So, I'm in Toronto and I've finally finished my class on Floral design and wedding decor that i was super excited to do. I got to meet some pretty amazing people yesterday including the instructors:
Shelley DeSilva from Wedding Wows Toronto
Sherisse Bhimani from The Wedding Deocrators
(photos to come - I need to download them and apparently I didn't pack my camera chord.)
I was amazed by the number of people that flew in to take this course! There were 2 from Newfoundland, myself from New Brunswick, Texas, Georgia, Maryland. There was even one who came from the UK! It was a very good experience and I'm sure to be making posts now on all the arrangements I'll be 'practicing' with.
Stay tuned for photos of my holiday arrangements.
Cheers!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Winter Weddings - Inspiration of light
I'm heading to Toronto in a few days for a class on Floral Design and Decor - super excited!
Why do I mention this do you ask? Lately I've been experimenting, practicing, etc. with my own floral designs. A bit unconventional but nice and elegant if I do say so myself.
First, I should give you some background: I was given this particular votive holder a long time back (4 years?) and have never used it. It still contains the original votive that was given to me then. It's not that I didn't like it, it just didn't really go with my decor at the time. Okay I didn't really like it but yet still couldn't part with it, somehow knowing that it would be of use and fulfill its destiny someday.
This happened 2 weeks ago! We were sitting here and the power went out. Now this has of course happened before in the 4 year period that I have owned this candle holder but for some reason I dug it out that night and lit it. BEAUTIFUL! It looked like snow falling in a almost night sky. The holder is teal with these white flecks in it and with the light flickering it made it appear as though snow was falling in this little container. From here I was in love with this little holder and was fully able to appreciate its beauty.
This night I was inspired to design a winter wedding (not Christmas as it is only one month of our long winter here in NB) base around this candle holder and the feeling that I had. I would be using this in the Wedding Show I would be attending.
I wanted to explore the idea of a glowing centerpiece.... but to also include the blue of this holder that was so intriguing. I designed a centerpiece around this idea using a square glass vase and inserting a cylindrical candle holder inside it. I then used floral foam to fill the gaps where I'd be placing flowers but left a space between the foam and the walls of the vase. I chose to use white carnations as my flowers for the centerpiece (many reasons why) which I inserted into the foam around the votive holder, I made sure to cut them short so that they would just be brushing the top of the vase. I then filled in the space I had left using the glass beads that we all know (never really liked them before but for this purpose they were the right thing). I of course chose ones in a teal colour. Once the candle was lit inside the arrangement it looked like it was glowing under the snow (the carnations), the glass rocks sparkled as the light bounced around and the overall effect was what I was trying to achieve.
Now the pictures don't do it justice but then again I'm not a photographer....
So in the above photo you can also see the tiny bouquet I made, again using white carnations , feathers (soft like snowflakes) and crystals. Received may compliments on the pairings - most were "...who knew carnations could look so beautiful!" I did!
I also thought about other lighting that would be needed at this imagined wedding. For this I was inspired to use wooden twigs which were lightly coated with white spray paint. I inserted them into these very tall white vases I have and hung hand-made luminaries from the branches. These luminaries were easy to make and I used pale coloured paper and I punched out a snowflake on 2 sides of each. They were lit using 'battery' tea lights - no fires!
Although I only had one of these at my booth I imagined them strategically placed in the room. Creating lighting and adding to the overall mood.
Again, not a photographer....
Here's a grouping shot of my booth as it was at the Wedding show on Sunday:
and yes, I am sandwiched between the storage room and the exit which can't be blocked. I'd also like to give credit to my "CSJ" signage in front - thanks sis!
DIY - The centerpiece cost was $5, the bouquet was $10 and the luminaries were $3.
Why do I mention this do you ask? Lately I've been experimenting, practicing, etc. with my own floral designs. A bit unconventional but nice and elegant if I do say so myself.
First, I should give you some background: I was given this particular votive holder a long time back (4 years?) and have never used it. It still contains the original votive that was given to me then. It's not that I didn't like it, it just didn't really go with my decor at the time. Okay I didn't really like it but yet still couldn't part with it, somehow knowing that it would be of use and fulfill its destiny someday.
