Wedding Connections 2014.15 by Ava Clay Graphic Design

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Congratulations! You and your fiancé have taken a very exciting step in your lives. The next few months will be very busy. Have lots of fun planning your wedding day with our Wedding Experts! This magazine takes you through the entire wedding planning process – from choosing a wedding consultant, to looking your best with beautiful hair and make-up, selecting a wedding dress, choosing the perfect ceremony, accommodations, and reception venue, hiring a professional wedding photographer and videographer, finding a florist, invitations and decor, picking a caterer, DJ or musician, ordering a delicious wedding cake, reserving a limousine and booking your honeymoon. Find tips for planning and creating the wedding of your dreams! This planner and online directory has been designed to help you answer a few questions, and solve some problems that you may encounter. Keep it with you whenever possible for quick reference, and please mention it by name when visiting the business of your choice. Please, whenever possible, take the opportunity to support our advertisers who, through their participation, are making this valuable resource directory available to Vancouver and BC Lower Mainland. Thank you for your interest in our publication! And best wishes for a wonderful wedding day and a bright future! Wedding Connections is a division of Go Big Media Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced electronically, online, or in print without the expressed and written permission of the publisher. Go Big Media Inc. does not guarantee or endorse the quality or services of products of our advertisers or featured suppliers.

Fifth Edition Publishers & Advertising Sales

Rick & Debbie Klassen Creative Director

Ava Clay

Cover Photo by Marks Photo www.marksphoto.ca

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Published and Produced Yearly by Go Big Media Inc. Advertising Inquiries Call Toll Free: 1-844-933-1366 Nanaimo, BC Fifth Annual Edition Wedding Connections ©Copyright 2014/2015 www.weddingconnection.ca Wedding Connections and it’s logotype is a Trademark of Go Big Media Inc.

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Wedding Planner & Directory Our Wedding Planner is designed to assist you in planning every aspect of your wedding from one year right up to your special wedding day. The planner helps you establish a plan, keeps you organized and on task making your planning experience much less stressful and much more enjoyable. Our extensive directory of the top wedding professionals in the BC Lower Mainland are featured in display and directory listing advertisements throughout our planner by category for quick and easy reference. Our participating wedding professionals can provide you all the wedding products and professional services you need for your perfect wedding. It is important that you and your partner discuss your views on each aspect of your wedding openly and honestly through each stage of the planning process in order to fulfill each of your wishes. The planning process requires you to make compromises along the way just like in your marriage together. It is important that both of you get on the same page, moving in the same direction toward the same goal - a lasting and loving life together. Stay focused - don’t get hang up on the little things, take one step at a time - one decision at a time. Before You Start Planning It is very important that you take the time before you start the planning process to openly and honestly discuss your thoughts and feelings on important issues about your wedding and your life together. • Discuss your thoughts and expectations of marriage and your new life together? • How will you handle intimate conversations regarding love, sex, and family planning? • Do we have the blessings of both families? • Do we share the same religious faith? If not, how will we handle this? • Who do you think should handle our family finances? Why? • Will we both work outside the home? If so, how will we share the household chores? • How do you suggest that we handle disagreements? Are you willing to compromise and keep on smiling? • What do you suggest as an overall budget for this wedding? • Who are you choosing for the wedding party? Do you have any objections to any of these attendants? • What shall we wear? Should we buy or rent? • List your thoughts on the ceremony – who will perform? traditional or religious; inside or out; other ideas? possible music? set date, time & location. • List your thoughts on the reception – who to invite? type of entertainment, food & drink? • Where will we spend our honeymoon and for how long? What should we budget for this? Get Organized Now that you have spent some quality time discussing your personal feelings and how to plan for wedding, get organized and get the ball rolling. Promise yourself you won’t let little details frustrate you and over shadow your happiness. Use the timeline suggested here as a guide in helping you organize for all of your wedding events. Each will be discussed step by step with suggestions and alternatives. Make sure to secure all of your choices, reservations and orders with a signed contract and a deposit. If you do not have twelve months to plan your wedding, do not panic, just do the best you can with the time you have. Before announcing your engagement, inform your families as soon as possible. Traditionally the bride’s family are told first - often the groom will ask his father-in-law to be for permission to marry his daughter. If the parents have not met your spouse a get together is recommended. During your research make sure you check out the hundreds of wedding professionals in our Wedding Connections Wedding Planner & Directory in print and on our website at www.weddingconnections.ca.

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Wedding Budget Establish your budget first thing with maximum amounts for each category. Its important you talk to your parents about sharing some of the cost of your wedding. Determine expense responsibilities for each event. Tradition no longer applies - sharing expenses is perfectly acceptable today. Product or Service

Budget

Actual Cost

Product or Service

Wedding Planner/Consultant

Reception Center Pieces

Attire

Delivery Fees

Bride’s Dress

Other

Headpiece/Veil

Estimated Cost

Shoes

Gifts

Lingerie

Maid of Honor

Jewellery & Accessories

Bridesmaids

Hair/Makeup

Groomsmen

Groom’s Tuxedo or Suit

Bride’s Parents

Shoes

Groom’s Parents

Accessories

Child Attendants

Bride & Groom’s Rings

Estimated Cost

Music

Ceremony & Reception

Ceremony Music

Ceremony Location Fee

Reception Music

Officiant Fee

Cocktail Hour

Marriage License

Dance Lessons

Reception Rental

Entertainment

Food

Estimated Cost

Candy Bar / Buffet

Photography,

Bar

Photobooth

Rentals

& Videography

Transportation

Photographer Fee

Wedding Insurance

Engagement Photos

Estimated Cost

Wedding Album

Details

Parents’ Albums

Guestroom Gifts

Additional Prints

Ring Pillow

Videographer Fee

Guest Book

Photobooth Rental

Favors

Estimated Cost

Other

Stationery

Flower Preservation

Save-The-Date Cards

Estimated Cost

Invitations & Envelopes

Flowers

Reply Cards & Envelopes

Ceremony Decorations

Seating & Menu Cards

Bride’s Bouquet

Thank-You Cards

Attendant’s Bouquets

Postage

Flower Girl Accessories

Calligraphy

Corsages

Announcements

Boutonnieres

Estimated Cost

Reception Decorations

Total Estimated Budget www.weddingconnections.ca

Budget

Actual Cost

This calendar includes the essential elements of wedding planning. Personalize the sections by crossing out items that are not relevant to you and color coding the list, with a highlighter marker, using a different colour for bride’s tasks, grooms tasks and others, such as your mother’s or bridesmaids duties, or according to personal priority. 9 - 12 Months Prior ■ ■ ■

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Set the Wedding date! Meet with those sharing Wedding expenses to discuss financial responsibilities Establish your budget early, with maximum amounts for each event/activity. Consider hiring a wedding consultant to help with your plans. Determine expense responsibilities for specific events. Tradition no longer dictates; sharing expenses is perfectly acceptable. Shop for engagement and wedding rings. If you want custom-made rings, plan this early in your schedule. Decide on the style, formality and size of your wedding. Choose your wedding consultant. Prepare your tentative guest list and determine the size of your wedding events. Choose your attendants; get a firm commitment to each event. Determine all pertinent sizes for each. Select your ceremony location and consult with the officiant who will perform the ceremony. Begin planning your ceremony, and determine any pre-marital requirements. Choose a reception location - plan rehearsal dates and times with your officiant and location choices. Choose and reserve the location for your rehearsal dinner. Choose the colour scheme and any appropriate style for your ceremony and wedding attire. Begin shopping for: bridal dress; headpiece and veil; undergarments; jewellery; shoes; attendants’ attire and accessories If you are planning to have your dress custom made a dressmaker should be selected early in the planning process. Schedule fittings, alterations fittings and delivery dates for the dresses. Start the selection process for your wedding professionals. Contact and choose your photographer - some are booked as much as a year in advance. Decide on your entertainment and the right professional. Choose your caterer if not included with your reception venue. Select your mode of transportation.

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■ ■ ■

Begin the selection of your florist, balloonist and/or ice sculptor. Determine any party rental needs and select an appropriate professional. Order your memory album and begin writing down your memories and saving mementos Select your stationery, style of the invitations, thank you notes and any other stationery you require. Consult a travel agent or visit websites for your honeymoon plans. If you are traveling abroad make sure that both of you have a valid passport and are up-to-date on any necessary immunizations.

6 - 9 Months Prior ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Decide on a honeymoon location and make all necessary reservations Make passport arrangements if necessary Begin compiling guest list names and contact information. Locate and choose your gift registry and begin recording your selections. Get your engagement photographs taken by your photographer and setup your engagement announcement with your local newspaper or website. Finalize your wedding professional choices and secure with a deposit: ■ Caterer ■ Ceremony Music ■ Florist ■ Invitations ■ Party Rentals ■ Reception Entertainment ■ Photobooth ■ Videographer ■ Other Select Groom’s formal wear. Decide whether you will purchase or rent? Select fittings, alterations and delivery or pick up dates. Select and order the Groom’s attendant’s formal wear. Select fittings, alterations and delivery or pick up dates, and notify attendants. This is the time to start body contouring and skin rejuvenation. If you haven’t already, start a fitness and weight loss routine that you can live with and stick with it until your wedding day (and beyond)

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Your Wedding Checklist

4 - 6 Months Prior ■

■ ■ ■

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Meet with each of your Wedding Connections wedding professionals and continue to plan each event. Finalize ordering and reservations for all of your event needs. Meet with your florist and complete your selection for bouquets, boutonnieres, table arrangements, etc., and confirm delivery times. Finalize your guest list. Choose and reserve accommodations for all of your out-of-town guests. Compile a list of local activities during their stay in the Lower Mainland. Finalize selection and order your invitations and all related stationery. Setup and maintain records of gifts and begin sending thank you cards after each event. Select a baker - order a wedding cake or cupcakes, groom’s cake, candy, cookies Select a Candy Bar supplier - order desired candy, finalize theme and set-up location Help parents select and coordinate their formal wear. Research all legal requirements - marriage license and name changes. Begin your beauty regime early.

