canadiana chic - wedding and living inspiration featuring real life Canadian weddings

The National Bridal Show

2012-01-24T20:30:00.000-05:00

Catch us at The National Bridal show this weekend - January 27 - January 29! We will be sure to inspire and entice you will our booth design plans! We are @ booth 309 so be sure to stop by and give us a holla!

attire : bridesmaid dresses

2011-09-28T00:34:00.001-04:00

We love the look of the not-so-matchy-matchy bridesmaid dresses seen here @ Molly Sims' recent wedding. If you are considering following this trend, pick dresses of the same length and colour family, varying only the styles, textures and patterns of the dresses. It makes for a much more casual / modern look but your bridesmaids will appreciate the personalized appearance they will each have.

real-life wedding / family love : melissa + rocky

2011-05-24T00:53:00.000-04:00

These beautiful, bright photos of Melissa & Rocky's Toronto wedding were captured by the wonderfully talented Silvana at Impulse Photography. Each time I view her work, I am inspired. She always knows how and when to capture those perfect moments - this wedding being no exception. We love the 'family love' element present throughout the photos - from grandparents to little cousins, this wedding was definitely a family affair. Check out the bride's amazing bouquet and dress PLUS the couple's gorgeous cake, which Melissa made herself! Amazing!

All images courtesy of www.impulsephotographyblog.com

trash the dress : sara + matt

2011-05-06T10:55:00.000-04:00

What happens when you cross talented photography Kyle Perison and a totally awesome, fun couple? An AMAZING trash the dress session - one for the books. These photos exude playfulness and fun! Kyle desribes the shoot, on his blog:

There are no words to describe how amazing this session was. Matt and Sara were complete troopers with everything-even the ice cold water from the car wash. The initial plan was to do this shoot with a pure white background but they day turned out to be absolutely gorgeous so we decided to rock out at Kalamalka Park. During the paint throwing, we laid out a large amount of plastic sheeting on the ground to insure we did not destroy the Provincial Park. With a few hours of photoshop - I merged a few images together to remove the white, plastic sheeting. Turned out pretty well!

shoesday : alexander mcqueen

2011-05-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

Sarah Burton [who is now infamously associated with the royal wedding gown of the century] is Alexander McQueen's new creative director and with this gorgeous spring 2011 shoe collection it's not hard to see why her fashions are in demand. We LOVE the whimsical and natural element to these very posh pumps and could envision a night out on the town would be all that more fun and exciting with any pair of these McQueen's!

royal wedding week / congratulations wills & kate!

2011-04-29T07:00:00.003-04:00

Wishing you years of happiness, health and love!

royal wedding week / attire : monique lhuillier

2011-04-28T20:27:00.005-04:00

Monique Lhuillier creates beautiful gowns worn by many celebrities and brides around the world, but she is best known for her bridal gowns. In her newest 2012 collection, two of the dresses have names with a royal ring to them - Catherine and Pippa. Coincidence? I think not.

The “Catherine” gown on the right, looks fit for a princess with long sleeves, a high neckline, and an all-over lace approach. The “Pippa” dress on the left, looks like it could be for a bridesmaid or maid of honor (and Pippa Middleton is the maid of honor at sister Catherine’s nuptials) with a short hemline and a more body-hugging silhouette.

royal wedding week / decor : a royal affair

2011-04-28T19:58:00.002-04:00

These STUNNING photos exude romance, nostalgia and decadence! This gorgeous session was put together by Meryl Brown Events and we can't agree more when she says it "was classic and traditional, but also fresh and lovely". We love, love, love the bride's dress from Claire Pettibone and fine china table setting. Enjoy - I know we did!

All images courtesy of www.greenweddingshoes.com

royal wedding week / a castle fit for a princess : melissa + dan

2011-04-27T13:47:00.002-04:00

This gorgeous wedding comes to us courtesy of the fabulous duo (and couple) Dave and Charlotte and it truly was a fairy tale wedding...

Once upon a time, a beautiful bride Melissa wore a vintage 1958 wedding gown she purchased in Yorkville...

She accented her gown with AMAZING hand-made shoes, cathedral length veil and dainty pearl earrings...

Arriving at her castle, Casa Loma, in her vintage Bentley, Melissa & her bridesmaids looked just the part of a modern day princess and her ladies in waiting...

Her dashing Prince Charming stood at the altar, ready to greet his blushing bride and once their vows were exchanged, they sealed their love with a kiss...

The guests were received, drinks were poured and everyone danced long into the night...

...Oh, and Dan and Melissa lived happily ever after...see just like a fairy tale.

All images courtesy of www.daveandcharlotte.com

shoesday : Asos

2011-04-26T17:19:00.005-04:00

Love this romantic shoe boot features a pretty lace detail and bow accent. They would definitely be perfect for a wedding, bridesmaid or any other special occasion. Need them in my closet!

royal wedding week : high tea time

2011-04-26T17:01:00.002-04:00

In the tradition of British high tea, what better than a beautiful engagement photo session done in the theme of a tea party! These beautiful photos are from the fabulous Three Nails Photography and we just can't get enough of the whimsical table setting. Create your own unique tea party table setting by mixing a variety of china, garden-grown florals, and traditional baked treats. What do you think is the Queen's favourite flavour of tea?

All images courtesy of www.weddingchicks.com

royal wedding week / make it mondays: etsy finds!

2011-04-25T09:40:00.000-04:00

In honour of the upcoming royal wedding (it's only 4 days away!), it is ROYAL WEDDING WEEK here @ Canadiana Chic! We are super exicted to highlight Canadian content inpired by the royal wedding so check back each day for fabulous features!

For today's Make it Mondays, we have sourced our favourite online community of artists - Etsy - for royal wedding-inspired creations. All items can be purchased through the links provided - here's what we found!

Middleton by Pomp & Plumage

Duchess Wedding Collection by Lisa Samartino Atelier

Something Blue Shabby Chic Rosette Garter by Sweetly Fallen

Floral Chic Letterpress Coasters by Pink Orchid Press

Blue Sapphire Diamond Ring by Eidel Precious

Tandem Bike Wedding Cake Topper by Heather Boyd

flower friday : tulips

2011-04-22T15:45:00.000-04:00

With spring in full swing, we thought to feature one of our favourite spring flowers - the tulip. The tulip is a perennial, bulbous plant that comes is wide variety of colours. They make a dramatic statement when used in a large cluster, but you can also use them as smaller, filler flowers in any arrangement. One of our favourite species of the tulip is the parrot tulip. The fringed, ruffled edges of the petal create a more romantic feel that is right on trend with all the ruffles and texture we are seeing in bridal gowns. Tulips are readily available year-round, but peak season is March - May. Clustered, submerged or scattered, the tulip is an elegant flower to accent any occasion!

