Archive for Christina Colavecchia

10 Creative Ways To “Propose” To Your Bridesmaids

engagement » Planning

Posted November 9th, 2015 | 11:53 am | By | No Comments

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You have your man and now you need your girls! Asking your besties to be your bridesmaids is an exciting event and, when done in a fun and creative way, can turn out to be one of the most memorable parts of the wedding-planning process for both you and your girls.

While there isn’t necessarily anything wrong with shooting your bridesmaids-to-be a quick text asking them the big question, presenting them with something memorable and creative will show them how special they are to you and act as a bit of an advance thank-you gift for all of the help they’ll give you in the days leading up to the main event. Even something as simple as a custom invitation with a personalized note can go a long way in making your ‘maids feel important.

If your besties don’t all hang around in the same circle, use your bridesmaid proposal as an opportunity to get all the girls together in one spot before the real wedding planning begins. Customize bottles of wine and give your bridesmaids personalized wine glasses so you can create a girls’ night out of the event. Create memento boxes with things like macarons, champagne and lipstick to get your ‘maids excited for your wedding journey.

No matter what you choose to do, remember how important your bridesmaids will be to you on your big day. Don’t they deserve a great proposal, too?

Check out these fun and creative ways to ask the most important ladies in your life to be your bridesmaids.

25 Pinterest Accounts Every Bride-To-Be Should Follow

Planning

Posted January 13th, 2014 | 12:32 pm | By | No Comments

Weddingbells

Pinterest has turned into virtually every modern bride’s essential wedding tool. Where else can you find thousands of images organized by colour, style, price-point and theme? From celebrity mood boards to DIY tutorials, the bridal possibilities are endless!

Browse through awesome stationery and paper decoration ideas at Oh So Beautiful Paper or learn how to incorporate some sparkle into your wedding at The Glitter Guide! Looking to plan a stunning vintage wedding but short on ideas? Look no further than Chic Vintage Bride‘s gorgeous Pinterest page, where you can find everything from antique gowns to vintage-inspired beauty ideas. If DIY projects are your thing, head on over to Etsy’s Pinterest page for over 700 awesome DIY ideas.

Whether you’re recently engaged or fully absorbed in wedding planning, these 25 Pinterest pros will make planning your big day a cinch! Happy pinning!

A Chic Destination Wedding in Umbria, Italy

Real Weddings

Posted December 20th, 2013 | 12:00 pm | By | 3 Comments

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“Pat and I are high-school sweethearts: we met in grade 11 and have been best friends ever since. Pat proposed to me on my birthday at Blu restaurant in Yorkville (Toronto). He surprised me—and all our guests—when he got down on one knee with a beautiful custom-designed ring,” says Laura Saveriano.

“Our wedding day was a dream! We travelled to the Abbazia San Faustino in Umbria, Italy with our closest family and friends for a week of wedding celebrations. We love to travel and our wedding was a perfect reflection of our personalities and our relationship,” explains Laura.

“The local mayor conducted our ceremony by the pool with spectacular views of the Umbrian countryside in the background. I walked down the aisle with my father carrying a flower bouquet adorned with a brooch worn at my grandparents’ wedding (my ‘something old’).”

Our reception took place in the gardens at sunset with gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding valleys,” explains Laura. “Lanterns and picture frames hung from the old tree in the garden, and we all sat at one long table to enjoy a fantastic Italian meal. “

“We made our way into the old stone abbey for our first dance. We chose ‘Marry Me’ by Train because they are one of our favourite bands and Pat considered proposing to me at one of their concerts.”

Laura Saveriano and Patrick Belliveau, September 1, 2013, Umbria, Italy.

Photography courtesy of Mark R Williamson.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception location: Abbazia San Faustino
Bridal gown: Anne Barge from White Toronto
Catering: Abbazia San Faustino
Groom’s attire: Caruso Fine Tailoring
Wedding planner: Veronica Regis
Makeup: Jacquie Hutchinson at Revlon

View more photos of this chic destination wedding below.

Frame-Worthy Bridesmaid Photo Ideas

Planning » Photo/Video

Posted December 9th, 2013 | 1:45 pm | By | 1 Comment

Whimisical Bridesmaid Photo

Gone are the days of forced, uncomfortable looking photos that say little about you and your bridesmaids and a lot about rigid, old-fashioned wedding traditions. The trend towards candid photos that capture you and your girls in those special moments is here to stay and we couldn’t be happier.

Try including some fun props, like balloons or elegant parasols, in your photos for an extra, eye-catching detail. Ask your photographer to take candid photos of you and your maids during hair and makeup prep or as you’re walking to and from the ceremony: spur-of-the-moment displays of affection captured on film will be some of your most cherished wedding mementos.

