Celebrate Beautifully

Spring 2012 Highlights

2011-04-27T11:33:00.001-04:00

Light as a feather Marchesa Gown

Marchesa Shift

Monique Lhuillier column gown

Blush Monique Lhuillier tulle gown

Rock and roll satin pant and fur by Oscar de la Renta

New Items at Celebrate Beautifully

2011-04-26T11:29:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the long delay! I was concentrating on a few other things but here are some new items at my shop.

Gardenia and gerbera daisy ring box

Panettone arrangement

Hydrangea in a vanilla tea tin from Italy

Favourite Gowns Under $550

2011-02-17T17:11:00.000-05:00

Whether you're on a tight budget or not, it's nice to know that there are affordable, budget-friendly dresses that are easily accessible! Here are some of my favourite picks.

White by Vera Wang Draped Net Dress $600
at David's Bridal

Ruffle Shift Dress $99
David's Bridal

Chiffon One-Shouldered Dress $349
Davids Bridal

David Meister draped jersey dress $550, Aidan Mattox Strapless metallic print dress $550 (both available at Neiman Marcus.)

Birds of A Feather Bouquet & Bonus Boutonniere

2011-02-01T20:32:00.001-05:00

This is probably my favourite bouquet to date. Featuring lilac roses, a purple hydrangea, blush dahlias, freesia and ranunculus with a golden bird perched a top. Included is a complimentary matching boutonniere with two gold feathers.

The bird is removable!

Closeup of the bouquet

Justina McCaffrey Personal Appearance Trunk Show

2011-01-28T14:38:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone,
Just an update- you can now find Justina McCaffrey at Becker's Bridal at 387 Danforth Avenue if you're in the Toronto area. There will be a trunk show and personal appearance by Justina herself next weekend.
Here are their other locations if you're not in the area.
The previous information posted was incorrect, sorry everyone! By the way, please be aware of fraudulent email blasts that look similar to the real thing.
- Melissa

Bridal Gown Fitting Advice from Vera Wang

2011-01-22T13:29:00.000-05:00

Here are some great tips from Vera Wang's latest newsletter on dress fittings:

• Most retailers will be responsible for providing the proper fit.
• Make sure you understand the salon’s alteration policy.
• Your first fitting will give you a good idea of how many additional fittings you’ll need.
• Don’t be surprised if the gown does not fit precisely
at the first fitting. You were likely measured six
months before when you ordered the gown and even
slight changes to your physique affect the fit.
• Wear your wedding day shoes at every fitting. This will create a consistent height.
• Always wear the same foundation and underpinnings. The foundation will impact the fit of the gown.
• Maintain a consistent weight. Even small fluctuations may require alterations to a bodice.
• Enjoy the process and trust the alteration team.

Dress: "Eloise" By Vera Wang It's been a while since a dress had made my heart stop! Vera designed this dress with lily of the valley (a symbol of happiness) embroidered in the bust line and did a beautiful job draping gorgeous blush cream silk taffeta.

Little White Dresses by Amsale

2011-01-08T18:02:00.000-05:00

We've all heard of the necessity of a little black dress in your wardrobe, but these pieces in the Little White Dress collection by Amsale are adorable. They're fresh and modern, and can really be worn for any occasion.

Something Blue

2011-01-06T13:52:00.026-05:00

Dress: A bolder statement of "Something Blue": a blue bodice confection by Oscar de la Renta (Fall 2011 collection)
Cocktails: Blue colored cocktails with sprigs of mint and parasols from Martha Stewart
Bouquet: A bundle of brightly hued ranunculus is wrapped with a blue satin ribbon by Bloomin Buckets. Bridal Handkerchief: The bride holds another traditional "something blue" item given to her by Darcy Miller- a custom embroidered handkerchief. You can purchase white bridal handkerchiefs to embroider at the Linenbranch.

Color Themes- Blue & Yellow

2011-01-05T13:42:00.000-05:00

Though one might think of blue and yellow as a colour combination from the 60's, it can be classic and elegant with the right mix of white.
Invitations: As featured on Martha Stewart by Jeff Canham
Bridesmaid Dress: Silk bow front shift dress by Monique Lhuillier
Bouquet: Martha Stewart

Literary Weddings

2011-01-05T12:09:00.001-05:00

Here's one of my favourite weddings (a Pride and Prejudice themed wedding) by Amorology Weddings that inspired this post on literature inspired weddings.

