Archive for Carrie MacPherson

An Elegant Black-Tie Wedding At The Four Seasons in Montreal

Real Weddings

Posted February 10th, 2020 | 10:51 am | By | No Comments

Marketing manager and blogger Cally Dubrofsky and doctor Russell Frank met as kids at summer camp where they became friends. Later, at age 17, their paths crossed again in college and they’ve been together ever since. “We are so compatible and basically grew up together,” says Cally. “We know each other better than we know ourselves!”

Eleven years later, the couple got engaged in their home as it was undergoing renovations. “Russell had set up candles leading me to giant neon letters that spelled out Marry Me,” the bride remembers. “I was so excited that I said YES before he even had the chance to ask!”

Cally and Russell chose the sleek new Four Seasons in Montreal for their wedding with an elegant and minimalist theme. “We loved the idea of a simple and chic vibe to complement the new ballroom,” adds Cally. “We decided to go pretty understated on the flowers with all-white calla lilies, orchids and roses. Paul of Fleurs Desjardins really delivered, creating a timeless and clean floral design for the evening. We also loved our oval marble tables and the mix of silver and gold chairs. Alternating the two colours and the shape of the chair backs added a touch of modernity to the room.”

Cally’s favourite moment was the ceremony. “Our chuppah was round and encircled in hanging white flowers—it was stunning and ethereal and more beautiful than we could have imagined.” Guests were seated in a semicircle around the chuppah. “It really made it feel like everyone was part of the ceremony. Getting married under the dreamy chuppah with all our loved ones present is a feeling that we will never forget.”

Even her wedding gown was divine in its simplicity. “I had an incredible experience while working with a seamstress to create my dream wedding dress,” said Cally. “From the pleated detail in the front to the low back and fitted shape—I didn’t have to compromise on anything.”

For their first dance as husband and wife, the 13-piece band invited the guests to join them on the dance floor where they circled the newlyweds in a massive embrace to the sound of “My Love Is Your Love” by Whitney Houston. Cally recalls, “It was so special. We really felt the love.”

Cally Dubrofsky and Russell Frank, August 25th, 2019, Montreal, Quebec.

Photography courtesy of Blushing Bride Studio.

Vendors
Venue: Four Seasons Montreal
Wedding planner: Em Events
Bridal gown: Rosine Da Silva
Groom’s tux: Harry Rosen
Rings: Mark Lash
Hair and makeup: The Alper Sisters
Flowers: Fleurs des Jardins by Paul
Stationery: Cow Goes Moo
Decor: Location Gervais and Joe’s Prop House
Favours: Krispy Kreme
Band: Montreal Rhapsody Orchestra
DJ: DJ Hillel Matthews

 



 

This Is The Most Romantic Honeymoon Hideaway In Tulum

Travel

Posted January 14th, 2020 | 2:00 pm | By | No Comments

All photos courtesy of Carrie MacPherson.

Nestled in the exotic entrance of Tulum’s National Park, away from the normal hubbub of touristy Tulum, is the intimate luxury boutique hotel Mi Amor. This designer love nest is the ideal romantic escape in a protected jungle overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Mi Amor takes care of every little detail, providing a carefully curated experience allowing you to unwind, enjoy and connect post “I dos.”

The moment you arrive, you are greeted with cool towels and a welcome cocktail in an inspiring tropical motif. The staff are attentive and discreet as they check you into one of the 18 beautifully appointed adults-only rooms. Each with its own private patio and some even with their own plunge pool.

The guest rooms at Mi Amor boast a relaxed, beachy chic vibe.

Cool down after a day at the beach in on of the hotel’s soothing pools.

Mi Amor’s poolside restaurant is renowned for its Mediterranean and Mexican-inspired menu created by celebrity chef Paul Bentley. The inventive cuisine is best paired with creative cocktails from the bar menu, penned exclusively for the hotel by award-winning mixologist, Jasper Soffer. Mix all that with an excellent play list, a spectacular view of the sea and you’ll be in the mood for more. For the ultimate in intimate dining, ask for the “On the rocks” private dining experience—a table for two set up on the rocky outcrop in front of the restaurant where the sea serenades the shore.

