Sunrise Creations Blog

Blooming Bouquets.

Sat, 12 May 2012 06:10:00 GMT

Choosing your bouquet is just as difficult as choosing your wedding dress. It's hard enough to decide which flowers you want and it's quite likely they will be out of season.

Instead of thinking solely of floral bouquets, here are some alternative ideas for you to consider.

Aren't they gorgeous?

1. Button Bouquet - Your Best Wedding.

2. Shell Bouquet - Cry baby Ink

3. Paper Ranuncula Bouquet - Wedding Look Book

4. Brooch Bouquet - Wedding Bee

5. Butterfly Bouquet - Wedding Flowers and Reception Ideas

6. Feather Bouquet - B Fab Events.

And then for the flower girls... This cutie is from Q Flowers in Queensland.

Look beyond the floral and explore different textures and materials. You might find something that you love and which fits with the theme of your wedding.

More online photo storage ideas.

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 07:19:00 GMT

In January a blog was posted about “Storing your photos online” that discussed a couple of sites such as Flickr, Smugmug and Photobucket that can be used to store your photos. Since then we have discovered some additional sites that we thought were worth bringing to your attention.

• Snapfish: Offers free unlimited storage of photos. Access to this service remains free while you are an active member which means you make a purchase of photo merchandise through their site at least once a year.

• DPHOTO: Allows you to store and display your photos and videos in your own online gallery. Access is made easy as you have your own web address that can be password protected. You can set up individual galleries and can also gain access via an iPhone. Pricing starts from $30 per year.

• Pinterest: Is a great place to share or “pin” things of interest such as a funny or interesting photo, video or it can also be used to share or “pin” things that may assist others. There is not cost for this service.

• Instagram: This is very popular free photo sharing service that can be accessed from your iPhone, iPad and now Android devices.

In addition to the above services and the ones in the January blog there still a large number of other online photo sharing services. There are many factors to consider when making a decision on which one is the most suitable. For example, this may include price, how they are presented, how much advertising may exist on the site as well as privacy issues and who can access your photos. As one last vital point your memories can be endless so always ensure you have a backup in the event the photo sharing site ceases to exist.

Place cards with a difference.

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 06:59:00 GMT

You know how some weddings just stand out in your memory? I’ve decided that it’s often because of the little details which show thought and care which make one wedding different from another.

I’ve been thinking about place cards lately. They are a necessary part of any function but sometimes they can be a little routine, can’t they? What if we put some extra effort into finding quirky place cards? How much different might that make to the way we remember an event?

Here are some of the clever ideas I have come across.

These little hand decorated biscuits serve as place cards and they are edible so they have a dual function. By Also Heaven, these pretty cookies will attract attention. .

Of course, not everyone likes sugar. If your wedding is eco-friendly, uses a nature theme or has a green colour scheme, why not use something like these apple place cards fromSugar Bowl?

These little lollipop place cards are by DIY Weddings but they would be just as much fun at a children’s party. Don’t they look fabulous?

I love this look, too. By Southern Living, it uses little bird’s nests and eggs to hold the place card. You could create your nest out of straw and write the name on the egg. How good for Easter.

There are more ideas over at Oh So Beautiful Paper but I love these ones. Satin ribbon, an old fashioned key and a handwritten, vintage style name tag. So pretty.

It’s the tiny things like place cards which turn a wedding from pretty to magical.

What ideas can you come up with?

A Doggie Wedding -Seriously!

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 22:18:00 GMT

We may love our dogs but how far would you go for them? Would you go as far as having a wedding for your pooch? Well there are a lot of people who would and at a considerable cost.

I happened to see a photo online and it made me curious about pet lovers and their extreme actions. There are a lot of doggie weddings out there that cost as much as your wedding and mine combined! Just have a look at what I found.

This dog owner spent £20,000 on her pets wedding that included the wedding march played by a harpist, £1,000 of flowers, £1,350 of jewellery as well as a cupcake tower that cost £200. Here is the happy couple.

As well as doggie wedding planners there are websites specifically devoted for that special doggie day. This website has everything you need from cakes, dresses and even bow ties! Here is one of their doggie wedding cakes.

