photo by Parrot & Pineapple Photography

Photo by Joanna Bongard Photography

Photo by Joanna Bongard Photography

With just shy of 1000 attendees through the door over the course of the 2 days, our London show was a thriving success with an electric atmosphere. With everything from a mobiles bar in the form of a giant golden pineapple, grazing tables fit for a King, to hand crafted wedding rings made by the man who makes jewellery for rock royalty like Ozzy Osbourne, THE UN-WEDDING SHOW LONDON was an experience that we cannot wait to recreate over and over again!

Photo by Joanna Bongard Photography

Photo by Parrot & Pineapple Photography

Photo by Joanna Bongard Photography

Photo by Parrot & Pineapple Photography

Photo by Parrot & Pineapple Photography

Photo by Parrot & Pineapple Photography

Photo by Joanna Bongard Photography

Our 3rd and final show (for now…) took place in yet another beautiful wedding venue, Fazeley Studios, a former warehouse and church that has been revitalised into a breathtaking space right in the heart of Digbeth, Birmingham.

Photo by Parrot & Pineapple Photography

The 2 day event was a perfect end to spectacular month of shows. Think mirrorball mannequins, giant neon flamingos and stilt walking angels and that should give you some idea of the vibes!

We were honoured to be able to showcase the all new Fazeley Studios and Fazeley Social which has recently undergone a huge refurb and transformation. It was one of those remarkably sunny and warm winter days so many of our brides and their tribe were able to drink their prosecco outside in the courtyard before wandering back in to speak to all of our wonderful suppliers.

Photo by Parrot & Pineapple Photography

Photo by Parrot & Pineapple Photography

Planning, organising and executing THE UN-WEDDING SHOW has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions. It’s taken a few weeks to be able to look back with slightly less tired eyes and appreciate how much we have achieved.

We couldn’t have done it without the support from our fellow rebel heart sponsors - Way Out Wedding, Bridal Editor and Belle Bridal Magazine who have supported us from the start and helped promote the living daylights out of the events!

From all of the incredibly talented suppliers who took the opportunity to show their fantastic businesses off in such style and brought so much positivity along with them, to all of the amazing attendees who came along and understood the true meaning of THE UN-WEDDING - to forget the rules and #MakeNewTraditions! The shows would not have been half the success without you and we are so excited to do it all again!

Photo by Parrot & Pineapple Photography

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Watch out for THE UN-WEDDING SHOW* coming to a city near you!

BIRMINGHAM - October 2019

LONDON - TBC

LEEDS - TBC

MANCHESTER - TBC

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*THE UN-WEDDING SHOW began as a way of supporting our Book Of Love directory suppliers and will always release applications early to our members before opening up the opportunity to outside applicants. If you are a cool and unique wedding supplier who is interested in joining our exclusive directory please email aisling@un-wedding.com and ask for a media pack.

Love Forever

Melissa

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A Bridal Cape Like You Have Never Seen Before

Written by Ellie Kime

Photography by Joanna Bongard

This shoot was all about celebrating the little things as well as the big things. Instead of focusing on elaborate set-ups and gorgeous décor, we wanted use the what was already there. The result is intimacy, pure and simple.

Our lovely couple, Jim and Kat are actually engaged in real life… just for added cuteness!

We wanted to capture a couple who’d just come back from the registry office, with a super low-key but super loved-up and happy vibe.

Our genuine bride-to-be looked natural and radiant. Book Of Love directory babe, Amy George Makeup opted for a peachy colour palette for Kat with really soft, warm tones, layering on a bold red lip later for a striking, but still subtle enough look… packing a punch without punching you in the face!

We ventured out onto the streets of Tottenham, stopping on the way at a football court to sprinkle some confetti.

A gorgeous baby blue wall provided us with some beautiful colour and texture as a backdrop. It was a perfect day for making sun shadows and Jim and Kat melted our hearts by dancing in front of it.

The beautiful bouquet in simple, soft greens and whites was from Wolves Lane Flower Company and the super slick outfits were from Hackney based, Velvet Johnstone, accessorised with veils from AM Faulkner.

