Merry Christmas...!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year...

Lisa x

Precious Bridal Rooms Launch...

You are all invited to the launch of the newly located Precious Bridal Rooms in Chesterfield.

Precious Bridal Rooms has relocated to the other side of Chesterfield to a fantastic new development on Chatsworth Road.

The launch night will take place on Thursday the 3rd of December 2009 from 6pm-9pm.

Karen & Rachel will be showcasing their gorgeous collection of gowns and accessories and a select number of wedding suppliers will also be there showing their products and services...

Make up artist Emma Buck will be offering mini makeovers and I will be on hand to offer any wedding planning advice.

Look forward to seeing you all there..

For further information visit the website Precious Bridal Rooms

'Fancie' a Cup Cake...?

I love it when Amanda from Fancie is exhibiting alongside me at a wedding fayre as I get to eat another one (or three) of her delicious cup cakes!

Myself and Amanda were exhibiting at the Leopold Hotel wedding fayre on Sunday.... And much to my delight there were a few cup cake samples left at the end of the day and I couldn't see them go to waste!

You must call in and try them for yourself... Fancie is based on Sharrow Vale Road, Just off Ecclesall Road, Sheffield, serving teas, coffees and of course... Cup Cakes!

Cup Cakes are a great alternative to the traditional wedding cake. Visit the website for more details

Fancie

Fancie also have a stock of vintage cakes stands, plates and cups and saucers available to buy and hire...

I recently hired six cake stands from Fancie to create a 'Cake Table' at a wedding in October. The Bride and Groom wanted to offer their guests a selection of cakes, allowing the wedding cake to remain on display.

Goodbye 2009....Hello 2010...!

I have now completed all the weddings of 2009... It has been a great year and a pleasure to have worked with so many lovely couples. Each wedding has been beautiful yet individual and captured the dreams and the personalities of the bride and groom. I must say the year has flown by and 2010 is fast approaching! I am very busy working with all the couples who's weddings are due to take place next year, many of whom I have already been working with through much of 2009 and are now in the final stages of planning.

Very exciting!

Keep a look out on the gallery section of my website as photos and testimonals from the 2009 weddings will be uploaded soon.

Watch this space as the wedding plans develop for the weddings of 2010...

Make an entrance....

What a great way to make an entrance to your wedding.... Flying in over head in a helicopter and landing beside the church or reception venue! Especially if your guests don't know... what a surprise!

I met with two of the pilots from Staffordshire Helicopters at Shottle Hall open day on Saturday. After watching them perform an amazing landing on a small piece of grass directly next to the venue they gave me a tour of the helicopter...

For more details on hiring a helicopter for your wedding visit their website

Staffordshire Helicopters

Become A Fan...

I have now joined the world of Facebook....!

Please click the link above to view my page and become a fan.

Don't forget to suggest to all your facebook friends to do the same.

Sweet Treats!

Emily wanted to create a sweet station at her wedding reception as an alternative to the traditional savory evening buffet. Their wedding breakfast took place late afternoon therefore a selection of 'sweet treats' were just what their guests fancied later on!

To create the sweet station we used a selection of different shaped vases, jugs and bowls as well as a few vintage tea cups, saucers and side plates to add interest. Emily chose their favourite chocolates and sweets then whilst they were enjoying their wedding breakfast I started to arrange the sweet station. Coloured ribbons were attached to the scoops and around some of the jugs to tie in the colour scheme and customised striped paper sweet bags were provided for guests to fill!

The sweet station was a huge hit with their guests and there wasn't so much as a jelly bean left by the end of the night!

I love this idea.... definitely one to remember!

Photos from Lorna & Bob's Wedding...

Lorna & Bob's photographer- Dave Nunn has just uploaded a sneak preview of photos from Lorna & Bob's wedding onto his blog. You must have a look, they are amazing.... I cant wait to see the rest!

Congratulations Lorna & Bob Dragon

Congratulations to Lorna & Bob who celebrated their marriage on Friday the 23rd of October 2009 with a blessing at St Peter's Church, Chellaston followed by a reception at Breadsall Priory Hotel & Country Club in Derby.

Lorna, Bob and most of their family and friends had flown in from America in time for the big day. Spending the few days before making the most of their trip to England with a special visit to Chatsworth House and Gardens...

The inspiration for Lorna & Bob's wedding was taken from all things English and developed throughout the time we have been working together.
Everything from the traditional pub for their rehearsal dinner to the beautiful flowers that looked like they had been handpicked from the garden complimented the theme.

