Tag: wedding blog
Wedding Cake Inspiration from Scrumptious Bakes by Emma
Tell us a little bit about Scrumptious Bakes with Emma?
Scrumptious Bakes by Emma is based in Odiham, Hampshire. We specialise in beautiful, bespoke wedding cakes, macaron towers and macaron and personalised cookie wedding favours, all made with the finest organic, award-winning and sustainable ingredients.
Our contemporary classic aesthetic is imbued with subtle luxury and timeless style, and we are renowned for our exceptional ingredients and decadent touches.
Four generations of my family have been professional bakers and confectioners, and my mum is a former Michelin-starred chef. As a small child, I fell in love with baking in my grandma’s kitchen, and I take huge pleasure following in my family’s footsteps.
I started my business in June 2018, 16 months into recovery from a life-changing injury that damaged my sacroiliac joints, pelvis, lumbar spine, sacrum and coccyx. As I became stronger and could stand again, baking became a way for me to reconnect with my body, mind and soul. I have always found baking very mindful and easily lose myself in kneading soft dough or gently scooping and folding macaron batter.
Baking for family and friends initially gave me a sense of purpose; a clear, achievable goal and focus, which helped to relieve the trials of chronic pain and rehabilitation. It helped me to re-discover a sense of identity, to feel pride, to feel empowered. It rebuilt my self- confidence.
I found the concept of beginning my own business simultaneously exhilarating and challenging. Stimulating my mind was equally as important to my recovery as each physical step, and dreaming about my business, and how it would look and feel gave me hope and strength.
I am so proud of my business and all it has achieved so far. We have won several awards, and were recently invited by British Vogue to feature in their 2020 ‘Match Made In Vogue’ luxury wedding campaign. I am so excited to keep building on our success, and really looking forward to all that the future will bring.
What made you create these particular looks for your photoshoot and do you have a particular favourite or favourites?
I am inspired by so many different elements when designing centrepieces for our couples. These include: Seasonal, fresh produce; the beauty of the natural world and its tones, colour palettes and textures; the relaxed movement of soft foliage and the subtle beauty and natural cascade of flowers in bloom; and of course, most importantly, couples themselves and their stories.
Each wedding cake and macaron tower featured in the shoot celebrates our unique style; at once creative, unique, irresistibly elegant, mouth-wateringly delicious and thoughtfully designed.
Our contemporary classic aesthetic underpins each wedding cake and macaron tower. Traditional tiered wedding cakes for example have a modern feel with tiers of varying heights, carefully crafted from soft, light sponges and smooth, whipped buttercream, rather than fruit cake and sugar paste. Similarly, deliciously fragrant macarons, a French classic, are filled with indulgent Belgian white chocolate ganache and tower in a contemporary ombré cascade, perfectly complimented by soft, silk ribbon.
It is hard to choose a favourite design, but I love this organic three-tier Madagascan vanilla wedding cake, featured by British Vogue this October.
One of the ways to make your cake or macaron tower a true centrepiece is by extending its lines beyond where you would expect them to traditionally finish, encouraging the eye either higher or lower than it would usually look.
This design does this beautifully, with the delicate, soft ribbon by Eden Blooms adding a touch of subtle, contemporary elegance. By letting the ribbon drape delicately over the edge of the table, the long, tall lines of the cake are naturally elongated. It looks as striking, if not more so, from a distance, and works especially well as the width of the ribbon balances the height of the cake.
I also love the gently textured buttercream ruffles around the top of each sponge, the extra tall tiers, and the intriguing fresh flower cascade. It really is a design that captures the eye and draws you in, just like a piece of art, and I loved working with Hazel of Eden Blooms to bring it to life.
My other favourite design from the shoot is our Callebaut Belgian chocolate wedding cake. It is the perfect size for a smaller gathering of loved ones, and its combination of different height tiers is striking. I also love the contrast of the jewelled tones of its fresh flowers against the smooth chocolate buttercream finish, reflected beautifully by its gold mirror base; such a beautiful and simple way to elevate your cake. It also smelled absolutely amazing!
