From the category archives:

Weddings

From Sketch to Stunning | Valencienne | Jojo’s Sex In The City Style

in Beauty,Toronto Wedding Vendors,Weddings

This HAS to be my favourite gown of all time… seriously! Oh to do it all over again! You go, Jojo! I’m so delighted you found the dress of your dreams made by the talented Valencienne!

From Kim at Valencienne:
When Jojo came into Valencienne she had one inspirational person in mind, it was Carrie Bradshaw from Sex in the City; she had just come back from New York, after seeing all the latest trends around the city she knew she had to have something with pockets and a big buckled belt. Jojo was such a fun loving girl that we knew the dress had to be something fun and fashionable. Her dress was made of light silk taffeta with a big ballooned skirt that was shorter in the front and longer in the back, hidden in the gathers of the dress was perfectly placed pockets and the gown was finished with a custom taffeta covered leather belt unique to her dress. Those pockets ended up being the perfect picture accessories

The Inspiration/Sketch:

The Stunning:

Are you as gooey eyed and jealous as I am? *swooooooooon*

Crystal

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From Sketch to Stunning | Valencienne | Amy’s Multiple Inspirations

by Crystal · 0 comments

in Beauty,Toronto Wedding Vendors,Weddings

Oh the options in custom bridal gowns are ENDLESS so when bride Amy was inspired by multiple looks (including a bridesmaids dress) she went to Valencienne to have it all turned into this stunning gown.

From Kim at Valencienne:
Amy first found out about us after visiting our web site and learned about the custom bridal here at Valencienne; she had seen another gown that we created for a bridesmaid where the wedding took place in Tuscany, and wanted her own version of it as a bridal gown. Amy had always loved the idea of ruffles and lace, and we melded both together with a vintage tea-dyed border lace then pleated to create structural ruffles around the hem of the gown. She wanted something that could be described as modern couture, with simple clean lines… but with a twist. On her wedding day she was overjoyed with the response from all her family and friends, telling her it was so modern and unique and yet embodied her style perfectly.

The Inspiration/Sketch:

The Stunning:

Don’t you just adore the flirtiness of this gown?

Crystal

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From Sketch to Stunning | Valencienne | Marchella’s Glam Girl Gown

by Crystal · 0 comments

in Beauty,Toronto Wedding Vendors,Weddings

Never one to shy away from GLAM our very own Kim Ironmonger of Valencienne worked closely with bride Marchella to create a very Hollywood inspired look for her big day!

From Kim at Valencienne:
Marchella came to Valencienne with very definite ideas about her wedding gown, she came armed with lots of research and inspiration from magazine pictures and wanted a little bits from many different gowns. So together we came up with a design incorporating a mixture of all the bits and pieces that she loved on each gown, while keeping in mind her old Hollywood vintage theme and her venue the Eglinton Grand Theater – which embraces a very vintage Art-deco vibe. The final result was a huge skirt made out of silk peau du soie, she requested an unusual color of platinum silver, and the back was bustled and detailed with three vintage crystal brooches.

The Inspiration/Sketch:

The Stunning:

Are you a glam girl? Don’t you just adore the details on this gown?

Crystal

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From Sketch to Stunning | Valencienne | Nancy’s Form Meets Function Gown

by Crystal · 1 comment

in Beauty,Toronto Wedding Vendors,Weddings

Sometimes a bride seeks comfort over style… but why not have them both? Kim Ironmonger of Valencienne did just that with this luxury meets lifestyle wedding gown for her bride, Nancy.

From Kim at Valencienne:
Nancy came to Valencienne as a blank slate not having tried on any sort of bridal gowns, and only had one expectation; something that would be very comfortable to wear, with loose and light fabrics, which would be something very flowy that could catch the evening breezes as she was getting married on the beach. We decided to make it backless with the bodice blouson so it was very cool to wear, it had a slit up the side front which showed off the beautiful foot jewelry she wore while walking barefoot on the beach, the fabric was very light and silky charmeuse, with the back draped with crystal straps that was enhanced with a crystal brooch. Although Nancy did not have a clear vision of her dress, when she walked down the beach with her dress floating like the water lapping upon the beach, she knew it was the gown that embodied exactly what she was looking for.

