Thursday, 28 April 2011
MARK MEETS: The Queens Florist Simon Lycett
Whilst Prince Charles’ florist was chosen to arrange the flowers for the Royal Wedding, Simon doesn’t miss out on the Royal action. He’s the preferred florist of the Queen none the less. And Niemierko Brides of course! Mark meets the man that gets her Majesty’s approval when it comes to picking a peony.
How did you end up as a florist…
Well, the start was at the precocious age of 7, with my entries in the Warwick Horticultural Society’s annual show. I did my first wedding aged 14. Who knows how I’ll end up?!
What words would you use to best describe your style at…
Whatever we do, we do it with copious amounts of flowers! I suppose you could call me a Floral Prostitute as I like to give the Client exactly what they want and make their floral fantasies a fabulous reality.
Where do you get inspiration for your creations and how do you keep your creations so inventive and unique…
I’m very lucky with my raw materials and it’s easy to have inspiration with Mother Nature at the helm. I find inspiration in the change of seasons. What works at one point in the year could be tweaked a bit and with different blooms and foliages available look completely new and unique.
What do you love about working in the wedding industry…
What I love about the wedding industry is that we’re all working together to make one couple’s dreams come true for a day. It’s all a bit of a fairy tale and I’m certainly one for a happy ending!
What do you loathe about working in the wedding industry…
Well, at moments in my career I’ve had to have a quiet word with the bride away from the Mother to find out that the brides wishes are being adhered to as well!
What’s your most memorable moment…
It would have to be when His Holiness the Pope passed away and consequently HRH Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall delayed their wedding by a day. I had approximately 30,000 daffodils to keep fresh and ensure their peak was actually the subsequent day!
What can’t you live without…
My fabulous team. All my staff have worked for me for longer than a decade and so we know each other pretty well! They know exactly how to interpret my directions and we get on like one big floral family!
Something old…
My collection of old wedding photographs – the rule is every bride must be carrying her bouquet, but from Victorian and Edwardian to ‘60’s – they are hysterical and a fascinating insight into social history.
Something new…
My i-pad – no more carrying of heavy portfolios!
Something borrowed…
The wonderful Victorian lochside house on the West Coast of Scotland which my partner Nicholas’s family lend to us each summer! It’s peaceful and remote. No mobiles work and plenty of walks on the beach. Sitting contemplating the view re charges my batteries.
Something blue…
A great big armful of Forget-Me-Nots! Or “Remember Me’s” as my young nephew used to call them!
Who do you admire most in the industry…
You! Of course! You and your team are always fun to work with and introduce us to some wonderful clients!
Which season do you think is best suited to weddings…
I adore getting carried away with Spring blooms, fragrant narcissi and lily of the valley, but come summer with the romance rose and all the variety available – it’s dreamy. I have done many an exotic winter wedding though…it’s all about creating a fairytale.
What do you think makes a wedding most memorable…
When the thoughts and dreams of the bride and groom really are manifested in their special day with little touches in the decorations to reflect their lives which are now entwined…it’s all in the detail.
What does marriage mean to you in three words…
Fun, fabulous florals.
Bridesmaids, love or loathe…
Love! They make a wedding!
Essential item for a bride on her wedding day…
Hair grips! And Rescue Remedy!
The Queen is one of your clients, do you have to curtsey when you see her…
No matter how much Her Majesty adores my flowers, I don’t think even she would make an exception for me!
Finally, what can we expect to see from Simon Lycett in the future…
Probably even more than at present, life is busy and getting busier which is always exciting in fantasy land!
View Simon’s work at http://www.simonlycett.co.uk
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
MR N: Solving your wedding day dilemmas
MAID OF WHAT?
Dear Mr N
I’ve made my sister and three of my best friends as bridesmaids and have no idea who should be doing what. Should I appoint a Maid of Honour and what are their responsibilities?
Zoe, Berkshire.
It’s totally up to you who you have as Maid of Honour, typically it’s either your sister but you can also have a close friend. The responsibilities include helping you organise the wedding day, making decisions, being the head of the bridesmaids and the hen party. It’s a big role so although you may want to have your sister as the MOH, if she is not organised or reliable enough then she won’t make the cut. Just remember the MOH is someone you need to be confident with and can trust to make big decisions for you like finding a hairdresser or the simple things like a keeping you sane when the stress gets just a little too much!
Send your wedding problems to Mr N: mr.n@niemierko.com
Dear Mr N
I’ve made my sister and three of my best friends as bridesmaids and have no idea who should be doing what. Should I appoint a Maid of Honour and what are their responsibilities?
Zoe, Berkshire.
It’s totally up to you who you have as Maid of Honour, typically it’s either your sister but you can also have a close friend. The responsibilities include helping you organise the wedding day, making decisions, being the head of the bridesmaids and the hen party. It’s a big role so although you may want to have your sister as the MOH, if she is not organised or reliable enough then she won’t make the cut. Just remember the MOH is someone you need to be confident with and can trust to make big decisions for you like finding a hairdresser or the simple things like a keeping you sane when the stress gets just a little too much!
