Always inspiring, Martha Stewart is the source of today’s post. Get creative with coasters and use them at your cocktail reception, or give them away as favours to your guests. You can use any photo or patterned paper to coordinate with your wedding theme and colours. These map coasters are perfect for a destination wedding or for the couple who love to travel:

Glass gift-wrap coasters tied together with a pretty ribbon make such a cute (and functional) favour for your guests:

Get detailed instructions on how to make these creative coasters here: map how-to, glass how-to.

If you try out this project, drop me a line and let me know how it went!

Jennifer

I had the privilege of helping my good friends Christine + Steve plan their fabulous New Years’ Eve wedding. Christine knew she wanted a modern, black & white affair, with simple yet striking decor. Steve knew he wanted an awesome party to ring in 2010. I think they got both! Here’s a look at Christine + Steve’s amazing day, captured beautifully by Sam Ng Photography:

The talented bride designed all the wedding stationary herself!

How cool is this photo?! Steve scored an old Eskimos locker at a team auction!

Fluffy carnation balls with dangling crystals surround the newlyweds as they share their first kiss.

The stunning bride!

The dinner tables were numbered as different years, and framed table cards featured interesting facts and trivia about that year.

Steve and his groomsmen meticulously measured, cut and hung this beautiful crystal curtain behind the head table.

The countdown to midnight was projected over the dance floor!

A big thanks to my assistant Krista for helping coordinate the day!

Congratulations, Christine + Steve – it was an honour to share this experience with you. Many happy years to come!

Jennifer

There is so much talent in Edmonton, and the wedding industry is no exception. Couture wedding gown designer, Lani van Rooyen, is the owner of R O O Y Couture & Consulting, and I sat down with her to chat about one of the most important components of every bride’s Big Day – the wedding gown!

Quick – give us your best Tweetography (ie. tell us about yourself in 140 characters or less)!

I’m a wedding gown designer by heart – oh so passionate about love, family, all things beautiful and making brides glow on their big day. I’m a confessed hopeless romantic!

What does R O O Y Couture & Consulting do?

R O O Y Couture designs and creates one-of-a-kind couture bridal gowns. Working with each bride individually, we design the gown of her dreams based on her personality, style and figure, suggesting the most suited silks and laces to stay within her budget.

The manufacture process begins with custom patterns hand-drawn based on the bride’s measurements, after which several fittings lead up to the big day, making the bride part of every step of the creation of her wedding gown. We offer the added service of dressing our brides on their wedding day, ensuring every last detail is looked after. We also offer Consulting services for those brides who need advice on style of gown, wedding party wardrobe or tying it all in with the wedding décor or theme.

Who have been the biggest influences in your life (designers or otherwise)?

As a teenager I followed the broadcasts of European fashion shows and absolutely admired the work of Giorgio Armani. His work inspired me and made me acutely aware of key design basics: quality fabrics combined with beautiful workmanship, cut and simple elegance, style and grace. To this day I’m a big fan. In the years to come I studied Fashion Design in South Africa, under the watchful eye of two established designers. They reinforced the importance of quality, fit and workmanship, which are so important in the creation of a couture gown. I was also blessed to grow up in a family where ‘reaching for your dreams’ was always encouraged – as a designer it gave me wings to pursue my passion.

You’re originally from South Africa. How do you think that inspires you in design?

South Africa is a colourful nation, full of diversity and amazing beauty. I would say having grown up in such a country inspires my designs in the use (and sometimes boldness) of color as well as fabric prints and especially texture. I’m also very fond of beading and the accompanying geometric designs, something native to South Africa.

What are some of the reasons brides come to you to design their wedding gown?

Brides often have an idea of their dream gown – whether they have favorites marked out in a magazine or have had an image in their minds for years. Very often they are unable to find it hanging on the rack. Collaborating with a gown designer, the gown will come to life, with the added advantage of professional advice and guidance on the final product to make it their own unique gown.

Others have learned of the advantages of having your gown designed and custom made compared to buying it off the rack. It is a much more personalized experience that results in a showstopper gown reflecting who they are. I also see brides who have trouble finding their size for some reason or another, or those who seek guidance as they have fitted many gowns and still don’t know which style would suit them best. Some brides just want something different from what is generally available.

Did you design your own wedding gown?

I did, and sewed every last bit of it. I had the design of my future gown in my head since I studied fashion design, and when the time finally came, it looked totally different!  It was perfect and very special.

What are some of the hot trends for wedding gowns in 2010 and 2011?

Soft, romantic details first and foremost. Whether it be soft ruffles all over the skirt (either full size or less), or beautiful soft fabric flower or bow accent pieces, placed carefully on the bodice, detailing is big and so fun!

Short gowns are an exciting new trend, as is the new fashionable color: black. Combined with white or a light shade, whether it is an accent piece or a beautiful black lace used as part of the gown design, it is an upcoming stylish choice. Shoulder-less gowns remain popular, as does the mermaid style. And locally, I find lace-up is making a delightful and always beautiful comeback.

What’s in store this year for R O O Y Couture & Consulting?

Having just celebrated the first R O O Y birthday, we will be continuing our quest to make more brides glow as they walk down the aisle!  We are so privileged to be working along with wonderfully talented vendors and the most amazing brides. I am also currently working on an exclusive event in the early fall to showcase our Spring/Summer 2011 bridal collection.

Here’s a look at some of Lani’s stunning designs:

Thanks Lani!

