Monday, September 30, 2013

Planning Your Wedding From Abroad - Guest Blogger: Berry Diaries

While I'm away on holiday in Bali I have lined up a couple guest bloggers to share with you ladies. First up today is a sweet blogger friend of mine who you have seen before here, Lulu with Berry Diaries. Lulu got married over a year ago at home in South Africa. While I may be getting married here in my new hometown of London, I can understand some of the issues of the back and forth of planning a destination wedding. I am excited to have Lulu sharing her thoughts today on a few pieces of advice if you are planning your big day from far away. Take it away Lulu.......
Becca has asked me to share a few tips on 3 Things that made planning our wedding in another country SO much easier.
We were so lucky when planning our Wedding in South Africa last year from London, that everything went so perfectly!

 1. Have a KEY person on the other side
For us, we were so lucky to be getting married on my parents farm, and so my Mum was pretty much our Wedding Planner.  I’ve also had friends who have relied on their sisters or best friends or cousins or bridesmaids to fulfill this role, but you need someone.  Someone who is able to go and meet and suss out the florist, band, make up artist or photographer for you in person if you aren’t able to. If you don’t have access to someone like this, or the Wedding venue is miles away from anyone that you know-get a Wedding Planner! But do be careful with who you select and what they are doing with your money. Get them to email you copies of every receipt that they receive regarding your Wedding.

 2. Get Vendor Recommendations from Friends who Recently got married in your hometown
If you are getting married in an area where friends have before you, ask them for the list of their suppliers.  Most people will have contacted a few suppliers for quotes so ask them for their shortlists and who they would recommend.  If you are getting married somewhere totally foreign, search the Internet.  See if you can find any reviews on vendors and ask social media land too - it is amazing the advice that you can get from placing a question on twitter or facebook.  Most people love the excitement around a Wedding, and you would be amazed at how your old high school friends’, sister’s husband’s sister also got married there, and can put you in touch for some tips!

3. Create a mock up at home a few moths before - We created a mock up 
a few months before of what we hoped that the tables would look like.  Scour eBay and charity shops for bits and pieces to try and recreate on your own dining or coffee table at home, the way you hope that it will look on your big day.  And then get working on how you plan to access items to create a similar look at your Wedding venue.  Often what you imagined in your head or saw inspiration for on Pinterest, doesn’t look quite like you imagined it to in real life...or something you weren’t sure about, suddenly looks fabulous!

Happy Wedding planning Girls! xoxo - Lulu 




Thank you so much Lulu for sharing your thoughts! Make sure to click over here to see more of Lulu's wonderful South African wedding. I LOVE the work they put into the barn....to a beautiful wedding venue! 


All photos by Stew Nolan Photography

xoxo - Becca

Friday, September 27, 2013

I Fancy Friday v. 14

FINALLY....it is Friday! Yippppeeee! In less then 10 hours Beau and I will be on a plane on our way to Bali. WOW, I still kind of can't believe that is where we are heading. What a great week it has been full of birthday wishes and now an amazing holiday ahead of us. Along the way I have found a few things I fancy and had to share! 

1. The Rock Bar in Bali - WOW. The view from the bar in Bali is nothing but amazing, fingers crossed we can make it there for a sunset drink. 

2. ASOS Petite Ruffle Top  - Isn't this top adorable and pretty and flirty! It may not be in my suitcase this trip, but how about for my honeymoon?

3. Running like a Girl - I've heard great things about this book! I have downloaded it on my iPad and am hoping it gets me back on the road running and not as much in the gym. 

4. Soap & Glory Beauty Sleep Accelerator Night & Flight Moisture Miracle  - I just bought this lotion and am eager to see how it works after a 18+ hour flight and some days in the sun. 

5. Alphabet Bags Seconds Sale - I may have purchased a few goodies at their online sale of seconds. The seconds have small teeny mistakes....I think they are amazing and 1/2 the price! The perfect gift at your wedding weekend. 

