Q&A with Nadia of Cupcake Couture

I’m so excited. And seriously, I just can’t hide it. I’m pretty sure I just did a little skip as I got on the Tube. And why, you ask, do I have such a spring in my step? Why indeed. Today, friends, I not only get to introduce you to one of my favourite bloggers and crafters, Nadia of Cupcake Couture and The Package Project with a fun Q&A, but I also get to show you some of her wedding pictures! Eee! And it’s not just any wedding, oh no. As you might expect from two Durban hipsters, this wedding was completely cool and DIY droolworthy. I’m in love with the special little details, like paper flowers for the bridesmaids and LOVE bunting strung from the venue ceiling and a ‘tea for two’ dessert display and a beautiful dress, and and and and. I’m so completely honoured and stoked that Nadia has allowed me to bring you this little exclusive – THANK YOU, Nadia! If you’re looking for some fun and funky (and customisable) corsages/boutonnieres for your bridesmaids or groomsmen, she’s your girl. And if you’re not already following her fabulous blog, prepare to add a new Favourite to your list.

Tell us a bit about yourself, and about Cupcake Couture. How did you get into creating accessories?
My name is Nadia and Cupcake Couture is my craft and accessories label. I also blog and work in digital management.
I started making accessories through the encouragement of my friends after I made a brooch as a birthday gift. One in particular told me that I should take part in I heart Market (a Durban based craft market) and before I knew it I took the bold step of booking a table. All I needed was a name and more products. I love cupcakes and saw them as my inspiration and so Cupcake Couture was born through many a late night and many an hour in front of my laptop.

I love all your creations, but most especially your corsages. Where does the inspiration come from for making these? Where do you find your materials?
I draw most of my inspiration from bygone eras and I especially love vintage haberdashery elements. I spend a great deal of time looking for vintage buttons and pretty elements to make my corsages one of a kind. For ribbon I shop at Ebony and Ivory as well as random sewing shops. On most Saturdays you can find me in a haberdashery scratching through random buttons to unearth the gems!

Where can readers buy Cupcake Couture?
Cupcake Couture is available at I heart Market, Lady Jane Vintage and Mooi in Durban, The Fringe Arts in Cape Town and custom made orders can be placed by emailing me. I love to design them according to your specifications.

As well as a designer and blogger, you’re a recent bride yourself. What was your wedding style?
I chose to not be a traditional bride as I didn’t wear white or stick to conventional wedding ideas. We did, however find value in some traditions. I didn’t stick to one particular style, but I drew inspiration from vintage dresses and included buttons and items with special meanings to my dress. I think it is important to envision what you want to feel like on the day and work from there.

Did you make any of your wedding details yourself?
Daniel my husband and I made the majority of our wedding decorations and designed various elements of our decor together. I did take great joy in getting help from some very creative ladies though…such as Denise from Freshly Found for her orgami paper items, Lauren Fowler for our wedding ring hoop, Rhenda from Ikhaya for our invite envelopes and guest book. I also had Carla from Token make some beautiful ceramic gifts for my bridesmaids, Lisa and Jo made some stamps for us and I found some very useful items via In Good Company.

Any advice for future brides and grooms?
Make the day about the two of you. Don’t let the pressure of what you think you should do take over what you want to do. Focus on the love aspect of the day and soon perspective will follow.

I’m passionate about… Durban and making it even more wonderful than it already is. I am also passionate about crafting and BUTTONS!

If I won the lottery I would… continue to do what I do now as it makes me happy. I would travel more and also look at opening a shop full of beautiful things from around the world! I do believe though that dreams can come true with or without the lotto! No excuses!

Cape Town is… full of inspiration!

Image credits:
Wedding photos: Tyrone Bradley
Cupcake Couture product photos: Lauren from Glossary (Smitten Pictures)

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