THE BLOG

FEATURED POSTS

A dreamy styled wedding shoot at Butley Priory

A chic wedding on London’s Southbank

An elegant wedding at Wilderness Reserve

Clare Butler 19/02/2021 Clare Butler 19/02/2021

Struggling to choose your Make-Up artist?

If you are in Essex or Suffolk, with so many local make-up artists around, it’s really hard to choose the right one. Let me help you.

I recently caught up for a virtual meeting with the gorgeous Emily Chantal MUA to talk about our all time favourite subject… Weddings! Emily is a local Make-up artist whom I have had the pleasure working with last year on a stunning beach shoot. Emily is a highly experienced MUA, a real friendly & warm person who will make you feel at ease on your day. She covers the whole of Essex & Suffolk but can also do destination weddings (as long as I can come with her. No? It’s worth a try!)

What are the benefits for a Bride when it comes to you working at the same regular venues?

Oh so many! Being familiar with surroundings means I know my way around, silly things like knowing where the plug sockets are, where I can and can’t set up, timing restrictions, bridal prep room, and a really important one that Brides can easily forget about when looking around the venue…lighting.

Speaking about lighting - how does that affect the make-up application?

Massively! If the room is too dark it can mean that additional lighting will be needed so that the room can be prepped on the wedding morning. Lighting is a huge factor in making sure your make-up looks as flawless as it can be but don’t worry, I will always come prepared however if you can factor in the lighting when looking at Bridal Prep rooms, it makes it much easier.

What’s the biggest request you get when doing a Brides make-up?

100% Natural Looking. My style is very natural yet polished but I can tailor the look depending on the Brides style. An experienced artist will be able to pull out and enhance your best features. Each wedding is different with their themes and my expertise lie in being able to adapt my style based on that theme. I like to take everything into account, not just simply applying your make-up.

How can a Bride get longevity out of her make-up?

This purely comes down to the experience of your make-up artist, I believe that by applying quality skincare and luxury products in thin layers to ensure a lightweight feel for extra longevity. I spend time and care on your look, I do not rush but take care with your application and concentrate on the finer details of your make-up, all completed with high quality setting sprays to maintain your look.

What’s really exciting is I now offer a ‘stay on’ service which means that I stay on site with you through the high’s of the day, correcting any tear smears and smudges along the way. This has been a really popular service as Brides really value the importance of looking flawless all day long.

How soon before the day should a Bride have her trial done?

I would strongly suggest that trials are done no sooner for 3-6 months prior because by that time, all the finer details of the day should be finalised and your skin colour will be more realistic to how it’ll be on the day.

What if I wear fake tan, will this affect the application?

Not at all, because on the day I can do a colour match and will come fully prepared with my kit & products.

Why is bridal make-up more expensive?

A lot more time goes into planning your bridal look as well as only using luxury products. There’s also the administration side to think about, travel time and general overheads. I also provide a mini touch-up kit which includes all of your essentials for the day (lipstick. blotting sheets, cotton buds etc.) I am also a member of the training academy, I am fully insured, then of course I need to cover my wages, it all adds up which contributes to the overall cost but I do believe there is a MUA for everyone out there, you just have to find one that you are happy with.

Emily, as always, a huge pleasure talking to you! I can’t wait to visit you to get my make-up done and with me being Vegan, I know you are constantly increasing your kit to include cruelty-free and Vegan products which is wonderful to hear! - Hayley

Emily_Chantal_Makeup_Suffolk_Wedding_Makeup_Artist_Headshot[1].jpg

How can you contact Emily? Use Emilys contact form on her website here. But make sure you also keep up to date with all of her wonderful tips on Instagram.

THANK YOU EMILY! XOXO

Clare Butler 21/12/2020 Clare Butler 21/12/2020

Here's how you 'should' plan your wedding

Are you feeling overwhelmed with all the wedding planning information available? Mind. Blown!

Wedding blogs, wedding vlogs, wedding YouTubes, Facebook wedding planning groups, wedding downloads, wedding freebies, wedding venues, wedding etiquette…’Minefield’ is the one word that comes to mind when I think about everything that you as a couple have to go through to plan your big day. Lots of you asking ‘What should I do if…’ type of questions in the many social media groups available. Now don’t get me wrong, these are amazing resources if you have all the time in the world to then follow up on every bit of advice, great! I don’t know about you, but my time is precious, I am far from complaining but I have to meticulously plan my week whilst juggling 3.2 jobs and a family home, it is not easy and I feel your pain.

