{via Oh Happy Day}
I love giving presents in small, pretty packages and I have often gifted twelve days of Christmas to my loved ones [small, thoughtful gifts given one at a time in the days leading up to Christmas]. Note: This is an exceptionally awesome gift for 'the person with everything' or a special someone you'd like to treat.
I'm a true believer in creative gifts that come from the heart - the kind of gift that is thoughtful, not expensive. Some of my favourite "treats" to give {& receive}: Starbucks gift cards, Lush bath bombs &/or bubble bath, flowers, shortbread, and CD's [especially this one], just to name a few.
Although it's oh-so-exciting to open a Christmas package, there is nothing better than the gift of time - although, I know I'm not alone when I wish I had more of it to give. Organizing an activity [Christmas or otherwise] to do together, offering to provide a favour to a friend in need of one, or inviting a friend over for an evening in to watch Christmas movies and drink [Bailey's +] Hot Chocolate are just a few of the ways to spread the love [without breaking the bank].
I was ecstatic when I saw Jordan's Advent Calendar [which she is selling, by the way] & list of holiday activities.
Inspired, I immediately began brainstorming ways to pull this off myself in time for December 1st (aka, Tuesday)! I have a few things up my sleeve and I'm very excited for the holiday season to kick into high gear.
A few advent-style-etsy-finds that I'm particularly fond of (maybe for next year)...
From Lotus Paperie:
I love this collection of small drawers! It would be a perfect way of organizing Christmas activities for children or loved ones. Each night one could open a drawer to reveal the evening's activity, written on a small piece of paper, and a chocolate or small trinklet.
From nuvonova:
How fun are these pouches? I would place the day's pouch on the bedside table or bathroom counter for a fun, early morning, surprise every day of December! Receiving a happy quote, a gift card for a morning coffee or special lunch, some baking, or any other special items would brighten any one's day.
It would also be fun to hide these pouches - Easter style - around the house or in the Christmas tree for kids to find before heading to school or off to bed.
. . .
Do you have a special way of Counting Down the days until Christmas?
No matter how you welcome December, I hope you all take a moment every day to enjoy the season. Christmas does not equal stress if you remember what's important and take it one.day.at.a.time.
{Photos courtesy of People and Fashionbride}
I know I am behind the 8-ball with this post; however, I am very interested in your feedback regarding Ivanka Trump’s custom Vera Wang wedding dress. The real estate heiress and budding business woman married Jared Kushner, a New York publisher, last month in a classic Grace Kelly-inspired gown.
The more I’ve considered this dress, the more I appreciate it. I find its unique, classic style to be refreshing and feel it was a perfect fit for the bride.
What are your thoughts? Would you consider a classic style over a contemporary gown?
This week’s Sweetness comes from Kelowna photographer
Jessica Balfour.
I just love this shot. Jessica has such a knack with children; she’s able to capture their candidness and innocence so brilliantly. What a great addition to an already gorgeous collection of wedding photos.
This photo makes me smile and reminds me to lighten up and be silly more often.
Happy Sunday
Visit Jessica’s website to view her lovely collection of wedding shots and custom portraits.
Vancouver Brides:
Don't forget to purchase your tickets for the Lovestruck Bridal Show this Sunday (11.15.09) from 10 am - 6 pm at The Vancouver Club. Tickets are $35 for brides ($45 at the door) and $30 for guests ($40 at the door).
All in attendance will receive pampering, cocktails & finger foods, fashion shows, as well as optional workshops with some of the industry's best. In addition, the first 250 brides will leave with "the most stuffed bridal show gift bag in town" [and who can argue with that?]
Book off your Sunday as this jam-packed-schedule offers something for every taste and every stage of the planning process. [You'll need time to mingle in the three rooms, ask, learn, & DIY in the four workshops, and lust over the gowns in the fashion shows]. Also noteworthy: proceeds from the event are being donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
View the event's website for more information.
I’m currently having some issues with my beloved laptop preventing me from posting my plethora of ideas. I’m spinning my creative wheels trying to organize and post everything I’ve been working on (and trying not to become too frustrated with this machine in the process). Our iMac arrived last week with a large crack in its [enormous] screen, much to our disappointment (I think B. shed a tear when we dropped it off at UPS to be returned). So while I wait, reluctantly, so do my posts. Drrrrrrr.
We’re hoping to receive the sparkly new wonder machine late this week/ early next week. In the meantime please enjoy the following links that have become my non-blogging outlet for the last week and I appreciate your understanding for the “one-off” type posts as of late. Just know, I will be ambushing your feeders with fun posts in the near future. Go!What’s inspiring me today? Happy Remembrance Day, 11.11.09. Lest we forget.
As a huge fan of mimmo+naz, I often visit their website to see their latest work. I had to include this photo as this week's Sunday Sweetness because it gave me goosebumps. The quiet moments caught amidst a busy [and sometimes near chaotic] wedding day are always so special.
