Bridal Confidential 2018-19 by Bridal Confidential

win for 2 a trip

and be on our next cover!

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page 6

find everything for your

Wedding in our local directory

Windsor Essex

16 Winners’ Photo Shoot 18 Cover Contest Winners 230 Directory

Cover Winners

Ashley & Andrew london / st. thomas

Gown: Sophie’s Gown Shoppe Tuxedo: Collins Formal Wear Hair: Side Street Salon Makeup: n u hair & Make Up Studio Location: Elmhurst Inn & Spa

91 London St. Thomas 92 Winners’ Photo Shoot 94 Cover Contest Winners 231 Directory

155

Sarnia Chatham 156 Winners’ Photo Shoot 158 Cover Contest Winners 232 Directory

features 4

Wedding Events

6 8

Enter Our Cover Bride Contest

Engagement Stories

2017 Sarnia/Chatham Winners’ Trip

2017 London/St. Thomas Winners’ Trip

2017 Windsor/Essex Winners’ Trip

2018 Cover Day

217 Local Fashions

articles 20

Get Married in Windsor/Essex Nancy Campana, Nouveau Event Planning

Weddings at Home VS Destinatoin Weddings Air Transat

Sunset Vows - Air Transat

Signature Weddings - Caesars Windsor

Water’s Edge Weddings 101 Dana Horwitz - Waters Edge Event Centre

The Perfect Caterer Filip Rocca, Mezzo Ristorante

The Changing Face of Honeymoons Betty Hutson, LaSalle Travel

110 Something Old, Something New Shanna Dunlop - Fanshawe Pioneer Village 120 Make your Special Occasion more Elegant and Memorable Sweet Sensations Chocolate Fountain Catering 174 199

Rustic Weddings at The Rustic Ranch Wedding & Event Barn The Most Important Call Risa Andersen, Financial Diva

Your Wedding at Highland Highland Country Club’s Grand Highland Hall offers guests a breathtaking view of our immaculately kept golf course. From our peaceful surroundings to the attention to detail, every event we host is unique. From the moment you book your wedding at Highland Country Club, we’ll work side by side with you to personalize every detail of your reception.

From setting the right mood to selecting the right menu, every decision will be catered to your personality and style. Highland Country Club offers a variety of menu options, from formal dinner receptions to intimate champagne brunches. You can choose from our extensive list of exquisite, yet affordable entrées to custom design a menu that suits your needs.

your choice of exquisite menus prepared by our executive chef de cuisine up to 180 guests . full set up and take down . experienced service staff . set up of special event tables white table linen, fine china and silver cutlery . use of the grounds and clubhouse for photography black grand piano with “player piano” option . wood dance floor . host or cash bar available podium with microphone and in-house sound system . complimentary parking

1922 Highland Heights, London . 519-681-8223 ext. 226 karen@highlandcountryclub.com . www.highlandcountryclub.com

on the cover WINDSOR/ESSEX WINNER: Kimberley Neilipovitz Gown: It’s Your Day Bridal Boutique www.itsyourday.ca London/St. Thomas WINNER: Ashley Caughell Gown: Sophie’s Gown Shoppe www.sophiesgownshoppe.com SARNIA/CHATHAM WINNER: Miranda David

Gown: Aliya Bridal Fashions www.aliyabridalfashions.com

Photographer: Chalet Studio Photography www.chaletstudio.ca Shoot Location: Chalet Studio Photography & Gardens Hairstylist: Dry Parlour Inc. www.dryparlourinc.com Makeup Artist: Beautiful Images www.beautifulimagesspa.com

Appear on our next cover and win a trip for two. See page 6.

wedding events September 21 The Fall Wedding Event - Windsor

on our website wedding providers in your area details and updates on our contests

97 london bridal expo 2018

photos of local weddings

177 T rue Fantasies Bridal Expo - Chatham

videos of our photo shoots

october 193 True Fantasies Fall Bridal Expo - Sarnia january 97 London bridal Expo 2019 21 Wedding Extravaganza - Windsor 214 C hatham Kent Wedding Show 2019 february 193 T rue Fantasies Bridal Expo - Sarnia

Owners: Lynda Cameron & Christine Cameron Editor & Marketing Manager: Jay Cameron Graphic Design: Ann Conroy Annual Publication: 2018 - 2019 Issue 18th Edition Published by: Bridal Confidential Ltd. Box 787, Brights Grove, ON N0N 1C0 1-888-869-8281 bridal@cogeco.ca www.bridalconfidential.com We accept no responsibility for advertiser’s claims, omissions or errors. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

April 70 Bridal & Event Expo - Windsor 4

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Est. 1948

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known for our huge selection!

London

517 York Street 519-433-2865

Kitchener

1780 King Street East 519-745-8545

Windsor

519-974-3681

Mississauga

2200 Dundas Street East

905-270-6200

www.sophiesgownshoppe.com Photo Credit: Mori Lee

Enter our Cover Bride Contest

Miranda Ashley

Kimberly

Chalet Studio Photography & Gardens

Appear on our next cover & Win a trip for two 6

3 Contests 3 Grand Prize Winners Every year Bridal Confidential holds three online Cover Bride Contests. One for Windsor/Essex, one for London/St. Thomas, one for Sarnia/Chatham. The Grand Prize for each contest is an all-inclusive trip for 2, two full days of pampering and the winning bride-to-be appears on our next cover. There is also a second place winner, third place...

how to enter Email a photograph of you and your fiancé along with your full names, date of marriage, and city you are from to lynda@bridalconfidential.com and you will be entered. If a professional photo, include name of photographer. This year’s contest runs from September 15, 2018 to April 29, 2019. All couples from the Windsor/Essex, London/St. Thomas, and Sarnia/Chatham areas that are getting married in 2019 or 2020 are eligible.

Winners are Determined by the number of points three ways to get points

You receive points by booking/purchasing from any business on our site or in this magazine. Every time you book or purchase with any of our clients you will receive points. This includes any wedding related or non-wedding related transaction. To receive your points: Email the name of the business along with a receipt to: lynda@bridalconfidential.com

2 3

Attending affiliated Bridal Shows. Come to the Bridal Confidential booth, and fill out a ballot to receive your points. Get points on our Facebook page. Up to 500 likes (points) can be applied to the Cover Bride Contest.

Trips sponsored by

how to win hints from

Ashley

2018 London/St. Thomas Cover Bride Winner

This exciting adventure started when Andrew and I got engaged on a Saturday afternoon in October 2017. I was the bride who was calling and requesting quotes for vendors the Monday morning after our engagement. I had already knew what I wanted as I had been planning my wedding since I was a little girl and it helps that I have a very easy-going groom! Although we thought we had everything figured out and under control, we decided we would go to the winter London Bridal Expo just to see what else was out there. That is where we came across Bridal Confidential. I picked up the magazine, threw it in my bag of goodies and carried on with our day. It wasn’t until a couple of weeks later, when I was looking for some wedding inspiration that I opened the magazine up and read the rules of the contest. As I read further into the details, I quickly browsed the magazine to see the businesses listed, and I knew we had to enter as we had already booked with so many of the businesses in the magazine. The best part was that it was still in coordination with all of my wedding dreams! The contest had been running since September and it was now mid-February and it was going to be ending in April, but I had a good feeling about the contest and instantly e-mailed our photograph, wedding date and name of our town. That was it; I was living, breathing and dreaming about winning this contest. If you had asked my family and friends during this time, they might even say I was obsessed about it. I have always been a competitive person but this contest felt easy and it was so much fun because the contest period was winding down all while planning and counting down to our wedding day. Andrew and I would figure out what we still needed and would take turns booking with different vendors out of the magazine and we just watched our points grow and grow. As we neared the end of the contest, we were nervous as we knew we had been in the top three for our area and being this close, we really wanted to win! For extra points, which doubled as some fun date days, we went on road trips to other cities like, Chatham and Windsor and attended bridal shows all over Southwestern Ontario. We would only eat at restaurants in the magazine to get points and I posted on my Facebook weekly for my friends to ‘like’ and share our photo, because at that point, every single point counted! People may have thought I was crazy for those two and a half months, but let me tell you… the night I received the e-mail that was in bold red letters that said “YOU WON”, I knew all our hard work had paid off. The experience so far has been nothing short of amazing and we couldn’t be more thankful for this once in a lifetime opportunity.

See winners photos and videos on our website. Terms, Conditions and details on contest visit www.bridalconfidential.com

engagements... every one is unique Emily & Adam It all began in September 2011, when we started our university programs at Laurier on the Brantford Campus. We both lived on the same residence floor and were both in the same Concurrent Education program. Fairly quickly we became acquainted through our friends and that was the start of our amazing friendship that was destined for so much more. Soon afterwards, we contemplated dating, and on Valentine’s Day 2012 Adam asked me to be his girl friend. Throughout our 5 ½ year relationship, we’ve experienced many highs and some lows but through the thick and thin, we knew that we were significantly blessed to have each other in our lives. There was no doubt that we’d get married, it was only a matter of “when” Adam would pop the serious question. On August 24, 2017, Adam had planned a very strategic day affair, where he had made the important places throughout our relationship into a scavenger hunt. We started by having our specialty drinks down by the Grand River and talked about our hopes and dreams for the future. He then handed me an empty bottle that led us to the next destination: the Kid’s Ability Centre, where we had shared many picnics and left special chalk messages to each other on the pavement in the past. Once there, he insisted that we create our own bucket list and we took turns adding things that we both hoped we’d accomplish together. At the end he added, “what about adding ‘getting engaged.’” I couldn’t help but smile as his proposal had been something I’d been dreaming about for awhile now. Afterwards, he led me down to the pavement path, where he had left a cute chalk message that led us to our next stop: Marble Slab. Once we were there, we indulged in delicious ice cream cones and the next clue led us to Stratford, the place where we had our first date over 5 years ago. Adam had packed an amazing picnic and champagne and afterwards we fed the swans and walked around the river. The anticipation was getting to me, as I believed that this was definitely the special day, but I had no clue when he was going to pop the question! The next message in a bottle brought us to our favorite tea salon, where we continued to talk and sip our favorite tea. He then handed me the last bottled message that indicated that he was going to make me dinner back at his place. The dinner was spectacular as he put so much effort into making cheesy stuffed chicken with asparagus and set the mood with candles and romantic music. He then told me that he had one more letter for me that listed all of the promises that he was going to keep to me throughout our entire relationship and this brought me to tears. He had been so thoughtful and had literally made this day a fairytale.

He then took my arm and brought me to the living room where he had the room lit with candles, hung pictures of us throughout our relationship around the room, played the song “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran and started to slow dance with me. Towards the end of the song, he gave me a kiss and with a twinkle in his eye he got down on one knee to ask me to be his wife. I was ecstatic, teary eyed and said “yes” immediately. We are now absolutely excited about this journey ahead of us and cannot wait to spend the rest of our lives together as husband and wife. Emily

Madison & Caley I met Caley in February 2016 while I was finishing up my Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy. Although, I was living in the Kingston/Belleville area for school, to be honest, I am not the most social person and admittedly I had been pretty lonely up to that point. Before I knew it, I was choosing to spend weekends in Kingston or Belleville to spend more time with Caley. By the time summer rolled around, I even chose not to end my lease at the apartment in hopes that I would have success at finding work in the area. Here I was, this person who had been so excited to leave it all behind and return home, and I didn’t want to go. I think that’s when I really knew that Caley was my person, and that everything had changed. Unfortunately, in spite of months of endless searching and sleepless nights sending out resumes, I wasn’t having much luck finding work. Resentfully I began sending applications in the other direction, and in April 2017 I was offered a full time position with the hospital in St. Mary’s. The one positive in all of this is that Caley works as a Geophysical Field Technician and travels for work and his companies fly him wherever he needs to be, ultimately meaning he can live just about anywhere in Canada. Although it was a lot to ask, Caley would join me on a new adventure as we moved our life to South Western, Ontario. 10

By December 2017 we had a cozy apartment in Exeter where were living happily with our 2 dogs Busa and Loki and our cat George. There was so much love and cuddles in that one little space it made me wonder what I was so afraid of in the first place. In our time together, I had come to learn “home” would always be where we made it, and not where it falls on the map. We were beginning to build new traditions into our lives and Caley felt that it was important to spend a portion of our Christmas holidays in our home in Exeter to establish these. We spent two nights in the apartment to build tradition and agreed we would do one of our meals in and go out for one, with the plan of decorating our Christmas tree when we got home from our dinner out. Well, those two days flew by and we had an absolute blast watching movies, listening to Christmas music and of course eating way too much food. By the time, we got home from dinner that second night we were both completely exhausted, we threw a Christmas movie on and

somehow fell asleep. When I woke up, it was completely dark except for the Christmas lights that dimly lit the apartment, it was almost 1am and Caley was saying “Come on, we have to get up we forgot to decorate the tree!”. He was right, we had indeed forgot about our plan to decorate the tree. Caley opened our box of ornaments and started to put the bulbs on hooks. He knelt down putting the ornaments on the hooks before passing them to me to place on the tree. I worked diligently to fill all in any green spaces and thought it was starting to look perfect, I just needed one more. I waited for Caley to pass me the next bulb, but when I turned to see him, his hand was holding out a much smaller object than before… this time it was a ring that would signify our engagement. We were so excited to announce our engagement and look forward to many more years filled with love, laughter, and new traditions. Madison

and one has... his point of view Jayme & Scott After two and a half years of dating I knew she was the one, and had to propose. However I knew going into this she wasn’t going to make it easy for me. Due to our conflicting schedules trying to find time together was limited and sometimes near impossible. I thought today was the day two times prior over the course of a couple months but for one reason or another it didn’t seem to work out. I knew she didn’t want a “typical” cliche proposal as she always said it needs to be like a random day in May. No holidays, no crowds just a moment between us. You would think this would be an easy task right! It turned out quite the opposite! Come May I knew it was now or never and on a random day without any holiday or sentimental attachment I asked her to go for a drive. My biggest mistake was mentioning to bring the dog so we could go for a walk somewhere after our drive, I had forgotten he had just got his flea and tick medicine and she presented a long list of where we can’t go due to any wooded area. We started driving and we were talking about our days while I was scrambling to think of a place to go. I remembered that when we first started dating I took her to a look out point in the middle of the night and said I had to bring her back to see the sunset some day. When we pulled up to the spot she began to raze me about how it only took three years to finally see the sunset. Scott

I remember him driving around the city and chatting when next thing I knew we pulled up to a lookout point he had shown me three years prior. We have a joking sense of humour in our relationship so I went on about how it only took him three years to finally bring me to the spot! I couldn’t believe it, three years later he finally followed through with that small promise he made the first week we dated. Even though I was bugging him about it what he didn’t know it meant the world to me that he still remembered that night almost three years ago. We parked and got out to overlook the view, I made a big deal and had to take pictures. I posted it on social media commenting how three years later he finally took me back. I felt bad after for razing him and asked him to sit with our dog so I could take a picture. He than asked me to come sit with him, it had just started spitting and the ground was wet but I reluctantly agreed. Friends of ours had just gotten engaged and we were talking about how he proposed, then he asked me “What if I asked you to marry me”? I looked at him, and since he wasn’t holding a ring I did the typical girl answer and said “You know I will say yes when you are ready”. I remember him fiddling in his pocket and I asked him what he was doing and he said his phone was going off for me tagging him in the post razing him a few minutes prior. He than asked me what if he proposed with a Harvey’s onion ring I said “absolutely not!” I don’t need any huge rock but I need more than a onion ring! We both laughed and I saw a building in the distance and pointed it out asking him what it was. He answered me but than said “But will you marry me!” I looked over and there was a ring box in front of my face with a beautiful ring in it! All I could say over and over is but I’m a jerk! As I had felt horrible for bugging him about finally bringing me to this spot so many years later, I think I said but I’m a jerk at least ten times when he said again “but will you marry me!” I said of course and that was that we were engaged and planning our dream wedding! He completely surprised me and made all my dreams come true. It was better than I could of ever imagined and I’ll never forget that random day in May! Jayme

Gail & Clifton ~ February 17, 2018 Clifton and I have been good friends since 2000. I have been to his place of birth in Grenada three times, so when we were engaged it made sense to get married there because it is such a beautiful island. We were married at the Grenadian by Rex Hotels who put together a beautiful venue for us. We had great friends join us and Cliftonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family were able to be part of the wedding. It was a fantastic day and we were so happy to share this wonderful day.

Alisha & Tyrel ~ August 12, 2017 Tyrel turned a regular evening into an extraordinary date to remember, he proposed and we were so excited and could barely wait to tell all our family and friends. We both wanted to have a wedding in the summer where we have been building our lives together for the past 3 years, so the planning began. I loved the idea of an outdoor ceremony so we started there. We arranged to be married at the outdoor amphitheater in the Park in Prince Albert and we hoped for good weather and we got it! Walking up to my husband to be on that stage surrounded by our family and friends was a fairytale and couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have been more perfect than it was. Alisha Moe

Genelle Amber Studios 12

never missed a wedding in 25 years!

GRANDEURlimousine Stretch your imagination with us!

The only stretched cadillac escalade in South Western Ontario

519-453-7307 . 1-877-246-2844 . grandeurlimousine.com

All Inclusive Trip for Two: Transat & Travel Agents in Action Photographer/location: Chalet Studio Photography & Gardens Videographer: Mel’s Videography See photos and video at bridalconfidential.com. Click on ‘Gallery’

Gown: It’s Your Day Bridal Boutique Tuxedo: Collins Formal Wear Hair: Dry Parlour Inc. Makeup: Beautiful Images

Limousine: Limos by Mr. J’s Gift Basket: Sweet Revenge Bake Shop Dinner for Two: Mezzo Ristorante Overnight Stay: Best Western Plus Waterfront Hotel

article

cover bride contest winners...

1st Place Winners Kimberly & Jeremy

2nd Place Winners Analisa & Mattia

3rd Place Winners Kendra & Mike

4th Place Winners Hannah & Jonathan

5th Place Winners Jessica & Taylor

6th Place Winners Julia & Zachary

7th Place Winners Sarah & Ash

8th Place Winners Cristina & Steve

9th Place Winners Nicole & Ian

... and prizes - windsor/essex 2018

10th Place Winners Sara & Scott

11th Place Winners Alycia & Adam

12th Place Winners Katlyn & Brian

13th Place Winners Madison & Brian

14th Place Winners Sarah & Chris

15th Place Winners Sarah & Daniel

1st Place: All Inclusive Trip for Two Transat & Travel Agents in Action. 2nd Place: Four Hour Night Out in an 8 Passenger Limo Butterfield Limousine Service.

8th Place: $100 Gift Certificate ~ Mezzo Ristorante. 9th Place: Anniversary Cake ~ Whisked Baked Shop. 10th Place: $100 Gift Certificate ~ Rosser Reeves Jewellery.

3rd Place: A Four Diamond Stay for Two with $100 Food Voucher ~ Caesars Windsor.

11th Place: Two Personalized Hangers ~ Touch of Heart.

4th Place: $250 Gift Certificate ~ Ambassador Golf Club.

13th Place: Dinner For Two ~ Riverside Sportsmen Club.

5th Place: $200 Gift Certificate ~ Mezzo Ristorante.

14th Place: Shirt and Tie ~ The Suit Shop Co. Ltd.

6th Place: $100 Gift Certificate ~ Just Cork It Ltd.

15th Place: One Year Sock Club Subscription ~ Collins Formal Wear.

12th Place: Engagement Session ~ Nicki Kay Photography & Design.

7th Place: Police Watch and Sterling Silver CZ Earrings & Pendant Set ~ G & G Jewellery and Coins.

Thank You to our Generous Sponsors! 19

Rachelle & Ryan August, 5, 2017 www.nickikay.ca Share the excitement of your wedding without any of the worry. Your guests will love our exceptional value. And with our free, hot breakfast and our clean and fresh Hampton bed, the wedding party and your family will be relaxed, refreshed and ready to celebrate. 1840 Huron Church Road Windsor 519-972-0770 1 800 hampton YQGCN.DS@hilton.com windsorsuites.hamptoninn.com

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memory lane Prepare a table with slips of paper, pencils and a basket to place notes in. As guests arrive, have them write down their most endearing memory of the bride or groom. Reading them aloud at the reception is a great walk down memory lane and a wonderful way to include your guests. Since reading all of the notes would take up most of the evening, and you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pick and choose, place them in a bowl and draw a few at random.

In Honour of the Ones We Love

Brittany & Matthew September 15, 2017 www.trevorboothphotography.ca

a charitable organization helping cancer patients in the windsor & essex county

Patient & family care for those with life threatening illnesses and disabilities. Kids Beating Cancer Honourable Little Ninjas Therapeutic Karate Program

519-972-0083 www.inhonour.ca Like us on Facebook 22

Together we do make a difference!

Jessica & Andrew September 30, 2017 www.chaletstudio.ca

2017 Sarnia/Chatham Winners’ trip to Cuba by:

Sarah & Jason

For the next couple days of our vacation we spent the days at the lovely white sand beach on our resort! The water was so clear and you could swim pretty far and still touch the bottom! The waiters would come and serve us in our lounge chairs. Jason and I went on a catamaran excursion - the boat was a blast and filled with people of all ages playing dancing games, laying on the nets and enjoying a couple of beverages! The catamaran took us to Cuba’s own private Island known as Cayo Blanco (we thought the beach at the resort was beautiful, but this was something else). We received a free lunch and got to shop and enjoy the day laying in the sun! On our way back to the mainland, we stopped to play with dolphins and go snorkeling! Overall. We can’t thank Air Transat, Travel Agents In Action, Bridal Confidential and all the businesses associated with them for the amazing experience we had throughout the contest and the events that followed after we won!

