Starry Starry Night – Photoshoot with Sarah England Photography

It is always a pleasure working with someone that shares a similar aesthetic and like to you. Sarah England has time and time again proven to be someone that I throuroughly enjoy working with, as well as someone who consistantly puts out unique artistic photography. When Sarah approached me to do some shoots together for the Khatsalano Music Festival, I knew instantly that there was going to be something fun about working together again.

We got together this past monday evening to produce a shoot in my new office on columbia street in new west, and this is what we came up with in just about two hours of prep time. We got together 4 models (one couple, and two seperate girls: thanks again Mel, Duncan, Julia and Julie!), hung about 500ft of white christmas lights, borrowed some gowns from upstairs (we share a creative space with Ellebay Bridal Boutique and Truvelle Bridal), and made some magic happen!

Hope you enjoy what we came up with!           – A. xoxo

68217_622494631105216_809972676_n 484699_622494591105220_69396483_n 581664_622494611105218_872636888_n 992799_622494481105231_538535081_n 992904_622494671105212_1931994743_n 994227_622494484438564_1735322692_n 995405_622494627771883_285577078_n 1000105_622494694438543_701694113_n 1000138_622494674438545_1366230600_n 1002987_622494504438562_1501199519_n 1005423_622494554438557_401170373_n 1005597_622494511105228_887222300_n 1010269_622494771105202_1005438858_n 1010277_622494527771893_495019702_n 1044241_622494584438554_2145204492_n 1044974_622494471105232_72463573_n

Current Obsession: Oh Joy!: My Uniform

I havent been around lately on the blog, but I promise to change that!

Starting today is a new series, that is fun, easy and simple to enjoy! Up first: “Oh Joy!: My Uniform”

Headed up by Joy Deangdeelert Cho, this daily inspiration blog is perfect for anyone looking to spruce up their daily wear! I love perusing her outfits that anyone could pull off, and I constantly think that her style is exactly what I wish I could wear on a daily basis.

You can check it out right here: http://ohjoy.blogs.com/my_weblog/my-uniform/

Here is Joy: (http://ohjoy.blogs.com/my_weblog/2008/01/about.html)

6a00d8341c6a0853ef017c3518902f970b

 

Here are some of my favourite uniforms for yours and my life!

Screen Shot 2013-04-16 at 10.10.41 PM

 

gotta love me some shoes! http://ohjoy.blogs.com/my_weblog/2013/03/currently-loving.html

Screen Shot 2013-04-16 at 10.12.18 PM

 

You have probably realized that I can’t keep my hands off the minty green stuff! http://ohjoy.blogs.com/my_weblog/2013/03/feeling-a-little-retro-mint.html

Screen Shot 2013-04-16 at 10.15.17 PM

 

Someone take me away to something tropical RIGHT NOW! http://ohjoy.blogs.com/my_weblog/2013/02/feeling-coral.html

I hope you all take something away from her beautiful work! Happy springtime my friends!

– Ainsley xoxo

As seen on The Refinery Magazine’s Blog – Editors Picks – Peachy Keen!

florals // room // earrings // dress

In today’s editors picks, Ainsley was feeling peachy with this warm palette. Check out some of her favourite picks from Pinterest this week!

From Ainsley:
This week is going to be peachy keen! I am venue scouting for clients and for The Refinery Magazine, which is taking me outdoors and into the wild wild world of hotels, halls, parks and gardens. What better way to stand out in a sometimes cold late winter environment? Wear some warm peachy colours with accents of navy’s, blues or creams!

Nothing looks better at a wedding than soft neutrals, and peach is a warm colour that can be accented with a wide variety of colours: from Purples to Yellows, Turquoises to Black. Last but not least, who doesn’t love a sweet and peach filled tart for dessert? Would you care for some champagne with that?

Date Night Series – #1

Todd and I moved to New West just over a year ago, in february of 2012. That entire year was a lifechanging one for me. I went from working a pretty lousy job, to working hard a growing my business into something that far succeeded what I imagined in one year. I also had the amazing opportunity to team up with Madison of Hope & Co. and start working on a little magazine called “The Refinery Magazine”. It was a crazy crazy year, and has only led to more craziness – thankfully it is all awesome craziness!

One of the most important things that helped that change was starting fresh in a new city: New Westminster. Even the name of the community screams: new, exciting, fresh, and old – all at the same time. After all, New West is the oldest city in British Columbia! When we first moved here we experienced some amazing new things, like walks on historic columbia, the rose garden in Queens Park, and date nights at the movie theatres or at some tiny restaurant down the street.

Starting this week, I pledge to write when I can about my experiences in New West, but also the wonderful things that Todd and I do together in the city we now call our long term home – or at least we plan to make it a long time!

First Off, we call it Burgers & Bowling:

How to start the date:

1. Strip off your work clothes after a long week. Call up Mel & Duncan who live across the street, or any couple that loves to have fun, and invite them out for burgers and bowling. Throw on a loose T-Shirt, hoodie, SOCKS, and your favourite pair of lululemons or jeans and head out the door.

