The Perfect Bouquet For A Destination Wedding

This past week I was vacationing in Varadero, Cuba. The beach is absolutely breathtaking. I am not surprised couples from all over the world choose Varadero for their destination wedding. The price for an all inclusive package are quite reasonable depending on the time of year you plan your wedding. The people are friendly and accommodating. We always bring gifts with us for the Cubans to thank them for great service. Sometimes we are given hand made gifts as well.

I went for a walk on the beach, one of my favourite things to do while in Cuba and came across newlyweds taking pictures. The bride was wearing a just married t-shirt and posing on the sand next to a Cuba sign spelled out in the sand with seashells. What caught my attention was her bridal bouquet. It was a beautiful creation of shells with a handle for the bride to hold. Creative and unique. I loved it on site! Unfortunately the bride didn't speak engish so I wasn't able to ask her more about her bouquet. I am grateful that she understood how beautiful I thought her bouquet was and didn't mind me taking pictures. I imagine that either a member of the hotel staff or a vendor from the market created this master piece. There is talent and beauty all around us, we just need to appreciate it. Enjoy the pictures!

Enjoy the little things in life
Till next Time
Tracey

The Difference Between a Wedding Planner and a Venue Coordinator

What many couples don’t realize is that there is a big difference between a wedding planner and a venue coordinator. Many brides think that they don’t need a wedding planner because they have a wedding coordinator at their venue that will take care of things for them. Yes… details pertaining to the venue.

A wedding planner works for their client, you. They have your best interests at heart. They will be with you from the beginning of the planning process, up until the day of the wedding. They are in constant communication either by e-mail or phone. They will recommend the best vendors for your wedding. They are your designer, manager, financial advisor, and personal assistant among other things. Their loyalty is with you their client. They will be hands on to assist you in any capacity necessary.

Venue coordinators are employed by the venue. They are the experts on the services of that venue. Any concerns you may have regarding the venue should be directed to your venue coordinator. Employees sometimes move on to other positions. This is also true in the event industry. This happened to one of my brides this past summer. The coordinator who she had been working with at the venue moved on and was replaced by a very nice lady who then formed a relationship with my bride over the details of her wedding. I also met with the venue coordinator and my bride to discuss final details. Wonderful right…. Well about three weeks before the wedding I received an e-mail from my bride informing me that the venue coordinator would be away on vacation and that a new coordinator would be assigned for her wedding. My bride was disappointed because she was attached to the woman she had been dealing with for so long. However, she felt better knowing that I was there for her and would make sure everything went smoothly. We did meet with the replacement coordinator to make sure they were on top of everything regarding the venue.

A wedding planner is the conductor of your wedding day symphony. The vendors such as the DJ, Photographer, Floral Designer and Venue Coordinator are the instruments in your symphony. Wouldn’t you want to hire a professionally trained conductor to lead your symphony of instruments? Everyone has value for his or her talents and skills. Just as the venue coordinator is important to inform you about the services and functions of their facility. A wedding planner makes sure you, their client are well taken care of the day you are married.

Happy Planning!

Till Next Time
Tracey

Little Cakes at With Love Bridal

This past Tuesday I had the pleasure of attending Little Cakes sample night at With Love Bridal in Stittsville. It was my first visit to this bridal boutique. I was pleasantly impressed at the selection and layout of gowns. The boutique has two levels and plenty of change rooms for brides and their bridesmaids to try dresses on. I couldn’t help but notice all the glitter around me. From head pieces to jewellery they have it all! Dana and Becky have done an amazing job of making their bridal boutique inviting and welcoming.

Its always fun to explore and sample goodies with a girlfriend and that is exactly what I have found in Melanie from Doire Photography not only is she a talented photographer she is a wonderful friend. It’s a bonus that she thinks I’m hilarious. Melanie and I were looking forward to Little Cakes sample night. We were ready for tasting… I can’t think of anything better than shopping for a bridal gown and sampling yummy cupcakes. My favourites of the evening were eggnog, mint chocolate and ginger. Colleen and Shakira are the dynamic duo behind Little Cakes and they do not disappoint. Not only were we captivated by the gowns our tummies were happy too. These cupcakes are pure magic.

