Real Wedding :: Natasha + Paul

Jake and Jess from Kamp Photography of Winnipeg, Canada, sent me these photos from a dreamy blue wedding they shot last October. I would really like to know if the couple chose blue, or the blue chose them. Notice the cerulean windows in the church – perfectly matching the hue of the bridal party colours.



The reception was held at the Western Canada Aviation Museum, hence the theme of the reception. I love the use of the cabin of that airplane for the bridal party picture, the cute little chocolate airplane favours, and, my favourite, the ring shot on the engine. Because the pictures are so beautiful, I couldn’t decide which to post, so here are some more. See the full slideshow on Kamp Blog.

Suitcase Favour Tins

Aren't these cute? For the destination wedding. Or a travel themed wedding. They may not be formal enough for your occasion so perhaps a fun save the date - "Pack your bags!" Or a thank you for the rehearsal dinner. Or a favour from the engagement party. What would you use them for?



The company that brings us this cuteness? - Shop Love Me. They also offer custom labels, here's a few examples...

Chandeliers :: Inspiration Boards

This was quite timely and delightful! If you haven't seen them already, Kathryn over at Snippet & Ink posted two beautiful (as always) boards featuring chandeliers this week.

#150 Palm Leaf Wedding



#151 Chandeliers on the Beach

Chandelier Details :: Photo Booth

This has to be one of my favourite chandelier finds of the week…

Set up these curtains and they could be a simply fabulous real simple detail. Use them as the backdrop for a photo booth or behind the head table. Imagine if you lit them from behind to make them glow, or clustered lights right behind the print to shine up only the chandelier.

And because they are so charming, you could certainly reuse them in your home making it eco-friendly decor! They would be adorable in a dining room or bedroom.

Love, love, love.



Found on Etsy at Teal Town. Apparently these curtains have received so much attention they will work with their clients to customize them. “All you have to do is contact them with your desired curtain color, ink color and length (63" or to-the-floor) and they will work with you to make a set of curtains.”

Chandelier Details :: The Gifts

I have a few more sparkly items to share so I think we'll carry this chandelier business on for the whole week. This just might be a new feature for Blush.alicious. Theme Week! What do you think?

Now for some fun. Presents! I love presents! Giving and getting. I love finding the perfect gift for someone, especially those closest to me, wrapping it up all super special, and handing it over.

The problem with these wonderful treats is that I'd have to buy one of each for myself too.



Clockwise from top left: Off the shoulder tee from Etsy shop Pretty Raccoon Clothing; Chanda Leer Ring Wristlet by Madie Deluxe; Café Toile Apron by Main Street-Store; “Chandelier Dreaming” print from Etsy shop Peachy Cheek; and Little Stuffs bag by Etsy shop Punchanella.

Chandelier Details :: The Paper

Imagine requesting your best girlfriends be in your bridal party with pretty cards like these: you could go formal like the one on the left, customized with her name. Or you could go just plain fun with the "How's it Hangin?" card. You could keep it casual and write "Wanna be my maid?" inside.



Etsy shop Paper Nosh on the left; Etsy shop 3 Bags Full on the right.


One could utilize any of the following stationary suites to invite guests to any function; the wedding, the rehearsal, the showers, the engagement party...



From left to right: Wedding Writes; DIY invitations from Uniquity Invitations; and Wedding Paper Divas.


These tags could be used on gifts or favours, or as place cards or escort cards...



Pink oval "Luster Tags" by Etsy shop Natural Historie; Die Cut, 2"x 2", paper (I love these!) chandeliers from Etsy shop Luvmypets; and manila glam handstamped tags from Etsy shop Amy Elise Designs.


And, of course, the notecards...



All three are Etsy Shops: Petite Pear Paperie; The Bella Bella Co.; and Alice's Looking Glass

Chandelier Details :: Jewellery

And since Blush.alicious is featuring the details as of late please find some more delicious chandelier inspired things I’ve wandered into.,,

Jewellery – wouldn't these be grand as gifts for your bridesmaids? Or to wear to the rehearsal dinner? All of these were found on Etsy.



Clockwise from top left:
“White Chandelier Earrings” by Lauren K. Roberts; “Blue Square Chandelier Ceramic Necklace” by Lusterbunny; “Forever Love” Chandelier Crystal Drop by tearoseworkshop; and “Low Light” Pendant by buffyagan.

Mini Chandeliers

I was shopping recently and came across the most adorable/fabulous/must have item. These miniature chandeliers designed by Chris Collicott. I found them at a great shop here in Calgary but found them online at Kikkerland.com.



They are acrylic, come in these three colours (as far as I can tell), are lit by four LED lights running on three AAA batteries. I know it's hard to tell from this but they are only five inches in height. F-i-v-e.

I'm imagining one, or two, or three, suspended above each guest table. Clustered above the welcome table. Hanging from the trees. The possibilities are endless.

They also come in a mini version of a classic crystal cascade or imperial style.