Send your wedding problems to Mr N: mr.n@niemierko.com
Monday, 25 April 2011
Friday, 22 April 2011
Wednesday, 20 April 2011
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
BACKSTAGE: A special visit to The Peggy Porschen Parlour
For those of you who received a Christmas Card last December from Mark you’ll know of Ruby Grace Niemierko. A very lucky girl to be the niece of our very own Mr N. But life just gets better for this 6 year old. Last week during her Easter School break Ruby popped into Peggy Porschen’s parlour to meet the cake master herself.
Peggy treated Ruby to cupcakes and cookies with a Ruby Slipper theme, as well as making one of her delicious mini-tiered cakes.
The treats didn’t end there. Ruby also took home a child sized Peggy Porschen apron so she can hone those baking skills at home!
But what was Ruby’s biggest highlight of visiting the Parlour? The fact Peggy has pink lemonade. Beyond cool.
Ruby also took time out to draw on Mark's iPad what she thinks Kate Middleton's dress will look like. Look out on our Facebook page to see Ruby's style prediction!
Peggy treated Ruby to cupcakes and cookies with a Ruby Slipper theme, as well as making one of her delicious mini-tiered cakes.
The treats didn’t end there. Ruby also took home a child sized Peggy Porschen apron so she can hone those baking skills at home!
But what was Ruby’s biggest highlight of visiting the Parlour? The fact Peggy has pink lemonade. Beyond cool.
Ruby also took time out to draw on Mark's iPad what she thinks Kate Middleton's dress will look like. Look out on our Facebook page to see Ruby's style prediction!
MR N: Solving your wedding day dilemmas
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Dear Mr N,
I know most people want their wedding to be different from everyone else’s. I’ve attended 7 weddings in the last year and I just can’t help but feel that the predictability of each wedding makes me bored. The venue’s all end up looking relatively similar and the format bores me to tears. What can I do to make my wedding completely different from everyone else’s, how do I achieve the ‘wow’ factor with a venue?
Rachel, Guildford.
Surprise is the element that most weddings lack and that will make yours stick out in the memory of your guests. The first thing you can surprise them with and keep them guessing is choosing an unconventional venue for the ceremony and reception. Its important to keep in mind that any venue can become anything you want it to be if you have the right team on your side. A way to achieve this would be to choose a venue that you can completely transform an art gallery such as the Saatchi gallery would be a good venue. Have the ceremony and dinner and drinks all in separate parts so your guests will be surprised throughout the day.
Another way to liven up your wedding is to have a surprise piece of entertainment, but keep it short, the essence of good entertainment is keeping it brief.
Send your wedding problems to Mr N: mr.n@niemierko.com
Dear Mr N,
I know most people want their wedding to be different from everyone else’s. I’ve attended 7 weddings in the last year and I just can’t help but feel that the predictability of each wedding makes me bored. The venue’s all end up looking relatively similar and the format bores me to tears. What can I do to make my wedding completely different from everyone else’s, how do I achieve the ‘wow’ factor with a venue?
Rachel, Guildford.
Surprise is the element that most weddings lack and that will make yours stick out in the memory of your guests. The first thing you can surprise them with and keep them guessing is choosing an unconventional venue for the ceremony and reception. Its important to keep in mind that any venue can become anything you want it to be if you have the right team on your side. A way to achieve this would be to choose a venue that you can completely transform an art gallery such as the Saatchi gallery would be a good venue. Have the ceremony and dinner and drinks all in separate parts so your guests will be surprised throughout the day.
Another way to liven up your wedding is to have a surprise piece of entertainment, but keep it short, the essence of good entertainment is keeping it brief.
Send your wedding problems to Mr N: mr.n@niemierko.com
Monday, 18 April 2011
BACKSTAGE: A Rock n Roll Party
Everybody in wedding world has heard about the unexpected romance between Kat of Rock n Roll Bride and our very own Mr N. Last week Mark attended The Rock n Roll Party in London’s Soho. Here’s a fun and cheeky snap of Mark along with the chaps from Allora Visuals and are fav Magazine Editor, Miranda Eason, from You & Your Wedding & Cosmo Bride.
Photo by http://www.lisajane-photography.com/
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
MR N: Solving your wedding day dilemmas
WINTER WARMTH
Dear Mr N,
I’m getting married next winter, I know its going to be cold but is it really necessary to wear something for warmth and what kind of thing would you suggest?
Jennifer, London.
British winters are our most predictable season, it is a guarantee it will be cold. To still look chic and bridal, opt for a bolero or shrug. There really is nothing more miserable than a cold bride with a frozen smile, be sensible. Unless you are fur-averse, a fur bolero will look most chic, avoid block white and go for something with flecks of cream and light brown. Depending on which designer shop you find your dress in there is likely to be a section of great items to keep you warm, but to keep you looking fabulous!
Send your wedding problems to Mr N: mr.n@niemierko.com
Dear Mr N,
I’m getting married next winter, I know its going to be cold but is it really necessary to wear something for warmth and what kind of thing would you suggest?
