Wedding Day Hairstyles

Are you sick of me talking about my wedding yet? =P

Here are the hairstyles I am LOVING and wanting for my big day.

I want a low and romantic chignon with a silk flower placed to the side, like this:

I may move the chignon to the side like this:

Anyone who's married knows how EXPENSIVE hair pieces are. Any item the word "bride" in it automatically causes the price to sky rocket. Gorgeous silk flowers like the one above cost at least $60.

I was in H&M last week and came across white hair flowers (given, not silk), in large and small sizes. I scooped up a bunch so will have many to play around with and surely find one that works =)

I think this is a gorgeous hairstyle, but not for me:

So Pretty.

Wedding Day Perfume

What perfume did you wear on your wedding day?

I'm on the hunt for that perfect bottle, a classic and beautiful scent that when I smell it years from now will bring back all the memories of the happiest day of my life. 

I went to Holt Renfrew today on my lunch and went on a sniffing spree, trying to select one that is timeless but still rare enough that it doesn't remind me of the first girl I'd known to wear it. I want to find a hidden gem of a perfume that will be only MINE. Too bad I haven't practiced perfumology in awhile; this is definitely a case where I could use my very own scent for a day.

^My samples from today^

I haven't asked for perfume samples since my grade 7 days, when me and my best friend would troll the counters lusting after expensive bottles we couldn't afford. I'd also spray every cologne the department store had, and imagine what it would be like to smell the scent on an actual boy, if I had a boyfriend.

Lancome fits the bill when looking for a more mature and sophisticated scent. I am in LOVE with Hypnose, but they only had a sample of Hypnose Senses. Both are good but I haven't quite decided if it's wedding appropriate yet. The lady gave me a couple other samples. I wore Miracle when I was 16, so it reminds me of the hair salon where I worked at the time.

Viktor & Rolph Flower Bomb is amazing and great for a wedding. I'd never smelled it before, but it smells like freshly baked and fluffy wedding cake with icing on top. A definite front runner.

I'm debating about the classic Thierry Mugler Angel. This is a love or hate perfume for many, as it's definitely unique, but I've always LOVED it. It has a striking yet soft scent, and it's not tainted for me by any memories. No one I've known has worn it, except for an old friend's mom back in grade school. But she was a stylish lady, and that was eons ago, so it doesn't really count.

Wedding Day Perfume Tips

* If you're determined to wear something new, be sure to start experimenting the perfume at least a month before the wedding so that you are certain it is a scent you'll both enjoy.

*Apply the same fragrance in all its many forms and layer it -- starting with the bath and ending with your perfume application to the pulse points (wherever you feel the beat of your heart).

*For an especially romantic effect, apply fragrance to the palms of your hands.

*If you're wearing fashionable sheer lacy gloves take a cue from Queen Elizabeth I and accent them with fragrances and perfumes.

*Just before you put on your veil, spray fragrance and surround yourself in a aura of scent. Then, spray the same fragrance on your veil to create a magical aura of scented pleasure.

Any Good Recommendations?

My Handmade Jewelry and Wedding Update!

My newest hobby is jewelry making. My mother in law got me started at this. At her house she has boxes of beads, pearls, wire, Swarovski crystals, gold chains, sterling silver chains, and everything else under the sun one would need to make beautiful jewelry. The last couple Saturdays I have spent over at her house, and she's been showing me how to make gorgeous jewelry.

Here are my latest creations:

Pearl and Swarovski Bracelet:

Ryan's mom designed this and I made it. I really like the way it looks; it would match perfectly with my wedding dress!

Sterling Silver Crystal and Pearl Drop Earrings:

I was just playing around with beads, crystals, and dusty pinks pearls here. I may make them into earrings or an anklet, not sure yet.

I'm loving jewelry making so far! I like designing feminine and delicate  pieces so far, full of pale pinks, ivorys, crystals and pearls. I think it would be intereting trying some lace inspired jewelry; very vintagey and antique looking.

Just wanted to share the first few things I've made with you =)

Wedding Update

We have gotten a lot done, but there is still to BE DONE. It really never ends until you are walking down the aisle, and even then, you are planning your life together in your head! Here is where we are at thus far:

Things to Do @ 4 Months Prior:

- Book the rehearsal and rehearsal-dinner venues.

-Select and order the cake

-Send your guest list to the host of your shower

-Purchase wedding shoes and start dress fittings.

- Schedule hair and makeup artists. 

 -Choose your music

So we are doing ok, considering we've got 2 out of the 6 tasks done and it's April 1st tomorrow. (Wedding is on July 30)

We went to a cake tasting last weekend at Brulee Bakery (cutest website ever - check it out) and got to taste some lemon cream, strawberry vanilla mouse, cococnut cream, chocolate raspberry cream, and chocolate wedding cakes. They were all good, but we both agreed that the chocolate raspberry was our favorite.

So we want a chocolate raspberry buttercream cake (fondant=YUCK), with white cherry blossom exterior. (2 tier). It should look something like this:

Still not sure if we will be using real flowers from the florist for the blossoms, or have the cake designer create sugar flowers. We will see!

The exciting part will be wedding shoe shopping! I'm debated going all out for a high end pair. What do you think? Or a more affordable pair of mid priced Vivienne Westwood's might not be bad either:

I love the heart on these, and the low heel would be perfect to wear throughout the day, plus they would add a fun element to the dress. (No one would really see them). Can't find the pink ones online though, only the white/black which isn't near as much fun!

Any advice on good wedding shoe options?

Wedding Diary - My Bridemaids Dresses!

Hi!

It's been way too long since my last wedding diary post!

I have been busy planning though, and things are coming along smoothly!

