Hello! I’m Gaby from Cap Classique, a blog that focuses on weddings from Cape Town, South Africa (but draws inspiration from all over the world!). Elizabeth asked me to guest post some of my inspiration boards with all of you, and I’m starting today with this one, which has always been a big favourite with my readers. The idea behind it was to pull together pretty, rustic details like burlap and wood textures and hanging lanterns, and to combine them with warm pinky colours. I wanted to use a palette that was slightly less common, and these delicious fruits gave me the inspiration I needed! I loved that you can incorporate touches of purple and yellow with them as well. My favourite details are the sweet burlap ring pillow, the washing line of polaroids, and the adorable little bird houses on the tables (a sweet twist on the birdcages that have been so popular recently). And of course, what could be sweeter and more rustic than homemade jam favours? This look was designed for farm weddings, but could be used just as easily in any rustic-style location.

If you like this board, check out the full gallery on Cap Classique and you can also find a new board up every Monday!

Colours: peach, apricot, pink, purple, white

Top row (l-r): Photo of lantern by The Nichols via Style Me Pretty; photo of birdhouse by Caroline Ghetes via Style Me Pretty; photo of ceremony sign via Green Wedding Shoes; photo of flowers by Caroline Ghetes via Style Me Pretty
Row 2: Photo of burlap ring pillow via Southern Weddings; peach tree photo by David Tsay via Snippet & Ink; photo of dresses via Style Me Pretty; photo of couple by Kristin Banta via Style Me Pretty
Row 3: Photo of signature cocktail by The Nichols via Style Me Pretty; photo of jam favours via Once Wed; photo of family picture wall via Style Me Pretty.

Different dress, same fabric and colour
For the more traditional brides who want to spice up their bridal party while maintaining the classic uniform look, try having your ladies pick out the same dress (in material and colour) but in different cuts to suit their body type and personality. J.Crew has a fantastic online catalogue.  Offering many style and colour options in chiffon, silk-taffeta, or cotton allowing for the best of both worlds – matching bridesmaids with a splash of individuality.

Same dress, unlimited options
Convertible dresses are all the rage in bridal wear right now. Why wouldn’t they be with hundreds of unique ways to style them, every colour under the sun and varying lengths? These dresses are universally flattering and extremely comfortable. Not to mention can be worn again and again and look different every time. (Bachelorette party/rehearsal dinner/honeymoon outfit anyone? Don’t worry, our little secret.) Check out Twobirds Bridesmaids for their beautiful collection.  My personal favorite is the Rosette mini.

Mismatched dresses
This is by far my favorite bridesmaids style. Having different dresses for each of your bridesmaids is probably the most welcomed concept to women everywhere since the invention of the stiletto. Allow your ladies the freedom to find a dress they love.  One they feel reflects their style and comfort level (with bride approval of course!).   They’ll forever be in your good graces. Plus, they make such unique pictures.

Mismatched dresses in similar shades
If you like the modern idea of mismatched dresses but want to stick with a little tradition, try different dresses in the same colour or shade for more uniformity.

Rent the Runway
For all our American readers, Rent the Runway has just introduced Rent the Runway Weddings. If you haven’t yet heard of this fantastic site, prepare yourself for endless browsing. For a fraction of the cost, RTR allows you to rent designer dresses for a few days at a time. With the new wedding section, brides are able to pick the number of bridesmaids, the colour and length of dress. They are presented with different options to rent for the big day (added bonus: RTR sends you 2 size options free of charge just in case) Sadly, this amazing service is not yet available in Canada, so I am forever jealous until they do so.
NOTE: RTR is by membership only. There is about a 2-week wait to gain access to the site so sign up sooner rather than later!

Let us know where you found the perfect Bridesmaids dresses!

Nicole Gray, Design Assistant

Christina..Wow, what an amazing season filled with love, vibrant colours and joyous people. As the Assistant Coordinator for eventdecorator.com this season, I had the opportunity to see just what it takes to make these extravagant events a success. And all I can say is WOW. Our team really pulls it all together, from multi-day set-ups, minute by minute hands on coordination, to late-night tear downs.

