Fall/Winter 2016 Issue by Carmelina Karas

The

WEDDING Planner Magazine

FALL SHOESPIRATION

Brides 28

SHARE ALL

The

F/W 16

ONTARIO $8.95 CDN

Fall/Winter 2016 â&#x20AC;¢ $8.95

74470 99781 8 www.weddingplannermag.ca

Gemstones Jeweltones Issue LOCAL

Real

WEDDINGS

page 2

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

The

WEDDING Planner Magazine

PRESENTS

SPRING/SUMMER 2017 ONLINE RELEASE

MARCH 1, 2017

www.weddingplannermag.ca

The

WEDDING Planner Magazine

ANGELA HICKMAN Staff writer

Marcie costello director of photography & photographer

ASHLEY VICTORIA GUY STAFF WRITER & BLOG CONTRIBUTOR

randy lange-massillon contributing photographer

PUBLISHER The Wedding Planner Magazine EDITOR & CEO Carmelina Karas

BRAND EXECUTIVE Veronica Fazio

SUBMISSIONS COORDINATOR Carmela Sagula

carmela sagula submissions coordinator & photographer

rebecca mccracken sales associate

rebecca@weddingplannermag.ca

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Marcie Costello SOCIAL MEDIA Chantal Lim

chANTAL LIM DESIGN & COMMUNICATIONS INTERN chantal@weddingplannermag.ca

elizabeth kogan staff writer & investigative interview specialist

heather nedham staff writer & fitness specialist

stefanie cimini staff writer & blog contributor

sarah zoschke staff writer & blog contributor

veronica fazio brand executive

veronica@Weddingplannermag.ca

ON THE COVER

Coloured diamonds have increased in popularity - blues, yellows, and pinks - but the black diamond is the most unique. This shoot incorporates layered, mixed metallics in the flatware and stemware and black charger plates as a base on the tablescape. For florals, the shoot uses roses and calla lillies in tones of red to add depth and richness to the colour palette. Braids are more and more popular in hairstyles for Brides, so the stylist included a beautiful Dutch braid to accentuate the Bride's facial features.

page 4

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

PHOTOGRAPHY Marcie Costello Randy Lange-Massillon Bill Giannos WRITERS Ashley Victoria Guy Brittany McGourlay Chantal Lim Courtney Wattie Heather Nedham Sarah Zoschke Stefanie Cimini Veronica Fazio

www.weddingplannermag.ca

EMAIL info@weddingplannermag.ca

FACEBOOK facebook.com/WeddingPlanGTA TWITTER @WeddingMagGTA

INSTAGRAM @weddingplannermag

EDITOR’S NOTE

photography by AMETHYST PHOTOGRAPHY at amethystphotography.ca hair & makeup by THE ART OF MAKEUP & HAIR at theartofmakeuphair.com

Dear Brides, Grooms and Wedding Enthusiasts,

s the weather turns from Summer into Fall, the beauty of nature and the world around us seems more prominent. This beauty translates into fresh, new colour palettes for weddings and takes inspiration from the deep jewel tones.

With this issue, we want you to explore what nature has given to us - gemstones. We look at the Aquamarine, Amethyst, Black Diamond, and Emerald and we use accents such as metallics, lace, and more earthy tones to complement these semiprecious stones in the stylized shoots. We’ve featured various real weddings using local vendors from which you can find your own inspiration. Our Real Wedding section looks at different cultures and walks of life and each one has its own story to tell. Check out the quote from the couple with each feature for some insight from their special day.

Our stylized shoots explore different themes and colour schemes that may spark some interest. With each of our shoots and weddings, we’ve included a handy colour palette that your vendors can work with while exploring your wedding vision. Want to find a vendor for your wedding? Take a look at our Crème de la Crème section and choose one that is right for you! All our vendors have listings online in our Find a Vendor section if you want to learn more or get in touch. Just visit www.weddingplannermag.ca for details. Without further ado, I present to you the Fall/Winter 2016 issue of The Wedding Planner Magazine.

CARMELINA KARAS EDITOR & CEO

F ALL / w i n t e r 2 0 1 6 |

page 5

TO table of 58

FEATURES

something blue

when it rains, it pours

just manicured

#weddings

wedding planning checklist

to d.i.y. or not

arm yourself with fashion

fall bride shoe-spiration

joao paulo guedes

do's & dont's of wedding dress shopping

joshua + carmelina

physically fit

beauty trends

scented / summer to fall fragrances

how to take engagement photos

how to apply for a marriage license

brides share all

hand held perfection

fall/winter 2016 cake trends

well groomed

how to create your wedding budget

should a woman propose

page 6

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

contents 42

16 30

STYLIZED SHOOTS REAL WEDDINGS 34 amethyst

14 josh + ashley

46 aquamarine

30 lee + rebecca

58 emerald

42 jeremy + sarah

70 black diamond

54 narendra + helen

86 flower girls

66 mason + jenny

82 matt + jennilee

fall/winter 2016 |

page 7

features

Blue Something

Finding that “something blue” for your wedding can be a difficult task. The idea of a lucky token that represents purity, love, and fidelity sounds great on paper. However, it can be frustrating to decide exactly how to incorporate it into your special day, especially if blue isn’t a colour in your wedding theme. The choice is an entirely personal one, but here are some suggestions for those who need a bit of inspiration. Sweet & Subtle: Garters

A delicate garter can be the perfect touch of blue for your wedding. You can choose to have a vibrant, contrasting shade, such as a deep indigo, or you can choose a more understated palette, like white lace with pale blue embellishments. Either way, the possibilities are endless. Most of the larger bridal shops carry a selection of blue garters, but for cheaper and more personalized options, try shopping online at sites like Etsy. Secret & Sensual: Lingerie

There’s nothing sexier than being the only one in a room full of people knowing how scandalously clad you are underneath your dress. For a something blue that combines sublety with sensuality, try wearing a set of blue lingerie underneath your wedding gown. Pale blue may be your best option if your dress is sheerer than expected, but a deep royal blue set can do wonders for your confidence on the big day. Sneaky & Simple: Shoes If your dress covers your feet, your shoes can definitely pass as a hidden way to incorporate something blue into your wedding. If your goal is to keep the hint of blue a hint, opt to wear neutral shoes with some light blue embellishments to prevent double page 8

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

takes while you're walking down the aisle. Just make sure that your choice pair are comfortable - you don't want your token of good luck to have you feeling sore and tired on what’s supposed to be one of the best nights of your life! Stop & Stare: Accessories

The options are outrageous with this one – hair pieces, necklaces, bracelets, clutches, sashes, you name it! This is a great way to make a bold statement all while using extremely versatile items that are unlikely to clash with your gown. Try wearing a thin royal blue sash around your waist, or pinning a navy broach in your glamorous up-do. If you want to hit a two birds with one stone, you could even incorporate a family heirloom with blue accents into your attire. Scented & Sophisticated: Flowers Flowers are a classic way include something blue. Depending on your style, you can stop strictly at your bouquet or go so far as to work it into your overall wedding theme. Hydrangeas, delphiniums, and hyacinths can all add a beautiful blue touch to any wedding theme or venue without looking too flashy or overdone. Sassy & Stunning: Shoes Look familiar? This is for those of you who are choosing wedding gown styles that showcase your feet rather than conceal them. In this case, something like cobalt blue pumps with silver details could be the perfect finishing touch to your wedding outfit! Feel free to experiment with textures and less traditional blue hues to complete your look with flair. BY STEFANIE CIMINI

features

M Just Manicured Your digits play a more important role in your nuptials than you think – from carrying the bouquet to holding your partner’s hands during vows to having a ring placed on your finger, they are a huge part of any wedding. This means that your nails should be just as primped and primed as your hair and makeup, but as anyone who's entered a nail salon knows, choosing a nail colour can be a tricky task. Here are some of our favourites for fall & winter wedding nails.