So what happens? You end up settling for a supplier you believe is right for you without really investing the time into verifying their skills and expertise or you end up taking the advice from someone who has had a completely different experience to you.

Whilst that advice is given with great intentions, I want to direct you to my Instagram page…. here it’s full of hints and tips from me and my many years in the industry. I receive messages regularly from followers who love my advice, regular videos as well as my honest approach to the industry. I encourage you to join me and get involved in my Instagram community, it’s full of wonderful. supportive and experienced suppliers who would jump at the chance to help you (minus all the ‘faff'’). My biggest hint? If you don’t want to follow me (absolutely fine, I won’t take offence), make sure you follow a reputable wedding planner, we have the best advice anyone could ever give you as we live and breath this industry.

See you over on Instagram, make sure you drop in and say hi!

Contact Hayley

Amae Events 03/12/2020 Amae Events 03/12/2020

Your ultimate wedding day emergency kit!

What should you carry in your emergency kit? Get the best advice you can from a real wedding planner!

As a successful Wedding Planner across Essex & Suffolk. trust me when I say that anything can go awry on your wedding day - now, that’s not to frighten you but it’s true. Having a team of professionals on hand gives you a huge sense of relief that you know everything is being dealt with professionally and on time for your nuptials.

Here I am going to give you an insight into some of the things I have in my kit on any wedding day or event all of these items have been asked from me over my many years in the industry.

First aid kit

Blister plasters

Buttonhole pins

Sewing kit

Deodorant

Snacks

Razor

Tissues

Stain remover

Mints

Hair pins

Cotton buds

Boob tape

Blotting sheets

Tampax

Condoms (yes, really)

A Straw

Clear nail polish

Rehydration salts

This isn’t even my full list… I have a box in the back of my car with much more in because… you can never be too prepared (yes I was a Brownie back in the day!)

It’s a bit like going on holidays… you have to be fully prepared for any eventuality. If you are using a wedding planner, you should trust that they have everything for you but, it’s worth checking with them.

For my full intensive emergency kit list, drop me a message and it can be all yours for just £7.50!

Be prepared!

Contact Hayley

Clare Butler 05/10/2020 Clare Butler 05/10/2020

Bohemian sand & skies styled shoot at Walberswick Beach

by Amae- SUFFOLK Wedding plannerS

With Covid playing havoc with the wedding industry, a team of us were desperate to get out there and put together the most wonderful dreamy boho beach shoot. The look was inspired by our local beach at Walberswick which offers the most stunning backdrop. We knew the only person who could make this vision come to life was the unbelievably talented Sharon Cudworth who adores shooting at this favourite location of hers.

The initial concept of this shoot was thought of by the fabulous Emily Chantal Make-up artist so she and I had meeting after meeting to discuss how we wanted this vision to come to life and how I would coordinate and plan the shoot.

Fast forward to the most beautiful sunny day in Suffolk, we had an hilarious time trying to erect the changing tent for our model (it’s not all glamour and 5 star hotels I’m afraid). Our model Charlotte is also owner of Hair So Boho and when it came to styling, Charlotte really ran with the theme brilliantly, she kept the waves natural looking with plenty of texture for that beachy, salty, defined style then teamed it with tiny braids scattered throughout to give it a real chic look. At the back, a small bun was created for a half up half down effortless feel which was perfectly topped off with an epic crown (Aerin) from Beverleys timeless range from PS With Love . The headpiece is a gorgeous organic design with luxurious Keishi pearl blooms all handwired with pretty nude crystal centers surrounded by an abundance of delicate freshwater pearls, tiny pearls & crystal tendrils. To complete this look, Charlotte wore matching Aerin hoop earrings - perfect for any beach, woodland or outdoor wedding, offering the epitome of organic bridal elegance.

Given the inspiration from the 80’s vibe with the dresses (cue Chris Isaak music Video ‘Wicked Game’), Emily Chantal Make-up with her amazing eye for details opted for a glitter bronze eye and dewy peach toned cheeks and lips to keep it fresh and modern. Emily’s key products were Huda Beauty Matte & Metal liquid eyeshadows and the Dior Backstage Lip Palette.

