DE WINTON PAPER CO - BEAUTIFUL HAND PAINTED STATIONERY

Earlier this year I met up with a fabulous lady called Harriet de Winton who had been recommended to me by my friend Kirsten (aka The Little Wedding Helper) to talk about rebranding my other business as a massage therapist, which I’ll be blogging about soon.

It was so great to sit and chat with Harriet  - I felt like I’d known her for years as she has such an easy manner, but she’s also really professional and totally ‘got’ my vision for the business.  To be honest with you, I was dreading the branding process.  I’m not good at getting across what’s in my mind and I really did wonder what on earth Harriet would make of my ramblings about how I wanted it to look.  This lady is so talented though, I knew I was in safe hands as soon as we started chatting and I am so incredibly pleased with the results I really want to tell the world about her.

An illustrator and designer, Harriet set up her design studio, The de Winton Paper Co specialising in elegant watercolour hand painted stationery for weddings and every day.  Her inspiration comes from a unique wedding gift to her parents which hangs in their family home - a guest used their wedding invitation as the canvas for a watercolour landscape.  Recognising what a beautiful and unusual idea this was Harriet began creating for family weddings and The de Winton Paper Co was born.

With a broad range of gorgeous styles pre-designed by Harriet, choosing your wedding invitation couldn't be easier but if you want something unique to you Harriet  offers a bespoke service and can transform your wedding invitation into a beautiful and original artwork. A talented calligrapher, Harriet's stunning lettering can elevate your stationery into something truly magical.  And, just for fun, she also offers on the day accessories such as 'Wedding Speech Bingo' and guest comment cards.

But her work isn't just for weddings - a hand painted card for any occasion or just a special message can be kept, framed and cherished forever.

Offering a service that will help you every step of the way, even with wording tips for your wedding and a printing and delivery service, you know you're in safe hands with The de Winton Paper Co.

And, of course, the amazing thing about stationery is that you can now order anywhere in the world - whether you're getting married in Borneo or Bristol!

As Harriet herself says ... "Based in Devon, going global".

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A GIRLS NIGHT OUT AT THE IVY!

Last night Kirsten Butler (aka The Little Wedding Helper), Emma Norton and I had a fabulous girls night out at The Ivy Clifton Brasserie.

I've always wanted to eat at The Ivy in London but it's still on my 'wish' list so I was very excited to see whether Bristol's newest addition to it's thriving restaurant scene would live up to my expectations.

In the heart of Clifton Village, the restaurant is based in the old Bank building on Caledonia Place.  The entrance is quite impressive but it's the inside that has the real 'Wow' factor.  With lots of beautiful dark wood, amazing Art Deco light fixtures and a stunning bar area, it's really quite breathtaking when you walk in.  

I have to mention the staff - all immaculately dressed, they were welcoming, friendly and attentive and I was really impressed that every member of staff who dealt with us seemed to know who was having which dish at our table.

We all started with a cocktail and I had the beautiful 'Lavender Lady' which was delicious with quite a delicate flavour.

The menu is really extensive and we loved the fact that along with some unusual dishes there were also some great comfort dishes like their signature hamburger and fish and chips.  Our starters were superb - I had one of my all time favourites, the classic Prawn Cocktail, and was really pleased that it was fresh with a great tomato flavour - not at all sickly or over creamy, but my companions' dishes looked wonderful too, with Kirsten choosing the seared scallops and Emma the Mozzarella di Bufala - which I think I want to try next time!  The ladies decided on steak and fat chips and I went for one of the days specials which was two different types of lamb, incredibly tender and tasty.

In the past I've not been able to resist the dessert menu but these days I find that so many things are too sweet or sickly that it takes a really good pudding to tempt me but I have to say EVERYTHING on the dessert menu appealed to me.  I was a bit worried as Kirsten and Emma chose the Creme Brûlée which is one of my ultimate favourites and I thought I was going to be jealous but I HAD to try the Chocolate Bombe with an ice cream centre and warm salted caramel sauce, which our waitress poured over the Bombe.  I can happily report that it was divine!  Our only regret was that Kirsten didn't video it melting under the sauce.  All washed down with a delicate bottle of rose and finished off with coffee.

We all felt it was a real dining experience - wonderful surroundings, great service and a fabulous menu, beautifully cooked and presented!

We ate in a room off the main dining area, which we all thought would be wonderful for a smaller wedding party as it had a garden area too and the whole experience was really rather special.

It's also worth mentioning that they serve afternoon tea so once you've done your wedding dress shopping you could pop in to rest your weary feet and treat yourselves!

