Introducing Tracey and Jeff Jones

Tracey took my breath away and quite literally brought me to tears.  I told her not to make me cry but she did it anyway.  A beautiful bride, a stunning vision and a pefect match to her groom.

We only had a quick moment to hug and do a few touch ups before I headed to St. Andrew's Church to review the music with 2 Tone, check on Father Luigi, the groom and groomsmen and pin flowers.  Guests began to arrive and with the assistance of the ushers slowly filled the beautiful church. 

Jeff (the groom), although shaken he didn't panic when Father Luigi questioned what he would do if Tracey didn't show up.  He knew he had nothing to worry about.  At that same moment, at the other end of the church, Tracey waited patiently for the final guests to be seated before meeting her groom at the alter.

The ceremony couldn't have gone more perfectly on this cool and grey Saturday afternoon.  The awe of everyone as the bride entered the church on her father's arm at the exact moment the melodic cymbals crashed was only the beginning. When the time came to recite their vows to each other their voices carried beautifully throughout the vastness of the church to guests seated in the back rows.  The calm tears and shaky legs we saw at the rehearsal were now gone. 

It wouldn't have been Tracey and Jeff's wedding without a few laughs but it wasn't long before I wasn't the only one without a dry eye that day.

(Tracey's side of the family.)

Following family photos the wedding party, Charlie their 1 year old puppy and the Cinemotion photographers and videographers and myself took to the highway for a spectacular outdoor visual experience.  Not your typical traditional photos by any means.  An old house in the middle of a Hymers field was the perfect backdrop for these photos.  I had to take a few photos myself but the professional version of these will be 100 times better.

Cinemotion did a fabulous job and I can't wait to see the actual photos.

Having braved the cold October afternoon the wedding party arrived at the Valhalla Inn with enough time to warm up before introductions into the soft glow of the reception hall.  Though before guests arrived I continued the morning's projects or weaving table numbers onto ribbon, moving place settings for last minute seating changes, making adjustments to the flowers or decorations, carrying boxes of favours, setting out place cards (thank you Jenn and Shannon), lighting candles, reviewing dinner schedules with the catering manager... (fingers are getting tired)  But I have to say it was all worth it in the end.

Decorations were provided by Maggie's Magical Occasions and the Flower Shed provided flowers and centerpieces.  Following a collaboration of our ideas the bride and groom were very happy with the results.  Let me know waht you think.

It was truly a stunning celebration to which guests concurred. Following a tasty and filling dinner provided by the Valhalla Inn we were entertain by the popular band Ti Amo who kept the dance floor bouncing throughout the evening. The occasional moon walk to get the couple to kiss was met with surprising enthusiasm. I have yet to learn this. With dancing underway there was little more to do but enjoy. After having brought wedding gifts to their room and leaving one of my own I settled at my table with friends to look back and remember why I love weddings so much.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Jones. Now let's see if anyone else can keep up with you.

With love,

Bethanie

And Baby Makes Three!

Let me clarify... it's not me!
I wish to congratulate Cheryl and Dean who enjoyed their honeymoon enough to add to their new family.  Their March 2009 wedding was a classic and timeless celebration among friends and family who were only too happy to dance the night away.

Cheryl was a very organized yet nervous bride, so much so that I wanted to pinch her cheeks she was so cute and giggly.
I can only imagine how she is preparing for her December baby.  Dean pleasantly supported all of her needs and wants (sure to be good practice) For those of you who are counting, yup that's 9 months from the wedding day to the expected birth day.


Please enjoy some photos from their stunning event.
Although I took a few pics during the day, the pro creds belong to Murray Metcalf.

This is one of my photos.  I seem to like the ring in the bouquet pic.

I had a lot of fun at this wedding.  It was also the introduction of Samantha as a You're Invited assistant.  I think she gained an appreciation for the behind the scene craziness that I go through.  It's all for the love of weddings and finding that special one.

1 week to Tracey and Jeff's wedding!

The countdown is on, actually it has been on for about a year because I have been so excited to help my friend Tracey plan her wedding.  Has a year really gone by this quickly? My calendar eagerly argues with me full well knowing I have only one week to complete the last minute details ie: photography lists, checklists, wedding party and family timelines, delivery and service reviews with their vendors...

This will be a refreshing wedding when I get to dress up and dance the night away with many of my friends with me, after a long day of keeping everyone on schedule and taking care of little challenges that always come up.  After most weddings I find myself packing up my emergency kit too early to really celebrate with the couple I've gotten to know for several months for an early night in my cozy apartment.  October 24, 2009 will be the exception.

Tracey and Jeff, I'm looking forward to your wedding and hope it is everything you had imagined and more!

Hugs,

Bethanie

Happy Thanksgiving

Summer has come to a close, we've had our first snowfall and this weekend neslted in our warm homes we celebrate Thanksgiving.  What are you thankful for this year?
I am thankful for the friends and family I have surrounded myself with who support me and my passion for wedding planning and the many hours that are devoted to creating a seamless event. 

Are you planning your wedding on a long weekend?
Here are some items to think about when booking your celebration.

Pros:
-If your hall is busy on Saturday you can have a reception on Sunday and your guests will still have a day off to relax before the work week or traveling home.
-Guests from out of town can make it a mini vacation and enjoy what your hometown has to offer.
-You can celebrate the holiday with a theme ie: labour day end of summer party.
-Families often get together on long weekends and this is a great way to enjoy each others company.
-Guests do not have to take a day off of work to travel if you celebrate on a Sunday.
-You can follow up the reception with a day after bbq and tour of the sites before going home.  Make it a long weekend to remember with an informal celebration as well.
-Your anniversary is celebrated nationally! 


Cons:
-Vendors may charge more for booking on a long weekend because they have pay their staff extra.
-Vendors may not book on long weekends so they can vacation with their families.
-If not given enough notice or other vacation plans are made you are likely to have a smaller guest list than your average weekend. "This can also be a pro if you need to keep your numbers down"
-Public areas for photos may be filled with even more people enjoying the atmosphere and numerous tourists may cause traffic delays between ceremony, photography and reception destinations.
-Airlines and hotels often charge more during long weekends.
-You may be expected to host your out of town guests for more than the reception when they otherwise wold have celebrated the long weekend differently.

Your family and friends are the reason you aren't eloping so keep them in mind when booking your wedding. 

A warm and heartfelt thank you to everyone who has made each of my days better than the one before.

Bethanie

DIY projects

When planning your wedding it can be fun to make your celebration uniquely yours by incorporating do-it-yourself projects.  In August of this year I was happy to work with Beverley to engage many of her ideas with a few of my own.
You'll see here a few ideas that made this wedding one of a kind.

Beverley painted chalkboard frames and easels to show menu items placed at stations in the reception tent.

Mason jars stored in family members basements provided great ambiance with split peas used as a base to hold a votive candles.  We placed these on each table, along the path to the parking lot and throughout the landscaped gardens.

I put bulk ordered flowers into tea tins and antique tea cups the bride collected for over the past year.

Experiment with household items that you can use to create a beautiful arrangement of colour and texture into a style you love.  What can you do with a pencil, mason jar or pile of stones?  Share your ideas.