Tell us about the other suppliers that you collaborated with?
I loved working with Hazel Shaw of Eden Blooms and Anna and Simon Clarke of We Are // The Clarkes on the shoot.
Hazel is an extremely talented and experienced florist, and her Hampshire cutting garden is exceptionally beautiful, brimming with seasonal flowers and foliage. Hazel’s work is truly stunning, and I cannot recommend her highly enough.
Anna and Simon are based in Warwickshire, and produce creative, fun, joyful and honest images and films. Their relaxed approach and light, natural style was perfect for Scrumptious Bakes, and I love how evocative each of the images are. I very highly recommend them too.
We were also grateful to Just 4 Linen, whose beautiful linen and napkins helped to create the perfect backdrop for each shot.
Why was Millbridge Court your choice of location?
Millbridge Court is a truly beautiful space, filled with natural light. Its high-vaulted, airy halls with floor-to-ceiling windows and rustic wooden beams provide a stunning neutral backdrop, and the possibilities for styling are endless. Its picturesque surroundings, with lush, green fields, a wildflower meadow and a hidden fern garden create lots of opportunities for photos, and their warm service and can-do attitude echoes our own approach.
Finally, we love how their spaces are designed with current trends in mind whilst respecting the spirit of the past, in much the same way that our fresh and modern designs connect with our traditional baking heritage.
Thank you for hosting us Millbridge Court. We hope to see you soon!
… and here are more of Emma’s show-stopping Cakes captured by We Are The Clarkes on Shoot Day!
Contemporary, Bright & Beautiful Photoshoot at Millbridge Court
Earlier this year, we had the pleasure of hosting a super stylish Styled Photoshoot which was conceptualised, organised and designed by Wedding Planner, Natalie Ellen, who teamed up with a host of incredible Suppliers who helped bring her vision to life.
With the full Photoshoot recently having been featured on the hugely popular Wedding Chicks blog, we wanted to share some of the beautiful images from the day with you, alongside a chat that we had with Natalie to find out a little more about the Shoot, the collaborators, her Top Wedding Planning Tips for newly engaged Couples and much more.
Hi Natalie, tell us about you & your wedding expertise…
I’m Natalie and I’m a wedding planner at Natalie Ellen Weddings. I offer bespoke wedding planning for modern, fun loving couples, designed to match your personality and style. My clients tend to be modern couples who are veering away from tradition – they want beautiful, stylish weddings with personal touches throughout and that suits me and my style perfectly!
Can you talk us through the concept for your styled shoot and where you drew inspiration from?
This shoot was the result of a first meeting with Poppy from Poppy Wild Floral – we met for a coffee to put a face to the name and to have a good chat about what we do, and within 30 minutes we were concocting our perfect shoot together. Those first scribblings quickly evolved from ‘cool floral installation in modern/stylish space with sage green’ into my favourite mood board yet – Poppy created the most beautiful colour palette to work from and everything went from there – the vision became ‘contemporary, playful with a little edge’ and each detail was designed to bring that to life. It’s always my goal to create something different to provide inspiration for contemporary couples, something people can screenshot or pin to recreate for their own wedding. That part always takes a bit more thought but it’s worth it when you see the idea come to fruition on the day.
How did you choose who to collaborate with?
At any one time, I have a wish list of suppliers I’d love to work with, whether that’s for the first time or someone I keep coming back to because they’re so good at what they do. This shoot was definitely a combination of the two! Working from our moodboard, I selected suppliers who I knew could nail the brief and add their own creative touches. It’s so important to bring on board people who not only ‘get’ the vision, but creative experts who see what you’re trying to achieve and go that one step further. Getting the team right is the hardest part of the planning, but it’s incredible seeing everyone come together on shoot day!
What made you choose Millbridge Court as the location for your beautiful Photoshoot?
Millbridge Court has been one of my favourite wedding venues for years! The contemporary style of the space is right up my street and I love how versatile the venue is – there are so many different areas couples can utilise throughout the day, whatever the season! It was a no-brainer to style our ceremony space in front of the beautiful tall windows where natural light beams into the room, those windows alone are such a selling point for couples visiting the venue!
