Catherine Mead the acclaimed Wedding Photographer part of the ‘team’ was on hand to capture the day and I just wanted to share with you two images which are a way of saying thank you.

'I Do' Wedding Bridal Show Bridal Designers. From left to right - Lise Herud, Melanie Potro and Eleanor from Sassi Holford. Taken by Catherine Mead

Firstly, the image of the three couture dress designers who made it happen.   Lise Herud headed up the team for the Fashion Show and she also had three elements on the catwalk namely her ‘occasional wear’, ‘men’s suits’ and her ‘Couture Bridal Collection’.   Then, Eleanor from Sassi Holford London was representing Sassi Holford, the British Couture Bridal Designer who has become a friend over the past 18 months thanks to Ellie Sanderson.  We were honored to be showcasing on the catwalk a dress never seen before so that was great as it was a sneak preview prior to the Designer Wedding Show.   And, then lastly Melanie Potro who is a London-based Couture made to measure bridal designer.

And, then lastly I wanted to thank the models who were complete stars on the day as it was rather frantic back stage but you would never have guessed front of house which shows the ‘team’ work.  The models were provided by Butterfly London and Katherine Elizabeth Hats.

'I Do' Wedding & Bridal Show Models wearing the bridal range by Lise Herud. Photography by Catherine Mead

I am sure you will agree they were all stunning and in this image wearing the Bridal range by Lise Herud.

More images and news of the event ‘I Do’ at 1 Lombard Street will follow but having just received these images from Catherine Mead I wanted to share them.

For full details on Catherine Mead the acclaimed Wedding Photographer visit her website at www.photographybycatherine.co.uk

And, to learn more about the stunning venue in the Heart of the City of London, 1 Lombard Street visit the website www.1lombardstreet.com.

At first I thought maybe the bride was a celebrity but she isn’t, she just doesn’t want to see her wedding images plastered over social media sites as, it is her ‘special’ day and not for the whole world of face book to view.

I can quite understand where she is coming from as, I am not a huge fan of photographs being plastered on Face Book.  It is not because one is vain and doesn’t want bad shots of your wedding day but it is a private moment and do you really want business associates and prospective clients looking at them, I know that I wouldn’t.    However, I am not sure what her friends will think of this request on the invitation and, may unfortunately see her as being a slight Bridezilla but, there is no rule in the etiquette books about putting such a statement on an invitation.    Though, one must remember that any photographs taken by guests at any event, are in fact theirs and therefore they have the right to use them as they please so unless you have a ‘no photograph’ rule in place it will be hard to enforce.

Saying that, I understand that there is a facility on Face book where you can disable tags where your name is attached to a photograph so this is always an option.

One suggestion, to avoid this happening if as a couple you are concerned which is becoming extremely popular, would be to set up a photo-sharing account for all your wedding guests to share their photographs, which in turn will enable you to manage the images viewed by the public.

Sarah’s friend is by no means the first person to put out this request, as I found out on a wedding chat forum, after doing some research through Google.   This concerned bride justified her request with ‘I just want to share this special day with special people and not everyone’s face book friends’ and she had a good point.

My piece of advice as a Wedding Planner to all my couples when they have concerns like this is that ‘Don’t let it ruin your day and get too hung up about it, remember it’s your day and those friends invited have come to see you and share with you this amazing moment.’

To hear the interview with Sarah Ducker and Sarah Walker on the BBC Radio Berkshire Breakfast Show on Thursday 16^th February you can click on  

 http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p00nqvx4/Andrew_Peach_16_02_2012  

Then, you need to go to 9.37am where the interview starts till 9.44am.

http://vimeo.com/36027742

The ‘window calligraphy’ was preparation for the “I Do” Wedding & Bridal Show at 1 Lombard Street on Monday 6th February.

So, who do you know who is getting married and under one roof can meet a selection of the industry’s top wedding professionals.

For more details visit www.1lombardstreet.com/weddings.

So, today’s session Anna was shocked I was not early, I was in fact early just standing outside on the phone but not on purpose I had a mini crisis to resolve for work.

So, we started with the usual warm up of neck rolls, etc only for me to find out that the treadmill for a 2 minute uphill walk was not to be as it was having a power surge.  So, instead I had my favourites, Star jumps.  So, off we went with 40 seconds of star jumps followed immediately with 40 seconds of knees up which we repeated twice by which time my legs were shaking like jelly, and I was grateful for the 2 minute walk out on the treadmill which had been turned on and off and was working again.

