I took a wee 'un to the dentist today. Then we visited Lola (Tagalog: grandma), and dropped off homemade hot and sour soup at our friends Funmi and Adrian @fo_photography @ratemystall (because parents need a break and change of pace when it comes to dinner). On the way home, we passed by Fabloomosity @fabloomosity so I decided to check out their dry bar. I've been meaning to pick up materials for upcoming projects, but was too rushed at Christmas when I was buying greens for clients' holiday planters. When Janine and Danielle realised it was me under my bulky down jacket, toque, and mask, we got to chatting about life and business. We share a love of the weird stuff because we are artists, and Janine showed me a gorgeous bark thing, cellular and spongy. I also bought dried palm leaves because they remind me of "back home" (i.e. the Philippines, even though I was born in Edmonton and have lived here all my life). Both will go in a future installation. She also showed me incredible iridescent anthriums that she'd painted for a recent arrangement. Of course, I drooled (into my mask). It reminded me of these anthuriums that she and her team arranged for me a while back, so I'm sharing them with you today. I was in the shop for 15 minutes, but it gave me a much needed reminder of normalcy. I look forward to the post-vaccine days when we can work more directly. In the meantime, I'm consulting with clients remotely, and crossing my fingers. • Design and Custom Decor: I-D BOHEMIA @idbohemia • Photo: Shandro Photo @shandrophoto • Venue: Bridal Fantasy @bridalfantasy at Edmonton Expo Centre @edmontonexpocentre • Floral: Fabloomosity @fabloomosity • Drapery: QSD @qsdinc • Tabletop and Chairs: Special Event Rentals @specialeventrentals #ThrowbackThursday #TableSetting #Tablescape #WeddingReception #YEG #YEGWedding #YEGEvents #IGYEG #WeddingInspiration #BlueAndWhite #HandmadeWedding #IHaveThisThingWithColor #WeddingDesign #Chinoiserie #AsianArt #AsianFusion #Orientalism #PostColonial #LoveInTheTimeOfCorona #BIPOC #BIPOCArtists #WomenArtists #CanadianCreatives #MomLife #ArtistMotherPodcast #WorkingMom #WorldOfArtists #RepresentationMatters #ThingsThatMatter #TBT (at Edmonton, Alberta) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKlaBxngLGR/?igshid=1ntsed8pble6y

“We are like Tea, we don’t know our own Strength until we’re in Hot Water” - Sister Busche • Design and Custom Decor: I-D BOHEMIA @idbohemia • Photo: Shandro Photo @shandrophoto • Venue: Bridal Fantasy @bridalfantasy at Edmonton Expo Centre @edmontonexpocentre • Drapery: QSD @qsdinc • Floral: Fabloomosity @fabloomosity • Tabletop and Chairs: Special Event Rentals @specialeventrentals #ThrowbackThursday #TableSetting #Tablescape #WeddingReception #YEG #YEGWedding #YEGEvents #IGYEG #WeddingInspiration #BlueAndWhite #HandmadeWedding #IHaveThisThingWithColor #WeddingDesign #Chinoiserie #AsianArt #AsianFusion #Orientalism #PostColonial #LoveInTheTimeOfCorona #BIPOC #BIPOCArtists #WomenArtists #CanadianCreatives #MomLife #ArtistMotherPodcast #WorkingMom #WorldOfArtists #RepresentationMatters #ThingsThatMatter #TBT https://www.instagram.com/p/CKCnMS_g8rY/?igshid=o6ff10hszex3