Bud & Boe provided 2 cutting edge dresses from the new Eco Poem collection by world leading Haute Couture Fashion Designer Bowen Dryden. We were so lucky to be the first professional styled shoot to feature these dresses, they fit our theme perfectly. The first dress a classic twist on a two-piece incorporating a beautiful frilled rise in the front of the skirt. Bowen Dryden offer fully customised organic, biodegradable, ethical dresses that can be worn time and time again!

Dress number 2 a stunning number (Moondance), one-piece, sophisticated off the shoulder which oozes bohemian chic. Bud & Boe arranged for this particular piece to be altered by taking in the mid-section, the original is a lot more ‘flowy’ but this design is absolutely timeless.

Teresa (Simply Rustic) provided some stunning additions for the shoot with her hexagon shaped ‘archway’, beautifully decorated with a macrame backdrop & dreamcatchers. The peacock chairs were simply perfect to complete the look and I cannot think of a better location than on the beach for these gorgeous items.

Naomi from the fabulous Rose & Berry Flowers set up the archway flowers and bouquet which complimented the look beautifully, pampas grass was a popular household accessory in the 80’s (although maybe not at classy as it is these days) but I’m so happy it’s making a comeback. For the displays, Naomi used a selection of dried flowers which included pampas grass and bunny tails with other feathery & bleached neutral foliage’s which worked alongside the creamy, almost sandy colour hues of the fresh ‘Quicksand’ Roses… so dreamy!

When I set about thinking about the cake for this shoot, there was one person who sprung to mind immediately, Charlotte from The Beautiful Cakery. I briefed Charlotte on the look I wanted to achieve and my word, she did not disappoint. To create this breathtaking cake, Charlotte went for a soft subtle look but added depth with the exquisite dried blooms.

Next came the table decor, I designed and styled this myself with most of the items purchased from a charity shop - for anyone who knows me, I donate to charities every month and so this was the perfect opportunity to get creative whilst donating at the same time! I wanted to go with a plain yet simple and romantic sweetheart setting which was finished off with the unmistakable design skills from talented Gemma at Polly Pickle Stationery & Design. Gemma provided accessories from her modern boho dreamy collection; featuring soft watercolour florals, grasses and pampas grass, all in beautiful tan and neutral tones.

As the sun set we decided to have lots of fun in the water and Charlotte totally embraced it, such the perfect model! Of course, we’re not ones to get designer dresses wet so out popped a cheeky little number Emily had purchased previously. Add a hat and voila!

After the most perfect day it was time to pack up and head home, whilst we wait to hear more news on government guidelines for wedding ceremonies, this shoot helped to curb our passion for doing what we love in such a restricted year.

Thank you to the most amazing team for making this bohemian dream come true.

Keep an eye out on our social media pages for even more pictures or contact Hayley for more information.

Clare Butler 25/09/2020 Clare Butler 25/09/2020

How to become less Wedding stressed in 6 easy steps

TIPS FROM ESSEX Wedding Planner

There are so many elements to overcome whilst planning a wedding and it’s meant to be one of the happiest times of your life, so why do you feel so stressed?!

I know fun and stress don’t usually go together but… I had so much fun talking about this subject. Make sure you catch up on my YouTube channel to find out how to become less wedding stressed HERE in just over 30 minutes!

If you don’t have time to watch or you just can’t stand my voice/face, here’s a real quick overview of the points!

There’s so much pressure from everyone about this being the most perfect day. It is, but there will also be many other ‘perfect days’. We put ourselves under a lot of stress and pressure (by the way, found a new name for this following a tongue tie… streshure - good right?!) and whether we accept that we feel that way is a different thing.

So, here’s how to avoid it.

1) Take a step back - easier said than done I know. Recently, I felt I was juggling a lot of plates having taken on a full time job during lockdown as well as running my own business, family, friends, course work, I was struggling. So take a bath, meditate, read, chill, whatever you need to do to relax.

2) Reassess - think about WHAT is stressing you out, what is causing these issues to escalate and become the catapult for making you feel that way. This is a journey you are taking, it’s a long ride so no wonder it can be tiresome. Fall back in love with your Wedding Planning.