Here is a list of everything we have done in the past few months:

-Booked the caterer

-Booked the event company (tent, tables, chairs, etc.)

-Booked the photographer

-Booked the florist (orchids for cherry blossoms!)

-Booked the DJ

-Got my bridesmaids' dresses!

I'd been debating what colors to go with for the dresses. My wedding colors are pale pink, light pink, and black, and black looks good on everyone, so decided to go with it for the dresses.

I fell in love with the first dress I saw, in the first store I walked into - Le Chateau in the mall of all places. I wanted to select dresses for my bridesmaids that would be affordable, elegant and ACTUALLY  able to be worn again ... here it is, I tried it on first without any of my bridesmaids to see how it would fit:

I think they define my vision for the wedding perfectly: simple, elegant, classy.

Ryan's sister looks amazing in it, as does my bestie Andies who will also be a bridemaid. It's one of those dresses that anyone will look good in. I've yet to see my sister and other bestie Jessie in it, but I'm sure they look stunning as well!

I'm glad my four lil chickadees have all gotten their dresses =)

Have a great weekend!

Wedding Diary - Sweet Treat

Hello!

It's been a little while since I've done a Wedding Diary Post, so I decided to bridge the gap and share with you our latest installment of planning.

Last night we had our official tasting for the meal we will be having on the big day.

We were really impressed with the catering company.

First we had an assortment of hour d oeuvres placed before us, complete with edible spoons; followed by a butter lettuce salad of oranges, strawberries, and a pomegranate dressing that was to die for.

For the main course we tried each of our selections- Atlantic Salmon in a Dill Cream Sauce, and Brie and Pine Nut Stuffed Chicken breast in cranberry sauce.

We decided the Salmon was a clear winner, while the chicken left just a little something to be desired. So we are going with the salmon and tenderloin, which will provide a nice choice between white and dark meat =)

But the clear star of the show was the chocolate tulip placed before us at the end of the meal:

It was like I had died and gone to chocolate heaven. Everything on the plate was edible, right down to the uncannily realistic chocolate grape leaves. I adored the presentation and can't wait to let my guests try it on the big day!

The whole time I sipped a buttery Quail's Gate chardonnay that complemented the meal perfectly.

Can't wait to eat it on the day of =)

Wedding Diary - Theme

I'm really not leaving any surprises for the big day, am I?

Don't worry, I still have a few tricks up my sleeve that I won't let anyone know about.
... But I AM really excited about the theme I have chosen for my wedding and just have to share it with you.

So what is my theme, I hear you ask?

Cherry Blossoms!

Cherry blossoms are believed to exemplify the transient nature of life, because of their short blooming times. The transience of the blossoms, their extreme beauty and quick death, has often been associated with mortality; for this reason, cherry blossoms are richly symbolic.

Cherry blossom is an omen of good fortune and is also an emblem of love, affection and represents a new chapter of life. Cherry blossoms are an enduring metaphor for the fleeting nature of life, and as such are frequently depicted in art...

"But, wait a minute!" You may be thinking. Cherry Blossoms are richly symbolic for Spring and I thought you were getting married in July ?!

> Yes, this is true and at first I thought I would have to put my dream of a cherry blossom wedding to rest because of the seasonal difference. I did some digging on the Internet however, and learned that a Cherry Blossom Wedding has been done many times in the summer months. Now, obviously real Cherry Blossoms aren't used. They are highly difficult to attain in their own season, and virtually impossible in the summer, so arrangements need to be made. The solution? Pink orchids wrapped around branches are a near splitting image, cherry blossom colored hydrangeas may be used in bridal bouquets, and for everything else, the cherry blossom theme can still be used (Cakes, decor, favours, etc.)

My colors can be summed up in the below photo:

The darker pink (fuchsia) for bridesmaids dresses/pocket squares/boutonnieres

Pale Pink and Gold for everything else.

Wedding Diary - My Dress Part II

Yes, here is the full frontal picture of my dress - don't worry, I've told Ryan not to look on my blog. I managed to snag this pic from the boutiques website. But I had to share it with you as I am completely in love with it.

This is my exact gown above; it was pulled from this manequin and (lucky for me) there are absolutely no alterations required. It was definitely serendipity! This will save me big $ and allow me to get a better photographer, etc.

I'm so happy to have found a dress that is everything I wanted!

Wedding Diary - Dreaming of Dresses

I've been doing some shopping today for my wedding dress - online shopping. I adore these dresses.

1. La Sposa - Lido:





2.Pronovias - Galente:







3.Pronovias - Mercadal LOVE LOVE LOVE:





4.Pronvias - Megan:

Which is your fave?!

Wedding Diary - What Kind of Flowers?

Being a girl, I love flowers. Being that I'm planning my wedding, they are definitely an even bigger element. I still haven't decided on "the flower". Naturally, my bouquet will have an assortment; but for the ceremony, reception, and general feel, I do want to decide on a single type of bloom. Below I present to you my top picks so far. Keep in mind my wedding colors are black and the palest pink, as well as sprinkle of deeper pink for accent.

Peony:

Such a beautiful, full, lush bloom. This bouquet is breathtaking. But they are expensive, so I will have to decide accordingly.

Dahlia:
Dahlias are so unique looking; they almost look like little honey combs!

Hydrangea:
I fell in love with these a few months ago when I first saw them in a magazine. They are such nice and full blooms, they create the appearance of abundance with really quite little.

Lilac:
These are fast becoming my number one pick of flower. I like that they aren't hugely popular, and you can also get a light pink variety. I think it would look nice for my bridesmaids to hold just a couple of the slender flower, with a simple ribbon tied around the stems. Not to mention their amazing scent

What is your favorite flower?