BOND Bride Magazine Issue 4

BRIDE

BOND CREATIVE INSPIRATION FOR THE STRONG, STYLISH BRIDE

ISSUE 4

PLAN YOUR WEDDING DAY IN STYLE WITH OUR LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF WEDMIN

KATE BEAVIS - MAGPIE WEDDING "Welcome to the fourth issue of BOND Bride Magazine, the digital magazine from the team behind the creative blog and The Ethical Wedding Show - Magpie Wedding.

It has been such a hard year, right? With such uncertainty, most of you have postponed which has been such a hard decision to make. We feel for you. But love conquers all - and we are happy to share some smaller weddings, and elopements in this issue as well as fabulous trends and all the pretty stuff!

The magazine is packed full of beautiful wedding inspiration. From Goth vibes to wild and free Romanian style, there is something for you all. We particularly love our cover shoot called Guardian of the Soul, the black and white monochrome styling of our Yorkshire wedding and the useful beauty pieces including makeup to work with different hair colours and makeup advice for black and brown skin. For those that need a bit of wellbeing advice we have sleep tips and crystal healing too.

Enjoy!

x e t a K

Get involved with BOND Bride Magazine If you have a real wedding that you' d like to submit to the magazine or blog, or want to be considered for the trend pages or advertising, email us at submissions@magpiewedding.com

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Cover Image Vins Massaro Photography

05

Wild & Free Wedding Inspo

15

Romantic Italian Elopement

23

Gothic Vibes

37

The Guardian Of Your Soul

49

Monochrome Wedding

65

Inclusive Underwear

72

Wedding Trends

82

Make Up Inspiration

90

Wedding Wellbeing

YOUNG HEARTS RUN FREE

This eclectic wedding in Constanta, Romania is full of dark and dreamy details with African jungle vibes. Complete with a beautiful bespoke wedding dress and uber-cool groom details, it’s laid back, wild and free! Moon Events are the creators behind the shoot - we catch up with her and her team to find out all about this eclectic wedding inspiration.

Inspiration “I am a huge fan of themed events and celebrations that offer me the opportunity and joy to get inspired by visual bits that end up in a whole coherent styling. This African jungle inspiration shoot started from the image of a bridal style that combined both femininity and attitude, untamed beauty in the wilderness. To match this cool bride look, we chose a groom wearing a casual look accessorised with a cool shirt, leather jacket and an iconic feather hat.”

Eclectic details and African jungle vibes “Starting from the eccentric couple, piece by piece the mood-board was completed by various African motives and accents of bold colours, from the table setup to the cake artistry to the stationery design.

The shoot is dedicated to the couples and brides-tobe that want to embrace an out-of-the-box style, that dare to create a beautiful wedding story through originality and creativity and it is perfect for intimate events and elopements that define the current wedding trend.”

“One of the most important aspects when deciding on a wedding design is making sure it fits the couple’s taste and style, the budget and the location.

Working with the right stylist that implements the concept is also a key element since there are many details to set in place and various aspects where professional expertise is valuable. No matter the theme, a well-implemented wedding style has unity, where all details are matching, the colour palette and the style opted for, from the dress and looks of the bride to the cake, stationery, flowers, and decorations.”

“Finding the right indoor venue was a bit of a challenge.

I needed the perfect background for the setup, the perfect light for the atmosphere and the perfect vibe for the shoot. I envisaged two different locations that complimented each other: an indoor venue with a luxuriant decor reminding us of an African deluxe bungalow contrasting with a wild, simpler landscape on the hills that transposes us into the Savannah. I instantly clicked when I heard a former old house was renovated and transformed into a hip coffee shop with dark accents, black and grey shades mixed with a floral decor that integrated a lot of big plants and made you feel like you are in a jungle. The outdoor venue was simple, more specific to an African Savannah, with tall yellow grass bending by the wind. I really wanted a small, intimate picnic area with the couple sitting on the pillows, which was sprinkled with some themed decorations while the handwritten canvas declaration symbolised the staple of the lovers’ relationship.”

Photography “This was a chance to bring a piece of that culture and vibe to my eclectic wedding audience. The indoor setup both inspired me and captivated me with every angle and corner discovered through the lens."

"The couple's exclusive look and real chemistry were hard to ignore. After indulging in the sweetest, most romantic intimate captures of the couple’s interaction, our entire team headed for the outdoor setup shoot. I really wanted to catch nature doing its magic on this lovely couple. Their smiles and happiness stood out while the sun was setting, giving me the perfect occasion to catch natural glimpses of their love story. I recommend all couples to be faithful to their preferences and style and opt for things that represent them because this is how they can keep their interaction as natural as possible.”

Styling “The colour palette I visualised for this eclectic wedding shoot comprised of dominant basic shades of brown and rich green combined with accents of white, red and black that added mystery and elegance at the same time. The sweetheart table I constructed seemed like it was surrounded by nature as if the couple was transposed into the jungle having an intimate dinner in the middle of the wilderness. The table setup was thought around the combination of African motive vases and statues, wildlife stationery patterns, coconuts and wild animal figurines all surrounded by paintings and hanging linen canopies that instantly make you feel like being inside a luxurious African lodge. Big plants contrasting with smaller decor elements created the perfect volumetric effect while the dramatic, dim light poured over enigmatic romance and painterly vibes.

Flowers “The floral “pièce de résistance” was the asymmetric arch behind the sweetheart table that made the whole design seem integrated into a painting frame.

It created a lot of intimacy and an undomesticated mood, whereas the white anthurium flowers brought the perfect elegant wedding vibes. For the table the design was a small, irregular corner arrangement created starting from a piece of wood. The design was completed by using bigger vases with flowers and plants as a front table decoration. The contrast effect was the desired one since a natural jungle look is deconstructed and uneven. The variety of plants integrated into the concept and their aspect played a part. Some were smooth, shiny with a wax kind of look whereas other flowers were thorny or rough looking. The same visual coordinates were kept for the bridal bouquet as well. Small but impressive, varying from bulk-looking flowers to delicate shapes, wrapped up with a silky African motive ribbon. It perfectly matched the personality of the bride!”

