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

Posts in Office Talk
Office Talk: Edition 17

May is a super exciting month for us here at the FKE office! The whole team is flying to wine country (a.k.a Napa Valley!) for a gorgeous destination wedding, and we can't help but discuss our excitement at every opportunity!! This trip has us chatting about our favourite travel essentials, podcasts to listen to on the plane, and of course all of the wine we are going to be drinking after the wedding to celebrate. Check out our Instagram @frenchkissevents for the behind the scenes of all the fun in Napa! 

Travel Essential

Current Wine of Choice

Favourite Podcast of Armchair Expert:

Currently Inspired by: Edition 17

April showers has been a reality here for us this month so far, and we are really craving that summer sun full of outdoor soirées and al fresco dining! Meanwhile, we are scrolling Instagram for some sunny inspiration, and we thought we would share some of our favourite accounts at the moment. 

@jennalamevents
Headquartered in Northern California’s beautiful Napa Valley, Jenna Lam Events is a fully integrated event planning and design firm, producing seamless events and weddings worldwide since 2012.  Since discovering them a couple months back, we have loved seeing their most current designs, and have definitely book marked many of their insta's for future inspiration.

Source: Instagram @jennalamevents

Source: Instagram @jennalamevents

Source: Instagram @jennalamevents

Source: Instagram @jennalamevents

@celsiafloral
One of our favourite Vancouver based florists who creates gorgeous botanical-Inspired florals with a love for mixing vintage and modern ideas.  Their team always manages to make us stop scrolling long enough to drool over the florals, and we just love how romantic yet fresh their designs all are.

Source: Instagram @celsiafloral

Source: Instagram @celsiafloral

Source: Instagram @celsiafloral

Source: Instagram @celsiafloral

@amberinteriors
Amber Interiors is a full-service residential design firm that combines light filled rooms, colourful textiles, natural elements, earthy textures, and brushed metals to create stunning interiors.  We've said it again, and again, but seriously.  SO much of wedding design is inspired by interior design, and this lady has us swooning!

Source: Instagram @amberinteriors

Source: Instagram @amberinteriors

Source: Instagram @amberinteriors

Source: Instagram @amberinteriors

Office Talk: Edition 16

Happy spring!! Our first wedding of the year is this month and we are so excited to get our feet wet again. Happily, the sun has been making more of an appearance lately and we are loving it. Barb and baby Madison are currently down in San Diego soaking up some California sun and we are pretty jealous here in the office, but in the meantime enjoy some of our April favourites!

Spring Fashion Staple

Patio Drink of Choice

Recipe We Want to Try

Currently Inspired by: Edition 16

We have been knee-deep in design plans this month and we're not complaining! It is such a fun and creative part of the whole wedding planning process. We love taking our clients' vision and bringing it to life with our own flare, and then we get to present it back to them. We are so inspired by the things we have featured this month they have all made it into our design plans in more ways than one! Stay tuned to see how we incorporate them this wedding season.

Pampas Grass
We are getting serious Southern California vibes with the use of pampas grass lately, and we absolutely love it. This versatile grass works for bohemian to romantic weddings, while making a bold statement in a cost-effective way.

Source: Bridal Musings

Source: Bridal Musings

Source: Rock Paper Details

Source: Rock Paper Details

Unique Escort Card Displays
We love the opportunity to put a fun twist on traditional wedding components like escort cards! It's a great way to create a stylish vignette that your guests will have so much fun perusing for their names.

Source: Style Me Pretty

Source: Style Me Pretty

Source: Style Me Pretty

Source: Style Me Pretty

Colourful Cocktail Table Linens
Our favourite way to infuse our couples' colour palettes into the decor is through cocktail table linens! It is the perfect way to incorporate accents colours in a bold way that won't overwhelm the look of the wedding.

Source: Faire La Fete Linens

Source: Faire La Fete Linens

Source: Style Me Pretty

Source: Style Me Pretty

Office Talk: Edition 15

Hello March!! February flew by and we really had a lot to talk about in the office this month! We all love the olympics and enjoyed watching Canada kill it in nearly every sport (except hockey) in Pyeongchang! We also got to spend lots of quality time with our SOs and the whole family for Valentines Day and Family Day this month. Despite all that chatter and family time, we also continued to plan weddings believe it or not! We are seriously drooling over the design plans for this season, it's going to be our best work yet... Stay tuned!

