Unique Wedding Inspiration @ Tapestri

Oooops!

2012-02-05T22:13:00.000-08:00

I have just realized that my posts (scheduled) have not been posting. I have been overrun with quilts etc... as well as organizing photo shoots and, well... LIFE! I thought I had the problem solved, but apparently I need to check on this pre-posting business a bit more regularly. I will get on with the posts much shortly!

The Tiniest Bling Ring

2012-01-24T07:03:00.000-08:00

You know all those TV shows where the girls with the big hair get together for lunch so they can ooooh and ahhhh at the size of their newly engaged friend's rock? This is not that. The girl who wears this gorgeous little number has more style savvy than that. I wholeheartedly approve.

One For The Inspiration Files!

2012-01-21T06:58:00.000-08:00

Two of my favourite wedding entities, Casa de Perrin and Utterly Engaged have collaborated on a New Year's inspired shoot, and it's going straight to my inspiration files! I adore pink glass (let's not get started about the obscene collection downstairs) and I love the hits of pink used throughout this stylish party scene created for Utterly Engaged's eMagazine. The issue is out now, and if it's half as good as the last issue {drool} then we are all in for a treat. And I have to say, if this table is any indication, it's got to be better than good... Here is a peek!

Face Delish! Cosmetics from French Ladurée

2012-01-04T03:45:00.000-08:00

If you are at all familiar with luxury sweets, you will know that the king of the French Fete is the Ladurée macaron. The Paris-based company, famous for taking decadence to an entirely new level, including the packaging, branding and boutique shops that sell the patisseries, is set to launch their new cosmetics range in February. Developed with Albion Cosmetics, the line of 20 blush colours pressed into delicate cameos, Faberge-ish eggs containing cream blushes as well as lipsticks and liquid foundations are in keeping with the brand's lavishness. Strange that there are no eye pigments, but I imagine that to follow. In the meantime, you will have to hit up Japan for these goods, as they won't be available here anytime soon. Europe follows in fall of this year and the U.S. shortly after.

Les Merveilleuses de Ladurée follows the company's decision to enter the cosmetics industry in 2007 with a beauty line comprising items such as face and body cream using almonds (a key ingredient of their macarons) to moisturize the skin, as well as selling home fragrances and candles.

CHEERS! Gorgeous Party Drinks

2011-12-31T11:29:00.000-08:00

It's New Year's Eve, and you know what that means... CHAMPAGNE! Or, in our ever PCer world, sparkling wine. Because you now cannot call champagne champagne unless it comes from Champagne, France. Which is fair, 'cause if I were from the place that made it all happen, I might be offended by an imposter... maybe. Or I might just adore the fact that my namesake had become associated with the most awesome alcoholic beverage on earth in global style. Just sayin'.

Aaaaaanyhoo, I am here to tell you that the champagne cocktail IS the drink for this evening. I know, there are some pretty awesome martinis out there, and if you are pulling a Bond party, go for it... but really, NYE is synonymous with a bit of bubble to go with your sparkle, so why deny ourselves!? I personally love just saying Prosecco, but you can also try Asti Spumente (which is now just Asti, just to keep you on your toes), or the perennial sparkling favourites like Moet, Dom Perignon, or Cliquot in your flute.

I have a Pinterest board (of course) of lovely liquids that you can peruse if you feel so inspired or are looking for inspiration before heading out to shop for a bottle or two. If you are lucky enough to find dried hibiscus that opens when you get it wet, that would be my pick for the evening... it's like those white tea balls that open in your cup as you drink, but PINK! (It's also my favourite infusion both because of it's fruity flavour and also because of a certain trip to Mexico that I associate it with.) Yes, I know... always something new and exciting... and how brilliant would THAT be at your soiree!

If you don't have access (like me) to gorgeous flowers that open in your drink, frozen berries of near any sort have a recipe to go with, so you can match your sipping to your colour palette. Apple slices also make the list, as well as the original sugar cube soaked in Bitters or even infused with fruits and such. Just click on the photo on the board to find (in most cases, some were pinned because I just love the flute or the photo) recipes! Whatever goodness you are inbibing, PLEASE drink responsibly and be responsible for those in your care AFTER they head out the door... we all seem to know this till the end of the night. Call a cab! And have the most glorious New Year's yet!

Cheers!

PS... scroll down a bit to the last post for a few ideas on how to glitz up your bar!

New Year's Eve Glitteratti

2011-12-29T14:08:00.000-08:00

I have the perfect DIY for your NYE shindig! If you are going for sparkly and sophisticated, (of COURSE you are going for sparkly and sophisticated) then this is the most fun thing I have found yet as a New Year's party game. Fill it with gorgeous liqueur chocolate truffles wrapped in cello, cute matchbooks, Mardi Gras bead necklaces, tiny (unbreakable) bottles of booze, or any of these ideas from AT's list! Also throw in as much metallic confetti as you can handle for a real finale! They are available for purchase here, but are a crazy inexpensive and easy DIY (plus we are talking crazy rush charges to courier a pinata for delivery in two days!).

The sparkle goes remarkably well with our tassel garland DIY. This photo was actually from the Shelby, but it looks like whoever's home it was bought them at the same place the pinata is from. What a small world :)

Another cute idea to bring some glitz and glamour to the evening? How about glittering swizzle sticks? Trust Martha to have a tutorial on these cute and easy tinsel drink accessories! Use the same method with those metallic pom poms you find at the craft store to make an alternate type. AND of course the same DIY can be used with toothpicks for hors d'oeurves.

Send photos of your amazing soiree! I want to SEE!

Get Your Glitter ON!

2011-12-28T13:15:00.000-08:00

It was a very cozy and low key Christmas around here. Just the way I like it. Normally by now I would be well on my way to being ramped up for New Year's Eve, but I'm stuck in cozy. Hmmm... well, I'm thinking that perhaps I can keep the cozy and just add some sparkle? What do you think? Possibly the time has come to tone it down just a tad for the countdown and just keep things a bit pretty...

PS... Find some shining examples in our DIY list for your own New Year's Fete. There are a few ideas that would be perfect for adding some sparkle to your decor!

Winter Wonderful....

2011-12-22T17:17:00.000-08:00

Winter up here should be looking a lot like this right now... we have an awfully pretty town and when it snows en masse we get something like a winter wonderland happening... which makes me wonder why we don't see more of ^^^this^^^...... Hmmm.... Maybe people just need some inspiration.

Winter Wedding Decor

2011-12-15T17:39:00.000-08:00

Spent the day making gorgeous quilled paper snowflakes at our Crafternoon Extraveganza. I found this photo on pinterest and made it big so I could figure out how it was made, drew out a diagram and guessed at the lengths of paper. Turns out, if I had just clicked ON the photo (I should know that by now) it takes you rather haphazardly to three or four tutorials for even more gorgeous designs! It's time consuming, but one of those projects that you get much faster at as you go, and actually really fun.

If you are looking for a pretty detail for your winter wedding, may I suggest a few of these delicate and intricate beauties hanging about? You can make them any size and use them in any application that you can use a medallion or paper flower, they are crazy inexpensive... and they would look gorgeous dusted in opal glitter! Don't get frustrated with your first one, I was teaching people today and by the time they were finished their first they had just finally "got it"... so consider your first to be a practice and carry on :) Send me photos!

The Wedding Belles

2011-12-12T13:40:00.000-08:00

In case you haven't been following the Wedding Belles youtube posts, allow me to introduce you! This particular episode is one of my faves, so instead of posting the latest I'm posting the one I think best represents who they are and what they do. These girls (Aubrey and Sarah ) have the whole thing figured out. While so many of us take the wedding industry FAR too seriously, the Belles understand that it's all about having a great time. And this they do very well. Always great advice and new ideas and more than a few laughs :)

If you visit their facebook page now, they are starting (today) their 8 Crazy Nights chance to win gorgeous goods... and you can re-visit their Royal Wedding Party for a laugh!

JUMP!

2011-12-08T06:09:00.000-08:00

I live with one of those guys who inhales any military type info he can get his hands on. It's SO not my bag, but he just can't get enough. So whilst his tolerance of my wedding fascination is normally set to ignore, even he thought this was a rather brilliant idea. I think it's just gorgeous and have been scouting for one for weeks to add to my inventory, but it's astoundingly difficult to find anything over 24' in diameter. The venue that this couple used for their reception rented theirs for $35!!! STEAL!

The search for something pretty in the parachute department led me to this lovely gown and the story to go with it is just as fetching...

This parachute saved the life of pilot Maj. Claude Hensinger when he bailed out of his disabled B-29 over Japan in 1944. It was his blanket and pillow as he waited for rescue. In 1947, he gave it to his girlfriend when he proposed to her, and she made it into the skirt portion of her wedding dress. The dress was also worn by their daughter and then by their son’s bride in later weddings. Now it belongs to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

It was apparently quite common after the war, while the economy was still poor, for the bride to make her own gown using fabric from unused military parachutes as they could be purchased for $10-$15 and contained enough fabric for a gown. Now that's resourceful!

Tiny Glass Acorns

2011-12-06T08:54:00.000-08:00

Glass Acorn Earrings by Ethical Ocean use a real acorn top!

As the precursor to the mighty oak, an acorn represents strength, but also patience and spiritual growth. It represents the energies that it takes to create the mighty, all stored up in a teeny tiny seed. If your relationship has borne a long road to get to where you are now, or if you think it might come in handy to store up a little awesome for the married years ahead, you might want to think of an acorn as a symbol you can use throughout your wedding. I personally just like them. I think they are adorable and the things they remind me of are always cozy and home oriented, so I guess I seem them more in connection to a squirrel than an oak, but still... storing up what's needed, all the same :)

Surf's Up!

2011-12-02T04:17:00.000-08:00

It's very gray and wet outside and I am already dreaming of being in a warmer climate. My brother is in Australia for a year and we just spent some time on a skype call chatting about surfing. It reminded me of this photo of an engagement shoot from Holladay Photo that's been in my inspiration folder for forever.

FRESH photography: Taxidermy & Tea

2011-11-28T01:13:00.000-08:00

This latest shoot from FRESH photography is super fun. I am a huge fan of feathers, especially feathers on lashes. So that is what stands out for me, but this shoot is full of great details that seem as inspired by a couture fashion spread as a unique wedding story. Definitely worth a peruse.

Look for how amazing the clock on the gray wall looks... the styling is gorgeous. You will find Carmen's photos to always be unique and creative. Take a look at her site for more of this fabulous storyline. I highly recommend taking a peek at the video to get a behind the scenes look at the shoot as well... that's always my favourite part :)

P.S. Check out the lovely cake with matching fabulous cupcake in a teacup created by Becky of Sweet Dreams Cakery... Carmen also shot Becky's wedding that you can see here on SMP.

photo op jean-ius

2011-11-25T06:52:00.000-08:00

I have been perusing (and re-perusing) Utterly Engaged's latest for days. I can't say enough about how spectacular this issue is. One of my favourite parts is this rather genius shoot. Find the other brilliant shots in the eMag itself!

Mini + Purple = Adore.

2011-11-23T11:42:00.000-08:00

I love the wee flag trend. I am all over the tiny bunting cake toppers... so this tiny flag cake topper is tying my heartstrings into knots... Love.

Lauren Bush Lauren and the Most Exquisite Gown... Ever?

