Wedding stylist and planner, Jung Lee, came to my attention through the entralling Foxtel series, Who’s Wedding is it Anyway? More than any of the other planners showcased on this American programme, I fell for Jung’s sophisticated no-fuss planning and flawless execution. She brought a business sense to wedding planning that the other planners didn’t display. I was impressed. Really impressed.

I am more impressed right now than ever before. Jung has released a book called Fete - The Wedding Experience, based on her real life wedding planning experiences through her Manhattan event management company, Fete. I’m loving:

* Jung’s fascination with lanterns and all things budget-conscious without sacrificing huge impact;
* Her no-fuss advice on wedding planning and styling that anyone could follow and find inspiring;
* Lack of frou frou. Modern, sophisticated and big impact styling;
* Her demand that her clients maintain their individuality through the planning process and on the day; and
* Oh, and the ideas and advice presented are perfect for entertaining and events of any kind.

Fete is available from Amazon, and it really is well worth the expense. It is by far and away the best wedding inspiration book I’ve had the pleasure of reading (and I’ve read a few…).
Happy Celebrating!

Kathryn

Nothing is hotter in weddings right now than the parasol. As a decoration, a sunshade, a favour for guests or for your wedding party to hold instead of a floral bouquet. The wedding parasol is hot, hot, hot… but what if the weather isn’t? What if the weather turns nasty, cold and wet?

That’s where a waterproof frou frou wedding parasol takes centre stage!

One of our gorgeous wedding planners, Loretta (above, image by O Photograpghy), used a frou frou blush parasol at her own wedding a little over a year ago. It sure was needed in the cold Canberra rain! And don’t Loretta and Roger look gorgeous with their pretty accessory?!

We love the ultra-feminine waterproof frou frou parasols available now in so many pretty colours - red, black, vanilla, blush and fuschia and also the fab petite frou frou range for flowergirls and younger guests.

Fabulous, fun AND practical!

Happy Celebrating!

Kathryn

I’m a big fan of decorating with massive impact when it comes to weddings, parties and celebrations of any kind. My favourite decorating piece by far is the simple rice paper lantern. They are cheap as chips (big ball lanterns start from as low as $5 a piece) and pack an enormous decorating punch.

Rice paper lanterns come in so many sizes, colours and styles, but my favourite is the simple ball lantern which you can use to light and accentuate an event. For decorating a marquee to a dinner table to a dance floor, the paper lantern is the best decoration you can invest in for your event. And the best part? They can be packed down, stored and re-used for your next big shindig.

Here are some of the ways we love to use lanterns:

Image: Martha Stewart Weddings Collector’s Edition Summer 2008

The same look can be achieved with any colour. We love monochrome for visual impact, and you can personalise the look with personalised ribbon which again, isn’t crazy expensive.

Image: Fete, the Wedding Experience by Jung Lee

Famous Manhattan wedding planner Jung Lee has a fascination with lanterns, as I do! She’s used them to perfection here to create an impact as guests arrive at a wedding reception.

Image: Fete, the Wedding Experience by Jung Lee

Here’s Jung’s handiwork again. Creating a warm and intimate dinner table setting using low nested lanterns even when you have a long reception table.

Image: Martha Stewart Living

Martha’s team has used butterfly accents on this outdoor lantern display. Complement your wedding theme using just about any craft accent to create the same effect. I am inspired to use paper daisies right now - wouldn’t that look divine?

Image: Fete, the Wedding Experience by Jung Lee

And finally, the way we usually know lanterns to be used for big event. Here are clusters of paper ball lanterns in various shades of the one colour in a big marquee over the dance floor. Elegant and stylish by Jung Lee again.

Happy Celebrating!

Kathryn

We always love it when the latest edition of Wedding Style Guide hits our mailbox, and we were simply salivating this morning when the latest issue arrived! The Winter 2008 issue is a true treat, whether you’re about to be married or simply interested in the latest styling ideas for events of any kind. The team at Wedding Style Guide have a beautiful eye for style, contemporary theming and unique ideas.

This issue is particularly gorgeous. What we love:

Hosting a Book Club bridal shower, particularly as the winter chill sets in and fireplaces beckon.

The colour combination of steel grey and hot yellow in the “Ladies and Gentlemen” styled feature

Moody Hues of purples, lavenders and mauves. Out of favour for so long, but we’re betting on a comeback thanks to WSG!

This little book of style is only $12.95 and deserves a place on your coffee table if you have any interest in styling tables, decorating parties or hosting events with style.

Happy Celebrating!

Kathryn

An elegant and contemporary wedding theme, blood red and crystal screams rich romance.

We had the pleasure of organising a wedding recently in this theme for one of Canberra’s loveliest couples, James Burston and Connie Demarco. Here are some photos from the day by Point and Shoot Photography.

My favourite ideas from this wedding are:

The tall crystal garland and rose centrepieces which lit up the enormous National Museum of Australia Grand Hall;
Bridesmaids wearing pretty jewelled ballet flats;
The wedding party’s impromptu ballroom dancing at Reconcilliation Place; and
The entertainment - the Three Waiters wowed the audience and still have half of Canberra talking!

