Sarah and John’s (and Milo’s) English country garden wedding
Because of our pastel palette, it can be hard to find the right real weddings to showcase on Darling Lovely Life – but when fantastic photographer Karen Fuller of Fuller Photography sent…
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Weddings & parties
112 entries.
October 2014
September 2014
Ten questions to ask your wedding venue, for creative couples
We covered this topic a few years back in the Under the Vintage Veil days, but as you can see, things are a little different now! So we’ve revamped this post for…
July 2014
My day shadowing a wedding photographer: the hardest job in the world
OK maybe not THE hardest (doctors, lawyers, counsellors, bathroom cleaners… I could go on…) but after spending one whole day of my life shadowing a wedding photographer, I can honestly say that…
May 2014
Five wedding-planning pitfalls to avoid
Congratulations – if you’re planning your big day you’re in for an exciting few months (or years). When John and I got engaged, I made some really basic mistakes that, in all…
April 2014
How to host your first dinner party
This weekend, John and I did something terribly grown up and hosted our first proper dinner party. We’ve had parties before, and we’ve had people for dinner before, but we’ve never had…
Past brides and grooms confess: my pre-wedding tantrums
I have yet another confession, readers, although quite honestly, if you’ve been reading this blog since its Under the Vintage Veil days you probably already know this but are too polite to…
Party at the Parlour – captured and recapped!
Everyone knows that journos work bloomin’ hard – and nobody knows that better than me! Between the blog and my freelance commitments, it can be hard to find time for a good…
February 2014
How to stay calm on your wedding morning
I’m the first to admit that I can be a bit of a worrier. I try not to sweat the small stuff, but I can totally understand how planning a wedding can…
Valentine’s Day date ideas for engaged couples
It’s easy to focus so much of your time, effort and cash on your wedding day that the run up can be a bit of a romance and money-free zone. If you’re…
January 2014
Course review: making a vintage hand-tied bouquet at the Covent Garden Academy of Flowers
I’ve always loved flowers, particularly vintage-inspired blooms. I’ve never been one for structured, modern, displays, preferring the hand-tied, wildflowers, herbs and faded roses look. So when I got an invitation to come…
The most common bridal dilemmas (and how to solve them) part one: family power struggles
In my years as a wedding blogger, I’ve seen it all, from family insisting on bringing unusual pets down the aisle to rogue bridesmaids turning up wearing white! Thankfully those are the…
Why hire a pro wedding photographer when everyone has a camera phone?
This subject has been covered countless times, several times by me in a previous incarnation as Under the Vintage Veil and by many other established wedding bloggers. This is perhaps the most…
December 2013
How to give people roles in your wedding without hurting anyone’s feelings
Being engaged is truly one of the most exciting times of your life. But as well as bringing you closer to your friends, it can also create complicated social dynamics and difficulties…
What to do if your friends can’t make it to your wedding
So you’ve sent out your invitations and you’re excitedly awaiting your RSVPs. But instead of those thick envelopes arriving en masse, letting you know your nearest and dearest will be there for…
A pastel-pretty Paintworks real wedding with gorgeous gold shoes and styling by The Little Wedding Helper
We very rarely feature real weddings on Darling Lovely Life, but when we do they are SO Darling Lovely Life that they are impossible to resist showing off to the world! Dan…
November 2013
Top 10 tips for buying authentic vintage clothing and wedding wear
Happy wedding Wednesday everyone (I can’t believe it’s already Wednesday!) Today we’ve brought over another long-standing friend’o'blog, Elizabeth Paton of vintage millinary and accessories supplier, Madame B’s Boutique . We go way…
Our family celebration chocolate buttercream sponge cake
I’ve chosen this week to share a recipe that’s very close to my heart. Monday would have been my dad’s 60th birthday, and if he were here he would be dropping big…
Nancy and Bolly’s revamped floral factfile – romantic roses
Good morning everyone and happy wedding Wednesday. Today’s post marks the return of one of our fabulous columnists from our Under the Vintage Veil days for a revamped instalment of the classic…
