L is for Lingerie

Like most brides, Illustries' Emma spent ages searching for the perfect wedding night undies. They had to be white, luxurious, sexy but not too naughty (seeing as her mum was likely to get a view way before her new husband as she laced her into the corset!). Eventually, the perfect panties (great word) were sourced (made from hemp - surprisingly soft and satiny, with no trace of eau-de-student), tie-sided with beautiful big bows. Dreams of the perfect wedding night lay ahead...

Now you might think that we're being a little risqué posting about our own underwear. Perhaps this is a topic to be cherished by Mr Illustries#1 alone? Well, as Mr Illustries#1 never really saw said undies, we think there's no harm in sharing. Like every couple we have spoken to, our newlyweds tumbled into bed after the party and were quickly slumbering rahter than fumbling.

To be honest, every Illustries couple but one* sheepishly mentions that as their day drew to a close, they chose sleep over sex, so we just thought our A-Z should contain a hint of realism and maybe bring a little comfort to fellow snoozers, safe in the knowledge that most wedding nights involve more snoring than pawing!

*We're not saying which one, Illustries Couples - we're leaving you room to manoeuvre if your friends see this!

Creating a Classic

We're really excited to be getting started on a new 'Classic' Illustry is week. Our Classic memory books really are just what the name suggests - clean, elegant and contemporary, the perfect choice for a sophisticated wedding (although we think they suit any style - it just depends on your taste). Our latest is for Neil and Kathryn Holm, who had a gorgeous ceremony with a subtle Scottish flavour, plenty of handsome chaps in kilts (our fave) and beautiful blue accents. Can't wait to get cracking!

K is for Kisses

Obviously! Surely one if the most anticipated moments of the whole wedding day: that first kiss as Mr & Mrs. It's definitely one of our favourite moments in photographic terms - it's the shot we're looking for when we first receive images from our couples.

Because not only is that picture an image that we - and our couples, of course - want to feature prominently in any Illustry we create, but also it gives such an insight into the couple and their wedding. There's just something about the way they look in 'that photo' that gives us both - Emma for words and Sam for design - a whole load of inspiration.

Somehow, it always seems to be the pic where the couple forgot there was a photographer in the room, sometimes even oblivious to the fact that quite a crowd is watching. Soft and romantic, relieved, overwhelmed, and even pretty much down and dirty: we've seen quite a range of emotions. But we suppose emotions are the key, aren't they? And the first kiss as a couple starts a new, married, life together is a pretty special memory, one that we're proud to place at the heart of all our Illustries, too.