The best and most beautiful things in the world

can not be seen or even touched.

They must be felt with the heart"

-Helen Keller

Photo: Bob and Dawn Davis Photography

Don't Get Your Feathers Ruffled

Decorative bird cages are a popular accent piece for both weddings and your home. Add some style to tables, aisles, gardens and gift displays by filling the cage with floral arrangements, candles or cards from your guests.

For something unique, find different shaped bird cages at your local pet store or garage sale, and paint them in your own theme colours (I adore the pink and blues one's in the photos below, they're so fun). Or why not create a bird cage chandelier and hang them from the ceiling for a real talking piece... no ruffled feathers here.

Row 1: The Nichols, Aleit

Row 2: Perfect Bound, The Nichols

Row 3: Ebay, The Nichols

Row 4: Bridal Express, Primadonna Bride, My Wedding Flower Ideas Magazine

Row 5: SJ Houser, Once Wed

Row 6: Future Mrs Lewis , The Nichols

Row 7: Great Oaks Manor, Decorative Bird Cages

Row 8: SJ Houser, Green Wedding Shoes

Same, Same But Different

I have to confess, when I was on vacation last month I became a little addicted to 'Giuliana and Bill' on the Style network. After awhile I began to realize that my mum was right, the reality tv show couple are very, very, similar to the Frog Prince and I (she is away-with-the-fairies and he just shakes his head and laughs at her lovable innocence).

In 2007 the E! anchorwoman and first-season Apprentice winner married on the Italian island of Capri. Giuliana looked like a glowing bride (though extremely thin !! extreeeemmmmelly thin!) in a custom-fit Monique Lhuillier gown. Bill looked like the perfect prince in a black tuxedo and white tie, which was custom tailored by the bride's father.

Following the Catholic ceremony, which included a performance of "Ave Maria" (my ultimate wedding church song) by the bride's brother, guests were taken by bus to the reception at Grand Hotel Quisisana.

Giuliana says of her fairytale wedding, "it was exactly what I've always wanted."

Photos via My Style

Monique Lhuillier is quickly becoming my favourite bridal designer. Her gowns are exquisite. The gown she custom made for Giuliana Ranic is very similar to one of her off-the-rack designs (don't you think?). The crystal embellished lace corset and tufted silk skirt is modern, glamorous and show-stopping.

Here are some real life brides in a similar (if not the same) Monique Lhuillier gown that Giuliana DePandi wore when she became Mrs Rancic. Who wore it better ?

And here the crystal embellished bustier is teamed

with a silk satin organza skirt... stunning.

Row 1: Style Me Pretty, Once Wed

Row 2: Gia Canali via Style Me Pretty

Row 3: Thompson Weddings

Row 4: Delesie

Row 5: Brides

Row 6: Blogspot

Row 7: Junebug Weddings

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day from the city of love, Paris...

today and everyday remember,

"All you need is love"

xxxx

Let It Glow

When I saw this first image of a marquee with a pathway of glowing paper lanterns, it made me all fuzzy inside. It took me back a few years to when my sister got engaged. I remember filling paper bags with sand and candles and placing them outside the marquee that was now sat in our front yard. They looked stunning.

I can't think of an easier, yet effective way to warmly usher you guests into your welcoming arms than by using simple luminaries. I'm glowing !

Row 1: The Knot, Australia Entertains

Row 2: Martha Stewart Weddings, Creative Home Style

Row 3: San Diego Wedding Insider, Paper City

Row 4: Martha Stewart Weddings

Row 5: The Lope, Martha Stewart Weddings

There are a myriad of wonderful luminaries you can create yourself. The project sheet for the lace luminaries, in rows 2 and 4 above, can be found at Martha Stewart Weddings.

For a winter wedding, why not create frozen luminaries? Follow the project sheet at Creative Home Style. And for a unique and personal centrepiece, go to Little Black Sheep for an easy step-by-step guide to making your own photo luminaries.