I found these fu dogs at a shop in Vancouver years ago, and bought them for a photo shoot with Bridal Fantasy. After a couple appearances in various table settings and shoots, I packed them away and kind of forgot about them. Periodically, I would think about bringing them out, but sometimes when things become really trendy, your eye gets fatigued and you stop appreciating them even if you like them a lot. Recently, as I reconsider the studio and my own living space, I decided to bring them out again. I've been wanting to introduce more blue into my home, as it is a really joyful colour for me, but I don't have a lot of blue things (I'm not a big colour theme person, perhaps surprisingly). It turns out it was just the right time to revisit them, as they brought back a flood of memories from that trip to Vancouver and of the magic they've contributed to since then. Sometimes absence really does make the heart grow fonder. Also, Fabloomosity really did a fabulous job with these florals. I'm looking forward to working with them on events, once the pandemic eases up and the world makes sense again. I'm betting we're in this for another year, but I'm hoping and praying it will be sooner. • Design and Custom Decor: I-D BOHEMIA @idbohemia • Photo: Shandro Photo @shandrophoto • Venue: Bridal Fantasy @bridalfantasy at Edmonton Expo Centre @edmontonexpocentre • Drapery: QSD @qsdinc • Floral: Fabloomosity @fabloomosity • Tabletop and Chairs: Special Event Rentals @specialeventrentals #TransformationTuesday #TableSetting #Tablescape #WeddingReception #YEG #YEGWedding #YEGEvents #IGYEG #WeddingInspiration #BlueAndWhite #HandmadeWedding #IHaveThisThingWithColor #WeddingDesign #Chinoiserie #Foodog #AsianArt #AsianFusion #Orientalism #PostColonial #LoveInTheTimeOfCorona #BIPOC #BIPOCArtists #WomenArtists #CanadianCreatives #MomLife #ArtistMotherPodcast #WorkingMom #WorldOfArtists #RepresentationMatters #ThingsThatMatter https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ8pPp7AHjT/?igshid=oj24kklc7qiy

Sometimes (oftentimes) the backside of a fabric is as interesting as the front. Here, we reversed our Jacobean print cotton to make a swag for the centerpiece that complemented the surface decoration on the vases without competing too much. The subtler print gives a slight antique feel that I really like. A friend recently said I am partial to "ghosts", and you know...I think she's right. • Design and Custom Decor: I-D BOHEMIA @christina.idbohemia • Photo: Shandro Photo @shandrophoto • Venue: Bridal Fantasy @bridalfantasy at Edmonton Expo Centre @edmontonexpocentre • Drapery: QSD @qsdinc • Floral: Fabloomosity @fabloomosity • Tabletop and Chairs: Special Event Rentals @specialeventrentals #WeddingWednesday #TableSetting #Tablescape #WeddingReception #YEG #YEGWedding #YEGEvents #IGYEG #WeddingInspiration #BlueAndWhite #HandmadeWedding #IHaveThisThingWithColor #WeddingDesign #Chinoiserie #AsianArt #AsianFusion #Orientalism #PostColonial #LoveInTheTimeOfCorona #BIPOC #BIPOCArtists #WomenArtists #CanadianCreatives #MomLife #ArtistMotherPodcast #WorkingMom #WorldOfArtists #RepresentationMatters #ThingsThatMatter (at Edmonton, Alberta) https://www.instagram.com/p/CI4rwErA838/?igshid=uigc17jd5x8q

One thing I love about working with different photographers is the chance to see my work in different ways. The nature of trade shows meant this space was shot by 2 studios, and it was interesting to see how each photographer interpreted the space, the details they picked out, the angles they chose. One hallmark of FO Photography's work is their use of leading lines, how they use an awareness of background space to direct the viewer's eye around the picture. Whereas, compositionally, the last image I posted has a sense of stillness about it because of the straight on position of the camera and perpendicular lines, this image feels more dynamic because of all the angles. I like both for different reasons, but as an installation artist and event designer (among many other identities), I am fascinated by these difference. Much of my work is ephemeral, and once the exhibition is down, it may exist only as photos and video. To be honest, I resisted recording my work for a really long while, because I liked that it was created for a moment in time, and I felt that it was contrary to my intentions to keep a permanent record. But compromises between ideas and practice are often necessary, and if a great photo means another opportunity to create something new and better, then so be it. Each shift in perspective brings greater understanding -- in art, and in life. • Design and Custom Decor: I-D BOHEMIA @idbohemia • Photo: FO Photography @fo_photography • Venue: Bridal Fantasy @bridalfantasy at Edmonton Expo Centre @edmontonexpocentre • Drapery: QSD @qsdinc • Floral: Fabloomosity @fabloomosity • Tabletop and Chairs: Special Event Rentals @specialeventrentals #TransformationTuesday #TableSetting #WeddingReception #YEG #YEGWedding #YEGEvents #IGYEG #WeddingInspiration #BlueAndWhite #HandmadeWedding #IHaveThisThingWithColor #WeddingDesign #Chinoiserie #AsianArt #AsianFusion #Orientalism #PostColonial #LoveInTheTimeOfCorona #BIPOC #BIPOCArtists #WomenArtists #CanadianCreatives #MomLife #ArtistMotherPodcast #WorkingMom #WorldOfArtists #RepresentationMatters #ThingsThatMatter (at Edmonton, Alberta) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHbgUtPAEBH/?igshid=3mcp5zqtzv3j

