How To Style A Glamorous Bridal Braid

Easily one of the most sought after hairstyles of the bridal season had to be the loose braid! In any variation! To the side, half up, around the crown...you name it, our brides showed us them all as their top inspirations for their wedding day hair!

So naturally, when it came time to photograph some of our new braid-worthy hair accessories we called upon Jayna Marie Makeup and Hair to create an effortlessly glam version we knew our brides would love! Voila! 

Now when we say effortlessly glam...we mean with a little effort as there are a few keys to pulling off this look successfully!

First, you will want to get your hands on a set of quality hair extensions at Abantu. Not only do they have an amazing selection, but the staff there really know what they are doing and can help you match up the extensions as close to your natural color as possible.

Secondly, and the most important (we think!) are some fabulous hair accessories! Our choice for this is multiple coordinating pieces artfully placed in a sparkling cascade. What we love about keeping the pieces separate, as opposed to one large long piece, is the versatility it allows your stylist when creating the look. Plus, for future occasions you can choose to wear all or some in a different arrangement or style altogether! Hello, birthdays and anniversaries! We just love it when pieces can be re-worn, don't you?

If you loved this look, we have rounded up all the pieces in our Online Shop for you to recreate it on your own! 

Crystal Hair Branch

CA$365.00

A delicate branch of Swarovski Crystals and metallic leaves that can be used alone in a cluster or other woodland inspired pieces.

• Swarovski Crystal

• Metallic Leaves

• Available in Clear or Light Silk Crystals, please indicate at checkout,

• Pairs with

• Pairs with Rosebud & Gold Leaf Hair Pin, as shown in last photo

Now, I say effortlessly glam...but there is definitely some effort and must haves to get the look!

The first thing you must have are hair extensions! They are the key to creating the perfect balance of length and volume to support this look. We suggest Abantu  as your first stop in shopping for this important purchase. Not only do they have and amazing selection already, but the knowledgeable staff are more than happy to assist in matching up the right style and color for your needs!

Secondly, the right hair accessories...of course! We like using multiple coordinating pieces to create a sparkling cascade. This way your hairstylist has more versatility when creating the look and you can wear as many or as little as you want for another occasion! Hello, birthday and anniversary!

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CREDITS: 

PHOTOGRAPHY Hong Photography HAIR AND MAKEUP Jayna Marie HAIR EXTENSIONS Abantu MODEL Kelsey H. from Lexington Models Jewellery Elsa Corsi from Jeweliette Jewellery

A Sunset Engagement Shoot You Will Want To Pin Immediately!

These days, most photographers include a pre-wedding shoot or Engagement Shoot with their photo packages for your big day. Don't miss out on the opportunity to have little fun with it!

Whether you are normally shy or or a selfie queen, this is a great moment to get cozy with the people you will be spending a lot of time with on your wedding day! The best photos are always the ones where you can let your true smiles out naturally!

It's also an opportunity to experiment with some hair and makeup styles without the pressure of it being on the wedding day! We find our brides like to do a little more of a playful style for these shoots and opt for a classic bridal style for the actual day. So it is a great way to satisfy all your style aspirations!

We just love how Vancouver Hairstylist, Zia Stolbie used both our Crystal Hair Branch with The Gold Leaf Rosebud Hair Pin to create a glamorous, woodland inspired down do.

All of the jewellery and hair accessories from this shoot are available online now for purchase.

Rosebud & Gold Leaf Hair Pin

CA$275.00

Crystal Hair Branch

CA$365.00

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PHOTOGRAPHY Simply Sweet by Nomo Akisawa MAKEUP Jasmine Hoffman HAIRSTYLING Zia Stolbie GOWN BERTA from BLUSH BRIDAL JEWELLERY ELSA CORSI from Jeweliette Jewellery THANK YOU TO OUR COUPLE Tessa and Daniel!

FEATURED: Deco Glam With A Nigerian Twist In Wedluxe Magazine

At first glance, you might look at Brandi and Emy's wedding photos in Wedluxe Magazine and think that they are one of the styled shoots...nope! These two are the real deal and their glamorous wedding with a Nigerian twist oozed fun and originality!

