Wedding Trends 2015

s i M C o e C o u n t y | Mu s ko ka | Pa r ry s o u n d | n o rt H B ay | gr ey B ru C e | 2015 e d i t i o n

t r e n d s

27

Real

Weddings 

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22 Planning pages

contents

Real Weddings

4 wedding trends 2015

Ryan and Hayley ________14

Britt and Chris __________82

Alex and Lauryn ________20

Carly and Shane _________86

Britt and Blake __________25

Jennifer and Aj __________90

Christine and Jeff ________31

Jessica and Brad _________94

Josh and Chelsea ________35

Karlin and Shawn _______98

Amanda and Bobby ______40

Meghan and Timothy ___ 102

Mark and Crystal ________44

Mike and Catherine _____ 106

Nelson and Katelyn ______50

Kristina and Brent ______ 114

Britton and Jennifer ______56

Melissa and Keith ______ 118

Peter and Carolyn _______62

Kevin and Velvet _______ 122

Barb and Kate __________67

Blaise and Andrew ______ 126

Larry and Lori __________72

Fairen and Mike ________ 130

Jon and Amy ___________77

Kelly and Chris ________ 135

Your

Wedding Day

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contents

139

Cakewalk: Choosing your wedding day dessert

143

Destination Wedding: “I Do’s”

145

Flowers: Seasonal flower choices to meet your budget & style

148

Pretty little things: Wedding Day Lingerie

139

on the cover

150

Luxe and Lavish: Bridesmaid Gift Ideas

152

Budget Bliss: Breaking down your dream wedding by budget

154

Sophistication and Style: Groomsmen Gift Ideas

155

Wedding Planner

143

Hayley Loschan Hairstyle & makeup ~ Amanda Hill at Red Hair Studio and Kerry Archer for makeup Dress Shop ~ Lowan Pope Photographer ~ Nat Caron

155

Planner

t r e n d s

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6 wedding trends 2015

150

our wedding planner will keep you organized and on budget!

154

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Metroland North Media 21 Patterson Road, Barrie, ON L4N 7W6 Phone: 705-726-0573 | Fax: 705-721-8859 follow us: @WeddingTrendsmag simcoe.com | muskokaregion.com Statements opinions and point of view expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent those of the publisher, advertisers or Wedding Trends Magazine.

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You’re engaged

!

What an exciting time! In just a few months, you will celebrate one of the most important days in your life with the person you love. Between today and your wedding day, however, you have many decisions to make and much planning to do.

Wedding Trends 2015 highlights some of the finest and unique weddings of the past year, hosted right here in Simcoe-Muskoka.

With more than 27 couples featured, this edition shares personal insight on details and special moments you may want to incorporate into your wedding.

Whether you are looking for a casual lakeside affair, or an extravagant formal setting, each wedding walks you though the highlights of each day.

In planning one of the most significant days of your life, you want to get it right.

You also want it to reflect who you really are and what will ultimately make it special for you and your soon-to-be partner.

If a laid-back tropical beach ceremony is part of your dream, couples Katelyn and Nelson show just how perfect a destination wedding can be.

Outdoor weddings continue to be the setting of choice. From golf courses to resorts, backyards and family farms, the venue options are endless. Carolyn and Peter host a fun-filled day at North Bay Golf & Country Club, Mark and Crystal incorporate a family property in Waubaushene, while Farien and Mike go to Kempenfest for a photoshoot filled with personality, uniquely them.

Throughout these pages, we provide food for thought on the many decisions you need to make from selecting a cake, flowers, location, type of ceremony and more, as well as a 24-page planner to help you keep track of every detail.

We wish you all things fabulous and lovely to make your day exactly what you have always wanted. Enjoy Wedding Trends and watch for our digital edition on Simcoe.com and MuskokaRegion.com.

P.S. If you want to see how exciting your day could be, scan this code for the Best Wedding Surprise Video of the Year!

goodlife@simcoe.com follow us @weddingdreams11

Elise Allain

follow us @WeddingTrendsmag

attention photographers and brides!!

Would you like to see your wedding f e at u r e d i n o u r n e x t i s su e ?

Email me a few photos (under 5 mb) along with a paragraph about the couple and the location to:

goodlife@simcoe.com subject line Wedding Trends Magazine.

If your wedding is selected, we will contact you for more information.

10 wedding trends 2015

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Pages 14-136

Ryan

and

Hayley

December 28, 2013

hayley and Ryan also built a birch arbour for the wedding ceremony, which was covered in curly willow, hydrangea and hanging strands of crystal.

French Vintage Chic

By JENNI DUNNING

|

P h oto gr a p h er N AT C A R O N

When a bride-to-be’s hobby is wedding design, getting engaged might seem like a dream come true.

The couple put plenty of sweat and tears into planning to pull off their theme of French vintage chic.

For Hayley Loschan, it was not quite that simple.

Guests were fed pastry chef creations of croque-en-bouche and white macarons covered in a silver dusting. Linens covered in silver sequins lined the tables in the cocktail and seafood hors d’oeuvres area.

“I did everything, (but) I hate planning. I’m a designer,” said the 37 year old.

“That’s why I would (tell couples planning a wedding to) start very early. It was all the small things, the attention to detail. I was really controlling.”

The Barrie mom of two said she is happy with how the wedding turned out, and she rejoiced in all those little details on the big day.

Hayley married Ryan Loschan, 32, on Dec. 28, 2013, surrounded by about 40 of their closest friends and family, including eight-year-old daughter Brooke Brajcic and two-year-old son Easton Loschan.

Jazzy big band music played throughout the evening at Barrie’s Liberty North banquet hall.

At the reception, a silver linen tablecloth was covered in a woven, silver lace overlay at the one long, family-style table. The overlay was embedded with beads and sequins to add a hint of glitter. On top sat glass charger plates, each with a menu and an orchid. Candles of different heights were spread out around the tables, along with hydrangeas, silver brunia, garden roses, regular white roses and lamb’s ears.

A vintage sideboard, which Hayley drove to Burlington to get, was made into a receiving table at the wedding. She also picked up a vintage vanity with silver leaf, which she repurposed into a dessert table that was covered in homemade English toffee and caramel candy apples.

Hayley and Ryan also built a birch arbour for the wedding ceremony, which was covered in curly willow, hydrangea and hanging strands of crystal.

On top of all this, Hayley spent weeks searching for the perfect vintage silver fox fur wraps – chocolate brown with flecks of white – for her and her maid of honour.

“It was really whimsical … and warm. I wouldn’t have been able to do all that stuff with 200 people in the room,” she said.

Part of the reason Hayley and Ryan chose to have a small wedding during the winter holidays >> 2015 wedding trends 15

details JEWELLERY / RING DESIGNER ~ Metzgers downtown Barrie DRESS SHOP ~ lowon Pope (toronto) TUX SHOP / MEN’S SHOP ~ acapella’ Custom tailor HONEYMOON ~ Punta Cana dominican republic CATERER ~ liberty north CHURCH/HALL ~liberty north MUSIC/DJ ~ tony from Push Play HAIR STYLIST/MAKEUP ~ amanda Hill at red Hair studio and kerry archer for makeup INVITATIONS ~ etsy for the font and Minuteman Printshop and Michaels for the embellishments FLORIST ~ Hayley Verlyn events RENTALS ~ Hayley Verlyn events PHOTOGRAPHER ~ nat Caron WEDDING COST ~ $30,000

16 wedding trends 2015

was to honour Hayley’s mom, who had passed away the year before.

“She loved Christmas. That was a way to honour her. It was a way to get the family together,” she said. “I wanted it to be small and intimate.

One long table with tons and tons of flowers and candles.”

To help make the day special, Ryan’s best man flew in from Vancouver to stand next to him.

Just being there was enough. Not a fan of speeches, Hayley and Ryan cut them from the day.

“Ryan is very shy so we did not have an opportunity for people to get up and talk,” she said.

“We both don’t enjoy speeches. It’s kind of nontraditional that way.” >>

Was it a perfect wedding day? Pretty close.

Hayley’s flower of choice, peonies, were not in season, but she still loved her garden roses.

Worse than that, she was sick.

“I had the flu and so did my baby. It sucked,” she said.

But Hayley’s sister-in-law is a nurse and her brother-in-law is a paramedic, she said, so she had her medical team at the ready.

“But I made it through the day,” she said, adding with a laugh that her makeup artist “made me look alive.”

The rest of the night went off without a hitch, and Hayley and Ryan indulged in a massive menu.

“The food was phenomenal. Ryan had two meals,” said Hayley, noting guests could choose from lamb, steak, stuffed peppers and pork tenderloin.

Also among the selections were French onion soup and carrot-squash soup, and French apple crepes with caramel sauce for dessert.

Guests also got chocolate-and-Skor-chip cookies as the favours, wrapped up in (inedible) sparkly boxes tied with satin ribbon.

While photos were taken and guests were served a selection of seafood, Hayley said she was craving an oyster.

“And I got one. One!” she said in mock outrage.

But overall, it was a day she will never forget.

“I’m very happy with how everything went,” she said.

“[My mom} loved Christmas. that was a way to honour her.

It was a way to get the family together.”

18 wedding trends 2015

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20 wedding trends 2015

Alex

Lauryn

and

September 13, 2014

Something Borrowed

By JENNI DUNNING

|

P h oto G R a P h E R h I L a R y K N E G h t P h oto G R a P h y

“Something borrowed” fits Alex and Lauryn Spottiswood’s wedding theme to a tee.

wedding days, all arranged on a vintage dresser at the ceremony site.

and the sun actually poked through just in time for us to walk down the aisle.”

Though technically the North Bay coupleís theme was “vintage”with a dose of elegance and class, they borrowed a page from Lauryn’s parents.

“It was a great way to celebrate all the years they each spent together,” she said.

At the start of the aisle, crackle pots held warm, burning fires, and lace flower pots were placed along the rest of the aisle.

Namely, the date: Sept. 13.

“This is also the anniversary of my parents wedding 34 years prior. When we wanted to have our wedding in September and saw that the Saturday we planned fell on the 13th, we knew it was meant to be,” said Lauryn. “That rainy day 34 years ago has been good luck for them, and I know it will be for us as well.”

Adding to the family element were several framed photographs of the couple’s parents, grandparents and great-grandparents on their

Lauryn and Alex, both 27, were married last year outside the Stephen Leacock Museum in Orillia at the water’s edge of Lake Couchiching.

Wicker balls with lace flowers were strung from the branches of a large tree at the site.

The late Leacock may be famous for his book “Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town,” but there was not much sunshine the day Lauryn and Alex tied the knot outside the museum named for the Canadian writer.

A wooden sign nearby read ‘All you need is love’ - perfect for the couple’s exit down the aisle to the song with that same title from the Beatles-themed ‘Across the Universe’ soundtrack.

“It poured rain all morning, and friends and family were out clearing the ceremony site of tree branches and leaves in the cold, rainy weather,” said Lauryn, but then...

The chilly weather stuck around for photos after the ceremony, “but everyone stuck it out,” Lauryn said.

“An hour before the ceremony, it cleared up

The 125 guests, who came from as far as Mississippi, Saskatchewan, Alberta, >>

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22 wedding trends 2015

Newfoundland, California and Shuniah, Ont., warmed up at the reception in the ballroom of the Mariposa Inn. “It had sparkling chandeliers, crown moulding, elegant mirrors and a classy fireplace,” said Lauryn.

A deep purple eggplant colour theme also warmed the room, with hints of coral and champagne.

The bridesmaids wore eggplant-coloured dresses to match the bride’s calla lilies bouquet and the groomsmen’s boutonnieres.

The centerpieces were vintage-looking lanterns the couple picked up in Mississippi while visiting family. Eggplant, coral and white

flowers, along with some greenery, were placed around the lanterns.

W��� �r��n�ry ���� ���’� d�.

“At the end of the night, some lucky family (members) and friends went home with a lantern and some gorgeous flowers! The decorations and small details made our day extra beautiful.”

They also went home with a full belly of delicious dinner, featuring a duo of chicken and beef, with cheesecake for dessert.

While they ate, guests were invited to sing songs with the word ‘love’ in them to get the couple to kiss.

The inner karaoke stars came out that night, with guests singing everything from Elton John’s ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight?’ to Meatloaf ’s ‘I Would Do Anything for Love.’

Rather than having just a regular guestbook, Alex and Lauryn created a fun photo booth with props, such as flowers and a small chalkboard on which people could write messages to the newlyweds.

A friend took the photos with a Polaroid camera and got the guests to sign the photo. The collection of shots is now in an album.

Seeing so many of their close family and friends in one room was the highlight of the day for Lauryn and Alex.

“My favourite thing was having all of our friends and family there to share our day with us.

My nana was there to see us get married before she passed away, and I know that meant a lot to her,” said Lauryn.

“Spare no expense when it comes to inviting the people you want to invite. It is worth it to have all the people special to you at your side that day.”

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“this is also the anniversary of my parents wedding 34 years prior.

When we wanted to have our wedding in September and saw that the Saturday we planned fell on the 13 th , we knew it was meant to be.”

The Farmhouse offers two private rooms; from 40 seats on the main floor and up to 80 seats in our second floor dining room. In conjunction with Elite Party Rentals, you can transform your room into the wedding you’ve always dreamed of.

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24 wedding trends 2015

Britt

and

Blake January, 2012

Sand, Sun and Vows

By JENNI DUNNING P h oto gr a p h er L I N D S AY N E M E TH P HOTO G R A P HY

Britt Arnill did not just have a wedding day. She had a wedding week.

The 31-year-old Collingwood woman married her boyfriend of 10 years, Blake Arnill, 31, in sunny Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

While Canadians trudged through another winter in January 2012, the couple and their 40 guests sunbathed on the beach at Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe Beach Resort.

Instead of snow, they had sand. Instead of grey, bleary weather, they had blue skies. Instead of guests in tuxedos, they had vacationers in Speedos cheering them on.

“I had to walk through the buffet to meet my dad to walk down the aisle,” said Britt. “I felt like a movie star. All the resort guests (were) staring, clapping (and) cheering – some even in Speedos!”

Britt and Blake wanted a fun wedding that did not cost an arm and a leg.

“We didn’t always want to do a destination wedding. We were actually going to get married in Collingwood, but after pricing everything out, we thought it was just so ridiculous to spend so much money on one day,” Britt said.

In total, the pair spent between $8,000 and $10,000 for an all-inclusive stay and all the wedding accoutrement: meals and drinks for 40 people, cake, transportation, chair covers, decorations, stereo system, flowers, jewellery, shoes, bridesmaid dresses and wedding gown.

“We had one whole week with our family and friends. Lots of time to have fun, relax and spend time with everyone.”

One of the perks of having a destination >>

2015 wedding trends 25

Elegant Wedding

Transportation

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wedding is the beach time. While some brides spend the morning of the wedding running around making sure all the details are perfect, Britt could leave it all up to the resort.

She had a relaxing morning on the beach, followed by hair and makeup with her bridesmaids and some family members.

The day is still vivid in Britt’s mind – from the coral, lime green and banana yellow colour scheme, to their “odd mix” of guests getting along like old friends.

Britt is not shy to share the quirky elements of the wedding, alongside the traditional.

“Back to the room to get dressed, jump on the bed, have some drinks, take some pictures (and then) wedding time!” she said. >>

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2015 wedding trends 27

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“Mariachi band playing, beautiful sun shining, awesome smell of the ocean. It was a tad windy – the veil kept blowing in my sister’s face, (so I) had to tuck it under my armpit.”

Britt and Blake brought their minister from home to the resort to marry them under a gazebo near the water’s edge.

They made their vows to each other, and then had a good laugh when Britt could not get Blake’s ring on his finger.

“I had to lean into him with all my weight. It was funny when it did go on,” she said.

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A conch shell the couple bought from the resort was used to hold down the legal papers they signed during the ceremony, and they took it home when their week was up.

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28 wedding trends 2015

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“To save money and know exactly what music we were going to get, Blake and my sister put together a playlist on an iPod, then plugged it into the stereo system,” said Britt.

The night did not end there.

“A bunch of us went to the sports bar for some late-night snacks. Nachos and cheese were a favourite!”

Everyone was a special guest, she added. Guests came from as far away as British Columbia, Alberta and Australia.

After a day of sunbathing, wedding and partying, Britt said she was getting hot in her heavy dress – but it provided for one of the funniest and most memorable moments.

“By the end of the night, I was in the decorative water fountain cooling off. Others followed. We ended up getting kicked out by security!” she said.

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They drank and danced the night away, and several guests pitched in for a gift to rent the space for three hours longer than the couple’s allotted time.

“I was so amazed that everyone got along so well,” she said. “It was quite an odd mix of people: immediate and extended family, old and new friends, ( former) and new co-workers.”

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A shuttle train decorated with white balloons carried everyone to the reception area, where they ate salad, roast beef and tiramisu.

It was the perfect day, but she said if there was one thing she would do differently that would be “stay for two weeks!”

Britt and Blake are now busy with their next adventure: raising their one-year-old daughter, Kennedy.

“I felt like a movie star. all the resort guests (were) staring, clapping (and) cheering – some even in Speedos!”

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2015 wedding trends 29

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Jeff and Christine December 31, 2013

Two Weddings, One Day

By JENNI DUNNING

On the day Christine Fitchett got married, she had two dresses, two rings and two weddings.

Yes, two weddings.

Christine wed Jeff Hall on New Year’s Eve 2013 in an intimate afternoon service with immediate family. That evening, they married each other again at Patterson-Kaye Resort & Spa in front of 100 people.

“We did not tell others about (the first wedding) until after,” said Christine.

But the couple, who live near Rosseau, did not have two weddings because that was their dream.

A New Year’s Eve wedding can bring unexpected kinks, such as not being able to find a justice of the peace to perform a midnight ceremony. So Christine and Jeff, both 35, split it up to make it

|

P h oto gr a p h er sc ot t t urnbull

legal and still countdown to a fireworks-loaded, champagne-toasted ceremony.

Their “second wedding” was performed by Jeff ’s Uncle John, a retired officiant.

Having the first wedding also worked out in a bittersweet way.

“My grandmother took severely ill the day before the wedding and was hospitalized. She was not able to attend,” said Christine. “After our afternoon ceremony, Jeff and I went to the hospital to see her so she could see me in my wedding dress. We gave her (a) corsage. It was a special moment as my grandmother passed on Jan. 2.”

Christine and Jeff were able to have a beautiful wedding – one with many ties to family.

In a nod to Jeff ’s Icelandic heritage, the couple

had a crepe bar at 10 p.m. before the second ceremony. It was his family’s tradition to make crepes every New Year’s Eve. Before late-night treats comes dinner, though, and the guests had lots to choose from: butternut squash soup or Muskoka salad, and pork tenderloin, trout or prime rib. There was crème brulee for dessert.

Then came a gluten-free cake with three tiers: coconut torte, lemon and carrot.

As Jeff has celiac disease and several guests only ate gluten-free food, offering up a variety of choices made in a contamination-free space was important to the couple.

To top it all off, there was a gluten-free poutine bar after the ceremony, which “was a huge success!” said Christine. >> 2015 wedding trends 31

details JEWELLERY / RING DESIGNER ~ Jeff Hall (the groom) of Precious Metalworks DRESS SHOP ~ david’s Bridal (dinner dress) and Helen’s Bridal Barrie (wedding dress) TUX SHOP / MEN’S SHOP ~ Moores CATERER ~ Patterson-kaye resort & spa CHURCH/HALL ~ Patterson-kaye resort & spa HAIR STYLIST/MAKEUP ~ Hairway to Heaven in gravenhurst; sandi lacroix from simply your Best in Bracebridge (makeup) HAIRPIECE ~ Custom-made fascinator from le Petite Chapeau in Barrie INVITATIONS ~ wedding Paper divas FLORIST ~ Cr flowers in Bracebridge WEDDING PARTY GIFTS ~ sparklers and noisemakers RENTALS ~ Muskoka Party rentals PHOTOGRAPHER ~ scott turnbull WEDDING COST ~ $25,000

32 wedding trends 2015

“All of our guests were very well fed.”

The actual ceremony took place leading up to midnight.

Dinner guests arrived at 5 p.m. and reception guests came for 8 p.m. when the speeches and dancing began.

At 11 p.m., Christine and Jeff did their first (and choreographed) dance to Lee Ann Womack’s ‘What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve.’ “At the end of the dance, Jeff twirls me away and I went off with my bridesmaids to get into my wedding dress,” said Christine. “An outdoor wedding was timed so we would be done before midnight, so everyone could light sparklers and enjoy our fireworks at the (stroke) of midnight.”

It was the perfect evening – except for when Christine tossed her bouquet.

“I flung it too high and it hit the large, wooden chandelier. Everyone gasped or made a screech sound,” she said. “It veered away from all the ladies anxiously awaiting to catch it.”

It is difficult to choose just one moment from the day they loved most, said Christine, adding she and Jeff planned every detail together (with minimal fighting).

They selected the silver, gold and red colour scheme and the flowers to match. Christine carried a cascading bouquet of lilies and roses.

Jeff had a single white rose, red berries and cedar as a boutonniere.

Jeff, a jewelry designer, also designed their engagement and wedding bands.

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“Having Jeff involved made planning exciting and fun, and we both came up with great ideas for our wedding,” said Christine. “It can be said it was our wedding, not just planned by the bride.”

In a nod to Jeff’s Icelandic heritage, the couple had a crepe bar at 10 p.m. before the second ceremony.

It was his family’s tradition to make crepes every New year’s Eve.

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34 wedding trends 2015

Josh

and

Chelsea august 31, 2014 Chic and Rustic

By JENNI DUNNING

P h oto G R a P h E R S C ot t t U R N B U L L

Don’t forget the wine!

When it comes to stocking the bar at a wedding, making sure there is enough alcohol is key.

What happens when you run out before the reception has fully gotten underway?

Oshawa’s Chelsea and Josh Lever found out firsthand.

“After the ceremony, while we were taking pictures, someone came running up to us and said we had no white wine for behind the bar!” said Chelsea. “A friend ran out and bought some.

But if that was the only thing that went wrong, I think we were pretty lucky!”

Chelsea and Josh, both 29, were married Aug. 31, 2014, in Bracebridge.

“The whole ceremony was touching for me. I cried … a lot!” said Chelsea.

They chose the Bracebridge Fairgrounds as the backdrop for their big day, a spot that is becoming more popular for weddings, she said.

The fairgrounds has beautiful buildings made of barn board and areas packed with mature trees they used for many outdoor portraits. The landscape helped bring out the outdoorsy, rustic half of their wedding theme.

“all the stress and the planning was completely worth every minute.”

The other half of the theme was “chic Hollywood glam” to add a dash of class to go with Chelsea’s gorgeous white wedding gown and Josh’s black tux.

The couple drew on the colours of black, pewter and white to complement that elegance.

Chelsea’s bouquet was filled with delicate >> 2015 wedding trends 35

details JEWELLERY / RING DESIGNER ~ spence diamonds (engagement) and Peoples Jewellers (wedding bands); Bride’s wedding ring is Vera wang DRESS SHOP ~ sophie’s Bridal shoppe in Mississauga TUX SHOP / MEN’S SHOP ~ Moores HONEYMOON ~ rivera Maya, Mexico

white roses and hydrangeas, tied together with dark green leaves and silk.

The smallest of details did not go unnoticed.

LIMOUSINE SERVICE ~ Hammond transportation ltd.

Case in point: the bride’s dress had a single strap over her right shoulder, and the bridesmaids’ purple dresses had one over their shoulders.

HAIR STYLIST/MAKEUP ~ Hair: amanda fleming and kaitlyn Hoos; Makeup: Vanessa McHugh and lindsay doran

The menu was the best of both worlds: comfort food catered by a chef.

WEDDING PARTY GIFTS ~ Bridesmaids: initial necklaces from stella & dot; groomsmen: Hunting knife

The best friend of Chelsea’s mom flew in from the Maritimes to cater the wedding.

CATERER ~ Heather wyatt of take Thyme catering MUSIC/DJ ~ dJ Paul flannigan from toronto

RENTALS ~ applause Party rental, Parry sound PHOTOGRAPHER ~ scott turnbull WEDDING COST ~ $20,000

“It was amazing!” Chelsea said. “BBQ-style.

Lots of salads, roasted vegetables, chicken and beef skewers, salmon and corn on the cob.”

There was a three-tiered cake for dessert and >>

“the whole ceremony was touching for me. I cried … a lot!” said Chelsea.

36 wedding trends 2015

2015 wedding trends 37

butter tarts and date squares were brought in from a local bakery.

“My favourite thing about our wedding (was) how many times people say to really take it all in and enjoy the day, and we really did,” said Chelsea. “All the stress and the planning was completely worth every minute.”

