Get that Holiday feeling!

As we head into the days surrounding Christmas, I thought I would leave you with some holiday inspired items to peruse. The dark tent whose roof is lit with clear chirstmas lights is a romantic and safe way to mimic the night sky without risking the bad weather! I also like the dark colours used for everything from bridesmaids dresses and flowers to the black and gold mini cakes. Those are especially elegant without being too "Christmasy!!!"

And of course, I couldn't resist the gorgeous red gown...I guess it works if you're marrying someone named "Nick," "Kringle" or "Clause" though right?!!!

Top 100: No. 96 Mamma Mia

Love this musical, have seen it twice on stage...but have yet to see the film! Thought I would share some pictures anyways as this wedding is all about location...Do you really need to worry much about decor when your background is beautiful Skopelos Island in Greece? The white buildings set against the blue sea is just incredible. I found a site that caters specifically to creating "Mamma Mia" style weddings in Greece (which is where the beach picture is taken from). The long, soft and flowing dresses match the laid back yet elegant style of the island. And would there be any other way to make an entrance but on the back of a donkey? I think not! Enjoy!

Holiday Wishes!

Just a quick post to apologize for lack of content! I'm away on holidays until the New Year and hope to find lots of inspiring ideas to share while here in the warmth of Arizona and California! (oops..had to brag!)

Happy Holidays!

Top 100: No. 97 The Bride Wars

Ok - what was I thinking coming up with 100?!! Finding pictures will prove to be the most challenging...but I do love a good challenge! Oh, and here's an indoor venue for you!

The movie The Bride Wars, doesn't particularly have a memorable amazing wedding scene (since the girls have an all-out brawl on the day), however; the dresses, location and decor are still stunning and out-of-this-world! The wedding takes place at The Plaza, an upscale hotel in New York City, and coveted by many brides-to-be. The room that the ceremony took place in features gorgeous mirrored doors and walls making everything appear grander and light. Check out the ornate detailing on the ceilings and curtains in the reception hall...it truly looks like a castle inside! Did you notice the centrepieces, or were they a bit too small?!!

Both dresses are stunning and fit their unique brides - both were designed by Vera Wang. What do we think of the grooms bowtie?

Top 100: No. 98 I Love You Man

Is there a theme going on? OK, I'm obviously partial to outdoor weddings, but promise to showcase many indoor events as well. I just remember loving the wedding scene at the end of the movie: "I Love You Man." Actress Rashida Jones and her bridesmaids look so natural and gorgeous. The yellow dresses are Nanette Lepore designs, while I believe the brides simple flowing gown is a J Crew number. I'm not super crazy about the blue suit worn by Paul Rudd, but who was looking at him anyway?

The setting, however, is unmistakably enviable! It was filmed at a private residence in Malibu - ah to not ever worry about rain (or snow) on your wedding day! The bamboo pergola and all the cascading fabrics make for a funky, yet romantic atmosphere. I love the use of the small rectangular tables that line the aisle. The clear vases overflowing with yellow flowers reflect the bridesmaids dresses beautifully.

Nothing more to say except it's perfect, just perfect! (Plus, I've run out of adjectives!)

Top 100: No. 99 Rachel Getting Married

Alright, so this movie was a little intense in terms of the incredible array of emotions and problems scattered throughout. It did, however, have it's beautiful and precious wedding moments as well.

Another lucky couple with parents who own gorgeous, huge property on which to host the event. The tent that they brought in was very true to their unique and quirky style. Check out the details - it makes me think of a renaissance fair or gypsy, palm-reading den! Even the types of music and dance move between styles and themes, yet seem to flow somehow too.

I love how the quirky decor flowed from the house (in which they got married) out to the garden and then towards the tent. Using round paper lanterns of different sizes and colours held this theme together beautifully. The blue elephant cake was a unique touch as well. And of course, if you're getting married in the library of the house, eating blue elephant cake and dancing with belly dancers, you will need little glass trinkets as placecard favours right?! I just love it - and I wonder why this movie's wedding stayed with me for so many years after seeing it?!!!

100 Best: No.100 Father of the Bride

I thought it best to start the list with the classic home wedding from Father of the Bride. In this 1990's film, Steve Martin helps his daughter carry off her dream wedding, no matter what the cost...and cost is quite evident!

