Alice and her Tea Party

If I was Alice, and I was getting married, a garden setting and a tea party just seems natural.    Inspired, I have put together an Alice in wonderland wedding storyboard full of antique china, soft blues and pinks, and of course the tea.

Enjoy!

xoxo
- T



A Warm Wedding

A good friend of ours just tied the knot on the Lindquist Beach, in St. Thomas.  Surrounded by crystal clear water, and a warm sun, Cindy McDonald and Scott Roberts were pronounced husband and wife. On a cruise through the Caribbean islands, Cindy and Scott made a stop in St. Thomas for their secret nuptials. They immediately sent photos through email to all their family and friends, and what a pleasant surprise it was (imagine keeping that a secret....).

Congratulations Cindy and Scott <3

Enjoy!

xoxo

- T 

Weddi-quette Series

This one is for the guests:

Q.  I received a wedding invitation, but it is only addressed to my husband and I, and not my children.  I want to bring them to the wedding...is this appropriate?

A.  No, it is not proper ettiquette to bring a guest to a wedding who has not been invited, even if it is your children.  If the couple wishes for you to bring a guest, then the invitation would include your name and guest.  If the invitation states your name and family, then that is an open invitation for you and your children to attend the wedding.

Engagement Photos

I love seeing engagement photos. They are full of love, silliness, and being coy in photographs. Thanks to a tip from one of our brides, we came across a Notebook themed photo shoot.  My heart skips a beat every time I think of the Notebook, as it is a true love story for the sappy at heart.

Check out the post at Green Wedding Shoes, and getting a little soft hearted <3

http://greenweddingshoes.com/the-notebook-inspired-engagement-photos/

Enjoy!

xoxo
- T

Spring Flowers

Spring is such a beautiful time of the year full of life and love, what a great time to share in a wedding with the love of your life! Spring flowers come in many shapes, colors, and character and can add beautiful texture to your wedding. Here is a list of the top Spring flowers to consider for a blooming wedding:

TULIPS are a simple but beautiful flower that come in a variety of colours.  Tulips are said to mean perfect love.

  

ORCHIDS are ideal cut flowers as that last for up to a week and hold their shape.  Available naturally in whites, greens, and purples you can find white ones which can be dyed in vibrant colours like blue.

The GERBER DAISY is an excellent flower choice for brides who wish to make a statement as it adds dramatic color to any wedding bouquet.

LILY OF THE VALLEY has a short season around April and May.  The beautiful small white flowers have a distinctive fragrance that many people love.  It works well for gentleman's boutonnieres as well as for bridal bouquets.  It is one of the more expensive flowers considering its size. And if you want to get it out of season you will need very deep pockets indeed.

Fresh cut PEONIES are a great idea for wedding flowers. Beautiful varieties of red, white, and pink fresh cut peonies are great for bouquets and centerpiece arrangements at your wedding.

Enjoy!

xoxo

- C

Ballerina Meets Fashion

Film has a huge influence on fashion, and one movie that has been influencing designers and photographers is with the release of Darren Aronofsky's Black Swan starring Natalie Portman.  These photos are from a fashion shoot from Vogue Russia, and showcase inpeccable fashion mixed in with tutus and theatrics.  Enjoy!
xoxo
- T

The Fabric Cuff

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the fabric cuff.  I have seen it on the runways of bridal shows, and think that adding the fabric cuff to a fabulous dress is a great idea!  This can be a stylish accessory with your wedding dress, or you can look great on your bridesmaids (and is something for them to keep).  Enjoy!

xoxo

- T

Everyday Etiquette

I talk a lot about wedding etiquette, but something that is also very important is your everyday etiquette.  It is important to have etiquette in your everyday life, and you can gain more respect and appreciation for your etiquette ways.  I found a list of 10 etiquette commandments courtesy of www.rudebusters.com.  Enjoy!

