Archive for Kimberly Aglipay

A Modern Romance Wedding in Kleinburg, Ontario

Real Weddings

Posted March 30th, 2020 | 1:52 pm | By | No Comments

When Emily quit her job in Toronto to move to San Francisco to be with Mark, that was a sign that the couple would soon become engaged. “I think it was the indicator that it was time for the proposal and time for the next step in our lives,” Emily shares.

The couple got engaged in Maui while on an early morning. As the pair trekked through a bamboo forest, Mark got down on one knee and popped the question. “He had hired a stealthy photographer to trail us so when the moment happened, it was all captured and documented!” Emily says.

The couple chose a modern romance theme for their wedding. “We’re both big fans of the minimalist aesthetic and muted colours,” Emily explains. “We tried to incorporate a lot of white and black into our wedding, with small pops of muted colours such as blush pink, soft grey and natural green.”

Emily’s favourite detail was her dress. “It took me a long time to find one that felt truly me, because I’m just not a lover of lace and beads and I have a more minimal, modern style,” Emily shares. “When I finally found it, I finally understood what TV shows and movies talk about when they refer to ‘the dress.'”

The newlyweds shared their first dance to “Die A Happy Man” by Thomas Rhett. “Mark is a huge country fa, and over the years he’s sucked me into loving country music too,” Emily says. “Listening to this song together, we always felt like it was about us, so it was a no brainer to choose it as our wedding song.”

Emily Nhan and Mark Wai, July 27, 2019, Kleinburg, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Jacqueline James Photography.

Vendors
Venue: The Doctor’s House
Wedding planner: Sloan Moss of Maguire Events & Co.
Bridal gown: Chosen By One Day from Lovely Bride
Hair & makeup: Judy Lim and Windy Chiu
Groom’s tux: Surmesur
Flowers: A Lavish Affair
Cake: Simplee Cakes
Stationery: Minted
Signage: Krystle Kalligraphy
Caterer: Grand Catering
Music: DJ Aaron Malig


An Intimate City-Chic Wedding in Toronto

Real Weddings

Posted March 26th, 2020 | 2:30 pm | By | No Comments

For their wedding, Mike and Alex wanted to ensure they had a celebration that was uniquely them, highlighting aspects of city life they enjoy together as a couple. They knew early on that they wanted a small wedding with only immediate family.

When planning their wedding details, every one of them was personal, from the cake to the table decor. “One of my best friends offered to make our wedding cake,” Alex shares. “When you have a super small wedding that friends won’t be attending, it’s incredibly touching when they offer to be involved regardless.”

Another friend of Alex’s helped her come up with a simple, elegant tablescape and assisted Alex with other details. “She helped me with everything, from candle shopping to setting up the table while we were busy tying the knot,” Alex says. “I actually don’t know what I would have done without her help on our special day.”

One extra special detail was Alex’s dress—a nontraditional ensemble consisting of separates. “I pieced together something that was equally bridal—the skirt—and felt like myself—a button down,” Alex explains. “I’m glad I went in the direction I did!”

After the couple exchanged vows, they dined with their guests at one of their favourite neighbourhood restaurants. “We had a decadent meal in the Picolo Piano room of one of our favourite restaurants, Piano Piano,” Alex says “Enjoying a great meal, surrounded by our family was the perfect way to end such a special day.”

Alexandra Ward and Mike Beauvais, October 5, 2019, Toronto Ontario. 

Photography courtesy of Scarlet O’Neill.

Vendors
Ceremony venue: Saint Pius X Catholic Parish
Reception venue: Piano Piano
Bridal skirt: Sweet Caroline Styles
Button-up top: J. Crew
Bridal shoes: Charlotte Olympia
Bridal veil: Rue de Seine from LoversLand
Groom’s tux: Indochino
Hair & makeup: Radford Studio
Flowers: Crown Flora
Cake: Jenn Bartoli






How To Support Your Local Wedding Vendors

Planning

Posted March 26th, 2020 | 12:26 pm | By | No Comments

How To Support Your Local Wedding Vendors

Photography by Jessilynn Wong.

Today’s engaged couples are facing tough decisions and added stress due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now is the time more than ever that couples will have to lean on their wedding planners, friends and family to get them through these difficult times. But in the midst of postponements, cancellations and uncertainty, what is the best way to support your local wedding vendors, who, as small businesses, are no doubt feeling the pinch? They may have had to temporary close their storefronts, pivot to other means of serving clients, and have to deal with logistic issues. We chatted with wedding photographer Jessilynn Wong, cake designer Trisha Medina of Rococoa Butter and floral artist Deanna Rogers-Murray of Deer Dutch to get their thoughts on how they are affected by the pandemic, and how couples can best support their local wedding vendors during these trying times.

The best thing that clients can do at the moment? Stay in communication with their vendors. “We are here for them to help them through this difficult time and want to work with them to move forward together,” Rogers-Murray shares. “If they’re having concerns, I encourage them to get in touch with their priority vendors and talk it out to come to a solution together.”

“I’ve had a few cancellations and postponements now and the only thing we can really do is remain calm and understand that we are all working together to best assist everyone in finding solutions,” says Medina. “At this time, I am happy to help couples move their wedding date as long as the new date is available. Unfortunately, a few couple have tried to move their big day to the fall which is always the busiest months for me, and the first to fill up.”