This happened 2 weeks ago! We were sitting here and the power went out. Now this has of course happened before in the 4 year period that I have owned this candle holder but for some reason I dug it out that night and lit it. BEAUTIFUL! It looked like snow falling in a almost night sky. The holder is teal with these white flecks in it and with the light flickering it made it appear as though snow was falling in this little container. From here I was in love with this little holder and was fully able to appreciate its beauty.
This night I was inspired to design a winter wedding (not Christmas as it is only one month of our long winter here in NB) base around this candle holder and the feeling that I had. I would be using this in the Wedding Show I would be attending.
I wanted to explore the idea of a glowing centerpiece.... but to also include the blue of this holder that was so intriguing. I designed a centerpiece around this idea using a square glass vase and inserting a cylindrical candle holder inside it. I then used floral foam to fill the gaps where I'd be placing flowers but left a space between the foam and the walls of the vase. I chose to use white carnations as my flowers for the centerpiece (many reasons why) which I inserted into the foam around the votive holder, I made sure to cut them short so that they would just be brushing the top of the vase. I then filled in the space I had left using the glass beads that we all know (never really liked them before but for this purpose they were the right thing). I of course chose ones in a teal colour. Once the candle was lit inside the arrangement it looked like it was glowing under the snow (the carnations), the glass rocks sparkled as the light bounced around and the overall effect was what I was trying to achieve.
Now the pictures don't do it justice but then again I'm not a photographer....
So in the above photo you can also see the tiny bouquet I made, again using white carnations , feathers (soft like snowflakes) and crystals. Received may compliments on the pairings - most were "...who knew carnations could look so beautiful!" I did!
I also thought about other lighting that would be needed at this imagined wedding. For this I was inspired to use wooden twigs which were lightly coated with white spray paint. I inserted them into these very tall white vases I have and hung hand-made luminaries from the branches. These luminaries were easy to make and I used pale coloured paper and I punched out a snowflake on 2 sides of each. They were lit using 'battery' tea lights - no fires!
Although I only had one of these at my booth I imagined them strategically placed in the room. Creating lighting and adding to the overall mood.
Again, not a photographer....
Here's a grouping shot of my booth as it was at the Wedding show on Sunday:
and yes, I am sandwiched between the storage room and the exit which can't be blocked. 
DIY - The centerpiece cost was $5, the bouquet was $10 and the luminaries were $3.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Publicity
So, I've been lucky as of late (knock on wood) with the positive publicity that I've gotten this year.
It started in February with the wedding gala that I hosted here in Fredericton. I was then lucky enough to be asked for my opinion on the economy and weather it has effected myself personally. I was then asked to be on a couple different radio stations (Fred FM 92.3 and News 91.9) however, I think the best pat of this so far was that I was interviewed for the 'live it' section of The Daily Gleaner on summer parties....oh I had fun with that one. I think though I was most happy to see that the picture they chose to run with was of my little angel - Tristan.
He started a new daycare the Tuesday after the story ran and the place actually commented on the article since his picture was in it :) I like to joke now that 'I'm mildly famous....' but on the serious side....Mark Taylor at Delora Media has been very helpful. You can check out his company at: www.deloramedia.com
6 'publicity' options taken in 6 months - let's keep the ball rolling!
Cheers!
It started in February with the wedding gala that I hosted here in Fredericton. I was then lucky enough to be asked for my opinion on the economy and weather it has effected myself personally. I was then asked to be on a couple different radio stations (Fred FM 92.3 and News 91.9) however, I think the best pat of this so far was that I was interviewed for the 'live it' section of The Daily Gleaner on summer parties....oh I had fun with that one. I think though I was most happy to see that the picture they chose to run with was of my little angel - Tristan.
He started a new daycare the Tuesday after the story ran and the place actually commented on the article since his picture was in it :)
6 'publicity' options taken in 6 months - let's keep the ball rolling!
Cheers!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
creativity spike
It's late here and I'm baking a cake for my uncle's 50th birthday. I can't sleep due to the number of incredibly awesome ideas I have running through my mind for wedding ceremonies and receptions.
Although I am happily married (I love you Brannen - as he lays snoring on the couch!) I could get married 100+ different ways.
