:: Knottie Friday - Emerald

Just because the Christmas season is coming to a close doesn't mean that we can't still be inspired by its beautiful colors.

Bejeweled emerald green is always beautiful. It is great year round, and ideal for a Christmas or a New Year celebration. Green represents all things fresh and new. And it is said that the emerald gemstone stands for love and success. What better color to celebrate the start of a new life?







Photo Sources
glitter balls, artificial grass in metal tray and gemstones - Jamali Garden :: butterfly - Paper Source :: bouquets - Laura Novak Photography :: dress - My Shape :: cake - The Sugar Syndicate :: eternity bands - Sparkle n Dazzle Co.

~ Aisha Allene ~

:: Knottie Friday - Turquoise + Red

Christmas is a perfect time for weddings. Apart from the fact that you don't have to look far for decor inspiration, the feeling of love, romance and heart felt warmth is in the air, and this makes a welcome addition to any wedding day nuptials.

I love this wedding shot by Chenin Boutwell. Although a summer wedding, (colors courtesy of the bride, Jennifer) I think this would make a fabulous Christmas wedding too. Turquoise + Red = Yummy!

Source: Boutwell Studio Blog

Some suggested accessories for a Turquoise + Red celebration.

Photo Sources
feather-Jamali Garden :: lantern-Candles 4 Less :: bouquet-The Hidden Garden Blog :: crystal-Jamali Garden :: square vase-Ideal Favors :: invitation-Wedding Paper Divas :: gilded votive and ornament-Luna Bazaar :: set of 3 red votive holders-Jamali Garden

~Aisha Allene~

:: Knottie Friday: Turquoise + Orange

As the new year approaches, you may be interested to know details of the wedding forecast for 2009. Experts say that trends in wedding colors and decor pretty much take their cue from trends in home decor and runway fashion.

So, 2009 will see lots of bright, bold, vibrant hues - leaning towards tropical flair. Colors slated to make a statement on the wedding scene are blues, turquoise, bright yellow, orange, coral and pink. The ever classic black and white, accentuated with bold color, will also be seen a lot.

With that said, today's Knottie Friday idea boards are stocked full of Turquoise and Orange inspiration.

Stationery (Sources l-r)
Wedding Paper Divas :: Wedding Things blog :: The Knot

Photo Sources
bridesmaids, candy buffet & hydrangea arrangement :: chandelier :: floral centerpiece :: invitation :: cake

If you are interested in chandelier rental for your event, check with your local event furniture store, or visit Gallery on the web.

Source: Brides.com

Turquoise accented with orange or coral makes a wonderful statement for a seaside or beach themed wedding.

::~Aisha Allene~::

:: 1000 Words of Inspiration

With or without a wedding planner, modern day couples gearing up to tie the knot, have a host of wedding planning tools available on the world wide web. More couples are going a step further when it comes to selecting vendors, specifically in the area of photography. And are prepared to discuss beforehand their favorite kinds of poses for the big day. See some of my favorites.

The Obamas
Source : People Magazine

One Love
Source: Drew B Photography

His little lady
Source: Southern Weddings

Leap for joy
Source: Our Labor of Love



Self explanatory
Engagement Pics from: Our Labor of Love

~ Aisha Allene ~

:: Fabulous Finds & Ideas: Lumen

If you like the idea of an enchanted forest or a midsummer night theme party. Or just like the shadowy effect of trees and birds, then this is for you.

I found these oil lamp shadow projectors online. This is one of six Lumen by Adam Frank images, and they provide effortless special effects and ambient lighting - one package, great price.

~Aisha Allene~

:: Knottie Friday: Purple Reign

Purple - once reserved for royalty - makes a fine and fitting color for a royal event, such as a wedding, ofcourse. Whatever member of the purple family that tickles your fancy (plum, lavender, lilac, eggplant, magenta, violet, grape . . .), when coupled with cream, white, pink, green, silver or even turquoise, the look is exquisite.

For a regal event, think damask, and paisley. These patterns can be incorporated into table linens, stationery, or decor accessories - like the damask votives found on Luna Bazaar.

~Aisha Allene~

Photos {l-r}
1st row : The Knot :: bridesmaid dress - Alfred Angelo :: handmade necklace - Bonita Fike Designs :: candles - Overstock
2nd row: Amazon :: Luna Bazaar :: The Knot :: Handmade cards - Nicole Heady
3rd row: Sugar :: The Knot :: purple gems - Jamali Gardens :: Wedding Wire
4th row: Victor Sizemore Photography :: Overstock :: votive holder - Jamali Gardens :: paper lantern - Jamali Gardens

Purple Paisley Invitation - Wedding Paper Divas

Source: Flower Fresh

Source: The Knot

:: Black White and Yellow

More black, white and yellow inspiration . . .

