Stylish bridesmaids

How do you describe that colour - it's sort of cranberry with a hint of orange...but when you see it in the light, it's more dusky pink. Sound familiar?! It can be tricky describing the colour of your own gown never mind your bridesmaids' dresses. I find that the easiest and most fun way for me to design is to start by seeing the dress or a fabric sample.

My bead collection is a treasure trove! In the unlikely event that I don't have something to complement the fabric, I can easily source suitable beads or stones for you. With an eye for colour and fine detail, my expertise lies not only in the design but finding a palette of colours that will really lift the outfit.

Olivia, seen above, was a bridesmaid for her sister Ciara and you can see more of the wedding here. Read more about recent bridesmaid's commissions too.

Italian Inspiration

Ciao!
I'm back after a fantastic long weekend in Siena. It's as wonderful as I remember from my honeymoon! I thought I would share some of my photos with you. In between dining and sipping iced Amarettos, I managed to get lots of bridal inspiration - I even saw a wedding couple in Piazza Il Campo as they came out of the church!

Here is the lovely view from my hotel room -


This collage of images shows a gorgeous hairstyle from Vogue Sposa, the wedding couple I saw in Il Campo, unusual faux chocolate bouquets and 'Il Manuale Della Sposa Perfetta!'.

Silk flowers seem to be very popular here for weddings. This window display of table settings caught my eye -


I was surprised to see this article about a bespoke shoemaker - the image reminded me of one of my recent unusual commissions - read more about my shoe commission.


Lots of lovely dresses to be seen in Vogue Sposa and I will be featuring some Italian designers in the coming weeks -

And after all that I needed some chianti, a glass of Vin Santo and a nice strong espresso! Hope you enjoyed a little taste from my Siena trip.

Keep those entries coming in for my two Rangoli competitions! You have another few weeks to inspire me with your ideas. Read more on the events section of my Facebook page.

Siena style

Tomorrow I am off to Siena for a close friend's fortieth. I just had to share :-)

As well as the Prosecco and delicious food, I'm looking forward to buying lots of Italian bridal magazines and possibly visiting some bridal boutiques. Italian style, sigh.

I love combining business with pleasure...I'll be posting some pics when I return next week.

New Rangoli bracelet

My collections are continually evolving and it's a lovely feeling when I have completed a new design that I am happy with! I get inspiration from lots of sources but I have to say that my clients often come up with great suggestions that push me in a new direction.

You may remember me describing a recent commission for a pair of earrings to match a beautiful Catherine Deane bridal gown. You can Read more about the article here.

I have just designed this matching bracelet as part of the new range. It is made from finely woven crochet and features beaded circular motifs with pearl drops. This bracelet has an antique quality and complements lace or embroidery detailing.

Read more about my recent Rangoli commissions.

Happy Couples

Today I would like to celebrate happy couples...happy, married, beaming couples! In the hectic lead-up to your wedding, it can be easy to overlook the most important aspect of the day. All of the lovely details you choose will make your day memorable for both yourselves and your guests - but what they will remember forever is the look on your faces after you have been pronounced Mr and Mrs!

I love these pictures sent in to me by some recent Rangoli brides. The emotions they capture are really special. Thanks for sharing them with me.

Photographer credits, clockwise from top left - Ger lawlor, Ruth Foran, John Ryan and Bryan O'Brian.

See more of my Rangoli brides on my Rangoli website.

Creative outdoor venues

I know the weather is not something we can plan for but imagine how many beautiful locations in Ireland would be perfect for an outdoor ceremony? I came across this wedding on 100 Layer Cake and just love how creative and different it is.

The big red curtain gives a whole new meaning to the phrase 'bringing the outdoors inside'!

Read more about this wedding - photography by Gia Canali.

Rangoli Competition for past clients

Hello to all my lovely past clients - I want to thank you for your support over the last twelve years.

I am inviting all Rangoli clients from 1998 to the present day to enter this competition to win a bespoke occasion-wear headpiece. I want to re-connect with as many of you as possible and am looking forward to designing a special piece for one lucky winner.

Inspire me with an image of an outfit that you would like me to design a bespoke headpiece for. Perhaps you have a dress you love or maybe you are still on the look-out for that special outfit. You have six weeks to choose and photograph your glamorous attire!

If you know of anyone that I have designed for, please tell them about this competition so that they can be in with a chance to win this special prize.

How to enter - Simply become a 'Fan' on my Facebook page and read about the entry details. Please don't be shy - I want to hear from each and every one of you!
Here are the details about how to enter the competition.

Wishing you all the best of luck!
Aisling

Rangoli Competition ~ Aisling designs for you

I'm really excited to be launching two competitions to win bespoke Rangoli headwear. Read more about the first competition on my facebook page.

Each day I get to see the most amazing gowns and outfits that inspire me to create. I want to share this exciting design process with you my readers! I'll be pulling back the curtains to reveal how much fun is involved in designing and having a bespoke Rangoli piece made.

I am offering one prize for my soon-to-be brides and another prize to some of my previous clients... (the second competition is just as exciting!)

Read about how to enter the first competition on my facebook page - In the meantime start gathering pictures of all the beautiful details that inspired you to plan your wedding - gorgeous shoes, colour schemes, red carpet glamour, cocktails ~ whatever captures your imagination! And to all of my past clients, I will be announcing details of a competition to win a bespoke occasion headpiece for whatever occasion takes your fancy.

Have a look at some wonderful inspiration boards on StyleMePretty or read about some of my recent commissions.