This spread definitely looks like it belongs at Pemberley!

(From Martha Stewart: the groom is a writer, so they used vintage typewriter keys as place cards)

Literature themed wedding featured on Style Me Pretty

Blooms coming out of an antique typewriter at a wedding created by Sixpence For Your Shoe

Amazing Weddings by Amorology

2011-01-04T11:33:00.000-05:00

I absolutely love these photos of weddings planned by San Diego based designers Amorology. They're fun, fresh, sophisticated and witty.

All photos from Style Me Pretty and Amorology Weddings.

More Custom Designs

2011-01-03T20:55:00.000-05:00

I know it's been a while since i've posted, but i've been busy making custom designs for the holidays. Hope you enjoy!

I filled this china tea cup with Italian roses and ranunculus. I love it!

This very large arrangement will be available for purchase in my etsy store soon! Great for any season, it features green hydrangeas, artichokes and cream roses.

A bronze butterfly rests on purple orchids and hydrangeas

I love the elegance of the pearl drop with these hot pink orchids and roses.

This arrangement was made for my aunt Stella, whose favourite colour is red. Features cabbage roses, red peonies and red roses.

New Custom Orders

2010-12-08T17:22:00.000-05:00

This season i've been blessed with a few custom orders, which have been keeping me busy! Here are some photos of ones I did recently for Christmas gifts for her family.

Easy Christmas Decoration Ideas

2010-11-29T18:13:00.000-05:00

The outdoor urns have been transformed with bronze branches, poinsettias and pussy willows. The wreath is made from glass bronze ornaments, birds and butterflies.

I created this Christmas tablescape using reds, greens and silver tones to coordinate the centerpiece. Add a large ribbon for an extra hit of colour.

I replaced a few framed pictures with a simple wreath and added a Christmas arrangement.

I created another arrangement for the coffee table. A mirrored picture frame adds sparkle power to candles. Inexpensive Christmas balls are another simple and easy way to decorate.

A simple garland is made from olive branches, which are symbolic in Christ's life (and represent peace as well) are wrapped around the banister with a wired ivory ribbon. A handmade wreath is hung from the banister rails, proving that wreaths can be hung anywhere and not just on doors!

This is also a great Christmas card idea. I drew a tree and filled it in with words that came to mind when I thought about Christmas and what it meant to me. You can do the same with any shape.

Roses n Lollipops Holiday Floral Designs

2010-11-23T11:05:00.001-05:00

With the holidays coming up, I thought i'd post some inspiration for holiday table designs. These pictures are from the talented celebrity floral designers, Roses n Lollipops, who have designed tablescapes for the likes of Lance Bass, Kathy Griffin and Shaquille O' Neal.

TIP: Don't forget that if you're filling your table with candles, florals or Christmas ornaments, you'll need to set up a buffet elsewhere or serve each guest individually.

I love the use of these rustic reindeer and candle holders with blue accents.

A Mid- Night Out

2010-11-17T14:00:00.000-05:00

I'm taking a break from all the wedding look postings to focus on some party outfits for all the upcoming holiday parties. These could definitely also be bridesmaid outfits too.
Dress: Anthropologie mesh midnight blue dress has an elasticized waist for all those holiday dinner parties ;) $128
Headband: Gold woven headband by Anthropologie $32
Shoes: Valentino Couture Lace Platform Pump $885
Bracelet: Expandable jewelled bracelet from Forever 21 $17.80

New Arrangements

2010-11-17T00:01:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to share some of my latest creations. I've been working on a few arrangements that i'll be posting up in my shop soon. Hope you enjoy them as much as I did making them! (PS Yes they are all faux flowers).

Pretty in pink! Large roses and peonies fill this garden pot.

A beautiful combination of pink peonies, garden roses, hydrangeas, and large white phalaenopsis orchids.

A simple yet stunning arrangement of pink garden roses. The pot is tied with a perfect coordinating grosgrain ribbon.

From my Christmas colection: red velvety roses, pine sprays, feathers and a bronze Christmas ball tops it off.

