A very special project.

Photos: Greg Pacek

Kristina is a lovely lady from Toronto who brought to me a family heirloom wedding dress from the early years of the 20th century. Though the dress itself wasn't quite wearable, it was decorated with some exquisite chantilly lace--the kind you just can't get anymore--in a perfect shade of mellow antique ivory. The dress also featured a sweet pearly beaded trim, stitched by careful hands almost a hundred years ago (you can see it making an appearance at the waistband of Kristina's dress). Making the most of two in-person meetings (one in San Francisco, one in Portland), Kristina and I collaborated on the dress you see. I used almost every inch of the original lace to embellish the bodice and an underlayer of the skirt--the smallest scraps were fashioned into flowers with lace and silk organza petals, which were appliquéd on the bodice. The skirt is organza and tulle over silk shantung--the gauzy layers helping to harmonize old and new materials. I truly loved working on this dress, and she wears it beautifully. Thanks, Kristina, and best wishes.

"Tora revised"

Blacks

19" x 7" x 4"

 "Tora revised"

 Cognac and Crestwood Tobacco browns

"Tora revised"

Opal umber

Wedding Auction Package

This is too good to miss. I've teamed up with Darcy Miller, Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta and more to offer a wedding package for auction, benefiting the Martha Stewart Center for Living, a service which promotes and facilitates health care resources for older adults. It's worth $12,000 and includes a $1,500 White by Vera Wang gift certificate, bridal shoes, engagement photos, a meeting with Darcy and planning services from me! I just checked the bidding and right now it's a bargain -- check it out yourself. If you're getting married, this sounds like the best deal in town!

Bidding ends on November 30, so don't wait!

LOVE AND POUTINE

There are two reasons Viva is completely head over heels about one of Ottawa wedding photographer Blair Gable’s recent engagement sessions. 1) Viva loves Elgin Street Diner poutine. 2) Viva loves when an engagement session really represents the couple and in some way tells you something fun about who they are.

Viva’s favourite weddings aren’t always the most glamorous or the most expensive. A wedding full of special touches that represent the couple are. And while the latest trends can be tempting, your wedding day should really include details that exemplify you as a couple - trend or not. Viva believes the same goes for your engagement pictures and this fabulous engagement session shot by Blair demonstrates just that.

After chatting with bride and groom-to-be Kaitlin & Keith, Blair discovered that they ended many dates with a late night poutine at none other than the Elgin Street Diner of course. And so the photo shoot begins. The video below by James Park is a sneak peek at the behind the scenes. Be sure to head on over to Blair’s blog to view some of the very cool images taken of these soon to be newlyweds.

Poutine Engagement Shoot - Behind the Scenes from Blair Gable on Vimeo.

  Paula  

(11" x 5")

Sometimes, you just know.

It's French (of course), ornamented all over with a twining foil embroidery, and it's the most elusively perfect shade of platinum-y ivory, like it leapt out of the 1920s and into my arms. My little head is a-swim with wild ideas. This will make the gauziest, prettiest gown for a very, very special schoolbook-fairy bride. I know you're out there…I just haven't met you yet.

As a secret gardener myself, I love–love–this romantic inspiration board on Style Me Pretty…featuring my Honeychurch gown.

WEDDING DRESS WEDNESDAY

McCaffrey Haute Couture’s annual sample sale is almost here! Don't miss it!!

LAUREN & GREG GET MARRIED!!

Lauren & Greg were married in what was a beautiful ceremony at Blessed Sacrament Parish in the Glebe followed by a fabulous cocktail hour and dinner reception at the Museum of Nature. Lauren was absolutely stunning in her custom Janine Adamyk gown and her bridesmaids all wore Two Birds dresses - The dress you can wear over 15 different ways available at With Love Bridal Boutique!

So many outstanding vendors played a part in making this wedding all that it was. Tulips & Maple made everyone’s mouth water not only during the cocktail hour and dinner but again late night when they brought out the gnocchi poutine. Art-Is-In created the eye catching macaron cake. Delish! Tivoli was responsible for all the floral including the striking centerpieces found on each guest table. Mikaza added to the decor with a stylish lounge area. Of course we can’t forget the music. Virtuosi set the mood at the ceremony, cocktail hour, and during dinner while Prestige Entertainment kept the guests on their feet throughout the reception. And what would an outstanding wedding be without an outstanding photographer? Big thanks to the truly brilliant Miv Fournier for the images below.

LAUREN & GREG - SNEAK PEEK!!