Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Berries & Birch - Summer to Fall Tablescape


It seems every year in mid August, I start eyeing up the Mountain Ash trees in our area and thinking how wonderful the berries they produce are.  Their colour, texture and size look so perfect on the branches especially against the green leaves.

Finally, this year, I got out my trimmers and snipped a few branches to create a transitional summer to fall tablescape.

I set the table up in our backyard for an outdoor dinner party.

I started by using two of these folding tables and pushed them against each other to form a wide table.

A set-up like this allows for a larger centerpiece with 8 place settings though you might be able to squeeze in 10 if necessary.



Birch seemed to be a natural pairing with the Mountain Ash berries so I got out the birch log candle holders Mr Delight made for me.

I also used some smaller birch logs underneath the Mountain Ash branches.

This was actually a pretty easy centerpiece to put together as the berries looked best just draped naturally over the logs.

Coordinating tealights were placed in the birch candleholders.


A burlap table runner under the centerpiece added to the natural vibe.

A beige and white buffalo check tablecloth provided a neutral background for the table. 


I layered it over white tablecloths so that it went to the ground.

The place settings were done in green, orange, white and brown.

Although a bit early in the season, I couldn't resist using my leaf bowls.

I made placecards and set them on top of the cloth napkins.

More berries in old spice jars created a pretty embellishment at each place setting.

The berries, placecards and napkins were set atop birch rounds.


Amber stemware provided a fall tone to the table.

Gold flatware was a fun contrast to the rustic look.






I love using "nature" as a centerpiece - so easy and economical! 

Do you have any Mountain Ash trees in your area?

Although orange right now, Mountain Ash berries continue to turn darker as the season progresses and by winter, are often a beautiful red colour...perfect for Christmas!

And that has me dreaming even further ahead...but for now, I'm just going to savour the upcoming fall months!

Thanks for visiting!
I'll be linking this post to these wonderful blog parties:
Saturday Sparks on Pieced Pastimes
A Bouquet of Talent  at Life on Lakeshore Drive
Dishing It & Digging It at Rustic & Refined
Amaze Me Mondays at Dwellings
Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
Beautifully Made at My Husband Has Too Many Hobbies
Celebrate Your Story at Celebrate & Decorate
The Scoop at Stone Gable
Reader Tip Tuesday Food & Craft Party at Jodie Fitz
Inspire Me Tuesdays at A Stroll Thru Life
Tuesday at Our Home at Our Home Away From Home
Tutorials & Tips at Home Stories A to Z
Styled Showcase at Savvy Southern Style
Sizzle into Summer at DIY by Design
Share Your Style at 21 Rosemary Lane
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Wednesday, August 8, 2018

An April Wedding in the Rocky Mountains


I'm quite late getting this post together but I really wanted to document this memorable occasion and share some details from my daughter and new son-in-law's wedding back in April.  They chose to get married in Canmore, Alberta with the majestic Rocky Mountains as the backdrop.   



I'd say it was a wise choice!

 You'll remember last summer, we hosted an A&W themed engagement party for Ashley & Wayne in our backyard.
See here for details of that celebration.

Fast forward to April 21, 2018, their wedding day. It was a magical day captured beautifully by their photographer, Chantal of Paisley Photography (Calgary, AB) who is responsible for all of these fantastic pictures.

In fact, I want to mention ALL of the terrific vendors that their fabulous wedding planner, Lesley of LP Events helped them choose. They all did an excellent job in making Ashley & Wayne's wedding dreams come true!

 Wedding Planning by LP Events
Wedding Photography by Paisley Photography
Hotel Accommodations by Copperstone Resort
Wedding Venue by Silvertip Resort
DJ & Photo Booth by Fun Factory DJ Services
Flowers & Centerpieces by Occasional Bloom
Table Linens & Chairs by Chair Flair
Hair & Make-up by Glamaway Beauty
Wedding Dress from The Bridal Experience
Limo/Transportation Service by Highland VIP Group
Officiant: Klaus Ohlhoff

 If you are getting married in the Calgary, Banff/Canmore area, I would highly recommend any of these services.



Here's how their special day played out. 
*Warning: photo intensive :)

 Of course, the morning was spent getting ready.

The fun gals from Glamaway Beauty came to the hotel and were very accommodating in making our vision for hair and make-up happen. They made us all look and feel our best.