2 - 3 Months Prior ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

■ ■ ■

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

■ ■

Select a Makeup artist and a Hair Stylist and reserve wedding day appointments with your hair and makeup stylists for you and your attendants. Get perms, colour, cut or new style done early. Make pre-wedding beauty appointments for you and your attendants for manicure, massage, spa day, etc. Make plans and reservations for a rehearsal party Address and mail all local invitations. Begin RSVP counts. Include maps to all event venues with each invitation. Finalize all formal wear fittings. Pick up wedding rings. Select and purchase attendant’s gifts and a wedding gift for your new spouse. Obtain your marriage license. If you will be moving - finalize all moving details Get your marriage license Call guests who have not responded to invitation Keep track of Wedding gifts received and thank you notes written

Confirm all appointments, ceremony and rehearsal details. Confirm all counts with food and beverage caterers. Confirm guest accommodations. Plan seating arrangements. Finalize all rehearsal dinner plans. Finalize all song lists, entertainment details. Finalize photographer and videographer details. Finalize arrangements for all professional services and transportation needs . Plan honeymoon wardrobes and luggage needs. Obtain all travel tickets and confirm reservations. Arrange for wedding dress, bouquet and/or cake preservation. Confirm duties with Wedding helpers: personal attendant, setup crew and decorators, readers, flower pinners, guest book attendant, gift table attendant, host and hostess, punch, cake and coffee servers, cleanup crew. Break in your wedding shoes. Prepare an “emergency kit” for wedding-day mishaps.

The Last Week ■

Take dance lessons that will make your first dance special Make a list of who you want to speak at each event and in what order. Contact each person. Order favors and gifts. Purchase cake knives, ring pillow, toasting goblets, and other accessories. Address invitations and announcements and mail out-of-town invitations. Finalize honeymoon and travel plans. Take care of financial/legal details such as joint bank account, insurance policies and beneficiaries, wills and prenuptial agreement (if desired) Gather forms for making name change Write your Wedding vows, toasts and speeches

4 - 6 Weeks Prior

1 - 2 Weeks Prior

■ ■ ■ ■

Arrange for pickup of the bridal ensemble. Best Man should confirm all final fittings for the Groom and Ushers, and schedule return of the Groom’s tuxedo and all rental equipment. Assign post-wedding tasks to wedding party. Prepare envelopes for payments or donations to ceremony officials and musicians. Give gifts to wedding party, family and fiancé. Attend the rehearsal dinner.

The Day Before ■ ■ ■

Finish packing for the wedding night and honeymoon. Gather all wedding day items. Entrust payment envelopes to the Best Man for tomorrow. Assure that your “Get-Away” car will be at the reception venue packed and ready to go.

Your Wedding Day ■ ■

■

See your hair and makeup artist early The bride should transfer her engagement ring to the right hand. Be dressed and ready to go two hours before the ceremony for picture taking. Relax and enjoy the day. If you have followed this planning schedule, the rest of your day should be easy.

After the Wedding ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Leave for honeymoon Send your dress for cleaning and preservation. Send flowers and/or cake for preservation. Write and mail thank you cards out. Change name/or not.

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ENGAGEMENT RING, WEDDING RINGS & ACCESSORIES You should shop for your engagement and wedding rings early in the planning process. If you want custom-made rings, plan this early in your schedule. Remember your rings are a symbol of the commitment you are making to each other and will be worn with pride, and will be cherished for the rest of your life. You and your finance should take the time to do extensive research on various rings available before you make your final choice. Your headpiece is also an important jewellery accessory. Your earrings, pearls or a simple necklace are often enough to accent your dress and headpiece on your wedding day. Some Questions to Ask • Are you a certified gemologist? • Do you specialize in any certain designers, stones, engravings or settings? • May we see your selection of wedding bands? • What are your service contracts and what do they cover? • What are your terms of payment? WEDDING CONSULTANT/PLANNER A consultant’s job is to help a couple determine, execute, and direct all of the many tasks that are required to successfully host a wedding. The consultant takes on the roles of facilitator, mediator, money manager, planner, organizer, creative

EVENT DECOR RENTALS – EVENT PLANNING CONCEPT & DESIGN

At Imagine That Events, You Imagine It...We Plan it! From the big “yes” moment, planning stress can begin to cloud the love that brought you together. Avoid the stress and focus on your happiness, let Imagine That Events take care of the details. Imagine That Events is a Lower Mainland based decorating and event planning company with the experience to turn your dream in to a reality.

Call or Email us today to set up your event consultation in our showroom in Richmond: info@imaginethatevents.ca

Sharon Liew 604.729.9079

www.weddingconnections.ca

Laura Takasaki: 604.329.0754

resource person, and advocate of the bride and groom in their relationships with wedding service providers. The wedding consultant is responsible for seeing that every detail is taken care of and that the process runs smoothly and flawlessly. It is the consultant’s role to reduce the inevitable stress and glitches that are a natural part of every celebration. Wedding consultants are trained to work within a variety of budgets. This means that even if you have a tight budget, you can afford a consultant who will be able to help you stick to the budget. Usually, wedding consultants are hired on a start-to-finish basis, but wedding consultants can facilitate wedding planning in other capacities. There are many different ways a consultant can help. You can also hire a wedding consultant to oversee things on the evening before and actual day of the wedding. Or, you can contract a wedding consultant to work with you on a freelance basis (to help find a location, advise on catering firms, florists, etc.), in which case they’re paid by the hour. If you do decide to use a wedding consultant keep these points in mind: Be clear as to what it is you are paying for. Discuss and decide on the number of hours you expect your consultant to provide and for what tasks he or she will be responsible. The more details of the relationship you discuss and agree upon up front, the better. The consultant needs to work with all the principals, so as soon as it’s feasible, introduce the consultant you hire to your fiance. CHOOSING YOUR WEDDING PARTY Choose Your Attendants - get a firm commitment to each event. Close friends and family who serve in your wedding party contribute greatly to your wedding day. Each of them plays a part in the success of your wedding and deserve special attention. Make sure that when you talk to each member they understand the responsibility of their position and can attend all scheduled events. Maid of Honor - lend moral support; help in the planning; shopping; addressing invitations; recording and displaying gifts; supervise bridesmaids: pays for her dress; helps bride get ready for each event: holds groom’s ring and bride’s bouquet; signs as witness to ceremony; and sits left of the groom at the head table Best Man - lend moral support; over sees ushers; pays for his own tuxedo; assures that the Officiant is paid; holds bride’s ring for groom; sits to the right of the bride at the head table; offers first toast to the couple; helps prepare honeymoon transportation; returns rented tuxedos and equipment after the wedding Bridesmaids - assist the bride anyway they can and attend all the wedding events Ushers/Groomsmen - seat guests for the wedding ceremony - brides guests to the left and grooms guests to the right; decorates the car; and pays for his own tuxedo Flower Girl - leads processional with basket of loose flower petals to drop in bride’s path Ring Bearer - carriers a white pillow with fake ring sewn on GUEST LIST Prepare your tentative guest list and determine the size of your wedding events. Determine the maximum number of guest to be invited. Prepare a detailed list of family, friends, co-workers, business associates, etc. We recommend you take advantage of the 30 day free trial for the “iDo” Wedding Planning software available at www.weddingconnections.ca. The planning software allows you to enter and track information for each of your guests - name; address; phone numbers; email address; invitation sent; number of guest attending; accommodations; thank-you card sent; special dietary needs; and are they attending any pre-wedding events. www.weddingconnections.ca

Top 10 Potential Ceremony Sites You want your wedding day to be as perfect as possible, which is why you should take care in choosing a ceremony site that is memorable and unique to you and your fiancé. We’ve listed 10 popular choices of ceremony sites, to assist you with some ideas: Church or Synagogue: A house of worship, be it a church or a temple, is a traditional ceremony site, whether you grew up going to church or temple, or not, it will never go out of style and is always a beautiful choice. Botanical Gardens: If you’re planning a spring or summer wedding, a botanical garden could be the perfect choice for your fairytale wedding ... your ceremony will have a breathtaking, fragrant backdrop, not to mention your flower budget will be considerably less.

Located on the picturesque shores of the Okanagan Lake our private beach ceremony venue, beautiful reception venues, and endless resort amenities create a perfect destination wedding.

