I was only thinking the other day as I was perusing around some blogs that I like to read. I also like to read the section of About Us on other peoples sites, as I am always curious to find out about who is the person behind the blog. Then it clicked I thought you know what I haven't introduced myself to you????
So here is my 'bit about me"
Name: Nicole Mallett
Relationship - defacto 16 years (why aren't I married, I'm too busy helping you, which doesn't mean that I am no less committed to my relationship)
Children - one
I live on a farm in the Southwest, we have many cows, a few sheep, 2 pigs and 11 piglets, 3 chooks, 2 alpacas, a highland coo (its a scottish bred of cow) and my favourite boy Ned the labrador..(aka fat boy) I don't over feed him he buries his food and saves it for later
Favourite time of the year: now, I love cool fresh mornings
I don't drink alcoholic drinks
I'm going on my third holiday in 16 years soon
I love sweet food but it doesn't love me as I battle to keep my weight to a place I feel comfortable with, generally my clothes are the indicator
When I'm not working on Smitten or CTCW I love cooking, watching my child play, speaking to my partner and seeing the odd friend
Do you want to see my last painting? Yes I did do this..
My dress style is how ever I feel on the day someday I wear my sports clothes all day just in-case I have time for a walk. Before I had my child I trained 10-16 hours a week for triathlon I loved the training with everyone but didn't enjoy the competition
I dislike bad manners please and thankyou go along way with me
Bad nail bitter
I would love another child as long as its not me having it
You won't see photos of my child on Facebook
David Austin: Jude of Obscure rose is my favourite plus I enjoy gardening and I am good at it (well I think I am, its all green out there)
My laugh comes from the heart it is loud and makes you want to join in
When I look back over my working life I have had very good examples on how to work
I see the best in people, but remember you only get one lick of the lollipop after that buy your own
and finally what I love most about a wedding is the ceremony I love watching two people say their vows to one another, though I must say I start to well up by now and start looking around for something to concentrate on before I start crying
That's about it really..I hope you will drop by and see what's new on Smitten.
All the best
Nicole xx
We've got some very exciting news for our much loved Smitten friends. Just when we thought Smitten Magazine was no longer, we're delighted to let you know that we've found someone who loves the magazine as much as we do. We have handed over the reins to Nicole from Coast to Country Weddings.
As you know, saying goodbye to Smitten Magazine was not an easy decision. After seeing, and meeting, so many clever WA wedding people we were disappointed not to be able to continue sharing their loveliness with local brides. We're thrilled that the magazine will be around for some time to come and sweeping many more stylish WA brides off their feet.
Of course, we're not disappearing completely, Nat is still creating the most amazing wedding stationery at Dizzy Wizzy Design.
This will be the last time you hear from us, so we'll no longer be checking any of the Smitten email accounts, but please do feel free to get in touch with Nicole anytime at info@smittenmagazine.com.au.
Thanks for being part of Smitten Magazine,
Nat & Erin
Olivia of Olive Farm Designs is a West Aussie accessories designer lovingly crafting unique hair adornments for brides. Each piece is created using only the most exquisite vintage lace, silks, tulle, ribbons and other gorgeous materials.
“When I first saw my husband to be
at the end of the aisle and our first kiss
as husband and wife.”
While in Sydney, Danielle and Anthony did a night climb up the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
At the top, overlooking the twinkling lights of the city, Anthony got down on bended knee and asked Danielle to marry him. Ohhh, how romantic.
See more of the romance in the current issue of Smitten Magazine.
"My gorgeous husband! Seeing him so
happy really made my day, and I'm
ever so lucky to have found someone
as gorgeous, generous and
caring as he is."
Most weddings follow a similar format – the formalities of the ceremony then the party
at the reception. Not Jelena and David’s. They started their day with a pre-wedding
party at Jelena’s parents’ house, complete with eating, drinking and plenty of dancing.
Then David arrived to present Jelena with her bouquet, as is tradition for Croatian weddings.
Their priest even joined the party.
See more of this wedding in the current issue of Smitten Magazine.
What had the bride smitten?
“I was so nervous before the ceremony and my stomach sounded like it
had butterflies made from cement flying around inside it and all I wanted to do was hold Dan’s hand but
we weren’t allowed to until after
we’d exchanged rings. So that was
the best when we could hold
hands and have a cheeky kiss!”
On a rainy weekend down south in October 2010, Dan stole Claire away from their group of friends, took
her to Leeuwin Estate for lunch, got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife. One year later
they returned to the Margaret River wine region and married at Knotting Hill Estate in the presence
of 130 of their nearest and dearest.
See more of this wedding in the current issue of Smitten Magazine.