Congratulations, James and Connie and thank you for letting the Pink Frosting team be part of your day.

Happy Celebrating!

Kathryn

I am so very sad about the passing of Jane McGrath yesterday. I am so sad for her beautiful children and lovely husband and all of those who loved her. As a small token of our thoughts and love, we will donate 20% of all sales today at Pink Frosting to Glenn and Jane’s charity, the McGrath Foundation which funds breast-care nurses around Australia, primarily in rural areas.

Today is a very sad day for Australia.

Kathryn

It was love at first sight when I saw the new Love Bug Baby Shower supplies arrive at our warehouse. These cute little baby caterpillar bugs in all shades of pretty pastels are sure to capture the imagination of your baby shower guests. We have every base covered from invitations and thank you cards through to love bug themed games and hanging decorations.

How cute are they?

Perfect for the mum-to-be who either doesn’t know the gender of bubby, or is keeping it under wraps!

Happy Celebrating!

Kathryn

Roll up, roll up… the party is about to begin! On centre stage is our proud lion tamer, entertaining the kids on stage right is Bopo the Clown and to stage left is Hercules the Strong Man.

Creating a circus themed party is loads of fun. It’s also a relatively easy theme to work with because if you can find colour and excitement in your decorations, you’re half-way there already.

Our favourite circus party invitation is from Itty Bitty Company. This fun invitation is bright and folds easily, tied together with supplied raffia and tulle. It really will wow your guests. Easy to print and assemble at home. Beautifully packaged in a packet of 10 invitations and envelopes.

Decorating for a circus party is fun and easy. Lanterns in bright colours, tulle, plenty of helium filled bright balloons and scene setters creating a “big top” are just the ticket.

Provide a red nose (perfect at the moment with Red Nose Day on the horizon - you’re helping charity too!) and funny clown wig for all your guests, serve popcorn in genuine popcorn boxes, candy apples, bright swirly lollypops and home-made icecream cones dipped in chocolate.

Games for a circus party are easy too. How about learning how to juggle? Pin the red nose on the clown? Strong man competition? Old-fashioned apple bobbing? Face painting is always a hit - and why not let the kids do it themselves to create fun clown faces?

Favours and game prizes can be presented in these cute little clown themed pom-pom hat favour boxes.

Birthday cakes in a circus theme can run from the easy (clown face on a round sponge cake, using a jaffa as a clown nose and swirly coloured icing as his hair) to the ridiculously gorgeous and complicated. We love this fun and bright design by Pink Cake Box.

Happy Celebrating!

Kathryn

I’m totally besotted with the new Cameo designer paper range by Cristina Re. I’m lucky enough to have inherited an heirloom Cameo which is absolutely, totally one of my favourite things in the world. Carefully unwrapped to show to special friends on very rare occasions, but mostly locked away from prying hands. So, I was delighted to see the new Cameo designer paper by Cristina Re, which means Cameos no longer need to be locked away.

Celebrate your elegant wedding, bridal shower, dinner party or cocktail event with this couture paper and craft range, which artfully blends contemporary and the old-world.

Here are some inspirational ideas from Cristina Re on how to use this range:

Happy Celebrating!

Kathryn

I’ve been tagged by our gorgeous Ms Polka from Polka Dot Bride. As she says, we’ve all done the ‘Things you didn’t know about me’ so here’s a new one!

Here are the new rules!
1. Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
2. Share 5 songs you are embarrassed to admit to others you like and tell why.
3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
4. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Here are my 5 songs that I really, really like….but don’t like to publicize:

1. Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush. Oh so magical. I am so glad my name is Kathryn (ok, forget the spelling) because I truly believe I’m screaming out and pining for Heathcliff when I hear this amazing song.

2. Rocking Rolling Riding by The Seekers. I remember listening to this gorgeous folksy song when I was really young and I sing it to my little girl each night as I lay her down in bed. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy and I hope it’s creating memories that Penelope can relish when she grows up too.

3. I Honestly Love You by Olivia Newton John. Actually, anything by Livvy. I’ve always wanted to be just like her - Sandy, Gaia, Xanadu and all. I have every cassette, CD, album in her collection… and oh, doesn’t DH love it!

4. Accidently Kelly Street by Frente. Angi Hart has the coolest voice. It makes me happy instantly. I love anything by Angi and Frente, but particularly this little whimsical ditty. My daughter loves singing to this too in the car - we’re guilty of having it on repeat for many days at a time.

5. Like a Virgin by Madonna. I don’t know why I thought this song was cool in High School, but I did and hearing it takes me back to the good ol’ days at the “hang tree” with my girls.

Oh dear, I hope I haven’t scared you off!

I am now tagging:

Allison from Cupcakes Take the Cake,
Annabelle from Wedding Style Guide,
Anne from Pink Cake Box,
Annette at Swanky Tables,
Lemiga at Lemiga’s Event Management,
Vane from Brooklyn Bride,
Vivien from House & Garden.