There's No Place Like Home

All this month we will feature ideas for birthday parties. At The Bride's Butler we aren't just involved with and interested in weddings - we love special events too!

Stroll down the Yellow Brick road and take a look at this Wizard of Oz party as seen on Amy Atlas' blog; Sweet Designs. The fine details to capture the movie and the exquisite work of the cookies and decorations make this a favourite of ours.

Kate from Kate Landers Events with the help of Kim from TomKat Studio created these goodies for the party.

Always incorporate the theme into your favours. It adds a special 'take home' touch.



Any little girl who loves watching this classic movie would love this theme for her soiree. There are a lot of ideas for birthday parties and we like to make each one memorable. For ideas and execution for your birthday celebration drop us a line, we love chat about parties big and small!

* post inspired by submission on Sweet Designs blog

* images taken byAndrea Winchenbaugh of  Open Shade Studios.



Hubba Hubba

Be my Valentine, my love,

As I will be for you,

And we will love the whole day long,

And love our whole lives through.

Valentine's Day is in a few weeks and you may be thinking about ways to show your love and affection without spending a fortune. If you're getting married this year, you're probably working within a "we're getting married" budget. To help you out, here are a few 'stay at home' ideas to get romantic with your fiance without breaking the bank.

Faux 'take-out'

Rather than ordering in which can be pricey and greasy (ahem, wedding dress to wear in the near future) why not make your own? Make your own pizza, panini's or even chinese at home. Whip up a tasty stir fry and put it in chinese take-out boxes and eat with chop sticks. You can find the take-out boxes at a craft, paper or dollar store. Top off this meal with a selection of fortunes you made and placed into a pretty vase and then you and your hunny can pick one and read it aloud to each other.

Cuddle on the couch

Just because it's Valentine's Day doesn't mean that you have to watch a romantic comedy - in fact, you should probably watch your guy's favourite flick. Select a movie from his collection, pop some popcorn and cuddle on the couch. Since you won't be all that interested in his flick choice, use this time alone to behave like you first did when you started dating. A little make-out sesh on the couch never hurt anyone.

Lights Out

It's not what it sounds like. Once in a while it's good to 'unplug' all the technology and just spend some quality time together. Light candles, turn off the computer, cell phone, tv and ipod and just enjoy spending time together. Do a crossword or puzzle by candlelight, or read each other poetry. Take a bubble bath together, or give each other foot rubs.

Learn from each other

Are you a good baker? Does he kick butt at Poker? Spend an afternoon or evening teaching each other what you're good at. You might find out something new about your significant other through this exercise.

Get Active

Again, not what I mean here - get your mind outta the gutter. A great way to bond and spend time with your love is to get active together. Go for a hike, an evening stroll with the dog, play a few rounds of Wii Sport or get out your yoga mats and follow an instructional video together.

Something Blue

You made sure you had your something old, new, borrowed and now....you're blue!

It's been known that some Brides will experience post wedding blues. It makes sense to feel this way. All of the build-up and hype of your big day has simmered down, and if it's been a few months since your wedding day, the excitement and chatter has probably vanished.

The day that took you 18 months or longer to plan is gone, and that can make anyone quite sad.

It's not surprising that Brides feel depressed after their wedding, as this is a day they have waited for and looked forward to since childhood. After the wedding and the honeymoon a lot of Brides think there isn't  much to look forward to regarding your nuptials except viewing the wedding photography proofs. Before the big day there's lot's of planning, decision making, organizing, festivities and talk about YOU (and your fiance of course). But, now - life is going back to how it was before your wedding - and well, you might be bored.

When I meet with clients for our "Day of Coordination" services, I tell them that they must manage their expectations for their wedding day as things are going to happen - things they will not be able to control or avoid. With any major event, you must look at the big picture; people who love you gathered to celebrate with you and wish you all the best for your marriage. The same goes for after the wedding - look at the big picture; you had a wonderful party filled with love, laughter and happiness - and now, you're married!!

Marriage like any relationship consists of respect, love, compromise and dedication. Being married means that you are part of a team - a union of two people who love each other, so no matter how sad you feel that the wedding is over, know that you have a partner that has vowed to stick by you through the good and bad.

Settling into married life can take time - so be sure to give yourself time to adjust. Remember that life isn't perfect, so don't be bummed out when life doesn't turn out to be the fairytale you imagined it would be when you walked down the aisle. But, what you can remember is the wonderful day you had when you said "I do".
Look at your pictures often, reminisce with your hubby and friends about funny stories from the day, and look down at your left hand and smile at the ring that symbolizes your marriage.

