Bridal Fantasy Magazine 2018 by Bridal Fantasy Group

Happily ever after starts here ...

350 Max Seating Capacity Venue In-House Catering Services Ample Free Parking RV and Camping Space Outdoor Wedding Gazebo with professionally landscaped gardens and walking paths Outdoor Garden Area and Fountain 40'x40' Hardwood Dance Floor Minutes from the River Cree Resort and Casino (Marriott Hotel) Minutes from University of Alberta Botanic Gardens Conveniently situated between Edmonton, Spruce Grove and Devon 20 minute drive to the Edmonton International Airport.

Clymont Hall & Banquet Centre 780.887.1552

#1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 51423 Highway 60, Parkland County clymonthall@gmail.com www.clymont.com

arrive with class Our immaculate limos and the most professional drivers in the business are ready to make your special day spectacular. To view our gallery of limousines, sedans, and coaches visit goprestige.ca. Is your wedding out-of-town or need multiple vehicles? Not a problem. Our reservation team will create a custom transportation plan designed specifically for your unique wedding needs. Call our reservation specialists or reserve online today. 780.463.5000 | goprestige.ca

Sedans | SUVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s | Airport Transfers | Limousines | Coaches

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goprestige.ca

Where craft beer and fine food meet to create a unique and unforgettable wedding experience

2018

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Love is in the Air

1.866.401.6682 www.NovaHotels.ca

CHATEAU NOVA KINGSWAY 159 AIRPORT RD EDMONTON, AB TEL. 780.424.6682

et the Chateau Nova hotels be your start to your “happily ever after.” Book one of our two Chateau Nova hotels for your wedding today.

CHATEAU NOVA YELLOWHEAD 13920 YELLOWHEAD TRAIL EDMONTON, AB TEL. 780.454.5441

Call to ask about our wedding and catering packages.

Newly Renovated Ballroom dmonton Inn & Conference Centre is the perfect Twedding venue for your reception with our beautifully he E

decorated ballrooms and tailor-made menus and packages. Our ballrooms are some of the largest in Edmonton and can accommodate up to 700 guests with ease.

780.454.5454 | WWW.EDMONTONINN.CA | 11834 KINGSWAY AVENUE NW, EDMONTON, AB T5G 3J5

creating memorable moments

rom planning your week to customizing your menu every detail of your special day is important to us. The Chateau Lacombe Hotel is dedicated to providing you and your guests with a most memorable and unique experience 2018 on your special day. BRIDAL FANTASY www.bridalfantasy.com

780.420.8364 WWW.CHATEAULACOMBE.COM 10111 BELLAMY HILL ROAD NW EDMONTON, AB T5J 1N7

HEMERA BRIDAL

West Edmonton Mall info@amourjewellers.com AmourJewellers.com 2018 780-439-0098 BRIDAL FANTASY www.bridalfantasy.com

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On the Cover:

Floral Concept & Design: Fabloomosity Floral Atelier Hair: Rock It Out Salon Makeup: Blush Artistry Bridal Attire: The Bridal Boutique Jewellery: Zada Jewels; Paris Jewellers Photographer: Breanne Marie Photography Model: Ceanna Muller, Mode Models Styled by: The Bridal Fantasy Team

BRIDAL FANTASY WEDDING PLANNER All the resources you need to plan your big day. 2018

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EDITOR’S LETTER Gay Derk

It’s a Social World

t’s a social world! #love #marriage. Weddings are all about love, from your gown—gotta love it, to the ceremony— total love, to the first dance, to your first love song, to your family and friends— always love. The focal point of attention is two people who love each other. Weddings today are personalized, socialized and organized. We hashtag them, we geo locate them.

Photographer: Joshu

a Dwain Photograph

We post about all of the vendors we use, all of the pieces of fashion we wear. We post on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube! We even pin all of our ideas on Pinterest! We have become the debutante at our own ball! Our friends are the reposters taking pictures, and posting on all of their media channels. Still there’s nothing like love when it’s the real thing. Also, huge congratulations to our friend Darryl Wilson on his engagement! For a man who has spent the past 9 years planning other couples weddings, his own proposal should be a piece a cake, one would think. It took Darryl Wilson many months of planning and prepping the moment, and himself, for the one day that would change his life forever. Every detail from the perfect song, to the perfect ring, right down to the pair of shoes he was going to wear on the evening he planned to propose to his significant other, J. Ericson Moore, was taken into deep consideration. On November 11th, 2017 Darryl of D’Concierge Weddings & Events, proposed to his other half at Life HTX in Houston, Texas and we have all the details. The wedding planner and love bird has found someone who loves him just as much as his favorite woman (his mother) does and again shows all of us that all you need is LOVE. Here is to #onemoorewedding! Always remember in the end it’s all about love!

Gay Derk Editor-in-Chief gay@bridalfantasy.com

2018

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CONTRIBUTORS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

CLOTHING STYLING

MODELS

Gay Derk

Independent Agents

Mandy Bilous

Mode Models International

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Sarah Walsh

Mandy Bilous

Andrew Rank

Stephanie Kramer

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Danielle S. Fuechtmann Sarah Walsh

CREATIVE DIRECTION The Bridal Fantasy Team

ART DIRECTOR Darrell Derk

CREATIVE & MARKETING DIRECTOR Mandy Bilous

Sheena Hope Kendra Vetter Kurt Kowalchuk Sylvia Kysela RR Donnelley, Edmonton

GRAPHIC DESIGN Mandy Bilous

MARKETING & SALES Gay Derk Mandy Bilous Sarah Walsh

Blush Artistry Rock It Out Salon

CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION Gay Derk

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

HAIR STYLISTS & MAKEUP ARTISTS

Mandy Bilous

ARTICLE CONTRIBUTORS Darryl Wilson Louisa Graves James Ulden Sue Heuman Lyndsey Smith Darren Jacklin Dr. Brenda Wade

PHOTOGRAPHERS Darrell Derk Breanne Marie Grant Olson Edward Ross Brandie Sunley Jaymarie Studios

PUBLISHERS Gay Derk The Bridal Fantasy Group

Susan Agrios

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Megan McColman

Bridal Fantasy Magazine is published by Derks Fine Group of Companies and is published once a year. The views and opinions herein do not necessarily represent those of The Bridal Fantasy Group, its Publisher, Editor or Employees. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the Publisher.

@BridalFantasy Facebook.com/MyBridalFantasy Pinterest.com/BridalFantasy @BridalFantasy

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Check out our website BridalFantasy.com Follow us on our blog BridalFantasy.com/blog

@BridalFantasy

Mandy Bilous, Creative and Marketing Director, Associate Editor I absolutely love working with likeminded professionals in this industry. By collaborating and making our ideas & concepts into reality, this has allowed us to bring you the most fashion forward issue of Bridal Fantasy Magazine we’ve ever produced. Our focus was to encapsulate the essence of “traditions & modern twists” for your wedding, and we’ve achieved this by featuring a series of real weddings and stylized shoots. We want you to be inspired by your own personal style and learn how to showcase those special elements that make you, well, you. Our own search for inspiration led us to the one and only Fairmont Banff Springs, a castle nested in the woods, complete with stunning views of the mountains. Who could ask for a better backdrop to show off our bridal fashions for this season? I’m so proud of this team for their dedication in bringing you stunning photos and exclusive content found only within the pages of Bridal Fantasy Magazine. It’s your wedding day; customize it to be as unique as you are.

Stephanie Kramer, Associate Editor I’ve had the honour of working my first year with the Bridal Fantasy Team. I’ve learned so much about the wedding industry and its unique waves of trends. If I was to give you one piece of advice as an industry newbie, it would be this. Wedding planning is a process of self-discovery. It’ll highlight your strengths and make you painfully aware of your weaknesses. Embrace it! Within these pages we bring you tips, latest trends, and inspiration to help you plan your big day and make it as special as you and your loved one. We welcome you to engage us because at Bridal Fantasy we will always strive to help you make your dreams come true.

Megan McColman, Administrative Assistant I’m in my first year of joining the Bridal Fantasy team and what an experience it has been thus far! We get to work with some of the most leading experts of the wedding industry and create something that is completely focused on making the bride's special day the most fantastic day of their life. The amount of time and effort that goes into the magazine and the bridal shows is unbelievable and it’s such a rewarding experience. Everything that goes on, whether it’s planning the photoshoots, planning social media contests & posts, and working with different vendors to bring you the latest and the greatest, our main focus is one thing and one thing only; the bride. This year’s issue of the Magazine is sure to fill your wedding planning with lots of new and inspirational ideas to make your day extra special!

Sarah Walsh, Contributing Editor It has been an absolute pleasure to work with some of the most talented and experienced professionals in the wedding industry to produce this magnificent issue of Bridal Fantasy! We wanted to inspire you with a wide range of options from different styles and colours of dresses, bouquets, hair, and makeup and much more in our stylized photoshoots. We love reading ‘Real Weddings’ and have an amazing selection of brides and grooms from 2017. I hope this gives you inspiration to make your day as wonderful as you’ve ever imagined. I would like to thank all of our advertisers and contributors for making this issue of the magazine so magical. Enjoy reading this year’s edition and happy planning! Makeup and Hair by: Blush Artistry & Rock It Out Salon

Photographer: Darrell Derk

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Table of Contents

Features: 43

Feel Like A Star On Your Wedding Day – Louisa Graves

Duchess Bake Shop – Giselle Courteau

130 From Concept to Creation – Concept Jewelry Design Inc. 141

River City Events Celebrates 10 Years of Business

148 Here Comes The Mother of The Bride/Groom – Sue Heuman

Extras:

Empower Your Marriage

179

Love Work: Creating a Relationship Revolution

180

The Kundalini Gown Collection – Myrah Penaloza

182

Our First Year of Marriage – Lyndsey Smith

184

Dream Big – Darren Jacklin

186

How Invisible Wounds Sabotages Love and Money – Dr. Brenda Wade

188 Mindfitness – Susan Agrios

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YOUR CREATIVE STAMP En Vogue Floral Fantasy

92 Winter Wonderland 94

Blissful Botanicals

Couture Allure

Geometric Woodland

100 Pastel Princesses 102

Rustic Charm

104

The Perfect Blend

106

Leather in Love

Health, Fitness & Beauty:

Planning:

Beauty Products: Beauty Necessities

Online: Tweet, Pin & Post

The Sweetest Thing

Hair Affair

Modern Registry Etiquette

Bridal Shower: 3 Fun Games to Try at Your Bridal Shower

Become Your Own Sommelier

Wedding Bar 101

Flowers: Flower Chic

Know Your Role

Reception Meal: Great Eats, Sweet Treats

137

What Wedding Vendors Wish You Knew

Fashion:

142

Ask Your Entertainer

Shoes: Sky High

143

Fantasy Gowns, to fall in love with

Working With Your DJ And Creating Great Playlists

145

Stags and Stagettes

Lingerie: What Lies Beneath

146

Your Emergency Bridal Bag

147

Outdoor Weddings: Weatherproof Your Wedding

109 Formalwear: The Finer Points to Men’s Style 111

The Groomed Gentleman

114 Groomsmen’s Gifts

Décor:

116

Charming Children

176

120

Menswear: Men’s Style

128

The Man and the Beard

132

Dazzling Jewels

Photography: 190

Picture Perfect

16 W E DDI NG WATCH 16

Kole & Kevin

150

Alexandria & Andre

Travel:

152

Amy & Dan

The Best Honeymoon Destinations by Month – Vision Travel

154

Ashley & Andrew

156

Emma & Adam

Honeymoon Hotspots

158

Joanna & Mark

Pack for a Hassle–Free Honeymoon

160

Katherine & Jeremiah

162

Lisa & Chris

Directories:

164

Rayanne & Andrew

192

166

Samantha & Rob

168

Stephanie & Arnold

170

Danni & Paul

172

Amy & Eric

174

Ashley & Cody

An Earth-Friendly Reception

Wedding Professionals

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PLANNING Online

Tweet, Pin & Post

NCE LIMITED TO A SELECT NUMBER OF MAGAZINES AND BRIDAL SHOWS, the wedding planning process has become even more exciting with great digital tools to help with every step of putting together your perfect day. With everything from classic tools like Pinterest to inspire your wedding theme or helpful forums to help answer your etiquette conundrums, there’s something for everyone!

fter sharing a quick ring selfie to show off her new ring and popping into a bookstore to pick up a few bridal magazines, one of the first things many modern brides do is create a wedding board on her Pinterest account if she doesn’t already have one! Pinterest is an amazing resource for brides to get inspiration for almost every part of the wedding, from decor to dresses, makeup to flowers, reception snacks to wedding favours, there’s ideas for everything. Many bridal magazines and blogs have Pinterest accounts too, so you can see some of the great ideas inspiring your favourite reads! If you love the idea of Pinterest, but crave a curated approach, take a visit to Loverly. Founded in 2012, the site makes planning easier by combining inspiration boards à la Pinterest with the ability to shop and connect with vendors straight from the site. Search ideas by colour, take a look at some beautiful real weddings, or take a look at their planning section with a bounty of great posts about every step of the wedding process! For better or worse, email and online mediums are usually much easier for connecting with friends and family than a letter in the mail. Even if you’ve opted to send beautiful save-the-dates and invitation suites to your guests, consider creating an online presence for your wedding. Start with creating an email address for all of your wedding communications, this is a great way to make sure all of your wedding-related correspondence ends up in one easy spot!

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Having a single address will make getting information from potential vendors a breeze and if you want guests to have the option of RSVPing by email, you’ll know their responses won’t be lost in the shuffle. Once you’ve set up an email account, consider creating a wedding website; don’t worry if you’re not tech-savvy, there are lots of drag and drop options available. Having a wedding website provides a central hub for all of your guests (and you) to find information about your wedding. In addition to providing a second source for essential event information, this is also a fun way to get your guests excited by including features like a digital guest book, song requests for the reception, funny stories about your relationship and more! This is also a great space to share registry information, especially if you’ve registered with more than one service. Services like mywedding.com or appycouple.com, offer user-friendly systems to create wedding websites and apps with lots of options for customization to reflect your wedding theme and the information you want to share with your guests. Forums and community boards aren’t the most glamourous tool on the internet but they’ve stood through the test of time for a reason! Forums offer people to discuss topics that interest them and share their ideas. Stumped about what you should do about a tricky situation? Take your question to a forum discussing that topic and get some perspective on your situation! The Knot, Wedding Wire, and Bride To Be are examples of sites that host excellent community forums, but you can find many more with a quick search.

Creating an excellent seating plan can be a bit daunting, you ideally want to strive for a plan that sets people with other guests they’ll get along well with and make sure that everyone has a great time. Rather than using a paper plan and post-its, try something like Tablerrr! Tablerrr allows you to create guest lists, set your tables and drag and drop your seating arrangement; make it even easier with the smart seating function and group your guests and let it place everyone so all you have to do is make minor adjustments. Voila! You’ll probably want to see all of the amazing candid photos your guests snap during the celebration! Decide on a hashtag that guests can use on Twitter and Instagram so you can see all of their posts in your feed; pick something easy to type and do a quick check to make sure it’s not already in use. If you’d rather keep your wedding more private or have a more permanent way of saving what everyone posts, tools like Wedding Party offer an fun and simple way for guests to upload photos and messages about your wedding in addition to checking essential information about your wedding; this tool makes it easy to use on smartphones, digital cameras, computers and more so all of your guests can take part in your special wedding story. There’s an abundance of amazing tools that make wedding planning a breeze, from your engagement to the last few spins on the dance floor, there are tools for simplifying and organizing every part of your planning process so you can focus on enjoying your engagement and being a newlywed!

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WEDDING WATCH

Kole & Kevin K evin and Kole met at her cousin’s birthday party 5 years ago. The couple thought nothing came of the night, until in 2015 they reconnected when Kevin asked Kole on their first date. The date went well and the next day Kevin asked Kole if she would accompany him to a wedding that following night. Little did she know, she was about to meet his whole family. After that amazing night, the two were inseparable.

marry me?” Kole was so excited… of course the answer was yes! Kevin gave Kole a diamond eternity band and told her that he wanted her to pick out any ring she wanted. Kevin had organized a local photographer to capture their special moment. After a quick engagement photo shoot the couple went in a water taxi to Boston’s finest seafood restaurant where Kole ate nothing because she was so busy calling her family to tell them the exciting news.

In June 2016, Kole was on a business trip in Boston. The couple decided to extend her trip and have a mini vacation where they enjoyed all of what Boston had to offer. On the last day of their trip Kevin took Kole to Piers Park to see Boston’s amazing skyline view. While they were enjoying the scenery Kevin asked “do you know what would make this view more amazing?” When Kole looked at him to answer he was down on one knee and said “if you would

For the wedding they decided to have it at the ranch where Kole grew up, it had always been her dream to have her wedding there. Wedding planning was a ton of work especially because most venues provide things such as flooring, electricity, bathrooms etc. all things needed to be sourced. They choose to have a bohemian, tex mex, cactus theme. The bride decided to have a navy and cactus green color theme; she wanted all the girls to look their best so she let them choose their own design for the dresses. Show Me Your Mumu had a great selection of the same fabric. Kole worked in the menswear business and always loved a window pane

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or glen check fabric, Derks was amazing at helping plan custom suits for all the men and making Kevin different by wearing a solid sharkskin navy and added a vest. Kevin is a furniture designer and wanted to help with the wedding so he made the table for the wedding. Kole’s dad made an amazing bar from and old grain bin. And the couple had a family party where they made all the cutting boards and branded them with their custom logo. Kevin and Kole were so grateful to all the people who helped, their families were so amazing at making their dreams come true. July 29, 2017 was the hottest day of the year. At 5 pm it was 39 degrees Celsius, Kevin and Kole where married by her Aunt from New York. The couple had a traditional Jewish ceremony surrounded by their family and friends, both being from large family’s the guest list was around 375 people. Immediately after the ceremony was cocktail hour and cake cutting, followed by the tented reception and dance where the Mr and Mrs partied the night away!

Kole & Kevin July 29, 2017

Wedding Date: 29th July 2017 .................................... How long were you engaged? 1 year .................................... Wedding Venue Ceremony & Reception: The bride’s family ranch .................................... Officiant: Bride's Aunt from New York, and Donna Morgan .................................... Hair & Make-Up: Red Velvet Hair and Body Bar .................................... Bridal Gown: Maggie Sottero, and a custom crop top from Rey de Reyes .................................... Bridal Party Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu .................................... Groom’s Attire: Custom suit from Derks Formals and Menswear .................................... Groomsman Attire: Custom suit from Derks Formals and Menswear .................................... Cake: The Sugar Shack - Roxane Rushton (Calgary, AB) .................................... Décor: Nicole Van Maarion (bride) .................................... Entertainment: The Chavelles .................................... Flowers: Chickweed Cottage (Calgary, AB) .................................... Favours: Industrial Theory, Farm and Industrial Welding (cutting boards with a custom brand of the couple’s initials) .................................... Invitations/Programs/Stationery: Boylan Imaging .................................... Photographer: Sheenism Studios .................................... Videography: Jay Ventures .................................... Photography Location Shots: Red Rock Coulee, and the bride’s family ranch .................................... Honeymoon Destination: The West Coastline - USA

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PLANNING Desserts

The

Sweetest Thing

NE OF THE SWEETEST PARTS OF WEDDING PLANNING? Cake tastings and choosing your wedding desserts! Whether you want a statement cake or a dessert table, buttercream or fondant, there’s a delightful dessert option that’s perfect for every wedding. Sweet selection: Dessert tables and mini-desserts are a great way to add another visual display at your reception, plus you won’t have to decide between all those delicious cake flavours! Instead of committing to cupcakes, consider picking a centrepiece cake for the cake cutting and a selection of smaller desserts for guests to choose from. Get glitzy: From a subtle shimmering of edible gold leaf to tiers of all-out glitter, metallic touches work with almost every style of dessert! Unexpected ways to add a metallic touch include detailed lace patterns, fine edible glitter, or bold geometric patterns. Pretty painting: Turn your cake into a canvas with watercolour washes, stained glass patterns, or painted florals and patterns. Your imagination is the limit with this trend! Textured embellishments: Add some light and airy sugar ruffles, piped icing embroidery, or sugary rosettes. Alternate tiers on part of the cake for a beautiful accent or all over the cake for a sweet statement. Keep the look modern and beautiful by using white or ivory icing. White on white: Go modern with all-white details! By adding texture and embellishments like piped patterns, petals, or pretty pearls, you can prove that monochromatic doesn’t need to mean boring. Great gems: Love the look of elegant marble or agate? Adore glittering geode crystals? Cake designs like these will make a flawless statement at your reception. Mountains of macarons: Searching for the perfect centerpiece for your sweets table, or just looking for an alternative to cupcakes? A macaron tower is a chic option to a tiered cake. They’re modern and you can even customize the colours to match your wedding theme and palette. Fondant fun: Play with bold, whimsical patterns and add a smattering of fondant triangles, stripes and chevron, or pretty polkadots. Full of personality, fondant patterns are a perfect pop for modern urban weddings.

Cake: Yvonne’s Delightful Cakes Ltd.

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Cake: Cake Creations Photographer: Studio Lumen Cake: Cakes With Attitude Photographer: Photos With Finesse

Cake: Twisted Sisters Catering & Event Planning Photographer: The 38 Photography

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Cake: Sugar by Tracy Photographer: Elegance Photography

Cake: Laurabella Custom Cakery Photographer: Just Married Photography

Cake: Yvonneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Delightful Cakes Ltd. Cake: Sugar by Tracy Photographer: Raelene Schulmeister Photography

Cake: Sugar by Tracy Photographer: Raelene Schulmeister Photography

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BRIDAL FANTASY www.bridalfantasy.com

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PLANNING Registry

Modern

Registry Etiquette

NE OF THE MANY EXCITING PARTS OF WEDDING PLANNING IS CREATING YOUR WEDDING REGISTRY. However, it can also be

fraught with lots of etiquette worries, especially as the needs of couples are changing and the options for where to register are expanding. The only rule that hasn’t budged? Your registry should not be listed on your invitations; instead, rely on word of mouth or include it on your wedding website. Feel free to register early! Some of your family and friends will likely want to send you a gift early to celebrate your engagement but keep in mind that while it’s common, giving gifts at the engagement party is not mandatory or expected. Ideally, you should register at a few places. Pick one large store that guests living out of town would be able to easily shop at or order online and one or two that offer variety in your gifting options and price points. Be mindful of including items at a variety of prices so all of your guests can choose something that is comfortable for their budget. You’ll need to maintain your registry throughout the entire engagement to wedding process; be sure to visit and update them often - you should have more items on your registry than guests at your wedding to ensure there are lots of choices and to accommodate gifting at both the engagement and wedding shower. If you’ve been living with your partner, you’ve likely started to establish a comfortable home - while household items like china and kitchenware are classic registry items, don’t be afraid to think outside the box! Your registry is an excellent opportunity to think about your future as a couple. You might not think you need it now but in a few years you might really appreciate that beautiful platter and serving set when hosting holiday dinners or having those gorgeous spare linens. Consider the style of home you’d like to create - this is a special opportunity to upgrade those mismatched cups, ask for the practical set of matching garden tools, or that fancy vacuum. Don’t be afraid to include more offbeat items! Do you know you’ll spend lots of evenings going on neighbourhood bike rides together? Include that bike you’ve been eyeing. Planning some DIY home renovations? Add the tool you know you’ll need. Do you love visiting the art gallery? Ask for a couple’s membership!

Aunt Muriel might opt for some of the more traditional items on your list but your friends will love giving you a gift that might be a bit more unique. While asking for money directly is still frowned upon, there are more ways for friends and family to contribute funds popping up. Sites like honeyfund.com provide a digital registry where, after choosing your honeymoon destination, you can create a wishlist of experiences and items that guests can contribute to. While less popular, there are also services like giftsofstock. com that allow investment-savvy couples to register for stocks and some banks offer programs that make it possible for guests to contribute to a home downpayment fund. If you opt for one of these services, you should still create a small registry at one store as some guests may feel strongly about giving a traditional physical gift. Whatever registry you opt for, be sure to read their policies before registering. Ensure that the registry will be convenient for you and your guests - it should be available online or if it’s a local store, they should accept orders over the phone. Check if they can ship to your address and–most importantly–make sure you understand their return and exchange policies! You’ll want to know if you can exchange duplicate gifts or what your return/exchange window is so you don’t miss it while on your honeymoon. The most important part of your wedding registry? Saying thank you. Let your guests know that you’ve received their gifts within two weeks of their arrival if you receive them before the wedding or within three months of your honeymoon for gifts received on or after your wedding day. Set aside a spot in your home with stationery 2018 and your address book so it becomes part BRIDAL FANTASY www.bridalfantasy.com of your routine and isn’t forgotten.

