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Bella Fiore, custom floral design in Victoria BC

Floral Fashionista Fridays: Sarah Seven

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Floral Fashionista Fridays presents the work of a young, talented, independent designer from Portland,Oregon. Her name is Sarah Seven. I think her designs are fabulous. She designs and sews all the dresses herself in her studio. Sarah takes custom orders which take about four weeks to produce.You can learn about all the details in her shop.
Each dress seems to tell a story. When I look at the dresses, I envision a certain style of wedding. This is so inspiring to me as a custom floral designer because it helps me to create a design that befits the bride and her dress. With so many wedding dresses being variations of the same basic style it is so refreshing to see something unique.
If I could have one wish for bridal styles to evolve. I would wish for coloured bridal dresses and shorter hems.....O.K. two wishes! I'm always kind of surprised when these young, hip brides come to see me and they describe their wedding dresses. I guess it surprises me that tradition still plays such a major part in wedding styles for the bride. I truly feel that a bride can hold true to wedding ideals and traditions but still wear a coloured and unique dress. Maybe, it's just me.....my daughter has said she is going to wear bright red on her wedding day! I can't wait! Well, actually I can!
I love the whimsy of this one for a bridesmaid dress. Yellow is a hot spring trend right now. I also just love the moodiness of the photograph. Kudos to the photographer.
O.K. I love, love this dress. Secret Agent Girl! I wish I had the legs to pull it off....sigh. But how cool would this dress be to put on after the reception? Jump on your new husbands motorbike and take off into the night. Again, way cool photograph. I must ask Sarah who the photographer is....
Too cute!
I love simple elegance. It is so great to accessorize with flowers.
I actually think this dress would be great to wear to a summer wedding.
Remember my wish regarding colour? The first bride who contacts me for a wedding consultation who is not wearing white, off white, diamond white,cream,taupe or any derivative of these colours will get 20 % off their bridal bouquet! Mention this blog post...so I remember.
Sarah donates 10% of her profits to charities. Book her while you can.... because the girl is in demand!

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posted by Sarina Chauhan @ 11:23 PM

Natural Beauty: La La Bloom

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

I believe in make up for your wedding day.Even if normally you abstain from wearing any. I don't believe in layering it on thickly and making yourself uncomfortable in the process. I don't believe in putting make up on your skin that is harmful to you in any way.What we put on our bodies ends up in our bodies.
I believe in make up that will enhance your natural beauty, that will make you feel beautiful when all those eyes are looking at you as you walk down the aisle. I believe that well applied makeup transcribes very well to photographs and video. I know this to be true because I have a background in dance and theater.It is always important to define the eyes and lips, as this is what conveys emotion in any medium.
I have worn all kinds of make up from stage pancake to designer spa labels.I have been searching and searching for mineral make up that does not cost an arm and a leg to own. I have been searching for a mineral make up that does not layer on so thickly it looks like you have smeared dirt on your face ! Why the search? Because mineral make up is not harmful to you or your skin and contains no toxins.
I am pleased to introduce to you LaLa Bloom Mineral Makeup My search is over! Where did I find it? Right here in Victoria!
I LOVE IT !
How dramatic is this colour grouping? It's my favourite . Dana the owner of LaLa Bloom makes it easy for the novice by pairing complimentary colours together into kits that you can purchase easily in her online shop.
Look at all the different colours! I am sure there is something for every skin tone.
Absolutely, smoldering!
Eyes are so important in wedding photography.

Lips are so important too!
Especially for the after vows kiss!

Want that golden glow? I've just come back from Maui look without the sun damage?
Good mineral make up applied correctly gives a youthful glow; this is because of the natural light reflectors it contains.Mineral make up enhances your natural beauty without covering it up. Be naturally beautiful on your wedding day and always, always continue to BLOOM !

