Accentuating your reception venue with paper lanterns really adds to the romantic mood. Don’t you agree?! Right now, I’m loving the ones from Luna Bazaar, which offers lanterns in various shades, shapes and sizes. Tip: don’t be afraid to mix and match your paper lanterns, as it gives off a stunning effect similar to these two gorgeous reception shots.

In an earlier post I mentioned how I got to preview some of the fabulous new things coming from Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma, well I thought I’d get you inspired for summer with more amazing things you’ll love to register for (or even buy now!). Like I’ve said before updating your home doesn’t have to be expensive. Add some fresh new pillows, decor accents (like vases, lanterns or candles) or even a new bedspread. If you are considering registering at Pottery Barn or Williams-Sonoma, their registry program is accessible to guests anywhere in Canada. All they’ll have to do is give them a call and they’ll arrange everything (including the gift-wrap). Plus whatever items you don’t receive, but requested, is available for you to purchase at 10% off – more of a reason for you to register for everything you want!

This summer Pottery Barn has some incredibly adorable finds, like glass coolers, mason jar drinking mugs, faux coral decor pieces, sea-inspired napkins, plates and even candles. The great thing about this collection is that it’s not a theme that will go out of style. Personally I’m all for bringing the beach a little closer to home.

{All photography courtesy Pottery Barn}

Wow! Check out this amazing lantern display from Tavern on the Green in New York City. Our in-house multimedia producer Kyle (he edits all our videos and listens to our voices day in and day out) went to NYC last week to do a documentary with Ed Norton (yeah I know, what is his life!) for the NYC marathon. Anywho, while he was there, he also took a few snapshots of Tavern on the Green (this famous and luxurious restaurant smack dab in the middle of Central Park). As soon as I saw this gorge display I had to share. Love the blue twinkle lights and the hanging Chinese lanterns. It adds such pizzazz to any atmosphere and immediately sets the tone for a romantic evening.

This is a cool new twist to the typical paper lanterns.

I was clicking through Etsy over the weekend when I found this from SophiaMcD’s shop. Basically, this item works just like a normal lantern but is shaped to look like a gorgeous and elegant swan. The owner can also custom-make other items into birds or flowers. Awesome, huh?

I’ve seen many gorgeous real wedding submissions, but this one shot by Jessica Blaine Smith (jbsmithphotography.com) is in my top ten for sure (you’ll have to wait until December for our Spring & Summer 2009 issue to see how the rest of the wedding unfolded—trust me, you won’t be disappointed!).

I especially enjoy how they took advantage of the beautiful pink blossoms and incorporated them into their scheme—the timing was just right. The hanging lanterns are an added touch and make the whole place look über-magical.

Outdoor weddings are so fun! I love to see how brides and their wedding planners make the most use of their space. Of course, having an outdoor reception does have its challenges, especially if it’s during the night.

Lighting, for example, is a big difficulty. But if you’ve seen the movie Mamma Mia, you’ll notice that great reception scene at the end where they hang small candle lanterns from the trees, similar to this outdoor setup from Pottery Barn. Lanterns are so romantic and totally set the mood.