The Beginning of Forever

Soft Snow – Friday: A Day of Wedding Inspiration

2012-01-27T11:33:00.000-05:00

Thank Goodness It’s Friday! Aren’t you happy to read that! A Happy Inspiration Friday to you… hope you have or will be inspired by something that crosses your path this Friday!

It’s snowing here in Toronto today… so it got me thinking about soft fluffy snow. The morning after it snows when the sun rises with that pinkie orange glow. A glow that hovers over the pure whiteness of untouched snow. It’s a beautiful thought, very soft, the cold milky white touched by the warm glow of the sun. Well that was my inspiration for today’s blog.

The idea of soft snow is a great inspiration for a winter wedding. You can mix many different shades, hues, and tints of white, with a blend of pastel/light pinks and orange.

Here’s our take on a Soft Snow Wedding.

Photo Credits: Flower Bloom Earrings - Silver Lotus Designs | Wedding Dress - Mira Zwillinger
Wedding Cake - Martha Stewart Weddings | Invitation - Fuchsia Wedding Stationary | Candy Station - Aileen Tran | Bouquet - Aileen Tran | Tablescape - The Sweet Occasion | Signature Drink - About.com

Cupcake Liner Flowers: DIY Wedding Wednesday

2012-01-25T13:20:00.000-05:00

Little cupcake liner roses or chrysanthemums depending on how you look at it are a lovely way to add a pretty accent to your wedding. Wrap them around your program or favour boxes, Make a single flower in to a place card, make a flower wreath for your flower girl… the list can go on and on and on.

So let’s get right to it and help you make one of these cupcake liner flowers. We would love to see
what you do or intend to do with them so be sure to comment with your ideas below or send us a photo at renee@thebeginningofforever.ca and we will feature them on a future DIY Wednesday.

What you will need:

Cupcake liners (assorted in colours would be great)
A push pin or thin bobby pin and a needle threader
Ribbon/thin rope or pipe cleaners

Step 1:

Separate 8 cupcake liners. If you got the assorted colour pack they are (usually) already separated in 8 per colour.

Step 2:

Flatten each liner and restack.

Step 3:

Poke whole in centre of all 8 liners using a bobby pin or a push pin.

Step 4:

Thread your ribbon through one whole and back out the second. Tie the string together in a knot. If you are using a pipe cleaner poke the pipe cleaner through one whole bend and poke through second whole. Wrap pipe cleaner around itself on other side.

Step 5:

Once you have secured the ribbon/rope or pipe cleaner take one layer of the liners and pinch together at the bottom centre of the liner. Repeat this until all 8 are pinched around each other to create a flower.

VOILA!

You are all finished.. if you have it on a ribbon you can add as many more as the ribbon will hold. And if using pipe cleaner keep going until you have enough!

These are such a great way to add a pop of colour through out your wedding ceremony and reception. They are also great for all the parties before and after your wedding. If you add them to each event it sets the tone of continuity to your guest. Also because they are paper you can keep them for quite a while so remember to collect all the ones left behind and re-use them at home for some awesome home decor umph!

Bridal Gown Monday: Our Favourite this Week

2012-01-23T09:42:00.000-05:00

Happy Bridal Gown Monday! And a happy start to the new week. We have been catching up on what’s in for 2012 weddings and the wonderful Tracey Manailescu, Vice President and Co-Founder of the Wedding Planner Institute of Canada captured us with the title ‘Vintage is Out! Hollywood is in!

Specifically Old Hollywood Glamour. And we have to agree (although I do still love the vintage look)! So while browsing through a ton of wedding gowns last week (one of my lovely pleasures) I came across one of my favourite designers YolanCris and of course than came across my gown of the week. YolanCris has Old Hollywood Glamour perfected.

Flapper style silhouettes, fringe, ruffles, lace, body fitted, and the perfect accent accessories to boot. This dress is the epitome of the new but old Hollywood style of 2012 and there is even more to see in the collection so be sure to check it out

The Mónaco Gown:

Disney’s Tangled Revisited – Friday: A Day of Wedding Inspiration

2012-01-20T11:45:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday!!!! TGIF and all that hope you are excited and ready for a great weekend! Disney’s Beauty and the Beast 3D came out in theatres on Jan 13, 2012 and with it came the movie short Tangled: Ever After.

Yes Flynn (Eugene), Pascal, Maximus, and Rapunzel are back as Eugene and Rapunzel get married! YAY! There finally wed… but of course mishap befalls them at the wedding, when the rings slip off the ring pillow in Maximus’ mouth. Pascal and Maximus go on a rampage through town to find them in time so the wedding can go on…. And what happens you say…. well that just wouldn’t be fair to tell!! Go and see it for yourself… Two great movies in one, and it’s Friday so why not?

Disney’s Tangled Wedding Inspiration (January 2011)

We just had to revisit our Disney’s Tangled wedding inspiration, new year, new ideas, and of course a new movie. We have refined our idea for a real life Tangled wedding and we wanted to share it with you. A lot more romance, subtler colours, and hints of nature. We hope you like it!

