Archive for Kylie Conner

The Top 5 Guest Complaints Every Bride Should Know About

Planning

Posted November 23rd, 2015 | 11:00 am | By | 1 Comment

guest complaints - cash bar

Every bride hopes that her dream day will go off without a hitch and that guests will have only glowing reviews after the fact. However, it can be hard to anticipate the needs of every single friend and family member when you’re planning a party for several hundred people.

We asked expert wedding planners Adriana Mazzone from Champagne Social Weddings & Events and Cynthia Martyn from Cynthia Martyn Fine Events to help us narrow down the top five wedding guest beefs and how to avoid them. Their advice? Mitigate complaints by taking friends and family into consideration when you’re making decisions surrounding your big day. “You are planning what is likely the largest party you will host during your lifetime,” says Martyn. “Put yourself in your guests’ shoes when making decisions on the wedding location, menu, bar and gifts, and make the experience comfortable and well-thought-out,” she adds.

The Best Recessional Songs As Voted By Our Readers

Planning

Posted June 22nd, 2015 | 10:00 am | By | 1 Comment

You’ve both just said “I do” and sealed it with a kiss. Now it’s time to take your first steps as a married couple! But, wait, what song will accompany this momentous, once-in-a-lifetime experience? The best wedding recessional songs are those that can convey the joy you’re feeling as you walk back down the aisle with your new life partner. Sweet love-themed songs are always good bets for sentimental ceremonies but if you want guests dancing in the aisle with you as you celebrate your union we recommend selecting a fun, upbeat tune that everyone knows.

In addition to the recessional songs that have become tried and true Weddingbells favourites, we wanted to know which tunes our readers recommended for this pivotal wedding moment. We asked couples from across the country to submit their top recessional tunes and the result is this eclectic mix of melodies that are sure to help end your ceremony on a high note.

Wedding Music Guide

View more from our Readers’ Choice Wedding Music Guide ›

A Charming Vintage Wedding In Kleinburg, Ontario

Real Weddings

Posted October 7th, 2014 | 9:00 am | By | 2 Comments

vintage wedding - kiss outside chapel

Alexandra and Konrad first met in university. “After having met once, we kept running into one another until one day Konrad said ‘I think fate is telling us something’ and asked me out to dinner for our first date. The rest is history,” says Alexandra.

Fast forward to the couple’s big day. The pair had a traditional ceremony followed by a cocktail hour where they released doves as guests sipped Polish beer and listened to traditional Polish music played by a string quartet to pay homage to their heritage.

The couple opted for a muted palette of blush pink and gold, which complemented their vintage wedding theme perfectly. The two also found ways to work in Konrad’s love of vintage scooters as well as Alexandra’s love of lace and lanterns.

Alexandra says one of her favourite wedding memories was when she and Konrad saw each other for the first time that day. “No one can describe the emotion of seeing each other for the first time — the beauty of the moment, the beauty of each other and the awe of it finally being the day you both waited so long for,” she says.

Alexandra Urbanski and Konrad Skorupa, August 17, 2013, Kleinburg, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Marcin Lewandowski.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception location: The Doctor’s House
Bridal gown: Paloma Blanca from Ritche Bridal
Groom’s tux: Moores
Cake: Made by the bride’s father
Favours:  Euro Can Quality Wine
Wedding Planner: Iris Li from Blue Lavender Events
Music: DJ Jack (djjack1234@yahoo.ca)
Makeup: Dorota Buczel
Flowers: La Pegas Flower Boutique
Stationery: Michaels

A Charming Winter Wedding In Maple, Ontario

Real Weddings

Posted October 2nd, 2014 | 9:00 am | By | 1 Comment

The Couple Shares A Dance

Jessica and Derek’s love story didn’t start until after they graduated university, however, they had been really close friends since high school. Once they finally decided to take their relationship to the next level they were smitten. “We’re soul mates with a solid foundation built on friendship. But in the end, pretending to be just friends became exhausting! So here we are today,” laughs Jessica.

The couple’s wedding day started off with soft flurries, which set the scene for a lovely winter wedding. The bridal party took a limousine to the church and Jessica waited as patiently as she could until it was finally time to walk down the aisle. “I remember that was when I was most nervous,” Jessica explains. “It’s such a humbling and surreal experience to know that almost everyone you know and love from different aspects of your life is going to be in the same room celebrating you and your love.”

