Getting to Know... White Room Events

White Room Events | Adelaide SA | Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

What’s your favourite part of your job?
Getting to know the brides, grooms and their families, and being able to use my creativity while making memories for them on one of the most important days in people lives, I love what I do!

What are you reading at the moment?
Not Dead & Not for Sale, A Memoir – by Scott Weiland lead singer of the Stone Temple Pilots, if I’m not reading this or mags, you’ll find me reading Hairy Maclary 

What are you lusting after at the moment?
I am about to start living life as a farm gal, so I am coveting after some baby goats.

Top three songs on your play list?
I love all music, all of it. Top 3 too hard to choose.. But these are in my top 10 :)
Leonard Cohen – Suzanne
The Doors – Love Street
Led Zeppelin - Misty Mountain Hop

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
If I’m lucky enough to be with the bride as she is about to walk down the aisle, my favourite moment is just before she starts her walk, there is something so sacred about it.

Who inspires you?
I am inspired by kindness and selflessness in people, in ‘real life’ my beautiful friends, I'm in constant awe of my husband and children. Creatively my daily motivators are The Flash Dance and  Joy Thigpen and as a Mother Amanda Soule and Kelly Hampton I could go on and on, I have a major list of daily reads from all sorts of different people.

Favourite Cocktail?
I'm a Wild Turkey drinker, love that American Honey. However, if I had to pick a cocktail it would be something involving fresh mint.

What does it take to impress you?
Work ethic, genuineness, people who don’t try to hard and I love a rebel… especially of the wedding industry variety.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Live in the Sunshine!
I’m a huge believer in surrounding myself with positive people and energy. It’s a fool proof way to happiness and contentment.

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
Breakfast with my husband and 3 boys, a trip to the newsagency for some reading material, a drive into the Adelaide Hills, a nice long lunch and home cooked dinner in front of the telly.

Black Tie or Casual?
I like both, I’m more a frock girl, I don’t even own a pair of pants apart from jeans.

Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hens party’
No idea, can we just do away with ‘hens party’s’ all together, no good comes from people drinking through willy straws.

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
Plants. I gave curry plants for a curry night, was a hit!

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
I have no idea what the best gift would be, I live a very blessed life but I love handmade gifts, paintings and drawings from my children warm my soul.

Three words that describe you best.
Authentic, Devoted, Blessed, Earthy, Mama (that wasn’t three was it)

Thanks so much for allow us to get to know you a little better today Emily!

Getting to Know... Smash Photography

Portobello Bride Member: Photography
Smash Photography | Elsternwick VIC | Website | Blog | Facebook

What’s your favourite part of your job?
Bren: Every wedding is unique. We never do the same thing twice.
Rom: When something unplanned, goes right.
We recently shot a wedding where every part was scripted and arranged by the bride, we had a shot list that included which photograph to take under which tree at an exact time. It was all outdoors and the heavens opened up and all the plans went to pieces. Everyone expected the bride to be devastated but instead, she shrugged her shoulders and laughed the whole day, the photographs were absolutely priceless and so were their memories.

What are you reading at the moment?
Rom: Life - by Keith Richards
Bren: You've got that book? I was going to buy it. Can I get it from you when you're done?
Rom: Yeah, everybody thought he'd forget everything during his hey day, but, he remembered it all.

What are you lusting after at the moment?
Bren: You usually lust after the thing you can't have, and if you were to get it, the initial desire fades quickly. That's the difference between lust and love, isn't it?

Top three songs on your play list?
Rom: We tend to listen to albums rather than liking individual songs that flood the market and this list changes daily!
1. Radiohead - The King of Limbs
2. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Its a Blitz
3. PJ Harvey - Let England Shake

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
Rom: When the Bride's mother winks at me
Bren: When the groom winks at me!

Who inspires you?
Bren: Anyone who can succeed over impossible odds.
Rom: People who do whatever they do and do it well. Whether you are a rocket scientist, stamp collector or a garbage collector. "That's the 'best' damn garbage collection I've ever done!  Look at this street, it's immaculate".

Favourite Cocktail?
Rom: Grand Gold Margherita!
Bren: Yeah, the way they make them at Amigo's in Carlton.

What does it take to impress you?
Rom: A beautiful photograph
Bren: An impressive person who makes no effort to be impressive.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Bren: Don't give up your day job. My day job was photography.
Rom: Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once!

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
Rom: Running in slow motion on a beach, especially when it's raining...cause no-one can see you cry.
Bren: Breakfast at Loco's in Elsternwick, and on a summer evening, a Grand Gold Margherita followed by a walk along the beach to see who's playing at the Espy .

Black Tie or Casual?
Bren: I'm never invited to events that require a black tie.
Rom: When we were photographing a wedding in India, we were asked to wear a traditional Kurtha. Awkward to photograph in but we did look pretty sharp!

Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hens party’
Bren: My wife tells me a hens party is when they all sit around drinking herbal tea for the night.
Rom: Yes but when she told you that, all her friends started giggling and winking at each other.
Bren: And she always comes home from those things with her clothes all disheveled and a really bad headache.
Rom: Sounds like she comes home drunk.
Bren: From herbal tea? Yeah, right!

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
Bren: I don't even know what that means.
Rom: They mean like on a plane, dont you give your air hostess a gift. I do.
Bren: I guess that's why I never get bumped up to first class.

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
Bren: The gift of humility. And good looks.
Rom:  The 10 dollar wedding ring my wife bought me on our way to get married in Las Vegas.

Three words that describe you best.
Bren: Rom and I would have the same answer on this I think:
Driven
Dedicated
Perfectionist
We're quite similar in many ways. We've known each other so long we often finish each others...
Rom: Sandwiches!

Thanks Bren and Rom for the entertaining look into your lives!
Smash Photography is a Member of the Portobello Bride Wedding Directory.

Fenton & Fenton's New Online Store

Portobello Bride Directory Member Fenton & Fenton have launched a new online store. Now you can buy their range of unique homewares, decorator items and accessories from the comfort of your own home! Any item from the Fenton & Fenton range would make an amazing wedding gift, so why not sign up for their Gift Registry service?

Here are some of our favourite items:

[Bone Inlay Bedside Table]

[Sima Handbag]

[Industrial Lamp]

Head on over to the Fenton & Fenton online store to see the full range!

EmmyRose Winter Sale - 60% off!

Portobello Bride Member EmmyRose is currently having a Winter Sale with 60% off everything [except wedding stationery]. This would be the perfect time to stock up on Thank You notes, gifts tags, twine and much more!

There are gorgeous packs of Thank You notes, perfect for newlyweds - which were $24 and are now just $12 for packs of 10.

All illustrations are done by designer Emily and printed on 100% recycled paper with accompanying recycled envelopes.

Head on over to the EmmyRose Store to take a look at all the wonderful savings!

Beautiful and Unique Flowers by Blumin

Have you every wondered what it must be like to plan a wedding which is to be held in a different country to that which you currently reside in? Well, this is the challenge that faced Canadian Rebecca as she planned her Melbourne wedding to Fiance Paul. Of course the Internet became an invaluable tool, and when it came to planning the flowers for her big day Rebecca found one of our favourites, Blumin in our Boutique Wedding Guide.

When Sandy rang me to tell me a Bride-to-Be in Canada found her through our website, I was thrilled. We love hearing from our members about weddings they are part of through being listed on Portobello, so it  was very exciting for us at Portobello and the ladies at Blumin to hear from a couple overseas.

Sandy and the team's initial brief was: “We are hoping to achieve a rustic but classic style for our outdoor garden wedding and would like the flowers to reflect this. We would also like to keep to seasonal flowers grown locally wherever possible and noticed this is something you do!". The rest of the arrangements were handled over the internet and by phone. Then, in March the big day arrived. Here are some gorgeous photos by Njoy The Moment of the celebration.

“Echinacea flower heads” were used as they were always in bloom when Rebecca visited Melbourne from Canada. Raspberry coloured Dahlias and Blackberries were a key theme, and the use of old fashioned mason-type glass vases for the outdoor setting.

Rebecca and Paul were delighted with their flowers on the day. It might be daunting organising a wedding away from home, but the key is to find a suppier who understands the theme and styling you are after and to leave it in their capable hands! The Portobello Bride Boutique Wedding Guide is a great place to begin your search for a quality and unique suppliers if we do say so ourselves!

Thanks to Sandy from Blumin for sharing this great story with us and to Njoy The Moment for sharing the gorgeous images.

Getting to Know... babycakes

Portobello Bride Member: Cake Designers
babycakes | Elwood VIC | Website

What’s your favourite part of your job?
Meeting new people and sampling all of the freshly baked cakes!

What are you reading at the moment?
Unfortunately I don’t get much time to read as much as I would like. I am reading the current
 Gourmet Traveller and a novel called “The White Queen”.

