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Romance reigns supreme in this elegant Morilee fit and flare gown presented by Brides-N-Belles. Kendall Mayes with SHE Modelling looks breathtakingly beautiful in this figure-enhancing gown of Chantilly lace, enhanced with embroidered lace appliques and touches of crystal beading. The fitted bodice has a flattering sweetheart neckline and drop waist. The flounced soft net skirt is adorned with lace ruffles. Kendall’s crystal headpiece, fingertip-length veil and jewellery are by Bridal Classics, also from Brides-N-Belles. Brides-N-Belles 714 Second Avenue North www.bridesnbelles.ca Kendall’s hair and make-up artistry was created by Jillian Stead of Paramount Day Spa Salon & Boutique. Kendall’s simple bouquet by Serendipity Flowers delivers dramatic colour in a compact and cute package. White gerbera daisies boast dark centres and the bright purple statice is striking against the snowy white carnations. The simple, comfortable handle is wrapped in white ribbon and accented with a purple band. www.serendipityflowers.ca PHOTO BY ELAINE MARK, D & M IMAGES
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It’s the bridal event of the year:
Spectacular 2016 bridal
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Your dream wedding begins with a visit to Bridal Spectacular, January 10 at TCU Place. Photos: Fotolia
Jeannie Armstrong | SP Special Projects editor
The two of you have set the date for 2016. Now here’s another important date to save on your calendar: Sunday, January 10, 2016. That’s the day of the next Bridal Spectacular, presented by SHE Modelling, at TCU Place, from 12:30 to 5:00 p.m. Bridal Spectacular is the city’s biggest and most established wedding trade show. For any couple planning to wed in 2016, Bridal Spectacular is an opportunity to plan every aspect of their event – in one afternoon, in one convenient location. The energy at every Bridal Spectacular event is incredible, as excited brides – accompanied by their mothers, bridesmaids and an increasing number of grooms-to-be – check out the vast number of displays presented by local wedding retailers and service providers. Bridal Spectacular exhibitors include bridal gown stores, limousine services, photographers, caterers, music providers, wedding planners, florists, bakers, hair and make-up artists, special event rentals, home décor items and more! Bridal Spectacular organizer and owner of SHE Modelling, Mary Obrodovich, is always excited to welcome new exhibitors to the show. “Attending Bridal Spectacular is a great way for brides and grooms to get to know about the newest and latest wedding items and services on the Saskatoon scene,” says Obrodovich. “So many of the new wedding service providers are home-based businesses. Bridal Spectacular is an opportunity to discover what they have to offer. You can meet with the business owners in person and W EDDINGS WONDERFUL
discuss your plans, face to face.” Obrodovich cites the example of a new Saskatoon business – Sequins, Baubles and Beads by Cheryl – that will be one of the exhibitors at Bridal Spectacular. “She custom designs oneof-a-kind wedding gowns and veils. It’s a display that’s sure to appeal to brides who are looking for something unique for their wedding.” Another new participant at Bridal Spectacular will be David’s Distinctive Men’s Apparel. The downtown retailer is adding men’s formalwear to its fashion line-up, along with a selection of custom-designed shirts for the groom and his best men. Canadian luxury jewellery company Hillberg and Berk made its first appearance at Bridal Spectacular in September 2015, just before opening its new store in Midtown Plaza. Rachel Mielke, founder of Hillberg and Berk was so pleased by the reception they received at the September show, they’re returning to the January Bridal Spectacular with an exciting display of their latest jewellery collections. Hillberg and Berk will also lend their sparkle to the models appearing in the Bridal Spectacular fashion show. A number of long-time Saskatoon retailers have been part of Bridal Spectacular’s success since the show was first established 27 years ago. “Brides-n-Belles, Tux & Tails, Handy Special Events and Hudson’s Bay have been with Bridal Spectacular since the beginning. The experience and knowledge these businesses offer is invaluable. They’re always on top of the latest wedding trends,” says Obrodovich.
