Web Site: http://www.kennedyevents.ca
Posts by admin:
Creative Ways To Pop The Question To Your Bridesmaids
March 29th, 2017Your bridesmaids (aka besties and lifesavers) are going to be there to witness and experience a great deal of your wedding journey. Likely, they have seen your relationship flourish, been by your side during your successes and helped you through your failures. Your Bride Tribe is a key component of your wedding and asking them to take part in your special day is also an important question to ask! He’s popped the question to you, now it’s your turn! Take some inspiration from these adorable ways to ask your closest friends to be part of your bridal party!
Say It With A Gift To Look Forward To The Wedding!
Give them a little somthin’ somethin’ to show them how appreciated they are and how much you need them by your side on your wedding day! Matching necklaces or bathrobes are a super adorable idea, and with the intention of them wearing them as you get ready on your wedding day, it’ll make for great photos!
Say It With Drinks!
Anyone who ever said that diamonds are a girls best friend may have been mistaken. Champagne is a girl’s best friend! Also, things in smaller bottles are proven to be about 20x cuter than regular sized, so give a little bubbly and have no fear when asking the question!
Say It With Customized Tees!
From mani-pedis to the bachelorette party, you’re going to get extremely close (closer that you already are – if that’s even possible) with this group of people! Show the world that you’re all in it together by giving them matching Bride Tribe shirts!
Say It With A Much Needed Outing!
We get it, after a long week at work, you’re all tired and sometimes, hanging out falls to the wayside. Plan a day to hang-out and do something fun like going to a concert, the spa, shopping or even a yummy brunch. As your girls start to relax, bestow upon them your highest wedding honour… their answer will always be yes!
Cheers to creating your Bride Tribe!
Photos Courtesy of:
Gifts: For The Maids; Michelle March Photography
Drinks: Paper + Lace, Joie Labels; LetsTieTheKnot Etsy Shop
Tees: TrexAndUnicorn Etsy Shop; Pinterest
Outing: Omni Hotels; Google
How To: Keep Calm When Things Go Awry
March 22nd, 2017Your wedding day (aka the day you’ve been dreaming of since you were twelve years old) is coming up – hooray! Just like anything in life, things don’t always go exactly as planned, and unfortunately, we can tell you from first hand experience, that your wedding day is no exception. However, your day should be all about the love that you and your significant other have for each other… not about stressing to try to keep everything picture perfect or the painful anticipation of a problem. Here’s some advice that we have come to gather over the years and a little insight into how we problem solve!
Courtesy of Van Beek Photography.
Make sure to hire a planner to minimize the risk of errors!
Binder in hand and wit at the ready, we are professionals and are here for many reasons. This is a HUGE one! It is our job to solve your problems and make sure that you are happy. Hiring a wedding planner ensures that the little tasks and responsibilities will automatically be taken care of without a second thought! We take the guess-work out of your day and turn your dreams into concrete plans.
Courtesy of Michael Beaulieu Photography.
Try to keep cool and composed… No one knows the problem except you!
If your maid of honour is no where to be found 5 minutes before her speech or your adorable blue heels are killing your feet or your husband hasn’t found time to sit down and eat, please try to keep calm! Someone is working quickly to solve the problem and until that happens, it is the most beneficial thing to all parties involved for you to keep your cool. Most often, your guests will not recognize these little things as problems, so overall, it won’t even seem like a bump in the road at all!
Courtesy of Union Eleven Photography.
Communicate your needs!
Remember when we told you that someone is working quickly to solve your problem? This can only be done if you tell someone what you need! It’s your day so be clear and specific about what exactly needs to be done.
Courtesy of Union Eleven Photography.
Be hard on the problem, but soft on the people!
Weddings are a sweet, emotional, loving, sensitive and fun experience that doesn’t deserve to be tarnished by ANYONE! When you encounter a problem, seek to solve it, but also remember that those around you, who are trying to help, love you. Work with them to solve the problem, not against them!
2017 Wedding Trends
March 15th, 2017As we kick off any new year, we are guaranteed to see so many new trends and style elements that contribute to our weddings! 2017 has crept up on us so quickly, but we are utterly in love with the fun style that it brings! We really hope to see these wedding trends around for a loooong time!
Extravagant Invites
Let your guests get a feel for your style with wedding invites that really reflect you and your fiancé! Invitations are an underrated part of the wedding process, so don’t let them slip through the cracks.
Sophisticated Naked Cakes
Traditionally, a quirky, naked wedding cake may not suit everyone’s wedding style. However, a sophisticated and more polished naked cake can add whimsy and charm to any wedding!
