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December 11, 2012
{ ’tis the Season! }
With the cold weather fast-approaching, and an anxious feeling of joy in the air, it’s time to get into the festive spirit and share the spotlight around here.
Starting tomorrow, and continuing every day until Christmas Eve, WeddingGirl.ca is giving away 12 spotlight features to spread holiday cheer with some vendor love!
{ the Details }
Beginning tomorrow, December 12th (bright and early at 7 a.m!) we will be posting which wedding industry category will be featured for the day on the WeddingGirl Dot Ca profile on Facebook and tweeted @WeddingGirlca.
Become friends with us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to see daily posts. We’ll ask a question like, “Who’s the best wedding photographer you know?” or “Where can you find the prettiest bridal accessories?”. This will let everyone know which category to comment on. Respond with your favorite vendor in that category and you’ll give them a chance to win for the day! If your favourite vendor has already been listed by someone else, you can LIKE or RETWEET their comment to count as additional “votes” to make sure they stay in the lead.
Industries will be selected randomly every morning from the following list:
Venue
Photography
Cinema/Video
Entertainment/Live Music
Disc Jockey
Stationary
Cake
Floral Design
Decor
Attire + Accessories
Health|Wellness|Beauty
Transportation
Throughout the day we will be keeping track of your votes and suggestions for the top vendor in each category. At the end of the day (9 p.m., to be exact), the vendor with the most love|likes|votes|tweets will get an early Xmas surprise with their very own WG feature { to be unwrapped bright and early on Christmas morning }
A Note To Vendors: when you see your category featured, make sure to ask your Friends, Fans, and Followers to show their support!
Good luck, and Happy Holidays!
October 3, 2012
Okay. So I stumbled upon Little Miss Wedding Planner’s blog while perusing one of our bride’s Pinterest accounts…. and I’m pretty sure I’m in love! This girl is the cutest thing ever! (Thanks for sharing your great idea, Amy!)
Now as far as tipping etiquette goes – we’ve been asked numerous times by our real-world WG couples when they should and shouldn’t tip their wedding vendors. Traditionally, etiquette states that you tip service-based vendors who aren’t the owners of their business. Today, pretty much everyone in the wedding industry is service-based, and they all own their businesses! This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to tip every single vendor on your planning list. The only vendors who tend to require gratuity at your wedding (and will add it to your charges) are food and beverage service staff as well as transportation drivers. It’s important to note that legally, gratuity can not be forced on you – and if you’re unhappy with the service provided, it does not have to be paid (though the disputing process can be arduous).
As far as wedding planning today goes, tip those you love. If someone has gone above and beyond to make your day extra special, you can thank them with a small token of appreciation, a card, or a monetary gift. The traditional etiquette of not tipping the business owner has long-gone out the wedding-planning window, but if you would like to abide by these conservative values, a sincere note of thanks in an vendor’s Inbox a few days after the wedding is equally as warm and fuzzy.
Happy Tipping!
July 26, 2012
Looking to hire a wedding DJ? So is one of our 2013 brides. She emailed us asking who we would suggest and right away we checked in on Patryk’s availability over at Liquid Entertainment. “He’s one of the best!” I replied – and quoted his 2013 fee (less his WeddingGirl discount). The Bride explained to me that she’d also received a quote from the DJ company referred by her venue (one I’d never heard of before) and their price was $300 less.
This morning, I received the following email:
Hi Mary,
Can you explain a bit why you like Liquid over the other ones? And how the others are in terms of quality? We’re going with cupcakes now and we hadn’t initially planned on a cake, and the stationery was more than I expected, so it’d be nice to stay closer to budget on the DJ.
Best,
{ the Bride }
…. so this was my response:
Good morning!
Ofcourse I can!
We have worked with a lot of DJ’s and I find that certain ones are just more passionate about what they do than others. Their personalities are more congruent with my brides and they show a greater sense of cooperation and understanding toward couples. Beyond that, they have superior equipment (clearer sound, better quality microphones – less static / feedback, etc) and more visually appealing setups (i.e. sleek + contemporary speaker setups, no tacky promo signs on the
front of their mixer, etc).
I look at DJ’s personalities both on the dancefloor and off of it. I need to know that their energy is contagious, that they use humour appropriately, and that they interact with your guests well. Afterall, without a good DJ, your party is going to end when the dessert course is taken away (and literally, I’ve seen weddings end around 10:30 p.m. because no one wanted to dance to what the DJ was playing). Sadly, he was unable to salvage the crowd.
I’m not saying that the less expensive DJ’s aren’t good at what they do – I have some AMAZING budget DJ’s available who do a great job, come with stellar equipment, and interact with your guests fabulously! – I just can’t speak for DJ’s I’ve never worked with before (or furthermore, that I’ve never heard of). The tricky part is that you can’t “test-drive” your DJ… you can’t really go into someone else’s wedding and see how he’s interacting with the crowd. So usually, going based
on previous experience and an endorsement or referral will give you the best guarantee of the quality of who you’re hiring.