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Showstopper From Exquisite Fashions & Bridal, Jill Martin steps into the spotlight in a stunning fit and flare gown by Los Angeles designer Kitty Chen. The Ariana gown is the perfect choice for the bride seeking glitz and glamour. The fitted bodice, with its romantic sweetheart neckline, is embellished with sparkling Swarovski crystals and pearls. The gown’s back is equally dramatic, featuring crystal-laden criss-cross straps and illusion netting with crystal appliques. Exquisite Fashions & Bridal 1202 Quebec Avenue www.exquisitefashions.ca
To complement the sexy curves of Exquisite Bridal’s featured gown, Serendipity Flowers created a bouquet of cascading blue dendrobium orchids, with white roses nestled between. The bouquet curves gracefully, bringing movement and ensuring eye-catching appeal. www.serendipityflowers.ca PHOTO BY ELAINE MARK, D & M IMAGES
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Create Your Dream Wedding
Showcasing our all inclusive wedding package for up to 180 guests. Let our professional team help you plan your special day. All Inclusive Wedding Package $54.95 per person Which Includes:
Bridal Spectacular 2016 c o n t i n u e d f r o m pag e 5
Also adding to the dazzling collection of wedding attire on display at the trade show will be returning exhibitors Exquisite Bridal and Fashions, Champagne Bridal and W Bridals Curvy Couture. After browsing the many exhibits at the trade show, the audience will take to their seats in anticipation of the exciting Bridal Spectacular fashion show, featuring the latest wedding gowns and formal attire from Brides N Belles and Tux and Tails. Professional models from SHE Modelling Agency will showcase the season’s trend-setting gowns and tuxedos. “The fashion show is definitely the highlight of the afternoon. The finale at the September show was just breathtaking and our January show promises to be equally exciting,” says Obrodovich. Those attending Bridal Spectacular also have the opportunity to win exciting prizes. Individual exhibitors will hold draws for their wedding services and products. All brides in attendance will also be entered to win amazing door prizes from sponsoring contributors, valued at over $10,000. Plan now to attend Bridal Spectacular, Sunday, January 10 at TCU Place. Admission for brides and guests is $10 per person. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at www.picatic. com/bridal-spectacular2016. For more information, check out Bridal Spectacular’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bridalspectacularsk.
Banquet room with full catered dinner Choice of elegant plated or buffet style dinner (one entree) Corkage & bartender fee Fruit Punch during pre-dinner reception Cla Classic late lunch Cutting of the wedding cake Gratuities SOCAN & Re-Sound fee Special Guest room rates Executive King room with Romance Package For the Bride and Groom
Your search for the perfect wedding begins and ends here...
93 campus drive • saskatoon • sk • 306.966.7002 • www.ussu.ca/louis
Park Town Hotel 924 Spadina Cres. E Saskatoon. SK S7K 3H5 1-800-667-3999
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Mylynh Bridal and Sew pulls out all the stops in selecting this fabulous wedding gown for Joanne Buan, Ms. Canada Globe Saskatoon. Joanne sparkles in a gorgeous and glittery princess-style strapless ballgown with a romantic sweetheart neckline. The full skirt of tulle and English net is embellished with lovely floral lace appliques. The sequins on the bodice flow down the skirt and around to the corset-style back, for extra sparkle. The crowning touch is an elegant crystal tiara, finished with a gossamer veil with a delicate beaded edge. Mylynh Bridal & Sew 106A – 1640 Idylwyld Drive North www.facebook.com/ mylynhbridalandsew Joanne’s hair artistry is by Joanne Ho, owner/designer of Salon Hush; makeup artistry by Sharon Mach of Salon Hush. For the bride with personality plus, this bouquet in riotous colours is perfection. Orange roses, flame carnations, deep and luscious hot pink roses, purple and white chrysanthemums form the bouquet, with flamboyant tulips and white dendrobium orchids erupting from the centre to cascade down with flair. Warm, tropical, bold and dynamic, this bouquet will add excitement to the bride’s special day. www.serendipityflowers.ca
Princess perfection PHOTO BY ELAINE MARK, D & M IMAGES
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www.sohandy.com | 306.933.2727
you’ll look our best Linens | Trade Shows | Tents | Weddings Corporate Functions | Event Planning | Galas Conventions | Sporting Events | Festivals Largest Selection of Designer Rentals