Lace Dresses
More and more, lace detailing on wedding dresses is emerging as a 2017 super trend! Whether you choose the perfect dress with lace sleeves, a lace bodice or even a full-lace frock, there is no denying that you will be on trend and on point.
Luscious Greenery
No matter your style, one thing is for sure: your floral arrangements will include lots of greenery! The versatility of greenery, vines and leaves in any space will bring a soft and natural vibe to your wedding.
Pick Your Own Munchies
Where’s the fun in being served your wedding meal?! Give your guests some selection and freedom with the opportunity to choose their own appy, dinner or dessert! You’ll be forever remembered as the fun wedding with great food, trust us!
Outdoor Archways
If you’re not having your ceremony outdoors this year, then you may want to reconsider! Extravagant or simple, your archway can be personalized with your colour scheme and style! A breathtaking over-arching structure helps to establish the tone and vibe of your wedding. Bonus points: it is also a great photo opportunity!
** Photos: courtesy of Pinterest & Google
Invitations: Song + Pen, Anna Delores Photography; Minted, Michael and Carina Photography
Food: Cooper Carras Photography; Kara’s Party Ideas
Creative Ways To Announce Your Engagement
March 10th, 2017Congratulations – say it loud and say it proud! You’re engaged! Undoubtedly, you want to show off that brand new bling, but how do you go about it? Here are a few ideas!
Take advantage of your vacation setting!
You can take some dreamy pictures showing off how in looove you are while on a vacation! During a sunset at the beach, after a hike to a mountaintop, a beautiful forest, or even skating are just a few romantic settings to snap that priceless picture to announce the next stage of your life to your friends and family!
**Bonus points for getting engaged ON vacation!**
Use your pets!
We don’t care what anyone else thinks: fur babies count as family! As such, use their cuteness to your advantage and involve your little bundle of fur joy when making the announcement!
From-his-perspective shots!
Your reaction to the proposal is a priceless memory for your fiancé! Let your friends and family know how giddy and on-top-of-the-world you feel by sharing your fiancé’s view of the magical moment.
Personalize it with your hobbies!
Obviously, every couple is different and enjoys different hobbies/activities together! Whether it is sports or fitness, hunting, fishing, dancing, watching movies, drinking wine, going the beach or anything else, make sure to use your passions and originality to create a personalized touch to your photo announcement!
Use a significant location!
Whether it is where you first met, where you had your first date, or where you said ‘I love you’ for the first time, pay your dues to that underrated park bench by forever immortalizing it as part of your journey together!
Traditional Wedding Toasts
March 1st, 2017Speeches given at wedding receptions have become a standard facet of modern weddings. Whether you are the bride, groom, part of the wedding party, or honoured guest, if you find yourself tasked with giving a speech it is important to prepare well in advance.
Typically, the speeches take place during the dinner reception, scattered amongst the various courses of food. The timing and length of each speech will vary depending on what the couple requests of their speakers as well as the speakers’ own speaking style. The following are the typical speeches that a couple may want spoken at their own wedding:
Courtesy of Union Eleven Photography.
Best Man and Maid of Honour Speeches
Being asked to be the best man or the maid of honour is a special honour and it usually means that the bride and groom consider those two people especially significant in their lives. Thus, it’s no surprise that the best man and maid of honour speeches share commonalities. Often the first speeches of the evening, these words are both light hearted and sentimental. Tips on how to give good best man or maid of honour speeches include: staying sober enough to give a good speech, using humour, keeping the speech short, becoming a good story teller, leaving ex-partners out of the picture, and ending the speech with toasting the couple. These two speeches really give an opportunity to the couple’s nearest and dearest friends to share a bit of their history together, to engage the guests in some light-hearted stories, and to send the couple off on their new life together. For examples of best man and maid of honour speeches, click here and here.
Courtesy of Michael B Photography.
Parents of the Bride and Groom Speeches
The parents of the bride and groom speeches have in the past been scheduled for the beginning of the reception. Typically, the host of the wedding speaks first, as a way to welcome the guests and get the party started. Traditionally, when weddings have been paid for by the bride’s family, the father of the bride would represent the host and would be the first speaker of the evening. However with modern couples choosing to pay for their own weddings, or have other means to help with the wedding budget, the timing of the parents’ speeches are now slotted at different times during the reception – to the couple’s preference!
Each family now has the opportunity during their individual speeches to welcome guests, to thank people for attending and sharing in their child’s special day, and to welcome their new child-in-law into the family. It is during this particular speech that a bit of parting wisdom can be given to the happy couple; perhaps advice about a healthy marriage, or advice to the groom about how to please his new wife! For examples of parents’ speeches, click here and here.
