Wedding Nouveau is quickly becoming the ultimate resource for celebrating multi-ethnic and fusion weddings, a trend that I’m very proud of.  However, fusion isn’t just about heritage and ethnicity.  Sometimes, the beauty of fusion buds from subtle and random mixes and matches.  The odd couple, if you will.

What happens when you invite Chanel to a burger joint?

(Above: Chanel Runway via The Age, Burger photo by Allegro Photography)

…The marriage of elite fashion with everyday Americana.

(Above: The Cool Hunter)

Who knew fashion and fast food had a chance at love?  This is certainly not a bad way to add a little “Je ne sais quoi” to your reception Hors doeuvres.  Whether you’re Salvatore stylin’ or  Prada Profilin’, these labels done by Cool Hunter, would be quite simple to do yourself at home.  All you need are some fabulous labels, a good printer, and a stylish imagination.

“Do you, elite fashion, take this everyday Americana to be your lawfully wedded husband?…mmm!

Happy Fri-Style Friday.

I received a message this week that fits perfectly for Fri-Style Friday’s close out:  “Don’t be afraid of the problem..and more importantly, don’t be afraid of the solution.”  There are many resources out there to get inspiration and ideas for your big day.

Today’s tip of the day is wrapped up in an charming organza and sage gift box from the savvy decor insiders of Better Homes & Gardens.

Many brides often ask me for dream palette advice but aren’t really sure of their colors.  If you need some ideas on really vibrant and bold color combinations, they’ve got some lovely color ideas.  As a matter of fact, one of their gorgeous bouquets was included in the spring green dream palette yesterday.  Sometimes all you need is that right color palette to kick things off.  But then, I was excited to find that BHG.com offers more than color inspiration.

From photos and videos of wedding flowers (including bridal bouquets, corsages, table  decorations and tips on how to choose a floral designer)…

….to ideas and recipes from classy wedding cakes.  I particularly love this Eiffel tower wedding cake:

(Above: All images via BHG.com)

By the way, you can get the recipe for the Eiffel tower cake,  here.

love, love, LOVE IT!    And that’s the tip of the day.

Spicyhugs,

Fri

I’ve got a challenge and solution to kick things off this Thursday:  Your mother-in-law just handed you her very pair of red and black art-deco brooch earrings that’ve been in the family for years.  There’s no doubt how sentimental  and significant this gesture is.  What your mother-in-law doesn’t know is that you’re going for a casual, whimsical garden look.  This gaudy piece will never work with your dress, theme or overall look…or can it?

I love these lovely floral creations by Fantasy Floral Design.  Not only is each piece uniquely gorgeous and catchy with it’s celebration of colors, textures and sparkle…you can also customize each piece to fit your style.

(Above: All images via Fantasy Floral Design)

Why limit yourself to just flowers when you can dream in color and in bedazzled brooches?   Possible additions to the bouquet could include personal heirlooms, folded intimate letters, childhood trinkets, pendants and other symbolic items in your life.  The best part is that unlike flower bouquets, the contents of these brooch bouquets won’t wilt and can be reused in later fashion statements.

Spicyhugs,

Fri

One of the best things about my job is venturing into the wild west of the internet to find designers, photographers or artists who’s eye for creativity is not only stunning, and provocative, but stylish. Lebanese illustrator, Kareem Iliya is no exception.  His silhouettes are striking, his water colors bold and sensual…and his celebration of global style is spot on.

(All images by © Kareem Iliya)

These illustrations are not only great sources of inspiration for your wedding look, but would make for memorable gifts for your bridesmaids.

Dream in Color, Dream in Culture.

Spicyhugs,

Fri

Buddhists admire it for it’s patience and wisdom.  In China, it is respected for it’s strength, power and energy.  In India, it is worshiped as a Deity.  In the U.S, it’s the symbol of the republican party :-)  Hunted for years for it’s valuable tusks, it now seeks refuge among the many other protected animals on the endangered species list.  I’m talking about the elephant.

(Above: Hermes 2008 Ad Campaign via Fab Sugar)

This majestic and age old species is today’s source of design inspiration, influencing fashion, color, make up, favor ideas, and wedding style.

