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Here’s one I made earlier…
A little round-up of the craft ideas we worked on with Chloe from Adore Chloe and Becky from Butterworth Photography.
We spent a couple of afternoons with a glue gun, vintage china, glittery bits and bobs, with a lot of tea and laughs along the way.
The first idea was featured in Unique Bride Magazine. To see a step-by-step instruction on how to make your own vintage cake stand click here – Adore Chloe
Next, we have a guide to making your own teacup clock – bear with me on this as it was so much fun that Rock n Roll Bride featured it too – click here Adore Chloe or here Rock N Roll Bride to see the cocktail version…
Finally glittery cake toppers – don’t say I don’t look treat you! click right here Adore Chloe .
The Vintage Wedding Fair in Leamington…
If I were to choose something work-related and gorgeous to do on a Sunday… it would be to spend the day in a beautiful historic building, in an equally beautiful historic town, showing off what we do to brides and their families looking for some vintage inspiration for their weddings, surrounded by other wedding suppliers who share our passion and love for what we do.
Luckily for me, that is what I spent one recent Sunday doing, at an event organised by The Vintage Wedding Fair, over at The Assembly in Leamington Spa. Here are some of the photographs of our stand.
I apologise now for the poor quality of these, I only had my blackberry with me and it is not the best at taking interesting photos!
The rooms were full of fabulous suppliers, offering services from wedding cakes to camper van hire, from stationery to flowers, from vintage wedding dresses to photographers.
We were really very proud to be there and met lots of lovely brides and their families.
Unforgettable Vintage Bridal Gowns, Meeni, Daisy Cupcakes, Lady Ella and The Flying Ducks Catering Company were all there and I can’t recomend these guys enough if you need convincing that a vintage styled wedding is for you.
A special thank you to Yummy Little Cakes for the beautiful birdcage wedding cake and to Pocket Typewriter for my lovely stationery and tags. xxx
1920′s 1930′s Vintage Chic Wedding Shoot
When Susie from Vintage Chic asked if Darby & Joan would like to be involved with a vintage styled photo shoot, it took me all of three seconds to say yes please. The idea behind the shoot was to help promote the fast approaching Vintage Chic Wedding Fair at The Centenial Centre in Birmingham on 22nd April.
Susie was keen to work with suppliers who would be exhibiting at this fair, so a few weeks ago we met up with Luxe Bridal, The Red Cake Company, Liezl Croft Photography, Cheryl Williams and Emily Hall.
We had a lot of fun producing these images and hope that is reflected here.
We were hoping to capture the femininity, elegance and glamour of the 1920s and 1930s. Our our brief from Susie that we were to smile, smile, smile…which was pretty easy for Ulle & I as we had such a giggle during the day.
Becky & Shelley from Luxe Bridal arrived laden down with a selection of the most beautiful original vintage wedding gowns, and the trickiest part of the day was deciding who was to wear which dress as we both fell in love with all of them.Cherished Vintage Bridal Accessories supplied the stunningly gorgeous headpieces.
Susie had chosen The Botanical Gardens in Birmingham as the venue because it offered us a gorgeous art-deco backdrop and it’s architecture, colours and gardens perfectly suited the theme of the shoot.
The light fittings, the wooden panelling, the stage area, the light streaming into the room all made for a series of stunning shots. 
While we were being made up and having our hair curled Liezl, from Liezl Croft Photography had plenty of time to decide on which parts of the building to use.
She time to take some lovely shots of our props which I am thrilled with.
Emily Hall was the make up artist on the day and did a fantastic job in transforming us into glamourous, authentic looking vintage brides. Our hair was styled byCheryl Williams and she really was superb.
Both ladies were on hand throughout the shoot to do touch-ups, swap head pieces and change looks.
And the cakes! These were supplied by The Red Cake Company and they really were stunning.
I had decided to take lots of silverware, crystal, faux fur and lace as styling props for the day. I wanted to try and capture the glamour and opulence of the roaring Twenties.
One of the highlights for me of the day was discovering a piano tucked away in a corner, finding a nice chap and asking if we could use it as a prop. Of course he said, where would you like me to move it too… one of my mottos is “always ask, because you never know…” so when I said I would like it lifting onto the stage area I was pleasantly surprised that he agreed! Watching four burly men trying to lift the piano onto a stage that was three foot high was like a sketch from Only Fools and Horses! But bless them, they managed it, so thanks guys! I suspect the piano is still there…
I hope you enjoy this post as much as we all enjoyed putting it all together.
Corsets & Cake
“Our aim is the same for every client we meet – to create the most stunning, beautiful ‘total’ look- that captures the moment in time that is your wedding day but remains timeless in your mind for ever”. That sums up the passion that Astra and Rachel have for their wedding company – Timeless Couture.
They offer beautiful bespoke pieces for the whole wedding party, from the foundation garments to the jewellery.
Timeless Couture dresses combine vintage inspired details with modern contemporary shapes – they really do have the most exquisite eye for detail and I feel confident in saying that they offer a unique service.