When you own a home as classically beautiful as this, it would be difficult to want to hold a hall reception. Look to your close family and friends for this option, but do keep in mind that it is often more expensive to bring the hall to you, as you will need to rent every item individually (cutlery, tables, chairs, linens, a dance floor...) that would normally be included and readily available in a hall. I would suggest working with a professional planner if going this route to ensure nothing has been left out!

Although styles have and will continue to change (think hair and clothing), the tent reception is a classic and the "Chiavari" chairs continue to be a coveted and costly choice for upscale outdoor reception seating. Although the cascading vines and greenery would be a little much these days, the lighting and chandelier are an elegant touch.

The cake too remains quite classic today as a three tier round design. It has a small sampling of real flowers on top and some scattered around the base as well, but flows beautifully with her theme of flowers and vines and outdoor life.

It is amazing what can be done when money is no object for daddy's little girl...oh to dream!

100 Best Movie Weddings

Watching movies is a fabulous pastime...not only do you get a little escape from reality, but often you can take out some fashion ideas, find new music, plan fantasy vacations based on locations seen and so much more. So I thought: Why haven't I been focusing on bringing to you, regularly, the fantastic, and often over-the-top, weddings from movies? As I sit here, home sick with a terrible head-cold, I will attempt to come up with my own list of the 100 Best Movie Weddings, and bring you the still shots of those events. No matter what the size and cost, there is always something to be seen that can inspire a couple working with any budget. Since the year is coming to a close and there are only 24 hours in a day, I will allow myself until March to come up with a completed list - does this seem fair?

Please keep in mind, the order is not of particular importance (except for Number One, which is my absolute favourite!)

I love a good challenge! Stay tuned...

Real Weddings: Giulia & Michael

I am thrilled to share some more gorgeous pictures from another amazing Ottawa Wedding. Giulia and Michael we married at Blessed Sacrament and held their reception at Centurion Conference and Event Centre in September. Now Giulia was a bride who had a vision and knew what she wanted from the start (which can be a dream for the stationery designer)...and this vision and determination is quite clear when you look at how the day came together in her pictures...everything looks absolutely perfect!

The vibrant purple, used in everything from dresses, flowers, favours, stationery and pew bows to the brides own shoes, looks stunning in contrast to the elements of white and black alike. I also really like the softness of the white hydrangea bouquets set low as the centrepiece on black linens.

Like couple Karen and Chris, she made use of the Ottawa U campus for her portraits. (Why had I not thought of this location before?) I especially love the one of the Bridal Party on the stairs. What a gorgeous couple, and wedding party! Congratulations Giulia and Michael and many thanks for sharing your day with us! I know these pictures will inspire those in planning mode!

Your supporting cast is important too!

Thank goodness for time-shifting...I occasionally get to catch an episode of Oprah and yesterday's was a lot of fun thanks to guest Carson Kressley. He's so funny - he gave viewers an inside peek at the "Running of the Brides," an annual event that travels around the United States that has brides and their supportive friends camping over night to line up for a huge (and I mean HUGE) sale on designer wedding gowns. Some dresses are worth over $5,000 being sold at this sale for under $500. Amazing! Check out the video and story here.

If you're up for the drive, you can check out the sale yourself in New York City on February 18th, 2011.

So after that viewing, Oprah and Carson talked bridesmaids dresses. He said, "The bride is the star, but she needs a good supporting cast!" I loved this - so true. And now I can brag that the dress he chose to have modeled on the show was the exact J Crew dress I blogged about in September (which Ottawa bride Lesley had her bridemais wear in her wedding at the Brookstreet Hotel in Kanata). On Oprah, he paired the grey J Crew dress with a nude Aldo pump and it looked awesome!!! Lesley's bridesmaids can actually wear those little dresses again around the holidays - how thoughtful of the bride!

Wednesday Fun

For fun today, head to People online to check out what designers have in mind for a Royal Wedding Gown for Kate Middleton. My fave is pictured above by Monique Lhuillier. The style reminds me of the dress she is wearing at her public engagement announcement...and she looked smashing, wouldn't you say? The link is then followed by tons of pics of Kate with all her fab hats and dresses!!! We need more Ottawa events to which we could wear such fun ensembles! (Or maybe I just need the invitation!)

Check it all out here and enjoy.

