Artichokes? When I think about them, I immediately think they probably taste horrible because they resemble brussel sprouts. But little did I know that these large green (and sometimes purple) colored vegetables could be used as a unique accent for a wedding? I’m always on the look-out for new and unique items to incorporate into a wedding and I think artichokes just might be it. To me, they resemble succulents which have been my latest obsession. Check out some of the options below on what they look like in bouquets, centerpieces and even as place card holders. I absolutely how dynamic they look next to florals and the dimension of their many layers.

{images - top: bvweddings; middle: blogger brides; bottom: karen mordechai via kellyoshiroevents }

I’ve got the ‘modern’ bug again and I spent the last hour (aside from watching the olympics) researching past decor at various other gallery-type venues. I absolutely adore the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. It’s similar to the venue I’ve chosen in that it’s a long rectangular shaped room with high ceilings and white walls, so it proved to be a great model of inspiration. Check out some of the images I pulled from the MCA’s website. I’m now realizing how color and lighting play such a big role in creating the space.

Here’s another wedding that I particularly fell in love with a while back, captured by Olivia Leigh Photography (as seen in Elizabeth Anne Designs).

And last but not least, this recent wedding posted by The Brides Cafe (one of my fave wedding blogs). The art on the wall really complement the space. Gosh, my love for grey just got stronger! Images by Emily Johnston Anderson

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I am a sucker for orchids. Every year I look forward to the Orchid Dinner hosted by the New York Botanical Garden. So this time I chose my favorite creative table displays and pulled out some color palettes that any bride could translate into a wedding.

There were too many, so click below to see the last two color palettes.
Read the full story »

Now this is my kind of wedding! Rosella from Studio Bloom stopped to share some of the florals that she created for Amanda & Kyle’s wedding in Calgary, Alberta. This particular wedding was featured in the July 2009 issue of Avenue Magazine and the images were captured by the very talented Photobolic, based in Calgary (who btw you will hear more about in the near future!). I absolutely adore the reception centerpieces - clear vases of varying sizes, each filled with one type of flower and placed oh so perfectly within the center of the black table runner, which make the colors POP.

Thanks for sharing Studio Bloom!

{images by Photobolic}

I know that when I was intially choosing my florals for the wedding, I felt lost among all the choices. What’s in season? What colors do I want? Small? Medium? Large blooms? Scented? With so many choices out there, it’s always nice to have some preliminary help. I just came across the “wedding flower finder” over at Real Simple Weddings and found it a pretty nice general overview of what options are out there for you based a couple of questions. Hope it helps!

Happy Monday everyone. It’s time for some link love!

Check out the talented Ambient Studio’s (Toronto) Highlight Reel from 2009.

Ambient Studios | 2009 Highlights from L Issler on Vimeo.

Edmonton photographer, Jasser from JAG Photography won editor’s pick from bride.ca - congrats Jasser!

Edmonton brides: Blackbird Photography is proud to donate 10% of all boudoir or pin-up photosession fees to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, and help to create a future without breast cancer. How sweet is that? Below are some more details from Reanna:

Surprise your fiance on your wedding day with a gorgeous hardcover press printed book of you! Either as a gift for someone you love, or just to celebrate YOU (the best reason!).

Boudoir: Celebrate You!
Beautiful boudoir photography, for the bride to be. Boudoir photosessions include a glam-over with a hairstylist and makeup artist to help your inner beauty shine out. Its time for YOU to shine. Session comes with a hard cover press printed book of best images as a keepsake. All sessions come with a private digital online password protected proofing gallery to shop for prints and products.
Pin-Up: Go retro glam!
Retro is back and ever popular! Do you want to be a pinup cutie? Are you the ‘girl next door’ , a tattoo’d Betty, saucy kitten or burlesque star? How about an vintage hollywood glamour starlette? Want to create a special present for your hot wheels fiance? Embrace the retro era and book yourself for: Blackbird Photography’s: Pinup Sessions.
This darling lil’ photo session is for ladies only, with Blackbird Photography’s female photographer and female staff and includes glam-over services of a makeup artist and hairstylist to turn you retro perfection. After your makeover session, have a blast during your one hour photography session which will include as many outfits as you can cram in to the timeframe, using a selection of Blackbird Photography’s props. Session includes a beautiful hardcover press printed book of your images and a private, password protected online gallery.