What are you lusting after at the moment?
Fresh figs from a neighbour's garden; gorgeous copper saucepans and new 
season's Winter boots

Top three songs on your play list?
Bag Raiders – Sunlight;
LCD Soundsystem – Home;
Arcade Fire – The Suburbs

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
Watching the groom's face light up as the bride walks down the aisle

Who inspires you?
Daniel Chirico – Baker D. Chirico : he is an artisan baker who has stood the test of time and remained true to his product; delicious bread and beautifully packaged

Heston Blumenthal – 3 Michelin star chef who had the passion to succeed although not formally trained. He is a creative genius and I love is obsession with food from history

Peggy Porschen – highly talented cake designer. She creates exquisite cakes and is very generous with imparting her knowledge onto others

Favourite Cocktail?
Classic Gin and Tonic with lots of fresh lime

What does it take to impress you?
People who show initiative and have a genuine passion for what they do

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
“Don’t sweat the small stuff”; “Under sell & over-deliver”

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
We start work at 4am (ouch…)  six days a week so a Sunday sleep-in followed by a lazy brunch reading magazines and then a walk on the beach

Black Tie or Casual?
Casual – I prefer cocktail or lounge suit

Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hens party’
Girls day out

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
Homemade jam

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
Beautiful flowers

Three words that describe you best.
Sincere, ambitious, sensitive

Thanks for sharing with us today Kerrie!
babycakes is a member of the Portobello Bride Boutique Wedding Guide.

Getting to Know... In The Booth

Portobello Bride Member: Photo Booths
In The Booth | Brisbane, QLD | Website | Blog | Facebook

What’s your favourite part of your job?
When we hear stories from brides after their wedding saying that their husband-to-be was dead against having a photo booth but then said afterwards it was the best decision they made for their wedding.

What are you reading at the moment?
‘Tangled’ the book with our six year old daughter.

What are you lusting after at the moment?
To be honest, nothing.  I just had a birthday and my family and friends know me well. I was very spoilt.

Top three songs on your play list?
Ummm am I allowed to say I don’t have a playlist?!  Our daughter is into Justine Clarke so listening to Justine in the car is about the extent of my musical repertoire at the moment.

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
The dancing.

Who inspires you?
People that still make time for other people no matter how busy they get.

Favourite Cocktail?
Midori Splice

What does it take to impress you?
Reliability, commitment and attention to detail.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Stop trying to do everything yourself.

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
Going to church and spending the day with my family.

Black Tie or Casual?
Black tie.  I think it was better when people dressed every day in what we now refer to as ‘dressing up’.

Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hens party’
Not very catchy or marketable but ‘Don’t do something you’ll regret’!

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
Calling beforehand and asking what they’ve forgotten that they need picked up from the shops on the way over!

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
Hand written notes from our two children. Our eight year old son wrote “say bye to the young times” on my 30th birthday card recently.  Nice huh!?

Three words that describe you best.
Wife. Mum. Tea-a-holic.

Thanks so much for sharing with us today Kate!
In the Booth is a member of the Portobello Bride Boutique Wedding Guide.

Getting to Know... Emici Bridal

Portobello Bride Member: Bridal Accessories
Emici Bridal | Washington State, USA | Website | Store | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

What’s your favourite part of your job?
I would have to say client photos. The first time I got some I actually cried a little. It’s one thing to design an accessory in your studio. It’s quite another to see it in the bigger picture that it was intended for with your actual clients.

What are you reading at the moment?
Voltaire: In His Letters. I picked up an old copy while looking for antique books. They are personal letters written by Voltaire to various people and about various things. Fantastic insight into such an amazing mind and time.

What are you lusting after at the moment?
To be truthful I don’t lust after much... except perhaps a vintage brooch or textile. That can turn my head. Admiring something is a whole other story though. I can and do admire many things but still do not want to take them home.

Top three songs on your play list?
This is such a hard question! I am a music nut. Just so that I can say I gave a solid effort for this here are three from among the many that I really love:
Cat Power – Metal Heart The Jukebox version. I know there are a lot of purists that love the older version of hers but how she sings the first line in this version kills me every time. It cuts me to the core. Her voice is amazing and she is so delightfully unpredictable.
Swell Season – Low Rising Simply pulls you in and won’t let go.
Band of Horses – Our Swords The bass in this anchors it in a way that I could listen to forever.

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
It is impossible to deny the power of the moment when the couple first see each other just before they are married. I get misty just thinking about it.

Who inspires you?
I am inspired by so many people and things. When I go out I will mentally deconstruct things that I see to relate to what I do. Last time I was out I took a cell phone photo of a city drain cover because the pattern was so beautiful.

Favourite Cocktail?
Don’t have one, is that strange?

What does it take to impress you?
Passion, kindness and a sense of humour combine for an impressive combination of character I think. Those people impress me.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Never be afraid to fail, it’s a stepping stone to success. I fail all the time and it’s great!

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
I love to wander with my family. I think some of the best days are ones that are not planned but you just go. That way you can find things you would have never seen.

Black Tie or Casual?
Black tie is fun but I have to go with casual.

Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hens party’
Tumble party. Jack and Jill went up the hill... and Jill came tumbling after. I would like to say because she fell in love.

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
Decadent desserts! Sweets AND a party? What could be better?

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
It has to be my kids. I love being a mom and spending time with them.

Three words that describe you best.
Rapt, resourceful and driven.


Thanks so much for sharing with us today Marie!
Emici Bridal is a member of the Portobello Bride Boutique Wedding Guide. While Marie is located in the USA she does ship her gorgeous items to Australia.

