Caught My Eye

Good morning my pretties, hope you had a glorious weekend. You know what they say, one man's trash is another man's treasure and currently, I'm obsessed with the idea of upcycling - giving old pieces of furniture or useless objects a makeover to create something new and exciting. No, no, no, I'm not talking about sanding and slapping on some paint or stain on an op-shop find... I'm talking about taking an object and turning it into something with a new purpose - a complete reinvention. Enter my latest find, Decor Hacks, a site that showcases some of the best furniture/object transformations. Here are some of my favourites...

I love the look of this tree branch lamp...


From Garden Design via Decor Hacks


How about a door-turned-coffee table...


From Unskinny Boppy via Decor Hack


Book shelving (literally!)


From Real Simple via Decor Hack


I adore this side table made from a log slice and a cheap ikea stool...


From Seakettle via Decor Hack


Working with a small backyard? Check out this space-saving planter wall made from humble cinder blocks... (side note: love the acapulco chair - this is where you can get one)


From Traditionally Modern Designs via Decor Hack


How about this mismatched chair bench...


From Kindall's Creations via Decor Hack


I am sucker for old suitcases so I'm loving this vintage suitcase coffee table...


From Design Sponge via Decor Hack

The best part about repurposing objects or furniture is creating your very own, one-of-a-kind piece - pretty awesome huh! I have a number of projects swirling around in my mind and when time permits, I'll be sure to share with you. Until then, tell me about your own 'hack' - whether it be for your home or for your wedding, I'd love to hear.

Jackie xo

We Love :: Kate Dawes Flower Design

This month, we take a few minutes with Kate Dawes of Kate Dawes Flower Design, a very talented florist and absolutely lovely lady to boot!

1. What does a typical day in the life of Kate Dawes involve?
Up early with the birds and the flowers, crazy, emails, quotes, coffee, family, making flowers and planning.

2. What or who inspires your work?
Fashion, clothes, interiors and nature. The flowers themselves talk... their colours, shapes and texture, the situation and location, keeping an open mind to what others suggest, always learning…

3. What are your favourite flowers in each season?
I like all flowers actually - I guess the ranunculus are pretty special to me... and lilac

4. What is the one tip you would give to brides looking for a florist?
Choose the florist you 'click' with… the one on your side!

5. Lastly, our featured wedding invite design, 'Hearts-a-Flutter', is playful, fun and non-traditional. What would you use to put together a bouquet based on this theme?
I would design a loose-look bouquet with foliage between the flowers… David Austin roses, ranunculus, sweet peas, spray roses, jasmine and dusty miller foliage, tied with lovely big bow!



If you haven't yet booked a florist for your special day, you must take a look at Kate's portfolio... it's simply breathtaking.

Thanks Kate!

Jackie xo

Caught My Eye

Hello there lovelies! Hope you had the most fabulous of weekends!

I think it's fairly safe to say that I have Pinterest addiction. I can lose a good couple of hours at a time pinning all sorts of things from wedding ideas, colour palettes, craft projects and the list goes on... and on. If you're not on Pinterest yet, you really need to go and see for yourself what the fuss is all about. Having said all of this, Pinterest also has its pitfalls, because it's way too easy to access pretty little outfits, shoes and the like - with one simple click I'm taken straight to the product's website and I'm entering my details and reaching for my credit card. Eeep! At the moment I'm all about bright block colours, so it's no surprise that I immediately fell in love with this...



Actually, I think the overall look is kind of amazing, no?

Jackie xo

We Love :: From the Owl

While I'm a bit late on the bandwagon, I simply must share for those who aren't in the know. If you haven't already selected a gift registry service, look no further than From the Owl, a unique online wedding gift registry like no other, offering hand-picked unique products that are sure to leave you and your groom smitten. Designed to make every day in the lead up to your wedding as easy as possible, the team at From the Owl have your wedding and gift registry covered. This clever site also has the option to setup a secure online wishing well, which means no misplaced or stolen envelopes on your wedding day. Here are a few of my favourite products, that may very well be on my personal wishlist too... who says you need to be getting married?


'You Remind Me' Wall Hanging (500 x 600mm) / Squares Blanket


Acapulco Chair in yellow / 'Creative Walls' by Geraldine James, Hardback


Ladies Cafe Racer Bicycle - Doppio 7-speed in pink / Balmy Origami Umbrella

If this isn't sweet enough for you, From the Owl has teamed up with Basil Bangs to offer a FREE Basil Bangs umbrella (like the Balmy Origami you see above!) to anyone who signs up before Jan 31st! View the details and conditions here or if you're lucky enough to be based in Sydney, visit their showroom for inspiration and advice and of course, to swoon over a whole bunch of gifts that you'll ACTUALLY use!

{sidenote} Do yourself a favour and check out their sister site too, The Simple Things Studio for amazing wedding photography.

Jackie xo

We Love + Recommend :: Kate Dawes Flower Design

Hello my sweets, hope you are having a lovely week indeed! The weather's been a little average of late, so with today's post I bring you a little sunshine! Kate from Kate Dawes Floral Design, based in South Brisbane, is an extremely talented florist. Kate's eye for detail, colour and texture is faultless - the sheer effort she went to for the arrangements for our new design photoshoot was tremendous, (it was criminal to pull them apart!) so I know that if you book Kate for your wedding, she will most certainly look after you. Kate is also available for special and corporate events. View her portfolio or check out a few of our favourites below - AHHHHMAZING indeed...






