Summer, summer.....

It's been a fairly busy summer for me this year. Aside from weddings, photo shoots and wedding shows, I've also been busy working on my new website.

I've decided to launch it in time for my second business birthday (25th September).

I think there's always a risk with work, that some projects occasionally get put onto the back burner and not "picked up". Website revamping often falls into this category. So, I've set myself a very real deadline which while adding a bit of pressure, also means it will happen! And now I've obviously made the commitment here....

I've also been busy participating in various wedding shows this summer. The traditional wedding show season tends to be from September into November, and again in February and March. Well, it looks like that's all changing a bit! So far this summer I've exhibited in three wedding shows. The benefit I imagine for brides and grooms, is the opportunity to see venues in the same light they might be in a years time, at a wedding. Spreading out the wedding shows also means that brides and grooms get a chance to go to more of them, and hopefully there are fewer clashes.

I thought I'd share some photos of my stall from this weekend's Loch Lomond Wedding Exhibition.

In addition, I also exhibited at the Dream Wedding Scotland show at the end of June, in Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall.

I really enjoyed doing these shows, actually. It's such a good opportunity to meet people, and chat to them about their wedding and about my work in a way that is much harder to achieve online or through the usual advertising methods. It makes the whole thing feel as it ought to be - a two-way street between couples and photographers.

I'm exhibiting this weekend, at the Very Vintage Wedding Fair at the Ghillie Dhu in Edinburgh. I'm looking forward to it, as it's my first time exhibiting at such a quirky little venue and for a more niche audience.

After that, back to working on the new website, which should incorporate a brand new blog! 

Knickerbocker Glorious!

So today, I thought I'd blog about a shoot I did in Largs with Alison Tinlin from Plans and Presents, hair stylist Gail Rankin, Make up artist Sophie Edwards, with accessories provided by Wedding and Baby.

We went to Largs with the intention of doing a slightly kitschy, vintage seaside photoshoot. I wanted something that was a proper traditional seaside resort without the tackiness. Largs was a great location. From a photographic perspective, its a neat town, with very little litter or graffiti, not too many people, and plenty of wide open space to get the sky in and lots of details from it. We sought permission from Nardinis to use their interior as a backdrop for some of the photos (and they were very lovely about it all).

I've done plenty of location shoots before involving gorgeous dresses (including the bridesmaid shoot I did with Flossy and Dossy a few months ago), but I wanted something slightly different here. This shoot was less about being a fashion parade, and more about the individual - in this case, Alison. It was actually easier than some of the shoots I've done previously, as there weren't lots of outfit changes to incorporate into the timing.

I think the hardest thing I find is defining what I think my "voice" is. I have a particular style to my photographs, but sometimes when I'm up so close to the photos, I can't quite put my finger on what exactly it is. I know I like to have photos that have an element of pop - I want people to come out of the picture, to get an essence of their personality just jumping out of the image.

I wanted to get more of that from Alison. It's easy a lot of the time for people to shrink in the photographs, and a lot of people do. Camera comes out and people become shy and like wallflowers. Or, alternatively, they start throwing very awkward poses that they've seen in magazines and "think" I want from them.

What I really want, is to have fun photographs. I want fun, I want natural, candid, but most of all, playful. I don't want a fixed grin.

I think sometimes it's a bit like having a conversation with someone for the first time. I want to get beyond the small talk, the "what do you do/ where are you from" stuff, and right into the bit where there's a connection, the bit where the conversation just rolls and people start really revealing themselves. Years ago, a friend of mine referred to it almost as being like layers, numbering each layer. So small talk was layer one, then the bit where you start digging out information from the small talk is layer two, and then the really good stuff, the core, that's layer three. He'd smile when we got into a deeper level of conversation, the bit where we started to forget where we were and just got completely lost in our own world, and he'd remark "now we're here, this is the third layer". It's not necessarily about baring your soul and getting the skeletons out of the closet (or wherever else you keep them), it's just about figuring out who the person in front of the camera is, getting rid of your labels (mother, wife, girlfriend, husband, father, brother, son, daughter, work colleague...) and being all the wonderful bits of you.

