Archive for Alessia Piccolo

The Prettiest Bridal Hairstyles For Your Big Day

Fashion & Beauty » Hairstyles

Posted September 22nd, 2015 | 11:00 am | By | No Comments

Still searching for the perfect bridal hairstyle to complement your dress? This year, we’re loving styles that are loose, tousled and accented with braids and fanciful accessories.

Whether woven into plaits or crowning a cascade of curls, floral accessories are particularly popular for warm weather celebrations, though the more classic bride may gravitate towards a high bun or sleek ponytail.

No matter which type of bride you are, you’re sure to find inspiration for your wedding ‘do among these 14 gorgeous bridal hair looks.

Fun Ways To Incorporate Balloons Into Your Wedding

Planning » Reception Ideas

Posted May 19th, 2015 | 11:30 am | By | 1 Comment

Wedding balloon release

No matter the celebration, a staple decor item to add to your list is balloons. From engagement parties to bridal showers to the wedding day and everything in between, balloons are a great (and fun) way to liven up a room. Did we mention that they’re also budget-friendly and don’t take a ton of time to setup? We love seeing them used (especially the extra-large balloons) as dessert table backdrops and centrepieces but, for a more subtle approach, you could also use them as photo props or stationery accents. For the more adventurous sort, why not take a romantic hot air balloon ride and capture some great shots from up in the air? Or, hand out a balloon to each of your guests and watch in awe as an abundance of balloons sail together to the skies after your ceremony. To get your creative juices flowing, here are some clever ideas to help you incorporate these whimsical decor items into your wedding.

Last Minute Wedding Decor Ideas You Can Pull Off In The Days Before Your Celebration

Planning » Wedding Decor

Posted May 13th, 2015 | 2:30 pm | By | No Comments

last-minute-wedding-decor-marquee

The last few days leading up to your wedding day can be the most exciting, yet stressful days of your life. No matter how many items you’ve crossed off your to-do list, there’s always that little voice in your head that asks: what have I forgotten? If your reception or ceremony venues are looking a little bare, there’s no need to lose sleep. There’s an abundance of wedding decorations that you can easily pick-up last minute that will disguise themselves as highly calculated adornments. Plus, we’ve found some embellishments that are just as affordable as they are smart.

Cool Ways To Embrace A Rainy Wedding Day Forecast

Planning

Posted April 9th, 2015 | 10:00 am | By | No Comments

Is the forecast calling for showers on your big day? Okay, breathe. This isn’t a disaster. We promise! It’s actually the perfect opportunity to incorporate some really unique elements into your wedding. These ideas are so cute they might actually encourage your friends to secretly pray for sprinkles on their own wedding days.

As much as we wish we could control the weather, good old Mother Nature can be very unpredictable — especially in the spring. When you’re planning an event a year in advance, predicting whether or not you’ll have precipitation is pretty much impossible. But two weeks from the big day you should have an idea of what sort of weather you can expect. If the forecast calls for rain, we’ve got you covered!

From bridal party attire to cute decor elements, these rainy wedding day ideas should re-affirm for you the fact that showers can bring good luck.

Gorgeous Cake Toppers That Will Totally Transform The Look Of Your Wedding Cake

Planning » Wedding Cakes

Posted September 26th, 2014 | 4:00 pm | By | No Comments

Best Day Ever Cake Topper

Cute cake toppers that express your unique personalities are one way to ensure your wedding cake will stand out. After all, it is the crown jewel of your dessert table, and all eyes (and cameras!) will be on it during the cake-cutting ceremony. Even if you have a simple white wedding cake, a cake topper can change the whole look of your cake by giving it a fun flair, a romantic vibe or a sentimental touch.

From pretty figurines to lush flowers to monogrammed pieces, cake toppers come in all shapes and sizes. You can buy one, order a customized design or even make your own. We scoured the Internet to find the most special cake toppers out there! Check out these 15 amazing ideas for accessorizing your wedding dessert.

