A VILLAGE FETE SUMMER WEDDING.

As soon as I met Alex and Ben I instantly knew their village fete themed wedding was going to be a little bit gorgeous. Just a beautiful pair of people brimming with ideas to make their day a whole lot of fun.

The pair picked food that was all served outside from stone-baked Pizza to fresh crepes and ice-cream for afters, this would definatley set that laid-back and low-key feel they we’re looking for.

It was a total pleasure to supply them with some of our most loved pieces from the range to help create a vintage and rustic decor feel for their outdoor , country day.

THE LOOK

Alex just looked gorgeous in her dress found in a local dress shop customised with a string of delicate embellishment accross her back and beautiful vintage inspired headband by Melissa Morgan Designs. The flowers we’re by Swaffham and Fakenham Florists and I just adore those pastels and the textured and movement through the bouquet hand tied with ribbons and lace.

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THE DECOR

Our tin bath stored the beers for the boys on an up-turned farm tray. Alex and Ben went for simple vintage touches through the decor; our stacked suitcases to keep the cards, milk churns and the cutest painted little wooden letters on the top table. But it had to be the hay bale sofa den covered in our white and coloured crochet blankets that steals the show! Totally Amazing.

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THE EXTRAS

We lent some traditional wooden garden games and vintage bike to keep guests entertained. I love how Alex and Ben used the bike to take a little time out of their busy day for a few photographs by the donkey. This is the perfect prop to create some timeless shots to treasure.

The food carts looked fab as the sun started to dip. An informal wedding breakfast was also served for the main wedding party in their marquee. It was the first time we’d written on our chalkboard and easel for their table plan too.

Are you thinking of having food carts at your wedding? What would be your food preference?

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A big thankyou to Katie Ingram Photography for all the images and to Alex and Ben for sharing their special day with our readers and Little Lenders.

Wishing you both every happiness in your future together.

Penny @ The Little Lending Co. x

DIY ANTLER TABLE PLAN.

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At The Little Lending Co. I’m a real believer that Antlers are for life and not just for Christmas so I wanted to create a table plan with our little stash that would stand the test of time long after all the christmas left overs have been munched.

This is the easier table plan I think you’ll find on the internet, if you can tie a knot you’ll have this nailed. And only took me about 30 mins to put together too.

YOU WILL NEED :

Antlers
Wire grid Frame
Arrow Chalkboard
Brown Luggage tags
Coloured Number tags and ties (Ours are from Ikea, but you could stamp your own for this look)
Black or Dark thin twine
A selection of foliage and flowers – We have used Eucalyptus, Ferns and Chrysanthemums for a simple mix and fresh palette.
Scissors

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#1 Tie on the arrow chalkboard at the top. Write your message on with a white chalk pen, available from Rymans or other stationers.

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#2 Hand write your guests names on the larger brown luggage tag. If the tag at the back is larger it will encourage your guests to swing the number tags out of the way to find their seats. Use one tag tie to loop both the luggage and number tags together.

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#3 Using dark twine/string attach the antlers on to the wire grid, the more randomly spaced the better.

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#4 Tie on the name tags onto the antlers in a semi-logical order, either across or down the grid.

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#5 Cut the flowers and foliage down leaving a stem of approx 8cm so you can then weave them through the wire grid easily. You could also wire them on with craft/florists wire for extra security. Think about the choice of flowers as after a full day without water some may start to brown or wilt. That’s why foliage is just so fab.

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Told you it was simple right!

Would you love to add Antlers into your day? What are you planning for your table plan?

Penny @ The Little Lending Co. x

WINTER WEDLOCK.

With the arrival of Jack frost this week and a chill in the air that seems to have set in we’re looking to winter wedding themes and to all those classic colours we just adore for chilly climates.

From crisp winter whites, forest greens, deep aubergine and berry reds with just a glistening of gold it’s a perfect, timless palette that evokes a magical, romantic feeling from somewhere deep within like no other time of year. A classic combination which has an easy elegance. Be careful not to go too Christmassy and this is set to be perfection. Pair back your palette with some frosted foliage and black berries to keep it casual.

Cold noses and toes warming by up together after coming in from winters bitter bite, I can totally see the appeal of winter wedlock.