Eventdecorator.com is in some ways your one stop shop to ensure you have the most beautiful, easy flowing wedding you could ever expect. By no means am I meaning to plug the company I work for as much as possible. I just want to explain to Brides from actual experience, the wonderful work we do. For most people, their wedding day is a once in a life time experience. Wouldn’t you want to be reassured that everything is going to run the way you have planned. Here are a few tips I’ve noted that every Bride should consider before they walk down the aisle. Regardless of the size, budget or style of wedding, the following elements should be a least taken into consideration.

1. Have a Plan B: When planning an outdoor wedding you should always have a Plan B in the event of rain. Side suggestion for Brides, have umbrellas made with the date of your wedding as wedding favours. They make for practical gifts that your guests will continue to use.

2. Have Lots of Candles: Regards of the scale of one’s décor, having lots of candles will set the mood of romance for the evening, while leaving guests with a feeling of elegance and exclusivity.

3. Chair Covers are a Must: When choosing a venue that has out of date chairs or chairs that contrast with your colour scheme, then I would say chair covers are a must. Remember ladies, there are going to be a lot of chairs in the room. You don’t want peoples focus to land on the chairs when they first enter the room. You want them to be drawn in by the overall colour scheme that you have selected for the evening.

4. Hire At Least a Month of Coordinator: For most Brides, they didn’t dream about having someone else plan their wedding for them. So I can understand one not requiring a full scale planner. But most Brides also didn’t dream how on the actual day your brain could be running a mile a minute with all the little details that can’t be handled before hand. Such as vendor time tables, flow of guests from one location or area to another, keeping wedding party members on schedule, gift and registry tables being setup, candles being lit, and the list goes on. This is why I advise Brides to at least hire a month of coordinator. It’s their job to manage vendors, handle all last minute details as well as any unexpected elements that arise. So give yourself, your bridal party and family members a little gift on your wedding day. Let a coordinator handle all the elements and let you and your family have peace of mind.

5. Go with the Flow: Finally, remember that even with all your pre-planning something unexpected could always pop up. Rely on the experience and professionalism of the qualified vendors you have chosen. Trust them to get things done the way you want. So sit back, relax, and just enjoy your day.

Cheers to your wonderful wedding! Hope these pointers help you out!

Christina Smith, Coordination Assistant

Lee..This summer has been a tremendous experience for me…both professionally and personally.

I first met Elizabeth for my interview as Design Assistant for EventDecortor.com.  As I walked into the studio, it felt like I had walked into a trendy and stylish wedding magazine.  I thought to myself “I don’t know if I belong here!”  With my nerves and confidence made of chiffon I carried my way through what I thought was by far, the worst interview of my life!  Dry scratchy throat and watery eyes, I had to ask for water and Kleenex, who does that during an interview?  I kept telling myself, “Do the best that you can and get the heck out of here!”  Elizabeth was more than understanding and tried to make me feel as relaxed as she could.  Low and behold, a few anxiety filled days later I was offered the Design Assistant position!  With and overwhelming sense of pride, joy and disbelief  I accepted and thought “how lucky am I to be able to work for her!”  It has been a journey of learning, development and self discovery.

I feel that I have had an exceptional experience working here this summer.  Elizabeth has amazing talent, is a trend-setter and a style unique all to her own.  We as Design Assistants have had the opportunity to work along-side her, share in her visions and truly experience her passion for the work that she does.  We have all been treated as part of a real team and as individuals.  Individually we have been encouraged to try new things and step out of our boxes!  Each step of the way we have had that guidance and encouragement while teaching and allowing us to grow.  There is a real sense of pride and accomplishment knowing that you have a small part of something as enduring as a couple’s wedding day. 

As the hot summer days have faded and turned into a crisp and colourful autumn, I reflect back over the past few months and draw on my experiences. These are some of my most vivid memories…I have experienced some breath taking beauty, whether it is in the form of a beautiful Bride, her handsome Groom and the love that their share.  Amazing Decor and Floral arrangements that have created a stunning back drop for such a magical day.  Glowing sunrises and the mist that lifts from the still waters off the Muskoka Lakes.  Seeing the joy in people at 1 am and having “Sweet Caroline” stuck in my head for days….and all the heavy lifting and back breaking work has all been worth it….because when you drive home at 4 am you can’t help but think about the incredible memories created.  You laugh and form friendships with the people you work with.  Most of all I have discovered that I too have a real passion for this Industry!  I have had an incredible teacher and mentor! 

