Rustic, Industrial and Ecclectic wedding hire and styling in Norfolk.

WHY DO I NEED A WEDDING STYLIST?

Posted on May 15, 2020 by thelittlelendingco

A couple of weeks ago, or maybe the week before…who even knows any more?! I put up a question on my Instagram stories asking what honestly puts you off hiring a wedding stylist.

And yes, there were a few recurring answers which came up. Theres plenty of reasons not to hire a stylist and really loved your honesty for these below, thank you (those questions and polls on Insta really are really so helpful and always love that you get involved.)

I’d like to start by asking you to to visualise the day before your wedding day, of course this isn’t going to be every brides lead up but I have been doing this many years and have certainly seen this scenario play out more than a few times. But it might show just how valuable a wedding stylist could be and how they really are more than just hired help the week of your wedding…

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The day before your wedding
You are most likely late leaving for your venue because there is tonnes to load in the car. Already feeling a bit anxious if you have left anything behind. You arrive at your venue and know there is no time to enjoy your check-in and settle in because you have several suppliers arriving with props, furniture, catering equipment and the florist will be there too. Family and friends are going to be arriving all through the afternoon to help with the DIY set up. You start unboxing everything you have collected, as well as the props you’ve hired and aren’t exactly sure where to start. People arrive but there isn’t time to show them round properly now, you need them to start putting candles in holders. More friends and family arrive and you know at 5pm you want to be finished set up and actually start enjoying the evening together as you have envisioned for months as a little pre-wedding celebration, but as time ticks on you realise its going to be a much later finish. Everyone offers help, it’s overwhelming as you know how you want the set up to look but can’t relay that to everyone easily, and you end up doing much more yourself. You start to feel frustrated and wish there was more time, its not the set up day you had in your head and worried as more needs to be finished on the morning of the wedding, who will help with that?

Ok so I know many brides absolutely love doing their own decor set up and DIY for them was pure bliss and really enjoyed working on the set up with friends and family around.
But if you do have lots of friends and family coming from afar and want to spend a weekend with them, help can be so valuable across your weekend. You know a stylist will have the days vision and a huge check list ready to put into action and set up and can return on the wedding day to finish any final details you wouldn’t necessarily be able to check yourself or feel comfortable leaving to family.
It comes down to how you want to feel in the days and hours leading up to walking down the aisle and I genuinely think being relaxed enough to trust your stylist and just overjoyed at your wedding set up being totally in hand so you can enjoy that precious time with family and friends, well could that be priceless on one of the biggest weekends of your life??

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COST.
Of course this came up the most. Yes it is an additional cost but my styling service is much more than just turning up the day before for a set up. I have initial consultations to find out about who you are and what your vision is, I will meet you at the venue and walk round with you giving more ideas for making the decor even more impactful, draw up a mood board you can then share with other creative suppliers, call you 1 month before the wedding to go over in detail all the areas for set up, a full day styling the day before with assitants, the day of the wedding for those final tweaks and back again the day after to pack up all my hire pieces so again you can be with family saying your goodbyes. I am invested with you on your styling journey and ensure every last detail is executed how you imagined it would be.

I have 7 years in the industry so a wealth of knowledge on set ups and always prepared for anything unexpected to happen, with a full styling kit with everything required to make a set up happen. I hope to add lots of new ideas and vision into the process for you too, suggesting adding in personalised touches as much as possible to really showcase a day that represents you both.

I would also actually argue that a stylist can save you money, because by using their expertise you can put more budget into the ‘wow’ moments of the day and draw back on other elements using their advice to guide the design.

NOT GOING TO BE ON THE SAME PAGE FOR VISION.

This came up a few times too. You honestly cannot offend me, if you don’t like suggestions theres nothing you have to have and advice is just that. I always like to guide couples and share what may be the best outcome visually but if it isn’t working for you then we just move to another option. Often budget for those final details plays a big part and I have helped many couples draw back on those final details but still delivered a super stylish day.