Jason and I won the 2017 Bridal Confidential Cover Bride contest for the Sarnia/Chatham area and received an all inclusive trip to Paradisus Veredero. The trip was absolutely amazing and Cuba was the most beautiful country we had ever visited. From seeing the Cuban culture to hanging by the pool - Cuba is a must see! On the first day of our trip we took the local double decker bus into the town of Varadero. We visited the town’s local flea market, went to the Beatles Bar and a delicious chocolate factory... it was to die for. Our full day adventure left us feeling hungry and the all the local restaurants on the strip were packed, but a kind man informed us about a small “fancy” restaurant located on the side roads along the bay. I admit we were a bit sceptical but we took a chance anyway. Jason and I ended up at an amazing restaurant, where we ate on the rooftop with a beautiful view of the bay! We had the most delicious lobster, surf and turf and salads we had ever eaten in our lives! If I could remember the name, I would recommend it. 23

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a matter of view

The only hotel in Windsor and Detroit where all 305 rooms have a view of the waterfront Banquet Facilities . Wedding Group Rates . Free Wifi & Local Calls Complimentary Hot Buffet Breakfast . Wheelchair Accessible Rooms

277 Riverside Drive West, Windsor . 877-973-7829 sales@windsor-hotel.ca . www.Windsor-Hotel.ca

2017 London/St. Thomas Winners’ trip to Cancun by:

Christiane & Kyle

Our next few days were filled with excitement and relaxation. We spent our time exploring Isla Mujeres (a beautiful island), snorkelling …twice!, swimming in the caves, zip lining, parasailing, skidooing on the ocean, jungle touring with our very own boat, going to the spa which included hydrotherapy prior to our couples massage, laying in our cabana by the pool, or feeling the sand between our toes by the ocean side. We went to a different restaurant each night. The food was heavenly. We had such a variety, from Mexican (of course!) to sushi, and Thai. They even had different style of restaurants like tapas, buffet, Brazillian style steak house ….which we enjoyed more than once. There was even a fancier style restaurant in case you felt like getting dressed up. There was entertainment every night by the pool and many different places to grab a drink and relax. We loved every minute that by our fifth day we knew we weren't ready to go home. We ended up extending our trip for three more days and cherished the time we had left. Overall, Kyle and I can’t thank Transat, Travel Agents In Action, Bridal Confidential, and all the businesses associated with them for the amazing experience we had throughout the contest and the events that followed after we won!

Kyle and I won the 2017 Bridal Confidential Cover Bride Contest and received an all inclusive trip for two to the Paradisus Cancun, located in Mexico. It was a trip (Honeymoon) we will never forget! From the food and drinks, to the people, and the breathtaking ocean we never wanted our trip to end. As we arrived into what would be our home for the next seven days we were amazed at all the fresh flowers and greenery that garnished the establishment along with the very friendly and helpful staff. As we entered, our bags were taken and we were asked what we would like to drink. We were handed two beautiful cold drinks. Kyle and I looked at each other and thought we had died and gone to heaven. When we arrived in our room we were greeted from the door to our bed with rose petals in the shape of a heart with champagne and chocolate roses. Our view was breathtaking!!!!

156 spacious rooms & suites

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Stunning waterfront view Excellent Service with Affordable Pricing

modern formula blue™ smart design for smart travel ~ free express start™ breakfast mini fridge & microwave in all rooms ~ indoor heated pool & 24-hour fitness ~ business centre & upgraded Wi-Fi meeting room and large open concept breakfast area overlooking the detroit skyline easy walk to casino, st. clair centre for the arts, windsor’s art gallery and many restaurants Offering the Great Room overlooking the waterfront for bridal showers at affordable pricing.

Heather Nantau Director of Sales . 33 Riverside Dr. E. Windsor 519-258-7774 Ext. 7100 . C: 519-551-0461 . sales@windsor-downtown.com

www.hiexpress.com/windsorwfon

2017 Windsor/Essex Winnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trip to Dominican Republic by:

Renalyn & Christopher Winning the 2017 Bridal Confidential Cover Bride Contest was one of the most unforgettable moments of our lives. Chris and I won an allinclusive seven night stay at a Majestic Elegance in Dominican Republic. We had our honeymoon in the first week of December, just in time to get away from the cold weather.

We were welcomed with smiles, and tropical drinks upon arrival. We were brought to our room right away and the staff made sure we had everything we needed. Everywhere in the resort was beautifully kept and clean. The swimming pool started from the lobby and continued all the way to the beach with three bars, including a swim up bar, in between!!! There were activities going on all day, our favorites were the beach party, foam party and the coconut party which was always fun and engaging because of their excellent activity team. We also enjoyed all the night time entertainments, and one night we participated in their couples game. There is also a plaza where they have music and dancing every night. Our room was always cleaned and well stocked. They had their Christmas lighting ceremony, the place lit up and the surrounding was jaw dropping. The food was spectacular, we were at different restaurants the seven days we were there and breakfast by the beach was amazing. The sound of the waves, the smell of the sea and the morning breeze while enjoying breakfast was the best way to start our day. By the way, let me tell you, there is a bar right by the beach and friendly happy servers which is the cherry on top! The beach was well taken care of and not crowded. The drinks were flowing and our time there was nothing but sun, fun and relaxation! Thank you so much Transat, Travel Agents in Action and Bridal Confidential for this unforgettable experience!

When Being There Means So Much

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Complimentary Hot Breakfast Fully renovated 24 hour fitness room Close to all major banquet halls and wineries

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Free Wireless High Speed Internet Access

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Recipient of the 2017 Hotel Facility of the Year award for Essex County.

FIND US:

Weddings at home vs. Destination Weddings

By: Air Transat

2. Complimentary access to airport lounges You and your darling will enjoy VIP treatment at lounges at select Canadian airports.

Should you tie the knot at home or in a slice of paradise with a tireless sun, exotic settings and guests whose names you’ll know for sure? Here are some of the terrific reasons to choose a destination wedding!

3. Future travel voucher You and your significant other will receive a $500 future travel voucher so you can celebrate your one-year anniversary in the same spirit as when you got married.

weddings at home Timing: Seasonal

destination weddings

4. Excursion credit You and your partner will receive a $100 credit for pre-booked excursions.

Setting:

Typically indoors

Exotic, outdoor locations

Duration:

One-day celebration

Week-long celebration

Guest List:

Higher number of guests, Smaller group of guests, including acquaintances which tends to include and distant relatives close friends and family

Planning:

Stressful and time-consuming

Any time of the year

Wedding coordinators manage all the details

Honeymoon: Additional planning and savings required

Begins after the ceremony

Cost: Average cost to bride and groom: $25,000

Average cost to bride and groom: $6,000-$10,000

Our Wedding Gifts to You

We’ll pamper you and your beloved — and yes, even your guests — with the dedication of a maid of honour or best man. Book your Sun package with us, and we’ll shower you with these early wedding presents. Free upgrade to Option Plus on Air Transat¹ With Option Plus, you and your sweetheart will receive even more privileges and services in Economy Class, including: Complimentary standard seat selection Priority check-in at a designated counter q One additional piece of checked baggage of 23 kg q Priority boarding q Special perks on board q Priority baggage handling q q

1. Wedding gown The bride can bring her wedding gown on board as an extra carry-on.

5. No deposit for guests Your first 30 wedding guests who book with us will not be required to pay a deposit until 90 days after the booking date or 60 days before departure, whichever comes first. The bride and groom must pay a deposit of $300 per person at the time of booking. 6. Price Drop Guarantee Should a Transat package become available at a lower price than the one paid, we’ll refund you or your guests the difference. 7. Complimentary wedding planning trip You and your betrothed (or another guest) can travel to the resort, for free, to plan your wedding. Valid on all new bookings of Transat Sun packages made by wedding groups with a minimum of 10 adult passengers. Bookings must be made by April 30, 2019, for travel between November 1, 2019, and April 30, 2020; or by October 31, 2019, for travel between May 1 and October 31, 2020. 1Based on standard seats and subject to availability. 2Subject to available space. 3This offer only applies to airport lounges in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal and Quebec City. Subject to change without notice. 4Valid for all wedding groups with a minimum of 20 adult passengers. This voucher is non-transferable, non-refundable, holds no cash value and must be redeemed within 14 months of the original travel date. The newlyweds can redeem the voucher for any Transat package, which must be booked at least 60 days before departure. 5The couple must purchase an excursion with this $100 credit at least 14 days before departure. This credit is non-transferable, non-refundable and holds no cash value. 6Upon request, we will make a one-time price adjustment up to 60 days before departure. The Price Drop Guarantee applies to the same package as the one originally booked (same hotel room category, date of departure, gateway and flight) and must be available at the time the price adjustment request is made. Passengers will receive a maximum refund of $400 per adult and $200 per child. 7Full payment of the planning trip is required in advance, and the couple will be reimbursed after the wedding group has travelled. The reimbursement will include a two-night hotel stay, transfers and a $500 air credit per person. This offer is available at select resorts and is valid only if the couple’s wedding group is a minimum of 50 passengers (25 rooms). Taxes, fees and surcharges will not be reimbursed. 29

The purpose of the wedding gift is to give the newlyweds a head start on the many things they will need to begin their life together. Surprisingly, the giving of a gift by an invited guest is not compulsory and at one time was almost unheard of. In modern society most, if not all, guests will give a gift and if you don’t want to receive an extensive collection of flatware, a gift registry is the answer.

Gift

the

Joy & Marc ~ July 1, 2017 www.blushphotos.ca

Before choosing which stores to register with - do some research. Go shopping for information by visiting the stores you are interested in, talk with the sales people, and ask if they do gift wrapping (handy for out of town guests). Since it’s unlikely that one store will have everything on your wish list, it’s perfectly proper to register in more than one place. As you browse the stores, keep notes on which items you would like to receive. Registries are not just for the wedding itself. You can use your registry for both party and shower gifts. Register at least six to eight months before the wedding and include a wide price range with several items that carry a modest price tag.

...did you know? Laura & Keith ~ September 9, 2017 www.nickikay.ca 30

Holland gives us the bridal shower tradition. The legend says when a young maiden fell in love with a penniless miller, her friends ‘showered’ her with gifts that would help them set up a home.

Sunset Vows

By: Air Transat

Wedding day rituals

It was the wedding Shauna had dreamt about. Nay, even the wedding in her dreams would be jealous of this. Strolling down the golden-sand aisle to swaying palms, the soundtrack of waves crashing onto shore and the setting sun soaking the jade waters in a luminous glow. And let’s not forget the man waiting for her at the end of that aisle, her beloved Dustin. A smile dawned on her face as she remembered how they got here…

Shauna: In the morning, my girls and I went for a massage at the resort. Dustin: My groomsmen and I went into town for lunch and to the casino. We won $150 playing blackjack! Then we hung out by the resort’s pool. My groomsmen had a few beers, but I was instructed not to [laughs]. We swam until two hours before the wedding.

The couple met two years ago through friends at a party at Dustin’s house. And while their memory is impeccable(ish) when recalling what the other one wore that night, a smidge of fog sets in when recounting their first kiss.

Backup plan Dustin: I told her I had a Jet Ski on standby in case I wanted to run. She didn’t find it funny. The one thing I absolutely wanted at our wedding

Dustin: It was our second date. We had gone out to dinner… and she kissed me. Shauna: No, I didn’t! You kissed me! Let’s agree to disagree.

Dustin: Ocean in the background and Shauna walking toward me. That’s all that mattered.

It may not have been love at first sight, but love didn’t dawdle either. Just one month after dating, Dustin and Shauna jetted off to Puerto Vallarta for a romantic escape at Now Amber. And somewhere between hidden coves and strolls on the pristine beach, they fell in love.

Shauna: My two-year-old niece was a flower girl and pretty much dropped all the flowers in one spot, said “All done!” and walked away.

Dustin: That’s when I knew she was the one. Shauna: That’s when I knew he was the one. No disagreement there. So when it came time to planning their wedding, the choice was obvious. On March 27, 2016, Shauna and Dustin said “I do” in front of 30 family members and friends at Now Amber Puerto Vallarta under a draped arch that framed the sea like a window into paradise, just as the weary sun dipped lazily into the sparkling waters. It was the wedding of their dreams, indeed.

Our Wedding...

Weeklong party!

Shauna: Our guests spent the whole week with us, and we wanted them to treat this like a vacation. So we went swimming in coves in Sayulita, whale-watching, fishing, golfing, jet skiing, tequila tasting and ATVing.

Minor hiccup

Song I wanted to have our first dance to Dustin: “I Don’t Dance” by Lee Brice because the lyrics reflect how I feel about her—I feel comfortable doing anything with her by my side. But her brother got married a few months earlier and stole my song. Shauna: So we had our first dance to “Truly Madly Deeply” by Savage Garden. Which is great, because since I was 10, I knew that would be my wedding song. After-hours party Dustin: The reception ended at 9:30 p.m., so we then went to the resort’s disco and partied ’til late! Words of wisdom to couples tying the knot at destination. Dustin: Dancing in the sand is hard! I’d recommend a dance floor for your reception. Shauna: Make sure you have alone time with your spouse, because with all your friends and family there, time flies!

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Lauren & Walid ~ November 18, 2017 www.blushphotos.ca

Less serious than the wedding cake, the grooms cake is based on imagination, frivolity and personality. Resembling his favourite team, hobby or TV show, it can be served anytime, chosen by the groom or come as a surprise, and having one is optional, but his cake didn’t start out that way. Beginning in Victorian England, the grooms cake was baked in his favourite flavour but designed with the formality of the era it mind, and it stayed that way until the tradition caught on in the southern US where they added inspiration and humour. More than another excuse to eat cake, superstition says his baked delight holds special powers, and an unmarried woman who sleeps with a piece of it under her pillow will dream of her future husband, it doesn’t mention waking up with icing in her hair.

Cut

As the first task newlyweds perform together, the cake cutting ceremony holds a deeper meaning than just prepping dessert. It symbolizes the couple’s lifelong commitment to caring for each other, and while a highlight at any wedding, it’s often overlooked in the practice department. OK, everyone knows how to use a knife and cut a slice of cake, and most future brides are fully informed on the procedure, but is he? There aren’t many men out there who are schooled in the finer points of the cake cutting ceremony. If you don’t at least discuss how it will be done, what’s the worst that could happen? True story: Because his father always had the honour of carving the Xmas turkey, the well meaning but misguided groom assumed that as the man in the new family the same principle applied to the cake, and took on the responsibility single-handedly while his bride watched in stunned disbelief. Not that he didn’t do a good job, but that’s not how it works. Go over the procedure with him. When the moment arrives, position yourselves so that you are facing your guests, giving them a full view of both you and the cake. Since the purpose of the first slice is feeding it to each other you only need a small amount. Use elegant silverware meant for this occasion, and have napkins handy. Not using the right utensils is like drinking Dom Pérignon from a coffee mug. It may taste all right, but the ambiance is lost. Guests love watching the newlyweds cut the symbolic piece, but don’t want to see the masterpiece being demolished for serving. After the initial cut, a member of your catering staff should return the cake to the kitchen.

Jonathan & Stephanie ~ July 21 , 2017 www.nickikay.ca 32 bakeries

A word on cake mashing. Don’t. This will be the only day in your life when you will wear a princess gown, marry your prince, and live the fantasy. In all the fairy tales and love stories ever written, not once does the prince shove food in the princess’ face.

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here comes the bride The music we refer to as “Here Comes the Bride” was written by Wagner in 1850 for his opera Lahengrin. He called it the “Bridal Chorus” and for the past 150 plus years it has been the most popular processional tune throughout English speaking countries. It rose to prominence after being played at the wedding of Princess Victoria, daughter of Queen Victoria, in her 1858 marriage to Prince Frederick William, heir to the Prussian throne. Why did this particular melody gain such distinction? Perhaps because, unlike most arranged royal marriages, the couple were deeply in love.

follow etiquette... save time For a small wedding, forgoing the receiving line in favour of visiting guests at each table works nicely, and, according to etiquette, is completely proper, however for larger weddings of 50 or more a receiving line is the correct way to go. Why the 50 guest ceiling? More than just an arbitrary cut-off point, this limit represents etiquette working to your advantage by offering a solution to another rule of protocol - greeting each guest. Besides being the happiest day of your life this will also be the busiest and when it’s over you will be amazed at how quickly the day flew by, and how little time there was to relax and enjoy. In this whirlwind, visiting each table and greeting guests individually will only add to the remarkable shortage of time, and regardless of how attentive you are some guests will be missed. A receiving line takes care of personal greetings, assures no one will be overlooked, and you will have more free time for celebrating with a few moments left over to stop and absorb the sights and sounds of your day.

It is not love, but lack of love which is blind. Glenway Wescott

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Chris & Sydney ~ August 5. 2017 www.chaletstudio.ca

St. Clair College Centre for the Arts is a downtown Windsor venue boasting banquet rooms with stunning waterfront views. Our executive Chef and his culinary Team recognize that your wedding menu should be as special and unique as you are. Secure your wedding at our venue and receive devoted detailing and planning sessions with our professionals. Call us now to book a tour!

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Sam & Josh ~ September 22, 2017 www.blushphotos.ca

Tracey & Adam ~ August 5, 2017 www.trevorboothphotography.ca

Rashad & Katie ~ November 11, 2017 www.nickikay.ca

38 banquet halls

Tina & Carl ~ May 19, 2017 www.chaletstudio.ca

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Water’s Edge Weddings 101 by Dana Horwitz ~ Water’s Edge Event Centre

He asked, “will you marry me”, you said, “I will” and now the fun begins… After everyone has looked at your ring and liked your new Facebook status as engaged, the questions will begin. When are you getting married and even more importantly Where Are You Getting Married??? Your wedding venue sets the tone for your entire event. Will it be indoors or outdoors rustic or romantic, will your guests attend your ceremony at a church and then celebrate your reception at a completely different location? You do not need to break the bank on your venue and decor, and then not have the funds for the honeymoon of your dreams. Your Wedding day should be the start of your new life together not starting off in debt. The Water’s Edge Event Centre offers you many cost saving options allowing you to stay on budget, and on point as you host your big day at Windsor’s most unique awardwinning venue. At The Water’s Edge you can bring in the decorator and DJ of your choice allowing you personalize your day and stay within your budget. Your choice is as limitless as your imagination. Work with the classic setting of The Grande Ballroom using our Oak Altar and centuries old Stained Glass to help you decorate. cont’d on page 44

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Water’s Edge Weddings 101 cont’d

Our Ivy Courtyard makes a beautiful setting for a ceremony or cocktails. Photographers love the backdrop that you can use for photos at no extra charge. Whatever the season the ivy is always there with bright greens or the burnt colors of autumn, giving you a classic staging.

Nicole Vallance Photography

Utilizing The White Room with its blank pallet let’s you paint any picture that you want, and dazzle your guests with this simple classic backdrop. There is no additional charge to have your ceremony in the same space as your reception. In a blink of an eye we will flip the room from ceremony to reception saving you time and money. The Water’s Edge offers you it’s in house event coordinator. From the moment you choose our venue we assist you with your planning needs that continue to your wedding day.

“I Do!” Your Way ~ Your Day Rev. Lynne Boudreau . Rev. Irene Clark-Carroll 1843 Clover Ave., Windsor . 519-817-1658 iclarkcarroll@yahoo.com . www.rosecitywedding.ca

line up and wait Where it will form is a commonly overlooked aspect of the receiving line. The waiting throng could be trapped outside wishing they had sunglasses, or worse, umbrellas. And if they will be waiting inside, will there be enough room, or are we looking at a sardine situation? From a guest’s point of view, it’s enough that they are willing to line up and wait to speak to you, they don’t want to be uncomfortable while they’re doing it. Keep potential receiving line blunders in mind when scouting locations, and assure guests will be shaded or sheltered in comfortable surroundings. Where guests will wait can be determined in advance, how long they will wait is anyone’s guess until it happens. Making conversations brief will go a long way to keeping the line moving, and if they’re still getting backed up, reduce the number of attendants. The only ones that really need to be there are you and your new hubby.

Do you know I got married over 26 years ago on Thursday of a holiday weekend? You can do this and pay a weekday price for your wedding and your guests still have the entire weekend to recuperate, celebrate or even go to a cottage! Think outside the box, you don’t have to get married on Saturday think of a Sunday brunch or Friday evening small plates all of this is an option at The Water’s Edge. Place yourself in our gorgeous setting, that will impress your guests form the moment they enter. At The Water’s Edge we cater to your every need and will make your wedding a day to remember. We look forward to meeting you Dana Horwitz has finally become a mother of the groom herself. While not taking care of her five lovely children and her volunteer responsibilities she is making wedding dreams come true for brides like you! p

a night out at the Ambassador! Local business owners along with Bridal Confidential enjoyed a fabulous meal at Ambassador Golf Club, prepared by Executive Chef Daniele Palanca. Dinner was followed by a tour of Windsor in a chauffeured limousine courtesy of Limos by Mr. J’s.

44 celebrant

waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge article

own the aisle

Both parents escorting the bride has become a fashionable trend, but did you know that the groom walking down the aisle with his parents is also gaining in popularity? Traditionally, the groom and his party are already in place when the bridal party enters, but if your guy would like the chance to be part of the procession, he can walk down the aisle accompanied by his parents. He escorts them to their seats, then takes his place with the groomsmen before the bridal party enters. This is a charming way to honour the parents of the groom and let a little of the spotlight shine on them. Although some prefer to honour tradition and be escorted by a male family member, today’s brides are free to be escorted in any way and with anyone they wish and some are choosing not to be escorted at all. 46 bridal shops

other of the groom

Grouped into his side of the family, it’s not uncommon for the groom’s mother to be left feeling like an outsider at her own son’s wedding. Her side deals primarily with guy stuff (tuxedos, cars etc.) and she’s not part of the bride’s entourage either, so she’s left hovering somewhere in between. Start out on the right foot with your future mother in law and include her in the girl stuff. No one knows the man you are about to marry better than his mother. Use her expertise and get her input. She will be especially helpful on anything that involves a surprise for the groom, like his cake or a gift. When you can’t ask him - ask her. Take her along on gown shopping trips. Wedding gown shopping is ‘girl fun’ in its purest form and she would probably love to be involved. For any function that includes the bride’s mother, include the groom’s mother.