So yes, that's what I want from these sorts of photoshoots. And I'll pretty much do anything I can to get people to that point. I'm not looking for the secrets, the dark stuff, I'm just looking for the playfulness, the humour, the light hearted, happy, lovely side, the bits that attract people to you as friends or romantic interests, the bits that make people care, and the bits that should make you realise how truly wonderful you are.

So, here for your delectation, the photos from the shoot.

Sophie prepares Alison's make up

Inside Nardinis

Knickerbocker Glorious!

Flying the flag

at the piano

bouquet courtesy of Wedding and Baby

Our generous host

Kicking it up in Largs

the most wayward balloons!

Alison and Largs

Bouquet

over to Cumbrae

The Wonderful Nardinis

shoes!

The team:
Shoot Organisation/Model - Alison Tinlin - http://www.plansandpresents.co.uk
Photographer - Kristin Mitchell - http://struvephotography.co.uk/
Hair - Gail Rankin - http://www.gailhardie.co.uk/
Make - Up - http://www.sophieedwardsmakeup.com/
Hairpieces/Jewellery - http://www.weddingandbaby.co.uk/
Gown/Shoes - courtesy of - http://angelfins.co.uk
Venue (inside shots) - http://nardinis.co.uk/

Vintage darlings: Fifties Wedding

As part of my exploration into vintage, I am extremely pleased to present this week’s featured guest, Charlie, who co-writes the blog at http://fiftieswedding.com/.

Charlie‘s blog is very much a mother-daughter collaboration, with her mum Selma writing a regular post every week. Their website features lots of beautiful vintage ideas and inspiration, most noteably paying homeage to Charlie’s icon, Audrey Hepburn.

Their Fifties Wedding blog is a lot more than articles about vintage. Selma and Charlie offer brides (and anyone involved in weddings) lots of useful tips, how-tos, practical ideas and inspiring images, including dedicated inspiration galleries of wedding dresses and wedding shoes. Personally I think it’s a great resource that ought to be bookmarked by any vintage inspired bride in the process of planning her wedding.

Charlie and Selma began writing Fifties Wedding in October 2010, and in the short space of time it’s become very popular, no doubt as a result of Charlie and Selma’s evident passion for vintage and breadth of ideas. I asked Charlie how she finds having such a popular blog since October. Charlie explains “I have met so many lovely people through doing it. I am completely shocked at how popular the blog has become in such a short space of time – I really never thought there were so many 50s inspired brides out there! It’s obviously a great feeling to know that people are interested and reading the blog though! I couldn’t be happier – hopefully it will just keep growing!”

Charlie was initially inspired to start the blog after finding difficulty in sourcing what she wanted for your own wedding. She particularly had problems finding a dress, bird cage veil and shoes, all within her budget. Like many people, although she could have spent hours on Google, what she really wanted was a single website with tips on everything. Charlie explains, “In the end I made my own birdcage veil for example, because I just didn’t know where else to get it! Since doing the blog of course I have found that there are hundreds and hundreds of fabulous small suppliers & designers out there. Indeed many of them I wish I had known about when planning my wedding!”

I asked Charlie about what vintage she incorporated into her own wedding. Charlie replies, “It was a mixture of 50s, vintage, summer & country all wrapped up in one. My dress was 50s inspired – tea length with a petticoat to give it that 50s shape. I wore my mum’s vintage pearls too, and had 50s inspired peep toe shoes with bows on. We hired an old-fashioned style ice cream trike, made lots of bunting to hang round the garden, and put flowers in vintage vases and jugs”.

I wanted to know a little more about what attracted Charlie specifically towards 50s vintage. She says “I love the fashion and style of the era and the glamorous movie star icons (Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn). Those full dresses, the red lipstick, the bows, the polka dots…just some of the things I love!”

