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December 30, 2011Cake Love

I still love black as a wedding color.  I think it’s timeless, elegant, and creates beautiful contrast with nearly every other colour.  When done right, it gives the feeling of timeless sophistication.

I’m in love with this cake currently!  I’ve always had a passion for geometric patterns!

One word of warning though – too much black icing/fondant on your cake, and you’ll have guests with blue teeth.  Eeep!

{photo credit: unknown}

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They are your closest friends and/or family…So how do you thank them for always being there and for standing up for you on your wedding day? Here are a few fun ideas that you just might want to try.

For the ladies, I fell in love with these vintage locket ideas.  Whether your Bridesmaids prefer rings or chains, both of these can be personalized with a little note tucked inside. Super cute, personal and definitely thoughtful!

Oh, or how about these adorable clutches! Get them made up in different colors for each of your girls and personalize the inside with a little note. Super cute and definitely reusable!

 

Now for the men…I am such a big fan of the pocket watch. It adds a bit of old to new and they are a great gift for the men in your wedding party. SO easy to personalize, and unique in that most men do not have them these days. They look AMAZING with a suit.

These money clips are another option – get your groomsmen’s names engraved on them and maybe slip a thank you note in there with a few personal words.

Happy Shopping!

 

 

 

 

{photo credit: Grooms Advice, Occupation Gifts, Etsy , 100 Layer Cake}

I love this photo (above) – the moment when Siewmee & Ryan first entered the ballroom and saw the wedding design completed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stay tuned for Part 3 – including a post-wedding interview with the Bride & Groom!

I love the classic shape of this shoe, combined with the ultra-modern blue & white + mesh.  Probably not 100% practical to wear for an entire wedding, but I love it anyways.

{source: style.com}

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I’m super excited that we are starting a new feature here on the Lavish blog!  We are blessed to work with so many amazing wedding professionals day in and day out.  Without the amazing support and talent of our vendors, none of what we do would be possible!

Today I’m pleased to introduce you to an amazing Photographer!  Shelley Weber is not only an amazing artist, she is also a good friend with the kindest heart – a true romantic.  All of which shows in her work! Together with her husband Jeff (also a super-awesome-amazing person), they create the most stunning photographs for their couples.

I asked Shelley a few questions about her experiences as a wedding photographer:

Tell us a little about your business!

When I began my photography journey in February of 2006 with my Nikon F70 ( yes film), I never imagined I would have had the career I do today simply by following my heart. The “As I See It Photography” name supports the way I felt in 2006, when I valued what and how I saw things through my viewfinder more than anything. That frame of mind and confidence would allowa photography career to flourish.  When I first started Jeff would help me with lighting but I quickly discovered that Jeff has a keen eye for catching those candid moments and is amazing at capturing a completely different angle than I do. He now shoots full time with me. I feel like he is my perfect match both within our business and in our marriage. Our clients don’t hire us just for our experience, talent or knowledge, they trust that the way we see things – and it usually is the same way they want to remember them. They hire us for our vision and our passion for making the moments they cherish just as much, come to life. I am so happy I followed my heart.

 

What do you love the most about being a Photographer?

Not a day has gone by that I don’t remember my first shoot, my first mistakes and the first time I got paid for taking photos. Nothing since has given my life more happiness than to create images that allow moments in life to last forever. I love the relationships I form with my clients and I also enjoy seeing their families grow and change over the years. I recently received a heartfelt thank you card from a bride that said…“ You have an amazing talent-both behind the camera as well as your ability to befriend your couples and make them feel beautiful and special”  I mean it really doesn’t get any better than that….does it?

 

What is your biggest challenge?

Over the years, I have perfected many elements of my business which make my time management – manageable, my clients – really happy and my camera working – overtime, however, I can honestly say I seldom ever say “NO” to a project… and as much as I am thankful to work with such amazing clients, I could probably use a few more weekends off to capture memories of my own. I am working on creating a bit more balance in my life, I’ll get there! Can I also add that Jeff and I are horrible at getting our picture taken? Our inner goofball comes out. Trust me when I say I understand how you are feeling.

 

How would you define your style?

Would it be cliché to say I love, love? And as such, my style reflects love – all angels, levels and forms of it. I encourage my clients to love like no one is watching and to just be themselves. Over the years, my experience has shown, time and time again, that the most treasured photos are the ones where it feels as if I am not even there at all – just the bride and groom, just the mom and daughter – just the family having fun. I capture the moments my clients never want to forget. On the flip side I am also a bit of a perfectionist, which I don’t see as a bad thing when it comes to taking pictures. I honestly can’t see myself doing anything more fulfilling.

 

What are 3 things you would like couples to know about you and your company?

Our couples are sweet, genuine and love “love” more than I do. They also value photography more than anything else and are willing to give us the time to get the images they want. They know that I treasure their special day as much as they do and that I still shed a tear and get caught up in the emotion of the day. They feel like they can be themselves in front of our cameras. Some couples are so sexy together, or “off the wall” fun …just as others enjoy sharing a quiet moment together.  Our couples also know that I love the details of a wedding, the first dance, the colour of the flowers and that I am just as curious about the weather the night before their big day as they are. My passion for photography is to create a collection of images that take your breath away, make your heart smile, make you laugh and bring you to tears. When we meet, you will see the passion I have for your wedding day and the experience I have in creating magic moments will allow you to breathe easy and relax as the day is ultimately YOUR day.