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posted by Sarina Chauhan @ 6:54 PM

Introducing: Bella Bling Hair and Bouquet Jewelry

Monday, April 27, 2009

Introducing Bella Bling our newest line of custom made hair accessories and bouquet jewelry. After years of making these for brides I finally had an "Aha Moment !". My daughter and I were watching our favourite reality ballroom dance program. You know the one, where the girls wear those incredibly beautiful costumes and tend to show a lot of skin? While we were watching we noticed that girl after girl .... all were wearing these incredibly fabulous hair flowers. I mentioned to my daughter how fabulous their hair flowers were. My daughter said, "Yeah, Mom they are nice but not as nice as some of yours. You should sell yours." That's where the "Aha Moment" happened and the rest is history!
These are my absolute favourite because they are so dainty and feminine. They look incredibly beautiful in a bridal up do; they add sparkle and whimsy to just about any hair style.
Custom made hair flowers with netting add a bit of vintage glam to a hairstyle. These can be custom made to match your colour scheme; so don't be afraid to contact us to make something special for you.
These are made attached to alligator clips for easy use.
Ooh La La! This one is called "Swan Lake" and looks fabulous in a bridal up do!
Diamante Bouquet Picks can be custom made in any colour and look great in bridal bouquets and luxe flower arrangements.
Bella Bling Hair and Bouquet Jewelry can be custom made for any occasion in any colour you desire. We can also ship these internationally so do not be afraid to contact us. We would be pleased to make something custom for you. Bella Bling, Bling it On!!

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posted by Sarina Chauhan @ 7:53 PM

Floral Fashionista Fridays: Natural Bridals

Friday, April 24, 2009

In keeping with our earth friendly theme this week we are featuring Natural Bridals. A new line of eco-friendly designer wedding gowns and accessories designed by Morgan Boszilkov. Morgan is based in Atlanta, Georgia, but works with brides from around the world. These dresses are handcrafted with love in the United States, and 5% of profits are donated to environmental causes. Morgan uses sustainable fabrics and strives to apply green and socially responsible principles to all aspects of her business. Her designs are elegant, beautiful, luxurious and Green!
Some of these dresses have been designed with detachable bottom skirts! This is a great option for a bride who wants something a little different at her reception, or plans to wear the dress again in its shorter form. A multi-purposed dress! We Love it!
Some of the fabrics Morgan uses in her designs are Peace Silk, Bamboo, Organic Cotton, Organic Linen, and Hemp. I have a particular fondness for all these fabrics.Luxurious but practical.

This one is my favorite for it's simple elegance and almost Grecian styling. The neckline, empire waist and soft draping of the fabric is so flattering.
You also got to love the back. Beautiful, elegant and sexy!
Natural Bridals eco-friendly bridal wear for the eco -friendly bride! Maybe we could encourage Morgan to create a line of eco-friendly bridesmaids dresses too. Then you could have one stop shopping!

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posted by Sarina Chauhan @ 9:39 AM

Jewelry Inspiration: Swept From the Sea

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Swept from the Sea is a local jewelry designer based right here in Victoria, B.C. Yeah! Cheri creates her designs from recycled beach glass found right on our very own beaches and sterling silver. We think her pieces are great for a beach themed wedding and would make lovely gifts for your female attendants. Please check out her shop. She has just had a big Earth Day Sale but am sure she will replenish her shop shortly, so check back.
These are my absolute favorite...flowers and beach glass! Perfect for bride or bridesmaid.
Simple elegance.

Such great jewelry sets for the bride! Very reasonably priced!


A junior bridesmaid or flower girl would love this silver anklet. She has a mermaid one too.
Swept From the Sea such a great business name and we think would make a lovely wedding theme. Think pale aqua, green, or sand coloured bridesmaids dresses, beach venue, bouquets embellished with shells and pearls, flip flops for shoes, seashell embossed cake, seafood appetizers and of course wedding jewelry from Swept from the Sea!

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posted by Sarina Chauhan @ 10:05 AM