OPI Nail Lacquer in Stop it I’m Blushing!

Pastels are always a classic go-to when it comes to wedding nail colours because of their softness and class. For a really romantic vibe, try a blush pink colour with an opaque finish. The dusty pink will compliment any wedding make-up perfectly.

OPI Nail Lacquer in It’s a Boy!

Get your “something blue” and keep your nails pretty at the same time! This pale blue will bring a subtlety and coolness to your hands without overpowering your dress. Plus, it’s good luck!

Morgan Taylor Nail Lacquer in My Yacht, My Rules!

Maybe you’re not into colour, or maybe you’d like a bit more sparkle. In that case, a shimmery pearl shade like this one is your best bet. It will keep your digits looking clean and polished while still adding a bit of glamour.

BY STEFANIE CIMINI

fall/winter 2016 |

page 9

wedding planning

MONTHS WEEKS 12 BEFORE 6-9 BEFORE 2 BEFORE 2 BEFORE

+ MONTHS

Announce your engagement Select desired wedding dates Create an overall wedding budget Draw up initial guest list Determine your colour scheme Consider hiring a wedding planner Start a wedding binder to collect quotes, invoices & details Develop a record keeping system to keep track of payments Choose members of your wedding party Reserve ceremony & reception locations Reserve and meet with your wedding officiant Decide if you are having an engagement party Search for your wedding dress

MONTHS

Search for honeymoon destinations Check passport & birth certificate requirements for honeymoon & marriage license Finalize your guest list Select your menu Design and order your invitations Book your hair & makeup artists Select maid of honour' & bridesmaids' dresses Select the mothers' outfits Research wedding favours Reserve the musicians and soloist for the ceremony Book your engagement photographs Decide if you are having a Jack and Jill

MONTHS MONTHS 3-6 BEFORE 9-12 BEFORE Book your photographer/ videographer Book your caterer Book your decor, chair covers & linens Book your live entertainment or DJ Book your florist Book your wedding cake Register your gift choices at your favourite stores Decide if you are sending Save the Dates Order your wedding dress Choose your wedding rings Book any rental items Research accommodation for outof-town guests Book wedding day transportation

AFTER THE

WEDDING S P RING / S U M M ER 2 0 1 6 |

page 10

Book your honeymoon Reserve the men's attire Book your hair & makeup trial Mail out wedding invitations Reserve your wedding night bridal suite Host Jack and Jill Finalize your menu and go for tasting Have engagement photographs taken Schedule rehearsal dinner Order wedding favours Find something old, something new, something borrowed & something blue

Meet with officiant to go over ceremony Track RSVP's that have come back Write vows Purchase gifts for wedding party and parents Select wedding shoes & accessories Select songs for reception & ceremony Choose first dance songs Order wedding stationery including place cards, seating chart, table numbers, menus & programs Purchase guest book & pen Schedule final dress fitting Pick up men's attire Put together wedding favours & thank-you tags

Finalize ceremony & reception details Call any guests who have not replied Give caterer final guest count Confirm honeymoon reservations Confirm song lists with musicians Make sure vendors have maps to all locations Confirm wedding details, drop offs & pick ups with all vendors Pack for honeymoon

WEEK 1 BEFORE

1 BEFORE MONTH

Apply for marriage license Create seating arrangements Have final meetings with vendors Follow up with any outstanding RSVP's Start recording early wedding gifts and writing thank-you notes Prepare day-of emergency kit Meet with wedding planner to go over itinerary, timeline, floor plan, guest list & day-of details Book nail/spa appointments Rehearse wedding vows & speeches Finalize wedding day accessories, ring pillow, toasting glasses, cake knife & money box

Make a gift list and send out thank-you cards Arrange for cleaning and preservation of wedding gown

Finalize seating plan Have a wedding rehearsal & rehearsal dinner Confirm accommodation reservations Confirm details with limousine company Deliver marriage license to the officiant Arrange final payment with vendors Exchange currency if applicable

DAY OF

Give the wedding bands to your Best Man Place engagement ring on right hand ring finger Present the attendants and parents with their gifts Schedule time for breakfast & lunch Relax & enjoy your wedding day

Send thank-you cards to vendors & suppliers Order a name change kit or research doing it yourself

ONLY CREST D WHITE LETS YOU RSVP WITH A GORGEOUS SMILE

Get professional results, fast. Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips whiten as well as a $500 treatment.* *vs. lights/laser

www.3DWhite.com/en-CA Â© Procter & Gamble, Inc., 2016 ORAL-20465

presents

arm yourself...

gem bracelet • $15 • sparkling gems adorn the botanical-inspired design of this statement bracelet

page 12

gem cuff bracelet • $39.95 • a cuff bracelet adorned with shimmering gems wraps the wrist in ethereal glamour.

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

gem stretch bracelet • $35 • a stretch bracelet with a row of circular gems brings a flash of sparkle to your evening wear.

...with fashion

rose gold gem bracelet • $39.95 • we love the chic, vintage feel of this dazzling gem bracelet.

floral stretch bracelet • $55 • add a flash of vintage-inspired sparkle to your evening wear with this floral gem stretch bracelet.

gem hinge bracelet • $25 • complete your look with an eye-catching gem bracelet. stretch bracelet.

Your wedding jewellery is usually the last item to be checked off your wedding planning list and usually doesn't get much thought. What you will be wearing plays a huge role in complementing your wedding gown, theme, and formality of your big day. With a little thought and effort, you can add that sparkle in all the right places. We've picked a few items from the Wedding Boutique that we feel will make you stand out on your wedding day. - Your TWPM Style Team xo

fall/winter 2016 |

page 13

real weddings

Josh & Ashley PHOTOGRAPHED BY TAYLOR JACKSON PHOTOGRAPHY

page 14

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

real weddings

get the look

fall/winter 2016 |

page 15

real weddings

page 16

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

real weddings "..the day was perfect...I married my best friend, my soul mate, my confidant of nine years..."

fall/winter 2016 |

page 17

features

Guedes

Joao Paulo

nspired by textures, designs and architecture, Joao Paulo Guedes has been called TOMS’s emerging designer, a fashion designer

on the rise and one to look out for. He has been featured in Vogue

Italia, GQ Brazil, Elle Canada Man and more. His work showcases his enormous talents, playful colour palettes, and obvious hard

work, dedication and passion. We got a chance to sit down with the designer and ask him a few questions regarding his coming fall

TWPM: What is your favourite part of the design process? JPG: I would definitely say it’s the sketching process, as I find it so inspiring. I work with many different prints and I usually find my inspiration from architecture. Therefore, I take that inspiration and embody it into my designs. I find the research stage very fun as well – when I am creating my designs and prints, followed by

season, his inspiration and of course wedding fashion.

fabric. I think fabric is so important because I love texture. So with

TWPM: WhY DID YOU WANT TO BE a fashion designer?

collection I create and design tells a story.

JPG: I have been a designer for the last 3 years. I use to live in

TWPM: Knowing that you are from Brazil, and that you are still connected with that community, what IMPACT HAS that had on your designs?

