Colour Your Bridal Gown

Every bride is unique. You’re an individual with your own personality and style. Not all women have the same tastes or have the same body types. Fortunately ladies there are many bridal gown designers that offer dresses in all shapes, sizes and styles.

It has always been a tradition that a bride wears white on her wedding day. White is the symbol of purity and innocence. Lets be honest, it is a rare occurrence in our society today that those principals still apply. Those times are long past with the birth of the sexual revolution. So why do we still wear white… why are we so afraid to be different…

Wearing white was not always the norm as it is today. In past centuries brides wore beautiful gowns of gold or other deep colours especially royalty. So why am I bringing this up…. There are no set rules as to what you can or can’t wear the day you are married. Even if you are a first time bride or it’s your second marriage, colours can be beautiful. Many brides today are opting to wear red bridal gowns. Some prefer a splash of colour on their bridal gowns. This is your day; express your individual style and taste. If you don’t see yourself walking down the aisle in white or cream… wear your favourite colour instead and make a statement!

My favourite colour is red. I fell in love with this red dress. The colour red has always captivated me. I wish I had considered the possibility of wearing a red wedding dress. However, white still remains the most popular colour preferred by brides.

This blog is for all of you adventurous girls that don’t want to follow the norm but stand proud in colour. You inspire me!

Till Next time
Tracey

Circular Ceremony Seating For Your Wedding

A new trend has erupted in outdoor ceremonies. Instead of the traditional set up of the bride’s side on the left and the groom’s side on the right, couples are choosing to have a circular seating arrangement where family and friends can surround them in a circle of love. The circle symbolizes eternity and oneness. It is an unbroken line that has no beginning and no end. It emphasizes completeness and unity. The couple is able to feel and experience the strong bond that the circle creates through their guest’s blessings.

I adore this idea! The inner circle could seat your parents and bridal party while the larger circle your Family and friends. All guests will be able to see the bride and groom exchange vows. The circle of love is created. This is the perfect way to start your married life!

It’s not a coincidence that everything in life has a cycle. They call it the circle of life.Circular seating seems like the most natural way to celebrate the union of two people that want to spend their lives together.

You don’t necessarily need to use chairs to make the circle. Benches, stools, or wooden logs can be used. Some venues may have beautiful elevated cushion blocks. Whatever materials you use to make your circle, will make it personal and unique. Mother nature has already provided a beautiful backdrop to work with.

It’s the presence of the ones we love that makes any special event meaningful. Enjoy your family and friends as you celebrate this very important milestone in your life. Cherish each other and the new life you are creating. Stand in the centre of your circle, and be surrounded by all the love and support of all your family and friends, and be truly thankful for your blessings.

Here are just a few of my favourite examples of circular seating. Enjoy!

Till Next Time
Tracey

No Wedding Rice Please!

A past tradition was to throw rice at the married couple as they exited the church to wish them good luck in their new life together. Many churches and venues don’t allow the throwing of rice, as it can be harmful to birds if consumed. It is also difficult to clean up and not recommended. Birdseed was introduced as an option in its place. Small satchels of birdseed can be handed out to your guests before the ceremony begins. The birds get a snack, no clean up necessary.

For the brides wishing to follow tradition without harming the birds… my new favourite way to send wedding wishes… butterfly rice!www.butterflyrice.com This company makes paper butterflies out of rice paper. The butterflies come in five different colours.

Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles! I adore them and so do photographers. Capture them in just the right light and you have a beautiful rainbow of colour. They are fun for kids and adults like. They can be purchased in small bottles or tubes and the best part is that wedding bubbles aren’t sticky. Just make sure that they say wedding bubbles. You can usually buy them in a pack of twelve or twenty-four.

Rose petals are a beautiful way to be showered with good wishes. However beware of real petals bleeding in the hot summer heat and staining the gown of the bride. Silk petals have become popular and can be found in an assortment of colours. Some venues have strict policies when it comes to ceremony décor. Your ceremony location maybe outdoors but that doesn’t mean that your vendor will permit you to use rose petals. If you need to move indoors because of rain, silk rose petals can be used because they won’t damage the flooring.

For those brides looking for something truly breathtaking and symbolic the release of doves at the conclusion of your ceremony would add that special element. You may choose to only release 2 doves or dozens depending on your budget and if you would like to include your guests in the release.

Another choice for the brides who adore butterflies, a live butterfly release. You can find companies that will ship the butterflies to you in small boxes. The downside is that some of the butterflies will die during transit. A better option would be to find a butterfly farm in your area. If your adventurous You may want to grab a net and try to capture two monarch butterflies and just have the two fly away together.

Prior to the ceremony coloured balloons can be given to your guests to write their wedding wishes. Later during the recessional the balloons can be released into the sky while a picture is taken of the happy couple surrounded by floating balloons.

For the couples with a great sense of humour… cans, of silly string can be distributed amongst your guests to shower the laughing couple in an array of coloured string.

For candlelight ceremonies later in the evening or a special holiday wedding… sparklers make a beautiful and bright picture opportunity. If you have decided to marry close to Canada day or New Years Eve, noisemakers or sparklers can be handed out to your guests.