Earth Day 2009 : Seven Ways to a Greener Wedding

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Well, Earth Day is almost over.It's actually very sad that we even have to have an Earth Day. In truth, we should always be thinking about how we can reduce our carbon footprint.Sometimes it's the smallest and easiest things that in the long term makes the greatest impact. Here are seven ways you can have a greener wedding:
  1. Start with the Rings: No one ever seems to think that they can make a green choice when purchasing their wedding rings but you can. By purchasing a ring made with recycled gold, platinum or silver you can make a difference. There are many up and coming jewelry designers who only work with recycled precious metals. Do you have lots of gold and silver jewelry lying around? Take it to your local jeweler who specializes in custom rings and have them melt it down to create wedding rings just for you. You will be supporting a local artist and using that old jewelry you never wear anymore.
  2. The Invitations: Invitations made from recycled paper, printed with soy ink or ones that after the event your guests can plant because they are embedded with wild flower seeds. Make your wedding invitations like a postcard because it uses less paper. Skip the RSVP inserts instead have an email address set up so that your potential guests can email you their RSVP. If you have a wedding website you could have it directly on your site. Saves paper,stamps and money.
  3. The Wedding Dress: More and more designers are designing wedding dresses with hemp, bamboo, organic cotton and fair wage silk.Check in on Floral Fashionista Fridays this week where I feature such a designer. Think of reusing a wedding dress. It could be your Mother's or Grandmother's, even one you found in a second hand store. With a dry clean and some design adjustments by a good seamstress you could actually have the dress of your dreams without breaking the bank. It's very trendy by fashion designers to upscale garments and fabrics to make something new and modern.You can do it too! Think of purchasing a dress you will reuse somewhere else later down the road and don't forget this aspect for your bridesmaids dresses either.
  4. The Flowers: By using locally grown in season flowers you support your local flower growers. Buy locally grown organic flowers. When purchasing organic flowers from California or Columbia it really doesn't reduce your carbon footprint when you think of what is involved to import them. Look in your own garden you may find some flowers and greens you would love to have in your bouquet. Don't be afraid to wild source, for example salal and ferns grow in abundance on Vancouver Island. Ask your neighbors, friends and family for flowers from their gardens. Have a neighbor who has a green thumb? I do. I'm notorious for spotting plants in my neighbors gardens. "Is that dusty miller I see over there? Would you like some plums in exchange for some?" It also helps to keep bottles of wine, boxes of chocolates or home baking around for bargaining leverage! Some florists do not mind if you bring in flowers from your own garden. I certainly don't. I use wild sourced, neighbor bribed and my own garden pickings all the time in my designs!
  5. The Food: Buy local organic produce and use a caterer who is all about supporting local artisans. We've got some good ones in Victoria. Build your menu around organic, local initiatives. That goes for your cake too. You can ask your cake baker to only bake your cake with organic ingredients.
  6. The Booze: Buy organic beer and wine to serve at your wedding. Even better if it's local.
  7. The Candles: Use soy candles, beeswax or vegetable wax. So much better for you and the environment than petroleum based candles. Support your local candle makers.
By using the three "R's" of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle in your wedding planning you can make a difference in your local economy and have a stylish, elegant green wedding.

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posted by Sarina Chauhan @ 10:46 PM

A Step Outside the Box

Designed for the bride instead of a traditional bouquet. I just love it!

The Mother's of the Bride and Groom wore matching wristlets.

The flower girl carried this basket and wore white angel wings...you can see a bit of the feathers I added under the hydrangea.

Here is one of the centerpieces. Every table had a different centerpiece all variations of the same theme.
I love it when a bride just allows me to create and trusts me enough to step outside of the box. Weddings do not always have to be "matchy, matchy." As long as a basic colour theme or style is followed a wedding can have a cohesive look while bringing visual interest and dynamics to the event. Do not be afraid to mix it up a bit.
"The further from the path.....the prettier the flower."
~ Little Red Riding Hood ~

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posted by Sarina Chauhan @ 1:23 AM

