If you’re already living an eco-conscious lifestyle at home then it’s no surprise that you want your wedding to be a reflection of that. Luckily, there’s a movement towards helping new brides and grooms find the support and alternative items they need. With lots of wedding shows showcasing green vendors and new ideas on the internet everyday you will be in a great place to start planning a truly green celebration.

Being green keeps couples in check as far as not overspending and not overdoing it. The key is to follow the principles of the three Rs—reduce, reuse, recycle—and apply that to every aspect of your wedding.  It’ll be worth it. After all, you’re going to spend money on your wedding anyways, Why not spend it on sustainability?

Wedding Dress

Though this should be one of the easiest ways to be green many green brides find it’s often the hardest. Many women have a very specific idea of what they want to look like on the day of the wedding and who could blame them? Looking your best means finding the most fabulous dress in your own unique style, Wether  it is white, cream, peach, blue, long, short, modest— each bride has their own taste, own body type and own eco-style to shop for. There are a number of options out there for finding an eco-wedding gown: local and handmade, used or vintage, renting. You could even find online wedding gown designers who work with sustainable fabrics, like hemp, peace silk, organic cotton, bamboo, and vintage fabrics.

Engagement

Go for recycled gold, which is not fresh-mined. It may take a little bit of searching but there are companies out there that work exclusively with recycled gold. If you are looking for something a little more sentimental there are ways… Collect old rings from family and friends, and have them melted down into one, incredibly meaningful piece of jewelry. Or ask your grandmother, or mother if they have a vintage ring you can use as your own. And lastly when purchasing a diamond, always ensure it’s mined without conflict. All Canadian-mined diamonds are conflict-free!

Invitations

Luckily, there’s an entire market of recycled invitations out there. And, for all your stationery needs beyond invites and thank you cards, you could create a personalized wedding website. A simple website with a personal URL can be set up for less than $100 for the year and everything from RSVPs to directions can be posted there.

Reception

Transportation has a huge impact and leaves a huge carbon footprint. Try to bring the wedding to your guests. Reduce travel by holding your wedding in a city or venue that’s easily accessible for the majority of your guest list.

Ceremony

Want to cut down on the cost of flowers? You could hold your wedding at a botanical garden or outdoor park and let the venue’s natural backdrop act as your decor. You also have the option of growing your own natural flowers for your wedding, this gives a personal touch to every flower with a natural glow.

Remember there is a way to make evey last detail perfect for you in your wedding including blending it in with your environment for a perfectly harmonized and eco-friendly wedding you will never forget!

links: ashleysbrideguide,  greenlivingonline, inhabitat, stylemepretty, weddingbellsblog, everafterknoxville, weddingchicksideas

 A watercolor wedding has the perfect inspiration fit for any artistic or bold bride looking to add a wash of color to their big day! Not only can this type of wedding truly bring out the personality of the soon to be newlyweds but it also brings a cheerful and bright mood to any wedding. There is nothing more refreshing than creative brides, it is a breath of fresh air and it’s wonderful to know they are really thinking outside the box. A watercolor wedding is sure to be a favored experience and memory among all people that attend.

Some great ways to add the watercolor effect to a wedding is picking some main bold colors and not being scared to work with them thought the whole wedding…

Here is a mood board based around a painting by Pol Ledent from Belgium is a great way to show bold is better. The colors are fun and vibrant using a purple and yellow color combo, hugely popular on the color wheel! This is a modern wedding design, throwing out any convention and could be turned into quite a retro, quirky day if there was a brave bride to pull it off!

Not so bold but love the idea? Simple colors like peach and yellow are light and pleasing to the eye but can pull of a dramatic look. Remember it’s the little things that really bring the whole look together. Anything like name tags or number cards for your tables are great examples of this don’t be scared or forget to give them a splash a color to bring the whole look together. Have fun and be creative, some brides have used cut napkins out of sari fabric and painters’ drop clothes as tablecloths for a colorful new look.

A great way to make the tablescapes to feel wild and blowsy, is with flowers like succulents, pomegranates, baby apples, and acacia branches…  these are colorful and fun, sure to be an eye catcher.

Watercolor is a beautiful way to bring out the true you at any wedding and is highly recommended for a fresh, glowing wedding that will surely bring out the best in everyone!      

