Christmas Treats for 29th December - Purple Grape Catering

Who are Purple Grape Catering?

We are an innovative and creative catering company established in March 2009. We are a young company lucky enough to have a highly experienced team behind us. Our head chefs have worked in prestigious fine dining restaurants around London and our event managers have a wealth experience under their belts managing exquisite events in venues such as Hampton Court Palace, Madame Tussauds and intimate dinners at private houses. The whole team love weddings and events and always enjoy getting to know brides and grooms and putting bespoke menus together to ensure the wedding is as perfect as possible!

 

Where are you based? London 

What is your greatest achievement so far? Getting to fly off to Geneva to do a BBQ in a private house on Lake Geneva! The house was amazing, the food looked incredible and the Gypsy kings were entertaining us all!!! It may not have been our biggest event but it’s up there as a highlight for 2011! We love doing private events like that, it gives us a chance to really get to know our clients which always brings a lovely personal feel to a party.

 

What is your favourite Christmas song? Oh Holy Night/driving home for Christmas 

How can people get in touch with you?

Call us on 02084533310 – we love to chat!! Otherwise email us at events@purplegrapecatering.co.uk you can also check out the website: www.purplegrapecatering.co.uk

Special Offer:

Book and confirm the catering for your wedding by 15^th March 2012 and we will throw in FREE wedding planning from our super creative wedding planning sister company White Grape Weddings.

What do you love about Christmas?

The 24^th of December, when all of our events have gone well, everyone is happy and we have had a successful December. we can then put our feet up and enjoy time with our families!! 

A Message from Purple Grape...

Thank you Sue for featuring us. We are really looking forward to a successful and prosperous 2012! We hope everyone has had a brilliant Christmas and you all have a lovely new year!! Hopefully we will speak to some of you in the near future and we will be able to bring exquisite food to your wedding! Love, the Purple Grape Team x

Christmas Treats for 28th December - Global Ice Sculptures

Who is Global Ice Sculptures? 
Established in 1998, Global Ice Sculptures specialises in high quality ice art for weddings, corporate events and private functions. 

We create unique and distinctive ice sculptures of any shape and size, with the emphasis on bespoke design and originality. We lead the field in terms of creativity and innovation, and regularly exceed client expectation - always delivering extraordinary results to any given budget. 

Where are you based?
Buckinghamshire but we deliver to anywhere in the UK and Europe.

 

What types of sculptures do you offer? 
We like to say that anything is possible in ice!  Just in the last week we have ice-carved a portrait of Alan Carr, and also sculpted king penguins for an event attended by David Attenborough no less! 

However, no matter what the design or budget, we are known for our spectacular designs and adding the true ‘wow’ factor each and every time.

What is your greatest achievement so far?
Professionally, setting up and running a successful business from the age of 18.  Personally, my four beautiful daughters. 

What is your favourite Christmas song? 

East 17 – Stay Another Day

 

Do you have a special offer for New Year’s Eve? 
Yes, we have a fantastic 2012 vodka luge which would make a brilliant centerpiece for any New Year’s Eve party!  Ice The Cake readers can exceptionally order one for just £200 + VAT. 

How can people get in touch with you?

Tel. 0800 612 7572 
Mail enquiries@globalicesculptures.co.uk 
Web www.globalicesculptures.com 

What do you love about Christmas?

Happy Customers!  Christmas and NYE are the busiest times of the year in the world of ice sculptures, so we are flat out carving and delivering all over the country from the beginning to the end of December, 7 days a week.  When nice feedback comes in saying that one of our sculptures or vodka luges has made the evening or event extra special – we are naturally delighted!

Merry Icy Christmas!

Christmas Treats for 27th December - Frockalicious

Who is Frockalicious?

Frockalicious was set up back in June 2010, and is a specialist bridesmaid and occasion wear boutique.  We help brides in chosing the most complimenting dress for all her bridesmaids and have over 100 dresses to look through. Frockalicious was set up in conjunction with my other business, WIld Orchid - a stunning flower shop situated directly next door.  

Our dresses cater for all clients tastes as well as budgets.  With price ranges from £135.00 - £360.00 for the more flamboyant dress.  We feel our dresses also cater for special occasions including Ascot, Summer and Christmas Balls, Charity Galas, Red Carpet Events as well as Brides looking for a dress for themselves who aren't looking for the traditional gown.

We also stock D'Zage prom with a stunning collection of all things sparkle ! 

Where are you based?

We are just outside Leighton Buzzard Town Centre, and occupying The Wedding Courtyard, 67b North Street, LU7 1EQ.  There is a free car park next door too!

What types of dresses do you offer?