The day was fantastic. Everything came together perfectly, with thanks to the Hotel staff and the suppliers. Lorna looked amazing and I must say a massive thank you to Emma Buck- Hair & Make-up artist who managed to complete the hair and make-up for the bride, her 4 bridesmaids and both mums in less than 4 hours!! That's surely a new record! Thanks Emma!

Here are a few photos which I took on the day that show the Haslam suite set for the wedding breakfast (above), the floral centrepieces, the wedding cake and the escort card table (below).

All the beautiful flowers were created by Elaine and Louise at The Greenery. A huge thank you for all your help and guidance, the finished designs were exactly as the bride hoped!

Their gorgeous wedding cake was created by Zoe at Delicious Designs- complete with a Battenburg flavored tier... Yum!

The escort card table- A concept which is more popular in America than the alternative place card and seating plan. Each guest had their own card with their table number wrote inside and under each card was a flag with their name on.... Guests were asked to pin their flag on the world map to show where they live. What a great idea if your guests are from all over the world. Although I cant take credit, as it was Lorna's idea!!

It has been fantastic working with Lorna & Bob, finalising all their wedding arrangements to ensure their day was perfect. I received some great compliments from their guests, being called a life saver and even getting a high five for a job well done!
Its been a absolute pleasure.... I wish you all the happiness for the future!

A selection of the official photographs will be featured on my gallery pages soon, courtesy of Dave Nunn Studios. A huge thanks to Dave and Emma for capturing the day, I cant wait to see the photographs...!

A Warm Welcome...

I have just returned from my first meeting with Bride & Groom-Lorna & Bob.... I have been working with them since June and today was the first time we met!

A warm welcome to Lorna, Bob and their family & friends who have just arrived in Derby after their long journey from the States. They have a busy few days before the wedding on Friday, making the most of their visit to England and the beautiful Derbyshire countryside.

It was great to finally meet everyone and to go over the final details ready for the big day.

Breadsall Priory Hotel & Country Club are playing hosts to Lorna & Bob's wedding reception on Friday afternoon where guests will be treated to an 'traditionally English' inspired day.

It has been fantastic working on behalf of Lorna and Bob, sourcing their flowers, wedding cars and venue decorations. I am looking forward to working alongside the team at Breadsall Priory on Friday and seeing everything come together.

Papakata Tents

I have just returned from the Papakata tents open day in York.... And I absolutely love their tents! What a fantastic alternative for a marquee wedding reception. You must visit the Papakata website and have a look for yourselves... You wont be disappointed!

Papakata Tents

I'm very excited as my clients, Kerry & Lee have chosen to use a Papakata tent to house their wedding reception in Derbyshire next summer! Together we are now planning how to coordinate the decorative elements inside to make the most of the tents features...Watch this space!

More photos from Fiona & Rob's big day...

Thank you to Francesca from Shots of You Photography for sending me a selection of photographs from Fiona & Rob's wedding. The brilliant blue colour and peacock feathers featured throughout the dress and decor. Fiona looked gorgeous in her gown, complimented beautifully by her bridesmaid and flower girl.

To see more of Francesca's work visit her website by clicking the link below

Emily & Christian's Wedding - 2nd October 2009

Welcome to the Leopold - The trendy boutique hotel set in the heart of Sheffield city centre, which played host to the wedding reception of Emily & Christian on Friday the 2nd of October 2009.

After the service at Sheffield Cathedral Emily, Christian and their guests made their way to the Leopold Hotel where they were greeted with a champagne & canape reception, shortly followed by a delicious 3 course meal.

Emily & Christian looked fantastic, the gorgeous bride in her fitted tiered ivory gown and the groom in his tailor-made suit and customised converse trainers!

Along with their guests they partied into the night enjoying the sweet treats and 'sing star' in the games room!

The day was captured by photographers, Rachel & Justin Keeton. Keep a look out as a selection of photographs will be featured on my gallery pages soon.

Congratulations Emily & Christian, the new Mr & Mrs Gleadall! I hope your special day was everything you wished for. It's been a pleasure working with you all over the last 6 months! Enjoy married life! Best wishes, Lisa x

Congratulations Fiona & Rob!

Congratulations to Fiona and Rob who celebrated their marriage on Saturday the 5th September 2009 in the beautiful village of Over Haddon, Near Bakewell, Derbyshire.

Fiona & Rob took advantage of an On-The-Day Coordination package, allowing them to hand over all the final arrangements to ensure they could relax and enjoy their special day.