PLANNING Bridal Shower

3 Fun Games to try at your bridal shower

ridal showers are a fun opportunity for the brideto-be to celebrate her upcoming wedding with friends and family members. Typically hosted by the maid of honour or bridesmaids, the guests include female friends, family members and other relatives or if the couple prefers, co-ed or couple’s showers are gaining popularity. Since guests are expected to bring a gift, etiquette states that only those invited to the wedding should be invited to the shower. If there will be more than one shower, ensure that the hosts of the different parties compare their guest lists to ensure that guests are only invited to one party. Whether you’re choosing to do a couple’s shower and invite the groom and some of his friends and family, opting for an fun spa day with only close female friends and family, or having tea and cake at home, a classic part of the shower are the games! Switch things up and try one of these fun games for a laughter-filled icebreaker:

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Wedding Vow Libs Using traditional wedding vows, print a variety of templates, leaving blank spaces for nouns, verbs, and adjectives. A bridesmaid can ask guests for a word and fill in each of the blank spaces with the appropriate type of word. The choice of word is entirely up to the guest, no matter how ridiculous it may seem. In fact, the more ridiculous the word, the more hilarious the outcome. At the end of the party, the bride reads “her” wedding vows aloud. For an added bonus, ask the groom to join the party and play out a mock ceremony with his bride. Let the laugh-out-loud fun begin! Something for Him Ask everyone to write notes to the groom on a pair of men’s white underwear. Choose a theme like “happy wife happy life advice”, “sweet best wishes”, “dirty advice”, or leave the creativity up to your guests. For an added ‘touch’, have fabric paint handy and ask the guests to make handprints on the underwear. Make the bride wear them for the rest of the party. The underwear can become a honeymoon gift for the couple. When the groom wears them, she has to get ‘handsy’ with him wherever the handprints are. Newspaper Wedding Dress Gather a few weeks’ worth of newspaper, preferably the wedding announcement section to keep with the wedding theme. Divide guests into teams of three and hand each team a supply of newspaper, scissors, glue, tape, and glitter. Each team is assigned a section of the wedding dress such as a sleeve, bodice, skirt, train, veil. Let the teams flow with creativity and ‘sew’ away. When all fashion designers are done, dress the bride in all of the fabulous imaginative pieces and have her pose for a very memorable photo-op.

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BECOME YOUR OWN SOMMELIER Choosing the food for your big day can be one thing, and choosing the wine can be another. Should you splurge on fancy labels or wine glass charms for your friends and family? Chances are, your guests will be less interested in the visual aspects of your choice if you have chosen a wine that suits the food you will be serving. First off, you should always match the colours of the wine and meat to be served - and not for aesthetic reasons. White wine has a lighter flavour that goes well with light-coloured foods, like chicken, rice, and pasta. A red wine, no matter how pricey, will be overwhelming with these kinds of foods. If you will be having steak or dark vegetables, a red will likely be a better choice. Chardonnay is currently the world's favorite white wine, and will likely be a crowd pleaser. Another safe choice for white wines is Riesling, especially if you are serving food that will be spicy or bold.

special

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As for red wines, red wine blends are consistently growing in popularity. These are light, delicious, and taste more like juice than wine. If you prefer a wine with more of a punch, Cabernet Sauvignon is usually a crowd pleaser. Another option to consider is serving a rose wine. These go well with a variety of foods and flavours, and are light and romantic - perfect for a wedding. However, if you prefer pink, do your research! Many of your guests may not care for a simple White Zinfandel, and you will want to show them that you have put thought and consideration into your choice. When choosing a wedding wine, the safe choice is often the right choice. You will want to please as many of your guests as possible, and choosing your favorite, harshest red wine may not be the way to do so. Spend some time deciding, and maybe recruit your bridesmaids for the tasting process!

PLANNING Wedding Bar

101 Wedding Bar

HEERS! Choosing the bar at your reception is an important

decision when planning your wedding budget - everyone loves an open bar except for your wallet. If you’re not sure where to start, here’s your wedding bar 101: Be honest about your budget! There are many different ways of pricing the bar services at your reception, you should feel comfortable taking the time to decide what’s best for you.

• Open Bar With this option, you foot the bill for all drinks, all night! Advantages are that your guests will be thrilled, you’ll have quite the party, and you won’t have to worry about some of the math. The disadvantage? Some guests might have too much fun. Open bars can get pricey but they’re usually calculated with an hourly rate and bartender fee - the estimated price might shock you at first but you won’t be surprised by the bill at the end of the night. • Cash Bar At a cash bar, guests will be responsible for paying for their own drinks outside of the champagne toasts; in some social circles this can be frowned upon but it’s increasingly common. With this choice, your budget will be thrilled and your guests are less likely to overindulge; however, some of your guests will be disappointed and you might not have the same party atmosphere. • Limited Bar This is often a comfortable middle ground and offers a lot of options because it can be treated as an open bar or cash bar. Limited bars only serve specific types of drinks - usually a red and white wine, beer options, a few non-alcoholic options, and optional signature cocktails. Fewer options means reducing the cost from stocking up on spirits. Plus, you can decide to do a combination of a mixed cash and open bar, giving guests the option of paying for mixed drinks.

Your wedding bar doesn’t need to stock everything! If you’re taking a DIY approach, here’s what you’ll want behind the counter: • Keep your spirits simple: gin, vodka, and whiskey. If you want to go beyond that, add tequila and rum. • If you love wine, you can consider multiple varietals but generally a nice white, red, and a bubbly will do nicely. • Much like wine, if you love craft beers, feel free to expand but typically it’s safe to pick one brew for the night - pick your favourite and run with it. • With these mixers, you’ll be able to create most of the classics: cranberry and orange juices, club soda, tonic water, cola, and ginger ale. • Don’t forget the tools! You’ll need glasses, a corkscrew or bottle opener, an ice scoop, tongs, bar rags, straws, shakers, stir sticks, buckets and coolers. Put thought into what drinks you’re choosing. Think about seasons - white wine spritzers are refreshing for a summer wedding but your winter wedding might be more suited to red wines and dark liquors. Same with time of day! If you’re hosting a daytime reception, your guests will probably only want a drink or two but if you’re hoping for a all-night bash, you’ll want to plan for the refreshments to keep flowing. Get creative and consider crafting signature cocktails. Think about creating one inspired by each of you! It’s a fun way to add some personality and cut down on bar costs. Don’t forget to get your liquor license! If you’re holding your reception at an established venue, they might already have you covered. However, if you’re hosting it at a private venue, you’ll need a permit. They’re granted by the provincial government and can take a while to process 2018 - submit early to avoid any issues with BRIDAL FANTASY delays. www.bridalfantasy.com

Floral dreams do come true Original Designs Superb quality Unmatched Service

FlowerShop 780-472-9470 1320-167 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB 2018 www.kuhlmannsflowershop.com BRIDAL FANTASY www.bridalfantasy.com

PLANNING Flowers

Floral Concept, Design & Styling: Fabloomosity Floral Atelier Bridal Attire: NRT Fashions Jewellery: Zada Jewels; Paris Jewellers Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Photographer: Breanne Marie Photography Model: Sloan Marcil, Mode Models

Flower Chic

oday’s trends are easy to adapt and make your own - whether you’re a boldly bohemian bride or you’re tying the knot with a chic traditional ceremony, your posies will look perfect!

hen you’re choosing your florist, it’s a good idea to meet with approximately three florists to compare their pricing, style, and if they’re a good personality fit. Ask your wedding and reception venue if they have anyone they would recommend and take referrals from family and friends, especially if you liked the flowers at their recent nuptials! Focus on learning about your florist’s services and approach - be sure to ask for their wedding portfolio.

Once you’ve settled on “the one”, make the most of your appointments! Make sure to bring fabric swatches of the bridal party’s dresses, pictures of your dress and the venue, and some ideas that you love. Come with an open mind; like all wedding vendors, these specialists understand how to create the showstopping look you want while staying within your budget. They’ll also have great suggestions for flower pairings, be able to recommend blooms that are in season (or look so fabulous

you won’t care that they’re out of season), and present a few amazing design ideas perfect for you! Wondering what trends we’re saving in our inspiration file? Here are our favourites:

2018

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• Loose and unruly. Both bouquets and arrangements are saying goodbye to tight, traditional shapes in favour of organic shapes bursting with beautiful blooms! Greenery, branches and ferns add interesting texture and volume that complements this perfectly imperfect vibe. • Freshly picked. Consider featuring local, in season flowers for an English-garden inspired look that is both beautiful and environmentally friendly. • Traditional favourites. Flowers like carnations and chrysanthemums have often been eschewed as overused but they’ve made a comeback thanks to the beautiful heirloom varietals cultivated by independent flower farms. • Vases with personality. Gather your flowers and greenery in unique containers! Add a bit of glimmer with mercury glass and antique cut glass vases or embrace the shine with metal containers in rose gold, copper, silver, or gold. Embrace interesting shapes too: geometric pots, unexpected containers, and mismatched vases are a great way to spice up your arrangements without distracting from your florals. • Creative centrepieces. Think beyond single arrangements on round tables; get creative with the opportunities offered by long King’s tables or add variety with multiple arrangements in different complementary styles. Consider one large centrepiece paired with smaller complementary arrangements on large tables or a family of smaller arrangements. • Sweet succulents. Succulents are a lovely option for adding a soft greenery to your table; plus if they’re potted individually, they make thoughtful wedding favours. • Beautiful backdrops. Create a eye-catching backdrop for your ceremony with a flower wall or garland-covered gazebo. While luxurious Pinterestworthy flower walls can be expensive, you can get a similar look by incorporating vines and greenery with the blossoms. • Go green! Looking for a unique alternative for your florals? Ditch the flowers! Consider embracing trees, succulents, ferns, and other greenery for decor that is full of texture and personality.

2018

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Styling: Fabloomosity Floral Atelier Bridal Attire: r o c o c o BRIDES Jewellery: Zada Jewels; Paris Jewellers Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Photographer: Breanne Marie Photography Model: Sloan Marcil, Mode Models

Flowers: Fabloomosity Floral Atelier Bridal Attire: The Bridal Boutique Jewellery: Zada Jewels; Paris Jewellers Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Photographer: Breanne Marie Photography Model: Ceanna Muller, Mode Models

2018

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Flowers: Fabloomosity Floral Atelier Bridal Attire: Bridal Elegance by Sandy Jewellery: Zada Jewels Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Photographer: Breanne Marie Photography Model: Darcy Waters, Mode Models

2018

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Flowers: Floral Architects Location: Courtyard by Marriott Calgary Airport Photographer: Brandie Sunley – Associate Photographer Edward Ross Photography Flowers: Floral Architects Location: Courtyard by Marriott Calgary Airport Photographer: Brandie Sunley – Associate Photographer Edward Ross Photography

Flowers: Fabloomosity Floral Atelier Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Photographer: Breanne Marie Photography

2018

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Flowers: Fabloomosity Floral Atelier Bridal Attire: Bridal Debut Gownhouse Jewellery: Stylist’s Own Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Photographer: Brandie Sunley – Associate Photographer Edward Ross Photography Model: Ceanna Muller, Mode Models

2018

BRIDAL FANTASY www.bridalfantasy.com

Flowers: Fabloomosity Floral Atelier Bridal Attire: The Bridal Boutique Makeup: Kathleen Gibeau Hair: Rock It Out Salon Photographer: Breanne Marie Photography Model: Kathleen Gibeau

Flowers: Fabloomosity Floral Atelier Bridal Attire: r o c o c o BRIDES Jewellery: Zada Jewels; Paris Jewellers Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Photographer: Jaymarie Studios Model: Darcy Waters, Mode Models

Flowers: Fabloomosity Floral Atelier Bridal Attire: Bridal Debut Gownhouse Jewellery: Zada Jewels Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Photographer: Breanne Marie Photography Model: Darcy Waters, Mode Models

2018

BRIDAL FANTASY www.bridalfantasy.com

Bliss

Bouquet W

hen planning your wedding flowers, be upfront about what your budget and vision are; some flowers can be very expensive out of season, but a good florist can help you create the look you want within your budget. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re thinking about preserving your flowers, like the bouquet and boutonniere, be sure to mention this as they can avoid flowers that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take well to this process and ensure you that your flowers preserve perfectly.

Flowers: Incredible Florist Photographer: Grant Olson Photography

Flowers: Kuhlmann's

Flowers: Incredible Florist Photographer: Grant Olson Photography

2018

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Flowers: Forget-Me-Not Flowers Photographer: Grant Olson Photography

Flowers: Fabloomosity Floral Atelier Photographer: Grant Olson Photography

2018

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Photographer: Carlos Vicente Photography Flowers: Two Buds Floral Artistry

Photographer: Donovan Bissett Photography Flowers: MJS Floral Boutique

Photographer: Alicia Furtado Photography Flowers: Two Buds Floral Artistry

Photographer: Eternal Reflections 2018 BRIDAL FANTASY Flowers: Wild Orchid www.bridalfantasy.com

Boutique

Photographer: Chinook Photography Flowers: Mandala Floral

Photographer: Studio Lumen Flowers: Calyx Floral Design

Photographer: Elegance Photography Flowers: Sugar Tree Company

Photographer: Elegance Photography Flowers: Panda Flowers

2018

BRIDAL FANTASY www.bridalfantasy.com

2018

BRIDAL FANTASY www.bridalfantasy.com

BEAUTY Louisa Graves

Feel Like A Star On Your Wedding Day

hether you’re a bride or mother of the bride, every woman in your bridal party is sure to enjoy my do-it-yourself home spa beauty recipes. For a glowing complexion, naturally smooth and dewy lips, reduced under-eye puffiness and spot-free hands and arms, apply the following beauty recipes for seven nights prior to your special day. And best of all, you can indulge in these recipes in the privacy of your own home. In addition, they’re easy to make, costeffective and sure to have you looking and feeling like a star on your wedding day! View more of my free beauty recipe videos at www.YouTube.com/user/BeautyGuru/videos. Enjoy! Glowing Complexion Facial Moisturizer Recipe

Puffy Eye Reducer Recipe

My facial moisturizer recipe can be used by those with normal, dry or oily skin. It is made with non-poreclogging squalane oil (derived from olives) and jojoba oil. This recipe hydrates and plumps the skin for a glowing complexion as well as reduces fine lines and wrinkles.

To reduce under eye puffiness and fine lines, and help thicken the delicate, thinning skin around the eyes, emu oil is phenomenal.

Here’s why it works: Squalane mimics the natural

sebum in the skin. It absorbs quickly and can deeply hydrate the skin without causing breakouts. Jojoba oil combines plant esters and vitamin E which behave like collagen to nourish, plump and smooth the skin. This facial moisturizer can be used all year round. Find jojoba oil at health food stores. Find 100% pure squalane oil (derived from olives) at a discount price at www.HollywoodBeautySecrets.com

Here’s what you do: Combine ½ tsp. squalane

oil (derived from olives) with ¼ tsp. jojoba oil and massage on clean face, crow’s feet and neck and chest prior to bedtime. Leave on overnight.

Smooth, Dewy Lips Recipe To help smooth and hydrate lips, you’ll need 1 large cotton ball, 3 tbsp. warm 2% or whole milk, 1 tsp. raw honey and one vitamin E capsule.

Here’s why it works: Milk contains lactic acid which gently exfoliates the delicate skin on the lips. The fat in milk also moisturizes. Honey is a super hydrator and contains natural antibiotic properties than can speedheal and help smooth cracked or dry lips. Vitamin E repairs and seals the milk and honey on the lips while sleeping. Find these ingredients at any grocery or health food store. Here’s what you do: After cleansing, saturate a cotton ball with warm milk and dab the lips with it for three minutes. Afterward, gently pat lips dry. Do not rinse lips. Next, using your index finger, apply a little raw honey on lips. Lastly, poke a vitamin E capsule with a clean pin and apply its contents on the lips to seal in the honey. Leave on overnight.

Here’s why it works: Emu oil is the only scientifically proven transdermal oil that can penetrate through the epidermis (surface skin layers) and reach deep down to the dermis of the skin where collagen forms. This powerful oil offers myriad benefits because it is rich in omega 3s, 6s and 9s. Find 100% pure emu oil, approved by the American Emu Oil Association, at a deep discount price at www.HollywoodBeautySecrets.com. Here’s what you do: At bedtime, after cleansing, apply a drop of emu oil under each eye and gently massage it into the delicate skin using your ring finger. After five nights the puffiness will diminish. I also suggest sleeping with an additional pillow to elevate the head, thus preventing fluids from pooling around the eyes while reclined.

Hand and Arm Spot Reducer Recipe To smooth and fade spots on the hands and arms, you’ll need 6 tbsp. plain yogurt, 3 tbsp. fresh lemon juice (not bottled), 10 -12 tbsp. baking soda and 1 tsp. olive oil.

Here’s why it works: The scrubbing action of baking soda exfoliates the skin. The lactic acid in yogurt and bleaching power of lemon juice provide a powerful combination that fades spots on hands and forearms. Here’s what you do: Combine the yogurt, lemon juice and baking soda to make a paste. Scrub the paste on tops of hands and the forearms for 2 minutes. Leave the mixture on hands and arms for 20 minutes. Rinse off with tepid water. Afterward, apply your favorite moisturizer on arms and hands.

For more information and paraben-free skin care at deep discount prices, please visit Louisa Graves at www. HollywoodBeautySecrets.com

Louisa Graves Louisa is an industry leader in the area of non-invasive beauty. She is the author of doctorrecommended book, AGEPROOF: Beauty Alternatives You Need to Know, and has been featured on television shows including: The Talk, The Doctors, Extra, The Discovery Channel’s Fit TV, The Style Network, Los Angeles KCAL, Fox, KTLA Moring news, and many more. She is a repeat guest on Sirius XM’s Doctor Radio, is a beauty advisor for FIRST Magazine, a contributor and expert in Woman’s World column, "Ask America’s Ultimate Expert” and has written for AOL Huffington Post Media Group and many more. She frequently speaks to women’s organizations across the country on how to look and feel our best on a budget. Watch Louisa’s FREE beauty recipes videos at Youtube.com/ BeautyGuru

HollywoodBeautySecrets.com

2018

BRIDAL FANTASY www.bridalfantasy.com

Lingerie

$150

$100

Makeup

$100 Gown

Bouquet

$125

$1500

Manicure

Lashes

$100 Headpiece

$80

Jewellery

$80 Hair

$175 Shoes

$150

Pedicure

$120

Handbag

$80

You’ve invested $2500 on one magical day. Investing in your skin should be no exception.

fabulous on your wedding day, and everyday.

Be breathtakingly

2018

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Skin Rejuvenation • Injectables • Body Contouring

BEAUTY Products

Beauty Necessities A guide to flawless hair, skin and nails for a worry-free wedding day!

NIVEA Product: 2-in-1 Moisturizing Primer Price: $10.95, 50mL Availability: Available in all major drugstores and mass retailers • The 2-in-1 Moisturizing Primer works to hydrate and smooth skin to the create the perfect canvas for makeup application and prolong its wear throughout the day • This formula is ultra-lightweight and absorbs instantly, allowing you to immediately apply your makeup afterwards • Even if you don’t wear face makeup, you can still benefit from using this cream as it evens skin and improves skin’s overall appearance. • Available for different skin types: normal/dry to sensitive skin

BLEND & BOOST Price: Your Blend & Boost solution begins at $150 (incl. assessment and product) Availability: Available at select clinics, listed at www.blendandboost.com. • Following in the footsteps of traditional apothecaries, Blend & Boost was developed by a team of professionals that includes a physician, a chemist, a pharmacist and a number of skin care experts. • Blend & Boost delivers a trustworthy and effective solution for any type of skin care issue, such as wrinkles, uneven skin tone, redness, sun damage and much more. • Every Blend & Boost experience begins with a skin consultation with a healthcare practitioner who will use patented technology to deliver a luxury blend of ingredients including peptides, antioxidants and natural components and a true alternative to traditional, mass-produced skin care.

ALTERNA HAIRCARE Alterna Haircare is a luxury hair care brand with a wide range of products infused with caviar extract and free of parabens, sulfates and synthetic colour. Product: Caviar Anti-Aging Infinite Color Hold Topcoat Shine Spray Price: $32.00, 4.2oz The Infinite Color Hold Topcoat Shine Spray has an ultra-lightweight formula that nourishes and protects hair against external aggressors and locks in colour – the essential finishing step for vibrant colour and reflective shine

Product: Caviar Anti-Aging Working Hair Spray Price: $30.00, 15.5oz This ultra-dry and lightweight hairspray provides humidity-resistant style support while combating the aging process. This formula provides a flexible, brushable and a light to medium hold.

Availability: All items available at alternahaircare.com

Product: Caviar Style Grit Price: $30.00, 1.85oz The Style Grit is a medium hold styling paste that creates hidefinition silhouettes and separating layers. This product provides just the right amount of hold and natural shine.

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2018

BRIDAL FANTASY www.bridalfantasy.com

EX T R A Sâ&#x20AC;&#x192;Your Creative Sta mp

EnFloral Vogue Fantasy 2018

BRIDAL FANTASY www.bridalfantasy.com

2018

BRIDAL FANTASY www.bridalfantasy.com

2018

BRIDAL FANTASY www.bridalfantasy.com

2018

BRIDAL FANTASY www.bridalfantasy.com

EnFloral Vogue Fantasy Photographer: Gabriele Di Martino Location: Coolpixel Studio Milano, Italy Beauty Director: Valeria Orlando using VOR Make Up Make Up & Hair Style Assistants: Arianna Ferro, Stefania Indelicato, Marta Calegari, Eleonora Fiscina, Francesca Ragone Models: Eleonora Crippa MAJOR MODELS Milan Agency: Georgia Dispenza, Diana Horkovenko, Dominika Kachlik, Katheryna Andreeva WONDERWALL MGT Milan Agency: Veronika Baskakova Styling: Myra Postolache Production: The Secret Code Of Fashion

2018

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BEAUTY Hair

Hair

Affair

pdos, romantic tendrils, tiaras, jewel-studded clips, wild waves left long or sophisticated braids kept tucked in – where does it all end? The sheer amount of options you have when considering your hair is staggering and can be very frustrating when searching for your perfect look. Whether you want to make a statement or stick to a classic look, don’t be afraid to experiment, get some expert advice, and most importantly, stay true to you.

Bridal Attire: NRT Fashions Jewellery: Earrings, Stylist’s Own; Necklace, Zada Jewels Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Photographer: Grant Olson Photography Model: Sloan Marcil, Mode Models

2018

BRIDAL FANTASY www.bridalfantasy.com

Bridal Attire: The Bridal Boutique Jewellery: Zada Jewels Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Photographer: Grant Olson Photography Model: Darcy Waters, Mode Models

Bridal Attire: Bridal Debut Gownhouse Jewellery: Zada Jewels Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Photographer: Grant Olson Photography Model: Darcy Waters, Mode Models

Bridal Attire: Bridal Debut Gownhouse Head Piece: Zada Jewels Jewellery: Stylist’s Own Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Photographer: Grant Olson Photography Model: Ceanna Muller, Mode Models

Bridal Attire: r o c o c o BRIDES Jewellery: Zada Jewels Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Photographer: Grant Olson Photography Model: Sloan Marcil, Mode Models

Bridal Attire: The Bridal Boutique Head Piece: Zada Jewels Jewellery: Stylist’s Own Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Photographer: Grant Olson Photography Model: Ceanna Muller, Mode Models

Bridal Attire: NRT Fashions Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Photographer: Grant Olson Photography Model: Mariah McDonnell, Mode Models

Bridal Attire: Bridal Debut Gownhouse Jewellery: Zada Jewels Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Photographer: Grant Olson Photography Model: Sloan Marcil, Mode Models

Bridal Attire: Bridal Debut Gownhouse Jewellery: Zada Jewels Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Photographer: Grant Olson Photography Model: Darcy Waters, Mode Models

Bridal Attire: The Bridal Boutique Jewellery: Zada Jewels Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Photographer: Grant Olson Photography Model: Ceanna Muller, Mode Models

2018

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PROFESSIONAL WEDDING DRESS Cleaning & Preservation

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Wedding Style There are several things to think about when deciding on the style of your wedding. You need to consider budget, the level of formality you want, the location of the ceremony and the reception, the number of guests, and finally, who is paying for the wedding. The People in your Wedding Party • Maid/Matron of Honour • Flower Girl • Bridesmaids • Ring Bearer • Father of the Bride • Best Man • Ushers/Groomsmen • Mother of the Bride

2018

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Duties of the Bridal Party Maid/Matron of Honour • Helps with addressing and stuffing envelopes • Keeps a gift record at the shower • Arranges bridal shower • Pays for her own wedding attire • Helps the bride arrange her train and veil at the altar • Holds the groom’s ring until the appropriate point in the ceremony • Signs the wedding certificate • Stands in the receiving line • Helps the bride change her clothes after the reception • Takes charge of the bride’s gown after the wedding • Is the bride’s best friend through all the good and bad continued on page 56

FASHION Shoes

SKY

High

o outfit is perfect until you’ve picked the right shoes and your wedding ensemble is no different! Once you’ve found the perfect dress, it’s time to start looking for the right pair of shoes. Your wedding shoes are a great time to indulge in a pair of glamorous designer shoes, a pair that will remind of your perfect wedding day and make your smile every time you slip them on. Today, the wedding shoes are such an important part of the wedding day look that they are frequently featured in the getting ready photos and some brides are choosing wedding dress silhouettes that show off their gorgeous shoes.

