Sherwood Inn on Lake Joseph

A few weeks ago my boyfriend and I were talking about going away for a weekend this summer. I came across an ad for Sherwood Inn on Lake Joseph in Muskoka and thought it looked amazing. They have a beach, hiking trails, canoes, kayaks, paddle boats and fishing...so it was a no brainier for us to book our weekend there.

While on the website for Sherwood Inn I noticed that they host weddings. You can book the entire Inn for you and your guests and have an intimate wedding on site. The thought of that kicked my wedding mind into high gear as I starting envisioning all of the small details, DIY decor and personalized touches you could have at a venue like that.

Then, just a few days later while scrolling through instagram I saw some photos of a beautiful wedding by Green Autumn Photography. I wasn't sure where it was, but I knew I loved it. I even showed the BF the photos and told him that that would be the kind of wedding I would want one day. And, he didn't even roll his eyes ladies, he's that good of a boyfriend.

Anyhoo, while chatting with Jimmy of Green Autumn at my re-branding photo shoot I asked him where the wedding took place and he said Sherwood Inn! How awesome is that?!?

The Inn

The outdoor Ceremony site

Check out all the natural light! Love it!

Needless to say, I can't wait to go there! Be sure to check Bride's Butler out on Instagram for photos of  our mini vacay at the beautiful resort on Lake Joseph.

The R.S.V.P card

Guest Blogger: Rebecca Leary from Wedding Paper Divas

Find this invitation & RSVP card set from Wedding Paper Divas

At the very least, wedding invitations include the actual invitation and the R.S.V.P. card. While the wedding invitation sets the tone for the celebration and provides the who, what, when, where and why of the event; what exactly is the R.S.V.P. card? Sure, we know that it means to respond to the sender with whether or not you plan on attending the wedding – but is it perhaps something more?

First, let’s take care of the basics. R.S.V.P. is French for Répondez S'il Vous Plaît, which literally means: respond, if you please. Or simply, please respond. Please note: it is redundant to write: Please R.S.V.P., which would translate to: Please respond, if you please. Now, is the R.S.V.P. card something more than a count of attendance? 

Well yes, and here’s how:

For the Couple
Whether your budget is $5,000 or $50,000, making sure it’s allocated properly and not wasted is a high priority for every couple and the R.S.V.P. card gives you a certain amount of budget control. It is with this card that you can keep a handle on wedding costs by simply filling in the number of guests and/or writing their name(s) on the M line. This way there are no surprise guests and if you want an evening without children, it politely lets guests know they need to make the proper arrangements. Also, if you are offering menu choices, you can offer guests the option to select a single entrée rather than providing dual entrees, letting you make sure the appropriate amount is prepared. Finally, if you are hosting multiple events, simply list all of them on the R.S.V.P. card and keep track of attendance all in one place.

Beyond the budget, the R.S.V.P. card helps build excitement for the day to come. As you start getting them back in the mail, you’ll find that guests, both those attending and those who cannot, often write a personal note of congratulations. Compiled into a book, box or binder, these messages are yet another keepsake of your special day.  

Wedding Paper Divas

For Guests
It is an honor and a privilege to witness one of life’s most intimate moments between two people. As a guest, it is helpful to pay close attention to the subtle clues on the wedding invitation – location, attire, wording, etc. – and the R.S.V.P card, observing the same elements as noted above. Every last detail was carefully selected to let you, as a guest, know what to expect in accordance to the couples wishes – all in an effort to ensure everyone has a great time.

After all, if it was your wedding, you’d expect the same from your guests.

As a final note, to account for those who forget to fill in their name on the R.S.V.P. card, (yes it does happen) simply make a numbered list of the guests and write the corresponding number on the R.S.V.P envelope by the stamp. It’s an inconspicuous spot and will save you the trouble of trying to figure out who sent it.

Author Bio: Rebecca Leary is a seasoned writer and guest author who enjoys connecting people with thoughtful products, services and ideas as they relate to the wedding and event planning industries.