AM Faulkner specialises in textured veils in intriguing fabrics, and we chose the beaded Eclipse veil, featuring gunmetal glass beads.

We played around with a few Velvet Johnstone creations before our final look which was a caped bridal t-shirt – just let those words sink in, a caped bridal t-shirt.

On your wedding day, you should feel like a special version of your normal self, not like a different version of you – so if you wear a t-shirt every day and know that’s your happy place, don’t be afraid to do it on your wedding day either! The flow of the cape was a sight to behold, a contemporary take on the cathedral length veil.

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Photography: Joanna Bongard Photography

Styling & Production: The Wedding Enthusiast

Hair & Makeup: Amy George

Flowers: Wolves Lane Flower Company

Dresses: Velvet Johnstone

Veil: AM Faulkner Bridal

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Bride-to-be or not, I think we could all do with a bridal cape T shirt in our lives! Am I right?!

Don’t forget! THE UN-WEDDING SHOW IS COMING!!! Tickets are on sale you and there are limited numbers of discounted early birds and Very Important Bride (VIB) tickets available!!! Grab one for you and your tribe today!!!

Love Forever

Melissa

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A Whole New Meaning To The Traditional White Wedding

Photography by Genevieve Wedding Photography

Who says white weddings have to be traditional?

Inspired by the beauty of light, space and texture, this inspirational minimalist shoot is for style conscious, creative couples looking for a beautifully simplistic, design-led wedding aesthetic.

The shoot took place in Hackney’s brand new STUNNING wedding venue and location for THE UN-WEDDING SHOW LONDON on 16th & 17th February 2019, Core Clapton. The space is a perfect blank canvas filled with an abundance of natural light, statement high vaulted ceilings and contemporary white strip lighting. A collaborative space for health, wellbeing, events & learning, Core Clapton is also receiving well deserved attention as a spot for modern wedding ceremonies, receptions and product launches.

Conceptualised by Wedding Planner and Stylist Martha Tobyn of Anemone and Genevieve Wedding Photography. Both Martha and Genevieve have backgrounds rooted in fine art, design and fashion, which influences their work. They are passionate about creating and capturing understated beauty and unique moments. Contemporary in their approach, both are drawn to clean lines, creative use of colour and textures.

“This shoot was inspired by our mutual interest in a minimalist aesthetic and an interest in the Japanese floral art of Ikebana. We wanted to create a mood and look that challenges the concepts of the traditional wedding. The aim was to inspire clients who want to carve their own path and let their personality and style shine through when it comes to their own celebrations.”

The Anemone flower, after which Martha’s business is named was a key focus in the floral designs created by amazing florist Kitten Grayson. This inspired the simple colour palette of white, neutrals, greys and blue black.

As a champion of urban weddings, it was important to Martha that it showcase the local London talent as well as to bring together a team of industry professionals who are pushing the boundaries by offering alternative and innovative products and services.

See more from this breathtaking shoot in the gallery below along with a full list of the suppliers involved on the day.

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Concept, Planning and Styling: Anemone

Concept & Photography: Genevieve Wedding Photography

Venue: Core Clapton

Floral Design: Kitten Grayson

Cake: Butter Beautiful

Bridal Dresses: Muscat Bridal

Hair and Makeup: Poppy Tallulah Hair and Makeup

Bridal Veil and Hair Piece: AM Faulkner

Bridal Shoes: Faber Novella

Rings: Rachel Boston Jewellery

Ceramic Plates: Lucia Fraser

Stationery: Vine in the Wild

Chocolate Favours: The Painted Peacock

Model: Olivia Ward

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This is just one idea of the way in which you can use Core Clapton’s white filled space. Less is more ore or more is more? I’d love to know what vibe you are going for on your big day, feel free to comment below!

Seeing this beautiful collaboration has made me even more excited for THE UN-WEDDING SHOW 2019! As mentioned, our London show will take place at Core Clapton and I cannot wait to see all of the incredible suppliers in such a sublime space.