Chelsea and Josh have a long history to take with them into their marriage. The couple met during high school in the same town where they grew up. They reacquainted several years later, and now, after a beautiful wedding, they are looking forward to the birth of their first child this spring.

Having a wedding was well worth the effort for all the special moments they will be able to look back on.

“It brings family and friends closer together and creates memories that last a lifetime,” said Chelsea.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and don’t forget the wine!”

38 wedding trends 2015

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2015 wedding trends 39

Bobby

and

Amanda June 21, 2014

“our wedding was p ro bably the only time in o u r li ves where everyon e t h a t we love was together w ith us for the whole d a y.�

Rustic Meets Elegance

By JENNI DUNNING

The only animals that made an appearance at Amanda and Bobby Snyder’s farm wedding were two great danes.

Macy and Ryder were led down the aisle before the bride with signs around their necks reading, “Here comes” and “Our mom.”

This was no typical country wedding.

|

P h oto gr a p h er L I N D S AY N E M E TH P h oto gr a p h y

I could trust to ensure that the day was perfect.”

Amanda, 26, and Bobby, 28, embraced the rustic country theme – with a hefty dash of elegance.

It was the first day of summer in 2014, and they were married outside the barn – a great big one made of bricks and black-painted wood.

It was Bobby’s dream to be married at his parents’ hobby farm in Alliston.

Amanda arrived to the ceremony with her parents in a vintage blue truck.

As the couple had bought a house near Sudbury where Amanda grew up, she said this was not a difficult compromise to make.

While she walked down the aisle, their longtime friend, Nathan Ross, played an acoustic guitar and performed a song Bobby had written her for their first anniversary.

“Planning a wedding from four hours away is difficult, but my in-laws, Cindy and Ralph Snyder, went above and beyond to make our day perfect,” Amanda said.

“I chose not to have a wedding planner as I had my own vision, and I had friends and family that

During the cocktail hour, the guests made themselves at home on hay-bale couches, noshed on bruschetta, played yard games and took photos with a vintage fire truck.

Bobby’s dad is the Adjala-Tosorontio County

fire chief, so he also brought some (off-duty) volunteer firefighters to serve drinks from a bar decked out to look like a fire truck.

Inside the reception tent were all of Amanda’s creations; all the décor was handmade.

The centerpieces were coins of wood topped with a spray of white flowers in blue mason jars.

Table runners made of burlap, Tiffany blue fabric and ivory lace were criss-crossed over white linens. Guests were each given wine glasses and mason jar glasses to drink from.

Chandeliers hung along the tent roof ’s peak over the tables.

At a coffee station, ivory white mugs were piled into silver, metal buckets on a table covered in burlap drapery.

“We both like blue and the Tiffany blue looked beautiful against burlap and ivory, which is why >> 2015 wedding trends 41

details JEWELLERY / RING DESIGNER ~ Charm diamond Centre & People’s Jewellers DRESS SHOP ~ Blissful Bridal Boutique TUX SHOP / MEN’S SHOP ~ Collins formal wear CATERER ~ saras Catering and eating House MUSIC/DJ ~ Chris Campbell HAIR STYLIST/MAKEUP ~ lindsay dagenais and Maureen nixon INVITATIONS ~ with love-design, décor & More FLORIST ~ City florist WEDDING PARTY GIFTS ~ Bridesmaids got earrings and bracelets and a kimono in their favourite colours. groomsmen received personalized BBQ flippers with a beer opener on the handle.

RENTALS ~ events Party rental PHOTOGRAPHER ~ lindsay nemeth Photography WEDDING COST ~ $30,000

42 wedding trends 2015

we chose it as our pop colour,” Amanda said.

“We used a lot of burlap, lace, mason jars and ribbon in our décor, and I think our colours and our theme came together beautifully!”

The couple also turned an old wooden window into a picture frame, which they used to feature dozens of photos of themselves from childhood to the present.

“We were told by most of our 200 guests that this was the most beautiful wedding they have ever been to (and) that they have never seen a wedding so detailed and organized,” said Amanda.

Even the food and its presentation fit the theme.

The dinner options included a garden salad,

broccoli salad, mashed potatoes, maple-glazed carrots and bacon-wrapped turkey.

The condiments were laid out in mason jars and vintage strainers.

diverse venues unique events memorable experiences

Not fans of cake or cake-cutting at weddings, Amanda and Bobby opted to serve five different types of pie: pecan, blueberry, apple, lemon meringue and strawberry rhubarb. The head table also got some butter tarts.

The entire day suited Amanda and Bobby just fine, especially since each of their families have farming backgrounds.

“It was only natural for us to have a rustic wedding,” she said.

The only hiccup came when Bobby’s grandparents showed up late to the wedding – thinking it was at 3:30 p.m. and not at the actual time of 3 p.m.

“Everyone was seated and was waiting … including myself who was sitting in a scorching hot truck with my parents at the end of the driveway,” Amanda said. “His grandparents finally pulled into the driveway just after 3 p.m. thinking they were early. (They) were sped to the ceremony (in a golf cart) so that we could finally start. Everyone had a good laugh!”

“That never happens!” said Amanda, noting they both do shift work as a nurse and developmental service worker, respectively.

“We miss a lot of family and friend occasions … because of our jobs. Our wedding was probably the only time in our lives where everyone that we love was together with us for the whole day.

There are no words to tell you how happy that made us and it is something that we will always cherish.”

Photo: Scott Turnbull Photography

Amanda and Bobby did not mind the hold up.

They were just thrilled to be in the same place with all the people they loved most.

They met in 2010 while working together as developmental service workers.

“ We were to ld by most of o u r 200 guests that this was th e mo st beau tifu l we d di ng they have ever been to...”

Photo: Scott Turnbull Photography

“I can’t believe that I can call such a beautiful wedding my own,” said Amanda.

Photo: Scott Turnbull Photography

Afraid of being stuck in the “friend zone” and with Amanda about to leave for another job, Bobby asked her out and the rest is history.

For wedding event details contact: Manager of Sales & Customer Service greg.pilling@huntsville.ca • 705-789-6421 ext. 3027

2015 wedding trends 43

44 wedding trends 2015

Mark

and

Crystal June, 2014

Barn Provides Perfect Backdrop

By JENNI DUNNING P h oto G R a P h E R B E C K y J U N I o R P h oto G R a P h y & ShaRoN LIGht

Crystal Banks did not have any bridesmaids at her wedding.

Instead, she had bridesmen.

Three dudes – all good friends – stood by her side as the 29 year old married her sweetheart Mark Bremner, 30.

Bridesmen are not the usual choice for a bride.

But, on such a hot day in June 2014 when the couple was married, one of them did something a bridesmaid might not have been able to do while wearing a fancy dress and high heels.

Get half-naked quickly and jump in a river to cool off.

“Being one of the hottest days of summer and having the wedding outdoors, there was no better way for (bridesman) Peter to cool down than to take a nice dip in the Sturgeon River,” said Mark.

“So down to his boxers he went and took a dip.”

Rather than horrifying the couple or any wedding guests, the brideman’s spontaneity provided one of the funniest (not to mention memorable) moments of the day.

The wedding took place on Crystal’s great aunt and uncle’s 60-acre property in Waubaushene, not far from where she and Mark live in Midland. The river runs through their land.

“My favourite thing about the wedding was having it at my (family’s) property. Now every time we go there, I am able to relive our special day.”

“My favourite thing about the wedding was having it at my ( family’s) property,” said Crystal. “Now every time we go there, I am able to relive our special day.” >> 2015 wedding trends 45

Flowers by Ms. Design Floral & Decor

details JEWELLERY / RING DESIGNER ~ Bride’s engagement ring and wedding band by Bryant’s Jewellers, and groom’s wedding band by JVl Jewelry DRESS SHOP ~ Helen’s Bridal (Brides & Bridesmaids); Pretty little Things (flower girl) TUX SHOP/MEN’S SHOP ~ Moores Clothing CATERER ~ elM Catering MUSIC/DJ ~ kitty and the Boyz live band

Specializing in Wedding Flowers & Decor, Sympathy, All Occasions, Decor Rentals & Backyard Staging

HAIR STYLIST/MAKEUP ~ Hair done by deanna wright from one stop Beauty shop; Makeup done by Vanessa Monteith Makeup INVITATIONS ~ amber Blair from olivetree design FLORIST ~ norman’s garden gallery WEDDING PARTY GIFTS ~ favourlicious RENTALS ~ Happenings Party rentals and romantic rustic wedding rentals PHOTOGRAPHER ~ Becky Junior Photography & sharon light

705-812-8147

5 France’s St. E., Creemore (behind Foodland) www.flowersbymsdesign.com marcystewartdesign@gmail.com

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46 wedding trends 2015

WEDDING COST ~ $30,000 - $35,000

Added Mark: “My favourite part of the wedding was seeing (the results of) all the hard work my amazing wife put into this day and seeing how beautiful she looked as she walked down the aisle.”

The wedding was years in the making as the couple met in Grade 10 at St. Theresa’s High School in Midland.

When the wedding day arrived, Crystal had planned every detail and it went off without a hitch.

The couple wanted a rustic wedding theme, which was pulled together with coral and mint table runners and handcrafted centerpieces using masonjar candles, burlap and white flowers.

“But what added to the amazing rustic theme of the wedding was the century-old barn that they have on their property,” said Mark. >>

2015 wedding trends 47

“Instead of doing the traditional walk down the aisle, Crystal and her wedding party walked out of the amazing barn’s side door. With the barn (as) the backdrop of where the wedding party stood, it made for an amazing view from the guests’ seating area.”

SAY I DO! IN A PLACE AS ROMANTIC AS YOU ARE

Most of the property is treed, with a large grassy area where the couple set up a tent for the reception.

“With beautiful trees all around us, it was the perfect setting,” said Mark.

Between the ceremony, dinner and reception, Mark and Crystal had 300 guests share their special day.

This included Crystal’s second cousin Eddie Richardson, a contractor who appears on the TLC show “Love It or List It.” “We definitely considered every guest to be special as they were there to share with us our special day,” said Mark.

On the wedding’s menu was an amazing, catered chicken and prime-rib dinner with all the fixings.

For dessert was a tower of cupcakes with a sixinch chocolate cake.

For guests peckish later in the evening while dancing to local live band Kitty and the Boyz, they could nosh on a midnight taco bar and wash it down at a ceasar bar.

Crystal’s great uncles Bill and Don, both talented musicians, jammed with the band for a couple songs that night.

If only Crystal and Mark had hired a videographer!

One regret they have from the day.

From a bridesman getting nearly naked to dancing the night away, they learned much about planning a wedding.

“The best advice that could be given to someone planning their wedding would be to enjoy every minute of the experience,” said Mark. “Things will go wrong. Staying calm throughout the issues, (remember) the day is all about ‘the two of you.’”

Grandview’s clubhouse exemplifies the Muskoka experience, in a fashion that truly reflects your styles and personalities.

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48 wedding trends 2015

“My favourite part of the wedding was seeing (the results of) all the hard work my amazing wife put into this day and seeing how beautiful she looked as she walked down the aisle.”

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You and your groom will have pictures taken of those gorgeous rings, make sure your hands look their best with his and hers manicures. An elegant French manicure or a light pink helps keep the focus on the beauty of those new rings.

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2015 wedding trends 49

Nelson

and

Katelyn May 8, 2013

With dreams of a beach themed destination wedding, the couple booked the spectacular ocean Blue and Sand Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

&

&

Beach Vows in Punta Cana B y S A N DY P O I T R A S

What better place for two avid Canadian hockey fans to get engaged than the Hockey Hall of Fame in downtown Toronto? That’s where Nelson Jay, of Forest, Ontario, got down on one knee and proposed to Katelyn Calleja, of Huntsville in November 2011 as a staff member snapped their picture in front of the coveted Stanley Cup. Naturally, they celebrated with a Leafs game at the Air Canada Centre.

The newlyweds, who now reside in Parry Sound, met at work four years ago and have “cliqued” ever since their first date at the Little Britt Inn Restaurant in Britt, Ontario. Their family and friends couldn’t have been more pleased with the engagement, as the multiple bridal showers, co-ed parties and Stag and Doe can attest.

With dreams of a beach themed destination

|

P h oto gr a p h er E R I N M O N E TT , E V E R I M AG E S P HOTO G R A P HY

wedding, the couple booked the spectacular Ocean Blue and Sand Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and chose a breezy blend of aqua blue and white for their main colour palette. They did it all for $12,000, $4,500 of which went towards the wedding day and reception.

On May 8, 2013, Nelson and Katelyn exchanged vows in front of 39 guests and one baby.

“The most important part of the day was having professional photographer Erin Monett, of Ever Images Photography, there to capture every moment,” Katelyn declares. “It is so wonderful to be able to look back at our wedding album and know that we made the right choice by having her with us. She made us feel comfortable when taking pictures and she definitely studied the (resort) area closely before our wedding day.

She found so many great (photo) locations that I wouldn’t have even thought of.”

The couple credit Katelyn’s mom, Tanya, for being the Canadian arm of their wedding planning team. “Because we chose to have a destination wedding, the wedding coordinator was thousands of miles away and could only be contacted by email or phone,” Katelyn explains. “When it came to choosing the resort, making the invitations, helping choose my wedding dress and the bridesmaids dresses, gathering decorations for tables and the like, my mom was the go-to person. We can’t thank her enough for what she did to help us.” She also gives credit to her sister and maid of honour for keeping the lines of communication open with the Punta Cana wedding coordinator during her moments of (needless, in retrospect) stress.

Katelyn walked down the aisle in a gown from Ritchie Bridal of Toronto, wearing a bracelet given to her as a gift from Nelson’s mother, and >> 2015 wedding trends 51

details JEWELLERY / RING DESIGNER ~ Ben Moss Jewellers DRESS SHOP ~ ritche Bridal, Bridesmaids: Made by nicole Pantaleo, Hunstville TUX SHOP / MEN’S SHOP ~ Collins formal wear Casual clothing from Mitch’s Clothing and High tide Board shop CHURCH/HALL ~ ocean Blue and sand resort, Punta Cana, dominican republic HAIR STYLIST/MAKEUP ~ erica Jay, owner, oasis Hair.

Mind.Body spa INVITATIONS ~ kits from Michaels craft store, printed at aben graphics FLORIST ~ Calla lilies in bouquets and boutonnières provided by ocean Blue and sand resort PHOTOGRAPHER ~ erin Monett, ever images Photography TRAVEL AGENT ~ kayla gray and karen Crawford from Thomas Cook Huntsville WEDDING COST ~ $20,000

52 wedding trends 2015

earrings she purchased at Pearson International Airport. (“I was so last minute for everything,” she admits.) Her bridesmaids wore aqua coloured short chiffon dresses made by Nicole Pantaleo, a well-known Huntsville costumier, who volunteers at a local playhouse where the bride’s youngest sister performs. “She did a fabulous job, we are so pleased about how they turned out,” says Katelyn.

Her (now) sister-in-law/bridesmaid/spa owner Erica Jay took care of the hairstyles and makeup. Groomsmen wore casual button-up Tshirts, shorts and sandals from Mitch’s Clothing and High Tide Board Shop in Parry Sound. “Ryan Mercier did an excellent job with helping us pick the right outfits for Nelson and the guys,” Katelyn adds. >>

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2015 wedding trends 53

presents

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Although the couple chose not to have speeches at their wedding, (“It was such an untraditional wedding to begin with, and we wanted to keep it that way,” explains the bride), when Katelyn’s dad stood up to speak, she lost her composure. “I started crying immediately because I knew what was coming,” she says. “My dad means so much to me and it will be a moment I will never forget.”

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In lieu of wedding favours the couple made a monetary donation in honour of their guests, to the Canadian Diabetes Association. “Nelson was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes when he was 13 years old and has been dealing with it ever since,” Katelyn explains. “The organization is very near and dear to us and we hope some day a cure will be found.”

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54 wedding trends 2015

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2015

2015 wedding trends 55

“as we sat down to dinner, a dragonfly flew into the tent and was flying around. It was a very special moment for me.�

56 wedding trends 2015

Britton and Jennifer July 12, 2014

Capturing the Love

By JENNI DUNNING

|

P h oto gr a p h er M E GA N E W I N G O F M E C R E AT I V E

For Megan Ewing, the best part of photographing a wedding has nothing to do with the beautiful clothes, amazing décor or rockin’ dance floor.

shines through in each photo. Not only are they a beautiful couple, but everything is so natural with them, and never did I have to encourage romance – it just happened,” she said.

It has everything to do, she said, with “capturing true love.”

The couple got married on Britton’s 100-acre family farm in Loretto, between Orangeville and Newmarket.

“Seeing the energy, compassion and connection in some of my couples is truly amazing and makes my job easy,” said the Alliston-born photographer now based in Toronto. “When you look at a photo and you can just tell how in love they are, I’ve done my job!”

When it came to the wedding of Jennifer Pike, 33, and Britton Ronan, 29, on July 12, 2014, Megan said she could easily capture their love for each other.

“The photos of Jen and Britton alone, the love

With a barn and a gorgeous valley, they said it was the perfect location for getting married.

Though an idyllic setting, it was not all peaceful.

The groom arrived to the ceremony in a helicopter – a gift from his mother.

The bride arrived more demurely, but not without style, in a vintage car.

The Alliston couple’s entire wedding had a vintage and lace theme with soft pastels, purple,

pink and cream.

Jennifer said her florist was able to bring that theme to life and make her “wedding dream become a reality.”

Her bouquet was full of soft purple and pink roses, lambís ears, white and pink peonies and more. The groom had a single white rose on his lapel.

Jennifer’s bouquet also included a sparkling silver dragonfly in memory of her nanny, who had died three years prior.

“The day she passed away she told me to always look for the dragonflies and that would mean she was there with me,” said Jennifer.

“As we sat down to dinner, a dragonfly flew into the tent and was flying around. It was a very special moment for me.” >> 2015 wedding trends 57

details JEWELLERY / RING DESIGNER ~ deval Jewellers DRESS SHOP ~ Mori lee by Madeline gardner from amanda-linaís sposa Boutique TUX SHOP / MEN’S SHOP ~ Hugo Boss HONEYMOON ~ Paradisus Playa del Carmen la Perla in Mexico CATERER ~ This little Piggy went to Market; Cremahh artisan gelato & specialty drinks; The Canadian grill MUSIC/DJ ~ Joe abbott (musician); dJ sam samperi HAIR STYLIST/MAKEUP ~ sarah Mitchell from Hairapy; ashley McMann of split enz (makeup) INVITATIONS ~ a friend, elise armstrong FLORIST ~ darlene rupke of seasons floral studio WEDDING PARTY GIFTS ~ kate spade stud earrings tied in a knot with a note reading, “Thank you for helping us tie the knot” (bridesmaids) RENTALS ~ totally Covered event rentals inc.

PHOTOGRAPHER ~ Megan ewing of mecreative PIES ~ Mariposa Market WEDDING COST ~ $55,000

Another special guest surprised the couple on their big day – Jennifer’s grandfather, who had been sick leading up to the wedding.

“We weren’t sure he would be able to come,” she said. “He has since passed away, making it a very cherished moment to have had him with us that day. Something I will never forget.”

Capturing these moments between the bride and groom and a loved one who is no longer alive is an honour, said Megan.

“I (have) caught the brides (and) grooms in candid moments with a certain family member, where there were tears and lots of love. Then, within weeks of the wedding, I hear that family member is no longer with us,” she said.

“Knowing I have some very special last moments on camera for that bride and groom makes me the happiest photographer in the world.”

What is also touching for Megan is capturing an emotional groom, which is typically a less common sighting at a wedding.

In 2014, she photographed two weddings where “the grooms have broken out in tears when he puts his eyes on his bride for the first time,” she said. “You can see the tears down their cheeks, then a few photos later... the bride showing the same emotions.”

Britton may not have been one of those grooms, but his happiness is evidenced by his big smile in many of his wedding photos.

And with a poutine truck and gelato station at the wedding – what’s not to smile about?

Comfort food was on the menu for Britton and Jennifer’s 220 guests: beer-can chicken, ribs, potatoes, corn on the cob and salads. >>

58 wedding trends 2015

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2015 wedding trends 59

For dessert, there were homemade pies, ice cream and seven different kinds of gelato. Not to mention the wedding cake and cake pops.

The poutine truck came out in the evening as a late-night snack.

Guests could also take home little jars of strawberry-rhubarb jam made by Jennifer’s grandmother. The tags read: “Made with love from grandma’s kitchen.”

It was a perfect day for the couple, but, Jennifer said, “It goes by so quickly. You need to enjoy every moment!”

60 wedding trends 2015

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2015 wedding trends 61

he even proposed to Carolyn there at the 11th hole - her favourite number - while they were on a snowshoe hike one winter.

62 wedding trends 2015

Peter and Carolyn June 28, 2014

Keeping it Simple

By JENNI DUNNING

Where Peter Anello learned to golf is where he got married.

He and wife, Carolyn Anello, wed at the North Bay Golf and Country Club on June 28, 2014.

Pete has been a member of the club since age nine.

From learning to putt, to walking down the aisle, there are memories all around that golf course.

He even proposed to Carolyn there at the 11th hole - her favourite number - while they were on a snowshoe hike one winter.

So, it is only fitting that is where they were married, and on the only Saturday in June that year it did not rain.

A perfect day to golf and a perfect day to get married.

|

P h oto G R a P h E R C a R I S S a D I D I E R P h oto G R a P h y

“The weather was absolutely perfect. That was the one thing I was worried about, and we lucked out considering it rained every Saturday after that,” said Carolyn.

Speaking of which, red gerbera daisies her favourite flower - were delivered on the morning of the wedding while she was having her makeup done.

Pete, 35, and Carolyn, 32, who live in North Bay, said they knew right away they wanted to get married at the golf and country club.

“I went to pay the makeup artist and she signalled for the maid of honour to give me a card. The card read, “Thank you for being you.

Thank you for saying yes. Thank you for saying I do (hopefully).”

Both of them are teachers, so they quickly looked at the venue’s event calendar and selected the day after their last day of work before summer vacation.

After that, preparing for the wedding was an adventure with little surprises along the way.

The couple wanted a rustic theme that worked in elements of burlap, twine, wood decorations and subtle accents of red - the bride’s favourite colour.

It was a card from Pete, who had already paid to cover the makeup for Carolyn and her bridesmaids.

He had also sent the flowers with a simple message: “Have a nice morning. Looking forward to today.”

Carolyn’s father also helped make the day special by helping create some of the décor. He >>

details JEWELLERY / RING DESIGNER ~ PJ walsh Master goldsmith DRESS SHOP ~ Becker’s Bridal in toronto (bride); david’s Bridal (bridesmaids) HONEYMOON ~ Halifax CATERER ~ lenny Hummel of a la Cantina at the north Bay golf and Country Club MUSIC/DJ ~ Craig Cardiff HAIR STYLIST/MAKEUP ~ Vanessa Brooks of Pure envy salon INVITATIONS ~ Printed at Moyer Printing FLORIST ~ karri Brydge, the floral operator at sobeys in north Bay WEDDING PARTY GIFTS ~ Hugo Boss “Big day” watches (groomsmen); swarovski earrings, personalized dress hangers and scarves (bridesmaids) RENTALS ~ all shelter sales and rentals PHOTOGRAPHER ~ Carissa didier Photography WEDDING COST ~ $10,000

64 wedding trends 2015

chopped up wood slabs for the centerpieces.

Some were also used for the cake to sit on and the bridesmaids to stand on in their high heels so they did not sink into the golf course green.

He planted basil plants and cut wood for candleholders to be incorporated into the wedding day.

Not to be outdone, Carolyn made the wedding cake with the help of bridesmaid Sacha Stevens.

But it did not go as smoothly as planned.

“A few days before the wedding, Sacha’s oven died and she was in a panic!” explained Carolyn.

“We made the cake at (my) house two days before the wedding. Sacha did all the decorating and it turned out beautifully.”

The design of the lemon cake with lemon buttercream icing was inspired by one the bride saw in a 2013 issue of Wedding Trends.

The rest of the food at the wedding was put together and served with no trouble.

The 50 guests chose from prime rib, salmon or chicken cordon bleu.

“The appetizers were a very pleasant surprise.

Flatbread and an oil-based bread dip served before the salad,” said Carolyn.

But more unexpected kinks were still in store for that day.

Even though the rain-free day was ideal for the wedding, it was one of the hottest days of the summer.

“We were all dripping sweat,” said Carolyn, but instead of ruining the day it only made it funnier. “We could do nothing else but laugh.