Engagement Mexican Cake Trio by Cake Ink

A gorgeous Mexican bird bunting from super-talented NZ design house Citta Design was the inspiration behind this fresh and summery cake table put together for a recent outdoor engagement fiesta by the amazing duo of Portobello Bride Member Cake Ink. Three coordinated cakes decorated with hand made large sugar roses and rustic piping were the focal point against an airy aqua and white backdrop. Refreshing iced tea accompanied the rich slices of cake. Guests took home a bar of hand made soap which were wrapped in beautiful floral fabric, held together with custom matching labels as a party favour.

The colours are so spectacular - so fresh, bright, Summery and festive!

The simple styling really lets the patterns and colours sing!

Gorgeous!

[The bird bunting, tea towel and napkins are all from Citta Design]

What a fun, but stylish way to celebrate an engagement! This could also be a great theme for a Bridal Show, Couple's Shower, or even a rehearsal dinner!

A big thank you to Janelle and Samone for sharing their amazing work with us! See more of their gorgeous styling on the Cake Ink Blog.

Cake Ink is part of the Portobello Bride Boutique Wedding Guide along with many other unique and wonderful wedding vendors.

Getting to Know... The Little White Wedding Company

Portobello Bride Member: Wedding Coordinator
The Little White Wedding Company | Brisbane QLD | Website | Store | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

What’s your favourite part of your job?

It’s hard to narrow this down to just one aspect. Being involved in the planning and styling process as well as being there on the day means I’m lucky enough to be exposed to different styles and creative elements and also experience many beautiful moments throughout the wedding day.

 Throughout the planning process an obvious favourite is designing styling concepts that reflects each couple and is infused with their personalities. This means that every job is unique and for weddings more often than not involves collaborating with a florist which is always a favourite with me… I’m a huge floral lover! 

Something a little less “attractive” but which gives me great satisfaction comes in the final stages when I’m putting the final touches on the run sheet for the wedding day. After working on each wedding for what can be over 12 months it’s a great feeling to see all of the individual pieces fall into place to create one magnificent event for a couple I have become quite fond of.



What are you reading at the moment?
When it’s not the numerous wedding blogs I’m constantly scouring it’s actually En Francais. It may sound odd but I’m planning on jet setting to parts of Europe in the middle of next year so am polishing up my French.

What are you lusting after at the moment?
I think the question should be what aren’t I lusting after at the moment?! In terms of weddings, another exciting overseas challenge – any takers? Personally though I quite fancy Burt’s Bees Radiance Serum, Chloe Pleated silk-crepe dress (preferably to wear to my sister’s wedding), anything from Jo Malone and a beautiful day in the sun with my family.

Top three songs on your play list?

Factory by Band of Horses
You’ve Got the Love by Florence & The Machine    

French Navy by Camera Obscura

Nothing fresh off the radio but I keep coming back to them

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?

During a wedding my favourite moment is a little corny and clichéd but please stick with me… when the bride first steps into her groom’s line of sight the emotions that are expressed on his face are once-in-a-lifetime (except for possibly the look on a father’s face meeting his newborn for the first time). I’m not going to lie; it brings out the romantic in me!

 Later on in the evening, when the couple see their reception for the first time and their jaws hit the floor, that’s also priceless and gives me a great sense of achievement… another job well done.

Who inspires you?
My family
Jeff Leatham (my current obsession!)
Mindy Weiss 
The wonderful woman behind Pulse Physiotherapy and a great friend of mine, Liz Quinn 
I’ve been very lucky and am surrounded by inspiring and supportive people so the list goes on, and on, and on…

Favourite Cocktail?

Lychee martini

What does it take to impress you?

Gratitude, confidence and hard work.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Never assume anything.

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
This is usually after I’ve completed a wedding so the answer is never going to be glamorous… face-planting my pillow.

Black Tie or Casual?
Depends on my mood.

Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hens party’
Bridal Soiree…maybe…anything is better than ‘Hens party’ right?

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
A beautiful scented candle

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
I’m not going to lie, I’ve been pretty spoilt for choice in this area but the most recent is my Kenneth Cole men’s watch I was given last Christmas. I had to pick my jaw up off the floor after I’d unwrapped the box.

Three words that describe you best.
An eternal student.

Thanks so much for sharing with us today Victoria!
The Little White Wedding Company is a member of the Portobello Bride Boutique Wedding Guide. Make sure you take a moment to view The Little White Wedding Company brand new website. It's gorgeous!

Autumn/Winter Wedding Moodboard Table Display

As you may remember before the Boutique Wedding Market we held a competition asking for submissions of moodboards for an Autumn/Winter wedding which would be turned into a live display as part of the market.

