Five Campfire Items For Your Cottage Wedding

While preparing for Kelly & Bob's destination wedding at the lake, I kept finding fun and interesting items to add to my emergency kit that I thought may come in handy for this peticular theme wedding. As we were spending a portion of the evening by the campfire, a good item to have on hand would be bug spray and after bite just in case. I found this really cool gadget called a bite shield. I'm not sure how it works yet but will put it to the test for this event.

Photo credit: myggstopp.no

Please keep in mind that the ground is rugged and accidents can happen so having a flashlight handy or something that can brighten your path can help avoid a twisted ankle. This fun addition to my emergency kit was one of my favorite items. It hung from my neck and glowed red making me easily visible to those in need of my assistance. It was also a flashlight at one end which came in handy for walking around the grounds in the dark.

Photo credit: Amazon.com

The Swiss army knife has everything you will possibly need around the campfire and so much more. The cork screw opener is a life saver at any party and the wine drinkers will love you.

If you are planning to offer your guests smores by the campfire these BBQ forks are ideal.

For the big kids around your campfire glow in the dark products are a hit. The guests had a blast with the assortment of bracelets, necklaces and glow tubes.

Photo credit: adventures.blogspot.com

Remember Have fun and be creative!

Happy planning,
Tracey

Wedding planning myth number 4:

Why would I need a wedding planner, there isn't that much to do.


This one makes me chuckle. If you have never planned a large event before, you should do some investigating first. The average wedding takes over 250 hours of planning. This will include vendor research, interviews, meetings and phone calls. The research alone may take days if not weeks.

Photo credit: weddingbee.com

Don't forget your still working full time and living your life. This leaves evenings and weekends so it could take even longer. Now this is only the planning and booking of vendors for your wedding, hopefully you have already decided on a theme if you are having one. There are many decisions to be made before you are even ready to hire a photographer or florist. Now the day of the wedding is where everything you have planned takes shape and all the elements are combined to create the mood and feel of your event. The cake will be delivered, the decorators arrive, the DJ will set up, the musicians will assemble for the ceremony, then there are your flowers, favors, seating arrangements for your guests, not to mention itinerary, checklists and instructions. All of these very important tasks are vital to the success of your carefully thought out plan and vision of how your wedding day should be. This is only a fraction of the details that need to be taken care of in order to create and execute your special day. Now, do you still think there isn't that much to do?

Photo credit: doitinstyleblog.com

Till Next Time
Tracey

Wedding planner myth number 3:

I don't need a wedding planner my friends and family are going to help me.


You may want the help of your friends and family but are they trained to handle all the details and issues involved with planning a wedding? Do you really want your mom and sisters running around making sure everything is perfect for your wedding, or would you rather have them with you getting pampered and enjoying this very special moment together. There are so many different aspects to consider when delegating tasks to family and friends. It may cause some confusion for the members of your family when so many of them are involved. It is so important to have one contact person who will oversee all the details and be the go to person responsible for making sure everything runs smoothly. Do you really want your family and friends, whom you love dearly coming to you when a potential problem occurs? Can you imagine how bad your aunt would feel if she accidentally dropped your wedding cake while transporting it from it's box to the cake table. This has happened, where a family member dropped the cake and then tried to fix the icing themselves.

Picture from Matthew McConaughey's film Ghosts OF Girlfriends Past


A wedding planner will oversee the delivery and placement of the cake by the cake designer. These professionals are trained to handle the transportation of the cake and if something does happen your wedding planner will be on hand to fix the problem without any stress or concern coming your way. It's nice to have family and friends involved but you need to remember they are still your guests. Would you invite guests to your home for dinner and ask them to tidy up the kitchen and set the table ? A wedding planner takes care of the many details of your wedding day so you can relax and celebrate with your family and friends.

Photo credit: Ashlea Taylor ThelittleKitchenthatcould.blogspot.ca



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Tracey

Wedding Planner Myth #2

Wedding Planner Myth #2

With my modest budget I can't afford to hire a wedding planner.

If you have a very limited budget you can't afford not to hire a planner and the most important reason is because wedding planners can save you money. Yes I said save money! It is no longer just the wealthy that hire planners. Couples in our society can't afford to take the time out of their already busy schedules to plan an event that takes approximately 250 hours to plan. You're probably wondering... How can I save money? Well first of all, wedding planners have connections in the wedding world and that means possible discounts for you. All those discounts can add up not to mention the negotiating involved with those vendors. It's also our job to keep track of your budget and suggest solutions when faced with budget restrictions. Wedding planners are amazing problem solvers and can be an asset to any bride struggling with decisions. Every couple is unique. We understand that our standard full planning or wedding day coordination packages may not suit every client. Most Planners offer customized packages with personalized options that are sure to meet the needs of clients and their budgets.

