Wedding Essentials Magazine Spring | Summer 2016

www.weddingessentials. ca

GO GRANDLY GATSBY Trending Vintage 1920s’ Glam

LOVE YOUR LIPS Make Them Luscious

IDEAS ROMANCE CREATIVE PHOTOS Real-Life Weddings

F R EE! Co

mplimenta r Bride’s Sur y vival Guide See page 8 2

DISCOVER ONTARIO Varied Venues For Vows

FOCUS ON THE PROS When Photographers Get Married

Winter/Spring 2016

$5.95

D I S P L AY U N T I L M AY 1 1 , 2 0 1 6

BE INSPIRED! Gorgeous Gowns Fabulous Flowers Cakes & Treats

Cover photo by Ally Kristensen Photography Other cover credits see page 14

FROM THE PUBLISHER

We are not alone.

I remember when I was helping plan my wedding, back in the last century, my bride-to-be Mary and I felt that we were the first ever to have to make all the decisions that were necessary for a smooth wedding ceremony and reception.

Fortunately, like you, we were not alone. There are many sources for finding help.

Wedding Essentials has a history of making this daunting task easier, by letting you maintain control throughout the months of planning. But we’re not the same magazine that your mother may have used. Yes, we have the print version of the magazine, as well as our sister publications, The Savvy Bride and The Bride’s Survival Guide, but we are on the leading edge of the digital revolution.

With the use of your smart phone, you can scan any one of the QR Codes in our Advertisers’ Directory and immediately receive the information that you need. You can also scan the QR Code at the bottom of this letter and

8 | Wedding Essentials 2016

instantaneously attend our Internet Bridal Show™ from the comfort of your own chair. This opens an entire world of thoughts and ideas, as well as suppliers who are waiting to answer your questions and fulfil your wishes.

But that’s not all.

This information age that we live in creates more decisions for you. How can you possibly know which information is credible, and what is gossip and hype?

I am proud of our Editor, Judy Johnson, and her stable of writers and researchers. Judy has cut through all the noise and has created content for you in this magazine that is interesting, unique and trustworthy. The Real Life Weddings are not wild ideas of what might be, but actual weddings of interest that worked. Our regular features are crammed with transferrable ideas, new trends and practical methods of creating the wedding you envision. If your dream is of a 1920s’ sophisticated celebration or of a rustic vintage event, you will find creative details here. Ever wonder what factors wedding photographers consider when choosing the person behind the camera for the photos of a lifetime? Here is your chance to discover just that! There is an amazing variety of venues in Ontario for weddings; check out a sampling of those in this issue. Be inspired by fabulous gowns, flowers, sweet treats and décor elements. Just flip through to the Table of Contents on page 12 and you’ll be carried off on an enjoyable journey of wedding planning.

Enjoy,

John Webster | Publisher

FROM THE EDITOR

Weddings are all about beginnings, passion, partnerships and making memories to last a lifetime. They can also be about traditions and are always about celebrating with the people we care about most, and who care most about us. The walk into the future is taken with the confidence that shared experiences have created. And the love that surrounds a bride and groom from their past and their present is something they carry forward as they begin a new life chapter together — marriage.

The bride who is reading this magazine is passionate. She is passionate about the person she is about to marry and about the partnership they are entering. She is passionate about creating a wedding celebration that will provide forever memories. To make that happen, many new partnerships will be created — partnerships with the wedding photographer, the wedding planner, the florist and many more individuals whose skill and talents ensure a successful outcome.

10 | Wedding Essentials 2 016

At Wedding Essentials, we’re all about passion and partnerships too — passionate about providing valuable information that will help couples navigate smoothly through the white water challenge of wedding planning...consider us a partner in your wedding planning process.

As a bride-to-be, your task is to find supplier partners who are passionate about making bridal couples’ unique wedding dreams come true and who have the expertise to do exactly that. From photographers to florists to edible art creators, gown designers, bridal shop owners, wedding planners, to the people who create outstanding cuisine and all the other elements that culminate in a perfect wedding, you need to find your specialist partners, memories-in-the-making people who love their work and who are masters of it, this unique blend of art and business. We want to help you do just that, so everything about your wedding is about a perfectly wonderful beginning.

Congratulations on your engagement! I wish you joy as you plan the wedding you’ve imagined. I wish you happiness as you begin a wonderful journey through life with your partner. And I wish you continuing passion for love, life, new experiences, and all the wonderful people and places that you encounter along your path...as well as partnerships that help you achieve all of your dreams.

To new beginnings & forever passions,

Judy Johnson | Editor

VOL .17, NO.2 | WINTER/SPRING 2016

PUBLISHER John Webster | Publisher@WeddingEssentials.ca

EDITORIAL EDITOR Judy Johnson | Editor@WeddingEssentials.ca COPY & WEDDING WISDOM EDITOR David Jones | David@WeddingEssentials.ca ART DIRECTOR Mark Tzerelshtein | MarkintoshDesign.com CONTRIBUTORS T.P. Black | Jonathan Barratt | Lynne Callaghan | Marcia Chandler PHOTOGRAPHER CONTRIBUTORS Ally Kristensen Photography | Claire Morgan Photography | Collective 67 Destiny Dawn Photography | Dia Saleh Photography | EarlGray Images Emily Christine Photography | Emily Maureen Photography | Enspyre Photography Haley Photography | Joel Bedford Photography | Karissa Poot Photography Krzysztof Pedzimaz, Goldfruit Co. | Michael Fantauzzi Fine Art Photography Mike Streeter Photography | Olexandro Wedding Photography | Pure Aperture Photography Rebecca Marie Photography | Rebecca Nash Photography | Samantha Ong Photography Wright Shot Photographer | Your Life In Stills Photography by Rob Boyce | Zach & Jody Gray

ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS & PRODUCTION MANAGER Carolyn Ryan | Carolyn@WeddingEssentials.ca ACCOUNTING Kelly McClatchey

ADVERTISING SALES Advertise@WeddingEssentials.ca Wedding Essentials is published by The Town Crier of Markham Inc. ŠCopyright 2016 The Town Crier of Markham Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of this publication in any form without the written permission of the publishers is prohibited.

Wedding Essentials and Internet Bridal Show are registered trade names of The Town Crier of Markham Inc., and the unauthorized use of these trade names is strictly prohibited.

The information in this publication is believed to be accurate.

However, neither Wedding Essentials nor The Town Crier of Markham Inc. can or will be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by advertisers listed herein.

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION CONTACT Wedding Essentials | 1 Town Crier Lane, Markham ON L3P 2T9 Phone: 416.498.4996 | Email: Mail@WeddingEssentials.ca For more wedding tips, trends and information, check out our rapidly-expanding website at www.WeddingEssentials.ca Printed in Canada.

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Wedding Essentials 20 1 6 | 11

CONTENTS

VO L . 1 7, N O. 2 W I N T E R /S P R I N G 20 16

FEATURES 25

LOVELY LIP TIPS How to make them beautifully kissable

62

CAPTURE GATSBY GLAM Do the 1920s with authenticity and class

84

VISITING ONTARIO VENUES Mills, barns, golf clubs, wineries, boats...and more

90

A WEDDING IN THE WOODS CELEBRATION Rebekah & Phil’s Wedding Part II

98

H OW T H E P RO S C H O O S E P H OTO G RA P H E RS A wedding photographer offers insight into selection

REAL-LIFE WEDDINGS 22

RETRO GLAM WINTER WEDDING Tania & Andrew

36

VIENNA PROPOSAL, TORONTO WEDDING Claudia & Michael

78

NEW YEAR’S EVE WEDDING Julia & Brad

102 RUSTIC & ROMANTIC VOWS Caitlin & Shona

A FREE GIFT FOR YOU

WEDDING PLANNER FOR ONTARIO BRIDES The Bride’s Survival Guide is a 128-page planner/organizer created specifically for brides in South-Central Ontario. It gives you detailed information on every aspect of getting married— from how to word your invitations to how to pack for your honeymoon. To request your FREE copy (a $39.95 value), complete and mail the postcard opposite page 82. Or complete the request form at www.WeddingEssentials.ca. (Quantities are limited.)

12 | Wedding Essentials 2016

contents

INSPIRATIONS 28

FASHION PASSION Inspiration from beautiful brides

68

EDIBLE ART Palate pleasure possibilities

72

BEAUTY Products to help you look your best

74

FLORAL FANTASY Beautiful blooms that delight

114 PLANET ONTARIO Celebrating Ontario’s cultural diversity

DIRECTORIES 18

RECEPTION REFERENCE GUIDE

109

DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS

ON THE COVER PHOTO: Ally Kristensen | allykristensenphotography.com | 289.696.8344 MODEL: Siobhan McAvoy | 289.244.6686 FLOWERS: Sue Gallo Designs | suegallodesigns.com | 905.902.0238

14 | Wedding Essentials 2 016

48

101

44

71

105

77

46

50

54

Wedding wisdom TABLE OF CONTENTS 20

THE COUNTDOWN CALENDAR

26

VEILS

43

GIFT REGISTRIES

44

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

45

SKIN CARE: 101

46

TREAT YOURSELF

47

FINGERS & TOES!

48

ENHANCING YOU!

49

PERFECT LIPS

50

LUXIOUS LOCKS

52

VISITING A BRIDAL SALON

54

CHOOSING YOUR GOWN STYLE

56

FIRST STYLE... THEN COLOUR & FABRIC

58

THE HONEYMOON

60

TRAVELLING SMART

69

MAKE ROOM FOR DESSERT

71

FLAVOURFUL FILLINGS

73

CLEANING AND PRESERVING

76

LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS

77

SELECTING A FLORIST

93

WEDDING STATIONERY

94

INVITATION CHOICES & IDEAS

95

PRINTING METHODS

96

RESPONSE CARDS & SEATING CHARTS

97

MAPS & THANK-YOU NOTES

101 PHOTOGRAPHY 105 A GIRLS BEST FRIEND 106 PICKING A DIAMOND & UNDERSTANDING THE 4 C’S 107 FOUR WAYS TO CLEAN YOUR DIAMOND 108 ANNIVERSARY GIFTS, GEMS & FLOWERS

Reception Reference Guide

A quick chart to help you to compare Ontario’s finest upscale wedding venues. All information is subject to change without notice. Some offerings may be available only on a limited, seasonal or by-request basis. Unless otherwise noted, alcohol charges, gratuities and taxes are extra.

NORTH OF TORONTO Page



Guests

$

Included In Price

Ceremony On Site

Outdoor Area

Special Menus

CHATEAU LE JARDIN CONFERENCE & EVENT VENUE 905.851.2200 30-1300 $75-160

A B F I J M N, open bar, antipasto bar

No

No

F G It P

CHRISTIES MILL INN & SPA 1.800.465.9966

AIMBFJNRGOSUHLPT

Yes

Yes

Ca Ch G H In It Ja K P V

CRANBERRY GOLF RESORT, LIVING WATER RESORT & RESIDENCE 705.446.3253 2-220 $30-100 CU

Yes

Yes

Ca G In It Ja P V

PATTERSON-KAYE RESORT AND SPA 705.645.4169 20-200

Yes

Yes

VO

YEs

Yes

Yes

AFGHOP

Yes

Yes

Ca F G H In Il P V

THE BRIARS RESORT, CONFERENCE CENTRE & SPA 905.722.3271 Ext. 2730 up to 150 $125-135

ABCFGJNOPRSTU

Yes

Yes

Ca Ch F G H In It Ja P V O

WOODINGTON LAKE GOLF CLUB 905.936.9523 Ext. 232 PAGE 13

AFGIJOPRUW

Yes

Yes

Ca F G P V

Included In Price

Ceremony On Site

100

$35-150

$60-130

FGHIJPRU

SHARON TEMPLE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE AND MUSEUM 905.478.2389 0-88 TABOO MUSKOKA 1.800.461.0236 Ext. 5796

20-200

60-300

$150-250

$70-125

SOUTHEASTERN ONTARIO 

Guests

DEER CREEK GOLF & BANQUET FACILITY 905.427.7757 Ext. 300 50-540

$

$75-125

ABCFG

Yes

Outdoor Area Yes

Special Menus

F In H Ja V

TORONTO AND GTA Guests

$

Included In Price

Ceremony On Site

840-1400

$95-110

ABFGIJNOPU

Yes

Yes

Ch G H In Il K P V

CASTLEFIELD EVENT THEATRE 905.851.2200

25-1100

$79-169

ABCFGIJMNOPRSU

Yes

Yes

F G It Ja P V O

DISTILLERY EVENTS: 416-203-2363

80-300

$2,500-22,000

AIJNROP

Yes

Yes

Ca Ch F G In It Ja K P V O



Outdoor Area

Special Menus

ATLANTIS 416.260.8000

• ARCHEO 416-203-2363 • THE FERMENTING CELLAR 416-203-2363

AIJNROP

Ca Ch F G In It Ja K P V O

AIJNROP

Ca Ch F G In It Ja K P V O

AIJNROP

Ca Ch F G In It Ja K P V O

• THE LOFT 416-203-2363 MARKHAM MUSEUM 905.294.4576 Ext. 3171 THE EGLINTON GRAND 416.485.5900 THE OLD MILL INN AND SPA 416.236.2641

18 | Wedding Essentials 2 016

50-100

Yes

Yes

We welcome all caterers.

240-400

$115-126

ABFGIJNOPRSU

Yes

No

Ch G H In Il K P V

12-650

$99-138

ABFRCOU

Yes

Yes

H It P

SPECIAL MENUS

Ca – Caribbean Ch – Chinese

F – French G – Greek

H – Halal In – Indian

It – Italian J – Jamaican

K – Kosher P – Portuguese

V – Vegan O – Other

INCLUDED IN PRICE A. B. C. D.

E. F. G. H.

Dinner wine Champagne toast Chair covers Disc jockey

I. J. K. L.

Wedding cake Hors d’oeuvres Bridal suite Gift for couple

Late-night buffet Non-alcoholic punch Limousine Engagement photo

M. Chocolate fountain N. Sweet table O. Limited bar included P. Tasting for two

Q. R. S. T.

U. In-house wedding co-ordinator V. Wedding invitations W. Centrepieces

Valet parking for two Late night coffee/tea Wine and fruit for bridal suite Breakfast

SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO Page



Guests

$

Included In Price

Ceremony On Site

Outdoor Area

Special Menus

ANCASTER MILL 905.648.1828

18-205

$89-150

AIQFJNRGOUP

Yes

Yes

BANQUET ROYALE LTD. 905.238.5335

80-250

$69-99

ABCFGIJNOPQRUW

No

Yes

H It K P V O

BENMILLER INN & SPA 1.800.265.1711 PAGES 25

10-120

$39-60

NRWGUPT

Yes

Yes

Ch G It V Other-Celieac

BEST WESTERN PLUS STONERIDGE INN & CONFERENCE CENTRE 519.652.6022 Ext. 575 10-200 $98-115 AIMFRCGOUPT

No

Yes

�V Other-Custom

CAMBRIDGE MILL 519.648.1828 Ext. 2

24-200

$89-150

AIFJNRGOUP

Yes

Yes

CARLISLE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 289.795.0426

50-200

$99-250

ABCFGIJNOPRSU

Yes

Yes

G H It P V

CENTURY PINES GOLF CLUB 289.795.0426

50-200

$99-250

ABCFGIJNOPRSU

Yes

Yes

G H It P V

up to 375

wknd rental

O

No

Yes

AIMQBFJNRWCGOSUDPT

No

Yes

Ca F G H In It P V

COWAN PARK BANQUET HALL 519.421.0030 Ext. 34

DELTA LONDON ARMOURIES HOTEL 519.640.5054 20-180 FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON LONDON 519.681.0680 Ext. 8208 50-500

$30-140

ABFJNRWCGOUHPT

Yes

Yes

VO

GRAND METROPOLITAN OF MISSISSAUGA 905.624.4009 168-500

$60-86

ABFGIJNOPRSU

Yes

Yes

Ch G H In It K P V

GRAND VICTORIAN CONVENTION CENTRE 647.990.8468 50-600

$98-189

ABFGIJNOPR

Yes

Yes

Ca Ch F G H In It Ja K P V O

HESSENLAND COUNTRY INN 1.866.543.7736

10-180

$57-125

ABFJRGOUPT

Yes

Yes

V Other-German

KURTZ ORCHARDS 905.468.2937

100-300

$100-200

FJNRP

Yes

Yes

Ca Ch F G H In It Ja K P V

LIONHEAD GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 905.455.8816

80-400

$99-160

ABCFGHIMR

Yes

Yes

H In K V, Vegetarian

MOHAWK INN & CONFERENCE CENTRE 905.854.2277 20-130

$35-100

OUHP

Yes

Yes

NORTHRIDGE MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE 519.756.6345 Ext. 211 50-160

$30-50

AIBFJNRCGOSUDP

Yes

Yes

It V

ROYAL NIAGARA GOLF CLUB 289.795.0426

50-200

$99-250

ABCFGIJNOPRSU

Yes

Yes

G H It P V

ROYAL ONTARIO GOLF CLUB 289.795.0426

50-250

�$99-250

ABCFGIJNOPRSU

Yes

Yes

G H It P V

SPENCER’S AT THE WATERFRONT 905.633.7494 Ext 2

150

$99-150

AIQFJNROUP

Yes

Yes

THE STRATFORD COUNTRY CLUB 519.271.4212 Ext.231

10-165

$62-80

AWUP

No

Yes

VO

THE WINDERMERE MANOR 519.858.1414 Ext. 432

80-120

$90-100

AGOUHT

No

Yes

V Other-Custom

Yes

Yes

F

Yes

Yes

WESTOVER INN 519.284.2977 WHISTLE BEAR GOLF CLUB 519.650.2327 Ext. 2

$45.00 170-440

$79-136

AIFJNRGOU

Wedding Essentials 20 1 6 | 19

The Countdown Calendar Your wedding day should be exciting, memorable and romantic. But it will only happen if you plan things carefully and allow enough time for everything. Here are some recommendations about when things should be done, that have been reprinted from The Bride’s Survival Guide which is available for free from Wedding Essentials by completing the card on page 83 of this magazine. Use this list as a general guideline that you can adapt in any way you choose:

TWELVE TO 24 MONTHS BEFORE ❑ Select wedding date and time. ❑ Make a preliminary budget and determine how costs will be shared. ❑ Determine size of guest list, degree of formality & theme. ❑ Determine who will officiate at the ceremony and book him/her for rehearsal and wedding. ❑ Select caterer and/or reception location. ❑ Hire a wedding consultant if you plan to use one.

