Object 1: Hourglass

Most commonly known as a tool to measure time. One of the bulbs is usually filled with fine sand which flows through the narrow tube into the bottom bulb at a given rate, typically for one hour. Once all the sand has run to the bottom bulb, the device can be inverted in order to measure time again. The sand is a measure of the past, present and future.

Tune back over the next few days to see how I incorporate the hourglass as an element into a wedding.

FINALLY!

I have been thinking a lot lately about Belamour in general and how to grow my business into the business that I want. Someone asked me the other day "What sets you apart from everyone else?" I couldn't answer it right away, I got frustrated after thinking of it for 2 weeks and gave up, telling myself I was just like the rest. Another couple weeks went by and I started bouncing some ideas off of friends and people in the industry and I kept thinking. I kept saying to myself "I do it all". I combined all different elements of weddings into one company. I plan, I create, I execute all on a professional level. I don't outsource to other vendors, I don't have assistants. I work with the bride, I come up with the concepts and I am the one that gets to see my creative vision play out.

It hit me in a cab ride with my sister a few weeks back in Chicago when she said the words "Elements of Style". Beautifully said from the girl that gave me inspiration to start this thing in the first place. "My thing" is my "Elements of Style" creatively twisted in an unique, elegant, stylish way for each bride no matter the medium I am working with; planning, paper, lighting, floral or decor. They are all my own Elements of Style. That is Belamour.

That all being said. I have (FINALLY) figured out how to use this blog space as a creative outlet for myself and also for the people that follow me. For now, each week I will start with one object. With that object I will create ideas for save-the-dates, invitations, ceremony programs, guest bags, lighting, flowers, centerpieces, linens, decor, dessert bars, cakes, send offs, transportation, specialty cocktails, food and on and on.

I hope this serves as a place for creativity to flourish. Enjoy!

Black and White

It has been way too long. Summer is finally over and fall is kicking in. I am finally getting a grip on things and have some images to share.

A couple weeks ago my good friend and photographer Michelle Joyce (www.michellejoycephotography.com) took some beautiful pictures of some of my more recent work. A had the chance to photograph invitations and details from a couple different weddings throughout the last year.

The first one I will share was a wedding I worked on back in August. I worked with a bride from New York. She was married in downtown Philadelphia where she grew up and her family still lives.

Ashley & Jamie :: Cap Juluca, Anguilla

Ashley and Jamie were married on the island on Anguilla a few months back in January at Cap Juluca. It was an amazing celebration weekend packed with events. From a beach bbq, to a rehearsal dinner at Blanchard's Restaurant, to the final night at Cap Juluca every event was picture perfect. It was a pleasure to get the chance to work with Ashley and Jamie, they are two amazing people whose love shined through in each aspect of this wedding. These amazing pictures were sent over from the duo at Grazier Photography sent these over to me.

Check out my site to see more updated pictures from this amazing wedding!

Sneak Peak: Ashley & Jamie, Cap Juluca - 01.18.09

Here is a sneak peek at my most recent wedding which I designed. Ashley and Jamie were married this past weekend in Cap Juluca; a perfect setting for a wedding. Everything came together perfectly, I was just happy to be a part of this special day. The wedding video crew at elypsium produtions captured this amazing footage. Check back for more pictures and video!

Press, Press, Press

The first issue of Well Wed - Cape and the Islands has hit news stands. Belamour Design got a shout out! Check out the article in the noteworthy section! Make sure to pick up your own copy at newstands now.

Seltzer Vases

I couldn't help but to think of centerpiece vases when I saw these vintage seltzer bottles on Maison Luxe.  If you were able to hunt down a different bottle for every table it would create a pretty cool effect for the reception. Although they are not very formal, better fit for a farm or vintage wedding. They give so much character and authenticity to a reception. These could be filled with wild flowers or even something unexpected; the contrast of formal flowers juxtaposed against each other. 

The tops of the bottles themselves could be used for another element of the reception. My first thought was to create a seating card table. Names would be attached with ribbon to the metal tops. Or they could sit on the table at the seats and serve as place cards.