Bridal “When I and my team got the proposal to design a custom dress for this shoot not only did I feel honoured but it was also a beautiful challenge to manage to evoke through it all the symbolism that came into my mind thinking of the African inspiration. I am still swooning over those feathery details, that warm peachy colour and the silky flowing sleeves! We chose an earthy colour that would paint a warm background for the mesmerising couple, for the intricate textures of the tribal-inspired decor and for the fascinating curls of the bride. The feathers were hand-sewn on the dress, to bring both symbolism and textures to the entire setting. In Mayan, Aztec, African and many other civilisations the feathers associated with the growth of vegetation, being a counterpart of hair, grass and rain. We have goosebumps only by remembering how close to nature we felt on the meadow, at twilight, while feathers moved gently in the grass infused. We chose to complement this beautiful gown with one of the most unexpected accessories – a feather earring that simply made the entire look wow! It was the final stroke of paint set on the canvas of what came to be a magnetic, captivating sight.”

Hair and Makeup “Bridal makeup and hair are our passion among everything else. Every face, every love story, every dress inspires us to create beauty. For this particular project, it was important to give elegance and romantic feminine touches through our beauty details. For the make-up I opted for luminous skin with lots of highlights and contouring, soft peach shades accentuating the blue eyes of the bride and balancing everything with a natural lip colour. The combo between hair and make-up plays a major role in the overall look so for the hair we went for a side curly braided ponytail, voluminous and texturised, accompanied by the feather earring, highlighting the refinement and uniqueness.”

Cake “The Savannah piece-of-art cake caught everybody’s eye. Two white layers of different dimensions were hand-painted with elements from the African landscape whereas the symbolic giraffe represented a different approach for a cake topper. The special cake table was decorated with statues, flowers and a sweet, love message dedicated to the bride, making the cake stand out majestically.”

Stationery “The gorgeous shimmery eclectic wedding stationery brought a touch of glam to the escaped decor, abounding in wild animal patterns, nuances of rusty red, blush and black. The place cards were a combo of irregular shapes reminding animal paws, tamed by beautiful white calligraphy names handwritten over. The rest of the suite comprising of invitations, menus and key messages had softer nuances contrasted by various wilderness patterns playfully integrated in the general theme.”

SUPPLIERS INVOLVED Photographer: @radubenjamin

Concept & Styling @moonevents.eu Videographer @filipcerchiafilms Indoor Venue @botanica_coffee_bar Flowers Botanica @alex_botanica Dress @quantum_clothingdesign Hair & Makeup @garderobestudio Cake @sophiepatisserie Groom Hat:@amizade.ro Stationery @charmink.calligraphy Rentals @orzrentals Couple @cristinaionescuu/@stefann.e

LAURA & DANILO

Nothing is more intimate than this real wedding. A unity of love, just the two of them. Laura and Danilo decided not to share their moment of marriage and have a truly intimate wedding day in a cave in Italy. With simple details and a beautiful vintage wedding dress, we’re sure you’ll love it as much as we do.

How Did You Meet?

“The first and only ... I have known my husband since I was a child, and he was my first boyfriend. After going through the different paths of adolescence including some time apart, we met again after 5 years and the rest is history.”

The Proposal “While visiting the city of Petra they told us about the legend of an Egyptian pharaoh who, engaged in war, had decided to hide his treasure in the monument. In that magical place we promised each other eternal love and decided that we would exchange our vows, our treasure, in a place surrounded by rock, and Matera was perfect for us.”

Planning the Wedding “The theme of our marriage was a Love Escape, the desire not to fall into the obvious, banality of a standardized marriage, where usually the aim is to show and demonstrate. We decided to LIVE the moment alone, listening to our emotions resonating on the silent rock walls.”

The Location “Our wedding reflected our nature as a couple; strong characters with a note of hidden romanticism, a part of us that we intensely guard. This is why the choice of Sassi di Matera as the place for the ceremony; the hard rind of the rock that enclosed such an intimate and sweet moment represents our love, and the exchange of our promises that only the Earth witnessed. The hotel where we stayed was located in a cave; our love nest.”

"Our wedding reflected our nature as a couple... strong and romantic"

"We recovered an 80s wedding dress from my mum and customised it to suit my style" The Dress “With my wedding planner we recovered an 80s wedding dress from my mum and customised it to suit my style. It was a real jewel that has been preserved for decades, waiting to share with me the same emotions as those who wore it many years before me. The choice of vintage comes from authenticity because everything has already lived, and it transmits a great strength because you are aware that everything around you has a story.”

The Details “For the flowers we chose different varieties of stabilized flowers, dried flowers and resistant flowers which don’t die, but are resilient over time, all decorated with candles. For the wedding cake we chose a neutral color that reflected the stone and, branches of the pampas used to decorate.”

The Best Part of the Day “The best part of the day was waking up in the cave. When I opened my eyes and realized that we would be united like never before: me and my partner, love and rock.”

Words of Wisdom “For our wedding, I wouldn’t have chosen any other wedding. I recommend that all brides live an experience like ours and afterwards celebrate the wedding with family and friends; but only after having experienced the intensity of the emotions that can be experienced in the absence of external voices.”

SUPPLIERS INVOLVED Photographer @massaroph Second Photographer @justrob.it Ceremony Place Grotte Rupestri di Matera Venue - @sextantio Wedding Planner and decorations @giuliamolinari.wedding Video - Fabula Film Vintage Wedding Dress Giulia Molinari Groom Dress @deflorioboutique Flowers @botlea_ Hair and Makeup @giulioincantalupo Invitation @marycrea_design

GOTHIC VIBES

An inspirational shoot created for one reason only, un-representation. El is from the transgender community and was the main inspiration for the shoot. The team wanted to work with El in a wedding capacity as El’s community is unrepresented. Being Transgender doesn’t stop you from wanting to get married, and it shouldn’t stop you from getting married. We celebrate this inspiration Gothic shoot, and we hear from El on her experience on set. We LOVE! Hayley Gell Photography says; “I’ve always been drawn to the Goth subculture; I love dark tones, dried flowers, mysterious and an antiquated style. I incorporated some of this within the shoot and achieved the look with some amazing suppliers.”

