WeDDings Jubilee

What 'not to do' when you are planning your wedding!

2012-02-13T07:30:00.000-05:00

Once again Canoe.ca found great value and posted another newspaper circulated article that I, your Toronto Wedding Planner, provided my expertise for. Once again it was fabulously written by Joanne Richard!

Click here to read the full article! Below is an excerpt tips to avoid a not-so-flattering situation at your wedding.

Say 'I don't' to tacky
By JOANNE RICHARD, QMI Agency

Calorie overload

"Your guests need to be well fed but often less is more. Focus on the quality of your menu and not the quantity," says Denise Georgiou-Newell of Weddingsjubilee.com.

A cash bar

"This is tacky with a capital 'T'. Your wedding is not a fundraiser; it is an extension of your hospitality. If you wouldn't charge them for drinks at your home, you don't charge them at your wedding," adds Georgiou-Newell.

Listing your registry or gift preference on your invites

"This is absolutely distasteful and indicating to your guests that they are simply invited because you expect a gift. Your registry or gift preference should be strictly word of mouth by your wedding party and sometimes family," says Georgiou-Newell.

Hiring friends to work your wedding.

If they would normally be invited guests, then keep them as such, stresses Georgiou-Newell.

Some more tips:

- If you are creating an elegant event, don't go cheap or DIY on your invites. Your invites set the mood and the theme to you event.

- Hire a wedding planner for consulting and Day-of or Month-of to ensure your event is flowing and expedited as per your vision. The last thing you want is to have spent almost 250* hours and not have someone manage it.

- Say 'NO' to your cousin the iPod DJ... it's a wedding not a backyard BBQ (unless you are actually having a Backyard BBQ with a case of Blue;)).

*250 hours is the average time spent by a couple in planning their wedding.

Unique Venues in Toronto: Airship 37

2012-02-09T07:30:00.002-05:00

written by: Ieshia Wagner - WeDDings Jubilee Intern & Future Dream Maker.

Airship 37

Located in the gorgeous Distillery District, Toronto Wedding Planner (& my mentor), Denise Georgiou-Newell & I visited Airship 37; a hidden gem in the hustle and bustle of our big city!

Walking up the tented walkway I was unprepared for what was in store. It was made up of two rooms, one smaller more rustic and another larger, brighter and in my opinion quite a bit more magical. You could feel the buzz in the air as you walked through the fabulously draped entrance where a signature drink awaited to welcome you.

The smaller more rustic room was set up as a photography showcase. It had a really comfy feel, with the dim lit setting, couches to rest, a bar, a photo booth, and, Denise's favorite, a stunning chandelier.

The larger room spoke to me as the room with limitless possibilities. White walls, beams overhead for possible rigging, and vignettes set up to showcase a variety of décor possibilities for this raw space. This was a brilliant idea as it gave a feel of what could be done with the space, although the wheels in my head were turning a mile a minute!

At the back of the room there was an arch with seating, set up for an intimate and organic style of wedding which I was drawn to all night. Beside it a crew of two were rolling and cooking fresh Gnocchi that were absolutely delicious!

All in all, I think this venue is perfect for any occasion since it is basically a blank canvas. My vision is of a summer event in which I can open the garage-style doors and have guests pour out in to the garden (a venue insider says it is in the works). I haven’t decided whether I would want something elegant and sweet like some of the options they had displayed, or something crazy and totally out-there, because my creative ideas are endless. I felt the Open House was extremely well done, the guests were happy, and it was very informative and professional. You can tell this venue and their staff will be a joy to work with.

Wedding Budget Tips: Stretch your Wedding Dollar!

2012-02-07T07:30:00.000-05:00

I am so excited to have had this great article we were interviewed for by Joanne Richard, circulating throughout various Canadian Newspapers and now picked up by Canoe.ca. Read on for this Toronto Wedding Planner's top tips to keep your Wedding Budget in check!

The Best Bash for Less Cash

By JOANNE RICHARD, QMI Agency

Read the full feature article here.

Make the most of your wedding budget

All couples want to stretch their dollar. Here are some tips from wedding planner Denise Georgiou-Newell, of weddingsjubilee.com:

Hire a wedding planner. Not only do they have an amazing network of suppliers that can provide true added value to their packages, but planners also provide personalized service and fulfill the couple's needs and wishes, distributing their budget accordingly and wisely.
Have a Sunday wedding. "It will cut your costs on venue and alcohol, as people tend to drink a lot less if they have to work the next day. That way you can still go more extravagant on your design aspects, wedding favours, entertainment, food etc. For even more savings have a daytime brunch-style wedding," adds Georgiou-Newell.
Go to trunk sales, wedding shows and keep your eye open for off-season sales when shopping for your wedding dress. You can get your dream dress for a fraction of the original cost.
Save on your bar. Instead of a seven-hour open bar, decrease it to four hours or have a consumption bar. You can serve a signature drink during cocktail hour, wine only during dinner and open the bar for the dance portion only.
Give away one favour per couple, not one per guest.

Jamaica Travel Specialist for your Destination Wedding or Honeymoon!

2012-02-06T10:43:00.008-05:00

I'm happy to report that I am officially a Certified Jamaica Travel Specialist and passed with a perfect score!

As always, I, your Toronto Wedding Planner and my team continue to bring you the Best Wedding and Honeymoon Planning Services available by keeping ourselves up-to-date, knowledgeable and making sure our Wedding and Honeymoon Education meets the high standards our clients deserve!

Email us anytime for a quote.

Congratulations to all the newly engaged. Now, let's get planning!

2012-01-04T12:54:00.012-05:00

Happy 2012 everyone and Congratulations to all the newly engaged couples!

This year we are doing it up! Our Toronto Wedding Planning and our Destination Wedding Planning Services have more added value and are even more customizable than ever before.

I was so lucky in 2011 for some incredible opportunities: I am privileged to be teaching Event and Venue Management at Trebas Institute; I was one of the Masters for Special Event Bootcamp; Went to Mexico to get certified on Mexico Destination Weddings and also became a proud Barcelo (resorts) Wedding Specialist, I got re-certified as a Sandals Specialist and made some absolutely great contacts with some amazing Barbados resorts and villas, Greece and France in order to provide you the best in International Destination Weddings. More to come this year as I and my associates gear up to achieve even higher levels of expertise.

In the meantime, don't miss our current promo: Book us by Feb. 14, 2012 and receive $150.00 of added services. We have add on's like: Honeymoon Planning, RSVP lists, E-Card Save the Dates, Engagement Planning, Bachelor or Bachelorette Party Planning etc. Don't miss this. Call or email us today!

We value all our clients and couples and our goal this year will be to shower you with top of the line service, planning advice, creative outputs and a consistent commitment to bringing your vision to life!

Sarah Houston's new Wedding Dress Collection unveiled!

2011-12-12T22:52:00.006-05:00

SAVE THE DATE - Dec. 16th - 18th, 2011

~ Space is Limited. By Appointment Only ~

{Click on the banner below to book your appointment or to find out more}

Introducing: Ieshia Wagner!

2011-12-03T23:03:00.007-05:00

So, what can I say, I finally 'realized' that one person can't do it all... my type A+ personality decided to tone it down a notch and admit that I need help! Contrary to my ego, I can't do it all myself. Luckily, I have some amazing students right now that I'm teaching Event and Venue Management & Career Development to at Trebas Institute (and you will meet several of them via this blog). They all have amazing talents and fabulous experiences and will be happy to have each of them learn hands on from me. In the interim, a 'list, notes and research' person who is not only creative but has an amazing personality was in order! Enter Ieshia. She is absolutely fantastic and a breath of fresh air. Without further ado, I introduce to you Ieshia Wagner, new member of WeDDings Jubilee Planning!

"Events have always played such a huge role in my life. I like to think my career began in Vancouver, British Columbia as a small child because my earliest memories are of welcoming my mother’s guests to our house, seating them, and bringing out snacks for everyone to enjoy. It was a blast knowing how impressed my mom’s friends were that at such a young age I was such a big help and encouraged me to continue being the little hostess at my mom’s dinner parties.

At that point, the bug had hit me and there was no going back. Throughout high school I planned anything I could, starting with theme parties to fun weekend outings and even took part in creating the School Dance Committee. I loved seeing the success of everything I worked so hard to make happen, come to life. It was exhilarating and I knew then that if I was a part of events as a career I would look forward to starting my day instead of being one of those people who wake up and hate their jobs, which was one of my biggest fears.

This fear is the reason I couldn’t rush to settle in any career path, no matter how passionate I was about events. I took two years off after high school to work and see as much of the world as I could. I strongly believe this truly validated any ideas I had about becoming an event planner. The time off gave me a solid determination to learn and become successful that I could never have predicted. I decided to chase this dream to Toronto, Ontario and satisfy both the need to learn and the craving for adventure. I enrolled in Trebas Institute, am now currently interning for the wonderful DeeDee Georgiou-Newell and have never been happier in life than where I am today.

Event planning envelopes everything I value and enjoy about life. You have the ability to travel, freedom over what and when you plan, the chance to be organized and help others be organized, and most importantly, it will give me the opportunity to make people’s dreams come to life. My goal in the event planning industry is to get involved with as many different types of events and eventually find a place in the world that I love, settle down there, and start a business of my own.
No other road, no other way, no day but today.

Future dream creator,
Ieshia xo

Wedding Party Duties by WeDDings Jubilee Planning

2011-11-29T09:00:00.003-05:00

Written by DeeDee Georgiou-Newell
Edited by Ieshia Wagner

Being asked to be part of a wedding party is a huge honor and responsibility. This is why it is a decision that should not be made lightly. Before you say ‘Yes’, make sure you are able to commit to the planning and financial responsibilities involved. Here is a list of the most predominant responsibilities for each member of the wedding party:

Maid of Honour/Matron of Honour/ Man of Honour

Escort and assist the bride to find her perfect wedding dress.
Assist with selecting the bridesmaid dresses, based on the Bride's specifications.
Purchase your own dress and accessories, based on the Bride's specifications.
Pay for your own hair and makeup.
Assist bride with various wedding duties. If she does not ask for help, it is appropriate to offer.
If needed, assist in addressing wedding invitations.
Spread the word about where the couple is registered
Plan and host a bridal shower for the Bride.
Be present for all pre-wedding events.
Keep an ongoing list of pre-wedding gifts that may have been received at the Engagement, Showers etc.
Along with the Bridal Party, plan a stagette (aka bachelorette) party.
Attend the Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner.
Be a point of contact to the Wedding Planner on the day of the wedding.
Assist with pick up’s and Drop off’s prior to and post wedding.
Assist with dressing the bride in her Wedding attire.
Make sure the Bride has a bite to eat in the morning prior to the ceremony.
Hold onto groom's ring until minister asks for it on day of wedding (you may be asked to hold both rings prior to the ceremony).
Precede the Bride down the aisle.
Stand beside bride during ceremony.
Rearrange the bride's wedding gown train during the ceremony as necessary.
Hold the bouquet and possibly gloves during the exchanging of the rings until after they kiss.
Greet guests at the reception, you may be asked to stand at the receiving line; help giving out favors or help guest be seated.
You may be asked to make a speech or toast during the reception
Bustle the Brides Dress, if needed.
Ensure that all gifts are collected and transported to the Couple's home, post reception.

Best Man/Best Woman

Spread the word about where the couple is registered
Be present at all pre-wedding events.
Plan the bachelor and/or Stag Party for the Groom (plan, invite guests).
Accompany Groom to purchase or rent his Tuxedo.
Purchase or rent your own Tuxedo.
Attend the Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner
Be a point of contact to the Wedding Planner on the day of the wedding.
Assist with pick up’s and Drop off’s prior to and post wedding.
Ensure that Groom's tie and handkerchief are straight, suit linted and looking pristine.
Make sure the Groom has a bite to eat in the morning prior to the ceremony.
Hold onto Bride's ring until minister asks for it on day of wedding (you may be asked to hold both rings prior to the ceremony).
Ensure groom arrives on time at the ceremony (usually about 45 minutes early).
Help Greet and Seat guests.
Stand beside the Groom during ceremony.
Be prepared for the Grand Entrance during the reception.
Make first toast at the reception.
Make a speech at the reception.
Offer to return the groom’s wedding attire to the tuxedo store.
Offer to return any items after the wedding.
Assist with loading and transporting Gifts after the wedding.

Bridesmaids

Assist with selecting the bridesmaid dresses, based on the Bride's specifications.
Purchase your own dress and accessories, based on the Bride's specifications.
Pay for your own hair and make-up.
Assist bride with various wedding duties. If she does not ask for help, it is appropriate to offer.
Help with all wedding Pre-events (bridal shower, bachelorette party etc.)
Attend the Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner.
Precede the Maid/Matron of Honor down the aisle.
Stand beside maid of honor during ceremony.
Greet and direct Guests at reception.You may be asked to give out favors or be part of the receiving duties at the start of the reception.
Help with some reception tasks such as seating guests.
Be prepared for the Grand Entrance during the reception.

Groomsman

Spread the word about where the couple is registered
Pay for your own tuxedo rental
Assist the Best Man with any pre-wedding events (Bachelor or Stag Party)
Attend the Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner.
Greet guests at the ceremony
If there are no ushers, assist guests to their seats
Stand beside best man during ceremony
Greet and direct Guests at reception.You may be asked to give out favors or be part of the receiving duties at the start of the reception.
Help direct guests to the dining room after cocktail hour.
Be prepared for the Grand Entrance during the reception.

Flower Girl/Ring Boy

Attend the Rehearsal & Dinner. If it is an adult only reception alternate plans would be made. There are great companies that cater to children that would be worth looking into it, like Little Party Goers in Toronto.
Precede the Bride during the ceremony
Ring Boy would hold either the real rings or mock rings.
Flower girl could throw down rose petals or simply walk down the aisle. I've also seen the Ring Boy pull the Flower girl in, in a wagon (if she is really young) and vice versa.
Bride & Groom can pay for the attire or the parents of the children can pay.
Be prepared for the Grand Entrance during the reception.

Event Planning 101 - WeDDings Jubilee in Women's Post!

2011-11-25T15:59:00.012-05:00

Just wanted to give a huge THANK YOU to Sara Mahmood, a 4th year Ryerson Journalism student & intern for Women's Post; THANKS for the awesome shout out!

Take a look at the feature article in Women's Post, copied below:

Follow Friday: Event Planning 101

November 25, 2011
by Sara Mahmood

In between booking venues, caterers and entertainment, these event planners still manage to sneak in a few tweets.

@DeeDeeNewell (DeeDee Newell)
DeeDee Newell is a certified wedding planner, certified staging professional and an associate of Travel Professionals International. She has over 15 years of event planning experience and is the founder of WeDDings Jubliee Planning Services, a company that plans anything and everything to do with weddings – proposals, engagements, showers, weddings and more – around the world. DeeDee has been featured in the Toronto Star, on Breakfast Television, and on msn.com. DeeDee also runs her own blog where she gives out wedding advice (like how to avoid becoming a bridezilla and how to plan an eco-friendly wedding), reviews hotels, and makes wedding trend predictions. She tweets about wedding etiquette and tips for making sure your wedding runs smoothly. She also tweets wedding news, big sales, and lets followers know when a new blog post is up.

@candice_alison (Candice Chan and Alison Slight)
Candice Chan has been working in the fashion industry for 8 years since graduating from Ryerson’s School of Fashion. Over her career, she has been involved in advertising campaigns, retail space design, and event production among other things. She has appeared on Breakfast Television, Entertainment Tonight Canada, and Fashion Television as a style and retail expert. Candice was also co-chair of FGI Night of Stars Gala in 2008, Canada’s most prestigious fashion industry event.