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Image via Sarahwinward.com

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Image source Domainehome.com

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Image via Moonandtrees.tumblr.com

Light up the dark night with some soft and welcoming lighting. Use white church candles in brass candle sticks placed with jam jar filled tea lights to create little nooks of warm light.

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Image via Elizabethannedesigns.com

Stacked and dusted cakes dressed with rosemary and winter berries is the perfect way of taking the summers biggest ‘Naked’ cake trend into winter months.

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Image via Mynameisyeh.com

Classic winter florals and berries, fragrant red blooms. Wild and whimsical for an un-done beauty. This is a striking and strong floral look that will stand the test of time long after Santa’s been and you’ve eaten the last of the yule log.

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Image source Chicvintagebrides.com

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Image via Brides.com

Still completely obsessed with hanging lighting features (and this is going to be huge well into 2015) this wire frame with loosely tied branches and candles makes for an alternative decor piece to really draw the eye. Above a top table or as a ceremony focus it’s got winner all over it for a winter day.

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Image Source Johanna-vintage.blogspot.com

Dot some antlers through your table scape or make them a feature through your venue for some serious cool. *DIY Antler table plan coming soon on the blog*

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Image via Stylemepretty.com

For more inspiration you can pop to our ‘Winter Wedlock’ Pinterest board here.

Are you planning a dreamy white winter wedding this month? I say Let it Snow!
The Little Lending Co. x

A RUSTIC PICNIC PARTY.

As the rise of organic and rustic plates moves into wedding food we’re getting just a little bit excited. What can be more tempting than wholesome, colourful fresh foods with an uber relaxed serving style. Introducing the ‘Rustic wedding picnic.’

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Image via The Natural wedding Company

I’m head over heels for the idea of packing up old farm trays and crates full of delicious goodies. Easy finger food that everyone will love with posh crisps and artisan breads and chutneys could there be a better wedding breakfast?

Lay down rustic wooden boards and blocks with cured hams, hard cheeses, olives and seasoned crackers and you have a match made in heaven.
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Image via 100 layer cakelet.

Why not serve fresh foccaia breads from the front of a bike basket for a little extra ‘Ooooh.’

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Image Source Unknown.

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Or try adding some nostalgia with little cardboard lunch boxes placed at tables. Personalise each box with a hand written name card or tie.

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Image via wedding chicks.com

Brown Paper packages tied up with string, little details like this with wooden cutlery look divine. Ask guests to pick up a filled picnic basket and knitted blanket on the way in – Theres no seating plan to worry about.

If you’re really relaxed about your decor there are so many ideas for creating a paired back picnic space. Be fuss free with chopping boards, wooden planks, enamel dishes and pots. The more mixed and textural elements the better. Lay down some linen sheets and let your guests fall into the feel of the day. Glass stopper water bottles look perfect dotted through the tablescape filled with fresh infused water flavours and elderflower pop.

Think about creating some shade with a home-made tipi with vintage linen and crochet tied to long wooden sticks.

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Image via Flickr.com

If you’re not quite sure about sitting on the floor in your sunday best then ask your caterer to create some large table platters and serving dishes. Self service only of course.

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Image via darlingmagazine.org

If you’re thinking about a little entertainment for the evening you could always pop on a video of the service for those that might not have been there or a ‘highlights’ video of yours and your new hubby’s best bits through the months and years. Friends and Family will love seeing how the relationship has grown.

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Image source 100 layer cake.

Are you feeling the rustic picnic trend? Oh hurry back Summer.
The Little Lending Co. x

MAKE YOUR WEDDING DECOR ROCK.

If you’re reading this you’d really like your wedding decor to ROCK. So I’ve put together a few images from some of our favourite sites to show how you can do just that and without using lots of cash from the wedding kitty. From making a statement entrance that will get your guests talking to making sure your food platform packs a punch we think these 5 top tips will really make an impact on your decor.

1. MAKE A STATEMENT ENTRANCE.

A big statement welcome will set your day off with a bang. Right from the first moment guests arrive capture their imagination. A chalkboard with hand written message and crates of flowers looks amazing on this stairwell. Scatter through some tea lights in jars, vintage cameras or old typewriters for a little more interest. Or go big and bold with a bike, I adored this look this summer using large props to lead the way.

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Image Via Style me Pretty.

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Image via Rock and Roll Bride.