Although it may be a challenge to find a 2020 date, Wong says that for many vendors, not losing their 2020 wedding season completely is important. “For couples with weddings in 2020 who are considering postponing, please include your vendors in the conversation. Be opened minded with your new date. 2020 is a wildcard and many weddings will be taking place on days other than Saturday,” she shares. “Do your best to keep your wedding in 2020—it means you’ll get married this year and you’ll help keep your vendors in business. Some business will not be able to sustain themselves through to the following year if every wedding moves to 2021.”

Keeping the lines of communication open with your vendors is key to supporting your local wedding vendors. “I’ve heard of instances where clients have completely postponed and rebooked their wedding before notifying all their vendors, and if they are unavailable for the new date it can be costly to both parties,” Rogers-Murray says. “Vendors are facing the potential of losing their entire 2020 season or their business all together and are invested in their clients as well so to lose out on working with them can be devastating.”

Whether you are in the process of sorting out a new wedding date, or you’re sitting tight for your wedding in the near future, there are some things you can do to help your local wedding vendors now. Here are some ideas:

  • Purchase goods from them that you can enjoy now. This includes ordering flowers or a cake for pickup or delivery. To support wedding photographers, Wong says for brides and grooms whose wedding has passed, they can order prints or a wedding album as a precious keepsake. Makeup artists and hair stylists may also have products for sale that you can purchase.
  • Pre-purchase services you can redeem at a later time. For cakes and flowers, you can order these items ahead of time for any birthdays, anniversaries or special events down the line. Many makeup artists and hair stylists offer gift cards. Your photographer likely also shoots things other than weddings—consider purchasing a lifestyle session, which includes family shoots, or update your headshots with a branding session.
  • Share their work. “Tell you friends and family about their product or service,” Wong explains. “Give them a shout out on social media—you don’t know who will see it and be inspired to work with them.” Because many couples turn to their friends who have been married for wedding vendors and advice, sharing recommendations through word of mouth or social media is important for vendors. “I’ve booked couples on weddings I photographed years ago because my couples keep sharing their wedding photos and keep crediting me in their posts,” Wong says. “It may seem small, but it goes a long way.”
  • Reach out to your vendors. “During these challenging times we are best when we all come together,” Wong says. “Many of my couples follow me on social media and they message me to say hi and check in with me. I’m really thankful to have couples who care about my well being and want to work with me.” Rogers-Murray echoes the same sentiment, sharing, “I’ve had so many wonderful clients reach out and just let me know they’re thinking of me and honestly that means the world to us.”

When it comes to supporting your vendors, it can be as simple as treating them with kindness and compassion, and communicating any concerns you may have. “You want to work with us and we still very much want to work with you,” Wong says.

It is important for everyone to work together. “Clients and vendors alike, please just be understanding of the situation. We have never faced a pandemic of this scale in recent times, and not having all the answers right away is OK,” Rogers-Murray says. “Everyone’s situation is different but we are all feeling uncertainties and doing our best at this time so I just ask that we move forward with understanding and grace. Be kind and support each other.”

“We all need to just do our part and stay positive,” Medina says. “A wedding can always be moved, and to a much happier time!”

A Classic Romantic Wedding in Niagara-On-The-Lake

Real Weddings

Posted March 24th, 2020 | 1:43 pm | By | No Comments

Madison and Rick were engaged on Valentine’s Day in 2018. “Rick had just come home from a business trip, and I had rushed home from work to make it on time for our dinner reservation, and as usual, I was running late while getting ready,” Madison recalls. “Rick kept trying to chat with me, but I told him we needed to hurry up and that we could talk at dinner. I was grabbing my shoes out of the closet and I turned around, and he was on knee holding a ring box with the most beautiful engagement ring I had ever seen in my life—I was so surprised and thrilled.”

For their wedding, the couple had an ivory, gold and green colour palette, which complimented their simple and elegant theme. The couple decided to do a first look, something Madison says was one of the most cherished moments of the day. “Seeing Rick for the first time on our wedding day was something I’ll remember forever,” Madison shares. “It felt like we were in a bubble, just the two of us. The moment I saw him, my stress immediately melted away.”

When it came to the hunt for her wedding dress, Madison had long been looking before she got engaged. “One day, while scrolling through hundreds of dresses, I found the stress of my dreams—a Vera Wang tulle ballgown with a sweetheart neckline, and I pinned it to my Pinterest board. A year later, I was engaged, and of course, had to see if my dream dress was still available, and it was! Although I knew that was the dress I was getting married in, I tried on several others, just to be sure. After trying on only 5 wedding dresses, I was ready to say yes to my dream dress. It was a fun day I’ll remember forever.”

Madison Milani and Rick Dooler, July 6, 2019, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Young Glass Photography.

Vendors
Venue: Queen’s Landing Hotel
Bridal gown and bridesmaid gowns: White by Vera Wang from David’s Bridal
Groom’s tux and groomsmen attire: Tuxedo Junction
Hair: Tina Firenze from Beautiful People Salon
Makeup: The Bridal Glam Co.
Flowers: Lush Florals
Cake: The Frosted Cupcake
Calligraphy: Wldflwr Calligraphy
Stationery: Vistaprint
Favours: Amazon
DJ: Sound of Harmony



A White, Green and Pink Golf Club Wedding in Milton, Ontario

Real Weddings

Posted March 20th, 2020 | 7:07 pm | By | No Comments

For their wedding, Natasha and Zachary wanted something simple, with a hint of rustic charm. Because they were planning both Catholic and Hindu celebrations, they wanted their wedding theme to be carried out accross the board. “We kept with white, green and pink,” Natasha shares. “I like the look of just simple greenery with crisp white flowers.”