Alison Slight is also a Ryerson School of Fashion alumnus and is a certified event and public relations professional. She is also the former general manager of Platinum, a luxury event agency in Dubai. In the United Arab Emirates, she managed many extravagant events, including a private showcase of Louis Vuitton custom-order pieces and the only Christian Dior show in the Middle East. Alison has organized multi-million dollar events for clients in the fashion, jewellery, private banking, and automobile industries.

Although Alison and Candace met while studying at Ryerson, it wasn’t until 2010 that the two ladies started Candice & Alison Luxury Event Management. Their company manages private affairs, fashion shows, extravagant weddings, and more. Together the two ladies head their company’s Twitter account, posting links to fashion news, coverage on events they planned, and pictures of their favourite clothes and accessories.

@LindsayMogford (Lindsay Mogford)
Once upon a time, Lindsay Mogford attended a disastrous wedding. The bride and groomed planned the wedding themselves and pretty much anything that could’ve gone wrong did – the florist sent the wrong flowers, the caterer was late, and there wasn’t enough bartending staff. Lindsay went on to study professional wedding planning and became a certified wedding planner and consultant through the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada. She has spent the last 10 years honing her wedding planning skills and has worked for Good Gracious! Events in the States, managing small and large weddings and celebrity events all over the world. For the past two years, Lindsay has also been teaching at the Wedding Planners Institute, educating students on the importance of her career and the impact they have on their clients. Her tweets show how much she loves teaching at the Institute: she’s always tweeting about how much fun she’s having. She’ll also post inspirational quotes and information about wedding planners to her Twitter account.

How to be Charitable with your Wedding

2011-10-16T17:51:00.021-04:00

As a Toronto Wedding Planner, I often get couples who are interested in paying it forward. They want an amazing day with their friends and families but they also want to be able to give back to their communities in some way.

Here are just a few ways that I think are fabulous ways to have your wedding be a new beginning for you and someone in need as well.

Pre-Wedding:

Purchase your dress from a fundraiser or charity.

Places like the Brides Project, who is a 3rd party fundraiser for various cancer charities, have dresses that have been donated by bridal salons, top wedding dress designers and past Brides. Many Brides have found their dream dresses for a fraction of the cost they would at a boutique. Typical prices range from 300.00 - $1250.00 and all profits go to charity.

Wedding

Donations in lieu of favours.

The possibilities are endless. You can select one charity that is close to your heart or you can select more than one and have a fun game that guests select which charity they prefer. Maybe incorporate it as a wish board. Guests can write a wish for the two of you and pin it on the board under the charity they prefer.

Many charities will also provide you with a favour tag for your guests. It would typically read something like:

The Bride & Groom
have made a generous donation
in honour of your presence
at their wedding.

To get a full list of Charities in Canada that are registered and in good standing, CRA has an amazingly detailed and easy to use list here.
Post-Wedding

Donations and Consignments

Donate any leftover 'untouched' food to be donated to a foodbank. Discuss with your venue or caterer that this is feasible. Some foodbanks like Second Harvest or North York Harvest Foodbank to name just two will typically arrange pickup from the venue if it is pre-arranged. In Ontario food donors are protected by Ontario's Donation of Food Act, 1994. This legislation protects those who, in good faith, donate or distribute fresh food. Please look up legislation within your own province (or State) so that you are not liable for any prepared food you have donated.

Sell your dress to a Consignment Shop. Armed with your original receipt and your dress, you may be able to recoup some of the cost of your wedding dress. Usually about 50% of the consignment price is passed along to you once the dress is sold.

You can donate your wedding dress or bridesmaid dresses to your local church, a Dress Charity like Inside the Dream or Brides Against Breast Cancer, Goodwill and make a difference in the life of someone less fortunate.

Donate your flowers to a children's hospital, Seniors Home, Medical Center, Disability Center or a Home for the Underprivileged. Nothing like brightening someone's day by passing along the gift of flowers.

We all know how expensive a wedding can get, so it's great if you can share your special day by performing a special act of kindness for someone else.

Preventing your inner 'Bridezilla' or 'Groomzilla'!

2011-09-28T17:10:00.012-04:00

Helpful Wedding Planning Tips by Toronto Wedding Planner Denise Georgiou-Newell.

One of the sad realities that lead to stress during your wedding journey is having so many people weighing in on what “you should do” for your wedding. Well, whose wedding is it anyway? The only people the matter, in theory, are you and your chosen one! I did say ‘in theory ‘ though. Truth be told, what certain people think and want DOES matter. These are people you love and cherish and are important to you. The real question is how do you deal with these people and their demands? Here are some tips to get you on the sane track to planning your big day without unleashing the beast!

1. Create 2 lists with your fiancé(e) regarding your vision:

List A: Your wants. Brainstorm on items you really envision for your special day. Have you always wanted a renaissance themed wedding? Do you love the Art Gallery and dreamt to have the wedding there? Is your style simple and elegant, but you love that splash of vibrant color? Maybe you want to incorporate your engagement in Italy into your wedding. The skies the limit when you’re brainstorming.

List B: What you absolutely, positively do not want. You dislike big weddings so it is important you keep your numbers down; you can’t stand the Centerpiece game; The chicken dance just won’t cut it; A big “NO” to speeches. Whatever it is, write it down!

These lists helps create a joint vision for your wedding and understanding what is important to each of you respectively.

2. Consult with a wedding planner!

Armed with your lists, or at least the vision of your wants, set a consultation session with a Certified Professional Wedding Planner to discuss your budget requirements, wedding planning preparation tips and vendor needs. Consulting with a planner allows you to get a realistic idea of your wedding needs & will give you the confidence you need to deal with any obstacles coming your way. If you are not looking to hire a planner full-time, I urge you to continue with consultations along the way and certainly someone to manage and expedite your hard work on the day-of [wedding].

3. Be Grateful, say “Thank you”!

Remember that family and friends are just trying to help. Of course you will have the one person who is living vicariously through you, or someone who just has to be heard, but they are the exception, not the rule. Smile and say: “Thank you, we will think about it and appreciate it”. Whether you do or not, is irrelevant, you are ultimately preventing any potential drama and making someone feel appreciated and needed.

4. Accept Recommendations.

If someone recommends a vendor, don’t be in such a hurry to turn it away. Although you will get friends and family recommending that you save money by having uncle ‘photographer’ with his new pro camera photograph, or a friend who can whip up a great playlist on the iPod plug it into speakers and DJ, some referrals may actually be of true wedding professionals that can provide you great value and added service! For the rest of them, refer to tip #3;)

5. Remember the ‘why’.

You are getting married to spend your lives together. Don’t make everything about the ‘Wedding’. It’s about you and your partner taking vows to be true and dear to each other come what may. Make sure you put aside one date night a week where there is no wedding talk. You ‘DO’ have time and the wedding is NOT going to fall apart because you took time for dinner and a movie. If you are that overwhelmed, then you definitely need to hire a full-time planner:)

Bonus tip: You get what you pay for. Remember that if you are talking to many vendors and you see substantial price differences, it is your right to ask “Why?” What is one vendor offering that the other is not? Usually the higher the price, the more service(s) you are getting. Do your research and don’t just jump at the lowest price.

Grooms will soon be wearing 'The Situation'!

2011-08-18T16:22:00.008-04:00

I know I'm gonna love this line and congrats to FLOW formal Alliance for signing a great new deal! I, for one, can't wait to see the full line!
PRESS RELEASE:

FLOW FORMAL SIGNS THE SITUATION FROM JERSEY SHORE TV SHOW

It’s DTF for a new generation of tuxedo users – Down To Formal

July 26, 2011

FLOW Formal Alliance, the premier manufacturer of tuxedos and accessories, announces the signing of Michael Sorrentino, “The Situation”, fashion icon and star of the hit MTV reality show Jersey Shore.

“Our goal is to attract young consumers to a classic product designed specifically to appeal to the changes that have occurred in their attitude towards dressing up. We could not think of a better way to connect with today’s consumer and identify with what they expect from their formal wear experience. Our new relationship with the Situation introduces formal wear to a broader spectrum of consumers,” says Brian Weintraub of FLOW.

The move is consistent with FLOW’s aggressive commitment to appeal to a younger generation of formal wear users that do not want to wear their father’s tuxedo. Changes in today’s consumer attitude demand products with greater value and diversity. A line of tuxedo products under the “Situation” label styled with a new generation of fashion-conscious consumers in mind will be launched in Las Vegas in August.

The Situation has appeared on many television and radio programs and remains active in private and charitable events.

FLOW is the premier men’s formal wear manufacturer and license holder for Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Joseph Abboud tuxedos and accessories.

For press information contact: Brian Weintraub brianw@flowformal.com 1-800-366-4300

To find out how you can carry FLOW products in your stores including the new Situation line

Contact Silvana at 1-800 366-4300 silvana@flowformal.com

Wedding Planning Essentials by the Examiner

2011-07-08T15:38:00.010-04:00

Hello my awesome Brides, Grooms and Colleagues.

I've been busy and knee deep into all sorts of 'trouble'. I've been featured on the online magazine The Examiner and really gave them the nitty gritty on what I feel is the #1 Wedding Essential for your Wedding in Toronto or any where around the world.

WEDDING PLANNING ESSENTIALS by Renee Ferguson - The Examiner

Wedding Planning can be beyond stressful at times, if done carelessly can result in disasters on the big day... but when done right, with care, and effort, and sometimes some much needed help couples will reap the benefits the second they set foot on that aisle.

That’s why here on the Toronto Weddings Examiner page we are giving you access to some truly amazing Toronto Wedding Professionals who giving you advice, tips, and inspiration to help you have the wedding you’ve always dreamed of. And remember if you don’t get the answer you were looking for in any of the Q&As contacts for all the wedding pros are at the bottom of each interview.

Today we are asking all of the wedding planning essential questions and giving the answers is Denise Georgiou-Newell from WeDDings Jubilee Planning Services.

WeDDings Jubilee is a Toronto Based Planning Services Company, specializing in everything surrounding Wedding Events. Owner and Wedding Planner Denise Georgiou-Newell is a certified local and destination Wedding Planner serving the Globe. With a combined 15 years of experience in Event Coordination, Special Occasions and Milestone Celebrations, our goal is simple: Deliver top of the line, customized services to ensure our clients a wonderful and stress-free experience.

Why are Wedding Planners a great necessity when it comes to planning a wedding? What are the greatest benefits to having one vs. not?

Contracting a Wedding Planner for the wedding should be the first thing to mark off the wedding ‘to do’ list. Not only will it save you a ton of unnecessary time in prioritizing, but it will also put you in a position of ease and contentment throughout the planning process. A planner is there to make your vision come to life. They take on the daunting tasks so that your wedding doesn’t take over your day-to-day life; did you know it takes the average couple about 250 hours to plan their wedding? Wouldn’t you rather spend that time with the fun parts of planning instead? Of course you would.

Wedding Planners or Wedding Coordinators offer a multitude of services and oftentimes will customize packages suitable to your needs. Consulting services should be a must as you can use that throughout the planning process for advice on anything wedding related. Equally important is Month-of Coordination or Day of Management. These services ensure that everything is taken care of from vendor confirmations, final payments, Rehearsal Coordination, itinerary creation and Wedding Day management. It always amazes me when I hear of couples appointing family and friends to ‘work’ their wedding. It is a huge responsibility, requires their undivided attention and frankly is unfair to them as a guest.

Things to look for in a Planner: Couples should look for a planner that is knowledgeable, certified, experienced, and compatible with their personality and style.

With the summer and fall wedding upon us, what are some of the trends you have been noticing with couples getting married?

Although this has always been important, I’ve been noticing that couples are putting a lot more focus on the food for the wedding. They are opting for unique food stations and really fun edible favours. Although Candy buffets are still fun and often incorporated, I have been noticing couples adding things like Chocolate Buffets, Coffee Stations, Ice Cream Bars and Fruit ‘Gardens’. Other trends I’ve been noticing is a lot more personality in their wedding details. From everything like custom made shoes, things they collect on display and their choice of entertainment. Personalization is a huge trend right now and for next season.

What theme/colours would you suggest for the upcoming seasons?

Repeat after me: “Less is more!” That is my recommendation regardless of the season. Ensure that the theme and colors are something that represent you as a couple and try not to go overboard on thematic elements. It’s very easy to cross the line to tacky. I love neutral tones with fabulous splashes of color throughout and love the presence of these elements in subtle ways throughout the wedding day celebrations. Aisle Runners made of coloured floral petals; Coloured napkins on a neutral table linen; a fun colourful ribbon tied on a favour box; small theme reminders on the tables or incorporated into the centerpiece & even a DIY or custom made Card Box or Guestbook are all ways to create theme and incorporate color.

Were there any big differences in trends this year vs. last year for local weddings?

There are a quite a few ‘evolutions’ making an appearance:

Firstly, Grooms are so much more involved in the wedding planning and decision-making process. They are aware that it is their day too and are very vocal in saying what they want.

Secondly, I am seeing a much greater focus on the most important part of the wedding celebration: The ceremony. Couples are going all out for the ‘I do’s’ and creating a more lavish setting for the walk down the aisle.

Lastly, more and more, couples are having Friday night and Sunday Brunch Weddings. This is great for couples with more modest budgets or for couples looking to spend more on other wedding related items. I’m also seeing a decline on some of the more traditional staples like the bouquet & garter toss, kissing games and wedding cake. Instead there is more entertainment, from aerial dancers, illusionists and on-site artists.

What is the MUST have for weddings this upcoming season?

There are a few things:

Reception Dress/Suit: A second dress for the Bride and/or an evening suit for the Groom. Second (and even third) dresses are a trend that Brides are embracing. So much so, that some dress designers are incorporating Two-in-one dresses in their collections.

Sparkle and Shine: Whether it’s in the décor, on the dress, floral embellishments and more recently shoes, bling is in!

Dessert Hour: Just like Cocktail Hour except for Dessert. People love dessert and love to mingle after dinner so why not do both at the same time. From tray-passed desserts, Cake pops, dessert coffees, milk shooters and cookies to Flambé Stations and Dessert Wines.

‘Bucket-list’ Honeymoon: I’ve noticed that couples are spending more on their honeymoons to get a trip they’ve always dreamed of. Europe, Africa and the South Pacific are some popular ‘trips of a lifetime’ for honeymooners. **Be sure to see a Q&A with Denise Georgiou – Newell on Honeymoon Planning

The DIY trend has been booming as of late, what do you recommend for a DIY couple from a wedding planners point of view? What should they take on and what should be left for professionals?

This truly depends on the Bride or Groom. If they have the time, the artistic and creative flair and a helpful wedding party, they could take on a few things. Putting together favours and personalizing them with hand written notes; they can make Place Cards and Seating Charts; some couples even opt to making their own invitations, programs and menu cards.

What I would steer clear of (even if you are talented in it), is making your own centerpieces, floral bouquets or setting up decor. Although it seems like you will be saving money; the stress, time, the risk of them not being completed or not turning out the way you want will be a major headache, not to mention that you would need to have someone assemble them as per your vision on the day of. If you have a Do-it-yourself idea for your centerpieces, spend a little extra and hire a professional do it for you.

What about the eco-conscious couple. What advice would you give for the summer and fall seasons?

There are so many options these days for the eco-conscious couple. In fact so many venues are utilizing more ‘Green’ practices. They donate the leftover food to shelters, use ‘Green-Powered’ Energy sources and provide both ceremony and reception options so that the guests don’t have to drive to two different places and add to the carbon emissions. See more “green wedding ideas”.

