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From the category archives:

TWS Talk

T’is the season to have a great party and stationery guru’s Paper & Poste kicked off the festive season with a fabulous Anniver-Soiree fete at their paper palace (aka Studio)! Organized by Crystal Adair-Benning at Distinct Occasions the ladies of Paper & Poste wanted to thank their Industry colleagues and wow their clients with a fete that celebrated some of their favourite invitations from the past year!

Catered by Marigolds & Onions each of the sweet & savouries offered were themed from invitations suites. An entire sweet station overrun with delights like s’more treets, plum cookies, salted caramel licks and gourmet popcorn were huge hits. Passed appetizers of seaside pails of seafood, mini spaghetti and meatballs and a whiter shade of mushrooms were favourites with guests. The drinks finished off the part-ay with fun & fancy – including a sweet tea from Tealish called Queen West! LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.

To round out the party and make it over-the-top AH-MAZING was gorgeous florals from Lisa De Rose of De Rose Designs who designed and created florals to match the invite suites, photography from Corina V (check out the eye-candy we’re featuring from her) and something to dance to from the ever-awesome Michael Coombs of Michael Coombs Entertainment (formerly Prodigy Entertainment).

Enjoy!

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If you are a couple with a unique vision for your wedding, and you’re looking for the city’s most experienced, trusted and talented professionals to make your vision a reality, you’ll find them at The Wedding Co. Show. With only 2 months until this show – start planning now!
Perfect for the bride seeking a bit more hands-on approach to her wedding, The Wedding Co Show is a perfect jumping off point for DIY ideas, inspiration and of course amazing vendors in Toronto!

Date: January 13 to 15, 2012
Location: The Carlu, 444 Yonge St. at College
Times: Friday 5-9, Saturday 10-6, Sunday 10-5
Tickets: $20 (incl. HST)

Admission includes a copy of the premiere issue of The Wedding Co. Magazine and access to the show all three days.

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The hottest wedding show to attend this season is only 2 months away!!! The first ever bridal show by luxury wedding magazine, Wedluxe, in Toronto. Featuring vendors who’s quality and creativity create the most elegant and beautifully stylized weddings this city has ever seen. If you’re a stylish bride seeking vendors who will WOW this show is a MUST for you!

For more information or to view some serious eye-candy go to: www.wedluxe.com

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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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Not wanting to brave crowds and get up at the crack of dawn for Wills & Kate but still curious? Here’s a television viewing guide for all things Royal!

Tuesday, April 26

• A tale, one hopes, with a less tragic fate in Kate: The New Diana (Bravo! 9 p.m.; April 28, 10 p.m.).

Friday, April 29

The big day is marked by marathons to end all marathons, starting with live coverage from London.

• CTV’s William and Kate: The Royal Wedding starts at 3 a.m., with hosts Lloyd Robertson and, from Buckingham Palace, Lisa LaFlamme, alongside royal biographer Christopher Warwick, royal expert Victoria Arbiter and comedian Tracey Ullman (simulcast on CP24, CTV News Network and atwww.TheRoyals.ca).

• Global’s Wills & Kate: The Royal Wedding starts at 4 a.m. with Global National’s Dawna Friesen and ET Canada’s Cheryl Hickey.

• Heather Hiscock kicks things off at 2 a.m. on CBC and CBC News Network. Peter Mansbridge will join two hours before the 6 a.m. wedding ceremony.

• BBC Canada and E! have live coverage as well, both beginning at 4 a.m.

• After the rice is thrown, Marilyn Denis hosts her own reception with Scott Thompson as QEII (CTV, 10 a.m.). LaFlamme and the rest of the royal wedding broadcast team are back with live hits from London, highlights and post-wedding updates (CTV, noon to 3 p.m.; 7 to 9 p.m.)

• E! dissects the day (and maybe some ill-advised hat choices?) in Will and Kate: Road to the Altar(9 p.m.) and Fashion Police: Royal Wedding (10 p.m.).

• For anyone who didn’t get up before the crack of dawn to watch Kate walk down the aisle, BBC Canada is re-airing the big event, starting at 10 a.m. William and Kate: The Movie and A Tale of Two Princesses follow (4 p.m. and 6 p.m.).

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Royal wedding fever is on countdown mode and if you’re like me you’ll be sipping tea and sharing a scone as the happy couple, Prince William & Catherine (Kate) Middleton, say ‘I Do’ this week! For those who want more than a memory in their PJ’s here are some of the best bets for a ‘royal affair’ in Toronto – celebrate in style!

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.

Where will you be celebrating?

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On Tuesday February 15th, ISES Toronto presented Celebrity Wedding Planner and author, Sasha Souza at Oliver & Bonacini’s Toronto Board of Trade. With 220 guests in attendance the event was SOLD OUT with some people traveling from as far as Niagara, Sudbury, Winnipeg Manitoba and Dartmouth Nova Scotia to hear Sasha speak.

Sasha Souza is well known in the events world for planning & designing stunning (and totally drool-worthy) events! Candidly, she openly shared her design secrets of how she develops and incorporates her clients personalities and tastes into their wedding… she observes and uses them as the springboard for her designs. Truly taking the time to get to know her clients on a personal level to ensure that the design is uniquely them.

In a personal highlight of the evening, Sasha also announced that she will be bringing her not-for-profit company “Wish Upon a Wedding” to Toronto and the rest of Canada. This organization provides weddings and vow renewals to couples facing terminal illness or other serious life-altering circumstances, regardless of sexual orientation. I’m already on board 1000%!!!

