We're Getting Hitched - this weekend!

Well the day has come: B and I make it legal this weekend! This morning we travel to Kelowna for a long weekend of love & laughter with our most favourite people in the world. I. Can't. Wait.

I'm extending my impromptu blog break by another week; however, I promise I will have lots to say when I return. In the meantime, if you'd like to follow along, find me on twitter and Instagram (username: @cstarevents).

Cheers, friends!

(photo by Adrian Photography).

Give 'em something to dance to...

Stat holiday or not, our made-up-long-weekend girls getaway requires a dancing / sing-along soundtrack. Here are twenty tracks that we'll be playing while gallivanting through the California desert. Watch out, Palm Springs!

Enjoy!

1. Primadonna Girl - Marina and The Diamonds
2. Going to California - Led Zeppelin
3. Diet Mountain Dew - Lana Del Rey
4. Spectrum (Say My Name) Calvin Harris Remix - Florence + the Machine
5. Mama Do the Hump - Rizzle Kicks
6. Turntable - Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
7. Feel the Love - Rudimental Feat John Newman
8. Blow Me (One Last Kiss) - Pink
9. Ruby Tuesday - The Rolling Stones
10. Titanium - David Guetta & Sia
11. Free - Graffiti6
12. You Make My Dreams Come True - Hall & Oates
13. Princess of China - Coldplay & Rihanna
14. Wild Ones - FloRida feat Sia
15. Go Outside - Cults
16. Hot Summer Night - Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
17. Tiny Dancer - Elton John
18. Jenny Don't Be Hasty - Paolo Nutini
19. Nightcall - Kavinsky Feat Lovefoxxx
20. One Thing - One Direction (don't judge - they are adorable)

Keep it spinning... find more playlists here. 

the golden flamingos have taken flight

Remember this post? The day has finally come. This morning I am heading south of the border to Palm Springs to spend three sun-filled days with my gaggle of golden flamingos to celebrate friendship (& a party B and I are throwing in September). I am blessed to have such amazing women in my life and I am so looking forward to catching up with them poolside. This weekend also marks the two-week-countdown to our wedding day which is crazy exciting.

Happy weekending, all! If you can, take a moment to celebrate friendship with your favourite lady bird(s). After all, "no one looks stupid when they're having fun" (Amy Poehler quote).

Rifle 2013 Cities Calendar

As a long-time fan of Anna Bond's paintings at Rifle Paper Co., the recently released cities 2013 calendar makes me very happy. Considering the fact that B and I are planning a 2013 Euro-trip, I'm quite certain this baby belongs on a wall in our kitchen. Bonus: the hand painted maps would make great prints (to keep or gift) once the month passed.


(images courtesy of Rifle Paper Co.)

elopements are underrated.

You'll likely agree with me after viewing this intimate Californian wedding (see also: here, here, and here). Lovely.


(photo courtesy of Max Wanger).

stamp happy {3}

I love using stamps, especially unexpectedly (the recipients of our wedding invitations can attest to this); therefore, I'm always on the hunt for new, clever/ funny/ awesome stamps to add to my collection. Ann Marie Loves Paper is right up my alley.

My favourites: noted (I say this several times a day), this is how we do it (for obvious reasons), and love it (which I say upwards of 100 times a day). There are many other gems in her shop, as well. See: here + here.

... and if you STILL haven't had enough, there's more stamp inspiration can be found in stamp happy instalments one and two.


Images courtesy of Anne-Marie Morris (etsy shop).

August long, go!

This long weekend's playlist - some old, some new - should help you soak up the gorgeous sunny weather we're slated to have, province-wide. I plan on enjoying a few of these patio favourites at the cabin this weekend. Check back next week; I'll be featuring a brilliant party idea and a few wedding updates!

Until then, enjoy!

1. Long Time Ago - Current Swell
2. Any Day Now - Jon and Roy
3. Robots - Dan Mangen
4. Still - Great Lake Swimmers
5. King and Lionheart - Of Monsters and Men
6. Janglin - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
7. White Winter Hymnal - Fleet Foxes
8. Flightless Bird, American Mouth - Iron & Wine
9. There Goes the Fear - Doves
10. Nightcall - Kavinsky & Lovefoxx
11. Oh! Sweet Nuthin' - The Velvet Underground
12. Dance, Dance, Dance - Lykke Li
13. Mind Eraser - The Black Keys
14. Pyro - Kings of Leon
15. For the Summer - Ray LaMontagne & The Pariah Dogs
16. Sleeping Ute - Grizzly Bear
17. Airplanes - Local Natives
18. Take Care - Beach House
19. She's So Mean - Matchbox Twenty
20. Backseat Lovers - The Last Royals

If you enjoyed this compilation, make sure you check out the May long & Canada day mixes. 

Showered with Love - the details

I haven't experienced the overwhelming sense of love that I felt at my shower in a very long time. It is difficult to express how special this group of women is to me. I was absolutely touched by the efforts that were made to make my day special. I am grateful and blessed to call each and every one in attendance family. thank you, thank you, thank you. 

Now, onto a few of the many details from this Sunday afternoon fete. Many thanks to my sister/ MOH Jenn and beautiful friend Angie for snapping these photos; what a treat to have the day documented.

{Lyla, Sarah, and the Congratulations bunting made by my bridesmaid Angie}

{helium balloons dangled photographs documenting my fashion highs & lows}

{a vintage sterling silver tea set & an eclectic collection of vintage tea cups - pinky's up!}

{tissue flowers made by Angela & cupcake liner garland made by my sister/ MOH Jenn} 

{everyone played bridal shower bingo, even Lyla!}

{the desserts, the drinks, and the food... yes, I requested jalapeno poppers at my high tea. I'm bad ass like that.}

{the happy, happy, bride.}