Is this all a bit much and over the top or just some people having a bit of fun? If you are not sure and are considering a wedding for you pooch EHow has a 10 point checklist that should assist you to ensure that special day for your pooch is a perfect day.

If you are still not too sure then this may be the clincher for you to start planning your doggie wedding. Click on the photo to see the rest of the wedding.

Well, perhaps I need to incorporate a whole new selection of personalised invitations into the Sunrise Creations range - Doggie Wedding invitations!

What do you think?

Cake Pops for Easter

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 04:14:00 GMT

Cake Pops are all the rage at the moment. They are fabulous looking little morsels of cake on a stick which is how they get their name. They were invented by Bakerella, a clever American baker whose work was noticed by Martha Stewart. Once she appeared on the Martha Stewart show there was no stopping her. Cake Pops took the world by storm.

The cake pops are highly decorated and look like little works of art once they are done. They are a stand out feature on any dessert table.

Here are a few of my favourite Easter inspired cake pops.

The first two designs are by Bakerella, queen of cake pops. The next two are by Natalie's Cake Pops. I found the last.ones at the Dollhouse Bake Shoppe.

You can see what I mean about these little cakes being mini works of art, can't you?

I don't know that I will be making cake pops this Easter but I might dream of them!

Wishing you a very happy Easter season to you and your family.

Easter means parties

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 04:32:00 GMT

I love Easter. Despite its religious significance, to me Easter always means children and lots of childlike fun for everyone.

I love the egg hunts and the bunny footprints around the garden. I love the crazy hats the school children make and parade in each year. I love the baskets and I love the decorated eggs.

Above all, I love the brilliant dessert tables that some creative people are able to put together.

Aren't they lovely?

The top dessert table is for the grown ups - well, for the girls, anyway. Who could resist Easter in Paris? This table is by Laura's Little Table and was featured in The Party Press.

The middle table I spotted on Pinterest, pinned on the Catch My Party page. I love the colour and layout of the table.

The last is by Sleek Shindigs and was shown at P is For Party . It's the dessert table waiting for the children when they finish their egg hunt.

What will you do this Easter? Games, parties and dessert tables sound great to me.

Bridal Jewellery - An interview with Elise Petty of The Bangle Business

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 03:17:00 GMT

Jewellery is such an important part of a bride's look that it just has to be right. The wrong choice can ruin the effect of even the most expensive dress. We interviewed Elise Petty from The Bangle Business about jewellery for the bride and the bridal party.

1. What is special about your jewellery?

When you buy a piece of The Bangle Business (TBB) jewellery, not only do you have a beautiful piece of handmade jewellery but a personal connection as well. Our product is about People. Every product has a story and a connection to the artisan who created it. Hence our brand message, “From Person to Person”.

Our pieces are handcrafted with care and precision by artisans using the finest metals and stones.

2. Why would the bridal party choose your jewellery?

The modern bride who chooses TBB jewellery to adorn herself with on her most important day will be wearing (and thus feel herself) a spectacular, decadent and elegant handmade creation. Beautifully unique with exquisite and detailed design. Our glamorous pieces are the perfect indulgence for the bride and her party.

We can also work with the bride to create Haute Couture bridal sets. We recently created a stunning white gold, diamond and crystal quartz pendant and earrings set for a very happy bride. We can personalise your jewellery to suit your personality.

We take the time to make sure that each piece of jewellery flatters the bride and complements her gown. It's such an important day that it has to be perfect. We do our part to make sure you look as lovely as you hoped.

3. How did you get into this business?

In August 2008, as part of the Australian Rural Leadership Course we travelled to India as our study country. I loved it!! Most of all I loved the colours, the people and the jewellery!!!

I bought lots of bling bangles. When I got back and wore them I just had so many comments that I decided there had to be a business opportunity.

I resigned from Argyle Diamonds and started own business, primarily consulting to provide cash flow so I could follow my new dream.

I wanted to build a web based business that not only sold unique stunning jewellery but added value to underprivileged people in India.

There were 2 factors that kept creeping back into my mind that I found unusual by our standards.

1. The jewellery industry in India is primarily a male dominated industry.

2. Struck by the colour and vibrancy of women no matter how poor.

I decided to work on a model of working directly with the artisans with the end goal being to transfer these skills to rural women and provide them with an income.

