French Kiss Events
French Kiss Events, Victoria’s luxury boutique wedding planning and design firm, specializing in creating weddings and events that are personalized down to the smallest detail.

Journal

Office Talk: Edition 13

Hello 2018!!! We couldn't be more excited to start off a new year here in the office, with so many gorgeous weddings to plan. A lot happened at the very end of 2017- Barb finished building her dream home, we have a new office, and a tiny new FKE team member in the form of Madison Walker was born! We are sad the holidays are over, but so excited to get back into the swing of things and make some gorgeous events we can be proud of.

P.S. We decided to give our "Guilty Pleasures" a new name: Office Talk!  Stay tuned for our monthly discussions about what we are chatting about here in the office.

Favourite Christmas Gift

Goal for 2018

Current Netflix Binge

Happy Holidays 2017
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Holiday photo hilarity provided by Jesse Holland Photography!

What. A. Year!  I'm not going to spend too long talking about it, as I'll save that for our annual year end review (coming up in January), but let's just say that between building a new house, expecting our first little babe any day now, and an INCREDIBLE year of weddings and kick ass clients, I have a LOT to be thankful for this year!  The holidays have always been my favourite time of year, and even though this years holiday season is looking a lot different for us, I am loving it all the same.  There's just something magical about the shorter days and cozy evenings (#hygge all the way!)...

So, as we continue to wait impatiently over here for baby girls arrival (yes, yes....Christmas Day may in fact be spent in the hospital, so stay tuned!), I want to take this time to wish all of you the most wonderful holiday season!  I have so much love and admiration for the FKE family & tribe, and can't wait for all the new adventures heading our way in 2018!  Let's just say, while 2017 was a wicked year...2018 is already giving it a run for its money!  Happy Holidays everyone!!!

xo
Barb

Barb Walker Comment
Currently Inspired by: Edition 13

If you're anything like us, you love decorating the house for the holidays! Put on your favourite onesie, listen to some Michael Bublé, and break open those boxes hiding up in the attic. It's the perfect way to get in to the Christmas spirit. Take a scroll to see some of the things currently inspiring us this holiday season.

Splashes of Tartan
This little touch is a great way to add some warmth and elegance to your home, just like the Scottish would!

Source: JacquelynClark.com

Source: JacquelynClark.com

Source: JacquelynClark.com

Source: JacquelynClark.com

Mantle Displays
There is nothing better than a beautifully decorate fireplace mantle around the holidays. It creates a gorgeous focal point in any living room.

Source: Fresh Farm House

Source: Fresh Farm House

Source; DIYS.com

Source; DIYS.com

Holiday Cocktails
Indulge in some extra special cocktails that look like they came from a Christmas market this season. Click on the images below for recipes of the Campfire Cocktail and Spiced Hot Chocolate.

Source: JacquelynClark.com

Source: JacquelynClark.com

Source: Domino.com

Source: Domino.com

FKE Holiday Gift Giving Guide

"It's the holiday season....and Santa Claus, is comin' round....the Christmas snow, is white on the ground...".  Ok, so maybe the Christmas snow isn't exactly here yet, but the carols are on, holiday baking has started, and we are EXCITED for the holiday season to officially launch this week!  One of our favourite parts of the season (besides curling up on the couch to watch The Holiday with a big mug of hot chocolate), is hitting up all the fantastic boutiques here in town!  It is always my mission every year, to support as many small local businesses as possible, and we are so spoiled here on the West Coast to have an overabundance of fantastic options!  So, to officially kick off the season, we've rounded up some of our favourite local gifts that can be found right here in Victoria!  So whether you're shopping for your best friend who always throws together the best charcuterie platters, or your co-worker who you know has a sweet tooth, we've got you covered!  Have a read below, and let us know in the comments, if we are missing any must-have items in the city!

A Modern Bodger cheese board: For the charcuterie connoisseur in your life

These stunning boards come in all shapes and sizes, and are an absolute staple in the kitchen!  Each one is made by hand, and the craftsmanship that goes into them is stunning.  And pair it with a Gift Card to Charelli's, and you'll be sure to get an invite to the next wine & cheese night at your friends place!

Where to buy: Nicholas Randall or Online.

Wester Maple Cheeseboard, $102

Wester Maple Cheeseboard, $102

A Tara McHugh Flora Gift Box For the one who needs some quality R&R time

This gorgeous box includes a Lindsay Remple water colour print tea towel, Drizzle honey, 9" tapered hand dipped pure Canadian beeswax candles from Beeswax on Salt Spring Island, and Tara Mchugh Flora tea tin. She has lots of other gift boxes to pick from.