2011-11-22T10:14:00.000-08:00

I'm a hard sell on gorgeous. OK, I lie... but to make a statement that something is the most exquisite thing I've ever seen? I mean, I've been doing this since I was seventeen (working in the design and wedding industries) and I'm not exagerating when I say I really have seen it all. The unbelievable detail in Lauren Bush's gown is phenomenal. I know, she married the prince of fashion's... uh... prince... but still, rivaling the gown of the British Royalty? It could be argued that family of a presidential family (she's the sub-demon lord's niece) marrying the heir of a top top name in fashion is as royal as the US is likely to get, but vying for the top spot over the crown blood of England? AND Kate wore Alexander McQueen, which, while not exactly designed by him... still represents my favourite designer. I'm kind of flabbergasted, did you notice? I'm not even a big fan of Ralph Lauren. Just not my style.

Huh.

via Vogue

Oh, and he looked not to shabby also.

A Different Sort Of Red Carpet

2011-11-19T12:07:00.000-08:00

Something beautiful for your Saturday. I am off to peruse the Christmas fairs, but I was sent this this morning and had to share its beauty. Have a fabulous weekend :)

The Saga Continues... with I Do.

2011-11-16T17:24:00.000-08:00

I have to do it. I have to post this. I'm sorry to all the "professionals" out there who wouldn't touch this with a ten foot pole, but I am so completely taken by ~~the~~ THE wedding.

I am kind of on the Twilight fence, I think the idea of a sparkly vampire is a bit much... but I have a crush on Ed as hard as the next girl. What it boils down to for me is that if they had ruined this wedding scene ('cause my actual favourite is Alice, and she is the one who was supposed to have designed the whole affair,) I would have been seriously put out. Seriously. Like stormed down to the Summit offices and duct taped myself to the front door kind of put out (it nearly came to blows when they switched out the redhead's part, I loved the first one) and I may have been committed. So I am happy to report that it is all rather spellbinding, no? Thoughts?

What I noticed right away is the colour scheme. There isn't one. Oh, of course there IS one, and it's gorgeous. But I mean it is one that is pretty low key, not really that obvious... very sophisticated in greyed out hues of plum and purple, silver and white. I just mean that there isn't a bunch of "stuff" in "colours" all over the place. White flowers, silvery purple outfits. Just simple. Love it.

The other thing I noticed immediately is something that I try to explain to people all the time, but many don't really understand what I mean. This family shot is the perfect example. Your wedding WILL NOT look like ANY you have seen in the movies, magazine styled shoots, or on TV. This is because of the amount of micromanaging that goes on on set that you will not (unless you are my stepsister) be doing for your own fete. Look at how every. single. person. in the audience is wearing something that coordinates with the scheme. How the flowers in the woodland shot are ONLY white. If this is an actual forest, they have placed white flowers to look like wildflowers, and removed, painstakingly, anything... rock, twig, flower-of-the-wrong-colour, that would alter the look of the shot. So unless you are willing to purchase every guest's outfit for them, or send them colour and fabric swatches, and a stylist... don't be complaining about things not looking quite so slick as an on screen do. Just sayin' :)

X Marks Your Seat: Fun Table Numbers

2011-11-16T04:18:00.000-08:00

via Cottage Affairs

Kind of adoring this idea for table numbers. It's kind of like a stash from a treasure hunt. Fairly easy to stick to a colour scheme and also to work into a style. You could use vintage, antique, modern or natural elements and you would have entirely new looks. And obviously won't blow your budget if you just collect throughout the engagement. I think it would be super fun to think of things to use, and anything stuck under a glass cloche gets high marks on my list.

Honey Candles: a Green Candle Company

2011-11-15T03:21:00.000-08:00

When we started planning our pink Dressing Up shoot awhile back, we tried to make sure that we pulled together as much in the way of eco product to display as possible. The gown was reLoved, the flowers from an eco florist, the tablescape was entirely vintage and the ingredients in the baked goods were organic and local. We also contacted a local company that makes the most gorgeous organic beeswax candles in existence.

Many people don't realize exactly how toxic regular paraffin candles are, both in how they are made and what comes off of them when you burn them (read: what you are breathing in!). Honey Candles is a small (14 employees in busy season) company based in Kaslo, BC that specializes in all things good about candles... from the way they are produced to the unbelievably fabulous way they smell! They also debunk all the myths about how beeswax comes in only... ummm... beeswax colour. They have pretty much perfected the filtering process (they filter their own) and use natural dyes that allow them a range of vibrant colours (including blue!) as well as white, like the gorgeous tapers used in the Pink shoot.

In addition to the heavenly natural scent of the beeswax (I kid you not, I may just carry a candle around with me from here on in and smell it once in awhile to put myself in my happy place, it's that good) they offer gorgeous scents such as Lavender, Mulled Spice, Evening Bloom and Rosemary Mint.

While the company says that 90% of their business is wholesale, and they are growing all the time, they are more than happy to accomodate weddings and you can shop for candles for your home on their website. There you will find pillars, tapers, tealights and even church and birthday candles. Their selection also includes really nifty "shaped" candles (see above photo) that would be super pretty for an autumn or Yuletime wedding. Their website is a great wealth of information on the eco aspects of beeswax, and what the company does to contribute to helping with the decline of honeybees.

I have been burning the pillar from the All Soul's shoot for... oh... well, forever now. The burn time is incredible, and did I mention the scent? If you are looking for favours that live up to your green wedding standards, a gorgeous gift for your vendors and/or candles as part of your decor, Honey Candles is more than worth a look!

PS... This is NOT a paid post :) Just a heck of a good find!

A Bit Vintage...

2011-11-14T05:35:00.000-08:00

Let's start the week off with a happy shoe, shall we? The "Floating Votive" is on sale. Does it get better? I think not.

{MAG} rouge... A Little Bit Of Guaranteed Pretty

2011-11-10T16:27:00.000-08:00

Ahhh... the complexities of the internet! How often do you go looking for one thing and end up in a completely different place then you intended, but all the happier for it? I just posted about how I found Kristi's guest post (from last year) on a blog I hadn't seen before called Magnolia Rouge. I just finished telling my sister this morning how the gals down under have a definite swish vibe that goes largely unacknowledged in the North American fashion world. When it comes to weddings, I often find inspiration from the Koala Continent before I find it stateside. I live in a town where we get a ridiculous number of Aussies and Kiwis that arrive for the perpetual winter (since theirs ends when ours begins) and let me tell you, they are a stylin' people! Magnolia Rouge is definitely right up my alley, but what really got my attention was that there looks to be a new eMag in the works! My other passion is interior design and architecture... and in that world there are now plenty of online magazines that came into play when the glossy world fell apart a couple of years ago. I guess I am surprised at how long it has taken for the wedding industry to catch on... but then, it's not that there aren't any out there... just that there are not many that I have really been drawn to.

From the look of the Magnolia Rouge blog, {MAG} rouge (which I thought was pretty keen of them by the way) promises to be a wealth of fabulous. I don't know why the idea of an eMag should be any better than a blog, but it definitely fills up something, because I get all excited about the whole thing and am seriously chomping at the bit to see what they do for their first issue!

Prize earrings from Stella & Dot

In the meantime, I have been obsessing over every detail of the blog and their Facebook page... which you might want to check out. I probably shouldn't even tell you about it, being that I REALLY want that cuff... but there are a number of giveaways being had over there and since I know you are all stylin' readers, and all you have to do is "Like" and tag images to win gorgeous pieces of loveliness... well, I'm just sayin'. See? That's how you know how much I love you... I'm sharing ;)

luna and chloe

2011-11-09T01:19:00.000-08:00

I have sort of a blog crush. Is that a thing? I have followed the Luna and Chloe blog for years, and long before I started turning this into a wedding blog I started visiting her bridal spinoff, Luna and Chloe Weddings. I even started the whole prop thing at the same time she did. I was hesitant about it till I saw that as she was building her inventory she was listing things that I use for styling as opposed to the typical white plate, polyester napkin type of wedding rental service. I realized that the idea of other people getting to use the things I see as pretty is not just in my head. The thing about it is that it borders on creepy... she says "Over the Moon" and "Ciao" which I could see as sort of a kismet thing I suppose, but at first I felt a bit territorial. Girls are funny creatures, aren't we? But those have always been MY terms (they drive my family nuts). I don't write them much though... so I can let that go. Funny how I don't really write how I speak... hmmmm...

Anyhow, I secretly steal over there for doses of pretty when I need out of a rut, because seriously, this girl is brilliant. I mean, she is obviously talented in design and photography, has an amazing eye for detail and is blessed with an overabundance of style... but the wedding industry is full of those. What makes Kristi special is that she is chock full of UNIQUE WEDDING IDEAS! No, I'm not kidding! I know everyone and their dog says that... but she really does see things in a different way. And she finds inspiration in the most mundane areas, then turns these everyday items into completely gorgeous vignettes or concepts. I never ever tire of the way she reinterprets things and am always blown away by how she consistently realizes that the simplest way is often the best way. I am feeling like I need to send her a Genius Award or something.

I was going to reference the pretty and rustic photos she just posted, or the gorgeous tray that she thought would make a great cake plate. Then I read her guest post from last year completely by accident, trolling blogs I didn't know about on her blog roll, over on Magnolia Rouge, and was just simply floored by some buttons and twine. So, I am just going to tell you to head over there, have a peruse, and then bookmark her lovely blog for future reference.

sparkly kicks

2011-11-08T03:49:00.000-08:00

So since we are on the subject of fun... and having it and wearing it... I think it's time to throw these beauties up for your viewing pleasure. I know that sparkly toes are not for everyone... but they should be! How could your day NOT go spectacularly whilst sporting a pair of these? I am a huge fan of the fab-shoe-beneath-the-gown trend. These gorgeous kicks (all from ModCloth) are exactly what I would wear on my big day. Or Fleuvogs. Or Laboutins. For me, the day would be hugely about the shoes. It just would be. Sue me.

Put Your Maids In A Mood

2011-11-04T11:21:00.000-07:00

I am straying a bit from the norm in terms of bridesmaids lately. Maybe it's the weather. I keep seeing "unique bridesmaids" portrayed as maybe a floor length gown, or wearing black... I say let's take it up a few notches. I think that since we are so big on personalizing weddings now that we should really play up the personalities of the people in the wedding. It is your day, this is true, but if you are going to really celebrate who those people are that have stood true to you leading up to this day, and they simply aren't the pink chiffon types, maybe look at another option and play up their role as a fashionista... or take the "fun factor" to the next level.

disc is how we do it

when in milan

You can see that the Vera 2012 dresses have me ga ga over the black and nude combo. To me, this is the new gray (although I'm not quite over that one yet) and I want to see it done to the nines in an uber couture city wedding. The days of summer are past and while in the warmer climes we can still pull off an outdoor fete, why not just take things indoors to, say, your local swanky art gallery or similar contemporary venue and do it up? This pairing is understated enough to be sophisticated but still out of the box enough to be noticed. Add just the right amount of sparkle and you have glam enough for a true historical moment.

sweet confection

For those looking to put a little hop, skip and a jump into their maid's step, why not a little Betsy Johnston number? The queen of sparkly party frocks, anything Betsy will get your girls in a dancing mood. At the very least, put them in a glittery gold belt to get them smiling!

black and nude wedding inspiration

2011-11-03T04:47:00.001-07:00

What would the fashionista bride sporting a Vera Wang black gown for her nups have her bridesmaids wear? How about some black and nude wedding inspiration?

