Snapped with Love {Renaissance Studios Photography}

Yay we booked our photographer and I'm over the moon with excitement! There is so much talent in Toronto (seriously amazing photographers) that I was overwhelmed...but once I met Clint the owner and principle photographer of Renaissance Studios I booked on the spot. I knew right away that Clint understood my vision and his enthusiasm is contagious. He's full of creative ideas and open to basically any style of photography...what's not to love plus who doesn't like a newfie! Oh and they have an amazing blog & you all know I love to blog. Bloggers rule! I'll be sharing some tips they send my way on How to plan for great wedding photos.

In the meantime enjoy a few images from Renaissance Studios...

(all images via Renaissance Studios Photography)

K.i.s.s {simple makeup}

bridal by beautyparler on Polyvore.com

This was an old collage that I created for my other blog, beautyparler, about eight months ago. K.i.s.s for me means Keep It Simple Sister and this applies to your bridal makeup. Keep it fresh, love the pink and peachy shades for makeup. Exception, if you normally wear a dark lip like red and its your signature look keep with it. Look like yourself but just a bit better:)
Are you doing your own bridal makeup or using a makeup artist?

keeping organized

Once I got the ring back in December 2010 I decided after the Holidays to get into full Wedding planning mode. Knowing perfectly well that most couples book vendors a year if not more in advance I knew I had to act quick! Fortunately, me and the groom-to-be had discussed getting engaged so I was prepared...sort of. Having never been the type to dream about fairy-tale weddings and being in my early thirties it wasn't like bride-to-be instinct kicked in. I knew what sort of theme I was going after, nouveau art deco chic, I love vintage so something along that theme. But the man has been away for business since January and will only return in March therefore I've been planning via text message with him. Not the easiest but he can't complain if he no like! My advice to brides-to-be, keep organized! Most of my inspiration boards are kept on my computer, this blog also helps, and the above image is what I use for paper trail. Contacts are kept in the filing card case, contracts in the folder, and bridal magazines stowed away neatly. I also use a wedding planner I received for free at a wedding show, not my favourite because its full of ads which I ripped out but I couldn't find any planner I liked.
How do you keep organized? Do share.

Pantone's Colour for 2011 {Honeysuckle}

Pantone's Colour of the year for 2011 is Honeysuckle (18-2120). Such a pretty girlie pink to use as part of your colour palette for your bridal shower or wedding. I think that's the shade I'm using for my shower...
images:
picture frame via my favourite online market etsy, seller is BBrustic
heels via Cynthia Martyn Events
invitations via Stelie Designs
wedding cake via Bobbette & Belle
What are/were your colours?

in the dressing room {K.I.S.S tips}

Having gone to countless bridal boutiques I think I have the perfect fitting room attire tips. Let me break it down for you future brides, my motto is K.I.S.S, Keep It Simple Sister! Its Winter here in Canada, so this is what works for the cold weather.
-skip all the accessories! No need to look like Mr. T, a scarf (depending on weather will suffice) & your engagement ring
-sweater dresses are the easiest clothing item to get off & on (no brainer there)
-tights, I'm comfortable in my own skin but I'm not going for my routine full-body skin examination, the sales consultant doesn't have to be subjected at looking at my butt . Plus, the tights act like Spanx so I get a smoother silhouette.
-if no tights c'mon wear a nice panty. I'm a thong kinda gal but other cheeks have been in that gown too & same reason as above.
-wear some makeup, after all you will on the day of your wedding & you don't want to look like a ghost, dressing room lights can be awful & wash you out. However, your not going for a taping of the 6pm news so keep it natural. A bit of blush & mascara, perfect!
-bring a hair tie, your hairstyle can change your opinion of your dress.
-if possible, take pics of your favourite bridal dress choices. Just a couple, your not doing the next bridal campaign layout. Plus, a few stores won't allow any picture taking.
-And please don't take an entourage!! Worst mistakes brides-to-be make is bringing the whole village. Too many opinions.
Hope that helps! Please add more tips in the comment section.
(collage images via polyvore.com)

Happy Valentine's Day {with LUSH}

So fiancé is away until next month which means this Valentine's Day I'm solo...unless you consider LUSH Frog Prince is waiting for me in the tub!

my amazing moisturizing frog actually turned into a prince...once this bath bomb dissolves your left with a little image of a prince. Smells; Jasmine, neroli, rosewood

Happy Valentine's Day & hope your spending it a special someone!

xo

(image via LUSH.ca)

Getaway Bride

Eloping? Quick getaway? Just something understated and simple...

Elie Tahari

'Amelie' dress

Maison Martin Margiela

brass bracelet

Stella McCartney

'Falabella' large crochet tote

Dolce & Gabbana

lace bootie

(all items & images via farfetch.com)

bonita panties {Panty by Post}

I was catching up on some daily blog reading when I noticed an ad on Coco+Kelley;

Panty by Post 

A Pretty Panty. Mailed Monthly.

Oh my I fell in love with all the panties...a girl could never have too many. And there's a bridal collection!

You don't have to buy a yearly or even a 3 month subscription you can order once but the price points are much better when you buy more than one. Anyhow, thought I'd share as the bridal collection panties would make a pretty gift for the bride-to-be or to give to your bridesmaids.

(images via PantybyPost)

David's Bridal coming to Canada!

This March, David's Bridal is opening two locations in the Toronto area. David's Bridal offers affordable Wedding dresses:

David's was founded on the belief that every bride should look and feel like a million dollars, regardless of her budget.

David's Bridal also outfits the rest of the family, its your one-stop Wedding shop. Can't wait to visit their new stores in March.

White by Vera Wang sold at David's Bridal

Two locations in the GTA;
Meadowvale Shopping Centre (Mississauga, ON)
SmartCentre Scarborough (Scarborough, ON)
(images Vera Wang)

blush & champagne dreams {colour palette}

Your colour palette selection is an important choice early on in the designing process of your Wedding. There are so many pretty colour combinations. I'm having a hard time choosing...

bhldn {beholden}

Anthropologie has revealed that an online bridal boutique called bhldn, pronounced Beholden, will be revealed appropriately this Valentine's Day February 14.  Expect heirloom-like quality bridal dresses, bridesmaid dresses, jewelry, accessories, and a help area with DIY items. More excitingly brides will be able to create mood boards! Atleast I'm excited about the latter...But you & I will have to wait till February 14 for the big reveal.
Go to bhldn.com for more info!

 (images via bhldn.com with further info from yahoo!finance)

guestbook alternatives {etsy finds}

Looking for an alternative guestbook for your Wedding? I'll be going with one of these choices, I know I don't want to do the traditional guest book and these alternatives are so creative.

postcard wishes from Cut the Cake Designs

wedding poster, sign the matte frame

from Chiav

wedding poster, sign the matte frame

from Aurelias

make a wish tags

from paper moon by KAT

have guests thumb print & sign

from Fancy Prints 

the Total Wedding Show {recap}

This past January 21st I attended the Total Wedding Show here in Toronto. Over 350 Wedding vendors from the Southern Ontario area were in attendance, which means comfortable shoes and plan of action. Prior to attending I had a list of vendors I wanted to check out. First, I looked up vendors that were in attendance and visited those vendors first, lastly write down notes on their business cards...i.e certain aspects of their booth you liked so you can remember for later. Saves you time! Also, another good reason to attend the shows is that vendors offer exclusive discounts for attendees. Saves you money!

cake by Pretty Sweet Cakes

table decor & flowers by Vivian's Decor & Design

sweets by Sweet Something Designs

table setting & flowers by Stella Decor

invitations by The Invitation Place