Sunday, 30 August 2015

Crystal Crafts Bouquets



I have waited what feels like forever to launch my amazing partner.. now I noticed talent in her back when I was prepping for my own wedding and took on a bit too much on board and needed someone reliable to help me, which is when I realised I stumbled across an undiscovered bouquet maker, one who didn’t realise her own talent!! We have literally so much to offer and are planning ahead for future projects but I have to say the 1 thing I really really love about her is how much in sync we both are. Not only that, but 99% of the time we are both on the same page and usually when were sending pictures that inspire us- the other already has it saved. Talk about great minds!
So enough of explaining here’s some photos so you can see for yourself....
 
For more pictures and updates find her via Instagram on crystalcrafts_bouquets
Feel free to send your booking queries to bouquets@crystalcrafts.events

Until then get following guys:
https://instagram.com/crystalcrafts_bouquets/



Friday, 12 June 2015

5 Celeb MUAs to consider for your big day



So about a decade ago I remember weddings to be very much different to how they are today. The whole matching thing had just started brides used to mainly wear gold (for jewllery) swarovskis were daring and makeup artist weren’t always hired and when they were we very rarely got to see their portfolio unless they were celebs ofcourse...which brings me right to the topic
Nowadays they’re on such a demand (makeup artists that is) brides are willing to fork out for the best.
Had I been looking for a celeb makeup artist for my wedding day.. here’s who would be on my top5, only there would be no no.1 and no.5 I just love them ALL!
Although just because I’ve personally witnessed her work- Lubna Rafiq would be my 1st call. The thing I love most about her portfolio is this glow she manages to bring out in clients, when I scroll through my instagram I always recognise her work.


The thing I love about naeem khan is his ability to transform he really knows how to bring out the wow factor...thats it that’s all I have to say ironically enough the thing I love about fozia tawfiq is the opposite trait, I particularly like how she is able to maintain one’s
natural beauty yet really enhance it.

Zaiba Khan maintains her signature look yet gives a fresh and dramatic feel each time. She definitely has the whole package- dewy look, striking contour and even the glow but her technique with the eyes – Stunning. After all, the eyes are first thing everyone looks at

And finally Ambreen, her campaign just spoke to me-unique AND breathtaking! Not only is her makeup skills on point but she really knows how to stand out from the crowd, you tell me.. after seeing this picture (below) who WOULDN’T want to hire her?  
Personally I think these are 5 of the best, if you ARE considering a celebrity makeup artist or even a makeup artist who is highly popular then book MONTHS in advance, soon as you get your wedding date fixed sort out your makeup artist

Saturday, 30 May 2015

The Crowne Plaza - Spa Break


It seems now were at an age where everyone is getting married and after all the hectic wedding planning I guess the one thing every couple is probably looking forward to is going off to holiday...but what if you're not? What if you're tremendously afraid of heights, dont like much of sight seeing or cant handle different types of food BUT you're still looking for a getaway? I recently discovered the obvious and wish the idea came to me when I got married! Husband and I had gone to Spain and as nice as it was there was very little halal food available so I didn't like it too much. However recently we had the most amazing time together in the Crowne Plaza Resort Colchester - Five Lakes. And yes halal food was available!



We had a nice long drive there. Checked in into our room changed and used the gym, then we went swimming. To dry your clothes in the bathroom they have a metal rail which you can choose to heat up also available is sauna, steam room and jacuzzi you can book yourself facials, manicures and massages. We went for a walk outside, the view is just so refreshing; land pretty much everywhere you just know you're away from your usual busy life. They have a buggy that can also be hired to cruise in the area although user will need a full driving licence. 

After our dinner we both went to find the pool table and ended up playing table tennis for a while. They also have a golf court and squash. We spent the night watching a nice comedy they have movies you can rent on their LG tv. But I must warn you be prepared and take snacks and lots of fizzy drink with you. We went at 3pm and lunch wasnt part of the deal so I had taken subway with me to eat after arrival. You may want to take some kind of
packed lunch with you or maybe even consider food for a picnic outside? If youre dressing up for dinner they already provide an iron, an iron board and hairdryer but you'll have to take your own straightener if you need. Come bed time they have the cosiest pillows and duvet alongside a comfy mattress. And in the morning they serve a lovely breakfast with a really wide range variety. For me it was the perfect get away I was a DIY bride where I made my own invitations and registry outfit as well taking care of all organisation all I really needed was to get some well deserved rest. And this is definitely the place that wouldve catered to my needs

Thursday, 30 April 2015

My Sketchbook: Memories of Barcelona



This was the 1st project I created in the second and final year of my college course. And 3 months prior to starting we had all gone on a class holiday to Barcelona to gather primary research and visit famous artist museums. 