 

The Coolest Wedding Rentals Available Across Canada

Planning » Wedding Decor

Posted September 9th, 2014 | 11:00 am | By | No Comments

Wedding Teepee

Forget classic white table cloths and satin chair covers — there are so many more ways to get creative with your wedding rentals to really add some wow factor to your overall wedding decor. For example: In the foyer of your reception hall, you could set up a lounge area with contemporary furniture so guests can socialize and kick back in a fun and laid-back setting or set up a cocktail station on vintage wine casks to complement an outdoor venue. Why not think about skipping the DJ and opting for a guest-operated antique jukebox containing up to 100 CDs for your friends and family to choose from? One thing you don’t want to do, however, is go overboard with unorthodox wedding rentals, so pick one or two ideas that match your overall theme to subtly shake up your wedding decor.

From teepees and glowing orbs to vintage furniture and candy machines, be the bride all of your friends are buzzing about by incorporating one of these creative props.

Barn Wedding Venues in Canada

Planning » Reception Ideas

Posted August 6th, 2014 | 12:00 pm | By | 3 Comments

Here at Weddingbells, we are smitten with barn wedding venues–the rustic, humble look of a 150-year-old barn dressed in romantic wedding decor is enough to make us weak in the knees. Barn weddings are the perfect setting for nature-loving couples–you can have an outdoor ceremony on the vast acreage of farmland, take beautiful wedding shots around the countryside, and finish the day with a gorgeous barn wedding reception. Even celebrities like Anne Hathaway and Blake Lively had rural weddings, and we were especially taken by Kate Bosworth and Michael Polish’s country-chic ranch wedding. However, it can be very difficult to find a barn to host your wedding since many are privately-owned. But have no fear! We have compiled this slideshow of some of the most beautiful (and public!) barn wedding venues across Canada.

A Lovely Purple Wedding in Windsor, Ontario

Real Weddings

Posted March 3rd, 2014 | 9:00 am | By | No Comments

Dur-442a

Teri and Trevor, who started off as neighbours in a Saskatchewan townhouse, were smitten with each other from their very first encounter. A whirlwind of emails and instant messages turned into several dates and the two made their relationship official in December of 2006. Fast forward to December of 2011, when Trevor got down on one knee during a trip to his family’s farm. “He said ‘I want to spend the rest of my life with you, is that okay?'” laughs Teri. “I was standing in shock and waiting for ‘Will you marry me?’ but instead got the repeated phrase “Is that okay?’ to which I said ‘yes’ with tears streaming down my face as he slipped the ring on my finger.”

For their big day the two planned a beautiful, traditional celebration filled with purple accents. Lovely lavender touches filled this special day, from the flower girls’ dresses to the bridesmaids’ crystal-adorned bouquets.

Teri Stewart and Trevor Durrant, July 28, 2012,Windsor, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Brandon Scott Photography.

Vendors
Ceremony location: Corpus Christi Parish
Reception location: St.Clair Centre for the Arts
Bridal gown: Sophia Tolli from Enchantment Bridal
Bridal party attire: Reitmans
Groom’s tux: Freeds
Cake: Renee’s Fine Cakes
Music: Steve Koszman from 51 Adventures
Hair and makeup: Glow Makeup Studio
Flowers: Girard & Co. Flowers
Stationery: Wedding Paper Divas

See more photos of this lovely purple wedding in Windsor.

15 Not-So-Obvious Things To Add To Your Wedding Checklist

Planning

Posted January 16th, 2014 | 11:00 am | By | 1 Comment

Image via Etsy.

The months leading up to your wedding will be filled with making appointments, arrangements, and mind-bending decisions — it’s the last minute scrambling that can be the most nerve-wracking! Busy with the bigger arrangements like coordinating vendors, decor and attire, brides tend to overlook smaller details and handy necessities that are often crucial before, during, and after the wedding. We’ve compiled a wedding checklist of those not-so-obvious things for you to remember to ensure you’re completely covered on your big day.