Mini! Mini! Mini!

Real Wedding ::: Lauren + Derek

Timeless, classic, simple. The wedding of Lauren and Derek exemplifies the idea of a simple wedding. Both venues provide natural décor of rustic beauty; they didn’t have an aisle or ceremony seating, everyone just gathered around. Beautiful dahlias provide bursts of colour and the bride and groom’s attire is gorgeous, effortless, and stylish. They let the surroundings determine the details of the wedding, such as the twig handled silverware, the woodland cake, and the camp badge favours.

I love this wedding. Really love it. If SexyHusband and I could do it all again – this would be my inspiration.

Jessamyn Harris is the talent behind the glorious wedding photographs and the lovely and graceful couple are the curators of The Curiosity Shop in San Francisco.

English Rose Board

On Friday I suggested that readers tell me which was their favourite bridal gown from the six Monique Lhuillier dresses I posted and I would create an inspiration board. This was much easier said than done as usually I have a few pictures and an idea before I create a board. This dress had me starting with a blank canvas, just the dress; but I love a challenge so this is how it evolved...

The dress made me think of a church wedding, as the dress is quite demure. I imagined a stuffy old vicker telling the bride she couldn't bare her shoulders in his esteemed cathedral. I then imagined lovely pink roses, cricket, tea cakes, and footmen with top hats. Of course, every English Rose wedding would be attended by the finest frocks and millinery and I found inspiration for the reception venue from the exposed brick of the backdrop in the dress picture.

Credits:
Flower Girl Picture by Ben Joseph Photography; Dress by Monique Lhuillier; Venue from Smith and Niemierko; Church picture by Kate Hampton Photography; Bouquet by Martha Stewart Weddings; Shoe shot from Kathryn Lloyd; Cake by Little Venice Cake Company; Top Hats picture from Kate Hampton Photography; Woman in hat by Robert Lawler; Croquet from Brides.com.

Please let me know how I did!

Real Wedding ::: Marliss + Brad

I just adore these next two photos, nice capture to Rob & Lauren. Do you recognize their first dance?



It's from Dirty Dancing of course... "Nobody puts Marliss in a corner."

Lastly, I just wanted to express my admiration for the use of the venue in these last two photos. The venue is the historical McKay Avenue School.

In case you can't read this, the board on the right has lines written on it, "Brad loves Marliss, Brad loves Marliss, Brad loves Marliss..." The board on the left says, "and to her I pledge my love and loyalty" Oh so sweet.



Their expressions are priceless!



Love, love, love. It's all about the details. Find the rest of the pictures on Rob & Lauren's Blog.

Real Wedding ::: Marliss + Brad

This is the beautiful wedding of Marliss and Brad, shot by the ever-so-talented Rob & Lauren Photographers in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

I am completely enchanted and captivated by this wedding; the venue is so full of character and the couple used it to it’s full potential. I wish I knew how the creation of this wedding took place - if the historical site prompted the theme of the wedding or if the couple were delighted to find the perfect place to hold their Roaring 20’s/Hollywood Glamour designed wedding.

To start: something special tucked into the folds of Marliss' dress, easily one of the most beautiful bouquets I have ever seen, and a breathtaking bridal portrait.



Next: Caught kissing in the classroom, fun shots of the bridal party (amazing lighting), the themed movie clapper, and the favours of chocolate cigars and Popeye ciggies.



I'll post a couple more pictures a little later today.

kenzieKate Invitations

Yesterday, I had the great fortune to chat with the charming Mackenzie Sala of Something Old, Something New. I’m a daily admirer of her blog and I’m so very grateful that she took some time out of her day for me.

Being a fan of her blog, I’m also a fan of her invitations so I popped on over; have you taken a look at kenzieKate Invitations lately? She has some new suites in her collection. Gorgeous.

I love that she finds inspiration from, and names her works, after beautiful cities, both domestic and international. Her designs are intricate, beautiful, thoughtful, and versatile; the bride and groom can customize both the wording and the colour palette to match their event.

Welcome to Aberdeen, Havana, and Charlotte:



Then, just for fun, I created mini inspiration boards to match these three...

Seville


Aspen


Cozumel


Thanks again Mackenzie!

Photo Credits: I have been collecting photos for a very long time, for the most part it was for inspiration for my own wedding, never with this in mind. So, unfortunately, I don't have all the sources for these photos. I wil list those I do have. If you recognize a photo as yours or can identify the source please contact me.

Cozumel: outdoor reception by Beth Helmstetter Events; Shell 'ringbox' and shell 'wreaths' by Colin Cowie.

Real Wedding ::: Melanie + Patrick

We’ve had the most glorious autumn, exactly what it should be, a little chilly with the sun still shining, what I call leather jacket weather. Today, however, is the first day it really feels like winter. The temperature has dropped below -14°C (7°F), and it is about -25°C (-13°F) if you factor in the chill of the wind. So, even though I love winter and Christmas, I have the majority of my presents purchased, and the décor is going up next weekend. I just didn’t feel like posting anything frosty today, I feel like something warm.