For their reception, the couple planned a black tie, winter wonderland-inspired celebration. “I always knew I wanted to incorporate Christmas into my wedding, but not in an over the top way,” explains Jessica. “I wanted lots of natural, candlelight with glitter and twinkling lights and what better time of year to do that than a month before Christmas?!”

The couple even had an ice sculpture of a tree trunk with their initials carved into it. “People kept daring me to lick it, but how great would that have looked if the bride had her tongue stuck to the ice sculpture?!” jokes Jessica.

Jessica and Derek Nardone, November 23, 2013, Maple, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Everlasting Moments.

Vendors
Ceremony location: St. David’s Catholic Parish
Reception location: Eagle’s Nest Golf Club
Bridal gown: Oleg Cassini from David’s Bridal
Bridal party attire: David’s Bridal
Groom’s Tux: Black by Vera Wang from Moores
Cake: Just Temptations
Music: Veriation Music
Hair and makeup: Salon Massimo Inc
Flowers: FOS Décor Centre
Stationery: Blush Notes
Caterer: Eagle’s Nest Golf Club
Favours: Crate & Barrel
Wedding planner: Marc Contardi from FOS Décor Centre

An Aviation-Themed Wedding In Winnipeg

Real Weddings

Posted October 1st, 2014 | 9:00 am | By | 1 Comment

Bride And Groom Embrace In The Snow

Nathalie and Luke’s paths first crossed due to a shared love of flying. “I am from Australia and grew up living on different South Pacific islands where my parents were posted for work,” explains Nathalie. “My brothers and I were all fascinated with aviation, and as soon as we were tall enough to see over an airplane dashboard, we all trained as pilots and became private pilots. My older brother decided to pursue this passion and continue on to become a commercial pilot. After months of research, he settled on a flight school in Steinbach, Manitoba. While on a vacation to visit my brother, I met a lot of flight instructors and students from his school. One of the instructors stood out to me and though we only exchanged glances the first time we saw each other, something about him gave me butterflies. A few weeks later, he asked me if I enjoyed running, because he was looking for a running buddy. Although I am not athletic, for some reason I said ‘yes’. Our running led to watching movies and going out to supper. It didn’t take long for us to fall in love. Soon, however, it was time for me to go home. Two months later he turned up at my doorstep for an extended vacation.”

Since travel had always been part of Nathalie and Luke’s lives together, it seemed only fitting that they would tie the knot abroad with a ceremony in Hawaii, halfway between Manitoba and Australia. After returning home to Manitoba, the couple celebrated with a lovely reception at Winnipeg’s Assiniboine Park Conservatory.

The couple’s celebration was decorated in shades of blue to represent the varying hues of the ocean while airplane motifs appeared on everything from the groomsmen’s lapels to the favours and cupcakes.

Nathalie says one of her favourite moments of the day was her first dance with her husband. “Luke and I had brushed-up on our waltz steps in order to feel more comfortable at this particular moment,” she explains. “Yet when he held me in his arms, and the music started, we got lost in each other’s eyes and the words of our favourite love song.”

Nathalie and Luke, January 25, 2014, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Photography courtesy of Melissa from Sugar & Soul Photography.

Vendors
Reception location: Assiniboine Park Conservatory
Bridal gown: Vera Wang from David’s Bridal
Bridal party attire: Venus from Stella’s Bridal & Evening Collections
Bridesman attire: Le Chateau
Groom’s tux: Calvin Klein from Moores
Cake: High Tea Bakery
Caterer:  Assiniboine Park Conservatory
Wedding planner: Jia from Viva Celebrations Inc.
Music: DJ Bryer from Summer Bounce Entertainment
Game corner: Allied Coins & Amusement
Custom decor: Amanda Bergen Creative Studio
Favours: Viva Celebrations Inc.
Hair and makeup: Avenue Hair And Skin Studio and Annalee Schellenberg
Flowers: Academy Florist
Programs: magnetStreet
Stationery: One Plus One Designs

A Coral, Cottage-Themed Wedding In Barrie, Ontario

Real Weddings

Posted September 30th, 2014 | 8:10 am | By | 1 Comment

Bride And Groom In The Forest

Miquela and Joel first fell for each other in high school art class. Not long afterwards the two were separated when Miquela’s family moved to Virginia but the couple managed to keep their love alive through letters, online chats and road trips until Joel popped the question one December afternoon in 2012.

