Love Notes: The Pacific Weddings Blog

In Living Color: A Wedding that Pops

At the risk of sounding hopelessly domestic, my recently purchased sewing machine has opened up a new realm in life, and with Emily Dickinson's prose dancing in my head, "I dwell in possibility" now has a whole new meaning! Although I have yet to sew a stitch, (I'm watching, ok!?), I am inspired by the amazing colors and textures I've found. Today I've decided to share some of these pretty little things that could be a starting point for a fabulous wedding. If you love crafts and whimsical color, Heather Bailey's fabrics are perfect with their subtle vintage style and vivid prints. My thoughts instantly went to Kate Sullivan's graphic cake designs as I looked through the patterns. Check out Heather's site then share your wedding ideas with us! (Photos courtesy of Heather Bailey) Click for more Kate Sullivan wedding cake inspiration.

Photo above by Tara Donne

Photo © Gabrielle Revere

Vintage Wedding Style: Moss & Bell Jars

I've had a longstanding love affair with bell jars, and I recently discovered it was the French that developed the glass cloche to protect plants from cold weather frost. I like the idea that these miniature gardens are a natural still life framed only by the glass that envelopes them. Blended with moss and European accents, a bell jar wedding arrangement is both interesting and unique. For this style sheet I looked to two of my faves, Roost and Anthropology, for inspiration. (Photos: above, La Mome bridal caplet is available at Tocatta's Etsy shop; upper right image via Apartment Therapy; bell jars above and images below by Roost.)

For our table setting below at Pua Le‘a Estate, a historic sugar mill tucked away in the lush green hills of Haiku, Maui, we used moss in lieu of linens to cover the table adding bouquets of white orchids and calla lilies as centerpieces. Below, another amazing Anthro store display; moss balls and Euro accessories from Save-on Crafts. I think it would be fun to create a unique tableau for each of your wedding reception tables with these interesting pieces, and your guests will appreciate the nature-inspired still life scenes.

A weathered container from World Buyer's new collection is a fabulous table accent. Finally, a perfectly adorable Antrhopologie frock dubbed the Beach Grass Dress is perfect for a casual destination wedding—you decide whether it is for the bridesmaids or for the bride herself. xo ~robyn

Entertaining Children at a Wedding Reception

 

Many weddings are taking a turn toward the casual styling of a garden party, and we are often asked for ideas of how to include and entertain the children at a wedding reception. Here are a few ideas that will make the keiki feel special. Dedicate a space for a children's buffet at the reception with colorful cookies, candies and small items they can either enjoy during the event or take home as a parting gift. If you are hoping to keep them occupied, it is nice to have one or two nannies attending to the children. Besides freeing up the parents, the kids will have much more fun playing old-fashioned lawn games like Badmitten or croquet. If you have a large enough lawn, you could even create a small putt-putt golf game with child size clubs and a few plastic cups (there are inexpensive sets at any toy store). The children will appreciate your thoughtful planning as much as the adults!

Teddy bear bride and groom were hand sculpted by Yukiko of Deco Clay Craft. Little sandcastle cakes make a whimsical centerpiece alongside sugar cookies in the shape of surfboards, crabs, geckos and tropical fish. Meringues in shell shapes are tucked inside small metal pails the kids can take home with them. Fresh island fruit is another good treat to consider! (Photos by Chrissy Lambert)

Wedding Details in Unexpected Places

One of my favorite tasks as a wedding editor is getting lost in a pile of magazines or browsing endless Internet pages in search of beautiful items that translate into wedding details. And inspiration is so often found in the most unexpected places! One of my favorite stops on the Internet highway is a little shop called Three Potato Four. The brainchild of Janet Morales and Stu Eli, this little shop of curiosities was born from their mutual love of collecting. Janet says, “We're collectors and to us, all products and belongings tell a story. We live by stories and we shop for stories.” Shaunna and I think their delightful mix of modern and vintage objects will add character to the story of your wedding.

Here are a few of our latest favorites. (Clockwise from upper left) We adore almost anything with a cute bird motif, and this silkscreen print by artist Wayne Pate of Good Shape Design is a great jumping off point for quirky wedding stationery and décor. These unusual wooden letterpress trays feature Chinese labels for each slot, and we think they would make a unique presentation for seating cards. The trays are in original vintage condition and pictured with oversized printing press letters which we feature in the upcoming issue of Pacific Weddings (on newsstands in July!). For bridesmaid gifts, we fell for  this fabulous fuchsia and tangerine tote, part of the the Henry Road collection by designer Paula Smail. More botanical inspiration, these prints were made exclusively for 3P4 by artist Geninne Zlatlkis. We also like the vintage appeal of these 8 oz. glass carafes with their antique milk bottle silhouette and simple "8" typography (Hawaii girls, think 808!). Newly produced in limited quantities by 3P4, these carafes make lovely vases for a casual reception or wedding shower, and at the end of the evening you can give them to guests as a parting gift. Just a note, the entire collection at 3P4 changes often and many items are just too adorable to resist, so don’t hesitate to scoop up things you know you won’t want to live without! We enjoy hearing about your unexpected inspirations, so please share your finds… Happy Hunting!