“It may not be to everyone's taste to choose this style for your wedding day but there are elements that will look jaw dropping. There are so many reasons to choose a black wedding dress if you want to. It photographs beautifully and the sheer elegance of a black dress is timeless. You can also wear it again at other events and of course, a favourite of mine is that it breaks tradition.”

“Dried flowers can also look beautiful; there is still life in them after death, and they are a nod to your everlasting love for each other. You can choose from hundreds of varieties and an abundance of colours. They are also a more sustainable option and can be an eco-friendly option if natural.”

“If you want to create this look you’ll need dried flowers, an elegant black dress and dramatic accessories. This can be simplified for a more classic look or go full Goth! The bouquet created offered a stylish, elegant and romantic look which was juxtaposed by the bespoke wedding dress worn by El. To complete the look we used contemporary bridal hair pieces.

“We chose a mixture of close up and personal images to show the details."

“El did their own makeup and hair for this shoot with some guidance from me. I asked them for golden and brown tones for the eyes and paired with a red lipstick.”

El says: “As a trans individual, being looked at and looking back, it remains a politically loaded process.

Curiosity, fetishisation, revulsion and affirmations are all felt. Within the hyper temporal relationship you have with a lens you perform a dance that is meant to allure, to fascinate, and ultimately to please.

Regardless of a complete lack of sex drive, the panic grip in the guts in the morning that you will not present the way you wish to, the drive to please, to be seen as a totality, and embodied absolute. But then the calm begins and the shutter claps in this bubble of you and the camera. The exchanges that you make between the photographer and the assistant slowly bringing the tense shoulders down.

These wild and paralife intimacies to create an inauthentic truth; one that shows an honesty that is built upon a chemical framework that you rail and scream against. I remain still. Smile. Look down. Frozen.

Wrapped. Click. Click. Click.”

SUPPLIERS INVOLVED Photographer and styling @hayleygellphotography Dress @asos Shoes and Accessories @hollywintercouture Florist @meadowsandmulberryweddings Athena Lilly Bridal @athenalillybridal Adele Drummond @adeledrummondweddings Elizabeth @thepearldahlia Gels by Ginge @gelsbyginge

LAKE LOVE

A relaxed, intimate floral inspired elopement filled with romance and fun for this inspirational shoot. Full of colour, and maximal details it’s one for all you creative couples out there that are looking to break traditions on your wedding day.

Inspiration “We wanted to capture just how beautiful small weddings or elopements can be, focusing on the details and those special moments shared by the couple. When planning your day, it’s about you as a couple, filled with everything you love. We wanted to make sure to have photos filled with intimate moments, romance and most importantly fun! Even though elopements and small weddings are of a smaller scale, this doesn’t mean that the celebrations have to be too. Pops of colour in wedding outfits, beautiful florals, personalised vow books and having fun with a few smoke bombs, can all contribute to making your day one to remember forever.”

'Showcasing British florals in the British countryside' “Showcasing British florals, we had to have a venue that showcased the British countryside. Crabapple Barn set in three acres of beautiful land and a quarter acre lake with its own rowing boat is surrounded by uninterrupted views of the South Downs, it was a perfect choice. The barn itself is filled with quirky detail, warming fairy lights that create a romantic and intimate atmosphere and again those fantastic views.”

“The ceremony took place outdoors with stunning far-reaching views of the South Downs & the beautiful lake as our backdrop, with hay bales seating. Our gorgeous real-life couple were due to get married three months earlier to the day but had to postpone their wedding sadly like so many other couples this year. Having them part of this shoot and seeing them say their vows, made everything feel really special.”

Let Love Bloom

“The outdoor ceremony space featured Crabapple Barn’s birch arch to which colourful pillars of seasonal flowers were added. All the flowers used were homegrown, British cottage garden style flowers freshly cut from beds ready to use. The reception was framed by stunning floral pillars. A styled sweetheart table was draped with ditsy floral vintage fabric and vintage cut glassware and dinner plates. Just because you plan to elope or have a small wedding, you do not have to miss out on the cake! Pressed seasonal flowers were used on a beautifully rustic buttercream two-tiered wedding cake, smaller naked sponge and buttercream carrot cakes and shortbread biscuits into the wedding cake.”

“The bridal separates bought a pop of colour; a long-sleeved ivory lace cropped top paired with a mauve coloured full tulle skirt. The beautiful earrings and headband are hand made from preserved hydrangea petals and matched perfectly. Our bride’s waved hair featuring intricate woven plaits and showstopping statement makeup were styled to create a relaxed bohemian look. For the evening look, we went slightly edgier with a stylish bespoke hand-painted leather jacket” "To complement the pops of colour and playful pattern, our groom definitely stood out. We curated a smart but fun look including a handmade colourful bowtie, buttonhole, and pocket square.”

SUPPLIERS INVOLVED Photographer @lauren.beth.photography

Venue @crabapplebarnsussex Concept/Styling/Props @betty_lovesvintage Catering @baytreefoods Cake @sovereign_cakes Flowers @sussexcutting Stationery @lettersfromemily HMUA @petalblush_ Bridal Separates @matchimony Groom Styling and Accessories @dappersuave Hay Bales @sussex_party_bales Edible Flowers @awesidefarm Jewellery @lawley_design Flower Crown and Earrings @casaandflores Celebrant @days_to_remember_celebrant Leather Jacket @flourishandfloraco Smoke Bombs @smokegrenades Models @hisandhersfootprints

THE GUARDIAN OF YOUR SOUL Photography: Vins Massaro Photography

Credits Photographer @massaroph Second Photographer @justrob.it Concept/Planning @flavia_robbe Venue @masseriasanlorenzo Second Venue Botantical @lacutura Rental Che Scena @chescena Bride dresses @closetlecce Calligraphy @giorgiacallipraphy Makeup @melimarianomakeup Special thanks to @saloonkeeper1933

FINALLY 'WE DO'

Monochrome Luxe...

One for all the couples waiting to get married, Finally We Do was a midlockdown shoot created to show simple styling and chic details with a monochrome/muted palette, at a beautiful luxe barn in Yorkshire; a brand new venue yet to host its first unrestricted wedding.

"We wanted to create a simple look that was easy for couples to re-create on their own big day, yet stylish enough to take inspirational details from it too, a luxury style with a simple vibe, super intimate, super romantic and super chic."