Disney’s Tangled Revisited (2012)

Photo Credits: Paper Lanterns – Nifty Thrifty Things | Ring - Gazelle Jewelry | Cupcake - Das Cupcake
Hair Accessory - Twigs and Honey | Bridal Gown - Tara Keely | Chameleon Cufflinks - Dedalo
Wedding Invitation - Momental Designs | Chocolate Covered Spoons - Martha Stewart Weddings
Flowers - Botany Studio | Wedding Slippers - Yagmur Shop

Paper Lanterns – DIY Wedding Wednesday

2012-01-18T15:45:00.000-05:00

Paper Lanterns are a very simple DIY project great for centre pieces at your bridal shower, engagement party, or even your wedding. Another great way to use these lanterns would be to line your wedding runway or aisle so it glows romantically as you (the bride) walk down.

What you will need:

Well I will allow you to be more clever than me and use heavy card stock. You want it to be bendable and foldable, but able to stand up right without holding it.

I will let you decide how large or small you would like it. Keep in mind you want it to be able to bend/curve around a glass jar (or large deep set candle holder)

You’ll also need scissors or an X-acto knife, tape, and a tea light candle.

Let’s get started:

Measure the paper length you need by bending/curving around your jar (candle holder). Be sure that there is enough space at each end so that you can overlap and tape. Cut your card stock if necessary to make it the appropriate length.
Take your card stock paper and fold in half (horizontally top to bottom).
Open fold and lay card stock flat. (Tip place a scarp card board piece underneath so you don’t scratch surface.) Measure or eyeball lines about 1/2 – 1 inch long. Mark lines to cut. You wan to leave at least an inch at each end and about 2-3 inches at the top and bottom of the card stock. So your lines should be somewhere in the middle of the card stock.
Cut along the lines. You can do it flat with an X-acto knife or fold again on horizontal and cut with scissors.
Once your lines are cut through bend/curve the paper so that it overlaps the other end. Tape.
Place your tea light candle in jar/candle holder if your haven’t already and light. Now put lantern over the jar/candle holder. If the bends don’t show like image above push down slightly.
Now sit back and enjoy the warm glow. In the image above I used Christmas trees, which is great for a winter wedding. But you can use all kinds of colours and patterns to match your wedding or wedding party theme. Get creative.

Justin Alexander – Bridal Gown Monday

2012-01-16T11:43:00.000-05:00

Happy Bridal Gown Monday! We are super in love with Justin Alexander’s bridal gown line!

Ruffles, layers, bold black colour, the romantic style, the elegant sleek lines… Need I say more. New year equals new trends and Justin Alexander the perfect mix of old classics, timeless whimsy, and bold new style.

When considering a wedding gown don’t only consider the newest trends. Find a gown that matches your style, fits you COMFORTABLY, and makes you feel gorgeous, beautiful, or sexy, or all of the above!

Here is Justin Alexander’s Bridal Line… Which is your favourite?

Find a store with the Justin Alexander line near you.

2012 Wedding Colours – Friday: A Day of Wedding Inspiration

2012-01-13T13:10:00.003-05:00

Happy Inspiration Friday! Hope you are ready for the weekend. Today we are inspired by the new colour trends of 2012.

Tangerine Tango, Solar Power Yellow, Royal Blue, Driftwood Gray-Blue, and Emerald Green are some of the beautiful colours of the year so we wanted to show you how to put them together.

Yes together! Why fear lots of colour when they can look so good together? So here’s are 2012 colour trend inspiration board. Which is your favourite colour of the year?

2012 Colour Trend

Photo credits: Seafood Martini - Couture Cuisine | Eye Make-up – Temptalia | Bouquet - Lionsgate Designs
Invitation – The Paper Stylist | Decor Tree – Preston Bailey | Shoes – One Wed | Hair - Maggpie's Eye
Wedding Cake/Wedding Favour Box – Martha Stewart Weddings | Wedding Dress - Alena Goretskaya
Earrings - Elisabeth Space | Engagement Ring - Garnet Girl Designs

Cootie Catcher Place Card - DIY Wedding Wednesday

2012-01-11T11:17:00.000-05:00

Happy DIY Wedding Wednesday! Hopefully your in the mood to get crafty for your wedding. It’s always a great idea to have little facts about the bride and groom included in the wedding but you have to find a creative and fun way to do it so guests stay interested.

Oh remember the days of the playground when cootie catchers where flashed around to find fortunes like “Do you like bob?” or “Who do you like?” and under each flap would be a boy or girl from your class. Those were the days. But why should those days end? They shouldn’t which is why you can include them in your wedding as place cards with cute little facts about the bride and groom inside.
So that's what we are going to help you with today. Once you create your first one by hand you can figure out exactly how to make a template on the computer so all the text is already there before you print.

Let’s get started!

You will need to start with a square shaped paper that is slightly thinker than regular paper. If you don’t have a square simply fold one corner of the paper so it lays flush with the other side (making a equilateral triangle) than cut of the remaining rectangle left at the bottom. When you open the triangle up you will have a perfect square.

Step 1:

Fold your square in half vertically.

Step 2:

Reopen. Fold your square in half horizontally.

Step 3:

Reopen. Fold your square diagonally from top right corner to bottom left corner.

Step 4:

Reopen. Fold your square diagonally from top left corner to bottom right corner.

Step 5:

Fold each corner over towards the centre using the vertical and horizontal folds as guidelines. Once all corners are folded over flip the paper over.