We had some lovely submissions and the board by Olivia Russell was the winner. This is Olivia's moodboard:

[click image for larger version]

[top row: Leo Farrel Photography | John Benavente | Stewart Leishman | Wood Chick Studios]

[middle row: Ed Dixon Food Design | via PS I Love You | Maggie Austin Cakes | via PS I Love You]

[bottom row: via PS I Love You | 15 Tangerines | Parasol image source unknown]

The gorgeous colours, textures, style and feel formed the inspiration for Leigh Murphy, Portobello Bride's stylist extraordinaire to plan, style and create the gorgeous display below.

[image by Blumin]

We would like to thank the following contributors for supplying the beautiful details that brought Olivia's vision to life:

Prop Hire (including table, chairs, map, bottles and jars, urns and crockery) :- Prop.d
Floral Arrangements: Blumin & Sinikka Floral Design
Catering: Ed Dixon Food Design
Parasols: Boston Umbrella Co. 
Antique Plates & Glassware: A Vintage Affair
Hand Painted Menus: Siobhan Donoghue Design
Place Cards : Orchard & Brown
Table Number Card: Letters To Vince
Invitations: A Little Birdie Design
Wedding Cake: Sweet! Cupcakes and Treats
Wedding Gown: Amaline Vitale
Bridesmaid Fashion: Anna Campbell
Styling Details: Georgeous

We hope those of you planning an Autumn or Winter wedding can find inspiration from these ideas.
Check out The Boutique Wedding Guide for more suppliers who can help make your unique wedding ideas a reality!

[unless stated, images ©The White Tree]

Getting To Know... Amy Oliver Photography

What’s your favourite part of your job?
I absolutely love hearing how my couples met and fell in love! *sigh* Oh and some of the moments I get to be apart of are pretty amazing! Like when there is no one at the house when the bride is getting ready because her Mum is still at the hairdressers getting her hair done and she needs help doing up the back of her dress? What a privilege it is to be apart of those precious moments!

What are you reading at the moment?
Blue like Jazz by Donald Miller and Real Living Magazine! (I’m a bit addicted to Real Living Mag)

What are you lusting after at the moment?
Oh that’s easy. A Nancybird bag. My other handbag has officially died and I am very distracted by this Nancybird bag right now.

Top three songs on your play list?
Animal Tracks by Mountain Man
January Wedding by Avett Brothers
Up on a Mountain by Welcome Wagon

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
I really love it when the bride has just put on her dress at home and then her father comes into the room and sees her for the first time. I have to hold back the tears! It’s such a beautiful moment.

Who inspires you?
Oh so many people! Anyone who is kind and creative!

Photographer- Jose Villa 
Teenage Photographer Nirrimi Hakanson 
Singer/Songwriter Brooke Fraser
Stylist- Ashley Meaders 
People giving back!

Is it really corny to say my husband Nathan? He totally inspires me in the way he always seeks to make fun in everything we do, even if it’s just going to the supermarket to get milk he has to make it fun!

Favourite Cocktail?
I’d totally prefer a glass of Red or Moscato!

What does it take to impress you?
Selflessness. People who put others before themselves and if I was being less serious then anyone who can sing and play guitar. That’s how my husband wooed me. lol.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Be the person your dog thinks you are. It just makes sense.

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
Sleep in. Church. Latte on the way home. DVD on the couch with hubby and our puppy ‘Bear.’ Afternoon nanna nap. Friends over for dinner.

Black Tie or Casual?
Definitely casual! I’d wear leggings and thongs everyday if I could!

Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hens' Party’
Chicken party? I don’t know!

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
Left-overs! Lol. Don’t people love left over food? That or flowers. 

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
Nath bought me a vintage piano one year! 

Three words that describe you best.
Creative. Tea-Drinker. Dreamer.

Thanks so much for sharing with us today Amy!

You can get in touch and find out more about Amy [and view her work] through the following:
Website | Facebook | Twitter

Getting to Know... Adrian Tuazon Photography

What’s your favourite part of your job?
Capturing the moments when people are at their happiest and sharing in that joy. I always shed a tear.

What are you reading at the moment?
Frankie Magazine

What are you lusting after at the moment?
A Leica M7 rangefinder camera and 50mm f0.95 Noctilux lens. It costs an arm and a leg and five world trips.

Top three songs on your play list?
Stillness of the Mind, Drowning and Snow - tracks from the motion picture soundtrack “A Single Man”. I listen to it while editing. Very emotive.

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
The vows.

Who inspires you?
Artists and photographers - Rodney Smith, Erik Almas, Ozzy Garcia, Jose Villa. And those dear to my heart – my family.

Favourite Cocktail?
I don’t really drink cocktails. I’m straight up wine or beer.

What does it take to impress you?
Intelligent, simple, honest and soulful work is powerful.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
To do your own thing and find your own vision.