Being inside rainy days has me thinking about the past -- when we could go out in public without worrying about what it might mean for our health or our families; when I was making and designing more frequently than now, being home with my kids and all that entails. In ways, I'm feeling wistful, at least when it comes to being creative. Working with clients and colleagues afforded so many opportunities to make beautiful things, spaces, people, life! And I'm proud of the many ideas that came to fruition, and the joy my work brought to the world. But today, I'm at home with my kids. My eldest is so much like me -- a gatherer, maker, thinker, dreamer -- and I'm watching her do an ink stamp craft. I think before the pandemic I may not have had the patience to enjoy these quieter moments with her. Life may be much different and slower. I'm creating less, and fixing and mending more. But I'm grateful for the chance to know my children better, and that life is good enough for us that I can be home with them. I designed this setting for Bridal Fantasy a few years back, in part, because I'm Filipino and wanted to see more Asian influenced work in Edmonton weddings. I also like using colour in a bold way, in art and life, and this design let me do that. That year, we won Most Creative Booth, and several colleagues stopped by who'd just come from TSE, and they gushed that it was as good as anything they'd seen there. High praise, indeed. • Design and Custom Decor: I-D BOHEMIA @idbohemia • Photo: Shandro Photo @shandrophoto • Venue: Bridal Fantasy @bridalfantasy at Edmonton Expo Centre @edmontonexpocentre • Drapery: QSD @qsdinc • Floral: Fabloomosity @fabloomosity • Tabletop and Chairs: Special Event Rentals @specialeventrentals #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #TableSetting #WeddingReception #YEG #YEGWedding #YEGEvents #IGYEG #WeddingInspiration #BlueAndWhite #HandmadeWedding #IHaveThisThingWithColor #WeddingDesign #Chinoiserie #AsianArt #AsianFusion #Orientalism #PostColonial #LoveInTheTimeOfCorona #BIPOC #BIPOCArtists #WomenArtists #CanadianCreatives #MomLife #ArtistMotherPodcast #WorkingMom #WorldOfArtists #RepresentationMatters #IntersectionalFeminism #ThingsThatMatter (at Edmonton, Alberta) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHOzjgyAyxa/?igshid=1ag4czlx5vet8

Ana made sure Marc knew his place too: by Ana's side. #mrandmrs #isawthesign #seating #seatingplan #weddingpuns Artist: Ana Alcantara @ana.877 Photo, Event Design and Planning: Christina Ignacio-Deines @idbohemia Venue: Happy Harbor Comics @hhcomistore #igyeg #yeg #yegwedding #yegweddingplanner #artistsofinstagram #comics #comicbookwedding #anime #whengeekswed #offbeatbride #weddinginspiration #canadianwedding #weddingstyle #realweddings #adventureawaits #kawaii #otaku #ihavethisthingwithcolor #japanculture #expatlife #gamersofinstagram #gamerlife #hugs #relationshipgoals #loveinthetimeofcorona (at Happy Harbor Comics) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGAeRa3Ae03/?igshid=1sbfdt2i9wgbl