One bridesmaid would say, “There are waterfalls where there shouldn’t be.” Our wedding party (was) hilarious. The photographer was in on our humour and laughed with us as well. There were a bunch of funny situations (and) everyone seemed to be in a great mood.”

Just to make sure the laughter continued, Carolyn banned the wedding party from crying that day.

She and Pete came up with a code word to say when anyone started getting too emotional.

One of the bridesmaids went away from the wedding with more than a funny story, though.

“The father of the bride arranged that the photographers would capture a play-by-play of her catching the bouquet. She ran to her boyfriend where he covered his face and said, “Oh no.” Everyone clapped and it was really cute,” said Carolyn. “When they returned home ... they began to look for rings.”

And now, after her own wedding, Carolyn is full of advice for her friend: “Keep it as simple as possible (and) make it your own.”

the card read, “thank you for being you. thank you for saying yes. thank you for saying I do (hopefully).”

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2015 wedding trends 65

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66 wedding trends 2015

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Barb and Kate

Wisteria Wedding B y J E N N I D U N N I N G | P h oto G R a P h E R R o W E L L P h oto G R a P h y

They were even married in the hamlet of Violet Hill, just southwest of their home base of CFB Borden near Barrie.

“Unbeknownst to us, at the time of choosing this colour, it also matched all the purple flowers that were blooming in the garden” at the wedding venue, said Barb.

“Our guests kept asking us if we had chosen everything to match the flowers in the garden.

No, we hadn’t.”

Barb, 50, and Kate, 55, had selected the outdoors wedding site – an old church turned into a restaurant – the previous fall when no flowers were blossoming.

“All the purples complemented each other so well. It was the perfect wedding!” said Barb.

It was a wedding 22 years in the making.

The couple met in Halifax, NS, in 1992. Kate was a medical technician with the Canadian army reserves there, and Barb was a musician with the Canadian naval reserves touring across Canada.

The women literally bumped into each other at the downtown convention centre where Barb was performing.

“Over the course of the next few days, I felt as though someone was watching me” during rehearsals, said Barb. “At some point, (Kate) approached a mutual friend in the band and asked if he would introduce us. He did, and the rest is history.”

During their relationship, they exchanged Irish Claddagh rings – their promise to return

to each other. They replaced these with Celtic knot bands on their wedding day.

One of their favourite parts of reaching that big day after 22 years?

“We were finally getting married in front of all our family and friends who had asked us for yeeeeaaars, ‘When were we finally going to get married?’”

They came across their wedding venue while looking for a place to have lunch. They loved it so much they spoke to the owner and booked it that day.

Then came all the planning.

Kate was away with the military for a year, so the pair planned the wedding largely over the phone, but it came together flawlessly.

Their bouquets were filled with country >>

details Refined, elegant, quality leading designers embracing every brides dream

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garden flowers, and baby’s breath in small glass jars were hung on hooks lining the aisle.

TUX SHOP / MEN’S SHOP ~ Moores

Barb and Kate each had a sixpence taped inside their shoes for good luck but wound up spending the ceremony in bare feet on the cool grass.

HONEYMOON ~ Christie Mills, in Port severn MUSIC/DJ ~ something Blue dJs HAIR STYLIST/MAKEUP ~ Hair: anna at Hair illusions at CfB Borden. Makeup at shoppers drug Mar INVITATIONS ~ The invitation studio FLORIST ~ lorraine Thomas, floral designer; Bradford greenhouses garden gallery WEDDING PARTY GIFTS ~ roz Van dyk of shattered By light stained glass designs LIVE BUTTERFLY RELEASE ~ Butterflies from lucy Perna at lucy’s Butterfly farm CAKE TOPPER ~ incrediBletoppers PHOTOGRAPHY ~ rowell Photography WEDDING COST ~ $30,000

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Barb’s 81-year-old mother walked her down the aisle, and one of Kate’s brothers walked her down the aisle.

Simple but elegant white orchids and lavender roses were submerged in water on every table at the reception.

Their 70 guests chose from a selection of smoked wild mushroom or fresh garden salad with a creamy garlic house dressing.

The main course was slow-roasted beef strip loin served au jus with horseradish and Yorkshire pudding, or Atlantic salmon served with a dill cream sauce, or chicken breast stuffed with herbed cream cheese, spinach and sun dried tomatoes with a roasted pepper sauce.

They all finished it off wild summer berries to go with a three-tiered cake: lemon twist, vanilla mocha and strawberry fusion. >>

“We were finally getting married in front of all our family and friends who had asked us for yeeeeaaars, ‘When were we finally going to get married?’”

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68 wedding trends 2015

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2015 wedding trends 69

Later in the night, in a touching tribute to Barb’s late father and Kate’s late parents, family members started a special dance with no one on the dance floor before all joining in together.

At the end of the night, they released a Chinese wish lantern into the night sky, and Barb and Kate danced to Michael Buble’s “Save the last dance for me” and “Home” under an old fashioned street lamp under the first moon on that summer.

“It was amazing. Everything was perfect,” said Barb.

70 wedding trends 2015

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2015 wedding trends 71

Lori

and

Larry July 20, 2013

“the best part of our wedding ... is that it was just totally natural (and) just a great party with live music, our family and favourite friends.�

Eat, Drink & Re-Marry

By JENNI DUNNING

|

P h oto gr a p h er A N D R E E L S D O N P h oto gr a p h y

On a beautiful, sunny day on July 20, 2013, Lori and Larry Buckley were ready to “eat, drink and re-marry.”

like with whoever you want and join in the celebration of two people who just got married.”

For each of them it was their second marriage.

They had been dating six years and each came with two kids, a boy and a girl now in their early 20s.

They invited their favourite 85 people as guests to their wedding, which was held in the backyard of their home. They were surrounded by lush green trees that created the perfect privacy from curious neighbours for the ceremony and reception.

All the Midland couple wanted was to celebrate their relationship with their closest group of loved ones.

Baskets filled with hats, flip-flops and bug spray were also spread out throughout the yard for guests, just in case.

“The best part of our wedding ... is that it was just totally natural (and) just a great party with live music, our family and favourite friends,” said Lori.

Lori, 49, and Larry, 54, drew on a blue colour scheme - large, black umbrellas at the reception tables blocked the sun from the tropical blue tablecloths laid over white linens.

“No speeches (and) just sit where you

Larry’s blue tie even matched his Yamaha

Stryker motorcycle, which they posed with during photos.

The pair are both motorcyclists. Lori said she just bought a new Yamaha Bolt.

“We also have a red corvette with ‘BUCKLEYS’ as our licence plate. A few guests took the liberty to wrap it in toilet paper. We had no idea,” said Lori, with a laugh.

There were also touches of blue along the glittering collar of Lori’s white wedding dress.

And there was a separate, special piece of blue incorporated into the wedding.

“My mother walked me down the aisle as my father had passed away six weeks prior. I had a blue heart made from his favourite blue shirt and sewn onto the back of my wedding >> 2015 wedding trends 73

details JEWELLERY / RING DESIGNER ~ The groom picked out a diamond and designed the brideís rings. she bought his from tiffany & Co. DRESS SHOP ~ Midland seamstress louise sparrow TUX SHOP / MEN’S SHOP ~ Collins formal wear HONEYMOON ~ arizona golfing CATERER ~ Ciboulet et Cie MUSIC/DJ ~ Carey worrod HAIR STYLIST/MAKEUP ~ lindsay dagenais and Maureen nixon INVITATIONS ~ ice art in Midland and painting by maid of honour, the brideís daughter alex FLORIST ~ fresh flowers by leanne in Midland WEDDING PARTY GIFTS ~ gift card (best man) and tiffany & Co. bracelet (maid of honour) RENTALS ~ tiffany Party rentals PHOTOGRAPHER ~ andrew elsdon Photography WEDDING COST ~ $10,000

74 wedding trends 2015

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dress that was also made by a seamstress two streets over,” said Lori.

Another special part of the wedding, she said, was how they used as many local businesses as possible for their big day.

The food was catered by Ciboulet et Cie, a restaurant in downtown Midland. It served appetizers of beef skewers and shrimp, plus lots of cheeses and dips, barbecued chicken and orzo and quinoa salads.

The wedding cake, homemade chocolates and butter tarts were made by friends, and the flowers were put together by a Midland florist.

The invitations were done by a friend with a local business. Lori and Larry also used a painting of themselves done by one of their kids for the front of their invitations.

Carey Worrod, a local musician, brought his keyboardist and saxophone player with him to perform at the wedding.

“We found him a few years ago playing in a local restaurant and kept his business card,” said Lori.

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Their photographer usually covers sporting events but made an exception for their wedding.

He set up a ‘photo booth” for guests, complete with props, such as empty photo frames through which people could peer. With goofy grins and silly poses, it created some of the funniest and most candid moments of the night, said Lori.

“Everything turned out perfectly and the weather was on our side,” she said. “I wouldn’t do anything different.”

“No speeches (and) just sit where you like with whoever you want and join in the celebration of two people who just got married.”

2015 wedding trends 75

76 wedding trends 2015

Jon

and

Amy July 26, 2014

Fairy-tale Wedding

By JENNI DUNNING P h oto G R a P h E R C M a C B U R N I E P h oto G R a P h y

When Cristi MacBurnie was photographing Amy and Jon Wilkins’ country fairy-tale wedding, she “painted” them with light.

To create that effect, all she needed was her camera, a chair and some sparklers.

“For light painting, the shutter has to be kept open for long periods of time. I didn’t have a tripod handy, so I rested my camera on the back of a chair,” said Cristi. “I instructed the couple to kiss, while my assistant ran around them with a lit sparkler.”

What appeared was a dreamy image of Amy and Jon in a romantic embrace while sparkling white light swirled around them.

It was Cristi’s favourite image from the Orillia couple’s July 26, 2014, wedding at the Oro Fairgrounds.

“Amy and Jon had the perfect ‘fairy-tale wedding,’ and we got some unique photos from their big day that are different from other wedding photos,” said Cristi.

The Orillia-born photographer has been capturing weddings professionally for four years.

Although she also takes other kinds of pictures, including portraits, street photography and documentary-style shots, she said there is much to love about photographing weddings.

“our wedding and honeymoon were perfect for us.

We would not change anything!”

“I am a huge advocate of marriage, so my favourite part is meeting a couple, hearing their stories of how they met and their relationship.

And seeing their love for each other and the different ways they express that.” >>

2015 wedding trends 77

details JEWELLERY / RING DESIGNER ~ The couple designed bride’s ring and it was made by Velta. groom’s ring was from weddingBandsforBoth.com DRESS SHOP ~ say yes Bridal gallery (bride), le Chateau (maid of honour) and My kid studio TUX SHOP / MEN’S SHOP ~ Men’s wearhouse (groom & best man) and My kid studio HONEYMOON ~ sunset Jamaica grande resort CATERER ~ sugar and spice Catering CAKE ~ kathy’s kakes in orillia CHURCH/HALL ~ first Christian reformed Church of orillia and oro fairgrounds (President’s Building) HAIR STYLIST/MAKEUP ~ emily Baker (hair); avaia salon spa & tanning studio in orillia (makeup) INVITATIONS ~ Jacqueline furfaro and Ben Cuppage FLORIST ~ Julie Hurtubise, tammy griffiths and anita Herbert WEDDING PARTY GIFTS ~ Cuban cigars for best man; dress for the wedding and scrapbooking stamps for maid of honour RENTALS ~ elite Party rentals PHOTOGRAPHER ~ C. MacBurnie Photography WEDDING COST ~ $10,000 including Honeymoon

78 wedding trends 2015

Jon and Amy were no exception.

two years after that first “ninja date.”

They met in May 2012 at a mutual friend’s bonfire. Two months later, they went on their first date to Casa Loma in Toronto.

The reception was at the Oro Fairgrounds, a venue that has held many family memories for Amy ever since she was a child.

To this day, Jon refers to that as a “ninja date” because Amy did not realize it was a date, said Cristi.

The day also included a horse-and-buggy ride and a hip-hop first dance they choreographed themselves.

“They continued to go on amazing adventures together and soon fell madly in love,” she said.

“Our wedding and honeymoon were perfect for us. We would not change anything!” said Amy.

In September 2013, “Jon got down on one knee on the side of a cliff in Tobermory and asked Amy to marry him. Before he could even finish asking, Amy shouted, ‘Yes!’”

One can see the uniqueness of the couple’s personalities through their wedding photos.

They were married in Jon’s church exactly

Amy in a white flowing gown, her hair >>

Jon with his top hat, cane and white gloves to complete his slick ensemble.

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2015 wedding trends 79

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delicately pinned and a cascading white-andblue bouquet in hand – all straight out of a fairytale.

When it comes to photographing a wedding, perfection does not come without practice and planning.

Cristi said she uses two Nikon DSLRs and a variety of lenses.

“My favourite go-to lenses are my 50 millimetre and wide 18 mm. I also use an external flash in low-light situations,” she said.

Capturing a wedding day really can take the whole day, she added.

“Most weddings begin early,” said Cristi, adding she typically starts by photographing the

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bride and her bridesmaids getting ready hours before the actual event takes place.

“I love capturing candid moments. For example, the bride’s father with tears in his eyes after seeing his daughter.”

Cristi then moves on to the ceremony, where her favourite photos are catching the stunning bride walking up the aisle and the first kiss.

After taking portraits of the couple, wedding party and families, Cristi moves on to the major moments of the reception: cutting the cake, speeches and the first dance.

Sometimes, along the way, photo magic can happen when least expected.

At another 2014 wedding, Cristi said she and a couple stumbled upon a beautiful country farm – the perfect backdrop for their rustic theme.

“We stopped in and were permitted to shoot, and we captured some amazing country-esque portraits that captured their personalities perfectly,” said Cristi. “I like that it was a spontaneous location but went so well.”

Weddings are an adventure for the couple and their photographer.

She loved being the one to capture Amy and Jon’s special day.

“Their day was perfect for them and a joy for their guests,” Cristi said.

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Chris

and

Brittany September 14, 2013

a Rustic Country Wedding

By JENNI DUNNING P h oto G R a P h E R K y L E a N D Va N E S S a C h U P P

Brittany and Chris Chrysler found love over a Rice Krispies Square.

At an outdoor party after her high-school graduation, Brittany ventured over to the snack table.

There, she said she saw a guy “pigging out.”

He was nibbling on a Rice Krispies Square, only to drop it on the grass, pick it up and start eating it again.

That was her future husband, Chris.

“I totally caught him red-handed and called him out on it. We laughed and started talking,” she said.

“He eventually asked for my number, and immediately after he left the party, he called me to make sure it was my actual phone number.

“We eventually went on a date to the movies and the rest is history.”

The couple made it official seven years later on Sept. 14, 2013, when they wed at Christie’s Mill Inn in Port Severn, Ont. Just like their meeting was memorable, they wanted to make their wedding day just as much so.

There were no Rice Krispies on the menu, but the offerings at their buffet dinner had their 80 guests raving.

“The options were endless with different soups and salads, vegetables, potatoes, desserts, (and more),” said Brittany.

“Even though, at times, things can get pretty stressful … it’s all over in a flash. you want to look back and remember what a special time it was.”

For the main course, guests could choose from roast beef au jus with Yorkshire pudding; roast chicken with mushrooms, shallots, bacon and white wine in a demi-glaze; a medley of garden vegetables in a cream sauce; or rainbow trout with >> 2015 wedding trends 83

details JEWELLERY / RING DESIGNER ~ Ben Moss DRESS SHOP ~ impression Bridal in Mississauga TUX SHOP / MEN’S SHOP ~ Moores HONEYMOON ~ Mini honeymoon to Blue Mountain in Collingwood, and in the winter, an all-inclusive trip to the Mayan rivera, Mexico CATERER ~ Christie’s Mill inn CHURCH/HALL ~ The ceremony was held outdoors on the waterfront at Christie’s Mill inn and the reception was inside their georgian-Muskoka room.

MUSIC/DJ ~ John Vanderboon HAIR STYLIST/MAKEUP ~ krystie-ann FLORIST ~ anita Herbet WEDDING PARTY GIFTS ~ robes and bracelets for bridesmaids; personalized jerseys for groomsmen of their favourite sports teams PHOTOGRAPHER ~ kyle and Vanessa Chupp WEDDING COST ~ $10,000

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baby shrimp, capers and lemon butter sauce.

Brittany, 26, and Chris, 28, had a small, round cake for cutting, but the real dessert for everyone was purple-and-yellow cupcakes and cake pops.

Some cake pops were dressed in white and milk chocolate and decorated as a tiny bride and groom. The cupcakes’ edible sunflowers on top matched the bride’s sunny bouquet.

“Everyone was raving about how good the food was!” Brittany said.

Brittany took charge of creating the perfect rustic country wedding.

Christie’s Mill Inn, with its “sophisticated blend of old-world charm and contemporary luxuries,” was the perfect place for it, she said.

“The ceremony was held outside on a beautifully sunny September day overlooking Muskoka waters, and the reception was held in the GeorgianMuskoka Room that needed minimal decorations because of its (existing) rustic beauty and charm.”

Brittany chose dark purple and plum to add a splash of colour to the venue.

She and her sister-in-law, Mallory Chrysler, who was also her maid of honour, handmade the decorations.

The bridesmaids also dressed in matching purple dresses.

And what would a country-themed wedding be without cowboy boots?

All the bridesmaids – and the bride – had on a pair.

“The day was perfect and beautiful and it was so rewarding to see it all come together,” Brittany said.

“Even though, at times, things can get pretty stressful (while planning a wedding), it’s all over in a flash. You want to look back and remember what a special time it was.”

One of the most touching moments of the day came after the wedding, said Brittany.

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“My younger brother, Tyler, is a somewhat quiet, introverted guy. When he told me how much fun he had at the wedding and how he really enjoyed himself, it meant so much to me,” she said.

Brittany and Chris also started their married life with a comical bump in the road.

“The morning after the wedding, my husband realized he gave his truck key to one of his groomsmen at some point during the wedding day. He had left that night, and the next morning we were stranded,” said Brittany.

“Luckily, there was a spare key that was locked in the truck. We had to call CAA to come rescue us to start off our honeymoon. Newlywed problems!

“Our wedding day was … full of memories to last a lifetime.”

“the ceremony was held outside on a beautifully sunny September day overlooking Muskoka waters, and the reception was held in the Georgian-Muskoka Room that needed minimal decorations because of its (existing) rustic beauty and charm.”

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the orrville, ont. couple also hired a wedding planner to help pull their theme together – a decision Carly called “so worth it.”

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Carly and Shane June 14, 2014

Spring Lovebirds

By JENNI DUNNING

No one can resist chocolate – especially when it comes in the form of a four-year-old Labrador retriever.

Carly and Shane Barnes’ pet, a chocolate lab named Millie, walked down the aisle at their wedding in the dual role of flower girl and ring bearer.

“She had a custom veil, a ring pillow collar and a ‘Here Comes the Bride’ sign. She was the last one to walk down the aisle before my dad and I,” said Carly, 27. “She zigzagged down the aisle making sure she visited everyone. When she got up to the front, she laid right in front of all the groomsmen’s feet. She was so wellbehaved.”

After the ceremony, Millie checked out the rest of the guests, mingling with everyone while still wearing her veil.

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P h oto G R a P h E R S E L I N a W h I t ta K E R P h oto G R a P h y

Their furry friend’s participation in the ceremony was easily one of their favourite things about the day, said Carly.

And there was a lot to like.

Carly married Shane Barnes, 28, on June 14, 2014. They wanted an elegant wedding, but also one reflecting of the season in which they wed.

boutonnieres. Instead of real flowers, the couple chose a company that specializes in creating fabric bouquets.

“I loved how original it was. I’d never seen anything like it before,” said Carly.

“Springtime vibes” and “two lovebirds” was the theme the entire wedding became based around.

As well, the centerpieces were simple but elegant, with grey stones and yellow flowers submerged in water underneath a floating candle. Yellow flower petals were strewn atop the white linens.

It was reflected in the soft grey-and-yellow invitations, wedding cake, decorations, and more.

Grey ribbons adorned the chair backs at the reception, and grey and yellow hanging puffs dotted the ceiling.

Lovebirds, made by Bauwerk 3D Printing in Parry Sound, topped the cake.

The Orrville, Ont. couple also hired a wedding planner to help pull their theme together – a decision Carly called “so worth it.”

The bridesmaids, groomsmen and groom were dressed in grey with yellow bouquets and

Going along with the couple’s spring theme >>

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was a fresh menu.

An assortment of hors d’oeuvres were served during cocktail hour: mini quiches, smoked salmon cucumber cups with pickled onions and capers, stuffed sausage and roasted red pepperbaked pastry, bruschetta and garlic crostini.

For dinner, the 130 guests had garden salad with honey Dijon mustard, red wine-braised chicken, prime rib, mashed potatoes and vegetables.

To top it all off, dessert was a delicious New York-style cheesecake with fresh berry coulis and whipped cream, along with Greek pita with cinnamon simple syrup, fresh berries and ice cream. Shane’s Aunt Sheila also made the wedding cake.

But the best part of the food menu did not come until later in the evening, Carly said.

A late-night food truck, owned by the caterer, served up poutine and pulled pork sliders. It was a “huge hit!” she said.

While guests enjoyed the evening, Carly’s dad delivered a speech worthy of an Oscar for Most Emotional Speech.

“He brought a sign out that he made when I was born in 1987 that said ‘It’s a Girl!’ that he said he placed proudly in his car window the whole month of September (when I was born),” Carly said.

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“He had kept it all this time, and I had no idea. He managed to get it into the wedding without me noticing. His speech was extremely emotional and very touching.”

When the day was over, Carly reflected that the key to having the wedding of your dreams is not waiting until the last minute to plan everything, said Carly.

“Do as much in advance as you can. I’m so happy I did that. We had a two-year engagement, and I ended up doing pretty much everything within the first year,” she said.

“I wanted to be as relaxed as possible the week of my wedding. It worked! Everything came together perfectly.”

“(My dad) brought a sign out that he made when I was born in 1987 that said ‘It’s a Girl!’”

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Aj

and

Jennifer July 19, 2014

“We chose the natural beauty of the rolling hills and vibrant, green grass, framed with cedar posts as our ceremony backdrop.�

&

&

Simply Country

By JENNI DUNNING

When planning the dozens of little details of a wedding, it can be easy to lose sight of keeping things simple.

But for Jennifer Boylan and AJ (Alexander Jeffrey) Haney, both 28, staying simple was key to the wedding of their dreams.

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P h oto gr a p h er S E E P h oto gr a p h y

games, just outside the Town of Mono.

Meaford couple’s list.

“These occasions have always been special to me and were my source of inspiration for our wedding,” she said.

“Plus this area is truly one of my favourite places of all time. I spent lots of time as a child in this area,” said Jennifer.

Unfortunately, as her grandparents had passed away, the farm was no longer available to them.

Her favourite part of the wedding, she added, was the ceremony site, which was the epitome of their simple, country theme.

“When we originally started planning our wedding, we wanted our day to be simple, family-focused and lots of fun for everyone,” said Jennifer.

But by the time the couple’s wedding day arrived, July 19, 2014, they had found the perfect venue to match their country theme: the Mono Community Centre.

“Something that both AJ and I share is our love for the country. We both grew up in a rural community setting and so naturally we wanted our venue to reflect our style.”

“Hidden away in the valley, the … centre has lots of land overlooking rolling, tree-covered hills. An old barn is situated right next door and (is) home to two beautiful horses,” she said.

“Cedar post fencing surrounds the property with a picturesque gazebo situated in the middle.”

When Jennifer was growing up, her family would host big gatherings at her grandparents’ farm, with home-cooked meals and outdoor

The venue checked off everything on the

“We chose the natural beauty of the rolling hills and vibrant, green grass, framed with cedar posts as our ceremony backdrop,” Jennifer said.

“The chairs were facing the fence, and we were lucky enough to have two horses approach the ceremony site – a beautiful touch (that) wasn’t planned.”

Jennifer, a graphic designer by trade, took on the main role of wedding planner and even created the invitations, which she wrapped in >> 2015 wedding trends 91

details JEWELLERY / RING DESIGNER ~ Peoples Jewellers DRESS SHOP ~ amanda-lina’s sposa Boutique TUX SHOP / MEN’S SHOP ~ tip top tailors CATERER ~ Catering by rose CHURCH/HALL ~ Mono Community Centre MUSIC/DJ ~ family friend, steve Brown LIMOUSINE ~ rented school bus from sinton landmark transportation HAIR STYLIST/MAKEUP ~ katie Moore from Barrie INVITATIONS ~ designz.ca FLORIST ~ debbie Boylan WEDDING PARTY GIFTS ~ BPersonalized wine glasses ( for the girls) and personalized beer glasses ( for the guys) made by a family member RENTALS ~ four seasons Party rentals PHOTOGRAPHER ~ see Photography WEDDING COST ~ $8,000

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burlap and tied with lavender.