Parrot Tulip

real-life wedding / dark drama : tiff + chris

2011-04-21T12:12:00.000-04:00

Deep reds, black and white will definitely create a dramatic theme for any wedding and Chris & Tiff's day was no exception. The beautiful colour palette accented their urban nuptials perfectly! We love, love, love the black and red bridesmaids' bouquets and could not get enough of this sweet-looking couple captured by the always talented Lucida Photography. Congrats!

All images courtesy of www.lucida-photography.com/blog

shoesday : alice + olivia

2011-04-19T16:19:00.000-04:00

This fierce platform wedge sandal is from Alice + Olivia. We LOVE us some leopard print (in moderation of course)!

www.aliceandolivia.com

make it mondays / diy : herbal boutonniere

2011-04-18T14:50:00.000-04:00

Herbs are a perfect alternative to flowers simply because they smell so good (and look great)! They are best to use in the late summer or early fall, incorporating them into multiple areas of your wedding. Bouquets, boutonnieres, favors, centerpieces (perfect to double as guest favors), and so much more! Here's an easy DIY project from Chelsea Fuss that guides you in making pretty boutonnieres for your guys. Best of all, you can dry them out after and use them in cooking, making them completely eco-friendly!

You will need:

13 small stems of herbs (choose varying colors and shapes)

3 stems of small berries

floral tape

narrow ribbon

1. Start with a leaf stem like sage to be the backbone of your boutonniere. This leaf is just for support

2. Place taller, lanky herbs like lavender and rosemary on top of the leaf

3. In front, place smaller rounder, herbs like oregano or thyme blossoms or fruit like blueberries. Heavier items always look nicer at the bottom with the leaner stems poking out the top.

5. Secure with floral tape

6. Wrap the ribbon around the stems several times to disguise the floral tape while leaving a length of ribbon free to tie up the ribbon at the back of the boutonniere

We're BACK!!! New Posting Schedule Sneak Peek!

2011-04-14T13:19:00.001-04:00

So, how you liking the new look? It's still a work in progress, but we are back on track with posting. You'll notice a few tweaks and features added over the course of the next month that we are super excited about! But first, we want to roll out a sneak-peek of our new posting schedule for y'all! In addition to our fabulous Canadian real-life weddings that we feature, we have added some new post subjects that we are super excited to share!

Make it Mondays

The always fashionable Shoesday Tuesday

Flower Fridays - featuring unique bouquets, centerpiece ideas, boutonnieres & flower knowledge

Stay tuned!

pardon our look...

2011-04-04T12:54:00.002-04:00

We are in the process of updating our design and layout so please be patient with us! Regular posting will resume shortly :)

real-life wedding / little white dress : kate + bryan

2011-03-28T13:23:00.000-04:00

Take a gander at this gorgeous, sunny wedding from Renaissance Studios! Kate & Bryan held their wedding last October in Kitchener's Tannery District - and we must say we love the eclectic vibe of it! On top of being a beautiful bride, Kate is a wedding planner, so it's no wonder the lovely yellow and grey details of their day came together as they did. One of our favourite details is the cute fill-in-the-blank cards they had guests fill out - what a joy those will be to reflect on years down the road! Congrats to the newlyweds!

All images courtesy of www.rsblog.ca

real-life wedding / city chic : bronwyn + shawn

2011-03-24T14:54:00.000-04:00

This feature wedding is from Boyfriend/Girlfriend Photography, who captured the lovely couple Bronwyn (love that name) & Shawn. We love the chic black and white colour palette, which just adds to the glam of their city wedding. Congrats to the newlyweds!

All images courtesy of www.boyfriendgirlfriendpictures.com

engagement / brinton films : lex + loren

2011-03-23T13:46:00.000-04:00

Check out this totally cute Save-the-Date video from Brinton Films. The couple's personality really shines! Love it!

Video courtesy of www.brintonfilms.com

shoesday / spring showers : chanel rain boots

2011-03-22T12:17:00.000-04:00

With spring in full swing, what better way to avoid the wet, swoppy, muddy streets than with a pair of these fabulous Chanel Camillia rain boots or rubber pumps! Nicely accented with pretty rosettes, they make the rubber boot very stylish.

sweets / bonnie gordon : the cake show

2011-03-21T13:38:00.000-04:00

For all you brides you are considering your cake design, enjoy baking sweet treats yourself, The Cake Show is a must attend to see all the local talent, enjoy fun competitions (think of TLC's Ultimate Cake Off or Food Network's Challenge), and get your hands on some tasty treats! Check out their website for full details!

www.thecakeshow.com

real-life wedding / afternoon celebrations : jihee + david

2011-03-16T15:14:00.000-04:00

Jihee & David's afternoon winter wedding was held at the beautiful Auberge du Pommier in Toronto and captured in stunning fashion by the team at Mango Studios. Jihee is a visual artist who created many of the wedding stationary accents with hand-paintings. The bride even made the mini cake stands and the macaroons! The carved ducks which held their wedding rings and then later sat face to face on the head table are a traditional Korean symbol for a prosperous loving life together. And we LOVE the plant potting element to their ceremony - what a beautiful and unique way to symbolize their unity and love in future years together.

All images courtesy of www.mangostudios.com

resources / wedding shows : the spring wedding show

2011-03-14T07:00:00.006-04:00

For the couple planning an unconventional wedding with style. Hosted by The Wedding Co, this event is taking place at The Drake Hotel and will be showcasing unique Toronto designers of paper goods, gowns, cakes, accessories and more!

real-life wedding / rustic charm : ashley + craig

2011-03-09T12:23:00.000-05:00

Ashley & Craig's DIY rustic wedding is full of charming details that we absolutely adore! The day was captured by the talented team at Renaissance Studios and we are over the moon with our newly found love of their work! The couple's wedding was full of handmade details, including felt / button bouquets, the whimsical paper crane ceremony backdrop, and the screen-printed tea towel favors. We just can't get enough of it - check out Renaissance Studios website for MORE photos of this fab wedding :)

All images courtesy of www.renaissancestudios.ca

real-life wedding / vintage diy : elaine + patrick

2011-03-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

Today's fabulous wedding comes to us courtesy of Trevor Booth Photography. We knew we had to feature Elaine & Patrick's handmade vintage wedding as soon as we saw their pictures. Every part of this wedding, they did themselves! The bride found her dress at a thrift store, her sister made the bridesmaid dresses, they bought every dish for the dinner service and many of the decor items were handmade. Wow! That's commitment to vintage DIY! A couple of our favourite details were the bikes used for photographs with the lovely couple and their wedding party + the oh-so-clever vintage cut-outs used as their seating chart. This wedding was just SO charming! We love it!

