Bridal Makeup Photoshoot {behind the scenes}

I could get used to having my hair and makeup done plus having pictures taken...ok not so much the pictures I think I'm so awkward in front of the camera and I don't think I'm photogenic but hey pictures are an essential part of your wedding day so why not practice. Last month, makeup artist Joy from Joy of Makeup who I interviewed back in March held an Eco-Chic Bridal contest and I won. Here are a few pictures, the professional pictures will be posted at a later date.

a few inspirational magazine rip outs & the makeup shot with Revolution Organics

with photographer Carey Ann & hair/makeup Brianne

lots of laughs

with glowing makeup artist Joy & photographer Carey Ann

photographer Carey Ann & Brianne

What an amazing day, full of laughs, makeup tips and interesting hair products. Check out these talented ladies websites;

Joy of Makeup (check out her post from today's shoot)

Carey Ann Photography

Glam by Brianne

Thank you ladies for an amazing day!

(images property of Joy of Makeup)

Have a Seat {seating cards}

Just picked up the Martha Stewart DIY Weddings Summer 2011 Issue, just about to drink a hot tea and flip the pages, any other bride-to-be have a bridal magazine reading ritual? Was just on the Martha Stewart website, such terrific DIY ideas. Here are a few seating card ideas, haven't decided what I'm going to do but I'm brainstorming.

(all images via marthstewartweddings.com)

the other half {groom's wardrobe}

So, some would say that after the bride the groom is the second best dressed. I'd like to think that both are equally important in the wardrobe department. Thankfully, my fiancé has fashionable taste so I'm not one to have to stress about what he's going to wear but I do offer suggestions....(ladies always remember wardrobe suggestions are friendly suggestions, no need to be a bridezilla. Its as much his day as it is the bride's)

Photography: Elizabeth Messina

via Wedding Style Magazine

Indochino custom-made suits

via GQ, photo Ben Watts
Tuxedo jacket and jeans by Alexander McQueen
Shirt by Dolce & Gabbana
Bow tie by Polo by Ralph Lauren

Sneakers by Balenciaga

Brandon Flowers of The Killers as seen in GQ
Photo by Paola Kudacki
Tuxedo by Burberry Prorsum
 Shirt by Dior Homme
Bow tie by Burberry

What's your groom-to-be wearing?

Pronovias 2012 {Sneak Peak}

Although, I already have my wedding dress I have to say I'm drooling over the new collection by Manuel Mota for Pronovias 2012 Collection.

Love the ruffles! Style Puma

And for the love of makeup, watch...

(images: Pronovias, youtube)

a retro bridal shower {1950's inspired}

Love the idea of a 1950's housewife theme bridal shower. Makes for interesting decor and kitchen-themed inspired games. Using popular shades of the 1950's era, like that minty/blue shade a favourite of appliances and buttercup yellow. How fun would it be to get your guests in on the action & dressing the part! Have your guests write down their favourite secret recipes & bring it with them to the shower to share with the bride-to-be.

retro bridal shower by beautyparler on Polyvore.com

Never too Old for Love {Oldest Couple gets Hitched!}

After a thirty year courtship these two lovebirds got married...now that's how you do it!


How sweet is that?

make your own Wedding Bands

This past Saturday while at the Spring Wedding Show at the Drake Hotel in Toronto, my fiancé and I fell in love with the idea of making your own wedding bands! Crazy right? But how many couples do you know could say, "hey we made our own bands!".  The booth at the show was The Devil's Workshop, and the studio is located here in Toronto. The Wedding Band Workshop is held every Saturday 12-6pm, basically your taught and make your own wedding bands in either silver or gold. Best part, no experience required!


I better sign up soon as spots are quickly booked....
Would you make your own wedding bands?

For more info
www.thedevilsworkshop.ca
890 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON
(video source: youtube.com)

Spring Wedding Show at the Drake Hotel {local events}

This past Saturday was a gorgeous day in the Toronto area, a rarity these days. With the sun out Queen Street was in full swing, a perfect day for a wedding show at the Drake Hotel followed by drinks at the patio. This annual event hosted by the Wedding Co., is an indie dream. An intimate casual affair, easy-to-talk-to vendors and lots of ideas!

not for rent, part of the Drake Hotel

Where do you go to get Wedding inspirations?

a private appointment with Aruna Seth {bridal shoes}

While in London a couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to try on Aruna Seth shoes. My private appointment was scheduled late in the evening at a gorgeous boutique hotel in London's Nightsbridge area. Of course I got lost...usually I'm not bad with directions but this little hard to find boutique hotel had me running around in circles. Alas, all worth it once I tried on the comfortable Aruna Seth heels! Joining me was blogger Helena from A Diary of a Lovely, asked her to come along and was my first time meeting her in person. What a doll! She also was my photographer...my camera was acting up (or maybe it was just me).

I normally don't wear heels, only on special occasions or if I know I won't be on my feet all day. I have the worst flat feet, so its rare that I find comfortable shoes. My favourite in terms of comfort were the Farfella Ivory Satin Kitten heel at 70mm, just the right amount of toe cleavage, heel a perfect height for all day wear and they were honestly the most comfortable heels. And no they didn't look motherly considering they were a kitten heel! And aren't they the most feminine pretty shoes!?

For more information check out Aruna Seth

Let them eat cake! {the Royal Wedding Cake}

(image tumblr)

Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding cake was made by Fiona Cairns and her team. One of their wedding cakes, there were two! Cairns and her team made a traditional multi-tiered fruit cake covered in icing.

The fruit cake will be decorated with Prince William and Ms Middleton's new cipher, as well as the four flowers of the home nations – English rose, Scottish thistle, Welsh daffodil and Irish shamrock. Ms Middleton has asked for the design to feature around 16 different blooms and foliage, each with its own symbolic meaning, such as a bridal rose to indicate happiness, and the aptly named Sweet William, which means perfection and gallantry. (via independent.co.uk)

 The second cake was a favourite of Prince William, a chocolate biscuit based cake that sounds delicious. 
Oddly enough I too will have two cakes, a traditional fruit cake known as Colombian wedding cake or black cake because of the colour obviously. My second cake will be a multi-layered cake with icing, haven't chosen the flavour yet. 
As for Prince Williams' parents wedding cake, Prince Charles and Diana had 27 cakes made for their wedding. I just happened to have a picture of a layer of one of their cakes which is on display in a military museum in Toronto. Unfortunately, the picture is not that clear and I can't make out what it says on the top. Something about it being a present...