Part One of the Natural Beauty Inspiration Shoot, as seen on WedLuxe Magazine.

When photographer Anne-Marie Bouchard and I began planning this shoot, we shared a common vision: a design with simple and organic elements, soft lines, and classic elegance in a setting of natural beauty. Using neutral colors accented with soft gold, grayed jade, and plenty of lush florals, we created a romantic, fresh environment filled with soft, organic details that tied the whole design together.

Our team of vendors could not have been more gracious and inspiring, and our vision came to life very quickly and easily. Our venue, Le Belvédère, is an extraordinary eco-friendly venue perched on the edge of a cliff in Quebec’s Wakefield, and it has the most beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding rolling hills. It was the perfect backdrop for our shoot.

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Photography: AMBphoto / Stylist and Coordinator: Brittany Frid, Satin & Snowflakes / Venue: Le Belvédère / Floral Design: Full Bloom Floral Design / Decor: Amy and Jen Decor / Stationery: Wishtree Invitations & Stationery / Linens: Mastermind Event Rentals / Gown: Monique Lhuillier from The White Dress / Hair Stylist: Lori Dyck, Showpony Hair / Makeup: Shannon Ranger, One Fine Beauty / Jewelry: Anne Sportun from Magpie Jewellery / Cake: The Cake Whisperer

Ugh. I am not ashamed to say that I want to copy this for my own wedding. Not that I’m getting married anytime soon, but I promise that this perfectly styled wedding is being stored in the back of my mind (and my Pinterest board). I think by now, everyone knows I have a soft spot for peaches… and McKenzie Powell’s stunning, organic floral designs. My heart actually skips a few beats when I look at her blog.

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Photography: Gabriel Boone Photography / Floral Design: McKenzie Powell Floral & Event Design

This is why I love Vera Wang. This season’s gowns feature torn, red tulle and yet they are stil jaw-droppingly beautiful. All of the above gowns come in white and cream (for those who who might be less inclined to wear a red wedding dress). What do you think: is 2013 the year we see more brides going out of the box? By the way, come visit us again soon because we’ll be sharing the Vera Wang Fall 2013 gowns shortly… and they are white :)

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Pictures: Style Unveiled / Designer: Vera Wang

A new friend of mine recently told me that cotton-inspired wedding decor is a thing now… and frankly I was a little shocked that I hadn’t seen anything involving raw cotton before in a wedding. So I looked it up – Green Wedding Shoes posted a great styled shoot here, and while they made it work, I’m not so sure how I feel about a full cotton-inspired wedding. Thoughts?

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Concept + Design: Green Wedding Shoes and JL Designs / Styling: Green Wedding Shoes / Photography: Stephanie Williams / Flowers: JL Designs / Makeup and Hair by Nyrie using Jouer Cosmetics and Unite / Prop Rentals: Found Vintage Rentals / Wedding Dresses: Temperley London / Paper details (invite, mint bar tags + sign, name cards): MaeMae Paperie / Hair Pieces: Lo Boheme / Linens: Wildflower Linens / Bride Shoes: Shoebuy.com / Groom Shoes:6pm.com / Models: Chris Marino and Amanda Rau

I have recently fallen heavily for Claire Pettibone‘s designs. Her Spring 2014 Decoupage collection is so delicate and romantic that it seems to capture the essence of femininity. Decoupage is about layering incredible details to make a complete picture, and those who love Claire’s designs know that she pours her soul into the details of her dresses.

I used to think that Claire’s designs, while absolutely stunning, were too whimsical to look good on a “real bride”. I couldn’t imagine the material hanging as beautifully and look so delicate on a woman who might not have a slight and slender build. I was wrong. Every real woman that I have seen wearing a Claire Pettibone dress, no matter what shape or height, looks like she walked out of a painting from the Renaissance era. I think that if the goddess Venus had worn clothing in Botecelli’s “The Birth of Venus”, she would have worn a gown by Claire. I truly wish I could see these gowns in Ottawa…

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Photography: Kate Belle / Assistant Photographer: Tiffany Lynn / Floral Design + Decor: Amy Osaba

The cat is out of the bag – Jenny Packham released her spring/summer 2014 bridal collection to a number of exclusive websites on April 23, 2013, and the media frenzy ensued immediately.

You’ll be able to view the entire collection soon at: http://www.jennypackham.com

Jenny Packham’s 2014 Bridal Collection is inspired by the Belle Époque era of the early 20th Century.

A statement of romantically soft, feminine design, the collection encapsulates the spirit of Edwardian style and the Art Nouveau movement which defined it. The Belle Epoque or ‘beautiful era’ transformed fashion, abandoning restrictive corsetry and creating the flowing silhouette ever since associated with the Age of Elegance.