Pre-Wedding Checklist
1. Set up a joint bank account (your wedding cheques will likely be made out in both of your names)
2. Make final confirmations of your appointments with your vendors.
3. Pick a cute “getting ready” outfit­–you’ll likely be photographed during this time and will want to ditch the ragged old go-to t-shirt.
4. Prepare tip envelopes for designated vendors to make your life easier at the end of the wedding night.
5. Arrange for a sweet handwritten note to be delivered to your betrothed before the ceremony.

Wedding Day Checklist
1. Have snacks on hand for your bridal party between the ceremony and reception to keep the stomach rumbles to a minimum.
2. Ditch the cellphone! Give it to your maid of honour to screen for imperative texts and calls only.
3. Stash some breath mints and tissues in your clutch–these will come in handy throughout the day.
4. Have a pair of comfy flats or flip-flops on hand at your reception venue so you can dance the night away.
5. Have a makeup re-touching kit handy to keep those tear-streamed cheeks in check and broken nails filed! Complete the kit with safety pins, bobby pins and bandages.
6. Offer floral arrangements and décor to your guests at the end of the night so they don’t go to waste.
7. Designate someone to bring all of your stuff home so you can enjoy a relaxing first night with your new husband.

Post-Wedding Checklist
1. Make sure all items that need to be returned to your vendors have been.
2. Check gift cards for money and make a deposit in your joint account before you leave for your honeymoon.
3. Keep track of where your marriage licence is. You’ll need this in order to obtain your marriage certificate and change your name.

Up-And-Coming Wedding Trends You’ll Soon Be Seeing A Lot More Of

Planning » Reception Ideas

Posted September 25th, 2013 | 12:00 pm | By | No Comments

New wedding trends continue to emerge from around the world, and we have found a few fun movements that are about to sweep the nation. Have you ever heard of a pop-up wedding? Or glamping weddings? And we’re sure you’re hip to the cronut by now but what about as a wedding dessert? These fun new innovations are making weddings more unique than ever. Read on to find out more about these and other new refreshing ways to spruce up your wedding day with the latest wedding trends.

A Romantic Fall Wedding in Fredericton, New Brunswick

Real Weddings

Posted September 23rd, 2013 | 9:00 am | By | 1 Comment

Pearl-adorned centrepieces, an adorable Batman and Wonder Woman cake topper duo and a colourful bridal party are just a few small details that made this wedding just as beautiful as it was unique.

After working at Telus Mobility together for four years, Phil and Alexa reconnected outside of work and got to know each other on a more personal level. Then in 2011, Phil popped the question. “He laid down with me and began to tell me how much he loved me, how proud he would be to have me as his wife and how he would do just about anything in the world to make me happy,” shares Alexa.

When the wedding day arrived the bride was resplendent in a gown custom-created by her stepmother. After the couple said their “I dos” guests were ushered into a chic reception space filled with candles, roses, ruffles and crystal details. Though it was hard for the couple to choose just one, Alexa says the best part of the night was walking into the reception and being introduced as husband and wife for the first time. “We were both so overwhelmed with happiness and joy that we were finally married and we could enjoy the rest of the evening celebrating with our favourite people!” she exclaims.

Alexa and Phil Power, October 27, 2012, Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Photography courtesy of Julie A. Whitlock Photography.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception location: Crowne Plaza Lord Beaverbrook
Bridal gown: Miss Patricia Fashions
Groom’s tux: Tip Top Tailors
Music: Get Up and Dance DJ Services
Hair: Avalon Salon Spa
Makeup: Made you Blush, Fredericton
Flowers: Trites Flower Shop
Stationery: You’re Invited
Decor: Barbara Lee Designs

See more photos from this romantic fall wedding in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