Here are some things to do to help you beat the post wedding blues:

1) Recycle your stack of Bridal Magazines. You don't need to look at them and see all the ideas of things you didn't do. No "if only's, but I could have, or I wish I'd done", just toss 'em, or give them to a newly engaged friend.

2) Make a list of goals you want to accomplish. When planning your wedding you had a hefty "to-do" list, so keep that pattern alive by setting new goals for yourself and your hubs. This will help keep boredom at bay.

3) Go out on weekly or bi-weekly dates with your husband. Spending time together as a married couple will keep your union strong and remind you of all the reasons you said 'yes' to this special guy.

4) Relax. Wedding planning is one of the most stressful times in a woman's life. Take time to enjoy being a newlywed rather than a Bride-to-be.

Post generated with help from ehow.
Picture from Google Images.

Grooms are people too

This may come as a shocker, but....it's not all about the Bride.

It's known that the Bride tends to make most if not all of the decisions for the wedding, but the Wedding Industry is saying that Grooms are going to be speaking out more in 2011 and making more decisions.Your wedding day is afterall for both you and your Groom.

With blogs and websites like Ben the Groom, The Plunge and The Man Registry - guys have a place they can go to for advice, funny stories and even some educational content concerning their title as the "Groom".

Ben the Groom offers a checklist that offers "to-do's" from your Engagement to the night before your wedding. Knowing what to do before you are told to do it will make you look like an All-Star to your Bride.

The Plunge gives you a guys perspective and tips to prepare you for taking 'the plunge' into married life. From "How to: Replace a fallen Groomsman" to "Making a good impression with the In-laws" this site is a must for Grooms.

The Man Registry is an American site so you won't find local Canadian vendors there, but you will get awesome ideas for Bachelor parties and gifts for your wedding party dudes.

In 2010, Groom cakes made a bit of a comeback and I bet you'll continue to see more of them in weddings to come so that the Groom has something special to call his own. These cakes are usually personalized for the Groom with his hobbies, favourite sports team, movie or musician.

So, let's hear it for the boys and take joy in the fact that if you have a Groom that wants to participate and make decisions concerning your wedding and festivities - let him. Just be sure he doesn't get carried away and become a Groomzilla.

Newlywed "To Do" List

Now that you've said "I do" there are a few things you have "to do" as a newlywed.

Enjoy being Mr & Mrs

Go on your honeymoon, spend time together, make love and enjoy your new beginning.

Clean & Store your Wedding Dress

Within 6 months get your dress dry cleaned and properly packaged for storing. If you don't plan to keep your dress, put it online for another Bride to use it for her happy day.

Check out sites like Bravo Bride, Yes Bride & Kijiji.

Change your status

And we don't mean just on Facebook! You'll need to change your last name and possibly your home address after you get married. Insurance, Licence, Health Card, Income Tax, etc.

For Ontario Brides, check out the Service Canada website for assistance.

Send your Thank You's

You've got 2 mths before you're considered inconsiderate. Sit down once a week and get through the pile of 'thank you's'. If you need more time, take it - but get those cards out no later than 6 mths after your wedding. You and your hubby will feel really good knowing that your guests are thanked promptly.

Pick your photos

You'll be given a whack load of photos to pick once your photographer has tweaked them. Enjoy this process no matter how stressful it may seem. Enjoy reminiscing about your wedding.

Celebrate your Anniversary

Congratulations!!!



*post inspired by an article found on The Nest

Friendors

Vendors are business people/companies that offer services in a particular field. The Bride's Butler is a Wedding Vendor. A Photographer, Baker, Banquet Hall and Make-Up Artist are also Wedding Vendors. These people are the ones that help you create and form your event - unless of course you are going the "Do It Yourself " route on all accounts..and that to us = too much stress for you!

The Bride's Butler works with Vendors, whom we refer to as Friendors. These Friendors offer discounts and value add-ons to clients that are working with us for our Full Wedding Planning package.
Working together with a Planner and their Friendors can and will help you save money.

Often times Brides book us for Day of Coordination well before they've chosen any vendors - and we're pleased to suggest vendors for their wedding during the initial consultation meeting. Getting referrals from another professional, especially a Wedding Planner can help ease the decision making stress every Bride feels. There are also many Friendors that we're connected to that aren't listed on our site just yet.  