"There is so much amazing wedding inspiration online and in magazines, sometimes it's easy to feel overwhelmed when deciding on a theme or a vision you want for your big day. It's about breaking down what’s important to you, simplifying things and taking a couple of things that represent the two of you as a couple."

"For this inspirational shoot it was all about the colours, as a designer and brand I have a couple of ‘go to’ things, where I always start; monochrome and metallics, simple and luxurious and on most occasions a feather or two! The dress started as a simple staple design that evolved whilst being made, as the feathers and trims came out... most of the time concepts grow into things more beautiful than we originally planned and this is exactly how you should approach your wedding day planning."

"With beautiful wooden beams and the most amazing chandeliers, Oakwood at Ryther is the perfect blank canvas wedding venue; every element has been specifically designed with your wedding in mind. There are two areas to use, the Ceremony Hall and the Old Grain Barn, which are as beautiful as each other. An intimate wedding was the order of the day, both spaces were styled, with the piste de resistance being the ‘Finally We Do’ neon sign supplied by Typical Type, a definite win in the current climate, lots of couples will be feeling ‘finally’ when it comes to their big day!"

"Charlotte of Charlotte Wilson MUA was brought in for her simple yet sassy style, with a paired back sleek look she kept the minimal theme throughout both the hair and makeup.Your wedding day hair and makeup should still be you, and working with a makeup artist that listens to your needs is an absolute must. Charlotte’s both talented and an absolute dream to work with, she created the perfect look that complimented the dress design to perfection!"

"Wedding industry professionals Josey and Eduard were the perfect model couple; a couple in real life, they were just perfect on the day, natural and timeless and they definitely looked after the furry star of the show Lady Godiva!"

"Once the inspiration had been finalised Pamella of Pamella Dunn Weddings ran with the concept and created magic in the styling. I have worked with Pamella on almost every shoot I have created - her ideas and attention to detail are impeccable and she definitely knows how to create luxury! For the table styling, we added simple personalised napkins by The Embroidered Napkin Company; a great option if you’re looking for an extra special touch to your dining experience. The stationery suite by Somers Creative was created specifically for the theme, with hand drawn florals and velum wraps and was absolutely perfect. Lo is a perfectionist and will make sure you make a good first impression and more with your invitations."

"Tabitha of Tabitha Stark Photography was perfect for the images I had in mind - she has the most beautiful fine art style, light and airy, she never fails to wow me with her photography. Working in harmony alongside Tabitha was Lewis who brings fun and energy to any event, he will do anything within his power to get the shot for your special wedding day video, his work is fresh and contemporary, and he will mould himself to your theme and vibe for the day!"

"I decided on silk flowers for the theme; these are a great option if you are an eco-conscious bride, and Rebel Roses are the best of the best when it comes to floral design and silk flowers. Simple stems were used in mis-match glass vases, a look that can be achieved easily, yet create impact and drama. The bouquet designed definitely had the wow factor, long stems tied with luxury ribbon, super chic and ultra-modern."

SUPPLIERS INVOLVED Photography: @tabithastarkphoto Dress: @stephanie_moran_couture Makeup and hair @charlottewilsonmua Flowers @rebel_roses Cake @wheretheribbonends Stylist @pamelladunn Stationery @somers_creative Venue @oakwoodatryther Videography @lewisjackmedia Neon Sign @typicaltypeuk Models @joseygracephoto/@dawntodarkfilms

STEPHANIE & ANDREW

"He proposed on the beach where i met him..."

A luxury boho wedding at its finest on the blog today with Stephanie and Andrew’s intimate Italian day. With stunning details, tropical vibes and the most divine outfits, they definitely left no stone unturned when it came to making their dream day their own. It has everything, from scented pillows as favours, eco wedding decorations and horses and llamas! What more could you ask for?

How Did You Meet?

“We met on the beach while both on holiday in Santo Domingo.”

The Proposal “Classic - but Andrew is not exactly a creative man. It was on our anniversary on the same beach where we met 3 years ago. Just me and Andrew, no one else and not a big organisation. I wish I had some photos of that moment but I remember Andrew's face being a bit scared and me laughing at him asking: "Why are you so scared, are you not going to propose to me?' His face turned red and I basically ruined the surprise!”

Planning The Wedding “We had booked another venue, with a stunning Lake Varese view. We were expecting more than 100 people but then Covid happened and so we postponed our big event and celebration to 2021 but we decided to still get married in Italy in Varese area just with our very close relatives. Our wedding planner suggested Mulino dell’olio as it is a very lovely authentic mill on a river in Varese with a horse and alpaca farm (I love horses). It was the perfect place for a genuine Italian atmosphere wedding with a British touch thanks to the old greenhouse. Cutting off people is never easy when it came to reducing the numbers, but this was just a small celebration for our families.”

The Location "The location was very authentic, an old mill in the Italian Alps. The atmosphere was really bucolic and we really felt in the middle of nature, in a real historical place. In the old mill house, you can also visit the museum with the real vintage tools used in the past to produce oils. The whimsical greenhouse was stunning and the decoration made it even more astonishing. The ceremony on the river was simply priceless. Simple and intense.”

The Dress and Suit “We bought our outfits in a local boutique in Varese called Yoliah. We went for pret a porter as we were short on time and I didn’t want us to wear the outfit we bought for the big day on the lake.”

The Details “Our wedding planner listened to our passions and pulled it all together. Both nature and horses were a big part of this. We tried to keep the day as eco friendly as possible by using more plants than flowers. The cake was a simple victoria sponge with maracuja and decorated with real flowers. For the ceremony we decided to keep it simple, we had baskets hanging on the trees and a few flowers. For the reception, we rented 3 old Italian style chandeliers, on the table we had plants in vintage pharmacy pots and candles. Italian porcelain vintage style dishes were handpainted, fake ivory cutlery, vintage glasses, and handmade embroidered napkins all added to the vibe we were looking for. I have to say it really was stunning. We also created a few themed corners with a vintage touch, the chocolate corner and sweet corner, recreating the feeling of being back in the past. We used terrariums as they are an eco-friendly decoration with zero waste. Every detail was studied to give the impression of travelling back in a time machine. The stationery was made with handmade recycled paper and a wax stamp. Every guest had a fragranced pillow as a favour, at their place setting and we created a photo booth corner with a cocoon chair (that reminds me of a time machine capsule) where everyone could take their picture surrounded by nature.”

