The Final Touch

Zina's Getting Married - The Dress

Don't despair Zina :-) You'll find your dress! Next Tuesday Zina's picking her invitations with her mother-in-law and fiancé! Stay tuned.

Love Birds

Nature is an inspiration. All these colors, smells, and textures, it just can't leave me indifferent.

I've decided to include an element of nature in this post. I just couldn't make up my mind. What would it be? I love butterflies, and clown fishes, I love horses, leaves, and grass, I also love flowers, especially tulips. Humm, the choice was too vast. I decided to make my son decide for me, he just answered with a wise voice :" Why don't you flip a coin?"

Kids are too wise nowadays, but I am going off topic. So I decided to take my wise son's advice. I wrote all things I loved in nature on small pieces of paper. I then, looked at them, stared at them, tried to cheat a bit, but didn't. I closed my eyes, and picked  " BIRDS".

I was happy with my luck. Birds, Birds, which bird? the answer was clear : LOVE BIRDS

Love birds are active birds ( just like me ) , they love water ( just like me ) , they love raspberries ( just like me !! ), they're social and love the others of their kind ( just like me, maybe I was a love bird in a previous life). I was happy with my choice, and here is the result of some research and inspiration.

The Love Bird wall stickers are a perfect way to turn any boring space into an exciting one. I found these at Ferm-living

I fell in love whith that necklace. I can just picture the maid of honor wearing a plain turquoise, red, or chocolate brown dress and that necklace as an accent. Erm Originals has beautiful necklace designs with birds.

The cake is a piece of art. Lovin Sullivan Cakes reproduced the Lenox Chirp Design China drawing on the cake. They did a fantastic job, and the idea is awesome. 

For favors, I thought of two ideas. First the bird's nest , it fits perfectly within the whole theme. Or to be more subtle, a simple box with ribbon and label, that can be filled with raspberry candies. This box I have designed last year for a couple, I found the colours to fit well within the whole theme. Favors could be alternated for a more ecclectic look and feel.

And this absolutely adorable love bird felt embellishment, I couldn't resist. it was so cute I had to include it. What to do with it, I am not sure. But what I'm sure of, is that you will find tons of ways to use it. Get it at Tessa Ann

I added the last picture, cos I can just picture that party to be very vintage / rustic, and the long bare wood table is something I always dreamt of having. I thought for someone that is crafty ( of has a crafty entourage) these tables could be built for a special event, for not much money. I wouldn't put any tablecloth. I would live it raw, just like nature.

Polka Dot Theme Party

Let's be realistic. This is no theme attractive to men ( I do love polka dotted ties though! ). But if you're thinking bridal shower, baby shower or even your little girl's birthday party then think polka dots. Polka dots are fun. Seeing them always makes me smile, maybe because it reminds me of that song. I am sure all of you have heard at least once. Doesn't make you happy just listening to it? So if happiness, joy and smiles is what you're looking for at your next event, then think of giving the polka dot theme a try.

You can try different color combinations for a different feel. Yellow and white is very refreshing, and black and white a bit more edgy.

These invitations and favor boxes I created for a client's bridal shower. And from what I heard, happiness was in the air.

Marshmallows - Puffy Little Forgotten Treasures

These are not the marshmallows you used to have when you were a kid. These are the gourmet version. If you're running out of ideas on how to treat your guests at your next event or party, try to consider those little bites of heaven. And when I say heaven, I mean it! When biting into them, you feel you're biting into clouds. They're fluffy, soft, and they melt in your mouth. You can find them in so many flavors: cardamom, flower salt caramel, lavender, whisky, and even wasabi! You name it.

Different shapes are also available, the heart one is a cute one for a Valentine party favor, and the suckers perfect for a baby shower, or birthday. My personal favorites are the square ones, I just love the texture on the sides.
 

Marshmallows are colourful, and when packaged in clear bags, with a nice personallized tag or label, colourful matching ribbons, make an original, fun, and beautiful favor.

Adding them to your sweet table or candy bar will make your guests talk. They enhance the overall look of a table, add colour, and some lightness into your decor. Why take ourselves so seriously? Let's eat some marshmallows, and treat the kid inside each and every one of us :)

Here are some stores that make great marshmallows:

• Whimsy and Spice
• Suzie's Confections  
• Laura's Candy    

And if you are in the mood of making your own, here is Martha's recipe. You can then get in touch with me to package them for you. I will match your theme and colours, and of course use food safe packaging.

"Zina is Getting Married" - The Humour in Getting Married.

I am so excited about this little project. After having seen Zina's work here and there, I fell in love with it. It seems that destiny brought us together, and we became friends.

Zina is single. But she told me : " It would be fun to become a bride, in my own fantasy world, creating the husband of my dreams, just like I imagined him" .  This is how this whole project started.

Zina's amazing talent in drawing and her sensibility to human's nature and psychology along with her fine and witty humour makes her the number one choice to portray in drawing "The bride to be".

The comic strip series that she will be creating for Lorena Rossi, will feature Zina herself, getting married :)

Every Tuesday, Zina will be facing different wedding related situations, and I am sure many brides to be or former brides will relate to them. Of course suggestions are more than welcome. If you've been through a moment while preparing your wedding that you think is worth beeing featured, then please contact me, or post a comment.

Here is a quick word about Zina:

She is adorable :-)

She is born in 1981. She couldn't stop drawing, in her school books, on the shower walls with the vapor as canvas, while sleeping?!?! She grew up reading comic books. Her favorites: Hergé, Akira Toriyama, Sempé, Roahl Dahl, and Joann Sfarr. She still reads comic books. She has a BA in graphic design, worked in lollipops design ( I told you she's fun ) and in advertising at Leo Burnett.

