1st Anniversary Gifts

by laurarichert // January 10, 2018 // Comments off

Commemorate the first year of marriage with a Paper Anniversary Gift.

Watercolour Portrait
Little Me Paper Co. offers a whimsical custom watercolour painting of your wedding photo. Leanne includes florals and banners, or can add a full background if you wish! Her creations are watercolour and ink on archival quality paper, a true keepsake. She also offers bespoke wedding stationery and other lovely paper goods.

Little Me Paper Co. is based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Check out her Etsy shop.

Bouquet Painting
Eternally preserve the delicate and fleeting beauty of your wedding bouquet with an original painting by Canadian artist, Terri Heinrichs. Terri can capture your bouquet in either impressionistic, traditional oil painting style, or she could paint it in a more contemporary acrylic textured style. Whichever style you choose, what a beautiful keepsake to display in your home!

Based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Click here to see how to commission Terri to paint your (or a loved one’s) wedding bouquet.

Wedding Song Lyrics or Sheet Music
Your first dance song or ceremony song in beautiful sheet music on canvas to display in your home, by Nellys Custom Art.

Ships from London, England or via digital download. Order via Etsy

Sound Waves
Artsy VoicePrint will personalize a sound wave from the moment you each said “I Do” or even your wedding song! Museum quality professional GICLEE printing for vibrant colour. I ADORE this bonus: it also comes with a QR code so that you can listen to the sound too!

Ships from California, USA. Order via Etsy

Paper Cutout Portrait
Purple Paper People will create a beautiful memento of your wedding photo and GUESS WHAT! One pet is included, with the option to add all your fur-babies. If you’re anything like me, home is where the pets are- pets are life. My hubby and I first saw her work in the home of our Marriage Commissioner, which she received for her own 1 year anniversary.

Ships from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Check out her shop on Etsy

Tickets for a Date Night
More interested in an experience to share together, instead of a keepsake? A date night to see a concert, comedian, dance or theater definitely counts as a paper gift! Bonus points if your spouse has been wanting to see this band live or go to the ballet with you. You have the freedom to set your own budget for this gift too.

I can’t take credit though, this idea came from my wonderful hubby Kyle, who gifted me with tickets to a comedy show along with a wall frame for displaying our wedding photos, which he was proud to point out would be paper too!

Birch & Bunny Weddings is dedicated to providing a seamless journey down the aisle, and events that are truly a reflection of the two of you. Your vision will be executed down to the last detail, and I am honored to be a part of it.
Ask about Month-Of Coordination services, full Wedding Planning and Coordination or professional Consulting sessions.
Birch & Bunny Weddings and Events is proud to be WPIC certified. Servicing Calgary and area, Canmore, Banff, and destinations world wide.

The BASH

by laurarichert // January 5, 2018 // Comments off

Details: Saturday, January 20, 2018 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Sunday, January 21, 2018 from 11:00am – 4:00pm
Location: Hudson, 200 – 8 Ave. SW, 6th Floor

The BASH is a wedding show unlike any other! It’s the ONLY wedding show you need to go to. Oh Yes, and yours truly will be there along with a select group of incredibly talented wedding pro’s!
Grab a Cocktail!
Yes, The BASH is a fresh kind of wedding show. Every ticket to The BASH includes a complimentary signature cocktail and canapés prepared by Hudson. Sunday there will be mimosas and coffee by Monogram.

Hair & Makeup Touch-Ups
The Mountain Beauties glam squad will be on site offering free touch-ups, and a selfie station! Be sure to admire their lovely booth, because this year I was honored when Mountain Beauties asked Birch & Bunny to team up to style their booth!New Venue
The BASH has moved into a new event space this year; Hudson! Birch & Bunny gave you a sneak peak from their grand opening party- check it out here if you missed it!

VIP Tickets are soooo worth the splurge! Trust us, there are some incredible perks in those lovely gift bags that only the VIP guests will receive, including several hundred dollars worth of discounts for incredible local wedding vendors. Plus goodies from some of our favourite local businesses including Junction 9, Juice Because, Model Milk, Village Ice Cream. Get your tickets here.

Birch & Bunny Weddings and Events is beyond thrilled to be an Exclusive Vendor of The BASH and I just cannot wait to meet you!

