spring fun: coral.

It's no secret that I'm continuously inspired by all things coral.  Here are a few of my favourite (coral) things:

1. fun bags for weekend getaways and trips to the beach
2. pretty bowls to hold trinkets or adorn dressing tables
3. leather moccasins to add a punch of colour to a neutral outfit
4. letterpress thank you cards to acknowledge thoughtful gestures
5. a light organic tee with my favourite pattern
6. library cards to keep my books organized
7. confetti garland. because one never knows when a party is going to start.

what colour have you gravitated to this season?



(Images courtesy of etsy shops Made by Nanna, Up in the Air Somewhere, Santoki Vintage,  Akimbo, Jessalin Beutler, Knot and Bow, Kristina Marie).

shades of coral

Longer days and extended periods of sunshine mean the introduction of colour back into my wardrobe. I love you, Spring.

Lately, I've been gravitating towards anything and everything coral, quite possibly due to the fact that it's (a) one of our wedding colours or (b) the fact that tangerine tango is Pantone's colour of the year for 2012. Whatever the case, it's nice to see that I'm not the only one loving this warm hue.

A few of my favourite things for Spring: fresh cut peonies, statement watches, eco-friendly nail polishes in bright colours, ballet flats, and bracelets.

What colour(s) have you gravitated to this Spring?



(Images courtesy of Yvonne Wong Photography via Style me Pretty, Kate Spade, Scotch Naturals, J Crew, Ayofemi Jewelry).

DIY Ombre

I'm in love with ombre. I love it in home decor, fashion, and weddings. Although I'm still brainstorming ways of incorporating it into our wedding, here are some of my favourite DIY-friendly ideas.

Invitations: I love the idea for watercolour ombre and incorporating it into wedding stationary. Jordan Ferney's 2010 Holiday Cards were the inspiration for Jen & Matt's escort card format. This technique works wonderfully with any colour.

Backdrops: Perfect for photo booths, head tables, and alters, backdrops are very exciting aspect of wedding decor these days. There are many, many creative ways of styling a backdrop, one of them being ribbons or fabric strips arranged by colour gradient. The DIY guide by Katie of Green Wedding Shoes is fantastic and proves this type of backdrop doesn't need to chew up a lot of your decor budget.

Treats: Well-styled food - especially sweets - are one of my favourite elements of event planning (& if you need an example of what I'm referring to, visit Amy Adams' website). Ombre has been creatively introduced to the world of food. Don't you think these meringue parfaits would be lovely for a shower or party?

Napkins: As I mentioned before, napkins are a great way to incorporate a pop of colour or pattern to an otherwise neutral tablescape; alternatively, they can be a playful way of layering colour, pattern, and texture on a vibrant tablescape. I'm a huge fan of dip-dyed items, whether it be tote bags, table clothes, t-shits, or napkins, this is a fun project. Visit Bright Bazaar or Oh Happy Day for a dip-dye technique that could translate to any fabric or visit Kim Seybert's website if you prefer to purchase a set of ombre dyed napkins.

Bridesmaids: Mismatched yet coordinated: that is the style mantra of my bridesmaids. Although not officially "ombre" (my ladies are wearing similar tones in several neutral colours), it's the subtle variation of the same idea that I love; this wedding party (shot by the amazing Jill Thomas) pulls it off perfectly.

Paper Chandelier: Albeit not every bride's style, this paint chip chandelier was just too cool not to include in this rundown. I love the idea of repurposing paint chips: wouldn't it also look amazing with a random connection of colours? Again, this would work well for shower decor or in a baby's room although I think it would be pretty awesome in an office space, as well.

Flowers: I have been ga-ga over this centerpiece since I saw it in Martha Stewart Weddings magazine a while ago. As Martha & co aptly point out this example is in one long, low container; however, it would be equally as beautiful in a cluster of small vases.

Are you on the ombre train? How have you incorporated it into your event design/ fashion/ hair colour/ home?





(photos, clockwise from top left: Oh Happy Day, Katherine Elizabeth Photography for Green Wedding Shoes, Wedding Chicks, Jill Thomas, Jenna McKenzie Photography for Hello Gorgeous, and Martha Stewart Weddings).

Bri's Loft

I fell in love with Bri Emery's loft when it was photographed last month by Bonnie Tsang for the 2011 Holiday issue of Rue Magazine. The loft embodies Bri's eclectic style and is the perfect combination of masterfully selected vintage finds and colourful contemporary pieces. I'm inspired.