Jennifer, London.
British winters are our most predictable season, it is a guarantee it will be cold. To still look chic and bridal, opt for a bolero or shrug. There really is nothing more miserable than a cold bride with a frozen smile, be sensible. Unless you are fur-averse, a fur bolero will look most chic, avoid block white and go for something with flecks of cream and light brown. Depending on which designer shop you find your dress in there is likely to be a section of great items to keep you warm, but to keep you looking fabulous!
Send your wedding problems to Mr N: mr.n@niemierko.com
Monday, 11 April 2011
GUEST LIST: Strike a Pose for VOGUE
However at Niemierko HQ we are loving how American Vogue chose not to focus on trends for Brides, but the guests. Heres a few snap shots from the piece photographed by Arthur Elgort.
We want to see guests at our weddings this summer looking just as chic!
Visit Vogue for more inspiring trends.
Thursday, 7 April 2011
MARK MEETS: Mark Ingram, The Bridal Atelier
What’s your most memorable moment since opening the atelier…
The great Oscar de la Renta visiting my shop and congratulating me for being the top seller of his collection. I had invited my fabulous mother to the salon for this event, and he was very kind and gracious to her. To this day, he always asks about her! I do have to add a second..... I appeared as myself on Gossip Girl, which was a true thrill.
What can’t you live without…
The feeling of accomplishment and making my family and self proud. Also a good support system.
Who do you admire most in the industry…
I admire all of the designers that I work with for constantly keeping my segment of the industry fresh and exciting. I can't imagine it's easy season after season to design white dresses that remain unique and signature of their talents. Some of my favourites who are also personal friends include Angel Sanchez, Monique Luilluer, Anne Barge, Elizabeth Fillmore and Lela Rose.
Who would you say is an iconic bride you would love to dress…
Jackie Kennedy.
Which season do you think is best suited to weddings…
Autumn, especially in New York.
What do you think makes a wedding most memorable…
A stunning and breath taking gown, of course! Second to that is the music and decor.
Dream wedding entertainment…
Harry Connick Jr. & his orchestra then followed up by Jay Z and special guest appearance by Beyonce!
Who would you dress Kate Middleton in…
The reigning princess of American couture bridal, Monique Lhuillier. I also truly admire what Christopher Bailey has done at Burberry!
Ideal wedding venue…
Late afternoon in the garden of the brides country estate in East Hampton or anywhere overlooking the Mediterranean like Ravello, Italy!
What does marriage mean to you in three words…
Commitment, responsibility, honesty.
What makes the perfect wedding gift…
Your true best wishes for and support of the new couple. A nice hefty cheque doesn't hurt either!
Bridesmaids, love or loathe…
Love! But not too many!!
Essential item for a bride on her wedding day…
A personal memento from a beloved ancestor or parent.
Finally, what can we expect to see from Mark Ingram in the future…
Continual tweaking and fine tuning of the Atelier to make it the best possible shopping (and working) experiencing. I am a bit of a perfectionist!
To book a dress appointment at Mark Ingram’s Atelier visit http://www.bridalatelier.com/
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
MR N: Solving your wedding day dilemmas
A GIRL OF ALL SEASONS
Dear Mr N,
Although I really want a summer wedding where people are relaxed with sunglasses on, I want the romance of a winter wedding with all the low lighting. How can I have the best of both?
Sarah, Nottingham.
I appreciate your dilemma, summer weddings feel instantly relaxed, where as winter weddings feel instantly cosy and romantic.
I would suggest holding your wedding ceremony in the late afternoon/early evening, this way you can have an outdoor drinks ceremony as the sun sets and move to your reception area for dinner and dancing when the sun goes down. Organise the lighting so that dim candles and lights are lit at sun set. You need to make the transitionary period from light to dark effortless so that the dark romantic setting that Winter offers is instantly achieved.
If not, theres always Autumn!
Send your wedding problems to Mr N: mr.n@niemierko.com
Dear Mr N,
Although I really want a summer wedding where people are relaxed with sunglasses on, I want the romance of a winter wedding with all the low lighting. How can I have the best of both?
Sarah, Nottingham.
I appreciate your dilemma, summer weddings feel instantly relaxed, where as winter weddings feel instantly cosy and romantic.
I would suggest holding your wedding ceremony in the late afternoon/early evening, this way you can have an outdoor drinks ceremony as the sun sets and move to your reception area for dinner and dancing when the sun goes down. Organise the lighting so that dim candles and lights are lit at sun set. You need to make the transitionary period from light to dark effortless so that the dark romantic setting that Winter offers is instantly achieved.
If not, theres always Autumn!
Send your wedding problems to Mr N: mr.n@niemierko.com
Monday, 4 April 2011
Friday, 1 April 2011
NIEMIERKO TV: Mark joins CNBC to discuss Royal Wedding Plans
Mark Niemierko joined CNBC earlier this afternoon to discuss the final wedding plans leading upto Kate Middleton and Prince William's wedding.
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