From here it was into the bum crunches on the mat x 50 followed by the ‘dead angel’ the exercise against the wall, where I have to flatten my body against the wall and then raise the alternate leg up pushing back towards the wall.  It is getting slightly easier but I still feel the pain.

Then, it was into Anna’s ‘killer zone’ part where I embarked on 40 second sessions of six exercises followed by a two minute walk out and water break back into a repeat session of the same again so not for the faint hearted!  So, what was in the ‘killer zone’ this week?   Firstly, it was squats against the bench with a medicine ball, followed by squat jumps, followed by the Bosu exercise and then into the lunges.  Starting with straight forward lunges on alternate legs, to backward lunges with the straight kick and then finishing off with a lunge and then jump onto the other leg.   I was impressed with myself for the final exercise in the sessions as the first time I managed to beat last weeks 6 to 7 and in the second session managed 8.

We then went into Boxing and it was a series of 2/4/6/8/10/12 straight punches, followed by knees to pad finished off with the toe kicks to pad.  So, we did the right side and then the left where you need to lean back for the knee to pad and especially with the toe kicks.

I then confess I did look at the clock and saw only 10 minutes to go but know that Anna can pack in a lot to 10 minutes, though it’s amazing how quickly the time goes as I get so engrossed in what I am doing.

We then went to dead bugs on the mat engaging the core and then one at a time straightening the leg and back and alternating where we did 4 x sets of 5.   Then, into the exercise where I hold onto Anna’s angles and with my legs straightish it’s the pendulum style exercise where I should bounce back using my core rather than arms.   Then, I finished off with my sit ups on the Bosu ensuring my arms are tucked behind my ears otherwise I end up having to do more as I don’t come up straight and this was 4 sets of 5.

Then it was cool down and added to open out the pecks I lay on the foam roller and really opened the pecks and then we went into the usual stretches and breathing and where had the hour gone!

I then handed over my ‘food planner’ which I had been keeping last week and confessed it was not a great week as I’d missed meals and one day had three latte’s and a banana from 8am to 3pm.  I know it is not good to miss / skip meals as it makes the body go into some kind of shock and use natural body fats which is not healthy.   So, from now on I need to ensure small amounts of anything, is better than long periods of nothing.  

Thank you Anna once again your ‘Get Fit for Purpose’ company name has worked its magic and my motto of ‘no pain no gain’ continues.

Anyone, looking for a way to kick start fitness to get healthy, you really should go to Anna as she offers an amazing consultation where you identify your goals and she makes them realistic.

www.getfitforpurpose.co.uk or www.annakeeble.co.uk

We have a great line up with two amazing catwalk shows which will be overseen by Lise Herud a Bespoke Tailor and Couture Designer.   She is a dear friend and if you read regular blogs you will know that it was her who created my new suits for work.   So, on the catwalk we will be highlighting Melanie Potro, Sassi Holford and Lise Herud accessorised with Andrew Prince’s jewellery and Katherine Elizabeth milliner.   The hair and make up will be provided by Butterfly-London who has two shops in the heart of the City of London.   And, some stunning luxury lingerie from Rigby & Peller.

We then have the acclaimed cake designer, Nicola Hall of Hall of Cakes, who recently featured on the BBC’s ‘Best of British’. 

Paul Antonio of Scribe, who is a little black book gem of the world of calligraphy and stationery.   Watch this space for dates and time of the ‘window calligraphy’.

Rachel of Bud Flowers is going to be sharing how to make savings on tips with flowers.

Lara Brotherton of Plume will be on hand to give you that important image advice offering a ‘body map’ which is a Parisian technique used to outline the body.

Duncan Owen will be showcasing how to create the look and feel with lighting and sound from Effect Event Limited.

Catherine Mead a well established photographer will be on hand all day shooting the fashion shows and capturing the atmosphere.

And, lastly but by no means least Siobhan Craven-Robins and myself (SJD Events Limited) will be sharing tips on wedding plan inspirations.

For full bios and details of who is on board and to RSVP for the event please check out the website at www.1lombardstreet.com/weddings.

But, today was a great session because afterwards I received an email from Anna saying ‘Well done this morning. Keep stretching’ so, that made me feel good.   And, then when I visited Dr Luther Moss afterwards he said that the improvement in my posture was now evident and that my appointments could go to ever second week.  So, I have been floating on a cloud since my sessions and holding my head up high as my goal for term one was all about my posture.