So, I’m recalling a wedding I saw on Erin Gilmore’s blog. It was the wedding of Michelle and Patrick; you can’t get any warmer than this. Dahlias and orchids, butterflies and canoes. What I love about this wedding is the serious frivolity and unadulterated amount of fun everyone appears to be having. See for yourself…

Real Wedding ::: Lindsay + Josh

Two Calgarians, Lindsay Olson and Josh Woitas, were married in Banff on the 3rd of November in a winter wonderland dreamed up and produced by the vastly talented team at Table Talk.

The princess bride wore three different gowns, the groom two tuxedos, there were 800 guests, a 24-foot bar made of ice, nine tiers made up the cake, and 15,000 thousand Swarovski crystals. It even snowed on the first dance.























The Venue: The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and Conference Centre. This was the largest event ever held at the Banff Springs.

The Crew: Event planner extraordinaire Lynn Fletcher of Table Talk organized the event, with help from an additional 300 people from more than 40 different vendors.

The Flowers: The church ceremony was decorated by The Nosegay floral shop in Calgary, and the reception by Willow Haven in Canmore.

The Invitations: The invitations, guest gift boxes and place cards by Plush Invitations.

The Cake: Nine tiers and nine flavours, by Barb LaBerge of Cake Creations in Canmore.

The Photographs: The esteemed Alan Maudie of course. I posted most of the pictures but you can find a few more on maudieblog.

There was a story published in the Calgary Sun you can read here.

Fairytales really do come true.

Pretty Pretty Table

Couldn't this picture just inspire your entire wedding? The rich celadon and crisp white are so fresh and young against the dramatic and ornate fireplace; one could spin this classic look into many different theme ideas: a bridesmaids luncheon just off a sandy beach, “Brunch at Tiffany’s” for your mom, sisters, cousins, aunts and grandmothers. Or, in honour of the upcoming season, one could whirl this into a frosty, glamorous, winter wedding with ease. What does this inspire in you?



Love the use of the paper flowers, and, can you see? They've set the table with the spoons down. Love that too!

Pictures from Brides.com

Hallowe'en Wedding Cake

Wouldn't this just be the best cake for a Hallowe'en wedding? It's bootiful.



Let Them Eat Cake in Costa Mesa, CA.

Palate Palette

I have a couple getting married next year on the first day of summer. Outside. Beside a pond. I had bright colours dancing through my head, pinks! oranges! yellows! aquas! greens! blues!

Then Terri bought her dress; {it’s beautiful by the way} it has highlights and embroidery in burgundy. Her bridesmaids will be in black. And the men will be in black tuxedos. Hmmm. Challenge. Burgundy and black automatically make me think of winter and fall. So, It’s my job to bring in the summer!

Inspiration! My husband was casually flipping through an issue of Men’s Fitness magazine and, me, peeking over his shoulder (he loves it when I do this, ha!) spots a bar chart showing the different types of wine. Quite frankly, I wasn’t paying attention to the article, just the bar chart showing the gradient colours of wine from a darkest to lightest. It was gorgeous! Me: “Are you done with that magazine yet honey?” “Now? Are you done now?” So I cut it out of the magazine and showed it to Terri. She’s all in.

This is the palette we’re going with, and I’m really excited about it!



Since our next task is focusing on hiring a florist I spent some time yesterday thinking about her bouquet. These are a few considerations I’ve sent her.



I'm very excited to see how this is all going to shape up. I love this creative stage of the wedding planning. And, the moral of the story... inspiration can be found anywhere!

Michelle Rago Inc.

I am in awe of this woman's talents. And I aspire to create events as breathtaking and meticulous as hers. Here's a glimpse at the genius of Michelle Rago.




I'm so excited to see that she'll soon be blogging. Check back for that report!

Un-Cookie Cutter

The thing I love most about this wedding is how it emphasizes the personalities of the bride and groom. No one wants their wedding to be the same as everyone else’s but this couple seems to have embraced their zest for life and captured it on their wedding day. There is a delicate yellow and bird theme but it only highlights the couple.

I find that so many couples pick their theme and the entire wedding is saturated with Eiffel Towers for their “French Provincial Wedding”, or grapes, cork and ivy for their “Vintage Wine Wedding”. Or the couple choose one colour to decorate their day and every thing that could possibly be aqua is aqua; from the bridesmaids dresses and groomsmen’s ties, to the centrepieces to the tongues of the bride and groom who have just enjoyed their cake covered in aqua fondant.

I think the most important theme to choose is the personalities and relationship of the bride and groom. Then add in subtle touches that are uniquely you.

Meet Patricia + Corey:



This amazing wedding was shot by Erin Gilmore Photography. She's Vancouver based and -oh-so-fabulous-. I leave you with my favourite shot of the whole day.