The past few weeks over here have been a whirlwind of excitement and emotion, love and tears, prayers, and hope – all for one incredibly special WG couple. We met a year ago, fell instantly in love with eachother, and couldn’t wait to see details of their big day come together beautifully. Sometimes though, Life has other plans for us.
With three years of planning tucked safely under my belt, and with having met and worked with over a hundred couples, I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the heartbreaking that comes along with planning a wedding. Not everyone’s journey to I DO is easy, and some journeys are particularly more complex. They are interwoven with the realities of life that most of us would prefer to avoid: medical issues, family complications, and financial downturns.
The role of a wedding planner within the planning process needs to seamlessly transition from planner to counsellor, from coordinator to shoulder-to-cry-on. I’ve answered calls from distraught brides in the middle of the night after an explosive fight with their groom. I’ve struggled to make last-minute changes in light of difficult circumstances that leave weddings moved up by months at a time. I’ve even had the unfortunate experience of helping to un-do all the plans we’d made to date to accommodate a dissolved relationship.
But Fate has a funny way of turning things around. That middle-of-the-night distraught bride is now over-the-moon-happily married. Those last-minute weddings have been absolutely beautiful. The bride with the un-done wedding excitedly reported to me recently that she’s newly in love and is so thankful that things worked out the way they did.
Just because your Happily Ever After doesn’t work out exactly how you’d envisioned, doesn’t mean it’s never going to. Life really is a series of Happily Ever Afters.. and when we close one chapter, we allow another to open. In most cases, the new chapters are written with more love, experience, openness, and peace…. and always have a way of becoming more beautiful than the last.
{ by poet Danna Faulds, from her book Limitless }
As I write this post, I’m reminded of a “prayer” shared in one of my yoga classes….
So today, as we reflect on Happily Ever Afters being exactly what they’re meant to be (even when it’s unexpected)…. just pray to stay open.
I pray to stay open today.
Open to the unrestrained energy of now.
Open to mystery and power.
Open to whatever comes.
Open to routine and surprises.
Open to moving past my first reactions.
Open to my imperfections and the divine spark that underlies them.
Open to wonder and the everyday grace of life unfolding as it does.
Open to events and circumstances that I like, and those I don’t.
Open to fatigue and overflowing energy.
Open to listen and to speak.
Open to love in all the ways it manifests.
Open to give and to receive.
Open to seasons changing, priorities rearranging, nothing staying the same for very long.
The Perfect Dress is an exciting new bridal fashion reality TV series for Slice Network, that focuses on a ‘Pop-Up’ Bridal boutique and its professional team; an ensemble of colourful, committed people from the world of fashion.
{ the Pros }
The team over at The Perfect Dress is casting 5 fashion + retail professionals (that MUST live within 90 minutes of Toronto, Ontario).
The Bridal Fashion Intern - a confident and engaging fashion design student or aspiring bridal stylist with that ‘Queen West’ style; retail experience not required; interest in bridal fashion a must.
The Bridal Consultant – this male bridal consultant is outspoken and strong-willed. He makes women feel like superstars. Fashion stylist.
The Office Manager – Speaks his/her mind and and protects the business side of the business and is often found pulling in favors. Retail management preferred; interest in bridal is a must.
The Bridal Boutique Receptionist –This big personality is the front line ambassador. A Fashion graduate, fashion blogger or anyone with a passion for fashion… and bridal fashion.
The Fashion Retail Marketer – this larger than life dynamo is an experienced fashion retail marketer with knowledge/experience in Pop-Up retail. He/she can get businesses up and running. No bridal experience necessary.
{ requirements }
Interested in being a part of this fabulous new team?
Application requirements inclue:
A Photo and Resume/BIO
as well as
A 2 minute ‘WALK AND TALK’ VIDEO – (it can be shot with a home camcorder!)
Instructions:
Please shoot a lively, outspoken ‘walk and talk’ video, chatting directly to camera, as you tour a bridal salon, boutique or stroll through the fashion district, giving us your 3 most important tips/advice for either brides when they are buying their wedding dress, or marketing and managing a new retail operation.
Videos are to be submitted through www.yousendit.com and must be at least 40MB and in .mov format
Please email all submissions materials to the Casting Director, Sue Skinner: smsconcepts@rogers.com
Brides love it when their wedding planning is made easy-peasy. Traditional wedding shows are large, and sometimes intimidating. It’s hard to get answers from a vendor when there are swarms of brides buzzing about around you. Imagine how much of your wedding plans you could get checked off your list by visiting with various vendors in an intimate setting – their studio!