All vendors work in different ways, and I for one prefer to execute a wedding  alongside a professional that I know and trust, instead of with someone I'm meeting for the first time - or worse yet, someone I've heard unpleasant reviews about. Sometimes wedding vendors don't know what it's like to work with a Wedding Planner/ Coordinator - and that can be tough. We try our very best to communicate with all vendors at minimum the day before your wedding so that they are aware of our role, and of your (and our) expectations.

Knowing that a vendor has worked with a Planner/Coordinator before is comforting, as they will most likely respect our role as 'ring leader' for the day and will touch base with us and communicate any changes with us. Your vendors must act like a team on your wedding day - for we are there to work together for you; the Bride & Groom.

 
When a Vendor is a Friendor it's great for all parties involved.

Beginning in March we will have a monthly "Friendor Spotlight" on the blog. Stay tuned!

Welcome 2011!

Happy New Year!

We hope that you had a wonderful holiday season with your loved ones.

At this time we want to extend a big "thank you" to all of our Facebook Fans that took part in our "12 Days of Sharing" contest. It was a great way to let others know about us, but also to thank you for your support in 2010. We hope that the Fan Page and our Blog are keeping you intriqued and up to date about what's going on with us, with the wedding industry and with other local vendors.

The winner of the contest was Amanda Knight Kinnard. She introduced us to 12 new members. Thanks!


With each new year, we like to make goals for the following months ahead. This year we plan to:

1) Continue to assist Brides & Grooms with their wedding planning needs. Our popular and affordable "Day of Coordination" package is fabulous for DYI Brides that want to plan all their own details but have a professional onsite to execute their ideas and vision. You can't be 2 places at once.

2) Keep on blogging. We post every 5 days and will continue to do so. If there is something you'd like us to blog about please send us an email. We'd love to answer your questions and discuss topics you want to read about regarding weddings and special events!

3) Friendor Spotlights. Friendors are Vendor Friends of The Bride's Butler - more on this in our next post. This year we're going to try our very best to feature a selected friendor once a month on the blog. Stay tuned, this feature will kick off in March.

4) Gain more Facebook Fans and followers on Twitter. We'd love you to join us on social media, and be sure to tell your friends!

We have other goals that we'd like to meet - but those 4 are our top "must do's" - and we feel confident that we will be able to achieve them.We've enjoyed our start into the world of Wedding Planning (we began in '08) and we look forward to what lies ahead this year and the many that follow.

"Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right." ~Oprah Winfrey

Happy New Year!

Whether you're getting married, attending a wedding, or going to a party, or hosting a party this New Years, may it be a fabulous event filled with great laughter, love, fun & excitement!

~ All the best for a fabulous start to 2011 ~

* Image from Google image search - Braden Harris

You'll Shoot Your Eye Out Kid!

Merry Christmas!!

"A Christmas Story" has been one of my favourite holiday movies since I was a child. I remember watching it on VHS with my family in the late 80's and it seemed like no one else had ever heard of it. Classmates thought I was weird, and you just couldn't find movie memorabilia anywhere. Now, this movie is a fan favourite and a cult classic. My Dad & I are huge fans, we know almost every line!

Last weekend I travelled to Cleveland, OH to see the actual house from the movie. It's staged to be just like the house was during the movie, and to my delight, Ian Petrella (who played kid brother Randy) was on hand for a meet & greet! Although our meeting was brief, it was a moment I will always cherish.

Being able to see and feel places in the house that were shared by the actors in the movie was an unbelievable experience! The current owner of the house has done a fantastic job with props like furniture, wallpaper and antiques to make it feel like you're at the "Parker's".

As well as the house, there's a museum dedicated to actual movie props like wardrobe pieces, scripts and toys used in the film.

To have visited "A Christmas Story" house was a fantastic way to start off my holidays! I wish you a very Merry Christmas filled with fond memories of the past, and wonderful memories made for future reminiscing with family and friends. I also hope that like Ralphie in the movie, you get what you wished for this Christmas.

Love is all around

Merry Christmas!

Christmas movies are a must-have in my household. Each year I watch the same ones over and over. My favourites are "A Christmas Story", "The Santa Clause" and "Home Alone".

If you're going to curl up with your fiance and loved ones this season, why not watch a Romantic Christmas movie? Nothing says "I love you" more than the holidays.

Love Actually (2004)

The Holiday (2006)

The Family Stone (2005)

Serendipity (2001)

White Christmas (1954)


December is almost over, be sure to book our "Day of Coordination" services for your 2011 wedding before Dec 31/10 to save $100!