Known for our HUGE selection Est. 1948

Melissa & Steve ~ October 7, 2017 www.trevorboothphotography.ca

Sheena & Ryan ~ November 18, 2017 www.trevorboothphotography.ca

Katy & Dave ~ August 18, 2017 www.blushphotos.ca

www.sophiesgownshoppe.com WINDSOR . 519-974-3681 London 519-433-2865 . 517 York St. Mississauga 905-270-6200 . 2200 Dundas St. East Kitchener 519-745-8545 . 1780 King St. East 48 bridal shops

Martha & Jake ~ January 28, 2017 www.blushphotos.ca

5862 Wyandotte St E, Windsor . 226-246-2664 . www.bellabridalwindsor.com

His & Hers Wear and Bridal

resentation

The most significant, lavish and expensive cake you will ever have isn’t going to dazzle without the right surroundings. Given it’s stature in the celebrations, the icing covered delight deserves a private table of just the right proportions. Delightful to look at but delicate to touch, the cake has to be both highly visible and out of harm’s way, so if you have to ‘put baby in a corner’ flowers or lighting (not too hot) will deliver the warranted attention. When a shortage of space relegates the cake to the buffet table, placement becomes even more crucial. Designed to dazzle and intended to stand alone, cakes lose their star quality when they have to share the spotlight with potato salad, but will retain their dignity when placed a distance apart, or if you’re using the ‘put it in the centre’ solution, give it lots of space and define its perimeter by encircling it with an array of flowers and/or candles. When the cake and the table linen are both white, the question will literally be “What’s wrong with this picture”? Obviously too much white, but the lack of contrast usually goes unnoticed until the photos arrive and you can’t tell where the cake ends and table begins. When linen colours are limited and the white-on-white dilemma can’t be avoided, a smaller contrasting cloth that drapes over the table’s edges will break the one colour illusion. Properly placed in flattering surroundings, the pièce de résistance can even outshine the bride. Let it take the glory, after all it won’t be here tomorrow, you will. no appointments necessary

828 Ottawa St., Windsor 519-977-0478 nelly_semaan@yahoo.com . www.hisandhersbridal.com

ive and

ake

Your mother is purchasing the dress or your father is covering the entertainment. Before accepting financial assistance, be clear on expectations. Is your mother’s vision of your gown radically different from yours? Will her contribution make her feel she has the right to insist on the one she likes? Will your father want a live band while you prefer a DJ? Naturally your wishes come first but anyone who contributes financially will probably expect to have some input in your choices. Are they being unreasonable? Not at all. Even when it’s a gift, everyone likes to know where their money is going and if it’s going toward something they approve of.

workable colours Coordinating flowers with bridesmaids gowns, invitations etc. is something of a puzzle. They have to compliment each other and reflect the tone of your day, but with so many variables, where do you begin? Sentiment will tell you to go with your favourite tones, but practicality suggests you begin with a colour that will be prominent, permanent, and on the walls. Not the most romantic place to start, but the venue walls are the one unchangeable factor in your colour equation. If walls could talk, and reminisce on past weddings, they would say “For the love of Tim Hortons” look at us first”.

Before accepting offers of financial assistance find out if there are any strings attached and if there are, whether you can find a compromise that will please everyone. Chances are that a little understanding on both sides will take care of any differences. If you can’t come to an agreement it may be best not to accept the money. Differences of opinion are a direct route to wedding stress.

50 bridal shops

Lexi & Steve ~ February 11, 2017 www.chaletstudio.ca

Little

considerations

Children in your wedding party need to have the right temperament for the position. A naturally shy or timid child will probably suffer stage fright at the last minute, and keeping a hyperactive toddler in check is nearly impossible. Including children that don’t fit the job description is setting yourself up for little troubles. No matter how much the child resembles an angel if they won’t behave like one move on to the next candidate. When the younger set is established, it’s time to entice them into completing their adorable duties as planned. Keep them involved. Children who feel important and included will be prepared and more at ease. When the day arrives if they haven’t rehearsed, and don’t know what’s going on it’s like telling someone who can’t swim to jump into the deep end, and you’re going to be met with reluctance. Little T-shirts announcing ‘world’s cutest bridesmaid’ or ball caps stating ‘official ring bearer’ will peak their interest, and rehearsing will boost their confidence. Where am I going? To help a very young child make it from entrance to alter, seat the parents at the front of the venue on the aisle where the little one can see them. The child will feel more secure, and like a bear to honey, will head straight for them especially if a parent is holding a favoured toy. When there’s still doubt that the youngster will complete the trip, a bridesmaid or groomsman can escort them to their destination. Keep emotions low key. If you or one of your bridesmaids is having a meltdown the negativity will spread like a virus to susceptible, and soon to be crying, children. It doesn’t even have to be a full blown meltdown, nervousness and even overly joyful excitement can confuse and alarm them. Unlike adults, who usually inform others when they begin feeling stressed, young children seldom give any warning signs of an impending out-burst. In this frenzy of emotion, pay attention to their feelings with smiles, reassuring words and an explanation of why all these tears are a good thing. Misdirection. Along with tales of how wonderful it will be, how much fun they will have and how adorable they will look, add a little icing to the proverbial cake with the promise of a reward at the end. An attractively wrapped gift will redirect their thoughts from ‘who are all these strangers’ to ‘what’s in the box’ If a child becomes too nervous to continue let them

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33 Talbot Street., E, Leamington . 519.326.4121 www.herecomesthebride.ca decline. Trying to reason with an upset child is fruitless, forgo the flower petals and proceed. Regardless of how suitable and well prepared children are, there’s still one thing you can’t do anything about - their remarkably short attention spans. It’s a long walk for those little legs and the route is lined with enticing distractions. Some wayward charmers have stopped to gather the flowers adorning the pews, others spotted a favoured relative and decided to go visit, and a few have broken into a run and made it down the aisle in record time. Sometimes I think these unplanned mishaps are the reason we have children in wedding parties. It’s the ‘awe factor’. You can’t get it any other way. Only a small child messing up provides that warm, fuzzy, feeling. These junior faux pas can’t be avoided, you can only accept that when the little ones are included things may go awry...if you’re lucky. bridal shops 51

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Jennifer & Moe ~ September 23, 2017 www.chaletstudio.ca

Music is the highest art form. It is invisible and exists only in your mind. It is not tangible or physical, it lives in our hearts and expresses inexpressible feelings. Don McLean

for the

Guys

Wedding planning is not your thing and you are happy to leave it entirely up to her? Fair enough, but don’t put your feet up just yet. Traditional wedding planning, the one where she’s running the show, is an 80:20. 80% of the duties fall to her and the other 20% is all yours, which isn’t too bad when you consider you’ll have a back-up team to help you pull it off. You could pare that down to 15% if you let her choose the transportation and music but you’d be missing part of the fun (yes wedding planning can be fun, and no I’m not trying to sway you). what first? Having chosen your bride, the next step is choosing your players and assembling the team. A strong support system is the key to any successful venture, so while reliable may not be a trait you seek in friends, it’s vital when it comes to the men who will get you to the church on time, and remember to bring the rings. To make the cut, they have to be personable as well as punctual. After the main event their personalities will come into play as they transition from support system to secondary hosts. Your players should be willing to dedicate their lives to getting your 20% right, and have the personalities to see it through. GUIDANCE SYSTEM Undoubtedly your future bride will be sharing her progress, and because there’s more to wedding planning than pink versus peach, think of her as your GPS and pay attention. You will dazzle her with your knowledge when meeting with professionals, and occasionally her questions will remind you to get fitted for a tux or book a haircut. To be less involved, listen more. 60 formal wear

as planned PLEASE Organized like an international event with visiting dignitaries, the bride has timed every detail with precision, and her sincerest wish is that her wedding day will go exactly as planned. That doesn’t leave a lot of wiggle room for surprises. The desire to do something special for your bride is understandable, however if it will throw off the timeline, devastate her hairstyle or mess up her makeup don’t do it. the final 2% The ceremony is over and it’s time to get on with the celebrations, but you haven’t met your quota just yet. Relax, there are no more errands or expenses. Meeting your planning percentage only means focusing all of your attention on your bride, and you owe her one. Having taken the 80:20 route it’s clear that she has done most of the work so it’s time to give her what she want’s most - her new husband by her side as she lives out the day she has worked so hard for. That’s not too much to ask and sounds pretty easy, however there will be challenges to overcome. A strange phenomenon occurs at weddings. Guests come to see their loved ones become a couple, and then do everything they can to keep them apart for the rest of the day. Aunt Harriet wants to reminisce, an accountant friend wants to work on your financial future, and the guys want you to join them in a toast to the old gang. Tricky. While keeping your eye on your bride, sidestep your aunt, set up an appointment, make it a quick one and get back to being a couple.

a favour to remember Guests will remember the ceremony, the meal, and the music, but the favour is often forgotten. When it was so carefully chosen and lovingly given, why does this memento of your wedding fade from memory? Because in this ‘one size has to fit all’ situation, the best you can do is present something that will please everyone, so the gift is in peril of becoming just another in a long line of wedding favours. But there are measures to assure your gift will be welcomed and memorable. It’s impossible to say when and where the idea of presenting favours originated, but the 16th century French aristocracy, with their unlimited funds and flare for decadence, elevated it to new heights by presenting their guests with a jewel encrusted box containing sweets. They even had a catchy name for them ‘bonbonnières’. At the time sugar was an outrageously expensive delicacy, but the thought behind the gift was not just extravagance. Sugar was believed to be excellent for the health (ah the good old days) and was a symbol of the couple’s caring and gratitude. In the midst of their lavish lifestyle, they still understood that the thought behind the gift mattered most. Which brings us back to how you present suitable and meaningful gifts to the largest gathering you will ever host. It can only be done with style. Give something they can use. In other words, resist the temptation to make your initials, date of marriage or engagement photo a permanent fixture on the gift. This modern trend defeats the purpose. When ‘a gift for you’ becomes ‘a gift about me’ it’s the express route to making a useful item into one that will end up in the back of a drawer. But that’s not to suggest you forgo all connection to your day. Something that reflects your personalities or the theme of your wedding will relay the message.

Gail’s Flowers & Event Decor

If, even with the help of Pinterest, you have dismissed all the ideas and are out of options, do what the French aristocrats did - give them candy. Over the ages, wedding favour trends have come and gone, but the gift of food has endured and today it still reigns in the ‘can’t miss’ category. The traditional five sugared almonds, the more modern truffles, or little jars of jam (very classy) always a delight. Packaging, the fun part. Having resisted the urge to engrave your intertwined initials on every visible surface you can now unleash the ‘it’s all about me demon’ with tags, bags and bows focused on you. This is the place to add your initials, the date of your wedding, where you met, or anything else you want them to know. On wrappings, nothing is too much.

Full Wedding Decor ~ Florist ~ Invitations

376 Elmstead Road, Lakeshore 519-739-6002 karen@gailsflowersandeventdecor.ca www.gailsflowersandeventdecor.ca 62 florists

Presentation, the finishing touch. A favour that has been left at a place setting is nice but when there’s no message from the newlyweds attached, it’s impersonal. A little tag thanking them for coming will transform it from ‘this is for everyone’ into ‘this is for you’.

Where creativity flourishes

vintage to elegant classic to modern Krissy Thiessen & Design Team 400 Talbot St.,E. Leamington . 519- 326-5282 office@thiessenflowers.com . www.thiessenflowers.com

tions to a l u t a r g n o C im! K t n e i t a p our smile!â&#x20AC;? l u f i t u a e b What a

Cover Bride Contest Winners ~ Chalet Studios Photography

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Eric & Samantha ~ May 20, 2017 Our wedding day was a fairytale love story come true. We were high school sweethearts for 10 years when Eric asked for my hand. We were married in his home church St.John De Brebeuf surrounded by all of our loved ones. Our wedding day was especially unique because of our Superman theme; the invitations, the cake and even the shoes all had touches of this. It was so beautiful and we felt so much love from everyone. We couldn't have wished for anything more!

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body hair nails skin makeup

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an observation During the ceremony groomsmen take centre stage beside the groom, ushers however, having greeted guests, escorted them to their seats and handed out programs, retreat to the rear where they remain on guard but out of the spotlight. Unlike groomsmen, ushers don’t have to be as well dressed as their more elevated counterparts, and aren’t usually included in the receiving line or at the head table. All indications of a lesser position in the wedding party’s hierarchy? Ironic. Smaller weddings don’t require ushers (perhaps this accounts for their lower rank) but for larger affairs they are invaluable. They will be directing traffic, making first contact with guests, and answering their questions. Ushers may have to assist the handicapped, provide umbrellas, or even shovel snow. While groomsmen are on light duty and basking in the limelight of the ceremony, ushers are guarding the door against latecomers, and doing their best to maintain silence in the room. It seems like we have it backward. Ushers, not groomsmen, should be receiving the kudos. They do all the work and take all the responsibility while groomsmen just stand there.

safety net Is all your contact information stored on your phone? Are all your important dates on your computer? If you answered yes to these questions you trust technology more than I do. Storing all your information electronically is flirting with disaster. Phones get lost and computers break down. Make hard copies of important dates and the contact information for all your vendors, and give someone a copy for safekeeping.

programs A program is not a necessity but it is a nice touch that lets your guests know exactly what’s going on. It is an introduction to the wedding party, the families and the timeline of the ceremony. There are no rules for a wedding program and you are free to add anything you think they would like to know. Finalize it with a “Thank you for coming”.

Congratulations to the owners of Jacobs Boutique on the birth of their daughter, Ariya.

Sherri Peroni Photography

Baby Ariya sleeps peacefully in the arms of her beautiful big sister, Cadence.

66 invitations

Rashad & Katie November 11, 2017 www.nickikay.ca

A fool in love makes no sense to me. I only think you are a fool if you do not love. Unknown

Create your own style. www.rosserreeves.com 519-979-3642 did you know? Since they were first discovered in India around 800 BC, diamonds have been prized as being mystical, magical and because of their density, represent love everlasting. Ancient Romans believed that diamonds could ward off evil, and by a 13th century French law,

only a king could wear diamonds. India was the only source of diamonds for almost 2500 years. Canada now produces 15% of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diamonds, and it is speculated that in the near future it will reach 50%. The largest stone ever found in Canada is the Tuzo Diamond, which weighed in at 25 carats and was estimated to be worth $440,000.

Celebrate With Love

MaryGrace & Alan October 28, 2017 www.trevorboothphotography.ca

25 Amy Croft Dr., Unit 14A, Lakeshore 519-735-9002 . www.goldstarjewelers.ca 68 jewellers

Accept this ring as a sign of my commitment rather than my wealth. True love has no price, but it offers infinite value. Unknown

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Is the ultimate pampering. It includes all standard amenities plus unlimited use of the limo for the day, including champagne, orange juice and muffins in the morning, plus complimentary late-night pickup for the bride and groom.

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total recall Destined to become your treasured possessions, wedding photos are a lasting witness that will keep the day alive and probably, because fashion never sleeps, amuse your grandchildren. If we had eidetic memories we would have no need for photographs, but since we can’t all be Sheldon Cooper memories fade. With every detail clearly imprinted on your brain, it’s hard to believe that one day you won’t be able to recall the fine details on the back of the gown or the design on the invitations. Every aspect of your day deserves a forever image. A list of the photo session lineup is an absolute must. In the getting-ready excitement the odds of overlooking your ‘something borrowed’, aren’t in your favour, plus the list may be longer than you imagine. Full invitation set, monogrammed dinner napkins, favours, handkerchief... everything that has special meaning, and don’t forget the shoes. To complete your ‘must have’ photo list, and still make it to the ceremony on time, gather everything in advance and set them aside to await portrait day. Make your, and your photographer’s life easier by having the stage set. Choose an area with the best possible lighting and keep it clear of anything that doesn’t belong in the photos. Getting individual shots of each item would be time consuming, so a collage of less exalted items such as programs, perfume or place cards will record the memories and speed things along.

picture perfect There will be lots of photos during and after, but what happened to before? The beauty of the reception room won’t be lost entirely, but it will diminish when guests arrive, tables are occupied and chairs askew. Get some solo shots before the crowd moves in and sweeps away the pristine glory. 74 photographers

Perfect

The

Caterer

by Filip Rocca ~ Mezzo Ristorante

Finding the perfect caterer is an essential part of any catering event no matter what the size. Weddings, corporate events, parties and family gatherings are all times when the services of a caterer might be needed. Unfortunately, there is no standardized grading system for caterers and anybody can start their own catering business. Here’s how to choose a good caterer so that the food at your event is something memorable, for all the right reasons so read carefully and take notes.

Another good idea would be to ask the caterer if they have any events coming up so you can sneak in to take a look at the set up of the room. This will give you ideas for your special event.

Pay attention to word of mouth recommendations. No amount of advertising can replace a good recommendation from somebody you know and trust. If a friend or acquaintance had a great caterer for their wedding or event, then this is a caterer you should talk to for your next event. Conversely, bad reviews should also be heeded. Also, if the company has been in business many years this will show that they mean business and stick by their word.

Inquire about the food freshness. Many caterers cut corners in food preparation by using frozen products. Fresh is always best and they’re charging you as though it were made fresh. Insist on only using a caterer that uses fresh food, not frozen.

Schedule a tasting. Caterers who provide food for events should offer to provide you with a tasting, in order to gain your business. This tasting will give you an idea of what to expect for the event but don’t rush into booking this until you have narrowed down a possible menu to avoid multiple tastings and more headaches. This evening will give you a first hand look at the food quality, taste, presentation and service. Consider the caterer’s specialty. Some caterers specialize in larger scale events and have the equipment and expertise to professionally handle larger numbers of guests. Other caterers specialize in smaller intimate events, cocktail parties, or even just delivery of catered food. Be wary of the caterer who claims to be able to do it all, chances are that they don’t excel at any of it. Consider what services you need. Some caterers will only prepare and deliver you the food you ordered, and may even go so far as to set it up. Others can provide fully trained wait staff and support personnel. If you’re having a formal event requiring plated service then you want a catering company large enough to handle your needs. Feel free to ask the caterer if their staff comes from an agency or if they are employees of the catering company. Wait staff that come from a temp agency can imply that the catering company doesn’t often handle large, staffed events. 78

Ask for references. When entrusting a single company to handle the food for your event it is essential that you ask for references. Don’t just ask them to hand over names; instead ask for referrals of several recent events they catered. Also, look online at review sites to see if the caterer has testimonials on their services.

Call the local health department. Most catering companies are subject to licensing and regulation by their local health department, and there will be records on any prior complaints, issues and inspections. This is usually considered public information. If the catering company you’re considering hiring has had violations or complaints it’s time to look elsewhere. Ask for a quote. Too often, asking to see the bottom line price is the first step in hiring a caterer when in fact it should be the last. The food for a wedding can be more than 50 percent of the entire event cost; you’re going to get what you pay for. If your caterer is dropping their price you can be assured they’re dropping their quality as well so be careful. Keep in contact. It’s always best to keep a paper trail so when communicating always ask them to summarize the conversation in an email so you can reflect back if their are any discrepancies. Also, keep all receipts of deposits and caterer contact info handy in your phone in case a question or issue pops up during the event. p

Where style meets taste

Enjoy our casual atmosphere with a unique balance of stylish metropolitan flare and unprecedented Italian cuisine with eclectic and modern accents. weddings . bridal showers . bachelor(ettes) parties rehearsal dinners. engagement parties . full catering services 804 Erie Street | Via Italia Windsor | 519-252 4055 | www.mezzo.ca

“Your honeymoon and destination wedding specialist”

the changing face of honeymoons Betty Hutson ~ LaSalle Travel

online Bridal Registry

1499 Ouellette Avenue, Windsor 519-252-3331 or 1-800-953-2875 valentetravel.com

fatal flutter Made of delicate, lightweight fabric, veils flutter gently as brides walk down the aisle. The effect is mystical and magical, until the veil flutters against lipstick and it becomes a little eerie. Worshipers of dark red lipstick, need to make sure the veil will never meet the lips.

Your wedding or honeymoon should be as unique as you are.

LaSalle Travel Services 5841 Malden Rd., Ste. 118, La Salle | 519-972-5588 1-800-381-9969 lstravel@mnsi.net www.lasalletravel.ca TICO # 04503728 80 travel agencies

Back in the day honeymoons were pretty much simple and basic trips. Niagara Falls, Acapulco, and Jamaica topped the list of popular destinations to celebrate a couple’s wedding. Today tastes in honeymoon destinations have expanded tremendously with more exotic locations topping the list. Jamaica still attracts its share of visitors with all of their luxury all-inclusive properties, but the trend seems to be to unusual locations that might not be in the couple’s budget later. For some couples they have that bucket list trip that they know they have to do when they are young and fit. Machu Picchu, a Unesco World Heritage site, is one of those places that is an iconic destination that gives the couple bragging rights. African safaris are another unusual honeymoon trip that are not that unusual anymore. The adventurous nature loving couples see that as a perfect escape after all the hectic wedding activity. For those with less time and money to spend who want a honeymoon to boast about Costa Rica, St. Lucia, the out islands of the Bahamas and Hawaii are great choices. There is also a big trend for honeymoons to Europe. The beauty of this is being able to stay in accommodations for all budgets. There are very nice 3 star family run properties that are in excellent locations right up to luxury villas with private plunge pools or castle stays that make guests feel like royalty. The combinations are endless – London and Paris, Venice and Rome, Prague and Budapest, and Athens and Santorini to name a few. When considering where to go it is important to think about several factors. Time of year is cont’d page 82

Agent: Susan Eliuk Chalet Studio Photography

Sponsor of Bridal Confidentialâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cover Bride Contest in partnership with Transat. Get contest points by booking with Travel Agents in Action.

Happily Ever After ~ A Fariytale Wedding

Call Susan Today: 1-866.909.7556. Ext. 106 | 519.694.9858 seliuk@taia.ca | www.foreverpreciousmemories.ca

The Changing Face of Honeymoons cont’d from page 80

www.justcorkit.com

certainly important as weather can be vastly different. Also seasonality plays a big role in pricing. Peak pricing in the Caribbean for example will be from mid-December through Easter. Europe’s peak time is June to September. When considering Tahiti price is pretty much the same year around and weather wise it is warm all the time with consistent temperatures but November to April is rainier and much more humid. It is also important for the couple to determine if they want to be busy or just relax. Sitting by the beach at an allinclusive and trekking mountains in the Swiss Alps requires different energies. If one wants to veg and the other wants to go, go, go it is best to compromise to give each person what they want and need. It is a shared experience so talking this through is vital. It is also important to seek advice from a professional travel consultant. This is what they do for a living and guidance on an important trip like a honeymoon can save you money and stress. They are experts and like a doctor or accountant they know the right questions to ask to determine what is appropriate for you. An experienced travel consultant’s knowledge is power and she or he will have your back and be your advocate. Your dream honeymoon takes thought and planning. It should be as unique as you are. Make it special and you’ll remember it forever! p

weddings . music videos . special events

the show must go on Nothing short of a sudden ice age should impact your happiness on your wedding day, however you have to accept that things may not go as planned, and if small disasters strike, let your good nature and sense of humour rule. But what will everyone think? They’ll think something went wrong, and remember how graciously you dealt with it.

519-903-0995 | info@overtheoceanfilms.com | www.overtheoceanfilms.com 82

No one wants to see an angry or irritable bride. Drama queens never impress anyone and they spoil the mood for everyone. If there is something troubling you, or any of your wedding party, take it to another room until you are more composed. The bride sets the tone for the entire day, so no matter what happens keep smiling and try to get past it. Never let them see you cry, unless it’s tears of joy.

