The Songket Affairs Diaries

IB#176: A Duchess moment

2012-02-27T19:30:00.000+08:00

Helo loves! Another week at the edge of February month. And suprisingly we're almost at the end of 2012 first' quarter! For this inspiration, did you brides, ladies grew up with Jane Austen? She's amongst the famous English romance noveliest during our teenage years. Her romance idealism was adapted into many of her famous novels such as Sense & Sensibility, Pride & Prejudice, Emma etc. To the fact, hollywood had instill them into movies. Her romance ideas are always filled with the ever-famous English gardens of roses & lavender, the ultimate proper white feminine gowns, the romantic sways and updos and the laces fashionable wear. Basically if you're a fan of hers'- you can incoporate a Jane Austen inspiration. Who would appreciate more than us, having old classic books or antique teacups as your decor to add to the vintage feel? Certainly we don't have to live in England or have access to an English manor, instead we can be inspired by creating a backyard garden wedding into one fit for a duchess or queen!

Mood: Vintage feel, Jane Austen romance, lovely

Season: Spring, Autumn

Colors: Muted palettes, ivory, sephia, antique white, pink, beige, cornsilk, eggshell, papaya whip, vanilla

Photos: Credits :: Top Row (left to right) :: Manor via 100 Layer Cake :: Lace Umbrella from Pink Frosting :: Antique books via Classic Bride :: Model via Jennifer Behr :: Bottom Row: Bridal gown via 100 Layer Cake :: Table setting photograph by Jessamyn Harris :: lavender photograph by Jose Villa :: Flower vase via Style me Pretty ::

Vintage Weekends: Inspired by Temperley London

2012-02-27T08:30:00.000+08:00

Ola lovelies! Hows the weekend going? We hope you are havin an awesome one. Since the weather has been raining off/on, somehow the misty atmosphere draw us back to the classic era- where haircombs, brooch hairpieces was huge wedding accesories favorites of the brides and lacey lace was a bridal fashion that never fade. That is why we fell in lovely instantly with this gorgeous "Long Honeysuckle Dress."
from Temperley London. Somehow we were fascinated by how the vintage feel came from their intricate detail and delicate lace. And of course, pairing em' with a vintage hair comb and the fleur de lis key necklace from Tiffany & Co - gave it away.

Long Honeysuckle Dress

Fleur de lis Key Pendant from Tiffany & Co

Adapted & Interpreted from Slightly Obesessive.

Weekly Roundups: Feb 19th - 25th

2012-02-27T00:30:00.000+08:00

Hello loves! We know you are havin a fabulous weekend... so here's to summary postings for this week and cheers to a good weekend guys! --

Vintage Weekends :: Fancy Retro Treats ::
Inspire-me-boards (mon-fri) :: Sugar sugar Hearts :: Pretty pretty Ribbon :: Dramatic Loves :: Chanel Inspired :: A Classic Twist ::
Creatives Tuesdays DIY Fancy Ombre Sugar Hearts ::
Thursdays Heelsday Glam Fabulous ::
Fabulous Fridays Inspiration :: A Neutral Affairs ::
Stunning Frocks] :: Mademoiselle beauty ::

IB#175: A Classic Twist

2012-02-26T15:30:00.000+08:00

Ola loves! we're back to weekend inspirations.. We loooves how creative a bride can be when planning a wedding. A vintage twist instil in a modern day wedding is one of our faves theme. So brides, something old can also be a good addition to the something new -- and yet it can be profoundly beautiful...

Mood: Vintage twist, profoundly beauty, Sweet
Season: Spring, Autumn
Colors: Ivory, old lace, linen, antique white, beige, metallic colors, cosmic latte, cornsilk, papaya whip
Photos: Credits :: Top from left to right :: Chandelier, photography by Ministry of Moment :: Mirror and lace corset via Style me Pretty :: Mini cakes, Shoes, Christian Louboutin via Martha Stewart Weddings :: Bridal gown by Lyn Ashworth :: Cake by Maggi Austin Cakes :: Antique lil teapots by Faris Fakri Photography ::

IB#174: A Chanel Inspired

2012-02-26T08:30:00.000+08:00

Hello loves! Yippie-- weekend has returned and lets make this 2 days a great one! For this board - we want to credit Oh lovely day for their fabulous collaboration board. These were credited from Style me Pretty, from the awesome talent of Jasmine Star through the success vintage Chanel inspired bridal shower shoot. What amazes us most is how perfectly elegant this board has become. The pearls, the pink palettes and the peonies and poppies floral arrangement absolutely agree with us.