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WORRIED YOU WON’T BE INVOLVED IN THE SET UP.

Lots of you we’re also worried you wouldn’t be involved in the set up and think a team would come in and take over everything. This isn’t the case with LL at all. Usually its me you’ll see and an assistant (maybe two) who will come in and start the set up. I understand brides and grooms want to be involved and see the space evolve and always want you to feel involved though the set up day, and the same goes with family who want to feel involved, I can always find little tasks for anyone.
Of course if you want to also let the whole transformation be a surprise (and just guests only see it on the wedding day) this is possible too of course. It’s always your call with how the set up goes.
You also might only have On-the-Day access to your venue so again the set up service is super helpful for those couples who know we have a plan in place and can relax on the wedding morning knowing you’ll walk out to picture perfect decor.

NOT BUDGETED FOR ONE AND NOT SEEN THE VALUE OF ONE.

Lots of people don’t have a stylist in the initial budget because it can be a bit of an after thought. A stylist can come in earlier with your plans or later, with helping with the set up for your own vision. I offer a ‘Lend-A-Hand’ package which is a set up and pack down service essentially for those couples looking to have a creative eye on board but realised later in the planning the value of help with setting up.

Are you considering a stylist? Do you have any other concerns or questions about how a LL set up happens? I’d love to hear from you, feel free to email or message and find more on my styling services here.

Images – Nicola Dixon Photography / Workshop – Wild Ones Community / Shoot assistant – LW Events / Styling and Hire – The Little Lending Company / Flowers – SassFlower/ Venue – The Giraffe Shed / Dresses – Jean Jackson Couture / Mens Suit – Asos / Chair Hire and Tableware – CMA Hire / Hand dyed Linen – MiaSylviaa

Penny x

HOW TO MAKE IT IN THE WEDDING INDUSTRY.

Posted on May 5, 2020 by thelittlelendingco

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Ok so I have no idea if I have really ‘made it’ but 7 years on I am still here, still loving what I do and making money (so its not just a hobby) so that for me means I am happy, content and still passionate about the future…despite the world right now because people will always celebrate love with their friends and family in one way or another and I cannot wait to get right back to working for my couples and creating their days.

(Also have I just totally just got away with the fact that I haven’t written a blog post for a 2.5 years! Life, eh!?)

I remembered I had actually written a post about starting a hire company and it was actually 5 years ago. I feel it’s still a good little read all these years later with some of my initial thoughts on ‘Could I run a wedding hire company from home?’

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But I want to share much more here today for those of you who have been reaching out to me about working in the industry and specifically setting up and running a wedding hire/styling company. I stand by everything in my previous post, please don’t quit your day job, it takes several years to build your brand and establish yourself, well at least it did for me and I have seen a lot of local prop hire companies come and go over the years, it is not easy. The hours are of course seasonal, very long and incredibly intense but if you cannot wait to get stuck into something new and also very rewarding with the most brilliant community of people this is a career move for you.

CONNECTIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS

First and foremost you won’t get far in this industry without working really hard to build a network of suppliers that are likeminded and have a similar vision as you. These people will become your friends, cheerleaders and help bring in so many recommendations and grow your business in the best ways through working together.

Work on getting to know local venue owners too and reaching out to them to share what you’ll be offering and how you can help their couples. Personally I will always work locally because its where I have grown my base and brand and don’t feel the need to travel to lots of far away venues.

FINDING YOUR IDEAL CUSTOMER

I have an ideal bride in mind when I write and post images or share advice for. She is my ideal customer and over the years I have worked out who she is, what she loves doing, where she loves to shop, dance and drink and what she wears. This so helps in keeping me focused and everything I do is then for her purpose. (I should have an ideal groom too but I don’t generally work with as many men directly with my communication)

I honestly believe if you work out your ideal customer you’ll become so much more successful as you’ll know which wedding blogs and magazines she’s reading, the venues she’s viewing and the type of product she’d love to hire.