shoesday : L.A.M.B. Caitlyn

2011-03-08T00:17:00.000-05:00

Wedges are the hottest accessory this season and we couldn't resist this sweet t-strap platform wedges from one of our fave girls, Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B. line. Rock 'em with some ankle jeans, fitted tee and statement necklace and your set to go!

grand opening : david's bridal canada

2011-03-07T12:42:00.000-05:00

Shopping for your bridal gown on a budget? While no need to travel south of the border any more! The fabulous American bridal company David's Bridal has just opened TWO locations in the GTA - one in Mississauga and another located in Scarborough. They feature extremely affordable gowns without having to sacrifice quality or appeal. Collections include gowns by Oleg Cassini & the super chic Galina. They also carry the exclusive White by Vera Wang collection for all you couture-loving brides! Schedule an appointment now - www.davidsbridal.ca

editor's pick / etsy : buds & blooms

2011-02-25T12:59:00.001-05:00

We fervently express our love for Canadian talent, so when we come across wedding vendors & designers who also use their services for a good cause, our heart melts. Take for example our editor's pick, Corrine of Buds & Blooms. She creates whimsical accessories for any occasion while donating proceeds from sales to fund community projects in West Africa through the development agency -The Afri-Can Connection (which by the way, she co-founded). The Afri-Can Connection aims to create a movement to empower young African leaders - how amazing is that?!

Now aside from her generous heart, Corrine creates some pretty beautiful pieces for her Buds & Blooms boutique. Based out of Kitchener, Ontario, each piece is meticulously made by hand and meet the highest quality standards. From hairpieces & sashes to exclusive products such as petal veils, Buds & Blooms is backed by solid ethical business practices so you don't have to sacrifice style for values. One of our favourite pieces has to be the Garden Sash! Check out her Etsy shop here.

real-life wedding / archives of the mov : cindy + eric

2011-02-24T12:46:00.000-05:00

Today's feature comes to us courtesy of the award-winning Melia Sorenson of Lucida Photography. Her clients, the lovely newlyweds Cindy & Eric, held their nuptials at the Museum of Vancouver. All of the details were very soft and romantic, which was a nice contrast to such a comtemporary venue. We could not select just one favourite feature of their wedding, so we have two. We adore the bridesmaids dresses + we love their unique "fingerprint wedding tree" guest book. Great idea!

All images courtesy of www.lucida-photography.com

showcase / photo : taylor jackson photography

2011-02-22T13:52:00.001-05:00

Check out this gorgeous wedding from Taylor Jackson Photography that took place at one our favourite Toronto venues - The Fermenting Cellar. Click here for full photo & event details!

shoesday : on-a-wing heels from BHLDN

2011-02-22T13:33:00.000-05:00

Since the launch of Anthropologie's BHLDN line last week, stylish bloggers everywhere have been raving about the dresses, shoes and accessories! Here's a pair of the very stylish rose champagne heels, detailed with handmade feather butterflies - how whimsical! Check out their full shoe collection here.

diy : custom wire hangers

2011-02-18T20:52:00.000-05:00

A beautiful photo of your wedding gown will be perfectly accented by your custom wire hanger on which it floats. While not the easiest diy, it will definitely make for a memorable piece. Also, consider making them for your bridesmaids - it will be a gift they love!

You will need:

- 14 gauge galvanized wire

- wooden hanger

- wire cutter

- needle nose pliers

- drill

- C & D battery

- paper

- pen

1. Measure out the amount of wire you will need. For 4 letters, start with 40 inches; add 10-12 inches per additonal letter

2. Draw out your word / letters on a piece of paper to use as a guide while bending your wire.

3. Using the pliers, begin bending and forming the letters into your wire. Remember, it is one continuous piece of wire. Use batteries to shape nice 'Os' and circles. Try to reduce the number of times you work the wire for a single letter - it will turn out much smoother and clean looking the less you bend the wire.

4. Once you are satisfied with your word, drill a small hole on the bottom of either side of the wooden hanger.

5. Slide your wire with the formed word into either end. Center your word in the middle of the hanger. Cut excess wire from either end. Fold the ends of the wire into a knot so that it can not slide back through the hole in the wooden hanger.

6. Enjoy hanging beautiful garments from your custom wire hanger!

real-life wedding / in the dead of winter, love still grows : Aleksandra + Nathan

2011-02-16T07:00:00.003-05:00

Who says that your wedding dress needs to be white? Aleksandra chose to have an outift made to suit her favourite fashion period - Dior circa 1947 - in a charcoal grey linen. It's definitely not for everyone, but who can deny the bride's personality shone bright amidst the cold winter background. The lovely couple held their day at The Coach House at the Estates of Sunnybrook and was full of unique items that reflected this fun, vibrant couple. Aside from the bride's outfit, our favourite detail has to be the super cute knitted ring pillow. Congrats to the newlyweds!

All images courtesy of www.callaevansphotography.com

shoesday : fabulous feathers

2011-02-15T13:11:00.000-05:00

Check out these beautiful custom faux-suede pumps with peacock feathers from Le Plume Ethere! Fabulous!

attire : BHLDN

2011-02-14T13:08:00.001-05:00

Seeking that one-of-a-kind, totally unique wedding dress? Well, parent company Anthropologie has just launched a new online bridal boutique - BHLDN (pronounced beholden) today and we are thrilled with the selection of quirky yet beautiful gowns and dresses they are selling. And YES they ship to Canada! They also have some pretty cute dresses for your bridesmaids + fabulous accessories. Here are some of our faves but be sure to check out their site!

All images courtesy of www.bhldn.com

real-life wedding / sweet outlook: justine + chris

2011-02-09T16:12:00.001-05:00

Today's wedding is from a place we have never featured before - Saskatchewan! These beautiful photos of Chris and Justine's wedding come to us courtesy of the very talented Martine Sansoucy and we must say we LOVE the style and editing approach. The wedding took place in Outlook, Saskatchewan and we love how the photos capture that small-town feel. One of our favourite things has to be the very unique wedding cake the couple had - too cute! Enjoy!

diy : rustic escort cards

2011-02-08T15:35:00.000-05:00

These place cards are perfect if you're planning a rustic, outdoor wedding. Using a fallen tree branch from your yard or local park, you can cut the branch into discs. You can either print your guest names on clear labels and adhere them to the wood discs or you can you a black permanent marker to handwrite the names for a more handmade look. When it's time to set up your escort table, nestle the wood discs in a bed of moss and greenery, accented with some flowers for a beautiful display.

shoesday : giuseppe zanotti

2011-02-08T13:42:00.000-05:00

Ruffles. Rosettes. Romance.

