You seem to have that artistic flair about you; how did creativity play a role throughout the planning process and your wedding?  This ties into the last question. We had a limited budget so we knew that we would have to get creative. That being said I think even if we had had a million dollars I would have wanted our wedding to be exactly the same. From making our invitations to making my own bouquet and flower arrangements for the reception. My dear friend Danni baked 130 of her famous coconut cupcakes to act as our wedding cake, a group of our friends got together and formed a band and played for us, another friend made an amazing play list on her IPod for everyone to dance to, and my best friend Dan composed and played the music I walked down the isle to. This is just to mention a few people that helped. I knew that I wanted everything to organically come from us; us being a collective us.

New York is considered one of the most romantic places to live in & travel to and your ceremony in the park is breathtaking.  Tell us about choosing Manhattan as the backdrop for your service.  We both love, love, love New York. I know this sounds corny, but I often feel like the city is part of our relationship. We had some very New York moments while we were dating — from 3 a.m. cab rides to see each other, to Jeremy buying me daisies from the 24-hr corner deli, to getting engaged while riding a taxi over the Williamsburg Bridge. It's the city where we fell in love, the city that allowed a guy from Wisconsin and a girl from Germany to meet, and the city that has become our home. It felt unnatural to get married anywhere else.

What surprised you most on your special day?  Ha. That we actually managed to pull this thing off!

What is the most solid piece of advice you’ve been given about marriage?  That things change, people change. The important part is seeing that other person through the change.

Describe a Fab*Bride (you!) in three words.  Spontaneous. Crafty. Daring.

...And if Natasha's answers weren't great enough, she had a few more thoughts to share: Thanks for letting me do this! I really hope that other brides take something away from this. Weddings shouldn't be about going into debt and buying some crazy dress that you can't pay for. It really should be a day about family and friends, and as long as you get all your loved ones together and put on an IPod everyone will have fun! I promise. 

Big thanks to Natasha for participating and Lindsey Thorne for nominating this inspiring Fab*Bride!

If you would like to make a nomination, please contact me at antoinette@invitationconsultants.com, or DM me on Twitter @atelierantoinet. Feel free to leave a comment, as well. The rest of the crew would love to hear from you too!

Until the next post, stay Fab*ulous!

All images courtesy of Lindsey Thorne's Photography Blog.  Also check out The Jason Groupp, where Lindsey also contributes fabulous photography.

Please note, Natasha's headshot (above with tree photograph) was artistically edited by yours truly.

1. Hostess Blog New Moon Printables and Twilight DVD release party details: Jen at Hostess with  Mostess has created free printables in two color schemes to represent the original black, red and white from the New Moon book art and new evergreen and woodland hues from the New Moon movie previews and posters. Both designs capture the essence of the book perfectly, and feature pivotal quotes. They would make awesome decor if framed and used on your party tablescape. 

2. A New Moon Playlist from Stephenie Meyer: Stephenie Meyer created a beautifully thought out play list based on the characters emotions in the book. Who better to associate the characters perspectives with songs than the creator of the characters herself? My favorite is Stephenie's association with 'The Scientist' by Coldplay from Edward's heart-braking point of view. Burn these songs to a CD and you'll have yourself an instant party soundtrack.

3. Team Edward vs. Team Jacob Cupcakes from Sweet Avenue: These amazing cupcakes are the perfect inspiration for New Moon sweets. It may be difficult to replicate these printed cupcakes at home, but use them as a jumping off point for creating your own tempting treats. Think of dark, devil's food cupcakes with rich chocolate ganache and drizzled with red 'blood' icing. Or, to be more appropriate for members of your pack, consider spice cupcakes frosted to look like a wolf.

4. Twilight Inspired Invitations: Think woodland chic for your New Moon premiere party. This Secret Passage invitation features a scene hauntingly similar to the forest atmosphere described so well in New Moon. 

5. Etsy Twilight Finds: This New Moon Collection of pins by manhandled would make great party favors for vamps and werewolves alike. The collection features adorable Twilight references like 'I Drive like a Cullen' and 'LaPush Cliff Diving Team'. If your New Moon party is in honor of a birthday and gifts are in order, consider these New Moon inspired jewels: a Lion and Lamb silver cuff by BrighidsForge and a Twilight definition pendent by hellobrowneyes.

