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- choose carefully: pick a location that holds meaning to you and your fiance
- combine to save cash: plan to have your honeymoon in the same location of your wedding; saving on travel costs for you and your new spouce
- follow the law: research and make sure you understand and follow all the legal requirements for marriage of your destination; or simplify by legally marrying at a local courthouse prior to leaving if you find out of country paperwork can be complicated and stressful
- do your research: scout out a ceremony and reception location ahead of time or immediately upon arrival; remember to check the weather forecast
- bring your own pros: hire a photographer and planner to accompany you on the trip; not only will they help you prior to leaving your hometown, they can help you work with local vendors to make arrangements for cake, flowers, and the wedding meal
- be sensitive to your guest: provide ample notice to those who may be accompanying you so they may make travel and vacation arrangements
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- A deep royal blue conveys richness and perhaps even a touch of superiority
- Navy Blue is almost black and is a bit warmer than lighter blues
- Combine a light and dark blue to convey trust and truthfulness
- Although blue is a year-round colour, pastel blue, especially along with pinks and pale yellows suggest Springtime while deep blue is a colder weather colour
- Create a conservative but sophisticated look with subtle contrast by combining light and dark shades of blue
- Mix the colour of blue with green for a natural, watery palette
- Add gray for understated elegance
- Light brown, tans, or beige are environmentally friendly colour combinations
- Throw in a dash of blue to cool down a hot red or orange scheme
- Grab attention with the contrast of blue and yellow
- Dark blue or navy with white is fresh, crisp, and nautical
- Red, white, and blue is a patriotic colour trio for many countries, including the United States
- Use dark blue with metallic silver accents for an elegantly rich appearance
- Use pink to convey playfulness and tenderness
- Multiple shades of pink and light purple or other pastels used together maintain the soft, delicate, and playful nature of pink
- Add strength with darker shades of pinks and purple and burgundy
- Break tradition: consider wearing a pink wedding dress (like Reese Witherspoon) on your big day!
- All shades of pink get sophisticated when combined with black or gray
- Try mixing pink with chocolate brown if black is too much of a contrast for your taste
- Medium to darker shades of blue or medium to dark green with pink is also a sharp-looking combo
- Very pale pinks can work as neutrals alongside darker or richer colours
- Hot pink can be an exciting combination when paired with neutral white and beige
- Although it can work as the primary color, yellow often works best as a companion to other colors.
- Use bright yellow to create excitement when red or orange may be too strong or too dark.
- Yellow can be perky, use it in dark or drab spaces to brighten the environment
- Use yellow to suggest freshness and citrus fruitiness, think fresh lemonade or iced tea!
- Golden yellows can stand in for gold if gold feels too formal
- Use yellow to perk up a more subdued cool palette of blues and grays
- Use lemon yellow with orange to carry out a healthy, summery, citrus theme
- Very pale yellows can work as neutrals alongside darker or richer colors
- Yellow and blue are a high contrast, eye-popping combination
- Mix yellow with neutral gray and a dash of black for a high-tech look
- Try a hot, exciting mix of red and yellow if you are looking to add a little spice!
‘When the Best Man is Man’s Best Friend
October 30th, 2011I have two pugs and I love them like crazy! My furry friends are the first to greet me at the front door after a wedding day and keep me company during long days in the office, entertaining me with their snorts and grunts from beneath my desk.
Dogs are part of the family, present at every holiday, birthday, and special occasion, so it would only make sense for fun loving Brides and Grooms to include their fuzzy friends in their wedding. There are lots of ways to involve man’s best friend in your celebration, whether in a formal role or simply as honoured guests.
Wedding Party Member
A more traditional way to include your pet is as ring bearer or flower dog. This works well if your pet is very well behaved and easy to train. Tip: use faux rings on the ring bearer’s pillow in case they fall off; remember to practice, practice, practice!
Walk down the Aisle
Have someone walk your pet down the aisle and hold onto them during the ceremony. This is a good choice for pets that are not easily trained, or get skittish around large groups of people. Tip: be sure to have a plan b – if your pet gets sick or doesn’t cooperate you may have to leave puppy at home; use a decorative leash that matches your wedding decor for a special touch.
Write your Pet into the Vows
If your pet can’t be at the ceremony, have the officiant mention your pets or write them into your vows. This inclusion adds a personal touch that lets everyone know how important your dog is in your lives. Tip: while talking about everything you two will do with one another, include your special pet and the duties you will share with one another when caring for them.
