Minggu, 30 November 2008

Candy Bars



As I gather my candy bar inspirations thought I would publish some of the lovely images I have found, I love the set up of the top photo with the lighting and the bags here in the second image, can imagine leaving with a bag stuffed full of lots of goodies!

Sabtu, 29 November 2008

Silk taffeta ruffle shrug in the etsy shop!

This little number joins the handknit shrug and the organza ruffle jacket in our new English Dept. etsy boutique. Made from 100% silk taffeta, possibly the most luxurious fabric of all time, this is the latest installment in my never-ending quest for proper wraps for weddings.
Click here to see more photos, purchase, or place a custom order.

A Spanish Affair

I found this fabulous wedding on www.amorologyweddings.blogspot.com, with such wonderful ideas for a spanish themed wedding. I love the way they have added in black and reds details on the fans, the stationery and the bridesmaids and mixed these colours with a teal. You cannot see it here on this board, but the bridesmaids all have teal shoes on, divine!

Selasa, 25 November 2008

Sweet and treat tables for weddings

I have created some sweet and treat tables this year for some weddings and have some to create for some of my weddings in 2009 so am constantly looking for inspiration for creating these wonderful, decadent displays. I fell in love with this fabulous french style table with the feather displays and the colours found on {casando ideias}. The matching wallpaper helps!

Something to go over something.

Just wanted to show off this sweet handknit wool shrug by English Dept. lieutenant Clara (I'm the sewer, she's the knitter). Here at the shop, we're surrounded on all sides by wispy, sleeveless dresses. But on a day like today--38ºF and raining--we're craving cozy. This is going into the etsy shop later today. Clara embellished it very sweetly with handsewn seed beads and vintage pearls from our studio stash. Ta da!

a crowning event: Brian & Andrea

Okay, so I know I have been terribly slacking these last couple weeks at keeping up with the blog...but I am so going to try and make it up to you with lots of pictures (and I mean LOTS) from Brian& Andrea's wedding that took place at the Prado at Balboa Park. Leo Patrone gave us so many great images it was hard to choose. Thank you Leo! I can't wait to get this wedding up on my featured weddings section on my website so I can even share more.

So without further ado...you have seen the inspiration board (filled with crowns and Spanish flair, inspired by the bride's time spent in spain)..here are some of my very favorite details.

Bridesmaid dresses from BCBG and spanish fans
vintage crown postcard holder that we put to good use holding postcards and escort cards for the guests.

A Spanish guitarist for the courtyard of course
Hundreds of red carnations floating in the fountain. This was absolutely gorgeous as it greeted the guests at the entrance.
The overall large ballroom with a crown gobo we had customized for the dance floor. The chandeliers just happened to be shaped as crowns as well. How perfect was that?
Each table was named in Spanish and translated to such things as my queen, my treasure, my family, for always, etc. This one pictured, "Mi Cielo" or my heaven, sat at the Bridal table.
The beautiful bride herself in her breathtaking lace and silk dress by Alvina Valenta

Crowns adorned the centerpieces as they sat on custom made velvet pillows and beds of flowers. Twigg Botanicals used lush spanish roses in varying shades of corals, peaches and deep reds that was vibrant against the teal covered tables.
Godiva chocolate boxes sat at each seat tied with red ribbons and customized letter-pressed monogram tags by Pretty Handsome Paper.



The cake...oh, I loved the cake! We of course had to add a little crown to the top to tie it all in.



We had customized postcards made from vintage embroidered Spanish cards I found. Courtney Scowby Designs did an amazing job...really making these look authentic.
We added vintage stamps of course to the backs of the cards (notice they're crown stamps)...and Yes, the bride and groom did handwrite a personal memory to each guest on the back that was carefully placed at each seat. This was such a wonderful and thoughtful way to honor each guest and remind them how much it meant to have them there.



The parents of the bride catching a glimpse of the first dance. I love this picture.

