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!

Sweet Nursery

I finally got to the home of a family friend in Milton and just had to share these pics of her baby girl Marina's nursery. Proud papa, Helder, did all of the custom moulding work and it looks incredible. And really, what baby girl doesn't need a little chandelier in her room?

Great DIY idea for decorating: she framed the covers of two of her favourite childhood books as well as some scrapbook pages that she loved. It looks like it would be found in House and Home - congrats Georgina and Helder! xoxo

Yea or Nay?

Ok readers - I need to know: who out there has tried spray tanning? I know we have many options as to where to get it done here in Ottawa, but the idea just makes me so nervous...and I can't help thinking of Ross from that Friend's episode in the spray booth (that would be me!) I am thinking of trying it out before heading South at Christmas, but really don't know anyone who's tried it before. It seems very reasonably priced (between $25-40 for full body) but makes me nervous. Has anyone had this done for their wedding? If so, how long did it last and did it melt/leak at all onto clothing? The website are very convincing (as they should be) but I need real feedback...

Thanks!

Ottawa...always waiting...

Another gem from this weekend's paper in the Life section told of a fashion deisgner in Vancouver who was tired of the horror stories she was hearing from Bride-to-bes trying to organized their big day. She created the site Weddingful.com that offers the couple personalized planning services by giving them direct access to vendors in their area. Not a new concept, I had to check it out (and of course sign up as a vendor). But, lo and behold, Ottawa is not an available city yet (just Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto and the US)...but no, not Canada's Capital City! I guess we don't really need help being so small and all....WHAT?!!!

Ok, I've calmed down! I'm sure we're next on the list...I'll let you know when we make it In the meantime, the site is very user friendly and has some great pictures and blog posts that are helpful to all.

Mmmmm chocolate!

I love the weekend paper. There's nothing better than having the time to sit down, eat breakfast and go through each section leisurely...well maybe adding chocolate would be better! That's what I found in the "Real Deal" section of The Ottawa Citizen this morning - a tiny, little article that I would miss on a weekday, letting us readers know that Leeorah Pearce, (graduate of Le Cordon Bleu and creator of Chelsea Truffles) has come out with a new line of artisan Belgian chocolate bars (in both milk and dark chocolate). Even the packaging looks delicious! Of course, I notice the boxes and tags!

At $5, they're a little large and pricey for wedding favours, but these would be great for smaller parties or as Thank Yous, when paired with a bottle of wine, to those who have helped create your perfect event. They also make a great gift for yourself...I'll let you know about that myself!!!

Check out their website to find out where your can get your hands on them.

I know...again!

O.K., I swear I do not have shares in Marchesa - but honestly...how amazing is this dress. Can't you just picture wearing it to your rehearsal and dinner? I think I was supposed to be born into royalty...

I have to say, though, it is nice to see a celebrity wearing shoes that you and I can afford. Lauren Conrad sure wears a lot of Aldo footwear!

Enjoy!

Program Inspired by Bridesmaids

Thought I would share a few pictures that I have been meaning to for a while...sorry about that! New bride Karen asked me to create her booklet style Wedding Programs while taking inspiration from her bridesmaids dresses. The dresses they wore were the style seen in the first picture (the yellow dresses) but they were made in the lilac colour of the second picture. So gorgeous! Both are from Badgley Mischka's Bridesmaid collection.

Check out the last two pictures to give you an idea of how the booklet programs turned out. (And yes, I have put a new camera on my Christmas list this year!) Using a hopsack textured, lilac paper as the cover to the four shimmer ivory insert pages created an elegant look to match this elegant affair. We also used the same monogram-type label on the front of the programs as we used on her pocket invitations to continue that simple theme.

I'm looking forward to sharing some pictures from her big day with you soon. (The newlyweds are just home from their European honeymoon...so we'll let her unpack first!)

Stay tuned...I have a few newlyweds with pictures on the way!