Mr & Mrs

It's been about 8 months since me and my (now) husband decided to set up out little business hanpainting wooden letters.  Since then we have had countless orders from mostly brides, some grooms and a few mother- in-laws.  We have painted letters in black, white, ivory, pink (lots of shades of),blue, gold, silver, red, beige, magnolia and many many more.

We have had some orders from home owners looking to decorate their house with unique words such as 'Sweetdreams' 'ZZZ', and 'Mmm... (including the dots!!)'.

Every time we paint a set of letters we try to take a photo to update our website
I can honestly say that every set of letters looks fantastic.  We really love it when one of our brides takes the time to send us a picture of our letters in action via facebook
It makes our day to see the letters in such beautiful settings.  We also welcome any comments on our facebook page from our happy customers.

At the minute we are busy painting everyday.  We have a little workshop set up at home and happily sit with the radio on painting away.  While the weather is fine we have started to do the 'shabby chicing' outside in the sunshine with the chickens roaming around the place.  They are very intrigued to see what we are doing and very disappointed when they realise that letters aren't edible!! 

To totally change the subject, the chickens are so cute or be it naughty!  They love the sunshine.  They spent their days lounging in the sun and dust bathing in the borders.  Occasionally they find the time to try and nibble some of our newly sprouting vegetables!!  Aside from this occasional naughtiness they are really sweet natured girls and lay us an egg a day.  I end up making cakes every week and having egg sandwiches at least twice a week.  They are the best eggs you could ever taste.  If anyone would be interested in giving a home to battery hens then more information can be found at http://www.freshstartforhens.co.uk/

Wedding Tips and Hints

Just a few bits and bobs that I've picked up on in the wedding business.

• Take a pack of safety pins and a min sewing kit with you for any emergencies.
• If the groomsmen are nervous about the speeches think about having them before the meal so that everyone can relax and enjoy the food that you have forked out for!!
• Print out a list of timings and suppliers phone numbers for the best man and bridesmaids to keep for emergencies.
• Put a basket of deodorant, body spray, hairspray, wet wipes, hair gel etc in the toilets for guests (and you!) to use.  
• Make sure the flowers don't drip water on your dress by wrapping the stems in toilet roll for a few minutes before picking them up.
• Before the big day create a checklist for the groom of things he needs to remember to bring with him on the big day.
• Wear a top with buttons down the front for your hair and makeup appointment so that you don't smudge your makeup or ruin your hair by taking it off over your head!
• Make a list of everything that you want back from the venue so that you can check it off the morning after.
• Buy heel stoppers http://prettypinktoes.co.uk/default.aspx to stop your feet sinking for the photos.
• Put some blank cd's on the tables with a note asking guests to upload any photos they have and post them to you.
• Take a mini medicine 'cabinet' with you - paracetamol, imodium, Kalms, Good Nytol etc
• EAT BREAKFAST!

* http://www.lovelettersdirect.weebly.com

Nearly a month married!!

So it's been 26days since our lovely wedding.  We are now blissfully married.  I can't believe how much I loved the whole getting married thing.  I was so nervous in the morning (and all night that the night before!), it was all I could do stop the tears rolling down my cheeks during the ceremony.  The registrar was so nice and kind to me that I felt like I didn't have to worry about anything.  Anyone getting married in Warwickshire you have made a good choice!!BROWNSOVER HALL HOTEL RUGBY

Equally the venue was stunning as I knew it would be, and the staff were fantastic.  They really could not do anything more for us!  Our every wish was their command! We couldn't have asked for more.  Brownsover Hall really is where the magic happens.

Speaking of Brownsover Hall, we exhibited there at the wedding fayre on Sunday.  I hope that they managed to book a few weddings just on my compliments about them to the brides I met.  We set up our stall right in front of the beautiful fireplace.  We met lots of lovely wedding suppliers and loads of excited brides and grooms.  We managed to take a lot of orders on the day and have had loads of enquiries since.  I can't believe the amount of brides having winter weddings at Brownsover.  But then again it would be a perfect wintry venue with candlelight and fireplaces and deep rich red walls.  Mind you it was perfect for us on our hot spring wedding day too.  There are two fireplaces that could be decorated with our letters (one in the reception room and one in the ceremony room there are also lots of shelves too).

