Claire and Dave...

How do I begin to tell you about the wedding of two of the most fabulous and creative people I have the pleasure of knowing?

After 8 years together, 3 of which were in spent living in Germany, Claire and Dave were officially married in Denmark in early 2011. However, they chose to celebrate their day by holding their wedding in Blue Mountain Heights in Queensland, on the 24^th of March 2012 at Claire’s family home.

Their day was handmade and stunning, with the quirky, vintage styling of Claire and her mother, Jo. From the bunting lining the inside of the marquees, to the jars of preserves and jams as favours for the guests, the work that into this wedding was extensive, and the end result was magic. Her stunning sister Evelyn made the delectable cake and our dessert for the evening - home made ice-cream in an array of flavours with biscotti (one of my particularly favourite foods!). 

Claire derives from a terribly talented family. Being a graphic artist and business owner of Fellow Fellow in Singapore, she painstakingly created the invites for their guests, as well as the white dotted garlands decorating the ceremony venue and the bunting that was hung intermittently with the fairy lights in the marquees at the reception. We drank champagne, dined, laughed and cried along with beautiful speeches, and then got up to dance the rest of the night away to the swingin' tunes from a jazz band on the grass. 

This was truly an exceptional wedding. It was so Claire and Dave, and their love and joy was the undertone for the entire day. My favourite part of the whole day - watching Dave, who couldn't wipe the smile of his face every time he looked at Claire. It is a wonderful thing to know one of your most beloved people in this world is so dearly loved and adored. 

Enjoy... 

Photos by Bec Johnson Photography. (I also happen to adore this amazing photographer!)

B & T...

I wonder what has taken me so long to write this post. It is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, one of my most beloved shops to date. Presents, gift cards, even random conversation about it are always breathlessly welcome, and you're about to find out (if you didn't already know!). 

Blake & Taylor is placed conveniently and appropriately in my well-loved precinct of Paddington, and is a site to behold. Situated on a busy corner of Latrobe Terrace, B & T is like a shining beacon of provincial home wares, stunning gifts, perfect, vintage home decor pieces and delectable tea and scones from their cosy little kitchen. Those of you who know me need me to say no more - the minute they see the words 'provincial', 'vintage' and 'tea' they know I'm in love, and in love forever. 

The picturesque building that houses the bespoke world of Blake & Taylor was built around 1890, and has been renovated in a cool, calming neutral palette. 

As you step through the heavy doors, you are engulfed in the aroma of coffee and delicious candles, and the lulling streams of yesteryear French songbirds. The first time entered this store, I almost swooned from the quaintness of it all! Sounds of coffee/tea making create a sense of stepping through your own front door, and you are instantly put at ease. Whether this is a stroke of luck or a well orchestrated strategy, it is working. You can spend an immense amount of time wandering back and forth through the impeccably styled displays. Literally. I spent a good hour there on the weekend, and I didn't even sit to have tea! 

It is plain to see that Blake & Taylor is a labour of much love, stunning taste and a need to surround people with beauty. If you have not yet done so, take some time one of these days to discover this treasure. You will thank me...

Photos from Blake & Taylor and the stunning blog of Chantelle Grady Little Things.

Dry July...

Where HAVE I been? A whole July with not one post. Fairly slack on my behalf, and with not a great excuse. Work gets to you, the house work gets to you, LIFE gets to you. But we're all in the same boat, right?
I am about to have a few changes in my life, work wise, so I feel that it's time to make some even bigger changes - make some decisions that I have previously been scared to, take steps towards a happier, healthier me, and do what makes me feel creative and satisfied with life.
So... watch this space... or maybe even another one... I'll keep you posted.
Just know, I haven't forgotten you, little blog....