auld lang syne...

Wishing you a safe and happy new year's eve!

See you in 2009...

Check out New Years Celebrations Around the World.

Images Courtesy of Pilipala9's photostream

There comes a time in every woman's life when the only thing that helps is a glass of Champagne.
- Bette Davis

It's a Wonderful Life

I leave you this Christmas Eve with my favorite scene from one of my favorite movies: It's a Wonderful Life.



All the best to you and yours.

a Christmas Eve Wedding...

It is my dream to plan a Christmas Eve Wedding.

I would love.love.love. to come up with creative, personal ways of incorporating the couple's individual style into this traditional holiday.

Since my Love Affair with Snippet&Ink is no secret, I thought it would be fitting to use her Amazing Inspiration Boards to describe some Holly, Jolly, Weddings.


[1] Love & Warmth

[1] I picture this vintage-infused wedding board being replicated in an afternoon outdoor wedding {don't you love this wedding in the snow?}. I would capitalize on the warm eggnog and nutmeg tones of this board by incorporating more of the lush cream florals, rustic twigs, and delicate lace details picked up here. The soundtrack will be full of fun, upbeat Christmas songs {like Brenda Lee's rendition of "Rocking around the Christmas Tree"}. I envision a buffet-style meal of comfort foods: creamy mashed potatoes, turkey, gravy, and marshmallow salad finished with a traditional white wedding cake {carrot or spice with cream cheese icing}! Guests will enjoy warm cider, eggnog, cocoa, and hot toddies. The decor will be quite simple yet elegant, using snow flakes, crystal, and pearl accents {& maybe even some classic popcorn garland}. Guests will leave with a delicate & unique snowflake or icicle ornament of their choosing off of one large decorated tree {assembled inside or outside} or off of an arrangement of large twigs in a vase. Simple, warm, elegance.

[2] Let's be Jolly

[2] This board is not only gorgeous for a winter wedding, but also based on my favorite holiday decorating palette: winter white, cream, and cherry red. There is something so classic about red and white. I think this wedding board could be stunning in two interpretations: {a} Classic & Rustic, or {b} Modern & Elegant.
I am going to describe the latter interpretation, here.
This wedding will fit perfectly in a modern venue like an art gallery or studio. I would love to include personalized Christmas lyrics in frames throughout the reception venue in that to-die-for calligraphy! A very crisp and clean backdrop will do: the decor will be depicted through the black, white, and red dress code of the guests and bridal party, the hits of red throughout the venue {glass vases filled with red glass ornaments or ripe pomegranates}, strategically placed branches with holly berries, and large red bows. I would suggest a standing reception with finger foods {mini burgers, pizzas, and Asian to go boxes filled with yummy noodles} served off sterling trays. Guests will toast with classic cosmopolitans or elegant mock-tails. The mood would be set by the jazzy classics of Sinatra, Crosby, Clooney, and Martin. The night will be topped off by cupcakes with whipped white icing and toasts with special coffee {& whip cream}! Guests will be presented with a CD collection of the Christmas classics. Classically Modern Elegance.

[3] Sleighbells Ring

[3] To me, this board is a fusion of "Little House on the Prairie" and "Snow Bunny Chic." The venue and decor are simple: a log cabin full of lots of pine, lots of pine cones, and lots of warm lighting {& maybe a little mistletoe, too}. A live band or string trio/ quartet will be a lot of fun and will set the tone for a traditional Christmas in the Country. I like how the natural tones of green and brown are picked up in all aspects of the wedding: even the stationary! It would be so great {and easy} to add the theme of sustainability to this wedding through the reused paper products, mason jars, and unique vintage finds from local thrift stores. It will also set a home-y feel. Guests will dine buffet-style on all the classics one would find in a Christmas spread and sit at beautifully decorated and draped {indoor} picnic tables. Christmas Cheer will be shared over 'nog, punch, and homemade malt wine. This traditional-inspired evening will be topped off by- our favorite- a pie bar! Finally, guests will be presented with a pine seedling in a paper bag wrapped with a pretty cream bow as they left. Home-y and festive traditions.

For more information and Planning ideas for Winter Weddings check out Brides.com

There'll be parties for hosting,
marshmallows for toasting and
caroling out in the snow.

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

Snowed in?

Here is a Collection of Links I am currently gushing over to help fill your long, lazy, Winter afternoons
{however, curling up with a good book, your sweetie, or a mug of hot chocolate will also do the trick}...

Kate Headley
Today, I am lusting over:

• The J.Crew Wedding collection.


• This rustic garden-inspired wedding for its {many} details. My Favorites: the Gorgeous floral centerpieces, the guest book table, and the place card arrangement.


