Amy Butler Fabrics

If you have any sort of affinity for fabric, whether you know how to sew or not, you absolutely can not go past Amy Butler. Her fabric design skills are second to none! The colours; textures, and patterns are ridiculously fantastic! I especially love her latest collection called, simply, "Love". Perfect! Just in time for Valentines Day. From flannels, to fabrics sturdy enough for Home Décor, to fabrics light and airy enough for a sun dress, the colours and patterns in her newest collection are to die for.

Any one of these patterns I can easily see being a focal point pattern on a bright Saturday wedding... for table linens, to wrap around the floral bouquets, to sew into ribbons to hang escort cards from...you name it!

Try as I might, I simply can not pick a favourite. My only wish? That I could find paper that looked just. like. this.

Rainbow gateau

Does this really even need an explanation? Uh. No.

Thanks to Poppytalk for this photo. Visit the Poppytalk blog for more goodness about everything.

Vintage Labels

Anyone who knows me, knows my deep love for all things vintage. So, when I spent a few minutes perusing the genius site that is i do it yourself, I ran into these, and fell head over heals.

Feel free to use these for your gorgeous little vintage bottles, as address labels, or as gift labels.

Pomegranate Perfection

Weddings come in all shapes and sizes, but, let's be honest. We've all seen some themes of weddings way to many times. The same red rose centrepieces, the same white 3-tierd cakes, the same steak and chicken dinner...same...same...same...boring. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong w/ red roses or white 3-tiered cakes, but, lets mix it up a bit. Add a little bit of extraordinary into your day.

Which is why I love this Style Me Pretty post. It's fun, it's vintage, it's flirty...and best of all, it showcases a beautifully rich and velvety shade of pink..Pomegranate. Not to mention it's chock full of tons of "take away" ideas that you can use in your own wedding. What I think is so spectacular about this table set up, is that all of the glass bottles were purchased from the Salvation Army! How's that for DIY chic?

Thank you to Style Me Pretty for this fantastic post.

Notecards for Haiti Relief

In the wake of the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti last week, I was left speechless and feeling very heartbroken and helpless. All I wanted to do was hop on the first plane out of Melbourne, heading straight for Haiti. Desperate times call for desperate measures right? Then, the realistic side of my brain kicked in and I realized that a flight was just not possible. How could I help? Agencies were saying, "don't give food or clothes or blankets." Then, what am I supposed to do? I had to do something. I likened this disaster to Mother Nature's version of 11 September...only in some ways, worse.

This past Sunday, my husband; daughter, and I, went to Rod Laver Arena, where the Australian Open is being held, and attended a charity fundraiser match organized by Roger Federer. "Hit for Haiti", it was called. He organized an event to raise funds, and he's going to be doing what he does best, and loves most: playing tennis. That's when the idea hit me: I love designing and creating, why not create notecards to raise money for relief efforts?

Needless to say, I have been at the computer for almost 2 days straight drafting and designing and creating and doing it all over again. And I couldn't be happier.

These notecards will be sold for a limited time only. With 10 designs to choose from {all 10 designs are shown on my website}, the notecards are sold in packs of 5 for $15 or 10 for $25, they come with matching plain envelopes and are blank inside for your own personal note. What I really like about these cards is that I designed them with an inspirational quote on the front. But what I like BEST about these cards is that 100% of the money raised will go directly to Haiti relief efforts. That's right, you read correctly: 100%. Meaning, I will make NO money for these cards...and I wouldn't have it any other way. The notecards can either be purchased from my Etsy store here, or on my website here. Please don't forget to specify the colour of card/envelope you want {white or cream} and the design{s}.

I would love to raise at least $500 {but secretly, I'm hoping for much more}. So please help me reach and exceed this goal!

Thank you so much for your support.
xoxo Autumn

The Dome, Melbourne

Constructed in 1890, The Dome, on Collins Street in the Melbourne CBD, stands as one of Melbourne's most breathtaking architectural achievements. Recognized by the British Society of Architects as "the finest structure of it's type in the world", it is perfect for the bride and groom who want only the best and must have their wedding surrounded in opulent luxury.

Several features of The Dome still exist from it's initial construction. The mosaic-tile floors, the Italianate pillars, and the baroque features are all still in form even more than 100 years ago. And that's not even taking into consideration the sheer scale of the dome itself! Words can not describe...it's something that must be seen to be believed.