Wedding Porn

Yep, I said it...porn. You've heard of food porn, so why not have wedding porn too?

When I'm looking to invest a few minutes looking at nothing but beauty, love and fine details, I turn to a few of my favourite sites. They are free to visit, you won't see any annoying pop ups, and you will leave with a smile on your face!

If you want to view some wedding porn, then I suggest you run along to one or all of these sites!!

100 Layer Cake

Green Wedding Shoes

Style Me Pretty Canada

Backyard Weddings

This summer we have 3 backyard weddings booked for Day of Coordination services. We've had a few weddings hosted on property of the couple or their parents in the past, but not like what we're seeing for this year. Is it a trend or a coincidence? I think tented weddings set in the summer are becoming more popular as it offers your guests a more intimate atmosphere for your big day. Depending on your budget, you can host a wedding on your property, but know that they can sometimes be just as expensive, if not more than your average wedding at a venue.

Watch this blog as we head into fall for recaps and images from all 3 of our backyard weddings!

*Images from our friends and recommended supplier at Special Event Rentals

Help Me, Help You

This line was made famous by the hit movie "Jerry Maguire" back in 1996. Gasp! 21 years ago.
Man, I feel old.

Anyhoo...this blog post is titled "Help Me, Help You" because we're offering a referral program from now until our 5th Anniversary on July 15, 2013.

We're going through a few changes behind the scenes with our logo, website, blog and services, but before our big reveal and celebration, we want to "show you the money!"

With each new Day of Coordination booking you send our way*, we will give you $50. Not only are you making money, but you are helping a friend or family member stress less on their wedding day. Our Day of Coordination services are the most popular for a reason - couples don't want to fret about the fine details, timing logistics and overall coordination of their big day.

Please tell anyone you know getting married in the Hamilton or surrounding area about us, and tell them to join us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram, and be sure to tell them to tell us that you referred them!

Thank you! We look forward to seeing you at your friend's wedding!!

*new bookings for 2013 or 2014 weddings only. Must be Day of Coordination services currently offered by The Bride's Butler (until July 15/13). Services must be booked at regular price ($900) and referral will not be paid until a deposit has been received.

Go Leafs Go!

If you're a Leaf fan, then you are likely cheering them on as they play in the playoffs....for the first time in NINE years!

If you're a HUGE Leaf fan, then you'll likely want to incorporate your love for the team into your wedding, and if that doesn't fly with the Bride or the Groom (girls like hockey too), then why not add the Leafs to your engagement photos?

Check out what this cute couple did for their e-session this past winter.

Adorable, right? Slap on those jerseys, get on the ice and just enjoy each others company - all the while someone (like the talented Carolyn from InBloom Photography) takes your photo. 

Typically, guys are the hockey fans in the relationship, so give this one to him ladies and incorporate the Leafs into your engagement photos. If you are a fan too and want to add a dash of TO to your wedding day you can always choose royal blue and white as your colours, or name your signature drink after the team or favourite player or you can even be announced as husband & wife to the Hockey Night in Canada song.

Whether you like the Leafs or not, think of ways how you can incorporate your hobbies, interests and favourite sport teams into your engagement photos, or even your wedding.

A special Bridal Shower gift

A dear friend of mine is getting married in a few short weeks in Cuba. We have been friends since we were 3 and 5 years old. She is one of the kindest, sweetest people I know. She's the kind of friend that when my life was falling apart before my eyes, she was the first one there to hug me and tell me everything would be okay. So when she asked me to be a Bridesmaid for her May wedding, I said yes. Little did I know at the time that I simply wouldn't have the money to travel to Cuba (as a single gal, it's expensive!). Since I am unable to attend her special day, I wanted to make sure that I gave her a heartfelt gift that displays to her how much I appreciate and cherish her friendship.