Include them in Wedding Photos
Have your pet in the wedding party or family photos on the big day. You can also include them in your official wedding photos taken prior to the ceremony wearing a colour coordinated bow-tie or ribbon. Tip: if your pet isn’t allowed at the reception, try putting nicely framed pictures of them dressed up on each of the tables.
When thinking of ways to include your furry friend into your wedding feel free to get creative! Some indoor reception facilities won’t allow pets, however, an outdoor reception can be very pet friendly. The most important things to remember: to be flexible, practice, make sure your venue will allow pets, and ensure all your guests are comfortable being around your four legged best friend.
*Photos courtesy of Tinywater Photography, “Abby & Josh” in Guerneville, CA and Dottie Photography, “Vintage Seaside Style Shoot” in London, UK.
Let’s Go On A Weddingmoon
October 7th, 2011For Brides and Grooms that do not want to tackle the big traditional wedding, a “weddingmoon“ may be a great alternative. A weddingmoon is an out of town wedding that is a mix of eloping, destination wedding and going on a honeymoon. They often take place in far-off locations at resorts or an out-of-the-way vacation spot that holds a special meaning for the couple. Held in a location known for its beauty, couples can make their wedding an intimate affair without overwhelming themselves with the details.
The overall cost of a weddingmoon can vary dramatically depending on the location selected by the Bridal couple. Travel and Resort Vacation companies offer all-inclusive wedding packages that include: on-site ceremony location, bride’s bouquet and groom’s boutonniere, wedding cake, marriage officiant, and more. However, a weddingmoon can also be hosted at a little country inn, a vineyward two or three hours from home, or a rented villa in the French Riviera.
Tips for couples looking to have a weddingmoon:
Since weddingmoons are a newer trend, there is still some debate who should ultimately pay which of the guests’ bills. Generally, everyone should plan on playing for their own travel expenses, however, other expense decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis. For example, if the bride and groom can afford to cover the cost of lodging and food, they should give some thought to doing so. If your budget allows, consider hosting an extra event, such as a welcome party with dinner on the beach or group excursion to see the local sights as a thank you to the guests who went out of their way to attend. Above all, bear in mind that many couples having destination weddings forego creating gift registries to show guests that their presence is a gift in itself — they’re already paying plenty just to attend!
Weddingmoons are not for everyone, however, they are an inspiring alternative to a traditional wedding. A weddingmoon allows couples to celebtrate with their friends and family in an intimate, picturesque location, while saving their budget to travel and having a magical experience!
*All photos courtesy of Tobiah Tayo Photography, “Sam & Sophie” in Castellabate, Italy.
A Bride’s Guide to Surviving a Rainy Wedding Day
October 3rd, 2011It is not ideal, but a little drizzle doesn’t have to rain on your parade or spoil your day! There is an old saying that states, “rain on the wedding day brings good luck to the Bride and Groom” and we have to agree. It may feel like it is the end of the world, but a little rain doesn’t have to be – with a little help and quick thinking we can turn a damp disaster into something fun.
Begin with a positive outlook. Stop pouting and allow yourself and your groom to embrace the highly romantic nature of a rainstorm. Rain is known to bring about feelings of warmth, enchantment, and coziness.
Take a deep breath and think of the amazing photographs that will be taken. The soft lighting associated with rainy days can make for easy picture taking and the sight of rain drops through a camera lens can create some stunning final pictures. Plus, you won’t have to worry about squinty eyes from the bright sun!
Finally, remember to pack “rainy-day lifesavers”, the key items that will change the entire day:
Umbrellas – Keep the whole bridal party and all your guests dry by providing over-sized golf umbrellas. Choose from chic, plain white options or pick pretty frilly umbrellas that come in a range of colours to brighten up your photographs.
Statement Footwear – Slip on a pair of sexy rain boots and make them a fun part of your photo shoot! Plus, they’ll keep your feet comfy and dry between venues. Make a splash with a bold block colour or go for a pretty floral design.
Wet-Weather Make-Up – Not only will it hold up against your tears of joy, a waterproof mascara is excellent rainy-day insurance. Your makeup will be less likely to run from sweat if the day is cooler and rainy, we suggest investing in quality makeup that will not smear or easily wash off if a couple of rain drops hit your face. Don’t forget a quality hair spray to keep frizzy hair away!
Though rain on your wedding day might not be the most ideal thing in the world, it’s not the end of the world. There are many reasons why rain can add to the experience, so get out there and make the best of the wet situation. Looking back at the beautiful pictures, you probably wouldn’t have wanted your wedding day to be any other way!