The girls were invited to join Not on The Highstreet after they were spotted during a Save the Date wedding show at the Roundhouse in Derby. This was a huge compliment and a real thrill as there are literally hundreds of companies who would love love love to be involved with such an amazingly successful and respected organisation. To be handpicked by them is, well, a big deal!
They were organising a photoshoot to showcase their beautiful corsets for Not on The Highstreet and asked Darby & Joan provide the props and to work with them on styling.
It was named the Timeless Vintage tea party. Photographs – Yvonne Lishman, Styling and vintage props - Darby & Joan, Flowers - Tineke, Cakes – The pink Cake Box, Make up – Emma Wardman
Here are some of the photos. Just gorgeous.
You will be able to meet Astra and Rachel and to swoon over their gorgeousness at the National Wedding Show at the NEC during 23rd, 24th and 25th March.
A New Year – A New Blog Post
Here we are & another year is upon us; another grand gesture of resolutions made for 2012 - some will be broken before the end of the month I am sure (maybe it will just be too difficult to avoid Rioja & surely life is made sweeter by discount shopping on The Outnet), but there are a couple of Darby & Joan related promises I have made to myself that I am excited about keeping.
One of them is to try & write a blog post every couple of weeks. This may be too frequent for some of you to bear reading & may click on “hide post” or hit the delete button as soon as you see our name pop up, but others amongst you may have a spare few minutes to catch up with what has been happening with D&J, & for those of you I hope you enjoy looking at images of shoots we have styled & photos of events we have been involved with & maybe getting some ideas & inspiration for your event. Lastly I will always be name dropping fabulous photographers, stylists, event organisers, cake makers, venues, designers, suppliers & florists that you really can’t live without.
We have been so lucky over the past few months to have worked with such inspiring, helpful, talented & fun people & have been featured in quite a few wedding blogs which is something that we are really proud of for such a young company.
Rather than write a piece for each shoot, here are a few pics from some of them.
Happy New Year everyone. x
Stationery – Sweet Words, styling – Adore by Chloe, vintage china, glassware, accessories hire - Darby & Joan Ltd, Dresses – Timeless Couture, Hair accessories & Jewellery – Tattered Rose
Photography – Lucy Stendall, vintage wedding dresses & accessories – Unforgettable Vintage Bridal Gowns, styling, china, glassware, accessories - Darby & Joan Ltd, Make up, hair & model styling – Miss Sanni
Photography – Butterworth Photography, Styling – Adore by Chloe, Wedding cakes – Yummy Little Cakes, Paper bouquets – Paper me Happy, vintage china & accessories - Darby & Joan Ltd
Photography – Amie Parsons, Dresses and men’s hire – Gracie Bleu Bridal, Flowers – Tineke Floral Designs, Stationery & styling – Sweet Words, Cakes, chair covers – Cakey Wakey , Vintage china & glassware - Darby & Joan Ltd, venue – Shottle Hall, Hair pieces, jewellery – Tattered Rose, event co-ordination – Emma Bespoke Events
Photography – Butterworth photography , Cakes – Yummy Little Cakes, Event Co-Odination – Adore by Chloe, styling, vintage china & glassware hire - Darby & Joan Ltd , venue – Eastbridgford Hill, Stationery – Pocket Typewriter,
Do you believe in Fairies?
If I had to use a handful of adjectives to describe Anna & Lisa from the delectable Food Fairies I would say: beautiful, talented, creative & nothing is too much trouble. Ok, the last doesn’t fall into the adjective category, but you get the picture!!
Food Fairies is a Derbyshire catering company with a passion for delicious food. What I love about them is whilst they have an seemingly endless menu to choose from, they encourage their clients’ to share their own ideas & so offer a bespoke menu too.
They pride themselves on using locally sourced ingredients where possible, &, all their dishes, whether sweet or savoury, are homemade.
Food Fairies & Darby & Joan…
Whether your event is a buffet, a wedding breakfast, a formal dinner or you are hosting a drinks party & would like some deliecious canapes providing - I cannot recommend them enough. We have been fortunate to work with them at several events recently & want to shout from the rooftops about them! They cover Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire & beyond.
From cupcakes to layer cakes, platters of cheeses & cold cuts to trays of lasagne & huge bowls of salads, crostini smothered in tapanade & fresh tomatoes to mini beef wellingtons – I promise you will be spoilt for choice & will be thrilled with the personal service they offer. x
Festive Cheer
Did you manage to pop down for some Christmas shopping this weekend at the Roundhouse?
This special Christmas Market, organised by Deb who runs the pretty fabulous Fabulous Places, returned for a second year at the stunning Roundhouse on Pride Park in Derby.
Not just anyone could exhibit and sell there you know – only handpicked food and gift exhibitors are invited to attend this special event ensuring shoppers were very spoilt for choice. The key thing for me is that there were so many local Derbyshire companies there, The Greenery who have beautiful flowers, wreaths and lots of festive decorations, Becky from Butterworth Photography was there showing her lovely relaxed portrait photography. I loved the gorgeous vintage style wooden signs from Delightful Living and if you fancied something sweet, Button Bakery had the most fantastic French macaroons.