Sources; oncewed,  frolic-blog, uschiandkay, theweddingdecorator

This trendy over the top fun experience is crazy and with the right photographer that’s not scared to get a little dirty it’s something you will never, ever forget! The photos created from doing such a thing are absolutely stunning, they may be a bit edgier, but I find they add a lot of honestly, personality and natural beauty to the pictures… much nicer than bridal parties placed in rows for a group picture. These photos are romance revived!

Now some brides go to ultimate extremes when it comes to creating a memorable wedding album… the hot not-so-new trend of “trash the dress photography” – yes, that is actually it’s official name involves brides being shot destroying their dresses with really whatever they can get their hands on!

From down to earth..

Completely over the top..

And everything inbetween..

The result is a fierce artistic expression, some reminiscent of a fantasy or fairytale scene… very, very cool if you can cope with destroying a beautiful piece of clothing. You can find a personal, fun and 100% unforgettable way to trash that dress and get the wedding photos every couple dreams of getting their hands on!

sources:bridalboudoiraffair,micahbowerbank,arendezvouswithstyle

You will often hear from wedding photographers, or couples who’ve already tied the knot that at the end of the day, all you really have left is the memories and the photographs!!

We work with some amazing photographers who we’ve mentioned so many times in our blog posts and are so thankful for their attention to detail to capture and relive all the elements of the day, the moments, the sights, the design elements.  Great wedding photographers are such a key part of your big day!

I thought this post from the Austin Wedding Blog was loaded with some great advice for couples as they choose a photographer and some suggestions on how to plan your day with great photos in mind!

Advice: How To Take Great Wedding Photos

The timing of the wedding is essential. In the end, what makes a great photograph is great light. And you can either artificially make light, or you can use the sun to paint a lovely soft glow on you. As a natural light photographer, I definitely prefer the sun. If you can choose the time for your outdoor ceremony, go for 1-2 hours before sunset. If you’ve an indoor ceremony, have it earlier, so that the family formals and bride/groom portraits can happen an hour before sunset. Texas has a 2 hour window of “golden hour”, when the sun is the most flattering for outdoor pictures, and that’s the two hours before sunset.
Here’s a website where you can find sunset times: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/astronomy.html?n=24

Some brides like dress shots. You may want to consider getting a nice hanger to display it, instead of the wire hanger or cardboard body form it comes with.

If you’ve family members who are photographers, consider asking them to be aware of the professional photographer’s line of sight. For example, a lot of churches restrict the professional photographers from using flash, or being too close to the altar. However, family members and guests are generally not told this rule. So when guests jump in the middle of the aisle with their camera trying to photograph you, they’re blocking the photographer’s line of sight. And for something like the first kiss that can only last for a few seconds, the photographer might not have enough time to scramble to a new vantage point. So now the only photograph of the first kiss you have was taken by a guest with his point and shoot, and he forgot where he downloaded it to.

Kiss longer during the first kiss!

Before hiring a photographer, study their work carefully. That’s the style your wedding photographs will come out in. I favor a natural, unposed, photo-journalistic style, and the photographs I deliver will be different from someone who does more traditional wedding photography. Don’t hire a photographer and ask them to change their style. Because even if they did, it wouldn’t be to your liking. Always ask to see the proofs from a full wedding. So you’re not seeing just the best work they have on their website, but all the pictures that are taken throughout a single wedding day.

For the large groups of family photographs, list out all the family groupings you want. Provide this list to the photographer and a contact person that knows who to hunt down and when.

Have fun, and relax. I know, everyone keeps telling you this. But do it for the sake of the photographs. It’s hard to photoshop out a frown.

 Great advice. Thank you Nadine!

Source; Austin Wedding Blog,  Nadine Photography

My favourite flower girl memory is during an outdoor wedding ceremony we designed.  The two flower-girls (sisters) aged 3 and 5 had the couples dog on a lease between them.  The dog took off with the flower girls squealing with laughter and running behind.  After a few laps around the ceremony aisle they stopped to play in the grass forgetting their duties entirely.  They had adorable matching smocks over white dresses.  They proceeded to take off their smocks loudly discussing there dislike of them.  The laughter was unforgettable.