Chalet Studio Photography

artistically capturing your treasured moments... as they unfold 519-972-1690 | mbrunetto@cogeco.ca | www.melsvideography.ca

by Tanya Mitchell, Co-owner and Winemaker. Sprucewood Shores is the absolute picture-perfect vineyard site for your wedding location. Immerse yourself in the beauty of its unique architecture with exclusive access to the entire property and all the nature that surrounds it. The charming and rustic buildings are surrounded by panoramic views of the vineyard, a breathtaking sandy beach on Lake Erie, glittering ponds, and luscious gardens. The new reception hall with its warm exposed timber ceilings and its ability to accommodate weddings and events up to 250 guests, boasts an elegant and welcoming charm that completes the true feeling of a vineyard wedding.

The vineyard reception hall boasts a state of the art kitchen for creating delicious and freshly prepared food with superior service and value, matching the quality of the exceptional venue. Our in-house Chef Don of 3D Catering can craft a menu specific to your individual tastes, and he invites you to sample your personalized menu in advance of the wedding day. Winery Weddings at Sprucewood Shores are intimate and private celebrations, each one individually tailored to reflect every couple’s unique and creative vision. When you plan your wedding with us, you work in conjunction with our onsite wedding specialists who will be there to guide you every step of the way. Sprucewood is delighted to offer more options to clients that are interested in hosting other events, such as baby or bridal showers, birthdays, retirement parties, anniversaries, and corporate events. Our event coordinators will be delighted to organize your event and be onsite the day of to ensure that it is executed perfectly.

Host your ceremony, reception, and pictures all in one place, surrounded by the natural beauty of the vines and beachfront. With access to the entire property, one is able to plan and experience the most ultimate wedding all in one exclusive location. Your ceremony can be located on our sandy walk out beachfront or on the expansive lawn in front of the gardens and ponds, or inside of our stately Winery Hall beside the Reception Vineyard Hall. Following the ceremony, your guests can wander the grounds or relax in comfort in our grand Winery as you take photographs that will capture the beauty of your special day. The reception hall is designed to maintain the experience of outdoor events with large sliding doors around the perimeter to let nature in. If weather is not ideal, they can just as easily close the doors and turn on the full year-round air comfort control system. “Having our halls and our entire property available to the couples for the night gives them the flexibility to host their ceremony in a different space then their reception, yet all being in one location. The spaces we have here for indoor pictures are breathtaking and endless in our barrel room, atrium, balconies, panoramic window views, and more. Visit our website at www.sprucewoodshores.com/photographs/weddings to view photos of our unparalleled scenery.

88 wineries

Romantic and magical winter weddings are on the rise, growing more and more popular as the years go on. And why wouldn’t they be? Surrounded by our 52 arches of vineyards dressed in snow, you and your guests will be warm and cozy in our winery hall set for an intimate ceremony. After the ceremony your guests would be lead into our new all seasons state of the art reception hall, the perfect setting for a winter wonderland, filled with love and holiday cheer for the rest of the wedding.

london/st. thomas 2018 cover bride contest winners

Ashley & Andrew Photo Shoot Day by: Ashley Caughell The contest is over and Andrew and I are thrilled to be the London/ St Thomas Bridal Confidential contest winners for 2018. We had only been in the contest for a short amount of time, but it sure was worth it! We had dreamt about winning our honeymoon and that dream became a reality on April 29th. We knew there was a photoshoot day that was included in the prize, but it wasn’t until the actual date that we realized just how lucky we were. Our day started off at the Elmhurst Inn & Spa in Ingersoll. There, we met with our limo driver, John, from Grandeur Limousine who was courteously awaiting our arrival, followed by introductions to our fantastic videographer Jenn from Through the Lens Productions and Anita from Creative Inspirations Photography. Andrew and I were smiling from ear to ear, as we were being watched like celebrities as people passing by stared over at us while we were going over the basics of the day and doing our initial introduction for the video. Jenn made us feel at ease, and you could instantly see her passion for videography. Our driver was very professional and friendly all while keeping us on time with our busy scheduled day. The first stop of our day was to Angelo’s Bakery. There we met with Connie who gifted us with a basket with an abundance of food including wraps, a fruit and vegetable tray and an assortment of pastries and then it was on to our next stop. We arrived at Side Street Salon where we were greeted by the friendly staff and my hair stylist Suke. He created a hair style for the photoshoot that enhanced the dress I described to him and even though I have thick hair, Suke made it seem like it was no big deal. He created a look so detailed all while making everyone laugh with his stories. Our next stop was at Blackfriars Bistro where we were presented with a gift certificate for dinner for two by the owner, Betty. This certificate will be used prior to our wedding to take a break from the planning and details just to enjoy each other’s company. We snapped a few photos and then we were off again. This time we were headed to Collin’s Formal Wear. Now it was Andrew’s turn to have the spotlight. He was suited up in a handsome charcoal suit and was looking pretty darn spiffy all thanks to the helpful staff who knew just the look we were going for!

Following Collins Formal Wear we made our way to N U Hair & Make Up Studio. There, we were greeted by Nina who pulled my look together with her amazing makeup artistry skills. She was very personable and made the experience so relaxed (plus she had timbits for us; my favourite!). And once I was all glammed up, we were off to Sophie’s Gown Shoppe so I could pull my look together. When we arrived at Sophies, we were greeted by familiar faces as this is where I purchased my real day wedding gown, and we were also greeted by Susan from Travel Agents in Action. I was taken back to my dressing room, and then made my grand reveal. Andrew’s face was exactly what I expected and it made me even more excited for the real reveal in September. Susan presented the gift certificate for our all inclusive trip for two, and then we were faced with the biggest challenge of the day; getting me and my extra poufy dress in the limousine. Of course, our driver, John was fantastic and helped me every step of the way! Now that we looked like an official ready to be wedded couple, we were ready for our photoshoot. We had done a few photoshoots prior to this so we were really excited to be taken to Creative Inspirations’ studio in east London. This place was just gorgeous! Anita had so many amazing props and it was so easy to pose in such a relaxing setting. I loved the vintage style look she had going on in her studio and you could tell that she had been doing this for some time as her professionalism was top notch! Since it was such a nice day, we decided to do some outdoor photos as well back at Elmhurst Inn to finish our day. There, we received a gift certificate for an overnight stay at Elmhurst Inn for the cherry on top of our already astounding day. Andrew and I want to thank all the sponsors and vendors for all the gifts, and contributions as this experience was a day we will remember for the rest of our lives. Creative Inspirations and Through the Lens Productions did an outstanding job at capturing our day and we are so lucky to have the photos and video as memorable keepsakes. We would like to thank Transat, Travel Agents in Action and Bridal Confidential, for our tip to the Mayan Riviera in Mexico for our honeymoon, and to all of our friends and family for cheering us on the whole way through! This dream would never have become a reality without this opportunity and for that we feel very blessed and forever thankful.

Thank You to our Sponsors All Inclusive Trip for Two: Transat & Travel Agents in Action Photographer: Creative Inspirations Photography Videographer: Through The Lens Productions. Photos and video at bridalconfidential.com. Click on ‘Gallery’ Gown: Sophie’s Gown Shoppe Tuxedo: Collins Formal Wear Hair: Side Street Salon Makeup: N U Hair & Make Up Studio 92

Limousine: Grandeur Limousine London Gift Basket: Angelo’s Italian Bakery & Market Dinner for Two: Blackfriars Catering & Bistro Overnight Stay/Photoshoot Location: Elmhurst Inn & Spa

cover bride contest winners ...

1st Place Winners Ashley & Andrew

2nd Place Winners Rachel & Giuseppe

3rd Place Winners Kaela & Dave

4th Place Winners Jory-Lynn & Christopher

5th Place Winners Sophia & Sherif

6th Place Winners Katrina & Nick

7th Place Winners Patsy & Tyson 94

8th Place Winners Kenzie & Cory

9th Place Winners Paige & Adam

and prizes - London/St. Thomas 2018

10th Place Winners Kenzie & Kody

11th Place Winners Daphne & Sean

12th Place Winners Amanda & Srikanth

Thank You to our Generous Sponsors 13th Place Winners Ashley & Jordan

14th Place Winners Stephanie & Michael

1st Place: All Inclusive Trip for Two Transat & Travel Agents in Action. 2nd Place: Breville Juice Fountain Five Speed Smart Juicing System ~ Bed Bath & Beyond. 3rd Place: Miele S2 Contour Full Sized Canister Vacuum Bed Bath & Beyond. 4th Place: Overnight Stay for Two with Breakfast Double Tree by Hilton.

8th Place: Dinner for Two ~ Black Trumpet Restaurant. 9th Place: Dinner for Two ~ La Casa Ristorante. 10th Place: $50 Gift Certificate for Custom Made Veil Budget Bridal Veils. 11th Place: Year Sock Club Subscription Collins Formal Wear.

5th Place: Weekend Stay in a King Loft Suite with Roses, Champagne and Breakfast ~ Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites.

12th Place: Four Players Pass Including Rental Equipment, Safety Gear and 100 Paintballs per Player Adrenalin Paint Ball.

6th Place: Overnight Stay for Two Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn.

13th Place: Two Pieces of Handmade Footwear Jewellery Barefoot Designs by Crystal.

7th Place: One Year Family Membership ~ The Berkshire Club.

14th Place: Two Personalized Hangers ~ Touch of Heart. 95

bachelor & wedding parties ~ Memberships available

6457 Riverside Dr., Melbourne 519-453-0434 info@adrenalinepaintball.com www.adrenalinepaintball.com

lessen

your footprint

Does the expression ‘green wedding’ conjure up visions of making your own gown from burlap and picking your flowers from a nearby field? Don’t let that image scare you off. You can have a designer gown complete with greenhouse flowers, and still pull off an environmentally friendly day. To do your part, you don’t have to make huge sacrifices, just small, eco-friendly choices.

Lauren & Riley ~ July 15, 2017 www.rawfootagephotos.com

Avoiding plastics, using recycled materials, and outlawing Styrofoam are the basic rules of going green, but what else can you do to help the cause? At first glance it doesn’t sound like much, but one of the largest contributions your wedding can make to the future of our planet is staying local. From produce to product if it’s grown, produced and sold in your area, it doesn’t have to be packaged, shipped, flown or trucked in. The trickle-down effect in emissions reduction is substantial. And speaking of emissions, arrange your day so guests have to do the least possible amount of driving. Packets of flower seeds make lovely favours, and if they are accompanied with a note on your environmental efforts you will shine as an example of how to have the perfect wedding and be a caring Earthling at the same time. You can be proud of your achievement, the world will applaud you, and because local equals less expensive, you will be richer at the bank.

Shari & Wade ~ May 13, 2017 www.arthurkorbielphotography.ca 96

The environment is everything that isn't me. Albert Einstein

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diamonds get the glory but gold has an amazing tale

Billions of year before the Earth was fully formed, in the far reaches of space massive stars ended their lives in the most violent event in the universe, and the only way to form gold, a supernova. These dying stars blasted out asteroids, gold hitched a ride, and fortunately for us some of them collided with Earth and deposited their treasure which today determines everything from the wealth of nations to marital status. Pure gold is indestructible, will not rust or tarnish and can’t be destroyed by fire (given it’s origin I guess not). It can be repeatedly melted and shaped, hammered to seven millionths of an inch, an ounce can be stretched to a length of 80 kilometers, and all the gold found throughout recorded history is still in use today. Over the millennia, the Earth will continue to produce precious gems, but gold wasn’t born on Earth, it’s a one-time gift from outer space that in the shape of a ring changes lives. 98

not all flowers are created equal Central to every wedding, flowers have to do their part by remaining perky, looking beautiful and lasting till dawn. A tall order if the wrong players are on stage, so practicality and flexibility play a large part in choosing your cast. Budget friendly, inseason blooms, coupled with your florists advice on durability, may mean you won’t be having your favourite flowers, but it will mean your flower costs are reasonable and the blossoms will outlast the festivities.

“would all the single ladies please come to the front” In today’s society not every single woman is longing for marriage, but jostling to catch a bouquet implies that they are seeking a husband which in turn implies they are unable to find one. True or not, why else would they be participating? The tradition of the bouquet toss comes from a time when marriage was a girl’s only option and single ladies were undoubtedly hoping to find a husband. To say things have changed would be an understatement, and if you get the feeling your female friends prefer a more enlightened approach, update the tradition. Invite all of the ladies in the room, single and married, to join in. Announce that catching of your bouquet means something other than an imminent marriage. It could signify happiness, fortune or a lifetime of good hair days.

Highland Country Club’s Grand Highland Hall offers guests a breathtaking view of our immaculately kept golf course. From our peaceful surroundings to the attention to detail, every event we host is unique. From the moment you book your wedding at Highland Country Club, we’ll work side by side with you to personalize every detail of your reception.

1922 Highland Heights, London . 519-681-8223 ext. 226 karen@highlandcountryclub.com . www.highlandcountryclub.com

Located in South London, just off hwy 401. Convenient location for out-of-town guests. Complimentary guest parking.

Two unique ballrooms - each accommodating up to 180 dinner guests. Plated and buffet dinner options available. Personalized all-inclusive packages by request. Competitive rates. Professional caring staff. Special group rates for bedrooms.

817 Exeter Rd., London . 519-681-4900 . 1-800-303-3733 ramadalondon@gmail.com . www.ramadainnlondon.com

a haven of historic charm and natural beauty with authentic country inn hospitality 81175 Benmiller Line, Goderich Contact Marianne ~ 519-524-2191 . 800-265-1711 mnovotna@benmiller.ca . www.benmiller.ca ceremonies . receptions . accommodations

request your wedding guide or a tour accommodations/banquet halls 103

German Canadian Club

reaching the security of the freezer. After being transported (traumatic for cakes), displayed under lights, admired by guests, subjected to touching, stashed in the kitchen, transported home and left to wait around for a few days, a cake would have one comment “Don’t expect me to live a year, kill me now”. Prepping the cake for its journey into Siberian slumber starts before you pull out the plastic wrap, it begins right after the cake’s final bow. As soon as the tier retreats back stage, box it for protection and refrigerate it for longevity. Once safely home it shouldn’t be kept waiting. Moisture is key to assuring the year old delight is fresh and every day it’s drying out at a steady rate.

1 Cove Rd. London 519-433-2901 www.germancanadianclublondon.com

the

Tier

Planning to keep the cake’s top tier for your first anniversary? Some cakes and decorations don’t freeze well, and a year of sub zero temperatures is more than they can withstand, others can face the big chill and survive frostbite free. Choosing the right cake for the right conditions gives your quest for a tasty, year old delight the best possible chance, but that’s just the beginning. No matter how sturdy, it will face a number of obstacles before

Beautiful setting Exceptional service

Prepare the tier’s delicate icing by placing it in the freezer until it’s too hard to be damaged during wrapping then let the plastic wrap roll. With several layers cocooning it, and all the air gently pressed out, add a few layers of foil. (Because foil promotes frostbite when it comes into direct contact with food be thorough with the plastic). Almost ready to face its frozen sanctuary, the tier needs one more safeguard, a sturdy container to protect it from its roommates. Without this final layer of armour, a carelessly tossed T-bone could gouge the sides, and because cake absorbs odours it may end up tasting like vanilla but smelling like shrimp. Keep odour producing roomies elsewhere and if that’s not possible make sure they don’t bunk up. The day before the tier meets it fate, place it in the refrigerator to begin defrosting, remove the wrappings while the icing is still hard so it won’t stick, and at the moment of serving, cross your fingers. As an alternative to saving the top tier, have your baker make a fresh one for your first anniversary.

overhead

7038 Egremont Dr., London . 519-641-2519 events@westhavengolf.com . westhavengolf.com 104 banquet halls

To give the cake every possible aesthetic advantage, it needs the right table and decorations, it also needs to be in the right room. Ceiling height may seem like the last priority in choosing a cake, but a tiered cake is out of place in a low ceiling room and visa versa. When you visit your reception venue think of it as the Sistine Chapel and look up.

Mocha ShrineCentre

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468 Colborne Street, London . Ample Parking . Office 519-672-1391 . Catering 519-852-7054 mochashriners@rogers.com www.mochashriners.org

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London

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Jenna & Brett ~ September 9, 2017 www.creativeinspiration.ca

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519-453-1690

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Katie & Jacob ~ September 19, 2017 www.arthurkorbielphotography.ca

Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special moments deserve a special setting Photographs by: Dudek Photography

outdoor weddings for up to 600

33 acres of beautiful countryside 49 beautifully appointed guestrooms elegant reception rooms for up to 230 private dining rooms for up to 60 private balconies

. picturesque terraces

fine cuisine by executive chef michael davies

800-561-5321 | 519-485-5321 Ext 8236 www.elmhurstinn.com

Perfect Setting Impeccable Service Ceremony, cocktail hour, pictures and reception in one location includes: l ready room for bridal suite l cake cutting l reception linen (black or white) l rehearsal l choice of 4 ceremony sites l covered terrace ceremony

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l ongoing consultation l bartender & staff services l 2 free rounds of golf l less stress & travel for your guests

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5421 Hamilton Rd., Dorchester | 519-268-3352 ext. 22 | events@pineknotgolf.com | www.pineknotgolf.com

specializing in providing our guests with the utmost in quality and service

323 guest rooms to accommodate your out-of-town guests private access floor accommodations available full service restaurant and lounge ~ onsite starbucks accommodate weddings up to 650 guests ~ executive & sous chef onsite customized & all-inclusive wedding packages available 300 King St., London . 519-439-1661 . www.doubletreelondon.com

the nuptials, your guests can explore 46 acres of gardens and grounds while your photographer captures memories of your special day with the wedding party set against a picturesque backdrop of fields, forests and one of a kind heritage structures. Then, on to a reception in our unique 19th century country barn, or perhaps the Trillium Gallery which has all the charm of our heritage Village paired with modern convenience! Both venues provide the perfect blank canvas to create the setting of your dreams and accommodate up to 150 guests. The open concept design, window-lined walls and view of Fanshawe Lake are just a few of the Trillium Gallery’s defining features. The hand-hewn beams and peaceful Village setting make the country barn our most popular venue with couples. The lawns and fields of Fanshawe Pioneer Village are also perfect for tented open-air receptions, and make for a stunning venue that is at once a step-back-in-time and contemporary elegance. Whether 100 guests or 1,000, Fanshawe Pioneer Village can accommodate any size tent, from cocktail canopies to cathedrals complete with a dance floor and chandelier! Bringing this all together is Fanshawe Pioneer Village’s Manager of Visitor Services, Robert Graham, who works with couples to choose and plan their ideal day. From tent rentals to caterers, and décor to horse & carriage rentals, Bob has over 40 years experience with event planning and a passion for making your day an unforgettable one:

Something Old, Something New:

Say “I Do” at Fanshawe Pioneer Village by Shanna Dunlop ~ Fanshawe Pioneer Village Celebrate your future with a step back in time at Fanshawe Pioneer Village! Whether you prefer a rustic heritage barn, an elegant outdoor tented reception, or a modern gallery venue, your wedding at Fanshawe Pioneer Village will be a day to remember. For your ceremony, choose an historic 1887 carpenter gothic church, or exchange vows under a canopy of mature trees at our 1925 gazebo. Following

“The best part of my job here at the Village is working with the couples who chose our location from the beginning of planning and picking the right venue, to connecting them with our trusted service providers, and even showing them that perfect spot for their first photo as a married couple. By the end of the reception, they are part of the Village family.” Contact Bob at bgraham@fanshawepioneervillage. ca or at 519-457-1296 extension 813 to arrange for a tour of the Village and our venues. More information and photographs of venues can be found on our website at www.fanshawepioneervillage.ca under the Weddings section. p

Photo by HRM Photography 110 banquet halls

Wedding Day Ceremonies Your Day - Your Way CHRISTIAN - SECULAR

519-453-5823 Rev. Dan MacDonald dmacdonald@hackett.ca www.weddingdayceremonies.ca

y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y

y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y

Michelle & Tylor ~ May 27, 2017 www.rawfootagephotos.com

Victoria & Colin ~ November 11, 2017 www.therightmoments.com

y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y

first dance rules?

none that I know of So you’re marrying a guy who can fell the trees, cure the wood, single-handedly build your dream home complete with atrium, and will do anything for you - except dance at the wedding. Since the first dance is optional, you could just let it go, but how do you have a second dance for the parents, a third for the wedding party etc. without a first dance? A legacy from by-gone days when kings and queens hosted great events, the first dance informed guests that the ball was about to begin, or in our jargon, it got the ball rolling. Somewhere on its journey to the 21st century the first dance collided with the macho man and a quandary was born, so with reluctant males in mind, brides are finding alternatives. When you approach the subject, if he is hesitant but flexible he has potential, and even though he won’t actually dance he might be willing to pose for photos by assuming the posture and swaying to the music. After about 30 seconds (long enough to get photos) the parents, followed by the attendants, come to the rescue. Still to risky for his taste? With champaign glass in hand, he can offer a toast to the crowd, have the parents introduced and let it flow from there, or as a last resort you can skip the procedure entirely. The lack of a regal introduction to the festivities won’t be noticed. As guests, we’re pretty smart and don’t need to be told when it’s time to party. We’ll figure it out. 112 celebrant

Michelle & Milos ~ August 26, 2017 www.therightmoments.com

Tracy & Dustin ~ July 8, 2017 www.rawfootagephotos.com

Whether you choose us as your wedding venue, to celebrate a special event, for your engagement shoot, or simply as the wine at your table, Dark Horse Estate Winery can accommodate any occasion. Contact our events team to book a site visit: events@darkhorseestatewinery.com. 70665 B Line, Grand Bend . 519-238-5000 . www.darkhorseestatewinery.com

Masonic Centre of Elgin

newly renovated to offer you and your guests elegance and country club charm Venue exclusive to Kathyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catering

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Kathyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catering

high quality, fresh ingredients ~ excellent service 42703 Fruit Ridge Line, St. Thomas . 519-633-0101 or 519-870-6775 kathyscatering2003@gmail.com . www.kathyscatering.net 114 banquet halls/catering

Est. 1948

Bridal Specialists for

years!

known for our huge selection!

London

517 York Street 519-433-2865

Kitchener

1780 King Street East 519-745-8545

Windsor

519-974-3681

Mississauga

2200 Dundas Street East

905-270-6200

www.sophiesgownshoppe.com Photo Credit: Mori Lee

what’s

that

on your gown?

