Popping the question

With December right around the corner, did you know that it's the most popular month to 'pop the question'?  Did you also know that more men are choosing to propose with a 'pop of colour'?

Gemstone engagement rings have gotten more popular lately - especially with the recent engagement of Prince William & Catherine Middleton. He gave her his late mother, Princess Diana's sapphire engagement ring.

Also sporting a bright beauty is Jessica Simpson - who got a ruby engagement ring.

     

Would you prefer a gemstone over a diamond?

Gemstones have different meanings and come in a variety of colours. He could choose your favourite colour, or match your birthstone.

Or, what about getting a 'so-called' used ring like the one William gave Kate? I don't believe in any of those superstitions about a ring being cursed. The jewlery wasn't the cause of a failed relationship, and I think if it can be reworn again and make someone else happy - then why not? Plus, pre-owned rings are better for the environment and your wallet.

Check out local pawn shops or online vendors for engagement rings. Look on sites like Kijiji, and Yes Bride to save on overhead costs, etc. The rule of spending '3 months' worth of your salary on a ring is phewy. You should spend what you can afford and choose a ring that you think best suits your mate. You can have her choose the ring, or select a few that she likes for guidance. Or, you can make the choice all on your own and she should love it no matter what because she loves you.

If you're 'popping the question' next month - all the best to you and your future Bride.

*Images from Google Images

Winter Weddings

If you're getting married this winter, you probably created a vision board and or filled a binder with images of your wedding so that you can see how it will all "come together". If you didn't create one, you still can. They are totally fun to do, and they help you visualize all of the components for your wedding on one page.

If you're planning a winter wedding for next year, now is a good time to scout the magazines and blogs for ideas. A helpful hint to get you started is to pick a colour theme or notable object - like pinecones, or snowflakes, or even a pattern like plaid or damask and then go from there.

Need help forming your inspiration board? Visit Bridal Canvas, or give us a call. We'd love to meet with you for a Consultation meeting and help you structure and organize your ideas.





 

 

* Images created by Perfect Palette

$100 off Day of Coordination Services

Weddings can be expensive - and stressful. We know that Bride's like to save money wherever they can - so just like last year, we're offering $100 off  Day of Coordination services if booked before December 31st, 2010.

This is a great discount if you're a Bride that knows she wants a certified Coordinator on location for her wedding. Having your very own "Bride's Butler" ensures that all of your details are executed as you've planned them and envisioned them. We're there to work for you - to coordinate your rehearsal, pay your vendors, set-up your reception site, guide your photoshoot and to take care of any troubles or changes that arise. To learn more about why you should hire a Planner, visit our website.

Book your Day of Coordination services now and save even further as our Friendors often offer discounts to clients of The Bride's Butler. Give us a call, or send us an email - we'd love to chat with you about how we can work together on the most important day of your life.

Congrats Helen & Jason!

Helen & Jason tied the knot in a romantic ceremony at Webster's Falls on October 16th, 2010.

They contacted us back in February to secure our services for their rehearsal and ceremony. With the ceremony taking place outside, they wanted to make sure that someone was dedicated to coordinating the afternoon. From placing the chairs, setting up the shepard's hooks with flower baskets, coordinating the Officiant & Musicians, receiving the flower delivery and assisting the wedding party - we were on-site ensuring the location was ready for their "I do's".

Helen & Jason were the most laid-back couple I've had the pleasure to work with - it was such a joy to be  a part of their special day. Helping me out on Oct 16th was Amanda, she's looking to get involved further in Wedding Planning and I hope that assisting me brought her further motivation to stay on the path she's currently on. Her help was very much appreciated.

Like most weddings I coordinate, I shed a tear (or two) when the Bride is about to walk down the aisle - and Helen was no exception. As she walked along the pathway towards the giant willow tree arm in arm with her Dad I couldn't help but smile - but then the 2 of them linked up with her Mother who was waiting at the top of the aisle and that's when I teared up.

The weather was beautiful - they couldn't have planned it better for an outdoor ceremony! Their reception site, Dundas Valley Golf & Curling Club also looked fabulous as we got to see it before we completed our services for the day.

Thanks again to Helen & Jason for including us in your most special day - and once again, CONGRATS!

Paparazzi

Everyone at one time or another wants to feel like a celebrity. At your wedding, you and your Groom are the celebrities - and your Wedding Party are like your groupies - and your guests are your fans.

A popular trend at weddings and events has been the Photo Booth (or Photo Shoot). A backdrop is set up with proper lighting and a designated photographer (aside from your main photog) to take photos of you and your guests. You can offer these photos as a favour or as an additional keepsake.

