What could be more romantic than staying in a glorious Grade II listed townhouse in the heart of the Cotswolds? With wedding season upon us, both Olivier and I had failed to organise anything special to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary at the end of last month. Ironic as it sounds, we’re so passionate about making sure our brides have the perfect day that we sometimes forget to spend time doing things for us.

I only discovered the Cotswold House Hotel by chance when browing the Mr & Mrs Smith website (www.mrandmrssmith.com) the day before we were meant to be going away, but we couldn’t have found a more perfect place to get some much-needed R&R. The hotel states on its website that it is ‘one of the most beautiful hotels in the Cotswolds. Experience tranquility, sublime comfort, exceptional food and our stunning spa’, and I can certainly attest that these aren’t false claims. On arrival, it feels like you’re entering a private members’ club; the hotel is small and intimate but hugely welcoming. We opted to upgrade to a suite and were shocked at how stunning it was. There was a living area with stylish, natural decor, an enormous deep stone bath, and a gorgeous bedroom leading to a small patio area complete with table and chairs.

With the rain coming down in torrents, we were slightly disappointed that we couldn’t venture out to explore the quaint village of Chipping Camden, but with champagne afternoon tea in our suite and a Beatrix Potter DVD borrowed from the hotel’s collection (it seemed the perfect choice, we were in the Cotswolds after all!) we soon forgot about the weather. Later that evening we enjoyed dinner in the hotel’s fabulous restaurant. Our compliments went to the chef, Dave Watts, who had previously trained with Raymond Blanc. The food looked and tasted divine.

After spending the night, we reluctantly handed back our key the following morning, but not before taking advantage of the hotel’s spa, located at the bottom of the garden. We treated ourselves to a wonderful massage.

So, will we be back? Too right we will.

For more information, visit www.cotswoldhouse.com. We opted for the Celebration package which included a Royal afternoon tea, dinner in the restaurant, bottle of bubbly and a Bucks Fizz breakfast served in our suite the following morning.

Sangeeta x

Last week Sangeeta and I watched as one of the labels at the forefront of British fashion, Ariella Couture, unveiled its new designer collection. Already famed for its gorgeous range of cocktail, evening and occasion wear and worn by the likes of Kelly Rowland, Holly Willoughby, Myleene Klass and Leona Lewis, the collection featured a stunning selection of gowns just perfect for brides, bridesmaids and mothers-of-the-bride.

While half the evening was spent watching the spectacular catwalk show, the other was spent celeb-spotting, sipping champagne and enjoying a canape or two. Leona Lewis arrived with boyfriend Dennis Jauch looking stunning in an emerald green maxi teamed with a white blazer, and other stars included Jessica Wright (The Only Way is Essex), singer Dionne Bromfield, TV presenters Laura Whitmore and Kate Walsh, and fashion expert Brix Smith-Start.

On with the show

One thing that particularly surprised me about the collection was its amazing wearability. Fabrics included a range of traditional silk chiffon and lacquered lace, all accentuated with ruching, draping and peplum cuts. Very much inspired by old Hollywood glamour, the silhouettes featured stunning hourglass designs to empire lines, pretty prom skirts to dramatic fishtails, making the dresses perfect for women of all shapes and sizes.

The colours ranged from bold yellows and fuchsia to jet black and navy.

The collection of ivory gowns is just perfect for modern brides not afraid to push the boundaries.

For more information, and to view more of the new collection, visit www.ariellacouture.com

Danielle x

I apologise for the delay – this post has certainly been a long time coming! Earlier in the month, luxury wedding and event planners Temple Gregory hosted a rather glamorous party at the Savoy, London, to celebrate the re-branding of its company website - and, boy, what a party it was.

As guests gathered in the stunning Lancaster Ballroom to be greeted with champagne, cocktails and canapes, singer Kevin Fitzsimmons warbled some light jazz and swing in the background. The beautiful art deco interior was complemented with elegant and striking flower displays created by the talented Emma Lappin (www.emmalappinflowers.com) and Euphoric Flowers (www.euphoricflowers.co.uk), while the most amazing pink and white dessert table stood at one end, filled with the prettiest cupcakes and cakepops, delicious fudge, marshmallows and jars of other childhood favourites, not to mention the gorgeous ruffle cake centrepiece, all lovingly created by Crumbs! Couture (www.cupcakeslondon.com).

