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The art of watercolour dates back to Egyptian times, when it was used for manuscript illumination. Revived by Albrecht Dürer (1471–1528) in several fine botanical paintings, it has not since gone out of style. This is why it’s not surprising that brides to be are going wild over the latest water color wedding trend. Whether it be Georgia O’Keeffe-style save-the-dates or a canvas worthy watercolor cake like those made by Style Sweet CA, a watercolor wedding is a wish come true. Fun ways to bring watercolor into your wedding: Send watercolor save-the-dates and invitations, or add watercolor decor to your table with table numbers, menus and escort cards likethese from Fine Day Press.      Give the gift of whimsical watercolor to your guests with these DIY painted magnet shadow boxes.   You can use the watercolour wedding trend to add whimsical and energizing pops of bright colour, or to add a softer, more airy vibe. Either way, watercolour decor at your wedding sets the perfect mood for love.
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2/11/2016 0 Comments Best Wedding Flowers By SeasonJust as it’s cheaper to buy fruits and vegetables in-season, buying blooms in their prime can offer significant savings. But in-season wedding flowers offer so much more than a cost break; they set the tone of your wedding celebration. After all, a winter wedding formal wouldn’t be complete without a deep red bloom. In contrast, the fragrance of a pretty pastel flower makes for the perfect outdoor summer wedding soiree. Of course, your florist can order just about any bud, bloom, succulent or vine you desire and have it shipped overnight. (And there are some flowers not affected by changing seasons, such as the Rose, Aster, Carnation and Gerbera Daisy.) But some flowers will be harder to procure than others. With the world of flowers at your fingertips, it’s helpful to start somewhere. (Otherwise you’d never narrow it down.) We suggest starting seasonal. Below are a few of the best flowers by season – and just for fun – their special meanings. Winter Capture the beauty of the season with a floral arrangement in red. Bright evergreen adds contrast, while berries add an interesting pop. 
Spring Welcome nature’s first green with seasonal favorites such as peonies, tulips and lilacs. 
Summer Keep your bouquet light, cool and carefree with buttery yellows, bright greens and pretty pastels 
Fall Complement autumn’s backdrop of deep foliage with a rich bouquet of multi-petalled flowers like zinnias and marigolds. 
11/6/2015 0 Comments Pantone Colour 2016: Peach EchoToday we will be looking at Pantone Colour Peach Echo  Peach Echo is the kind of color that exudes that, "let's kick off our shoes and dance," kind of vibe! And when it comes to color pairings? Here lately I'm really loving when warm shades are paired together. For instance, why not pair a soft shade of yellow or a gorgeous shade of orange? Want to know what makes Peach Echo feel unique? That would definitely be it's ability to communicate a celebratory vibe! Peach Echo is a very warm, friendly and accessible color The fashion and design communities, and consequently, consumers, have been in love with orange for several seasons. Coming to the fore this Spring is, Peach Echo, a shade that emanates friendlier qualities, evoking warmth and accessibility. It is an all-encompassing, tempered companion in the playful orange family. 10/30/2015 0 Comments Pantone Color 2016: Rose QuartzThe Pantone Colours for 2016 are out! We will be taking a closer look at all 10 colors and creating a photo collage for inspirational ideas to lead you. This years colours, transport us to give way to excitement and optimism, though quiet stability prevails. Influenced by the world of art, new global doors opening and the desire to disconnect from technology and unwind, designers this season have gravitated toward a palette that is first and foremost calming. Paying homage to the beauty of natural resources, colors emerging in the Spring collections serve as vehicles that transport wearers to more tranquil, mindful environs which encourage relaxation first, followed by curiosity and exploration. Rose Quartz: The soothing, calming nature of colors in the Spring collections are led by Rose Quartz, a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure. Like a serene sunset, flushed cheek or budding flower, Rose Quartz reminds us to reflect on our surroundings during the busy but lighthearted spring and summer months.  10/26/2015 0 Comments Cozy Wedding Lighting There’s no easier way to take a wedding ceremony or reception from beautiful to breathtaking than with some cozy wedding lighting! In the fall when the days are getting darker and people are looking for some extra warmth, creative and fun wedding lighting is an especially great way to make the big day unforgettable to your guests. And of course, there’s the beautiful wedding photos you’re sure to get with pretty, glowing chandeliers, bistro lights or candles. It’s really a win-win! Not sure where to decorate with lights, or what type of lighting to choose? There’s tons of options — whether you’re looking for an illuminated ceremony backdrop or hanging lights at your reception, these ideas from real weddings are sure to inspire you!  Pinterest  Pinterest How perfect are these wedding lighting ideas? I just love bistro lights — there’s nothing that livens up a reception quicker, and if you find some fairly affordable strings you’ll be able to keep the lights to give your new home some ambiance as well!