Boudoir or Pin-Up Package: $390, photosession includes:
-female photographer and female staff
-photosession
-various sets (backgrounds)
-up to four outfit changes
-makeup and hairstyling glam-over by professional artists
-beautiful hardcover press printed book of session images!!!!!!!
-all images are retouched and edited (blemishes begone!)
-password protected private online digital gallery for proofing
-add a calendar of session images for $45 at time of session

All bookings receive one free 8×10 print when they mention www.weddingobsession.com.
Contact Blackbird Photography to book your session now.

Other links you might enjoy:
Vistaprint’s doing new weekly giveaways.
Canadian brides: check out Wedding Bells‘ contests for your city - new prizes every week!
The ever stylish Studio Choo came out with a new online store.
Winter party tips from Studio Dreyer Hensley via design sponge

If you have any news relevant to weddings, please email me {melissa@weddingobsession.com}. You will receive a reply if it is published.

{photo: Zimbio for Flynet}

Here are some photos of Roselyn Sanchez arriving at her wedding to actor Eric Winter (remember him on Days of Our Lives? haha). The event was held at San Cristobal Fort, in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. While there aren’t many details as of yet about the wedding, here’s an exerpt from Roselyn’s past interview with the Peurto Rican newspaper El Nuevo Dia,

“It was very important for me to get married in Puerto Rico and [incorporate] the element of Old San Juan. You could say it is a Princess wedding. I have about 275 guests. Most of them will be traveling from the United States and I want them to enjoy our culture. The Boricua flavor will be very present in the menu and the music. It will be a different kind of wedding, because I don’t think anyone in Puerto Rico has done what we are going to do.”

Stay tuned as the wedding photos are to be released to Instyle Weddings and OK! magazine..

A better look at her hair & a glimpse of her bouquet…

San Cristobal Fort in Puerto Rico

Actress Eva Longoria arrives at the wedding.

{photo: AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo}

And in case you missed it, here are some pictures from Roselyn’s bridal shower courtesy OK! Magazine. The guests were treated with great food, half hour massages, manicures, pedicures, waxing, and tarot card reading (click to enlarge):

Here’s a look at the Jenny Lee Fall 2009 Collection that recently debuted at NYC Bridal Market Week. Known best for her very elegant and feminine gowns, the collection included soft organic fabrics, unique trims, and the layering of fabric to create a stunning three dimensional look.

Says the designer, “This season I have designed my collection with floral accents creating a ’sweet scent’ using organic fabrics and hand sewn embellishments for a stylish bride.

My desire is that Jenny Lee Bridal will allow fashionable brides the opportunity to create their own style and be who they want to be.”

Have a look at some of the gowns from the collection below, or check out the Jenny Lee Bridal website.

{photos courtesy Jenny Lee Bridal}

The Brooklyn Academy of Music transformed a blank canvas into a romantic haven incorporating a theme of red & black with the softness of pink. The event focused on florals and lighting. Petals lined the floor up to the event and reception tables were covered in dark fabrics and candles.

A wedding is similar to any other event, as you are translating your vision into tangible art. I love how the white candles and strength of the red in the rose petals are the center of attention on the tables!

{source}

This is a relatively inexpensive way to decorate your reception tables. Place single stems of your favorite blooms in thin bottles or jars that you can find laying around the house or purchase in bulk at any supplies store. The first picture shows how you can use empty jars and candle holders, mixing up the selection to add variety and flavor. Because you are using single stems, it is best to add multiple bottles/jars per table. This adds to volume to the table without stretching your budget.

{Pictures - realsimple.com}