Food is a passion at Mi Amor and features a menu created by celebrity chef Paul Bentley.

Creative cocktails are also a house specialty. The drink menu was curated by renowed mixolgoist Jasper Soffer.

When not lounging in one of the seafront daybeds, or cooling off in the soothing pools, the hotel offers bicycles to rent for a quick excursion to the Mayan ruins, the park’s main attraction. Aside from the ruins and beaches, couples can venture to one of Mi Amor’s nearby sister hotels. Each hotel has a signature gastronomic experience to enhance your romantic escape. The Spa at Mi Amor was designed for couples massages and even a romantic bath with lavender, calendula and roses. At night, Mi Amor’s turn-down service sets the scene for relaxed romance with a unique love note, a thermos of herbal tea and handmade Mayan chocolates. When it comes to the little things, Mi Amor truly thinks of every single detail.

The On The Rocks dining experience features all the best food and drink at Mi Amor served with a breathtaking beach view.

Plan A Dreamy Honeymoon And Destination Wedding In Punta Cana

Travel

Posted November 19th, 2019 | 2:31 pm | By | No Comments

Get your Zen on poolside at Impressive Premium Resorts & Spa in Punta Cana. All photos by Carrie MacPherson.

If you are looking for an unforgettable honeymoon spot under the Caribbean sun (that’s also extremely affordable) you can find it under the Dominican Republic sun at Impressive Premium Resorts & Spa in Punta Cana. Located on El Cortecito Beach and chock-full of lush gardens, serene pools and a variety of restaurants and bars, this all-in resort proposes an affordable range of VIP options designed to make you feel like a star.

Inside one of the resort’s oceanfront rooms.

Treat yourself by opting for one of the resort’s recently renovated Premium suites, which offers guests a private entrance and reception, as well as access to exclusive restaurants, bars, lounges, beach areas and pools. Premium guests also receive a welcome gift, enjoy free Wi-Fi, a stocked mini bar and all-day room service. Plus, you have convenience and expertise of a 24-hour concierge. For the ultimate stay, splurge on a Jacuzzi suite so you can enjoy soothing soaks with a sea or tropical garden view.

A must-do for your Punta Cana honeymoon is booking the resort’s signature five-course gourmet lobster dinner out on the dock—this tête-à-tête at sunset to the rhythmic sounds of the sea will absolutely be a honeymoon moment to remember. Also book a couple’s massage in the resort’s private gazebo overlooking the beach for a special treat.

The resort’s dock and beach are perfect wedding photo backdrops!

The resort is also a perfect spot to consider for your destination wedding. The on-site team of wedding experts will create the perfect bespoke day for you tailored to your style and budget. The most modest wedding package starts at $600, while the top-tier wedding package includes: a wedding officiant, the ceremony, cocktail reception and sit-down dinner, bouquets and boutonnieres, and professional photographer with a price tag clocking in just under $3,000.

An airy, breezy beautiful feel prevails throughout the resort.

The most intimate weddings have the option of entertaining their guests out on the dock for the ceremony and even the reception. For bigger destination weddings, the beach or garden with ocean view both provide idyllic tropical settings. The hotel’s spa is the perfect place for getting ready with a private bridal room right next to the salon. The day before or after the wedding, couples can leave any stress behind with a massage to the sounds of the waves in a private gazebo overlooking the beach.

Why The Fairmont Chateau Laurier Is Perfect For All Wedding Occasions

Travel

Posted June 6th, 2019 | 3:06 pm | By | No Comments

Photo courtesy of Fairmont Chateau Laurier.

Ottawa’s Fairmont Chateau Laurier recently completed a major revitalization, adding several new features to firmly ensconce it as the city’s most luxurious haute spot. Located in the heart of the city, the Chateau Laurier celebrated it’s 100th birthday in 1912 and is surrounded by a rich heritage of history, art and culture. We recently visited this grand hotel and enjoyed all the spoils—here’s three reasons to consider the property for your wedding and other wedding-related activities.