We were also delighted to see that some guests opted to wear headpieces and jewellery from the recent Olivier Laudus collections.

Here are a few images from the event taken by Chanelle & Craig from Segerius Bruce (www.segeriusbruceblog.com)…

Anna from Far From The Wedding Crowd

The stunning dessert table by Crumbs! Couture, London

Pretty cocktail menus, courtesy of Borrowed Blue Press

Beckie and Svetlana from Temple Gregory, with Beckie sporting a stunning Olivier Laudus headpiece

Chrissie Reeves from OK! magazine

Needless to say, the strawberry daiquiris went down a storm...

Stunning blooms by Emma Lappin and Euphoric Flowers

The lovely lady herself, Emma Lappin

The talented Harri from Crumbs! Couture

Photographer Kat Hill and blogger Ciara from Wed In London, also seen wearing a beautiful Olivier Laudus headpiece

Luxury cake designer Janet Mohapi-Banks

Lester from No10 Weddings

Pippa from Wedding Ideas magazine also looked beautiful in some Oliver Laudus pieces

Sangeeta from Olivier Laudus

Sara from wedding blog Under The Vintage Veil

And the surprise of the evening? Kristina Rihanoff and Robin Windsor from none other than Strictly Come Dancing did the rumba! It was certainly an evening to remember… congratulations to Beckie and Svetlana from Temple Gregory, who organised the whole event. You really are the cream of the party planning crop, ladies…

You may (or may not!) have noticed there aren’t any photos of me. I’d obviously managed to slip the camera, probably spending far too much time at the dessert table and/or cocktail bar. That was until Sangeeta and I discovered the photobooth of course, courtesy of www.hellofotobooths.co.uk. We had far too much fun doing this…

Danielle x

Last month, as a belated birthday present, Olivier surprised me with afternoon tea and a night’s stay at the Brooklands Hotel in Surrey. I was thrilled when I saw the hotel’s website: modern and stylish in design with a fabulous spa – not to mention close proximity to London. Then I noticed that the rooms overlooked Mercedes-Benz World and a racing track and wondered to myself, is this a weekend for me, or for him!?

I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not a huge racing fan – unlike my lovely husband – but on arrival my concerns quickly disappeared. There was actually something quite exciting and glamorous about having a room with views of a race track. The hotel itself is also a dream; it’s been designed with such precision and style and we couldn’t fault the warm and welcoming service, the amazing facilities and fantastic food. In fact, I was sorry we were only there for one night!

The Brooklands Hotel is located on the site of the historic Brooklands racing track and is also home to the brand experience centre for Mercedes-Benz World (no, I didn’t realise such a place existed either!). I recall spending many Sundays looking on in dismay as Mr L watched hours of Formula One on TV when it’s been sunny outside, however, they do say don’t knock something until you’ve tried it, and off I went with him as the dutiful wife. Expecting to be in and out in minutes, I found myself enthralled by the place; there was something pretty special about seeing a model of Carl Benz’s original ‘motorvagen’ next to an SLS AMG (which came with a cool price tag of £168,000). Could Benz ever have imagined what his invention would lead to? So many around him said he would fail and there would be no demand for such a vehicle. I think the moral of his story is to believe in yourself, even when others doubt you. For Olivier, a new-found love of Mercs was born and less than a week after we arrived home, he traded in our sporty red Alpha Romeo for a Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

As I sat in the hotel’s open-air hot tub that evening, with wonderful views of the race track, it struck me just how perfect Brooklands is for a his-and-hers break before or after the big day, particularly for those with car-enthusiast hubbies-to-be. Not only is it a gorgeous hotel, but it’s full of interesting things to look at, including a nearby museum which is home to the Concorde. Mercedes-Benz World has a range of driving experiences, while the hotel offers a fantastic range of pampering spa treatments. I for one can’t wait to head back, and while I plan on kicking back in the spa, Mr L is planning to enjoy a go on the race track. Plus, with offers like these, we’d be mad not to… http://www.brooklandshotelsurrey.com/special-offers/activity/his-hers-spa-car-package.htm