 The hotel suites at Copperstone Resort near Canmore, AB provided a beautiful backdrop for all the getting ready photos and the hotel staff were very welcoming and helpful. 

Ashley had purchased robes for all of us to wear which helped us all look coordinated for the pics.

My mom, Ashley and I share a close bond and celebrated with a mimosa "cheers" to the occasion.

A special moment helping my daughter with her wedding dress.

The beautiful bride and her lovely BFF's.

My mom and one of the best pups, Ashley's dog, Lilly.

Bouquets and floral arrangements were provided by Occasional Bloom and were all so lovely.

Ashley's gorgeous dress and veil were purchased at The Bridal Experience in Cochrane, AB which sadly, has recently closed its doors.

Of course, the groom and his best buds got spiffed up too!

The groom looked dashing in a gray suit with navy tie.

A special mother and son moment.

 The wedding ceremony took place at Silvertip Resort. The weather was definitely an issue as guests were arriving - there was everything from strong winds to snow showers.

Ashley & Wayne made many various wooden signs for their ceremony and reception.

This one turned out to highlight some much needed items - blankets! Right up until the ceremony, it was very cold, rainy and windy. A record snowfall winter and late spring meant there was lots of snow still lying around.

In answer to our prayers, minutes before the ceremony, the sun broke through and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
My son escorted this very happy mom to my seat.

A proud father walks his daughter down the aisle. I cried tears of joy the whole time.

Only moments before, when the guests were arriving, you couldn't see the mountains for the clouds! See the difference in the next pic....

  We were so thankful the majestic mountains made their grand entrance just in time - like the guests of honour they were!

The vows...

The kiss!

The delighted guests...

...cheers to the newlyweds!
 The wedding party looking sharp!
Ashley & Wayne's dogs were part of the ceremony and looked great in their wedding attire too.

Two families become one.

After the ceremony, the happy couple went off for their photo session.


 So many breathtaking spots around Canmore for pictures! Transportation provided by Highland VIP Group.

Love the colours of the scenery - the snow actually made it even better!

The reception was also held at Silvertip Resort and the indoor venue was gorgeous.

Rustic beams and a stone fireplace were complemented by a champagne and sage-green colour scheme for the table linens which were provided by Chair Flair.

Lesley at LP Events coordinated all the fabulous table decor and it was breathtaking. I was SO thankful that Ashley & Wayne gave me the night off from tablescaping and I could just enjoy the events of the day without worrying about decorating.

Love the gold rimmed glass charger plates and fabulous tablecloth!

The candlelight was so pretty especially as the lights were dimmed.


The pretty floral centerpieces were provided by Occasional Bloom.

The rustic-look chairs were provided by Chair Flair and went perfectly with the venue's lodge look.

Another sign made by Ashley & Wayne for their candy bar.

Glass vases for all the treats were provided by yours truly :)

In keeping with the groom's Norwegian heritage, a traditional Norwegian wedding cake was provided by his aunt.

They also had delicious mini-cupcakes by Crave Cupcakes.

They were set atop wooden crates which coordinated with the rustic vibe.

More handiwork by the bride & groom was on display as you entered the reception area.

The Find Your Seat display and Guestbook sign were additional pieces created by the newlyweds.

The photo-booth provided by Fun Factory DJ Services was a big hit with the guests.

The newlyweds arrived back at the reception ready to party!

Speeches and toasts to the happy couple came next with a delicious dinner to follow.

 MC Services were provided by the bride's brother who did an excellent job!

 Father/Daughter and Mother/Son dances followed.

 The cutting of the Norwegian wedding cake.

The couple opted to have their romantic first dance out on the patio area - sparklers being lit in the background provided a lovely glow.

After that, the partying was in full force with lots of dancing to the terrific tunes provided by Fun Factory DJ Services.

 Words cannot describe what an absolutely perfect day it was and especially for this mother of the bride who shared it with her husband of 35 years.  We even got to dance to our wedding song at the happy occasion. Celebrating our daughter's wedding day was such a special time for us.

We wish Ashley & Wayne all the best as they begin this next chapter in their lives...

...heading off into their happily ever after!

Again, special thanks to Paisley Photography for capturing all the magical moments of the amazing day!

 For those of you who followed this to the end - I thank you!
I'll be linking this post to these wonderful blog parties:
Share Your Style at 21 Rosemary Lane
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