2. Drive to Burger Heaven – This haven for burger lovers is a hidden gem for most residents outside of New West. Thankfully those who live here have usually tempted their tastebuds with some delicious meat, bread, and condiments. With a comfy atmosphere and good friends for chatting, the meal truly is angelic: home cooked goodness, without the mess afterwards. My favourite is their Miss Piggy’s favourite: #2 Teriyaki and Mozza Burger with bacon. Quite fitting.

Here is their website: http://www.burgerheaven.ca

3. Aim to catch Cloud 9 Bakery before it closes, because not everyone can have a glutenous dessert. Head to Cloud 9 for some delicious baked goods that everyone can enjoy, even those who are gluten free. Their cupcakes are TO DIE for, including their fabulous carrot cake delectable.

Here is their website: http://www.cloud9specialtybakery.com

4. Finish it all with some beers and bowling at the local bowling alley: Lucky Strikes. Pull up your socks, put on your retro shoes, and bowl the night away. If you are lucky you may even catch disco night, so be prepared to wear white and feel transported back to the 80’s!

Here is their website: http://www.luckystrikebowl.ca

I hope this provides you with some evening entertainment for maybe even this friday, and make sure to bring another couple along for this date, as 4 people just amps up the fun level even more. And of course, once you get home, its always a good time to turn on some JT or Robin Thicke, relax on the couch with a glass of wine, and chill.

Thank you new west for providing everyone with some entertainment. The Young, The Old, and The Romantics.

– Ainsley xoxo

P.S. This activity is age appropriate for everyone, so next time you have an evening free, take the kids along, or even the grandparents – or not!

Grooms & Greens – As Seen in The Refinery Magazine

197_refinery_magnolia 198_refinery_magnolia 199_refinery_magnolia 201_refinery_magnolia 204_refinery_magnolia 206_refinery_magnolia 208_refinery_magnolia 210_refinery_magnolia 215_refinery_magnolia 222_refinery_magnolia 225_refinery_magnolia 226_refinery_magnolia 229_refinery_magnolia 231_refinery_magnolia 235_refinery_magnolia 243_refinery_magnolia 254_refinery_magnolia 256_refinery_magnolia 263_refinery_magnolia 264_refinery_magnolia 270_refinery_magnolia 272_refinery_magnolia 277_refinery_magnolia 280_refinery_magnolia 282_refinery_magnolia 285_refinery_magnolia 287_refinery_magnolia 288_refinery_magnolia

I recently put together a shoot for The Refinery Magazine, and have really enjoyed the hard work and time that I put in to creating this grooms lounge inspired shoot. One of my favourites was the “Grooms & Greens” section that can be found within the new pages at: www.therefinerymag.com

Below are some photos from the Mag, and I hope you enjoy!

Vendor List:

Produced by Ainsley’s Affairs

Cupcakes by Pink Ribbon Bakery

Macarons by Macaron Chez Moi

Floral Styling and Design by DeLovely Creative

Photography by Magnolia Photographic

Shot on Location at Lofty Living, New West, B.C.

Menswear from H&M

My Oscars 2013 Review!

 

Last Night we celebrated with the stars and celebrities of Hollywood, and the world, while watching the Oscar’s! It was wonderful to see the nominees praise each others work, as there was a wealth of films that were phenomenal in the year of 2012!

 

I, Ainsley, am a mega movie fan. My boyfriend, Todd, and I try and see as many movies as possible, and we even lucked out with ample theatre options within a 5 minute drive of our home. We share a love for good cinematography and love to take in a film that charms and excites, but also expands our boarders of understanding. There are so many wonderful actors and actresses, directors and producers and thus we continue to be excited by films like “Django Unchained”, “Life of Pi”, “Silver Linings Playbook”and of course, my personal fav of this year, “Les Miserables”.

 

Here is my top 10 list of movies that I enjoyed, and not necessarily ones that were nominated or celebrated this evening: (in no particular order)

 

1. Les Miserables

2. Seven Psychopaths

3. Django Unchained

4. Silver Linings Playbook

5. The Dark Knight Rises

6. Dredd

7. Brave

8. Moonrise Kingdom

9. Argo

10. Skyfall

 

This year we also had the opportunity to celebrate the forward thinking fashions of many designers as seen on the red carpet of last night. They say it was a chilly afternoon, yet the sun was shining, but the stars were brighter and even more beautiful. It is always lovely to see who comes in the next hot colour, the newest designer on the scene, and who breaks out the best dressed. In our photo above we nod to J. Law, our dream buddy and pal, as she won Best dressed via twitter hashtags, and also best actress for her role in “Silver Linings Playbook”! Her gorgeous Dior gown was a hit, and I think her tumble getting on stage was more from extreme shock and gratitude than the layers of thick fabric and tulle! Wouldn’t it just make an AMAZING wedding gown?

