Portobello Bride 'Girls Night In' Morning Tea

Last Tuesday we held a 'Girls Night In' party to raise vital funds for Women's Cancer. It was the first one I have organised, and I loved every minute. I am already looking forward to next years. It's the perfect occasion to gather together your girlfriends, taking time out of your busy lives to celebrate friendship and womanhood whilst offering support and awareness to a very relevant and important cause.

I had decided on a Bright Pink and Daffodil Yellow theme, the colours of the "Girls Night In" charity.  I called on lovely Portobello Bride Members to help me create a morning tea like like no other my friends had experienced.

First on my 'To Do' list was the invitations. Samone, one half of Cake Ink, created an original stationery suite for us. I wanted something in bright pink, that was very 'Portobello'. The first design Samone sent me was perfect, the Bottoms Up coasters were the most talked about detail of the day, the girls loved them!

Lucky you, we will be providing a free printable version of the Stationery suite for you with compliments from Cake Ink! Check back soon...

The most important detail of the day, the Sweets was next! Juli from One Sweet Girl went above and beyond anything I imagined for our dessert buffet. There were chocolate cake pops, brownies, cupcakes, marshmallows, cookies and the piéce de resistance, a white chocolate ganache with fresh raspberry ribbon cake. 

Flowers are a must have when ever I am entertaining. I called on the lovely Virginia of The Bouquets of Ascha Jolie to arrange the most beautiful pink and yellow blooms for the party. Everyone commented on them, and I really appreciated the extra loose bunches Virginia provided for me to use throughout my home to complement our Girls Night In spread. That's what I love about all our members, the service they offer is simply exceptional.

The finishing touch was the pretty vintage glassware and crockery we hired from A Vintage Affair. Lee Elizabeth George from A Vintage Affair provided the perfect ensemble of coupette glasses for our champagne and daiquiris, cake plates and the cutest cake forks I have ever seen.

Floral arrangements by The Bouquets of Ascha Jolie

I placed photographs of the important women in my life throughout the desserts by One Sweet Girl.  

My favourite sweet of the day, chocolate brownies with raspberry icing.

Bottoms Up! Cake Ink printable coasters- you can get yours here soon!

Pretty drinks in pretty glassware by A Vintage Affair!

My niece, Eliza Valentine sneaking a cake pop!

 

Not forgetting the reason for our fabulous do! The girls donated generously to our 'Girls Night In' fundraiser. Thank you xx

The most divine cake I have ever tasted. Juli is certainly One Talented Sweet Girl!

The ever cheeky Lucy, kicking up her pretty heels!

I must make a special mention to Lisa of Who's A Clever Girl? Photography who travelled to my home on the Peninsula from Melbourne to photograph our event for you all to see. Lisa worked her magic around us all, blending in and capturing so many sweet moments.

Thank you also to all who donated online to our Portobello Bride page on The Girls Night In website. We raised just over $500, and we look forward to raising more in the coming year. The winner of our two tickets to a Portobello Bride event in 2012 is, Kylie Blake. Congratulations Kylie, and thank you again. 

all images captured by Lisa Kerr-Atkinson of Who's A Clever Girl? Photography

Portobello Bride Featured Wedding - Marina & Andy by Cookes Food

Just a little warning, in case you haven't had lunch as yet, this wedding is filled with the most delectable images of food, glorious food!

Marina and Andy's 1950's style wedding was held at the beautiful Fitzroy Town hall in Melbourne, Cookes Food catered for the day. Serving their signature style of locally sourced, classic, rustic style cuisine with a 1950's twist! 

Here Sophie Cooke of Cookes Food shares their part in Marina and Andys Wedding day story: 

it was a perfect day...crisp morning, sunny afternoon and warm evening...We arrived onsite at the town hall at 2pm.  it was exciting to know that Marina and Andy were around the corner getting hitched at the Russian House in Fitzroy, where they had giant white balloons and morris miners to drive them to the town hall.  Nicole was laying tables with hand sewn calico fabric, dressed with old fashioned doilies each setting finished with the brides hand sewn napkin and vintage serviette ring and bone cutlery...all the vision of Marina who had laboriously sewn in the months prior. A selection of furniture from the Junk Company acted as props around the room adding to the 1950's charm. Sara, of Mr Lincoln was foraging through her flowers, vegetables and herbs putting together the perfect bundles and arrangements, including stocks, beetroot, chives and cabbage leaves.  Roger from Palace Props arrived with the giant LOVE letters, which were positioned as the room dividers!  In the kitchen we chopped, tasted, dressed, tested and excitedly put some of the retro style canapes together...house cured salmon from the Melbourne Pantry sat atop paper thin crisps, accompanied with sieved egg and very 50's chive mayonnaise.  We did our own take on pigs in blanket by filling stunning medjul dates with Gorgonzola piccante and wrapped poached autumn pears with prosciutto-served piping hot.  Lee from a vintage affair lent us adorable old fashioned platters which were the perfect back drop to the themed canapes.  after the canapes the guests took their seats and the staff, dressed in sequin bow ties, served the main - duck l'orange with shaved savoy cabbage salad and slow roasted lamb with celeriac puree and pineapple relish...

