True Vintage Inspirations

Finding vintage table settings and decor is like  treasure hunting.  It is a dedicated pastime which requires a commitment.  Not all of us have time to dedicate to the search.

For those couples wishing to add vintage elements to their wedding need look no further than Aroka Vintage.  Dawna Graham researched and collected for 2 years before opening the first Aroka Vintage in New Westminster.  Aroka Vintage is now located at 2231 Clarke Street in Port Moody in a beautiful old house that is a storefront for not only the incredibly tableware and vintage decor collection, but also a treasure trove of true vintage finds and local artisan creations.  This collection includes themes for 1930′s inspired weddings, place settings of fine bone china for up 150 guests, furniture, a harvest table, quirky novelty items such as antique bingo cages, chalkboards, table settings and more.

Aroka’s new website will be up in April 2012 with photos of this extensive collection.

Dawna Graham has a unique love of vintage and has a passionate, undying love for the past.  She is captivated by the stories that objects leave behind.  The store is still evolving but trust that only true vintage items are found in Aroka.  No reproductions and no claims are made on items unless Dawna is 100% certain.  Aroka Vintage will always offer authentic finds and this will never be compromised.

The few local artisans that Dawna carries in her store have vintage elements in their creations whether the jewelry be reworked or repurposed or items found made into new.  “Inky & Boots“, “Secrets From the Cove“, ” Whatever Lola Wants…” are a few of  the artists Aroka Vintage carries.  ”There is no labour of love” without the upcycling and handmade element in the items she carries.

Dawna herself creates handmade treasures such as an updated 1970′s chandelier revamped with vintage piano sheets or vintage watchpocket faces sitting atop of pinwheels made from antique music sheets.  Everything she creates for the store must also include making something from something old.

By late spring and summer Aroka Vintage will be host to bridal shows, tea parties and small weddings.  With a working kitchen,bathroom and a large backyard along with Dawna’s vintage decor the space will welcome a myriad of visitors. 

Aroka Vintage only has wedding dresses that have passed inspection by Dawna.  All items in the boutique ‘bridal room’ have been scrutinized, are nearly flawless and are professionally cleaned.   Dawna specializes in her vintage finds and does not carry dresses that may compete with other bridal stores.  Her only compromise is carrying the vintage inspired handmade creations of Pure Magnolia.   

The lace gloves and stockings, purses, hats and feather fasteners are near mint. The bloomers, jewelry, handkerchiefs and pillows are all unique finds.  Aroka also has formal dresses which can be worn by the bridal party or simply because of a love of vintage.

For those couples who are truly inspired by history and a love of the past, vintage themed weddings are not merely ‘trendy’, but a true reflection of oneself.  For those who have a commitment to hosting a wedding that is eco-friendly and handmade, then take a visit out to Aroka Vintage in Port Moody or come and see the wonderful display Dawna will have on hand at the Mini Spring Grassroots Wedding Fair on April 21st, 2012!

article and photos by: Shona Dion, www.sweetearthphotographics.com

Trends for 2012 Wedding Dresses

Words of wisdom from Patty Nayel of Pure Magnolia. 

Pure Magnolia dresses are created locally by Patty and her use of sustainable materials makes her a trend setter in Canada. 

Trends for 2012 Wedding Dresses

By Patty from Pure Magnolia

 As a bride you are probably overwhelmed by all the options you have for your big day. In the end it is all about your personal style and wearing something that looks great on you! We are going to cover some of the popular trends for this year, and maybe you will see something that really works for you!

 Lace:

Lace is by far the most popular fabric of choice for brides this year. It is perfect for a vintage wedding, or a bride who is recycling her mom’s dress. Lace can be just a little addition to the dress, or be the main fabric, it can look rustic or regal: It really is a very versatile fabric!

  

 Diana’s Dress: Vintage Lace and Hemp Silk. Tea Length: $850

 Winter Lace Gown: Fitted English Cotton lace with Organic cotton $1800

A pop of colour:

Dresses are starting to stray from the traditional white to add a few other options. This doesn’t mean tacky coloured embroidery or giant sashes of 5 years ago. This trend is more about a pretty flower belt, shoes to match your bridesmaids, coloured buttons, or even a dress that is blush, sand, or champagne.

 

Diamond Back dress: Vintage lace, Dupioni Silk and Organic cotton $1600

 

Cotton Satin Mermaid: Cotton Silk satin, Organic cotton, Vintage lace $1700 shown in Champagne

Tea and Knee length dresses:

Short dresses are just great fun! Plus they can be a budget saver. But don’t go out and buy a bridesmaid dress in white, really no one likes bridesmaid dresses anyways! Buy a dress that is designed to be a short wedding dress. It can be vintage, or modern, it shows a bride who is ready run around and have fun on her big day!