Many times at client's weddings I will see personalized items, ribbon and handkerchiefs wrapped around the Bride's bouquet, so it got me thinking....if I can't stand beside my friend on her wedding day, then I have to make sure she knows that I am there in thought and will be thinking of her that day. I went to Michael's and bought black satin ribbon, a frame charm and a faux bouquet. Inside the frame I placed a picture of the two of us from our 2009 vacation to Cuba. Both of our lives have changed so much since that picture was taken, but the thing that has remained the same is our friendship and love for one another. I know I have let her down by not being able to attend her wedding, but I hope she knows that she has my full support as she marries a fantastic guy. They are a great pair and I couldn't be happier for her.

Ribbon tied around a bouquet with a photo of us.

Inside the card I wrote;

Because I can't stand beside you on your wedding day,
I ask that you take me with you on your bouquet.
Wrap the ribbon around your flowers tight,
I'm so happy that you found Mr. Right.
Even though we're far apart,
Our friendship is always in my heart.

I also gave her a homemade chalkboard with Household Labels for her pantry. Her and her hubs-to-be just bought a new house, so I'm sure she will put the chalkboard up in the kitchen so he can leave her love notes instead of dinner menu requests. LOL!

Household pantry labels from Mabel's Labels.

I'm glad that I was able to celebrate with her on Saturday at her Bridal Shower and look forward to the party they will host at their new home when they arrive back as Mr. & Mrs.

Wishing Katie & Adam all the best on their wedding day! I love you guys!

Father of the Bride

We've had posts about the Maid/Matron of Honour, The Best Man, Bridesmaids and the Mother of the Bride, but have yet to cover the Father of the Bride.

The Father of the Bride is usually the most important man in a Bride's life, next to her future husband. He is the man that will walk her down the aisle and 'give her away' to the Groom. He typically offers a toast at the reception and can give a speech if he so desires.

What should The Father of the Bride say to his daughter, future son-in-law and guests?

Here are some topics to touch on:

Welcome - The Father of the Bride usually speaks first, or is the second to speak after the MC or the Best Man speech. He should welcome guests to the wedding and thank out of town guests for joining in the celebration. He should thank people that made the day possible and participating in the planning process and the overall upbringing of the Bride.

Ceremony - He should mention the union that took place at the ceremony and the love his daughter and the groom share for one another. A nice quote, bible verse or song lyric can help with expressing any emotions he may wish to share.

The Bride - The Father of the Bride should talk about the Bride, how proud he is of her and provide a few fun facts about her. Keep this brief as not many people care to hear long winded stories of her childhood like losing her first tooth, her awkward teenage years or the troubles she got into during College. Talk about some of her talents, skills and accomplishments, but keep it short and sweet.

Their Relationship - Mention the relationship between the Bride and Groom. How they met, how he felt when he knew his little girl was in love and his hopes for them for their future together.

The Groom - Welcome him to your family and provide him with a few tips and advice like family traditions, etc. You can poke a little fun at him if you have a good relationship with him, but keep it classy.  You don't want to embarrass him or your daughter. Be sure to make him feel special and accepted.

Wise Words/Toast - End your speech with a few relationship lessons and wise words. Offer an example from  your relationship with her mother if it's a healthy one. Tell them about your hopes, dreams and wishes for them and your excitement of what lies ahead for them as a family.

The Father of the Bride is an important role in a wedding, so be sure to take it seriously, but have fun with it as well. Weddings are an emotional day, so be sure to cherish every moment.

*Photo by Angela Devries Photography from the wedding of Natalie & Jason

Award winning hair style?

Watching the 2013 People's Choice Awards the other week I noticed that tight up-do's were popular and wondered if we'll see styles like that this year for weddings? They can be sleek, but also fun by incorporating braids. What do you think about these 3 styles worn by celebs at the Award show?

Which is your favourite and how are you planning on styling your hair for your big day?

The Maid/Matron of Honour

A few weeks ago we chatted about the Best Man, so now it's the ladies turn. The Maid or Matron of Honour is the Bride's right hand gal, and is with her through all of the good, and dare I say it bad times during the planning and celebrating.