Stylist’s corner with The Little Wedding Helper: A wintry table setting for Christmas parties and weddings
You didn’t think we’d move to Darling Lovely Life and leave our favourite columnists behind, did you? Our fabulous wedding and party style guru, Kirsten Butler of award-winning styling business, The Little…
Real bride Jenni’s diary: how to ask your best gals to be your bridesmaids in style
Welcome back to real bride diaries. Jenni, a 26-year-old teacher from Portsmouth, has been filling us in on her pre-wedding plans for her 2014 vintage nautical-themed wedding to fiancé Paul. Her latest…
October 2013
Under the Vintage Veil’s special Miss Vintage Wedding Affair coverage
Here at Under the Vintage Veil, we’ve built up a fair few close relationships over the years. In this case, we were lucky enough to be there to exhibit at the very…
September 2013
Goodbye, Under the Vintage Veil – it’s time to start a new Darling Lovely Life
My dear readers, I wanted to write you a little note with some news before John and I head off on our road trip of a lifetime around the USA tomorrow… As…
A picturesque country wedding at The George in Rye with beautiful vintage styling
Put the kettle on and make sure you’re sitting comfortably to flick through these beautiful images. Emma and Paul got married back in April last year at the breathtaking Sussex venue, The…
How to pull off your first dance – a guest post by Forever First Dance Company
A first dance symbolises the start of a couple’s married life. But for many couples, it can also be a source of anxiety in the run up to the big day. Luckily…
Florist’s Corner – Nancy and Bolly’s weekly floral factfile #9 Smiling Sunflower
We’re back online after our office was taken over by building works for the last two weeks. We’ve made some HUGE changes here which we will blog about shortly, but for now,…
August 2013
Veilgirls… Emmy Scarterfield of Emmy Shoes chats design, inspiration and the wedding industry
Good morning everyone. Today on the blog, we are so, so lucky to have one of Britain’s most respected luxury bridal shoe designers in the Veilgirls hotseat. Emmy Scarterfield has seen a…
Florist’s Corner – Nancy and Bolly’s weekly floral factfile #8 Fragrant Freesia
Welcome to the very latest instalment of our favourite floral feature! Our regular columnists, vintage-loving expert florists, Nancy Moon Flowers the dream duo from Nancy Moon Flowers with a nostalgia for old…
Vanessa and Phil’s colour-popping fabulously floral wedding
Good morning all. Today on the blog I’m really happy to showcase Vanessa and Phil’s elegant and floral vintage-inspired Canadian wedding. Shot by Just For You Photography , we fell in love…
A grand and elegant Florida wedding
Good morning all, today I’m really happy to share Catrece & Bob’s Florida antique-themed wedding with you. Shot by Andi Diamond Photography , this wedding is truly unique with details and decor…
The best vintage-inspired gifts on notonthehighstreet.com for under £50
I’ve always been a big fan of notonthehighstreet.com . It’s a great place to find quirky homewares and clothes that are hard to find… well, on the high street! We had a…
Stylist’s corner with The Little Wedding Helper – Say “I do” with doors
Happy Tuesday everyone! Welcome back to our specialist column by the wonderful, award-winning stylist and owner of The Little Wedding Helper , Kirsten Butler! Every fortnight, Kirsten covers a styling item and…
Swimming against the tide or riding your own wave? Making “different” into your strength
Hi lovely readers! Today I thought I’d write about something a little bit different and dear to my heart. A lot of brides have got in touch lately telling me that they…
Florist’s Corner – Nancy and Bolly’s Weekly Floral Factfile #7 – Lovely Lavandula
Welcome to the very latest instalment of our favourite floral feature! Our regular columnists, vintage-loving expert florists, Nancy Moon Flowers have already brought us a special factfile on Dahlias , a write…
DIY Desktop: make a personalised name coat hanger with Wilden Bride London
Today’s DIY expert is none other than Charlotte Wilden of Wilden Bride London . Charlotte’s beautiful designs have been described as ethereal, fashionably quirky and elegantly glamorous. Inspired by vintage and bohemian…
July 2013
Veilgirls – Baking never looked so beautiful with Rosalind Miller
Today is a very exciting day. Not only have we made a cheeky announcement about the future of Under the Vintage Veil and our expansion (yay) but we also have one of…
Fabulous news about Over the Vintage Threshold
