Kimberly Aglipay, Author at Weddingbells

Archive for Kimberly Aglipay

The Best Details From Princess Eugenie’s Wedding

Royal Wedding

Posted October 12th, 2018 | 2:44 pm | By Kimberly Aglipay | No Comments

Photo by Tim Rooke/REX/Shutterstock

Princess Eugenie wed Jack Brooksbank in a gorgeous ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, and we are swooning over all the incredible details. From her stunning, perfectly tailored dress to the star-studded celeb guest list, her wedding was full of thoughtful touches every bride needs to emulate. Here we break down all of the details and moments we loved from every part of this royal day.

Photo by REX/Shutterstock

Princess Eugenie’s wedding dress
Princess Eugenie’s impeccable Peter Pilotto dress designed by Peter Pilotto and Christopher de Vos stole our hearts. This stunning design featured a fitted bodice with long sleeves, a neckline that folded around her shoulders, and a beautifully draped skirt that flowed into a sweeping train. What we also loved about this dress was the thoughtful message Princess Eugenie put into it—instead of covering her back, the neckline shows a scar she has from when she had surgery for scoliosis at the age of 12. According to an interview with ITV’s “This Morning,” Eugenie said she wanted to pay tribute to the people who helped her with the condition, as well as inspire young people who have scoliosis.

Photo by Tim Rooke/REX/Shutterstock

Her emerald tiara
No veil needed here—Princess Eugenie chose to wear an incredible emerald tiara borrowed from her grandmother the Queen’s collection. Sitting atop her perfectly coiffed chignon by hairstylist Sonny-Jo MacFarlane, the royal statement accessory was complemented by diamond and emerald earrings gifted from her groom.

Photo by REX/Shutterstock

The bridal party
With her sister Princess Beatrice as her maid of honour, Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank enlisted the kids of close family and friends to play the roles of bridesmaids and pageboys. Prince George and Princess Charlotte reprised their roles from earlier on in the year when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wed, looking adorable as ever in blue and white outfits accented with floral sashes.

Photo by Shutterstock

Princess Beatrice’s reading from The Great Gatsby
During the ceremony, Princess Beatrice read an excerpt from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, an unexpected choice by Princess Eugenie. It was explained later by the Dean that Princess Eugenie thought of her groom Jack when selected the passage, particularly the part that mentioned the main character in the book had a warm, reassuring smile.

Photo by REX/Shutterstock

The celeb guest list
From Princess Eugenie’s royal family to an extensive list of famous friends, the couple’s 850-person guest list included the likes of Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Stephen Fry and Cara Delevigne. And of course, we loved seeing what they were all wearing. Duchess of Cambridge Meghan Markle wore her own wedding dress designer, Givenchy, for the occasion, while Cara Delevigne turned heads in an unconventional suit and tophat ensemble.

The couple chose a red velvet and chocolate cake, inspired by the rich colours of autumn – which they will cut at their afternoon reception in Windsor Castle. #RoyalWedding pic.twitter.com/MUPQGpYDEc

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) October 12, 2018

The cake
Selecting local London cake designer Sophie Cabot to design their four-tiered wedding cake, the couple chose a colour palette to reflect the fall season. Their delicious red velvet and chocolate cake was adorned with sugar flowers and leaves and painted with a lovely floral design on the bottom tier.

Everything You Need To Know About Throwing A Surprise Wedding

Planning

Posted October 1st, 2018 | 11:55 am | By Kimberly Aglipay | No Comments

everything you need to know about throwing a surprise wedding - kiss

Kendra Coons and husband Brandon on their wedding day. Photography by Lyn Ismael.

Surprise birthday parties are one thing—but what if you could keep the fact that you’re tying the knot a secret until the moment you walk down the aisle? Imagine the excitement!

Surprise weddings are currently trending, but this idea isn’t completely new—in fact, actress Busy Philipps’s 2007 nuptials to husband Marc Silverman were a total shock to their guests. And one of our latest real wedding couples had a surprise wedding that ended with yet another surprise: the revelation that the couple was expecting! The delight that comes with being caught off guard by an incredible occasion is a feeling like no other. But how exactly does one pull off the perfect surprise wedding? And is it something you should do?

We spoke to wedding planner and founder of Confetti & Co., Kendra Coons, and Sarah Walker of boosh cosmetics, who both had surprise weddings of their own. Both Coons and Walker agree that after being in their relationships for several years, a surprise wedding seemed like a natural idea. “We’d been living together for eight years, and with that comes a lot of stuff: cookware, appliances, bedding, dinnerware, furniture and home décor,” Walker explains. “We had almost everything we needed when we decided to get married, so we chose to opt out of all the pre-parties except the bachelor and bachelorette.”

Coons agrees. Initially, she and her then-fiancé started planning a traditional wedding after getting engaged. As the guest list reached 300 and the expenses started adding up, the couple realized they didn’t want to have an over-the-top celebration. Coons revisited the idea of having a surprise wedding, an idea that she said she was enchanted with even before she got engaged. “We didn’t want our guests to feel like they needed to give us gifts,” she says. “We wanted to throw a fun party that was really about friends and family.”

The surprise wedding trend doesn’t show and signs of slowing down. “So many people are not traditional,” Coons says. “It’s kind of like the trend of having a small backyard wedding.” For Walker, surprising her guests reaffirmed that the day was in fact about celebrating with friends and family. “Seeing how excited people were for us, even friends we see on the daily, is indescribable,” she shares. “There was no muss or fuss for our guests, just lots of good food, drinks and company.”

Two years after Coons’s own surprise wedding, she was brought on as the wedding coordinator for Walker’s surprise wedding. Walker says Coons was an important part of making sure her day ran smoothly, as she wasn’t able to get much help from friends and family. “There were lots of questions I had and tasks that I wanted to delegate out to our friends and family, but I obviously couldn’t since our wedding was to be a surprise,” Walker explains. “So, it was very comforting to know that she would handle the things that I could not.”