Before anything else, remember to think about comfort, aching feet are never fun! If you can’t walk in heels, you probably won’t be comfortable in a pair of tall heels, no matter how beautiful they are. This is a really important time to buy a pair of great shoes that fit properly and follow up by wearing them around the house to break them in before the big day. If you’ve picked a pair of heels, consider finding a pair of flats that you can switch into at the reception so you can slip into something more comfortable as the evening goes on. For beach and casual backyard weddings, wearing a pair of ornate flats is a smart choice as it is much easier to walk outdoors and through the grass. Shoes are a fun way to put a bit of fun or a special touch into your wedding ensemble and there are no rules for your footwear choices. Here are some of the great bridal shoe trends that you can consider for your look: • Magical Metals Shoes in golds and silvers are great choices; beautiful in a range of shoe styles from peep-toe pumps

to strappy heels, all you have to do is choose a pair that is the same metallic as your jewelry and other accessories. • All Laced Up Delicate looking booties in lace are a great choice for a vintage inspired look and they’re also a great choice for brides that need extra support as they can be laced up for a snug fit around the ankles. • Romantic Ruffles Super sweet or modern, ruffles are a great way to add a bit of character and pretty details to your look without being saccharine. Opt for layers of ruffles for a fun, flirty shoe or a hint of a ruffle for a daintily modern touch. • Something Blue Shoes are always a fun way to add a pop of unexpected colour to any outfit and many brides are adding their something blue into their look with a pair of blue shoes. From brilliant cobalt blues to deep navy to icy soft blues, anything goes!

2018

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KNOW YOUR ROLE continued from page 54

Happily ever after begins here.

Love and be Loved Photography

WE ARE YOUR CANADIAN ROCKIES WEDDING DESTINATION Located in beautiful Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta 1.888.527.9555 bayshoreinn.com

Ushers/Groomsmen • Rent or purchase their own formalwear • Arrive at the wedding location early to assist with set-up • Ushers escort guests to their seats • Ushers roll out aisle runner immediately before the processional • Help decorate newlyweds’ car

Ring Bearer • The ring bearer precedes the flower girl in the procession • The ring bearer carries the rings down the aisle on the pillow (usually the rings are fake and the maid of honour and best man carry the real rings) Father of the Bride • Proudly walks his little girl down the aisle • Wonders how he is going to pay for the wedding Mother of the Bride • Helps the bride choose her gown • Helps the bride select bridesmaid’s attire • Co-ordinates her own attire with the mother of the groom • Works with the groom’s family to assemble a guest list and seating plan • Helps address, stuff, and mail invitations • Helps with the bridal shower • Stands at the beginning of the receiving line • Assists the bride with all the arrangements and details of the entire day • Provides invaluable emotional support

From engagement parties to rehearsal dinners and receptions and all the preparations in between, we’re the toast of the nearly and newly wed. The most important commitment of your life has our commitment to make it deliciously memorable.

BRIDAL B R I FANTASY D G E S C AT E R I N G . C A www.bridalfantasy.com

Best Man • Organizes the bachelor party • Rents or purchases his own formalwear • Drives the groom to the ceremony • Holds the bride’s ring until the appropriate point in the ceremony • Gives payment cheque to the officiant either just before or after the ceremony • Returns the groom’s attire (if rented)

Flower Girl • Proceeds down the aisle just before the Maid/ Matron of Honour • Tosses flower petals down the aisle • There can be more than one flower girl. If there is more than one, all of the flower girls would walk down the aisle together

AT BRIDGES, ‘I DO’ IS WHAT WE DO.

2018

Bridesmaids • Pay for their own wedding attire • Help with the bridal shower • Help dress the bride before the ceremony • Stand in receiving line

780 425 0173

THE WORD OF MOUTH

PLANNING Reception Meal

Great Eats, Sweet Treats Making the Most of Your Tasting

eciding what you’d like to serve your guests at a reception is an important decision, not only is it a significant part of your wedding budget, it’s a special meal that you’ll want to be memorable for all of the right reasons and capture the essence of your culture! Attending a tasting with your caterer is an essential part of the planning your menu so you can make sure you love what you’re serving.

nce you’ve narrowed down your choice of caterer or signed your contract, ask them if tastings are paid or free services. It’s common for tastings to be included in the cost of your catering and therefore free once you’ve signed your contract or a charged service if you haven’t booked yet. Since this is up to the caterer or venue, it’s always best to ask in advance and learn more about what they offer! Check how many are permitted to attend, you may want to bring a couple people for input; you may want to invite parents or the maid of honour/best man. If you do bring guests, stay focused on the food and ensure you make the most of your tasting and ultimately make your decision on what you and your partner enjoyed. Depending on the caterer, you will either taste the menu you have already chosen and have the opportunity to make changes and suggest other options or you can try a selection of menu options to narrow it down to create your final menu. Expect to be sampling all of the food you plan to serve, including hors d’oeuvres, entrees, sides, and desserts. You should discuss dietary concerns prior to the tasting, however, be prepared to address special needs like wheat allergies or other concerns when you confirm your menu. Unless they give you tasting portions only, the presentation should be the same as what you’ll see at the event, so you’ll know what your dishes will look like and you should be allowed to take pictures if you wish. Be honest about how you feel about the food, your caterer would rather know now if you don’t like something or would like to substitute dishes rather than have you disappointed or unhappy on your wedding day. Remember that while the wedding and tasting are exciting, be professional and respectful of their time; if they’re serving wine, don’t drink excessively and be conscious of good etiquette. It’s also polite to leave a tip for your server in appreciation for their work in serving you and clearing plates. Finally, expect to be trying a lot of amazing food!

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FEATURE Duchess Bake Shop

Duchess Bake Shop

Visit Duchess Bake Shop for fine french pastries, as well as hard-to-find baking ingredients like Valrhona chocolate, 84% butter, extracts & compounds, and fine frozen fruit."

Easy Mixer Pie Dough Yield: Makes 3 x 9 inch pie shells or 1 covered or lattice-top pie plus an extra shell. This recipe will make more than you need for our pie recipes. You can easily halve this recipe to make exactly what you need for one pie, but because pie dough freezes so well, I always like to make the full recipe and keep the extra dough in my freezer ready to go for when I need to make a dessert in a pinch. All the pies in this chapter have been tested using a 9-inch pie plate (standard, not deep dish). If your pie plate is a different size, you may need to adjust baking times accordingly; for smaller pies, be careful not to overfill the shells.

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Ingredients: 640 g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 226 g (1 cup) unsalted butter, in 1/2-inch cubes, cold 200 g (1 cup) vegetable shortening, in 1/2-inch cubes, cold 1 tsp salt 242 g (1 cup) ice water Equipment: You will need a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Procedure: 1. Place the flour, butter, shortening, and salt into a stand mixer bowl. Mix on low speed until the fats are in small chunks and the mixture looks a bit dry. This should only take 10 to 15 seconds. If you over mix you run the risk of turning your mixture into a dough, and then you’ll have a difficult time incorporating all the water into it in the next step. 2. Add the ice water all at once and mix on medium speed until the dough just

comes together. Some small lumps of fat should remain in the dough. 3. Shape the dough into three balls. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, making sure the dough is fully chilled before rolling out. At this point the dough can be frozen. Let it thaw completely before using it, but when you roll it out, be sure it’s still cold. Storage: Pie dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days or in the freezer for up to six months.

Sharileen’s Sour Cream Cherry Pie Yield: Makes 1 filling for 1 x 9-inch pie. One of my good friends, Sharileen, has worked for us at Duchess since the day we opened. She’s a wonderful baker and I’ve always looked forward to her bringing in the lovely treats that she bakes at home. She brought us this delicious recipe for a cherry pie that uses the sour cherries that are commonly grown here in Alberta. Our opening week coincided with cherry-picking season and Sharileen brought in buckets of sour cherries that she had hand-picked from the tree in her yard. We labouriously hand-pitted each individual cherry to make into pies. To keep up with production, we’ve since switched to a supplier that provides us with good pre-pitted frozen sour cherries. If you have the time to pit fresh cherries, you will be rewarded with the best cherry pie out there. Ingredients: 1 batch Easy Mixer Pie Dough 440 g (31/2 cups) fresh or frozen pitted sour cherries 175 g (3/4 cup + 2 Tbsp) sugar 40 g (1/4 cup) all-purpose flour 122 g (1/2 cup) sour cream Equipment: You will need a 9-inch pie plate. Procedure: 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 2. In a medium bowl, mix together the cherries, sugar, and flour. Add the sour cream and stir until all the ingredients are combined. If your cherries are really juicy and look a bit watery, stir in another 2 tsp flour. 3. Roll out one portion of pie dough and line the bottom of the pie plate, leaving the extra dough hanging over the sides of the pie plate. 4. Fill the pie shell with the cherry mixture. It should be even with the rim of the pie plate, not heaping. 5. Roll out a second portion of pie dough, then cut eight strips, each one about 10 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. Gently place them on top of the pie about 1 inch apart, lattice-style (four vertical and four horizontal), making sure they hang over the edges of the pie. You can weave the strips if you wish.

6. Working around the entire edge of the pie, snugly tuck the dough under itself, forming a thick rim around the edge of the plate. Make sure the edges are well pressed together to keep the filling from bubbling out during baking. 7. Using the thumb of one hand, press the dough between the thumb and forefinger of the other hand, forming a crimped peak. Continue around the entire edge. 8. Brush the edges and lattice generously with egg wash (1 egg white whisked with 1 Tbsp cream) and sprinkle generously with sugar. 9. Bake the pie for 70 to 75 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling and thickened. Allow the pie to cool completely before serving. Storage: This pie will keep at room temperature for up to three days.

Giselle Courteau Giselle is a co-owner of Duchess Bakeshop in Edmonton. The bakery has won numerous awards and was listed on Buzzfeed’s list of bakeries you need to visit before you die. Giselle describes herself as a self-taught baker whom from an early age was told if she wanted to satisfy her sweet tooth, she had to make it herself from scratch. And so she did, and never stopped. She spent two years — and

200 batches later — just to perfect her macaron recipe; the same recipe that led to her open Duchess Bake Shop in Edmonton which also led her to publish The Duchess Bakeshop Cookbook. When she’s not baking or managing the business, she enjoys yearly trips to France and spending time with her partner Jacob, son Benoît and daughter Rose.

For a description of the cookbook visit: duchessbakeshop.com/products/duchess-bake-shop-cookbook

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Love is love! This day is yours you deserve a memorable experience filled wiTh love, hope and excitement

that lasts a lifetime follow us on

Jenna sparroW

Catering sales manager T (780) 930 4018 | F (780) 481 3923

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Westedmonton.doubletree.com D o u b l e T r e e b y H i lT o n W e s T e D m o n T o n 1 6 6 1 5 - 1 0 9 A v e , e D m o n T o n A b T 5 P 4 K 8

MAJESTIC WINTER WONDERLAND WEDDINGS

Photo credit: As I See It Photography

· YOUR PERFECT DAY, 7,000 FEET ABOVE ORDINARY ·

magine saying I do amongst breathtaking rocky mountain scenery in the heart of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sunshine Village Ski and Snowboard Resort

provides an exclusive alpine backdrop, drenched in exceedingly beautiful alpine views, and complemented by upscale accommodation and venues to ensure a picture perfect day.

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TRAVELâ&#x20AC;&#x192;Destination

The

Best Honeymoon

Destinations by Month

lanning your post-wedding getaway? Find out the best time of year to travel to the most popular honeymoon spots from classic beach escapes, romantic European tours or more adventurous locales.

January, February & March Escape the chill after your winter wedding and hit the beach! The Caribbean, Maldives, Costa Rica, Mexico and Costa Rica all offer relaxation and endless amounts of sun and sand. For those hoping to start off married life on a more adventurous note, South America and Australia are experiencing summer during our winter so weather is prime for hiking, biking and exploring.

April The sunny Caribbean and Mexico are still great options in April, with beautiful weather and quieter beaches. Greece and Turkey can offer a more exotic beach location, along with touring and history. Why not set sail on a cruise and experience multiple destinations at once?

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May Jet off to Southern Europe before summer travel heats up! Imagine sipping wines in a vineyard in Southern France, taking a cooking class together in Italy, or sharing tapas in Spain. Start off on a small group tour or cruise to see all the sites and then spend some time alone in your favorite destination.

June, July & August This is the best time of year to stick closer to home and enjoy the summer weather! Cruise the fjords of Alaska, explore Canada on either coast or fly to Hawaii for sun, sand and spa.

September & October Watch the leaves change color in Europe and enjoy the slightly cooler weather and smaller crowds. Whether you are on a river cruise tour or checking into a luxury hotel, autumn is a great time to experience England, France, Austria, the Netherlands, and more! Eastern Canada & New England also offer a romantic backdrop for your first married vacation, either by boat or tour.

November & December Perfect weather (smaller chance of hurricanes and storms than early fall!), quiet beaches and better prices make Mexico and the Caribbean a classic choice for a late autumn honeymoon. Some hot destinations include the ABC Islands (Aruba, Curaรงao, and Bonaire), Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, and the Cayman Islands. For a more unique option try an expedition cruise in the Galapagos or a ski vacation as the snow starts to fall.

Whenever you are planning your romantic getaway, Vision Travel can help you find the perfect destination and work within your budget to make your honeymoon dreams a reality! Contact us today at 780-459-6661, stalbert@visiontravel.ca or visit www.visiontravel.ca/stalbert.

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Your Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Experts Vision Travel’s wedding and honeymoon specialists excel in the art of curating an unforgettably romantic getaway. We have extensive travel planning experience and welcome the opportunity to help you plan your destination wedding or honeymoon.

In conjunction with Sunwing Vacations and The Barceló Hotel Group we can offer comprehensive wedding packages to help make your wedding dreams come true.

Destination Wedding & Honeymoon: Planning • Trip Coordination • Gift Registry • Custom Designed Wedding Programs & Luggage Tags

Seeing Travel Your Way

1-780-459-6661

www.visiontravel.ca/stalbert

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TRAVEL Honeymoon

Honeymoon

HOT spots Y

ou’ve put a lot of planning in to create the perfect wedding day but have you started thinking about your honeymoon? After all of the excitement and celebration around your marriage, jetting off to enjoy your honeymoon as a newly married couple will be a nice way to unwind and bask in the romance. There are many different locations and travel styles to consider when you’re planning your trip, start talking about where you’d love to visit – this is a great time to indulge some of those travel fantasies! Once you’ve narrowed down some ideas, start doing some independent research or take a visit to your travel agent and learn more about some of the options and packages they can suggest. From five-star beach resorts to backpacking adventures, you’ll be able to put together the perfect trip. Looking for a perfect place to unwind and just enjoy each other’s company? Beach locales are a great for taking some time to relax and focus on each other. Soaking up the warm sun, taking long walks on the beach, and enjoying candlelit dinners are among some of the romantic activities available. If you’re looking to shake things up, destinations typically offer more adventurous activities too, such as scuba diving, hiking in amazing tropical forests, visiting ruins, and so much more! While resorts offer many amazing activities onsite, visiting local markets and taking a walk into town can be a fun way to spend an afternoon. If you’ve hoping for an exciting whirlwind, consider a European adventure! Can’t decide on a single region you’d like to visit? Instead of planning an itinerary and booking hotels, consider taking a flexible tour. Book departing and returning flights but let the rest of your trip unfold as you go. Map out which places you’d really like to visit, book some AirBnB venues, and purchase a

Eurail pass; with a flexible itinerary you can stay a little bit longer in places you really enjoy and explore new places if you want to leave a city early. While couples traditionally leave right after the reception or the brunch held the morning after, more newlyweds are waiting a while before jetting off. Taking a break between the wedding and the honeymoon allows couples extra time to settle in after the excitement, open wedding gifts, and send out thank-you cards. In addition to making sure your wedding responsibilities are all wrapped up, waiting a few months will also let you pay off any outstanding wedding bills and set aside some more money for your honeymoon. Wherever you decide to go, your honeymoon will be an incredibly special trip as you celebrate your newlywed status. Toast yourself and your partner on a beautiful wedding and the start of an exciting new chapter in your lives.

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TRAVEL Packing

Pack for a Hassle-Free Honeymoon

nce the tickets are booked and your itinerary for your honeymoon is planned, all that’s left before getting on the plane is packing your suitcase! Making sure you have everything you need for the trip without overstuffing your suitcase can be a tricky balance, but with some planning, it’s possible to put together a perfect packing list that ensures you have everything you need without the oversize luggage fee!

• Pack an outfit for the other person in your suitcase. If the airline loses your luggage, you’ll have a change of clothes and you won’t have to spend your first day of your honeymoon searching for pants that actually fit. • While you should keep the number of valuables you bring to a minimum, be sure to carry them in a safe part of your carry-on luggage. If you cannot bear the thought of losing it, leave it at home. • If you’re backpacking and planning to stay in hostels, consider bringing a hypoallergenic pillow case and a sleep sheet so you don’t have to sleep on questionable bed linens. • Pack an extra bag. If you’re using a luggage set, pack everything in your smaller suitcase and then put that inside the larger one. Once you arrive you can feel free to shop and pick up other items knowing that you have an extra bag to pack it all into! If you don’t have a luggage set, pack an extra duffle bag in your suitcase. • Pack at least one great scarf; scarves are a great way to spice up a basic outfit but they also come handy as a makeshift pillow, a blanket on the plane, or as a sarong if you’re at the beach!

Your honeymoon is a great time to invest in good luggage if you didn’t include it on your registry; having an excellent set will help ensure that your luggage gets from point A to point B in one piece and a smart design will help you use every square inch effectively. Consider using space tools like cubes to organize your clothing and remember some of these easy packing tips:

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• Use your space effectively! Make the most of your space with tricks like storing socks or other small items like socks or belts in shoes or using packing systems like cubes. Always roll clothing items--other than denim--this will minimize the space they take up while reducing wrinkles.

• Invest in an international power and voltage adapter, having all of the different configurations will come in handy if you’re trying to use your hair dryer in Europe and you accidentally brought a converter for Central and South America. Before you leave, make arrangements for your mail and house; prevent any unpleasant homecoming surprises by making your home look lived in. Easy steps to take include having a friend or neighbour check in, having the post office hold your mail, and setting some of your home lights on timers. Plan ahead for a fun and relaxing honeymoon.

E S C A P E T O C H E R R Y C R E E K E S TAT E Nestled between the Rocky & Purcell Mountains near Kimberley and Cranbrook BC, Cherry Creek Estate is just four hours from Calgary. With 360 degrees of mountain views, there is no shortage of spectacular backdrops for your wedding ceremony. Three upscale rental buildings include a 13,000 square foot European inspired mansion and two reception barns to choose from. • 320 acre private estate • Gourmet farm to fork style cuisine • Exclusive access for your wedding weekend • Indoor pool • Onsite accommodation for 45

WWW.CHERRYCREEK.CA | INFO@CHERRYCREEK.CA | 250.427.4479 /CherryCreekEstate |

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WEDDINGS at the Garden A beautiful outdoor setting for an unforgettable day!

Ceremony & photo packages for up to 250 guests. Photo only packages also available. Taking 2019 bookings now!

botanicgarden.ualberta.ca Located in Parkland County, 5 km north of Devon on Hwy 60

#UABG Formerly the Devonian Botanic Garden

Weddings naturally The Fenlands offers a spectacular natural setting and a spacious, modern venue for your wedding. The Concourse overlooks the forests and fenland, with iconic Mt. Norquay as a backdrop. The spacious, airy hall opens to an outdoor meadow, making it ideal for your special occasion. Onsite catering and additional rooms available. Call 403.985.9014 or email rentals@banff.ca to book your celebration.

2018 Visit banff.ca/weddings to find out more. BRIDAL FANTASY www.bridalfantasy.com

100 Norquay Road, Banff, Alberta

bridaldebut.com

dreamy bridal shop

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to Fall in Love with

Photographer: Breanne Marie Photography Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Bridal Attire: Bridal Elegance by Sandy Jewellery: Zada Jewels; Paris Jewellers Floral Design, Concept & Styling: Fabloomosity Floral Atelier Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Model: Darcy Waters, Mode Models

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Photographer: Breanne Marie Photography Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Bridal Gown: Bridal Debut Gownhouse Bridal Veil: Bridal Elegance by Sandy Jewellery: Zada Jewels; Paris Jewellers Floral Design and Concept: Fabloomosity Floral Atelier Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Model: Ceanna Muller, Mode Models

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Photographer: Brandie Sunley â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Associate Photographer Edward Ross Photography Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Bridal Attire: Bridal Debut Gownhouse Jewellery: Zada Jewels Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Model: Darcy Waters, Mode Models

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Photographer: Brandie Sunley – Associate Photographer Edward Ross Photography Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Bridal Gown: Bridal Debut Gownhouse Bridal Wrap: Bridal Elegance by Sandy Jewellery: Stylist’s Own Head Piece: Zada Jewels; Paris Jewellers Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Model: Ceanna Muller, Mode Models

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Photographer: Brandie Sunley â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Associate Photographer Edward Ross Photography Location: Surprise Corner Bridal Attire: The Bridal Boutique Jewellery: Zada Jewels Floral Design and Concept: Fabloomosity Floral Atelier Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Model: Darcy Waters, Mode Models

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Photographer: Breanne Marie Photography Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Bridal Attire: The Bridal Boutique Jewellery: Stylistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Own Head Piece: Zada Jewels Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Model: Ceanna Muller, Mode Models

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Photographer: Brandie Sunley – Associate Photographer Edward Ross Photography Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Bridal Attire: Bridal Debut Gownhouse Jewellery: Stylist’s Own Head Piece: Zada Jewels Floral Design and Concept: Fabloomosity Floral Atelier Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Model: Ceanna Muller, Mode Models

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Photographer: Brandie Sunley â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Associate Photographer Edward Ross Photography Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Bridal Attire: r o c o c o BRIDES Jewellery: Zada Jewels Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Model: Darcy Waters, Mode Models

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Photographer: Breanne Marie Photography Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Bridal Attire: Bridal Debut Gownhouse Jewellery: Zada Jewels; Paris Jewellers Floral Design and Concept: Fabloomosity Floral Atelier Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Model: Mariah McDonnell, Mode Models

2018

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Photographer: Brandie Sunley â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Associate Photographer Edward Ross Photography Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Bridal Gown and Wrap: Bridal Elegance by Sandy Jewellery: Zada Jewels Floral Design and Concept: Fabloomosity Floral Atelier Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Model: Ceanna Muller, Mode Models

2018

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Photographer: Brandie Sunley â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Associate Photographer Edward Ross Photography Bridal Attire: NRT Fashions Jewellery: Zada Jewels; Paris Jewellers Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Model: Sloan Marcil, Mode Models

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Photographer: Brandie Sunley â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Associate Photographer Edward Ross Photography Bridal Attire: NRT Fashions Necklace: Zada Jewels Earrings: Stylist's Own Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Model: Sloan Marcil, Mode Models

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Photographer: Brandie Sunley â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Associate Photographer Edward Ross Photography Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Bridal Attire: NRT Fashions Jewellery: Zada Jewels Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Model: Mariah McDonnell, Mode Models

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FASHION Lingerie

What Lies

Beneath Y

ou’ve spent months searching for your perfect wedding dress, but have you thought about what you’ll wear underneath it? Depending on the style of the gown, you want your undergarments to be comfortable yet sexy and supportive yet sleek. Some women might opt for nude coloured spanx as their wedding undergarments when there are so many pretty, delicate, structurally dedicated items of lingerie to choose from. Whether it’s something strapless, boned, backless, underwired, or non-underwired that you’re after, it is safe to assume you can create a wedding underwear look that’s just as pretty as the wedding dress all while being comfortable.