For the first of her three outfit and jewellery changes...yes, three! The beautiful bride wore one of our favorite styles - the Elsa Button Earring! An earring we love (and wear!) so much, we named it after ourselves! This is the perfect statement stud earring that looks equally appropriate for formal occasions as it does at brunch with the girls after the big day! 

Then for the dancing portion, Brandi let her hair down and wore one of our other favorite styles...a one-of-a-kind couture design featuring a combination of white opal and clear Swarovski crystals.

We are one hundred percent behind the trend of having an "accessory change"! Why? Because sometimes, depending on the the time of day your ceremony is, what you would wear to church at noon is not necessarily what you would wear dancing at 8pm! Makes sense! Plus, you get to add two pairs of earrings to your jewellery collection so its a double win!

Be sure to check out the online feature of this gorgeous weeding to see her traditional Nigerian look, which was no less amazing!

View online version of feature, here: https://wedluxe.com/2017/12/22/deco-glam-nigerian-twist/

PHOTOGRAPHY • Hong Photography and Cinema Inc., PLANNING, DECOR DESIGN, AND FLORAL DESIGN • Roa Floral and Event Design, CEREMONY VENUE • Queen Elizabeth Park Pavillion, RECEPTION VENUE AND CATERING •The Sutton Place Hotel Vanvouver, STATIONERY DESIGN • Making Memories with Stationery, GOWNS • Mikaela Bridal from Isabelle's Bridal, Morilee By Madeline Gardner from The Bridal Gallery, and Ellie Wilde from Lisa's Bridal Salon, SHOES • Christian Louboutin, EARRINGS • Jewliette, HAIR • Juice Salon and Esthetics, MAKEUP • JOANNA LEIGH MAKEUP, BRIDESMAIDS' GOWNS • Morilee By Madeline Gardner, FORMALWEAR AND CUFFLINKS • Debonair Formal Wear, BOW TIE • Ferucci, SHOES • Salvatore Ferragamo, WATCH • Gucci, CHIAVARI CHAIRS • Lonsdale Event Rentals, CHAISE LOUNGE • Loungeworks Furniture Rental & Decor, DRAPING AND LINENS • Art of the Party Design Inc., CAKE • Marked Edible Designs, ENTERTAINMENT • DJ Physik, Musical Occasions, AND Kokoma Productions, FLOOR DESIGN • InStyle Floor Wraps, CINEMATOGRAPHY • DG Media Productions, TRANSPORTATION • Boss Limousines, SEATING CHART CALLIGRAPHY • The Ayla View

La Vie En Cherry Blossom (Part 2)

As Cherry Blossom season comes to a close, we leave you with Part 2 of our La Vie En Cherry Blossom photoshoot. 

“It is true, as they say, that the blossoms of spring are all the more precious because they bloom so briefly.”

— The Tale of Genji. Murasaki Shikibu

CREDITS:

PHOTOGRAPHER Denise Lin Photography  MAKEUP ARTIST Jasmine Hoffman HAIR Hair By Brands NAILS AND LOCATION Prep Beauty Parlour WARDROBE Valencienne Custom Design FLORAL INSTALLATION Dushan Flowers STATIONERY Written Word Calligraphy and Design MACARONS Soirette MODEL Tanisha Stevens WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO JENNY DE JONG of CountDown Events for helping to organize

La Vie En Cherry Blossom (Part 1)

There is no more beautiful time of year in Vancouver than the Cherry Blossom Festival, which this year runs April 2-29th! It is the prettiest time of year when the landscape is filled with cotton candy colored puffs that literally make Vancouverites mad with delight! If you don't believe us, you'll have to take a peek at our friend Lele Chan's Instagram account that highlights some of the crazy antics she has witnessed on her street highlighting the lengths people go to to get that perfect photo for the 'gram!

While we haven't gone to those extremes (yet!) we did find away to beat the rain and bring the cherry blossoms indoors with an exquisite floral installation by Dushan Flowers on the cage swing at Prep Beauty Parlour!

We just cant get enough Cherry Blossoms! From the manicure designed by Prep Beauty Parlour...

To the handprinted sakura macarons from Soirette! 