Pantone Colour of 2018 – Ultra Violet

by laurarichert // January 1, 2018 // Comments off

The trend predictors at Pantone have announced their prediction for the 2018 colour of the year and it is…
(drum roll please)

… Ultra Violet! Pantone is calling it a “dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade” that “communicates originality, ingenuity and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.” A very bold and vibrant choice after what was known as nature’s neutral; 2017’s Greenery.

Ahead of the trend, Cheryl + Travis used shades of purple in their fall 2017 wedding.

This Bride is a total gem and doesn’t she look amazing?!

Show stopping glam gown.

Making a fashion statement with these vibrant spike heels!

Travis + Cheryl’s son and Cheryl’s niece were fantastic as Ring Bearer and Flower Girl.

Huge thank you to Jessica Hunter Photography team for being so awesome and up for the challenge when I said I wanted to surprise Cheryl + Travis with these coloured smoke bombs! Click here if you’d like to watch the video slideshow of their wedding photos.

Photographer: Jessica Hunter Photography
Planner: Birch & Bunny Weddings and Events
Hair: Kharma Salon Weyburn, SK
MUA: Dallen Nicole
Dress: Sophia Tolli
Boutique: NWL Dress Boutique
Shoes: Nine West
Smoke Bombs: Rocket Fireworks Inc.

RCMP and Nurse’s Mountain Wedding

by laurarichert // December 1, 2017 // Comments off

Linsey + Mitch wed surrounded by the scenic rocky mountains at Silvertip Resort in Canmore, Alberta.
Knowing that his love was a major Disney fanattic, Mitch proposed to Linsey at Disney Land!

As guests arrived they were serenaded by Amante Duo.

To incorporate their Disney Land proposal into their big day wasn’t hard, first they used Disney trivia to determine the order at dinner. Then instead of clinking glasses guests were to recite a Disney quote to get the newlyweds to smooch.

This Sweets Table featured desserts as far as the eye could see- everything from macarons and croquembouche, to sandwich cookies, donuts, brownies, blondies, and various mini pies and tartlets!

Confetti Sandwich Cookies Sweets Table Dessert Buffet
One small guest was especially impressed by the sweets table! I overheard a little girl ask her daddy if she could go get dessert, her eyes must have been bigger than her stomach because she returned with a half full serving platter! After we stifled a giggle, her dad told the little girl that she had to offer the sweets around. Boy was she ever disappointed, but she did share. Such a sweetheart.

Little did Linsey + Mitch know, that their friends had staged a Flash-mob group dance!

Afterwards, I took the gorgeous flowers to YYC Petal Project. They took our donated centrepieces, bouquets and garlands and split them into several smaller bouquets which they distributed to a Senior’s Care Centre. As a Nurse (and a total sweetheart) Linsey was so thrilled by this suggestion.

What an amazing day with an incredible couple! I am so honored that you chose me to be a part of your special day.

Event Partner Team
Venue: Silvertip Resort
Photographer: Kingdom Come Photography
Coordinator: Laura of Birch & Bunny Weddings and Events
Florist: Travis of Calyx Floral Design
Cake + Desserts: Pretty Sweet
Musicians: Amante Duo
DJ: Outright Entertainment
Stationer: Pink Umbrella Designs
Bridal Boutique: Novia Mia Bridal
Gown: Allure Bridals
MUA: Beauty Mark Productions
JP: Greta Reiten
Guest Shuttle: Highland VIP Group
Flower Donation: YYC Petal Project

Birch & Bunny Weddings is dedicated to providing a seamless journey down the aisle, and designing events that are truly a reflection of the two of you. Your vision will be executed down to the last detail, and I am honored to be a part of it.
Ask about Month-Of Coordination services, full Wedding Planning and Coordination or professional Consulting sessions.
Birch & Bunny Weddings and Events is proud to be WPIC certified. Servicing Calgary and area, Canmore, Banff, and destinations world wide.

Cotton (2nd) Anniversary Gift Ideas

by laurarichert // November 17, 2017 // Comments off

Embroidered Bouquet
Lovely bespoke replica of your wedding bouquet, handstitched by Erin McMenemy. Erin will capture the essence of your bouquet, so you can even let her know if there were special details such as a charm on the ribbon wrap.
She’s @erinmcmom across all social media platforms. You can even watch her time-lapse stitching videos on YouTube.