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role For Unveiled Dress Company, Kristen Doktor exudes Hollywood glamour in this stunning fit and flare gown from Canadian designer Paloma Blanca. The sleek satin gown features a classic bateau neckline, a plunging low back accented by beaded straps and a detachable hand-beaded belt with an organza bow. Jewellery and accessories from Unveiled Dress Company ensure that Kristen will sparkle on her special day. Unveiled Dress Company 152 Second Avenue North www.facebook.com/Saskgowns Kristen’s hair by Meaghan Butler of Fresh Hair Salon & Spa in Waskesiu. Kristen’s makeup by Katie Martin Make-up Artistry & Esthetics. Serendipity Flowers and Stuff complements the bride’s gown with an exotic bouquet of Fuji chrysanthemums, lush cymbidium orchids and clean white roses. Loops of tropical greens give this bouquet its unique attitude and asymmetry. www.serendipityflowers.ca PHOTO BY ELAINE MARK, D & M IMAGES
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hot spots for 2016 Jenn Smith-Nelson | SP Special Projects
Here’s where jet-setting brides and grooms will be heading! With a multitude of direct charters from Saskatchewan to hot southern destinations, it’s no wonder brides- and grooms-to-be, jet set to tie the knot. The industry continues to evolve as destinations compete to provide exceptional experiences for couples and their guests. Though there are some more out of the way destinations competing in this market such as luxurious hot spot, Saint Lucia, the primary go-to destinations for Saskatchewan travelers continue to be those which are most easily accessible and budget-friendly. According to destination wedding expert, Tamara Graae of Ixtapa Travel, the top five spots for 2016 include: Jamaica for diversity Comprised of three major areas (Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rio), each catering to different tastes, there is something for everyone – not to mention the tasty Jamaican food and notoriously friendly (English speaking) people. Another bonus beyond its Caribbean setting is the minimal requirements for legal weddings.
Riviera Maya for its beautiful backdrop If you close your eyes and dream about white sand beaches set against some of the bluest blues found in the Caribbean, the Riviera Maya’s backdrop won’t disappoint you on your big day. Hundreds of incredible resorts with a range of offerings provide a lot of choice, too. Off-site, take in the history of the Mayan Ruins and nearby shopping hot spot, Playa del Carmen. puerto Vallarta for its budget friendliness A destination wedding staple and favourite Canadian vacation spot many years over, there are several reasons to consider Puerto Vallarta. Discover excellent value, beautiful locations and a wide variety of off-resort activities. Offering the most flights (along with Cancun) makes finding cheaper flights easy – which can significantly bring down costs. With an array of tours, the noteworthy Malecon, and combination of rich culture, shopping and art, it’s a hard destination to beat for overall packaging. c o n t i n u e d o n pag e 1 3
Photos: Fotolia
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Enchanting!
Makayla Ross is the essence of glamour in this Venus Bridal Collection gown from Champagne Bridal. Makayla, with Masala Model & Talent, shines in a mermaid-style gown of soft ivory chiffon and delicate floral lace, with a sweep train. It’s a light and airy look, ideal for a destination or garden wedding. The ruched bodice and lace-up back make this gown perfect for every body type. The gown can also be ordered with a full zipper. Champagne Bridal adds a golden touch to the bride’s attire, with a bracelet and headband in stunning gold and a necklace in rose-gold with crystal accents. Champagne Bridal Mezzanine, Canada Building 105 – 21st Street East www.champagnebridal.ca Makayla’s hair and makeup artistry by Angles SalonSap in Midtown Plaza. For the singular bride with exacting taste, this bouquet brings some serious colour coordination to the table and stands out from the crowd! Makayla features a bouquet of pure white roses with sunny yellow gerbera daisies and royal blue wire loops hand-twisted in leaf accents, designed by Veronica at Serendipity Flowers and Stuff. www.serendipityflowers.ca PHOTO BY ELAINE MARK, D & M IMAGES
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Huatulco for the road a little less traveled Less commercialized than other destinations on this list (it just got its first Starbucks!), Huatulco is becoming a favourite for those looking not only to host a wedding in a less touristy and more intimate spot, but one where guests (including the wedding couple) maybe haven’t yet visited. With its consistent warm weather, you can count on a truly ‘hot’ wedding. Costa Rica for its newest offerings. If you are willing to fly a little longer, the lush offerings of Costa Rica provide something out of the ordinary with rich eco-tourism and adventure offerings. A slew of new resorts including names we already love for weddings such as Secrets, Dreams and RIU, are making this destination a desirable place to get hitched.