A late night treat and a Spanish tradition...Churos and Hot Chocolate...so tasty and a big hit.
The getaway...The Bride handed out long stemmed red roses as she said goodbye to her family and friends. They rode away in a pedi cab as guests saw them off.
One last kiss! Andrea and Brian you are truly divine in every way. Your kindness and love makes the world more sweet. What an elegant and beautiful day it was! Thank you for trusting me with something so special and for allowing me to share in all the fun. Love to you both!

Inviting: Minna Designs



Minna of Minna Designs just sent over some of her work and is offering all our readers 20% off of her design fee for the full month of December! What a fabulous deal! If you are looking for unique invitations or announcements be sure and stop by and visit her site Here! Thanks Minna for sharing some of your beautiful designs with us!

Bright summer colours for weddings

As the cold winds descend from Northern Spain and our temperatures have dropped, it is comforting to be thinking about another long hot summer next year! Here we have put together a board for one of our 2009 weddings at the Guadalmina Hotel, beautiful bright, clean colours, citrussy, clean and just so colourful, I particuarly love the cake with the butterflies and the little cocktail umbrellas.

Jumat, 21 November 2008

Selasa, 18 November 2008

Some pretty images from Liz's wedding (courtesy of Erin Grace Photography). Designing the dress was a cross-country affair. Liz was working in New York but planning her Portland wedding for the fall. We met during a visit to Portland to discuss the dress. She chose lace at a New York fabric store and shipped it out to me, and we continued designing at a distance (photos, email, etcetera) until poof--surprise--her fiancé received a job offer in Singapore. Home she came to Portland for the remainder of the summer, so we got to have in-person fittings after all. Planning a wedding and an international move all at once--whew. Silk charmeuse gown with lace bodice, satin sash, and blush satin-covered buttons.

Minggu, 16 November 2008

Romantic lamps & beautiful details

I came across this image which I love from www.myexceptionalevents.com. We have the same lanterns and of course a host of beautiful butterflies and this image was perfect to send to a bride we are creating a wedding for next year as she wants the pink lighting too!

Crystal Wedding theme

I have put this board together for the Marbella Club based on a brief for a crystal and white wedding theme so thought I would share it with you!

Smart Bistro Style


Can you tell I am on a black tie run! I came up with this idea of a bistro themed wedding whilst surfing the internet over the weekend, I particularly love the idea of a wedding cake made from cheese!

Grape and Aubergine

As we head into the winter with darker colours, I thought this colour board would be lovely for a winter black tie wedding.

Marilyn Monroe's Eternity Band Replica Ring


This is a stunning high-quality replica of a diamond eternity band from Marilyn Monroe's private collection. The diamond and platinum band that sold at auction for over $700,000 has been duplicated here, using 24 fine quality rectangle cut clear cubic zirconia stones set in gleaming sterling silver. Owning this fabulous ring is like owning a piece of Hollywood history. Detail

14k Gold Diamond Star and Snowflake Pendant


This brilliant star pendant will take your breath away. A dazzling star, with multiple long tapering points, shines in 14 karat white gold with 65 genuine diamonds (1/4 cttw). These are beautiful prong-set diamonds--near colorless (G-H), and with a minimum clarity of I1. The radiant star design is bold and striking, and the polished white gold setting perfectly complements the diamonds' cool sparkle. The pendant is showcased on a slender 18-inch rope chain that fastens with a spring ring clasp. Detail

Marilyn Monroe's Replica Bracelet


From Hollywood Collection's Marilyn Monroe series comes this stunning diamond replica bracelet. Sparkling clear cubic zirconia stones, in baguette and brilliant cuts, are showcased in sterling silver with a lustrous rhodium plating. This is a beautiful and sophisticated accent, with eye-catching sparkle and shine. The bracelet has a hinged design for a perfect drape around the wrist. It measures 7 1/2 inches and fastens with a box clasp and double safety. Detail