“The design wasn’t anything fancy but again kept with our simple, country theme,” she said.

And you know it truly was a country wedding because she included in the invitations a large map of where exactly to find the venue because “GPS systems can’t find the address properly.”

For décor, Jennifer and AJ used dried wheat grown on a family farm for the bouquets, boutonnieres and centerpieces. They added locally-grown, dried lavender to add purple highlights.

There were also splashes of turquoise and rustic browns throughout.

“I knew that we were going to put them

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together ourselves, so I tried to think of what I could use in the bouquets that would last if I did them ahead,” she said. “The bridesmaids wore purple dresses (that) made the wheat really stand out.”

Jennifer, who wore cowboy boots under her white gown, also added lavender to the wedding programs and thank-you cards to incorporate their theme in as many places as possible.

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For the reception, family had helped decorate the venue using antiques from the farm, and the white linen tables were covered in burlap.

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Straw bales and wood logs were also donated for décor.

“Most of the decorations came from our house. Over the years we have inherited some great antiques and found some in local stores as well,” said Jennifer.

“This was the perfect solution for our wedding decorations because it was a part of our theme and allowed us to stay on budget.”

For dinner, the 100 wedding guests enjoyed a home-style buffet and open bar before dancing the night away and catching a rented school bus to a hotel in Alliston.

Though seeing their simple, country theme all come together was a definite highlight of the day, so was sharing it with two special guests: Grace, the flower girl and friend’s daughter, and Max, the ring bearer and their nephew.

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The adorable duo stole the show when they walked down the aisle hand-in-hand. The cuties stood next to Jennifer and AJ during the ceremony.

The couple had some special moments with Grace for photos, and Max danced around them in a circle during their first dance.

“Max was excited to have cake so he kept sneaking icing off the cake throughout the night, so we got him to help us cut the first slice. He was so excited,” said Jennifer.

“To be able to share these moments with both Grace and Max made our day even more special.”

For décor, Jennifer and aJ used dried wheat grown on a family farm for the bouquets, boutonnieres and centerpieces. they added locally-grown, dried lavender to add purple highlights.

F

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Brad

and

Jessica

September 13, 2014 Down-to-Earth and Cozy

By JENNI DUNNING P h oto G R a P h E R C FC P I X

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

When life pours rain and mud all over those lemons – well, kick up your heels and dance the night away with them.

No one knows the lesson of making the best with what you have more than Jessica Wiles, 26, and Brad Martin, 28.

The Orillia couple’s wedding day on Sept. 13, 2014, did not go as planned thanks to the rain.

Jessica had always dreamed of getting married on her grandparent’s property where she grew up – specifically at the creek where Brad proposed to her.

But that was not going to happen in this weather.

Not to mention, by the time the ceremony began, the aisle was a ìmud holeî and the bottom of Jessica’s white gown was now black.

“I would (be lying) if I said I wasn’t disappointed... at first. It’s true what people say: It really doesn’t matter if everything seems like it is going wrong. The most important thing is that I got... to marry Brad,” she said.

“I experienced that moment of clarity walking toward him, and from that point on in the night, it didn’t even cross my mind that we didn’t get to have the ceremony in the location I wanted or that my dress was covered in mud.”

“I experienced that moment of clarity walking toward him and, from that point on, it didn’t even cross my mind that we didn’t get to have the ceremony in the location I wanted or that my dress was covered in mud.”

In the end, it actually suited their laidback personalities, she added.

“Everyone at the wedding, including Brad and I, made the best of it... brought a change of rubber boots... and danced in the mud!” she said, adding, “The open bar helped.” >>

2015 wedding trends 95

details JEWELLERY / RING DESIGNER ~ griffin Jewellery design in orangeville DRESS SHOP ~ Helen’s Bridal in Barrie CATERER ~ Country grill in orillia MUSIC/DJ ~ kaos of orillia HAIR STYLIST/MAKEUP ~ Brandee gallant, owner of Panache in Motion (hair); sara dominelli (makeup) INVITATIONS ~ Heather Burazin of twig Creative FLORIST ~ wanda Moniz of House of wonders in orillia WEDDING PARTY GIFTS ~ saxx boxers with the leg embroidered with our wedding date (the guys); local, homemade soap, jam and bracelets (the girls) PHOTOGRAPHER ~ Charlotte Clements of CfC Pix in Peterborough WEDDING COST ~ $15,000 - $20,000

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The weather made for other unexpected but memorable moments that day.

It was one of the coldest days that month, and Jessica and Brad had set up several fire pits, complete with cozy blankets, to stay warm.

When it came time for pictures, the photographer suggested the wedding party borrow the block- and zigzag-patterned blankets for some colourful shots.

Though unintentional, the blanket pictures lent themselves to the couple’s relaxed, bohemian, cottage theme featuring neutrals with pops of colour.

The blankets were every colour of the rainbow, and underneath them the bridesmaids wore long, beige dresses. The groomsmen wore beige paints, white dress shirts, suspenders and either ties or bowties.

Brad added a beige vest to complete his look.

Jessica wore a white blanket over her white gown, and a delicate headpiece of beads and flowers crowned her up-do.

Brad and Jessica also wanted eco-friendly aspects of the wedding.

They bought all the decorations used at Value Village, and all of the wedding vendors were either friends of the couple or family friends. A friend’s mother did the flowers.

As well, all the food scraps leftover from dinner were saved in a container and given to Jessica’s farmer aunt to feed her pigs!

And what lucky pigs.

An incredible selection of food was offered to the 100 guests as a buffet, including roasted vegetables served on cedar planks.

Pumpkin and raspberry pies – the bride and groom’s favourites – were served up for dessert.

“Our intentions for the wedding was that everyone would be surrounded by great friends and family, have an amazing meal, drink and dance the night away. All of these came true,” said Jessica.

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“We had so many compliments on the food and how down-to-earth and cozy of a wedding it was.”

The reception was definitely a place for making memories – from personalized rap songs to emotional speeches.

One of Brad’s best friends wrote a version of Kanye West’s ‘Bound 2’ he dedicated to the happy couple.

“He had the music in the background and sang the rap to us about our relationship. There was so much thought and effort put into his performance, he had everyone laughing so hard!” said Jessica.

Brad’s dad also made a special speech, which went longer than the two-minute time limit the couple instituted for everyone.

“But he made everyone laugh and definitely made everyone cry,” she said.

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“One month before our wedding, the two of them completed an Ironman triathlon. (He) couldn’t hold back telling everyone how proud he was of Brad and the man that he has grown into.”

Looking back on the wedding day, there is nothing Jessica and Brad would change.

“You can be the most organized person and, yes, something will go wrong,” she said. “The day goes by so fast. Take a deep breath and look around at all the people (who) love both of you and are there to support you. Don’t sweat the small stuff.”

“We had so many compliments on the food and how down-to-earth and cozy of a wedding it was.”

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2015 wedding trends 97

“I wanted the room to have a ‘wow’ feeling, and it did.

It ended up exactly how I wanted it to be!”

98 wedding trends 2015

Karlin and Shawn July 26, 2014

Classic Elegance

By JENNI DUNNING

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P h oto G R a P h E R a R C h E R P h oto G R a P h y

Just like a blushing bride, a rosy, pale pink shade could be found all through Karlin and Shawn Cote’s wedding.

There were six groomsmen and one best man at the wedding, as well as two maids of honour and four bridesmaids.

St. Paul’s United, in which white bouquets of hydrangeas were strung up in clear vases along the aisle.

The Midland couple wanted elegance, romance and timelessness as the theme for their July 26, 2014, wedding.

The bridesmaids wore a “pale blush pink, chiffon, floor-length dress,” said Karlin.

Afterward, the 125 guests headed to the reception across the street at the Midland Cultural Centre.

“I wanted everything to be timeless and sophisticated,” said Karlin, 25.

To tie everything in, she selected the colours ivory, white, gold and blush pale pink.

“All the men wore black fitted tuxes with a white dress shirt, including the groom,” she said, adding the groomsmen wore black skinny ties.

Shawn, 34, looked slick with a black bowtie to stand out from the lineup.

Everything was to be “classic elegance” and the bride matched every bit of that.

Her strapless white gown with a sweetheart neckline was form-fitting down to a sparkling waistband before fluttering down into a soft A-line.

Her bouquet of white hydrangeas and peonies were delicate and feminine with just a touch of that blushing pink coming through.

The wedding ceremony was held in downtown Midland at the couple’s family church,

“My favourite thing, besides getting to marry my husband, was the décor at our reception.

It turned out better than I had thought,” said Karlin.

“We had gold chivari chairs, gold silverware, two different luxury linens with overlays, tall ivory hydrangeas as centerpieces, with lots of gold glass vases.”

“I wanted the room to have a ‘wow’ feeling, and it did. It ended up exactly how I wanted it to be!” >>

details JEWELLERY / RING DESIGNER ~ sheldon east of Brunel Jewelers in Midland DRESS SHOP ~ Best for Bride in Barrie TUX SHOP / MEN’S SHOP ~ Moores CATERER ~ Midland Cultural Centre CHURCH/HALL ~ st. Paulís united Church in Midland WEDDING PLANNERS ~ kandas Bartlett, Mariposa inn MUSIC/DJ ~ sP entertainmentís dJ irv (and its jazz trio for the cocktail hour) LIMOUSINE SERVICE ~ Bus rented from Hammond transportation ltd HAIR STYLIST/MAKEUP ~ Mane event Professional Haircutting; Vanessa Monteith (makeup) INVITATIONS ~ olivetree designs in Midland FLORIST ~ fresh flowers by leanne in Midland RENTALS & DECORATOR ~ Jaime Crouch of splash events in Midland PHOTOGRAPHER ~ lindsay archer of archer CAKE ~ Cakes By design in Barrie WEDDING COST ~ $30,000 to $35,000

100 wedding trends 2015

For that, she said she owes special credit to her decorator for bringing her vision to life.

Before everyone could enjoy the four-course dinner, which included salad, a choice of chicken or pork, and berry crumble, Karlin and Shawn left the downtown and took a trip up a local highway for some photos.

The entire wedding party was photographed in two very different locations: a hayfield and at Martyrs’ Shrine, a towering, old Roman Catholic church that is one of the best-known landmarks in north Simcoe.

In the field, the soft brown hay and lush green grass paired well with the wedding partyís whites, ivories and pinks.

At Martyrs’ Shrine, the grey stone provided a classic and elegant backdrop for the group.

Back at the reception, Karlin and Shawn toasted with wine and tasted their three-tiered cake of double chocolate chip, strawberry vanilla and banana.

They did all the traditional dances: fatherdaughter, mother-son and first dance. Speeches took up about an hour of the evening, said Karlin.

There was no single moment of the day that stood out most for Karlin, who said she enjoyed ìthe true happiness from all our friends and family at our wedding. It really did feel special.”

There are few things she said she would change about the day.

“I would have liked more time for pictures with just Shawn and I,” she said, adding she would have also liked more time to practise doing her hair.

But overall, it was a wedding full of memories to last a lifetime.

“I am sure I was just like any other woman when planning their wedding. I wanted everything to be 100-per-cent perfect,” she said.

“My advice to brides planning a wedding would be to focus on what your must-haves are, and if it isn’t a must-have, don’t stress about it.

Put your time and effort into the things that you know will make you happy on your big day.”

“My favourite thing, besides getting to marry my husband, was the décor at our reception.

It turned out better than I had thought.”

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2015 wedding trends 101

“the most memorable moment for me was when I turned the corner, entered the aisle and saw my husband standing at the altar waiting for me. It brought tears of joy to my eyes instantly.�

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Meghan and Timothy September 14, 2013

Birds of a Feather

By JENNI DUNNING

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P h oto G R a P h E R E R I N M o N E t t o F E V E R I M a G E S a N D a S S I S ta N t Pa M L E E D E R

One look at Meghan Harkness’s bouquet and her wedding theme becomes crystal clear: peacock.

The bridesmaids had similar bouquets to the bride, which were set off by their electric cobalt blue dresses.

A miniature groom sits on top, holding a fishing pole which has a ring on the end of its line. The bride is below, reaching up.

Cobalt blue-and-purple orchids popped among the other purple, green and white flowers.

Melissa also wore cobalt blue high heels - an appropriate “something blue” to fit her theme.

Timothy proposed in June 2012 while he and Meghan were fishing at the Oxtongue Rapids in Dwight, Ont., which is on Muskoka’s Lake of Bays.

It was a peacock’s colour palette to a tee vibrant, colourful and bold.

Meghan, 29, said the inspiration was “not only for their obvious beauty, but for some hidden meanings” the bird represents, including love, compassion, immortality, royalty, prosperity, soul and peace.

Adding in gold accents throughout the wedding, the rich colours of a peacock could be found everywhere without having an actual peacock on scene.

Not to be left out, the groom, 28-year-old Timothy Harkness, and his groomsmen each wore a pair of socks covered in the same bright blue, green and purple pattern.

They were hard to miss between their black pants and black shoes.

The Huntsville couple also added a touch of peacock to their two-layer wedding cake. White peacock feathers were placed onto the white fondant.

The cake, instead, focused more on how Meghan and Timothy got engaged.

“He hung the ring on a fishing lure and asked, as always, if that one was good enough. I was in shock!” said Meghan. “How special was that moment, forever cherished.”

They got married Sept. 14, 2013, at Trinity United Church in Huntsville.

The ceremony was scheduled for 3 p.m., “but we all know weddings generally never start on time,” said Meghan. “I followed this ritual ... 15 minutes late. Kept him on his toes!” >>

details

JEWELLERY / RING DESIGNER ~ The Hunt House in Huntsville

DRESS SHOP ~ Michelle My Belle Bridal Boutique (bride); Miss lester’s (bridesmaids) HONEYMOON ~ grand Bahia Principe in runaway Bay, Jamaica CATERER ~ trevor groh of fine edge Catering CHURCH/HALL ~ trinity united Church in Huntsville; active living Centre in Huntsville MUSIC/DJ ~ The Muskoka touring Company LIMOUSINE SERVICE ~ Muskoka limousine HAIR STYLIST/MAKEUP ~ kacie leBlanc of kacie’s designer looks and Mariah taylor and amanda Harding (hair); amanda Harding (makeup) INVITATIONS ~ Citlali on etsy FLORIST ~ natasha kowalski of Cottage Country flowers WEDDING PARTY GIFTS ~ Pearl earrings from The Hunt House (bride); custom cufflinks made from old gunshot shells (groom); custom engraved zippo lighters (groomsmen); gold initial necklaces and peacock-coloured earrings (bridesmaids) RENTALS ~ tiffany Party rentals PHOTOGRAPHER ~ erin Monett of ever images and assistant Pam leeder WEDDING COST ~ $25,000

104 wedding trends 2015

Despite the late start, the lead-up to the ceremony was one of their favourite parts.

“The most memorable moment for me,” said Meghan, “was when I turned the corner, entered the aisle and saw my husband standing at the altar waiting for me. It brought tears of joy to my eyes instantly.”

Timothy said his favourite moment was seeing his bride in her wedding gown, which he unintentionally predicted before it was purchased.

“When I left to go wedding dress shopping, the last words Timothy said to me was “Make sure you get a mermaid (style) and lace dress!” she said. “I had always dreamed of a “Cinderella”

wedding gown, but it did not suit my body type.

In the end, Timothy was right.”

The actual ceremony was short and sweet and included the pair tying a fisherman’s knot, symbolizing a true lover’s knot, which is now displayed in their home.

“The most touching moment for the both of us was watching my niece (and) bridesmaid walk down the aisle with a candle lit for the loved ones who could not be there with us in person but in spirit, including her father (and) my brother, Blair,” said Meghan.

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“She placed the candle in a lantern which stayed lit the entire (day). At the reception, a memory table was placed with pictures of our close loved ones who had passed with a candle lit beside each.”

Meghan and Timothy had their first dance to Lady Antebellum’s ‘When You Got a Good Thing’ before launching into dinner.

Their 140 guests selected between stuffed chicken and roast beef, and there were vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options.

Salads, roasted potatoes and vegetables were also served.

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There were chocolate, maple and lemon cupcakes for dessert and a late-night buffet of poutine - the bride’s favourite.

Meghan and Timothy took a different approach to The Kissing Game – getting their guests to remove a block from a game of Jenga to get them to smooch. The game was over when the tower collapsed.

“There is nothing that I would have changed,” said Meghan. “Everything turned out exactly how I dreamed and what we had hoped for.”

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the actual ceremony was short and sweet and included the pair tying a fisherman’s knot, symbolizing a true lover’s knot, which is now displayed in their home.

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2015 wedding trends 105

106 wedding trends 2015

Mike

and

Catherine June 14, 2014 Weekend Wedding

By JENNI DUNNING

P h oto G R a P h E R a M B E R R I C h M o N D P h oto G R a P h y

Catherine Vingerhoets and Michael Colquhoun had more than a wedding day – they had a wedding weekend.

The Midhurst couple wanted their 70 guests to join them for a Muskoka getaway, and bringing that dream to fruition was their favourite part.

“We really appreciated having friends and family come from afar to share our special day, and we loved being able to spend more than just a few hours with them,” said Catherine, 31.

“We wanted an informal wedding with an outdoor feel to match our personalities, and we feel that we achieved that.”

Catherine, 31, and Mike, 34, wanted a “Muskoka rustic” theme and were able to achieve that at Trillium Resort & Spa in Huntsville.

The party really began with a lakeside bonfire on the Friday night before their wedding: June 14, 2014.

“Guests could keep busy on the day of the wedding by swimming, canoeing, hiking or relaxing in the hot tub,” said Catherine.

The ceremony was, of course, held outside overlooking the lake, and it was accompanied by live musicians playing throughout the vows, cocktail hour and first dance.

“Drinks were served in an ice-filled canoe for the cocktail hour, while the family (and) wedding party braved the mosquitoes for outdoor photos,” she said.

“our photo slide show was made extra special by having video messages sent by guests who could not attend.”

Catherine and Mike spent months leading up to their wedding making all the decorations themselves, with a little help from friends.

“Burlap, twine, hydrangeas, mason jars and lots >> 2015 wedding trends 107

details

JEWELLERY / RING DESIGNER ~ Peoples Jewellers in Barrie DRESS SHOP ~ keira’s Bridal wreath, Barrie HONEYMOON ~ greek islands, Crete and santorini CATERER/VENUE ~ trillium resort & spa in Huntsville MUSIC/DJ ~ graydon James and laura spink (musicians); keep Them dancing (dJ) HAIR STYLIST/MAKEUP ~ Melissa gill of sugar shoppe Hair design in Coldwater INVITATIONS ~ limegreen & ultramarine Creative studio in Midhurst FLORIST ~ The flower Boutique in Midhurst WEDDING PARTY GIFTS ~ engraved beer sleeves (groomsmen); tote bags filled with “Catherine’s favourite Things” (bridesmaids) PHOTOGRAPHER ~ amber richmond Photography in eden Mills, ont.

WEDDING COST ~ $20,000

108 wedding trends 2015

of wood accents created the perfect décor for our special day,” said Catherine.

The couple was married next to a rustic, wooden arbour.

Catherine carried white gerbera daisies with delicate blue flowers intertwined. Her bridesmaids, dressed in grey dresses, carried white and yellow gerbera daisies.

The flower girls – Mike’s daughter Sydney, 7, and Catherine’s niece Izzie, 6 – carried white and blue hydrangeas down the aisle in metal pails, each bearing wooden hearts with the word ‘LOVE’ etched on them.

The centerpieces had plenty of natural elements, with jars filled with white hydrangeas resting on thickly-cut slices of wood.

The table numbers were written on small coins of wood attached to birch-bark stands.

Mike made a log stand for the cake, which was made by a friend and had a birch bark design. A personalized canoe cake topper finished it off.

Catherine said they also ditched the traditional guestbook and, instead, had friends and family sign large slices of wood “that we can hang in our home as a reminder of the love of our friends and family.”

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As a thank you to their guests, the couple gave seedlings to take home and plant. They also presented welcome bags, which held snacks, water, resort maps and the weekend itinerary.

At the reception, a photo booth was set up “for guests to take goofy photos of themselves,” said Catherine.

Plus, “our photo slide show was made extra special by having video messages sent by guests who could not attend.”

One of those people was a groomsman who lives in Australia and was unable to attend because his wife was expected to give birth the week of the wedding.

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“We received a special phone call ( from him) during the reception,” Catherine said.

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The couple’s beautiful Viszla puppy named Airlie was also not there, but they made sure to have a framed photo of her as “Dog of Honour” at the reception to be there in spirit.

To top it all off, there was a s’mores bar set up for late-night snacking – the perfect, sweet addition to a wedding full of rustic, outdoorsy elements.

It was seemingly a perfect day, except for one particular hitch everyone kept from the bride and groom most of the wedding day.

“We brought all of the flowers up to the resort with us on Friday evening. When we woke up the morning of the wedding, all of the bouquets were dead (and) black,” said Catherine. “(My) dad had to rush into Huntsville to get everything replaced.”

Looking back on the wedding, even with the flowers hiccup, Catherine said there is nothing she would change.

“We had a wonderful weekend and feel that it characterized our personalities (and) relationship perfectly,” she said.

as a thank you to their guests, the couple gave seedlings to take home and plant. they also presented welcome bags, which held snacks, water, resort maps and the weekend itinerary.

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2015 wedding trends 109

Alyson

and

Jonathan august 9, 2014

“Before we knew it, the night was over and we never got to talk to some people as much as (we) wanted to. It was mind-blowing how fast time flew by.�

&

&

The Perfect Day

By JENNI DUNNING

Jonathan and Alyson Robins’ wedding came with a celebrity sighting.

“When we arrived (in) Orillia a week before the wedding, we were set up with our taste testing,” said Alyson. “They treated us like royalty. The food was amazing and, as an added bonus, we ate just feet away from Goldie Hawn.”

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P h oto gr a p h er S HA R P I M A G E S P h oto gr a p h y

everything about my wedding,” said Alyson. “The weather was beautiful. All the right people were there. Everyone was so supportive. The pictures were amazing. The decorations took my breath away. Everyone had so much fun.”

better because they spent it with Alyson’s sons, Austin Egan, 13, and Owen LeBrun, 11.

She said there are too many favourites to choose just one.

Jonathan came into the picture when he and Alyson met through online dating while she lived in Renfrew, Ont., and he was in New Brunswick on a military course.

The super star experience was a sign of good things.

The couple created a sleek wedding with modern, black and purple décor.

Although their big day could have been fraught with problems as the Medicine Hat, Alta., couple had their wedding in Ontario where their family was, so they planned it several provinces away.

Their 100 guests had a dinner of prime rib with cheesecake for dessert.

Alyson, 30, and Jonathan, 31, wed on Aug. 9 at the Best Western Mariposa Inn and Suites in Orillia.

“Everything came together so well that I loved

They also served a cake covered in buttercream icing with three decadent layers: carrot, red velvet, and chocolate and vanilla on the bottom.

“The food was perfect and (we) received many compliments at our wedding,” said Alyson.

It was a perfect day, and it was made even

“Obviously, you can tell by the last names that we have a blended family,” said Alyson.

“When we met, it was love at first sight,” she said. “I could tell Jon was crazy for me because once we met he never let me out of his sight. It didn’t take long for the boys to warm up to him.”

Austin’s grandmother, Murielle Egan, has been a part of Alyson’s life for years and was at the wedding. She read several special Bible passages to celebrate the marriage and she told Alyson she has “always felt that we are family.” >> 2015 wedding trends 111

details

JEWELLERY / RING DESIGNER ~ Paris Jewellers ltd. and richardson’s Jewellery in Medicine Hat, alta.

DRESS SHOP ~ The white room wedding Boutique in redcliff, alta.

TUX SHOP / MEN’S SHOP ~ Moores CATERER ~ The grape and olive wine & Martini Bistro CHURCH/HALL ~ outdoors at Best western in orillia WEDDING PLANNERS ~ wedding coordinator kandase Bartlett at Best western MUSIC/DJ ~ dJ 2 the Max HAIR STYLIST/MAKEUP ~ avaia salon spa and tanning studio in orillia INVITATIONS ~ Custom-made and printed at staples FLORIST ~ flowers by June WEDDING PARTY GIFTS ~ Personalized flasks (groomsmen); jewelry (bridesmaids)RENTALS ~ four seasons Party rentals PHOTOGRAPHER ~ John sharp of sharp images in Midland WEDDING COST ~ $25,000

112 wedding trends 2015

The speech was “very touching to hear, especially in front of so many people,” said Alyson.