(Above:  Left – Photo by Elizabeth Toll via LundLund; Right – Bronzer by Lancome via here)

(Above: Left – Vogue; Right – Elephant Wall Shelf)

(Above: Left – Flower Elephant Centerpiece via here; Right -Monsoon Collection)

(Above: Waterfall via Xatakafoto; Wooden Elephant Favor via Beaucoup)

(Above: Photo by © Janne Peters)

(Above: Thai Elephant Centerpiece)

(Above: Photo by Elizabeth Toll via LundLund)

Spicyhugs,

Fri

Today’s Tuesday inspiration is dedicated to a soon-to-be-bride, who’s upcoming wedding was the driving force behind this new take on Plum and Chartreuse.  Her name is Monique, and she made a specific request via our submission’s page, for ideas on her fusion wedding in 2010.  Here’s the scoop:

Bride’s Request: Monique, a savvy bride-to-be, wanted to pay homage to her Chinese heritage without going the expected route of incorporating red (the color of luck).  Her groom is French, and they will be tying the knot next summer in a vineyard chateau in France (I know…envy can be the fuel for creativity:-). Colors: Plum and Chartreuse.  Style: Modern & Romantic

Inspiration: French/Asian Style

(Above: Source)

Dream Palette # 52: un château chinois

Colors: Plum, Chartreuse, Ivory

(Above: All Images ©.  Chartreuse Dress via Paris Parfait; Bride via HelloZiyi; Initials and Shoes by Gabriel Ryan via The Treasured Petal; Bird Ornaments via SugarLove Weddings; Stationery via Tiny Prints; Champagne Platter via Expressions in Bloom; Wine Bar via She Walks in Beauty; Headpiece photo by Wayne Yuan; Quiche photo by Cannelle et Vanille; Chateau; Heart shaped corks via 100 Layer Cake; Wine Label photo via here; Flower Centerpiece via Expressions in Bloom; Grapes; Bride with Parasol photo by Aaron Delesie; Hanging Parasols via SugarLove Weddings).

What’s inspired by Bride’s Heritage? – Decor: Hanging Lanterns and parasols, Stationery designs, Incorporation of Tea (either in tea ceremony or as part of reception).

What’s inspired by Groom’s Heritage? – Venue: French Chateau.  Hors D’oeuvres: Wine, Cheese,

I hope this puts you on a confident path, Monique.

Dream in Color, Dream in Culture.

Spicyhugs,

Fri

Gone are the days of simply walking down the church aisle to nothing but large satin ribbons and flower petals.  Brides and designers out there are finding creative ways to make a statement that’s unique and/ or  cost effective, eco-friendly, and just so pretty.  Here are some of my favorite finds thus far, to inspire your palette.

(ABOVE: Top Row – Left photo by Kate French Via Sarah Kaye; Right photo by Jose Villa [Design by Angel Swanson of Events of Love and Splendor].   Middle Row – Left photo from Village Rentals via Belle Vivir; Right photo from Miranda Brooks Landscape Design via Habitually Chic; Bottom Row – Photo by Erin Woolsey)

(ABOVE: Top Row - Left photo by Angelica Glass; Right photo by Alison Conklin [Design by Queen of Hearts]. Middle Row -  Left photo from Martha Stewart via Bravo Bride; Right photo from Elle Deco Spain via Belle Vivir.  Bottom Row – Left photo via Livi & B; Right photo by Leigh Miller)

(ABOVE: Top Row - Photo by Carl Zoch. Middle Row -  Left photo from Ariella Chezar; Middle photo from Tuscan Dream; Right photo from Ariella Chezar.  Bottom Row – Left photo here; Right photo by Discover Tuscany)

Spicyhugs,

Fri

This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for my loving husband who’s stuck by me through a trying and groundbreaking year…for the very very very near arrival of our daughter, for  family that picks you up when you’re down, friends to remind you why you’re fearless, and for the resilience of spirit that knows boundaries.

(Above: Image by © Maria Hammon via here)

Dream in Color, Dream in Culture.

Spicyhugs, and see ya on Monday.

Fri