I guess the wonderful thing about researching all types of artists is that it helps you to figure out what kind of designer you yourself aspire to be. But at the same time don’t get too caught up on the same kind of materials. Experiment and do something different, surprise even yourself and you’ll never get bored.

If you remember from my previous post those were the days that I used to enjoy making a background although it’s not necessarily relevant, paper art should help to lead you to ideas for samples. By 2nd year of college you should ofcourse be considering what direction you’re heading to i.e. in my class we had people who wanted to become shoes designers or go into womenswear, me personally, I chose surface textiles. Taking that into account you should start focusing your project/samples on that idea. As somewhat looking to go into an embroidery course my job was to try and use my research and turn it into as many textile samples as I possibly could. 
But 1st you have to create the art..
   Unfortunately I dont have a clearer image but I remember how hard it was to pattern cut the pieces and recreate the mosaic drawing I made. Although I would usually create individual samples, for this project I decided to do something different and embroider each "block" using different colours as well as different materials.

Since the assignment was set to produce a trench coat we all experimented by photoshopping our samples into drawings of our potential jacket
And heres the final result, mine is the 1st girl on the side facing the side by the way :)


Friday, 20 March 2015

Fit for a Queen



Image source: RubinaJavid via Instagram
So I’ve seen navy blue and purple popping up on weddings a lot recently and I mean A LOT!! ..I’ve never really
been a fan but seeing this bride really changed my mind!! Her outfit was just perfect, beautifully unique, elegant with stunning embroidery.

So you see the bride...now let me show you the rest of the wedding details...from my imagination ofcourse (with the help of google, facebook and instagram:O )
Her makeup was absolutely stunning I wouldn’t change anything (although I do prefer more matte lips) you can see more images on instagram by searching “rubinajavid”


Image source: Facebook
I stumbled across these bangles a long LONG time ago on facebook (sorry can’t remember the username) but how gorgeous would they look with this specific outfit?








Image source: Facebook Jewels N Gems
I’m not usually a jumar supporter but the one worn by the bride herself is just beautiful. Now I don’t know where the bride bought her jewellery but let me show you an alternative that would look just as good. This is a set by Jewels N Gems, the clusters certainly make it feel very rich, I am especially in awe with the naath. Stunning piece that can be customised what more can you ask for :P

Image source: Instagram zfstrend


These shoes speak volumes! Need I say more...?
Image source: Instagram PearlBouquets
Ive seen many diamante filled up bouquets and although I liked the concept I never quite felt like it was complete.. but this person I must say created a masterpiece of a bouquet
With so many event planners out there, there must be tonnes of ways to get a beautiful stage but heres one I randomly just found on my laptop.
I feel like it gives that mughal vibe yet in a very modern sense. Rich yet so effortless all at the same time.





Image source: Instagram SayItWithCakes
These cakes are so stunning I wouldn't know where to begin. I just wish I'd stumbled across this baker when I was getting married! Brilliant talent her design point as well as her precision is just on point. I'll admit I tweaked the shade of blue slightly to compliment the theme a bit better but thats something that can be done easily by the baker too (and not just photoshop)





Image source: Diamond.Galore

I found this on instagram the other day and how cute is this headpiece- wow! Perfect for the smaller members of the family

Image sourse: Instagram
 These accesories have a more western feel to it but next to a simple attire I can imagine it would look just so classy...(on the bridemaids that is ofcourse)
And heres a suggestion for the bride (OR groom's) sisters..

All in all the entire theme is made up of diamantes, navy and gold in colour.
Personally I would say if you are going to opt for the navy or purple look avoid red!
Both are statement colours on their own, much better complimented next to subtle tones.