(Photo by Naomi V Photography)



Jackie xo

Moments

I was speaking to a client of mine over the weekend about a photographer she booked for her wedding. It was clear that it was important for them to find a photographer that would blend into the background, make them feel at ease and capture the couple just being themselves. Natural, honest, raw emotion. Having this conversation reminded me of a blog that I stumbled across only a few days earlier. Moment Junkie is a 'blog devoted to showcasing the best in contemporary wedding photojournalism, with a focus on moments between people that are timeless, heartbreaking, hilarious, or all of the above.' I thought I'd share a few of my favourites...


'The Emotional Grandmother' by Heather Nan


'The Fist Pump' by Kat Braman


'The Embrace' by Paul Von Rieter


'The Ceremony in Progress' by Cease Fire Studios
{all images via Moment Junkie}

Often the photos we treasure the most are the ones that define a particular moment, or make us feel a particular emotion when we look at them. The photographs that tell a story. A good photographer is one that can capture those very moments.

With that I'll leave you with an image from my very own wedding day... let's just call it 'The Dress Mishap'...



With love to you and yours

We Love & Recommend :: Kiss & Tell Boutique

Kiss & Tell is an online boutique and styling studio by Zoi Condoleon that is home to the most elegant and on-trend occasion wear from Australia's leading designers.

Each season, Kiss & Tell sources pieces from Australian designers that are timeless, beautifully crafted, flattering to the female form and not mass produced. Think Jayson Brunsdon, Juli Grbac, Valerie Tolosa, George Wu, Tato & Memi, Tali Roth, Trelise Cooper and Lady Petrova.

After years of working as a fashion agent and more recently stylist, Zoi has an uncanny ability to discern classic from trashy, and only the finest tailored pieces will make it onto the Kiss & Tell shopping list.

According to Zoi, this season we can expect to see elegant designs made from sheer silks, pretty laces, stunning colour and dye's, delicate prints and intricate embellishments and detailing. Think Breakfast at Tiffany's meets 1950's decadence.

Here Zoi shares some of her favourites from Winter 2011 season...









Visit the Kiss & Tell website here and view other suppliers we love & recommend here.

With love to you and yours

[The details :: 'Art & High Society' dress by Lady Petrova, 'Virgo' gown in Ivory & 'Daisy' dress in Coral both by Jayson Brundson all available via Kiss & Tell]

We Love :: BHLDN

How was your weekend lovelies? Hope you are nice and refreshed for the week ahead. I must admit, I'm a little late with this one, (it's been on my post list since its launch on 14 Feb!) however better late than never. One of my favourite US websites, Anthropologie, have launched a wedding line - gowns, dresses, shoes, hairpieces and more. You simply must pop on over and take a look. Introducing BHLDN inspired by the Dutch word meaning 'to keep'...







My favourite? It has to be these shoes, by Something Bleu, of course...


Featuring a tiny blue jewel on the arch of the sole, these gorgeous slingbacks have your 'something blue' covered. Enjoy your week!

With love to you and yours

We Love :: Sweet Messages

This week we're absolutely smitten with this pair of 14K yellow gold rings...



These rings look like any other plain band only they have an inner message. When the ring is removed, the words 'marry me' or 'always' is revealed on the wearer's finger...



Available in sterling silver and 14K white, yellow or rose gold. A beautiful keepsake - would be perfect to exchange as wedding bands, or as an anniversary present for your partner, wife or husband.

Enjoy the weekend lovelies - did I mention I just love Friday?!

With love to you and yours

['Inner Message' rings by Yoon Jung Yun]

We Love :: The 'Sweetest' Dresses

When I started to collate images for this post, I came to the realisation that I'd unintentionally saved dresses of a very similar style... I think it's safe to say that I'm rather besotted with sweetheart necklines! There's something so romantic about this style, so I thought I'd share some of my favourites...

How about these from the very talented Sarah Seven...





Or this sweet bridal gown by newcomers Ivy & Aster...



This darling dress by luxe label Claire La Faye...



Or this, from the ever-so-pretty label Amsale - pockets in a wedding gown to store little wedding day essentials... genius!



Happy Wednesday!

The details :: 'Flora' and 'Powdered Sugar,' both by Sarah Seven, 'In Bloom' by Ivy & Aster, Dress - 'Pennies from Heaven' Collection by Claire La Faye, Dress by Amsale via Wedding Dress Big Gallery.

We Love :: The little details...

Ampersand cufflinks, need we say more?



Image via Pinterest, my new addiction!

Happy Friday all!

We Love :: Something Blue...

I didn't intend for our last post in 2010 to be shoe related... but this was simply too good not to share with you before the new year! These gorgeous Studio 120 peep-toe pumps by designer Christian Louboutin, normally recognisable by their trademark red sole, were painted by the bride for her wedding day... and the result is simply beautiful!



Swoon!

Image via Pinterest

We Love :: Briony Marsh

Happy Friday all, hope you have had an amazing week! While on a little outing to James Street on a very rainy Brisbane weekend, I stumbled across the loveliness that is Briony Marsh, an Australian designer who says that her gowns are all about 'feeling amazing in your own skin and glowing within'...











Amen! I'll take them all.

Enjoy the weekend!

The details :: SM23 Auryn Long in Dusky Pink, BM29 Rio Dress in Ombre Dye, BM33 Holly Long Dress in Twilight and Grey Marle, BM36 Empress in Burnt Coral and BM22 Anja Tank in Ombre Dye, all by Briony Marsh.