Kate Mendonca, Author at Weddingbells

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Costarellos Spring 2020 Wedding Dresses

Fashion & Beauty » Wedding Dresses

Posted May 9th, 2019 | 1:45 pm | By Kate Mendonca | No Comments

This season’s latest gowns from Costarellos merge the ease of the Mediterranean with the precise craftsmanship of couture tailoring. Ideal for a polished, bohemian vibe, this collection of dreamy gowns has plenty of laid-back style that’s effortless and ethereal.

Dresses are embellished with beautiful textured lace to lend an air of relaxed elegance that ties in to the Athens-born designer’s simple and chic designs. Fit and flare gowns made from lightweight silk organza were practically made for outdoor ceremonies, featuring flowing skirts that gently billow in the wind. Sheer fabrications stand out from the crowd in sweet silhouettes that float away from the body rather than clinging to every curve.

A high-necked gown with a ruffled collar has a Victorian feel to it, but paired with open panels in the front and back, it feels fresh and modern. Hand-cut, fluttery appliqués shine in this collection, bringing the natural beauty of floral blooms to the dreamy feel of the gowns. Unexpected cut-out details along sleeves and at the hips show just a hint of skin, for a look that’s perfect for any romantic and free-spirited bride.

A Modern, Romantic Garden Wedding in Ottawa, Ontario

Real Weddings

Posted May 6th, 2019 | 10:14 am | By Kate Mendonca | No Comments

A chance message from David to Ivy on a meet-up site online brought this couple together, where they got to know each other over the course of three months. After making such a strong connection online, with David in Baltimore, Maryland, and Ivy in Toronto, Ontario, the pair realized that they were meant to be more than just friends. David then took the leap and asked Ivy out on a real date in Baltimore at the National Aquarium. The couple maintained a long distance relationship until David proposed at the site of their first date nearly one year later.

Being an American citizen presented some challenges for the couple, who decided to marry in Toronto in an intimate civil ceremony in 2014, in order for Ivy to sponsor David’s entry into Canada. “No one from our respective families was present, and we did not put much thought or effort into this part as for us, it was a necessary step that we needed to take toward our future together,” Ivy says. It wasn’t until 2016 that David finally became a permanent resident of Canada, and the pair was able to plan the wedding they really wanted.

One of the most emotional parts of the wedding was the traditional tea ceremony that David and Ivy hosted to honour Ivy’s Vietnamese heritage. The pair served tea to their elders while incorporating traditional Vietnamese elements like the custom-made ao dai dress that was brought over for Ivy from Saigon. “It was my maternal grandmother’s first wedding that she was able to attend out of all her grandchildren, and it was very raw and emotional,” Ivy shares. “Everyone was in tears during the tea ceremony due to how much it meant for my grandmother and for my family to have this wedding.”

The couple’s Western ceremony featured shades of purple, cream and gold along with plenty of greenery to tie in their romantic garden theme. Ivy and David wrote their own vows, which included plenty of personal jokes and details to make sure that guests had fun during the ceremony too. At the reception, guests were seated family-style at long farmhouse tables where touches of gold geometric accents brought in the modern elements the couple wanted. The intimate first dance took place to Skylar Gray’s version of “Stand By Me.” “This is actually David’s favourite song and movie of the same name that eventually became my favourite song as well,” Ivy explains. “We ultimately settled on this rendition as we felt it was the best suited for us to dance to.”

Ivy O and David Carollo, August 18, 2018, Ottawa, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Brittany Fleming.

