Yes, today we’re sending you Blog Love from a place all brides-to-be will adore – an artist site that is both exciting and uniquely earthy-licious with exquisite floral artistry for weddings.  But not “floral” in the traditional sense – just look! 

Francois Weeks’ passion for flowers took early root during her childhood in Belgium.  It was this passion, plus a natural talent born of  a love for gardening, that drew her to train with professionals in Antwerp before beginning her first business venture in 1996. Then it quickly blossomed (pun totally intended) into a beautiful experience for brides looking for eco-friendly and something a little bit trendy and different for their weddings. 

From her quaintly perfect garden studio, Francoise has tied bouquets, woven garlands and composed original centerpieces for hundreds of weddings. She uses unexpected flowers, herbs, fruits and foliage, and Françoise is so beautifully proficient at translating fresh ideas into ethereal reality. Her wedding design portfolio displays everything from elegant simplicity to the abundant and bountiful; she consistently delivers the unexpected for weddings and events in Northwest Oregon, Portland Metro area, Southwest Washington and Vancouver. 

Simply gorgeous, aren’t they?  Clean, original and oh-so natural! 

Francoise’s wedding design has been featured in several bridal publications, including Oregon Bride Magazine. 

If you aren’t a West-Coaster, take heart.  Francoise teaches classes!  She shares her vast knowledge and talents with eager students throughout the year.  See her beautiful work on her website, and there you will also find more information on her upcoming class schedules. 

Oh!  And she has a wonderful blog – be sure to check that out, too! 

For trendy rustic-chic (and eco-friendly) wedding favors, of course we have some suggestions for you! 

Happy planning! 

Photo credits for this article: Nicole Wickens, Joni Shimabukuro, Jamie Bosworth, Kevin Focht for Oregon Bride

We’ve written about Chateau Challain before, so you know how dreamy this destination wedding venue is. We just received this awesome film short of an actual celebrity wedding at the Chateau.  We just have to share!

Coco Rocha is a gorgeous, internationally-known fashion model, having appeared on the cover of Vogue in Italy, Korea, Mexico, Latin American – oh, you get the picture.  She’s also been seen on the catwalk for Prada, Dolce & Gabana, Versache and other exquisite fashion powerhouses.  Coco found her soul mate, and they were recently wed during a glorious ceremony at Chateau Challain in the Loire Valley.  Comme c’est romantique!

Sit back and prepare to be amazed (and maybe grab a tissue, because it is that beautiful!)

Coco + James // Short film from Americana Cinema on Vimeo.

Happy planning!

Fleur de lis magnifique for your French-inspired wedding celebration…

Is he wearing lipstick?
Ha!  Kind of looks that way, doesn’t it? 

Back in the day, photography was a slow-go art form. Color was added after the picture was developed – by hand. Looks like this colorist got a little happy with the groom’s features, no? 

Are you thinking vintage for your wedding?  We figured you might be, so enjoy some vintage wedding inspiration (complete with vintage-inspired wedding favor ideas!) 

For true vintage gown inspiration, browse shops like Antique Dress,  Vintage Wedding,  and Etsy.  Jana Starr makes exquisite vintage-inspired wedding gowns from handmade antique laces! 

Now if you’re seriously thinking vintage, at some point you are going to come face-to-face with the fabulous tussie mussie.  Do not be afraid!  Tussie mussies are actually an excellent vintage touch for your wedding.  Here’s a hint:  work with your florist to find silver tussie mussies that also come with a stand. Have one done for your mom and your sweetie’s mom to carry.  Beautiful and quite the lovely keepsake! 

Tussie mussies have a charming history. Lest you feel confused, here’s a quick tussie mussie history lesson: 

• See the flowers she’s holding?  They’re nestled in a tiny vase attached by a chain to a bracelet on her wrist.
• In the 19th century, this was called a “posy holder.”
• Since personal hygiene wasn’t a big deal back then, ladies carried small  nosegays like this to, um, “camouflage offending odors” and ward off disease (good luck with that!)
• Later they became fashion statements for ladies of “courting age.”   Suitors offered flowers to a “crush,” and, if she liked the guy, she’d skewer them into the holder with a long pin - kind of a  Facebook “Like” gesture – then wear them on her wrist.
• When they became popular in the US, they were called tussie mussies.
• “Tussie” is from the old English word for nosegay.  “Mussie” refers to the wet moss used to keep the flowers fresh. There now – history lesson complete!

 

Great news! Contemporary designers feature vintage in their current collections.  Madeline Isaac-James just introduced a retro, old Hollywood glamor look to their collection.  Complementary bridal shoes are available from stores like My Glass Slipper.  You can find beautiful Victorian-flavored accessories while browsing the fabulous Etsy site.  And vintage-inspired wedding favors?  Among many in our own collection, you might consider “Remember Romance,” a beautiful keepsake bookmark, or perhaps the “Calla Lillies” frosted glass coasters! 

Happy planning! 

They’re your thank you to family and friends, the very same people who saved the date, purchased the gifts, attended the showers, bought the dresses and had the suits cleaned, and will soon gather together to support you both at the exciting beginning of your new life together.

Yes, we’re talking about wedding favors.  After all, we are rather passionate about creating THE most trend-right, gift-ready favors for you to choose from.  And oh how we hear you – Kate Aspen wedding favors won’t be left behind on the table (we’ve even been witness to people pocketing several!)

We know that your wedding favors should reflect the gratefulness you feel in your heart.  That’s why we’ve introduced yet another lovely way to make your wedding favors even more personal – just look!

Over a dozen oh-so-trendy colors of personalized wedding ribbon are ready for you to choose from.  Select your own font style,  available in either gold or silver.   Add a touch of “extra-special” when you embellish your personalized ribbon with love doves or loving hearts symbols.  Use our lucious, satin ribbon to make your wedding favors even more personal.

Beautiful!

And here’s something else you should know!

We’re putting our signature unforgettable touch on ribbon wands, too!  Mix and match to your color delight, and enchant each guest with a wedding wand – when your venue doesn’t allow birdseed or flower petals, or when you want to make your grand exit through a fluttering sea of satiny ribbon!

Happy planning!

See all the Kate Aspen unforgettable options for personalized wedding favors – stickers, tags – and more!