Mood: Romance elegant, lovely vintage inspired
Season: Spring
Colors: Pink, linen, beige, cornsilk, papaya whip, peach, cosmic latte, vanilla
Photos: Credits :: Top Row from left to right :: Florals from Flowerwild via The Bride's Cafe :: Floral from Belle Fleur via The Bride's Cafe :: Chanel Perfume via Snippet & Ink, mirrors via DecorPad :: Middle Row: Invitation from Laura Hooper Calligraphy :: necklaces via Snippet & Ink :: macarons via Baked Blog
Bottom Row :: Bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings :: room via DecorPad :: pearls from J.Crew, gown from Dolly Couture ::

Fab Fridays: A Neutral Affair

2012-02-26T00:30:00.001+08:00

Ola ola lovelies! Its awesome to have Fab fridays back! and we got so much inspiration to share with you brides to be out there. So, for todays posting - let's give a WHITE a comeback!huhu The neutral palette - the ivories, the antique whites, vanillas and cream. These neutral palettes has fabulously shown us how the new wedding era has emerged; creating the ever gorgeous wedding style which will never ever fade for years to come...

Credits :: Photography: Evonne and Darren Photography Venue: The Four Seasons Resort in Wailea Floral Designer: Karen Tran Floral Designs Stationery: Momental Designs

"One word frees us of all the weight and pain in life, that word is Love." ~Socrates

Stunning Frocks: Mademoiselle beauty

2012-02-23T22:00:00.000+08:00

Wow wow. These elegant wedding dresses are really really gorgeous! We can't stop starring at these lovelies from head to toe... again and again..Give designer Caroline Castigliano a round of applause for her brilliant pieces in this Oscar Collection. They're all about elegance, classy and sophisticated altogether. Perfectly in french Chantilly lace embellishments over a pure silk duchess satin corset and dramatic circular silk organza skirt. Credits to Wedding Inspirasi for these wonderful pieces. So brides to be's, hopefully you'll get super inspired with these super classy gowns that definitely will make you the queen of the night.

Above, Rhianne strapless corded lace fishtail gown with a complex integral corset and lace embellished trim detail around top bodice and hemline. Below, Annabelle silk duchess satin sweetheart neckline gown with tulle skirt and bust detail, with beaded Chantilly lace waist embellishment.

Wistful bias cut Chantilly lace gown with a soft tulle overlay and featuring a very low cross-over back and diamante detail.

One Fine Day silk duchess satin draped gown featuring a fishtail skirt.

Walk in the Park silk organza strapless fishtail gown with a soft pleated organza bodice and heavily embellished diamante beaded belt.

IB#173: Dramatic Loves

2012-02-23T19:30:00.000+08:00

Hi sweets! Hows the thursdays goin? Dont fret - one more day and yay its another weekend! So, here's another inspiration for the day - hope to ease those with the bluuues. Today's inspire board - we want to feature something dramatic yet classic. We know how much flowers can give effect for a wedding. Especially the oversized; gigantic ones - enough to make a full brides' statement right? So, this time we incoporate them with laces and the scrumptious mini cakes from Martha Stewart. And of course the inspiration of the ever beautiful Kathryn in her vintage gown, perhaps enough to make one dramatic wedding!

Mood: Dramatic effect, Vintage & laces, lovely
Season: Spring, Autumn, winter
Colors: Ivory, old lace, antique white, floral white, eggshell, pearl
Photos: Credits :: Top from left to right :: Beautiful Kathryn, photography by Elizabeth Messina via Snippet & Ink :: Cupcake with Love via Tumbltr :: Vintage Setting via Ruffled Blog :: Lace corset Ron Ben Israel cakes via Martha Stewart Weddings :: Louboutin Shoes by Souder Photography via Style me Pretty :: Oversize rose head piece via Tumblr :: Mini cakes via Martha Stewart Weddings :: Nude rose purse bridesmaids via So cute things :: Gown and bouquet by Christine Farah Photography :: Cupcakes & lace covers via Style me Pretty :: Ivory balsa wood white lace with rhinestone brooch via JL Designs ::

"Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love."~ Lao Tzu

Thursday Heelsday: Glam Fabulous

2012-02-23T14:00:00.000+08:00

Ola loves! Yippie Lovely heelsdays are back.. and more hot stuff coming up. Today's posting is the second series of lastweek's Glamour Girl; which brings more sequins and rhinestones embellishments on today's heels. Who says a bride has to be all conventional white shoes? A fabulous bride would dare to be different :) Let's shine up the feet ladies!

IB#172: Pretty pretty ribbon

2012-02-23T01:30:00.000+08:00

Helo loves! hows the week going? We hope you guys having a sunshine week! Us too! Yesterday we had some chats with some of you wedding vendors out-there quering about your services- and we were so overwhelmed with your responses & feedback! Auwww... you guyss so sweet.Thank you dearies for supporting us and following us... We heart all each of you.. :) We welcome any feedback & improvement ideas for our betterment. Keep it comin' <3 Back to today's Inspire-board- since we're in a lovey dovey mood; we want to bring you more ribbons & flowery inspired palette. For those who looooves the English style, add up touches of spring colors, extravagant setting and a flair of ribbons - giving a fabulous wedding do for any season!
Mood: English Style inspired,
Season: Spring, summer
Colors: Soft pastel, baby pink, ivory, old lace, linen, magnolia, papaya whip, cosmic latte, antique white
Photos: Credits :: Top from left to right :: Favors in white ribbon via Martha Stewart Weddings :: Bow Heels via Tumblr :: Cake and Table Setting via Martha Stewart Weddings :: Dress by Pronovias via Wedding Inspirasi :: Rose pattern Tea set via So Cute Things :: Favor rose mugs via So Cute things :: Bow wedding dress via Belle ::

