A Peacock Affair | Hello Bella Bridal Shower

Flowers by Ah Perfect Petals

Flowers by Ah Perfect Petals

Flowers by Ah Perfect Petals

Flowers by Ah Perfect Petals

Cake by Anna Elizabeth Cakes

Flowers by Ah Perfect Petals

Nothing makes my job more fun than when a hostess like Sandie comes along. Sandie, the sole bridesmaid/MOH for her best friend's wedding wanted to throw the bride a very special shower. Something as beautiful as it would be meaningful, and a party she would never forget.

A very pregnant Sandie left the design in my hands and let me run with it, and knowing that she was stylish and loved attention to detail as much as me made the planning process easy and exciting. (It's hard coming from a creative standpoint and having a vision- if my clients don't share that vision or have dissimilar tastes, I of course work within their parameters- however it's much more rewarding getting to do something creative and pretty! So thank you Sandie!)

An eager and charming client wasn't the only part of this event that made it such a blast to design and plan. I lined up an excellent team of my favourite vendors knowing that they would share my vision, and boy they did not fall short! The shower was held at the renowned Italian Kitchen (part of the Glowbal Group) in the upstairs section that isn't used during the day (THANK YOU Italian Kitchen and our INCREDIBLE server/bartender Mark who let us take claim over the entire upstairs). Mark, by the way, was so amazing and made the most succulent mock mojito I have ever ever tasted. Vanilla Apple Mojito - To. Die. For (definitely stealing this drink recipe for my upcoming housewarming). Ok, sorry about that little tangent- back to my amazing vendors!

Once deciding on our colour scheme I phoned up my florist Kari of Ah Perfect Petals. Kari is a hidden gem in a world of countless florists, and if you're lucky enough to work with her you'll know what I mean. She really really cares about her clients and that is so pivotal in a client/vendor relationship. And her flowers- oh her flowers! Her creative eye is spot on and her design skills impeccable. I sent her about 5 inspiration photos prior to the shower, some outrageously intricate, and some more simple. She absolutely blew the roof off of any expectations I had, and I can't thank Kari enough for her part in creating this gorgeous event.

Another vendor I love to work with (and who you'll probably see often on my blog and facebook page) is Anna of Anna Elizabeth Cakes. An up and comer with an incredible eye for detail, this young talent is sure to garner a lot of attention in the cake world. I let her know the theme/colour scheme we were working with, and that same day she came back to me with an assortment of design renderings to help us decide on our cake design. I loved how our cake turned out, and her fondant work and handpainting is amazing. Her cakes are always original- no boring copies here! And if you think these cakes are just pretty, wait until you try one! She pays as much attention to what's on the inside as she does on the outside with flavours like vanilla bean cake soaked in raspberry simple syrup with rapsberry coulis with white chocolate buttercream. DELISH!

My vendor trifecta I've affectionately dubbed AAA (Ah Perfect Petals, Anna Elizabeth Cakes, and All Occassions) was rounded out by the wonderful rentals at All Occasions Chic Decor Rentals. Carolyn is awesome to work with, and was extremely accommodating with my last minute orders and changes! The gorgeous wishing tree, peacock feathers, brown and turquoise linens were all rented from All Occassions (pink runners were generously supplied by Kari of APP).

There's a slew of inspiration out there for peacock weddings/events. Both Sandie and I shared the vision that although the theme was peacock, we didn't want it to overwhelm and take away from everything else. A touch here, and splash there was all that was needed. In addition to the gorgeous jewel tones throughout the room, we used peacock feathers to accent the table settings and I designed a peacock menu inspired by a wedding invitation I spotted on etsy. The same peacock graphic was also echoed in the wishing tree notecards and the he said/ she said game cards. Sandie ordered customized Jones sodas online that featured a picture of the bride and groom and was a much enjoyed guest take home favour.

Well, that was a long so I shall stop here! Hope everyone enjoys their April and check back soon for more blog posts!

Real Wedding: Sarah + Sean

The new Mr. & Mrs!

Photo: Luxe Photography

Photo: Luxe Photography

Photo: Luxe Photography

Flowers: All Tyme Florists

Sarah and her father

Photo: Luxe Photography

Photo: Luxe Photography

I love this jumping shot!

Photo: Luxe Photography

Photo: Luxe Photography

Flowers: All Tyme Florists

Photo: Luxe Photography

Cupcakes: Hello Bella Events

Photo: Luxe Photography

Photo: Luxe Photography

Flowers: All Tyme Florists

Candy Buffet: Hello Bella Events

Photo: Luxe Photography

Wine Labels: Hello Bella Events

Photo: Luxe Photography

Photo: Luxe Photography

DJ: Frost Entertainment

Photo: Luxe Photography

Flowers: All Tyme Florists

Photo: Luxe Photography

Photo: Luxe Photography

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.

Venue: Morgan Creek Golf & Country Club

Flowers: All Tyme Florists

Magician: Vancouver Magic

DJ/ MC: Frost Entertainment

Candy Buffet, Favor Labels, Cupcakes: Hello Bella Events

Photography: Luxe Photography

Real Wedding: Swan-E-Set 09/05/09

Floral Centerpieces of white hydrangeas and pink orchids designed by Blooming Buds.

