I’m slowly getting over the oscars buzz and came across some of the decor that graced the many over-opulent parties for the celebrities before and after the award ceremony. Here’s a select few that you can get some ideas from for your own weddings. They’re GREAT examples of how you can use lights to create the right environment for your party. I would DIE (knock on wood) to have a wedding in the third party (blue lights), with the large staircase and open space & high ceilings.
Essence Party

Elton John’s After-Party

My fave! The Governor’s Ball:

{images: bizbash}

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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Ok…I spoke WAY too soon. Just yesterday I posted some of the black & white fabrics that I absolutely ADORED from IKEA and to my surprise, I came across a wedding today that literally used this fabric in a ultra chic way. Remember that wedding dress with the dramatic black and white striped bow that you all loved? Well, this is THE wedding!

You definitely have to check out more from this wedding over at La Partie Events.

{images from La Partie Events, captured by Erin Hearts Court, via Once Wed}

It’s been colder than -40 degrees C with windchill this weekend in Edmonton, and I can’t believe we were the second coldest place in the world on Sunday (next to Siberia of all places!). So I am in dire need of some cheering up. I’ve been basically locked down in my house, only leaving for my 9-5 job which has been a laborious task! Check out these table arrangements from Emersonmade complete with paper kraft runners & colorful blooms which are rustic chic at its finest.

Actually, I searched around the site and found even more inspiration. Check out their blog for more ideas.

{images: emersonmade from apartment therapy}

I love the fact that brides are now embarking on more “DIY” projects because not only is it usually more cost-effective, but it personalizes details and adds so much charm to a traditional wedding. I came across this lovely felt rosette covered wreath which is a modern detail that can be hung at the doors of the ceremony or reception location. Or, you can vary the sizes of your wreaths and use colors that match your color scheme to add some dimension to the display. I can’t wait to try this on my own!

{instructions can be found at domestifluff, via elizabeth ann designs}

I am so inspired by this modern ceremony set-up captured by Dana Grant Photography. I’ve been eyeing silver balls as details for a while now, and this just confirms that it can be done!

{image: Dana Grant Photography}

Have a happy weekend !

Oh lovely lovely lace. I used to think lace was a traditional material that grandmothers would wear, until I embraced the feminity & vintage ‘feel’ it brings to just about anything. Usually, you would think about incorporating lace into your wedding gown or veil, but I’ve noticed lately that it can be used as a detail in just about any aspect of your wedding. One of the things I find entirely charming is a lace wrapped bouquet!

Martha Stewart Weddings has some templates you can use to recreate the look of the lace luminarias. I’ve added the links below for your convenience!
Downloads:
tall lace luminarias
short lace luminarias

{cake: real simple weddings + luminarias: martha stewart weddings; bouquet: wedding tulle + backdrop: martha stewart weddings}

Flowers have been on my mind these past few weeks and I’m always searching for new & modern designs that can be used as centerpieces or other decore at a wedding. Check out these innovative pieces from the 2009 International Special Events Society’s tabletop design competition in New York. They might seem overwhelming at first, but if scaled back, they would be perfect for a ‘urban’ wedding.

{images: bizbash}

A late start to the dreaded Monday mornings! Hope you all had a great weekend.

Oh the many ways..to fold a napkin! Just another thing on our to-do list, ladies! There are so many ways to display your menu cards and napkins. Here are a select few to get you thinking. I can already see the men rolling their eyes as we fret over this detail =)

Budget tip: If you want to save money on paper and printing, choose to display the menu on a single card displayed at each table.

{images: from the knot.com}

Photo: Kate Kelly Photography

Came across this unique display of yellow roses captured by Kate Kelly Photography. Each rose was fully enclosed in its own tall, clear vase. I love this display, it’s so chic and minimalist. I could definitely envision a long table placed near a wall at the side of a venue lined with these vases. Or perhaps, placing a couple on the bar or near the guestbook table…oh the many ways you could use them!

I found these vases over at IKEA which would be perfect to recreate the look. Another suggestion? Using tall thin glasses which would be more cost-effective. The best part about this display is that you aren’t spending a fortune on your flowers, and you aren’t compromising style.

{Images: Yellow roses in vase: Kate Kelly Photography; Vase: IKEA}