6. Elle McPherson's hair - can we say HAIR ENVY! How can I grow my hair this long and how can I get those shiny bouncy wavy pieces I want! 

xoxo - Becca




Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Mid Week Blog Break

My birthday was on Monday and I'm going on holiday on Friday, so lets just say these in between days, my mind is wandering! After waking up to Laduree macarons for breakfast in bed, heading to the movies and catching up with my friends, my mind is not in work mode, its in holiday mode. I thought we could all use an afternoon mid week blog break of some great links I've found around the web. I'm still celebrating my birthday so I will grab some bubbly and relax and do a little reading, ladies on across the pond, enjoy your afternoon coffee and a little blog break! 

These cupcakes from an old shoot we did with Kat Braman would be an AMAZING birthday treat!

Speaking of Kat, how amazing is this engagement shoot? Le Sigh! The Florida sunshine by the water is gorg!

Did you see the new look Floridian Weddings is getting? CLICK HERE, it is FAB!

WOW, check out these adorable flower girl options. How about the cute polka dot dress.

Oooo Claire Danes dress was stunning at the Emmy's.

{just a little reminder....birthday present to me...you can vote for the BLOG awards HERE, I'm nominated for best international blog!}

This 5 minute Face beauty tutorial is fantastic. 

I love seeing a pretty London wedding by our caterer on Style Me Pretty. The brides dress is way too cute and Holland Park is GORG.

Sally from Mad Men is ALWAYS dressed so glam, cute and age appropriate on the red carpet and Design Sponge compared her Emmy dress perfect with some other design pieces. 

How have I not discovered this wonderful site Against All Grain??? Paleo healthy delicious beautiful recipes, yes please. 

xoxo - Becca

Craving Calligraphy

There is something about a nicely addressed enveloped that is written in calligraphy arriving in your mailbox, it is so special! I think long are the days that calligraphy is just old and formal. There are so many amazing artists creating beautiful scripty, fun and whimsical fonts that it has me thinking if I should add some to my wedding invites, cocktail menus or even the wedding programs. I love the curves and curls of the writing! The ladies below make an addressed envelope look art, which is what is making me crave some calligraphy in our wedding! 
I'm excited that I had Shannon Kirsten  create a little wedding project for me! This talented Floridian creates beautiful custom prints, invites and even makes this cocktail menu look like I should frame it in my house! 
 London based Erin with Berinmade is not only adorable and sweet herself, she also creates lovely wedding pieces. How pretty are these wedding programs! 
 The addressed envelope and menu card above are beautiful! Julie Song Ink is an artist in this field and continues to create beautiful pieces. 
 I recently discovered Seattle based la Happy and think her work makes me happy! She has a pretty curly font that I find is very me! How adorable is her engagement party invite above!
 How cute is the Save OUR date stamp above by Lindsay Letters
 I found these sweet Pimm's tags by Calligraphystore and it got my mind going on how to use this in our wedding weekend! The British cocktail....Pimm's of course will be served at our wedding! 
 Molly Jacques's wedding invite above is seriously frame able! How beautiful is her work! She is now teaching online calligraphy classes and well, I'm thinking of the idea of signing up! 
These gold envelopes with white script must find a way into our big day, because well, I'm obsessed. Plurabelle Studio, yep, she creates beauties!
Last but not least, it may not be a wedding invite or a sign, however this OH HAPPY DAY! iPhone case is rather adorable no? A calligraphy inspired phone case! 

Are you a scripty girl or more of a big bold graphic font girl? Because me myself and I are LOVING some curves and curls! Can't wait to see what we add to our day. 

xoxo - Becca

Monday, September 23, 2013

Pancakes in Bed....because it's my birthday!