Good morning campers, I have to say I’m all abuzz this morning because I’ve been sitting on some rather exciting news! As many of you know, we’re launching a fabulous new vintage-inspired…
Five fabulous favours your guests will appreciate
I often get asked about my stance on wedding favours. Many brides are opting to forgo them altogether, finding the prospect of spending their precious budget on something guests might not even…
Florist’s Corner – Nancy and Bolly’s Weekly Floral Factfile #6 – Climbing Clematis
Welcome to week five of our pretty and informative (yes, we’ve married the two) floral feature! Our regular columnists, vintage-loving expert florists, Nancy Moon Flowers have already brought us a special factfile…
Five ways to make sure your wedding starts on time
When it comes to timeliness, I must confess that I do tend to channel Monica from Friends. I hate being late, I hate other people being late to meet me and I…
Mighty Fine Entertainment’s Top 20 Vintage Wedding Songs
One of my most frequently asked music questions as a vintage wedding blogger is “how do I choose vintage-inspired music that will fit my theme but still get people out of their…
Skincare becomes science: my day with Donna Glazer at Face It
Are you doing anything special with skincare in the run up to your big day? I have never been much of a skincare expert, so I headed to Highgate’s acclaimed Face It…
Veilgirls – the very talented and gorgeous Sabina Ali of Sabina Motasem
Happy Thursday gorgeous folk and welcome to our latest Veilgirls instalment. This week we have fashion-turned-bridal-designer success story Sabina Ali of Sabina Motasem . A few weeks ago we met up for…
Florist’s Corner – Nancy and Bolly’s Weekly Floral Factfile #5 – Mini Muscari
Welcome to week five of our fabulous new floral feature! Our regular columnists, vintage-loving florists, Nancy Moon Flowers have already brought us a special factfile on Dahlias , a write up on…
Stylist’s corner with The Little Wedding Helper – embroiled in embroidery!
Happy Tuesday everyone! Welcome back to our specialist column by the wonderful, award-winning stylist and owner of The Little Wedding Helper , Kirsten Butler! Every fortnight, Kirsten covers a styling item and…
Jodie and Andrew’s elegant vintage-inspired real wedding
Jodie and Andrew first met at work where they had to share a car for a training course. On the 25th of April this year they were married in a beautifully executed…
Florist’s Corner – Nancy and Bolly’s Weekly Floral Factfile #4 Delicate Nigellas
Welcome to week four of our ongoing campaign to make Wednesdays the prettiest day on the blog. Our regular columnists, fabulous, vintage-loving florists, Nancy Moon Flowers have already brought us a special…
A midsummer night’s dream – vintage meets whimsical wedding shoot
Happy Tuesday and welcome back after a short reduced-service break on the blog! Boy do we have something special for you today – the most wonderful, whimsical shoot to ever grace our…
An exclusive reader offer from Gioia Mia
We’ve got a real treat on Under the Vintage Veil today – an exclusive 3-for-2 offer from Gioia Mia handmade jewellery and accessories . The offer applies to everything from their ‘Semplice’…
Under the Vintage Veil’s weekly bulletin
Happy Sunday everyone! First of all I’d like to apologise again for the lack of beauty post this week. They are filmed and will resume this week but we’ve had yet another…
A flirty, fifties colour-popping whimsical wedding shoot
It’s finally Friday and set to be a scorcher this weekend. With that in mind, we thought we’d leave you with something equally scorching to start you off. Today’s beautiful shoot at…
Competition: win a copy of J. Courtney Sullivan’s The Engagements and £50 to spend at Vintage Styler
It’s competition time on Under the Vintage Veil, and this really is a special one. Being a bit of a literature fiend, I was blown away when I was asked to run…
Florist’s Corner – Nancy and Bolly’s weekly floral factfile #3 Hydrangeas
Welcome to our ongoing campaign to make Wednesdays the prettiest day on the blog. Our regular columnists, fabulous, vintage-loving florist, Nancy Moon Flowers have already brought us a special factfile on Dahlias…
A Jenny Packham gown and a windswept beach in Scotland
Happy Monday folks. Today on the blog we have a very special bride (I adore her attitude, just read her moving write up) with one of the most beautiful dresses we’ve ever…
June 2013
Under the Vintage Veil’s weekly bulletin
Happy Saturday everyone. And on Saturday, they rested! Here are some of our highlights from Under the Vintage Veil and around the wedding world and beyond this week! We hope you enjoy……