Brazil and there I was a graphic designer, but always loved fashion. However, once I moved to Canada, I saw it as a fresh start. Therefore, I decided to attend George Brown College for Fashion and embark on a new career. After college, I went to India and started working for an amazing company and designer there. I was truly inspired by the culture, so on returning to Canada, I decided to do a collection inspired by my experience in India.

page 18

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

all those elements in mind, when designing I try to make sure each

JPG: Well, it has definitely been a growing process, especially when opening a company in a different country and then sending it internationally. There's a lot of customs work and import & export laws from each country. My team has done an amazing job with the research with regards to this. However, even before that,

I attended various fashion shows in Brazil such as the G-Dragon Fashion Show, which is an amazing show that has been around for the last 60 years. So that helped me make my mark in Brazil and has made a huge impact for me. TWPM: what can we look forward to from you in terms of bridal wear in the near future?

Joao Paulo Guedes is definitely a star on the rise that you want to look out for. He is constantly pushing the boundaries in style, design and

JPG: Bridal wear, it has to be something that you really love. I

prints for men’s wear. And he does so all while having fun and

do think I could make something special for women in bridal,

trying to change the concept of menswear from being limited

however it would be something very forward. Also, it’s an area in

to just two-piece suits. His future goals include having designs

fashion that I would be open to do in collaboration with another

featured nationwide in department stores and internationally,

designer. The wedding industry is changing and evolving so much

with a focus in Brazil, as well as continuing to be excited for life as

that I think this would be a great area to try out in future and life

he grows as a designer and a brand.

is too short, so why not! BY HEIDI FARBER, DOCS N' DOTS photography | frank fusaro, Lamphouse photography | lamphousephotography.com • videography | reel love | reellove.ca • interview conducted by veronica k. fazio, veronica events inc | veronicaevents.com • venue | OWNER: Tracy kung, cafe aroma, 540 College Street, toronto, on m6g 1a6 | aroma.ca fall/winter 2016 |

page 19

perfect proposals page 20

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

PHOTOGRAPHED BY WEDDING EDITORIALS

PHOTOGRAPHY | Wedding Editorials | weddingeditorials.com â&#x20AC;¢ HAIR & MAKEUP | Katerina Rapoport Inc. | katerinarapoport.com

perfect proposals

josh + carmelina

features

beauty trends

features

The most important, unforgettable, and happy day in each woman's life is her wedding day. There are seemingly an endless amount of details to consider and how you are going to wear your hair and makeup cannot be underestimated. Your beauty style will be shown in your wedding photos and will be seen throughout the generations. It is important to stay true to yourself and also get a little help along the way from the experts.

Your makeup and hairstyle should bring out your best features, be intense yet subtle, and be classic and timeless. You as the Bride should feel flawless and confident all day. Here are some trending bridal beauty looks to consider for your special day if you are having a Fall or Winter wedding. Some Brides love having an up-do hairstyle with bright lips. For these ladies, we recommend the first Bridal Beauty look. It is romantic with a touch of mystery. We created soft waves and placed them alongside a back bun hairstyle, giving her cat-eyed makeup with big lashes and a bright Classic red lipstick from Motives. This irresistible look could be completed with a stunning, glam hair accessory flowing from side to side on top of the bun. For those that do not wear makeup daily, we suggest the second natural makeup look with big, soft waves. Flawless, glowing skin with softer lashes is a beautiful and timeless style, comfortable enough for the natural Bride. For our Bride, we used a splash of bright colour, "Ruby" by Motives, for her lipstick. For Brides who prefer to focus on eyes, our third look is the most suitable. Smoky eyes with pale lip are both soft and dramatic enough for your wedding day style. We created a beautiful half up-half down hairstyle for this Bride. It is the perfect mix of fun and elegance. To achieve the pale pink lip, we used "Temptress" lip-gloss by Motives mixed with "Solar Coral" lip-gloss by Revlon. Remember to stay true to yourself but also don't be afraid to go all out for your big day. It is one of those times where you can have your cake and eat it too. Stay beautiful and happy planning! PLANNING/STYLING/HAIR & MAKEUP | Katerina Rapoport Inc. | katerinarapoport.Com • PHOTOGRAPHY | Carmela Sagula Photography | carmelasagula.com • JEWELLERY/ACCESSORIES | Ilieana George | ilieanageorge.com • MODEL | Wence Wong

fall/winter 2016 |

page 23

page 24

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

fall/winter 2016 |

page 25

features

Engagement Photos

How to Take Do you want a collection of great engagement pictures, but are unsure about how to get them? Engagement shoots are a great opportunity to get beautiful, quality photos of you and your fiancé to keep. However, not all couples are accustomed to having their pictures taken by experts in creative photography. I sat down with Pete May, owner and head photographer at one2one photography, to get insider tips and tricks for creating the perfect engagement pictures. May has personally shot over 1000 weddings and overseen close to 3000 internationally, so be sure to take his advice for making your pictures standout from the bunch. Be Yourselves According to May, engagement photos turn out best when you look at act like yourselves. He recommends dressing how you would normally dress, but also keeping in mind the location of the shoot (that means no ball gowns in the forest!). Be Creative May says that the engagement pictures should represent who you are as a couple in this moment in time – it should be a snapshot of your identities. The “classic” engagement photos that he has seen are shot as a “walk through the park,” so feel free to branch out from the norm and do something completely different. Don’t be afraid to get creative and include your hobbies and interests in the pictures like vintage cars, motorcycles, or even video games. In his opinion, the best pictures include aspects of your personalities.

Act Natural

May's advice is that you try to pose in ways that are natural for you. A good photographer will know how to fix any pose mishaps, so don't worry too much about looking camera-ready. May says you can really see the connection between couples when they are natural and happy. Acting naturally gives you great candid shots. Be Prepared While you should look like yourselves, May also advises that you make an effort to come looking polished and tidy. Make sure your clothes are ironed and without stains, and make sure to have combed your hair. No matter how high quality your photos are, looking disheveled will take away from your pictures. Actually Take the Engagement Pictures

May acknowledges that many couples may not see the point in engagement photos and want to skip taking the pictures. However, he argues that the engagement shoot is the perfect opportunity to get to know your photographer (and for them to get to know you), and for you and your fiancé to get used to having your picture taken. May believes so strongly in taking engagement pictures that one2one photography includes them in the wedding package for free. Taking your engagement pictures is simple and worthwhile! These insider tips and tricks will make sure that you're left with stunning engagement pictures that everyone else will admire years down the road. BY BRITTANY MCGOURLAY

page 26

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

page 27

features page 28

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

features

BRIDES

ALL

When you first become engaged, your heart is filled with sense of excitement! But when the planning begins, it's natural to feel a little overwhelmed and in desperate need of advice. If this describes you, look no further! We've interviewed a few brides who are willing to share their insight to help you plan the perfect wedding.

ask yourself if you would hang out with this person one-on-one - this way you will have the people there that will be there for you. Kim noted that she started her planning off by picking the venue. This way “there are discounts from the preferred vendors of that particular venue,” something that many may not have known.

Let's start with organizational tools. Alexandra kept an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of the budget her and her fiancé put in place. Samantha had her iPhone to notify her of upcoming appointments. Lauren used a wedding planner agenda, like Tie The Knot, to continue to keep her wedding planning on track.

When asked for their final pieces of advice, each bride had something different but equally wise to say to all of you. Stephanie advised to think about hiring a planner. Even closer to the wedding day they can help finalize little details. Lauren agreed and suggested asking a family member or friend to help coordinate those details. Alexandra said to “remember that you don't need to impress your guests with an extravagant wedding. If the room is filled with love, that will speak volumes over anything else.” Samantha said to “not stress out! Plan early and enjoy it.” Kim said, “to listen to your heart and do what feels right.” Lauren said to “be true to yourself, it is your day.” Other consulted brides also came to the same conclusion that you should not sweat the small stuff, and to ultimately make this your day, enjoy it!

