Cute Wedding Program

Check out these super sweet paddle fan wedding programs.  This would be perfect for a relaxed or whimsical outdoor celebration.  I bet all of your guests would even want to keep them as a special memento from your wedding day.  These fans are the creative genius of Anna Bond.  To see more of her amazing work visit her website Rifle.

Photo: Ritzy Bee

Champagne Taste on a Beer Budget?

If you dream of dripping in jewels on your wedding day, and I mean real jewels including diamonds and pearls, your dream can be a reality!  You no longer need to be rolling in the dough to sport the latest high end designer jewels.  Check out Adorn Brides to find your favourite wedding jewelry styles featuring real gems at affordable prices.  How can this be you ask?  Adorn Brides offers rentals of exquisite high end jewelry at a fraction of the cost to purchase.  Now every woman can truly afford to feel like a princess on her wedding day.

Don't these brides look stunning?  You would never guess their jewelry was rented.

Photos: Adorn Brides

I'm a Mrs.

If you recently became a Mrs. or are making the transition in the upcoming future you should definitely check out i'm a mrs!  This is such a great concept that I just had to share.  Listen to what they have to say on the website:  

"Changing your name is easy with 'i'm a mrs'.  Simply choose either the standard or premium package and you're off.  Once you sign up, you'll be directed to your own personal page where you can select the organizations that are applicable to you.  You provide us with the details and we'll auto-complete your details on each application form or letter.  Once you've checked the documents, you can save, print and sign them at your convenience.  We also provide instructions on where to send them and what to include.  Then sit back and relax, because that's it: you're done.  Now you have more time to enjoy married life."

Tell me that isn't FABULOUS!!!  Even if you aren't getting married this would make a great wedding shower gift for one of your gal pals.  i'm a mrs is a Canadian company too which is awesome.  If you don't live in Canada though, don't fret.  They are currently working on bringing other Countries on board so you too will be able to change your name in a few simple steps!

Luxury Linens...Part 2

There are just so many gorgeous luxurious linens available through Wildflower Linen that I had to do another post.

I love the bold, graphic designs and the paring of yellow and black in this first collection.

This table "skirt" is divine...the whole look feels very Miami to me.

Either of these would be perfect for an eco-inspired affair.

The blue and green is very serene.  This is the perfect look if you want understated elegance by the sea.

For the pink princess in all of us...

All images: Wildflower Linen

Luxury Linens

Are you a couture girl?  Do you love the finer things in life and appreciate the most delicious of details?  If so then you definitely have to check out Wildflower Linens.  I discovered Youngson Martin and her incredible line of luxury linens during a recent trip to L.A.  Her designs are extraordinary and are on par in style,  class, and craftsmanship with your favourite gowns that recently walked the red carpet at the Oscars.  As a former fashion designer she brings a unique perspective to linen design and has elevated the styles and materials to a whole new level.  Even if your budget doesn't allow for the full Wildflower treatment, why not consider bringing in few show stopping pieces?  There are many more jaw dropping designs that aren't yet featured on the website so be sure to inquire if there is something specific you are looking for.

All images: Wildflower Linen

Eco Friendly and Fabulous

Check out these fabulous products I recently discovered from Isola Bella (which means beautiful Island).  I think these would be perfect for a beach wedding.  What's better is that these products are also eco friendly, hip and stylish and hand crafted to boot...no cookie cutter designs here!  

This wine tote would also make a great Out of Town (OOT) Welcome Bag in your guests hotel room.  It looks like the perfect size for a pair of flip flops, a custom water bottle, some snacks and a welcome brochure.  Just point me in the direction of the beach!

How cute would these be as thank you cards for guests who travelled to celebrate your beach wedding?  They're printed on recycled paper using earth friendly, water-based, non-toxic inks. I love them!

I think these linen napkins are just so cute.  They would be great at a beach wedding and what's better is that you can use them again for all of your summer entertaining.  

Head over to Isola Bella and check out their array of fabulous hand crafted and eco friendly products.  The vibrant colours and whimsical designs will leave you dreaming of sunny skies and sandy beaches.

Beautiful Banff Wedding

Check out this beautiful story board of a recent Banff wedding photographed by the immensely talented Rafal of RW Photo.  If you are a Calgary bride perhaps you are considering or currently planning a mountain wedding in Banff.  If you are not a local but are looking for stunning backdrop for your destination wedding then perhaps Banff, Alberta is the location for you!  Surrounded by breathtaking scenery and stunning mountain views, Banff is the destination of choice of a growing number of brides.  It offers venues ranging from grand and elegant to rustic and comfortable to intimate and sophisticated.  No matter what your wedding day vision or budget, Banff has something to offer every bride and groom to make their wedding day a dream come true.  If you are looking for assistance in planning your perfect Banff wedding we would love to help.  Contact us at Inspired Occasions for your free initial meeting.  We would love to hear all about your plans for your once in a life time wedding celebration.  

Happy Valentine's Day!

Photo: Alan Maudie

Bridal Beauty

There are very few times in a woman's life when she will feel as beautiful as she does on her wedding day.  In order for your full beauty to shine you need to feel comfortable and confident in your photographer's ability to capture you at your most radiant.  Take a look at these stunning images captured by Calgary wedding photographer Rafal Wegiel. 
I love everything about this first image.  The beauty, the history, the stillness, the power.  

I am a huge fan of day after wedding shoots (trash the dress as they are known in some circles) where you can really rock your wedding dress and do things you might not otherwise.  It always makes for memorable photos and lots of fun!

All Photos: RW Photo

Celebrate Your Love with Engagement Photos

Engagement season is in full swing.  Did you know that the majority of engagements occur between December and February?  That being the case I thought I would feature some cool and colourful engagement photos to inspire you.  Engagement photos are a great opportunity to showcase your love, your personalities and your interests.  They are also the perfect opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day ensuring you'll look nothing short of your very best.   So find a photographer whose style you love and have fun with it!

Photo: Claire Cocheme

Photo: Alan Maudie

Photo: tlaw photography

Photo: As I See it Photography

Amazing Valentine's Day Contest - Boudoir Photos

If you have ever wanted to feel glamorous, beautiful, and sensual than I have the contest for you!  Erica Tait is once again holding a contest on her boudoir blog and it is definitely something you don't want to miss out on.  The winner will receive a free boudoir photo session complete with hair and make-up AND a custom album complete with your stunning images. Erica is truly professional and will make even the shyest among you feel confident and beautiful!  She knows how to photograph a woman's body and will highlight your best features. You will look like a model in a magazine, only better!  I had the privilege of booking Erica to take boudoir photos of me just over a year ago and I couldn't get over how amazing she made me look.  Her talent is immense.  Combine that with being professional and one of the nicest people you could hope to meet and you have a recipe for a once in a life time experience.  Hurry over to her blog for details on how to enter.  If you aren't the lucky winner then you should definitely sign up for one of her boudoir marathons.  You won't be disappointed!

Photo: Erica Tait

The Story from Behind

With some wedding dresses the real story is told from behind.  Check out these amazing real brides rocking some stunning gowns with glorious, glorious details!

I LOVE the vintage feel of this first one and the sumptuous details dripping from the train.

WOW!  This wedding dress is equal parts stunning and sassy and this bride definitely knows how to work it.

First two photos credit: Fuller Edge

This last dress is one part classic, one part elegant, and dash of sexy thrown in for good measure...simply divine. 

Photo credit: Orange Girl Photographs