Frivolity followed with speeches, dancing and cutting of the cake!  Nicole set up next to the cake a selection of macaron, brown sugar meringues and beautiful la luna cheese...  Following this guests departed through the main town hall entrance and watched as the bride and groom rode their vintage bikes - labelled with JUST MARRIED - down the street!

All images captured by Jorge de Araujo

Thank you Sophie Cookes and Nicole De Bono of Cookes Food for sharing your beautiful wedding day fare with us today. We look forward to sharing many more of your gorgeous celebrations in the future. 

Getting to Know... A Vintage Affair

A Vintage Affair | South Melbourne VIC | Website | Blog | Facebook

What’s your favourite part of your job?
Wow so many things….. I get to spend my days travelling to quaint little country towns, treasure hunting for beautiful vintage pieces, what could be better than that?  All my clients are embarking on the happiest time of their lives, it is really special to be able to share that time with them.

What are you reading at the moment?
My French Life by Vicki Archer.  Not so much reading but looking at the pictures with envy!

What are you lusting after at the moment?
A gorgeous 1950s cocktail dress on www.lovemissdaisy.com – a UK site that sells amazing vintage frocks.

Top three songs on your play list?
The Hotel Costes series on random shuffle, 
L.O.V.E. by Nat King Cole 
and anything by Hall and Oates (sad but true!). 

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
The anticipation right before the bride is about to enter. It’s the culmination of all that preparation, it’s that one magic moment in a wedding when it’s all about the bride... the atmosphere is electric!

Who inspires you? 
All the gorgeous artisans I get to work with, other stylists, photographers, catering geniuses that make each wedding so personal and truly stunning. The creativity and style within the boutique wedding space is amazing and they are all such wonderful people. And Parisians who are so stylish even if they are only popping out for milk and bread.

Favourite Cocktail?
If it’s the beginning of the night, French champagne. If it’s close to the end of the night, an Espresso Martini, so that it’s not almost the end of the night anymore.
 
What does it take to impress you?
People who are true to themselves and forge their path by doing what they love to do, not what they think they should.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Happiness is up to you.

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
A slow breakfast at a small café, coffee and baked eggs reading both Sunday papers cover to cover, a drive through the countryside listening to jazz, discovering unexpected treasures at flea markets or small country towns, followed by a big Sunday roast and red wine with friends.

Black Tie or Casual?
Black Tie always

Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hens party’.
I wish I had one.  ‘Hen’s party’ just conjures up terrible images of stretch Hummers, sparkly pink veils, sambuca shots and bad strippers.  I love that ladies are now hosting a High Tea for Bridal Showers and Kitchen Teas, it is such an elegant way to celebrate.

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
French Champagne.

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
My antique emerald and diamond engagement ring from a small antique store in Paris. It makes me smile every time I look at it.

Three words that describe you best.
Champagne and red lipstick.

Getting to Know... A Lavish Affair

A Lavish Affair | Melbourne VIC | Website | Twitter | Facebook

What’s your favourite part of your job?
Gosh! There are so many, I would have to say I get a buzz from the challenge... some couples come to us and have lost all hope that they can achieve their vision, although we get some tall orders we always come up with the answers and it’s a great feeling!

What are you reading at the moment?
I’m a big reader across all forums, ‘magwise’ I am currently scouring over the latest issue of Vogue, Harpers and Martha Stewart Weddings.  ‘Bookwise’ I am reading the works of Dante and Marketing Sundae.

What are you lusting after at the moment?

Am a confessed shopaholic, I love all things fashion - accessories, shoes, handbags...you name it! My most recent purchase a Badgley Mischka tote and adorable Louis Vuitton navy flats (yum!)

Top three songs on your play list?
I love a broad range of music, jazz, French classics, Top 40, R’n’B, 80’s, 60’s I couldn’t choose just three songs!!!!

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
Again so many, my favourite would have to be the moment the groom lays eyes on his bride as she presents and makes her walk down the aisle.  It has me smiling from ear to ear.