Tickets are now on sale with a limited number of discounted early bird and VIB (Very Important Bride) tickets available. Get yours today!!!

Can’t make our London show? No problem! We have 2 more shows scheduled for February 2019 in Leeds and Birmingham! Grab your tickets here! https://www.un-wedding.com/the-unwedding-show/

Love Forever

Melissa

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The UK's Awesome New Wedding Fair Experience Is Here!

Written by Katie Matthews

#MakeNewTraditions with THE UN-WEDDING SHOW… a brand-new wedding fair experience coming to a city near you!

I know from experience how easy it is to get caught up in the outdated template of what a wedding ‘should’ look like, and go along with it, unquestioningly, because that’s what everyone in the wedding industry seems to be pushing.

THE UN-WEDDING was designed from the start to be an antidote – a much-needed corrective - to the mind-numbingly generic and the unnecessarily formal and ALL THE BLOODY RULE-FOLLOWING, all of which are still a feature of way too many weddings.

Our mission with THE UN-WEDDING has always been to encourage couples to create a one-of-a-kind wedding day that actually reflects their personalities and does their relationship justice.

Because … we like it when people BREAK THE RULES!

Since launching two years ago, we’ve become known for our directional thinking and, as a result, we’ve attracted partnerships with some of the wedding industry’s coolest independent brands – all of whom embody THE UN-WEDDING’s mantra #MakeNewTraditions and can be seen flaunting their stuff in our amazing Book of Love directory.

In our quest to connect THE UN-WEDDING’s audience of totally babin’ brides with their absolute dream suppliers, we’re now going one step further and launching a brand-new wedding fair experience that will bring a curated selection of our favourite super-cool wedding vendors to a city near you!

Spooned will be exhibiting at THE UN-WEDDING SHOW LONDON

This won’t be your average wedding fair (because – well, bluntly, there are hundreds of those to choose from!)...THE  UN-WEDDING SHOW is strictly aimed at the modern couple, planning a wedding day that throws out the rulebook and dares to be different.

Sponsored by the modern wedding industry's leaders, the uber-cool Way Out Wedding... our sista from anotha mista when it comes to cool bride style and colour... lots of colour! Not to mention the iconic Vowed & Amazed, makers of the original light-up alphabet letters who then took it to the next level with their legendary 'Til Death Do Us Party' neon sign... a dancefloor must have! The babes from V&A will be illuminating our London show with their almighty props!

Next up are 2 of the most inspiring fashion-forward bridal platforms out there, the beautiful Belle Bridal Magazine and Bridal Editor, powered by the former fashion editor of Wedding Magazine! All sponsors were chosen as a result of their unwavering commitment to making the wedding world a more exciting and varied place. We are honoured to have their support with the events!

THE UN-WEDDING SHOW will debut in February 2019 with three highly anticipated events to be held in unique and alternative wedding venues. The debut show will take place in in Leeds on 3rd February 2019 in the super-cool and quirky Duke Studios, Sheaf Street. A selection of the North's most awesome wedding suppliers will be on hand to show you just how creative you can be with your plans.

Viva La Booth will be exhibiting at THE UN-WEDDING SHOW LEEDS

The 2nd show will be held at the STUNNING Core Clapton, London on 16th-17th February 2019. The recently refurbished event space is flooded with natural light and, having just gained its wedding licence, it is a real contender for a stylish and modern ceremony or reception.

The third and final show (and also the largest) will take place in Birmingham on the 23rd-24th February 2019 at the breathtaking Fazeley Studios in Digbeth. 

Rachel Emma Studio will be exhibiting at THE UN-WEDDING SHOW BIRMINGHAM

Brides and their tribes can expect to find cool bridal style at the core of each event with plenty of new ideas and fresh inspiration from THE UN-WEDDING’s handpicked selection of exhibitors. There are a limited number of exhibition stands still available. If you think your business fits the bill then contact melissa@un-wedding.com for an application form.

Tickets have now been released and there are a limited number of discounted EARLY BIRDS and VIB* (Very Important Bride) tickets for each event! You lot know a good thing when you see it, don’t you? 