Eco-friendly Elements “Our wedding planner Danila specialises in ethical and sustainable weddings in Italy, and this was the main reason for having her on board! Every solution she suggested was based on an eco friendly wedding value and we wanted to keep the environmental impact at the minimum. First of all, we decided to use plants instead of flowers as much as possible, just a few flowers from a local farm were used for the ceremony (then Danila used the same flowers for the cake) and for the plates. Most of the vendors we chose were local artisans who crafted the decorations themselves. For the flower wall, to reduce the footprint impact, the floral designer mixed fresh leaves with dried leaves she recycled from previous events. Baskets with fruits were also used for decoration so we could eat these after the event. And actually, we did eat the fruits!”

The Best Part of the Day "The ceremony was the most emotional moment.

My legs were literally shaking as I was walking to Andrew. When I saw the greenhouse and the result of the decorations I started crying from happiness. I was a bit shocked of the result in just one month, and how different it looked from when I saw it at first.”

Words of Wisdom It’s hard, to be honest, to see your dream day collapsing in front of you through no fault of your own. A plan B was needed and without Danila, we couldn’t have even thought about a plan B! Now I am so happy our day went as it did, we couldn’t have wished for anything better. It outdid my expectations, to spend our day just with the closest relatives allowed us to concentrate and enjoy every single guest and every single moment. Also, we could allocate our budget on more of the details, which made the decoration incredible. This made our photography and the atmosphere amazing!

SUPPLIERS INVOLVED Photographer @rossellaputinophotographer Wedding Planner and Designer @danilastellaevents Planner Assitant @danilastellaacademy Venue @mulinodellolio Flower Designer @ilprofumodeifior MUA/Hair Stylist @fra.sca Wedding jewellery and rings Machia Creazioni Wedding Gown @raraavis_group Wedding dress Boutique @yoliahspose Stationery @studioalispi Cake @Qualcosa_didolce Shoes @annielofficial Catering @tamilano.catering Rentals @smacrent Mise en place @borntorent Lighting @croval_service Scented Wedding Favors @locherbermilano Table Cloth @setupmytable Ceremony @cerimonie_laiche Terrarium @melinapepperlup Ribbons @allegoria_textile_delights

THE UNDERARGUMENT

When this supplier landed in our inbox, we were both excited and in awe of the creator, brand, and product! The Underargument is a brand-new lingerie brand that defies beauty standards and creates each collection as an ‘argument against the norm’. This amazing brand is for real womxn and real people and is the perfect option if you’re looking for modern bridal lingerie. It aims to empower each one of its customers, and they blind cast their models, based on their stories! We find out more from the founder Maina.

“The underargument is a lingerie brand empowering womxn to embrace their individuality. Each collection is an argument against the norm. Each lingerie piece is named and labelled after an empowering quote to remind the wearer to embrace their individuality. My background was in Branding and Digital Marketing before I embarked on this journey. I had worked with a few fast fashion brands in Europe and Australia and was getting frustrated by the uninspiring narrative they served and the quest for the seasonal trend. I wanted to create a brand that was well thought through, coherent from the product to the branding.”

"We use blindcasting to find our models, we do not ask for photos or measurements...

Just their words.”

“Through this brand, I wanted to add value to the life of my customers. This is mindset is at the core of everything the brand does and how the anti-casting was born. All the womxn featured through the brand are cast based on their submission of a personal story relating to one of the collection’s themes. We do not ask for photos or measurements. Just their words.”

“The underargument’s mixes traditional craft like French embroideries in modern designs that can have a bit of an art deco feel to them. I work with luxurious velvets, embroideries and mesh all sourced in Europe. The production is made in Madagascar, in a factory I chose both for the quality of their work and their local social engagement. Empowerment is my inspiration. Any design I create must have this powerful feel to it. It is everyday luxury with a purpose, and I want womxn to wear it and instantly feel invincible.”

“From the sourcing to the anti-casting.

Every detail of the brand was thought of with ethics in mind. Whether that is protecting craftsmanship by sourcing in Europe, using organic cotton and Oekotex materials or empowering womxn in a way that doesn’t stereotype them and gives room to their stories.”

“I’m very proud of the experience delivered to and shared with other womxn through the anti-casting and to have been able to create a brand that offers more than just a beautiful product.

Taking the anti-casting internationally, is in the plan next continuing to deliver empowering experiences through new initiatives like our newly launched monthly event “The Book(ish) Club”

Apply to be a model for The Underargument

WEDDING TRENDS

To Be Revealed Styling Taylar Jayde Photography

MAXIMAL

Dress: Lâme Cœur Paris

Napkins: The Embroidered Napkin Company

It's all in the detail Cake: Mrs B's Cakery Photo: Jenna Kathleen

Di Hassal

Cake: Little Button Bakery Di HassalMathilde Shoes Photo: Du Fraisse

Mama Inc Studio Taylar Jayde Photography

Cake: To Little ButtonStyling Bakery Be Revealed Photography Photo:Taylar JessJayde McGhie

Dress: Lâme Cœur Paris

From pastel blue decor

Napkins: The Embrodered Napkin Company

to fierce Queen vibes

BRIDGERTON

Dress: Karen Dornellie Kat Forsyth Photography

Dress: Lâme Cœur Paris

Di Hassal Shoes

Crown: Gemma Sangwine Camilla Reynolds Photography

Napkins: The Embrodered Napkin Company

MINIMAL Di Hassal Shoes

Sometimes Simple is enough

Dress: Stephnie Moran Couture Tabitha Stark Photography

Gemma Sangwine

Paper Swan Stationery

Where the Ribbon Ends

Eight Tree Street Floral / Apke Photography

Bowen Dryden

Go big or go home!