This photo reminds me get lost in my guy's eyes more often and to slow down and enjoy the silence.
Happy Sunday.
Visit mimmo+naz for more goosebumps: their portfolio includes amazing photography & lovely super 8mm films.
... and she said "Yes!"
B and I are thrilled to announce the engagement of two of our best friends. We could not be happier for this amazing couple and can't wait to celebrate with them in a few short weeks!
Congratulations Matt & Jen, we love you guys.
With the recent temperature drop and Christmas explosion all over town I am finding myself being drawn to everything warm-and-cozy. It’s no wonder that I am currently lusting over these lovely, personalized lanterns from Hannah Nunn. Her papercut lamps are beautiful; the warm glow would be a great addition to any reception or party. My favorite items:
Personalized Lanterns
The designer will create a unique string of lanterns for your wedding, party, or child’s bedroom. I think these would look lovely at the entrance of a wedding reception or at the welcome or gift table of any party. I also enjoy the idea of using them in a baby’s room as a ‘night light.’Lyrical Light Lamp
This sweet piece includes the following expressions:
“ablaze, glowing, shimmering, bright, brilliant, sparkling, aglow, lumious, radiant, dazzling, illuminated, vivid.”
A great alternative to candle-light, this lamp would be perfect for a guest signing table and can be personalized to suite any occasion. {Lyrics, vows, or poetry would also be quite charming}.Happy Christmas Lanterns
There’s no denying that I’m a lover of all-things-Christmas. I have a particular fondness for warm white lights [& for this phrase] and I think this set of lights would be stunning in any room of my house.
I will never tire of wedding photography shot in vineyards...
For more of this lovely wedding and to view this talented couple's work, please visit Adrian Photography.
The time has finally come to post the beautiful photos from Ryan and Angela’s Wedding, starting today with the Ceremony.
Miranda Karkling – along with her second shooter Jason Nicholls - captured the beautiful series of events, including some very special and touching moments. I would like to thank and acknowledge them both for their flawless collaboration and amazing final product. I am in awe of you both.
Miranda, I am so proud of the woman and professional photographer you’ve become. I am honored to have had the opportunity to witness the transformation; I am ecstatic to see what you accomplish next. {Big Love.}
Enjoy…
Beaming rays of sunshine greeted Ryan and Angela the morning of Saturday September 12, 2009, offering a beautiful – yet humid – day for a wedding in Vancouver.
{click image to enlarge}
The bride wore a stunning strapless gown by San Patrick for Pronovias in "Binefar." The lovely bridesmaids wore various After Six styles from the Dessy Group in Aubergine.
Ryan surprised Angie with a gorgeous Tiffany bracelet and special note before the ceremony – he is so sweet.
This gown complemented Angie so perfectly and (literally) took everyone’s breath away.
The bride’s beautiful hairpiece was made by Powder Blue Bijoux.
This dress is absolutely gorgeous. I love this photo.
This photo is best described by the bride, herself: “I spent so much time laughing, it was such an amazing day!”
The bride – in her comfortable, yet glamorous, flats – paying respect to the 3’’ heels her bridesmaids rocked all day. [You looked amazing, ladies].
I just love these photos of the flower girls & ring bearer. They were so committed to their roles [best petal-dispersion I’ve ever seen] and were so important to the ceremony. It is clear that they love their auntie and uncle very much.
Because the ceremony took place on a mountain, cell reception was spotty. About 15 minutes after the ceremony was scheduled to have started, I received a voicemail from a very calm, cool, and collected bridesmaid requesting to be picked up as the limo had overheated ½ way up the hill. These girls can handle anything –broken down limos and all – and still have a vogue session while exiting their backup mode of transportation. I love it. {Major kudos, Angie and co.}.
The amazing wedding party, waiting for their cue…
Ryan's support staff, looking dapper.
Our professional flower girls, making way for the bride.
Although the bride all but sprint down the aisle, Miranda was able to catch this candid of Angela as she sees Ryan for the first time. What a fantastic moment.
This photo gives me goose bumps; I love Ryan’s expression. He looks at Angie like this all the time, it’s touching.
The adorable ring bearer with her ‘ring nest.’
Vows.
love.love.love.
It’s official!
Our bird motif carried through to the ceremony.
The girls, twirling; this is what pretty dresses are made for.
Ceremony Honor Roll:
Photography: Miranda Karkling [mirandakarkling@gmail.com]
Ceremony Venue: The Rose Garden at Burnaby Mountain
String Quartet: Orca Bay [604.719.5523]
Marriage Commissioner: Kelly Ip [skellyip@gmail.com]
Chairs and Tent Rentals: SurDel Party Rentals
Bouquets and Boutonnieres: Petals and Papery
Up next... the fun photo shoot at SFU/Burnaby Mountain.