Alexis & Kevin had a Photo Shoot at their 'surprise wedding' on October 10th. With a secluded location away from the 'hub' of the party and the red coloured carpet upstairs at Swing Restaurant, their "red carpet + grand affair" backdrop worked wonderfully! Alexis made the backdrop and it really made everyone who got their picture taken infront of it feel like a super star!

 Alexis & Kevin used the Photo Shoot photos taken by the lovely Sarah from Indigo Stars Photography as part of their Thank You cards. Each guest could fill out a ballot size info sheet with their names and select if they wanted a picture of just themselves, or a picture of the Bride & Groom mailed to them. You could select both if you wanted to make sure you got one of the  new husband and wife as they were the 'main attraction' afterall - even though the guests didn't know it! LOL!

Before the event started and guests began to arrive, Sarah captured a shot of me on the 'red carpet' and it helped excentuate the excitment I was already feeling. This wedding was truly one of a kind - and I've got the photo to prove it!!

Surprise...it's a wedding!

We were on-site for Alexis and Kevin's SURPRISE wedding! It all took place at Swing Restaraunt at Lochness Links in Welland on October 10th.

How did they pull off a surprise???

Alexis and Kevin have been together for a while and wanted as little fuss as possible to surround their planning process. In February I met with Alexis to hear about her idea and I was instantly intriqued and wanted to be a part of this event. In the months leading up to her big day she sourced vendors and made all the plans herself - all the while telling people she was planning a surprise 35th birthday party for Kevin.

It wasn't until 3 weeks before their wedding that they informed their mothers and siblings - and it wasn't until the morning of October 10th that friends were asked to be in the wedding party! They kept everything a secret (well, except from me and the other vendors hired) - and they pulled it off!!!

Here's how it all went down....

• Alexis & Kevin got engaged and wanted a different wedding that wouldn't be filled with "but you know", or "I had/ I did" or "you should/ I would"...they wanted a wedding their way and without all the fuss of showers and stags.
• Alexis realized that she couldn't execute this event on her own, so she hired us for Day of Coordination.We help 'you' be at 2 places at once.
• Vendors were hired (Venue, DJ, Photographer, Officiant, Florist, Baker & a Band)
• Multiple meetings were had - with Alexis & I - and with Alexis, Kevin, myself, my Assistant & Adam from Swing Restaruant - we planned, we coordinated and we hoped that their secret stayed a secret.
• Email invites went out to their guests "You're invited to Kevin's 35th Birthday Party" - rsvp's came in.
• Phone calls and texts were had leading up to the big day - some changes made to timeline, plans, etc

And then, it' was the day of....

Kevin's friends think they are taking him to Toronto for the day as a 'party' decoy - they arrive at his house to be told "today is my wedding boys, suit up!"

Alexis is at The Keefer Mansion getting ready with her Mom, sister and friends.

She looked beautiful, don't you think?

My Assistant Samantha and I stopped in with Alexis to see how she was doing and to get the Marriage Licence and other final documents. We then headed over to Swing to set up for the event. We placed centrepieces out. We made sure the Vanity Care baskets were in the washrooms. We made sure everything was were it was meant to be placed/set-up and that the Chocolate Bar was displayed according to Alexis' plans.

The Chocolate Bar was a replacement for a Wedding (or should I say, Birthday) cake. I think that it was a fabulous idea and since the couple love chocolate, it was a perfect detail for their special day!

Flowers arrived, cupcakes arrived, the DJ came, and so did the Band. The Officiant showed up - and all we had to do was wait for the Bride & Groom.

It was pretty funny to see guests arrive in semi- formal and casual clothes bearing birthday presents for Kevin. Some people were whispering and wondering if something was up, but Samantha, myself, the rest of the vendors and the Swing staff kept the story straight - it was Kevin's birthday party.

When the Bride & Groom and wedding party arrived, I met them outside while Samantha told the Officiant that it was 'show time'. Howard, their Officiant made an announcement that "the guest of honour" had arrived and then.....SURPRISE!..and in walked Kevin & Alexis hand-in-hand in their tux and gown! Guests were shocked, but everyone cheered in such delight - it was AWESOME! Immediately the couple conducted their ceremony in the middle of the dance floor. Once they were pronounced Husband and Wife there was a flood of applause and everyone couldn't wait to congratulate them and of course ask how they pulled this off.

Congratulations to Alexis and Kevin for planning and hosting a fabulous party! You both did a stellar job in planning one of the most unique and memorable events. I'm so pleased and honoured that we were included.

Thank you.

*Photos provided by Robert Collins of Adjusting Light

Next blog post will showcase the Photo Op that Alexis & Kevin had set up for guests after the 'surprise' was revealed.