Tweethearts Strike a Pose for Charity - 2012 Calendar

You know the saying, “something to show the grand kids”? Well, from last November to early March this year, I frequently repeated this saying to myself, a mantra of reassurance that I wasn’t totally bonkers! Why? Well, at the tail end of last year, there was a buzz on Twitter one night between the wedding professional tweeters, chatting about an idea to make millions. The talk turned to the Calendar Girls movie, and quite soon an idea was being bandied about to produce a Twitter version, in aid of two worthy charities, PC David Rathband’s Blue Lamp Foundation and Help for Heroes.  A cheeky boudoir style, no doubt!

Now, I can’t quite pinpoint my volunteering, but think it fell between my second or third glass of Chablis.

Pros: Get to put beautiful faces to my beautiful tweetmate names, get to raise lots of money, get to be pampered at the prestigious and elegant country house wedding venue, Langley Priory

Cons: Get your kit off, eek!


Joking apart, we were reassured by the fantastic organisers, Gina Griffiths from ByGina Events and Jo Pickup from Sprae PR,  that the shoots would be tasteful and fun. So, in for a penny and all!

On Tuesday 1st March, Mr. Dreams and I set off for Derbyshire, staying at the nearby delightful Donington Manor Hotel, Castle Donington for the evening. The shoot was the following day at 10am, so there was no way I was setting off from Liverpool at 6am; major beauty sleep was required here! After a nerve wracking morning, Mr. Dreams literally pushed me out the door, ignoring my incoherent cries of thunder thighs, and as I set off with a racing heart, Mr. Dreams set off to watch racing cars!
Langley Priory quite literally took my breath and fears (momentarily) away. First to arrive, I was greeted with a warm welcome, warm log fire and a warm cuppa tea. Perfect! One by one my fellow models arrived, events planner Vicky Wilkin , Candice from Cerendipity Events,  Kerri from Starstruck Designs with her own star in tow, little Austin, and Laura from Little White Book.  Chris Lynn our photographer for the day arrived on cue to some pretty miserable and nervous looking ladies! The fantastic hair and makeup ladies from Branston Spa along with the gorgeous Gina completed ‘Team Langley’…and so the fun began!

Off we went upstairs, delving in the lingerie box as one by one we were beautified by the Branstons! We discussed the shots we were going to do, (inside and out….in 2 degrees please!) and hung onto our dressing gowns as if our lives depended on it. The girls all looked gorgeous. With some persuasion I opted for the funky pink stockings, but in hindsight I only hope the outcome doesn’t look like uncooked Cumberland sausages! One by one we had some individual shots with Chris to get us in the swing of things. Chris, ever the professional, soon brought the divas out in us as we took to it like ducks to water. Hmmm…water. After a few group shots on the stairs and in the study (with not a lead piping or Colonel Mustard in sight) we moved outside to the picturesque lake and waterfall. Cue high winds, spray of waterfall, wet ladies and lots of screams! With lots of giggles too.
With a short stop for lunch, more tea and Chunky Kit-Kats provided by the very hospitable Tim, we waved goodbye to Kerri and Laura and continued with a few more shots….outside! Before we knew it, we were back in our civvies, saying our goodbyes and heading off home after a very enjoyable day.

It was an absolute pleasure to meet such great Tweeple and it certainly was a different day at the office! My admiration goes out to Gina and Jo who have pulled this together and worked extremely hard to raise funds for two extremely worthy causes.  The Social Sirens rock!
There were four shoots in all around the UK, and the launch party is scheduled for September, so please watch this space! For more information on the cause or if you would like to donate, please visit Tweet Girls

Much love, Helen x

Kiki by Kirsty Doyle - Luxurious Wedding Night Loungewear

Here at Dreams HQ we're having a bit of a fashion crush at the moment!  Liverpool Designer Kirsty Doyle has just launched her new diffusion range, Kiki, much to the delights of her international online customers and in store customers at  Liverpool ONE

The collection is inspired by pastel shades and and uptown city chic look.  Basics include silk vests, cotton tailoring and soft draping. 