Factors to contemplate when choosing a destination wedding include: budget – for you and your guests; aesthetic – what the backdrop will look like; activities – what else there is to do on and off-resort, and of course, packaging – what is and isn’t included. Of course within each destination there are numerous resorts offering a smorgasbord of different options, packaging and wedding styles. How does one sort through it all? Graae shares her top tips for figuring out all of the “who, what, where and how” questions that go along with planning a carefree destination wedding. • Know your budget. And consider expenses for guests. A stress-free way to get the best value for everyone’s dollar is to consult an expert rather than try to do it all yourself. • Time of year. Consider off-season travel during November and early December to save money. • Consult the experts. Not only do travel consultants help you to stay within budget, they will walk you through from start to finish, helping you achieve your vision by matching you with the best destination and resort. They also handle all travel arrangements for guests. • Reputation matters. Choose a resort with a good reputation for weddings. Don’t forget to research and vet reputable tour operators for holiday packages. • Prep ahead of time. Ensure guests have appropriate documentation and travel protection, including cancellation insurance as early as possible. Save everyone from the headache of dealing with the unexpected that often comes along with travel. Advise potential wedding guests early in the process so they too, can plan and budget. • Don’t forget. Select a resort and choose activities that have offerings for multi-generational guests. To learn more, visit www.ixtapatravel.com.
Brides - n - Belles Ltd.
714 2nd Ave. N Saskatoon 652-2923
ADVICE WORTH GETTING!
We carry gowns by
Destination Wedding Information Evening
Madison Morilee
For all future Brides and Grooms
Cassidy Sara
Wednesday, January 27th Thrive Juice Co., 137 20 St W 7:30PM
Impressions Da Vinci
Meet representatives from our top suppliers Sunwing Vacations, RIU Resorts and AMResorts
Jai Elegance Venus Callista
Please RSVP P 30 306-66 306-664-3233 66466 4-32 43233 32 33
In Sto Store Alterations On Everything We Sell
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Destination Weddin Specialists
Tamara Graae and Rebecca Funk have ADVICE WORTH GETTING. W EDDINGS WONDERFUL
Most know Mos knowledgeable nowledgeable friendly service, servic ser vice, thi this is w why we have been n iin business
www.bridesnbelles.ca Visit us on Facebook No appointment needed
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lovestory your
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Jeannie Armstrong SP Special Projects Editor
PHOTOS BY ELAINE MARK, D & M IMAGES
Previous page, clockwise from top left: PURPLE MAJESTY– Serendipity Flowers delivers dramatic colour in a compact posey. White gerbera daisies with dark centres and bright purple statice stand out against the snowy white carnations. SUNSHINE GIRL– Serendipity Flowers captures the essense of summer in a bouquet of pure white roses with sunny yellow gerbera daisies and royal blue wire loops hand-twisted in leaf accents, designed by Veronica.
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ROYAL BLUES– This cascade of blue dendrobium orchids, with white roses nestled between, is sure to catch the eye. The bouquet curves gracefully to complement this season’s fit and flare gowns. COLOUR RIOT– Orange roses, flame carnations, luscious hot pink roses, purple and white chrysanthemums form this passionate cascade-style bouquet. For additional flair, flamboyant tulips and white dendrobium orchids erupt from the centre of the bouquet.