The Inspiration/Sketch:

The Stunning:

So what does it for you – form or function in a wedding gown?

Crystal

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From Sketch to Stunning | Valencienne | Katherine’s Disney Fairytale

by Crystal · 0 comments

in Beauty,Toronto Wedding Vendors,Weddings

One word: DISNEY! Yes this very cute couple was full out engaged at Disney and the bride is a very spectacular Disney princess! LOVE IT!

From Kim at Valencienne:

Katherine and her fiancé got engaged at Walt Disney World, in the castle in the magic kingdom. There was no doubt that she wanted to be major Princess bride, the bigger the better. She wanted a mixture of Ivory and soft blush pink, she envisioned silk satin and organza, with embroidery, beadwork, flowers, ribbons… what fun we had putting together all those elements. The wedding was held in Epcot Center at Disney; the gown as Katherine had described it was perfection, it had everything she had asked for. The design was exactly the Princess Dress for Katherine and suited the venue to a tee. It was our pleasure to be part of this real life princess-for-a-day wedding.

The Inspiration/Sketch:

The Stunning:

What do you think of Valencienne’s very own Disney princess?

Crystal

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Real Wedding | Lisa & Justin | Elementz of Foto

by Crystal · 1 comment

in Photographer,Real Weddings,Toronto Wedding Vendors,Weddings

When Toronto Wedding Industry Professionals get married you know it’s going to be a wonderful and personal event. A perfect example of this is from Toronto Wedding Photographer, Judy Cormier of Elementz of Foto who beautifully captured Toronto Photographer Lisa Mark and Justin Hines September 3, 2010 wedding at Edgewater Manor in Stoney Creek.

The day may have started out rainy, but just as Lisa was about to walk down the aisle, the sun came out and the rest of the day was beautiful. They enjoyed a first dance outside on the rotunda where they were married, surrounded by their best friends and family.

Credits:
Photography – Elementz of Fotographie (http://www.elementzoffoto.com)
Florist – Jenny Hong – Floret (http://www.floret.ca)
Décor – Vivian’s Decor (http://www.vdecordesigns.com)
Officiant – Janine Heaven – All Seasons Weddings
Dress Shop – Lambel by La Sposa
Groom’s Tuxedo – Moore’s
Bridesmaid Dresses – Alfred Sung
DJ / Band – Lisa Ng from Hello DJ! (http://www.hellodj.ca)
Cake – Lori Hutchinson – The Caketress (http://www.thecaketress.ca)

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From Sketch to Stunning | Valencienne Bridal

by Crystal · 0 comments

in Beauty,Real Weddings,Toronto Wedding Vendors,Weddings

In a new feature over the next few weeks I’ll be sharing Kim Ironmonger of Valencienne Bridal’s AMAZING couture gown designs. After speaking in depth with Kim I love how she works so closely with her brides to build a vision, creates an inspiration board, draws a sketch and then turns all of that into a major WOW Factor gown! The process is as interesting as the final designs!

So first up let’s start with bride, Ashley Jamison!

From Kim:
Ashley came to Valencienne with a very specific idea for her gown; she wanted to show off her curves and have it modern with lots of bling. Our inspiration board reflected the original idea, but then there was a change of mind on the brides part, she wanted to incorporate her mom’s wishes to have a more traditional gown however still keeping it sexy. We continued on the original route with the form fitting silhouette and redesigned the fabrication from shimmery Swarovski crystals to delicate French guipure lace entirely beaded with pearls.

The Inspiration/Sketch:

The Stunning:

Have you ever considered having your wedding gown custom designed? What would be your dream gown?