Photographer: Brandie Sunley – Associate Photographer Edward Ross Photography Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Lingerie: Hush Lingerie And More Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Model: Ceanna Muller, Mode Models

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Photographer: Brandie Sunley â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Associate Photographer Edward Ross Photography Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Lingerie: Night Owl Designer Lingerie Jewellery: Paris Jewellers Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Model: Darcy Waters, Mode Models

Before venturing to find your bridal underwear, really pay attention to the construction of your wedding dress. Determined by the type of bridal gown you have chosen, there will be different options available to you. Give yourself plenty of time to get your wedding lingerie, preferably before the final dress fitting. Many brides get fitted for their wedding dress before finding their wedding undergarments which could lead to the struggle of finding bridal underwear and bras that fit with their altered dress. Ideally, find lingerie that will give you the perfect shape youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for and try it on with your dress before your tailor fits and alters your wedding dress.

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You may choose to have two lingerie looks for your big day. While your lingerie beneath your dress may be serving you in a more supportive way throughout your day, your evening look can bring out your more romantic, sweet, and sexy side to make his heart flutter. Let your lingerie be an enhancement of who you are and choose something perfect for your personality.

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Photographer: Brandie Sunley â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Associate Photographer Edward Ross Photography Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Lingerie: Night Owl Designer Lingerie (Left) and Hush Lingerie And More (Right) Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Model: Ceanna Muller, Mode Models (Left) and Mariah McDonnell, Mode Models (Right)

Photographer: Brandie Sunley – Associate Photographer Edward Ross Photography Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Lingerie: Night Owl Designer Lingerie Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Model: Ceanna Muller, Mode Models

Bridal lingerie holds special meaning for every woman. Ultimately, there are no fixed rules when it comes to choosing what to wear beneath it all. When you’re trying on items take into consideration what you feel confident in. Nothing looks sexier to your man than your confidence. Lingerie doesn’t have to be extravagant in order to be attractive; it can be as simple as a matching bra and panty or a sheer fulllength nightgown. If there is one rule that you will follow let it be; if you don’t feel sexy in it, don’t get it. Let your true beauty shine through.

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2018

BRIDAL FANTASY 780.423.7757 www.bridalfantasy.com

| #205, 10180 - 101 Street | 2nd Floor, Manulife Place, Edmonton | www.nightowllingerie.com

11:32AM The moment you find your new happy place.

Take a departure from the everyday and escape to Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Castle in the Rockies. Enjoy world-class dining, unparalleled skiing, or simply relax in our European-style Willow Stream Spa. This winter, we invite you to make Fairmont Banff Springs your destination for your next romantic escape.

VISIT FAIRMONT.COM/BANFFSPRINGS FOR SPECIAL OFFERS! FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS CALL 1 866 540 4406

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EX T R A Sâ&#x20AC;&#x192;Your Creative Sta mp

WINTER

Wonderland Photographer: Donna Lynn Photography Location: Ice Castles, Edmonton Bridal Attire: White Wedding Dress - Jessica Halabi - Jessica Halabi Fashion. Red Wedding Skirt - Trisha Pasnak - T.M. Pasnak Hair & Makeup: Nada Govic - Nada Glam Model: Kendra McCourt - Mode Models

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EX T R A Sâ&#x20AC;&#x192;Your Creative Sta mp

2018

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Blissful

BOTANICALS

Photographer: Aeris Photography Bridal Attire: Delica Bridal Hair and Make Up: Blush Artistry Floral Design: Tickled Floral Cake: Over The Top Cakes Decor: Special Event Rentals Stationery: Glossie Calligraphy: Justine Ma Planner: Something Beautiful Weddings Model: Hannah Szucs

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EX T R A S Your Creative Sta mp

Couture ALLURE Photographer: Edward Ross – Assistant Brandie Sunley Location: The Courtyard Marriott Calgary Airport Bridal Attire: Novia Mia Bridal Boutique (left page) & NRT Fashions (right page) Jewellery: Amour Jewellers Floral Design: Floral Architects Makeup: Trena Laine Makeup Artist Hair: Hammer Headz Salon Models: Nicole Rita Tomney & Claire Chalmers

2018

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EX T R A Sâ&#x20AC;&#x192;Your Creative Sta mp

GEOMETRIC

Woodland 2018

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Photographer: Elegance Photography Bridal Attire: June Bridals Groom's Attire: Simons Hair & Makeup: True Beauty Makeup Artistry Floral Design: Studio Bloom Cake: Fuss Cupcakes Stationery: Christine Simader Coordinator: Caitlin Gould

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EX T R A Sâ&#x20AC;&#x192;Your Creative Sta mp

PASTEL

Princesses 2018

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Photography: Carmen Freemark Photography Dresses: Shop the Skinny Hair: Behind the Blush Florals: Fabloomosity

2018

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EX T R A Sâ&#x20AC;&#x192;Your Creative Sta mp

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RUSTIC

Charm

Photography: Amanda Artistix Photography Location: Hastings Lake Garden Bride & Bridesmaid Accessories: Delica Bridal Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Derks Formals Hair & Makeup: Lindsay Reid Make Up Artistry Flowers: Studio Bloom Cake: Triple L Cakes Decor: Special Event Rentals Favours: Special Event Rentals, Party Store Planning and Design: Jillian Nowell Weddings

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EX T R A S Your Creative Sta mp

THE PERFECT

Blend

Photographer: Pam Doyle Photography Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Resort Bridal Attire: Bridal Debut Gownhouse Groom’s Attire: Derks Formals Engagement Ring: Paris Jewellers Jewellery & Head Piece: Zada Jewels Hair & Makeup: Mountain Beauties Floral Design: Forget-Me-Not-Flowers Cake: Cake Rhapsody Decor & Design: Mountainscape Weddings Rentals: Special Event Rentals & Great Events Rentals Stationery: Paper Panache Invitations & Design Harp: Harp Angel Models: Mariah McDonnell and Joel Eden

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EX T R A Sâ&#x20AC;&#x192;Your Creative Sta mp

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LEATHER

in Love

Photographer: Breanne Marie Photography Location: Mercer Tavern, Edmonton Bridal Attire: Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bridal Leather Jacket: Wink Ink Design Co. Jewellery and Accessories: Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bridal Floral Design: Flowers by Merle Hair & Makeup: Modern Urban Designers Bike: Daymak Cameleon Ebike Models: Elizabeth Varga & Graham Hansen

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FASHION Formalwear

The Finer Points to Mens Style Renting or Buying for the Big Day

nce you’ve decided on your wedding style and what you want to wear on your wedding day, the next big question is choosing whether to rent or buy. Both options have their benefits and should be considered; the biggest factors to think about are how much you (and your groomsmen) are willing to invest on attire and if you’re looking for a less traditional option. Renting is a popular choice for weddings and with good reason! Renting is budgetfriendly plus it’s preferable for groomsmen who already own several suits and don’t want to add another one to their wardrobe. Rentals ensure it’s easy to find a great option that flatters the whole wedding party; thanks to the wide range of sizes available, it’s simple to find a great fit for everyone. They also tend to emphasize styles that are timeless and look best on a wide range of clientele. The biggest advantage of rentals? It’s a package! Rentals include everything you need for your look, including your suit/ tuxedo, shirt, vest, shoes, tie, and all of the finishing touches. Unlike assembling your own outfit, you won’t have to worry about finding cufflinks and pocket squares (unless you want to add your own), it’s all

there. Larger rental companies typically offer their vests, cummerbunds and ties in dozens of colours so you’re guaranteed to find the perfect colour to compliment your colour palette and the bridesmaid dresses! With an easy pickup and drop off process, it’s always convenient and easy. Looking forward to wearing that special suit again in the future? Buying your wedding attire is a smart idea if you like the option of wearing the suit again or if you’d welcome a reason to add a new suit to your closet. If you have a unique look in mind, retail offers a wider selection

of styles, including trendier options and colours, slimmer cuts, and the ability to get more tailoring done to get a flawless fit. While this can be a larger financial investment, don’t rule it out even if you’re on a tighter budget - there are fantastic options available at every price point. continued on page 110

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The Finer Points to Mens Style continued from page 109

You’d be surprised by some of the great options available at entry-level prices! If you are going the purchase route, look at a few options for bespoke suiting as well; it’s your big day, consider investing in something made just for you. Don’t forget that as the groom, you can select something different from the groomsmen! If they would strongly prefer to rent but you want to purchase your suit, that’s okay. As long as the styles are complementary, the wedding party will still look cohesive and stylish. Remember to start thinking about the men’s attire several months before the wedding day so your options aren’t limited. While it’s possible to do a last-minute rental, you’ll be at the mercy of availability, especially during the summer and early autumn wedding season. Plan to do at least a couple of trips. Once just as a couple to narrow down the options you like (it’s easier without commentary from the peanut gallery) and again with the 1 2017-12-06 wedding Dion_BridalFantasy_HPad.ai party to try them on.

CMY

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AVAILABLE AT 1:45 PM

The

Groomed Gentleman Formal Attire: Charcoal Renoir Suit White Elite Dress Shirt Montebello Tie and Pocket Square Available at Derks Formals and Menswear Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Photographer: Brandie Sunley â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Associate Photographer Edward Ross Photography Hair: Rock It Out Salon Makeup: Blush Artistry Model: Joel Eden

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Formal Attire: Charcoal Renoir Suit White Elite Dress Shirt Montebello Tie and Pocket Square Available at Derks Formals and Menswear Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Photographer: Brandie Sunley â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Associate Photographer Edward Ross Photography Hair: Rock It Out Salon Makeup: Blush Artistry Model: Joel Eden

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Formal Attire: Black Renoir Suit Dion Bowtie and Pocket Square Available at Derks Formals and Menswear Stenstroms Dress shirt Available at Mr. Derk Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Photographer: Grant Olson Photography Hair: Rock It Out Salon Makeup: Blush Artistry Model: Joel Eden

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FASHION Formalwear

flask or two gathering dust - just to use one example. Typically, the best man, fathers of the bride and groom, and the ringbearer will receive personalized gifts, even if you opt for otherwise matching gifts. At a loss for cool new ideas? We’ve got you covered. • You can never go wrong with a nice addition for their liquor cabinet. Think beyond expected classics and find something special like a local craft brew or wine from the venue if you’re getting married at a vineyard. • Spring wedding or rainy location? Keep the rain at bay with a slick umbrella. Famously fashionable, American president John F. Kennedy gifted each of his groomsmen engraved umbrellas at his wedding and his style was always impeccable. • A sharp, well-made weekend bag. While they likely have casual duffels and reliable suitcases, they probably don’t have a serviceable but sharp weekender. Help them arrive in style with a nicely constructed bag for those weekend getaways.

Groomsmen’s Gifts

ou’ve read articles on writing your speech, set yourself an essential reminder to pack the rings, and you’re ready to say “I do.” But have you thought about your groomsmen’s gifts? Like the gifts the bride gives her attendants, the groomsmen’s gifts are a token of gratitude for all of the help and support that they’ve given you through the wedding process. Typically, gifts are given to the members of the wedding party, the best man, all groomsmen, the ring bearer, the father of the bride and your father as well. Not sure how grand the gesture

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should be? A common range is between $75-150; take into consideration how much they had to spend on hotels, wardrobes and associated celebrations. Your gift should reflect the time, money and thought that everyone put into helping make your day amazing. Also, compare with your bride and her plans for bridesmaids’ gifts - they should be comparable to the groomsmen’s gifts. It’s common to get matching or similar gifts for all the guys, but you certainly don’t need to. Personalizing each gift and finding things they’ll love is a thoughtful gesture that will ensure your thank-you won’t be forgotten in a drawer. If you’re not the first gent in your social circle to tie the knot, most guys probably already have a

• A metal money clip is an underappreciated accessory, especially for those days (like your wedding) when tucking a full wallet in your pocket isn’t ideal. Clips are a great way to wrangle together just the essentials, like cash and a card or two. Gifts wrapped and ready? The best time to give them out is at the rehearsal dinner while the bride is giving her gifts to her bridal party. The rehearsal dinner is an intimate celebration and opportunity for your entire wedding party to gather together, making it the perfect time to thank everyone for their role in your big day. The ideal way to present your gifts is individually so you can take the time to express your gratitude in each person’s role. If you do choose to give the gifts at the rehearsal dinner and are having formal seating, you and your bride may also opt to beautifully wrap and set the gifts at each person’s seat. Whether you choose to put the gifts at their place setting or to give the gifts by hand, ensure you include a thoughtful note! If you’ve opted for alcohol or a similar gift, you may want to give your gift at a different time (like the bachelor party).

STAY COMFORTABLY EVER AFTER.

Inquire today about your wedding by phone at (403) 717-5925 or email us at cy.yycap.sales@marriott.com!

With Courtyard by Marriott® Calgary Airport, you’ll never have to stress about your wedding guests’ comfort. From our flexible spaces, expert planners, creative food and drink options, we’re here to bring every detail of your vision to life. • Stunning event spaces for up to 180 people

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT® CALGARY AIRPORT 2500 48th Ave NE, Calgary, AB 1.403.717.5920 CourtyardCalgaryAirport.com

• Options for a beautiful indoor or outdoor patio ceremony • Full catering menu with customizable selections • Bridal suite and hospitality suite available • Accommodations for groups and families of all sizes As our wedding present to you, choose from our special wedding offers such as complimentary menu tastings, room rental, and much more, available only for weddings booked before August 31, 2018.

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Charming Children Photographer: Chinook Photography

Photographer: Elegance Photography Photographer: Donovan Bissett Photography

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KIDS COLLECTION

RETAIL PACKAGES AVAILABLE IN BLACK OR WHITE TUXEDO, FROM SIZE 6 MONTHS TO BOYS SIZE 14. INCLUDES JACKET, PANTS, 2018 VEST, SHIRT AND BOWTIE. ALSO AVAILABLE IN PINSTRIPE, BRIDAL FANTASY www.bridalfantasy.com CHOCOLATE BROWN OR GREY.

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FASHION Menswear

MEN’S STYLE, customize his look E veryone might be buzzing about the bride’s dress, but that doesn’t mean you should pass on your chance to shine! After all, it’s your day too. Unless you and your bride are opting for an unconventional wedding, the best way to elevate your style is paying extra attention to the little details. Even if your bride’s dress will be a surprise, make sure you have a good idea of its style, and keep your wedding theme and venue in mind when you’re picking your suit and ensemble. Remember, it’s not just a perfect fit you’re looking for - you’ll want to make sure your outfit is appropriate for what you’re planning. Matching suits for the wedding party can be a great way to achieve a chic, cohesive look that looks amazing in photos - but make sure to add something special to your look. You don’t want to blend in with the groomsmen! Don’t rule out wearing a completely different suit, but if you like the idea of matching, switch a few things

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up. Use a different accent colour for your accessories or design a unique boutonniere. If you’re keen on making a sartorial statement, don’t shy away from patterns. While your wedding might not be the best time for wild experimentation, you can always try a light pinstripe, windowpane, or check pattern. A subtle, classic pattern is a great way to add interest to your suit. If patterns aren’t your thing, consider a different colour: blue, black and grey are reliable, but colours like burgundy, dark forest green, or eggplant are a great way to add something special to an otherwise classic look. Once you’ve got your clothing all ready to go, be sure to get groomed. If you don’t regularly, this is a great time to spend a bit of extra time on your overall look. Plan to get your hair cut about a week before the wedding day, even if it’s just a trim or shape so you will look your best. Schedule a shave too - take advantage of a local high-end barber and indulge in the works. The hot towels and full treatments help get a super-smooth, longer lasting shave. You may also want to consider a buff manicure; completely no-frills, it skips nail polish and

simply consists of some basic shaping so your hands are smooth and photo ready. It might feel indulgent, but taking these few extra steps will ensure you look and feel confident and camera-ready. You’re ready, your suit’s ready and it’s almost the big day. Before you go to bed the night before, unpack your suit and dress shirts and hang them up. Remove any creases and let it air out. This will ensure you’re not looking at a suit full of wrinkles when you get dressed on the morning of your wedding day. Finally, take your time getting ready on your wedding day. Take a few extra minutes, fidget and perfect your tie before you leave, and only slip the essentials into your pockets. Refrain from weighing down your pockets with keys, wallets and devices, which will cause lumps and disturb the clean lines of your suit. Remember, the key to putting together your best wedding day look is paying attention to the little details from head to toe. Whether you’re going for a classic look or a trendier approach, attention to detail will ensure you and your partner will be starting married life in style.

Curated Attire: Renoir Charcoal Suit Stenströms Shirt Dion Patterned Bow Tie Tino Cosma Pocket Square Available at Mr. Derk & Derks Formals and Menswear Boutonniere: Fabloomosity Floral Atelier Photographer: Brandie Sunley – Associate Photographer Edward Ross Photography Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Hair: Rock It Out Salon Makeup: Blush Artistry Model: Christopher Mundy, Mode Models

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Curated Attire: Tagliatore Rust Over Coat Tiger of Sweden Patterned Scarf Drake’s Silk Tie Stenströms Fitted Body Shirt Available at Mr. Derk Photographer: Brandie Sunley – Associate Photographer Edward Ross Photography Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Hair: Rock It Out Salon Makeup: Blush Artistry Model: Joel Eden, Mode Models

Curated Attire: Tagliatore Suit Sand Army Green Overcoat Stenströms Shirt Tino Cosma Scarf Dion Patterned Bow Tie Available at Mr. Derk Photographer: Brandie Sunley – Associate Photographer Edward Ross Photography Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Hair: Rock It Out Salon Makeup: Blush Artistry Model: Christopher Mundy, Mode Models

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Curated Attire: Tagliatore Charcoal Three Piece Suit Stenstroms Fitted Body Shirt (White) Drake’s Silk Tie Stenströms Pocket Square Available at Mr. Derk Photographer: Brandie Sunley – Associate Photographer Edward Ross Photography Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Hair: Rock It Out Salon Makeup: Blush Artistry Model: Joel Eden, Mode Models

Curated Attire: Tagliatore Charcoal Patterned Suit Stenstrรถms Shirt Altea Tie Tino Cosma Pocket Square Available at Mr. Derk Photographer: Grant Olson Photography Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Hair: Rock It Out Salon Makeup: Blush Artistry Model: Christopher Mundy, Mode Models

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Curated Attire: Tagliatore Three Piece Navy Suit Sand Army Green Overcoat Elite Dress Shirt Andersonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Belt Ted Baker Black Brief Case Available at Mr. Derk Photographer: Grant Olson Photography Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Hair: Rock It Out Salon Makeup: Blush Artistry Model: Joel Eden, Mode Models

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Curated Attire: Tombolini Casual Blue Sports Jacket John Varvatos Patterned Shirt Paige Denim Available at Mr. Derk Photographer: Grant Olson Photography Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Hair: Rock It Out Salon Makeup: Blush Artistry Model: Christopher Mundy, Mode Models

Curated Attire: Tagliatore Sports Jacket Stenströms Waffle Knit Sweater Stenströms Fitted Body Shirt (Steele Grey) Available at Mr. Derk Photographer: Grant Olson Photography Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Hair: Rock It Out Salon Makeup: Blush Artistry Model: Joel Eden, Mode Models

Curated Attire: Tiger of Sweden Chocolate Suit Stenströms Fitted Body Shirt Tino Cosma Tie Anderson’s Belt Available at Mr. Derk Photographer: Grant Olson Photography Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Hair: Rock It Out Salon Makeup: Blush Artistry Model: Christopher Mundy, Mode Models

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Curated Attire: Tiger of Sweden Light Grey Suit Stenstrรถms Fitted Body Shirt Altea Tie Stenstrรถms Pocket Square Available at Mr. Derk Bridal Attire: Bridal Debut Gownhouse Jewellery: Zada Jewels Floral Design and Concept: Fabloomosity Floral Atelier Photographer: Breanne Marie Photography Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Hair: Rock It Out Salon Makeup: Blush Artistry Model: Joel Eden and Mariah McDonnell, Mode Models

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2:13PM

The moment your fairy tale story truly begins.

Imagine your first moment as a married couple surrounded by the majestic Canadian Rockies, in the heart of Banff National Park, at the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. With a team of dedicated wedding specialists, menus designed by renowned chefs and stunning ceremony and reception spaces, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has everything you need to make your special day a dream come true.

FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE

WHY WAIT? SET THE DATE!

PREFERRED PRICING & BOOKING INCENTIVES PREFERRED GUEST ROOM RATES ROOM & SUITE UPGRADES CEREMONY SPACE UPGRADES GROUP UPGRADES

FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE CALL 1 403 522 1812 E-MAIL CLL.WEDDINGS@FAIRMONT.COM VISIT FAIRMONT.COM/LAKELOUISE

Promotion valid for wedding dates between November 1, 2017 & April 30, 2018 and between November 1, 2018 & April 30, 2019. Subject to availability. Blackouts and restrictions may apply.

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FASHION Grooming

THE MAN AND THE BEARD HOW TO GROW A BEARD Step 1: Start from afresh If you’re looking to start growing a new beard, be sure to start from nothing. Set aside some time and have a proper shave so that your skin is fresh and well treated. This will minimise any early signs of irritation and underlying skin problems. Top tip: Applying Pre-Shave Oil will help soften your facial hair and nourish the skin ahead of applying your Shave Cream. Step 2: Stay persistent to overcome the itch! Your beard may be itchy for the first two weeks or even up to the first month and a half of growth. Primarily caused by a daily accumulation of dirt, dead skin cells and dehydration, the levels of discomfort endured can be a struggle. It won’t last forever however. Products such as Beard Moisturiser and Beard Oil can be used to combat this and you realistically want to grow your beard for about three months before you can appreciate its true potential and the true fullness.

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Top tip: If you’re not keen on sporting a shiny beard during the day but still want to redeem the benefits of Beard Oil, simply apply it at night and stick to Beard Moisturiser once you leave the house. Step 3: Find a shape that suits you There’s always the temptation caused by beard envy to hack away and try something that really just looks better on somebody else. Different face shapes suit different beards however and there are all kinds of charts that can help you look for realistic inspiration and facial comparisons. Ideally though, you should pop in to see your barber and get some professional advice. Once you’ve decided where you want to go with your beard, stick to it. Step 4: Play to your strengths Growing a beard is a full-time job. Even when your facial hair has reached a desired length there is much work to be done. The best course of action is to visit an expert barber and have them assess the required amount of trimming and shaping. If your beard happens to be patchy in areas - don’t worry, you can still work with this. Your barber will always be able to advise on the best options to take and also help reach those tricky areas. From this point you can build a healthy relationship and continue to visit for frequent shorter trims to maintain a consistent style.

Step 2: Brush Through Use a Beard Brush to brush through your facial hair from top to bottom. Brush the hair outwards from the face so that the longer strands are visible. This will remove knots and leave the hair nice and smooth. Step 3: Trim It Once detangled, trim any long, isolated hairs with scissors flat against a comb. Hold your comb vertically on your sideburns and then parallel with the jawbone. For unruly neck hair, hold the comb against the neck and tip the top of the comb forward, graduating the hair so it blends better with the chin hair. Use a flannel to wipe away the cut whisker ends. Step 4: Moisturise Rub a small amount of Beard Moisturiser into your palms, rub your hands together and then run through your beard from top to bottom, smoothing the beard into shape. By far our most popular product, it will reduce itchiness and brittle hairs and should be applied daily. Smooth through once more as the product dries. Alternatively, if you have a particularly long beard or prefer a shiny effect, use Beard Oil to soften and strengthen your beard.

Step 5: Take pride in it To maintain your beard at home, be sure to use a specialist, pH balanced Shampoo & Conditioner to cleanse and apply Beard Moituriser or Beard Oil daily to help soften and untangle long and coarse hairs. A well-groomed beard is also second to none when further combed or brushed through - leaving no knots and a healthy shine. From this point on, just enjoy your fine facial hair and the compliments that should come with it.