SIX TO 12 MONTHS BEFORE ❑ Start compiling guest list. ❑ Determine colour scheme. ❑ Select bridal attendants and determine sizes. ❑ Choose your dress and headpiece. Schedule fittings and delivery date. ❑ Choose bridesmaids’ dresses and accessories. ❑ Have fiancé select best man and ushers. ❑ Select photographer, videographer and entertainment. ❑ Choose ceremony music. ❑ Select florist, balloonist, fireworks, ice sculpture. ❑ Book transportation for wedding day. ❑ Announce engagement in newspaper. ❑ Shop for wedding rings.

FOUR MONTHS BEFORE ❑ Have mothers co-ordinate and select dresses. ❑ Register at bridal registries. ❑ Order invitations and personal stationery. ❑ Complete guest lists. ❑ Select men’s attire and reserve right sizes. ❑ Start planning honeymoon. ❑ Start planning for trousseau. ❑ Order wedding cake and groom’s cake if required. ❑ Order favours (bomboniere).

TWO MONTHS BEFORE ❑ Address invitations and announcements. Mail four to six weeks before. ❑ Finalize details with caterer/reception location, photographer, videographer, florist, DJ/musicians, band. ❑ Finalize ceremony details with officiant. ❑ Make rehearsal arrangements. ❑ Plan rehearsal dinner. ❑ Plan bridesmaids’ luncheon, if appropriate. ❑ Make appointments with hairdresser and make up artist. ❑ Arrange accommodations for out-of-town guests. ❑ Finalize honeymoon plans.

ONE MONTH BEFORE ❑ Final fitting for your gown and those of bridal attendants.

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑

Obtain marriage licence.

Provide map to ceremony and reception to all guests.

Have formal portrait taken.

Purchase gifts for attendants, participants and fiancé.

Have bridesmaids’ luncheon.

Keep careful note of gifts received and write thankyou notes as they come in. ❑ Do inventory of accessories. Examples: Toasting goblets. Ring pillow. Garter. Candles. ❑ Select responsible person to oversee guest list and its location.

TWO WEEKS BEFORE ❑ Attend to business and legal affairs. Examples: Name change on driver’s licence and credit cards. Make a will. ❑ Move possessions and gifts to new address. Arrange with Canada Post to have mail forwarded. ❑ Finish addressing announcements to be mailed on wedding day.

ONE WEEK BEFORE ❑ Contact guests who have not responded. ❑ Give final count to hotel, banquet hall or caterer. ❑ Review details and timetables with vendors. ❑ Give photographer/videographer list of shots you want. ❑ Give DJ/musicians list of music for ceremony & reception. ❑ Plan seating arrangements. ❑ Practice having your hair done to make sure it comes out the way you want. ❑ Practice your makeup in lighting conditions similar to those on your wedding day. ❑ Keep writing those thank-you notes. ❑ Pack for the honeymoon. ❑ Check that you have marriage licence. ❑ Check that you have wedding rings and that they fit. ❑ Check that all wedding attire fits and is picked up. ❑ Rehearsal with all participants reviewing their duties. ❑ Give officiant’s fee to best man. ❑ Pick up tickets and traveler’s cheques for honeymoon.

ON YOUR WEDDING DAY ❑ Eat something. Otherwise you might feel faint. ❑ Take a relaxing bath. ❑ Get your hair and nails done. ❑ Allow time to prepare makeup. ❑ Start dressing 1-1/2 hours before ceremony, two hours before if photographs are to be taken. ❑ Start music 30 minutes before ceremony. ❑ Seat groom’s parents five minutes before ceremony. Your mother is seated immediately before the processional and the aisle runner is rolled up.

AFTER THE WEDDING ❑ Send announcements and wedding picture to newspapers. ❑ Mail announcements. ❑ Write and mail thank-you notes. ❑ Arrange for gown, bouquet and/or cake preservation.

Wedding Essentials 20 1 6 | 21

a real-life wedding

Tania & Andrew

FROM A WEDDING FIRST DATE TO A RETRO HIGH GLAM WEDDING

When her cousin introduced Tania Howe to Andrew Potter, Tania’s first reaction was that he was “so cute”. She invited him to be her escort to a family friend’s wedding at the Hilton Hotel in Niagara Falls — it was their first date! They hit it off immediately and within a couple of weeks were already a couple.

DÉJÀ VU PROPOSAL Four years later, Andrew invited Tania to dinner at the same Hilton Hotel where their first date had taken place.

They ended up in the ballroom where they attended the wedding years earlier. Andrew opened the door where he had arranged for an acoustic guitar player and singer to be playing “their song”, You and Me by the Dave Matthews Band. Tania “of course said yes!” to his bended knee proposal.

PHOTOS: DESTINY DAWN PHOTOGRAPHY

22 | Wedding Essentials 2 016

GOWNS & MORE Tania’s choice for the end-of-December wedding was a Snow White look — an ivory strapless bridal gown with a soft sweetheart bodice and drop waist that flowed into a dreamy satin ball gown skirt. Intricate silver embroidery on the bodice suggested icy winter beauty. A soft white marabou shrug completed her ensemble.

Her choice for her bridal attendants was black, classic and elegant. The bridesmaids wore strapless satin gowns channeling 50s’ glam with abovethe-elbow black satin gloves accented with crystal bracelets — very Audrey Hepburn. Luxurious grey fox stoles provided not only warmth for the outdoor photo session but also sensual and seriously-retro chic.

THE CEREMONY St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Church in Port Dalhousie was the charmingly serene and intimate setting for the wedding ceremony. The Gothicstyled church was built from 1872-1875 from stones from Kingston originally used as ballast on ships. Banks of red and white poinsettias and gold and white floral arrangements graced the front of the church with its arching clear windows. Tania was surprised to feel very calm walking down the aisle, the opposite to what she had anticipated. For Andrew, it felt like “time stood still and it was just Tania and me in the moment...words cannot explain how stunning she looked”.

MUSICAL HIGH NOTES Music played an important role throughout the wedding celebrations.

At the ceremony, guests were ushered in to a carefully orchestrated medley of songs, including Somewhere Over the Rainbow, La Vie En Rose, Bach’s Air on the G-String, and Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. The mothers were seated to Handel’s Air from Water Music. Pachelbel’s Canon in D accompanied the bridesmaids. The bridal processional was Trumpet Voluntary. Ave Maria soared as the registry was signed. The couple exited to Hornpipe from Water Music by Handel. The Postlude was Vivaldi’s Spring from The Four Seasons.

FABULOUS FOOD Guests were treated to hors d’oeuvres during the cocktail hour — seared beef carpaccio on crostini, spanakopita and spring rolls with Thai dipping sauce provided tastes from various parts of the globe.

A formal four course dinner followed; menu items were paired with a variety of Niagara-area wines as well as Italian ones.

Wedding Essentials 20 1 6 | 23

a real-life wedding Rave reviews were given a late night grilled cheese station with choices of American cheese on white bread, aged cheddar and carmelized onion on multigrain, provolone and pear on rye, or smoked bacon, bbq sauce and cheddar on sourdough bread.

The wedding cake was served as part of the evening buffet. Each tier was a different flavour: one was luscious semifreddo with sponge cake in a hazelnut tier, the second was lemon/raspberry and the third was chocolate. The cake was finished with white chocolate with gold ribbon separating the tiers; a crystal encrusted gold brooch was the cake topper.

A S’mores bar and fire pit were perfect extra delights for the wedding that took place between Christmas and New Year’s.

Cranberries floated in the champagne. Table names like Rudolph, Mistletoe, Poinsettia and North Pole were other details that paid homage to the season.

ALL THAT JAZZ For self-described “old souls”, it was no surprise that Andrew and Tania created an old-fashioned type of party with jazz, martinis, furs and other details right out of a classic movie. Cream and gold tones in floral and décor elements imbued the setting with opulence. Gold sequined table coverings, gold chiavari chairs and classy white furs draped over the furniture in a formal, candlelit setting added to the glamorous winter theme.

Guests enjoyed handmade truffles and chocolate-covered strawberries as they made their way through the receiving line.

Tania and Andrew’s first dance was to Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling in Love. This was a tribute — it was the wedding song for the bride’s parents whose “true love and successful marriage is an inspiration” for the newlyweds.

SPARKLING FLORALS Tall gold high-top stands filled with cream roses and hydrangea and overflowing with winter greens featured gold sparkle branches and crystals, providing elegant, fresh, sophistication as table centrepieces.

The wintry-white bridal bouquet featured a rhinestone brooch accent, as did each of the bridal attendants’ bouquets, some of which were rich red roses with crystal centres and others a mix of white blooms and red roses.

PERFECT PLANNING During the months leading up to the wedding and several planning sessions with Michelle Brennan at Fresh Collaborative Events, Tania and Andrew’s first idea of a red and white celebration changed into a gold and cream-toned vision with all the details that created the high glam celebrations. Tania enjoyed the planning process so much that she has become a wedding planner. WE BRIDE’S GOWN: #H1244 - Moonlight | Michelle My Belle Bridal Boutique | 905.689.8111 | MARABOU SHRUG: Annette’s Bridal | 289.362.1576 BRIDE’S HAIR: Allie Gadula | 905.380.4786 | BRIDE’S MAKEUP: Courtney Thompson | 905.351.6778 | BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS: David’s Bridal | 716.834.6100 FURS: Stephan’s Furs Ltd. Brampton | 905.451.1111 | GROOM’S ATTIRE: Perry Ellis Slim Fit | Paula’s Elegant Bride | 289.968.6060 CEREMONY MUSIC: Quattro Music | 905.820.0154 | COCKTAIL HOUR JAZZ: Roman Lysiuk & Band | 905.680.1923 | DJ: DJ Luka, Liquid Entertainment | 905.329.9005 CAKE & TRUFFLES: Criveller Cakes | 905.356.9441 | CENTREPIECES & DÉCOR: Fresh Collaborative Events | 905.984.0602 VENUE: White Oaks Resort & Spa | 1.800.263.5766 | GUEST FAVOURS: Heart & Stroke Foundation donation | 905.938.8800 VIDEO: Dave Tebbutt Films | 905.324.0788 | PHOTOS: Destiny Dawn Photography | destinydawnphotography.com | 905.599.9141

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Lovely Lips

beauty

DOS — AND SOME DON’TS FOR KISSABLE MOMENTS

BY T.P. BLACK

ON HER WEDDING DAY every bride wants to have perfect lips. On this day-of-a-lifetime her lips will be on display, and in action, throughout all the celebrations. From that allimportant, intimate first kiss of bride and groom to luscious lips for wedding photographs and video, lips are front and centre. Treat lips with respect and plan ahead to make sure they are looking their best.

lips and remove by wiping off very gently with a wet cloth in circular motions. Follow with a lip moisturizer or balm.

Moisturize. Use quality lip balms or moisturizers to keep your lips well moisturized. Avoid balms with drying ingredients. Be sure to apply products before you go to bed for maximum benefit.

Protect. Unlike skin that contains more melanin, lips lack protection against UV rays.

They can burn and, if subjected to injurious rays over time, can develop lip cancers. Use a good lip sunscreen and carry it with you.

Plump. To create that sexy illusion of fuller lips, outline your lips with a lip liner a shade lighter than the lip colour you plan to use. WE

EAT RIGHT For great lips, eat a diet rich in anti-oxidants — think colourful vegetables and fruits. Omega-3 fatty acids are another key, so include fatty fish, walnuts, and plant oils like olive oil and flaxseed oil on your menu regularly.

LIP TIPS Lips’ outer and inner layers are much thinner than those in skin. While most of your skin has oil glands to moisturize, lips do not, so they tend to dry out and chap.

Three Don’ts. Don’t lick, pick or smoke if you want your lips to look their best. Never lick your lips; the enzymes in saliva will dry them out.

Picking at dry lips makes things worse. Smoking reduces oxygen going to your lips, drying them out, aging them faster, creating fine lines around the mouth and adds nicotine stains.

Hydrate. Keep lips moisturized from the inside out by drinking about eight, 8-10 oz. glasses of fluid each day.

Humidify. Canadian winters wreak havoc on lips, with frigid temperatures outside and dry air inside. Be sure the air in your bedroom has adequate humidity; use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.

Be Gentle. Whenever you are treating lips or applying lipstick or gloss, be very gentle so as not to damage them.

Exfoliate. Remove dry, dead skin from your lips with a gentle exfoliation. Purchase a readymade product or create your own. Among mix-it-yourself recipes is a mixture of equal parts of brown sugar, honey and olive oil or a paste of white sugar and honey. Apply to your

Wedding Essentials 20 1 6 | 25

Veils There are plenty of choices for headpieces these days, including long and short veils, tiara styles, flowers and hats.

Just about anything goes.

A simple veil can be attached to a comb, band, cap, hat or tiara. Or it can be more elaborate, encompassing several layers of fabric and falling to either the tip of your nose or the end of the train.

Make sure it’s in proportion to your head and flatters your face and hair. The headpiece must also complement your gown -- you should choose your headpiece while you’re trying on the gown.

HEADPIECE ANCHORS Use white bobby pins to hold your headpiece in place even if you have dark hair. They do a better job of blending in with your headpiece or veil.

ATTACHING THE VEIL Most veils need to be fixed to a headpiece, which can be as simple as a comb or as elaborage as a tiara. The veil can be sewn to the headpiece, but if you plan to remove it, use Velcro.

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BIRDCAGE

BLUSHER

MANTILLA

A vintage style that can also be worn at the back of the head

A small piece of veiling that’s worn over the face for the walk down the aisle

A lacy Spanish veil that is pinned to the top of the head

FOUNTAIN

ELBOW

FINGERTIP

Folded to achieve its trademark burst of volume

A comfortable length

Just down to the fingertips

WALTZ

BALLET

SWEEP OR CHAPEL

A good option if you want to wear a long veil and your dress does not have a train

Falls somewhere between the knee and the ankle

Gives a slight train that’s quite walkable

Wedding Essentials 20 1 6 | 27

Fashion

Passion

A wedding gown is much more than a beautiful dress. Her perfect gown reflects a vision of herself that a bride has cherished for a long time. The moment when the bride is first seen in her wedding gown is very emotional and is often greeted by tears, including her own. Meet these lovely women who have transformed themselves into princess brides.

Discover the image’s backstory at www.WeddingEssentials.ca/BackStory

Joanna

BRIDE: Joanna Griesbaum GOWN: J6265, Moonlight Bridal Collection | White Romance | 519.291.4111 PHOTO: Your Life In Stills Photography by Rob Boyce | yourlifeinstills.com | 519.524.0567

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Amy

BRIDE: Amy Best GOWN: The Marie | Celia Grace | 413.570.3050 MAKEUP: Oresta Organic Skin Care Gallery | 613.695.0137 EARRINGS: Frug (jewellery) | Wunderkammer Boutique | 613.233.5377 VENUE: The Herb Garden, Almonte | 613.256.0228 PHOTO: Joel Bedford Photography | joelbedfordweddings.ca | 613.252.4094

fashion passion

Marie-Claire

BRIDE: Marie-Claire Dubreuil GOWN: NT8017, David’s Bridal Collection | David’s Bridal | 519.681.2839 HAIR: Scruples One Hair Design | 905.831.6531 JEWELLERY: Jewellery with Hartt | Etsy FLOWERS: Songs from the Garden | Etsy VENUE: Estates of Sunnybrook, McLean House | 416.487.3841 PHOTO: Samantha Ong Photography | samanthaongphoto.com

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fashion passion

Cindy BRIDE: Cindy Fong Smith GOWN: #LZ3413, Lazaro | Kleinfeld Canada | 416.861.6600 VEIL: Custom made by Kevin Ho | Sussman’s Bridal Supplies | 416.703.1735 HAIR & MAKEUP: Olivia Ha Makeup & Hair Services | 416.558.2518 FLOWERS: Botany Floral Studio | 647.341.6646 VENUE: Kortright Centre for Conservation | 905.832.2289 PHOTO: Dia Saleh Photography | diaasalehphotography.com | 647.529.6010

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Place yourself here!