Photo credit: buzzle.com

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Tracey

Wedding Planner Myths... Fact or Fiction?

There are several myths about wedding planners that may scare brides. I want to put these fears to rest once and for all because they are simply figments of imagination, and boy can our minds dream up all kinds of things.

I will address each myth in detail in the next three posts. I wish that I had been better informed while planning my own wedding. It would have saved me time, money and my sanity. I hope that brides come to realize that wedding planners aren't scary at all, but here to assist & support our clients, eliminating stress and giving peace of mind for a very important day of your life.


Wedding planner myth number 1 :

I want to plan my wedding but if I hire a planner I will lose control and then everything will be done by her, then what will be left for me to do?

This is simply not the case at all. When you meet with a planner, depending if you are looking for assistance with a full planning package or a day of coordination package, your planner will ask you a series of questions pertaining to where you are in the planning processes. This will help her to assist you and find out what services would suit your needs best. A wedding planners job is to take your vision & ideas and help guide you through the process of making that vision a reality. We can also help you to develop and create your vision, but at the end of the day everything is decided and approved by the client. If you have a favorite bakery or florist that you would absolutely want to use on your wedding day we are happy to work with those vendors. If you need assistance finding the right vendors for your wedding we will recommend vendors to you that will be a perfect fit. We are here for you and want to help you have the wedding of your dreams without the stress. You are always in the drivers seat. It's your wedding day and it should be a reflection of your personality and style. A wedding planner is your primary supporter!

Till Next Time
Tracey

Kelly & Bob's Engagement Shoot

I was thrilled when Kelly and Bob asked me to coordinate their destination wedding at Fernleigh Lodge on Kashwakamak lake in Land O'Lakes Country in southeastern Ontario. I love everything surrounding the cottage lifestyle. The relaxing calmness of the lake, the blaze of warmth from a campfire and lazy moments in the hammock. So for me, this cottage theme wedding is a special treat... Did I mention the s'mores?

Kelly & Bob are such a fun and playful couple. I am so excited for all the events we have planned for their special day. These two are My favourite photos from Kelly & Bob's engagement shoot by Doire Photography taken at Fernleigh Lodge.

Relaxing by the Lake

Having fun

Photos by Melanie from Doire Photography

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Tracey

Spring Wedding Favour Ideas

If you would like to give your guests a special thank you gift. You may want to consider one of these. Perennial flowers and plants make a wonderful gift that will continue to bloom year after year if cared for and watered properly. Just like your love, will continue to grow and be strengthened by your commitment to care for each other.

Photo credit: Martha Stewart weddings

Photo credit: Intimateweddings.com

Photo credit: Martha Stewart weddings

Photo credit: Favour affair

Photo credit: The Wedding Shop

A personal message can be written on the pot after it's painted with your wedding colours. This type of favour is perfect for the bride & groom that love to garden. Happy planting!


Till Next Time
Tracey

Have Fun In The Rain At Your Springtime Wedding

If you really love spring you probably won’t mind the rain. Spring is all about changes in nature. Flowers blooming, beautiful green grass and birds chirping. What makes spring possible is the rain, without it the flowers and grass wouldn’t grow and the birds would not find worms to feed their babies.

Planning a spring wedding can be a lot of fun. You can even poke fun at the weather by incorporating rubber ducks into your theme and even have them adorn your wedding cake. These make adorable cake toppers.

Photo credit: Heartshapedcreations

If it does rain or is still wet outside, have your bridal party wear rubber boots and carry beautiful coloured umbrellas. Imagine the fun you could have! Remember the musical Singing In The Rain? Oh the possibilities.

Photo credit: Beth Furgurson Photography via The Knot

Colourful umbrellas or parasols can also be used to decorate above your dance floor. They can be suspended in the air to appear like they are floating, or being blown away at different angles.

Photo credit: 100 Layer Cake

Be prepared with an assortment of colourful umbrellas for guests to share if you’re having an outdoor wedding ceremony.

Photo credit: KGoodPhoto

Serve cocktails with a personalized paper umbrella with your names and wedding date.