Meanwhile back in the painting shop (our dining room) our table is littered with letters for orders we have taken.  We are painting day and night at the moment.  You can tell that the wedding season is upon us!!  I am so jealous!!!  We are getting excited about what colours people are choosing.  Ivory shabby chic is still the favourite, followed by gold and shiny!!  A couple of brides at the wedding fayre were having more unusual colours like orange and brown or red and green.  The choice is endless!  Whatever your colour choice we can create your words to match.

A wedding experience

We were exhibiting at the Kelmarsh Hall Wedding Experience on Sunday and we are still buzzing with excitement. The weather was beautiful and the marquee was in full sunshine for most of the day. The daffodils and crocuses were sparkling in the sunshine.

We would like to thank all of the brides for visiting us at our stall. Everyone was so positive and that is just what you need when you are starting a new business venture. We met some lovely suppliers too. Tracey from Edward and Emma was so friendly and helpful. Her stand looked fantastic. She has even offered her help when I am creating my own table plan in the next few days!! David Hughes(David Hughes Photography) was on the stand next to us and we are now friends on Facebook. His photography really is fantastic. Several of the photographers said that they would be interested in buying some letters for props. There were some lovely flower displays too.

In the main house there was a roaring fire with a fantastic fireplace that our letters would look great on. One couple are going to measure up to check that their surname will fit along the mantelpiece and then are placing an order.

We were offering a ten per cent discount to anyone that placed an order as a result of the wedding fayre so we wait with bated breath to see if any orders come through as a result.

We are just hoping now that the interest turns in to orders.

Kelmarsh Hall is a stunning venue.

Wedding Fayre

Just a quick note to say that we will be exhibiting at the Kelmarsh Hall Wedding Experience on Sunday 20th March.  Please come along and say hello to us.  We will have a special offer on the day for any orders we take.

Plus size brides

In my opinion building up to your own wedding is a stressful time for any bride. We want to look our best and will stop at nothing to get there. Being a plus size bride myself I have the extra anxiety of wanting to be a size 10 model bride but knowing that this is not going to happen. I have decided to give some of the tips and ideas I have found in my search for ways to help me with my confidence on my wedding day.

First off all I have managed to shed a few pounds since our engagement. I haven't lost as much as I would have liked but I have gone down a couple of dress sizes so I'm feeling a lot happier about wearing my dress. I chose my dress months ago and bought it in a size 16. I haven't been able to get in to it yet so have decided to be realistic and sell it. I've bought it again in the next size up and this fits perfectly.





With the aid of some magic underwear such as Gok Wans sex kitten corset I will be feeling confident all day.

I would also advise that if you aren't that comfortable with your arms then invest in a shrug of some sort to wear if you feel the need. There are some lovely ones like this one from Dorothy Perkins

The main thing to remember is that everyone is there because they love you and want to share in your joy. Don't let yourself get too hung up trying to be the perfect model bride. Enjoy your day and when you look back on your photos you will look gorgeous!!!

Childs Play

Some ideas for those who are inviting children to their wedding day. Firstly remember that it is a long day and children don't enjoy the same things as adults. Make them feel special and maybe just maybe they will behave!!!

During the service perhaps put a little reading book on their chair so that they can entertain themselves quietly whilst the grown ups watch the ceremony. For after the ceremony make sure they are provided with some confetti as they will love throwing it everywhere (some might even land on the bride and groom!)

Get them involved in the photos by buying a disposable camera and asking them to take some pictures of the day. They will relish this task and you might get some really interesting children's eye view shots of your special day. For the formal photos make sure you get any involving the kids over with first of all. Then they can be sent off to run about the grounds while the other shots are taken.

For the wedding breakfast put them all together on a children's only table. Give them pass the parcel type favours and colouring books. Bubbles will go down a storm. Make sure that you have a good selection of non alcoholic drinks for them. They could even have their lemonade in a champagne flute so that they can toast the bride and groom.

After the ceremony why not set up a pinata packed with sweets for them to bash to pieces and enjoy the sweets. This will keep them entertained for the beginning of the evening reception and tire them out also. Have a children's medley of songs early doors and they will be up and dancing away. The birdy song is always a winner for adults and children alike!!!

Children can make a wedding extra special. They just need a bit of extra consideration.