The Skinny on Shapers

I have yet to meet a bride who hasn't been on some sort of "wedding diet" or "wedding work-out routine". Whether you're looking to drop a few, or you're naturally thin and looking to add some curves, chances are, if you're getting married, you're concerned about how you're going to look in that dress. It is probably that one moment in your life that surpasses all bikini seasons and all high school reunions to jump-start your motivation and kick your butt into gear for getting into shape. Unfortunately, not everyone reaches their "goal" size for the wedding, because really, who isn't a stress eater (to all those who don't eat when they're stressed out, I have words for you...not fair!)? There are parties and celebrations and showers leading up to the big day, and that means plenty of food and cocktails to counteract all the good stuff you've been doing in the gym.

If your wedding is mere weeks away and you're not down to the size you had envisioned you would be, fear not. There are some great "slimming" garments out there that work wonders! They really do smooth you out and suck you in, and can make you look 1 -2 sizes smaller! Now, you must understand that these won't be the "pretty" undergarments you see on TV or in magazines, and you might want to slip into the washroom to remove them before your groom gets a look-see. You may even want to wait about half an hour and hope all of the indentations in your skin start to disappear before strutting into your bridal suite.

These undies aren't going to be super cheap; budget for around $100 for them, although many are less. Read up on reviews and find out which one is best for you. I suggest the style that start right under your bra and go to mid-thigh for optimal "sucking-inage".

The above shaper is by the very well known company "Spanx". Known for their celebrity endorsements and being one of the first shaper companies to actually make comfortable and discreet shapers, Spanx is readily available online and in stores, and would be great for your wedding under things. This one is about $75 US and can be found right here: http://www.spanx.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2990122&cp=2992553.3010022&parentPage=family

The black shaper above is also available in nude (but it just looks so much prettier in black, right?). It is made by the lesser known but equally (if not more) effective company Dr. Rey's Shapewear. It's available in all sorts of styles, but I personally found the one above on Sears.com and I loved it! It costs about 50 bones, and I definitely recommend this one for creating a very sexy hour-glass shape. Find this one here: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_018E0014000P?vName=Clothing&cName=Intimates&sName=Shapewear

I'm certain you'll be amazed by the incredible power these shapers have, and honestly believe they are a must have for any girl looking to slim down a bit to look fab in her dress. Good luck and happy shaping!

Above dress is from Watters & Watters.

Ocean Club Wedding- 08/09/09

Just wanted to share a few pics from this weekend's wedding at the Ocean Club in West Vancouver. The modern looking resto-lounge was enhanced with a touch of old world, Hollywood regency glamour. Curly willow and greenery displayed in eiffel vases trimmed with black feathers added a natural but elegant element to the space. Fabric panels disguised the restaurants artwork, and hanging lanterns showcased the ceilings. Crystal did an amazing job with all of the little details, like the hand stamped matchbook favours that accompanied the sparklers that were lit for the first dance. Outside the Ocean Club, a red carpet greeted guests and set the tone for the old Hollywood theme. It was a beautiful day, and the rain let up just in time! In fact, the sun peaked out and shone down on the couple right as they were saying their vows at a private residence in Edgemont Village. Congrats Crystal and Mike on your beautiful wedding and to a long and wonderful life together!

Oh Sweet Heaven!

You thought a candy buffet was just a candy buffet, didn't you? Wrong! Anyone can toss some candy into a few jars and call it a candy buffet, but just a peak at the work of the talented Amy Atlas of NYC will open your eyes to the true art of the dessert table.

These gorgeous tablscapes of sweetness look almost too pretty to touch, and are comprised of everything from candy (duh!), to cookies, cakes, cupcakes, chocolates and other tempting treats. The key to creating your own work of yummy art is to stick with either one colour combo or a certain theme (such as vintage or retro). Love the custom "Something Borrowed" cookies? Check out the great local company www.thestevestoncookiecompany.com for your very own personalized treats.

For an inexpensive way to make your table look fab, create different levels of interest with cardboard boxes covered in craft paper or wallpaper. Add some ribbon and pretty labels, and a great backdrop to showcase your work of art, and presto! You might have yourself a candy buffet worth drooling over.

If you want to check out some more fabulousness, go to www.amyatlas.com and you're in for a treat!

Bags for your maids!

Bridesmaids, oh bridesmaids! What would we do without them? For the most part, bridesmaids will be your lifesaver! They are everything that your fiance is not: excited about the ribbon you bought, eager to get your bikini waxes done before the wedding, and hopefully completely willing to let you unload all of your wedding stresses on. Not only do they act as your lovely sidekick throughout your wedding planning process, they likely have shelled out a lot of dough on dresses, shoes, shower gifts, shower planning and your ridiculous stagette (well, I say likely, because there are definitely some who do none of the above). Regardless, you are expected to thank your girls in the most appropriate way possible, and that means prezzies!

If you have a friend with specific tastes and they're uber easy to pick out presents for, then go for it! If they are a little more complex and have a wide array of interests, I say go for the bridesmaid bag! This is a perfect option because it can handle any size budget. For a teeny weeny budget, opt for a paper gift bag customized by you, and fill with the necessary goods. For a splurge, grab some incredible oversized hobo bags that will have your girls leaping for joy, and stuff it with even more exciting treats. Other types of holders you can stuff with stuff: fold-up toilettries bags, cosmetic bags, canvas tote bags, carry-on luggage bags, gym bags, picnic baskets, wicker baskets, laundry hampers, beverage coolers, beach bags and so on.

