Thematic Thursday: "Framing" Your Wedding

I love picture...frames. I think that a really nice picture frame can transform what it is put inside a picture frame. On one of my travels to Asia, I got a really awesome shopping bag and I got it professionally framed. Everyone that comes to my house comments on it and says it is a great idea. (I don't actually ask what they "think" of this idea!)

Picture frames can be used so many different ways in a wedding as well. The most conventional use is to have engagement pictures of the couple at the guest sign in table. Some other uses include using picture frames for table numbers and as a seating chart. Here are some “think outside of the frame” ideas that I hope will be incorporated into some future weddings! Enjoy! 

~Monica

1) Use Frames as Props with your Professional Portrait Session

2) As Backdrops and Focal Points






3) As Wedding Decor




4) Table Decor


5) Photo Booth Props




Photo Credits: 1) Artfelt Photography 2), 3), 4)  Style Me Pretty 5) Wedding By Color 6) Blush Botanicals 7) and 8) Elizabeth Anne Designs 9) Kiss the Groom 10) Lovely Girls

Thematic Thursdays: Hanging Your Wedding Decor

I really like to creative different designs. I got to admit that sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, and sometimes my creativeness just drives people (my team members) crazy. My current obsession is hanging wedding decorations. I have been throwing this idea out a lot and honestly, I haven't been getting a lot of support from the clients/people I tell. Maybe it is because my ideas are hard to imagine in the venue or it is hard to imagine that it can be possible.


Hanging decor can help you put the wow factor in your wedding literally from top to bottom. Ceiling decor usually means hanging paper lanterns, fabric draping, or chandeliers. (The last one is a huge trend for 2012!) Personally, I think (almost) anything can be hung from the ceiling and look good .(Check out the third picture of hanging perfume bottles!) Even single stem flowers. (Lots of it!) Here are some inspiration pictures to show that hanging decorations does work and looks good! Hopefully, now my team members will be able to visualize what I am imagining in my head and not "question" my "creativity"! (Love you guys!)


~Monica


Of note: If you are planning on incorporating some hanging decor at your wedding, here are some of my tips:      
1) Make sure you check with the venue that hanging things from their ceiling is ok. You really don't want to be told on the day of that it is not possible or be slapped with a huge fine at the end of the night for damages.
2)  Plan for more set up time. You cannot have tables and chairs set up at the venue before or during the installation of hanging decor. Oddly enough, the latter has to be set up first.
3)  Unless you know a ton of REALLY tall basketball players, you are going to need a to use a boom lift with a lift operator. The lift operator has to be licensed to use the boom lift. Don't even think you can do this yourself!

Photo Credits: 1) Ruffled Blog 2) Style Me Pretty 3) Bonnie Tsang Photography 4) and 5) The Cinderella Project

Ribbons Galore!!

Ribbons have always played a major role in weddings. They have been traditionally been used on a wedding bouquet, hair accessories, wedding gown sashes and wedding invitation embellishments. However, they are becoming more and more popular because it is an inexpensive way to add color, a bit of fun, and a bit of whimsy. Ribbon has come far in that they can also be used as chair decorations, table runners,and backdrop decor. The only (and I mean only) downfall is this is a very DIY project. But if you are creative and love DIY already, using ribbons as part of your decor is right up your alley (or aisle!)

~Monica







Photo Credits: 1) Grosgrain / Oh Happy Day 2) Merriment Events 3) One Wed 4), 5) Elizabeth Anne Designs 6) Southern Weddings

Projector Screen Backdrops

As I was doing my usual looking around on the internet for ideas and inspiration, I came across this picture and did a double take. The ceremony backdrop is an image projected onto a screen. The image chosen is so romantic and totally sets the stage. Imagine the possibilities that can be projected! You can have your wedding anywhere in the world - projected on a screen for you!
~Monica



Photo Credit: Wedding by Color

Lace Wedding Decor

Lace is the number one choice for vintage brides and romantic brides. When I think of lace, I don't think of the dollies that are crocheted by grandma. (Although I like those too!) I think of crisp white lace that is similar to the lace on a wedding gown. The easiest way to incorporate lace into your wedding decor is through table linens. However, you can also use lace as a backdrop, aisle runner, and around centerpiece vases to add a touch of romance. The next time you come across a piece of lace, consider using it as part of your wedding and decor!
~Monica










Photo Credits: 1) A Beautiful Cliche 2),3), 4), 5) Style Me Pretty

All in the Details

The focus of this picture is obviously the beautiful floral chandelier. But my eyes were drawn to the uplighting shields on the floor. Not only did the designer think of hiding the unsightly uplight cannisters, the shields also have an ivory damask pattern on it. Once again, it is all in the details when pulling together a flawless wedding look.

Wedding Tip: After spending over 100 hours planning your wedding, you might not see the big picture anymore. Go through your wedding ideas with someone outside your wedding party that hasn't been part of the planning process. This person will be able to tell you what doesn't quite make sense; what doesn't fit in; and most importantly, what won't work. You will thank this person later and should probably treat him/her to a drink for their wonderful insights!
~Monica


Photo Credit: Nisie's Enchanted Florist

Dazzling Dance Floors

Recently I had an email inquiry from a bride asking for help with her ugly standard dance floor. I shared a couple of suggestions with her and some price points. Here is what I suggested, in the order from less expensive to most expensive. Enjoy!
~Monica

Totally White Dance Floor. Sometimes the most beautiful things are the simplest things! The standard parquet floor can be replaced with an all white dance floor for less than $2.00 a square feet at local rental companies.