Ships from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Check out her Etsy shop!

Custom Pillow Cover
Want to hear the cutest thing? As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, my hubster Kyle and I are loving the annual challenge of choosing gifts from the Traditional Anniversary Gifts list. Well as they say, “great minds think alike”. For our Cotton Anniversary we both ended up handing each other throw pillow covers! I ordered his from Thimble Theory.

Choose your font and colours, add your names, the date you met, your proposal date, wedding date and you’re done!

Ships from Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada. Order via website or Etsy.

Sound Waves on Canvas
Artsy VoicePrint will create personalized art from a sound wave of the moment you each said “I Do” or even your wedding song! You may have seen that we previously mentioned this Etsy shop in our 1st Anniversary Gift Ideas blog post, but you can also get this on cotton canvas for your 2nd anniversary or even wood for your 5th or metal for your 1oth.
Plus, I ADORE this bonus: it also comes with a QR code so that you can listen to the source of your soundwave art anytime!

Ships from California, USA. Order via website or Etsy

Confetti Magazine Ad

by laurarichert // September 13, 2017 // Comments off

Yay! Last night was the official launch party for the inaugural issue of Confetti; the marriage of Calgary Bride magazine, and Luxe by Calgary Bride. You can grab your copy at Chapters, Bridal Expo, or swing by for a visit, I’ll be picking up lots of copies to share with you lovely humans!

I’m so excited to have my ad printed in the first ever issue of Confetti magazine, found on page 186. Check it out, and let me know what you think!

Amy + Paul’s Sailing Club Wedding

by laurarichert // September 1, 2017 // Comments off

Overlooking the water on a gorgeous day in August, Amy + Paul wed among loved ones.

The intimate event blended urban style with bohemian charm, and a minimal aesthetic set the tone for their special day. Decor plays an important role in any event, but that is especially true when your Bride is an Interior Designer!

The reception was brought to life with lush florals and leafy greenery
beautiful, from their gem embellished place cards to their first dance at twilight below the strings of bulb lights. We added to the timeline a special time for Amy + Paul to sneak off for a sunset photo session.

floral centrepieces

Congratulations again, to the happy newlyweds!

Team of Event Partners
Photographer: Loree Photography
Planner: Birch & Bunny Weddings and Events
Florist: Occasional Bloom
Cake, Cupcakes: Bake My Day
Vintage Rugs: Orange Trunk
Vintage Seating, Arch: Chantelle Ashley Events
Rentals: Great Events Rentals
Catering: Great Events Catering
Venue: Glenmore Sailing Club
MUA: Hailey Rayann Artistry
DJ: Wild Bill’s DJ Service
Hair: Laura Jean Hair

You “Rock” my World; Amethyst Geode Wedding Inspiration

by laurarichert // July 19, 2017 // Comments off

Collecting gemstones was a hobby of mine as a child, so when Geode Wedding Cakes came on the scene I just knew I had to design a styled shoot around geodes and gemstones. Loads of florals accented everything from the harvest table, to chairs, to candelabras and everything in between.

Our hidden gem of a venue! This little old church had been built as a movie set, but had become run-down and in need of a lot of love when Faith and her hubby purchased it. They put a lot of work into refinishing it, and adding extra windows to let in more sunlight. For the perfect finishing touch, a blinged out chandelier, and The Acreage Weddings church was finally ready for it’s debut as a gorgeous, unique wedding venue.

wedding flower centrepieces

The stationery suite was modeled after gem stones, featuring Agate slice place cards with hand lettered calligraphy.

Although the windy weather that day prevented us from using the majestic Rocky Mountains as backdrop, we had such a stunning venue to work with. Get a load of this…

Photography Credits: Chloe Buie, Nicole Park Photography, Noel Cosgrove, Kimberly C Photography, Debbie Wong Photography

Creative Team
Workshop Host: Chloe Buie

Planning, Design: Birch & Bunny Weddings and Events

Venue: The Acreage Weddings Church
Cake: Sugar by Tracy

Florist: Calyx Floral Design

Vintage Rentals: Orange Trunk Vintage Styling and Rentals

Rentals: Special Event Rentals
Bridal Boutique: Durand Bridal

Menswear: Ed Williams Menswear

Stationer: Modern Pulp Design Studio
Calligraphy, Agates: Debbie Wong Design
Makeup: Hailey Rayann Artistry
Hair: Kristen Jensen
Jewelry: Lawlor Jewellry
Ring Box: The Mrs. Box
Models: Sarah Nunn and Alden Mueller

