From the category archives:
Sandra Aaron from Mindless Sophistication Wedding Planning sent us this very cool contest for couples looking to get married in Belize. With the Mayan calendar showing reverence for the 12.12.12 it’s no wonder couples are looking to get married here on this auspicious date!
Destination Wedding in Belize? Yes, Please!
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This past weekend marked The Wedding Co Wedding Show 2012 in Toronto’s beautiful Carlu wedding/event venue. Hosted by The Wedding Co’s Catherine Lash the show was filled with inspiration, ideas and the Industry’s top wedding vendors in Toronto! From designer dresses to wedding photographers, delectable wedding cakes to top notch wedding planner this show had everything you need to plan your big day to perfection!
Enjoy the eye-candy…
Paper & Poste displayed couture stationery and wedding invitations alongside beautiful paper decor.
Pusateris layered gorgeous florals with delectable sweets in bright pops of red, gold and orange!
Nadia & Co's gorgeous cake art literally stopped guests in their tracks!
LOL Candy had the kid in all of us giddy with glee for their sweet treats and candy table designs!
Susan Murray International showcased some of her new linen designs in 2 gorgeous displays. This one just makes me say "wow"!
Sweetere made us stop and stare at their sculpted artistic wedding cakes! Yum!
Custom calligraphy for your wedding adds instant glam-factor and personalization!
Naz Films showcased gorgeous, romantic, emotional, intelligent cinematography that absolutely sucks you in!
Elm Hill Cookies were so cute! We were just loving this sweet miniature cookies as favours for savvy bride & grooms!
Dizennio Floral Boutique wow'd with this white creation!
Truffle Toronto continued to excite couples with innovative and super sweet Sweet Table creations!
Deb Lau-Yu from Palettera proudly showcased her handmade uber-creative fabulous invitations!
Patricia's Cake Creations went inspiration overload with gorgeousness EVERYWHERE you looked! From cupcake samples to cakes... YUMMY!
Hazlitt Vintage Rentals showcased some of their super cute retro vintage items!
Mimosa Floral Studio chose pantone's colour of the year - tangerine tango - as a showstopper palette!
Mimosa Floral Studio made us SWOON over this orange and grey wedding look!
Cake Opera Co partied with their piggy again but showcased this major wow-factor piece that got our heart skipping beats!
Sarah Houston's Couture Gown Designs made us want to get married all over again! How cute is this gown?!?!
Looking for a unique wedding venue in Toronto? We highly recommend The Drake Hotel! How cool is that!?
It doesn't get any more fabulous than the gorgeous gowns of Valencienne! Kim Ironmonger is a Toronto gem for custom wedding gowns!
Eventdecorator made a splash in bright orange that would look perfect in a Muskoka or Toronto wedding look!
The Cake Museum... sparkle, design... perfection!
Oliver & Bonacini we would LOVE to be our personal Chefs... if you LOVE food... their properties could be perfect for you!
Floral Artist & Wedding Floral Goddess, Lisa De Rose of De Rose Designs captured our attention with this ecclectic tablescape!
Honey & Dear were a huge hit with their creative and emotional cinematography of your big day. Can I get a collective "awwwww"?
Clearly we have a major love for cake and Bobbette & Belle were no exception. Their cupcakes... to. die. for.
If you want the party to go ALL night long you need an amazing DJ... Michael Coombs Entertainment has rocked parties all over the city and would be our pick if we were saying 'I do' all over the game!
As always, ALL images courtesy of the fabulous Tyler James Photography!
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Last weekend marked the very first Wedluxe Wedding Show in Toronto and I have to say… it was a SMASHING SUCCESS! Nearly 2000 people attended this extraordinary show in an 8 hour period at the Ritz-Carlton Toronto. The toasted and fierce vendors showcased awe-inspiring booths to wow the newly engaged and industry alike. It was over-the-top, wow-factor, must-see at it’s very best! If you missed out this year – make sure you attend in 2013! You won’t be disappointed!
And now, the part you’ve all been waiting for… the eye candy…
Passed Drinks called 'Tickled Pink' really upped the celebration factor!
The Wedluxe Booth dazzled while handing out complimentary copies of the magazine to attendees!
The magazine came to life with vignettes of editor Angela Desveaux's favourite style shoots.
CurlyGirl Florals really inspired brides with their creative centrepiece ideas.
Paper & Poste's Booth Featured their award winning stationery and an over-the-top paper floral wall!
Truffle Toronto brought out the sweet tooth in us all with this simply sweet display!
Cynthia Martyn's booth featured a pretty in pink theme with a gorgeous table setting, paper flowers and lots of sparkley crystal!
Nicole Richards & Co was making sure we all looked fabulous with her impeccable beauty talent!
Forget Me Not Flowers really went above and beyond with this booth featuring thousands of flowered branches, candlelight and even a fountain!
Distinct Occasions went whimsical with a love bird tree featuring their super cute new business cards all aglitter!
Cakes by Konstadin wow'd attendees with her sculptural cake masterpieces.
Melissa Andre celebrated style with her paper floral booth!
Jackie O presented gorgeous orchid florals in pinks & purples cascading from a mirrored table.