Every element of the shoot came together so perfectly, what advice would you give to couples who want to make sure all of the different aspects of their day are cohesive?
It can be so difficult to take a step back to see the whole picture when you’re planning all the little elements of your wedding, but my advice to couples would be to not let the little things overwhelm you. Always start with an overall vision of what you’re trying to achieve and with each decision, reflect back on your Pinterest board or moodboard and think ‘does this fit with what I want our day to look/feel like?’ You might find that the answer is no, but if you LOVE an idea then you can absolutely adjust your vision to suit – use it as a guide but don’t let it stress you out if you go a little off piste. It’s your day!
Are you seeing any trends emerging for 2021-2022 weddings?
This is a tricky question to answer right now because we’re potentially talking about a post-coronavirus environment. As we continue getting used to this strange situation we’ve found ourselves in, I’ve noticed people really prioritising quality time with their loved ones – it’s saddened me so much that people have had to dramatically reduce their guest numbers but it’s seen a rise in truly beautiful intimate ceremonies and I think some couples have started to consider a smaller celebration as a result.
In terms of design trends, I’d say we’re definitely seeing a steer towards what I’d call ‘the new pastel’ – brides are opting for dusky pinks, sage greens and subtle peach tones in their bouquets, with plenty of beautiful foliage to add a natural, wild feel to their day.
I’m hearing more and more couples talk about the desire to go local with flowers & produce, with many actively trying to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly day, whilst also supporting smaller local businesses after such a hard hit this year.
Perhaps not so much a ‘trend’ but something I’ve really noticed in planning weddings for next year is that couples are less afraid of shunning traditions and doing things their own way – whether that’s a favourite food van instead of a sit-down dinner or a joint speech from the bride & groom, this is something I love as I think it’s so important to really personalise your day!
What are your 3 Top Tips for planning a successful Wedding?
Firstly, always remember this is your day and it should reflect you as a couple. Forget what you ‘should do’ and focus on what you really want!
Secondly, planning a wedding is hard work! Accept help from friends and family or consider bringing on board a wedding planner to make it a stress-free process.
Lastly, take inspiration from everywhere – interior & fashion trends, the seasons, places you visit, foods you love. And remember to think of all the senses! Scent in particular can evoke such strong memories so think about finding a special wedding scent, or dotting your favourite candles around the venue. Those smells will always bring you back to your big day!
*Click here to see the full feature of this Photoshoot on Wedding Chicks*
The Team:
Planning & Design- Natalie Ellen Weddings
Shoot Assistant- Kelly Amy Events
Photographer- Philippa Sian Photography
Florist- Poppy Wild Floral
Floral Assistant- Anthology Floral Design
Stationery- Made by Wood and Wood
Cakes- Anna Lewis Cakes
Hair & Makeup- Hannah Monk Hair & Makeup
Hair & Makeup Assistant- I Do Bridal Services
Hair Accessories- Lilley Studio
Model- Georgia Dispenza
Rentals- Hire The Look
Ribbon & Styling Fabric- PomPom Blossom
Table Linen- Just 4 Linen
Wedding Dresses- Morgan Davies Bridal
Spaces- The House
(Top to Bottom- The Springles | Kirsty Mackenzie Photography)
Upon setting foot in Millbridge Court you are welcomed into our stylish front lounge with oversized sofas and a log burner, this makes for a wonderful place for guests to relax with a glass of something delicious in hand throughout your day. This space transforms in the winter months as the venue takes on a cosy and romantic personality with the roaring fire and flickering candles a plenty.
(Top to Bottom- Kirsty Mackenzie Photography | Clara Cooper Photography | Philippa Sian Photography)
(Left to Right- Clara Cooper Photography | Julie Michaelsen Photography )
Drawing you towards the heart of the building is a stylish mirrored lounge, ideal for those needing a rest from the dance floor! We have eight boutique hotel bedrooms, as well as The Hideaway which is set within the grounds of its very own secret garden. After a wonderful night’s sleep guests return to the lounge, where just past our marble island is a private breakfast room ideal for that all important coffee and much needed catch up on the night before.