1. Be Thyself.

Good Manners begin with a good sense of self. Unless you are true to yourself, you can never be true to others. You are unique. Don't try to shape your personality to meet circumstances. Be natural, and the world will respect you for what you are.

2. Say "Thank You."

Thanking others is a way of praising them and is one of the keys to having goodmanners. Send thank-you notes whenever someone does something nice for you, or telephone to express your gratitude. This simple act will help build lasting relationships. When someone gives you a compliment, the best response is a

simple "thank you." And don't forget "Please," "Excuse me," and "You're welcome," which are other marks of good manners.

3. Give Compliments.

A fundamental rule of good manners is to give. Think about what you can give to others, and remember that the most precious gifts cost nothing. When you meet someone, you can always think of a genuine compliment to give. A "Hello" or "How are you?" is not enough. You can also give your undivided attention and interest to others. You can be generous with words of praise, warm greetings,

sympathy, love, or other good news.

4. Not be Boastful, Arrogant or Loud.

Always exercise restraint and good taste. Your voice, your behavior and even your clothing should reflect understated elegance. Only a small person brags about accomplishments; a well-mannered person has no need for self advertisement. Let your deeds speak for themselves.

5. Listen Before Speaking.

Respect for others is a prerequisite of good manners. Listening to others is a way to show respect. There is no worse company than a person that does not listen. Be genuinely interested in others; learn their names, and encourage them to talk about themselves. Never interrupt. Look them in the eye, and listen carefully. The listener learns and thereby gains.

6. Speak with Kindness and Caution.

Before speaking to others, consider what effect your words will have. Pause and weigh your words carefully and say them with a quality of softness. A slip of the tongue can inflict needless hurt. Also, remember the language of the body (your posture and your mannerisms) is as important as the language of words.

7. Not Criticize or Complain.

A person with good manners is above criticizing others or complaining about circumstances. Negativity is any form is to be avoided. If you hear gossip, don't join in, be indifferent to it. If you disagree with others, do so respectfully.

8. Be Punctual.

Appreciate the value of time, yours and others. If you make an appointment, arrive on time. If you must be late, call first.

Never arrive early for a social engagement; your host may still be getting dressed! Don't overstay your welcome. Lingering good-byes merely cause frustration and can ruin an otherwise good time. A quick, simple exit at the proper time is usually appreciated.

9. Not Embarrass Others.

Treat others as you would like to be treated, and think of how you can put them at ease. The feelings of other people can be as fragile as fine crystal. Never demean anyone with rude jokes or an unwelcome nickname. Be considerate. In conversation, never ask embarrassing questions such as how much was paid for a new item or about matters of the heart. It's always good manners to think of others first.

10. Act and Look Your Best.

Each day dress as if it were your only chance to shine. A smile should top your list of accessories. Your home, car and workplace should reflect your best. They should be tidy, neat and well organized. Table manners are important too. Observe rules of proper conduct, such as not speaking with food in your mouth

and not eating until the host has been seated. Eat slowly, enjoying each bite. Savor the moments when good friends, good conversation and good manners bring about the best life has to offer.

xoxo

- T

Heart Day Lunch

Valentine's Day should not only be for the couples.... Heart Day (as we like to call it) can be for anyone that you love. This weekend, I celebrated an early heart day with my family, and made them a scrumptious brunch of homemade quiche, hashbrowns, pastries, and chocolate covered strawberries. Mix in some champagne orange juice in heart shaped flutes, homemade valentines, and tissue paper hearts, and it was an afternoon full of love! Enjoy!

xoxo

- T

Happy "Heart" Weekend!

I LOVE Valentine's Day! I look for the littlest thing to celebrate, and Valentine's Day is one of them! My "Groomzilla" has pointed out a Hallmark commercial that "touched" him... and I guess it is kinda cute... But before I post the link to that Video... let me give you the scenario that he has presented to me for today! Instead of celebrating Valentine's Day on Monday (imagine that) the trend this year is to celebrate on the weekend.  This way, if we celebrate today... he is still able to go to the gym on Monday... and what did I say to him... you can just imagine!