Entrance to the hotel bar

The relaxation area in the hotel spa

For more information, check out http://www2.mercedes-benz.co.uk/content/unitedkingdom/mpc/mpc_unitedkingdom_website/en/home_mpc/mercedes-benzworld.flash.htm

and… www.brooklandsmuseum.com

Sangeeta x

Wooden painted letters, from £3.75, The Letteroom

With the warmer weather almost upon us, it’s time to be inspired by beautiful blousy blooms and colourful accents for a fresh spring look to your big day…

Drink Me tags, £2.50 for five, From The Wilde

These cute and quirky Drink Me tags work perfectly for vintage-inspired big days. Think Alice in Wonderland meets 1920s glam.

As Sweet As Honey book boxes, from £16, Berry Red

As an alternative to a traditional guest book, why not ask guests to leave heartfelt notes inside these pretty boxes, disguised as old vintage books? Available in three sizes; small, medium and large.

Bird love heart decoration, £2.50, HomeHomeHome

Not only will this gorgeous, distressed cream heart look fab hanging up in your venue, but it would make a great keepsake in your home after the big day, or as a lovely gift.

Floral cake, POA, Cotton & Crumbs

Spring weddings call for spring blooms and this adorable creation from Cotton & Crumbs would perfectly suit a classic English celebration.

Eau de toilette bottle, £7.95, Dot Com Gift Shop

Table details don’t have to be oversized in order to make a statement. This vintage-inspired, scalloped pear-shaped bottle with a cut-glass stopper would add a romantic touch to decor when clustered with other mismatched bottles or containing a single stem.

Metal bird and butterfly jug, £8.99, Pretty & Chic

Add a rustic Parisian feel to tables with this French-inspired decorative jug. Just fill with flowers for a beautifully simple display.

Tall handled baskets and miniature pastel buckets, from £2.99, The Contemporary Home

Having an Easter big day? These cute pastel buckets and baskets are a fun and colourful way to display miniature chocolate egg favours or sugared almonds. You could even fill them with tea lights or flowers, or use them on the tables to hold sweets and snacks.

Wooden beach signs, £19.99 each, The Contemporary Home

Add a splash of sentiment to nuptials by the sea and hang these signs around your venue. With their distressed wood finish and faded lettering, they almost look like they’ve been handcrafted from a piece of driftwood.

Danielle x

Every year we hope to attend the Wedding Ideas Awards and every year something else gets placed in the diary for the same day, or we are unable to go for one reason or another. However, this year we were thrilled to finally be able to go along and see what has been keeping the Twitterati so excited in the months leading up to them. It was the 7th year for the awards and I hear they just keep getting better and better each time. We were not disappointed; the team at Wedding Ideas certainly knows how to throw a party! We were also flattered and delighted that some of our pieces were showcased on the night by the lovely Kim from The Wedding Community, who was also on the judging panel, and the equally lovely Pippa and Lucinda from Wedding Ideas magazine. All three ladies looked stunning.

The awards were held at The Brewery, London, not too far from where I work as a lawyer. It’s not a venue I’d been to before but would absolutely recommend it for parties, product launches and even weddings. The space was transformed into a gorgeous ballroom with pink lighting, pretty candelabra, flower displays and an ice sculpture which doubled up as a vodka luge in the shape of a giraffe (the magazine’s mascot!), it was all simply breathtaking.

Image courtesy of www.wildaboutweddings.com

Image courtesy of www.supertography.com

The lovely Lucinda, above, wearing our Martha chandelier diamante earrings http://www.olivierlaudus.com/html/display_items.php?id=947&keywords=martha&page_number=1&item_name=Martha%20Chandelier%20Diamante%20Earrings

Image courtesy of www.supertography.com

Much like a wedding, there was a seating plan, and we were lucky to be on a table with Sandra and Richard from Wedding Ideas and the team from Mandalay Stationery, amongst others. After dinner entertainment was provided by the hilarious and rather unique Rob Deering before the awards commenced. They were presented by Rachel Southwood who founded Wedding Ideas in her back room (so legend has it!), a lovely lady who is an inspiration to us all. Not only has she managed to create a hugely successful magazine and brand but she also has a very special bond with her team. You get the feeling she really cares about their development and job satisfaction, and in turn her employees not only see their role as a job but also as an innate loyalty to Rachel and the brand.