The couple wanted to ensure they celebrate all of their traditions and religions. “For my family it was important to be married in a church, but I also dreamed of having a Hindu wedding exactly like my parents did,” Natasha says. “So we decided to do both ceremony in one day, and got married twice!”

The Hindu ceremony was a favourite moment of the day, with Natasha donning a stunning pink saree, which was her something borrowed. “This was the same saree my mother wore when she married my father 32 years ago,” she says. “The ceremony took place outside, on what felt like one of the hottest days of the year. In the end, all the guests loved this ceremony the most—everything was well explained, there was meaning behind each of the steps of the ceremony, and it turned out to be a really meaningful event.”

The couple shared their first dance to Vance Joy’s “I’m With You.” “A few months before we were engaged we went to the Vance Joy concert in Toronto with some friends,” Natasha recalls. “While he played ‘I’m With You,’ I turned to Zack and said this would be a perfect wedding song. Zack turned to me and said, ‘I was thinking the same thing!'”

Natasha Fujarczuk and Zachary Jones, July 20, 2019, Milton, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Simply Lace Photography.

Vendors
Ceremony venue: John Bell Chapel at Appleby College
Reception venue: Granite Ridge Golf Club
Bridal gown: Essense of Australia from Heirlooms Bridal
Bridesmaid gowns: David’s Bridal
Groom’s tux and groomsmen attire: Stars
Hair: Amy Elizabeth
Makeup: Daarssen Beauty
Henna: Apoorva’s Henna Works
Flowers: Westdale Florists
Cake: Bake My Day Cafe
Stationery: Susan Vogan
Favours: Evergreen Memories
Reception signage: Kat Event Rentals
Welcome sign: Monarch Design Co.

Should You Consider Postponing Your Wedding To 2021?

Planning

Posted March 20th, 2020 | 11:45 am | By | No Comments

Should You Consider Postponing Your Wedding To 2021?

Photo via iStock.

Given the current situation, there is no doubt the question on many couples’ minds is “should I consider postponing my wedding to next year?” We’ve covered how brides have been impacted by the coronavirus outbreak, so we thought it would be good to get perspectives on the situation from the experts. We turned to event planners Mallory Cheung, Alexandra McNamara of Blush + Bowties, and Evelyn Clark to get their perspective on how the situation is currently unfolding, which couples should consider postponing their wedding and how to start the process of postponing your event to a later date, when you can celebrate rightfully so with the people you love.

“My best advice right now is to stay informed,” Cheung advises. “Be patient, as many existing clients are currently postponing their wedding and we are doing everything we can to accommodate their needs and dates. That being said, dates are filling up quickly for the next year due to these postponements and you should still inquire with your desired venues and vendors and be patient with the timing of their responses.”

When it comes to postponing, Cheung says she’s had to postpone weddings happening within the next couple of months. “I had a March wedding postponing to October, and we’re currently working on postponing a May wedding as the couple will be coming in front London, England and they were expecting many international guests. I have a June wedding sitting tight and keeping informed for their date decision.”

Clark agrees that couples getting married in the next three months should wait it out for now, but start reaching out to vendors to talk about what rescheduling looks like. However, couples getting married in the next 2 months should look at postponing their weddings to a Fall or Winter date if possible. “Try and keep it in 2020, even if it means your wedding is on a Tuesday,” she advises. “Depending on your venue or vendor contract, shifting to 2021 might be considered a cancellation, not a postponement, which mean you could lose your deposit. Since things are changing by the hour though, venues and vendors may be waiving that clause, but it’s best to ask about that now and get it in writing.”

McNamara says she is focusing on rescheduling on her clients’ April and early May weddings for later in 2020. She agrees that couples should try to rebook within the 2020 year if there are dates available. “This is to avoid transfer fees from venues or vendors,” she says.”Dates are limited and this is a challenging time, but there is always a solution. Couples will need to be flexible and work with their wedding vendors to figure out the best date option.”

When it comes to starting the process of choosing a 2021 date, Clark advises it’s best to ask for available dates from your venues first. “Then you can talk to your family and closest loved ones to see if any of those dates work,” she shares. “Then, go to your vendors and see if any of those dates work for them, making sure that a 2021 postponement is not considered a cancellation.” She says the best way to keep organized is starting a spreadsheet, and choosing the date that is most available for everyone.

Clark emphasizes that couples should consider postponement and not cancellation and asking for full refunds. “While couples are undoubtedly worried about finances, getting full refunds from vendors, who are likely very small businesses, affects their and their families’ livelihoods as well as their staff—it’s a massive ripple effect. Vendors are doing everything they can to be flexible and empathetic!”

“Everyone is working together to make the best of a hard situation,” McNamara says. “I think right now it’s about leading with kindness and taking the situation day by day.”

“Postponing your date given the current affairs is trickier, but not impossible,” Clark says. “You and everyone will have to be open and flexible to your wedding looking a bit different. You may be getting married on a Tuesday, or have 60 people versus 150. At the end of the day though, you will still get married, and during a time where people can be safe.”

“Do your part, even if it means postponing your wedding—every decision counts right now and impacts you and your loved ones. Be aware of your guest list as you don’t want to put any age groups and loved ones that are more susceptible to the virus at risk from partaking in your day of celebration,” Cheung says. “We will get through this and we can’t wait to celebrate when the time comes.”