For term two we continue with posture but now it is about toning the overall body and getting my core strong.

So, today we started with the warm up which has also been stepped up a notch and after a few minutes I fell silent as no talking means I am suffering but I seem to forget that!

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned to Anna that while staying with my sister, my niece had just returned from school and wanted me to play and do forward rolls and star jumps on a bed, well she is six but both are not favorites of mine but I tried nevertheless.  

So, guess what today started with star jumps!    So, there was two sets of 40 seconds each of star jumps, followed by 40 seconds of knees up and then when I started to flake, Anna was shouting higher, higher, faster, faster.  This set finished off with two lots of 20 knee rises against the wall, yes it was the ‘angel’ exercise back again.  When you lie up against the wall with your whole body against the wall, the bottom leg bent, foot flat against the wall and then with the other leg bent and you raise the top knee trying to push it against the wall.   It is easier than it sounds in this description, but boy it is good for the bum which all these exercises were concentrating on and of course the legs.

Then, I had a minute walk out on the tread mill to monitor my heart rate and then it was into the next set of two.

Then it was into two sets of 30 seconds of the following exercises with only a 10 second break in between: general squats, general squats and leg out to the side, followed by squats and jump up straight, to a type of push up using the Bosu and then jumping up, followed by general lunges alternating legs, to backward lunges with a kick and to finish off the killer of all killers when by now my legs were like complete jelly it was the lunge – jump up change leg – lunge.  The last one kills but I managed 6 in the second set.

Then, again it was a walk out on the tread mill where I held onto the handles as boy was my bum and legs feeling this workout.

Then, straight into boxing which was sets of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 on each leg with straight punches, followed by knees up and finishing off with the full kicks.   As I started to flake on the left leg at 8, I was told if I failed it would be increase to 14 sessions so my last energy boost kicked in and all the anger of the week was punched and kicked out.

That, wasn’t the end of the day ooh no, so lying on my back I did sit ups with my boxing gloves on.  So as I came up I punched in repetitions of 2/4/6/8/10 and 12.

Then it was cool down time and stretches my favourite part however I fear tomorrow or more likely Saturday I will be feeling some pain, but as my motto is ‘No Pain No Gain’ if I didn’t I’d worry.

This week on top of my homework of exercises it is the ‘food diary’ so that will be starting tomorrow as tonight I am having a few glasses of wine.

Thanks again to Anna of Get Fit for Purpose my energy levels are up and I am feeling good and more importantly I am standing tall thanks to the combined effort of Anna and Dr Luther.

So, if you need a helping hand look no further.

Anna has a great newsletter as does ML Chiropractic so visit their websites and sign up. 

www.getfitforpurpose.co.uk and www.ml-chiropractic.com  

Only Roses Mayfair

Earlier today, I was introduced to Tatiana Pedder, Floral Designer of Only Roses Mayfair who heads up the events and wedding team.    I was totally blown away by the shop on Berkeley Street next to The Holiday Inn Mayfair which opened last August.

As soon as I walked into the shop, I knew that the selection roses were top quality as the whole shop was filled with a warm fragrance and was clean to the eye.   The passion of Tatiana came through as she believes in the finest roses they promote and the superior artistry she can bring to any special occasion is second to none, the attention to detail with a simple bouquet and the service well second to none which is key to any businesses success.

I was impressed that I was able to recognized one of the varieties in the shop as I was informed there are over 250 varieties which is amazing.    The rose I recognised which was the one I used for my new adverts and I had found outside Harrods (Hans Road) at a flower stall which turned out to be one of the three outlets of Only Roses so, I knew they were Ecuador’s finest.

From the varieties available I think that you will always be able to find that perfect rose for any occasion from ‘Deja Vu’ to ‘Cherry Brandy’ to name a few.

Tatiana has very kind agreed to offer a discount if you quote ‘Business Biscotti Mayfair’ only at the Mayfair shop so you can either call her at 020 7373 9595 or email at Tanya@only-roses.com.

Not only do they have a delightful range of fresh roses they also have a range called ‘Infinite Roses’ which are preserved.  The Infinite Roses are created to last a year or more, with nothing to do than stand back and admire.   I saw some of the samples in the shop and they were stunning and you can view all these online at http://www.only-roses.com/specials/infinite-roses.

