Registry 101

Several of my engaged friends have asked about their registry: these days, do's and don't's appear to be... 'er... interpretive to say the least. Although I'm all for following the path that is most true to the couple and love the idea of creating a unique registry (such as honeymoon/travel-theme), it's sometimes useful to have a starting point.

Cue Martha.

Martha's point form Dos and Don'ts of Wedding Registries and Wedding Registry Basics are a great place to start. So, friends, have a look at these tips and use them as a launch pad to create a registry that is uniquely you. Above all, have fun!



Photo via Martha Stewart Weddings.

Rustic Romance

Some things just go together like rama lama lama ke ding a de dinga a dong. Two of those things are the masterful photography of Max Wanger and the unique + rustic stylings of Bash, Please. Yet another collaboration (recently featured on Style Me Pretty) has me giddy with excitement.

This couple has mad style which is only accentuated by this creatively brilliant pairing.


Now... onto the details. Paige + Kelly of Bash, Please describe this couple as down to earth and organic people. The details of their wedding embody these sentiments brilliantly and are incorporated into every last element.




One of my favourite details is the venue's fireplace which was filled with candles in mason jars to up the romance ante.


apple pie pops might be one of the most brilliant things ever invented and the mini clip boards used to hold the menus are particularly sweet.


Evening ceremonies are so underrated. This one is absolutely stunning.


A moment stolen by the newly married couple.






Photos by Max Wanger and Design, Florals, & Coordination by Bash, Please. Wedding featured on Style Me Pretty.

the ballerina project.

Have you heard about The Ballerina Project?

As described on their facebook page, The Ballerina Project grew from the idea of New York City as a magnet for creativity; each photograph is a collaborative work of dance, fashion design and photography played out against the city's landscape.

I'm in love. I want to purchase a piece from this collection but I'm having a hard time choosing a favourite. The following are at the top of my love list; however, the rest of the collection is equally stunning.

Elina - East River.


Violeta - Battery Park.


Sara - 6 Train.


Megan - Brooklyn.


Violeta - New York City.



To purchase an image, visit their facebook page.

11x14 inch prints are $72 + $13.00 for shipping within the continental USA.
16x20 inch prints are $225.00 + $21.25 for shipping within the continental USA.


Photos Courtesy of the ballerina project.

Ashely and Mike, a Victoria Wedding

I'm thrilled to feature this stunning Victoria wedding, captured so brilliantly by the talented Georgie Wilson. (The glowing bride just happens to be my second-cousin Ashely). I was so impressed with the vintage and romantic affair that she pulled together I just had to share it. A big thank you to Ashley for providing commentary for these lovely photos.


The dress. This dress has a beautiful story. Ashely donned the same dress that was worn by her mother and her grandmother on their wedding days. Ashely had the dress altered to incorporate her own personal style but maintain the original elegance. I think the end result was perfect.

The wedding date chosen by the couple is also special. Ashely describes the significance of the date: My husband and I decided to be married on, what would be, my grandparents 50th anniversary. I was honoured to not only to be the third generation to wear my grandmothers dress but to also share the same anniversary date as my grandparents.


The bridesmaids wore three different styles of Jasmine Bridal dresses. I love how the white bouquets pop against the navy palette.


Their ceremony was held at St. Ann's Academy, a National Historic Site. Isn't it a gorgeous venue?


These post vow shots are adorable. I love the one on the right!


Ashely and Mike with Ashely's Grandma Pat who was the first to wear this special dress. One of my very favourite photos.


I just adore the vintage Hollywood feel of this photo. Timeless beauty.


The flowers were assembled by the Maid of Honour's mum, and the bride's "second mother," Cathy. She did a lovely job.


White umbrellas add to the vintage glamour of this day. They are so pretty against the rustic red of the building.


Cheers to girlfriends.


Ashely found these adorable flats on sale at Aldo for - wait for it - $16!


I love these shots of Mike & Ashely.


The reception was held at the stunning Fireside Grill.


Ashely planned the entire day herself and set out to leave the guests remembering an intimate and romantic evening. She accomplished this by incorporating vintage elements like the typewriter that guests typed well wishes on and family wedding photos (that's Ashely's Grandparents, George and Pat, on their wedding day 50 years ago to the day).


The treat table consisted of cupcakes from Pink Sugar Cupcakes and and Norwegian desserts made with love by Ashely's and my Grandmas.


My Grandma and Grandpa at the reception. Aren't they adorable?


I love how Ashely describes their first dance: Our first dance as husband and wife was a blast. We took dance lessons together for a few month prior to the wedding and learned a routine to our song. The song we picked fit us perfectly- "I love you five times" by The Darkness (a British rock band).



I have to thank Ashely and Mike for sharing their special day with us. It is clear that their guests were treated to a very special evening that embodied the couple's style to a T.

Congratulations & love to you both!



Wedding Honour Role:

Photography: Georgie Wilson Photography
Ceremony Venue: St. Ann's Academy
Reception Venue: Fireside Grill
Catering: Provided by Fireside Grill
Flowers: Assembled by the bride's "second mother" Cathy (who also happens to be the mother of the bride's best friend and Maid of Honour, Sarah)
Hair: Licorice for Hair
Makeup: Melanie Baird
Bride's Gown: a redesigned vintage gown worn by the bride's mother and grandmother
Shoes: $16 on sale at Aldo!
Bridal Party Dresses: Jasmine Bridal
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Black and White pin stripe suits from Black and Lee Tuxedos
Desserts: Cupcakes from Pink Sugar Cupcakes and Norwegian desserts provided by the Bride's grandmother and great aunt.
Music: The couple co-ordinated their own music with a laptop and their own speakers.

Black and White Poppies

While searching for images to inspire my blog re-design, I came across this lovely arrangement. How stunning would this be as a bride's bouquet?


photo via oliver & bianca.

Boardwalk Empire NYE Party: the inspiration

B and I are infatuated with HBO's Boardwalk Empire and - since ten of our fantastic friends from Vancouver (and two fabulous friends from Kamloops) agreed to visit for NYE - we thought it would make the perfect party theme. Cue the champagne, feathers, and strings of pearls, (fake) guns, suspenders, and bow ties. The night was perfect and the company, top notch.

Photos: top, middle + bottom.

I will be sharing more details from the party later this week but here is the inspiration board I used to prepare for the main event.


Since the styles of the 1920's have made a comeback as of late, gathering inspiration was much easier than I had anticipated. I focused on pieces that heightened the vintage charms: paper chains, tarnished silver and brass, antique candle holders, and lots of champagne flutes! As the clock struck midnight we played with sparklers and confetti rockets in the snow. What better way to ring in 2011?


Stay tuned for the party...



Photos: top row - headband, sparkler, paper chains; second row - Charleston dancers, chandelier via High-Heeled Foot in the Door, party; third row - clock, candelabra photo by Jose Villa, dresses; bottom row - champagne glasses & bottle, gangsters.