These shoes are beautiful! They are available as flats, mid-heel or high heel. Wouldn't you love a pair?

Available @ Browns

real-life wedding / calgary + california fusion

2011-02-04T00:03:00.001-05:00

The bride, from Calgary; the groom, from California + their beautiful wedding = eye candy for us all. This wedding is too sweet! The lovely vintage-inspired Justin Alexander bride's dress is gorgeous and all the handmade details make this a wedding we LOVE. One of our favourite elements was their seating chart - made from vintage maps of Calgary & California. Not to mention the cakes & cupcakes that were made by a couple of her bridesmaids. Enjoy and congrats to the newlyweds!

All images courtesy of www.cineart.ca

decor / aileen tran : french vintage

2011-02-03T07:00:00.001-05:00

One of our absolute favourite event designers is Karen Tran, from whom we can always expect fresh, lush florals and decor. And now, her daughter, Aileen Tran has branched out on her own, infusing her own passion and style into her designs. Here is a recent French inspired vintage photo shoot she completed. The design is fresh and invigorating and we LOVE the feather details and colour palette of light sea foam green, pale pink and yellows. A vintage inspired wedding fit for Marie Antoinette herself!

All images courtesy of www.aileentran.com

sweets : candy tables

2011-02-02T20:07:00.000-05:00

There's no slowing of the ever-popular candy table, so we thought we would share some of our favourites. Make them personal, make them your own. Whether you're filling them with home-made treats or you decide for a super modern look of a single colour, the candy table will be sure to catch your guests' eye (and sweet tooth) Yum!

shoesday : bridal vintage

2011-02-01T11:34:00.000-05:00

Looking for the perfect vintage wedding shoe? Check out these beautiful lacey pairs - any one of them would be perfect with your cocktail-length wedding gown!

feature / decor : eventdecorator.com

2011-01-31T15:10:00.000-05:00

eventdecorator.com is an award winning, full service design firm who create absolutely stunning atmospheres. I say 'atmospheres' because if you ever get the chance to see one of their unique set-ups, you are transformed to a world unto itself. No detail is left to chance - every aspect of the design is thoroughly thought out and carefully executed. Take a gander at some of their most recent work and I'm sure you'll agree - you'll be picking your jaw up off the floor! Enjoy!

All images courtesy of www.eventdecorator.com , www.rowellphoto.com & www.thecaketress.ca

real-life wedding / sentimental vintage : claudia & david

2011-01-31T12:59:00.004-05:00

We just had to share this touching story we came across on one of our fave blogs, Ruffled, about a Toronto couple - Claudia & David. It will definitely warm your heart!

Click HERE for the full story!

Image courtesy of www.boyfriendgirlfriendpictures.com

sweets / bobbette & belle : carousel cake

2011-01-25T07:00:00.003-05:00

The fabulous ladies of Bobbette and Belle (formerly Allyson Meredith Cakes) have done it again - and might I say WOW! I came across this absolutely gorgeous carousel cake they recently designed for a client and it took my breath away. The attention to detail makes this cake a piece of art (would you really want to cut into it?) and showpiece worthy of any occasion.

All images courtesy of www.bobbetteandbelle.com

video / {first kiss films} : sarah + sanjoy

2011-01-20T14:24:00.000-05:00

Here's another fabulous 16mm & 8 mm wedding film from {first kiss films}. The beautiful Hindu ceremony took place in Gatineau, Quebec. Bridget was able to capture the romance and essence of this culturally infused wedding perfectly! Enjoy and congrats to the newlyweds!

{ Sarah & Sanjoy } Gatineau, Quebec from { First Kiss Films }

www.firstkissfilms.com

upcoming wedding shows - toronto & gta

2011-01-19T16:26:00.002-05:00

Time to grab your partner and hit those wedding shows running! Here's a listing of the upcoming wedding shows in Toronto and GTA. Many of them have really great free offers and contests so be sure to check out their websites!

The Total Wedding Show

January 21 - 23, 2011

International Centre, 6900 Airport Road

Mississauga

National Bridal Show

January 28 - 30, 2011

Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place

Toronto

The Halton Bridal Show

January 29 - 30, 2011

Burlington Convention Centre

Burlington

Kismet Wedding Show

February 13, 2011

International Centre, Hall 1

6900 Airport Road

Mississauga

real-life wedding / totally custom : joanna + sam

2011-01-13T01:20:00.001-05:00

A beautiful Vera Wang wedding gown, glamourous, glittery shoes and a reception setting fit for a queen - sounds wonderful and it was! Joanna & Sam's wedding took place at The Sutton Place Hotel in Toronto and no detail was overlooked. Captured beautifully by the very talented Catherine Farquharson, the grand affair was full of personal details, such as the stationary, which was crafted by Joanna and her mother. They operate Smudge Designs - a design studio specializing in custom stationary. Joanna also took Wang's Fairy Dust dress and made it her own by requesting that the bottom part of the dress be detachable. She wore the full dress to the ceremony and, during the cocktail hour, she and her mom Julie snuck upstairs and created a whole new look. Congrats to the newlyweds!

All images courtesy of www.documentographer.com

shoesday : valentino

2011-01-11T19:18:00.000-05:00

This royal blue velvet and jewelled Valentino shoe is absolutely gorgeous! Quite fitting for a royal wedding, don't you think? It might be just me, but it matches that beautiful sapphire engagement ring Kate's been sporting on her ring finger (Anyone else have royal wedding fever besides me?)

real-life wedding / uber chic : ashley + michael

2011-01-11T19:11:00.001-05:00

Photographer Nikki Charleton of Crimson Photos always seems to capture the grace and elegance of a bride on her wedding so perfectly - and Ashley is no exception. The beautiful bride wore Rivini and looked stuning opposite her groom, who looked smashing himself. Their extravagent nuptials took place downtown Toronto at Hotel Le Germain with decor and flowers being done in crisp whites, ivories and champagne. Congrats to the newlyweds!

All images courtesy of www.crimsonphotos.ca

diy : bridesmaid cards

2011-01-07T00:30:00.012-05:00

Now that you're officially engaged, one of your next steps might be to consider whom you would like standing up with you on your special day. Rather than simply asking your closest gal pals, how about giving them a trinket to cherish - their very own hand-made card. We came across this adorable diy project from once wed and couldn't help but share it!

Cut out the shape of the dress you plan on using in the color you desire and personalize each person with some paper hair. To complete the set, create a little card asking “Will you be my bridesmaid?” and include the wedding details as well as how and where to order the dresses. Click here for full instructions, step-by-step.

