Industry News: Handmade Weddings Book Launch

Attention crafty and creative brides! Introducing this months publication of the ultimate DIY wedding guide, Handmade Weddings: 50 Projects to Style and Personalize Your Big Day. The ladies of Hello!Lucky (Eunice and Sabrina Moyle) and former editor at Martha Stewart Weddings (Shauna Faust) launched this fabulous design guide that contains 50+ creative tips for handmade, super stylish wedding decor and more. The guide is broken up into themes ranging from Modern Classic to Retro Homespun.

Here are some adorable photos from inside the book!

We just can't get enough! For more eye candy, check out this fun video trailer filmed at Chronicle Books. 

Industry News: SF Ballet Opening

We couldn't help but snap a photo of this gorgeous tutu gown in the window of the St. John store on market street. Many retailers downtown are featuring ballet- inspired  gowns in their store fronts, in honor of the 2011 San Francisco Ballet opening. The first Program begins tomorrow!

Inspiration board to come!

Venue: Honeymoon V

Going out of the country is a typical trend for vacations and honeymoons but more and more people are opting to stay within the 48 mainland states. This is an idea that many brides and grooms are considering.

We'd like to help you by sharing one of our favorite lodgings that's close to our home base. The beautiful, secluded, hidden Meadowood Napa Valley. It's part resort, part spa, part hidden lodge. Without a doubt, very quaint, grand in that relaxed East Coast manner, and comfortable. Hidden deep within the Napa Valley, it's romantic and relaxing. Perfect for a honeymoon get-away.

We recently also heard about one of their Winter specials that we thought we would share with you.  It's pretty darn great so don't wait to inquire.

Invitations: Honeycomb

We are obsessed with bees and honeycombs.  And when we saw these invitations, it made us smile.  Bees are cute, sweet, and whimsical.   While honeycombs can be modern, retro, swanky and basically fun!  Together, they create a sweet modern whimsy feel.  

We found Sarah and George's honeycomb and bee invite on Etsy at the Cheerupcherup store.

Love the trailing lines that follow the bee.  Divinely playful.

This honeycomb pattern is truly a blend of sweet charm and vintage elegance. We found this lovely design by Jennifer Carroll Events.

This last pattern is quite simple.  We love the elegant design which is by Kiss and Tell Cards also found at Etsy.

Cakes and Sweets: Pastry Chef or Artist?

How cool are these cakes?

Canadian cake designer Alexandria Pellegrino and pastry chef Jessica Smith are the masterminds behind these gorgeous (and tasty!) works of art. 

        

          

         

See more at Cakeopera!

Photography: Fairytale Ending

This whimsical bridal spread from last months issue of Brides captures everything fun and fantastical. Photographer Amber Grey shoots model Valerya in a magical garden setting that brings childhood fantasies into life. I love the bubble gum and cotton candy color palette!

Credits:

Photography: Amber Grey

Makeup: Regina Harris

Hair: Anthony Nader

Props: Sergio Estevez

Inspiration: Sweet Paul

We are sure many of you have heard about this decor E magazine. If you haven't, can we introduce the incredibly fun Sweet Paul E Magazine with ideas on decor and home that's just fun and fresh.

This is from their Spring 2010 issue but we love it.  From ideas for flowers is just one of many topics and creative DIY ideas.

Of course we aren't big DIYers but the visuals are so "bananas"(in the famous word of The Zoe).

Stay tune for more fun, fashionable ideas for brides, grooms, and life after the wedding.

Cakes & Sweets: White Patterns

We seem to be in love with finding new vendors and when a little birdie told us about Two for Two Cakes in San Francisco, we got a little excited as we are always looking out for new and talented vendors.

This lovely cake from Two for Two caught our eyes because it's not the typical Swiss dots, curved or swirly piped cake.   This tone on tone fan patterned white cake with fondant ribbons on the top has this nice simplicity which makes for a beautiful cake for all season but especially perfect for a wintry wedding.

Courtesy of Two for Two Cakes

Too bad we can't taste what is inside.

Gowns: The Wedding Suite

The San Francisco Bay Area is one of the first regions to launch Nordstrom’s exclusive “Wedding Suite" offering the complete bridal look from head to toe in an intimate atmosphere. With wedding season right around the corner this bridal retreat is heavenly and stress-free. Complementary personal styling is just an added bonus!

See more at the online Wedding Suite. Happy shopping!

Photo Credit: Nordstrom and Dailydealia

Industry News: SF Brides Show

Oh what an event.  For tickets and information, go to Modern Luxury Weddings com.

Decor: Eat Drink Chic

We thought we've seen them all.  But we just came across one of the most delightful blogs about all things  beautiful.  It's called Eat Drink Chic and blogger, Amy Moss has got to be one of the most insanely hipsome(hip and awesome) person we know.  Her ideas are thoughtful and at times quirky yet always with a restrained beauty.

This post aptly titled "McFancy" shows her creative and unique range.   Don't you just love 'em.

We hope you visit Amy's wonderful blog for creative, sensible and darling ideas.

Cake & Sweets: Sweet Beginnings, Perfect Endings

Well dear readers, it's another year.  Good bye 2010, hello 2011.

To start the year off with a sweet note, here's a breakfast treat that's beautiful and perfect for those fun occasions as you brides start off (or should we say continue your) wedding planning.

Courtesy of Martha Stewart

For those meetings with your planners to fun bridesmaid brunches, a plate of yummacious donuts are an old fashion treat that's so back in fashion.  Even though we know that carbs and sugar are such big no-nos, who can resist.

Courtesy of the Nickel Diner in LA

So cheers and grab that perfect O treat.