The Best DIY Wedding Resources in Canada

Planning » Reception Ideas

Posted September 12th, 2013 | 12:49 pm | By | No Comments

DIY Wedding Vendors: Creative Bag

If it’s a DIY wedding you’re looking for, we have the perfect resources for you. A do-it-yourself wedding is a great option for those of you who don’t want to break the bank and inject your own personality into your wedding decorations. A word to the wise: Ensure that you can handle the time commitment required for DIY wedding projects, and that they are, in fact, budget-friendly when you add up all of the necessary materials. If you’re strapped for time, rather than DIYing your entire wedding, why not pick a handful of smaller projects that you know you can get done in a few days with the help of your bridal party? Start with the save-the-dates and invitations, your stationery can showcase your personalities and set the scene for your wedding. Next, consider decor and trimmings that will bring life to your venue. Finally, send your guests home with a DIY gift from the heart that shows that you truly appreciate their presence and love on your special day. Read on to find the perfect Canadian places for all of your DIY wedding needs.

A Parisian-Inspired Wedding in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Real Weddings

Posted September 12th, 2013 | 9:00 am | By | No Comments

High school friends turned sweethearts, Christena and Brad decided on their Parisian-themed wedding after Brad’s Paris proposal. On a family trip to France, Brad took Christena for an early morning walk through the Luxumbourg Gardens and popped the question. The couple purchased a a celebratory bottle of champagne in France but vowed to save it for a special occasion, which turned out to be their French-inspired wedding day! During the night, the couple snuck out with their photographer to take some stunning shots with the Canada Day fireworks on the Halifax Waterfront as a backdrop. “It not only produced amazing photos but it also gave us a chance to relax and enjoy a few wonderful minutes alone after a very busy day,” Christena shares.

Christena McIsaac and Brad Olsen, July 1st 2012, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Photography courtesy of Jeff Cooke Photography.

Vendors
Ceremony/reception location: Prince George Hotel
Bridal gown: Pronovias from Winchester’s
Bridal party attire: Felicity Bridal
Groom’s tux: Tip Top Tailors
Cake: The Sugar Queen
Wedding planners: Avril Mulholland of Update Events
Music: True North DJ
Makeup: Vicky Mina
Hair: Paul Fougere and Robb Raniere of Thumpers Salon
Flowers: Props Floral Design
Stationery: Duly Noted

See more photos from this Parisian-inspired wedding in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The Best Tips For Trimming Your Guest List

Planning

Posted September 9th, 2013 | 11:42 am | By | No Comments

Image via Etsy.

Being one of the most important days (if not the most important day) of your life, it is a given that you will want to have your nearest and dearest present on your wedding day to share smiles, laughs, and even some tears of joy. More likely than not, you will invite your closest family members and friends to revel in the celebration of your marriage, but what about, for example, your dad’s second cousin’s brother twice-removed?

The first thing you need to know is that it’s just not possible to invite everyone you know to your wedding. Second, your wedding day is a joyful time in your life, so stressing over who to invite should be the last thing on your giant to-do list. In fact, it shouldn’t be on your to-do list at all!

This is where we come in. We know that deciding where to draw the line on who to invite to your wedding is a tricky task, so we have interviewed Tara O’Grady, founder and owner of Bliss Events and ranked one of Toronto Life‘s best in the biz, to shed some light on some quick tips for how to trim your guest list.

1. Adults only. Though we love the little ones, sometimes it makes things a lot easier to ask parents to leave the tots at home. Be sure to give ample notice so that babysitters can be arranged.

2. No plus ones. Ask your single guests to fly solo for the night, which may not be so bad after all!

3. Pass on the second and third cousins. Some extended families can be very large, so this time you may have to draw the line a little closer to home.

4. No co-workers. Unless you have built a social relationship outside of work, this may be one those times where you skip mixing business with pleasure.

5. Parental restrictions. Ask your parents to limit the amount of friends they invite (unless they are paying for the wedding of course).

Remember, if you’re going to choose one of these guest list restrictions, to avoid offending anyone, you must be consistent. Stick to your guns and you’ll be on track for a completely stress-free wedding day.

 

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