YOU ARE YOUR BRAND

So many people ask about how to grow a range of products you know will hire out well. The biggest advice for this is remember you are your brand, if you really love a piece and could imagine it at your wedding/in your home its a good bet your ideal customer will too (if she’s anything like you, which parts of my ideal bride is a younger, cooler version of me!)

SAYING NO IS OK

Everyone says say yes to everything at the start of business, but honestly there is alot to be said for saying no. Anything that isn’t a good fit for you or your brand isn’t worth your time. Research suppliers involved with shoots before agreeing to them and don’t be afraid to not share images that aren’t fitting with where you want your business to be. Getting the right set of images out there at the start with a clear message of what you do will keep you leaps ahead and pushing in the right direction. At the start I fought alot with taking orders that we’re ‘bread and butter’ money orders to realising I needed to think bigger to get the right couples coming through.

BE PRESENT

Being present on social is so, so important at the start. Start networking and just keep showing up. It will feel like people aren’t seeing you but being consistent really is key.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT

Initially I didn’t have the right pricing at all and my time just wasn’t covered properly for deliveries, admin and the fact you don’t get paid out of season. This has all come with time for me but always reflect and adjust, sadly learning from mistakes and realising how many hours were spent on an event can help to grow and move forward.

STAFFING

In the beginning there was just no way I could afford staff but eventually you realise how vital they are. Rather than investing into more range pieces (my range is actually not vast at all, you’ll notice how many of the same pieces are featured in my weddings) I really advise getting admin assistance and more behind the scenes help with prop prep. This year was going to be a big year for me to step back from day-to-day in some ways and have more staff here to help so I am left to push and develop the business more. I am beyond grateful for all my freelance staff and the role they play each week.

OTHER SERVICES

I added sign writing and styling services after just a few years. I knew I had to branch out into more than just prop hire as I only offer small props. Offering big furniture pieces have much bigger return but having a large storage space with rent every month, large vans and paying two men to go to each delivery wasn’t something I wanted to have the responsibility of. I like working at home, all my stock is here and I have no external costs, this works best for me and has hugely helped in me having a full salary from Little Lending and means I can fit in work around my growing family.

DON’T LET DOUBT IN

Over the years doubt will of course set in; if you will make it, make a profit, finally work for a proper wage, be recognised in the industry, but only if you really want to succeed then you will. There will always be people out there who seem to have it all together (trust me behind the scenes they won’t) but all you need to do is keep visualising your end goal.

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Would love to know your thoughts on starting out in the industry, if you have experienced lots of stumbling blocks or if you are just loving the ride of growing something new?

Images Darina Stoda (Old office, new office is not ready for images yet!)

Penny x

MY 5 2018 GOALS.

Posted on January 10, 2018 by thelittlelendingco

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New Years Resolutions. EUGH, nope I am really not going there this year. I am going to start this year a little bit differently, rather than resolutions and changes that just set you up to fail for me 2018 is about setting myself goals. Lovely big glowing goals that I can reach for. I know we’re like half way through January but its taken a bit of time to work out what I’d like for this year.

NEW

So some of you might have spotted from my Instagram that I will be starting something brand new this year. Mentoring. WOAH. Its something I’ve wanted to do for quite a few months now. I have lots of amazing ladies in the wedding industry get in touch to ask how I’ve started LL and how I run LL on a day-to-day basis. Now is the time not be afraid of newness and expanding into a new area for myself and the biz. I love working with creative, likeminded women and I’m so looking forward to working with them passing on my own knowledge, mistakes and experiences. So excited to get rolling with this, keep your peepers on my IG, its where I’ll share more info soon.

FOCUSED

Louise of Bloved Hive has always been there through the growth of LL. She got me thinking about a word of the year, mine is ‘Focused.’ This is for me to be really focused on who I am working with to grow LL and also moving my focus with more full styled set ups. I want to work with couples more closely and get to enjoy the process of designing weddings with them. This is when I am happiest.