3) Organise & Prioritise - If you are feeling like you are not organised, paperwork everywhere, everything out of date, this could be one of the catapults as to why you are feeling stressed. I have a budget planner you can request from me and it’s FREE! Prioritise everything, have a look at what you have and have not organised, there is a tendency to prioritise the ‘nice’ things to do. Treat it as a job and make sure you schedule in time to concentrate on planning for your wedding.

4) Set expectations - this is for you and others. Many couples make decisions based on peer pressure and this can come from outside sources, friends or family members? Whilst it may not be intentional, others have a vision on how they believe your wedding should look/be. By setting your own expectations, you will find it easier to manage other people.

5) Communicate - communication is key! If you are marrying someone who never gets involved with the planning (throughout the relationship), you have to have a level of acceptance of this. They won’t suddenly start planning when they are just not that way inclined. Sit down with your partner and have that discussion, set your expectations of each other. Have a plan of action and set out who is doing what.

5.1) (sorry, I snuck one in) - Do not argue. It’s not worth it.

6) Learn to say no - this happens a lot where you feel like you' can’t say no. I have an example, Mother in Law wanted to pay for the wedding cake, Bride and Groom helped choose the cake but the Mother In Law didn’t follow through and order the right colour. Turns out the Bride wasn’t happy about the MIL helping in the first place! So, learn to say no.

If you still want to talk, message me. I love to talk and apparently, I give really good advice!

Contact Hayley.

Clare Butler 26/07/2020 Clare Butler 26/07/2020

Wedding Coordinator Vs Wedding Planner

What's the difference between a Wedding Planner & a Wedding Coordinator?

Both are invaluable to your planning process but join me as I discuss the benefits of both along with my 3 step guide as to whether you need a wedding planner.

What’s the difference between a Wedding Coordinator and a Wedding Planner?

Hiring a wedding planner can be seen as ‘so American’ but Wedding Planners always have and always will be a popular addition to your planning process. So join me as I talk about the difference between a coordinator and a planner and the benefits both bring to you.

Now, some of you may question the need for a wedding planner, if the venue is providing a coordinator in the cost of the package.

Wedding coordinators based at the venue are amazing, they know their venue inside out and have fantastic relationships with the venue team. They will have run numerous weddings at the venue and have a wealth of knowledge about what things do and don’t work well there. They will get in touch with you a few months before your wedding day and go through all of the details to do with the wedding day to ensure everything runs smoothly.

The following is in no way meant to take away from what a coordinator does (I’ve been one myself so I speak first hand) but I am simply pointing out the facts of the things they don’t do, that a Wedding Planner can*.

*Make sure you discuss exactly what’s included in your package with your planner/coordinator

Wedding Planners:

Can get involved from the very start of your planning process (the minute you are engaged)
Dedicates around 300 hours + to you and your day with the full coordination service
Helps create your whole vision, not just the wedding day itself
Creates mood boards and themes
Creates a budget plan and controls your finances
Vetting and liaising with all of your suppliers
Schedules all your meetings
Initiates difficult family conversations
Sets up your wedding website
Send, monitor and chase responses from your invitations
After being with you every step of the way, ensuring nothing gets missed on the day itself and that it all comes to fruition
So much more!

There are a lot of companies that advertise as wedding planners when in fact they are wedding stylists (the likes of companies that you hire accessories for your day from) but, some do offer a planning service also so make sure you check before committing if it is an actual wedding planner/coordinator that you are seeking .

Similarly, wedding planners offer coordination services. This is great if you are the sort of couple that wants to organise your wedding yourselves, but you want someone experienced there on the day itself to ensure everything runs smoothly and to make sure you and your hubby/wife are fully taken care of.

Wedding Planners are an invaluable investment to your planning process and take a considerable amount of pressure away from you. Your planning process should be fun, not stressful (hate that word!). So before you decide if a wedding planner is right for you, consider these 3 things:

Can you afford a planner? (most planners will actually save you money)
Do you have the time to invest into planning your wedding?
Will you need support with the logistics and formalities of wedding planning?

Don’t forget, I offer a complimentary consultation so will be more than happy to have an honest and frank discussion with you and if I feel you would not benefit from having a planner, I will recommend an alternative option.

Can’t wait to speak with you!

Contact Hayley.

Clare Butler 14/06/2020 Clare Butler 14/06/2020

Should I invite children to our Wedding?

