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