Here we are today.

4. Do you have a favourite memory about your jewellery being worn at a wedding?

Definitely. A very dear friend of mine wed her husband on the banks of the Pentacost River at El Questro Wilderness Park in the Kimberley last Easter. It was the most amazing setting, intimate and elegant. I was so thrilled that she had chosen TBB to work with her to perfect her bridal outfit. The amazing sunset set off the perfect amount of sparkle on her bangle and earrings. Such a beautiful bride.

5. What piece would you recommend for a bride?

These are just lovely but you can also have a look at the bridal section of our Facebook page for more ideas.

Paris Romance Earrings: Glittering chandeliers of silver and sparkle will make you the belle of the ball. As a bride these handmade earrings will help make your special day all you dreamed it would be.

Juliet Earrings: Spectacular, simple and stunning, handcrafted Silver and Crystal Quartz drop earrings

Ethereal Bangle: Shimmering feminine indulgence, this piece will be remembered, handmade hinged bangle

Eve Bangle: Shine with this incredible crystal handmade hinged bracelet. This piece is pure elegance.

Sparkles Silver: Elegant and simple.

6. What sort of jewellery would you choose for the mother of the bride?

This really depends on the individual style, the mother of the bride also wants to be elegant and beautiful yet not outshine the bride.

This set would be beautiful, elegant and understated, perfect for the mother of the bride.

Rose Quartz & Pearl Necklace and Matching Rose Quartz & Pearl Earrings. This Pearl and Silver bracelet is very elegant, too.

We can work with brides to create jewellery to suit their style, be it in crystals or diamonds, metal, silver or gold. They will look effortlessly elegant and know that their jewellery was created with love, from Person to Person. After all your wedding day is hugely personal.

We hope this interview has given you some ideas about the kind of jewellery you might like to choose for your wedding day. You can see more of Elise's jewellery at her website, The Bangle Business.

Make your own bridal bouquet.

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 03:04:00 GMT

An increasing number of brides are looking for alternatives to the hugely expensive and formal events that weddings have become. They are choosing to make their own wedding dresses and cater for their reception. I'm not sure that I could go that far, but I would consider making my own bridal bouquet now that I have seen this video.

In this clip you will learn how to put together a simple bouquet of roses for the bride. The florist does make it look easy and I know it will be a little more difficult once I start, but the end result is lovely. One thing I noticed is the way she filled the gaps around the edges of her bouquet with the smaller flowers so that it had a smooth and neat look. I think that is part of the craft that we all need to pay attention to.

I hope you enjoy this clip. It is short and simple and if you follow the steps you will end up with a glorious bridal bouquet.

Interview - Mihad Ali and Customised Wedding Vows

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 05:16:00 GMT

The wedding vows are the most important part of a wedding and there is an increasing number of couples recognising that and writing their own vows. It isn't as easy as it sounds.

We interviewed Mihad Ali, owner of Mihad Ali Creations and creator of customised wedding vows. What a fascinating job she has.

How did your business begin?

My business idea began not too long ago. It began from 3 loves I have: helping other people, writing poetry and my love anything and everything weddings. From my love of these 3, I thought it would work as a business because there wasn't anything like it. There are similar businesses that services brides and grooms with personalised vows. What makes my business different is that it is true personalisation from the first to the last word. Nothing is ever repeated for a client.

How do you write personalised vows? How do you get to know the bride and groom?

With every Bride or Groom, I talk to them (usually separately) and learn more about their relationship and we talk about how they met, when their partner first said the three magical words (I love you), where were they when that happened, any ideas they may have and want to include in their vows.The phrase pictures tell a thousand words is true so I get the bride or groom to show me some pictures they love and we talk about why they love them. Every little bit helps to create words to remember. Because I want them to feel relaxed I usually meet with them at their homes. It is their space and comfort zone and people feel more at ease in their own environment which makes it feel like a conversation with a friend and not an interview. So there is no need to be nervous!

Do people come to you with pre-written vows?

Clients have never come to me with their vows fully written, they usually come with ideas of what they want which is fantastic because it tells me that they care enough about their Bride or Groom to-be to have seriously thought this through.

Why should couples bother with customised wedding vows?