Step 6:

Do not reopen folds. Fold corners to the centre on opposite side using the vertical and horizontal folds as guidelines.

Step 7:

This is what your square should look like now. Refold along the horizontal and vertical lines.

Step 8: How to open your cootie catcher

Fold square up horizontally.

Step 9:

Now slip your fingers (index finger and thumb) on both sides, in to the flaps on where the arrows are pointing above. Manoeuvre the corners (where circled) towards the centre so that all of the corners touch. (use image below as reference) and VOILA here you have your cootie catcher!

Now you can add your guests name and wedding date on every other side (like first image above). And inside you can add questions about the bride and groom (image below). Underneath each question flap you write the answer. Once everything is filled in open all of the folds and lay flat. Now you have the perfect template to help you print a already text filled cootie catcher.

And for the brides that don’t have the time to DIY, Kats Krafts on Etsy makes them for you.. from place cards to menus and programs!

Elie Saab – Bridal Gown Monday

2012-01-09T14:56:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday! Today we are looking at the Elie Saab Fall/Winter 2012 collection. Not a bridal gown collection you say? Well that need not matter if you are creative. These gowns are perfect for any lady in the Bridal party! Whether bridesmaids, Mother of the Bride, Mother of the Groom, and yes even the bride.

They may not be white but they do have the gorgeous whimsy, sleek lines, embroidery, pleating, frills, and flow that a bridal gown should have! What does a little bit of colour matter?? As you know here on the blog we love a bride who’s willing to risk it and be bold and stunning in colour as she walks the aisle.

So enjoy the collection, let in inspire and convince you that colour is the way to go.. lol. Which is your

favourite? Which one would you be willing to wear? Tell us what you think below!

Blue Peacock Revisited – Friday: A Day of Wedding Inspiration

2012-01-06T12:27:00.000-05:00

Happy Inspiration Friday!! Hope you find something to inspire you today as work flows so much faster when you have the inspiration to do it. And we all want the weekend to begin…

While reviewing all of our inspiration boards (the new year does make you look back), I happened to stumble upon my first ever inspiration board… this was made literally before I even started this blog in 2009. It made me think about how your vision for a project (wedding theme) can change. SO here is my great advice before we revisit the Blue Peacock… If your are a bride who likes to plan early (year(s) in advance) make sure to keep all of your ideas (especially in image form if you can find it) so when you are ready to make the final decision you have something to refer to. Also, you could be super cool and make yourself an inspiration board (or even better get a wedding planner to help)!

Back to my first ever inspiration board. Inspiration Peacock to be precise. More specifically the blue peacock. As you know (or maybe you don’t) my first ever blog inspiration Friday was the White Peacock. I had such a different idea of wedding inspiration.. it was so literal. Peacock wedding means peacock feathers everywhere and feathery items, with turquoise. And it is beautiful but I also love the abstract versions.

Yes the stunning, rich feather colours must be included but also consider what the peacock means or represents to you. For me, I think of royalty and majesty. The peacock is very majestic and if you’ve ever seen one strut up to you so you could take it’s pic you would know its quite kingly and royal! So the other colours that popped into mind were golds and silvers. Also bold eye make up, and rich blues of varying shades. You always have to add something with nature as we are speaking of a gorgeous board so plant life or fresh flowers is a must!

So here is my Blue Peacock Revisited

Photo Credits: Shoes - Harriet Wilde | Wine Bottle Table Numbers - Martha Stewart Weddings
Caramel Apple Mousse with Gold Fleck Tuiles (how to) - Martha Stewart Weddings
Wedding Invitation - Taylor Jill Designs | Wedding Make up - Frida Gustavsson | Sand Ceremony Kit - Beau-coup
Wedding Dress - Marchesa Resort Collection | Guestbook Note Board - United With Love
Paper flower Bouquet - Flower Thyme | Peacock Wine Glasses - Mary Elizabeth Arts
DIY Napkin Rings - Kirsty Neale Blog | Mini Bamboo Plant Favours - The Knot

Weddings of the World – 12 Part Mini Series: Sikh Wedding Traditions

2012-01-05T16:45:00.000-05:00

As you know little by little here on the blog we have been giving you glimpses of Weddings of the World. Our first stop was Tibet, our second was the Hindu traditions of India. And today we look at Sikh Wedding Traditions.

Kumari (Engagement Ceremony)

Kumari is usually conducted in the Gurdwara or at the home of the groom. It involves Ardas (the common Sikh prayer), Kirtan (hymns from Sri Guru Granth Sahib) and langar if performed in the Gurdwara. If performed at home, the bride’s family visit the house of the groom for a short time. In both cases the groom is usually presented a Kara (steel iron bracelet), kirpan (ceremonial sword or dagger) or Indian sweets. The bride’s family in turn are presented with an Indian suit and sweets for the bride.

Arrival at the Gurdwara

Old Sikh traditions have the groom arrive by horseback for the meeting of the families. The groom approaches the Gurdwara. In the Gurdwara parking lot the groom mounts his horse. The bride's family and friends await the arrival of the groom. The ragis perform kirtan as the two families meet. The Braat approach the bride’s family outside the Gurdwara

Anand Karaj – A Union of two Souls

The Sikh marriage ceremony is also known as Anand Karaj meaning “blissful union”. Symbolizing a holy union, the marriage ceremony marks the beginning of the young couple’s family life. Family life is a means for spiritual growth. It serves as a training ground for man and woman to practice divine love through human love, patience, consideration of others, forgiveness, respect, kindness, and self control. These spiritual qualities, when developed, contribute towards a happy marriage and accelerate spiritual progress.