Next, why don't we tackle common wedding blunders? I asked the brides to share some of what they encountered. When dealing with the opinions of others, each bride agreed that you need to be respectful, but ultimately do what you want - this is your wedding! Alexandra suggested to “thank people for their advice and let them know that you will consider it.” When problems occur during the planning process, Samantha shared that she would “take a deep breath, take time for [herself] and talk to someone like [her] Fiancé or family.” You don’t want to burn out by the time your wedding comes around, so take things day by day. Many brides, like Stephanie, found that the easiest thing to do was pick the venue because they picked locations that meant something to them. Lauren found that the hardest part was making the guest list. “No matter what you do somebody is going to be offended," she said. "It is impossible to invite every single person.” Her advice was to

Our Brides:

To introduce our brides we have Stephanie Wetherald, whose wedding is in August. Next up is Kim Delisle who is not only a wedding planner herself, but also getting married in September. We also have Lauren Parks, who is recently engaged and starting her planning, Samantha Silva, who will be married in early July, and Alexandra Makos, who was married in August of 2013. BY SARAH ZOSCHKE fall/winter 2016 |

page 29

real weddings

Lee & Rebecca PHOTOGRAPHED BY UNVEIL WEDDINGS

page 30

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

real weddings

get the look

fall/winter 2016 |

page 31

page 32

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

real weddings "...getting married was the perfect way to celebrate our love and devotion..."

fall/winter 2016 |

page 33

stylized shoots

amethyst PHOTOGRAPHED BY PEAR STUDIOS

page 34

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

stylized shoots

TRENDING

Combine multiple styles of bridesmaids' dresses with mixed metallics for a classy look, accented by the royal Amethyst gemstone.

get the look

fall/winter 2016 |

page 35

stylized shoots

stylized shoots page 38

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

stylized shoots

fall/winter 2016 |

page 39

features

Fall/Winter 2016 The theme of Fall/Winter wedding cakes for 2016 can be summed up in one word: decadence. Brides and grooms are looking for cakes that guests have never seen before, oozing with rich flavours and luxurious embellishments that are a feast for the eyes and well as the taste buds. These days, the wedding cake is not simply a dessert – it's the centrepiece for the entire celebration. So to give you some tips on how to achieve such a show-stopping creation, we consulted three of our talented cake vendors – Maria from Sweet Avenue Cakery, Cristina from The Sweetest Thing Cakes, and Chantal from EdibleSins – to give you a taste of what's trending this season. The Look

If you're looking for a more subtle but equally intricate cake, there are dozens of on-trend accents to explore. From sugar gems to real jewels, rosette piping to fresh flowers, the expertise of modern cake artists is astounding. A beautiful personal touch that Cristina will be incorporating in our very own Editor-in-Chief's wedding cake is lace detail work that mirrors the patterns on the bride's dress. "They feel good because it's custom to them," she said, "it's not just picked off a photo." The Taste Test

The search for the perfect cake doesn't end at the looks – Chantal emphasized how much her clients prioritize on what's on the inside.

Leave the pastels and nudes behind, because this fall/winter is all about deep hues and jewel tones. Maria noted a shift towards "dark cakes with dramatic use of lighter colours or metallics throughout the design", giving an otherwise simple cake the elegant wow factor couples are looking for.

"Everything is so quick now. People pick up cupcakes from the grocery store and call it a day," she explained, "so once they [taste] gourmet ingredients made from scratch… they remember what real cake feels like."

As for the silhouette of your cake, take the traditional stacked, round cake and scale it up a few sizes. Both Maria and Chantal are getting requests for taller cakes with more and more tiers, giving the piece added drama and extravagance. Many are taking it one step further – Maria's clients are venturing into "fashion-inspired, avante garde" designs, while Chantal has received more orders for custom-made cake stencils outlining the bride and groom themselves.

In terms of trending flavours, the responses varied. Maria reported requests for mixed flavours like "green tea sponge with coconut buttercream"; Cristina's sweared by her bestselling almond cake; and Chantal has gotten a surprising amount of orders for chocolate and booze! But one thing that all our vendors could agree on is that the days of simple vanilla and buttercream cakes are gone. Maria hit the nail on the head when she summed up the trending flavours as "basically anything you can call gourmet."

page 40

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

Cake Trends The Cake Climate

Finally, let's talk about the broader confectionary trends happening in the upcoming wedding seasons. As usual, times are changing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and all our vendors have predictions on what's to come. Maria is expecting more orders for cake alternatives such as croquembouches and towers of macarons, meringues, and gourmet donuts that she's already seeing a demand for. For Cristina, on the other hand, the main deviation from the traditional cake has been the emergence of cupcake towers. She described it as a practical choice for many couples, since it's a more affordable order and it avoids the new venue fees related to cutting and serving a full-sized cake. "You're still getting that height, that presence," she explained, "you're just not getting the cost."

Unfortunately, that practicality may be working against independent cake vendors in the future. Chantal informed us that venue companies are beginning to offer all-encompassing package deals that include wedding cakes in the price. "Some people are fine with it because they don't have to think about it," Chantal revealed. "But then you get those who want to design their own cake and are willing to pay for it." Here at TWPM, we hold faith in the latter group of couples. The most prominent trend we've noticed in the wedding industry as a whole is the move towards customization in all forms â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and what better way to show off your personality than in the most delicious part of the wedding? As we've been discussing throughout this article, there are endless possibilities that cake artists as talented as these ladies can offer you. Hopefully these trends have given you some insight into how to harness their skill into a cake that is perfect for fall/winter 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but more importantly, perfect for your special day. BY CHANTAL LIM fall/winter 2016 |

page 41

Jeremy & Sarah PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEN LINFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

page 42

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

real stylized weddings shoots

get the look

fall/winter 2016 |

page 43

stylized shoots

page 44

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

real stylized weddings shoots "...the food wasn't only delicious, it was absolutely beautiful to look at and so much fun..."

fall/winter 2016 |

page 45

stylized shoots

aquamarine PHOTOGRAPHED BY THE BUTTERFLY PHOTOGRAPHY

page 46

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

stylized shoots

TRENDING

Inspired by nature, the beauty of the sky and the water, aquamarine was the gem of this shoot with high centerpieces, a hanging backdrop and a horizontal bouquet.

get the look

fall/winter 2016 |

page 47

stylized shoots

CONCEPT & PLANNING | The Wedding Pixie | theweddingpixie.ca

•

VENUE

page 48

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

stylized shoots S P RING / S U M M ER 2 0 1 6 |

page 49

stylized shoots

page 50

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

stylized shoots fall/winter 2016 |

page 51

features

How to Create Your Wedding Budget

After the 200 phone calls, 25 Instagram pictures, 75 snapchats and squeals of excitement announcing your engagement, your next step isn't exactly the most pleasant one: creating a wedding budget. As dreams of the perfect Cinderella dress and 7 course meal dance through your mind, it will quickly calm as you and your soon to be spouse now have to have a frank discussion. However, don't become disheartened! It's a crucial aspect of the wedding that you'll be glad you took care of down the line. Here are a few tips that will assist you in creating a reasonable and realistic wedding budget. Talk Debt It might be slightly uncomfortable, but think of this way: no one wants to start their marriage off in debt because extravagance was valued over practicality. This isn't to say you can't have the wedding you want, however it's important to take note of current debts, how much is left to be paid off and how long it may take. Be sure to include your monthly living expenses and compare that to what you both bring in monthly. This will give you an excellent idea if you are ahead of the game or need to make some adjustments in order to start saving money for the big day. Paying off debt and starting married life out as fresh as possible can take much of the anxieties of life away.