You’ve taken months to plan your wedding, striving to make it a unique, one-of-a-kind celebration. It’s no time to settle for cookie-cutter bouquets that copy some other bride’s style, says Shawna Arop, the new owner of Serendipity Flowers and Stuff (formerly Flowers by Fred). “We strive to truly cater to the bride, recognizing that, more than ever, weddings are such an individual celebration,” says Shawna. The artistic and versatile designer joined the staff of Flowers by Fred over two years ago, later taking over as store manager. When owner Ida Liu decided to move back to Toronto, Shawna made the decision to buy the iconic florist shop. “I fell in love with the essence and the vibe of the shop. We probably do the most in the city to make things truly personal and very unique. We really cater to people’s individual tastes and style,” she says. Serendipity Flowers and Stuff is known for its one-of-a-kind bouquets, designed to express the personalities of the bride and groom. “When I first meet with the bride and groom, I ask them for personal stories – how they met, their first date. I ask them about the personal touches they’re putting in their wedding, and then translate those ideas into their flowers,” says Shawna. Often, brides want to incorporate cherished family mementoes into their bouquets, such as grandma’s vintage brooch or locket, or a piece of their mother’s wedding dress. “We did a bouquet for one bride that incorporated her grandfather’s favourite tie. We wrapped the tie around the handle of the bouquet,” says Shawna. “Another one of our brides wanted a remembrance of her mother who had passed away. We included her mother’s favourite flower in the bouquet. The bride W EDDINGS WONDERFUL
felt like she was taking a bit of her mother down the aisle with her.” Items that the bride and groom collect can also provide inspiration for a Serendipity floral creation. “I recently did a wedding for a couple who collects antique books. We created a centrepiece for their wedding that used a base of artistically arranged vintage books, topped by a small arrangement of cresting flowers that trailed down over the books. It didn’t cover the books, it accented them,” says the designer. She also asks brides to provide her with photos of their wedding gowns, to aid in her design. “We always want to complement the gown and enhance its beauty. It should never distract or overpower the dress.” Before moving to Saskatchewan, Shawna gained years of experience in the floral industry in Ontario. Her vast experience in working with brides and grooms can be seen in the new services introduced at Serendipity Flowers and Stuff. Wedding décor items are now available for rent at Serendipity Flowers. “A lot of brides are renting from us, including vases for decorating the tables. We have all kinds of vases, a backdrop, arch, urns, plants on gorgeous wicker stands – all available for rental. We come and collect everything the next day, so the bride and groom don’t have to worry about it,” says Shawna. Another unique offering at Serendipity Flowers is the rental of silk bouquets that replicate the fresh arrangements created for the wedding party. “The silk bouquets are created to match their fresh bouquets, at a very reasonable rental fee. They are ideal for taking outdoor photos in the winter or hot summer days, when live flowers would either freeze or droop,” she says. “The silk flowers look amazing in the photos and the fresh bouquets look wonderful all through the ceremony, reception and dance.” While some florist shops demand six months’ notice for wedding flower services, Serendipity Flowers goes to all lengths to accommodate brides and grooms. “If they’re flexible about the flowers, I can put a wedding together in a week. If they want specific flowers, I need about a month’s notice. I go to great lengths to get my brides what they want.” Serendipity Flowers and Stuff is open seven days a week, located at 727 – 22nd Street West. For more details, visit www.serendipityflowers. ca or watch for updates on their Facebook page. SASKATCHEWAN PRIDE– Elegant with a hint of tropical colour, this bouquet explodes with Saskatchewan pride. Fuji chrysanthemums burst with vibrant green against lush cymbidium orchids and white roses. Loops of tropical greens give this bouquet its unique attitude and asymmetry.