FOLLOW THE UN-WEDDING SHOW ON INSTA TO KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE GOSS!

A Stylish And Intimate London Elopement Shoot With Pretty Florals

Written by Melissa Woods

Photography by Agnes Black

When Book Of Love directory babe Agnes Black submitted this styled shoot of an intimate London elopement, I couldn't believe it wasn't the real deal.

Agnes has a knack of capturing intimacy in such a beautiful way, you'd swear you were right there, in the room.

'' When I’m shooting I’m a storyteller, I want to set my scene in beautiful light with awesome people. ''

The sunshine poured through giant sash windows in the stylish London apartment, bringing everything to life and letting natural beauty speak for itself. Agnes sourced her location through Airbnb as it was perfect for the vibe that she had in mind.

The whole shoot is subtly interspersed with pretty floral details, from the groom's brocade jacket to the tiny petals stitched onto the bride's delicate veil from Sash and Veil, all brought together in a beautiful crescendo of blooms by the incredible Bloaum Studio.

One of the things I LOVE about Bloaum's creations is the thought that goes into each selection. The brief was to create a muted palette so, Shelena opted for Peonies as they are only around for a short while so she wanted to include a focal seasonal bloom. These were nestled amongst Quicksand Roses for their scent and to signify love, Sweet Peas for their texture and to signify tenderness, Martagon Lily... a predicted 'comeback' that also signifies passion and Smokebush; a bronze-coloured alternative to green foliage to add to a beautiful contemporary look. 

I love the simplicity of the bridal styling and how the giant polka dots on the Susanna Greening dress catch the light!... perfectly teamed with some achingly cute fluffly mules from Topshop. This pared-back look is perfect for the modern bride who knows that less is more and wants a look that is playful and representative of her personality... It's also totally wear-again-able!!

'Just the two of us' elopement style weddings have become increasingly popular amongst couples and it's not always to do with the cost factor. In fact, it gives couples the opportunity to splurge on luxury items instead having to split the budget in so many directions.

All it needs is the 2 of you, a nice location which doesn't have to be far... a great photographer to capture those moments...  and who says you can't just throw a big party afterwards or just go home chill... if that's what you want to do! 

See the full gallery along with a list of the awesome suppliers involved, below! 

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Photography & Creative Director: Agnes Black

Dress:  Susanna Greening Design 

Shoes: TOPSHOP

Veil: Sash & Veil

Flowers: Bloaum

Model: @babydarce @elliotteason @bamemodels

Ribbons: @thenaturaldyeworks

Stationary: Rachel Emma Studio

Hair Accessories: Lizzie McQuade

Jewelry: ASOS

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See more breathtaking work from Agnes Black in the Book Of Love directory here! Don't forget to take advantage of the EXCLUSIVE OFFER for my readers - FREE 8 X 12 Fine Art Album EXCLUSIVE to all readers of THE UN-WEDDING ! Simply reference THE UN-WEDDING at the point of booking!

Are you planning an intimate elopement? I'd love to hear more in the comments below!

Love Forever

Melissa

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The UK's brand new wedding fair experience - THE UN-WEDDING SHOW - is coming in February 2019

Spaces are filling up fast so email melissa@un-wedding.com to receive an application!

Sign up to my mailing list to be the first to know when tickets are on sale! 

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A Colourful Styled Shoot In Haarlem Mill, Derbyshire.

It really made me smile when Book Of Love directory babe, Rachel Emma Studio, or... 'The Paper Princess' as I like to call her, sent me this colour EXPLOSION styled shoot! 

Who would have thought you could create so many cool wedding decorations using predominantly paper? The Paper Princess, that's who. Rachel's skills when it comes to this humble material span from beautiful wedding stationery to eco-friendly and cost-effective paper bouquets, and everything in between.

The colourful DIY wedding shoot took place in Derbyshire's brand new and STUNNING venue, Haarlem Mill, a refreshing change to the county's country manor's and barns. Haarlem Mill is a super-stylish alternative for the modern couple with a contemporary meets industrial vibe.