So, next time you are considering sending some flowers think ‘Only Roses’ www.only-roses.com.

The heading of the article was ‘It’s time to steer your careers, girls!’ and so fitting for the beginning of the year as we all set ourselves goals to achieve for the year ahead.

There are ten top secrets which I am sure you will all be able to resonate with: 

1. Get some qualifications.

2.    Build a network ~ you need to be both good at what you do and good at building relationships with people who matter.   Read my article about Julia Hobsbawm the ‘Queen of London Networking’ for tips on networking http://sjdeventsltd.wordpress.com/2012/01/13/londons-networking-queen-julia-hobsbawm-and-editorial-intelligence-by-rosamund-urwin/.   And, if you are looking for a free networking forum consider Business Biscotti www.businessbiscotti.co.uk where there are two Central London groups, Mayfair and St Paul’s.

3. Never think it is too late for anything.

4. Learn to say NO ~ Saying NO is a life skill that is very important to master if you want to be successful and something that I personally find extremely hard to follow.  As women we have difficulty in saying NO as we are less concerned with our own needs and more concerned about the welfare of others, but I am told that being able to say ‘no’ effectively with help you to achieve success.    A tip I was given by a coach is to look into the mirror and practice saying ‘no’ but adding ‘I can say no because I know I am worth it’ – try it.

5. You Can’t have it All ~ As women we want the career, the nice husband, the house and the 2.5 kids, holidays, a nice car, time out with the girls but let’s face it this isn’t always the reality and we can deluded.   Remember that ‘time’ is a scarce resource and how you balance/allocate it is central to the success of your career.   Don’t look for a ‘work’ balance look for a ‘life’ balance again something that I battle to achieve but if women know their priorities and spend time concentrating on them then our goals are achieved easily.     ‘Know what you want, and why and then make your choices accordingly’

6. Be prepared to do more than a man ~ well ladies I am not going to highlight this point as the heading says it all!

7. Control your own finances ~ There are three fundamental reasons that Mrs Moneypenny shares being i) being on top of your personal finances frees you up to focus on your career, ii) so you understand the language and iii) because more women at the top have been in charge of money at some point.   Mastering your own finances will set you free and if you can’t do it yourself outsource.

8. Do something outside work and family ~ Remember that you need a third dimension to your life of work and family and this can help you develop personally or build your network or just make you feel good.    So, look at sport and I can highly recommend Anna Keeble of ‘Get Fit for Purpose’ to keep you in shape.  Or consider volunteering with a charity which is something close to my heart and charities are always looking for people.  Check out Flannels4Heroes which helps Walking Wounded and Help the Heroes.

9. Promote yourself ~ Mrs Moneypenny states that we should spend 5% of our time doing our own PR.  You might be great at your job but does everyone know who you are?    As a women we are not believers in self-promotion as feel inappropriate but you can always be subtle.  I certainly believe you don’t have to shout about it from the roof tops but slip in a success story once in a while to a conversation just never try to be that person who is one up on another.  Mrs Moneypenny states that a woman who communicates in a competent but warm manner quells doubts about her ability and likeableness, and this can increase her influence.      Make sure the internet works for you and that all your profiles are kept up to date.  Remember that how you look, speak and engage is critical to getting ahead so, check out the Business Biscotti ‘taster workshops’.  In February, Lara Brotherton will be doing a taster on ‘how to dress for successes at Mayfair.

10. You can’t do it alone ~ To be a successful women you need to recognize that you need to have a ‘trusted team’ at your side and this can only be achieved by networking and building relationships.  When you work alongside a team it is imperative that you acknowledge / listen to the contribution of others.  Always be approachable, encouraging and accept you can’t be good at everything (it isn’t a sign of a weakness to ask for support and help to compliment your offering). 

If you would like to read more about Mrs Moneypenny’s article then check out her book, “Mrs Moneypenny’s Careers Advice for Ambitious Women’ available from Penguin at £16.99.

Ladies, make 2012 the year to be successful but remember you can’t do it alone and that the way to succeed is to network and have other’s acting as ambassadors for you.

Julia Hobsbawn 'London's Networking Queen'

Julia Hobsbawm who is the founder of Editorial Intelligence www.editorialintelligence.com a networking forum for journalists, media, communication specialists and politicians is great and offers the perfect environment to network and build relationships as it also offers amazing support with a great variety of events.

