Shhhh!

I have just designed two commission pieces for a bride and I'm dying to show them to you! However, this bride won't be getting married for another few months so I have to keep them secret. I just love the surprise elements in weddings - all that planning and choosing things that have special significance to you and yours. And isn't it worth it on the day when all is revealed and you get to share it all with your closest friends and family?

Love is in the air

I am lucky that so many of my clients share photos of their wedding day with me. I love how many of these images convey not only how everyone looked on the day but how they felt!

Dylan Mc Burney is a photographer whose images convey a wealth of emotion. Candid shots reveal some of the beautiful moments throughout the day and Dylan manages to do this while no-one else is looking! The top image captures the magic of this couple's special day. Here are some words from Dylan himself -

Weddings hold a deep sense of mystery to me. When I turn up at a wedding I have no preconceived ideas about how things should look or what might happen. Out of respect for the wedding, I don’t believe the photographer should impose himself on things at all. I’d rather record the day in such a way as to create images which are authentic and that can be enjoyed for generations to come.

I find that photographs that come from real moments are inherently more powerful and authentic than anything that is stage-managed.

Have a look at Dylan's blog to see his wonderful photography style and read more about some of his recent weddings.

Ciara and David's Wedding

Today I am sharing some beautiful pictures from Ciara and David's wedding. I love how the photos tell the story of their special day. The wedding was photographed by Ruth Foran Photography.

In this first picture, we see Ciara looking radiant! I designed a double rhinestone hairband with a vintage brooch detail to one side. I also incorporated some pearls into the design.


Ciara had two bridesmaids; her sister Olivia, as seen in the image below and her sister-in-law Sile who is in the group shot. I designed beaded hair corsages for the two girls that combined olive green crystal, pearls and gold detail. I love this image of Ciara and her sister doing their final touch-ups!

I have included a group shot so that you can see how beautifully the colour theme looks. Ciara is also seen here with her father Christy and niece Leah who was her flowergirl. How relaxed they all look! The flowers were by Grainne Doyle of WeddingFlowersIreland.

And finally to my favourite image! How happy do these two look? Congratulations to Ciara and David - Wishing you every happiness together. Thank you for sharing your album with others. I am sure you will inspire many brides, (and grooms!) to be.

Credits -

Photographs courtesy of Ruth Foran Photography
Make-up by Adrienne Taylor
Hair styled by Sinead Gaffney

Bridal Gown Sketch

Wow - I just love this idea! I came across the designs of Megan Hamilton who has come up with a truly unique bridal gift for yourself or as a gift for a friend.

Megan will draw an original sketch of your dress, based on photos or designer images. She will focus on all the beautiful details so you can have a gorgeous keepsake of your gown.

"Great designers like Vera Wang, Melissa Sweet and Monique Lhuillier have been giving sketches to their celebrity brides for years. Why not make a freind or loved one feel a little like a celebrity too!"

See Megan's designs on her Etsy shop.
Via August and everything after

Rangoli Competition on Farrell & Chase

I would like to let all my readers know that I am sponsoring a competition on the Farrell & Chase blog.

One of the nice things about blogging is that you get to meets lots of interesting and talented people working in the industry, (as well as all my loyal readers)! Pamela produces a range of contemporary letterpress stationery and is full of innovative ideas for personalised wedding stationery.

The competition prize is for a set of seven beaded hairpins - available in silver or pale gold with a choice of Swarovski crystal, rhinestone or pearl centres.

Visit the Farrell & Chase blog for details on how to enter the competition.

Good luck to all!

Orla's wedding day

As promised...I'm delighted to share these two images from Orla's September wedding!

I think you'll agree that she looks absolutely gorgeous. I'm always being asked about half-up hairstyles and I think that this one is so natural and soft looking. I designed a double-length hairwire so that it could trail down through the back of Orla's hair. There is also a rhinestone and pearl brooch detail to the side of this piece.

Orla's wedding was photographed by Nicola Webster and is also featured in the Spring issue of Wedding Journal Magazine. If you are looking for a photographer, I can't recommend Nicola enough! Check out her website for inspiration.

Read more articles about hairstyles.

Ireland's Top 100 Wedding Suppliers

Rangoli has been nominated as one of Ireland's Top 100 Wedding Suppliers. This competition is sponsored by www.weddingsonline.ie

This nomination is really special to me as it based solely on customer feedback. My business thrives on word of mouth referrals and I really appreciate how many of you have taken the time to vote for me! Thanks to one and all for sharing your positive Rangoli experience.

See the full listing on WeddingsOnline.ie - the winners will be announced on 15th February in the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Watch this space...

I'm really excited to have received some more pictures from recent Rangoli brides. In the coming days I will be revealing some of these gorgeous photos. I'm sure they will inspire you and give you ideas for your own wedding.

Why not sign up to my Rangoli Facebook account so you can be notified of my latest news and events?

Read more articles about recent commissions and other Rangoli brides.

Cupcake Me

My sister Tara has recently set up a cupcake business called CupcakeMe.org and makes really delicious cakes for weddings, birthdays or any special occasion. I know I may sound biased but they are really tasty :-)

Tara is being interviwed by Ian Dempsey on Today FM next Monday 11th January at 8.30am so tune in if you'd like to hear all about her sweet business...

Rangoli bride

What a nice start to 2010! Julianne got in touch to share this wonderful photo from her recent wedding. I love how she has worn her Rangoli Spray hairpin over her chignon. I also designed her drop Swarovski crystal and rhinestone earrings.

The business will re-open on 8th January so I'm just popping by to say a quick hello and wish all of you a very happy 2010!

Thanks again Julianne - I wish you both all the best.

Photo courtesy of Ania Witowska