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Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Paris Winter Engagement






I don't know about you but these engagement photographs, taken in Paris, sure put me in the mood for winter. I'm usually not one for engagement photos, in fact, I think this is the very first time I've ever posted a set but I couldn't resist these sweet Parisian shots.  They feel more natural than the million others I've come across. I know, I know, how unromantic of me but honestly, all I've been seeing lately are engagement photos that look more like advertisements for "happily ever after". Don't get me wrong, I know it is important for some couples to capture the engagement period but sometimes they look, well, forced. They're usually too staged, too many props, too many wardrobe changes, too much I tell ya! But if it's ya thing then it's ya thing, it's just not mine. What happen to photographing, at that very moment of the engagement candid shot? which do you prefer candid or staged?
to see more of this shoot go here
Photography by Vancouver based Melia Sorenson of Lucida Photography

Monday, September 13, 2010

petite cake inspiration

A tight wedding budget may not leave room for that 5 tiered wedding cake you've been dreaming about but don't fret, just scale down and get creative. Ask your baker, to create, a mini version of that tiered wedding cake you've been pining over for just you and the hubby. And for your guests, hop on the wedding cupcake trend. You can serve the same cake flavor or a variety of flavors.  Tired of this wedding wedding trend?  try other small sweets like small pies, petite fours 
Or what about a beautiful display of mini art inspired cakes like this bride and groom

images clockwise (starting at upper left hand corner) : jesse leake, oh darling, lucida photography, kate harrison photography, silvana difranco



Friday, September 10, 2010

little weekly finds...



in LOVE with the back of this lovely beauty and this one
need to get my hands on this
imaging having a gigantic library
scribble art on MEGA scale
let them eat cake art show
wanna get married in a treehouse? yes, please.
i would love to commission this talented artist to paint my floors.
a DIY outdoor shower
one sleeve chicness
can't wait to see this episode
how to obtain these without braking the bank account?
book sculpture
inspiration for sprucing up my bathroom

just for the sheer ridiculousness. srsly.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

love is in the air




Love is definitely in the air. I just found out my dear dear friends got engaged!
Oh, I am super super happy and soooo excited for them. K. is my childhood friend\sister\nyc roomie during my college days\early twenties pretending to be adults, basically she is my bff.....we have been there and back. When I fell in love and moved from NYC to Italy, the distance was tough but we managed. Then she fell in love and moved to San Fran, widening the distance even more....but somehow we still managed. Managed meaning, plenty of meetings around the globe (nyc, raleigh, italy, greece and san fran) and some places multiple times, all within the span of the last three years. Srsly. We really should just think about living in the same town, it be easier on our bank accounts.
Oh my head is spinning happiness and of course wedding ideas. I know it will be a unique, whimsical, intimate affair in the hills of Northern Cali wine country but the question is where? any ideas my friends? do share.....

(illustration)

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

French Forest Wedding











If you've been reading Little Winter Bride for a while, most of you know by now that I am a flower fanatic, a lover of all things involving nature and the more wild, the better. So naturally, one of my daily reads over morning coffee is, Tigers to Lilies, a blog, dedicated to all things nature and natural. I have super love for her style. Recently, Lili, the little lady behind this inspiring site said her "I do's" among the trees of a little forest in Gien, France. So course, I had to know more and Lili was kind enough to share some photos with me...
An intimate french fete filled with friends, family, feathers in a forest..OH MY! (now say that 10 times and fast.... like "she said sea shells at the sea shore") oh dear....I have fallen in love with this little party and that's just the beginning of this whimsical wedding. For more delish details head over here....

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Budget Bouquet






I picked up some light pink wax flowers at the farmers market the other day. Each stem contains many little blossoms, so I only bought three which was more than enough to create, one small bouquet and one boutonniere. I used kitchen twine to secure the stems and leftover green raffia that I had lying around (most likely from a gift, yes I'm one of those that saves all gift wrapping and ribbons to recycle for gift giving) to make the bow and one scented geranium leaf from my window box for the boutonniere. Viola!
These budget friendly flowers are usually available all year round and come in light pink, dark pink, mauve and white
Florist's typically use them as fillers in flower arrangements but I think they make a sweet statement on their own, don't you agree?


Monday, September 6, 2010

silver lace


Bring in the metallic for the winter wedding season. I'm leaning towards silver lace, like the one this bride wore. The pattern is a delicate appliquè lace floral motif and the silver color is what makes this adorable dress special. Long lace dress not your thing? How about a short, festive cocktail dress, like this pretty thing or maybe a more budget friendly one?