Photo courtesy of Fairmont Chateau Laurier.

A Dream Wedding Venue
Who hasn’t dreamed of getting married in a castle? The Chateau Laurier is a French-style chateau and offers several rooms and packages for your wedding. There are three grand rooms to choose from—the original event space known as the Ballroom, the Adam Room and the Laurier room which has an incredible outdoor terrace boasting views of the Ottawa River, Rideau Canal and the Parliament. View their wedding chart on Pinterest to inspire you!

Photo by Carrie Macpherson.

A Beautiful Bachelorette
For a perfect pre-wedding girls day out with your bridal squad, enjoy the elegant afternoon tea service at the newly revitalized Zoe’s lounge bar. The breathtaking space is light and airy and has preserved the space’s original architectural elements—crown mouldings, glittering chandeliers and an incredible marble bar. Afternoon tea with all the trimmings is served daily and is a particular delight. Treat your ladies to a beautiful day out and experience.

Photo by Carrie MacPherson.

A Perfect Mini-Moon
With the recent renovations, the Fairmont Gold level of the hotel now has 69 rooms and suites with service that is second to none! Splash out with a post-wedding stay and enjoy the Fairmont Gold Executive Lounge, where continental breakfast, coffees and teas and a 5-7 service are included in your booking. If you love total pampering and luxury, a stay on Fairmont Gold is your perfect romantic escape!

1 Rideau St., 613-241-1414, fairmont.com/laurier-ottawa

Find Dazzling Bridal Bling At David Yurman’s New Montreal Location

Fashion & Beauty

Posted May 29th, 2019 | 11:19 am | By | No Comments

David Yurman Crossover engagement ring. Photo courtesy of David Yurman.

Famed for clean lines, modern design and timeless elegance, American jewelry brand David Yurman offers some of the most stunning engagement rings, wedding bands and fine jewelry pieces perfect to wear on your wedding day. The brand has just opened a Montreal location in the new Holt Renfrew Oglivy on St. Catherine Street West and it’s a gem lover’s paradise.

Inside Montreal’s beautiful new David Yurman boutique.

Larger and more refined than the previous location, the store showcases the brand’s history and the most recent collections for women, men and weddings. The different categories of jewelry are presented in a sleek space that lets the beauty of the David Yurman pieces truly shine. The store feels intimate yet luxurious, outfitted with walnut cabinets and antique bronze keys all of which are made from 90% recycled materials—an initiative that illustrates the brand’s sustainability efforts.

It’s interesting to note that proposals, engagements and weddings are something particularly close to founder David Yurman and his wife and co-collaborator Sybil’s heart as ring design was a particularly important part of their relationship. “A proposal is so unique to every couple. For us, I asked Sybil to marry me every other year for 11 years! Sybil knew we were a great team, but her Bohemian spirit had always resisted the idea of tying the knot. Finally, after 11 years together, she was ready. On our way to the ceremony, Sybil asked me if I had the rings. I thought: ‘Rings? What rings?’ So, I ran back to our loft and soldered two simple gold bands together —one band for Sybil, double bands for me. We still have them. These rings still symbolize our partnership, the shapes and forms we create together.”

David Yurman, Holt Renfrew Ogilvy, 1307 Sainte-Catherine St. W., 514-842-7711, davidyurman.com.

 

Why A Honeymoon In Qatar Is the Ultimate Escape

Travel

Posted May 28th, 2019 | 1:46 pm | By | No Comments

The incredible lobby of the Mondorian hotel. Photo courtesy of the Mondrian.

One of the best-kept secrets of the Persian Gulf is the ever-evolving city of Doha, capital of Qatar, currently the richest country in the world. If you love adventure, luxury, culture and architecture, then Doha is THE city to say “I do” to. Here are five reasons Qatar makes the most unforgettable and romantic honeymoon getaway.