Your name here!

SHOW YOUR DRESS OFF FOR ALL THE WORLD TO SEE! If you are chosen, you will be featured in an upcoming edition of Wedding Essentials. Simply email up to 4 photos of you in your wedding dress as well as up to a 200 word description of your glorious day to the address below.

FeatureMe@WeddingEssentials.ca

fashion passion

Monika

BRIDE: Monika Grigore GOWN: Kenneth Winston — Private Label by G | Mona Richie Boutique | 905.856.6888 VEIL: Custom made by Rosa Morello | Many Stitches Alterations | 905.264.1481 HAIR: Studio M | 416.817.9903 MAKEUP: RDT Events & Beauty | 416.709.7832 FLOWERS: Assunta Venafro VENUE: Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex 416.542.3789 PHOTO: Michael Fantauzzi Fine Art Photography | michaelfantauzzi.com | 416.561.4865

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Sarah

Discover the image’s backstory at www.WeddingEssentials.ca/BackStory

BRIDE: Sarah Brisbin GOWN: Style 2667, Allure Bridals | Taylor’s Bridal Boutique | 519.669.1373 HAIR: Hair Therapy | 519.510.2604 MAKEUP: Caitlin Hamilton | 519.357.6943 FLOWERS: Everlastings Flowers & Gifts | 519.528.3312 PHOTO: Karissa Poot Photography | facebook.com

a real-life wedding

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Claudia & Michael VIENNA PROPOSAL, TORONTO VOWS AND LOVE AROUND THE GLOBE

There’s no doubt that for Claudia Ramirez and Michael Shepard, trusting their hearts and following their dreams has led to a magical romance, wedding celebrations that showcased not only their love for one another but also their love of travel, and a two-part extended honeymoon that circled the planet.

BLISSFUL BEGINNINGS Claudia and Michael discovered each other on line. Michael declares that he spent a lot of time searching for his dream and finally found her!

When they met in person and looked into one another’s eyes, they paused for a moment, struck by instant chemistry. Michael shares that he never expected to fall in love at first sight but that snowy evening quickly turned magical. Claudia and Michael went out for dinner and within 20 minutes of their first encounter, the restaurant hostess commented that they were “such a cute couple”!

Her intuition was totally accurate — although dessert wasn’t flambé, things were igniting! By the end of the meal Michael made a bold move, holding Claudia’s hand. Later that evening she was thinking that it was entirely possible that this handsome, smart and funloving man was her soul mate.

PHOTOS: OLEXANDRO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Wedding Essentials 20 1 6 | 37

a real-life wedding

THREE-DAY VIENNESE PROPOSAL & PLANS The courtship period was filled with travel and adventure, including a period of living and working in Germany. While there, Claudia and Michael had planned a weekend trip to Vienna. When they landed at the Budapest airport, Michael gave her a little gift box — she held her breath when opening the box, wondering if it would contain a ring, but it held stunning earrings.

Later they drove to Vienna where Michael had arranged for a stay at the Ambassador Vienna Hotel, once a palace concert hall. An afternoon cruise on the Danube was followed by an evening at the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, The Musikverein. Claudia searched for words to describe the experience, saying that her “eyes and ears were in heaven”.

More surprises were to follow. They dined at the Hotel Imperial, originally a palace that had been the 1863 residence of the Prince of Württemberg. The eight-course dinner was splendid and intimate, with details that included a side table for Claudia’s purse.

Reprising their first date dinner, Michael made his bold move before the dessert course, dropping on one knee to propose while opening a ring box. Claudia “melted with his words”, saying yes as they hugged and kissed.

On the way back to the hotel she told Michael how amazed she was by all his planning and surprises. “Wait, there’s more!”, her fiancé said with a big smile.

“More” was an appointment with a magazine photographer to take their engagement photos in Vienna the next day.

They met with Claire Morgan in the 18thcentury, baroque Palace Gardens of Belvedere with its sculpture, fountains, cascades, hedges and flowers. Later Claudia felt like a princess in the horse-drawn carriage that Michael had hired. “He has made me feel that every day since the day I met him.”

It was a busy eight months for Claudia and Michael when they planned their wedding celebrations. They were busy moving back to Canada from Germany, changing job positions and moving to a family home. “It was all part of the fun and excitement; it was just the perfect moment for everything all at once!”

PHOTOS: CLAIRE MORGAN PHOTOGRAPHY

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a real-life wedding THE WEDDING CEREMONIES After a truly fairytale courtship and a proposal fit for a princess, what could be more appropriate than a wedding in a castle? The bright and airy conservatory at Casa Loma in Toronto was the ideal, regal venue for their vows.

Claudia’s wedding gown had a fitted bodice with back corset closure, above an intricately draped skirt with flower detailing. A semi-cathedral train completed her breathtaking look.

Her bridal attendants were elegant in royal purple, one-shoulder, floor-length chiffon gowns with empire waists.

The bridal bouquet was created with silk flowers from Germany, Chile and Costa Rica, purchased during the couple’s travels before the wedding.

The wedding included many cultures from their travels. There was a Crowning Ceremony, a Gratitude Ceremony, a Unity Candle Ceremony and a Spanish Prayer in addition to the exchange of rings and vows that Michael and Claudia had written.

For Claudia, the fondest memory of their wedding day was when she walked down the aisle toward Michael. “It was like the entire world stopped for two seconds and it was just Michael and me, looking into each other’s eyes.”

PHOTOS: OLEXANDRO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

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a real-life wedding MAGICAL, TRAVELLING THEME During the two years leading up to their marriage, the couple had traveled to over 45 countries; they describe that as a “magical opportunity”. They incorporated those adventures into their wedding theme, that included sharing videos and pictures representing all the trips they had enjoyed as a couple.

Claudia and Michael also wanted their celebration to reflect the magical feeling of their relationship, their experiences, and their love for each other. The theme colours of royal purple, gold and silver reflected those special sentiments.

At their reception at The Venetian, guests enjoyed an eight-course dinner that was reminiscent of gastronomic feasts in Europe.

The newly-weds opted for a King’s Table setup so that bridal attendants and groomsmen could dine with their partners instead of only the bridal party sitting together. The table arrangement was U-shaped, with Claudia and Michael sitting at a head table flanked by two, long 18-person tables.

BRIDE’S GOWN: #19881, Jacquelin Bridals | Mona Richie Boutique | 905.856.6888 | BRIDE’S HAIR & MAKEUP: Salon 10 | 905.990.4110 BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS: www.lightinthebox.com | GROOM’S ATTIRE: Vera Wang tuxedo | Moores Clothing for Men | 1.866.231.6067 WEDDING PLANNER: Top Drawer Weddings & Events | 416.357.0875 | DÉCOR: Designs by Anita | 647.233.8654 DISPLAY CAKE: Madeleine’s Display Cakes | 905.576.4629 | DJ: Unique Entertainment Group | 416.799.1617 CEREMONY CELLIST: Rebekka Fry | 226.600.0294 | COCKTAIL HOUR PIANIST: Liz Craig Music | 647.466.4198 | MARIACHI BAND: Viva Mexico | 647.886.7654 CEREMONY VENUE: Casa Loma | 416.923.1171 | RECEPTION VENUE: The Venetian Banquet & Hospitality Centre | 905.660.1110 VIDEO: Love Madly | 905.902.9555 | ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS IN VIENNA: Claire Morgan Photography | claire-morgan.com | +43(0)650.682.7882 WEDDING PHOTOS: Olexandro Wedding Photography | olexandro.com | 647.984.0083

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Guest tables were named after some of the countries they had visited together. Instead of table numbers they were signed with photos of the couple at famous landmarks.

MUSICAL HIGH NOTES Cellist Rebekka Fry played during the wedding ceremony and later, at the reception, Michael had arranged a special surprise for his bride — a traditional Mexican mariachi band, Viva Mexico, serenaded her and then played at each guest table. He explains that “it is a very romantic gesture during courtship in Mexico to have a mariachi band play outside a young woman’s home while she listens from her window”.

Liz Craig’s piano instrumentals provided musical accompaniment as guests enjoyed the cocktail hour.

For the bride and groom’s first dance, Nelly Marquette sang Frank Sinatra’s I Love You Baby.

TWO-PART HONEYMOON Not surprisingly, Claudia and Michael’s twopart honeymoon involved extensive traveling.

Honeymoon Part One comprised three backto-back-to-back cruises through the Bahamas and the Mexican coast. “It was a lot of fun going up the pier from one cruise ship to the next one!”

Highlights were Michael’s win in a dance competition, snuggling up under the stars during the warm tropical nights in the middle of the ocean, and savouring fine cuisine of The Chef’s Table on each cruise — an experience that the couple highly recommends.

Honeymoon Part Two was a 15-day trip to Asia with visits to Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia, The Philippines and Hong Kong. Unforgettable memories were created, among them riding elephants, sightseeing in historic temples and enjoying romantic dinners in Bali while overlooking the ocean and the rice fields. They indulged in wonderful local cuisines whenever possible. WE

Gift Registries Centuries ago when young couples got married, they started off with nothing. Therefore it was easy for friends and family to buy gifts for them. They needed everything. Nowadays, with men and women marrying later and living away from home before they marry, chances are they have already acquired most of the essentials when it comes time to set up a joint home. Which can create some interesting problems for people who want to give them something to help them get their new home off to a good start.

The growth of gift registries has solved many problems for young couples setting up their first home together. The service ensures that you will get the things you really want — and only one of each. Most department stores and specialty shops in Southern Ontario have gift registries. Guests will usually ask your parents or someone in the bridal party for the names of stores where you are registered. Make an effort to get the word out about these establishments so that people will focus on the places where you are registered. You should open gifts as soon as they arrive. Gifts that arrive at the last minute should be opened before you leave on your honeymoon. The idea is to get a thank-you note into the mail right away. In some cases this may mean that you will have to devote part of your honeymoon time to the task, but so be it. In general a note should be sent within two weeks for gifts received before the wedding, within one month for those received at the wedding or later.

Healthy Lifestyle THERE ARE SPECIAL TIMES in life when you want to look your absolute best — and your wedding is one of them.

On the morning of your wedding day, you will wake up as if kissed by your special prince, and you will glow. But long before that sunrise, there are things you can do to prepare. The most radiant brides take time to plan, and practice, the look they want to achieve. And so should you.

Plan for your most beautiful and natural self by taking care of your skin — every day. If you don’t already have a skin care regimen, talk to a beauty consultant about products that suit your skin type. Using the wrong products for your skin can actually make your skin look worse than it should. The most essential skin care consists of gentle cleansing morning and night; moisturizing the parts of you that tend to get dry; exfoliating skin regularly; and protecting your skin — especially your face — from the sun. If you have blemishes, spots or other skin problems that you can’t seem to get rid of, consult your doctor or a dermatologist long before your wedding. There may be something in the doctor’s bag that can clear it up.

Consider other lifestyle habits in your long term beauty plan too. For example, eat well and eat sensibly. A healthy diet is low in fat, high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and includes lots of calcium. If your eating habits are poor or inconsistent, take a daily multivitamin. Caution: Be sure it includes “beauty” nutrients, including vitamin B complex and vitamin A. Regular exercise also imparts a beautiful glow, and it’s great for weight maintenance and control. As your wedding day gets closer, be extra protective of your skin.

Avoid any foods that aggravate it. For example, if chocolate, red wine or spicy foods cause blemishes, don’t eat them until the honeymoon.

Caution: In terms of products or application, do not try anything new close to your wedding date in case you experience an adverse reaction.

Skin Care : 101 CLEANSE It is important to remember before bed to use a makeup remover on your eyes and lips as well as a mild cleanser — preferably one that has been prescribed for or selected by you for your skin type — to remove makeup, excess oil, dirt and dead cells. Tone then moisturize your skin using a moisturizer or night treatment containing healing ingredients that will replenish and nourish your skin overnight. In the morning wake up your skin by lightly splashing it with water.

Recleanse if your skin is oily.

MOISTURIZE A good facial moisturizer keeps skin from getting dry and leaves a nice, smooth appearance. Discuss with a beauty consultant the type of moisturizer you should be using.

Skin needs change with the seasons. Also, apply an all-over body moisturizer regularly.

EXFOLIATE Once a week, treat your skin to a mask, facial scrub or buffing cream to exfoliate or remove dead cells from the surface of the skin. Be gentle, however, and let the special ingredients in products do the work. Exfoliating gives skin a fresh glow and helps it to absorb moisturizers better.

EYES Keep an eye on the skin around your eyes. If there is puffiness, or you notice dark circles or fine lines developing, use a speciallyformulated eye cream or gel.

SUNSCREEN Protect facial skin with an SPF 30 or higher.

Check the foundation, moisturizer, lipstick and other products in your makeup bag — many now come with SPF protection too.

Wedding

Treat Yourself A fabulous treat for the bride-to-be is a spa day.

There are many spas in southern Ontario and many salons provide spa services too.

On the beauty treatments checklist, say no to facials the week before the ceremony. They can leave your skin blotchy. Say yes to a massage and other relaxing body treatments that are just what a busy bride-to-be needs.

You can easily treat yourself to similar beauty treatments without leaving your house. Start your home spa with a relaxing bubble bath. Put on restful music and light a candle to create a soothing mood. After your bath, moisturize your body, cuddle into your housecoat and do your nails. Be sure to have the nail polish on hand for touchups on the morning of your wedding.

Fingers & Toes!

THE PERFECT MANICURE * Remove any old polish with a cotton ball and moisturizing nail polish remover. * File nails with an emery board (coarse to shape, fine to finish). * Apply a cuticle-softening product, then soak hands in warm soapy water. Use a cloth or cuticle stick to gently push back cuticles, and then clean under the nails. * Apply a moisturizing hand cream and massage into nails and cuticles for a few minutes. Wash hands with gentle cleanser and remove any creamy residue from nails with polish remover.

* Buff nails by rubbing them from side to side, to bring up the shine. * To polish, apply a base coat in quick light strokes. (Use a stick dipped in polish remover to clean excess polish from the edges of the nails between applications.)

Apply two coats of nail polish. Apply a top coat.

THE PERFECT PEDICURE * Clean nails and remove old polish. * Clip and file the nails straight across. * Apply cuticle softener, then soak your feet in a soapy bath for five to ten minutes.

* Use a pumice to rub away dry skin and callus growths on the bottoms of feet. * Push back cuticles with stick or towel.

Clean dirt from underneath toenails. * Remove feet from bath and pat dry with a towel. Don’t forget to dry between the toes. * Apply a moisturizing lotion and massage feet. * Use toe separators or folded tissues between your toes, if desired. * Clean nails again with a stick wrapped in cotton and soaked in nail polish remover. * Apply a base coat, two coats of colour and a top coat.

Wedding wisdom

Enhancing You! Wedding days are known for their magical effects and when you walk down the aisle, your smile and your radiance should be the focus, not the colour of your lipstick!

Makeup application is very important. Most department-store makeup counters, salons and makeup boutiques do bridal makeup consultations. Or have a consultant give you a lesson on application and colour. And remember, whether you do your own or have it done by an expert, the best makeup for your wedding day lets you look like you.

Take a lighthanded approach. You are going to shine on your wedding day, and makeup should complement your glow, not take it over. If you wear foundation, stick with gentle neutral tones. Same with blush. Define eyes softly with smoky tones and finish with two coats of waterproof mascara. Keep lips soft and natural-looking, defined with a neutral pencil and filled in with a neutral shade. Avoid makeup that shimmers or shines, such as iridescent or pearlized eye shadow and heavy lip gloss.

These types of products can cause glare in pictures.

If you have an uneven complexion, de-shine your face with a light coat of foundation to even out skin tone and texture, then apply loose powder pressed lightly and evenly onto the face for a smooth matte finish. For pictures, apply a little more blush, blending it well — the flash can tend to wash you out.

Tailor makeup somewhat to your ceremony.

Discuss the time of your wedding march with the makeup consultant. If you’re having a lowlight evening wedding, you may need to be a little more intense with makeup. On the other hand, if you’re getting married in full sun on a beach, you’ll want to soften your look.

Do a few dress rehearsals before the wedding too, and be sure to apply makeup while wearing something that is the same colour as your wedding dress, especially if it’s white. Colour seems more intense when worn against white and seeing the contrast will help you adjust your application. For touching up all day long, keep a little case containing powder, lipstick and a mirror close by. Or ask one of your bridesmaids to carry it for you.

Wedding wisdom

Perfect Lips Create a good base for lipstick by exfoliating lips with a drop of facial scrub and a soft toothbrush. Then smooth foundation over the entire lip area and powder lips very lightly with loose or pressed powder.

Outline lips lightly with a lip pencil in a shade close to your lipstick. For the top lip, start at the centre and work out towards the corner of the mouth. For the lower lip, work from side to side. For a more natural look, line lips after applying lip shade.

Use a lip brush to apply colour to lips. Blot lips with a folded clean tissue placed between lips.

Press lips lightly together to remove excess lipstick and to help seal the remainder.

Luxious Locks Long before you walk down the aisle in your beautiful wedding dress, you should know how you’re going to wear your hair. That’s the advice of beauty and wedding experts who know that something new and something different is best saved for another day.