Weddings are stressful. The Bride is making a huge life change by becoming a wife, and they're planning the biggest party ever - so they're bound to feel overwhelmed. The Maid/Matron of Honour is likely her best friend, sister or cousin - someone that they love and trust. This is the person she can vent to about how overbearing her future Mother-in-Law is being, or how her hubs-to-be is simply nodding his head at all of her suggestions. She is also the person that will tell the Bride she's beautiful on her wedding day no matter the weight she wishes she had lost - because it's true. All Brides are stunning on their wedding day, and the MOH will make sure that her friend knows it too.

If you've been asked to be a MOH it is just that - an honour. The Bride has chosen you to be by her side on her special day - to help her get ready, socialize with her family and friends at the wedding and assist with all of the pre-wedding festivities.

Here are some key things a Maid/Matron of Honour will do:

- Assist with planning the Bridal Shower(s)
- Show up on time for the Bridal Shower(s), help with the food, mingle with guests & record the gifts
- Plan the Stag & Doe (if the couple want one) with the other members of the Wedding Party
- Participate in choosing the Bridesmaid dresses
- Join the Bride when choosing her dress, or at least attending the final fitting.
- Help the Bride get ready on her wedding day
- Give a speech at the reception
- Assist with any tasks that may be required of you at the wedding (and or aiding the Coordinator)
- Make sure the Bride is enjoying her wedding - be positive, be happy and stay sober!

If you've been asked to be a MOH, congrats! It's an important role - so be sure to take it seriously while still having fun!

*Photo by Elizabeth in Love

Saying "I do" in Disney

As you read this I'm in Disney World.
Jealous, right?

I have been to Disney more times than taking my age and cutting it in half. I have stayed at more Disney Resorts than the average person even knows exists. Disney is like my 2nd home. So, it's only fitting that I've fantasized about a Disney wedding. If and when I finally say "I do" I'm not sure it will be in Disney, but a girl can dream.

For some swoon worthy photos of some lucky gals that did get hitched in WDW, check out this blog.

Have a great week! M.I.C...See you real soon!

Damn Girl...

...you picked an ugly dress.

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel are married.
You might remember my post here, where I may have cried me a river.

Jessica's dress was, well, er...not all that flattering. And I'm not just saying this because she is now Mrs. Timberlake. I did not expect her to wear such a pink pouf.
As JT sings in his song Damn Girl..."You're so fine make a brother blush"....I'd have to say that yes, he likely did blush...with embarrassment.

Jessica is a very pretty woman. In fact, she's stunning. Adding colour to wedding dresses has become more acceptable and fashionable in the past few years, but to have an outright pink dress made me shutter slightly. What do you think?

I thought the new JT would have worn something white made of silk or satin, low cut with an embellished brooch or belt. For a few months prior to their wedding Jessica was photographed at almost every event wearing white - thus making people wonder if she was practicing for her big day, or trying to throw off the paparazzi.

They got married in Italy, and has had one of the most expensive celeb weddings to date. A whopping 6.5 million....which you think would buy a very pretty dress.

Alright, I'm done ranting about it.

Here is the dress if you haven't already seen it.

 Thought she would have done better in any one of these. Oh well, they're very happy and in love - so that's all that matters. Right?

A little bit of country...

I'm a country girl. The sounds of Tim McGraw, Dixie Chicks and Luke Bryan make me happy. The idea of riding a horse on a fall day gives me combined sense of adventure and calm. The sight of a guy wearing a cowboy hat and worn in jeans brings a smile to my face. These things are country to me – so when I think of the perfect country wedding, I like of rustic elements like burlap, hay, vintage rentals, mason jars, the colours brown and champagne, barns, corn fields, autumn and guitars.

Whatever your style is, be sure to implement it into your special day. Maybe you’re a little country, or maybe you’re a little rock & roll. Either way, plan your details for your wedding around your style, personality, budget and interests/hobbies.

Here are some ways that I would incorporate a little bit of country into a wedding:

Photo by Katie Stoops Photography

Brooke & Richard's Wedding. Photo by Unveil Photography

Photo found on Cedarwood Southern Chic Designers 

Photo found on All Women Stalk

For more rustic or country inspiration check out Pinterest, Rustic Wedding Chic and The Wedding Chicks.