• These beautiful vintage-infused weddings collected by Style Me Pretty.


• Stunning Wedding Photography found here & here.


• A wedding in the snow.


• Cameron Diaz's Winter Street Style: how can I put together this look?


• Sweet and Beautiful Holiday treats.


• This DIY Guide: I love these wreaths and can't wait to attempt one.


• The Coco+Kelley Wardrobe Wish List: oh those shoes! {I.heart.Louboutins} *sigh*


• The vintage style of this couple and these birdcage veils.


• Oprah's Favorite Things for Holiday 2008! {So many great ideas that are thoughtful and thrifty}


• Vanity Fair's Collection of the best photos of 2008. {Part ii}.


• Elf Yourself: enough said. {Check out the New Moves available this year}!


• A Holiday Wedding at Home? I love it!


• These photos are stunning.

Le Love

I'm dreaming...

Quite possibly THE RAD-EST family out there.
I want to meet them.


Wishing You a Merry 'Vintage' Christmas! from Jared Foster on Vimeo.
Video courtesy of Melancholy Smile via Black*Eiffel

Happy Christmas Eve Eve.

Absolutely Beautiful

Image Courtesy of Anna Kuperberg.
On a beautiful snow day like today I can't resist posting this lovely found on Snippet & Ink.

R & A

Image courtesy of CECI New York

I found this image on Style Me Pretty and couldn't resist posting it.

Not only are they Ryan and Angela's initials {this Monogram was created for a 'Ryan and Angelica' if you can believe it}, but they are also in EGGPLANT!

For more Invitation and Monogram inspiration, check out CECI New York's Luxury Couture Collections: CECI Luxe, CECI Style, CECI Classic.

My Personal Favorite: a beautiful vintage New York- inspired set with lovely calligraphy.



You don't really know a woman until she writes you a letter.
Ada Leverson

Pie Love.

Touche.
Image Courtesy of 2DishDesigns.
It seems as though our little 'Pie Bar' idea is growing in popularity as couples move away from the traditional wedding cake.

Here, Joanna Goddard discusses pie options and questions the apparent importance of feeding each other cake on the big day.

I personally love any alternative to a traditional Wedding Cake.
Dessert & pie bars, cupcakes, ice cream stations, candy bars, or any sweet finger foods become a memorable conversation piece and spare guests from watching the bride and groom smoosh cake in each other's faces.

Image Courtesy of Joanna's Friend Tasha's beautiful wedding via Martha

Bride Wars

So excited for this one:



What a fun movie for a Girl's Night Out?

Make sure you check out the February edition of Modern Bride for movie-inspired ideas and style inspiration.


Image Courtesy of Magazine Agent

For Ryan: Groom Inspiration...

Photo by James Day
Although the wedding is often referred to as 'the bride's day,' it is important to remember the guy waiting for her at the end of the isle who plays a small role in the affair...


Photo by Danny Weiss
We already looked at simple ways of adding personal touches to a groom's otherwise uniform style. However, I thought it would be helpful for grooms - like Ryan - to have helpful [& comical] resources for the Main Event.


Photo by Stacy Reeves
Polka Dot Bride's Polka Dot Groom series is an Amazing resource!

Polka Dot Bride's Favorite By-Groom-For-Groom Resources:

• Groom Guy


• Mr. Mango @ Weddingbee


• The Engaged Guy


• Weddings by a Groom-to-be


• The Groom's Truth


• the Reluctant Groomzilla


• Making it Honest


• Our United State

Photo by Next Exit Photography

{All Images found on Polka Dot Bride}

Rockin' Around, the Christmas Tree...

I saw this photo on Polka Dot Bride and laughed out loud.
How Awesome?

Image Courtesy of AJ's Photography

I [heart] Christmas [period]

In case you were wondering what I've been up to:


Spreading Holiday Cheer like it's my job.

For Angela: Hair Inspiration...

Some beautiful messy up 'do ideas for a beautiful fall bride...


Image Courtesy of Bridal Buzz

Personal Faves...


{Images Credits i, ii, iii, iv}

Congratulations and Bon Voyage.

Just a quick note to say CONGRATULATIONS to Angela for the Completion of her Degree! It's been a long semester full of papers, projects, and wedding planning: you deserve a break...

... and what better place to take it than the Happiest Place on Earth?


Angela and Ryan, I hope you enjoy your pre-Christmas trip and revisit your special castle that is once again lit with icicles.

{I'll have plenty of reading material for you upon your return!}

XO.

Simple Holiday [& Wedding] Decor

Although this post by All Things Lovely was meant to be Christmas-inspired, this table top provides some great ideas for Ryan & Angela's decor.