*Photos courtesy of Phillip Wise Photography and “Katie & Nick”, Oregon Wedding
Extreme Proposals
September 1st, 2011
Gone are the days of a simple “will you marry me”, in an age of modern love and online videos, gentleman are popping the question in more extreme ways. We have all seen the YouTube clips of what we like to call extreme proposals. These over the top proposals usually include a highly choreographed dance number, a scripted movie trailer, some fancy editing, and a little velvet box.
In the modern times of flash mobs and paparazzi, more and more men are finding elaborate, sometimes, extreme ways to propose marriage. For many, the marriage proposal has become part of the wedding build-up; these gentleman are creating public spectacles to declare their love and devotion to their betrothed. As of late, wedding proposals are equal parts of clever stunt and romantic gesture and to ensure they get it just right, these would be grooms are now seeking the professional services of personal concierges and engagement specialists. These talented professionals are used to coordinating proposal concepts that take months of planning, teams of assistants, and split-second timing.
Local businesses are taking advantage of this extreme proposal trend by offering assistance to create an unique proposal that will ensure that special someone feels like the most important person in the world. Local Ottawa business, iPropose, promises to “make it really easy on you” by working with would-be grooms to form their proposal concept, aid in planning, offer coordination and film the entire thing. Weddings inStyle, an Ottawa based wedding concierge service, has been offering similar services since 2010.
Fortunately, it is not the over-the-top proposal that ensures a positive response. Chances are, the future grooms are nearly 100% sure of what their girlfriends’ answers will be long before they go shopping for a ring. Although these men have been suffering from sleepless nights while scheming and planning these amazing scenarios, they are, in fact, doing exactly what women want: proving that they are willing to do extraordinary things for their relationship.
Here are a few of our favourite extreme proposals:
But not all of them go as planned …
For some extreme proposal ideas that you can pull of yourself, check out the Knot’s “50 Romantic Ways to Propose“ or contact your local engagement specialist!
The Difference A Planner Makes
August 26th, 2011One of the many comments I receive as a professional wedding planner is “I cannot imagine what today would have been like without you!“. This simple and flattering feedback surprises me every time as I am usually so focused on a wedding while I am there, that I give little thought to what it would be like without a planner present. With a bit of reflection, I am about to explore what a wedding day would be like with and without a planner. Please note that the following are examples of worse case scenarios, although they have been known to happen – they do not happen to everyone.
Scenario One: Morning Preparations
Without: It’s 9:00 am, the hair and make-up artists are running late and most likely lost because they are not familiar with the area. Bride has to call her mother to get the hair dresser’s phone number, Googles the directions, and texts the artists her hotel room number.
With: It’s 9:00 am, the hair and make-up artists have arrived on time having been provided with a map, clear directions, and hotel room number of the Bride from the wedding planner. The Bride calmly sips on a mimosa as she receives a confirmation phone call from her planner to ensure that everyone has arrived alright.
Scenario Two: Getting Dressed
Without: It’s 12:00 pm, the Bridal Party is already running behind and the zipper on one of the bridesmaid dress won’t stay up. The Mother of the Bride does what she can to fix it but can’t get it zip all the way.
With: It’s 12:00 pm, the Bridal Party is running late so the planner stops by the hotel room to see what the delay is; the bridesmaid’s zipper won’t stay up. The planner pulls out her “emergency kit”; produces a mini sewing kit, stitches the zipper into place and gets the bridal party on their way.
Scenario Three: En Route
Without: It’s 2:00 pm, the Bridal Party is in the hotel lobby waiting to be picked up – the limo is a no show. Bride has to call the limo company and then arrange for taxis to take her party to the ceremony site.
With: It’s 2:00 pm, the Bridal Party are picked up at the hotel by a limo with chilled champagne being poured; the planner having confirmed the date, time and address of the pick up and drop offs with the limo company the day prior.
Scenario Four: Set Up & Ceremony
Without: Finally! It’s 3:00 pm and everyone has arrived at the ceremony site, the Bride gives the decor to the caterer, who is her aunt, and helps her set up escort cards, guest book and signage. The Bride then frantically organizes the wedding party into the procession order.
With: Finally! It’s 3:00 pm and everyone arrives at the ceremony site, the Bride has a quiet and special moment with her parents. Meanwhile, her wedding planner oversees the set up of the decor, confirms the final cocktail period details with the caterer, and prepares the wedding party for the processional.