Tips for throwing a surprise wedding of your own:

Be comfortable with lying, and practice your spiel.
Despite being awful with secrets, Coons says she was able to keep the wedding a secret by deflecting the questions and referring to a bigger project, which was renovating her house. “It is hard to contain your excitement for such a special day, and when people ask about your plans, it is easy to get caught off guard,” Walker says. “So, Jordan and I were both tight-lipped and practiced our spiel, but I would highly recommend doing this with everyone you tell.”
Tell some people who you trust.
When it comes to telling people, Coons advises you only tell your closest friends and family, and people you absolutely trust with not spilling the beans. Walker chose to tell only the people who were involved in the planning and execution of the ceremony, including parents, the bridal party and vendors.
Plan your wedding on a short timeline.
It’s best to have as little time as possible between when you decide on a surprise wedding to the day-of. That way you won’t have to keep it a secret for very long!
When picking the “decoy” event, make sure it has a hard start time.
Guests arrived at Coons’s house thinking it was a birthday party, while Walker’s family and friends thought they were attending an engagement party. Either way, Coons advises to pick a start time, or else people might not show up on time. “One of my good friends was actually at a birthday party in another town, so when she heard that it was a wedding, she hopped in an Uber right away,” she says with a laugh. With that said, you also need to accept not all loved ones will be able to change their existing plans at the drop of a hat. With her surprise wedding, Coons understood that some people just wouldn’t be able to show up without proper notice. “I didn’t want people to give up plans such as going to Europe,” she says.
You won’t get the traditional experiences that lead up to your wedding, so you need to be okay with that.
“With a surprise wedding, you can expect that there won’t be as many conversations about your plans and there will be fewer gifts and pre-wedding parties, and even guests that won’t show up. But, when you expect nothing, you can appreciate everything,” Walker says. “We planned our wedding to surprise our guests, but in the end, I think we were the ones that were surprised the most.”

Romantic Ways To Elevate Your Dance Floor

Planning » Reception Ideas

Posted September 19th, 2018 | 10:00 am | By Kimberly Aglipay | No Comments

Photography by Scarlet O’Neill. As seen in this real wedding.

When planning your dream wedding reception, one very important piece to remember is the dance floor. Not only is it likely going to be in the middle of the room, serving as a focal point, it should also be functional, stylish, and represent you and your spouse’s personalities. Whether or not your venue already has a dance floor, customizing the way it looks can go a long way in conveying your wedding theme and the aesthetic of your celebration. We’ve rounded up a few inventive ideas for how to customize your dance floor. With colour, lettering, or a bold pattern, these dance floors will be sure to stand out—and your guests will have a blast partying on them into the wee hours.

Romantic Ways To Elevate Your Dance Floor - Monogram Dance Floor

Photo via Easton Events.

A gorgeous personalized monogram
A woodsy monogram is a great way to personalize your wedding as well as tie your theme together. With a hanging floral installation, this reception gives us serious garden-party vibes.

Romantic Ways To Elevate Your Dance Floor - Illustrated Dance Floor

Photo via Belle The Magazine.

A stylish illustration
This white illustration against a grey dance floor gives this reception a modern vibe.

Romantic Ways To Elevate Your Dance Floor - Colourful Quote Dance Floor

Photography by Photobolic. Photo as seen in this real wedding.

A quote with a quirky design
We love how this dance floor includes a quote and a pop of colour.

Romantic Ways To Elevate Your Dance Floor - Elegant Patterned Dance Floor

Photo via Gorlanova Event.

An elegant pattern
The silver pattern gives an elegant twist to this dance floor, which is a raised platform! Talk about elevated.

Romantic Ways To Elevate Your Dance Floor - Gold Quote Dance Floor

Photo via Strictly Weddings.

Gold inscription
The gold used for the romantic quote on this dance floor matches perfectly with the rest of the reception’s decor.

Romantic Ways To Elevate Your Dance Floor - Initials Dance Floor

Photography by Scarlet O’Neill. As seen in this real wedding.

Modern initials
This couple’s dance floor included their initials—the pop of colour gives it a modern, minimalist feel and keeps with their wedding theme.

These Are The Crystals You Need For Your Wedding Day

Fashion & Beauty » Jewellery

Posted September 17th, 2018 | 10:00 am | By Kimberly Aglipay | No Comments

These Are The Gemstones You Need For Your Wedding Day - Necklace

Photography by Sherri Poirier.

The healing properties of gemstones and crystals are being embraced now more than ever. This current trend— which has attracted interest from celebs such Gwyneth Patrow and Victoria Beckham—has now taken the bridal world by storm. And why shouldn’t it? After all, a wedding is a huge milestone, and one that can bring on a bundle of emotions.

Couples looking to incorporate the balancing powers of crystals into their big day can turn to Nova Scotia-based gemstone company Lisa Young Lee. All of the brand’s jewellery designs and gems go through an 11-step energy cleansing process, which includes an Japanese energy healing technique called reiki healing. “In order to harness the healing energy of gemstones, they need to be pure of unwanted energies that may be absorbed when handled,” founder Lisa Young Lee explains. “The process of mining, cutting, polishing, assembling, shipping and selling gemstones, leaves the gems touched by many hands and potentially exposed to negative energies before reaching the customer.”

The reason why gemstones are perfect for your wedding day? Their healing properties can help relieve stress and reduce any nerves you might feel. “They are used as tools to assist with achieving calm, positive energy, obtaining higher knowledge, promoting good health and pain relief, attracting love and prosperity, and so much more,” Young Lee shares.

To harness the powers of your gemstones and healing jewellery, Young Lee says you should rub the stones, creating something called a “piezoelectric effect”, when energy or electric charge is accumulated by applying pressure to a gemstone. We’ll show you a few key stones that are ideal for your big day.

These Are The Gemstones You Need For Your Wedding Day - Rose Quartz Puffy Heart Stone

Rose Quartz Puffy Heart Stone, $85, lisayounglee.com. Photography by Sherri Poirier.

These Are The Gemstones You Need For Your Wedding Day - Rose Quartz Bracelet

Pure Love, Integrity And Calm Bracelet, $249, lisayounglee.com. Photography by Chrissie Green.