A group of Niagara’s Finest have decided that next weekend, they’d love to meet you!
Here are some creative ways to stylize your Big Day with hints of seaside, sunshine, and sweets inspired by the Boardwalk…
If you’re looking for ways to embellish your wedding design with hints of Boardwalk love without going surfs-up on the theme, consider lovely little accents such as personalized parasols for the wedding party (or for guests attending your outdoor ceremony). Incoporate traditional boardwalk treats into your midnight buffet (be sure to include genuine saltwater taffy, yummy candy apples, a popcorn buffet, and even consider having a cotton-candy machine on site!). You can depict Boardwalk details in your ceremony programs, bring out the elements via your escort cards, set up a photo booth, or theme your favours. You can even ask your photographer to add a few Boardwalk-inspired shots to your list.
Looking for Boardwalk without the cheese? (which can sometimes only be distinguished by a thin, colourful line) – pair boardwalk details with an elegant seaside design complete with a pale palette, cool blue hues, hints of sand and surf, and even slightly shabby-chic inspired whites and grays (stay tuned for that design blog coming your way!)
Happy Styling!
{ blog love – Image Credits in order of appearance }
Many brides today are opting to rent what we refer to as DIY Venues. DIY venues are locations that charge couples a flat rental fee for use of their space, and the Bride and Groom are responsible for bringing in their own rentals, decor, catering, alcohol, etc. While DIY venues are definitely the more cost-effective wedding option, they are, undoubtedly, much trickier to plan. DIY venues often require you to consider bringing in your own tables, chairs, flatware, stemware, tableware, make your own catering arrangements, and most importantly, to plan your own bar. It seems ironic to me (as a wedding planner) that the elements of your wedding meant to save you the most money tend to be the most difficult to execute. It’s with that in mind that we write this blog.. and hopefully it helps!
{ your DIY bar }
Note: Please remember that every wedding is different. Depending on the type of guests you invite (older vs. younger, drinkers vs. not), some weddings will boast a much heavier alcohol consumption than others. Details of the wedding will also play a role in alcohol consumption. These include time of day, length of cocktail hour and dinner, availability of shots and varieties of drinks, etc. All of these details are based on the average wedding.
Recently, we chatted with our good friend Peter over at Edgewater Manor, and he was kind enough to take some time to answer some questions regarding alcohol trends to help you plan your DIY Bar. Between our own experience at weddings we’ve planned, and with Peter’s expert advice, here’s what you need to know:
1) The average wedding guest will consume 1 alcoholic drink per hour throughout the wedding (which averages out to approximately five to seven drinks per person – including wine at dinner).
2) The average wedding guest will usually drink 2 drinks during cocktails, 2 drinks during dinner, 2 drinks while they’re dancing, and 2 drinks in the last couple hours of the night (this includes shots).
3) Liquor is the most widely consumed alcohol at the average wedding (especially in the form of shots). Wine comes in second (as it’s typically the drink of choice during dinner). Beer scores third.
4) Red wine is FAR more popular than white wine (usually a ratio of 2:1)
5) If Premium and Import beers are offered, they are usually drank at a higher frequently than Domestic labels
6) The most popular liquors consumed, in order of popularity, are: Vodka, Gin, Rye, Tequila, Rum, Scotch, Amaretto, and Apple + Raspberry Sours
7) The most popular mixes, in order of popularity, are: Club Soda, Tonic, Cranberry juice, Coke, and Clamato.
8) Signature drinks are surprisingly unpopular. Guests will drink signature cocktails because they’re offered, but once the bar opens and they can order their own drinks, people stray from colourful / fruity drinks.
{ wedding Signature drinks }
On the topic of signature drinks….
So, as planners – we love the personality and creativity that goes into signature drinks…- don’t let us discourage you from the idea! Just make sure to choose a drink that tastes good (and isn’t just neon yellow to match your neon colour scheme). Some of our couples have also opted to offer a choice of drinks (like Kelly and Morgan, and Grace and Ajay who offered a Bride and Groom’s drink). :: (sorry for the terrible quality of the photos – they were taken in a hurry by an iPhone!)
Cocktail hour drinks that suit the style and theme of your wedding are always classic. Chilly autumn weddings are complemented nicely with hot apple cider, while sunshine-y summer wedding guests appreciate ice-cold sparkling numbers (even if they’re non-alcoholic) and simple infused waters (like lemon or cucumber+mint).