Scenario Five: Introduction & Reception
Without: It’s 5:00 pm, despite a late start, the ceremony and family photos went well. The Bride and Groom now try to wrangle their wedding party in order so the DJ can formally announce them into the reception hall but no one can find the Best Man. The Groom goes looking for this friend, delaying the evening further.
With: It’s 5:00 pm, the ceremony and family photos went great and everything is on schedule. The planner collects the wedding party and lines everyone in order for the formal introduction. The planner confirms the proper pronunciation of the Groom’s last name with the DJ, preparing to queue him. Meanwhile, the newlyweds relax and share a laugh with their friends, waiting for their big moment.
Scenario Six: Dinner & Dance
Without: It’s 6:00 pm, the DJ senses a lull in the evening and asks the couple if they are ready for speeches and toasts. The Bride leaves the table to tell the Maid of Honour and Best Man that their speeches will be early. The toasts run long, resulting in the main course having to sit under the heat lamps, drying out.
With: It’s 6:00 pm, the planner checks with the banquet captain that the main courses are being served shortly. She then confirms with the MC and/or DJ that the speeches and toasts will begin once the dessert course is served, ensuring the meal is served in its optimum condition and satisfied guests give their full attention to speakers.
Scenario Seven: Send Off
Without: It’s midnight and the DJ has just announced the Bride and Groom’s last dance. As the newlyweds take the dance floor, the Bride’s mother misses the moment having been too busy boxing up left over personal items (i.e.: toasting glasses, Bride’s veil, presents) and loading them into her car. She then misses their farewell because she was finding the banquet captain to pay the final bill and writing checks for the final vendor payments that are still due.
With: It’s midnight, the planner has already loaded the personal items into the limo before the last dance and has packed up the remaining wedding day items. The planner handles giving vendors their last payments and tips in envelopes she had her clients prepare the day before. The Bride’s mother is busy being a great hostess, enjoying the evening with friends and family. The Bride and Groom are blissful as they get into their getaway car having just been a guest at their own wedding, fully able to savour each moment and enjoying their friends and family. The planner has sent them off with a small slice of boxed wedding cake and chilled champagne to enjoy in their hotel room.
As a planner, I act as the neutral party who sees the bigger picture of the day. I am not a guest, I am there to ensure the event runs smoothly providing convenience and piece of mind. Most importantly, as a wedding planner, I provide a service to bridal couples allowing them to experience their wedding day to the fullest — making all the difference!
Wedding Boudoir Photography: new hot, flirtatious trend for modern brides
July 13th, 2011Boudoir Photography is one of the latest trends in wedding photography gaining popularity amongst to-be brides. These classic pinup-inspired pictures are especially popular as wedding day gifts from a bride to her groom or a special keepsake for herself.
Although the term “boudoir” came into being later, this style of photography is as old as the earliest photographic processes. It became popular with the onset of new commercial printing methods in the 20th century and was a major part of the pinup craze of the 1940s and 1950s. Today’s boudoir photography has transcended the unnatural poses of the past – the nouveaux boudoir is all about glamour, creating a feminine portrait that reflects ones sensual personality.
There are no rules for this style of photography, making it an intimate, versatile and approachable form of photography. Experienced photographers are accustom to intimate photo shoots can provide clients with hints and ideas to keep the model feeling natural, gorgeous and, most importantly, comfortable.
Many brides book their boudoir shots a week or so before their wedding. This fun photo shoot is a great way to indulge in some personal pampering and a much needed time-out from stressful wedding planning. Depending on the type of session you select, most shoots take about two hours and include hair, makeup and outfit preparation. The cost of boudoir photo shoots can vary: multiple set changes, renting props, and costume changes spent can add up quickly. We suggest adding a private session with your wedding photographer onto your existing wedding package, you may be able to get a better deal than if you go with a different photographer.
When selecting your shooter, make sure to research reputable photographers, checking out their websites and portfolios; their esthetics should compliment your personal style. Lastly, it is important that your are comfortable with this person.
Local Ottawa wedding photographer, Melanie Rebane of melanie rebane photography says, “boudoir is something unique that I offer. My style, much like my bridals, is soft, elegant, romantic, intriguing and most of all fun…it is a wonderful portrait and I think it takes a special person to let people feel vulnerable and capture something authentic and beautiful. There is more quiet down time for boudoir, so the mood is more relaxed than with bridals – where there is always a flurry of anticipation and excitement. To learn more about Melanie Rebane photography’s boudoir shoots, click here.
* Photos courtesy of Christina Esteban Photography, Montreal, Quebec.