CONNECT

I really want to make sure I keep collaborating and connecting with other suppliers in the industry. Hooking up and sharing inspiration and ideas with other women that inspire and motivate me is really important for my own momentum and drive.

HONESTY

This is something I hope to be with you, more open and honest on my social media. Sharing more of the person behind the pretty and the captions, it was lovely that so many of you recently on my IG stories wanted to see more of what goes on back here, so I’m going to aim to show you more of me and my LL life.

DOING LESS

A weird goal, but I need to make sure I actually do a bit less this year. More time for me and my family is a must.

What are your 2018 goals? Love to hear your thoughts on how I can achieve some of these goals. Hope you’re 2018 has got off to the best start ever.

Penny x

BEING A MUM AND RUNNING A WEDDING HIRE COMPANY FROM HOME.

Posted on January 2, 2018 by thelittlelendingco

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So wow, I’ve not blogged in a long time, almost a year since our Della Joanie came along. Theres not really any other excuse than life being busy, like really busy. She’s been the biggest life changer ever. I had no idea what to expect with a new born and keeping the company running, but all I knew was that there HAD to be a way to make it work for me and us. LLCO is my livelihood, my love and my second baby.

I’m not going to sit here and say how easy its all been, in fact its really not been at all. Other than getting my head around being a mum and all that comes with that I needed to keep some head space for my passion and my lovely couples.

There have been some very dark days in all honesty, on the early months I was severely struggling with sleep deprivation (and some kind of weird sleep anxiety thing I still have, thats another beast!) but also trying to keep up with my inbox and that feeling of not letting people down. I barely took any maternity leave as there was lots to do managing the Most Curious Norwich wedding fair for the first time, and having no mat leave in hindsight was pretty bonkers but when an opportunity like MC Norwich comes along and is too perfect for you, you take it. That said, me having the fair and my Little Lenders helped me get back to feeling more ‘Penny’ quickly and not just a new mama.

So yep, Della still doesn’t sleep though and may not until she’s 7 at this rate! This is the hardest bit and was though the Summer on my big prep and set up days, running on nothing but Lucozade and Pain Au Chocolat’s from the garage. I’ve really struggled with the other mums at Della’s baby clubs that have babies that sleep through and they are on a years maternity leave, I’ve felt so hard done by, doing it all but also feeling the guilt of not doing enough with Della. ( I’m kind of realising the working mum guilt actually never goes away but I’m learning to be proud that Del will grow to see the little empire I’m building for us, and her future.)

There have been days where I’ve had no childcare and still needed to get an order prepped for a delivery that day and Della has been so grizzly I couldn’t put her down and I arrived for a drop off 3 hours late. There is juggling, oh so much juggling, I swear being a mum with a home biz you’re balls are never down!

BUT, all that aside, I have had 115 Lenders through the Summer of 17 and set up or styled 22 of them. And you know what I’ve loved this year the most and weirdly it was my most organised year yet. I’m also now lucky that I get more Della days now than some other mums heading back to work after their mat leave. So take what you will from this, my tips/tricks on how I’m making my two dream jobs work together.

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GET A GOOD SUPPORT NETWORK IN PLACE

I am very lucky to have both of Dellas Nanny’s that are able to look after Della in the week. Usually my MIL will come over mid-morning so I can have breakfast and a bit of play time first and my husband often picks Del up after work. Or my mum will look after Della here, this is the best as I can work upstairs and lunch with them and get my Della fix when I need it. I know this can’t work for everyone but a good network of people to help out is invaluable.

PLAN AHEAD

Fairly obvious but week on week planning of what you ‘really need to achieve’ is the only way to go for me. Its amazing what I now get done in the Child-free hours I have. I have never been so productive! Prioritise and get ahead when you can will mean you can make the most of baby time.