Haute Hotels
Enjoy all the glitz and glam of the world’s top signature hotels. From the Four Seasons to the Shangri-La, there’s a luxe hotel waiting to serve you serious upscale vacay vibes. A stay at the Mondrian, an incredible designer desert destination will make you feel like a modern day Alice in Wonderland From the gigantic golden blooms in the lobby to the cloud-shaped trees at the Magnolia Bakery and tea room, there is charm and whimsy at every turn. The Mondrian houses eight restaurants and bars, including celebrity chef establishments: Wolfgang Puck’s CUT and Masaharu Morimoto’s namesake Japanese restaurant. Yet the diamond in the Mondrian’s crown is the world’s most wow-factor wedding suite. The 6,500-square-foot Opal Bridal Suite has its own golden cage elevator, which whisks the bride and groom directly to the opulent 21,500-square-foot ballroom, providing the ultimate grand-entrance goal for any bride.

A look inside the opulent bridal suite at the Mondrion. Photo courtesy of the Mondrian hotel.

The pool at the Mondrion is absolutely EPIC! Photo courtesy of the Mondrian.

Culture Club
Doha is amping up its must-see museums and cultural institutions by hiring the world’s most elite architects. A visit to the newly opened Qatar National Museum was number one on our radar, as A-listers like Naomi Campbell, DVF and Johnny Depp had jetted in to attend the spring opening. The structurally stunning museum is a series of disks meant to look like a desert sand rose, the inspiration for French architect Jean Nouvel. Another must is the I.M. Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Art, built on its own peninsula and boasting the best view of the city skyline. Hello, photo op!

The Qatar National Museum. Photo by Carrie MacPherson. Carrie was dressed by PRFKT par Europa Group.

Desert Drama
It wouldn’t be a trip to the Middle East without a desert excursion and we highly recommend booking a honeymoon safari! Most safaris start with a stop to take photos with colourfully clad camels and falcons. Then it’s time for a little “dune bashing” – what locals refer to as off-roading, or driving up and over sand dunes at high speeds in an air-conditioned 4×4 Land Cruiser with a professional driver. The thrill of conquering the dunes will work up your appetite, and luckily, a traditional Middle Eastern meal awaits at the Regency Sealine Camp. Après-lunch lounging on Bali beds is highly recommended, or rent one of the royal tents outfitted with AC, king-size beds and luxurious bathrooms for the utmost glamping experience.

The incredible sand dunes are a must explore! Photo by Carrie MacPherson. Carrie was dressed by PRFKT par Europa Group.

Falconry in the desert is another incredible Doha experience. Photo by Carrie MacPherson. Carrie was dressed by PRFKT par Europa Group.

Shoppers Paradise
Quite simply there is SO much to shop for and browse in Doha, it’s almost overwhelming. You may find Souq Waqif quaint for its scents and spices, as it was built to resemble a traditional open-air 19th-century market, but it’s a tad touristy. Instead, shop like a local at some of the most beautiful department stores you’ll ever see. We visited the brand new Galeries Lafayette flagship in the Katara Cultural Village. Here, we spotted a Fauchon Paris (one of three in Qatar) and all the luxe labels we love. Designed by famous French architects Bruno Moinard and Claire Betaille, Galeries Lafayette Doha is the equivalent of Parisian shopping. Our luxury senses were further heightened when we visited Alhazm, a luxury destination for the uber-affluent. Executed by top Italian craftsmen, Alhazm resembles the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan and is home to some of the world’s finest restaurants, cafés and fashion labels.

Shopping at the Souq Waqif. Photo by Carrie MacPherson. Carrie was dressed by PRFKT par Europa Group.