The spiritual aspect helps couples recognize that marriage is a permanent lifetime relationship. The bride and groom vow to love each other, to have a family, and to fulfil all of their dharmas (duties and obligations) pertaining to the family and to society.

Milni (Greeting the Party)

As soon as the bridegroom, and the two families are assembled the Milni is performed, which involves the meeting of the parents and close relatives of the bride and groom and exchange of presents. A simple ceremony takes place and both families exchange well wishes on meeting each other. This is followed by light snacks and tea before the religious ceremony begins. The marriage ceremony is conducted in a Gurdwara. A priest or any Sikh (man or woman) may conduct the ceremony, and usually a respected and learned person is chosen.

Appropriate hymns for the occasion are sung while family, friend, guests, and the groom arrives.

The Ceremony

Men and women sit on opposite sides of the Gurdwara hall at equal distances from Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Non Sikh male and female visitors and guests can usually sit together if they wish.
The groom and his parents enter and he presents a cash offering, as well as a rumala, a new silk covering for Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The granthi (caretaker of the Granth Sahib) sits in attendance of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, which is covered when not being read.

The groom is first seated before Guru Granth Sahib and when the bride comes she takes her place on his left. The couple and their parents are asked to stand while the rest of the congregation remains seated. A prayer is then conducted invoking God’s blessings for the proposed marriage and asking His Grace on the union of the couple. This connotes the consent of the bride and the bridegroom and their parents. The parties then resume their seats and a short hymn is sung. Upon translation, the hymn would read as follows:

“Call upon God for the task thou wouldst have accomplished, He will bring the tasks to rights, so witnesseth the Guru. In the company of the holy thou shalt rejoice and taste only nectar, Thou are the demolisher of fear, thou are compassionate, O’Lord, Nanak singeth the praises of the Incomputable Lord.”

This is followed by a brief speech addressed particularly to the couple, explaining the significance and obligation of the marriage. The couple is then asked to honour their vows by bowing together before Guru Granth Sahib. Then the bride’s father places one end of the scarf in the groom’s hand, passing it over the shoulder and placing the other end in the bride’s hand. Thus joined, the two will take vows. This is followed by a short hymn.

“Praise and slander have I all ceased to relish, O Nanak, False, I count all other relationship, To the fold Thy fabric am I now affianced.” (Guru Granth Sahib, 963)

Guru Granth Sahib is now opened and the first verse of Lavan is read from it. The same verse is then sung by musicians while the couple slowly encircles Guru Granth Sahib. The groom leads in a clock-wise direction and the bride, holding the scarf, follows as nearly as possible in step. When the couple reaches the front of the Guru Granth Sahib, they both bow together and take their respective seats. The same protocol is repeated for the remainder of the three verses. The four verses of Lavan explain the four styles of love and married life. After translation into English the Lavan quartet or the Sikh epithalamium would read as follows.

First Lavan (Emphasizes the performance of duty to the family and the community)

By the first nuptial circuiting The Lord sheweth ye His Ordinance for the daily duties of wedded life The Scriptures are the Word of the Lord, Learn righteousness, through them, And the Lord will free ye from sin. Hold fast to righteousness, Contemplate the Name of the Lord, Fixing it in your memory as the scriptures have prescribed. Devote yourselves to the Perfect and True Guru. And all your sins shall depart. Fortunate are those whose minds Are imbued with the sweetness of His Name, To them happiness comes without effort; The slave Nanak proclaimeth That in the first circling The marriage rite hath begun.

Second Lavan (Signifies the stage of yearning and love for each other)

By the second circumambulation, Ye are to understand that the Lord Hath caused ye to meet the True Guru, The fear in your hearts has departed; The filth of selfness in your minds is washed away, By having the fear of God and by singing His praises I stand before Him with reverence, The Lord God is the soul of the universe! There is naught that He doth not pervade. Within us and without, there is One God only; In the company of saints Then are heard the songs of rejoicing. The slave Nanak proclaimeth that in the second circling Divine Music is heard.

Third Lavan (Signifies the stage of detachment or Virag)

In the third roundabout, There is a longing for the Lord And detachment from the world. In the company of the saints, by our great good fortune, we encounter the Lord. The Lord is found in His purit, Through His exaltation, through the singing of His hymns. By great good fortune we have risen. In the company of the saints wherein is told the story Of the Ineffable Lord. The Holy Name echoes in the heart: Echoes and absorbs us. We repeat the Name of the Lord, Being blessed by a fortunate destiny Written from of old on our foreheads. The slave Nanak proclaimeth that in the third circling the love of God has been awakened in the heart.