Mmmm! From The Wedding Channel.

My favorite thing about these is the way the design on the bridesmaids' dresses coordinate with the programs.
Source: Style Me Pretty

:: Knottie Friday: Black, White & Yellow

Lately, I've been experimenting with various color schemes for a wedding idea board - a great start for the bride who is undecided about her wedding colors, and needs something visual to make her choice easier. There are so many fabulous color combinations and equally fabulous wedding decor ideas to create the desired look and wedding experience.

So starting today, Celebration Elements presents Knottie Friday, blog posts, celebrating decor and color ideas, meant especially for the discerning bride. This week, we get a taste of Black, White & Yellow.

Photo Sources {l-r}
1st row: Invitation by Smudge Ink (Fine Stationery) :: Notecards (Messenger Bird Press) :: Monogrammed stationery by Stacy Claire Boyd (Fine Stationery) :: Photo from Bride Design photo stream [Cake by Jen Comfort, Stationery by Erin Nowak]
2nd row: Luna Bazaar :: Endless :: White House Black Market :: The Knot
3rd row: White House Black Market :: US Angels :: Luna Bazaar :: Ideal Favors
4th row: Jamali Garden :: Bliss Events :: Bliss Events :: White House Black Market

These would make very chic and versatile bridesmaids dresses, don't you think? This image was sourced from blogger, Mackenzie Sala.

:: Idea Board: Safari Tropics

I love parties that provide an experience for those in attendance. This Safari Tropics idea board was created with my daughter's two favorite movies (The Lion King and Madagascar) in mind, and may inspire those of you who want to create a Safari Tropics adventure right in your own backyard.

Hosting your party outdoors during a sunset will add to the ambiance, the orange, yellow and golden hues of the sky. Hang windowpane lanterns like those seen on Save On Crafts, in the trees, along with plain white or zebra striped paper lanterns, like those found at World Market.

Create a table scape, using bamboo place mats or table runners. Use coconut cups (PlumParty) to serve drinks to your guests, or use them as candle holders or vases. You can add more special touches to your party by filling apothecary jars (Save On Crafts) with white-colored candy, or setting up a VIP "Zebra Lounge" area using zebra striped toss pillows, throws or blankets. These will certainly make your guests feel special.

Even if the outdoors is not ideal for you, bring a piece of the outdoors inside by incorporating branches, greenery and naturals into centerpieces and decor. Visit Save On Crafts for some fresh ideas.

Most importantly, have fun!

~ Aisha Allene ~

Photo Sources {l-r}
1st row: Maria McBride :: Save on Crafts :: Save-on-crafts :: African Classic Encounters
2nd row: My Shape :: My Shape :: World Market :: Hite Photography
3rd row: Save On Crafts :: The Knot :: Plum Party :: Hostess Blog
4th row: Luna Bazaar :: Midnight Velvet :: Save On Crafts :: Announcing It

:: Destination Inspiration: Strawberry Hills, Jamaica

I found these beautiful snapshots on Style Me Pretty. And I had to share them with you for three reasons:

1) I love destination weddings
2) I love the photo-journalistic style of Christian Oth
3) I love Jamaica.

As a child growing up in the cool hills of St. Andrew, Jamaica, the picturesque and serene Blue Mountains (shown in photos), were literally my backyard .

Strawberry Hills Resort in Irish Town, the location of these wedding photos, is definitely a hot-spot for nature lovers. It oozes rich Jamaican heritage and rustic "country living" charm, with a touch of modern day sophistication.

I hope these inspire you too!

~Aisha Allene~

:: Safari Tropics

Welcome!

Welcome to my new blog. I want to share my ideas for a birthday party/get-together I'm planning for three very special people in my life. Their birthdays fall within one day of each other, plus they represent three generations of family. So why not bring out the flavor? ;) The theme: Safari Tropics. Here is the foundation of my idea board, for now. More on the way. . .

~Aisha Allene~

Photo Sources
invitation: http://www.announcingit.com/
zebra lantern: http://www.worldmarket.com/
neutral table setting: http://www.hostessblog.com/
yellow crystal garland: http://www.jamaligarden.com/
miniature zen garden: http://www.save-on-crafts.com/
fan table setting: http://www.hostessblog.com/