Even if you’re having a casual ceremony or you’re a wash-and-wear hair person, enlisting the help of a stylist is a good idea. And as soon as you settle on the wedding date, think about how you want your wedding day to unfold and make a booking with your stylist. Perhaps the stylist can come to your home in the morning.

A bridal hairstyle can take more time than usual, and the stylist needs to arrange his or her schedule too.

Several months before the wedding start discussing your hair and the styles that might work. All the experts suggest that a bride wear a hairstyle she’s used to. “A bride wants to feel like herself on her wedding day,” says one Toronto bridal consultant. “A beautiful yet comfortable hairstyle is the finishing touch.”

That’s not to say you can’t have a little fun. Ask your stylist about highlights or a little glamour.

Sweeping hair up into a French twist might be just the right thing for you.

Your hairstyle should also fit with the overall style of the wedding. How formal is your dress?

Where is the wedding? If you plan to dance the night away or if you’ll be having a casual reception, having your hair swept up into a glamourous bouffant might not be the best “do”. Another consideration: will you be wearing a veil, hat, floral wreath or tiara?

Take the headpiece with you to the stylist a few weeks before the ceremony — and practice in the salon. How will the hairstyle work with and without the headpiece? You might want to take it off during the reception.

Chemical processes, such as colouring, perming or straightening, should be completed at least two weeks before the big day. That leaves lots of time for it to settle — and for you to get used to it. Also, any problems can be corrected without racing against the clock.

In the weeks and months leading up to your wedding day, take special care of your hair by not over-conditioning and using too much of anything. Wash hair with a shampoo that has been selected or recommended for you by a professional stylist, and follow with conditioner only where and if needed. Alternate shampoos regularly to avoid buildup. And don’t be afraid to blow dry your hair. It actually brings up the shine of straight and wavy styles because high heat helps flatten the cuticle. Use a high hot setting and blow dry from roots to ends using a natural bristle brush. Finish on the cool air setting.

Wedding wisdom

Visiting a bridal salon WHAT IS THE FIRST THING THAT COMES TO MIND WHEN YOU HEAR THE WORD WEDDING? Undoubtedly you picture a woman looking her best in her beautiful wedding gown.

Even the most intelligent, sensible, modern woman is not immune to the charms of that special garment. It can send a bride, her attendants, her mother and the guests at the wedding into sighs of rapture. It can make the bride feel like a movie star or princess. Seeing the bride in her gown on her wedding day can reduce her father to tears and take her groom’s breath away.

The wedding gown is arguably the most important dress a woman will choose in her lifetime. Selecting the right gown from the myriad choices available may seem like an impossible task but as many brides will tell you, they just knew when they found the right dress.

Choosing a reputable bridal salon is an important step in finding the perfect wedding gown. Talk with other brides about their bridal gown shopping experiences.

Visit bridal salons to see if you feel comfortable with the quality of service as well as the selection of gowns they offer. Today there are many chat lines and other website communication vehicles available to you that will help provide you with information needed to select a quality and reputable bridal salon.

Full service is also very important when choosing a bridal salon. Make sure that when you purchase a gown the same salon will be doing any alterations. When alterations are outsourced to others, the process of accountability and cost can become complicated or uncomfortable.

Allow a minimum of six months to find the

perfect gown. This gives at least four months for your order to be placed and your gown to be made. Whether there are delays in delivery, your schedule doesn’t match with the alteration department schedule or other factors, extra time is always appreciated.

Southern Ontario offers a multitude of bridal shops for every style and budget, from the elaborate to the modest. When you find the salon that best suits your needs, make an appointment. Leave yourself plenty of time to try on gowns. Don’t rush it. Try to visit about three salons. Even if you think you’ve found the dress of your dreams, there may be a better dress at a better price just around the corner.

But be careful not to over shop. Trying on too many dresses often causes confusion, turning what should be one of the highlight experiences of your wedding planning into hard work. Make salon appointments during the week when salons are less crowded. You won’t have to wait in line to try on your dream dress. Plus you will get more attention from the sales people.

It is wise to take a trusted friend and/or your mom to the salon with you for a second or third candid opinion. Brides who bring several people with them often find working committee style unproductive and frustrating.

FITTINGS You will probably require three fittings — the initial fitting when your dress arrives, the second to correct any mistakes and a third to ensure that the gown fits perfectly.

The final fitting takes place close to your wedding day. Don’t be shocked if you find that you have gained or lost weight during the hectic wedding planning period.

When having your gown fitted, be sure to wear the same undergarments or foundation

garments that you plan to wear the day of your wedding. These items can be just as important to the fit of your gown as the alterations. Aptly named, they are the foundation that you build on to make your gown fit perfectly, allowing you to look your very best.

Some gowns require particular undergarments to fit and look great. Your bridal salon will be able to give you guidance here. If your body type is difficult to address in fitting a gown properly, consider selecting a wedding gown with a corset tieback. This fit feature reduces alteration costs and increases the comfort of your gown.

Bring the shoes you will be wearing or shoes with the same heel height to the salon.

Be forewarned: Don’t be shocked if your wedding gown is a size or two bigger than your usual dress size. Wedding gowns generally run smaller that regular wardrobe sizes. If your dress looks great, don’t worry about size; that’s just a number.

EXAMINE THE CONTRACT Do not put down a deposit on a dress you’re not sure about. Most deposits are non-refundable. And that can be a big expense, as many salons require 50 percent of the cost of the gown up front. Also, make sure there are no hidden costs. Have every charge spelled out in black and white.

The entire contract should be in writing, including information such as the size, style, cost and extra charges. Don’t rely on verbal agreements — if a problem crops up it’s your word against the sales person’s.

Use a credit card to pay for your gown.

Some credit cards provide insurance against damage so you can recover at least part of your losses if something goes wrong. Check with your credit card company first.

Wedding Wedding

Choosing your gown style THE BRIDAL GOWN REFLECTS THE STYLE AND LEVEL OF FORMALITY FOR THE WEDDING CEREMONY AND THE RECEPTION.

in a cathedral, a wedding ballroom, on the beach or for a mountaintop wedding? Is your wedding planned for the afternoon or evening?

Is it going to be an informal or formal ceremony?

The bride normally selects her gown and accessories before the rest of the wedding party can begin shopping for theirs. Most brides shop first for the gown, and then choose the co-ordinating headpiece and accessories. Imagine yourself in some of the gowns you find attractive.

Today over 17 percent of all weddings are destination or informal weddings that do not take place in a conventional banquet hall or hotel ballroom. The venue can be a Caribbean island, an Ontario winery or somebody’s beautiful backyard.

When choosing a style, take into consideration the type of wedding you are planning. Will you be wearing the gown in winter or summer,

Wedding wisdom

Be true to your personality. While that red Scarlett O’Hara gown looks amazing in the ads and you would love to be able to carry that look off, be honest with yourself.

Would you be comfortable making that kind of bridal gown statement?

Do you feel your best and look your best in traditional, classic styles? Then choose your gown accordingly. Are you a woman who is always pushing the envelope? Then a two-tone gown, asymmetrical neckline or massive bow might be what you are looking for.

Another consideration in choosing a wedding gown is related to your religion.

In some of the more conservative churches a bare halter dress or bustier may be unacceptable unless you also wear a wrap or some other cover-up.

Wedding wisdom

First style... then colour and fabric As for the colour and style of the gown, that’s up to your own individual taste.

Although ivory was growing in popularity in recent years, white is once again becoming the popular choice and this is true even if the bride is divorced or somewhat older than the average. Whether you choose white or ivory depends largely on your skin colour, the shade of ivory you desire, and the availability of that colour in the dress you want. Diamond white with its off-white hue is a perfect solution for some brides.

Two-tone dresses are leading edge trendy, as are pastels for spring and summer weddings and deeper tones for winter weddings. There are even prints available with flowers or butterflies for the bride who

wants to make that particular style statement.

It is best to choose the style of dress that suits your figure and personality before selecting a fabric. The style of dress dictates the appropriate fabric to create the shape, texture and feel of a bridal gown design.

Many women state that they want silk for their dresses, perhaps thinking that silk is one specific fabric. However, silk is a fiber and comes in many forms, such as silk satin, silk organza and silk taffeta. Even a “silk� wedding gown usually is made with a polyester lining to provide body and structure to the material.

Silk is noted for its lustre, resiliency, elasticity, and strength. Silk threads are

woven to create satin (a dense fabric notable for its lustrous gloss), duchesse satin (a blend of silk and rayon that is lighter in weight and more affordable than pure silk satin), charmeuse (a lightweight satin with a more subdued luster), and shantung (a low-sheen textured fabric characterized by a nubby quality). Silk can also be knit into hanging, stretchy fabrics like jersey or crepe.

Summer weddings are opportunities to wear Dupioni and Thai silks, light materials that offer a beautiful textured finish. Then there are gauzier woven silks, such as chiffon, tulle, and organza, all used for skirts in multiple layers because they are transparent and lightweight.

Wedding wisdom

The Honeymoon After all of those months of hectic planning you will need a honeymoon — even if it means you do not leave the province. Quite aside from all the pressure you both have been experiencing, it’s highly unlikely that you have been able to spend much time alone together. That’s why it’s so important that you take a few days or a few weeks to unwind and enjoy each other.

Although some men think that honeymoon planning is their responsibility, most couples nowadays get together and discuss the options. It’s very important that you not leave it until the last moment as you may have difficulty obtaining the accommodations and the flights that you want. Booking early also means that you can probably take advantage of early-booking incentives — and be sure that your choice of honeymoon resort is not sold out.

If you have difficulty getting time off from

your jobs at the same time, consider taking a couple of days off after the ceremony and saving a lengthier honeymoon until you have been married for a few months.

2.

YOUR HONEYMOON STYLE The main goal of your honeymoon vacation should be to enjoy the interests, activities and atmospheres that will help you both to relax and feel your best. This is not the time for the golfer among you to plan things around that activity if the partner does not enjoy the game.

You’ll have the rest of your lives to compromise your own vacation choice for the sake of the enjoyment of your partner. Be honest with each other about what kind of traveller you are and what expectations each of you has for this important getaway.

Here are the kinds of questions you should be asking each other: 1. How well do we travel? Things to consider: Motion sickness. Flying phobias. Dietary needs. Medical requirements. Desire to be

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

exposed to new cultures. Desire for modern conveniences.

What is the perfect setting? Things to consider: Preferred temperatures and climates. Level of accommodations (modern hotel vs. B&B).

How do we like to spend our days? Things to consider: Active vs. lying around in the sun. Sightseeing. Shopping.

How do we like to spend our nights? Things to consider: Dining out and dancing. Fast food and early to bed. Dressup vs. jeans and T-shirts.

How secluded do we want to be? Things to consider: Organized activities vs. exploring on your own. Roughing it vs. room service.

How planned should it be? Things to consider: An all-inclusive vs. a plan-yourown and take things as they come. Staying put vs. travelling around.

How much can we afford? Things to consider: Prepaying at an all-inclusive vs. paying as you go in the local currency when you arrive at your destination.

Travelling Smart SEASONED TRAVELLERS KNOW THAT HAVING A GOOD TRIP MEANS TRAVELLING LIGHT, STAYING LOOSE AND BEING PREPARED FOR THE UNEXPECTED. Basic Tips: l. Don’t overpack. Estimate what you will need for the time you are away and take half that.

2. Use the right bag. Best: Those that you can haul fully loaded without straining yourself, such as rolling bags. For infrequent travellers, a $50 bag with cheap hardware and zippers may be just fine. For road warriors, plan to spend $300 to $400 for a bag that is truly durable. Stick with tough cloth. Leather is heavy, rots when wet, cracks when old, and invites theft.

3. Avoid fabrics that are not made of natural fibres. Silk, wool, cotton and even wrinkle-prone linen are great for travel. But garments of polyester and other synthetics will leave you smelling like ripe goat cheese after a few hours. Used in undergarments, synthetics cause you to be tugging at yourself where you should never be seen to be tugging.

4. Take a toilet kit of essentials. Slip it into your coat pocket where it will not make a bulge. Let the hotel supply the shampoo and soap.

Avoid taking bottles of pills. Roll them up like coins in aluminum foil; they’ll shrink as you use them up. Caution: Take copies of your prescriptions in case customs officers get curious.

5. Avoid too many shoes. They are bulky and heavy. For men, Hush Puppies can be fairly dressy or can do double duty as beachwear.

Women can minimize shoe space by taking along a strappy little number and one pair of runners.

6. Take a backpack. Pick one that folds up small and place it in the bottom of your suitcase. As you travel, fill it with great buys, documents or presents on the way home.

7. Make up an emergency kit. You’ll be prepared for any disaster.

What to include: The sewing kit from your last hotel room. Some safety pins in different sizes. Rubber bands to serve as sock garters or pants closures. A sleeping mask. Ten feet of fishing line to hang over the bathtub and serve as the world’s lightest clothes dryer.

8. Be adaptable. What to take: An all-weather raincoat with a removable lining. A crushable hat for rain. Thick socks to make your Hush Puppies or runners warmer.

9. Avoid colour conflicts. Take clothing that is all grey or all beige or all brown or whatever. Use neckties and scarves to add colour.

One basic outfit can become a wardrobe with accessories.

10. Pack a first-aid kit. What to include: Antacid. Aspirin. Antiseptic.

Band-Aids. Motion sickness pills. Suntan lotion. Sunblock.

11. Take one carryon in addition to your handbag. And keep all important and valuable items in it and with you. What to include: Passports. Visas. Health insurance. Other important documents.

Tickets. Vouchers. List of credit card and traveller’s cheque numbers. List of major contents of luggage. Important names, addresses and phone numbers. Prescriptions (in their containers with their labels). Birth control. Camera. Extra glasses or contacts and/or eye prescription. Some makeup. Washcloth. Fresh underwear.

inspiration

GATSBY V I N T A G E 1 9 2 0s’ GL AM

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SETTING THE STAGE

HEAD START

There’s probably no better way to enter the era than through The Great Gatsby movies. Settle in with a tall cool drink of the era — an iced lemonade or a Coca-Cola; it’s definitely what Daisy would have done! The opulence of the Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan version from 2013 is bound to inspire you with the look and feel of Gatsby glam. Also well worth a couple of hours is the 1974 movie starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow, for a different visual interpretation of the same story.

For fabulous fashion from the 1920s spend some time investigating Downton Abbey. Check out images from both the wardrobe and the set for details to inspire your individual take on those years for your celebration.

Invitations and wedding graphics can make a strong art deco statement that has bold, intricate, symmetrical and geometrical designs.

One popular colour choice to echo the era would be gold on black. The iconic, instantlyrecognizable “Gatsby” font will set the mood in motion. Check it out on the opposite page.

If your guests are up for it, include a note to come dressed in authentic 1920s fashion, but remember to make it optional.

Enter or leave your Gatsby gala in Roaring 20s’ style. What about a Packard or PierceArrow Runabout, a Lincoln or Cadillac Phaeton, a Rolls-Royce or a 1920s’ Model T or Model A?

Short bob cuts with finger waves, straight or curled, were all the rage, and longer tresses worn in soft chignon-type styles are also sophisticated and elegant takes for wedding hair-dos.

A 1920s-type headband adorned with beads, pearls, flowers, sequins or rhinestones makes a perfect statement for the oh-so-elegant vintage bride. Tightly-fitting cloche beaded hats or feather hairpieces are also era-evocative.

Don’t be shy about makeup; the flappers embraced makeup they had seen in the movies as soon as Max Factor made the cosmetics available to the public. A matte background displays deeply-coloured lips, blushed cheeks and smokey-looking eyes rimmed with dramatic eyelashes to great effect.

CAT’S MEOW FASHIONS Boyish silhouettes with a straight-up-and-down look that minimized breasts and ignored the waistline were the look de rigueur for the fashionforward 1920s’ young woman. The flapper refused to wear the constraining corsets that confined and defined her mother’s generation’s role.

Wear long necklaces of pearls or beads, mixing and matching in layers for maximum effect.

Think sleeveless, plunging backs, optional low-cut necklines and back-of-gown details that frame a gorgeous neck, shoulders and back.

PHOTOS: ALLY KRISTENSEN PHOTOGRAPHY

BY JUDY JOHNSON The trend of vintage wedding celebrations continues in full nostalgic force. Topping the theme charts are vintage chic — the sophisticated sister of vintage rustic, and vintage glam — great gorgeous Gatsby.

There’s no denying the appeal of the 1920s when planning wedding celebrations. Almost a century later, that flamboyant era still captivates and captures the imagination.

Intrigued by The Great Gatsby and Downton Abbey and want to channel its best elements?

Begin with some homework.

Wedding Essentials 20 1 6 | 63

inspiration

1920s SLANG The flapper sub-culture even created its own sublanguage, English sprinkled with liberal doses of slang. We can thank the flappers for everyday terms we use today like gangster, crush, blind date, big cheese, Java, pushover, necking, petting and upchucking as well as these: Bees’ Knees, Cat’s Meow, Cat’s Pajamas — terrific Beeswax — business, affair Bump Off — murder Chicago Typewriter — submachine gun Dead Soldier — empty beer or whisky bottle Dick — private investigator Dough — money Fire Extinguisher — chaperone Frame — falsify evidence, set somebody up Giggle Water — alcohol Hair of the Dog — some alcohol taken the morning after too much alcohol Handcuff — engagement ring It — sex appeal John — toilet Kisser — lips Knock Up — impregnate

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Tightly-fitted, over-the-elbow gloves were glamorous accessories as were dangling earrings and ornate evening bags with intricate beading or fringes.