Which of these lighting ideas will you be using?  When you think of fall weddings, beautiful and abundant flower decor and accessories might not be the very first thing you think of, given the season. But there are actually a lot of beautiful flowers in season (think dahlias, orchids, lillies and more…) that would not only look gorgeous in a fall bouquet, but as a fall flower crown for a bride! After all, who says that summer brides get to have all the fun with flower crowns? We’ve rounded up gorgeous fall flower crown ideas and looks that are perfect for a bride who wants a boho or rustic feel to her fall nuptials. They not only lend a certain elegance to the bride’s overall style, but they are perfect for embracing autumn as well! Take a look and get inspired by all these gorgeous ideas. 10/21/2015 0 Comments What Every Bride Needs To Know! Rachel Peters Photography  Len Currie Photography Nearly every little girl spends her life dreaming about her wedding day–the dress she’ll wear, the man she’ll marry, the venue where she’ll recite her vows. Shopping for a wedding dress should be one of the most fun, exciting, memorable moments of wedding preparation, but we all know it can also be one of the most stressful. Brides seeking out their perfect wedding gown need to come prepared with the right kinds of questions. What style and cut best suits your body type? Do you want a full train? What kind of gowns are trending this season? We know, it’s complicated and overwhelming. And that’s why we put together this list of helpful tips to make your wedding dress shopping adventures as painless as possible! Check out these ideas below for a list of the questions you should be ask during your fitting: 1. TALK ABOUT THE FIT AND YOUR BODY. What style is best for my body type? This is one of the most important questions you can ask at your fitting. As experienced consultants we can give you unbiased and objective advice about what kind of dress will make you look your best on your wedding day. Don’t be afraid to try on a variety of different styles, even if they’re not what you had in mind when you walked in the door. You might be surprised about what you end up loving, even if it wasn’t your original idea of the perfect dress. As for styles, there are a lot of them. They range from a slinky evening-style number to a strapless ball-gown with a full skirt. I find that as gorgeous and romantic you want your dress to be, keep in mind the practicality of it as well. It will be very difficult to dance in a mermaid gown as opposed to a wedding dress that has more room at the knees. If you’re looking to make a statement on top, varying up the necklines of your dresses can be useful. Additionally, researching the length of your dress’ skirt and what sort of shoes you want to wear will help you figure out which wedding dress you want to buy. Follow the golden rule for wedding dress shopping: Never judge a dress based off of what it looks like on the hanger, or in the magazines. And, as always, choose the dress that makes you feel the most beautiful and confident. Choose the dress that best flatters you. Love it, and own it, and don’t let the dress wear you.  Brady McCloskey Photography 2. ASK ABOUT THE BUSTLE Contrary to popular belief, bustles are not one size fits all. Bustles fill out the train, making it easier for the bride to walk and dance, and come in a variety of shapes and styles. We will be able to tell you which bustles are appropriate for each style of gown, so don’t be afraid to ask! The bustle might seem like an afterthought, but you will be wearing it for the majority of the reception, so be sure to find that one that is comfortable and accentuates rather than detracts from your dress. Jot down notes or take a photo of the particular bustle you like so you can show your fitter at a later date and make sure it looks good with your dress.  Brady McCloskey Photography 3. DISCUSS ACCESSORIES It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and finding the perfect dress, but don’t leave the appointment without discussing and/or trying on veils and accessories. Find something that will complement and enhance your overall look.  4. TALK ABOUT CURRENT TRENDS It’s important to discuss what trends are in style for the season, since fads tend to come and go. We can then steer you in a certain direction depending on whether you want a dress that trendy or classic. 5. ASK ABOUT YOUR WEDDING VENUE AND DATE Make sure you let us know how many guests there will be, where you’ll be having your wedding, what time you’ll be having your wedding and your general theme. All should play a role in the style of dress you end up choosing. Typically, a dress for a Saturday night black-tie wedding and a Sunday morning backyard wedding are very different. We can help you differentiate between options and help you choose what is most appropriate for your specific vision.  Rachel Peters Photography 6. ASK ABOUT DELIVERY The amount of time it takes between ordering and receiving your dress depends on each designer. Give us a timeline so we can help plan accordingly. Ask us about delivery times–that way you will have an estimated arrival date. 7. DISCUSS FEES AND PRICING In this world, nothing comes free, and the wedding industry is no exception. It’s hard to set a fixed rate on how much a wedding dress should cost, but if the average wedding costs 10-30 grand, I know brides who have allocated 10% of their budget to their wedding dress. Hence, use $1-3k as a starting point and feel free to adjust costs as deemed necessary. Check in advance for hidden costs so you know what you’re walking into. Happy shopping!  