Spring has finally sprung in Victoria, and we are keeping super busy these days, as wedding season is just around the corner. Lots of exciting things are brewing, and we have a very BIG move happening soon (more to come on that soon), so spring cleaning is a bit of an understatement. To celebrate the start of a new month (hello April!), here's a peak into some of the office chatter that's been around these parts as of late...

Our Favourite Wedding Movies of All Time:

Barb: Father of the Bride

Paula: My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Laura: Bridesmaids

Current Spring Fashion Trend We are Loving:

Barb: Embroidered Tops

Paula: Clogs

Laura: Seaside Stripes

Our Current Reads:

Barb: Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us

Paula: The Girl With The Lower Back Tattoo

Laura: A Man Called Ove

Office TalkBarb WalkerMarch 31, 2017Guilty Pleasures, FKE LivingComment

Cocktail Hour with Cahoots

We were so excited when Cahoots reached out to us blah blah

I don't know about you guys, but I love a good cocktail. Nick & I have been serious cocktail lovers for years now, and even ensured that at our own wedding, the cocktails got as much attention as the rest of the decor (proof: here). So when Cahoots, a "small-batch" simple syrup company based out of Vancouver, got in touch with us, we jumped at the chance to try out their products!

I love that all of their syrups can be used to instantly elevate a drink, and when used while hosting (either at your home or large scale event), help to avoid all the mess & extra work that is normally involved when mixing drinks. Their site has a ton of fun cocktail recipes, with some of my favourite being the Lavender Gin Sour and the Aged Rum Old Fashioned.

One of the recipes that they sent over to us was the Cahoots Lavender Mojito. Nothing sounded more refreshing, and so we did the tough task of trying it out....tough day at the office, right?! lol! And I swear I'm not lying when I say that for this particular round, the drinks were made sans liquor.

Cahoots Lavender Mojito

2oz White Rum
3/4oz Cahoots Lavender
Half Lemon
Handful of Mint
Soda
Crushed Ice

Slice lemon into quarters and muddle in a shaker. Add the remaining ingredients with a small handful of crushed ice and shake gently just to incorporate. Pour ingredients into a double highball glass, fill with crushed ice, top with soda and garnish with a mint bouquet and/or lavender flower.

The cocktail itself was incredibly easy to make! The Lavender Simple Syrup added a lovely light sweetness to the drink, and I completely devoured it (#noregrets). Such a great way to elevate the average Mojito, and definitely a drink that we will be making regularly around here!

So often at weddings, couples chose to offer signature drinks, and I honestly love how easy these syrups make that (and the bottles would definitely elevate the styling of the bar! lol!). Thank you so much Cahoots, for introducing us to your products, and we highly recommend hoping over to their site to see where you can buy some yourself.

Cheers!

Office Talk, Planning TipsBarb WalkerMarch 17, 2017cahoots, cocktails, cocktail hour, mojito, Wedding Planning, Victoria Event Planning, victoria wedding planner, Victoria Wedding Planning, wedding planner victoria, lifestyle tipsComment

Currently Inspired by: Edition 04

We missed last months Currently Inspired by post (we blame this never ending winter), but we are back at it this month with our latest inspirations! Since we are currently knee deep in design plans, what you are seeing below is a reflection of what we have been loving for our 2017 weddings!

Geometric Decor
We are just digging this modern and clean cut decor lately. It is classy and playful at the same time. LOVE!

Source: Ruffled Blog / Sarah Libby Photography

Source: Style Me Pretty / Kim Lyn Photography

Unconventional Dishware
Whether it's ceramics, patterns, or unique textures we are leaning towards dishes that pop these days.

Stationary from Minted
We are having too much fun checking out the new designs on Minted.com! Peruse for yourself if you want to see all the beauties they have on there. We have worked with Minted product many times and are always blown away by the quality.

Planning Tips, Office TalkBarb WalkerMarch 16, 2017Victoria Event Planning, victoria wedding planner, Victoria Wedding, Victoria Wedding Planning, wedding designer, wedding inspiration, minted, geometric decorComment

Fun in the Studio: Meet the Team

It has been a couple of years since our new website was launched, and so figured it was about time to freshen things up a bit around here. Over the past year, the FKE team has grown to include the lovely and talented Paula (our office & design assistant), basically the sweetest and most driven lady I have met. Having her join me in the office has been amazing and everyone who meets her loves her as much as we all do! We have also officially welcomed Nick to the team, who has basically been with us from the beginning (something that happens naturally when married to the owner of a company). He is an instrumental person when it comes to FKE's growth & vision as well as helping with on site logistics at large events (and even carrying a chair or two). We are thrilled to have finally convinced him to step in front of the camera. And then there's Laura....oh Laura...she has been with me since the beginning, and I honestly couldn't imagine FKE without her! She is our most senior production assistant, and operates as my brain on wedding days. To say that she's a total rock star would be a major understatement, and it's been so much fun having her involved in some new upcoming projects as well.