Fringes on accessories and gowns were highly popular; brides might consider a fringed garter as an era-appropriate element.

And of course what better way to Charleston, Shimmy or Toddle than in a fringed flapper dress! Perhaps you might decide to change it up dress-wise for a portion of the reception when you kick up your heels, dancing in 1920s’ fashion.

Whether gowns were worn around knee-length or calf-length or longer, it was important to ground the look with ankle strap or T strap shoes or sandals. Try on classic Mary Jane pumps or high heels with ankle straps that might be dripping with fringe or glitzy adornments like showy flowers or beading or rhinestones.

JAZZ AGE COCKTAILS There are legendary libations that were hugely popular during the Roaring ‘20s. Tweak classic vintage cocktail recipes for your signature drinks, set up a martini bar, or make your bartenders’ skills part of the entertainment while mixing, shaking or stirring up Gatsby-inspired drinks for your guests.

Here’s a sampling of the sensational beverages that guests undoubtedly would have delighted in during the over-the-top parties that Gatsby threw for the throngs. Think multi-sensory experience: the look of the drinks — in the proper glass, with touches of bright garnishes accenting the liquors’ hues; the sound of ice cubes clinking against the crystal or glass; the touch of the cool glass contrasted with the hot sounds of jazz in the background; and finally, the tantalizing taste of the carefullyorchestrated ingredients.

inspiration

Gin Rickey — Gin, sparkling mineral water, lime juice, garnished with lime. Served in a highball glass. One of only two cocktails mentioned in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.

Mint Julep — Bourbon, powdered sugar, water, mint leaves. Garnished with sprig of mint. Served in a highball glass. Mentioned in The Great Gatsby.

Manhattan — Rye whiskey or bourbon, sweet vermouth, bitters, sometimes garnished with a maraschino cheery and/or twist of orange peel. Served in a cocktail or martini glass.

Martini — Gin, dry vermouth, dash of bitters, garnished with an olive or a twist of lemon peel. Served in a martini glass.

Old-Fashioned — Whiskey (usually bourbon), bitters, sugar cubes, dash of water or seltzer.

Garnished with slice of lemon or orange. Served in short, round ‘old-fashioned’ cocktail glass.

CUT A RUG — KICK UP YOUR HEELS It’s impossible to imagine a Roaring ‘20s, Great Gatsby celebration without visualizing

couples on a dance floor, enjoying themselves hugely with arms, feet and other body parts moving energetically to up-tempo music for wildly exuberant dances. For a change of pace, they would be interspersed with the occasional sultry tango or graceful waltz.

There are several dances that originated in the flapper era, ideal for delighting and impressing wedding guests. Think about your entire wedding party taking a few dance lessons to show off, entertain, and simply have loads of fun at the reception.

The Charleston would be top of mind and top of the list that could include The Quickstep, The Shimmy, The Lindy Hop (named for Charles Lindbergh’s first solo flight from New York to Paris), The Toddle, The Black Bottom and The Varsity Drag.

BEES’ KNEES FLOWERS Flowers play key roles in all things Gatsby.

Reprise your own flower scene from the novel and movie. Banks of hot house orchids of many varieties from the uber-wealthy Gatsby’s greenhouses were assembled to impress and drive Miss Daisy wild with passion. Bouquets might include wispy

MODELS: Siobhan McAvoy | 289.244.6686 & Joe Barras | 289.214.3869 CONCEPTION, STYLING & FLORALS: Sue Gallo Designs | suegallodesigns.com | 905.902.0238 CONCEPTION, STYLING & VINTAGE RENTALS: Warehouse 84 | warehouse84.ca | 519.761.7110 | HAIR PIECES: Frilly Bits | Etsy | 905.902.6315 JEWELLERY: Leah Marie for Park Lane Jewellery | 905.329.5324 | HAIR: Hair by Rio | facebook.com | 905.347.2357 MAKEUP: Sakura June Artistry | sjbartistry.com | 214.713.8011 | CAKE: Sweet Avenue Cakery | sweetavenuecakery.ca | 289.921.1459 VENUE: Inn on the Twenty | innonthetwenty.com | 905.562.5336 | Cave Spring Cellars | cavespring.ca | 905.562.3581 PHOTOS: Ally Kristensen Photography | allykristensen.com | 289.696.8344

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feather details as well as full blown roses, anemones and other flowers in splendid bloom, touched with some sparkle or pearls. An unstructured bouquet that includes trailing elements is one option to channel the era through your flowers, which also could be enhanced by greenery.

Aim high with table arrangements — tall vases that are crowned with feathers, flowers and dripping with pearls, crystal or beads, shimmering in light from candles below. All will add to the luxurious ambiance you want to create.

PROPERLY PROPPED Selecting props that could have come straight from the Roaring ‘20s will be great fun!

Music was a key part of the 1920s, so you could include vintage gramophones and records and radios as well as a saxophone, clarinet, or trumpet. Memories were created and chronicled, so consider suitcases or trunks with “European Grand Tour” labels, folding cameras and old postcards and photo albums.

Get original with uses for a pedestal or claw foot bathtub that makes your guests think of that 1920s’ favourite — bathtub gin! It can also double as a photo op site!

Place a typewriter like the ones that F. Scott Fitzgerald might have used alongside stacks of books that include not only The Great Gatsby but Emily Post’s Etiquette, D.H. Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover and Sinclair Lewis’ Babbitt — all 1920s’ best sellers.

PHOTO OPS Here’s where the ‘20s can really roar at your celebrations! With a photo booth or photo wall, provide props like white and black gangster hats and toy gats, pistols or tommy-guns. Black pencil moustaches, suspenders and canes and gangster vests would also be hits for the fellas.

Women can explore their inner flapper with fringe dresses, flapper headbands, fringe garters, bow lips on a stick, long gloves and longer cigarette holders, feather boas and glitzy jewellery.

Encourage everyone to put on their glad rags for a hotsy-totsy time! By doing some research, you are guaranteed that your wedding reception is going to be the Real McCoy; putting on the Ritz will make your celebration the cat’s pajamas! WE

Wedding Essentials 20 1 6 | 67

Edible

Art A NAKED WEDDING CAKE IN FULL GLORY

BAKERY: Sweet Celebrations Wedding Cakes | 905.930.9574 STYLIST: The Barefoot Stylist | 905.699.9326 FLOWERS: Lush Florals | 905.994.1662 PHOTO: Destiny Dawn Photography | destinydawnphotography.com | 905.599.9141

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Your cake should be an eye-stopper and for this you will probably need to go to a speciality cake maker. The key to getting the right cake is knowing what to expect and knowing what to ask the baker. You should plan on firming up your cake arrangements as soon as you’ve settled on the wedding date, the location, the officiant and the photographer — certainly no later than 3-4 months before the wedding. Look for a baker fairly close to the reception site to ensure that the confection will not get damaged during transit. A cake can be an expensive purchase. It is important that you give it the same thoughtful attention that you give to other major aspects of the wedding. If cost is a consideration there are a number of ways to reduce your outlay. Examples: (1) If you plan to invite 150 guests or more, you will be safe ordering servings for 25 fewer people than you expect. In general, unless you are having a sit-down dinner, you’ll be safe ordering fewer

servings than the number of guests. (2) Serve towers of cupcakes or individual cakes for each table and you’ll avoid that pesky cake-cutting fee. (3) Decorate it with fresh flowers rather than costly imitations. (4) Since labour is a major component of the cake’s cost, reduce it by ordering a plain cake and decorating it yourself with crystallized flowers (which you can order online). A kitchensavvy friend or relative may come forward and offer to bake your wedding cake, perhaps as their gift to you. Before considering going that route, remember that wedding cakes are not only triumphs of taste and vision. The baker needs to be something of an engineer to get all those layers to stack together without collapsing. This is not the kind of stress that you or your guests need on your wedding day. It is best to leave the cake to a hired professional that has set aside the time to make your cake’s arrival their only goal.

It is important that you give your cake some thoughtful attention

Wedding wisdom

edible art

AN ORNATE WEDDING CAKE DIVINELY DECORATED BRIDE & GROOM: Kaveh & Neg BAKERY: Christine Hasler Custom Made Wedding Cakes | 905.823.1560 PHOTOS: Elias Damouni & Giulia Ciampini Enspyre Photography | enspyre.ca | 416.949.9675

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Flavourful Fillings The most popular choice nowadays is a threetiered cake. For most brides, cake heaven is a butter cake with creamy white filling and white or ivory buttercream frosting. In fact, you do not need to limit yourself. Your cake can come flavoured with chocolate, chocolate marble, carrot, lemon, mocha spice, strawberry, raspberry, orange, double chocolate, vanilla, Kalua, Amaretto, Irish Cream, and even cheesecake. You can even embellish these choices by adding fillings or by serving the cake with a hot sauce on the side. Basically, you should choose what you love — unless your taste runs to the more exotic such as coconut, banana or peanut butter. If you insist on having a less popular flavour, consider alternating the layers with a taste that is more acceptable to the average person. The world of wedding cakes is an extraordinarily varied one. You can choose a cake with a traditional look and an adventurous taste. Inside a classic tiered facade, for example, may be a carrot cake filling. You can also mix textures, combining a tender cake with a smooth filling, or using a hard-finish royal icing over a smooth-finish fondant. You can mix and match flavours — devil’s food with hazelnut; German chocolate with French crème; Amaretto with chocolate mousse; fudge truffle with strawberry crème.

A good baker will help you choose a texture, filling and icing that will marry nicely.

Wedding wisdom

beauty

Looking GREAT SKIN & BEAUTY PRODUCTS TO HELP YOU LOOK YOUR BEST

Michel Design Works MAGNOLIA COLLECTION Among the new collections from Michel Design Works is Magnolia, a fresh take on a perennial favourite. Products include a 17.8 fl. oz. Foaming Hand Soap and an 8 fl. oz., beautifully boxed Lotion, both containing shea butter and aloe vera for moisturizing. The 8.7 Large Bath Soap Bar is triple-milled and handmade in England for a long-lasting, firm product made with ingredients like glycerine, shea butter and pure vegetable palm oil.

PURERADIANCE Designed to thoroughly remove makeup, dirt and residue from pores, the Philips PureRadiance Facial Cleansing System uses sonic technology with Advanced Dual Motion. It has been created to help produce healthy-looking, soft and radiant skin. Among its features are Gentle Cleansing and Deep Cleansing settings and three brush heads — normal, sensitive and exfoliating. The device also has a skin zone timer that alerts for a one-minute facial treatment.

ModelLauncher Cosmetics CONTOUR POWDER DUO, CONCEALERS Create long-lasting looks with ModelLauncher products that include a mineral-based Contour Powder Duo available in shades of Afternoon Delight, First Crush and Pickup Artist. The tricolour Conceal and Correct Pro Palette uses colour theory to camouflage discoloration and uneven skin tone, hide dark circles, redness and pimples. The FlawlessTouch Concealer Stick diffuses light, softening the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and blemishes.

Optically activated particles and luminescent ingredients as well as sodium hyaluronate to attract and hold water to plump the skin and vitamins A, C & E are part of the formula designed to work to maximum benefit.

LUVU Beauty NATURAL COSMETICS Love your lips naturally with Canadian-made products from LUVU Beauty.

Created with only organic ingredients, no mineral oil, no parabens and only natural beneficial ingredients like jojoba oil, shea butter, sesame seed oil, vitamin E and pure botanical extracts, LUVU Beauty lipsticks are designed to protect and moisturize lips while healing and softening them.

They also contain a little Cinnamon Bark Extract to plump lips slightly. Lip Glosses contain moisturizing botanicals and pure, crushed mineral pigments but no FD & C dyes, chemical preservatives, synthetics or petroleum by-products. Define your pout with Natural Lip Liners without dyes, silicones or parabens —100% vegan and gluten-free.

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Philips

Cleaning & Preserving When you buy your gown, make sure you get a list of all the fabric used for the dress, including the specific type of lace, lining, and embroidery.

Ask the salesperson for a complete guide to cleaning the dress so you can present the list to the cleaners. Choose a dry cleaning establishment that specializes in wedding dresses. Do not just pick the cheapest place.

You’ve spent hundreds, even thousands on your wedding gown, so don’t spare any expense when you go to clean it. Even if your gown appears spotless, have it professionally cleaned to remove perspiration stains and other unnoticeable marks that may turn your gown yellow in the future. The dress should be cleaned within two days of the wedding to get

the best results. If you’re off on your honeymoon, have a trusted friend or family member take the dress to the cleaners for you.

Make arrangements beforehand. When your gown is clean and ready to be stored, don’t just place it on a hanger and shove it in your closet. The weight of the gown will damage the fabric. Instead, fold the gown in acid-free tissue and wrap it with unbleached muslin, which allows it to breathe. Place the gown in a cedar chest or a lined wooden drawer or box.

Store in a cool, dark and dry area. To keep the dress fresh and crease-free, air it out at least once a year and refold it in different places.

A gown preservation specialist can do all this for you.

Wedding wisdom

Floral

Fantasy

BLOOMING PASSION...

CHOOSE WEDDING FLOWERS THAT EXPRESS YOUR INDIVIDUALITY

BRIDE: Rebekah Ney FLORIST: Zocalo | 780.428.0754 PHOTO: EarlGray Images | earlgrayimages.com | 1.780.700.7762

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MODEL: Claire Armstrong | FLOWERS: Kaas Floral Design | 416.550.7652 DÉCOR: Susan Murray International | 866.757.8726 | GOWN: Sharleez Concept | sharleezconcept.com PHOTO: Collective 67 | collective67.com | 416.434.9397 Discover the image’s backstory at www.WeddingEssentials.ca/BackStory

BRIDE & GROOM: Cathleen & Robert Johnson FLOWERS: Tim Clark’s Flowers | timclarksflowers.com | 905.294.2651 PHOTO: Wright Shot Photography | wrightshot.ca | 289.893.0323

BRIDE: Katherine Nip FLOWERS: Tim Clark’s Flowers | timclarksflowers.com | 905.294.2651 PHOTO: Haley Photography | haleyphotography.ca | 905.424.1223

Wedding Essentials 20 1 6 | 75

Language of flowers

floral fantasy

ACACIA | Friendship AGRIMONY | Gratitude AMBROSIA | Love returned APPLE BLOSSOMS | Hope ASTER | Elegance AZALEA | Temperance BABY’S BREATH | Innocence BAY LAUREL | Glory CALLA LILY | Beauty CAMELLIA | Loveliness CARNATION | Devotion CHRYSANTHEMUM | Abundance DAFFODIL | Regard DAISY | Gentleness FORGET-ME-NOT | Remembrance FREESIA | Innocence HEATHER | Future fortune HELIOTROPE | Devotion IVY | Fidelity LARKSPUR | Laughter LAUREL | Peace LILAC | Humility LILY | Majesty

I want to encourage women to embrace their own uniqueness. Because just like a rose is beautiful, so is a sunflower, so is a peony. I mean, all flowers are beautiful in their own way, and that’s like women too.

— Miranda Kerr Love is the flower, you’ve got to let it grow.

— John Lennon

LILY OF THE VALLEY | Happiness MYRTLE | Remembrance ORANGE BLOSSOMS | Purity ORCHID | Rare beauty

People from a planet without flowers would think we must be mad with joy the whole time to have such things about us.

— Iris Murdoch

PARSLEY | Beginnings PEONY | Bashfulness QUEEN ANNE’S LACE | Trust ROSE | Love ROSEMARY | Remembrance SAGE | Immortality STEPHANOTIS | Marital happiness THYME | Courage TULIP | Passion VIOLET | Modesty ZINNIA | Affection

FLOWERS: Fran Sackler Floral Designs | fsflorals.com | 905.884.5848

Selecting a florist Flowers have long been connected with many of the most joyous occasions of life, such as births, anniversaries and other happy, special occasions. With their associations of beauty, freshness and rebirth, flowers are a natural complement to the ceremonies of life.

That’s why flowers and floral decorations have traditionally been an important part of the wedding and the celebration of marriage.

Whether your wedding is going to be styled along traditional lines or with a more contemporary theme, flowers will play an important part in the success of your nuptials. Flowers are a complementary highlight to one of the biggest days of your life, so it’s important that the floral component of your wedding be executed properly and correctly. In addition, flowers and floral decorations comprise a considerable portion of the cost of the wedding, which is another reason to make sure you are pleased with the floral services you arrange.

Biedermeier Concentric rings of blooms fan out from the centre like a bullseye

Pomander A ball of flowers carried by a ribbon attached to it

Nosegay A tightly packed round bouquet

Selecting a Florist It is generally best to have this aspect of your wedding handled by a professional. Even if you know something about arranging flowers or have a friend with some expertise, using the services of a professional is the best route. There is a tremendous amount of labour involved in making flower arrangements, decorations, floral bouquets for the bride and attendants, and floral accessories for other members of the wedding party and close relatives. Another factor to consider in hiring a professional florist is that, as your wedding day draws closer and certainly on your wedding day itself, you will be under a lot of time pressure, with functions to attend before the wedding and many arrangements to make for the wedding and reception. You would be hard pressed to find time to plan your floral needs properly. There is also considerable expertise required in selecting the correct flowers, making the arrangements and bouquets professionally, and delivering them on time. Professional florists have built up this expertise through their years of service and are not intimidated by the many tasks involved. The flowers and arrangements for your wedding will be their primary focus and that in itself is important. Even a friend who has some expertise may find it difficult to cope.