As I have written about before, August was the beginning of birthday month in my world. This past week has brought me two best girlfriends birthday, along with Beau's on Friday and mine...today. August & September = birthday month for me! Last week I stayed up late and baked homemade gluten free pumpkin doughnuts for Beau, they were delicious! I am not ready for Monday, the beginning of the work week, and honestly I just want to lay in bed with breakfast and celebrate turning another year older! I can not believe I am celebrating 32, doesn't it seem like I was drinking cosmos at Syracuse celebrating my 21st yesterday?
Crepes, waffles, pancakes, breakfast in bed, ooo la la, that is what I call celebrating your birthday. Breakfast in bed is decadent and a treat and just what you need to celebrate you! I woke up today to Beau with a tray of coffee and Laduree macarons, I wished I could have stayed in bed all day!
{What Katie Ate}
{Smitten Kitchen}
{Abby Jiu on Wedding Chicks}
{Grey Likes Weddings}
{Jessica Lorren and Sarah Tucker on 100 Layer Cake}
{Style Me Pretty}
{Camille Styles}
{Martha Stewart Weddings}
{Folklife Lifestyle}
SO today as I turn another year older, I will savour my breakfast, my walk to work and think of the year behind and the year ahead. Next year I will be married, I will have our wedding we are planning in detail for, behind us, it will be another year of wonderful things gone by. I have lots of plans for the next year and many decisions I must think of and make for myself. Its funny being not 30 anymore but in your "30's". I put so much stress on myself of where I want to be and things I wish I have done by now, but then Beau reminds me, I'm only 32, I've got the world ahead of me. 

So here's to 32! Cheers to another year of mornings drinking coffee in bed with Beau and Sir Oliver, walks in the park, Facetime sessions with my family, visits to the States, enjoying our life in this amazing city, interesting clients, afternoons that include Laduree macarons and walks around fancy shops, to getting super healthy, to planning the perfect wedding for me and my future Mr. 32.....let's do this! 


xoxo - becca

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Wedding Events in October

I've never been a huge fans of expos or wedding fairs. However, when I read about these two upcoming London wedding events I got quite excited. See below for more details! 

Brides the Show is being organized by Brides Magazine, one of the best and stylish UK wedding magazines. The show will take place at Battersea Park October 11 - 13. The reason this show has grabbed my attention is it seems to have some stylish vendors! Bobbi Brown makeup artists will be on hand to do makeup trials, there will be a wedding dress exhibition, a fashionable run way with dresses from boutiques such as Miss Bush Bridal , hello Laduree is going to be exhibiting with macarons and sweets of all sorts! If you are sick of going to a wedding fair and wandering around the whole show to find one vendor, I think this may be the show to attend and find many vendors you fancy! I am going to the Preview Night on Friday which sounds like a lot of fun! Purchase tickets here. 

The wonderful London based wedding blog b.loved is throwing a party on October 24th at Trinity Buoy Wharf. B.loved is known for always featuring inspirations for brides and showcasing amazing and talented vendors throughout the area. I think the party should be a great way for us in the wedding business to meet others and for brides to be to meet potential vendors for the wedding. While the party is a celebration of the site and the community, I am sure no guest will leave without a little bit of inspiration for their big day. RSVP HERE.


Hope to see you there! xoxo - Becca

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Birthday Bling

I can not believe my birthday is less then a week away! How did this BIG birthday go by two years ago???? Beau's birthday is this week and mine is on Monday. We are getting ready to go on holiday next week, planning the wedding, working, blogging and having fun and in the mix I kind of forgot September 23rd was right around the corner! When people start asking what you want for your birthday and you think, hhmmmm...I head to my Pinterest boards



What girl doesn't want some new bling. Big necklaces, bold earrings, little fun rings, this girl loves some new baubles. The J.Crew pave bracelet has been on my list of LOVES for years now, birthday gift with a bow? Thought I would share the bling I am loving. Is your birthday soon? Looking for new bling for your big day? Here are some of my new favs! A few local designers, a little Tiffany's, Stella and Dot, Kate Spade....my bling birthday wish list. 