 

Dotted Mini: Cotton Swiss Dot and Organic Cotton Lining $400 short $500 tea length

 

Tea length Tulle Party Dress: Dupioni Silk, Organic cotton, and tulle Tea length $900, Short $650

 Slim Silhouettes

While some brides still love the look of an amazing ball gown, we are seeing a definite increase in brides looking for a slim, sleek or body forming dress. These simple silhouettes are easy to wear and there is an option for almost any body type. 

 

Garden Dress: Dupioni Silk and Organic cotton: $1200

 

Twinkle A-line: Cotton Silk Batiste, Silk Twill and Vintage Lace bodice: $1300

The sweet scent of a natural parfum.

On a beautiful yet crisp day in November I was lucky enough to finally attend  a tea party and perfume launch with Ayala Moriel Parfums.  The tea and the fantastic homemade delicacies prepared by Ayala Moriel were served on the beautiful ceramic wares of Eikcam Designs.

I have followed Ayala for a little while now as what she creates is unique and in this chemical-infused world, a welcome alternative to highly processed scents.   Ayala Moriel has a line that includes not only the handcrafted perfumes, but teas, candles, bath salts and balms.

Above is the Zangvil Tea that Ayala launched accompanied by the new Cocoa Nymph chocolate bar, White Potion, that was created in collaboration with Ayala.  The tea is a white tea scented with jasmine and flavoured with candied ginger and vanilla bean.

The white chocolate bar is made with coconut for a smooth creamy texture, but is not too sweet. White Potion bar is based on the perfume of that name and also has tuberose flower essence in it, which is what makes it so special and different from all other chocolates in the world!

Above are a few baked homemade goodies: ginger-orange icebox cookies, Halva and snowballs.

Ayala offers tea and scent parties to interested brides-to-be.  These parties include her signature teas, handbaked cookies, sandwiches and a tutorial with the opportunity for guests to create their blended perfumes.  Her tea parties for brides can have up to 15 people.

The personalized perfume making workshops have space for only 6 people. Participants can create their own labels to go with their personal fragrances.  The process takes up to three hours and guests can chat and eat locally sourced treats handmade in Ayala’s kitchen.

 Her Zangvil Tea debuted at this event, but we were all warmed first with a delightful chai tea served in Eikcam teapots and cups.

The pears were most excellent having spent the morning marinating in wine and vanilla pods . . . yummy goodness.  The pears were marinated with ginger, citron fruit, vanilla, honey & Riesling.  These were just one of the many courses offered. 

The tea sandwiches pictured below are Asian pear with cheddar & quince mustard .  I believe these were my favourite!

For more information on scent bridal parties please contact Ayala directly at ayala@ayalamoriel.com . Eikcam ceramic ware can be purchased through Grace Lee’s studio in the Mergatroid Building on Vernon Street in Vancouver or if you make it out to One of a Kind, Grace will be exhibiting there next week!  Cocoa Nymph can be found online and at Portobello Market.

photos by sweet earth photographics

The new Spa on the Block

It appears that I am not the only one who noticed a lovely new addition to the Heatley Block in Strathcona.  It was its simplicity and welcoming tranquility that found me entering Bioethique Boutique and Day Spa to check it out.  It brings together the only fully organic skin care line in North America certified by Nature Progres, the world’s strictest certifier for cosmetics, and a boutique and day spa.

The Georgia Straight wrote an article about the Day Spa in a recent paper and I don’t want to double up on information given, but the word does need to shared about this lovely little spot.

Bioethique has only been open for a few months after a long and hard fought battle to save The Heatley Block from demolition.  Its owner, Claudine Michaud, occupied the space initially as an office/storage space to keep a viable presence in the 1889 building.  Slowly the notion of combining an already established skin care line with the boutique and day spa came together.

Claudine describes this amazing space as “Heritage meets Modern” and walking into the boutique you definitely get a sense of the French provincial feel.   With the boutique at the front of the store offering a wide range of pure, natural and vegan products ready to purchase, the day spa at the rear offers treatments to relax the body and soul.

The boutique is 100% natural with no synthetic chemicals used from the 100 year french linens to the washing of the floors.  The space is scent free and even the most sensitive of individuals will find respite here.

Bioethique is new and evolving.  Claudine is “passionate about educating people” to look at what they put on their skin.  And it is not just her products that interest her.  Look for new methods to maintain a youthful appearance in an “intelligent” way through yoga coming soon to the store.

And for the discerning bride what space could be more lovely for a bridal party than organic champagne and chemical free manicures done with an old fashioned polishing tool and original french clay.  Feel rejuvenated with an hour long massage which includes hot stones and exfoliation. Come in with a group or on your own.  Email the boutique directly for more information on this as this is part of the evolution of services.

article by Shona Dion, photos by sweet earth photographics