Afternoon Twee with a Slice of Fiori: the photoshoot

I wanted to write this post today to share with you firsthand the most fabulous opportunity that was presented to Vintage Twee on a silver platter a couple of months back. Inspired and facilitated by the wonderful Claire from English Wedding blog, myself and Nia Fiori were introduced to the extremely talented Chris Hanley Photography (and his beautiful riverside studio...) with a view to taking part in a creative photoshoot. The aim: to showcase our brands and capture the true essence of our work in the most inventive way possible!

Now usually being more comfortable BEHIND the camera, Twee and Fiori got together to devise a storyline and set of images which would bring their work to life. Starting with Fiori's infamous doodles over a Starbucks (hold the caramel waffles now there was a prospect of being photographed in sparkly shorts...), the ideas began to flow and a concept was born! Cue the frantic outfit search, prop hunt and multiple plays of America's Next Top Model for tips on how to 'booty tooch'...

Think Jekyll and Hyde. Think work and play. The concept for the shoot was an exaggeration of two sides of two very different characters and work styles.

Vintage Twee: pretty pastels, floral teacups and pearls a-plenty, versus a 1940s inspired composer at work, surrounded by the materials I use daily to create your wedding favours and table décor. 

Nia Fiori: Her burlesque inspired illustrations and stationery were at the heart of her portrayal, as was trying to tempt Twee over to the dark side (and successfully so might I add!) with her trademark cheeky smile and frolics in our weirdly wonderful banquet scene.

  

 

The set was brought to life by the most amazing contributors who we cant thank enough. RedFloral Architecture captured the essence of our characters perfectly through the stunning floral displays, bouquets and candelabras dripping in pearls, feathers and timepieces.

Perfect Days Vintage generously supplied all the vintage china and the fantastic gramophone and Wonderland Cakes baked a special giant Twee cupcake and Fiori tower of pink sponge. The beautiful Bethany Jane Davies of the Vintage Beauty Parlour worked her magic on our hairstyles while the lovely Niern Khiamsap made us up with her fabulous skills in make up artistry.

And as if we weren’t lucky enough, we were also joined by the extremely talented Tony and Sara from Marry Me Films who gave up two days of their time to create us a promotional film which is so unbelievably cool that I watch it at least 5 times a day. Seriously, maybe more. I love it. I have never been called 'cool' in my life but I think I MAY just pull it off in this film thanks to their talent and vision. You can see it in all its glory here.

So here are a few more of the wonderful images captured by Mr Hanley himself (I don't remember how he managed to take half of these angles without me knowing..the man's a genius).

Thank you to everyone involved in this shoot – an opportunity I embraced with open arms having finally realised that all those hours of watching America's Next Top Model would finally pay off. Or as SATC's Carrie Bradshaw would say: 'Stanny, I'm a MODEL!'

 

Photography: Chris Hanley Photography
Filming: Marry Me Films
Flowers & Styling: Red Floral Architecture
China & Prop Hire: Perfect Days Vintage
Hair: Bethany Jane Davies
Makeup Artist: Neirn Khiamsap (neirn.mua@hotmail.co.uk)
Cakes: Wonderland Cakes
Facilitator and support: English Wedding Blog
Models: Joanne of Vintage Twee & Nia of Nia Fiori

Happy Birthday to Twee!

They say time flies when you're having fun... and as March 09th 2012 saw the 2nd birthday of the fabulous Vintage Twee, never has a statement been so true!


Born out of a creative desire that had been bubbling up for years, Joanne braved the cold, harsh world of business and set about injecting lace, pearls and a spot of tea in to every event she could. It's not easy to start a business in this difficult climate, in fact most "experts" would strongly recommend against it. But as with every growing day, the Vintage Twee brand becomes stronger and stronger with requests coming in from all over the world, it just shows just how a cup of patience, a splash of determination and a big lump of hard work can make a small business leap from a pipe dream in to an emporium of loveliness.

So, what better way to celebrate than with 2 vintage glam filled days with all the fantastic people who've support Joanne and Twee since the humble beginnings? Joanne and Yvonne got the party started with a visit to the Richmond Tea Rooms in Manchester where they enjoyed the signature "Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea". A quirky tea room with a definite theme, it was truly as delicious as it sounds. Presented with slabs of cherry pie and lashings of Earl Grey Tea atop a tipsy table, Ms Alice of Wonderland would have certainly thought it curiouser and curiouser!
















Of course a celebration wouldn't be complete without a fancy 'do and fluttery lashes, so Joanne popped in to see Bethany Jane Davies at the Vintage Beauty Parlour. A favourite supplier of Vintage Twee, the girls often create stunning vintage looks for lots of women. But poor Bethany was unfortunately ill and rather than send Joanne away with untamed tresses, Bethany's colleague Anna stepped in, heated up the rollers and produced some fabulous auburn victory rolls!

Aiming to give her new look a well deserved parade about town, Joanne was joined by the Twee family, who still love to lend a helping hand in the development of the business, and Nia Fiori, where they all tucked in to delicious food at La Belle Epoque in Knutsford. For anyone who hasn't been there, it's an eclectic mix of old world decor and atmospheric French brasserie style- with the most addictive Baked Alaska in history! Plenty of thirst quenching rum and cokes were to follow as Twee and Fiori continued the night long after the elders had retired!

As if that wasn't enough of a celebratory day, Joanne wanted to include everyone she's worked closely with over the last 2 years and the following day held a a cute "Afternoon Twee Party" at Vintage Twee HQ. Attended by Claire, of English Wedding Blog, Katie from Perfect Days Vintage, Nia, of Nia Fiori Designs, Vintage Twee helper Yvonne and the latest recruit on the VT train, Yvonne's little son Joe, there were fluffy cakes, cool lemonade, piping hot tea and lots and lots of conversation. The day was made all the more special with a lovely gift from Claire, who, in her stunning calligraphy art, had made a special plaque to commemorate the occasion.  A totally Twee afternoon made perfect by being able to share it with like-minded gals (and Joe!), thanks to everyone who came and celebrated the beginning of Year 3.

So, now in to the third year of trading Vintage Twee is evolving and growing- world domination is close! A heartfelt thank you to all customers, suppliers, friends and family for their continued support, here's to many more celebrations!

The lovely Claire and Katie aka English Wedding and Perfect Days Vintage!

The amazing plaque from Claire, the wedding calligrapher!

- Personal note from the blogger (aka SisterTwee without the habit)- WELL DONE MY LITTLE SIS!! xx