SLEEP WHEN YOU CAN

‘Sleep when the baby sleeps’ – Everyone says that when you have a baby. I have had to have naps at 6pm sometimes just to get some sleep in to feel more together. I’m Ok with Della being with family for the morning at the weekend when there aren’t weddings to have a good lay in. Don’t try and do it all, listening to your bodes needs is so important.

SET A BEDTIME

Babies don’t really go to sleep early evening for a while (well ours didn’t) but I have made a cut off point for work now of 10pm. I’ve learnt the hard way by staying up late to catch up then being up with Del in the night. If you get into a really good routine at night for yourself and the baby it will only lead to a more organised you.

ACCEPT HELP

Accepting help on my house work this year has been the best decision ever. I’ve employed a lovely friends mum who helps here every week with the housework and prepping props for orders in the Summer. It’s been a game changer and the best money spent for the business too. I now have a pool of freelancers too I can all on for wedding set ups. Letting go of some control of the running of my little co. has been really good, all round.

DON’T SET HUGE GOALS

On the days it’s you and the baby don’t set huge lists to get through. Della’s naps can be 10 minutes or 2 hours so its hard to know how productive I can be. A few urgent mails and calls answered can feel really satisfying to know you are ticking off a few items.

KEEP SOCIAL

You might feel like all marketing structure has completely gone (believe me I would have loved to have blogged this year!) but keeping active during the first year on your social media shows you are still there for your couples. Even to share exciting inspiration or throwing back to previous work. Being active and consistent on Instagram has been the only way I could keep my presence online this year and social with my brides.

Now realising I hadn’t shared Della’s nursery on my blog. So here it is, (it really doesn’t look like this now!) shot by my gorgeous friend Darena Stoda.

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I’d love to hear from you if you are a new mum with a business at home, any other tips and tricks you can share with me for keeping a balance and getting more of a routine together.

I really want to thank you all for your amazing support this last year, I know emails have sometimes been received late and you’ve had to chase me up (not cool) but you’ve been such a brilliant bunch of humans; from my wedding supplier friends, the Godwick team, my MC Norwich people, new connections I’ve made in 2017 and of course my Little Lenders. I am grateful for you all, I hope you know.

Penny X

CLEAN LINES AND GEOMETRIC SHAPES.

Posted on July 31, 2017 by thelittlelendingco

Well HELLO there! It’s been a while, if you haven’t seen my Instagram or Facebook you may not know I became a mummy to a gorgeous girl, Della Joanie, about 6 months ago now. I will be writing a post up about running my business with a babe and some of the huge changes that have taken shape behind the scenes but I thought it was about time to share some wedding inspiration with you, because that’s really what you’re here for, right? And this ones all about geometric shapes and clean lines, this look is not going away and is set to be pretty big for next year too.

So today we have a guest blog post from my new super super stylish assistant Laura of Rose and Weston fashion blog. We met when she helped me with the Most Curious Wedding fair in the Spring and was basically the biggest help ever. She just got what I was looking for and we clicked. You might even meet Laura on some styling set ups with me from time to time too.

Large Hexagon for hire. Image Camilla Andrea Photography.

I’m going to hand over to Laura now…
‘So when Penny exhibited some new amazing pieces at The Most Curious Wedding Fair a few months back, I knew she was on to yet another great styling idea that you brides-and-grooms-to-be need to see more of – Geometrics!

The emerging trend of bringing an ultra modern touch to your big days in the form of sharp lines and shapes is something I’ve spotted more and more of over on Pinterest too. From wedding stationary to lanterns, but most notably in the form of amazing ceremony structures and backdrops, the clean, minimalist lines styled alongside masses of fresh greenery gives a strikingly modern vibe yet at the same time still feels completely timeless and elegant.