(Top- The Springles | Bottom- Philippa Sian Photography)
(Left- Julie Michaelsen Photography | Right- Dominique Bader Photography)
Spaces- The Loft
The Loft is the perfect space to start your wedding day in luxurious comfort! With mirrors a plenty, a crystal pendant light, six individual Makeup Stations, an elegant seating area and a private changing area, this room has all you need.
Clockwise- Clara Cooper Photography | The Springles | VLA Photography
The crown jewel of the room is the one way window, which allows excited members of the Bridal Party to a sneak peak of the ceremony hall in its various stages right up to the guests taking their seats in anticipation of your entrance.
Clockwise- Lucie Watson Photography | The Springles | Philippa Sian Photography
Spaces- The Rooms
(Title Image by Razia N Jukes | Below Images by Philippa Sian Photography)
Our Boutique Hotel has nine bedrooms in total, seven in the main house and one in The Lodge, an amazing cottage that we have here at Millbridge Court; all of these room are exclusively yours to book for your nearest and dearest on the night of your Big Day. A continental family-style sharing breakfast is available for all guests in a private Dining space before check out the following morning, allowing time for that much needed catch up.
Last, but definitely not least is our final Bedroom, The Hideaway, a secluded wooden cabin, tucked into woodland and reserved exclusively for the couple on the night of your wedding. Walking through the private gates and beyond the secret fern garden leading to the front door (another amazing location for photos!) you will find your own secluded hideaway for the evening, complete with roll-top copper bath and a veranda overlooking the neighbouring countryside.
Spaces- The Arbour
The Arbour at Millbridge Court is a beautiful oak structure licensed for outdoor ceremonies between April and September. The garden is surrounded by tall photinia trees which gives it a secluded and private atmosphere and creates a unique space in the garden.
(Top to Bottom) We Are The Clarkes | Hannah Berry Flowers
With capacity for up to 150 guests and rustic wooden seating, it is a beautiful country garden option for your ceremony. The extended aisle is also the perfect backdrop for that all important confetti shot; whether getting married inside or out, it provides a picture- perfect setting to celebrate your first moments as a married couple.
(Top to Bottom) Jonny MP Photography | The Springles | Kit Myers Photography
In addition, the Arbour itself provides a wonderful backdrop for confetti shots, your couple shots or group photos whatever the season and is an ideal location to still have some amazing shots outside even if it’s raining!
(Top to Bottom) We Are The Clarkes | Kit Myers Photography | Joanna Nicole Photography | Frankee Victoria
(Top Left) Rebecca Searle Photography | (Top Right) Lily Bungay | (Bottom) Jessica Bevan Photography
If you are super lucky, the neighbouring cows will come to visit – leaving you with a very unique photo opportunity!
Many Photographers also love using the Arbour all year round to get dramatic nighttime shots, like these beautiful images below.
(Top to Bottom) Emmie Scott Photography | Sophie Duckworth Photography | DM Photography
Spaces- The Lodge
The Lodge is a getting ready space exclusively for our Grooms.
With late-morning access, it is the perfect place to check in with your Groomsmen, add the finishing touches to your look and have a toast pre-ceremony. With a ground floor bedroom and en-suite, there is plenty of room for your party to get ready and upstairs is a cosy den, complete with leather sofas and a personal bar – fully stocked with beers and snacks – for you to enjoy.
10 Questions with… Hair and Makeup Artist, Carolanne Armstrong
1. How did your passion for Makeup and Hair styling come about?
I always just really enjoyed the process of starting with a blank canvas and painting creating a beautiful finish. I used to be able to do my own liquid liner in the dark because I knew the curve of my own eyes so well…. It turns out working on my own face and hair is not nearly as fun as thousands of other people’s hair types and colouring. It’s always new and always a joy applying subtle tones and colours to new faces. and I love the blending.
