Under the Spotlight: Clickclickbang Photography

Kat

March 13, 2012

Hi Donna! Can you tell us who you are and what you do? I'm Donna, a chubby pink-haired tattooed metallier from up the North of England. I'm married to a gorgeous Irishman and have 2 kids and a fur baby Pug by the name of Bob. I own and run Clickclickbang Photography. I started taking pictures when my (now 11 year old) daughter was born-mainly because I felt creative but I can’t even draw a circle round a penny, so taking photos was the next best thing. I floated about, learning the technicalities as I went, and it grew and grew into this! I've been shooting part-time professionally for the past 3 years (after the birth of my 3 year old son forced me to quit being a self-employed mortgage advisor!) and have been lucky enough to let my business grow naturally, by word of mouth. However, going full time this year is a huge step, and I'm so excited!

Under the Spotlight: Gracie May Photography

Kat

February 28, 2012

With a business named after her own daughter, I'm delighted to introduce you to the work of Gracie May Photography today. Elizabeth is an American living in Hampshire who describes her work as a 'fusion'- fly on the wall journalistic style mixed with a bit of glamour. "I do things differently from the traditional wedding photographer," she told me. "I'm American and have lived here in the UK for 5 years. I have a fusion style. I cover the day like a fly on the wall in a journalistic/storytelling style, and then also throw in a splash of glamor with the private portraits. I am in love with the Beloved concept and like bring the idea into the mix on my shoots so we're not just taking pictures, but we're also making memories and capturing real, true and spontaneous emotions."

WIN The Soundtrack to your Wedding with Wedbeat

Kat

February 21, 2012

Wanna party like Monique & Lee (pictured above) at your own wedding? Well I've got someone that might just be able to help you on your way. Wedbeat is a unique online service that allows you to compile your own personalised wedding playlist and then have it presented and ready to play on a 24ct gold CD. No more cheesy wedding DJs and no more having to faff with an mp3 playlist, when, let's be honest, all you wanna do is crank up the music and party! They say, "With our flagship service - The Soundtrack to Your Wedding - couples can order 3, 4 or 5 hours of music on a professionally produced, ready to play 24ct gold CD. The music on each and every CD is highly personalised by a couples' choice of their favourite genres and eras and 'must have' songs."

Table Top Treats from Mateus

Kat

February 7, 2012

Pinterest has a lot to answer for. I've spent many an hour gushing over my 'Pinterest house' whilst ignoring the pile of washing up/my extensive floordrobe/the DIY jobs in my 'real-life house'. Well haven't we all? A little word of warning, if you've been trying to curb your additction I'm afraid today's spotlight post isn't going to help you on your road to recovery AT ALL (sorry about that). I've just been introduced to the work of Swedish design company Mateus. These cereamics and table top treats would be perfect in my Pinterest house. Let me illustrate...

Affordable Bridesmaids Dresses & Accessories from Girls of Elegance

Kat

January 31, 2012

Launched in 2004, Girls of Elegance are one of the UK's leading suppliers of affordable bridesmaid dresses, wedding shoes and bridal accessories. After trading solely online for the past 8 years, in August last year they launched their first dedicated wedding shoe showroom in Dorset, and February will also sees them taking on Charlotte Balbier wedding gowns into their boutique.

WIN one of FIVE Wedding Dresses from SimplyBridal

Kat

December 13, 2011

Wedding dress designers Simply Bridal was started with a basic idea of helping the bride, not the middleman. "After hearing from countless friends and family members about the high cost of wedding dresses, our founder Lawrence Ng decided to start his own bridal company that met the needs of his loved ones," they say. " Our aim is to provide outstanding quality in fabric, materials, and fit without the inconvenience and costs of traditional bridal boutiques and retailers."

Under the Spotlight: Neil Thomas Douglas Photography

Kat

December 6, 2011

Glasgow based photographer Neil Douglas of And Do You Take Photography prides himself on his composition and use of light. In fact he cites his main inspiration as Martin Parr, a social photographer, who is well known for his exaggerated style. "I love the way he uses colour and composition to really bring out the personality of his subjects," Neil writes, "Henri Cartier Bresson is also massive influence for me - his candid photography really paved the way for us who favour a reportage style."

Spa Gift Vouchers from Wahanda

Kat

December 3, 2011

There are no two words that make me feel more relaxed than 'spa day'. Whether it be for a hen do, a birthday treat or 'just because' I am always the first to jump aboard that proverbial bandwagon when the idea is posed. I may be a workaholic, but allowing myself to forget about work for a wee while and sinking into the deep relaxation of massages, facials and clay wraps is pretty much my idea of heaven. Recharges the batteries and all that...