So why does Charlie think there’s been such an increased interest in vintage inspired weddings? Charlie responds “I think there has been a general acceptance over the years that your wedding doesn’t have to be traditional if you don’t want it to be. The eras of the 20s, 30s, 40s & 50s particularly evoke nostalgia and romance that I think people are drawn to – the black & white movies, the art deco posters, the wartime fashions, the Hollywood actors of the 30s etc. All of these times reflect our history. I also think that there has been a growing interest towards vintage-inspired weddings just as much as there has been a growing interest towards DIY weddings, hippy weddings, weddings in unusual locations and all sorts of other sorts of weddings. With more and more wedding websites and blogs, and more articles in magazines about ‘alternative’ weddings, brides-to-be are encouraged to make their big day personal to them – whatever that may be.”

Of course, not everyone wants their wedding to be completely vintage inspired, and some brides might want to incorporate a few elements that can achieve a vintage feel. I asked Charlie what tips she had for anyone looking for some subtle vintage details. Charlie suggests “Well it’s all about the wedding you want that reflects you. For a touch of 50s glamour it could be anything such as little pearl earrings & gloves, or perhaps an Audrey Hepburn updo. I think flowers in vintage vases and tea cups are a great idea too. I think a 50s style dress of course is very important!”

Since I started this exploration of vintage weddings, one thing that has been apparent is how flattering vintage clothing is on different figures. I asked Charlie if she thought this was part of the appeal of vintage wedding glamour. Charlie answers “I definitely think that plays a part – with 50s styles anyway! That’s why I love the 50s style dresses. Wearing vintage clothing is like wearing a little bit of fashion history too, and if you’re wearing you mum’s cardigan from the 1960s you can be pretty sure no one else will be wearing the same thing! It’s fun to be different!”

And does Charlie have any tips to achieving the right look? She says, “There is no right or wrong – that’s the beauty of it! You can incorporate as little or as much vintage as you like.”

Finally, I asked Charlie if she had anything she’d like to add?

Charlie replies “Only that if you’re getting married, have the wedding your way!”.

With thanks to Charlie for her fantastic answers – her blog is definitely a must-read for any bride to be, or anyone interested in vintage. I'm personally eyeing up the brooches featured in their article 1950s Inspired Thank You Gifts for Bridesmaids & Mums - I reckon they could make a nice mothers day gift!


Follow Fifties Wedding on Twitter @fiftieswedding
 Fifties Wedding Facebook page
Fifties Wedding website

Vintage darlings: Flossy and Dossy

all images courtesy of Flossy and Dossy

As part of my on-going exploration into vintage themes at weddings, I'm extremely pleased today to present talented Glasgow based dressmaker Wendy from Flossy and Dossy. I first met Wendy in September 2010 when we collaborated on a photoshoot. I was instantly drawn to Wendy's beautiful vintage inspired clothes - cute little summer dresses and ladylike floral print tops that wouldn't look out of place at a vintage tea party. What struck me most was the beautiful attention to detail and care towards vintage design.

Wendy started dressmaking and knitting initially as a hobby, making her own unique vintage inspired clothes. She started receiving compliments from friends as well as from strangers on her stunning creations and the requests started to come in from friends wanting her to make clothes for them. Wendy's confidence in her ability began to grow steadily along with her understanding of garment construction, however she knew she was onto something a little more special when her sister asked her to design and make a wedding dress.

Wendy began Flossy and Dossy in 2008. So where did the name Flossy and Dossy come from? Wendy explains "I wanted to pick a name that was fun, a little twee and playful, and after considering a few ideas I liked how it reflected my design concepts. It's also something that seems to stick in people's minds". Wendy was mindful of the importance of a good name and carefully selected a name which suited the market and brand of her business.

Wendy discusses how her business began, "I started off small, taking stalls at handmade vintage fairs such as those run by Made in the Shade, and dipping my toes in online selling, and it's all taken off from there. I also discovered early on how important it is to get good photographs, to show off my clothes in their best possible light."