I don't think that I'm conventional or traditional but an excellent blend of each. I like to take more traditional elements and intersperse some more creative "highlights" that get noticed. Having worked with every type of budget ($2000 - $30K) I definitely find ways to incorporate elements that keep your guests talking about your day long after it's over.
I don't like to do the 'same wedding' over and over but if that's really what you want then of course I'll be happy to comply. With my clients I really try to find out what is unique about them and what they like.
Sooo...enough rambling. Currently I have been investigating outdoor ceremonies and the like. I came across this photo from 'Green Orchid Events' blog.
Living in New Brunswick I'm not sure if anyone has ever done this set-up here but with all our beautiful senic locations this is sure to be a great layout for everyone. All the guests get a great spot to view the ceremony. Those taking photos will have numerous angles to choose from! One guest may be looking at you as you say 'I will' and able to capture the shot as at the same time someone else has captured his expression of hearing you say those 2 little words.
The options are actually endless of ways that you could tweak this to fit your individual style and location.
The key here is that everything must be thought of and planned right down to the recessional and which direction you will walk out from....
Hope this was helpful to some.
Cheers!
Although I am happily married (I love you Brannen - as he lays snoring on the couch!) I could get married 100+ different ways.
I don't think that I'm conventional or traditional but an excellent blend of each. I like to take more traditional elements and intersperse some more creative "highlights" that get noticed. Having worked with every type of budget ($2000 - $30K) I definitely find ways to incorporate elements that keep your guests talking about your day long after it's over.
I don't like to do the 'same wedding' over and over but if that's really what you want then of course I'll be happy to comply. With my clients I really try to find out what is unique about them and what they like.
Sooo...enough rambling. Currently I have been investigating outdoor ceremonies and the like. I came across this photo from 'Green Orchid Events' blog.
Living in New Brunswick I'm not sure if anyone has ever done this set-up here but with all our beautiful senic locations this is sure to be a great layout for everyone. All the guests get a great spot to view the ceremony. Those taking photos will have numerous angles to choose from! One guest may be looking at you as you say 'I will' and able to capture the shot as at the same time someone else has captured his expression of hearing you say those 2 little words.
The options are actually endless of ways that you could tweak this to fit your individual style and location.
The key here is that everything must be thought of and planned right down to the recessional and which direction you will walk out from....
Hope this was helpful to some.
Cheers!
Monday, July 20, 2009
How important is the dress? - UPDATE
Well, i just wanted to let you all know that i was looking at some wedding photos of friends the other day and actually did a double take!
I was looking at a photo of my wedding dress and it wasn't me wearing it!
I actually, no word of a lie, had to go check the closet to see if it was still in there. It of course was. So this dress i was looking at wasn't 'exactly' the same dress but honestly you could have fooled me and obviously did.
This makes me pose the question once again as to how important is the dress?
This bride was across Canada - almost to the complete opposite side, which make me wonder - could I have sold my beautiful (now just collecting dust and taking up that much need closet space) dress to this bride? Would she have bought a previously used dress even if was only wore once? I don't know if she would have but I do know that I would have sold it.
Just think you could buy or sell a beautiful gown and then get a photo of that bride so instead of the "travelling pants" it could be the dress that goes on to give each bride a different memory.
Maybe that's cheesy but a thought nonetheless.......
I was looking at a photo of my wedding dress and it wasn't me wearing it!
I actually, no word of a lie, had to go check the closet to see if it was still in there. It of course was. So this dress i was looking at wasn't 'exactly' the same dress but honestly you could have fooled me and obviously did.
This makes me pose the question once again as to how important is the dress?
This bride was across Canada - almost to the complete opposite side, which make me wonder - could I have sold my beautiful (now just collecting dust and taking up that much need closet space) dress to this bride? Would she have bought a previously used dress even if was only wore once? I don't know if she would have but I do know that I would have sold it.
Just think you could buy or sell a beautiful gown and then get a photo of that bride so instead of the "travelling pants" it could be the dress that goes on to give each bride a different memory.
Maybe that's cheesy but a thought nonetheless.......
Thursday, July 16, 2009
How important is the dress?
So...girls, how important is finding that perfect dress?
Will you break the bank for it? Will you buy used or does it need to be new?
These are all great questions and the answers all come down to you - the bride - and your personality.