All images courtesy of www.oncewed.com

real-life wedding / homespun : laura + mark

2011-01-06T14:52:00.001-05:00

These crisp, autumn wedding photographs come to us courtesy of Verve Photo Co. Laura & Mark's fall nuptials were held in the quaint, beautiful town of Kleinburg at The Doctor's House. With all the personal touches, like their home-made pesto favors and unique seating chart, Laura & Mark's reception reflected their sweet charm. Even the bride herself wore a wedding gown purchased from the Bride's Project, which accepts wedding dress donations, and then resells the dresses and donates all of the profit to the fight against cancer. Congratulations to the beautiful couple!

All images courtesy of www.vervephotoco.com

showcase / sweets : cakes by tanya

2011-01-05T00:30:00.004-05:00

Cakes by Tanya fashions all-natural, custom cakes from concept to completion. Based out of Markham, Ontario, Tanya's practices are tried and true with over 20 years experience. The same meticulous attention dedicated to decorative detail is devoted to substance – a cake has to taste as good as it looks. Impeccably fresh custom cakes are handcrafted with the finest all-natural ingredients – never frozen.

Not only does Cakes by Tanya specialize in custom wedding cakes, they can also provide specialty cakes for any occasion, mini cakes, cupcakes and cookies.

With unique designs and a tailored experience, you can be certain that your wedding cake will be the showpiece it's meant to be!

Images courtesy of www.cakesbytanya.ca

wedding trends for 2011

2011-01-04T13:00:00.004-05:00

1. Metallics
Forget that old taboo rule to never mix gold and silver- mixed metallics are an effortless way to create a super chic and elegant atmosphere. Glamorous gold, shimmery silver or sparkling champagne will be used alone or with accents of navy, purple or greens.

2. Simple Sophistication
It's back to basics with elegant, sophisticated style in 2011. Wedding decor will be simple and understated, with modern design elements trumping DIY touches. Scripted calligraphy, custom monograms, neutral / muted colours, and classic cake designs will embody this trend.

3. Outdoor Venues
The raw, minimal backdrop of an outdoor setting leaves room for personalization and customization, a major perk for creative, hands-on nearlyweds. Lakeside venues, vineyard locations and spaces situated alongside sprawling mountains will dominate, but a country estate or family member's yard is also an ideal location to set up tent and fully splurge on designing your own venue.

4. Luxurious Textures
Romantic ruffles, layers of light fabrics (tulle, chiffon, etc), oversized florals, and eye-catching beading are the major details of all the fabulous weddings gown of Fall 2011. These textures are easily translated from the bride's gown into floral arrangements, cake design, stationary design, and reception linens. Texture creates a dramatic yet subtle accent that enhances any decor to the next level.

5. Grey & Navy
Grey is the neutral IT colour for 2011. We saw many weddings in 2010 use grey as it's neutral and there are no signs of this trend slowing down. From charcoal to light silver to a moody pewter, grey is the perfect compliment to make your other colours pop! And while grey is still the talk of the town, navy blue (and other deep blues) will definitely be another trend for 2011. Wonder if the royal wedding of Kate Middleton & Prince William has anything to do with it? Regardless, navy blue, cobalt blue, sapphire blue, and midnight blue are all dark hues that create a very dramatic and elegant look suitable for any bride.

we're back! And just in time for the new year!

2011-01-01T00:01:00.030-05:00

It's good to be back! We've got some fabulous things planned for the upcoming year! For now, I would like to share some photos from our special day back in September. All the planning, details and experience exceeded all my expectations. It is true when they say that the day zooms by so fast, but it was the best day of my life! Enjoy the photos (from our fabulous photographer Nikki of Crimson Photos). I've listed all of our vendors at the end - all of which were phenomenal to work with! Thank you!!

Ceremony - Grace Church On-the-Hill

Reception - The Manor bypeterandpauls

Flowers/Decor - Ria's Designs

Photography - Crimson Photos

Videography - Blayre Ellestad (Now of Spot Studios)

Transportation - Erin Mills Limo

Hair - Floe Beauty

Make-Up - All Dolled Up

Cake / Cookie Favors - Dorio's Bakery

DJ - Impact Entertainment
Stationary - elizabeth grace events & Majoie Press

inspiration / modern lovebirds : my ultimate wedding

2010-04-09T22:55:00.000-04:00

This week's ultimate wedding comes to us courtesy of Cynthia Martyn Events. The reception was held at the Gardiner Museum, home of Jamie Kennedy's chic (and delicious) kitchen. We love the contrast between the grey and pink and the natural and modern elements. We especially like the manzanita tree centepieces adorned with pink peonies and crystals - BEAUTIFUL. The handmade ceramic egg in a nest served as a unique favor for guests.

editor's pick / etsy : little wee shop

2010-04-06T01:55:00.001-04:00

Originally from Toronto, designer Jennifer of Little Wee Shop, moved north to Wasaga Beach for a quieter, back to nature life with her family. Being close to the beach & the forest has inspired much of her Etsy work. Additionally, her hand-made, eco-friendly and green designs came out of planning her own wedding not too long ago. We absolutely adore her take on the ring pillow, made of wood from Canadian fallen trees. The Mr. & Mrs. tree ring signs are also a nature-ly chic accent to decorate your reception chairs. You can check out her Etsy shop here. Enjoy browsing!

All images courtesy of LittleWeeShop.etsy.com

shoesday : badgley mischka

2010-04-06T01:10:00.001-04:00

We are just loving the fresh & romantic designs out this spring from Badgley Mischka! This week, we have another shoe from their collection - the Eavan . It's available in a super chic grey colour with silver accents or a blush nude colour with gold accents. You choose which suits your style better!

real-life wedding / fire engine red : sarah + jacob

2010-04-05T14:06:00.001-04:00

Sarah & Jacob held their wedding in Toronto, in and around the popular Distillery District. Jacob is a fireman and chose a vintage fire truck as their limo for the day! It made for some great pictures with bold burts of red. All the details were captured by Lindsay of hrmphotography, based out of London, Ontario. The Distillery District still remains one of our favourite venues in the city because of its eclectic and nostalgic vibe. All the red brick, cobble-stoned streets and warehouses make for a great backdrop!