"Few is the number who think with their own minds and feel with their own hearts."
- Albert Einstein

Creatives Tuesdays: Fancy Ombre Sugar Hearts

2012-02-22T08:30:00.000+08:00

Helo sweeties! We're so glad our DIY Creatives are back and we have some super sweet treats for all you! For those of you DIY fans, this week we want to share with you these awesome fabulous Sugary hearts! Credits to Wedding Chicks for featuring these homemade with loves by Erica O’Brien Cake Design and Brooke Allison Photography. These loveys have created these super awesome decor which can be easily used in any events for wedding favors, or perhaps as a special surprise for your sweetie on Valentine’s Day or even decor for the cutest wedding cake in the world.

What you’ll need
Two cups sugar (or more, depending on the number of colors you want), divided
4 teaspoons (or more) egg white or liquid meringue (1 teaspoon of meringue powder mixed with 1 tablespoon warm water)
Paste food coloring (found at local craft store)
Large cutting board, baking sheet or other flat surface, lined with Silpat or parchment paper
and
Baking sheet lined with Silpat or parchment paper
Ateco aspic cutters or small cookie cutters
Additional:
Small and medium bowls | spatulas | rolling pin | measuring spoons | measuring cups | ziplock bags | butter | knife
Optional:
3 x 4-inch treat bags | colored ribbon | cake to decorate

Step 1.
Place ½ cup sugar in medium bowl. Add a small amount of paste food coloring (above: they use a combination of Wilton’s Rose and Violet), and mix thoroughly. This will be your darkest color. (Hint: A little goes a long way and will darken once liquid is added in next step.) Add more if needed until desired color is achieved. Add 1 teaspoon egg white or meringue liquid and mix thoroughly until the mixture resembles wet sand. Be careful not to add too much liquid or you will dissolve the sugar.

Step 2.
Empty contents onto Silpat or parchment lined cutting board or baking sheet. Spread with hand or spatula and pat down, then roll over mixture with rolling pin to compress. Ideally, the flattened mixture should be as compact as possible and level, about ¼”. Press heart cutter into mixture and lift up. Place hearts on lined baking sheet. If cutter will not release heart, gently tap with the back of a butter knife. Repeat 10-20 times or as many as desired. If hearts will not hold their shape, add more egg white or meringue liquid in small increments and mix thoroughly. If sugar builds up in cutter, rinse with warm water and pat dry before continuing. Pour remaining colored sugar back into bowl and proceed to Step 3.

Step 3.
Add ½ cup sugar to colored sugar from Step 2 to lighten. Mix thoroughly. Add 1 teaspoon egg white or liquid meringue. If desired color is not achieved, continue adding additional ½ cup sugar plus 1 teaspoon egg white or liquid meringue and mixing thoroughly until desired color is achieved. Repeat Step 2. Continue with Steps 2 and 3 until desired shades and number of sugar hearts are achieved. We recommend at least three to five shades. Leftover sugar can be stored in ziplock bags for future use.

Step 4.
Heat oven to 200 degrees. Heat hearts in oven for 10 minutes. Allow to harden overnight. Sugar hearts will be the consistency of sugar cubes.

Design Options:
Place 10-20 sugar hearts in treat bag. Staple ribbon to bags. Tie ribbon. Can be given as gifts or used as favors.
For cake: Attach sugar heats to cake using royal icing. Begin with darkest color on smallest tier. Continue with lighter colors.

These sweet and tasty Do It Yourself Ombré Sugar Hearts were shared with us by Erica O’Brien Cake Design and Brooke Allison Photography. .

"Love's greatest gift is its ability to make everything it touches sacred."
- Barbara De Angelis

IB#171: Sugar Sugar Hearts

2012-02-21T07:00:00.000+08:00

Morning loves! Yippie Its a fresh new week!... We hope you guys have rested well last weekend. This week, we're so femininely inspired. Thanks to EA Designs, this board is specially made for those who have the hots for sweet color combination of tiffany blue and baby pink. Who knew they're opposite palettes that work flawlessly in a sophisticated manner. Classic and timeless, this is very much perfect for the romantics to-be's at heart and nonetheless perfect too for a wedding brunch or pretty bridal shower!

Mood: Lovely, sophisticated, sweet romantic, classic & timeless, ultra feminine
Season: Spring
Colors: Light pink, ivory, milk white, light blue, tiffany blue, linen, old lace
Photos: Credits :: Top row l-r :: Tiffany blue shoes image by Corbin Gurkin Photography from Style Me Pretty :: hand-drawn calendar from Creature Comforts :: coffee and calligraphy napkin from Martha Stewart :: pink and blue place setting from Wedding Style Guide via Once Wed :: Middle row: muffin favor and escort card image by Jill Thomas Photography and styling by Carter and Cook Event Company :: pink and blue china image by Jenny Haas via Love the Day :: stationery with pink wax seal image by Our Labor of Love by Heidi :: Bottom row :: bridal suite inspiration shoot image by Missy Photography :: pink and blue bouquet image by Christa Elyce Photography :: pink flowers in blue vase from 79 Ideas :: pink ruffle cake from Martha Stewart ::

Vintage Weekends: Fancy Retro Treats

2012-02-20T00:30:00.000+08:00

Credit image Wedding Cake

Ola sweeties! Hows the weekend goin? Hope u guys having a peachy peach weekend weather there. For us, it was not so much - was more of a wet weekend :) We're glad Vintage Weekends are back! Today we'd love to feature Fancy Treats from the Retro era or those influenced treats from that era.