Public Building: Museums or historical residences, can make stunning stylish sites and may just have the perfect classic ambience you’re searching for, to make your wedding day extra special. The Great Outdoors: You or a friend or family member may have a beautiful backyard that you could make use of for your spring or summertime wedding. If you do not have access to a beautiful garden, there are also many beautiful parks available. On the Beach: The ocean as a backdrop, the feel of velvet sand between your feet - what could be more memorable? Out at Sea: Rent a large boat or yacht and get married at sea, imagine the view!. As night fails, you’ll also have a spectacular setting for your reception. Wine Farm: Imagine a ceremony set in picturesque vineyards! Many wine farms also have catering facilities, so your ceremony and reception would be at the same beautiful setting.

Our one-stop approach for your wedding will take the stress out of your special day so that you can take in every last moment. With our help, you’ll have time to enjoy the company of your guests and the fairy tale wedding you’ve always imagined.

For More Information Please Contact: Kaitlyn Bolder, WPICC 250.769.2635 kbolder@lakeokanagan.com

Forest: If you’re looking for that natural, rustic, outdoorsy sort of setting - a forest or wood could be the perfect choice for your memorable ceremony! Victorian Home: If you’re dreaming about a grand, classic wedding, an old Victorian house will give you the timeless style and class you require. Hotel: Some hotels make gorgeous settings for a wedding ceremony and reception. Be sure to search around for one that suites your decor style best.

www.lakeokanagan.com

www.weddingconnections.ca

Package Includes:

Reception ~ Six Hours Sunlight or Moonlight Cruise

• • •

1 hr. pre-boarding, dockside ceremony or guests 4 hour cruise with music and dance Choice of menu’s sitdown or buffet style

We Can Accommodate: • Rehearsal Dinner

• Buffet Stations

• Sit Down Dinner

• Gift Opening Brunch

• Out of Town Guests

• Engagement Party

• Bridal Shower

• Ceremony on Board

• Stag & Stagettes – 2 yachts same night

• 1 hour dockside - gift unwrap or bouquet throwing

www.weddingconnections.ca

Chilliwack Golf Club offers an ideal setting to host your Wedding Day Celebrations with a first class venue and superb dining experience. Our event coordination personnel will tailor the event to your needs, taking pride in ensuring no detail is overlooked. Let our team of professionals do the work, while you enjoy the day!

Call:604.823.4544

Email: info@chilliwackgolf.com

41894 Yale Road West CHILLIWACK, BC

The Edgewater is one of British Columbia and Whistlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most spectacular wedding locations. The views from the lodge, the garden areas, and the dining room are unparalleled in Whistler.

Make it part of your most memorable day!

We are happy to customize any accommodation, dinner and/or activity package to suit your needs. Feel free to visit our website, or give us a call to set up a meeting regarding your special day!

Toll free: 1.888.870.9065 | Tel: 604.932.0688 | Email: info@edgewater-lodge.com | www.edgewater-lodge.com

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Inn At The Quay 900 Quayside Drive New Westminster, BC V3M 6G1 800.663.2001 or 604.523.3501 VISIT: Innatthequay.com

CONTACT: nsmith@innatthequay.com

www.weddingconnections.ca

celebrate with the one you love in the park you love

S TA N L E Y PA R K

PAVILION 604-602-3088 stanleyparkpavilion.com photo: Butter Studios

CEREMONY VENUES Carefully select your ideal ceremony location. Then choose a firm wedding date and begin planning your ceremony. You should consider the mood and style of your wedding; any specific cultural or religious restrictions; your individual preferences; and family heritage before you make your choice for the location. You can choice to have your ceremony indoors in a church, synagogue, temple, chapel, or hall; or outdoors in a park, garden, backyard or beach location. Some Questions to Ask • Is this facility open to non-members (i.e., Church, Synagogue or Temple)? • Do you have any restrictions on the day of the week or times? • Are there any restrictions for lighting, cameras and audio/video equipment? • How far in advance should we reserve this site? • Is there a dress code that we must follow? • Do you have an organist available? Will we be permitted to use outside musicians? • Are we permitted to decorate the site?

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CEREMONY & RECEPTIONS ON THE WATER Can you image your wedding on your own private luxury yacht. Cruise through the Vancouver harbor for your special day and evening and have your wedding ceremony and reception on the water. Having your wedding on a yacht requires careful research and planning. Take time to envision what your wedding yacht charter or reception on a boat should look like. Organize all of your wedding reception ideas, and then with your perfect wedding reception in mind, you can begin to shop for your ideas in An organized manner. Picture yourself walking down the aisle on the yachts deck surrounded by your friends and family, with nothing but blue sky, beautiful sights and sounds of Vancouver all around you. You and your guests can dine on the deck lounge with a 360 degree view of the city.

• First Class Gourmet Cuisine

• Stags/Stagettes: 3 Unforgettable Hours!

Imagine sunshine sparkling on water. You and your soon-to-be spouse face each other on the deck of a luxury yacht decorated with ivy and white roses. As you say your vows, the wind ruffles your hair. Then it’s time for slices of cake and toasts of champagne as you sail off into the sunset. While it sounds like a scene from a too-good-to-be-true commercial, the experience is actually more affordable than many traditional wedding venues.

www.weddingconnections.ca

“On Whiffen Spit Beach”

Award winning Sooke harbour House is known as one of Canada’s Most Spectacular Wedding Venues “Let the ocean be your something blue” as our boutique hotel is located on the edge of the Pacific! and we are “Wildly West Coast”

Ceremony • Reception • Honeymoon • 28 Luxurious Rooms • Spectacular Ocean Views and Beaches • Award Winning Restaurant & Wine Cellar • Flowers, Music, Photo & Video

1528 Whiffin Spit Rd, Sooke 250-642-3421 • www.sookeharbourhouse.com www.weddingconnections.ca

RECEPTION VENUES This will be one of the most elaborate and important parties you’ll ever host in your lifetime. It is also the ideal time to thank your family members, friends and guests for being there with you throughout the planning process and sharing every moment of your wedding day. Before making your final choice, ask yourself if this location complements all your wedding plans. Is it within your established budget? If not, do you want to compromise your budget to secure this location? Some Questions to Ask • Is this location easily reached from our ceremony? • Is there an outdoor reception area available? • Is this location handicapped accessible? Is parking available? • Will this location accommodate all of our guests comfortably? • Will this location look different in the month of our wedding? • What menus and prices are available? • May we see your references? May we see photographs of other receptions held here? • May we tour the area? Are there any specific restrictions? • How far in advance must reservations be made? When do you need the final guest count? • What areas and rooms will we use? How early can we set up? How late can we stay?

Natural work of art nestled amidst majestic mountains and ancient forest, overlooking the tranquil Harrison River. Where our brides are transported back to a simpler time.

• Accommodate small and large parties • On-Site Wedding Planner • Luxury Cottages • Historical Inn

www.weddingconnections.ca

OFFICIANTS & CLERGY Finding the right person to marry you is an important decision – they will have a huge influence on the tone of the ceremony. Make sure that you find someone who is willing to perform the kind of ceremony you are envisioning, or who has a style and belief system similar to your own. And of course, if you want to make it legal, you’ll need to make sure that they are legally able to marry you in British Columbia. The first most basic thing you must do is decide if you want a religious or secular ceremony. This highly personal decision will have great impact on who will marry you. Some Questions to Ask • How much are we allowed to customize the ceremony? • Can we write our own vows? • Will you marry us even if we are not current members of your church, synagogue, parish, temple and house of worship? • How do we become members? • If we are of different faiths, or one of us is not religious, is that a problem?

Check out our website for upcoming special events! Situated in a beautiful parkland setting, Langley Golf and Banquet Centre is an ideal location for a memorable wedding celebration. We feature three elegant banquet rooms and will cater your special day with style that will define your occasion. 604.534.4555 ext 3

banquets@langleygolfcentre.com

www.weddingconnections.ca

www.langleygolfcentre.com

DESTINATION WEDDINGS Have you thought about getting married on your honeymoon? Destinations weddings are becoming more and more popular with couples who are eager to skip the fuss of a traditional wedding and jump right into the fun, not only as a way to make the occasion more special, but also as a means of simplifying the whole process. Whether the special day involves just the two of you or whether you’ll be inviting friends and family to join you, a destination wedding can be a way to create wonderful memories. Keep in mind your guest list, your budget and your own wishes. Decide on a budget. If you have a big budget and can hire a wedding planner, do so, as planners are able to perform the time-consuming footwork and have relationships with vendors, making the process a lot easier. If you can’t afford a wedding planner, fear not. You can do this yourself and do a great job. Decide on the time of year you would like your wedding. That will help narrow down your choices for locations. Decide on the number of people you would like to invite. When you know a tentative guest list number, then you can decide on the size of the venue you’ll need, further narrowing down your choices. Decide on a few locales you are interested in. With your budget in mind, start researching venues in those locales, making phone calls and meeting with on-site wedding planners. Step 1 - Decide on the time of year you would like your wedding. That will help narrow down your choices for locations. Step 2 - Decide on the number of people you would like to invite. When you know a tentative guest list number, then you can decide on the size of the venue you’ll need, further narrowing down your choices. Step 3 - Decide on a few locales you are interested in. With the help of a travel agent specializing in destination weddings will help keep your budget in mind. (It’s usually a good idea to have 5-7 venues in mind for each place, as you will inevitably run into scheduling conflicts, limited to no availability and other things out of your control). Step 5 - Get all prices in writing, making sure the prices are for the year in which you are actually getting married. And remember to bump up all prices you are quoted by 20 per cent, as you have to include taxes and tips. You want a complete breakdown of what their services include (do they provide a florist, or do you have to get one yourself, for example). If they provide only the location and basic food and beverages, ask for a list of vendors they use to outsource for flowers, photography, wedding cakes, music and any other things you might need for your big day. Step 6 - Set the wedding date and sign any contracts guaranteeing you that date and that desired venue.

www.weddingconnections.ca

HONEYMOON Amidst all the wedding plans, you also need assistance for someone to organize that relaxing honeymoon. If you would prefer to have a well planned honeymoon and remove the hassle of last minute cancellations or disappointments then make sure you do go through with consulting a Travel agent. Make sure that you know what you want such as your date, place and the price range that you are willing to spend on your trip. Things you should consider: A good Travel Agent will take the time to understand the reasons for your travel. They will help check what dates and price range you are willing to spend. They may ask you what kind of activities you would prefer. Based on all this information they should recommend a few destinations...