I asked Wendy about where she gets her inspiration, and the personal appeal for her of vintage. Wendy says "Ever since I was little I've adored old movies, and I've always been fascinated by the how almost every actress carries herself with such poise and sophistication.

If it wasn't for Audrey Hepburn I doubt that Flossy would exist; I've always adored her impeccable, individual style. Hers is the playful sophistication that inspires all of my clothes, from the ballet pump/ full skirt look of Roman Holiday, to the glamour of Breakfast at Tiffany's. 


Behind all of Flossy's designs is a great deal of research; not only on the technical aspects of, for example, frock design, but also how a certain look is constructed. I ask myself what makes a Hitchcock Blonde so distinctive? Therefore one of my greatest influences is Edith Head, who designed wonderful gowns for Hollywood films for over forty years. She was nominated for the Oscar for Costume Design an astonishing 35 times, and the list of actresses who wore her designs is a who's-who of cinema.

When I'm designing frocks I'm mainly influenced by the 50s. I love how full-skirted designs flatter every figure and make the wearer feel feminine. When I'm working on my knitwear I'm mainly influenced by the 40s. I love the nipped-in waist and wide shoulders of knitwear from this time."

We move on to the topic of vintage at weddings. I asked Wendy why she thinks vintage has had such an allure at weddings. Wendy responds "I think that the main reason interest has been growing in vintage-inspired weddings is that people want something that's a bit more personal, and that the flavour of the whole day, from the bridal and bridesmaid frocks right down to the invitations and favours, can be elegantly themed. At a recent wedding I attended, the table decorations were handmade by the bride's mother and involved lovely little floral sprays set into vintage teacups - touches like that are wonderful.

There's also an increasing amount of inspiration on the web, from Offbeat Bride to the Etsy Wedding Blog. These websites have great style tips, and have examples of things you can make yourself which look better than the generic wedding stationery or table decorations."

Of course, vintage can go wrong. So what advice does she have to avoid the pitfalls, and how to get the look right?

Wendy replies "I think the main thing to remember is that finding vintage accessories can take time especially if you're on a tight budget. It's also sometimes difficult to blend vintage and modern and you might have to bear this in mind when picking the venue. I've seen a lot of lovely vintage style weddings which are slightly let down by the hotel decor (especially in Scotland with the trend for tartan carpets!) To get round this I'd make sure you pick out a main colour and carry it through the whole wedding; if the hotel has a blue tartan carpet make sure you pick up the blue in the groomsmen's ties, the buttonholes or a sash on the bridesmaids dress that helps tie the whole look together."

I asked Wendy if she has any advice for anyone looking to take the plunge into slipping into something a little more vintage, how to find something that works for them. Wendy explains "Vintage style clothing can flatter all shapes and sizes, Its all about picking the right accessories and being confident about what you wear. Lots of my customers have been reluctant to wear the full 50s skirt as they think its going to make them look larger than they really are, but once they've tried it on they realise the shape actually shrinks the waist it will give you an hourglass silhouette whether your slim and boyish or large and curvy. Every woman should own one."

Finally, does Wendy have any predictions for what vintage inspired clothing is going to be popular in the near future? Wendy replies "I think full skirted 50s dresses and skirts will always be popular but I do think there's going to be a rise in 40s style dresses from cotton tea dresses to glamorous evening wear. There's been a big increase in 1940s styling on the internet with lots of video tutorials showing you how to style your hair in victory rolls or how to do pin curls."

Many thanks to Wendy for sharing her insight into vintage clothing and her beautiful designs from Flossy and Dossy. Time to get practicing on those victory curls!

Follow Flossy and Dossy on Twitter: @flossyanddossy
Flossy and Dossy website
Flossy and Dossy blog
Flossy and Dossy Facebook Page

Vintage darlings: Vintage Scoops

So as part of my "lets talk about vintage" theme, today I'm pleased as punch to be showcasing the wonderful Vintage Scoops.

all images courtesy of Vintage Scoops

A year after the death of her mum, Hayley announced to her husband that she'd had enough of feeling sad, and had decided to purchase a vintage ice cream van. The ice cream van in question was a 1973 Bedford, and was named Betty after Hayley's grandmother.