I think part of the fun of having a flower girl is the incredibly cute dresses Brides get to dress them in.  If you are a Bride that likes everything to go as planned you may want to think twice about these adorable yet unpredictable attendants.  I have compiled some adorable dress ideas.  Stay tuned next week as we blog about purchasing flower girl dresses.

Source; 1, 3; F.Y Wedding Ideas, 2; Photography: Jesse & Whit of Our Labor of Love,

Included with the cost of admission ($25 in advance, $35 at the door):


1 – MEET Toronto’s most talented, elite wedding professionals from all facets of the industry including florists, cake designers, stationery artisans, decorators, fashion consultants and boutiques, jewelry and accessory designers, milliners, photographers, cinematographers, entertainers, hair and makeup artists, rental companies and more!

2 – EXPERIENCE the magazine pages come to life as we showcase several of our favourite things from past and current issues throughout the show.

3 – RECEIVE a complimentary WedLuxe tote bag and a copy of our current issue of WedLuxe magazine! At the WedLuxe booth, you can also thumb-through copies of five years worth of WedLuxe magazine! Eye-candy redefined! 


4 – BE INSPIRED BY incredible floral and decor ideas presented on stunning real-life tablescapes throughout the hotel ballrooms and foyers.

5 – LUXURIATE in the four key areas of the show we have planned that take our event from special to spectacular: The WedLuxe Beauty Boutique, the haute couture Gown Galleria, “Love, In Spades” Kate Spade Inspired Tea Room and “The Sterling” Mad Men Inspired Groom’s Lounge.
“THE WEDLUXE BEAUTY BOUTIQUE” (Spa lounge and Swag Bag Area)

Every girl likes to shop, but your favourite past time becomes that much sweeter when there are no price tags to slow down the fun! That’s right, with the purchase of a ticket to the show, all ladies will enjoy COMPLIMENTARY SHOPPING at the WedLuxe Gifting Bar where you can select your own personal swag bag items from the following incredible companies;

MoroccanOil
Vera Wang Lovestruck Perfume
Balenciaga Perfume
Cargo Cosmetics
Mac Cosmetics
OPI nail polish
Jurlique Body Products
Biore
Jergens
Soakwash Fine Garment Care
Bobbette and Belle
Cake Museum
Cake Opera
Cakes by Konstadin
Patricia’s Cakes
Truffle
Cre8ive Invitations
Laura K Design
Hip Ink!
Small Impressions
Palettera

Also enjoy Gift Certificates from:
Calvin Klein
Emici Designs
Cashmere Boutique
Le Gartier
Rob James Music

For maximum pampering, The WedLuxe Beauty Boutique will also feature a selection of complimentary mini-spa treatments! You can choose to ENJOY a complimentary mini-manicure or skin consultation compliments of the spa at the Ritz-Carlton Toronto at one of six beauty stations within the Beauty Boutique. Or, REFRESH yourself with a complimentary mini-makeover at one of five tables represented by the staff from the Jackie Gideon Beauty Bar.

With all that shopping and pampering, we know you’ll need a refreshment or two. Here, in the WedLuxe Beauty Boutique we invite you to SAVOR a delightful menu of refreshing spa-inspired appetizers and refreshments… all compliments of your hosts WedLuxe Magazine and The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto.




“THE STERLING” (Mad Men-Inspired Groom’s Lounge)

Not only have we created the hottest ticket in town for all of you engaged ladies, but we have considered him too! (We want you to stay all day, after all!) *Wink, wink!* 

With that said, all gentlemen who attend the show are invited to join you throughout the show (of course!) or unwind when they wish in the super-cool (and relaxing) Mad Men Inspired Groom’s Lounge which we’ve aptly named “The Sterling.” High modernism meets high definition in this swanky, guys-only area of the show complete with some widescreen television sets, complimentary snacks and cocktails.
“LOVE, IN SPADES” (Kate Spade-Inspired Tea Room)

The WedLuxe staff are smitten kittens when it comes to one of our all-time favourite brands: Kate Spade. So much so, that we thought it would be fun to marry the girly tradition of high tea with our love for this colourful, graphic and design-inspired brand. So, we’re rolling out the black and white stripes and polka-dots (and a dash of gold glitter thrown in for good measure) with this cute-as-a-button area of the show we’re calling “Love, In Spades.” Inside this area of the show, you can refresh and recharge with a spot of tea (compliments of our sponsor Tee-Lish) while you snack on savory and sweet indulgences prepared by the Head Chef at the Ritz-Carlton. Does it get any better than THIS at a wedding show?
THE COUTURE GOWN GALLERY

A collection of the most beautiful wedding gowns in Canada will be on display at the show. Take a leisurely stroll through the couture gown gallery along the fourth floor foyer of the Ritz-Carlton Toronto while you enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres and refreshing libations.
ENTER TO WIN!

