By Sharon Auld

With the Fall season upon us, I thought I would put together a quick Autumn tablescape for inspiration. Fall has been absolutely beautiful in the Rocky Mountains this year!

I haven’t always loved Fall, but I have grown to appreciate its quiet beauty. I love the muted tones and for a wedding there is so much potential inspiration to be found in the deep, rich Fall colors. Personally, I love to highlight the season with wedding decor. If you have a Fall wedding date, why not embrace the season! Afterall, it won’t be long before the colors will fade and snow will be everywhere once again!

For this tablescape, I chose to use lots of warm dark brown wood and a table covered in a natural, burlap runner. For the centerpiece, I used a wooden box with rocks covered in moss. Inside the box, I used poplar branches with bright covered leaves.

Naturally Chic fall wedding inspiration

I kept the table decidedly simple with clean lines.

modern fall wedding inspiration

We made the table number from rich, warm walnut wood that was extra from another wood project.

Naturally Chic's walnut cut out table number

I used metallic golds, and silver for more warmth.

modern fall tablescape with burlap runner

I used a silver charger and platinum rimmed plates.

modern fall table setting

I designed a wedding menu  that I engraved from walnut veneer and  it was tucked in each place setting.

wood veneer menu

If you are looking to design a fall wedding we’d love to help! Give us a call at 1.888.679.9056 or email us at hello@naturallychic.

Happy Planning!

Naturally Chic

by Sharon Auld

As someone who was once on a Canadian National Team Program, I know how much time and dedication goes into pursuing dreams such as an Olympic medal. In dedication of all our amazing Canadian Olympians, I created a simple tablescape to honor them. I love the bold colors of the Canadian Maple Leaf and other flags such as Britain’s Union Jack. For this tablescape, I utilized not only the bold flag colors from several countries, but also added some gold, silver and bronze!

Simon Whitfield

This color scheme is remniscent of the popular nautical theme we are  currently seeing in the wedding industry.

Olympic tablescape with country banners on the chairs

For this tablescape, I kept it rustic in honor of Canada’s strong, rugged heritage and made practically everything you see including the Union Jack table runner (I painted on canvas), rustic cherry wood placecards, Canada Flag table marker and favour bags. I used lots of birch wood including this birch vase we made to house the red roses.

olympic tablescape

I would love to include every Canadian Olympian in this post, but unfortunately wasn’t doable , so here’s a few of my favorite athletes from the London 2012 Games.

One of my all-time favorite Olympic moments was watching Simon Whitfield win a Gold Medal in Men’s Triathlon in Sydney in 2000 and then again an amazing Silver Medal effort in Beijing in 2008! Thank you Simon Whitfield you make us proud no matter what your finish in London!!

Canadian Olympian Simon Whitfield

Canada’s first Gold Medal of the London 2012 Games goes to Rosie Mac Lennan in Women’s Trampoline (shout out to the amazing Karen Cockburn for her 4th place finish). Congratulations Rosie!!!

Rosie Mac Lennan Canada's first gold medal at London 2012

From my former sport, Women’s Soccer, the incomparable Christine Sinclair and the Canadian Women’s Soccer team for making it into the Olympic Quarter finals!

Christine Sinclair

Despite recent head injury Canada’s courageous and immensely talented mens diver,  Olympian Alexandre Despatie.

Alexander Despatie

Canada’s 1000m Kayak specialist, the amazing Adam Van Koeverden! Can’t wait for his race!!!

Canadian Olympic Kayaker Adam Van Koeverden

Shout out to some Calgarian Olympians including Monique Sullivan who is competing in the finals of the Women’s Keirin and Sprint in Track Cycling, and our amazing women’s heptathlete, Jessica Zelinka, who despite her heart breaking 7th placing still did us proud (she is an amazing athlete and capable of competing and beating the world’s best on any given day)!!

Monique Sullivan

Jessica Zelinka

Here’s my own version of a Canadian medal that I made from mirrored acrylic and sprinkled as “confetti” on the table. I would love to design an event for Canadian Athletes and in fact, one of my projects for my Event Management certificate was a mock event I designed to honor Canadian Olympians and held at Emerald Lake Lodge!

Our Canada Olympic medal

These Canada Olympic favour bags were bags made from cotton muslin and I cut out a maple leaf from felt and attached to the bag…simple to do (you could attach a cut out snowflake, or mitten for a winter wedding)!

canada favor bags

This Canada Flag table marker I made from construction extras. So easy to do! Using flags of the world would also be great for a travel themed wedding!

canada flag table number

Maple leaf wine glass charm made from felt and attached with copper wire.