Hand-tied The stems are wrapped in ribbon instead of being inserted into a holder

Arm bouquet Popular at beauty shows, this is held flat in the crook of your arm

Cascade Flowers drape down from the bride’s hands

a real-life wedding

Julia & Brad

BLISSFUL & ELEGANT BLING — NEW YEAR’S EVE WEDDING

When they received the wedding invitations and after the wedding, guests invited to the New Year’s Eve wedding celebrations of Julia Cosme and Brad Finkbeiner told the couple what a great idea the timing was! Everybody was in the mood to dress up, dance, party and enjoy celebrating a new year and a new couple!

SOCCER MATCH It was tradition for Brad’s soccer team to have a pint at The Ivy Arms in Milton after Sunday games. That’s where he met Julia, who was studying for university and waitressing part-time at the local pub.

The nearby Thai House was the first date dinner setting.

Although both were nervous because they didn’t know each other well yet, the date went so well that they were together from then on!

THE ROSE PROPOSAL Julia flew to Fort Myers one weekend to meet Brad who was enjoying a 3-day golf tournament at his Dad’s home course in Florida. The plan was to attend a black tie gala and then to fly to the Bahamas for a week-long vacation with friends.

When they were all dressed up for the gala, they headed out to the patio, ostensibly for a family photo op. Julia saw that Brad was very nervous but hadn’t noticed that no one followed the couple out. She commented on a vase of beautiful red roses on the patio, joking about going to the rose ceremony on The Bachelor. Brad responded “that’s actually why we are here”, and got on one knee to propose. Julia declares that saying yes was the easiest decision of her life!

They celebrated at the gala and later during their Bahamas vacation where they took engagement photos on the beach that were used for their save-the-dates notices for guests.

PHOTOS: MIKE STREETER PHOTOGRAPHY & PURE APERTURE PHOTOGRAPHY

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GALA ATTIRE While still in Florida, Julia bought her first bridal magazine; a Maggie Sottero gown with low back and vintage crystal cap sleeves captured her interest. She made sure that the dress was in the store when she went shopping for her wedding gown. It was the third dress she tried on and she knew it was perfect for the elegant but sexy look she wanted.

For her attendants, Julia chose a navy blue shade — formal but with a softer nuance than black. The neckline showcased the statement necklace that was her gift to her MOH and bridesmaids.

Brad’s sartorially-splendid choice for himself and his groomsmen was right-on-trend navy suits. He bought brown shoes and belts and ties as wedding party gifts.

NEW YEAR’S EVE WEDDING They exchanged vows at Saint Matthew Parish Church in Oakville, continuing on to the Oakville Conference Centre for cocktails, dinner, dancing and partying into the New Year.

Julia and Brad wanted their New Year’s Eve wedding celebrations to embrace the festivities of the season but not be overly glitzy or cliché. Their vision was of a classy, elegant and bling-ful theme created with ivory and white tones, accented with soft pink and popped with touches of navy blue. Crystal brooches, crystal candelabra, and sequined fabric that draped high-top cocktail tables hit that sophisticated note with precision.

White LED uplighting lent a romantic glow to the shades of white and ivory look of the room. Tall trumpet glass vases with hydrangea and roses on the top were sophisticated centrepieces.

A favour table included New Year’s Eve items among the selections. Mini-champagne bottles wrapped in ivory tulle and finished with a rhinestone brooch and thank-you card were also guest hits.

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a real-life wedding A FAVOURITE MOMENT Julia followed advice she had been given to “savour the moment”.

The newlyweds stood at the balcony overlooking the reception, taking in the fact that they were married and that so many of the people they loved filled the room. Family and friends from all over Canada and the United States were in the same space...so special.

The scene below was a joyous and spectacular one. Everyone was dressed to the nines, perfectly attired for the gala celebration, many of the men in black tie and the women sparkling in gorgeous sequined dresses and glittering jewellery.

Many guests told Julia and Brad how they often dreaded trying to make plans for New Year’s Eve but loved the idea of celebrating bringing in the New Year and the couple’s marriage. And of course wedding anniversaries will never slip anyone’s mind!

HONEYMOON PLANS Rather than leaving immediately on their honeymoon, Julia and Brad are planning a trip to France and Italy in the future. Paris is on the itinerary because they want to enjoy a romantic city.

Indulging in great food and soaking up the culture make France and Italy ideal choices. The couple often enjoys beach vacations, so the European countries are additional reasons to make their honeymoon unforgettable. WE

BRIDE’S GOWN: Brandy by Maggie Sottero | Angie’s Bridal Boutique | 905.689.8400 | BRIDE’S HAIR: Hair.Makeup by Amanda Zack | 519.574.7433 BRIDE’S MAKEUP: Ooh, La, La! Inc. | 905.875.2527 | BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS: Mori Lee #703 | Angie’s Bridal Boutique | 905.878.9400 GROOM’S ATTIRE: Tommy Hilfiger | Moores Clothing for Men | 905.829.8008 | WEDDING PLANNER: Elizabeth Clark Weddings & Events | 905.699.6074 FLOWERS: Kim Janse | Harvest Design | 905.830.2551 | CAKE: Cakes by Christina Fernandes | 905.749.1895 DJ: Good Vibrations | 905.265.0766 | INVITATION & FAVOURS: Stephita Wedding Invitations | 905.489.1199 LIMO: White Shadow Limo Service | 905.849.1458 | VENUE: Oakville Conference Centre | 905.618.7510 PHOTOS: Mike Streeter | Mike Streeter Photography | mikestreeter.ca | 905.699.7424 + Lesley Bogan | Pure Aperture Photography | pureaperture.ca | 905.299.7017

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Free book means less stress when you plan your big day

Planning a formal wedding can cause stress in the most serene of women.

But you can plan yours with a minimum of frayed nerves, thanks to this FREE book from Wedding Essentials.

The Bride’s Survival Guide gives you detailed instructions on planning every aspect of your big day. This 128-page manual (a $39.95 value) offers insider advice on the engagement, the advance preparations, the budget, the ceremony, the reception, the honeymoon, and your first home together.

You get tips on saving money, answers to your etiquette questions, solutions to tough family problems, and ideas on how to make your wedding unique.

Plus ... we show you how to get the best deals from suppliers. Without sacrificing quality.

This unique manual has helped more than 70,000 Ontario brides over the past 20 years. Let us send you your own personal FREE copy.

Mail the postpaid request card opposite this page. Or complete the form on-line at www.weddingessentials.ca. We’ll be pleased to help you remain calm every step of the way to the altar.

www.weddingessentials.ca Your wedding. Your vision. Your choice.

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venues

Oh, Ontario Venues!

A Sampling of Treasures & Pleasures

BY J O N AT H A N B A R R AT T

CASTLES, VINEYARDS, HISTORIC MILLS, glamorous banquet halls, pastoral golf courses, charming cottage country resorts, world-class, sophisticated and stunning city locales, boats, and rustic country retreats — these and many more wedding and reception options are in Toronto, on the GTA’s doorstep or just a few hours away.

When it comes to possibilities for wedding and reception venues, Ontario couples are blessed to have such an abundance of choices.

Whatever your style, your interest, your personality and your pleasure, there’s bound to be someplace close to home in our beautiful province that will captivate you and your guests.

NOT RUN OF THE MILL Looking for a historic venue with all the modern amenities you could possibly desire? Ontario’s historic mills might be top of your list. Enjoy exploring while you select the perfect mill for your celebrations. Whichever way your compass points, you will find historic enchantment.

Old Mill Toronto, long a favourite for memorable weddings, is right in the city, easily reached by car or public transit. It also has accommodation, making it a destination dream for guests who might wish to party late and linger longer. Old Mill Toronto can host very large wedding celebrations or intimate ones in indoor and outdoor venues. Weddings with up to 120 guests can be held in the candlelit 16th century chapel on site.

Queen Victoria’s choice for the prettiest town in Canada was Goderich, on the shores of beautiful Lake Huron. Minutes to the west by PHOTO COURTESY OF MUSKOKA STEAMSHIPS

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winding country lanes is Benmiller Inn & Spa, a complex of several buildings created from a 19th century mill and hamlet.It is known for its customized menus featuring local ingredients from this rich agricultural area of the province.

Couples can stay on for their honeymoon and guests can stretch out their experience in this peaceful haven nestled in a hollow on the banks of Sharpe’s Creek and the Maitland River.

Located in the hills of Caledon, occupying a former textile mill, Millcroft Inn & Spa is a stunning setting for weddings in all seasons.

The Mill Pond and Shaw’s Creek Falls offer photo ops galore. Indoor or outdoor locations are available for weddings, including a wedding garden by the waterfall.

Cambridge Mill’s wedding options range from The Pavilion, a stunning glass-walled chapel for all season views of the beautiful Grand River, to rooms with towering ceilings, exposed stonework and heritage details. The Waterfront Room has an attached Garden Terrace with retractable glass walls.

At Ancaster Mill near Hamilton, among the possibilities is an outdoor patio with stone hearth, perfect for al fresco cocktails or late night service. From the floor-to-ceiling windows of the adjacent Falls Room, guests can enjoy stunning views of the waterfall, millstream and lush gardens.

CASTLE ME! Casa Loma has often been called Toronto’s Camelot. Its soaring battlements, grand rooms and secret passageways are reminiscent of European castles and the glory days of nobility. Craftsmen from Europe were engaged to produce the magnificent details that visitors marvel at today.

The Conservatory is stunning with its stained glass dome, tall windows, marble floor and greenery and flowers in large marble containers. The Library has large glass and wooden bookcases, and the warm patina of wood walls and floors is lit by elegant chandeliers. The Glass Pavilion in the gardens might be the choice for an al fresco wedding; in

the evening the castle forms a stunning backdrop, illuminated against the dark sky.

Château Le Jardin Conference & Event Centre in Vaughan is modeled after a French château; it is easy to imagine it’s in the Loire Valley in France. Ceilings of exceptional craftsmanship soar high above elegant spaces.

Extensive menu choices and attention to detail ensure an event fit for royalty.

DOWN ON THE FARM There are many great farm destinations in Ontario for weddings, providing a perfect rustic wedding experience and loads of naturefriendly photo op sites.

Cambium Farms in the Caledon Hills is a historic farm dating to the 1800s. The fully restored farmhouse is a perfect place for the bride and her family and attendants to prepare for the wedding. Guests can enjoy cocktails in the restored carriage house before walking up the barn hill to the weathered century-old barn, truly authentic to its time with braces, posts, rafters and exposed beams.

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venues

The Port Perry area is the setting for Sagewood Farm, with a lovingly-restored barn, vintage vehicles — including a 1960 Airstream — an outdoor bar and ceremony spaces. Tables can be decorated with vintage items and antiques collected by the owner of the Farm; mismatched chairs from times past add to the ambiance. Couples can spend the night in the Honeymoon Tent in the pastoral rural setting.

The 1959 juke box in the cellar of the barn promises great cocktail hour entertainment.

WaterStone Estate & Farms in Newmarket is an historic property that was first claimed by the Church of England for use as a clergy reserve; its 1832 farmhouse is in original condition. A covered gazebo and three terrace levels are available for outdoor celebrations as well as the WaterStone Grand Room with soaring cathedral ceilings and the intimate Hunt Lounge Bar. In maple syrup country in Lanark Country, Temple’s Sugar Bush is a family-owned maple farm and restaurant. An authentic timberframe building is a setting for a country

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wedding in any season. Gardens and woodland settings, as well as the historic log sugar camp, make for great photo sites. For dinner, served family-style, couples can select from menu items that include maple-bourbon-glazed chicken, maple mousse with caramel crackle and local produce and meats. Among the specialty beverages are maple-themed cocktails and Maple Eh!, an amber ale brewed in collaboration with Perth Brewery.

South of Barrie, Belcroft Estates & Spa uses its century barns for weddings. This property has been in the family for almost ten decades. and is now a tree farm and event venue. A marquee tent with crystal chandeliers is available, as is a cobblestone patio with large working fireplaces, ideal for cocktails or late night treats. Creative possibilities for photo ops abound. Check out the covered bridge, the lighthouse, and the tree-lined lane that evokes plantation entrances, as well as the pavilion within an outdoor courtyard with views of the ponds.

CELEBRATE TO A TEE Few venue options can rival golf and country clubs for expansive, manicured green spaces interspersed with water views. There is plenty of room to make a grand entrance by horse and carriage or an entourage of classic cars. Late night fireworks can be a splendid finale to the evening’s celebrations.

Guests appreciate the ample, convenient and complimentary parking available at golf club venues, and the ease of reaching the wedding destination. Views from tiered terraces down to a river valley or across spectacular expanses of greenery and trees offer visual treats at any time of year, and capture the relaxed feeling of a “day in the country” for everyone attending the celebrations.

If the bride and groom choose to hold both ceremony and reception at the golf club, it also eliminates travel between locations and long periods of waiting time while everyone makes the journey.

An added bonus is the proximity of varied

photo op sites for the wedding party, making the time between ceremony and reception shorter, something wedding guests appreciate.

Among its indoor and outdoor wedding options, Cranberry Golf Resort in Collingwood has Georgian Bay’s only waterfront wedding venue, Bear Estate. Its floor-to-ceiling windows offer superb views that include romantic weeping willows as well as letting in lots of natural light. A broad assortment of accommodations that include condos and hotel rooms makes it ideal for guests to tie in a few extra days of relaxation. In the works is a new rooftop venue at Living Water Resort with panoramic views of Georgian Bay and the lower Bruce Peninsula as well as of the spectacular Blue Mountains.

Deer Creek Golf & Banquet Facility in Ajax touts a stunning main rotunda entrance and elegant ballrooms overlooking breathtaking views of the golf course as well as a Wedding Gazebo. Indoor meets outdoor with grace as rooms are surrounded by terraces and spacious patios. Deer Creek has a reputation for creative, healthy and delicious menu options using fresh ingredients supplied by local producers.

In Tottenham, at Woodington Lake Golf Club, couples might opt to take their vows on the outdoor patio with tiered patios and a wedding arch that overlooks Lake Woodington.

After a customized dinner in the Grand Ballroom, it’s not unusual for newlyweds to celebrate with fireworks reflected in the Lake.

A policy of only one wedding reception per day ensures a high degree of privacy and that the focus of all the service will be on you.

WINERY WOWS The list of great winery and vineyard venues in Ontario is almost as long as a comprehensive wine list! Vineyards and wineries are naturals for weddings, going together as beautifully and effortlessly as wine and romance.

Niagara’s vineyards are dotted along the magical Niagara Peninsula, from St. Catharines through St. Davids, Niagara-onthe-Lake and further afield. Prince Edward County is an up-and-coming winery area with new possibilities for weddings available.

Going west you will find options such as Quai Du Vin Estate Winery near St. Thomas, Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery in Amherstburg and Pelee Island Winery.

Grange of Prince Edward Vineyards & Estate Winery is unique in its offerings. The 1820s’ barn is furnished with authentic Loyalist details, including harvest tables and chairs.

Some couples choose to exchange vows in the natural arbor formed by the drooping leafcovered limbs of the very old willow tree on the property or close to the pond. In the Old Hayloft of the barn, in part of the Tasting Room, a fieldstone fireplace reaches the full height of the vaulted ceiling.

Near Newmarket, Holland Marsh Wineries can host outdoor ceremonies by the scenic pond and gazebo. Receptions follow in the Clubhouse, a big wooden loft-style room with a warm and airy atmosphere, created by lots of wood and large window expanses. For photos, a rustic shack, Amish carriage, the vineyard and waterfall are options, while guests enjoy wine sampling in the tasting room.

Situated under the brow of the Niagara Escarpment, up a country road past vineyards, a covered bridge leads to Hernder Estate Winery in St. Catharines with its restored 1867 Victorian barn containing two banquet rooms with hand-hewn beams and heritage wood detailing. An events staff that has remained the same for the last decade prides itself on everything running extremely smoothly. Allinclusive packages are exactly that — from table linens to china, bar service and wines — with the aim being no after-the-fact budget surprises for couples. An added touch is a winery tour that delights guests while the couple is having post-ceremony photo shoots.

For the couple looking for modern and chic and sustainable, Stratus Winery in Niagara-onthe-Lake offers a food-and-wine-centric experience on a seasonal basis. The Stratus Tasting Room has views over the vineyard as well as to the barrel cellar. A Vineyard Terrace is a great setting for cocktails. Among the contemporary offerings are dynamic food stations located throughout the hospitality spaces and a moveable feast that allows guests to interact and celebrate as they move from space to space, indoors and out. Only one wedding at a time allows for privacy and exclusivity.

Willow Springs Winery, located on the Oak Ridges Moraine north of Toronto, is an all-inone venue, the entire wedding day in one, very accessible location. Couples have exclusive use of the winery and grounds as only single

wedding takes place per day. Outdoor ceremonies can take place in vineyard and landscaped grounds settings, or in a marquee tent on the property. Hors d’oeuvres accompanied by premium VQA wines and a host bar allow guests to mix and mingle before dinner. The Testa Wedding Pavilion’s menus include fine and fresh local and imported ingredients; dinner can be plated and multicourse or feature themed food stations manned by chefs.