Start Outsourcing If you have decided against hiring a planner, it's best to start looking around online within your area to see which vendors are available. Look up potential venues and consider what they have to offer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; most of their websites should have a general cost breakdown to budget based on.Venues will also want to know how many people you intend to have present, so have a number ready keeping in mind that the more guests you have, the more expensive it will be! Do the same research for florals, entertainment, catering companies, etc. By looking up vendors ahead of time, you will have a fairly good idea as to the rough cost of your wedding. This number will then paint a clear picture of what you can reasonably afford. Find The Magic Number

Plan Ahead

This is the conversation you and your partner have after compiling all the information from previous steps. Once you can both see the amount you have in debt, if overtime is a possibility, and when and what the rough costs of wedding vendors are in your area, you can set a number. This is the "magic number" that you want to ensure you stay under. This number will be somewhat of a compass as you decide which vendors to hire, what menu's to choose from and other areas where you will spend.

One or both of you may have opportunities to find days to work some overtime. Extra money can either go towards getting rid of pesky debts or can be put towards specific wedding vendors. Either way, be careful during the discussion process to ensure that the arrangements are respectful and fair to both of your schedules.

Budgeting doesn't have to be scary and awkward, with the right mindset and proper planning it will enable you both to work together to create the wedding you've always wanted. Your life as a team begins now, open and honest communication is essential to make the ultimate wedding budget that works for both your circumstances.

BY ASHLEY VICTORIA GUY

page 52

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

features

It Pours

When it Rains When it rains, it pours! But it doesn’t need to wash away your dreams of a fabulous outdoor wedding day. We've all heard the horror stories of a supposedly sunny summer's day calling for hours of downpour just a week before, so how does one ensure that their wedding is rain-proof? Follow these 3 simple precautions, and your outdoor ceremony or reception will be weatherproofed, even on the rainiest of summer days. 1. Don’t Underestimate the Importance of a Big Tent. We know, there are extra costs associated with it, but think of this tent as your rain insurance policy! If it doesn’t rain, you have ample shade for your guests. If it does pour, put down the sides of the tent and you can party outside all night long. 2. Bring Back-Up Umbrellas. Logged onto Pinterest or Etsy lately? There is so much wedding swag you can use to personalize your big day, but one less thought of are initialized umbrellas—you can even order them in your wedding colours! Have a few of these kicking around so guests don’t get soaked running to/ from the car. Put them near the front entrance to the church or reception and order a few extras for your wedding party. If it happens to rain, you’ll have playful, unique pictures to boot! 3. Create a Photography Rain Plan. When you initially meet with your photographer, brainstorm at least one shoot idea that's weatherproof. Indoor spaces have a few perks; the lighting is consistent, you can book the space well in advance with minimal external distractions, and these are spaces you can count on regardless of weather. BY COURTNEY WATTIE fall/winter 2016 |

page 53

real weddings

N arendra & Helen PHOTOGRAPHED BY RADISSON STUDIO

page 54

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

real weddings

get the look

fall/winter 2016 |

page 55

page 56

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

real weddings "...full of colour, joy and love; family and friends came together to celebrate their perfect union..."

fall/winter 2016 |

page 57

stylized shoots

emerald PHOTOGRAPHED BY MOTION D PHOTOGRAPHY

page 58

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

stylized shoots

TRENDING

Use a background of bricks, brilliant gold details, sparkling diamonds, non-traditional vibrant yellow flowers with emerald accents to create the ideal wedding for a Dorothy-like Bride.

get the look

fall/winter 2016 |

page 59

stylized shoots

stylized shoots S P RING / S U M M ER 2 0 1 6 |

page 61

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

stylized shoots fall/winter 2016 |

page 63

features

#WEDDINGS

Why hashtag your wedding, you may ask? Well, we have

they're easy to type. This is also a good opportunity to see

such an obsession with social media anyway, so you might

if it will be mixed up with anyone else who has a similar

as well take advantage of it for compiling your wedding

hastag to yours. When you know that it's ready to share it

pictures! By making a hashtag for your guests to use prior

with your guests, you can start sending it out.

to the wedding and on the day of, you can easily find all of those pictures by simply looking up the hashtag.

Start using your hashtag on any pictures you take during

Convinced? Then let's get started on the planning side.

the wedding process. If you've sent your invitations out and you capture it on Instagram, add your hashtag. Others

The first step is to simply think of which hashtag to

will see this and realize that they should do this too. Also

use. You want it to be meaningful, but also simple - not

encourage your wedding party to use it when they take

exactly an inside

joke, but definitely something that

pictures or tweet about your wedding. Not only will it build

your guests will identify as you. A friend of mine who is

up your photo options, but will also starting generating

getting married loves Disney and so does her fiancĂŠ, so her

the excitement! It's like having someone document your

wedding hashtag makes reference to "once upon a time",

journey.

the starting to all fairy tales. Others have done play-onwords, or referenced wedding themes like "tying the knot"

Invitations are the perfect time to inform your guests of

or "chapel". Whichever you decide, remember to also put

your hashtag, but continue encouraging them to use it

in either your and your fiancĂŠ's first name or the name you

right up until the wedding day. When at the reception, it's

will be taking after the wedding. It's also a good idea to

handy to have a sign at the entrance stating the hashtag so

add in the date or year to make it even more personalized.

that people remember to use it throughout the night.

Once you have chosen the hashtag, test it out! Take a

Once the wedding is done, look up the hashtag again. This

picture and add in the hashtag. You want to see if it is easy

time, your search will have all these photos of your special

to type and if anything should be changed. Remember that

day attached to it. Sit back, look through them and see the

hashtags have no punctuation and often no caps, just so

love from your guests on #yourspecialday.

BY SARAH ZOSCHKE page 64

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

D Ah my dear budget savvy and artsy brides, how I love you! What better way to put your personal touch on your wedding day than by doing a few DIY projects? It makes for more memories, makes the guests feel special, and of course you get to bask in the pride of your creative side. Pinterest makes it so easy to look for ideas and instructions, but before you go racing off to Michaels and leave everyone in the dust, put on the brakes and know what areas you should and shouldn't DIY. Here are my suggestions! Do DIY - Your guest book

There are so many fun and unique ways to create your own guest book where people sign their names and give well wishes for the new couple. I have seen canoe paddles signed and mounted on walls, I've seen stones from a beach wedding with names of guests on them in a vase. The sky is the limit and the guests will love something different! DIY Not - Photography

Sure ,your Samsung Galaxy S7 has the best camera and takes amazing pictures ready to post on Instagram and Snapchat. But these are once in a lifetime moments that need to be captured... and not by the bride or groom! Don't skimp on hiring a reputable photographer just because you took a great shot of fly ball coming at your man's head. Pictures of your special day are absolutely worth the investment, and you'll be thanking yourself for it once you have the album in your hands. Do DIY- Wedding Favors

This goes back to leaving your guests something unique and personal to go home with. It can be anything from a sweet snack to engraved wine bottle openers or even little USB's with a playlist or slideshow of the couple. Regardless of what you choose, rest assured your guests will go home smiling.