I'll definitely be going back - hopefully might surprise my husband and treat him for a special occasion!

HOTEL DU VIN WEDDING SHOOT

On a rainy October day last year a wonderful group of creative people joined us to collaborate on a photoshoot at one of our favourite Bristol Venues - Hotel du Vin, and I can happily report we had so much fun, resulting in these stunning photos from Matt & Joe of Always You Photography

Hyder Syed & Charlotte Felski with flowers from The Pink Peony 

A few months before, myself and Siobhan Thomas, joint owner of Queenie the Cocktail Caravan were wondering how we could promote our photo wall for weddings and parties and we came up with the idea of a photoshoot.  We started talking to some of our wonderful friends  about working together to showcase our talents and approached Helen at Hotel du Vin, Bristol and all was set!

Charlotte Felski models bridal wear from Lisa Keating Bridal with flowers from The Pink Peony

If you regularly read this blog, you'll know I'm a massive fan of Lisa Keating Bridal, an independent designer whose work is handcrafted and made to measure to couture standards.  Lisa's beautiful work is featured here and it was lovely to have her with us on the day to dress the bride - she's great fun and passionate about everything she does and her attention to detail and styling is superb.

Hair accessory from Vintage Button Bridal Designs

Accessories were loaned by Clare Lloyd of Vintage Button Bridal Designs.  Clare is an absolute delight to work with and loves what she does.  It was such a treat for me to visit her workshop in Frome.  I literally cannot walk past Clare's work without feeling like a kid in a sweet shop and found it so hard to choose accessories for the shoot that Clare really kindly indulged me, letting me take a whole box full!

Make up by Rashida Foy

Our friend Rashida Foy is a great make-up artist - able to create beautiful subtle bridal make-up, as she did for this shoot - as well as amazing creative work on alternative shoots.  We love her flexibility and her laid back attitude

Hyder Syed modelling a waistcoat by Mark Keating

We were so lucky to have two really incredible models for the day.  Hyder Sayed came from London for the shoot and was so professional, gave loads of input and was such an all round good guy.  Tall, dark & handsome, he was the perfect foil to Bristol based Charlotte Felski, our beautiful pale-skinned natural red-head!  Both have lots of modelling experience and we felt really spoilt to have them as part of the team!

Charlotte Felski models Lisa Keating Bridal design

Charlotte's hair by Bonominihair

Charlotte's stunning hair was styled by Bonominihair, a brilliant salon in Clifton who have a great reputation and a very loyal clientele.  

Flowers by The Pink Peony

The flowers are the creation of Laura Connelly from The Pink Peony.  Laura's lovely to work with and has the most wonderful eye for colour and shape.  Her designs literally brought everything to life, drawing the eye and completing every picture. 

Hair accessory by Vintage Button Bridal Designs

Vintage wear - Bristol Vintage

We hadn't worked with Matt & Joe before, but they made the day so easy.  We had a shot list which they ran with and made their own - covering everything and more with so little fuss.  I'm thrilled with the pics of my vintage crockery & props and it was great fun working with them.

Props - Bristol vintage

Cake - Chocolate Delores Cakes

A wedding shoot wouldn't be complete without cake and WHAT cake! Chocolate Delores is queen of the chocolate wedding cake and her creations always bring a  real magic to any shoot.  She also TOTALLY spoilt us by bringing some of her hand made chocolates for us to share and her work seriously is not only some of the most beautiful but also the most delicious!

Charlotte & Hyder model the photo wall & props 

Beautiful bridal shoes from The White Collection Bridal Boutique

Hyder models suit and accessories by Mens Hire.  Working gramophone - Bristol Vintage

Mens Hire, Bristol, loaned us Hyder's vintage-style groom's wear.  They did a brilliant job as we had to work from measurements alone - and he looked great!

We have to thank Hotel du Vin for letting us use their fabulous venue for the day.  Hotel du Vin has been my favourite Bristol Hotel since it first opened over 16 years ago and it was the first place I thought of.  It has a wonderful, relaxed feel and the staff are so professional yet somehow manage to be friendly and laid-back - we didn't really want to leave!

Bristol Vintage's 'Mabel' modelling The Pink Peony's flowers!

Props from Bristol Vintage

Chocolate Delores Seashell cake with Bristol Vintage props

Chocolate Delores white chocolate cake

Thanks are also due to Sarah Daly - our styling assistant.  Sarah has been working in the wedding industry for the last year learning her trade as a Wedding Planner.

Also thank you to Catherine, Lisa Keating's gorgeous daughter, who also helped us on the day!

Thanks to everyone who was involved  - we LOVED the day and the results and we'd love to do it all over again!!!