Even makeup artist Jasmine Hoffman found the perfect shade of lipgloss for the occasion! It's Anastasia Gloss in Peony, by the way!

We even made a special Vintage Rose version of our Violetta Earring to go with the tulle romper custom designed by Valencienne in Toronto! This earring can actually be customized in any color of the Swarovski Rainbow, just send us an email to inquire!

If studs are more your thing, we have those too! They are a jewelry wardrobe staple and at just $30 a pair we know you'll want more than one! Shop them in clear crystal at Jeweliette Jewellery, our flagship store!

Even I couldn't resist playing dress up under the pink canopy in another Valencienne creation! It's all about the back details!

The rain didn't actually stop that day (hello, it is Vancouver!) but we did manage to get out eventually! Stay tuned for our outdoor photos coming up in La Vie En Cherry Blossom (Part 2)!

Do you have a favorite Cherry Blossom inspired treat in Vancouver that we show know about? Let us know in the comments below!

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CREDITS:

PHOTOGRAPHER Denise Lin Photography  MAKEUP ARTIST Jasmine Hoffman HAIR Hair By Brands NAILS AND LOCATION Prep Beauty Parlour WARDROBE Valencienne Custom Design FLORAL INSTALLATION Dushan Flowers STATIONERY Written Word Calligraphy and Design MACARONS Soirette MODEL Tanisha Stevens WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO JENNY DE JONG of CountDown Events for helping to organize

FEATURED: Carrie + Mr. Big in Wedluxe Magazine

It is so fun after many accessory visits to see a brides Bridal Style Vision come to life and be featured in the pages of Wedluxe Magazine! Carrie had already chosen a beautiful Romona Kaveza Gown with clean lines and gorgeous sparkling belt so as soon as we saw the photos she brought we knew we had the perfect earrings to go with! Voila! The Kara Earrings!

A bridal belt is kind of what we like to call a "Necklace for the waist" so opting for a bit of a longer earring to go with it eliminates the need for a necklace and creates an overall balanced look!

This is such sweet moment of her sister helping her put the jewels on, especially because we also did her sisters wedding jewellery about seven years ago! 

If you are wondering why all her girls look so fabulous...it is not just because her other sister owns a fabulous beauty parlor called The Glamoury that we have blogged about before!

...it's because they got it from their mama! No boring Mother of The Bride outfits here! We love this sparkly ensemble complete with our Three Marquise Post Earrings and darling Hair Pins from Jeweliette Jewellery!

The Gold Theme was carried out through the event from the bridesmaids earrings ...

...to the fabulous Cake and The Giraffe cake and incredible decor from Koncept Events!

Congratulations to the happy couple! To see more photos from this Dreamgroup Planners planned wedding you can view it in the Winter/Spring 2018 print version of Wedluxe Magazine and online here : https://wedluxe.com/carrie-mr-big/

This feature appeared in the Winter/Spring 2018 print version of Wedluxe Magazine and online here : https://wedluxe.com/carrie-mr-big/

SOURCE IT:

PHOTOGRAPHY • Sweet Pea Photography, PLANNING • DreamGroup Productions Inc., DECOR DESIGN, LIGHTING, AND RENTALS • Koncept Event Design, FLORAL DESIGN • Flowerz, VENUE AND CATERING • The Vancouver Club, STATIONERY DESIGN • Love by Phoebe, GOWN • Romona Keveza from Bisou Bridal, SHOES • Christian Louboutinfrom Nordstrom, BRIDE'S BELT • Promise Bridal, JEWELLERY • Elsa Corsi from Jewelliette, RINGS • Tacori from Harling's Jewellers, HAIR STYLING •  Ali Rasmussen, MAKEUP ARTISTRY • The Glamoury, BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES • Xscapefrom Nordstrom, GROOMSMEN FORMALWEAR • The Tux Store, ICE SCULPTURE • Cool Creations, CAKE DESIGN • The Cake & The Giraffe, DESSERT DESIGN • Giovane Café + Eatery + Market, GELATO • La Casa Gelato, COFFEE STATION • JJ Bean Coffee Roasters, ENTERTAINMENT • Girl on Wax, PORTRAIT STUDIO • Adam and Kev Photography, CINEMATOGRAPHY • Life Studios Inc., TRANSPORTATION • Pacific Harmony Limousine

FLEUR: Vancouver Wedding Show Re-Cap

Well, here we are! Our one-week-aversary since the FLEUR Wedding Show and we are finally recovered and getting around to sharing some of our favorite moments from the event with you! And brace yourselves lovelies, because it's a bit of a long post! 