Fourth Lavan (Signifies the final stage of harmony and union in married life during which human love blends into the love for God)

In the fourth walk-around, The mind reaches to knowledge of the Divine And God is innerly grasped: Through the Grace of the Guru We have attained with ease to the Lord; The sweetness of the Beloved Pervades us, body and soul. Dear and pleasing is the Lord to us: Night and day our minds are fixed on Him. By exalting the Lord we have attained the Lord: The fruit our hearts desired; The Beloved has finished His work. The soul, the spouse, delighteth in the Beloved’s Name. Felicitations fill our minds; The Name rings in our hearts: The Lord God is united with His Holy Bride. The heart of the Bride flowers with His Name. The slave Nanak proclaimeth that in the fourth circling we have found the Eternal Lord.

The ceremony is concluded with the customary singing of the six stanzas of the Anand Sahib (Song of Bliss), followed by Ardas (prayer), and Vak (a random reading of a verse from Guru Granth Sahib). The ceremony, which takes about an hour, ends with the serving of Karah Parshad to the congregation. Both parents now congratulate the couple. In many cases guests now follow to present the couple with gifts and cash offerings in their lap. Afterwards everyone is invited to the langar hall for a vegetarian lunch.

Langar

Langar is the term used in the Sikh religion for the free, vegetarian only food served in the Gurdwara and eaten by everyone sitting as equals.

The Sikh practice of Langar was introduced by Guru Nanak, to break elements of the caste system that was prevalent in India during the 13^th and 14^th centuries.

This practice is one of the Three Pillars of Sikhism and symbolized the desire of Sikhs to eradicate hunger. The Sikhs are encouraged to donate ten percent of their wealth, time, or resources to a worthy cause, of which Langar Sewa is one.

At Langar, only vegetarian food is served. This is done to ensure that all people, with whatever dietary restrictions (for example Jains, Jews, Muslims) will feel welcome to eat as equals.

Sources: http://www.sikhs.org/wedding/wed9.html

DIY Wedding Wednesday – Homemade Foot Soak

2012-01-04T10:02:00.000-05:00

Happy Wedding Wednesday! We’re starting something new on the blog today, one for the DIY bride. Every Wednesday we will provide you with a DIY tip, from fashion to make-up, to favour recipes and pamper yourself, perfect for your wedding day.

Today we want to get you pampered the week before your wedding day. Most brides will go to a salon but that doesn’t mean you cant soak your worries away before hand. This is also a great idea for a bachelorette or bridal shower. Since this is a treatment you can do yourself at home there is no reason why all your girlfriends (and boyfriends) can’t join in the fun!

Essential Oil and Salt foot soak

Ingredients needed:

1/2 cup Epsom salts
1/2 cup Baking soda
drops of choice essential oils

Step 1

Wash your feet with soap and warm water to remove any dirt or debris before placing them in the basin. This will ensure the water in your foot soak remains as clean as possible

Step 2

Lay a towel on the floor and place your foot soak basin or bowl on top. Fill half of your basin or bowl with warm water. Avoid using hot water, which can cause skin dryness and irritation.

Step 3

In a separate small bowl filled with hot water dissolve a 1/2 cup of Epsom salt. Mix the solution well, and pour into foot soak. Use your hands to turn the water in your foot soak, this will prevent hot spots in the water and give an even warmth. Epsom salt offers several benefits when used in a foot soak such as improving muscle function, reducing inflammation, and easing pain.

Step 4

Add baking soda and essential oils, such as tea tree, peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus to your foot soak. Baking soda will soothe dry skin.

Step 5

Soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes if water gets cold add hot water and turn again to ensure and even warmth. Using a pumice stone or exfoliator rub gently over rough and callused areas. Rinse pumice stone/exfoliator ever so often to remove dead skin.

Step 6

Rinse your feet and dry thoroughly with a clean towel, and then apply your favourite foot lotion or cream. For added smoothness let sit in conditioning socks (or DIY plastic wrap sock) for 30 min – 1 hr. to let the lotion or cream set in.

Zuhair Murad – Bridal Gown Monday

2012-01-02T10:42:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year… What a gorgeous start to what will be a fabulous year to come – I hope – for all of our readers. And since we are discussing gorgeousness we just simply must discuss Zuhair Murad’s 2011/12 Winter collection.

Bold colours, intricate patterns, stunning uses of nature elements like leaves, florals, and twigs, and best of all a few options for silhouette selection. Definitely fit for a unique bride but also perfect for an bride who seeks elegance with a little punch.

I think it is a must that more brides decide to brave the abnorm and choose colour for their wedding gown. Since it’s a new year one can only hope more brides catch on and with this collection I hope they do.

Photo Credits: Wedding Inspirasi
Visit Zuhair Murad’s Website for more collections and information.

Year in review – Your favourites revisited

2012-01-01T22:29:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year… we want to count down your 5 favourite blogs of 2011. We must first thank all of you for taking the time to read…. and most importantly for sharing your thoughts/comments and giving us great ideas and inspiration to do blog posts on!

#5 Lingerie Ready – Bridal Gown Monday

We got Brides Lingerie Ready with Victoria’s Secrets wedding collection. They have great lingerie pieces ready for the Bachelorette, Wedding Day, and Honeymoon.

#4 Fall Hot – Bridal Gown Monday

Finding the right dress to wear in a cooler season without the excess sweaters, gloves, pull-overs, and jackets. So we got fall hot with gorgeous designer gowns that were easy to wear and would keep you warm.