Would I do it all over again?  Absolutely!

Lee Hoffer, Design Assistant

“The Reaction”

“Admittedly the “life of a wedding design intern” is tiring.  Sometimes, when you’ve unloaded crates upon crates of decor, dropped linen throughout the room, laid out tablecloths, tied the 150^th chair cover, placed the 195^th candle, made the 65^th napkin treatment – sometimes, you think to yourself. “This is a LOT of work for ONE day” (especially when you know you’re going to be back in the middle of the night to take it all down!).  And it is… it’s a lot of incredible, detailed and beautiful work – and it is just one day – but it’s YOUR day.  For that bride, it is THEIR day and it is so important that the room be just exactly what they dreamed and envisioned.

A few weekends ago I had the privilege of being in the room when the Bride walked in to see it for the first time.  Suddenly all the work was 100% worth it.  This particular Bride was about to get into a boat and head to a dock to walk down the aisle to be married – but first, she came for a “sneak peek” at the room – we were finishing last minutes touches and details, adding a peacock feather here, lighting a candle there – ensuring the room was indeed perfect.  In she came, through the fabric draping that divided her fabulous lounge from her dining room – and her jaw hit the floor.  Her eyes welled up, she loved it!  And in that moment I thought to myself: “THIS is why we do this” – for that one moment, that makes the early mornings and late nights make sense, that makes every little detail the most important detail.  In that moment I felt honoured that each and every one of our clients invites us to be a part of their special day, and honoured that we get to do all the tedious and detailed tasks that solicit that kind of reaction.

So thank you – to each and every one of our Brides – for inviting us into your day and allowing us to transform your dreams into realities, for allowing us as design assistants to learn and grow under the very capable direction of Elizabeth into professionals in the field we love!”

Rachel Kay, Design Assistant

Our desgin was called “Spirit of Nature” and initial creative inspiration was the Native theme represented at our Olympics.  I wanted to take this concept and add a modern trendy edge.  Beautiful layered tones of oranges were accented with natural detailing.  Working frequently in the Muskoka Region was additional inspiration.  Details included; georgeous silk backdrop, wooden log chairs with feather detailing, handmade birch charger plates, birch stump mini cakes, floral and feather dreamcatcher, flowers in tones of orange with red accents and natural elements, real trees in tall modern sqare vases, moss floor and burlap table linen with silk edging.   Visit Toronto Wedding Society blog for more images!

“It is all about the details!”

I created the large dreamcatcher that hung over the table from branches and twine with the guidance of my friend and fellow designer Kevin.  I added strands of florals accented with feathers and beading.

Lori from the Caketress created birch log mini cakes that complement the custom birch charger plates perfectly!

Multiple tones of orange florals were used with natural pod and moss and branch detailing.

Rustic log chairs were glammed up with feathers!

All photography was shot Taylor Jackson Photography

Enjoy!

Elizabeth Johnston, Creative Director

Shutterbug Photography did a stellar job of capturing the special moments of this day. I absolutely love the photos with the bridal party in their rain boots. Those Muskoka granite cliffs… One of my true loves.

Truly inspiring clients,
Elizabeth Johnston, Creative Director

Check it Out,
Elizabeth Johnston, Creative Director

Also, check out our bouquet featured on page 84.  Pick up a copy of this beautiful magazine or visit their website for inspiration.

Inspiring Ideas,
Elizabeth Johnston

I would like to thank my friends Erika and Ryan from Rowell Photography for guiding me through the blogging process.  It is the perfect opportunity to share images of a table I designed for their anniversary dinner this summer.  My parent’s waterfront property set the scene.  Unfortunately the mosquitoes drove them away before they could enjoy the setting by candlelight!  The joys of the Muskoka Region…

Inspiring Ideas,
Elizabeth Johnston, Creative Director