Heavenly hydrangeas

Walking down my road last week I couldn't help noticing the abundance of colour in my neighbours' gardens. Big bright blocks of colour that spilled over fences and jumped out against the stone walls and brick houses. My neighbours didn't have landscaped gardens or pots from the garden centre...they had hydrangeas.

Photographs by Jo Hansford Photography 

Hydrangeas have huge heads of flowers; in fact one stem can make an amazing bouquet. The tiny flowers that make up the bloom are delicate but striking and when placed on a table can make beautiful centrepieces.

Flowers by Lisa Elliott

These beautiful photos are from a wedding I styled at Leigh Court, Bristol. Hydrangea heads were placed in oasis on top of a high cylinder vase, creating a wonderful impact as guests walked into the reception. On the top table the hydrangeas were places in low round vases, with  the couple's initials placed in the top of one arrangement.

 
The hydrangea flower is usually white, pink or blue, proving popular for many colour schemes and can easily be combined with other flowers, though I think they deserve to stand out on their own.

And who knows, if you get to know your neighbours you may have a great money saving answer to your flower requirements!

Kirsten is a venue stylist and runs her own business The Little Wedding Helper. To discuss how she can help make your special day as fabulous as possible visit her website and get in touch.

Another one for the boys...

So last time it was silk ties with beautiful designs, next up, adorable bow ties! I'm all for bow-ties. A wise man once said, "Bow-ties are cool" and I have to agree; especially so when worn by the groomsmen. 

These little numbers are all the way from Lithuania courtesy of Paukstukai's Etsy store.  Not only do they come in a wide variety of fabrics but they're double sided so you get twice as much bang for your buck.

I am especially loving the blue stripes/orange bow tie.  It's bright, cheerful and perfect for an off-beat summer wedding.

Not sure how to tie one?  Never fear, each bow tie comes with pretty illustrated instructions.

Each bow tie costs less than £15 so would make a great gift for the gents attending the big day.

 

Enjoy!

Hannah x

One for the gents...

So we all know how easy it can be to forget the men in our lives during the run up to the big day, whether it’s Dad, husband-to-be or the male members of the wedding party.  But never fear, these lovelies might just be the answer to your prayers.

These beautiful ties are from Etsy retailer, Ties That Don't Suck. They are available in olive, khaki, navy and silver.  Browse the store for a variety of styles with the same design including: 100% silk, micro fibre and narrow width micro fibre. The ties I have included are the regular width, micro fibre ties and they retail at £18 approx. but prices will be vary for the other styles.

These would be great at a nautical themed wedding, or, if your wedding has no theme, just as a touch of detail for the men.  Even the packaging is knee weakeningly gorgeous!

Not feeling the sailing ships? There are trees, gear sticks and lobsters. And they're all just as sweet as these ones. In fact - here's a cheeky gander at the lobsters...

Go on, make a splash with these, I know you want to! (Apologies for the pun!)

 - Hannah x