Happy Valentine's Day!

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that I am a hopeless romantic. I love hearing about people’s love stories, reading romantic novels, and watching sappy romantic movies over and over again. One thing that I don’t “love” is how “love” is always associated with (tons) of big red hearts. I cringe when I walk pass stores with an overload of red hearts used as decoration. However, I do believe red hearts can be used as decorations tastefully. Here are some pictures of a dessert buffet with a heart theme. I know it is not the main focus, but I love the simplicity of the backdrop. (I have tons of envelops left over from a project and I just might do this in the future! Stay tuned!)

Happy Valentine’s Day Everyone!







Photo Credits: Hostes with the Mostess via Just call me Martha

Wedding Flower Trends 2012

The flower of the year is the peony. The peony offers soft romance and is willing to share the stage with other fluttery blooms such as roses, ranunculus, and carnations. The always elegant orchid is also popular and tries it’s best to move into the spotlight as well.



Single centerpieces are no longer the staple at wedding receptions. Tables now have a collection of smaller centerpieces, whether different blooms of a similar shade or blooms with candles and personal collections. Vessels are also important in creating this look. Different mercury glass vases filled with mini bouquets of flowers create an abundance and super sexy look.



Beyond the blooms! Centerpieces don’t just belong to flowers. Greenery and herbs are also used as a new alternative. Herbs used can be fresh potted ones or dried ones like rosemary and purple basil.



Chic brides that want a totally unique centerpiece would love terrariums. These are glass domed arrangements of pebbles, flowers, succulents, and objects such as shells or bird’s nests. Each centerpiece would be slightly different but full of personality!



Image Credit: 1. Martha Stewart Weddings 2. Style Me Pretty 3. The Wedding Dish 4. Wedding.blogdig.net

Wedding Trends 2012

I am a firm believer that brides should have the wedding of their dreams exactly how they imagined their special day. However, that said, if a bride doesn't already have a favorite color and doesn't know where to start planning their wedding color scheme, design, and decor, they can check out the wedding trends of 2012 for inspiration. Remember that trends don't have to be followed exactly and in full! Here they are!

Last year’s Royal Wedding inspired a lot of the wedding trends for 2012. The biggest trend that is making a comeback is a formal black tie wedding. The glamorous look is back and everything wedding related is all about grand elegance.



Classic wedding colors are also a huge trend this year. Pale pinks, champagnes, and cream colors are working their way back into wedding color schemes. New neutral colors such as oyster grey and pale gold are also moving from the fashion runway down the wedding aisle.



Pale neutrals do not mean a bland boring wedding decor because patterns are getting bolder. The use of floral or custom prints is becoming a wedding classic, much like the black and white damask a few years ago. Patterns are appearing from wedding invitations to wedding decor.



Candelabras added instant elegance to any backdrops. It is a huge plus if the venue already beautiful candelabras but if your venue doesn’t, don’t let it stop you from renting one (or some) for your venue or outdoor wedding ceremony!



Rustic weddings are stronger than ever. These weddings are not held at your typical hotel venues rather rustic barns with lots of charm. There is lots of warmth through color schemes and ambient candle lighting.



Photo Credits: 1. Style Me Pretty 2.,3. Karen Tran 4. Bridal Snob 5. Green Wedding Shoes

Best Bridal Booth at Wedding Fair

Last weekend I designed and decorated a booth at the Wedding Fair for my fellow vendor and good friend, Ivy Su of Ruby Woo Wedding Couture. Ivy’s business is to provide brides with custom made wedding gowns for $1000. Brides can either go online or meet with Ivy in person to design the wedding gown of their dreams. The possibilities are endless and I truly believe Ivy can design any wedding gown for brides.

The booth design had a red and floral theme. 150 red paper roses were handmade. The roses were also adorned with black butterflies throughout. We added lace and crystal draping to make the booth very feminine. The Ruby Woo sign was also custom made for this event. We wanted brides to see the Ruby Woo logo from far away. We opted not to have any tables in the booth because Ivy had models in wedding gowns that day. The booth was a huge success and lots of brides came by and made appointments with Ivy on the spot. In addition to the success, the Ruby Woo booth won “Best Bride Booth” at the Wedding Fair!

Check out some pictures of the booth and Ivy's gorgeous dresses!

Happy Year of the Dragon

Chinese New Years was on January 22, 2012 and this is the year of the Dragon! (I am a couple of days late with sending out my Chinese New Years wishes but since celebrations are for a full week, I am still on time!)

Feng shui experts say couples marrying this year can expect good fortune and luck in their marriage. The extra-lucky months are February, June, and July—but there are lucky dates in every month. If you want to see if your wedding date is lucky or extra-lucky, check it out!