The good news just keeps on coming! First, it was announced last week that Prince William and long-time girlfriend Kate Middleton were engaged. As you can imagine, the country—and the world—is all abuzz with excitement over the impending nuptials that are eight years in the making. Then, a mere 48 hours after that, Prince William is called upon to rescue a man stranded atop Mount Snowden in a military helicopter mission. Wow. Talk about an exciting week for the royal family!

According to Greg Watkins, the gym worker who was stranded on the mountain, the storm was howling a gale, and the fog extremely thick—so dense that he could hardly see his hand in front of him at times. That’s why the Royal Air Force search and rescue were called to bring Watkins down from the highest peak in Wales after falling ill with chest pains and a suspected heart attack. The 28-year-old prince, a RAF search and rescue pilot based in northwest Wales, was part of a four-man crew scrambled to rescue Watkins. “Being winched off a mountain by an RAF helicopter was the last thing I thought was going to happen to me. But for it to be flown by Prince William is unbelievable,” says Watkins. “Hearing his helicopter getting nearer and nearer was the best sound I’ve ever heard. He and his crew saved my life.”

With a wedding and a daring rescue in the same week, Prince William truly is a knight in shining armour. If this keeps up, it might be an indication that a Fairy Tale Wedding of royal proportions might be a good theme to go with.

Living the ultimate dream, the royalty and romance a fairy-tale wedding theme would be so appropriate for Prince William and Kate. Horse-drawn carriages, beautiful roses and castles would create a beautiful landscape for the ceremony, especially since she is the “Princess Bride.” And, our wedding favors will make the magic moment more memorable. One thing I can say about Kate Aspen’s fairy-tale favors is that they are versatile. From something cute and sweet to send off with your guests or a romantic reminder of your special day, Kate Aspen has the favor of your dreams.

These cute carriages are for the whimsical bride that knows she is in store for a happy ending. Ready to be whisked away by her very own Prince Charming, she’ll leave these do-it-yourself favor boxes behind instead of a glass slipper!

For a touch of romance and sophistication, our Baroque picture frame place card holder or rose ball candle are sure to add elegance to your special day.

Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale. If that is what happened to you, share your storybook love with family and friends with a romantic, fairy-tale wedding dripping with rose petals and a royal repast.

Happy planning!

Think of how a fireworks display bedazzles the night with colored lights–one right after the other. Each one more spectacular than the last.  It’s breathtaking. That same colorful experience was recreated at Fashion Week, Spring 2011, as the stark runways were lit up by the fabulous must-have looks for the upcoming season.

As all fashionistas know, the runway rules the trends. It’s evident in everything from ready-to-wear to bridal, and the must-have looks for spring 2011 have made themselves known! Feminine silhouettes, bright colors, and embellished details that represent an upbeat and optimistic look for the New Year were revealed.  And now, here’s how you can expect these runway trends to translate for the springtime bride:

Bridal gowns will range from sleek, contemporary silhouettes to the retro look of the 60′s. (Thank you, Don Draper!)  The decadence of lace, the intricacy of beading, and all embellishments girly are sure to offer something for everyone next season.

Wedding colors feel bright and optimistic. Spring bridesmaids will walk down the aisle adorned in bold, beautiful shades of coral, vibrant aqua, cheery yellow, and hot pink. (Think all colors saturated with a tropical, fun vibe!)  Fashion tells the story of the world, and with colors like these, the story is bright and exciting!

Want to keep your newfound optimism down to a roar? There are plenty of choices for you too! The more subtle bride will have her own “now” palette from which to choose. A delicate, muted grouping featuring blush pink, soft gold, slate blue, creamy champagne, and celery green will make her bridesmaids shine on her special day.  And let’s not forget the newest neutral of the season: navy blue!

It looks like the spring 2011 bride can have it all– the promise of a brilliant future and ample choices in creating just the right atmosphere to begin her journey. 

Happy planning!

Getting married around the holidays can make an already festive time even merrier.  Everything aglow with warm candles and classic red and green, you’ve got two reasons to be in a jolly mood—it’s Christmas and it’s your wedding!  When planning a holiday or winter wedding, most brides lean towards red and green in various combinations or a creating a winter wonderland with snowflakes.  But, if you don’t want your wedding to look like a holiday party, you should consider these non-traditional color combinations for your winter wedding.