Part of the fun of any wedding show is entering contests to win great prizes! We have some pretty fun giveaways at the show including products from:

Bath and Body Works
Elva Fields
Nancy Ciconne
Jurlique
The Cashmere Boutique
Custom Wedding Bands by Linda Penwarden
Bridal Accessories Pack From Enchanted Atelier
Custom WedLuxe Necklace by Tara Fava
Couture Hair Fascinator by Blair Nadeau
Blush bouquet and fascinator from Emici Bridal
Luxe City Guides Gift Set
Pearl Bridal House
LoLo Jewellery
Body Shop
Two night stay in a any small luxury hotel worldwide with a $100 resort credit from i LUXE travel

Source; WedLuxe Blog

Attractive Bridal Hair and Makeup 

Equally important, is knowing the expectations of the bride. The makeup artist should note that the bride will want to feel comfortable, not confined by her bridalhair and makeup. Being comfortable may also mean keeping the makeup simple, not vibrant. This may not be the day to experiment with a new style. The bride does not want to feel self-conscious of her new look. She will want everyone to notice her beauty today and for years that follow in photographs.

Hair Extensions

Hair extensions are the most popular Bridal Hair Jewellery among women. This helps you to experiment with different hair color, without actually coloring your hair, and try different hairstyles, without getting a haircut! If you sport a short hairstyle, use hair extensions to make your hair look long.

Hair Pins

Hair pins are very handy to hold your hair in place. Hair pins are available in different colors, shapes and sizes, so you can match them with your outfit and wear them. Hair pins can be dotted with colored stones, made of plastic or decorative wires. If you have nice hair bangs, secure you hair partially with hair pins so that your bangs get highlighted.

Hair Stick

If you have long hair, with decorative hair sticks you can create your own style. Beautiful hair sticks are available in bright colors, studded with pearls, and fine water stones. Weave your cascade in a soft bun and secure it with a nice decorative hair stick for a smart and elegant look.

Today’s bridal makeup and hair is soft and subtle. The effect is, less harsh. Hair can be worn down, flowing with loose curls and waves. The updo that once dominated the bridal hair scene has a much softer look as well. Today’s updo style is not sprayed, pinned, and tucked to hide every loose hair. The look is pinned and tousled, leaving it soft and stylish. The bridal hair is romantic.

Classical Bridal Hair and Makeup

Bridal makeup trends are soft and romantic to complement the hair and latest trends in bridal gowns and bridal hair. No longer do the lips have to be lined heavily and matte foundation with loose powder applied. While this is traditional, today’s bridal makeup is more radiant and natural. Today’s brides want to glow with elegance. There are some bridal hairs and makeup rules and tips that the makeup artist can follow to ensure the wedding day will be a beautiful success.

Edgy, soft, elegant, modern, romantic, trendy there is a hair style to suit all personalities.  Do you have any ideas to share??

Source;   Free Latest Fahsion

Fruit parfait – If a heavier sit-down dinner was served earlier in the night, the last thing guests will want is a rich, decadent dessert. Instead, offer a sweet treat like these colorful parfaits, which are just as easy on the eyes as they are to eat.

Chocolate Mousse shots – A chocolate bar dipped in a whipped mousse and served in a shot glass.

Mini Sorbet Cones – When it comes to hard-to-eat foods, go miniature. Raspberry-flavored mini soret cones are so much easier to handle than the original version.

Cherry Cheescake – Nothing says summer quite like cherry cheesecake, and these bite-size treats are just the thing. Cheesecake cups displayed on a doily are the perfect complement to an intimate down-home reception.

Celebrate your childhood favorites with trays of popcorn balls in a variety of flavors (think: cheese, caramel, and cinnamon).