Vintage Topper Wedding cake

Lately, extravagant wedding cakes display seems like a MUST haves in weddings nowadays (compared to the taste). A vintage cake topper can be a wonderful addition to a modern wedding cake. Picking the perfect one is also a lot of fun. Whether you are sentimental, whimsical, or elegant, there is a vintage wedding cake topper that would be just perfect for your wedding cake. The topper that you select are the focal points of your wedding reception. More and more brides are turning to the classic vintage wedding cake toppers to give their cakes that little extra something special. To help you find the perfect piece, this is what you should know about vintage wedding cake toppers.
If you are lucky, you will have a vintage cake topper someplace in your family. Using the same decoration on your wedding cake as your parents did on theirs would be a very sweet detail that would make your cake more meaningful. If your parents do not have their cake topper, be sure to ask around in the rest of your family. You might just find that your aunty has your grandmother’s vintage topper tucked away in a box in her attic just waiting for you.

However, for those whose non golden enough to have a cake topper in the family, there are plenty of places where you can find them. Truly the vintage ones ar the most special and interesting, much more so than many of the ones currently being made. They will often be made of finer materials, have handpainted details, and may have unique whimsical touches that you just won’t come crosswise on a contemporary cake topper. Vintage wedding cake toppers abound on ebay, in vintage shops (both online and local), flea markets, and astatine some bridal shops. If ordering one online, read cautiously to determine the sizing and condition of the piece.
There are some very sweet cake toppers available. Lovebirds, doves, wedding bells, and of course the bride and groom are the most pop themes. Some of the pieces can be quite ornate and fanciful, especially the toppers with the chiming bells, which are often part of a large cosmetic arch. You may find special touches such as millinery quality silk flowers, glass pearls (perfect with pearl bridal jewellery sets), and even metal(a) accents.

Although toppers may not have to be the neccesary thing for vintage cakes, flowers may also play a part being the cake topper instead. Some retro brides have flowers in vases as toppers (vintage pic below) and some using gum paste to create a lil vintage flower or perhaps a ribbon instead. There are those who prefers topless toppers as their cake is already "vintage" full with its pattern and shapes that one felt its better off without one.

weddingbycolor

At times, however, we will come across very rare and extremely collectible toppers which have been repainted to match the skin tone of the original bride and groom who used them astatine their wedding. A creative bride may also use this technique today to personalize a vintage cake topper that she likes.

Image credit Style me Pretty

Gum paste flower topper Wedding cake

Topless ,ribbon & buttons - Image credit top wedding cakes

"Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well."
- Vincent van Gogh

~Adapted & Interpreted from Vintage Weddingss

Weekly roundups: Feb 13th - 19th

2012-02-19T12:00:00.000+08:00

Heloo sweeties! Here's to sum up last week's postings --

[Vintage Weekends] :: Wedding Charmed ::
[Inspire-me-boards (mon-fri)] :: Sweet Peachy Romance ::: Coral Lemonade :: Confetti of Looove :: Classic Sea of Mint & Ivory :: Teal Age of Innocence ::
[Creatives Tuesdays] DIY Milk Vases ::
[Thursdays Heelsday] Glamour girl ::
[Fabulous Fridays Inspiration] :: 10 Biggest Pre-Wedding Mistakes in Wedding Planning ::
[Stunning Frocks] :: A Vintage Flair for the bride ::
{Trend Alert} :: Pom Pom We Heart heart ::

IB#170: Teal Age of Innocence

2012-02-19T08:19:00.000+08:00

Ola loves! Today's inspiration we have the mood for some teal! Huhu... So Teal is the dreamy color, perfect for the green lovers who loooooves a lil touch of blues in their theme. We found this palatte while day dreaming about Tiffany's & co (which bride doesn't)... Add a lil touch of greys and whites (perhaps ivory); and voila you get a lovely theme! (thanks Wedding Nouveau)

Mood: Day dreaming, Lovely, In between 2 colors

Season: Spring, Autumn, Winter

Colors: Teal, Gray and White

Photos: Credits All Images ©. Top from L to R: :: Bed room photo by Domino Deco via Automatism :: teal wrist bow by Anna Inghardt :: cobble stone street photo by Shawna Herring; Feather headpiece by Bethany Lorelle :: Middle row :: teal telephone by ©moS; cupcake by Paula Hennig via here; Yin & Yang kittens by Leslie Ann O’Dell :: The End scrabble piece by Lola’s Room :: Bottom read :: Tiffany bag by Miranda Karkling and Jason Nicholls via C Star Events :: chair photo by Katya de Grunwald :: soup photo by Sandra Lane :: balloon photo via Brown Button ::

Fab Fridays:10 Biggest Prewedding Mistakes in Wedding Planning

2012-02-19T07:56:00.001+08:00

Hi loves! T.G.I.F! Its good to have Fab friday's back. So for today's posting - we want to indulge you with the common mistakes most couples to-be's do when planning their wedding. Even the smartest, most on-top-of-things couple can also make mistakes during these crucial times if not planned well from the beginning. Here are the 10 things you should keep an eye on before saying I do.