Above photos: Hello Bella

Above photos: Source- Swan-E-Set

Labour day long weekend was a busy one! With two weddings and a rainy forecast, I certainly was concerned with what the days would bring. Friday lucked out with some gorgeous blue skies and the perfect amount of sunshine (that wedding recap still to come), while Saturday didn't fair as well but still held off long enough to get some great shots in for the wedding party photos.

I wish I had more pictures of Saturday's wedding, because it really was beautiful. I was honestly so busy and running around all day to make sure this 240 guest wedding went smoothly that snapping the four photos I did take was almost enough to throw me off schedule. The wedding was held at the always spectacular Swan-E-Set, and I say if you haven't been it's definitely worth the drive. You're greeted with some spectacular gates and a fabulously surreal tree-lined road that may as well be out of a film. After a windy drive, you pull up to the grandest of golf club houses you will find in the lower mainland, and the inside is even more impressive than it's castle-like exterior. The 3rd floor ballroom showcases stunning recessed ceilings, elegant chandeliers and impressively tall windows. The team there is spectacular to deal with, namely the on-site co-ordinator Tegan.

The wedding was a beautiful and elegant display of my favourite colour pairing (pink and grey/silver!) and the bride and groom and wedding party were gorgeous enough to have walked out of a magazine. It was so much fun to do, and I can't say how much I love getting to know all my clients. Congrats Brook and Melissa and I wish you a long and happy life together!

Beautiful Blooms

Gorgeous bouquet of roses, anemones, tulips, dusty miller and craspedia (aka billy balls). Anemones in season Jan- May and Aug-Dec. Tulips in season Dec-April.

Source: above and below-Lotus Haus and Love and Splendor

Dahlias are absolutely stunning and come in so many colours! Probably one of my all time favourite flowers. In season: summer.

Source: Martha Stewart

Ranunculas are another one of my faves, and are a great alternative to peonies during the off season. In season Feb-May.

Source: Mocha Rose

Source: The Knot

And really, what can top peonies for wedding flowers? They are just SPECTACULAR! So incredibly romantic. In season: Spring (May/June)

Source: The Knot

And I had to post this bouquet because it reminds me so much of my own. The colours and textures are very similar, although I had dahlias and not peonies since I was married in August!

Source: Wedding Flowers

I can't really imagine a wedding without flowers. Of course, it's been done before, and it's been done fairly effectively (using feathers or branches or another alternative). But really, flowers breathe life into a wedding. That same feeling you have when you put fresh flowers in your home is exactly the same effect that flowers have on your wedding, except times a million. In addition to the gorgeous blooms above, I also love orchids of any kind and calla lillies. Flowers definitely should reflect your personal style and overall wedding theme, so make sure to choose flowers that suit you and compliment your wedding vision, not just flowers that everyone else would choose. Be original, mix and match, and make sure to layer textures and colours for the most impact!

Monogram Giveaway!

Above: "Ella"

Above: "Madison"

Above: "Paris"

Above: "Carolina"

Above: "Whimsy"

This weekend is my 1 year wedding anniversary, and in celebration I am giving away custom monograms for free! Yup, that's right, free! I was having so much fun playing around and designing monograms last night, and thought maybe someone out there might like one for their own use!

It doesn't even have to be for a wedding- if you just want your name for your own stationary, or have a birthday or shower and would like a monogram for it, let me know! To get your custom monogram, email me at jen@hellobella.com and provide me with the name of the monogram you want, the colours and what you want incorporated (names, initials, dates). I'll have the giveaway open until Friday, August 28th and will accept the first 20 entries. I will try and get your monogram to you as soon as I can, but expect it to arrive within a week!

Carnation Nation: Flowers for the Recessionista

The national flower of Spain is a hardy, inexpensive bloom, and is available in almost every corner shop or grocery store. Despite it’s availability and affordability, I have never been a big fan of carnations. My first encounter with the flower was in Gr. 4 on Valentine’s day. A boy with a childhood crush decided to propose to me in front of the class and gave me a bouquet of carnations (no doubt intended for the teacher). Completely mortified, I stuffed the carnations in my backpack upside down, and threw them in the garbage as soon as I got home.

I haven’t really paid much attention to the flower since that day, but I’ve never been drawn to them in any way when browsing for flowers. As a good friend with a family business in memorials once said, carnations are the flower of funerals, and who really wants flowers that remind us of death? My negative feelings toward the carnation proved to me to be a challenge. With the current economic climate, why not try and use this affordable and versatile flower in new ways?

One thing to focus on when working with carnations, or any flowers for that matter, is to minimize flaws and maximize assets. Since the abundance of stem and greenery takes away from what carnations have to offer, get rid of the stem! What do carnations have to offer? Well, they come in a variety of vibrant and complimentary colours, and they bunch together quite nicely. The two centerpieces I designed that are featured on this post show two very different sides of the carnation: girly glam and understated modern. Carnations also make great pomanders that can be used for pew decor, and a google image search of carnation centerpieces is sure to provide you with loads of ideas.

Carnations may never win my heart over like peonies or orchids, but I have definitely gained a newfound respect for them. The next time I’m picking up a few groceries for dinner, I might not walk past the carnations with the same indifference as I did before. In fact, I might even head straight for them.