—————————————————
We’ve worked with Patryk on a few fabulous weddings in Niagara, including charming Niagara-On-The-Lake Courthouse as well as beautiful Inn On The Twenty in Jordan Village. We’ve rang in 2011 with him at an amazing New Years Eve affair in Toronto’s trendy Distillery District, and beyond that, we’re looking forward to his party-starting at stunning Casa Loma in just a few weeks, as well as at urban-chic Steamwhistle Brewery in the Spring.
If you have questions for us about our experience working with Liquid Entertainment, feel free to get in touch! Otherwise, make sure to check out their website and blog! Happy Dancing!
May 28, 2012
{ Congratulations, Jenn + Ned! }
Last week we had the opportunity to witness best friends Jenn and Ned exchange marriage vows at the brink of the majestic Niagara Falls, Ontario. Our bride and groom took centre stage inside romantic Rambler’s Rest for their wedding ceremony and it was nothing but blue skies and sunshine for this special WG couple. An intimate ceremony shared with only a handful of their closest loved ones was followed by a private photo session with Jennifer Hortin of mINK Creative Photographic, who managed to capture the elegance, beauty, and love that swirled about all day long. From their First Look over the fountains of the Fallsview Casino, to their loving embraces in the gardens of the Niagara Parks, Jenn and Ned were so obviously in love with one another that it was impossible not to be enraptured in the magic the two of them felt as they finally became husband and wife.
{Behind – The – Scenes }
All in all, we couldn’t have asked for a more loving couple, for more beautiful weather, or a more perfect day. Jenn and Ned – wishing you nothing but blue skies and sunshine along your journey through life. We love you both!
~ all of us at WG
{ Vendor Love }
Ceremony Location: Rambler’s Rest, Niagara Parks Commission
Officiant: Reverend Derek Rymarchuk, The Wedding Company of Niagara
Photography: Jennifer Hortin, mINK Creative photographic studios
Florals: Cathy Neale, Jean’s Flower Shop
Hair + Makeup: Cavalier Hair Salon, Hamilton
Bridal Gown: David’s Bridal, Mississauga
Planning + Coordination: WeddingGirl.ca
February 23, 2012
{ Toronto Centre For The Arts – Industry Night }
Last night, Jenn (the fab photog behind mINK Creative) and I cracked a bottle of Misterio Argentinian Malbec (it was AMAZING – definitely a must-try).
We caught up on life, chatted business for a bit, then donned some stilettos, and headed out on the town. Our destination? Industry Night at the Toronto Centre For The Arts (with a special Thanks going out to Derek for extending an invitation!) We were super excited to see what the Centre has to offer brides-to-be beyond its theatrical loveliness – and were so pleasantly surprised! First and foremost…. SO easy to get to + find parking (which, let’s face it, is a big deal in Toronto).
We were greeted by smiling faces and top-notch hospitality – particularly the glasses of wine poured and waiting in some couture stemware. The chard was a tad acidic for my palate, the red…. delish!
Everywhere we turned we bumped into fabulously hospitable industry pros, and even had a lovely staff member (Nancy, I believe?) offer to take a picture for us (even though she’d never used an iPhone) – how sweet! (the poor lighting was totally my fault).
We perused the gorgeous hors d’oeuvres displays, took in some classy little floral accents, and visited a few modern, carte-blanche event spaces perfect for some contemporary Happily Ever Afters. I’m dying to show this space to some of my real-world brides!
Most amazing gnocchi and my first time trying duck confit courtesy of Loic Gourmet…
Fabulous little chocolate + raspberry panna cotta treats from 10tation Catering…
Awesome chocolate mousse and rice pudding (to follow a wicked salmon + mango salsa + couscous treat) from A La Carte Kitchen Inc…
We also had the pleasure of meeting the lovelies (Anna and Mark) at Kostel Photo – wedding + lifestyle photographers from Port Credit.
Not sure who designed these beautiful little details – but the punch of colour was amazing! (and this is a super cost-efficient centrepiece alternative!)
Look at my lovely beauty — those eyelashes are do-die-for! Thanks for coming, Jenn!
The only shot of the two of us with relatively ambient lighting….. love this girl <3
{ Sponsor Shout-outs}
All in all, it was a fabulous night – with all kinds of Thanks for the yumminess, awesome service, and our fab Swag Bags delivered by….
Gourmet Galaxy Catering
(whose logo I couldn’t find anywhere!)
… and my favourite of all….. Starbucks {love}.
January 19, 2012
{ meet + greet }
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!
{ the Details }
Be sure to join Patryk (of Dynasty Limo + Liquid Entertainment), Christina (of Gala Decor), Candice (of Make A Memory Photography), Anne (of Inviting Elegance), and Melanie (of Lush Florals) for some wine, some treats, and a whole lot of wedding planning love!
January 8, 2012
{ my Sunday morning so far }
(and yes, 1:30 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon DOES still count as a Sunday morning!)
A special Thank You shout-out goes to Santa (and Canada Post) for delivering my brand new Keurig Platinum for Christmas. I decided to try out some Christmas Blend, added yummy french vanilla creamer, and I definitely have myself the perfect combination of a laid-back morning of wedding planner goodness.