Maple Leaf Wine Glass charm

A little medal hardware (I engraved from acrylic).

Canada "Olympic" medals in gold, silver and bronze

Hope you enjoyed our post inspired by the London 2012 Olympic Games and our amazing Canadian athletes including; Dylan Armstrong, Tara Whitten, Ryan Cochrane, Brent Hayden, the Canadian women’s gymnastics “Fab Five”, Jason Burnett, the men and women’s eights (rowing), Emilie Heymans, Jennifer Abel, the Canadian Women’s Basketball team and so, so many more…including the amazing athletes who I wish were there including Perdita Felicien!!!!

One idea I think would make an amazing wedding favor is to make a donation to the Canadian Olympic athletes to help support their training efforts. Canada has a program called “Own the Podium” which allows you to make either a one time donation or a monthly donation to our athletes. What an incredible gift fellow Canadians could give our athletes. For more information check out www.olympicfoundation.ca.

For more information about our wedding and event planning and design services, contact us at hello@naturallychic.ca or call us at 1.888.679.9056, or visit our website Naturally Chic. You can also check out the wedding we planned and designed for Canadian Olympian Kimi Zakreski here.

Credits: Design by Naturally Chic, all photos by Naturally Chic.

by Sharon Auld

With the 100th Anniversary of the Calgary Stampede just around the corner, I thought it would be appropriate for a “Western” wedding inspiration board. The “western culture” is in our blood around these parts. My mother grew up on a ranch when she was young and has fond memories of training and riding horses. She also remembers the very first time she visited the Calgary Stampede with her grandfather when she was very young.

I can’t remember the first time I was on a horse because I was so young, but I also have fond memories of horseback riding in my youth (and yes, getting bucked off, but always getting right back on).  Even though I have horses now, I don’t get out to ride as often as I would like. But there’s just something about rustic wood beams, weathered old barn wood, old horse shoes and of course, horses that I love!

The Calgary Stampede honors our “Cowboys” and “First Nations” heritage and even though Calgary’s new motto is “the New West”, I still love the history and the spirit of the ‘Old West”.

From the Calgary Stampede website: “Some say the spirit of the West is the spirit of fair play – a simple and honest code of ethics that guides every man and woman who loves this land.  Treat others as you would like to be treated.  Keep your promises.  Be true to your friends.  And honour the land.” 

Happy 100th Birthday to the Calgary Stampede!

western chic inspiration by Naturally Chic, all items by Naturally Chic and photos by HiS.Co Photography, except cake and cake photo by KD Photography via Style Me Pretty, Bouquet by Willow Haven in Canmore

Are you planning a western wedding? If so, what ‘western’ elements will you be including?

To see more beautiful work from Banff and Melbourne photographer HIS.CO Photography click here and from a western inspired wedding shoot here.

For more information on our Naturally Chic wedding planning and event design, call us at 1.888.679.9056 or drop us a line at hello@naturallychic.ca.

Happy Planning!

by Sharon Auld

To me, Canada Day means summer fun, usually at the lake or in the mountains. For many, it’s camping, hiking, enjoying a barbecue or picnic with family and friends. It’s the start of warm days, campfire s’mores, ice tea, popsicles and water activities…swimming, canoeing, kayaking or floating down the river. It’s a celebration!

Here’s a little inspiration for those getting married on Canada Day or anytime in the summer. With the many lakes and mountain lodges, every wedding can embrace the spirit of summer and the True North! Happy Canada Day!

The True North Strong and Free, Oh Canada!

Photo Credits: photo 1 Red Canoe, via Style Me Pretty, photo by Eric Daigle Photography; photo 2 via Pinterest; photo 3 Red Boots, via Style Me Pretty, photo by Eric Daigle Photography; photo 4 via Style  Me Pretty, photo 4 via Pinterest; photo 5 Canada Flag, via Pinterest; photo 6 via Style Me Pretty, photo by Eric Daigle Photography; photo 7, s’mores by Naturally Chic, photo by Orange Girl Photography; photo 8 via Tuttobello; photo 9 via Style Me Pretty.

Check out more photos from local Canmore, Banff photographers Eric Daigle Photography and Orange Girl Photography!

Happy Planning!