The sudden appearance of mark on your gown is like spotting a spider on your arm, your first instinct is to brush it off. Natural response for an arachnid, potentially disastrous response for a gown. So what should your first move be? No move at all, until you assess the situation. Is it liquid or powder, do you blot or blow? The right choice at this crucial moment can save the day. Sugar and pollen are common hazards that one little rub can turn into an unsightly stain, so shake or blow is the simple and effective response for dry intruders. Liquid and lipstick mishaps (black widows) are a little more complicated. Treatments vary, depending on the material and the chemical make up of the offender, so the wrong move can transform a tiny speck into an obvious blotch. Getting to know your fabric and brushing up on emergency measures is anti-venom, but should only be administered when you’re positive the diagnosis is right. If in doubt - don’t. You can gently dab it with a dry cloth but don’t attempt to kill it, that’s a job for your dry cleaner. When there’s no safe way to remove the creepy threat without sacrificing your arm, camouflage it with chalk or talcum powder, then pretend it’s not there. 116 bridal shops

Haley & Eric ~ June 10 , 2017 www.undertheumbrella.ca

Garber’s Bridal Est. 1930

250 Dundas Street, London 519.433.4043 www.GarbersBridal.com Monday, Tuesday, Friday 10 - 6:30 Wednesday & Thursday 10 - 8:30 Saturday 9 - 5:30 Sunday 12 - 5 (Jan. 1st - Mar. 31st)

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See us at London Bridal Expo | Sept. 29th - 30th, 2018 & Jan. 12th - 13th, 2019 | Western Fair District

Flower

power

Flowers are strongly associated with femininity. Men give them, but usually the only time a man receives them is when he has passed away. Women wear flowers... but men? They will wear a boutonniere when it’s required, but won’t carry flowers unless they’re for someone else. Isn’t it a little ironic? One of the strongest forces in our planet’s history is considered feminine.

Because trees take many years to reproduce and ferns are limited to damp, watery areas, the spreading of vegetation was a painfully slow process. Then everything changed. One miraculous day, a leaf mutated into a flower and this simple alteration had more impact on the earth’s future than the most explosive volcano, violent earthquake or moving continent. Flowers have shaped our planet in virtually every possible way.

For centuries, cultures around the world have included flowers in their ceremonies, rituals and symbols. Ancient Buddhist temples were adorned with them, Henry VIII’s coat of arms was the famous Tudor Rose, and poets through the ages have used them to describe their emotions. We give flowers to welcome a baby, as a get well wish, and to say “I’m sorry”. They are a token of love, forgiveness and bereavement. They perfect our gardens and decorate our homes, we repeat their patterns in our clothing and even wear them in our hair. And of course, every bride must have a bouquet.

“If you give them nectar - they will come.” Flowers were an instant hit with the beetles that existed then (bees had not evolved) and a new and more efficient method of reproduction had been stumbled upon. Flowers could reproduce hundreds of times faster than trees and, unlike ferns, could live far from rivers and streams. With their ability to survive in the harshest conditions, they were about to dominate the planet. More flowers meant more food, more food meant more life and more diversity of life to eat the food. A process unique to flowering plants known as double fertilization, gives their seeds the ability to lie dormant for months or even years, wait for the right conditions, reproduce quickly and wait again.

Why this great passion for flowers? We enjoy being around them, but it may go much deeper than that. Perhaps somewhere in our subconscious, instinct tells us that without flowers, life as we know it would not exist. The emergence of flowers is one of the greatest turning points in the earth’s history. From the largest mammal to the tiniest insect, all life has been shaped by them. Flowers first appeared when the earth was one continent, Pangaea, around 140 million years ago. Before flowers, plant life on earth was only 1% of what it is today. There were trees (something like an evergreen) and ferns, but both relied on a wasteful, shot in the dark kind of reproduction. Trees had to release thousands upon thousands of spores into the air and hope for the best, and ferns relied on water to carry their offspring. Both very inefficient methods of reproduction.

Over the millennia, flowers transformed into tropical rainforests where they drank moisture from the ground and released it back into the atmosphere, and today, the earth’s entire ecosystem relies heavily on rainforests. Without flowers life would not have evolved as it has and our planet would not be alive with colour. So why are they considered feminine? Because they are delicate and pretty, or is it because they are the mother of our planet? They nurture life and give it beauty, they can make a home in the worst conditions, then seek the right conditions to give their offspring the best possible chance of survival, and they do it with a tenacity unknown to anything else in nature. When you walk down that aisle with your bouquet, remember, you are carrying the symbol of love, peace and the most enduring force on earth. bridal shops 117

Holly & Matthew ~ August 26, 2017 www.arthurkorbielphotography.ca

Hangers . Cake Toppers . Table Numbers & More 905-999-8776 . www.touchofheart.ca info@touchofheart.ca www.facebook.com/touchofheartcanada

temperamental house guests Your beautiful blooms have arrived and will be spending the night in your home. Like any guest they will want a comfortable room, privacy and perhaps a shower. The secret to being a successful hostess is knowing in advance what your guests prefer, and you can get all the info you need from a botanical advisor (florist) who understands their preferences and personalities. Your florist can advise you on what temperatures your visitors prefer, if they

Budget Bridal Veils & Accessories

Lisa & Greg ~ September 30, 2017 www.therightmoments.com

like to sleep with their toes in water, if they want to lie down, or would rest more comfortably in a vase. Most importantly, by suggesting more cooperative alternatives, your florist can give you a heads-up on blossoms that are troublesome and shouldn’t be invited in the first place. Flowers prefer a room that’s a little chilly for human comfort, but when first class accommodations (cold cellars) aren’t available refrigerators become the next logical option. It wouldn’t be a blossom’s first choice, but for most it’s better than spending the night in a warm room especially if you can raise the fridge’s temperature a little. Some flowers are fussy about who they spend the night with, and being intolerant to fumes emitted by fruits and vegetables, are happier if they don’t have to share.

By Appointment Only

519-533-7149 . budgetbridalveils@gmail.com . www.budgetbridalveils.com 118 bridal accessories

When your delicate yet demanding guests arrive, open the box, check that everything is in order, show them to their room and give them complete privacy. They are in pristine condition and would prefer to stay that way by going straight to bed and skipping all the loving embraces that promote wilting. Unless your floral expert has suggested a shower in the form of a gentle and temperature friendly spritz, let them spend the night uninterrupted.

weet S ensations S

chocolate fountain catering

a fountain of tantalizing chocolate will make a lasting impression on your guests. We use only the finest Belgian Chocolate and the freshest of dipping items. providing fountain rentals in london and southwestern ontario.

519-457-6565 sweetsensations@bell.net www.chocolatefountaincatering.ca

Make your special occasion more elegant and memorable Chocolate fountains are a popular feature at special events. From table top machines that are 30 cm tall, to large displays several metres tall. Most fountains consist of a series of stacked domeshaped tiers which melted chocolate flows. A Chocolate Fountain is a magnificent way to make a lasting impression on your guests! They are fun to serve and a delight for everyone. Perfect for weddings, corporate events, fund-raisers, anniversaries, bar and bat mitzvahs, our Chocolate Fountain’s will be the “hit” at any and all of your special occasions. Not all chocolate works and flows nicely in chocolate fountains. couverture chocolate, which is higher quality and contains 32-39% cocoa butter, can taste better and look silkier when running in the fountain. Belgian chocolate is used in our fountains as we feel you 120 catering

by Sweet Sensations Chocolate Fountain Catering

deserve the best! Our decadent chocolate is available in milk, dark and white. Imagine rich, warm chocolate cascading over these tiered beauties. You can dip a variety of fruits and snacks under the running chocolate. The possibilities are endless for the choice of fresh fruits and sweets…… Our reputation is built on our friendly, accommodating and reliable service that is second to none! We believe in going the extra mile to make your experience with Sweet Sensations a great one! We personalize your experience to suit you and take pride in playing a special role in your event! p

All you really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt. Peanuts

details New candles often have wicks embedded in the wax and are impossible to light until they are freed and standing upright. Assign a ‘wick check’ to someone before the wedding and be clear on how important it is to you. This may sound trivial but struggling to free a wick is not what you want to be doing right now. It’s all over, you have made your grand exit, and the last guest has departed, what now? Who is going to scan the room for overlooked items, or retrieve the cake topper, and what does fate have in store for the centerpieces? Since you aren’t going to be around to oversee the final details, someone will have to take the responsibility. Bearing in mind that forgetfulness is the first side affect of alcohol (Or is it? I forget.) entrust your scan-and-retrieve duties to an advocate of iced tea. Who’s going to return the rented items? Instructions on what goes where have to be given to those responsible for getting items back on time or you could be faced with late charges. Scented candles? Yes, but not too many. Odours from food, flowers and perfume may conflict with your candles and make the added scent overwhelming. Nature didn’t intend for cakes and pastries to be outdoors. Heat, insects and air-born debris are the reason we have refrigeration. Consequently, special arrangements have to be made for any tiered and cream filled delicacies that will be exposed to the environment. Give your cake the best possible start in life by letting your baker know it has to be durable, protect it with cool temperatures, guard it with netting, and display it at the last possible moment.

Customized to precise orders to accommodate large or small groups. We offer fine foods adorned with Chef Dimitri’s personal touch and serviced by a 5 Star hospitality staff.

Cater i ng by Delectable Eats 468 Colborne St., London (Inside Mocha Shrine Centre) 519-852-7054 | delectableeats@sympatico.ca | www.mochashriners.org delectableeatscateringco 122 catering

Will they be able to see and hear you? The only way to assure that guests have a good view and can hear you clearly is to put yourself in their place. As a guest, are you looking into the sun? From the back of your ceremony venue, can you hear what’s being said? Take a few moments to study their vantage point.

View

rear

Is the back of the gown as stunning as the front? Does it define your waist and flatter your hips? Unless you spend your day with your back against a wall guests will be viewing you from behind much of the time, so why is the rear view sometimes given less importance? I blame mirrors and assumption. Mirrors give us only two vantage points and we have to make up the difference with angles and head contortions, so it’s easier to settle than risk a neck brace. Most of the time, less than attractive rear views didn’t start out that way. Lingerie straps have a habit of slithering their way out, bustles have been known to shift into strangely angled bulges, and since it’s all happening out of view we assume it isn’t happening at all, so until mirrors become three dimensional, rely on the critical question “How are things back there”?

weddings... bridal showers... rehearsal dinners... brunch...

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46 Blackfriars Street London 519-667-4930 blackfriarsbistro.com

catering 123

here do the favours go?

For an informal wedding where no seating plan has been arranged, how do you make sure your guests get the favours you so carefully chose for them? A table adorned with your takehome treasures is the obvious answer, however it’s amazing how many guests will walk right by and never notice it. Prominence and clarity to the rescue. Placed near the main entrance, the table has to stand out from its surroundings and grab their attention. Decorations that coordinate with your wedding will define it as part of your festivities, and not just another table in the hotel lobby.

Teaspoons to Tables Since 2002 1910 Blue Heron Dr., London . 519-474-7278 info@signatureevents.ca . www.signatureevents.ca

Bobbi Sterling modelling her grandmother’s antique gown.

Once you have their attention you need a sign telling them what to do. Like the table, this also seems obvious, but most people are reluctant to remove something unless invited to do so. As insurance, tag each favour with the recipient’s name and display them in alphabetical order. If any are overlooked you will know by who and can give it to them at a later date.

vintage Treasure

Bound for Canada in 1914, Evelyn Moore sailed from Southampton, England with a wedding gown in her luggage. She arrived in Halifax on April 18 and, perhaps by train, made her way to Shellbrook, Saskatchewan. It is thought that she was planning to marry a local farmer but whatever her plans she took up work with a lady Veterinarian who’s practice was located across a lake from bachelor William Edward Sterling’s farm. Ned, as his friends called him, saw her and said “That’s the woman I’m going to marry”. On November 18 of the same year they married in the parlour of Ned’s father’s home and a legacy began. Ivory in colour, the gown’s bodice is fine cotton netting and the dress is adorned with delicate tatted (a labour intensive method of tying knots in thread and using a small shuttle to form lace) designs. Evelyn completed her ensemble with a long lace veil. In 1939 her daughter Joyce Sterling (Horsley) wore the gown and veil, and the tradition continued when granddaughter Evelyn Darlene married in 1964, however Evelyn used a different veil as did another granddaughter, Dwana Sterling, who donned the gown for her wedding day, also in 1964. The dress attended it’s last wedding in 1976 with the marriage of Roberta (Bobbi) Sterling. After more than 100 years the exquisite garment now resides in the Shellbrook Museum for all to see. “I don’t think our grandmother ever thought her wedding dress would be so loved by so many of her family” Bobbi Sterling.

126

outwit an omen

Tulle Tyme

The ring bearer has dropped the rings on the way down the aisle... Oh the horrors! According to folklore the marriage is doomed before it even begins. I’m not the least bit superstitious and don’t buy that for a minute, but on the other hand, why tempt fate? When you are including a ring bearer for the adorable factor, but because he is very young you can’t be sure he’ll complete the mission, give him fake rings to carry. Keep his feelings of importance intact by letting him believe they are the real thing. The genuine treasures can be placed near your celebrant or given to one of your attendants to watch over.

play the odds

serving london & surrounding areas 519-842- 5091 . maggie@tulletyme.ca . www.tulletyme.ca

Every bride has to plan her day with a degree of chance. In spring, summer and fall the odds are in your favour, but when winter rolls around all bets are risky. It’s not a blizzard your betting against, it’s the day to day icy mess we Canadians know so well. Dressing at the ceremony venue is the only way to beat the odds and assure your gown never has to traverse a snowbank or face the perils of slush.

creative innovative sophisticated cutting edge

605 Newbold Street, Unit 1 . London . 519-697-1588 nicky@caralis.ca . www.caralis.ca 128 decorators

Ferreira Party & Wedding

Est 1985

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502 Egerton St., London . 519-659-3331 . ferreiraparty@gmail.com

Music is the true voice of the human spirit, it can go beyond language, beyond age, beyond colour, straight to the heart and mind of all people. Ben Harper

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Jenzaia & Chris ~ July 22, 2017 www.arthurkorbielphotography.ca

if meaning matters Undecided on which flowers you would like in your bouquet? Consider choosing them by their meaning. Ivy is for fidelity, daisies symbolize innocence, red roses are for love and yellow roses mean friendship. If there is someone you would like to honour with remembrance, add white carnations. Let everyone know the meanings by having them printed in the programs or place cards. floral fun

The life of a centerpiece doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t end with the party. With days of beauty remaining they deserve to be admired by someone. You can make finding homes part of the festivities and solve the dilemma of what to do with them. Award them to the couple who has been married the longest, the most recently married, has the most children, grandchildren or even pets.

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Bridezillas

Once referred to as difficult’, today there’s a more bone-chilling title, ‘Bridezilla’. Sacrificing finances, friends, and feelings, she’s the over-the-top drama queen who will stop at nothing to get the wedding she wants. The ‘zilla’ part comes from the iconic Japanese “Godzilla” films of the 1950s, where Godzilla, a giant lizardlike creature, destroyed everything in his path in order to get what he wanted. It was never clear what Godzilla was after, but he took out Tokyo to get it. By their nature, weddings are the ultimate all-about-me situation, and to borrow from Seinfled “Not that there’s anything wrong with that”, unless all the attention and excitement lulls its victim into a mind-set that overlooks the needs of others and rejects any mention of a budget. No rational woman wants to cross the line between bride and zilla but amazingly, when caught up in the blissfully romantic world of weddings, many lose sight of the line entirely. However if you watch carefully, there signs along the way that warn you when the monster is closing in. Given your being-married status, complaints or disagreements will come in a subtle manner. No one wants to rouse the beast by refusing a request or upsetting plans so the signs, in the form of hesitation or concern, have to be carefully deciphered. Not to promote paranoia, but this is a good time for “What did they mean by that?” With sensitivity as your weapon, you can defend loved ones from the zilla-demon, but he’s not dead yet. He can attack from another angle and mortally wound your bank account. Excitement merges effortlessly into extravagance, leaving an economic trail of destruction that can take years to repair. Take excitement out of the monetary equation by thinking about it, discussing it, waiting until cooler heads prevail, and making financial moves when zilla isn’t looking.

Natasha & Mike ~ June 3, 2017 www.creativeinspiration.ca

Angela & Timi ~ September 30, 2017 www.undertheumbrella.ca florists 131

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519-280-3396 barefootdesignsbycrystal@hotmail.com . www.barefootdesignsbycrystal.com a touch of class Pearls stand apart from all other precious gems. Representing rarity, delicacy and beauty, they have long been associated with wealth and high standing. Mary Queen of Scots (1542 - 1587) had a famous string of black pearls. Alexandra, Empress of Russia (1872 - 1918) wore multiple strings of pearls. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (1929 - 1994) was known for her simple and dignified pearl necklace.

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A pearl is the only gem that is produced spontaneously by a living being, a mollusk. When an irritating intruder, usually a grain of sand, makes its way inside the shell the mollusk surrounds it with a protective calcium covering. Layer upon layer is blanketed around the invader until a pearl is formed. A perfectly round natural pearl is relatively rare and countless oysters have to be opened before one is found which accounts for their exceptionally high value. The rarest and most coveted is a natural black pearl. More affordable pearls are ‘cultured’, meaning they have been cultivated and harvested. Man instead of nature has been the irritating intruder, but unless you are an expert, it’s hard to tell the difference. Real or cultured, in the world of the superstition, pearls represent tears. Some claim, by wearing pearls you will be destined to shed many tears, others stand by the ‘all your tears have been shed’ interpretation, but there’s one point that both sides agree on, pearls add a touch of class.

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I wish I had... ... started planning right away. A year or two seems like lots of time to plan a wedding, so what’s the rush? If you have ever been involved in planning a wedding you wouldn’t be asking that question. You will be amazed at how far ahead professionals are booked, how quickly the time will fly, and how many details await your attention.

Ashlee & Ross ~ May 13, 2017 www.rawfootagephotos.com

... included the groom more. Somehow our society suffers from the delusion that planning a wedding is entirely the brides domain. Not so. Granted there are a number of grooms who prefer to stay away from any/all planning, and hope to do little more than show up on time. However, there are just as many who want to be included making ‘left out’ a common complaint. ... avoided DIY. From making your own favours to baking your own cake, doing too much by yourself is inviting pressure. Early in the planning stages DIY projects sound appealing but as the time approaches and it’s too late for a back up plan, they can become a burden. ... communicated with vendors. Never assume that the people you have hired will be there as planned especially if it has been more than a few months since you contacted them. Lives change and these changes can affect your arrangements. Three or four weeks before the wedding, confirm with everyone involved. ... shown restraint the night before. The very thought of feeling hung over, from too much food or alcohol, as you walk down the aisle should be enough to curb night-before behaviour. To make matters worse, it will show on your face. Puffy eyes and sallow skin are not what you want to wake up to on your big day.

Justine & Tyler ~ July 8, 2017 www.creativeinspiration.ca 136 spas

... remembered to relax and enjoy the day. Too many brides report that they were so swept up in the day that they actually don’t remember it very well. What a shame! Every now and then stop, observe, make a memory of the sights and sounds and lock it away in your heart.

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the ultimate 2000 years ago wealthy Romans were carried on sedan chairs to let the world know they were too rich to walk. By the 1700s the affluent were showing off their wealth in highly ornate carriages, in the 1800s a ‘barouche’ announced that you were at the top of the social ladder, then in 1908 Henry Ford’s Model T revolutionized the world and walking became a pastime. Through the centuries these means of transportation had one common drawback, none of them offered a smooth, comfortable ride, and the race to bring luxury to the automobile was on. The first stretch limo was unveiled in the late 1920s, and being commonly used to transport famous bands of the day, earned the nickname ‘Big Band Bus’. By the 30s posh hotels began using them to shuffle guests to and from the airport and they became known by the more affluent sounding ‘Airport Stretch Coaches’. Never missing an opportunity to upgrade the glamour factor, when the Hollywood elite took up the trend, fans wanted to ride along, and chauffeured transportation became the only way to arrive. Other than a means of getting around, there aren’t many similarities between horse drawn carriages and horse powered limousines, but there is one similarity that has stood the test of time. A chauffeured vehicle is still the ultimate in luxurious transportation.

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may as well

go for it

You’re not alarmed by black cats, have no fear of walking under ladders, and after stepping on countless cracks, your mother is just fine. You don’t sound like the superstitious type, but a wedding is the ultimate exception, and superstitions are part of the fun. From the moment of engagement to the last dance you have licence to let coin tosses dominate decisions, consult tarot cards before leaving the house, or refuse to enter any room with dark corners, and no one will think you’re a nut-case. What we call tradition (code for superstition) has been passed down from ancestors who appear to have been preoccupied with omens and demons, so if you scoff at superstition but are wearing a veil, carrying flowers or having bridesmaids, it’s already too late.

time before your relationship ends, or that he will make it to the church on time - your call. If another woman tries on your ring he will transfer his affections to her, give him socks and he will run away, and heading the list of silly superstitions, if he wears a bow tie he will fly away.

While you may be a disbeliever, I’ll bet you’ve known the superstition basics since childhood. It’s bad luck if he sees you in the gown, a rainbow is a good omen, rain depends on how you look at it and ‘something old...’ is ingrained in memory. So since you’re in deeper than you thought, here’s a few for your ‘superstitions are silly’ list. Some are set in stone, some come with loopholes and some are a matter of opinion.

A cat eating out of your left shoe is good luck (try Temptations). A cube of sugar in your glove sweetens your future life, your ‘something borrowed’ should be from someone who is happy in their marriage, and wearing a gown made of silk brings financial security, but if you dare to write your married name before the ceremony your future is doomed. Planting a tree on the wedding day symbolizes the couple putting down roots, and kissing your new mate over the cake guarantees a life full of blessings (still want that tiered cake?). Crying is ambivalent, depending on your mascara. Seeing a chimney sweep is good luck, kiss one and you’ve got the rest of your life covered as long as you say “I do” while the hands of the clock are moving up. If you have an unmarried older sister she better dance at your wedding or she’ll be fated to spinsterhood.

A gift of knives brings bad mojo and your marriage will be cut apart, but paying the giver a token amount satisfies the gods of luck. And since you’ve got change handy, assure you’ll dominate the finances by slipping your MOH a loonie when she returns your bouquet. Buying him a watch means either it will be a matter of

Free from the fear or reprisal from demons, you can pick and choose which superstitions to have fun with and which to ignore, but just in case there are fiends lurking in corners let him carry you over the threshold so he can protect you from their wrath, and you can get great photos.