Len Currie Photography 10/7/2015 0 Comments 10 Steps to Planning Your Wedding Congratulations on your engagement! Newly engaged couples are so cute because there is SO much love and excitement around getting engaged! But then soon after that excitement wears off, you’re hit with the reality of the fact that you have to start planning a wedding– something that you most likely have no clue about, right?! Sure, you’ve been in a wedding or two, or maybe one of your close friends recently got married, but things are different when it’s YOUR wedding! And you have NO idea where to start. Well, don’t fret, because I am here to help you out! I have compiled the 10 things you need to do first to get started with your wedding planning. NOTE: Everyone’s weddings are different, and you may not do things exactly as I recommend. This is meant to be a general guideline for you.  Here are a list of things you need to do. 1. Set a budget You shouldn’t be doing anything before deciding on a budget. Don’t even look at anything! I know, I know- it’s a tough conversation, but it needs to be discussed and decided on before anything else. Sit down with your parents, family members, or just the two of you, figure out who is contributing, how much they can contribute, and what your total budget will be. Then you can move on to #2! 2. Choose 2-3 possible dates To be safe, choose 2-3 possible dates to have your wedding. Think of the time of year you prefer, the weather, work schedules/vacation time, holidays, and yes, even football season (or whatever sport your fiance/family is crazy about). Then choose your #1 preferred date, and have a #2 and #3 available in case your preferred date isn’t available. Because venues book up fast- some even book up to a year and half in advance!  3. Start your guest list This is another tough one because yes, of course you want to invite everyone you know to your wedding. Well consider this your warning: the more people you have, the more you have to spend. (This is why you do your budget first.) So as you see, starting your guest list and knowing your estimated maximum guest count early is crucial. And keep in mind that guest counts usually go down by the time your wedding day comes around- and believe me… after a while, it’ll get really easy to cut the people you haven’t talked to in forever from the guest list. 4. Decide on your wedding’s style Yep, you heard me- wedding style. Vintage, modern, classic, eclectic, handmade, rustic… there are SO many styles out there! The beauty of “wedding styles” is that they also coincide with decor and details, and so knowing from the beginning will help you later on. No need to design your whole wedding right now though- just know the general look and feel of how you want your wedding to be. Once you know that, it’ll be easier to move on to #5…  5. Decide on your venue So all of the first 4 steps can essentially be done all in one sitting. Pretty cool, right? Well once you have all of those decisions made, you can start researching and touring venues. When you’re researching and you find a venue that you like, I recommend contacting them and asking if they have any of your possible dates available. If they do, then go ahead and schedule a time to tour the venue. Give yourself a few (1 to 3 max) weeks to tour all of your possibilities, crunch numbers, envision your wedding there (or not), and then book your venue! Once you have your venue booked (meaning deposit made and contract signed), your date is secured- and you my friend, are well on your way to getting MARRIED! 6. Research [This one is twofold. So many of the things involved in planning a wedding happen all at once.Researching potential vendors is HUGE. There are so many amazing wedding professionals out there now, and you want time to be able to choose the right ones for you. You definitely don’t want to be rushed, but at the same time, time is of the essence. When you’re researching, I recommend that you check out the vendor’s portfolio, bio, pricing info (if they have it available) and their blog. Feel free to do research on every single type of vendor you need, but the ones that are crucial and book up quickly are the photographer, videographer, and caterer (if applicable). Moving on, the next steps are going to pertain to these 3 things. After you’ve completed the following steps for the previously mentioned vendors, then you’ll move on to your entertainment, florals/event decor, rentals, invitations, and cake. And then you’ll go on to hair and makeup, transportation, tux rentals, favors, and any extras. WEDDING DRESS! Yes, it’s in caps because it’s *that* exciting! Isn’t it pretty much the very first thing you wanted to do- look at wedding dresses?! I mean, come on, who doesn’t like wedding dresses? But in all seriousness, you want to be sure that you research the types of dresses you like and the stores that carry them. 7. Inquire With and Interview Vendors So by now you’ve done your research and you know what vendors you like. Now it’s time to contact the vendor, find out if they’re available for your date, check on their pricing (if you want to), and schedule a consultation. The vendors will get to know you, you’ll get to know them, you’ll get down to business, and then you let them know in a few days if you want to hire them or not! I recommend meeting with up to three of each type of vendor- one if you already absolutely love them and they sell you right away, two if you’re pretty set but want to know other options, and three if you’re not sure. It just really depends on you, your decision making skills, and your taste. :) 8. Hire Your Vendors Of course the next step is to pull the trigger and hire one of those vendors that you’ve met and fallen in love with. After your consultations, try to let vendors know your decision a week or two from when they provide you with an estimate/proposal. And then hooray! You’re one step closer to your wedding day! Important note: Once you’ve hired someone, please let the other vendors that you met with know that you won’t be going with them. I know it sucks to do it and yes, you might feel awkward, but it has to be done- they have to know! A nice, simple email will suffice.  