Despite everything that is going on, love is the thing that keeps us together. So much has changed since this photo was taken 8 years ago. Ana and Marc are now a family of 3, having welcomed a little bean into their lives earlier this year. I love this photo of them because it truly captures that joy so many couples feel when stepping into a new chapter of their lives. We've been cleaning out the studio of older stock to freshen the air and make physical and mental for new work. Given the pace that I've been clearing chargers, vases, and centerpiece bits (and continuing to get inquiries for projects), I'm glad to know people are keeping life moving forward. Events are still happening, albeit on a much smaller scale. People are still hopeful. That's all we can ask of each other, I think: to keep swimming as best we can, to float when we need to, and to let the river take care of the rest. Photo: Stephanie Chan or George Mach @stephaniechan Cake: Claudia's Confections Event Design and Planning: Christina Ignacio-Deines @idbohemia Venue: Happy Harbor Comics @hhcomistore #igyeg #yeg #yegwedding #yegweddingplanner #artistsofinstagram #comics #comicbookwedding #anime #whengeekswed #weddingbee #offbeatbride #cakesofinstagram #dessertbuffet #weddinginspiration #canadianwedding #weddingstyle #realweddings #adventureawaits #kawaii #otaku #ihavethisthingwithcolor #japanculture #expatlife #gamersofinstagram #gamerlife #hugs #relationshipgoals #loveinthetimeofcorona #itsokaynottobeokay #tbt (at Edmonton, Alberta) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDkDl14A953/?igshid=11uyupvvgp6a6

Holding my black and POC friends and family in my thoughts. Heart breaking. We will not be attending any rallies or protests as my daughter and I are high risk at this time, but we've found some guidelines and ways to support. 🖤 #ccla #aclu #blacklivesmatter #bethechange (at Edmonton, Alberta) https://www.instagram.com/p/CA5e-EpAKkZ/?igshid=kr729u42jfl8

The perfect sentiment for this rainy day in Edmonton. I know you're all missing hugs as much as I am, and I'm hugging my kids extra tight today. Photo: Stephanie Chan or George Mach Cake: Claudia's Confections Rad J-Topper: Ana brought it from Japan Event Design and Planning: Christina Ignacio-Deines @idbohemia Venue: Happy Harbor Comics @hhcomistore #igyeg #yeg #yegwedding #yegweddingplanner #artistsofinstagram #comics #comicbookwedding #anime #whengeekswed #weddingbee #offbeatbride #cakesofinstagram #dessertbuffet #weddinginspiration #canadianwedding #weddingstyle #realweddings #adventureawaits #kawaii #otaku #ihavethisthingwithcolor #japanculture #expatlife #gamersofinstagram #gamerlife #hugs #relationshipgoals #loveinthetimeofcorona #itsokaynottobeokay #fbf (at Edmonton, Alberta) https://www.instagram.com/p/CAgGeQVgpuZ/?igshid=1s2q7vfyl73mb

I was talking with my friend Scott about how the people he knew who were coping most healthily had support networks of 5-10 people that they were checking in with. Usually it's friends and family, but I've also found that newer relationships can unexpectedly blossom and deepen when one person takes the initiative. When I became ill, Scott, Funmi @fo_photography, and Kelsey @kelseybakerart called me almost every day to see how I was doing, when other friends who I'd known for many years longer did not. I don't hold anything against people who didn't call, but I am still grateful to this day that someone let me know I mattered at a time when I wasn't able to reach out myself. I read an article in Huffington Post about suicide: one of the longest running studies on prevention had to do with letter writing. The researchers tracked 2 randomised groups who had been admitted to a clinic after attempting suicide and, after they had been treated and released, one group was mailed letters on a set schedule. Fairly brief, but letting those people know someone was thinking of them, and with no obligation to respond. In the first 2 years, the suicide rate of the letter group was half that of the no letter group, and the letter group continued to have lower suicide rates even 15 years after the project start, long after the letters had stopped coming. In Charles Duhigg's "The Power of Habit" he points out connections between Rosa Parks' impact on the civil rights movement and her extensive ties in her local community. If you're interested in reading the complete @huffingtonpost_ article, you can find it here: bit.ly/2LvPjU8. (Continued in the comments...) Photo, Wedding Planning and Design: Christina Ignacio-Deines @idbohemia Venue: Happy Harbor Comics @hhcomicstore #yeg #yegwedding #yegweddingplanner #artistsofinstagram #comics #comicbookwedding #anime #whengeekswed #weddingbee #offbeatbride #kawaii #desserttable #dessertbuffet #weddinginspiration #canadianwedding #igyeg #weddingstyle #realweddings #adventureawaits #otaku #ihavethisthingwithcolor #happiness #japanculture #gamer #gamergirl #gamersofinstagram #gamerlife #loveinthetimeofcorona #suicideprevention #fbf (at Happy Harbor Comics) https://www.instagram.com/p/CANyrHmAhIj/?igshid=479k2hrikz94