HOW TO MAINTAIN A BEARD There comes a time in every man’s life when he decides that growing a beard would be a wonderful idea and this must be commended. Yet great beards never just happen. As with most things in life, success depends on preparation. Thankfully for those looking to reach the great grooming heights that perfectly maintained facial fur brings, we have the knowledge of the skilled Murdock barbers to guide you. Follow these expert steps to maintain, trim and style your beard and moustache to marvelousness. Step 1: Cleanse and Untangle Once your beard has grown to trimming length and started to get a little messy, it’s time to wash. Using pH balanced Beard Shampoo and Conditioner in the shower will help cleanse, soften and untangle long and coarse hairs. Your average hair shampoo likely contains harsh chemicals that are prone to stripping away too many natural oils from facial hair, so do opt for a specialist product to keep your beard feeling its healthiest.

Step 5: Comb, Finish and Style Comb your moustache hairs, then warm Moustache Wax in-between your fingers and thumbs until it feels soft. Apply the wax from the centre outwards and comb through with a Moustache Comb. Part in the middle and then pinch the ends, twist and turn for a defined handlebar look. Now take a step back and admire your good grooming work in the mirror. All products available at Mr. Derk. James Ulden The Origins of Murdock London It all began with Irishman-about-London Brendan Murdock. Dissatisfied with unisex salons and high street barbers, he wanted to create a grooming experience inspired by the grand heritage of St James’ barbershops but tailored for modern, style-conscious men. A welcoming, masculine environment where a gent could take the time to relax with his favourite tipple, enjoy a wet-shave or beard trim and have his hair cut by skilled senior stylists. In 2006 Brendan established the first Murdock London barbershop in the creative hub of Shoreditch. Its unique offering of classic services and modern men’s accessories was an instant success. Six more of Murdock’s enclaves soon followed across the capital’s most inspiring areas. From sub-cultural Soho to the financial heart of the City via the historical cobbled-streets of Covent Garden. In response to the needs of the barbershop clients, and in collaboration with the barbers’ expert knowledge, Brendan created the signature Murdock collections of cologne, grooming and skincare. Sourcing the finest raw ingredients from his global travels, the collections are specially developed to suit the tastes and needs of gentlemen the world over.

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FEATURE Concept Jewelry Design Inc.

From Concept to Creation Custom Designing the Perfect Ring with

Concept Jewelry Design Inc.

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THE PROCESS The Concept Starting with direction is not always necessary but certainly helpful. With the internet and social media at our finger tips, many clients have done research and/or have been collecting inspirations from beautiful rings and gemstones. From these images, we are able to identify key elements of design that the client is commonly drawn to, to help “narrow” the vision. Rather than copy, we prefer to take inspiration from images to help the client create a one-of-a-kind piece, a concept that reflects their personality and lifestyle. The Budget A common yet impossible question we are often presented with is “what cost am I looking at to custom design?” As you would expect, a designer piece or custom crafted ring is typically going to cost a bit more than a mass produced piece. The reason for this is that the quality of craftsmanship and the attention to detail is going to be extremely higher. This is often why people are coming to us in the first place. Once we have

a design direction and gemstone option narrowed down, we can begin to present cost options in metals and gemstone size and quality. We always do our best to help our clients stay within their budget. We do not charge for our design time and expertise, and will never sacrifice the quality of craftsmanship. A quote is then presented prior to moving forward with the design image. The Design I always tell my clients that custom design is a “leap of faith” to some degree…but so much FUN! Once all the design details and budget have been determined, we then present loose gemstone options allowing the client to choose their favorite in shape, quality, size and price. From here we present a CAD (computer aided design) image and/or sketch for the For a consultation of a new piece or to breath new life into an existing heirloom, call or visit Concept Jewelry Design.

client’s approval. Minor design changes are made (if required) at this point. If you are not confident with the image alone, we would present the wax model for you to get up close and personal with. The Craft The design is only the beginning in developing a beautiful ring. It is the final steps of a goldsmith’s craftsmanship that truly unveils the essence of the design. The quality of craftsmanship is critical to us. We take pride in only working with Canada's premier goldsmiths to create wearable art that our clients will enjoy and appreciate wearing for years to come. Once the design has been approved we typically like approximately 4-6 week to complete depending on the difficulty of the piece. The more time given the better, however we have been able to rush things through in times of need. Concept Jewelry Design Inc. #120 – 20 Perron St. St. Albert, AB T8N 1E4 780.458.4660 I carmen@conceptjewelry.ca www.conceptjewelry.ca

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FASHION Jewelry

Jewellery: Amour Jewellers Photographer: Brandie Sunley – Associate Photographer Edward Ross Photography

Dazzling

Jewels

Jewellery: Ring, Paris Jewellers; Bracelet, Zada Jewels Photographer: Breanne Marie Photography Jewellery: Amour Jewellers Photographer: Brandie Sunley – Associate Photographer Edward Ross Photography

Bridal Attire: NRT Fashions Jewellery: Necklace & Headpiece, Zada Jewels; Ring, Paris Jewellers Makeup: Blush Artistry Hair: Rock It Out Salon Photographer: Brandie Sunley – Associate Photographer Edward Ross Photography Model: Mariah McDonnell, Mode Models

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Jewellery: Amour Jewellers Photographer: Brandie Sunley – Associate Photographer Edward Ross Photography

Gift your favourite #TeamBride ladies a special gift to use long after the big day! These pieces will give a personal touch while adding some extra sparkle to every outfit! Pair the 3-in-1 Prospect Convertible Necklace with every outfit post-wedding celebrations! Wear this piece layered together or separate for a different look. This necklace also carries a note engraved on the back reading, "Choose Happy" - perfect words from the Bride-to-be! Gift your ladies the Horizon Earrings to add some sparkle down the aisle or to rock at your bachelorette - simple, elegant, and versatile for every occasion! Product: Horizon Earrings Price: $24.00 Colour: Available in gold and silver Product: Prospect Convertible Necklace Price: $46.00 Colour: Available in gold and silver

All items are available at www.foxyorginals.com and select Indigo locations.

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Deep Ocean Pearl Inspired by the Pearl Markets of the Orientâ&#x20AC;¦ Cultured Pearls Are All We Do

Pendants / Earrings / Bracelets / Sets / Strands Freshwater / Japanese Saltwater / Tahitian / South Sea

Deepoceanpearl.com Deep Ocean Pearl

#Deepoceanpearl or #Edmontonpearls

780 471 2883 / 780 668 0300

Deepoceanpearl@Shaw.ca

Mix & Match

Stackable bands are more than just a stunning style trend! They symbolize your meaningful moments, show off your unique style, and allow you to changeup your spark le statement as often as you want. STACKABLE BANDS AT PARIS JEWELLERS START AT JUST $249

DO NOT PAY FOR ONE YEAR A F FOR DA BL E PAY M E N T PL A NS F ROM PA R IS J E W E L L E R S Visit us in-store to learn more and complete your quick and convenient application, or read more online. ParisJewellers.ca/Financing *OAC. Details in-store. Minimum purchase required.

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PA RI SJEW EL L ER S.C A

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I REALLY, REALLY, DO

4.875

7.875”

ntasy e Ad 2 PRESS er 23, 2017

1/2 Page Horizontal Ad Size: 7.875” x 4.875” Bleed Size: None Trim Size: N/A

P R E C I O U S M O M E N TS D E S E RV E S O M E W H E R E S P E C I A L

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FOR EVENT INQUIRIES CONTACT EVENTS@THEATREJUNCTION.COM theatrejunction.com | 2018

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@GRANDyyc

@GRANDeventsyyc

FASHION Formalwear

What

Wedding Vendors

wish you knew

our wedding vendors love what they do. While helping you create your dream day may be their job, it’s also their passion. While it’s your first trip down the aisle–or even if it’s not–these pros have helped hundreds of couples create their dream day and they’re full of knowledge. Have you been wondering what the pros wish you knew? • Come armed with your lovingly curated Pinterest boards! Just keep in mind that you hired each of your vendors for their own beautiful work and unique talents - let those swoon-worthy pins act as a guide while you work together to plan a creative vision that is unique to your day. • When you’re choosing your vendors, especially your wedding planner, take the time to get to know them. You’ll be working closely with them throughout the planning process and on your wedding day, it’s essential that you feel comfortable and trust them. Visit their website and social media to get a sense of their style and then try to get to know them over coffee or a cocktail - the better you know them, the better they’ll be able to execute your dream day! • Even if your vendors can’t get back to you right away, they will respond as soon as they can. They might be in a meeting or on their days off since their businesses are typically busiest on weekends. Wedding vendors give each couple their full attention on their wedding day so if you don’t hear back from your urgent email on a Saturday, it’s because they’re in full event mode.

• They understand that you have a budget and will do their best to help you create your vision while staying within it. Be open about what you are able to spend and they’ll work within it and honestly communicate when they can’t make something happen. While you’re setting your budget, decide which things are most important to you; save on the things that are less important to you so you can invest a bit more on the things that are most important to you. • You might love that wedding trend that you’ve seen all over Pinterest and your favourite wedding blog but it might not be possible in your region. Some delicate flowers can’t hold up in different climates, some products or types of venues aren’t available, or the expense of bringing in specialty items might make it difficult to fit it into your budget.

• Your coordinator likely scheduled a bit of extra time for getting ready but sticking to your hair and makeup start times is essential. Your photographers arrive just at the end of when you’re getting ready so they can capture those special moments as you put your dress on but they could miss those moments if you’re running late. • Buy a decorative hanger to hang your wedding dress on for photos because typical plastic and wooden room hangers won’t flatter your dress! • Want to save some of your wedding cake? Ask your baker to provide a box for the top layer of your cake so you can take it home with you. continued on page 138

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• Your vendors will do whatever they can to make your wedding perfect. With years of experience, they’ve seen it all. They’re always prepared with multiple backup plans and the ability to find the silver lining in every situation. • The last thing you need to do on your big day is worry about the behind the scenes details. Don’t sweat - your vendors always stay on top of all the details and know how to smooth out any day-of disasters so you can enjoy your wedding day without any worries. • Think about your photos when choosing your lighting. A dark reception space is fantastic for a dance party but if you keep it brighter and simple, your pictures and video will be much more flattering. Feeling anxious as you’re planning and the big day starts to creep up on you? Just relax and remember why you chose your vendors - they’re professionals who create beautiful weddings every day!

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Because everyone deserves a happily ever after With our wedding program, you can make a life-changing difference on your special day for the sickest kids in our community. We provide invitation inserts, table cards, certificates and more to make it easy for you to: â&#x20AC;˘ Make a donation in lieu of wedding favours to honour and thank your guests â&#x20AC;˘ Ask guests to make a donation in lieu of clinking glasses or wedding gifts

Visit stollerykids.com/ways-to-give or call 780.431.4604 to learn more about our wedding program. Photographers: Jess Leigh Artist and JAG Photography

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FEATURE River City Events

RIVER CITY EVENTS Celebrates 10 Years of Business A decade of service and growth in the event planning industry leads to special milestone

iver City Events has reached an exciting milestone as the company celebrates 10 years of having a blast with their clients and staff! From its small and humble 2007 start in Sherwood Park, the company has grown into a leading rental, design, tenting and event planning company today with more than 50 employees. Joe Ammar, President and CEO of River City Events, has worked in the events industry since 1987. In 2007, he felt there were not enough options for event rentals, so, fuelled by a desire to create unique and memorable event experiences, he pursued his vision and launched River City Rentals. Ten years later, now River City Events, his company is the talk of the town when it comes to rentals, planning and design. Joe Ammar attributes his team’s success to three things: its people, strong client relationships, and diverse rental inventory. "At River City Events, we’ve seen it all and it’s been an incredible journey for us to take as a business, alongside our clients and partners. We remained strong

in troubling markets and uncertain economies. While we are proud of our professional accomplishments, it is the relationships we have forged over the past years that have been our greatest triumph,” added Ammar. A specialty of River City Events is creating memorable moments with their wedding clients. From smaller backyard weddings, traditional venue receptions to big-time tented outdoor weddings, their Wedding Planners have done it all. The company offers a wide range of services to support the needs of brides including event planning, consulting, logistics, day-of-coordination and design. From bright ideas and stunning designs to equipment rentals and décor pieces, they are passionate about crafting your perfect wedding space. Located in downtown Edmonton, their 15,000-square foot showroom and warehouse has a great range of quality products and equipment. They have everything you need for your event – from basic rentals such as tables, chairs,

dinnerware and cutlery, to tenting, lounge furniture, lighting, staging and backdrops. In 2016, River City Events acquired one of their biggest competitors – Big Top Tent Rentals, a major rental supplier of party and festival tents. As a result of the business combination, their customers and partners now have access to a larger catalogue of rental products plus more services and experience due to an enhanced team of event professionals. Joe Ammar reflected on the company’s 10th anniversary by saying: "To be in business for a decade is extremely gratifying and humbling. To all of our employees, clientele, partners, and business communities who have been part of our first ten years, a heartfelt thank you. I am so proud to be part of this team and community, and I am so excited to see what is in store for us on the other side of this great decade.” To learn more about River City Events, visit rivercityevents.ca.

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Sandman Signature Edmonton South Hotel

Sandman Hotel Edmonton West

MAKE YOUR WEDDING GUESTS FEEL AT HOME WITH SANDMAN Sandman Hotel Group is the ideal choice for all your wedding and accommodation needs. PLEASE CONTACT OUR ON-SITE BANQUET & CATERING MANAGERS FOR DETAILS ON PREFERRED RATES AND DELECTABLE DINING OPTIONS. Sandman Signature Edmonton South Hotel | Tel: 780 391 3183 | Email: banquets_edmsouth@sandman.ca

ASK YOUR

Sandman Hotel Edmonton West | Tel: 780 444 8163 | Email: banquets_edmwest@sandman.ca

ENTERTAINER

sandmanhotels.ca 1 800 SANDMAN (726 3626) sandmansignature.ca

Here are some questions you should remember to ask the musicians or DJ you hire for your reception: • Can you play a variety of music? Dance, polkas, jazz, etc. • Will you act as Master of Ceremonies (if you want them to)? • How will you dress? (Preferably in formalwear) • How long will you play? • Overtime? • Will you provide all of your own equipment? • Do you provide any special effects or lighting? • What are your cancellation policies? • Are you allowed to control the volume of the music?

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PLANNING Music

Working with your DJ

and creating great playlists

usic can make or break any party and your wedding is no different! From the ceremony to the reception, the music you choose is a huge part of your celebration.

Whether you decide to hire a DJ or go DIY, don’t forget that this day is about both you and your partner and your music choices should reflect that. It’s important that you spend time together discussing what songs you’d both like to see played. In addition to choosing your own favourite music, you may want to get input from your guests about what songs they’d like to hear during the reception. This can be a great way to add to your playlists, giving your guests a chance to feel involved and get them looking forward to partying the night away with you. Some couples add a spot on their RSVP cards for a song request or include a submission form on their website but you can also leave it to

the night of by leaving request cards on the dinner tables or at the DJ booth.

you’ll still have a large list to pick from after!

Still feeling stuck while creating a list of your favourite songs? Consider getting together with some friends–it’s an excellent bridal party bonding activity– for a playlist party. Grab a few bottles of wine, some appetizers, and pump up the tunes. Keep in mind that you’ll probably get mixed results - you’ll get some great jams you forgot about at the beginning of the night but after a few glasses of chardonnay, the evening might turn into a Spice Girls and Backstreet Boys singalong. If you want to ensure you get a list to pick from, have each person bring a short list of songs with them to the party and then

However you choose your must-plays, another essential list is the “Do Not Play” list. Refuse to do the chicken dance? Does that pop hit remind you of your awkward high school years? If you have a DJ, make sure you communicate these selections so you won’t be unpleasantly surprised while on the dance floor. Decide if you’re okay with guests requesting songs and discuss how you want them to handle song requests. continued on page 144

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During your meeting with the DJ, in addition to sharing your personal music tastes, make sure you tell them about the demographics of your guest list so they can be mindful of what music your guests will enjoy as well. If you take the time to get to know your DJ, everyone–you, the DJ, and your guests–will have a better time because of it! If you’re on the fence about hiring a DJ, here are the top three reasons it’s worth the budget: 1. They will act as an MC throughout the night, ensuring transitions go smoothly and introducing the wedding party. It’s almost like having a second wedding coordinator! 2. They’ll set up an excellent sound system, will plan an appropriate setup for your venue, and ensure that your night has a great vibe. They’re skilled at reading a crowd so you’ll know that your guests will be having fun all night.

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3. They’ll create a song list that will be perfectly balanced, keeping everyone on the dance floor until the wee hours of the morning! Skipping the DJ? That’s alright but you’ll need to have someone who can keep control of the playlists throughout the day. Your playlists will need to have more music than you’d expect. Make sure you have at least 3-5 hours worth for the reception. Plus, don’t forget the other parts of your big day - they need music too! Create playlists and include a few extra songs for each event, if the cocktail hour or processional takes a bit longer than planned, you’ll be glad you added a few extra tunes. You’ll need to include plenty of music to fill up that time; to guarantee a lively

crowd, make sure you include a mix of classic love songs and dance hit favourites. A good rule of thumb is to play one slow song to every 9 upbeat dance songs, it will ensure the crowd doesn’t get tired and burn out. Think about it like a rollercoaster. Once you finally have that list of music put together, take the time to listen to it in full, even if you have to break it into several sittings. You’ll want to listen for awkward gaps, moments of silence, or weird transitions - these can put a damper on even the most eager crowd. Everything’s set? If you’re using a streaming app, make sure you download your playlist onto at least one device! Nothing puts a damper on a dance party more that discovering spotty wifi is going to continually make your music cut out.

PLANNING Stags & Stagettes

Stags and Stagettes

lanning the perfect bachelor or bachelorette party is fun but it takes some thought. Abandon the “last day of freedom” approach for activities that your bride or groom would genuinely enjoy; whether you do something wild and wacky or you opt for a calm night in, the stag and stagette parties are a fun time for celebrating the new chapter in your life with your friends.

lanned by the maid of honour and the best man, they coordinate the celebrations with the rest of the attendees; costs of the party are shared by the guests while the bride and groom do not pay. While creating your party plans, make sure you talk to some of the key guests about your ideas and be open to suggestions and budget concerns. Keep in mind that younger couples in their early 20s won’t want (or have the budget for) some of the stag or stagette parties of brides and grooms in their

For the Ladies • Enjoy an entire evening tugging at your stomach muscles while at a comedy club. Call the club in advance, let them know the occasion, and reserve a front-row table. When the stand-up knows you’re group is there with a bride-to-be, expect some R-rated comedy. Keep the cosmos coming! • Plan to give back to a cause that really means something to the bride-to-be. There are countless ways to get involved with local volunteer opportunities. Spend time with the Bride Tribe putting some good vibes into the universe.

30s. If you have an idea that you love that doesn’t fit everyone’s budget, like a lavish spa trip, think of something similar such brunch and mani-pedis at a local spa. While you don’t need to tell the bride and groom the details of the celebration, it’s a good idea to run your plans by them to make sure they’re comfortable with your ideas. If the couple likes the idea, consider doing a co-ed party and do something exciting as a large group! Here are some of our favourite ideas to get your party planning started:

For the Gents • If the groom is an avid outdoorsman, consider a weekend in nature. Whether it’s a plan for whitewater rafting, a ski trip in the mountains, or a couple of days camping next to a lake, it’s guaranteed to be a great way to capture some serious male bonding. • Organize a tournament complete with personalized t-shirts for each team. Football, soccer, golf, or even paint ball can be a blast. Light up the tournament with a barbecue afterwards.

Co-ed Celebrations • Create a scavenger hunt and compete in teams Boys vs. Girls! Be sure to hit local spots and include some fun ideas. Set a time to meet back up at a restaurant or bar to compare scores and stories. • Enjoy nature with your posse from the comfort of your luxurious tent or a decked-out cabin in the woods. Girls can bunk with each other while the guys bunk with the guys. Plan fun ‘battle of the sexes’ games, a day trip to a near-by small town, and, of course, some good eats.

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YOUR EMERGENCY BRIDAL BAG

Willow

In The

Woods,

a place where memories are made.

2018

Phone: 780.608.6223 Email: willowinthewoodsweddings@hotmail.com Facebook: Willow in the Woods - Wedding Ceremonies Instagram: willow.in.the.woods

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A calm bride is a prepared bride. Avoid lastminute jitters and frantic searches by stocking necessaries in an emergency bridal bag. This bag would be kept in the area where you are getting ready, and is not meant to replace your bridal purse. Make sure it contains the following: • scotch tape • pad and pencil • scissors • hairpins • brush and comb • mouthwash/breath mints • tylenol/aspirin • earring backs • contact lens solution (if needed) • touch ups for makeup (lipstick, powder, mascara, etc) • needle and thread • moist towelettes

• • • •

extra hose/stockings safety pins hair spray toothbrush and toothpaste • camera • extra batteries • antacid • nail glue • nail polish (in the colour you are wearing) • tissues • water • tampons • stain remover (i.e. Tide-to-Go pen)

PLANNING Outdoor Weddings

Weatherproof your Wedding

uperstitions might say that rain on your wedding day means good luck but that isn’t always comforting when you look out the window and see clouds on your big day!

The best way to beat wedding day weather woes? Create contingency plans. The most important thing you can do to ensure you’re weatherready on your big day is to discuss your options when you’re booking your venue. If you’re planning to hold your wedding at an outdoor venue, find out what options they have if weather gets in your way. Do they have an indoor space you can move into? Do they have sufficient tenting if the weather is passable? Having a clear plan with your venue means it will be easy for your other vendors to adjust accordingly so your day can still run smoothly. Learn who will be responsible at the venue for keeping an eye on weather and last-minute changes; ensure that you feel confident that they understand what you’d like done and will adjust plans accordingly. Ensure that either your wedding planner, day-of coordinator, or someone you trust that can liaise with the venue and your other vendors to ensure things go smoothly and you’re not worrying about things like last minute details on your big day. Planning a summer wedding outdoors? Tents offer a lot of flexibility for most weather situations. Perfect for creating shade on sunny days, event tenting’s vaulted ceilings and arches can be left open to let the sun and breeze in on beautiful days but solid walls can be substituted if the weather requires. If you are hosting your wedding in a tent on a rainy day, do keep in mind that you are still outside! Allow sufficient space between the wall and anything you have set up - some rain can still leak in and the ground near the edges can get a bit soggy. An added nice touch would be gathering a collection of blankets and shawls for your guests to borrow if it starts to become a bit chilly. Think ahead and keep your guests comfortable and cared for with small touches like ensuring dress code and venue information is provided so they can dress appropriately. Your guests will appreciate the little detail - after all, who likes navigating a grassy lawn wedding in heels? If it will be a bit cooler out, consider

adding a warm drink or two to the menu. Something comforting, even classic hot chocolate, can be a nice warming touch when the weather gets a bit chillier. On the opposite side of the spectrum, if you’re having a summer wedding, consider adding a little selection of toiletries like cans of spray deodorant and sunscreen in the washroom. Stash a stylish umbrella in your limo or vehicle on the way to the ceremony and venue; if you plan ahead, you can find some chic options that will ensure you can make the dash from vehicle to door without getting damp! If you’re keen on extra preparedness, online shops even offer bridal rain boots and special elasticized rain capes that will hold up the hem of your dress, keeping you and your gown clean and dry. Finally, you can consider a wedding insurance policy. These cover a wide range of situations, including if you’re forced to cancel or rearrange your wedding celebrations due to adverse weather conditions. This would only cover situations where weather conditions were bad enough to cause major disruptions to travel, preventing the wedding party and guests from attending. Not a perfect solution but definitely smart to consider, especially if you’re planning a winter wedding. Regardless of what side you fall on the wedding day rain superstition debate, the weather is something you can’t plan for your wedding. However, by ensuring you’ve planned for both perfect weather or stormy skies, you’ll be able to get hitched without a hitch!