“The love was so strong it just made the ceremony so perfect.”

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Jonathan’s mom also made a touching speech, complete with a slideshow showing his life in photos, from birth to that day.

“It was very touching and tears were shed,” said Alyson.

As well as the “Goldie Hawn experience” and several memorable moments with family members, there plenty of funny moments, including when the “extremely engaging” DJ used props and special songs to keep guests entertained during the dinner and reception.

Jonathan’s Uncle Peter, the master of ceremonies, brought a prop of his own – a giant martini glass ( filled with a regular sized martini).

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It was “to tease me for one of my Facebook pictures from when I was pretending to drink from the centerpiece of my friend’s wedding where I was a bridesmaid,” said Alyson.

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The wedding day went by so fast, she added.

Looking back, the only change they would make it having the ceremony earlier in the day to allow more time to soak everything in.

“Before we knew it, the night was over and we never got to talk to some people as much as (we) wanted to. It was mind-blowing how fast time flew by.”

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“Everything came together so well that I loved everything about my wedding,” said alyson. “the weather was beautiful. all the right people were there. Everyone was so supportive. the pictures were amazing. the decorations took my breath away...”

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2015 wedding trends 113

Brentand Kristina

September 20, 2014

“With the rain and all of the last-minute changes, it was disheartening at first. But when our family and friends arrived with smiles on their faces and I saw my wife nothing else mattered.�

Perfectly Imperfect

By JENNI DUNNING

Kristina Pringle and Brent Bell’s wedding was perfectly imperfect.

“Due to unexpected torrential rain that lasted most of the day, there were quite a few last-minute changes that had to be made,” explained Kristina, 29.

This included moving the 95 guests and a puppy named Buttons into a “cozy” barn at Brooklands Farm in Muskoka for the ceremony on Sept. 20, 2014.

Despite the rain and the soggy mess it made outside, Kristina and Brent were the happiest they have ever been inside the barn.

“I love that (the wedding day) was perfectly imperfect. With the rain and all of the lastminute changes, it was disheartening at first,” said Brent, 30.

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P h oto gr a p h er M E GA N E W I N G O F M E C R E AT I V E

“But when our family and friends arrived with smiles on their faces and I saw my wife nothing else mattered. It was the best day of my life.”

Kristina also wore her mother’s wedding shoes and her mother-in-law’s garter, and she carried Brent’s grandmother’s prayer book she had on her own wedding day.

The London couple had their perfect day with a “rustic, vintage” theme that utilized lots of lace, ivory and eclectic pastel accents.

“We wanted to really involve everyone’s love stories and talents in our day,” said Kristina.

Many of the items used at the wedding were from antique stores, including the globe guest book and the bride’s engagement and wedding bands.

The couple’s photographer, Megan Ewing, said one of the most popular wedding themes in 2014 was “DIY/country” and Kristina and Brent’s executed theirs “flawlessly.”

They also put photos from their family and friends’ weddings in vintage picture frames, which were all placed in a photo booth made by the bride and groom.

“Kristina is a very creative and talented artist, and it showed in every little detail of the day. From her bouquet she made herself, to the homemade photo booth - it was so well done and everything was thought of,” she said.

Kristina’s father handmade a cupcake stand for the dessert and Brent’s mother made all the blankets guests used to stay warm and dry.

“Brooklands Farm was the perfect venue for this couple as it helped to show their laidback, adventurous, outdoorsy personalities - and >> 2015 wedding trends 115

details JEWELLERY / RING DESIGNER ~ Poag Jewellers DRESS SHOP ~ ritche Bridal HONEYMOON ~ new Zealand in the spring and Muskoka hiking post-wedding CATERER ~ one fifty five in Bracebridge CHURCH/HALL ~ Brooklands farm MUSIC/DJ ~ Megawatt dJ services; guitarist/vocalist tobin spring; live performances by Vanessa Meli, nakia kowalewska, Vanessa Hanley, eva Hanley, Joshua Pringle and robert Pringle LIMOUSINE SERVICE ~Hammond transportation HAIR STYLIST/MAKEUP ~ sarah from dolce divas INVITATIONS ~ Vistaprint FLORIST ~ seasons in The Country centrepieces WEDDING PARTY GIFTS ~ Pocket watch from Poag Jewellers (groom); belts by craftsman gestalt (groomsmen) RENTALS ~ Muskoka Part rentals PHOTOGRAPHER ~ Megan ewing of mecreative WEDDING COST ~ $20,000

116 wedding trends 2015

�������

was able to match their diy/country style perfectly.”

�������

kristina and Brent entered the barn to their first dance and favourite song, City and Colour’s “northern wind.” dinner was an assortment of fresh and local cuisine from a Bracebridge bistro and an apple crumble for dessert. family and friends started the entertainment with everything from beautiful acoustic songs on the guitar to Michael Jackson and some moonwalking.

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“Then, much to our surprise - all of our guests flooded the dance floor to entertain Brent and i in a flash mob to the song “Happy,” said kristina.

The rest of the night was a big party with Brent’s dad on ”sambuca control” and everyone snacking on Portuguese tarts and cupcakes. “(we) barely noticed the rainstorm!” said kristina.

The rain did let up enough earlier in the day to allow the couple time for some particularly special photos outside ... what Megan calls “first look.” it involves the couple, all dressed up, having time alone together (with their photographer) for two or three hours before the ceremony.

Megan said she recommends couples consider doing this because they get more time together that is not rushed on such an important day.

“There’s no time to think; it’s as quick as uncovering your eyes and there, standing in front of you is your future wife or husband,” she said. “The tears, smiles (and) jaw-drops happen before you know it.” kristina and Brent’s “first look” wound up being one of their most cherished parts of the day.

“My favourite thing about our wedding day was sneaking up on Brent on the steps to the barn to have a moment together before all of our guests arrived,” said kristina. “with all the chaos of the day, it was so easy to get caught up in it all. But that little moment together under the big umbrellas, surrounded by raindrops and wide open spaces and (beautiful) willow trees was just perfect.”

“We wanted to really involve everyone’s love stories and talents in our day.”

Rev. Joanne DeGasperis Ceremonialist & Independent Non-Traditional Minister Celebrating Life’s Rites of Passage Specializing in Weddings & Handfastings joanne@bellalunassacredcircle.com 705-812-7728 Winner of the 2014, 2013 & 2012 Wedding Industry Experts Awards Most Popular Celebrant/Officiant, Barrie Area Ranked in top 10 Wedding Celebrants/Officiants in Canada

2015 wedding trends 117

Keith

and

Melissa august 16, 2014

“It’s true what other brides told me. It’s like the whole room disappeared and it was just him and me there.”

&

Local and Lovely

By JENNI DUNNING

Melissa Moreau’s wedding was as sweet as her growing cupcake business.

The 28 year old and her husband Keith Robinson, 39, wanted to share their love for each other with their community, so the Midland couple aimed to keep all the elements of their wedding local.

“I’m so happy that we were able to support local businesses for all of our wedding purchases,” said Melissa. “It was so wonderful to be able to showcase the local community.”

Melissa and Keith were married Aug. 16, 2014, in the bride’s parents’ backyard in Perkinsfield, Tiny Township, and the reception was catered by a Lafontaine company.

Their wedding bands were purchased from a Midland jeweller and the men’s tuxes came from

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P h oto gr a p h er LO R I WA LT E N B U R Y P h oto gr a p h y

a Midland sewing shop.

palette.

The invitations were designed and printed in Midland and the DJ came from Victoria Harbour.

“My dad surprised me and came out in a pink dress shirt that he had picked out himself to match the wedding colours. It was so sweet and memorable,” she said.

The list of local vendors goes on and on.

The only exception was their honeymoon, which was in Riviera Maya, Mexico.

Their wedding theme was ‘romantic and rustic’ with lots of blush pink and light grey.

Melissa’s bouquet had pink roses, white hydrangea and baby’s breath. Keith wore a sprig of baby’s breath on his lapel.

Bouquets of white hydrangea and baby’s breath were the centrepieces on tables of white linen and burlap-and-lace runners.

The bride’s dad even got in on the colour

Many homemade touches were also added throughout the day, including a very special cake topper made by a close friend who had spent months creating it out of clay. It featured the bride and groom, of course, and items representing their favourite things - their cats, families and motocross. The latter is particularly important, as Melissa and Keith have it to thank for sparking their interest in each other when they first met.

“We met at work and connected over our love of motocross. I had just purchased a dirt bike and Keith raced them, so we started talking >> 2015 wedding trends 119

details JEWELLERY / RING DESIGNER ~ Brunel Jewelers in Midland DRESS SHOP ~ Helen’s Bridal in Barrie TUX SHOP / MEN’S SHOP ~ seams to Please CATERER ~ elM Catering in lafontaine CANDY BAR ~ Candy Bouquets & More in Midland CUPCAKES ~ C is for Cupcake (the bride’s company) MUSIC/DJ ~ k&d disk Jockey service in Victoria Harbour HAIR STYLIST/MAKEUP ~ alaina Hunter (hair); Vanessa Monteith (makeup) INVITATIONS ~ olivetree designs in Midland FLORIST ~ fresh flowers by leanne in Midland RENTALS ~ romantic rustic wedding rentals PHOTOGRAPHER ~ lori waltenbury WEDDING COST ~ 230,000

120 wedding trends 2015

about that,” she said. “After our first date, I knew he was someone I wanted to get to know, and everything just developed from there.”

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So after Keith proposed, of course, they incorporated motocross into their engagement photo shoot - with him jumping through the air on his bike over Melissa’s head.

One of the bride’s great loves – baking – was also included in their wedding day.

Melissa owns a small cupcake business called C is for Cupcake. She said it was important to her to make all the cupcakes for the 80 guests at the wedding herself.

“I found it was actually relaxing to ice the cupcakes the day of the wedding, and we got some cute pictures in the process!” she said.

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The delicately-iced white and pink cupcakes, some in lace-patterned liners, stood out on the rustic stand made of large wooden coins.

There was also a candy table of jellybeans, taffy, licorice and more, with the bride and groom’s favourites highlighted.

Melissa also made gift baskets as presents for the wedding party, and she helped create the favours for the wedding.

She and her grandma made her famous dill and icicle pickles, which were packed into small mason jars and piled onto wooden crates and an antique dresser with an ornate mirror.

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Memories to Last a Lifetime on Your Special Day

White candles, lanterns and doilies on wooden tables were spread throughout the venue.

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It was a rustic and romantic dream of a wedding. The only thing that could have spoiled it was the unexpected 30 millimetres of rain that fell.

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“Keith had written me a beautiful letter to read the morning of the wedding, and he just put things into perspective. It’s not about the weather. It’s about him and I, and that’s what matters,” said Melissa.

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“When I saw the rain pouring ... I looked out the window, shed a tear for my dream of an outdoor ceremony and got over it. It really set my mood for the day.”

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Rain or no rain, Melissa said at the end of the day her favourite part was just seeing her man as she walked down the aisle.

“It’s true what other brides told me. It’s like the whole room disappeared and it was just him and me there,” she said.

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2015 wedding trends 121

“Ever since I was little, I had always wanted to ride a horse side-saddle on my wedding day, and I actually got to do it!�

122 wedding trends 2015

Kevin

and

Velvet

august 31, 2013

a Dream Wedding

By JENNI DUNNING

When little girls dream of their wedding day, it is not often they are able to recreate it perfectly when they grow up.

For Velvet Bradley, all it took was a farm, a childhood friend and a horse named Artex.

The 22 year old from Seguin Township near Rosseau, married Kevin Bradley, 25, on her parents’ horse farm.

“Ever since I was little, I had always wanted to ride a horse side-saddle on my wedding day, and I actually got to do it!” said Velvet.

“My close family, wedding party and the photographer went to a large field behind the house, and I rode Artex there. Then we kept cantering around and around while the photographer got some really good pictures. It was so much fun!”

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The wedding venue was also Velvet’s ideal spot.

“It was really nice being able to get married at the house I grew up in. There are lots of memories there and I always hoped I would be able to.”

As for that childhood friend, that would be Velvet’s husband.

“We met when Kevin started working for my family’s construction company when he was 12 years old. I was nine and remember him always being around,” she said. “We were always really good friends and even though at first I thought I would never want to marry him, he was very persistent and it paid off.”

It was a dream come true for Velvet to actually have the wedding she always wanted.

As she and Kevin both grew up on farms and around animals, they wanted an elegant country theme involving horses.

Along with having an actual horse in attendance, the couple came up with fun ways to include the animals throughout the day and keep their 170 guests entertained.

“We had an old sleigh that my grandfather refinished... that we put wedding gifts in, (and) we had a carriage on the lawn for guests to take pictures in,” said Velvet.

“We had pony rides for the children (and) a photo booth set up that let guests wear riding gear and pose on an English saddle.”

A popcorn machine was also set up for guests to snack from and lawn games were set up for them to play. >>

details LOCATION ~ young’s Jewellers in florida JEWELLERY / RING DESIGNER ~ Mappins DRESS SHOP ~ The gown gallery in Barrie HONEYMOON ~ italy with unforgettable Honeymoons MUSIC/DJ ~ Harmonic knights (Paul gordon) HAIR STYLIST/MAKEUP ~ Maryjo’s Hair design & spa INVITATIONS ~ kevin Powless FLORIST ~ Barb taylor CAKE ~ Parry sound Cakes (by Melissa Mckay) WEDDING PARTY GIFTS ~ fancy tea pots for the bridesmaids RENTALS ~ Muskoka Party rentals PHOTOGRAPHER ~ Brad swan WEDDING COST ~ $5,000

124 wedding trends 2015

Velvet and Kevin were wed Aug. 31, 2013 on the lawn of her parents’ property, and the dinner and reception were in the loft of a barn there.

There was no colour scheme, other than a palette of soft pastels, and the venue was covered in twinkling lights and fresh flowers.

Velvet placed old mirrors at the back of the barn to reflect the twinkle lights, which had a spectacular effect as the day wore on and the sun set.

Beautiful

ON YOUR SPECIAL DAY

“We had tons of twinkle lights everywhere: in the loft of the barn, in the bottom of the barn, around our yard and on tents,” she said, adding electric candles were also placed along the barn walls.

Antique chandeliers, which Velvet’s handy dad rewired to work with modern electricity, were also hung up inside the barn.

Lace curtains were draped around the barn, and mason jars filled with fresh flowers and candles were the centerpieces.

“We tried to randomise them by having some with lace, some with ribbon, and some with old music sheets wrapped on the inside,” said Velvet of the centerpieces. “I also play the piano so I wanted something that represented music.”

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For dinner, some Italian friends of the couple prepared an amazing meal from scratch of noodles and pasta sauces, and another friend baked a wedding cake.

Velvet also made several cheesecakes for dessert for all the guests.

It was a perfect day, and one Velvet and Kevin said they would not change one bit.

“To be honest, not one bad thing happened that day. Everything went perfectly smooth; it fell together perfectly. Even my horse, Artex, was an amazingly good boy all day,” Velvet said.

“The entire day was special because it was exactly what I had imagined since I was a little girl.”

“It was really nice being able to get married at the house I grew up in. there are lots of memories there and I always hoped I would be able to.”

2015 wedding trends 125

126 wedding trends 2015

Blaise

and

Andrew June 7, 2014 Love, Laugh, Marry

By JENNI DUNNING P h oto G R a P h E R h y P N ot I K P h oto G R a P h y

Weddings can sometimes be solemn occasions filled with weighty vows and tradition.

Andrew, 29, and Blaise Meunier, 25, spent their wedding day laughing.

That is just how the couple from the hamlet of Horning’s Mills, Ont., are with each other – full of love, life and laughter.

“Our officiant was a friend of the family and surprised us with some unexpected jokes in our script. My husband’s family are Montreal Canadiens fans, and he slipped in a comment about the Leafs!” said Blaise.

During the reception speeches, her brotherin-law mentioned “the many times my husband begged him for my phone number. He was hilarious; we were all crying in laughter.”

It is these kinds of moments Andrew and Blaise’s wedding photographer, Holly Bodkin, said she loves to capture.

She loves catching a couple in candid moments of truly enjoying each other’s company.

“My favourite photos at weddings are telling the bride and groom to laugh. It always starts out as a fake laugh, and the fake laugh brings on the real laughter,” said the 28-year-old owner of Hipnotik Photography.

“Despite finishing 11 weeks of cancer treatment one week before the wedding, [my dad] was able to find the strength to walk me down the aisle and say a speech.”

“There is just something so special to me about people who are in love genuinely laughing together. Catching a moment like that in a photograph is unreal.”

Andrew and Blaise spent their happy wedding day, June 7, 2014, with 150 guests at Cambium Farms in Caledon, Ont. >>

2015 wedding trends 127

details JEWELLERY / RING DESIGNER ~ griffin Jewellery design in orangeville DRESS SHOP ~ izabella Bridal Boutique in Mississauga HONEYMOON ~ rented a cottage in Muskoka CATERER ~ Cabral Catering CHURCH/HALL: Cambium farms MUSIC/DJ ~ Cayuga Creative & technical services inc.

HAIR STYLIST/MAKEUP ~ Casey dolmer at Changes Hair studio in shelburne & fancy face inc.

INVITATIONS ~ Vistaprint; Joanne Joyce designs ~ etsy FLORIST ~ frenches flowers in shelburne WEDDING PARTY GIFTS ~ Mason jars filled with advil, tums, Band-aids, kleenex, lighters, lip chap, condoms and cigars RENTALS ~ Chair-man Mills PHOTOGRAPHER ~ Hipnotik Photography WEDDING COST ~ $25,000

that is just how the couple from the hamlet of horning’s Mills, ont., are with each other – full of love, life and laughter.

128 wedding trends 2015

mo

One of their most treasured guests was their toddler, Hunter Gray Meunier, although they said a babysitter would have been nice.

Blaise’s dad, who was diagnosed with throat cancer a few months before the wedding, was also able to attend.

Her mom – “we are best of friends” – also walked her down the aisle.

The ceremony and reception were washed in vintage shades of blush pink, ivory and beige to represent the couple’s rustic, chic theme.

An old friend, acoustic guitar in hand, sang and played all of their favourite country love songs during Blaise’s walk down the aisle, the ceremony and the cocktail hour.

“It was a very romantic touch,” Blaise said.

Guests enjoyed barbecued steaks and chicken, which were “flying off two large commercial barbecues,” she said.

A simple cake was wrapped in twine, and Blaise created the topper from supplies bought at a craft store.

She and Andrew also set up a photo booth with antique doors as a backdrop for people to have their picture professionally taken. These were mailed out as thank-you cards.

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“Despite finishing 11 weeks of cancer treatment one week before the wedding, he was able to find the strength to walk me down the aisle and say a speech. It was very touching,” said Blaise.

Photographs from the day, particularly one of the wedding party all in mid-jump, show how much fun everyone had.

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2015 wedding trends 129

“the best part is we got to spend it together with everyone near and dear to our hearts.�

130 wedding trends 2015

Mike and Fairen august 2, 2014

Kempenfesting on their Day

By JENNI DUNNING

|

P h oto G R a P h E R M E Ly S S a G P h oto G R a P h y ( N o W K N o W N a S Lo V E & I N S P I R at I o N P h oto G R a P h y )

Fairen and Mike Balogh were just as playful at their wedding as the pair of monkeys that sat atop their banana wedding cake.

The Barrie high-school sweethearts got married Aug. 2, 2014 – 10 years after they began dating – and that just so happened to be during Kempenfest, a weekend-long annual arts and crafts festival in the city.

Photos were taken inside a fun house of mirrors, in front of a balloon-popping game and a booth covered in stuffed animals. They ate cotton candy and tossed popcorn at their photographer’s camera for playful shots.

They posed on a fire truck and even jumped into bumper cars – stopping the ride only for a kiss.

So, after the ceremony, they hopped into their limo with Fairen’s two sisters and rode down to the festival for some fun and colourful photos.

“I’m still not quite sure how I fit all of my dress into that little car, and how I was able to drive and push the pedals in my heels, but I managed!” said Fairen.

“We thought some pictures of us joking around at the fair would represent us well and make for some great memories,” said Fairen, 27. “I have purple hair, and … we like to laugh and have a good time.”

“My sisters also were in long dresses and heels, but we didn’t care! We just laughed, chased each other and bumped as many times as we could while our photographer and videographer caught it all on camera.”

Fairen said the vendors and those attending the festival were very accommodating.

“I got stopped by a bunch of little girls and their parents and was asked to pose in a picture with them as the little girls wanted ‘a picture with the princess,’” added Fairen.

“That was really sweet.”

Fairen and Mike, 28, also had formal family photos taken at Sunnidale Park in Barrie before returning to the reality of the wedding reception.

It was a beautiful, sunny summer day when the pair were married in front of an outdoor gazebo covered in purple drapery and flowers.

As important as humour and fun were to include in their big day, so was family. >>

details

JEWELLERY / RING DESIGNER ~ Michael Hill (engagement ring) and Charm Jewelry (wedding bands) DRESS SHOP ~ loved again Bridal TUX SHOP / MEN’S SHOP ~ timpano’s formal wear HONEYMOON ~ sandals Halcyon resort in st. lucia CATERER ~ Provided by reception venue CHURCH/HALL: edgehill Banquet facility MUSIC/DJ ~ keep Them dancing LIMOUSINE SERVICE: Barrie executive limousine HAIR STYLIST/MAKEUP ~ trishelle (alcona) INVITATIONS ~ Vistaprint FLORIST ~ Petals WEDDING PARTY GIFTS ~ The Magpie Bead Co. and Personally yours PHOTOGRAPHER ~ Melyssa g Photography (now known as love & inspiration Photography) VIDEOGRAPHER ~ tyler knight of knightVision WEDDING COST ~ $15,500

132 wedding trends 2015

“We wanted them all to feel special,” said Fairen.

Siblings were in the wedding party, their nephew was the ring bearer and their goddaughter was the flower girl.

Fairen’s nana, “a very special lady” in her life, was also escorted down the aisle, which was lined with rose petals and purple flower balls.

A crystal chandelier sparkled in the sun from the top of the gazebo.

It was Fairen’s mom who walked her down the aisle to The Piano Guys’ “A Thousand Years.”

In Fairen’s bouquet was a picture frame charm holding a photo of her dad, who she

Natural, Creative & Romantic... lost to cancer when she was 18 years old.

“We were so extremely close and I miss him every day. But on my wedding day, my dad was there smiling down on us, and I believe he was right there with me,” she said.

Carrying a photo of her dad helped her get through the day and could help other brides who have lost parents do the same, she said.

At the reception, Fairen saw her vision for the wedding come to life – white linens with purple drapery and sparkly bling accents everywhere.

The centerpieces were martini glasses with a white rose ball on top surrounded by purple orchids, diamond confetti and candles.

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The buffet dinner included chicken with white wine sauce, salads, pasta and vegetables.

For dessert, the 76 guests enjoyed a threetiered banana cake with buttercream icing – Mike’s favourite. And, of course, the couple’s signature “bride and groom” monkeys cake topper.

“My husband loves monkeys! This was our first wedding purchase as he ordered it right after we got engaged,” said Fairen.

Everyone danced the night away, including to “The Hockey Song” dedicated to Fairen’s late father, who was a die-hard Toronto Maple Leafs fan.

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The Ridge at Manitou Clubhouse can accommodate groups or weddings of up to 105 people in the main clubhouse. Wedding ceremonies take place outside between the clubhouse and Lake Manitouwabing. If the weather isn’t ideal for an outdoor wedding ceremony we have the option of moving it inside our screened in porch or into the clubhouse.

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2015 wedding trends 133

Creative Production and Styling - Prelude to a Kiss Wedding Stylists.

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Northern Disposal specializes in outdoor wedding restrooms for Muskoka and surrounding area. Custom wedding units, superior service and attention to details will make for a happy wedding day. Call for a quote: 705.382.0991 134 wedding trends 2015

Clean & Green

Chris and Kelly September 27, 2014

An Intimate Evening

By JENNI DUNNING

|

P h oto gr a pHY B E V M C M U L L E N

Nigel was one of the best dressed guests at Kelly McShane and Chris Kenny’s wedding.

It was an intimate evening with just 30 guests.

His black, curly hair was primped and preened, and his silk bowtie exactly matched the bride’s dress.

But he was so excited to get in on the photos, he would not sit still.

“We had an elegant garden party theme with eggplant purple and metallic gold as the colours, accented by tons of peacock feathers, purple hydrangeas and white Casablanca lilies,” said Kelly.

“My wedding dress got his stamp of approval in the form of muddy paw prints,” said Kelly.