"Life is a game, kid! It all depends on how you play!" -- Super Mario Comics An IKEA Vinter napkin holder becomes a Super Star with a dash of spray paint and a Sharpie. After the wedding we gifted them to Ana and Marc as keepsakes. @ana.877 @ikeacanada @nintendo Photo, Wedding Planning and Design: Christina Ignacio-Deines @idbohemia Venue: Happy Harbor Comics @hhcomicstore #yeg #yegwedding #yegweddingplanner #artistsofinstagram #comics #comicbookwedding #anime #whengeekswed #nerdcore #weddingbee #offbeatbride #kawaii #desserttable #weddinginspiration #canadianwedding #igyeg #realweddings #japanesestyle #otaku #ihavethisthingwithcolor #happiness #japanculture #gamer #gamergirl #gamerlife #supermario #nintendo #wordsofwisdom #wordstoliveby #loveinthetimeofcorona (at Happy Harbor Comics) https://www.instagram.com/p/CAG7OpngrAm/?igshid=1b05ub6epe3xb

At it's most basic, art is about the preservation of life. Portrait of Ana @ana.877: Marc Cocchio Photo, Wedding Planning and Design: Christina Ignacio-Deines @idbohemia Venue: Happy Harbor Comics @hhcomicstore #fbf #flashbackfriday #yeg #yegwedding #yegwed #yegweddingplanner #comics #comicbookwedding #anime #manga #whengeekswed #nerdcore #weddingbee #offbeatbride #kawaii #chairdecor #weddinginspiration #canadianwedding #igyeg #weddingstyle #realweddings #thehappynow #wanderlust #adventureawaits #japanesestyle #otaku #ihavethisthingwithcolor #happiness #japanculture #expatlife (at Happy Harbor Comics) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_8q72ZAM69/?igshid=31a4rna8owfh

"Christina is an artist in every sense of the word: she has a unique way to approach creative challenges; she is organized and meticulous about details; she also becomes personally involved in the work she does." - Ana @ana.877 We combed Ana and Marc's art, photo albums, and art collection and had custom labels made with Jones Soda. They were a big hit with the guests. @jonessodaco It's strange to be thinking about weddings. We are learning of friends and favourite businesses who are closing or who may not make it until the pandemic has run its course. As designers for events and spaces, a core part of our own offerings won't be business as usual for possibly a year or more. Fortunately, our personalising approach to design translates well to many kinds of spaces. This past month we have been working with clients who are buying new homes, renovating offices, or refreshing their home exteriors, to name a few projects. And we have been doing it by phone, video conferencing, and in person following proper social distancing procedures. I've also been ramping up my fine art practice, which I would have done anyway for the summer festivals, except now I'm implementing online selling and marketing tools. Making art at this time has a poignance that sometimes I'm compelled to fight, and other times I surrender. It's an interesting place to be! To everyone who has brought us this far, who has reached out to support our work, to visit from 2 metres away, to check in, thank you from our heart of hearts. Our whole reason for being is to connect with you, and to help you connect with each other, and however this journey ends up, we are grateful. Photo, Wedding Planning and Design: Christina Ignacio-Deines @idbohemia Venue: Happy Harbor Comics @hhcomicstore #yeg #yegwedding #yegwed #yegweddingplanner #comics #comicbookwedding #anime #manga #whengeekswed #nerdcore #weddingbee #offbeatbride #kawaii #weddinginspiration #canadianwedding #igyeg #weddingstyle #realweddings #thehappynow #wanderlust #adventureawaits #japanesestyle #ihavethisthingwithcolor #happiness #japanculture #b2b #loveinthetimeofcorona #realtalk #gratitude #mondaymood (at Happy Harbor Comics) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_yYLjAAh-d/?igshid=1h8vjeygixt8b