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FEATURE Sue Heuman

Here comes… the mother of the

bride/groom By Sue Heuman

veryone knows it’s the bride’s day, but moms of the bride and groom are also honoured members of the wedding party. There are some easy tips to help you select a suitable dress that takes you from ceremony to photos to the reception. First, match the theme and style of the wedding. You can’t arrive in a long, formal gown to a backyard informal wedding. Similarly, a short dress is inappropriate for a black tie wedding. Second, know your own style personality. If you never wear dresses and are not comfortable in them, then look at palazzo pants with chiffon overlays or embellishments. Third, don’t outshine the bride. A little sparkle is ok; head to toe sequins is over the top. You can

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accent a simple dress with gorgeous jewelry that reflects your style. Remember, choose one area as a focus, such as a statement necklace or chandelier earrings. Don’t overdo it. Fourth, find a colour that goes with the bridal colours, but isn’t an exact match. After all, you don’t want to compete with the bridesmaids. If the bride has chosen blue, for example, a lovely deep navy would be an excellent complement. Don’t wear white or ivory – that’s still a no-no at weddings. Black can work if the wedding is very formal. If not, stick to a deeper shade of the bridal colours, or neutrals like taupe, navy or grey. Metallic colours, like bronze or silver, can also be very sophisticated, but make sure to tone down accessories. Lastly, be fabulous! There are lots of great selections available that look neither prom-like nor frumpy. Don’t be afraid to try a sleeveless dress; you can always pair it with a little bolero

jacket or wrap if you’re concerned about your arms. Many styles, including one shoulder and halter, are surprisingly flattering, even on mature arms. Tea-length dresses are having a moment, as are portrait collars, which are more sophisticated than off-the-shoulder. Make sure your hair and makeup complements your overall look – but that you still look like you. Some makeup artists use a ‘heavy hand’ or insist on false eyelashes, even if you’re not comfortable with them. If you don’t normally wear makeup, even a little can be a lot. Make sure you get what you want. The wedding lasts a day, but the photos are forever, so make sure you’re comfortable and confident on the big day. Sue Heuman is an Edmonton-based image consultant and author of www. styleonpurpose.ca, a fashion blog for mature women.

Sue Heuman Sue is an Edmonton-based image consultant and author of www.styleonpurpose.ca. a fashion blog for mature women. Sue has been a public relations and communications professional for more than 30 years. Along the way she developed a strong interest in fashion and personal branding. She is currently pursuing her Image Consulting certificate at NYC’s famed FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology).

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WEDDING WATCH

Alexandria A & Andre 2018

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ndre and I met back when we were teenagers and when we got engaged, I knew I wanted a big wedding with all the bells and whistles. The proposal happened in December 2015 when we were on a short trip in Mexico. A photographer was hidden in the bushes to capture the beautiful sunset and ocean along the dock. Andre and I have three-year-old twin daughters who were our adorable flower girls. We went with a navy blue/gold theme which ended up looking stunning at our chosen venue, the Windermere Golf & Country Club. We went with cream roses and baby’s breath for our flowers which produced a timeless look that matched with the center pieces and bridesmaids' dresses. The guest count ended up being 100, which was the perfect size and our guests spent most of the time on the venue’s beautiful wraparound balcony.

After everything was said and done, our guests were most impressed with the venue’s food and our amazing photographer. The chef’s at the Windermere cook everything from scratch and the fresh vegetables from their onsite garden was a great touch. Kristy, our photographer, went above and beyond to make sure every moment was captured. Having our wedding planner, Shannon, took all the stress and anxiety out of the planning process. She made sure everything ran smoothly and if something went wrong, I didn’t know about it and it was fixed before the blink of an eye. After the big day, our happily ever after took us to Disneyworld for two weeks where we laid on sun kissed beaches, ate all you can eat crab and took in the magical fireworks in Magic Kingdom.

Alexandria & Andre September 9, 2017

Wedding Date: 9th September 2017 .................................... How long were you engaged? 18 months .................................... Wedding Venue Ceremony & Reception: Windermere Golf & Country Club .................................... Officiant: Eden Tourangeau .................................... Hair & Make-Up: Jack’d Up Beauty Boutique (Jenn Gjertsen) .................................... Bridal Gown: Bridal Debut .................................... Bridal Party Dresses: David’s Bridal .................................... Groom’s Attire: Derks Formals and Menswear .................................... Groomsman Attire: Derks Formals and Menswear .................................... Cake: Cake Affair .................................... Caterer: Windermere Golf & Country Club .................................... Décor: River City Events .................................... Wedding Planner: Shannon Gamache .................................... Entertainment: Str84ward Entertainment .................................... Flowers: Costco .................................... Favours: My grandfather’s homemade wine .................................... Invitations/Programs/Stationery: Wedding Paper Divas .................................... Photographer: Wild Love Photography (Kristy Grahn) .................................... Videography: A Love Story (Raj Patel) .................................... Photography Location Shots: Windermere’s balcony & a field in SW Edmonton .................................... Honeymoon Destination: Florida (The Keys & Disneyworld)

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WEDDING WATCH

Amy A & Dan

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my and Daniel don’t have children of their own yet but they do have Duke (their 4½ year old boxer-lab) and he is their absolute favourite. Dan always said that he never knew how he would ever be able to live up to Amy’s expectations when it came to a proposal. What better way than using her favourite furry friend? While Amy was at work one day she got a call from Dan on her way home. He was rushing her, wondering when she’d be home as they had a dinner planned with his grandmother that night. She insisted that she would be home shortly, would quickly freshen up, and they’d be on their way. When she got home, she was greeted by Dan and their fur baby Duke! Dan couldn’t wait to tell Amy that he got Duke a new collar. It happened to be ‘National Doggy Day’, or so Facebook had said. Amy usually bought the embarrassing doggy sweaters, new toys, and collars so on any other day she would have been thrown off by Dan randomly going out to buy a collar, but Facebook said it was National Doggy Day so she didn’t question it.

Amy was down on her two knees trying to get a look at Duke's new collar, between belly rubs and sloppy kisses she couldn’t quite get to the collar to see what the heart shaped dog tag said, but her heart started to race. Before she knew it, she heard Dan’s voice “did you read it”? At this moment, she got the heart shaped tag turned around and it read… “Mommy will you marry Daddy”? Behind Amy was Dan on one knee. YES YES YES! No questions asked, Dan (and Duke) just made Amy the happiest girl ever! Dan and Amy are both from a small village called Havre Boucher, Nova Scotia. They surprisingly went to the same small school, but never really crossed paths throughout the years. They had both moved to Edmonton and happened to be on the same pub crawl one night with separate groups of “East Coast pals”. Later that evening Amy and Dan officially met, and really hit it off. There was a special friendship that formed that night. From that night on they slowly grew closer and closer and to this day they are the happiest they could ever be.

Amy and Dan are very family oriented and family means a lot to them. They knew from day one of planning family would be a big part of their wedding day. Be it their nieces and nephew strutting down the aisle as flower girls and ring bearer, or the parents sharing their special dances with them, everything was planned with so much detail. Dan’s younger sister sang the Mother Son Dance and it truly blew everyone away. Amy’s Grandfather couldn’t be there as he lives in Edmonton, AB and sadly has Alzheimer’s. Instead of traditional favours they had donation cards on each plate letting their guest’s know that in lieu of favours there was a donation made by the newlyweds, from the guests, to the Alzheimer’s of Canada Society in honor of her grandfather. At the dinner, Amy and Dan were surprised with a recorded video of her grandfather with his well wishes. There weren’t many dry eyes in the room.

Amy & Dan August 12, 2017

Wedding Date: 12th August, 2017 .................................... How long were you engaged? 1 year .................................... Wedding Venue Ceremony: St Peter’s Parish, Tracadie NS Reception: Havre Boucher Community Centre, Havre Boucher NS .................................... Officiant: Father Barry .................................... Hair & Make-Up: Hair- Kendra MacDonald – Hair by Kendra Port Hawkesbury, NS Makeup – Lana Mattie – Antigonish Esthetics – Antigonish, NS .................................... Bridal Gown: Sophia Tolli “Jillian” from Bridal Debut in Sherwood Park .................................... Bridal Party Dresses: “Dessy” Bridal Debut in Sherwood Park .................................... Groom’s Attire: Derks Formals and Menswear .................................... Groomsman Attire: Derks Formals and Menswear .................................... Cake: Ashley MacMillan – Antigonish, NS .................................... Caterer: Nelly Cypher in Antigonish, NS .................................... Décor: Kenneth Brow in Havre Boucher, NS .................................... Entertainment: One Stop Entertainment, Antigonish, NS .................................... Flowers: Chintz and CO in Edmonton, AB .................................... Favours: Vistaprint – Donation in honor of Amy's Grandfather to the Alzheimers of Canada .................................... Invitations/Programs/Stationery: Vistaprint .................................... Photographer: Topher & Rae Studios Halifax, NS .................................... Videography: Margaret Jourdan Studios, Sydney, NS .................................... Photography Location Shots: St. Paul’s Parish, Surrounding Areas

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WEDDING WATCH

Ashley & Andrew 2018

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hen Andrew first proposed, our initial thoughts were to elope in the mountains. Shortly after announcing it to our parents, we decided we wanted to celebrate this moment with our closest family and friends. The most important thing we wanted with our wedding was amazing food and drinks. Sirocco was the only venue we looked at and booked our date based on their availability, May 27th. Growing up I spent my summers gardening with my mom and somehow wanted to bring that aspect into our wedding. Since our wedding date was set for the beginning of summer we decided to build planters and find a local greenhouse to plant our flowers. We figured

this would allow us to have these centerpieces in our backyard and enjoy them for the entire summer. Our theme quickly fostered from this and with the help of Sirocco, our friends, and our families, we had the most beautiful secret garden wedding that was truly more than we could have imagined. We created a lot of the pieces ourselves which made our intimate wedding feel even more special, from our invitations, name tags, menus, to our centerpiecesâ&#x20AC;Ś all made with love for our happily ever after!

Ashley & Andrew May 27, 2017

Wedding Date: 27th May, 2017 .................................... How long were you engaged? 10 months .................................... Wedding Venue Ceremony & Reception: Sirocco Golf Club .................................... Officiant: Jerry Stilson .................................... Hair & Make-Up: Makeup – Faral Nemez @Makeupbyfaral – Hair: Lindsay Larson @ hairbylindsaylarsen .................................... Bridal Gown: Hayley Paige .................................... Bridal Party Dresses: Bridesmaids selected their own .................................... Groom’s Attire: Custom – Wild Rose .................................... Groomsman Attire: Groomsmen selected their own .................................... Cake: Crave Cupcakes .................................... Caterer: Sirocco Golf Club .................................... Décor: DIY – Centerpieces made and flowers planted by local greenhouse .................................... Wedding Planner: Angie Lambert – Sirocco .................................... Entertainment: DJ - Little Something Beautiful .................................... Flowers: Fern and Frond @fern_and_frond .................................... Favours: MealShare Charity – provided by Sirocco .................................... Invitations/Programs/Stationery: Bride – Ashley Graham .................................... Photographer: TK Shotz .................................... Photography Location Shots: Sirocco Golf Club

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WEDDING WATCH

Emma & Adam

dam and I have known each other since childhood. We began going out whilst we were still at school. Adam proposed at MacDonald Forest Hills Hotel after we had been together for 10 years. The only people around were the two of us. It was beautiful! We were keen to plan our wedding for soon after our engagement. Seamill Hydro was the perfect venue due to its beautiful setting and attention to detail. Seamill Hydro were highly accommodating and the day was perfectly organised by their efficient staff. We both love the island of Arran and, on a clear day, there is a perfect view of the island from the hotel. We wanted our wedding to have a relaxed atmosphere that allowed our guests to feel comfortable and enjoy themselves during the celebrations. We chose to have our ceremony in our church – Sherwood Greenlaw Parish Church. The minister, Rev. John Murning, married us. The ceremony was personal and included many anecdotes about us, our family and our life together. The personal element was really important to us. Our stationery and decorations were made with the help of friends and family. We used the blues and natural tones of the wedding and venue to tie in with the decorations. We also made reference to two of our favourite hobbies (reading for me and kayaking for Adam) within our invitations, table plan and table names. We chose the bridesmaid dress colour based on our favourite colour tones. Adam’s kilt matched perfectly – he wears navy a lot – and it looked very smart. The tartan was called Arran Mist and this was connected well with North Ayrshire – the location of Seamill Hydro. My flowers were very important to me as I love flowers. I met with Natalie of Natalie Dalziel flowers and she understood my vision perfectly. I wanted an abundance of blooms that had a ‘just picked’ look. Natalie created a variety of hand tied bouquets, buttonholes, hair accessories and arrangements. The flowers looked and smelled amazing! McLellan Photography were our wedding photographers. We met with Martin McLellan, the owner, in the lead up to the wedding to plan the types of shots we wanted. Martin immediately made us feel at ease with the prospect of having professional photographs taken. Martin took many shots on the beach as we were blessed with some lovely weather on the wedding day. Strawberry Wedding Films were our videographers. We met with James Hood, the owner, in the lead up to the wedding. James understood that we wanted our video to capture the relaxed, personal atmosphere of our day and he was keen to encourage us that he would be as unobtrusive as possible. He was able to do this effectively. Our wedding band, “The Brightside”, arrived in the evening and played from 8pm until 12am. The dance floor was packed the whole night and we danced constantly.

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We had the most amazing wedding day with our closest friends and family. We did not stop smiling the whole day! We are looking forward to spending the rest of our lives together.

Emma & Adam July 20, 2017

Wedding Date: 20th July 2017 .................................... How long were you engaged? 1 year and 2 months .................................... Wedding Ceremony: Sherwood Greenlaw Parish Church, Paisley Wedding Reception: Seamill Hydro, West Kilbride .................................... Officiant: Reverend John Murning .................................... Hair & Make-Up: Family friends – Angela and Shannon .................................... Bridal Gown: Allure Bridal .................................... Bridal Party Dresses: Ebony Rose .................................... Groom’s Attire: MacGregor and MacDuff, Glasgow .................................... Groomsman Attire: MacGregor and MacDuff, Glasgow .................................... Cake: Suzanne Fuller .................................... Caterer: Seamill Hydro .................................... Décor: We made some signs, a blackboard to welcome our guests and decorated some jars - displaying the church flowers with the help of our friends and family. .................................... Entertainment: The bride’s three cousins performed “In Christ Alone” during the ceremony. Our wedding band was called “The Brightside”. .................................... Flowers: Natalie Dalziel Flowers .................................... Favours: Family friend - Pauline .................................... Invitations/Programs/Stationery: Family friend - Pauline .................................... Photographer: McLellan Photography .................................... Videography: Strawberry Wedding Films .................................... Photography Location Shots: West Kilbride beach and the gardens at Seamill Hydro

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Joanna & Mark M ark and I met each other in our teen years and we had the same group of friends and spent many weekends together. As the years went by, Mark and I had a few kisses but it never really amounted to anything. We both had our own paths to lead, mine was university and Mark’s was travelling to Australia. When Mark came home each year he would always make time for me and I for him. It wasn't until I finished university and after two holidays to Australia that I realised Mark was the man for me. I remember leaving a party with my friends after a night out and saying to our mutual friend (who ended up being one of our groomsmen), "I’ll marry that man". Mark and I stayed in contact when he went back to Australia and after spending one Christmas with Mark in Sydney we decided we wanted to be together. I returned home after the holiday and moved out the following September to live with Mark.

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Mark had my ring custom made in Sydney, I was blown away when he proposed, and the ring was out of this world. Mark proposed at Manly Beach in Sydney and I remember being in a bad mood that day because I was hungry. Mark grabbed me something to eat and we headed to the beach. Mark proposed but only went half down on one knee as he was nervous, or maybe because there was a lot of people around and Mark hates a fuss. I can’t remember his exact words but they were very beautiful and I couldn’t have been happier. After the proposal, we went to the Manly Wharf Hotel, bought a bottle of bubbles, and sat outside celebrating just the two of us. With the time difference between Sydney and Ireland, we could not call home so we just spent time together before the madness of phone calls and celebrations began. After we told our families, we went back to our apartment and met our friends to continue the celebrations. We didn’t initially tell them at first as our friends that had gotten engaged in Fiji the week before were celebrating their engagement and we didn’t want to take that away from them. We celebrated with them for an hour and then I came down with the ring and said, “I hope there is time for more celebrations.” I flashed the ring, our friends screamed and cried in shock and happiness.

Mark and I chose to wait some time before we got married as my two sisters were getting married over the next year and a half. We got engaged in December 2015 and were married in April 2017. I felt I needed that extra time, given that we were arranging the wedding from Australia. I envisioned a romantic wedding. I choose a castle venue close to our home villages and decided to go with champagne and gold colours along with candles to create a romantic feeling. The venue looked amazing and exactly what I wanted. We chose our vendors based on word of mouth and researching reviews from previous couples. Since we were organising from Sydney, I had an expectation that the vendors would be efficient in their responses from the first contact to the last. All of the vendors we finalised were fantastic and knew exactly what we wanted and delivered it perfectly without a hitch on the big day. We had our family and friends close by and were so overwhelmed by the love shown to us. It really was a true reflection of our bond with those we love. I had been away from home 5 years and Mark for 10 years and you would never know it as our friendships with the people we love were as close as they had always been which reaffirmed our decision to get married back home.

Joanna & Mark April 29, 2017

Wedding Date: 29th April 2017 ...................................... How long were you engaged? 2 years ...................................... Wedding Ceremony: St Mary, Queen of Peace, Glenravel, Ireland Wedding Reception: Lissanoure Castle, Loughguile, Ireland ...................................... Officiant: Father Lyons ...................................... Hair & Make-Up: Bride’s and mother of the bride's hair by Deirdre at the Salon (bride’s sister), Bridesmaid’s hair by Ursula Madden Hair Studio, makeup by Julie Abram and Annette Campbell ...................................... Bridal Gown: Yolan Cris from The White Gallery, Newry, Ireland ...................................... Bridal Party Dresses: Bridesmaids from Brides of Beecroft, Sydney, Australia, Flower Girls by Dollcake, Melbourne, Australia ...................................... Groom’s Attire: Debonair Groomswear, Magherafelt, Ireland, shoes Varqa QVB Sydney, Australia ...................................... Groomsman Attire: Debonair Groomswear, Magherafelt, Ireland, shoes Topman ...................................... Cake: Sparkles Cakes Of Art Coleraine, Ireland ...................................... Caterer: Janes Kitchen Broughshane, Ireland ...................................... Décor: Swift Wedding and Event Hire Portglenone, Ireland. Table settings were bride's own ...................................... Entertainment: Drinks reception ‘The Muddlers Club’ Irish band, post dinner ‘Fiddler Adam’, evening music ‘The Bentley Boys’ (8 piece band) ...................................... Flowers: Flowers at Anne’s Ballycastle, Ireland ...................................... Invitations/Programs/Stationery: Inspired Hand Wedding Stationery Belfast, Ireland ...................................... Photographer: Angel Photography ...................................... Videography: AngelFilm ...................................... Photography Location Shots: Groom’s farm ‘Islaharnan Parklands’ and Lissanoure Castle ...................................... Honeymoon Destination: Dubai, Sunshine Coast Australia and Hamilton Island Whitsundays

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Katherine & Jeremiah K atherine and Jeremiah met through Plenty of Fish online and dated in Fort McMurray. The proposal was done on a business trip to Florida – on his knees in a gondola on the Orlando Eye Ferris Wheel.

Katherine has always wanted a fairy tale wedding. She chose a fairy garden theme which was a central element in the location of the ceremony. The shades of green on the men’s vests and bridesmaids' dresses were accentuated with fairy gardens on every table made by the bridal party. The two-tier head table was backed by manzanita trees with fairy lights, and the bride’s bouquet on upper table and bridesmaids' bouquets on lower table matched with the greenery and lace to ensure the fairy garden atmosphere was truly stunning. The cake was a magnificent birch tree centerpiece to complete the theme. A daughter’s vision paired with a mother’s design and execution makes for a magical day and night.

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Katherine & Jeremiah August 19, 2017

Wedding Date: 19th August, 2017 .................................... How long were you engaged? 1 year, 8 months .................................... Wedding Ceremony: University of Alberta Botanic Garden Wedding Reception: Edmonton Marriott at River Cree Resort .................................... Officiant: Dr. Deborah Parr- All Seasons Weddings .................................... Hair: Hair Colour & Soul (Bridesmaid - Cheri-Taylor Hawley). Make-up: IMH Studios .................................... Bridal Gown: Novelle Bridal Shop- Kitty Chen Designer .................................... Bridal Party Dresses: Etsy, online .................................... Groom’s Attire: Derks Formals and Menswear .................................... Groomsman Attire: Derks Formals and Menswear .................................... Cake: The Art of Cake .................................... Caterer: Edmonton Marriott at River Cree Resort .................................... Décor: Elegant Touches .................................... Wedding Planner: Donna Mersereau (Mother of the Bride) .................................... Entertainment: Terry McDade (Ceremony), DJ JoyOne .................................... Flowers: Kuhlmann’s Flowers .................................... Favours: Various online .................................... Invitations/Programs/Stationery: Printing Impressions and Graphics Inc. (printing) - Created by Firelillie Design (graphic designer), Guest book made by Cheri Hawley (bridesmaid) .................................... Photographer: Kristina Felker .................................... Videography: Adam Schoepp .................................... Photography Location Shots: University of Alberta Botanic Garden .................................... Honeymoon Destination: Carnival Cruise to Hawaii

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Lisa & Chris C

hris and Lisa feel extremely blessed to have found one another. A successful entrepreneur from Alberta and a kindergarten teacher from Ontario something special brought these two together. Chris and Lisa met in October 2015 the old fashioned way – online. Chris had just moved to Toronto to work at his company, Yardstick’s, Toronto office a month earlier. Lisa was Chris’ first online match. After having a chat on the phone, Chris invited Lisa to meet him for brunch at Mildred’s Temple Kitchen in Toronto – a safe first date for an online newbie. Things did not begin as smoothly as either one of them had hoped, Lisa was two hours late for brunch – Toronto traffic was to blame. Chris, a true gentleman, waited patiently for Lisa to arrive, all the while receiving sympathetic looks from the wait staff that had surmised that he had been stood up. Brunch was a success. That first date was quickly followed up by a second date to a Blue Jay play-off game and two more dates within the week. Chris and Lisa knew they had found something special in each other. Chris had always had a soft spot for redheads, but he was most captivated by Lisa’s kindness, dedication to teaching, and her thoughtful and quirky ways. Lisa was attracted to Chris’ honesty, down to earth charm, intelligence and passion for his work and hometown, Edmonton. Over a year and a half, Chris and Lisa spent lots of time together in Toronto – movies, sporting events, dining, exploring…. In February 2017, Chris began to realize that he needed to move back home to Alberta. He had enjoyed his time in Toronto, but it was time for this prairie boy to go home. It was also at this time that Chris realized that he did not want to return to Alberta alone. After much discussion and soul searching, Chris decided to propose to Lisa. With the blessings of Chris’ grown daughters, Hannah and Lauren, and Lisa’s father and mother, Chris planned a meaningful proposal and celebration for Lisa and her family. Chris took Lisa to High Park, the location of one of their first dates, and got down on one knee and she said, “Yes!” without hesitation. The proposal marked the beginning of a whirlwind of excitement and change for Chris and Lisa. Along with preparing and planning for their move to Edmonton, Chris and Lisa started to think about what kind of wedding would make them happy. Chris kindly deferred to Lisa’s wishes when it came to the wedding. Lisa’s dream was to have a family celebration with her large Irish/Canadian extended family and close friends in her new hometown, Edmonton. The couple wisely chose to hire a wedding planner to help them organise and plan for their big day in a short amount of time (6 months). Maggie Barton Baird, of MB & Company, was a Godsend – professional, creative and hard-working. While still living in Toronto, Maggie made the process of planning a wedding at the Art Gallery of Alberta stress-free and fun for the newly engaged couple. The vintage-inspired wedding gown by Anna Campbell, was the jumping off point for the wedding – Old Hollywood, gold and black accents, candle light, beautiful flowers, Irish traditions…. relaxed elegance, warmth and humour…. good food, drinks, family and friends – all of these elements came together to make August 11, 2017 the best day of Chris and Lisa’s lives.

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Chris and Lisa are now happily beginning their married lives together in their new home in Edmonton’s Highlands with their new Lab puppy, Recce. It is a rich full life and Chris and Lisa are both truly thankful that they found each other.