Vendors
Venue & catering: The Sidedoor Contemporary Kitchen and Bar
Bridal gown: Maggie Sottero from Kleinfeld Hudson’s Bay
Bridesmaid gowns: Morilee from Jolie Bridal
Groom’s tux: Tip Top Tailors
Groomsmen attire: Moore’s Clothing
Hair: Selena Lebond of Hairapy by Selena
Makeup: Klava Zykova of Klava Z Beauty
Day of Coordinator: Julie Normandeau of Julie & Co. Events
Flowers and decor: Amanda Powell of The Gathering Event Company
Stationery: Wishtree Invitations & Design Inc.
Cake and favours: Dulce Couture Cakes
Officiant: Lynne Langille of Exceptional Ceremonies
Chairs: Pearl Decor
Music: James Boutros of Interlace Group Events

An Intimate Destination Wedding in Wicklow, Ireland

Real Weddings

Posted May 2nd, 2019 | 11:26 am | By Kate Mendonca | No Comments

Casey and Glen met in high school in Winnipeg, but didn’t start dating until Casey returned to her hometown nearly ten years later. Early on in their relationship, the couple knew that they would get married one day but were in no hurry to plan a wedding, and instead chose to start a family early on. A casual proposal over lunch one day was perfectly timed, and took place just before Casey was headed to Toronto to look at wedding dresses.

Being a wedding photographer herself, Casey always knew that she wanted to get married abroad, and since Glen was born in Ireland, the country was an easy choice for their destination wedding. Taking place at Killrudery House, an old Irish estate with stunning views and gardens, the couple planned their entire wedding from a distance. “Since we got married in another country we had only ever seen pictures,” Casey recalls. “Seeing the real thing was overwhelming; it was so beautiful and it felt like a fairytale.”

Casey and Glen added special touches to include family and friends in every aspect of their wedding, making sure to have their son feel important on the wedding day as the ring bearer. They also arranged for easy transportation to and from the ceremony to their reception venue in Dublin, with a rented double decker bus for guests.

Pops of pink florals with plenty of greenery brought the reception space to life, while navy and gold accents took the décor to the next level. A stunning ombre cake in shades of pink and gold tied the whole event together, topped off with gorgeous blooms to match the table settings. Not ones to let the festivities end early, Casey and Glen kept things rolling even after the party was over. “When our reception ended we continued to party through the streets of Temple Bar and partied all night long!”

Casey Nolin and Glen Hampton, May 22, 2018, Wicklow, Ireland.

Photography courtesy of Melissa Johnstone & Niall Scully.

Vendors
Ceremony venue: Killrudery House & Gardens
Reception venue & catering: Fallon & Byrne Dublin
Bridal gown: Chic Nostalgia from Bliss Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaid gowns: Lulus, David’s Bridal, Hush Collection
Groom’s tux: EPH Apparel
Event planning and flowers: Frog Prince Wedding & Events
Stationery: Bliss Paper Boutique
Cake: The Cake Cuppery
Hair: Kristin Ortiz
Makeup: Aoife Callaghan Makeup
Music: DMC Events

A Minimalist, Nature-Inspired Wedding in Winnipeg

Real Weddings

Posted April 25th, 2019 | 10:39 am | By Kate Mendonca | No Comments

Shortly after Nahyun’s 18th birthday, she met Joel at a bar and the pair immediately hit it off, dancing the night away together. They dated for years before getting engaged in a romantic surprise proposal that took place while the couple was hiking around Lake Louise with their dog, Opie. Nahyun remembers the moment fondly, saying, “Joel asked me to set up my camera on some rocks to get a picture of us on the mountain with the lake in the background, and as soon as the timer went off he proposed to me!”

With a love for the great outdoors, the beauty of nature was a huge inspiration when planning their wedding day, along with Nahyun and Joel’s simple and organic aesthetic. When it came to décor, Nahyun and Joel wanted to to bring the outdoors in, infusing their decor with lush olive branches (a favourite of the bride and groom) and soft shades of blue and grey.

For their first look on their wedding day, the bride and groom chose to meet on the balcony of their venue, the historic Cibo Waterfront Cafe in the heart of old Winnipeg. “We hadn’t seen each other since the afternoon of the day before, and we were both incredibly nervous and excited. When we saw each other, all of the nerves went away and it just felt, simple and right,” Nahyun says. Taking time to savour their time alone together throughout the day, the couple found these small moments to be some of the most memorable.