SAIL INTO MARRIED BLISS For a truly memorable wedding, couples who enjoy being on the water might choose to charter one of the boats that ply the beautiful waters of Ontario lakes. You can exchange your vows on board, dine and dance in a unique setting with 360° water views.

The stunning skyline of Toronto can be your backdrop for vows and photos aboard one of the four boats of Great Lakes Schooner & Cruise Toronto. The private charters are great for intimate through larger weddings, not only for receptions but for nuptials on board. The vista of beautiful blue Lake Ontario, the Toronto Islands and the skyscrapers of the cityscape will earn rave reviews. The sunset cruise is especially popular for receptions, providing dramatic views of the Toronto skyline as a backdrop for photos.

Grand River Dinner Cruises in Brant County has three boats, The Grand River Belle, The Grand River Princess and the Grand River Queen. Each has a completely enclosed dining room with window walls as well as a promenade deck for a stroll. This would work well for couples looking for a relaxed, casual atmosphere for an intimate celebration of under 60 guests who will enjoy dinner, mixing and mingling to celebrate.

Who could resist the charm of an elegant grand lady? The iconic, 127-year-old R.M.S. Segwun and the Wenonah II ply the waters of the Muskoka lakes out of Gravenhurst. Take your vows aboard and let the celebrations begin! Ideal for couples who want to step back in time, Muskoka Steamships can provide customized details like reproductions of vintage boarding passes for invitations, steamship graphics and a custom flag with the bride and groom’s names that flies from the ship’s bow. WE

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Wedding Essentials Invites Bride & Grooms to Stay in the Spotlight Planning your dream wedding or enjoying being a newlywed? Make the dream last...

Fortunate bridal couples chosen to be showcased in A REAL LIFE WEDDING feature in Wedding Essentials magazine will become wedding stars who: • Provide inspiration and ideas for other couples • Highlight elements of their wedding and reception, using great photographs from their photographer • Tell the unique story of their romance and wedding AUDITION: Tell us a bit about the two of you, your special wedding celebrations, your photographer, venue and other details LIGHTS: Enter your submission for a RLW by e-mailing it to RealLifeWeddings@weddingessentials.ca for evaluation by our editorial team CAMERA: We will request photographs from possible finalists ACTION: We will follow up on details with the winning submissions IT’S A WRAP: When the magazine hits the newsstands it’s time for bragging rights for everyone concerned...for the starring bridal couple and supporting cast who made your wedding fantasy a wonderful reality. Practice signing autographs...

RealLifeWeddings@weddingessentials.ca

inspiration

Muskoka Rustic Celebration

BY MARCIA CHANDLER WHILE THE IDEAL WEDDING CELEBRATION means being surrounded by all your nearest and dearest family and friends as well as getting married in a place close to your heart, sometimes it just isn’t possible to make that perfect dream day come true.

For Rebekah Sherman and Philip Ney, the decision about where to marry was a difficult one. They met and work in Edmonton, Alberta. Rebekah’s band, Dead Red Pine, was performing at a local coffee shop where Philip dropped in to hear the show...and met his soul mate!

Rebekah’s roots are in Ontario; she was torn between a wedding in Alberta and one in Ontario.

PHOTOS: EMILY CHRISTINE PHOTOGRAPHY

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The couple decided to have their nuptials “Part I” at the modern and airy French cultural centre in Edmonton, La Cité Francophone.

Then they planned to enjoy their “Part II Wedding Celebration” at a place very dear to Rebekah’s heart, Clyffe House Cottage Resort in Port Sydney in Ontario’s Muskokas, where she had enjoyed many summer family reunions.

FAMILY PLANNING Having a second celebration in Ontario was an opportunity for family members and friends who weren’t able to travel to Edmonton to share the couple’s wedding joy. Rebekah was delighted to have her mom Harriet “work her creative genius” and for her cousin, Christina McKenzie, a very talented baker, to plan the occasion that would be known as “The Wedding in the Woods”.

Rebekah explains with obvious glee, “Philip and I just showed up!”

VINTAGE TAKES ON ATTIRE As she did for the nuptials in Edmonton, Rebekah wore her mother’s wedding gown. It “fit like a glove without a single alteration”. The bridal gown had been purchased in Vienna, Austria, where Rebekah grew up. The French lace overlay on the A-line design with covered buttons on the back and lace sleeve detail was the perfect choice for a whimsically vintage celebration.

Philip was dashingly debonair, with bow tie, floral square casually poufed in his jacket pocket and yellow rose boutonnière as accents for his navy blue slim-fit suit.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS As a girl, Rebekah always imagined that if she got married at Clyffe House, “all the guests would have ice cream between the ceremony and the reception, so it was fun to start Wedding Part II with everyone walking to the general store for ice cream cones”.

The photo booth was a huge hit with customized comment cards and props, including paper cut-outs of Philip’s beard.

An early dinner al fresco began by singing a traditional family prayer, “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow”. Rebekah closed her eyes and “savoured the sound of 50 voices singing in harmony”.

The photographer whisked Rebekah and Philip down to the lake for canoeing photo ops, an experience that was one of the day’s highlights for the groom. An honour guard of sparklers welcomed them back to the cottage.

All the couches and tables were moved out of the main dining hall, turning it into a dance floor. The walls, covered in brown, leafy wallpaper were the inspiration for the theme, colours and details for the day. For Rebekah and her family, the room is filled with memories of 18 years of family reunions at Clyffe House.

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What better way could there have been to end a day and evening of celebrating and dancing by cooling off with a swim in the lake and games around the campfire under the beautiful Muskoka starlit sky?

HOW SWEET IT IS! Guests at the reception were treated to decadently beautiful creations The Cocoa Cakery, Christina’s bakery, and to some of Rebekah’s Mom’s famous gingersnaps and gingerbread oatmeal cookies.

Christina's naked cake featured a family recipe for the bottom tier — Harriet’s Carrot cake recipe.

A layer of Very Vanilla Cake was in the middle of the carrot cake. A vanilla and chocolate cake formed the top tier. The cake was filled and covered with vanilla bean Swiss meringue butter cream.

Hand-painted cookies flecked with edible gold were stamped with the date of the Edmonton wedding, tying the two celebrations together. Edible lace on sugar cookies echoed the lace on Rebekah’s gown and sugar cookie stacks filled with Swiss meringue and topped with rosettes were sweet temptations. Monogrammed sugar cookies on sticks were hand-painted with inspirational fabric. Vanilla bean French macarons were added delights.

Harriet’s famous gingersnaps made their appearance in woodland shapes, along with family favourites, gingerbread oatmeal cookies. WE

BRIDE’S GOWN: Mother’s vintage lace gown from Vienna, Austria | GROOM’S ATTIRE: Frank & Oak | 514.228.1366 EDISON STRING LIGHTS: AllCargos Tent & Event Rentals | allcargos.com | 416.317.6650 DESIGN/STYLING/CAKES & SWEETS: Christina McKenzie | The Cocoa Cakery | thecocoacakery.com | 647.929.8053 FLOWERS: Country Lane Floral Design | countrylanevintagerentals.com | 905.806.8854 VINTAGE RENTALS: Kathie Baron | Southern Charm Vintage Rentals | southerncharmvintagerentals.com | 905.430.2559 VENUE: Clyffe House Cottage Resort, Port Sydney | clyffehouse.com | 1.866.335.2236 PHOTOS: Emily Christine Photography | emilychristinephoto.com | 647.994.4008

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Wedding FIRST IMPRESSIONS can be unforgettable. You want the initial tangible expression of your wedding to be memorable in the most positive way.

It should set the tone for a joyous celebration. So now that you and your fiancé have set the date and decided on your wedding guest list, take the time to consider the type of invitation and stationery that’s right for your wedding. They should reflect your choices and style in the wording, form, typefaces, and colour of paper and ink.

But whatever type of wedding you have, there can be no compromise when it comes to planning time. Make sure you order your invitations at least four months before your wedding. And in consideration of your guests, send them out no less than six weeks before the event. No one wants to feel that they’re a last-minute addition to the list. (Although, there are unforeseen and perfectly justifiable circumstances where this can happen and you can be prepared by ordering extra invitations.)

And if your wedding coincides with a holiday, it’s even more important that people get the word early so they can make their plans. So if that’s the case, send the invitations out eight to 14 weeks in advance of the date.

If you have guests coming from abroad, send their invitations at least 14 weeks in advance.

Wedding Invitation choices and ideas When you consider an invitation design, you must consider six things: format, paper stock, paper colour, printing method, font, and ink colour. You may become excited about a card that has ribbon twisted through the spine or an edge that is scallopped. If you do you are definitely putting the cart before the horse.

BIFOLD

THE FORMAT STANDARD CARD — It is usually square or rectangular single piece of paper, often engraved. A script card is more rectangular and fits into a standard #10 envelope.

BIFOLD — Also called a fold-over or a folder, this model is folded vertically so that it opens like a restaurant menu. With this model, some brides have the information engraved on the front panel, leaving the inside blank. A better way might be to create a monogram for the front panel and print the invitation on the inside. This design can also allow for a pocket for the response card on the inside left panel.

GATEFOLD — Two panels open from the middle, like double doors on a house. With this design the inside of each panel can hold a pocket for enclosure cards and other items. The panels are usually held closed with a ribbon or a tie.

GATEFOLD

TRIFOLD — This is an invitation that folds into three like the letter Z. On one panel you place your invitation wording while the others will show reception details, directions or even a map. Idea: Perforate the fold between the second and third panel so that the third panel can be torn off and used as a reply card.

BOXED — For the woman who wants to make a strong impact for whom money is no object, a boxed invitation can be the answer. These are usually available only from custom designers, but the effect can be quite sensational. Inside the box are a series of cards with the invitation and other items. You can also enclose an object that will reflect the theme of your wedding, such as a cork if you are having the wedding at a winery.

TRIFOLD

THE PAPER A good test of paper is that it be pleasing to the eye and the touch.

Ignore people who push you toward heavy unbendable papers because they are claimed to be more elegant. Is it cottony, flimsy, crisp, substantial? Decide if you want something that is somewhat rough to the touch rather than something that is smooth.

Some papers work better with certain methods of printing. Cotton paper, made from 100% cotton fibres, has a creamy soft finish that does not yellow with age. Wood fibre papers, once used for low quality papers, has been improved to the extent that it can be used by high-end products like invitations. For a textured, luxurious finish, linen is a wonderful alternative. It can range from durable to extremely delicate.

BOXED

Vellum is a type of paper that is commonly used with fine stationery.

It’s a thin, translucent parchment that is usually attached to the card to protect the surface.

Printing methods PROOFREADING There’s nothing worse than receiving an invitation with your name spelled wrong. And if the name of the church or reception hall is incorrect it can be disastrous. So after you’ve ordered your invitations, take the time to read the proofs you’ll get back from the printer carefully. It’s good to have a friend or relative help and check against a master list.

Obvious typos are often missed by one set of eyes but another may spot them.

FORMAL AND SEMIFORMAL INVITATIONS MAY BE PRINTED IN SEVERAL WAYS. WHATEVER YOU USE IS A MATTER OF PERSONAL PREFERENCE AND BUDGET, OF COURSE, BUT IN GENERAL THE MORE FORMAL THE WEDDING, THE MORE FORMAL THE PRINTNG STYLE. ENGRAVING Engraved invitations are the most traditional printing style for formal occasions, if only because the engraving method is the oldest.

Engraving results in raised print that can be felt to the touch on both sides of the invitation. It is the most expensive form of printing.

THERMOGRAPHY Commonly known as poor man’s engraving, thermography produces raised printing similar in appearance to engraving but using a different process. In thermography, a special powder is added to the ink printed on the paper. The printed piece is heated and the powder and ink mixture dries to form a raised effect on the paper.

LITHOGRAPHY The offset lithography process works by first transferring an image photographically to thin printing plates. In offset lithography the image on the printing plate is not recessed or raised. Rollers apply oil-based ink and water to the plates. Since oil and water don’t mix, the oilbased ink won’t adhere to the non-image areas. Only the inked image portion is then transferred to a rubber blanket (cylinder) that then transfers the image onto the paper as it passes between it and another cylinder beneath the paper.

PUTTING THEM TOGETHER With formal invitations it is traditional to fold the larger, formal invitation across the middle. Other enclosures, like response cards or reception cards, can be placed inside the fold. If your printer has included a tissue next to the engraving to prevent smudging, you can leave it there, although it’s not necessary.

Once you’ve got the enclosures in place, put the folded invitation into the inner invitation with the fold side down and front facing up. The inner envelope should not be sealed. Put the inner envelope facing up inside the outer envelope so that the names will appear first when the envelope is opened.

LASER This is the method used by do-it-yourself brides, who have their invitations printed at a professional print shop or on a home printer.

The result is similar to that produced by lithography — but not nearly as crisp. It is an inexpensive way to produce invitations — and the result often shows it.

HANDWRITTEN For very small weddings involving only close friends and immediate family, handwritten invitations are the most personal way to invite your guests. Consisting of nothing more than a short note, the wording may vary depending on how close you are to the guest. An invitation to somebody whom you are rather close is written in a more familiar tone than one to a distant relative. The standard wedding format may be used when writing to somebody whom you do not know very well.

Using black or dark blue ink, handwritten invitations employ plain, ecru or white letter sheets.

Wedding Response Cards The response card custom does not require an RSVP to the wedding ceremony. However, on the reception invitation relating to a formal wedding it is traditional to include RSVP , which means you want a reply either way. If the address to which the reply is being sent is different from the one appearing on the invitation, then be sure to add, “kindly send reply to.”

If your wedding is very small and just for immediate members of the family, you can send out reception invitations to relatives and friends with all the pertinent information. The style of invitation too depends on whether it’s a formal or non-formal affair.

For a non-traditional wedding reception, the request for a guest’s reply can be written in less formal language.

Response cards for formal and non-formal affairs make it easier for your guests to get back to you. You can also say on the card, “please respond on or before April third” and include an addressed, stamped envelope for your guest’s convenience. The style of the response card should match the style of the wedding invitations.

If a guest still doesn’t reply, you or someone close to you should call and check so you can get a final head count to give to your reception location.

Seating Charts If you’re having a large wedding, place cards will let your guests know exactly where they’re sitting and eliminate any unfortunate placements — such as ex-spouses or feuding cousins being forced to sit side by side because no other seats are left. It’s also a good way for you to make sure the arrangements are compatible for friends who may be coming from out of town or relatives who don’t know many people. You can put them beside guests who will make them feel at home.

These cards can usually be found laid out in alphabetical sequence on a table at the entrance to the reception hall. The tables are numbered so guests can easily make their way to the right one. The common design for the cards is to have your names printed on one line and the date of your wedding on the second line. The third line is blank and is meant for the guest’s name to be handwritten. The table number is written on the fourth line.

Maps and directions It makes sense to give maps to anyone who might not be familiar with the area of the church or ceremony site and reception location. Keep the maps simple. You can download what you need from Mapquest. Or you can have a neat hand-drawn map reproduced. Be sure to include detailed directions coming from each direction to anywhere you are wishing for your guests to attend.

Thank-You Notes These are a must, whether your wedding is traditional or more casual.

Thanking the giver verbally at the reception is not enough. If your wedding is formal, it’s usual to send thank-you notes on white paper, writing in blue or black ink. The notes are small, about four by five inches and are folded once. You can have your name or initials printed or engraved.

If your wedding is a more casual affair, any stationery that is in good taste can be used. It’s best not to use pre-printed cards that employ the same language on every card. You want to let your guests know you’re sincere in your thanks. For this reason a personal reference to the gift given will be greatly appreciated.

Since gifts often start arriving as soon as invitations are sent out, it’s best to enter each gift and the giver’s name on a gift list as soon as it’s received. Later in this chapter you will find a Wedding Invitation and Gift List that you can photocopy and use to track your goodies and your thank-you notes.

Send out your thank-you notes no later than two months after the wedding. Be sure to enter the date you sent them on your gift list.

photography

WHEN

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS

y r r a M

HOW THE PROS CHOOSE THEIR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS FOR FOREVER IMAGES B Y LY N N E C A L L AG H A N Ever wonder how wedding photographers go about choosing the photographers who will capture the images of their special day? A leading Ontario wedding photographer who married her sweetheart a few months ago shares info on the process on the way to making that all-important decision.

REBECCA NASH REBECCA NASH PHOTOGRAPHY REBECCANASHPHOTOGRAPHY.COM WEDDING & ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

BY ZACH & JODY GRAY

Zach & Jody | zachandjody.com

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“Be sure that your photographers are a good fit for your personality so they will add to the celebration of your wedding day experience instead of adding to the stress.”

WEDDING ESSENTIALS: What were the key factors in choosing your wedding photographers?

REBECCA: Quality of work. As a photographer, I’m more critical of the final artwork than most brides. I was interested in someone who had a great balance of technical skill as well as an eye for the moments — before they happened. Personality is very important because you are going to spend a lot of time with them on a stressful day. Interest in our wedding and the importance of certain details to us were also key factors.

WE: Did you ask for specific images to be shot?