Favourite event to watch at the Olympics!

Current Netflix Binge

Favourite way to get fit

Introducing: Baby Walker

It has officially been 2 months since I became a mother, and holy moly batman!  Speed is moving at warp speed, and I can hardly believe that I have a 2 month old! The past couple months have been the most incredible and transformative for all of us, and both Nick & I are head over heels in love with our little girl.  So, I figured it was about time to do a little introduction on the blog, because let's be honest, I can't get enough of her and just assume that you all want to stare at her as much as I do ;)  All kidding aside though, I have been blown away with the kindness that so many of our friends and family have offered us, and this whole having a baby thing really makes you realize how many people in your tribe are routing for you and sending you love in whatever way they can.

So, without further adieu, I am thrilled to officially introduce you to Madison Elizabeth Walker (aka: Maddie).  She was born on December 23rd, 2017, and yes, we did spend Christmas Day in the hospital.  We were prepared for this possibility though, and I honestly didn't mind one bit!  Everyone at the hospital was absolutely incredible and even though it honestly didn't feel like Christmas at all, it will for sure go down as my most favourite Christmas.  She was 8lbs 3 oz, and came out with a gorgeous head of hair, and the most beautiful blue eyes.  Everyone says she is a mini-Nick, but I am seeing more and more of myself in her as the weeks go on.  She has been an absolutely lovely baby, letting us sleep more than we thought we would get to, and stealing hearts with her serious expressions that has started to break into a joyful smile! (can you tell how much I adore her?! lol!).  

One of the most common questions I've been getting lately, is whether I am managing to get any work done.  And so far, it has been better than I anticipated.  Of course, everything takes about 5 times longer than it used to, and I usually break down into tears about once a week, battling the guilt of not being able to be fully focused on work and not being fully focused on Maddie.  But between the amazing Paula (who has been taking a lot of the pressure off me on the day to day tasks) and the support of Nick & our awesome clients, we have been figuring out our rhythm,and I am so grateful for how smoothly the transition has gone.  These first couple months have made me feel confident that yes, I will be able to put my heart into my business, while also being the best mom I can be. 

During our first few weeks home with her, some of my good friends from the wedding industry, surprised us with the most invaluable gifts.  I've shared some of my favourite moments below, and just want to give the biggest shout out to Jesse Holland, Rob & Julia of Ameris, and Chelsea of Paper Heart Films.  These photos & video are absolute treasures to us, and I honestly can't stop staring!  

xo
Barb

Photo by: AMERIS

Photo by: AMERIS

Photo by: AMERIS

Photo by: AMERIS

Photo by: Jesse Holland

Photo by: Jesse Holland

Photo by: Jesse Holland

Photo by: Jesse Holland

Photo by: Jesse Holland

Photo by: Jesse Holland

Photo by: AMERIS

Photo by: AMERIS

Photo by: AMERIS

Photo by: AMERIS

Photo by: AMERIS

Photo by: AMERIS

Photo by: Jesse Holland

Photo by: Jesse Holland

Currently Inspired by: Edition 15

This month we are inspired by colour blocking and the bold use of colour. We love when designers don't shy away from daring colour combinations! Incase you didn't know- the art of colour blocking is using colours from the opposite side of the colour wheel and pairing them together, known as complimentary colour blocking. This is the most common type, however there is using colours on the opposite thirds of the colour wheel called triads, or colours beside each other on the wheel called analogous. There is also the method of doing whatever you dang feel like, because there is no wrong answer! Take a look to see our favourite samples of colour blocking used in wedding design down below.

Lounges
Lounges are an easy place to add some colourful statements to your event! Splashes of bold colour using pillows or furniture paired with bright florals makes a big impact. 

Source: Michel B. Events/ Lounge Appeal/ Molly + Co Photo/ Rockrose Floral Design

Source: Michel B. Events/ Lounge Appeal/ Molly + Co Photo/ Rockrose Floral Design

Source: Bash Specialty

Source: Bash Specialty

Invitations
We love using abstract designs and geometric shapes to add colour into your invitations. This is a modern and clean way to incorporate your colour palette from the very beginning.