{ Special Thanks }
Thanks, Peter – for all your help! For those of you who are considering a gorgeous inclusive venue on the shores of Lake Ontario, or secluded on a beautiful property in the GTA, be sure to check out Edgewater Manor and Terrace On The Green.
Over the past three years, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of working alongside some incredibly talented beauty stylists. Whether they were making my brides flawless, our bridesmaids beautiful, or helping me primp up for promo shoots, I’ve always admired the love these guys have for what they do. How can you not love your job when your job is to make people gorgeous?!
Do you, or does someone you know, have a knack for making girls beautiful? If you love being a part of beautiful wedded bliss, maybe you were Born To Style!
{ what’s the deal? }
I was recently told that the Aveda Institute is offering up five full scholarships to their hair schools in five different cities across Canada. To win, stylists need to submit a unique and creative video explaining why they were “Born to Style”. Top celebrity judges from each of the five cities (Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg and Toronto) will be selecting the winners. Now, the AVEDA Institute isn’t your average hair school. It’s a top-notch academy that takes talent and creativity to a whole new level. Graduates don’t just end up working in barber shops and hair salons. They really do become rockstar hair stylists! Aveda makes sure their professionals lead really cool lives… so you have nothing to lose!
{ how to win in 3 Easy Steps }
STEP 1: MAKE A VIDEO
Create a video that shows why you were BORN TO STYLE. Make it ooze with talent, character, and personality! Explain why you’ve got what it takes: talent, passion and determination – to develop your hairstyling skills with the Aveda Institute Canada. Videos will be judged on boldness and clarity of your artistic vision, on their originality and creativity, on your ability to demonstrate that you are fashion-forward and understand the Aveda mission, and on overall impact and impression.
STEP 2: UPLOAD & SHARE
Visit www.avedainstitute.ca/scholarship to enter the contest. Upload your video and share your entry with the world! Share your Aveda Institute entry page link with all your family, friends, fans and followers and get them to rate your video. The more love you get, the better your odds of being noticed!
STEP 3: HAIR SHOWDOWN
Beauty industry professionals will hand pick five aspiring hairstylists in each city to advance to the final round. These future hairdressers will participate in a live head-to-head competition and runway show putting together a complete look in front of a panel of style experts and hairstyling heavy hitters. The winner in each city will be awarded a full scholarship to the Aveda Institute hair school.
The last day to submit a video is March 31st, 2012 at 11:59:59 a.m. ET
For more information on the institute and their program, check out the AVEDA Institute Canada website
Just last week, we happily welcomed Planner-To-Be (and our Little Miss DIY!), Jennifer to the WG team.. and this week, we’re so excited to bring Krystle on board!
Not only does Krystle come along with a passion for all-things-pretty, she’s got some serious global experience too! Whether you’re planning tropical travels or northern retreats, Himalayan honeymoons or Bali bachelorettes, our newest addition has you covered.
Stay tuned for weekly destination details and personalized travel tips coming your way via Krystle and our WG blog.
{ on a Personal note – from Krystle }
Thinking of traveling for your wedding? – good thing there’s a new TICO Certified Destination Wedding Planner in town!
A travel fanatic since she was born.
Krystle has major event planning experience, from concerts to charity events of all sizes.
Considers the English Bulldog breed an extension of everything right in the world.
Located centrally within the GTA to best serve the demands of WG Brides
She believes that music is just that – one word, all encompassing…with a period on the end of that.
Believes in Happily Ever After and will show you how to obtain it
An act of sheer destiny steered Krystle directly smack dab into the whirlwind called Mary and the brilliance that is occurring as we speak, is a creative storm sure to make exceptional out of chaos
Has a way of making everything work out – the impossible, possible.
We got a unique email offer today from Adrian over at Behind The Front – Visual Arts Studio in downtown Toronto. Looking for an alternative to the typical bar-based bachelorette? Why not grab your favourite girls and learn to sketch? your subject? a gorgeous nude man!
Adrian says it’s all the rage for the urban bride: Nude Life Drawing Bachelorette parties. For $530, six to nine of the best girlfriends you’ve got will have access to “one hot model”, three hours of sketching instruction, and four bottles of wine! Catering is provided onsite by Vert Catering and musical entertainment is provided by Cr8apes
For more information or to register your party, please get in touch with Adrian by calling {647} 502-2787 or by emailing at info@adrianhayles.com