The centerpieces were white birdcages containing purple pillar candles.

Nigel is the Kilworthy, Ont., couple’s standard poodle.

Black-and-white childhood photos of Kelly and Chris were hung on gold ribbons and decorated the buffet area at the reception.

”Despite the chaos, the photos turned out great,” Kelly said. “(Nigel’s) nails were painted metallic gold to match our theme. He was a handsome boy.”

Kelly and Chris, both 32, were married Sept.

27, 2014, in the yard at the home they share together.

The atmosphere created by the colourful theme was Kelly’s favourite thing about the day.

“The elegance we created with rich colours, vibrant peacock feathers and sophisticated but simple details felt magical,” she said. “The theme was an expression of us. It was beautiful without

being overdone. Less was definitely more.”

Kelly and Chris have never been a pair for making long, drawn-out plans.

They were married less than a year after they first met, and Kelly planned the wedding in three months.

It was a whirlwind romance.

Kelly, a reporter, participated in a nine-kilometre “pub run” in December 2013 for a sports column she wrote at the time from the perspective of a “non-sporty” person. Chris was also taking part in the run.

“The pub run is basically a bunch of joggers getting together to run from pub to pub, stopping to play games, chug a drink and then hitting the pavement again,” Kelly explained.

“I’m shocked he even noticed me since, as a non-athlete, I was looking pretty haggard >> 2015 wedding trends 135

details JEWELLERY / RING DESIGNER ~ Peoples and Mappins DRESS SHOP ~ Miss lester, little Miss stitches TUX SHOP / MEN’S SHOP ~ stockhomme by fairweather HONEYMOON ~ Paradisus rio de oro resort & spa (Holguin, Cuba) CATERER ~ Mariposa Market (orillia), Metro (Bracebridge) and northern Produce (Bracebridge) HAIR STYLIST/MAKEUP ~ lindsay doran (Bracebridge); nails: aesthetics By nicole (Bracebridge); Mani/Pedis: The spa at sagamo (gravenhurst) INVITATIONS ~ Hallmark (orillia) FLORIST ~ artificial flowers, feathers from Michaels WEDDING PARTY GIFTS ~ Bracelet for maid of honour; engraved beer mug for best man RENTALS ~ Complete rent-alls (orillia) PHOTOGRAPHER ~ Bev McMullen (Bracebridge) WEDDING COST ~ $5,000 not including rings or honeymoon

and sweaty by the time we actually met at the second last pub, but we hit it off right away.”

By April 2014, just four months later, the two had moved in together and, by June, had bought a house.

Chris proposed on the deck of their home, “and that’s where we got married,” said Kelly.

The decision to only invite 30 guests to the wedding – and then selecting those people – was difficult.

“We wanted to keep it small with an intimate group of people. This meant making some tough calls with the guest list, but we were able to celebrate with all of the people in our lives during the Jack and Jill,” said Kelly. “The limited guest list made the wedding day manageable.”

The couple had a wedding budget of $5,000, so maintaining the priority of keeping things simple was key.

The guests were served gourmet wraps and salads from Mariposa Market in Orillia, but Kelly and Chris put together the rest themselves.

This included trays of in-season raw vegetables, such as purple cauliflower, yellow zucchini, grape tomatoes and asparagus, and exotic fruit, like cactus pear, mango, coconut, pineapple and kiwi.

They also served a variety of cheese, including smoked Gouda, brie and extra old cheddar, with specialty crackers.

Kelly and Chris made their own Pinot Grigio for the tables and offered up fancy raspberry lemonade, some of which was spiked with vodka.

The lemonade was served in an old-fashioned juice dispenser, adding to a “picnic feel,” along with an ice bucket filled with bottles of Perrier and citrus slices, said Kelly.

For dessert, Chris’ mom made a three-tiered vanilla cake with a homemade raspberry preserve in the centre. It was topped with a gold “K” and peacock feathers.

The only tough part was, despite a September wedding date, the temperature was nearly 30 C. “The fondant on the cake started to melt. It got so sticky that we had to cut mammoth pieces apart. It was delicious though, so there were no complaints,” said Kelly.

Despite the melting fondant, the day was “incredibly perfect,” she added.

“We came home from our honeymoon with no wedding day debt, so we got to start our life together stress-free,” she said.

“If you go with your gut and don’t over think it, you will end up with the day you dreamed of.”

136 wedding trends 2015

Indulgence

Luxuries to make your wedding complete

Pages 138-154

Megan & Timothy

A L O N G W I T H 2 6 O T H E R C O U P L E S S H A R E T H E I R ST O RY. . . .

S I M C O E C O U N T Y | MU S KO KA | PA R RY S O U N D | N O RT H B AY | G R EY B RU C E E D I T I O N

TRENDS A D V E RT I S E Y O U R BU S I N E S S I N T H E F I N E ST W E D D I N G P U B L I C AT I O N I N T H E R E G I O N O R SU B M I T Y O U R W E D D I N G F O R C O N S I D E R AT I O N F O R A N U P C OM I N G E D I T I O N ( 705 ) 726 - 0573 | G O O D L I F E @ S I M C O E . C OM

138 wedding trends 2015

Gimme some sugar B y A N G E L I CA B OTTA R O

Wedding desserts are as much style as sweet treat and there are many ways you can take the traditional and make it exceptional when it comes to alternatives to the simple tiered cake.

Cakes can be designed to suit any couple’s big plans but so can other types of desserts. Here are some of the latest trends that will take your guests to dessert heaven.

Whether you want to go with a simple apple pie or an elaborate sweets tower, a wedding wouldn’t be the same without a remarkable dessert table.

Macaron Tower A tower of the classic French meringuebased confection makes a dramatic display.

Macarons can match your colour scheme and com ein a variety of unique flavours – peanut butter, red velvet, lavender, maple, sea salt caramel, blood orange...the options are endless.

140 wedding trends 2015

DoughnutTower A doughnut tower is anything but the traditional wedding dessert but it makes just as big a statement as any extravagant cake.

A pastry tower is stacked with an array of different doughnuts, with flavour options ranging from maple bacon with pistachio fondant to tiramisu with a shot of espresso to the classic chocolate dipped.

The tower can be topped with a small cake to ensure the bride and groom still get their cake-cutting moment.

Croquembouche For a real out-of-the-box idea step into a Croquembouche! The light, French pastry is at the top of any dessert connoisseur’s list because of its uniqueness— not to mention it’s downright delicious and incredibly easy on the eyes.

It’s made when a collection of choux pastry balls, flavoured with caramel glaze and stuffed with a vanilla cream, are bound to a cone using threads of caramel. The dessert looks more like a work of art and will have all your guests screaming for “more croquembouche please!”

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Tarts and Pies The wedding pie trend is gaining momentum and experts expect sweet tables to keep that upswing well into 2015 and years to come.

A wedding pie table can be decorated to suit any wedding—from the elegant to the rustic look.

Flavour options are nearly endless; so whether you want to stay simple and go for classic apple or blueberry, or take it to the next level with an infused pecan or pumpkin cream, your guests will thank you.

Gluten-Free Don’t feel limited by you or your guests’ food intolerances.

Many bakeries offer a range of delicious gluten-free options, all of which will please the sweet tooth the same as any regular cake.

From the classic gluten-free cake in french vanilla or simple chocolate to delectable sweet tarts and pies, almost anything can be made gluten-free for that special day and people.

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We boast fabulous escarpment views in a private setting with both indoor and outdoor spaces that can be transformed to host your special day.

Our newly renovated clubhouse comfortably accommodates up to 250 people and can be set to suit your dream day whether it is a cocktail party, casual affair or a formal fine-dining event.

Our Clubhouse is located at the base of Blue Mountain, within walking distance from the village. This provides a great opportunity to any of our guests requiring accommodation as well as a variety of activities for all ages.

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142 wedding trends 2015

Working dogs permitted

Destination Wedding Wedding Trends

“I Do’s”

By CoRaL aNDREWS

Be It In A FArAWAY PArAdIse On A sUn-KIssed Be ACH resOrt, A tIMeLess C AstLe CHAPeL, Or CLOser tO HOMe enVeLOPed In tHe PrOVInCIAL OLd-W OrLd CHArM OF A L AKesIde COUntrY Inn. It ALL sOUnds sO rOMAntIC.



2014 WEDDING TRENDS 143

“We had one whole week with our family and friends.

Lots of time to have fun, relax and spend time with everyone.”

Before you glide down the aisle, it is in the bride and groom’s best interest to know as much about planning the Destination Wedding, before the big day. There are several crucial things to consider when choosing a destination wedding, from having a detailed wedding guest itinerary to ensuring that all travel documentation is up to date.

PASSPORTS PLEASE...

Passports should be valid, at least six months from expiry because anyone with an expired passport will not be allowed on the plane.

It’s great advice to think about purchasing travel insurance because, besides a lapsed passport, you never know what might happen!

Depending on the destination and the events that the bride and groom wish the photographer to capture, the photographer may need an assistant. In addition to the photographer’s initial fee, the bride and groom will be required to pay for the photographer’s travel and accommodation expenses.

MARITAL DOCUMENT SNAFUS

iNVEST IN QUALITY SUITCASES AND CARRY-ONS

Depending on your destination, take heed that translating marital documentation may be needed to be considered valid in that country. A translator is often necessary for translating ceremony and marriage documents. Additionally, if you decide on one of today's many popular all-inclusive resort wedding packages, use a reputable travel agent to help you cut through the red tape, if any.

And, it is probably best to learn as much about your destination and its ceremony criteria ahead of time, ensuring there are no surprises.

When you have made your destination choice, it’s best to start working on the paperwork right away!

THE ULTIMATE WEDDING CRASHER

Besides being proactive with all marital paperwork, it is also prudent to be aware of the Ultimate Wedding Crasher – Mother Nature. Consider the time of year. Travelling during spring break, flight costs are far more expensive. Other considerations might be weather. The Caribbean’s hurricane season is from June 1st to November 30th, and if you are planning an outdoor ceremony or reception, have a Plan B option, should the weather not be on your side.

WEDDINGS ‘CLOSE TO HOME’

On this side of the pond, many couples say their vows in the lovely backdrops of Ontario's forests and lakeside wedding resorts from Deerhurst in The Muskokas to Orangeville's Hockley Valley.

THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Be it an intimate bride and groom silhouette, or fun ‘n frolic party picture, the photographer plays an enormous role in today's wedding.

If you are considering a destination wedding, whether it’s to the sunny south or north of Ontario, and wish to include the photographer as part of your wedding entourage, you may want to do some research on costs first.

144 wedding trends 2015

Luggage is another key player in destination weddings.

Wedding experts recommend that before the bride and groom consider purchasing their luggage, they should ask questions and do some research on brands, and whether the luggage may carry with it product guarantees and warranties.

Customers attending a destination wedding prefer a carry-on garment bag so the precious wedding attire does not get rumpled. A garment sleeve will do the same job and most airlines will allow you to carry it with you.

The luggage specialist also cautions against using just one big bag.

The bigger the bag, the more you pack and the harder it is to carry.

HOW TO AVOID WEDDING DRESS WRINKLES AND RUMPLES

Bring a garment steamer, as you will need to steam your wedding dress once you arrive, and be sure to pack an electrical converter if you are heading out to a country that may have different electrical output requirements. It is suggested to ask your travel agent for information regarding the destination’s electrical output requirements, or jump on the Internet, and do your own research.

KEEP ALL WEDDING GUESTS ON THE SAME ITINERARY PAGE

Regarding wedding party and guest itineraries, it is recommended that the bride and groom provide their guests with a complete and detailed schedule from travel arrangements to wedding day activities.

Pick a place that is easy to get to for your guests. Let them know, up to six months in advance, and furnish them with information brochures. If bookings are made early enough, some airlines and hotels may offer group discounts.

As the departure date approaches, send your guests an itinerary so that they know the date, time, and location of each scheduled event.

In this digital age, social media sites, like Facebook or the creation of the bride and groom’s wedding website (mywedding.com) are a good way to ensure all guests are on the same page, from the wedding registry to travel logistics.

Picking Petals Seasonal flower choices to meet your budget

BY ANGELICA BOTTARO

Flowers and décor play a major part A wedding just isn’t a wedding without a unique floral palette breathing life in a wedding. It makes the atmosphere more romantic or festive. It changes into the day’s main event. the room and adds a ‘wow’ factor.

Each and every flower enhances Flowers can be costly – but working the chosen theme of the celebration by adding splashes of colour and fra- with your florist and the season can keep your budget in check. >> grance.

Winter

Spring

Winter arrangements may seem tougher to pull off but there are many beautiful options to choose from— such as boronia, amaryllis, roses and spider mums.

Boronia, in particular, is prized for its fragrance. Spider mums are a great choice because of their staying power and will last through an entire wedding without even the slightest wilt.

Spring is a time of renewal and budding life. Flowers such as forever tulips and hyacinth, or daffodils and orchids are all good choices for the spring. They are available in a wide array of colours and textures and can be mixed and matched to create a bright and lively floral arrangement.

Orchids are long lasting and can be used in a vase with water for centrepieces or on a boutonnière.

Summer

Autumn

Summer offers the best selection of flowers. Some popular choices for summer weddings include sunflowers, peonies and classic roses.

Sun-flowers can add cheer to the day and also dramatic flair with their big size and widespread pedals. Peonies are prized for their versatility, colour options and naturally elegant look.

146 wedding trends 2015

Autumn’s flowers can spice up your wedding.

Dahlias are available in a wide range of colours, from bold black to pastel pink—so matching them to any theme is easy. Hypericum berries are also a top choice because they are great filler for many different styles of floral arrangements.

EVENTS

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2015 wedding trends 147

Pretty Little things

By VICtoRIa NEth

Many women know the underwear and bras they like, but your tried-and-trues might not be right for your special day or honeymoon. you should feel fabulous and comfortable on your wedding day—and night.

Shapewear

Garters

a variety of shapewear is available to make you look and feel fabulous.

Many brides choose their leg garters as their “something blue,” which

Bring a picture of your gown with you to the lingerie boutique and buy your

means that there’s a huge variety of blues—from baby to navy—available

shapewear before your first gown fitting and wear it to all fittings.

for this tradition.

Shapewear is designed to create a smooth silhouette, but it’s also about

your garter can be a fun and unexpected way to bring in your personality,

filling out your dress. Shapewear is for every body type, from athletic to

either as an individual or couple. Feel uniquely you with brightly coloured

curvy.

satin, a string of crystals or soft feathers.

Get comfortable with your body, both alone in front of the mirror and

your garter can also be a special surprise for him if you tie in something

with your lingerie and gown specialists. Know where you need a lift, and

he loves. Superhero, sports logo and camouflage garter sets are all

where you need a slim. It’s not about changing who you are, but about revealing the best you.

Special flair

For a traditional impression, choose classic white, but consider pale blue or pink too. Lace, ribbons or crystals add an extra special flair.

Don’t underestimate the appeal of coverage. a short, satin robe adds

possibilities. If you can’t find what you want, do-it-yourself with online tutorials. Get your bridesmaids together for a fun night of garter making!

Wedding theme lingerie

Consider carrying your season or theme into your honeymoon lingerie for something unexpected. If you’re getting married on Valentine’s Day, choose romantic red trimmed with cream lace. on New year’s Day, choose

another layer of fun. a soft baby doll paired with matching panties is sweet

mysterious black and gold masquerade theme.

and sultry. an opaque bodice on a corset with high stockings is dramatic

If your theme is rustic, choose a corset in a subdued tone, like blush, with

and daring.

ribbons, lace, and boning.

the style you look best in is confidence, so wear it proudly whether it’s underneath your bridal attire or a honeymoon surprise.

148 wedding trends 2015

high-waisted panties and bandeau bras are very vintage, especially when paired with a sheer dropped waist nightie.

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Luxe and Lavish Say “thank you” to your bridal party with the perfect bridesmaid gift.

1. Swarovski Stone Studs - $70: these gold-plated earrings play on the rose gold trend. their organic shape and golden toned crystal pavé make a sophisticated fashion statement on the wedding day.

2. Le Chateau Sateen Peep - toe Platform Pump - $80: these comfortable four-inch heels are decorated with a ruby red floral design. they complement a short, flirty dress or perfectly peep under a flowing gown.

3. Zara Faux Fur Wrap - $60: Wrap your bridesmaids up in warmth and luxury with Zara’s beautiful faux fur wrap-around designed in a classic camel hue. During fall or winter or on cool spring nights, the wrap elegantly eliminates the need for a jacket and looks stunning in photos.

4. Chloé Eau de Parfum - $110: this fresh, smooth floral fragrance evokes sublime powdery rose. the effect is chic, comfortable and entirely addictive. It will keep your attendants smelling sweet for the ceremony and reception.

5. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed - $46: this creamy powder luminizer absorbs and reflects light for a superb natural glow, in person and in photos.

6. Swarovski thao Gold Pattern, Smartphone Incase - $95: this stunning smartphone case is adorned with a subtle gradation of golden crystals and features the Swarovski logo printed on a leather tag.

7. Dior Nail Lacquer Base and top Coat - $29 each: (l to r) Surprise your bridesmaids with a professional mani and pedi, along with their own set of Dior’s Sparkling Plum base and Golden Shock top coat.

8. Sondra Roberts Flower Shaped Clutch - $85: this striking rectangular clutch is adorned with large silk-like rosettes on either side and features a single jewel top closure.

150 wedding trends 2015

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2015 wedding trends 151

$45K Priority: Décor & Floral

BUDGET bliss Breaking down your dream wedding by budget By taSha ZaNIN

From “Will you marry me?” (Yes!) to your big “I dos”’ there are hundred of decisions, big and small, to be made when planning your wedding. The picture perfect wedding day comes with months of planning, but possibly your biggest decision is going to be your budget—and how to stick to it.

Experts suggest your wedding can be everything you ever wanted, but you need to approach your vendors with firm numbers in mind. A wedding is a couple’s one opportunity to throw the party of their dreams, to show family and friends what they eat, drink, listen to and the style that makes them unique.

Planners recommend you determe your guest list first, when looking at your budget.Physical location makes a difference too. Rental costs can also end up bringing the wedding budget to the higher end of the scale.

There are so many aspects that come into play when planning this exciting milestone.

Key to creating a realist budget you can stick to are an understanding of how much products and services cost and decisions on your must-haves. Will it be the Hollywood-style dress and tux and all-star photographer or the Pinterest-worthy flowers and décor?

Here is a breakdown of two budgets for couples with different wedding priorities.

152 wedding trends 2015

DÉCOR, FLORAL & WEDDING PLANNER Bouquets and bouts, Centrepieces, Additional décor, Furniture and prop rentals, Draping, Custom or luxury linens & chairs Since this is your priority category, break down how much you want to spend on each sub category. Don’t settle on just any decorator or wedding stylist—make sure you meet with a few and truly understand their aesthetic before booking. Review their Pinterest and Instagram accounts to ensure your tastes align. Then, get ready for the mutual joy and excitement you will share as you embark on transforming a space with your wild ideas.

RECEPTION Food & alcohol, Cake, Venue rental fee, Rentals (tables, linens, dishware) This is always the hardest place to save. If your priority is decor, first find a venue that is either a blank slate or fits with your ideal theme. Aside from hosting a cocktail reception, choosing food stations, finding a venue where you can bring your own booze or considering a food truck, the best way to save here, is to keep your guest list down. The fewer guests you have, the fewer plates/chairs/tables/drinks/ napkins/centrepieces etc. you’ll need. And it all adds up.

% of Budget Allocated

Amount Allocated

Item

Invitations and printing, Postage, Additional day of stationary

39%

$17,550

Reception

10%

$4,500

Attire

Forego expensive calligraphy for your envelopes by taking a calligraphy class and DIYing it. If that fails, try clear labels from an office supplies store and a cool font. Choose to have guests email or phone you to RSVP to save on a second round of postage. Hand-delivering invites to friends and loved ones can save on postage too and is a nice touch!

32%

$14,400

Décor / Floral

5%

$2,250

Music/ Entertainment

8%

$3,600

Photography / Videography

2%

$900

Favours & Gifts

1%

$450

Ceremony

3%

$1,350

Stationary

0%

$0

Transportation

STATIONARY

$45K Priority:

General Tips

Photography & Fashion

FAVOURS & GIFTS

PHOTOGRAPHS PROVIDED BY ELIZABETH IN LOVE, SCARLET O’NEILL, TURNBULL PHOTOGRAPHY & JR MAGAT PHOTOGRAPHY.

Guest Favours, Groomsmen Gifts, Bridesmaids Gifts

ATTIRE Dress, Brides accessories, Groom’s tux, Groom’s accessories Because this is a priority, divy up the funds between sub areas such as dress, tux, accessories, before heading out to purchase them.

Research designers in advance and be up front with what you want to spend on your gown when you shop.

% of Budget Allocated

Amount Allocated

Item

36%

$16,200

Reception

22%

$9,900

Attire

4%

$1,800

Wedding Planner

PHOTOGRAPHY AND/OR VIDEOGRAPHY Photographer, Videographer A fabulous photographer in Toronto can cost anywhere from $3500-8,000- it all depends on the style and artistic eye that you are looking for.

If you plan to spend this much on photos, make sure you click (pun intended) with the photographer before booking. You will be spending a lot of time with them on your wedding day. You’ll need to understand their day-of process as well so you can be sure your schedule is timed properly to get your money’s worth. If you plan to hire a videographer too, be sure that they have worked with your photographer before and understand each other’s process. Both will require certain light and timing, so they’ll need to work well together.

Once again, consider family talents when thinking of appropriate favours to give to your guests.

Perhaps you have a family member who bakes killer cookies that you could package as a DI or maybe your grandmother makes amazing pasta sauce? Bringing family in to make favours not only saves money, but also adds personality to the event.

CEREMONY Officiant, Marriage License, Ceremony venue rental fees Find a venue location where you can do your ceremony at the same place. Consider getting married at city hall in advance and skipping the officiant’s fee by having a close friend of family member ceremoniously marry you at the wedding.

TRANSPORTATION Limo for bridal party

8%

$3,600

Décor / Floral

MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT

4%

$1,800

Music/ Entertainment

Band, DJ, Ceremony Musicians

20%

$9,000

Photography / Videography

2%

$900

Favours & Gifts

1%

$450

Ceremony

3%

$1,350

Stationary

0%

$0

Transportation

While a live band might be out of reach, there are many great DJs throughout the area that fall within this price range. Another option would be to check out DJs at your favourite bars and clubs. Many of these DJs don’t specialize in weddings and their rates may be surprisingly reasonable.

Transportation is a good place to save money.

Consider asking a friend with a nice car to chauffeur you for the day or, if the entire event is happening in one location, skip booking transportation all together. You’ll spend the least amount of time on your wedding day in a car, so if you can stomach it, book cabs or have your dad or uncle drive you to the ceremony. After that, you’ll get out and forget how you even arrived.

2015 wedding trends 153

Sophistication

and

Say “thank you� to your ushers with the perfect groomsman gift.

Style

1. Black Brown 1826 Checkerboard Cufflinks - $50: With a classic sleek design, these cufflinks will add the right final touch to any tux.

2. Paul Smith Gift Set - $91: add a little fun to a formal tux with a trio of stretch-cotton socks presented in a variety of patterns and colours.

3. Mark & Graham Everyday Leather iPad Envelope - $79: Sleek and simple, this envelope keeps tablets safe and protected. It comes in a choice of colours and has a soft, linen lining. Free monogramming and gift wrap included.

4. Flask Shop Groomsmen Flask - $20: this personalized engraved flask fits right into the pocket of a suit and is a great way to commemorate the big day.

5. tommy hilfiger Pre-tied Bow tie & Pocket Square - $65: this bow tie and pocket square combo has dapper style. the pre-tied bow tie is adjustable for the perfect fit.

6. the art of Shaving Kit - $112: Pamper your groomsmen with this luxurious quartet of shaving essentials for a smooth and refreshing shave for the big day.

7. homemade Gin Kit - $50: the set includes everything your groomsmen need to transform a bottle of vodka into an outstanding bottle of delicious gin at home, including a hand-selected blend of juniper berries, botanicals, spices and aromatics.