Courtesy of Union Eleven Photography.
Toast to the Bride and Groom
Often, the bride and groom will also make a speech to their new partner in life. These speeches give guests a glimpse into the relationship of the couple – the content and the way in which they give their speeches to each other can be very endearing and often a highlight of the reception! The couple might choose to talk about how they met, why they love their new partner, or about their future together. For examples of bride and groom speeches, click here and here.
Courtesy of Joel Bedford Photography.
Couple’s Thank Yous
The couple’s thank yous are given by both the bride and the groom and is usually a chance for the couple to formally thank all the people in their lives: their bridal party, family, guests, and other important people that helped play a part in their special day. For an example of a wedding thank you speech, click here.
No matter how many speeches the bride and groom decide to include, it is the content and delivery of those speeches that add personality to the wedding reception. May your wedding receptions include many memorable moments including some unforgettable speeches!
How To: Avoid Wedding Party Drama
February 1st, 2017Congratulations! It’s your turn to get married and you find yourself newly engaged and begin to imagine who you would like to be standing next to you on the big day. One way to make your experience as enjoyable as possible is to surround yourself with a great wedding party – but how do you choose who will to be a part of the big day?
If you want to still be friends with your wedding party throughout the planning process and long after your wedding day, there are a few considerations you might want to take into account. Here are some helpful tips:
Choose Wisely
Those you choose to be a bridesmaid or groomsmen should be people who are in your life in more than one way. These are the people who know you well, have seen you through multiple situations and challenges, and will be able to unconditionally support you through your tough wedding planning days. These are people that would be included in an autobiography detailing the last 5 years of your life.
Courtesy of Union Eleven Photography.
Be Aware of Group Dynamics
You should think about the way you interact with your different friends and think about how they might interact as a group. The individuals chosen to be part of your wedding party need to be as much a team player as someone who stands out to you as a significant friend. While you may get on splendidly with one person, if this person is unable to compromise or communicate effectively with others in a group setting, this dynamic will make it difficult for the group to make decisions. As the bride or groom, you should also be ready to intervene as a proactive ringleader, should the need arise. You want to be able to sort out any issues between your wedding party members before the big day.
Courtesy of Frances Morency Photography.
Clear Expectations
One thing that needs to be established with your wedding party are your expectations: what is expected of them on the wedding day and in the days, weeks, and months leading up to the day? It seems standard these days to assume that bridesmaids are responsible for helping the bride through various steps of the wedding planning process. Depending on the bride, the involvement of her bridesmaids may range from minimal or involved in every step of the way; but beware for one to perceive their involvement as minimal compared to another could cause confusion amongst the group. The same can be said for the groom and his groomsmen.
Courtesy of Blair Gable Photography.
Be Open and Communicate Clearly
As the bride or groom, it is important to be open and communicate effectively with your core group of friends. If you are experiencing challenges, being open to your wedding party may help you get the support you need to resolve and overcome those challenges. Communicating effectively, whether in person, over email, or by telephone will help you to stave off all kinds of misunderstandings.
Courtesy of Fifteen Fifty One Photography.
Stay Connected
As your day nears, you and your wedding party will get busy. Within this age of technology, it becomes increasingly easy to stay in contact with people over various mediums; however, because your bridal party are important people in your lives, you don’t want to lose touch – make sure to stay connected! Continue to see your bridal party together or individually – this will ensure that your ties stay strong even as you become progressively busy in your wedding prep.
Courtesy of Union Eleven Photography.
Don’t Be Jealous
You find yourself being asked to be part of your close friend’s wedding – what an honour! – only to find that you have to share this honour with other people. It’s no wonder feelings of jealousy may arise – perhaps you thought you were your friend’s (bride or groom’s) closest confidante and the realization that there are other people in your friend’s life may be a challenging realization to swallow. Rather than to focus on the other relationships, focus on how you can best work together with everyone to make your close friend’s wedding day the best it can be!
Courtesy of Joel Bedford Photography.
Voice Opinions Early and Be an Active Member
As the planning of wedding activities begins, make sure that you voice your opinions early on in the process or as soon as you have concerns to share. You don’t want to wait until just before the bridal shower, bachelorette, or bachelor parties to provide your suggestions or feedback to the rest of the group. You agreed to be a member of the wedding party, and so with your membership comes certain responsibilities – one of which is to be an active and engaged party member!
Courtesy of Union Eleven Photography.