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practical tradition Based on superstition, most of today’s wedding customs were originally intended to repel evil or attract fortune, but our ancestors also handed down traditions based on practicality. In an era when marriage was more about finance than romance, and money, land and power were at stake, someone whisking away the bride was a distinct possibility, so with the bride on the groom’s left, his sword hand was free to defend her and a tradition was born. Also, it was medieval common sense. They knew it was a bad idea to be on the action side of a guy who’s about to draw a sword. One careless swish and no one gets the bride. Having figured that out (I shudder to think how) they moved on to crowd control. In a society given to waging war, guests who opposed the union couldn’t be trusted to keep tempers in check, and it didn’t take King Arthur to realize that if they had to be invited, distancing them was the only option. So with flaring anger and weapons at the ready, they were ushered to opposite sides of the room and hopefully kept subdued until the proceedings ended. History isn’t clear on whether or not this seating arrangement worked, but since it’s been with us for centuries we have to assume it caught on because it was the simplest answer with the least carnage. Supposedly, reception seating has the same origin, but it doesn’t quite follow. Even the village fool would have known that when tempers are rekindled by alcohol the opposite side approach isn’t going keep feuding families from having a go at each other. Whoever originated this tradition didn’t think it through, maybe that’s why we are letting it slide today.

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Ask not what your photographer can do for you - ask what you can do for your photographer. When President Kennedy made the original quote* it defined an alternate way of looking at things. I mention this only because now would be a great time to take advantage of JFK’s wisdom. To get the best possible record of your day, your photographer needs your full cooperation, but couples seldom think to ask what they can do to help guarantee results and promote photographic genius. The first kiss will be lost to posterity if it’s too quick. With your head tucked into the groom’s shoulder all though the first dance, the photographer can’t capture the joy on your face. Ask what you can do for your photographer. *

“Ask not what your country can do for you ask what you can do for your country.” John F. Kennedy. Inaugural speech, 1961.

“They made us perform.” If you want to make guests really uncomfortable, force them to sing. The wedding game of calling out table numbers and making everyone at that table regale the newlyweds with a love song, may be pleasing to the couple but it’s agony for guests. This is the ‘trapped guest’ scenario. They don’t want to sing, but they don’t want to appear rude so they have to. Most people cringe at the thought of speaking in public, but singing in public is a special kind of torture. Besides, guests aren’t there to entertain you. “I stood in the hot sun for an hour.”

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A wedding is about sharing your commitment with friends and loved ones gathered to celebrate the day, and the guests’ level of enjoyment is paramount to having a successful wedding. If guests aren’t happy it will put a damper on the celebrations. When the wedding is over, people will talk about it, and if you want good reviews, a little thoughtfulness will assure your “I do’s” don’t become “They didn’t”. “The speeches went on forever.” Speeches can be the highlight of the wedding or they can leave everyone wishing they had stayed home. If you don’t want your guests squirming in their seats, keep speeches in check. If an upcoming speaker has been drinking heavily, hide the microphone or fake them out by telling them they already gave their speech. Caution your speakers to keep it short and sweet. Give each of them three to five minutes maximum and keep the number of speakers to a minimum. ‘Too many’ and ‘endless’ are the same thing. “I didn’t talk to them all day.” They gave up their day, they bought you a gift, they expect a greeting. If you’re going to be queen for a day, act like one and greet your subjects. If you have an exceptionally large reception and don’t think you can chat with everyone, do what the royals do, and work both sides of the room. It’s much better if you can greet people as a couple, but if you have to split up to make the rounds, it’s better than no greeting at all. “We waited for hours.” During the hiatus between ceremony and reception, while the couple are off having photos taken, what do the guests do? They wait. Everyone expects a time delay, but it should be a brief intermission in the proceedings not hours of waiting. You can spot these stranded guests in restaurants. They’re dressed for a party at two in the afternoon and look incredibly bored as they nurse their fourth cup of coffee waiting for the hours to pass. 144 rental services

As a person who burns in minutes and freckles in seconds, this is my personal number one gripe. At a beach wedding during last year’s heat wave (42o), the groom was forced to take off his jacket during the vows, the bridesmaids looked like they were going to faint, the guests were desperately trying to fan themselves with anything they could find and some, who couldn’t take it, sought relief in their air conditioned cars and waited out the ceremony. If your site doesn’t provide shade/shelter, hire some. “We had to buy our own drinks.” Many couples try to trim the budget by having a cash bar and most guests find it offensive. Aside from budget considerations, couples often have cash bars for another reason. When the alcohol is free, people often over indulge and leave half finished drinks all over the room. If this is a potential problem for you, have a toonie bar. Two dollars is well within a reasonable price range and when people pay for a drink they tend to remember where they left it.

the extra mile Greet out-of-town guests with a welcome basket. Besides some snacks, and drinks you could include a map of the area, and an event schedule. For an outdoor wedding add sunscreen and fans. In the ladies room of your venue, place a fresh vase of flowers along with a basket of emergency items such as safety pins, hair spray, tissues and hand cream. Your consideration will be remembered. Check with your venue to be sure they are in agreement with your plans.

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Did you know that if you have a pet you probably experience anthropomorphism? The symptoms are easy to spot; you believe your furry friend understands everything you say, worries when you aren’t around, and thinks you look best in red. Being guilty on all counts, your feelings make sense to me, and to pet lovers cross the globe. The world accepts our anthropomorphic mind set - for the most part. Grouped into the ‘animal lovers’ section of society we blend seamlessly with those who don’t understand (because they don’t have pets) until some well meaning pet lover causes them to shake their heads and question our sanity. Addressing bowser in baby talk makes them cringe every time, and the assumption everyone feels our level of adoration settles their argument.

do what’s best for you, your guests and most importantly the pet? As an animal lover this is where I make my plea to leave cats, birds and all non-canine beings at home. Dogs get it, but in the trauma of unfamiliar surroundings the rest are in fear for their lives, and even your loving, gentle canine companion may not make it through the day without an incident. Dogs have go be cared for like VIP (very important pet) guests complete with a security guard who will watch their diet, keep them away from guests with allergies, oversee bathroom breaks and let you know when puppy has had enough party. As a VIP guest your pooch’s presence should be announced before the wedding so allergic or fearful guests can bring their medication and shin guards.

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Jenn & Nick Charlebois ~ September 1, 2017

Photos by: One-12 Photography

Nick and I have been together for 5 years, and we also have a business together filming weddings. When the time came to plan our own wedding, we had so many ideas in mind from attending 100 weddings! Nick planned the most special proposal for me, and had my favourite band Mother Mother involved. When the planning process began, we went out to look at venues. We came upon The Clearing and fell in love the moment we laid our eyes on the beauty of the forest. I had always wanted to have an outdoor wedding, and Nick agreed that this is where it needed to happen. It was the most perfect wedding, and was truly a day we will cherish forever. We had the most wonderful vendors who made us look and feel amazing, and we will never be able to thank them enough for everything they did!

Our best friend Chewie.

some fish think they’re hiding It’s instinct in all living things; when there’s a threat, hide and keep your head down. Different life forms had developed a variety of methods for obeying this self-protective impulse. Chipmunks burrow, bears climb, and some fish foolishly try to hide behind reeds much thinner than they are. So what’s my point? None really, except every time I see a bride using her flowers as a protective shield, I think of the fish.

Michele & Cody ~ September 16, 2017 www.therightmoments.com

We have evolved beyond climbing or hiding, but the instinct for selfpreservation is as primaeval as ever, and in times of nervousness or excitement it can kick in resulting in a head down, flowers up posture. Sometimes nature goes one step further and adds memory loss. Making it from entrance to alter with no recollection of getting there is a common side affect when instinct rules. It all comes down to this moment and it would be nice to remember how it all went down, so just before you face the music (so to speak), gather your thoughts, take a few deep breaths, stand tall and come out from behind the flowers. Standing straighter gives you confidence and confidence makes you stand straighter - bonus! Having quelled the urge to disappear with awareness and oxygen, there’s still one uniquely human emotion to overcome. Shyness and its occasional sidekick, blushing. Some people don’t experience shyness or embarrassment (I have a sister-in-law to prove it), but some turn crimson when the waiter arrives, and surprisingly the best strategy is to meet it head on, or rather eyes up. The moment you see a loving face and friendly smile, shyness will ease off.

Mirandi & Dan ~ October 27, 2017 www.therightmoments.com 152 videographers

Man is the only animal that blushes. Or needs to. Mark Twain

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Miranda & Daniel Photo Shoot Day by: Miranda David Daniel and I got engaged in April 2017. I was really excited to start planning our wedding and found out that the next bridal show in Sarnia was in August. This was the first bridal show I attended and it was here that I met Bridal Confidential, entered their contest, and won for the Sarnia/Chatham area. I was really looking forward to our photoshoot day and having a fun time with Daniel. Gary from Penguin Limousine arrived to start our day at 8:30 am. He was very professional and we shared a lot of great laughs throughout the day. We took a few pictures in front of the limo before driving off to start our exciting adventure. The first stop was The Hair Professionals. Before we stepped out of the limo, Corey from Frameworks Media, who spent the entire day with us, was already capturing us on video. We went inside and met the owner, Lindsay, who was so nice, performed her magic and gave me a beautiful hairstyle. Daniel got to chat with Corey while my hair was being transformed. I was amazed how Lindsay styled my hair and incorporated a sparkly headband. It made me feel like a princess! Our next stop was the Holiday Inn in Point Edward. We met with Cathy who organizes all the weddings and events there. She presented us with a certificate for an overnight stay in a Jacuzzi suite which also included breakfast the next morning in the hotel’s restaurant, Bridges. Daniel and I were already excited and planning when we would use it. It was then time for lunch so we drove to Grind Café & Catering. They have lovely patio seating that overlooks the St. Clair River. We were a little ahead of schedule so we took the opportunity to go for a walk along the water. Corey was able to capture some great footage of us here. When we returned, we were presented with a basket full of delicious soups and sandwiches as well as snacks for the rest of the day. The next stop was for Daniel to put on his tuxedo at Reno’s Fine Clothing For Men who supplies rentals from Collins Formal Wear. Daniel looked very handsome when he stepped out wearing his black tux! We then went to The Glass & Pillar Spa to get my makeup application. The owner,

Gayle, welcomed us and did a great job making everyone feel comfortable. Daniel got to relax in one of the massage chairs while I was being pampered. I was so excited with the outcome of my look. She did a fabulous job tying everything together and keeping it natural. I have visited this spa many times in the past and I am always pleased with the exceptional service. It was now time to put on a gown! We went to Aliya Bridal Fashions where Ella and Michelle assisted me. I loved the dress they had selected for me to wear as it was flowy and had lots of sparkle. I could tell Daniel loved it as well by the look on his face. I was grateful they picked out a dress that was different from my actual wedding dress so that Daniel could still be surprised on our wedding day. I purchased It has been a pleasure working with them over the past year to help me prepare for my wedding. Now that we were dressed up, we got to travel around to a few more locations. We stopped at Adora Spa and I was given a certificate for a shellac manicure to use on a later date. Next, we went to Olives Fine Cuisine and were welcomed by Jane and Stephanie. They presented us with a certificate for a romantic dinner for two. We drove to LaPier’s Flowers & Gifts in Corunna and I was given a beautiful bridal bouquet. I loved the arrangement of flowers and colours that were used and it even included roses, which are my favourite flowers! Marianne did a great job and has been amazing to work with helping me plan my wedding. She is so easy to get along with! The last stop of the day was to begin our photoshoot with Jeff from Kaoss Studios. He was great capturing a variety of images of us and has amazing attention to detail. It was nice to have the opportunity to do photos both in his studio at Lambton College as well as outside. We are very pleased with how everything turned out and had a wonderful experience. Thank you so much to Transat, Travel Agents in Action and Bridal Confidential for sponsoring our trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic at the Grand Palladium Bavaro Suites Resort & Spa. Daniel and I are really excited to go on this vacation and are very thankful for this opportunity!

Thank You to our Sponsors All Inclusive Trip for Two: Transat & Travel Agents in Action Photographer: Kaoss Studios Videographer: Frameworks Media Videographer. See photos and video at bridalconfidential.com. Click on ‘Gallery’

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Gown: Aliya Bridal Fashions Tuxedo: Collins Formal Wear Hair: The Hair Professionals Makeup: The Glass & Pillar Spa

Limousine: Penguin Limousine Gift Basket: Grind Cafe & Catering Co. Dinner for Two: Olives Casual Cuisine Overnight Stay: Holiday Inn Point Edward

cover bride contest winners...

158

1st Place Winners Miranda & Daniel

2nd Place Winners Ashley & Craig

3rd Place Winners Melanie & Paul

4th Place Winners Karleigh & Grant

5th Place Winners Courtney & Nick

6th Place Winners Samantha & Jeremy

7th Place Winners Leanne & Travis

8th Place Winners Caitlin & Steve

9th Place Winners Emily & Drew

... and prizes Sarnia/chatham 2018

10th Place Winners Mikayla & Evan

11th Place Winners Karli & Caulin

12th Place Winners Karlie & Justin

13th Place Winners Brooklyn & Joshua

14th Place Winners Taylor & Nicolas

15th Place Winners Jessica & Dan

1st Place: All Inclusive Trip for Two Transat & Travel Agents in Action.

9th Place: Two Fascinators Designed to Match Dresses Carolyn’s Creations.

2nd Place: Two Overnight Stays for Two ~ Bogey’s Inn.

10th Place: One Year Sock Club Subscription Collins Formal Wear.

3rd Place: Two Overnight Stays for Two Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chatham.

11th Place: $200 Gift Certificate ~ Central Sanitation.

4th Place: Two Batches of Wine Including Bottles, Labels and Shrink Tops ~ Lakeshore Artisan Wines.

12th Place: Two Personalized Hangers, one for the Bride & one for the Groom ~ Touch of Heart.

5th Place: Dinner for Two ~ Big Fish Steak & Lounge.

13th Place: Well Suited Garment Bag and Away We Go Roller, Personalized with Mr. & Mrs. ~ Thirty One Gifts.

6th Place: $100 Gift Certificate ~ Limbo Lunch Lounge. 7th Place: $50 Gift Certificate ~ Sideways Classical Grill. 8th Place: Cooking Classes for Two ~ Grind Cafe & Catering.

14th Place: Wedding Cake Serving Set ~ Isn’t Life Sweet. 15th Place: Consultation or Wedding Rehearsal with Wedding Day Emergency Kit ~ With This Ring.

Thank You to our Generous Sponsors!

indoor salt water pool fitness room games room business centre hallmark hot breakfast bar

Sabrina & Shane ~ October 14, 2017 www.angelaspellerphotography.com

575 Richmond Street, Chatham 519-351-1100 . 877-660-8550 . jbonner@hiexchatham.com holidayinnexpress.com/chathamsouth

Sam & Sacha ~ September 8, 2018 www.brittanyvanruymbeke.com

forever Making a statement about their product and love, in a 1948 advertising campaign De Beers coined the phrase “A diamond is forever” launching one of the most successful slogans of all time. But is a diamond really forever? Formed roughly 100 miles below the earth’s surface and the hardest known substance on our planet, the diamond on your finger may be over 3 billion years old. Even if it’s just a baby, it’s approaching its 900 millionth birthday. Geologists say a diamond existing forever is a misconception, however, anything that has formed in the earth’s mantle and survived a volcanic eruption on it’s torturous journey to the earth’s surface is about as forever as it gets. With their unique qualities, diamonds are a fitting metaphor for eternal love, and one of the most appealing features of any gemstone is its pure form. It has never been melted down, infused with alloys or shaped out of recognition. It has been cut and polished but that’s about it. Even then, cutting is done according to what the gem demands. Gem cutters study the stone to find its optimal yield before making a move and only a diamond can cut a diamond. Trivia: De Beers got all the credit for their famous saying, but author Anita Loos said it first (almost) in her 1925 book Gentlemen Prefer Blonds. “American gentlemen are the best after all, because kissing your hand may make you feel good but a diamond and sapphire bracelet lasts forever.” 160 accommodations

getting your guy involved In n Hotel

www.versatileinn.com 1-844-226-9400

the ideal place for you and your guests

It’s a foregone conclusion. The gal plans the wedding, the guy goes along with it, and even though he has opinions about music, prefers chocolate cake to white and would like to involved in the plans, no one thinks to ask him. Why doesn’t he just say something? Even though we live in a gender equal society, some areas still fall into the ‘her thing’ category and wedding planning heads the list. Asking to be involved in the arrangements is entering dark territory when he doesn’t know how much of his input you want. If you suspect he wants to work along with you, but is reluctant to step up, there are ways to nudge him in the right direction. Let him take some of the attention by making the announcements to family and friends, and take him along when choosing gift registry goodies. If he’s reluctant, remind him that there is more to a gift registry than china. There’s hardware and software and big screen TVs! Utilize his skills. If he’s a good negotiator, ask him to work with your professionals to get the best rates, or if he’s web wiz maybe he would like to set up a wedding site. Everyone is good at something and whatever it is, they generally enjoy doing it.

newly renovated

jacuzzi . 32-inch flat screen tv . microwaves . refrigerators

dining at nick’s restaurant 1716 London Line, Sarnia 519-541-9400 1-844-226-9400 versatileinnhotel@gmail.com . www.versatileinn.com

Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own. Robert Heinlein

Erynne & George ~ September 16th, 2016 George and I were engaged for two and a half years before we tied the knot. Our wedding was a little less than ordinary, we dressed each other before our ceremony to calm our nerves and were married only in the presence of our parents, grandparents and siblings. Our day was perfectly beautiful! Our wedding reception was at The Sarnia Yacht Club with the most scenic view of Lake Huron through the many windows in our hall. It was a day I'll never forget!

162 accommodations

let me show you how much I love you

say it with cake

Homemade lunches served in our cafe ~ Catering services available unique cakes, cupcakes and pastries for all occasions ~ sugar atristry

138 Cromwell Street Sarnia . 519-491-8051 . cakelady_44@hotmail.com . Facebook

Staying

on budget

Of all the budget friendly advice you will encounter, ‘take your time’ heads the list. Riding the wave of newly-engaged euphoria, nothing is too much, and there can’t be too many. Couples should be forbidden to make large purchases, sign contracts or offer impromptu invitations until the intoxicating effects have subsided. Think it through. More of them means more of everything, Planning the guest list based on the cost of food and drinks is an incomplete formula for judging how many will attend. Invitations, tables, linens, even how much space you will need are all factors in the overall cost.

4475 London Line, Reeces Corner Plaza, Wyoming 519-845-0620 | www.isntlifesweet.com

Easy on the pre-wedding treats. On average, weddings take place about one to two years after the engagement and an alarming amount of money can be spent in that time. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that because you’re getting married you should throw caution to the winds and buy an expensive broach that announces the engagement, or take friends out to lunch to talk about plans. A few special goodies are to be expected, but resist letting excitement run away with your credit card. Whatever your wedding budget, it encompasses every wedding related expense (including the broach - sorry), and begins the moment you are engaged. How many mementos do you really need? Does every toasting glass, place card or favour need to be monogrammed? Before every frills purchase, ask yourself if you really need it or how often you will use of it in the future. If it is something that will be stuck in a storage closet and forgotten then you can probably pass.

cheese

exceptional quality cheese and gourmet food items.

cakes

510 Michigan Avenue Point Edward 519-491-1199

specializing in

Wedding 164 bakeries

Hire a wedding planner. This sounds like a contradiction, but believe it or not a wedding planner can save you money. They do more than just make arrangements for dates, times and places, they are there to organize the best wedding possible while keeping finances intact.

beautiful

impeccable

exceptional

brandon scott photography

every detail is in place to create the perfect wedding celebration for you and your guests off-site decorating rentals and catering now available afffordable & elegant wedding packages to suit your style & budget

250 National Road, Chatham

519-355-0806

www.clublentinas.ca

Complimentary Guest Room for the

Bride & Groom All Inclusive Wedding Packages Special Room Discount for Guests

sarnia/point edward hotel and conference centre

Indoor & Outdoor Ceremonies 215 Guest Rooms including Jacuzzi Suites 2 Ballrooms Accommodating up to 440 Guests New Menu ~ Executive Chef on Site All Inclusive Bar Packages Cathy Hayward, Catering Manager 1498 Venetian Blvd., Point Edward 519-336-7051 Reservations: 1-888-212-2252 Cathy.Hayward@whg.com . www.hisarnia.ca

unique stunning

offering the freedom to choose your professionals and create your dream wedding rolling green lawns running down to the dazzlingly blue waters of the St. Clair River

exclusive

settings that provide beautiful outdoor ceremony and photo opportunities

convenient

accommodations, ceremony, banquet facilities, and photo site... all in one

2849 St. Clair Parkway, Sombra Banquet Facility: 519-867-3333 Inn: 519-867-3999 www.b oge ysinn.com

Willow Ridge

golf & country club

439 Chatham Street S., Blenheim . Banquet 519-676-7075 . Pub & Grill 519-676-8772 abrown@willowridgegolf.ca . www.willowridgegolf.ca

DanteC lub

banquet & conference centre

weddings . bridal showers . ceremonies receptions . bridal room . customized menus you two have fun, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll take care of the rest 1330 London Rd., Sarnia . 519-542-9311 . gm@danteclubsarnia.ca . danteclubsarnia.ca

Portuguese Canadian Social Club of Chatham Come experience our hospitality !

capacity for 300 seated guests ~ full unique menu ~ complete bar service ~ dance floor 346 Grand Ave., E Chatham . 519-436-0040 . rentals@ckportugueseclub.ca . www.ckportugueseclub.ca

seating for up to 500 . room for up to 1000 custom designed menu . superior presentation and service 44 William St., N, Chatham | 519-355-1279 | fourdiamondcatering@hotmail.com | www.fourdiamondcatering.com

from start to finish and we feel that alone takes the stress off of the couple so they can truly enjoy their day, that’s the way it’s supposed to be. We don’t over book ourselves so we can zero in and focus on each wedding, treating it as if it were our own” says Crystal.

rentals . decorating . catering . bar service 11369 Longwoods Road | Chatham-Kent 226-881-0430 | therusticranch@xplornet.ca | www.the-rustic-ranch.ca

Rustic Weddings at Rustic Ranch Wedding & Event Barn

What began as a one-time single backyard wedding in the family barn quickly blossomed into a fully functional wedding barn, Mark and Crystal Slater of Chatham-Kent always dreamed of owning their own wedding business and that one wedding sparked a fire under them and they quickly realized they both met their calling. With their first wedding being such a success they both said “hey, I think we can make a business out of this” and that they did. Shortly after September 2016 renovations began and now the barn boasts a fully stocked prep kitchen, men’s ladies and a family washroom, also adding air-conditioning for those hot summer nights and heat for chilly fall weddings. Their hearts are fully invested into making this a space that everyone will enjoy, and experience a truly unique wedding setting. Being relativity new to the wedding industry they are truly humbled by the amazing interest in their property and are realizing that their hard work and determination is starting to pay off, each and every wedding is treated as their own and they develop a friendship with their couples. They feel in their hearts that getting to know their couples is essential in giving them the wedding they have always dreamed of. “Our goal is to be a one stop shop for your wedding, you basically just need to send out your wedding invitations, show up on the big day and enjoy. We take care of the planning process 174 banquet halls

The Rustic Ranch Wedding and Event Barn offer’s many amenities and have a close working relationship with local vendors that allow them to cost effectively provide meals, flowers, music, photography and more! “We offer a decorating package which is also very cost effective since we own all of our décor and are constantly upgrading and adding to our inventory. Crystal’s eye for decorating is top notch” says Mark “I do the manual labor of setting everything up and she comes in and makes it all flow together with her great attention to detail, we make a great team”. With the help of a tent they can accommodate weddings up to 140 guests and their smaller weddings hosted in the barn can accommodate 80 guests. The whole space is intimate and romantic, making it the perfect spot for large or small crowds. If you’re interested in having your wedding at The Rustic Ranch Wedding and Event Barn please visit their website at www.the-rustic-ranch.ca and book your tour to view their beautiful establishment. We promise you won’t be disappointed! They would also like to add that they don’t just cater to weddings, they also like to use their space for showers, anniversary/birthday parties or even corporate meetings. p

Links of Kent Golf club

Creating aLasting Memory custom catering tailored to your needs

river deck room for up to 80 guests ~ Event Center for up to 300 guests

120 Indian Creek Rd. W. Chatham | 519-351-3672 ext 3 | events@linksofkent.com | www.linksofkent.com

Gateway THE

St. Clair Corporate Centre

ROOM

Your Venue in the Sky Located on the 5th Floor

seating for up to 120 guests . wedding ceremonies . cocktail receptions wedding dinners/receptions . rehearsal dinners . showers & brunches

St. Clair Corporate Centre, 265 Front St. North, Sarnia Venue Exclusive to Grind Cafe & Catering Co. Contact: Melissa Cameron 519-339-8986 . grindcafecatering@gmail.com

plated & buffet late-night bars receptions . rehearsals stag & does . showers

specializing in weddings up to 200 guests

265 Front Street North, Sarnia Melissa Cameron . 519-339-8986 www.grindcafecatering.com

relax You did your best, and no matter how carefully you planed, something may go wrong at the last minute. Don’t let it get to you and ruin your day. Accept that everything may not go exactly as expected and move on. What you do today will remain in memory for the rest of your life, choose to make the memories truly wonderful. When you feel stress starting to mount, stop and take three long, deep breaths. With every breath allow your body to relax. This simple trick is amazingly calming.