I love the use of pine cones, moss, and lanterns down the table runner: it makes for rustic elegance.
What's more, the whole concept is easy [and cost effective] to put together.
R&A: I really liked the idea given to you by the florist of having moss-filled pots holding your table names. How do you feel about the use of moss here? It's a bit unconventional but if done correctly I think it could be quite stunning.

Also, I think with strategic hits of eggplant this table would really pop.


[This photo does a great job of depicting one of the ideas I have for the curly willow].
A&R: We haven't talked about using pine cones in your decor; however, I think they fit in nicely with your motif. How do you feel about Pine Cones?
{a SIDE NOTE: You can collect a tonne of beautiful - and HUGE - pine cones in Kelowna in the summer time}

Images found on All Things Lovely.

Oprah Holiday Decor

Just a bit of Photo Inspiration to get your Holiday Decorating creativity going...


I love Oprah's monochromatic Holiday Style.
Sometimes the more simple the colour palette, the more dramatic the effect.

Image Courtesy of Oprah via Swanky Tables

Silent Night, Holy Night...

... All is Calm, All is Bright.

I look to Snippet & Ink with excitement and anticipation for the week ahead: Kathryn is creating a new Winter Wedding Inspiration Board every day.

Today's post fuses hits of pastel pink, pale yellow, and boxwood green on a warm white background. [The pale pink does an amazing job of "warming up" the white].


My Favorite Details:

• The CANDLES: arranged along the mantle and clustered in various sizes of Hurricane vases.


• The FLOWERS: the use of pale pink at Christmas is a beautiful change from the typical "Winter Wonderland" theme wedding. This shade is stunning with the darker greenery and Groom's tie {I particularly love the flowers in the bride's hair}.


• The DECOR: The Topiary Welcome Sign is just adorable. A&R: How cute would one of those mini bird's nests look in this? I also love the adorable typography.


• The WINTER COMFORT FOOD: Hot Chocolate and Shortbread. Yum.

But most of all when snowflakes fall,
I wish you love.

Rachel Yamagata, 'I wish you love'

A Lovely Shop.

Image Courtesy of Portobello's Shop.

Angela: I think you will adore the beautiful hair pieces and jewelry available in Portobello's showcase as much as I do!


Image Courtesy of Portobello's Shop.

{Thanks to La Dolce Vita for introducing me to this Shop!}

I'm Stuck on These Labels

I was so excited when Jordan revealed her new business venture: Stuck Labels.


These labels are perfect for wedding favours as a personalized "thank you" message or a monogram.

On a Side Note: Jordan's business partner, graphic designer Karisa Winkel, has a beautiful wedding invitation collection.


[One of my favorite samples, the Nancy Wedding Suite, features a beautiful Magnolia design].
Images Courtesy of Oh Happy Day and Pretty Handsome Paper

Tweet.

How adorable is this cake topper?



Audrey & David's wedding [recently featured on Once Wed] provides great bird inspiration and personalized details.


I love Audrey's birdcage veil, the green pomanders, and the purple bride's maids dresses.


Images Courtesy of Leigh Miller Photography.

feeling inspi(red)...

I am loving the bird motif currently going on at Starbucks
As Christmas excitement sets in, I am attempting to prioritize my ever-increasing To.Do. list & maximize productivity.

Easier said than done.
That being said, I am excited to report a few updates [& a couple teasers] relating to the R&A Wedding...

• We are in the final stages of booking our main Vendors!


• The DIY Ideas we have planned are coming together nicely: I am excited to execute some samples, soon.


• I am equally excited to report a successful visit to the Reception Venue: we clarified the questions we had & solidified some of our larger-scale ideas {the venue is bea.u.ti.ful, might I add}.


• We are currently overwhelmed with our Motif: there is no shortness of ideas relating to rustic & romantic birds {more on that to come}...

I am also thrilled to announce a few developments with C Star events...

• I am currently in the process of re-branding my company! {Stay tuned for more on this}!


• I'm looking forward to working on a couple of smaller side projects for the holiday season and new year.


• Recently, I pulled off my first [official] Corporate/ Non-Corprate Event! The evening went very smoothly and I have received all sorts of great feedback! [~big thanks are in order for Dayna: I couldn't have done it without all of her assistance].


• C Star events is on the move {but you'll have to wait to hear more}!

As yesterday was World Aids Day, I wanted to include a couple of links that you may be interested in for your Holiday Shopping: (product)red and (red)wire are ways of buying gifts & giving back.

Welcome December...

... how I've missed you.
Image courtesy of Sudachi.

Photo Inspiration

Image Courtesy of Nistor Photography.

I love this photo that was featured on Vintage Glam.