1. Blowing off your wedding budget.

For the fact we all know it costs a lot of money to throw a wedding. Many times, excited brides start booking vendors and making purchases without having a real budget and then are shocked to discover they've already spent all of their money (or parents' money) and don't yet have half the things they need. Brides to be; take note: if you bounce checks or don't have the money to pay your deposits or make your final payments on the wedding day, your wedding will not happen. Most type vendors such as the band, makeup artiste etc is not going to perform if you don't pay. Planning a wedding is serious business. Make a budget and keep track of your expenditures so you won't be walking naked down the aisle.

2. Messing up the marriage license.

There are so many rules surrounding marriage licenses. For instance, some countries or states require couples to apply their licence 60days before their wedding date and there are places that allows 3 months for the pre-wedding license. So, ensure you find out all the Wedding Registry information on how to obtain your license and make sure you allow time for lastminute emergencies. A common mess-up would be not able to complete all necessary steps to apply for the license therefore cost them to postphone or cancel their wedding!

3. Ordering your wedding dress too late.

Wedding attire is the most vital importance of a wedding. So, if your heart is set on a couture wedding dress, be sure to order that gown by the six-month mark since your dress will mostly likely be customed-made and, there will be many many times, it will need further alteration and fittings. In addition, even most off-the-rack wedding dresses also require alterations (not as much as the custom-made), however make certain that you have enough time to get the gown fitted properly. Never over-estimate your wedding designer or tailor as you should leave plenty of time for shipping and for the fittings. And this is the same goes for the bridesmaid dresses.

4. Inviting too many wedding guests.

The number of the guest list determines one's wedding budget. Make sure your guest list and your reception site capacity match up numbers-wise. Never invite 400 people assuming only 250 will accept, because if you end up with more guests on your door (say 300 acceptances), how are you going to turn them away out of courtesy? And how about the food? the favors? For some wedding venues, adding 10 more tables is definitely a NO NO. Be ensure, you analyze your guest list from the get-go, assume 80% will respond yes, and limit your guest list accordingly.

5. Booking hotel rooms too late.

Too often so many couples to be will leave blocking out hotel rooms for out-of-town wedding guests until the very last minute. Take note on which season your wedding will be held. If you're marrying during a busy time and you don't investigate hotel availability in advance, you may end up with literally not a single room for your guests to stay or a distant hotel from the reception place. And this will cause the arise of new issues such as transportation, directions etc etc. Do reserve rooms as early as possible. Start your research up to a year in advance, and make sure your block is booked at the eight-month mark. Be sure to include hotel information (accomodation options for guests) in your save-the-date cards or invitations. This doesn't mean you will have to pay for the rooms, you are just setting them aside -- and guests may able to contact you if they need help in making booking arrangments.

6. Partaking in last-minute beauty treatments and crash diets.

We know so many brides think that scheduling a facial the day before the wedding will leave their skin looking angelic on their big days. Thinking of tanning the day before your wedding? Think again: you may have the possiblity end up with blisters instead of sun-kissed skin. Why? Cos' last-minute beauty treatments can lead to breakouts, mistakes or, even worse, serious infections. Not everyone has the peachy skin. Not every bride has the perfect skin. Likewise same goes for crash dieting in the weeks leading up to the wedding -- after all those gown fittings, your dress may not fit! It is best to stick to a long-term beauty regimen with lots of rest, a good diet, regular excersice and safe over-the-counter beauty products like sunless tanners. Save the heavy-duty beauty treatments for at least two weeks before the big day and you could risk ruining all the hard work you've done to make your wedding -- and your photos -- perfect. So, dont put your health and happiness at risk for the most important day of your life!

7. Underpaying invitation postage.

Regular stamps vs courier invites. Which one would do its job best? For those Cost-conscious brides, sticking a regular stamp on their invites and drop the whole batch into a mailbox seems more cost effective. But, stop there. Do you know there is additional postage required for wedding invitations? First, find out what the exact costs like. The postal service will not take pity on you -- your invites wont be returned, rubber-stamped with that ugly "insufficient postage" sign, and it will take at least three weeks (never mind the additional $$) to get those invitations back out the door. So if you decide to mail the guests, just make sure to get one invitation weighed -- at the post office -- before purchasing your stamps. Other cons for taking the regular mail? Slow invite arrivals, MIA cards, none returned if sender not found and usually takes up to at least 2 weeks to get it to guest, returned and rsvp-ed! If you have bigger postage budget; we suggest using courier, which is a lil bit pricey, but they worked faster efficiently and will take half the time of the usual snail mail.