If you're interested in booking the photo wall & chaise, do email (ali@bristolvintage.co.uk) or call on 07791 898650.

Supplier list:
Venue: Hotel Du Vin, Bristol
Photography - Always You Photography
Bridal Wear - Lisa Keating Bridal
Bride's Shoes - The White Collection Bridal
Grooms Outfit - Mens Hire Bristol
Accessories - Vintage Button Bridal Designs
MUA - Rashida Foy
Hair - Bonomini Hair
Cakes - Chocolate Delores Cakes
Flowers - The Pink Peony
Photo Wall - Queen the Cocktail Caravan & Bristol Vintage
Crockery & Props - Bristol Vintage
Photo Shoot Assistant - Sarah Daly 

INTRODUCING 'THROUGH THE MIRROR DOOR' BY OUR VERY OWN SARAH BAKER!

If you’re familiar with our Bristol Vintage blog then you’ll know Sarah Baker, even if you didn’t realise!  Sarah interviewed and wrote about all the lovely people who’ve featured on Bristol Vintage over the last few years, whether on the blog or at the Wedding Fair. Now Sarah’s got a bit of news about her very own book!

You see when she’s not writing for Bristol Vintage, Sarah’s been writing a children’s book for 8-12 year olds. It’s called Through the Mirror Door and here’s a little bit about it:

Since the accident, Angela has been alone. When she is invited on holiday with her cousins, it is her chance to be part of a family again if she promises to behave herself. But secrets lie in the walls of the crumbling French holiday home and the forbidden rooms draw Angela in. Soon night-time footsteps, flickering candlelight and shadows in windows lead her to a boy who needs her help. To save him Angela must discover the truth about what happened in the house all those years ago . . . and face the terrible secret of her own past.

We love the cover and we’re thrilled for Sarah, especially as she’s combined her two passions (writing & vintage). The main character, Angela, is a big fan of vintage clothes and she even makes her own; that’s a girl after our own hearts.

I’ve always been an avid reader and, with her interest in children’s fiction, Sarah introduced me to lots of books I wouldn’t ordinarily have looked at, including Harry Potter and The Hunger Games, and now I can’t wait for my first peek of her very own book!

So if you love middle grade books or have kids who’d love a timeslip adventure with plenty of mystery, some spooky goings on and a fair amount of sewing, Through the Mirror Door is out on 7^th July.

You can connect with and find out more about SARAH BAKER in the following places:

Website

Twitter

Pinterest

Instagram

Happy Reading and don’t forget to let us know what you think of the book!

THE SQUARE CLUB: THE PERFECT WEDDING VENUE IN BRISTOL

The Square Club in Clifton, Bristol is a luxurious venue that is the perfect place to host your dream-wedding day.  Below, we have chosen the top three reasons why we love it:

LOCATION

The Square Club is just 15 minutes walk away from Bristol City Centre and the historic Clifton Village - nestled behind Park Street on the tranquil Berkeley Square. The green outside the front of the building and Brandon Hill (that is five minutes walk away with breathtaking views over the city) offer two picturesque areas on the venue’s doorstep that make for beautiful wedding photos. The central location means it’s easy for guests to get to but is tucked away enough to avoid busy streets and noisy traffic.

THE BUILDING

The Square Club is in aperiod Georgian building that lends itself to vintage touches – with an artistic interior that mixes traditional features with contemporary art and stylish furniture. It is split into different areas that are flexible for your needs: the Square Lounge is the perfect area to welcome your guests for a relaxing pre-ceremony drink, the Square Kitchen is our communal dining area serving award-winning, seasonal food and can be transformed into the ideal space for your ceremony too with an intimate aisle and decorations of your choice; if you follow the spiral staircase down into the Lower Deck Cocktail Bar then you’ll find yourself in the perfect place for a party – with room to fit DJs, a live band and of course a dance floor! The outdoor terrace offers a bit of al fresco luxury, with seating and heaters to ensure your comfort and pleasure as celebrations continue.

The club is conjoined with a boutique hotel so you and your guests have the option to stay over without having to step outside the building! With on-site parking and a range of rooms to choose from, including some new self-contained luxury suites – you’re bound to find something to suit your needs and make your wedding night part of the fun!

YOU’RE IN SAFE HANDS

With a portfolio full of weddings to their name – The Square Club team are experienced, friendly and always on-hand to guide you towards your perfect day. With their in-house Wedding Co-ordinator you will have a point of contact throughout your wedding planning experience and advice on previously tried and trusted suppliers – from bespoke invitations and cake makers to dress shops and music choices.