Enjoy your Valentine's Day!

xoxo

-m

International Dinner Party

I love to entertain, and I have been throwing dinner parties since I was in High School.  One of my favourite dinner party ideas is the International Dinner Party. This can be a monthly occasion with you and your closest friends.  Each month, a friend is elected to host a dinner party, using a different country each month as your concept.  Let's take Thailand for the first example.  Create a menu of Thai recipes (but remember to keep it simple so you don't spend the whole party in the kitchen),  and when creating your invitations and decor, use the colours of the country.  Do your research prior and incorporate authenticity to your dinner party.  The next month, a different friend uses a different country. 

Here are some ideas for your international dinner party:

• Mexican
• Chinese
• Canadian
• Thailand
• Greek
• Vietnamese
• Japanese

Enjoy!

xoxo

- T

Now That is a BIG Guest List

Thought you were pushing the envelope with a wedding of 250 guests?? Bring in the wedding of Prince William, and the soon to be Princess, Kate Middleton, who will be inviting 5000 guests to their wedding.  2000 of them will be close friends, while the remaining 3000 will be politicians and important figures.  With a wedding coming in Spring 2011, it will most certainly be show.  I don't think I know 5000 people...not according to my Facebook at least. Enjoy!

xoxo

- T

Bridesmaids Beware

Let's just say, I died laughing when I watched the trailer for this upcoming fabulous movie!  Friends and relatives of the bride...be prepared for BRIDESMAIDS. 

http://www.movieinsider.com/m6291/5/bridesmaids/6946/

Enjoy! I know I did.....

xoxo

- T

If the Shoe fits...

Careful consideration needs to be placed on the choice of shoes for your Wedding Day.  You should consider heel height, style, comfort {sometimes...} and most importantly colour!

This is a great website that was suggested to us by one of our Brides! www.ninashoes.com .  D.S.& Co. is also bringing shoes into the Boutique! If you have any suggestions... We would LOVE to hear from you! Enjoy!

xoxo
-T

Cottage Wedding Chic

I found the cutest pom pom swivel sticks, which inspired this warm and lovely winter wedding.  The swivel stick pom poms are a simple DIY.  Wrap yarn around your for fingers (about 20 times) and tie in the middle.  Snip the ends, and pouf the ball.  Glue  the pom poms to a pretty wooden stick, and voila....cottage wedding chic. Enjoy!

xoxo

- T

Spring into 2011 with Colour

I am trying to shake away the winter blues, and embrace the bright hues of Spring 2011.  The HOT colours this coming season are Citrus Yellow and Coral!  Break out of the winter blahs by adding these bright colours to your wardrobe, home, or event.  Don't be afraid to mix them together either....Enjoy!

xoxo

- T

Flowers for a Girl

There are so many ideas for your flower girl than the traditional basket with rose pedals.  Here are some of our cutest ideas for a sweet look...
 

• Flower Girl Pomander - A flower girl pomander is simply a small ball, similar to a purse, usually made of flowers. Often referred to as a "kissing ball", it's origins is from England.

• Flower Girl Wand - This is a great way to make any little girl feel like a princess.

• Flower Girl Flower Crown - This is great for an outdoor wedding.

• Corsage or Mini Bouquet - this is great for the slightly older Flower Girl, this will definitely make her feel like a big girl on your bid day.

Enjoy!

xoxo

- C

We "heart" Valentine's Day...

In celebration of one of our FAV upcoming holidays, I thought I would share a couple of my wish list items!  Every girl would LOVE to get some Cupcakes from www.thecakebox.org or an AMAZING piece of Jewelery from www.itacast.ca.  Yes we love it all... chocolates... flowers... candies... romantic dinners! I am trying to brain storm about what I am gonna do for my Groomzilla for Valentine's Day... if you have any suggestions... I would love to hear from you!

xoxo
- M