Your dream destination

wedding or honeymoon awaits...

Free Gift Card of your choice for $250 for any destination wedding package booked.

Dream weddings designed by the experts at Marlin Travel will ensure you experience your special day with complete peace of mind.

They should be able to give you a few travel brochures and information about what’s so great visiting this place along with how this tourist destination could suit your needs. They should be able to provide a broad overview of what the total trip would cost you along with any visa requirements that you may require. Important Things to Consider to Plan the Perfect Honeymoon... How much do you have to spend? Make sure you have enough money to spend on your chosen destination and hotel or resort. Your budget should be considered when making all decisions regarding what type of honeymoon you want, where you want to go in the world and what type of hotel or resort you want to stay in - 3, 4 or 5 star? When do you want to go? When you plan your honeymoon has a considerable effect on your budget. In destinations like Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean the peak season is the winter months while the summer months are the off-season. So if you are planning a summer wedding than you maybe able to save on your honeymoon package. What kind of experience do you want? Do you like sunny warm weather? Do you want a beach experience? Do you want a nature experience? Do you want adventure? Do you want winter activities? Do you want world class entertainment? Where do you want to go? If you want a sunny beach experience over anything else than we recommend California, Florida, Hawaii, Mexico or the Caribbean. If you want world class entertainment than Las Vegas is the place to be.

We promise to use our experience in destintation weddings to help you create the special day you’ve always dreamed about. Newlyweds! Travel for free and visit any Palace, Hard Rock and Paradisus Resort and get reimbursed towards your wedding package. Ask for details.

And earn AIR MILES through our Transat Partners and Affiliates.

Marlin Travel

320-2270 Central City Mall Dean Malik: 604-588-8300 | Cell: 604-339-8039 Toll Free: 1-800-663-3520 Email: dean.malik@marlintravel.ca

www.marlintravel.ca/1550

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BC Reg. 32718

Toll Free: 1-877-857-0880

Weddings & Honeymoons

• Specializing in Destination Weddings and Honeymoons • After Hours Appointments Available • Dream Honeymoon Registry

Ocean Breeze Cruise & Travel Corp. 32535 Downes Rd., Abbotsford, BC

BC Reg. 36168

PHOTOGRAPHERS Capture those once-in-a-lifetime memories professionally and personally. Take the time to talk to all of our professional photographers listed in our directory. Make sure the one you choose will cover each aspect of the wedding, and will accept and respect your recommendations and requests. Decide on this service as early as possible in the planning phase to be sure you get the best professional available. Some Questions to Ask • May we see your references, portfolio and recent albums? • What type of service do you specialize in? (Candid, portraits, black and white, photojournalism, mixture) • Have you previously provided service in the location of our wedding and reception? • Are you familiar with the lighting and layout at these locations? • What does your package include? • Do you charge a total package price? hourly rate? per photograph? • Do you go into overtime? At what time?

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approved Aug. 11th

that convey how the wedding couple feel for each other.

~ 604.858.0544 www.kenpugh.ca / kpugh@shaw.ca VIDEOGRAPHERS The main advantage of videography is that you are able to capture both the sight and sound (and essentially, the mood) of the wedding day. Many videographers can do special effects that will play your favorite songs during the video, have family interviews spliced in, etc. You’re sure to love the video no matter what. A videographer can often get some better shots than a photographer can because the camera is always on, so you don’t have the wait for a flash, or changing a lens. Also, videographers can catch more of a candid view of your wedding. Since most photography is posed, it doesn’treally show the feeling of the day. With videography, you get to see the bride’s spontaneous smile, the groom leaning in for a kiss, the flower girl dancing with the ring bearer, and much more.

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Professional cinematography of wedding and other special events.

Three inclusive video packages to choose from. Custom packages can be made upon request.

Call Derek at 604-309-2318 Email: mtp129@telus.net

www.millertimeproductions.ca www.weddingconnections.ca

www.weddingconnections.ca

CATERING Catering Services Once you have decided on a reception venue, it’s very possible that they will provide the food themselves. However, if they don’t then it’s up to you to choose your caterer. Ask For Recommendations Begin with the reception venue itself. Undoubtedly they will have list of wedding caterers that they normally work with. Additionally, you should seek advice and recommendations from couples that have been married recently in the area. Once you have compiled a list of 10 or so choices, you can begin narrowing down your selections. Set Appointments & Test Tasting Call and set an appointment for an interview with the first four or five caterers on your list. When setting the appointment on the phone, be sure to ask if your wedding date is available. If it’s not, you can immediately cross the name of your list without wasting anyone’s time. Most established caterers are more than happy to offer you a taste of their food. This will allow you to check both the presentation and the quality.

CATERING IMAGES COMPLIMENTS OF CANUEL CATERING

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Some Questions to Ask Can we see references and portfolio? Can we see sample menus? Will you be at the reception? Who will be assisting? How will your staff be dressed? Are you licensed/insured for bar service? Is it provided? Is there an opening fee? How many bartenders do we need? What is your fee? What does it include? What amount of liquor do you suggest for our guest count? Other beverages/amount? Can unopened bottles be returned? What bar supplies do you provide? Can we order champagne from you? Can you provide cash or open bar service? What time will the bar close? How many servers do we need for a seated reception? Buffet? What is the estimated cost per person for each? What does it include?

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

WEDDING CAKE, CUPCAKES & COOKIES No matter how big or small, how stylish, or how expensive your wedding is - it will not be complete without a beautiful wedding cake, a cupcake tower or cookies! Choosing your baker is an important task; you’ll have to do a lot of homework here including a lot of taste testing. Find all the books and pictures you can on this subject, because you won’t believe what can be done with wedding cakes and cupcakes. They are literally works of art; so make sure the baker you choose is a true pastry chef. Some Questions to Ask • May we see your references and portfolio? Do you offer tasting or samples? • Will you be available for our reception? Who will be assisting you? • Can you custom create a Groom’s cake from a photograph? • Can you match the colours to a swatch of fabric or flowers? • Will you make extra sheet cakes, if necessary? Can you create small cakes for wedding favors? At what cost? • Do you specialize in certain styles or flavors? Can you provide cakes for certain dietary restrictions? • Will you provide flowers for the cake? Will you place flowers from the florist on the cake? • Do you provide the cake topper and knife? Servers for cutting or instructions for us to cut?

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BARTENDING Why Hire a Professional Bartender A great bartender can make your guest have fun and enjoy themselves even while waiting in often long lines right after the service ends to get a drink. An experienced bartender will also make each guest feel as special as the bridal party while working to avoid potential problems. At almost every wedding, there is always at least one or two guests who seem to feel it is their goal to drink as much “free” booze as they possibly can. It is the bartender’s role to do everything in his/her control to see to it that this type of guest doesn’t steal the day or worse cause embarrassment. There is also a liability issue for the host who can be legally liable for anyone who drinks on their private property and goes on to drive or otherwise commit a crime while under the influence. The last thing you want to deal with is an accident or even death caused by someone drinking too much at your wedding. Your choices in wedding beverages and bartending services are a very important part of your reception. Are you considering a theme of some sort? What drinks will be served? The amount of people who will be in attendance is a big factor both in budget, and in style. All of these selections are generally left to the bride and groom. If the families do not drink alcohol and the refreshments will more than likely be punch, juice and soda based. It’s polite to always give a non-alcoholic alternative whether or not alcohol is being served. WINE If you want to serve, or sell wine, beer or spirits at your wedding (including UVin/UBrew products), you need a Special Occasion Liquor Licence (SOL). Legislation in British Columbia is changing, and you should familiarize yourself with the regulations at www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/lclb/index.htm . Most wedding reception venues have a limited list of wine and beer on their beverage/catering menu to choose from, or they may give you the option to bring your own beer or wine (corkage fees usually apply). Bringing in your own product may help to lower your beverage costs, and/or also enable you to serve something more unique than the ‘typical’ choices. Decisions on quantity and wine selections can be complicated. Plan on offering both white and red wine for your guests. And don’t forget about sparkling wine for a celebratory toast to the bride and groom. Try to choose wines with wide appeal. Wine shops have the expertise and experience to assist you with recommendations to suit your budget. It may be helpful to choose 3 or 4 wines, then take time to have family or friends taste them with you for other opinions before making your final selection(s).