Birch & Bunny Weddings is dedicated to providing a seamless journey down the aisle, and desiging events that are truly a reflection of the two of you. Your vision will be executed down to the last detail, and I am honored to be a part of it.
Ask about Month-Of Coordination services, full Wedding Planning and Coordination or professional Consulting sessions.
Birch & Bunny Weddings and Events is proud to be WPIC certified. Servicing Calgary and area, Canmore, Banff, and destinations world wide.

Venue Spotlight – Hudson

by laurarichert // June 3, 2017 // Comments off

Located on the 6th floor of the historical Hudson’s Bay building on Stephen Avenue, you’ll find a grand event venue with an open floor plan and loads of natural light, historic charm and new urban accents.I’m excited to have been invited to check out the new event space at their grand opening party called Hudson Unveiled.

Made my mark on the black light guestbook, can I just say that one of my couples NEEDS to do this for their wedding!

Throughout the evening, each new event space, each with its own theme, was unveiled. event uplighting wedding food stations
Each room’s theme had a signature cocktail to match, we loved the Canadiana cocktail made of Canadian rye, peach cider and maple bacon!

We started with sangria garnished with a fruit popsicle, then hit up the champagne bar for bubbly with choice of fresh fruit or fruit puree, and then enjoyed a few classic cocktails.

Can I just say, that the food is to die for!! Props to Oliver & Bonacini.

The Liquid Nitrogen dessert station seemed like a great place to start our evening. Imagine giving your wedding guests this experience!

How about these custom monogrammed chocolates! Did you notice the marshmallow and cinnamon hotlips topiaries?

You could find us hanging out around the Canadian Shucked Oyster Bar where guests could choose from house made hot sauce, mignonettes, bloody mary sauce, lemon and horseradish.
oyster bar at event hudson yyc Another exciting food station had a giant hollowed out cheese wheel, out of which was served wild mushroom risotto. With a smaller cheese wheel, this is actually a really easy way to add “WOW factor” to your next dinner party!

cheese wheel serving bowl

Here is a beautiful moose antler centrepiece at the whole roasted rare breed Mangalitsa pork at chef attended action station.

Live music and dance performances kept us entertained, as we mingled with wedding industry friends and hit up several different photo booths.

The sweet ending to this incredible event was champagne flavored cotton candy on a flashing glow stick.

Thanks so much for an unforgettable evening!

Event Venue: Hudson
In-house Catering: Oliver & Bonacini

Love Poem Inspiration Shoot at Charbar

by laurarichert // March 13, 2017 // Comments off

In the heart of Calgary’s East Village, overlooking the Bow River is the century old Simmons Building that is home to Charbar. We knew this 102 year old building with its exposed brick, wooden beams would be the perfect location for this styled inspiration shoot. I chose a love poem by E.E. Cummings because it evokes the really romantic feeling that I was going for with my design for the shoot.

For a more bohemian bridal look I selected this crop by Theia with delicate scalloped eyelash lace and long sleeves. Pearl & Dot Bridal Boutique and we decided to pair that with a flowy bridal skirt by Kathryn Bass Bridal. Blissful Paper Co. created the beautiful calligraphy paper banner for our love poem.

This is a still image from the video by Cinderwood Films, just wait until you see the full video! Thanks to MaddPretty Salon for bringing out our model’s natural beauty.
Beautiful blooms with lots of rich colours and textures by Foxglove Studio.

CreateLove Designs created our invitation suite and menus with floral designs.

I had a style in mind for the table number, chair signs, place card names so I reached out to Custom Laser Works who even created a fun guest book alternative. (see down below). Bella Linens contributed lovely romantic lace on blush table linens as well as the draping and luxe candelabras!

I just love this little wooden bar cart from Orange Trunk Vintage, which we styled as a desert and drinks table with their other lovely vintage pieces.

Fancy some sweet treats by Modern Bake YYC? Oh how yummy these were!

Bringing together this incredible team of vendors to collaborate on this inspiration shoot was so much fun. Thank you so much for all of your effort and contributions!