They chose to host their wedding reception in the local village hall.... and what a lovely idea it was! The hall overlooked the rolling Derbyshire countryside and the insides were filled with home-made creations! Everything from the place cards and centre pieces to the wall decorations were hand-made by the bride. Peacock feathers and the gorgeous blue colour were the inspiration throughout... as can be seen on the wedding cake pictured above.

The day was great... especially enjoyed by the children who were entertained for hours by the 'Dizzy Wizard' and the bouncing castle! Thank you to Sarah, Natalie & Sam who looked after the children whilst the adults enjoyed the food, drinks and the speeches...!

Thank you for inviting me to be part of your special day. I hope you and your guests had a lovely day!

All the best for the future, Lisa x

"Hi Lisa, It was a great day and you did a great job. Took all the pressure off Rob and I which is what we were after...." Fiona

What a great weekend for a wedding!

The sun was shining on Saturday as kellee and Steve celebrated their marriage at a beautiful blessing in the orchard at Kellee's mums house. All their family and friends gathered in the garden as they waited for the Kellee and her bridesmaids to emerge from the house and make their way down the rose scattered aisle.

After a beautiful ceremony the bride and groom released a pair of doves before heading up to the marquee to begin the evenings celebrations...!

Their guests were treated to a champagne reception followed by a hog roast and BBQ. Whilst the children enjoyed the bouncy castles, ice creams and the chocolate fountain the adults partied into the early hours!

I must say a massive thank you to all the suppliers involved, there are too many of you to mention, but you all did a fantastic job in helping to create a great wedding.

Here are a few photos I took of the preparations on the morning of the wedding...

A selection of the official photographs taken by Neil at Sandstorm photography will be added to my gallery pages soon, make sure you return to have a look to see how the marquee was transformed and how gorgeous kellee looked in her wedding dress!

Congratulations to you both! It has been a great 6 months working with you planning your special day. I hope it was everything you wished for! Lisa x



Also... Congratulations to Bec and Rob who celebrated their marriage in Nottingham on Friday and to Ellen and Dan who's wedding took place at Hodsock Priory on Saturday. I hope you all had a fantastic day and I wish you all the best for the future!

Venue Search

I had a great weekend at the beginning of August with Maria & Richard as we searched the Derbyshire countryside for their perfect wedding venue. Maria & Richard live in America and have chosen to celebrate their marriage in England next year. The brief for their venue search was 'Beautiful Traditional English Countryside'. They were almost spoilt for choice as Derbyshire is home to many gorgeous hotels and country manors. Maria & Richard were great as they were only here on a flying visit and in the space of four days managed to visit over five venues then decide upon their favorite... We even managed to squeeze in a few consultations with Photographers! They have since returned to America leaving the rest of the planning in my capable hands!

See you both soon, Lisa x

Wedding Entertainment

I just had to write about the fabulous Laura Ige singer/songwriter- pictured above.

Laura performed at Chelsea & Jason's wedding last month and did a fantastic job! The bride and groom was thrilled with her performance which entertained their guests throughout the wedding breakfast.

You must visit Laura's website and have a listen for yourself... you wont be disappointed!

Surprise Party!

It was my sister's 21st birthday at the weekend and I arranged a surprise party for her at Ringwood Hall Hotel. I managed to get all her friends and family to the Hotel before she was due to arrive at 8pm ready for the 'Surprise'!

I hope you enjoyed the party Sarah... Happy Birthday!

I just wanted to say a massive thanks to Karen and Jo from Layers Cakes who created the brilliant birthday cake (pictured above) which not only tasted great but matched the party's colour theme perfectly.

Also thanks to all the staff at Ringwood Hall for all their help arranging the event and for providing the yummy BBQ...

For help to coordinate any type of party call me on 01246 229556....

Ringwood Hall Hotel

Layers Cakes

Venue Search

I have just completed a venue search for Marion & Wac who's wedding is due to take place next July. It has been a lovely project as it's required me to search outside the areas which I usually work in. The search took me to Northamptonshire & Warwickshire where I discovered some gorgeous wedding venues. Marion and Wac have decided upon Sedgebrook Hall-Northampton, pictured above, to house their wedding celebrations next year. It's a great choice and I wish them all the best with the rest of their planning... Lisa x

"Hi Lisa. Just a quick note to say thanks again for carrying out our venue search and helping us find the perfect venue for our wedding. We are really looking forward to our big day. Thanks again! Marion & Wac x"

John Preston Flowers - Wedding Fayre

You are invited to attend...

John Preston Flowers - Wedding fayre

On Sunday 2nd August 2009 - 11am-4pm

Showcasing John Preston Flowers and the Wedding Showroom.