A Nature-Inspired Black-Tie Wedding in Ottawa

Real Weddings

Posted March 18th, 2020 | 5:08 pm | By | No Comments

Brooklyn and Kevin met through mutual friends, with Brooklyn being from Brockville, Ontario and Kevin from Vancouver. “We met in Brockville, where Kevin was visiting his friends for a few days, and after he left, he decided he wanted to pursue me from Vancouver,” Brooklyn shares. “I was hesitant at first, and gave classic ‘one word responses.’ Despite this, he decided to take a chance and come down to Brockville for an entire summer. After an amazing summer together, plans were put in place for Kevin to make his big move from Vancouver to Brockville!

The couple’s theme was a classic black-tie celebration with romantic, natural touches, incorporating ivory, gold and shades of green into their event. “I always loved the look of outdoor forest weddings, but also classic black tie weddings,” Brooklyn says. “I realized that instead of having to choose one stile over another, why not combine them?”

A favourite moment from the day was the bride and groom’s first look, which had a few hiccups because of the rain. “It was Friday, at rush hour so we ended up in heavy downtown Ottawa traffic,” Brooklyn shares. “Kevin and the groomsmen were waiting for about an hour, and he thought I was standing him up. When I finally got to the location, I saw him and the rest of my family and bridal party there waiting, I felt all the stress melt off of me. I walked up and tapped Kevin on the shoulder, and I will never forget his face—it was a look of love and pure relief!”

Brooklyn Wilson and Kevin Conroy, April 26, 2019, Ottawa, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Jessi Lauren Photography.

Vendors
Venue: Sala San Marco
Bridal gown: David’s Bridal
Bridesmaid gowns: Vera Wang from David’s Bridal
Jewellery and veil: Bling!
Groom’s tux: Tip Top Tailors
Groom’s wedding band: Charm Diamond Centres
Bride’s engagement ring: James Allen
Bride’s wedding band: Peoples
Hair: Marina’s Hair Creations and Tamika Theberge
Makeup: Simply Stylin
Flowers: Flourish by Callie
Favours: Shaughnessy Farms
Stationery: Vistaprint
Music: Momentum Music

15 Bridal Instagram Accounts To Follow To Inject Your Feed With Some Much-Needed Positivity

Planning

Posted March 17th, 2020 | 6:12 pm | By | No Comments

Photo via @latavolalinen.

In these difficult times, many brides will be facing a lot of added stress and anxiety surrounding wedding planning. While you may be constantly checking your Instagram feed for updates and information related to the coronavirus outbreak, sometimes you need a break. Since you’ll be on Instagram anyway, this is the perfect time to follow a few inspiring wedding-related accounts that will fill your feed with pretty, humour and some great inspiration. Here are 15 Instagram accounts you should follow to inject your feed with some much-needed positivity.

@betchesbrides
This hilarious account posts relatable memes about brides, bridesmaids and everything that comes with planning a wedding.

@blushandbloom
For amazing floral inspo, look no further. This Toronto-based studio has specialized in creating some of the most incredible floral arrangements, installations and bridal bouquets, and even teaches floral classes and workshops through their sister business, Bloom School.

@prettysweetyyc
Whether you want wedding cake inspo, ideas for cool sweet table treats, or just don’t mind seeing drool-worthy, beautifully styled macarons and cookies pop up on your timeline, the Instagram account for this Calgary-based business should be the next account you follow.

View this post on Instagram

Dreaming of intricate envelope liners? This was a dream come true! I must admit that before I was an invitation designer, I knew nothing about flowers. I just never had the chance to play with them, and so as my style in design progressed, learning about flowers and incorporating them when it was cohesive, became a big part of my design process. Learning about how each flower looks and creating bouquets in 2D form became a passion. This one was created into a pattern that we used throughout the day of details 🥰 #envelopeliner #customsuites #custominvitations #customweddings #floralinvitations #weddinginspo #floralweddings #floralwedding #floralinvite #foilinvitations #goldfoil #weddinginvite #weddinginvitations

A post shared by Karla Lim (Written Word) (@writtenwordcalligraphy) on

@writtenwordcalligraphy
Couples who are searching for beautiful calligraphy wedding invitations as well as paper and letterpress lovers will enjoy this account, which posts gorgeous inspiration for stationery suites and useful information for fans of the art of lettering.

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As many of you are aware, we may have to reschedule your upcoming wedding and session dates due to Covid-19 and many travel and social restrictions have been put in place for our well being. I just want you to feel comfortable connecting with me and my #1 job is to give you peace of mind and no added stress. I appreciate how challenging and inconvenient this is right now and please know that if you need to reschedule for a later date that we'll work together. This is an ever changing epidemic and we're constantly learning how to adapt to it. I'll continue to connect over the next few weeks and months and please take care of your health and your loved ones and we'll get through this together. #travel #weddingmagazine #wedphotoinspiration #weddingfashion #elopementlove #elopement #destinationwedding #bridalgoals #bridetobe #ido #mountains #mountainbride

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@careynash
You’ll no doubt be hit with a serious dose of wanderlust after following Carey Nash, whose account includes inspiring travel shots and wedding photography all rolled into one—his incredible snaps were the reason why he was chosen as the Best Photographer in the Weddingbells Canadian Wedding Awards For 2020. If you’ve never had the desire to explore the scenic views of our beautiful country and beyond, we’re confident you will when you see the spectacular, breathtaking photos that Nash snaps of adventurous couples traipsing atop snowy mountains or snuggling in the southwest canyons.