The intimate venue was a perfect choice for Nahyun and Joel to celebrate with their loved ones, and felt like the perfect location to kick off the start of their new life together. The dance floor was jumping all night long, as guests enjoyed the festivities with the happy newlyweds.

Nahyun Chapman and Joel Arnal, September 9, 2017, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Photography courtesy of Brittany Mahood.

Vendors
Venue & catering: Cibo Waterfront Cafe
Bridal gown: Nicole Miller from Bliss Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaid gowns: Hush Collection
Groom’s tux: RW & Co.
Groomsmen attire: RW & Co.
Flowers: Oak and Lily Flowers & Design
Stationery: La Petite Paperie
Cake: Jenna Rae Cakes
Hair and makeup: The BeYouTee Bar
Music: Kevin Fawley
Décor: Something Borrowed

A Regal Peach Wedding in Toronto

Real Weddings

Posted April 23rd, 2019 | 2:37 pm | By Kate Mendonca | No Comments

Rima and Tamer met through a chance run-in at the gym, which Rima didn’t think much of until three months later when she saw a missed message from Tamer on Instagram. After a few weeks of chatting online, the two decided to meet up in person for their first date. Thinking back on their first meet up, Rima laughs, “I thought Tamer lived here in Canada and did business in Qatar, but when we went out he confessed to me that he lived there and flew all the way from Qatar for our date!” It turns out that he had seen Rima at the gym only while on vacation here, and sent her a message the same day. After six months of dating, Tamer visited Rima’s family and requested her hand in marriage from her father before popping the question.

The couple’s elegant garden wedding took place at Graydon Hall, adding a perfect regal setting for their ceremony and reception. Their colourful affair was filled with vibrant floral blooms that were the perfect choice for their summer wedding. “We wanted a peach-themed wedding because not only do we love the colour, but it always reminded us of summer,” says the couple. Added pops of peach were brought in with layers of floating and tapered candles that cast a romantic glow onto family-style farmhouse tables.

Friends and family from across the globe gathered to celebrate Rima and Tamer’s wedding, so to thank them the bride and groom included plenty of elements to surprise and delight their guests. A Beaver Tails truck arrived on site for a late night snack, and Rima even managed to surprise Tamer with a fireworks display that went off during their cake-cutting ceremony, set to Coldplay’s “A Sky Full of Stars”. With traditional Syrian dance performers, a live singer, and a DJ to get the party started, guests enjoyed themselves well into the night.

Rima El-Keilani and Tamer Rabbani, August 23, 2018, Toronto, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Corina V. Photography.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception venue: Graydon Hall Manor
Bridal gown: Ines Di Santo
Wedding planner: Karina Lemke
Flowers: Jodi Leigh Designs
Cake: Dalia’s Cake Shop
Hair: Robert Hair Salon
Makeup: Christina Durco of Fancy Face
Live music: Jordan Hart
DJ: Michael Coombs
Dancer performers: Sooriana Group
Videography: Beautiful Life Studios
Fireworks: Firemaster Productions
Vintage car: A Rolls Choice
Late night snacks: Beaver Tails
Photo booth: The Selfie Spot

An Elegant, Rocker-Chic Wedding in Toronto

Real Weddings

Posted April 19th, 2019 | 1:22 pm | By Kate Mendonca | No Comments

Fashion designer Naomi met Mark through a mutual friend, who insisted on setting the two up. After amazing conversation on their first date, the two began dating and were inseparable for the next four years. A casual proposal from Mark took Naomi by surprise, since they had never discussed marriage, but the couple both knew that it was the perfect next step in their relationship.

Naomi and Mark wanted their wedding to reflect their personalities, so Naomi’s unique style heavily influenced the planning of their big day. Everything from the decor to the venue to Naomi’s two self-designed dresses were an opportunity to show off the couple’s combined aesthetic. “My style has always been edgy, but elegant with a hint of Rock ‘N Roll,” says Naomi. “Mark style’s is more classic, which created a perfect balance for our wedding.”