Maybe you’re not wanting geometrics as a full theme across the wedding can pick and the beauty is choosing features to make it work for you… but just imagine brass faceted terrariums flickering with candles paired beautifully with the aged wood of the hexagonal backdrop, picked up again in elements including table numbers or place card settings, what’s not to love?

So if you’re wanting to explore the geometric trend have a look below for a few ways you can create this vibe…

CEREMONY OR TOP TABLE BACK DROPS: These paired back wooden shapes contrast beautifully with fresh florals and heavy greenery making the perfect eye catching focal point for your vows.

Image 100 layer cake.

Images sourced from Green Wedding Shoes.

Image via Wedding Colours

Image by Camilla Andrea, Hexagonal Structure available for hire.

BRASS TERRARIUMS: Faceted lanterns look perfect holding anything from florals, to succulents to candles, and can be placed as centre pieces on table tops, along the aisle or to decorate doorways and alcoves.

Available to hire in bulk from us. Enquire here.

Image via Whimsical Wonderland Weddings.

STATIONERY AND SIGNAGE: An easy way to bring the whole day together is with uniform colours and geometric shapes across name cards, table plans and numbers and invitations. Add linear shapes and elements to signage and banners for added wows.

Image via Ruffled blog.

Image The Little Wedding Corner.

Is this a little bit of you? If you’re into clean, modern styling this could be the way to style your day.

Penny and Laura @ The Little Lending Co. x

WHITE ON WHITE IS ALRIGHT.

Posted on March 8, 2017 by thelittlelendingco

I’m finally made some time to bring back one of our favourite shoots of last year to our little blog. One of the biggest collaborations back in May was with the super cool Festival Brides blog, I can’t tell you how much I loved working with this awesome UK wedding blog. Here’s how our white on white shoot came together….

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The idea of a modern, simple white wedding has been something I’ve been obsessed with for a while. So many stunning white-on-white images we’re flooding my Pinterest and it had been on my radar for a while to work on something very minimal and play with the idea of layering all the whites. White symoblises purity; a cleanliness and innocence, it’s a stunning colour in its own right and if you’re looking for a minimal timeless palette for your wedding, just keep it easy with all white tones and a tonne of greenery to boot.

I was keen for all the suppliers involved to bring their creativity to the shoot, I really wanted to capture lots of subtle textures. I worked with the florists and talked about lots of white seasonal flowers, from big blossomy blooms to more modern leafy and whispy stems to really create something a little unruly, home-grown and wild on the flower front. Emma at Buns of Fun on the cakes made a trio of cakes, something we’d been thinking about for some time. I love the idea of a mix of textural finishes on the cake stacks and created a platform display for the 3 cakes. It made for some really interesting shots that were captured in the candle light.

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Our table scape was draped with an organic white cotton muslin, and also had a spotty white net sheer fabric; they really helped create the base once rouched to nestle props among.

The stationery was super modern, clean and cool. It fitted into the table setting perfectly. Emma Jo also made the most delicate little paper fern leaves for the plates.

We went for 3 big backdrop set ups at the venue. A very soft chalky grey marble effect cotton backdrop. This was a DIY effort from myself before the shoot. Created by using a large cotton sheet, make sure its damp to start with, then using fabric paint that was watered down mixing black and white paints I created a type of cloud/marble effect with a large brush in super soft greys. Darker grey was used with a smaller brush to create outlines within the brush shapes. On the day we then used trailing clematis with pins onto the draped fabric for the ultimate romantic frame.

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The second backdrop was all from foraged branches and leaves. With Michelle from the florists we worked carefully into the walls of the barn with small pins again creating a frame work for the branches to lightly sit. We built it up almost to the top of the barn wall in one area. It was a stunning wild backdrop that gave the illusion of living plants growing inside.

The final backdrop was our Wallpaper from Graham and Brown taped and hung behind our table. We then white spray painted some fresh leaves and flower heads, these we’re then taped to the wall paper sporadically to create a 3D element and again creating more texture and shades of white against the crumbling painted exterior wall.