9: WEDDING DRESS! Alright, so you have some of your vendors booked… now it’s time to take a break and go wedding dress shopping! I don’t think this needs much explanation. 10: Design & Detail Inspiration Remember back in the first 5 steps when I had you decide on your wedding style? Well with the second round of vendors you will meet with next (florals, decor, invitations, rentals, cake) you’ll need to have a good idea of what you want your wedding to be like, so it’s time to focus on design and details! Know that when I say “design and details”, it really just means what your wedding will look like. Design is more of a general term, and details is more of the specifics (and where your personality can really shine through too!). This too is something that requires lots of research… which in the wedding world we like to call INSPIRATION! :) I’m sure many of you have probably already started saving photos of things that you like and are Pinning away for your dream wedding. After all, this big, beautiful wedding world here on the internet does almost solely revolve around design and details! But you want to make sure that you have enough inspiration to be able to accurately convey to your potential vendors what it is you want for your wedding. And then in the same breath, you don’t want to have too much inspiration either! Oh and don’t forget to bring your inspiration with you to your consultations! You can probably even just pull up your Pinterest boards in your meetings- which I think is absolutely amazing. Once you get to the last step for your first set of vendors, then move on to the next set! Wedding planning is like a roller coaster- you’ll go really fast at full-speed, then you’ll slow down, and then you’ll speed up again. Yes it’s normal, and it’s okay to have a lull in planning. Basically that roller coaster ride just keeps going until you get married. And remember, sometimes things are done differently depending on your own situation, so it’s totally fine if you don’t follow these steps exactly! Happy Planning!  If the price of a gown looks too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t get scammed by counterfeit wedding gown retailers.Read more: Buyer Beware: 3 Ways to Spot a Counterfeit Wedding Dress
Worried about getting scammed? Sadly, you should be. "Brides are more vulnerable than other fashion consumers when it comes to buying bridal dresses online because they're not likely to be buying from a place where they have a regular relationship," says Susan Scafidi, a professor at Fordham University who specializes in fashion law. "It's worth investing the time in advance to do your homework." Here, five warning signs to be wary of when shopping for your wedding gown: Bad reviews on reliable sites Search for the website name on reputable wedding boards and online forums like SiteJabber to see whether other people have registered complaints about quality or customer service. "A lot of the review sites that appear on Google aren't legitimate because some companies pay them to give good reviews, so you have to search trustworthy sources of information," explains Jeremy Gin, CEO and co-founder of federally funded SiteJabber.com, where consumers can post reviews about e-commerce sites. Inaccuracies and inconsistencies Take a close look at the site: Misspellings and grammatical errors are a good indication that you're dealing with con artists. Gin also suggests looking up the company's address on Google street view so you can see what the actual store looks like (if it even exists!) "If they don't have a working phone number, that's also a bad sign," he says. A re-stocking fee requirement If the site promises refunds only with a restocking fee, "that may indicate that they make their money by sending things out that are unacceptable and then offering [minimal] refunds rather than selling products people want to keep," Scafidi explains. All-too-familiar photos When the same picture of the same dress keeps popping up not only on the designer's site or a well-known boutique's site but on lots of other sites, think about where it came from and check the designer's site to make sure the retailer where you see the photo is in fact an authorized dealer. Literally unbelievable deals "If every gown has deep discounts, start to be suspicious of what kind of retailer you're dealing with," says Scafidi. Bottom line: when it looks or sounds too good to be true, it is! -- Jennie Ma Care of The Knot Read more: Buyer Beware: 3 Ways to Spot a Counterfeit Wedding Dress http://wedding.theknot.com/bridal-fashion/wedding-dress-shopping/articles/buyer-beware.aspx#ixzz2qwcVoYEq In 1999, Victoria wore a champagne colored strapless Vera Wang gown with a 20-foot train that, as you can see below, was pretty incredible. Here we hear from Vera Wang on the making of Victorias wedding day look… “Mr. Pearl (the London corset couturier) made the inside corset. He and I worked together. Victoria wanted her waist to be like Scarlet O’Hara’s in “Gone with the Wind” – she wanted something that was rock-queen bride. Slim Barrett made her crown. In order to make the waist that small, the bodice had to come back and forth from England to New York at least 6 times. That dress is what I call the “Transatlantic” dress.” – per The Wonderful Wedding Box   images per The Wonderful Wedding Box
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Kelly MooreheadI'm just a girl, mom and wife who loves everything about weddings. I hope to inspire you! Archives
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The Perfect Pear Bridal, Suite 101, 65 Queen Street, Charlottetown, PEI C1A 4A5 902-370-7327
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