No matter what type of photos you and your maids are after, having fun and staying relaxed is the best way to capture those priceless, once-in-a-lifetime moments of your wedding day. Get inspired by these photogenic brides and bridesmaids!

Budget-Friendly Paper Wedding Decorations

Planning » Wedding Decor

Posted December 4th, 2013 | 3:21 pm | By | No Comments

Paper Origami Swans

Gorgeous decorations are an integral part of any wedding. Even the most jaw-droppingly beautiful venues need some sort of personal touch! But let’s face it: stunning and unique decorations can be costly. Elaborate centrepiece arrangements and extravagant table linens can take up a huge part of your precious wedding budget. The solution? Paper wedding decorations! As DIY weddings increase in popularity, brides are embracing paper versions of more expensive, traditional decorations.

The trick to incorporating paper decorations into your big day is to pair them with more formal and ornate details. Brown paper table clothes and paper flower centrepieces look stunning when paired with elegant china dinnerware and pretty linen napkins. Whimsical paper flowers made of vintage sheet music look stunning in faux crystal vases or rustic metal pails. DIY origami cranes add a whimsical but elegant touch when hung from a ceiling next to a glamorous chandelier, and wedding favours wrapped in pretty patterned paper can add a creative touch to a classic tablescape.

5 Super Creative Bridal Shower Themes

Planning

Posted November 14th, 2013 | 11:07 am | By | No Comments

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Bridal showers are definitely not what they used to be. Gone are the days of stuffy, boring, no-boys-allowed soirees that often focused too much on tradition and not enough on having fun and sharing in the excitement. Today, showers are much more relaxed and can incorporate whimsical themes to create an event that will be impossible for any bride and her loved ones to forget!

Why not opt for a trendy Parisian-themed affair complete with mini Eiffel Towers, french baguettes and delicious macarons? Entertain guests with a French-inspired photo booth and supply berets, moustaches and French flags to really liven up the party. For a movie-loving bride, throw a Breakfast at Tiffany’s-inspired shower with pearls, sunglasses and all things Tiffany blue. Get your hands on a copy of the iconic film and have it playing in the background to set the mood and give your party that 1960’s vibe.

Planning a themed bridal shower is not only fun but can actually help keep the planning process organized. A specific theme means specific and limited food, decoration and favour options. For a Great Gatsby-themed shower, colours like gold, black and white are the best bet. Champagne, decadent desserts and elegant hors d’oeuvres will stay in line with your theme and help keep your shopping list short and sweet.

Here are five fabulous bridal shower themes to get you and your bridal party inspired.

Hot New Wedding Colours For 2014

Planning

Posted November 5th, 2013 | 3:43 pm | By | No Comments

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Every bride-to-be knows how tricky deciding on wedding colours can be. Thankfully, Pantone, the authority on the hottest and trendiest colours of the season, recently released its Spring 2014 Fashion Color Report, which is filled with beautiful wedding-appropriate shades.

For spring, Pantone encourages mixing and matching various colours from the report, or using the individual shades in new ways. Try donning a jaw-dropping Sand-coloured gown and pairing it with a pair of Hemlock green earrings, add beautiful Freesia yellow balloons to your ceremony for an extra pop of colour in your photos or spice up your bridal beauty look with statement-making Cayenne-hued lips.

Not sold on some of the more unconventional colours? Pretty pastels like Placid Blue and Violet Tulip are easy to incorporate into a spring wedding. Try giving your wedding cake an elegant, but trendy touch by covering it in gorgeous Placid Blue-coloured fondant. And add some colour to your walk down the aisle by carrying a stunning bouquet of delicate but statement-making Violet Tulip hydrangeas.

See all of the ways you can work Pantone’s hot new spring colours into your wedding.

An Eclectic Travel-Themed Wedding in Vancouver

Real Weddings

Posted October 29th, 2013 | 10:52 am | By | No Comments

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Amanda and Robert love to travel. After meeting and completing English Literature degrees at the University of British Columbia, the couple travelled overseas to teach. They have visited 27 countries together and counting.

Both Amanda and Robert wanted a wedding day that reflected their personality and style as a couple. “Our past apartments have been quite eclectic,” Amanda shares. “We wanted to bring that look to our wedding.” The two chose to incorporate classic literature, travel and florals into their big day to create a rustic and vintage-inspired wedding.

The spectacular Brock House Restaurant, located on Vancouver’s Jericho Beach, provided the couple with a stunning ceremony and reception space complete with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and North Shore mountains. “We initially planned to rent a hall with separate caterers, but decided instead to leave everything in the hands of professionals. Everything was seamless!” says Amanda.

The bride walked down the aisle to an acoustic version of the Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love” and, after exchanging personalized vows and gorgeous rose gold wedding bands (which were kept safe in a hollowed-out vintage Shakespeare hardcover), the newlyweds were showered with birdseed and whisked away to the beach for some photos.

