Stancliffe Hall Wedding Fair, Matlock, Derbyshire

Saturday 9th April was the D-Day - a prestigious wedding fair at Stancliffe Hall.  I had been looking forward to this gem for I don't know how long.  Anyway - I had a table to dress...aaargh! Just the one? Which style to pick??  It nearly killed me! Anyway, as luck would have it, I was given a second table for brochures etc.  Not one to miss a trick, I thought, 'Aha! I can squeeze in a sneaky extra place setting here!'  As I'd agonised over what to choose, I heaved a sigh of relief that I could now show two styles. I plumped for an exquisitely pretty springtime Vintage (quelle surprise!), and a beautifully classic English setting (so very appropriate for Stancliffe).

I have to thank Catherine of Petalis for her gorgeous flowers.  I wanted  vintage china sprouting with the prettiest spring blooms - and that's exactly what I got.  I loved this table. As the sun and the earliest of the season's flowers shone outside, I had my own seasonal oasis right there.  Have a look at these...

Click and zoom on the image below to have a good look at the postmark on the tag.  This has been personalised with the bride and groom's name, wedding date and venue. It's soooo cute!  If you want one, or anything like it, Go Glorious is the place to come.  I've expanded into wedding graphics, because I absolutely know that the best weddings are those with extra special, personal touches.

Variations in height always make an centre piece particularly eye catching. Stacking teacups allows you great flexibility to create that. A teapot, a jug and two teacup towers stuffed to the hilt with the prettiest flowers.  Add scatter buttons and some miniature antique candles... does it get much lovelier than this??

So, I loved, loved loved this - but I also adore the elegance of English stately perfection.  Using a neutral palette, pearls and crystal, I created a formal, sophisticated setting.  Here are a few detail shots. Which would you go for?

Who said favours have to come in boxes?  They don't!  How gorgeous is this crystal perfume bottle, perfectly perched on a mirrored coaster?  I know I'm biased, but is this not divine?  Break the mold, if only on the top table, and surprise your guests with something really special!

 Table numbers with a twist. Just that little bit quirky, but maintaining a definite classic look...

The silver champagne cork salt and pepper pots below are one of my absolute favourite items.  Having seen ugly perspex versions on otherwise beautiful wedding tables, I took it upon myself to offer brides a  stunning alternative.  It may not be something you'd immediately think of, but believe me, these are worth having!

Well, thanks again to Stancliffe, as I had a wonderful time creating these tables.  And there's always more up my sleeve - so bring on next time!

The new, the fabulous...Stancliffe Hall!

Now this really is a sight for sore eyes.  Stancliffe Hall has got to be one of the most exquisite venues in the country. I really mean that...this is exclusive with a capital 'E'!  And no, you haven't seen it before, because it's brand spangling new.  Stancliffe Hall  opens its doors for the first time in April 2011, and is a wedding jewel for Derbyshire.  And yes, you can see it for yourself as they are hosting a Wedding Exhibition on Saturday April 9th.  To register and obtain your tickets, go to www.stancliffehall.eventbrite.com   Or, to peruse their website and whet your appetite, check out http://www.stancliffehall.co.uk/
Now, lucky old me has had the pleasure of being involved with the launch of this stunning venue.  Back in January, I was asked to dress it for a photo shoot - the pictures from which would be used in their promotional literature.
I opted for a classic look - as this certainly is a classic venue.  I stuck to a pale, neutral palette, lifted with the lustre of pearls and sparkle of crystal.  It looked so gorgeous! Our bride for the day, Charlotte, was beautiful, and the whole thing worked like a dream.  That supposedly elusive sun shone yet again...how lucky am I?! 

So, time to feast your eyes on this little lot...

What a delight! Don't forget, you can obtain tickets by registering at www.stancliffehall.eventbrite.com ...it would be a crime to miss out on this one!