Upon arrival, brides to be travelled the world through various rooms decorated like Paris, Asia, New York and Whistler. Each room had a corresponding canapé station thoughtfully prepared by the JW Parq Marriott influenced by the decor. After indulging, they joined us in the main ballroom to mingle with Vancouver's top wedding vendors, see the Blush Bridal Fashion Show and partake in the expert panel featuring Kaitlyn Bristowe and Monika Hibbs.

RUNWAY, FLEUR VANCOUVER

ELSA CORSI, FLEUR VANCOUVER

At our booth we displayed a selection what to expect when you you visit us at Jeweliette Jewellery on elegant white pedestals supplied by Debut Event Design with logo appliqués by The Wrap Guys. We also had oversize posters printed of a recent mini shoot we did with Hong Photography, Jayna Marie Makeup and Kelsey from Lexington Models. More on that shoot in another post (coming soon!).

We loved showing everyone all the new hair accessories we have been working on and sharing more about the process of our craftsmanship. All of our pieces are made in our Vancouver studio, from start to finish, using techniques that became popular in the 1950's. We send no parts of our jewelry to be worked on by outside sources which is why we have total control over your piece and all the customizing options we can offer! 

Here's a peek at one of our most popular styles The Jennifer Earring! a custom designed named after one of our past brides that found a home and a heart in our collection!

Ok, So back to the show! When we weren't at our booth chatting with brides we were walking around the ballroom admiring all the hard work our industry friends put into their displays! Especially the florists! Hello, when you are at show named FLEUR then you know the florists are bringing their A-Game to the Flower Game!

Our first stop was at The Flower Factory display. They had a really cute market cart set up with multiple bouquets you could choose from and have you photo taken in from of their flower wall. Looks like a perfect Instagram moment, right? Snap away! P.S. If you are not already following us on the 'gram you can click "follow" HERE

THE FLOWER FACTORY, FLEUR VANCOUVER

THE FLOWER FACTORY,FLEUR VANCOUVER

Next stop- a little catch up sash with Mae from Sunflower Florist! 

SUNFLOWER FLORIST, FLEUR VANCOUVER

SUNFLOWER FLORIST, FLEUR VANCOUVER

And last but not least, FLOWERZ! We love everything they design...can we just live in this floral encrypted canopy, please? I swear, I didn't plan my outfit to match!

FLOWERZ, FLEUR VANCOUVER

FLOWERZ, FLEUR VANCOUVER

DEBUT EVENTS, FLEUR VANCOUVER

Getting cozy with Debut Events! Debut also designed the Asian-inspired room in the decor walk, one of our favorites! Still dreaming of those dumplings the JW Parq Marriott paired with it!

DEBUT EVENTS. FLEUR VANCOUVER

A.ELIZABETH CAKES, FLEUR VANCOUVER

Obviously, we had to sample the cake from A.Elizabeth Cakes! With a side of candy and ice cream from the JW Parq Marriott- purely for market research purposes, of course!

A.ELIZABETH CAKES, FLEUR VANCOUVER

Cheers to a great inaugural FLEUR Vancouver produced by Aly Armstrong Events! 

PHOTOGRAPHY Brooklyn D Photography HAIR Hair By Brands MAKEUP Sara Rose PEDESTAL RENTAL Debut Event Design VYNAL LOGOS  PRODUCED BY Aly Armstrong Events

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Did we meet you at the FLEUR Wedding Show? Let us know what your favorite moments were in the comments below!

FEATURED: Paris Meets New York In Wedluxe Magazine

An It Girl is a trend-setting (in fashion, lifestyle, etc.) woman or girl with a ton of self-confidence and self-worth that sets the example of how to have it all, and look good doing it.