 

Here is our top 5 list of best dressed from last nights events: (in no particular order)

– From Madison & Ainsley

 

1. Jessica Chastain in Armani

 

 

2. Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta

 

 

3. Naomi Watts in L’Wren Scott

 

 

4. Jennifer Aniston in Armani

 

 

5. Michelle Obama in Naeem Khan (It is suuuch a stunner even though we got just a little peak at it!)

 

 

We obviously love the many men who know how to flaunt what they got at the awards, but our absolute fav was Mr. Tatum and his expectant wife, Jenna Dewan. Not only do they have phenomenal fashion taste, but Channing was quite the dancer in the opening welcome with Seth MacFarlane. (And Charlize looked flawless as well!)

 

 

We have to discuss the worst dressed at the Oscars, as that is something that will always come up. Try as we might, we cannot ignore the fact that these stars have so many other options to explore when it comes to fashion, so why must they choose these outfits? Despite their poor taste, we understand that if you feel comfortable in your own skin, and what you are wearing, then that is awesome. However, at the end of the day, an actor, or anyone in the public spotlight, is a “brand”, and dressing professionally goes hand in hand with having a successful and lifelong career.

 

Here are our top 2 worst dressed at the 2013 Oscars: (In no particular order)

 

1. Kristen Stewart – maybe it is just the fact that we really dont like her as an actress, or the fact that she puts no effort in to looking attractive, but she is just a total and complete “MEH”!!!

 

 

2. Brandi Glanville – yeah, did the nip slip happen? If not, she must have used a LOT of glue. Good luck taking it off tonight hun!

 

 

We wish to say congratulations to all the nominees of the 2013 Oscars! Whether or not you won, we have to say that you are winners in the eyes of everyone, no matter what you were wearing, what movie you worked on, or how many awards you have on your shelves. To Mr. Affleck: Congrats on being an amazing producer, director and actor – looks like you finally know what you are doing! 😉

And last but not least, thank you to the Academy for creating an amazing awards ceremony for the brightest and bestest at the craft called “film making”!

Till next year!

 

Love, Ainsley (& Madison)

 

Urban Valentines Love – Valentines Day 2013 – Ainsley’s Affairs & The Nickersons

The Nickersons-Valentines Shoot-0005 View More: http://thenickersons.passgallery.com/event/vC2k8135482 View More: http://thenickersons.passgallery.com/event/vC2k8135482 The Nickersons-Valentines Shoot-0012 View More: http://thenickersons.passgallery.com/event/vC2k8135482 The Nickersons-Valentines Shoot-0024 View More: http://thenickersons.passgallery.com/event/vC2k8135482 View More: http://thenickersons.passgallery.com/event/vC2k8135482 The Nickersons-Valentines Shoot-0052 View More: http://thenickersons.passgallery.com/event/vC2k8135482 View More: http://thenickersons.passgallery.com/event/vC2k8135482 View More: http://thenickersons.passgallery.com/event/vC2k8135482 View More: http://thenickersons.passgallery.com/event/vC2k8135482 View More: http://thenickersons.passgallery.com/event/vC2k8135482 View More: http://thenickersons.passgallery.com/event/vC2k8135482 View More: http://thenickersons.passgallery.com/event/vC2k8135482 View More: http://thenickersons.passgallery.com/event/vC2k8135482 View More: http://thenickersons.passgallery.com/event/vC2k8135482 The Nickersons-Valentines Shoot-0074 View More: http://thenickersons.passgallery.com/event/vC2k8135482 View More: http://thenickersons.passgallery.com/event/vC2k8135482 View More: http://thenickersons.passgallery.com/event/vC2k8135482 View More: http://thenickersons.passgallery.com/event/vC2k8135482 The Nickersons-Valentines Shoot-0086 View More: http://thenickersons.passgallery.com/event/vC2k8135482 The Nickersons-Valentines Shoot-0090 View More: http://thenickersons.passgallery.com/event/vC2k8135482 View More: http://thenickersons.passgallery.com/event/vC2k8135482 View More: http://thenickersons.passgallery.com/event/vC2k8135482 The Nickersons-Valentines Shoot-0096 View More: http://thenickersons.passgallery.com/event/vC2k8135482 View More: http://thenickersons.passgallery.com/event/vC2k8135482

Planning & Design: Ainsley’s Affairs

Photography: The Nickersons

Florals: Sunflower Florist

Macaroons: Soirette

Doughnuts: Cartems Doughnuterie

Cupcakes: PS: heart blog

Balloons: Balloonatics

Decor: Ainsley’s Affairs

Skirt: PARTYSKIRTS

Beautiful Tech #1

 

I know you are probably sick of hearing about The Refinery Magazine from me, but I think you should head over to our blog and download some love for your tech! You will see a few coming out over the next couple of weeks leading up to our big launch!blogpost 4

 

Head on over to http://therefinerymag.blogspot.ca to download a little valentines love for your favourite phones, ipads, computers and more!

Love your Tech!

 

Ainsley xoxo