Monday, December 21, 2009

one true christmas {wish}


Getting married in 2010 and work for a charitable non-profit? If so, then you MUST check out this amazing prize being offered by tracey l heppner photography and studio jeanie. Nominate yourself or the future Mr. & Mrs for complimentary wedding day photography! Hurry up... the lucky couple will be contacted Christmas morning!


This is such an incredible opportunity offered by two incredible photographers with hearts of gold. Tracey's work for NILMDTS first introduced me to this wonderful lady, and this only further solidifies the compassion that many of my peers share! Please spread the word, as there's only 5 days left!


http://traceylheppner.blogspot.com/2009/12/our-true-christmas-wish-in.html

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Christmastime Caffeine


Nothing says Chistmas quite like a hot, pepperminty mocha in a red Starbucks cup. It's just missing one thing: crushed candy cane on top! The chocolate curls are devine... but they just don't seal the deal. As an ammature barista myself ( Santa gave me an espresso machine last Christmas), I think I've gone and created that perfect holiday drink. Mmm, mmm good. As I sip on this tasty treat I thought a fitting blog post would be to share this heavenly creation. Ok, it's really not that hard to create, but it's tasty and doesn't require any fancy ingredients or syrups that you need to purchase.

To make one steaming delicious mug of Jen's Candy Cane Mocha Latte:

1. Prep your favourite Christmas mug with 1 tblsp of chocolate sauce (hershey's, nesquik...whatever you've got), a teaspoon of splenda or sugar (if you like your lattes sweet), and a couple drops of peppermint extract (the little clear bottles with the orange cap that most extracts come in). Turn your espresso maker on so it can heat up while you're doing this.

2. Put a full unwrapped candy cane into a ziplock bag. Use the flat side of a meat tenderizer to crush the candy cane in the bag.

3. Brew yourself a double shot of espresso (if you don't have an espresso machine, you could try this with hot chocolate or coffee). Add your espresso to your Christmas cup, and stir to mix in the chocolate sauce, splenda and extract.

4. Steam your milk. Make lots of foam for the top. Pour your steamed frothy milk over your mixture in your Christmas cup. Using the ziplock bag, sprinkle the enitre candy cane onto your latte. Yes, that's right, the whole thing. Why? Because candy canes are delicious and you can never have enough. This way some of the pieces will sink to the bottom and give you a little surprise when you sip your last sip. For an extra exciting touch, toss a hershey's kiss in the bottom, and top with whipped cream. Enjoy by the fire, and try not to think about the calorie content. It is Christmas, so calories don't count...right?



Thursday, December 17, 2009

Hello Bella at The Kitty Card Christmas Party









When Lexie of The Kitty Card asked me to provide a treats table for their Christmas party, I was more than happy to oblige. Designing treat tables (or candy buffets/candy bars/ dessert tables) is probably one of my most favourite things to do. It is more than just my penchant for sweets (although that is a major factor), but it is the collective visual and sensory impact that can be made by bringing all the pieces together. From mini cupcakes to custom labels and dazzling decor, my "Merry Kitty Christmas" table was fun, fabulous and flirty (if I do say so myself).

Since The Kitty Card colours are pink and black, I thought a pink and black Christmas theme would still pay homage to the holidays while keeping the mood girly and cute. Framed by twinkling black Christmas trees and finished with a sparkling curly willow centerpiece, the decor showcased the tempting treats and nibblies . Instead of using one of my many cupcake stands to hold the bite sized cakes, I opted for a creative Christmas twist. I wrapped some boxes in pretty wrapping paper (pink and black striped paper that I had to design and print myself because apprantly it's impossible to find such coloured wrapping around Christmas time!) and used them to create a stack of presents that would also hold the cupcakes. Since all of the fabulous Kitties enjoy a good cocktail party, I kept the candy glassware fun and kitschy, using oversized martini glasses and snifters. Scoops and tongs were hand wrapped in pretty pink satin ribbons, and black baggies were available for those wanting to take some home for a midnight snack!

