Jessica and Dan ~ June 4, 2011

As a small business owner, I’m always on the lookout for new ways to get the word out about Revel Events.  Obviously, one traditionally advertises in print and online, in wedding magazines and in online directories… But of all the available avenues for attracting new clients, I would never have thought that I’d meet a bride—and make a friend—all because of a gingerbread house.

One of my best friends has a birthday close to Christmas, and she had decided to host a gingerbread house contest for her birthday party.  The other participants swung by the store and bought ready-made gingerbread house kits and brought them along to the party.  I, on the other hand, spent a few days drawing up blueprints, built a cardboard model of my house to ensure structural soundness, baked gingerbread from scratch, and created a variety of stained-glass windows out of molten sugar.  When I showed up at the birthday party, there was a collective eye roll from the rest of the guests.  To them, I had gone overboard—WAY overboard. That is, until Jessica arrived.  She saw my gingerbread architecture and told me that she would have done exactly the same thing had she been participating in the contest.  I had found a kindred spirit!  Although Jessica was newly engaged, we didn’t talk weddings that day.  Later, she found out that I was a wedding planner and she knew that she had found the right person to bring her elegant DIY vision to life.  All because of a gingerbread house!

Jessica is, without a doubt, the most organized, hands-on, and detail-oriented bride imaginable.  She knew exactly what she wanted for her wedding: a grass green and black colour scheme with lots of natural accents, and a subtle aviation theme to incorporate one of Dan’s passions into the decor.  When Jessica couldn’t find a product that matched her vision, she’d have it custom made or, despite her incredibly busy work schedule, she’d make it herself!  Every single decor element in these photos is the result of her hard work and many months of planning, and it was a real honour to have the chance to help her bring it all together.

All of these gorgeous photos were shot by the incredibly talented and very fun Dan and Kat of Stone Photo.  Check out their blog for more of Jess and Dan’s wedding, and browse through their other amazing work, too!

Jessica and Dan's Recessional---complete with flying paper airplanes!

Every last element lovingly handmade by the bride!

The Rocky Mountaineer Itself!

The wedding took place at the spectacular Rocky Mountaineer Station; if you’d like to hold an event there, get in touch with Events Manager Ken Boyd—he’s an absolute dream to work with and really knows his stuff.

Karl and his team at Two Chefs and a Table created a delicious dinner, preceded by yummy canapes during the cocktail hour.  Their staff were all very helpful, professional, and just generally great to work with!

There was only one decor element that Jessica didn’t personally create: the majestic trees that served as both the ceremony arch and the backdrop for the head table, as well as the wishing tree, were created by Tanya at Greenscape Design & Decor.  What a talent!  The trees really helped set the mood, distinguish spaces in the venue, and draw people’s eyes up to the impressive height of the ceilings in the venue.

Roxanne Thornton officiated the ceremony, and she’s a lovely lady and a true professional.  Not just wedding-savvy, but tech-savvy as well, Roxanne travels with all her own audio equipment!

I sound like a broken record with this vendor recommendation, but when it ain’t broke, don’t fix it: once again, the brilliant Gloria at The Flower Factory created the bouquets and boutonnieres for the wedding party.  Divine!

The ceremony and reception music were aptly handled by the fabulous DJ Leanne of Girl on Wax Events.  A talented and very knowledgeable DJ with a fantastic personality—I can’t wait to work with her again.

Limo services were provided by Silver Lady Limousine, cupcakes by Frosting Cupcakery, and all hair and makeup services were provided by friends and family of the bride.  Last, but not least, I would like to thank the 14 family members that Jessica sent me to help set up this whole beautiful party in what began as a very empty space!  (Especially cousin Brandi, who should really become a decorator herself!)

Congratulations once again, Jess and Dan!

Cute as a Button.