For their wedding day, the couple opted for a laid back cottage theme. “With lots of summers spent up north, cottage life is close to our hearts,” explains Miquela. “We wanted our guests to sit back, relax and enjoy our wedding day.”

The celebration began with an emotional ceremony at Emmanuel Baptist Church. “The moment I walked down the aisle was very special to both of us; Joel had uncontrollable tears, and I was gleaming with pure joy. We will never forget the beauty of that moment,” says Miquela.

The couple’s reception was decked out in coral and mint hues and cottage-chic decor. Buntings, chalkboard signs and wooden details, many of which were created by the Miquela, Joel and their familes, filled the venue. “A lot of our décor was handmade,” says Miquela. “It’s safe to say quite a bit of time went into crafting. We are very thankful for the support of our families.”

Miquela Hobbs and Joel Roeleveld, July 26, 2013, Barrie, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of VP Studios Photography.

Vendors
Ceremony location: Emmanuel Baptist Church
Reception location: Southshore Community Centre
Bridal gown: Anjolique
Bridal party attire: Carole McDonald from Black Rattle Designs
Groom’s tux: Black By Vera Wang from Moores
Cake: Natalie Weaver
Caterer: Ski Snow Valley
Favours: Natalie Weaver
Music: Pieter Huyer
Flowers: Natalie Weaver

A Rustic Wedding With Lace And Burlap Details

Real Weddings

Posted September 29th, 2014 | 9:00 am | By | 2 Comments

The Couple And Their Dog

Brie and Thom first met online. The two conversed over Facebook for sometime and finally decided to meet. At the time Brie was working as a nanny in Spain and Thom lived in England and even though Brie was headed back to Canada, the pair decided to pursue a long-distance relationship. Two years later Thom popped the question.

Brie and Thom’s wedding had a clear theme of burlap and lace. The bridal bouquet, the centrepieces and even the table runners featured these lovely materials. “We chose this theme because it was very elegant but still rustic at the same time,” explains Brie. “It felt special without being over the top.”

The couple’s wedding song was “You and Me (Love Story)” by Randy Newman. “Thom used to sing it to me over the phone when he lived in England and I was in Canada,” says Brie. “It is relaxed, fun, quirky and full of love — kind of like our relationship.”

Brie Franson and Thom Gidman, July 12, 2013, Kelowna, British Columbia.

Photography courtesy of Candid Apple Photography.

Vendors
Ceremony location: Benvoulin Heritage Church
Reception location: Laurel Packing House
Bridal gown: Ethos Bridal
Bridal party attire: Guess
Groom’s suit: Calvin Klein from Moores
Cake: Cupcasions
Caterer:  Deli City Bunches Bistro
Wedding planner: Embellish Wedding And Event Planning
Music: DJ Superdave
Hair and makeup: CREAM Hair & Makeup Lounge
Flowers: Creations By Mom And Me

 

A Baseball-Themed Wedding

Real Weddings

Posted September 26th, 2014 | 9:00 am | By | No Comments

baseball wedding - bride and groom with mascot

Meghan and Jason are huge baseball fans so when it came to their wedding day, the two really knocked it out of the park.

“The main colour was royal blue to match the colour of our favourite team, the Toronto Blue Jays,” explains Meghan. “Our most memorable times together always involve baseball so we thought this theme was true to us, and would allow us to have a really fun, laid back day.”

The couple worked their unique baseball theme into every aspect of their wedding day, from the groom’s baseball boutonniere and the bride’s baseball pumps to the score card wedding programs and pennant flag centrepieces. The couple had a home plate at their altar and even had “let’s play ball” inscribed on their wedding rings!

Meghan says one of her favourite wedding day memories was seeing all of her bridesmaids enter the reception escorted by the Toronto Blue Jays’ mascot, Ace. “He was dancing with the girls and high-fived all the guys coming in. It was really memorable,” she recalls.

