WTB Hearts: Alternative Blooms

Unique floral arrangements are taking the wedding world by storm; everything from antique brooches to vintage book pages are being used to create a signature style. Alternative Blooms features a wide array of fabric and paper flowers that are equally as eco-chic as they are gorgeous! And best of all, these buds last forever.

'Rustic Romance'

'Something Blue'

'Vintage Romance'

all photos courtesy of Etsy

Good on paper :)

Until next time,

A & S

WTB Hearts: Sheri Angell Creations

Thanking your loved ones on your wedding day is a tradition that should never be forgotten. Your family, friends and bridal parties go to great lengths to make your wedding day what you dreamed and it is nice to recognize that with a token of thanks. Handkerchiefs are defined as thin squares of fabric carried in a pocket or a purse to be used for personal hygiene.  We think that they are great fashion statements and momentos of your wedding day.

Sherri at Sheri Angell Creations offers many hankies to choose from to adorn every member of your wedding party and family. From nice sentiments to beautiful monograms, Sheri has it all and is a pleasure to deal with. All of her hankies are under $20 and she is more than willing to prepare a custom design.  A ordered the hanky shown below for her dad and was thrilled with the result. She still gets teary eyed thinking about the phrase she chose and remembering giving it to her father (whom is one of the few men that still carries a handkerchief).

A's hanky for her dad - Photographed by Studio 2000

More beautiful examples from this Etsy shop:

Keep these hankies in your back pocket for when you're looking for the perfect gift.

Until Next Time,

A & S

From One Bride to the Next - Part Four

"The most beautiful makeup of a woman is passion. But cosmetics are easier to buy." - Yves Saint-Laurent

My next piece of advice will be short and sweet, and is again related to your hair and make up.  When you scroll through your pictures after your big day, you will notice that you appeared a little fresher and more polished earlier in the day; especially after outdoor photo shoots, the 12 minute hora and after your first dance-off.  You don't want your pictures to suffer because of your crazy dance moves or smooches, so keep your lipstick, bronzer and maybe a few bobby pins at your head table for quick touch-ups throughout the evening.  Having your necessities (yes, blot papers are necessities) near you will mean you don't need to leave the room to freshen up.  Ask your planner to give you a 2 minute warning before moments like your father-daughter dance or your cake cutting so you can quickly re-apply your lip tint and look perfect in your photos.

Keep it glamorous and feel (and look) your best from start to finish.

Yours truly,

A

Current Obsessions: BHLDN

It is no secret that we at WTB love all things BHLDN.   We adore their ethereal bridal and bridesmaids collections and love that they have enabled brides to capture their vintage-inspired dream wedding day. Their style and new trends in wedding attire are fantastic but today we are focusing on what they offer to help with your decor.  They have mastered the 'shabby chic' and 'romantic meets rustic' themes and have a variety of accessories for your tabletop, aisle, cake and main event.

Check out some of our favorite decor pieces sold online at BHLDN:

Trained Vine Candleholder - perfect to use as table numbers

Hothouse Foliage Backdrop - great for a photo booth backdrop

Love is Sweet Banner made from vintage wallpaper to hang above your sweet table

Pair of Swells Cake Topper - a 1920s inspired paper topper for your wedding cake

Blank Slate Sign - the perfect shabby chic chalk board sign for your event

Dotted and Spiraled Shoppe Straws - create a retro look with these straws at any event

Sweethearts' Forks - bride and groom forks for your wedding night

Happy planning (and shopping)!

Until Next Time,

A & S

It's Getting Hot in Here

"Summer heat, boy and girl meet, but uh-oh those summer nights"  Summer Nights, Grease 

With the heat wave upon us, it is quite clear that summer is here! For all the brides that have spent the last year planning their big day, it is impossible to let a little humidity get in their way.  However, your guests might not agree.  Embracing an outdoor ceremony will be a little tough when your skirt is stuck to the backs of your legs and your hair has glued itself to your forehead.  Think of them sitting under the scorching sun and plan ahead for your outdoor nuptials and consider turning your wedding ceremony programs into fans! They are practical, charming and your guests will be thanking you in this hot and sticky weather.

Below are some "chilling" examples:

This stylish fan comes in an array of colors and can be found on Etsy

White and coral fans found at Martha Stewart Weddings - download template HERE and make them yourself!!

Chandelier Estate Opulence Fan Program by Citrine Designs 

Bright yellow heart shaped fans - photos from Style Me Pretty

Wedding Party Program - found on Style Me Pretty

A basket of fans as guests enter your ceremony - Pinterest

We think these are FANtastic!

