Beautiful Birdcage Veil

[Once Wed]

Angela and I are huge fans of birdcage veils. I thought of her when I saw this beautiful photo by Kelli Cohee.

I just love this floral hairpiece.

More photos of this lovely vintage inspired wedding can be found here.

Favourite Favours

As promised, I have compiled a few Favour Ideas for Ryan and Angela's rustic.and.romantic affair to complement their elegant bird motif.

The following are some of my favorite rustic gifts.for.your.guests...

[1].
[Once Wed]
I love this idea.
You could leave mini Mason Jars full of homemade jam, honey, or other preserves at each place setting with a thank you note or monogram.
Grape or rhubarb jelly with eggplant fabric or ribbon would complement your colour palette nicely.

A Fun Idea {stolen from a family friend's wedding}: attach a note reading "Thanks for Jamming with us".

[2].
[Style Me Pretty]
We've already discussed this idea but I think it fits too perfectly to ignore!
Style Me Pretty provides helpful DIY instructions for this adorable favor while The Knot gives insight into the traditional significance of the Jordan Almonds used here to Greek and Italian cultures.

Angie: your bird stamps would work nicely on card stock affixed to these nests.

[3].
[The Knot]
What is more rustic at a Fall Wedding than a table decorated with delicious {Okanagan} Apples?
This idea is so simple, yet I love its' effect. I have also seen it done with ripe Pears: mini 'thank you' notes were attached to the stem with ribbon. How Sweet?

[4].
[craftpudding]
Geneve's creative idea of directing more attention to the Pie Bar by compiling the homemade recipes into a booklet is quite special.
I think it would be so sweet to have each baker's hand written recipes copied to card stock and bound with twine or ribbon.

Each guest would be able to leave with the recipes for the pies they enjoyed at your reception. Yum.

[5].
[Martha Stewart]

To correlate with the bird and natural theme, packets of Seeds {wild flower or bird seeds} would be a great favour for your guests.
Martha Stewart packages seeds in adorable origami envelopes.

DIY instructions for these handy envelopes can be found here.


[6].
[Martha Stewart]

In keeping with the 'Green' theme, I think seedlings would be a wonderful way of promoting environmental consciousness [yay Hybrid]!

You could split the favors offering half the guests seeds and the other half seedlings. Also, as they have done here, you can print your 'thank you' messages on recycled or plantable paper. {Starbucks offered plantable paper with their gift cards a few seasons ago: it was really neat}.

[7]. {To Donate}

It it always a lovely gesture when a couple chooses to make a donation in lieu of favors. The following are some of my favorite charities:

1. WWF- Canada


2. World Food Programme


3. BCSPCA


4. BC Children's Hospital


5. BC Cancer Agency

There are MANY worthy Charities out there. Please let me know if you have any particular donation ideas.

C Star Events on the move...

[nickhall]

I am very excited to announce the upcoming move of C Star Events.

Following last week's graduation ceremony, my little family.of.three will be relocating to the interior of beautiful British Columbia.
As we are fortunate to be just a few short hours from home, our visits will be frequent and effortless.

What does this mean for C Star Events?

• I am now based out of the Lower Mainland {Vancouver} and the Okanagan Valley {Kelowna}.


• I will commute back-and-forth to be present for meetings, contract negotiations, site selection, and other events leading up to the big day.


• I am accepting new clients from both regions and will work closely with couples interested in Destination Weddings.


• Furthermore, in the months to come I will profile the many unique and original Ceremony & Reception venues available in the Thompson Okanagan as I become more familiar with the area and the Vendors.

I am very excited for this new challenge and look forward to documenting my experiences and findings here, on my web log. As I still have a vested interested in the Vancouver Wedding Industry, I will be splitting my time between the two regions. Additionally, regardless of my geographic whereabouts, I assure my present and future clients that I will continue to provide the hands-on, detail-orientated planning services I pride myself on.

I look forward to the months to come and the many new experiences I will acquire. Please join me.


{Image Courtesy of Kelowna Photographer Angela Murray of Captured Moments}

I'm off...

... to Saskatchewan {and -40 degree weather} to celebrate a very special graduation and a very special person.


Smitten Kitten

I'll be back next week with Big News and Inspiration Lists for Ryan and Angela.

Bridesmaid's Bouquet Style

I recently came across this lovely collection of bridesmaid's bouquets on Southern Weddings.


Marie Labbancz via Southern Weddings

I am always interested in ways of incorporating the personal styles of the wedding party into an overall uniform look. I really like the monochromatic element featured in this example and think it's a stunning way of differentiating each bridesmaid. {Plus, as shown here, it makes for beautiful floral photos}.

Angela is interested in distinguishing her Maid of Honour from her bridesmaids by having her carry a unique bouquet so this idea won't work for the A&R wedding. Nonetheless, what are all of your thoughts on this floral idea?

Note: If you like this idea, a similar effect can be accomplished by having each member of the bridal party carry a bouquet in a different colour or shade.


Flowers... are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty out values all the utilities of the world.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1844

auld lang syne...

Wishing you a safe and happy new year's eve!

See you in 2009...

Check out New Years Celebrations Around the World.

Images Courtesy of Pilipala9's photostream

There comes a time in every woman's life when the only thing that helps is a glass of Champagne.
- Bette Davis

It's a Wonderful Life

I leave you this Christmas Eve with my favorite scene from one of my favorite movies: It's a Wonderful Life.



All the best to you and yours.

a Christmas Eve Wedding...

It is my dream to plan a Christmas Eve Wedding.

I would love.love.love. to come up with creative, personal ways of incorporating the couple's individual style into this traditional holiday.

Since my Love Affair with Snippet&Ink is no secret, I thought it would be fitting to use her Amazing Inspiration Boards to describe some Holly, Jolly, Weddings.