Creations by Gitta took glam to a new level with their floral artistry
Cake Opera amazed guests with their super sweet sensation of a party-pig who's been feasting on the cake!
Palettera was a moving and working machine with a vintage letterpress dishing out custom newspapers on the spot!
The 4th Floor showcased a gown gallery, groom's lounge and a swag and beauty bar just for the ladies!
Event Decorator was all aglow with candlelight and this beautiful placecard tree.
Hot colour of 2012 tangerine tango made an appearance on this beautiful inspirational table design
Attendees enjoyed the Kate Spade inspired Tea Room for some sweet libations!
The guest entrance was also the exit with this beautiful rose covered walkway from 5th Element Events.
Images Courtesy: Tyler James Photography
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By Danny Floh Back of DJ Floh Back Productions
Many couples have confessed to me that picking a first dance song is the most stressful part of planning their wedding. How do you pick one song from all the choices on iTunes? Should it be fast or slow? Classic or contemporary? Choreographed dance or just freestyle it?
I have a very simple answer to this enigmatic problem: pick a song that reflects who you are, and makes you happy.
During your first dance, wedding guests (and professional photographers) care about getting a picture of you dancing and smiling while no one else is on the dancefloor. You too will care months later when you are looking at your pictures. A natural joy should resonate from the image. So you need to pick a song you like, that puts a big smile on your face, and helps you block out the fact that everyone you care about in your life is watching you.
Sounds daunting? It isn’t.
Think of an artist with special meaning for you and your fiancee. Your first concert together perhaps, or the most frequent band that pops up on your iPod when you are having an “in night”. Nearly every famous musician has produced some slow ballad that could work. They don’t have a nice love song you like? Then think of another artist, or consider a fast song.
In an effort to make this decision easier, couples often ask me what is popular this year to find out what song other people are using in hopes that they like it to. I say who cares what other people are using! It’s YOUR wedding, it should be about YOU. In fact, if couples are leaning towards a song we’ve used in the past (think Jason Mraz or Bruno Mars), I often discourage it. We want the first dance to be unique to you and your day.
Couples who are concerned that they don’t have moves like Jagger often sign up for dance lessons. You can probably guess what I’m going to say about that: if you are too busy focussed on a choreographed dance, you ain’t gonna be smilin! Unless you take dance lessons regularly, don’t sign up for a last minute class and put unnecessary stress on yourself. The moment your special dance if over, you’ll run to the bar to get a drink to relieve the stress, instead of partying with all your guests where you belong – on the dancefloor.
When I got married, in picking our first dance I followed my own advice. I was sitting at my desk and called my now wife into the room to hear a song I thought worked on all levels for us: slow & soulful, a classic that was also original. We starting swaying, singing, followed by happy tears, and the decision was made: Otis Redding didn’t have special meaning for us before, but he did from that moment on.
It was that easy, and can be for you too.
Danny runs an award-winning DJ team out of Toronto, dedicated to customizing every wedding soundtrack to the specific tastes of his clients and their guests. As seen in this photo, he was married to Kim Broome at the Delta Sherwood in Muskoka on 10.10.10. and danced to “That’s How Strong My Love Is.”
For more information check out Danny and his team at flohback.blogspot.com
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Distinct Occasions is a Toronto & Destination Wedding Planner who prides herself on weddings and clients who are seeking once-in-a-lifetime awesomeness for their wedding or event. With a new year starting and chilly temperatures heading in Toronto we know a lot of bride’s will be thinking Destination Weddings! So, with that in mind – here is some Distinct Occasions destination wedding eye candy… enjoy!
Let Loch Ness witness your 'I Do's' with a wedding in Scotland.
Inspired by the Australian Outback for your wedding? Beaches, Rainforest or Outback for your big day Downunder!
Celebrate "One Love" along 7 mile beach in Jamaica on your Destination Wedding with Distinct Occasions.
For more information on planning a destination wedding contact Distinct Occasions.
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On a very rainy Wednesday September 21 I was invited by ISES (International Special Event Society) Toronto Chapter to attend a dinner and talk by an industry icon – Brett Culp. For those who don’t know, Brett Culp, is a master cinematographer who not only shoots video he finds your CinematicME and shares it with the world.
So, what did this Wedding Pro learn? If you haven’t already – whether bride, groom, parents or vendor – get in touch with your story. Your LIFE story. The reason you are who you are and CELEBRATE it. When you know who you are, are comfortable with who you are, and share that with those around you – only good things await you.
A big thanks to ISES Toronto for inviting me. If you’re a Wedding Pro and not yet a member – what are you waiting for? Industry events, networking and comraderie are simply the beginning of why to join.
Finally, to Brett Culp - I heard your story loud and clear. Passion is hard to ignore.
This is one lesson I am completely taking to heart… and so should you!
Happy Planning!
Crystal
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I am ALL about cute, quirky and super styled weddings and events so when Elizabeth Kaye from Elizabeth in Love Photography mentioned this killer Alice In Wonderland themed Bridal Shower she recently shot I went CRAZY with excitement. After seeing the photos…. WOW! So super cute & sophisticated! Enjoy!