Split into Cocktal Hour, Workwear and Loungewear, we couldn't help drool over the bridal inspired cream collection of silk frillies, playsuits and crepe corsets with touches of luxurious french lace, silk chiffon and oversized bows.

You've looked so beautiful all day long, why compromise on style on your wedding night?

So go on spoil yourself....and your new husband!

Much Love x

Premiere! Bespoken Dreams Launch Party on Film

On Sunday 8th May 2011, the Cream of the Wedding Crop and the North West's Best gathered at local celeb haunt Neighbourhood Cafe to celebrate the launch of Bespoken Dreams Wedding Design and Consultancy, and to raise funds for local hospice Marie Curie Liverpool.  Guests enjoyed a red carpet arrival, champagne and canapés, entertainment from Steve Charles supplied by Riverside Entertainments Agency and a luxury raffle draw with prizes donated from generous local businesses. 

We're highly delighted to announce we raised over an impressive £780 on the night! 

Uber talented husband and wife team Tony and Sara Williams of  Marry Me Films very kindly and professionally captured the evening on film.  A MASSIVE THANK YOU to you both for donating your time and efforts. 

And here are the evening's highlights! 

Full coverage of the event will be featured in the Down South Liverpool Magazine and the Best of Liverpool supplement June issue of the Liverpool Echo.  Images courtesy of Martisan Photography

With special thanks to Neighbourhood Café, Riverside Entertainments Agency, Steve Charles, Marry Me Films, Martisan Photography, Matt Cox Hairdressing and Beauty, Resident Makeup Artist Claudia at Matt Cox, So Coco Rouge, Zoe Photography, Deco Hair and Makeup, Funtown, Flowerbug, Laser Skin Clinic, Liverpool FC, Lizzie's Larder, Martisan Photography, PlumSugar, Red Carpet Makeup, Roberts Edwards & Worrall, The Mixing Bowl, The Restaurant Bar & Grill, the Tiny Tea Room, Kirsty Doyle, Benna Harry, Little Satsuma, Down South Liverpool, the Eminence Group, Flannels and Wade Smith.

A personal thank you to Matt Cox, Red Carpet Makeup and Kirsty Doyle  for hair, makeup and a beautiful bespoke dress on the night!  And a huge thank you to my beautiful friend Jo over at My Stylish Bump for her invaluable help.  Mwah x

Bespoken Dreams Promo from Marry Me Films on Vimeo.

We've Officially Launched!

Wowee! What a hectic but exceedingly fun couple of weeks! Firstly, my sincerest apologies for the blogging break. Wedding Fever has hit Dreams HQ in, ahem, a royally big way (sorry).

Yes, yes, we LOVED being a fly on the Abbey wall, enthralled spectators as Kate and William tied the knot (Best Bits: the Aston Martin DB6 Volante – class, Team Middleton showing us how to do it, Harry’s whisper to big bro as Catherine glided up the aisle in her McQueen Dream. The Pits: Apart from a few mis-hats and fascin-haters, ladies, none! Our only qualm being the media focus on the pleasing-to-the-eye Pippa. Yes, she’s beautiful, but please let Princess Kate have her shining moment! Sibling comparisons are so not good).



But the icing on the eight-tier-Fiona-Cairns-royal-wedding-cake had to be their obvious and unmistakable love for one another.  Something tax-payers money simply can’t buy! 

Yet our wedding fever has been a little close to home; Bespoken Dreams Wedding Design and Consultancy has now officially launched online! Please do visit us and tell us what you think, our door is always open!

The wonderful and patient Tineke of Kinet E-Solutions was an absolute treasure and totally got our stylish and elegant vision. So a huge thank you to you, Tineke. 

So with the launch we were very excited to feature in the Real Lives supplement of the Liverpool Echo last Wednesday 4th May 2011. Read all about it! Words by Dawn Collinson, thank you very much!

Much love x

Weddings are Helen’s Passion

THE whole world is gripped with wedding fever right now, which for Helen Burns is perfect timing.
This week she launches her online business, the Bespoken Dreams Wedding Design and Consultancy, hoping to bring a little of the fairytale royal big day to Liverpool brides.
Helen, who lives in Woolton, first got the idea for the venture when she married back in August 2009.