(All photos by Bonnie Tsang).

Our Wedding: the decor

Welcome to the first instalment of Ben + Courtney Get Hitched, a new feature to chronicle our planning process in the months leading up to our September wedding. I'm going to be honest and candid in these posts, sharing both the ups and the downs of our experience. Won't you join me in my adventures as a party-planner-turned-bride-planning-her-own-wedding?


part one: the decor.


A few of the first things we decided upon were our colour palette and several key elements of our decor. We're getting married on Okanagan Lake in the heart of BC's wine country. It is important to us that our end-of-summer wedding be a celebration where every guest feels welcomed and comfortable. When I asked Ben how he envisioned the decor and style of the wedding he responded with "functional" and "simple" (he's such a boy); I've incorporated his interpretation with my vision of "classic" and "rustic." What we've come up with is something that I think fits in with the Okanagan landscape perfectly.

{key decor elements}

1. paper lanterns. we will be hanging these throughout the venue for a laid back, summer patio party feel.
2. birch. not 100% on how we're going to incorporate it yet but it will be present.
3. arbour. we'll be married under one on a beach front patio.
4. jute + burlap. runners for the aisle and/or tables.
5. menu board. the only thing I don't like about buffet dinners is the fact that it's impossible to know everything that's being served. solution: menu board.
6. sparklers. duh.
7. neutrals. we'll be using pattern and colour sparingly to ensure it packs a punch against the neutral colour palette.
8. bunting. again, I'm not sure where this is going to be incorporated. but it will be incorporated.
9. vintage + rustic elements. in the spirit of DIY, personalized details, I'm on the lookout for clever and tasteful ways of incorporating vintage pieces into the decor.

So there you have it: the first sneak peak at our planning process. Much, much, more to come...


(Photos courtesy of 1. save on crafts 2. photo by Armor & Martel via Elizabeth Anne Designs 3. photo by Michael and Anna Costa via Style Me Pretty4. photo by Jonas Peterson via Once Wed 5. design by Lesley Weiner via Good Design Makes me Happy 6. photo by Pam Cooley Photography via Style Me Pretty 7. photo by Kristyn Hogan via Elizabeth Anne Designs 8. toast via this is glamorous 9. photo by Eleise Theuer Photography via the knot).

Green Christmas

Nothing says "Christmas" quite like fresh boughs of pine and the smell they fill the house with. Although many of us have opted for a faux pine Christmas tree this year, there is no reason why we can't enjoy traditional holiday greenery on a smaller scale. In fact, last night I realized I had subconsciously been researching ways of doing just that (evidence can be found on my holiday pinterest board).

If you're looking for ways of adding a little green to your home this holiday, here are a few simple & cost effective options. Bonus: they're low maintenance, allowing you to enjoy green without necessarily having a green thumb.

[1.] tree seedlings in champagne flutes are a unique, sustainable, and practical favour option for a holiday party or winter wedding.

[2.] simple arrangements of white roses + pine look beautiful in small cups, jars, or vases placed throughout the house.

[3.] rescue a fallen (or pruned) bough and put it in a large jar or vase to be enjoyed for weeks.

[4.] why not give out cards that double as decor? these mini wreath holiday cards are beyond sweet.

Do you decorate with greenery?



(Images courtesy of: Plant a Memory via Little Winter Bride; Better Homes and Gardens; photo by Patrik Hagborg for Hus & Hem via emmas design blog; photo by Lisa Warninger, concept & crafting by Tokketok, floral and styling by Chelsea Fuss for Frolic!).

Up in the Air Somewhere

I stumbled upon this sweet etsy shop last week and I have returned to it every day since. (I cannot decide which piece I'd like to own)! The artist, Susan Dwyer, creates sophisticated and elegant works of art in my favourite colours, peach, gold, and aqua. Her craftsmanship is so unique and precise. I've never seen anything like it.

Don't you think any one of these lovelies would look perfect on top of a stack of books on a coffee table or filled with rings or small trinkets on a dresser?



(peach fade vessel, small gold paper bowl, and aqua fade bowl. Photos courtesy of Susan Dwyer).

Eggs of American Birds.

I'd love either of these prints any time of year, although they seem more than relevant this week. Don't these eggs create the most beautiful colour palette?


Eggs of American Birds prints # 5 + # 4 from Modish Vintage.

blush + beautiful

A pretty pink bouquet (pale-pink garden roses, jasmine, and succulents) on a sunny Wednesday morning.