(image tealily photography)

Sunday, September 5, 2010

sunday in milano


It's Sunday in Milan and the weather is slowly changing it's tune, which puts me in the mood for some comfort food cooking. The smell of roasted chicken or turkey (depending the time of year) drizzled with gravy reminds me of home. And of course a side dish of potato's (mashed or roasted) and string beans. Whether it was my grandmothers house or my own childhood home, there is just something about that smell that is comforting. While cooking this evening, I have to admit, I'm already planning Thanksgiving in my head. Love this time of year.

(photos Deirdre Quinn)

Friday, September 3, 2010

little weekly finds......

it's seems like babies galore this month (and more arrivals in months ahead) among our friends so I was thrilled to stumble upon these onesies. don't they make adorable gifts? and I simply cannot resist these ruffles
can't wait to get my hands on this childrens book for my nephews
some seaweed and ocean plant illustrations
inspiring vintage pressed flower book
would simply be in heaven to rest my little head in this summer tree house and maybe the main house would look something like this and if one were to stretch this dream further, this would be where we would host lavish dinners.....
this amazing before and after home renovation of this Parisian apt.
a few simple wedding bouquets
an intimate and enchanting forest wedding found here
a vintage wedding gown for $695
if i could upgrade my hunter boots i would choose these
plastic bags made into art

Thursday, September 2, 2010

i heart nyc



The past couple of days I've been missing NYC
thinking of my family and friends back home across the big blue....sigh
then I stumbled on this little treasure created by designer H. Sakurai
and it put a smile on my face
for those of you that are NYC brides, these little jewels would make great bridesmaid gifts
and better yet, why not gift them in these goodie bags

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

it only takes two....







I'm truly in awe of this simply beautiful and chic nyc city hall wedding
really, at the end of the day, that's all you need, right?
love EVERYTHING about this wedding.
the talented lady behind the lens is, Jimena Roquero
for more favorite nyc city hall here and here

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

fairytale wedding



oh my!
look at that dramatic cape like veil
more exquisite details from this fairytale wedding
here

(found via lovely bride blog)
(photo source)


Monday, August 30, 2010

bike with style



My A. is a bicycle guy. Obsessed with bikes. Pretty much rides when ever, where ever, night and day. I'm the wife obsessed with safety, particularly, in a city where cars drive as if they're racing in the Italian Grand Prix. So, I have to admit, I was over the moon when he finally purchased a bike helmet from Yakkay. I tell ya, this little company, designing fashionable bike helmets was divine intervention.
I think I can bear to wear my dorky helmet for a little while longer but soon hope to upgrade to this one

(photo source)




Friday, August 27, 2010

his & hers




While I'm not a fan of his and her beds (too old fashion), I do give a big thumbs up for the his and her bathrooms. Sure I could survive sharing one but we're lucky enough to each have our very own (teeny tiny) his and her bathrooms, side by side, but no where near as grand and luxurious as the ones shown in the film, The Arrangement, (see picture above)
As hubby and wife we pretty much share everything but when it comes to the powder room we're spoiled with our own private space.
Although sometimes I turn to A. and ask "way not make one BIG bathroom instead of these teeny tiny no space his and her ones" I guess in my heart, I'd rather share everything.

(p.s. great film by the way, worth the watch)



Thursday, August 26, 2010

golden tulips



delicate petals that look like they've been dipped in gold
ok, only the chain is gold plated but isn't it sweet? found on this adorable site

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

left over spring



Feeling a bit under the weather today with a strange summer cold, weird, I know. It's August, who gets colds in August? I do. Go figure, I blame it the many planes I have been on recently.
anyway, I'm resting my stuffy head but I thought I'd share this wisteria blossom just outside our house.
Feels like a little milano spring held on and braved the hot hot summer


Tuesday, August 24, 2010

day trip




A. and I joined some friends this past weekend for a little river swim at this special spot.
Only 40 min. from our home in milan....
love day trips out of the city and into nature
What special nature spots to you go to near your home?

Monday, August 23, 2010

swoooooon



the last little elegant garment by the late McQueen
silver feathers anyone?

(photo source)

Thursday, August 19, 2010

home sweet home



A. and I are back in milan from our glorious vacation in greece.
trying to snap out of island life and back into city dwelling
photos and travel tips to come......
stay tuned......

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

on holiday



still floating in the sea
enjoying lazy days on the island with friends and A.
one more week and things will be back to normal at LWB
hope everyone is having a great summer