Party dress
$90 - modcloth.com

Vespertine Scene Dress | Mod Retro Vintage Dresses | ModCloth.com
$125 - modcloth.com

Nude pumps
$34 - unique-vintage.com

Shoes
unique-vintage.com

Rodo clutch handbag
$1,767 - forzieri.com

Dorothy Perkins tahitian pearl ring
£6.50 - dorothyperkins.com

Pearl stud earrings
$48 - genuvo.com

Chain necklace
$2,280 - stylebop.com

Bouquet Alternative: Mini Terrariums

2011-11-02T09:10:00.000-07:00

I can't get over how brilliant these mini terrarium "bouquets" are from Jenny and Pat's wedding on Borrowed and Bleu. I love the uniqueness of the idea! They fit a sort of Halloweeny theme really well, but could totally be prettied up for a spring wedding also. They've made it to "my list" for sure!

Vera 2012

2011-11-01T12:20:00.001-07:00

Eco Wedding Inspiration: Fleurish Studio's Tapestri: Vera 2012 (clipped to polyvore.com)

Not Quite Goth... An All Souls Wedding Shoot

2011-10-28T10:52:00.000-07:00

very special thank you to those involved:

Photography: Heather MacMillan of Many Skies Photography
Concept & Styling: Tapestri (Andrea Bell)
Makeup: Crystal Lucas
Sustainable Floral Goddess: Nadine from Green Poppy
Organic Beeswax Pillar Candles: Honey Candle Co.
Peacock Feather Earrings: Crystal Lucas
Gown, Accessories, Props: Tapestri (Andrea Bell)

...and very special thanks to our models! We had a good time with this one ;)
Skye, Dylan, Kazia & Sienna

Not Quite Goth... An All Souls Engagement Shoot

2011-10-28T09:27:00.000-07:00

Awhile ago I was thinking on Steampunk. How Steampunk is this generation's Goth. Sorta. Not that they are the same thing so much, but how they are a fashion scene on the fringes and how they've taken something that has conventionally seemed romantic and played it to a different tune. I am all about playing fashion to a different tune (and let's not kid ourselves, Steampunk and Goth are both fashion statements before they are anything else) and so I started thinking of inspiration boards for each, which obviously then needed to be a full blown photo shoot. The theme of a Gothic wedding also seemed remarkably appropriate for this time of year, but instead of doing what seems to be the "norm" (extensive research leads one to believe that goth is only done in red and black... period.) I wanted to see how the macabre look could be translated into something less stereotyped and more couture. We pulled out some of the elements of a Gothic look and made them glamorous, and tried a new colour scheme. Our engagement session...

What do you think of the blue instead of black? Do you think it's too "pretty"? I have to admit, the more we styled, the less macabre it got. Then of course the models were just too much fun... kind of ruined the melancholy. So we had Dylan read 'the Raven'. Poe is always good for quelching mirth. Can you spot the wee spider that came to play? It looks a bit like an elderberry with legs :) We had some fun in the graveyard as well with the bridesmaids... I will post more later today.

A very special thank you to those involved:

Photography: Heather MacMillan of Many Skies Photography
Concept & Styling: Tapestri (Andrea Bell) & All About Afternoon Tea (Becca Hunter)
Sustainable Floral Goddess: Nadine from Green Poppy
Organic Beeswax Pillar Candles: Honey Candle Co.
Antique Silver, Books, Accessories, Glassware, Props: Tapestri (Andrea Bell)

...and very special thanks to our models!
Skye & Dylan

All Soul's Tease

2011-10-25T11:49:00.000-07:00

We put together a wee bit of a project this past week, and the editing "room" is in full swing. Here is a bit of a taste of our "not quite goth" photoshoot, to air later this week (just in time for All Hallows itself)!

Parasol

2011-10-20T12:31:00.000-07:00

via The Wedding Dish

Today I am inspired by parasols. Not because it's sunny. Perhaps the rain that threatens to start up any moment has my head wrapped up in umbrellas and my imagination has happily turned them into whimsical parasols just to keep me in a productive mood :)

via Pinterest

This is one of my favourite wedding photos ever. Period. It makes me do that "sigh" thing every single time.

This may be more spring than autumn, but it sure is purdy. I am all over the sheer parasol and wonder, seriously, how it is that I didn't think of that myself? I mean... parasols... SHEER! How could I not have come up with that? Huh.

Vera 2012

2011-10-18T07:37:00.000-07:00

Does this woman ever do anything wrong? I know, I may have said that before... but seriously, with Vera it just gets better. I understand, not everyone will be running out to buy a black wedding gown, because the industry still has us convinced that white implies all sorts of wedding-y stuff. You just can't look at this last gown though and see how the gal who dons that for her big day will be at the front of the game. Just beyond gorgeous. Also, with her use of gray recently and the blush... well, IMO the days of white are numbered! More photos on Bride and Chic.

Goddess Hair

2011-10-18T02:15:00.000-07:00

Current favourite hair. Love the narrow crochet lace strips... vintage but glam. Very nice.

Groom-ing Him...

2011-10-17T08:27:00.000-07:00

Could this be... the ultimate groom's shoe? Check out this patent leather oxford in coppery anthracite from Robert Clergerie. If you get to have fabulous shoes, why shouldn't he? Made in France and found here.

And yes... they also come in black.

After Playing Dress Up

2011-10-14T14:34:00.000-07:00

In the last post (curse the bad internet fairies for not letting me post this sooner) we showed you how much fun it can be to devote a piece of your day, or perhaps a small fete a day or two before the wedding, to your small attendants. These days, the wee ones are not limited to just one flower girl and ring bearer. If you have many children in your life, and therefore your wedding, taking a bit of time to connect with them right before your moment can work wonders in letting them know how special it is to have them included. It also provides a ridiculous amount of photo op possibility. Trust me on this one!

The trick to getting good photos (work with your photographer to figure out angles and such ahead of time) is to play up the surprise element. While the children knew that something special was going on, we didn't tell them what was up ahead of time. We hid the "jewel station" in a small area and when they came around the corner and saw all the sparklies, the excitement was tangible.

Our gorgeous bride Kate has had a great time playing princess with her small attendants. She has "ooohed" and "ahhhed" at all the right places and genuinely loved taking herself out of the adult realm of wedding stress to enjoy a bit of play before her big moment of the day. While all of the children have run off to burn away some sugar heightened energy levels, Kate takes a break of her own, to enjoy the moment before all eyes are on her. A bite of a buttery cupcake and a good book of love poetry perhaps?

Snuggling up with her wedding quilt and a glass of champagne, Kate relishes the last few moments to herself before heading off to become a Mrs.

We had such a brilliant time putting this shoot together! The most fun part was sourcing products that were organic and sustainable. I will be following up with posts on the vendors and team that brought this shoot together, as well as writing a bit about the background of how it went from concept to creation on the other blog. It was an eventful day to say the least :) I will also point you to the link below the banner for more information regarding the Wedding Quilt from Tapestri because I always get a lot of questions regarding them. Hopefully you enjoyed perusing the photos as much as we enjoyed providing you with them!

A very special thank you to those involved:

Photography: Heather MacMillan of Many Skies Photography
Concept & Styling: Tapestri (Andrea Bell) & All About Afternoon Tea (Becca Hunter)
White Chocolate Mousse, Raspberry Layer Cake and Meringues: All About Afternoon Tea
Cupcakes: Simone from The Kootenay Baker
Sustainable Floral Goddess: Nadine from Green Poppy
Organic Beeswax Tapers: Honey Candle Co.
Tophat Birdcage Veil: Fairies Pajamas
Pink Glassware, Props: Tapestri (Andrea Bell)
Embroidered Wedding Quilt: Tapestri

...and very special thank yous to our models!
Lydia, Virginia, Frances, Paloma, Aeowyn, Aziel and our bride, Kate.

Playing Dress Up

2011-10-12T10:26:00.000-07:00

...because that's a lot of what a wedding is all about, right? Sure, there are lots of wonderful attributes, such as spending time with loved ones, eating good food and celebrating spending the rest of your life with the person you adore, but playing dress up is WAY up there! We knew we wanted to throw a Garden Tea Party, but it was Kate Moss who inspired the idea of playing dress up with the children. Her fairytale wedding revolved around her love for all the beautiful small people in her life and they were a huge part of the celebrations. After all, who better to understand a fairy queen's need for whimsy and frivolity on her wedding day?

If your bridal party is made up of a fair number of wee ones, why not really let them have a ball and include the theme of a dress up party on your day as a princess, letting them accessorize at will? Provide a treasure trove of pretty things (I dug through my grandmother's costume jewelry, but thrift shops are full of inexpensive vintage baubles), which of course would make perfect gifts for your attendants. Put in a small veto clause, and you add an entirely playful element to your day! So, while we set up the table of sweets, our little princesses and our bride fancied themselves up with diamonds and pearls!

I wasn't able to fit in all the photos today (of course) so the shots of our bride will have to wait till tomorrow. You would be amazed at how difficult it can be to choose favourites from photos of gorgeous children, chocolate mousse cakes and pretty pink things!

A (ginger ale) toast to those fabulous people who made this beautiful day happen! Most adoring thanks to:

Photography: Heather MacMillan of Many Skies Photography
Concept & Styling: Tapestri (Andrea Bell) & All About Afternoon Tea (Becca Hunter)
White Chocolate Mousse, Raspberry Layer Cake and Meringues: All About Afternoon Tea
Cupcakes: Simone from The Kootenay Baker
Sustainable Floral Goddess: Nadine from Green Poppy
Organic Beeswax Tapers: Honey Candle Co.
Tophat Birdcage Veil: Fairies Pajamas
Pink Glassware, Props: Tapestri (Andrea Bell)
Embroidered Wedding Quilt: Tapestri

...and very special thank yous to our models!
Lydia, Virginia, Frances, Paloma, Aeowyn, Aziel and our bride, Kate.

More of the story of the day's shoot will be posted on my personal blog.

Green Suede Shoes & Wedgewood... Heels?

2011-10-08T19:20:00.000-07:00

I love shoes. I especially love rare and curious shoes. Does it get more rare and curious than a pair of vintage (50s or 60s) Wedgewood heels? These green suede shoes are on Ebay right now, but not for long. Which is why I am posting them on a weekend. Because they are a size 8.5, which is fairly common, and it is quite possible that there is a bride out there that needs these for their big day. I mean really? Jasperware heels?!? Does it get more posh?

Simple and...

2011-10-08T02:00:00.000-07:00

...aDORable!

Autmn in Wood and White

2011-10-07T09:03:00.000-07:00

It's true, the rain has finally hit and the leaves are turning and summer is gone. I think summer is fun and all, but I also think autumn is highly underrated! It is such a cozy time of year, and the trees get all dressed up for their final show. Perhaps it is the designer in me, October IS fashion month, after all...

This autumn wedding from wedding gawker literally knocked my socks off at the word "chicken wire". OK, two words. I am thinking that either this is all of my favourite current trends together, in both fashion AND interior design, or it is an entirely new (read: welcome) trend waiting to happen. Let's call it Rustic Industrial. Or perhaps Barnyard Glam. Either way, it is the PERFECT look for a fall wedding. Gorgeous in it's simplicity.