The inspirational shoot was a collaboration between some of Derbyshire's top wedding suppliers all with the same vision of injecting some colour into our lives and giving modern couples an idea of just how easy to can be to transform your venue and tie in some other key features.

How cute are these little personalised hand painted cookies?!

… and this rainbow-tastic drip cake?!

See the full gallery, along with a list of the suppliers involved below! 

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Photography: Rebecca Emily 

Styling, Decor & Bouquet: Rachel Emma Studio

Hair and Makeup: Little Vintage Beauty Parlour 

Bridal Wear: Haarlem Bridal 

Cake: Knot & Bird 

Venue: Haarlem Mill 

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I'd love to know what you think of this colourful wedding idea? Feel free to leave a comment below! 

You can see more from the lovely Rachel Emma Studio in the Book Of Love directory where she is offering 15% OFF all bookings over £100 when you use the code UN-WEDDING!

Love Forever

Melissa

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Get Cute Gifts For The One You Love Right Here

Written by Melissa Woods

Photos by Melissa Woods

FINALLY...  I'm delighted to tell you that THE UN-WEDDING gift shop has opened its virtual doors to offer cute gifts for the one you love!

         Limited Edition Daisy Emerson Pin £8 

It doesn't matter whether you are getting married or not... this is THE UN-WEDDING after all.

All stock has been designed for anyone with a romantic heart, whether you want to promote self-love OR your love for another?... I just LOVE 'love'... can you tell?

To celebrate the launch I have once again, teamed up with Daisy Emerson for another EXCLUSIVE collaboration.

I've been a HUGE fan of Daisy's hand lettering for the last couple of years and her pastel colour palettes are right up my street!

A limited run of 100 'LOVE FOREVER' T-shirts and soft enamel pin badges are available.

The cutesy-cool design was born of a typical UN-WEDDING phrase... anyone who has followed my blog from the start or has ever had an email from me will be familiar with 'LOVE FOREVER' - it's something I picked up from my husband, Ben.

Last year,  to celebrate THE UN-WEDDING's 1st birthday, Daisy painted a one-off leather biker jacket in her inconic lettering for what became a momentous giveaway!  

Hand painted "LOVE FOREVER' biker jacket by Daisy Emerson

Sooooo many people wanted to get their hands on this baby, including myself... and Daisy! This year, we decided to give a few more people another chance to experience some LOVE FOREVER.

*If you did want to customise your own jacket, you can find Daisy listed in my Book Of Love directory and see some more of her AWESOME designs.

            Here's me in mine!

The heavy cotton, screen-printed T-shirts have been ethically sourced and are available in sizes S, M and L. Sizing is generous so you can roll the sleeves for that 80s vibe! You can grab yours now for just £25 here! 

I'm planning to add more T-shirt designs to the shop and I wanted to make sure they were really good quality, not just promo quality. I want people to wear them to death! I have some Gildan band T-shirts that wash well and have stood the test of time! I'm really pleased with how these have turned out.

My plan is to do more collaborations with other artists that I love, as well as designing my own stuff too! 

My first drop includes a couple more pin badge designs that I knew you guys would love!

THE UN-WEDDING REBEL HEART pin is set in rose gold and comes with a double fastening so you can choose which way to wear it, depending on how much of a rebel you are! I'm all about #TurningItUpsideDown and #MakingNewTraditions but it's not the only way, right?!

                                    THE UN-WEDDING REBEL HEART £6 

So, if like me you were born in the 80s and started falling in love in the 90s then you sure as hell made somebody a mixtape!... amirite?!

This one is for you guys... a teeny weeny, pink metal 'LOVE SONGS' cassette tape to give to the person you love 4 eva, just £7... at least this one won't get chewed up by your ghetto blaster or start playing slow when your walkman runs out off batteries. Who remembers those days?! 

Last but not least, in true UN-WEDDING style, I have a couple of wedding cards available for all those cool couples out there... why not say it with RAINBOWS?!