All images courtesy of www.hrmphotography.com

showcase / video : {first kiss films}

2010-04-01T20:13:00.002-04:00

With a romantic company name like {First Kiss Films} you would expect to be witness to some dramatic, timeless production - and that is exactly what Bridget Redmond, founder and filmmaker of {First Kiss Films}, delivers. A graduate of both Film Studies and the Photographic Arts, her numerous award-winning films have been screened over 100 times at international film festivals and events on all five major continents. Her passion for cinema touches almost every aspect of her life and now she's made the transition into capturing your spetacular day on vintage 16mm and super 8mm film. Focusing her efforts on producing fine art wedding films and based out of Ottawa, Bridget leaves her clients (and others) with a beautiful work of art to watch for years to come. Here is sample of one of her most recent weddings. Enjoy! (I know we did - we LOVE vintage looking wedding films - there is something so timeless about them). Oh, and P.S. - be sure to check out Bridget's blog for tips, tricks and more to do with all things film.

{ Anne & Harold } from First Kiss Films on Vimeo.

www.firstkissfilms.com

showcase / stationary : pulp & pearl invitations

2010-03-31T17:31:00.002-04:00

These sassy boxed invitations are sure to catch the eye of your guests. Pulp & Pearl of Toronto manage to create a unique invitation that is affordable to mail (costing only $2 per invitation, anywhere in Canada) using a variety of box colours, fabrics, lace, ribbons, papers, and rhinestone buckles. Cost for your invitation suite starts at just $6.50 per invite and that includes an invitation box, invitation card, rsvp card, rsvp envelope with label, and outer address label. These are some of our faves (with the prices of each marked)!

All images courtesy of www.pulpandpearl.com

real-life wedding / whistler dreams : mariza + charlie

2010-03-30T01:09:00.007-04:00

This wedding features the beautiful surroundings of Whistler, British Columbia. The couple, Mariza & Charlie, held their ceremony at The Fairmont Chateau Whistler in a grand yet intimate affair, which then carried over into their reception at the nearby Four Seasons Whistler. The day was full of personal details, including the bride's ring photographed atop the Bible her great-grandparents had with them when they were married in 1895! Guests had the experience to going from room to room to experience a variety of foods - including a seafood buffet in the bathtub! Very unique! The lovely day was captured perfectly by the amazing duo at Chris+Lynn Photographers.

All images courtesy of www.chrispluslynn.com

shoesday : badgley mischka

2010-03-30T00:40:00.000-04:00

LOVE these ivory ruffle shoes from Badgley Mischka! The beautiful ruffles add such a romantic flair to these high-heeled pumps; they would flatter any blushing bride.

showcase / sweets : cake opera co

2010-03-29T00:01:00.002-04:00

Cake artist Alexandria Pellegrino of Cake Opera Co. creates some beautiful, absolutely STUNNING confections out of flour and sugar, amongst other things. Her background in Fine Arts lends itself to her boldy-designed, original cakes that are sure to be a feast for the eyes at any event. We are thrilled to share some of our favourite creations.

www.cakeoperaco.com

editor's pick / etsy : rachelle d's romantic garden

2010-03-26T00:40:00.000-04:00

The necklaces that adorn Rachelle D's Etsy shop are unique, vintage-inspired gems! We love the floral cabochons, brass findings, delicate beads, and natural accents that she incorporates into all of her designs. You could easily select similar colours with different designs to give as a beautiful gifts to your lovely bridesmaids. You can check out her Etsy boutique here.

Here are some of our favorites!

All images courtesy of RachelleD

stationary / services : DIY stationary components

2010-03-25T15:13:00.006-04:00

We've teamed up with the people over at Envelopments Inc in order to serve our clients better. With over 200 colour options and 70 size and style options, we are sure to have something to suit your stationary needs. Whether it be for a bridal shower, a wedding, a birthday, or just a simple announcement card, we now offer the premium selection of papers, cardstocks, Pocket Folds, Enclosures and more!

Click here to download our 2010 Components Price List! Page 1 of 2 (PAGE 2 will be posted shortly).

We will be adding our Invitation Packages & Accessories Price List over the next week, so stay tuned for more details on how to order, where to order, and what other products are available!

shoesday : fendi

2010-03-24T12:30:00.003-04:00

This beautiful bow-embellished Fendi shoe is super pretty and would go perfect with a cocktail reception dress. It's an ivory satin peep-toe pump and is fit with a platform so you know you'll be dancing with these all night long.

real-life wedding / snow bunnies : cailyn + ian

2010-03-23T11:58:00.001-04:00

Now that we are officially moving into spring and ramping up for the busy wedding season, today's real-life wedding signals a farewell bid to one of our favourite seasons - winter! And what would winter in Canada be without a little bit of fresh powder snow, some ski boots, and beautiful mountain scenery?! Can you believe that I still have never been skiing or snowboarding and I've lived here my whole life?! Me neither, but there is always next season! But anyways, back to the beautiful AND fun wedding of Cailyn and Ian.

They held an intimate wedding at the top of the Timber Chair at the beautiful Lost Boys Cafe on Fernie Ski Hill in British Columbia. Cailyn had a custom dress made for the occasion that allowed her to snowboard down! And Ian realized that he was a pretty lucky fellow when he dropped a 10 foot cliff in his tux! The whole event was captured by the fantastic duo Duane and Kevin of 6:8 Photography. Great job capturing those down-the-mountain shots!

All images courtesy of www.68photography.ca

showcase / venue : vineland estates winery

2010-03-22T23:24:00.000-04:00

The sprawling acres of vineland, the cobblestone buildings, the countryside, and the old world charm are just some of our favourite aspects of The Carriage House at Vineland Estates Winery. It's located in the Niagara region and is the ideal venue for an intimate affair, accomodating up to 75 guests. Your guests will enjoy stunning views and fine cuisine matched with premium wines. The venue and property exude character, charm, and elegance that create a stunning backdrop for any event! You can download their special occasions package here. And, you can check out the full website at www.vineland.com.

Images courtesy of www.bostonimages.com , www.vineland.com

diy : tufted moss ring pillow

2010-03-19T15:08:00.001-04:00

What You’ll Need:

A 5″ x 5″ x 2″ piece of Styrofoam

2 feet ribbon (2″ wide)

3 yards of ribbon (1/4″ wide)

A 6″ x 6″ scrap of fabric

A handful of sphagnum moss

Straight pins

Round-headed corsage pins

A pair of scissors

Instructions

1. Center your fabric face up on the Styrofoam square Fold the fabric

edges over sides of the Styrofoam and secure with straight pins. Wrap

the corners neatly and pin. (see figure 1)

2. Turn your Styrofoam over so the fabric side is down. Take your

sphagnum moss and stretch it out across the top of the Styrofoam. Be sure

that the moss completely covers the surface. (see figure 2)

3. Cut a length of the skinnier ribbon and run it diagonally across the

mossed surface. Attach both ends of the ribbons on the sides of the

Styrofoam using straight pins. Repeat this process to create a diagonal

grid of ribbon on the top of the pillow.