Photography: Elizabeth In Love, Weddings by Elizabeth Kaye
Venue: Carmens Banquet Center
Special Events and styling: Anna Mccusker & Co.
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When Toronto Wedding Planner, Shannon DeSouza of Isabelle Annalise Luxury Wedding Professionals contacted us to share this South Indian Fusion Wedding we were so excited. We LOVED the backdrop of gritty urban next to a couple with some serious style. Bold blues mixed with deep reds for a fun and playful wedding. With images from Elements Photography – this couple truly had a beautiful day.
From Isabelle Annalise Wedding Professionals:
Crystal
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Today, I am so thrilled to introduce a very cool and unique service – The Engagement Planner! A service just for the person who wants to propose and make it brag-worthy, memorable and something she will never forget!
So, what does The Engagement Planner actually do? Simple! Taking into consideration your taste, your ideas and budget she creates and designs a Wedding Proposal Plan customized to your specific needs. Proposals include everything from where, when and how to vendors that can make your proposal something special. Many even include photo and video options to prolong the excitement to share it with family & friends! While some clients may just need the advice, planning doesn’t have to stop there! The Engagement Planner also coordinates, plans and designs the proposal so all you need to do is purchase the ring, show up and remember to say “Will you marry me?”.
I absolutely LOVE the idea of making the proposal something special!
Here are some of the romantic proposals The Engagement Planner has been a part of – destination proposals (Thailand, Australia, Paris, Edinburgh), classic romance (candles, flowers, dinner), hollywood inspired (movie trailers, theatre rentals), and even surprise proposals/weddings!
Image Courtesy: Rowell Photo
If you’re ready to propose but can’t find the way to make it perfect – The Engagement Planner can help! Working behind the scenes she can help plan, coordinate, and even conceptualize the perfect proposal to have her bragging to your grandchildren!
Once your partner has happily said ‘YES’, they can also coordinate exceptional Engagement Celebrations including engagement parties, showers, bachelor(ette), and so much more. Enjoy being engaged and let The Engagement Planner worry about the details!
For more information: http://www.theengagementplanner.ca
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Mindless Sophistication Events
http://www.mindlesssophistication.com/
info@mindlesssophistication.com
416-251-3278
Breaking free of the preconceived notions associated with wedding and event planning, Sandra Aaron has defined the uniqueness of Mindless Sophistication Events through creativity and independence. Having been professionally planning events since 1994, Sandra has become renowned for her destination weddings and recognizing the individual wants of each couple, refusing to deign to the status quo by confining or limiting clients, and choosing instead to embrace the concept of custom design and tailored-made packages. Offering in-house travel booking as well as the trademarked Wedding Concierge (a service that ensures a pleasant and memorable guest experience), Sandra considers planning just the beginning.
“When I brought weddings and social occasions into my portfolio, it was a whole new world,” she begins. “A wonderful world. I love planning all events, but weddings are so personal. When I work with a wedding couple, I get to know the real them. It allows for a whole new level of creativity because I’m helping express a couple’s personality – the guests are more than guests, they’re friends and family. This is a hallmark moment in people’s lives, and it’s a real honour to be involved in it.”
With a background in corporate and non-profit special events, Sandra’s experience in planning and design has never been limited to the GTA. But since Mindless Sophistication Events is renowned for its destination weddings, she quickly had to learn the workings of the travel industry upon beginning her journey, fueling her education through determination to offer clients the best possible options for their special day.
“For me, the biggest transition [from corporate special events to weddings] was not having a full understanding of the travel industry,” reveals Sandra. “In the corporate world, if there was a question about travel, the client wasn’t coming to me – that’s why it didn’t take long to decide that in order to serve my clients best, I had to learn
about the travel industry.”
“I firmly believe that in order to plan a destination wedding properly, it’s important to understand both industries,” she continues. “A travel agent that specializes in weddings but doesn’t understand them beyond booking the package is not enough – and a wedding planner who plans destination weddings without knowing travel or working with an agent who fully understands wedding isn’t enough. I don’t need to plan every destination wedding, but I do want to help as many couples as possible have the best destination wedding planning experience.”
Having worked in the field for almost two decades, Sandra’s approach to event planning and design has undoubtedly set her apart in the industry. But while she remains honest about “knowing her limits”, Sandra stays true to who she is; assuring clients that while she may not be the perfect wedding planner for them, she can match them to someone “who might be the right fit”.
“I have no problem letting someone else take the lead if they would do a better job for that couple,” Sandra shares. “In many cases, we take my best skills and their best skills to create a unique team for the couple. That means better service.” “I’m constantly pushing my limits – I see a lot in the world to be inspired about,” she adds. “The most valuable lesson is to never stop learning. When I got certified, I did it as a learning experience – I wasn’t thinking about making weddings part of my business. I’ve been planning events for a long time, [and] mixing things up by adding local and destination weddings has opened up a whole new world for me. I’m totally engaged – it’s an addition I’ve never regretted.”
Mindless Sophistication Events
http://www.mindlesssophistication.com/
info@mindlesssophistication.com
416-251-3278
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