Meghan Goldie and Jason Rozon, June 1, 2013, Milton, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Joseph Michael Photography.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception location: Piper’s Heath Golf Club
Bridal gown: Amanda-Lina’s Sposa Boutique
Bridal party attire: Impression Bridal
Groom and groomsmen attire: Ladner’s Clothiers
Hair: Sasha from Donato Salon & Spa
Makeup: Cocoon Makeup
Officiant: All You Need Is Love Weddings
Flowers: The Watering Can
Cupcakes: Cupcakes Canada
Music: Vince from Just 4 U Entertainment
Cake topper: Mara’s Little People

An Elegant Fall Wedding In Banff, Alberta

Real Weddings

Posted September 25th, 2014 | 9:00 am | By | 1 Comment

Just Married

Proposals don’t get much sweeter than Alexis and Shaun’s. One night when Alexis was teaching her ballet class one of her 10-year-old students walked in with a beautiful bouquet of roses for her. After this Shaun strolled in and nervously popped the question. After Alexis said “yes” over 20 of her students, friends and former students gathered around to congratulate the couple.

For their big day the couple opted for a traditional church ceremony followed by a reception at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, which was decorated in gorgeous fall jewel tones. “The hall looked stunning and our guests are still talking about the food,” says Alexis. “We danced and socialized the night away with memories to last a lifetime.”

Alexis Dewhirst and Shaun Wanotch, September 28, 2013, Banff, Alberta.

Photography courtesy of Kim Payant Photography and Bonner Photography.

Vendors
Ceremony location: St. Mary’s Chuch
Reception location:  Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Bridal gown: Pronovias from White Orchid Bridal Boutique
Bridal party attire: Stella Vita from White Orchid Bridal Boutique
Groom’s tux: Hugo Boss
Cake: Lorraine Stapleton
Catering: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Favours: The Banff Candy Store
Music: Riley Morrison
Hair and makeup: Willow Stream Spa and Salon at The Fairmont Banff Springs
Flowers: Occasional Bloom
Stationery: Wedding Paper Divas

A Romantic Wedding In Montreal

Real Weddings

Posted September 23rd, 2014 | 9:00 am | By | 1 Comment

Just Married

Anne-Marie and Pier-Alexandre’s love story all started at a university football game. “Pier-Alexandre was sitting in front of me, next to a guy I had studied with a few years prior,” explains Anne-Marie. “He barely talked to me until I told his friend how impolite he was. Pier-Alexandre later told me he thought the guy sitting next to me was my boyfriend.”

The couple’s wedding day began with a ceremony at an ornate church followed by a reception at Entrepôts Dominion, which was outfitted with chic Chiavari chairs and gorgeous hydrangea and rose centrepieces. Clusters of white candles gave the room a romantic glow while family photos were strung in garlands along the exposed brick walls.

The divine dessert table, which Anne-Marie says was one of her favourite wedding details, was home to three delectable croquembouche towers and and array of colourful macarons.

“We had planned every detail carefully and filled our wedding with personal touches but we were still amazed by the final result, which really surprised us,” says Anne-Marie. “We also felt blessed to have all our family and friends with us on that day.”

Anne-Marie Piette and Pier-Alexandre Drouin, August 3, 2013, Montreal, Quebec.

Photography courtesy of Sophie Asselin.

Vendors
Ceremony location: Église St-Jean Baptiste
Reception location:  Entrepôts Dominion
Bridal gown: Galleria Della Sposa
Groom’s tux: Hugo Boss
Flower girl dresses: Made by the mother of the bride
Cake: Pâtisserie Maison Mallet
Catering: Robert Alexis Traiteur
Favours:  ChocoMiro
Hair: Anacletti Coiffure
Makeup: La Maison des Parfums
Flowers: Les Petites Excuses
Stationery: Invitations & Co.

A Pastel, Garden Party Wedding In Kleinburg, Ontario

Real Weddings

Posted September 22nd, 2014 | 9:00 am | By | No Comments

The Bride And Groom Under The Trees

For their wedding day, Inga and Darcy decided to go for a light and airy garden party theme, brimming with pastels and natural light. The Doctor’s House in Kleinburg, Ontario was the chosen venue for both the ceremony and reception because of its lovely pastoral setting. “This venue is unique, gorgeous and far from a banquet hall,” says Inga. “There were plenty of windows to let the sunshine and highlight all the beautiful details that the venue had to offer.”

The couple decorated their venue with baby’s breath, roses and lace for a romantic feel. “Even though the venue was gorgeous enough not to need much decoration, the flowers still brought a beautiful touch to all the photos and the décor,” says Inga.