Lisa & Chris August 11, 2017

Wedding Date: 11th August, 2017 .................................... How long were you engaged? 6 Months .................................... Wedding Ceremony & Reception: Art Gallery of Alberta .................................... Officiant: Mr. Todd Babiak & Ms. Carillon Cameron .................................... Hair & Make-Up: Blush Artistry .................................... Bridal Gown: Anna Campbell (Purchased at Sash and Bustle – Toronto) .................................... Bridal Party Dresses: Park & Fifth (Delica Bridal – Edmonton) .................................... Groom’s Attire: Derk’s Formals and Menswear .................................... Groomsman Attire: Derk’s Formals and Menswear .................................... Cake: Art of Cake .................................... Caterer: Zinc .................................... Wedding Planner: MB & Company (Maggie Barton-Baird) .................................... Entertainment: McDades Trio (Reception) – Thomas Scott (DJ) .................................... Flowers: Akiko Floral Artistry Inc. .................................... Invitations/Programs/Stationery: Printing Impressions & Graphics Inc / Paperless Post .................................... Photographer: Bruce Clarke (Moments in Digital Photography) .................................... Videography: Evan Adnams & Steven Watkins .................................... Photography Location Shots: Art Gallery of Alberta, Downtown Edmonton, Royal Alberta Museum Facade .................................... Honeymoon Destination: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

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Rayanne & Andrew A

ndrew and Rayanne first met in the spring of 2006; it was during the Oilers Stanley Cup run. Derek (Rayanne’s brother) went to watch the game with the boys at Andrew’s house, and naturally Rayanne had to tag along. They began dating in August of 2011 after their friendship grew to something more after Rayanne’s trip to Europe. For their engagement, it was never going to happen at Christmas… Andrew wasn’t supposed to get the ring until after they came back from their Christmas trip to Lethbridge, but he got a call the morning they were leaving saying that it had arrived. So he blitzed over to the west side of the city, dodging the last minute Christmas shoppers and grabbed it before he picked Rayanne up from work to begin their drive down south. From that moment on it was just burning a hole in his pocket; he had several failed attempts to do it in front of the whole family on Christmas Eve… before dinner; after dinner; whilst singing Christmas Carols. Ultimately Andrew waited until everyone else had gone to bed at 4am Christmas morning; they were alone, and Rayanne had absolutely no idea what was in his hand when Andrew leaned over and popped the question! To plan their wedding it started with the bride and groom asking 40 of their closest friends and family to join them for a destination wedding in Scotland, smack-dab in the middle of a 9-day tour of the beautiful country. The morning of the wedding, the ladies enjoyed a breakfast service in their prep room in the centuries old castle, sipping mimosas, and overlooking the North Sea. At the same time, the gents joined the groundskeeper and went skeet shooting to blow off some steam, and then assisted each other with how to properly wear a kilt. Prior to the ceremony, the bride and groom enjoyed some private moments during their “First Look”; mostly smiles, but also a few happy tears. While this was happening, the guests enjoyed champagne and canapes in the courtyard, along with some bagpipes in the background. After being piped down the aisle, the ceremony was beautiful; it included the mothers presenting respective clan tartans for the bride and groom to literally “tie the knot”, and also included the fathers each pouring scotch in a communal Quaich for the bridal party to drink from, per Scottish tradition. The wedding meal was fantastic, with all 40 guests seated at the same long table; this facilitated storytelling, reminiscing, and laughing until their cheeks hurt!

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The dance and reception was so memorable; with their own playlist, there were songs that reminded the bride and groom of each of their guests, songs to sing along with, songs to dance to, and of course there was some Ceilidh dancing lessons from the amazing tour guide, Scot, from Haggis Adventures.

Rayanne & Andrew May 26, 2017

Wedding Date: 26th May, 2017 .................................... How long were you engaged? 1 year, 5 months .................................... Wedding Ceremony: Ackergill Tower Hotel, Scotland .................................... Wedding Reception: Ackergill Tower Hotel, Scotland .................................... Hair & Make-Up: Jennifer Gevy (bridesmaid) and Mallory Podger (step sister of bride) .................................... Bridal Gown: Maggie Sottero – Londyn, The Bridal House, Edmonton .................................... Bridal Party Dresses: Blushfashion – Sheryll (Etsy shop) .................................... Groom’s Attire: McAllans Highland Wear, Wick, Scotland .................................... Groomsman Attire: McAllans Highland Wear, Wick, Scotland .................................... Cake: A selection of desserts provided by Ackergill Tower Hotel .................................... Caterer: Ackergill Tower Hotel .................................... Décor: Bride & Ackergill Tower Hotel .................................... Wedding Planner: Bride and groom for overall planning, Hannah & Jackie from the venue. .................................... Entertainment: Piper – Sandy the Highland Piper .................................... Flowers: 2CLVR Designs .................................... Invitations/Programs/Stationery: Made by bride and bridesmaids .................................... Photographer: Tumbleweed Portraits and Photography .................................... Photography Location Shots: Ackergill Tower – Sinclair Palace grounds

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Samantha S & Rob

amantha and Rob met in university while dissecting a human cadaver in their gross anatomy course. Not the most romantic place, but it had them meeting up to spend time studying together. A year later, and after a summer of Facebook and text messaging, they began dating. After a couple years, they decided to move to Kelowna to pursue educational and career goals. On a warm summer night in July of 2016, the two went out for a romantic dinner at a local Greek restaurant. They walked down the Kelowna Marina listening to live music in the park, then made their way down the boardwalk along Okanagan Lake. After trying to find a break in the crowds of people passing by, Rob got down on one knee and asked Samantha to marry him! Rob had created the most beautiful and perfect engagement ring with help from John at European Goldsmiths (Kelowna, BC), and a centre diamond straight from the mine his father used to work at, Ekati Diamond Mine (Yellowknife, NWT).

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Once Samantha said yes, they knew they had to start planning as soon as possible. Samanthaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother, a wedding planner, was eager to begin planning and started many google docs with a plethora of options for venues and vendors!

Samantha and Rob knew they wanted a simple but elegant wedding and were ecstatic to find the Spark Event Centre which hosts an art gallery featuring the art of Glen Ronald. This allowed them to keep decorating at a minimum and very simple as the venue provided so much character. Sheldon at Infinite Event Services was able to provide beautiful back drops for the ceremony and for the head table at the reception, to bring in the elegant feel. He also brought in the fun with his great DJing, an instant print photobooth, and an ice cream & slush machine. Their guests had a blast with all these extra treats, especially with their signature drinkâ&#x20AC;Ś pink lemonade slush with vodka! Some other special touches the couple enjoyed included a canvas picture with a photo from their engagement photoshoot, which was used for guests to sign. Samanthaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father also had personalized aprons made for the bartenders with their name and wedding date on them! Their wedding was more than either of them had dreamed of! With all the help from family, friends, and all their wonderful vendors, their simple and elegant wedding was more than successful!

Samantha & Rob August 12, 2017

Wedding Date: 12th August, 2017 .................................... long were you engaged? 1 year .................................... Wedding Ceremony & Reception: Spark Event Centre- Sherwood Park, AB .................................... Officiant: Todzia Aird .................................... Hair & Make-Up: Beauty by Jay (some bridesmaids did their own) .................................... Bridal Gown: Allure Romance from Bridal Debut .................................... Bridal Party Dresses: Alfred Angelo from ABC Bridal .................................... Groomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attire: Derks Formals and Menswear (tie & pocket square from Le Chateau) .................................... Groomsman Attire: Derks Formals and Menswear .................................... Cake: The Art of Cake .................................... Caterer: Bar B Q Acres Banquets & Catering .................................... DĂŠcor: Infinite Event Services .................................... Wedding Planner: Cindy Dewing .................................... Entertainment: Infinite Event Services (DJ) .................................... Flowers: Best Bud Flower Company, Centerpiece flowers from Costco .................................... Favours: Plantable paper hearts from Botanical PaperWorks .................................... Invitations/Programs/Stationery: Magnetic Save the Dates and Invitations from VistaPrint .................................... Photographer: Jennifer Szott Photography .................................... Photography Location Shots: Louise McKinney Riverfront Park .................................... Honeymoon Destination: Invermere, BC

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Stephanie & Arnold W hat happens when an event professional puts out a call to see if anyone is interested in helping pull off a $98,000 dream wedding? You get some of the top vendors in the city coming together donating products and services to help make it happen. The brainchild of Carlene Timmers at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino became the marketing crusade of Virgin Radio Calgary, and the passionate project of all involved.

Arnold surprised Stephanie with the contest entry, pulling together a video that won the hearts of judges and audience alike. (View it here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=bsGf6NKwGpc) His relentless social media campaign, extensive friend network, and family public appearances in matching t-shirts, made them a shoe-in for the final 10. The dream

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wedding launch party was held at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino on February 7th where this lovely couple was thrilled with the announcement of their win. And then the really hard work began! Five months from win to wedding! Crazy busy schedules, including cross-fit competitions, event organization and managing life with a toddler, punctuated vendor meetings. Best friend, and maid of honour, Miranda’s presence and assistance was invaluable. White & cream softened by delicate rose pink became the dream décor theme. Finally, the big day arrived! Mother Nature cooperated with beautiful, if hot, sunny summer’s weather. The bride’s room was organized chaos and laughter as finishing touches were applied, gowns were donned, and 2-year-olds were ‘tuxed’. A more laidback feeling was found in the groom’s den, where ties were tightened, tuxes buttoned, and personalized flasks proudly displayed!

Emotion abounded as Stephanie entered the magnificently draped ballroom on her father’s arm, and caught Arnold’s eye. Tissues came out throughout the room as the tears of joy fell. Aunt Sandra, presiding over the ceremony, was seen dabbing her own eyes at times. Heartfelt vows evoked love, laughter, and a few more tissue-worthy moments. Arnold managed to sneak in once again and surprised Stephanie with a private ride to Griffith’s Woods in a beautifully restored 60’s Chevy Malibu. Dappled light and lush greens provided a stunning backdrop for the bridal party and couple images. A fantastic feast (including the biggest Yorkshire puddings imaginable), a fabulous first dance to the sounds of James Arthur’s ‘Say You Won’t Let Go’, and an evening full of joy, happiness, and yes, a few more tears, rounded out an epic day.

Stephanie & Arnold July 15, 2017

Wedding Date: 15th July, 2017 .................................... How long were you engaged? October 4, 2015 .................................... Wedding Venue Ceremony & Reception: Deerfoot Inn & Casino .................................... Officiant: Stephanie’s Aunt Sandra .................................... Hair & Make-Up: Hair Creative by David Roberts, Makeup by Mariam, Lilly Lashes .................................... Bridal Gown: Ethos Bridal .................................... Bridal Party Dresses: Ethos Bridal .................................... Groom’s Attire: Derks Formals and Menswear .................................... Groomsman Attire: Derks Formals and Menswear .................................... Cake: Cakes With Attitude .................................... Caterer: Deerfoot Inn & Casino .................................... Décor: Chair Flair Linen Rentals & Wedding Decor .................................... Wedding Planner: Epic Events & Weddings .................................... Entertainment: Occasional Notes (ceremony music), KISS Productions (DJ) .................................... Flowers: Flower Chix (Bridal bouquets & corsages), Amborella Floral Studios (aisle pieces & table centerpieces) .................................... Invitations/Programs/Stationery: Glimpz Invitations .................................... Candy Bar: The Sugar Cube .................................... Photographer: Photos With Finesse .................................... Videography: Milky Way Productions .................................... Photography Location Shots: Griffith’s Woods, Fish Creek Provincial Park .................................... Photobooth: Flash Co. Photo Booth Rental

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Danni & Paul P

aul and Danni (officially) met at the University of Alberta in 2008. Although Paul and Danni went to the same high school, the two of them ran in different circles. That never stopped Danni and Paul from noticing each other, however! Paul proposed to Danni on a warm(ish) day in February 2016 while the two of them were walking Danni’s family dogs at the dog park. With the ring box hidden underneath his phone, Paul called Danni over and said “guess who just got engaged?” Annoyed, Danni walked over, knowing it wasn’t her, so she knew she was setting herself up for disappointment. Turns out, it was all just a rouse to get Danni close enough for Paul to have his intimate proposal play out just as he wanted. When Danni got to Paul, he dropped to one knee, and asked her the most important question she’ll ever answer (of course, she said yes!). The year and half engagement was full of planning the perfect blush, gold, and navy themed wedding. The goal was to have as many flowers and lights as possible. Between Paul’s mom, Ruby, and the University of Alberta Botanic Garden, hundreds of flowers were able to be grown for centerpieces and large-form arrangements. And thanks to Boxing Day sales, fairy lights were abundant! Danni and Paul wanted an intimate wedding with a small guest list of 120 people, only their nearest and dearest. Such fantastic vendors truly made their day spectacular!

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Danni & Paul August 19, 2017

Wedding Date: August 19, 2017 .................................... How long were you engaged? A year and half .................................... Wedding Venue Ceremony: Timms Centre for the Arts – University of Alberta Campus Reception: Whitemud Creek Community Hall .................................... Officiant: Vincent Liu .................................... Hair & Make-Up: Blush Artistry .................................... Bridal Gown: Allure Bridal (style 9268) from Pure Bridal .................................... Bridal Party Dresses: David’s Bridal .................................... Groom’s Attire: Derks Formals and Menswear .................................... Groomsman Attire: Derks Formals and Menswear .................................... Groomsgirls Attire: Club Monaco .................................... Cake: The Sweet Side .................................... Caterer: A Capella Catering .................................... Décor: All West Event Rentals, Special Event Rentals, River City Events .................................... Wedding Planner: Shannon Gamache .................................... Entertainment: The Willows (ceremony vocalists), Al Jacobson (ceremony pianist), Leslie Woods (DJ - Montreal) .................................... Flowers: Fabloomosity (bouquets, boutonnieres), Ruby Swanson/University Botanic Garden (centerpieces, large arrangements) .................................... Favours: Kinder Surprise .................................... Invitations/Programs/Stationery: Etsy .................................... Photographer: Aspen Zettel Photography .................................... Photography Location Shots: Timms Centre, University of Alberta Campus, Emily Murphy Park .................................... Honeymoon Destination: Caribbean

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Amy & Eric E

ric and Amy have been together since March of 2011. They share a home, a german shepherd and two playful kitties. Although Amy has not always been the “outdoorsy type”, with some encouragement from Eric, the couple now enjoy spending time camping. Eric had planned to propose on their cross country camping trip, however, Amy’s mother had a hard time keeping a secret from her daughter and encouraged Eric to do it as soon as possible. Eric proposed during a quiet night at home and the couple got married a year and a half later. Amy’s vision of her perfect wedding day was whimsical with plenty of sparkle. A lot of the decor was done by Amy and her amazing bridesmaids, and Special Event Rentals filled in with all things glitter. The day was bright and sunny with just the right amount of snow, and the photos turned out just as Amy and Eric had hoped. The ceremony was beautiful and emotional and Amy’s makeup held up against all the tears thanks to the amazing girls at Blush Artistry. The food was amazing and the guests had nothing but great things to say about their beautiful winter wedding.

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Amy & Eric February 11, 2017

Wedding Date: February 11, 2017 .................................... How long were you engaged? July 12, 2015 .................................... Wedding Venue Ceremony & Reception: Windermere Golf and Country Club .................................... Officiant: Tammy Banting (Meaningful Ceremonies) .................................... Hair & Make-Up: Jamie Bruce & Blush Artistry .................................... Bridal Gown: The Bridal Boutique .................................... Bridal Party Dresses: The Bridal Boutique .................................... Groom’s Attire: Derks Formals & Menswear .................................... Groomsman Attire: Derks Formals & Menswear .................................... Cake: Cake Affair .................................... Caterer: Windermere Golf and Country Club .................................... Décor: Special Event Rentals/DIY .................................... Wedding Planner: Shannon Gamache .................................... Entertainment: DJ Fozzie (Str84ward Entertainment) .................................... Flowers: Costco/DIY .................................... Favours: Homemade Salsa .................................... Invitations/Programs/Stationery: Vistaprint .................................... Photographer: Sarah Zamburek Photography .................................... Photography Location Shots: Windermere Golf and Country Club

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took me to Edith Cavell Mountain. We spent several hours hiking to the top, where Cody found a small outlook area and proposed. Keeping with the tradition of sarcasm, Cody got on a knee, accidentally in a mud puddle, opened the box upside down and became so frustrated he said “I know the answer, so put it on, you’re engaged now.” He then immediately said “that's not what I meant, my internal dialogue just came out.” Of course, I said yes and we got a good laugh out of the whole thing. By the time we got to the parking lot it started to pour rain and we were gifted with a huge double rainbow to celebrate the occasion. We decided to plan our wedding the following September long weekend and it was really important for us to plan something laid back and outdoors. We wanted people to enjoy the day as much as us and were set on a camp style theme with as much outdoor activity as possible. After a stroke of luck, we found Pam Kriangkum and Pine Valley Ski Hill in Tawatinaw, Alberta and the venue fit our theme perfectly. Getting married on the top of the ski half pipe was fitting based on Cody having once been a half pipe skier for the Alberta Freestyle Ski Team and, later on, a coach for the same team. Even his best man was a decorated Olympic Half Pipe skier, so everything just kind of fit.

Ashley & Cody

One of Cody’s only must-haves was fireworks. Fireworks were kind of our thing for years, on New Years, Canada Day and every possible occasion, we always loved watching fireworks together.

Ashley & Cody C ody and I met almost 10 years ago, through mutual friends. We are both very sarcastic and really gave each other a hard time when we were together. Once we both realized that we had a similar sense of humour we started to connect over music, sharing new artists and songs we had “discovered” and trying to outdo each other. This usually occurred at a Tim Hortons, either sitting outside with a laptop open or sitting in a vehicle listening to music and drinking WAY too much coffee.

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Cody once joked that if he ever proposed he would get the proposal printed in a Tim Hortons, Roll Up the Rim coffee cup, however he soon realized that I take about 8 hours to drink one coffee and later said he would not have been able to stand waiting for me to roll up the rim. Cody and I dated for over 8 years, adopted the best pup, bought our first house and saw our first major league baseball game together in Seattle, cheering on our favorite Blue Jays team (we have a slight baseball addiction). On September long weekend in 2016, Cody and I planned a trip to Jasper, he had won an award at work and the prize was a weekend at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. On our way there Cody asked if I would like to go for a hike and

Pine Valley was able to accommodate the fireworks AND we got to have our camping theme with trailer and tent camping and even a bonfire! We did not have any real colour scheme, I told Olivia (Love Crush Weddings) to do whatever she wanted but to keep it in the outdoorsy, green, campy theme. I didn’t even pick my florals, Olivia did it all and she totally nailed it! I’m pretty sure the only thing I picked was the groomsmen’s tie colors. My must-have was our doughnuts for dessert from Doughnut Party and Moonshine Doughnuts and a champagne toast during the fireworks for our guests. The biggest goal for our wedding was to make sure people had the best night, we had outdoor games for people to enjoy, fireworks, campfires, doughnuts, champagne and an unreal friend who did the best job DJing our wedding. We had the MOST amazing time, even the weather cooperated. Really a night to remember forever.

Ashley & Cody September 2, 2017

Wedding Date: September 2, 2017 .................................... How long were you engaged? Almost a full year, we got engaged on September 3, 2016 .................................... Wedding Venue Ceremony: Pine Valley Resort, on top of the half pipe Reception: Pine Valley Hall .................................... Officiant: George Mentz .................................... Hair & Make-Up: Day of Hair: Robyn at R.L. Hair Design (@yeghairbyrobyn on instagram) .................................... Hair Extensions/Color: Brittany at Britt the Salon (@brittanyhair1 on instagram) .................................... Makeup: Gretzie Parth at GP Makeup (@gpmakeup on instagram) .................................... Bridal Gown: Dress from Delica Bridal, designer Daughters of Simone “Fin” Gown .................................... Bridal Party Dresses: Their own .................................... Groom’s Attire: Their own .................................... Groomsman Attire: Calvin Klein Suit .................................... Cake: Cafe Affair .................................... Donuts: Doughnut Party and Moonshine Doughnuts (for our gluten-free doughnuts!) .................................... Caterer: Pine Valley .................................... Décor: Special Event Rentals, Chair Flair, Love Crush Weddings, Letter Bee (signs) .................................... Wedding Planner: Love Crush Weddings .................................... Entertainment: A friend .................................... Flowers: Floral Architects .................................... Invitations/Programs/Stationery: Paper Panache , Minted.com .................................... Photographer: Pam Kriangkum Photography .................................... Photography Location Shots: Pine Valley Resort .................................... Honeymoon Destination: Oahu, Hawaii

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An Earth-Friendly Reception The key to an eco- and style-conscious wedding is to keep it simple. By reusing materials and accents, you can save money and save resources at the same time. Work with what’s nearby and in season and you can feel good about your efforts. When choosing your site, choose something with significance. If you’re looking for an outdoor event try a botanical garden or the grounds of a historical home in your area. You will probably even be able to find one that is run by a non-profit organization. So many decorations! By decorating your ceremony site with items you can use at the reception – like arrangements that decorate the program area and then dress up your guest book table – you can save money and a lot of waste. When your magical evening is over see if there are any pieces you can donate to a hospital or the local nursing home. One of the most sustainable materials on earth is bamboo, and it makes a very modern-looking option for decorating. It can grow up to two feet a day, so it takes only three to seven years to mature, unlike trees! Use tall stalks of curly bamboo for centerpieces and lucky mini-bamboo stalks make a great wedding favour. Okay, so there might not be a hybrid limousine available yet, but there are a lot of other options out there. Some great ideas are tandem bicycles, a canoe (if your ceremony is near the water) or something classic like a horse-and-buggy carriage.

Alternative Flowers A symbol of the natural world, wedding flowers are a great place to make some eco-friendly choices. Investigate the origins of flowers and think about the pesticides that might have been used. Were they grown in an environmentally way? Cut flowers result in a lot of waste. Talk to your florist about conserving – maybe sharing your blooms with another party. Flowers that are pesticide-free show off a flower’s natural beauty. Some flowers, like roses, are so genetically engineered that they need to be sprayed with an artificial scent. Organic roses smell exactly how they should. And if you can’t find a florist in your area with organic blooms, there are a lot of options on the internet.

Potted plants, flowers or even small trees can make wonderful centerpieces, which can be transplanted later on. Use potted trees strung with lights to enhance your dance floor, or use a flowering bush (like hibiscus) to hang escort cards from. Your goal: support local nurseries by looking for locally grown, seasonal blooms. Talk to your florist to figure out what flowers fall into this category so you know what you can choose from. Using herbs, greenery and berries, you can do a lot of fill in.

Extra Eco Tips · find a vintage or used gown, then dress it up with accessories · choose a dress made from organic cotton, silk or hemp – these materials are much more eco-friendly than a lot of other materials · rent your wedding gown · sell your wedding gown after the wedding (either through eBay or a local consignment store) · rent the men’s formalwear · create a wedding website to keep your guests up-to-date on all the happenings with your wedding · use fewer programs, menus, etc – print one per couple or table, instead of one per person · encourage your guests to use gift bags that can be re-used · let your guests know you are having a 'green’ wedding and how they can do their part

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E M P O W E R M E N T Relationship Revolution

Love Work

Creating a Relationship Revolution

hen it comes to love and relationships, we want to make a difference in the world.

With the development of quantum physics and the realization that each one of us is vibrational energy, we now know that it’s possible to focus on the vibrational energy that is in each one of us and on the energy that forms the bond shared by a couple. The sphere of energy that is you, and surrounds you, pulsates and grows as you manifest with good intentions and love. Each day, each minute, there are meridians of energy that course through the earth, your personal space, your body, each molecule and strand of DNA. Every moment there is a chance to reach that next level of magnificence in the energy being that is you, and as you, the couple, become one, as an invisible band of energy and power forms. When we meet an energy soul mate, that new energy propels us to a new, higher

level. At that higher level we can now make choices that continue to lead us into a path of enlightenment. This energy is all around us, just waiting to be called upon. Everyone and everything we touch continues to benefit from us energetically by raising our vibrational level. When two people become one, the energy is strong. Strong enough to accomplish anything we think we are able to project and accomplish. By choosing to resonate at a higher level, you also affect those around you. You infuse them with your light and your vibrational energy. This is why sometimes one sentence, one kind word, one kind deed, can truly change the lives of others. The question we all need to ask is: Are we ready to make the effort and commitment to take ourselves to the next level? When we talk about Love Work, we are talking about a strong energy path that is framed with love.

As Louise Hay says, “I have never understood the importance of having children memorize battle dates. It seems like such a a waste of mental energy. Instead, we could teach them important subjects such as How the Mind Works, How to Handle Finances, How to Invest Money for Financial Security, How to be a Parent, How to Create Good Relationships, and How to Create and Maintain Self-Esteem and Self-Worth. Can you imagine what a whole generation of adults would be like if they had been taught these subjects in school along with their regular curriculum?” Imagine if we all continued to learn, and to grow, within all of our relationships… What kind of world would we manifest… an awesome loving one!