Rose Quartz
Rose Quartz is also known as the “love stone.” “This pink stone’s gentle energy emanates unconditional love and healing for all matters of the heart,” Young Lee says. “It’s excellent for attracting romantic love, the love of family and friends, and self-love.” For brides and grooms with pre-wedding jitters, it can clear away any fears and provide comfort.

These Are The Gemstones You Need For Your Wedding Day - Moonstone Bracelet

Pure Love And New Beginnings Bracelet, $244, lisayounglee.com. Photography by Chrissie Green.

Moonstone
Moonstone, also known as the “dream stone,” encourages calm and confidence. It’s a great stone for new beginnings, including embarking on a new journey with your new spouse. Passion, inspiration and prosperity are just some of the things the stone enhances.

These Are The Gemstones You Need For Your Wedding Day - Aventurine Bracelet

Good Fortune, Love And Harmony Bracelet, $269. lisayounglee.com. Photography by Chrissie Green.

Aventurine
Who doesn’t want good fortune, love and harmony on their big day and onward? Aventurine is known for luck and prosperity. It’s also said to bring harmony and balance between two spouses and helps promote mental clarity and positive thinking.

Behind The Scenes At The Atelier Pronovias 2019 Lookbook Shoot

Fashion & Beauty » Wedding Dresses

Posted September 14th, 2018 | 9:54 am | By Kimberly Aglipay | No Comments

Pronovias has always been known for its range of gorgeous, sexy designs. Each collection from the Spain-based bridal atelier features a wide variety of beautiful designs, ensuring that no matter what style a bride has, she’ll find a gown that suits her perfectly.

The label gave us an exclusive backstage look at their 2019 collection, shared how they garner inspiration, and what every bride needs to know about this luxe line.

Weddingbells: What is the inspiration for this latest collection?
Pronovias: “Our new Atelier Pronovias 2019 collection is called IN BLOOM, inspired by the Giverny Gardens from the impressionist painter Monet, and created by an analogy of blooming gardens in which different elements live in perfect harmony and where natural beauty, light and colour fill every corner. Each of the components give it personality and invite you to dream, surrounded by freshness and breath-taking flowers, like our iconic style CAROLINA.”

WB: What are some of the hallmarks of the collection and details we see in every Pronovias collection?
Pronovias: “The lace has been always one of the trademarks of the company. It’s a material that allows us to create really sophisticated and delicate pieces, and it never stops being trendy. The special and detailed treatment that we take for these gowns, in all our collections, is especially unique around the world, and our embroidery is all handmade piece by piece. The next upcoming collection for Atelier Pronovias 2019, will surprise with dreamy transparency effects to create the alluring tattoo-effect, one of the brand’s signatures. Always using the elegance that characterizes Pronovias as the base for the creation of the newest proposals.”

WB: In creating a look book, what is important? What are considerations that go into its creation that a bride looking at it may not know?
Pronovias: “For us the dress is the most important piece – we try to highlight the movements of the gown through dynamic poses and we like to show the special details on it. On the other hand, instead of using too much make up, we also try to bring the natural beauty of the models out. This way we hope that the brides-to-be can easily see themselves in a dress like the ones in the lookbook.”

WB: Who is the Pronovias bride?
Pronovias: “A bride who feels faithful to herself. From the classic one, to the fashion forward, I want all the brides to feel like the best possible version of themselves on their wedding day. At Pronovias we have a wide range of collections, so every bride can find her perfect style.”

WB: Finish this sentence: “A dream wedding dress………”
Pronovias: “…is the one that lets the bride feel herself, comfortable and beautiful on the most special day of her life.”

Inspo For Pulling Off A Beachy Wedding In Canada

Real Weddings

Posted September 13th, 2018 | 3:42 pm | By Kimberly Aglipay | No Comments

The perfect splash of blue can transform any wedding theme. Shades such as a rich sapphire or a bold navy can add drama and sophistication, while a vibrant turquoise or a soft robin’s egg shade can make a wedding feel bright and airy.

Drawing inspiration from the sparkle on a crystal’s surface, photographer Jess Jiang of idreamstudios wanted to showcase the tranquility and beauty of blue, and how it can make a local beach in Ottawa feel like you’ve been whisked away to a tropical destination wedding. In this case, Britannia Beach in Ottawa was the perfect location to showcase the dreamiest beachy wedding details.

“The team created a clean and simple dusty blue palette in order to capture the beauty of the coastline,” Jiang says. “In all its airy, whimsical and heavenly goodness, this editorial is filled with the tranquility that comes from the blue palette.”

Destination wedding planner Karolina Fernandes of Diamonds Wedding knows a thing or two about planning a beach wedding. Choosing white, dusty blue and silver, Fernandes wanted to showcase the romance and charm a beach ceremony can evoke. “Having a wedding outdoors and a ceremony by the water is something magical and so different than a traditional local wedding. The breeze from the sea and the sand under your feet makes everything so unique and special,” she says.

Photography courtesy of Jess Jiang of idreamstudios.

Vendors
Wedding planner: Diamonds Wedding
Bridal gown: La Maison Bridal
Hair and makeup: Ariana Assadi
Suit: L’Hexagone
Decor: Ottawa Wedding Decor
Rings: Stor by Margot
Stationery: Casey Snyder Design
Tan: Tan on the Run
Flowers: Capital Florist
Models: Humam Fadel and Keti Gjomarkaj

Our Favourite Details From Italian Blogger Chiara Ferragni’s Wedding

Planning

Posted September 5th, 2018 | 11:06 am | By Kimberly Aglipay | No Comments

Photo via Vogue.

We’re still not over the awe-worthy wedding of Italian blogger Chiara Ferragni—best known as The Blonde Salad—to Italian rapper Federico Leonardo “Fedez” Lucia, and for good reason. This incredible celebration, held at a 19th-century palazzo in Sicily called Dimora Delle Balze, has definitely made the list of our favourite weddings of the year. With everything from Ferragni’s three custom Dior ensembles to custom stuffed plushies and an awesome amusement park reception, this couple takes personalizing a wedding to the next level. Here are all our favourite details from this over-the-top weekend.