xoxo - Becca


Monday, September 16, 2013

Monday Afternoon Blog Break

Well the Fall season has finally arrived here in London! I am a HUGE lover of Fall {or as we say in the UK, Autumn}; crisp air, changing leaves, apple pies, apple ciders, apple everything, unpacking your sweaters, my birthday, Beau's birthday, OK, get it, I love Fall! However, after such an AMAZING summer we had here in London, it was hard to see the gloomy days and lots of rain this weekend, knowing that there is a lot of this to come for many months ahead. We are heading away on holiday in less then two weeks and it is keeping me going! While I might love the sunny days during this season, the rainy days can be a bit much......so I'm taking a little afternoon break for a pick me up! Enjoy what I found around the web! 
{Image by Michelle March Photography}
Awwww, I love seeing these pictures that Michelle took of Beau and I, newly engaged, living in London! The leaves were all falling, it was chilly, what a fun day. 

The Seconds sale by Alphabet Bags....ROCKS! What a great place to get some good gifts! 

I mean really, Harry the birthday boy is adorable, I think we can all agree on this? 

I'm a huge fan of brunch and a day after the wedding brunch sounds like the icing on the wedding weekend. 

What a beautiful engagement session in Regents Park by the talented Polly

I am very excited to see what Kate and Emma put together at the Brides Show in October. I had a great time trying on dresses on Monday at Miss Bush Bridal and well....I may have a wedding dress winner, we will see:) 

Lulu's post about Daylesford Farm made me want to book a day trip there PRONTO. 

oooo a bag named the Beau bag seems perfect for me:) I love seeing what other ladies keep in their handbags!

Pretty. Pink & Gold

xoxo - Becca


Friday, September 13, 2013

Soiree Style: Engagement Party

Yesterday I was dreaming about what I would wear if we had an engagement party, today I am thinking of the party itself! An engagement party is the time to celebrate with fun and style, not too fancy, not to planned, a fun casual night gathered with friends and family to celebrate all that is ahead! 


1. Sweets in the shape of your new bling! I would serve these Diamond Cookies, yes he put a ring on it! 

2. Minted She said YES Invite - Send out a quick and easy invite! Minted has AMAZING invites and you can even have them address them for you. 

3. Bubbly Bar  - It doesn't need to be over the top and elaborate, but some bubbly, some flavored simple syrups to add in, bubbly is a must to celebrate the engagement! 

4. A party activity? How about a metallic Gold Heart Piñata  filled with sweets and treats that are the two of your favorites. I can picture my mom with the piñata right now! Priceless memories:)

5. Custom Sweets, Gold Glitter Fortune Cookies, both things I love glitter and a way to customize your desserts. Add in well wishes and fortunes to the newly engaged couple. 

6. Sequin Bauble Rings - these rings are easy and adorable to make for guests. You may have just got some new bling, so why not share in the celebration. 

7. I would LOVE to exit the party with my new fiancé and be showered in glitter by my guests! I think these Glitter Bag are adorable. 

xoxo - Becca


Thursday, September 12, 2013

Soiree Style : Engagement Party Outfit

Beau and I celebrated our ONE YEAR engagement anniversary last week! I can not believe it has been a year since this AMAZING day! We never had an engagement party, but even a year after, I'm still dreaming of 
one and what I would wear. 
Also last week, one of my best friends got engaged and we have been celebrating via texts, tweets, calls and emails. Since I got engaged and then moved to another country the next week, we never got to celebrate in style with our friends and family and have an engagement party. If I could snap my fingers and be in D.C. to celebrate for Cerys I would have a big engagement soiree to celebrate! Getting engaged is a reason to celebrate and party and bring out the sparkles, the bubbles and the love. You are engaged, lets have a party! Your mom, your grandma, your colleagues and your friends want to see the sparkly ring and hear the big proposal story, why not have a party!!!