features

To DIY

NOT

DIY Not- Florals

Florals are expensive. Most have very specific care instructions and can be challenging to arrange. If you haven't taken classes or have someone in the family who is a florist, don't do this on your own! It's incredibly time consuming, and for the most part will have to be done the day of. If I'm not mistaken, you'll be busy with a hair appointment and a big pouffy dress to put on! Do DIY- Save the dates If you are a couple who is tech-savvy and environmently conscious, you should consider doing your save the dates online! You can create your own so easily as most websites take you step by step through the process, from uploading the picture you want to writing the text! Some websites enable you to create this template and use it for less traditional items, like a magnet for example. Alternatively, you can send out the invites electronically to everyone's email. It's not difficult and you can both personalize it by making it formal or goofy, whatever reflects your style! DIY Not- Plan your whole wedding The reason that wedding planners can make a living off their trade is because it's a full time job! If you already have a full time career, friends, family, and other obligations and responsibilities, who has time to spend hours upon hours outsourcing vendors, reading contracts, refereeing the spat between your MOH and Mother in law? This is what planners do â&#x20AC;&#x201C; take the pressure off your shoulders for the nitty gritty stuff while including you in every decision that has to be made. So if you can help it, don't plan it on your own â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it's exhausting, frustrating, and wholly avoidable. DIY is a fabulous option, but know your limitations! Busting out the BBQ and grilling your own food is not condusive to enjoying your wedding day or maintaining a white dress! Allow your creative inspiration to flourish, but allow yourself to enjoy your special day as well. BY ASHLEY VICTORIA GUY fall/winter 2016 |

page 65

real weddings

Mason & Jenny PHOTOGRAPHED BY JENNIFER NEWBERRY PHOTOGRAPHY

page 66

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

real weddings

When he asked my dad for permission to marry me, my dad asked him if he would use his mother's engagement ring.

get the look

fall/winter 2016 |

page 67

page 68

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

real weddings fall/winter 2016 |

page 69

stylized shoots black diamond PHOTOGRAPHED BY CARMELA SAGULA PHOTOGRAPHY

page 70

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

stylized shoots

TRENDING

Layered metallic golds and fresh roses and calla lillies are combined with black charger plates and black diamonds for a Phantom of the Opera-esque Bride.

get the look

fall/winter 2016 |

page 71

stylized shoots

stylized shoots fall/winter 2016 |

page 75

features

FALL BRIDE SHOESPIRATION 1.

With the changing season, your gown silhouette and colour choices for wedding shoes will change. To help you select the perfect pair, we rounded up our favourite fall shoes from the runways of Paris, Milan, New York and Toronto that can take you from ceremony through reception and beyond in style. They will ensure you party like 1999 in comfort!

2. page 76

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

features

1. Chelsea Paris • "Snakeskin" Ada Strappy Sandals | $645 | barneys.com. 2. Sophia Webster • "Lilico" flower-embellished patent-leather sandals | $550 | matchesfashion.com. 3. DSquared2 • Snakeskin effect leather sandals | $940 | farfetch.com. 4. Schutz • "Enida" suede sandals | $170 | farfetch.com. 5. Aquazzura • "Milla" crystal-embellished metallic leather sandals | $1,695 | net-a-porter.com. 6. Stuart Weitzman • "Gillian" flats in white satin | $398 | stuartweitzman.com

BY V. FAZIO, VERONICA EVENTS INC.

fall/winter 2016 |

page 77

features page 78

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

Selecting your wedding dress is easily one of the most exciting parts of the wedding planning process, especially if you are a die-hard "Say Yes To the Dress" fan! As cliché as it may sound, your wedding dress is the most important, and probably the most expensive, garment you will ever wear. As fun and exciting as dress shopping is, you can easily feel stressed and overwhelmed when it comes to budget, fabrics, silhouettes and so many more options. To make things easier, we've compiled some dress shopping do’s and dont's to help every Bride have a great dress shopping experience.

Do: Arrive Happy!

Do: Get An Idea of What You Like

Unless have a little wiggle room, don’t try on a dress over your budget. Falling in love with something you can’t afford will only cause you (and your consultant) major heartache.

Look through magazines and websites to get an idea of the styles and designers that appeal to you. It’s also a good idea to have pictures on your phone to show your consultant. Do: Bring Supportive Friends/Family This can be a major bonding moment for you and your mother, mother-in-law, and bridesmaids. Bring people that you know will be supportive, fun, and thrilled to help you pick out the perfect dress. Do: Be Honest With Your Consultant Your consultant wants to help you find the perfect dress. If you love a dress from another store or have a tight budget, be honest! If your consultant is pulling dresses you hate, kindly explain that they aren’t right for you. Do: Stand Up for Yourself If your mother keeps picking out lace dresses and you hate lace, be gentle but firm in your explanation. It's your wedding day so there is no point wasting your time trying on styles you can't imagine walking down the aisle in.

features

of Wedding Dress Shopping Do's & Don'ts

Wedding dress shopping is fun and exciting and the experience will be best for you and your stylist if you arrive in a positive mood. Don’t: Get Discouraged Dress shopping can feel overwhelming. If brides don’t feel great in the first few dresses, they can easily be discouraged. Remember, this is a once in a lifetime experience! Enjoy it. Don’t: Try On a Dress Over Your Budget

Don’t: Bring A Massive Crowd Bringing too many people can be problematic. Some bridal shops are too small and busy to properly accommodate everyone. Too many opinions can be confusing and overwhelming. You don't want to spend an hour listening to your relatives debating over the first dress! Don’t: Be Close-Minded While your stylist will be happy to know you have ideas, don’t be close-minded when it comes to different styles or silhouettes. If you’ve tried on five mermaids and are not liking what you see, don’t be afraid to try on a ball gown or sheath dress. Sometimes what you originally loved does not give you the same feeling once it’s on. Don’t: Don’t Settle! If you aren’t sure whether you have that “wedding dress” feeling, you probably don’t. Wedding dresses are costly and it’s better to take some time to think about it than be pressured into a purchase you fear you might regret. BY BRITTANY MCGOURLAY fall/winter 2016 |

page 79

features page 80

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

Dress shopping can be a pain. In fact, you may never have had to stand in front of a 360Â° mirror before, showing off all your curves, inches, and well, everything else! You take the time to find that perfect dress that will be make you feel like the Bride of your dreams, but what happens when you still don't feel like you fit the dress? They're simple, easy and often no equipment required we are talking about bodyweight exercies. These effective exercises can help take your body from flab to fab and tone those areas that will be highlighted while wearing your dress. This is perfect for those who have difficulty setting aside time for the time. Yes, it's possible to sculpt a lean, mean, strong body without bench presses and bicep curls. Just look at gymnasts - they have some of the most athletic bodies yet many don't even use weights. How does this work? That's the power of gravity. Rather than using weights to create resistance, you can use your own bodyweight in a functional manner and get fit. The Pushup - Your New Best Friend

1. Difficulty In order to continuously improve, you are going to need to find more difficult movements as you progress. If you are using weights, you simply use more weight. You don't have the same luxury with bodyweight exercises so you need to be a little more creative. If you've mastered push-ups, try side to side push-ups, or even one arm push-ups. The idea is to find something that causes you to fail in a reasonable amount of time. 2. Balance Instability is another way to add resistance without weight. Movements that force you to balance cause you to use a larger number of muscles, giving you a stronger fitness base. This can be done using an unstable platform, like a stability ball, or by doing exercises in a balance-challenged position. Lifting a leg or an arm off the ground during almost any movement makes it tougher. Again, your goal for resistance training is that point of failure.

"These effective exercises can help take your body from flab to fab and tone those areas that will be highlighted while wearing your dress."

You probably avoid these because they are hard, but they are the most epic, versatile and underappreciated body weight exercise there is! They are really just an inversion of a bench press and work muscles in your chest, shoulders and triceps. As long as you have good form, push-ups are fantastic for using your weight to tone and build upper body muscle. For perfect form, make sure your elbows stay in close to your sides, your core is tight and stabilized and your chin or chest touches the ground.

