Cake beauty... help needed

Because I want my cake to match my whole themed wedding, I thought it would be easier if I designed it rather than try explaining everything to my baker over email or phone. Depending on how many slices we will get, it might be a 3 tier or 4 tier cake.

After looking at all the options available this is what I came up with: (for a 3 tier cake)

At first I wanted my invitation pattern on 2 layers of my cake and on the other layer opt for a quilted design. (option 2) Very simple yet elegant. But then everything changed...

A weddingbee reader sent me a link for a chandelier inspired cake and I truly fell in love. This is the cake... isn't it stunning? I think there are just too many chandeliers for my liking, so I modified it a bit. Obviously this cake is the inspiration for Option 1.

Cake designed by: I Dream of Cake
Image source: Zenadia Design blog

Which one would you go with? Would you make any modifications?

Vintage Ambiance

If there is one thing Mr.Flamingo was really interested about was the decor of the reception site. He wanted to have this specific look and I thought it was a great idea. Since we're going vintage he thought it would be neat to go all out and rent outdoor lighting but for inside. That's exactly what we will be doing. Two weeks ago, Mr.Flamingo and I went to Paul Gregoire a local lighting company which offers rental services.

We wanted to re-create a vintage in-the park kinda look and this is what we got...

A Victorian inspired 5 branch lamp post

Two vintage looking park benches

What we wanted to create was a seating area at the back of the reception site. It will be situated near the bar area, so the guests can sit while having a drink. We will put the 5 branch lamp post and 2 benches. The lamp post will be surrounded by plants to really give that outdoor feeling.

2 Victorian inspired single branch lamp post

We also rented 2 single lamp posts. Still not sure where we will be placing these, there was the option of having them near the honor table. We can also place them completely opposite of the park area... but once we decide where the tables will be placed then we will have all the options open.

My favorite of all... is our card box. When I first read Miss Gingerbreads post on her card box, I completely fell in love with the idea of having a neat vintage looking mailbox. I was so happy to have found one that was perfect for out outdoor idea.

This mailbox is perfect, not only does it really fit that vintage look, its got a light too... What I really loved about this mailbox is that it comes with keys. Isn't that great?... so unless one of my guests leaves with the whole thing, there will be less chances of having disappearing envelopes.

All of this cost 400$ delivery included. Plus they will be painting all the elements in a antique bronze color... perfect match with my colors. I think this will be a great addition to our decor (though we don't have much - really) Things are finally coming together...

I'm finally seeing the whole picture and I love it. What do you think?

Non-RSVPers

I was told that I should include an earlier reply date on my RSVP cards to ensure that I would get all my responses in time by May 21st (1 month before). I knew I would receive late replies - its a given. Well, I had put a May 10th deadline and it has officially passed.

I knew I would have some people who wouldn't respond on time, but I never thought so many people in my family would find it hard to mail a postcard. Its not like they had to put a stamp on it, it was already there.

I sent out 75 invitations, and 18 of those RSVPs have not yet found its way back to my mailbox. That's a lot - 24% of non - rsvpers. I can't be other than disappointed. I will give them until Wednesday for those who mailed them out this weekend... but I ain't gonna be the one to call them all... that's what mothers and FMIL are for!

How many non-RSVPers did you get?

Au Naturel

If there is one thing I am comfortable with is going bra less. I'm not afraid to say it, I like my boobs and letting them free once in a while has never hurt anyone.

When I tried on my dress I went au naturel... and it fit perfectly - little or no alterations to be done . I know its pretty to have the matchy matchy undergarments, but I will be much more comfortable with no bra.

via Rolling Stones

That being said, is anyone else going all natural and leaving the ladies free for the big day?

And action...

Last night I received a private message from a weddingbee reader. The fabulous fadedblue sent me a message saying she had found a really great piece that would be perfect for my wedding theme.

Really intrigued, I clicked on the link she sent me and my jaw dropped. WOW... vintage inspired movie projectors. I'm in love and so is Mr.Flamingo.

Small - $79.99 , Big- $99.99 via Potterybarn

Even though this would totally be a splurge, it would be so nice next to my not so thematic guestbook. I mean I was trying to find ways of making my whole decor more movie-ish without going overboard... so this would be a good choice - right? I can re-use it for decoration in my new home theatre (when we buy our house of course) it would be a great way to remember our wedding. To top this off its on sale... now, how could I resist a sale?

I know, I know, I'm trying to convince myself.

Well, after much debating, I finally decided to purchase it. Problem - They don't ship to Canada. Snif! Snif! I could always ship it to someone I know it the states, but the billing address must be in the states as well. Maybe if I tried calling them.... maybe that would work.

Since its a final sale, I would love to know if any of you have seen these projectors in person? Can anyone help me with that. Its not like I have a Pottery Barn near my house :( so I can't check it out for myself.

Did you splurge on something for your wedding? Is it something you re-used?

Bits and pieces

I've avoided the topic of our centerpieces for quite some time now, because like I mentioned before I didn't know what to do. We absolutely wanted some type of chandelier on a stand, but I had to figure out how. During the holidays while I was doing my Christmas shopping at Winners/Homesense, I suddenly had this "AWWWWWWWW" moment. Almost as though a glowing light appeared on what seemed to be the perfect centerpiece.

Now before I spill the beans on my centerpieces... I thought I would just share bits and pieces and let your imagination take over. They aren't completely finish, but this weekend I will take pictures of the final product. Until then I have tonnes of unsticking labels and washing to do.