Margarita & Sergio Sneak Peek!

On September 8th, I had the pleasure of working alongside a kick-ass couple, Margarita & Sergio.
Housed at the Old Mill Inn & Spa, this couple planned a party that was one to remember!

A Rock n' Roll theme was carried throughout every detail, from their concert ticket escort cards, to the guest book that was a play on a Rolling Stone magazine, even to a custom built Rock & Roll Wall of Fame - this couple thought of it all! Black, red and white were their colours and they had a personalized monogram designed by the Bride, who's a wicked designer. Here's  a sneak peek of some photos I snapped....

Be on the look out for another blog (or two) with more photos and a video from the talented team at Green Autumn.

Save the date for 2013

Most clients book Day of Coordination services with us 9-12 months in advance. If you're getting married in 2013, we suggest you save the date now! Having a professional and certified Coordinator on hand to execute your vision and ensure your vendors are providing the services agreed upon helps you to enjoy your day as a Bride, and not a Bridezilla. Stress brings out the worst in people, and you don't deserve to feel overwhelmed on the most important day of your life.

Our Day of Coordination package is 30+ hours of support and services. We provide you with documents to keep you organized, are with you for up to 12 hours on your wedding day and offer vendor recomendations and etiquette advice. We'll be your go-to gals for any issues that arise, any questions you might have and any mishaps that might occur. Weddings are a grand event, and you just simply can't coordinate all of the logistics yourself. Plus, you surely don't want to burden your family members or wedding party with the fine details and tasks either - they should be able to enjoy your special day right along with you.

Send us an email, give us a shout or even tweet us to set up a complimentary meeting so we can discuss how you can stress less on your wedding day with our popular Day of Coordination services.

* Picture from Backwards Life

A Foodie Kind of Wedding

My clients Porsha and Will are foodies and they'll be bringing their love for food to their family and friends on their wedding day. On July 14th, we'll be working with these two Toronto cuties when they say "I do, now let's eat!" in Cambridge.

How are they incorporating their love for food into their wedding you ask? Well, let's start with about 5 courses of delectable eats followed by a dessert offering of homemade pie made from Grandma's original recipe, and then capped off with a late night treat of Ice-Pop Art. Plus, all that tasty goodness was preceded by a fabulous spread of palette pleasing nibblies during their Cocktail Hour.

To top it all off, they have even named their guest tables after their favourite foods! Porsha's love for food can be documented in her Twitter feed and blog: The Foodie & The Every Man.

We're so excited to assist Porsha and Will with Day of Coordination on their big day and bring their plans to life! From food, to photos, to ice treats to flowers, we can't wait to share your special day with you!

You said Yes

Who doesn't love a great proposal story?

Boy meets girl. Courtship. Love. Congratulations!

You said YES, but now what? You tell the masses about your proposal, that's what!
Share your exciting and happy news with friends, family, co-workers, neighbours, and with whomever you want - flash that rock and your ear to ear smile all over the place! You deserve it, you're getting MARRIED!!

Most couples get engaged and right away they are changing their facebook status from In a Relationship to Engaged. They are tweeting about the proposal, and even possibly sending an announcement to the local paper. What did you do? Did you create a wedding website, or did you happen to have your proposal taped and then uploaded onto Youtube? How did you spread the news?

Once the news is spread, and the congrats and well wishes are graciously recieved, it's time to get into the nitty gritty of planning your wedding. But, we do stress (before you start to stress) that you take time to enjoy being engaged before you dive deep into the planning process. :)

So, what do we suggest are some of the first things you do after the engagement, but before the planning?

Brainstorm with your fiance the type of wedding you both want.

Will there be a theme? How do you want to express your own seperate personalities as well as your togetherness? For some couples it's through colours, unique details or the style of attire and venue.

To help you brainstorm, we suggest that you pick up a few magazines. Clip out pictures and create inspiration boards. This part of the planning is so much fun!

