Shake it like a Polaroid picture...

Photo by Paper and Lace via Love and Lavender

So... photo booths are all the rage right now and I'm loving every second of it. Whether it be a traditional photo booth or a creative back cloth and some funky props, this feature is the perfect way to loosen up your guests and document the event.

I've seen some fabulous props (moustaches, balloons, hats, guitars, and boas are favourites) but this one takes.the.cake.

A life size Polaroid? Sheer brilliance.

PS: Jen, this has you & Matt written all over it. Please have a photo booth and let your bridal party gather props.

Hellium-filled Invites

Oh Happy Day

I cannot wait for the day that I can hand deliver invitations to a party. I love the idea and the creative freedom hand delivered invitations afford (after all, there is only so much you can fit into a postage worthy envelope or box).

Visit On Hand Modern for the run down and how to assemble these levitating lovelies. (Psst... aren't mini messages the cutest)?!

& my balloon obsession continues...

Birdcage Love

I must be going through bird withdrawal as I've been hunting for pretty cages to adorn my backyard. I love the look of antique cages, in or out of doors.

Birdcages are lovely when used in wedding decor. A few of my favourite options...

Cages used in place of Chandeliers for an outdoor reception:

{Photos by Corbin Gurkin via Duet Weddings, flowers by Modern Day Design}

Cages arranged around the cake table:

{Photo by Armosa Studios}

Cages decorated with moss and blooms at the place card table:

{Photos by left:One Love Photo & right: Martha Stewart Weddings}

Ryan & Angie used cages in their bird motif to hold cards as guests arrived:



Have you ever used birdcages in decor? Wedding or otherwise.

blush & bashful

Although I am by no means a pink girl I have always been drawn to paler shades of blush and rose. Suffice it to say I was altogether giddy when I found the following bridal party on Style Me Pretty.



The monochromatic tones paired with the rustic vineyard venue fuse fashion and nature brilliantly. I adore the simplicity of their bouquets.


The gorgeous wedding (with an abundance of fabulous DIY ideas) captured by Jason + Anna Photography has stolen my heart.

Seriously: how stunning is this bridal party?

Signage

Have you noticed an increase in the "sinage" used in wedding photography over the past year or so? Cute sentiments keep popping up in engagement shots & wedding spreads and I love it. (Miranda created several adorable signs for R & A's engagement and day of shots and they ended up being some of my favourites).

It's such a sweet (& cost effective) way to add a little playfulness to a couple's photos.

Some inspiration to help you spell-it-out...

: : Anniversary or Save the Date : :

{Photo by EVS Media via Once Wed}

: : Little Love Notes : :

"Just... "

{Photo by Elizabeth Messina via Style Me Pretty}

"Something borrowed..."

{Photo by Our Labor of Love via Green Wedding Shoes}

"All you need is..."

{Photo by Mastin Studios via little white book}

{Photo by Blue Kite Photo via {Grey} likes weddings}

"... is all you need."


Are you a fan of this trend? What is the best sign you've seen?

P.S. I love this

{Images Courtesy of French Toast Friday}

I am doing my best to stick to my New Year's Resolution of writing one non-birthday card/letter a month; however, correspondence via snail mail is much harder than I imagined. I am very tempted to purchase this special little message to send some love by post.

In keeping with resolutions and correspondence, I ask you friends:

What is the nicest thing you've ever received by mail?
Are you sticking to your New Year's Resolutions?

I can't believe 2010 is almost 1/2 over...

& the guests wore white...

{Photo by Jenny Ebert Photography via Once Wed}

I am in love with this idea; I think the end result is fantastic.

Would you ask your wedding guests to dress a certain way or in a certain colour? (I don't see how this differs from a black tie optional affair...)

Psst... see more of this wedding here.

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!

Corsages by ban.do

Oversized embellishments are the bee's knees. Suffice it to say, I was instantly smitten with ban.do's new Corsages. They are named after Old Hollywood Starlets and all sorts of beautiful. What one is your favourite? (You can find the rest, here. Bonus: some are even on Sale)!

the ava corsage


the marilyn corsage


the marlene corsage


I'm beginning to realize that corsages are perfect for dressing up everything from simple tees to fancy party frocks. So go on and embellish because it's Wednesday.

Party Staple {bunting}

I'm a fan of the circus-inspired bunting that has made a playful comeback over the past year or so in weddings and parties alike. It adds the perfect touch of fun to a shower, engagement party, or reception.

{Kate Greiner}

I'm currently working on bunting of my own for a very exciting Vintage Circus themed shower that I will be hosting on Saturday with this lady to celebrate a special little man.

You'll have to excuse the lack of blog posting these days as I am chin-deep in project work at my 'nine-to-five' and busy-busy cutting triangles and brainstorming all the places I can string this fun decoration after-hours!

On that note, I must say I especially like when it is used to adorn tables, don't you?

{Photo by kz photo via Once Wed}



P.S. Is today really the 11th of May?! The wheels are in motion to put the final touches on Wine Tour, 2010 with only 10 sleeps to go. More to come... soon!

If you're going... to San Francisco...

{Photo from English Muse via A Cup of Joe}

B. and I are heading to the California coast for a week of sun, fun, and vino. I can't wait to visit and this charismatic city and the surrounding area (we're travelling down to Santa Cruz and up to Berkeley and Napa as well).

If we were heading to San Francisco to elope, we would be getting married in the most beautiful City Hall I've ever seen...

{Photos by Lilia Phtography; Leo Patrone, via Snippet and Ink; Jerry Yoon Photographers; and choco studio}

So beautiful.

Well, friends: I hope you have a fantastic week. I can't wait to catch up with you when I get home and to share some fun details about the parties that I'm planning!

Until then.

Do-It-Yourself Martha

{Martha Stewart Weddings, Winter 2009
scanned from personal collection}

Do you remember this cover? It is still one of my most favourite Martha Weddings editions ever. I think this cake is so pretty, perfect for a Spring wedding. I was ecstatic to find this lovely shop for its do-it-yourself capabilities.


Clear Cut Crafts offer these adorable butterflies in a variety of colours (in shades of blue, green, yellow, orange, pink & purple for starters). Although I love the multi-coloured combination, this cake could be designed in almost any colour palette.

{Photos courtesy of Clear Cut Crafts}

These little beauties are as equally sweet on cupcakes and it is clear that a little inspiration from Martha can do wonders. Don't you think the cake on the left is just perfection?