Personal details like a “chill” Jimmy Buffet cocktail hour, a world-map seating chart, avocado place cards and personalized crossword puzzles gave the day a unique and intimate vibe. One of the bride and groom’s favourite details was the display of 1000 origami cranes handmade by friends and loved ones that were strung from the marquee tent that housed the couple’s reception. “All of our friends assisted in this project, including friends from overseas that would ship them to us. The cranes symbolized just how much love we have in our close-knit group of friends.”

Amanda Jade Wing and Robert David Marthaller, June 13, 2013, Vancouver, British Columbia.

Photography courtesy of Mark Gutknecht (a friend of the bride and groom).

Vendors
Ceremony and reception location: Brock House Restaurant
Bridal gown: The Bridal Gallery
Bridal party attire: Anthropologie
Cake: Made by maid of honour, Molly Cooper
Flowers: Olla Flower Shop
Groom’s tux: DKNY at Hudson’s Bay
Hair: Vanessa Nice at Style Lab (604-331-6981)
Makeup: Mandy Raimondo (604-537-7344)
Place cards and favours: Avocados from Kin’s Farm Market in Vancouver
Music: Garry Robertson DJ Entertainment
Stationery: DIY

See more photos from this beautiful travel-themed wedding in Vancouver, British Columbia.

10 Stunning Ways to Incorporate Lanterns into Your Wedding

Planning » Wedding Decor

Posted October 24th, 2013 | 12:00 pm | By | 3 Comments

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What better way to add a hint of elegance to your special day than with lanterns? Paper, metal and even plastic lanterns can work to transform any ceremony or reception into something unique and beautiful.

Lanterns come in all different shapes and sizes and can serve multiple purposes. Add a small antique lantern to your table centrepieces for a rustic, vintage feel. Place gorgeous oversized lanterns along your ceremony aisle to add elegance and sophistication. Or use lace paper lanterns in beautiful shades of light pink to highlight a tall ceiling or to add a gorgeous beachy glow to your reception.

If you’re a crafty bride, try your hand at making your own lanterns. Get that rustic antique look by painting or distressing store-bought lanterns. Use garland or fabric to create stunning DIY vintage lanterns, perfect for a whimsical, romantic-themed affair. Arrange flowers around or inside of a lantern to tie in your wedding colours or use a decorative lantern to accent your welcome table.

To really wow your guests, try releasing dozens of Chinese lanterns into the night sky. Not only are the lanterns said to attract good luck and prosperity to those who release them, but they will act as a fun and unique activity for you and your guests to take part in together—and think of the gorgeous photos!

Here are a few of our favourite lantern ideas to help your get inspired.

Christos Fall 2014 Wedding Dresses

Fashion & Beauty » Wedding Dresses

Posted October 16th, 2013 | 10:12 am | By | No Comments

Christos Fall 2014 Wedding Dress

Christos is a line known for its impeccable heirloom quality and the Fall 2014 collection is no exception. Ethereal frocks made of layered tulle, point d’esprit, lace and silk chiffon floated down the runway creating fluid and airy silhouettes. Delicate intricacies like beaded belts, fabric buttons and handcrafted silk flowers played to Christos’ signature aesthetic and looked stunning with long, sweeping skirts while high lace necklines and feather-light layering worked to create gowns perfect for the modern traditionalist.

Photography courtesy of firstVIEW

Theia Fall 2014 Wedding Dresses

Fashion & Beauty » Wedding Dresses

Posted October 15th, 2013 | 12:31 pm | By | No Comments

Theia Fall 2014 Wedding Dress

Don O’Neill has developed a reputation for dreaming up outside-the-box bridal silhouettes (think: shorts and jumpsuits). His Fall 2014 Theia collection was no exception. A bold pant and sweater ensemble with delicate beaded details proved to be a perfect look for an edgier bride, while a jaw-dropping hooded cloak design evoked fairytale elegance and sophistication. Gold, which O’Neill refers to as “the Midas touch”, featured prominently on the Theia runway in satin, brocade and sequinned incarnations. O’Neill also included a number of feminine, goddess-inspired gowns perfectly befitting of a more traditional bride. Clean silhouettes accented with intricate embroidery and elegant lace necklines are sure to become a favourite for refined celebrations.

Photography courtesy of firstVIEW

Gorgeous Real Wedding Engagement Rings

engagement » Fashion & Beauty » Jewellery

Posted October 10th, 2013 | 12:00 pm | By | No Comments

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We can try to fight it, we can try to deny it, but let’s face it—diamonds really are a girl’s best friend. Engagement rings are important, not only because they’re sparkly and shiny and gorgeous, but because they signify love, and a bond you and your fiance will share for a lifetime.