Jewels of Christmas
Dark, rich jewel tones make an excellent alternative to the traditional red and green.  Celebrating the treasure you’ve found in each other, royal blue, purple, emerald green, ruby red, silver and gold come together beautifully.  Dress your bridesmaids in classic black dresses, and choose one of these deep colors to make it pop. These vibrant colors are perfect for an evening wedding and help keep the wedding from looking too bright against the winter backdrop.

Vintage Romance
For the hopeless romantic who’s still a little traditional, a vintage theme with a hint of romance will make a lovely choice.  Ruby red with a sparkle of gold always says love and romance, and the addition of rose petals, candelabras and a little bit of lace will make your wedding a charming affair.

Glam it up for the holidays!
Whether it’s for Christmas or New Year’s, metallics are marvelous!  Think nothing but shimmering color and pure opulence.  Tinsel town won’t have a thing on these stylish wedding colors.   Complete the look with silver and gold wedding favors, so your guests can take a little sparkle home with them.

Barely There
Sometimes no color at all can make a striking impression.  Going with a collection of neutrals can provide the warmth of the season without the seasonal color.  Shades of cream, tan, beige and other neutral colors create an elegant, chic that’s unmistakably you!

Happy Holidays!

How is that possible? I’ll tell you in a minute. First, let’s talk about “The Nest,” an icon of a comfy-cozy home, patiently and precisely created with love. It’s no wonder favor designers find a bird’s nest a source of creative inspiration!

There’s a special excitement you feel when a mother and father bird build a nest in a nearby tree or bush. One day, you notice the tiny eggs and the mother bird sheltering them with her warmth. The anticipation builds as you wait for the eggs to hatch, and then at last, instead of eggs, there are little birds, chirping away, beaks opened wide waiting for food—and you can’t help but smile at the heartwarming glimpse of pure love and life you’ve been given.

Kate Aspen designers knew they could make the nest a fitting favor for two of life’s most meaningful events. Whether the “Nest” symbolizes a new home for a newly married couple as “Our New Nest” or welcomes a new addition to the family that’s “Feathering Our Nest,” this exquisitely designed favor and baby shower favor bring those same feelings of joy, anticipation and love to wedding guests, bridal shower guests and baby shower guests. I feel a tweet coming on!

Wispy strands of bronze are delicately woven and sculpted to form an ornamental bird’s nest, accented with two small, beautifully detailed leaves and a creamy-white tea candle in the center.

• The tea candle is included
• Nest measures 1 ¼” h x 2” in diameter
• Clear, robin’s-egg blue-and-chocolate brown display gift box includes charming graphics of birds in trees, a white-satin bow on top and a brown, bird-shaped “For You” tag
• Gift box measures 4″ h x 3 ¼ ” w x 2 ¼ ” d
• Sold as a set of 4

And doesn’t the “nest” sound like both a super wedding shower theme (maybe a kitchen shower!) and baby shower theme? If you make the shower a brunch or lunch, I have a great theme-worthy idea for one of the menu items—Bird’s Nest Soup, a Chinese delight!

I found this recipe on CooksRecipes.com, which says, “The original bird’s nest soup was made with swifts’ nests, boiled to release a thickening agent made from the birds’ saliva.” Don’t worry. I chose this particular recipe because it uses cornstarch to thicken the soup and egg whites to form delicate strands in the hot broth, but it’s called bird’s nest soup “to evoke its exotically intriguing history.” And it sounds yummy!

Bird’s Nest Soup

8 ounces fine or thin egg noodles
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 fresh boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped
6 cups water
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon sherry
1 teaspoon salt
2 large egg whites
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup thinly slivered ham

Prepare egg noodles according to package directions; drain and set aside.

1. In a large heated skillet add oil and sauté chicken breast for about 5 minutes. Stir in water, cornstarch, sherry and salt; mix well and bring to a simmer for 30 minutes, then bring to a boil.
2. Beat egg whites lightly and add to soup mixture. Stir in green onions, ham and cooked noodles. Stir well and serve while hot.

Makes 6 servings.

Happy planning!