I keep seeing fantastic decor elements that make ingenious use of buttons, which can be a real moneysaver in items that would traditionally be made of flowers.  Bouquets and boutonnieres made of felt and buttons are all the rage these days.  But it doesn’t stop there—you can incorporate buttons into many more elements of the big day.  Why not try a little DIY and see what you come up with?

Here are some highlights from today’s eye candy search!

Top left: Vintage button and reclaimed leather boutonnieres by Lil Fish Studios; Middle left: button and feather fascinator by Beards and Buttons; Bottom left: Ring pillow with organza flowers and black button centres by Evie S on Etsy; Top right: absolutely amazing felt and button bouquet by Princess Lasertron; Middle right: gorgeous vintage button cuff by Lonkoosh on Etsy; Bottom centre: adorable cake by Peggy Porschen (photo by Georgia Glynn Smith); Bottom right: DIY place cards designed by Lawn Fawn—get the instructions from the Wedding Chicks!

Magnificent succulents

(While trying to come up with a witty title for this post, I briefly considered “Succulents Don’t Suck”.  Should I have run with it?  I’ll never know.)

I have a client who’s DIYing some gorgeous, succulent-laden centrepieces for her August wedding.  While looking for inspiration, I came across a wealth of amazing ideas for incorporating succulents into wedding decor.  Aside from the fact that they’re unique, hardy, and available in more than basic green, the best thing about succulents (in my humble opinion) is that, in many cases, you can plant them after the day is over and have a thriving garden that reminds you of your celebration for years to come.

I’ve divided the eye candy into two separate collages.  The first, bouquets and boutonnieres:

Clockwise from centre left: Kim at Collage created this classic combination of green succulents and white orchids; the bouquet above this features echeveria (bouquet by VanLierop Garden Market; photo by One Love Photo); at the top right is a burst of kale and cacti (photo by Blackbird Photography); Purple-tinged hen-and-chicks with orchids and a pop of yellow (bouquet by Kehoe Designs; photo by Olivia Leigh Photographie); at the bottom right, a “Succulent Bowl” by Organic Elements: look closely and you’ll see that the “stem” of the bouquet is actually the root of the succulent, ready for immediate planting after the wedding—genius!; Last, but my favourite, amazing yellow boutonnieres featuting crespedia balls, yellow yarrow, and papyrus (designed by La Partie Events; photo by Erin Hearts Court Wedding Photography).

But don’t stop at accessorizing the wedding party with succulents!  They make beautiful centrepieces and accents for escort cards, cake tables, ring bearer pillows… you name it.

Top Row: Hen-and-chicks on moss Ring Bearer Pillow by April Hiler Designs; DIY Bride Emma’s awesome escort table, featuring personalized signs poking pleasantly out of mounds of moss.

Bottom Row: Three takes on succulent centrepieces in a square/rectangular wooden crate. First, a rose and succulent centrepiece by Elegance & Simplicity Wedding & Event Designers; Second is my personal favourite—mostly because of the colour!—created by Blossom Floral, Inc. (photo by Jay Reilly Photo); Third, white roses, succulents, green coxcomb, and scabiosa pods combine to make this delightful centrepiece by Hunt Littlefield.

Just Peachy

All of the sunshine we’ve been treated to in Vancouver this week got me thinking about the best things about summer.  Slurpees, bike rides without a jacket on, barbecues, lounging on one of the city’s many beaches, ice cream, hiking, camping, sipping cocktails on a patio… But at the very top of the list is the delicious, ripe, juicy, Okanagan fruit.

Today’s inspiration is the colour palette of a scrumptious peach: from yellow to orange to pink to magenta.  Who wouldn’t want to spend a beautiful day in this peachy dream?