For more information on our wedding planning and design services contact Naturally Chic at 1.888.679.9056 or email hello@naturallychic.ca.

by Sharon Auld

I’m so excited that one of my favorite shops in Canmore, Stonewaters, has created a Bridal Registry! Many of you are already familiar with Stonewaters and probably, as I do, lust after many of the store’s eclectic treasures of home decor, artisan furnishings, kitchen gadgets, bedding artwork, and more! I also love that you can find many unique, rustic works by local artisans. The quality is amazing and the store’s wares are always artfully displayed. Their wedding registry really is a genius way for mountain loving brides to register for one of a kind treasures and inspirations to not only start your married life together with, but to share for many years to come!

If you’ve never been in the store, the next time you’re in Canmore, you really must stop in! While you at it, give me a call, I’m always up for a visit to this store!

New Bridal Registry in Canmore for Mountain Loving Brides, photo by Naturally Chic

Contact Naturally Chic for wedding planning and design services in the Canadian Rocky Mountain areas, of Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, Jasper and Emerald Lake! Call 1.888.679.9056 or email at hello@naturallychic.ca.

Happy Planning!

by Sharon Auld

A wedding theme that I am just loving right now is the “equestrian” theme. As a horse owner myself, I’m loving this popular new trend. Of course, you don’t have to own a horse to want to incorporate western or equestrian elements into your wedding. All that’s required is a love for the animal!

One of the things I love most about this theme is that it can work well in both elegant and rustic settings, or both! And you don’t have to have a barn for your wedding venue either (though beautiful barn or ranch doesn’t hurt)!

So, how can you achieve this look? Personally, I love the contast of elegant and rustic, pretty and well-worn! Try mixing romantic, soft flowers with rustic elements such as reclaimed barn wood and leather. Rustic wood signs and stationery with a horse  or horseshoe motifs work well too! Think classic and elegant, like something from a Ralph Lauren catalogue. Or, you could go a little more “western”; saddles, hay bales, etc.

Here’s a little inspiration to get you started!

Equestrian Wedding Love

Photo Credits: Bride on Horse via Wedding Chicks (KT Merry Photography), Bouquet on Saddle via Wedding Chicks (KT Merry Photography), Wood table number by Naturally Chic (photo Naturally Chic), Cake Topper, Garret Nudd Photography, Barn via Style Me Pretty.

For more information about our wedding planning and design services, contact Naturally Chic at 1.888.679.9056 or email us at hello@naturallychic.ca!

by Sharon Auld

Kathy and Dave’s  Banff wedding was one of my favorite weddings of year! Not only was it an absolutely gorgeous day in the mountains, but their whole wedding was a joyous celebration from start to finish with a amazingly wonderful couple!

Kathy and Dave started the day with a traditional tea ceremony before lunch and then had a beautiful outdoor ceremony in Banff. We were thrilled that this wedding was featured on the Wedding Obsession blog.

The incredibly beautiful photography, was captured by the talented Sarah Vaughan Photography.

The dress, photo by Sarah Vaughan Photography

The beautiful bride Kathy, photo by Sarah Vaughan Photography

Their wedding ceremony took place at the Louis Trono Gazebo in Banff, Alberta. I love outdoor ceremonies and especially love when the weather is warm and sunny! This day was both. I thought our team did a beautiful job decorating the gazebo with Kathy’s DIY paper poms (we later took down all the poms to re-use at her reception at the Banff Park Lodge)!

Louis Trono Gazebo in Banff decorated with paper poms photo by Sarah Vaughan Photography

DIY paper poms for wedding decor, photo by Sarah Vaughan Photography

Wedding Programs and hand made wedding wands, photo by Sarah Vaughan Photography

The couple’s wedding vows were intensely personal and touching.

The couple marries at the Louis Trono Gazebo in Banff, Alberta

Banff outdoor wedding ceremony

A very important job. Ring bearer is intently focused on his important task.

Ringbearer awaits his role with burlap pillow bearing wedding rings, Photo by Sarah Vaughan Photography

Flower girls and a job well done, Photo by Sarah Vaughan Photography

The happily married couple, Photo by Sarah Vaughan Photography

I love that Kathy not only included her beautiful bridesmaids, but her” bridesman” (long time best friend). I am seeing more and more “bridesmen” at weddings and I think it is great! Male or female, I love when couples include their most important people to stand up for them!

The bride and her bridesmaid and bridesman, Photo by Sarah Vaughan Photography

Kathy and Dave's wedding party in Banff National Park

Kathy and Dave in Banff National Park, Photo by Sarah Vaughan Photography

Stay tuned as we have more beautiful photos from Sarah Vaughan Photography to share as well as reception shots of their eco-conscious Banff wedding!

