modern romance wedding blog

french kiss

2010-08-30T19:14:00.000-07:00

More sweet french-influence details from Etsy. (Full Bloom Cottage, Twirl Vintage, Divine Sweetness, I Love You Both, Red Chair.)

tiny sweets

2010-08-30T18:31:00.001-07:00

I haven't posted in ages. Working on other projects, started a new job and still doing my bridal work on the side. Throw the family in and that doesn't leave much time for getting creative here! Feels like time to expand my creative work beyond bridal so look for the blog to do some stretching as well.

I am obsessed with these micro-pastries from Etsy seller OiseaudeNim! These are all 1/12 or 1/6 size replicas for a dollhouse but they are the sweetest little works of art.

caravan crush

2010-06-11T23:44:00.000-07:00

Roadtrip-honeymoon anyone??? (photos from the ultra-fabulous Poppytalk blog)

jaclyn

2010-06-08T19:31:00.000-07:00

Just got these lovely photos from one of my brides today. Jaclyn is rocking my Silk Shoulder Wrap in custom eggplant color. Gorgeous! What a beautiful setting too. (photos: Kreativ Imaging)

finishing school

2010-06-05T11:39:00.001-07:00

Completely forgot to post a note about the accessories workshop happening tomorrow at The English Dept. downtown. We'll be making fun flowers and accompaniments to make your wedding day look even more pretty. I will have veils on hand too. Call the shop at 503.224.0724 if you want to come!

midnight collection - fall 2010

2010-05-29T11:53:00.000-07:00

I'm adding a bit of glamour for Fall 2010 with my new Midnight Collection. All will be available in my Etsy shop and on my website this coming week. My favorite piece is the one-of-a-kind Ostrich Stole in the top photo. It features a vintage rhinestone starburst pin and there will be a limited quantity of these with other brooches. Fun!

paper punch press

2010-05-24T19:59:00.000-07:00

Cutest invites from Etsy seller Paper Punch Press.

bruce oldfield

2010-05-20T10:19:00.000-07:00

Simply gorgeous photo shoot/gowns from U.K. designer Bruce Oldfield. It is nice to see some sleeves and the cool decolletage coverage in the last photo. I do get a bit sick of strapless all the time and since everyone can't pull off strapless let's hope to see more of this. The lace number in photo two is drop dead gorgeous and beyond elegant.

sarah + james

2010-05-18T23:00:00.000-07:00

Charming details abound at this spring Minnesota wedding. Lovely idea to have handmade flags for the guests to wave on your departure from the church instead of throwing something that will have to be cleaned up by someone! It sounds weird but I adore the blue door with scroll details. Makes me want to buy a bolt of silk in that color and go crazy designing!! (photos: Adrienne Page)

elizebeth fillmore

2010-05-13T10:56:00.001-07:00

Beautiful gowns from Elizabeth Fillmore's new collection. The thing I love most about Elizabeth is that her dresses always stand out as a beacon of elegance no matter what the current trends. She manages to stay fresh and current without overdoing it.

robin's egg + red

2010-05-12T16:05:00.001-07:00

I am LOVING this color combo from a wedding that photographer Victor Sizemore shot at the Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel. Fresh and fun!

black + white

2010-05-11T22:42:00.001-07:00

I'm really loving all of the black details on the runway recently and it has even inspired me to add some black pieces to my collection. Coming soon! (photos: brides.com)

something blue

2010-05-08T12:53:00.000-07:00

Shake up your something blue with these great turquoise finds on Etsy. (1) Pink Gasoline (2) Originals by Lynnette (3) 5eizen (4) Olive Farm.

lovely grace

2010-05-06T10:07:00.000-07:00

Curled up on the couch yesterday nursing a nasty cold and happened upon a biography of Grace Kelly on TV. She was always the picture of elegance and grace.