The Art of Holding Your Bridal Bouquet

Monday, April 20, 2009

I bet you didn't know there is an art to carrying your bridal bouquet. Well there is! I have had this pet peeve for a while now and am going to address it in this post. I look at a lot of wedding photos and it really disturbs me when I see a bride carrying her bouquet too high; usually she is carrying it under her chin somewhere and her elbows are tucked tightly into her sides like she's clutching something precious to her chest. While your wedding bouquet is precious it's not Frodo's ring!
Your wedding bouquet is an accessory like a nice pair of earrings, funky handbag or fabulous pair of shoes. It has been designed to compliment your wedding dress, your build, your colouring as well as fit into your wedding scheme. If you hold your bouquet too high it covers all the beautiful details and embellishments on the bodice of your dress. You know, those details you fretted about in the dress shop.....seed pearls or crystals, cap sleeves or strapless? What about that heirloom necklace your grandmother gave you to wear on your special day? What about that debate you had with your mother regarding showing your cleavage or not....you know..... the conversation you won to wear that plunging V neckline ? Forget about it because you won't see any of it if you hold your bouquet too high! Your poor groom when looking back at your wedding photos will sorely miss those cleavage shots that photographers so love to take! Sigh.Poor guy, I feel for him. Honest I do.
So, how do you hold your bouquet then? Hold your bouquet at your waist so that you elbows can touch the sides of your waist and then take your elbows out slightly so they are no longer touching your sides but have a nice curve in them. See above picture. Tilt the bouquet slightly forward so that the stems are pointing towards your stomach. The reason it is important to lift your elbows away from your sides is that it is flattering to your arms. It gives your arms tone.When your arms are mashed against your sides it makes them look large....even thin arms look larger when pressed tightly against your sides. Trust me it's true. Try it in the mirror. Tilting the bouquet slightly forward insures the bouquet can be seen by everyone including the photographer. A bouquet adds beauty,colour and gives lovely texture to photographs. Keep your bouquet with you for photographs; it is an important bridal accessory that you have put a lot of thought into. It is sad when you have put a lot of thought into your floral pieces for your wedding day and they are not represented well in your photographs. Not all photographers are details orientated. Ask your photographer to get some nice shots of your bridal party and close ups of their floral pieces, including your centerpieces, altar and cake flowers. You'll be happy you did. There are many details to think about when planning a wedding but thank goodness you now know how to hold your bouquet!

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posted by Sarina Chauhan @ 10:04 PM

Floral Fashionista Fridays Presents: It's a Wrap! Part 2

Friday, April 17, 2009

You don't have to be a model to wear something that looks like it's fresh off the runway! This organza ruffle caplet handmade by Christine from modernromancepdx based out Portland is just the ticket to all the glamour needed on your wedding day!
Garden roses wrap is perfect for a breezy garden wedding.
This is my absolute favourite! This silk shoulder wrap perfect for almost any style of wedding dress; so affordable, and great for the bride with an individual sense of style. I love shrugs and caplets and am so happy to see they are making a comeback.Thanks to designers like Christine at modernromancepdx you can look like a million bucks without having to spend it!

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posted by Sarina Chauhan @ 12:59 AM

Jewelry to Inspire

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

It is very rare that I see something that makes my heart skip a beat due to it's incredible beauty, but this custom made jewelry by Wearable by Design did just that. It is so incredibly stunning, creative and evocative.It goes beyond typical jewelry and becomes an art piece, a family heirloom to be passed down from generation to generation. This jewelry is designed by Jennifer Smith-Righter from Redwood City, California.She designs in silver and semi-precious gems often inspired by nature or mechanical objects.Quite often each individual component of a piece is made by hand to create the whole.She sometimes uses old world techniques like the lost wax process. To me these pieces are incredible pieces of art at an affordable price for custom jewelry. I absolutely love them and hope you do to. Please check out her shop.
First, let me say I am not a huge fan of costume jewelry and especially not on your wedding day.I really feel that a bride should invest in a piece that she is going to love,that she is going to wear and remember her wedding day and how beautiful she felt, that she will pass down to her sons and daughters and that they will pass on and so on. I realize not everyone can afford custom jewelry but even a pair of earrings or bracelet that is an heirloom can create the same effect.I really feel that it would be so special to have your groom, mother or father present you with something so lovely as a custom piece of jewelry for your wedding day to wear at your wedding.I think this tradition is lost and is replaced with gift certificates,toasters and cappuccino makers.
How lovely are these earrings for a bride? Completely customizable with different beads.
This necklace is called "Scarlett Ophelia" and it actually made me swoon.I seriously want to change my name to" Scarlett Ophelia"or at least start up an all girl band called this....but I digress! Is it not beautiful! I love it!

This piece has such a vintage feel to it.
The Oak Leaf necklace.Each leaf is individually made so no two are alike.
Are you swooning yet?

Save the bees!

How dainty and delicate; perfect for the not so flashy bride or bridesmaid.
Please reconsider your wedding jewelry.Rhinestones, pearls, silver or gold ....just choose a piece you love. You are worth it!
Please check out Jennifer's shop Wearable by Design. I couldn't post everything even though I wanted to....her mechanical designs are works of art too!