Among the goodies supplied were: candycane kitty cakes, glam city (cotton candy) cupcakes, pink cherry kisses, peppermint pretzels, pink cinnamon ribbon candy, pink mints, bubblegum candycanes, and pink chocolate covered fortune cookies.

While the girlies enjoyed the Hello Bella treats tables, they were pampered with manicures, makeovers and massages by some of Van City's top beauty professionals. Andrea from Go Lucky Photography was also there to capture some stunning images of all the fun. I love the pictures she took of our treats table (featured above) as well as of the party happenings (found on the Kitty Card facebook album). All of the great vendors, including yours truly, are sponsors of the Kitty Card, which means you get exclusive deals and discounts if you're a Kitty Card member!

It was so much fun to be a part of it and to get to meet so many great new people! I will try and blog as much as I can over the holidays, but if my good intentions fail, then I wish you and yours a very Merry Kitty Christmas and a gloriously Happy New Year!


Tuesday, December 8, 2009

A few things you never knew you wanted to know about Hello Bella


I am always excited and inspired when I stumble upon a numbered selection of personal facts about someone- something I've seen on the "About" page on many a photographers website. Reading each one makes the person behind the lens, well, so much more of a person. I always enjoy reading them, and usually find I have a quite a lot in common with others in the creative fields. Although I would one day like to incorporate a comparable rap sheet to my own About page, for now I thought I would give you a little insight into myself and the company I created via the blog that I too often neglect.

10 Things About Jen and Hello Bella Events

1. I got my university degree from UBC and planned on following in my father's footsteps in financial planning. I later learned that there's a creative part of me that just wouldn't let go. I couldn't squash it, so I nurtured it and went back to BCIT for marketing and wedding planning.

2. When I was younger, I started many a small business. Here are a few:

Age 9: West Coast Hemp Creations: Hemp jewelry store run out of my bedroom. I had my own phone line that went direct to my room, and I advertised it on my flyers around the neighborhood. My little brother and his friend were my employees, and I was the president and lead designer.

Age 13: Jenna Moore Designs: Yes, I wanted to be a fasion designer, and since I didn't like my name, I changed it. I sketched many a horrid design (which I'm sure at the time were fashionable but now, just awful), and the only items that actually made it to production were halloween costumes.

Age 15: Horizon Learning: I was a nerd. I was academic, and I liked kids, so I set up my own tutoring company for elementary school kids. I wanted it to be a group class with different tutors for different subjects, but I had difficulty finding a free space to host it in. I ended up doing private tutoring instead. I made my first website for Horizon, which I was very proud of (I wish I could see what it looked like today... but alas it's lost in the internet netherland of trash).

3. Planning my own wedding was not what prompted me to start my own company. Planning incredibly detailed and fabulous parties and showers is what got me addicted, and a push from a few friends is what got me started.

4. Through Hello Bella, I have discovered even more new passions. I love love love stationery design and pretty printed materials (come on, we all know it's the little details that make the biggest impact). I think somewhere deep down there's a graphic designer wanting to come out to play. I plan on going back to school part-time for graphic design, pursuing it as more of a hobby, and will try and incorporate it into Hello Bella in a bigger way someday.

5. Before Hello Bella was Hello Bella, there were many names in the running. A few off the top of my head: Bella Luxe, Ciao Bella, Bella Blu, Bella by Jen, Luxe Couture Events, Bella Couture.

6. Where did the name Hello Bella come from? Well, I can try and deny any reference to Hello Kitty as much as I want, but really, I love Hello Kitty so I'm sure subconsciously it played a part. But mostly, I've always loved the moniker "bella" (yes, loooong before Twilight- and unfortunately I'm finding that the dawn of Twilight is leading to an overuse of MY business name- damn you Bella Swan!). My hubby is Italian, which makes it even more fitting, because he often calls me Bella ( or did I force him to call me that...hmm, not sure, can't remember). Anyhoo, at the end of the day, I wanted something that was cute, not overly wedding related (I love doing events almost as much as I do weddings), and something that was original. I also wanted it to feel good. And when I think of waking up, or walking down the aisle, or entering into a room, I can't imagine anything more "feel good" than having someone who loves you look you deep in your eyes and softly whisper into your ear " Hello, bella".