The use of star anise as an embellishment is brilliant. The woodsy look mixed with a star or flower shape is perfect for a small festive touch and against the white background the contrast makes just the one star special. Carried through to the cake (below) which gives a gorgeous contemporary feel to the design. I can't say that I have ever seen country married to contemporary quite so well... or even knew it was possible. The chicken wire gives an aggressive edge to the formal look of the bouts and is a perfect foil for the serene white backdrop of the room's interior when added to the vintage wire props.

I know that in the blog world, we say over and over again that "this" wedding is the most beautiful and "that" wedding is the most amazing... To spend every day looking at gorgeous over and over, well, it's rough, for sure... but this wedding design really got my attention. And that is saying a lot.

shoe bling: figgie's ink

2011-10-04T12:36:00.000-07:00

Coloured kicks have been big on the bridal scene for a bit now. I love myself a bright turquoise Laboutin making it's red soled way down the aisle... but it looks like it may be time for a brand new wave of individuality in the tootsie toting department. I am completely enamored with this new concept from Figgie Shoes. It is like a Bride & Groom tattoo, but less... ummm... invasive. Makes for a unique and worthwhile keepsake, while at the same time giving guests something else to smile at. How could your feet not be happy in a custom, hand painted pair of these?

A Bit of A Tease...

2011-10-02T18:15:00.000-07:00

Tea party in Raspberry Pink hued inspiration... To Be Continued.

We Interrupt This Setup...

2011-09-28T11:41:00.001-07:00

....to bring you word of the Entwined 2012 giveaway!

I know, I promised that last week was the lead up to the photo shoot, which has already been put off for the entire summer... but I live in the Kootenays... we are famous for our coffee, our summit powder, and our lack of time keeping abilities. A small plague swept through town last week and we are getting half our team back up to snuff. We are on again for Friday, so this week I will give you some more behind the scenes... but FIRST...

I think every prospective bride may want to know about THIS. Entwined 2012 is giving away not just a wedding, but a pretty fabulous sounding one at that. Their behind the scenes footage from the photoshoot is also very entertaining, IF you pay attention to the fact that the "groom" obviously has a huge crush on the second "bride"... that was just too adorable to watch. Twitch much? LOL

Awwwww...

Head over to the site to read up on the details, which are most definitely droolworthy. You may notice I don`t chat up these things much over here, but this one seems to be worth a bit of lip service! Granted, you must be relatively close to Texas or it will be a destination wedding. But still, it`s worth it to post here just to point out that adorable crush :) Watch the video, tell me what you think...

PS... I Love You: The Setup

2011-09-21T13:48:00.000-07:00

Garden Party Wedding by lokismistress featuring evening ball gowns

The first part of any photo shoot is generally an idea. Unless of course you are hired by a specific company to do a specific thing, but for the purposes of a bunch of creatives gathering resources, it starts with an idea backed by pent up creative energy. I am generally the idea person, because I have one of those brains that prioritizes pretty things and fabulous happenings above, say, house cleaning or doing taxes. If you have no specific concept in your head, it is just as easy to pick a "theme" or inspiration. Say a colour scheme or something like "lace" seems pretty common. But for me, it is generally a storyline. This shoot will revolve around little girls having a tea party. The gorgeous table and gown etc. are the way the girls see themselves in their pretend world. This is the part where inspiration files and story boards come together.

Once a storyline has been thought out, a storm of emails and phone calls follows to gather a team. We have covered all of our bases, to be sure that the entire list of wedding details is represented. The challenge is to find, on budget, everything that we need locally and sustainably, as that is the purpose of this shoot. So the one thing we are missing so far is shoes. Hopefully a gorgeous vintage pair will wind up on the doorstep in the next day or two :)

Make up inspiration sent to make up artist.

Inspiration shots are sent to the appropriate people so they can gather what they need and to be sure we are all on the same page. Models are confirmed, props and garments are pulled, and locations scouted. Generally a meeting (or four) is had, but not always with everyone. In this case, the stylist, photographer and goodie maker are spending much time having tea at the park to hammer out details.

While easy peasy to accomplish in spring (or at least the springs that don't include torrential downpours on a daily basis), the lush look I was going for is a bit more difficult now. Finding the flowers for a shoot like this is going to take a bit of doing. It is, of course, possible to get nearly any type of bloom you want if you are willing to pay a fortune to have them shipped to you. We are going to have to come up with something that doesn't look too autumn-y while heading full into autumn. Nadine at The Green Poppy will be handling florals for this one, and the above photo is one that I sent her for inspiration.

We have been lucky enough to stumble upon Becca Hunter, newly over the pond from the UK, whose blog is focused on tea parties. She is keen on putting together a desert table that should be beyond droolworthy. I have an obscene collection of dishes, including enough pink depression glass to outfit a banquet hall. I have been wanting to create the ultimate desert table with it since long before they were all the rage on the wedding scene, so this is obviously kismet. We have coordinated various bakers, chocolatiers and foodies to pull it together. Dancing Roots Farm is stepping in with a little bit of everything... SO excited to have Sarah on board. We are still gathering people as well, so something fabulous this way comes!

PS... I Love You

2011-09-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

The PS stands for Photo Shoot. Because that is one of my favourite ways to occupy my time. I spent years styling shoots, weddings, and bridal shows... so it's one of those "you can take the girl out of the industry, but you can't take the industry out of the girl" deals. I had an idea in spring to put together a garden party for my birthday. Which, of course, was completely centered around the idea that if I was going to throw the party, I may as well have it photographed. And if I were going to have it photographed, I may as well do it up!

Of course, with that logic, I one-upped myself into a photo shoot concept that I have not been able to remove from my brain, even after the glorious garden-to-be was rained into oblivion. The process of planning did provide me with some remarkable new contacts in the area, and so I finally caved to that memo that my imagination kept sending me, and now there is a line-up of photo shoots planned to create a platform to showcase some of these fabulous vendors. I have to start with my Garden Party theme so that I can clear that part of my brain, but then, heading into fall, an Autumn Leaves shoot seems more than appropriate. I certainly don't want to waste the beauty of the maple forest outside my window! There are a few more ideas simmering on the back burner as well, so we will see how far we get before we fall to pieces :)

With all of that in mind, I thought it might be fun to take you through a bit of what goes into one of these inspiration shoots that fill the wedding blogosphere. It is very much like planning a mini wedding, as one of the most important aspects is to be sure that you are working with vendors and planners that a) you can work with, and b) you can execute a vision with. Also you have to have as many of your bases covered as possible so that the shoot looks complete. Then you have to make sure that you are not just doing what everyone else is doing, which can be an easy trap to fall into, because the ideas floating around your brain are very much inspired by what you are looking at from day to day on your inspiration files. Taking these ideas and making them your own... or better, coming up with entirely new concepts... that is where the fun is!

The important part of this shoot for me is that I am doing the entire thing as sustainably and locally sourced as possible. I want to challenge myself to put together the wedding that I keep expressing to you readers is completely possible. Over the next few days, I will give you a bit of a run down of how the last few weeks has come along, and with the photo shoot this coming Tuesday, the big reveal will be next week! Stay tuned...

Proposal in Folded Paper

2011-09-19T16:05:00.000-07:00

Well, if THIS isn't the most gorgeous-est origami proposal ever!!! Not completely sure how often origami plays a role in the Big "?" but this is a trend I would like to see happen. I wonder how many tries it took to get it right? My cranes leave something to be desired. Handmade though... and beautiful... and original. Ummm... the three best things that a proposal can be, no?

Step One.

2011-09-14T13:07:00.000-07:00

OK. So technically the first step involves him going to great lengths to show you that you mean the world to him... perhaps staging a flash mob in Central Park... or taking out space on a billboard... or skydiving into the pool beside which you are suntanning (I'm pretty sure I must have seen that in a movie). But there is more to it than that isn't there? There is typically a bit of sparkle involved that sort of sums up the moment, and if he is the style savvy sort, he has removed it from it's generic store supplied box (this may or may not exclude a Tiffany blue one) and found a better spot for it to rest till it finds it's home on your finger.

Even better than a billboard, why not hike to the most enchanting waterfall... where you find this? Of course, chances are good that he isn't going to hike in an Armani suit... but the variables are what makes it personal. Let him decide if he wants to helicopter you in instead, or perhaps he has the tie in his pocket and it suddenly looks perfect with his shorts and T. Or maybe you are hiking with your friend and you find him up there waiting. (Just don't let your friend hike off on her own if there are bears in the area!)

If this fairytale ring box is where you hope to find your bit of sparkle, and you feel that some hint leaving may be required, feel free to click here and walk away from the screen. He should be able to put two and two together. Alternatively, he could find a local stained glass artist and have one created especially for you. Just a thought :)

As The Leaves Turn...

2011-09-09T12:05:00.000-07:00

A Sweet Little "I Do"

2011-09-08T07:38:00.000-07:00

This is one of the most adorable (and simple) DIYs I have seen yet for weddings. I love the wee sign... but ALSO I adore the lace sleeve! This is lace "ribbon" that has simply been stitched up the side into a "cuff". Easy peasy!

Autumn Giveaway Gear Up...

2011-09-02T16:18:00.000-07:00

Working hard today to put together our first giveaway for September! To be revealed soon...

Wedding Face

2011-09-01T15:54:00.000-07:00

Images via: Keiko Lynn, Project Wedding, Privets Feathers & Funk

Inspiration: 1920's: Claire Pettibone

2011-08-31T08:48:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of yesterday's peek into the gorgeous 1920s era photo shoot for Harper's Bazaar Indonesia, I am sharing one of my favourite photos from the lookbook of Claire Pettibone.

Inspiration: 1920's

2011-08-30T03:11:00.000-07:00

I have found THE wedding shoot. If I had photographed this, I may have just retired after wrapping this one up as it is simply the most exquisite work I have seen in this area. How in the world do you improve upon this?

Shot for Haper's Bazaar Indonesia by Nicoline Patricia Malina, the details here are impossibly perfect, from accessories to hair and make up... if you are looking for inspiration circa 1920's, this is your jumping off point! You can find the rest of the images here. I only posted my favourites, but the entire shoot is divine!

So Pretty!

2011-08-28T12:03:00.000-07:00

Loving LoBoheme on etsy!

Jenny Packham: The Eden Gown

2011-08-26T12:59:00.000-07:00

As photographed by Ellen Von Unwerth

Our current favourite wedding gown...

The Eden gown from Jenny Packham 2011. Her trademark detailing with stunning beadwork and ridiculously delicate features...

Left to Right, the Fontaine and the Eden gowns...

This is a different JP gown but I wanted to give the idea of decking yourself out in a vintage gray fur!

I even found you a preLoved version, if you are interested :)

Inspiration Collage: Graphite, Tangerine and Helvetica

2011-08-24T09:44:00.000-07:00

1. The Knot 2. Potter and Butler 3. Flower Thyme 4. ???

I always see this colour combo as being very graphic designer marries hip gallery curator. Very slick and refined but with a youthful edge. They would be the kind of people who find fonts very important and wear gorgeous vintage footwear. Possibly accessorized with lots of bamboo. You know the type. So we are not going to call it Gray and Orange. We are calling it Graphite and Tangerine. I can't see these people getting married with the usual go to list of roses and buttercream... these people are going to do everything a bit differently, including labeling their wedding party for easier sorting during photo rehashing and favoring paper bouquets for posterity's sake. I ADORE this look, although I don't think I have the hair to pull it off.