Who inspires you?
My mum, she was always a happy, positive person, a real go-getter! She passed a few years ago at the young age of 47 with breast cancer. I strive to succeed in all I do as I know she would be proud and I would be fulfilling some of her dreams that she had for me.

Favourite Cocktail?
Can you have just one? Mojito....

What does it take to impress you?
If you are genuine, humble and have integrity, I am sold!

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Be yourself, do the right thing by others and trust your gut instinct!

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
Blanket, couch, hubby, black and white movie marathon = Bliss!

Black Tie or Casual?
Black Tie, it has to be elegantly Lavish!

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
Along with a swish bottle of wine or bubbly I love Dinner Conversation Starters, Kikki K have a cute little box with conversation cards to share over dinner, you could be creative and make your own!

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
A cake made with love for my birthday, these days it becomes so easy to buy a cake but I think it is much nicer to have one made from love!

Three words that describe you best.
Patient, Generous and Resourceful! I’m a great problem solver!

It was a pleasure to get to know you better today Marisa! Thanks so much!

Getting to Know... Erin King Photographer

Erin King Photographer | Brunswick, Melbourne, VIC | Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

What’s your favourite part of your job?
Meeting new people and getting to hear and share their stories.  I love being able to be myself and have creative freedom.

What are you reading at the moment?
I prefer to read blogs and magazines and keep in touch with what people are up to and get real life inspiration: http://greenweddingshoes.com/, http://www.jasminestarblog.com/

What are you lusting after at the moment?
Nancybird Handbags. I didn’t realise I had a handbag obsession until I found these! As well as more travel.

Top three songs on your play list?
It’s usually pop or rock, but when I’m not listening to Muse, I like to call these my power pop songs (great to work out to) includes the likes of Lady Gaga, and dare I say it…Flo-rider etc…I’m a real mixed bag when it come to music!

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
When the groom gets overcome with emotion and can’t hold back the tears.

Who inspires you?
Yervant, Jasmine Star, and always local photographers and business people I know, respect and admire.

Favourite Cocktail?
I had a Japanese plum wine one, which was divine! Can’t remember the name unfortunately.

What does it take to impress you?
Anyone who can make me laugh has my full attention.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Trust and believe in yourself, don’t become victim to your fears.

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
Sleep in then a lazy Sunday brunch with my partner followed by a relaxed outing with our little baby girl (aka Peanut the Chihuahua Bichon Cross)

Black Tie or Casual?
Casual, it’s not often you won’t find me wearing a pair of jeans and Chuck Taylors.

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
Something personal and fun
 
Three words that describe you best.
Bubbly, fun, always up for a laugh

Thanks so much for sharing with us today Erin! It was wonderful to get to know more about you!

It's Beautiful Here Special Wedding Offer

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Tonight is the longest night in the year and to celebrate Portobello Bride Directory Member It's Beautiful Here have a wonderful offer for all soon-to-be-wed couples looking to book a photographer in 2011. For all the details go to the It's Beautiful Here website or email them here. Get in quick to make sure you don't miss out!

Getting to Know... Gwendolynne

Portobello Bride Member: Bridal Gowns
Gwendolynne | Fitzroy VIC | Website

What’s your favourite part of your job?
My favourite part of my job is when we work at creating new beading designs.  Beading is such a huge component of my collections. I also love to do photo shoots. 

What are you reading at the moment?
I am reading “Creativity” by Osho.

What are you lusting after at the moment?
I am lusting after going to a yoga retreat on an island someplace tropical. With massage every day, a good-looking pool boy fanning me with a palm leaf and feeding me pealed grapes whilst I lay in a hammock.

Top three songs on your play list?
Sigur Ross
Air
Spandau Ballet
I can’t name my favourite songs as I like all their work.

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
When the groom sees the bride for the first time. This is so cute.

Who inspires you?
An inner child.

Favourite Cocktail?
Espresso Martini... they get me going!

What does it take to impress you?
A good sense of humour.  And kindness.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Not to take everything personally.

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
A stroll around the Camberwell Market and then wine in a cafe with friends.

Black Tie or Casual?
Both

Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hens party’?
“Chicks on the run”

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
Diamonds

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
A ticket to Italy.

Three words that describe you best.
People have described me as “fairy-like”.
I have also been called “oldy-worldy” however I am much more casual than I seem.

Thanks so much for sharing with us today Gwendolynne. It has been lovely to get to know you better!
Gwendolynne is a member of the Portobello Bride Boutique Wedding Guide.

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.