Clockwise from top left: Kuga Designs‘ roses and calla lilies in a variety of yellows, oranges, and pinks tie the whole colour scheme together; this tablescape would be so easy to DIY–beautiful and affordable!; I love this cake, by Eat Cake Be Merry; this aisle decor by Flowers by Natalie (photo by Holland Photo Arts) is cheerful and simple, and the flowers could easily be used again at your reception; followers of this blog are aware by now that I’m basically obsessed with non-traditional boutonnieres.  This one was made by Hobby Lobby with items found in a grandmother’s craft boxes! (photo by Tec Petaja); I’m a big fan of leaving matching bridesmaid dresses at the door.  This palette of peach, melon, satsuma, and carrot dresses was found on The Perfect Palette; last, but not least, this gorgeous apricot place card is by Martha Stewart.

Inspired by the Vancouver International Wine Festival

Last night, I took in the Vancouver International Wine Festival with three fabulous ladies.  My favourite taste of the evening was a German white that was poured with a smile by Delta’s Robert Silvester.  Burgerspital‘s 2008 Scheurebe Kabinett is a MUST-try for anyone who likes a sweet-ish white wine.  YUM.  Then, after 3 hours of sipping, we hopped a taxi over to Davie Street for some A-mazing poutine at La Belle Patate.  These wonderful people fly their cheese curds in from Montreal!  As far as I’m aware, it’s the most authentic and delicious Poutine in town.  And if you’re thinking, “wine and poutine?”  …to that, I say, “yes! wine and poutine!”

Anyway, the whole evening inspired today’s inspiration board: imagine not so much a wine “themed” wedding, but a wedding wine tasting.  You could choose a few favourite grapes, or better yet, a region that’s special to you.  Perhaps you got engaged in Australia, or maybe your grandparents are from Argentina.  Whatever the inspiration, if you’ve got wine-loving friends, hire a few sommeliers and treat your guests to a delicious and enlightening reception!

The photo on the bottom left is the colour palette I drew from for this inspiration board.  Most people think of that Barney-the-Dinosaur colour when they think “grape”, but really there’s a whole spectrum of colours under the “grape” banner, and I think a truly wine-inspired event should combine a whole “bunch” of them!

Above the grapes is a beautiful bouquet of purple calla lilies and green cymbidium orchids (photo by Goodlight Photography).

The wine cork place card holders (top left) were made by Corkey Creations (via Etsy).  Or, you can DIY it, and just save all your corks (and have your friends save theirs!) and make your own.

I wish I knew who made the incredible purple peep-toe pumps!  They were photographed by Tying the Knot.

I am absolutely in love with the green grape and rose tiered centerpieces.  So simple, but unique and gorgeous!

Academy florist created the lovely dendrobium orchid boutonniere.

Instead of tent cards, why not just have numbered wine bottles on each guest table?  These (bottom right) were done by Martha Stewart, and you can download the label templates from the WeddingChicks.

Wine Logbook Page

The personalized wine labels were created by Print Your Party (via Etsy).

This yummy-looking buttercream cake was made by Konditor Meister.

Finally, why not substitute a wine log book for a boring old guest book?  Have bordered but blank wine labels printed, and your guests can fill them in with their wishes for you, and paste them into the book.  Even better, many of your guests will have a blast coming up with witty phrases in response to prompts like “Vintage”, “Appearance”, “Taste”, and “Overall Rating”!

(click on the photo to see the page in detail—>)

Want to DIY, but don’t have time? Check this out!

I’m getting really excited about the Make It exhibition–it’s not your “traditional granny craft show!”

This wonderful event is bringing together all sorts of creative people who’ll be selling their modern handmade products at the Croatian Cultural Centre on May 1st and 2nd.

So, how does this relate to your event?  Perhaps you’ve been wanting to add a little handmade touch to your celebration, but you don’t have the time or the know-how.  Consider all of the amazing things you could find to use as accessories, thank-you gifts, stationery, decor elements–the list goes on and on!

Check out all of the talented exhibitors at the Make It! The Handmade Revolution website!

Also, the organizers will make a donation to the Ronald McDonald House once they get 1000 people to RSVP to the event on  facebook.

Looks like you can save $2 on the (already cheap!)  $5 entry fee.

See you there!