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
Sleep in, read the paper, have brunch with the family and coffee.

Black Tie or Casual? 
I can do both.

Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hens party’:
A girlie affair.

Your favourite host gift to give?
A nice bottle of wine.

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
The birth of my son.

Three words that describe you best.
Detailed. Creative. Committed.

Thanks so much for sharing with us today Adrian. We are very much looking forward to having Adrian Tuazon Photography exhibiting at the Portobello Bride Boutique Wedding Market in Melbourne on March 26 and 27!

To find out even more about Adrian Tuazon Photography and see Adrian's work visit:
Website | Twitter | Blog
 

Getting to Know... James Tudball of The White Tree

What’s your favourite part of your job?
Getting to rock the Grease Megamix at every wedding The White Tree Band play at.  No we don’t do that.  Probably just the versatility of it all.  One moment I’m editing a wedding film, the next thing I’m playing drums at a wedding.  It’s good fun. 

What are you reading at the moment?
Just another one of the many biographies on John Lennon. 

What are you lusting after at the moment?
Sleep.  It’s 6:45am and the builders have arrived.

Top three songs on your play list?
Probably Empire State of Mind (if the couple book our rapper), 99 Luft Balloons, and This Old Love by Lior. 

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
The dance sets, when everyone let’s their hair down and has a good time.

Who inspires you?
Richard Branson, currently Anna Bligh, and pretty much any African American jazz musician.

Favourite Cocktail?
Long Island Ice Tea’s at the moment.  They can pack a punch.

What does it take to impress you?
Originality.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
My grandfather would always say “Patience is a virtue my lad”.  I like to remind myself of that.

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
If the weather is good, just getting outdoors – perhaps a Sunday session with mates at a place like Belgian Beer Garden or the beach in general.

Black Tie or Casual?
Hmm... What context? I think black tie looks sharp.

Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hens party’?
Literal suggestion = “Drunk Chicks Gone Wild”  More marketable suggestion = “The Little Secrets Evening”

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
Oh geez.  What is a hostess gift?

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
Probably a gigantic advent calendar my girlfriend gave to me when she went overseas.  She made it herself and it count down the days until her return. 

Three words that describe you best. 
Dedicated, bold and friendly. 

Thanks so much for sharing with us today James. We are very much looking forward to having The White Tree at the Portobello Bride Boutique Wedding Market in Melbourne on March 26 and 27!

To find our even more about The White Tree and their services visit:
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Getting to Know... Ms Jane

What’s your favourite part of your job?
Working with people who are happy!

What are you reading at the moment?
‘Dumbo Feather’ my favourite magazine, I have every issue and a stack by my bed for inspiring night-time reading.

What are you lusting after at the moment?
A holiday.

Top three songs on your play list?
The music from the film ‘Babel’, particularly  Ryuichi Sakamoto's ‘Bibo no Aozora’; Adele’s ‘Rolling in the Deep; The Temper Trap’s ‘Sweet Disposition’, but it changes from day to day... music really sets my mood.

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
Any moment when the bride and groom are sharing that ‘Oh my god, we’ve done it, I love you so much’ moment...you know the one!

Who inspires you? 
See "what does it take to impress you"...oh, and Eve Arnold, one of the greatest photojournalists of the 20th century who has inspired me through my photographic career.

Favourite Cocktail?
I’m a simple soul, I like my alcohol straight.

What does it take to impress you?
Courage and honesty. The courage to be the person you are and the honesty to treat people as you would like to be treated by them. Simple acts of kindness and bravery by people who expect nothing in return often floor me.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Be yourself.

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
With my husband, our pets and our friends, relaxing and catching up on gossip.

Black Tie or Casual?
I’m tempted to say casual, but black tie is so much fun and blokes look gorgeous in it!

Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hens party’.
Anything that’s not fluffy, it’s such a cliché, so how about a ‘Doe’s Do’ or a ‘Lady’s Lunch’.

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
A recipe index card box or book, the handiest thing in the kitchen. Seriously, you rip recipes out of magazines and download them from the internet, but it’s really hard to cook with your lap top or iphone on the kitchen bench. And if the recipe is a keeper, where do you put it otherwise?

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
My father gave me a lady’s tool kit when I moved into my own house with a little hammer, some screw drivers and a staple gun. Most useful item in the house (after the recipe box, of course)!

Three words that describe you best.
Fun, organised and just a bit obsessive...maybe more than a bit...

Thanks so much for sharing with us today Jane. We are very much looking forward to having Ms Jane at the Portobello Bride Boutique Wedding Market in Melbourne on March 26 and 27!