#3 The Cocktail Wedding Gown Series: Week 3 – Maggie Sottero

Looking to show some legs on your wedding day?? Well we were thinking about you when we covered 5 weeks completely devoted to Cocktail Wedding Gowns. Maggie Sottero has a divine collection.

#2 Two in One – Bridal Gown Monday

Bouncy Boutique introduced us to their fabulous two in one gown. Easily go from a long gown with train for your ceremony, then get ready to dance in your cocktail gown. Two gowns for the price of one!

And your #1 favourite of the year was:

Harry Potter – Friday: A Day of Wedding Inspiration

We went purple for our Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire wedding inspiration Friday. Showing you that choosing a wedding theme need not be literal but should instead be about taking the thing you most love and using those as the basis of your theme.

***

Again thanks so much for a wonderful year of blogging. It was a blast revisiting your favourite blogs and ours as well. Looking forward to a fantastic new year of wedding inspiration, advice, tips, and gorgeous gowns!

Champagne, Gold, and Silver – Friday: A Day of Wedding Inspiration

2011-12-30T13:03:00.000-05:00

It’s almost New Years Eve!!! Happy Friday.. I hope you had an amazing holiday and are getting ready to enjoy another one! We thought we end off our Winter Weddings series with a New Years special.

Imagine you were going to have a wedding right on New Years Eve… what would your theme be?

We asked ourselves the same thing, and what we came up with was fun, of course, but more specifically Champagne, Silver, and Gold. Champagne was a must as you need something to toast with and what’s a New Years Eve party without Gold and Silver so of course those had to be included.
So here’s our inspiration of a New Years eve Wedding.

Silver, Gold, and Champagne

Photo Credits: Wedding Dress - Vera Wang | Shoes - Poetic Licence | Champagne - Elite Choice | Ring - Single Stone
Wedding Cake - Martha Stewart Weddings | Glamorous Candy Rings - Martha Stewart Weddings
Cake Pops - Bake Until Scrumptious | Eye Makeup - Shaadi-Esque Mehndi Bridal Art – Pavan |
Mimosa Jello Shooter - Jelly Shot Test Kitchen

Blue Topaz – Friday: A Day of Wedding Inspiration

2011-12-23T13:56:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday! and a long weekend to boot! For all those celebrating have a Merry Christmas as I know I will… Also Happy Hanukkah too those celebrating! The holiday seasons are filled with joy and merriment but best of all filled with family and friendship!

We are continuing with our Winter Weddings special. This week we are inspired by the December Birthstone the Blue Topaz. Last week we did the December flower The Narcissus so make sure you see that blog too!

A stunning, vibrant clear gemstone that is quite perfect for the winter season. And what goes better with a bright blue in the holiday season? Gold… of course!! Gold and bright blue feed off each other bringing a subtle pop to wedding decor. But they also give the feeling of peace, relaxation, and serenity. Blue being a cool colour makes gold more vibrant! So don’t be afraid to swap the balance in the other direction then we have (more gold than blue) as they work well both ways!

A Blue Topaz & Gold Wedding

Photo Credits: Wedding Dress - Stella De Libero | Wedding Invitation - Yummi Studio | Cupcakes - Ice Maiden Cakes
The Posy Bouquet - Monte Cristo's Jewelry | Love Birds Save the Date Magnet – CraftyPagan |
Blown Glass Christmas Ornament Favour - Wolf Art Glass | Wedding Decor - Martha Stewart Weddings
Paper flower Place Card Holder - Dragonfly Expression | Wedding Slippers - Bure Bure felted slippers
Blue Topaz Vintage Cocktail Ring - Weston Jewelry | Edible Gold Fruit (DIY) - The Wedding Chicks

Winter Modesty: Bridal Gown Monday

2011-12-19T15:25:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday!! Hope the winter chill as not quite got you down yet. We are a midst or almost a midst the holiday season and so we are continuing our Winter Weddings series this Monday with a little Winter Modesty.

In any location that sees colder weather during the winter seasons know that a bride who risks baring the cold on her wedding day will need a little extra fabric to keep her warm. Some believe that this can leave a bride looking a little plain or too prude, but the Rosa Clara collection begs to differ!

With sleek, flowing, curve fitting gowns that add just the right amount of coverage to leave the bride warm but stunning! Cute bow accents, sleeves to keep you warm, and lace detailing to frame the face will keep the word plain far from the memories of guest who take glimpse of the bride.

So here are our favourite gowns (with a but of modesty) perfect for winter weather.

Winter Modesty

And for the bride who likes to show a little more skin, but still wants to keep the winter cold out Rosa Clara offers a wonderful Top/Jacket/Cover All line to keep brides a little more modest… at least until she's indoors.

5 Gowns (from top to bottom): 1. 116 Axia | 2. 117 Adorno | 3. 209 Adelfa | 4. 268 Aruba | 5. 147 Aragon
Jacket/Top/Coverall (bottom right): Abanto

Narcissus – Friday: A Day of Wedding Inspiration

2011-12-16T14:32:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday to all… Christmas is creeping up… are you ready for it? And with Christmas comes Winter… so we are continuing our Winter Weddings month this week with a wedding inspiration board from the December birth flower the Narcissus. Specifically the Paperwhite Narcissus.