We stock Jim Hjelm Occasions, Noir by Lazaro, Veromia, True Bride and Rea and D'Zage Prom.  Our sizes start from a UK4 and up to UK32.  

The colours available are extreme as well as materials to chose from - Silk, Taffeta, Dupioni, Chiffon, Mikado, Organza and Lace.  From traditional to contemporary we are sure to be able to help.

What is your greatest achievement so far?

To be able to work with brides from start to finish from chosing their maids gowns as well as working on their flower designs too.  Being part of such a memorable occasion is a real pleasure. 

What is your favourite Christmas song?

Stay Another Day 

How can people get in touch with you?

Tel 01525 370212 EMail info@frockalicious.co.uk Website Contact Form www.frockalicious.co.uk Facebook and Twitter.  Appointments are adviseable

What do you love about Christmas?

Seeing my childrens faces when they open their presents! And Salmon for breakfast!

Christmas Treats for 26th December - I Heart Buttons

Who is I Heart Buttons?

Button bouquets make a unique and colourful alternative to a traditional floral bouquet. Sentimental items of jewellery (or buttons of course!) can be worked into the bouquets to make them even more special. The most fabulous thing about button bouquets is that they will last forever. After your wedding, they can become a spectacular centrepiece in your home or even passed on to loved ones for their wedding day.

I have ready made bouquets for sale in my shop or I can make one to order. I work with many designers who can make bespoke pieces to add to the bouquets, whether it is ceramic buttons or lampwork beads. Please contact me to discuss your requirements. I also make matching buttonholes, bridesmaids and flowergirl bouquets, table centrepieces.

 

Chris Cowley

Where are you based?  

Isle of Wight but my bouquets are sent worldwide.
 

What types of gifts / bouquets do you offer?  

I offer vintage button bouquets in all colours and themes. I also make mini bouquets, button good luck horseshoes, hanging button hearts, flowergirl wands, pomanders, button cuffs, brooches, earrings and kirby grips.
 

What is your greatest achievement so far? 

Opening my shop in Ryde back in August this year.

What is your favourite Christmas song? 

George Michael, Last Christmas.
 

Do you have a special offer for the new year?  

I will offer a 10% discount to any orders received quoting "IcetheCake2012"

How can people get in touch with you? 

Through my website www.iheartbuttons.co.uk, by email enquiry@iheartbuttons.co.uk, visiting me at I Heart Buttons, 23 The Lanes, Royal Victoria Arcade, Union Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight PO33 3BY or telephone 07956 272983.
 

What do you love about Christmas? 

I love going to see the Christmas lights in London and also love making gifts for friends and family.

A Message from Lesa...
Here's to a Merry Christmas and a very properous 2012 for everyone :)

Christmas Treats for 23rd December - Tamaryns Treasures

 

Who is Tamaryn's Treasures?

We are a venue styling and hire company that also makes cupcakes, sweetie tables, sweetie trees and has an online boutique for favours, stationery, real petal confetti and other decorations.

 

Where are you based?  

We have offices in Alderley Edge and Sheffield and cover the whole of England but we mainly work in Cheshire, Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, Yorkshire and Derbyshire. 

What is your greatest achievement so far? 

This year we were very proud to be on Don't Tell The Bride but in the past Tamaryn won an award for her wedding design for vintage theme wedding which was very exciting! 

 

What is your favourite Christmas song? 

We love all the Christmas songs but an all time favourite is Maria Carey 'All I want for Christmas is you!!' 

 

How can people get in touch with you? 

Have a look on our website at www.tamarynstreasures.co.uk and you can either send us an enquiry online via our form, call us on 01625 300065 or email us at enquiries@tamarynstreasures.co.uk. We will still be working in-between Christmas and New Year. 

What do you love about Christmas?  

Oooo probably the Christmas tree! We are very festive and love making things for Christmas. Tamaryn makes amazing mince-pies and the pastry just crumbles in the mouth. We also make wreaths, Christmas cupcakes, popcorn strings, Lebekuchen and love wrapping presents in creative ways but this year we made our first gingerbread house and that was really got us in the mood for Christmas!

Christmas Treats for 22nd December - Balloon Decor

As today is my Birthday I thought that Balloon Decor was a very appropriate company to introduce to you for both Christmassy and personal reasons...

Who is Balloon Decor?
Balloon Decor is a family business running for over 20 years. We started out as a home based business but we have continued to grow and expand over the years moving from shop to shop until 9 years ago we moved in to a lovely studio where we are able to showcase our work.

Where are you based?
We are based in a studio at Barleylands Craft Village in Billericay, Essex although we cover the whole of Essex with our services. The craft village is worth a visit for anyone as a lovely day out, not just for brides to be but a whole family experience.