Able to host cocktail parties for up to 400 guests, and seated dinners for up to 180 guests, there is no other place to hold your grand event if you truly want to impress your guests.

Photos courtesy of The Dome

Services include:

Food and Beverage Catering
Entertainment
Security
Theme Consultation
Disabled Access
AV Facilities
Nearby public transport and multi-level car parks
Hire equipment

Prices start from $1500 + venue setup.

Bridal Season 2010

We are in full swing Bridal Season here in Australia. The sun is out, the temperatures are up, and brides Australia wide are in mid-planning of their special day. As much as I love the whiteness of a winter wedding, accented by candlelight and deep hues, a vibrant summer wedding full of cool colours and fruity drinks is right up my alley...I can practically see the tan lines.

What's so great about a Summer wedding, are all of the ways that it can be personalized to reflect you. There's no room for "cookie cutter" in a Summer wedding. Instead, it's all about bringing your individual style; flavour; and personality to your big day. Instyle Weddings has provided just a few ideas to light your way and guide you until you find your own "perfect day". Why not take some of these ideas, and use them as they are, or put your own twist to them to perfectly reflect you. Either way, they scream of personality!Who said that a wedding cake is a mandatory reception staple? Why not have a table with trays of cookies; tarts; and tiers of cupcakes, iced in vanilla goodness? Not only will this save you money by not bringing cake cutting fees into the picture, but it allows your guests more of an option for desert. And trays of goodies are so much easier to pack up and take away than a big bulky wedding cake. {Not to mention so much easier to eat while dancing the night away!}And what's better in the summer than a fresh fruity cocktail? Do you and your fiancé have a favourite drink? Or favourite flavour? Why not invent your own special wedding day concoction... One that mirrors the colours of your wedding and is just as sweet as you. Offer your signautre cocktail up for your guests during the cocktail hour while the bridal party is off taking photos...something refreshing is perfect while they are waiting for the real party to start. But nothing says that your signature drink is ONLY for cocktail hour..make it available throughout the reception!

We are so lucky to live in a country that has such a lush and vibrant landscape. We have flowers in Australia that can be found nowhere else on Earth! Take advantage of the beautiful fauna that our country has to offer. If you are after a flower a bit "lighter" and more traditional, why not display them in a more non-traditonal way? Instead of the typical flower arrangement in a vase, why not display the flowers inside of the vase? This way, you get the colour and the variety of beautiful flowers, but you don't have to worry about the arrangements being so high that your guests strain themselves to see the people on the opposite side of the table. Plus, it's so original!

Yes, the 2010 weddings season is upon us. Make it the best year yet to show off who you are, your personality, and the things that make you, you?

Photos courtesy of Instyle Weddings

Under the Tuscan Sun

Vintage Vampire

Are you one of the millions who have been swept up by the whole vampire, "Twilight" saga? I must confess, I have yet to be caught up in the craze, but I know a trend when I see it and the gothic vampire trend has officially hit the wedding industry.

Photo: Herald Sun

With roses of deep red, smoky eyes, and creamy; pale skin, the gothic "vampire" look is inspiring Australian brides everywhere to ditch the orangey spray tans.

So if you aren't the conventional bride, if you prefer luxurious burgundy's to bright sunny yellows, if you lean towards brooding and intense romance rather than playful and flirtatious romance, then maybe this dramatic, vintage trend is just for you. Just make sure if you do it, it's done correctly, otherwise, it might be a little too "Tim Burton-ish".

Asian Art Museum of San Francisco

With a collection of more than 17,000 pieces, spanning 6,000 years of history, the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco is one of the largest museums in the Western world that is devoted exclusively to Asian Art. Located in the Civic Centre area of San Francisco, the museum is a public institution for those who are inspired by the art of Asia.

Photo courtesy of Asian Art Museum of San Francisco

It's also a location must for brides and couples who want their wedding to be infused with rich colours, one-of-a-kind surroundings, and opulent elegance.

Photo courtesy of Asian Art Museum San Francisco

The museum has several event spaces to suit your wedding or other special event, from a seated dinner for 24, to a seated dinner reception for 200 and standing for 300. Each event space boasts individual style and elegance in it's decor.

Photo courtesy of Asian Art Museum San Francisco

If you are in the Bay Area, or anywhere in Northern California, and you are looking for a unique location, full of rich history and opulence, make an appointment, or stop into the museum. It's definitely worth the look.

Ph: (415) 581-3777 Email: facilityrentals@asianart.org