When it comes to wedding planning in different seasons what should couples consider when planning a summer or fall wedding? Does weather play a big part?

Summer = Mosquitoes; heat waves and freak Thunderstorms. Fall = Rain; Chillier Weather and falling leaves. Weather matters. If you are having an outdoor wedding, make sure you have a backup plan. What if there is torrential downpour on your day? It’s disappointing for sure, but its worse when there is no plan in place. Fall brings less flowers and bare trees. If you are a flower lover, you will want that to play a part in your photos, so fall may not be the season for you. However, if you are set on an outdoor wedding and mosquitoes are ‘not your friend’, I would likely go with a spring or fall wedding.

What type of timeline should couples stick to in order to get their date for a summer and fall wedding? What’s a good time to start planning?

The rule of thumb is typically a year, but couples are starting to plan well in advance of 18 months to 2 years now for local weddings, in order to get specific venue or a popular date. Having said that, I, along with many planners out there have planned weddings in fewer than 6 months with no issues, as long as the couple is somewhat flexible on the venue and can provide a few date options, the possibility is there.

What other advice do you have for brides and grooms getting married shortly?

Always remember the phrase “you get what you pay for”. If you are looking to get a planner just because they are the cheapest, you risk disappointment. Ensure that they are not just giving you a ‘sales pitch’, but that they are truly knowledgeable and credible. Always ask for references. In fact, you should ask for references from any Wedding Professional you work with.

To get in contact with Denise Georgiou –Newell for advice on all things wedding:

Email:info@weddingsjubilee.com
Company Phone:416-500-6265
Website:www.weddingsjubilee.com

Wedding Inivitation Do's and Don'ts during a Postal Strike

2011-06-17T11:26:00.009-04:00

Do's and Don'ts during a Postal Strike

It's the topic of despair for many couples that did not have a chance to send out their wedding invites prior to the Strike. Here are my Do's and Don'ts regarding Plan B.

Do: Pick up the phone and call your guests to ensure they save the date.
Don't: Send an Email, Tweet, IM (Instant Messaging) or Facebook Message. It's informal and tacky.

Do: Hand Deliver the invites. This is something that I love even without a Strike, I think it's personal and you really set the tone of the importance of your guest's attendance.
Don't: Ask them to pick it up. That would not only be rude, but disrespectful.

Do: Allow them to RSVP on your Wedding Website. There are many free wedding websites online.
Don't: Message them on Twitter, Facebook or the like, asking if they will be attending. Again, impersonal and tacky.

Do: Drive to the States and mail all your International Invites.
Don't: Use Canadian Stamps when mailing from another Country. The stamps must be from the originating Country.

So, don't panic, there is always a solution:)
Love,
Your Trusty Wedding Planner.

Time to talk Honeymoons! Q&A with the Toronto Wedding Examiner.

2011-06-07T13:00:00.012-04:00

Hello my lovely couples! We have been sooo busy here at WeDDings Jubilee with Wedding Season off to a wonderful start and Honeymoon Season getting busier and busier everyday. I apologize for my absence in blogging, but planning and managing our weddings takes up most of our time these days! Over the last few weeks we've been prepping for the summer season of weddings, planning rehearsal dinners and of course, booking honeymoons through our sister company Travels Jubilee! Below is an interview we were honored to do for the Toronto Wedding Examiner on Honeymoons. Hope it gives you some fresh ideas on selecting your honeymoon destination!

We’re getting ready for the Summer and Fall wedding season here on the Toronto Weddings Examiner page and of course we are interviewing some truly amazing Wedding Pros to give you advice and tips to have the wedding you’ve always dreamed of.

But what about the wedding aftermath? That wonderful first getaway you spend as newlyweds! Today we have Denise Georgiou-Newell from Travels Jubilee to give you great insight on following your dream wedding with a dream honeymoon.

At Travels Jubilee, they love travel. The way they see it, travel is a lifestyle and there is a place fit for everybody. From dream honeymoons, memorable proposals and unique destination weddings to lifestyle travel like photography 'safari's', yoga retreats and everything in between, they are happy to assist you in any way they can.

Honeymoon planning with a professional is a fairly new idea among the Wedding industry. What are some of the perks to getting a Honeymoon Planner or specialist?

A Honeymoon Planner who is also a Travel Agent is of great value to planning a honeymoon. They know that choosing a honeymoon destination is not just about finding the cheapest All-Inclusive or the most popular resort. It’s about planning to find the perfect honeymoon taking into consideration: budget, likes and dislikes, the couple’s personality and lifestyle. Not everyone wants a beach honeymoon in the Caribbean or a Cruise on the Greek Isles; many couples really want an unforgettable special trip customized for them.

With so much information on the Internet, it’s easy for couples to get lost in the Abyss of information. With Travel and Wedding professionals really stepping up their game and getting educated, they are able to share that knowledge with their couples and truly advise based on the Couple’s best interest.

With the summer and fall wedding season just around the corner, what are some of the trends you have been noticing with honeymoons?

Couples are really customizing their honeymoons. They are leaning towards what I like to call ‘Bucket List Travel’, basically, a once in a lifetime trip. I’ve been finding couples are more inclined to experience a culture or explore the destination rather than just laying on a Beach.

What are some of the most popular destinations right now to honeymoon in?

Honeymoon trips and tours to places in South Africa, India and the South Pacific have gained in popularity this year. However, the Caribbean and European destinations remain quite popular.

Honeymoon Specialist

Were there any big differences in trends this year vs. last year for Honeymoon Locations?

Last year I found a lot of my couples either postponed their honeymoon for a year or two or opted for All Inclusive resorts. This year, it seems Couples are heading to more exotic locations, opting for private or customized tours and really putting in the time to find the perfect honeymoon.

For the luxury couple what are some locations that you would recommend? And why would they work best for the luxury couple?

There are some magnificent locations for couples looking for a Luxury options. Two of my current favorites:

The One and Only Ocean Club in Cape Town, South Africa although all of the One and Only Ocean Clubs are fabulous.

The new Marina or Riviera Ships of the Oceania Cruise lines through the Greek Isles and Eastern Europe or even the Caribbean and the Panama Canal would be very romantic.

Both choices are extravagant; from the cuisine they serve, the wines they carry, the art, and the chic and elegant designs and of course the service. Both offer options that would suit any discerning couple and offer services that go above and beyond all expectations.

What about the budget conscious couple?

The budget conscious couple can also enjoy some amazing honeymoon locations without sacrificing beauty, quality or service. A resort like Hotel Tentaciones in Zihuatanejo, Mexico is a perfect example.

When planning a honeymoon what advice do you give to couples in regards to waiting vs. going immediately following the wedding?

I often hear Couples say that they used the first half of their honeymoon to recover from the wedding and the second half they really enjoyed but it went by so fast.

In my opinion the best thing to do is wait a few days or so after your wedding to depart on your honeymoon. Take a short ‘time-out’ or ‘recovery’ period to breathe a sigh of contentment. There are always a few loose ends to tie up after the big day and it’s always nicer to get that out of the way so you can really enjoy your honeymoon.

What are some locations that couples have been overlooking? Are there some hidden gems out there?

I find that couples are overlooking some absolutely stunning locations worldwide, in Switzerland, Morocco, Portugal and even Greece. One such place is one very romantic location in Europe: Lucerne, Switzerland. It is truly one of the most scenic destinations in the world that offers incredible sites, excursions (Biking, Golfing, and Skiing), dining experiences and 5 Star accommodations.

Another place, (my personal favorite destination in the world) is Halkidiki, Greece. People forget that there is more to Greece than just the Greek Isles. Greece is full of hidden Gems that are remote, gorgeous and full of serenity. Halkidiki, an amazing peninsula in Northern Greece is known for the absolute best sunsets in the World, the most amazing and sparkling waters and truly a treasure in ultimate romance. One of my favorite locations is Danai Beach Resort Villas.

What about the couples that prefer to stay closer to home? What are some great ways to honeymoon in the GTA?

Couples forget how many great places we have close to home. Toronto is a hub for some of the best culinary experiences and Theatre Productions worldwide. Book your stay at one of the world renowned Luxury Boutique Hotels perfect for the newly married couple. Features like rooftop whirlpools, loft style two storey rooms and luxurious marble clad suites fit for royalty really set a magnificent mood. There is a lot to do in the GTA that suits all tastes. Spend the week as a Tourist and go on a Harbour Dinner cruise, soar above the city by going up the CN Tower; you can also visit one of the great distilleries and the Museums. Our city is so full of culture and amazing options for every couple.

Is there any other tips and advice you’d like to offer?

To book your honeymoon with a professional that understands your needs, please contact me here:

Email: dnewell@tpi.ca
Company Phone: 647-348-6265
Website: www.travelsjubilee.com
Twitter: http://wefollow.com/TPITravelChick

Niagara Falls Weddings - Oak Hall

2011-05-06T14:44:00.007-04:00

Do I have a treat for you! For the next couple of weeks, I will be covering some fabulous wedding venues as well as some amazing and some very unique reception and ceremony sites in Niagara Falls, Ontario and the surrounding areas.

Sue Zareski of Niagara Parks, who I met at last year's WPIC Fam (Fam=familiarization tour) was gracious enough to take myself and two of my colleagues around yesterday for a custom tour highlighting some amazing proposal and wedding options. One of these was Oak Hall.

Oak Hall is an absolutely gorgeous Mansion situated on a cliff overlooking the Niagara River and the Natural Habitat of Dufferin Islands. Oak Hall has several options available to host your special event.

Outside of Oak Hall by DeeDeeNewell

The Great Hall, The Parlour and The Living Room, are perfect for ceremonies, cocktails, tray passed or sit down dinner receptions accommodating anywhere from 10-50 guests. Featuring Wood Paneling from Hampton Court in England, fireplaces and a magnificent hand carved teak-wood table used to sign the Boxer Rebellion Treaty in 1901 to antique chairs, amazing chandeliers and original artwork, each room maintains an incredible old-world charm perfect for an elegant and sophisticated wedding.

If you have the outdoors in mind, the mansion's terrace is a wonderful spot situated above the Niagara River and sits atop a cliff overlooking the marvelous Dufferin Islands. It is quiet, intimate and an absolutely breathtaking & picturesque spot for your ceremony and reception. Another option is a tented wedding on the Golf Course with the Mansion as your backdrop; definitely the best option if you are looking to host a larger or more customized wedding.

All in all, Oak Hall is a gorgeous venue for the couple who is looking for a wedding of grandeur, history, luxury and style.

Inside of Oak Hall by DeeDeeNewell

Drumroll please.....and the winner is:

2011-05-02T18:41:00.005-04:00

Congratulations

Nina Georgiadis!!

Thanks to everyone who entered our contest! Remember the Royal Offers are still applicable until May 31, 2011!
The Winner will receive:

Day-of Management Services** by me, WeDDings Jubilee Planning .

$250 off any DJ Package* with Scotia Entertainment services .

1 free engagement session with Eve and Jennifer, from Eve Traetto Photography & Jen Shoots Weddings, including a 1 hour session at the location/s of choice within the GTA, 5 8x10 prints and an online gallery. Also, 25% off wedding photography packages for 2011 and 15% off for 2012 weddings for everyone that enters the competition.

Q & A:

Question 1: What is a Milliner?

A Hat Maker.

Question 2: How many wedding cakes did Princess Diana and Prince Charles actually have for their wedding?

Can you believe they had 27 cakes!

Question 3: How long was Princess Diana's Veil at her Wedding to Prince Charles?

It was long: 7.6 Meters.

Question 4: Where will the Royal Wedding Reception take place

Buckingham Palace it is and did you see Duchess Catherine's second dress?

Question 5: What have Kate and Prince William asked for in lieu of wedding gifts?

Charitable Donations, I mean what else do you get two people who have it all?

Question 6: In what year did Alcohol Consumption decline, thanks to Tea?

1662 when tea became the most chic thing to drink...

Question 7: What time did The Royal Wedding Ceremony take place (London, UK Time)?

11:00 AM

*Must be booked by May 31, 2011. Ceremony only & Reception only are not included in our packages.
**Transportation and Accommodations are not included. The wedding, event, or special occasion must be before April 2012. Expires May 31, 2011.

Royal Wedding Contest by Toronto Wedding Professionals

2011-04-29T03:00:00.001-04:00

Royal Wedding Contest Info: The Royal Wedding Contest is now underway and One lucky winner will receive the following:

The Winner will receive:

Day-of Management Services** by me, WeDDings Jubilee Planning .

$250 off any DJ Package* with Scotia Entertainment services .

Rules:

What do you have to do? Easy. Answer my 7 trivia questions correctly, share the link to this post on Facebook or Twitter and you are automatically entered. You can either reply with your responses to this post (below), or you can email me the answers (info@weddingsjubilee.com); please use the subject line Royal Wedding Contest and include your name. Good luck to you all. I will select the winner on April 30th, 2011 & will announce the winner on May 1, 2011.

Question 1: What is a Milliner?

Question 2: How many wedding cakes did Princess Diana and Prince Charles actually have for their wedding?

Question 3: How long was Princess Diana's Veil at her Wedding to Prince Charles?

Question 4: Where will the Royal Wedding Reception take place?

Question 5: What have Kate and Prince William asked for in lieu of wedding gifts?

Question 6: In what year did Alcohol Consumption decline, thanks to Tea?

Question 7: What time is The Royal Wedding Ceremony taking place tomorrow (London, UK Time)?

I will also be offering all entrants of the contest as well as all my other readers a $200* special discount off any one of our planning packages in honor of Wills & Kate!

Wake up Calls for your Wedding Day - 1 more day to the Royal Wedding.

2011-04-28T01:25:00.021-04:00

Royal Wedding Countdown - 1 More Day and Prince William will marry his true love!

Official Wedding Program Portrait by Mario Testino

I said I wouldn't submit to the Toronto Star Wake-Up Call tomorrow, but I gave in. Since I actually provide Wake Up Calls as one of the services in all my Wedding Planning Packages , perhaps I'm a little biased, but I absolutely love the idea.

In any case, I am gushing with excitement and can't wait to put on my fabulous hat & meet my fellow planner friends at the Royal York tomorrow at 5AM to watch the Royal lovebirds tie the knot! After all, it is my duty as your trusted Wedding Planner to provide you with the 'Pomp and Circumstance' of this Jubilee. From Wedding Dress Styles and Floral choices to Invitations and Cake Design you can pretty much bet that the Royal Wedding will set the stage for new wedding trends in the upcoming seasons.

Question 7: What time is The Royal Wedding Ceremony taking place tomorrow (London, UK Time)?

Answer: Please post answer below or email here (please enter Royal Wedding Contest and your name on the subject line).

Prizes:

Day-of Management Services** by me, WeDDings Jubilee Planning .

$250 off any DJ Package* with Scotia Entertainment services .

Rules:

What do you have to do? Easy. Answer my 7 trivia questions correctly, share this post on Facebook or Twitter and you are automatically entered. You can either reply with your response to this post or email me the answers; please use the subject line Royal Wedding Contest and include your name. Good luck to you all.

*Must be booked by May 31, 2011. Ceremony only & Reception only are not included in our packages.
**Transportation and Accommodations are not included. The wedding, event, or special occasion must be before April 2012. Expires May 31, 2011.

Tea Parties: It's Tea Time! - Royal Wedding Countdown 2 more days.