Engagement rings come in all different shapes, sizes, colours and settings. From a classic solitaire to a glamorous halo setting, engagement rings can be as unique as a couple themselves. While some rings are heirlooms, passed down from generation to generation, others are brand new, destined to create a meaning of their own. What makes an engagement ring really unique, however, is the story behind it. Even long after your wedding day is over, your engagement ring will act as a reminder of the story you and your husband share.

Whether you want your ring to be a complete surprise or to be custom-designed by you, it’s important for you and your mister to get educated on the topic. Know the terminology before you try rings on so you can be sure to get exactly what you’re looking for. Get to know the different types of diamonds and the various kinds of cuts. The round brilliant stone, for example, has been popular for years and maximizes the light emitted from the top of the diamond, while the emerald cut clearly displays the diamond’s clarity.

No matter what kind of engagement ring you and your fiance-to-be decide on, make sure it embodies your relationship and is uniquely you! Browse through these Real Wedding engagement rings to get inspired.

 

 

10 Real Wedding Bouquets To Get You Inspired

Planning » Bouquets & Flowers

Posted September 26th, 2013 | 12:00 pm | By | No Comments

Pastel Real Weddings Bouquet

From glamorous, black-tie events to rustic backyard affairs, weddings come in all different shapes and sizes and so, too, can bridal bouquets!

Whether you’re looking for an extravagant bouquet to act as a centrepiece to your walk down the aisle, or an understated, yet elegant arrangement that will complement your stunning gown, one thing is apparent: your bouquet should be unique and true to you.

We know how difficult (and overwhelming!) choosing the perfect bouquet for your big day can be. Gorgeous flowers are dependent on the season and must match the theme and colour palette you’ve chosen for your wedding. Bouquet styles, textures and sizes will vary depending on the shape of your gown and the colour of your bridesmaids’ dresses. The bouquet checklist can get big quickly and, when you add elements like bouquet wraps and personalized trinkets, it can seem endless.

One of the best things about our Real Weddings is that they allow you to see how other real brides incorporate real touches into their weddings. Not sure what type of bouquet you’re looking for? These brides have already done the work for you! They’ve incorporated their bouquets into their weddings seamlessly, so don’t hesitate to borrow some of their ideas.

Get inspired by browsing through these real wedding bouquets!

An Vintage-Inspired Wedding in Fredericton, New Brunswick

Real Weddings

Posted September 24th, 2013 | 9:00 am | By | No Comments

Vintage Bride and Groom

Becky and Brad’s love story is full of surprises and intimate details. The two met unexpectedly at The Chestnut, a local club in Fredericton, nine years ago, where Becky enjoyed a night out with friends and Brad partied with former students of his alma mater, Aitken University.  “Brad doesn’t remember this wonderful occasion as he was on a pub crawl,” Becky jokes. “But I certainly remember his dance moves.”

The two crossed paths again about a month later at a birthday party for Becky’s sister. “I asked if I could get her a drink,” explains Brad, “and she said: ‘I have my own money!’” Luckily, Brad was persistent and years later the two would become engaged.

Brad’s romantic proposal began when he dropped Becky off at the hairdresser one Saturday morning. “I had just picked up the ring earlier in the week and, like the jeweller said, it was hard to keep from proposing once I got the ring home,” Brad explains. “I knew Becky loved slide shows so I figured what better way to show her what she meant to me? I already had my words on paper so I just had to put it all together.”

Brad picked Becky up from the hairdresser with flowers and told her to come to the basement when they arrived home. “He had candles lit and he started playing a slide show of pictures of us,” explains Becky. “He got on one knee and the rest is history.”

The pair planned a wedding day filled with unique, romantic details that included several crafty items created by the groom and red SOLO cups as a memorial to a good friend.

Becky and Brad both agree that the best moment of the night came when, instead of partaking in a traditional bouquet toss, the duo decided to give a bouquet to Brad’s grandparents. “Their love has stood the test of time and was a great example for us.”

Becky Gardiner and Brad Peters, July 21, 2012, Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Photography courtesy of Kandise Brown.

Vendors
Ceremony location: St. Dunstan’s Catholic Church
Reception location: Crowne Plaza Lord Beaverbrook
Bridal gown: Alfred Sung from Lockhart’s Weddings and Special Occasions
Bridal party attire: The Dessy Group
Groom’s tux: Tip Top Tailors
Cake: Cakes by Cheryl
Wedding planner: Live, Love, Laugh Event Decor & Design
Caterer: Crowne Plaza Lord Beaverbrook
Hair: Blonde Inc. (506-444-0002)
Music: Mike Mattatall (revmojo@gmail.com)
Makeup: Made You Blush
Flowers: Grower Direct
Stationery: DIY
Favours: DIY

See more photos of this vintage-themed wedding in Fredericton.

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