What I like the most about maids' bags is that you're likely to include at least ONE thing that they absolutely love, which means you really can't go wrong. By including a variety of smaller gifts you're not risking buying your future sister-in-law one big ticket item that she really will never use or just flat out doesn't like. A few ideas for your bridesmaid bag stuffers:

~a classic or special edition vintage book hand-picked for each one

~spa treats: scented candles, bubble bath, lotions and bath beads, slippers

~cooking lessons, cook books, a pretty apron, some organic cookie mixes, fun shaped cake pans

~gardening tools, seed packets (maybe even for the same flowers used at your wedding)

~ handmade pottery

~photo albums or scrapbooking things

~yoga classes with a yoga mat, towel and a lululemon headband

~for a beach bag: towels, sunscreen, lip balm, body butter, sunglasses, bikini, a fab floppy hat

~perfume, make-up

~jewelry set

~travel items: luggage tag, small cosmetic containers for carry-on, inflatable neck pillow, mini bottles of booze;)

~bottle of wine, corkscrew, decanter, glasses, and some really yummy dark chocolate

And, although it's super cute for the wedding, I say try to avoid any "Bridesmaid" embroidery on their bags. They'll be much more likely to use it again if you keep it plain. Instead, try using the sticky monogram embroidered patches from Fabricland, as they look great and can peel right off if your maid would like.

Gorgeous vintage, rock and roll wedding!

A little eye candy from a GORGEOUS real wedding in San Diego. I absolutely love the dramatic colours and the brides wicked unique dress!

More pics at: http://www.projectwedding.com/real_wedding/show/alison-david-san-diego-ca

First the E-ring, then the E-Session

So, I'm trying to NOT make this blog all about things I wish I could have done for my wedding, but alas here's another one. For some reason, I decided to forgo an engagement photo shoot. My love for photography hadn't quite hatched at that time, and I was still pleasantly satisfied with the pictures I had from the day that we got engaged, so I just never really thought twice about it.

Well, if I hadn't already regretted this decision, this amazing photo shoot sure would have done the trick! Photographed by famed local photographers Reine and Jana are possibly the cutest couple I know: Meghan and Chris. You might recognize Meghan from the Barbie bridal shower, and you're sure to hear more about this couple after their September 4th wedding.

In the meantime, soak up the gorgeousness that is this photo. I love the location, I love the expressions, but I really really love the unique vintage quality the photo has. The suspenders and the sweet piggy back ride just have "The Notebook" written all over it for me. Kinda makes me want to round up my hubby and go for a ride on a ferris wheel. But most of all, it makes me incredibly happy for these two. Not only have they found each other and a future full of happiness, but they have possibly the raddest engagement photos I could ever imagine.

All the best you two!

The Dress: After the Final Pose

So, the day is done, your tan is starting to fade from that wicked honeymoon, and you're quickly realizing how much stuff you have left over from your wedding. Time to start clearing your life of stacks of paper and ribbons and bows. But that dress. Oh that dress! You spent months scouring bridal magazines, hours browsing online, and tried on many to find it. But when you did, it took mere moments to fall in love and start a very fulfilling relationship with it. Now what? What do you do with this sentimental, wearable piece of art?

Before my wedding, I completely assumed I would NEVER be one of those "I'm keeping my dress forever" kind of girls. Although I must admit wearing my mom's wedding dress for a highschool play, and subsequently covering it in blood for my zombie bride halloween costume was very much fun, I certainly never had any intention of ever wearing her dress for my own wedding. And if I don't expect my own daughter to wear my dress, then what's the point in keeping it?

I know it's pretty useless to me now, but for some reason I still can't bring myself to let it go. It's so pretty, so ME, and whenever I look at it every single emotion and memory from that day comes flooding back. I'm hoping that after my eventual "trash the dress" session that my dress's future might become more clear to me (yes, I know I've been married for almost a year, but I am planning on getting all bridal again and dragging my hubby along to some fun and creative shoot just the two of us. I'm just waiting for the "right" time, aka, for 15 pounds to magically melt off my body while simultaneously tanning to a gorgeous caramel without the ensuing potential skin damage).

Anyhow, for those of you who are also unsure of what to do with your wedding dress, here are a few ideas:

1.) Sell it or Donate it: This is a very eco-friendly option since by recycling your dress you are preventing the production of at least one new dress (if not more if it is resold again and again). Try consignment stores like Treat Bridal in Langley or www.oncewed.com online. Use any extra money from the sale to settle into your newlywed life or pay off any remaining wedding debts.

2.) Preserve it: If you really can't bring yourself to part with your dress, make sure you have it professionally preserved. This will prevent any fabric discoloration or degradation from occurring.

3.) Reuse it: Although not feasible for some styles of dresses, think about having it died or altered to be worn as a cocktail or formal dress.

4.) Recreate it: Have a blanket or throw pillows made from the fabric, or even doll dresses that can be passed on to your children.

5.) Art-ify it: (Ok, I made that word up. I think. I mean, I'm sure someone else has probably made it up before me, but just thought I'd get it out there that sometimes I alter words.) Anyways, if you really love your dress and could stare at it for hours on end like me, why not have a local artist or art student/fashion designer sketch out a rendering of your dress in classy greyscale? Frame it, mount it, adore it. Then refer to another one of the previous numbers.

Anyone else have any other good ideas on what to do with your wedding dress after the wedding day?