There are 2 designs available:

- the famous 'un-wedding' definition:

- a marriage ceremony and AWESOME CELEBRATION that cares less about following outdated traditions and more about reflecting who the couple really are.

- MAKE NEW TRADITIONS

The cards are FSC certified and are printed using holographic hot foil by another one of my FANTASTIC Book Of Love Directory suppliers, Lucky Ink.

All cute gifts are available to buy from my online shop here. UK postage is only £2 and £5 for the rest of the world! 

Are there any other cute gifts you would like to see in my shop? Feel free to leave a comment below! 

Love Forever

Melissa

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WIN ALL 3 PIN BADGES FROM MY COLLECTION!!!

Just sign up to my mailing list below and I will announce the winner on Saturday 5th May!!!

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Not Another Pantone Colour of The Year Ultra Violet Wedding Shoot

Written by Melissa Woods

Photography by Jason Wiliams

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Don't worry, this is definitely NOT another Pantone colour of the year Ultra Violet wedding shoot... although, it did start somewhere around there...

I am absolutely OVER THE RAINBOW to bring you THE UN-WEDDING's debut editorial shoot with 'GIRL POWER' at the heart of it... #bridesquad.

The colourful collaboration of inspiration EXCLUSIVELY features an all-star cast of the UK's coolest independent wedding suppliers - all of whom are currently listed in my Book Of Love directory.

When I first started THE UN-WEDDING, I wasn't sure if I would ever go down the 'styled shoot' route. I get a lot of submissions that never quite hit the mark for me, but upon realising what a stellar bunch of creatives there were in the Book Of Love community, I knew that this was something that had to be done.

The Book Of Love launched in 2017 and in just one year, it has become the *upsidedown* heart of THE UN-WEDDING.

Much more than just a 'cut to the chase' kick-ass wedding directory... it's a community of the most inspirational, hi-energy, limitlessly-talented and supportive, designers, artisans and small business owners who have the ability to literally make.magic.happen.

THE CONCEPT

Like everyone else, I waited with anticipation for Pantone to announce their 2018 colour of the year - Ultra Violet. Intrigued at first, this soon turned to disappointment and even dismay when the world became awash with purple... ok, maybe not the whole world, but the internet at least. This does not bode well for those of us who simply can't abide the colour purple.

So, I thought about what UV means to me as an ex-raver and a current neon-enthusiast... and it definitely isn't, flat purple... it's more delicate and beautiful than that... something that isn't tangible... something that emits light and evokes a sense of magic and wonder. Pantone hint at this in their story behind the this years choice:

'' Ultra Violet symbolizes experimentation and non-conformity, spurring individuals to imagine their unique mark on the world, and push boundaries through creative outlets... Historically, there has been a mystical or spiritual quality attached to Ultra Violet. ''

I thought about some of the exciting trends that are echoing through the wedding scene at the moment like neon lights and holographic details ... and how these are already a pretty good nod towards something that's more Ultra Violet than 'love it or hate it' - purple.

I thought about light and the colours of the spectrum and was inspired by this Japanese artist, Tokujin Yoshioka, The Rainbow Engineer.

I worked alongside dynamo, Ellie Kime aka The Wedding Enthusiast who led the coordination of the shoot. Both Ellie and I decided that rather than going down the 'lone bride /couple shoot' route... (sorry to keep rhyming those words)... we would instead pay homage to the amazing 'GIRL POWER' movement that we are lucky enough to have found ourselves a part of and, with the shoot taking place on National Women's Day (of all days) what better way to mark it than celebrating the bride and her all-important squad!

Ellie’s coordination role also extended to the styling of the venue. With its industrial beams, intricate history and unbelievable lighting she wanted to keep it airy (in line with the theme but also, because it makes for the best pictures) with injections of holo inspiration without it becoming twee. The walls and table were accented with holographic washi tape in geometric designs to double both as wall decor and act as a center piece for the cake!...  a gorgeous three tiered creation by wizardess,  The Sparkling Spatula. Most cakes on shoots are dummy cakes, iced but made of polystyrene - Vanessa’s dreamy number was the real deal, because she is the real deal.

