Welcome to I-D BOHEMIA Lifestyle, Events and Interiors | Edmonton-based event planning and interior design studio

LEARN

Studio
Services

LEARN

HOW WE TELL
COMPELLING STORIES

SEE

Portfolio
Press

SEE

OUR GALLERY OF
INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCES

CONNECT

CONNECT

MAKE YOUR LIFE AMAZING TOO

FOLLOW @idbohemia

@jmccarty_geo Support a local potter?

@idbohemia on Instagram

I'm working on a few IG stories and highlights to

I'm working on a few IG stories and highlights to share in the upcoming weeks. So much about this platform is still a mystery, but I was noticing how many of my favourite creative feeds include the artist about town and behind the scenes.

Though I prefer to let my work speak for itself, and speak for me, I'll acquiesce a bit and just know you'll be seeing my face a little more around here. Don't mind the sneakers and occasional sweat pants. Despite what Karl Lagerfeld has said, art installations and event setups are glow-inducing work, and not meant to be done in sequins and slacks.

If you start noticing stories and things appearing and disappearing, I'm learning a new thing and it's bound to be awkward on occasion. Thank you for your love and grace.

• Design and Custom Decor: I-D BOHEMIA @idbohemia
• Photo: Michael Shandro @michaelshandroyeg
• Venue: Bridal Fantasy @bridalfantasy at Edmonton Expo Centre @edmontonexpocentre
• Floral: Fabloomosity @fabloomosity
• Drapery: QSD @qsdinc
• Tabletop and Chairs: Special Event Rentals @specialeventrentals

#TransformationTuesday #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

I took a wee 'un to the dentist today. Then we vis

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

“We are like Tea, we don’t know our own Streng

“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

I found these fu dogs at a shop in Vancouver years

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 does make the heart grow fonder.

Also, Fabloomosity 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

Sometimes (oftentimes) the backside of a fabric is

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

We may not be having indoor gatherings (or at leas

We may not be having indoor gatherings (or at least we're not supposed to), but we can still set a beautiful table for our families for the holidays.

• 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 #TBT #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

One thing I love about working with different phot

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 differences. 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

Being inside rainy days has me thinking about the

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

Ana made sure Marc knew his place too: by Ana's si

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

Pinterest