Honour deceased loved one at your wedding

Carlson Craft

When planning a wedding, the first thing a couple think about are who they want to invite. Your wedding is a celebration of your love and commitment to one another, and that is something generally to be shared with your loved ones. But sadly, there are often close loved ones who are no longer able to join the celebration, yet you know they would have loved to have seen you wed.

Black Pearl Weddings would like to share some advice on a sensitive matter – incorporating deceased loved ones into your special day. The way to honour the memory of your loved one/s no longer with us can be as subtle as you like, yet will profoundly influence the feeling of the day in a truly beautiful way. Black Pearl Weddings would suggest however to gently approach the subject with any other loved ones who could be sensitive to their passing.

The first of our tips to treasure the memory of your loved one/s is to consider something elegant yet discreet, such as having the bouquet interspersed with beloved pictures.

Another idea involving the bouquet is to take one of the flowers and place it on one of the seats which will be left empty, to subtly acknowledge their absence and commemorate their place within your heart.

The final bouquet based idea is to select flowers you know your loved ones preferred, to cherish their influence during the ceremony.

During the ceremony, a lit candle or a moment of silence is always a touching recognition that people present will appreciate whether or not they knew the deceased.

Thinking about a way that would be sharing something with the rest of the guest list, perhaps a favourite meal or family recipe could become a part of your menu, or perhaps a favourite song of theirs could be among the first of your chosen playlist; a toast to absent friends is always a classic nod to those you have loved and lost, especially combined with their favourite drink for the toast.

The final touch Black Pearl Weddings would like to offer relates to the favours. Perhaps a favourite of your deceased such as a type of chocolate or similar, or a donation made to a charity close to their heart instead of a favour will always go down well.

Of course it is a sensitive and moving concept, and is something that will be highly personal, so whichever idea is most suited to you is all that matters. Black Pearl Weddings sincerely hope this blog post offers some direction around how to honour your beloved.

Juicy Fruit Bonanza

With summer almost upon us, Black Pearl Weddings took the chance to catch up with Lesley, author and founder of Lesley’s Healthy Tips. Her latest offering is all about one of the consistently most popular ways to get into and stay in shape – juicing. High in nutritional content, yet light, quick and easy to have on the go, Juicing is a firm favourite for anyone interested in healthy lifestyle and cost effective as well.

Here, Lesley shares with us a simple yet delicious recipe which can help wedding couples lose the weight to fit into their ensembles, and give their skin a beautiful clean glow to really get picture perfect for their wedding shoot.

“Lesley’s Fruit Bonanza” is the first video released on Lesely's Healthy Tips - the video tutorial will help you to make a natural fruit & vegetable beverage in a matter of minutes! No added sugar or sweeteners, all natural goodness, so give it a try:

Including carrots, kale, apples, pears and strawberries, there is a wealth of vitamins and antioxidants inside this juice. For more healthy tips regularly, please visit: www.lesleyshealthytips.blogspot.com

Getting Married While Pregnant

Pinterest

As we all know, we are now at the time of year associated with births and new life. Seasonally, many of us will be showing off our beautiful baby bumps and simultaneously planning our big day, preparing for our happy ever after. However it is crucial to remember that wedding planning can be a big strain and even at times stressful, which can feel amplified when pregnant.

Black Pearl Weddings would like to share some tips to try and make everything that bit more relaxed for those bride & mother to be’s.

Firstly, take into consideration that there is a lot to plan, with unexpected issues inevitable and well hidden minutiae to arrange, so be sure to allow plenty of time to organise everything as you will undoubtedly need to take things at your own pace, especially for those nearing the due date.

When selecting your dress, always opt for something that is comfortable and shows off your bump tastefully. While some would suggest that white would not be the right choice, above all, remember to pick the dress that you want. It is imperative that you feel phenomenal, so whichever style and colour is your preference, then that is what to go for. It would be recommended to consider a fuller dress as opposed to a figure hugging dress, with styles such as empire line, princess line or A-line being ideal styles. Naturally avoid any tight corsets or bodices.

When choosing the footwear, it is advisable to avoid anything with high heels, but rather flat footed to make the ceremony more accessible and maintain comfort throughout the day.

If you are planning a church ceremony, remember to talk to the officiant well in advance, as some churches won’t perform weddings with pregnant brides but many will. Ensuring this is one of the first steps will help to avoid disappointment and enable you to plan exactly what and where you want.

Many pregnant women will find that their fingers are prone to being swollen throughout the pregnancy, so a ring that can be easily altered or a stand in ring until your hands return to their pre-pregnancy shape and size.

The menu for the wedding breakfast will also need to be tailored to the needs of your pregnancy, given that there are a number of foods that are not suitable for consumption during pregnancy. While you may well want your groom and guests to enjoy these foods, you should take extra care to have the right meal ready for you. Always avoid alcohol, seafood and any raw fish, soft cheeses, whipped cream, and anything your doctor advises against.