7. I sometimes feel like a little girl dressing up in my mother's cloths in her closet. I have no doubt in my abilities, my creativity, or my talent, but truth be told- I'm a newbie. There are professionals who have been in this industry for 10, 20, 30 years, and that's something I can't compete with. I mean, 10 years ago I couldn't even drive let alone contemplate running a real life business. Being around seasoned professionals is at once both intimidating and inspiring. It's amazing to be around such company, of people I look up to and who are essentially celebrities in their lines of work (Erin Gilmore, I'm talking about you!), but I feel like more of an observer than a colleague. I want more than anything to be taken seriously, but sometimes time is equated with serious, and time is what I don't have. However, if time continues to fly by as it is currently, I'm sure this won't be a problem!

8. I don't worry about my competition. "What?" you say. Well, truth be told, I'm not trying to compete. I know that there are companies out there that I will never be. Countdown Events is by far one of the largest and most reputable wedding planning companies there is in Vancouver. Their business model is divine and their work is impeccable. I don't want to be them, however. And I don't want to be their competition. I have a vision for Hello Bella that doesn't really fit in with any other business model I've seen in Vancouver. I want to keep it small, personal, unique and hand-crafted. I want to be friends with my clients, not just the hired help. I want to design small and creative parties and showers for people who are hosting them (because we've all been to too many shindigs with red plastic cups and dollar store decorations). I want to change the way people see hosting (it's not about just gathering friends around, it's about showing them you care enough to put some effort in, to pay attention to details and really create a night out that they will enjoy and savour). I want people to know it's not about the money spent, but how you spend the money. Simple details such as pretty labels and fabrics that really don't cost much can go a long way. Coming from someone who doesn't really get out that much as a guest, we really do appreciate the little touches and conveniences that our hosts have planned out. The details will be remembered, and I am all about the details.

9. I'm a vegetarian, and so is Hello Bella. Wait, that doesn't make sense! Oh well. I also don't like mushrooms, or any imperfect produce. I spend WAY too much time in the grocery store inspecting my apples for bruises and my peppers for soft spots.

10. In 5 years, I see myself with a store front/boutique. Well, not really a store and not really a boutique. I guess I'll have to think of another word to describe my vision. A "bridal resource lounge" is more fitting. Ok, let's break it down: I want a pretty space, full of plush white lounge furniture, gorgeous crystal chandeliers and tons of pretty inspiration. A free, no-obligation place for clients (brides and hosts alike) to come and pull their event together over a glass of champagne. Clients can come in, chat with me, sift through magazines and portfolios of local wedding professionals and taste their cake all in one place. For many wedding vendors who might not have a store front (photographers, videographers, etc), the space will be the perfect place to meet their prospective clients for a consultation. In the back is a stylishly decorated room complete with bar set up, flat screen TV's and more delectable furniture. This room can be rented out for meetings, but will mostly be rented out to clients for small events (showers, birthdays, engagement parties). It will be pretty place that's as comfortable as your own home to host your friends and family, except with expert decorating and concierge service.

I can't tell you how excited I am about the future, and how grateful I am to have had the support I've received over the past year. I've had some incredible clients that really do affirm that I found my calling, and my friends and family (most specifically Mr. Hello Bella) have helped me so much in making this dream a reality. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Ciao, bella!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

A Cloud of Words


Above: Custom Text based around Hello Bella Key Words

I may or may not have wasted quite a long time on this site, but I feel like it was worth every second! How fun are these word clouds? Head on over to Wordel to make your very own... and prepare to be addicted!
Above: Bella Blogs Word Cloud

Copy and paste a link from a blog to make a word cloud of commonly used blogged words...the more times you've used a word, the larger it will appear. You can customize font, colour, and layout, creating your very own piece of art.
Above: Ally Redhead Word Cloud ( to read Ally's inspiring blog, check it out here!)