The paperwhite narcissus is the December birth flower. Legend states that after Narcissus his body wasted away and what was left was a Narcissus flower. They are very fragrant flowers and are frequently given as gifts at Christmas.

The meaning of the the Narcissus flower is respect, modesty and faithfulness. You give the Narcissus to let the recipient know you think they are sweet.

Respect, Modesty, Faithfulness, and Sweetness.. all very great words in reference to weddings!

Narcissus Flower Wedding

Photo Credits: Hair Accessory – Rosa Clara | Bridal Gown – Rosa Clara | Narcissus Bouquet – Martha Stewart Weddings
Signature Drink – Martha Stewart | Invitation – Shine Wedding Invitations | Typewriter Guest Book – Subtlety of Taste
Baby's Breath Centrepieces – Pacific Weddings | Mr. and Mrs. Forks – Pretty Paris Etsy | Cupcakes – Cake Walk by Steph
I Do Shoe Stickers – Your Happily Ever After Etsy

Pink, Orange, and Daisies - Michelle & Brendan Ferguson

2011-12-14T13:46:00.000-05:00

This was simply a gorgeous wedding. It shows that simplicity goes a long way, the tendency to think flashy for your wedding is not necessary because choosing a design, theme, or inspiration can be as easy as remembering your favourite things.

I had the pleasure of doing my brother and new sister in law’s wedding this past October. There theme came from her love of all things pink… the colour orange for my brothers “fascination” with a basketball and cute nature of gerberas! When I walked in and saw it all take shape I was awe striking from the rich blend of colours to just how perfect it was for this loving couple!

Pink, Orange and Gerbera Daisies

Wedding Coordination by Renee Ferguson – The Beginning of Forever
Assistant Coordinators: Renee Richards and Lindsay Honeyman
Photography By: Matthew Kozovski Photography

Enchant–Seduce–Flirt: Bridal Gown Monday

2011-12-12T16:12:00.003-05:00

Happy Sexy Monday… yes it’s getting hot on the blog today! As it’s almost winter…. so of course we have to do a Winter Weddings gift guide… but aside from the perfect gift for newly weds we are also showing you how to get the marriage started right and keep it going by Enchanting, Seducing, and Flirting with Victoria’s Secrets new Luxe Lingerie Collection. We got you Lingerie Ready before with Victoria’s Secret so be sure to see that article too if you need inspiration for the big day!

New brides can always give the gift of lingerie… be sure the lingerie makes you feel amazing so you can be amazing in front of your new “lover”. For each of the section you will see two ensembles from the Luxe Collection and a great accessory product that would work perfectly with it.

Let’s set the scene… it’s your wedding night, you’ve just poured all of your love, compassion, and endearment out to your partner in front of friends and family… you don’t want the fairy tale to end once the party is over. So you say goodnight to your guests and back you go to throw on some enchanting lingerie! With some body mist to set the mood…..

Enchant

Satin Lace & Slip | Lace Merry Widow | Fragrance Mist

But than the wedding night ends so… what’s next.. well seduction of course as you make your way to
your honeymoon! Honeymoon and seduction go hand in hand… and never forget the lip protection.

Seduce

Push-up Bra with Gell Curve & Lace Overlay Cheekini & Lace Overlay Garter | Sparkly Lace Babydoll
Limited-edition Holiday Collection Lust lip Lacquer

But now the honeymoon’s over and the long lasting marriage is on it’s way.. one must never forget there flirty ways and should always remind there loving partner just how much a flirt they can be…. in the bedroom that is! And why not add a little shimmer…

Flirt

Ruffle Garter Slip | "Unwrap Me" String Bikini | Holiday Shimmer Collection Shimmer Powder

All of these are also great holiday gifts for your love…. ‘Tis the Season!

Want insightful tips, advice, fashion, and inspiration for all your wedding planning needs? Then be sure to sign up for our Monthly Newsletter!

Red and Purple Winter – Friday: A Day of Wedding Inspiration

2011-12-09T15:01:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday to all our readers! Last week we finished up our Movie Lovers Mini Series… Hopefully you enjoyed it and if there is ever a TV show or Movie you would like to see turned into inspiration for your dream wedding (or even just for fun) Contact Us, cause we’d love to feature it on our next Inspiration Friday.

This week we are getting powered up to give you ideas for Winter Weddings. This week we took the colours red and purple (which can feel like summer and warm season colours) and turned them into a great winter wedding inspiration board. Winter, of course being ever so white (in Canada anyway), is a great backdrop for colours so don’t be afraid to add some pop to your winter wedding. Usually winter colours are deeper and tinted but that doesn’t mean they can’t still be rich..

Red and Purple Winter Wonderland

Photo Credits: Cuisine – Couture Cuisine | Cake Photography – Sole Photo | Wedding Dress - Allure Bridals | Hairstyle - All Best Hair Styles | Bouquet - Hair Bows Wonderland | Ring Pillow - Shells and Blooms | Cootie Catcher - Kat's Kraft | Wedding Favour Seed Packets - Do It Yourself Weddings | Ring – Weddingbee | Wedding Invitation – Wedding Calligrapher

Be sure to sign up for our Monthly Newsletter… December’s will be up this weekend so sign up now so you don’t miss out on insightful tips, advice, fashion, and inspiration for all your wedding planning needs.