2. A WARM WELCOME.

Pouring delicious drinks from dispensers into Jam jars or little bottles will really make that first congratulatory drink a great one. Think about added interest with hand painted signage and a kooky base to serve the drinks from, an old dresser or stacked hay bales and boxes. Use old tin baths or troughs and barrows to keep the beers for the boys cool. Trust me they’ll be going back for another.

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Image source Unknown

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Image via Style Me Pretty.

3. HAVE SOME FUN.

Have a little fun with your decor ideas. Some of my favourite pins are those with sweet messages or personal quotes from books or films. Dabble in a DIY day and create something truly unique from found items. Dreamcatchers have my heart at the moment but macrame back drops and featuring feathers make for a cool, chilled out look too.

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Image via 100layercake.com

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Image source The Every last detail.

4. GIVE YOUR FOOD A PLATFORM.

Give a little thought to your food service. Wether it’s a buffet or bbq think about how it’s served up. Add some height with up turned apple crates and mix up the serving platters, plates and boards. Wood and slate keep things relaxed and adding some white china and glass keep the styling laid back. Little open cabinets make it an exciting little trip to fill your plate.

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Image via Camilla Styles.

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Image via Iloveswmag.com

5. LIGHT UP THE NIGHT.

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, lighting is everything at your venue. It totally sets the mood and feel for the day and long into the night. My obsession with festoon lighting continues – As a ceremony backdrop, strung outside to light pathways or to add some sparkle over the dance floor they’re not going anywhere and will remain a firm favourite with us. Candle light is timeless, think about new ways of working candle light in your space.

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Image Via Ruffled.

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Image Via Ruffled.

Are you ready to make your decor rock? Have you got a big statement idea tucked up your sleeve.
Do share…

Penny @ The Little Lending Co. x

OUR TOP 10 WEDDING INSTAGRAMMERS.

My names Penny and I’m addicted to Instagram.

You’ll find me late night scrolling and searching on that Explore button. I just can’t help myself – So much wedding style and inspiration at my finger tips. The dresses, the rings, the venues and of course the details and decor.

There are a few IGers I follow and adore and regularly find my self sighing at their magical pics so I thought I’d pull them all together for you lot to see just how awesome they are. From wedding bloggers, magazine editors, other decor hire companies and photographers I am sure this list have you running for your Search buttons.

#1 First up its Signs of Wear. An Australian hire company that has so much charm and charisma with its eclectic mix of props. It’s a treasure hunters dream IG and if you’re looking for alternative ideas this is definitely for you.

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#2 Festival Brides. A really Rad account from the ladies at http://www.festivalbrides.co.uk who share some seriously fab wedding days full of spirit and festival fun.

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#3 Coco Wedding Venues. A firm favourite of ours with images of Emmas beautiful wedding venues from her stylish directory and snippets of Coco HQ and Gatsby the dog.

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#4 Nouba Blog. Another blog with some blooming great ideas for your day.

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#5 Butcher Baker Stylist. A uber cool hire company that’s given us lots of inspiration over the weeks. Some seriously super styling ideas.

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#6 B.Loved blog. Dreamy and Delicious ideas and styling from one of the UK’s top wedding blogs.

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#7 Notes on Non-Terrifying weddings. Really rad ideas and images for the non-traditional bride. I’m in love!

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#8 LOHO Bride. League of Her Own bridal CA company steals our hearts every time. Etherial and Bohemian.

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#9 Danielle Benbow. Met this lovely lady recently and adore her easy and simplistic take on Photography. A local too so be sure to check out her website if you’re still in search for your day.

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#10 Lace and Likes. More wedding styling that you can shake a stick at.

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And of course if you want to keep up to date with all things Little Lending you can find us here. Please note – Cat photos are sometimes posted.

Are you an Insta-Addict like us? Oh do tell…

Penny @ The Little Lending Co. x

TO THE MANOR BORN.

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This shoot was our first huge styled shoot, with models, make-up artists and 2nd photographers – the lot….to say this was not a big deal I would be lying. When I started The Little Lending Co. I knew wanted to work on styled shoots – the kind that really get brides excited, enough to make ooooh noises but getting big and beautiful shoots together is no mean feat.

Turning up at Godwick Hall with all our props back in April to meet lots of amazingly talented suppliers that wanted to work with me was pretty surreal. I was about to style and co-ordinate a Bridal shoot. I knew I wanted to use our original pieces in the range, most of them with some kind of story or past to them, to add character and timeless decoration to this Country Manor shoot that I’d been pinning images for for weeks. Through our styled shoots I always hope to take timeless items and work on new ways of dressing tables and spaces to give a little difference and new take on an old-time piece.

