There are days when I absolutely have to pinch myself because I cannot believe how lucky I am. Working in the wedding industry with such fabulous people is a daily thrill and there are also moments that are just off-the-scale wonderful. On 27th January, I was lucky enough to be among a super-select group invited to Jo Malone London’s first ever bridal afternoon tea, held at their gorgeous townhouse to celebrate the forthcoming launch of the new Lace Bottle collection and to simply revel in everything that scent can bring to a wedding.
As you can probably imagine, the event was an absolute feast for the senses from the moment the door to the townhouse swung open. Stunning florals from Philippa Craddock filled the rooms and a showpiece cake from Lily Vanilli certainly made my mouth water even before we took our seats for afternoon tea. And what a tea party it was! The ultimate girls treat with personalised candles as place cards, packaged gifts on our plates and a parade of edible delights to sample. Fabulous company, spectacular surroundings – I felt thoroughly spoilt!
Images above taken on Tamryn’s iPhone for Love My Dress
And Jo Malone London is all set to treat you too and they completely understand how to make you feel fantastic! I’m starting to think that a complimentary wedding consultation at a Jo Malone boutique might almost become a pre-wedding essential. You and up to five of your friends and family can enjoy a bit of pampering with a stylist and discover your own ideal scent combination, using the Jo Malone London’s family of fragrances to create a personal tone.
You’ll also be able to luxuriate with a hand and arm massage and having experienced this myself, I have no hesitation in recommending it.
Jo Malone London totally understands the power of scent and fragrance and the huge and wondrous impact this can have on your wedding day. Celine Roux, Fragrance Director of Jo Malone London, explained the symbolism behind their quintessential wedding perfumes – the peony of Peony & Blush Suede is thought to represent good luck for marriage, Orange Blossom symbolises good fortune and happiness or you could use the glorious Wild Bluebell as your something blue.
Change scents as you move through you day, using romantic Red Roses as you get ready, light English Pear and Freesia during the ceremony and then add some drama with the more musky delights of Velvet Rose & Oud as you take to the dancefloor.
Celine also reminded me just how powerfully intertwined fragrance is with memory. Catching a scent that you recall from years gone by can take you straight back to the moment and I have to say that I love the idea of using a new perfume on your wedding day – one that whenever you smell it afterwards will immediately bring back all the memories from the day. How lovely to have something that you know will always be linked to such a special occasion.
Ten of the most-loved Jo Malone London scents are now totally dressed for a wedding day because the new Lace Bottle collection has absolutely been designed with brides in mind. The heavenly bottles are etched with delicate lace designs (there are three to choose from) and they would make the most elegant of gifts for mothers or maids. The lace bottles are exquisite and when they come beautifully wrapped in the stylish signature Jo Malone packaging, they’re collector’s pieces that will be cherished, if you can bear to give them away!
Another amazing gift would be one of Jo Malone’s heavenly scented candles, complete with an engraved silver cover – maybe opt for your bridesmaid’s names, the date of your wedding or another meaningful quote.
Cake by Lily Vanilli
So, as I floated home from my tea at the townhouse, I reflected on what had made it such an exceptional experience. It was beautiful, luxurious and enjoyable but it was also full of passion and love. The team at Jo Malone London clearly love their work and they love sharing their knowledge. They love to make moments that are unique and memorable and to me, that’s beyond perfect.
The Jo Malone London Lace Bottle Collection will be available from May 2015 and 100ml cologne will be available for £86. The scents available as part of this collection are Peony & Blush Suede, Orange Blossom, Red Roses, English Pear & Freesia, Lime Basil & Mandarin, Nectarine Blossom & Honey, Wild Bluebell, Pomegranate Noir, Velvet Rose & Oud and finally Dark Amber & Ginger Lily.
Complimentary wedding consultations do need to be booked in advance and you can find details of your local boutique via www.jomalone.co.uk or by calling 0800 054 2411.
Love Tamryn x
Disclosure: Tamryn received a gift from Jo Malone during her visit, but we adore Jo Malone’s perfume and would fill our houses with all of the perfumes if we could 🙂 We were not paid to write this feature.