[1] Love & Warmth

[1] I picture this vintage-infused wedding board being replicated in an afternoon outdoor wedding {don't you love this wedding in the snow?}. I would capitalize on the warm eggnog and nutmeg tones of this board by incorporating more of the lush cream florals, rustic twigs, and delicate lace details picked up here. The soundtrack will be full of fun, upbeat Christmas songs {like Brenda Lee's rendition of "Rocking around the Christmas Tree"}. I envision a buffet-style meal of comfort foods: creamy mashed potatoes, turkey, gravy, and marshmallow salad finished with a traditional white wedding cake {carrot or spice with cream cheese icing}! Guests will enjoy warm cider, eggnog, cocoa, and hot toddies. The decor will be quite simple yet elegant, using snow flakes, crystal, and pearl accents {& maybe even some classic popcorn garland}. Guests will leave with a delicate & unique snowflake or icicle ornament of their choosing off of one large decorated tree {assembled inside or outside} or off of an arrangement of large twigs in a vase. Simple, warm, elegance.

[2] Let's be Jolly

[2] This board is not only gorgeous for a winter wedding, but also based on my favorite holiday decorating palette: winter white, cream, and cherry red. There is something so classic about red and white. I think this wedding board could be stunning in two interpretations: {a} Classic & Rustic, or {b} Modern & Elegant.
I am going to describe the latter interpretation, here.
This wedding will fit perfectly in a modern venue like an art gallery or studio. I would love to include personalized Christmas lyrics in frames throughout the reception venue in that to-die-for calligraphy! A very crisp and clean backdrop will do: the decor will be depicted through the black, white, and red dress code of the guests and bridal party, the hits of red throughout the venue {glass vases filled with red glass ornaments or ripe pomegranates}, strategically placed branches with holly berries, and large red bows. I would suggest a standing reception with finger foods {mini burgers, pizzas, and Asian to go boxes filled with yummy noodles} served off sterling trays. Guests will toast with classic cosmopolitans or elegant mock-tails. The mood would be set by the jazzy classics of Sinatra, Crosby, Clooney, and Martin. The night will be topped off by cupcakes with whipped white icing and toasts with special coffee {& whip cream}! Guests will be presented with a CD collection of the Christmas classics. Classically Modern Elegance.

[3] Sleighbells Ring

[3] To me, this board is a fusion of "Little House on the Prairie" and "Snow Bunny Chic." The venue and decor are simple: a log cabin full of lots of pine, lots of pine cones, and lots of warm lighting {& maybe a little mistletoe, too}. A live band or string trio/ quartet will be a lot of fun and will set the tone for a traditional Christmas in the Country. I like how the natural tones of green and brown are picked up in all aspects of the wedding: even the stationary! It would be so great {and easy} to add the theme of sustainability to this wedding through the reused paper products, mason jars, and unique vintage finds from local thrift stores. It will also set a home-y feel. Guests will dine buffet-style on all the classics one would find in a Christmas spread and sit at beautifully decorated and draped {indoor} picnic tables. Christmas Cheer will be shared over 'nog, punch, and homemade malt wine. This traditional-inspired evening will be topped off by- our favorite- a pie bar! Finally, guests will be presented with a pine seedling in a paper bag wrapped with a pretty cream bow as they left. Home-y and festive traditions.

For more information and Planning ideas for Winter Weddings check out Brides.com

There'll be parties for hosting,
marshmallows for toasting and
caroling out in the snow.

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

Snowed in?

Here is a Collection of Links I am currently gushing over to help fill your long, lazy, Winter afternoons
{however, curling up with a good book, your sweetie, or a mug of hot chocolate will also do the trick}...

Kate Headley
Today, I am lusting over:

• The J.Crew Wedding collection.


• This rustic garden-inspired wedding for its {many} details. My Favorites: the Gorgeous floral centerpieces, the guest book table, and the place card arrangement.


• These beautiful vintage-infused weddings collected by Style Me Pretty.


• Stunning Wedding Photography found here & here.


• A wedding in the snow.


• Cameron Diaz's Winter Street Style: how can I put together this look?


• Sweet and Beautiful Holiday treats.


• This DIY Guide: I love these wreaths and can't wait to attempt one.


• The Coco+Kelley Wardrobe Wish List: oh those shoes! {I.heart.Louboutins} *sigh*


• The vintage style of this couple and these birdcage veils.


• Oprah's Favorite Things for Holiday 2008! {So many great ideas that are thoughtful and thrifty}


• Vanity Fair's Collection of the best photos of 2008. {Part ii}.


• Elf Yourself: enough said. {Check out the New Moves available this year}!


• A Holiday Wedding at Home? I love it!


• These photos are stunning.

Le Love

I'm dreaming...

Quite possibly THE RAD-EST family out there.
I want to meet them.


Wishing You a Merry 'Vintage' Christmas! from Jared Foster on Vimeo.
Video courtesy of Melancholy Smile via Black*Eiffel

Happy Christmas Eve Eve.

Absolutely Beautiful

Image Courtesy of Anna Kuperberg.
On a beautiful snow day like today I can't resist posting this lovely found on Snippet & Ink.

R & A

Image courtesy of CECI New York

I found this image on Style Me Pretty and couldn't resist posting it.

Not only are they Ryan and Angela's initials {this Monogram was created for a 'Ryan and Angelica' if you can believe it}, but they are also in EGGPLANT!

For more Invitation and Monogram inspiration, check out CECI New York's Luxury Couture Collections: CECI Luxe, CECI Style, CECI Classic.

My Personal Favorite: a beautiful vintage New York- inspired set with lovely calligraphy.



You don't really know a woman until she writes you a letter.
Ada Leverson