Athletic Pursuits
Sports may not seem like an exciting honeymoon endeavour, but it’s thanks to the fact that Qatar is hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022 that the city is seeing a surge in tourism and an extreme growth spurt in urban development. Other activities and events worth checking out are: falconry, equestrian competitions and camel racing. We opted for elegance with a visit to the Al Shaqab equestrian centre. Pack your best Derby attire, as this establishment belongs to the former Emir, and the horses housed here lead a pretty posh life. Visit the royal stables and see how the famous Arabian breed is trained.

Get up close and personal with the gorgeous horses at the Al Shaqab Equestrian Centre. Photo by Carrie MacPherson. Carrie was dressed by PRFKT par Europa Group.

Getting There
Start your honeymoon early by booking with Qatar Airways’ new Qsuite business class model. Voted the world’s #1 business class, it’s now also the first to offer the option of two side-by-side seats converting into a double bed. With sliding doors and dividers for extra privacy, newlyweds can cuddle up to enjoy total comfort and top-notch service.

Inside Qatar Airlines luxury Qsuite business class. Top photo courtesy of Qatar Airlines. Bottom photo by Carrie MacPherson.

Explore Playa Del Carmen’s Most Romantic Wedding & Honeymoon Destination

Travel

Posted April 23rd, 2019 | 11:11 am | By | No Comments

Photo courtesy of The Fives Azul Beach Resort.

A destination wedding or honeymoon reaches an entirely new level at The Fives Azul Beach Resort Playa del Carmen. This all-inclusive gourmet resort offers unique experiences that explore themes inspired by each of the five senses. We visited The Fives recently and our senses approved!

Inside one of the resort’s plush suites. Photo courtesy of The Fives Azul Beach Resort.

The  adventure began with a blind dinner at Club 82 Wine Bar, where we enjoyed a unique meal prepared to entice our sense of smell, touch and taste, all while being  blindfolded. Entertaining indeed.  Once a week, The Fives organizes a journey through an interpretation of the sacred Alux ceremony, which incorporates various Mayan rituals. In the morning, our tour took us into the mangroves where we discovered Mayans in costumes from another era, some representing animals, which seemed to grow more and more elaborate and impressive as we continued on. As we walked, we took in the scent of ensarte, a mixture of natural herbs and wood that help purify the spirit and boost our energy.

The following evening, our senses were awakened with an authentic Mexican dinner, which we helped prepare, at La Casa de Rosa. “Rosa” had just recently opened her doors and her ovens for guests to learn how to cook typical Mexican dishes. Inspired by a traditional Mexican home, you’ll feel as if you’ve stumbled upon the best house party in Mexico where you get to cook, share and enjoy a meal at a communal table to the sound of mariachis.

We kicked off our final evening with a tequila tasting at Nineteen Ten, the resort’s Mexican Cantina. The cantina’s local tequila aficionado walked us through a selection of some of Mexico’s best tequila and mezcal while we snacked on traditional Mexican appetizers.

You can enjoy romantic dining at in the privacy of your own overwater hut! Photo courtesy of The Fives Azul Beach Resort.

The resort also offers several options for your wedding ceremony and reception. The Sky Deck, for example, which boasts a magnificent view of the sea, is ideal for a modern wedding. Closer to the ocean, the garden gazebo, is a charming choice for a boho-chic wedding. Finally, the beach will satisfy those couples who dream of saying “I do” with their toes in the sand!

The garden gazebo is a stunning location for your destination wedding at The Five Azul Beach Resort. Photo by Carrie MacPherson.

Leading up to and after the wedding, you and your guests will be seduced by the hotel and its diverse dining options, sleek bars, chic spa, sublime pools and Balinese-style day beds to dream in. The beach will also be calling your name with its rows of relaxing lounge chairs facing the ocean.

Photo courtesy of The Five Azul Beach Resort.

The Fives welcomes visitors of all ages and offers activities that appeal to everyone. The little ones will love the entertainment for the “Azulitos” while the adults enjoy activities such as: yoga or soccer on the beach, spiritual ceremonies and even Spanish classes.

Whether you go for a sun-filled wedding, your dream honeymoon, or just for a romantic getaway, your five senses will definitely thank you!