“I adore weddings and I’m passionate about creating events that induce goosebumps, memories and smiles,” she says.

Having featured herself in national wedding magazine Wedding Ideas, she began writing a bridal blog last summer.

Forging relationships with brides, suppliers and industry professionals, the next natural step for the 32-year-old was to follow her own professional dream.

“Bespoken Dreams was inspired, quite simply, from a passion stirred inside by planning our own elegant romantic wedding,” says Helen.

“The whole experience, from reading my first bridal magazine to tasting menus, sourcing suppliers and sampling champagne, created such an enthusiasm in me that I wanted to share my experiences with future brides and grooms … and plan weddings forever!”

With previous experience in event planning in the charitable sector, Helen trained with the UKAWP – the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners – and gained a Wedding Planner diploma.

Now, while still working full-time as a finance officer at charity Alternative Futures Group Prescot, she devotes her creativity to helping couples achieve stylish, stress-free celebrations.

On Sunday Helen will celebrate the launch of her business with a charity night in aid of Marie Curie Hospice.

“Both my grandmother and aunty were nursed by Marie Curie nurses so it is a cause close to my heart,” she explains. “Weeks before our wedding in 2009 I lost my aunty to cancer so I felt it was right to combine the launch with a fund-raising event.”

Marry Me Films and Martisan Photography will capture the evening, at Neighbourhood Cafe  in Childwall, and guests will include Liverpool designers Kirsty Doyle 
 
Bespoken Dreams charity evening in aid of Marie Curie takes place at Neighbourhood on Sunday from 6-9pm. (http://www.bespokendreams.co.uk/)

All's Hair in Love and Aura - Bridal Hair Competition

A few weeks ago, I was super kindly invited along to judge a Bridal Hair competition at Aura hair salon, Aigburth, South Liverpool.  Aura’s proprietors, Janet and Vicky, host an annual in-house competition amongst their stylists, awarding each winner with a motivational cutting course prize to TIGI International.

Celebrating Aura’s tenth successful year, this year’s theme was, ta- dah, weddings, meaning I got the chance to play judge for a day! Honoured by this wonderful task, and imagining myself as a Super Scouse Danni Minogue, on arrival I realised I was to be Danni, Cheryl, Louis and Simon all rolled into one! Such a very hard task was ahead of me as entering the salon was like walking onto a page of a very elite bridal magazine!
There were seven stylists with their seven muses, all dressed in the latest wedding designs, from Ian Stuart to Amanda Wyatt, supplied by Cloud 9, Liverpool. Simone the makeup artist had just finished working her magic and the model brides were happily sipping bucks fizz, awaiting the photographer’s arrival. Right on cue, husband and wife photography team Sarah and David Jones arrived and transformed Aura’s hair salon into a very elegant wedding set. Passion for Flowers of Aigburth Road provided the girls with an array of beautiful contemporary and classic bouquets. I think I felt more nervous than on my own wedding day! Each model looked beautiful and I wish there could’ve been seven winners. With not an inch of Cowell’s callousness, a glass of fizz put my nerves at ease as I set about scribbling my notes, watching each model bride enjoy 15 minutes of fame with the photographers.


And so here are my scribbles!

1) Liz (Stylist) and Kate (model)

Classic Floral Romance

Structured and chic, Kate’s low classic chignon style with a modern twist flattered her collar bone, shoulders and low backed dress beautifully! The floral hair accessories complemented the floral appliqué on the fairytale gown.

2) Lauren (Stylist) and Kim (model)

Dramatic Romance

Kim’s dramatic half up/down ‘do’ set off her Ian Stuart gown perfectly. The volume added drama and glamour, and her soft curls added overall romance! The braid enhanced Kim’s youth and gave a touch of ‘fashionista’ to this look.

3) Billie (Stylist) and Kate (Model)

Extravagantly Chic

Kate’s structured high bun complemented the ‘Senorita’ ruffles on her gown, a big look for 2011 brides. This look screamed glamour and the flower hair accessories gave our Baby Bride a playful look too. Although structured, this style is quite versatile and could easily transform into a romantic Ballerina Bride, also hot for 2011.