Laura and Alan celebrated their wedding at Perth Zoo in December 2011.They said 'I do' on the Oak Lawn, then wandered (or rather drove - they travelled in style in Zoo golf buggies) throughout the grounds for photos with their bridal party before joining their friends and family in the Homestead Barn.
Although residing in a small country town in the wheatbelt, Scott proposed to Josie in Langkawi, Malaysia on their seven year anniversary. Just under six months later they walked down the aisle, in the picturesque surrounds of the heritage listed Bishops Garden in Perth.
Josie wore a Lisa Ho Designs silk tulle gown accessorised with a silk satin ribbon belt. The bridesmaids wore floor length slate dresses from Two Birds Bridesmaids.
See more of this wedding in the current issue of Smitten Magazine.
We're thrilled to be bringing you the biggest (and we think best) issue yet of Smitten Magazine, filled with wedding loveliness thanks to eleven real West Aussie weddings.
We also reveal the winner of our Spring Cover Bride competition; congratulations Chey and Dean!! The couple said 'I do' on the white sands of Bunker Bay beach then partied into the night at Aravina Estate. The stunning photos are all thanks to Yoram Conradt Photography.
With just over one week to go until the Spring issue of Smitten Magazine arrives, we thought you might like a little sneak peek at some of the wedding loveliness you'll find inside.
We'll be revealing the winner of our Spring Cover Bride competition and featuring eleven real weddings - that's more weddings than ever before. We've got destination weddings, home weddings, and traditional weddings all with ideas and inspiration aplenty.
And not that we're into name dropping but... we've also got all the stunning details of Channel Nine News weekend presenter Louise Momber's wedding to journo Rob Scott.
Here's just a teeny tiny look at some of the prettiness...
We were absolutely overwhelmed with gorgeous weddings in our Spring Cover Bride competition. Thank you to everyone who entered - with so many lovely weddings happening every weekend right here in WA, choosing a winner was never going to be easy.
We are delighted to introduce you to our ten finalists (in totally random order)...
Alexandra and Sam Photo: Katey Manuchehri Photography
Chey and Dean Photo: Yoram Conradt
Rachel and Phillip Photo: CJ Williams
Melanie and Anthony Photo: Teneil Kable
Christa and Juandre Photo: Anel Photography
Taryn and Daniel Photo: Marc Ash
Carly and Michael Photo: Tiger Eye Photography
Selena and Ben
Photo: Anel Photography
Tammy and Juan Photo: Sarah Kate Dorman
Anthea and Duncan Photo: Anel Photography
Be among the first to see the winner of our Spring Cover Bride competition, subscribe to Smitten Magazine and get the mag fast tracked to your inbox.
Planning a wedding and watching the purse strings? Shop for wedding dresses, bridesmaids dresses, suits and accessories and save up to 80% at the brandsExclusive wedding sale, starting midday Monday 9 July.
Local and international designers include Nicola Finetti, Jayson Brunsdon, Sandra Steiner, Aurelio Costarella, Matthew Eager and lots more.
There's even a bridesmaid dress collection from Jayson Brunsdon available in a range of colours and priced from just $300.
And the boys won't feel left out, they can browse suits and accessories from Kenneth Blake, Marc Coleman and Hardy Aimes.
Cancel all your plans for 25 August - that's when Wedding Upmarket is happening. If you're planning your wedding and hoping to create a unique day loaded with personal, handcrafted touches then Wedding Upmarket is for you.
Last year's Wedding Upmarket featured an array of talented local wedding people, including photographers, jewellers, designers, stationery suppliers, florists and so many more.
This year is sure to be just as amazing, possibly even more so. Keep a close eye on the Wedding Upmarket website as the full list of 2012 retailers will be revealed soon.
Date: Saturday 25 August
Time: 10am - 3pm
Venue: Winthrop Hall Undercroft, University of Western Australia
Entry: free (Yes, that's right. Absolutely free)
Take a peek at the latest entry in our Spring Cover bride competition - the ever so happy Carly and Michael. They married in March of this year at Sittella Winery in the Swan Valley.
Visit (and like!) our Facebook page to have a peek at all the entries so far. You have until 18 June to submit your wedding, then we open it up for voting.
Visit Nat at the Dizzy Wizzy Design table and chat to her about your wedding stationery. While you're there, subscribe to Smitten Magazine and you could win Dizzy Wizzy wedding invitations.*
Perhaps you like these invitations to the left, as featured in a down south photoshoot by Jen Huang Photography.
*Conditions apply. Full conditions available at the Dizzy Wizzy Design desk at First Comes Love.