Under the Spotlight – Vintage Feather Wedding Accessoires by Britten

Kat

November 29, 2011

Britten is an independent bag and accessory company based in Bath. Owner and designer Sarah specialises in creating unique and one-of-a-kind pieces for her clients, many of which are perfect for weddings. Her new feather fan range is a fantastically unique idea for a bride who doesn't want to carry a traditional bouquet, and as well as that the feather fans are something you can keep forever.

Under the Spotlight: State Of Mind Photography

Kat

November 22, 2011

New Rock n Roll Bride sponsor Darius Sutherland, AKA State Of Mind Photography, is a Welshman living life in Brighton. He shoots weddings all over the country and prides himself on being able to deliver a range of photography styles. He likes to shoot all types of weddings, from traditional to funky which makes him perfect for a Rock n Roll couple.

Playful Accessories from Mademoiselle Bagatelles

Kat

November 15, 2011

After a cute and beautiful gift for your bridesmaids that they can use during as well as after the wedding day? Or maybe just an extra treat for yourself? Well then I have the company for you. Based in Paris, Mademoiselle Bagatelles designs are perfect for quirky, playful and feminine girlies. "We are for girls who enjoy life and daydreaming as well as charming, modern and stylish handbags with retro details and bold and audacious colours" they say.

Under the Spotlight: Custom Wedding Illustrations by Christy Pepper Dawson

Kat

November 8, 2011

To say I'm head over heels in love with the work of Christy Pepper Dawson would be an understatement of vast magnitude. Christy is a super talented illustrator from California (originally from Nova Scotia) and she's just branched out into doing portraits for Rock n Roll couples.

Under the Spotlight: Ingle & Rhode – Bespoke Ethical Jewellery

Kat

November 1, 2011

Based in Mayfair, London but selling online, Ingle & Rhode are specialists in ethical jewellery, engagement rings and wedding bands. As a company they strongly support the ethical sourcing and production of all their pieces.

Under the Spotlight – Weston Jewelry

Kat

October 25, 2011

Not all brides want a traditional diamond engagement ring, which is why I love to share companies like Weston Jewelry with you. Vintage or antique engagement rings are particualrly popular with my readers, as are rings with coloured stones such as ruby, emerald or sapphire engagement rings. Weston Fine Estate Jewelry also carry a large selection of cocktail rings as well as men's jewellery. They even offer free wordwide shipping and a full 60 day money back guarantee!

Under the Spotlight – Steff Metal: Gothic Wedding Blogger & Celebrant

Kat

October 18, 2011

WIN with the Zankyou £500 Cash Giveaway!

Kat

October 11, 2011

Alternative gift list specialists Zankyou have just launched a contest which I think you'll all want to know about - who wouldn't want to win some lovely cash to spend on themselves? You could put it towards your wedding, something for your marital nest (aww) or just that new pair of shoes you've been lusting after! To enter simply register with Zankyou between now and the 30th of October and you will be automatically entered into the draw for your chance to win one of five £100 cash prizes to spend as you wish!

WIN Your Dream Wedding Dress with Bride & Groom Direct!

Kat

October 6, 2011

Specialists in wedding stationery, Bride & Groom Direct was launched in 2003. They stock a beautiful range of wedding invitations, save the date's, RSVP's, order of service, thank you cards and wedding menus. They pride themselves in their wide range to suit all tastes and budgets, from beautifully finished cards to a DIY range a cards that can be buy and personalised at home.

The Alternative Wedding Fair – St. Ives Corn Exchange, 23rd October 2011

Kat

October 3, 2011

If you're anything like me you'll be a little bit bored of the usual crop of wedding fairs. I'll be honest, I do go to a lot of them as part of my job but it is very rare that I really love love love what I see. It takes a lot to impress me I tells you. I am a self-confessed wedding snob I'm afraid! However because of this, I am genuinely really really excited to be backing a small number of wedding fairs that I do believe offer you something different.

Under the Spotlight – Dell Cove Spice Co.

Kat

September 20, 2011

Etsy sellers Dell Cove Spice Co. specialise in unique and humorous food-based items that make perfect wedding favour ideas or to use if you're hand-making any tasty treats for your wedding.

Under the Spotlight – Kjrsten Madsen Photography

Kat

September 12, 2011

Today I'd like to introduce you to the photography of Kjrsten Madsen. Over the past few months I've been rediscovering my love of film photography and so it really is an honour to share these images with you all. Our wedding photos were shot on film, and although this wasn't really a concious decision at the time, looking back there really is a huge amount of joy that I get from knowing that these images were imprinted on a physical roll of film and developed by hand in a darkroom.