ViP Bartending and Event Services professional, clean-cut staff will treat you and your guests like the very important people they are. Regardless of the size of your function, V.i.P. will ensure superior results from set-up to take down.

SERVICES INCLUDE: Bartenders • Event Planning • Servers Bussers • Coat Check • Catering Equipment Rentals D.J. • Musicians • Party Rentals Security • Valet Parking

SERVICES INCLUDE: Liquor Consumption Calculation Liquor and Mix Purchasing Drink Suggestions Assistance with your special occasion license Contact us today for a free one hour consultation to determine your events individual needs and preferences.

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CANDY BAR / BUFFET Candy Bars/Buffets can be used at weddings in place of a wedding cake, or in addition to a wedding cake and often to be used as the wedding favor, providing guests with a small bag or box to fill with candies of their choice. A Candy Buffet in the party or wedding colours also adds to the decor by carrying out the theme. Beautiful and unique containers help to display and dispense the goodies, thus adding another colourful element to this novelty station. Candy distributors and suppliers recommend orders be placed 4-6 months prior to the event as some of your chosen sweets may have to be special ordered.

Bridal Ideas and Maximizing Wedding Shows Bridal shows generate valuable ideas and offer the opportunity for hands-on evaluation of products and services. The following 10 tips to make the most of the bridal show experience. 1.

First of all, remember to relax and have fun!

2. Bring your own set of address labels. This will save you a lot of time signing up for giveaways. 3. Bring a friend. Having someone there with a notepad to help you organize information is valuable. This person can also help you to keep bags of information separate—one for those vendors you are interested in, and one for those you’ve not yet decided about.” 4. Maximize your time by focusing on your top priorities first, then work on other items on your list. 5. Be prepared to try on gowns in front of others in a dressing room.” 6. Talk to as many companies as possible and get as much information as you can. Normal traffic in any show runs to the right and goes up and down each aisle. If show management does not provide one, use a notepad to record aisle and booth numbers. If you see something interesting, you’ll want to know how to get back to that vendor without searching the whole show.” 7. Be prepared to make decisions and book with deposits with those companies you feel good about. Taking advantage of show-only specials can really save money.” 8. Attend shows with an eye toward numbers. It helps if the show has a good number of exhibitors to help you plan as much of the wedding as possible. Larger shows are also likely to offer more entertainment.” 9. Remember that it is incumbent upon the bride to check out a vendor’s reputation before doing business with them. A bridal show can help. The bride gets to talk with a company face to face and form her own first impressions. She can ask for references and inquire about vendor policies first hand.” 10. Wear comfortable shoes!”

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Stickys Candy Abbotsford 33258 South Fraser Way Abbotsford

Sticky’s Candy Kitsilano 2855 W. Broadway Vancouver

Stickys Candy Nordel Unit 130 - 12080 Nordel Way Surrey

Stickys Candy Chilliwack 45929 Wellington Ave, Chilliwack

Stickys Candy Langley 20464 Fraser Hwy, Langley

Stickys Candy Ocean Park 12885 16th Avenue, Surrey

Sticky’s Candy Eagle Ridge #309 1194 Lansdowne Drive Coquitlam

Stickys Candy Langley 20464 Fraser Hwy, Langley

Stickys Candy Walnut Grove 401a 8840 210th Street Langley

Stickys Candy Fraser Heights 107 - 15976 108 Ave, Surrey

Stickys Candy Maple Ridge 11979 224 Street Maple Ridge

Stickys Candy Garrison Crossing #2 45575 Keith Wilson Road Chilliwack

Stickys Candy New Westminster 618 6th Street New Westminster

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Stickys Candy Tsawwassen 100- 1169 56 Street Delta

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BRIDAL FASHION You have been dreaming about walking down that aisle since you were a little girl, and now its time to pick out a dress. Choosing your wedding dress can be a lengthy process and you should begin thinking of styles long before you visit a bridal salon. Selecting Your Style - consider your overall budget for the wedding and how much has been set aside for your dress and accessories. Look through bridal magazines and go to bridal shows to determine the styles and designers you prefer. Trying on Dresses - schedule some appointments during the week when the bridal store will be less busy. It’s best to spread your appointments over a series of days. Bring one or two people with you, not the entire bridal party. Try on a variety of styles to see what you like, even if you have a set idea; you may be surprised at what flatters you. Wedding dresses often run small - what matters is the fit not the actual size. Ordering Your Dress - once you find the perfect dress, the store’s seamstress will measure your bust, waist, hips and height to determine which size to order. Make sure you order the dress at least eight months before the wedding, because some dresses take four to six months to make.

Bridal Party Fashion - carry your wedding style through to your bridal party fashion. As a friend it is your responsibility to choose a dress style that looks good on them and fits their budget. You should consider the body type of each bridesmaid; choose classic styled dresses; choose dress sets and coordinates; and allows buy good sturdy fabric. Some Questions to Ask

• • • •

Can I see your catalog or portfolio? Do you specialize in any type of bridal attire? Which designer lines do you carry? Do you have the dress that I want on hand, or must I order it?

• Do you also have dresses and attire for mothers and attendants?

• Do you offer accessories and shoes? • Can you dye the shoes? • Can you give me details on the materials of my dress?

• Can you guarantee a delivery date for my dress? • Do the members of my bridal party need to be here in person?

MEN’S FORMAL WEAR Groom, Groomsmen & Attendants This task is exclusively for the groom. Whether you purchase or rent your tuxedos or suit make sure it complements your bridal and bridesmaid fashion. Traditionally the best man, groomsmen and attendants pay for their own formal wear. Their formal wear does not have to be uniform but should compliment the bridal party dress style and colour. We suggest that you rent or purchase the groomsmen and attendants formal wear as a group from the same store so that your styles and look are the same for everyone. Most formal wear rental stores offer package deals for the entire bridal party, saving everyone money.

Bride’s Emergency Kit Everybody needs a bag of tricks on their wedding day. Here’s a handy list of what to pack from home to pull off the perfect day and calm and frazzled nerves. (Of course you’ll want to add your own favourite items that come to mind) From the Beauty Shelf n Brush/Comb n Hair Pins n Mousse/Gel/Hair Spray n Cotton Balls n Tissues n Q-tips n Small Make-up Kit n Baby Powder n Hand Mirror n Hair Dryer n Curling Iron

From The Medicine Cabinet n Deodorant n Toothbrush n Toothpaste n Dental Floss n Breath Mints n Pain Reliever n Band-Aids n Visine n Antacids

From The Catch-All Drawer n Pen and Notebook n Safety Pins n Crazy Glue n Extra Earring Backs n Travelling Mini-Sewing Kit n Double-sided Tape n White Chalk (to cover stains) n Static-Cling Spray

Extras n Music n Cell Phone

n Bottle Water or Energy Drink n Straws (So you don’t smudge your lipstick) n Favourite Snacks

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We recognize there are many couples who are never exposed to possibilities that exist in our community. By granting dreams to our couples, Wish to Wed creates an opportunity they may not otherwise receive.

A Wish To Wed Society grants you your matrimonial wish.

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• Bride and three attendants will have hair and make-up done at Facade West Salon Ltd. location* • Photographer to capture those special moments supplied by Langis Photography* • Wedding Officiant by Connekt Wedding Officiants*

• Flowers supplied for the Bride, three attendants and flower girl basket. Also for Groom and three attendants, ring bearer, mothers and father*

• Decor Package by Chic & Unique*

• 8” cutting cake supplied by Luscious Creations*

• Top of the line Professional BOSE T1 audio system* *Some restrictions apply

This grand prize package is subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other promotions. Wedding to take place between January 1, 2015 - April 30, 2015 or October 1, 2015 to April 30, 2016

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Wedding Venues

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BEAUTY OPTIONS PRIOR TO WEDDING 1 Month Acne Laser Treatment - get rid of your acne with the Laser and start to glow Please make reservations for your facial and body glow, arrange for your bridesmaids for their pedicures and manicures and come in all together and shake off your stress. Send in the groom to turn his body into smooth velvet, remove callus and trim the nails. Trial Run – schedule your consultation with your hair stylist and makeup artist about one month prior. You should have your veil and any hair pieces at this time. Get Your Nails Done – schedule a nail appointment at least a month in advance to make sure your nails look just right for your wedding day. Skin Tanning – experiment with spray tans, tanning beds, etc. Give yourself enough time to ensure the look is natural and to your liking. 1-2 Weeks Cut and Colour – the best time to schedule your final cut and color is one to two weeks out to ensure enough time to fix any last minute color mishaps. Avoid doing anything too drastic. Day Before Put on the Polish – Get your final manicure and pedicure the day before so the nails can thoroughly dry. Get a bottle of your polish from the manicurist for last-minute touch-ups or you may choose artificial nails especially for the close up photos of your wedding rings. Go light on sodium and curb the alcohol – have fun, don’t go crazy at your rehearsal dinner. Too much salt and alcohol leads to eye puffiness.

Mobile Make-Up & Hair Artist Serving the Lower Mainland & Vancouver Area Specializing in Beauty, Bridal and Film & Photography Make-Up, you can count on her to doll you up on your extraordinary day!