If you DO have the right hair, and a penchant for Helvetica, you might want to peruse a few of these ideas via some etsy shops (of course) and any shop in Seattle or San Fran. First though, you will have to find your groomsmen some wicked ~~orange~~ tangerine paisley ties! OMG am I in love with this photo! I wasn't able to photoshop out the orchid boutonniere, of course that would have to go, but you get the idea. Dapper begins with a slate coloured suit and this tie makes my heart swoon. Especially as it isn't a print, it is simply textured that way. If you can't buy one, have one made. Oh yum!

The simplicity of the paper flowers and the pom poms are what makes this look whimsical and a notch up from the ordinary. Visit the etsy shops of Flower Thyme and Potter and Butler to see what else you can do with this look. From funky to gloriously delicate, I am seeing now how paper can completely transform the look and feel of a wedding!

This gorgeous invite was found on fffound, which isn't very helpful as far as finding the company who created it, (please share if you know who it is!) but it is a stellar idea and I am a huge fan of anything that uses tiny envelopes. I like the juxtoposition of the swirly scripty bits with the diagonal stripe. All in all this inspiration collage reads as fun. How can you use orange and not have fun?!?

P.S. I got on the collage kick this morning after spending waaay too long gazing at some of the best inspiration boards I have come across on Postcards and Pretties' Facebook page. I have always noticed how well curated they are, but never spent the time to go through them all, and I am telling you, it is worth a look. Go over and take a gander, I guarantee you will find something to inspire you!

Invite Inspiration: Tying The Knot

2011-08-23T05:48:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun thought :)

See? When they open the invite, the knot will tie! OMG, how cute :) This is obviously not a wedding invite, but I thought it was a good idea for one. Or if it IS a wedding invite, it is waaay on the minimalist side...

Tresses

2011-08-22T16:30:00.000-07:00

Loving that the trend in wedding hair at the mo is a continuation of pretty, flowing and romantic. Although our Royal Kate wore her hair down, hers was hardly windswept and flyaway and I had thought that there might be a bit of a "straightening up" of the ranks among hairdressers. As with everything in the fashion industry, the trickle down effect comes from the cues that the industry gets from big events or media inspiration, and the Royal Wedding is the biggest event to happen in awhile on the bridal circuit. But no, so far the summer has been a bevvy of loosely gathered locks and curls.

via brides.com

As we head into autumn, the trend is heading towards getting some of those loose ends twisted up. While the look is still loose and free feeling, it is a bit more intricate and you might want a few practice sessions in place for this one to keep it from looking too, ummm... knotty. (ahem)

Braids have been EVERYWHERE this year and even for me, with three feet of hair that I have braided in every way imaginable... even I have seen things this year that left me thinking, "how did I not think of that?"

via Bliss Salon

...and this is just TOO adorable!

If you are craving more inspired dos and lovely locks, I have collected the majority of them here...

Parisian Princess...

2011-08-16T16:52:00.000-07:00

Latest favourite gown from Claire La Faye. The Parisian Princess gown is three layers of silk gorgeousness with an accent of silk fabric roses and marabou. What's not to love about silk and marabou?

Simply Silhouettes

2011-08-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

Looking for a sweet cake topper that is classic yet simple? The Silhouette cake toppers from Simply Silhouettes make this traditional art form (taken from your own photos) contemporary with acrylic or more eco with paper. They will also keep your silhouette on file for future use on other items.

Inspiration: Photo Booth

2011-08-14T11:25:00.000-07:00

Photo booths are no new thing to weddings, they have been around for a few years now. But if you thought that they were limited to booth rentals (although some fabulous retro looking booths can be found) think again. I think I have found my favourite.


via Pinterest

If you need any more inspiration, look here. Below is an idea or two of how you can set one up for your own fete.

via Apartment Therapy

via Design Sponge

via Hello Lucky

How to via Pinterest

The bottom photo shows you how deceptively simple it is to build your own frame wall. But the other options are just as fun... and I promise, the end result is SO worth it! You will be surprised at who ends up in the funniest shots, and people will be sitting on the edge of their seats waiting to see the images!

Coveted Designer: Nina Sands

2011-08-11T07:29:00.000-07:00

I have an odd circle of friends. I suppose most of them would fall under the artsy category, so many of the conversations I have might revolve around topics that seem foreign to most people. Vintage lace for example. As a self-professed fabric addict, I can relate to that glazed look that happens across the features of a person confronted with the most delicate piece of handwork they have ever encountered. Recently a friend and I were waxing nostalgic about the days when good vintage lace could be found at many thrift shops to play with. The days before thrifting came back into vogue. These days you have to have a very good eye to spot handmade vs. machine made, or be able to date a piece. Which raised the question for me, if you don't know what you are looking for, how do you find it? If you were a bride who was trying to find not only vintage lace, but an actual dress... one that fit reasonably well (remember that anything can be altered professionally) and fit the style and feel that you are looking for... well that is kind of a tall order if you don't know where to start.

Nina Sands is a true couturier who creates wearable art from vintage lace finds. I don't use the term art loosely. I have a huge bias when it comes to couture. Confession: it makes me livid when people attach the term "couture" to a name or title to make it look/sell better. In the fashion industry it is just plain rude to throw a term around that means so much to people who view fashion as the art form that it is. So it infuriates me to no end that it has become commonplace. True couture is represented in work that exhibits such attention to detail that a garment becomes a sculptural display of skill. It is not a word that you tack on to something so that you can ask a higher price.

If you are looking for a true couture gown that is created using vintage and antique fabrics, Nina Sands is an exemplary choice. Working with lace that is whisper thin and intensely delicate, and sometimes over a century old, she builds frocks piece by piece into heirloom pieces that not only respect the history of the lace, but are a breathtaking vision of romance.

She describes what she does as "collage work". This is an excellent way of understanding how you create a new garment from older pieces. You cannot chop up vintage lace in the same way you can fabric or it falls apart, or at the least, you lose the beauty of the piece. Nina has a way of letting the lace "speak" to her to allow a placement that celebrates each individual piece. She is happy to incorporate your own pieces of sentimental value to create a custom garment, or you can visit her site to see pieces she has on offer at the moment. If a truly unique vintage lace gown is what you have your heart set on, you may want to make speaking with Nina your first order of business.

Vintage Inspired: Garters

2011-08-10T09:26:00.000-07:00

I happily stumbled upon this collage of Florrie Mitton garters on Pinterest this morning, originally posted by Junebug Weddings. Thought I would share.

I think that with a bit of fanagling, many of these could be recreated with vintage jewelry, perhaps using a sentimental family piece. These seem to have been created using beaded appliques, but small jeweled pieces could have the backing removed or you could put it first onto a fabric backing so that it would be cushioned.If you are liking the originals, her prices are very reasonable and she carries an exquisite collection of romantic pieces.

Pout.

2011-06-25T11:57:00.000-07:00

This is me. No. It's not really... but I truly understand how she feels. My computer finally died. Really this time. I didn't just fall off the face of the planet or drown in piles of decadent silks even, which is usually my excuse. Just as I finally got this site happening my computer went and gave up it's last... uh... flicker. I have one on order, so not to worry Pretties! All shall be back on track soon enough! Till then, I am so happy to see that you are still checking in and hopefully finding something of use. Please feel free to leave comments or questions... and I will be posting with all my might ASAP!

Behold N... Decorate Stuff

2011-05-21T15:30:00.000-07:00

Yes. It's True. For those who have not heard, BHLDN (aka Anthro's bridal line) is now featuring decor. Let the Ooooh's and Ahhhh's begin.

Obi Inspired

2011-05-20T12:24:00.000-07:00

1. Sliver Origami 2. ??? 3. Maggie Austen 4. Culture Bridal

The Obi gown from Culture Bridal Couture has been sitting in my files for awhile and when I came upon these tiny 18k gold origami cranes from Silver Origami I knew I had to put another collage together. Look how pretty they are! I adore anything origami, even after folding a kazillion of them for our fundraising project :) I have known the story of the paper crane for awhile and that wishes are supposed to come true for anyone who folds a thousand of them, but I just found out during that project that the symbolism originally comes from giving the thousand cranes, or Senbazuru, as a wedding gift. The gift bestows long life and a lasting and happy marriage for the couple!

Culture Bridal is in Australia, so perhaps not the closest place to go shopping for some of us, but they are up to their tiaras in inspired gowns. If you are looking for a gown that really speaks to who you are, they might be a good place to soak up some inspiration. I personally think Australia is leaps and bounds ahead of the game when it comes to some aspects of style and general fabulousness. And back across the water again to Maggie Austin Cakes. Maggie is no stranger to marrying the gorgeous and delicate ruffle to the streamlined simplicity of asian style. Tiny black bows keep these ruffles in place. Not remembering where the fans are from, they were filed under Obi wedding favours. I do know you can find something like them at Pearl River and many other retailers if this is something you would like to feature at your wedding.

Words of the Wise...

2011-05-17T15:54:00.000-07:00

I don't read other wedding blogs as much as I probably should. I think that it alters what you write to constantly read other people's writing and it has to affect what you write about. If I am not my own voice and eyes and ears then what is the point of my own blog, right? Having said that, there are a few that I make the rounds to, that have useful information and opinions that I respect along with all the eye candy that, let's face it, are the reason that we all adore the wedding industry media. One of them is the Foxy blog... and today I found a post that I have to share, because it is about time that we all, as media, stop buying into the hype that certain retailers have taught us to buy into. I personally advocate the handmade movement because my experience in the fashion world created a jaded side of me that sees good designers almost completely removed from what made them good to begin with and eventually become a brand rather than an artist. I have all sorts of political commentary, but I think this excerpt from her post sums it up nicely.

"These gowns are mass-produced and made outside of the country with lower quality textiles than many designers you will find in a boutique. The construction is nowhere near what you would find in a well made bridal gown. There is no custom anything going on here anywhere. I realize, sadly, that this is the bridal industry's fault. By taking the custom-made aspect out of it (hello, David's) and treating it like ready-to-wear, the customer now no longer has the expectation of a handmade, custom gown. Or a handmade, custom experience for that matter. In fact, the customer is now suspicious of ordering lead times and prices. Places like David's and Target have made it seem reasonable to get a bridal gown off the rack for cheap, and some customers now believe the same pricing should apply to gowns that are handmade-to-order in whichever country the designer's studio is based.

The ultimate result is that the experience of going to a bridal boutique, ordering your gown, having it made for you, and then going through the fitting process is being affected. As J. Crew picks up more market share, small boutiques that carry independent designers of the same price point are slowly being put out of business. Small designers cannot compete with the sheer marketing power and production dollars J. Crew wields, and small boutiques can't compete, either." -A Foxy Wedding

I urge anyone reading this to head over to read everything she has to say on the subject, from quality to price and more... because she is bang on... and as in any industry, those looking for a "deal" are usually in for an unfortunate surprise when the true cost of their endeavor surfaces. Consider yourself warned :)

The Rustic Wedding Part VI: The Last Word

2011-05-16T13:23:00.000-07:00

Just to finish up with the Rustic Wedding details, I have made a list of shops to try if you are looking for certain pieces. It takes some sifting to find quality so hopefully I have cut down on some of the work for you. These are a few of the best sources I have come across.