For more information on our Planning and Design Services, contact us at Naturally Chic, hello@naturallychic.ca or call 1.888.679.9056.

Happy Planning!

by Sharon Auld

A little Friday Inspiration for your Wedding Day! I wanted to share this adorable photo sent to me by local Banff Wedding Photographer, Kirstie Tweed of Orange Girl Photographs. Kirstie had asked if I could do a “Double Happiness” sign for her couple that was getting married at Emerald Lake Lodge (one of our favorite wedding venues). The sign represented a small nod to the bride’s heritage!

Here’s the wood  sign we made as photographed by Orange Girl Photographs.

What do you think? We love when couples personalize their wedding with meaningful touches! Are you including anything that represents your heritage on your wedding day?

Wood Double Happiness sign by Naturally Chic, photo courtesy of Orange Girl Photographs

For more information about our Wedding Planning and Design Services at Emerald Lake Lodge or in the Banff area, contact us at Naturally Chic, drop us a line at  hello@naturallychic.ca or call us at 1.888.679.9056!

Happy Planning!

by Sharon Auld

Seating Charts are one of the details that couples don’t always think about in the early stages of wedding planning. They are however, an important detail that shouldn’t be overlooked. A wonderfully displayed seating chart is not only a beautiful piece of decor, but a useful tool for your guests to find their seats.

Often times couples will say they prefer that their guests find their own seats. The couples are truly wanting their guests to feel comfortable in having a choice. While in theory this seems like a good idea, but in reality guests seating themselves rarely works out! There’s almost always guests that can’t find a seat with their own family and friends, and struggle to find a table that has room enough for their party. Many guests feel uncomfortable asking at other tables if they can join them. Inevitably, there are guests trying to squeeze in more at one table, while other tables are left sparse. Late guests are left scrambling to find a seat and are often placed as singles at various tables throughout the space.

From a venue and timeline standpoint, guests seating themselves is a nightmare! Seating 100 guests can often times take well over 30 minutes. Without a seating plan, this can extend to well over an hour! Consider also that the venue’s kitchen staff is working hard to prepare a wonderful, hot meal behind the scenes and any delay to the timeline can seriously affect the quality of food served.

There are many other reasons to have a seating plan in place as well. With a seating plan, the venue staff can identify where each meal is destined; this includes not only entree selections, but also special meal considerations (dietary restrictions, allergies, vegan and vegetarian meals, kids meals etc.). Again, without a plan in place meals could be delayed or even worse, guests could be served the wrong meal!

Your guests will appreciate you have a seating plan and knowing exactly where their little space of “home” is at your wedding!

Here’s a few Seating Charts we have designed and made for weddings!

This seating plan we engraved on maple wood veneer.

Maple wood veneer seating chart by Naturally Chic, photo by Orange Girl Photographs

Dark walnut veneer wood seating chart by Naturally Chic, photo by Naturally Chic

This seating chart, engraved on walnut wood veneer has a “tree theme”. All the table “numbers” were named after various trees!

walnut wood veneer seating chart with tree theme by Naturally Chic, photo by Naturally Chic

We made this seating chart for a colleague’s wedding.

Dark walnut wood veneer seating chart photo via Bonner Photography and Sweet Occasions

Here’s a seating plan we engraved on a mirror!

Engraved mirror seating chart by Naturally Chic, photo by RW Photography

For more information on Naturally Chic wedding planning and design services in the Canadian Rocky Mountain areas of Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, Jasper and Emerald Lake, call 1.888.679.9056 or email us at hello@naturallychic.ca

Happy Planning!

by Sharon Auld

Just a quick post today! I just wanted to share this adorable photo Kirstie from Orange Girl Photographs sent me! Kirstie asked if I could make some wood letters (including this ampersand) for a recent photo shoot she was photographing at the Canadian Rocky Mountain Resort’s Painted Boat Resort (It’s on the Sunshine Coast, but the same company that owns Buffalo Mountain Lodge in Banff and Emerald Lake Lodge). Check out the Orange Girl Photographs Blog as Kirstie has posted lots of beautiful photographs featuring the resort and her inspirational wedding shoot!

Wood "&" by Naturally Chic; photo by Orange Girl Photographs

For more information on our wedding planning and design services contact us at hello@naturallychic.ca or call us at 1.888.679.9056, Naturally Chic.

Happy Planning!