Godwick Hall with it’s high georgian ceilings and eclectic decor worked so well as our setting, creating our manor born shoot with a touch of highland heritage through the use of our Antlers, Reindeer Hides, old books and brass we created a vintage inspired shoot with an edge. It was also our first play with handwritten signage on our boards too, the romantic Shakespeare quote ‘When I saw you I fell in love and you smiled because you knew’ is my favourite yet.

I’d worked with Darena at DSPhotography before and had every confidence in the magic she could create through her use of light and I’d stumbled across Donna at The Country Garden Florist and her gorgeous shop earlier in the year with the most luxurious and bespoke handwriting I knew her ideas would be perfect. There were other ladies I’d worked with like Georgina Suzanne MUA and couldn’t wait to work with again, and Laura of Bettys Beauty, Kirsty at Zanys Boutique Hair Salon, Melissa Morgan Designs and Screen the Starlet Dresses I just couldn’t wait to see them shine. It was Georgie and Adam at Sandra Reynolds Agency that really made a perfect pairing in front of the cameras that day though.

It was so special to see the shoot featured on Whimsical Wonderland Weddings blog. To see our first big collaboration shoot featured on such a well-loved blog gave me immense pride. Definitely a first year highlight. Read all about the inspiration and details behind this shoot here.

Are you inspired to have a country manor styled day, and intimate little affair with opulent details? I’m thinking vowel renewal already…

Thankyou to all the gorgeous people involved with this shoot, so very proud of you all.
Penny @ The Little Lending Co. x

THE LITTLE LENDING CO. ON B.LOVED BLOG

When photographer Tatum Reid asked me to be a part of her Rustic Fairytale styled I got super excited when I saw her previous styled shoots. Such beautiful natural work with really exciting ideas and vision. She was calling in some brilliant local suppliers to work on the shoot too, from origami flower making experts Lottie’s Florigami to Local bridal dress designers Sophie and Smith and make-up artist Georgina Suzanne so knew this was going to be pretty special.

You can read more about the direction and inspiration of our ‘A Modern Fairytale’ shoot on B.loved wedding blog and we talk about the decor and how we styled up the two different tablescapes for the shoot. http://www.blovedweddings.com/a-modern-fairytale

I loved being a part of this shoot and got a little over-excited to be featured on another UK wedding blog with our little company. Here are some of my favourites of the shoot that Tatum captured so perfectly.

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Would love to know what you think of our shoot at Hales Hall.

Hope you find some inspiration for your own day!
The Little Lending Co. x

MILK CHURN MAYHEM.

Since our new full size Milk Churns arrived at Little Lending HQ we’ve been getting a bit pin happy with anything Milk Churn related. So we’ve put together a few of our favourite ways to fill them for your day. We say the more wild, home-grown and unruly the better. The one filled with cow parsely picked from the roadside that morning has to be the ultimate in rustic & loose foliage for setting your wedding off with a true relaxed vibe from the first moment your guests arrive. What do you think…

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(Images Via Pinterest – The Natural Wedding Company, Love my dress, The Garden Gate Flower Co.)

Why stop with Churns…We have metal buckets, pales and jugs if you are really looking to ‘Milk it’.

The Little Lending Co. x

SPRING GARDEN BLOOM SHOOT.

We just love to collaborate with like minded companies and after meeting the fantastic Julie at Buds in Bloom, I just knew we’d hit it off both personally and creatively through our work together.

We wanted to celebrate the start of spring (and the end of a very long winter) taking to the garden where the daffodils were just starting to show. Through loose and pretty floral mixes in vibrant colours they sat perfectly paired back with some of our new hire items that had been stored away all winter.

Hanging vintage glass bottles or bunting in trees makes for a great backdrop for guests photos or the perfect entrance with some DIY hanging signage too. Its also the debut of our milk churns which really pack some punch full of Julie’s floral decor.

It really is a wonderful, colourful time…

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If you’d like to create a similar look for your day, we have everything you need to make it happen.
You can find Buds in Bloom on facebook here : https://www.facebook.com/budsinbloomflorist

Let us know what you think,
The Little Lending Co. x