Through a last-minute change in plans, the couple’s lively photos on the streets of downtown Toronto were a spontaneous decision that ended up being one of their favourite moments of the day. “We all jumped out of the car and started posing in the middle of the busy streets,” the couple recalls. “The photos turned out fantastic and we created the best memory together that will last forever.” Another special memory for the bride and groom was their decision to take ballroom dance lessons in the weeks leading up to their wedding. The couple surprised their guests with a choreographed routine to Billy Joel’s “Leave a Tender Moment Alone”, a meaningful choice for their first dance that reminds them of their first concert together at Madison Square Garden.

Afterwards, Naomi changed into her second gown of the day – a sequinned black dress that holds extra special meaning for her and Mark. Embroidered with important dates and images that symbolize the steps along the couple’s journey to the altar, this sparkling gown helped kick off the party. Guests danced the night away to a live band composed of some of the couples’ closest friends, who kept the party going well into the morning hours.

Naomi Shapiro and Mark Goldenberg, October 7, 2018, Toronto, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Katy Chan.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception venue: The Design Exchange
Bridal gown: Rock ‘N Karma (designed by bride)
Groom’s tux: Andrew’s Formal Rentals and Sales
Wedding planner: Judy Stein
Caterer: Food Dudes
Flowers: Creations by Gitta
Stationery: Write Invite
Hair and makeup: Travis Fiedtkou & Tana D’Amico
Music: Terence Gowan, Chris Rouse, Shakura S’aida & Kwanza Shelly

Anne Barge Spring 2020 Wedding Dresses

Fashion & Beauty » Wedding Dresses

Posted April 18th, 2019 | 11:01 am | By Kate Mendonca | No Comments

For Spring 2020, Anne Barge’s timeless designs are updated for the modern, sophisticated bride. Inspired by the brand’s Southern roots, this collection of refined gowns puts a fresh spin on traditional bridal wear. Using clean lines and elegant fabrics, these carefully crafted gowns are perfectly tailored for the most flattering fit.

Statement backs shine in this collection and are finished with oversized buttons to emphasize corseted waists, or trail from top to bottom along the full length of the train. Romantic re-embroidered lace is paired with sleek Mikado scuba fabric for a new take on bridal fashion that mixes fabrics for a contemporary feel. Sculptural accessories add visual interest for brides who want to customize their look with ruffled collars, silk stoles or voluminous overcoats.

Highlights from this collection include a powder-blue silk ballg own with a sharp plunging neckline, and a dreamy off-the-shoulder lace gown with a nude lining and an unexpectedly sheer open back. The dreamy details of this season’s classic designs pay tribute to Anne Barge’s signature minimalist aesthetic while celebrating the beauty of the present-day bride.

A Dreamy, Intimate Forest Styled Shoot in Waskesiu Lake, Saskatchewan

Real Weddings

Posted April 17th, 2019 | 4:25 pm | By Kate Mendonca | No Comments

Dreaming of a rustic forest escape for your wedding day? This gorgeous styled shoot that took place in the woods of Saskatchewan’s Elk Ridge Resort has all the inspiration you could want for a romantic outdoor event. Arranged by photographer Julie Isaac and the team at Pretty in the Pines Events, this rustic-chic shoot highlights the beauty of nature alongside the glamour of modern décor.

Black, gold and pink elements throughout the shoot add pops of colour to the greenery of the surrounding forests, which are tied together through the stationery, décor and florals. Twig & Bloom florists’ lush bouquets of roses and wild greenery feature moody tones of burgundy, fuschia and dusty rose for added dimension and visual appeal.

Candles laid along the ground provide an intimate source of lighting that helps to define an aisle through the forest’s paths while adding a little sparkle from the brushed golden candle holders. DIY touches like moss filled pots are an easy and inexpensive place setting that showcases the natural look of the raw stationary from Paper Ocelot Studios. Handy Special Events provided the décor for this shoot, incorporating vintage-inspired touches like crystal water goblets and soft table linens.

