Sam & Brock tie the knot.

Sam & Brock were married September 4 on a beautifully sunny Vancouver day. It was a fantastic celebration full of endless laughs, a few tears, and many memories, new & old. B & I feel so lucky that these two wonderful people are in our lives and that we were asked to share in their wedding day, one we won't soon forget.

Wishing you a life of happiness (& many, many, NYE parties shared with friends). Big Love.




(Photos via Instagram).

Ladybird Reunion.

What are you up to this weekend?

Five of my beautiful friends are coming to Kamloops to spend the weekend and I couldn't be more excited. Our plan is to complete a few last minute projects for this pretty lady (who is walking down the aisle next weekend - eek!), try out a few delicious recipes, and indulge in a cocktail or two.

It's been a crazy few weeks but I've managed to compile a growing collection of favourite links:

• Everyone should try this homemade end-of-summer body scrub. Trust me, it's worth it; you'll feel like a million bucks.


• I've wanted a bookcase with a secret door since I was a child. These two are perfection.


• Remember when I gushed over my new obsession, Instagram? Well I found information on how to print them in real time and here is a site that creates beautiful mini books (& magnets & posters & mini prints!)


• Wouldn't you love to cozy up in any one of these spaces?


• Meet my new favourite foodie blog. Yum.


• I still LOVE this colour palette.


• These chairs look so comfortable. (Officially added to my wish list).


• This photo makes me so excited to see Sam's bridesmaids next Sunday! Horray for grey dresses + nude heels.

Psst... in case you feel like "liking" something today on facebook, check out C Star Events' page. I'd be awfully happy to have you.

Happy Weekending.



(Photo by Miranda Karkling).

snapshots from a week of fun.

I was fortunate enough to have had last week off work. I was even more fortunate to have been able to spend this time with a collection of wonderful people. My iPhone and I saw some awesome things. If you follow me on twitter, you may have noticed that Instagram is my new favourite ap...

1. Fresh mojitos at local.
2. Martini bar at this lady's Sex and the City bridal shower.
3. Dinner at Nana + Papa's in False Creek.
4. Gelato with my sister.
5. Celebrating (a very belated) father's day with the bro, pa, and sis at the Vancouver Canadian's game.
6. I flew South of the boarder with a flock of Sam's Sassy Seagals (which is also known as a stagette or bachelorette or hen party, depending on where you're from).

It was a wonderful time.

Now that I'm home, and (some of) my laundry has been done, I'm raring to start on a few projects. I also plan on savouring every.last.bit of summer 2011 because although it's been a beautiful one I can feel autumn right around the corner.

Sunflowers + the New Year

Confession: I'm struggling to settle into a 2011 routine and I think I might need a day or two more until regular blog posts return. I have a million ideas rolling around in my head and no time to delve through them. There are going to be some changes for C Star Events. A proverbial face lift, if you will.

While I begin the blue prints for the nips + tucks, I wanted to share photos from this wedding because I think Sam + Brock will love some of these details. I love the sunflowers and I love the yellow. (Succulent boutonnieres are awesome, too).




Dancing down the aisle is on my list of to do's this year + I don't even care whose wedding it is... Cue "Marry You."


It's official: twinkly light rule my world and light streaming through a barn wall is beyond beautiful. Aren't these mismatched runners sweet?




So lovely.


Thank you all for your patience. This work in progress is in progress...



Photos by Cameron Ingalls via Green Wedding Shoes.

A Barnhouse Wedding - Minus the Barn

My friends Samantha and Brock are planning a fall 2011 wedding on Granville Island in Vancouver. The couple envisions a barnhouse-styled wedding with elements that are both classic and whimsy. Suffice it to say I was a little excited to put some inspiration together for them. Below, I've broken down some of my favourite barnhouse weddings into details that can be executed anywhere: barnhouse or otherwise.

Seating:

Whether guests are organized in large long tables or smaller round ones, I love the intimacy evoked by a barn wedding. The rustic details and simple table decor enable guests to relax and enjoy a "family-style" reception.

Details: I adore that burlap runner; it would be stunning on either a rectangle or round table. To accentuate to the elegant-yet-rustic decor, skip chair covers and rent chairs that stand on their own. The paper lanterns add a playful touch of whimsy and work as a contemporary addition to classic details. The place settings are best left simple; there is no need to overdo tabletop details for this style of wedding.

Photos (top - bottom): W. Scott Chester via Once Wed, Landon Jacob via Southern Weddings, Sarah Yates Photography via Once Wed

Decor:

Alright. There are many, many, (many!) creative ways of incorporating "barn" style into an event. Below are several that I particularly enjoy; however, get ready to see much more on this one in the coming months.

Details: The vintage candelabras offer a touch of elegance against the backdrop of rustic details (I think this one is my favourite). Candlelight defiantly creates the perfect romantic atmosphere. I LOVE the old repurposed door used here as a welcome/ escort card display; however, it's safe to say I'd love an old door used in almost any context. The final two examples are clever and cost effective ways of displaying table numbers - vintage house numbers are perfection. Rustic & vintage lanterns are the perfect pairing with the elegant candelabras and I really like the idea of bringing "outdoor" elements (like this wind dial) in doors.

Photos (clockwise from left): Sarah Yates Photography via Once Wed, Beaux Arts Photographie via Once Wed, Sarah Yates Photography, Leigh Miller via Once Wed, and Braedon Photography via Once Wed.

Venue:

It is quite easy to style a barnhouse wedding in venue that is not a barn. By playing off the natural elements of the existing venue, adding strategically placed rustic details and candlelight to evoke romance, a classic barn wedding is within your reach. These photographs depict the overall effect: from the smallest detail to the grandest scale.

Details: The use of apothecary and mason jars in home and wedding decor is undeniably en vouge which makes it very easy to accumulate a pretty collection of mismatched jars. Hint: If you choose a linking factor to the "type" of jar you're looking for (for example, white milk glass) you can quickly assemble a uniquely charming collection. On a grander scale, the lighting as depicted below, is clearly of utmost importance. Chandeliers and paper lanterns add the final touch, linking the classic with the whimsy.

Photos (left - right): Braedon Photography via Once Wed, Sarah Yates Photography via Once Wed, and Beaux Arts Photographie via Once Wed.


Voila!




Click photos to enlarge.

Sam & Brock

He liked loved it so he put a ring on it.

I'm SO excited to announce another 2011 wedding: Samantha and Brock! The two just returned from a romantic European holiday and they came back engaged!

SO much inspiration to come for this fall wedding. Stay tuned...

Isn't this sign perfect? Another friend - coincidentally also named Sam - greeted the newly engaged couple at the airport with this sign. So sweet.

Sam B. you are now my go-to for all future sign-making.