2011-04-26T23:50:00.014-04:00

2 more days until the Prince weds his Princess:)

Just like me, I'm sure Hundreds and Thousands will be attending the Royal Wedding as Virtual guests. Some of you will be having breakfast, some will have coffee but most will have tea! I will surely be sipping on Earl Grey with honey and cream served piping hot.

a brief history...
Tea has been around for over 5000 years with roots in China. It was always loved and drunk for it's medicinal qualities, however it really gained trend and popularity when socialites would get together for their tea parties in the 1600's.

Fun Royal Fact: In 1662 When Charles II marries tea-drinking bride, Catherine Braganza of Portugal and tea becomes so chic that alcohol consumption declines.

High Tea vs. Low Tea

Did you know that the High and Low referred to the table height? I thought it was an interesting fact.

High Tea or Meat Tea, aside from being served on a high dining table, actually referred to dinner. Victorian working families would eat a substantial meal, typically consisting of meat, bread, butter, potatoes, pickles, cheese and, you guessed it, tea.

Low Tea or Afternoon Tea was served on a low tea table placed beside sofa's and chairs. It was commonly served in a sitting room and consisted of finger foods, a variety of teas, fine china and well-dressed, well-mannered and dainty ladies. Low tea is what most of us think of when we hear the term 'high' tea. Of course, we would be mistaken.

I think tea is a great theme for a wedding, you can serve low tea right after an early ceremony instead of cocktails. Have a late night tea bar, served with a variety of different types of teas and pastries. You could even have some of your favorite teas in bags arranged in a fancy tea cup and saucer as a guest favor.

Tea Parties for Bridesmaids socials and showers, were quite popular a few years ago and with the Royal Wedding sure to provide some great wedding trends, I'm sure they will be at the forefront once again.

Question 6: In what year did Alcohol Consumption decline, thanks to Tea?

Answer: Please post answer below or email here (please enter Royal Wedding Contest and your name on the subject line).

Prizes:

Day-of Management Services** by me, WeDDings Jubilee Planning .

$250 off any DJ Package* with Scotia Entertainment services .

1 free engagement session with Eve and Jennifer, from Eve Traetto Photography & Jen Shoots Weddings , including a 1 hour session at the location/s of choice within the GTA, 5 8x10 prints and an online gallery. Also, 25% off wedding photography packages for 2011 and 15% off for 2012 weddings for everyone that enters the competition.

Rules:

Charitable Donations as Wedding Gifts - 3 More days to the Royal Wedding

2011-04-25T19:11:00.013-04:00

Royal Wedding Countdown - 3 more days!!!

I don't know about all of you, but I absolutely love the idea by Prince William & almost-Princess Kate, of charitable donations in lieu of wedding gifts. I think it's thoughtful, considerate and a gift of hope to a charity in the couples honor. It truly is the Gift to get a couple who has it all!

For years, charitable donations in guests' honor have been donated by the couple in lieu of wedding favors. It's even been a request by the couple as part of 'kissing' games; drop a few dollars in a candy jar for them to kiss. Recently, our good friends at Event Decorator won first place for an absolutely breathtaking table-top display at the CSEME show. The display included a Wishing Fountain where guests would drop a coin in provided by the couple and make a wish; but, how perfect would it be to have that displayed at your wedding and have the wishing coins converted to a dollar figure, collected and given to a charity to make all wishes come true!

Question 5: What have Kate and Prince William asked for in lieu of wedding gifts?

Answer: Please post answer below or email here (please enter Royal Wedding Contest and your name on the subject line).

Prizes:

Day-of Management Services** by me, WeDDings Jubilee Planning .

$250 off any DJ Package* with Scotia Entertainment services .

Rules:

Where in Toronto Will you view the Royal Wedding? - 4 more days!

2011-04-24T21:12:00.014-04:00

4 more days to go until Prince William weds his Princess!
There is so much hype, borderline overkill, about the Royal Wedding; however, how can you help not get into the vibe? The excitement is contagious and I can't help but get into nervous Planner mode for this occasion.

I know what you're thinking: 'why get into planner mode when I'm not Kate and Will's planner?'; well, because my obligation is to my current & soon-to-be WeDDings Jubilee Planning Couples. If you are like many of others in the GTA, you are either getting up early, tea in hand to watch at home alone, hosting a breakfast tea party or trying to find a great place to be a 'virtual' guest at Westminster Abbey.

Following is a list of the GTA's top spots to view this epic event. Hope to spot you around town with your fancy hat on:)

On the Park Events & Conference Centre, 1095 Leslie St. (416-510-2002)

Friday, April 29. Doors open at 5:30 a.m., live telecast on 17-foot HD screen at 6. Admission: $25 (plus tax). Includes buffet breakfast, rides in open-style horse and carriage, door prizes. Contact rebeccah@eventsonthepark.ca.

Fox & the Fiddle, 27 Wellesley E. (416-944-9369)

Friday, April 29, 5:30 a.m. English breakfast + live telecast of the Royal Wedding

Duke of Kent, 2315 Yonge St. (416-485-9507)

Friday, April 29, 5 a.m., traditional English breakfast for $8.99 + live telecast

Le Méridien King Edward Hotel, 37 King St. East (416-863-9700)

Friday, April 29, 5-9 a.m. full English breakfast at the Sovereign Ballroom

$65/person + live telecast of the Royal Wedding

Windsor Arms Hotel, 18 St. Thomas St. (416-971-9666)

April 28-30: “The Royal Tea and Gift” – traditional afternoon tea, $75

April 29: 4-11 a.m. – “The Royal Experience” - Traditional English breakfast + live telecast of the Royal Wedding, $125

April 29: 2-5 p.m. – “A Royal Buffet Tea” in the Courtyard Café, $60

Fairmont Royal York, 100 Front St. W.

Friday, April 29 at the Library Bar – English afternoon tea served in fine china with sandwiches, pastries and dessert + live telecast, $35. Reservations: 416-860-5004.

Friday, April 29, 5 a.m. at Epic Lounge – Traditional English breakfast, $21. Smart casual dress code. Reservations: 416-860-6949.

Swansea Town Hall, Rousseau Room, 95 Lavinia Ave. (416-392-1954

April 29, 5:45 a.m. – Tea service + live telecast. Hosted by Parkdale-High Park councillor Sarah Doucette. Red white and blue dress code.

Dundurn Castle, 610 York Blvd, Hamilton (905-546-2872)

April 29: 4-6 p.m. – Royal Tea at the ancestral home of the Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

T-buds Uptown Tea Lounge, 3343 Yonge St. (647-352-3622)

Friday, April 29, 1-3 p.m. – Full service afternoon tea and fine foods, complete with a custom-made Royal Wedding tea blend and a life-size cardboard cut-out of Will and Kate for picture-taking purpose (some proceeds go to Children’s Wish Foundation).

Acheson’s Gifts and Decorative Accents, 78 First St., Orangeville (519-940-4719)

April 29, 5 a.m. — Complimentary tea, scones and sandwiches. Entry charge is one non-perishable food item to be donated to local food band.

Toronto Antiques on King, 284 King St. W. (416-260-9057)

Friday, April 29, 1-5 p.m. — Royal wedding party with high tea. Half of $100 sale price from faux Kate Middleton engagement rings going to Make A Wish Foundation.

Question 4: Where will the Royal Wedding Reception take place?

Answer: Please post answer below or email here (please enter Royal Wedding Contest and your name on the subject line).

Prizes:

Day-of Management Services** by me, WeDDings Jubilee Planning.

$250 off any DJ Package* with Scotia Entertainment services .

Rules:

New Photography Prize added to the Royal Contest!

2011-04-24T20:56:00.005-04:00

Our Royal Wedding Contest just keeps getting better and better! Eve Traetto Photography & Jen Shoots Weddings have partnered to provide this wonderful addition:

1 free engagement session with Eve and Jennifer: including a 1 hour session at the location/s of choice within the GTA, 5 8x10 prints and an online gallery. Also, 25% off wedding photography packages for 2011 and 15% off for 2012 weddings for everyone that enters the competition.

Thanks so much ladies for the awesome prize:)

Wedding Hairstyles fit for Royalty - 5 more days to the Royal Wedding!!

2011-04-23T21:55:00.014-04:00

5 more days...

In anticipation of the big Royal Day, I was wondering what Kate Middleton's long-time hairdresser, James Pryce, will be doing with her hair?

Through the years, we've seen the Royal family with hairstyles ranging from full-up do's to a simple combing, but one thing has always been apparent, they have always been perfectly suited to each distinct personality.
Some rumors say that soon-to-be Princess Kate, will be adorning her hair half-up; and hairdresser Richard Ward has said it will be all natural with her lustrous locks sweeping down. In my opinion, the hairstyle should not only suit the Brides personality but also the style of dress and headpiece she will be wearing. It is very important that a Bride feels extravagant on her special day and not just ordinary. That is why I'm going to go against the grain and say that she will surprise everyone by having a full up-do.

For a headpiece, I really can't see her as the tiara over the veil 'princess' like Princess Diana, but I can see her gracing a vintage style birdcage veil or an exclusive bridal hat with an elegant blusher veil. One thing is certain, regardless of what her headpiece is, her hairstyle will surely look as captivating as she will.

Question 3: How long was Princess Diana's veil at her wedding to Prince Charles?

Answer: Reply below or email here. (subject line should read: Royal Wedding Contest and your name).

Royal Wedding Contest Info and Rules:

At the end of this week, on the wedding day (April 29, 2011), I will offer ALL of my 'Royal' couples, a $200.00 special discount off any one of our planning packages*. Of course that's not all, we will also be giving one lucky reader the chance to win our day-of management services**and $250 off any DJ Package* with Scotia Entertainment services . What do you have to do? Easy. Answer my 7 trivia questions correctly, share this post on Facebook or Twitter and you are automatically entered. You can either reply with your response to this post or email me the answers; please use the subject line Royal Wedding Contest. Good luck to you all.

*Must be booked by May 31, 2011. Ceremony only & Reception only are not included in our packages.
**Transportation and Accommodations are not included. The wedding, event, or special occasion must be before April 2012. Expires May 31, 2011.

Let there be cake! - 6 Days to go to the Royal Wedding

2011-04-22T20:00:00.009-04:00

6 Days left until Miss Kate Middleton becomes a Princess!

How sweet is that? Speaking of sweet, I wonder how their wedding cake will look? If they go the traditional 'Royal Family' route, they will have a beautiful multi-tiered majestic cake that is over 300 -500 lbs of goodness with a fruit cake filling.

Pictured from left to right: Phillip Mountbatten & Queen Elizabeth II; Prince Charles and Diane Spencer; Prince Rainer III & Grace Kelly

If they follow Kate's keen sense of style, I could see them doing something a little more artistic but still keeping it elegant. Maybe a red-velvet cake that is creative and stylish.

Perhaps they will surprise everyone and do something artistic or completely out of the box, that nobody expects. A croque-en-bouche or macaron cake? You never know, we may even see Earl Grey Tea flavoured cupcakes incorporated in there somewhere.
Whatever they choose it is sure to be amazing and will most certainly create our upcoming wedding trends. Just like many others, I can't wait to see what their cake will look like!

Royal Contest Question

Question 2: How many wedding cakes did Princess Diana and Prince Charles actually have for their wedding?

Answer: Reply below or email here. (subject line should read: Royal Wedding Contest and your name).

Answer:

Royal Wedding Contest Info and Rules:

At the end of this week, on the wedding day (April 29, 2011), I will offer ALL of my 'Royal' couples, a $200.00 special discount off any one of our planning packages*. Of course that's not all, we will also be giving one lucky reader the chance to win our day-of management services**and $250 off any DJ Package* with Scotia Entertainment services. What do you have to do? Easy. Answer my 7 trivia questions correctly, share this post on Facebook or Twitter and you are automatically entered. You can either reply with your response to this post or email me the answers; please use the subject line Royal Wedding Contest. Good luck to you all.

*Must be booked by May 31, 2011. Ceremony only & Reception only are not included in our packages.
**Transportation and Accommodations are not included. The wedding, event, or special occasion must be before April 2012. Expires May 31, 2011.

DJ Service prize added on to our Royal Contest!

2011-04-22T17:22:00.009-04:00

My good friends over at Scotia Entertainment Services, Terry Holdershaw and Michelle Clayton, have decided to add to the Prize Giveway for the Royal Contest. For the contest winner they will include $250 off any of their DJ Packages.

They are also offering a great, limited time special offer of their Royal Wedding Package :

Royal Wedding Package – ~~$1999~~ Sale Price $1749*

- Up to 8 hours of Service w/ Professional DJ & Digital Music Library
- Assistant DJ & Lighting Programmer
- Clear Sound System with Subwoofers for The Best Sound
- Premium Intelligent Moving Head Light Show on Upright Truss
- Disco Ball
- 10 LED Up-Wall Lights
- Wireless Microphone
- Red Carpet at Entrance

*Valid until Kate becomes a Princess on April 29th, 2011

Email michelle@scotiaentertainment.com for more info or to confirm your booking!

Royal Wedding Week Countdown & Royal Contest by WeDDings Jubilee Planning

2011-04-21T10:48:00.031-04:00

It's Royal Wedding Week! Yay:)) I am so excited that Kate and William are tying the knot, and have been waiting patiently for this week to arrive to have some fun and showcase some of my favorite Royal things.

My idea of fun? Trivia and giveaways! At the end of this week, on the wedding day, I will offer ALL of my 'Royal' couples, a $200.00 special discount off any one of our planning packages*. Of course that's not all, we will also be giving one lucky reader the chance to win our day-of management services**. What do you have to do? Easy. Answer my 7 trivia questions correctly, share this post on Facebook or Twitter and you are automatically entered. You can either reply with your response to this post or email me the answers; please use the subject line Royal Wedding Contest. Good luck to you all.

7 days to go until Kate becomes a Princess!

What to wear?

Hats, hats and more hats. I'm sure there will be a Sea of amazing, couture hats worn by on-lookers, guests and of course the Royal Family! There will be hats with feathers, hats with flowers, hats in all shapes and sizes; Purple hats, Red hats...you get the gist. I can tell you that I will be watching at 3am, hat on and all;)

One of my favorite Hat Vendors is none other than KC's Hats. They have the most amazing, elegant and unique hats, fasteners and bridal hairpieces that you could ever imagine; they are on their own level & in their own creative realm.

David Dunkley, who studied with the former Royal Milliner is the creative maker behind KC's Hats and his designs have been sported by the Royal entourage of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II & at her functions. Absolutely breathtaking designs and high quality make them one of the top go-to places for hats worldwide. You can visit David and KC's at Studio 998 in Downtown, Toronto.

ROYAL CONTEST QUESTION:

Question 1: What is a Milliner?
Answer: Reply below or email here. (subject line should read: Royal Wedding Contest and your name).

*Ceremony only & Reception only are not included in our packages. Must be booked by May 31, 2011.
**Transportation and Accommodations are not included. The wedding, event, or special occasion must be before April 2012. Expires May 31, 2011.

Unique Honeymoons: Luxury & Chocolate in St. Lucia

2011-04-07T14:28:00.027-04:00

In the spirit of willing this winter away I thought I'd brighten things up with Honeymoon wishes and Chocolate Dreams!

St. Lucia - The Hotel Chocolat

Warning: This post may bring on severe cravings, drooling and very vivid dreams...

I had the pleasure of chatting with the ever so lovely Maryanne Keeney, one of the representatives of the hotel, and got some great information that I am thrilled to share with all my fellow Travelites:)

Famed UK cocoa grower and chocolatier, Hotel Chocolat has over 50 shops worldwide, but only now can it claim to have the world’s first chocolate hotel. The newly launched Hotel Chocolat, the first boutique hotel on a working cocoa estate has recently opened in St. Lucia. It's nestled in the Piton Mountains, 1,000 feet above sea level. The 14-room hotel offers sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea with luxury amenities, including a rare cocoa themed restaurant, The Boucan. The hotel offers an unparalleled agri-tourism guest experience that undoubtedly will become a treasured world destination for gourmands and chocolate connoisseurs alike.