If we could have an engagement party, I would dress up with a little romantic pink, but also a lot of party pouf. I would throw on my 30th birthday shoes {still love these!}, some pink lips and dance the night away with my fiance. Bubbles, sparkly linen? I'll be back tomorrow with some thoughts on the party itself! Did you have an engagement party? I'd love to hear about it! Maybe it isn't too late for one, hey its a year reason to celebrate. 


xoxo - Becca

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

I was nominated!

I have some really exciting fun news to share! I have been nominated for BEST INTERNATIONAL WEDDING BLOG for the Wedding Magazine Wedding Blog Awards! It was QUITE a shock to me that I got so many votes and supporters and I couldn't thank you enough!
I started my blog as a little corner of the world wide web to keep my family and friends up to date when I moved from DC to London, it has since grown into so much more. It is truly an honour to be placed beside these other amazing and BIG blogs. I honestly never thought I would earn a spot and am beyond excited I did. Thank you so much for nominating me. 

If you love reading Urban Flip Flops so much then hop over to the Wedding Magazine Blog Awards List and vote for me in Best International Wedding Blog category! Voting closes 28th of September. 

THANK YOU! xoxo - Becca

Kate Spade for your Big Day

I am sure it comes of NO surprise to you that I have used the words "A little Kate Spade" to describe aspects of our wedding design more then once. Yep, I love myself a little Kate {as seen here and here and here} and can envision some sparkle, some polka dots and some all out fun on our big day, very Kate Spade like! Not only do I love the main line of the quirky and stylish brand, I also have a huge crush on their wedding belles line. The bridal line is full of adorable pieces for the bride to be, her and her Mr. and her and her maids! Hop on over to see some of my favorites, my picks are below! 
Selecting from Mr. & Mrs. glasses to bow rings for your maids or how about adding the cake topper pendant of the bride and groom! I love that!



Happy Shopping! I hope you can also added a little bit of twirl from Kate Spade on your big day! 

xoxo - Rebecca









Monday, September 9, 2013

Le Diner en Blanc - London

A few months ago a friend I met here in London told us about this fun "secret dinner" that takes place in the Summer called Diner en Blanc, we had to go! Last year the event was held in Covent Garden, hundreds of people dressed in white,  gathered at a secret location and dined under the pretty summer night in London. She was telling us that how wonderful it was, you bring your own food and wine, you meet a lot of new people, you dance the night away, you actually have to bring your own table and chairs, hhhmm, sounds like a lot of work! 

The event has been going on for 25 years, beginning in Paris and still continues today with about 15,000 people celebrating all over the world. Diner en Blanc is meant to be a chic gathering of friends, a small society, you have to sign up to be invited in. Even thought it sounded like a bit of work to me, we decided to go. Ann and I cooked up a storm, packed up our goods, bought a new white dress and made our way to the big event....it was one of my favorite nights out in London yet!

Packing up your tables and chairs was a bit of a hassle, we decided to jump in a cab and head to Victoria station, but once you are there, well worth it! The location ended up being on the docks across from the Millennium Dome. We had no idea where we were going even up until a few minutes before stopping, but the location was an awesome view of London that I never see from our area of town.
Waving napkins, pouring bubbly, dancing, eating, lighting sparklers, the night was fantastic and the rainy London day cleared up and become dining under the clear starry sky.
Apologies for my blurry pics, but I had to share the experience! Many people stopped us on our way into Victoria Station asking if there was a wedding going on because of all of the guests decked out in white. Beau kind of liked the idea of all of our wedding guests wearing white, love it, but we are getting married in London, not South Beach;)
oooo I found myself an initial! R pics as my new Facebook pic;)
We loved the band, including a band member tapping away on the champagne bottle and danced until we had to leave. After hours of celebrating a fun night out, we ran away with balloons back into the London night. 
A view from the bus ride home. Hey Big Ben! London I love you! It was a fun night at Diner en Blanc, we will be back next year. Want to join?
xoxo - Becca
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