Source: Minted.com

Source: Minted.com

Source: Minted.com

Source: Minted.com

Tables Settings
Using complimentary colour combos like blue and yellow linens, or pink and green florals, are some of our favourite combinations to create a unique tablescape at your event.

Source: Faire la Fete Linens/Bash Specialty/ Verbena Floral Design/ Rock Paper Square

Source: Faire la Fete Linens/Bash Specialty/ Verbena Floral Design/ Rock Paper Square

Source: Bash Specialty/ Rook & Rose Florals/  Rock Paper Square/ Lille Louise Photography

Source: Bash Specialty/ Rook & Rose Florals/  Rock Paper Square/ Lille Louise Photography

Office Talk: Edition 14

Happy February friends!! That truly felt like one extra long January, so we are excited to welcome in a new month here in the office. This cold and wet time of year has us discussing our favourite products that keep our skin looking fresh and moisturized (take a peek below to check out what works for us),  as well our favourite things about Valentines day with our hunnies! Lots of love to you from all of us at the FKE office! Xoxo

Favourite Valentines Day Gift

Skincare Product We Are Loving

Favourite Latest Purchase

Currently Inspired by: Edition 14

This month we are currently inspired by Pantone's colour of the year- Ultra Violet!  We are loving this bold choice, and have been brainstorming all of the ways we can incorporate it into our colour palettes. 

1ee061235e789060f1fe9ed3ee59bff7.jpg

Stationary
Subtle touches in stationary is a unique way to make your invitations stand out.

Source: Zazzle.com

Source: Zazzle.com

Source: The Wedding Playbook

Source: The Wedding Playbook

Florals
Whether it's through blooms or succulents, this colour adds a deep romantic look.

Source: Itakeyou.co.uk

Source: Itakeyou.co.uk

Source: The Wedding Playbook

Source: The Wedding Playbook

Textiles
A watered-down version of this colour for your linens is a great way to include the colour of the year at your event.

Source: Style Me Pretty

Source: Style Me Pretty

Source: Canigueral

Source: Canigueral

Year in Review: 2017
Photo by: The Nickersons

Photo by: The Nickersons

As I sit here writing this, with my 2 week old daughter in my arms (one handed typing is super slow fyi!), I am blown away with how much can change in a year.  2017 was definitely a year of change for me personally, and chugging along beside all that change was a business that I love more than I thought possible, and a crew that is making it possible for me to balance life and work.  This past year, we tore down our house and built a new one, found out we were pregnant (yay!) and welcomed baby Madison into the world, welcomed 2 new planners to the Heyday team, and worked with 11 amazing couples, bringing their dream weddings to life.  It was a big year, and a really really good one.  As I have over the past few years, I thought it would be fun to take a look back over the year that and share with you the highlights.  So, without further adieu, here we go!

The year started off as I like it to...nice and slow...We had a really cold winter in Victoria (which is super rare!), and enjoyed lots of cozy nights in and even a few snow days here and there!  A highlight though was seeing Mica & Nate's wedding featured on SMP here.  If you remember this wedding from last year, you'll remember how special it was, and getting to see it published was such a treat!  

Photo by: AMERIS

Photo by: AMERIS

Come February, we took our annual trip over to Saltspring Island with some really good friends, and enjoyed 4 days of games, hikes, wine, runs & really really good food.  We also met up with AMERIS in February to take some new team photos for the site.  A whole lot of hilarity ensued (as it usually does with them), and I loved getting to update the site with Paula & Nick added on, as they are both so instrumental to FKE! With the arrival of Spring, weekends were completely filled with meetings, mockups, site visits, and full on prep for the upcoming summer of weddings.  

Photo by: Lauren Kurc Photography

Photo by: Lauren Kurc Photography

In April, I had the opportunity to team up with some seriously inspiring ladies, and put together a styled shoot that was totally out of my comfort zone.  The results were drop.dead.gorgeous., and I can't wait to share the images with you all very soon!  Stay tuned...  Paula & I also signed up for a Modern Calligraphy class taught by the wickedly talented Kate Campbell, and our obsession with wedding signage grew that much more!  In the middle of the month, Nick & I escaped to the Okanagan with some friends, for the Easter long weekend, for a much needed vacay before the craziness of wedding season began.  And let me tell you all this: the Okanagan is AMAZING!  Go there immediately!  So much delicious wine (obviously!) and food!  And the wineries...so many beautiful spaces!  I would absolutely love to start planning a wedding or 2 there each year, and so I am putting it out into the universe for 2019.  Any couples out there that love wine country as much as me?  Take me with you!

