Gioia Mia featured on Home Grown Bride

Hallo everyone

I'm really delighted to have been featured on the fabulous blog written by Home Grown Bride!

I've written about how I work with clients, what inspires me and how I founded Gioia Mia back in 2004.

You can read the interview here.

Real Brides: Rachel

Hallo everyone

I'm really excited to introduce the first in a series of interviews featuring some of the beautiful brides who have commissioned pieces from me over the years.

The first bride to be featured on my blog is Rachel. I made a comb for Rachel's wedding, and earrings and hair accessories for her two bridesmaids.

At what stage in the whole wedding planning process did you start thinking about your jewellery and accessories?

I started looking at jewellery and accessories once I bought my wonderful wedding dress.

How did you decide what jewellery and accessories to wear?

My Jenny Packham wedding dress was beautifully designed with lots of beading and crystals which meant that the jewellery and hair accessories needed to be understated. What attracted me to Gioia Mia was that the jewellery was handmade and designed to my personal taste with one to one consultation briefings throughout the process.

Unfortunately Rachel wasn't able to come to my studio in person, as she lived too far away. So we worked entirely by email.

She sent me some really great close-up pictures of the detail of her dress. She also emailed me pictures of her hair trial and described some of the ideas that she had had for her comb.

She posted me a sample of the different beads that were embroidered onto her absolutely beautiful Jenny Packham dress. I was able to match these up with a range of Swarovski crystals and rhinestones that I had samples of, and make a feature of these in her comb.

I studied the detail in her dress very closely, and came up with an Art Deco influenced sunburst design, which complemented her delicate features and worked with the hairstyle that she had chosen.

What did you enjoy most about having your jewellery and accessories designed and made for you?

For me what I enjoyed most was being able to have my wedding hair slide made with the beads and crystals from my wedding dress. After showing Sonia the design of the wedding dress she was able to create a delicate understated hair slide which complemented my dress perfectly. Sonia knew exactly what I liked and was able to create this perfectly.

With regards to the bridesmaids, I sent a sample of the bridesmaid's dresses colour and Sonia was able to create beautiful bespoke hair slides which were both designed for their individual hairstyles (short and long-haired bridesmaids) which complemented them perfectly. I also had earrings made for both bridesmaids that went perfectly with the hair slides and dresses.

The bridesmaid's earrings were dainty clusters of the different colours of Swarovski crystals that I also used in their hair accessories.

For one of the bridesmaids I made a hairpin based on a very simplified version of the sunburst idea I had used for Rachel's comb. For the other bridesmaid I made a comb based on the clusters in the earrings.

Is there any advice about jewellery and accessories that you could give a bride to be?

My advice to a bride to be would be to take your time in deciding your jewellery and accessories. I would highly recommend Gioia Mia to design your jewellery and accessories for your wedding day. Sonia provides a efficient, professional and bespoke service.

Thank you Gioia Mia for your help in making our day so special.

Photography

I am really grateful to Jane Jordan for allowing me to use her beautiful images of Rachel's wedding on my blog.

You can see her website here

In the studio

Hallo everyone

I thought I would post a picture of the lovely studio where I work, so you can see where I design and make all my pieces and also where I meet my customers - if they are within travelling distance.

I'm really lucky to work from a fantastic studio space right in the centre of Glasgow, in a community of artists (including designers, painters, photographers, writers and architects).

We're up high, so it's always bright. To the right is a lovely big window. I have my workbench right underneath, and this is where I do all my research, and all my designing and making:

On my wall are framed photographs of brides who have commissioned pieces from me on their wedding day, and a large frame showing just a few of the many pieces I have made over the years.

On the left hand wall are a couple of framed photographs from a photoshoot I worked on with Alan Hutchison.

Underneath are a small selection of thank you cards and some of the books on historical costume that I draw inspiration from:

Feel free to drop me a line if you'd like to make an appointment to come and have a chat, drink some tea and maybe even try on a few sparkly headbands, tiaras, necklaces or earrings!

