IN THE ISSUE: Twisting Sweet Traditions

There's little I enjoy more than baked goods or magazine recipes for baked goods - like the one found on page 128 in Issue IV - that call for ingredients I've actually heard of AND have on hand. Thank you for that Tessa of Style Sweet CA!

This collaboration between Crystal Marie Sing Photography and Tessa of Style Sweet CA is one photo shoot I would've died to be part of. Rumour has it the "models" got eaten at the end (and we're not talking about the mosquitoes getting to them). 

With names like Cranberry Orange Clove Cake and Champagne Buttercream, Lightened Fruit Cake with Mascarpone Frosting and Gingerbread Cake with Caramel Toffee Crunch, they were asking to get forked.

Off to preheat my oven to 350 degrees.

IN THE ISSUE: All Dressed In White

White is the very definition of timeless (GAP doesn't call it a 'classic white tee' for nothing) and Issue IV features pages of white Pinspiration that we're hoping to see more of in 2014 (and beyond). Sparkly headpieces, puppies of honour, woodland ferns, understated cakes... it's pure snowy white goodness  captured by the talented duo, Shari + Mike Photographers.

photography SHARI + MIKE PHOTOGRAPHY
floral design DELOVELY CREATIVE
gowns and accessories BLUSH OCCASIONS
hair and makeup JAYNA MARIE MAKEUP & HAIR
cake design LE GATEAU BAKESHOP
models PACIFICA of LUX MODEL MANAGEMENT
and JANINE MERKL with CURTIS CLEVELAND
headpieces OLIVIA

IN THE ISSUE: Celsia Florist Talks Traditions

Oh the lengths we'd go to steal Tahnée's floor length Anthro skirt. We have a particular fondness of maxis and for the Australian-born talent who generously shared her words and wisdom in Issue IV of The Refinery...

"Traditions are what we create when treasured memories meet new experiences."

To be honest I was feeling a wee bit ba-humbug about the whole 2013 holiday season. Drywall dust sure knows how to put a damper on Christmas cheer, but Tahnée's toast to "new traditions" has me reconsidering the whole Scrooge act. 

"-- there are no rules when it comes to traditions." 

So while my childhood Nutcracker collection may not be making it's annual debut, we may be adopting a new 'open presents in mom & dad's bed' policy this season, complete with cinnamon buns, egg nog and the Josh Groban Christmas CD on repeat. 

That man can sing 'Ave Maria' like no other and this woman can arrange breathtaking florals like no one we know, meet Tahnée from Celsia Florist...

photography WHEN LOVE HAPPENS styling and stationery SPREAD LOVE EVENTS floral design TAHNEE for CELSIA FLORIST hair and make up KATIE ELWOOD MAKEUP AND HAIR

* tell us what are your favourite holiday traditions?