Weddings are such a personalised and special event. Every little detail is thought out from the linens to the shade of flowers in the centrepieces. Why shouldn't the vows be as well? The vows one makes to their future partner aren't just words spoken, at least they shouldn't be. They should be full of treasured and unique memories for the couple. In 20 years time they can look at those vows and remember their wedding day like it was yesterday simply because it was theirs and theirs only. That is something that no one can take away from them. Their wedding day from start to finish was theirs. Their wedding vows wasn't what some do especially at the last minute which is get them off the internet. Why would you want to use vows that millions of other people have used? There is a sense of pride and elegance in knowing they are yours forever.

What else can you offer to the bride and groom?

Many people get nervous at the thought of speaking in front of a crowd. Imagine having to do that on one of the most important days of your life? With the Divine Delivery service, I help the Bride or Groom do just that. For 8 weeks (2 hours a week) together we go through a personalised learning process. As we all have different ways of learning we work out what bests suits them and then start memorising their vows and by the end of the 7 weeks they know their vows like the back of their hand and because we've practiced for so long they usually aren't nervous or scared. In the week before the wedding we go over the vows one last time just to make sure there are no issues and before you know it is it wedding day! It is a fun process for the both of us. Believe it or not to help couples memorise their vows we play games! What better way to learn than by having fun doing it!

Which part of your job do you love most and why?

The best part of my job is when I see the look on a client's face and they love their vows. Knowing that I had a hand in helping them create something so special and timeless that will be treasured forever makes me smile, There is nothing better!

What a photobook looks like.

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 03:34:00 GMT

I've often spoken about photobooks here on our blog. You know how much I love them for the way they preserve your precious photos but you might not realise just how gorgeous they can make your photos look.

A photobook is not like a photo album. We don't just take your photos and plonk them onto a page. A photobook is a work of art. It's the kind of book that you'd be proud to leave out on your coffee table for guests to look at, Each photobook is unique.

Would you like to have a look at my recent work? These are examples of my own personal albums. Just click on the images and you will be able to preview the whole album.

You can see how the photos tell a story. The backgrounds are chosen to complement the photography and you can even add some text.

If you'd like to have a photobook full of memories created for you, contact me. I will help you select the right photos to tell your story.

An interview - Celebratzio Wedding and Event Planning

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 02:55:00 GMT

I was lucky enough to interview Rebecca Taylor from Celebratzio Wedding and Event Planning in Queensland. I've always been interested in the way wedding planners work so I asked her about her business.

1. How did you come to start your business?

I was a bridesmaid for a good friend and she struggled to plan her wedding, I assisted and loved it. She suggested I complete a course to become an event manager and so I did and I've never looked back. I love what I do, and being creative everyday.

2. What is your favourite sort of event or celebration?

Any event that celebrates something - life, love, being happy!

3. What sort of events do you manage?

Weddings, birthdays, Corporate functions, Photoshoots, Engagement Parties, production shoots. You name it and we can do it.

4. What is the best part of your job?

Taking the stress away from people so they can celebrate. Seeing their face when it comes together just as they imagined it would in their dreams.

5. Do you have a funny story about one of your events?

I was managing a Fairytale Engagement party, and while the soon to be Best Man attempted to make a toast, he tapped on the bottle to get attention, which didnt happen. He tapped so hard it smashed the bottle and champagne sprayed all over his shirt. That got everyone's attention and an applaud. They thought it was staged like that!

I plan, manage and style any and all events, to all sizes and to all budgets. We listen to what you want and create the event of your dream. At Celebratzio its all about YOU!

How to make your Valentine's Day truly romantic.

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:02:00 GMT

The shops are awash with red, white and pink. TV commercials are telling us to make it a gift ‘they’ll never forget’. There’s a distinct increase in the availability of heart shaped chocolates. It seems we must be getting close to Valentine’s Day! Before you fall victim to the clichéd expressions of love for your special person, throw the commercialised expectations out the window and make your Valentine’s Day special according to your own personal relationship.

The definition of romantic in its simple elegance is the displaying or expressing of love or strong affection. Nothing mentioned about hand delivered flowers, candlelit dinners or expensive jewellery. While these things are lovely ways to express how you feel and will no doubt receive a warm welcome, you can have a truly romantic Valentine’s Day just by thinking about your own personal relationship; knowing your partner, what they love (besides you – of course) and expressing this understanding in a way that you know will connect and resonate with them.