What types of balloon decor do you offer?
Although we started as just balloon artists, we have continued to expand and improve through the amazing experiences we have had. We now offer a lot more than just balloons; we offer the whole wedding decoration service from the overall picture and dream to the tiny details and finishing touches.

Examples of services we offer as well as balloons are personalised centrepieces both glass and alternative, chair covers, top table and cake table material swagging sweetie buffets, card boxes, favours, jewels and confetti for tables and lots more, examples of these can be found in our studio.

Our work is all completed and assembled on site at your venue by Karen, the wedding coordinator and owner of Balloon Decor and her experienced team, to ensure the highest possible standards. Although we have a studio that is open Tuesday to Sunday, we also provide an appointment service for our bride and groom to sit with Karen herself who will guide each couple through the whole process from the initial ideas to the wedding day.

What is your greatest achievement so far? 

Our biggest achievement so far is being one of the longest standing Balloon and decoration companies in Essex. Many companies have entered the industry in the last few years but we have continued to compete with new and interesting ideas and continual growth and expansion.

What do you love about Christmas?
We love Christmas here at Balloon Decor; it is a chance for us to get creative with the decorations and new and exciting centrepieces for the festive season. We enjoy helping to decorate different venues for Christmas and spread our creativeness.

What is your favourite Christmas song?
Our favourite Christmas song is “All I want for Christmas” by Mariah Carey, it’s a classic Christmas sing-a-long song.

How can people get in touch with you?

You can contact us by phone on 01268 272 872, Tuesday to Sunday or by email on enquiries@balloondecoruk.com.

For more information about us see our website www.balloondecoruk.com

For more pictures and examples of our work, see our facebook page on www.facebook.com/BalloonDecorEssex

Happy 1st Anniversary Mr Ice the Cake

 

12 months ago today, you may remember there was a LOT of snow on the ground and we were wondering just how many of our guests were going to arrive, to a day that had been meticulously organised (of course).  We were staying at the Inn in Woburn, ready for the biggest day of our lives (apart from those giving birth to our children).  After a very sleepless night (do not share a room with 6 other people unless you do not want to wake feeling refreshed on your wedding day!) not to mention a hangover - I vowed I wouldn't drink but people kept buying them!  I awoke feeling a little tender and when my future husband sent me a champagne breakfast I wasn't sure whether to indulge or not (I decided on the latter as I had a delicate head and still had my hair and make-up to do!). 

The morning went by in a blur, one minute my Maid of Honour and I were laughing at how casual we were and the next we were rushing because the cars were outside.

 

At approx. 10.30am there was a knock at the door to the cottage and there was our Photographer Leigh Quinnell, shortly followed by our Florist Tracy from Creations Flowers.  There was a problem with the Pageboys trousers (our fault not the companies) and Malcolm from Fogarty Formal Hire graciously drove out in the snow in an attempt to get him an alternative pair from Leighton Buzzard but the snow around Milton Keynes was so bad and the roads were gridlocked, so he kindly allowed my mum to get out her sewing kit and re-hem the trousers.

Mr Ice the Cake had his own things to contend with and I must admit I was in quite a bubble, until I was told that the boys were leaving and I sneaked a peak out of the window of my room. There was my 11 month old son (who was apparently sitting on my husbands lap) looking out the window of the car all dressed up - it was at that point it hit me!  This was REALLY happening.

Our beautiful car courtesy of Regency Carriages took a total of 3 trips up and down the icy road to the Sculpture Gallery dropping off the Mr Ice the Cake and the Groomsmen, the Bridesmaids and my mum and eventually slowly but surely returning for me and my dad.  I cannot tell you how picturesque it was driving through the deer park in all the snow.  It was absolutely stunning.

My dad and I pulled up outside and there was Kate (now of Seber Weddings and Events) to greet me.  She had been my wedding co-ordinator throughout and me being me, had thrown some pretty wacky ideas in her direction, but she managed to ensure that all of them where co-ordinated with the utmost precision and the least amount of fuss.

The ceremony was amazing and the reception incredible and absolutely effortless.  The day flowed so well and when the evening guests began to arrive with some travelling from as far as Kent in the snow I felt completely humbled and so grateful that they had wanted to share our special day with us.

I cannot thank everyone who was involved enough but I hope that the fact we started Ice the Cake because of it shows just a little bit of the gratitude we felt.  

We made it to our Paper Anniversary and I very much hope we will make it to our Diamond.  Wishing you all a lovely Christmas and thank you so much for all your support this year.  We look forward to lots more fun in 2012.

Don't forget to join us on Facebook xx

Mum & Dad

My Maid of Honours Daughter Charlotte & Mini Ice the Cake Sophie

One of my 3 Pageboys

My Maid of Honour and beautiful friend!