Thank you Dana & Becky for sharing your beautiful bridal boutique and hosting Little Cakes sample night.

Shakira & Colleen, We loved your cupcakes to much!

Till Next Time
Tracey

Green Wedding Transportation

This segment of transportation is dedicated to the couples that love nature and conserving the environment. These are just a few ideas you could use on your wedding day.

We have the best form of green transportation available... our legs! When considering your venue location look for something close to your church, in walking distance or get married at the venue and walk to your photo shoot. This is also a nice way to keep everyone together in one area. Make it fun by giving everyone noisemakers to blow instead of car horns as they march to the venue.

A cottage would be the perfect setting for a couple that appreciates nature. If your planning a summer wedding at the cottage or your venue is close to the water take advantage of your surroundings by arriving to your ceremony by canoe. After the ceremony, take a few minutes to relax as husband and wife as you make your way along the shore to the venue.

Bicycles that are built for two are adorable. If your venue is only a couple of blocks away from the church, take a leisurely ride through town on two wheels. You can also invite your guests to participate and have a race. First one to make it to the venue gets a special surprise.

This next form of transportation would be perfect for the couple that love horses. Incorporate your personality and interests into planning your wedding. If you own a horse and spend a lot of time in the stable, ride your prize mare on your wedding day.

Thanks to google for the images

Till Next Time
Tracey

The most popular form of transportation used by Brides and Grooms is the limousine. Usually there is a choice of either white or black. Most brides prefer white. The limo is the perfect way to travel to your reception and have a few minutes alone before you are swept up in the festivities. Depending on the limousine and the size of your bridal party they may be able to travel with you if that is your preference. Most newlyweds that choose the limo as their method of transportation do so for the privacy it allows them.

Many couples consider the comfort of their guests a top priority while planning the details of their wedding. This also includes the bridal party. If you want your wedding to be memorable and fun for all, the party bus is the perfect solution. No worrying about friends and family and how they will find their way to the photo location because they will be with you enjoying the music while sipping chilled champagne. The party bus can usually accommodate up to twenty people.

The sports car is by far the coolest way to exit your wedding ceremony. Guys, we know you love your cars! Most sport cars are two seaters and are probably going to cost you a bit more to rent than a standard limo. You may also need to purchase additional insurance to drive it. You would also need to make other arrangements for your bridal party and this could be an additional expense added to your budget. Worth considering if it will make your guy happy and you can afford it.

This next method of transportation is not typical unless you are a firefighter or work for the fire department. The best thing about fire trucks is their capacity to transport a large number of people at one time. If your fiancé is a fireman why not ask his captain if you could rent an old truck for your wedding or have one of his crew drive for you the day of the wedding. This is a colourful and interesting way to personalize your wedding.

Till Next Time
Tracey

Romantic Wedding Transportation

The most romantic form of transportation used by brides is the horse and carriage. In every fantasy story book the princess arrives by a beautiful horse and carriage. If your planning an outdoor wedding reception at a farm or an Inn that has a gorgeous landscape arriving by carriage would fit in perfectly with this theme.

Depending on what part of the world you are getting married in, the gondola is still the most romantic form of travel for tourists and newlyweds alike. If your planning a ceremony close to water, look for companies that provide gondola services in your area.

For the grooms out there that live and breathe vintage cars. This is your chance to pick your favourite model and make your dreams come true! Your bride will love the romantic gesture.

The motorcycle is romance on two wheels. The guys love them because they are cool. Girls love them because it’s a way for them to get close to their man by having to hold on tight. If your fiancé owns a motorcycle why not drive away and begin your lives together on the road to love!

