Will You Barbie, Take Thee Ken?

"You know you've made it when you've been molded into plastic" - Cate Blanchett

One of history's most iconic couples finally tie the knot! Check out this fabulously creative (and pretty hilarious) shoot, staged by the talented France-based photog Beatrice De Guigne, showcasing  none other than Barbie & Ken, and their stylish trip down the aisle.

Plastic Perfection.

Sincerely,

S

Going to the Chapel....

"Today's the day, we'll say "I Do", and we'll never be lonely anymore..." - Going to the Chapel by the Crystals

I am overjoyed and honored to write that today I will be marching down the aisle to witness my friends get married!! Jayme and Steve are a perfect match and it is clear to anyone how happy they make each other. Today will undoubtedly be beautiful and memorable and I will be sure to share the pictures as soon as I can. Just check out their ridiculously adorable and gorgeous engagement shoot by the talented Assaf Friedman. Eeeek, I can't wait!

Jayme and Steve, I wish you both a lifetime of love, laughter and unadulterated happiness together and hope that today is absolutely perfect (which it will be, of course). Thank you for asking me to be part of your big day. I love you both.

Now, let the festivities begin!!!

Yours Truly,

A

WTB Hearts: Pepita Press

We've said it before, but we’ll say it again; we are truly passionate for paper goods, and are always on the lookout for innovatively inspiring styles for anything and everything printed. Naturally, we were thrilled to discover Pepita Press, a fab Etsy shop bringing unique to a new level by customizing distinctive designs for events of all kinds.

With invitations, save-the-dates and crafty bottle labels to choose from, Pepita Press helps put personal panache into any affair.

Keep Calm, Marry On - Wedding Invitation

Wild West Suite - RSVP Card

Save-the-Date 'Bookmark'

Custom Wine Label

Custom Beer Carrier

all photos courtesy of Pepita Press on Etsy

ImPRESSive.

Until next time,

A & S

Look Who Nailed It: Pretty Please

Along with most of the ladies I know, my nails are an obsession. My once weekly manicure (don’t judge me) is what I consider an elective necessity. One of my dream jobs has always been to be a ‘Nail Polish Namer’ (come on, how awesome would that be?). Then I came across Pretty Please, a fabulous, NYC based company that allows you to creatively customize your own bottle of nail lacquer!

With 12 amazing hues to choose from, ranging from perfect pastels to bright berry tones, Pretty Please offers you the chance to pick your fave shade and aptly name it! The ideal favor for showers, bachelorettes and bridal party gifts, impress your besties by tailoring the moniker to the event.

What's in a name???

Follow Pretty Please on Facebook and Pinterest for the ultimate inspiration and trendsetting tips.

It’s time to get pretty personal.

Sincerely,

S

Real Wedding: Cori and Jordan

"The best thing to hold onto in life is each other." - Audrey Hepburn

Cori and Jordan were married on May 20, 2012 in Toronto, Ontario. It was a sunny and warm day and the couple had their picture perfect wedding.  Every detail was planned and brilliantly executed by Sarah Cherry from Baker & Cherry Event Specialists. The Warehouse Event Venue was the host to this lavish affair and Scarlet O'Neill and Jesse Cappe of Big Ticket Productions were there to capture every moment.

Cori and Jordan said their "I do's" surrounded by their friends and family under the Chuppah which their groomsmen carried down the aisle. The flowers were created  by Susanna Carlascio at Wildflower & Company and were bright, bold and memorable.  It is easy to see why they were Cori's favourite detail from her wedding day.

C2 Catering Couture provided the food for the event and every dish was beautifully presented. Guests danced the night away to the tunes of Grooveyard.

Check out some highlights below from the talented Scarlet O'Neill:

Thank you Cori for sharing your wonderful wedding day with us. Wishing you and Jordan a lifetime of happiness!

Yours Truly,

A

Lovers' Libations

"Alcohol may be man's enemy, but the bible says love your enemy." - Frank Sinatra

Personalizing your wedding day details is ultimately what sets your event apart. For your reception, opt for a signature drink that best suits you as a couple or your wedding 'theme'. Curating your cocktail is a fun way to involve the groom in the planning process. Give him the job of creating the concoction and you can be the 'taste-tester'. Whether you choose 'his and hers' beverages, a personal favorite, or a family recipe; make your featured drink the focal point of your bar or cocktail hour, by accessorizing with stir sticks, coloured straws, fun flags or chic glassware.

If you and your man don't share the same taste in bevvies, check out The Knot's full guide to choosing the perfect cocktail for your event. Categorized by colour, flavor and season, you're certain to find the perfect match.