Focus on the Positive: On the Bride and Groom
As the plans for pre-wedding and wedding activities begin to take form, you may find yourself disliking suggestions from other wedding party members. Rather than to try and steer the planning process in the direction that you see fit, try and come to a compromise and try to focus on the positive: your friend is getting married! It is their day to shine, and while you may not get along or agree with the others, you have the opportunity to play nice and show what a team player you are wanting nothing less than to help your friend have the most amazing wedding experience ever!
Whether you decide to have a small or large party it is valuable to seriously consider those important people that will make up your wedding party. At the end of the day, these are the people (along with your wedding planner of course!) who will help you on your most exceptional day!
What We Look For From A Client
January 25th, 2017Meeting new people, embracing new learning opportunities and working together to create your dream wedding are just a few of our favourite things! We work with so many amazing people in order to construct your perfect day filled with unforgettable memories! At Kennedy Event Planning, we attract fun, stylish, romantic modern couples. They are seeking a professional that will guide and assist them throughout the planning process, helping to reflect their elegant and glamorous personal style for their wedding and that is exactly what we do!
As much as we seek out our clients, it is important for you to reach out to a wedding planner that seems the most suitable for you. All wedding planners have their own style and attitude that are reflected through their work and we aspire to attract people who share our visions while expanding our creativity and our minds. When you consider a planner, it is necessary for you to take some preliminary steps to start the planning process. Here is what we look for from an ideal couple looking for some support on their special day!
Courtesy of Photo Van Bleek.
Do your research!
Read various wedding blogs. Attending wedding shows. Cut and paste from magazines. Browse the Internet for inspiration. Educate yourself on terminology, themes, potential ideas, venue options and really decide what you want your special day to look like. The more details that you can be sure of, the simpler the process!
Courtesy of Bernie Aho Photography.
Get organized!
Make your self a binder listing the different categories of planning (cake, dress, dinner, venue, décor, colour scheme, etc). Create a spreadsheet to keep track of all your expenses as well as your guest list and RSVPs. Start a Pinterest board to collect your inspiration that you can share with your friends, family and planner.
Courtesy of Fifteen:Fifty-One Photography.
Define your budget!
Money is a taboo subject sometimes, but when it comes to being realistic about your wedding dreams, it is necessary to define this number. It will help your planner sift out potential vendor options. Being realistic and understanding of the amount that you want to spend will help to make easier decisions and will set the tone in order for everything to move forward.
Courtesy of Union Eleven Photography.
Begin looking at ceremony and reception locations!
Booking your venue will provide you with a fixed wedding date that will allow you to move onto booking your other big vendors such as your officiant, caterer, and photographer.
Courtesy of Union Eleven Photography.
Keep an open mind!
Wedding planning is no simple feat! That’s exactly why we are here to help. Be patient with the lengthy process and be aware that there is the potential for things to not go the way that you imagined. We are here to ensure very few bumps in the road, but working with an open-minded couple and planner will lead to new ideas, creative solutions and a great relationship!
Courtesy of Union Eleven Photography.
Enjoy the process!
With our help, you will be able to construct the wedding of your dreams. ENJOY IT! Let us take on the stress. Planning your special day with your fiancé is something very special, so try to relax and enjoy all the details of your wedding day!
Happy Planning!
The 4 Most Important Questions To Start Your Wedding Planning
January 18th, 2017Congratulations newly engaged couples! Your wedding planning is about to start, but where should you begin? Although the wedding planning process can be tedious and stressful, we are here with a few helpful tips about where to begin your planning! Start by cracking a bottle of wine and answering these 4 really important questions to get a basic idea of your and your fiancé’s dream wedding.
WHO is contributing to this wedding and how much?
Money talk is never easy, but it is crucial in order to build your special day. Establishing a realistic budget will allow you to make smart decisions when booking vendors. It is really important here to be honest with yourself and with your partner about how much you can afford to spend. Realistic budgets with set expectations and also help in determining how many guests you can afford to invite. Another tricky money situation: who is paying? If you parents are contributing to your day, it is important that their opinion counts, in part, when you are making decisions about spending.
Courtesy of Union Eleven Photography.
WHAT kind of wedding do you want to have?
Here is where you and your partner address stylistic elements and questions to dictate how your budge will be used and how many guests can be invited. Do you want a small ceremony or do you have a large family? Do you want the attire to be formal or more casual? This will help to narrow down a perfect venue or location. Do you want a scenic, outdoor ceremony or an indoor wedding? A backyard wedding may be charming, but it can be logistically more challenging than an indoor wedding at an established venue. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of these basic wedding details before diving into more!