....and speaking of succulents

2010-05-05T17:05:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous bouquet!!! (photo: erin and courtney)

juicy yellow

2010-05-05T16:56:00.000-07:00

Sunny yellow details from a poolside, Palm Dessert wedding shot by Erin & Courtney. How cute are the bridesmaids in yellow?? Love the little succulents as place cards/favors too.

fun!

2010-04-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

How fun to open my email today to find my Tulle Capelet featured on the coveted "Etsy Finds". The "Etsy Finds" emails are sent out to a gazillion people and I am thrilled to be included. I've been feeling a bit down in the dumps the past week and it was a lovely surprise. Thanks Etsy!!

sunday snapshot

2010-04-18T21:57:00.001-07:00

(photo: Adriene Gunde)

etsy friday

2010-04-16T21:47:00.001-07:00

Pretty as can be paper lovelies from Etsy seller Desicra. Seriously can you believe these are made of paper!?! So beautifully crafted.

lovely

2010-04-15T22:46:00.001-07:00

Gorgeous embroidery-inspired cake from Ron Ben Isreal. (photo: martha stewart weddings)

I'm back!!

2010-04-13T23:39:00.001-07:00

I have really missed sharing my favorite wedding bits and so, so glad to be back! I thought I would begin with a lovely dress from the wonderful Elizebeth Dye. So sweet and delicate and very Audrey Hepburn. Simply lovely.

taking a break

2010-01-25T20:29:00.000-08:00

I'm completely crazy busy so posts are going to be a bit sporadic for the next month. Thanks for the support and I will see you in a month or so! xxoo Christine

eleni

2010-01-18T22:47:00.000-08:00

No one does over-the-top princess like Eleni. (photos brides u.k.)

sunday snapshot

2010-01-17T18:01:00.001-08:00

(Pronovias gown, photo: brides.com)

pacific wedding pics

2010-01-14T22:30:00.000-08:00

Here are the pics of my pieces in the new issue of Pacific Weddings. The top photo features my Silk Shoulder Wrap in red and in the other photos the model is wearing the Crushed Velvet Flower Clip. So fun to see my work in such a beautiful magazine!

simply lovely

2010-01-13T22:05:00.000-08:00

These cakes by K. Rose Cakes are so sweet and elegant. How do they make those flowers look so perfectly real?? I love lemons and the top cake is my favorite because of the simplicity. Just a white cake with a lovely stand and some lemons. Perfect! (The light has been awful the last few days so my magazine pics will have to wait. Soon!)

big, fun news!

2010-01-11T22:12:00.001-08:00

The new, gorgeous issue of Pacific Weddings is out and my work is featured inside!! I'll post pics tomorrow of the pages but they used my Silk Shoulder Wrap in red and one of my Crushed Velvet Rose Hair Clips. The whole issue is stunning and I am beyond thrilled to have my work included.

etsy friday

2010-01-08T20:17:00.000-08:00

Lovely, nature-inspired invites from Etsy seller Pink Lily Press. Happy Weekend!

think pink

2010-01-07T10:04:00.000-08:00

Loving the palest of pink today. So pretty and romantic. (photos: martha stewart-1,5,6, this is glamorous-2,3, the knot-4)

boudoir photo shoot

2010-01-06T18:54:00.000-08:00

Fabulous Portland photographer Lisa Warninger is doing a special weekend of mini boudoir photo shoots Jan 24-25. Just in time for Valentine's Day! Contact her at lisawarninger@mac.com for the details.

rachel + ryan

2010-01-05T21:10:00.000-08:00

Fresh and stylish L.A. wedding shot by photographer Gabriel Ryan. Love, love, love those green poms! And the white fabric adds a chic touch.