For more information on Sasha Souza or “Wish Upon a Wedding” please see her blog at http://sparkliatti.com/

With a gourmet 4-course meal from Oliver & Bonacini, the stunning venue of Toronto Board of Trade, gorgeous linens from Mickis and decor from Designing Trendz – Sasha Souza truly dazzled Toronto!

CREDITS:
Food and Venue – Oliver & Bonacini at the Toronto Board of Trade www.oliverbonacini.com
AV – AVW Telav  www.avwtelav.com
Accommodation – Fairmont Royal York Hotel  www.fairmont.com/royalyork
MC & Music – Michael Coombs of Prodigy Entertainment  www.prodigyentertainment.ca
Linens – Micki’s  www.mickis.ca
Decor – Designing Trendz  www.designingtrendz.com

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I adore everything about white Toronto! From their fashion-forward approach to wedding style to making sure your maids are chic and sophisticated you can’t help but have your breathe taken away upon entering their fab yorkville studio! For all you brides & maids seeking a girl-friendly fun & fabulous day out – white Toronto.

For more information: www.whitetoronto.com

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Last weekend marked the 10th anniversary of The Wedding Co Show in Toronto and boy was it spectacular. Vendors truly showed off their very best in display booths that were inspired!

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Image Courtesy: A Simple Photograph

Interested in booking a Toronto park for your wedding ceremony or photograph session? Here’s the essential information you should know!

TORONTO PARKS CEREMONY LOCATIONS AND FEES:

Location Address Maximum Occupancy Hours Available Fee
Edwards Gardens Southwest corner of Leslie Street and Lawrence Avenue East 100 people 10am, 12 noon, 2pm & 4pm $118.56 (plus tax) per 1.5 hours
Guild Inn Gardens South side of Guildwood Parkway between Morningside Avenue and Kingston Rd. 100 people 10am & 12 noon on weekends only $118.56 (plus tax) per 1.5 hours
Millennium Gardens Lakeshore and Coxwell Avenue, accross from the old Woodbine Racetrack 100 people Call for availability $118.56 (plus tax) per 1.5 hours
Music Garden 475 Queen’s Quay West 20 people Call for availability $96.14 (plus tax) per hour
Rosetta McClain Gardens South side of Kingston Rd, east of Birchmount Rd. 100 people 10am, 12 noon, 2pm & 4pm $118.56 (plus tax) per 1.5 hours
St. James Gardens South Side of King Street East, east of Church St. 40 people Call for availability $96.14 (plus tax) per hour
Sunnyside Pavillion 1755 Lakeshore Blvd. West at Parklawn 40 people 10am to 4pm $192.28 (plus tax) per hour
Allan Gardens Conservatory Carlton Street between Jarvis and Sherbourne Street 40 people 10am to 5pm $96.14 (plus tax) per hour (booked on the hour)
Centennial Park Conservatory West off Renforth Road, just north of Rathburn Avenue 40 people 10am to 5pm $237.12 (plus tax) per hour (booked on the hour)
Humber Bay East 100 Humber Bay Park 100 people 10am, 12 noon, 2pm & 4pm $118.56 (plus tax) per 1.5 hours
Toronto Islands The Toronto Islands 100 people Call for availability $118.56 (plus tax) per 1.5 hours
Kew Gardens 2075 Queen Street E 50 people Call for availability $237.12 (plus tax) per 1.5 hours
Ashbridge’s Bay Lakeshore Blvd & Coxwell 100 people Call for availability $237.12 (plus tax) per 1.5 hours

TORONTO PARKS PHOTOGRAPHY PERMITS AND FEES

Location Address Maximum Occupancy Fee
Alexander Muir Gardens East side of Yonge Street, just south of Lawrence Avenue 30 people $48.07 (plus tax) per hour
Edwards Gardens Southwest corner of Leslie Street and Lawrence Avenue East 30 people $133.12 (plus tax) per 2 hour booking (min booking 2 hr)
Guild Inn Gardens South side of Guildwood Parkway between Morningside Avenue and Kingston Rd. 30 people $133.12 (plus tax) per 2 hour booking (min booking 2 hr)
Millennium Gardens Lakeshore and Coxwell Avenue, accross from the old Woodbine Racetrack 30 people $48.07 (plus tax) per hour
Music Garden 475 Queen’s Quay West 10 people $48.07 (plus tax) per hour
Rosetta McClain Gardens South side of Kingston Rd, east of Birchmount Rd. 30 people $133.12 (plus tax) per 2 hour booking (min booking 2 hr)
St. James Gardens South Side of King Street East, east of Church St. 30 people $48.07 (plus tax) per hour
Sunnyside Pavillion 1755 Lakeshore Blvd. West at Parklawn 20 people $48.07 (plus tax) per hour
Allan Gardens Conservatory Carlton Street between Jarvis and Sherbourne Street 20 people $48.07 (plus tax) per hour (booked on the hour)
Centennial Park Conservatory West off Renforth Road, just north of Rathburn Avenue 20 people $118.56 (plus tax) per hour (booked on the hour)
Toronto Island Park On the Toronto Islands 30 people $133.12 (plus tax) per hour
James Gardens 61 Edgehill Road, Etobicoke 30 people $133.12 (plus tax) per 2 hour booking (min booking 2 hr)
North York Rose Gardens Yonge St. & Parklawn, North York 30 people $48.07 (plus tax) per hour

For booking call 416.392.8111 and press 1, Monday to Friday from 8:30am-4pm.
Payment is accepted via VISA, Mastercard or American Express over the phone.
You can also book your permit and pay cash or certified cheque in person by visiting your
local permit office.

Happy Planning,
Crystal

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