The Perfect Choice for all Your Wedding Events 2 ballrooms 75 - 200 guests off season packages amazing food discounted wedding room rates complimentary room for bride and groom

eat something

Call Leigh Krasinkiewicz our Wedding Planner 519-344-1157 751 Christina Street North leigh@qualityinnsarnia.com www.qualityinnsarnia.com

If you don’t include breakfast in your wedding day schedule there is a good chance that you will overlook it or not feel like eating - big mistake, later in the day you will feel the ravages of hunger. Making breakfast with your maid-ofhonour and bridesmaids part of the day’s schedule will take care of the food issue, and give you time to go over the day’s plans.

The perfect setting for your event

Lambton Kent Memorial Agricultural Centre complimentary hall rental when we operate the bar

1212 North St., Dresden . www.chatham-kent.ca . Bookings: Dresden Municipal Centre 519.683.4306 180 banquet halls

at last count the net had over

For the most beautiful day of your life.

five million sites related to the search ‘gown shopping stress’

....seriously?

Besides making you look magical, this is the most important and expensive gown you will ever buy, so there’s a lot of pressure. True? Not at all. Somehow finding the ideal gown has become synonymous with stress, and future brides begin their quest expecting to be overwhelmed and frazzled. So how did the gown search get so tied up with tension? I hear the arguments. It’s once in a lifetime: For most of us so is a trip to Trinidad but we wouldn’t stress-out over it. It’s expensive: So is a car, but we don’t need a consensus, or second guess the choice. It’s has to be perfect: OK, I’ll give you this one, but the chances of making a bad decision are so vanishingly small it just isn’t going to happen. So how do you keep tension and tranquilizers out of the quest? When you browse the net to find the answer, you’ll discover that it isn’t about how stressful it is going in, it’s about not bringing it in with you, in the form of the big three. To many, too much, too small.

Aliya Bridal Fashions

199 Christina Street, N. Sarnia . 519-491-6933

too many

too much

The moment gown shop staff sees a future bride arriving with the troops, they know there will be dissension in the ranks, and a good chance the bride will be leaving without a gown and possibly a few less friends. Wedding gowns have the power to perform black-magic by turning friends, who usually don’t care what you wear, into opinionated design experts determined to see you walk the aisle in their choice. Sometimes they want to take the glory and sometimes they are competing for higher ranking. Whatever the reasons, too many opinions usually bring disappointment and confusion with a side order of lingering selfdoubt. When a faced with a long list of ‘must includes’, divide and conquer by revisiting the shop with different groups.

“The grass is always greener”, especially in the world of wedding gowns, but in this enchanting realm the grass also costs a lot more. Browsing in a world you can’t afford is a form of self-torture. There are guaranteed to be tempting delights that can only come true in your dreams when the price is a little too real for your budget. Straying beyond the limits often begins as an innocent “I’ll just try it on” indulgence that leaves you wondering how to explain and/or hide the price, or having found the fortitude to pass on the fantasy, suffer the pangs of settling for a gown that is within your price range but will forever seem like second best.

too small Inside every dress that can’t be done up is a bride planning to diminish her poundage, and relying on the gown’s wizardry to bolster her determination. In some cases it works but it’s a risky maneuver and there’s no safety net. An approaching wedding brings sleepless nights and panic attacks when the gown hasn’t lived up to its end of the bargain. Opting for the less dicey, but more sensible, choice of a gown that fits can be viewed as a partnership, you and your gown can lessen your overall girth together. The gown can go to the tailor while you go to the gym. bridal shops 181

Alicia & Adam ~ Engagement Photo www.angelaspellerphotography.com

insulated

Bride

Overlays of tulle, taffeta, embroidery, beading and lace. Regal, enchanting, and with the insulating properties of layered material, surprisingly hot. When dancing is added to the mix and temperatures rise, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comparable to living in the tropics and being dressed for Everest. The bride who ignores the physics of insulation can be found in the washroom, gown hiked up, trying to cool her southern hemisphere. Caught up in the desire to wear the dream dress to the last moment, she disregarded the possibility of a heat crisis and neglected to bring lightweight backup. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like a mountain climber passing on safety gear because she isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t planning to fall.

Vintage Grace

Handmade Accessories for all Occasions

brooch bouquets & wristlets lace & vintage hair accessories

By Appointment . 519-384-4698 . Corunna . jenny2lb@hotmail.com 182 bridal accessories

in the

Spotlight One of the most romantic moments in any wedding is the first dance, and regardless of the music or the talent of the dancers the enchantment will be there, but the size of the dance floor will have a direct bearing on the suitability of the music. On a large floor your performance will be more effective if you cover as much of it as possible and a slow waltz can make that difficult. Alternately, on a small floor an energetic samba might send the bride careening onto a table. Know how large or how small your platform will be before taking it to the Fred and Ginger stage. Get your gown in on the act. Will it flow like ocean waves during a waltz, do the sleek lines call for a tango, or does it’s retro style have disco written all over it? When you put your gown on stage, take advantage of everything is has to offer by incorporating moves that show it off.

private in-home dinner catering specializing in weddings up to 150 people customized menus ~ cuisines from around the globe bridal showers ~ stag & does ~ rehearsal dinners 144 Mitton St. S., Sarnia . 519-344-7070 parsh423@gmail.com . www.personaltoucheatery.ca

Trivia During the 1930s and 40s Ginger Rogers and Fred Astair were Hollywood’s dancing sensations, and the world viewed Fred as a gifted dancer while Ginger was just his partner. And so it went until 1982 when cartoonist Bob Thaves made his famous quote, “Sure he was great, but don’t forget that Ginger Rogers did everything he did... backwards and in heels”.

Favours

for the children Your adult guests will receive a favour, why not something for the little ones. When they first arrive, present them with a gift bag containing a colouring book, crayons, bubbles, puzzle book, etc. Choose age appropriate items that will help entertain them at the reception. Add a box of raisins and some animal crackers to take care of little tummies that can’t wait for dinner. The children and their parents will love it. NOTE: In case of allergies, inform parents of any edible items in the gift bag.

. receptions . showers rehearsal dinners weddings

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. up to 1000 guests

w h at c at e r i n g wa s t r u ly m e a n t to b e !

425 Riverview Dr., Chatham | 519-354-5270 | www.casabellarestaurant.ca caterers 183

Aristoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catering & banquet facilities

weddings . receptions showers . .rehearsal dinners

est. 1980

on & off-site catering ~ decorating services provided

free wedding consultations

Located at Smittyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Family Restaurant

307 Grand Ave., W. Chatham 519-352-6266 info@aristoscatering.com www.aristoscatering.com

two banquet rooms pine room ~ seating up to 60 aristo banquet room ~ seating up to 200

Working together to create a memorable and inspirational ceremony

Certified & Licensed 519-355-6386 dougtheofficiant@icloud.com www.withthisringweddings.ca 184

Your Design, DĂŠcor and Rental Destination

www.par-tee.com

519-882-0466 partee@rivernet.net

For Weddings & Events

Your One Stop Shop for Full Service Ceremony & Hall Decorating Floral, Linen & Rentals

Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Customer Service Award Winner

360 Lyndoch St., Corunna 519-862-1414 www.lapiersflowers.com 186 decorators

loosen

Short of being held upside down and shaken, it only takes a loose knot and bow to keep the rings safely perched atop the pillow, but when someone with a ‘tighter the knot - better the marriage’ philosophy has secured the rings... Does anyone in the house have scissors?

mix it

A fun addition to a ring bearer is two ring bearers, one for the bride and one for the groom, and for an added touch the rings don’t have to be carried on pillows. It could be a book, a jewellery box or anything that has meaning to you.

for magical & extraordinary weddings leave the planning to a professional mention this ad and receive a 10% discount

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Creating memories that will last a lifetime

monogram lighting . uplighting

John Lyons Photography

over 20000 songs . free consultation

Serving South Western Ontario since 2003 2018 Chatham Daily News Readers Choice Best of Chatham-Kent Winner

519-365-9854

www.partytimedjservices.ca 187

entertaining southwestern ontario since

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Steph & Ian ~ Engagement Photo www.brittanyvanruymbeke.com

photobooth mc services

licensed

~ your day, your way ~

& insured

519-854-9966 info@schwartzmusic.ca www.schwartzmusic.ca

Ingrid & Michael January 21, 2017 www.studiokaoss.ca

Music tailored for your needs. serving southwestern ontario for over 20 years

Free Consultations . CDJA Licensed . Insured 519-682-4391 . www.electriccircuitdjs.com

188 disc jockeys

Nicole & Hooni ~ August 4, 2017 www.brittanyvanruymbeke.com

Your One Stop Shop for Floral, Linen and Full Service Decorating

Blair & Josh ~ August 12, 2017 www.studiokaoss.ca

full service ceremony

& hall decorating

Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Customer Service Award Winner

Monica & Kevin ~ May 20, 2017 www.angelaspellerphotography.com

this I want

is what

Guests wanted the reception to rock, but the DJ kept playing romantic ballots, and there are more photos of the relatives than there are of the couple. What happened? When the DJ’s play list leaves no room for requests, and the photographer’s photo lineup stretches across the room, someone is micromanaging. Hiring a professional because you know they will do a far superior job than your cousin Luke, then limiting their ability with too many instructions is counterproductive. Professionals aren’t hired because they know how it’s done, they’re hired because they know how it’s done well. Photographers read the moment, DJs read the room but they won’t be able to do it successfully if they’re busy reading a list.

360 Lyndoch St., Corunna 519-862-1414 www.lapiersflowers.com

Fresh Creative Floral Designs for All Occasions

Flowersdesigns Forever by Sue

Let me help create your floral wedding designs that you dream of

Unique Decor and Gifts for Your Home & Special Occasions 132 Russel St. S. Sarnia . 519-491-2500 sue@flowersforever.ca . www.flowersforever.ca

florists 189

the mix vs the switch Showing guests the best possible time doesn’t mean they have to launch lifelong friendships or find their future partner at the wedding, but thanks to this odd quirk of reasoning, many seating plans are laid out to maximise those results. In theory, seating strangers together gives them a chance to get to know each other, in practice it means strained conversation and strict attention to manners. Over at the match-making table the couple who were set-up to believe fate brought them together, figured out right away and are franticly wondering how to get out of it.

suits dress pants jackets ties casual wear shirts... accesories & alterations FINE CLOTHING FOR MEN

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Legends of newfound friendships or lasting love make social interaction seating an attractive option and maybe worth a shot, but be prepared to witness ‘the switch’. The switch is the strongest argument against the mix. When dinner is over, and guests begin moving around, they will seek out seating with a more a familiar group and take up residence for the evening. An indication of where they wanted to be in the first place? As to the pair who were fated to discover lasting love - let destiny handle it.

post wedding blues

Candace & Scott ~ July 29, 2017 www.studiokaoss.ca

The day you were engaged life became a whirlwind. You searched for the gown, lunched with bridesmaids, treated yourself to facials, were showered with attention, and your mind was preoccupied with fantasies of the wedding, but now it’s over. Most brides report that the days before their wedding were the busiest and most enjoyable of their lives, so it’s no surprise that when it’s over, you may feel somewhat lost and suffering a little case of the blues. Making the transition from cloud nine to terra firma can be easier if you understand what’s happening. You’re not depressed, you’re bewildered. Before the wedding there were a million and one things to think about and your schedule was jammed, but suddenly the excitement is over and you have nothing to focus on. It’s a little like losing a job. Meet post-wedding blues with activity. Join a gym, go for walks or help a friend plan her wedding and if none of this helps, volunteer with a charity. Helping others is the surest way to get your mind off yourself. Remember, the wedding is over but the best part of your lives together is just beginning.

ambiance

Jamie & Bre ~ December 31, 2017 www.brittanyvanruymbeke.com 190 formal wear

What will make your wedding stand out in memory? The decor. Guests will recall the way they felt as they entered your reception room. Warm and welcoming, fun and flamboyant, elegant and subdued, decorations are a statement of your personality and an indication of the evening to come. Let your guests know it’s going to be fabulous from the moment they arrive.

some people don’t swim An empty dance floor is like a cold body of water, no one wants to be the first to jump in. Newlyweds want so see all their guests in there splashing around, so someone has to test the waters and demonstrate how delightful it is in the pool, and the wedding party, including the bride and groom, are first in line to take the plunge. Inviting others to jump in with a snowball dance usually gets things started.

independent executive director ANGELA SEKERIS

online for great bridal party gifts & favours for your guests home parties & bridal registry C: 519-384-8354 H: 519-383-6923 angelasekeris@gmail.com www.mythirtyone.ca/angelasekeris

But what do you do when all the conditions are absolutely perfect, the music is delightful and the dance floor is still abandoned? Encourage dancing but don’t force it. The number of people on the dance floor is not a barometer of guest’s overall enjoyment level. Some people don’t dance and more importantly don’t want to. Let each guest have a good time in their own way.

unique gifts & favours Heidi Russell . 519-358-6681 heidichouinard@gmail.com www.heiditinky.scentsy.ca

www.heiditinky.scentsy.ca 192 gift shops

www.jamaicansun.ca Tanning & Salon

Spa Manicures Spa Pedicures Waxing Specialty Facials Makeup Applications Relaxation Massage Body Treatments Tanning Spray Tanning Hair Design Hair & Lash Extensions Bridal Packages Spa Packages Laser Hair Removal Photo Facial Gel and Acrylic Nails Lash and Brow Tinting Lash Lifts Microblading

464 North Christina St. Sarnia, ON

519-344-2285

wedding

feng shui

Feng Shui (wind-water) is an ancient Chinese system of maximizing positive energies and minimizing negative ones. It is a body of knowledge that reveals how balancing the energies of any given space will promote health and happiness. Many people believe the practice has great benefits while others dismiss it as pseudoscience, but a believer or not, who doesn’t want harmony on their wedding day? Most of us have experienced feelings of discomfort in certain rooms or buildings. You can’t quite put your finger on it but something is off. For some, it’s sitting with their back to a crowded restaurant, others are uncomfortable in elevators. There’s usually no logical reason, it just doesn’t feel right. When the natural flow is disrupted on some level we are aware of it, but as Westerners we dismiss these instincts when we could be putting them to good use. Feng Shui involves a deep understanding of nature, colours, balance etc., and for those of you who are busy planning a wedding, and don’t have the time to take up a new science, let’s pare it down to the barest of essentials.

194 hair salons

Colour As soon as you announce your engagement the second thing you will hear is “What are your colours?” (“Let me see the ring” will be first). Since Western society doesn’t give a lot of credence to the idea that colour combinations promote well being while others diminish it, why is this an important question? Could it be that deep down we know the importance of the hues around us? Rely on your instinct and use the ultimate test of a colour’s positive energy - it makes you feel good. If you’re skeptical about colours impacting mood, try on a bathing suit in a green-walled fitting room with florescent lights. You’ll get the idea. Light According to Feng Shui, disharmony lurks in darkened corners and disrupts a room’s energy flow. Uplighting in corners makes a room feel alive with energy and has the added bonus of giving it a magical quality. In some situations it’s impossible to bring light to especially darkened corners but putting flowers in the area will brighten it up and solve the problem. Use candles strategically. Feng Shui meets ambiance when glasses and mirrors reflect candlelight in a prism of colours. Space Not one moment of your day should be spent feeling crowded or uncomfortable. The most common reason for a wedding running late is a harried bride who couldn’t find her other shoe in a crowded, disorganized dressing room. Before the day even begins, stress is creeping in and harmony is creeping out. At the reception space is essential for everyone, right down to the wait staff. When buffet lines brush up against tables, and waiters are doing the ‘sideways shimmy’ everyone picks up negative vibs. With millions of followers, Feng Shui has endured for over 6000 years. Intended as system of assuring happiness and abundance throughout life, you can borrow from it to bring harmony on your day. By trusting your instincts, and relying on how something makes you feel, you will master the first aspect. On second thought, you mastered it when you agreed to marry him - based on the way you feel.

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a full service hair salon specializing in bridal styles ~ custom colours ~ nano tip extensions Bride : Jenna Scott Photographer: Kayla Rocca Photography

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the

diamond

with a curse

Now housed in the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington, DC the 45.52 carat Hope Diamond receives the second largest number of visitors in the world (da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is the first). Legend claims the diamond was stolen from an idol in India, and as punishment for defacing a sacred symbol, it is forever cursed. The original diamond is thought to have weighed 112.23 carats before it was cut into smaller stones. The Hope Diamond is the largest remaining piece. Until the mid 1600s its fate was unknown, but it surfaced in the French court of Louis XIV, and was passed on to his grandson Louis XVI, who lost his head in the French Revolution. During the revolution, thieves stole the crown jewels and while many pieces were recovered, the Hope disappeared from history for a second time. It’s speculated that in the late 1700s it belonged to Caroline of Brunswick, the wife of England’s King George IV, and that George sold it to pay off his debts, however it has never been recorded as owned by the British royal family. Through undisclosed means the large gem, now in a medallion setting surrounded by smaller stones, was purchased by Thomas Hope in the 1850s, and after remaining in the family for over 50 years it became known as the Hope Diamond. In 1894, it was inherited by Thomas’ nephew Francis who over enjoyed the good life and bankruptcy forced him to sell the family heirloom. 196

The diamond disappeared again until 1907, but is thought to have been in the hands of a diamond dealer who also ran into hard times and like Francis Hope, was forced to sell. A Turkish Sultan and diamond collector was the next unfortunate owner who, when his royal position became threatened, put it back on the market. By 1910 it was in the possession of famous French jeweller, Pierre Cartier. Cartier wanted to sell the diamond to the American mining heiress and socialite Evelyn Walsh McLean. She loved the stone but rejected the sale. Suspecting that she didn’t like the setting, Cartier had it reset, Evelyn went for it and paid him $180,000 (over four million today). Some believe Evelyn and her husband Edward started the rumor of a curse to increase the gem’s value. Evelyn left the diamond to her grandchildren who eventually sold it to the world renowned jewellery designer Harry Winston, and in 1958 he donated it to the Smithsonian in order to establish a precious stones collection in the US. The owners mentioned above are only the highlights of the diamond’s history. It passed briefly through other hands and some had bad luck, some had good. Cursed or not, it is one of the world’s most magnificent gems.

Great Guest...

... never shows up with a surprise plus one. Savvy couples are prepared for this situation with a few extra place settings, but knowing the couple are on top of it, doesn’t necessarily mean an extra won’t be problematic. At some point seating will reach critical mass and the plus one may be left without a meal or even a chair. ... doesn’t assume the couple knows they’re coming. If a verbal RSVP were sufficient, they wouldn’t have sent you a card. More than a nice formality, cards are a tally of attendance. If a verbal acceptance is forgotten, it doesn’t pass through the chain of command to the caterer who’s preparing the meals or the bridesmaid who’s counting the favours - they’re basing it on the RSVPs.

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.. arrives early. The time noted on the invitation is the time the ceremony is scheduled to begin, and is set on the assumption that all guests will have arrived and been seated. Getting there 10 or 15 before the stated time helps the couple’s day run on schedule. If fate intervenes and guests arrive as the processional begins, they wait outside for a more opportune moment to enter. Attempting to sneak in behind the processional and inconspicuously take a seat won’t work. They can’t remain unnoticed when everyone in the room is looking in their direction, the photographer is capturing their image in the background, and the videographer is recording their mad dash.

... lets them know about special dietary requirements. Although this oversight is entirely the fault of the guest, the couple will be mortified when they discover someone had to pass on the meal, or worse had an allergic reaction. By following great guest guidelines, when the newlyweds greet you with “We’re so glad you came”, you’ll know they really mean it.

... moves along. Short and simple are the key words for the receiving line. There are a number of people waiting in line and there’s no time to reminisce. ... gives the newlyweds something they can both use. Just because they are a friend of the groom doesn’t mean it’s OK to give a gift only he will want. The wedding gift is for a couple not an individual. For couples who’s needs are a mystery, aren’t registered or are being married out-of-town, cash is always a solution. ... reads between the lines. If the invitation didn’t mention the children, it’s not an oversight. At almost every wedding someone thinks it is OK to bring along the kids or that this is the perfect opportunity to introduce a new grandchild to the family. No provisions will have been made to accommodate the younger set. There won’t be any highchairs, nothing to amuse them, nowhere to lie down, and if someone starts using raunchy language... ... keeps a low profile. Newly engaged. Baby on the way. Life altering announcements can steel the couple’s spotlight in a flash, unless it’s done with discretion. Sharing exciting news on a table-to-table basis won’t redirect attention from the newlyweds. Spreading the word is fine as long as it isn’t done with a microphone. ... pester the bride. If brides could single-handedly deal with every little detail, they wouldn’t need bridesmaids. Privates don’t take inquiries to the General, confused clerks wouldn’t text the CEO, and guests don’t go directly to the bride.