She is now in Montreal, after having worked for Aldo Group as an art director, she decides to befriend her pencil again, and draws day and night that little lovable character " Zina" that has to face life's little problems like each and everyone of us. It is all simple, it is all beautiful, and it is all true.

Zina is planning on publishing her first comic book very soon. But for Lorena Rossi's blog readers you're getting a sneak preview!

I hope you will enjoy the ride.

Wedding Colour Palettes

Basing myself on the 2009 Spring Pantone Colour Report, and just by walking down Montreal's streets, looking at my favorite boutique's windows, trendy people, and gourmet stores I've put together this colour palette that I think will be hot for 2009.

I will try to get you amazing finds to fit within these palette. Keep tuned :)

If you are a bride, and came up with an original colour scheme, please don't hesitate to email me. I will blog about it.

Cookie Bouquet - Delicious!

  

Over the holidays I met Marlyn. Marlyn is a cookie designer, that's how I like to call her. She creates those little pieces of art, which are a pleasure to the eyes and palate.  I have seen and tasted lots of cookies in my life ( oh yes I did! ), but none as perfect. 

My favorite are these daisy cookies on a stick.  

These can create original centerpieces, which can double as favors instead of having the usual flower centerpiece. They are perfect for a baby shower, a bridal shower, or a birthday party.  I also think they would look stunning at a wedding's sweet table.

Marlyn Birmingham, you're great!  

If you're interested in getting those cookies for a special event, just email me

They can be personalized with ribbons, tags and embellishments to match your event's theme and colours.

Check out more of Marlyn's cookies here or here.

Lollipops Favors. For the Kids at Heart.

     

While browsing the web for some inspiration, I stumbled upon the cutest little favor idea.

Why not Lollipops? Unexpensive, Sweet, and when so beautifully wrapped, they become a talking piece. 

The stickers can be customised with a monogram, date, logo, or a simple message.

I love them.

These genious Lollipop wrappers are created by Meg from Olio Designs. She does not have a website yet but if you are ever interested in getting some for your bridal or baby showers or any other event, send me a message and I will put you in touch with her.

Personalized Wedding Gift

I think every newlywed couple should have a set of quality Egyptian cotton sheets. Don't you think?

When close friends of mine got married, I just knew that's what I wanted to give them.  Even though the sheets were beautiful, I wanted the gift to be even more special.  I decided to embroider their initials on the pillow cases. They just loved it!

I sort of got jealous, and loved the idea so much, that I had my own linens embroidered. 

Finding someone to do a good job with the embroidery was not an easy task, after lots of shopping I discovered  a great place called Embroid Me right here in Montreal.  They embroider almost anything! Jackets, t-shirts, tote bags, and lots of other stuff for personal or corporate occasions.  

You can choose from a variety of fonts and they have tons of different color threads.                                                     

How To Choose The Right Wedding Invitation

The time has come and you are now looking for your wedding invitations.  It's important to be well informed because it can be quite overwhelming.

Here are some decisions you'll need to make when choosing your wedding invitations:

1. The Price: I suggest to have a price range in mind and not a fixed price.  This allows for some flexibility. Do some research online and compare.  If you chose to buy online, keep in mind that you cannot feel the quality of the cardstock or see the exact color.  Also look for what the price includes.  Some will price the invitation only and the response card and envelopes are sold separately.  Whenever possible, find a local invitation designer where you can see and feel the products.
2. The Style: A flat card, a folded card, or a pocket.  A flat card is usually the least expensive, but not necessarily the least interesting.  It can be elaborate or simple depending on the graphics or fonts you choose.  A folded card allows you to place a seal or print a monogram on the cover.  A pocket is wonderful if you want to insert the response card and if you have extra cards you need to include. 
3. The Size: A traditional size (5X7), a square, or a long and narrow (4X9).  The 5X7 is traditional and it can be printed on the vertical or on the horizontal.  The square is modern and unexpected.  The 4X9 is sleek and trendy.  It can also be used on the vertical or on the horizontal.  It is important when choosing the size to consider postage.  The square invitations are more expensive to mail than a standard 5X7.  Bring the invitation to the post office and have it measured and weighed.  You don't want your invitations to return because of insufficient postage.
4. The Cardstock: Once you have determined the style and size you like, it's time to choose the texture and finish.  Choose between metallic or matte and between textured or flat.  Metallic papers are more expensive than matte and the thicker the cardstock the heavier they will be.  Consider mixing textures and finishes, it gives it interest and contrast. 
5. The Color: If I were to advise you on your wedding dress or your hairdo, I would not tell you to take a risk and to go bold, but I am telling to take a risk and go bold when choosing your invitations.  Your stationery is a great place to inject color and personality.  Choose a color that you have always loved or a color that reflects both of you.  Don't overlook the envelopes.  Instead of white or ivory, go with colored envelopes.  The colored envelopes can be your accent color.  When making decisions on color, be creative and be yourself.  
6. The Embellishments:  Ribbons or crystals.  Consider adding a simple crystal or a colored ribbon.  Adding a crystal in the right place can really make an ordinary invitation quite elegant or a ribbon wrapped around can feel and look wonderful.
   
7. The Text: How to address the guests.  The bride and groom are inviting, the parents are inviting or both.  Normally the individuals who are paying for the wedding will address their guests.  However, speak to the parents involved and discuss weather or not they expect their names to be on the invitation.  It is better to have the conversation before the invitations are printed.

It is important to have a sample made even if you need to pay a small fee.  You want to be certain before they are printed.  Start looking for your invitations six months before your wedding date.  You need to mail them two months before to allow your guests one month to respond and to allow yourself one month to finalize the details. 

Good luck!