Photo credit: Etsy.com

Incorporate your favourite spring elements in your wedding and don’t be afraid to be creative. Leave your guests with a Wow expression.

Till Next Time
Tracey

Spring Centrepieces For Your Wedding

Spring Inspiration is all around us in the beauty of nature. Just looking outside I can see all the plants and flowers starting to peek out of the ground. I just love my flower garden and can't wait to see what will bloom from last year.

On the Easter weekend I was shopping for flowers for my mom when I came across some beautiful potted tulips, daffodils and hydrangeas. The potted flowers were placed in a container and wrapped in colored paper. I ended up buying a blue hydrangea plant and purple tulips. The flowers were for my mom, but when I got home I didn't want to leave them wrapped up, so I used the purple tulips as an Easter centrepiece when my parents came to dinner. Afterwards my mom was able to take them home. The table looked so beautiful I can't believe I forgot to take a picture!

I thought that these potted flowers would make beautiful arrangements for a spring wedding reception and a nice take home gift for one lucky guest. What's really special about this idea is that your guest will always have a flower from your wedding that will grow back every year in their flower garden. I think this is so sweet.

I also saw these very small orchids that would be perfect as wedding favours. If you can find a calla lily that is small enough to fit a very small pot it would be even better because it can be planted in our climate unlike the orchid. A few years ago I planted a small dark pink calla lily in my flowerbed and it grew back the following year white. It was a nice surprise.

If you are getting married in April or May keep an eye out for potted flowers. You would probably be able to find beautiful combinations as well, and arrange them yourself in a basket or decorated pot. You could even hand paint the pots with the table number or have different flowers at each table and name the table after the flower. This kind of centrepiece can be very simple and inexpensive or extravagant depending on your budget and your theme. What a wonderful way to bring the miracle of nature and make it a part of your wedding celebration.

Photos by Coordination Wedrose

Till Next Time
Tracey

When Choosing Wedding Vendors

What makes any wedding successful besides careful planning and execution are the people involved behind the scene, the vendors. As a wedding planner it is my job to coordinate all the vendors involved in a wedding. If I am hired to assist a bride to plan her entire wedding I would be involved in guiding her through vendor selection and attending meetings with such vendors. However, some brides choose to plan their wedding themselves and then hire a planner to manage their wedding day details. Recommending quality vendors is probably one of the most important jobs of a wedding planner. If you were planning to search out vendors for your wedding, a bridal show or bridal event would be the ideal place to start. You may also have friends or family that were recently married who could recommend a vendor to you. Word of mouth is still the best way to find wedding vendors. When you do meet with a vendor that you are interested in hiring, ask them if they could refer you to other wedding professionals such as a floral designer or photographer, Chances are they have worked with other wedding professionals and are familiar with their services. When you have a talented group of vendors amazing things happen. This is your wedding day after all. Invest in quality!

Till Next Time
Tracey

When Life Gets Busy

The month of February was exceptionally busy for me, with all the planning and preparation for the photo shoot at Montebello and the wedding gown showcase at Eternity Bridal. All my creative energy was channelled into these events, as a result the goals I had for my blog were not met.

I know that sometimes it's impossible to do everything but I like to push my limit. It's in my nature to try to be super woman. Realistically life will make us choose. I could have stayed up late at night, lost sleep to get the blog written and posted. But at what cost? My sleep is very important. As human beings we need a certain amount of sleep to function effectively. I want to be at my best for myself and everyone around me. This was not an option I could entertain. We need to have peace about the decisions we make, which is how we know it's the right choice for us. There is no guilt!

I was thinking about the brides I have met lately, how busy they are with their jobs, families, and friends. Where do you find the time? It's this simple, you have an amazing life and it will not slow down because you are planning your wedding. Don't stress yourself and feel guilty because you are behind in your planning and maybe the DJ hasn't been booked yet. Take a moment and breathe...

I could look at my lapse in blog posts and scold myself... Bad little blogger!... or I can get back on the horse, moving forward. I made a decision to grab the reins and ride this through.

Finding the time is not always easy you may need to give something up for a while until your back on track. I like to write down all my blog topics on a list then cross them off after they are written. Make a wedding to do list. Pick two items on that list to accomplish each day. Ask for help if you need it. Divide the list with your fiancé, chances are that he would love to hire a Dj and you can tackle something else. Before you know it you will be back on track!

I'm so happy to be able to blog again and looking forward to doing video soon.