4. Take your corsage pins and stick them into the points where the

ribbons intersect on the pillow top. (see figure 4)

5. Turn the pillow on it’s side and pin the end of the wider ribbon in

the center of the side, using your straight pins. (see figure 5)

6. Wrap the ribbon around all four sides, concealing the fabric edges and

skinny ribbon tails. Pull it tightly as you go and keep the ribbon edges

lined up with the edges of the pillow. (see figure 5)

7. When you pass your starting point, fold under the ribbon tail and pin

it down using your corsage pins. (see figure 6)

8. Trim off any loose moss bits.

9. Cut a 12″ length of the skinnier ribbon and tie it to the corsage pin

in the center of the pillow. Attach your rings by tying a bow. (see

figure 7)

Project Idea courtesy of www.oncewed.com

inspiration / vintage garden : my ultimate wedding

2010-03-19T14:44:00.001-04:00

I stumbled across Kelli & Sam's vintage garden wedding on Green Wedding Shoes and my breath was literally taken away! I giggled like a little school girl! The personal details, the simplicity, the vintage, the natural elements, and the originality all make for another one of my ultimate weddings. I especially adored the illustrations, stationary, and bridesmaid accessories done by Kelli herself - so cute and unique! Enjoy ~ I know I did!

All images courtesy of www.greenweddingshoes.com

shoesday : valentino

2010-03-16T02:04:00.000-04:00

Romance your walk in these Valentino sandals. The soft flowers bloom on light napa leather make this sandal a must for the spring/summer season. Very fresh and romantic!

showcase / decor : fos decor center

2010-03-15T19:57:00.000-04:00

FOS Decor Center is a full service event design firm that maintains a top priority of creating a custom look for every event. They specialize in floral centerpieces, specialty linens & overlays, chiavari & ghost chairs, charger plates, napkin rings, room draping, props & scenic backdrops, lighting, and contemporary furniture. Each photo of the events they complete are spectacular with no detail overlooked. Here's some of our favourite event photos. Enjoy!

All images courtesy of www.fosdecor.com

showcase / attire : ritche bridal

2010-03-15T16:20:00.001-04:00

Ritche Bridal is the go to place when looking for your bridal gown, bridesmaid and mother dresses in Toronto. In business for almost 60 years, the company continues to flourish by offering their customers great selection, competitive prices and most importantly careful, honest customer service. I personally went to many shops when looking for my dress and ultimately selected my gown from Ritche because the customer service and quality of dresses they carry was by far my best experience. They are located at 1162 Avenue Road but be sure to make an appointment when looking for your gown to get the best service possible.

Bridal - Pronovias, Maggie Sottero, Enzoani, Blue by Enzoani, Paloma Blanca, Mikaella, Private Label by G, Jasmine Bridal, Pattis Bridal, Alfred Sung, Jai International, Angelina Faccenda, Marisa Bridal and more!

Bridesmaids - Jim Hjelm Occasions, Jim Hjelm, Lazaro, After Six, Dessy, Alfred Sung, Belsoie, B2, Alfred Angelo and more!

www.ritche.com

stationary / save the date : underwater!

2010-03-12T15:44:00.000-05:00

I came across these Save the Date cards on one of my favourite blogs - Green Wedding Shoes. They are really unique and feature the coolest underwater engagement pictures! The lovely couple in the photos are triathletes and took the photos in the swimming pool they grew up swimming in together! How sweet!

real-life wedding / modern theatre : kendra + kyle

2010-03-11T18:43:00.001-05:00

The adorable couple exude their love and happiness in these beautifully captured photos by Jeremy Clay. They held their ceremony and reception at the Capitol Event Theatre, which provided the modern elegant backdrop to their chic affair.

I LOVE this photo! The emotion on Kyle's face is captured perfectly!

All images courtesy of www.jclayphoto.com

inspiration / lavish, luxe, & lovely : my ultimate wedding

2010-03-10T14:43:00.001-05:00

We've decided on a new feature for elizabeth grace blog - ulitmate weddings! What does this entail, you ask? Well, for starters, we would love for your participation! Each week, we will feature ours, our vendors', and our readers' ultimate weddings! The details, the pictures - it means a lot more inspiration for you! And best of all, they can be from anywhere in the world! So, to jumpstart this new feature, we have for you today one of my personal favourite weddings - designed by the ever-fabulous Karen Tran! ENJOY!!! I'll be making a posting soon about how to submit your ultimate wedding + all the details!

Lavish florals, soft + pale colour tones, candle light, crystals...what a dream! When I first discovered the floral works of Karen Tran, my jaw literally dropped. Her designs are what dream weddings are made of and Lexi & Dustin's gorgeous event is no exception. This is one of my favourite guilty pleasures - over the top, absolutely ridiculus amounts of flowers, glam and oh la la weddings. I'm sure you'll be just as inspired! ENJOY!!!

All images courtesy of http://blog.karentran.com

busy bees...

2010-03-09T17:12:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the lack of postings the last few days! We've been busy with some new projects on the go and also been under the weather. Tune in tomorrow for some new wedding eye candy!

xoxo e.g.

like our new face?

2010-03-05T13:13:00.000-05:00

The weather has been great here in Toronto the last week! Warm sunshine on my face is a secret love of mine. So, in light of this, we've been busy spring cleaning our workspace and thought today to brighten up our face here at elizabeth grace blog. We are currently loving soft peaches and corals - which compliment our staple grey scape perfectly. Enjoy!

editor's pick / etsy : florrie mitton couture

2010-03-05T11:50:00.000-05:00

Florrie Mitton is a UK based label & all items are handmade in the UK to order. They make items that are beautiful, fashionable & timeless in their appeal. In particular, we LOVE their unique take on a wedding tradition - the bridal garter. The designs are soft, feminine, and gorgeous! We had a hard time picking our favourites, but here are our top 3! The Etsy shop site is http://florriemitton.etsy.com

Ethereal Silk Tulle Garter

Romance Lace Garter

Aphrodite Beaded Garter

All images courtesy of florriemitton.etsy.com

real-life wedding / restaurant soiree : meg + mike

2010-03-04T20:25:00.000-05:00

These exceptional photos of Meg & Mike's wedding soiree are from the fabulous Ottawa duo Sam & Mary Photography. The bride's unique dress, the uber-chic restaurant where they held their ceremony and reception, and the lovely candy buffet table are some of our favourite parts. You could see by the way they smile and look at one another that they are a couple in love; they wear their hearts on their sleeves...