8. Ignoring religious or traditional restrictions.

To some families, these two factors are amongst the most MUST Consider-do list. Just make sure, always do your homework on your & fiance's family background traditions that they normally adhere to. Imagine inappropriate attire for the church or mosque, or skipping some blessing ceremony (tea ceremony, merenjis etc) may get you guys in trouble. Always take your religious restrictions seriously. Ensure you also advise guests on attire & your wedding programme to avoid any lastminute havocs. To avoid any day-of disasters, be sure to meet with your officiant or religious family member within few months prior to the event. Be sure to ask them about religious rules, any specific ceremony and other traditional restrictions that you should know.

9. Trying to go it alone.

If you are a bride lucky enough to have been offered help by friends or family members, by all means TAKE IT! Yes. This is the time that you need all the help you can get. Too many brides try to do it all by themselves-- (whether they refuse or they find it impossible to ask for some assistance) and this isn't a good idea. Do delegate and use all the resources that are available to you. When people offer to assist you -- like your mom, your future mother-in-law, or your best friend -- find something for them to do, like researching a vendor or addressing invitations. Also do take note: just because they are helping doesnt mean you are obligated to use their idea or suggested vendor. Remember, its your wedding and you dictate how you'd like your wedding to be. (In the case of Asian weddings; the person who comes out with the BIG FAT CHEQUE gets to decide most of the weddings decision :) )On that note, it's important to keep in mind that these volunteers are not hired help -- be sure that you accept their contributions graciously.

10. Forgetting to focus on what's important.

Keep in mind that you are getting married and starting a life together, not just planning a wedding. So couples to be; always remember not to let the wedding planning & preparation stress get to you. Brides, be good to your grooms. And grooms, be good to your brides! If there is some tension arise between the two of you (and among members of your family) is inevitable due to the sticky topics that weddings stir up, but never let things out of control. If so, find ways to resolve them, sit down discuss like adults and go back to main objective for what this wedding is for. Remember why you decided to take this leap in the first place! Happy planning :)

"Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead. The consciousness of loving and being loved brings a warmth and richness to life that nothing else can bring."
- Oscar Wilde

Credits: Adapted & Intrepreted from The Knot

IB#169: Classic Sea of Mint & Ivory

2012-02-18T19:14:00.000+08:00

Vavava Vooom... This lovely board really fascinate us with this elegant palette. Today we are feelin' a lil of sea and.. oh boy..Mint Green is so 1960s.. they're full of love, unique, lil bit of decor art, and sooo retro lovely specifically for anything that comes in seafoam green. So classic and we looooves it! (Credit goes to Elizabeth Anne) This board has successfully instil the modern-day seafoam and mint green wedding in this retro compilation, giving me the vibes!! Also read on for more tips to create a retro party!

Mood: Retro gorgeous, unique, 1960s inspired
Season: Spring, Summer
Colors: Seafoam green, Persian green, shamrock green, jungle green, ivory, pistachio,
Photos: Credits :: Top row (l-r) :: Mint green coat from the Demoiselle collection by Chelsey Mclaren via Oh Hello Friend :: pleated mint green and white cake from Martha Stewart via Ritzy Bee :: seafoam green dress via Apartment Therapy :: mint green and pale blue letterpress wedding invitations by Hammerpress via Martha Stewart :: Middle row:: jadite and white dishes in cupboard from Pioneer Woman via Classic Bride :: retro pale green bedroom from Coastal Living via Belle Vivir :: night light with milky green glass from Sassy Glass Studio, mint green cafeteria trays from The Relic Trail :: Bottom row: chunky mint green bead necklace via Beads to Your Heart, kitchen with retro Chambers C model stove from Holly Doodle Designs :: vintage seafoam green Westclox alarm clock from Kaboodle :: French seafoam green millinery flowers also via Holly Doodle Designs ::

Here are some ideas for a 60s-inspired event:

Create “Will you be my bridesmaid?” cards out of Twiggy paper dolls (printable ones can be found Origami Bears)
Set up an old-fashioned soda fountain instead of dessert or cake
Make favors from your favorite 60s music out of these CDs created to look like records
Wear gloves and a single strand of pearls
Make your getaway card a classic Camaro or Mustang

More seafoam and mint green inspiration:

Gorgeous tablescape with mint green chairs at Ritzy Bee
These seafoam green kitchens (Jubella, Holly doodle) are just too much pretty
A completely different take on mint – paired with metallics – at City Sage
Love the mint green seersucker bridesmaid dresses from Krista and Adam’s wedding on Ruffled
Seafoam inspiration galore at Under a Paper Moon

"Love is an act of endless forgiveness, a tender look which becomes a habit."
- Peter Ustinov

Thursdays Heelsday: Glamour girl

2012-02-17T21:53:00.000+08:00

Ola loves! Yay we looove thursdays! cos its lovely Heelsday! And today we got a feel of Valentino heehee.
So glamour girls lets have boogey nite yah! :)

IB#168: Confetti of Looooove

2012-02-17T17:53:00.000+08:00

Heloo sweeties! Yippie.. its almost to a weekend! Huhu.. whats not to loooove.. And now we got a bunch of more insprations to share! Today's board, let's credit Branco Prata's blog which features mostly about the Loves loves of Valentines. Thanks to this fabulosity, we have become a fan of reds and all about confetti this year. Well.. when we talk about red; we meant ruby red! hehe (another thumbs up for red woot woot) So, time, lets keep everything pretty light and airy and only let the ruby red shine . Also the bird's eye view of black confetti decor table is pretty awesome!!