10 things your Registry shouldn't be without

Tis the season for shopping for and receiving gifts. Christmas is a time where the malls are full and your wallet is empty. Christmas is also a time of year when some limited edition items are available, especially dishware and entertaining pieces. If you're getting married next year, perhaps you can add some of your "must have weddings gifts" that are only available this time of year to your Christmas wish list. Tell Uncle Wallace what you would like for Christmas instead of him guessing and you get his and her matching sweaters!

If you haven't registered yet for your wedding (you can register anywhere from 1 yr to 6 mths before your wedding) then here are 10 things your Registry shouldn't be without according to "Registry King" Jorge Perez of the popular wedding website, Aisle Dash.

1. Quality Tableware (stemware, china and flatware)

2. Good Cookware

3. A Powerful Blender

4. A High-Powered Microwave
5. Superior Knives
6. Luxurious Sheets
7. Thick, Plush Towels
8. A Barbecue Grill
9. Luggage
10. A Flat-Screen TV

Happy Scanning!

*Images provided by Google Search

Lasting Love

'A wedding anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance and tenacity.  The order varies for any given year.'  ~Paul Sweeney

Weddings are a beautiful event, but even more beautiful is to see the same couple year after year still in love. As you travel through life, you'll grow and change with your partner, and hopefully you'll see that true love never dies.

My parents celebrated their 33rd Anniversary yesterday and their relationship is a true testament that love can last. My parents have a union that is one to honour, respect and admire. They make me think that fairytales actually do exist.

May your wedding day be the beginning of many Anniversaries to come with your partner - your best friend.

Good luck to all of The Bride's Butler's newlyweds, and congratulations to clients celebrating anniversaries. And, congratulations to my parents.

'A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.'  ~Mignon McLaughlin 

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.

 

12 Days of Sharing

This is a special post to get you involved in our

"12 Days of Sharing" promotion! Starbucks is having a promotion from December 1st to 12th, so we thought that we would too!

If you're already a fan of ours on Facebook, then you probably know about this contest - but if you're not yet....what are you waiting for?!? (Ahem, a good bribe perhaps? Well, this is it.)

For existing fans of The Bride's Butler on Facebook:

All you have to do is tell your friends and family to officially 'like' us on Facebook and you could win a $20 gift card. As the winner you get to choose if you want your gift card to be from the LCBO, Beer Store or Starbucks. To be entered to win, you must have your friend or family member write on the page wall that you sent them. For example "Stacey Smith sent me" or "Referred by Stacey Smith" and volia, you (a.k.a Stacey Smith) will be entered to win the gift card of choice. The winner will be announced on the Facebook Fan Page on Monday, December 13th.

To make it even easier for you, copy and paste this in a message to your friends:

Hi,
I’m a fan of The Bride’s Butler on Facebook and you should be too! You could win a Starbucks gift card by supporting this Hamilton based Wedding & Event company. Just “Like” the page and write on the wall that I sent you and you’re entered to win!

Chances of winning depend on how many people you tell about us. So start sharing, you’ve got 12 days to spread the love!


For the newbies:

If you've been referred to our Facebook Fan Page between Dec 1-12, you are a NEW fan. Let us know who sent you and you could win a Starbucks gift card. There are 1 a day to be won, so as long as you 'like' us between December 1st to 12th, you're good for an entry. All 12 winners will be announced on the wall following the promotion on December 13th, 2010.

Questions? You can reach us through email, info@bridesbutler.ca, or @Bridesbutler on Twitter or message us on Facebook.


Thanks for supporting The Bride's Butler - and good luck!


Happy Holidays!


Rules, Regs and all the legal mumbo jumbo:
Contest starts at 7:30am EST December 1st and ends December 12th at midnight (12am EST).
Existing fans are encouraged to promote the Fan Page and will be rewarded with a contest entry for a $20 gift card from their chosen vendor - LCBO, The Beer Store or Starbucks. New fans are anyone that 'likes' the Fan Page during Dec 1 -12 and posts who referred them. Only by posting on the wall are they eligible to win 1 of the daily prizes of a Starbucks gift card. There are 12 Starbucks cards in total. The Starbucks gift card is valued at $5. All prizes are as promoted. Prizes can not be exchanged for cash. If the 'existing fan' gift card winner is American, a substitute prize will be awarded at equal value.

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.