Peace, Love & Happiness Always
Tracey

World's Best Chocolates

There’s a new line of fine chocolate product available to us in Canada thanks to World’s Best Chocolates (The Christophe Roussel Collection). World’s Best Chocolates is a company that specializes in fine cocoa products which it imports, exports and distributes. We are so lucky to have a location right here in the Ottawa\Gatineau region. World’s Best Chocolates is the only company authorized to distribute Roussel products in Canada.

These wonderful chocolates are a delight to the palette. The cream and cocoa are what makes for the best quality taste and flavour. There are many flavours to choose from: Fleurs Bleues: An earl tea ganache, Ginger: A ginger and lime ganache, Kisses From: A raspberry ganache with crunchy pearls, Lemon: Lemon juice and zest ganache, Marrackech: Crunchy praline and crispy honey, and Tainori: Pure dark Santo Domingo ganache.

Fleur Bleue

Ginger

Kisses from

Lemon

It was my pleasure to meet Melanie Grenon (World’s Best Chocolates) marketing & sales representative here in Ottawa. She has such a passion for chocolate and also very proud of her products. The Roussel Chocolate Collection was awarded with a prestigious four bars prize by France’s Club Des Croqueurs De Chocolat in its 2010 guide to top chocolate makers.
Depending on your needs and the size of your event, The Roussel Chocolates are available in a variety of flavours and quanties. You may even want to package your own wedding favours and buy in bulk, or have World’s Best Chocolates package the favours for you.

Photography by Patrick Gérard

Enjoy World's best chocolates for your event!

Till next Time
Tracey

Wedding Show Advice For The Bride

If your thinking of visiting a wedding show in the near future there are a few things that you should plan for. Depending on where you live and the size of the wedding show, being prepared will help you enjoy your experience. Larger shows will attract a lot of brides, which means possible crowding and excessive heat. Make sure to leave your coat at the coat check to avoid overheating and getting cranky. Most shows will provide you with a nice bag to carry with you as you collect business cards and brochures. Bring bottled water with you to keep hydrated and for all that tasting you maybe doing from caterers and cake designers.

Have a list of services that you haven’t booked and still need to investigate such as photographers, musicians, florists etc. This will help you stay on track and not get distracted by all the glam and glitter around you. It’s always nice to have the support of your fiancé or maid of honour as you work your way through all the many vendors. It is also helpful to create a list of important questions or concerns you have and ask the vendor what their policies are. This will give you an idea of their style and business practices. When looking for a vendor for your wedding day, it’s important that you find a professional who not only has an impressive body of work but also is personable and easy to communicate with. You will be placing your trust in that person to impact the most important day of your life. At some point during the show you may feel overwhelmed by other brides or vendors if you don’t have an idea of what you want to achieve. Don’t be intimidated by everything you see. If you need a break, get some air and clear your head.

After you meet all the vendors on your list, then you can browse through and be inspired by all that eye candy. Bring your camera or ipad to take pictures, so that way you won’t forget what you may see that inspires you. Bring a small note pad with you to take notes. You may want to enter draws that will require your e-mail address. Create an account specifically for the show, that way you minimize the flow of traffic to your personal account. Pre-print your name, address, phone number, wedding date and e-mail on small pieces of paper for the draws you may enter with vendors. This will keep you moving and out of a line-up for a pen. Last but not least… remember to have fun! Don't forget to visit The Ottawa Wedding show this weekend!

Till Next Time
Tracey

The Wedding Décor & Floral Class

November was a very busy month of activities, events, and courses for Coordination Wedrose. I had always wanted to learn more about flower design and décor. I love everything about the creative process, the centrepieces, bouquets, and decorations. When the opportunity presented itself I jumped right in. We drove to Toronto to attend the Wedding Décor & Floral Course offered by Sherisse & Ali Bhimani of the Wedding Decorators Inc.

The class was held on Sunday, starting in the morning with a session in floral design. The floral designer, Shelley Da Silva (WPICC) was very informative, showing us all of the possibilities and techniques that can be used while arranging a centrepiece, bridal bouquet, and boutonnière. She brought all of her flowers, accessories, and tools with her, showing us how to use them properly, and how to create a beautiful bouquet. I was happy to learn I was on the right track. So many possibilities and ideas, I was in creative heaven! Barbara (At The School House) and I were trying to guess what Shelley was going to work with next. She had roses, carnations, calla lilies, and other really pretty flowers. Her combinations were beautiful. Names were picked from a bowl and I got to take one of Shelley’s designs home. This bouquet was one of my favourites of the day.

