Victoria James Weddings

Sweet Traditions

Victoria — Tue, 01 May 2012 13:45:13 +0000

I was going through some beautiful old books this morning and came across a piece on traditions.
Apparently on the 1st of May in France it is customary to present a loved one with Lily of the Valley.

: Lily of the Valley. Unknown Artist found on www.artlies.com

This got me thinking about how important old traditions are to me and my family and how I hope my own parents’ quirky ways and traditions are never forgotten,
like always setting the table for 14, even is there’s only 13 dining or having afternoon tea at 5 with the lights off on the first Sunday in February.

I never met my grandmother on my Fathers side but I am told she was quite a character! Her favourite flower was Lily of the Valley, she adored the scent and whenever she could, had it in her home and wore perfumes which contained it. In fact, her name was Sarah Lily, and her eldest daughter was Pearl Lily. Both her and my Auntie Pearl adored this tiny flower.

Whenever my Father smells Lily of the Valley he is reminded of them, their ‘straight up the line’ approach to life (which I must say is a Harper trait through and through!) and what strong characters they were.
It makes me appreciate my Father in a whole new light when he reminisces on family. He is a very straight business man. No time for messing about – an endless To-Do list, places to go and people to see. You know the sort, but whenever he smells Lily of the Valley, his thoughts are with his Mum and his Sister.
In fact, when I read this today, I called him to have a chat and ask him about his Mum and his big Sister. We often chat about his family – Pearl was a great entertainer with what I remember as a HUGE L-shaped sofa in the lounge – right next to the mirrored mini bar with a full set of optics behind it! She always threw awesome parties and I have some fab memories of parties at her house.

He went on to tell me that he has a bed of Lily of the Valley planted by the back gate at home and he gets to walk past it every day on his way in and out of the house.

In fact, he said he’ll be picking a few stems for my Mum on his way back in tonight . . .

I love sentiment and how we are reminded of special things which evoke feelings of family and heritage. All from one tiny flower.

The Divine Charlotte Harley Glamour & Vintage Romance Designer Day

Victoria — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:33:17 +0000

We are so blessed in the Midlands to have some of the UK’s finest wedding gown boutiques but the opening of Charlotte Harley Bridal Couture got me really excited. The location is stunning and the service levels are fabulous but these are then enhanced further by the owner Charlotte and her Mother Pam.

As a bride it is so important you feel relaxed, well looked after and above all, pampered during your dress selection process and these lovely ladies fulfill all my expectations and more.

The ladies are hosting a fabulous event on 14th April with Madeline Isaac-James where you can have a consultation with the designer herself. I know the appointments will fill up fast so give them a call and let them indulge you . . .

This Is Your Life

Victoria — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:04:45 +0000

I was lucky enough to get together with some past clients recently and they were telling me how much they loved one of the readings they had at their wedding.
It is something they remind themselves of often and really strikes a note with me. The lady who read this at their ceremony projected it beautifully and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

Although strangely it is the manifesto from online lifestyle store Holstee written by Dave, Mike & Fabian, I wanted to share it with you because it just makes you pause. I wonder if they ever imagined it would be used in a wedding . . .

This is your life. Do what you love and do it often.
If you don’t like something – change it.
If you don’t like your job – quit it.
If you don’t have enough time – stop watching T.V.
If you are looking for the love of your life – stop – they will be waiting for you when you start doing the things that you love.
Stop over analysing. All emotions are beautiful.
When you eat, appreciate every last bite.
Life is simple, open your mind, arms and heart to new things, and people, we are united in our differences.
Ask the next person you see what their passion is, and share your inspiring dream with them.
Travel often, getting lost will help you find yourself.
Some opportunities only come once. Seize them.
Life is about the people you meet, and the things that you create with them, so go out and start creating.
Life is short, live your dream, go out and create your passion.

It makes me remember to stop getting caught up in the every day trivialities which consume so much of our time and appreciate the wonderful things that happen every day if you just take a moment to look for them.

Image courtesy of Clare-Louise

A Bit Of News . . .

Victoria — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:44:21 +0000

Well, let’s face it, it’s been a while!

We hope you have enjoyed a fantastic start to 2012

I am so happy to say 2011 was an amazing year for us all here and we were able to concentrate not only on the amazing weddings we designed but also on other events both personal and corporate.

We also focused time into writing a book and budget planner for brides and grooms who want to plan their own wedding but need some assistance along the way.
It’s been a long time in the making but thanks to a little pre-season holiday it was completed and the first couples to use it all came back with updates about their planning that made me feel very proud! A huge thank you to those who took part in the test stage – you were fabulous!

Over all we had an amazing year and are very excited about what 2012 holds.

I promise to try and update you all more regularly. . .

