Lonsdale: A Romantic View of the City

Around springtime of last year, I collaborated with a few talented local vendors for an editorial shoot. Cityscapes and Romances- those are the guiding themes and inspiration of this dreamy editorial shoot set atop Lonsdale’s The View, which provides a glorious panorama of Vancouver.

The View on Lonsdale wedding venue
The View on Lonsdale – One of the best wedding rooftop venues overlooking Vancouver

The team played around with shades of purple and blue to complement the stunningly unique, crystal-studded dress by Vancouver designer Jason Siu. We wanted to show how versatile and sophisticated the colour purple is, especially when accented with specks of gold.

wedding editorial purple and gold

City Skyline’s clean and simple table setup and the minimalist altar made of flowing tulle and embellished with stems of eucalyptus presented a beautiful picture of classic elegance that doesn’t distract from the expansive view of the city.

wedding venue with a view in Vancouver

The shiny, mouthwatering canapés and desserts prepared by Forage Catering, the marble menu in vellum, as well as the wedding favours by Jules & Joy Gifts, added exquisite details to the romantic setting. The two-tiered fondant cake with a marble base and a top layer of rising glitters and white orchid topper was a showcase of subtlety and grace. But Vancouver Diamonds’ well-crafted oval cut halo engagement ring is just a sight to behold!

Vancouver diamonds wedding bands
Elegant marble cake by Bea’s Sweet Bakes + scrumptious desserts by Forage Catering
elegant wedding favors and gifts

With the city’s breathtaking skyline as backdrop and an open venue filled with natural light, simple goes a long way.

Vendors:

5 Tips on How To Have a Successful Long Distance Relationship

She’s a marketer in Singapore; he’s an animator in Vancouver. More than 12,000 kilometers in between them, approximately 120 pages of WhatsApp messages, and 730 virtual “I love you’s”-it’s amazing how both survived the challenging setup of a long distance relationship or LDR.

Now married to her husband, Shannan, my friend Yvonne shares with us a few pieces of advice on how to keep a healthy LDR…

how to keep a healthy LDR

Shannan & Yvonne on their wedding day

Hi, I’m Yvonne Chow. I’m a former beauty blogger, product marketing specialist, and had been in 3 long-distance relationships. I uprooted myself from Asia to migrate to North America after a two-year long-distance relationship to join Shannan who’s based in Vancouver.

Late last year, I quit from being head of Product Marketing in a global tech company; carefully squashed most of my belongings into three rolling suitcases; heaved tearful goodbyes to my family and friends; and got on that one-way trip to another continent. All to begin a new life with my husband, with whom I was in an LDR since February of 2016.

It was not easy, but these 5 things I’ll talk about helped us nurture and improve our relationship, which led to a happy marriage! I hope these insights will help you in your own LDR, too!

1. Schedule a time to talk.
Technology has made communication faster and easier, but it makes us complacent. How many times have we deferred replying to WhatsApp messages or responded to them in a cursory manner?

In an LDR, it’s crucial to set aside time to talk to each other because we lose the “immediacy effect”. Communicating verbally in-person elicits more natural responses, but because we couldn’t afford that, my husband and I decided to dedicate a fixed time each weekend to talk to each other over FaceTime – without distractions!

2. Practice honest, constructive conversations.
It shouldn’t just be mere updates or how-are-you’s. My husband and I treated each other like a journal and practiced articulating our feelings in an open manner.

You may find it easier to say, “I had a terrible day today-that’s it,” and expect your partner to understand. You’re not with your partner physically and it’s going to be difficult for them to read your body language and show encouragement without the nuances of physical presence.

Instead, try sharing, “I had a terrible day because this happened, and it made me feel this way, and I’m wondering what to do,” to be more constructive. Being specific opens up a natural path for deeper conversations and helps your partner support you better.

3. Listen to each other.
Many people search for articles that can help them articulate complex ideas better, but most do not search about how to listen. Communication is a two-way street – talking and listening. Remember to ask your partner about themselves too, and listen to know how their day went, what their struggles are, and what will make them happy.

4. Take advantage of the difference in time zones.
Although we couldn’t always communicate in real time due to different time zones, we used the delay to think about crafting meaningful conversations. This proved to be useful, especially when we were having disagreements. The difference in time zones enabled us to be creative and to carefully choose the words we write to each other.