Bouquet via Martha Stewart Weddings

Lemon, Lime + Tangerine

I have been drawn to Spring colour palettes lately; this citrus-infused combination makes me smile.


I think this duvet set would look fantastic against the charcoal walls in our master bedroom; this sweet little pineapple sits on the window sill above my kitchen sink and it smells amazing; these fun ballet flats pack the perfect amount of neon punch for any classic outfit; Kate Spade does colour like Martha does cookies. This wallet is the perfect example.


What colour combination are you inspired by these days?

Rustic Romance

Some things just go together like rama lama lama ke ding a de dinga a dong. Two of those things are the masterful photography of Max Wanger and the unique + rustic stylings of Bash, Please. Yet another collaboration (recently featured on Style Me Pretty) has me giddy with excitement.

This couple has mad style which is only accentuated by this creatively brilliant pairing.


Now... onto the details. Paige + Kelly of Bash, Please describe this couple as down to earth and organic people. The details of their wedding embody these sentiments brilliantly and are incorporated into every last element.




One of my favourite details is the venue's fireplace which was filled with candles in mason jars to up the romance ante.


apple pie pops might be one of the most brilliant things ever invented and the mini clip boards used to hold the menus are particularly sweet.


Evening ceremonies are so underrated. This one is absolutely stunning.


A moment stolen by the newly married couple.






Photos by Max Wanger and Design, Florals, & Coordination by Bash, Please. Wedding featured on Style Me Pretty.

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.

Reindeer Love.

So it's settled. I need a ceramic animal head over my fireplace + I'm particularly smitten with this one. Don't you think it is just the most perfect winter mantle? Love the white on white.




Photo by Sandra Aslaksen via decor8.

Holiday Decor: White Christmas

I love white Christmas decor, especially when styled against a monochromatic backdrop and paired with silver.

I am on the hunt for a front door wreath in this style (the one featured here is from The Cross).


Sometimes less is more is indeed the case. This skinny tree is accentuated perfectly with the fluffy feather boas (such a playful touch). Sprigs of greenery are an easy and cost effective way of adding a festive punch. I really like the look of the smaller bunches arranged on the mantle and in the vase.


I'm really digging the cherry blossom lights (from here) and although I think they'd be fun any time of year, they are particularly festive when paired with a few pinecones and a white linen table cloth. Easy-peasy. I've noticed that this year is all about trees that are smaller than 'average' or much larger than 'average.' I think smaller trees look great when placed atop a table (not to mention the fact that it makes it far easier to vacuum/dust underneath). To me, the birch branches are the icing on the cake. I'm still deciding where I'm going to perch the branches I acquired over the Thanksgiving long weekend.



Do you decorate with white? Why or why not?



All photos via Canadian House + Home.

Holiday Decor: Blue Christmas, part two.

I just can't seem to get turquoise blue Christmas decor out of my head. It is both vintage and contemporary and altogether lovely. This palette would work so perfectly for holiday entertaining as you'd be able to incorporate day to day items from around the house with a little added sparkle.





What's your favourite untraditional holiday colour palette?


Photos:
Yule Log Favour Boxes by Martha Stewart.
Gift Tag by Feather Love Photography via Rue Magazine.
Sara Richardson Tree Decor by Stacey Brandford via Canadian House & Home.
Pipe-Cleaner Snowflake Ornaments by Martha Stewart.
Paper Whites + Burlap Tablescape by Natasja Kremers.

Holiday Decor: Blue Christmas

Fact: Issue Two of Rue Magazine (released earlier this week) was a Christmas Gift in and of itself. One of the reasons just so happens to be this fabulous Blue Christmas shoot.

The vintage details are to die for (they shot this set at the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway with the Girls with Glasses!) and the sparkly tinsel + chic turquoise colour palette are purely inspirational. If I didn't already have a perfect idea for the big holiday party B and I are throwing this year, I'd be all over this.




This collection makes me want to scour etsy + eBay + thrift shops for vintage baubles and tinsel. How fun would this concept be for a New Years Party?

Are you dreaming of a Vintage Christmas?



Photos by Feather Love Photography, courtesy of Issue Two of Rue Magazine. Event Styling by Bash, Please.

a paper wedding.

More Scandinavian LOVE... Ikea styled this whimsical paper reception that I'm head-over-heels for.






I have to say that I wasn't a fan of this pendant lamp until I saw it hung in multiples. Don't they look like dandelions?

My question of the day: Does anyone want to have an origami party?



Ikea styling via The House That Lars Built + Sycamore Street Press.