the english dept. + elizabeth dye

2010-01-04T07:49:00.001-08:00

Oh my. Elizabeth Dye is an unbelievably talented local Portland designer who I adore and these are from her new 2010 collection. So beautiful. And the other fun news is that she is carrying my veils in her lovely little shop downtown called The English Dept. She is having a bridal fashion show Jan. 31st, noon at the Ace Hotel that will feature her gowns as well as new looks from Jenny Yoo, Alix and Kelly and Coren Moore. Email her or call the shop at 503.224.0724 to RSVP. (photos: Lisa Warninger)

bust out the champagne

2009-12-20T23:47:00.000-08:00

I'm off to do some celebrating with the family and wanted to wish everyone a wonderful holiday. And here's to an amazing 2010 for us all. See you back here Jan. 4th! xxoo Christine
(photo: Martha Stewart)

save the date

2009-12-17T21:29:00.000-08:00

Super cute save the date idea for a destination wedding. Templates and how to are here. (photo: Martha Stewart Weddings)

rachel + rich

2009-12-16T19:08:00.000-08:00

Lovely English country-house wedding. (photos: Brides UK).

cheery bouquet

2009-12-15T23:25:00.001-08:00

It was the most miserable cold and rainy day today in Portland and this sweet little bouquet from Studio Choo cheered me right up! (photo: Studio Choo via Frolic)

stephanie + pino

2009-12-14T20:45:00.001-08:00

I'm really only featuring this wedding because I am head-over-heels for the bride's pink Amsale dress! Yes, charming little church in the German countryside but give me a break that dress is gorgeous. (photos: Project Wedding)

sunday snapshot

2009-12-13T22:32:00.001-08:00

(photo: three winks studio) I adore little white gloves!

old town florist

2009-12-11T00:40:00.000-08:00

Gorgeous flowers from Portland florist Old Town Florists. They have been around for ages and do everything from super traditional to fresh & modern. I love all of the textural elements they show here.

more winter inspiration

2009-12-09T20:00:00.001-08:00

I still have snow on the brain. Love, love, love those shoes!! (photos: theknot.com)

winter wonderland

2009-12-08T22:24:00.001-08:00

Loving this snowy shoot from Brides UK. It has been absolutely freezing the past few days in Portland. It would be bearable if only there was snow!

diy gift giving

2009-12-07T23:37:00.000-08:00

Super-sweet & easy way to dress up bridesmaids gifts from Design Sponge (and perfect for our current gift giving season too!). The bride bought earrings for her maids and wanted a way to make them feel a bit more special. She used vintage wallpaper but fun scrapbooking cardstock would work just as well. Old Christmas cards would be perfect paper background for little holiday gifts. (I save my Christmas cards to make gift tags for the following year. Just cut out the festive parts with paper punches and write on the back.) And brown kraft paper rocks. Easy to dress up or down and recyclable unlike all of the shiny wrapping paper they push everywhere. The how-to's for these charming gifts are here.

sunday snapshot

2009-12-06T23:09:00.001-08:00

Dreamy. (photo: Mel Barlow Photography via 100 Layer Cake)

etsy friday

2009-12-04T22:09:00.000-08:00

I have always adored Etsy seller Paloma's Nest for their one-of-a-kind ceramic ring bearer bowls and now they have added luxe gold leaf to the mix for even more specialness. The gold leaf egg placecard holders would be lovely for a small wedding and come with custom printed place cards. A sweet favor for guests as well - perfect for holding a photo or note.

julie + tim

2009-12-02T19:22:00.000-08:00

LOVE this wedding shot by photographer Laura Ryan in Manhattan. There is nothing like a white room flooded with sunlight to make my day (in fact I just finished painting most of the interior of my house bright white much to the dismay of my color-loving husband). Adorable photo in the picture frame!!

sunday suppers

2009-12-01T18:31:00.001-08:00

Inspiring details from November's Sunday Supper. I love the pale palette and there are some unique and money-saving ideas here. Florist Jesse at Roundtree Flowers did an amazing job incorporating interesting elements like kale, seed pods, berries and lamb's ear with the roses. Adding these kinds of elements with flowers looks fresh and modern is less expensive than all- flower arrangements. I also love the votive holders that are wrapped with crocheted ribbon. It makes a basic candle look like something special. I could go on and on but how lovely are the boxes of chestnuts for favors?! They included a recipe for roasting the chestnuts. How sweet! (photography-Karen Mordechai, styling/design-Jillian, 100 Layer Cake and Sunday Suppers)

ariel gordon

2009-11-30T22:14:00.000-08:00

LOVE this jewelry by Ariel Gordon and the fun photos by photographer Nicole Hill Gerulat. Must have the Bubble Ring!

happy thanksgiving!