5. Define your end goals.
That is both your own as individuals and together as a couple. This advice was given to me almost a decade ago by people who were in LDR’s and ended up getting married  (still are so far!) as well.

The reality is there’s no point being in an LDR if you’re not sure how you’re going to move forward. Distance does make the heart grow fonder but it does little for physical intimacy (and it’s not always about sex).

Simple gestures like a hug, a pat on the shoulder, and holding hands help form and strengthen the bond you have with your partner. I don’t think it’s healthy to be in a perpetual LDR without some form of commitment, because an LDR feels like a limbo state. So commit to a future when you will finally be together physically.

These tips really just boil down to having intentional communication. We need to fill the space between with our constant effort to communicate and listen to each other. Love is sure to grow stronger in spite of the distance.

xx,
Yvonne

You may read more about Yvonne, her married life, and adventures in Vancouver here.

Last-Minute Holiday Gift Ideas 🎄🎁

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! 

But it can also get a bit stressful, especially when shopping with huge crowds. A lot of people now resort to online shopping to buy loved ones the gifts they deserve minus the rush.

If you are looking for budget-friendly personalized but elegant gifts, head on to Etsy and browse in the comfort of your home.

Last minute gift Christmas candle gift box

Baby it’s cold outside soy candle in buffalo plaid gift box

 

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas….

But red is good, too!

If you are overseas but have a mother, sister, aunt, girlfriend here in Vancouver, Canada, why not send her this gift box along with your warm greetings this holiday season? It’s as if you’re hugging them with this beautiful twill scarf. And this trendy ceramic cup is perfect for that piping hot tea!

Scarf and Tea Gift Box Set Christmas Present

Scarf and Tea for the Lady Gift Box

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…

But my favorites are marshmallows with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. =)

Order your loved ones this Chocolate Lovers’ Holiday Gift Set, exclusive at our partner site, Givopoly.

Chocolate Lovers Christmas Gifts Box

Divine Chocolate Lovers’ Gift Box

Don’t find what you need? Check out our site for more gift ideas or our Etsy shop, and contact us for custom gift boxes with your requirement.

Happy holidays!

 

 

How I Started Jules & Joy Gifts

This year marks my second year as an entrepreneur. I remember the desire to venture into business came while working as a marketing executive in Sydney.

Training in Australia
In 2014, I worked for a small-to-medium enterprise (SME) that specializes in renewable energy home products. Since it was a startup, I needed to take on multiple roles –not just marketing and advertising, but also business development– while managing an offshore call center.

After one tiring day, my thoughts drifted to an imaginary company where I got to be the CEO. I thought to myself: How rewarding would it be if I could channel all my efforts at work into something that’s my own!

In retrospect, I was actually being trained in business while working for someone else without me realizing it.

The Move
A year later, my husband was offered a promising job on the other side of the globe. Newly married, we moved to Vancouver in the spring of 2015 to start afresh. While my husband had a blossoming career, I became an unemployed housewife. I didn’t mind having a rest from corporate work, and in the midst of rearranging furniture and doing laundry, my creative mind started to work.

My business plans were still blurry then, and it wasn’t until I took up calligraphy workshops that the idea of Jules & Joy Gifts began to unfold. Practicing calligraphy inspired me to create personalized wedding gifts that would later on become my very first best sellers!

Jules & Joy Personalized Calligraphy Gft Tags

Jules & Joy Gifts Calligraphy Tags

Making it Legit
Fast forward to several months later, I was a ball of nerves as I registered my business name and designed my very own logo! Small Business BC became my best friend. I went to their seminars and finance workshops to learn about profits and margins.

Taking the plunge to be an entrepreneur without proper training and guidance seemed like I was feeling my way in the dark, but experience is truly the best teacher.

Those couple of years of groping and playing by ear taught me a few things about business, the market, and how to make my ideas work. I’m just a home business or a micro-enterprise, as what they call it, but I’m learning, growing, and enjoying this opportunity to create.

1000 Sales on Etsy! 🎈

Please celebrate with me as I hit my first 1000 sales on Etsy! 😊

1000 sales on Etsy

When I opened my shop in the summer of 2016, I had a lot of fears and doubts. I thought I was not cut out for sales since my background is in corporate communications. I would always question myself. Would the North American market like my work? How could I compete with the pros? Would I be able to profit from my investment?