The bride wore a custom lace and georgette two-piece set from designer Laurie Brown, paired with simple jewelry by Alexandra Kathlyn Accessories. Together with the rustic charm of this elopement-styled shoot, every element comes together for the perfect outdoor wedding inspiration.

Photography courtesy of Julie Isaac.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception venue: Elk Ridge Resort
Wedding planner: Pretty In The Pines Events
Bridal gown: Laurie Brown Fashion
Rings: GMG Jewelers
Jewellery: Alexandra Kathlyn Accessories
Flowers: Twig & Bloom
Stationery: Paper Ocelot Studios
Donuts: Pals Donuts
Hair: Danielle Dore through Holly Decker Makeup Artistry
Makeup: Holly Decker Makeup Artistry
Décor: Handy Special Events
Love Seat: Ann Unique Rentals
Model: Paige Mackinnon, Stray Model Management

Justin Alexander Spring 2020 Wedding Dresses

Fashion & Beauty » Wedding Dresses

Posted April 17th, 2019 | 2:10 pm | By Kate Mendonca | No Comments

For their Spring 2020 collection, bridal fashion house Justin Alexander was inspired by the transformative nature of the season. “Spring promises new beginnings and this season’s styles reflect that,” says designer Justin Warshaw. “The collection begins with modern, clean styling and starts anew with a romantic patchwork floral story which then leads to a large floral lace motif, finally building to embroidered florals.” A wide array of silhouettes and necklines will appeal to a range of brides, all with the brand’s signature clean lines that have been given a springtime update.

Fresh takes on floral blooms can be found throughout the collection, like a petal-inspired mini skirt that infuses a youthful spirit into a modern bridal silhouette. Jumbo appliqués add a feminine touch to cool jumpsuits, which can be paired with flowing overskirts or trailing patchwork capes to create a one-of-a-kind look. Subtle stripes on the Senna gown give texture to the layered tulle skirt embellished with beaded lace, while the stunning finale gown brings Southern charm to the runway with a ruffled hem and an all-over floral pattern.

Nicole Spring 2020 Wedding Dresses

Fashion & Beauty » Wedding Dresses

Posted April 17th, 2019 | 1:44 pm | By Kate Mendonca | No Comments

For Spring 2020, the Nicole collection offers a contemporary take on traditional bridal attire. Full-skirted ballgowns provide modern fairytale inspiration, with ultra-feminine details that embody the brand’s innovative design philosophy. Embroidered bodices guarantee that the bride will shine on her wedding day, and with breathtaking layers of silk and organza, she’ll feel light as air.

Whimsical and romantic, this season’s collection incorporates soft ruffles and voluminous layers of fabric that gently float to the ground. Jewelled straps add extra sparkle and criss-cross down the back to highlight the deep V silhouette that ensures a dramatic entrance and exit. Floral appliqués with beaded details bring a touch of springtime to the collection, with multi-dimensional illusion lace adding to the blooms.

The latest Nicole collection is filled with dreamy dresses that are created using timeless techniques and an exquisite attention to detail. Each gown has its own unique take on classic Italian design, taking inspiration from pure romanticism to create a regal look and feel in every dress. Finished in tones of blush, ivory and cream, every bride can find her most flattering shade for a wedding look that’s fit for a princess.

Francesca Miranda Spring 2020 Wedding Dresses

Fashion & Beauty » Wedding Dresses

Posted April 17th, 2019 | 11:50 am | By Kate Mendonca | No Comments

The drama of a masked black and white ball inspired this season’s Francesca Miranda gowns, taking the glamour and intrigue of a masquerade event and translating it into perfectly polished wedding looks. For Spring 2020, beaded embellishment, pleats and feathers make their way into this collection of exquisitely detailed frocks that are chic and feminine.

Detachable sleeves and capes add volume to the sleek silhouettes found within the collection, and allow for two looks in one that can be changed up throughout the day. Puffed sleeves add an element of old-world charm, making them the perfect complement for the masquerade theme. Each dress is tailored to perfection, with minimalist construction that’s elevated by modern touches like sheer illusion sleeves and three-dimensional hand embroidery.

