Photography: Loving Life

California born and raised, photographer Allyson Magda lets the little things in life inspire her photography. And the result is simply fabulous. 

Check out her effortlessly romantic shots at Allysonmagda.com

Edible Trends: On A Stick

These days, we've seen sliders, fries, grilled cheese, warm cookies, pizza, and taco trucks taking center stage at parties and weddings.  You'll find comfort food and childhood favorites passed on trays during the cocktail hours, on vignettes during the midnight snack and even served at the post party.

But what is next?

We predict that things on a stick, especially the good ole fashion cafeteria-delights like  "corn dog", might be the next comfort food fetish.

Find the recipe at Ever New Recipes

These are from The Pioneer Woman's Tasty Kitchen 

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!