Image courtesy of www.wildaboutweddings.com

Above: Wedding Ideas editor, Rachel Morgan

Image courtesy of www.wildaboutweddings.com

Above: Entertainment from Rob Deering

More on the wonderful awards and who-won-what can be found on the Wedding Ideas website www.weddingideasmag.com , however, I did want to mention the Special Achievement Award which was won by Military Wedding Discounts http://militaryweddingdiscounts.com. Set up by military wife Emma to help members of the Armed Forces in the UK and USA save money on their weddings, it was a truly deserved recognition. When Emma went up to collect her award, a surprise video message from her husband Noel (currently serving in Afghanistan) was played. His touching message was a strong reminder of the sacrafice our military have made being so far from their loved ones. In fact, it was difficult for most people in the room to hold back the tears while watching it.

Above, left: Kim from The Wedding Community wearing our Rebecca Sunburst necklace http://www.olivierlaudus.com/html/display_items.php?id=959&category=146&sub_cat=159&page_number=2&item_name=Rebecca%20Sunburst%20Flower%20Necklace%20Set

Above: Pippa from Wedding Ideas wearing our Natasha floral cuff http://www.olivierlaudus.com/html/display_items.php?id=614&keywords=natasha&page_number=1&item_name=Natasha%20Floral%20Cuff%20Bridal%20Bracelet

When the ceremony was over, we got the chance to catch up with old friends, as well as make some new ones. With more than 350 wedding industry folk at the do, it really was a fantastic night. A big well done to Wedding Ideas and congratulations to all the winners. I’m very much looking forward to next year’s awards and, who knows, maybe we’ll even be up for one ourselves next time!

Sangeeta x

So, for my first blogpost, what could be more appropriate than to look back over the year that was? Not to mention, of course, publishing it around Chinese New Year. I think the timing feels just right.

The highlights

Our central London studio

For me, the ultimate achievement last year was opening our studio in central London. It had always been a dream of mine but not one I had ever really seriously entertained (as a cautious lawyer it was easier to think of the reasons not to do it). So, when we opened our doors in July it was a dream come true. We had been meeting clients for consultations on an ad hoc basis, so to finally have our own space to showcase our pieces – not to mention in a wonderful location just behind Selfridges – has been fantastic. It’s also been great to see Olivier meeting clients and getting great feedback from brides about how useful the whole process has been for them. There is obviously a lot more we want to do with the studio, such as offering refreshments and hosting special evenings for our clients with additional services and products. In fact, we are really looking forward to putting some of these plans into action this year.

The studio

Mentions in magazines, blogs and more…

I still remember when one of our ring cushions was first featured in a magazine in 2006 – I was so excited to see our name in print, I was smiling all week! To be honest, that excitement has not dissipated and we have been lucky over the years to have been featured in lots of lovely publications. Our press page showcases just some of these great features and the plan is to update it with some of our most recent cuttings and blogposts. We were particularly thrilled to see one of our pieces in Vogue Gioielli, and also to be featured by the number of wedding bloggers out there. Articles such as this one on English Wedding Blog (http://english-wedding.com/2011/04/affordable-bridal-accessories-from-a-business-thats-fit-for-a-princess have really made my year.

In fact, integrity – as those who know me will testify – is hugely important to me. We care a great deal about our customers and want to ensure they always get the best possible service from us. To be recognised in the wedding industry for such services really is the icing on the cake.

I was also thrilled to be asked to appear as an accessories expert on wedding planning website http://www.theweddingcommunity.com/56/Expert-Advice/Wedding-Jewellery-and-Accessories-Advice and I hope my monthly articles continue to help brides trying to perfect their wedding day look.