Take a look at these cute pics from Rachel and Phillip's wedding - just one of the many many gorgeous weddings we've received in our Spring Cover Bride competition. The happy couple married at Kalamunda History Village, with the reception held at Carldenn Homestead.
Visit (and like!) our Facebook page to have a peek at all the entries so far. You have until 18 June to submit your wedding, then we open it up for voting.
We're absolutely tickled pink to be a part of the First Comes Love Bridal Fair. Now in its second year we've heard that this time round there's even more fabulous West Aussie wedding people involved. And the best bit? They're all there ready to make your wedding day dreams come true.
First Comes Love is on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 May, and is organised by the clever lasses of Studio Bomba. If you don't think you can wait quite that long, here's a selection of photos from last year's fair to keep you going.
It's on! Our search to find the perfect cover for our Spring issue has begun...
The Smitten Magazine Spring Cover Bride competition launched on Monday. We're inviting all brides, photographers, planners, florists - anyone involved in creating ever so lovely weddings here in Western Australia - to enter.
Even if you choose not to enter your own weddings snaps we'd love your help in deciding who will grace the Spring cover. All you have to do is vote for your fave wedding. Voting hasn't opened just yet but we'll be sure to let you know when it does.
In the meantime you have until mid June to enter. It's easy peasy - complete the very simple entry form and upload your most special pics from your wedding day.
Fancy seeing yourself on the cover of the Spring issue of Smitten Magazine? Well then, you really should enter our Smitten Spring Cover competition.
It's really easy. If you've tied the knot after 31 December 2010, are a West Aussie bride and have lots of gorgeous photos of your wedding day then you could be our next cover couple. And have your wedding featured inside the magazine.
So start sorting through your wedding album as full details will be revealed very very soon...
All wedding ceremonies are, of course, personal and filled with meaning for the bride and groom. While many couples write their own vows, drawing on experiences and feelings that are unique to them, some go a step further and include special rituals that symbolise the beginning of their new life together. Words from the celebrant, a family member or close friend often accompany the ritual.
Some such examples are;
Releasing white doves to signify the peace, love and happiness shared by the newly married couple.
Lighting a candle and taking a few moments to remember loved ones who have passed on.
Pouring individual containers of sand into one vase is a touching way to symbolise the formation of a new family. This is particularly meaningful when children from a previous relationship are involved.
Loosely binding the hands of the bride and groom with ribbon is a ritual known as handfasting that dates back to pagan times.
A bit of time, creativity and patience is all that's needed to let your personality shine on your wedding day. Homemade biscuits, hand painted signs, simple flower arrangements - make the day extra special with a few crafty ideas and some DIY.
With most of Perth likely heading down south this weekend, here's a few little piccies from Kylie and Patrick's wedding day to remind us why the region will always be a favourite holiday, and wedding, destination. They said 'I do' on Castle Rock beach before enjoying the evening with their loved ones at Wise Winery.
An outdoor ceremony at Kings Park overlooking the skyline of Perth - Nicole and Scott's wedding was perfectly West Aussie. The happy couple exchanged vows at Kaarta Lookout in Kings Park then continued the celebration at the WA Rowing Club.
Mandy and Shannon exchanged vows in the picturesque St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Geraldton, with their 100 guests later joining them for a seated dinner at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre.
Boys will be boys… even on his wedding day Shannon, with his groomsmen, couldn’t resist a quick peek under the bonnet of one of the vintage cars used for the ceremony.
See more of this wedding in the current issue of Smitten Magazine.
Rebecca Gregson from Fox and Rabbit is inspired by all things 'nature'. She specialises in the fine details of floral arrangement.
I think you will agree a lot of love goes into Fox and Rabbit's floral arrangements. See more of Rebecca's work on the cover and pages 8-11 of the current issue of Smitten Magazine.
Katie and David's Hyde Park ceremony was beautiful in its simplicity, with the bright purple bridesmaids dresses and blooms being all the colour that was needed.
Issue 2 of Smitten Magazine launches on 14 February, yes that's Valentine's Day for all you romantic sorts. Subscribe and receive a copy direct to your inbox.
Here's a sneak peek of the cover, thanks to Angela Higgins for this lovely pic.
We couldn't resist showing you just a little bit more of what's in the pages of the second issue of Smitten Magazine. Style With Us have put together a delightful photo shoot, sure to have you smitten. Here's a tantalising taste...
It's just over one month until the second issue of Smitten Magazine is out on 14 February. Awhhhh, that's Valentine's Day. We couldn't be more chuffed with all the gorgeous weddings that we'll be featuring. If you don't think you can possibly wait until February here's a little look-see at some of the wedding loveliness you'll find.