The Beauty Spot Q&A with Chloe McCall MUA
Happy Tuesday folks. Today on the blog we have a very special treat – our very own beauty expert, make-up artist, Chloe McCall on hand to answer reader letters. Chloe is an…
May 2013
Reasons to (and not to) get married in… the battle of the seasons
Good morning weddingverse! I hope everyone is having a lovely day today. So you’re getting wed. You have one thing figured out, the groom – but where do you start? In every…
Businesses that blog: how to get started
This post is by special request. I write a lot of business posts (don’t worry, brides, the rest of the week is all weddings so please do check back) and have had…
A whimsical secret garden moodboard, courtesy of Hawke and Hughes
Good afternoon brides and grooms. Today on the blog we have beautiful inspiration from the wonderful Emma Zamani-Hawke and Sam Hughes of luxury wedding & event design company, Hawke and Hughes on…
A dramatic, modern bridal twist on Victorian theatre
Happy Friday everyone. Today we have the great pleasure of featuring photography by Rebecca Douglas . This theatrical shoot draws inspiration from different historical sources, and I thought it was really original,…
February 2013
Vintage real bride Nicole – with 8 weeks to go
Today we have a fabulous double bill of our real bride, Nicole, on the blog owing to a two week absence on our part! Nicole is a 33 year old bride from…
Welcome Emily’s Best to Under the Vintage Veil
We’re excited to welcome the very “sweet” Emily’s Best to Under the Vintage Veil! Emily’s Best are a wonderful travelling pop-up traditional sweet shop, supplying real traditional British sweets in an old-fashioned…
Starting again – a reintroduction to Under the Vintage Veil
So tomorrow’s the big day. I come back to work full time after a very long and difficult six months . In fact, it seems appropriate that today is our six month…
To my father.
My dear friends, I’m so very sorry for my prolonged absence. Under the Vintage Veil will resume normal business at the beginning of next week. I’m also so sorry to those who…
January 2013
Under the Vintage Veil’s top twenty wedding pet peeves (in no particular order)
Does what it says on the tin. All a matter of personal opinion – no offence intended. Unless you’re a chair cover. ♥ Chair covers. I’m sorry if your business is supplying…
Running a business: when everything else is falling apart
Life is thoroughly unpredictable. Until August 2012 I was on top of the world. I’d just settled into my own pattern of running a business, with a strict schedule, methods and a…
A warm welcome to the Vintage Chic Wedding Fair
We’re delighted to welcome the Vintage Chic Wedding Fair to Under the Vintage Veil. Described as “vintage with a modern twist, and a fun an relaxing vibe” the Vintage Chic Wedding Fair…
November 2012
Something to Brighten your day… Spring Pantone 2013 Colours
Today we’re bringing you Meryl’s take on Pantone’s Spring 2013 colours . Today Meryl looks at Greyed Jade inspiration. We hope you enjoy and it brings some sunshine to your day! If…
For the love of music
It is one of those many arguments that can make or break a dance floor on the night of your wedding: What do people like to dance to? Should you play the…
Scrumptious Heart Cookies
Everyone loves cookies and sometimes we even give our guests cookies at our weddings for favours. My favourite past time (when not watching rubbish on TV) is to bake for my husband.…
Spring Colour 2013 by Meryl Part 6 – Sweet Nectarine
Today we’re bringing you Meryl’s take on Pantone’s Spring 2013 colours . Today Meryl looks at Nectarine inspiration. We hope you enjoy and it brings some sunshine to your day! If you…
Under the Vintage Veil welcomes Hairlooms Headpieces
We’re excited to welcome Hairlooms Headpieces to the blog! Hairlooms Headpieces make gorgeous one of a kind bridal headpieces using refashioned vintage jewellery. Proprietor Kristen says: ” Hairlooms Headpieces are not just…
Spring 2013 Colours by Meryl – Part 5 African Violet
Today we’re bringing you Meryl’s take on Pantone’s Spring 2013 colours . Today Meryl looks at African Violet inspiration. We hope you enjoy and it brings some sunshine to your day! If…
A very glamorous bride, a momentarily missing ring and a lovely lace dress: Kris and Rob
Morning all – today’s real wedding is just perfect for my mood: simple, chic and elegant. I do love a glamorous, Hollywood-inspired bride and Kris and Rob’s wedding did not disappoint. As…
Spring 2013 Colours with Meryl Part 4 – Linen Love
Today we’re bringing you Meryl’s take on Pantone’s Spring 2013 colours . Today Meryl looks at some Linen inspiration. We hope you enjoy and it brings some sunshine to your day! Linen…