@lauraandcoevents
For the best way to see a couple’s day all come together, and the beautiful end result of months of planning, this Toronto-based company’s wedding account is a must follow. With stunning wedding reception designs to inspiring candle-filled tablescapes and sweet couple portraits, there’s a ton of inspiration to glean for couples starting to plan their own special day. They recently gave us some amazing tips and insight as to how to deal with having a wedding during the current coronavirus outbreak—you can read all about it here.

@casparhaydardesign
Lush florals bursting with colour are Caspar Haydar’s specialty, which he masterfully arranges to create nothing short of artful masterpieces. Haydar will star alongside CTV’s new show I Do, Redo, so there’s no doubt that following his Instagram account will take you inside all the action and give you a first-hand look at the art of floral arranging for weddings.

@paperchain.stationery
This Halifax-based stationery company has us swooning over their modern, eclectic wedding stationery that should inspire all engaged couples to see the value of beautiful invitations.

@willreidphoto
A favourite for fine-art wedding photography, Will Reid has shot countless weddings in Canada and all over the world, making beautiful celebrations look even better with his editorial eye. Follow him to ensure to inspire your own wedding shots.

@latavolalinen
Linen rental company Latavola Linen carries a huge variety of linens that they provide worldwide, so it makes sense that the linens have made it on some of the most incredible wedding tablescapes. With this has come a trove of beautifully curated tablescape images that show you how every single detail of a wedding tablescape comes together.

@hauteballoon
Balloons are a fun, whimsical detail that we love for weddings, and there’s a way to do it right. Enter Haute Balloon, whose Instagram account shows stunning balloon installations for every type of event, and how the right styling can take balloons from boring to downright spectacular.

@detailzeventrental
Your reception tables, chairs and charger plates are just some of the elements that you can use to truly tie your wedding theme together.

@aelizabethcakes
Sophisticated, elegant wedding cakes that are both timeless and modern is A. Elizabeth Cakes’ specialty. We love this cake designer’s classic cakes with beautiful details, as well as her modern, trend-setting confections.

@leletny
For a dash of inspiration on how to glam up your bridal look with accessories, Lelet New York should be an account you turn to. Trendy headpieces, sparkling pins and barettes are just some of the pieces offered by this celeb-approved brand.

@bashpartygoods
If you’re looking to fill your feed with fun, lighthearted inspiration for all types of celebrations and decor that you can use for everything from bridal showers to post-wedding parties, Bash Party Goods is an account you need in your life. From all types of pretty paper include wrap, stationery and plates, all of these gorgeously styled photos and flat lays will be sure to cheer you up (and have you looking forward to your next celebration).

A Dreamy Minimalist Summer Wedding in Toronto

Real Weddings

Posted March 12th, 2020 | 2:00 pm | By | No Comments

Michelle and Chris’s connection was instant. “A mutual friend of ours saw us both down on our lucks with previous relationships, so she had the bright idea to try our luck with a blind date,” Michelle shares. ‘We hit it off like we had known each other for years, and ended up talking until the sun rose.”

Chris’s proposal came on one of the couple’s yearly traditions visiting the Niagara area wineries. “By the end of the evening, we headed to the Falls where they had an annual Winter Festival of Lights,” Michelle recalls. “All the trees were decorated in beautiful lights and decorations. He proposed under the biggest, brightest tree in the area and although we were in what felt like a perfect moment, I didn’t see it coming!”

For their wedding, the couple wanted to keep their theme simple, classic and minimalist. “I’m very into succulents and terrariums, so we knew our wedding would follow a greenery theme with some lighter colours,” Michelle shares. “We didn’t want to smother our guests in flowers so we tried to keep it more minimalist.”

On the day of the wedding, the couple took a non-traditional route and didn’t include their own written vows within their ceremony. “We felt like it was something that should be shared privately,” Michelle says. “It was a nice change of pace from the day when my husband and I ventured off alone to read our vows to each other.”

The day ended with the guests indulging in late-night eats, specially chosen by the bride and groom. “We were overly excited to say the least when we finally figured out our food choices,” Michelle shares. “We had Banh Mi Boys make sandwiches for us, as well as Toast Delight set up a booth to make egg waffles with ice cream. The look of surprise and excitement on our guests’ faces are moments we will never forget!”

Michelle Quan and Chris Garrido, July 6, 2019, Toronto, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Marissa Joan Ho.

Vendors
Venue: York Mills Gallery
Bridal gown: Blu Ivory Bridal
Day-of coordinator: Lilacs and Lilies
Bridesmaid gowns: Lulus and Tobi
Groom’s tux: Indochino
Groomsmen attire: RW& Co. and The Tie Bar
Rings: Mark Lash
Hair: Uno Jo Bridal Hair
Makeup: Karen Kim Beauty
Flowers: Brothers Flowers
Caterer: CaterTrendz
Cake: Casita Wilson
Candles: Humble Bee Candles & Co.
Decor: Ultimate Wedding Project
Favours: Tina Marie
Lighting: Sole Power
Music: SSTO, Carlo Suarez and DJ Scuffs
Late-night eats: Banh Mi Boys and Toast Delight









































Essential Wedding Seating Chart Tips

Planning

Posted March 12th, 2020 | 10:52 am | By | No Comments

Essential Wedding Seating Chart Tips

Seating chart by Monarch Design Co. Photography courtesy of Lovely Sparrow.

