Winter Weddings: Look I - Winter Glamour

I decided to have some fun with winter weddings and post two looks, featuring the work of talented floral designer from NYC, Bardin Palomo.

Dress: Monique Lhuillier. Duchess Satin gown with matching lace trimmed overcoat.

Bouquet: Bardin Palomo. Gorgeous winter white bouquet featuring peonies, French lilac and stephanotis, studded with crystals (photo from Instyle.com).Handbag: Marc Jacobs. Gilda fur & sequin bag. (photo from Saks.com)

Shoes: Christian Louboutin. "Maralena" mesh crystal peep-toe pumps with crystal covered stiletto heel. (photo from Saks.com)

Monique Lhuillier Spring 2011

I know it's been a long time since i've last blogged- thank you for your patience everyone! Here are a few of my favourite picks from Monique Lhuillier's Spring 2011 collection. I love the combination of her signature soft, feminine details with the more sleek and modern silhouettes. Enjoy!

Photos from Monique Lhuillier.com

Congrats Angela & Marty

I know this post is on the late side, but I had to share photos of my friend Angela's wedding, which was at the gorgeous Hunt Club on Canada Day. Congratulations!

The ceremony overlooking Lake Ontario.
The cake in her colours of fuchsia and turquoise.

Head table flowers

Gorgeous tones of fuchsia orchids, peonies, mini calla lilies, roses and carnations tied with a turquoise ribbon.

Invitations for Every Budget

As the first piece of communication that your guests receive, your invitations should set the tone and the mood of your wedding. Whether the design is fun and whimsical, elegant or modern, guests should know what kind of wedding to expect as soon as they receive it!

Usually one set includes: 1 invitation card, 1 envelope, 1 reply card, 1 reply card envelope, and often 1 map card.
Budget extra for return postage, calligraphy (if desired), and anything extra you might want to include.
Things that will blow your budget: Custom die cuts, special paper, complicated or special details, traditional hand press, hand written calligraphy

Low - $
DIY Invites from Michaels / Target ($1-$2/Set)
I've had a few friends go this route recently with great success. DIY invites are no longer just boring cream with silver wedding rings. Michaels sells a variety of pre-made invitation sets that are gorgeous and literally a fraction of the price. Catch them when they're on sale and save even more. Usually they include the invitation, envelope, reply card, return envelope, map card and software.

The downsides? You have to have a bit of patience with the printer, however, once you get the hang of it, you'll save a ton of money. Also, others may end up sending similar invitations as yours so consider the tips below.

TIPS for Customizing DIY Invites: - Add a contrasting ribbon or detail to make your invitation more unique.
- Add your own logo and tie it to the ribbon around the card, or print the logo on the card.

Medium - $$
Paper Things This invitation store in Yorkville is run by and benefits the National Ballet of Canada. The designs are quite nice and run for about $3 or more

Paperland - This paper haven allows you to get creative with colours, textures and designs. You can also get your invitations designed and printed for around $2- $6/ Set, depending on how complicated your design is.

Money Saving TIP: Save money by purchasing any additional components and doing the labour yourself. For example, for one invite I had the chiyogami paper cut, but glued them on by hand myself.

The Paper Place - Another paper haven located downtown, you can create endless possibilities with the paper here. They've also got a wide selection of Japanese and imported papers that will make your invitations unique.

High $$$
I will be featuring some higher-end, full service invitation shops soon, so I will write about specific places a bit later. Starting at around $7/set to as high as $30/set, expect to have a professional designer walk you through the entire process from beginning to end. Again, the more specialized and labour intensive the set, the more it will cost.
Of course, your guests will have an amazing first impression and a wonderful keepsake of your wedding.

Bridal Shower DIY and "No Sweat" Menu Planning

Recently some friends and I threw our friend Angela a bridal shower. I wanted to show you some pictures and a great DIY project that I came up with. I picked the theme and look of the shower up from her wedding invitations, which had a damask design. I found these wall decals from the dollar store and picked up a roll of white paper gift wrap.
I placed them onto the paper and voila- an instant custom table runner!
I made a large faux flower arangement for the centerpiece, and scattered real cymbidum orchids on the table.
When planning the menu, try mixing pre-made items with freshly made items. I purchased several cakes and tarts from a local bakery including the lemon curd cheesecake and key lime wild blueberry tart. A large serving platter of fresh fruit is always a "no-cooking" required idea!