A warm welcome to Wedique
Under the Vintage Veil is excited to welcome online wedding accessory boutique Wedique to the blog! All of their products are handmade from scratch from the highest quality materials, making their quality…
Spring 2013 Colours with Meryl Part 3- Poppy Red
Every day for ten days we’re bringing you Meryl’s take on Pantone’s Spring 2013 colours . Today Meryl looks at some Poppy Red inspiration. We hope you enjoy and it brings some…
A 1930s-inspired chic affair
Morning lovelies. Today I have one heck of a treat for you, if I do say so myself. This gorgeous bride is Alex Mannion of ‘ Pigeon and Quill ‘ wedding paper…
Spring 2013 colours with Meryl part 2 – Lemon Zest
Every day for ten days we’re bringing you Meryl’s take on Pantone’s Spring 2013 colours . Today Meryl looks at some Lemon Zest inspiration. We hope you enjoy and it brings some…
Crisis, opportunity and your wedding
According to my hero, Lisa Simpson (yes, really) the Chinese language uses the same word for “crisis” as it does for “opportunity” (actually, different word, same symbol apparently but anyway). It got…
Meaning your vows (in front of an audience)
I have a confession to make. In the run-up to my wedding, the thing I was the most nervous about (out of everything – which is saying something) was the idea of…
Florist’s Corner: How to choose the right florist – A guest post by Love From Katie
Happy Friday everyone! We have a special treat on the blog today – expert florist, Katie (of Love From Katie ) takes control of florist’s corner to give you some fab tips…
Sunny yellow rustic chic wedding inspiration – a styled shoot
When Claire Graham (a fabby photographer of Claire Graham Photography fame, for those who don’t know yet) approached me with this shoot, I was so excited. Partly because it’s bright colours and…
October 2012
A wonderful woodland celebration with rustic DIY details – and a vintage veil (of course)
I love a celebration in nature. This family wedding was submitted by Jonathon of PhotoGlow , who beautifully captured the magical essence of the day and Alice and Dan’s wonderful family dynamic.…
How to style a vintage-inspired Halloween wedding
I’ve never been a fan of fancy dress weddings. There’s something about getting married in witches hats or covered in fake blood that feels like it undermines the whole process. So when…
September 2012
An Indian and vintage-inspired real wedding – Maddy & Simon
Hardcore Under the Vintage Veil readers may remember that several months ago Maddy and Simon won their wedding photography with Cassandra Lane Photography right here on the blog. We’ve been on quite…
August 2012
The Calm before the Storm
Good morning , I hope you have all had a wonderful weekend. Today I am really happy to share with you a wonderful post by one of our readers and real brides,…
June 2012
A soft, vintage-inspired collaborative shoot, featuring Chez Bec accessories and styling by LuckySixpence Events
TGIF guys! Happy Friday! Happy weekend! I hope you guys all have some lovely plans – congratulations to those of you getting married! Eek! Today I have something so purdy to show…
Veilbash final recap – the official party pics by Sacco & Sacco
Veilbash party pictures – the final chapter of the story Sacco & Sacco saves the day Every major event has it’s little hiccough. Picture this: it’s the afternoon on the day of…
The final countdown – reducing your wedding stress
So it’s around a month and a half to go until my wedding day – and I don’t know about the rest of you lovely people with imminent weddings but I’ll be…
The Big Debate – is it OK to leave a wedding early?
Rawr – it’s Bridezilla Sara here again! Today I’ll be courting controversy again and stating in no uncertain terms that it’s never OK to leave a wedding early. OK, if you’re seriously…
May 2012
A fresh and floral spring US Real Wedding
Morning everyone! I was so happy when Carolyn Scott Photography sent me Abby and Stephen’s vintage-inspired wedding all the way from Raleigh, NC in the USA. I think Carolyn did an incredible…
Cake of the week: Roses and Pearls by Ivory & Rose Cake Company
Happy Monday everyone! So far I’ve kept to my little schedule pretty well! Very proud of myself. Today I have a really lovely, elegant design to show you – a beautiful pearls…
An artistic Brighton love shoot
OK – you caught me! I can’t resist a Brighton backdrop! But these photos are so beautifully artistic I’m sure I wouldn’t have been able to say no anyway! Check out the…
The Big Debate: who should give you away on your wedding day?