2009-11-22T19:14:00.000-08:00

I am going to take a break this week for Thanksgiving and will be back in action November 30th. My gratitude list is long but here are the top 5 things I am grateful for this year:

1) Thankful that my family is healthy and happy (mostly!).
2) Thankful for my wonderful friends who are supportive and enthusiastic about everything I do.
3) So grateful for the amazing doors that are opening for my business and all of the brides who have shared their love for my work.
4) Thankful for all of you out in blog-land who inspire me to look for beauty everywhere.
5) Thankful that I get to get up every day to do work that I love.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and are able to spend it with those you love.
(photo: a field journal - make the sparkly pumpkins by brushing the pumpkins with glue and cover in iridescent glitter)

sunday snapshot

2009-11-22T19:02:00.000-08:00

(photo: Victor Sizemore Photography)

tiered gowns

2009-11-19T23:35:00.000-08:00

Tiered gowns were big on the runways for fall 2010. Some very pretty ones here! Gown details at Brides.com.

sweet details

2009-11-17T22:43:00.000-08:00

Sweet little details struck my fancy today. I love the bride's little slippers and the tiny bird she wore in her hair. How original! (photos: erinheartscourt - more from them later this week!)

claire pettibone

2009-11-16T22:55:00.000-08:00

Lovely gowns from Claire Pettibones 2010 Cherry Blossom collection. The thing I love about her gowns is that they are pretty and romantic with lots of detail yet they are still understated. I think this collection is her best yet.

new website!

2009-11-15T20:27:00.000-08:00

My new website is up! Come take a look at modernromancebridal.com. Thought I would give the blog a refresh too while I was at it. Just felt like a return to a very clean, simple look but I may mess around with a bit more. Let me know what you think!

sunday snapshot

2009-11-15T20:22:00.000-08:00

(photo: Karl Lagerfeld via This is Glamorous)

etsy friday

2009-11-13T16:16:00.000-08:00

Lovely pearl creations by Etsy seller Erin Keys.

jessica + jeff

2009-11-11T20:21:00.000-08:00

Gorgeous fall wedding shot by photographer Jose Villa. Great rustic details and I adore the headband Jessica wore. Long, flowing hair is definitely back in.

love this bride!

2009-11-10T21:29:00.001-08:00

(photo: Ruffled)

sash & bustle

2009-11-09T21:40:00.001-08:00

I am so thrilled to announce our first wholesale client is a lovely shop in Toronto called Sash & Bustle. Owner Cynthia has created a modern, stylish boutique filled with affordable alternative bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses and gorgeous accessories from independant designers. She also carries the wonderful vintage inspired dresses by Stephanie James. If you are in Toronto stop by and say hello!

etsy friday

2009-11-06T23:03:00.000-08:00

Lovely custom fabric bouquets from Etsy seller Milkpod Studio.

fall bouquets

2009-11-05T23:25:00.000-08:00

Beautiful fall bouquets. (photos: 1,3,6 The Knot, 2,4,5,7 Martha Stewart)

amsale fall 2010

2009-11-04T22:24:00.001-08:00

Gorgeousness from the Fall 2010 Amsale line. (photos: Brides.com)

sweetest templates

2009-11-03T23:25:00.001-08:00

Find all of these lovely printed details over at Martha Stewart Weddings in the DIY section. Simply download, customize the templates and you're good to go. I love the lace backdrop for photos. And those cupcake towers are so sweet!

sunday snapshot

2009-11-01T18:57:00.001-08:00

(photo: Rodney Smith)

etsy friday

2009-10-30T12:39:00.001-07:00

These have to be my all-time favorite cake toppers! Etsy seller Lollipop Workshop makes these custom toppers to look like you and your groom and they incorporate the loveliest details. They make birthday toppers too. Couldn't be more charming. Have a great weekend!

halloween theme?