When it comes to wedding signage, your seating chart is one of the most important pieces in ensuring your event runs smoothly. It includes essential information pertinent to the organization of your event, and is one of the first things your guests see upon entrance to the reception. It’s also a great way to get creative with your decor and another element to tie into your theme. But when it comes to dreaming up the perfect seating chart, where do you begin? We sat down with Ashley Wyatt of Monarch Design Co. to get the scoop on what you need to know about creating the best seating chart for your special day, and some commonly asked questions when it comes to this component of your wedding.

When thinking about your seating chart, scale and uniqueness are key to making a maximum impact, Wyatt says. Ask yourself questions such as, “Is there a way to tune into your wedding aesthetic and use conventional surface such as wood, acrylic or vintage mirror? Would the methods and materials make sense to go with the overall flow and aesthetic of the wedding?”

When it comes to displaying your seating chart, ensure that it is placed somewhere guests will see it immediately when they walk in. “The seating chart should be large enough and visible so that your guests can easily find their name and be seated,” Wyatt shares. “Some ways we have seen seating charts displayed are on an easel, hanging structure, mirrors, envelopes, or even lettered and displayed on physical items.”

Essential Wedding Seating Chart Tips

Seating chart by Monarch Design Co. Photography by Jacqueline James.

When it comes to putting together your seating chart, should you also make sure you have place cards? Wyatt says that it’s not a must, but it does provide a nice touch and is in some cases necessary. “For example, if your guests had the option to indicate meal choice or dietary restrictions on their RSVP card, this is the perfect way to communicate those selects for each guest to the caterer,” Wyatt explains. “Place cards can be done in a creative way and can act as the guest’s takeaway or wedding favour.”

One memorable way Wyatt has seen guests display their guests’ names was on envelopes. “The guests found their names on displayed envelopes and their table number along with a personalized love note to the person from the couple could be found inside,” Wyatt says.

When it comes to including first and last names of your guests, Wyatt says it depends on personal preference. For a more formal wedding, or for multiple guests with the same first name, you may want to opt to include your guests’ first and last names. For titles, Wyatt says, it depends on personal preference as well and the formality of the event. “Make sure to be creative with the title of your seating chart, such as ‘Our Favourite People’ or “Be Our Guest,'” Wyatt advises. “In most cases, you can list the guests as couples or families on the seating chart.”

If you are enlisting the help of a calligrapher or having someone else help you make your seating chart, make sure to give them your guests’ first and last names and the table numbers organized either alphabetically or by tables. “We suggest alphabetically by first or last names if their guest count is higher than 100, since it is easier and quicker for guests to find their place,” Wyatt says.

The Bridal Beauty Products Our Editors Are Currently Loving For March

Fashion & Beauty

Posted March 11th, 2020 | 2:56 pm | By | No Comments

The Bridal Beauty Products Our Editors Are Currently Loving For March

This month, we have a new crop of beauty favourites that are perfect for brides who want to stock their bridal beauty kits with products that will help them say goodbye to harsh winter weather and hello to spring. Among this month’s roster are several body products that we are currently loving and will help you look your best in your bridal gown. We’ve also included the latest hair tools, to ensure you have the most gorgeous hair on your wedding day and beyond!

The Bridal Beauty Products Our Editors Are Currently Loving For March

Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash
To ensure your skin is moisturized and hydrated and looks amazing in your wedding dress, you’ll want to start with a moisturizing body wash. Olay’s new Ultra Moisture Body Wash promises to leave skin smooth and silky, as well as strong and healthy-looking. The Vitamin B3 complex, an ingredient in the body wash, helps cells lock in natural moisture. The scents are also divine—so not only will you leave your shower with softer skin, you’ll also smell great as well.

$7.99, olay.com.

The Bridal Beauty Products Our Editors Are Currently Loving For March

Moroccanoil Styling Tool Collection
Haircare brand Moroccanoil has just released a complete line of hair tools for both regular consumers and haircare professionals, including two new releases: the Smooth Style Ceramic Heated Brush and the Power Performance Ionic Hairdryer, two tools that make going from wet to dry hair super easy. The heated brush combines with the heat of a flat iron and the style of a paddle brush to ensure hair is shiny and frizz-free, and the hairdryer is quiet and lightweight for use in salons to allow for ultimate customer comfort. If you’re looking to upgrade your hair tool kit, now is the perfect time to do so!

$340, moroccanoil.com.

The Bridal Beauty Products Our Editors Are Currently Loving For March

LaSpa Anti-Aging Glycolic Peel Overnight Treatment
If you want your skin to look smoother, plumper and want to take preventative measures against visible signs of aging, you’ll want to pick up LaSpa’s latest product: the Anti-Aging Glycolic Peel Overnight Treatment. We particularly love overnight products because they work in your sleep, so you wake up with renewed looking skin. Maximum potency Glycolic Acid works to safely speed up cell turnover rate to reveal revitalized skin. This intensive 7-day at-home treatment is one you should definitely look at incorporating into your pre-wedding skincare routine.

$130, laspanaturals.com.