Where to buy: Online

Heart of the Home Gift Box, $89.95

Heart of the Home Gift Box, $89.95

First, We Brunch Recipe Book for the foodie

This brunch book that features recipes from local Victoria spots is the perfect gift for your brunch squad. Tons of local eateries are feature with lots of stories about how they opened and life in Victoria.

Where to buy: Ruth & Dean

First, We Brunch by Rebecca Wellman, $27.95

First, We Brunch by Rebecca Wellman, $27.95

'Modern Baby' Clothing for the new mama

And for the trendiest little one in your life, this local Victoria mother & daughter team make organic and stylish clothing, accessories, and blankets.  We can't get enough of all the adorable pieces!!

Where to buy: Online or Amelia Lee or Finn & Izzy

Bloom Organic Knotted Headband, $14

Bloom Organic Knotted Headband, $14

Organic Geo Tree Leggings. $38

Organic Geo Tree Leggings. $38

Hand-picked Macarons for the coworker with a sweet tooth

This is one of our favourite little gifts for when you are in a pinch. Bon Macaron Patisserie on Broad Street makes so many delicious flavours that you can handpick the perfect flavours to put in one of their adorable gift boxes.

Where to buy: Bon Macaron Patisserie

The Honey Tobacco Collection for the new age Martha Stewart

This cozy scent is Picot Collective's signature fragrance that can be purchased as a hand-crafted body mist, candle, body butter, and roll-on scent.

Where to buy: Pigeonhole or Online

Honey Tobacco Body Mist, $40

Honey Tobacco Body Mist, $40

Honey Tobacco Candle, $40

Honey Tobacco Candle, $40

Pendleton Blanket for your S.O.

What's more perfect than a real wool blanket for you and your significant other to curl up in by the fire.

Where to buy: Nomad on Government Street

Motor Robe - Acadia Plaid, $135.99

Motor Robe - Acadia Plaid, $135.99

Monthly Subscriptions

The gift that keeps on giving! Surprise someone special with these monthly subscriptions of flowers, socks, or coffee that treat them every month.

Where to buy: Online (click on the image to take you to the website)

Thorn & Thistle Flower Subscription, Starting at $150

Thorn & Thistle Flower Subscription, Starting at $150

Sock Fancy Sock Subscription, $12/month

Sock Fancy Sock Subscription, $12/month

The Roasters Pack: Starting at $26.95

The Roasters Pack: Starting at $26.95

Professional Photo Session for the new family

Spoil some of your favourites with a family photo shoot with a professional, so they will have memories that last a lifetime. There are so many fantastic photographers that offer family sessions, so just reach out to your favourite local photographer to see about their family packages! 

Jesse Holland Photography

Jesse Holland Photography

Mug & Hot Chocolate Set for the chocolate lover

A mug with hot chocolate will be sure to please any sweet tooth this winter. Tip: Supply them with Mexican hot chocolate for extra richness and a hint of spice this season.

Where to buy: Nomad and Murchies

Nomad Camping Mug, $14.39

Nomad Camping Mug, $14.39

Murchie's Hot Chocolate, $7.95/tin

Murchie's Hot Chocolate, $7.95/tin

Advent Calendars

We know chocolate is a classic, but why not mix it up this year? Create your own 12 days of growlers advent calendar for your favourite brewery lover, or check out the David's Tea 24 days of tea for the tea lover in your life! 

Click on the picture to to take you to their websites.

Driftwood Brewery Growlers, $19 for growler with beer

Driftwood Brewery Growlers, $19 for growler with beer

David's Tea 24 Days of Tea, $45

David's Tea 24 Days of Tea, $45

Building a Home: Chapter 3

It has been a long time since I've blogged about the house build, but if you follow me over on Instagram & Insta Stories, then you've no doubt seen a few updates here and there throughout the process.  And folks....we are SO close!  Yippee!!  Watching our dream house be built has been incredible, and even though the last 7 months have felt very long at times, I can't believe that we are basically on schedule and should be moving in before the holidays!  So, I thought it would be fun to share with you some of the progression photos from the last 7 months, and also dive a bit into the challenging parts of the house build.  Because as much as it truly has been a really positive experience and loads of fun, it has had its moments, that's for sure, and I think it's important to throw in a couple reality checks every now and then ;)

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Where we've been hanging our hats!
Parents to the rescue!  We have been "rooming" with my parents since May, and we are incredible grateful that they have welcomed us with open arms, and basically fed us dinner for the past 7 months straight.  No complaints here that's for sure!  It has added a large commute to our regular routine though, and not having our own space (especially while being pregnant) isn't always ideal.  My parents seriously rule though, and not having to pay rent throughout this process has been a lifesaver...not to mention helped with our furniture shopping budget!