8. Beer Boot by Final touch - $20: Perfectly designed for an unforgettable toast.

154 wedding trends 2015

Planner

T R E N D S

U S E T H E S E PA GE S T O H E L P P L A N Y O U R W E D D I N G O R G O O N L I N E T O V I EW O U R D I GI TA L E D I T I O N S AT...

si m c o e.c om

2015 WEDDING TRENDS 155

Wedding Planner

WEDDING CHECKLIST 1 2 OR M O R E MONTHS B EFORE TO BE COMPLETED BY _______________________________________ Determine potential dates and times for your wedding Decide on the size, formality and setting for your wedding Create a wedding and engagement budget Reserve the locations of your wedding and reception Meet with and book the officiating clergy Choose your wedding party and participants Choose your wedding rings Draw up your initial guest list Organize your engagement party Decide if you are having a Stag & Doe party Other _____________________________________________________

9 –1 2 M O NTHS B EFOR E TO BE COMPLETED BY _______________________________________ Order your wedding dress and attendants’ attire Book your photographer/videographer Reserve a caterer Arrange for decor, chair covers and linens Book your live entertainment or DJ Reserve your florist Order your wedding cake Reserve any rental items from the rental company Register your gift choices at your favourite store Research accommodation for out-of-town guests Plan your honeymoon Mail out ‘Save the Date’ Cards Other ______________________________________________________

6 – 9 M O NTHS B EFOR E TO BE COMPLETED BY _______________________________________ Decide on your menu Reserve the musicians and soloist for your ceremony Reserve your limousine service Order your invitations and any other stationery Order bombonieres for your guests Mother’s outfits are chosen Check marriage licence requirements Decide on a Stag & Doe Venue Other ______________________________________________________

3 – 6 M O NTHS B EFOR E TO BE COMPLETED BY _______________________________________ Finalize your guest list Choose the reader for your ceremony Finalize your order with the florist Reserve the men’s wedding attire Make an appointment with your hairdresser Make appointments for nails and makeup Other _____________________________________________________ 156 WEDDING TRENDS 2015

2 MO N TH S B E F O R E TO BE COMPLETED BY _______________________________________ Mail the invitations Decide on your wedding vows or compose your own Finalize the reception menus Confirm the wedding details with the musicians and clergy Have the programs printed Purchase gifts for parents and attendants Schedule final dress fitting for bride and attendants Other ______________________________________________________

1 MO N TH B E F O R E TO BE COMPLETED BY _______________________________________ Apply for a marriage licence Plan the rehearsal dinner Meet with photographer and videographer Other ______________________________________________________

2 WEEKS BEFORE TO BE COMPLETED BY _______________________________________ Have the attendant’s parties Draft the speeches Finalize reception details Call any guests who have not replied Confirm details with your hairdresser and make–up artist Deliver song lists to musicians or play lists to DJ Confirm honeymoon reservations Other ______________________________________________________

1 WEEK BEFORE TO BE COMPLETED BY _______________________________________ Finalize seating plan Determine the order for the procession Have your rehearsal Confirm accommodation reservations Pick up the attire for the groomsmen Confirm the final numbers with the caterer Confirm details with limousine company Deliver your marriage licence to the officiant Create a seating arrangement for the reception and write out place cards Choose someone to hand out the favours Choose someone to return any rented items after the wedding Write any cheques required for the wedding day Pack for your honeymoon Other ______________________________________________________

O N TH E DAY Give the wedding bands to the best man Give the best man any cheques that will need to be given out Present the attendants and parents with their gifts Relax and enjoy your special day!

Other ______________________________________________________

Wedding Planner

DESTINATION WEDDING CHECKLIST In addition to the standard Wedding Planning Checklist, consider the following items when planning a Destination wedding.

C H O O S E YOUR DES TI NAT ION & SELEC T A WEDDI NG DATE When selecting your destination, consider the following Decide what time of year you would like to get married and select a preferred Determine the style of wedding you would like to have – traditional, informal etc.

Choose the setting you would like for your wedding – historic, exotic, seaside, countryside etc.

Consider he cultural experience you would like you and your guests to have – a holiday in the sun, a trek through the jungle, gourmet delight etc.

Choose the climate you would like for your wedding day Determine the time of year you would like your wedding to take place in – what will the weather conditions be like at that time of year?

What is the average cost to get married in a particular country If you would like to have a large or small wedding – how far your guests will have to travel will affect how many people will be able to attend How easy it is to plan a wedding in a particular country – could you plan your own wedding, would you have to use a Tour Operator or Wedding Planner?

The legal and residential requirements for getting married in a particular country Other ______________________________________________________

E X TR A ACTIV ITIE S When getting married abroad most couples hold extra activities and celebrations.

Decide if you will have a rehearsal or pre-wedding day dinner Decide if you will have a post wedding day breakfast or lunch.

If you are holding extra celebrations investigate and book appropriate venues.

Decide if you will organise group sightseeing activities.

Investigate possible activities.

Decide if you will have a party upon your return home. If yes, add this to your budget, compile a guest list and investigate and book venue.

Other ______________________________________________________

ACCO MMO DATIO N O P TIO N S F O R G U E S TS Investigate and select a range of suitable accommodation for your guests. Ensure you find accommodation that caters for all budgets.

Ask hotels if they will offer a special rate for your guests.

Confirm what date your guests must book by to secure accommodation.

Determine if a deposit must be paid. Will this deposit be refundable if a guest does not use the accommodation?

Determine if a hotel will be willing to put information in your guests’

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS Contact the Foreign Embassy or Consulate to confirm the legal and residential requirements to get married in the country of your choice.

Understand the time frame and the steps that must be completed to ensure your marriage can take place.

Other ______________________________________________________

COMPILE GUEST LIST Think about who you would like to spend your wedding day with and compile a guest list.

Speak to guests as early as possible in order to estimate the numbers that may attend. This will help when speaking to Wedding Planners, Tour Operators, Suppliers and choosing your wedding venues.

Other ______________________________________________________

P LA N YOUR WEDDING ABROAD Determine how much you would like to spend on your wedding Determine the style of wedding you would like to have and how much involvement you would like to have in its planning.

Decide if you would like to use a Wedding Planner, a Tour Operator or plan your wedding yourself.

rooms example welcome letters & gifts.

Decide if you will book accommodation on your guests’ behalf or ask your guests to book their own accommodation.

If your guests are going to book their own accommodation, compile a list of recommended hotels to go in their information pack. Be sure to mention any special rates and booking reference codes.

Ask the hotel if they provide airport transfers. Provide your guests with this information in their information pack.

Determine where you guests are staying and when they arrive and depart Other _________________________________________________

G U E S T IN F O R MATIO N Compile information pack or set up a wedding website. This information should be given to guests with their invitations.

Write a wedding welcome letter to put in your guests’ hotel rooms. This is a nice surprise for your guests and a good way of re-iterating the itinerary for your celebrations.

Other ____________________________________________________ 2015 WEDDING TRENDS 157

Wedding Planner BUDGET

D E SC R I P T I ON

CEREMONY Decorations: Location Fee: Officiant Fee: Marriage License: Musicians Fees: Ring Pillows: Rentals: Other:

RECEPTION Decorations: Location Fee: Food: Drinks: Favours: Rentals: Cake: Favors: Other:

ATTIRE Bridal Dress: Headpiece, Veil: Undergarments and hosiery: Shoes: Accessories: Jewelry: Bridal Makeup/Nails: Bridal Hair: Groom’s Tuxedo/Suit: Groom’s Shoes: Bow tie/cuff links, accessories: Other:

RINGS Bride’s Wedding Ring: Groom’s Wedding Ring: Engraving:

158 WEDDING TRENDS 2015

EST IM AT E

D EPO S I T

PAY MEN TS

BA LA N CE

ACTUA L

Wedding Planner BUDGET

D E S C R I PTI ON

EST IM AT E

D EPO S I T

PAY MEN TS

BA LA N CE

ACT UA L

FLOWERS Bouquets/Boutonnières: Ceremony: Reception: Rehearsal Dinner: Other:

PHOTOGRAPHY Photographer: Videographer: Albums: Engagement Photos: Additional Prints: Disposable Camera:

TRANSPORTATION Transportation for Wedding Party: Guest Shuttle: Parking Attendant: Other:

STATIONERY Invitations: Response Cards: Thank-you Cards: Postage: Guest Book: Other:

MUSIC Ceremony Musicians: Wedding Band: DJ: Cocktail Hour Musicians: Sound System Rental: Other:

GIFTS Bridesmaids: Groomsmen: Parents: Out of Town Guests: Other:

2015 WEDDING TRENDS 159

Wedding Planner ATTENDANTS

MAID OF HONOUR

BEST MAN

Name: ________________________________________

Name: ________________________________________

Telephone: ____________________________________

Telephone: ____________________________________

E-mail: ________________________________________

E-mail: ________________________________________

BRIDESMAIDS

GROOMSMEN

Name: ________________________________________

Name: ________________________________________

Telephone: ____________________________________

Telephone: ____________________________________

E-mail: ________________________________________

E-mail: ________________________________________

Name: ________________________________________

Name: ________________________________________

Telephone: ____________________________________

Telephone: ____________________________________

E-mail: ________________________________________

E-mail: ________________________________________

Name: ________________________________________

Name: ________________________________________

Telephone: ____________________________________

Telephone: ____________________________________

E-mail: ________________________________________

E-mail: ________________________________________

Name: ________________________________________

Name: ________________________________________

Telephone: ____________________________________

Telephone: ____________________________________

E-mail: ________________________________________

E-mail: ________________________________________

Name: ________________________________________

Name: ________________________________________

Telephone: ____________________________________

Telephone: ____________________________________

E-mail: ________________________________________

E-mail: ________________________________________

Name: ________________________________________

Name: ________________________________________

Telephone: ____________________________________

Telephone: ____________________________________

E-mail: ________________________________________

E-mail: ________________________________________

FLOWER GIRLS

RING BEARER

Name: ________________________________________

Name: ________________________________________

Parents: _______________________________________

Parents: _______________________________________

Telephone: ____________________________________

Telephone: ____________________________________

E-mail: ________________________________________

E-mail: ________________________________________

Name: ________________________________________

Name: ________________________________________

Parents: _______________________________________

Parents: _______________________________________

Telephone: ____________________________________

Telephone: ____________________________________

E-mail: ________________________________________

E-mail: ________________________________________

160 WEDDING TRENDS 2015

Wedding Planner

SPECIAL ASSITANT’S LIST Assigning others to perform duties below, will help you alleviate the stress of the day.

BEFOR E THE WEDDI NG

AF TE R TH E W E D D IN G

Pick-up bridal gown ________________________________________

Return any rental items _____________________________________

Pick-up bridesmaids' gown __________________________________

Return cake stand rentals____________________________________

Pick up tuxedos ___________________________________________ Wash & decorate cars _______________________________________

Return tuxedos ____________________________________________

Pick up rental items ________________________________________

Take the wedding dress to the cleaner __________________________

Set up and decorate ceremony site ____________________________

Drive couple to airport ______________________________________

Set up and decorate reception site_____________________________ Place seating chart, place cards, favours ________________________

Mail announcements _______________________________________

Deliver cake to hall _________________________________________

Take disposable cameras to be developed _______________________

Deliver flowers to bride _____________________________________

Pick up couple from the airport after honeymoon ________________

Deliver flowers to groom ____________________________________ Deliver corsages and boutonnieres ____________________________

___________________________________________________________

Drive bride to hair appointment ______________________________ Drive bridemaids to hair appointment _________________________ Coordinate food for bride and grooms' dressing locations ___________________________________________________________

AD D ITIO N AL TAS K S ________________________________________________________

Carry bride's emergency kit __________________________________

________________________________________________________

Drive bride & bridesmaids to ceremony site _____________________

________________________________________________________

Drive groom & groomsmen to ceremony site ____________________ Assign someone to tuck away gifts during ceremony and reception periodically _________________________________________

S H O RT LY B EFOR E OR DU RING C EREMONY Lighting candelabras before or during ceremony _________________ Laying the aisle runner______________________________________ Place and light votive candle on the candle table and place long matches for the lighting of the candles___________________________________ Distribute ceremony programs _______________________________ Remove decorations from ceremony site and take to hall ___________________________________________________________ Pay the officiant / others ____________________________________

REC EPTI ON Liase with the venue manager and the MC - handle any emergencies and final details _________________________________________________

________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________

Remove envelopes to a discreet location after all guests have arrived _

________________________________________________________

Transfer gifts at the end of the evening _________________________

________________________________________________________

Pay the venue manager _____________________________________ Remove decorations from hall and clean up _____________________ ___________________________________________________________ Drive the wedding couple to their night's accommodation or airport

________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ 2015 WEDDING TRENDS 161

Wedding Planner

RENTAL CHECKLIST REN TA L DETAI LS Company: _____________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________ Telephone: ___________________________________________________ Email: _______________________________________________________ Contact: _____________________________________________________ Date & Time of Pickup/Delivery: _______________________________ Date & Time of Return: ________________________________________ Cost/Deposit: _________________________________________________ Name of Person Picking Up: ____________________________________

T EN T S

Other _______________________ Qty __________

$ __________

Other _______________________ Qty __________

$ __________

BA R Portable Bar

Qty __________

$ __________

Highball Glasses

Qty __________

$ __________

Wine Glasses

Qty __________

$ __________

Punch Bowl

Qty __________

$ __________

Champagne Glasses

Qty __________

$ __________

Champagne Fountain

Qty __________

$ __________

Other _______________________ Qty __________

$ __________

Other _______________________ Qty __________

$ __________

Other _______________________ Qty __________

$ __________

Tents

Qty __________

$ __________

Chairs

Qty __________

$ __________

Dance Floor

Qty __________

$ __________

_____________________________ Qty __________

$ __________

Candles

Qty __________

$ __________

_____________________________ Qty __________

$ __________

Candelabras

Qty __________

$ __________

Flower Arrangements (Silk)

Qty __________

$ __________

DI N N ERWAR E

D E CO R ATIO N S

Aisle Markers

Qty __________

$ __________

Flatware

Qty __________

$ __________

Ivy Garland (Head Table)

Qty __________

$ __________

Dinner Plates

Qty __________

$ __________

Mini Lights

Qty __________

$ __________

Bread/Butter Plates

Qty __________

$ __________

Tulle

Qty __________

$ __________

Dessert Plates

Qty __________

$ __________

Head Table Backdrop

Qty __________

$ __________

Cups/Saucers

Qty __________

$ __________

Gravy Boats

Qty __________

$ __________

Podium

Qty __________

$ __________

Meat Platters

Qty __________

$ __________

Centrepieces

Qty __________

$ __________

Serving Bowls

Qty __________

$ __________

Envelope Drop

Qty __________

$ __________

Coffee Percolator

Qty __________

$ __________

Archways

Qty __________

$ __________

Easels

Qty __________

$ __________

Ceiling Decor

Qty __________

$ __________

Chair Covers

Qty __________

$ __________

Pillars

Qty __________

$ __________

Silk Trees

Qty __________

$ __________

TA BLEWA R E Linen Tablecloths

Qty __________

$ __________

Linen Napkins

Qty __________

$ __________

Table Overlay

Qty __________

$ __________

Table Skirting

Qty __________

$ __________

Other _______________________ Qty __________

$ __________

Tables

Qty __________

$ __________

Other _______________________ Qty __________

$ __________

Round

Qty __________

$ __________

Other _______________________ Qty __________

$ __________

½ Round

Qty __________

$ __________

Other _______________________ Qty __________

$ __________

Rectangle

Qty __________

$ __________

Other _______________________ Qty __________

$ __________

High Chair/Booster Seat

Qty __________

$ __________

Other _______________________ Qty __________

$ __________

162 WEDDING TRENDS 2015

Wedding Planner

CHOOSING YOUR WEDDING PLANNER Q UES T I ONS TO ASK YOU R PLA NNER Are you available for our date? _________________________________ Do you offer free consultations? ________________________________ How long have you been in business? ____________________________ What services do you offer? ____________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ How do you keep in touch with clients? __________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Who are your preferred vendors? _______________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Can you help us stay within budget? _____________________________ ___________________________________________________________ What’s the average size of the weddings you plan? __________________ ___________________________________________________________ Will you be with us on the big day? ______________________________ Do you work alone or as a team? ________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ What is the cost of your services? _______________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Will you coordinate delivery, arrival, and set-up times with vendors? ___________________________________________________________ Will you be at our rehearsal and is there an extra charge for this? ___________________________________________________________ Will you read through vendor contracts for me? ___________________ ___________________________________________________________

What are things to look out for?_________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Will you coordinate payments to vendors? ________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Can you provide references? ___________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ How many weddings have you done? ____________________________ How many do you do in a year? A month? A day? ___________________ ___________________________________________________________ Do you do this full-time? ______________________________________ Do you have any training or certifications? ________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Are you insured? _____________________________________________ What is your cancellation policy? _______________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________

W E D D IN G P L AN N E R Company: __________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________ Contact:____________________________________________________ Website:____________________________________________________ Extras: _____________________________________________________ Cost: ______________________________________________________ Deposit: ____________________________________________________ Notes: _____________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________

PLANNING YOUR DÉCOR Q UES T I ONS TO ASK YOU R DEC ORATOR

Do you have any training or certifications? __________________________

Are you available for our date? ___________________________________ Do you offer free consultations? __________________________________ How long have you been in business? ______________________________ Do you have a portfolio I can see? _________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Are all the pictures on your website and in the portfolio your own? _____________________________________________________________ What does pricing include? ______________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Can you provide examples at different price points? __________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Can you provide references? _____________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ How many weddings have you done? ______________________________ How many do you do in a year? A month? A day? _____________________ _____________________________________________________________ Do you do this full-time? ________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________ Are you insured? _______________________________________________ What is your cancellation policy? _________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

D E CO R ATO R Company: ____________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________ Contact:______________________________________________________ Décor included:________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Cost: ________________________________________________________ Deposit: ______________________________________________________ Notes: _______________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ 2015 WEDDING TRENDS 163

Wedding Planner CEREMONY SITE

COSTS

TE R MS

What is the facility rental fee? ____________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Is there a ceremony fee? _________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ What is the set-up/break-down fee? _______________________________ _____________________________________________________________ What is the staffing fee? ________________________________________ What is the overtime fee? _______________________________________ Is there a fee for security personnel? _______________________________ _____________________________________________________________

What is the length of the facility rental? Is there an overtime fee if your

S ERV I C ES

_____________________________________________________________

Does the site provide staff such as an on-site coordinator? _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Does the site provide items such as tables, chairs, chair covers? _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Does the ceremony site provide adequate parking space or valets? _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ What are the costs involved? _____________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Does the site provide on-site security. What are the costs involved? ______ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Does the site have a liquor licence? ________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

What is the deposit and when is the remainder due? _________________

A M EN I T I ES Are there changing rooms for the bridal party? ______________________ Are there picturesque locations for photo opportunities? Both inside and out? _________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Are there sufficient restroom facilities? _____________________________ Is there, or can you set up, a coat room? ____________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Is the facility in a desirable location? Consider the view and any potential noise interruptions. Is it easy to get to? Is it close to any nearby attractions? _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Is there a podium/microphone? __________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Is a sound system required? _____________________________________ 164 WEDDING TRENDS 2015

ceremony lasts longer? _________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Will you allow photographs and video during the ceremony? _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Do you have use of the entire site? If not – what areas can your party use? _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ What is the cancellation policy? ____________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Are there restrictions on food or drinks in any areas? __________________ _____________________________________________________________ Are candles or open flames allowed? ______________________________ Does the site have any music or noise restrictions? ___________________ _____________________________________________________________ Are there any decorating restrictions? (ie. hanging items from the ceiling / walls) ________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Will there be another ceremony during, before or after yours? If so, how will this affect your event?___________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ If an outdoor location, are there backup plans for rain or inclement weather? _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Is there a place to put up a tent? __________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Are there enough chairs for the ceremony or will you need to rent additional seating? ______________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

Wedding Planner RECEPTION SITE

COSTS What is the facility rental fee? ____________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ What is the cost for food?________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ What is the cost for beverages? ___________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ If you can hold your ceremony on site, what is the fee? _____________________________________________________________ Is there an in-house caterer or a list of preferred caterers? If so, are they the exclusive caterers, or can you provide your own? _____________________________________________________________ Are there on-site kitchen facilities? ________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ What is the staffing fee? (including bartenders, waiters etc.) _____________________________________________________________ What is the overtime fee? _______________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Is there a fee for security personnel? _______________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Is there a fee for parking or valets?_________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Is there a cake plating fee? _______________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Is the bar cost per person/open bar? ______________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Can we have a signature drink? Cost? ______________________________ _____________________________________________________________ If I supply my own wine is there a corkage fee? _______________________ _____________________________________________________________

PAC K AG ES What is included in the wedding package? __________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Facility rental? ________________________________________________ Food and beverages? ___________________________________________ Ceremony on site? _____________________________________________ Set up and break down? _________________________________________ Staffing? _____________________________________________________ Cake? _______________________________________________________ Flowers? _____________________________________________________

A M EN I TIES Are there changing rooms for the bridal party? ______________________ Does the facility provide guest accommodations or are their convenient locations nearby? ______________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Is there a bar area or can one be set up? ____________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Are there picturesque locations for photo opportunities? Both inside and out? _________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

Is there a dance floor? __________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Are there sufficient restroom facilities? ____________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Is there, or can you set up, a coat room? ____________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Is the facility in a desirable location? Consider the view and any potential noise interruptions. Is it easy to get to? Is it close to any nearby attractions? _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Is there a stage for the head table? ________________________________ Is there a podium/microphone? __________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

TE R MS What is the length of the facility rental? ____________________________ Is there an overtime fee if your wedding reception lasts longer? _________ _____________________________________________________________ Do you have use of the entire reception site? If not–what areas can your party use? ____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ What is the deposit and when is the remainder due? _________________ _____________________________________________________________ What is the cancellation policy? __________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Are there restrictions on food or drinks in any areas? __________________ _____________________________________________________________ Are candles or open flames allowed? ______________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Does the site have any music or noise restrictions? ___________________ _____________________________________________________________ Are there any decorating restrictions? _____________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Will there be another party during, before or after yours? If so, how will this affect your event? ______________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Is there a payment schedule? What kind of deposits are required? _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

S ITE Site: _________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________ Contact:______________________________________________________ Date & Time: __________________________________________________ Style of site: ___________________________________________________ Extras: _______________________________________________________ Cost: ________________________________________________________ Deposit: ______________________________________________________ Notes: _______________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ 2015 WEDDING TRENDS 165

Wedding Planner RECEPTION SITE

What are the costs involved? _____________________________________

Do you have use of the entire reception site? If not–what areas can your

_____________________________________________________________

party use? ____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Does the reception site provide on-site security. What are the costs

_____________________________________________________________

involved? _____ _______________________________________________

What is the deposit and when is the remainder due? _________________

_____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

A M EN I T I ES Are there changing rooms for the bridal party? ______________________ Does the facility provide guest accommodations or are their convenient locations nearby? ______________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Is there a bar area or can one be set up? ____________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Are there picturesque locations for photo opportunities? Both inside and out? _________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ What is the cancellation policy? __________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Are there restrictions on food or drinks in any areas? __________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Are candles or open flames allowed? ______________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Does the site have any music or noise restrictions? ___________________ _____________________________________________________________ Are there any decorating restrictions? _____________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Is there a dance floor? __________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Will there be another party during, before or after yours? If so, how will this

Are there sufficient restroom facilities? ____________________________

affect your event? ______________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Is there, or can you set up, a coat room? ____________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Is there a payment schedule? What kind of deposits are required?

Is the facility in a desirable location? Consider the view and any potential

_____________________________________________________________

noise interruptions. Is it easy to get to? Is it close to any nearby attractions?

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

S ITE

_____________________________________________________________ Is there a stage for the head table? ________________________________

Site: _________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________

Is there a podium/microphone? __________________________________

Contact:______________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Date & Time: __________________________________________________ Style of site: ___________________________________________________

T ERM S

Extras: _______________________________________________________

What is the length of the facility rental? ____________________________

Cost: ________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Deposit: ______________________________________________________

Is there an overtime fee if your wedding reception lasts longer? _________

Notes: _______________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

166 WEDDING TRENDS 2015

Wedding Planner

CHOOSING YOUR DRESS Q UES T I ONS TO ASK YOU R BRIDAL SHOP What brand and designer lines do you carry? _______________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Are any alterations included in the cost of the gown? ________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Can I get a price list or estimate for possible alterations? ______________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ After my gown is ordered, how long will it take for it to come in? ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________

Will I need to purchase special undergarments? ____________________ ____________________________________________________________ Do you rent crinoline? _________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Can you make any suggestions for jewelry/veils that compliment certain dress styles? _________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ What will I need at the first fitting? _______________________________ ____________________________________________________________

D R E S S O P TIO N 1 Store: _______________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________ Contact:_____________________________________________________ Sales Consultant: _____________________________________________ Style of Dress: ________________________________________________

Will you store the gown until the wedding day if necessary? ___________

Brand of Dress: _______________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

Price: _______________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

Price for Alterations:___________________________________________

Will the gown be steamed/pressed when I pick it up? ________________ ____________________________________________________________

D R E S S O P TIO N 2

____________________________________________________________

Store: _______________________________________________________

What are your deposit and payment policies?_______________________

Address: ____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

Contact:_____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

Sales Consultant: _____________________________________________

How long have you been in business? _____________________________

Style of Dress: ________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

Brand of Dress: _______________________________________________

Do you offer a discount if my bridesmaid dresses are also ordered from you?