778.809.7342

www.facebook.com/celina.makeupartist celina.seib@live.com 44

Day Of Eat a healthy breakfast and drink plenty of water. Give yourself time. Brides typically begin their hair about three hours in advance, followed by makeup. Relax and smile. You know you will look FABULOUS! CONSIDERING A SPA You really want to be relaxed, stressfree and feeling your best for your wedding day. A spa offers you a quiet tranquil place to be pampered before your big moment.

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Specializing in Airbrush Make-up, Updos and offering Wedding Packages. We provide the best solution for bridal makeup, and bridal hair styling. Our skillful and experienced makeup artists and stylists are ready to enhance your features.

We pride ourselves on our natural-looking makeup and we understand that makeup is not meant to cover up your beauty. A feature-enhanced fresh look is the key to create the mesmerizing look for your groom, the guests and the camera.

CALL:

604.941.1488 EMAIL:

VISIT:

www.facadewestsalon.ca

amanda@facadewestsalon.ca

Unit 31-2755 Lougheed Hwy., Poco Place Mall (near Michaels) 1 Block East of Coquitlam Centre

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CHOOSING YOUR HAIR AND MAKEUP ARTIST You understand how important beauty and makeup is on your wedding day and you want to be confident you will look fabulous in person as well as in pictures so you need to find a high-quality makeup artist. Decide if you wish to have your bridal makeup done in your home/venue or if you want to go to a salon on your wedding day. If you like the convenience of having someone come to you directly on your wedding day then seek out makeup artists that are freelance and mobile. Decide if you want both your wedding day makeup and hair arranged at the same location. Many bridal makeup artists also provide hair styling and can accommodate this type of request. BEAUTY & HEALTH Beauty and health are crucial factors when preparing for your wedding. The recipe for looking amazing on your wedding day: a beaming smile, silky hair, glowing skin and some serious bridal pampering. Fortunately, the one thing you can control on your wedding day is your bridal look. Get Started Now! 8 Months This is the time to start skin rejuvenation, permanent hair reduction, body contouring and weight loss. Weight Loss Program - wanting to lose some weight before your wedding is totally normal. If you haven’t already, start a fitness and weight loss routine that you can live with – and stick with it until your wedding day. There are three important things to do to meet your weight loss goals: Set an Achievable Goal - it is important that you are healthy and alert on your wedding day. Starving yourself for several weeks or days leading up to the big day isn’t a good idea. So, you need to start early. Change Your Eating - changing your eating is one of the most important parts of losing weight before your wedding. The favoured way to count calories is to join a weight loss program. A program will help you restrict your calories in a way that is healthy and won’t put you into starvation mode. Increase Your Exercising - a great way to burn calories is to increase your exercise. You’ll be most successful at this if you come up with a routine that you can repeat weekly. Some ideas include: running, going to the gym, joining a boot-camp class, yoga, aerobics. 6 Months Get Great Skin - now’s the time to address any skin problems - start your skin rejuvenation and skin tightening programs. 3-6 Months Hire Your Hair & Makeup Pros - if you love your stylist and are getting married locally, make sure he or she is available on your date: otherwise, start auditioning stylists for the big day. Book your makeup appointment and consultation. Get a facial to ensure positively glowing skin on your wedding day - start a regimen of monthly facials.

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HAIR EXTENTIONS Having incredible hair for your wedding is a must, and having hair extensions to give you that look will cost less than your wedding dress and will last long past your honeymoon. No wedding day would be complete without having the hair of your dreams and many brides find that they haven’t got the thickness and often the length they want to complete their look for the big day. Having extensions to enhance your thickness will mean that your hair will look how you have always wanted it to and not only that, it will hold the style you choose for much longer. You will no longer be held back by the limitations of your existing hair style, instead you can have your dream hair, whatever that may be, Bring in a picture of how you would like your hair to look on your wedding day and we can re-create this for you with professionally applied hair extensions. Micro Links Hair Extensions are the latest trend in long lasting hair enhancements and it’s becoming an increasingly popular in the bridal fashion world. This method does not require heat, glue, sewing, braiding or chemicals, which means no damage to your own hair.

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“The Perfect Wedding Gift for Busy Couples” Helps couples spend more quality time together Improves communication Adds lots of love, laughter, and playfulness Inspires more romance, intimacy and great sex!

For more information : Phone: 1-604-855-LOVE (5683) Email: bobby@syncrohearts.com Visit: www.syncrohearts.com Bonus offer: Free ebook with online orders 7 Essential Steps to More Loving Relationships Partial proceeds from the sales of SYNCROHEARTS are donated to the Mel Zajac Ranch for Kids. The objective at this Ranch is to simply “Raise the Spirits” of children with special needs and life-threatening illnesses. For more information on the Zajac Ranch, please visit: www.zajacranch.com.

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Spa, Makeup, Teeth Whitening

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TRANSPORTATION Transportation for the bride and groom, wedding party and the families is an important aspect of your wedding day. You will need to ensure these people all have transportation to and from the getting dressed location to the ceremony, from the ceremony to the reception, and the reception back to the hotel/home/car. Arranging transportation can be as easy as asking the groomsmen, ushers or helpful friends who are familiar with the location to arrange carpool/caravan with the others in the wedding party. There are so many different styles of wedding transportation available to choose from. Limousines - are the most used form of wedding transportation today. Limos are luxurious and a real treat to ride in on the way to your wedding ceremony and reception because you can enjoy a glass of champagne and listen to your favorite music. Classic/Vintage Cars - a popular form of wedding transportation Horse Drawn Carriages - a traditional and romantic form of wedding transportation Vintage Style Trolleys - are a perfect form of transportation for your weddings

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Transportation

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DECORATIONS Enhance your wedding showers and reception with colorful decorating supplies – from tissue bells to streamers to ribbons to banners, to create an atmosphere that carries through your theme and colors. Don’t forget the impact of different color combinations. Take your decorations in one color and combine complimentary colors to create a unique custom look. Nothing says festivity more than balloons. Fill them with helium for centerpieces; tie a helium filled bouquet of balloons at the end of each pew; or arrange them in classic arches to add the perfect festive touch to your wedding décor. WASHROOM RENTALS One of the first steps in planning an outdoor wedding is to find washroom rentals for weddings of all sizes, catering to the needs of simple backyard wedding to exclusive black tie events. If you are in planning for an outdoor wedding and require luxury portable restrooms, we suggest making your reservation well ahead of time to ensure availability.

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REAL ESTATE Purchasing a home is better than renting one, particularly for newlyweds with a nest egg, who want to build equity. Owning a home – besides giving you ownership over something – helps you build net worth. Buying a home is an investment of money, time, and emotion, which is all the more reason to find the right home for you and your spouse. PARTY RENTALS When you choose to hold your reception at an offpremise venue chances are you will be responsible for renting everything. Work with representatives of a professional rental company. These professionals will be able to provide you with guidance as to which rentals you will need for that venue and the quantity you will need for your guest count. There are many companies that offer the basic equipment and specialty equipment such as custom designed china; flatware; glassware; cake stands; chocolate fountains; arches; gazebos; gates; aisle décor; tables; table skirts, chair covers and table linens. If you are planning an outdoor ceremony/ reception you should consider renting portable washrooms for your wedding guests. FAVORS & GIFTS Wedding favors are a traditional small gift given as a gesture of appreciation by you to your guests at your reception. Favors are really limited by your imagination but usually complement the theme or season of your wedding. Classic favors range from the classic sugared almonds or individual chocolates, to candles and scented soaps. Modern gift ideas include CDs with your favorite music, shot glasses filled with colored candy silver picture frames with a photo of you and your partner. Your gifts can be personalized with your names, the place and date of your wedding. FLOWERS When looking at flower arrangements for your wedding day make sure you consider the style and décor of your wedding; the season of the year; your budget and your favourite flowers. You should select your wedding dress, the bridesmaid’s dresses and your colors, decide on a theme for your wedding before visiting your florist. It is also helpful to have fabric swatches and textures of your selected dresses and the groom, groomsmen and attendants formal wear. The florist should be able to suggest floral combinations and artistic treatments to create beautiful floral complements. Ask your florist for an itemized quote in writing and supply your florist with the names, addresses and times for delivery of your bouquet, boutonnieres, corsages and floral arrangements.

Visit Us at One of Our Two Locations:

1125 W Pender St., Vancouver

604-669-7271

2333 Clarke St., Port Moody

604-931-3112

Other floral arrangements that you may need include displays for the alter, centerpieces for reception tables, corsages for those who assist with various reception duties and floral “tokens” for special guests. Ask your florist for guidance.

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His or her artistry knowledge of wedding protocol and ability to listen to your needs will ensure that you’ll get good value for your money and have the perfect floral accents to enhance your wedding day. To preserve your flowers as a keepsake and not just a faded memory, consider floral preservation. CEREMONY & RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT Your entertainment is an important part of your reception and should be versatile enough to please both of you, your parents, and your guests. Music will set the mood of your rehearsal dinner; enhance the beauty and magic of your ceremony; and add vibrancy to your reception. Choose your entertainment service with as much care as you did your food and flowers …for each is a treat in its own way. You can choose DJ services, live musicians, and other forms of entertainments such as magicians and belly dancing to entertainment your guests. Some Questions to Ask

• We would like to see references and a demo tape?

