White on White

Last weekend I had the honour of going shopping with my friend Amber for her wedding dress (or the "Whiskey-Delta" as it is sometimes coded around these parts). Although the weather was windy and cold, we enjoyed an afternoon of coffees + laughs and good old fashion wedding chit chat.

I was attempting to describe to Amber how beautiful white florals can look for both bouquets and centerpieces and - just my luck - design sponge put together a collection that brilliantly epitomizes what I imagined.





By selecting a statement runner (charcoal silver, in Amber's case) and strategically placed candles, these simple arrangements are a perfectly elegant table arrangement. I also love Amber's idea to include Tiffany blue pebbles or marbles in the water to complete the look and add the punch of their accent colour without being over-the-top blue.

More exciting inspiration to come for this wedding, too!

Photos by Jennifer Davis for Design*Sponge

Cinder Block Love

Cinder block centerpieces? Yes, please!


I always look forward to checking out what creatively fabulous spreads Kelly (of yes, please, succulent love, and the newly incorporated bash please) has put together. Many of her tablescapes and design concepts have been flagged in my personal folders; however, this one was too perfect not to share.

Check out Kelly's DIY instructions here.



This gritty industrial block pairs so perfectly with the pretty natural stems, doesn't it?


C'est Magnifique!

Flowers for Jaime, part one

While putting together an inspiration board full of plum lovelies I noticed the wide array of purple bouquet & centerpiece options. So many unique options stood out to me that I wanted to showcase them individually. Jaime is at the fun stage of hammering out a colour palette (she's leaning towards this dark shade of purple) and beginning to imagine her florals (which is one of my favourite parts).


: : Bouquets : :

Succulents: I just love that succulents are becoming so popular in wedding design and I'm particularly fond of them in bouquets. I understand this style isn't for everyone, but I wanted to share this option with Jaime as it's quite stunning and jives perfectly with her colours. {Photo found via Ritzy Bee blog; check out the blog for more succulent options}


Monochromatic Combination: the combinations of plum dahlias, eggplant mini calas, lavender ranunculas and purple tulips (for the bride's bouquet) & of plum dahlias, eggplant mini calas, and purple tulips with chocolate brown cymbidium instead of the lavender ranunculas (for the bridal party) are stunning. This style would allow you freedom with dress colours and seasonal variations of flowers. {Photos by Marianne Lozano and found at JL Designs, my new favourite hub for floral inspiration}.



The combination of calla lilies and tulips is perfect for Spring and classically beautiful. There are so many shades to choose from, again, providing a bit of freedom for the exact shade of the bridesmaids' dresses (the same bouquet in a different shades for each bridal party member would be quite stunning). {Photo via Martha Stewart Weddings}



: : Centerpieces : :

Orchids: Jaime has indicated she is interested in this option and we've talked about hurricane vases with anchored orchids and tea lights to create a simple yet elegant centrepiece. The plum table runner used here adds the needed punch of colour to juxtapose the centerpiece. {Photo via the knot}


I really enjoy this version of green submerged orchids set against the dark linens. This shade of green is so fresh and so complimentary when paired with deep plum. {Photo via Clover & Bee}


Monochromatic Combination: I adore this combination of cabbage roses, peonies (my favourite) and begonia foliage, especially arranged in the square vase. Square vases and candles look best when displayed on a square table; however, when styled appropriately, they can also be pulled of quite nicely on round tables as well. {Photo via the knot}


Another option for monochromatic (or like shaded) flowers is to bunch them individually in smaller arrangements, similar to what this option has accomplished. I love the rustic look. {Photos by Corbin Gurkin via Duet Weddings, flowers by Modern Day Design}


. . .

Jaime: I hope this is at least a starting point to begin thinking of floral options (what do you like? what don't you like?) and that it assists in choosing the perfect shade of purple (if that ends up being your colour). As seen here, purple is very pretty with both the fresh green we spoke of but also with the lighter shade of lavender. Things to ponder...

Up Next: Your Inspiration Board

Afternoon Tea

Happy first day of Spring, everyone.

I hope you had the chance to enjoy the sunshine. In true Spring fashion, I was sporting my flip flops this morning while running errands and I spent the rest of the afternoon pruning in my garden for the very first time (eek!). I love this time of year when neighbours emerge from the hollows of winter hibernation & mingle in the cul-de-sac. Welcome Spring!

I felt that this pretty tablescape (found on Mary & Gabrielle's event blog) was the perfect way to welcome the season and remind us all that meals (& teas) al fresco aren't too far off.



{Styling by Joy de Vivre, Photos by Ian Grant Photography, Flowers by Florette Flower Design, Found via Events by Mary and Gabrielle}

They may not have included a single tea cup or saucer in this design but I feel it would be the perfect setting for afternoon tea. After all, what goes better with delicious cakes and cupcakes than tea?

I just adore the mix of girly details and rustic elements in the afternoon sunshine. It's a perfect setting for a shower or birthday luncheon. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I will never tire of chandeliers hung in trees. Perfection.

{I'm pretty sure I love this tablescape so much because it reminds me of this garden wedding}.

How did you celebrate the first weekend of Spring?

Cranberry Love

{Canadian Home & Country}

I love the look, the colour, the taste, and the smell of this Christmas fruit

[facts, tips and techniques listed here].

These berries [real or faux] look lovely floating in water with flowers or in vases with candles and provide a festive punch of colour to create a cheap-yet-stunning holiday centerpiece.

{L: Apartmet Therapy + R: Pottery Barn}

They also add the perfect tartness to a sweet champagne cocktail [recipe].

{Canadian House & Home}

There's nothing better then the sweet smell of cranberry: a warm and welcoming scent for the holiday season. My favourite is the Body Shop's Cranberry which comes as a scented oil or candle and is perfect for holiday parties. 

{L: Hostess with the Mostess + R: The Body Shop}

Update: 12.11.09

Vancouverites: you can enjoy the amenities of the Cranberry Spa on Robson Street. [Check out their Holiday Specials: a fabulous gift idea].

{Cranberries Spa}


What is your favourite holiday scent?

new york state of mind

With our upcoming New York trip on my mind (we're planning a late September visit), it's no wonder why I fell in love with this
Martha-featured wedding.


See more of this lovely affair, here.

There is something so elegant about New York City, black & white photography, and a china covered table.

The vintage glamorous feel of this wedding is oh-so-perfect.