It was important to achieve something very uncomplicated, cool and fresh. You can be so much more creative with a simple palette because you start to think about other elements; the light, the texture and the tones and shapes that can be formed. Less is always so much more for me as a stylist. The key to the white-on-white look not being underwhelming is of course adding interest with the textures, using interesting cut glass tumblers or glazed ceramic plates on the tables. With an abundence of white candle light a white-on-white reception can be soothing and tranquil and totally breathtaking.

Concept & Styling: Festival Brides & The Little Lending Company
Photography: Beth Moseley
Venue: Fishley Hall
Wedding Dress & Bodysuit: ASOS
Two Piece: Otaduy
Jumpsuit: Free People
Florals: Swaffham Florist
Cakes: Buns Of Fun
Stationery: Emma Jo
Hair & Make-Up: Love Moi Make-Up
Wall Paper: Graham and Brown
Model: Chloe Manning

AUTUMNAL STYLISH REAL WEDDING DECOR DETAILS.

Posted on February 15, 2017 by thelittlelendingco

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I am Darina Stoda Photography’s biggest fan. Ever since I met her back at my cousins wedding in 2013 I’ve basically been obsessed. And then you might have noticed we work quite a bit with the Swaffham and Fakenham florist sisters…So, when we all found out we we’re involved with Rachel and Lukes wedding it was all a bit too exciting.

Rachel had planned a home marquee wedding, I love a simple white canvas that can be transformed entirely. Through the use of lots of seasonal autumnal flora and fauna with pops of brighter colours of the candles in antique brass candlesticks this wedding was a dream. Centre piece flowers were in copper and brass vessels on the tables providing that timeless causal luxe look.

I ‘Lent-a-Hand‘ with setting up our pieces the day before, from the extended sweets ladder, vintage trolley and cake table dotting in extra stands and jars to make it a real statement feature. I love adding additional greenery and touches to our styled stations and the Swaffham girls always provide me with a few extra sprigs to finish the look.

I had wrote the table plan and cards sign too, and guests entered the marquee through our indoor wooden arch beautifully decorated with asymmetric floral arrangements. The evening photos are so romantic with a canopy of festoon lights high into the marquee ceiling. I mean is there anything about this not to love?!

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Huge congrats to these lovely lenders, hope you’re loving married life R & L.

Penny @ The Little Lending Co. x

TROPICAL DECOR WEDDING AT WAXHAM BARN.

Posted on February 1, 2017 by thelittlelendingco

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Literally one of the best perks of having this little company is the joy from seeing the professional pictures of our props set up and looking rad in their full wedding setting. It’s just the best.
These detail shots are from a late September wedding by JMA photography at Waxham Great Barn near the cost in South Norfolk.

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The table decor was a mix of bright florals by Swaffham Florists who filled our vintage brass vessels and bowls with a mix of seasonal flowers and succulents. Mixed with pineapples and retro travel postcards this rocked. You might just spy the off loose antler too. Ecclectic table props at its best.

The ceremony saw our indoor wooden arch with popping pink blooms and an aisle with persian pink rugs finished the look. I adore this against the soft textural barn brick walls.

Our drinks station with striped straws added some fun to the welcome drinks and we helped with some hand written signage for the welcome and order of the day too.

The awesome light up signs are by The Vintage Wedding sign company, who we’re also the bride and groom! Huge congrats to Nadine and Andrew, hope you are both loving married life.

Does this wedding float your boat? Are you throwing the rule book out the window for the ultimate in relaxed wedding decor?
Penny @ The Little Lending Company X

OUR NEW ADDITION IS ALMOST HERE.