We love the idea of handing out take-out boxes (complete with your monogram!) for guests to fill up and take home. Package them ahead of time or let guests pick what they want from a dessert bar.

Donuts and Milk – Serving up shot-size drinks with bite-size snacks is so hot right now. This couple paired mini doughnuts with a shot of milk, but we’ve also seen it done with mini PB&Js, and even with small Oreos.

Fast Food – Have a guilty-pleasure food? This couple served up the groom’s choice — McDonald’s french fries — pick your favorite fast food spot.

Whipped Cream and Espresso – A bold espresso topped with whipped cream will get guests out of their food (or drink) coma and back out on the dance floor.

Minature Milkshakes – Leave your guests with a bit of nostalgia, by serving this childhood treat in a smaller version.

Source: The Knot

We were very excited when we heard that Oliver and Bonacini (O & B) assumed food operations at Windermere House.  Even more excited when they chose one of our beautiful weddings for their new marketing material.  Check out more stunning images of Jenn and Kirby’s wedding in our gallery.  Be sure to include this venue on your must visit list when planning a Muskoka wedding.

Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants operates a portfolio of unique, upscale restaurants and event spaces in Ontario, and is owned by entrepreneurs Peter Oliver and Michael Bonacini.  In addition to providing outstanding quality food and dining to the guests of Windermere House, Oliver & Bonacini intends to make the historic resort one of the most compelling and competitive conference and event destinations in the province.

In recent years, O&B has aggressively expanded its portfolio of event and catering facilities, which now includes TIFF Bell Lightbox, the Toronto Board of Trade and the Westin Trillium House, Blue Mountain.  Now O&B can also provide stylish, upscale weddings and full service corporate retreats on the shores of one of the most prestigious lakes in cottage country.

About Windermere House

Windermere House, the iconic Victorian-style resort located on the shores of prestigious Lake Rosseau in Muskoka, is owned by Paul Jeffery, Founder and Past Chairman of Kelsey’s International Inc. The resort underwent a stunning transformation in 2007.  In 2009, The Cottages at Windermere House were introduced – Lake Rosseau’s only luxury fractional ownership cottages.

Windermere House has enjoyed a reputation of refinement and tradition since it first started welcoming guests in 1870.  The former structure was destroyed by fire in 1996 during filming of the Hollywood movie The Long Kiss Goodnight.   The resort was reopened in 1997 after being rebuilt to the original design. In 2007, it was purchased by Paul Jeffery, under whose direction Windermere House was extensively renovated, restoring it to its former Victorian grandeur and introducing many modern conveniences.

What can Windermere House guests expect to find on the menu?  “We’ve only just begun our creative work,” says Chef Michael Bonacini, partner, Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants.  “Our team is very excited about the notion of creating some really unique cottage country cuisine.  We’re foreseeing lots of great Canadian comfort food to satisfy all those big, fresh air appetites, but we also want to showcase Oliver & Bonacini’s chef-driven style.  The food and wine at Windermere House weddings will be absolutely exceptional!”

About Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants

Oliver & Bonacini is recognized as one of Canada’s leading fine dining restaurant and event management companies. Operations include à la carte dining, quick service, catering, group dining and special events.

Unique concept restaurants include Canoe, Jump, Auberge du Pommier, Biff’s Bistro, Luma, and O&B Canteen.  The company also operates a midrange casual dining concept, Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill, with locations in Toronto, Blue Mountain, Oakville and Waterloo.  Oliver & Bonacini Events, the company’s private dining division, manages a number of large scale event facilities, including Malaparte at TIFF Bell Lightbox, City Ballroom at Toronto Board of Trade, and conference facilities at the Westin Trillium House in Blue Mountain.

Most recently, Oliver & Bonacini announced its partnership with The Bay and Compass Group Canada to manage all restaurants and foodservices at The Bay, focusing on The Bay Queen Street flagship store in Toronto and flagship stores across Canada.  Oliver & Bonacini will also renovate the historic Arcadian Court at the Queen Street location, with the addition of a modern conference center.

The stunning wrap around porch is perfect for cocktail receptions.

Source; 400eleven

 Suspended Wedding Centerpieces

Manzanita Branch Place Card Table

Image Source: Image 3,4  Weddings To A T 5, The Wedding Community Blog 6, With This Favor