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?

Why We Love Them: Savoury City Catering

Throughout this process there have been many people who have helped us get to the place that we are today. We are proud of the work that we have produced, but none of it would have been possible without the assistance, and faith, of these amazing professionals. 

One of those that had faith in us, was Donna of Savoury City Catering. She went out on a limb for us, and dedicated a large staff for the majority of the day for us so that we could create some photography magic with Sweet Pea Photography behind the lens. (Lori was another that showed immense faith in us, and we are so incredibly grateful) During those many hours of creation, plating, preparing, and of course eating, we were treated to an amazing experience, shooting meals from the heart, right in the exact spot they were made: in the kitchen of Savoury City, surrounded by dedicated chefs, using their hands to create the perfect image. every. single. time. 

When going through the proofs from Lori, we were astonished. Literally every single photo was useable and it was tricky for us to even cut one frame from the many we made that day. Eventually we came to the perfect amount, as seen in The Refinery Magazine's First Issue (you can read here). We have come to love this editorial section as one of our all time favourites. 

We are thrilled to be working again with Donna over the next little bit. First up is our DIY Evening that we are producing at FATpaint in New West! It's going to be an evening of paint, but even better food. I promise. You can purchase your tickets here: www.therefinerymag.com/events. We are also incredibly excited to share another editorial spread with Savoury City posing once more as an important detail in a fantastic shoot with The Nickerson's Photography. We received the proofs last night, and once more we are facing a familiar problem! Their shoot will be in the third issue of The Refinery Magazine, due on August 15th, 2013.

Take a look through our 1st issue spread with Savoury City Catering below!

I went out to Savoury City's 10th Birthday party last night on the rooftop of the Vancouver Art Gallery. It is, of course, going to be another fabulous event, thanks to Savoury City's fantastic work and food creativity!

Much love to you SC <3 Looking forward to another 10 years!

- A. xoxo

It's time to introduce you to Emma!

It is with great pleasure that we are welcoming Emma to our team. We have been a small team, just Ainsley and I, and though fun, it is definitely time we get a hand with our workload, so that we can focus on designing, styling and working our way to our next big issue. With that said, no big project is possible without the help of people like Emma who will be heading up our marketing program and of course unleashing her creative streak on the set of our shoots for issues to come.

Emma is a student at Simon Fraser University, where she is in her third year of communications. Currently, Emma works for BC Hydro as a community outreach representative where she has honed her skills in communicating with businesses, vendors, venues and the like. Though, that of course is all very interesting, it's time to get a little personal!

We have put together a few questions for Emma - so that you guys can feel like you know her too!

So, take it away Miss Em!

Even though you aren't married, what is your favourite part about weddings?

I would probably have to say the food, to be honest, because I love food. The dessert to be specific. 

If you could only have one dessert for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Ice cream - I can't pick so let's say ice cream and then I could change up the flavour!

Coming up to spring, which colours are inspiring you?

This spring I'm really into mint greens, pastel pinks, anything light & bright will do for me!

Tell us something we don't know about you!

I went to Europe in June and the highlight of my trip was my visit to Germany.

Vendors, watch for Emma in your inbox soon with our media kit! She lives at the end of advertising@therefinerymag.com - say hello! 

Check back for Emma's pinterest picks next Monday!

- Madison

Our big day is...

That's right - we're launching Valentine's day! We hope to see you then! xo