"Living abroad while trying to plan a wedding was initially a frightening idea, but working together with Christina of I-D Bohemia was such a special treat for me. Christina is an artist in every sense of the word." - Ana @ana.877 Photo, Wedding Planning and Design: Christina Ignacio-Deines @idbohemia Venue: Happy Harbor Comics @hhcomicstore #yeg #yegwedding #yegwed #yegweddingplanner #comics #comicbookwedding #anime #manga #whengeekswed #nerdstyle #weddingbee #offbeatbride #toys #kaiju #kawaii #dokidoki #weddinginspiration #canadianwedding #igyeg #weddingstyle #realweddings #thehappynow #wanderlust #adventureawaits #japanesestyle #otaku #ihavethisthingwithcolor #happiness #japanculture #shinichi (at Edmonton, Alberta) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_SrLR7glp4/?igshid=19m1kyydjtbk3

"Our wedding was memorable, unique and a labour of love for everyone involved." - Ana @ana.877 I'll admit: I have no idea what or who this is, but it made an interesting centerpiece. And even monsters love ice cream. Photo, Wedding Planning and Design: Christina Ignacio-Deines @idbohemia Venue: Happy Harbor Comics @hhcomicstore #yeg #yegwedding #yegwed #yegweddingplanner #comics #comicbookwedding #anime #manga #whengeekswed #nerdstyle #weddingbee #offbeatbride #toys #kaiju #kawaii #dokidoki #weddinginspiration #canadianwedding #igyeg #weddingstyle #realweddings #thehappynow #wanderlust #adventureawaits #japanesestyle #otaku #ihavethisthingwithcolor #happiness #japanculture #shinichi (at Happy Harbor Comics) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_QDjSAgLkJ/?igshid=vl0uekn6b5tf

"From our conversations and images that we shared, Christina was able to extrapolate the essences of my husband and I and the different ideas she proposed to us for our wedding felt uniquely ours." -Ana @ana.877 My favourite weddings aren't different for the sake of being different. My favourite weddings are the ones that feel the most personal. Because every couple is so unique, with individual tastes, wants and personalities, when the wedding is allowed to flow naturally from that uniqueness, it naturally acquires its own unique flavour. One of the things I loved about working with Ana and Marc was their sense of humour, both silly and clever. Comic books were the perfect motif for them, being fun, colourful, and a little bit nerdy at the same time. All the design elements for Marc and Ana's wedding were drawn from comics, from the bold colour palette and graphic shapes in their table runners, to the square plates and centerpieces composed of monster and robot toys. Photo: Christina Ignacio-Deines @idbohemia Venue: Happy Harbor Comics @hhcomicstore Favours: Comics by Comixology @comixology and other publishers, available at Happy Harbor Comics #yeg #yegwedding #yegwed #yegweddingplanner #comics #comicbookwedding #anime #manga #whengeekswed #toys #gundam #kaiju #camera #kawaii #dokidoki #weddinginspiration #canadianwedding #igyeg #weddingstyle #realweddings #thehappynow #wanderlust #adventureawaits #love #japanesestyle #ihavethisthingwithcolor #happiness #nerdstyle #mondaymood #mondayvibes (at Happy Harbor Comics) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_NejNLgX3S/?igshid=kau906smc2nl