Links

Gioia Mia

Ironbbratz Studios

Alan Hutchison

The photoshoot: 'Bridesmaid Revisited' (part 1)

I was really excited when photographer Kristin Mitchell contacted me to see if I was interested in taking part in a photoshoot that she was organizing.

The shoot was called 'Bridesmaids Revisited', and focused almost entirely on dresses, jewellery and hair accessories for the bridesmaid.

Semplice

The Semplice collection is beautifully understated. It is based around a single colour of Swarovski crystal or pearl. The many different colours and shades available to choose from make it easy to co-ordinate with any bridesmaid's outfit.

Semplice headband

shown here in a pale pink Swarovski pearl £30

Semplice necklace £20

shown here in a pale pink Swarovski pearl

and sterling silver snake chain

Semplice earrings in sterling silver are also available £15

Set of five hairpins also available £30

Duo

The Duo collection is classic and elegant. The various pieces in the collection can be made from one colour of Swarovski crystal and pearl, co-ordinating shades or contrasting colours - the perfect way to match up a bridesmaid's jewellery and accessories with her outfit.

Duo earrings

shown here in a pale sand Swarovski crystal

and sterling silver £15

Semplice headband

shown here in a pale sand Swarovski crystal

with Duo earrings in the same shade

Duo necklace also available £20

Set of five hairpins £35

Tiara £120

Rococo

As the name suggests, the Rococo collection is a delicate play on irregular shapes and forms.

Once again, the many different colours and shades available to choose from (and the hundreds of different ways that these can be put together), make this collection easy to co-ordinate with any bridesmaid's outfit.

Rococo necklace

shown here in pink and purple Swarovski pearl and crystals

and sterling silver £45

Rococo earrings

shown here in pink and purple Swarovski pearl and crystals

and sterling silver £35

Rococo headband

shown here in pink, lilac and purple

Swarovski pearls and crystals £12o

Rococo comb also available £60

Nuvola

The Nuvola collection features delicate clouds of Swarovski crystals. All of the collection can be made to co-ordinate with a particular outfit.

Nuvola side tiara

shown here in shades of blue and green

Swarovski crystals £140

with Rococo necklace in the same shade

Nuvola comb also available £200

Set of three hairpins £100

Tiara £220

Do drop me a line if you'd like to order any of these pieces, or have a chat about something in your own colour scheme!

Photoshoot credits

Dresses

Flossy and Dossy

www.flossyanddossy.co.uk

Jewellery and Accessories

Gioia Mia

www.gioiamia.net

Make up and Hair

Kathryn Hughes

Models

Sophie Robertson

and Esther Kungu

www.estherkungu.com

Photography

Kristin Mitchell

www.kristinmitchell.co.uk

Location

The Hub, Edinburgh

www.thehub-edinburgh.com

Gioia Mia featured in 'Knots and Kisses'

Talented stationer Nikki, of Knots and Kisses Wedding Stationery, has featured Gioia Mia on her latest blog!

Knots and Kisses offers gorgeous bespoke and off the peg boutique style wedding stationery for the stylish bride who wants something that stands out from the crowd. We provide a full service specifically tailored to your wedding needs. From invitations to beautifully hand painted table plans, menu cards to order of sevice...we provide the whole package for the best day of your life.

Nikki has just launched a gorgeous range of stationery called 'English Eccentrics'. The range draws its inspiration from the Victorian era, circus flyers, tweeds and satins:

You can read the more about the 'English Eccentrics' range here

And you can see what Gioia Mia pieces Nikki featured here

The Knots and Kisses website is here

Come along and say hallo!

I'm really delighted to be taking part in the Open Studios event in the Glasgow studios where I design and make all my jewellery and accessories.

I'll be showing some pieces from my forthcoming ready-to-wear collection, and running a special offer too. Oh, and there's mulled wine and mince pies on the go as well on the Friday night - a perfect way to start the weekend!

Friday 26 November 5.00-8.30pm with mulled wine and mince pies.
Saturday 27 November 2.00-5.30pm.

Room 15

Napiershall Street Centre

39 Napiershall Street

Glasgow G20 6EZ

Gioia Mia featured on 'Planning for a Wedding'

Hallo everyone

I was really excited to discover that I've just been featured on the Planning for a Wedding Blog.