Till Next Time
Tracey

Funky And Fun Wedding Transportation

This month is devoted to an important but sometimes forgotten part of your wedding planning… your Transportation! You must not forget to plan how you are getting to the church and then to the reception. We will have a look into funky yet fun ways and romantic methods, traditional and also green forms of travel. Today we begin with the funky, fun possibilities of transportation that you could use the day of your wedding.

The issue of transportation is usually a main priority of grooms dreaming of sports cars. A lot of brides visualize a romantic carriage ride. This segment of transportation is for the fun and adventurous.

If you love to downhill ski and are planning to have your reception at your favourite ski resort, you may want to inquire about having your ceremony at the top of one of the hills and then taking the chair lift down to your reception at the bottom of the hill. This would make for a very grand entrance indeed!

Being a member at the golf course has its perks. A devoted golfer may decide to take in a few holes of golf the day of their wedding. The golf cart will come in handy to get you to the ceremony on time. Don’t forget to change your shoes!

Have fun high in the sky as you travel to your reception by air balloon. You won’t be full of hot air as you land and are greeted by surprised guests. Up! Up and away!

The coolest way to get to your ceremony may not be by land but by sea. Be slick and quick by water-ski as your Dad guides you in! Your guests will not believe their eyes when they see your technique. Monkey see monkey doo!

Till Next time
Tracey

Styles Of Bridal Bouquets

There are several types or styles of bridal bouquets that you could choose from when planning your wedding. It is important that you choose a style that compliments the design of your dress.

The round bouquet is very popular and is preferred by many brides. There are many options of flowers that can be used in this design. Depending on your budget and your body type, you may choose a posy bouquet which is smaller and can be held in one hand making it easier to walk down the aisle on your fathers arm. The stems could be partially wrapped or fully wrapped with satin ribbon and have beautiful embellishments of pearls or gems.

I love the design of the biedermeier bouquet. The flowers are arranged in a circular ring pattern. Each ring may contain a different colour and type of flower. This combination is very striking.

The arm sheaf bouquet is generally composed of long stem flowers such as calla lilies or orchids. The bride rests the bouquet in the crook of her arm leaving her other hand free. Ribbon can be tied to secure the stems in place.

The cascading bouquet is generally round with a shower of flowers dropping down in the front. Different styles of flowers can be used to create the pointed effect.

A Pomander bouquet is a flower ball with a ribbon handle usually carried by flowers girls. They have become very popular in recent years. Decorators use them often as pew decorations.

Freeform bouquets are fun and original. They don’t follow any design rules. The flowers fall whichever way they wish. Wild flowers would be a perfect example of a freeform arrangement because they don’t hold to any particular shape.

The heart bouquet makes quite the romantic statement at any wedding, but it's not always easy to accomplish. Usually made of roses the flowers are actually two bouquets that are arched together forming the heart.

Till Next Time
Tracey

5 Must Have Items For Your Bridal Emergency Kit

A bridal emergency kit is something every bride should have on her wedding day. If you have hired a wedding planner she will provide the use of her kit for any emergencies that you may encounter. You can relax knowing that everything has been thought of.

To make your own personal bridal kit all you need is a little bag or purse and the necessary items and you’re all set. Every bride will stock her bag differently depending on her needs.

A compact sewing kit with safety pins is a must have for any dress emergency. Double sided tape also works well.

Every bride should pack makeup samples of lipstick, eye shadow and blush for touch ups. If you’re having your makeup done professionally just ask your technician.

Pain relievers and other medications such as allergy and stomach remedies are essentials for any bride. It is better to be prepared in case you get a headache or your allergies act up that your not sneezing during your vows.

You never know when you’re going to need a stain remover. A tide stick is every girls best friend and easy to hide in your purse.

Breath mints or gum is always a good choice for your emerg kit. Having fresh breath for your pictures is a must for every bride and groom especially for the poses where a kiss is involved.