Fab Cakes feature

Congratulations to Jessica Murphy of Fab cakes by Jessica. One of her cupcake creations were featured in The Ottawa Citizen's Style magazine today - such great exposure for an incredible baker and designer. I had Jess create my wedding cake and have been sending friends and family to her ever since. Not only do her creations look beautiful, but they taste divine too! Way to go Jess ;)

Gift idea...for yourself too!

What has taken me so long to discover this gem? What a fantastic and fun find featured in this month's InStyle Magazine! Although all of their creations look earthy and cute, I favour the custom-made character stamps which you can create to look like you (or members of your family or friends) with your names scripted below and the custom monograms too. Just think of all the uses for these: Thank You cards, personal stationery, labeling books, writing notes, invitations, sealing envelopes, labeling favours...So fun! They have a little wedding selection too (which is heavy on bird designs, but beautiful nonetheless)

The prices seem very reasonable (starting at $18.50 USD) I can't wait to get my hands on some - they would make super cute Holiday Gifts, don't you think? Check them out here.

More options arrive in Ottawa!

Another Bridal Salon has opened it's doors and is co-owned by Stacey Price (of Marry Me Productions), Danica Redden and Jasmine Craig. Aptly named "The White Dress," just look how gorgeous and inviting the entrance is. You can only imagine the quality and service that awaits you inside! The small boutique will offer the exquisite dress lines of Melissa Sweet, Monique Lhuillier, Vera Wang, Badgley Mischka and Priscilla of Boston, a real treat for Ottawa brides. Check out the full Ottawa Citizen feature here.

Real Weddings: Karen & Chris

Oh my goodness - I am so excited to share with you some exquisite wedding pictures taken here in Ottawa of newlyweds Karen and Chris in October. I highly recommend using parts of the University of Ottawa campus as your picture-taking location. The outdoor tiles, archways and hanging greenery look straight out of a storybook...not to mention how gorgeous this bride and groom and their wedding party look against it too!

The Bride's stunning gown was found at McCaffrey Haute Couture on Sussex while the "to-die-for" shoes are Jimmy Choo! The bridesmaids dazzled in dresses from Badgley Mischka's Bridesmaid Collection (see earlier post) and the groom wore a tux from Morris Formal Wear on Wellington.

For favours, they featured both a candy table for guests to fill their own take-out boxes with as well as sweet wrapped treat. Bride, Karen, adores chocolate while groom, Chris, favours licorice...so they married the two flavours and offered little chocolate dipped licorice sticks as an added favour. From what I hear, guests just loved them (and some took more than their share too!)

Now that is what I love to see - taking an idea (such as candy favours) and making it unique to you as a couple. Congrats to the Yzermans...I'm sorry I missed such an incredible celebration!

Cheers to a lifetime of happiness together. xoxo

All photos were taken by Photolux Studios (located on Preston Street). Check out their gallery online for a glimpse at other stunning work that they have done.

The wedding cake was created by my favourite local super mom Jessica of Fab Cakes by Jessica.

Invitation Themes

Check out WeddingBells latest article and pictures of themed invitations to get you inspired. I am loving this "Boho" style - I do like pocket invitations, but really love this simple card style with one pocket at the bottom. I would like to see what it looks like folded...perhaps a monogram on the card? Anyway, the grey and white with a splash of aqua is just striking! Love it!

Check out their website for more.

It's beginning to look a lot like...

I had some girlfriends over last night for some wine, munchies and...(wait for it...) some Holiday card-making! We had a blast using some gorgeous Stampin' Up products, some holiday-themed scrapbook paper and a whole lot of creativity.

If you would like to place a holiday order for cards, tags or wine bottle sleeves/tags, just send me an email and we'll come up with something special for you!

I am really on the ball this year! Maybe I should get my holiday shopping done while I'm at it?

New Bridal Salon in Town

In my neck of the woods (in Ottawa), I have found a new Bridal Salon with some exquisite designs. If you're dress shopping, be sure to make an appointment at White Satin Bridal Couture in Bells Corners. The window display draws you in, but check them out on-line to see what their unique designers have to offer. My two favourites of the moment are the ultra-feminine, yet simple gowns above by Olivia Couture and can be found at this salon.

Enjoy this part of the planning...try on as many as you can handle and don't scoff at any on the hanger - they always look different when on you!

Happy shopping!