To find our even more about Ms Jane and to see her work visit:
Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook
 

Getting to Know... Siobhan Donoghue Design

What’s your favourite part of your job?
I enjoy all phases for the job. If I had to choose one, it would be the creative process of designing the maps and invitations. Getting to know the couple and the location of their wedding is always so interesting

What are you reading at the moment?
Funnily I have three books on the go along with the stack of food and design magazines; Ken Follett’s latest book,  Fall of Giants,  David Sedaris’ Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk and Neal Stephenson’s Cryptonomicon.

What are you lusting after at the moment?
Oh, it would have to be the art work of  Mary Tonkin or James Powditch. They are both very different but love both.

Top three songs on your play list?
Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, Liz Stringer- anything she sings, and a bit of fun with The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain’s Je T’aime…Moi Non Plus; a cover of Serge Gainsbourg’s song sung with Jane Birkin.

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
When the bride first walks in.

Who inspires you?
My mother without a doubt. Creative people with a passion for what they do inspire me. I was recently in Willunga SA and met with various globe trotting wine makers including Alpha Box & Dice and  Samuel's Gorge  and came back all revved up with ideas. I use to live in Burgundy France so wine is very close to my heart. When creativity, good design and environmental sensitivity are combined I am very inspired!

Favourite Cocktail?
Gin and Tonic. Last year I was introduced to Hendrick’s Gin while eating at Cutler and Co. I’ve been proselytising about it ever since. Again, as above, they are passionate about their art.

What does it take to impress you? 
Creativity, perseverance and thoughtfulness.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Try everything once.

Favourite way to spend a Sunday
Breakfast with the paper

Black Tie or Casual?
Causal, but with occasional dress up. I like to put heels on every once in a while.

Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hens party’
Hmmm, not sure about that one. The entire experience is usually best forgotten.

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
Flowers – an elegant bouquet of country flowers. Although having said that I’m a big fan of Nicolai Bergman’s work.

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
My two Burmese cats when I turned eight. I am cat crazy and they were the best companions growing up.

Three words that describe you best.
Creative, quirky and food obsessed traveller

Thanks so much for sharing with us today Siobhan. We are very much looking forward to having you at the Portobello Bride Boutique Wedding Market in Melbourne on March 26 and 27!

To find our even more about Siobhan and to see her work visit her Website

Getting to Know... Orchard & Brown

What’s your favourite part of your job?
Dannielle: Making people happy with designs that we love to create
Peta: Putting 100% of myself in everything I create for Orchard and Brown and being able to explore my creativity without limits

What are you reading at the moment?
Dannielle: Computer Arts The Book of Inspiration
Peta: Wedding and Design blogs, Frankie magazine

What are you lusting after at the moment?
Dannielle: All things Letterpress
Peta: SLR and lomo Cameras, Photo and art prints on Etsy

Top three songs on your play list?
Dannielle: The Summer - Josh Pyke, Old Uncle Scratch – Grenadiers and Let’s Go Surfing – the Drums
Peta:  I never get tired of hearing Heartbeats by Jose Gonzalez, Skinny love by Bon Iver and Feeling Good by Muse

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
“You may kiss the Bride”

Who inspires you?
Peta: I find a lot of inspiration from the internet and from other artists and designers. I love Photography – I just went to see the Annie Leibovitz exhibition at MCA in Sydney, she has some stunning photography on show. I also find Illustration and learning new techniques very inspiring too.
Dannielle: I find artists that can create detail with a spray can or an ink needle inspire me the most. I can appreciate the talent that they have to produce their artworks.

Favourite Cocktail?
Dannielle: Fresh mint Mojitos
Peta: Long Island Ice Tea

What does it take to impress you?
Dannielle: Attention to detail
Peta: intelligence and humour

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Peta: Life is short so make the most of it
Dannielle: Know the value of your work

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
Dannielle & Peta: Best friends, great conversation and a cold beverage while at a local pub
Peta: …Or a trip to the beach with my hubby and ridgeback puppy

Black Tie or Casual?
Casual

Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hens party’
Hen Horah or Flirty Fiesta!

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
A good bottle of Wine

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
Dannielle: A surprise party
Peta: My mother’s wedding dress

Three words that describe you best.
Dannielle: Creative, thoughtful and caring
Peta: Creative, calm, considerate

Thanks so much for sharing with us today Peta & Dannielle. We are very much looking forward to having Orchard & Brown at the Portobello Bride Boutique Wedding Market in Melbourne on March 26 and 27!

To find our even more about Orchard & Brown and to see their work visit:
Website | Store | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Getting to know... Kate Robinson Photography

What’s your favourite part of your job?
I LOVE getting to know the couples I photograph. I love hearing about their story, how they met, how they got engaged etc… Photography to me is all about celebrating beauty and capturing love.

What are you reading at the moment?
I have just read ‘The Memory Keepers Daughter’, it was extremely readable – I finished it in less than 2 days! I think it would make a great movie.

What are you lusting after at the moment?
A well designed, beautiful studio with lots of natural light.

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
The moment the groom sees the bride walking down the aisle. So much emotion.