I was having a chat with a good friend of mine recently who isn’t so keen on the concept of marriage. She doesn’t have a problem with the idea of committing to…
April 2012
Everything you need to know about wedding speeches
Happy Sunday everyone. The closer it gets to your wedding day, the more Sunday’s you’re probably spending frantically planning last-minute details. I’ve written about who should get to make speeches before but…
Florist’s corner: Jay Archer Floral Design’s comprehensive guide to flower budgets
Morning everyone – this piece by Jay Archer Floral Design is so good I don’t need to say a thing! Enjoy! Budgets. Money. The essential thing we all need to talk about…
An Alice in Wonderland real wedding
Morning everyone – I’ve added a little disclaimer, UTVV HQ has been struck by a terrible stomach bug *sob* so I may be slower in responding to comments, tweets and emails than…
January 2012
Pretty in powder blue – Inspiration board
It’s nearly the weekend – and while lots of you are probably gearing up for a big one, I’m feeling the chilled vibe today. So my scheduled post went out the window…
Marriage and illness – when those vows mean everything
A while ago I told you all about my long-standing battle with depression . It was a scary, painful but wonderfully cathartic thing to do and I was overwhelmed by the wonderful,…
The big debate: Sex before marriage
Let’s face it, sex is no longer personal. It’s sort of taken for granted that, while the bride may be wearing white, she’s not particularly nervous about her wedding night. But there…
December 2011
A very glamorous vintage inspiration shoot
Who’s up for some classic vintage inspiration? I’ll hand over to the very lovely Sylvia from Paul Nelson Images (who shot these beautiful pictures) to tell you all about this gorgeous shoot!…
DIY: Make your own fabric and lace jars
Ah the simple jar – you’ve come under a bit of fire recently! People say you’re overdone, that your day has passed! Well, my little glass friend, I have to say I…
And the winning couple is…
Thank you so much to everyone who entered and voted in the engagement shoot competition. Five lovely couples battled it out but in the end only one could win the engagement shoot…
June 2011
Wedding tools #1 – Top Table Planner
This week I’ll be writing about some of the tools that have made my life easier while planning my wedding! The first is Top Table Planner . For just £10 for six…
How to set a budget (and stick to it)
The first thing to do when you’re setting your budget is to be realistic about it. This blog post assumes you’re paying for at least some of your wedding, but if you’re…
Vintage finds #4 – andallthingsnice.net
Online decorations shop, http://www.andallthingsnice.net has been getting some great coverage in wedding magazines lately. So I logged on to the site to see what all the fuss was about – and I…
Vintage finds #3 – Rock n Rose
Today’s vintage finds come from Rock n Rose ! Some seriously quirky accessories for the unconventional bride. There’s a huge selection, but my favourites are as follows: Something blue Key themes are…
Vintage finds #2 – Abigail’s Vintage Bridal
My favourite vintage find today is this seriously incredible wedding dress website! Based in the East Midlands, Abigail’s Vintage Bridal has a selection of dresses online and you can try them on…
Vintage finds #1 – Flo & Percy
Every day this week I’ll be choosing my favourite vintage bridalwear find of the day. Today’s winner is Flo & Percy - the champions of pretty retro headgear for your wedding. All…
Choosing your guest list – who are your real friends?
Before I got engaged, I didn’t quite realise or appreciate the way in which getting married forces you to re-evaluate your friendships. I had always assumed that friends I hadn’t seen for…
A shabby chic wedding on a budget – top 10 ways to save money
The venue. There are many cheap and cheerful venues that can still look effortlessly chic given the right finishing touches. For example, don’t rule out your local village hall. For a nominal…
How to pick your venue – the top 10 must-ask questions
Although it sounds simple enough, there are about a million factors to consider in choosing your venue. I’ll try to cover just ten of the crucial questions you need to ask before…