IMG_2811.JPG
Photo by: Jesse Holland

Photo by: Jesse Holland

After a really relaxing Winter & Spring, $*%t got real in May: We tore our house down and found out I was pregnant (all within the same week, just in case you were curious lol!).  Wedding season was just around the corner as well, and our sister company, Heyday, kicked off the season with a stunner at Starling Lane Winery.  This wedding was featured on SMP (woohoo!!).  And at the end of the month, we helped to gather all of our favourite people in the Victoria wedding industry at the annual Meetup.  This time, Toque treated us to an incredible sit down feast, and I honestly don't know how we are going to top it in 2018!  

Photo by: Taylor Roades Photography

Photo by: Taylor Roades Photography

Photo by: Ryan Flynn Photography

Photo by: Ryan Flynn Photography

June kicked off the FKE wedding season, and once it got rolling, there was no stopping until October.  This season was also the season of live music (woohoo!), which is hands down, my favourite part of weddings.  Our first 4 weddings all had bands, which kept the parties going well into the night.  We stayed close to home this year, celebrating at a family farm, an English estate, a winery, and some of the most iconic spots in Victoria (hello Empress!), just to name a few.  In June, I also took the leap, and started to take guitar lessons!  Random, right?!  I've wanted to learn for years, and finding out I was pregnant was the final straw that got me to the music school.  In my mind, I'm going to be able to play like this within a year, but in reality, we all know that is never going to happen lol!  

Photo by: Katrina Massey Photography

Photo by: Katrina Massey Photography

Photo by: Amee Nijjar Photography 

Photo by: Amee Nijjar Photography 

In July, Nick & I escaped to Vancouver to see Jack Johnson (#bucketlist), and then also managed to take off to Saltspring Island again for our dating anniversary.  We seriously love that place!  Upon our return, it was back to weddings!  There were some seriously stunning ones this year, and as the galleries come in, I'm reminded how lucky I am to work with such amazing couples, and equally amazing vendors who help me pull off these wicked celebrations! 

Photo by: Blush Photography

Photo by: Blush Photography

Photo by: The Nickersons

Photo by: The Nickersons

August & September took us to another farm, an Inn by the sea, an Island resort, a Castle, and back to the Empress (twice).  I also did a little happy dance when this wedding was published in Real Weddings (#pinchme).  

Photo by: Luke Liable Photography

Photo by: Luke Liable Photography

Photo by: Christine Pienaar Photography

Photo by: Christine Pienaar Photography

In October, feeling insanely pregnant (hello third trimester!), Nick & I headed off on a baby moon to our absolute favourite place in the world....you guessed it...Maui! Our days were spent debating whether we should go to the beach or pool (tough decisions!), eating a lot of delicious food, and really soaking up the last few moments of it being just the 2 of us.  Upon returning home, life started to move at warp speed. Our house was nearing the finish line, all things baby prep officially took over, and we were so honoured to have an incredible baby bash hosted for us by Laura!  I was also stoked to add Bonnie  to the Heyday team, and made it official with a new team shoot for the Heyday site!

Photo by: Jesse Holland Photography

Photo by: Jesse Holland Photography

At the beginning of December, we moved into the house!! Woohoo!!  The timing couldn't have been better, and our incredible builders, Philco Construction, worked their butts off to make sure we were in the house before baby came!  The rest of the month was spent unpacking, settling in, and working as hard as possible on all of our 2018 weddings before baby arrived.  And on December 23rd, our whole life completely changed, with the arrival of Madison Elizabeth Walker.  We are head over heels in love with her, and she has already stolen both of our hearts in a big way.  Basically the best way to end this incredible year, and I have no idea how 2018 is going to top it.  But...I am up for the challenge, and can't wait to see what the new year brings!

Photo by: Tegan McMartin Photography

Photo by: Tegan McMartin Photography