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posted by Sarina Chauhan @ 11:04 PM

The Never, Never List for Choosing Bridesmaids

Every now and then a bride shares that she is having difficulties with one of her bridesmaids.This just breaks my heart. On a day that is going to be one of the most important days of your life it is really important to choose the right people to be your bridesmaids. In my opinion a bride has enough to think about without having to worry if one of her bridesmaids is going to act up,ruin the special day, or leave her in the lurch at the last moment.So with that in mind here is the Never, Never List:
  • Never, Never choose a bridesmaid who has kissed one of you boyfriends and I'm not talking on the cheek. Even if it was in grade 10 and she was drunk on cheap wine! This friend is the "competitor". She will always compete with you over everything regardless of what it entails. A bridesmaid like this does not have your best interests at heart.
  • Never, Never choose a bridesmaid who when you tell her you have just gotten engaged makes comments like these, "I can't believe you are getting married before me." "I can't believe you are marrying him.""I can't believe you are having your wedding there.""I can't believe you're going to wear that." or any such similar statement. This friend is the "under miner".A bridesmaid like this is jealous of you and will always try to find a way to subtly put you down.
  • Never, Never choose a bridesmaid who does not have similar taste to you. This friend is the "complainer". She will complain about the dresses, the cost of the dress, the colour scheme and anything else she can find to complain about.
  • Never,Never choose a bridesmaid who is an excessive flirt.This friend is the "flirt" and will flirt with every male within proximity because she feels weddings are a good place to find a date. She most likely means well, but will not be thinking about how she can best serve the bride. Instead, she'll be wondering if "Cousin Jim" is single and will follow him around the dance floor relentlessly until he notices her, or she finally realizes he's married. Where will she be when you need help with all those yards of bridal silk and the loo is calling!
  • Never, Never choose a bridesmaid who can't handle her liquor. This friend is the "party girl" and while she'll be fun to have at your bachelorette party. It can really ruin an elegant affair to have one of your bridesmaids get sick on the dance floor or on those yards and yards of bridal silk I mentioned earlier.
  • Never,Never choose a bridesmaid who has had an affair with a married man. I'm not even going to explain this one but you've been forewarned!
This is the Never, Never list and could easily be applied to choosing a groomsman just substitute the feminine words with the masculine. I realize this post may come across a little harsh and unforgiving but If I can save just one bride from regret, embarrassment or heartbreak on her wedding day my job has been done.

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posted by Sarina Chauhan @ 12:24 AM

Decor Idea PomLove!

Monday, April 13, 2009


So, it's true I'm not a big fan of paper decorations. Streamers, paper bells and doves just don't make me happy....too 70's. But then I came across these poms from PomLove and I said, "Wow! Modern,Chic, somewhat DIY....." my brain exploded with the creative possibilities, "....Must tell the world! " I gasped to myself.
I think these would be fabulous hanging from a reception venue ceiling in bridal theme colours or from trees in a garden wedding. I love the shades of green above... lovely for a spring wedding in green and white! The lead time on ordering these is three weeks so order early.They are shipped from Oregon flat and you make them into the poms yourself.They are precut with instructions and hanging filament. If you are a DIY bride this will make it so much easier.
Look at all the colours and more coming soon!

I now have me some serious PomLove !!

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posted by Sarina Chauhan @ 2:13 PM

Happy Easter!

Sunday, April 12, 2009



Happy Easter
from
Bella Fiore !











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posted by Sarina Chauhan @ 12:56 AM

Floral Fashionista Fridays Presents: It's a Wrap! Part 1

Friday, April 10, 2009

This week on Floral Fashionista Fridays we are featuring the work of Elena fromTickled Pink Knits. She is a fabulous artisan based out of New York and we think her "Victoriana Scarflette" is divine!
It is still cold here in Victoria, B.C. and our poor spring bride's are suffering with the cold and rain. What better way to stay warm than to wrap your decolletage in this fabulous scarflette made form luxurious knit wool and bamboo!

It comes in 20 custom colours!

The Rococo Shawl comes in 18 custom colours and would be great for the bride or her bridesmaids.Don't they look snuggly and warm?
Chocolate brown a perennial favourite.
Bold tangerine.We love it!
Elena at Tickled Pink Knits favourite materials to work with are merino wool,alpaca wool,cotton and cashmere. We think these would make wonderful bridesmaids gifts to tie in with the colour of their dresses and your wedding decor. They also add a wonderful textural element to wedding photographs.
Last but not least, we wanted to share with you part of Elena's creative philosophy because it is so similar to our own and is part of why we love her so!