Gioia Mia is described as 'simple but elegant' and 'high quality'.

You can read the blog post here: http://planforawedding.blogspot.com/2010/10/bridal-accessories-gioia-mia.html

Gioia Mia MySpace page updated

Hallo everyone

Just a quick note to let you know that I've updated my MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/gmjewellery

Gioia Mia featured in 'The Scottish Wedding Directory'

Hallo everyone!

I'm really delighted to have had a number of pieces featured in the current edition of The Scottish Wedding Directory:

This gorgeous shot teamed an elegant Swarovski rhinestone and pearl tiara, with the delicate 'Trio' necklace and earring set (in Swarovski crystal, pearl and sterling silver):

The Wedding Directory also featured the beautiful 'Callisto' necklace and earring set (in Swarovski crystal, pearl and sterling silver):

And finally, the timeless 'Semplice' necklace (a single Swarovski pearl drop on a fine sterling silver chain):

Almost all of these pieces can be made in a range of different colours - perfect for a bride, or for her maids.

Do drop me a line if you'd like to order any of these. pieces, or have a chat about something in your own colour scheme.

Links

Email Gioia Mia

The Scottish Wedding Directory

Gioia Mia featured on 'Little Miss Wedding'

Hallo everyone

I was absolutely delighted to have been featured on the gorgeous Little Miss Wedding blog.

Little Miss Wedding gives you tips, inspiration, and ideas for your special day - showcasing British wedding photographers, designers, and creators of everything lovely. LMW - the dedicated resource for UK brides looking for a unique wedding day filled with love, fun and style.

You can read the feature here:

http://www.littlemisswedding.co.uk/accessories/gioia-mia-bespoke-bridal-jewellery-accessories/

Gioia Mia photoshoot (part 2)

Photographer Alan Hutchison took some really amazing close ups of some of my pieces at the Gean House photoshoot.

These beautiful Semplice hairpins are just right for some understated bridal sparkle.

They are also available in a whole range of Swarovski crystal and Swarovski pearl colours - perfect for adding the finishing touch for bridesmaids as well.

Photography by Alan Hutchison

I really love these next two pieces, they're so delicate and the blush pink colour of the pearls and Swarovski crystals is really beautiful. The snake chain and earring hooks are sterling silver.

Photography by Alan Hutchison

Photography by Alan Hutchison

A more unsual and eyecatching necklace, but one which is still elegant and sophisticated. This is Swarovski crystal in various shades of purple and lavender, although it could be made in any combination of colours to complement an outfit. The semirigid necklet is sterling silver.

Photography by Alan Hutchison

Do drop me a line if you'd like to order any of these pieces, or have a chat about something in your own colour scheme.

With thanks to:

Alan Hutchison, photography

www.alanhutchison.co.uk

Gean House

www.geanhouse.co.uk

Fiona Bruce, model

Morag Hutchison, photographer's assistant

Gioia Mia photoshoot

I was really delighted to have been invited to take part in a photoshoot by top Scottish wedding photographer, Alan Hutchison.

The photohsoot took place in Gean House - a very beautiful Clackmannanshire Arts and Crafts house, dating back to 1912.

All the jewellery and accessories were by Gioia Mia.

Photography by Alan Hutchison

Tiara: white Swarovski pearls

Necklace and earrings: sterling silver and white Swarovski pearls

Photography by Alan Hutchison

Tiara: white Swarovski pearls and clear Swarovski crystals

Necklace and earrings: sterling silver, white Swarovski pearls and clear Swarovski crystals

Photography by Alan Hutchison

Tiara: Swarovski crystal

Necklace and earrings: sterling silver, amethyst and Swarovski crystals

All of these designs can be made in a whole range of colours. If you are interested in ordering any of these designs, please do get in touch!

With thanks to:

Alan Hutchison, photography

www.alanhutchison.co.uk

Ivory Whites, bridal couture

www.ivorywhites.co.uk

Velvet Tigers, corsetry

www.velvet-tigers.com

Gean House

www.geanhouse.co.uk

Fiona Bruce, model

Morag Hutchison, photographer's assistant