So it only makes sense that when Wedluxe Magazine set forth the "It Girl" as the style inspiration for the Winter/Spring 2018 Issue, that Countdown Events chose Garance Doré. Along with her effortless, cool-girl style, Garance is French fashion illustrator-turned photographer-turned blogger credited with starting the street style blogging template as we know it!

Scroll down to see the more from this stylish spread, featuring our Stephanie Earrings and Crystal Hand Jewellery! 

“Drawing inspiration from famed fashionista Garance Doré and the two metropolises she represents, this chic wedding design is the bridal embodiment of European elegance and stylish simplicity. See more from this Glitterati Style File in the Winter/Spring 2018 issue of WedLuxe Magazine (Vancouver & Western Canada edition), on newsstands now.”

— Wedluxe Magazine

View the feature online, here: https://wedluxe.com/paris-meets-new-york/

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PHOTOGRAPHY • Hong Photography and Cinema Inc., CONCEPT CREATOR, PRODUCER, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, STYLIST, PLANNER, AND DECOR DESIGN • CountDown Events Planning & Design, FLORAL DESIGN • The Flower Factory, STATIONERY DESIGN • Maurelle Calligraphy & Design, GOWNS • Ines Di Santo, GALA by Galia Lahav, and Atelier Pronovias from Bisou Bridal, BLACK DRESS • Obakki, CLUTCH • Judith Leiber from The Room at Hudson's Bay, HAIR AND MAKEUP • Anita Lee Beauty and Style, JEWELLERY • De Beers Diamond Jewellers and Elsa Corsi from Jeweliette, DINNER PLATE, PERFUME BOTTLE, AND WORMWOOD GLASSES • Atkinson’s, CHAIRS, STEMWARE, AND BLACK DISHWARE • Pedersen’s Rentals, TABLE, POLYGON WIRED DECOR, AND BLACK VOTIVE CUPS • BOLD Event Creative, PINK CANDLEHOLDERS AND WHITE DISHWARE • The Cross Decor & Design, ACRYLIC PLACE CARD, ACRYLIC ROSE, AND ACRYLIC CAKE TOPPER • Shop Tineke, PLATE AND CHAIR DECALS • InStyle Floor Wraps, CAKE DESIGN • Le Gateau Bake Shop, MACARONS • Jenna Rae Cakes, VINTAGE BIKE • Reckless Bike Stores

FEATURED: Emerald Green In The City with Jasmine Hoffman and I Like Her Style!

It's no secret that we are obsessed with anything that resembles Emeralds! In the Swarovski rainbow there are several greens that fit the description, but the shade featured in these pieces is the first green they created, and the one that officially bears the Emerald name.

Most of the styles in our Online Shop can be customized in this shade, but these pieces featured on Jasmine Hoffman for I lIke Her Style Vancouver, were created with your Holiday Party Style in mind! 

The full feature appropriately named Jasmine In The City - Bejewelled In Emerald can be viewed online, HERE! But keep scrolling for more of our favorites and to shop our Emerald Green Jewellery!

“My favourite thing about doing business in Vancouver is the support I receive and collaborations that I’m able to do with others. We have such an amazing group of business babes in Vancouver and it’s really great to see the networks grow. I always say – ‘we will rise up together’.”

— Jasmine Hoffman on www.ilikeherstylevancouver.com

These Galactic Earrings are nothing short of spectacular! We used a few of the metallic coated Swarovski Teardrops to give them that High Holiday, Ready to Party vibe. Are you feelin' it? You can shop them online, HERE.

This necklace suite was inspired by Anna Wintour's signature stacked necklaces. We love them work together collier style close to the neck together for a bold look!

But they look equally FANTASTIC joined together to form a longer style. Jewellery that does double-duty? Yes, Please!

And, of course, for a more subtle look you can go with just a single strand! We are always trying to think of ways to get the most out of our jewellery pieces for you! 

PHOTOGRAPHER Brooklyn D Photography • MAKEUP AND STYLING Jasmine Hoffman using Ikonn Lashes and Stila Makeup  • HAIRSTYLING Faye Smith Hair • DRESS Nordstrom • FLOWERS Flower Factory • JEWELRY Elsa Corsi from Jeweliette Jewellery.