• Are you currently performing locally? May we attend one of your performances?

• Will you perform the songs we want? Can you

obtain sheet music for those songs on my list?

• What musical equipment will you be using at our wedding?

• Will the musicians at our wedding be the same ones at the performance we visited?

CHOOSING A DJ Even the most versatile and talented band on earth could never provide the range of songs and performers that a disc jockey can. The best way to find a disc jockey is through referrals from friends who have had a good experience using one; you can also ask your wedding coordinator, caterer, photographer, florist, or banquet manager for referrals. What to Look For Since most disc jockeys’ music libraries are huge, you will rarely find musical reasons to hire one deejay or service over another. Focus instead on credentials and references. Meeting With the Deejay Never hire a deejay you haven’t met in person. This is your opportunity to assess his personality and style. Viewing a videotape of a disc jockey’s work can be helpful, but you must bear in mind that what you are viewing has been edited to include only the most flattering material. Equipment and Backup Plans A professional disc jockey will bring professional digital equipment, not just an impressive home system. In addition to a dual-CD player to ensure continuous music and a good-quality amplifier and speakers, a disc jockey should be equipped with a wireless microphone for announcements and toasts. www.weddingconnections.ca

Selecting the Music When you meet with a disc jockey, he will generally give you a list of his most requested tracks -- often ranging from several hundred to a thousand titles -- from which you can select songs. You should also feel free to add any favorites that may not be included in his library. At most weddings, requests from guests will be encouraged, unless you direct otherwise. But tell your disc jockey about any songs, or even genres of music, you don’t want played (even if requested). Booking the Deejay Try to book a deejay at least six months ahead of your wedding day. You should both sign a detailed contract specifying all logistics of the reception: date, location, time (including setup time; one hour prior to the start of the event is the norm), and projected length. Other things the contract should do is stipulate price and overtime charges (with a guarantee that the disc jockey will not leave for another event if you need him to stay beyond the scheduled end of the reception); list the sound equipment the deejay will be using and specify that backup equipment and personnel are available; and indicate that the disc jockey is covered by liability insurance. It could even spell out what the disc jockey is expected to wear. WHITE DOVE RELEASES FOR WEDDING CEREMONIES Doves select only one mate for life, which is the perfect symbolism of marriage. In fact, the releasing of pure white doves is an ancient ritual that symbolizes many of the elements of married life. What better way to express these sentiments than with a pure white dove release during or after your wedding ceremony? Doves symbolize love, peace, happiness, and prosperity, and can be released outdoors as the couple leaves the church or during an outdoor ceremony. First, you will note that our doves are pure white. This represents the bride and groom as they begin their life’s journey together in purity and with no regrets of their past. Second, a wedding ceremony begins a journey of two lives working together for life’s happiness. The actions of the doves demonstrate this beautifully. Once released, the doves fly higher and higher together as they seek their way home. While still separate, they work as a team until they can find their bearings. Once they discover the direction they need to travel, these beautiful white doves climb to greater and greater heights. Similarly, a bride and groom do not know what the future holds for them. Their path may change many times along the way, but with faith and love they will find their way together.

www.weddingconnections.ca

PHOTO BOOTH RENTALS Renting a real photo booth for your wedding is a clever combination of interactive entertainment and custom made party favors. Photo booths vary greatly from company to company so be sure to consider what type of photo booth experience and quality is right for you and your guests. Would you like an authentic retro-style photo booth that looks and feels like the real thing or would a basic portrait making system in a box fulfill your need? Rental packages may include unlimited free photos for your guests, personalized custom graphics on the photos, a digital copy of the photos taken, scrap book services and more. When thinking about a photo booth rental company, be sure to ask for print samples, photos of their photo book, and references from past clients. Also check if the photo booth rental company is a certified member of a professional photo booth association and if the company travels with back up equipment in case of a technical problem. Renting a real photo booth is a very popular entertainment feature for weddings and should be booked well in advance of your date. Some Questions to Ask

• What is the fee for rental? • How many hours of photo booth ‘running time’ is included?

• Is there a delivery charge? • Does a rental include an attendant during the event?

• • • •

Do we get a digital copy of the photos? Do we get custom graphics on the photos? How many photos can we take? Can the photo booth be delivered and installed in our venue?

• Is the company certified? IMAGE COMPLIMENTS OF PICASSO PHOTO BOOTH

www.weddingconnections.ca

Spice up your special event or any celebration with with a tasteful and exciting bellydance performance. Or get your shimmy on with bellydance lessons for your stagette or bridal shower!

www.raheldance.com ~ 604 767 2392

DANCE LESSONS Your wedding is going to be an event of a lifetime. Nothing about your wedding day will be generic – it will be uniquely yours. Experience the joy of dancing a specially choreographed first dance that is customized just for you. The highlight of any wedding reception is the moment the bride and the groom dance for the first time as a married couple, which symbolizes the love between the two of you and the start of your new life together. Even if you dance frequently, you’ll want to make your first dance special. Taking dance lessons will help you create wedding memories you’ll be proud of. GIRLS NIGHT OUT Bridal showers and bachelorette parties are usually held two months or so before your wedding, no closer than two weeks before the big day. Many showers are at homes or venues that host bridal showers and offer menus comprised of finger foods that can be enjoyed while guests walk around socializing. Some themed bridal showers include kitchen items, lingerie and adult boutique home parties.

Call Sat Bassan - Tri-Cities at 778.908.5016 www.partiesbysat.com • satbassan@gmail.com

www.weddingconnections.ca

Complimentary High Speed Internet Access Fridge & Microwave Indoor Pool and Hot Tub Pets Allowed

UNIQUE BACHELORETTE / BACHELOR PARTY IDEA Let loose before you get tied down! A white water rafting bachelor or bachelorette party river trip is a unique alternative to the traditional blow out. Nothing is better than an outdoor activity to celebrate the coming big event. Fun, smiles and good times to share amongst friends and loved ones will definitely be remembered for years to come. FLOATING PARTY Whether it is for the afternoon, all day, or the entire weekend, rent a houseboat for your bachelor/ bachelorette party. The ladies can sunbathe while sipping exotic drinks while boating on the water. A sailing houseboat adventure an ideal opportunity to indulge your guests and yourself.

Best Western Bakerview Inn Offering Choice Accommodations in Abbotsford, BC

1821 SUMAS WAY, ABBOTSFORD EMAIL:

info@bestwesternabbotsford.com

1-877-336-6156

604-809-3634

www.bestwesternbakerview.com www.photographybyramona.com

ACCOMMODATIONS It is thoughtful to arrange accommodations at local hotels for your out-of-town guests. Call a few hotels in different price ranges in the area and set up room blocks for your guests. Hotels often offer a discounted rate for wedding groups. The special rates will be available for a specified period of time – the deadline is usually one to two months prior to the wedding date, inform guests of any offers through email or on your wedding website. While you are researching accommodations for your guests, take a moment to think about where you will stay the night before the wedding. Where you and the wedding party will get ready on your wedding day and where you spend your first night as a married couple. BRIDAL REGISTRY The chance to create the ultimate wish list for your home and new life together. A bridal registry is a service provided by a website, retail store and home parties to assist engaged couples in their gift preferences to wedding guests. Selecting items from store stock, the couple lists desired items and files this list with the chosen merchant. The list is then made available to wedding guests, either by the couple’s family or the merchant. Upon the purchase of a listed item, this gift registry is updated accordingly. In addition to providing valuable information for the buyer, the system helps prevent the receipt of duplicate or unwanted gifts, potentially saving time for both giver and recipient. In the past few years the traditional concept of the bridal registry has evolved. There are now more specialized versions such as honeymoon registry, house registry and charity registry.

www.weddingconnections.ca

Our 120 wedding businesses have been recommended by former brides and our wedding business family. We are all committed to giving you the very best in service, product and value. Your complete satisfaction is our primary goal.

www.weddingconnections.ca

October 18 & 19, 2014 10:00am – 5:00pm

Tradex – Trade & Exhibition Centre in Abbotsford 1190 Cornell Street Abbotsford A valuable event for expectant parents & families! Online Admission Rates: Adults: $12 | Children 12 & under are Free! Tickets will also be available at the door Ticket sales at box office are CASH ONLY Adults: $12 | Children 12 & under are Free!