Alternatively, paste any body of text into the form and it will create a word cloud for you.

Above: My Favourite Things Cloud ( to read Chloe's awesome blog, check it out here!)


How FUN would it be to use your vows, a love letter, or a favourite short story to create a word cloud. Print it out and frame it, and voila- super easy and thoughtful Christmas gift!

Monday, November 30, 2009

Faking Fashionista with the Fashion Studio

The Office Party
The Family Christmas Dinner
The Girls Night Out
The Stagette
The Christmas Party

You will never hear me claim to be a fashionista. Do I love clothes? Check! Do I try my best to look stylish? Check! Do I have the time to scour fashion mags and blogs to educate myself on what's hot this season? Negative.

Okay okay, I'll give myself a bit more credit than that- I'm well aware of the whole "neons are back" and "sequins are in" trends that have surfaced. I can put together an acceptable outfit and no fashion police will ever try to arrest me. But fashionista? Regrettably, no.

I've traded in my Vancouver dwellings and downtown hopping for a cute lil home in the burbs and trips to Home Depot with the hubby. This means that I'm removed from my previous habitat and since I spend more time in my office doing weddingy/eventy things, I am slightly oblivious to the world of fashion. Shopping for pretty wedding things, pretty things for my home, well I'm a pro! Pulling an outfit together while trying to not become horribly depressed with the fact that the freshman fifteen (or thirty) has lasted far beyond university is a challenge. A challenge I don't often take...until now.

Recently being invited to a big wedding industry party downtown has got my fashion-brain churning. What to wear? Where to get it? How to pull it together? South Surrey doesn't have a TON of options (yet), but it does have an H&M. Although nothing will ever surpass the experience of my first H&M visit in NYC, I must admit I do get a slight rush every time I walk in. All the pretty things, the designer-collaborated collections...and all for a very fair price. Well, the H&M shopping experience just got a LOT better.

I discovered the Fashion Studio while searching for outfits for previously mentioned party. When you live in the burbs, you don't have the opportunity of checking out hundreds of stores in person to find that perfect outfit. Instead of making my way from downtown to MetroTown to Coquitlam, I figured, let's just search catalogues online and see what the stores have before I go there. THANK YOU GOD for online catalogues. I love you.

BCBG has a great selection online (which will also be on my go-to list), as does H&M. But the Fashion Studio. Oh, the Fashion Studio. How I heart thee. Choose a similar looking model to yourself (don't you see the similarities? the 100 lb frame and 4 ft tall legs? Yup that's me...ok, maybe not, but we've got the blonde thing going on!). Then select from the easy-to-navigate categories and dress your model! They obviously don't have their entire stock online, but there are some great selections that should make shopping for your holiday party/ engagement party/ stagette THAT much easier.

The best part? Create a look you like, use it as inspiration, and you can go to any store to find similar pieces. Just because you're using H&M's wonderful online tool doesn't mean you need to get everything from their store. Mix and match with pieces you have, and find a similar H&M version on the Fashion Studio to see what it would look like all pulled together.

I came up with these creations, and hopefully I'm not breaking any fashion rules! Lucky for me, I've volunteered my uber fashionable friend and fashion editor Chloe as my personal stylist to double check any of my ensembles to make sure they're appropriate for the downtown crowd. Chloe, check your inbox! I need help!

Winter Bolero Round-Up


Tulle bolero: Eve of Milady, $995, Bridal Reflections; Beaded bolero: Monique Lhuillier for Kleinfeld, $2,500, Kleinfeld

Here we are, well into the months of dreaded Vancouver weather. It feels like yesterday that spring was just starting to break through....and now we're right back to long dark days and frigid windy nights. Just because the weather isn't very happy right now doesn't mean there aren't tons of lovely couples choosing to have their big day in the Winter. There is something very whimsical and romantic about a winter wedding (any Twilight lovers will see the romance in dreary grey and endless rain).