And for party attire, look no further than the New Moon stars themselves. The images above are of Taylor Lautner, Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Dakota Fanning at the New Moon premiere this past week and they all look supernaturally elegant. Look for inspiration in their sleek dark suits and glamorous gowns and you really can't go wrong. Image Source: Mail Online and Starpulse.

I hope everyone enjoys New Moon this weekend and that all you twi-hards are not disappointed in any way with this epic story coming to life on the silver screen. Let me know in a comment below, are you TEAM EDWARD or TEAM JACOB? Or, perhaps you're neutral like Switzerland? 



Tweet with me @genreilly

We went to Vancouver less than two years ago and right outside of our hotel they were already building the building for the Olympic's press. Sadly, we did not get to make it to Whistler because we did not have snowchains on the car that we rented in Seattle. However, we got to go to Cypress and Grouse Mountains. My first trip on a gondola was on Grouse Mountain! A little nerveracking. Next time I would like to be braver and head to Whistler to ride the peak to peak gondola Whistler-Blackcomb. Sea to Sky Highway is supposed to be amazing (the road to Whistler).

What winter sport are you going to be watching? My favorite is figure skating. But I know we will also be watching, cross country and the luge. When the spectators get tired of watching sports, they can head to Robson Street for great shopping and sushi or to Stanley Park to just relax. Other great sidetrips for the day involve taking a BC Ferry to one of the beautiful islands or to Victoria, the capital of BC (an island as large as Ireland).

I guess it's in my blood, being part Canadian that I am excited about the Olympics being there! Have fun watching. Check out the Winter Olypic Countdown clock.

Peak2Peak, Snowy photos thanks to me!, Whimsical Wintry Flurries, Snowflake Skates

The holidays are right around the corner and that means shopping, and lists, and fun... but mostly shopping! For the next few weeks, the Fab*Blog team members will each be creating holiday shopping lists of their own with tons of great picks! Today, I'm up, and I have put together my "Top Etsy Picks." Etsy is a wonderful site for all types of artists out there and allows them (and us) to buy and sell handmade items of all sorts. From clothing and jewelry to paintings and sculpture, Etsy has a bit of everything.

1. Stay Toasty - This black and white cashmere hat is a great accessory and perfect for winter. Don't be caught without a great jacket to keep warm in. Stay toasty in this adorable gray wool jacket.
2. Stay Radiant - Be sure to stay gorgeous with cute handmade jewelry. This pair of leaf earrings and flower necklace are a great way to add a little extra pop to your favorite holiday outfit.
3. Stay Organized - Keep your belongings organized with these great finds. A delightful leather wallet clutch will keep your money in check. And you're sure to have visitors this holiday season, so keep your place in order with this great sun bookshelf.
4. Stay Calm - With all the chaos of the season, you're sure to need some time to yourself. Pick up some of this body scrub or a calming set of candles to relax and enjoy.
5. Stay Stylish - A bright bag or fancy headband is the perfect way pep up you're wardrobe.
6. Stay Creative - Add some flare to your abode with some great art. I've chosen a few pieces that call to me, but there's tons of great art to choose from with all different styles.

Last but not least Stay In Touch! Keep your family in the know with a Photo Holiday Card!

Image Credits:

B&W Cashmere Hat (sanchia845), Graydon Wool Jacket (FloremarkShop), Fiona Earrings (candysart), Arden Necklace (RachelleD), Leather Wallet Clutch (TheFigLeaf), Sun Bookshelf (briannakufa), Caicos Soy Candle (sydneyhale), Rock Star Detox Body Scrub (SpaGoddess), Pumpkin Bag (PloylyMingzyBb), Woodland Flower & Berry Headband (BeSomethingNew), "Reach It" Print (monjojo), Original Abstract Painting (nataera).

Photo Holiday Cards:

Candy Colored Holiday, Baby Reindeer, Hannukah Circles, Sweetest Greetings.