Now for the guys, this is the dreaded subject. They generally want you to be happy and to be 'in love' with your gown, as it probably reflects the love you have for him (they like to think - as the diamond is his love for you right?!); however, they often get concerned when you say its X$. Afterall they are going to look quite daper in their tux or suit and it probably only cost a fraction of yours. How do you balance or justify this cost? Are you a budget keeper or 'this is the one - I've got to have it' type of girl.
Either way, most of us have (had) a picture of our ideal dress that we are looking for, basic shape and colour, length of train, details, etc. When looking or hunting for your dress you should keep in mind that it can play double duty. Use it as one of the focal points for the wedding, where all details, starting with the decor, can reflect or compliment it. If you are planning on having an elaborate dress with all the bells and whistles, can you get away with using less than perfect linens at the reception? Probably not, ...unless you plan to sit on the table as the centrepiece.
So, again, how important is the dress when it comes to the bottom line of your wedding budget?
My advice is to look around, take your time. When you find the dress - yes 'the dress' - can you get everything there? Bridal salons are more apt to give you a better price if you get the maids dress there as well - but don't stop there, can you get the tuxes, veil, guest book, etc too? There is something to be said for one stop shopping, I'm thinking Walmart or Superstore now that I have a small one in tow - out of the car, get the stuff, in the car and home. Now I certainly don't always advise this but sometimes it's the right way to go.
Another way is to make note of the dress brand and style. Contact other salons to see if they have this dress - not all markups are the same. How much is gas and how far would you drive to get it? Can you get it online? Have you tried posting your dream dress on services like Kijiji or Craig's List asking about it. I know every bride is different but chances are that someone out there has a dress very similar to the one you are looking for and it could be yours at a lesser price point. You definitely need to be careful with this option as you want to make sure that you are still getting a great deal and the dress isn't ruined. Ask questions and see it in person.
Some used dresses can be altered famously! Such a case was here last fall when the local seconds store paired with the fashion college and put on a exquisite show of re-newed gowns.
Budget or no budget, rest assured that the dress of your day is out there. You just need to recognize it!
Cheers and happy planning!
Will you break the bank for it? Will you buy used or does it need to be new?
These are all great questions and the answers all come down to you - the bride - and your personality.
Now for the guys, this is the dreaded subject. They generally want you to be happy and to be 'in love' with your gown, as it probably reflects the love you have for him (they like to think - as the diamond is his love for you right?!); however, they often get concerned when you say its X$. Afterall they are going to look quite daper in their tux or suit and it probably only cost a fraction of yours. How do you balance or justify this cost? Are you a budget keeper or 'this is the one - I've got to have it' type of girl.
Either way, most of us have (had) a picture of our ideal dress that we are looking for, basic shape and colour, length of train, details, etc. When looking or hunting for your dress you should keep in mind that it can play double duty. Use it as one of the focal points for the wedding, where all details, starting with the decor, can reflect or compliment it. If you are planning on having an elaborate dress with all the bells and whistles, can you get away with using less than perfect linens at the reception? Probably not, ...unless you plan to sit on the table as the centrepiece.
So, again, how important is the dress when it comes to the bottom line of your wedding budget?
My advice is to look around, take your time. When you find the dress - yes 'the dress' - can you get everything there? Bridal salons are more apt to give you a better price if you get the maids dress there as well - but don't stop there, can you get the tuxes, veil, guest book, etc too? There is something to be said for one stop shopping, I'm thinking Walmart or Superstore now that I have a small one in tow - out of the car, get the stuff, in the car and home. Now I certainly don't always advise this but sometimes it's the right way to go.
Another way is to make note of the dress brand and style. Contact other salons to see if they have this dress - not all markups are the same. How much is gas and how far would you drive to get it? Can you get it online? Have you tried posting your dream dress on services like Kijiji or Craig's List asking about it. I know every bride is different but chances are that someone out there has a dress very similar to the one you are looking for and it could be yours at a lesser price point. You definitely need to be careful with this option as you want to make sure that you are still getting a great deal and the dress isn't ruined. Ask questions and see it in person.
Some used dresses can be altered famously! Such a case was here last fall when the local seconds store paired with the fashion college and put on a exquisite show of re-newed gowns.
Budget or no budget, rest assured that the dress of your day is out there. You just need to recognize it!
Cheers and happy planning!
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