2. When did you setup your Business as a freelance Hair and Makeup Artist and what drew you to Bridal Hair and Makeup?
I started working in hair and makeup nearly 15 years ago. The majority of my work has always been bridal because I enjoy the environment of working with real people on a really important occasion. I kind of love the pressure for everything to be perfect. People often have preconceptions and stereotypes of what a makeup artist is like or what they do. I like dispelling the myth that it’s all borderline drag!
3. How would you describe your style?
Client-focussed. Not about what I want to do, or my new trendy palette. My work leans towards editorial, with invisible skin makeup, seamless blending of tones and textures that flatter both person and the personality. I like it when you don’t notice the makeup, but the person just looks really good.
4. What can Brides expect when they choose you to do their Makeup and/or Hair for their Wedding Day?
Generally someone recommends me, or a client starts following me on social media, then they’ll get in touch after seeing what my work looks like. The first stage is to secure the wedding date with a booking fee. The date is exclusively secured and then we can take our time to arrange a mutually convenient trial appointment. I dedicate specific dates through the year just to trials, so people book a time and come along to one of the venues available. At the trial, we talk about the details of the wedding day and then, roughly two weeks before the wedding I’ll send over a schedule for the wedding morning. That way everyone knows where they need to be and when, and I have all the time I need to to the best work I can.
5. What do you love most about what you do?
I love the creative element. Doing hair and makeup is my equivalent of a mindful colouring book 🙂
I love making someone feel great in their skin, I love going to new places and meeting hundreds of new faces every year.
6. What top tips do you offer Brides when they’re choosing what Hair and Makeup to have for their Big Day?
Communication before styling even starts is the most important thing, to work out what a client really doesn’t want! Usually someone’s had at least one terrible experience where they weren’t listened to and got caked. I advise that they aim to feel amazing but also totally at ease with their reflection.
7. What advice do you give to Brides on the Wedding Day itself?
By the time the wedding day comes around I feel like I know the client and what they want quite well. I’ve also delivered my schedule of timings so I’m usually concentrating on the brushwork and hopefully contributing to a calm, chilled out morning. The only advice I would give is to make sure you have your drink within reach while I’m styling 🙂
8. What trends are you seeing for 2020?
I think we’re looking at lots of romantic but unfussy styling. Nothing too sleek but certainly more editorial. Simple and elegant, with focus on the accessories or statement necklines or sleeves.
9. What do you love the most about Millbridge Court?
I love watching the bride or groom walk down the aisle through the one-way window. I get the only view of everyone turning to see them walk in.
10. What are your three favourite industry professionals/ brands to follow on Instagram at the moment?
For makeup: @LisaEldridge, @fionastiles and @consciousbeautyunion
For hair: Always @sammcknight1 and @samvillahair
To check out Carolanne’s Website, click here!
Wedding Trends 2020| Hear From the Experts (Pt. 2)
Flowers
“I never thought I would see the day when dried flowers would be back on trend, but its here! … I can see them being a huge hit next season, with future clients already sharing mood boards featuring these delicate flowers. . Although dried flowers are more expensive, they will last a lot longer and provide endless texture throughout designs. I really love their delicate dusty and muted tones and have already started using a few in designs this season.”
– Hannah Berry Flowers @hannahberryflowers
Photography
“I think photography is probably the least affected by trends (not so much seasonal ones anyway), but as ever I’m noticing a growing concern for more natural and candid photography, and less emphasis on posed images. That said, I believe there is such a wide spectrum of photographers out there who offer everything you can think of style wise! Which is lovely, as there are still a great number of couples who care about their portraits, and who also want their editing style to reflect the look or season of the month they’re getting married in. I like bright colours and timeless editing and it’s something my couples mention when choosing me, so I suppose, I can only speak for myself, but I expect 2020 will be a big year for celebrations and a focus on everyone having a wonderful day, and the photography reflecting that.”
– Sophie Duckworth Photography @duck_photo
Bridal Fashion
The Wrap Skirt
“Its hard to reinvent bridal silhouettes but this year see the emergence of a brand-new take on the ballgown skirt. A fun, coquettish revamp that will allow brides a full range of movement and a cheeky, surprise flash of statement shoes.”