Be practical with your honeymoon. It is hard to imagine wanting to fly very far, and in fact, if you are well advanced in the pregnancy, this is also something that is advised against. Look for something relaxing and enjoyable, rather than an action packed, non-stop adventure – this could be something to pursue when your baby is old enough to join in.

Finally, remember to actually enjoy the day! It is probable you will frequently find yourself getting tired and want to sit down, so you will need facilities available to ensure your comfort at the drop of a hat, and crucially, make sure you are going to be located within reasonable distance of the toilets, or perhaps have access to your own restroom.

Good luck with your wedding and pregnancy, Black Pearl Weddings are sure it will be the perfect day for you!

Black Pearl Weddings Meets Make Up Artist Masie

Following our post back in November 2013, Black Pearl Weddings caught up with Maisie Palmer, the Make-Up Artist behind Style Pearls of Wisdom, for a collaboration on our recent Barbershop Photoshoot, styled in the Urban Vein. We took the opportunity to see where she is now and how her career has progressed over the past 18 months, which has advanced incredibly and showing delightful results.

Please tell us a little bit about what you have been up to since our last shoot "style pearls of wisdom”?

Well hello there again everyone! I've been very busy working on many exciting projects such as working on various short films, music videos and photo-shoots as well as Assisting on a Horror feature film ! I've also completed an advanced course in Media hair and Make-up, which now allows me to offer airbrush and hairstyling services to my clients!

Please tell us about the make-up you used in the recent Barbershop shoot?

With the Barbershop shoot, I decided to use a combination of warm and cool smoky eyes along with a softer base and warmer subtle lips. The brands I mainly used was MAC studio fix fluid foundation for the  base to achieve a flawless complexion as well as using foundations from a Pro favourite brand called RCMA to perfect and conceal under eyes . The whole look ended up polished but edgy with help from the smokiness of the eyes!  

What advice would you give a bride on when selecting a make-up artist? 

I would always suggest booking a trial with any make-up artist you come across, it's vital you can really express and feel comfortable with the look you're going for on your big day. You will be photographed left right and centre and it would be a shame if you didn't feel beautiful! Always try to book your trial at least a month or two before your wedding, so it's one less thing to think about a week before!

Do you have any new make-up tips you would like to share for brides?

Yes! 

My first would be to get a good skincare routine going. Make-up is a magical thing, it can cover almost anything, except covering texture! If you can get a good routine going (cleanse, tone, moisturize, you know the drill ) at least a few months in advance of your wedding, or just in general, it will ensure a smother base for your foundation and can even make your make-up last longer. I would suggest visiting a local beautician so you can learn how to really take care of your skin. 

Secondly, if you can't add a make-up artist into your budget and decide to go it alone, then fear not! As long as you test out your make-up look at least a few weeks before in natural light (the best light to apply make-up) to ensure you have a good foundation match and it lasts well throughout the day.  Also taking photos in different lights can give you a good idea of how it will look on the day. 

Finally, waterproof everything! Well not everything, but a good waterproof mascara will save you from panda eyes. Cute on pandas, not on brides (unless that's what you're going for...) 

Barber Shop Photoshoot Styled in the Urban Vein

  

     

Black Pearl Weddings are proud to unveil to the world our most recent styled photohoot. Combining the elegance of traditional wedding fashion against the juxtaposed urban style background, we have created a perfect example of how beautifully different styles can collaborate to create a stunning and unique theme.

Hosted in an urban backstreet London barbershop The Barbers Chair situated in Arnos Grove; the beautiful bride-to-be and her bridesmaids undertake their stunning wedding makeover. If you love London as much as I do and you are a bride that appreciates this cites quirks you will love this perfect location. Set against a banksy-esque backdrop what other place is better for your concrete jungle wedding! 

Just because you may choose a location that is different from the norm such as cobbled side streets or against our famous Street artist Banksy, does not mean you have to take out the traditional elements of your wedding day. Black Pearl Weddings incorporates your love of both the modern Londoner and the traditional bride.

       

The Wedding gowns provided by the wonderful Bridal Gallery are unique in their design and texture, creating a breath-taking look to emphasize the glamorous appeal of this theme. Both dresses speak volumes; they show off personality as well as accentuating both the brides’ figures, giving sheer elegance to a rustic and trendy atmosphere.  

   

To compliment such beautiful gowns are the accessories to match, also by the Bridal Gallery. Now if you are like me then Diamonds are always the way to go, no matter the theme! Both the Bride and her bridesmaids are adorned with diamonds and gems.

My favourite is the black and white diamond necklace with matching teardrop earrings. If you are not a bride for tiaras or clips then a necklace such as this really makes you gleam, I like to think of it as a crown for your neck. Something that is the crowning glory of you and the dress!

Now lets talk about flower girls! This little cutie is donning a gorgeous tutu dress by Angels-Face boutique, complimenting the bride and bridesmaid, the beautiful little lady knows how to make a room bring about the ooo’s and awww’s of a wedding day. Angels-Face boutique offers stunning garments for your adorable flower girls; ready for them to walk down the aisle before you arrive in style!