The past two years were a steep learning curve. I learned about customer service, inventory management, and a little bit of accounting. I had a lot of mistakes and wasted so much resource, but by God’s grace, I was able to power through after each setback.

I’m so grateful to my family for the support; to my husband, my angel investor; and to all my customers who put their complete trust in me. Happy 1K to us! 🎉💃

Sale on Etsy

To express our deep gratitude, the entire shop is on sale @ 10% off on all items so start shopping!

 

Things to Do After He Proposed

Congratulations and welcome to the hitched club!

Go on and pop the bubbly, because the first thing you should do is to bask in the joy of being promoted from mere girlfriend to THE ONE and only fiancée.

fiancee shirt

Photo from Etsy

When your heartbeat has finally gone down to its normal rate, here is a list of things to do to after you got engaged.

1. Set a wedding date.

This is very important to do before anything else, because it allows you to determine necessary details for the rest of the items on your to-do list.

Some things to think about:

  • Do you want a summer, winter, autumn or a spring wedding?
  • Do you want a longer or shorter engagement?
  • Do you want the date to be easily remembered? (i.e. 8-18-18)
  • Is your wedding officiant available on that date?

Set your chosen date but also be open to the possibility that you may need to move it depending on certain factors later on.

 2. Inform family and close friends and prepare for forever.

Take this opportunity to show off the bling to your babes! Share your happiness to everyone close to you and have an open ear for their tips and pieces of advice. It may also be a good idea to seek pre-marital counsel from older married couples or from professionals. Keep in mind that your wedding is a one-day affair but marriage is a life-time commitment. So don’t just prepare for the wedding day but prepare for forever.

 

wedding rings photography

Photo by Macy Yap

3. Plan a budget and stick to it.

Or not. =D Budgeting for a wedding is such a tricky matter to discuss and things can get out of hand pretty fast. Make sure you take time to sit down with your partner to set priorities and manage expectations.

Some things to consider:

  • What do you want to happen on your wedding day?
  • What are the major elements that should be allocated more funds into?
  • How many people do you want to invite?
  • Do you want to hire a coordinator or do you prefer DIY?

Most often than not, there will be unexpected expenses along the way so it’s better to save some funds for those things, too.

Wedding Saving Funds

4. Book the venue.

After you have (more or less) finalized the budget, it’s time to scout for a place to celebrate. The location can be anywhere – at a hotel, on a yacht, in your backyard or at the community church. Any place can be dressed up to be as dandy, as romantic, and as elegant as a wedding should be.

Some things to consider:

  • Do you want to be indoor or outdoor?
  • What theme or look are you after?
  • Are there ample spaces for a photo shoot after the ceremony?
  • Is it accessible to all your guests?

rustic wedding theme

Photo from Union Hill

5. Finalize the entourage list.

Now that you said yes to your man, it’s time for another proposal- not to another bride but to your future bridesmaids and groomsmen! Go on and ask the question “Will you be my…?” Say it with gifts or organize a pamper session with your besties.

groomsmen gifts

Personalized Bridesmaid and Groomsmen Gifts from Etsy

6. Go hunting for the dress.

Now ladies, do not make this a stressful occasion. It can be a fun moment you and your mom, sisters, and/or bridesmaids can bond over with. Look for inspiration in magazines, on social media, and even your mom’s closet. Not all body shapes are the same though, so it’s important to try every cut you’re eyeing on before saying yes to that dress.

Some things to ask yourself:

  • Are you into classic or avant-garde?
  • Will you dance with it or change into something else?
  • Will it look good with a long veil or a headdress?
  • Do you have time and budget for major alterations?

7. Send e-invites and save the dates.

Once all the major items on your wedding list have been ticked off, it’s time to tell everybody else. There are so many ways you can inform your guests about your upcoming wedding. You can create a Facebook page or send e-invites or even a video clip if you want to save trees and cost.

Some things to note:

  • Send save the dates as soon as you locked in your wedding date and booked the venue.
  • This is not a formal invite so make sure you put a note that the real invitation will follow.
  • Not everyone gets a save the date; 1 household = 1 save the date (and invitation).

Wedding Save the Date

Save the Date Cards from the Roche Shop

Yes, there are still more things to do after this list but you can then breathe and relax a bit, for you have already accomplished the major tasks. Don’t do everything on your own; remember to ask help and get input from your future groom as well.