{ bridal show Season }
As I leisurely scroll through the newsfeed on WeddingGirl’s profile, I love reading about all the brides super-excited to be visiting bridal shows today, all the vendors preparing for upcoming exhibitions, and seeing all my industry colleagues’ statuses and pictures about their bridal-showing today! Between Canada’s Bridal Show, the Hamilton-Halton Show, and the Wedluxe Wedding Show, it seems like they’re everywhere!
My friends over at Captivate seem to be attracting quite the crowd….
Micah and Carly from Micah Bowerbank Photography have some beautifully bold colours and a couple of awesome, creative trash-the-dress shots adorning their booth walls… (I worked with these two at a winter wedding last year – they’re amazing!)
I haven’t yet had the opportunity to work with Jennifer Klementi, but she captured details from a wedding this fall where the bride purchased her decor elements from the Shops @ WG – and the images were fabulous! (I love her vintage furniture and abundance of sample work to show off)
…. and here’s Rachel Clingen.
Love, love, LOVE her colours, textures, lighting! I haven’t personally worked with Rachel yet, but she’s definitely on my radar for our upcoming 2012 brides!
Wedding shows are an awesome opportunity for brides to meet the faces behind the websites they spend hours scouring. Personalities need to “click” when you’re planning a wedding together – and visiting potential vendors at bridal shows will not only expose you to a variety of vendors, but will give you a great glimpse into their own creative edge and personal style. If a photographer’s exhibition image catches your eye – it’s likely going to mean that they stand out to you. If a decorator’s booth makes you get all warm and fuzzy, that’s a big hint that they’re a great fit!
If you’re interested in a particular vendor’s product or service, introduce yourself! Take the time to connect and leave your contact information for them to follow up with you afterwards (if you’re super-keen, follow up yourself!)
So on this unseasonably warm Sunday…. stroll, shop, meet, greet, and get inspired!
Happy Show-ing! – love, Mary
July 25, 2011
{ the Contest }
A few weeks ago we launched our first Caught In The Moment candid wedding photography contest. We loved all the photos that were submitted, but alas, we could only have one winner!
Our WG Profile friends on Facebook have voted on their favourites, and this morning, a HUGE congratulations goes out to Rick Denham, of Rick Denham Photography, who submitted this fabulous candid image (and collected a whopping 25 Likes!)
What Rick had to say about this candid shot (which was taken Oct 16, 2010 at a wedding at The Olde Mill Inn & Spa in Toronto)
I was doing some detail shots for the bride when I heard someone shout out, “What stinks?”
My bride Jenn turns around and sure enough it’s her little guy Joel.
Anyways, Jenn being the great mother she is, hopped right in and even though she was all but ready (no dress yet) she still got her hands dirty and changed Joel into a new diaper.
All in all, Jenn + Greg (and baby Joel) had an amazing night with their family and friends!
{ the Prize }
To celebrate our new WeddingGirl.ca Vendor Showcase Re-Launch, the winner of the Caught In The Moment candid wedding photography contest receives:
1) A customized link + description on the Exclusive WeddingGirl.ca Vendor Showcase for 1 year
2) WG website love through a cross-linked WG-approved button
3) Priority wedding planning referrals
4) Year-long access to the WeddingGirl.ca blog (visited by over 30,000 brides every month!) and WeddingGirl.ca Facebook profile (followed by over 1500 users) to highlight past work and feature current promotions!
(a $500.00 value)
Congratulations, Rick!
{ the Runners Up }
A special Congratulations goes out to all the other photographers who submitted amazing candid moments captured on a wedding day!
Here they are, in no particular order!
To all of you who entered our contest, thank you so much for capturing these special moments in the Bride and Groom’s lives – now they will never be forgotten, thanks to you!
July 14, 2011
{ the Girl }
{ the Love }
Magie loves her camera.
Magie loves people.
Most of all, Magie loves to capture special moments between people in love: a proud smile, a childish giggle, or a romantic blush.
Recently, she decided to make room among her professional duties to pursue her dream of capturing all things beautiful around her… and it all began with Jenny and Aaron on May 22, 2011.
{ Vancouver’s newest wedding photographer }
May showers bring Happily Ever After’s…
Congratulations Jenny + Aaron!
Magie Neaman’s Vancouver photography packages start at $400.00. For additional information or to book your bridal consultation, find Magie at her Facebook page and say hello!
June 28, 2011
…and we love Mandie from Shutterbrugs.
… but most of all, we love that Mandie is in love….
and Rick was there to capture it all!
What do you get when you combine a vintage airplane, a sleek sports car, some stylish Christian Louboutin stilettos, and two of the best photographers we’ve ever had the pleasure of working with?
A modern take on a traditional engagement session.. combining high fashion, some stylish props, vintage elegance, a couple that’s madly in love with one another <3 – Congratulations on your engagement, Mandie and Brad!
A special shout-out also goes to our beloved Jessica of Fleurish Design Studio for some beautiful blooms.
Mandie + Brad,
Best wishes for your new beginning and picture-perfect Ever After!
Love, all of us at WeddingGirl.ca
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