Are you ready for #TheFerragnez wedding? Invitations have been sent out 💘 @fedez

A post shared by Chiara Ferragni (@chiaraferragni) on Jul 24, 2018 at 8:29am PDT

The awesome pop-up wedding invitations
We got a glimpse of just how cool this wedding would be when Ferragni gave Instagram a sneak peek of their super-cool wedding invitations—pop up-cards with the words “The Ferragnez” (a combination of the bride and groom’s names) and a logo, which would later be seen throughout the entire celebration.

Let #TheFerragnez wedding get started: we have a private flight #suppliedByAlitalia to bring our guests to Noto 💘 More in stories ✈️

A post shared by Chiara Ferragni (@chiaraferragni) on Aug 31, 2018 at 3:29am PDT

Mr & Mrs Ferragni Lucia ❤ #trudiofficial #trudi #peluche #theferragnez #love #lunapark

A post shared by TRUDI (@trudiofficial) on Sep 3, 2018 at 5:38am PDT

The couple’s life-size mascots
The bride and groom flew all of their guests to Sicily in private jets, complete with a personalized pink-carpet rollout designed with the “The Ferragnez” logo seen on their invitations, ensuring everyone would be excited for the festivities to come. Life-size mascot characters of both Ferragni and Fedez greeted the guests at the airport, and the couple also had Ferragni and Fedez plush dolls by Italian toymaker TRUDI at their reception—how adorable is that?!

Thank you @prada for this custom made dress for #TheFerragnez rehearsal dinner.. One of the best gifts ever 💘 More on my stories #SuppliedByPrada

A post shared by Chiara Ferragni (@chiaraferragni) on Aug 31, 2018 at 11:00am PDT

The bride’s sophisticated, shimmering rehearsal dinner outfit
Ferragni wore a stunning pink and gold custom dress from Prada for the rehearsal dinner celebrations. This stunner shined on its own—no Kirakira needed. We especially loved the gold detailing around the neckline which added a luxe, glam feel to the dress.

Ha inventato un lavoro da zero. Un lavoro che anche se dovesse scomparire tra qualche anno poco le importerebbe. Una comune mortale non riuscirebbe in tutta la sua vita lavorativa a guadagnare quanto lei in questi anni. È felice. Ha appena sposato l’uomo che ama e hanno un figlio meraviglioso. Potrei continuare ma va bene già così. Ciao rosicone!! 👋 @chiaraferragni @theblondesalad 🌺 #theferragnez #theferragnezwedding @theferragnezofficial @fedez

A post shared by Valentina Fracchia (@valentinafracchia) on Sep 3, 2018 at 6:11am PDT

Ferragni’s clever lace underlay for her wedding gown
The bride donned an amazing custom lace underlay for her Grace Kelly-inspired ensemble by Maria Grazia Chiuri of Dior. But this was no ordinary lace underlay—it was designed as a romper! The high neckline and long sleeves gave this romper a classic vibe.

Congratulations to @ChiaraFerragni and @Fedez! With the young couple having just said ‘I do’ in front of their family and friends in a touching ceremony in Noto, Sicily, we are proud to unveil the gorgeous haute couture wedding dress specially designed for this occasion by #MariaGraziaChiuri. As a businesswoman, mother, and empowering role model for today’s young women, her exquisite gown fuses Italian craft inspiration with French haute couture for a result that is both definitively contemporary and timeless, as captured here during her fittings in our Paris salons. Stay tuned for more exclusive content! #DiorCouture

A post shared by Dior Official (@dior) on Sep 1, 2018 at 10:18am PDT

Her ethereal Dior ceremony outfit
Ferragni added a long tulle skirt to her lace romper to create a dreamy, ethereal bridal look perfect for her I dos. A cathedral-length veil added classic glamour to this beautiful ensemble.

The second dress for the night is a custom made Dior haute couture dress with embroderies about the song Fede wrote me to propose and all our symbols. Thank you @dior for creating the dresses of my dreams and these wonderful gifts 💘 #TheFerragnez

A post shared by Chiara Ferragni (@chiaraferragni) on Sep 1, 2018 at 12:52pm PDT

Ferragni’s sweet, whimsical reception dress
For the reception, Ferragni slipped into another custom gown by Dior, but this one had extra-special personalization—it included lyrics from the song Fedez wrote for her when he proposed, as well as meaningful symbols from their relationship.

The last outfit of the evening, she changed her skirt. Do you like it? Now let’s go to the Luna Park #theferragnez #theferragnezwedding #theferragnezlunapark @dior @chiaraferragni @fedez @mariagraziachiuri #dior #fedez #chiaraferragni

A post shared by RunwayItaly (@runwayitaly) on Sep 1, 2018 at 3:39pm PDT

Ferragni’s third wedding outfit
Forget the second dress—we think Ferragni’s definitely setting a trend for more-is-more wedding dresses. Later on during the reception, the bride converted her long reception dress into a third outfit by changing into a short tulle skirt—the perfect comfortable outfit for partaking in the carnival festivities that took place throughout the rest of the night.

#Repost @brides ・・・ Felicitazioni to Italian blogger and girl boss behind @theblondesalad, @chiaraferragni! 🎉 She tied the knot to Italian rapper, @fedez! They flew their nearest and dearest on a *branded* Private Jet to a fairytale venue, where she had 3 @dior dresses and so much more. 🤩 Head to the #linkinbio for all the details! | 📸: @davidbastianoni Wedding Planner @alessandragrillo12 EventDesigner/production @vincenzodascanio

A post shared by Vincenzo Dascanio Production (@vincenzodascanio) on Sep 2, 2018 at 12:18pm PDT

Florals everywhere
Vincenzo Da Scanio designed every detail of the couple’s lavish celebration, with lush florals lining the ceremony aisles and amazing white roses, hydrangeas and greenery creating the canopy under which the couple said their I dos.

The Cave of lights designed by #vincenzodascanio for @chiaraferragni @fedez #theferragnez

A post shared by Vincenzo Dascanio Production (@vincenzodascanio) on Sep 2, 2018 at 11:44pm PDT

Location luxury details #theferragnez @chiaraferragni @fedez @alessandragrillo12

A post shared by RunwayItaly (@runwayitaly) on Sep 1, 2018 at 11:53am PDT

#obsession ✨✨✨✨The Cave of Lights designed by #VincenzoDascanio for #theferragnez Wedding Planner @alessandragrillo12 Cave Structure @thecaveoflights

A post shared by Vincenzo Dascanio Production (@vincenzodascanio) on Sep 3, 2018 at 10:46pm PDT

The reception held in a cave of lights
Our jaws dropped when we first got a glimpse of this incredible light installation which looked like thousands of shimmering lights in the sky. Talk about dreamy!

🎠

A post shared by Chiara Ferragni (@chiaraferragni) on Sep 3, 2018 at 4:26am PDT

The custom amusement park
After drinks and dancing, guests enjoyed a custom amusement park, which included a carousel and ferris wheel. We’re all about giving guests an activity at a wedding, and this is one idea we can definitely get behind.

✨

A post shared by Chiara Ferragni (@chiaraferragni) on Sep 2, 2018 at 1:09pm PDT

The smokebombs and pyrotechnics
Ferragni and Fedez definitely had their celebrations go off with a bang. Colourful smokebombs in green and blue went off as soon as the couple had their first kiss at the end of their wedding ceremony. And the theatrics didn’t stop there—fireworks lit up the night sky as Ferragni and Fedez cut their cake.

#fedez #chiaraferragni #theferragnez #leoneluciaferragni #leonelucia

A post shared by CHIARA FERRAGNI 🌙🌹 (@chiaraferragni.italy) on Sep 1, 2018 at 3:17pm PDT

Their amazing royal wedding inspired favours
In a cheeky nod to Prince William and Kate Middleton, the couple’s favours included mugs with their own faces PhotoShopped over the royal couple’s on their wedding day.

Unique Wedding Centrepieces We’re Currently Crushing On

Planning » Reception Ideas

Posted August 27th, 2018 | 1:00 pm | By Kimberly Aglipay | No Comments

Some of the most important pieces of wedding decor you’ll have to think about are your centrepieces. These play a key role in ensuring your overall theme comes together nicely, and is carried throughout your special day.

Not only will you have to consider the tables your centrepieces will be standing on (or floating above), but you’ll also have to consider how functional they will be for your guests. Will your guests be able to talk to each other with ease, or will it take a bit of maneuvering to peer around larger, towering flowers and candles?

We’ve chosen 10 innovating wedding reception centrepiece ideas we’re currently swooning over. Ranging from minimalist and modern to more-is-more florals, these unique ideas will inspire you to take a closer look at your reception tables.

Unique Wedding Reception Centerpieces We're Currently In Love With - Succulents

Photo via I Spy DIY.

Potted succulent plants
There are two things we particularly love about this arrangement of succulents: The fact that the pots are all uniform and the same colour, and that all of the plants vary in size. Larger plants are the focal point, while the smaller succulents are the cutest accents to a very chic display.

Unique Wedding Reception Centerpieces We're Currently In Love With - Nest Centerpieces

Photo via Intimate Weddings.

Woodsy bird nests
Want to take the woodsy nature theme to the next level? Arrange twig nests as centrepieces and include candy eggs inside.

Unique Wedding Reception Centerpieces We're Currently In Love With - Candle Centerpieces

Photo via Avenue Lifestyle.

Minimalist candles
A mix of votive, taper and pillar candles with gold antique candle holders give this tablescape a vintage-meets-minimalist vibe.

Unique Wedding Reception Centerpieces We're Currently In Love With - Hanging Floral Installations

Photo via Nahid Global.

Colourful hanging installation
Gold is the perfect accent to this vibrant hanging installation featuring vibrant blush and coral blooms. Who wouldn’t want to sit under this gorgeous canopy of blooms!?

Unique Wedding Reception Centerpieces We're Currently In Love With - Coconut Centerpieces

Photo via Pinterest.

Coconut decor
Fresh coconut halves would be amazing as centrepieces for a tropical, warm-weather celebration. Incorporating the fruit into your food and drink takes your theme to the next level.

Unique Wedding Reception Centerpieces We're Currently In Love With - Aloe Centerpieces

Photo via Snippet and Ink.

Aloe plants
The sculptural look of this plant makes it an amazing centerpiece option for a modern celebration.

Unique Wedding Reception Centerpieces We're Currently In Love With - Balloon Centerpieces

Photo via Sugar and Cloth.

Balloon garlands
With balloons, more is more, and we love the idea of displaying them in a garland with greenery. Balloons are a great way to give any wedding a whimsical vibe.

Unique Wedding Reception Centerpieces We're Currently In Love With - Hanging Lantern Installation

Photo via The Wedding Bliss Thailand.

Hanging lantern installations
Keep in mind—sometimes a hanging installations can very much be a centrepiece. This display of lanterns in different shapes and sizes makes it a great focal point in your reception decor.

Unique Wedding Reception Centerpieces We're Currently In Love With - Cacti Centerpieces

Photo via Create Cultivate.

Potted cacti
Use potted cacti as centrepieces for a cool southwestern vibe.

Unique Wedding Reception Centerpieces We're Currently In Love With - Hanging Floral Installation

Photo via 100 Layer Cake.

Hanging florals
Dangling wildflowers will give your reception an easy, relaxed boho vibe, while still looking incredibly chic.

Cute And Comfortable Wedding Shoes You Can Actually Dance In

Fashion & Beauty » Wedding Shoes

Posted August 20th, 2018 | 2:21 pm | By Kimberly Aglipay | No Comments

Cute and Comfortable Wedding Shoes You Can Actually Dance In - Kate Spade Shoes

Photography by Scarlet O’Neill. As seen in this real wedding.

We know just how important it is to wear shoes that not only complement your wedding dress perfectly, but also keep your feet happy. Let’s face it—you’ll be standing throughout much of your big day, from getting ready, to exchanging vows, to going around your reception venue greeting all your guests.

Whether you want to slip your feet into shoes that will allow you to go all-out on the dance floor or pick a pair you can keep on your feet all day long, we have some great suggestions for bridal shoes that are as cute as they are comfy.