Jennifer

I spent the last week in Los Angeles and had the opportunity to visit The Getty Center – one of two J. Paul Getty Museums in the L.A. area. The Center itself is a work of art, with stunning architecture by Richard Meier, breathtaking gardens and amazing panoramic views. Always with weddings on my mind, I was inspired to create a “Getty Wedding” board based on a few photos I took while I was there:

A Getty Wedding: geometric lines, manzanita branches, touches of lavender, a masterpiece gown and California succulents.

Enjoy the weekend!

Jennifer

Photo Credits: Manzanita branches in pot: Nettleton Hollow; Ring: Midnight Jewels; Manzanita branches with orchids: Twigs and String; Cake: The Knot; Gown: Romona Keveza; Succulent bouquet: Flower Duet; Stamp: Zazzle; Lavender dessert table: Amy Atlas.

Meet Kelly Redinger. Kelly is the fun-natured photographer behind Kelly Redinger Studios, based out of Sherwood Park, AB.

Quick – give us your best Tweetography (ie. tell us about yourself in 140 characters or less)!

Hello. I’m Kelly. I photograph people in love. And I wake up every morning super excited to create inspiring photos. I am a happy guy.

Why did you become a photographer?

I have always been a visual person. And I love meeting people. It was a natural fit to combine these two into an awesome career. Photography allows me the opportunity to freeze in time the amazing things I see around me. And I love how looking at an image, at this single frozen moment in time, can evoke such strong emotional responses. After finishing my bachelor of commerce degree and working at a job I absolutely hated, I made the decision to wake up every day and enjoy what I do for a living. Choosing photography was a really easy decision, and I’ve never looked back!

Who have been the biggest influences in your life?

My biggest photography influence comes from master photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson and Julia Margaret Cameron because of their ability to capture amazingly touching moments in a time when technology made photography extremely difficult. They were photographers in the 1800’s and early 1900’s, and they could capture these brilliant moments with these antiquated tools, and their images have stood the test of time as some of the best. Especially in our tech-savvy world, it is inspiring to be reminded that a photographer is not defined by his photo equipment, but by his talent and creativity.

What are some wedding day photography tips that couples should keep in mind?

By far the biggest thing I try to encourage couples to keep in mind is to enjoy the day! This seems simple, but there is so much time and energy spent planning out the day, that often the bride and groom get caught up stressing over the tiniest details and lose sight that this is supposed to be one of the happiest day of their lives! Relax, enjoy yourselves, enjoy your guests, and be present. If you are distracted and worried about the small stuff, then your wedding photos will capture that. But if you can forget about your stress and all the little details, and just focus on savouring every moment of your wedding day, you can be sure that when you view your photographs, you will see your joy and happiness and love written all over them.

Do you have a favourite wedding or wedding moment that you’ve photographed?

This is a tough call as I find there is something special in every wedding. One of my favourite moments from this past year was working with Danielle and Christopher. They had a really small wedding, and only wanted a small and intimate creative photo session as a compliment to their day. Their energy, and love, and eagerness to have great images meant we created a TON of fantastic photos in a really short period of time. The highlight of the day (for me…I’m sure getting married was their highlight!) was having Danielle pose in the window display of Career Girl Bridal on Jasper Ave.  I love how the photos turned out. They were SO much fun to work with.

What’s in store this year for Kelly Redinger Studios?

I am looking forward to introducing some new elements into my wedding photography, continuing to evolve my style, and expanding my brand to an even larger audience. I am also developing a couples portrait session called’ 1+1 Sessions’ geared specifically towards couples (think engagement photos for people who are already married!)  Another exciting project I am developing right now is a photography workshop called I Photograph People, which will help guide photographers in working with people and getting the best results. This is shaping up to be a busy year!

You’ve been married for 10 years now – any tips for the future newlyweds out there?

Hold hands. Hug in public. Laugh. Have date nights. Surprise your husband/wife with little notes in his/her wallet, or car, or lunch bag, telling them how awesome they are. And flowers now and then don’t hurt either.

A few of Kelly’s amazing images:

Drop by Kelly’s blog to say ‘hi’ and see what’s he’s been up to recently!

Thanks Kelly!

Jennifer

Looking to add a little drama to your wedding vows? Take to centre stage and say ‘I Do’ in a non-traditional ceremony venue. Edmonton has several theatres that can host wedding ceremonies of all sizes. Here are a few to consider for your big moment:

1. The Citadel Theatre: Tucker Amphitheatre at The Citadel offers a unique setting to declare your love for one another in front of up to 150 guests.
2. Festival Place, Sherwood Park: Your rental fee for the theatre at Festival Place includes experienced lighting and sound technicians.
3. Convocation Hall, University of Alberta: Seating over 400 in the audience, Convocation Hall has a truly classic look. Plus, you have the option to rent a grand concert piano for your debut down the aisle.
4. Hawrelak Park Amphitheatre: Protected from the rain and accommodating up to 1,100 guests, the Amphitheatre in Hawrelak Park is a great outdoor ceremony choice for our unpredictable climate!

Have a wonderful long weekend!

Jennifer

Photo Credits: The Citadel, Cosmin Danila Photography, Robert Mejia Photography, Convocation Hall, Rachel J Photography.

Calgary-based Cineart Photography is giving away a free wedding photography session – either on your day or after. If you browse their blog you’ll see that Cineart does fabulous work, so don’t miss this opportunity! To enter, simply share your love story and a few words why you deserve to win. The contest ends on Valentine’s Day, so quick – enter now!

Good luck!

Jennifer

Photo Credit: Cineart Photography.