Mood: Red for looove, fabulosity
Season: Summer
Colors: ruby red, pale pink, light gray, confetti, scarlet, carmine, burgandy, auburn, chestnut

Photos: Credits :: Top from left to right :: Bride with red peonies bouquet via kiss the groom :: champagne glasses, photograph by simply bloom photography :: shoe clipsvia ban.do :: desserts buffet by rebecca thuss :: confetti table scape via lonny magazine :: cake from the knot :: hearts sugar cubes from cox & cox :: wine via martha stewart weddings :: bridal party by our labor of love ::

"Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever
loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is
done in love is done well."
~ Vincent van Gogh

{Trend Alert} Pom Pom We heart heart

2012-02-15T13:30:00.000+08:00

Hi loves! We loooooves it when there is new trend coming up... and who knew they gona be everlasting for more?,.. I remembered, as i was growing up I wasn't that always a girly girl. My fave colors were blue and my obsession for pink were developed during my college days when i finally learnt how to 'melaram'. That was when i found pink to be completely irresistible... and when this trend emerge, especially in the form of fluffy romantic flowers tucked inside time-worn vintage glass bottles- how one romantic can i not resist?. Like these lovelies (thanks Wedding Occasion) from Dreamy Whites. Arent they so chic?
Awhile ago, our DIY Creatives posted on how to make these lovelies: DIY Pom Poms. We loves how pretty and romantic a few blooms in assorted shapes and sizes of bottles -- so effortless to pull off. Just imagine how awesome it will look having a lining a long banquet table or grouped together as a centerpieces on classic round tables at a wedding reception. Or lining a mantle in your living room just because you felt like a little something pretty. No matter how you do it, we can never go wrong with pretty pink flowers.

Credit Photos from Dreamy Whites via Sweet Emilia Jane.

"If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever." ~Winnie the Pooh

IB#167: Coral Lemonade

2012-02-15T08:30:00.000+08:00

Ola ola loves! hows your week? Hope its great so far? What do you think of today's palette? This is one fab inspiration right? The moment we saw a glimpse of this - we knew- they had us at hello. Say vava voom to the gorgeous Christina Hendricks... The ever stunning red haired beauty is perfect for this color palette of coral, tangerine (this year Pantone 2012 color) and soft pink! (my personal fave) – Thanks to Elizabeth Anne, paired this with a dose of lemon yellow and voila you get a fresh and cheerful, bright and sunshiney, and oh, its perfect too for lemonade week too!

Mood: Fresh & cheery, bright sunshine, lemonade vava voom
Season: Summer, spring
Colors: Coral, Tangerine, Peach-orange, lemonade yellow, soft pink, apricot, papaya whip, peach-yellow
Photos: Credits :: Top row left to right :: Christina Hendricks photographed by Brian Bowen Smith for Health magazine :: ribbon wands, image by Cameron + Kelly and Sedona Bride via Style Me Pretty :: yellow and orange drink station from Martha Stewart via Ritzy Bee :: Middle row :: tissue paper pom centerpiece, image by Mary Basnight via How About Orange :: pink and coral clutch by Jes Switaj via Bumblesea :: pink, yellow, and yellow living room, image by India Hicks’ Hibiscus Hill House via Oh Joy! :: Bottom row: pink and orange cocktails from Martha Stewart via Ritzy Bee :: flower girls with ribbon wands, image by Michele M. Waite from Ryan and Ashley’s wedding :: popsicle paper invitations from Martha Stewart; coral dahlia centerpiece by Chelsea Fuss via Snippet & Ink ::

"The more I give to thee, the more I have.'' - William Shakespeare

Creatives Tuesdays: DIY Milk Vases

2012-02-14T16:30:00.000+08:00

Wowweeeeww...who here adores milk glass pls raise your hand? Whats not to resist - there’s something so sweet about them and yet they give aways the most vintage and lovely of looks even in clusters. Yet, real vintage milk glass is usually quite hard to find and not forgetting they're pretty expensive too! (Reported Etsy selling genuine milk glass for $20-$40 a piece) So today, us at Creatives (Credits to Hey Gorg) want to give you DIY brides a lil treat --- Why not DIY your own? We want quality stuff but why pay big bucks for something you can DIY for less cost? C'mon lets get some hands on stuff below :)

Things you need: Glasses or vases, newspapers, Krylon white satin spray pain, hairdryer (if you want to dry em fast), glass cleaner.