A few of our top picks:

Pink Grapefruit Mojito - photo taken from Pinterest

'Love on the Rocks' - too cute!! Featured on SMP

Personalized cocktails served in mason jars with Kikkerland straws - from SMP

'Lemon Lift' signature drink - perfect for a summer wedding. Featured on Wedding Chicks

'His and Her' cocktails featured on East On Events

Another 'His and Her' drink feature with great signage - Martha Stewart Weddings

Caesars served in mason jars - perfect for a brunch reception - featured on SMP

His 'Game Over' and Her "Eternitini' - perfection!! From SMP

From S's Wedding!! 'Apple Grove Champagne' - doubled as escort cards

It must be 5:00 somewhere - cheers!

Until next time,

A & S

All You Need is LOVE

"Friends don't let friends drink wine alone." - Unknown

Last weekend I was happy to be a part of my friend Emily's bachelorette extravaganza. Her MOH, who brilliantly planned the entire weekend, asked me to help out with the paper goods for the festivities and naturally, I jumped on the chance to get crafty. The bride-to-be's future last name is Love (I know, right??), making for the perfect starting point for our theme. I decided to play on the 'I heart NY' logo but instead spell LOVE (see below).

With the 'LOVE' theme in mind, I created custom water bottles, stickers and signs to accessorize the brunch table and home.

The fun began at the maid of honor's home, where we feasted on a delicious breakfast, including a cereal bar, croissants, scones, muffins, fruit salad and more. Shortly after we were picked up by a bus and brought to Niagara-on-the-Lake for an afternoon of wine tasting. On board the bus, we were greeted with "Love" bags which had water bottles and snacks to keep everyone hydrated and full throughout the day. We visited 4 vineyards, had a delectable lunch and tried some fabulous wines and cheeses.

Upon our return to Toronto, we had dinner (and a little karaoke!) at Cadillac Lounge and continued on to Stones Place for an epic dance party.

After very little sleep and with great effort (for some of us), we gathered the next morning at Le Select for a lovely brunch. As a surprise, Emily's mom and family friends joined us, and we all enjoyed a beautifully scrumptious brunch and a toast to the bride-to-be. Along with the help of Em's bridesmaids, I prepared a crossword puzzle all about the bride and groom. The program I used was Armored Penguin and they turned out great. They were displayed at each place setting for guests when they arrived, and we all had a good laugh as we completed them!

It was a fabulous weekend and a wonderful way to get everyone excited for September 28th!
42 days and counting...it will be here before we know it!

Yours Truly,

A

Vendor Spotlight: EM Events

All-encompassing with a flair for your affair, EM Events is a boutique event planning company that caters to the Montreal area on all fronts. Whether it's a superb soiree of cocktails to toast an engagement, a walk down the aisle, or simply a celebration of friends and fam, EM Events brings all visions to life. The talented style guru behind it all is Emilie Waxman, known for putting her creative spin on the likes of corporate parties, charity balls and of course, weddings! Her fresh approach and superior skills for seamless coordination allow brides, business owners and guests of honour to sit back, relax, and enjoy all that's fab!

Visit EM on Facebook!

They say it's all about who you know; if you have an event of any kind in mind, get to know EM! 

Sincerely,

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

Wine Not?

"My only regret in life is that I did not drink more champagne." - John Maynard Keynes

This past weekend, I had the privilege of spending a couple of days in Napa and Sonoma, California (aka my happy place) to celebrate my sister's birthday.  With the rolling hills, picturesque views at every glance, and a laid back community, it is no doubt why Napa and Sonoma Counties are within the most popular destinations throughout the United States. Whether you are there for a little R&R, wine tastings or to dine at some of the most renowned restaurants; wine country is truly heaven on earth.

On my visit through the wineries, I kept day dreaming of a wedding on the lush and charming grounds.  Each property was more beautiful than the next and would make an idyllic wedding backdrop.  The scenes are filled with barrels of wine, grapevines, wine cork accessories and jaw-dropping wood accents.  Some of the wineries have a more modern feel while others have an old-world sense that could only be replicated in the likes of France or Italy.

Below are some photos of real weddings in the Napa and Sonoma region featured on Style Me Pretty:

Napa Wedding on a private property - see full gallery here

Ceremony and reception at Hans Fahden Winery in Calistoga - full gallery here 

Wedding at The Carneros Inn - more stunning photos here

Garden Napa wedding at Beaulieu Gardens - don't miss this gallery

Sonoma wedding at Gundlach Bundschu - more photos here

Below are some fun 'wine-inspired' details to add to your ceremony or reception:

Corks, grapes and empty wine bottles used as centerpieces - found on Pinterest

Place your rings on a cork for a great photo op - Pinterest

Cork place holders found on Etsy

"I Do" display made of corks - sold on Etsy

'Happily Ever After' wine bottle favor bag - sold on Wedding Chicks

Stop and smell the rosé.

Yours Truly,

A