Inga Berzinia McFarlane and Darcy McFarlane, May 31, 2014, Kleinburg, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Ten Over Six Photography.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception location: The Doctor’s House
Second Shooter: Wales Wong Photography
Bridal gown: Jolie Bridal
Bridal party attire: J. Crew
Caterer: The Doctor’s House
Music: VIP Entertainment Group
Hair and makeup: Kay Zhang
Flowers: Grower’s Flower Market

A Sophisticated Emerald Lake Wedding

Real Weddings

Posted September 19th, 2014 | 9:00 am | By | 1 Comment

sophisticated-picturesque-wedding-776

Michelle and Jon’s paths first crossed when they were both working for companies that shared an office building. A mutual friend and a chance meeting in an elevator lead to their first date…and the rest is history.

For their wedding day, Michelle and Jon wanted to focus on their venue’s gorgeous natural scenery and leave additional décor to a minimum.

Michelle said one of her favourite parts of the wedding was actually unplanned. “There was a slight miscommunication with our wedding officiant and she asked us to say our personal vows to each other during our ceremony, which neither of us had prepared for,” Michelle explains. “As a result, we both ad libbed our vows in front of everyone, which ended up being very sweet because they were totally from the heart.”

Not only did the couple’s Emerald Lake venue provide the perfect backdrop for their photos, it also offered a gorgeous escape for some alone time before the reception. “After we got married we took a canoe ride in the glacier fed lake together. It was a chance to soak up what happened before celebrating with our family friends,” says Michelle.

Michelle Norquay and Jon Tirmandi, Field, British Columbia.

Photography courtesy of TLAW Photography.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception location: Emerald Lake Lodge
Bridal gown: Allure Bridals from Becker’s Bridal & Formal
Bridal party attire: J. Crew
Groom’s tux: GotStyle
Wedding planner: Naturally Chic
Cake: Cake Creations
Caterer: Emerald Lake Lodge
Music: Livin’ & Dancin’ DJ Services
Hair: Rana from Viva Hair
Makeup: Chan from Bella Vous Makeup Artistry
Flowers: Blue Hydrangea

A Lovely Blue Wedding In Calgary

Real Weddings

Posted September 18th, 2014 | 9:00 am | By | No Comments

The Couple

When it came to his proposal to Shawna, Craig’s timing couldn’t have been any better. “After a long day of spring cleaning, we decided to have a romantic dinner at home,” explains Shawna. “In the middle of dinner I said I could spend the rest of my life in that house with Craig. He then pulled out an engagement ring and asked me to marry him.”

For their August wedding, the couple decided on a ceremony outdoors in Calgary’s Barker Park followed by a reception in nearby Triwood Hall, which was decked out in lovely shades of blue. “The evening was filled with laughter, heartfelt family speeches and celebration,” said Shawna.

Shawna and Craig Bayda, August 3, 2013, Calgary, Alberta.

Photography courtesy of Cedna Photography.

Vendors
Ceremony location: Baker Park
Reception location: Triwood Hall
Bridal gown: Maggie Sottero from The Bridal Centre
Groom’s suit: The Bridal Centre
Bridal party attire: Becky Gartner from Blue Ladybug Design
Cake: Made by the bridal party
Caterer: Triwood Hall
Music: Revolution Entertainment Inc.
Flowers: DIY
Hair and makeup: CaVaBien Hair Studio And Day Spa
Favours: Green Munch

20 Sure-Fire Ways To Make Your Wedding More Fun

Planning

Posted September 17th, 2014 | 2:44 pm | By | 1 Comment

fun wedding ideas - wedding pinata

Right now you’re probably thinking to yourself: “How could my wedding not be the most fun day of my life when it’s all about me and I’ll be surrounded by everyone I love?” While there’s no doubt this day will be a blast for you and your new hubby, you want to make sure your guests are equally happy and entertained.

The key to planning a memorable wedding that your guests will be talking about for years to come is including unique never-before-seen details and interactive concepts that really get friends and family involved in the celebration (even if they’re not in the wedding party). From simple ideas, such as a confetti bar, to going all out by hosting a costume wedding, these 20 totally fun ideas are guaranteed to bring a smile to each and every guest’s face.

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