Winter sparkle at Wiston House

We loved Elizabeth and Ryan. I have never met a bride that laughed so much and was so terribly excited about her wedding plans. Not one shred of doubt about anything.

The poor groom to be was banished out the door during the consultation whilst we talked about the dress. There was a lot of gasping and squealing from us as she showed us a picture. It was going to be a massive dress with many, many layers of net covered in sparkles. It was breathtaking. So when we finally summoned him back in, there was a lot of grinning at him. Poor chap.

The wedding and reception took place at the stunning Wiston House in Steyning. This 16th century house is set in rolling grounds with sheep and distant views of Chanctonbury ring. The house has a huge Great Hall, amazing panelling and flagstone floors. It was a cold, crisp and sunny day outside but it was warm, cosy and welcoming inside.

The couple had a lot of friends of their age with young children attending the wedding so they brought along their own soft play area for the children!! How cool is that?

We are going to be sent professional pics when they are ready as I am dying to see her sparkly bouquet against the super sparkly dress.

A flowery bower ( or two )

When Marianne first came to the shop to talk wedding flowers, she was so cool. And laid back. And she had GREAT hair.

Her and James' plans were for an intimate gathering at Beechwood Village Hall which is an adorable eco-build in Cooksbridge just outside Lewes following their ceremony at Lewes Town Hall. It is a good looking building with a gorgeous veranda looking out onto a green playing field and used as a community village hall.

Her inspirations were a mixture of bold, bright vibrant colours and neutrals to tie in with wedding dress and bridesmaids bold turquoise and cerise dresses. A combination which is never easy to pull off but always works.

But best of all she wanted hanging decorations. Which we LOVE. Hanging florals have surged in popularity as they bring so much to a space without looking traditional. They bring a naturalness to any space whilst still looking celebratory. Combined with festoon lighting, they brought green, colour and texture to the room. Plus it provides a good workout for us florists as it involves numerous trips up and down a ladder.

And did I mention she had sequinned tablecloths. In gold. Oh yeah. They were so stylish, I wanted to wear them and prance around inappropriately. Which I didn't. Natch.

Photography credit to Andrew Russell.

New shiny things.

We have been busy at Mole HQ. Testing product shots for our shiny new website and online shop launching early February. Expect to see a range of beautiful bouquets and funeral tributes and a wedding portfolio. All available for delivery or collection. Ladies, sadly no groom included, you will have to do that bit yourself.

Just click and buy and let us take care of the rest.

January time is Plan-uary time.

If you are getting wed this year, right now is the time to get your planning mojo on.

Yes, it is a lot to think about but dates throughout the year get snapped up pretty fast. It does no harm at all to have casual chat and get that Huge Ball Rolling.

Trust me, its not as daunting as it may appear. When you come for an informal chat, you are allowed to be CLUELESS. It's my job to know flowers, not your job so don't be hard on yourself.

We have coffee, squeal a bit at the picture of the dress, have a mooch around Pinterest and have a little play with some flowers. Then you go away and carry on with all the rest and come back to me when you are ready.

Easy peasy.