Next, hire a Wedding Coordinator. Planning a wedding takes lots of time, patience, money and compromise. You'll want to make sure that a dedicated professional is working for you on your special day to ensure that every little detail and personalized touch you planned comes to life.

Then of course, you have to set a budget. The budget will depend on who is paying for the wedding. Typically couples pay 1/3 with both sets of parents. Staying within budget is hard - do your best to not spend too much!

Lastly, do your research! Check out online blogs, websites and magazines for ideas and inspiration. Attend Bridal Shows, and ask newlywed friends for referrals. Ask questions, get a second opinion and try to meet or consider 2 to 3 vendors at a time.

We're so glad you said YES! and are on your way to planning your

Happily Ever After.

*even Wedding Planners sometimes need inspiration. Today's post was inspired by a blog post at www.weddingaces.com
* Updated, but originally posted in 2010

Are you a Pie Bride?

A lot of couples are opting out of having the typical wedding cake. Oftentimes the cake sits there all night as a glorified centrepiece only to be cut by the Bride & Groom and served to the guests - who most likely won't eat it. Trust me when I say, 2 out of 3 times we're packing up half if not more of your cake and sending it home with you. So, if you're a Bride who knows she can leave the cake behind and try something else, I've got good news - pies are a welcome alternative at weddings.

You can get pies in regular size, or mini...and now, even on a stick! You can also get pocket pies, which are like modern turnovers. You can offer a variety of flavours to satisfy the tastebuds of your guests and you can easily pack them up and ship them off with your guests at the end of the night so that you aren't left with all that sweetness before you jet off on your honeymoon.

Pies are more rustic than cute. They provide a certain down-home-country feel than your typical desserts like creme brule, or even cupcakes. Pies can be made openfaced or with a lattes top or with a full top and a heartshaped cutout. And you can choose your flavours depending on the what's available during the season you get married. Apple and pumpkin in the fall - peach and cherry in the summer.

Oftentimes I think that Brides know whether they are a Pie Bride or a Cake Bride (this includes cupcakes). You either like cute, fluffy, iced desserts, or you like sweet, flaky, classic desserts.

Are you a Pie Bride?

B is for....

I get lots of emails asking if I am hiring. These girls want to know if they can be my Assistant - my helper - my right hand gal. Well, for the past 9 months I've had a sidekick that I adore; Brittany.

It's almost too fitting that Brittany starts with B, like The Bride's Butler. It was simply a coincidence that she emailed me and I just happened to need help at that time. Well, perhaps it wasn't coincidence, maybe it was fate - depends on how deep we wanna go here. LOL!

Either way, I'm thrilled to have Britt working with me, learning alongside me and being there to help me bring Bride's dreams to life.

Brittany's also certified by WPIC (Wedding Planners Institute of Canada), so she's a perfect match for The Bride's Butler as I'm certified as well. She is passionate about weddings & events and has a keen eye for details. She enjoys making things pretty, and making people feel special.

She truly is a gem to have as an Assistant, and a friend.

Thank you Brittany for choosing me to introduce you to the wonderful world of weddings.
I look forward to executing many more "I do's" with you as my right hand gal!

Lisa & Grant are getting married!

Lisa and Grant contacted us back in December for Day of Coordination services for their July 2011 wedding. Lisa is a very organized Bride that knew that she would want an extra pair of hands, and another set of detailed eyes for her special day.

Saying "I do" at Maplewood Hall in Ancaster this Saturday, I can't wait to see how all of her hard work of planning will come together. An outdoor ceremony followed by a family-style dinner inside the hall; this summer wedding is sure to make everyone in attendance warm and fuzzy with love.

Lisa did quite a bit of DYI for her details like the invitations and programs, and I've seen them - they are beautiful!

My Assistant Brittany and I look forward to aiding Lisa & Grant on Saturday and wish them fantastic weather, a seemless execution and a day filled with dreams that become reality.

Shortly after their wedding, I will be posting pictures to show you just how beautiful their wedding will be!

Wishing Lisa & Grant much happiness and they begin their new lives together!