Wedding related suppliers, including myself will be on hand to offer advice and chat about the services we can offer.

For directions and more details visit John Preston Flowers

See you there...

Chelsea & Jason's Wedding - 20th June 2009

It was a fantastic day on Saturday as Chelsea & Jason became Mr & Mrs Etienne!

After a beautiful ceremony at West Hallam Church, together with their family and friends they enjoyed a reception at Risley Hall.

The day went perfectly... Everything from the set up of the venue in the morning to arranging the surprise performance for the groom from singer Laura Ige.

Chelsea looked stunning in her Ian Stuart gown and even the dogs dressed up for the occasion!

Everyone was very impressed at how everything from the chair covers to the cake matched.

We had some great comments, especially from the staff at Risley Hall who said the room looked the best it ever has!

Here is a sneak preview of a few pictures from the day... The official photographs taken by photographer Steve Ireland will be added to my gallery page soon... Keep a lookout.

I would like to congratulate Chelsea & Jason on their special day and wish them all the best for the future. Its been a pleasure working with you over the last 8 months and I hope the day was everything you wished for!

Lisa x

The Perfect Dress...

Finding the perfect dress is one of the most important parts of planning your big day....

Well, I am pleased to say that I have two more happy brides, who have both found 'The one'!

I accompanied Fiona, her mother-in-law to be and her friend dress shopping last weekend, we didn't even make it to the third shop as Fiona found 'the one' in the second shop and was over the moon! Her choice is beautiful!

Fiona and Steve's wedding takes place on Friday 30th July 2010...

I also arranged a day of dress shopping for kellee and her mum at some of my favorite bridal boutiques in Chesterfield, where Kellee found her perfect dress! I can't wait to see it...!

Kellee and Steve's wedding takes place on Saturday 22nd August 2009...

Inspiration Story Board

I created this story board for Tara & Matt who's wedding will take place exactly a year to the day - On Saturday the 24th April 2010!

When chatting about colours, themes and decorations with my couples I often find we end up with lots of ideas, pictures and cuttings from magazines. A great way to start to visualise how all the different decorative elements could work together is to collate them all on one board. Straight away you will be able to see the look and feel of your dream wedding start to come through, as all the individual images that are featured obviously inspire you.

Remember to then take your inspiration story board with you to your appointments with your venue, florist etc... to visually explain to them the overall look and feel your are trying to create.

Venue Search

I have had a lovely few weeks with my clients, Nafeesa & Paul visiting lots of beautiful wedding venues. Nafeesa & Paul live in Canada and have decided to celebrate their marriage with their family and friends in their home county of Derbyshire in July next year. They have been here visiting over the Easter holidays so we got together to start the search for the perfect wedding venue! After three days, over 8 venues and lots of cups of coffee later we found the perfect setting for their big day.... Their choice is beautiful!

After a short visit, they have returned to Canada, leaving me to organise everything else...! I am very excited to be part of their wedding plans and after listening to all their initial ideas I know it's all going to look fantastic.... All their ideas are top secret as they want everything from the cake to the decor to be a surprise for their family and friends... My lips are sealed!

Nafeesa & Paul's wedding will take place on Sunday 4th July 2010

Bespoke Wedding Cake

My clients, Chelsea & Jason along with the help of Jo and karen at Layers Cakes have designed their own bespoke wedding cake! We all met for a consultation on Saturday to finalise the design and to confirm all the details. Jo and karen at Layers Cakes provide a great personal service and will work with you to design the perfect cake to fit around your style, taste and wedding theme. In this case, the design of the cake has been the starting point of inspiration for the rest of Chelsea & Jason's wedding, everything from stationary to decor will tie in beautifully. I cant wait to see, what at the minute is a sketch, transform into a beautiful bespoke wedding cake... and not only will it look fantastic but it will also taste amazing.... Layers Cakes offer a wide selection of flavors including chocolate orange and lemon.... and i must say they are gorgeous... of course i had to sample every flavor!
Chelsea & Jason's wedding will take place on the 20th June 2009 at Risley Hall.

Instant Photographs...

I recently met John from West Bar Photography who is based in Barlow, Derbyshire at the Red Lion wedding fayre. He told me about an instant photo printing machine that he has, basically John will download all the photographs that he captures throughout your wedding day on to the machine then your guests can browse the photos, select their favorites and print them out there and then! Prints start from £4 which includes a frame and the machine is included for free in the wedding photography packages which start from just £350!

What a great idea...!