2009-10-29T23:22:00.000-07:00

A Halloween theme wouldn't be my first choice for a wedding but there is some fun stuff here. Amy Atlas does dessert bar like no one else. The cocktails look fun too. More photos and drink recipes at Brides.com.

pretty in pink

2009-10-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

Wow, how sweet is this bride in pink?!? I love it! Photos are by Shyla Photography.

new headbands

2009-10-27T21:28:00.001-07:00

Cute new headbands for sale in my Etsy shop. I can even add a shoulder length detachable veil to any of them. (All of the flowers are offered in hair clips as well.) Fun!

vera wang - fall 2010

2009-10-26T23:32:00.001-07:00

The Fall 2010 runway shows happened last week and as usual the gowns are amazing. Vera Wang surprised with a story all about black. WOW the all black gown is something. I really like the drama and wouldn't you be the talk of the town forever in that number?? I am not in love with the black accents on the other gowns. It seems like the black is all the draws the eye and the lovely dress gets lost. I'd do any of these without the black in a heartbeat!

sunday snapshot

2009-10-25T23:42:00.000-07:00

(I love this dress!!! photo: carl begnttson for Brides, UK via This is Glamorous)

etsy friday

2009-10-23T17:50:00.000-07:00

Pretty little pocketbooks from Etsy seller Design Du Jour. The gold one is my favorite and would be gorgeous for a holiday party too. (Sorry about the sporadic posts this week. Blogger has been having some issues late night when I usually post. Hopefully next week will be better!)

grace + aaron

2009-10-21T23:23:00.000-07:00

Sweetest handcrafted details from this wedding posted on Martha Stewart. My favorite detail is the invitations. The couple had the details printed on vintage handkercheifs! The groomsmen showed up with the invites tucked in for pocket squares. So original.

new wraps

2009-10-19T22:12:00.000-07:00

Pretty new wraps up at my Etsy site. New veils and cutest headbands coming later week!

sunday snapshot

2009-10-18T19:41:00.000-07:00

(photo: Yvonne Wong)

etsy friday

2009-10-16T19:41:00.001-07:00

Gorgeous hand-crafted details from a client's wedding. Hope sourced many of the details from Etsy including the Silk Flower w/ Mini Veil from my shop. A friend drew an illustration that the couple used for the sweetest invites and signs for the wedding. Everything is so lovely! For details on the Etsy sellers, see the bride's blog Besottment. Her wonderful design work is featured on the blog and her website paperrelics.com.

jennifer + mark

2009-10-15T21:29:00.001-07:00

Lovely, lovely Durango, CO weddding shot by photographer Lisa Lefkowitz. Every detail is so charming and pretty.

farewell elegant bride

2009-10-14T23:11:00.000-07:00

Beautiful photo shoot originally from Elegant Bride magazine. This one taken on the Kona Coast of Hawaii. I adore the layers and layers of organza in the second pic. (The jacket looks a lot like my Organza Shoulder Wrap!) It is sad to see another magazine fold even though I know it is a sign of the times. As non-p.c. as it is to covet something that uses up our natural resourses I still love curling up with all of the dreamy images in the bridal mags. Let's hope none of my favorites are on the chopping block!

ruffled

2009-10-13T21:18:00.001-07:00

Sweetest details from a wedding featured on the new blog Ruffled. (How cute is the bottled milk with dessert!) You'll know Amanda from her former blog -Vintage Glam. I've always loved her style and the new look is just gorgeous. Check it out! (photos: caroline tran)

sunday snapshot

2009-10-11T22:34:00.001-07:00

(photo: brides.com)

etsy friday

2009-10-10T00:44:00.000-07:00

"Wow" is all I can really think to say about these vintage style cake toppers from Etsy seller Over the Top Studios.