We always have so much fun when working with AMERIS, and I can't even begin to tell you how hard it is to keep a straight face when being in front of their camera. WAY too many laughs were had (is that possible?), and we are all thrilled with the results! I've included a few of my favourite shots below, and then make sure to head over to our About page, to read more about everyone. The FKE team is like family to me, and I love that I get to spend my days working alongside them! We have a lot of exciting projects and new ventures in the works, none of which would be possible without them. Thank you so much for following along and helping make this dream of mine a reality! xo

ps - Thank you as well, to my talented friend Elena, who made my hair look as perfect as it did, and also to Club Monaco for my outfit. White jeans in winter was definitely a risk, but I'd say it was one worthy of taking! lol!

Office TalkBarb WalkerMarch 14, 2017Comment

Our Guilty Pleasures: Edition 04

We can't believe it's March already! The month that doesn't have a whole lot going for it, except for maybe St. Patrick's Day and the beginning of the Spring season (which we are very, VERY excited about)! Although it doesn't feel like Spring is anywhere close after the snow we have had recently... So, in honour of the new month, we thought we would share our latest guilty pleasures (ie. the things that have been non stop on our minds)!

Current Obsession:

Barb: Home Renos

Paula: Dine Around Victoria

Laura: New puppy!!

Beauty Favourites of the Moment:

Barb: Lady Like by Essie

Paula: Anastasia Glow Kit

Laura: Rouge Cream Lipstick

Must See Movies this Month:

Barb: La La Land

Paula: Beauty & The Beast

Laura: Moonlight

And because we can't help ourselves... here's the trailer for the upcoming wedding flick Table 19! Because who doesn't love Anna Kendrick and cheesy wedding movies?

Office TalkBarb WalkerMarch 1, 2017 Comment

Our Sister Company: Heyday Events

It has been just over a year now since the launch of our sister company, Heyday Events, and I am STOKED to be finally sharing a bit more about it over here on the blog! If you are in the wedding industry on Vancouver Island, you may have heard about Heyday, and we are all so appreciative of the amazing support that this wonderful community has given us so far! I thought it was about time though that I introduced Heyday formally, and shared with you what it is all about!

Heyday Events is a "Day-of Coordination" specialty company, meaning "day-of" is all that it does, and it does it right! Day of Coordination is an invaluable planning service that has been around for a long long time, but its title is often very misleading. Day of Coordination is so much more than help on just the day. A day-of coordinator typically becomes involved in the planning 1-2 months prior, helping the couple tie up any loose ends, put together timelines, and take on final confirmations with the vendors. It is the perfect service for those couples who are super excited to take on the planning themselves, but don't want to "work" their wedding. Or, for those couples who really see the value in having a professional on the day, but don't have the budget for a full service planner.

From 2010 - 2015, Day-of Coordination was a service that we offered at FKE, and we loved being able to help couples bring all their hard work and planning to life! In 2015 I decided to remove this service from FKE and focus solely on a Full Service/luxury planning experience for our couples. I see such value and importance in a really good Day-Of service though, and wanted to continue to offer that to couples in BC, hence the idea of Heyday was born! A company that would become known for stellar day-of coordination, and would also be a place for planners to learn, grow and become even more involved in the wedding industry. The team of "heyday makers" that we have is absolutely incredible, and all of the planners come from a great background in events. It has been such a pleasure working with them, providing guidance when needed, and seeing them work alongside some wickedly cool couples! Last season, we tested the waters (success!), and this upcoming wedding season, we are going full force! We have a lot of awesome weddings lined up for Heyday, and still have some weekends available this summer. SO.... if you, or someone you know, needs a bit of extra help pulling things together, or is at the point of wedding planning where they realize that yes, it IS a good idea to have a planner, check out Heyday Events, and give the girls a shout!

Office TalkBarb WalkerFebruary 27, 2017Heyday Events, Victoria Wedding, victoria wedding planner, Victoria Wedding Planning, victoria bc wedding planner, wedding planner victoria, wedding planning victoria, day of coordinationComment

Valentines Day: Gift Boxes

We are less than 2 weeks away from Valentines Day, and if you are anything like me, you'll be thinking "who cares"...."it's overrated"... Honestly, my idea of the perfect Feb 14th is a night spent with lots of takeout and sitting on the couch watching Netflix with the hubby. BUT...over the holidays, I was on the receiving end of some incredibly thoughtful gift boxes, and I fell head over heels in love with them! I know that Gift Boxes aren't a new concept, but the most recent surge in popularity of locally inspired boxes has me completely obsessed! Supporting local companies while treating someone you love? Yes please! Some of my favourite peeps have been putting together some incredibly thoughtful boxes, and they are definitely inspiring me to up my Valentines Day game this year. Here are a few of our fav's, and if you don't live in Victoria, I highly encourage you to source some local ones from your home town!

Tara McHugh: Valentines Gift Box
$89.95
+ free local delivery for FKE readers (use code LOVE)

Perfect for:
Your bestie who always looks like her clothes and house belong in an instagram pic, and you love her for it.

