To Have and To Hold

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Oh I’ve been terrible.  More so neglectful of the blog, but it’s been that kind of season.  Surprisingly this year’s weddings stretched out into November so where I normally get some breathing room, that was not the case!  Despite the fact that my calendar shows no sign of easing up in the next few weeks, I did want to take a moment to say hello. 

With the holidays quickly approaching this only means that the 2012 wedding season is just around the corner.  And for those of you who are tying the knot next year, it’s time to work out some of those smaller details of your big day.   Yes…those details that you may have even overlooked.  (Unless you have that infamous timeline checklist stamped on your forehead!)

Last summer I came across a photographer’s blog and to my surprise the bride in the photos had decided to ditch the traditional floral bouquet for something a little more unique.  If you haven’t seen these yet you’re in for a treat!  Although I absolutely love flowers, I have to admit that I love these even more.  I’m talking about brooch bouquets and they are quickly becoming the next best substitute to the traditional bridal bouquet.

Now, I’ve spent quite a bit of time looking at these bouquets and the key is to find a designer who can do several things:

  • Have the ability to design an aesthetically pleasing colour palette with the use of good quality jewelry.
  • Have the skill to properly assemble and secure the bouquet.
  • Have a proven reputation of providing excellent and efficient service.

I finally found someone who has all of these!!  Mind you, she’s located in the United Kingdom but don’t let that stop you.  The company is called Hair Bows WonderWorld and Lynn’s bouquets are works of art.  After seeing a variety of uncoordinated and lopsided bouquets on other sites I was thrilled to come across her work. 

She offers bouquets made entirely of jewelry, but also has combination bouquets where she has used jewelry and handmade flowers.  Ready-made bouquets can be purchased at her Etsy shop and she also takes custom orders of certain designs.  So if you see something you like but want a different colour scheme, just message her your request. 

Why would you consider a brooch bouquet?  Well no two bouquets will ever be exactly the same because of the type of jewelry used, it won’t die (making it a great keepsake), and the most important…it is creatively stunning!  Yes, you’ll pay a premium above what a real floral bouquet would cost, but it’ll definitely be captured as one of those memorable details of your wedding day.

Here are some of my favourites from Lynn’s collection:

You can find Hair Bows Wonderworld on Etsy and Facebook. 

AND starting today Hair Bows Wonderworld is running an Advent Calendar promotion.  Each day during the month of December a $75 or $100 voucher will be offered on a different bouquet so keep an eye on her Facebook page for the deal of the day!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/hairbowswonderworld

https://www.facebook.com/hairbowswonderworld

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Chilling Out

Thursday, June 9, 2011

I recently came across these photos and HAD to share!  Talk about a “cool” place to get married!! 

These photos were taken at the ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden.  It’s a temporary hotel made entirely of ice blocks, snow, and some steel framing all held together with “snice” – a snow/ice mixture equivalent to mortar.  It opens in early December and closes at the end of April before the thaw. 

The hotel is rebuilt each year by a talented group of architects, designers, snow builders and artists.  A guarantee that each year the hotel will offer something unique and unseen.  Weddings are apparently a popular event here sometimes requiring years of advance notice.  I’m not one for the cold, but I can only imagine how stunning this experience would be for such a memorable occasion.

For a similar experience a little closer to home check out the Hotel de Glace, open from January to March each year just outside of Quebec City.  The hotel has 32 rooms with a wedding chapel that seats 40. 

http://www.icehotel-canada.com/

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The Show Must Go On

Thursday, May 26, 2011

“There are no words to match this moment”.

Today was The Oprah Show’s final episode…ever.  Over the years I’ve watched her on and off, but usually didn’t get home early enough to catch her show.  It’s too bad because I really think she’s been an immensely positive influence on her viewers and society in general.  For those that have seen The Oprah Effect, she’s also played a pivotal role in the success of many small businesses.  If your product ended up on Oprah’s favourite things list you might as well have hit the jackpot!

I only caught the last half hour of the show, but was not surprised at the message she seemed to want to convey.  It was an underlying message about how she lived her life and the inspiration she’s tried to share over the past 25 years.  Almost as if she was reminding her viewers how to live their lives…without her directing them everyday at 4:00.

It also reminded me of something I read earlier this week that I thought was worthy of sharing…

BE mindful.

ENJOY every minute you can because the next one is not promised to you. 

DO what you love.

Smile more.  GIVE more.  Do more.

Laugh.  LOVE.  Happy tears.

INTEND great things.

Forgive, let live, and be GRATEFUL…!

Each MOMENT is a choice… choose wisely as it will form your future.

However, the quote of the day obviously came from Oprah herself.  She may have left her time slot open, but her footprints are heavily planted in the sand…

“You have to know what sparks the light in you so that you in your own way can illuminate the world.  You have the power to change someone’s life.”

So what are you waiting for?

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