These are some of Shelley's designs.

This bouquet reminds me of a raspberry. I love raspberries!

We learned tips and tricks of the floral trade and what is involved in the creative design process, the time involved, the costs of materials, flowers, and pricing. Shelley was a wonderful teacher. I have to say…There is a lot of work that goes into your bridal bouquet ladies! It is a work of art.

Shelley's cake topper. This idea is simple and elegant.

The afternoon was spent with Sherisse, who showed us how to decorate a head table, cake table, and work with a backdrop. We learned about suitable materials and what works best in wedding decor. We were shown various ways to drape and fold the decorative fabric for different effects. The end result was a complete transformation of elegance. The tips and tricks will definitely come in handy. I can’t wait to start practicing. Sometimes it takes a bit of practice to get the fabric to flow just right. I have a new respect for wedding decorators.

We love our bling!

Thank you Shelley & Sherisse for a wonderful class. I can't wait to try out the new techniques.

Till Next Time
Tracey

Union Eleven Photos of Samantha & Michael

Its been a productive year for Photographer Derrick Rice. His new business venture with partner and fellow photographer Andrew Geddes has kept him busy. Union Eleven, which is located on bank street and the heart of all that construction this past summer, celebrated its debut in August with a gathering of wedding professionals and friends.

I was fortunate to work with Derrick on Samantha & Michael's wedding. It was a pleasure to work with him and see him in action. His talent is evident in his work. At long last... Samantha & Michael's Photos from Union Eleven's Derrick Rice.

Cute & Playful!

I Can't decide which one is my favourite.

Thank you for the wonderful keepsake of a beautiful event.

Enjoy!

Till Next Time
Tracey

At The School House

I love the sign on the door...Eat, Drink, & be Married!

While participating in Laura Kelly’s photo shoot this past November I had the pleasure of meeting Barbara Peters from At The School House Venue. We had the chance to chat during the shoot and discovered a mutual interest in floral design. Coincidentally I was heading to Toronto the following weekend for a Wedding Décor & Floral Class. Barbara was intrigued and decided to join me for the course. We had a lovely time together and learned some valuable tips and tricks of the trade. I look forward to using my new skills this wedding season.

At The School House is a beautiful location for smaller more intimate weddings, which are becoming increasingly popular with many engaged couples. Whether you’re getting married for the first time or it’s your second marriage, the celebration is important.

At The School House caught my attention when I first began searching venues for a friend of mine who wanted a small intimate wedding. She wanted all the details but was not interested in managing it herself. This venue is perfect for a small budget wedding. Barbara and her staff provide a full service experience. From the flowers, officiant, food and décor, all you need to do is show up. Depending on your preference, you can get married and have your reception on the premises or have use of the church across the street, and then proceed to the School House for your reception. There are several packages to choose from so you are sure to find the right one for your celebration. Whether its a brunch, cocktail or sit down reception, At The School House can make your intimate wedding a beautiful celebration.

Photos by Laura Kelly Photography


Till Next Time
Tracey

Laura Kelly Photography

November was a busy month! I’m just now catching up on my blog from all my adventures this past month. I had the pleasure of assisting wedding Photographer Laura Kelly with a floral arrangement and bridal bouquet for her photo shoot At The School House in Munster. This fresh summer theme had antique flair. So many wonderful vendors contributed to make this photo shoot the great success that it was, which reflects in the beautiful photos by Laura Kelly. I used the inspiration board that Laura created as a guide to design the bridal bouquet and centrepiece arrangement. The peony is a summer flower and also a favourite of mine so it wasn’t difficult to be inspired. I chose white peonies with shades of pink in the centre and ruby grapefruit coloured roses. The effect was perfect.

The floral arrangement and bridal bouquet were created by Coordination Wedrose.

Barbara Peters was our gracious host At The School House venue.

Chrystal's Baked Goodies designed this beautiful cake.

Hair & makeup for the model, Caroline Smith was the artistry of Tracy D'Silva.

Antiques from A Fine Thing.

Wedding dress, headpiece & jewlery from Ashton Station Bridal.

A special Thank-you to Photographer Laura Kelly for the use of her wonderful pictures. I got the chance to see you in action and it was amazing!

Photos courtesy of Laura kelly.

Till Next time
Tracey