Why we love it:
Does it get more fem or lovely than this? And every purchase supports creative entrepreneurs, small business and big dreamers.

The Goods:
Watercolor tea towel by artist Lindsay Remple
Lavender scented heart soap by Sweet Pure Honey
Hand poured FLORA Woodlot candle
Dried bundle of white statice flowers

Thorn & Thistle: Sweetheart Box
$145.00

Perfect for
That special someone in your life who you want to completely spoil and maybe spend some "alone" time with...*wink wink*

Why we love it:
All of the products are organic, and it's the perfect combination of sexy & sweet. (hands up to those who get that reference!)

The Goods:
A seasonal bouquet
Kismet Pink Himalayan Salt Soak with rose petals
Province Apothecary Sex Oil
Karameller Candies
Lux et Terra Beeswax Candle

Vancouver Island Gift Baskets: Breakfast Nook
$135.00

Perfect for:
Your foodie friend, who spends more time at local coffee shops than bars, and appreciates the stillness of mornings.

Why we love it:
Because the caloric count is significantly lower than a chocolate themed gift, and who doesn't love coffee?

The Goods:
Fernwood Coffee & Galiano Coffee Roasting Co.
Babe's Clover Honey
Denman Island Espresso Chunk Chocolate Bar
Silk Road Tea, Anteeo Tea & Biscotti
RockCoast Sea Salt Toffee Bark, Smoked Canadian Sea Salt &
Saltspring Kitchen Co. Jam

Tara McHugh: Valentines Mini Box
$49.95
+ free local delivery for FKE readers (use code LOVE)

Perfect for:
That friend that deserves a little pick me up just because.

Why we love it:
You can't beat the price point, and it is freakin' adorable!

The Goods:
Wild Hill Botanical's Northwest Forest Soak bath mix
Handcrafted Lavender scented soap by Sweet Pure Honey
Tara McHugh Flora signature tin of Earl grey leafy tea

Office TalkBarb WalkerFebruary 3, 2017Gift Boxes, Victoria gift boxes, local gift boxes, Valentines Day, valentines day gifts, victoria wedding planner, Victoria Wedding Planning, Victoria Event Planning, wedding planner victoria, Thorn & Thistle, Tara McHugh Flora, Van Isle Gift Baskets Comment

Our Guilty Pleasures: Edition 03

Happy February everyone! The month of L O V E (countdown to V-day is on!), as well as fighting those winter blues. And what fights the winter blues the best? Dreams of sunny beaches and warm evenings....*sigh*... Paula, our lovely office assistant, is currently travelling in Thailand, and so in honour of her travels, and subsequent jealously that has been happening around here because of it, this months guilty pleasures round up is of all things Wanderlust!

Take me away:

Paula: Thailand

Barb: St. Lucia

Laura: Costa Rica

Happy Hour all day long:

Paula: Margarita on the rocks

Barb: Mojito

Laura: Gin & Tonic

Can't live without travel item:

Paula: Shampoo Bar

Barb: Jaxsea Kimono

Laura: A good book

So, tell us! Where would you go? And what item do you have to travel with? (Paula's Shampoo bars have just raised the bar for making air travel that much easier!! #obsessed)

Office TalkBarb WalkerFebruary 1, 2017Comment

Currently Inspired by: Edition 03

Happy Friday everyone!!! It's been a ridiculously cold week here in Victoria, but the weather man says that this cold spell we've been having is about to end (sort of...), and so I've decided that is worth celebrating with a cocktail tonight! Since the new year, we have been full on design mode, and 2017 inspiration has been oozing out from everywhere. Some new trends are definitely appearing, and we are finding ourselves drawn to some new things, which is always fun. Here are just a few of the things that are currently inspiring us.

Patterned Napkins
Textiles are a beautiful way to add personality to a tablescape, and a patterned napkin feels fresh and unexpected.

Modern Bouquets
We are still as obsessed as ever with organic styled bouquets, but these modern, clean lined and elegant bouquets had us at hello. Sophistication at its best.

Blue
Pantone may have dubbed green the colour of the year (which we will not argue with), but one hue has become a stand out for our 2017 weddings: Blue. It's everywhere, and whether via textiles, glassware, or styling accents, we can't get enough!

Office Talk, Planning TipsBarb WalkerJanuary 13, 2017wedding planning victoria, Wedding Planning, Victoria Event Planning, Victoria Wedding, victoria wedding planner, Victoria Wedding Planning, victoria bc wedding planner, wedding planner victoria, wedding designer, wedding design, 2017 wedding trends, patterned napkins, modern bouquetsComment

Our Guilty Pleasures: Edition 2

We're all slowly starting to emerge from the lazy days of Christmas, and things in the office are starting to pick up fast! Just 5 months until wedding season gets really going...and we can't wait! We thought we'd share with you another instalment of our current guilty pleasures. These are the things that we are currently talking about non-stop in the office, and may or may not be providing some good comfort during these dark winter nights as of late.

Favourite gift under the tree: