Archive for Kimberly Aglipay

10 Gorgeous Bridal Updos We’re Currently Obsessed With

Fashion & Beauty » Hairstyles

Posted August 23rd, 2019 | 2:50 pm | By | No Comments

No matter what your style, we love the look of a bridal updo. Not only does having the hair swept up from off your neck help you feel cooler on a hot summer day (especially if your ceremony or reception is outdoors!), but it also allows you to show off that special pair of earrings or necklace that you plan to wear on your wedding day. There are also a wide variety of accessories you can include in your hairstyle—from ribbons to flowers to vintage pins, the options are endless. Here are 10 of our favourite bridal updos we currently love.

The Prettiest Ethereal, Modern, Architecturally-Inspired Wedding Details

Planning

Posted August 23rd, 2019 | 11:06 am | By | No Comments

A romantic wedding vibe never goes out of style, and there’s nothing we love more than classic details with a contemporary twist. That’s exactly what the team at Blush & Bowties accomplished with this beautiful styled shoot at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto, with Artiese Studios behind the lens to capture every angle of this stunning vision. “Walker Court, inside the Art Gallery of Ontario, has always been one of my very favourite spaces in Toronto,” says Alexandra McNamara, founder of Blush & Bowties and the creative director behind the shoot.

With the venue’s high ceilings and generous natural light, McNamara brought her eye for old-world European influence into the space. “I’ve been lucky enough to travel to Italy many times and I was inspired to bring the feeling of an Italian alfresco dinner to Walker Court,” she says. “To me, the shoot is an expression of classic Italian meets modern simplicity—I longed to explore the intimacy of an Italian alfresco celebration juxtaposed with contemporary artistry of the AGO.” With amazing florals from White Oak Studio, which are the perfect mix of structural and soft, this styled shoot delicately balances soft details with architectural lines.

Photography courtesy of Artiese Studios.

Vendors
 Venue: Art Gallery of Ontario
Planning, design and creative direction: Blush and Bowties
Florist: White Oak Studio 
Hair and makeup: Bespoke Beauty Inc.
Desserts: Nadia and Co.
Bridal gown and veil: Tara Lauren from Sash and Bustle
Linens and flatware: Simply Beautiful Decor
Stationery: Lauren Kerbel Design
Chargers and glassware: Plate Occasions
Chairs, lounge and dessert presentation table: Contemporary Furniture Rentals
Hairpiece: The Loved One
Model: Ciotti Models







   

An Elegant Green, White and Gold Wedding in Vancouver

Real Weddings

Posted August 22nd, 2019 | 10:00 am | By | No Comments

For Alice and Graeme, a large wedding at the opulent Fairmont Hotel Vancouver had always been in the cards. The couple, who first met through mutual friends in the same industry they worked in, wanted a simple, yet elegant look to their celebration. A colour palette of green, white and grey was the perfect complement to the venue’s gold accents. “We wanted our decor to fit naturally with the space,” Alice explains.

Multiple types of flowers in different shapes, sizes and hues of white were used throughout the venue, giving the space texture and dimension. “The flowers were beautiful,” Alice says. “I loved how there were also some light green flowers to balance out all of the colours.”

Walking down the aisle was an emotional moment for the couple. “Walking with my father, and having him pass my hands over to my now husband’s hands at the beginning of the ceremony was something I’ll never forget,” Alice says. “It held so much meaning.”

After the ceremony, the couple’s 380 guests made their way to the reception, where a huge custom dance floor enscrawled with “Alice & Graeme” awaited. “It was so great being surrounded by so many friends and family, who we love, in one big room—Graeme and I sprayed them all with water guns at the grand entrance! It was so much fun!” Alice says with a laugh, explaining the surprising, out of the ordinary way in which the couple made their debut as husband and wife.

Alice changed into a nude-coloured gown as her second dress outfit for the reception. The entertainment rolled on throughout the evening, with Graeme and the groomsmen surprising Alice with a choreographed dance to Justin Bieber’s “Baby.” “It was one of the highlights of the night!”

Alice Chuck and Graeme Liu, September 15, 2018, Vancouver, British Columbia.

Photography by Beige Weddings.

Vendors
Venue: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Bridal gown: Ines Di Santo
Groom’s tux: Harry Rosen
Wedding planner and flowers: Cherry Wang International Wedding & Event Group
Cake: Momo Chen Wedding Cakes
Hair: Visàvis

A Romantic, White Winter Wedding in Kleinburg, Ontario

Real Weddings

Posted August 20th, 2019 | 2:45 pm | By | No Comments

Ryan and Michelle were engaged during a trip to New Orleans, when Michelle least expected it. “I thought we were just waiting on an Uber to brunch, but he had planned for a photographer to be there to capture his proposal! We were staying in a really beautiful old historic house turned hotel, so when a stranger offered to take our picture, I was all for it,” Michelle recalls. “Little did I know, Ryan got down on one knee right there and the photographer captured the whole thing—it was perfect because he knew I would want the memory and the pictures also served as our engagement photos. We always laugh because it was October, and the next day the hotel’s porch was covered with really aggressive Halloween decorations, so Ryan was really glad he popped the question early on in the trip!”

For their winter wedding, at The Doctor’s House in Kleinburg, Ontario, the couple chose a monochrome theme with white and black being the main colours, with pops of deep burgundy and greenery in the florals. “We wanted to avoid anything too theme-y giving we were right around the holidays, so we went with more simplistic and romantic details,” Michelle explains.

Both Ryan and Michelle agree that the best moment of the day was seeing each other in the chapel for the first time and getting married. “We didn’t do a first look, so there was so much anticipation and even though we did a rehearsal, it’s not the same as seeing it all come together and being dressed as the bride and groom with all your friends and family there,” Michelle says. “We had a lot of fun with the tradition of ringing the chapel bell as well, and our confetti exit for sure was a great moment to cap it off.”

Guests made their way from the chapel to The Great Hall for the reception, where the bride and groom shared their first dance to “Adorn” by Miguel. A tableau of three cakes made for a breathtaking display. “Ryan has a major sweet tooth and is definitely critical of wedding cakes, so we had 3 cakes all with different flavours—confetti, chocolate cookie and lemon buttercream,” Michelle says. “We loved how impactful the display looked, but that it kept the really elegant aesthetic, and they tasted amazing! We also did take away black cake, which is a staple at Caribbean weddings.”

A cartoonist was on hand to draw portraits of all the guests—the perfect alternative to a photobooth and a fun on-site activity for uests to interact with. “WE attended an event for my work several years ago and met artist Steve Manale who was working at the event and drew us—we loved it so much that we said we ever get married we would give him a call,” Michelle explains. “That was a few years ago and we made good on our promise, and he remembered us! The portraits ended up being such a fun takeaway and so many of our friends still have them up somewhere at their house—including us!”

Michelle Agnelo and Ryan Thompson, December 15, 2018, Kleinburg, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Brandon Scott Photography. 

Vendors
Venue: The Doctor’s House
Bridal gown: Made With Love Bridal from Pearl Bridal House
Bridesmaid gowns: Lulus
Flowers: Blush & Bloom
Cake: Sammy Cakes
Music: DJ Lissa Monet
Hair & makeup: Jen Evoy
Stationery: Minted
Cartoonist: Steve Manale
Seating chart: Via Calligraphy

 



These Hot Honeymoon Locations Are Currently Trending

Travel » Honeymoons

Posted August 16th, 2019 | 12:02 pm | By | No Comments

All photos courtesy of Tully Luxury Travel.

Your honeymoon should take you to an extra-special location that is meaningful to you as a couple, or a brand-new place that you can explore with your brand-new spouse. “Most couples tend to pick their honeymoon destinations based on their bucket lists or activities they enjoy,” says Mary Jean Tully, founder and CEO of Tully Luxury Travel, a travel agency specializing in bespoke travel experiences. “Some couples may choose Africa, because it is typically a once-in-a-lifetime experience, while others may choose Scottsdale, Arizona because biking and hiking are their passions. Others may choose Italy and driving along the Amalfi Coast in a Ferrari. The choice destination is personal to each couple based on what they’re looking for.”

We chatted with Tully about what some of the most popular honeymoon destinations are, and which are the up-and-coming countries you might want to look into for your perfect post-wedding vacay.

What are some of the hottest honeymoon location ideas?
“The forever timeless Italy has become a trendy destination that a lot of honeymooners are currently booking—whether it be the Amalfi Coast, Lake Como or Venice. Italy is one of those great destinations that can accommodate everyone’s interests and budgets. Portugal is another very trendy destination that we are seeing, along with Fiji and the French Polynesia if you’re looking for something exotic and remote. These destinations provide you with those picture-perfect moments. Whether it’s viewing the ocean world below while standing on the overwater glass floor in your private villa in Bora Bora or just listening to the ocean while watching the gorgeous sunset, the stunning scenery in Fiji and the French Polynesia are breathtaking.”

What are some honeymoon locations couples should think of that they may have overlooked?
“An African Safari is something people often overlook whether it be for a honeymoon or their next vacation. While most honeymooners think they want to go to the Caribbean, or Europe, an African Safari is like nothing else. It’s an experience and a feeling that no other place in the world can give you. We also find that Asia is somewhere that not enough travellers consider, although we are finding a lot more interest in Bali and Thailand. Hong Kong, Vietnam, Japan and Singapore are also great areas for consideration. Another destination to consider is Bodrum, Turkey—as much as the South of France and the Amalfi Coast in Italy are top choices, the Turkish Riviera is a new crowd favourite.”

What makes these locations special?
“All of these destinations are unique for their own reason. Africa offers the beauty of nature and wildlife, while still providing the creature comforts of home. Italy of course is known for the food, wine and culture while the seclusion of Fiji and the French Polynesia offers tranquility and relaxation. Regardless of the destination, newlyweds can create a remarkable honeymoon with rich memories to last a lifetime.”

What are some unconventional activities that couples can do on their honeymoon?
“Perhaps these activities are not so much unconventional as they are special! Honeymooners can consider doing things such as hot air balloon rides in places like Scottsdale, Arizona or Cappadocia, Turkey; driving a Ferrari or Maserati along the Amalfi Coast in Italy; or taking an afternoon game drive on an African Safari and watch the sun go down or the animal migration. The list is endless, and a world of possibilities are available to couples of all ages with all interests.”

 

Musician Tyler Shaw’s Dreamy, Sophisticated Wedding in Ottawa

Real Weddings

Posted August 15th, 2019 | 3:43 pm | By | No Comments

Musician Tyler Shaw and Alex Karolczyk met by chance at a bar in Quebec City while both were on separate weekend getaways with friends. “I was travelling from P.E.I., and Alex from Ottawa,” Tyler shares. “We happened to go out to the same bar on Saturday evening and saw each other across the dance floor. It must have been our equally terrible dance moves that drew us to each other and we ended up spending the entire evening on that dance floor together. We each travelled back home the following day knowing we had met someone so special, despite the impossible distance that separated us. Less than a year later, our careers happened to bring us both to Toronto and allowed our relationship to blossom from there.”

At the beginning of the reception, the couple was greeted by Alex’s parents with a traditional Polish wedding blessing. “In Polish custom, the parents welcome the newlyweds with bread, salt and vodka,” the couple explains. “The bread symbolizes prosperity for the couple, while the salt represents the bitterness of life that the newlyweds will have to face together. The couple finishes by choosing one of the shot glasses—one filled with water, and the other with vodka. Tradition says whoever ends up with the shot of vodka will be the head of the household—Tyler was happy to end up with that one.”

The couple’s celebration at the Westin Ottawa was a romantic, relaxed yet sophisticated affair with a palette of pinks, soft whites, greens and greys with a light and airy vibe. The venue was a highlight of the day, as guests were treated to a panoramic view of the sun setting over Ottawa on the rooftop of the Westin. “Many of our friends and family hadn’t visited Ottawa before, so they got a bird’s eye view of the nation’s capital,” Tyler says.

Fireworks exploded over Parliament Hill as the couple shared their first dance to a cover of Howie Day’s “Collide” by Boyce Avenue. “Days after we met, Alex mentioned to me that one of her favourite songs was Collide—so I picked up my guitar and learned it and surprised her with a cover of it over Skype, as we were dating long distance at the time. Every since that day, it’s been our song and often dance to it in our living room when it comes up on our Spotify playlist.”

Alexandra Karolczyk and Tyler Shaw, August 18, 2018, Ottawa, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Rubicon Photography.

Vendors
Ceremony venue: St. Patrick Basilica
Reception venue: Venue on TwentyTwo at the Westin Ottawa
Bridal gown and bridesmaid gowns: Alliance Bridal
Groom’s tux: King & Bay Custom Clothing
Groomsmen’s attire: Zara
Wedding planner: Kennedy Event Planning
Flowers: Capital Florist
Cake: Thimble Cakes
Makeup: One Fine Beauty
Hair: Top Knot Hair Stylist
Invitations: Maison Maquette
Music: DJ Ray Ray
Rings: Kimberfire
Videography: Mocha Tree Studios












The Bridal Beauty Products Our Editors Are Currently Loving For August

Fashion & Beauty » Skin Care & Makeup

Posted August 14th, 2019 | 1:46 pm | By | No Comments

Dare we say that it is almost the end of summer? However, there are tons of weddings still to be had in August, and bridal beauty launches we think every summer and fall bride needs to try. From products to perfect your skin to the right nail and lip colours, we have the scoop on the latest products to include in your wedding-day beauty kit.


Fenty Pro Filt’r Mattifying Primer
A good primer is absolutely essential for your makeup to last all day—and for your wedding, this is crucial. We are currently loving the Fenty Pro Filt’r Mattifying Primer. Especially good for brides getting married in the summer, or who have combination to oily skin, this lightweight product blurs the skin, giving it a smooth appearance and the perfect canvas for photo-ready makeup.

$42, sephora.ca.


Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips 2 Lipsticks
The new line of lipsticks from Charlotte Tilbury is so good, we couldn’t pick just one. Each of the 11 lipsticks was inspired by different icons, with five different refillable lipstick tubes with gorgeous designs. This makes them perfect to gift to your bridesmaids as well Whether you want a more bold, glam lip colour or a shade that closely matches your natural lip colour (but better), there’s a shade in this line for every bride.

$49, charlottetilbury.com.


L’Oreal Paris Flash Cate Eye By Infallible
An iconic cat eye is one look we love for your wedding day—but we know this sophisticated, chic look is not one that is easy to obtain. L’Oreal Paris’s Flash Cat Eye by Infallible aims to make drawing the perfect wing easy for even the most weary. The waterproof formula is great for your ceremony (we know you’ll cry, so it’s important to have products that can hold up to this!), and there’s a detachable stencil you can use to guarantee both eyes are expertly winged-out.

$13.99, lorealparis.ca.


Omorovicza Peachy Micellar Cleansers
Luxury Hungarian brand Omorovicza has come out with their own form of micellar cleanser—in the form of these micellar-cleanser soaked pads, which not only smell divine, but cleanse your skin of any impurities. You won’t feel any sticky residue from this formula, which feels ultra-refreshing and leaves your skin feeling super smooth.

$65, omorovicza.com.

Reversa Retin[A]list Cream
This cream, which plumps skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles, allows for controlled, timed release of 0.3% retinol through biodegradable microspheres to ensure that the retinol doesn’t irritate even the most sensitive skin. Promoting cell renewal, this product ensures that your skin looks youthful, plump and radiant, and even reduces the look of dark spots.

$60, shoppersdrugmart.ca.

BareMinerals Bounce & Blur Eyeshadow Palette in Dusk
If you’re looking for a versatile eyeshadow palette that will give you all the colours you need for a wedding-day eye look and for every day, the BareMinerals Bounce & Blur Eyeshadow Palette in Dusk is a great option. With five shades that give excellent colour payoff in neutral shades you can build, we’re obsessed with all the eye looks this palette has to offer.

$38, sephora.ca.

Beautycounter Countertime Cleansing Oil
Cleansing oil is now practically a staple in skincare routines, and we know of one clean beauty offering that does an incredible job at this: Beautycounter’s new Countertime Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil. This lightweight oil feels gentle, with the aim to remove makeup and dirt without stripping the skin of its essential oils. It easily lathers into a milk and rinses off without any feeling of residue on the skin.

$66, beautycounter.com.

 

L’Oreal Paris Lash Serum Solution
If you’re a bride who wants to enhance her lashes without having to use falsies or eyelash extensions, it might be a good idea to try a lash serum. The L’Oreal Paris Lash Serum Solution gives you stronger, thicker lashes, and helps strengthen your lashes to reduce the amount of lashes you lose when you remove your makeup.

$22.99, lorealparis.ca.

Essie Celebrating Moments Collection
Any of the colours from Essie’s latest collection would be gorgeous for your wedding-day mani. From the prettiest light pink in Sheer Luck to the super-fun glittery shade Congrats, we love a playful nail. Paint on one of these shades to finish off the ultimate cool-girl bridal style.

$9.99, essie.ca.

Electric Hairdressing C6 Cloudburst Mousse
This product makes it easy to tame and keep in place even the most complicated bridal hairstyles. The best part? It doesn’t leave your hair greasy or sticky like traditional formulations, due to its use of avocado oil and less alcohol. With the help of the avocado oil, the mousse nourishes and protects your hair and is the perfect pre-styling product to ensure a tame mane.

$42, electric-london.ca.

A Romantic, Minimalist Fall Wedding in Banff

Real Weddings

Posted August 12th, 2019 | 10:21 am | By | No Comments

Paul and Lindsey met at a mutual friend’s wedding in Seattle, getting to know each other over the wedding weekend and beginning their long-distance romance immediately afterward. “Paul was the one guy at the wedding I had never met before, our friend’s university friend who lived in Toronto,” Lindsey explains. “Upon meeting the night before the wedding, Paul asked to walk me and my sister back to our hotel—what a gentleman!”

Their romance culminated in an engagement in December 2017. The couple allowed their venue to influence the theme and design of their wedding. “Paul and I fell in love with Mt. Stephen Hall at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel years ago, and always knew we wanted to get married there,” Lindsey shares. “The dark stained-glass windows, rich wood accents, raised ceiling and slightly medieval vibes paired perfectly with the details we chose to add to elevate the room to reflect our taste and style.”

After the ceremony, the couple entered their reception in wedded bliss. “Going into the room together hand-in-hand to cheers and applause from our nearest and dearest was so heartwarming,” Lindsey shares. “I was to excited to let loose and enjoy the remainder of the evening with no more serious stress or commitments outside of a thank you speech to our guests.”

Th photo booth was the most popular activation at the wedding, and one that the bride and groom says was well worth their money. “Lavish Guests captured the most beautiful fine art portraits of our wedding guests that they, and us, will keep forever,” Lindsey shares. “It was the perfect entertainment piece for our cocktail hour as there was never not a line-up—the line may have even been longer than the line at the bar, which says a lot!”

Lindsey Fletcher and Paul Vannelli, November 3, 2018, Banff, Alberta.

Photography courtesy of Heidrich Photography.

Vendors
Venue: Fairmont Banff Springs
Bridal gown: Mira Zwillinger from Powder Bride Calgary
Groom’s tux: Atelier Monroe from Harry Rosen
Bridesmaid gowns: Theia from Shopbop
Month-of coordinator: Julianne Young Weddings
Flowers: Flowers by Janie
Cake: Kake by Darci
Photobooth: Our Lavish Guests
Stationery: Art+ Alexander
Favours: Pretty Sweet
Hair: Jessie Liao
Makeup: Jenna Mackinaw from Blush + COCO
Officiant: Urban Officiant
Guitarist: Jason Delaney
DJ: Pez Productions



How To Deal With Last-Minute Wedding Guest & Vendor Cancellations

Planning

Posted August 9th, 2019 | 12:00 pm | By | No Comments

Planning by Blush & Bowties. Photography by Nikki Mills as seen in this real wedding.

Whether it’s a good friend or loved one cancelling just days before you’re set to walk down the aisle, or one of your vendors falling through, last-minute cancellations can be incredibly stressful to deal with. However, keeping a few things in mind and having a plan to move past the issue can help immensely. Alexandra McNamara of Toronto-based planning company Blush & Bowties says that last-minute guest cancellations are almost always inevitable. “Normally, it’s not too much trouble to take a few names off the guest list last minute, so it’s nothing for the bride and groom to worry about—it just takes a quick update to the floor plan,” McNamara says. “Couples should be prepared to pay for last-minute cancellations as venues and caterers normally ask for a final guest count at least a week in advance.”

Anticipate around 4-5 guests having to cancel last-minute. Instead of stressing about these cancellations, know that your loved ones have valid reasons for not attending and would have loved to make it if they could. And don’t even try to fill their seats with last-minute invitations. “Last-minute is not the most tactful approach to inviting someone,” McNamara advises.

But when it comes to having vendors cancel last-minute, that’s a different story. One of the pluses of working with a seasoned wedding planner, McNamara says, is that they’re able to recommend top-notch services and reliable vendors. “Most vendors I work with, in the event of an emergency, would have a backup plan in case of unforseen circumstances,” she says. “For example, last year I was working with a makeup artist who had a terrible family emergency happen at 10 p.m., the night before my couple’s wedding, and she couldn’t make it. But she had artists lined up who could take over, so there were no issues,” McNamara recalls. “The same goes for my team—if I had an emergency, I have several people on my team who could step in. I would advise couples to have this conversation with their vendors before booking.”

Make sure your vendors have a plan in place, and that you know exactly what will happen if they cancel. Contracts vary between vendors, but there will likely be a cancellation clause that lets you know what to expect in terms of refunds and deposits. If your vendor hasn’t given you this information already, ask them to recommend other vendors who can provide the same service and are available on the same date of your wedding. If you have a wedding planner, this takes a lot of stress off your plate as they will put a plan in motion to ensure that the vendor will be replaced.

This Canadian Label Just Launched Their First Collection Of Affordable Wedding Dresses

Fashion & Beauty » Wedding Dresses

Posted August 8th, 2019 | 3:36 pm | By | No Comments

Vancouver-based brand Park + Fifth has been known for its sleek, chic and minimalist bridesmaid gowns, loved by girl gangs and brides all across the country (just ask gold medal Olympian Rosie MacLennan). Now the brand has just recently expanded into bridal gowns, taking the same effortless vibe and infusing it into a collection featuring ten bodices and bodices and 16 skirts, allowing brides to create their own custom gown. Sleek silhouettes, lace detailing and skirts with slits are just some of the star details, giving the collection a modern-meets-romantic vibe. There are also options for brides who want something more traditional, with full skirts and long trains. Luckily, brides won’t have to break the bank to find their dream dress—pieces range from $500 to $1300.

See all the gorgeous gowns below.

A Classic French-Inspired Wedding in Montreal

Real Weddings

Posted August 6th, 2019 | 4:36 pm | By | No Comments

Angela and Matt were engaged during a weekend getaway to Mont Tremblant. On the first day of their trip, Angela had suspicions that Matt would propose. “We had an amazing first day at the spa, and to top it off, Matt surprised me with a helicopter ride—boy oh boy, did I think I was going to get engaged that night,” Angela says with a laugh. “I even texted my girlfriends, ‘I’m freaking out, I think Matt is going to propose!’ The helicopter ride kept me with a permanent smile, until we got to dinner, and there was no proposal! I literally told him, ‘Tonight would’ve been the perfect night to propose!’ To which he replied ‘Yeah, you’re right—I messed up!’ Which totally threw me off—just what he had planned to do!” During their hike the next morning, Matt got down on one knee. “I started crying, and got down on the ground with him!” Angela recalls. “Matt had planned it so beautifully, and it was the most romantic, emotional moment!”

The couple’s celebration was inspired by Chateau Versailles—with a modern twist. “I have always been inspired by the elegance of classic French style. Our venue, the Windsor Ballroom, was the perfect backdrop for this timeless theme,” Angela says. “Accents of acrylic punched in a bit of a modern accent—it was totally a fairytale look.”

Matt and Angela exchanged vows at the Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal—one of the city’s top tourist attractions. Angela walked up to the church with her mom and dad to the sounds of hundreds of people cheering and clapping as they approached. “Because of our wedding, it was closed only for guests, so the street was lined with tons of people—the cheers were so loud and made the moment feel so real,” she says. “It was also the moment when Matt realized I arrived, and he said the cheering and chapping was so loud it shook the church!”

After the couple’s first dance during the reception, Angela made a switch to her second outfit by removing her ceremony dress’s overskirt. Friends and family filled the dance floor until the wee hours. “We had people literally up all night—some didn’t even remember to eat,” Angela shares. “It’s amazing to see your dance floor packed with everyone having a great time!”

Angela Cristiano and Matthew Bordonara, August 4, 2018, Montreal, Quebec.

Photography courtesy of Chelsea Gray of Blushing Bride Studio.

Vendors
Ceremony venue: Notre Dame Basilica
Reception venue: Le Windsor Ballroom
Wedding planner: Tania Tassone
Bridal gown: Lilia Haute Couture
Bridesmaid gowns: Shopbop
Groom’s tux: Jonathon Mills
Groomsmen’s attire: Waxman House
Flowers: Fleurs des Jardins
Caterer: Ristorante Beatrice
Cake: Dolce Piu
Videography: Ioan Films
Hair: Coiffure Blunt
Makeup: Kiki Chan
Stationery: That Sky Blue
Olive oil favours: Les Importations Felice Cristiano
Band: 1945 The Band
DJ: DJ Toddy Flores
Rentals: Celebrations Group and Joe’s Prop House





Everything You Need To Know About Microblading Your Eyebrows Before Your Wedding Day

Fashion & Beauty » Skin Care & Makeup

Posted July 31st, 2019 | 4:10 pm | By | No Comments

Photo via iStock.

In the world of pre-wedding beauty appointments, one of the key appointments is brow grooming. Whether that means getting them shaped and cleaned up or looking to enhance them, there is no doubt that brows are essential to framing your face and having you look your best on your big day. For brides who may need a bit of extra help in the brow department, microblading your brows—which is the process of applying a semi-permanent tattoo to fill in your brow shape—is definitely an option. In fact, it’s a perfect option for brides, says Brittni Alexandra, founder of B. Beautiful Studio in Toronto, a beauty studio that specializes in brows, lashes and makeup application. “Regardless of your wedding day’s conditions, whether that be the climate or touching your face from getting emotional, there is no worry of your brows getting messed up,” Alexandra explains. “Best of all, they are honeymoon ready! Just wake up and go!” Alexandra says a microblading appointment is a great gift to a bride-to-be as her “something new.” “Just make sure you go to a well-trained professional, so your brows don’t become your something blue!” she advises.

We asked Alexandra for her best tips on getting the procedure done as a pre-wedding appointment must.

How soon before her wedding day should a bride have her eyebrows microbladed?
“The microblading process should definitely be complete before your wedding day. This means going to your first appointment at least twelve weeks before your wedding so you can have six weeks to heal before doing your touch up, and six weeks after your touch up to be 100% healed for your wedding day.”

What is the microblading process like? Should someone go in for multiple sessions?
“No, over doing it creates scared tissue on your face. When done correctly, microblading should only be done once with one touch up (minimal work) after you’ve healed. A recurring touch up once a year will keep your brows fresh and flawless.”

How do you ensure your eyebrows are well-cared for before and after the process?
“Everyone who comes in for a semi-permanent brow appointment MUST do a complimentary consultation first! This allows your esthetician to determine what style is best for you, if it’s safe for you and most important of all, time to review pre- and post- care. I send everyone home with an instruction card after the consultation. We also carry aftercare products for your brows to protect them for the long term. With products like brow sunscreen to prevent fading available at B.Beautiful, we’ve thought of it all.”

Is the process painful? How long is one session?
“This is very dependent on the individual. However, if you follow the pre-care instructions, it’s less likely you will have any discomfort. We topically numb the area and make sure you’re comfortable before we even begin. Remember the esthetician’s level of experience, their style and products used are going to largely contribute to this. Session time is about two hours, as it depends on the individual’s comfort level and the amount of work done. Typically, if it is not corrective work, it takes about 45 minutes to an hour.”

Should a bride get her eyebrows touched up before her wedding?
“Yes, the process should be 100% healed and complete before your wedding day or any event. During the healing process, you cannot put any products (including makeup) on your brows except aftercare products!”

Is microblading permanent?
“No, it is semi permanent. This is dependant on the person’s skin type and most of all after care! Most of my clients get three years with minimal touch ups once a year to prevent re-doing them every three years and starting the process from scratch. It’s more timely and cost effective, not to mention the healing process is a lot quicker this way. Any permanent makeup can also be removed! We have a gentle technique that requires no lasers.”

8 Wedding Details You Can Thrift For An Environmentally-Friendly Wedding

Planning

Posted July 30th, 2019 | 5:35 pm | By | No Comments

Photo via iStock.

When it comes to your wedding, there are certain decor pieces that you may just want to DIY yourself instead of renting or buying. Luckily, buying wedding items second-hand is something that is both good for your wallet and the environment. By reusing decor pieces, you are giving them new life and you can even add your own twist to them to really show off your personality.

We spoke with the experts at Value Village for their best tips on finding useful decor items for your wedding that you can either incorporate into your wedding DIYs or use as is. One of the biggest misconceptions about thrifting for your wedding? That you won’t find special, unique items. But with thrifting, there is the likelihood that you will find items that are well-made and have historic value to them—the perfect something old for your big day! Here are some great wedding ideas you can thrift:

1. Assorted glassware. Have your guests choose a unique glass to use, that they can even take home at the end of the night.

2. Antique picture frames. You can use them for your wedding signage, for your seating chart or you can even use them to display cute photos of your and your new spouse throughout your relationship.

3. Vases. Second-hand vases ensure that you won’t have to worry about renting and returning vases at the end of the night, and that your guests can indeed take the centrepieces home with them.

4. Floral china. Plates with unique patterns add some whimsy and a vintage touch to your reception tablescape.

5. Bridal and groom attire. Be aware that not every item will fit perfectly, but will look amazing once they undergo slight alterations or repairs.

6. Eclectic mirrors. Use these for your wedding signage or as decor pieces to add a unique touch to your wedding space.

7. Vintage teacups. Place candles in each as a cool way to bring light and warmth into your venue.

8. Unique jars. Fill them with sweet treats or other edible goods such as honey or olive oil and send them home with your guests as favours.

A Bright, Playful Modern Romance Wedding in Toronto

Real Weddings

Posted July 29th, 2019 | 5:23 pm | By | No Comments

It was close to Josine’s birthday when Sal popped the question. “We love gifting each other experiences, and Sal said he had something planned for my birthday,” Josine explains. The couple had lunch at local restaurant Aunties & Uncles before walking around the University of Toronto campus, where they would hang out when the first started dating. “I couldn’t tell what he was up to or what he planned—I was actually secretly hoping we’d be adopting a dog that day… don’t ask me why!” Josine says with a laugh. She realized Sal’s plan when the couple suddenly walked into Bahen Centre, a building on campus. “I met him at Bahen Centre on our first date before we walked along College St.,” she says. “He proposed with a ring in a ring pop container—I actually gave him a ring pop when I asked him to be my boyfriend, officially! It came full circle.”

The couple wanted their zany, fun, outgoing personalities to shine at their wedding. For this, they enlisted the help of the team at Love by Lynzie. “We weren’t so obsessed with having an ultra-traditional wedding, and we wanted something unique with personalized touches for our guests,” Josine explains.

A bright palette of green, white, cream, dusty rose and yellow set the tone for a whimsical affair, with the wedding invitations being one of the couple’s favourite details. Illustrated by Jolly Edition, the suite included sketches of the couple, the cathedral they got married in and even the couple’s first dance.

Music played a big role at the wedding, with Mexican tunes and the bride and groom’s Mariachi favourites playing throughout the dinner reception, creating a fun, warm vibe that complimented the venue. “Dancing all night was definitely the best part of the day,” Josine says. “We had a playlist of hip hop and we spent the whole time jamming away to our favourites from when we met to the present.”

Josine Tence and Salvator Lo Iacono, September 29th, 2018, Toronto, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Purple Tree.

Vendors
Ceremony venue: St. Michael’s Church
Reception venue: The Fermenting Cellar
Wedding planner: Jess Forstner of Love by Lynzie Events + Design
Bridal gown: Monique Lhuillier from White Toronto
Hair & makeup: Jen Evoy Makeup Studio
Bridesmaid gowns: Katie May from Pearl Bridal House
Maid of honour gown: The Dessy Group from White Toronto
Groom’s tux: Per Lui
Groomsmen’s attire: Indochino
Flowers: Gatto Flowers
Stationery: Jolly Edition
Cake: Fabulous Cakes
DJ: DJ Couture
Band: Big Smoke Brass Band

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