Mr Ice the Cake asking his Best Man to create a diversion so he could escape :)

My Dad & I nervously walking trying not to step on my dress - he didn't!

So You Don't Get Cold Feet!

Our fab confetti blast that surprised all our guests

 

Christmas Treats for 19th December - Signature Flowers

Who are Signature Flowers?

Signature Flowers was established when I began my Level 4 Floristry training in September 2010 and my specialism is bespoke wedding flowers in Bucks.
Prior to this I had experience working in two very different shops where I learnt a lot.  I have been lucky enough to learn from some great tutors and have seen a lot of European designers as well, which is great for inspiration.

Where are you based?

I am a studio based florist in Quainton, however am very flexible when it comes to meeting clients and am happy to meet somewhere more convinient to them.  All bridal consultations are by appointment so we are not disturbed and the focus is entirely on the couple's special day.

What types of flowers do you create?

Nothing is unacheivable - any picture or design can be replicated or you can have something designed especially for you, whether simple but stunning or bright and eccentric Signature Flowers will and can create your dream flowers.

What is your greatest achievement?

My greatest acheivment is completing my ICSF Level 4 certificate in Floristry at the age of 22.  I am now studying for a Master Diploma in Professional Floristry.

What do you have available for Christmas?

For Christmas we have stunning table designs, gift bouquets, wreaths, garlands, swags and accesories all freshly made to order.  For Christmas weddings beautiful bouquets can be made with soft and warm wool, or pussy willow handles. Perhaps if you dare to be different even a floral decorated muff or cape.  We can organise gift deliveries nationwide, via iFlorist and we deliver locally within a 15 mile radius of Quainton.

How can people contact you?
People can get in touch with Signature Flowers by:
Visit us at: www.signature-flowers.co.uk Like us on Facebook: Signature Flowers by Emma Newman Follow us on twitter: SignatureEmma Call us on: 07894 283255 Email us at: emma@signature-flowers.co.uk

What is the best thing about Christmas?
Amarilyis flowers, the smell of holly and cinamon, seeing family and friends and evenings around the fire with nice wine!

Christmas Treats for 18th December - Brides & Beauty

Who is Brides & Beauty?

Brides and beauty was established in 2006. We are a Mother and Daughter make up artist and hairstylist team and we specialize in all types of hair and make up. We want to give the bride the photographic look and feel fabulous on her wedding day. Brides and Beauty will travel to the brides home or venue on the day of the wedding to take the stress out of her day.  

Where are you based?  

We are based in Reading, Berkshire but cover the whole of the UK and beyond.  

What types of pampering do you offer?  

Brides can have hen or pamper parties with lots of treatments on offer from neck and shoulder massage to mini facials and manicures and pedicures.  

What is your greatest achievement so far?

Our greatest achievement was to be shortlisted for the Wedding Ideas Magazine Awards this year. We received a Highly Commended and were the only Beauty Company in the final. 

Photo Courtesy of Hannah Duffy

What do you have available for Christmas?  

For Christmas we have a great offer. A Neck and Shoulder Massage and a Mini Manicure or a Christmas Party Makeover for £25.00 per person. Gift Vouchers are also available.  

How can people get in touch with you?  

People can contact us via email joyce@bridesandbeauty.co.uk or phone 07788 993965  

What do you love about Christmas?  

Christmas is all about being with family. I love spending the day with mine and having a fun opening presents and watching a movie after lunch!

NEW FOR 2012 - Make Up Masterclasses

We all like to look our best sometimes. But the looks we see in magazines and make up advertisements are hard to reproduce. Many women end up disappointed with the make up they’ve bought over the counter, because they don’t know how to achieve the look they’d imagined – and that wonderful make up they’d hoped to use ends up stuck in a drawer.

That’s why I’m here to help. With 15 years of experience in the beauty industry I can show you and your friends how to use all the lovely make up that hasn’t had the attention it deserves, and to achieve stunning looks that suit you.

For only £10 per person with £5.00 redeemable against product purchases you can have the look you want. (minimum number of guests is 5)

I will go through your make up bag and advise you on how to use what you’ve already got to look your best! The hostess of the party will receive a free makeover and her guests will have a make up bag MOT.

Masterclasses available

• Five minute Face
• Smokey Eyes
• Daytime
• Evening
• Mature make up
• Yummy Mummy
• Day to night
• Vintage Glamour
• Make Up bag basics and hygiene
• Choosing the right skincare and make up

 

A Message from Joyce... 
Brides and Beauty services are available to all ages. We will be launching a children’s party service in 2012. With face painting and glitter hair for girls!