"Do what you love and be confident that you will find an appreciative audience. Be original, be bold. Work hard. Stay positive. Provide unwaveringly excellent service to your current and potential customers. Support the work of others."

Drop in next Friday when we present Part 2 of It's a Wrap! Please view our earlier posts and enter our MOTHER'S DAY GIVE AWAY CONTEST 2009 featured here on our blog.
It's a Wrap!

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posted by Sarina Chauhan @ 7:29 AM

Mother's Day Give Away Contest 2009!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

The details of the Mother's Day Give Away Contest 2009 are finally here! You could win this fabulous peony clutch from Red Ruby Rose for your mother or yourself by simply placing a floral order and writing a poem! Mother's Day is May 10th.

These are the rules to enter:
  • One floral order must be placed online or by telephone for your Mother or wife for a Mother's Day Delivery.The order can be received from April 9, 2009 to May 8, 2009.The deadline for entry is 12:00 noon PST on Friday May 8, 2009. We will accept no other entries after this deadline. No exceptions. There are no flower value restrictions.
  • In the card comments portion of the checkout you must write the word CONTEST before your message or simply tell us by phone.
  • Your Mother must reside in Victoria, B.C. Canada and be present to accept the floral delivery of the flowers and the clutch at the same time. If you wish to keep the clutch for yourself you must arrange your receipt of it via your Mom.We will not make a separate delivery, nor mail the clutch to you. We would mail the clutch to you at your expense if you do not reside in Victoria;this would be via the Canadian Postal Service and at cost for shipment. We would not pay any duties or related fees. You would need to call us to make these arrangements.
  • You can not redeem the clutch for cash value.Nor withdraw your floral order if you do not win the contest.We will accept no cancellations on floral orders that have entered this contest. The clutch received as is.
  • After placing your order you must submit a short Mother's Day poem containing the word rose by going to our contact page and sending us your poem.It must be an original work of art. It can be any style you like or length. You must write the word ACCEPT before your poem.This means that you agree to our rules and will abide by them.
  • Make sure all your details and contact information are correct and matches the information on your order so we can place the right poem with the right order. We recommend submitting the poem right after you place your order so they come in together.
  • The winning poem will be published in this blog but you will retain the copyright.We will identify you by first name only in the post.
  • Submissions that do not win will be destroyed.They will not be sent back to you.
  • The poem will be chosen by us at our discretion.We will choose the poem we like the best.
  1. We will judge the poem on originality
  2. We will judge the poem on creativity
  3. We will judge the poem based on a Mother's Day Theme
  • If you do not use the word rose in your poem you will be disqualified.
  • All decisions are final and are at our discretion.
  • If you enter this contest you accept these rules and conditions and agree to abide by them.Do not enter if you do not agree to abide by these rules.
  • The winner will be notified by email or telephone call or both on Friday, May 8,2009
Good luck to all! You could be the winner of this fabulous clutch from Red Ruby Rose and make your Mom happy by sending her flowers for Mother's Day!

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posted by Sarina Chauhan @ 11:45 PM

Invitation Inspiration

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Ooh La La put on that red lipstick and paint your nails because today's post celebrates vintage, glam and retro, art deco inspired wedding invitations. Sit back and enjoy!
When I come across something so unique and unusual in the wedding world like these inspired wedding invitations from Enfin, La Voila! my heart leaps with joy!
I love the retro, art deco feel of these invitations and the use of colour is delightful! I think these would be fabulous in a vintage,glam style of wedding with birdcage veils,hair fascinators and the like.
Marijke the Graphic Designer behind these inspired invitations is based out of Belgium but ships internationally and works with many international clients. I have the feeling she could design any wedding invitation you desire. She also has fabulous and quirky gift cards. Be sure to check out her shop....so many inspired designs! Here are just a few!

Don't you think this peony invitation would go fabulous with the peony clutch we featured in our Floral Fashionista Friday last week?

The above two are so fresh and spring like!
I see mix matched china, candlelight, a romantic garden venue and an intimate reception with your closest family and friends. Shabby chique. Could this be you?
It goes without saying....We Love Purple!!

Thank-you, Enfin, La Voila!