City of Burnaby Presents

Fancy Finds Wedding Show & Swap February 21, 2015 10am-2pm 7600 Halifax Street Burnaby

Table inquiries for past brides and vendors please contact 604-297-4954 or bmcevents@burnaby.ca Register at

www.langleygolfcentre.com

21550 44 Ave., Langley www.weddingconnections.ca

604.534.4555 ext. 3

Sunday, January 4th, 2015 Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside Hotel 1133 West Hastings Street, Vancouver

Tickets will be $20 in advance and at the door

Saturday, January 10th, 2015

Ramada Plaza & Conference Centre, Fraser Valley 36035 N Parallel Rd., Abbotsford, BC Tickets will be $12 in advance and at the door

Both Shows: 11:00am to 5:00pm Brides-to-be and their entourage can get pampered in the “Beauty Lounge” where you will find Luxe Beauty Lounge, Sephora, Bombay Brow Bar, Noir Lash Lounge, Bombay Hair, Mary Kay & many more! Meet only the best businesses in the wedding industry. With vendors from each category, My Dream Wedding Show will help you plan your entire wedding! Dozen’s of prizes to be won! Plus enter to win an All-Inclusive Honeymoon Package! For more information about these shows visit:

www.mydreamweddingshow.com Phone: (604) 209-3542 Contact: Anca Andor

www.weddingconnections.ca

Client Comment:

“Saturday I was off to the beautiful Arthur Erickson designed Waterfall Building where I was a guest of the amazing Marsha Steeves for her “Toes in the Sand: Vancouver’s Premier Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Show”. We had a fantastic time, enjoying the presentations about exotic and tropical wedding locations, along with live music and the tastiest margaritas ever. It was the perfect afternoon soiree to help us forget about the snow and sleet and there was a marvelous fashion show, with the loveliest models.” - Posh Todd www.weddingconnections.ca

PHOTO BY BLUSH PHOTOGRAPHY

THE LITTLE

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 22ND 2015 11:30AM - 4:00PM

Bringing together small businesses in one heartfelt event

THE HERITAGE HALL 3102 MAIN ST VANCOUVER BC

justaddloveshow.com I info@justaddloveshow.com Email code "wedcon15" to win Day of Coordination for your wedding! * contest drawn at show *

www.weddingconnections.ca

EVEN T PLA NNI NG & D Ă&#x2030;COR S PECI A L I STS proudly presents

7th Annual Boutique Wedding Show Over 50 local wedding vendors $10,000 Grand Prize March 1, 2015 12:30pm - 4:30pm River Rock Casino Resort

ImagineThatEvents.ca RSVP ONLINE www.weddingconnections.ca

www.weddingconnections.ca

Accommodations Best Western Bakerview Inn ................................................. 66

Bachelorette/Bachelor Parties & Showers Harrison Houseboat Adventures ............................................. 67 Passion Parties ..................................................................... 65 Vancouver Yacht Charters ..................................................... 20

Bartending / Event Planning VIP Bartending & Event Planning Services ............................. 33

Beauty, Health, Medical Spa, Weight Loss Weddings • Grads • Print • Runway

Ericka Stenstrom • 604.833.9960 Airbrush Makeup & Hair Design

www.airbrushbyericka.com

Airbrush by Ericka

Bridal Fashion & Accessories

We’re committed to using sustainable fabrics to create couture gowns and special event dresses.

Celina Seib Make-Up & Hair Artist ......................................... 44

We work one on one with brides to create the perfect dress for their style, body and wedding.

Façade West Salon Ltd. ......................................................... 45

Choose from our current collection, or work one on one with a designer to create your ideal dress.

JM Hair & Makeup Artist ...................................................... 46 Liz Nicholls ........................................................................... 49 Sereno Wellness & Spa .......................................................... 47 Weavers Hair Extensions ...................................................... 48

Dallicious Designs ................................................................ 36 Mai Tai Wrap Dress .............................................................. 36

www.weddingconnections.ca

Bridal Registry

Ceremony & Reception Venues

Kitchen Charm ..................................................................... 66

Cakes & Cupcakes

Luscious Creations Custom Cakes .......................................... 32 Thrifty Foods ........................................................................ 60

Candy Buffet Sticky’s Candy ...................................................................... 35

Caterers

Accent Cruises ....................................................................... 13 Cascades Casino .................................................................... 14 Chilliwack Golf Club .............................................................. 16 Crown Palace Banquet Hall .................................................... 14 Crystal Lodge ........................................................................ 15 Edgewater Lodge and Restaurant........................................... 16 Executive Plaza Hotel – Coquitlam ......................................... 24 Executive Hotel Burnaby ........................................................ 24 The Falls Golf Club ................................................................ 18 The Fish House in Stanley Park ............................................. 22 Golden Eagle Golf Club .......................................................... 18 Hastings House Country House Hotel ............. Inside Front Cover Inn at the Quay ..................................................................... 17 Lake Okanagan Resort .......................................................... 12 Langley Golf & Banquet Centre ............................................. 23 Manning Park Resort ..............................................................19 Marine Drive Golf Club .......................................................... 20 Meadow Gardens Golf Club .................................................. 23 Nicklaus North Golf Course .................................................... 15 Rowena’s Inn on the River .................................................... 22

Sooke Harbour House ............................................................ 21

Casa Nova Catering ............................................................... 31 Occasions by Canuel Caterers ................................................ 31 Signature Catering ............................................................... 32

www.weddingconnections.ca

Stanley Park Pavilion ............................................................ 18 Vancouver Yacht Charters ..................................................... 20

Dance Lessons Roca Blanca Dance ............................................................... 65

Decorations/Rentals/Wedding Planners

MARLIN TRAVEL WHITE ROCK 1544 Johnson Road, White Rock 604-538-4499 • www.marlintravel.ca/782 Your Marlin Travel professional can make planning your destination wedding or honeymoon as memorable as experiencing it. We’ll treat your special occasion with the utmost attention, taking care of all the details and providing you with added benefits to further enhance your exclusive experience. Book your vacation package and earn or redeem AIR MILES Reward Miles.

Favors BC Children’s Hospital Foundation ........................................ 59

Flowers Ode to a Bloom Floral Boutique ............................................. 61 Thrifty Foods ........................................................................ 60 UNIQUE BOUTIQUE Jayme Carter • 604-939-8304 www.auniqueboutique.ca We are a boutique style florist/decorator who has helped brides in the Lower Mainland for 20 years. We will take your vision and create your dream day. Thank you again for your business. Vivio Flower Gallery ............................................................. 60 Chic & Unique Event Design .................................................... 9 Imagine that Events .............................................................. 10 Love Story Weddings & Events ............................................... 10 MAKING MEMORIES BRIDAL & EVENTS 20457 Douglas Crescent, Langley 604-514-0044 • www.makingmemoriesbridal.com Specializing in decorating and decor rentals, accessories, retail items and more... Our showroom allows you to view your decor ahead of time - they can transform any venue into a dream come true! From full set up & take down to simply adding a little flare to your event. Signature Weddings ............................................................. 57 Sunrise Washroom Rentals ................................................... 57 VIP Bartending & Event Planning Service ............................... 33

Destination Weddings & Honeymoons Ocean Breeze Weddings ....................................................... Bloom Destination Weddings ................................................ Maritime Travel .................................................................... Marlin Travel ........................................................................

26 26 26 25

Houseboat Rentals Harrison Houseboats ............................................................. 67

Limousine Service Ace of Spades Limousine ...................................................... Boss Limousine Service ......................................................... Elite Limousine Service ......................................................... Ultimate Limousine Service ..................................................

54 55 52 53

Music, DJ Service & Entertainment Absolute Entertainment ........................................................ 63 BCDJ.ca .................................................................... Back Cover Rahel Belly Dancing ............................................................. 65 Syncrohearts Love Game ...................................................... 50 X-Treme Custom Sound/Photobooth ..................................... 62

• DJ Services • Lighting • Sound

Providing a new class of entertainment!

and more!

604.787.2157

www.weddingconnections.ca

info@manabouttownent.com

Real Estate Terry Hughes ....................................................................... 58

Tuxedos The Tux Store ......................................................................... 1

Wedding/Bridal/Swap Shows/Wishes

Photographers/Photobooths/Videography JILL LOBLEY PHOTOGRAPHY 604-626-9209 • www.jilllobley.com Specializing in Weddings, couple sessions, elopements and family portraits. I use natural light to create a beautiful colour palette that adds an airy feeling to the photographs. My contemporary/ candid photography style has been described as airy, whimsical, and emotional, painting a moment in time with expert use of lighting and composition. For me photography is about making a connection: not just between the client and the photographs, but also between the photographer and the client.

The Baby and Tot Show ......................................................... 71 A Wedding Affair .................................................................. 75 A Wish to Wed ...................................................................... 38 All Dressed in White Bridal Shows Bachelor Package Giveaway ............................................ 40 Battle of the Brides Ring Contest ....................................... 41 Bridal Gown Giveaway .................................................... 42 Dream Wedding Giveaway ............................................... 39 Honeymoon Giveaway ....................................................... 3 Brock House Wedding Show .................................................. 70 Fancy Finds Wedding Show & Swap ...................................... 71 Fraser Valley Bridal Fair ....................................................... 69 Fraser Valley Wedding Festival .............................................. 74 Fraser Valley Wedding Swap .................................................. 74 Head Over Heels .................................................................. 71 Just Add Love Wedding Show ................................................. 74 Hush Wedding Soirée ............................................................ 76 My Dream Wedding Show ..................................................... 72 The Original Bridal Swap ....................................................... 76 The Wedding Show at Newlands ........................................... 69 Toes in the Sand ................................................................... 73 Tri-City Wedding Show .......................................................... 77

Wine Everything Wine ................................................................... 34

Joanna Photography ............................................................ 28 Ken Pugh Wedding Photography .......................................... 28 Marks Photo ......................................................................... 27 Millertime Productions ......................................................... 29 Photo Dynamics Photography ............................................... 28 Picasso Photo Booth ............................................................. 64 X-Treme Custom Sound/Photobooth ..................................... 62