Posted on January 22, 2017 by thelittlelendingco

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Ok, here I am at almost 39 weeks pregnant and feeling like a beached whale (yep, I am now fully one of those people who talks in weeks rather than months about their pregnancy) this picture by Darina Stoda Photography was taken a couple of weeks back now. I’m also one of those people who vowed never to put their baby belly on the internet (!) and will definitely not be filling my IG feed with baby spam….Hmmm. These pesky preggo hormones are really something, I just feel so darn proud of housing and growing a mini human and sometimes you guys may hear about it.

I’m filled with anticipation, anxiety and of course a tonne of excitement for baby B’s arrival but I also know that becoming a mum will take me away from Little Lending for a while.

I adore what I do and have loved building up my little company for the last 3 and a half years, but I need to be realistic too, my life is about to change massively. I’ve always been super active on social media and I really hope to keep posting all the inspo I find but the likeliness is that there are going to be a few gaps while we adjust. Your emails and enquiries may take a bit longer to get back to you on too, but if you’re already pencilled in the diary for styling or hire, please be assured you’ll be Little Lender this summer, or next. If you’re getting in touch for the first time we’re almost fully booked through from May-September now for 2017, but have good availability for this Autumn/Winter and we’re taking 2018 bookings too.

It will be the biggest juggling act of my life, but I will find a way to make it happen and still give all my couples the best service I can this coming season.

So this is just a little post to say, thank you so much for your patience and support. I’ll continue to do my best for you guys while enjoying this little life that’s currently kicking me in the ribs!

I have scheduled some content for the blog and our Facebook page though so be sure to check it out to keep those W-day ideas flowing.

See you on the flip side,
Penny @ The Little Lending Co. x

MIDNIGHT LUXE STYLED SHOOT.

Posted on January 18, 2017 by thelittlelendingco

So I suddenly realised it’s been a while since I co-ordinated and styled this shoot, over a year in fact so it’s about time I shared it here after it’s been fabulously featured in Perfect Wedding Magazine, the new issue of Norfolk Brides magazine and on The Wedding Bazzar blog.

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Dark, moody and full of casual opulence was the feeling I wanted to capture. Looking to darker palettes of charcoal greys, aubergine purples, deep reds and proving black is totally a wedding palette choice.

Highlights of brass and copper we’re used amidst the tablescape from the brass vessels and candlesticks to the back drop through modern geometric copper himmelli hanging shapes amongst a soft green foliage garland.

Deep purple with gold leaf macaroons we’re our favours set down on the place settings. Bowls of cut fruits and nuts we’re laid in little tarnished silver dishes for more opulent detailing with trailing silk ribbon through the tablescape.

The bridal looks we’re kept classic with fishtail silhouettes with lots of embellishment on the dresses but with modern styling of the accessories, from leather jackets to patent pointed shoes. The hair and make-up was also very modern with a slicked back low chignon for the hair and dark, moody eyes in smokey tones and plum lips. Who says you can’t go for a little drama on the big day with your bridal look?

A second look was then shot in a mini black sequined dress and black veil. White isn’t for all brides so it felt great to create something a little more daring but ultimately stunning, it would make for an amazing evening change.

Our guy wore a classic tux and also adorned a floral scarf rather than a traditional button hole. Suede brougues moderninsed our gents look.

A black forrest mix of colours and tones were used through the use of flowers, two tone burgundy Hydrangea, deep red tulips, dusky pink cymbidium orchids, burgundy dhalias, black baccara roses, white anemones, finisher, deep black/aubergine calla lillies, skimmia with eucalyptus, ferns and French ruscus within the table arrangement and bouquet.

The cake was designed to match in with the stunning array of rich coloured flowers and used the watercolor effect from the stationary as a backdrop on a plain white background. We wanted the cake to contrast with the rich, dark hues that were being used bringing in golds and coppers to add a touch of glamour.

Stationery was beautifully dark with subtle watercolour tones and a written modern calligraphy font. We created a hanging escort table plan using silk ribbon ties from a floral arrangement.

Details of cheese boards laid with dark chocolate and fruits and cocktail trolleys all add to the casual luxe vibes we wanted to create.

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