Cute and Comfortable Wedding Shoes You Can Actually Dance In - White Slides

MICHAEL Michael Kors Shelly Leather Slide, $128, michaelkors.ca.

Slides have become a summer staple—minimalist and a cute complement to any outfit, they’re as chic as flat sandals come. Without fussy straps to do up, they’re super easy to slip on so you can head straight to the dance floor.

Cute and Comfortable Wedding Shoes You Can Actually Dance In - Pointy Toe Boot

Le Château Pointy Toe Ankle Boot, $99.95, lechateau.com

For the bride who wants to wear an ultra-cool shoe under her gown, these ankle boots are ideal (they’re also great for brides who are getting married during the cooler months). A low stiletto heel means you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort.

Cute and Comfortable Wedding Shoes You Can Actually Dance In - Call It Spring Brievia Mules

Call It Spring Brievia Mules, callitspring.com.

These mules from Call It Spring are the perfect wedding reception shoe—flat so you can dance in them all night, with just the right amount of bejewelled embellishment worthy of a princess dress.

Cute and Comfortable Wedding Shoes You Can Actually Dance In - Kate Spade Keds

KEDS Triple Kate Spade Glitter Canvas Sneakers, $100, thebay.com.

Sparkle on your wedding day is a must, and not only are these Kate Spade Keds fit for dancing, but the platform soles give you an instant height boost while still looking chic.

Cute and Comfortable Wedding Shoes You Can Actually Dance In - Rebecca Minkoff Giov Mules

Rebecca Minkoff Giov Mule, $230, townshoes.ca

We love the movement of the ruffle on these gorgeous pink Rebecca Minkoff mules.

Cute and Comfortable Wedding Shoes You Can Actually Dance In - Snake print kitten heels

Dolce Vita Orly Pumps, $150, simons.ca

For some whimsy, you can never go wrong with a snakeskin shoe, and these kitten-heeled sling-backs are a fun option.

Cute and Comfortable Wedding Shoes You Can Actually Dance In - MICHAEL Michael Kors Sandra Suede Sandal

MICHAEL Michael Kors Sandra Suede Sandal, $188, michaelkors.ca

Nude sandals are the perfect neutral shoe that work nicely with any gown. The block heel on these MICHAEL by Michael Kors sandals also make them ultra-comfy.

Cute and Comfortable Wedding Shoes You Can Actually Dance In - Michael Kors Sneakers

MICHAEL Michael Kors Allie Floral Applique Leather Sneaker, $198, michaelkors.ca.

Sneakers are currently trending for wedding receptions—just ask Liz Trinnear or Serena Williams, who both donned custom kicks for their big day. If you decide not to opt for the custom route, this 3D floral pair is just as cute.

Cute and Comfortable Wedding Shoes You Can Actually Dance In - WINNERS Beaded Slide Sandal

WINNERS Beaded Slide Sandal, $49.99, winners.ca.

We envision these beaded slide sandals looking super cute with a short dress at a beach reception or even for a bachelorette party. The embellishments add a cute luxe factor.

Cute and Comfortable Wedding Shoes You Can Actually Dance In - Vagabond Shoemakers Eve Pumps

Vagabond Shoemakers Eve Pumps, $180.00, simons.ca.

If you want a more eclectic heel for your big day, choose these white pumps. The combination of the wood heel and chic design make these great for a rustic-chic wedding.

Cute and Comfortable Wedding Shoes You Can Actually Dance In - Coach NY C115 With Signature Floral Print

Coach NY C115 With Signature Floral Print, $195, ca.coach.com.

Every bride needs a slip-on sneaker, and these ones from Coach with painted pink flowers are fun and flirty.

This Canadian Designer Created Two Special Pairs Of Bridal Shoes For Her Wedding

Fashion & Beauty » Wedding Shoes

Posted August 17th, 2018 | 1:25 pm | By Kimberly Aglipay | No Comments

Elle AyoubZadeh, founder of luxury footwear brand Zvelle, is no stranger to creating gorgeous shoes for special occasions. When choosing what to wear on her feet on her own wedding day, she knew she had to design something extra-special. “The inspiration for our shoes came from one of Zvelle’s first designs—the “Rayna” style,” AyoubZadeh shares. “I wanted to design something I could wear beyond our wedding day, something that felt very me and very Zvelle.”

Wanting to match her rose-gold engagement ring, AyoubZadeh chose rose gold metallic leather to design two pairs of shoes: one being pumps, the other sling-back heels. “Rose gold is not very common in shoes, and I loved how modern it looked and felt,” she says. “The combination of rose gold leather and clear PVC gave the shoes a glass slipper effect.”

She also looked to her wedding dress for inspiration. “I fell in love with my wedding dress because of the details and craftmanship,” AyoubZadeh says. “I tend to like strong architectural shapes, and a lot of subtle details—my dress is full of a million little details, and so were my ring and shoes.”

For AyoubZadeh, comfort on her wedding day and every-day was key in designing her perfect shoes. “When you’re comfortable, you’re more poised and elegant,” she explains. “There’s nothing more attractive than a woman who feels good all around.”

Her advice for brides choosing their wedding-day shoes? “Go with what your heart desires, and what you feel great in,” AyoubZadeh advises. “Don’t feel like you have to follow any type of rules—don’t be afraid of colour, and don’t work so hard on matching!”

Her bridal shoe designs will live on well after her wedding day. “We’ve received such great feedback on the styles I’ve designed and worn at the wedding, we’ll be putting them into production.”

Want to see photos from Elle’s dreamy destination wedding in Venice? Click here.

A Dreamy Luxe Destination Wedding In Venice

Real Weddings

Posted August 17th, 2018 | 10:58 am | By Kimberly Aglipay | No Comments

For Elle and Raymond, one of the things they have in common is their entrepreneurial spirit. Elle, the founder of Zvelle, a luxury footwear brand, and Raymond, founder of Hockeystick, a financial company, first met in Montreal in 2010. “Raymond was living there at the time,” Elle shares. “For the next year, he came to Toronto every weekend to see me.”