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makeup 197

Jasmine & Aaron ~ October 28, 2017 www.angelaspellerphotography.com

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Paper Supplies & Invitations established 2003

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on-site... out-of-site The wedding day photo shoot usually takes place between the ceremony and reception, and with guests waiting for the couple to reappear time is limited, so why do many newlyweds take the time to retreat to undisclosed destinations for the shoot? It could be prettier scenery or better lighting, but these couples know that privacy is the key to getting awesome images in a timely manner. A shoot that takes place in sight of guests will be fraught with interruptions. Wellwishers stepping in to congratulate you, friends offering suggestions on your next pose, and guests who think you’re the only one who knows where the washrooms are. Thanks to the absence of travel, onsite shoots are the perfect time saving choice when held out-of -site, in a secluded area, where they can’t track you down. But when there’s nowhere to escape to and you can’t get away from them, keep them away from you. Left waiting, guests will wander, come across the photo session and with nothing better to do, join in. However if there’s food and refreshment to occupy their time, they may forget you’re not there.

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foot

Savvy

Aside from Nancy Sinatra’s boots ‘made for walking’, and Elvis’s concern about his blue suede footwear being trod on, shoes are seldom the subject of music’s top 10, and in literature only Cinderella and Dorothy understood their power to charm. Although revered by women everywhere, shoes don’t play a romantic part - until the wedding day. Pair them with a wedding gown and their mystical charm instantly springs to life, offering an opportunity to display your playful side with a splash of colour, or your fanciful nature with jewelled butterflies. But it’s impossible to carry off the illusion when your feet hurt, and with every bride across the globe knowing about the benefits of comfy shoes, versus the horrors of wedding day blisters, why are shoe-less brides a common sight? Given the short time they are worn before the wedding, new shoes never have an opportunity to pass the torture test, a long day of standing, and the assumption that what feels good in the morning will feel the same in the evening explains why it’s a good 200 ladies wear/lingerie

idea to carry band aids. No bride deliberately wears shoes that pinch, they just didn’t see trouble coming because the transition from heavenly in the morning to horrible in the evening is not necessarily the fault of the shoes. It’s normal for feet to swell throughout the day and is especially true when a lot of standing is involved. Choosing your shoes in the late afternoon helps assure a better late-day fit. Slippers are the obvious solution, but not just any will do. Besides offering a second chance to make a statement, they need a solid sole for protection (broken glass etc.), and they may have to take you home when late-day puffiness means you can’t get your shoes back on. Trivia: During a 1986 civil uprising in the Philippines, corrupt and brutal dictator Ferdinand Marcos wisely took the hint and made a hasty exit. His wife, Imelda, left behind a vast wardrobe, extensive jewellery collection and, what later became a worldwide symbol of self-indulgent excess, over 1200 pairs of shoes.

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meaningful

Vows

Writing your own vows has become so common it is almost a standard practice, and you may want to incorporate this personal touch in your day. Before you start writing, be sure this is what your fiancé wants, and if he agrees ask your officiant if personalized vows are allowed. Once you have approvals, the next thing question is whether or not you and your fiancé will write one vow that you will recite together, or if you want individual vows. With these minor issues resolved, it’s on to the actual writing... but where to begin? Most importantly, begin well before the day, give yourself time to think about what you want to say, Keep notes on your ideas, and ask yourself questions that can spur writers’ inspiration. Some thoughts on where to start are: How life changed since you met, are there goals that you share, was there time when he supported you, what makes him unique to you, what does marriage mean to you, or how will life be better as his wife? When you actually sit down to write, keep in mind that you can go over it and change it many times, so don’t be concerned if you don’t suddenly become Jane Austen. You don’t have to be eloquent - just sincere. Keep it short and simple. A long speech is difficult to remember, especially at such an emotional moment. Practice your vows on a trusted friend or family member or if you prefer to keep your vows secret, practice by yourself, out loud. Reading aloud will help you determine the ways they can be improved and you will be more comfortable reciting them on the day. Copy your vows onto a note and give them to your maid of honour. If you have a moment of blankness she will be able to spur you on. Above all, keep in mind that you are not addressing the House of Commons, it’s a gathering of people who love you and if you mess up they will find it endearing. 204 photographers

second

Time

around

In a strange and distant time (before the 1960s), being married for the second time was expected to be a lesser, more restrained affair, but not anymore! All restrictions are out the window. You can wear a white gown, have bridal showers, and celebrate till you drop. The only thing to avoid is duplicating the previous wedding. Every marriage is a fresh start - start fresh. Use a different venue, change the wedding theme and colours, or have a BBQ instead of a sit down. There are a number of ways to mix it up and give your next wedding a feel of it’s own, and organizing a second time around wedding has an added bonus. First time brides are regarded as ‘babes in the woods’ who are desperately in need of guidance, so family and friends rush to the rescue with wellmeaning advice that can mutate into conflicting opinions, hurt feelings and stressed-out brides, but for a second wedding a transformation takes place. “She needs my guidance” becomes “She knows what she’s doing”. For a second marriage, interference (ergo stress) is down to a minimum. Enjoy!

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Dresden Area Lambton Kent Memorial Agricultural Centre

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206

445 St. George St., Dresden 519.683.4368 . 1.877.228.3440

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where is it hiding?

you may now kiss the bride

The name ‘hidden cost’ implies that you will come up against fees that even Sherlock Holmes couldn’t find, but it’s really just another way of saying “I didn’t think of that”, followed by the ever popular “It really adds up”. Costs may not be hidden, but some of them are difficult to find because they’re so small or incidental (that’s why Sherlock had the magnifying glass) they leave no evidence until they have accumulated, and you think your bank account has been hacked. You may not be able to detect and identify every wallet-thinning offender in advance, but they’re out there. Parking, postage, tips, taxes, lunch with the gals, and he’s spending too. A good detective will check in with her partner, get up to speed on his financial activities to make sure the budget is surviving the assault.

Having to practice a kiss doesn’t seem necessary, after all you’ve kissed him hundreds of times and so far so good, but you’ve never done it while being photographed in front of a large audience in a moment of unequalled distinction. Add a little nervousness to the mix and kisses can go awry, especially if he has any surprise moves in store. The ‘big dip’ kiss, while well intended and meant to be romantic, is the most common reason brides, who weren’t expecting to be bent over backward, lose their balance, end up on their bottoms, and can be seen on YouTube’s funniest.

Defend your financial future by budgeting a percentage for the unforeseen. If you are frugal, five percent should be sufficient, but if you live life with a hole in your pocket, double it. The punishment for over spending is severe. You could end up doing five to 10 in the dark dungeon of debt.

Don’t think of your budget as the amount you have to spend, think of it as the amount you are not willing to exceed. 208 restaurants

not a guy thing A manicure will be on the top of your ‘getting ready for the wedding’ list but it may not appear on your fiancé’s list at all. Glamorizing their nails isn’t something most men do on a regular basis, so it can easily be overlooked in the getting ready department, and no one will notice - until the photographer comes in for a close-up. If your future hubby falls into the ‘real men don’t get manicures’ school of thought, you may want to check his grooming agenda.

everyone counts What do DJs, photographers, and wedding planners have in common? They all get hungry. Remembering your professionals when it comes to sustenance is both gracious and essential. You can’t expect your DJ to rock the house all night if he’s weak from hunger. Whether it’s snacks, lunch or dinner, if they are at your wedding they need to be included in the meals.

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rehearsal dinner

restaurants to the rescue

Use the time at the rehearsal dinner to discuss last minute changes you may wish to make. The rehearsal itself may uncover a few minor issues and this is the time to iron out the wrinkles. You have the entire wedding party in one place - take last minute advantage.

No food to prepare, no dishes to do. Just leave a tip and you’re all through!

If you have having children in your wedding party be sure to include them in your rehearsal. Like everyone else, they need to practice their parts. Although grandparents are not generally included in the wedding party, invite them to the rehearsal dinner as a gesture of respect. The rehearsal dinner is the ideal time to give out your attendants gifts if you have not done so beforehand and have your photographer attend your rehearsal dinner. As part of your overall celebrations don’t overlook the memories for this important occasion. Just for fun make your rehearsal dinner’s theme different from the weddings, especially the food. Arrange to have your dinner in a venue with some degree of privacy. Celebrations of other patrons may make it difficult to hold a conversation. At the wedding you may not have the opportunity to thank everyone who has given so much of their time and effort. The rehearsal dinner is the perfect time to thank everyone involved.

Preparing for your wedding is a busy time and you have a number of wedding related events to plan for. A restaurant is the perfect place for your rehearsal party, shower, reception, wedding breakfast, and a referral for your out-of-town guests who won’t know where to go for those meals not associated with the wedding. Using a restaurant for these occasions will take a lot of stress out of your planning. Restaurants have always been known as romantic settings with an ambiance that is perfect for all wedding events. Restaurants are also able to assist you with menu choices, wines and seating arrangements. This is their area of expertise so listen to their advice.

You don’t love someone for their looks, or their clothes or for their fancy car, but because they sing a song only you can hear. Oscar Wilde

209 restaurants

ready room The wedding party’s dressing room is an essential yet often overlooked part of the planning process. Think of it as being backstage at a play. The lead actor (you) needs a place to have her hair and makeup done, dress for the part and deal with last minute changes to the script. She has to remain calm, focused and ready to face the audience, or the success of the performance is in jeopardy. No wonder the lead actor is given a quiet, spacious room to prepare. In your case, the co-stars (bridesmaids) will probably be sharing the dressing room with you and if you don’t give this part of the day full consideration it could be a mixed up fiasco.

outsider Invited as a ‘plus-one’, they understand that you didn’t know who they were, but when seated as ‘and guest’ they know you didn’t make any effort to find out. Usually unknown to the couple, plus-ones can feel like the evening’s designated strangers, ‘and guest’ cards confirm it. Demonstrate your interest with a welcoming, personalized card. It takes the outsider edge off faster than a glass of wine.

Out of sight Provide everyone with a place to hang their clothes and store their purses, shoes etc. Have a place to stash anything you don’t want in your way or in the photographs.

Wedding Rentals

Prepping tools With extra mirrors on hand the ladies can check their makeup and fix their hair without jostling for a position. At least one full length mirror is a must, two would be better. 5 STATION UNITS 4 Station Units 2 Station Units His and Her Stalls Elegant Décor Air Conditioning Heat - Stereo

Portable washrooms with the comfort of home. 7646 Creek Line, Chatham | www.doverportajohn.com 210 rental services

Think space While you and your bridesmaids are prepping, family and friends will be popping in and out, there may be a makeup artist, hairstylist, a photographer to capture the memories... “Has anyone seen my other earring?” When the wedding is running late and the bride looks harried, you can be sure she has just spent the morning in an overcrowded room.

On guard Dodge phone, friend and Facebook interruptions with someone who can filter your calls and keep visits to a minimum.

high tech returns A bracelet was found under a chair or cuff links were forgotten on a table. Oh well, someone will claim them or maybe not. It could be months before a missing item is noticed, and by then the owner may not remember where they wore it last. In the past, contacting everyone to ask if they lost anything was a time consuming task, today, with the assistance of email it takes only minutes to send out a notice of things found. Aren’t you the thoughtful bride.

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I wish I had ... started planning sooner. It’s never too soon to start your wedding planning. Some locations can be booked up to two years in advance, and if you don’t begin early you may not get the venue of your dreams. The same is true for many of your wedding professionals especially if your date is a popular one. ... not left things to the last minute. Get any ‘do it yourself’ jobs completed in advance. There are two reasons for this. First, you don’t want to spend the night before your wedding writing out place cards when you should be getting some sleep. Second, what if it doesn’t work out? It’s not uncommon to discover that the little bags of favours you are preparing just don’t look as good as you thought they would. Leave yourself time for adjustments or professional help. ... paid more attention to the planning days. Too many brides hardly remember their wedding planning days and wish they had pictures or mementos of that time. Going out to lunch with your wedding party? Keep a paper napkin from the table that all the gals have signed, take some pictures and start a scrapbook. . ... done portrait shots in advance. Unless you’re highly superstitious about the groom seeing your gown in advance, get portrait shots before the wedding day. Most photo sessions take place between the ceremony and reception. This means you are off somewhere while your guests are left waiting for your return. Having the portraits done in advance will get you back to your celebrations sooner.

... taken a ‘time out’ with my new husband at the reception. There’s the first dance and of course you are together at dinner, but other than that most couples say they spent very little ‘quality’ time together at the reception. Chatting with guests and overseeing the celebrations in general can send the couple in different directions and when they do get together they are swept apart again by the flow of the party. Set aside a few minutes for just the two of you. ... picked a quieter place. When you’re checking out locations to hold your ceremony, look around. If there’s a baseball diamond across the street, will cheering fans drown out your vows? Will that lovely park setting be disturbed by picnickers with music playing or will the river setting be full of noisy boaters? Visit the area at different times and inquire about events that may correspond with your wedding. ... timed things better. Find out how long everything is going to take. For example: How much time will it take to have your hair done? How long is the drive to the church? What time is the celebrant supposed to arrive? When do you want your DJ to arrive? Plan it all out and then make sure everyone involved knows where they are supposed to be and when. ... not been so emotional. Everyone knows the expression ‘don’t sweat the small stuff’ and it’s never more true than on your wedding day. Most brides (and grooms) are a little on edge and can turn little bumps into the Andes. Whatever happens, let it go and get on with enjoying your wedding day.

rental services 211

Hair & Bridal Makeup

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timeline oversight

fabulously festive

How long it takes to get from point A to point B, with time allotted for photo shoot and receiving line is the basis of any wedding day timeline, but there’s an inherent flaw, the human factor. On duty and by your side since early morning, the entourage will require break time. As the boss, it’s up to you to work their union rights into the schedule.

When you hear the words ‘Christmas wedding’ what comes to mind? No not snow, but thank you for living in Ontario, it’s the glitter, also known as acceptable overkill. Christmas is the only time of year when your theme is chosen for you, garish is good, and plaid looks awesome with paisley. It’s a festive free-for-all. A tree with favours as decorations. Hot chocolate to greet guests. v Red cranberries in centerpieces. v A Santa to give out favours. v White tulle and miniature lights. v Crystals in your bouquet. v Sleighs or candy canes holding place cards. v Snowflake sprinkles on tables. v A tree skirt and fabric pen in place of a guest book. v v

grand exit Stay until the last guest has gone, and instead of leaving amidst well wishers and merriment, the last memory of your day will be an abandoned room that’s suffering the aftermath of a great party. A wedding day is a story in itself, and no great story ends on a flat note. It may be hard to tear yourself away, but when the celebrations begin to wind down it’s grand exit time.

snow strategy There’s one rule we Canadians have learned to live by: If it’s winter... it’s going to take longer. Any workable wedding day line-up should be set with an unforeseen delay allowance. When faced with what we struggle to think of as winter’s splendor, extra time is the only ally. Allow a few extra minutes for anything involving cars, roads or snow plows. 212 spas

With its built in merriment, a Christmas wedding is your once-ina-lifetime, there can’t be too much bling, opportunity.

who’s who? It would be ideal to have a photo of everyone in your family as they celebrate your day, and the photographer would be happy to do it, if only they knew who they were. Introducing your photographer to family members, one from each side, will give them a go-to person when they have no idea who Uncle Harry is.

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The Hair Professionals Serving Sarnia Brides for over 40 years ! 565 Murphy Road, Sarnia 519-383-6511

a full service hair salon specializing in bridal styles ~ custom colours ~ nano tip extensions Bride : Jenna Scott Photographer: Kayla Rocca Photography

Local

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BRIDAL COUTURE www.bridalcouture.ca

Photography by: MANIFESTOPHOTOGRAPHY.COM 223

quiet area Place your videographer away from sources of noise, and give them the option of changing angles when necessary. Guests with young children are generally seated at the rear of the venue so that if the child becomes fussy, the parents can make an exit without disturbing the ceremony. Couples often assign an area at the back for the videographer so they can include the entire room and get ‘long shots’ of the entrance and exit. Regardless of how you want the record of your day filmed, give your videographer the freedom to reposition as necessary. A less advantageous angle is better than a crying baby drowning out your vows.

170 McNaughton Ave W Chatham ON N7L 1R4 Tel: 519-352-5150 or 1-877-352-5150 specialevents@vellingastravel.com www.vellingastravel.com

best laid outdoor plans You have to trust that everything on your wedding day will go as planned - except the weather. Ideally Mother Nature will smile on your day, however assuming she will cooperate is a gamble, there are too many variables. While you are planning for ideal temperatures, a gentle breeze and sunny skies and you could get extreme heat, brisk wind or blazing sun. Outdoor weddings must have a plan ‘B’. It’s not just you that could drenched in a downpour, your guests are at risk too. Overheated, windblown or wet guests will blame their discomfort on poor planning.

Home

Generally arranged by order of importance, seating plans follow a one-two-three format. An organized and workable method until you get there to discover the loudspeakers are two feet from your grandmother, and how hard it is for a wheelchair bound friend to reach their table. Think outside the one-two-three box and parents with fussy children will have an exit nearby, new inlaws won’t be stuck behind a pole, and dieting cousin Harriet won’t be seated beside the dessert table.

top secret is where the heart is

exit realty twin bridges Brokerage - Independently Owned & Operated

Courtney Levert B.A., A.B.R Sales Representative 1323 Michigan Ave., Sarnia Cell: 519-381-9897 Office: 519-336-EXIT courtney2@ebtech.net 226

seating subtleties

If the pranksters in your group find out which car you are leaving in, they will hone in on it like heat seeking missiles. For some strange reason sabotaging the getaway vehicle has delighted wedding goers for centuries, but generally the newlyweds are not amused. After an evening of celebration and libation, pranks can become all out acts of destruction and the couple can be stranded without transportation. Unless you want to suffer the consequences, keep the car top secret or better still, hire in a limo. It comes with a chauffeur to protect it from Limburger cheese.

Agent: Susan Eliuk Chalet Studio Photography

Sponsor of Bridal Confidentialâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cover Bride Contest in partnership with Transat. Get contest points by booking with Travel Agents in Action.

Come for Fun and Adventure

Call Susan Today: 1-866.909.7556. Ext. 106 | 519.694.9858 seliuk@taia.ca | www.foreverpreciousmemories.ca

Heaven’s

Wildlife

Rescue

helping injured and abandoned animals since 2011

Heaven’s Wildlife Rescue cared for each of these animals and many more.

We were cold

I was run over

They were fed, healed and returned to the wild. Heaven’s helped the little coyote find his mom.

I was hungry

I broke my leg

By giving donations as wedding favours you help care for these animals. Donations can be made online or mailed to: Heaven’s Wildlife Rescue P.O. Box 119, Oil Springs, ON. N0N 1P0

heavenswildliferescue.org

I lost my mom

We need your help

Volunteer applications can be found on our website

Let us help you create the Perfect Wines for your Special Day

Heather & Chris ~ October 14, 2017 www.studiokaoss.ca

trash it? ‘Trash the Dress.’ There’s a misleading expression and a terrible way of labeling a rare and romantic opportunity. Fabphoto shoot would be better. It describes the day without any mention of destroying a once in a life time treasure. On the day, protecting the gown from any form of stains or damage will be uppermost on your list of priorities. Since Satisfaction Guaranteed most photo sessions take place between the ceremony and Save money and personalize your Wedding Wine with our Customized Labels reception, the gown has to look perfect as you make your grand entrance, so running along the beach or splashing in sarnia lambton’s wedding wine specialists for over 19 years the waves is out of the question. Fab-photo sessions are 645 Lakeshore Rd. (at Colborne) Sarnia 519-337-0303 generally held after the wedding day, and with no guests to artisanwines@cogeco.net . www.sarniawinemaking.com look spotless for, you are free to be photographed in any way and in any place you wish. The opportunities for creativity and self-expression are limitless and the resulting photos are priceless! But doesn’t this mean the gown is ruined anyway? Not Customized necessarily. The gown is free to get wet, marked up or messed up, but Wedding Packages & Labels it doesn’t have to be totaled. With Free Wine Glass Rentals a little advanced planning you can trash and restore. If splashing under a waterfall is part of your wedding album dreams choose your gown accordingly. Stay with fabrics that can are easily cleaned. Natural fibers like silk and cotton are more difficult to clean than man made fibers such as polyester. Your gown expert will be able to steer you in the right direction, or just do what you do with any other piece of clothing. Read the label. NOTE: To make a statement of their commitment to their marriage, some brides choose to destroy the gown completely. The logic is that destroying the gown implies they will never marry again and therefore never need it again, but does anyone marrying for the second time want to wear the same gown? Not likely. From designer to manufacturer, wedding gowns are a work of art. If you truly don’t want to keep it, give it to a charity for resale. Somewhere, a future bride on a modest budget will be grateful.

wide selection of wines from around the world including: atmosphere cheeky monkey niagara mist fruit wine

450 Trudeau Dr., Sarnia 519-542-8822 . thewinewell@live.ca

www.thewinewell.ca

wine making 229

windsor/essex accommodations Best Western Plus Waterfront Hotel 24 Caesars Windsor 35 Hampton Inn & Suites 22 Holiday Inn Express Windsor Waterfront 26 Quality Inn & Suites Leamington 28 alterations Kennedy Cleaners bakeries Sweet Revenge Bake Shop Whisked Bake Shop

51 33 32

banquet halls Ambassador Golf Club 45 Caesars Windsor 35 Giovanni Caboto Club 36 Mastronardi Estate Winery 42 & 86 Pelee Island Winery 38 & 89 Quality Inn Leamington 28 Riverside Sportsmen Club 39 St. Clair College Centre for the Arts 37 “Saint Nicholas” Macedonian Centre 40 St. Simon - St. Jude Hall 36 Serbian Centre 14, 38 Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery 41 & 88 Torino Restaurant & Banquet Hall 42 Water’s Edge Event Centre 43 bridal registry Williams Food Equipment bridal shops Bella Bridal Bridal Couture Here Comes the Bride His & Hers Wear and Bridal It’s Your Day Bridal Boutique Sophie’s Gown Shoppe caterers Mezzo Ristorante celebrants Rose City Wedding Services decorators Clasys Professional Wedding and Events Design and Decor Designs by Diane Gail’s Flowers & Event Decor 230