As we know with any gift or gesture, it’s always the thought that counts. True romance on Valentine’s Day is putting thought into your own individual relationship and doing something which you know is meaningful and personal to you both. It can be as simple as taking them to their favourite place to tell them how you feel. But we can’t tell you exactly what you need to do this Valentine’s Day – you already have the answer with you. Just think about it.

Valentine’s Day is on the 14th February and this year falls on a Tuesday.

(Heart petal image by Jody Stuart)

5 posts to help you manage your photo library.

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:36:00 GMT

Our blog is so chock full of useful tips about how to take a great photo, ideas for photography subjects, uses for your photos and much more. Sometimes it can be hard to find the information you are looking for. One of the most important topics we have covered is how to manage all of those precious photos so we thought we'd make it a little easier to sort through by listing some of the best posts here.

So, here are our 5 top posts that will help you sort, organise and store your precious photographic memories.

1. Storing your photos online. One of our more recent posts which talks about backing up your images by storing them in online photo storage sites.

2. Ahhh - I can't find my photos! Just how many photos do you have on your computer? If you had to find one specific photo, how long would it take you?

3. How to choose photos for your album. You can't save them all so here are some tips to help you work out what to keep and what to include in your album or photobook.

4. Do you have a corporate record? Not all photos are personal. Don't forget about your corporate photos. They tell the story of your business so make sure you protect them.

5. Turn them into canvas. We all have one favourite photo of our children that we want to preserve. Turn it into a canvas print to hang on your wall. That gives you 2 formats of your favourite photo.

We hope these ideas help you easily get sorted and organised.

Creating a visual tale with photos.

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:02:00 GMT

Isn’t it funny how easily we can let something slip from our minds when it’s not there right in front of us? In our defence, life does get the better of us; one minute it’s Monday, the next it’s Sunday, and you find yourself getting ready to start another week all over again.

The human brain usually works best when we get a reminder about things. A little trigger here or there – a fragrance, a song, a place – can flood your mind with sensations. So what better to be reminded of than your memories or feelings for someone, something or some place you love? That’s often why we enjoy having photos around us at home and at work. They are a visual reminder about what we love and enjoy which we can then share with everyone else.

Very often, behind the photo is a story. A great way to tell the story further without even saying a word is compiling a series of photos of what was happening that special day. Your child’s first day of school, for example, would have been a process of getting ready, making the lunch, packing the bag and then leaving home to start their exciting new journey.

I always take photos throughout the day because you never know what you’re likely to capture or what particular part of the day will be the one that moves you most. Seeing my child in uniform for the first time brought tears to my eyes but, unexpectedly, so did the moment when I watched him walk out of school with a big smile and a new friend.

By taking the photos of each moment and putting them together in a photobook or in a series on your wall, they form something like a visual story, to be shared, admired and reflected upon for years to come. You don’t always have to limit yourself to one photo for a memory – your own story board with a collection of photos can say a thousand words.

Storing your photos online.

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:00:00 GMT

With the advent of the internet came a whole host of applications that meant our lives got so much simpler. These days, photos, for example, can be downloaded from our digital cameras and stored directly onto different sites. There are so many plusses to this kind of storage, but safety has to be the main one.

How many people have lost their memories from flood, fire or theft? Too many, that’s for sure. However, by uploading images onto sites like Flickr, all this worry about our beloved photos will be gone forever. Here are some of the best and the prices they charge, if any.

Flickr – one of the most popular photo sharing sites on the internet. For individuals, they allow up to 200mb of storage per month. For the professional, the allowance is unlimited and it only costs $25 per year.

Smugmug – one for the professionals. Charges range from forty dollars per year up to one hundred and fifty dollars so only serious photographers will be found here.

Photobucket – reliable storage for photos and videos.

When choosing a photo storage site, check that you have the option to make some of your images private. After all, you don’t want other people sharing your family images, do you?

Keeping your photos backed up online doesn't have to cost you anything but I'd pay a fortune just to keep my family memories safe, wouldn't you?