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Presented by W Bridals Curvy Couture, Lindsay Gunderson models a divine wedding gown from the Ella Rose collection. The gentle fit and flare gown is fashioned from soft ivory cotton lace over champagne satin. The sheer lace cap sleeves are definitely on trend. The detachable beaded satin belt adds an extra touch of glamour. The illusion back with decorative buttons and a chapel train ensures this dress looks good coming and going down the aisle. W Bridals Curvy Couture 107 23rd Street East www.wbridals.ca
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Lindsay’s hair artistry by Jessie Hrycyk at The Shop on First Avenue North. Lindsay’s romantic lace gown is complemented by an elegant, vintage-inspired bouquet designed by Veronica at Serendipity Flowers and Stuff. Creamy ornamental kale with soft pink centres create a sensation in this bouquet. Classic carnations, blush pink-centred white roses and lacy baby’s breath bring shape and style to this posy bouquet. www.serendipityflowers.ca PHOTO BY ELAINE MARK, D & M IMAGES
Brian King Centre Your Dress Your Day
1202B 33rd Street & Quebec Ave. Saskatoon SK 306.979.5447 exquisitefashions.ca
Weddings Banquets Conferences Anniversaries Dances Conventions Main Hall Seating - 600 Kitchen and All Amenities No Catering or Corkage Fees Wine Glass Rentals Available Meeting Rooms Bookings 7 Days a Week Banquets - up to 400 Ice Machine & Walk-In Cooler Stage
Wedding Weekend Rates Available 306-933-2210 Email: csr@warman.ca W EDDINGS WONDERFUL
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For The Dress, Jae commands attention in this couture creation from the Enzoani Bridal Collection. Exclusive to The Dress, the Josephine is a sophisticated mermaidstyle gown featuring a ruched transparent tulle bodice with a soft sweetheart neckline and corset seaming. Silver beaded and sequined lace floral appliques add drama to the figure-hugging bodice. The Chantilly lace mermaid skirt, with its frothy lace hem, is delightfully romantic. Jae’s pearland-crystal statement necklace perfectly complements her strapless gown, from The Dress’ private collection. The Dress 123 Auditorium Avenue www.thedressbridal.com Jae’s make-up by Joelle Cote at Mac Cosmetics, Midtown Plaza. Jae’s dramatic look is highlighted by this vivid cascade bouquet of blue dendrobium orchids, interspersed with white roses, created by Serendipity Flowers and Stuff. www.serendipityflowers.ca
Spellbinding
PHOTO BY ELAINE MARK, D & M IMAGES
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Arrive
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in style! Jesse Green | SP Special Projects
Forget Vegas – today’s brides and grooms can have that rock star wedding and ‘last weekend of freedom’ party right here in the 306. Living Skies Limousines delivers the full VIP treatment with its fleet of chic limousines, party bus and new trolley car. The crew at Living Skies Limousines do more than drive. They’re the ones who remember the umbrella when it rains, bring cool drinks to the crew during those extended photo shoots on a hot summer’s day, roll out the red carpet and pop the champagne. “We go out of our way to look after the bride and groom,” said owner James Ralston. Living Skies Limousines has been in business since 2008 and judging by customer comments on their website and social media, they are definitely getting it right. You don’t have to look far for a picture of the entire wedding party, with their chauffeur included! The seven-hour wedding package is very popular and comes with perks like late night pickup. “Weddings are what we’ve built our business on, and we’ve gotten numerous accolades because of it,” said Ralston. Wedding customers can ask about gift opening and honeymoon airport transportation and special bachelor and bachelorette pricing. Their larger vehicles are faves with brides, particularly those with full wedding dresses. Big dresses and small cars make for wrinkles, scuffs and stress, but sliding into a luxury SUV limo eliminates the chances of a wardrobe malfunction. It also gives the wedding party a home base to stash their extra pair of shoes and backup makeup for the day. Hiring a limousine service is also a chance to spoil those out-of-town guests. Family and friends who have traveled long distances will be so grateful for the stylish lift to the rehearsal dinner, hair appointments and bridal brunches. There will be no more worries about navigating and parking in an unfamiliar city. W EDDINGS WONDERFUL