Here is what makes up my centerpieces

Tea light holders with white embellishment:


Stands of iridescent clear pearls - purchased at Wal-Mart

White pillar candles in two sizes - purchased at Ikea


bags of tea lights - purchased at Ikea

square mirrors for the base of the centerpiece - purchased at Ikea



Chandelier imitation Hand beaded curtain - purchased at Shop Wild Things

I have 22 centerpieces though I won't need to use them all... I had purchased more in case of breakage or for additional decoration. I am really happy with the whole ensemble... my reception site will glow. Luckily Mommy Flamingo was there to help me out, with the cutting and placing...

Are you liking what you are seeing so far... even though its not much? Have you made your centerpieces?

Image source : 1,3,4,5 / 2,6

Lip love : L'Oreal Infaillible

If there is one thing I dislike, it's applying and reapplying lip gloss or lipstick. On a day to day basis, I can deal... but on the most important day of my life... I don't want to waste time reapplying. I mean, my photographer will be taking shots here and there when I least expect it, and my lips need to look beautiful at all times.

I heard through the grapevine that there was one gloss that was the bomb-diggity. I needed to test it out for myself so this weekend I when to the pharmacy/drugstore to test the product. I was pleasantly surprised. It worked and I like it. This gloss is L'Oreal Infaillible never fail lip gloss.

via L'Oreal

The name says it all... it never fails to stay on. I put in on in the morning, and after lunch I still had it on. Not as much as I had when I first put it on... but still my lips were shining.

Because this is a new product there are only 8 shades available, but I am certain that you will find one that pleases you. Test them all out if you'd like and because its a gloss, there is a transparency and sheen resulting in a more natural look.

via L'Oreal

This is a lip gloss, so there is still the sticky feeling when you are wearing it. I personally like that sticky feeling because it proves I still have some on... though Mr. Flamingo isn't too fond of it....

For those who don't like lip glosses there the lipstick version with a built in mirror. It's L'Oreal Infaillible never fail lip color. I heard it was awesome too... but I haven't tried it yet. Its the next thing on my list.

What lipstick/lip gloss are you wearing for the big day? Is it the long lasting type?

Tables need to dress up too...

When I checked out our venue we only had one option for our table linens - white table cloth with a classic ivory overlay. At first I thought it was fine. Ivory matched with my wedding colors, but having an white table cloth, ivory overlay, ivory napkin and white plates... I have a feeling it look washed out. So now, I want table covers. I need table covers to add that extra glam.... but I don't even know where to look.

I looked at some local rental companies but they are charging ridiculous amounts like (15$ per table) At that price I might as well buy them myself. Now I don't know if I should DIY them by buying yards of material and cutting them myself, or if I should buy them already made.

There are several types of table linens (and I was quite surprised)

Taffeta - Dupioni - Sheer Patterned Overlay

Pintuck - Satin

I'm looking either for actual table cloths or table overlays to go over my white linens. I think having a brown accent will really bring out the colors of our theme and its also very vintage and glamorous.

Do you know of any website which offers inexpensive table linens/covers?

Image source

With this ring...

Last January, I met my jeweler to figure our the details to the ring I wanted to get made. Basically I wanted a reproduction of a ring I previously had seen, but I was opting for Moissanite stones and miniature diamonds (from an old ring my step-mother gave me).

A couple of weeks after I met the jeweler, she called me to tell me that my wax mold was ready. So I went to check it out and approve the model they had made. It look good I guess (hard to envision a beautiful ring with blue and purple wax) but the detailing was like what I wanted. (I apologize for the blurry-ness)

One month after I approved the wax model, I received and email. My ring was ready... oh how exciting. I went during my lunch break because I was so anxious to see it and let me say that it is absolutely B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L. Not to mention it is HUGE! bigger than what I thought it would be.

I love my trinity. Its made of 2 pear shaped moissanite stones and 1 round one.

I decided to go the moissanite route for two reasons: 1- its Eco-friendly and 2- because it costs a factor of the price of diamonds. A ring like the one I was getting made would of cost a good 12 - 15K and I didn't have that budget - oh I wish.

Square bottom. I think that my favorite part. Its unique and I love it.


Sides have a slant on each side. Adds detailing to the ring.

I don't know whether its considered bad luck to actually try the ring, if its the case I will have lots of bad luck because I keep trying it on and showing the world. I thought it was only fair to take a picture and show you too... here is my ring on my wedding finger.

When I first told my family that I wanted a Moissanite ring, they all looked at me with this confused expression on their face. I explained the whole thing and some were reluctant to the idea of buying a man-made stone. Once I showed my family the ring, they couldn't believe how much it shined. I mean bling bling in your eyes kinda shine. I guess they changed their views on Moissanite now. Hurray!

Did you get your ring made? Were you happy with the results.

Cakes Galore

When looking for images for cake ideas, I've come to the realization that I like almost everything. You think it makes it easy on me? Not really... go ahead and try to mesh everything together... it'll look horrible.

I know I want a fondant cake. I find that it looks stunning but I am aware that not many people like it. Luckily my baker adds flavor to the fondant. As for the colors I will most probably go brown, pink and Ivory. Or maybe just brown and ivory... At least that part is not complicated. As for the rest... I haven't even started to think about it. I think it time now... wedding in less than 2 months away.

Here are some of the few images I've collected throughout the wedding process.

I heart all sorts of bows and not to forget cute dots - source
I love contrasting colors - source


Floral patterns, lines, dots, even embellishments... I love them all . -source

Having edible lace on a cake is such a great idea. It looks stunning too.
I also love the mixture of simplicity paired with a bold piece. -source

These cake designs, you have all seen before. source


I love the idea of having shapes made with fondant. source

Do I want a round cake or a square one? Do I want a pattern, or do I go simple? Do I want embellishments or no? Do I want 1 flavor or 3? These are just a few questions I have to answer. In order to get all the elements I like into one cake, I think I will attempt to design the cake... wish me luck :)

Did you design your cake? For those of you who are married, did it come out like you envisioned?