Twitter

How did we ever survive without Twitter? A simple concept, yet something so incredibly powerful. I have met so many wonderful people via Twitter that it would be impossible to name everyone – and this is without mentioning the people I haven’t met (yet!) but who I have spoken to virtually.

The studio launch

The studio launch

The studio launch

Our recent press day

The Secret Garden shoot

Through Twitter we were lucky enough to be involved in a fantastic styled shoot brought together by fabulous photographer Fiona Kelly. Rather than list all the individual companies involved in the shoot, I can point you in the direction of a wonderful write up on this wedding blog http://whimsicalwonderlandweddings.com/2011/07/an-ethereal-magical-grecian-secret-garden-bridal-shoot.html

We certainly hope to be involved in more collaborations later on in the year!

Our blog

The launch of this blog, together with the help of my good friend and wedding journalist Danielle Wilkins, was also a highlight. Our aim was to give something more to brides browsing our website, as well as showcase some of the wonderful suppliers we have met. It’s great to have Danielle on board and I know she can inspire and assist our brides along the way. Another reason we were keen to have her involved is to give the blog some impartiality – after all, I didn’t want it all to be about us. Hopefully it’s providing some useful inspiration, but if there is something you’d like to see more of, please let us know!

Our clients

So, why do we do what we do? Of course, it’s important for us to grow a successful business but it’s not just about that. We want to be able to offer beautiful finishing touches at affordable prices; to help brides look and feel amazing. We also want to give something back, which is why our charity ring cushion is so important to us… http://www.olivierlaudus.com/html/display_items.php?id=437&category=25&sub_cat=24&page_number=1&item_name=Sunflower

We are thrilled to receive so many thank you messages and cards from happy clients – we even received some wedding cake once! To be part of someone’s special day in this way is a privilege and, as competition within the accessories industry has increased so much over the years, we feel even more honoured when brides choose our products.

The not-so highlights

As with every business, there are challenges. The first package of products sent to Vogue in Milan for the shoot mentioned above was stolen in transit, in fact, we almost didn’t have time to get another box over before the shoot.

And while we have met so many amazing people in the wedding industry, there will always be a handful who aren’t quite so honest or pleasant to deal with. As someone who values integrity, I’ll admit that meeting people who come across as rude, as having an agenda, or even fake, is hard for me to cope with. However, there is a lesson to be learnt from it, I’m sure. I believe you should stay true to yourself, and that is what I intend to do.

Of course, there is also the old chestnut of not having enough time, and last year was no exception. Even now, I wish I had the magic formula to master my to-do list. There are things I could have done better, people I would have loved to have met, events that would have been wonderful to attend, exciting opportunities to follow up – but sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day.

On a more personal level, there was acute sadness for both Olivier and I. We started 2011 with the loss of my grandmother and it ended with the passing of Olivier’s grandmother in December. I don’t think I have ever experienced such a painful ache as I did for these special ladies. Both were so different, yet such fun characters who showed us the meaning of unconditional love.

There’s no denying 2011 was an incredibly busy year for us and, having written this, I realise the importance of looking back before moving forward. After all, if you don’t know where you have just come from, how do you know where it is you want to go?

Wishing you all a happy and prosperous 2012!

Sangeeta xx

While finding the perfect dress is crucial, so are the smaller details, your bridal hair being one of them. With this in mind, Barrie Stephen, an award-winning hair stylist who has salons in Leicester, Narborough, Antsey and Ashby, offers his advice on achieving a picture perfect look.

Start early If you have an image in your mind of the style you’d like, ensure you leave plenty of time to achieve it. Discuss the requirements with your salon stylist and together you can work to improve the condition, length and colour of your hair.

Consider the bigger picture Everything from the shape of your gown to the choice of your veil will shape your final hairstyle. The neckline of your gown is particularly important, so share every detail with your hair stylist so they can help you make the right choice. You may even want to have a trial that includes your choice of veil and hair accessories so you can make sure everything will look perfect on the big day.