The Boucan is unlike any restaurant visited and serves Cacao Cuisine that harmoniously weaves cocoa into every dish. The menu includes delicious flame grilled Cacao Marinated Red Snapper and King Crab Verrine with cacao guacamole.

Chocolate Classes for Adults --Unique only to the Rabot Estate, the Tree-to-Bar Experience is an exclusive opportunity for guests to create their own chocolate. Guests can take part in the cocoa harvest, learn about the production of chocolate, and make their own chocolate bars and truffles. The tour includes all the stages from the seedling nursery to the fermenting room. A full day program for guests is only US $150 and a three-hour short version for visitors is a mere $125.

Green Initiatives and Sustainability -The Hotel Chocolat honors chocolate based on the company’s deep brand philosophy of originality, authenticity and its ambitious Engaged Ethics program. The estate’s social responsibility distinguishes it among the world’s chocolatiers by providing technical practices to its cocoa communities in both Saint Lucia and Ghana. Both the hotel and restaurant's green practices include the harvesting of rainwater instead of bottled (plastic water bottles are not allowed) and sourcing sustainable goods and ingredients from island suppliers. Solar energy is used to heat showers and highlight the landscaped grounds.

For honeymooners, the hotel offers an attractive Romance and Rest package that includes delectable meals, champagne, Cocoa Bellini's, Full Cacao Body Massage for two...and much more.

There are great Island Activities that can be arranged with the concierge outside of the estate as well, such as:

-Deep Sea Fishing
-Kayaking
-Rainforest Hikes
-Whale Watching
-Ziplining
-Sailing
-Scuba Diving

There are a total of 14 Rooms at the resort - 6 Cottages and 8 Villas (Villas open on July 1, 2011) all offering luxury accommodations. All rooms include:

-Lush Pillow top King & Queen Beds
-Ren Toiletries From London
-Safety deposit box
-Plush Terry Robes
-Hair Dryer
-Vanity Kits
-Sewing kits
-iPod Docks Available pre-loaded with play lists inspired by the Estate Concierge
-Cabinets with Freshly Ground Coffee
-Jing Tea Bags
-Bottles of Prosecco Champagne and Still Wines
-Piton Beer
-Tuck Box
-Freshly made estate Chocolate Treats
-Coffee Maker in room

The hotel is centered around nature and the Rabot estate. It's a barefoot luxury place & while there is a beautiful infinity pool, if guests want to play on a beach, it can be arranged as well. With two unique bars & the Cocoa Spa centered around, what else? Chocolate. You are sure to have a memorable experience of a lifetime!

Rooms start at only US $280/per night with many options available to customize your perfect holiday! Request a quote via email to take advantage of the Incredible Exclusive Launch Offer* – 20% off (valid for stays between 28 February and 30th June 2011)

You are invited: The Original Wedding Soiree

2011-04-05T19:34:00.009-04:00

Now here's an event not to be missed! The Original Wedding Soiree is for all you Couples looking for a more intimate & interactive showcase, one concentrating on the experience and not overwhelming you with a million and one vendors! This unique and elegant affair is for the sophisticated couple that is looking to connect with great wedding professionals for their special day.

Without further ado, here is your official invitation:

You are invited to attend The Original Wedding Soiree - a wedding showcase for the senses on Sunday April 10, 2011 from Noon to 6pm in Mississauga.

Be welcomed with a glass of champagne, sample delicious Hors D’Oeuvres and delectable cakes, be captivated by the stunning decor and floral arrangements, entice your sweet tooth with the Candy Bar, take some photos in the Photo Booth, catch the bouquet to win a couture gown from Veronica Di Santo and plan your day in an intimate and elegant setting with the top wedding professionals.

For more information visit www.weddingsforher.ca

Location:

Mississauga Grand Banquet &
Convention Centre
35 Brunel Road, Mississauga

Bonus: FREE Parking On-Site

Vendor Spotlight: The Groomshow!

2011-03-28T14:47:00.005-04:00

Hello! Hello! I'm taking a different stroke to today's vendor spotlight to support a dear friend and to promote what is sure to be an AWESOME show: The Groomshow!

You've all heard and probably been to at least one bridal show, but I can guarantee that you have not been to anything like this! Ophellia Mcknight, who has literally poured her blood (believe me, I've seen her go and it's comparable to the road runner;) into producing this show; has created the first ever wedding show for all the wonderful grooms-to-be. Come get your Groom on, at the Groom Show on April 17, 2011 at the Erin Mills Convention Center.

GET YOUR GROOM ON AT FIRST-EVER WEDDING SHOW JUST FOR MEN

They’ll be standing at the altar too and yet so often the Grooms seem to fade from the wedding planning equation. Everywhere you turn from magazines and web sites to TV and tradeshows, wedding planning seems to be directed at and speak to the Bride. Over the last few years however men have begun to climb out from the backseat and take an active role in the planning of their wedding. But where do they go for inspiration and ideas when their interests are seemingly under-represented in the wedding industry?

Enter The Groom Show – the very first wedding show in all of North America that’s just for the Groom. Held on Sunday, March 6, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 5 PM at the Erin Mills Convention Centre, The Groom Show understands that wedding planning is for Grooms too and provides an entertaining program that’s free from lace, roses and sparkle. Tickets for the show can be purchased online at www.groomshow.ca for $15 per couple or for $10 per person at the door.

From unique ideas and products to exceptional wedding professionals and entertainment, Groom Show is everything a guy could want for his wedding. In addition to “man-to-man” seminars held in “The Man Cave”, one-on-one chats with outstanding professionals in the industry and free espresso all day, The Groom Show also features a Gaming Room where Grooms can out-race or out-golf their Best Man, beer and liquor tastings, incredible ‘guy-friendly’ Door Prizes and a “Fashion for the Modern Man” runway of the best formal, destination and honeymoon fashions for men.

With every up and coming wedding, another Groom follows their Bride-to-be from boutique to boutique, attend Bridal shows, flip through Bridal magazines and watch wedding programs on TV. For the first time in North America Groom’s can now have a place to call their own within the wedding industry! Join your fellow Groomsmen at The Groom Show March 6th at the Erin Mills Convention Centre and Get Your Groom On!

For more info. or if you are vendor looking to be part of the show, please contact Ophellia!

Ophellia McKnight, Producer, The Groom Show
416-938-5465
ophellia@groomshow.ca

Vendor Spotlight: It's the Icing on the Cake

2011-02-21T11:33:00.015-05:00

Happy March to all my lovely readers! I've been so busy the last three weeks getting trained by a very well known Bridal Salon as a Bridal Consultant, in Bridal Gowns and Wedding attire (more on that on next week's post) that I am behind on my posts. My apologies. To make it up to you, today we are talking CUPCAKES!

I was driving along Queen Street East last week and a cute little bakery called 'It's the Icing on the Cake' caught my eye. In the name of 'research' and 'call to duty' as your trusted Wedding Planner, I had to go in;)

Upon entering, I was engulfed by the sweetest smell on earth; a smell reminiscent of my childhood when my mom would bake! Visually, I was greeted with a warm open space and a cute set-up of a a pink bakery display of amazing goodies.

Owner and Cake Artist, Lynda Paul, was doing what she does best, working on a fun and cool cake for a birthday party but was kind enough to take a few minutes to greet me and give me the scoop on her cute little abode. It's the Icing on the Cake has been around for 5 years and is a now a Queen Street staple; She prefers at least a few weeks notice for orders and she absolutely loves what she does. All her cakes are custom and she works directly with the client to deliver to them exactly what they envision. She's made cakes for some big names like Royal Bank Visa, Habitant Pea Soup, Mars Chocolate Bar as well as cookies or Koodoo, but creates cakes, cupcakes, cookies etc. for absolutely every occasion. You can view her cakes on her web gallery.

I had to try something, so I went with my favorites: Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing Cupcake and the Red Velvet Cupcake also with a cream cheese icing. The carrot cake was absolutely delicious. You could taste the freshness and was loaded with the goodness of walnuts and raisins. The red velvet was equally yummy. The lightness of the cake and the richness of the icing complimented each other well and tasted like heaven.

I didn't get to try the other goodies like the cakepops, cookies or the dessert squares, as I was already falling into a comforting sugar-coma, but I guess that just gives me even more reason to go back for more 'research' in the near future;)

It's the Icing on the Cake
1238 Queen Street East,
Toronto, Ontario M4L IC3
416.469.4973

Vendor Spotlight: Maximum Music

2011-02-07T20:14:00.009-05:00

No one can deny that music is important at any event. Whether it is by a band or DJ, it should definitely not be taken lightly. You MUST and I really mean it, you MUST hire a professional. As a planner, I hear it all: "We are on a budget, so our friend is gonna create a playlist on his iPod and cue it with his remote." or "Our guests aren't dancers, so we are just gonna pop in a CD during dinner." and then there is my absolute favorite "My uncle used work in Radio, so he's renting equipment and DJ'ing as a wedding gift."

Each of these scenarios are bad news because 99% of the time they will not end well. Believe me, the iPod will not play on cue throughout the night; if the CD is not forgotten at home, it will be quite embarrassing when your guests watch as your pal runs to click play on the player; and your loving uncle, although he means well, will not know how to read the crowd and will only play the things he likes to hear.

Luckily for you, my lovely readers, there are quite a few fantastic DJ's and bands throughout Toronto and all across Canada. One of these are Maximum Music. The ever so gracious Rod McMahon, owner of Maximum Music, was happy to sit with us and provide his tips and opinions on hiring a DJ.

How did Maximum Music get started?

Maximum Music was a hobby in high school and university that because of my love of music became full time employment for me in 1994 and we have not looked back since then!

What sets you apart from other DJ's?

Clients like the accessibility and personal attention from the office and then we can match them up with the most appropriate DJ from our staff a month or two before the wedding. We are also specialists in weddings and that is where our focus is, not high school dances and night clubs.

Are you part of any professional associations? Which?

We are members of the CDJA ( Canadian Disc Jockey Association) and CPDJA ( Canadian Professional Disc Jockey Association) I was on the executive of the CDJA back in the mid to late 90's and now am part of an advisory board for the CPDJA. They are both networking and lobby groups for the DJ industry and allow us to get our music licensing that allows us to use recorded music for public performance.

What 5 tips can you give a couple to help them make the best choice in DJ's/MC's?

1. When getting a referral to a DJ service make sure you have similar taste to the person who is referring you. You may not enjoy the DJ at your small and intimate reception that was appropriate for your co-workers big Italian wedding.

2. Choose some "must play" and "do not play" songs for the DJ to play that are your favorites but also leave some room for the DJ to take requests and play to the crowd.

3. If you have the DJ introducing the bridal party, make sure they know how to pronounce your names or, have a family member do it if the names are complicated.

4. Even though you may like a certain type of music yourself you may have to compromise and make sure that the choices are danceable and a reputable DJ company will work with you to create a list that you really like and will still get the guests dancing.

5. If you are inclined, take some dance lessons or choreograph your first dance. It does not need to be fancy or complicated but it is really nice to see a couple that are comfortable and confident during the first dance ( and the photos will show this ).

What are important questions that a couple should ask their DJ's before booking?

Don't just take their word that they have a back up structure in place to deal with a last minute emergency. It is easy to promise, but more complicated to deliver should there be a last minute incident.

Working with the DJ service to build some "must plays" and "do not plays" in advance of the wedding is important. You do not want to be redirecting a DJ at your wedding reception if the music is not moving the guests to dance.

Are there any misconceptions that couples have, that you'd like to clear up?

The price is not a direct correlation to quality. You can get a great DJ in the $800 to $1500 range any more or less than that should be looked at critically.

Do you feel it is important for a couple to hire a Wedding Coordinator? Why?

A wedding coordinator is a great asset at the reception for our DJ for a few reasons.

1. We tend to get better and more realistic time lines and itineraries from weddings that have a coordinator.

2. At the reception we can deal with the wedding coordinator to tweek schedule issues and make decisions on the fly without bothering the bride and groom and if the coordinator thinks the bride and groom need to be consulted then they can be the intermediary.

3. Often a wedding coordinator can get you a 10% discount on services. We offer this as a way for coordinators to justify their fee by saving you the cost of the wedding planner over the suppliers.

Are there any special promotions you have going on right now?

We have a new brochure that was released at the Total Wedding Show at the International Center and we have committed to no price increases through 2012. We have a promotion of $925.00 for a Friday or Sunday wedding and weddings from January 1 to April 30; we also have a special price for venues that have in house sound systems that we can use. The best thing to do is check our website and call or email and Allison, Suzanne and myself will look after you as best we can! www.maximumDJ.com and (416) 255-2910

Maximum Music
www.maximumDJ.com
416-255-2910

Media Alert: Consider a Wedding Co-ordinator

2011-02-01T11:40:00.006-05:00

Lucky us! We've been featured in an excellent article on Sympatico.ca written by super-duper writer and lifestyle guru Theresa Albert. She touches on many reasons why hiring a Wedding Coordinator/Planner for your big day is definitely 'Food for thought'. Thank you Theresa:)

Check out our feature here or read below.

Consider a Wedding Co-ordinator

It’s all just too much keeping up with the Middletons and the Windsors, how is any bride supposed to manage?

The details mount from the moment of engagement right through the trousseau, the chariot, the venue and the wedding night. Choosing the right caterer is daunting enough, what about the boutonnieres and the wedding cake? If this is supposed to be a celebration of your love how to do you make sure you aren’t full of hate by the time you say “I do!” It’s easy. You ask for help. Toronto Wedding co-ordinator, Dee Newell (www.weddingsjubilee.com) helps you decide if you need a wedding planner or if your mother in law to be will fill the bill.

Don´t necessarily assume that having a small wedding means that it is less work. The average wedding takes 250 hours to plan and implement regardless of the number of guests. If you can´t replace yourself for all the other things on your daily to do list, you could be in trouble. It is best to think about how much your time is worth while making the decision on whether to include a professional wedding planner.(Credit:Getty Images Entertainment)

Asking a friend or relative to be the chief, even if they are perfectly competent event planners, means that they miss the opportunity to celebrate with you! While you are eating petit fours your best friend could be fighting with the chef about how many of them were ordered. Having her with you for all the fun is priceless.(Credit:Sri Maiava Rusden/Photodisc)

Many wedding co-ordinators will consult on a one time basis to help you whittle down your venue options or guide you toward the chef and caterer who are right for you. Getting started on the right path is what these professionals do and their expertise is valuable. If you already know exactly what, where and who you want to make this day special then consider booking a wedding planner for 'day of' help, it costs as little as $1000 and it is peace of mind money well spent. (Credit:Comstock images)

Consider about 10% of your budget to go toward a planner, they will quote their fee as soon as you quote your budget. Be honest about what you can spend and negotiate the kinds of services that you may need from a planner. If you just want someone to keep your mother in law away from the altar and the centerpieces, say so. If you are an indecisive bride who knows her dithering ways will cost time, money and stress then be sure your planner is good and bossy, er, a decision maker. (Credit:Comstock images)

A good wedding planner can save you money too! Here is how: she or he will be the first one a dressmaker will contact when they have to clear out inventory or a photographer will call when he or she has a cancellation. These people have their finger on the pulse. They can also save you from choosing the wrong suppliers which could mean the difference between buying the right dress at the right price or two wrong ones. (Credit:Radius Images)

Standard. They hold their own code of ethics www.wpic.ca/ethics.htm including a commitment to disallowing kick backs and encouraging continuous education. How´s that for peace of mind?(Credit:Paul Bradbury/OJO Images)

Vendor Spotlight: L-EAT!