A whimsical arrangement of artichoke, red roses, pear, and a red oversized Christmas ball.

Lovely large arrangement featuring artichoke, a red peony, poinesttias, berries and loquats.

Bronze branches, red poinsettias, red feathers and green loquats set in a bronze urn.

Pink Princess

2010-11-16T21:19:00.000-05:00

This look was inspired by my pink Charming bouquet. Fairy tales do come true!
Dress: Oscar de la Renta's pink-lined ruched dress looks almost good enough to eat. Photo from Brides.com
Bouquet: Fairy tale faux flower bouquet made from pink peonies, garden pink roses, rose buds and feathers, wrapped with lace by Celebrate Beautifully . It doesn't get any dreamier than this!
Earrings: Assael Peach Pearl Earrings from Neiman Marcus $2000
Clutch: Judith Leiber Pink Fluted Beaded Clutch from Neiman Marcus $2995

Shoes: Valentino's Couture Half d'Orsay Pump in Gold from Bergdorf Goodman $695

A Christmas Wedding

2010-11-09T20:43:00.000-05:00

Red and green themed Christmas weddings dont needn't be tacky; they can be classy and beautiful like this storyboard inspired by my red and green bouquet available from the Celebrate Beautifully shop.
Dress: Lace gown with a lace caplet by Monique Lhuillier
Bouquet: Faux bouquet with a green hydrangea, and red roses by Celebrate Beautifully
Bracelet: Bow hinge cuff from Forever 21 $11.80
Shoes: We haven't had this much fun with red shoes since Dorothy's ruby red shoes! Sergio Rossi's Cannes Peacock Feather Sandal from Neiman Marcus $1495

New Year's Wedding

2010-11-09T17:20:00.002-05:00

Planning on saying "i do" when the clock strikes 12am or going to a new years party? Here's a little fun storyboard for a New Year's wedding, inspired by the famous ball drop.
Dress: Shift dress embellished with silver sequins from Anthropologie $188
Earrings: Pave diamond Heart and Arrow 18K gold from Barneys $1895
Flowers: Gorgeous and simple calla lillies by Chestnuts in the Tuileries
Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti Pave Iridescent Pump from Neiman Marcus $1195

Glamour Goddess

2010-11-04T15:42:00.001-04:00

Dress: A masterfully constructed cream Zac Posen mermaid gown $3690
Earrings: H Stern art deco Starburst Earrings $4900 from Neiman Marcus
Bouquet: Traditional tied posies of lily of the valley and gardenia, tied with a chartreuse ribbon (from Marthastewart.com)
Art Deco inspired crystal minaudiere by Judith Leiber from Neiman Marcus $1995

The Modern Tradtionalist

2010-11-03T12:43:00.001-04:00

My new bouquet inspired me to create a look of a true tradtionalist at heart, mixed with modern elements. The bouquet itself is made of traditional blush pink peonies, roses, lily of the valley and a more modern green mini calla lily. $95
The dress is a Tracy Reese 50's inspired cream lace dress with a black tie from Anthropologie. $288
The elegant earrings are pear shaped diamond earrings by Zoe, available from Barneys . $4380
The shoes are an amazing patchwork platform sandal by Rodarte from Barneys. $1645 (yes, the shoes cost more than the dress :)

Quirky Wedding Invitations by Baumbirdy Designs

2010-11-02T14:56:00.000-04:00

While on Etsy, I came across a great store called Baumbirdy Designs that creates wedding invitations and other items. I especially love how they engrave wood to make banners and invitations. Here are some of my favourite pieces.

Wooden Cake Banners

Wood Invitations

Quirky and original comic style invitations

Wedding programs that double as fans!

Not Your Mother's Dress...

2010-10-27T12:00:00.000-04:00

Claire Pettibone's fall 2011 collection features dresses that were all about feminine flower power.

I love this floral bolero!

Loving the mandarin collar

My mother definitely had a dress almost exactly like that!

Marchesa Fall 2011 Preview

2010-10-21T15:39:00.000-04:00

I know I have yet to post more up on Spring 2010 but I couldnt wait to preview some of the Fall 2011 collections! Here are my favourites from the Marchesa 2011 collection (photos from brides.com)