Some of the best places to find pretty frocks for your maids are shops that tend towards a vintage look, but are easier perhaps than scouring vintage stores for the right fit (although I always advocate finding something perfect and having it altered to fit perfectly rather than off the rack). If you are looking for maids with nearly the same look for their dress, sometimes a good bet is to purchase three of the same dress and have a seamstress (or a handy friend) add straps and sashes where you wish. Obviously certain dresses lend themselves to this idea better than others, but a seamstress or dressmaker can work wonders if you only have a few maids to outfit and this can be a more economical option in the end as well! Three of my favourites are Ruche, Anthropologie and ModCloth (above). (sidebar: Anthropologie's wedding label is BHLDN which is also a gorgeous place to shop for everything from gowns to shoes to decor.)

Thisilk has a selection of beautiful lace earrings that would be perfect for this look. I love how they mix the vintage lace look with edgier elements like chain link. A great set for a bride and her maids and these would be a great way to dress up jeans and a T after the wedding. Also check out Prismera for some rustic jewelry inspired by twigs and natural elements.

Prismera

Emma Sommerfeld creates some of the most exquisite crocheted pieces I have seen, so if you are looking for something to cover your shoulders with a delicate feel, or a blissfully delicate bridal cap, visit her shop.

WhichGoose

deLoop

Both Which Goose and deLoop are treasure troves of accessories. I went looking for a vintage clutch and found some amazing pieces in both shops. Worth a look for hair accessories and vintage finds!

From Toybreaker

For the guys, how about a set of ties that don't suck? I love this colour scheme and the woodland motif, but there are so many colours and design options to choose from and it is easy to mix and match. They even have kids covered. They also offer a selection of silk scarves for the maids and some pretty fabulous packaging if you want to gift them. Do your men a favour and dress them in something that they will love even after the event!

Bella Figura

From Of The Earth

For your invites, some places to find rustic with a contemporary feel are Cat Seto, Bella Figura and EcoLuxe. Of The Earth carries a more natural handmade looking range with handmade paper and earthier colours, as well as my favourite, wildflower seed invites.

The Quiet House hand embroiders these rusticly pretty ring pillows made from natural linen and vintage adornment. She will customize to suit your taste. I adore the double bow on this one. So pretty! A visit to her shop may also yield a bridesmaid, or even a wedding dress, as she has an assortment of delightful frocks made from her vast collection of vintage laces and natural linens. Also, anything featuring hand embroidery gets extra points in my book.

Petal and Thorn create some very pretty accessories and their ring "pillows" are adorably rustic. I love the pearls in the nest here. There are a few versions of this in etsyland, but this is the one that is the most natural looking and has the best design IMO. There are a few versions, some more contemporary than others, and all gorgeous.

Beach House Living

I have a thing for vintage silverware and the trend of stamped pieces is right up the rustic wedding alley. It gives that glam bit of sparkle to a table and if you have a few choice bits like the ones here from Beach House Living, all the better!

Bragging Bags is one of the best sources I found for rustic decor and little details. They have an excellent selection and very good pricing. Their quality and design take woodsy and give it a good dose of pretty.

From Accents and Petals

If you are looking to add some of the wood flowers above in DIY projects or just here and there, this is a good source and provides dyed versions as well, but they are located in the Philippines so be sure to allow for shipping time.

Brianna Page creates these lovely little fairy light lanterns from vintage mason jars and moss, that would give a lovely glow to any outdoor affair. I think they would be gorgeous in the garden as well so you could give them a second life either amongst your flowers at home or as gifts. They would also be a great DIY.

This is an alternative fairy lantern basket from April Hiler Designs. It could be used as part of the table centerpiece, or to be carried by the maids or flower girls. When the wedding winds down, you could gift it to the flower girls with pretty fairy costume wings so that they leave knowing that they contributed to the magic of the event.

Homes and Weddings makes these twisty place card holders out of various metals, and bronze or copper would be a pretty fit, especially paired with matching napkin rings, perhaps with a small sprig of rosemary or lavender held in place. For those DIYers out there, this would be a good project.

One True Love Vintage Hire

To help with the bigger stuff, try googling "prop" or "furniture" rentals in your area. There are loads of online shops and you can always spend the year previous finding pieces that fit, but remember that you have to find places for all of it when the wedding is over, so if you are not the type to outfit your house with vintage typewriters and such, perhaps renting is the way to go! There are companies that will provide the styling as well, so if you are using an event planner, try to get the two working together to create a special look for your day. Mismatched china, suitcases, chaises, chandeliers and more can be had from rental services these days, so it's OK to think big, and you would be surprised at how reasonable the prices can be!

Heritage & Craft Rentals

There simply isn't room to include all of the links from the previous posts in this series. If you are just finding this Rustic Wedding series now, check out the other posts for information and inspiration to create your very own rustic wedding, including ideas for venues, decor details, your dress and accessories. I may keep adding details here as I find them, there was just so much info out there that it is a shame to miss some of it. Hopefully though, these posts will help you to get an idea of what you are looking for and how to accomplish it :) If you have found ideas or resources that should be added here, please post them in the comments! I always love to hear a review on a product and I am more than happy to hear your suggestions as well. If you have any questions, as always, feel free to post them... I love a challenge :)

Lovely.

2011-05-14T10:40:00.000-07:00

Apparently Blogger has been having a few issues and has temporarily removed the last post on Rustic Weddings that was full of links. It took a VERY long time to link it all up and instead of doing it again, I am going to cross my fingers that they put it back the way the put the posts back on my other blog. So sit tight... if it isn't up by the end of the weekend, I will redo it. Thanks for checking in!

2011-05-08T11:56:00.000-07:00

Anuja & Arif's Original Series Highlights // Pelican Hill Resort from Elysium Productions on Vimeo.

Sigh. Elysium does it again. Every video they put together gets me all teary eyed :) And this couple is just adorable beyond compare. Really, is anything more colourful than an Indian wedding? Yes, this DID make me happy!

The Rustic Wedding Part V: Your Accessories

2011-05-06T18:43:00.000-07:00

Twigs and Honey

An outdoor affair is generally thought to be a less formal occasion than an indoor church wedding. Chandeliers and silverware aside, the look for a rustic wedding should be a bit simpler than an indoor event regarding certain details. Long veils are probably not the best idea as dragging any length of fine gauze tulle or lace along the ground can yield painful results. A birdcage veil or similar style would be more fitting, and it's such a demure and delicate look that can be glitzed up or down.

Twigs and Honey

I love the look of the jeweled band as opposed to a tiara for a rustic wedding. It has all the glitter but somehow fits the role better. It can be worn with the hair either up or down, and is just plain gorgeous either way. I think this use of muti-hued stones is just stunning.

Twigs and Honey

A simple flower or one with a spray of feathers is obviously a good choice for a garden wedding, and can be played with in terms of style to unite you and your bridesmaids. I think it is a good idea to take your accessories into account with your maids so that, while not the same, the look is cohesive.

Twigs and Honey

If you want to go for drama, go for drama. There is no better day for dressing with WOW factor than on your wedding day. This flapper inspired band fits perfectly with the emerging dress styles, and as well it could be used with any style of tea length dress, or a simpler floor length gown. Just be careful not to overdo it. A very detailed dress paired with complex hair ornamentation may be too over the top.

One of my favourite weddings this year, from Dream Green Weddings.

This is the time to think about shawls or sweaters (love a bride or maid in a sweater, so pretty!), both for practical reasons as well as for the style. It is possible if you are outside that you will want something to keep off any chill, or as protection from mosquitoes (essential oils of lavender and lemongrass also work for this if you think the scent of repellent is perhaps less than fabulous). If you are meaning to unite the looks of your bridesmaids, this is a way to do that in a casual yet stunning way, as with the maids above.

From Lilithist

From Koanizee

These are a few examples of handmade sweaters and such that I found on etsy just by looking up "crochet" and "wedding"... there are some stunning examples, too many to list here. The only downfall I could see was that their photography is not always the best, but if you look past that, there are some gorgeous finds.

From Bustle

This adorable shrug would be a pretty accessory if a sweater or shawl isn't your style but you would like to cover your shoulders. Very Victorian-esque.

From Erica Leilani Designs

From Savage Attic

This is the perfect time to add some sparkle with vintage jewelry. If you are searching for a maids gift, look for vintage finds on etsy or ebay, or at local auctions or sometimes even thrift or consignment shops. If you do a bit of searching, you can find gorgeous vintage pieces that are reasonably priced and as a bonus for etsy shopping, the sellers are generally known for putting extra effort into their packaging so you will have less to worry about when it comes time for wrapping. The sense of history that comes with a vintage or antique piece is as much a part of the gift as it's presentation, so try to get what history you can for it, the era, the country of origin, etc.


1. On A Wing 2. Irridescent Slings 3. Brocade Sings 4. Agave Peeps... all BHLDN

Ruche

ModCloth

Find shoes with a garden flair, and add as much or as little colour as you wish. The shoes are a place where it is tons of fun to throw in a pop of Wow. Wedges and sandal inspired styles are fine for an outdoor event. Remember that you will be walking on uneven and soft ground, the wider and lower the heel, the less chance of making a spectacle :)

Autumn Art

There are so many other places you can get whimsical with rustic as well... For more details on decor and such, we have one last post coming for you. Stay tuned!

The Rustic Wedding Part IV: Your Dress

2011-05-04T16:27:00.000-07:00

I realized two things while scouting dresses for this post. One was that I really should leave a day or so just for looking at gowns, because literally hours can go by while scoping pretty lace confections and I don't even notice... The other is that while I had anticipated writing about simple gowns created from linens or silks or even organic cotton, what I ended up with is a list almost entirely of lace! There are some really stunning simple sheaths and gowns if that is what you are looking for. You should always wear what you love and are most comfortable (read: feel the most beautiful) in! But if you are thinking that rustic means that you cannot wear something luxe, then I would happily venture to say that you are mistaken!

Anything from BHLDN would be a good choice.

BHLDN's Monarch Gown just screams garden wedding.

I see two recurring themes here. One is that very few of these are white and none are pure white, but rather diamond or oyster. Creme and champagne are there as well, but the soft taupes, beiges and ivories are the ones that I feel fit the bill. They just have a more vintage appeal and to me these shades nearly always win out over white because they seem to have a higher end look to them. (I don't subscribe to the "purity of white" concept because wedding dresses weren't white until Queen Victoria deemed that a consideration. Why on earth we adapted it to the point of insistence is beyond me.) I also am loving the rise in popularity of blush pinks in gowns and they would probably even be my first pick for a rustic but glamorous wedding. I have always advocated for blush pinks, they are just so romantic :)

Elie Saab from the 2010 collection. GORGEOUS lace caplet sleeves!

From JLM couture who always have the most stunning shoots. ADORE her hair!

The other is obviously the lace. Perhaps due to images of picnics during a time when there was a strict dress code of collars and cuffs, the idea of wearing a gown of lace to a garden fete or rustic themed wedding fits perfectly. This lace gown should be made of a quality needlepoint lace with heft and a good hand, not stitched onto a stiff organza backing for a starched look. If beaded, the beading should be minimal, perhaps with pearls or seed beads. This is not the place for overly beaded and sequined bodices. Also, if you want to include a train, try to keep it relatively short and give yourself the option of bustling it, as trying to clean bark mulch out of fine lace is no cake walk.

I have a soft spot for anything Monique Lhuillier does.

Pronovias's Oceano gown. Just stunning.

Myrrhia on etsy.