Angie & Ryan: I think these would look beautiful along the walkway leading up to the front door and on the patio at your reception. I really like how they are clustered together in this shot. We could tie them with thin ribbon [in your colours] and include them on the buffet table and pie bar.

This arrangement would also make a beautiful [& cost effective] Holiday Centerpiece by adding a few sprigs of berries, twigs, or greenery.

Organize your way to a great Christmas!

Image courtesy of Kristen Mary.
A planner at heart, I am always looking for ways of organizing the [many] thoughts, ideas, and plans I have going through my.busy.brain.

Naturally, I was ecstatic to find tools to help me organize my favorite holiday.

[A big thank-you to Laurie Turk for sharing this great idea via Tip Junkie & Executive Homemaker].

Christmas Planner:


There are many templates available to download and print [for free] including a Party Planner, Family and Friend Gift Guides, as well as my favorite document: a Memory Planner.

Happy Holidays & Happy Planning.

[an example of] A Bride's Worst Nightmare

"It's like rain, on your wedding day..."
Alanis Morissette

Although rain is not something one would hope for one's special day, issues arising from wedding day rain can be solved quite easily with proper planning.

A [less common] disaster that is a bit more difficult to address is a "Gong Show" cake. Because wedding cakes play such an integral part in [most] weddings [& are such a large expense], they are best entrusted to their creators.

As Geneve so accurately advised us: never take responsibility for transporting a wedding cake. Ever. Ever. Ever.

Now I know why:

[Thank goodness Liz is such an easy going bride: she put up with rain, wind, and an upside down cake]!

A&R: I think your pie bar is a safe alternative!

a charming outdoor wedding

I love this garden wedding featured on Snippet & Ink last weekend.


This is such a gorgeous bouquet. [I'm sure Angie will agree: the bride's Melissa Sweet dress is fabulous].


The beautiful details are consistent throughout the entire event, from the service to the reception. I just adore how the wedding's rustic and vintage feel is accentuated with the intimate setting of the garden and luscious purple and green palette.
[These vintage canisters were from the bride's mother's jadeite collection. What a great way of incorporating special mementos].


[I am officially looking forward to experimenting with fruit centerpieces: they are beautiful]!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

... and that makes me excited.

When Starbucks cups turn RED, the stores are full of decorations, and the Stanley Park Train is covered in lights {next weekend} I am a happy woman.

I.Love.Christmas.

These cards [$18.75 for 6] are adorable.

In the spirit of my favorite holiday, I wanted to include a couple of clips from one of my favorite movies: Love Actually.

Two of my favorite [love inspired] scenes:


One of my favorite songs.


One of the cutest [movie] love gestures.

Enchanting Centerpieces

I was so excited to see Kim's Eggplant Centerpieces.

I have been toying with the idea of using eggplant somewhere in Ryan and Angie's reception [on the buffet table or welcome table]; however, I was unsure as to how to pull this off.


Head of the Table has outdone itself again, providing us with an elegant, sophisticated, and classy looking centerpiece [inspired by a fruit].


We are already using these lovely cala lilies and I think this arrangement would be beautifully accentuated by candle light.

Mere colour, unspoiled by meaning, and unallied with definite form, can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways. Oscar Wilde

Bridal Party Burlesque.

How fun are these photos? I love the 50's style, glamorous make up, and sexy outfits. The Classic Pin Up Girl will never go out of style.

That's why I was so.excited to hear about Seattle's Old School Pin Up's.

How much fun would a Bachelorette-Party-Pin-Up-Photo-Shoot with your best girlfriends be [because - honestly - how many times can you go pole dancing]?


All images courtesy of my favorite magazine, Vanity Fair.

An awe-inspiring reception.

My Vision for Angie and Ryan's rustic and romantic, candle-lit reception is beautifully depicted in this lovely photograph courtesy of Love Luck and Angels.

Bridal Party Style.

J.Crew has an amazing selection of beautiful [wear again] bridesmaid and MOH dresses.

Each season they offer similar dress styles in new colours. The upcoming Spring 2009 swatches are beautiful.

Angie and Steph, take note: "Spiced Wine" looks like it could be an elegant eggplant for your bridal party.


There are so many flattering styles and beautiful designs to choose from. They can all be found here.

Best.Worst.Dog.Ever.

Marley and Me Trailer http://teaser-trailer.com
Uploaded by movie-release

Although this is a completely NON-Wedding-Related post, it's worth the post. This trailer had me in TEARS with laughter because it is so close to my heart. Marley reminds me of MY [Best].worst.dog.ever.

[I know that we will find ourselves in a movie theatre on Christmas Day].

Eggplant Elegance

I adore this Style Me Pretty inspiration board.

My favorite detail: The lovely calligraphy [& the contrast of the light font on dark paper].