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E M P O W E R M E N T Myrah Penaloza

On Grace, Ritual And "The Kundalini Gown Collection" With Myrah Penaloza What is your morning ritual to cultivate clarity and grace (self care must do’s)? My morning ritual is simple… I wake up, slip on my Luminous playsuit and fill up my kettle with some spring water to heat, and sit with myself in preparation for my morning tea ceremony. Each bowl is a reflection of the many blessings I am being blessed with in that moment. Describe your personal style and how it reflects on your day to day. My personal style is eclectic and bohemian. I find people are usually surprised when I wear pants outside of teaching yoga. You will more

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often than not see me in a dress and over accessorized. My personal style certainly reflects how I feel. I wear all white clothing most of the time from the Kundalini Gown collection that I launched last year and you can check it out here. www.myrah.yoga Wearing all white makes me feel light and graceful. Who is the Kundalini Gown Collection for? I believe it is for any women looking to feel and look graceful and powerful. I see women wearing the collection quite often on vacation, on the beach as a cover up or at the resort over their bikini. The collection has been used for wedding parties with all the bridesmaids wearing one of the pieces from the collection. For beach cover up, I would go with the Frida Duster Gown which is perfect for so many occasions.

What is the true essence of “The Kundalini Gown”? Grace and Radiance. Light and Vibrant. Years ago when I completed my Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training I discovered that my weakest 10 body was my Radiant Body and in order to awaken this body within me I needed to embody a graceful way of life. Becoming more elegant and mindful. The Kundalini Gown was inspired by Kundalini yoga lifestyle and bana (spiritual dress), (please note, Inspired "By" not ideally "for"). "Elegant, white dress makes you visible to people. It gives you impact and projection. The only way you can connect to someone so that they can remember you is if you impact them with your projection. Dressing in white can expand your projection and your energy, much, much more than when you dress like everyone else. When your style of dress is a reflection of your own commitment

to your inner reality, it creates a subtle communication with other people." These sacred garments are designed to be apart of your morning rituals and sacred ceremony. From the moment you wake up you are the lighthouse and these garments are meant to enhance that state and quality. Name one muse that continues to inspire you? Frida Kahlo, she is my roots and my ultimate muse. What is your daily ritual to stay connected and in the creative flow? Kundalini yoga. If I miss my sadhana for one day everything is shifted, I can feel it. I make sure to do Gyan Chakra Kriya for the full 11 min meditation if and when I know I can not do my full 2 hour sadhana.

What makes you feel Graceful and Victorious? Right now, naked with my growing womb of magic. However, I know that when my attitude is of gratitude and I am adorned in the Kundalini Gown, I feel the most graceful and victorious with or without my growing womb of magic. How do you wish women to feel in your clothing line? Graceful. Luminous. Radiant. And Victorious. What are your rituals in regards to the New Moon and Full Moon phases? New Moon ritual is all about sister circles, unity and setting clear intentions for the next 30 days. Full Moon ritual is all about movement and celebration in community or in my living room followed with a long bath reflecting on my new moon intentions.

What are you really excited about for 2018 and what were you grateful for in 2017? I am truly grateful for all the travel and gatherings AND the expansive growing sisterhood on a global scale, hosting La Luna Social around the world. For 2018, I am excited to slow down and embrace this new life that awaits. Growing collaborations, the launch of La Luna Mama and so much more. Couldn't be more excited.

Photography: Des Iles Photography Attire: Kundalini Gown by Myrah Penaloza Model: Myrah Peneloza www.myrah.yoga

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E M P O W E R M E N T Lyndsey Smith

Photographer: Katch Studios

Lyndsey Smith Lyndsey is the editor and creative director behind the life and style blog, Over My Styled Body. Founded in 2012, Over My Styled Body was created as merely a creative outlet to showcase outfits and be a source of inspiration for others. After gaining traction on social media channels such as Instagram, Over My Styled Body has evolved into a lifestyle platform for Lyndsey to share home decor, beauty favourites, and travel experiences! Recently featured in Canada’s Fashion Magazine, Over My Styled Body has had the chance to collaborate with some amazing brands such as Home Depot, Dyson, and Town Shoes…just to name a few! Currently living in Edmonton, AB, Lyndsey is sharing life with her husband and their Frenchton pup Henry and cat Oggy. Lyndsey is a strong believer that fabulous style is attainable on any budget and continues to share that belief with others on Over My Styled Body! overmystyledbody.com

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Our First Year of Marriage

y husband and I recently celebrated our first anniversary and I still can't believe how fast time flies! October 8th was seriously the happiest day of my life and I never really knew what people meant by that until we had our wedding. But happy times aside, our first year of marriage has taught me A LOT and it hasn't always been sunshine and rainbows.

I'm going to be real – our first year as husband and wife has been a combination of both the best and probably one of the toughest years for us as a couple. We've gone through a ton of changes, both good and bad, and navigating through those times together hasn't always been easy. But like I said, we've both learned a lot from each other and, in the end, are a stronger couple for it (pats self on back). Here are a few lessons I learned from my first year of marriage...

...But calling him husband, is even weirder I also remember the first time I called Josh my husband. I was making some changes to our phone plan before leaving on our honeymoon and the lady helping me asked who it was for and I totally freaked out. I ended up mixing boyfriend and husband in the same word and it came out something along the lines as busband? I'm now happy to report that saying husband has gotten a lot easier.

Being called wife is kind of weird...

Changing your last name is a real pain in the butt

I remember the first time Josh called me wife. It was on our honeymoon and as soon as he said it we both looked at each other and smiled. As weird as it was hearing him call me wife instead of girlfriend, it was also super special. Cheesy? Extremely.

As much as I love being called Mrs. Smith, the journey to getting there is a long and annoying one. You don't realize how many things have your last name on it until you need things changed! On the other hand, Mrs. Smith does have a nice ring to it.

Photographer: Katch Studios

There's a difference between having a boyfriend and having a husband You might think this one is pretty obvious but when you've been together for 10 years before getting married, you kind of think that signing a piece of paper won't change anything. And although there's a lot in our relationship that has stayed the same, becoming husband and wife is just different. I can't really explain how it's different but being married just makes you feel more bonded in a way that dating doesn't. You'll say this to yourself weekly...'OMG, I'm married!?' That thought will come over me at the most random times. I might be in the grocery store picking up Josh's favourite snack or folding a pair of his pants and it will hit me. I'm married!? It's a funny and amazing feeling that I hope never goes away. Talking about babies actually becomes a thing Before I get into it, no, I'm not pregnant. But for some reason the thought of starting a family seems like more of a possibility and baby fever can creep up on you.

Photographer: Katch Studios

If you manage to send out your thank you cards before your first year anniversary you're winning Yep, winning. There's no 'I' in team I kind of hate that saying but to make my next point it just works so I'm rolling with it... I'm an only child and for majority of my life everything has been about me, myself, and I. But when we got married me turned to we and I now have a partner in life which is pretty great. I've realized that I can't do everything on my own and that putting my needs aside for my spouseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is sometimes necessary. Being married doesn't mean you have to trade in your lacey bits for granny panties As BeyoncĂŠ once eloquently said, "I've got hot sauce in my bag, swag", the same goes for your marriage. You have to keep things spicy! Whether you've been together for one, twelve, or twenty years, making an effort in the romance department is something you both have to make time for and it keeps the relationship fun!

Looking at your wedding photos happens ALL THE TIME As I mentioned earlier, our wedding was the happiest day of my life but getting our wedding photos back was a close second. Seeing all of those special moments captured on film was super special so I decided to create a gallery wall with a few of our favourites. I always catch Josh standing there looking at them and he always shows them to everyone who comes over. It's actually super cute. I also look at them often and they're a great reminder of not only an amazing day but the start of an even more amazing journey through life together. @katch_studios @overmystyledbody

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E M P O W E R M E N T â&#x20AC;&#x192; Darren Jacklin

Dream Big

ow that you have committed to creating a life together, it is important to start planning for your future. What I encourage you to do, is take some time and sit down together and go through a discovery process. Really sit with this and have fun! I call this Dream Building.

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Where would you really like your life to be over the next decade?

How many children would you like to have?

Will you be working from home or out of an office?

How much money do you need to be earning monthly/annually each as a combined house hold income?

How many revenue streams of income do you need coming into your family each month, to live the lifestyle you desire on your own terms?

How many vacations per year would you enjoy having?

Will you own your own home or rent it?

How many homes would you like to acquire over the next decade?

Will you have your primary home and a summer cottage or cabin in the woods?

10. Will you get mentored over the next decade on how to buy real estate investment properties? 11. Where would you love to live?

Darren Jacklin World-Class Professional Speaker, Corporate Trainer, Investor For over 22 years, Darren Jacklin has travelled four continents and personally trained over one million people in over 46 countries. He has mentored entrepreneurs and business owners on specific and measurable strategies. These strategies have then been implemented into businesses to increase income, transform obstacles into cash flow and turn passion into profits. Darren has an uncanny ability to increase wealth and success by uncovering hidden assets, overlooked opportunities and undervalued possibilities. His talent has captured the attention of Tiger 21, The Wall Street Journal, Yahoo Finance, NBC TV, CBS TV, Global TV, international radio stations, magazines and newspapers, movie producers, best-selling authors, CEOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and business experts worldwide. Darren is also a featured as an international celebrity in the 2015 movie The Treasure Map.

Take the time to write out, in specific detail, what you truly want in your life. When I first started practicing this exercise, I found that I had no dreams to write down. My mind would go blank, just thinking about it and I would begin to feel anxious. At the time, it was a challenge remaining present and giving myself permission to dream big. I had no idea how to get there and where to begin. After doing this for many years and applying specific daily routines consistently, I began to notice things starting to come together and one by one, my dreams started to manifest themselves into reality. One of the routines I love to do even today, is to drive around neighborhoods and visit

open houses. Go inside and look around these magnificent homes, even if they are way out of your price range. This one specific routine, done at least once a month, will help to expand your mindset to what is possible and will teach you to think in abundance and prosperity rather than lack and scarcity. Today, I am glad to say, I am living an extraordinary life. I only wish the same for you. Go ahead, give it a try, what have you got to lose? Remember, you only have one life to live and there is no dress rehearsal. If I can be of service to you, then please reach out to me. You will be glad you did.

Darren Jacklin currently sits on paid International Boards of Directors and Advisory Boards of public and private companies. He has also personally trained over one hundred and fifty Fortune 500 companies such as Microsoft, AT&T, Black & Decker, Barclays Bank, as well as high school, college, and university students and lastly, professional athletes. His experience has connected him with people in more than 130 countries. He is also the Co-Founder of Solaris Resort and Estates Ultra Luxury Private Islands.

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E M P O W E R M E N T Dr. Brenda Wade

How Invisible Wounds Sabotages Love and Money

his is the story of Linda and Dan. Their wedding is six months away and they are making final decisions about the wedding budget.

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They are in their 30’s and paying for the wedding themselves. She said, "It’s our big day. Once in a lifetime event. I want it to be as beautiful and special as our love. Let’s go for the high price band”. He says, “That’s $7,000. That’s 25% of our budget. I was hoping we’d save some money and put it towards the down payment on our house”.

They began to debate the money issue and it leads to an argument. Linda ends up in tears, “You just don’t understand. All my life, since I was a little girl, I’ve dreamed of marrying the man I love on a day that is like a fairy tale”. When they call me for help to work through this, it wasn’t a surprise because I’ve had the same call from so many couples over the years. By now, I’ve probably counseled literally thousands of couples, either privately or in our training sessions around the world. Money is the number one thing those about to be married fight over and the number one thing spouses fight over during their marriage.

Why? Money never means just money. It has one of these six core meanings for most people: 1. Security 2. Significance 3. Safety 4. Fulfillment 5. Control 6. Love Growing up, as a child, if I had change in my pocket, I could buy candy and share it with all of my friends. This made me feel both significant and loved. The invisible wounds we all have from childhood occur when our feelings are hurt, unusually by parents, no matter how well meaning. And the child ends up feeling unloved, not safe, and not important. This is why money takes on the significance it does. I’ve even worked with couples from extremely

well-to-do families. The parents gave the children money and material things instead of their time and energy. For those people, money equals love. As a child, Dan’s father lost his job. Money was always tight. Linda’s mother showed her love by buying her pretty things. My job was to help Linda and Dan spot the invisible wounds, heal them and create a money script that will protect their marriage and allow them to make financial decisions in a loving and supportive way. If you can see it you can heal it. Once they could see their money patterns, they laughed about the arguments they were having and agreed that their new money script would be a combination of what would make her feel loved and special and what would make him feel secure, and that they would direct funds 50-50, each choosing where they could give their 50% to help the other meet their emotional needs.

Dr. Brenda Wade Dr. Brenda Wade reaches millions as the relationship expert on The Dr. Oz Show, host of Modern Love Radio, a sought-after keynote speaker, trainer, and the best-selling author of four books on love. She developed the Power Coaching program to train coaches in the unique integrative method of transformation which is her signature. Dr. Oz describes her as “one of the most renowned psychologists in America”. She created the Modern Love Training programs igniting transformation with her unique blend of Psychology, Science and Spirituality. The NEW Invisible Wounds: Healing our History and Our Hearts Summit, created by Dr. Brenda and the Modern Love team launches Feb 2018! drbrendawade.com

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E M P O W E R M E N T Susan Agrios

WWW.TRAININGBYAGRIOS.COM Susan Agrios

Susan is the founder & CEO of Agrios Mindfitness is a former K-12 school teacher, an elite athlete with multi sport world medals, a fitness trainer and an internationally certified yoga & meditation teacher with advanced training in yoga nidra (guided meditation). With this unique background Susan dedicates her time to helping & motivating others to lead healthier lives both physically & mentally through fitness, yoga & meditation. Working with schools, corporations, elite athletes and families Susan developed numerous successful programs: TIME OUT Mindfulness Kits & Trainings, Mindfitness Boot Camps & the Global Online Meditation Challenge. As well, she launched the first Agrios Mindfitness Triathlon (fitness, yoga & meditation) in Canada for thousands in schools. She leads retreats and teaches at conferences around the world. Over 9500 adults, teens and kids have taken her Mindfulness Challenge. Will you be the next? sagrios@trainingbyagrios.com www.agriosmindfitness.com

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Mindfitness

e can’t separate the body and mind. In order to lead a healthier life, it’s important to train both the body and the mind. This can be achieved through movement and breath using fitness and meditation.

I noticed as my clients were getting very physically fit, many were still stressed, anxious, having problems sleeping, depressed, not able to focus or concentrate and the list goes on. As I began to teach my clients about mindfulness and meditation and build them a daily meditation practice many of these issues improved. I believe that stress is the root of many health issues and while physical exercise can help, it is only part of the solution so we must also address the mind. I’d like to share a few fitness tips and a meditation technique to help decrease your stress and give you greater clarity so you can begin your journey towards leading a healthier life.

To start with, write down a goal and action plan. Next, commit and reassess so you can make the appropriate changes dependent on your results. Let’s say your goal is to get into better shape. Be more specific and make it measurable. For example, I would like to lose 10lbs, fit into size 8 pants, have a 28 inch waist, run a 10km race in 60 minutes, ride 100km on my bike, etc. If you decide your goal is to lose 10lbs then your action plan would be to do a variety of cardio exercises (walk, swim, bike, run, stairs, cross country ski etc.) and watch what you eat. If you don’t have a lot of time, my suggestion is to do 30 minutes of interval training. The other key is to watch what you eat since you

"If we are calm and focused we can respond better to a situation as opposed to reacting to it. We are clearer and able to come from a place of choice by accessing our neutral mind."

can negate all the calories you burned in your workout in less than 5 minutes by eating the wrong thing. Simply put, be clear on your goal and if your behavior (action plan) helps you reach your goal then do it. If it takes away from your goal then donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do it. Make sure you consistently use this as a check to keep you on track. Often our emotions get in the way of our goals which is why itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to work with our minds. This is where mindfulness and meditation come in. If we are calm and focused we can respond better to a situation as opposed to reacting to it. We are clearer and able to come from a place of choice by accessing our neutral mind. Close your eyes, breath through your nostrils into your belly for a count of 4 (belly gets bigger as it fills up with air), suspend / hold your breath for 4 seconds (make sure everything is relaxed on the held breath), exhale for 4 seconds (belly gets smaller), suspend / hold your breath for 4 seconds. Repeat this 4 times. Inhale for 4 seconds Hold / suspend your breath for 4 seconds Exhale for 4 seconds Hold / suspend your breath for 4 seconds If you want to learn more about the body and mind, take a Mindfitness Boot Camp, Mindfulness Training or 40 day Mindfulness Challenge email Susan Agrios at sagrios@trainingbyagrios.com or go to www.agriosmindfitness.com

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Picture

Perfect Photographer: Amanda Artistix Photography

Photographer: Elegance Photography

Photographer: Chinook Photography

Photographer: Donovan Bissett Photography

Photographer: Chrystal Stringer Photography

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Photographer: Elegance Photography

Photographer: Katherine Raible

Photographer: RedTree Photography

Photographer: Studio Lumen Photographer: Meg MacDougall Photography

Photographer: The38Photography

Photographer: Studio Lumen

Photographer: The38Photography

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BR I DA L FA N TA S Y DI R ECTORY

Benson’s Piano Benson Lai is a professional pianist from Edmonton, AB that specializes in providing memorable and beautiful piano music for your special day. 780.695.7549 info@bensonspiano.com bensonspiano.com

D’Arcy Ranch Golf Club D'Arcy Ranch Golf Club is 15 minutes south of Calgary. Reasonable prices, accommodating staff and adaptable banquet services set us apart from others venues. We strive to make your evening exactly as you have imagined. 403-938-5522 bbinkley@darcyranchgolf.com darcyranchgolf.com

Derks Formals and Menswear At Derks, we have made it our business to make men look good. With over 75 years’ experience, no one knows more about formalwear and accessories for your wedding than we do. 780.433.6614 info@derks.ca derks.ca

Expedia Cruise Ship Centers I would love to help you plan your PERFECT destination wedding or honeymoon!! 780-406-1472 or 780-905-1216 dmatvichuk@ cruiseshipcenters.com cruiseshipcenters.com/ DeborahMatvichuk

Incredible Florist With a dozen highly acclaimed designers, several with international experience, our team will take your ideas and grow them into the perfect Pinterest wedding without a hitch or stress. 1-877-281-0732 wedding@incredibleflorist.ca incredibleflorist.ca

Lustre Bridal Celebrate your love with Lustre Bridal. We carry styles for all brides from the hopeless romantic to edgy and everyone in between. Located in West Edmonton Mall. Let us make your dreams come true. 780-484-1990 Lustrebridal@gmail.com lustrebridal.com/

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Elegance Photography Romantic, stylish, bold and adventurous, we blend contemporary style with timeless quality. 780-405-6244 elegancephototeam@gmail.com elegance.photography

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Mr.Derk At Derks, looking your best was never so easy. We pride ourselves on our quality service, up-to-date trends and affordable selections of suits and casualwear. We have the selection and options to personalize your look and style. 780.431.4293 menswear@mrderk.com mrderk.com

Photos with Finesse Photos With Finesse works to maintain a fun relaxed atmosphere, capturing the emotions, love & laughter of your special day. You look real, you look natural, you look beautiful. 403-703-2275 suzan.mcevoy@shaw.ca

Shantie’s Boutique Shantie's Boutique carries bridal lingerie & more – Visit our website today! Connect with us to make a customized order for your big day. shantie@shantiesboutique.ca shantiesboutique.ca

photoswithfinesse.com/weddings

Tickled Floral We love bringing your floral vision to life. Every event is provided with unique, customized design for your bouquets, centerpieces, backdrops, and high-impact décor pieces. In-house rentals available. 780-278-5279 info@tickledfloral.com tickledfloral.com

Wild Orchid Boutique Florist Making dreams a reality for over 20 years! Contact us today to book your free consultation! 780.425.2816 thewildorchid@shaw.ca thewildorchid.ca

Woodland + Wildflower Weddings Make your promise to love and to cherish always and forever in Alberta’s breathtaking boreal forest. Woodland + Wildflower Weddings offers a romantic, earthy, and enchanting, weekend “glamping” experience with homespun country appeal.

780-689-9679 woodlandwildflowerweddings@gmail.com

woodlandwildflowerweddings.com

Zada Jewels We offer unique and stunning bridal fashion jewelry and hair pieces to finalize any brides attire on her special day. Find our selection online or call/text us and book a free consultation.

780.709.6733 info@zadajewels.com zadajewels.com

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Advertiser Listing

BR I DA L FA N TA S Y DI R ECTORY

Beauty

Fantasyland Hotel..................................................22 & 23

Restaurant

Blush Artistry.......................................................................46

Nova Hotels............................................................................ 4

The Melting Pot...............................................................176 Yellowhead Brewery.......................................................... 3

Modern Urban Designers..........................................133

Rockwater Secret Cove Resort................................177

Senegence Cosmetics

Sandman Hotel.................................................................142

International Lip Kandy..............................................138

Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort........61

Symmetry Laser & Esthetics.......................................44 Bridal Fashion

Fairmont Banff Springs.................................. 91 & IBC House & Home

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise...............................127

Michelle Derk RE/MAX.............................................135

Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort........61 The Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre................68

Bridal Debut........................................................................ 69 Urban Bride Inc..................................................................54

Insurance PAL Insurance..................................................................... 18

Bridal Show Bridal Fantasy Trade Show.............................................7

Rocky Mountains

Shopping Malls West Edmonton Mall...........................................22 & 23

Jewellery Amour Jewellers.................................................................. 5

Transportation

Catering

Concept Jewelry Design Inc....................................131

APEX Limousine and Car Service........................... 6

Bridges Catering...............................................................56

Deep Ocean Pearl...........................................................134

Prestige Limousine............................................................ 2

Eagles Nest Catering......................................................28

Paris Jewellers...................................................................134

Stir Catering...................................................................... 146

Crown Ring.....................................................................OBC

The Melting Pot...............................................................176

Travel/Honeymoon Vision Travel........................................................................64

Lingerie

Hawaii Tourism............................................................... 136

Décor

Hush Lingerie And More.............................................84

River City Events............................................................ 140

Night Owl Lingerie......................................................... 90

Venue

Special Event Rentals..........................................42 & 54

Shantie’s Boutique..........................................................142

Cherry Creek Estate........................................................67 Clymont Community League.......................................1

Destination Weddings

Menswear and Formalwear

Courtyard and Residence Inn

Vision Travel........................................................................64

Derks Formals and Menswear............................... IFC

by Marriott Calgary Airport..................................... 115

Hawaii Tourism............................................................... 136

Derks Kids Collection.................................................. 117

DoubleTree by Hilton West Edmonton............. 60

Derks Uniforms............................................................... 108

Fairmont Banff Springs.................................. 91 & IBC

Entertainment

DION......................................................................................110

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise...............................127

Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.................24

Mr. Derk................................................................................118

Fantasyland Hotel..................................................22 & 23

Theatre Junction GRAND........................................ 136

Stenströms...........................................................................110

Gallagher's Canyon Golf Club..................................61

Tiger of Sweden...............................................................119

Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.................24 Nova Hotels............................................................................ 4

Flowers Fabloomosity Floral Atelier........................................ 15

Miscellaneous

Rockwater Secret Cove Resort................................177

Incredible Florist............................................................... 41

Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation......... 139

Sandman Hotel.................................................................142 Sirocco Golf Club..............................................................28

Kuhlmann’s Floral Boutique...................................... 30 Planning

Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort........61

Banff Bride...........................................................................178

The Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre................68

Hotel & Resort

River City Events............................................................ 140

Theatre Junction GRAND........................................ 136

Bayshore Inn Resort & Spa..........................................56

Special Event Rentals..........................................42 & 54

University of Alberta Botanic Garden.................68

Courtyard and Residence Inn

Bridal Fantasy Wedding Planner............................... 8

Willow in the Woods - Wedding Ceremonies.... 146

Laurel’s on Whyte.............................................................27

Yellowhead Brewery.......................................................... 3

by Marriott Calgary Airport.....................................115 DoubleTree by Hilton West Edmonton............. 60

Rentals

Fairmont Banff Springs.................................. 91 & IBC

River City Events............................................................ 140

2018 Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise...............................127 BRIDAL FANTASY www.bridalfantasy.com

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Special Event Rentals..........................................42 & 54