Till Next time
Tracey

Bridal Glam for Your Nails

I must be honest…. I love rings but I’m also a fanatic when it comes to my nails. Women do notice hands. I can’t count how many times a woman has complimented me on my nails. I used to go crazy trying to maintain them until my mom suggested I get acrylic nails. I finally completed my artificial nail technician course several years ago so that I could do my own nails at home. DIY that’s me. Now I’m so busy that I don’t have the time anymore so I have a wonderful technician that does my nails and uses the same products that I used. Recently I tried a new product called seashell flakes. It comes in a variety of colours and can be placed on your nails like a French manicure. It’s quite stunning. This is a picture of my nails with a lavender seashell manicure.

I do have my own nails but add acrylic to give them strength otherwise they break. Some brides love to have their nails done professionally and try acrylic or gel nails. If you prefer to have your nails done but not use these products you can still get the same effect or something similar.

The most common manicure used by brides is the French. It’s classic, elegant and goes with any outfit so that you are ready for the honeymoon afterwards.

For brides that like classic with a little bling…

Instead of the white try the silver sparkle.

You can always add your bridal colour to your nails instead of the traditional french white manicure and create something bright and sparkly.

For the retro bride something fun and whimsical depending on your tastes there are different patterns to choose from.

For the natural beauty… a nice polish with a little sparkle.

Airbrush designs can be added to natural or artificial nails. There are many designs; this one is prefect for a bride.

If you’re a girl who likes a lot of sparkle there are jewel appliqués that can be added to your manicure.

Till Next Time
Tracey

For The Love Of Butterflies

Butterflies symbolize new change. It is not a surprise that many women adore them simply for what that stand for. They are also beautiful creatures with a grace and ease only nature can provide. Marriage is a union in many cultures that symbolizes, the transition from childhood to adulthood. Many of us women will identify the symbolism with the different stages of our lives. Weather you’re a young bride or a mature bride. Whatever stage you are experiencing in your life it is always in a state of change. Many women express their love of butterflies in their tattoos.

Butterflies are everywhere around me these days as I travel back and forth from the cottage. I admire them in flight and only wish one would land on me. I have been told it is a very special honour to have a butterfly stop by for a visit on your shoulder.

If you love butterflies and would like to incorporate them into you’re wedding ceremony or have a butterfly theme. Here are a few ideas to help you get inspired.

Invitations are the introduction your guests have to the style and theme of your wedding. You may wish to have an outdoor garden wedding ceremony. What better way to incorporate your love of butterflies than to have an invitation with garden flowers and a butterfly?

Many brides are looking to stand out and be different. If you don’t like the idea of wearing white because it is overdone… then don’t! Wear your favourite colour and make a statement. You can even try looking for a dress with butterflies or something for your hair.

Releasing butterflies at your ceremony could add a very special touch and the guests would feel included by giving them each a butterfly to release. Have your photographer capture each guest releasing their butterfly and send them the photo as their gift from you.

If you like the idea of incorporating butterflies during your recessional but don’t wish to use live butterflies there is a wonderful company that supplies rice paper butterflies.
www.ricebutterflies.com

Instead of a traditional flower bouquet have an arrangement of butterflies instead!

There are so many ways to add butterflies to your décor. They can be designed on your wedding cake or placed on your guest tables, flying on the walls or hanging from the ceiling. Whatever you decided butterflies will add special meaning to the new change in your life.

Till Next Time
Tracey

Mia & Chad

Hi Everyone,

Anything is possible with the help of family and good friends. This could not have been more evident than at the wedding of our friends Mia & Chad yesterday. They were married at Billings Estate Museum in Ottawa. Evelyn Richter performed a beautiful outdoor ceremony under a chuppah made by the brides aunt. The guests were given programs and seated under the shade of large trees while the violins played in the background. Guest were kept busy with the wedding word search and I do Sudoku puzzles on the back of the programs.

This wedding was planned with love and creativity. The bride had family and good friends to help her execute her vision. The ceremony location was set up and managed by friends who took care of all the details as per the couple’s wishes.

The reception was at Lago bar & Grill at Dow’s lake pavilion in Ottawa. Upon arrival the guests were asked to pose with props and have their picture taken for the guest book, which was signed while we waited in line. Everyone got into the spirit and enjoyed themselves including yours truly!

Adults were like children again as they filled their plastic bags with an assortment of candy from each guest table. Each table had a different candy. We were seated at table 2 with sour gummies. The canisters, which also served as the centrepieces, were empty by the time the newlyweds arrived.

We enjoyed mojitos during cocktail hour while other guests had the choice of cocktails to choose from. All enjoyed the food especially my husband who loves prime rib. The biggest hit was the late night poutine buffet and mini cupcake display.

Instead of asking their guests to sing love songs to have them kiss…Chad & Mia provided the bridal party with muppets that resembled them and asked guests to tell a story related to either the bride or groom using the muppet. The speeches were fun and interesting. There was even muppets that looked like Mia & Chad!

Guests enjoyed the music provided by the brides bother Lawrence. From the oldies to the top 40, the dance floor was always packed. The best man’s wife was the back up photographer taking pictures of the guests while the professional photographer focused on the Bride and groom. The groom’s brother and a friend of the brides both took turns video taping the events of the evening.

The speeches were touching and full of humour. I was trying very hard not to shed a tear.It is always a special event when Family and friends come together and participate. Mia & Chad you planned a fabulous wedding. Your guests had a wonderful time and wish you a life of peace, love and happiness always!


Till Next Time
Tracey