OVERSIZED

Lâme Cœur Paris

Extra Special Touch

Cake: Mrs B's Cakery Photo: Jenna Kathleen

Cake: Little Button Bakery Photo: Mathilde Du Fraisse

Kate Edmondson Bridal

Gemma Sangwine

Chill Out

Ceremony

MAGPIE WEDDING PLAYLISTS DOWNLOAD HERE

Weekend Wedding

Hen Party

VEGAN BLACK HAIRCARE

SLARUTAN S'ALYN

This award-wining vegan black hair-care brand is breaching the hair-care market gap. Nylah’s Naturals encourages black women to embrace their natural hair, and we are totally in agreement! We’re advocates for being you… and that includes embracing what you have and wearing your natural attributes with pride! We catch up with the brand to find out more.

It is estimated that more than 90% of Western Black women have had their hair straightened at least once. Following centuries of living with the societal perception that afro-textured hair is “unattractive”, every year millions of Black women across the world opt for chemical relaxers and other treatments to make their hair straight. In fact, many Black women would liken the straightening of their hair to a rite of passage ritual and a sign they have entered into adolescence and adulthood.

Thankfully, the natural hair movement has gained momentum over the last two decades, slowly but steadily changing the cultural mindset: natural afro hair is beautiful just the way it is, and it’s time to embrace it. Nylah’s Naturals, an all-natural vegan hair-care brand, puts extra effort into promoting natural afro hair and teaches Black women to embrace it.

"Embrace your natural hair"

““After years of heavy chemical treatments to straighten their hair or even opting for wigs, many women who have recently joined the natural hair movement need guidance on how to best care for their afro-textured hair,” says Kam Davis, Nylah’s Naturals Founder and CEO. “At Nylah’s Naturals, we try to create products that are 100% safe, natural and highlight the essential beauty of afro hair. We also put extra effort into hosting educational talks and online events, sharing best practices for afro haircare.”

The negative perception of Black hair led to the booming industry of straighteners, relaxers and salon treatments, all aimed at ironing out any natural kinks. As a result, several generations of Black women struggled to grow their hair long due to breakage caused by the damaging chemicals in the straightening products. The good news, though, is that the market for hair relaxers is gradually decreasing, creating space for products that work with, not against, natural hair.

“With so many stories of personal struggles to grow long, shiny and healthy hair after years of using relaxers and straighteners, it is obvious how much damage has been done by so many women to their afro hair,” continues Kam Davis. “I was inspired by my daughter to start Nylah’s Naturals in an effort to give her the best tools to celebrate her natural beauty. I also want to share my knowledge with other Black women who are just starting their natural hair journey. At Nylah’s Naturals, we run an initiative called Untangled, a series of workshops and online talks where I talk about the ingredients, techniques and products that can make your afro-textured hair look and feel its best.”

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Kam would hold offline events every few months, meeting personally with her customers. When lockdown happened, she explored an online format, regularly hosting online talks via Nylah’s Naturals Instagram account, talking about the usage of products, best wash day routines, and more helpful tips. Go check them out!

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR WEDDING MAKEUP TO ENHANCE YOUR HAIR COLOUR

by Jenny Buckland - JENNY BUCKLAND MAKEUP

Black Hair Play up to one feature of your face, eyes, or lips if you have black hair. Charcoal and navy will work well on the eyes creating a sultry, sexy look. A charcoal toned liner will make eyes smoulder.

If you want to avoid the stereotypical harshness of a contrasting look ensure you blend, blend, blend!

You can do this by using a navy toned eyeshadow over the top of your liner, sparingly, to soften.

Brush on several coats of mascara, one that is made for bottom lashes will give the lashes a fuller effect as you can get to the roots of both the upper and lower lashes easily. Choose a mascara that is buildable to avoid clumping and flaking.

If you want your lips to pop rather than your eyes, try out a lip plumping treatment. Keep your lip product in place by using a pencil and if you want to correct your lip shape use the pencil just over the lip line. If you are unsure of what lipstick suits you best try a few lips sticks on and take a selfie. This will help you choose the perfect shade for you. Do not be afraid to mix a couple of colours together or layer lipstick and gloss.

For those with paler skin the contrast between their skin and dark hair can be huge. To avoid looking washed out add in some light bronzer and do not forget the blush to keep your complexion looking vibrant. Choose a cream blush that blends easily.

Brunettes Brunettes who are shades of dark brown, espresso or chocolate can rock shades of plum, burgundy and metallics .

Sweep over a warm base in bronze, copper and gold into your eyelid and up to the crease. If you like to keep your makeup soft go for a coffeecoloured pencil along the lash line, or on the inner rim if you prefer a more sultry look.

Bronzers with gold flecks or illuminating primers give you an inner glow. Avoid powders and opt for cream products if you have drier skin. It is so much easier to blend and avoid's drying out your skin. Burgundy and brown-based tone lipstick will add beautiful contracts to your brunette tones.

Blondes Metallic silver work for blondes who are looking to lift their makeup look and add some glamour.

Most blondes are on the cooler side of the spectrum meaning that cooler tones of makeup will suit you better.

Apply a grey tone underneath and blend outwards to the corner of the eye. Avoid blending the eyeshadow up towards the eyebrow as this will close your eye area.

Add a pop of silver over the top on the outer two-thirds of the eye by gently tapping it over the top to avoid blending both colours together. Add lots of mascara and eyeliner to the outer corner to finish.

Redheads

Redheads suit green and purple hues. Adding colour to your makeup will enhance your complexion and help you look radiant.

For an on-trend look you can experiment with a green or purple eyeliner. Opting for a smooth textured pencil you can gently blend it out with your fingertip or use a small fluffy eye brush blending into the eyelid. Adding the same eyeliner to the lower lashes will make your eyes pop. If you want to go all out, adding metallics to your eyes will work beautifully with the autumnal tones of your hair.

MAKE UP TIPS FOR BLACK & BROWN SKIN

by Aina M - BRIDES BY AINA M

Say YES to SPF SPF is a must, no matter what skin tone you have. There has always been a myth that darker skin was exempt from using sunscreen or some form of skin protection but that is exactly what it is - a myth.

Darker-skinned beauties may not burn as quickly in the sun but the damage to our skin from the sun's UV rays is harmful.

They include wrinkles, sunspots and cancer, so this is a life-saving tip. Make sure you add a moisturiser that includes an SPF of at least 30 as an essential part of your daily skincare routine. This may be a stress, as finding a sunscreen that does not leave a white cast, is a nightmare, but to help you along there are a few below.