2011-01-25T17:22:00.015-05:00

Who doesn't love food? Food can either make or break your wedding day. It is certainly one of the most important elements at a wedding. If it tastes bad or is served cold (unless it's supposed to be), your guests will be completely unforgiving about it; If it's great, it will have your guests spinning with delight all night long and talking about the 'pleasing-to-the-senses' feast for a very long time.

Now, combine creative chef's, top quality ingredients, amazing customer service and a full service catering company that works with the couple, and you have the recipe for L-EAT!
We contacted our friend Deirdre Anderson at L-EAT, who was thrilled to chat with us and provided amazing insight for you, our awesome readers!

Enjoy,
your trusty wedding planner:)

How did you come up with the name L-EAT?

The name L-Eat is a play-on-words – Tony was going to name the company Elite Catering – but decided to get creative and incorporate the word, eat.

How did the company get started?

Tony Loschiavo founded l-Eat in 1983; his friends in the hair dressing industry suggested that he start a catering business selling sandwiches to hairdressers who were too busy to leave their chairs to go for lunch. From there, the clients started requesting the info of the catering company. From there, our full service catering was born. It’s safe to note that our growth has generally been from word of mouth.

What sets you apart from other caterers?

- We are focused on the balance of all the important aspects of our business.

- Food that is focused on quality and that is at once innovative and consistent but that still offers true value to our clients.

- The ability to customize menus for any occasion and any client.

- Qualified catering sales managers who work closely and efficiently with clients in order to deliver seamless catered events.

- Attention to detail and aesthetics.

- Excellence in customer service and retention – we try to make every client a lifetime client, with great success.

What 5 tips can you give a couple to help them make the best choice in caterers?

- Hire someone who not only has great food but that offers exceptional customer service.

- Hire someone that is truly excited about making their day unique and special

- That shares similar vision and personality – it is a process and couples should really like the person they are working with

- Make sure your caterer listens and interprets the vision correctly.

- Love the food!

What are important questions that a couple should ask a caterer before booking?

- Who will run the catering portion of the function the day of?

- Will the clients contact be on site the day of? (at L-eat yes)

- What the client can expect from the caterer – what is the process?

- In the event of emergencies during the planning stages and the day of – what is the best way to get a hold of the caterer?

Are there any misconceptions that a couple have that you'd like to clear up?

Yes – that caterers just offer typical foods and aren't creative. The ability to be a good caterer is to constantly evolve and customize - often the best ideas come from the couple who are living and breathing their wedding. The caterer should be able to extract those ideas and turn them into reality while giving them good, honest advice.

Do you feel it is important for a couple to hire a Wedding Coordinator? Why?

Yes – we always recommend a wedding coordinator – at the very least for the day of the event. It allows the caterer to focus on the food and service. A caterer and wedding coordinator work together to ensure that everything runs seamlessly and on time – while allowing the bride and groom and wedding party to enjoy their day!

Are there any special promotions you have going on right now?

We try to keep our pricing consistent throughout the year – we never compromise on quality

in order to meet a budget however we are capable of working with couples at various price points by altering menu items and variety.

L-EAT CATERING
3829 Bathurst Street
Toronto, Ontario
M3H 3N1
P: 416.631.9226
F: 416-633-9247
www.leatcatering.com

P.S. For those dying to try their food and just can't wait, they provide all the catering at the Paese Ristorante. Believe me, the food is to scrumptious!

Paese Ristorante
3827 bathurst street
416.631.6585
or
333 King Street West,
416.599.6585

2011/2012 Wedding Trend Predictions by WeDDings Jubilee Planning

2011-01-10T08:15:00.031-05:00

With 2010 out of the way, so are many past trends. This new year brings with it an air of excitement with a new decade beginning; and the anticipation of the 'sure-to-be' jaw-dropping Royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Since world events tend to be used as inspiration, it is sure to play a role in your upcoming wedding.

Following is the top 10 list of what I, your trusted Wedding Planner, feel we will see a lot more of this year and into 2012.

1. Two Wedding Dresses; One for the ceremony and one for the reception. (Special thanks to Chelsea Clinton for reviving this trend as it is one of my favorites).

2. Couture hair designs; lavish hair accessories; stunning hats as well as high quality veils will be a spotlight this season.

3. Victorian and Edwardian era influences will be prevalent in designer Haute Couture dresses. We will see some breathtaking custom designs from fabulous designers worldwide.

4. Sapphire Blues, Violets and Yellows; Golds; Royal Blues & Purples and Charcoals; will be just some of the colors we see in floral design, decor and accents for the big day.

5. Cakes will be more elaborate and grandiose in their designs. Amazing cake artists will present incredible works of art as a focal point for your special day.

6. Brooch Bridal Bouquets and Wedding Bridal Bouquets with vintage Jewels surrounding them will create personalized and unique arrangements.

7. Liqueur sampling stations, specialty tea stations, wine and champagne stations will create the WOW factor to any after dinner station.

8. There will be a greater focus on the Grooms-to-be. From custom designed wedding attire, grooming services and inspired wedding design . The Groom will definitely shine this season.

9. Destination weddings will continue to rise in popularity, however, there will be a higher demand in private and remote locations. People will seek out intimate villa's, private islands and quaint towns around the world to host their weddings.

10. Couples will be heading to more exotic honeymoon locations. Africa, Thailand and Costa Rica will be welcoming a lot more couples in 2011 and 2012 that are looking for a once in a lifetime experience.

Vendor Spotlight: Rowell Photography

2011-01-03T15:49:00.012-05:00

You may have noticed that I love spotlighting photographers. It's not that all other vendors don't 'Rock it out' on your wedding day, but I feel that the one of the most common mistake couples make on their wedding day (aside from not hiring a wedding planner), is not investing more financially or otherwise to hiring a great photographer. This is why I, as your wedding planning 'guru', feel it is my duty to find the Crème de la Crème locally and worldwide, to help you with your wedding planning needs.

Aside from getting to know your personal style, your perfect wedding photographer must have the capability of grasping the essence of your personalities as individuals and as a couple. They are there to tell your wedding story. From your engagement and wedding to even your honeymoon. Yes, you heard me right: Honeymoon Photography too (we'll cover that on a future post)! Rowell Photography is one such company! Erika Hancher (one half of Rowell photography), was gracious enough to give us the following interview.

Q. How did you come up with the name Rowell Photography?

A. Rowell pronounced "roll" is Ryan's last name and since we do plan to get married one day we thought it was fitting and easier to say than my last name Hanchar.

Q. How did the company get started?

A. To make a long story short, Ryan and I used to work at a local portrait studio together and couples would often ask us to photograph their weddings on weekends. Eventually we left the studio and took a huge leap of faith and started a photography business. Here is a link to the story of how we met http://rowellphoto.com/met-ryan/

Q. What tips can you give a couple to help them make the best choice in photographers?

A. 1. Make sure the photographer you initially meet is the one who shows up on your wedding day. Its sad but there are so many couples who invest their money into a company they think they love only to find out that the company has contracted in a random photographer to take their place for the day.

2. Be prepared to have a long relationship with your photographer. Most couples will hire a photographer a year before their wedding and then by time they receive back all their prints, canvases, albums and discs of images it could be up to 6 months after the wedding. Plus really great photographers are hard to find, so if you find one hold on to them for life, I am positive your wedding will not be the last time you will need a photographer.

3. When searching for photographers don't just Google "Toronto Photographers" and open 100 tabs of wedding photography websites. Not only will it be overwhelming and frustrating but its time consuming as well. Anyone who has a website can achieve good rankings with search engines. So photographers who claim to be the best in the business may not actually be. Our couples have often told us that weeding through hundreds of photography websites and price lists that didn't make any sense was discouraging and in the end they consulted people they trusted, friends and family and their wedding planners. Every company claims to be the best so if you find yourself getting confused with differences between a coffee table album and a flush-mount storybook album, high resolution images and digital negatives then consider hiring a wedding planner. They will have a list of photographers who they have worked with and trust.

4. Budget accordingly for good photography. The average couple allots 10% of their budget (and I mean their entire budget including this like venue, floral, shoes, dress, limo rental, insurance, dance lessons, cake etc.) for their wedding photography. If you love photography and if documenting memories and art is an important part of your life then having a larger budget for photography is definitely in order. This day will only happen once, and you will only have your photos to remember it by. Invest in Photographers you feel are knowledgeable, believe what you believe to be true about photography and documenting memories and life and invest in that company.

5. Are there any misconceptions that couples have that you'd like to clear up?

a. We are not all just photojournalists, or portrait photographers, we are a mix of styles. Having a either style is lovely but its not for everyone, some couples like fun, colorful images, while other couples want a more refined, dramatic and classical look. Both styles are full of life and exactly what we do. But we believe that the best weddings have a balance of both when it comes to photography. Ultimately our couples decide on the style of their photographs.

b. Photography pricing is all over the place. This is far from the truth. Yes there are photographers who charge $1500 and photographers you charge $15,000 and many many more in between. But wedding photography is not just one type of photography, it bridges on so many styles and across so many products and through the eyes of so many artists. They can't all be similarly priced.

My perception on pricing is this: You can buy a Timex watch for $15.00 or a Rolex for $15,000. Both tell time. but which one would you rather be wearing? There is no right or wrong answer it is just about personal taste. In wedding photography there is high, medium and low end, just like any other important product or service you would ever purchase.

Q. What are important questions that a couple should ask a photographer before booking?
A.
-Will you be the photography team at my wedding?

(Be sure to ask if the company contracts photographers to take their place on the day of the wedding. If they cannot guarantee that the photographer you are meeting with will be the one that photographers your wedding then it is probably a good idea to source another company to meet with. You have invested your time to visit the photographer and getting to know them and how they will shoot your wedding. If someone you had never met, who doesn't know any of the details about your wedding or who personally invested in being at your wedding shows up then what a waste of time you spent getting to know the original photographer who was going to shoot your wedding in their style for you.)

-When will my products be ready?

(Ask this and if you do not get a specific answer or time-line consider other options for your wedding photography. If a photographer doesn't know how long it will take them to complete your wedding images, albums prints etc. then you have to question how long they have been running their business for and how many weddings they have done at this business.)

-How many weddings did you shoot last year?

(Don't ask how many weddings they shoot in a year, ask how many they actually shot last year. This will give you a rough idea of the type of work flow the photographer may or may not have to deal with during the course of the wedding season)

Q. Do you feel it is important for a couple to hire a Wedding Planner/Coordinator? Why?

A. Yes I do. I think every couple should hire a Wedding Planner Coordinator because in most cases this is their first and only wedding and they most likely will know very little about what goes into making a wedding an event that people will enjoy and above all an event the couple and can relax and enjoy. There are lots of resources out there for couples to help them plan their own events, but there are also lots of resources out there on how to change the spark plugs in your car but most people will still take a car into a mechanic. Why do they still do this? because the mechanic has easy accessibility to the tools and the top of mind knowledge to get the job done efficiently. Wedding Coordinators are the same. They work alongside your vendors to make sure your dinner is served hot, they make sure your guests are seated at the right tables, and they make sure all your vendors show up, and that the event runs on time. Wedding Coordinators are essential. This shouldn't even be a question in my opinion. i think when couples get engaged a wedding planner/co-ordinator should just magically appear. It would make the wedding planning process so much more enjoyable for the couple.

Q. Are there any special promotions you have going on right now?

A. From December 20th 2010- January 20th 2011 we are giving away 50% off all engagement/pre wedding photo shoot packages. Please contact us for details and mention that you heard about it here.

Thank you so much to Erika for her insight. I look forward to working with both of you soon!

Rowell Photography
705-321-1102 (Barrie)
647-863-2005 (Toronto)
Studio Address:
6 Regalia Way
Barrie, Ontario
L4M 7H7

*Although we love all our vendors, our opinions may vary slightly on certain tips and points.

Vendor Spotlight: Eve Traetto Photography

2010-12-22T11:39:00.001-05:00

Gotta love Christmas Season folks. Lots of shopping, baking, parties and....delayed blog posts...my apologies! However, good things come to those who wait and do I have a GREAT vendor for you to check out: Eve Traetto Photography. I had the best time working with Eve at the wedding of Jennifer and Sheldon Colborne-Lewis earlier this year. Jennifer is a photographer herself (Jen Shoots Weddings) and both her and Eve own and operate Sensational Wedding Vendors. But, this post is 'All about Eve' (couldn't help myself.).

I absolutely love Eve's style and spirit. She blends in so well with the guests that she has the opportunity to really capture the best natural shots of the wedding.

Read on for our interview with Eve:

How did you decide photography was what you wanted to do?

Photography was always a hobby of mine growing up, i was rarely without a camera. Then i was lucky that my school offered it as a course and i had an amazing teacher that really pushed me to follow it as a career, so that's exactly what i did. I couldn't be happier!

How did the company get started?

I moved from the UK to Canada about 4 years ago and started working for an advertising agency. I hated working there, it was boring and not at all creative. I figured the only way i would get to photograph what i wanted would be start my own business and it's been growing ever since.

What equipment do you use?

I use mainly all Canon equipment my primary shooting camera at the moment is my Canon 5D MII but for fun i play around with my Bronicas and Holga cameras.

What sets you apart from other photographers?

I am professional but laid back, i don't have as many restrictions as other photographers seem to. I understand that standard photography packages don't always work for everyone and i work with my clients to see what works for them. I also, like to get a good feel of what my clients are looking for and involve their personalities in the images and not just what happens to be the current trend.

What tips can you give a couple to help them make the best choice in photographers?

The number one tip is to connect with your photographer, especially for a wedding as you will be with them all day. If you choose someone who you don't mesh with it will show in your photographs. You want someone who will put you at ease and you can have fun with. If budget is an issue don't just choose someone who has the best price as you might end up regretting not spending a little bit more. More photographers are offering this now but make sure you get all of your high res images on a disk as always having to print through your photographer can get very expensive when their printing rates are sky high. This way you also have all digital copies of your images and not just a proof book.

What are important questions that a couple should ask a photographer before booking?

If the person you are meeting with will actually be your photographer on the day, some studios just send out whoever is available, so you want to make sure the work you are looking at is the person who will be taking your photographs. Just be smart, make sure everything that you are expecting from the photographer is written down in a contract and signed by all parties.

Are there any misconceptions that couples have, that you'd like to clear up?

I guess that just because a family member or a friend has a good camera that they will be ok to take the pictures at your wedding. Yes they have a good camera but they probably are shooting on auto and even if they are not they don't have the experience that other photographers have or perhaps even the creative eye.

Do you feel it is important for a couple to hire a Wedding Coordinator? Why?

Oh yes very important! There are so many things that could not quite go to plan on a wedding day and if you don't hire a planner then the wedding couple are the ones that have to deal with it which can really stress them out. Coordinators are trained to deal with these issues and are usually prepared for anything!

Are there any special promotions you have going on right now?

Right now we have a special deal for winter weddings (off season now until April) from 25% to 50% off and contact me for more details!

Thank you Eve. I look forward to working together in 2011!

Contact Eve: Eve Traetto Photography
www.traettophotography.com

Vendor Spotlight: Studio Sposa

2010-12-18T17:59:00.002-05:00

Sorry on the slight delay of this blogpost, but my usually reliable computer was not cooperating this past week...c'est la vie mes amis!