 

What advice do you have for newly engaged couples who are searching for a photographer?

Do not underestimate the connection you have with your photographer. Their energy, intentions and personality will affect you on your precious day so above everything and a strict budget, ensure you feel calm, excited and confident that you and your photographer are a good fit.

 

Is there anything you’d like to add?

Always remember to love like no one is watching and frame the moments in your life that you never want to forget. There is nothing sweeter than never forgetting the way you looked, felt and smiled on the most wonderful day of your life. Work with a photographer that you know will make you be the best you!

Sincerely,

Shelley Weber

 

Thanks to Shelley – and Jeff – for taking the time to answer our questions!  We also asked for a few of their favourite photographs to post here… not an easy choice for a photographer to make I’m told LOL!

Shelley was kind enough to send over several – and they are amazing! 





Thanks so much for sharing your images with us Shelley!  To view more, please visit the As I See It Photography website!

Looking for an alternative to the traditional tiered wedding cake?  Try a tower of chocolate covered strawberries instead!  It’s a simple and delicious way to finish off your perfect evening.

 

 

Boutonnieres are a great way to put your wedding colors on your man! Especially if he’s not cool with wearing a pink tie, or a purple vest.  Let him go neutral with his suit/tux, but add a pop of colour with the boutonniere.

Traditionally a boutonniere is a single flower or bud but since it is derived from the French word for buttonhole why not forgo the flowers and use buttons?

I love to see a modern spin on something that is so traditional.  Consider incorporating feathers or leaves.

You can really get creative when it comes to the colors and textures that go into the boutonniere. Gone are the days of the ugly, large rose boutonniere – instead, today’s men are sporting modern, fresh and unique flowers, such as the so-called “Billy Ball” or Crespedia as in this one:

Boutonnieres are such a small detail, but remember that these are what will stand out on your groomsmen attire in your wedding photos!  Choose carefully, and don’t feel that all of the men need to have matching bouts!  Often the groom will be sporting a unique boutonniere from the groomsmen.

One last thought- don’t forget to order a boutonniere for the other important guys!  This can include the fathers, grandfathers, ringbearer, ushers, commissioner, and so on.  And always, ALWAYS order an extra just in case!

{Credits: Martha Stewart Weddings; LoveBucketPhoto, Landon Jacob Productions, Dixie Pixel}

Do you and your significant other love to sit in on a Friday night and sip on a favorite wine, or head out on the town ordering the same drink anywhere you go?  If so, why not share you favs with your wedding guests!

Signature drinks are a great way to add personality to your wedding. They give your guests a little insight into your lives that they might not otherwise know.  Even if you don’t have a go-to drink,  adding something fun and interactive for your guests will take your wedding to new heights.

This Sangria Station would be a hit for cocktail hour on a hot July afternoon, and allows guests to add the fruit of their choice to their drinks. How fun!

Another fun way of adding a special touch to your cocktail hour is this cute little find. Add your names and/or wedding date to flags attached to straws or stir sticks. Or better yet, add your guest’s names to the other side of the flag and have them set out following the ceremony for them to grab.

A sign at the bar with your names and drinks of choice for the evening will go a long way to create some buzz. Many of your guests will be happy to try something a little fun and different. Include the recipe on your sign so that guests are able to re-create your signature drink at home!

This I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! How great is this DIY Beer Garden. Oh, the possibilities!

You could even have custom beer labels made. Or any labels for that matter.  Wine, water, soda pop… you name it, it can be custom labeled.

Prefer wine to beer but don’t necessarily want to redo all the labels on your favorite vintage?  How about these little gems? Personalized wine charms that can also double as favors for your guests.  Add your wedding date to them, and they become keepsakes. You will help avoid the question “is that my glass or yours?”

Signature Drinks  is a great site if you like the idea of having a Signature Drink on your big day but aren’t sure where to begin.  It is full of great drink ideas, recipes and pictures that will surely get your thirst for this trend going.

I want to leave you with one of my favorite winter drinks, Mulled Wine. I spent years living abroad in Austria and this little cup of warmth brings back great memories and would warm any winter wedding guest from nose to toes.

Martha Stewart has a great recipe for this – it’s fabulous! Check it out!

Cheers,

{Links: http://www.thesweetestoccasion.com/, http://www.big-wedding-tiny-budget.com/, http://www.bride.ca/, http://greenweddingshoes.com/, http://boards.weddingbee.com/, http://recycledbride.com/}

Siewmee & Ryan

Date: July 2nd, 2011
Venue: Rimrock Resort – Banff

 

 

 

Check back for Part 2 next Monday!

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I’ve been stalking BHLDN since it was launched by Anthropologie last February.  I am smitten with this bridesmaid dress, partially because I think it would make a fab holiday cocktail dress as well!

 

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