The First Look

Most Brides see their Groom for the first time on their wedding day as they walked down the aisle, but now that's not always the case. Many couples are choosing to have a "First Look" to ease their nerves and spend more time together on their big day.

Sometimes the Bride wants to keep the tradition alive of her future hubby not seeing her until she's escorted down the aisle so she asks her Groom to face his back to her so she can simply touch him and talk to him without him seeing her, or sometimes the Groom gets blindfolded.

Past clients of ours, Leigh and Derek met in the hallway of the hotel they were getting ready at prior to their ceremony to hold hands and exchange gifts. They didn't look at one another, but being able to connect before they said "I do" helped these two connect and feel at ease.

A lot of couples are choosing to have their photos done prior to the ceremony as well. This allows for more time as time is usually somewhat limited between the ceremony and reception. Also, this enables the everyone, especially the Bride to have a fresh look as their make-up was recently applied and they likely haven't shed many tears yet.

First Looks have become more popular and more acceptable the past few years. I think they are a great idea if time allows. But, if you do stick to tradition and wait to see your Groom until you walk down the aisle, check out this slide show that has some things Grooms thought/felt when they saw their Bride for the first time.
Are you planning on having a First Look? 

Momma's Boy

As a daughter, you're most likely the apple of your father's eye. You're daddy's little girl, and we dig that. Daddy is the first man a girl ever loves and trusts. So, on your wedding day he will walk you down the aisle, give you away to your Groom, and have a dance with you. All that good gooey father/daughter stuff is welcomed and encouraged during weddings.

But, what about sons and mothers?

No matter what guys might say, they all have a soft spot for mom and actually look to be with and marry a woman that reminds them of her. There's nothing wrong with being a Momma's boy, so when it comes time to pick a song that you'll dance to with her, make it count. So many times I see Grooms leave the song choice up to the DJ, or simply say "pick whatever is popular." I say, ask your mom what song she might like - or do a little research and find one that tells a story, or details how you feel about your mom. We know you've got some warm and fuzzies in there - use 'em! Remember guys, your Bride will likely be making the majority of the decisions regarding your wedding, so when you do have the chance to make one on your own, seize the opportunity! You can pick a song that's classic, her favourite song, or one you just happen to stumble across while searching. For some help, check out this list from Huffington Post Weddings.

*Photo from Natalie & Jason's wedding, June 16th in Toronto. Taken by Angela Devries Photography.

Did Brides really Copy Kate?

Yesterday marked the 1st Anniversary for William and Kate. I find it hard to believe that it's been a full year since I woke up at 4:30am to watch the Royal Wedding with my Mom. We had homemade scones with jam and cream and created a memory that will last.

There was lots of talk surrounding the Royal Wedding and whether or not Kate would impact the industry and   create trends. Personally, I don't think she's made a huge impact, but what I do know for sure is that she's made sleeves on dresses cool again, has brought Lily of the Valley into the mix for requested flowers, and made lace more modern and less like Grandma.

As the 2012 Wedding season begins, I'll be paying attention to see just how many Brides really did Copy Kate.

To see some of our suggestions on how to Copy Kate, check out these old posts.

#1 The Dresses
#2 The Invitation
#3 The Bouquet

Leap Year Proposals

Yesterday was Leap Year, an extra day that only occurs once every 4 years. It's been said that on this day, women can propose to their men without judgement.

Old stories will tell you that if the man declines, he must buy you a gift, specifically gloves so that no one will know if you are or aren't engaged. For more stories, check out an article featured on The Huffington Post website.

What about you, what's your take on women proposing? Would you ever get down on bended knee if your man was taking too long to ask?

Mother/Daughter wedding traditions

Many Brides want to involve their mother in as many aspects as they can during the planning process and the wedding itself. Here are a few traditional things you should add to your Mother/Daughter wedding list.

Pick out the wedding dress.

Spending quality time with your mom and picking out your wedding dress is a memory that you'll always hold onto. You can decide to just have your mom by your side for when you say "yes to the dress" or you can include a sister, best friend, aunt and even your future mother-in-law.



Picking out her dress.

Take your mom shopping and help her pick out the dress she'll wear on her wedding day. Again, this day can include an invite to your future MIL as well. A fun shopping day that may include lunch or dinner with a celebratory glass of vino is always a good thing.

Ceremony procession.

If you're mom isn't walking you down the aisle, she is the last person to take her seat before your wedding party begins the ceremony. She should be escorted to her seat by your brother or cousin. If your Bridesmaids are walking solo down the aisle, and you don't have a brother or cousin, then you can have the last Groomsman walk her down, or an usher.

Showing respect & honor.

A lot of couples incorporate their mothers (or both parents) into the ceremony. You can offer her a flower as a token of gratitude, or you can have her (or them) participate in the unity ceremony as two families are becoming one.

Also, be sure to acknowledge and thank your mother during your speech at the reception.

DIY aspects & choosing vendors.

If you're planning your wedding yourself, be sure to include your mom in some of the Do-It-Yourself aspects (a.k.a - craft night!) as well as meetings with your vendors. If she (& your dad) are paying for some or all of your wedding, it's always nice to include them in some of the decision making.


How will you include your mom into your wedding planning and special day?


*article based on tips from TLC Family

Royal Wedding Traditions

As William & Kate get married this Friday they will be following some Royal Wedding traditions. And, because they are young, and it's modern times, they will also not be partaking in some common wedding rituals.

Traditions they are following:

• Kate's gown will have sleeves due to both Royal and Church of England protocol
• A white dress is a must as it's a Royal tradition that dates back to the very first white wedding dress worn by Queen Victoria
• Something Old, New, Borrowed & Blue
• Kate's wedding band will include Welsh gold, a Royal tradition
• The bouquet will have a sprig of myrtle in it
• Her bouquet will be left in Westminster Abbey at the grave of the "unknown warrior"
• Once married they will share a kiss on the balcony
• Prince William and his Bride will sleep in separate residences on the eve of their wedding
• Their wedding procession will follow the tradition Westminster route

Traditions they are not following:

• Kate will arrive to the ceremony by car rather than by ceremonial coach
• Three different clergymen will conduct the marriage instead of just one
• William will not wear a wedding band, he's simply not a jewelery wearing kind of guy

Will you be watching on Friday to see the dress, the decor, the glamour and the love? We will be up at 3am taking it all in as I was asked to write a piece for The Hamilton Spectator giving a Planner's prospective on the grand affaire!

We look forward to writing a few posts about the wedding, the first being featured on the 30th.

The Bride wore white...& so did the Maids.

I saw this post last month on The Knotty Bride & although the Bride looks stunning, I just couldn't help but think...Bridesmaids wearing white?!?!

To me, that is the colour reserved for the Bride, and only the Bride. I'm actually quite against guests wearing white as well, or any shade resembling it - champagne, ivory or pale silver.

Am I totally old fashioned or what?    

Would you want your Bridesmaids to wear white for your wedding?

*inspired by post writen by Alison on The Knotty Bride. Pictures taken by Max Wanger.