Black Girl Sunscreen Supergoop Neutrogena Hydro Boost

Moisturise Your Melanin “We all remember going to school looking extra shiny after being coco buttered up by our loving parents and this should not change. Moisturising daily is also a must as it will help to keep the skin looking brighter, giving a healthy appearance. When moisturising, do not forget to include the neck area. Then take some time to show yourself some self-love and massage the moisturiser gently into your skin in the upwards direction using circular motions.

When purchasing a moisturiser look for one that has been created with your skin in mind.

The ingredients should contain some form of humectants as this helps to hold moisture in the skin. Look out for Hyaluronic acid and Glycerol when doing your research. If you have sensitive skin you do not want to irritate this further by using a moisturiser with fragrance in so try and opt for a fragrance-free moisturiser.

Osman Marfo-Gyasi

Don't be Afraid of Colour I do love a blush!! It makes the face come alive again. Don't be shy of pink or bright blushes on your brown skin. Blushes come in a liquid, powder or cream form. I personally prefer a cream blush as it blends out nicely on darker/brown skin and there are fewer chances of looking like a clown if applied correctly. Use your fingers or a makeup sponge. Don't be shy to go bold on your blush; black skin soaks in the colour. So take some time to experiment with shades of plums, orange or fuchsia for darker skin. Try some warm shades of bronzes, apricot and pinks if you are light/medium brown.

Embrace Each Tone You are not all one shade all over your body and that ok. Once you understand you have been blessed with a ray of different tones of browns/blacks it will be easier for you to find your perfect foundation colour.

As a makeup artist, I have been taught to either look at your chest/ jawline area and try and match your foundation to this shade. You can also look at the centre of your face as this is the lightest point on your face and match your foundation to this, as this is your undertone and then add warmth and clour back into your face using contour, bronzer and blushes.

by Deborah Green - DEBORAH GREEN YOGA

GNIEBLLEW GNIDDEW

CALMING CRYSTALS AND AFFIRMATIONS TO EASE YOUR NERVES

When you feel your nerves are spiraling and you just need 5 minutes to find your zen, here are 3 crystals, Amethyst, Rose Quartz and Moonstone along with some beautiful affirmations that will guide you back to YOU, so you feel grounded, at ease & are able to truly enjoy and appreciate every single part of your day.

Choose the crystal that you are most attracted to, trust your intuition as you will be naturally drawn to a particular crystal. Once you have chosen your crystal, wash it and let it dry in the sunlight or moonlight.

Find a quiet space in your home, and simply become aware of your breath, aware of the energy of your chosen crystal as you hold it in your hand. Sit comfortably without any distractions, including your phone, and feel your breath moving through your body, feel that your beautiful belly is soft and relaxed.

AMETHYST This beautiful purple crystal is connected to your intuition and wisdom - it is a beautiful crystal that helps to bring clarity and peace.

Mantras to use while holding Amethyst.

“I listen to my intuition “ "I trust my intuition” “feeling peaceful is my superpower” “I feel grounded & calm”

ROSE QUARTZ

This stunning pink crystal is deeply connected to the heart, forgiveness and compassion.

Mantras to use while holding Rose Quartz.

“I am enough” “I release all my fears” “I forgive my inner critic” “I deeply love myself”

MOONSTONE This crystal is connected to inner strength and growth, promoting calmness and soothes away anxiety.

Mantras to use while holding Moonstone.

“I can move forwards with peace” “ I am calm & peaceful” “ I feel at ease & supported”

Once you have meditated with your crystal a few times, the key is to keep it with you so when you hold it again, you feel anchored to the emotions & mantras, you feel the connection between you, your crystal & the power of your words & you can enjoy your amazing day.

Deborah Green Yoga

MAGPIE WEDDING FREE PRINTABLES DOWNLOAD HERE

GNIEBLLEW GNIDDEW

SLEEPING TIPS AND PRODUCTS TO CALM YOUR PRE-WEDDING NERVES

When it comes to the night before your wedding, for most of us, those nerves will start to kick in, and looking drained from lack of sleep is the last thing you need! Whatever the occasion, a night of sound sleep will definitely leave us prepared for the event ahead. We’ve got some expert advice and products to help you sleep soundly and wake up feeling refreshed on your wedding day!

Essential Oils and Essences Our Remedy

Pretty Peaceful by Our Remedy is an award-winning female-founded brand offering sustainably packaged natural remedies for sleep, periods and anxiety. The range is totally vegan and packaged using eco-friendly soy inks and recycled card boxes. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, tired and off-balance or struggling to get a good night’s sleep then Pretty Peaceful is the blend for you! Combining CBD with geranium, lavender and sweet orange, this calming blend may help with all the tossing and turning, gently welcoming you to the land of zzz. Sweet dreams!

Top Tip Scent and Perfume Expert Karen Gilbert shares her sleeping tips; “I’m a big fan of the bath and creating scented rituals to get through challenging times. Your favourite candle, Epsom salts and a blend of lavender and clary sage always hits the spot for me.

Lavender Vetiver and Jasmine have also been found to help to get you in the right state for sleep so you could make up your own pillow spritz or a couple of drops on a tissue by your pillow to help you drift off.

Saskia’s Flower Essences

Saskia’s Flower Essences has been awarded the best better sleep product and this combination is great for taking after a long tiring day when you want to stop worrying, relax and unwind. It is very good for adding to baths as well as drops under the tongue. Perfect for the night before and the morning of your wedding day!

It contains the following ingredients: Rio Clarillo – to let go and wash away all those old feelings Bindweed – for untangling Oak – stop and be still, Speedwell – slow down Wild Garlic – universal support/letting go of fears, Red Chestnut – to stop worrying about others and White Chestnut – letting go of unwanted thoughts

Top Tip Deep Sleep Expert and Hypnotherapist Dipti Tait shares her sleeping tips; “Before you go to sleep, write down all your thoughts in a journal. The stuff going around your mind is called ‘overthinking’. When you are able to get the thoughts out of your head and on to the sheet of paper, this means that you have taken control of emptying and freeing your mind. If you feel particularly anxious or overstimulated, to quickly release adrenaline, without creating more, I have an unusual suggestion: Planking. If you can, pop your body into a plank on the floor next to your bed and count backwards from 100. The energy you will release while planking will be allowing the adrenaline an escape, and the feeling of grounding will help you feel balanced.