Wed by Colour: Blue
June 5th, 2011It is starting to feel like summer is finally here! The clouds are gone, the skies are clear and had the opportunity to spend the day by the water. It was no surprise that we found our inspiration all around us: blue.
The Meaning of Blue:
Blue is the coolest of the colours – the colour of the sky, ocean, sleep, and twilight. It has various meanings including: protection, health, confidence and strength. A pure blue is the colour of inspiration, sincerity and spirituality. Dark blue is the colour of truth and moderation and is often the chosen colour by conservative parties. Light blue the symbol of youth and the colour of communication. Blue is the calming colour, making it ideal to use in the home to create a soothing environment. A blue iris means your friendship is very important to me.
A universal favorite of men and women, in diverse cultures blue is significant in religious beliefs, brings peace, or is believed to keep the bad spirits away. Blue conveys importance and confidence without being somber or sinister, hence the blue power suit of the corporate world and the blue uniforms of police officers. Long considered a corporate colour, blue, is associated with intelligence, stability, unity, and conservatism. In the Western world the “something blue” of bridal tradition represents love.
Using Blue:
Using Blue with Other Colours:
Wed by Colour: Pink
May 22nd, 2011Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice! Nothing says wedding and romance to us more than today’s inspiration: pink.
The Meaning of Pink:
Pink is the colour of universal love – a quiet colour favoured by lovers and romantics alike. Pink provides feelings of caring, tenderness, self-worth, love, and acceptance. The colour pink is also very effective in providing feelings of calm, relaxation and contentment.
Pink is like cotton candy and little girls as it is softer and less aggressive than red. Pink for men goes in and out of style, however, most people still think of pink as a feminine, delicate colour. To give a pink flower means ‘I will never forget you’.
Using Pink:
Both red and pink denote love but while red is hot passion, pink is romantic and charming.
Using Pink with Other Colors:
Wed by Colour: Yellow
May 18th, 2011We love spring! The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, and wedding season is in full swing! Inspiration is so easily found in spring and our inspirational colour today is: yellow.
The Meaning of Yellow:
Pure, bright and sunny yellow is the easiest color to see in fact, people who are blind to other colors can often see yellow. The shade of yellow determines its meaning: creative, intellectual energy, wisdom, joy and happiness. Did you know that yellow daffodils are a symbol of unrequited love?
Yellow is like sunshine, it denotes happiness and joy. For years yellow ribbons were worn as a sign of hope as women waited from their men to come marching home from war. Today, they are still used to welcome home loved ones as it also representes courage and peace worldwide.
Using Yellow for Your Wedding:
Using Yellow with Other Colors:
Wedding Accessories: Do’s & Don’ts
April 27th, 2011When choosing your wedding accessories keep these helpful hints in mind while trying to figure out what to do and what not to do. No matter what your wedding style may be, you can use these do’s and don’ts to ensure you accessorize perfectly on your big day!
Don’t Overdo It:
Most women love jewelry, some women love jewelry too much! The biggest wedding accessory “don’t” is: don’t overdo it! Make sure to fight the temptation to dawn your entire jewelry collection, no one wants to look like a flotilla. If your gown is full and heavily embroidered, wear light pieces that compliment it rather than a chunky necklace and arm bangles. When in doubt, seek the opinions of trusted friends to edit your look and remember the simple rule of “less is more”; it will leave you looking elegant and sophisticated.
Do Go Big:
Less doesn’t need to be boring. If you prefer a more classic look for your ceremony but want to add some character for the reception, try picking one or two statement pieces too add to your wedding look. Change out your dainty pearl earrings into something with more personality, like a statement-making chandelier pair of earrings or add some bangle bracelets. Don’t be afraid to change your accessories but remember to coordinate your jewelry to your overall look.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute:
Your wedding accessories shouldn’t be an after thought to your wedding look; begin looking and place any needed orders a month or two in advance. You will want to make sure you have left enough time to try your accessories on with your gown and make sure you have created your wanted look. If you are stuck for ideas, consult the professional input of the designers at the bridal boutique where you purchased your gown, they will be able suggest jewelry that will go best with your dress.
Do Personalize Your Accessories:
The last rule we have for you is: your jewelry, not only your dress, should be uniquely you. Incorporate your preferred metals and stones into a design that will flatter you and your gown. Custom jewelry and unique vintage pieces make fabulous accessories. If you are bold enough, include things that you love like: embellished headbands, crystal pins or flowers and feather headpieces.