May the road be smooth and beautiful to your happy ever after!
Xx

Thanksgiving Gifts in Autumn

Who doesn’t love fall? The warm colors, the shiny pumpkins, the orange-red maple trees, and the slight chill in the evening air will always make autumn my favorite season of all. This season is also about celebrations and giving thanks, and what better way to say thank you than by giving- our time or a part of ourselves to others?

For thanksgiving, we curated some of our autumn-themed items that comfort, delight, and express gratitude.

Adding fall produce to your gift baskets adds freshness and a pop of color.

Thank You Gifts

 

custom thank you gifts

Go creative with your personalized message.

Thanksgiving Gift Box

 

personalized bridesmaid gifts

Say thank you and mean it.

Thanksgiving Gift Basket

Brush Art / Brush Calligraphy Free Download

Summer is here, folks and that means the wedding season is upon us, making the nights shorter and our working hours longer. But we’re not complaining! We are grateful to all our customers and supporters who keep us going and creating!

sweet summer tropical leaves

As a thank you, I’d like to share some of our brush calligraphy artworks with inspiring and uplifting quotes and messages. They come in letter-sized (8.5 x 11 inches) canvases that you can download, print, and hang as a wall decor. The words in the artwork encouraged and comforted me during those times I doubted myself. May they bring you the same hope and encouragement.

wall art hustle brush calligraphy

1. Brush Calligraphy / Hustle is Greater than Talent   2. Brush + Computer Graphic Art / Goal Digger

Brush Calligraphy Watercolor Art

3. Brush Calligraphy / Blessed   4. Brush + Watercolor Handlettering / Breath

Galatians 6:9 tropical palm leaves brush calligraphy

5. Watercolor + Computer Graphic Art / Galatians 6:9

Click to download printable files here:
Hustle is greater than Talent when Talent doesn’t hustle.
Goal Digger
Blessed to be a Blessing
It’s Your Breath in our lungs
Let us not grow weary

 

What to Put in Your Wedding Day Emergency Kits

The season of wedding has begun! And since summertime is fast approaching, a lot of couples prefer to get married overseas, near the beach, or just somewhere far and unfamiliar. Most brides and grooms take care of their out-of-town guests by providing a welcome bag that will refresh and help them get through a day of traveling and recover from a jet lag.

Here are some ideas on what to include in your wedding survival kit from Jules & Joy.

Welcome Gift Basket/Bridesmaid’s Tote
Pack a drink, some small snacks like protein bars, and candy for your entourage and guests who are visiting from overseas. Include a small handwritten thank-you or welcome note to show how you appreciate their effort of traveling just to be at your wedding.

wedding welcome gift

bridesmaids survival kit

Relax & Recover Hangover Kit
Treat your groomsmen and bridesmaids extra special by giving them emergency/hangover kits. Weddings always come with plenty of food and booze. Get your squad to celebrate without all the hassle and well prepared for possible next-day hangover. Include antacid and headache pills, mints, wet wipes, and safety pins to ease all uncomfortable situations.

bridesmaids hangover kit
groomsmen hangover kit

Jules & Joy can put together your guests or bridesmaids and groomsmen’s hangover kits, which include personalized labels based on your wedding colours and theme.

Contact us for more information.

groomsmen hangover kit favours

personalized emergency kit bridesmaids favors

 

 

Wedding Calligraphy and Hand Lettering

What make weddings even more beautiful, aside from the love and memories shared, are the details and personal touches added into each visual setting. The bride and groom are obviously the center of attention but the family and guests are always treated extra special. For intimate weddings, welcoming your guests into the dinner table with their very own name cards will take their breath away. Jules and Joy is now offering personalized lettering and calligraphy services, as well as paper products that can be personalized according to your wedding theme.

Wedding Envelopes

wedding black envelopes with names

Wedding Invitation Envelopes Black with White Calligraphy for Names and Address

kraft envelopes wedding

Personalized Hand-lettered Kraft Envelopes for Wedding Invites

Escort and Place Cards

Table Place Cards / Wedding Escort Cards

Gift Tags

calligraphy gift tags

Personalized Gift Tags with Calligraphy

wedding calligraphy tags

Personalized Kraft Gift Tags with Calligraphy

Personalized Coasters

personalied marble coasters

Personalized Favors / Marble Coasters