Debbie made two fresh sandwich varieties: a roast chicken, strawberry and arugula sandwich, and adorable mini smoked salmon bagels with spinach lemon cream cheese.
A couple of other "no-sweat" menu included two bite brownies piped with fresh buttercream frosting, and a cake stand piled high with profiteroles from Costco. If you have extra time, you can make spun sugar and you've got an instant croquembouche!

Faux Flowers No Longer a Faux Pas!

Years ago, if you had mentioned the use of faux or silk flowers in a wedding, it would have been a massive faux pas (no pun intended). Nowadays, you would be amazed at how realistic and beautiful faux flowers can be, and how many top designers incorporate them into their designs. Although nothing can replace the fragrant smell of fresh flowers, faux flowers can be wonderful to design with. They are easily manipulated and don't wilt like their fresh counterparts. Arguably, they could also be considered eco-friendly!An arrangement I made with faux peonies, roses and parrot tulips.
I've been working on the design of my friend Ada's wedding, and for the ceremony, I have the task of filling a large modern church on a tight budget. One of the stipulations of the contract was that fresh flowers were not to be used on anywhere there is carpet, so I ran to some faux flower suppliers in Mississauga over the weekend. I'll be posting more photos but here's a sneak peak! My living room's a bloom with the flowers for the wedding!
I got these gorgeous plum-lavender hydrangeas and bundled them with sprigs of lavender for the pews... i've got great plans for the pews!

Spring 2010 Shoe Candy

I have to admit i've been waiting to post about shoes for a long time but I haven't seen any delicious shoes that really caught my eye. I can see that the luxury shoe designers have noticed a market for designer wedding shoes that aren't your average traditional white satin shoe. Here are some of my picks for this spring:Valentino Fairy Tale shoes (wow!)
I never get tired of seeing these Valentino D'Orsay shoes. This "half" version is in gold.

I'm sure Christian Louboutin designed these for bridal, as they are cleverly lined with light blue leather.

Ernesta T-Strap Louboutin Shoes

Monolo Blahnik's "Something Blue" shoes.

My favourite of all, these gorgeous studded t-strap shoes from Louboutin.

Chic Bake Sale

Just wanted to share these photos of a bake sale that we had last month to benefit the Nicaragua Missions team, proving that fundraisers can be chic and cute too!
I piped mint green buttercream frosting and made little fondant ladybugs. Above - I cut freehand fondant hearts, and dusted lemon cupcakes with powdered sugar.

Caramel filled chocolate mini cupcakes: I cut rolled pink fondant with Japanese vegetable cutters and put them on a bed of pink buttercream.

Packaging makes a huge difference: have cello bags and boxes handy to package baked goods. People want to be able to take things home easily or give them as gifts. I also made branded labels to make pricing easy and uniform.

Feature Designer: Partina Atelier

It's getting close to wedding season, and most brides are probably looking for their perfect dress, so it's the perfect time share our very first feature designer interview with you! Tina Cho, who cites Christian Dior and Valentino as her inspiration, is the talented designer behind Partina Atelier, who specializes in elegant custom gowns with sophisticated lines and details. Read our inspiring interview below!Q: What advice do you have for brides who are confused about what style of dress to wear?
A: She should wear a dress that best reflects their personality and one that they're physically comfortable in. A bride should also consider the venue, time of day, and size of the wedding.
TIP: Start by trying on different silhouettes and once you find the right one, consider accents and details.

Q: Describe the Partina bride.
A: My brides understand style and want to be unique. My classic-contemporary style often shies from excess but when exceptions are made, the resulting gown is tame with a twist and still extremely elegant.
Q: What are your favourite materials to work with and why?
A: I love silk. Some of my recent favourites are silk faille, chiffon and my all time favourite is taffeta. It's light in hand, has a beautiful subtle luster and can be manipulated in many ways.