Hayley had help restoring Betty from her husband and a good friend who is a mechanic and spent his apprenticeship working on Bedford vans. Together, they restored Betty to her full glory, refitting the floor, fixing the electrics, and respraying, and with the help of their friend they ensure that they keep Betty maintained and on the road. Hayley started trading in May 2010.

As her business grows from strength to strength, Hayley was chosen as overall winner by the Country Homes and Interiors 'Run Your Own Country Business of the Year” competition last autumn. Having started trading only a few months previously, this was clearly a wonderful accolade for someone during their first year of business. Hayley received a phone call telling her that she'd won on the last day of her full time job.  Hayley explains "It felt so right, like it was all meant to be. I couldn’t believe it! I was literally running round at work jumping for joy! I am pretty sure my lovely Mum had a little helping hand from heaven! She would of so enjoyed this journey I am on….. Winning the completion was such a huge boost and more than anything was reassurance that I was doing the right thing and was not totally mad!"

When I asked Hayley what inspired her to have a vintage ice cream van, she responded "I just wanted to be doing something where I could be me! Smiling and happy and an ice cream van festooned with bunting screams happiness to me. It evokes childhood memories, I sell all items, sweets and drinks that have a nostalgic feel to them".

When she's not serving ice cream from Betty, Hayley enjoys shopping and searching for vintage treasures at boot sales and flea markets.  "My own style at home is quite eclectic. That’s what makes us English girls so unique though I believe. I love colour, 50’s vintage fabrics, old cups and saucers, old glass jelly moulds, all those things that remind me of my Grandma and my childhood. To me it’s about enjoying the simple things,  things that are quintessentially English, fun and jolly. I surround myself with things and people that make me smile. Losing my mum who was only 53 has made me appreciate more than ever that life is too short for regrets."

I asked Hayley why she thought vintage has seen such a resurgence. Hayley explains "I think people are enjoying returning back to the simple things in life. In times when things are quite tough economically. We are all yearning and appreciating simple pleasures. Afternoon tea, garden parties and so on".

And Hayley's philosophy? "You only get one chance and life is for living. Follow your dreams..........."

With a van like Betty, I think Hayley's got us all dreaming of summer!

Follow Vintage Scoops on Twitter: @mrsscoops
Vintage Scoops website
Vintage Scoops blog
Vintage Scoops facebook page

Vintage darlings

So today I thought I'd start writing about the growing love towards vintage inspirations at weddings.

Vintage is quite a broad topic - it'd be impossible to write about it in a single blog entry, which is why I've decided that this will become a recurring theme. During my blog entries, my aim is to explore different elements that couples can incorporate to add a vintage flavour to their wedding. I'll have articles about services with a vintage twist, and their thoughts about the meaning of "vintage".

I also want to look at different eras - the word "vintage" can inspire a lot of different ideas of what it constitutes, which if not discussed could lead to some very crossed wires. I'll be looking at examples of genuine vintage photography, and comparing modern takes on vintage photography.

So what is vintage? what does it mean when we say "vintage inspired"? Is it better to have replica vintage items, or does it make a difference to have genuine sourced vintage items at a wedding?

Moreover, I'd love to hear from readers about your opinion on vintage weddings. Is this a passing fad? Is it a flash in the pan or is it here to stay? Have you been involved as a supplier or guest at a vintage inspired wedding? Or have you got a vintage wedding planned? Do we have a shared definition of vintage - would something from the 80s or 90s or even the start of the 00s be considered vintage?

Quite simply: why is there such an interest in vintage weddings?

Please feel free to add your opinion in the comments below; or if you're willing, please email me about your thoughts, for possible inclusion in a future blog entry.