The entire fleet offers fully licensed wet bars and complementary non-alcoholic beverages. The Vegas 3 is an SUV that seats a baker’s dozen and boasts plush leather seating, starlight ceiling and a full audio-visual setup with CD, DVD players and multiple TVs. The Blacktop has plush, perimeter seating for 12 and the stylish white exterior with black top. The Sassy 3 lives up to its name and is a party on wheels for you and 20 of your closest friends. The white limousine bus is perfect for stagettes or birthday parties, or riding in style to a hockey game or shopping spree. The five-passenger corporate SUV is perfect for the bride and groom airport run and those small group outings. The Vegas 4 is a Lincoln Navigator with a plush black interior, interior lighting package, sound system and a wet bar with wine flutes. The newest addition to the fleet is a black streetcar trolley straight out of Las Vegas which is fast becoming a fleet favourite around Saskatoon. It was originally purchased with weddings in mind, but has caught the eye of the corporate community around Saskatoon and is raising the bar for customer appreciation and corporate events. It has also helped launch Living Skies Limousines’ newest venture: Trolley Tours. Watch for future tours on the 26-seater bus complete with the usual extras like stereo, plush leather seating, two wet bars and a rear conductor’s platform. The original tour was a two-hour outing to the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo’s Enchanted Forest Light Tour. Wedding days bring new beginnings and a time to honour the family and friends who have been there all along. And, of course, wedding days also come with an absolute ton of planning! Brides and grooms who choose to roll in style can add glamour to the day and tick off many items from the to-do list at once. Visit Living Skies Limousines online at www.livingskieslimousine.ca. w i nter 2016 e d it ion
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The Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon is the perfect way to simplify your wedding planning and create the day of your dreams. Photos by D&M Images
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jennifer jacoby-smith | SP Special Projects
When it comes to planning a wedding it seems like there are a thousand details to take care of. Choosing a hotel as the location for the nuptials and reception can make your to-do list more manageable. In fact, it can simplify the whole process. First of all you’re right where all the action takes place. There’s no need to coordinate vehicles, map routes, or make sure your wedding party doesn’t get lost in a city they may not be familiar with. During the winter, there’s no coats, mittens or boots to worry about either. In fact, the weather doesn’t have much of an impact at all. “That’s my favourite thing – you take the elevator home,” says Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon social event coordinator, Lindsay Cheveldayoff. “At the end of the night you jump in the elevator and enjoy the comforts of your guest room and you’re good to go.” During the summer, the Sheraton overlooks the South Saskatchewan River, giving guests the option to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Shopping and cafes are close by, as well. The Sheraton’s own 6Twelve, Carvers and Scarlet restaurants can also provide a place to reconnect and pass time in between the ceremony and reception without having to travel far. Booking a hotel room the night before also gives the bride and her attendants a place to get ready. The Regal Manor suite is perfect for this. With two levels and a spiral staircase, the suite offers a ton of space, soft seating, a dining table and washroom on the main level. For the wedding night, the suite’s top floor has a king-sized bed and luxurious jetted tub and shower. “There is access to the top floor from the eighth floor so you don’t have to worry about going up the staircase in your dress and high heels at the end of the night,” Cheveldayoff explains. Another option is the Plaza Suite on the sixth floor which comes with a large seating area and a spacious washroom with more than enough room for getting ready and winding down with a jetted-tub made for two. The Sheraton offers a variety of packages for the bride and groom to choose from, but Cheveldayoff says they tailor each wedding to meet the needs and desires of the bride and groom. A ballroom on the main level can host up to 500 people or be partitioned to create four smaller rooms. Of course, the most popular space is the Top of the Inn with spectacular city and river views thanks to the floor to ceiling windows. The space at The Top of the Inn holds a maximum 144 guests plus a head table. One of the newest trends Cheveldayoff has experienced in 2015 was couples moving straight from the ceremony to the reception. There’s no downtime for guests to fill and no need to change locations.
The Regal Manor Suite makes the perfect place for the bride and her attendants to get ready before the wedding. The spiral staircase leads to the bedroom with a jetted tub and shower for the wedding night.
While booking far in advance is helpful, it isn’t always necessary to get the date you want. In fact, short-lead weddings (less than six months) have become more common, according to Cheveldayoff. Booking on a Friday or Sunday can give the couple more options when it comes getting a date on short notice, and at times discounts as well.