The perfect treat for any occasion, we feasted on fanciful foods such as roast vegetable frittata, ham terrine, boccocini pastries and of course, cucumber sandwiches. Then came dessert, oh my goodness...
Lemon curd trifle, chocolate arancicni balls and raspberry icecream (had to eat that one quickly!)
If you're looking for a more, shall we say civilised approach to the traditional hens day, then high tea at 'rochelle adonis' is sure to tickle your fancy.
And, yes I did happen to purchase a few little goodies on my way out. But they're Christmas gifts for family... if they last that long.
One of our Smitten friends has just launched their lovely new website. The new look of eufloria by the beach was unveiled just yesterday. The clever people of Dizzy Wizzy Design and Quirky Click teamed up with Kiera from eufloria by the beach to create the prettiest place for choosing your blooms. Pop by for a visit and see for yourself what all the fuss is about!
This cute little calendar from Dizzy Wizzy Design will help all brides-to-be stay super organised, whilst prettying up your desk. These sell quickly, so pick yours up from Dizzy Wizzy's online shoppe. And while you're there, select your wedding invitations from the delightful ready-to-go range or ask to have your very own custom invitations created just the way you like.
image: www.dizzywizzydesign.com.au
Traditional paper place cards are gorgeous but for that extra special touch have a look at these lovingly hand-crafted porcelain birds from Eucalypt Homewares. With each bird featuring a guest's name these place cards are also the perfect gift for your guests to take home and remember your special day.
11/11/11 – an auspicious day to marry or just another Friday?
This Friday 11 November 2011 is shaping up to be a big day for weddings around Australia. 11/11/11 and other ‘double digit’ dates are considered auspicious by lots of people, particularly those from Asian cultures. Here in WA, the local registry office usually takes a maximum of eight weddings per day during the week but this Friday they are squeezing in 11 marriages to meet demand!
Ann Lord, Civil Marriage Celebrant, is officiating at two ceremonies this Friday, which also happens to be Remembrance Day. ‘My first wedding is at 11.00am and we’re having a minute’s silence to pay our respects to fallen soldiers before we start the ceremony’, she says. ‘Friday weddings are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to the usual Saturday afternoon ceremony and it’s fortunate for couples that the 11/11/11 happens to fall on this day – it makes for a long weekend for all the wedding guests’.
If you'd like to get married on a similarly auspicious day next year, book early. The 12/12/12 is a Wednesday but will be the last date of its kind this century (as there will be no 13/13/13!). But be careful - plenty of websites proclaim this to be a lucky date to marry but more than one also declare it might be the day the world ends. Oops!
Special thanks to Ann Lord for contributing this week's blog post. Ann wrote 'Choosing a Celebrant' on page 28 of the current issue of Smitten Magazine.
We're getting just a little excited about the brand new Studio Bomba shop opening Thursday 10 November. Filled to the brim with clever offerings from creative designers, a visit to this shop is sure to be a treat.
Studio Bomba is run by the very lovely Leah Dent and Angela Mitchell, who also happen to be the clever cookies behind Mitchell and Dent.
If the overwhelming gorgeousness of the shop doesn't make you swoon, we're not sure what will.
Gone are the days of square fruit cakes covered in heavy marzipan icing. Today's brides can choose from an almost unlimited range of flavours, colours and styles.
Some of the most beautiful cakes we've come across have been created by the very talented Rochelle Adonis from Rochelle Adonis Cakes.
Summer nuptials mean colour – dresses, flowers, decorations. Keep you and your guests cool and refreshed throughout the evening with drinks a-plenty, cute paper straws and mini bottles perfect for mingling. Book a venue with a water view and you’ll be the breeziest bride there is.
Dresses: www.facebook.com/elvidesigncompany
See more gorgeous summer inspiration on page 10-11 of Smitten Magazine
It's Monday and our first second official blog post for Smitten Magazine. We are really humbled by all the lovely feedback we have received about the magazine - thank you.
Now, I'm going to be honest and say didn't have the foggiest idea of what I was going to post today but then I went into my Pinterest library for some inspiration. I love flowers and this lovely desk, ahh so pretty.
If you are not acquainted with Pinterest quick hit that link. It is the perfect place to catalogue all your wedding inspiration and ideas.
Ann Lord, Civil Marriage Celebrant, is officiating at two ceremonies this Friday, which also happens to be Remembrance Day. ‘My first wedding is at 11.00am and we’re having a minute’s silence to pay our respects to fallen soldiers before we start the ceremony’, she says. ‘Friday weddings are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to the usual Saturday afternoon ceremony and it’s fortunate for couples that the 11/11/11 happens to fall on this day – it makes for a long weekend for all the wedding guests’.
Win gorgeous wedding stationery from 