Intricate, light beading, delicate embellishment and clean, understated silhouettes play homage to an Edwardian inspiration, whilst romantically volumous ballerina skirts, graceful tulle sleeves and elegantly exposed backs bring to mind a very modern bride, evoking scenes of a chic European destination wedding.

Available in ivory, champagne and magnolia, luxurious silk mikado, sumptuous draped chiffons and exquisite French lace are adorned with delicate silk flowers and twinkling crystals in a spectrum of antique metallic silvers and champagnes.

With the new Great Gatsby movie finally in theatres, I thought it was time to post another inspiration board, this one created by Flights of Fancy, the blog for Betsy White Stationary Boutique. Enjoy!

Source: Betsy White, Flights of Fancy / row 1:  elodie winter photography via un beau jour / row 2:  josh goleman photography via cotton candy sugar rush | weddings by two photography via 100 layer cake / row 3:  paper & lace photography via green wedding shoes / row 4:  weddings by two photography via 100 layer cake | black & white party photo pinned here

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1. Photography: Jose Villa / 2. Styling & Design: Matthew Robbins, Photgraphy: Tory Williams Photography / 3. Photography: Crimson & Clover Photography / 4. Photography: Ashlee Raubach / 5. Source: The Boho Garden / 6. BHLDN / 7. Photography: Michelle March / 8. Photography: Molly, MEF Photography / 9. Photography: Axioo, Dress: Stella Ong, Chateau Chambord

I love this wedding! We featured Lindsay and Steven’s styled engagement session last week and wanted to share their equally beautiful wedding. I think that Lindsay and Steven really created an event with heart. They look like they are truly in love and have family that will support them as they grown their own. They say love is in the details, and did they ever put some tender love and care into cultivating a wedding with personality. And holy cow, are the outdoor shots gorgeous or what?! Beautiful work everyone, and congratulations Lindsay & Steven! From Anne-Marie Bouchard:

Sei la mia vita amore mio baciami!

When English words aren’t enough, say it in Italian! Right? Granted, my google search may not be accurate but I think I get the point across. Lindsay and Steven are love, loving and lovely, down-to-earth and fun and their wedding day was gorgeous – boiling hot! – and gorgeous. I don’t think they would’ve had it any other way. I met these two, two years ago! That’s how long they have been seeking out milk vases, dreaming of colour palettes and designing invitations. I’ve heard about wedding details here and there and imagined what it would all look like when it came together. I was blown away. It’s pretty fun to see a whole table of pies, cookies and biscotti baked by family members. Family is key for these two and they weren’t shy to talk about one day starting one of their own.

Needless to say, I’m very sad to see this day come to an end. Congratulations Lindsay and Steve. You two are amazing and I wish you all the love and happiness the whole wide world has to share.

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Photographer: Anne-Marie Bouchard of AMBphoto / Day-of Wedding Coordinator: Sophia at My Events / 
Wedding Invitations: Paper Studio / Hairstylists: Dana Storry (Pierino Scarfo Salon) & Kensey Young (freelance) / Makeup Artist: Taylor Byers / Caterer: Bytown Catering / Ceremony: St. Anthony of Padua / Reception: Glebe Community Centre / DJ: Deejay B (Brad Campbell) / Florist: Sparrow Floral / Wedding Cakes: Sophie Bifield Cake Company / Desert Table and Favours: Family / Bridemaids Gowns: Twobirds Bridesmaid from With Love Bridal Boutique / Wedding Gown: Cosmobella Collection from Demetrios Bridals from Simply Beautiful Bridal Boutique / Groom and groomsmens suits: Zara /  Groomsmen’s ties: American Apparel

Steven proposed to me on the first day of winter.

It was a Tuesday and I had come home from work completely unsuspecting. As I opened the front door the set of stairs leading up to our main floor were lined with candles and on the first step was a handmade card that read “Babe, I love you more and more every day and I can’t imagine my world without you. So, I guess what I’m saying is…” I then continued up the stairs and once I reached the top there he was, down on one knee, surrounded by candles, with his adorable smile asking “will you marry me”?

Lindsay and Steven are the winners of a styled engagement session Anne-Marie Bouchard of AMBphoto gave away with photographic stylist Catalina Bloch. I’ll be posting their gorgeous Glebe Community Centre wedding shortly – stay tuned!

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Photography: AMBphoto / Stylist: Catalina Bloch / Make-up: Beauty by Tracey; Hair: Danielle from Showpony Hair / Nails: Tips & Toes / Calligraphy: Maureen Koo.

Jenny Packham is celebrating the company’s 25th anniversary this year, and did she ever do a magnificent job designing the 2013 collections. I find that the above dresses featured in her campaign are heavily influenced with this years “Great Gatsby” theme trend. A number of her dresses have lowered waist-lines reminiscent of the slim Roaring 1920′s flapper gowns, and they have the bead-work to compliment it. I am loving the use of all the capped sleeves and complimentary draping to the lower waist. Jenny is known to admire 20′s era fashions: “It was a wonderfully liberating time for women,” she said. “There’s a “strong contemporary relevance.”