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Throwing a wrench in my work routine: 
Not having my home office has honestly been the biggest challenge of all.  I had no idea how much I loved working from home, until I no longer could.  I've been jumping from coffee shop to coffee shop for the better part of the last 6 months, which is not only annoying, but can also get a bit expensive lol!  It's also been a big adjustment for me, having to plan my days in a totally different way than I am used to.  So, when I leave the house in the morning, I am leaving the house for the full day.  No more just jumping into town for a meeting or an errand here and there.  It definitely isn't the worse thing in the world, and my reward at the end of this is going to be a brand spankin' new space at home to work from, so I really can't complain all that much.  But, combined with being pregnant throughout the entire build, this has for sure been the hardest part for me. 

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Managing the dog: 
Taio is our "chog" (you know - Child/Dog), and has been totally spoiled his entire life, in that he is either at home with me or at the store with Nick.  So, the fact that we haven't really had a home to leave him in (without feeling totally guilty that my parents have to look after him), has had its challenges.  I've gotta give it to the dog though, as he's been pretty great about his whole world being turned upside down this year. 

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As I mentioned above though, this whole process has been absolutely incredible, and so a few challenges along the way are nothing to worry about.  We have our fantastic builders, Philco Construction, to thank for that!  I can't imagine having to be our own contractors throughout this journey, or not having complete trust with our builders.  We can't wait for move in day, and to show you all the finished product!  And then the fun part begins...the decorating!

FKE LivingBarb WalkerComment
Currently Inspired by: Edition 12

November is just flying by and colder weather has us loving winter tones and raw textures. Shops are already piling on the Christmas decor, and we can't help but get excited for the holidays and all of the fun that comes with it (ie. hot chocolate, colourful lights, and Michael Bublé on the radio!) Take a scroll to see what else is inspiring us this time of year.

This Colour Palette
These moody tones including dusty pink and mustard are so lovely! A modern twist on some amazing vintage colours.

Source: Magnolia Rouge

Source: Magnolia Rouge

Source: Nordic Design

Source: Nordic Design

Linen Signage & Stationary
We are loving this natural and organic look created by using fabric for signage instead of paper! A great way to add more texture into your decor.

Source: Brides.com

Source: Brides.com

Source: TheLANE

Source: TheLANE

Scandinavian Wrapping Paper
Christmas is around the corner and this simple and modern look is sure to please. Whether you go the DIY route or purchase some Scandinavian style paper, the result is adorable.

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Source: Petite & Bold

Source: Petite & Bold

Real Wedding: Jennifer & Alex Part 2 (The Wedding)

Where do I even begin with this one?!  I first shared a glimpse into Jennifer & Alex's incredible 3 day celebration back in the Spring, when I blogged their welcome party.  And yes, I know, I know....I had promised to share the wedding soon after, and alas it is now November.  What can I say, except wedding season happened lol!  And I truly wanted to make sure that I gave this post the time that it deserved, and have spent hours and hours pouring over the stunning images by Erich McVey, trying to narrow them down to a reasonable post length.   So here goes nothing...

Taking place in July of 2016, on Jennifer's parents private property on Salt Spring Island, Jennifer & Alex's wedding was a career highlight for me.  I wrote a lot about why, back in their welcome party post, so I won't bore you by repeating myself here. But let's just say that I couldn't be prouder of the way it turned out, and get chills every time I think back to this weekend!  The A-Team of vendors brought their (you guessed it) A-Game, and it all the hard work and planning resulted in a seamlessly executed event.  The wedding was obviously the main event of the weekend, and we held nothing back when it came to the design, food & florals!

The colours and design we incorporated throughout the wedding were heavily influenced by Jennifer’s love of design and Alex’s Asian heritage. The Chinese symbol for marriage, Double Happiness, was the inspiration behind the eclectic paper goods designed by La Happy, and the 5-course Asian fusion menu, prepared by Toque Catering, was a modern twist on the symbolic Chinese wedding dinner, something that was incredibly important to Alex’s family. Jennifer was not shy at all when it came to colour and so we used bold, bright shades throughout the florals and linen choices.   I've said it before, and I'm going to say it again: Brides, don't be afraid of colour!  This wedding is proof that it can be killer!!

One of the most special moments of the day had to be when Jennifer presented her Grandmother with her bouquet. The admiration and love that her families generation of women has for each other are inspiring, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the place! Another absolute must for Jennifer & Alex was live music. They absolutely love to party with their friends back in New York, so we brought over the best of the best, Side One, from Vancouver for the weekend to keep guests dancing well into the night.  Honestly though, there is so much good to share about this wedding, that I don't think it can be properly summed up into words.  But thanks to the genius of Erich McVey and Kismet Creative (video at bottom of post), you can hopefully get a better sense of why this one was so special.  Enjoy!

**Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the complete list of all the kick ass vendors that helped make this day so incredible!  All photos courtesy of Erich McVey Photography.

Planning/Design - French Kiss Events
Photography - Erich McVey Phototography
Videography - Kismet Creative
Catering - Toque Catering
Floral Design - Verbena Floral Design
Linens - La Tavola
Bar Rentals - Bash Specialty
Rentals - Black & White, White Events Studio
Music - Side One
Cake - Passion For Cakes
Stationery - La Happy
Hair - Conscious Hair
Makeup - Jen Clark

Guilty Pleasures: Edition 12

So it looks like winter has arrived on the west coast already! We just had a snow storm at the beginning of November, which is completely crazy for us. It feels like summer was last week! So we thought we would cozy up inside and write a blog post about our latest guilty pleasures, while we snack on some leftover Halloween candy... 

Current Read

Favourite Recent Purchase

Current Life Distraction

Real Wedding: Deandra & Robin

This wedding is proof that breaking away from the traditional wedding format is sometimes the best thing ever!  When I first met with Robin & Deandra, it was obvious that a typical wedding day was not their thing. They wanted a no fuss, relaxed and authentic celebration, to take place in the afternoon surrounded by an intimate group of family and friends.  And that is exactly what they got!  Robin, a hockey player from the Czech Republic, spent most of their engagement living in Europe, and so the couple really put their trust in our team to create their dream day while they remained fairly hands off.  And let me tell you....when you have a Bride & Groom that has complete trust in their vendors with their vision, the results can be extraordinary!  I loved every minute of working with this couple & their family (big shout out to Elaine, the Mother of the Bride, who quickly became one of my favourite Mom's of the season!), and loved every bit of their wedding day.

Taking place at the beautiful Starling Lane Winery, and surrounded by just their closest family & friends, the wedding of Deandra & Robin was a special one. Guests were treated to a modern garden party, filled with great music, creative comfort food, and fun games.  The word "raw" was in our minds while designing the florals with FLEURtacious, and boho design touches helped the day feel grounded, un-fussy and true to the couple. The spring palette of blushes, peaches & blues were infused throughout the textiles and florals, and the stunning garden setting provided the perfect backdrop for great conversation and mingling.

One of the highlights of the day, was the non-stop live music provided by Noah Edwards & his band.  Their folk sound provided the most perfect atmosphere for the day, and even had guests dancing by the late afternoon in the gardens.  And the food stations, created by Toque Catering, were a HUGE hit!  I mean...gourmet pizza, sliders & milkshakes?  Can you get any more fun?!!  The afternoon activities flowed seamlessly into one another, allowing the couple to celebrate with everyone as well as truly enjoy the day together!  It was perfect!

**Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the complete list of all the kick ass vendors that helped make this day so incredible!  All photos courtesy of Brett Reid Photography.

Planning/Design - French Kiss Events
Photography - Brett Reid Photography
Venue - Starling Lane Winery
Catering - Toque Catering
Floral Design - FLEURtacious
Lounge - Bash Specialty
Linens - Faire la Fete
Hair & Makeup - Erin Bradley
Cake - Ruth & Dean
Music - Noah Edwards
Signage - Emma Allen Design

Currently Inspired by: Edition 11

I don't know about you, but we absolutely love Instagram over here in the FKE office. It's such a great tool to browse for design inspiration from other around the world. So we thought it would a great idea to put a little twist on our Currently Inspired by this month and feature some event planner instagram accounts that we LOVE.

amorology
Heather Balliet, the owner of Amorology creates gorgeous events primarily in Southern California while raising four kids. Her style is romantic and moody, and we are obsessed.

Source: featherandstonephotography (instagram)

Source: featherandstonephotography (instagram)

Sources: ashleykelemen (instagram)

Sources: ashleykelemen (instagram)

bashplease
Bash, Please is a creative event & styling production team with two locations in Los Angeles and San Francisco. With a production team of twelve seasoned event planners, Bash, Please is a leading pioneer in artful and sophisticated event planning.

Source: stephaniefishwick (instagram)

Source: stephaniefishwick (instagram)

Source: maxandfriendsphoto (instagram)

Source: maxandfriendsphoto (instagram)

sinclairandmoore
Powerhouse couple Steve Moore and Jamie Sinclair DeBell based out of Seattle and San Francisco create stunning weddings that embrace simplicity and specializes in organic, garden- inspired floral design.

Source: sinclairandmoore

Source: sinclairandmoore

Source: sinclairandmoore

Source: sinclairandmoore