Alexander McQueen – Bridal Gown Monday

2011-12-05T18:12:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday!!! The winter season is coming.. and while we all fear the cold we must not fear the fantastic fashion the comes along with the layers you can wear in the winter.
So why not think layers when considering a wedding gown? No not layers on the skirt but a dress with over coat? or even just a coat like gown? Winter weddings can be such a truly unique event because so many opt for spring, summer, and fall weddings. Just the season and all of it’s many weather fiascos… oops.. I mean weather changes that comes with it can provide couples with pictures that most others don't have. Snowy backdrops, bare tree branches with crisp icicles hanging off.. even different in season flowers and plants like the Poinsettia.

But the gown is what most brides look forward too.. so we wanted to show you some truly unique winter gowns to go with a truly unique wedding season. Alexander McQueen has magnificent vision when it comes to new couture fashion ideas! So we are exploring some of her recent fashion shows to pull gowns that although may not be made directly for weddings, these stunning gowns will make any bride stand out and be a vision herself as she walks the winter wedding aisle.

Which one is your favourite? I’d have to say that mine is the stunning gold!

Be sure to sign up for our Monthly Newsletter where you can have insightful tips, advice, inspiration and of course fashion for all your wedding planning needs sent straight to your inbox!

See our November Newsletter. December’s will be out next week so be sure to sign up soon.

Narnia – Friday: A Day of Wedding Inspiration

2011-12-02T16:36:00.003-05:00

Happy Friday!!!!! Hope you are enjoying a wonderful TGIF! We are entering the wardrobe to the amazing an unique world of Narnia today as we continue our Movie Lovers Mini Series this week. Narnia and Lord of the Rings are two of my favourite movie series ever!!! So this week I wanted to inspire you with a Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe inspired wedding!

Although a Narnian wedding could be quite mystically themed, I decided to take a more whimsical winter vintage look. Being on the verge of winter and truly loving the benefits of a winter wedding (like discounts in the off season) I decided to make winter the more prominent inspiration for this Narnian wedding.

A Narnian Wedding:

Photo Credits: Gift Box - Sherry Cheever | Snowflake Necklace – Lanvin | Napkin Rings - Wedding Path
Place Cards - Cuddle Creature | Lamp Post Decor - Event Jubilee | Centrepiece - Bridal Buzz
Wedding Suit - Souster and Hicks | Wedding Cake – Helena’s House of Cakes
DIY Wedding Dessert - Oh How Posh | DIY Mini Donuts - Martha Stewart Weddings
Winter Tree Wedding Decor - Found on Brenda's Wedding Blog/Design by Bentley Meeker
Wedding Invitation - Deigns by Indy | Pine Cone Bouquet – Four Leaf Events | Head Band – Band.Do
Wedding Dress - Oscar De La Renta

Do you have an idea, favourite movie, or theme you would like to see be the next featured inspiration Friday? Be sure to Contact Us! and while you are there sign up for our Monthly Newsletter where you can get insightful tips, advice, and inspiration along with great bridal fashion sent directly to your inbox.

See our November Newsletter. December’s Newsletter will be up next week.

Lady and the Tramp – Friday: A Day of Wedding Inspiration

2011-11-25T12:36:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday and an Inspirational one to all! We are continuing with our Movie Lovers Mini Series with a Disney Classic - Lady and the Tramp.

Such a wonderful story of love… that love can be found anywhere and in anyone! So of course we were inspired! Especially by the photo above. Delicious spaghetti dinner, wine bottle candle holder, surrounded by pooch friends, enticed by seductive music, the rich reds, browns, and blues! So here is are (partially) human wedding inspiration!

A Lady and the Tramp Wedding:

Photo Credits: Dog Wedding Fashion - Urban Pup/Pets at Your Wedding – The Brides Diary | Ring – Diva Diamonds
Cuisine - The Spaghetti Factory| Wedding Hanger – Wedding Hanger Shop | Dress - Cherie Sposa
Bouquet – Whether Paperworks | Cupcake Pies – Delish | Violinist – Maura Kropke
Invitation – Twig and Fig |Wine Bottle Candle Holders – Wedding Bee

What’s your favourite Disney animated movie??? We would love to know! Or if you have an idea that you would like to see featured on our next Inspiration Friday be sure to Contact Us. While you are there you can also sign up for our Monthly Newsletter where you’ll have Insightful tips, advice, and inspiration for all your wedding planning needs sent straight to your inbox.

See our November Newsletter.

Sarah Houston Spring 2012 – Bridal Gown Monday

2011-11-21T11:52:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday! New Week means a fresh start! Today we are featuring one of our favourite Bridal Gown Designers Sarah Houston. She has released her new 2012 Spring collection and it is looking as gorgeous as ever!

Sarah Houston’s White Collection is elegant, pretty, and sleek and her spring 2012 collection is no exception. Dainty frills, sleek belt designs, soft fabrics, and cling to the body silhouettes.
Here are some of our favourites from the collection. You can also see how we used her Charlotte gown for our Twilight Inspiration Wedding.

Is there a Bridal Gown or Bridal Gown Designer you would like to see featured on the next Bridal Gown Monday? Be sure to contact us! And while you are there sign up for our Monthly Newsletter and have wedding tips, advice, and inspiration sent directly to your inbox.

See out November Newsletter.