3D is the new lace
“We all love lace and embellished fabrics, but when one fabric has been such a strong story in bridal fashion, brides-to be will, naturally, want to choose a look that is unique to them. Light tulles with 3D, appliqued flowers are the perfect solution. A pretty lace effect, perfect for garden, barn and rolling countryside.”
– Emma at Miss Bush Bridal @missbushbridal
Furniture Hire
“No slowing down on Cross Back Chairs in 2020. Throughout 2019 our number of covers for Cross Back Chairs & Vintage Trestle Tables sky rocketed, for us this is partly due to the time we have invested in developing our stock, but for the industry it is mostly due to the prominence of Cross Back Chairs across Wedding Blogs and Posts from so many influential sources.
We will definitely sell an increased amount of Louis Chairs in 2020. We have more provisional bookings for next Summer than we have ever had before the end of any previous year. Most of our bookings are currently for marquee based weddings, we often see earlier reservations for marquee contracts compared to venue based contracts, but several confirmations are already in for local and London venues. We are really lucky to have such wonderful photography of the Louis Chair at Millbridge Court.” https://www.pinterest.co.uk/furniturehire/millbridge-court/louis-chair-millbridge-court/
– Academy Furniture Hire @academyfurniturehire
(Lead Image: Kit Myers Photography, Hannah Berry Flowers, Academy Furniture Hire, Couvert Hire)
#marriedatmillbridge | 2019
What a wonderful & memorable Year we’ve had here at Millbridge Court! We have once again had a Calendar filled with unique & beautiful Wedding Days for our MC Couples, Wedding Days that are brought to life by the plethora of talented industry professionals that we’re so lucky to get to know & work alongside each week.
2019 has also seen the Millbridge Family expand as we welcomed new Team Members, we also celebrated our 5th Birthday & launched our exciting new Event exclusively for MC Couples, our Details Date Nights. We were delighted to see Millbridge featured in some of the nations leading Bridal Magazines & Weddings Blogs & were so thrilled to launch our new Website & Branding in the Summer. Alongside Weddings, we have also hosted some phenomenal photoshoots & inspiring Events & earlier in the year we unveiled our newest space, The Lodge!
In November, our Instagram reached 10,000 followers, so we thought as a 2019 round up on The Journal, we would share the 20 most liked images from our profile (with the most liked image at the bottom of the post), along with the most liked images of the Venue, The Arbor & #marriedatmillbridge posts.
For all of our Brides & Grooms from the last year, we wanted to thank you for allowing us to be a part of one of the most special days of your lives, it truly is an honour & we wish you so much love & happiness as you start the New Year (& decade) as a married Couple.
Happy New Year, Everyone! Xx
Photos From Sophie
Philippa Sian Photography, Boutique Blooms
Eleanor Joy Photography, Stella Rose
The Springles, Lavender Hill Company
VLA Photography, Blush Floral Design, Hoop from Bramblesky (Etsy)
Rebecca Searle Photography, Hannah Berry Flowers
Kit Myers, Hannah Berry Flowers
Philippa Sian Photography, Longacres, Bubblegum Balloons
Marianne Taylor Photography, Hannah Berry Flowers
Eleanor Joy Photography, Stella Rose, Feather Balloons
Caroline Stocking Photography
Philippa Sian Photography
Eleanor Joy Photography, The Crumby BakeryDM Photography
Nataly J Photography
Laura Harvey Photography
Photos From Sophie, Stella Rose, Feather Balloons
The Springles
Woodland Hill Photography, I Do Wedding Florist
Philippa Sian Photography
Most Liked Arbor Photo
Miss Gen Photography, Eden Blooms
Most Liked Venue Photo
DM Photography
Most Liked #marriedatmillbridge Photos
Sophie Duckworth
Joanna Nicole Photography
DM Photography
Suppliers:
Photography
Flowers
Balloons
Feather Balloons
Cake