Here’s to a beautiful, healthy and fabulous New Year!
*kiss!*

Bloody Mary Sunday…..

Victoria — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 17:45:12 +0000

Sometimes I meet clients who just blow me away with the expectations for their wedding day. I am thrilled to say that couples I meet are really up for a change to the norm and are keen to express themselves throughout their celebrations.
I am working with a couple who, after the consultation wanted me to come up with a whole concept for a weekend long celebration. After talking through their lifestyle it became apparent that a marquee wedding at home would be their best option so we could embrace their wild weekend way of partying.

One of the most fabulous things about this wedding is the desire to party all weekend and incorporate the Sunday after the Saturday before into the celebrations.
Bring on Bloody Mary Sunday!
The marquee will be re-worked so guests will be greeted with a blissed out vibe, a DJ playing their favourite chilled tracks and will be served Bloody Marys and a light brunch through to the afternoon when the bride and groom will depart for their secret hideaway to have a relax before their honeymoon.

I just love this idea and for me, this simple recipe keeps the Bloody Mary as one the best ever recoveries to the night before…..

50ml Vodka
Tomato Juice
Spice Mix:
2 Large dashes each of Tabasco and Worcestershire Sauce
Pinch Celery Salt
Pinch Cracked Black Pepper
1 Dash of fresh Lemon Juice
1 Teaspoon Horseradish Sauce
Slice of Lemon
Celery Stick
or Red Chilli

Blend ingredients for spice mix together in a mixing glass. Pour the vodka into a Highball glass filled with ice, add tomato juice and spice mix and stir vigorously.
Garnish with the lemon slice and celery stick or red chilli for an extra kick.

Enjoy people!

Peaceful Moments

Victoria — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 13:22:23 +0000

Recently I have been reflecting upon the weddings I have coordinated and thinking about how important it is for the bride and groom to treasure all their moments. On such a busy day it’s easy to be swept away with all the guests and high emotion that you miss some of the more precious moments that can slip past so easily.

I think for me, this image captured at Ettington Park Hotel in Warwickshire by Clare Louise Photography totally sums up a peaceful moment on a very busy wedding day.

Swooning for Tiararama

Victoria — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 12:11:38 +0000

I was thrilled to be included in Tiararama’s press release yesterday detailing the exciting new Tiararama Couture and Collection ranges.

I have been admiring Suzanne’s work for ages now and can’t wait to get some of my gorgeous brides down to her new London based design studio for Champagne and sparkly treats! They can view the Collections there or start to discuss the concepts for a bespoke piece with Suzanne herself.
The whole process with the way she works her tiara magic, from the initial design concept through to the fittings and the final product, is a real treat to be involved with. Her understanding of the materials with which she works makes Suzanne very instinctive with her design process. She sources only the highest quality materials such as Swarovski crystals and Swarovski pearls. All these components are then suited towards each season’s work so as to achieve the best light and reflection from the stones.
The Collection pieces are all based around Spring, Summer, Autumn & Winter making use of both silver and gold, with influences from nature including hydrangea and snow.

During the design process, not only does she take into account the style of the Bride’s dress and overall theme of the day but she works with the Bride’s own look and pays particular attention to points such as her height and body shape. All these factors go a long way into making a Tiararama piece something totally unique and an item to treasure.
These pieces of fabulousness have all the ingredients to become a family heirloom and with a jewellery collection due for launch in the new year I am bouncing about with excitement. I totally love!
For more information on theses sparkletastic lovelies, visit www.tiararama.co.uk or call the studio on 0845 3703110

My Favourite Table Plan So Far

Victoria — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:02:12 +0000

At a recent wedding we hired in this beautiful gilt mirror to display the table plan.
On it’s easel it stands over 6ft tall and was the perfect statement piece as people entered the marquee. I love it!
The ladies at Wedding Paraphernalia supplied us with the cards and butterflies, and a cheeky cupcake too!

I heart Gina!

Victoria — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 21:55:12 +0000

These gorgeous shoes were worn by one of my brides recently, and I have to say, “I need them in my life!!”
They are by Gina and they will make your life a little bit more perfect

Beautiful Bunting!

Victoria — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 11:07:31 +0000

We have just ordered this gorgeous bunting for a clients wedding and I wanted to share it with you!

I love the products at Cox & Cox – they never fail to bring those extra special touches to celebrations. The wedding decor market can seem overloaded at times but this website always seems to cut through the unnecessary clutter and show off the most gorgeous items.

I find that my clients want little touches that will subtly enhance their theme and I always find classy and elegant accessories here.

I Love this!

The bunting shown is £18 for 10 metres and will look simply gorgeous in any garden for post wedding lazy weekends in the sun!

For more information, visit their website at www.coxandcox.co.uk