Leah and Corry ~ August 14, 2010

Who says you need to leave the country to have an incredible destination wedding?  You don’t even need to leave the province!

 

On a beautiful, sunny day in Summerland, Leah and Corry said “I do” in front of their closest family and friends.  The bride, a talented graphic designer, had a stylish vision for her big day and it was tons of fun helping her bring it to life!

 

I can’t say enough about how great Anna and Kasia of Gucio Photography are (Stay tuned for a whole post profiling their amazing work!).  I am completely giddy about Gucio’s photos from Leah and Corry’s wedding—so much so that I couldn’t choose just a few to plug into a collage.  If you’ve got a few minutes, click here to check out Gucio’s slideshow of the day, and be prepared for a world of pretty!

Ceremony Venue: Summerland Ornamental Gardens

Reception Venue: La Punta Norte Bed & Breakfast

Bouquets: Gallop’s Flowers

(Truly delicious) Food: Joy Road Catering (seriously, I’m drooling just thinking about how yummy everything was!)

 

 

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.