It’s one of the hardest decisions you’ll make for your wedding so is it selfish to not invite your friends children?

There's nothing like a child's smile at a Wedding. The excitement, new surroundings, new friends to make, lots of running around... So why is it always such a controversial subject about whether or not you should invite your friends children to your special day?

I have experienced many different weddings, some with children in attendance, some without. Now in my experience, regardless on how well behaved a child is, the excitement is almost too much and I've sat through many ceremonies and speeches where the children have screamed the house down. So whilst you’re trying to exchange vows or give that well prepared speech, queue the parents ‘quietly’ rushing outside with their child to try and calm them down. Does it always work? No. Does the parent feel embarrassed? Sometimes. Do the happy couple mind? Er… sometimes actually yes.

If, as a guest, a couple invite you and your child/ren to the wedding, of course they have to expect the potential noise and excitement that child may have... They are children after all! Most parents do not mind being disturbed whilst eating, it’s expected as a parent right? But I’m sure most parents won’t turn down the opportunity to eat a nice expensive meal, in peace, accompanied with a few glasses of wine! (I feel I’m allowed to say this as I have two step kids so know whilst it’s our ‘job’ to look after our little ones, but I also appreciate a good meal in adult company every now and again)

If, as a couple, you are unsure whether to invite your friends children to your wedding, you need to consider a few very important things which may help you decide...

1) Can you afford it?

2) Do you WANT children at your wedding?

3) Are you prepared to provide entertainment for them? (they will get bored without this I'm afraid)

4) There is the potential to upset the parents if you don't invite their children (now I'm not saying that's a reason to add extra little feet to your day... But... It's something to take into consideration that you could upset a few people)

5) Actually, would the parents appreciate a day out of the house, just the two of them?

The best weddings I have managed is where the couple have arranged for childminders with entertainment to be in attendance. They will look after the little ones during key moments (like the ones they don't really understand or appreciate) like the ceremony and speeches but they are still such a big part of the day and everyone is happy!

I spoke to the wonderful Heidi & Denise from Wild Play and they had this invaluable advice about their services:

“Wedding days are just so special and it’s important for the Bride and Groom to know that all of their guests can relax and enjoy the occasion. However, keeping little ones occupied can be a challenge!
For people bringing small children this can be a worry; trying to enjoy grown up time with friends and family, whilst also keeping an eye on where their children are and what they are getting up to!
Here at Wild Play Ltd, we’re able to help.
We provide a bespoke service for couples wanting to include families on their special day. Whilst arrival drinks are being served and photographs are being taken, or even during the ceremony, we can keep children busy and entertained with a range of craft activities.
Heidi & Denise are both teachers, each with over 20 years’ experience. Heidi was also a Headteacher for 13 years. We established Wild Play Ltd in 2018 and are now a multi award winning company. We have full DBS checks, outdoor first aid and safeguarding training.
Our set up is child friendly and can be themed to tie-in with the style of the wedding...or you can go for something completely different! We work with our couples to provide exactly what they are looking for.
Our crafts are age appropriate, engaging and children take home everything that they have created.”

So there you have it, if you’re torn on deciding what to do, speak to your local childcare company or Heidi & Denise at Wild Play if you’re in the Suffolk/Essex area. Have a great wedding day (with or without children)!

Contact Hayley

Clare Butler 11/05/2020 Clare Butler 11/05/2020

Perfecting your wedding day timings

Just how important is adding structure to your wedding day?

I’m so lucky to have a regular feature with The Digital Wedding Fair over on Instagram where every Wednesday at 8.30pm, I have a slot with one of their hosts and we chat all things Weddingy! In my last LIVE, we talked about perfecting your order of the day, there was a lot of discussion around this subject with couples taking away so many ideas about how to get the most out of their day. That’s why I decided to write it all in a blog in case you missed it! I’ll warn you… there’s a lot to read, it might be my biggest blog EVER!

We spoke for an hour and could have gone on for longer so I’m going to break it down (even though there’s still a LOT here) because I do think it’s really important to get this right, I also think a lot of couples don’t even think about timings as they leave it to the wedding coordinator/manager at the venue to sort, but I’m here to tell you, it doesn’t need to be that way. I’ve managed many weddings and I couldn’t be more excited to pass my knowledge onto you about what I think will get you the most out of your wedding day, whilst also giving you food for thought…