The Bridal Beauty Products Our Editors Are Currently Loving For March

First Aid Beauty Pharma Arnica Relief & Rescue Mask
When you’re stressed out from wedding planning, it can definitely show in your skin. To combat this, we love the First Aid Beauty Pharma Arnica Relief & Rescue Mask. This includes Arnica extract, which helps accelerate the skin’s natural healing process, as well as Calendula, which aids in calming and soothing distressed skin. Combined with shea butter, this creamy mask is incredibly nourishing and leaves skin soft and dewy.

$45, sephora.ca.

The Bridal Beauty Products Our Editors Are Currently Loving For March

Unbound Cordless Titanium 1-inch Multi-Styler from Conair
If there’s any new hair tool you should bring with you on your honeymoon, this is it. The Unbound Cordless Titanium 1-Inch Multi-Styler from Conair’s cordless design is perfect for travel, and its rounded edges make it easy to coif all hairstyles, from curly or wavy to straight or textured, no matter where you are. So if you’re in a pinch or don’t want to spend time doing your hair, and you don’t have the suitcase space to carry multiple hair tools, this product is for you!

$129.99, conaircanada.ca.

The Bridal Beauty Products Our Editors Are Currently Loving For March

Caudalie Vinosculpt Lift & Firm Body Cream
When we think of “treat yo’self” before your wedding, we think of giving your body the pampering it needs. In our minds, this includes a product that’s both good for your skin AND smells delicious, and we’ve found it in one of Caudalie’s newest products, the Vinosculpt Lift & Firm Body Cream. With Iris extract that’s said to be a powerful active firming ingredient, as well as grape-seed polyphenols, which preserve the skin’s collagen, this cream is perfect for brides who want their skin to to truly look its best in a wedding dress.

$53, caudalie.ca.

The Bridal Beauty Products Our Editors Are Currently Loving For March

GoopGlow Body Luminizer
To continue with the body love, not only should your skin look healthy and lifted on your wedding day, but you can also use products that will give your skin a nice, healthy glow and highlight your favourite features. Goop, Gwyneth Paltrow’s wellness line, has just launched its beauty products in Sephora stores across Canada, and includes the goop line’s best-selling beauty collection, GoopGlow. The Luminizer can be used on the shoulders, legs, arms, and collarbones, and is super lightweight.

$66, sephora.ca.

The Bridal Beauty Products Our Editors Are Currently Loving For March

Benefit Georgia Peach Blush
Benefit’s beloved Georgia peach blush, which originally launched in 2004, has returned to the brand’s roster of products. This new incarnation of the blush has an enhanced shade, new formula and a delicious scent. We love the pearly peach shade, which has warm gold undertones and gives off a soft-sheen glow, perfect for brides.

$40, benefitcosmetics.com.

The Bridal Beauty Products Our Editors Are Currently Loving For March

Storie Veneziane by Valmont Palazzo Nobile Collection
Your wedding day is the perfect occasion to find a luxe fragrance that will remind you of your special day for years to come. If you’re a fragrance lover, we encourage you to splurge on selecting a fragrance from Valmont’s new collection within their Storie Veneziane line—the Palazzo Nobile Collection, designed by Valmont CEO Sophie Guillon to celebrate intimate emotions. Our pick from the collection is Blooming Ballet, a sensual, feminine fragrance with floral notes and a powdery finish of white musk.

$240 for 100 mL, valmont.com.

A Whimsical Travel-Themed Beach Wedding in Victoria, British Columbia

Real Weddings

Posted March 10th, 2020 | 12:50 pm | By | No Comments

Laurin and Manuel chose a travel-themed wedding because of how they met—while backpacking ten years prior in Costa Rica. “Manuel is German and I’m Canadian, and a lot of our life together has been travelling as well as living in different countries around the world,” Laurin shares.

Inspired by living on an island and Laurin growing up on Salt Spring Island, the couple chose to get married on a beach at The Beach House restaurant. Because of this, it was only natural to incorporate soft, relaxed beach colours, which included light turquoise and mint, with white and gold and greenery. “We wanted the entire look to be relaxed, fun, and representative of who we both are and who we are as a couple,” Laurin shares.

The signage, calligraphy and DIY decor were some of Laurin’s favourite details. “I did all the graphics and stationery myself, but when it came to the chalkboard signs, I was a little shaky and handed it all over to the fabulous Ximen of XM Calligraphy, and she did not disappoint,” Laurin says. “I hand-painted 5 globes for our ceremony and reception decor, including a globe for our guests to sign as a guestbook and I just love the way they turned out, plus they were so fun to do. They now adorn our house—we need more space to display them all.”

Opening up the dance floor at the reception was a highlight of the evening. “I’ve been to so many weddings and you usually get about half the guests up if you’re lucky, but when ours opened up, 99% of the guests jetted to the dance floor and started to bust a move,” Laurin recalls. “Everyone was laughing and smiling and so happy, it was just amazing to have everyone that mattered to us in one room, happy and having a fantastic time.”

Laurin Kelsey and Manuel Schriek, August 30, 2019, Victoria, British Columbia.

Photography courtesy of Ashley & Brandon Photography.