4) Cathy (Stylist) and Jackie (Bride)

Art Deco Bride

Jackie was the epitome of vintage glamour! Rocking the Vintage Bride with her glamorous wavy bob, the antique-esque slide and vintage lace completed the striking look. A look that’s here to stay!

5) Sandra (Stylist) and Jodie (Bride)


Sunkissed Pretty Romance

Perfect for a beach wedding, Jodie’s soft-around-the-face look was reminiscent of casual beach waves and the detail of hair decoration and braids gave the look a mermaid feel! Beach Chic!

6) Ashley (Stylist) and Toni (Bride)


Classic meets Modern

LOVED how the loose braiding framed Toni’s face giving her an edgy look. The use of the necklace as an alternative to a tiara gave a new freshness whilst the loose curls ‘married’ up to her romantic, fairytale dress.

7) Helen (Stylist) and Lesley (Bride)

Old School Glamour

Lesley so worked the 50’s inspired look! With her deep parting, front roll and hairpiece to add volume, there was nothing shabby about this 50’s chic! The feathered accessory gave a fun, feminine feel.

Sophisticated Bride

One dress change later, we were amazed how versatile Lesley’s hairstyle was, shifting from 50’s to Sophist-ies! The jewels and slinky dress gave Lesley a real Regal look, a contender for Princess Catherine perhaps?! The low chignon and deep side part added a splash of sophistication.

And without further ado, the winners are:

Winner
Billie (Stylist) and Kate (Model) Extravagantly Chic – Senorita/Ballerina

Runner Up
Cathy (Stylist) and Jackie (Bride) Art Deco Bride

Congratulations to ALL who took part, you were all amazing!


Happy Birthday Aura

With Love x

Aura Hair Salon
204 Aigburth Road
Liverpool
Merseyside
L17 9PE

0151 222 0820

Bespoken Dreams Professional Dream...

A short and sweet post to reveal my new logo!  I LOVE it and hope you do too.  The planning and design that went into it was like Military Operation Bespoken Dreams, but I suppose that is why I am good (no time for modesty here ; ) and love what I do - planning and designing!

Much Love x

Enchantingly Charming Wedding Day Memories...

"The idea of encapsulating precious memories and keepsakes in silver is something that I regard as beautiul and I feel privileged to be able to create unique jewellery which will be treasured."

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something....silver?

I am an huge fan of capturing wedding day memories, both traditional and non-traditional.  So when I was invited by skilled silversmith Catherine Ann McRae of Enchanting Charms  to view her site and wares, I couldn't wait to share!

"Capture a leaf or petals from a bride's bouquet, corsage or buttenhole and turn it into a precious piece of bespoke jewellery to last for a lifetime....

We also create a range of charms made from a loved ones fingerpints, hand or footprints, artwork or a special message.

All our beautiful keepsake jewellery is made from 99.9% pure silver, and each piece is unique.  Creations can be made from
 

•Flowers
•Footprints
•Bride's Bouquets
•Pet's Paw Prints
•Fingerprints
•Leaves

Creating a family heirloom which will last forever!

Each piece of jewellery will be unique as no two leaves or flower petals are ever the same.

Your precious mementos can be turned into

•Earrings
•Pendants
•Charms
•Cufflinks
•Keyrings

My Love of Silver

Being soft and pliable it offers the silversmith a greater degree of workability than most other precious metals.
I had been a lover of silver jewellery for as long as I can remember and when I was given an opportunity to study the work of experienced craftsmen, creating silver jewellery in Yorkshire, I jumped at the chance. They opened up to me a fascinating world of alternative ways of working with silver jewellery and it was there that the idea of Enchanting Charms was born.

Since the birth of Enchanting Charms I have gone on to further extend my skills and knowledge of how a skilled silversmith creates silver jewellery and have mastered the skills necessary to produce the stunning pieces of silver jewellery you see here.  It gives me great pleasure and satisfaction to take the process of creating stunning silver jewellery from a client's basic idea through the various production stages to eventually deliver a personalised silver jewellery keepsake which they will treasure forever. That is what Enchanting Charms is all about..

For more information visit http://www.enchantingcharms.co.uk/