Win a Trip to Hawaii & Arrive in Style

 

Kate Spade has gone cuckoo for coconuts with her new Hawaiian-inspired accessories. As a beloved fan, I was excited to view her modern interpretation of Hawaii chic! Although the collection steers off her typical course of streamlined elegance, it definitely bears her signature off-beat panache and colorful whimsy.

The hula ida handbag will illicit a few double-takes, with its “tiers of raffia strips in bright, summery tones… the perfect mix of charm and polish.” Always the style maker, Kate has gone one step further by partnering with the “First Lady of Waikiki”, Westin Resort’s Moana Surfrider, to give away a four day escape to Oahu, Hawaii. You can enter to win as often as you wish through June 12th!

p.s. The upcoming Summer 2009 edition of PACIFIC WEDDINGS® features more Hawaiian chic wedding accessories… on newsstands in July! Email weddings@pacificweddings.com to reserve your copy.

Nail Polish: New Tropical Summer Shades

Whenever I'm selecting a new nail polish I can’t resist checking out the name—it has become my personal prerequisite for a final decision. So of course I love the Vintage 2009 NARS collection of bodacious summery colors. Named after the 1983 Catherine Deneuve/David Bowie vampire film, “The Hunger,” François Nars’s blood orange nail lacquer Hunger became an instant cult classic when it was introduced in 2001. Its discontinuation several years later only added to its appeal. Now, in celebration of the 15th anniversary of his makeup line, Mr. Nars has reissued the long-lost polish along with four other tropical shades: Blue Lagoon, a shimmering ocean blue; Zizi, a peachy gold; Tallulah, a royal purple; and our favorite, Cha Cha Cha, a sheer tangerine. Unless you are less conventional than most, Zizi may be the only shade appropriate for your actual wedding day, but why not celebrate your exotic destination with these hot hues in the days prior to the wedding? Summer fun is only a brush stroke away… what's your favorite?!

Ring Pillows We Adore

Love the ring pillows by designer 5eizen featuring pretty blossoms, whimsical feathers and smart buttons. 5eizen's Etsy shop also features gorgeous hair clips, birdcage veils, and modern belts and sashes to adorn any bridal gown. The designer will be expanding her wedding collection soon to include bridal shawls, flower girl dresses and invitations! From top to bottom, left to right: the monochromatic lili pillow from the Alana Series, a classic chocolate brown and champagne satin ring pillow from the Elle Bloom Series, an ivory satin ring pillow from the Claira Series (the light sheer fabric has a twig pattern burned away to reveal the third layer of satin), and a cool gray pillow from the Chrysanthemum Bloom Series.

I especially love this sage satin pillow from the Lee Series featuring silver (or gold) leaves for a naturally elegant look. xo Shaunna

Designer to Watch: Saja Wedding

It's not unusual for bridal designers to segue into women's wear. Both Vera Wang and Monique Lhuillier have successfully crossed over with well-received Fall and Spring Collections, all the while maintaining their coveted bridal designer credentials. Saja designer Yoo Lee has moved in the opposite trajectory, first making a name for herself in contemporary women's fashion and recently launching her bridal collection, Saja Wedding. Yoo initially caught the attention of the fashion world as the chosen designer of 350 competing labels to grace the Henri Bendel New York window display, a high-profile position. Her collections are marked by a soft femininity paired with a modern sensibility that is fitting considering New York City is the designer's muse. You'll find Saja's flagship store along "boutique row" on Elizabeth Street in one of NYC's most charming and fashion-forward neighborhoods, Nolita.

So what can you expect from Saja Wedding? Soft, ethereal fabrics, minimal embellishments and simple, elegant silhouettes, at an extremely affordable price point. Saja Wedding is having their first ever Bridal Trunk Show at the New York City Flagship boutique on January 27th. You can inquire about styles and fittings at Saja's boutique by email (sajanyc@sajainc.com), phone (212-226-7570) or visit them at 250 Elizabeth Street North.

 

Look out for her fresh, flirty take on bridesmaids dresses, too!

Bridesmaids Gifts: Hawaii or Bust!

Kate Spade is a true New York City gal and she knows that once wintertime hits, it's straight to the tropics for some sun therapy. We think "Hawaii or Bust" is a motto that we can all subscribe to! Kate's fanciful coin purse and matching flip flops will make for the perfect bridal party gifts for your destination wedding in the islands. Her holiday 2008 gift guide is full of cute finds, and you can choose to "give warmth, give luxury or give purpose". How very utilitarian of you, Kate. From L-R: "Hawaii or bust" coin purse; $50, "Hawaii or bust" flip flops; $35.00.

Love is in the Air: Bridesmaids Gifts

Believe us, you will want to bottle up the most intoxicatingly beautiful aromas of the Hawaiian Islands to take with you! Enter Saffron James Parfums. Island girl and proprietor Kate Growney ventured into the mysterious world of scent and created three floral fragrances: le‘a, ‘ume, and punono. So, if you are in search of the perfect bridesmaid gift or a special memento, these beautifully packaged perfumes will instantly transport you back to paradise!