On Custom Gowns "There is truly nothing like a dress that's made just for you. You have the chance to make the dress uniquely yours down to the fine details."

Q: If a bride would like a custom dress made by you, how long would the process be?

A: I typically ask for at least 6 months notice because of the 3- 4 fittings required to perfect the style and fit of the dress.

Thanks Tina, for sharing your beautiful designs with us!

Question: Wedding Dress Guide in Toronto

Q: "Where are the best wedding dress shops in Toronto?"
A: I get this question all the time and with wedding season quickly approaching, I thought I should post it on my blog! Of course, there are tons of bridal shops in Toronto. I'm sure there are great ones I have missed, but most of my picks are from visiting these shops a few times and noting service, quality and value. I've also noted the approximate prices i've seen. Feel free to contribute any thoughts.
For the Couture Budget...
Many times I get asked, "Why are there $500 dresses and $5000 dresses?" The answer is in the materials and craftmanship. While a bride could easily blow a whole entire wedding budget's worth on a dress, set your budget and stick with it.

Vera Wang 38 Avenue Road, Toronto, ON (Approx $2500 - $20,000)
If you want to be surrounded by the most professional experienced service and gorgeous gowns, you must go to Vera Wang. The dresses here have clean lines, elegant silhouettes and are fashioned from the most luxurious light fabrics. When I purchased my wedding dress from them, I received nothing but the best service. Though this store doesn't have the selection as other Vera Wang stores I've been to (New York and London), they went out of their way to fly in a dress for me to try on.
White Toronto 19 Hazelton Avenue, Toronto, ON (Approx $2500 - $15,000)
White Toronto is another one of my favourite places. There is a silhouette and dress style for bride looking for a designer dress. Run by a former stylist, the boutique carries a gorgeous selection of Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Lela Rose, Monique Lhuillier, Anne Barge and other high end designers. I also love their selection of accessories and shoes. Of course, with that price tag, you should receive the best service, and they get an A+ for their no-pressure, cheerful yet professional approach.
Ines Di Santo 168 Davenport Road, Toronto, ON (Approx $5000 - $20,000)
If you love ornate, hand-beaded and embroidered ball gowns, this is definitely the store for you. Ines is famous for her trademark luxurious silk duchess gowns (which are also insanely heavy!), and her bridal salon in Yorkville makes you feel like you've walked into an empress's closet. The service is on the cool side, but worth a visit if this is what you're looking for.

Partina Atelier
If you're looking for a custom made gown with couture quality sewing, go to Tina Cho at Partina Atelier. Stay tuned for our very first designer interview with Tina coming up on Celebrate Beautifully!

For Mid-High End Budgets...
Dina Alonzi Bridal 3020 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON (Approx $2000 +)
A long time Toronto bridal shop, Dina Alonzi carries Amsale, Rivini, Badgely Mischka, and Kenneth Pool. Again, the service was on the cool side, but they've got a mid to high end selection that is worth taking a look at.

Pearl Bridal House 76 Lakeshore Rd East, Mississauga, ON (Approx $1500 - $3000)
I first discovered this boutique because I was looking for the Melissa Sweet collection in the GTA. They also carry Amsale, Kenneth Pool, and Christos.

For Lower - Mid Budgets...
Bridal & Beyond 100 Vanderhoof Avenue, Toronto, ON (Approx $800-$2500)
If you're looking for selection, this is the place to go. They also carry a wide range of favours, accessories and bridesmaid dresses. The staff was helpful but at some points we were pulling our own dresses. However, in terms of value, it's definitely worth a visit. They carry Provonias, Alfred Sung, Dessy, and Paloma Blanca.

Superior Bridal 7703 Kennedy Road, Markham, ON
Though i've never been, i've heard good things about this store and its deceptively huge selection. I've also heard from a few friends that they found the dresses they wanted there, and was charged less than they would have at other places. Definitely worth a visit!

Davids Bridal
This is a great shop with many ready to wear bridal shops at an affordable price. They carry the exclusive White by Vera Wang collection which is gorgeous and at a great price point!