Although it's totally acceptable to wear a strapless gown at any time of the year, I love finding options for those who want the look of a strapless with a little bit more coverage. These daring and fashion forward boleros are just that find. I stumbled upon these on the incredible blog Classic Bride, and just had to share them with you! A bit out of your price range? Yes, I know- these do cost a pretty penny. But take the inspiration and head on over to etsy, where you can get alot more bang for your buck, and get a unique, hand-crafted bolero to boot. There are plenty of pre-designed options to choose from, or you can commission a custom designed bolero through etsy's Alchemy (don't you just love that word "commision"? I wish I could commission a lot more things in life, like a hand carved cameo, or perhaps an original painting!).

Boleros from top left, clockwise: Tocatta, $178/ Bonzie, $145/ Toccata $185/ Trendy Knitting $159

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Show Your Kitty



Show Your Kitty. Get the goods. Or so sayeth the people over at Kitty Card. I stumbled upon the Kitty Card tonight, and I'd be lying if I said that their website didn't titillate me first, urging me to discover what product was so deserving of such luxury design treatment. The Kitty Card is to the fashionista/bride-to-be/pretty much any girly girl what the Entertainment Book is to my mom (minus the big book and annoying coupons part). Show your adorable pink and black Kitty Card at participating locations for exclusive discounts and deals (which, I'm not going to lie, I'd much rather do than present a ripped coupon). The card is $25, which offers you deals on wedding makeup, tanning, fashion, restaurants and more. The company is fairly new, so their directory has a bit of growing to do, but I'm sure as it becomes more wide stream that the savings will be endless. Also, there are loads of services geared to the bride-to-be: wedding make-up, personal training, wedding photography, clothing & accessories etc. It costs a lot to be a girl...so why not save a few bucks while looking fabulous?

Friday, November 20, 2009

Rum and Eggnog Cupcakes: The Recipe



Mmmm mmmm good.
These tasty little holiday treats were actually born from my in-the-making Christmas Bella Bash (consider this a sneak peak). Although I probably won't be throwing my own Christmas party this year (shocking, I know), I wanted to make my Bella Bash photo shoot realistic so I brainstormed some festive goodies I would have served were I to have played hostess. Well, lets just say the photo shoot is days away, and the cupcakes are ready right now. Thank goodness it was my mom's birthday tonight, because it definitely saved me from eating them all (and I didn't have to bake her a birthday cake- yay!)

Why rum and eggnog cupcakes? Rum cake is a family birthday staple in my household, and well, eggnog is eggnog, it doesn't need any explanation because it's just that good. The rum cake all started with my dad, who likes a little bit more rum than cake, but got us all hooked after requesting this moist and delicious treat for every one of his birthdays. My mom makes the best rum cake, and for those who have tasted Tortuga Rum Cake from the Caribbean, well, her's puts it to shame. She just uses boxed cake mix, putting a little spin on it by adding vanilla pudding powder and substituting rum for some of the water in the directions. She uses a rum/sugar glaze for the actual bundt cake, but for cupcakes, we'll stick with the eggnog buttercream.

To make the rum cupcake batter:

  • 1 package yellow cake mix
  • 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup dark rum

Follow instructions on cake box and spoon into cupcake cups.

To make the eggnog buttercream icing:

1 C. room temp. butter
6-8 C. powdered sugar
2 t. vanilla
1/2 C. eggnog
1-2 t. nutmeg
(for an extra punch, add a few drops of rum flavoured extract. If you find your buttercream too thin, add more icing sugar, or a little meringue powder to stiffin it).

Cream the butter for 30 seconds until smooth. Add the rest of the ingredients. Mix until combined. Use a pastry bag and round tip to pipe onto cupcakes, and sprinkle with a bit more nutmeg.