The couple got engaged with the “help” of their dog. “Raymond knew that our engagement wouldn’t be complete with our dog, Chilby,” Elle recalls. “So he told me that we had a reservation at an exclusive dog-friendly restaurant at the Four Seasons and I believed him!” Instead, to Elle’s surprise, Raymond whisked her away to a private suite, where he got on one knee and popped the question. “I was so excited about our fine dining experience with Chilby I didn’t know what was happening until I saw Raymond down on one knee with a beautiful ring,” Elle says with a laugh. “It was the highlight of our lives—and room service hot dogs were the highlight of Chilby’s life!”

For the couple, who live in Toronto, a destination wedding in Italy was a must. With family and friends coming from all corners of the globe, the couple wanted to give their guests an experience they’d never forget. “Venice is one of the most unique cities in the world and the Palazzo Pisani Morretta is the most beautiful palace in Venice,” Elle says. Naturally, the venue was the perfect place for their nuptials.

Elle and Raymond’s love of art, history and classic, understated luxury was the inspiration for the couple’s wedding decor. “We chose colours that complemented the Palazzo’s beauty,” Elle explains. For flowers, the couple worked with their wedding planner, Ema Giangreco, and California-based floral designer Christine Cater to create the ultimate table setting. Elle’s bouquet included prince jardiniere white roses, with ranunculus, astilbe and white phaeleonopsis.

With an eye for detail and craftmanship, Elle wanted her bridal gown designer to have the same skill and passion. “I wanted something unique, form-fitting and something I would want to stay in all night long,” Elle explains. “I looked at some photos of Lihi Hod’s masterpieces before my first fitting, and it was love at first sight.”

Elle designed two custom heels for her wedding day. “One was a sling-back, and the other was a pump set on a stiletto heel,” Elle says. “Both had soft rose-gold metallic leather and plexiglass accents that complemented our wedding and my engagement ring.”

“We had very talented musicians for every part of our day,” Elle says. “Raymond studied classical music, so classically-trained musicians were a must.” A harpist played at the ceremony, as well as a saxophonist who played the couple’s first dance song, “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. After the reception, a DJ churned out tunes from all corners of the world. “Being Persian, we had many Persian songs during the celebration,” Elle recalls. “There was a lot of dancing!”

Elle AyoubZadeh and Raymond Luk, October 15, 2017, Venice, Italy.

Photography courtesy of Lilly Red.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception venue: Palazzo Pisani Moretta
Wedding planner: Ema Giangreco
Bridal gown: Lihi Hod
Bridal shoes: Zvelle
Groom’s tux: Giorgio Armani
Groom’s shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo
Flowers: Christine Cater
Catering: La Dogaressa Catering
Cake: Pasticceria Racca
Glassware: Santachiara Murano
Ring: Tamara Kronis of Studio 1098

Instagram Makeup Trends That Won’t Work For Your Wedding Day

Fashion & Beauty » Skin Care & Makeup

Posted August 15th, 2018 | 1:59 pm | By Kimberly Aglipay | No Comments

Grace Lee, lead makeup artist for Maybelline New York, has beautified some of the world’s most famous faces, including Gigi Hadid, Adriana Lima, and even Meghan Markle (ahem, we mean, the Duchess of Sussex). She’s also been an on-set regular with Weddingbells, so she’s become our go-to expert for the best bridal beauty tips.

We get the scoop from Lee on everything from what the best features are to accentuate on your wedding day, to what popular Instagram makeup trends you should stay away from.

Who’s excited for the royal wedding tomorrow? 🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♀️ Wishing this beauty the most magical day without any problems or hiccups. And of course a lifetime of happiness, ❤️ and lots of babies! I’m thrilled, not at the fact that you are marrying a Prince (okay maybe a little😉) but that you are going to help and make a difference for people that are in need. I CANNOT wait to see what you achieve and who you advocate for with your platform! Thank you for always being kind, funny, generous and just a class act. It was truly always the best time with you in my chair. I have so many fond memories. Harry is definitely the lucky one! ❤️🥂 #weddingfever #meghanmarkle #FBF #royalwedding #graceleebeauty #beautifulpersoninsideandout

A post shared by GRACELEEBEAUTY (@graceleebeauty) on May 18, 2018 at 12:02pm PDT

Weddingbells: What are your bridal beauty musts?
Grace Lee: “Maybelline’s waterproof Lash Sensational mascara, Colour Tattoos in Barely Branded and Bad To The Bronze, a good foundation, highlighter (Maybelline’s strobing stick is awesome), a long-wear lipstick like SuperStay Matte Ink. And LASHES!”

WB: What is the best feature for brides to accentuate?
GL: “Eyes, cheeks, and lips. Sorry, can’t pick just one!”

WB: How can a bride ensure her makeup lasts throughout the day?
GL: “I would layer everything—do an emollient base, and set it with a form of powder. For example, when doing eyeliner, you can line the eyes with a gel liner, but also set it with an eyeshadow on top. Make sure to use waterproof everything for your eyes!”

Grace Lee On The Instagram Makeup Trends That Won't Work For Your Wedding Day - Mascara

Maybelline Waterproof Lash Sensational, $10.99, maybelline.ca

WB: What is your favourite bridal beauty look?
GL: “I like to stick to more classic looks so they stand the test of time. I also love classic Hollywood makeup with a red lip.”

Grace Lee On The Instagram Makeup Trends That Won't Work For Your Wedding Day - Liquid Lipstick

Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink, $11.99, maybelline.ca

WB: What are your top three don’ts when it comes to bridal makeup?
GL: “First, don’t over do it with a makeup trend. If a blue eyeshadow is on trend at the moment, don’t do that for your wedding. Stick to classics. Second, don’t put on too much foundation. Remember less is more and you want your skin to look radiant, not like a mask. And third, don’t do a facial the night before, you never know how your skin will react.”

Grace Lee On The Instagram Makeup Trends That Won't Work For Your Wedding Day - Foundation

Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Foundation, $14.99, maybelline.ca

WB: What is your vision of a perfect bridal beauty look?
GL: “It’s when all the features are perfectly accentuated without looking like overkill. I love fluttery lashes, a beautiful glowing rosy cheek and perfect lips with eyes that are defined but not overdone.”