This season exaggerated plunging necklines are modified with sheer layers of tulle and silk organza to add extra coverage without taking away from the sculptural feel of the dresses. Lightweight fabrics flow gently along the body to highlight its natural curves, making sure that every Francesca Miranda bride feels like the belle of the ball on her wedding day.

Reem Acra Spring 2020 Wedding Dresses

Fashion & Beauty » Wedding Dresses

Posted April 17th, 2019 | 11:15 am | By Kate Mendonca | No Comments

With a full collection of gowns for a variety of wedding guests, the Spring 2020 Reem Acra collection pays homage to gratitude and wonder. The tone of the collection is celebratory, with bold messages of empowerment included throughout. Encouraging women to keep dreaming, Acra pushes the boundaries of what traditional wedding attire can be.

Several gowns in the Thankyou Collection are named after an iconic Madonna song, infusing them with the Queen of Pop’s unapologetic sense of style; others are named after a powerful feeling that captures the essence of each dress. The Free Spirit is a unique gown with airy layers of tulle and beading that’s paired with a dramatic 1920’s-inspired veil. The Promises gown is a romantic sweetheart ballgown with a textured floral bodice and a full tulle skirt in shades of peach and ivory. The Visionary is a deep blue beaded gown that’s styled with a matching double breasted tuxedo jacket – a look that’s fit for the avant-garde bride.

Also presented this season was a selection of pieces created in collaboration with menswear designer Joseph Abboud. Sharing Lebanese heritage, the two designers came together to create a set of custom tailored looks for grooms that are brimming with confidence and style, just like the Reem Acra bride.

Watters Fall 2019 Wedding Dresses

Fashion & Beauty » Wedding Dresses

Posted April 16th, 2019 | 4:43 pm | By Kate Mendonca | No Comments

For Fall 2019, size-inclusive bridal brand Watters was inspired by the great lengths that one will go to for love, and put together a collection that’s just as romantic as it sounds. Feminine details like ruffles and lace take on a new dimension when contrasted with sheer fabrications that show off a little skin for an edgy bridal look. With meticulous attention to detail, this collection is equal parts modern, feminine, and fierce.

In a change of pace from the peach tones and dusty pinks often seen in bridal wear, the Fall 2019 Watters collection includes shades of beige along with cream, white and ivory on the runway. This subtle difference makes the gowns a perfect choice for the subdued sunlight and chill ambiance of fall and winter weddings, as well as a nude option for a wider range of skin tones.

Illusion button backs add vintage charm, while a Swiss dot A-line gown and matching veil are an unexpected take on classic French lace styles. Plunging necklines and backs make sure that brides pull off a dramatic entrance and exit, while modern accessories like floral veils with three-dimensional appliqués are traditional yet playful.

Galia Lahav Spring 2020 Wedding Dresses

Fashion & Beauty » Wedding Dresses

Posted April 16th, 2019 | 12:29 pm | By Kate Mendonca | No Comments

Brides seeking over the top glamour and sophistication need look no further than Galia Lahav’s couture gowns. For the Spring 2020 collection, appropriately titled “Make A Scene,” the Israeli designer turned to Hollywood, with the Oscar-winning musical Dreamgirls influencing this season’s designs. Confidence, self-love and boldness are just some of the inspirational messages that made their way into this collection, a celebration of empowered women coming into their own.

Throughout this collection, corseted bodices emphasize the natural waistline along with sweetheart necklines for a figure-hugging look that’s both sexy and sweet. Sheer layers of tulle and lace show plenty of skin, making confidence a must for any bride who isn’t afraid to take centre stage. For a more traditional look, bedazzled ballgowns with full skirts cascade to the ground in a halo of flowing fabric for a princess-like effect.

Customizable bustles and overskirts add drama to the selection of already opulent gowns, and with cathedral-length veils and trains there’s no shortage of ways to make an entrance on your wedding day. Complete with ruby-red lipstick, any bride will feel like red carpet royalty in these stunning Galia Lahav looks.