Till Next Time
Tracey

Michelle & Frank's Wedding

Michelle and Frank will always hold a special place in my heart. Working on Their wedding was truly a labour of love for me. From the beginning it was fun and creative as we worked together on the details of their wedding plans.

Michelle and Frank’s Wedding ceremony was officiated by André Fontaine of All Seasons Weddings in the beautiful garden courtyard at The Hilton Lac Leamy in Gatineau. André with his wonderful sense of humour fit perfectly with Michelle and Frank’s fun loving nature.

Guests enjoyed the talents of Anne-Christine Foisy and her sister who played the violin during the processional and ceremony. Michelle’s brother André played guitar as she and her Dad made their entrance.

The talented Andrée from Florist Aylmer created the bridal bouquets. Melanie from Doire Photography did a fabulous job capturing all the special moments of Michelle and Franks special day.

Thanks to Groovy Linens The Beethoven Hall had white chair covers that completed the décor. Josée Despatie of Cakes By Me designed the beautiful wedding cake. Michelle loved her Bride & Groom Smurfs that Josée found as a surprise and put on a separate cake just for them.

The grooms mother Nicole leclair made her special fudge which was served during cocktail hour and also as a guest favour. Thank you to Lise Lalonde, The Events Coordinator, and her wonderful staff for a delicious meal and superb service. Everyone at the Hilton was more than accommodating.

A special thanks to my assistant Melanie Lavoie who helped me transform the venue into a beautiful and romantic setting of roses and candles. Frank surprised his bride with a touching slide show. DJ Felix from Quality Entertainment was a hit with all the guests as they danced the night away to amazing music. His help with the slide show was much appreciated. You rocked Felix! Thank you to all the wonderful and talented vendors that helped make Michelle & Frank's wedding such a special event.

My Favourite picture of Michelle and Frank shows their playfulness and humour. Great job Melanie!

Highlights from Michelle & Frank's wedding

Till Next Time
Tracey

A Halloween Wedding

One of my favourite holidays is Halloween. I love getting dressed up in a costume and decorating the house. I have hosted Halloween parties in the past and I’m sure I will again in the future. From the scary to the gruesome, the magic of our imagination. We can become anything we want for one night. How amazing is that!
There is just something special about the 31st of October that has some brides incorporating Halloween as a theme for their wedding. Some go as far as to dress up as a zombie bride and groom. This is not for everyone. Those who do love to celebrate Halloween and would like to have a theme wedding incorporating different elements of this holiday can. There are so many different ways to add the magic of Halloween to your wedding celebration.

If you truly want to embrace this theme the first thing you need to decide is how far do you want to go. There are wonderful farms and Inns that would be a perfect location for this theme. You could even ask if they could transport your guests by wagon through a spooky forest. There are beautiful invitations available from spooky to formal with various details in the designs. Depending on your taste in colour black and purple with hints of silver works well together. Orange and black are traditional Halloween colours but other combinations could include gold and red and even lime green.

If you find the perfect venue and want to decorate there are so many different ways to breath life into your creation. From a haunted house with cobwebs, to an elegant formal centrepiece consisting of a candelabra and tarantulas. Imagine the possibilities!

If you want to dress the part of a Halloween bride but not the spooky kind, you may want to look for that fantasy element in your dress that makes you look beautiful and mystical.

Pumpkins are a good way to light the way for your guests as they arrive in the dark. If you really want to give them a scare have actors dress up as your favourite monsters greeting them at the door and serving cocktails.

Candies make even us big kids smile. Have an assortment of candies displayed for your guests to trick or treat. They could also be used as a centrepiece at your guests tables.

Display your Halloween cake on a Glow in the dark table. Other lighting can be used to highlight your head table and other areas such as the dance floor.

Have a fun and interesting cake designed with your Halloween theme. Here is just one idea that I thought was cute and fit the theme perfectly.

Have fun planning your Halloween wedding!

Tlll Next time
Tracey