WB: What are the beauty trends you see on Instagram that doesn’t work for bridal?
GL: “Bad contour and over-killing highlighter. Just don’t do it.”

Maybelline Master Strobing Stick Illuminating Highlighter, $12.99, maybelline.ca

WB: Where should a bride look for bridal inspo?
GL: “Bridal magazines, Pinterest, Instagram, and the runways.”

WB: What’s your secret beauty tip that nobody really knows about?
GL: “I spend a lot of time prepping the skin (massaging, moisturizing, exfoliating, etc.) to make the skin look its best before a makeup application.”

Gorgeous Ways To Incorporate Greenery Into Your Wedding

Planning » Wedding Decor

Posted August 13th, 2018 | 2:57 pm | By Kimberly Aglipay | No Comments

The greenery trend shows no signs of slowing down any time soon, and we’re totally on board. Whether you use seeded eucalyptus or olive branches, gorgeous green leaves and stems are a great way to give your wedding a lush, dreamy garden vibe, without having to incorporate a ton of pricey blooms. At this point, green is practically a neutral colour at weddings, and it works with practically any theme from woodsy and rustic to modern and elegant.

We’ve seen tons of gorgeous ways our real wedding couples have incorporated greenery into their own celebrations — everything from minimalist garlands to glam chandeliers covered in foliage. Here are some of our favourite ideas.

Lush garland centrepieces
Ditch the vases and instead opt for a full green garland with seeded eucalpyuts complemented by just a few candles.

Photography by Tara McMullen. As seen in this real wedding.

Minimalist ceremony arches
Instead of incorporating blooms around the ceremony arch, opt for a canopy of greenery for a pretty minimalist effect.

Photography by Artanis Collective. As seen in this real wedding.

Wild, unstructured bouquets
Silver dollar eucalyptus accented by a gorgeous succulent gave this bride’s arrangement a free-spirited vibe.

Photography by Beige Weddings. Photo as seen in this real wedding.

Whimsical ceremony arches
A wooden arch is brought to life with twisted vines draped over top.

Photography by Elizabeth In Love. Photo as seen in this real wedding.

Green tablescape accents
A modern, elegant white tablescape is accented by green and gold vases filled with leaves—the perfect pop of colour.

Photography by Purple Tree Photography. As seen in this real wedding.

Chair wreaths
Loads of greenery adorn these rustic ceremony chairs.

Photography by Beige Weddings. As seen in this real wedding.

Pew markers
Evergreen branches fastened with ribbons on to church pews are a sweet way to tie a winter-themed wedding together.

Photography by Rachel Peters. As seen in this real wedding.

Green chandeliers
Greenery and tulips dangle from this venue’s beautiful chandelier, adding to this wedding’s greenery theme.

Photography by Beige Weddings. As seen in this real wedding.

Olive branch wreaths
Instead of bouquets, the bridesmaids at this wedding held olive branch wreaths, for a minimalist, ethereal effect.

Photography by 5ive15ifteen. As seen in this real wedding.

Cake decor
Olive branches decorate each tier of this white wedding cake, giving the whole creation a fresh feel.

Photography by 5ive15ifteen. As seen in this real wedding.

Tall greenery centrepieces
Tall centrepieces with bouquets of greens give this elegant wedding a rustic-chic feel.

Photography by Barb Simkova of Tara McMullen Photography. As seen in this real wedding.

Dangling greenery-framed candles
Greenery adds interest to this hanging candle installation, giving the reception venue a dreamy vibe.

Photography by Art Haus Foto. As seen in this real wedding.

Canopies of greenery
Instead of a traditional green garland, this couple opted for bushels of greenery atop elegant gold frames with dangling glass candle terrariums.

Photography by Rebecca Wood. As seen in this real wedding.

Potted-herb centrepieces
For the ultimate garden-inspired wedding, use herb centrepieces in elevated pots.

Photography by Aron Goss. As seen in this real wedding.

Proof That Pink Weddings Will Always Be In Style

Real Weddings

Posted August 7th, 2018 | 12:00 pm | By Kimberly Aglipay | No Comments

Pink continues to be one of the hottest hues in bridal—and for good reason. Pink and its variations (blush, millennial, etc.) lend a romantic tone to any colour palette, and they work relatively well with almost every colour. But what we particularly love is a classic, romantic pink palette with a few whimsical elements.

That’s exactly what co-creative directors Cindy Li of Wonder Chic Events and Samantha Ong of Samantha Ong Photography were envisioning when they came up with this gorgeous styled shoot. “With the summer upon us, we can’t help but dream of pretty pink blooms and the air of sweet summer romance,” Ong explains. “Shades of pink, hints of gold and touches of white come together harmoniously to create a soft, classic, romantic love story that never goes out of style.”

For the shoot, the Li and Ong wanted florals to take centre stage, keeping in mind elegance and romance—from the bride’s bouquet, to the ombre centrepieces and the vibrant floral arch.

For added whimsy, a few key elements included a hot pink paper peony, a five-tier gold leaf cake and mismatched white-and-gold-plating. “Dressed in a pink-toned ballgown and adorned in simple, yet refined, gems, our bride has us swooning over her soft and graceful look, as she anticipates her happily ever after on this beautiful, sweet summer day,” says Ong.

Photography courtesy of Samantha Ong Photography.

Vendors
Co-creative director and event planner: Wonder Chic Events
Co-creative director: Samantha Ong Photography
Venue: The Great Hall
Flowers: Ashton Creative
Wedding gown: Blue Bridal Boutique
Headpieces and veils: Parisienne Luxe
Rings and jewellery: Brockton Gems
Stationery: Brooklin Paper Co.
Hair and makeup: Ford Beauty
Linen: Around The Table
Chocolate favours: Succulent Chocolates and Sweets
Cake: The Frosted Cake Boutique
Tableware rentals: Plate Occasions
Tables and chairs: Detailz Couture
Paper floral: Paper Flowers Toronto
Candles: Yummi Candles
Model: ICON Model Management Inc.
Creative videography: Norris Films