Cupcake Flags: etsy Tuesday

Above: TomKatStudio

Above: GoAgainstTheGrain

Above: TheCupcakeGirl

Above: KioKreations

Above: Cupcakesocia

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Above: Cake flag from prettysmitten

Above seller: cupcakesocial

Above seller: inkwinkdesign

Above seller: SevenCupcakes

I didn't forget, don't you worry! I've got 43 minutes until etsy Tuesday becomes "you're late" wednesday, so here's my last minute post full of fun etsy finds! I'm always inspired by the fabulous weddings over at Martha Stewart, and one of my favourite details of this year's wedding features has been cupcake flags. They can be cute and elegant, fun and whimsical, and I can't think of an easier way to dress up your cupcakes! Beyond wedding cupcakes, these flags can be used for all occasions! Think Halloween, birthdays, showers, engagement parties etc. They would also be a great DIY project, or save yourself the hard work head on over to the fabulous sellers at etsy and get them shipped straight to your door.

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!

Ice Cream Parlour Dessert Table

Oh. My. Gosh. OH MY!!!! I just about DIED when I came across this too-cute-for-words DIY Ice Cream Parlour. First off, anyone who knows me (or anyone who has seen my website design or blog), can tell you that I love pink. I really love pink. And I also have a HUGE soft spot for dessert-table-esque features at weddings and parties and showers. I think they are an amazingly adorable way to tie in your colours and give your guests something to munch on. Hence why this DIY Ice Cream Parlour is complete and utter perfection if you ask me. Not only is it incredible to look at, but the fabulous Amy from Eat, Drink, Chic has provided you with the templates so that you can create your very own fabulous Ice Cream Parlour for your next party. Heck, I might even have to try one myself. I have a baby shower that I'm working on for October, and I just might have to add this to the list!

Coming up this week...

I know, I know, I've been absurdly MIA with blogging as of late. A 2-wedding weekend and a visit by the in-laws is enough to knock my usual interneting off schedule. I promise, however, that I do have some fun stuff in store for you starting tomorrow. In the works: recap from both of this weekends weddings, a Vancouver "celebrity" photographer profile, more fun etsy finds, engagement party ideas, and some cute stationary templates. Stay tuned and hopefully you enjoy what's coming up. Have a great week bellas!

Red and Blue Inspiration: Etsy Tuesday

Pleated Collar Dress from AmandaArcher

Moroccan Save the Date from Cheerupcherup

Bird cage fascinator from 10eisha

Red Velvet Mini Cupcakes from TabbyCat13

Ok, these shoe slips might not be red or blue, but I still absolutely love them! So adorable!

Shoe Clips by bpoetic

Monogram Pocketfol Invite from beyonddesign

It's Tuesday yet again! Man how the days are just flying by! I am saying farewell to my favourite month August and hesitantly embracing September by featuring a more autumn inspired palette for this etsy Tuesday collection.

A lot of people choose to get married in late September/October because let's face it, the summer weekends book up FAST! Not to mention there's something very enticing and romantic about a crisp fall wedding. The one thing that does drive me a little bonkers with fall weddings, however, is the abundance of "fall colours" like orange, brown and red. Sure, these colours look stunning when falling from a beautiful maple in the heart of Ontario... but for your wedding? Not so much. So I say, if you're getting married in the fall, make use of all of the gorgeous colours that one might not use in the bright summer months. Take your cues from the fashion world, and incorporate dazzling jewel tones like purple, cobalt, emerald and red. Make a statement with your wedding that doesn't just say "I'm having a fall wedding". For this post I sourced out red and navy handcrafted items, but I also really love peacock colours for fall. What are your favourite fall colour combinations?

The Wonders of Tissue Paper

Above: Underfunded Heiress

All photos, unless noted, are from Martha Stewart

Diaper Cake via Lucky Baby

When it comes to decorating your event, it's fairly safe to say that you are limited for options. You can go the decorator route and opt for complete and utter amazingness with wall drapings and fancy shmancy everything, or you can go to a local dollar or party store and stock up on all kinds of tacky cheesiness that even a 10 year old would frown at. The lack of pleasing event decor that is somewhere in the middle in terms of budget and accessibility is down right disturbing!

That is why when I came across these pictures of tissue paper pom poms from Martha Stewart I jumped for joy! These are not a new idea, and I must admit I thought they were rather childish when I first saw them a few years ago. However, after giving them a go and making them on my own for the Barbie shower I threw earlier this year, I can't say enough good things about these Martha Stewart "good things". Tissue poms are fun, pretty, unpretentious and generally low maintenance (so in other words pretty much any guy's dream date!).

They are so ridiculously easy to make (don't bother buying the kits, just use tissue paper, floral wire and you're set!) and since you can make them in a variety of colours and sizes, they are perfect decor for pretty much any event (think: baby shower, bridal shower, birthday, engagement party, rehearsal dinner, bridesmaid brunch etc etc). They definitely add a finishing touch to your party, and since you can make them in all sizes they can be used pretty much anywhere. I used pink pom poms in different sizes to fill out the dessert table at the Barbie bridal shower, and another blogger used them to pretty up a diaper cake. Your options are endless and are only limited by your creative prowess. They are a bit time consuming to make, so if you want a bunch of them either start early or round up the ladies for a good ole wine and Martha night! Happy crafting!

For pictorial instructions, check out Imperfectly Beautiful

Modern Bridal Couture by Alex Perry

I've been a long time fan of classic, romantic bridal couture by my favourites Melissa Sweet and Monique Lhuillier. I must say, however, that these edgy and modern inspired bridal frocks by Aussie Alex Perry are pretty drool worthy as well. I think every bride should "dress for the wedding", so if you're having a non-traditional cocktail reception in a funky loft, why wear a cathedral gown? Reflect your modern wedding style with a little Alex Perry!