It was lovely to see so many familiar faces there, both past customers and local businesses. Lavender Grey built the show stopping centerpiece for the weekend, Rosa Ribbons’ stall looked lovely and it was great to see Tattered Rose and their beautiful inspirational pieces again.
There were festive workshops and demonstrations ranging from winter flower arranging to inspirational gift wrapping, a santa’s grotto (who I believe nearly had a beard malfunction) and a craft corner for the children.
Festive shopping with bells on!
Love Christmas? You’ll adore the Southwell Vintage & Handmade Fair – Magic of Christmas Fair! Friday 11th and Saturday 12th – get your skates on!!
We’ve brought an exquisite and eclectic mix of all things festive to East Bridgford Hill, a beautiful Georgian country house in the heart of Nottinghamshire. So you can tick off your ‘To Do’ list, while enjoying an irresistibly Christmassy day out.
As well as selling our vintage wares, vintage tea sets, vintage styled candles & vintage china cake stands, Darby & Joan Ltd will be styling the Orangery & the festive demo programme too. We are also supplying around 200 of our vintage tea cups, saucers & cake plates for your use, together with masses of our vintage cake stands & other christmassy bits. Phew!
There will be a ridiculous abundance of fame & talent … meet our lovely designer Joanne Harratt of ELF, who came 3rd recently in a competition judged by Kirstie Allsopp in her new Handmade Britain programme. Jo is going to decorate the fireplace in the Morning Room of East Bridgford Hill at our fair … can’t wait to see what she’s going to do with her Christmas stockings, plum puddings & other scrumptious goodies.
There will be some gorgeous pieces from the talented Alys Power, Love u more, Mrs madden makes, Mollyś Mum, Lily Be Funky, Rebel Rose, . Atelier Crafts, Hello Sunshine by Jo Want & many more.
Pretty stocking fillers, handmade jewellery, exquisite knits, vintage collectables … find unique gifts for men & the perfect presents for your loved ones, favourite friends & hard-to-buy-for relatives from our gorgeous array of original, unusual & affordable gifts. Kimberley from Fabulous Fairs has travelled the length & breadth of Nottinghamshire & indeed the country to find the most talented designer makers & vintage dealers – so you don’t have to. Ladies Day on the friday is to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
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We haven’t forgotten the guys…
Forget the last minute dash down the high street on Christmas Eve ─ or the online purchase that doesn’t arrive on time. One trip to the Magic of Christmas Fair is all you need to win your partner’s heart with a truly gorgeous gift. You’ll also find some great speciality beers, sloe gins and seasonal liquors, pungent cheeses and more, to help Christmas Day go with a swing!
This event is supporting Cancer Research UK. Proceeds from Ladies Day is going to the charity & collections will also be made on Saturday 12th.
So many lovely things - I have a feeling I might not be able to curb my spending…
A bit of exciting news…
A little article copied over from the Derby Evening Telegraph…so so so so so excited to be involved in Kate Halfpenny’s wedding. I can’t even begin to tell you how much. Over the moon, thrilled beyond words, a little apprehensive, bursting with ideas, wishing the next few months away so it can be here…I sound like I’m the one getting married!!!!
Seriously, huge congratulations Kate & James on your wedding & see you both soon.
”Karen Eggleton,who used her vintage crockery collection as a basis for a business will be supplying one of Derbyshire’s highest-profile weddings next year.
Allestree-based Darby and Joan, run by Karen Eggleton, will be providing china for the marriage of celebrity stylist and bridalwear designer Kate Halfpenny.
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The firm will provide a range of crockery from table settings to serving bowls for the 200 guests.
Mrs Eggleton said: “Kate is hugely respected in the wedding industry and so it is absolutely fantastic for me to work with her.
“She has lots of fabulous ideas for the wedding and loves the pieces that I’ve shown her.”
None of the crockery will match but will be made up of Mrs Eggleton’s collection of vintage English china.
It has been built up by visiting car boot sales, house clearances and auctions.
Derbyshire-born Miss Halfpenny has designed costumes for adverts for Pepsi, Ghost, Moschino and Hugo Boss and has styled George Michael, Kate Moss, Twiggy, Shirley Bassey and Pixie Lott.
Her wedding will take place in Derbyshire but as a number of high-profile celebrities will be attending, the location has not been disclosed.”
Vintage Travel Shoot…
A day at a stunning hotel in Sheffield, a group of super talented creatives from the wedding industry, a vintage inspired 1040′s wedding shoot idea from Ruth at Sweet Words Stationery and was styled with the help of Chloe from Adore …here is the result…
The shoot was a lot of fun & gave us all lots of opportunity to indulge our love of beautiful table settings – I’m sure you will agree that the photographs are gorgeous.
I hope the dresses, table settings, hair, flowers & styling gives you some inspiration if you are thinking of incoporating some vintage loveliness into your wedding day. You don’t have to embrace the whole theme wholeheartedly – small, well thought out touches can turn an event into something really special & will give your guests something a little bit different to enjoy & remember.