Of course last but by no means least, Hairstyling and Make-up. As this shoot is featured on the bride’s wedding day preparations, the Barbers Chair styled the brides and bridesmaids hair-do’s, giving them both stylish curls. 

Curls for both the bride and bridesmaids give that trendy urban feel as they each have a difference in personality, the bride with tight curls in a soft half up- half down look brings out her facial features. The bridesmaid is given softer curls but delicately compliments her cheekbones. 

The talented make-up artist Maisie Palmer, transforms both ladies into the Urban sophisticated bride and bridesmaid that you see here, giving a modern and natural look. For those of you who feel that make-up maybe too much, Maisie Palmer MUA is able to give you that light touch of shimmer which brings out all your natural features and leaves you looking flawless in your wedding photos. By not over powering you face with too much make-up you can be sure that Maisie will give you the very best service and make sure that you look your very best for your big day. 

"Say Cheese"

Bridal Guide

Many of us may not care much about photos or how we look in them but when it comes to our wedding photo’s we ALL care. For that one day we believe that flawless is the only look acceptable and it’s an image I think will be visited again and again, so here’s a little info on the wonderful world of wedding photography.

Depending on your preference the choices vary from

• Film-digital, your pictures in colour-black/white or both

• Styles range from traditional-artistic where your images are now available for you to take home on disks, USB’s or photo books/albums (available in an array of colours).

• Prices will differ of course in accordance to what you’d like but can start from around £1,200 for full day coverage- £950 for 6 hours and £350 for 2 hours.

Some couples like the idea of hiring their photographer for engagement or pre wed shots which has become quite popular.

As there are many wedding photographers that offer a wide range of options it can be slightly overwhelming trying to decide who to select for this all important day, so I say take your time, narrow your choices down, arrange to meet your chosen few along with their portfolios and take it from there.

So whether its 6 hours or full day coverage, documentary digital or old school traditional style there’s definitely the perfect  photographer out there for you that will make your special day come to life every time you lay eyes on your photo’s.

Lastly here’s a few of my favourite shots for you all to enjoy

Weddbook

Want That Wedding

Martin Bell Photography

Picshore

South American Wedding Tradition

The Wedding Location

South America is a magnificent continent, home to rainforests rich with flora and fauna, magnificent tropical beaches, delicious cuisine and a world famous party culture. Here, Black Pearl Weddings focus on some of the wedding traditions observed throughout South America, firstly focusing on Brazil.

It is customary in Brazil for the wedding rings to be engraved, with the name of the wearer’s spouse, and tradition dictates that the Bride must arrive ten minutes later than when the ceremony is scheduled to take place, although she must not arrive later than the groom.

Another widely observed tradition is that as the groom carries his new bride over the threshold of their home or hotel, he must do so right foot first.

During the reception party, the guests will feast on casadinhos, or “Marry Well” cookies, and toast the happy couple with a cocktail known as caipirinha, made from Lime, sugar and cachaça a sugar cane beverage. The name casadinhos translates into “A person coming from the countryside”. The couple will also give presents to their parents as part of the celebrations.

Finally, Brazilian Brides often walk around the tables carrying a basket with "lembrancinhas". Each guest gets an object which to commemorate the wedding, similar to favours.

Moving across to Argentina, generally a newly engaged couple won’t hold engagement parties. When they do, they are a private, family affair. However, the wedding will normally be a big party. The bride and groom often open any gifts in front of guests at the party.

Parents/grandparents will often provide the gold with which the new wedding ring will be made, using a necklace or some other item. During the wedding ceremony the bride and groom wear engagement rings, made from silver and thinner than their wedding rings.

In Chile the wedding rings are also exchanged at the engagement. When the couple is engaged they have a ring on their right hand. After the wedding they'll have it on their left hand.

Venezuelan tradition expects the groom to ask for permission before proposing from his prospective father-in-law. There will be two wedding ceremonies, both a civil and a church one, with the civil ceremony taking place a fortnight before the church wedding.

Both will have a reception party, during which the bride & groom will just disappear, as supposedly brings good luck to their union.

Charms attached with ribbons will be placed between the layers of the wedding cake in Peru. Before the cake is cut, each single woman present at the reception pulls a ribbon. Peruvian belief is that the woman who pulls the ribbon with the ring attached will marry within a year.

In Colombia, a beautiful "candle ceremony" takes place shortly after the wedding ceremony; whereby the happy couple light a candle each. The lit candles are then used to light a third one, together, symbolic of their unity, and new life during which they'll share everything.

Colombian Brides wed in a long, white wedding dress. At the wedding reception, all single guests place a shoe under the brides dress. Groom then selects one shoe, the owner of which will be next to marry.

Colombian bride often puts a coin in her shoe as a symbol of her wish not to get into situation where she would be without basic stuff in life.

In Ecuadorian wedding receptions, the bride and groom give their parents special presents, normally items used by the bride and groom as children.