breakfast at tiffany's

2009-10-08T21:57:00.000-07:00

Super-cool reception decor from an e-zine I just discovered called Utterly Engaged.

bettina + geoff

2009-10-06T22:34:00.000-07:00

Can you believe this setting?!? Wow. The Atlanta History Center was the location for this lovely wedding shot by the wonderful W. Scott Chester. It doesn't get more grand than this!

save the date

2009-10-05T22:04:00.000-07:00

Charming save-the-date ideas from Martha Stewart Weddings. I LOVE photo booth pics and what an adorable way to share your plans. If you are having a more formal wedding you can still have some fun with your save-the-date cards. Get creative!

sunday snapshot

2009-10-04T20:27:00.000-07:00

(photo: Jose Villa)

etsy friday

2009-10-02T19:50:00.000-07:00

I adore linen and Etsy seller Jewelweeds sells the loveliest gifts for home. I love to give tea towels for shower gifts along with a gift certificate or a favorite kitchen gadget (these paring knives from Williams-Sonoma are awesome!).

christy + christian

2009-10-01T19:17:00.000-07:00

Absolutely dreamy wedding shot by photographer Jose Villa. I love every detail here. Peonies, fresh green, tons of white and those shoes!! Gorgeous.

totes

2009-09-30T19:45:00.000-07:00

I love these custom totes from the Wedding Chicks. Perfect to hold bridesmaids' goodies or for out-of-town guest welcome bags. Adorable!

ann taylor maids

2009-09-29T21:00:00.000-07:00

Super cute bridesmaid dresses from Ann Taylor. Love that soft blue/green color. Very sweet and definately wearable post-wedding.

green apples

2009-09-28T23:11:00.000-07:00

Love the bright, colorful details from this wedding shot by photographer Jen Stewart. The green apples as placecard holders and in the vases for centerpieces is a brilliant idea. Adds a hit of color (and I do love green!!) and what a cost saver.

sunday snapshot

2009-09-27T22:30:00.001-07:00

(photo: design via this is glamorous)

etsy friday

2009-09-25T14:21:00.000-07:00

Lovely decor idea from Etsy seller Hannah Nunn. The lanterns are strung on an electrical cord so just plug in and instant charm!

fall favors

2009-09-23T23:37:00.000-07:00

I always start to feel the need for a bit of craftiness in the fall and these fall-themed favor ideas from Martha Stewart Weddings caught my eye. Love the candles in the first photo. So easy to wrap soy candles in twine or fun paper and everyone can always use extra candles.

frothy and fabulous

2009-09-22T21:20:00.001-07:00

Loving these high-drama gowns with full, frothy skirts. Gown details here. (photos: brides.co.uk)

grey + orange

2009-09-21T22:07:00.000-07:00

New favorite color combo!! Gorgeous board from Snippet and Ink.

sunday snapshot

2009-09-20T22:35:00.000-07:00

(photo: Brides.com)

on the lake

2009-09-16T23:31:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous!!

picnic in the park

2009-09-15T17:00:00.000-07:00

Adorable DIY idea for a picnic-in-the-park reception or rehersal lunch/dinner. This would also be a lovely way to welcome out of town guests when they arrive. Details here at Projcet Wedding.

sunday snapshot

2009-09-13T22:19:00.000-07:00

(photo: w. scott chester photography)

lead the way

2009-09-11T21:12:00.001-07:00

Super cute, rustic signs from Etsy seller Funki Folk Art.

toaster love

2009-09-10T20:40:00.000-07:00

I really, really need to have one of these in every color! I never thought one could get excited about a toaster but these Bodum bistro toasters are awesome. Perfect addition to a Sur La Table registry!

ali + evan

2009-09-09T20:37:00.001-07:00

Seriously adorable farm wedding shot by Our Labor of Love. The couple Ali and Evan own the Little Red Bike Cafe here in Portland (YUMMY breakfast place). Love the gown and what great photos.