Monogramed Dance Floors. This is an excellent way to put your "stamp" on your wedding! If you can't have a custom made flooring (think huge sticker), you can have your initials put onto the dance floor with lighting! Check with your DJ for lighting options or a lighting specialist.




Use of Lighting Patterns. A lighting specialist will be able to project different patterns and colors onto the dance floor for something really spectular! The designs are endless! (Not sure if this one would be more expensive than the second. I think they are pretty close.)




Thinking Outside the Box/Square/Rectangular Dance Floor. If your venue and budget allows, why not get a round dance floor? Your guests will definitely notice and pay attention to this feature - even if it is only on the floor. Custom projects mean custom pricing!



Photo Credits: 1) In Tents 2)and 6) Karen Tran Florals 3) Ambiance Lighting Pros 4)Platinum Planning Couture Event Design 5) Constance Zahn 7) Events by Design

Tiny Bling: Sequins!

This is a tiny wonderful thing that I have recently re-discovered that can bring a little bit of shine, interest, and bling. Sequins also bring a little bit of unexpected pop of color as they come in many colors of the rainbow. My fondest memory of sequins is how my mom used to buy an inexpenisve shirt and add a lot of interest to it by stitching on sequins to it.

Sequins have been used for a long time on wedding gowns and hair accessories, but they can also be used with wedding bouquets, cakes, decor, linens, and centerpieces. With a little or a lot of sequins, it definitely infuses a little bit of sparkle and a whole lot of personality!











Photo credits: 1) Style Me Pretty 2) and 3) Elizabeth Anne Designs 4) Glitter Guide 5) Decor 8

Balloons and Wedding Decor!

As promised, here are some inspiration pictures with balloons used as wedding decor. Like I always say: Anything is possible...in life and with wedding decor! I hope these pictures will give balloons a second chance. Last year, I rallied for the carnation flower. This year, balloons at weddings!! Fingers crossed!






Photo Credits: 1) Wedding Bee 2) and 3) Kristin Vining Photography 4) Geronimo Balloons 5) the Nichols

Balloons + Weddings

Recently during a consultation meeting, a bride told me that she absolutely does not want any balloons at her wedding. She said they were tacky and reminded her of children's birthday parties. Honestly, when she said "balloons" the first thing I thought of was the colorful balloons that carried the house from UP away. Back to reality, we were able to design a wedding for this bride without a stitch of balloons. No one is even going to be allowed to mention balloons.

After the meeting, I did some research to determine whether it is possible for balloons to be incorporated into weddings. I found a ton of balloon arches which made me cringe a little bit. I eventually found huge balloons from Geronimo Balloons. Here are some pictures of how these huge balloons can be used in wedding pictures. Stay tuned for ideas on how to incorporate balloons into wedding decor!











Photo credits: 1) )Pixar2) Style Me Pretty 3) Ohana Photographers 4) Wish Special Events 5)Brooklyn Bride

Inspiration at the ROM

Several people suggested that I “go to the ROM” while I was in Toronto. My answer was: “What is the ROM? It sounds a little dirty.” As it turns out, the ROM is the Royal Ontario Museum. It is not at all dirty and a really cool place to spend a couple of hours or a day.

The ROM has a lot of different themed galleries spanned across five floors that includes both world culture and natural history. When I was at the ROM, there were also several special exhibitions that took my breath away. (I don’t say this to non-wedding related things very often.)

The Warrior Emperor and China’s Terracotta Army exhibition showcases the Emperor who brought China to the World and the Warriors who guard his afterlife. I have always heard about the terra cotta warriors and learned about them in school. It wasn’t until I saw them in front of me that I appreciated the craftsmanship back in the days. (Like 3000 million days ago.) It really goes to show that you should always put forward your best work even if it gets buried right away. I bet the artists back then never thought their work would be showcased so many years later half way across the world.

The exhibition titled: House Calls with my Camera is a series of photos created by Dr. Mark Nowazynski, a Toronto doctor. He provides insights into the lives of four at risk patients and reveals the challenges they face everyday. Dr. Nowacynski’s photographs have raised awareness about the many complex issues related to aging. When I was looking at these photos I was able to feel the struggles the patients were going through and the photos had invoked the emotions of sadness and hope.

African artist, El Anatsui, titled his exhibition: When I Last Wrote to You about Africa. Anatsui had made a variety of wall sculptures from discarded bottle tops and wire. I never thought an ordinary bottle cap could take the shape of a square or look like a flower when used in a different manner. I also learned that art can take the form of different shapes - it does not have to be a perfect rectangle or square. Art also does not have to be perfectly flat - imperfections can sometimes make the piece absolutely perfect.

These exhibitions inspired me to apply certain aspects to my wedding decorations. I learned to always give my clients my absolute best work, even if it gets taken down in a couple of hours; through the decorations, I will try to invoke the overall feeling my clients would like their guests to feel at their wedding; and try not to obsess if a certain decorating aspect is not exactly how I had originally envisioned it, it’s imperfection may be exactly the thing that puts the design over the top.

Once again, inspiration is always around us! It is up to you what you do with it!