Because of the eggnog in the icing, the buttercream will expire so make sure to use it up quick (like that will be a problem). Also, the cupcakes are best served chilled, straight out of the fridge. The icing will get fairly soft if left at room temp because of the amount of liquid and butter in it ;)

Enjoy!



Classic Bridal Shower on the Bella Bash Boutique





Here is the third and final party from my premiere collection. It's classic and simple, and was inspired by the elegance of traditional wedding stationery. I love cerulean blue and figured it would be a great palette to work with for those wanting to host a very non-themed, elegant bridal shower for a like minded bride to be. I'm all for uber girly, but not everyone else is! I actually think this set would be perfect for a high tea shower. Have the girls wear white gloves and a fancy chapeau, toss in some petit fours, mini scones and little sandwiches, and you're set to go!

The Classic Bride Party includes:


Invitation & Envelope
Thank You Card & Envelope
Cupcake Wraps (for Regular and mini cupcakes)
Cupcake Pick Toppers
Napkin Wraps
Candle Wraps
Favor Box
Favor Bag
Gift Tags/ Place Cards/ Labels
Gift Log
Patterned Paper


Check out my etsy shop The Bella Bash Boutique!


Monday, November 16, 2009

Photographer Portrait: Cathy Empey


















When I say that I am in love with everything that has to do with these photos, I mean it. These INCREDIBLE wedding details were shot by local photographer (and November vendor crush of the month) Cathy Empey. Cathy had the opportunity to attend a photography workshop put on by the incomparable Jessica Claire and styled by some of the best vendors the wedding industry has to offer. Yes, this wedding was already stunning to begin with, but Cathy's photographs take it to an entirely new level of pretty. I find her images soft and delicate, whimsical and airy, and undeniably feminine. This shouldn't come as a surprise, however, considering her primary subjects are boudoir clients! I usually select vendors that I've personally worked with for my picks of the month, but I honestly couldn't shake the emotions her photos evoked. I just had to share these with you and hope that you get that same feeling too!

Cathy also generously answered a few questions, so check out her interview below!

Hello Bella: How and when did you start your career as a photographer?

Cathy Empey: I have always had an interest in photography. My mom recently gave me a photo of myself pretending to take a photo with my Dad's light metre. I was copying him at age 2 or so. Then, in high school I took a few blocks of film photography, print production and art (taught by my Dad who was the high school art teacher). I have always enjoyed taking photos. So, after having a maternity session after the birth of my sixth and final child, I felt wonderful and beautiful. So, I decided that I wanted to buy a camera and get back into photography. I knew I could make others feel just as beautiful as I did that day. And so, that was just over one year ago. It has been an amazing journey!

Hello Bella: Obviously the experience of shooting a wedding is much different than a boudoir session. What are your favourite aspects of each?

Cathy Empey: Boudoir is my first love, and is true to my heart. It is so exciting to help other women feel sexy and beautiful! The sessions are fun, they are posed and are short sessions. A wedding is a whole different environment. Every couple is different, their stories are different, and each wedding is unique. I LOVE LOVE, and to be able to capture that love between two people on one of the most important days of their lives, is such an honour! I knew after helping shoot at one wedding at the beginning of the year, and attending the Jessica Claire workshop that this would be the next direction I would take in my business. I am pleased to offer wedding photography to the Fraser Valley area and beyond in 2010. My goal is to offer a complete wedding experience! My goal is to create lasting images the go beyond the ordinary!

Hello Bella: What are your favourite wedding shots to take?

Cathy Empey: Besides capturing portraits of the bride and groom, I would have to say the little details that make the couples wedding unique. Items that tell their unique story. I like details that are interesting and captivating.

Hello Bella: What is the most valuable thing you learned from the incomparable Jessica Claire?