Vendors
Venue: The Beach House Restaurant
Wedding planner: Abby Stratton of Memory Laine Events
Bridal gown: Truvelle from The White Peony
Bridesmaid gowns: Shades of White
Groom’s tux and groomsmen attire: Moores
Hair: Erin Bradley
Makeup: Erica Harris
Flowers: Thorn & Thistle
Guitarist: Jill Cooper
DJ: Chris Poynter




 







 

A Modern, Romantic Sage Green and Gold Wedding in Stouffville, Ontario

Real Weddings

Posted March 6th, 2020 | 3:46 pm | By | No Comments

Jaylene and Jordan first met while Jaylene was a barista at Starbucks, where Jordan was a regular. “Jordan would frequent this Starbucks, often multiple times a day, and I couldn’t help but think that this person must really love coffee,” Jaylene recalls. “But I caught wind from my colleagues that Jordan was interested in me and at first I would purposely avoid him.” Eventually, Jordan mustered up the courage to ask for Jaylene’s number. “One morning, just before Valentine’s Day, he dropped off a box of macarons for my colleague to hand to me; he had written the words, ‘Happy Valentine’s Day!’ on the box and signed it off with his initials,” Jaylene shares. “It took me some time to figure out who Mr. J.C. was, but before he returned for his afternoon coffee run, I figured it was him. Upon his arrival, I went around the bar to greet and thank him for the kind gesture. We then exchanged numbers and the rest was history.”

For their wedding, the couple chose a romantic wedding theme with a modern spin. “Soft hues, pastel colours, string lights, minimal and clean venue decor were things that were kept in mind for our theme,” Jaylene says. “The main colour scheme was sage green, which is my favourite colour, and gold, which was the perfect combo for our vision.”

Macarons with the Chinese character for “Happiness” were one of the couple’s favourite details. “We decided to feature these at our dessert table because it symbolized many happy and pivotal moments throughout our relationship together,” Jaylene explains. “Jordan used macarons to get my phone number, to propose, and now we’ll remember them at our wedding too.”

Their first look caught Jordan by surprise. “This was the first time he would see my dress, but to really take him by surprise, I wore a mask of NBA all-star Steph Curry,” Jaylene recalls with a laugh. “Jordan was so shocked and he had such a genuine reaction, as he’s one of Steph Curry’s biggest fans!”

Jaylene surprised Jordan a second time with a video she created especially for their reception. “When I stepped out to change into my second dress, a video began to play, and Jordan, a bit confused, soon realized that it was a video created from images drawn by hand using sand, telling the story of our journey together,” Jaylene says. “This caused Jordan to tear up, while I was secretly watching his reaction from outside the reception.”

Jaylene Yu and Jordan Cheung, July 6, 2019, Stouffville, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Rhythm Photography.

Vendors
Ceremony venue: Cathedral of the Transfiguration
Reception venue: Willow Springs Winery
Wedding planner: Helen Q Events
Bridal gowns: Pronovias
Bridesmaid gowns: Taobao
Groom’s tux and groomsmen’s attire: Zara
Rings: Chaumet
Bridal shoes: Rene Caovilla and Christian Louboutin
Hair and makeup: Tia Make Up
Flowers: Flowers x Flour
Cake and sweets: Rococoa Butter
Desserts: BeaverTails and Starbucks
Stationery: Illusdreams Studio
Fireworks: Firemaster Production
Violinist: Isaac Daniel Eng
DJ: Prime Time Inc.
Videography: JulianWerks

















5 Burning Wedding Invitation Etiquette Questions Answered

Planning

Posted March 6th, 2020 | 10:00 am | By | No Comments

Wedding Invitations

Photo by Carlo Mendoza

So you and your partner have decided to get the ball rolling on your wedding plans. You’ve visited reception venues, found one you like, and you booked it. Then you spent hours agonizing over your guest list. Now it’s time to get those invitations in the mail! As you’re picking out different stationery elements and trying to figure out when to send them out, you may have a few questions. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. We went to wedding planner Crystal Adair-Benning of Distinct Occasions with all of your most burning wedding invitation etiquette questions. These five tips will help you to ensure that everyone you know and love will show up for your special day.

1. When do I send my save-the-dates and what should I include on them?
Save-the-dates are especially important for destination weddings or if you have many out-of-town guests. You should generally send out your save-the-dates nine to 12 months before your wedding, but for destination weddings, or if you have a lot of guests who are coming from out of town, you want to send your save-the-dates closer to 12 months in advance. “If the people you’re inviting will need to request time off for work, you want to give them ample time to do that,” Adair-Benning explains.

2. Is there such a thing as sending invitations out too early?
There is such a thing as sending your invitations out too early. Send your invitations three to four months before your wedding. “RSVPing is not most people’s forte,” Adair-Benning says. “The longer people tuck it away, the less likely they are to RSVP.” Expect your RSVPs back four to six weeks before the wedding, but expect them back a little bit earlier for destination weddings, where the venue may need a final count before you arrive.

3. Who should I give a plus one to?
You can give plus ones to some guests and not to others. “If someone has been in a serious, committed relationship with someone for awhile, or if you think they don’t really know anyone at your wedding and would enjoy it better with a guest, give them a plus one,” Adair-Benning advises.

4. How do I invite someone who lives far away, who I don’t think will be able to attend?
These are called optional invites. You wouldn’t include them in the final count, but sending them both the save-the-date and an invitation is important. “An example of this happening is if you have ailing grandparents in a different country who won’t be able to attend,” Adair-Benning explains. “You still want to send the invite to show them that they’re important to you.”

5. Is it okay to have some guests RSVP through mail and have others do it online?
For guests who aren’t comfortable doing it online, you could have them do it through mail or on the phone and have other guests do it online. “Any way is totally fine,” Adair-Benning says. “It’s becoming more and more accepted that you can RSVP through phone, email or on a wedding website.”

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