WEDDING WEEK || modern glamour wedding decor

What a weekend, whew, celebrated two milestone birthdays with two very special people; it was delightful and all, but I'm spent.  I'm still in the milestone mood though, my two year wedding anniversary is tomorrow, so I thought I'd share some of my fave decor pics from our "Modern Glam" inspired wedding.  Black, white, gold and glamour was on the menu for our luxe meets DIY day.

We had guests sit at 25 foot long tables to encourage conversation and to create a more intimate atmosphere, oh and P.S. we ate with gold cutlery, my fave "decor" item, try convincing your future hubs that this is a pure necessity, no small feat I tell ya.

Here are just a couple of the 14 million DIY projects I did for our wedding, including painted, wooden table numbers, and personalized, hand stamped menus.

Check out the chapel we were married in; the first time I saw it took my breath away, in fact the second time, same thing, I was basically doing lamaze down the aisle. 

Can you believe how in sync we are, both cringing during my dad's speech in our plush thrones, a splurge item for sure.

Some more of my DIY handy work and my fave glittery gold bourgie lamp *swoon*

I had such a blast planning the decor for our big day, but most importantly I have a blast everyday with the love of my life who puts up with and encourages me in all of my gold and glamour antics...

FETE || chic canadiana party

Happy Canada Day eh! My long weekend was pleasantly packed full of family, food and fireworks; my fave things ever...and in that order.  We hosted a Canada Day party on Sunday in our backyard; I had an idea to honour this special day in a way that included more than just red and white paper flags. Chic Canadiana was the theme, think woodland wonderful, beavers and moose, beer and bacon, all things coined classically Canadian. I get ridiculously excited by any occasion that allows me to let my inner party planner, crafter and hostess rear its' obsessive head, and this patriotic celebration was no exception. 

I dug out my wool Hudson's Bay Co. point blanket, with its iconic stripes, and used it as the inspiration for my master plan, bwah ha ha ha.

I prepared a food and bevy line-up that was quintessentially Canadian; Canadian Bacon Burgers, Poutine,  and Moose Tracks Ice Cream with a Maple Cookie topper.  We sipped on Canadian beer from our famed cottage country in Muskoka and cocktails infused with fresh Ontario strawberries.

I also got my craft on; I ordered some of these cute moose gift tags from Etsy and glued them to red take-out boxes from Michaels (I also raided Michaels for scrapbook paper, glue and string), made a catchy celebratory banner and wrapped vases with scrapbook paper to add a little oomph. 

I wanted to keep the classic Canadian red and white colour palette alive, but I freshened things up by using some pretty patterned paper. We handed out maple suckers and sparklers as party favours.

After the feast, we headed out the beach to take in the annual fireworks show, it was a lovely way to cap off the evening. 

The party was a success, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and we all left feeling uber proud to be part of the true North strong and free.

FETE || beautiful bachelorette party how to's

Hi lovlies!  Yep, it’s that time of year when frazzled brides start to wonder what their dutiful bridesmaids have in store for them for their last hoorah as a sexy single lady.  The idea of a bachelorette party can conjour up some pretty tacky images; I won’t get in to those details but rather share some pretty ones with you that are sure to make any bachelorette fete a fab one for the bride and all of her besties.

Create a theme 

I find when planning a party it’s always easiest to start with a theme. It’s a great jumping off point when selecting; the venue, food and drink, activities, décor and favours. Make sure your chosen motif is something that the bride will connect with, pick something that’s personal to her, maybe a hobby, a favourite travel destination or even a certain era she enjoys.

Vineyard vacation; my girlfriend's bachelorette in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Location, location, location

A beautiful location is the best way to start the day/evening off right. Make an effort to select a unique venue that is both welcoming and impressive.  It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to get something unique, there are plenty of free venue options including; local botanical gardens, parks, private dining nooks inside restaurants, the party room in a friend’s condo building, or a secluded beach.  The options are truly endless, get creative.

Ravine Vineyard, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Personalize the details

You can never have too many details! Adding layers of personal touches will only enhance the experience for all.   Use the bride's favourite flower or colour to decorate, dream up games that center around her, give favours or prizes that relate to your theme or are items the bride swears by,  customize everything; the invites, menu, place settings, name tags, and activities.        

Glazed salmon on risotto, our bride's fave foods

Pamper the bride

The number one rule when planning a bachelorette party; make the bride feel special. If you’re keeping the details of the day a surprise, make sure to inform her of what to wear and what to bring – there’s nothing worse than a bride that feels underdressed or ill prepared.  Identify her as the bride (in a pretty way of course), carry her bags, give her the best seat in the house, make a lovely toast to her, ensure she’s not privy to any glitches that may come up, and give her a memento to remind her of this special occasion.

I know, this all sounds wonderful in theory, but pulling together a bachelorette party can be a challenge. Just remember, ultimately  it’s about celebrating the bride-to-be and friendship; don’t let the special meaning of this day get lost in the details.