When meeting with the wedding coordinator or planner, it’s important the couple feels like they’ve got their best interest at heart. “If your planner is telling you something and it’s not what you want, say something. It’s your wedding. ” says Cheveldayoff. She also suggests visiting the room you’re using when it’s all set up for another wedding. This can give you new ideas on how to use the space. Catering packages offer virtually endless options for the couple. One of the latest trends for weddings at the Sheraton features chef-attended stations. There’s a mac n’cheese station, a poutine station and a Pad Thai station, to name a few. For the sweeter side there’s a deep fried ice cream station and a baked Alaska station. The stations can be a lot of fun for guests as they choose their favourite flavour combos. The chef stations are just some of the many delicious choices when it comes to menu planning and the culinary team are happy to accommodate dietary needs. The Sheraton also offers some fun perks for the wedding couple. They get to take home two Signature Sheraton robes embroidered with “Bride” and “Groom”. The couple also receives a complimentary guest room for the night of the wedding. Creating the wedding of your dreams can be daunting, but it is hard to beat the convenience and ease of booking at the Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon Hotel.
Passion Live
with
Inspired live music performed with passion to transform your event into an experience of a lifetime.
www.saskatoonstringensemble.com
Ph: 306-292-6811
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From award ceremonies to weddings, the Saskatoon String Ensemble promises to make your function more entertaining.
The Saskatoon String Ensemble is a flexible and versatile entertainment service. This ensemble of professional musicians will perform any kind of music, anywhere, for any kind of event, with any number of players. They most often perform as a string quartet, but can expand to a small string orchestra, or can downsize to a trio or duo for smaller locations and budgets. Their extensive repertoire includes the traditional classical repertoire for string quartet, as well as arrangements of jazz standards, and contemporary music. They really can play anything from Bach to Beethoven, Gershwin and Cole Porter, Argentinian tangos and Scott Joplin, right on up to the entire Beatles songbook, themes from the movies, and contemporary songs and soft rock. The Ensemble will take special requests and then make arrangements of almost anything – and they have had some unique requests! Recent weddings have featured groomsmen arriving to music from Star Wars and couples exiting their ceremony to the
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music of Viva la Vida by Coldplay. Weddings with a theme such as Beatles music, Disney songs or movie theme songs, are also popular trends. Book early for 2016 to avoid disappointment as they performed at over 50 weddings in 2015! Saskatoon String Ensemble can play at large and small venues, indoors or outdoors. They can easily move locations during an event – such as from the ceremony to the cocktail reception, and then on to the dinner. There are a multitude of possibilities for potential events where the Ensemble can provide live music including cocktail parties, dinner parties, birthdays, anniversaries, proposals, christenings, conferences, product and company launches, theatre productions, awards ceremonies and art exhibitions to name a few! Music promises to enhance the desired mood at a function: fun, lively, jazzy, romantic, formal, traditional, reflective, soft, regal, majestic, or jubilant. Inspired live music performed by the Saskatoon String Ensemble will transform events into special moments with distinction and an experience of lifetime. Bookings can be made online or by telephone. Call Marla Cole at (306) 292-6811 or (306) 384-7464. For details, visit www.saskatoonstringensemble.com. This article was contributed by Marla Cole of the Saskatoon String Ensemble.
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Photo supplied
Music
INTIMATE. ELEGANT. UNIQUE. St. Andrew’s College offers an intimate setting with historic charm and modern amenities on the University of Saskatchewan campus – the perfect venue for those seeking a unique, affordable location for an occasion to remember
The St. Andrew’s College chapel seats 100, while the lounge accommodates 150 guests in a comfortable setting. A modern kitchen provides everything for your own catering needs. For information, pricing or to view our facilities visit www.standrews.ca or call Melanie at (306) 966-8970
W EDDINGS WONDERFUL
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NOW ACCEPTING CONSULTATIONS FOR 2016 & 2017
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306-384-3003
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