What would a holo shoot be without Rachel Emma Studio?... Queen of holographic, Rachel styled our tablescape to perfection. Using iridescent hand-assembled paper gems and disco balls to build style and height on the table, she perfected the look with her iridescent place settings in cut out hearts placed next to our sparkly Meringue Girls kisses, they looked PERFECT. Rachel also made our badass bride an alternative bouquet complete with disco balls - our version of flower power.

Poppy Dover’s beautiful layered designs with their flowing lines and gorgeous cuts helped keep the look clean and edgy, with no frills or fluff. Her delicate designs and beading detailing are the perfect mix of fashion and romance.

The days of bad bridesmaid dresses are long gone. Maids to Measure’s sleek designs were the PERFECT choice for our style-led bride. These ones are SUPER luxurious - the cowl back of the Luna balances its simple, gorgeous front, made with a stunning fabric that had a slight sheen to it that really catches the light.

Zoe of Knot Your Average Bride took the brief and ran riot with iridescence, colour, and textural landscapes in hair which we absolutely ADORE. Bold holographic shadow on the eyes and all over highlight made our models look fresh and fun, whilst she worked with their natural hair to make 3 playful looks. They were complete with Zoe’s own hair accessories, which all draw inspiration from celestial and geometric shapes with moons and triangles coming to force. All other accessories were by the ALMIGHTY Bloody Mary Metal who are famous for their handmade pieces and bespoke wedding collection.

On hand to capture of this in fine detail was our INCREDIBLE photographer, Jason Williams. Jason worked with different lights, angles and prisms to figuratively and literally chase rainbows. He’s our very own rainbow engineer.

And last but my no means least, our neon dreams became a reality thanks to the legendary Vowed and Amazed  who lent us their brand new GIANT rainbow in the shoot. Quite possible, the coolest thing I've seen since their iconic 'Til Death Do Us Party' sign - both of which are available to hire for your big day  as well as the giant neon hoops too!

The selected Book Of Love team took the concept, embarking on their uv-holo-rainbow mission, in order to bring you this SPECTACULAR shoot.

THE LOCATION

The shoot took place at the STUNNING West Resevoir Centre in Hackney, a popular wedding venue with some beautiful industrial features, but otherwise a blank canvass for you to personalise as you wish.

The building is flooded with natural light from its huge windows that overlook the water... perfect for what we wanted to create on the day.

THE SUPPLIERS

This was the first of many shoots from THE UN-WEDDING that will feature a team, solely put together from the pages of my Book Of Love directory.  

First up, we started with a bunch of the (mainly) southern suppliers, all of whom are open to travel, so no need to worry about that!

I was seriously humbled by the professionalism, talent and effort displayed by each and every member of the team. So, next time you see INCREDIBLE wedding inspiration on the internet or in a magazine and you think to yourself that your wedding could never look like that, I'm here to tell you that it can. It's all about booking the right suppliers, who can make it happen.

See the full gallery here and scroll on down for a full list of the Book Of Love suppliers that you need to book, if you like the look!

Concept: Melissa Woods

Coordination & Styling: The Wedding Enthusiast

Photographer: Jason Williams Photography

Table styling, Props and Bouquet: Rachel Emma Studio

Hair, Makeup & Hair Accessories : Knot Your Average Bride

Bride's outfits: Poppy Dover

Bridesmaids: Maids To Measure

Cake: The Sparkling Spatula

Giant Neons: Vowed & Amazed

Meringue Kisses Favours: Meringue Girls

Jewelry: Bloody Mary Metal

Venue: West Resevoir Centre

Models: BAME

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What are your thoughts on the Pantone colour of the year? I'd love to hear in the comments below! Oh, and don't forget to share this post with any future brides who just don't like purple!

Love Forever

Melissa

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Look out for the EXCLUSIVE OFFERS available to my readers in the Book Of Love directory!

As always, if you like what you see, BOOK EARLY to avoid disappointment!

Are you an AWESOME wedding supplier?

Find out how you can join the Book Of Love directory and be a part of this talented and supportive community here! 

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