There are a number of artisans on etsy (and I'm sure elsewhere) who design and hand create gorgeous crocheted or handmade lace wedding gowns. If you would like something truly one of a kind, look around and you can find a designer who will make you your very own creation that would be perfect for your outdoor wedding.

For your guy, this is the opportunity to bust out a look that says anything but tux if he is not inclined to wear one. There are so many brilliant looks out there for men in wheat coloured jackets and suits or more poetic silk shirts and linen blazers. As with the rest of the scene, he should think in terms of the wedding's style and with a natural flair. Ways to accessorize your look in the next post!

The Rustic Wedding Part III: The Details

2011-05-01T08:01:00.000-07:00

via Paper Proposal

Twig table numbers from Green Wedding Shoes

If you would prefer the look for your wedding to fall under the category of "rustic" then there are a few elements that you will want to consider. First, natural elements should be at the core, whether in the form of wood, natural fabrics that tend to the more textured feel such as linen or burlap, and the inspiration that you find around you in the great outdoors. Twigs, leaves, birds all lend themselves well to a rustic theme.

This menu board made from an old window adds a bit of sparkle to the room (from Style Me Pretty). It is shown in the Venue post here.

These chairs found on Delightfully Engaged show how pretty worn elements look when details such as flowers and gauzy strips of fabric are used as embellishments.

Vintage keys in this Green Wedding Shoes photo add a sense of history and intrigue.

Second, the rust and the nicks and dents in well used and vintage items naturally give a worn and lived in feel. This is why vintage and found objects play so prominently in this look, the wear and tear is already there and you don't get a plasticky, too perfect look. It also gives a sense of history and interest to the decor and overall feel of the venue. DIY also features well as the personality of the couple shows through in details that are personalized and not mass produced, or the "same" as everyone else's event.

This image from Green Wedding Shoes shows simple kraft paper used in favour boxes for a natural and unadorned look.

Simplicity is another feature of rustic weddings. Taking cues from nature in a simple form adds elegance. If this were a complicated centerpiece it would have an entirely different feel but as place-card holders, these single pine cones and polished stones are sweet little ideas. From floral arrangements to food, the rustic wedding takes away many of the frills and lets the beauty of simplicity shine through. This does not mean that there is a lack of adornment, rather it is not overdone.

For most rustic themes, the colour palette is a pretty mix of colours found in nature. If you have a colour that you love and want to use, but are not sure if it is a "natural" choice, find a paint chip and compare the range you find. Generally natural colours have a small amount of gray in them which takes it out of the "true" colour and into a softer hue of the same. If you look at the above photos you can see that the pinks and yellows are not bright versions, but soft and they blend well. Sometimes it is best to stick with the neutral backdrop you get from natural (unbleached) fabrics, woods, glass and metals. Then add your colours in small doses until you find the right balance.

Use inspiration shots to find ideas as to where colour can be brought in without being overwhelming. For example, the blue found in some glass is a beautiful way to introduce blue when you mass vintage mason jars or bottles. A collection of various vintage glass is a very pretty way to introduce a rustic feel and glass can be found in blues, greens, browns, even lavenders and pinks. Or simply use clear glass for the look without the colour, it is still a beautiful way to add interest to a centerpiece.

Add some fun elements to your day with painted wood signage, another mainstay of rustic decor. Many of these projects are easy to do and can often be a way to get the groom or other men involved. Woodwork and painting using stencils is often more their cup of tea than sorting china or making fabric flowers. To distress the wood, they can hit it with hammers and random tools :)

The last word on rustic detailing is in flowers. In the past couple of years, the look has been very woodsy or country feeling, using sheafs of wheat and grasses, twigs and leaves and berries but with few flowers, or perhaps focusing on one simple flower type such as white roses. There are still those elements, but now there is more of a balance where there is more of a mix of flowers and the grasses, twigs and berries take a supporting role. Try for a wildflower look that implies that you gathered your bouquet on your way to the venue with a few choice varieties like poppies, ranunculous, anenomes and lily of the valley. The most important part of this look is local and in season. You want it to look natural and effortless.

via Green Wedding Shoes

Basically, the rustic look is all about natural elements and a less formal theme, even when you dress the table formally and add the sparkle of chandeliers. When you mix a few luxe touches with a natural setting, you have a good foundation for a rustic feeling affair and you can tweak it however you would like. As with any event or planning process, once you have your foundation set, you just need to scour inspiration sources and collect ideas for the details! Next, we will be looking at how to incorporate your own look into this rustic theme with words on dresses, hair and accessories. Till then...

Where Have I Been You Ask?

2011-04-29T15:42:00.000-07:00

ACK! You will have to excuse me... I finally caught it! I have been all but ignoring the Royal Wedding, but when I heard that she chose Sarah Burton, I finally caved :)

Alexander McQueen was by far my favourite designer of all time and I have utmost respect for Kate... ahem, sorry... Catherine choosing a design from his house. I absolutely dropped the ball on the rustic details for today... I apologize profusely!

I promise to be back tomorrow with the rustic theme and perhaps a few more photos of the Royals later today!

The Rustic Wedding Part II: The Venue

2011-04-28T10:38:00.000-07:00

I had intended to bring you ALL the details of putting together the Rustic Wedding today, but there is just simply too many gorgeous inspiration shots. I kind of got lost amongst tablescapes and lace gowns and suddenly four hours had passed... so I suppose that is the theme this week. Today we will focus on the Venue. Here is the best of what I found for Venue setups and decor.

The reality of finding a barn with such intensely gorgeous light as the one above and a wall of windows is pretty slim maybe (you could ask how they feel about some renovations LOL), however there are other elements here that are worth noting. Most impressively, the swaths of fabric (I am imagining silk because I am always imagining silk) is a fabulous way to add elegance to a barn on a budget. Fabric softens the lines and structure and is extremely simple to set up (get somebody else to climb the ladder though). This is also a great way to bring your colours into play, but it would look just as lovely in neutrals. Notice that the tables use a rustic look but are elegantly draped.

This barn wedding (the Jonas Wedding on Green Wedding Shoes, above) is kind of the epitome of a grand rustic affair with chandeliers and the table laid with crystal and silver. It is a simple enough setup, provided you can find the chandeliers to rent or a venue that is already set up (and there are a surprising number of these now, google "rustic wedding barn venue". There is always the option of finding them and fixing them up (which is always my favourite way) and ebay and thrift shops can be excellent sources. Craigslist is also a great source. I will show you some of the other gorgeous bits from this wedding in a following "Details" post, but notice how formally this table is laid out. If you opt for a barn wedding, there is no reason not to make it a luxe affair, just keep the decor natural looking and utilize the ruggedness of the space. Think five o'clock shadow meets tuxedo.

This layout from Style Me Pretty, while similar, is middle of the road formality. It utilizes the elements of the table runner, the symmetry and candlelight, but the candles are in mason jars, the settings are not formally laid, the runner is burlap or linen and the flowers are more posies than bouquets. This is a more lighthearted take with the same pretty meets rustic vibe. Also, the personal touches of the bits along the side wall bring in a fun touch. My favourite part of this version is how the blue of the glass jars and the blush pinks in the bouquet play against the neutral scheme. Such a tiny but pretty dose of colour.

Simple bottles and jars of hydrangeas sit alongside simple white china and dark napkins (bringing out the chocolate in the flowers) in this outdoor wedding. The favours of preserves fit the bill. Rustic by no means has to be confined to a barn if what you would prefer is an outdoor wedding. If you are confident of the weather you don't even need a tent. The sunshine always makes for a happy affair.

This gorgeous setup from Elizabeth Messina Photography was shown on Style Me Pretty and made the rounds because it is just too gorgeous! The crystal drenched chandeliers and formal setup are just so fabulous when in the context of a garden soiree outdoors.

This farm table automatically says rustic. It is set up to pull the greenery in and even the bistro chairs add an air of simplicity to the scene. The runner is short, and the table is set up directly on the ground, giving this a casual sense while the table is laid fairly formally so as to remind the guests that they are still at a wedding and must use their table manners :)

via Tickled Pink

A much more laid back scheme is part garden party and part wedding reception. The wood chairs and earthy tones say rustic, but this time the ferns and dahlias, the simple place settings and the lanterns give the feel of a woodland inspired event.

Via Modern Girl

The ultimate in rustic is to simply find the most beautiful outdoor space you can and set up shop there. Sometimes mother nature provides the best decor. Whichever you choose, let the natural elements dictate the decor and add as much or as little formality as you wish for the venue. The real fun is in the details. Once you have the venue sorted, it is the personal touches that will make your day stand out and really shine! Tomorrow we will look at some of the things you can use to inspire your own rustic affair!

The Year Of The Rustic Wedding Part I: The Look

2011-04-27T05:57:00.000-07:00

Photo Simply Bloom via Dream Green Weddings

It comes as no surprise that one of the biggest trends in wedding decor is still the rustic scene that has been huge over the last couple of years. It follows the economy's turn that we have been incorporating more DIY into the events, but also finding that there is such joy in sharing the projects with family and friends as well as just getting our hands "dirty" and involved in the process.

via Sweetest Occasion

Whereas the events over the past while were very farm-esque, with hay bale seating and barn door photo ops, we are heading into a more crafted, wildflower meets old world attic feel for rustic this year. Chandeliers and birdcages are everywhere and doilies and elaborate picture frames abound. How does one incorporate glamour into rustic?

via Luna and Chloe

These finds illustrate how it can be done, and in most cases, these looks can still be sought out at thrift stores, or even better for those who don't have the time or inclination to hunt them out, most areas have prop rental businesses where you can find everything from vintage typewriters and suitcases to chandeliers and settees at quite a low cost! Tomorrow we will show you some of the details that can help to pull this look together, some inspiration to set you dreaming and some links to where you can find pieces to pull your own gorgeous rusticly inspired look together!

Something Borrowed... Inspiration

2011-04-23T20:58:00.000-07:00

I found some Inspiration Boards to share with you (click on the photos to see them large)...

All of the above are from the Favor Shop via Bridal Tweet, a wedding networking site for brides and vendors. It's very pink, and there is lots going on, but there are a lot of interesting tidbits for those looking for ideas or common ground...

...and these ones are from Beginning of Forever, also through Bridal Tweet. Yes, this is me being very lazy on Easter weekend. Forgive me, the weather was gorgeous today and I spent all of my time outside soaking up sun and playing in dirt... I am readying my forest for my very own tea party photo shoot if it redeems me at all :)

Happy Easter! May there be much fair trade chocolate in your pretty little hands over the holiday!

To Chase Away The Rain: Laura and Parker

2011-04-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

Oh, I am so happy that couples today are infusing their weddings with their own unique personalities. When I entered the wedding industry fifteen years ago, it was not an option. I really mean that. I remember shopping boutiques and getting the craziest looks for asking any question that even looked at the wall of the box, never mind venturing outside of it. This wedding I found on Love and Lavender today is all sorts of fun!

Parker and Laura had their entire family in on the planning, including Parker's aunt making Laura's gown, which as far as I'm concerned is one of the best uses of ruffle I have seen in awhile...

The pops of colour would have been a happy thing any day, but that particular day happened to be a bit rainy so were all the more welcome to chase the gray away!