SJD Events Limited is a member of Editorial Intelligence as I have a personal interest in politics and over the past two years of being a member and have blogged numerous times on the events that I have attended where I have been inspired by a speaker or subject.    Though I must confess that attending the Christmas Quiz may have been rather a mistake as I was out of my depth and managed to answer maybe 2 out of 40 questions!

The article written by Rosamund Urwin really captures Julia’s personality and shows you the real person that she is, it shows her human side,  and as a mother how she juggles everything.  I love her policy of the phone being turned off for 24 hours on a Friday sounds like a plan.     Unfortunately, as business women working alone, sometimes it can be easy to neglect the family and even ourselves and, as Julia said so rightly said ‘we are not invincible’.

If you didn’t see the article ‘London’s Networking Queen, Julia Hobsbawm in the Evening Standard by Rosamund Urwin here is the link http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/lifestyle/article-24026306-londons-networking-queen-julia-hobsbawm.do

But the element that I wanted to share with you and highlight was the ‘Lessons in Networking’ by Julia Hobsbawm which are so true.

1. Choose face-to-face over Facebook. The best connections are made in person.

2. Eye contact matters. It is the easiest way to find out if you trust and like someone. Never look over their shoulder at someone else.

3. Ask “How are you?” not “Who are you?” We put far too much store on job titles and far too little on whether people like the same things as you do.

4. Be curious. The faster you can connect with someone, the sooner you will exchange valuable information with each other.

5. Network for the long term. You don’t have to “succeed” at networking, you just have to see where it leads.

6. De-clutter your contacts book. Forget being competitive with how many “friends” or “followers” you have. Only connect with people who interest, amuse, or inspire you.

7. Most networking should never take place in a party or conference environment. Rethink your definition of networking to include much smaller, curated gatherings where the exchange of ideas is paramount.

8. And for the shy … Shyness in networking is actually the norm. The antidote is to make eye contact and wait for someone to break the cycle and begin a conversation.

So, I hope that you will be able to learn from these and all that leaves me to say is ‘here’s to successful networking’.

Sandra Hutton-Miller of Be Inspired

On Monday 16^th January founder of Be Inspired, Sandra Hutton-Miller at Butterfly London (www.butterfly-london.com) will be presenting a seminar on how to ‘look good and feel great’ alongside some other acclaimed professionals.

So, who do you know that would like to kick start the New Year with a ‘new look’ a ‘wardrobe revamp’ or, just pick up some great tips on how to feel and look good, then let them know about this great event on Monday 16^th January at Butterfly in St Paul’s.

Here is a brief outline of what the sessions will encompass.  The two sessions will be run from 9am to 1pm or 2pm to 6pm at a cost of £65.00.

We all want to look good and feel great, it has a vital and energizing effect on us. Whether you’re looking to add that extra sparkle to ensure your professional style stands out, or if you’re seeking to elevate your style and presence for personal and social reasons, it all starts with you looking good and feeling great.  Acclaimed style and image consultant Sandra Hutton-Miller works with private clients showing them exactly how to select the right colours, fabrics and styles to ensure they look good, feel great and get noticed.  At this exclusive event you’ll have the chance to learn how to unlock your new self. Limited places and an early booking incentive make it the right time to contact us now to secure your place.

Speakers: 

Sandra Hutton-Miller

Redefining Your Image - Transformational Earth, Wind and Fire Technique.

This Is Me - An Holistic Approach to Becoming Your Authentic Self

Style Over Fashion - Developing Your Future Look

Put The Fun Back Into Living - Recreating Your Image Will Help You To Achieve That

Donovan Miller

Personal Trainer & Nutritionist will discuss choosing the right fitness programme/eating plan for you

Rigby and Peller

Corsetiere to H.M. Queen Elizabeth II.  Presentation and talk about wearing the correct underwear for your  outer wear.

Butterfly Boutique

Day-to-evening hair and makeup demonstrations

Live Image Makeover’s & Fashion Show:

Lise Herud

Showcases some of her amazing tailored suits.

Claudette Joseph

Showcases some of her exquisitely crafted womenswear.

Be Inspired

Showcase their luxurious silk scarves

To book your place click on the following link www.looking-good-feeling-great.eventbrite.com  and for more details call Sandra Hutton-Miller on 07931 416457.