Who inspires you?
Lara Casey, Editor of Southern Weddings magazine.

Favourite Cocktail?
Ooh I had a Aloe Vera one a few months ago that was amazing! I can’t remember the name, but it was deliciously refreshing.

What does it take to impress you?
These are qualities I tend to admire in a person: Confidence. Transparent love. Eloquence and gracefulness.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Commit to your passion, and make it happen!

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
Church, lunch outside with good friends, Nigella Lawson DVDs and lots of snuggling with my husband on the couch.

Black Tie or Casual?
Black Tie! I think we need more occasions to properly ‘dress up”.

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
Handmade treats. Home baking or preserves.

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
My husband gave me a photo album filled with all the past years memories. He also included a sweet card filled with his appreciation for me and our relationship.

Three words that describe you best.
I celebrate love.

Thanks so much for sharing with us today Kate. We are very much looking forward to having you at the Portobello Bride Boutique Wedding Market in Melbourne on March 26 and 27!

To find our even more about Kate and to see her work visit:
Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

EmmyRose New Range and Blog

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We are very excited to share with you today that one of our lovely Members EmmyRose launched a brand new blog last week called EmmyRose & her Rosy Cheeks. It’s a platform for graphics and stationery meets inspiration and prettiness. Pop by to be inspired, see their latest goings on, and also take a peek at some of their latest custom design.

Take a look at the blog here.

EmmyRose has also just recently launched a whole new line of gorgeous Wedding Stationery, invitations and more. They offer bundles of designs for you to choose from as well as unique and affordable custom design. Their wedding stationery is known for its understated elegance and old world quirky charm. All of their paper goodies contain recycled elements, and are inspired by childhood memories. EmmyRose is a shameless romantic at heart with a love of all things pretty, paper-esk and nanner-ish. Here are some of the new pieces:

All Photos by © Godelieve Mols Photography

There is also a number of new designs in the EmmyRose Social Stationery range:

All Photos by © Godelieve Mols Photography

Aren't they just gorgeous? Check out more beautiful EmmyRose products on the website.

Getting To Know... A Little Birdie Design Studio

What’s your favourite part of your job? 
There are so many things that I love about my job! My clients are amazing, I love hearing their stories and being given the opportunity to create something extra special for their big day gives me such a buzz! I am also very proud to be an eco-friendly business, working towards a cleaner, greener future for us all!

What are you reading at the moment? 
I always have a few books on the go – at the moment it’s Blackout by Connie Willis, Journey of Souls by Michael Newton and the latest issues of Peppermint & G magazine.

What are you lusting after at the moment?
 An easier question would be what am I NOT lusting after! Am re-decorating my studio at the moment so homewares and furniture are high on my list: fabric from Ink & Spindle and Cloth; circle shelf from Bride & Wolfe; and a recycled t-shirt rug from Carpets for Communities.

Top three songs on your play list? 
At the moment it’s…Kids - Sleigh Bells
Bright Lights Bigger City – Cee Lo Green 
The Sea is Rising – Bliss n Esso

What is your favourite moment during a wedding? 
I think it’s a toss up between the bride’s entrance (and the groom’s reaction!) and the kiss. But I also really love all the unexpected moments that you just can’t plan, like the Bride who gets the hiccups & giggles, or the rainbow that magically appears behind the couple at the end of the ceremony. Little things like that make me smile!

Who inspires you? 
Where do I start?! There are so many! Um, other eco-minded creative businesses; such as Sukie, QueenB and Smock, my clients, locations/venues, artists such as Charley Harper, typographers, photographers (big fan of Jonas Peterson), and Mother Nature of course!

Favourite Cocktail? 
Anything with vodka in it is fine by me!

What does it take to impress you? 
Innovation/thinking outside the box, courage, compassion and a sense of humour!

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given? 
Never assume anything!

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
 When the weather is nice I like to potter around in the garden for a while and then kick back with a good book.

Black Tie or Casual? 
Casual. It’s fun to dress up on occasions but if I could live in jeans and a t-shirt I probably would!

Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hens party’ 
Why on earth is it called a Hens party anyway? Honestly I have no idea!

Your favourite hostess gift to give? 
It depends on the hostess, but I do really like to give flowers from our garden (usually roses – we have beautiful red roses in our front yard that smell amazing!).

What’s the best gift you have ever received? 
That’s a REALLY tough one! I think it would have to be my cat Kinobe, she was an ‘unofficial’ gift from my partner for my 30th birthday. She’s a real little treasure!

Three words that describe you best. 
Creative, passionate, greenie!

Thanks so much for sharing with us today Melissa. We are very much looking forward to having you at the Portobello Bride Boutique Wedding Market in Melbourne on March 26 and 27!

To find our even more about Melissa and see her work visit:
Website | Twitter | Facebook