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posted by Sarina Chauhan @ 11:37 PM

Spring Weddings 2009

Here are a few floral details I did for a recent wedding in March. I love the fresh, romantic colours of chartreuse and pink.This wedding was all about orchids! I can't wait to see the real photos when the couple gets back from their honeymoon. Enjoy!
I have a feeling this bouquet is going to be one of my favourites this season. It is so romantic and feminine.
The Bride's Maids carried these bouquets in cream and chartreuse.
The Fathers and Grandfathers wore these simple and elegant boutonnieres . The Groom lost his Grandfather the day before the wedding. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family.
The Flower Girls were very young so I suggested they carry their special teddies down the aisle.Not before we dressed them up!

I just fell in love with the creamy texture and pink throat of these orchids. My studio was full of the heavenly scent of orchids.What florist could ask for anything more ! Stay tuned for our Mother's Day Giveaway Contest posted this week. See older posts.

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posted by Sarina Chauhan @ 12:08 AM

Luxe for Less in Seven Easy Steps

Sunday, April 5, 2009

In this economy many brides want to save money on their wedding flowers and decor but still want their event to look beautiful and elegant. Here are seven easy ways to have a
" Luxe for Less" wedding:

  1. Choose a Theme and Work it Baby! Why? Even the simplest of themes gives your wedding a cohesive look. I am not talking full out " Western" with cowboy hats and cowboy boot centerpieces....although we do love you Calgarians! I am talking as simple as "Old Hollywood" think black and white with pops of red or "Vintage Romance" think pale pinks, lavender, cream, lace, and china teacups.How about "Modern Eco Chick" think chartreuse green, twigs,organic food, local wine and soy candles. You can pretty much glam up a theme without spending a lot of money. Why? The overall effect of the theme catches the eye and ties everything together more than the individual details
  2. Monochromatic Colour Scheme! Why? Again, a monochromatic colour scheme can offer a cohesive look. It doesn't matter what your budget may be, a monochromatic colour scheme pulls a room together and always manages to look elegant. Again, individual elements are noticed less. No one will notice that your centerpieces are made from green spider mums instead of green orchids. Which brings us to number three on our list...
  3. Be Flexible! Why? You will be amazed what a good floral designer can do with white carnations instead of white peonies.It's true carnations are making a comeback! If the magazine picture with the bouquet of your dreams has been sitting in your wedding scrapbook for a year and you have finally taken it in to your floral designer only to find the cost of the bouquet is half your whole floral budget. Do not despair! A good floral designer can mimic the look for less and it will still look beautiful. Trust me, you're gonna love it!
  4. Candles! Why? Such a simple and inexpensive way to bring ambiance to a room. There are so many ways to display candles the options are limitless. For example, on mirrors,in mason jars, in hurricanes with sand, in hurricanes with rose petals, in hurricanes with beach glass, hanging from chandeliers.....I really could go on and on here but you get the idea. We recommend soy candles, beeswax and vegetable wax over paraffin candles so much better for you and the environment. Check out our soy candles in our Spa Line in our online shop.
  5. Fruits and Veges! Why? Using fruits and vegetables in centerpieces is an inexpensive way to add interest and texture to an arrangement. They also take up space and add colour. They are easy to come by at your local market.Think a brass fluted compote or bowl filled with dark purple grapes dripping over the edge and a few well placed bright orange orchids....instant " Moroccan Theme" ! How about limes in a tall fluted vase with brightly coloured gerbera sprouting out of the top ...instant "Fresh and Funky Theme" ! Again, the possibilities are endless and the best thing is you can eat the produce after your wedding!
  6. Signature Cocktails! Why? Again bringing cohesion to your wedding. Say you have chosen a monochromatic apple green "Fresh and Funky" theme, using green apples in your centerpieces. How cool and luxe would it be to have servers waiting to greet your guests with appletinis! By providing your guests with only two other alcoholic choices of beer and wine you could potentially save up to 50% on your bar bill!! Clever hey? Sneaky, but clever and Oh so chique!
  7. DIY Favours! Why? Nothing says "I love and appreciate you" like homemade. With all the craft stores and dollar stores around these days that carry beautiful ribbons,bags,boxes and jars. Think fresh baked cookies in little boxes tied with ribbon, or jars of jam with personalized labels,home made bottles of wine with vintage style labels....the possibilities are endless and you can spend as much or as little as you like!
There you go. I hope this post gets you thinking outside the box with ways you can get Luxe for Less for your very own wedding. And if anyone needs plums this summer for their wedding favours give me a call! Stay tuned for a Mother's Day Give Away Contest this week. See our earlier posts.