Be inspired There was so much inspiration on the catwalks this season; Burberry showed off fresh, natural styles with centre partings and gentle waves that would suit a relaxed country-chic do, while Alice Temperley drew inspiration from Grace Kelly’s classic clean-cut style with the perfect ponytail. Also for spring/summer 2012, Holly Fulton’s ladies adopted 1970s-inspired waves, Danielle Scutt worked classic French braids and Margaret Howell rocked the vintage trend with 1920s-influenced knots.

Going DIY?

If you’re blessed with long locks, how about opting for some pre-Raphaelite waves? Spritz damp hair with a styling spray and roll 3cm sections of hair on large heated rollers, winding away from the face. Leave for 30 minutes and gently unwind, brushing through or teasing out with your fingers. Add a little hairspray to set the style.

If you have short hair, work through with some mousse and go with its natural texture. A sleek beehive is perfect for the classic bride, with a slight nod to the ’60s.

Style me pretty

Don’t forget, the magic is in the detail, so don’t be afraid to experiment with accessories.

Choose silk flowers for low chignons and ponytails…

We suggest... this gorgeous Christina peony hair clip, £35.99, Olivier Laudus

…simply sweep tousled locks into a decorative hair clip at the back of the head…

We suggest... the Aelicia mini hair comb, £29.99, Olivier Laudus, can be worn in a number of ways

For shorter styles, accessorise with vintage-inspired diamante clips or a headband…

We suggest... an antique-style headband like this Clarissa design, £79.99, Olivier Laudus

For more information about Barrie Stephen salons, visit www.barriestephenhair.co.uk

The National Wedding Show is always one of the best places to sneak a peek at the new collections, and this October a whole host of designers and boutiques were showcasing the biggest trends for next season. So, with this in mind, I thought I’d bring you a run-down of some of my favourites set to be big next spring.

Lovely in lace

Benjamin Roberts

Blue by Enzoani

Ian Stuart

Cool capes and jackets

Enzoani

Theia at House of Fraser

Working the high-low hemline

Ian Stuart

Illusion necklines

Benjamin Roberts

Biba at House of Fraser

Princess perfect

Angela Vickers

Berketex

David Fielden

Jonathan James

Justin Alexander

For more information about the National Wedding Show, visit www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk

Enjoy!

Danielle x

With that in mind, I thought I’d bring you a short interview with Mark Osborne – a London-based up-and-coming wedding photographer who specialises in producing fabulous reportage images.

Image courtesy of www.annelimarinovich.com

Mark, can you tell us how you got started in the industry?

I’ve always been interested in photography and I’m purely self-taught. I started out by taking photos at various family events for a number of years, before friends began asking if I would photograph their weddings, which I would happily do. Then, early last year, I decided to make a go of the business properly and set up my own website. At the moment I’m in the early stages of things.

What do you love most about your job?

It’s an absolute privilege to be asked to photograph someone’s wedding day. I love capturing those natural moments between two people who are so in love. When the wedding is over, it’s great looking through all the images I’ve taken that day and reliving it all again. I also enjoy hearing back from happy clients – when they’re happy, I’m happy!

What inspires you?

The world itself is pretty inspirational, and I often find inspiration in the most unlikely of places. Living in a fast-paced city like London, it’s all too easy to get swept up in the craziness; sometimes it’s nice to just slow down and observe what’s actually around you. This can really help train the eye to anticipate certain events, so you can capture those moments that only last a fraction of a second. I also enjoy watching films and they provide me with a whole host of ideas.

What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve ever photographed?

I have fond memories of my niece’s wedding, which I photographed in early October last year. It was a wonderful family occasion and luckily the weather was very kind to us.

Can you offer a valuable piece of advice for brides-to-be?

It may sound obvious, but ensure that you are 100 per cent happy with your chosen photographer. It’s important to invest time and money in choosing the perfect person to photograph your day because, once the cake has been eaten, the flowers gone and the dress has been stored away, your photographs will be the one thing that help you relive those memories over and over again.

We couldn’t agree more! Finally, do you have a favourite photograph? I imagine it would be impossible to pick just one…

Wow, yes, that’s a tough one! But here are two that I’m particularly proud of…

For more information about Mark Osborne, or to view more of his work, visit www.markosbornephotography.com