Last week, Thursday, I was invited by my colleagues at the Wedding Planners institute of Canada (WPIC) to go see an amazingly luxurious and elegant Bridal Studio: Studio Sposa.

Studio Sposa sent a Limo to escort us us to their lovely and quaint studio in Kleinburg, Ontario. Owner Mary Daserva and Manager Shannon greeted us with champagne and wonderful delectables from Dolcini by Joseph. We truly felt like VIP's.

We were lucky enough to view (and feel), some amazing wedding gowns by top haute couture designers all the while being briefed by the ladies on everything Studio Sposa does to go above and beyond for their clients. We were also thrilled to get educated on some of the top designers in the world.

What distinguishes Studio Sposa from most salons? Well, aside from the quality gowns, the one-on-one service and attention they give their clients; and the fact that the designers themselves are involved in the process. It's the VIP treatment each bride-to-be receives.

Each lovely soon-to-be bride, gets a private consultation and appointment at the Salon. In other words, during her appointment, there is no other client there. The goal is for her to feel special, comfortable and not rushed. Each Bridal Consultant is specially selected by Mary and is trained to treat each bride to the utmost perfection in service!

What stood out to me more than anything else is that they are fully available on the day of the wedding in case an emergency arises; as Mary shared with us, she’s been known (on more occasions than one), to pop over to the Brides house on the day of the ceremony, to fit her perfectly in her gown; sometimes she confessed, she will pop in to admire 'her' bride in the luxurious gown.

I absolutely loved the vibe at Studio Sposa and a huge thank you goes out to these wonderful ladies for a great information session and tour of the salon. It truly was fabulous!

Studio Sposa
10449 Islington Avenue
Kleinburg, ON LOJ 1C0
Tel. 905-893-8100

Toronto Wedding Professionals 2011/12 Wedding Give-Away-Palooza!

2010-12-08T17:27:00.000-05:00

We are pleased to announce our participation with a great giveaway for one lucky couple. When Jason Miles of Blue Six Creative and Toronto Wedding Professionals presented the idea of an awesome contest for one lucky couple, we did not hesitate to jump on board!

We are thrilled to award the winner of the contest 3 hours of Wedding Planning consultation as well as a gift certificate worth $250 to be used against any of our planning packages. In addition, we would also like to offer the winner a 3 hour Travel Planning and Consulting prize for any travel consultation or guest service arrangements the winner may need for their wedding or wedding related festivities, guest arrangements, room blocks, car services etc.

Click Here for the full contest details and a list of all the incredible prizes worth over $10,000!

Vendor Spotlight: Alicia & Trent's Classical and Jazz Ensembles

2010-12-06T23:28:00.000-05:00

Looking for a Classical Trio or a Jazz Quartet for your wedding? Maybe all you need is a soloist? Look no further than Alicia & Trent’s Classical and Jazz Ensembles.

Alicia and Trent Reschny founded the company; they are extremely versatile and talented, educated and acclaimed musicians. Trent is a saxophonist that graduated with honours from the best Jazz Performance Program in Canada at UofT. Alicia is a flutist graduating from the best orchestral training program in the Country, the Glenn Gould Professional School at the Royal Conservatory of Music. Collectively they have quite a repertoire of experience. From playing at the Juno's and dozens of theater productions, to playing with top Canadian artists and exclusive events. Alicia and Trent, use only the most talented GTA professional classical and jazz musicians that they screen extensively.

I was lucky enough to hire them for a last minute wedding planning gig, earlier this year. With only 2 weeks to go, Trent put together a fantastic classical trio for an intimate Paris Garden themed afternoon wedding. They all arrived 30 minutes early, dressed appropriately for the wedding and played a beautiful array of classical favorites requested by the couple, for the duration of the wedding.

Being a GTA Wedding Planner and naturally ‘finicky’, I can assure you that these musicians are some of GTA’s finest. They were very professional and always aiming to please. I look forward to working with them again in the New Year!

If you’d like to hear a sample of their music, check out their availability calendar or get a quote, before you meet with them, you can do it all from their very detailed website.

Alicia & Trent's Classical and Jazz Ensembles
info@aliciaandtrent.ca
416-238-7456 (Toronto)
905-667-3869 (Hamilton)
www.aliciaandtrent.ca

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT: 5 Star Limo

2010-11-29T19:21:00.000-05:00

There are a few companies these days that work with a 'customer is always right' attitude. As a planner, who will do everything under the sun so that my couple enjoys their day, it is important for me to work with vendors that have the same business ethics. Vendors that 'play nice' with other vendors, as a team, to make their clients' day phenomenal!

I will mention that it takes A LOT to impress me. I am a critic by nature and if fault exists I will find it (and fix it). Having said that, my expectations were surpassed recently by a great Thornhill based Limousine company, 5 Star Limo. From the get-go they went above and beyond their 'call of duty', without any hesitation. From escorting an entire 12 person wedding party from the limo-bus to the church in a torrential rainstorm, by foot and holding large umbrellas (provided by moi); to making an extra trip back to a hotel 40 minutes away to pick up 8 extra out-of-town guests that missed their ride to the reception. They worked extremely well with myself and my team as well as the photo/video crew. Not to mention, their communication with me (aka Miss Picky Planner), was exceptional.

Thanks to the way they handled the crazy situations that came our way that day from all 5 different sites with 4 different vehicles that were hired; to 2 very last minutes requests, they made this wedding a smashing success!

5 Star Limo
507 Beverley Glen Blvd
Thornhill ON L4J 7S1
info@5starlimo.org
Business Number:
(416)891-3366
(905) 252-8766

Vendor Spotlight: Hello DJ

2010-11-22T13:02:00.000-05:00

Anything I say about Lisa Ng of Hello DJ just wouldn't be enough. She is not only an fabulous DJ and a versatile entrepreneur, but she is also one Hip, Urban Girl!

Her knack of knowing her client's music tastes and their guests 'flavour' is incredible and she makes sure the entire room is up, dancing and enjoying the night. It's her mission to provide an unforgettable and fun-filled night and she delivers 100% of the time!

The pleasure was mine when she made time in her very busy schedule to be interviewed for our blog!

Q. When/How did you decide that DJ'ing was your 'calling'?

A. I really loved performing and actually set out for a career in acting and musical theatre. I think DJ-ing is the perfect combination of my love for performance and music. I also have a passion for planning events and was always the unofficial social director in whatever group I was in. My personality is pretty outgoing and I'm a people person. So working in the events industry is perfect for me.

Q. How did you come up with the name 'Hello DJ'?

A. My husband came up with it! He said it was like Hello Kitty :) I thought it was really cute and fit the fun, pink brand that is hello DJ! I'm also a big Hello Kitty fan. I have a toaster that burns her face into my toast.

Q. How did Hello DJ get started?

A. I started the company in the last year of my degree in Political Science from the University of Toronto. It was something I started to help pay for school - I always kept tabs on music and grew up listening to a lot of different genres. I'm crazy for 90s hip-hop, but am also a serious Edge 102.1 listener and love my share of rock/alt and indie. I'll also sing along to Top 40 in my car, so my tastes are pretty open and I just brought my female approach to DJ-ing. I also worked at a bunch of different record stores while growing up, so I was exposed to stuff I normally wouldn't have picked up. My niche as a female DJ grew very quickly and became a full-time company by the time I graduated. It's now been almost six years!

Q. What sets you apart from other DJ's?

A. I love details. I would rather have more information than less. I try to get to know my clients as best as possible and ask lots of questions about their guests, that way I can build a good playlist in my head for their reception. We're also a small, boutique DJ company. Means when you meet with me, I'll be your DJ. We never farm work out and we're not a big box DJ company.

Q. What 5 tips can you give a couple looking for a DJ?

A. 1) Don't book the cheapest DJ out there, sometimes you really do get what you pay for
2) Hire a professional! Avoid using a friend or amateur - they usually panic, realize how much work it is and drop out at the last-minute
3) Make sure you click with the personality of the DJ you are booking. If it's not a fit, that's OK - there's a DJ out there for you.
4) Book at least one year or more in advance to ensure you get the DJ you want
5) Make sure your DJ carries back-up equipment in case anything gets damaged or malfunctions on the day of your event.

Q. What are the most important questions a couple should ask a DJ before booking with them?

A. When sending an inquiry, do try to give as much information as possible so the DJ can properly put together a quote. We like to know the date, venue, guest count and basic elements of your wedding and ideas you have for music style. Once we can determine our availability and the price is within budget for the client, we can move forward to a consultation. Do also ask that the DJ you meet with is going to be the DJ at your event. If not, ask if you will be able to meet with your DJ before the wedding.

Q. Are there any misconceptions that couples have that you'd like to clear up?

A. We're not all cheesy! Cheesy is cool, but we understand that it's not for everyone. Which is why aim to be a hip, fun and young DJ company.

Q. Do you feel it is important for a couple to hire a Wedding Planner? Why?

A. Yes it is important to hire a wedding planner, because they are your insurance policy and advocate. They make sure that your interests come first and not the worries of the venue, florist or anyone else. It's nice to let go and not worry about things being bumpy because you have a wedding planner to do that for you and to keep your event on track.

Q. Any upcoming news or promos you'd like mention?

A. Please visit our blog to read all about the life of a hip + urban girl DJ in the city @ www.hipurbangirl.com

Lisa Ng

hello DJ!

Blog - The Hip & Urban Girl's Guide:

http://www.hipurbangirl.com

Follow on Twitter:

http://www.twitter.com/hipurbangirl

(416) 891-8440

http://www.helloDJ.ca

***Hello DJ has moved to St. Lawrence Market!***

39 Jarvis Street, Unit #612

Toronto, Ontario

M5E 1Z5

The Kleinfeld Experience by the Ring Bearer: Back by popular demand!

2010-11-17T11:07:00.002-05:00

Thanks to our very own, Canadian born and bred, the Ring Bearer along with Kleinfeld Manhattan and Vision 2000, this ever-so-exciting contest is back and One lucky bride-to-be will get a chance to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience! Here are the details.

Your love story could win you:
	a $5000 gift certificate to Kleinfeld*
	a private store opening in Manhattan, New York **
	personal styling services provided by Randy Fenoli and a Kleinfeld Bridal Consultant
	free airfare and five-star accomodations

Vendor Spotlight: Jennifer Images

2010-11-15T11:05:00.005-05:00

Having had the pleasure of working with Jennifer of Jennifer Images, there were a few things that stood out to me as far as her 'Creative Eye', so to speak.

a. She doesn't skip a beat. She is so in-tune and focused on her couple that she truly captures the personal and intimate moments between them.

b. She is honest to a fault! She will never lead a couple to believe they are getting something they are not.

c. She absolutely, positively, LOVES her career and all her couples. You can see this from the minute you meet her and go through her portfolio. She speaks about her past clients as if they are family.

d. She is proud of her work! This is my favorite quality in her. Being proud of what you have captured and delivered, means you have surpassed even your own expectations. It shows that to her every wedding is unique and she does not shoot the same 'typical' images for every couple. She is one-of-a-kind, and I look forward to working with her for many years to come!

I was lucky enough to interview Jennifer and she graciously shared her great insight with all of us, including tips to help you decide on a photographer, should you hire a planner and even some questions to ask before selecting your photographer. Here is what she had to say.

Q. When did you decide that Photography was your 'calling'?

A. Almost 8 years ago I decided that life was to short to spend the majority of my time doing something I disliked. I had always loved photography and wanted a career that allowed my creativity to grow. With my husbands encouragement I went back to school and shortly there after opened Jennifer Images.

Q. How did the company get started?

A. The company got started as a result of much drive, determination and enthusiasm. I was so thrilled to be doing something I loved that I jumped in with all of my heart and soul. I started doing portraits for friends, work colleagues and family. Then the referrals started to come in and one thing led to another. Eventually I left my full time job and worked solely for myself.

Q. What sets you apart from other photographers?

A. This is a question I used to struggle to answer, but over the years I suppose I've narrowed it down to a few key points. First and foremost would be me. My enthusiasm for what I do, coupled with my integrity and keen business sense allow me to be fun and responsible at the same time. I do what I say I will do and I don't make promises I can't keep. I also believe that my style has evolved over time, and my work has been defined as having timeless elegance. I like to equate it to the kind of timeless elegance seen in amazing women like Jackie Onassis and Grace Kelly.

Q. What 5 tips can you give a couple looking for their 'ideal' photographer?

A. 1. Don't base your decision on price. As in almost anything in life, you get what you pay for in wedding photography. While it's true that not everyone can afford the most expensive wedding photographers, I think that it's important to understand the value of your wedding photos, and then to prioritize this accordingly. There are many do it yourself projects that can be done beautifully when planning your wedding, and many areas where you can cut back on your budget. Unfortunately, your wedding photos are one of the only tangible objects that will not only remain after the wedding itself, but for decades after that. Your wedding photos should become a family heirloom for your grandchildren to admire. Not just a snapshot in time.

2. Do your homework, prior to hiring your photographer. Referrals are an excellent way to start. If you've been referred to your photographer, ask your friends why they recommend that photographer and what about them were they most pleased with. Also, was there anything about that person that they disliked. If you've come this far, follow up some more. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if this person or company has had any complaints.

Find out how long the photographer has been in business and if it looks likely that they will be staying in business in the years to come.

3. Decide whether or not you like their work. By liking their work, I mean do you like it enough to trust them to photograph your entire wedding day without giving them a "must have" list. Must have lists are fine for family formals but aside from those you need to give your photographer free reign to see your wedding with their own creative vision, and with eyes that you could not possibly see. To get a good sense of this, make sure you've seen a complete wedding from beginning to end and that you love what you see. Once you trust your photographer, you will feel much more at ease, letting them "do what they do" on your wedding day.

4. Meet your potential photographer. Make sure that you actually meet the person who will be photographing your wedding and spending the majority of the day with you. Your personalities MUST mesh. If they rub you the wrong way, if they stand you up, if they act inappropriately during your initial meeting, it's likely that they will not be the right person for you. Personality is HUGE!

5. Consider having an engagement session to make sure you've made the right decision. Engagement sessions are a great way to get to know your photographer better and provide the photographer with an excellent opportunity to get to know you as a couple. The session also allows you a little glimpse of what you can expect during the wedding. If you love your engagement photos, then it's pretty likely you'll love your wedding photos!

Q. What are the most important questions a couple should ask a photographer before booking with them?

A. How long have you been photographing weddings?

-Do you carry insurance ?

-Do you have back up equipment in case of theft or damage?

-How many photographers will be photographing my wedding?

-How long after my wedding will my photos be ready?

-Will I receive the high resolution images on DVD, or will I have to buy the images directly from you?

-Are the images edited? If so, what does that include?

Q. Are there any misconceptions that couples have that you'd like to clear up?

A. I suppose the biggest misconception that people have would be that hiring a friend or family member to photograph your wedding is a great way to save money. The truth is that by hiring a friend or family member (with little or no wedding experience) you risk hurting your relationship with that person by putting unrealistic expectations on them, and then feeling negative feelings of disappointment when they aren't able to deliver you with the kind of images you envision from your wedding day.

Q. Any upcoming news or promos you'd like to share?

A. I recently offered a big 72 hour sale on remaining 2011 wedding dates, which was a huge success. As a result of that success, I may actually consider offering another 72 hour sale in the near future!

Q. Do you feel it is important for a couple to hire a Wedding Planner? Why?

A. I often suggest to clients that they consider hiring a wedding planner for at least "day of" or "month-of" co-ordination. I strongly believe that your wedding should be an experience of joy and celebration, and not one of worry and stress.