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posted by Sarina Chauhan @ 9:09 PM

Floral Fashionista Fridays

Friday, April 3, 2009



So, I have decided to designate my Fridays to all that is beautiful and artful within the fashion world. I am a firm believer in supporting the world's artists. What is the world without art!
That said, this week I am featuring the beautiful work of Red Ruby Rose
Based out of Bristol, U.K. Rowena creates beautiful clutches lined with dupioni silk. Designed with different colours and fabrics. I am particularly in love with the floral motif clutches.....must have!
These would make lovely bridal accessories or bride's maids gifts. So reasonably priced even with shipping from the U.K. Hope you love them too! Check out the post before to see more of her clutches and make sure to check out her shop! Also, stay tuned for a Mother's Day Give Away Contest that we will be featuring in our blog this week.You could win the peony clutch featured above for your mom or yourself! Oh yeah!

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posted by Sarina Chauhan @ 3:30 AM

Floral Fashionista Fridays Continued...





This one is perfect for a bride with an ivory dress.
Dupioni Silk Lining
Chocolate and Turquoise Theme

Asian Fusion Perhaps?
West Coast Wonderful!
Don't you just love these clutches by Red Ruby Rose! Wouldn't they make great bridesmaids gifts! I'm loving Floral Fashionista Fridays!

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posted by Sarina Chauhan @ 2:43 AM

The Art of Choosing Your Wedding Florist

Thursday, April 2, 2009



Every now and then I receive an email or telephone call where a bride asks, "How much do you charge for one dozen red roses?"
I suppose this is one way for the bride to determine how expensive, or not a certain florist may be but it in no way takes into consideration the "art"of creating floral designs for a wedding.Usually, the bride does not only want a dozen red roses. She wants a dozen red roses with red berries,white feathers and crystal picks with folded leaves and a white satin wrap with a crystal buckle! Do you understand what I am getting at? Simply pricing one dozen red roses does not give an accurate representation of the cost.
Planning the flowers for a wedding involves: a complimentary consultation with the bride in person or through a series of emails,follow up consultations, many emails and phone calls, creating the floral designs, keeping track of all the bride's changes and requests, pricing the designs, preliminary quotes,secondary quotes and sometimes more, creating a contract, liaison with other wedding vendors working on the special day so that everything flows smoothly, compiling the types of flowers used and how many, ordering the flowers, conditioning the flowers, creating many individual works of art, delivering these works of art to a beautiful bridal party and wedding venues in a timely fashion! Please imagine the hours and hours of time involved in this creative process.So, simply pricing a dozen red roses does not "embrace the art."

These in my opinion are the best ways to choose your wedding florist:

  • TRUST: Do you trust that the florist understands your vision? Do you trust that the florist can create and implement your vision? Does your florist listen to you? Give you ideas to work with and off? Do you like the florist? Can you see yourself able to work and communicate with the florist easily? Is the florist organized? Does the florist's reputation speak for itself?

  • ART: Is the florist creative? Can the florist design in many different styles? Have you viewed the florist's actual portfolio? Do you like the florist's work? Do you feel confident that the florist can design in your style? Does the florist's art speak for itself?

  • Budget: Last but not least budget. Be honest about your budget with your florist. Have a floral budget set before seeing your florist and a bottom line. For example: "I do not want to spend more than $2000.00 including taxes and deliveries."This gives the florist an accurate budget to work with and advise you on. Be realistic. If your budget is $500.00 and you have ten people in your bridal party, desire 20 centerpieces and your favourite flowers are orchids you may have to adjust your vision to accommodate your budget.Be flexible with your floral choices and open to suggestions.A good florist can work to any budget within perimeters. That being said, some good florists have budget minimums because they only accept one wedding on any given date . Read Testimonials ....Happy Brides speak for themselves!
So, as you can see choosing a good florist takes some consideration. I encourage all brides to "embrace the art" of their special day!

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posted by Sarina Chauhan @ 1:35 PM
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