All images courtesy of www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog

real-life wedding / boutique style : elisabeth + ian

2010-03-03T19:52:00.003-05:00

This fabulous wedding comes to us courtesy of Jon from Union Photo. The couple, Elisabeth & Ian, held their ceremony and reception at the George Restaurant and Verity Hotel. Verity Hotel is Toronto's newest boutique hotel with gorgeous rooms! We've included pics of some of our favourite details from Verity Hotel - perhaps they will inspire a weekend spa getaway! I know they did for me when I first laid eyes on this spectacular oasis in the heart of the city.

Verity Hotel Details

Images courtesy of www.unionphoto.ca & www.stylenorth.ca

showcase / video : blayre ellestad

2010-03-03T15:28:00.000-05:00

Here's another great Next Day Edit from Blayre Ellestad. We really like his style and editing process + his rates are great! Enjoy!

"Can't Be Without You" from Blayre Ellestad on Vimeo

photo / engagement session : chris + lynn cabo fever!

2010-03-01T01:45:00.000-05:00

Chris + Lynn has some fantastic photography and today's engagement session is no exception! The amazing, jaw-dropping backdrop of Cabo creates an inspiring environment for the lovely soon-to-be-wed couple Shaliz and Robert. I love all the pops of colour and especially love the lighting in the photographs taken on the beach - dreamy! Don't you wish you had some time to take a vacation???

All images courtesy of www.chrispluslynn.com

real-life wedding / rosewater : josee + piotr

2010-02-26T14:55:00.001-05:00

The stunning photography from this feature wedding comes to us from the extremely talented Emma of barebonephoto - her work is exquisite! The lovely couple held their special day at The Rosewater and their decor was spectacular - very elegant. I admire the light colour palette with golds tones. It's classic! Enjoy!

All images courtesy of www.barebonephoto.com

showcase / venue : the manor at carrying place

2010-02-24T15:49:00.000-05:00

Nestled north of Toronto in the rolling hills of Kettleby is The Manor at Carrying Place Golf & Country Club. A bypeterandpauls venue, the service is just as superb as the imagery and surroundings of the location. Some of the features of this venue are the incredible, natural surroundings, the waterfall, an outdoor bar and patio, excellent food and staff service, floor to ceiling windows, marble-style dancefloor, and large pond featuring two swans and walkout gazebo. If you are looking for a serene, classic venue, The Manor will exceed your expectations!

All images courtesy of www.bostonimages.com

real-life wedding / country club sophistication : ting + alan

2010-02-24T15:27:00.000-05:00

Style. Sophistication. Simplicity. Those three words can pretty much sum up the beautiful wedding of Ting & Alan. Taking place at the Scarboro Golf & Country Club, the atmosphere was full of romance and lovely details. Purples, plums and lavenders were the colour palette and it made the venue and event just shine. Love the stripe detailing on their cake and the purple dhalias in the arrangements! The picture-perfect event was captured by Andrew Adams and coordinated by Cynthia Martyn.

All images courtesy of www.andrewadamsphotography.com

etsy : our online boutique! now open!

2010-02-22T16:24:00.000-05:00

Thank you for waiting while we were setting up shop for our Etsy boutique! It is now FINALLY set up and running with limited items currently listed. We will be updating it over the next month or so with new items, supplies, and designs - so check in often! Thank you for all your support!

http://egracedesigns.etsy.com

love birds cake topper - $100 USD

romance boutonniere - $20 USD

please stand by...

2010-02-16T23:12:00.000-05:00

we are currently prepping for our etsy boutique launch...please stand by while our blog posts take a hiatus for a couple days!

diy / sweets: wedding cake pops

2010-02-12T03:06:00.000-05:00

One of my favourite 'sweet' blogs that I follow is bakerella.com and I recently came across these super cute wedding cake pops. Check out the website for baking instructions here - and I'm sure you'll find tons of other ideas that will leave your mouth watering. Yummy!

All images courtesy of www.bakerella.com

real-life wedding / winter charm : julie + paul

2010-02-11T22:55:00.000-05:00

This charming wedding showcases the chilly winter air fused with warm, candle light romance. After exchanging their vows, the couple headed over to Nathan Phillips Square for some ice skating - making for interesting and fun pictures. Later, the reception was held at the historic Berkeley Church. This is such a great venue because it is a blank slate - you can decorate it any which way you like. Plus, there is a giant stage suitable for a live band! The entire day was captured by the duo at Dave and Charlotte - Lifestyle Photographers.

All images courtesy of www.daveandcharlotte.com

editor's pick / etsy : sweet b papers

2010-02-11T05:07:00.000-05:00

We are so excited about this Etsy seller because she is back and her fabulously, beautiful items are so pretty! (We've even ordered one for ourselves). I first came across Sweet B Papers almost 2 years ago and her designs are as fresh today as they were then. Our all time favourite pick is her lovely dupioni silk flower ring bearer pillows - totally unique and dramatic for your big day. And now, we're beginning to finds new faves - such as her embellished clutch bags and fancy garters. Definitely swing by her shop when you've got the time (and who doesn't have the time to gawk at pretty things?)

tinarie21.etsy.com

photo / engagement session : orange girl photographs

2010-02-09T22:04:00.000-05:00

This is such a cute engagement session captured by Kirstie Tweed of Orange Girl Photographs! The couple, Jess and Scott, are avid hockey fans, even though they root for different teams. Jess is a Maple Leafs fan and Scott is a diehard Flames fan...somehow they make it work. More then work actually, they are getting married in August. Love the ice skating element of this photo shoot - not to mention the beautiful surroundings of Banff, Alberta!

All images courtesy of www.orangegirlphotographs.com

shoesday : valentino

2010-02-09T21:41:00.000-05:00

The Valentino shoes that debuted in the Couture 2010 collection included this sweet pump with beautiful swirling, layered chiffon in pastel hues. It is a very elegant shoe, suitable for specific events. Besides changing the color of the chiffon, designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli also had various colors for the platform and heel.

reminder : dolcetto designs giveaway entries

2010-02-08T03:26:00.003-05:00

REMINDER - Please make your entries in the comment section of the original giveaway blog posting (which you can find here). One lucky winner will receive any digital custom design (4x6 or 5x7) Save-the-Date from Dolcetto Designs!!! Here are the details on how to enter and what the prize includes:

HOW TO ENTER

- in the comments section of the original giveaway posting, describe the details of your proposal story

- include details like how he (or she) proposed, your reaction, etc. + when you are getting hitched

GIVEAWAY / PRIZE DETAILS

- the winner will receive a Save-the-Date custom design as a jpeg file, allowing the winner to print as many copies as they wish (value $18.00); includes unlimited number of edits until it is just perfect for you!

- one entry per person

- winner will be selected at random on February 14, 2010 and announced on elizabeth grace blog