Hiring a wedding planner can help couples not worry about the endless "little things" that need to be done, and can really help them experience the day as they envision it!

Thank you Jennifer for taking the time to be our guest!

Jennifer Images
905-854-6000
info@jenniferimages.ca
87 Main Street North
Unit 2
Campbellville, ON
L0P 1B0

Vendor Spotlight: Mode Function Event Design

2010-11-08T09:57:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday to all our lovely readers! As you all know, it is very important to us to provide you all the tools and knowledge you need to prepare you for your weddings, vow renewals, destination weddings and honeymoons. So, what better way to do that then to spotlight some of our favorite vendors. We will be highlighting a different vendor for you on a weekly basis!

To start us off, we have chosen a fabulous fresh and new design & decor company that we have had the utmost pleasure of working with since their debut on the scene this past May 2010. We loved every moment of working with Jeffery Crawford and Mike Alonso of Mode Function Event Design, and are looking forward to working together again in the new year!

Q: How did you come up with the name 'Mode Function'?

A: Mode Function was the result of a very late night, a bottle of wine and some serious face time with a dictionary. We understood that we wanted a name that reflected our fashionable style of event design so we started listing words that we could use to convey what we wanted to represent with our brand. The noun Mode is a French and Dutch word used to describe fashion or a trend. Function is a verb that is used to identify an official or a social occasion in other words an event. Once we connected these two words we fell in love however the last step in our selection process prior to the name search and the registration of the company was verifying that both the .com and the .ca domain names were available. Mode Function was born.

Q: How long have you been designing & how did you get started?

A: I have been designing events now for five years. Prior to that I took both tourism management and event management at school then worked for a public relations event management company. Realizing that I needed room to grow I started seeking out other positions within the special events industry. I came across a decor company that did some impressive events on a very grand scale and applied for a position as a manager. The first week of my new position I was tasked with designing events then pitching the concept to potential clients and never looked back. I met my partner while working at this décor company who has an interior design back ground which made for a good match of skills for our clients.

Q: What sets you apart from other decorators and designers?

A: Mode Function was established as a design based event décor company meaning we will take into account the needs, style, taste and budget of the client and design a cohesive look for their special event. The design is truly specific to that client. Clients are visual so we prepare detailed proposals for each of our clients that include either sample pictures, computer generated renderings, sketches, floor plans (where applicable) and narratives so that the client understands the design plan. Our service goes beyond a check list where we work with each client in detail to ensure they are getting a design that suits their needs.

Q: What 5 tips can you give a couple unsure of hiring a decorator?

1)      A good decorator will take time to discover a couple’s taste and design esthetic and will guide them to in the right direction to ensure that the design is truly theirs while at the same time making sure that everything is cohesive and thoughtfully put together.

2)      Decorators have proven resources and can take care of the logistics of making those resources come together.
3)      Decorators will deliver, set up and even tear down the décor leaving the bride and groom’s friends and family from having to take on the labor aspects of the décor. Guest’s should enjoy the wedding and not be tasked with setting up or worse having to tear down at the end of a very long day.
4)      If an issue does come up during the installation a couple can be confident in knowing that professionals are working in the back ground to get it resolved without the stress and worry of having to take time from their special day to deal with issues. A decorator will know how to get the job done often without the need to inconvenience the bride or the wedding party. An experienced decorator can anticipate issues and resolve them quickly.
5)      A couple can actually save money and time from using a decorator. The couple does not have to drive around to multiple retailers to gather the pieces required to put a wedding together. Once the design plan form the decorator is in place the decorator takes care of all the leg work. Buying retail also adds up quickly where as decorators buy wholesale and take advantage of volume discounts that a couple on their own would never get access to.

Q: What key elements help you make your couples vision a reality?

A: The most important thing the decorator can do is to listen to what the client has to say about how they want their wedding to look and feel. Taking the time to get to know the couple and understand their vision is critical. Even if the couple does not have a clear vision a good decorator will know how to test the couple and can usually determine what would make them happy on their special day. As a decorator we take into account what it is that the couple wants to achieve then fills in the blanks with the design elements to make that vision come to life.

Q: Do you feel it is important for a client to hire a Wedding Planner? Why?

A: A wedding planner is essential. They ensure that the couples’s day is well managed and coordinated. They work with the vendors to ensure that every aspect of the wedding is in good hands. They have the experience necessary to quickly respond to any issues and deal with them professionally and quickly. They keep the entire process on track and look after the details in way that a couple or their family just cannot do. On your wedding day you won’t have time to make sure that every detail is in place. From making sure the first course goes out on time to the slightest thing like turning up the heat to make sure the comfort level of the guests are taken into consideration. They are able to recommend reliable and professional vendors rather than having to research hundreds of vendors to find the right match for you. A wedding planner will walk through each and every step so nothing is over looked. Make no mistake a planner will take the guess work out of planning each detail.

Mode Function Event Design Ltd.

160 Muskoka Road South,

P.O. box 372

Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada

P1P 1T7

Muskoka 705.706.3746

Toronto 416.319.7469

Fun Proposal Ideas!

2010-10-22T14:58:00.000-04:00

Did you know that most men delay the marriage proposal because they have no idea how to do it? First thing to remember is that your marriage proposal is the beginning of your 'wedding story'. It can be as simple or as lavish as you would like it to be, but it should be personalized to be a wonderful, memorable occasion that you will think about for the rest of your lives. Here are some fun ideas for the three common personality types.

Diva (aka Daddy's little princess)
You've seen it a dozen times in movies. He puts the ring in her dessert, the violinist serenades them; he gets down on one knee; looks deep into her eyes and asks the magic question: So&So, Will You Marry Me? This is tried, tested and Done!

How about you order up a little 'glam' with your question (this is after you've asked for her hand in marriage, of course). Have the art gallery or museum host you after hours with a private tour leading to a lavish, private, catered dinner for two. Have a violinist or a saxophonist serenading you. During dessert have the words written in chocolate around the plate. Get down on one knee to present the ring and Voila!

Creative and Quirky (aka the one who loves surprises)
Try this one on for size: take her to the movies (and no, don't put the ring in the popcorn). Instead, create a slide-show that can be played on the cinema's projector (usually a professional videographer or photographer can help you create this). Make sure that the last slide is of you holding up a "Will You Marry Me Sign." Have the movie operator play it at the end of the movie, just before the credits ... talk about unforgettable.

3. 'Sweet' and Simple - Arrange to have her favorite cupcakery design cupcakes with the 'question' iced on them. During a 'date night', cook dinner at your place (or hers) or arrange a picnic brunch. Make sure to have the ring perched on top of one of the cupcakes when you surprise her with the 'thoughtful' treat, and trust me, not only will you melt her heart, but you'll be well on your way to wedded bliss.

Planning to Propose? Hire a Planner.

2010-06-24T18:48:00.001-04:00

'Will You Marry Me?' These are 4 of the most important words you will ever ask and you better believe that the way you say them matters. A LOT. Women remember their engagement forever It sets the tone of what kind of life partner you will be. If you just place a ring box on her seat and say "hey, that's for you", don't be surprised with the 'sour' look on her face. What she's thinking is: "this is the most effort he will ever put into anything."

The 'proposal' shows most women how well you actually know them. It can be as lavish or as low key as you like it to be, but it must be thoughtful and personalized; unique and memorable.

Well, you'll be happy to know that 1. You're not alone and 2. We are here to help!

We've added 'Proposal Planning to our services to help you do just that! That's right readers, friends and followers, starting July 1st, this planner will be there from day 1 to make your journey to wedded bliss absolute perfection.

Here are just some of the services we are offering:

- Unique Ideas
- Custom Proposals
- Surprise Proposals
- Elopements
- Budget
- Adding personal touches
- Creating the 'movie' moment
- Arranging any travel that may be needed, including bookings.
- Selecting the perfect time.
- Shopping for the ring.
- Vendor Referrals (photography, videography, florists etc.)

Tell us you found out through our blog to receive a 5% discount.

WeDDings Jubilee 'Breezes' through Jamaica!

2010-06-22T02:17:00.000-04:00

Wow! What an amazing FAM (familiarization) trip to Jamaica visiting the Superclubs resorts. From the minute we got off the plane, we felt at home. Jamaicans are incredibly friendly to begin with, but the staff at the comfortable and cool Superclubs Lounge at the airport to the Staff at the resorts was like arriving home. We visited the Breezes Grand Resort and Spa, Breezes Trelawny, Breezes Runaway Bay and Breezes Rio Bueno. We even stopped in at the more risqué Hedonism II.

Escorted by the ever so gracious Superclubs Sales Manager for Groups, Steve Koth, and lead by WPIC Director, Lindsay Mogford; Renee Richards, Sandy Stirling, Natalie Faria, Lindsay Laur and myself, began our 5 days of site visits of the gorgeous Breezes Resorts.

We started our journey off with a 2-hour bus ride to the Breezes Grand Resort and Spa, which felt more like 1 hour thanks to the beautiful Caribbean Coast we drove along and lovely townships we passed through. Our bus driver, which was the norm with all our bus drivers, was amazing and we quickly learned that the term “Ya Mon”, was going to be imprinted in our vocabulary for days to come.

Upon arriving at each of the resorts, we were welcomed by refreshing cool towelettes and wonderful Fruity cocktail’s. The resorts were impeccably clean and ALL the staff greeted us, as we would pass them. That truly made the biggest difference. There is nothing like great service to take the experience to the next level.

The first two nights we stayed at the Breezes Grand Resort & Spa in Negril, and were we ever treated like Stars. We not only were surprised with a Chilling Bottle of Champagne and Delicious homemade Chocolate Truffles in our Suites the first evening, but they had also reserved their best tables for us for our dinners and arranged a Glass Bottom boat tour for us on Day 2. We all made a point of enjoying the Beach at least a couple of times during our visit and enjoyed the glistening fluffy sand and the warmest, bluest and cleanest water I’ve seen. Director of Sales, Kenroy Calame, was by our sides’ day in and day out making sure we had everything we needed and that all our questions were answered.

The site visits were always detailed and thorough at all the resorts and covered everything we could think of to make our clients Weddings sheer perfection.

As we toured the gorgeous suites, we first noticed the wonderful designs of the towels on the bed, from swans and hearts to sea fans and conch shells. All were adorned with tropical flowers – truly and art form. Each resort had it’s own ‘theme’ and uniqueness. Breezes Grand Spa & Resort had Hot Tub Suites while Runaway Bay had Plunge Pools.

All the resorts we viewed had many stunning ceremony sites that were set-up for us and even got to ‘witness’ a couple of ‘real’ weddings. The décor set-ups from Ceremony, Reception, Cake Tables and hors d'oeuvres & Champagne Stations were gorgeous. It was easy to see that Breezes takes great pride in what they do and go out of their way to ensure that their Couples get exactly what they envision. The possibilities are endless.

During one of our site visits, we met a young woman whose sister had just gotten married at the Breezes Grand Resort and Spa. She could not stop raving about the experience and how organized the Staff was to make the wedding flawless; but what truly stood out to her were the Photographer and the Photos. She told us that the pictures were immaculate and unique. I should mention that all the Photographers for Superclubs are fully trained and extremely talented individuals, however, if you still have a preference of bringing your own photographer, you are welcome to, at a surcharge.

The Reception Facilities throughout the resorts were great and capable of accommodating anywhere from a small intimate party of two to a large group upwards of a couple hundred. The dining options and menus are extensive and almost everything can be customized, not to mention that the reception can be held anywhere on the resort be it Beachfront, Poolside, Oceanside or elsewhere. If you can imagine it, I guarantee the Breezes Staff will do anything and everything in their power to make it happen and then some.

We were lucky enough to experience the cuisine at all the restaurants, from the casual Reggae Café, Gran Terraza and Victoria Market Buffets, casual elegance at Munasan Japanese to the upscale Italian: Pastafari (or La Pasta) and French: Piacere. ALL the food was mouth-watering. My personal favorites were the Italian and French; although being a Paris and Venice die-hard makes me biased.

Every evening, we would meet our hosts at the Piano Bar for Cocktails and conversation. The entertainment varied nightly at each resort. At Breezes Grand Resort and Spa we enjoyed watching a fire-eater & a man who could balance absolutely anything on his head, including a beach lounger. Needless to say we left in awe. Hedonism II had us singing Sweet Caroline and Red Red Wine for days on end; The incredible dinner and conversation at Runaway Bay with Franklyn Eaton - General Manager, Amoi Leon - Director of Sales, Shane Beeker - Sales Coordinator
and Patricia Clarke - Wedding Coordinator, stimulated our senses. So much so that we completely forgot about going out to catch the shows and dancing that even the locals come over to enjoy. Rio Bueno had us singing and dancing all night with Tamika Higgins - Director of Sales and Sheryl McKoy Thompson - Wedding Coordinator, followed by a Pajama Party and late night Pizza to keep us smiling. However, the ultimate entertainment came the first night in Negril when our very own, Renee Richards won the grand prize by going through a series of challenges dreamt up by the hilarious MC.

The ultimate fulfillment came to us in the form of children the day before we left. Organized by Breezes Rio Bueno’s Public Relations Director, Burchell Henry, we took a bus to one of the Early Childhood Education Schools, where we met some of the sweetest and most beautiful children. We were honoured to gift the children new Books, Candy, Clothing and school items like Playdoh, Stickers and Pencils, and they showered us with big smiles, laughter and many, many hugs. Jamaica, although a beautiful Island, has pockets of poverty. Superclubs have put their humanitarian foot forward to help the less fortunate. Burchell Henry has made it his mission to help provide to Nursing Homes, Pediatric Hospital units and Schools. I can speak for the whole WPIC group in saying it was the most humbling experience we’ve ever had.

Overall, our five days of truly getting to know the resorts, their staff, each other and having an amazing leader in Steve Koth direct our visit was nothing short of fabulous. From the remarkable beaches at Breezes Grand Resort and Spa in Negril, the All Ages fun-filled resort at Breezes Trelawny complete with a Circus School and Waterpark; the Awesome infinity pool, 18-hole Golf Course and Plunge Pools at Runaway Bay; the 9-Whole Golf Course, beautiful Oceanside Pool, and Plantation themed Breezes Rio Bueno; and the Blue Mahoe Spa and 24-hour Gym facilities at all the properties; I would not only recommend Superclubs, I am already planning my family vacation there.

Vendor Spotlight: Pop and Lolly's

2010-06-05T03:04:00.004-04:00

I was recently introduced to an awesome new place located in Niagara Falls called Pop and Lolly's. Aside from their unbelievably delicious Candy Apples (which I highly recommend as a favour for your guests), their melt in your mouth fudge and their scrumptious chocolate covered strawberries; they have something completely unique that I have never seen before: Letter Rock Candy.

They not only make this tangy and 'yum-ilicious' candy right there as you watch; they also have a plethora of flavours & can mix and match any colour and flavour to suit your wedding day theme & your taste buds. Oh and here's the best part: You can personalize them with up to 14 letters! You can monogram, use a heart, date or write a personal message for your guests; all at a very affordable prices. The staff is ready to go out of their way to please you and provide exactly what you need, they could likely match the flavour of your signature drink to the candy - anything is possible. I highly recommend Pop and Lolly's for taste, service and out-of-the box ideas for you special day. So, next time you're in the 'falls', make sure you stop by and check them out.

Tip to consider: They make their Letter Rock Candy at various times throughout the day; every batch they finish they give out free tastings. It's a great way to try something new without breaking the bank and trust me, it's totally worth the wait.

All Photos are the property of Denise Georgiou-Newell