First, started looking for various glasses and vases in different sizes that had unique textures. Most glasswares or home decor stores has em' all. (Look into SSF, JJ, Kaison etc) You can either buy the expensive ones or get the less quality glass ones (which can cost u less than RM10) or even used old bottles or glass containers..

Then, using lots of newspaper, set up your workstation and use Krylon white satin spray paint (ensure you fastest dry) to apply 2-4 coats of paint on each piece for a solid white and shiny finish.

See, its actually not that difficult to do right? Infact there's one fancy wine glass of some sort that we like from above. The detailing on it is so pretty and the scalloped edges are amazing. Make sure you get extra careful not to spray too close to the glass though because if not there will be a few drips of paint on some of the skinnier and taller pieces (like the stems). You may also use some extra coats on the green glass goblet if they take a while to fully cover up.

If you used 'fastest dry', you may allow all the glasses to dry for about 30 minutes to an hour before removing them and filling with water. Or perhaps dry em with hairdryer or overnight to ensure all paint coats are safely dry. Then, after dry pick soe fresh purple, pale green and pink hydrangeas and put them in each of the vases created a cluster centerpiece of sorts. Lovely right?

Adapted & Interpreted by Hey Gorg

IB#166: Sweet Peachy Romance

2012-02-13T14:00:00.000+08:00

Ola loves! We loooooove mondays! Cos its all about new new new ideas for the week! For those with monday blues; we got a fresh new inspiration to heal da bluuuues. For today's board; let's make a Peach comeback! Woohoo. I think peach is the new pink. Whats not to love about peach? Its not tooo girlie, it has the same traits of pink (ultra soft, feminine, and lovely) and men doooo looove peach too! (see, you can sell your fiance on it because it isn't pink hehe). And peach charm naturally cos it works as a neutral when you pair it with almost any other color! Let's check out the inspiration below- we think this is one of our favorite pairings, the ever soft peach with sea glass green combination. (Credits to Oh Lovely day)

Mood: Ultra soft, feminine, lovely, natural charm, romantic

Season: Spring

Colors: Peach, Apricot, papaya whip, peach-yellow, navajo white, sunset, champaign, beige, tan, pistachio, sea green, jade green

Photos: Credits :: Top Row (left - right) :: Cake photography by Jose Villa via Once Wed :: Shoes Accesories by Jillian Mitchell Photography via Style Me Pretty :: Dress, photograph by Elizabeth Messina ::Centrepiece by Yvonne Wong via Love and Lavender :: Middle Row: Accesories by Jillian Mitchell Photography via Style Me Pretty, Flowers, photography by Jose Villa via Once Wed :: Bottom Row :: Accesories via BHLDN, Jade accesories by Jillian Mitchell Photography via Style Me Pretty :: Vintage Sofa photograph by N Barrett Photography via Postcards & Pretties, Bridesmaids dress via Ruffled ::

"A heart that loves is always young" (Greek proverb)

Vintage Weekends: Wedding charmed

2012-02-12T23:30:00.000+08:00

When looking at old memories, how ofen we love to see the story of the photographs, whether; the history behind them, their character and charm. Vintage Wedding themes has become so popular nowadays, that many brides love the feeling of instilling classic look in today’s trends that brings unforgettable moments today in many years to come. They mostly seek something pretty and classic with a nod to both the past and today.
Today, many brides are going for the vintage look in their weddings whether it be tea length dresses, birdcage veils, or other traditional elements. By going through these retro photographs, we thought it would be fun to take a look at some true vintage weddings as well as some more modern ones that were vintage-inspired.

Credit images from Bering Photography

From these pictures, you can see that veils have really evolved from earlier in the 20th century. Maybe the larger veils of the late 80′s and 90′s were inspired by these?

Credit image from Bering Photography

Do you think these bridesmaids ever wore these again?

Image Credit via Bering Photography

Here are some modern brides with vintage style that are modernly evolved:

Image via Vintage Glam

Some of the vintage inspired things including incorporating jewelry, the style of flowers, and use of vintage glass for centerpieces. Is there anything vintage inspired you plan on incorporating?

via Slightly Obesessive

Credits Snippet & Ink

Hope you all have a great weekend!
Adapted & interpreted from Elizabeth Anne

Weekly Roundups : Feb 5 - 12th

2012-02-12T21:30:00.000+08:00

Hi sweeties! Another weekend comes! Woot woot... any plans up for this 2 days? Anyways for those who missed this week postings, here's to sum up --
[Vintage Weekends] A 1920s Inspiration ::

[Inspire-me-boards (mon-fri)] We Love Thee Glittery :: Romance Faux :: La Flora flirty Romance :: Dramatic Hearts :: Whimsy Lemonade ::
[Creatives Tuesdays] DIY Giant Paper Rose ::
[Thursdays Heelsday] Butterfly Sparkle ::
[Fabulous Fridays Inspiration] :: 25 Gorgeous Centrepieces Part II ::
[Stunning Frocks] A Vintage Flair for the bride ::

Have an awesome weekend loves! :)