For more details contact John on 01142891626

or visit the website Westbar Photography

Fresh Ideas Florists

Sam at Fresh Ideas Florists on Chatsworth Road in Chesterfield kindly provided me with these beautiful flowers for display on my table when exhibiting at wedding fayres.

Fresh Ideas Florists also provided the flowers for Lisa & Paul's and Michelle & Gareth's weddings... pictures of which can be seen on the gallery pages on my website

Fresh Ideas Florists
17 Chatsworth Road, Brampton, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S402AH
01246 275757

Trent FM Interview

Did anyone hear me on the radio on Tuesday 17th Feb...?

Trent FM - Nottingham contacted me a few weeks ago and asked if I would feature in an interview discussing the latest wedding related statisics that show a decline in the number of couples getting married. I happily commented on these statistics...

After chatting to many couples over the last few months regarding how or if the credit crunch is affecting their wedding plans, i'm finding that it's not putting people off getting married all together, instead couples are either setting lower budgets, comprimising on one or two elements of their wedding, putting the date back in order to save more money or reducing the number of guests... as you will all know, feeding your guests is the biggest expense!

Challenge me to reduce your wedding bill...!

Cake Tasting (it's a tough job, but someone has got to do it!)

I had a lovely morning last weekend with one of my brides and her mum tasting lots of yummy cakes! Candice from Candy Cakes kindly invited us to her studio in Chesterfield to sample all the different flavors of cake and to view her wedding collection. Candice will work with you to design a cake that fits your wedding requirements and budget... and she has kindly offered my bride 10% off her chosen cake!!

For more details about candy cakes visit the website Candy Cakes

Wedding Fayres

I am now also exhibiting at the following wedding fayres over the next few months...

Sunday 8th February -11-4pm - Goosedale- Nottinghamshire www.stanleymodels.co.uk

Catwalk shows @ 12.30pm & 2.30pm - Admission £2.50

Thursday 19th February - 5-9pm - Risley Hall Hotel- Derbyshire www.oxfordhotelsandinns.com

Monday 23rd February - 6-9pm - Midland Hotel- Derby www.midland-derby.co.uk

Sunday 1st March - 11-4pm - Leopold Hotel- Sheffield www.leopoldhotel.co.uk

Come along and say hi... I'll see you there...

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few FAQ's - I hope they answer your questions.

• "We're on a tight budget, can we still afford your services?"

Yes, my fees will be taken from your total wedding budget as apposed to being an additional cost. Whatever your budget, I will work with you, advising you how to spend and make the most of your money. I work with couples with all different budgets and produce a package that suits their individual needs. I charge for my time, therefore I can do as much or as little for you as required.

• "How many couples will you be working with at any one time?"

As i am a full time wedding planner i can comfortably work with anything from 5-30 couples at any one time dependant on the size of their weddings. This allows me to deliver a personal service to each, being available at the other end of the phone at any time or aiming to reply to calls and e-mails within a day. I will only ever attend one wedding a day, again to dedicate my time fully to the couple's wedding.

• "Can you get us discounts from suppliers?"

Yes, I have managed to negotiate discounts and deals with many suppliers, from free bridesmaid dresses and tiaras to money off flowers and photography - which in many cases will usually cover the cost of my fees.

• "We've got everything sorted but could you just help out on the day?"

Yes, i can come in at any stage, even as close to one month before your wedding. Hand everything over to me and you can relax and enjoy the run up to your special day whilst i finalise all the arrangements, coordinate the suppliers and oversee the day. On-the-day coordination - from £350.

If you have any more questions... I'd love to hear form you. Lisa x

Civil Partnerships

The pink guide website is a reliable source of advice and information for anyone planning a civil partnership and includes a directory of wedding suppliers which are divided into catagories and counties so you are able to source your local suppliers. Lisa Hilliard Wedding planning is now featured in the Derbyshire Wedding Planners catagory. To visit the website and for more information click the link above.

The next gay wedding show is taking place on Sunday the 18th October 2009 at the Ramada Jarvis Picadilly, Manchester - for more details visit the website by clicking the above link.

To discuss your civil partnership contact Lisa on 01246 229556 today...

Bespoke Wedding Shoes

Can't find the perfect shoes for your big day...?

Bespoke Big Day are an online company that produce some fab wedding shoes... and best of all you can create your perfect pair... Select your favorite style, the perfect height from flat to 5" with a choice of 30 different colours... and if that's not enough, you can have all that for less than £100!

Visit the website Bespoke or call Rachel at Bespoke Big Day to discuss your perfect wedding shoes...