Crystal

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From Sketch to Stunning | Valencienne | Maria’s Bling

by Crystal · 0 comments

in Beauty,Toronto Wedding Vendors,Weddings

If you’re in search of a bling bridal gown for your big day look no further than this super sweet and elegant gown designed by Kim Ironmonger of Valencienne. It’s got more bling than most bride’s can handle!

From Kim at Valencienne:
Maria’s mantra was bling, bling and more bling. She came into Valencienne with extravagant Valentino crystal D’orsay shoes explaining that Swarovski crystal was going to be an integral part of the wedding, as it is in all her accessories. Her flowers were accentuated with crystals and a crystallized monogram; bling was in the décor and on her invitations; so needless to say the dress had to enhance all of the sparkle with an air of extreme elegance and beauty without it being gaudy. We started with silk peau du soie enhanced with French corded Alencion lace and then beaded it with micro seed beads, crystals Jewels, fresh water pearls, and on top of that more Swarovski crystal in all sizes and shapes …Thousands upon thousands, it truly was breathtaking.

The Inspiration/Sketch:

The Stunning:

Is your fantasy ‘more bling the better’?

Crystal

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A Wedding Gown Fit For a Princess | Royal Dress Inspiration | Valencienne Couture Bridal

by Crystal · 0 comments

in Beauty,Real Weddings,Style Shoots,Weddings

When we talk about being inspired by the Royal Wedding of Kate Middleton to Prince William nobody gets it better than Toronto’s own Queen of Bridal, Kim Ironmonger of Valencienne! She recently, like us all, has been inspired by this commoner-turned princess Kate Middleton, who is fashionable, fresh and no doubt a soon to be favourite of the Royal family. Kim who’s gowns have been worn all over the world by stylish brides seeking couture glamour couldn’t help but create her very own wedding gown for Kate…

From Kim of Valencienne:

The happy couple – Kate Middleton and Prince William are surely looking forward to their magical day.

The Kate Middleton inspired wedding gown by Valencienne, “Where did the concept for this gown come from?” Simple it’s the same as designing for our very own Toronto brides. We look at the client, how they dress, what’s their personal style and take into consideration there body shape and appearance. Then we take into consideration where the wedding event will take place, what time of day is the event and just how formal or not the wedding is. We also ask if there are special considerations about the day that our brides would like to integrate into their dream wedding gown. Designing a bridal gown has to take all these things into account.

Kate Middleton is long and lean; her style is classic, elegant, demure and regal. The gown has to be couture in every sense of the word but must also keep with tradition and be quite conservative. Her wedding is extremely formal as she will marry her Prince in Westminster Abbey.

She will then be hosted by the Queen for a Luncheon for 600 people which will be formal however it is midday so I felt she should maintain wearing the Jacket but the over skirt be removed for more comfort while eating.

The evening event, which will be hosted by Prince Charles, will also be formal however this is at night so Kate will remove the long skirt and wear the shorter skirt for evening. She will also remove the Jacket to expose the magnificent encrusted bustier and put the extravagant bow on the side. Quite a bit later there is a late evening soiree planned for only 100 people it’s the final event for the younger guests, it’s party time …The short skirt becomes even shorter. Kate will turn the skirt to reveal her great legs and she then has a great cocktail party gown for dancing.

Girls – that is how custom design can benefit you. Your gown can be made to suit every aspect of your personality and compliment your wedding day beautifully. The idea of custom making a wedding gown is really a special experience and makes your gown so much more personal and unique.

To see a fabulous video clip of the dress featured on eTalk here (http://watch.ctv.ca/etalk/this-week/etalk—tuesday-april-5-2011/#clip445188) and you can look for the dress about three quarters of the way through the clip!

Cheers,
Kim Ironmonger of Valencienne

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PJ Worthy & Royal Crown Wearing – Television Options for a Royally Big Day

by Crystal · 0 comments

in Engagements,TWS Talk,Weddings

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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