Until Next Time,

A & S

When It Rains, It Pours

"It's like rain on your wedding day..." -Alanis Morrisette

Last night, as I was finally tackling the remains of my 'wedding pile', I stumbled upon the umbrellas I had bought in case of rain on our big day (let's just say I was overly prepared for the winter weather).  Luckily, we were blessed with great weather, especially considering it was mid-February in Toronto.  However, as I stared at our bright colored umbrellas, I couldn't help but think they would make excellent photo ops.

It is an old wives tale that rain on your wedding day brings good luck to the marriage.  This myth came about because it is believed that a wet knot is harder to untie then a dry one.  Thus when two people are 'tying the knot', it is said to be better for it to be on a rainy day (obviously whomever came up with this didn't suffer from frizzy hair syndrome).  True or not, it also creates beautiful photo opportunities.  As the spring season begins, rest easy knowing that a little precipitation will not ruin your day but may even enhance it or add character. If you are a spring or summer bride, be prepared with umbrellas and chic rainboots to make the best of the situation.  Remember that nothing, not even mother nature, can mess with your wedding day.

These pictures are 'dripping' with inspiration:

This picture was featured on Project Wedding and was taken by Figtree Productions

Simply gorgeous - photo found on Pinterest

Love the use of the puddle in this photo - Pinterest

Picture perfect! Sarah Rhoads Photography

Jason Noffsinger Photography

Style Me Pretty

Stunning!! 34 Studio

Don't let the weather rain on your parade!

Yours truly,

A

Heads up!

Accessorizing on your wedding day allows you to have some fun and be bold while wearing your classic 'white dress'.   Choosing between a fascinator, headband, or veil is a tough decision for your wedding day since they will help in completing your look.  Some brides like to stay classy and conservative and sport the ever popular floor sweeping veil while others have opted for the more modern and edgy look with stylized headpieces. Either way, be sure to think ahead about your hair garments, as they are one extra detail not to be missed.

Sara Gabriel is a Denver-based designer offering exquisite pieces sold in many of our bridal boutiques in Canada.  She has a large line of traditional veils to pair with any gown and has an equally impressive line of fascinators and headpieces.  Be warned, you will most likely fall in love with her entire collection!

Check out some of our faves:

Super dramatic Ginger Veil

An avante-garde bow - the Jaclyn Headband

This stunning flower combines silk and tulle and we love the Janet Comb

A modern short veil with pearls and crystal embellishment - Joan Veil

Horse hair bow - Natalie Clip

A romantic tulle veil - the Wendy Veil

A swoon worthy feather headband with Swarovski crystals - the Sloane Headband

Sara Gabriel headpieces can be found at Pearl Bridal House, Mia Bridal, The White Dress, and L'atelier Perla in Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal respectively.  Be sure to also check out their jewelry and sashes as they are equally breathtaking.

Until Next Time,

A & S

Be Mine

"Oh, if it be to choose and call thee mine, love, thou art every day my Valentine!" - Thomas Hood

Today we celebrate love in a variety of ways; from romantic gestures to candlelit dinners for two, to cute little heart shaped notes in the schoolyard, Valentine's Day inspires all sorts of people (and of course the chocolate and greeting card companies too) to send a touch of sweetness to those nearest and dearest.

In honour of a holiday filled with flowers and candy (two of our favourite things), we couldn't resist sharing some lovely V-day themed creations.

Some Sweet Treats...

Candy Cane Heart Cupcake found on Pinterest

Heart Candy Cookies found on Pinterest

A Valentine's day Inspired Wedding Cake found on Laced in Weddings

Love Letter Cookies for your Sweetheart from Slashfood

Single Red Velvet Mason Jars by My Sweet and Saucy


Beautiful bouquets...


Stunning Red Centerpiece found on Style Me Pretty

 

Deep Red bouquet found on Style Me Pretty

 


Red Peonies found on Pinterest

Red Rose and Coxcomb bouquet taken from Pinterest

Pretty in Pink Bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings

and wearing your Heart on your sleeve...

A.L.C Bent Nail Heart Pendant found at Shopbop

Wildfox Sparkle Skinny Sweatpants found at Shopbop

Valentino 'New Dome' Satchel found at Nordstrom

Plain Shift Dress in Red found at Topshop

Marc by Marc Jacobs Annabelle Pave Heart Earrings found at Nordstrom

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Valentine's Day!

Until Next Time,

A & S