Happy New Year!

Another fabulous year has come and gone. I am grateful for all of the adventures and accomplishments of 2008 and hope 2009 brings much happiness, peace and love to everyone.

In celebration of this special day I thought I would share some stunning images from Kristina and Ben's New Year's Eve wedding photographed by Alberta's own Whitley Goodman Photography one year ago today. This talented duo is based out of Edmonton, AB which is the perfect setting for a snow blanketed park in which to capture a romantic sunset image such as the one pictured below.

Cheers to the New Year and happy first anniversary Kristina and Ben!

All images courtesy of Whitley Goodman Photography blog.

Contest

Don't forget to enter my CONTEST for a chance to win 16 Personalized Out-of-Town Welcome Bags for your guests. The contest closes December 31, 2008.

Personalize Your Wedding Garter

If you are looking for a simple project to personalize your wedding day and pay tribute to your new hubby at the same time, consider making (or buying) a custom garter. There are countless online retailers who can create garters to suite your specific needs. If you have a little time on your hands and want to save a few dollars, why not make one yourself?

If you’re looking for a simple and inexpensive way to personalize your garter without any sewing involved check out this one I created to pay tribute to my hubby’s love of hockey, specifically the Calgary Flames. To create this garter I purchased an inexpensive plain white garter from the dollar store, made two bows incorporating the Flame’s theme colours and attached them to the garter using a Calgary Flames pin. This was a great no-sew project that totaled less than $10.00.
Here is a link to a site with simple DIY instructions if you are feeling a little crafty. This would be great if you want to incorporate fabric in specific colours. You could also use remnants from your dress or you could create one using fabric or lace from your mother’s or grandmother’s wedding dress to add your “something old” and create an extra special keepsake.

Just Married

Announce your new "Just Married" status in a big way! I love these images from Whitney Lee via Offbeat Bride. Think outside of the box and find distinct ways to express your unique personalities...after all it is YOUR big day.

Real Wedding - DIY Masterpiece

Check out this amazing real wedding that was recently featured on Once Wed. I absolutely LOVE everything about this DIY inspired celebration. The bride and groom infused their wedding celebration with elements reflective of their personalities, interests and dating history to create a one-of-a-kind celebration that was fun and fabulous.

Win a Free Portrait Session in Calgary!

If you are located in Calgary (or planning to visit anytime soon) swing by t law photography's blog to enter a contest to win a free one hour portrait session. It's super easy to enter and who doesn't love free stuff? To learn more about Terence's style and what kind of pictures you can expect check out t law photography's website here.

Personalize Your Wedding Day Attire

Here are a few ideas to personalize your wedding day attire and even add in your “something blue” to boot!

1. It's important to wear something comfortable and easy to remove for the morning of while you are busy getting ready. Why not have a custom hoodie made to mark the occasion? There are many suppliers who offer “Soon to be Mrs. Smith” or "Future Mrs. Smith" hoodies for just this occasion. My personal favourite are the ones that say your new name and Est. with your wedding date as pictured on Knottie OKCBride2B below. This way you can wear them long after the wedding day!

2. Have your monogram and wedding date or your new name embroidered in blue and then have it sewn into your dress. If you decide not to keep your wedding dress you can always keep this little memento of your special day. Alternatively you could have your monogram embroidered in blue onto your garter. Just be sure this one doesn't get tossed!

Monogrammed dress tag: Knottie meg&ksexton via Wedding Bee

Dress tag featuring new name: Jason Angelini Photography

Monogrammed Garter: Knottie meg&ksexton

Add a little dazzle to the under side of your wedding shoes by applying blue rhinestones. You could include your monogram, your wedding date or a cute little message such as "I Do!"

Rhinestone embellished shoes: Inspired Goodness

Keep in mind that monogramming CAN go too far. I once saw a picture where the bride had large monogams embroidered across the tops of the bridesmaid dresses. Just say no to this kind of idea! I wish I could locate the picture for your viewing pleasure but alas I can't recall where I saw it.

Beyond the Candy Buffet

Candy Buffet: Amy Atlas via Blush

Popcorn Buffet: via Once Wed

Cookie Buffet: Rebecca Thuss

The candy buffet has become hugely popular at weddings during recent years. Guests young and old seem to line up in droves to get in on the action of selecting their favourite sweet treats. If you are looking for an alternative to this wedding favourite think about other foods you really love that are sure to be a hit with your guests as well. How about a popcorn buffet where you can offer both sweet and savory selections? Cookie buffets are another great option. You could bake some of your favourite family recipes and even provide the recipes for guests eager to reproduce the delectable treats at home. If you are a chocolate lover why not think beyond the fountain and create a delicious display of truffles that would make anyone's mouth water. I'd love to hear your ideas.

DIY Monogram Door Hanger

Monogram door hanger: Thrifty Decor Chick's blog
Monograms continue to play a popular role in wedding design elements. Check out this great DIY version that is perfect for hanging on your front door over the holidays or could be adapted to fit your wedding theme by using moss or flowers instead. If you are going for something more rustic you could shape your initials out of a coat hanger and then attach twigs to complete the look. For something truly simple, just paint the cardboard letters in your colours and viola, you are done! Enjoy!