Courtesy of Kennedy Event Planning.
WHEN: do you want your wedding to be?
Deciding on the season of your wedding will help to determine the style and theme of your wedding as well, for example, summer fun VS winter wonderland. Sit down and really figure out what year, month and day of the week that is perfect for you to host your wedding. Time of the wedding is important too! Hosting a daytime wedding instead of an evening wedding is a way to save on overall costs, like dinner.
Expert tip: some venues and vendors offer discounted pricing to couples looking to book off-season months or alternative week days!
Courtesy of Joel Bedford Photography.
WHERE: do you want your wedding to be?
In the same way that you decide the ‘what’ of your wedding, the ‘where’ is important in making future decisions. Would you like to stay local in your current town? Maybe travel to your hometown? A romantic destination? On the water? A church? Your parents’ backyard? A destination wedding? Are your ceremony and reception going to be held in the same place? Depending on the location of your ceremony, different marriage laws may apply, so don’t forget to look into those. It is important to educate yourself on the requirements for a marriage license based on your province or country of choice.
Courtesy of Union Eleven Photography.
Most importantly, have fun with your planning! This is going to be a very exciting time for you and your fiancé, so ENJOY the process together!
Happy Planning!
You’ve Got The Ring, Now Get The Wedding Planner!
January 10th, 2017If you’re reading this post, it might be safe to assume that you are newly engaged, thinking about marriage or settling down with that special someone. This is a very new and exciting experience and we are here to help! Many people may question the importance of the role of a wedding planner or are unsure of the qualities that a planner can contribute to your special day. On this #WeddingWednesday, we are going to talk about why a wedding planner is just as necessary as your bridal bouquet!
What is a Wedding Planner?
We have an advanced knowledge of the wedding industry and the skills to handle any details on your big day. We are resourceful, creative, detail-oriented, full of information and are always thinking one step ahead. It is also a huge relief for the couple to know that professionals are handling all the fine details. We are here to help you take care of everything that you desire for your wedding day.
Florals courtesy of Flowers Talk Tivoli. Photo courtesy of KIM ING Photography.
What’s the difference between a wedding planner and a coordinator?
A coordinator works specifically for the venue. Their job is to answer your questions and assist you with all elements that are venue-related. Their true loyalty is to the venue, not necessarily to you. As a wedding planner, we assist you with every single element of your wedding, from start to finish, in addition to being there on your wedding day. You can enjoy your wedding knowing that the entire process is being overseen and you can have complete confidence that all the details are taken care of!
Florals courtesy of Full Bloom Floral Design. Photo Courtesy of G.R. Martin Photography.
Why should you hire a planner?
Did you know that, on average, it can take over 250 hours to plan a wedding?! What do we spend all our time doing? For some, details are easy to handle and arrange. For others, the sum of the day including: cake, dress, invitations, table settings, favours, and many more, is difficult to handle.
The best decision that you can make as a newly engaged couple would be to make a consultation appointment with a professional wedding planning service as soon as possible. It is your job to create unforgettable memories with your family and friends, celebrating in love. It is our job to ensure that your special day runs smoothly, providing convenience and peace of mind and also saving you money and unnecessary stress. When you hire a wedding planner, you are able to celebrate your special day knowing that any emergencies or problems that may arise are in the capable hands of a seasoned professional!
Photo courtesy of Union Eleven Photography.
Why can’t I/my bestie/my mom do the planning?
We are trained to handle stress, emergency situations, and unpredictable issues. We are also completely objective and want everything to be perfect for you, and sometimes, what your family and friends think is perfect for you could lead to conflicts and hurt feelings. Let us handle the stress and the details and let your closest friends, family, and especially yourself, enjoy your special day!
As you can see, a wedding planner is a must! We are here to simplify the process for you; from providing you with information to make the best decisions, guiding your choices, listening to your desires, accommodating your ideas and dreams, dealing with conflicts or being a moral support as needed.
Paige & Alex (video)
January 1st, 2017| Ceremony: St. John’s Roman Catholic Church | Reception: Stonefields Heritage Farm, | Caterer: Thyme & Again Catering | DJ: Oxygen Entertainment Group | Photographer: Union Eleven Photography | Videographer: Eric Yu Photo + Cinema | Florist: The Design Co. Florals | Linen: Mastermind Event Rentals | Cake: Sunflower Bake Shop | Stationary: Wishtree Invitations & Design Inc | Make-Up: Lindsay Welton | Hair : James Brett Coiffure | Planner: Kennedy Event Planning |
Comments Off on Paige & Alex (video)