Happy New Year

This New Years Eve, I am sad to be on the other side of the world from my frog prince, the love of my life. But sitting here in Paris, the city of love, I am consumed with passion and joy... knowing that in just a few days time I will have an endless supply of New Years kisses waiting for me at the airport. Happy New Year, may your life be filled with sweet, soul-drenching, magical moments.

"When he kisses you he isn't doing anything else.

You're his whole universe...

and the moment is eternal.

He doesn't have any plans

and isn't going anywhere...

just kissing you.

It's overwhelming."

(Robert Heinlein)

Row 1: MiBelle inc, Elizabeth Messina

Row 2: Tec Petaja Photo, MiBelle inc

Row 3: Jose Villa (both images)

Row 4: Jill Thomas Photography, Jose Villa

Row 5: Jose Villa

Wine Bottle Wool Wrap

I recently posted a photo of gorgeous wool wrapped winter bottles on my winter wedding inspiration board.

Well, the brilliant wedding designer and consultant, Summer, at Grey Likes Weddings shared her creative design on her website for us all to enjoy... and I just couldn't keep it to myself any longer, so here it is. The perfect wedding favor for a winter wedding (and i just love the key hanging around the bottle neck, yet another of my current obsessions).

Make Your Own Wine Bottle Gift Wrap:

Materials:

1 old sweater (I scour the thrift stores!)

2″-3″ of Fabric

Sewing Machine, or needle and thread!

Fabric scissors

Ribbon, yarn, gift tags etc… for embellishment

How To:

1. Once sweater is washed, start by inserting the wine bottle into the sleeve of the sweater. The sleeve should start just below the top of your wine bottle. Mark the sweater with length of your bottle, pull out the wine and cut the sweater sleeve off.

2. Place your bottle on the small square of fabric and trace a faint circle around the bottle. Give yourself an extra 1/4″-1/2″ outside of the bottle. Cut out this circle.

3. Turn the sleeve inside out and pin your fabric to the cut end of the sleeve. Sew together. Turn right side out and voila!

4. To complete, thread yarn through the sweater, or affix ribbon.

Back is the new...front

Inject some drama into your wedding day with a modern twist to your gown. Open-cut backs, asymmetrical lines, draping cowl backs and drops of jewels are all certain to keep everyone's attention, as you turn your back on your single life and take your wedding vows.

Row 1: Fabio Gritti Spose, Amy Michelson, Johanna Johnson,

Row 2: Flickr, Badgley Mischka, Oscar de la Renta, Philip Lim via The Laquered Peacock

Row 3: 1, 2 & 4 all Pronovias (Elie Saab, Manuel Mota, Manuel Mota), 3. Amsale

Row 4: Vera Wang, Real Weddings Magazine, Amy Michelson

Row 5: Jane Yeh, Monique Lhuillier (Bellisima design), Maggie Selias

Row 6: Velani by Nicky, Bride to Be (designer: Helen English), Strictly Bridal

Baby It's Cold Outside

It's not called a Winter Wonderland for nothing... luxury soft feathers and fur, sparkling and glistening glamour, crackling fire and hot soothing chocolate.... aahhhh the wonder of winter weddings.

There are so many wonderful ways to make your winter snow wedding a show-stopper, from cosy knitted wine warmers, personalized vodka favors and delicate pashmina wraps to keep your guests warm. Everyone is bound to leave your reception, walking in a winter wonderland.

Row 1: Pravda, Manolo Blahnik, Cosmopolitan Bride Magazine

Row 2: Charlotte Geary, via Polyvore, Harrods

Row 3: Pink Cake Box, Weekend Host, Wedding Paper Divas

Row 4: Grey Likes Weddings, Sugarsugar girl, Chopard, Individualism

Row 5: Brenda's Wedding Blog, Integrity Spirits

Row 6: Engagement 101 magazine, Tiffany & Co., wedding bee

Row 7: Beau Coup, Central Park , The Kitchen