Cathy Empey: Jessica Claire reminded us that EVERY photographer has a point of view. It is my job as photographer to be sure to be the best ME I can be, and to share my point of view with my clients, and my blog readers. Managing clients expectations down to the tiny-tiny details is another very important part of the equation. She also taught me to invest in my brand, and in myself. And to BE myself. I am passionate about photography, and I believe that I can give the best experience to my clients. This passion is what drives me to do the best I can, for everybody that I photograph.

Hello Bella: Who are your boudoir clients mostly composed of? (brides-to-be, newlyweds, etc)

Cathy Empey: I have noticed that the majority of my boudoir clients are women that want to do the session for themselves. ( This is an awesome side benefit to their spouse, or husband-to-be!)

Hello Bella: Words used to describe your work?

Cathy Empey: Timeless, beautiful, modern, simple and warm.


[The Details]

The First Ever Jessica Claire OC Workshop, Orange County, California - September 21, 2009

Photographer: Cathy Empey, http://www.cathyempey.com

Event & Photo Stylist: Grey Likes Weddings, http://www.greylikesweddings.wordpress.com

Floral Design: Lauryl Lane, http://www.lauryllane.com

Hair & Makeup: Vivian Tran: All Made Up, http://www.allmadeupteam.com

Wedding Stationery, Favors, and Paper Suite: MaeMae Paperie, http://www.maemaepaperie.com

Printing of paper products: Czar Press, http://www.czarpress.com

Fabric Rosettes, shoe clips, and "just married" banner over cake: B. Poetic: http://www.bpoetic.com

Cake: Cheryl Stewart of Cake My Day

Monday, November 9, 2009

Real Wedding: Sarah + Sean

The new Mr. & Mrs!



Sarah and her father


I love this jumping shot!






Wine Labels: Hello Bella Events






This beautiful September reception was so much fun to plan. Everything pulled together wonderfully, including gorgeous weather, a stunning bride and groom, and plenty of tearful moments with close family and friends (some who flew in from Australia!). It wasn't an easy road to get there, however. Sarah and Sean planned to be married in Mexico this last May, and to have a big reception when they got back. Well, a few weeks before their departure to Cabo, travel came to a BIG halt because of the prevalent swine flu. Fast forward to September, where the happy couple finally made their trip to say their vows, and came home a Mr & Mrs! You might remember Sarah from the Vegas themed bridal shower, but for a little refresher, check the post out here.

The after-marriage reception felt very much like a traditional wedding reception- well, except for the fact that the head table was replaced with a treats table, complete with a candy buffet, a cupcake tower and an assortment of wine favors. A video of their Mexican wedding played in the background, and a magician entertained kids and adults alike with his amazing card tricks and incredible magic. Morgan Creek was a beautiful location ( and not just because I hosted my own wedding there), and the food impeccable as always! I still have fantasies about that chocolate fountain (the best chocolate you will ever ever ever taste).

The cupcake tower was a joint effort, with the father of the groom building the massive cupcake tower, and myself and Sarah baking the cupcakes. I iced all 200 of them that day at the venue, and with heart racing, was able to get them finished off just in time. The flavours were delicious: purple vanilla, pink cotton candy, blue raspberry, and orange creamsicle buttercream icing on an assortment of chocolate, french vanilla and lemon cupcakes. Sarah wanted a couples cutting cake to resemble a supersized cupcake, so I used fondant and buttercream to create the look. And the flowers. Oh, the flowers! Sarah brought a picture out of a magazine for Cathy of All Tyme Florists to recreate, and boy did she deliver. I think the bouquets actually looked better than the ones in the bridal mag. The stunning colours of the flowers and the cupcakes complimented the pared down and neutral decor of the room. With subtle touches of the beach to reference their ocean-side wedding, everything really really worked to create that romantic feel Sarah and Sean were looking for.

And last, but certainly not least, Larissa Addison of Luxe Photography took all of these gorgeous photos above, plus so many more incredible shots. I profiled her for my October vendor of the month, and you can check that post out here.

Magician: Vancouver Magic
Candy Buffet, Favor Labels, Cupcakes: Hello Bella Events
Photography: Luxe Photography