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Wedding Workshops – The Art of Learning

by Emma Hla
Images by Bowtie & Belle Photography.

A couple of weekends ago, I got a little bit crafty in the Cotswolds and whilst I’m absolutely going to tell you what I got up to with Kate Cullen & friends, I also wanted to take a moment to share with you my thoughts on the whole wedding thing…

You see, as a Bride, you have an amazing opportunity to try your hand at many different wedding-related tasks and you can get as DIY as you like! From flower arranging, stationery making and cake-baking; there are a multitude of amazing workshops out there hosted by talented individuals and suppliers. Remember the time I tried my hand at Calligraphy with Gemma Milly…? Have you spotted Creative Christmas Entertaining by Pudding Bridge…?

So my advice to you is to embrace the journey you’re currently on and use it as an opportunity to explore new skills and passions! You never know, it may even lead to a whole new career! There’s quite a few of us who can hold our hands up to that particular wedding outcome.

Now sit back and take in all of the pretty kindly provided by Bowtie & Belle (husband & wife photography team – Thomas and Samantha), whilst I tell you a little bit about my day of silk painting with Kate Cullen…

Eat. Drink. Paint. 2015

I knew this particular wedding workshop would be beautiful, Kate Cullen is renowned for her gorgeous silk work and styling and I for one wanted to see inside this ladies world! Having used Kate’s gorgeous ribbons on my shoots, it was a pleasure to try out a spot of silk painting myself!

Kate carefully guided us through silk painting and introduced us to all the tools of the trade. We had plenty of time to get used to the craft and try our hand at drawing and painting to templates. However, at our place settings were stunning florals by Acacia Floristy in peachy grey tones, right up my street and the perfect muse for creating our own floral inspired artwork!

Whilst I wouldn’t say I’m the craftiest gal out there, I am quite artistic and I found the whole thing really rather relaxing. The lush surroundings may have contributed to this as Barnsley House is quite the luxurious haven! We were treated to a delicious lunch at The Potager and afternoon tea with scrummy cakes and sweet bites.

Despite the torrential November weather and our concentrated faces, the atmosphere inside was relaxed, friendly and intimate. I totally think this would be a lovely afternoon treat for Brides looking to do something a little different ahead of their big day with their girls in tow (Did I mention there was wine…?).

To finish the day, we were gifted beautiful bags of goodies which included pretty stationery by White Hanami, paper flowers by Things by Laura and yummy biscuits by Olofson Design (which my husband pinched!) We also got to keep our silk painting kit!

Oh and the florals… Which have sat prettily on my coffee table ever since.

* Coco Wedding Venues only recommends suppliers, services and products we are truly passionate about and that fit with our brand ethos. Coco was not paid to write this feature, but I was gifted a place on Eat. Drink. Paint 2015 by Kate Cullen.

So basically folks, keep those eyes peeled for lovely happenings and enjoy your engagement! There’s so much to take and learn from the wedding planning journey. I’ll do my very best to list upcoming wedding events & workshops in our Event Diary – but let me know if there’s something you fancy doing! I’ll seek it out for you…

If you’d like to find out more about Kate Cullen and her styling services, then you can read a little more here!

Lots of love…

Tags: Kate Cullen Styling & Design, Wedding Decor, Wedding Inspiration
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Meet the author
Emma Hla
Emma is the founder & curator of these award-winning pages. Passionate about venues, interiors and a good Whiskey Sour. You'll also find Emma working as a Creative Director consulting for wedding venues around the UK.
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