I love the vintage bits (as I always do) and all the DIY that Laura took on... but my favourite part is that you can't look at any of these photos and mistake it for part of another wedding. They will be in people's conversations for quite some time and I guarantee that guests at this wedding went home smiling! Check out the rest of the wedding (and some seriously cool giraffes) over at Love and Lavender.

Inspiration: Roses and Lavender

2011-04-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

Vintage details in pretty shades...

1. Marie's Vintage 2. ??? 3. Pamela Angus 4. via Eat Drink Pretty

Lavender suede shoes from Maria's Vintage on etsy would be such lovely wedding shoes, no? Gotta have small feet though, which can sometimes be the way for fabulous vintage footwear. They had much smaller feet back then apparently. Don't get me started on the mint, most fabulous Pradas that I simply couldn't squish my toes into... almost framed them they were so stunning, but I let them go. Sigh. Anyhow, I digress...

Two more ideas that I adore and have been waiting to post till the right pieces came together, feather flowers (LOVE) and stained glass bunting, which I actually found on a French seller's site long before the bunting craze came about, but I am sure that if you could find a stained glass artist local to you they could create this. I took a course awhile ago and this looks totally doable for somebody with the right equipment. And SO so pretty! This bit of loveliness is from the French Alps. The chandelier is all over the place right now, but since I have adored them from my first ballet at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, I will keep supporting that movement even after it has died out. Long live the gorgeous lighting fixture hanging from a tree branch!

Can you tell I am in an Easter mood?

Sitting on Pins and Needles

2011-04-20T05:27:00.000-07:00

I was lucky to have recently had the opportunity to be part of a photo shoot put together by the lovely and uber talented photographer Carmen Adams from FRESH Photography. She is rather brilliant, and recently became rather local, and I asked her to include a quilt in her shoot because I cannot for the life of me seem to get decent pics and this was too good an opportunity to pass up.

I spent three days that were already chock full, whipping up a sample quilt in her colour scheme of blush pinks, creams and coral, with the only parameter otherwise being that it was to look "nostalgic". So vintage lace and tea stained doilies it was, as well as some of my favourite quotes, graphics and a hodge podge of fabric pieces that I was saving for just the right piece.

She whisked the quilt away and told me that they were doing the shoot in an old wood shack... then she showed me some of the details and I became simply obsessive over seeing the end result! I cannot wait... it's driving me insane :)

(tick, tock, tick, tock...)

Inspired by... Elizabeth Messina

2011-04-18T11:42:00.000-07:00

Oh, I am just SO inspired by this shoot from Elizabeth Messina on Inspired By This. I am now planting dahlias in my garden... they can be woodland forest flowers, right?

I actually got little pitter patters over the last dress's lace jacket... The delicate nature of this bridal look is just ethereal. Yes, I was completely inspired by this.... you can find the rest of the gorgeous layout at IBT.

When Wedding Meets Faye... Fabulous Alternative Formal Wear

2011-04-15T12:24:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for something different for your wedding? The idea of the typical bridal look doesn't suit your fancy? It can be really difficult to pin down a more creative look for couples who want to do something, anything other than what everyone else is doing. It is easy enough to know that you want a unique look, but figuring out what that is exactly can be far more difficult and your average bridal salon or website is not going to be of any help. They don't work with anything other than what they see every day. So how do you go about finding something that suits your style if you don't really know what that is? It's not as if you've done bridal before!

Enter Kelsey. Kelsey's designs have been a staple in my area for ages, but we are a town of artists and cirque performers and just general oddness. Sometimes when you are surrounded by creativity moment to moment, it is difficult to remember that the rest of the world doesn't get to see what you see. Kelsey's designs have taken her signature style around the globe and given quality of work to a genre that happily marries costume with ready to wear.

For those who are looking for a fabulously unique look to their wedding, these designs have gorgeously couture detailing that you won't see anywhere else, short of perhaps in art galleries and studios that show textiles. She does custom work, happily taking your inspiration from one or many garments and creating an entirely new look for you. My background is in fashion design and costume detailing, and I can assure you that the time and detail that goes into each of her pieces is extraordinary.

For me, one of the most exciting parts of Kelsey's Creations, is that she does as well with her men's clothing as her designs for women. Men tend to be left out in the cold when it comes to fashion of any sort. Even male designers design for women. The details on the formal looks here are gorgeous and in my opinion, very wedding appropriate. You definitely won't find this readily available anyplace else!

As Kelsey's major component is festival wear and costuming, you will not find a bridal section on her website, you will have to contact her about doing a custom gown (you can find her on facebook as well). Comparably, her prices are beyond reasonable, and you will not regret working with her to create your very own couture masterpiece.

Photo Bliss... Simply Bloom

2011-04-14T07:51:00.000-07:00

My new favourite inspiration shot of a bride, from Simply Bloom Photography...

I pretty much could waste a day just lovingly perusing their site, so you are forewarned, a visit WILL lead to much time missing from your day. It is like taking a trip to your own little eye candy wonderland, and more like a vortex than an actual time waster. If it helps, I don't think you could be blamed for spending the next few hours there... so let your boss know I said it's OK.

Vera Wang Spring 2011... A Study In Lightness and Air

2011-04-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

Does Vera ever do anything wrong in bridal? When it comes to weddings, this woman is an inspiration across the board for the bridal industry. Her innovative detailing and structure is always awaited each season with baited breath. For industry professionals, she is a powerhouse that has built an empire on all things bridal, from gowns to china to perfume to mattresses. For the bride, her editorial images are swoonworthy in every regard and she sets the standard for that season's advertorial content. For the designer, her gowns are the ultimate in structural integrity married to soft sophistication, and her attention to detail is evident in every pleat and drape.

Designer Sketch of Freya

Freya

Like any designer, Vera has a personal relationship with each gown. I love what she says about Freya... "The woman who wears this dress may go to a quiet garden party, but she will be the center of attention." The gown's foundation is an organza corset that allows a peek into the boning and structural aspects of the bodice to add a bit of a cheeky element. She knows her brides well enough to be able to go out on a limb for them but in a way that never strays from who she is as a brand. She is consistent with her innovation but always wearable to the degree that choosing one of her gowns would be near to impossible if they did not each portray such a distinct personality.

I am completely stunned (again) by her Spring 2011 collection and the way she has taken the detail to just the right level. This is a designer that works with fabric like it is air, never overdoing it so as to make the beading look heavy, always incorporating sheer textiles with a drape that appears to float around the body.

I simply adore the detailing of the lifted petals.

My favourite of the Spring 2011 collection.

Understanding how she goes about creating a new design, it is immediately apparent why her gowns are so sought after, as well as why she has become such a name in the business. It is relatively easy to create pieces that sit on a form and look pretty, but to have a design that fits a moving body and keeps its flattering shape without overwhelming in one way or another is difficult. It is this area that Vera Wang excels at, using a corset as the form for every dress but expertly hiding the structural form (when she wants to) in softness and intricate detail. It is this skill that keeps her pieces a step above most gowns and distinguishes them as works of art.

Woodland Wedding Inspiration

2011-04-12T07:31:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend gardening and searching out violets in my mini maple forest. I have deer that roam through and nibble on everything, so I am waiting to see what pops up in spring and what didn't make it. I doubt very much that Snow White's deer ate the flowers in the forest, for what would she pick for her bouquet otherwise? No, her deer knew which plants were for eating. Not mine. They do leave the crocuses alone though... so far.

1. KTJean 2. ??? 3. Martha Stewart 4. Earmark

Such loveliness in a trio of light and airy dresses from KT Jean on etsy. I know I keep saying so, but the quality of gowns on etsy gets better and better. I cannot enough extol the virtues of at least browsing through to find a few details... there are so many wonderful sellers now that you should be able to find somebody fairly close to you whom you can work with if you are in the market for a designer. Or for some personalized touches such as the "Better Together" banner from Earmark, another etsy seller. One of the best sources absolutely for a handmade wedding.

I didn't label the gorgeous boutonniere for the Father of the Bride when I filed it. I wish I had, that wedding had so many gorgeous touches. If you recognize it, let me know. And of course, the cake is one of Martha's team's better known, the woodland fern cake from a few years ago. Who doesn't love tiny mushrooms all over their wedding cake? I fell in love when I saw this one and have never forgotten it. Perfect for a pretty, sun-dappled Woodland Wedding.

Pretty Spring Posies

2011-04-11T13:44:00.000-07:00

Loving this pic from {frolic}... spring flowers, pretty hair and lovely pink stained lips. Such a delicate look but with a strong enough palate to not fade away.

Did I Mention Doilies?

2011-04-10T03:53:00.000-07:00

From Yasoknitting

How adorable are these knitted ballet slippers? Two trends in one! AND they are eco-chic bamboo... AND they are antimicrobial (because bamboo is naturally so)... AND they can be used to pirouette about the house looking fabulous after the wedding... AND... did I mention how adorable they are?

Bits Of Love & Lace

2011-04-06T12:54:00.000-07:00

Apparently we are having a bit of a love affair with doilies as of late. I am just adoring these crocheted bits found on etsy!

Love Stone favours from Stitch Happens

Doily bunting made from vintage doilies.

Found at Janellish

From Grace and Favour.

If you order the Love Stones (at top) now, the proceeds will benefit the Japan Relief Fund. How good is it to give something so special when making a purchase for your wedding? There is just something so happy about doilies!

Pure Magnolia

2011-04-01T13:17:00.000-07:00

For those looking for a truly Ecouture dress for their big day, take a gander at Pure Magnolia from Vancouver, British Columbia. The designer, Patty Nayel is intent on not only keeping her own impact on the environment small by using sustainable fabrics, reclaimed silks, vintage laces and local production; but also by using production waste from other textile companies. This means less of a footprint for them as well!

Many of the fabrics used in Pure Magnolia's dresses are produced by villages local to where the fibres are grown, and in an ecological manner. This provides fabrics that have not been shipped back and forth from farm to processing plants to production in various countries before landing on North American soil. It is also important that the villages close to the farms are sourced for labour, not only because it creates employment for their own economy, but also because the local communities are often best suited to process that particular fibre. This is very different from the process of shipping large quantities of raw fibre to the processing plant with the lowest bid, then to the lowest bidding factories to create the garment. Producing the gowns at home in Vancouver allows Patty to oversee production techniques and quality control.

Pure Magnolia has had gowns featured in Flare magazine and Wedluxe and has shown at Vancouver EcoFashion Week. The design of the gowns showcase Patty's love of technical design and the ethics that are the foundation of her label are an extension of how she lives her own life and her personal values. For gowns and party dresses that give a conscious mindset equal billing with fashion forward details, visit Pure Magnolia online.

Shades of Smoke and White

2011-03-26T14:47:00.000-07:00

I feel that this is one of the last gray days before the sunny days of spring truly arrive. I can hear the birds singing, and they usually know what's up! Here's to the clouds and may their travels (far away) be just lovely enough that they don't want to come back for a while...

1. Maggie Austin Cakes 2. Yulia Brodskaya 3. Monique Lhullier 4. RavensRefuge

The delicate frills of this cake by Maggie Austin Cakes are like tiers of petals and echo the layers in a frothy gown. Another delicate art, paper quilling, is mastered by Russian artist Yulia Brodskaya who now resides in London. If you love her work, which I do, you can find a beautiful journal with her paper art here for jotting notes. Recycled gold bands by Ravens Refuge on Etsy show us that sparkly details can be just as green as any other eco detail. Monique Lhullier never fails to impress with gorgeous detailing.