Here’s what I love about this 20′s trend: it’s about women feeling comfortable and free to wear and do what they want. It’s about feeling sexy but not offending your grandparents. It’s about having a good time. That’s what a wedding should be: a party.

Reema Acra, another high-end wedding gown designer, had a really great quote from a recent article in The New York Times:

There’s a combination of what’s going on in the movies et cetera, but I feel like today’s girl also wants to be free,” said Ms. Acra, whose spring collection is her first to be inspired by the Jazz Age. “She wants the glamour, but she wants the flowy dress — so she can move — the sexiness and the embellishment,” she said. “All these elements, in my mind, are saying ’20s.

How fabulous is Andrew and Hannah’s entrance sign? You could easily recreate this personalized rustic sign buy stenciling on burlap and framing it. We guesstimate the entire project, including the easel would run you about $45 depending on the price of your frame.

A stencil kit at Joann’s ($6.49) + magic stencil cream ($3.49)  and we would estimate you would need a yard of  burlap ($3). For the frame you could thrift a used frame and use gold spray paint ($6.46) for a similar effect and place it on an easel ($19). The paper flowers you see on the sign were also used on the cupcake tower below and you can easily make these yourself. Here is a you tube video with instructions and it seems to be fairly easy.

Andrew and Hannah were able to save a huge amount on having their wedding at their family’s home. We are certainly aware that all of you do not have huge backyard, but we recommend sharing with family and friends that you are interested in having a backyard wedding. Sometimes just spreading the word will do the trick. One of Hannah’s main tips is to ask for whatever you might need and if that happens to be a backyard, it doesn’t hurt to ask.

From the Bride:
If i can give any advice – its to not be afraid to ask for help. A lot of help! I had so many people involved down to the smalllest details and it relieved so much of the pressure from myself and it also involved everyone! I had people in Indianna collecting vintage plates from thrift stores for me while one of my friends in Georgia addressed the invitations…I utilized everyone!

We also love the mason jars that had a piece of raffia wrapped around it with a cute blank label to ensure ownership of the cup for the evening. The table decor was mismatched bottles and vases with loose flowers placed on a burlap table runner. Click here for a great tip, from another bride on how to acquire free bottles for your floral arrangements.

Simple is key…the simplicity of everything made it all the more lovely. I wanted people to feel as if they were at a backyard picnic, but with the feel and elegence of a wedding…and I think I was able to do just that.

Another great way to save money is having a taco bar, as opposed to a traditional fancy wedding menu. To jazz up the taco bar you could add gourmet items like duck confit and pickled red cabbage like Andrew and Hannah did. Having a limited bar will also reduce your budget. You could simply offer one type of wine or beer or a signature wedding cocktail.

 A fantastic way to cut cost is to use Free Printables. If you did not know your can download a thumbprint tree guest book and vintage bicycle guest book for free over at our free wedding printables page.

Our Free Thumbprint Wedding Guest Books measures 11″ X 14″  and can be personalized with your names and wedding date. You can use  smear-resistant dye ink.It is currently on sale at Joanne’s Fabric for $9.59.

Another money saver was the cupcake tower made by friends. Using the same book paper roses from the entrance sign along with burlap for a cohesive yet stylish look.

Featured on: The Wedding Chicks / Photographer: Ryan Bernal / Caterer: Rivermont Pizza / Dress Designer: BCBG / Flowers: Lynchburg Wholesale Floral Corporation – arranged by Bridesmaids  / Groom’s Attire: Chambray tops / Shoe Designer: jcrew

Venue: Family home |Veil or Hair Accessories: The flowers in the bride’s hair were made from scraps of her wedding dress to match the gown | Jewelry: Vintage jewelry from my grandmothers | Coordinator: Friends and Family – A special thanks to Brooke Jones | Cake: Home-made cupcakes – Rachel Brewer | Makeup: Bridesmaid – Brittany Roth | Cinematography: Bethany Ufema

Besides all of the creamy, dreamy details (like the veil, gorgeous pink and blush-toned florals, and the five-tiered cake), when I originally saw this wedding on photographer Anne-Marie Bouchard’s blog in December, I couldn’t stop thinking about the ballroom where Karen and Dustin’s beautiful reception was located. I have never seen anything quite like it and wanted to know more. The French provincial decor is literally jaw-droppingly beautiful with its seemingly periwinkle blue walls with gold and cream accents.  Of course, it is located in none other than the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.

Fondly known as the “Wedgwood” or “Oval” Room, the Adam Room was named after the British architect Robert Adam, who made this style of decoration famous in the late 18th century. The Adam Room can best be described as breathtaking. It truly stands alone in the luxurious beauty and design of its sculpted ceiling and oval shape, enhanced by a magnificent entrance platform. (excerpt found here)