Price: _______________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

Price for Alterations:___________________________________________

____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ What trends are you seeing this year? _____________________________

Attach any pictures you've seen or website URL's of things you like, to serve as inspiration.

____________________________________________________________

F ITTIN G DATE S AN D N OTE S

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

What styles are best for my body type? ____________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

Does the dress include a bustle? _________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________ 2015 WEDDING TRENDS 167

Wedding Planner

GROOMS / GROOMSMEN ATTIRE Q UES T I ONS TO ASK YOUR T UXEDO SHOP What sizes and styles are available?________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

Does the number of jacket buttons matter? _________________________ What happens if the tuxedo does not fit at pick up time? _______________ _____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

What is included in my tuxedo rental? _____________________________

Do you rent shoes? _____________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

What extras do you rent? ________________________________________

What colour selection do you have? _______________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________ Are the tuxedos in the store or have to be shipped in? _________________

O P TIO N 1

_____________________________________________________________

Store: ________________________________________________________

Is there an additional fee for alterations? ___________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Contact:______________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________ What is the total rental price with everything included? _______________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Is the groom's tuxedo rental free if we order all the groomsmen's as well? _ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ How many dressing rooms are available? ___________________________

Sales Consultant: ______________________________________________ Style: ________________________________________________________ Colour: ______________________________________________________ Vest: _________________________________________________________ Accessories:___________________________________________________ Shoes: _______________________________________________________ Cost: ________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Extras: _______________________________________________________

How far in advance should I reserve my tuxedo?______________________

Deposit: ______________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

O P TIO N 2

How do I handle measurements and pick-ups for my out-of -town

Store: ________________________________________________________

attendants? ___________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ When should the measurements be in? _____________________________ _____________________________________________________________ When can the tuxedoes be picked up? ______________________________ _____________________________________________________________ When do they need to be returned? ________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Is there a late returning fee? ______________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________ Contact:______________________________________________________ Sales Consultant: ______________________________________________ Style: ________________________________________________________ Colour: ______________________________________________________ Vest: _________________________________________________________ Accessories:___________________________________________________ Shoes: _______________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Cost: ________________________________________________________

What if I need the tuxedo for an extended period of time? ______________

Extras: _______________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Deposit: ______________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________ Should accessory colours match the ladies' dresses? __________________

Attach any pictures you've seen or website URL's of things you like,

_____________________________________________________________

to serve as inspiration

168 WEDDING TRENDS 2015

Wedding Planner

BRIDESMAID ATTIRE Q UES T I ONS TO ASK YOU R BRIDAL SHOP

B R IDAL S H O P O P TIO N 2

How long have you been in business? _____________________________

Company: ___________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________

What brand and designer lines do you carry? ______________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ What fabric / colours are available?_______________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________

Contact:_____________________________________________________ Designer: ____________________________________________________ Colour: _____________________________________________________ Cost: _______________________________________________________ Deposit: _____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________ Do you rent the dresses?________________________________________

Attach any pictures you've seen or website URL's of things you like,

____________________________________________________________

to serve as inspiration.

Are any alterations included in the cost of the dresses? _______________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________ Can I get a price list or estimate for possible alterations? ______________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ After the dresses are ordered, how long will they take to come in? ______

____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

F IN AL D R E S S & ACCE S S O RY OV E RV IE W

____________________________________________________________

Store: _______________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________ Will you store the dresses until the wedding day if necessary? ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Will the gowns be steamed / pressed when they are picked up?

Designer name: ______________________________________________ Style number: ________________________________________________ Colour: _____________________________________________________ Dress style options: ___________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

Cost: _______________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

Alteration cost: _______________________________________________

Do you have other locations for bridesmaids that are out of town? ______ ____________________________________________________________

Shoes: ______________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

Colour: _____________________________________________________

What are your deposit and payment policies?_______________________

Dyeable:__________________________Height of Heel ______________

____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________

Store where available: _________________________________________ Cost: _______________________________________________________

B RI DA L S HOP OP TION 1 Company: ___________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________ Contact:_____________________________________________________ Designer: ____________________________________________________

Hair accessory: _______________________________________________ Necklace: ___________________________________________________ Earrings: ____________________________________________________ Other jewellery: ______________________________________________

Colour: _____________________________________________________

Nail/toe polish colour: _________________________________________

Cost: _______________________________________________________

Other: ______________________________________________________

Deposit: _____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________ 2015 WEDDING TRENDS 169

Wedding Planner INVITATIONS

Q UES T I ONS TO ASK YOUR PRINT ER How long have you been in business? ______________________________ _____________________________________________________________ What is your design background? _________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Do you have samples? __________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ What types of printing processes do you offer and which do you specialize in? __________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Which do you recommend for my budget and style? __________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Do you offer custom invitations as well as templated styles? ____________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Is there a fee if I want to order a sample of either an existing invitation style or custom design? If so, how much? _______________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ If I choose a custom wedding invitation, what are my options for colour, paper type, ink and fonts? What is the word limit for the text? __________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Can I order my table numbers, place cards, ceremony programs, menus, thank-you cards etc. from you? If so, what is the extra cost? ____________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Do you offer a package or a discount price if I order all of the invitation components at the same time? ___________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

Can your photo specialist also convert colour images to black & white or sepia? Is there an additional cost? _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Are there and new styles, trends and colour combinations you would recommend? __________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ How much will it cost to mail? ____________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Will you assemble the invitations?_________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Are you willing to print on kit invitations? __________________________ _____________________________________________________________ How long will they take?_________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

O P TIO N 1 Store: ________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________ Style: ________________________________________________________ Colour: ______________________________________________________ Extras: _______________________________________________________ Cost: ________________________________________________________ Deposit: ______________________________________________________

O P TIO N 2 Store: ________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________ Style: ________________________________________________________ Colour: ______________________________________________________ Extras: _______________________________________________________ Cost: ________________________________________________________ Deposit: ______________________________________________________

that? If so, does the image need to be saved in a specific format? ________

Attach any pictures you've seen or website URL's of things you like, to serve as inspiration.

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Do you have photo retouching available, and if so, what is the price range?

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

If I want to include a picture or graphic on my cards can you accommodate

170 WEDDING TRENDS 2015

Wedding Planner

INVITATION TIMELINE C H EC KLIS T

r

PRE-WED D I NG : Save the Date Cards Wedding Announcement

Qty __________

$ __________ $ __________

Qty __________ Qty __________ Qty __________ Qty __________ Qty __________ Qty __________ Qty __________

$ __________ $ __________ $ __________ $ __________ $ __________ $ __________ $ __________ $ __________

WED D ING I NVI TATI O N CO M P ON E N T S: Outer Envelope Optional Inner Envelope Invitation Reception Card Directions / Map Card Response Card Save the Date Cards Wedding Announcement

4 / 5 MO N TH S r

r

TH ANK -YO U CA RD S Shower Thank-You Cards Wedding Thank-You Cards Response Card

r

Qty __________ Qty __________ Qty __________

$ __________ $ __________ $ __________

r

9 M O N T HS /1 YEAR r

r

r

Begin working on your guest list so you will know how many wedding invites (and maybe save the dates) to eventually order (one per single adult, couple or family invited).

Start your wedding invitation shopping so you can narrow your choices down to only your favorites. Be sure to order samples, which are usually blank, so you can personally see the paper and design.

If you are planning to mail out save the date cards to guests, begin searching for your preferred design of them as well.

7/8 M O N THS r

r r

If you will be sending save the dates, place your order based on the number of guests to whom you will be mailing them as they are optional.

Review sample wedding invitation verses and give some thought as to how your wording will read.

If sending save the dates, prepare and mail them.

6 M O N T HS r

r

Select your wedding invitation design and gather all the details that will be printed on them such as date, times, name and address of location(s), etc.

Determine what invitation enclosures or extras you will also be ordering – reception cards, response cards, pre-printed return address on envelopes, direction/map cards, decorative envelope seals, colored lining for inner envelopes, matching thank you cards or informal notes, etc. Some of these options may not be available depending on your chosen style. You may also be able to order matching menu, table and place cards for your design. The more items you can order together, the more you will save by avoiding separate shipping costs later.

If you are including response cards, check with your dinner location to see how far in advance they need your final guest count so you can select the RSVP date that will be printed on them (typically 2–3 weeks before wedding). You also need to decide whose address will be printed on the response envelope or postcard (meaning they will receive the replies).

If you are doing your own invitations, create and mail one to yourself to see how they hold up through the mail.

Finalize your wording and place your wedding invitation order.

Remember to order some extras now so you won’t run out if there are last-minute guests to invite and so you also have a few as keepsakes. If the option is available, order some extra envelopes just to be safe.

Review your guest list to make sure you have current addresses for everyone.

Consider custom wedding stamps for mailing your wedding invites.

Some retailers give you the option of choosing from pre-designed wedding postage or simply uploading a photo to create your own stamp design. NOTE: Be sure to have one of your ready-to-mail invitations weighed at a Post Office before you purchase any postage stamps to make sure you are using the correct amount for each invitation.

3 /4 MO N TH S r r r r r r

Fold and/or assemble your wedding invitations, if necessary.

Hand address mailing envelopes and write guest names on inside envelopes, if they are included.

Purchase and apply postage stamps to the response card envelopes or response postcards, if they will be included.

Assemble all wedding invitation pieces and insert them into already addressed envelopes.

Take one fully assembled and sealed invitation to the Post Office to have it weighed to determine the correct amount of postage needed.

Purchase your stamps or order custom wedding stamps with appropriate postage amount required for mailing.

6 /8 W E E K S r

Seal the envelopes, apply postage stamps and mail them all at the same time directly at a Post Office location.

3/4 W E E K S r r

Prepare and mail any other wedding-related invitations, rehearsal dinner, post-wedding brunch, etc.

Keep track of the response cards as they are returned by checking off their names from your guest list.

2 /3 WEEKS r r

Contact any guests who didn’t mail back their response cards.

Provide final guest count to reception/dinner location.

2015 WEDDING TRENDS 171

Wedding Planner TRANSPORTATION

QUESTIONS TO ASK When should we book? _________________________________________

Are food and beverages allowed in the vehicle?_______________________ _____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

How do we book the vehicles that we want? _________________________

Is there a limit on how many stops we can make? _____________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

What type of vehicles do you carry?________________________________

How many staff / chauffeurs are provided with the vehicle? _____________

_____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ What wedding packages are available and what do they include? ________ _____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Do the chauffeurs carry umbrellas? _______________________________ _____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Are there any cancellation fees? ___________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Do you give a discount if we book more than one vehicle? ______________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Can you provide references? _____________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

How many people does each vehicle accommodate? __________________ _____________________________________________________________

O P TIO N 1

_____________________________________________________________

Company: ____________________________________________________

How much is the deposit? _______________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ When is the balance payable? ____________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________ Contact:______________________________________________________ Telephone / Email:______________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Website:______________________________________________________

What is the overtime rate if the wedding goes longer than expected? _____

Vehicle: ______________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Colour: ______________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Extras: _______________________________________________________

What happens if a breakdown occurs? _____________________________

Cost: ________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Are decorations and ribbons allowed on the vehicle? Who supplies them? _ _____________________________________________________________

Deposit: ______________________________________________________

O P TIO N 2

_____________________________________________________________

Company: ____________________________________________________

What type of media does the vehicle supply? (CD player, Mp3 player

Address: _____________________________________________________

hook-up, TV etc.) ______________________________________________

Contact:______________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________ When should we book? _________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Are the vehicles used for other weddings on the same day, or only one

Telephone / Email: _____________________________________________ Website:______________________________________________________ Vehicle: ______________________________________________________ Colour: ______________________________________________________

wedding? _____________________________________________________

Extras: _______________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Cost: ________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Deposit: ______________________________________________________

172 WEDDING TRENDS 2015

Wedding Planner CATERER

Q UES T I ONS TO ASK Can you supply examples of suggested menus along with prices? ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Are you familiar with my wedding site? ___________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Are there any kitchen requirements? _____________________________ ___________________________________________________________ What do you charge? _________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Are you willing to work with my budget?__________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ What suggestions do you have given my needs and budget? __________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Are taxes and gratuities extra? __________________________________ Does the cost cover setup and cleanup? __________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Is there a minimum charge? If so, how much?______________________ ___________________________________________________________ What are the deposit and cancellation policies? ____________________ ___________________________________________________________ How long are the staff available for? _____________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Do you include a cake stand and knife if required? __________________ ___________________________________________________________ Will you cut the cake and supply plates, forks and knife? If so, is there an extra fee for this? ____________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Do you supply and serve tea and coffee? Is there an extra fee for this? ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________

Will you do the wedding cake? __________________________________ Are there different options for serving the food? (plated, family style or buffet) __________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Do you allow substitutions? ____________________________________ Are you able to handle special requests? (allergies, menu for kids etc.) __ ___________________________________________________________ How many dinner options are available? __________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Do you offer seasonal or local food?______________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Will you provide a late night buffet? If yes, how much extra does it cost and what are the menu options? ____________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ What other services do you offer? _______________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Do you provide wait staff ? _____________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Do you offer rentals?__________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Will there be a representative available on-site during the meal time? __ ___________________________________________________________ Can you provide references? ___________________________________ ___________________________________________________________

VENDOR Company: __________________________________________________ Contact:____________________________________________________ Cost per person: _____________________________________________ Deposit: ____________________________________________________

ME N U

What is the deadline for notification regarding menu selection?

Soup / Salad: ________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

Appetizer: __________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

Main (1) : ___________________________________________________

What is the deadline for notification regarding final guest count?______

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

Main (2): ___________________________________________________

Do you provide linens? If so what options and how much? ___________

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

Main (3): ___________________________________________________

Do you supply the dishes / cutlery? Are there different options for these?

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

Dessert: ____________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

Coffee / Late night buffet: ______________________________________ 2015 WEDDING TRENDS 173

Wedding Planner CHOOSING A CAKE

C H EC KLI ST Style: ____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________ Will you deliver? Set up? Is there a charge with this? __________________

Shape: ___________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Topper: __________________________________________________

How far ahead do I need to order my cake? _________________________

Tiers: ____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Colour:___________________________________________________

What would the total cost of the cake be, and do you charge additional fees

Flavour: __________________________________________________

for any decorations? ___________________________________________

Filling: ___________________________________________________ Extras: ___________________________________________________ Grooms cake:______________________________________________

TASTING Date: ____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________ What is your policy on returning extras such as the cake toppers, and what if something is damaged? ___________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Can you make a groom’s cake? ___________________________________

Company: ________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Time: ____________________________________________________

Do you offer tastings? Is there a fee for this? _________________________

Attending: ________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Q UES T I ONS TO ASK YOUR BAKER

Do you lend, rent or sell cake knives? ______________________________ _____________________________________________________________

How much experience do you have making wedding cakes, and will you be

How much cake should I order? ___________________________________

the one doing the baking exclusively, or will you have assistance? ________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Do you have a portfolio? _________________________________________ Do you do cupcakes? ___________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Can you provide references? _____________________________________

What is the cost per serving? ____________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ How much of a deposit do you require? ____________________________

Can I schedule a tasting? ________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

When is the balance due? _______________________________________

What flavours/fillings do you offer? _______________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Will you provide a written contract for me to sign outlining the costs and

When are you planning on baking the cake? (Two days before the wedding

details of the cake? _____________________________________________

maximum is the best time frame.) ________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Do you offer artificial/show cakes? ________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

CA K E D E TA I L S

Will you provide sheet cakes? ____________________________________

Company: ____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________

What rentals do you have available? _______________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Am I required to provide cake stand/pillars? ________________________ _____________________________________________________________

Contact:______________________________________________________ Cake Details: __________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

Can I bring in my own flowers/cake topper? _________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Cost: ________________________________________________________

Do you decorate with fresh flowers? _______________________________

Deposit: ______________________________________________________

174 WEDDING TRENDS 2015

Wedding Planner

CHOOSING A FLORIST C H EC KLIS T Bridal Bouquet Groom Bridesmaids Groomsmen Mother of Bride Mother of Groom Grandparents Aisleways Alter /Arch Entry way at Reception Centerpieces Buffet Table Cake / Cake Table Other________________________ Other________________________ Other________________________

Qty __________ Qty __________ Qty __________ Qty __________ Qty __________ Qty __________ Qty __________ Qty __________ Qty __________ Qty __________ Qty __________ Qty __________ Qty __________ Qty __________

$ __________ $ __________ $ __________ $ __________ $ __________ $ __________ $ __________ $ __________ $ __________ $ __________ $ __________ $ __________ $ __________ $ __________ $ __________ $ __________

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR FLORIST Are you familiar with my ceremony and reception location? ____________ _____________________________________________________________ What flowers will be in season for my wedding? ______________________ _____________________________________________________________ Do you offer flowers that are off season as well? ______________________ _____________________________________________________________ Do you offer extras such as feathers, candles, gems etc.? _______________ _____________________________________________________________ Do you offer artificial arrangement? _______________________________ Will you make up a sample arrangement before the wedding? If so, what is the fee for this? ________________________________________________

Is there a delivery / set-up fee? ____________________________________ If picking up the flowers, are there any special travel or storage instructions I should know about? ___________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ What time will you be at my ceremony and reception sites to set up? _____ _____________________________________________________________ What rental items do you have? How are they priced? _________________ _____________________________________________________________ What is the policy if I want to add extra items at the last minute? ________ _____________________________________________________________ Do you have photographs or samples of your work? ___________________ How many weddings do you do in a day? ___________________________

F L O R IS T O P TIO N 1 Company: ____________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________ Contact:______________________________________________________ Flowers: ______________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Cost: ________________________________________________________ Deposit: ______________________________________________________

F L O R IS T O P TIO N 2 Company: ____________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________ Contact:______________________________________________________ Flowers: ______________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Cost: ________________________________________________________ Deposit: ______________________________________________________

CHOOSING A VIDEOGRAPHER Q UES T I ONS TO ASK YOU R VIDEOGRA PHER

Do you have a demo DVD? ________________________________________

How long have you been in business?’ _______________________________

What are your rates? ____________________________________________

What kind of cameras do you use?__________________________________

What does that include?__________________________________________

Do you have lighting available? ____________________________________ Will you provide references or a portfolio? ___________________________ Do you work alone or do you have an assistant? _______________________

V ID E O G R AP H E R D E TAIL S

What do you normally wear to weddings?____________________________

Company: _____________________________________________________

Can you do multiple camera shots? _________________________________ What is your editing style? ________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________

Will you do interviews? __________________________________________

Contact:_______________________________________________________

Do you offer packages? Highlights? _________________________________

Package: ______________________________________________________

How much input can I have in music selection? _______________________ When can we expect our DVD? ____________________________________ Will it be available online? ________________________________________

Cost: _________________________________________________________ Deposit: _______________________________________________________ 2015 WEDDING TRENDS 175

Wedding Planner

CHOOSING A PHOTOGRAPHER Q U E S T I O N S TO AS K YOUR PHOTOG RAPHER

______________________________________________________________

Are you the only photographer in this company? ______________________

How long will it take for us to receive our albums?

If I hire you, am I guaranteed that you will be the one showing up to shoot

______________________________________________________________

my wedding? __________________________________________________ Is the work that I am seeing all yours and only yours or is it a compilation of work from more than one photographer?

What is the copyright for the photos? ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Do you offer payment plans and what are the terms?

Can you show me 3 or more complete weddings you’ve done?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________ Do you offer traditional wedding photography? ______________________________________________________________

Are you okay with other people taking photos? ______________________________________________________________

Is color, B/W and sepia photography included, or is there an extra fee for

How long will you keep our photos?

B/W and sepia?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Is the engagement session included?

Do you offer special effects, digital colour separation and retouching? ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

If so, are these services included or do you charge a fee for these services?

Am I able to order more photos or albums months after the wedding?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Is unlimited coverage included in your packages or is there an extra fee for

Do you do love/trash the dress sessions? _____________________________

all day coverage? ______________________________________________________________

Do you bring any props for pictures with you? ________________________

Are you willing to come extra early to get shots of us (the couple) before the

______________________________________________________________

ceremony if we choose to do that? Would there be a fee for this?

Is so, is there an extra fee for these? _________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Are you flexible in the timeline? ____________________________________

Do your packages include one or two photographers and is there an extra fee for a second photographer? ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________ Do you expect dinner? ___________________________________________

How far will you travel to a wedding before charging a travel fee?

Are there any special requests? ____________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Do you charge a fee if the wedding and reception are in more than one location? ______________________________________________________ What happens if on the day of the wedding you are unavailable?

______________________________________________________________ PH OTO G RA PH ER D ETA I LS

______________________________________________________________

Company: _____________________________________________________

Do you offer a website and CD of my images? If so, is this included in the

Address: ______________________________________________________

packages or this is an extra fee? ______________________________________________________________ If you don’t have a package that works for me, would you be willing to try

Website:_______________________________________________________ Contact:_______________________________________________________

and customize one that suits my specific needs and is within my budget?

Package: ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Are albums or prints included in the package?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________ Do you offer high-res images or just prints? __________________________

______________________________________________________________

Do you offer only traditional albums, or do you have a wide variety of

Cost: _________________________________________________________

options to choose from including any coffee table-style books?

Deposit: _______________________________________________________

176 WEDDING TRENDS 2015

DISC�JOCKEY

Wedding Planner

MUSICIANS

Q UES T I ONS TO ASK YOU R DJ

Q U E S TIO N S TO AS K YO U R MU S ICIAN

Are you available for our date? ____________________________________

Do you specialize in weddings? ___________________________________

What services do you offer? ______________________________________

How many have you done recently? ________________________________

What is included in your music library? ____________________________ Do you offer an early set-up time? _________________________________ Will the DJ take requests?________________________________________

How many musicians do you recommend for my wedding? _____________ How long have the musicians been playing together? __________________ Will you learn new material and if so, will you rehearse it before the wedding? ____________________________________________________

Do you offer lights & effects? If so at what cost? ______________________ How many weddings have you done? ______________________________ How many hours will they play for a specific fee? _____________________ How far will you travel? _________________________________________ Are you familiar with our event locations? __________________________

Can we book the exact performers who will be at our wedding?

Do you or the venue have all the sound equipment you need? ___________ How long do you need to set up? __________________________________

What do you need the facility to provide for you? ____________________

If we want specific songs do we need to provide sheet music? ___________

Do you carry insurance? _________________________________________

Can we watch you preform prior to the ceremony?____________________

What are your rates? ___________________________________________

What is your cancellation policy? _________________________________

Can you provide references? _____________________________________

What is your definition of continuous music? ________________________

How long have you been in business? ______________________________

Do you have a CD or download of your music? _______________________

Do you have a contract? _________________________________________ How far ahead do you book? _____________________________________ Do you require a deposit? ________________________________________

Can you provide references? _____________________________________ Are you able to do the ceremony and the reception? __________________ What is the cost? ______________________________________________ Is there a deposit due? __________________________________________

Payment plans? ________________________________________________ Other ________________________________________________________

DJ DETA ILS Company: ____________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________ Contact:______________________________________________________

MU S ICIAN D E TAIL S Company: ____________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________ Contact:______________________________________________________

Details: ______________________________________________________

Details: ______________________________________________________

Cost: ________________________________________________________

Cost: ________________________________________________________

Deposit: ______________________________________________________

Deposit: ______________________________________________________ 2015 WEDDING TRENDS 177

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1.17 carats Centre Diamond 14 Karat White Gold

18 Kt yellow gold with platinum claws., excellent cut, $10,000.00.

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You said YES Let us do the rest Whether it’s an intimate gathering or an elaborate celebration, Casino Rama is the perfect location for your dream wedding.

From engagement party to gift opening the next day, we can assist with all your wedding needs from start to finish.

Say Yes to Ceremony and reception onsite Experienced Wedding Specialists to coordinate your big day Customized wedding packages Luxury hotel accommodations Full-service spa For more information call 705-238-5900 or visit casinorama.com/wedding Guests under nineteen (19) years of age are permitted in the hotel and banquet area. Guests must be nineteen (19) years of age or older to access the gaming floor and you must provide valid government issued photo identification. Those who have been trespassed and/ or self-excluded from Casino Rama or any OLG property may not visit Casino Rama.