REBECCA: Not really. I knew the photographers well enough to trust they would get everything we needed and then some. We just made sure they knew about special things happening that day that aren’t part of the norm or were especially important to us, like my daughter walking me down the aisle.

WE: How difficult was it to be in front of the lens rather than behind it?

REBECCA: This was probably one of the most challenging things, multiplying the difficulty in some moments. We just focused on each other during the ceremony, not even noticing the photographers. During the photo shoot on the dock, I was listening to Zach’s directions but having my mentor photograph me meant that I was also often thinking about how he was directing me, the instructions the lead photographer was giving the second, the lighting and more. That side of me that always wants to learn is super hard to shut off but I did my best all day to focus on our day and the experience.

WE: What did you learn from being the person being photographed rather than the photographer that you would like to share with couples planning their weddings?

REBECCA: Communication is key. Talk often and openly about the day, your priorities, your timeline, any special moments, activities and expectations — those you have for them and those your photographers have for you.

WE: If you could only give one piece of advice to couples, what would it be?

REBECCA: My biggest piece of advice for couples is to really look at the work. I looked at a lot of photographs, including many from my photography mentors. In the end I had to step back and look at the work from a focused perspective: First, can I see myself in these types of images? And secondly, would I hang images like these on my walls at home? There are some amazing photographers that I follow whose work I admire but when I really started to reflect, I realized their photography is stunning, but not right for me or my husband.

WE: How far in advance did you book your photographer?

REBECCA: The decision was made about two years before Ross and married. But as soon as we were engaged and had a date and venue, we were in touch with them.

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photography

REBECCA & ROSS’ LOVE NOTES IT WAS “KIN-SMET” Ross Emerson was in Grade 7 and Rebecca Nash in Grade 6 when they met. It was anything but love at first sight. With characteristic tongue-in-cheek humour, Rebecca shares that she actually found him “intensely annoying, but over time when they met again, ten years later, they had both grown up and lowered their standards”!

They met again at KinKamp, a weekend-long event for Kin Service Clubs members. Rebecca attended with her young daughter who arrived a couple of days before her mother. She met Ross first — so in jest often referred to him as her boyfriend, not her mom’s beau.

Ross and Rebecca share many interests, including travel, music, movies and reading. Both have a passion for photography. Rebecca loves working with people, photographing engagements and weddings while Ross loves landscape and wildlife photography.

And of course, both share a dry sense of humour!

LOCATION, LOCATION Rebecca and Ross married at Sandy Lane Resort in Ontario’s Algonquin Highlands, the venue where Rebecca had shot her first full wedding, for a friend. The duo chose the location for their wedding celebrations to provide a weekend experience, making memories with family and friends in an atmosphere of casual fun, fresh air and beautiful lake views. WE

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Photography NOTHING CAPTURES the feelings, expressions and memories of your wedding day better than the camera. Whether it is in the form of still photographs, video footage, or a combination of both, these are the tangible records of the event that you will return to time and time again over the years. They are heirlooms to be cherished

stone-faced portraits that you see when you leaf through old family photo albums. Today, wedding photography captures the moments in a wide range of styles using a variety of techniques. Not only have the technology, equipment and printing techniques improved, but the photographers themselves have become artists with unique visions and styles.

Wedding photography is a very personal affair.

To get what’s best for you, choose a Photography Wedding photography has come to professional whose style and printed images match your own ideas. take on a life of its own. Gone are the stiff, for your children and future generations.

That’s why it is so important to choose the right professionals for the job. Most good wedding photographers and videographers are in demand, especially during the summer when many weddings take place. So, start interviewing some of these individuals as soon as possible. In large urban areas like Toronto, you need to book them nine to 12 months in advance of your wedding day.

a real-life wedding

Caitlin & Shona RETRO, RUSTIC, ROMANTIC & FUN NOTES

Mutual friends introduced Caitlin Thompson and Shona Selby more than eight years before they walked down the aisle to celebrate their commitment to each other and their “decision to support each other through the ebbs and flows of life”.

There was magnetism between them from the beginning — from first glance of acquaintance, to fast friendship which inevitably morphed into love.

FIRST DATE & PROPOSAL Caitlin prepared a romantic home-cooked meal for Shona. Their first date could have been right out of the screenplay from a 1970s’ Rom-Com. Picture a tiny duplex with only a stovetop, no oven, making cooking an extremely creative experience....not much furniture yet, so they sat on the floor around a coffee table chest to dine.

It was an evening of “great music, great wine, delicious food and great conversation”.

Their relationship deepened over time, leading to Caitlin’s intention to propose. She had a ring designed for Shona that was rich in symbolic meaning. Just before Christmas, after checking out a new apartment, they went home, planning to dine in because Shona was tired and sick with a cold. She had changed into “ratty old track pants, a sweater and toque” to get cozy and comfortable. Caitlin was becoming increasingly nervous and red-faced as she asked Shona to put one of their favourite albums, by The Lumineers, on their vintage hi fi stereo. When Shona opened the lid she discovered a ring box atop the turntable. What quickly followed was Caitlin’s endearingly nervous proposal, which Shona readily accepted!

WEDDING PHOTOS: REBECCA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY. ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS: EMILY MAUREEN PHOTOGRAPHY

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WEDDING PLANNING Fast forward to the fall of 2014 when planning was underway for their wedding. Shona’s MOH is a wedding planner who provided her expertise coordinating the event. Other talented friends helped with wedding details to bring Caitlin and Shona’s vision for their celebration to life. Barnboard hand-painted signs, tea lights in mason jars, handmade burlap banners and other rustic, cottage touches created a warm, cozy and fun ambiance.

CELEBRATION ATTIRE Caitlin tells a great anecdote about shopping for her wedding gown. While taking advantage of a warehouse sale, with two girlfriends in tow, she says that “it was absolute mayhem! There were women everywhere carrying piles of gowns. Some were carrying so many dresses that all you could see were two little feet below heaps of silk, tulle and lace.” She opted for an elegant silk A-line gown with a champagne-

coloured sash that hit a vintage glam note with precision.

The bridal attendants wore strapless, floorlength gowns in a rich, deep purple wintry hue that echoed the décor colours.

Shona’s choice was a sartorially-splendid vintage look with grey jacket-vest and pants, charcoal suspenders and purple socks — a nod to the bridesmaids’ dresses.

HITTING THE RIGHT NOTE For self-professed music addicts, selecting the music for the occasion was a delightful decision. The wedding party and parents of the couple walked down the aisle to Ho Hey by the Lumineers. The choice for Shona and Caitlin’s entrance was You’ve Got The Love by Florence and the Machine. Fittingly, January Wedding by the Avett Brothers played as the register was signed. Carly Rae Jepsen’s Call Me Maybe, an inside-joke between the brides, was the recessional as the couple danced their way into the future as newlyweds.

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a real-life wedding FAB FOOD The cocktail-style menu reflected Caitlin and Shona’s eclectic and sophisticated taste in food. Servers roamed with food selections throughout the evening in a mix-and-mingle party-atmosphere reception. Potato crostini with caramelized cherry pink bacon and cream cheese, marinated chicken drumstick lollipops and caramelized peach, prosciutto and mascapone ravioli in cardamom butter sauce tantalized taste buds. Roast beef with Cabernet jus, arancini of wild mushroom risotto balls stuffed with asiago cheese and southwest crab cakes were enjoyed by all. And who could resist vegetable rice wraps, shrimp bisque shooters and beer battered fish bites with caper and lime tartar sauce?

Vanilla with butter cream, and mint chocolate cupcakes were a sweet ending to the evening.

AMAZING VOWS Caitlin and Shona wrote their own heartfelt and incredibly touching vows. Here are a few excerpts from the promises they made to each other on their wedding day.

CAITLIN: “Shona, I promise always to protect you, stand by you, fight for you. I love you for all that you are, and all you will become. I will not expect you to be the key to my happiness, but my partner in unlocking the doors of opportunity and wonder in the world. I promise to listen to you. To pay attention to what you need. Not to run when things are hard, and always to put our relationship first. You are my best friend. Thank you for joining me in this adventure. I love you.”

SHONA: Caitlin, you are my best friend and being around you is always my favourite place to be. I will love you whole-heartedly. I promise always to listen to you and to really hear you. I will always be in your corner and I will always keep you safe. I promise to be honest, loyal and open-minded. I will continue to work on me so I can give you my very best. Thank you for being my safe place, my shoulder to cry on and, most of all, my one true love. I am so excited to see what our future together holds.” WE

BRIDES’ HAIR: Lid Salon and Esthetics Studio | 416.967.3311 | BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS: ModCloth | 1.888.495.9699 SHONA’S SUIT: Express | 416.592.1276 | BOUQUET: Quince Flowers | 416.594.1414 CUPCAKES: Desmond & Beatrice | 647.352.1463 | VENUE: The Full Bawdy Loft | 416.821.1754 ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS: Emily Maureen Photography | emilymaureenphotography.com | 647.291.4338 WEDDING PHOTOS: Rebecca Marie Photography | rmophotos.com | 647.459.8067

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Wedding wisdom A girls best friend SELECTING THE STYLE If you are like 85 percent of all Canadian brides, you’ll receive a diamond engagement ring. The average weight is about half a carat (47 points). Diamonds are popular here. Canada has the highest acquisition rate for diamond engagement rings in the entire world.

It’s not essential to have an engagement ring, however. Some couples prefer to save money by combining the engagement ring and wedding ring into one. If that’s your choice, go for a wider band set with a solitaire or inset with many small diamonds. Or forego diamonds entirely and choose a larger coloured stone such as a ruby, amethyst, sapphire or emerald. Such variations are particularly popular for second marriages.

In searching for the right ring it’s best to seek out a jeweller who has been in business for some time. Ask your friends and relatives whom they would recommend. Wherever you buy your ring, have the stone certified by an independent appraiser such as Toronto-based Gem Scan, which provides appraisal services to the jewellery trade and the public. If the jewellery store does not have a qualified appraiser on staff, make an independent appraisal a condition of sale and have it noted right on the bill.

you have three choices. (1) Choose a larger stone of lesser quality. (2) Buy a fake until you can afford the real thing. (3) Use a layaway plan, which means the jeweller will hold your item while you make partial payments. (4) Wait.

As you compare stones, record the gemologist’s designation for each one. Check out various colours and grades but try to compare stones of similar size, colour and clarity grade. Then compare for price. Ask about the store’s policies regarding exchanges, guarantees and warranties. If your partner is buying the ring without input from you, remind them to ask the Know how much you want to spend before you jeweller to note right on the bill that the sale is start shopping. The diamond conditional on you having the right to exchange industry says that an engagement ring should it if you are not happy with the choice. The cost about two month’s salary, but you should document should be signed and dated. For spend an amount that you can be comfortable with. Look at the rings offered by several stores insurance purposes, the bill of sale will also need to show details of the purchase, including before you make a choice. Don’t be pressured. the weight, colour, clarity, size and cost.

If you cannot afford the ring you’d really like,

Asscher

Picking a diamond and understanding the 4 C’s There are four classic criteria when selecting a diamond. The first three — colour, cut and clarity — determine the price per carat. Once that is established, carat weight determines the final price.

Baguette

Cushion

CUT Cut refers to more than just the shape of the diamond. It also refers to the number of facets, the small, flat polished surfaces that are cut into the stone. When a diamond is cut well, light is reflected from one facet to another and then dispersed through the top of the stone. A good cut means more sparkle.

Cut also refers to the shape of the diamond. Diamonds are cut into a number of shapes depending on the nature of the rough stone and the position of the inclusions. The most popular cut is the brilliant (round) cut.

Emerald

Heart

COLOUR The best colour for a diamond is no colour. This absence of colour enables the stone to act as a prism, transforming light into rainbows of colour. While most diamonds appear white, virtually all of them display minute tints of colour.

The colour grades are designated by the letters of the alphabet D through Z, D representing the colourless end of the spectrum and Z being the most tinted variety.

Look for something in the mid-range, certainly nothing lower than I. There’s no point in paying for quality that nobody can see.

Marquise

Oval

Pear

Princess

CLARITY More than any other gemstone, diamonds have the capability to produce the maximum amount of brilliance. A diamond that is virtually free of interior or exterior inclusions — created by non-crystallized carbon — is of the highest quality because nothing interferes with the passage of light.

A diamond’s clarity is determined by taking into account the number, size, type and location of the inclusion. The fewer inclusions, the more valuable it will be. To determine a diamond’s clarity it is viewed by an expert under a 10-power jeweller’s loupe.

Here are the grades against which clarity is assessed:

Radiant

Round Brilliant

IF

Internally flawless (extremely rare)

VVS1-VVS2

Very, very slightly included

VS1-VS2

Very slightly included*

SI1-SI2

Slightly included*

I1

Included

I2

Promotionally included

I3

Heavily included

* For most brides the VS and SI grades are perfectly satisfactory.

Tapered Baguette

Trilliant

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CARAT Carat refers to the weight and therefore the size of the diamond. Although size contributes to the value of the diamond, bigger is not necessarily better. Diamonds of equal size can have a very unequal value, depending on their quality. One carat is divided into 100 “points,” so that a diamond of 50 points is half a carat.

THERE ARE FOUR EASY WAYS TO CLEAN A DIAMOND TO UNLEASH ITS BRILLIANT DANCE OF LIGHT AND COLOUR: Detergent Bath Prepare a small bowl of warm, sudsy water with any of the mild liquid detergents used at home. After a few minutes of soaking (or one hour if the stone is dull and dirty), simply brush the ring and stones gently with a soft toothbrush. Rinse in clear, warm water and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

1

Cold-water Soak Submerge the ring in a half-andhalf solution of cold water and household ammonia for thirty minutes. Lift out and gently tap around the front and back of the mounting with a soft toothbrush. Swish the ring in the solution a second time, rinse, and drain on tissue paper.

2

Quick-dip Method Use any brand-name liquid jewellery cleaner and follow the instructions given on the label. Be sure to read the directions and follow them carefully as many differ from one another.

3

Ultrasonic Cleaner These machines use water, detergent and a high-frequency turbulence to create a cleaning action. Each machine is different, so it is important to follow the specific directions for the unit.

4

Wedding wisdom

Wedding wisdom

Traditional anniversary gifts The idea of anniversary gift giving dates back to the Holy Roman Empire, when husbands crowned their wives on their 25th anniversary with a silver wreath and a gold one on their 50th. As time has gone on, especially in the 20th

ANNIVERSARY 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th 15th 20th 25th 30th 35th 40th 45th 50th 60th

GIFT / THEME PAPER COTTON LEATHER FRUIT/FLOWERS WOOD CANDY/IRON WOOL/COPPER POTTERY/BRONZE WILLOW/POTTERY TIN/ALUMINUM STEEL SILK/LINEN LACE ANIMALS CRYSTAL CHINA SILVER PEARL CORAL RUBY SAPPHIRE GOLD DIAMOND

century, commercialism found its way to this tradition and created a number of gifts representing specific years. People today will often create parties using these themes, whereas others keep it to just the gift giving itself.

GEM STONE MOTHER OF PEARL GARNET MOONSTONE BLUE TOPAZ ROSE QUARTZ AMETHYST ONYX TOURMALINE LAPIS LAZULI CRYSTAL OR GREEN TOURMALINE TURQUOISE JADE CITRINE OPAL RHODOLITE EMERALD TSAVORITE PEARL -RUBY SAPPHIRE GOLD DIAMOND

FLOWER CARNATION LILY OF THE VALLEY SUNFLOWER HYDRANGEA DAISY CALLA FREESIA LILAC BIRD OF PARADISE DAFFODIL TULIP PEONY CHRYSANTHEMUM DAHLIA ROSE ASTER IRIS LILY -GLADIOLUS -YELLOW ROSE, VIOLET --

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PAGE 67

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AsianFusion

I’LL THINK ABOUT IT”, WAS TIFFANY’S COMMENT the first time Japjot told her he loved her. Tiffany shares that she uttered the same words when he proposed, asking “for us to be one, for our families to be one”.

Tiffany Singh and Japjot Mann come from very different cultures. Her family is Guyanese/Chinese, mostly Caribbean and strict Catholic; his is Indian and Sikh.

The two met just before their high school graduation, at a basketball playoff party that self-described “huge nerd” Tiffany hosted. She had invited a friend to the party and he brought his friend, Japjot, who was going through a “rebel without a cause” phase.

It would be seven years until Tiffany and Japjot exchanged marriage vows, although they knew early on that they would be spending their lives together. Their “wildly different” cultures meant that their two families had very different ways of celebrating. Tiffany’s family parties to the

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TIFFANY & JAPJOT wee hours of the morning to soca music, known as the soul of calypso and enjoys Caribana festivities celebrating Caribbean culture and traditions. Japot’s background is more reserved and quiet and very much in touch with Indian/Sikh culture and traditions.

Hand in hand, embracing their different backgrounds and being “madly in love”, the young couple celebrated their wedding in an intimate ceremony on a beach at Montego Bay Riu Resort in Jamaica. The cultural boundaries between the two families mean that the couple learns new things every day. “Being part of both worlds is a privilege.

We are blessed to be witness to the beauty of opposing views of the world.” WE Tiffany & Japjot: Vive La Différence! We wish you many celebrations in your future that include both of your cultural backgrounds as well as creating your own new traditions.