Trainer Tip: Do yourself a favour and stay off your knees. One pushup on your feet with perfect form is better than 10 sloppy pushups on your knees. It it supposed to be hard and that's why it's called working out! There are three things you want to keep in mind while performing these bodyweight exercises: Difficulty, Balance and JUMP!

features

Physically Fit

3. JUMP!

Plyometric training allows you to make the most out of gravity by going airborne and is therefore super effective. Often called jump training, it's basically anything that forces you to explode on takeoff and then land after a period of being airborne. Why is it so effective? It forces change in muscles faster than non-plyometric movements and forces your muscles to work in a different way. These muscular contractions cause your muscles to lengthen while under load which is important in real life, and forces you to respond almost like a braking system would on car. Whether you are trying to lose weight for your wedding or just add tone to your body, follow these tips for putting together an at-home workout for simple and effective results. BY HEATHER NEDHAM

fall/winter 2016 |

page 81

real weddings

M&att Jennilee PHOTOGRAPHED BY MARCIE COSTELLO PHOTOGRAPHY

page 82

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

real weddings

get the look

fall/winter 2016 |

page 83

real weddings page 84

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

fall/winter 2016 |

page 85

stylized shoots

flower girls PHOTOGRAPHED BY AMETHYST PHOTOGRAPHY

page 86

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

stylized shoots

TRENDING Break away from the traditional flower girl dresses and wedding desserts and add some unique pieces and pops of colours.

get the look

fall/winter 2016 |

page 87

stylized shoots

COORDINATION/ P H O T O G R A P H Y |

Amethyst

Photography

amethystphotography.ca

•

CONCEPT/

HAIR & MAKEUP | The Art of Makeup & Hair I theartofmakeuphair.com • CREATIVE DIRECTION/CAKES

DESSERTS

page 88

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

Events

Inc.

stylized shoots S P RING / S U M M ER 2 0 1 6 |

page 89

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

stylized shoots fall/winter 2016 |

page 91

scented Summer to Fall Fragrances

1. Bond No. 9 New York ‘Hamptons | $220 | unisex in nature, combining florals with a woody musk

2. Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede Perfume | $125 | a beautiful mix of peonies, red apple, jasmine, rose and gillyflower

3. Yves Saint Laurent ‘Black Opium’ Perfume | $68 | addictive floral mixed with base notes of coffee, vanilla, and cedarwood, all year round

4. Tom Ford Café Rose | $220 | perfect for rose lovers. notes of incense resin, sandalwood & patchouli

As the seasons change from Summer to Fall, you'll want your signature scent to adapt as well. There are so many perfumes to choose from and so we decided to help narrow it down to our top eight. Whether it's for yourself, a loved one, or a friend - these unique scents all have something fresh and new to contribute. Pick up one of these bottles online or at your local retailers and

get scented.

- ADAPTED FROM JENNIFER'S TOP 15 SUMMER TO FALL LIST

6. Diptyque Geranium Odorata Fragrance | $98 | woody and floral with notes of rose geranium, perfect for spring & summer

page 92

7. Aerin ‘Lilac Path’ | $110 | the soft & springy scent of lilacs is mixed with galbanum and jasmine

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

8. Valentino Valentina Eau de Parfume | $88 | tantalizing middle notes of Amalfi orange blossom, tuberose, jasmine, & wild strawberry

9. Hermes ’24 Faubourg’ Perfume for Women | $139 | wonderful top notes of white flowers, with plentiful woods, warm vanilla & ambergris

features

How to apply for a

Marriage License One aspect of getting married that couples tend to put off is the marriage licence application. Yes, it can be a hassle in an otherwise blissful journey, but it's one of the most important tasks you need to accomplish along the way. Lucky for you, we've broken the process down into a simple guide to help you get the application done without a hitch. Keep in mind that this article is written for couples residing in Ontario -so though many steps may cross over, it may not be 100% accurate in other parts of the world. Step 1: The Application Form Most marriage licence applications in Ontario can be completed online at your municipality's website. However, this does not mean that you're done once you click "Finish" -you still need to print, sign, and date the form and submit it at your city hall. And don't forget to keep an eye out on the website for when the online application expires! If you'd rather fill out it by hand, you can download and print an empty form or pick one up at your local municipality. Step 2: Secondary documents Along with the completed application, both you and your partner will each need to submit two pieces of government-issued ID. The Government of Ontario recommends birth certificates, valid passports, records of immigrant landing, Canadian Citizenship Cards, valid driver's licences, or valid Ontario Photo Cards. However, make sure to check in with your municipality before taking your pick, since many will reject certain combinations of ID. For example, the City of Markham will reject a driver's licence combined with a health card, but will accept either if brought with a passport. You'll also need to bring your wedding date and proof of your current marital status, as well as any other information your city requires. Step 3: Pay the fee It's hard to pinpoint the price of a certain application since each Ontarian municipality is different -in Toronto the cost currently stands at $140, but in Markham it sits at $153.50. The best way to find out yours is to take a look at your city's website or give them a call on the phone. Just like the application form, this can be delivered in different ways -the standard options are online through the website or in person when you deliver all your documents for submission. Step 4: Double check for special circumstances Once all your documents and payment arrangements are in order, it's time to take care of any aspects of your legal status that will affect application (don't worry, we're almost to the end!). If you were divorced outside of Canada, you'll need to obtain an authorization from the Provincial Government and give it into the city before applying for your marriage licence. If you were divorced in Canada, all you need to add to your application is the court-certified copy of the final decree or certificate of the divorce. And there you have it! Marriage applications made easy. But remember that this guide is only a starting point to begin the process -it's best to check in with your local municipality to make sure that you have all the right information for your marriage. Best of luck, and congratulations! BY CHANTAL LIM

F ALL / w i n t e r 2 0 1 6 |

page 93

HAND HELD PERFECTION Complete your "glamtastic look" with the perfect clutch

1. Jeanne Lottie, $120, jeannelottie.com (silver/gold box clutch)

2. Corto Moltedo Women Woven Metallic Leather Clutch, $1696, luisaviaroma.com

3. JEWEL EMBELLISED FLAPOVER CLUTCH, $49.95, LECHATEAU.COM

4. Jimmy Choo Glitter Finish Tube Clutch, $375, jimmychoo.com

page 94

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

- Your TWPM Style Team xo

should a woman propose? Throughout the ages, women of all cultures have been socialized to find a suitable prospect, get married, and start a family. In fact, some have it all planned out from childhood! One evening, he takes you out for a romantic (fill in the blank) to your favourite (fill in the blank), gets down on one knee and while professing his love for you, asks that magical question: “Will you marry me?” At least that’s what we’ve been taught! Mary traditional aspects of wedding planning have changed. Weddings in the past were only in churches or at city hall but now there is a shift to destination weddings on a beach and backyard barbeques. Wedding bands are being replaced by tattoos and traditional, modest wedding gowns have been shelved for sheer, lace, two-piece crop tops and bridal suits. Even with all these changes, one thing seems to remain constant – the man is still asking for the woman’s hand in marriage. Being a woman myself, I can’t deny there is something special about all the hard work and effort he puts into the proposal and the fact that he is asking us for permission to stay with us for the rest of our lives. At the same time, I’ve heard of some women that have pulled off pretty epic engagements themselves. Now we ask you – should a woman propose? Back in 5th century Ireland, St. Brigid of Kildare ferverently protested to St. Patrick that women had to wait too long for men to propose. In response, he decreed that every February 29th a woman could propose to their man. Those who took advantage of this decree were viewed as crass, pushy or even desperate. In addition, women would face the same chance of rejection as men. Amy Adams in the movie Leap Year takes advantage of this Irish tradition and proposes to give this thing a chance. She asks, “So what do you say? Do you wanna not make plans with me?" We still live in a world where a woman proposing to a man is a big deal. However, do women even want this responsibility?