As your head hits the pillow, it’s always a good idea to listen to a relaxation or hypnosis audio. As your brain is relaxing to the audio, it’s distracted positively and as you focus on the calming voice that is guiding you down into deep relaxation. Your mind comes into a mindful and present state and will relax enough to allow sleep in naturally and deeply.”

Sleep Apps The Feel Amazing App is perfect for helping with sleep. In this stressful world, we all find ourselves living in, the ‘feel amazing’ app is the perfect pick-me-up with short recordings to fit into your day easily including the titles Fit and Well, Stop Worrying and Good Night’s Sleep. A place to relax and fire yourself up to achieve your goals. Make deep and lasting changes using a combination of self-hypnosis, meditation and mindfulness in these beautifully worded recordings by renowned self-help author Ailsa Frank. There are 4 free titles for all and a membership gives you access to all 45 titles.

Top Tip Dietician Roxane Bakker at Vitl shares her sleeping tips; “Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for a well-functioning immune system; a lack of sleep can make you more susceptible to catching colds and flu as your body will not be as well equipped to fight off any nasty infections. Diet is also fundamental in supporting your immune system during winter; it’s recommended to eat fermented foods such as kefir, kimchi (pickled chinese cabbage/carrot) and kombucha to boost the good bacteria in your gut. Vitamin C also helps to stimulate the production of white blood cells, which help to fight off any infectious disease, so ensure you are eating plenty of colourful vegetables such as red peppers, kale, kiwis, and broccoli.”

Copper Clothing

If you’re looking for some smart fabrics to help aid your sleep and calm those pre-wedding nerves then Copper Clothing do a range of nightwear with copper-infused technology that offers a safe, natural, environmentally friendly and non-chemical product including an Eye mask, Bed Linen and Pyjamas.

Copper is known to promote the development of blood vessels and rejuvenates skin through the synthesis of collagen and elastin. So not only do these sleep masks aid sleep, but they are also a great way to look younger for longer and boost collagen production. These are definitely going on our wish list!

Silk Lingerie

This personalised silk robe by Extra Special Touch is the perfect luxury nightwear to make you feel amazing on the night before the big day. The silk and French lace robe, personalised french knickers and monogram silk camisole are all handmade in the UK and embroidered with personalised monogram or initials in your own colour choice.

Nightwear and Linen wishlist

Silk Pillowcases

This pillowcase by The Fine Bedding Company is the ultimate luxury sleeping product. Made from 100% Mulberry silk for a beautifully soft and smooth feel. Silk fabric is gentle on hair and skin and helps to retain natural moisture levels overnight, to help minimise wrinkles and hair static.

Silk is also naturally breathable and hypoallergenic.

GNINNALP GNIDDEW

“It's the Netflix of the wedding world. On-demand, binge-worthy video content to help you plan your wedding like a pro, without the cost.”

Nicola Dixon Photography/Anemone Style

WEDucate is a brand-new platform for creative couples who want to DIY their wedding day. Kylie Carlson is the brainchild behind it, and it’s full of useful content and advice for all you lovely couples tying the knot.

"After a ten-year career as a successful wedding planner, I launched the Wedding Academy in 2007 and the Wedding CEO club in 2018 and have since helped to launch and grow over 5500 CEO’s. I have become known as ‘the industry guru on all things wedding education’. It’s my passion and I can spend many hours researching the latest ideas, strategies, platforms and techniques and then giving them a little bit of wedding spit & polish."

"With all the experience I had gained over the years I wanted to do more with it, and my thoughts turned to working with couples as well as wedding industry professionals.

That’s when WEDucate was born. It’s for creative couples who want the knowledge and skills to create their perfect wedding themselves. All of the WEDucate videos come in bite-sized classes of 30 minutes where you’ll learn a new skill quickly and easily. Our mission is to help you overcome the overwhelm of planning a wedding by giving you access to experts in all areas of the wedding industry."

Nicola Dixon Photography/Anemone Style

Osman Marfo-Gyasi/Brides by Aina M

So why have a DIY wedding? When it comes to planning your wedding day there are lots of routes you can take. Choosing to plan a DIY wedding is just one of them, and of course, we think it’s the best route! There are so many reasons why you should have DIY wedding and here, we tell you why…

Release Your Creativity

If you’re a creative couple, then a DIY wedding is where your thoughts and ideas can run wild! If you have a good idea of what kind of vibe you want from the day, then finding inspiration and taking it from there, without limitations, is a freeing place to be when it comes to making it your own. If you love being creative and finding solutions to things, then a DIY wedding is definitely for you!

Budget Friendly

Choosing a DIY wedding quite often means you can cut back on certain things, save money and work to a tighter budget. You have more freedom to shop around for things and try and get things within your budget.

You Have More Control

A DIY wedding definitely means you will have much more control over things. After all, you and your other half will be overseeing every aspect of the big day from start to finish, from Save The Dates to favours and decorations, you’ll be able to control it! If you’re a control freak this will be your ultimate rodeo.

Ethically Minded

If you’re ethically minded and plan to have a sustainable, eco wedding, then choosing a DIY wedding can make it easier to have control over the suppliers you use and over the products you choose. You can also choose to recycle and reuse things, so collecting things over the planning process and using them for the wedding is a great way to save money and be more sustainable.

Bluebird Creative / Personalise It

When you choose a DIY wedding day, it means it truly is personalised to you. You can personalise every single aspect of it, from making personalised favours for each of your guests to personalising your decorations. Adding your unique ideas and your personal touches will make your wedding day different from everyone else’s.

After all, the day is about the two of you.

Satisfaction

The satisfaction you will get when it comes to the big day will be even greater! Seeing all your hard work and creativity come to life will be the ultimate gift to yourself. Every single aspect of the big day will reflect the two of you as a couple. All you will have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the day you have created for yourself.

If you want to have a DIY wedding, but need some advice or ideas on what to make – check out these workshops.

Bluebird Creative/James Davidson Photography