For us strong females who don’t care what others think, we may see proposing to our men as chic or empowering. Miranda Hobbs from Sex in the City proposed to Steve while on a coffee date, then got married in a park around the corner. The beauty of proposing to him is this: we don't have to wait on them or their timeline to decide what or who they want out of life. What if you have brought up marriage to the guy you have been dating for years, and yet he never reciprocates or he comes up with excuses? Do you propose to him or is this maybe a sign he might not want to take that step with you. Wasting time with someone who isn't ready to invest in you isn't worth it. It sounds harsh but if you propose to your man because you are tired of waiting for him, then you may need to reevaluate the play. On the flip side, there are couples who openly discuss marriage but just aren’t sure when the right time is. Perhaps you have both discussed marriage and like the idea of being together til death do you part. A proposal coming from a woman could be fun if you plan it properly and according to your guy's personality type. Think of things he's interested in, like outdoor activities, sports, food, or art. You might want to ease up on the mush, unless he likes that level of sentiment, but the sky is really the limit. You can propose with a ring or even a nice watch engraved with the date on it. I’m sure he’ll love it either way. The most important thing to keep in mind is your motive. Are you asking because you love him and want build a future together? Or are you seeking relationship validation through a marriage that may lead to resentment if he's not ready? Be certain that you have analyzed your situation as objectively as possible, we all want the dress but the man is for a lifetime.

BY ASHLEY VICTORIA GUY F ALL / w i n t e r 2 0 1 6 |

page 95

Well Groomed Dear Men,

Why do they ladies have to have all the fun? You put in the work to search for and buy her that perfect, sparkly ring. You spent countless hours planning the most outstanding proposal. You are the one that will be standing for all to see at that end of the aisle, waiting for your blushing Bride-to-Be. We want you to look and feel your best. To help accomplish this, here are some fresh suggestions in Groom fashion to help you find your personal style. Your look should be elegant, yet subtle to not overtake your Bride, but include enough details to highlight your unique character. Our first look, which is a Z Zegna Tuxedo matched with a white Eton shirt and a grey bowtie is a classic style. To help elevate this look and make you stand out on your wedding day, we have paired this outfit with a bright, black patterned scarf and a white pocket square with a touch of flare. The second look is more for the creative and artistic types. This is a Samuelsohn silk dinner jacket with a soft pink Eton shirt. We have also paired this look with the bright black patterned scarf and pocket square to add elegance and charm to this image. Our third and final look is more fun and plays with vibrant autumn colours. The Sand shirt is the main focus of this ensemble and the Hitil pant matches perfectly. This is a good, fun combination and so to add a bit of seriousness to the look, we added a Versace dinner jacket and a black Dion tie. If your wedding is more in the late Fall to Winter months, feel free to add a Sand cashmere overcoat and a bright black patterned scarf. All looks are styled and comfortable to wear. Do not forget that accessories are important and final step of the groom image. Sincerely, Your Style Experts at TWPM xo

page 96

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

The

WEDDING Planner Magazine

@WeddingMagGTA The Wedding Planner Magazine @weddingplannermag The Wedding Planner Magazine Print subscriptions available. Email info@weddingplannermag.ca for details! fall/winter 2016 |

page 97

The Butterfly Photography www.thebutterflyphotography.com anita@thebutterflyphotography.com (647) 868-0374

The Wedding Pixie www.theweddingpixie.ca info@theweddingpixie.ca (416) 910-6092

& R UP AI E H AK M

crème de la crème

& R UP AI E H AK M

Y PH RA G TO O PH

Carmela Sagula Photography www.carmelasagula.com carmelasagula@gmail.com (647) 970-1987

Y PH RA G TO O PH

Motion D. Photography www.motiondphotography.com dennis@motiondphotography.com (416) 358-9738

High Gloss Weddings www.highglossweddings.com weddings@highglossweddings.com (519) 275-4535

G IN R E EDDNN W LA P

Royal Blue Events & Services www.rbeventservices.ca info@rbeventservices.ca (416) 939-8776

G IN R E EDDNN W LA P

Veronica Events Inc. www.veronicaevents.com info@veronicaweddingandevents.com (416) 786-8329

Amethyst Photography www.amethystphotography.ca sandra@amethystphotography.ca (705) 309-3520 The

WEDDING Planner Magazine

PRESENTS

SPRING/SUMMER 2017 ONLINE RELEASE

The Art of Makeup & Hair www.theartofmakeuphair.com nault.m@sympatico.ca (905) 960-3856

Katerina Rapoport Inc. www.katerinarapoport.com book@katerinarapoport.com (416) 826-5528

Covet.co www.covetco.com covetandcompany@gmail.com (905) 960-3856

MARCH 1, 2017

www.weddingplannermag.ca

& TS KEER CA SS E D

EdibleSins Homemade & Delicious

Cocoa Fancy www.cocoafancy.com info@cocoafancy.com (416) 540-2368

page 98

The Sweetest Thing Cakes by Cristina www.thesweetestthingcakes.ca oscartosso@gmail.com (416) 809-3009

| The Wedding Planner Magazine

Sweet Avenue Cakery www.sweetavenuecakery.ca sweetavenuecakery@gmail.com (289) 921-1459

Edible Sins www.ediblesins.com info@ediblesins.com (613) 219-7631

crème de la crème

S.B.L by Stephanie Yiu www.facebook.com/SBLove.by.stephanieyiu

sblbystephanieyiu@gmail.com (647) 501-3340

ES EC PI D EA H

ES EC PI D EA H Ilieana George Couture www.ilieanageorge.com ilieanageorge@gmail.com (416) 333-4570

Look At The Moon www.lookatthemoon.ca info@lookatthemoon.ca (416) 836-8395 R EA W G IN EN EV

S ER E W SS O RE FL D L IR G

Trendy Bambini www.trendybambini.com info@trendybambini.com (905) 738-3313

Rent Frock Repeat www.rentfrockrepeat.com‎ info@rentfrockrepeat.com 1(855) 376-2548

RY LE EL W JE

Alexis Gallery | Fine Jewellery www.alexisgallery.com info@alexisgallery.com (416) 836-8395

R LS NE A IG NT ES RE D R EA W

Sweet Bee Tea Party www.teapartyshop.ca irina@teapartyshop.ca (416) 319-5345

RY LE EL W JE

The Gates www.gatesvenue.com info@gatesvenue.com (416) 979-7373

S P/ AL CU T A EN TE R RTY PA

info@brickbeer.com 1-(800)-567-0810

Euphoria Wedding Design www.euphoriaevents.ca leanne.euphoria@gmail.com (416) 876-5154

E NU VE

L O H CO AL Waterloo Brewing Company www.facebook.com/seagramrefreshingcoolers

Marcie Costello Photography www.marciephoto.ca info@marciephoto.ca (647) 409-1722

ST RI O FL

ST RI O FL Wine Country Florals www.winecountryfloral.com shelleysctt@yahoo.com (905) 650-2388

Ashley Victoria Weddings & Events www.ashleyvictoriaproductions.com info@ashleyvictoriaproductions.com (416) 389-0994

RY LE EL W JE

Y PH RA G TO O PH

Pear Studios www.pearstudios.ca hello@pearstudios.ca (416) 716-5500

G IN R E EDDNN W LA P

818 Events www.experience818events.com experience818events@gmail.com (647) 458-8174

Coque Millinery by Ericah www.coquemillinery.com‎ ericah@coquemillinery.com (905) 926-2738

fall/winter 2016 |

page 99

Create Trends makeup and hair design by Katerina Rapoport Inc Photo by Andrew Maidanik

Dress by Gavarcia

Crown by Ropena

416-826-5528 www.katerinarapoport.com Decor by Devondi Events & Design

Flowers by Precious Flowers N Things

Fall/Winter 2016 Issue

Articles inside

black diamond

emerald

aquamarine

amethyst