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

Visit their gallery on our website here.

Enjoy their story!  Elizabeth Johnston, Creative Director

E

Their storey… 

Christy and Riley had known each other casually most of their lives. Their fathers went to high school together and later went on to become business partners. They grew up in separate cities and did not get the chance to know one another until after university. A dinner out with both families in Toronto is responsible for the re-introduction of the couple. After dinner they went for drinks at Senses in the Soho Metropolitan Hotel and the rest is history…they were destined life mates.

Christy planned her wedding as an extravagant four day affair her guests would never forget. The wedding was quite literally a fantasy come true. It started at the family cottage Estate in Muskoka with family and friends relaxing and dining for two days. A Thursday night rehearsal dinner took place in a lounge atmosphere on the dock waterside with dancing late into the night.

The tented ceremony was designed on a dock built out into the water creating the feeling of being on a secluded island. Guests were transported from the ceremony to the reception at Taboo Resort by the oldest operating steamship in North America, The Segwun. Everything from the weather down to the last detail in the wedding reception – glassware, lighting, music, food – was absolute perfection. The wedding was planned and designed by Elizabeth Johnston of eventdecorator.com.

The bride, a Toronto interior designer, admits to “having higher expectations than any planner or vendor would want!” She was blown away with the brilliance of how, Elizabeth was able to understand, interpret and deliver her vision flawlessly. “She literally transformed a plain conference room into the most lavish, romantic, tent-inspired space imaginable.”

“The specific highlights of our actual wedding day that are still topics of conversation are the stunning room draping, table settings including large arrangements on crystal candelabras, lighting, our custom dance floor and the chandeliers hanging over the dance floor. Our favourite element was the jaw-dropping/show-stopping bare set up. We cannot say how impressed we were with the incredible level of service and attention to detail provided by the staff at Taboo Resort. We felt like royalty.”

“It was an extraordinary kick-start to our married lives together, and we are eternally grateful to Elizabeth’s team and every single person who made our wedding happen. It was the wedding of our dreams, and it created memories that will forever be in the forefront of our lives.”

Since 1998 eventdecorator.com has produced hundreds of unique weddings tailed to the individual client. Their full service event planning-design team includes in-house floral design. They have won numerous industry awards and have been featured in magazines across the Globe.

With over ten years of experience in this region eventdecorator.com has inscribed events with their signature designs. We have built our reputation by nurturing personal relationships with exceptional venues and world renowned chefs. Known as “designer to Muskoka” our intimate knowledge of the area’s most amazing locations and services ensures an unforgettable Muskoka experience.

A Muskoka wedding is one that is never forgotten! You immediately feel the magic of the region; pink granite cliffs, towering pines and sparkling lakes. With its diversified culture, exceptional resorts and genuine friendly service, Muskoka is the perfect juxposition of urban and nature! Many clients have generations of family history in Muskoka or have been captivated by its unparalleled beauty.

Our passion for exceptional event planning and design in Muskoka has led us through wonderful relationships with clients all over the world. We have situated our studio between Muskoka and Toronto for easy client access.

Inspired by its natural beauty the possibilities to create a unique Muskoka wedding are endless.  Here are a few images from the beautiful Muskoka wedding of Kristie and Josh at Christie’s Mill.

A few words from our chilled couple:

We knew that we wanted the wedding to be up on Georgian Bay. We thought a lot about the atmosphere we wanted for our wedding. It was a bit tricky because we are both pretty relaxed individuals, we didn’t want anything too over the top, but we wanted the day to have a formal feel to it. We wanted to find a mix of formal elegance and relaxed outdoors, which originally seemed paradoxical. We wanted everyone to feel relaxed, have great food and wine and enjoy the company of everyone in a beautiful setting without feeling too overwhelmed, but at the same time without it being too minimalist or empty feeling. Thankfully we found Elizabeth at Eventdecorator.com who took all of our mixed ideas and created a perfect setting for us. We opted for greens/pinks/browns in terms of colours, and was amazed that there were so many different shades of green that all looked great together!

It was meant to be an outdoor ceremony and cocktail reception – and it rained all day (with maybe a 10 minute break around dinner). So unfortunately, the weather was not co-operative. Thankfully our professionals were there to seamlessly transition what was meant to be an outdoor celebration to an indoor one. Our photographers surprised us by coming early so that they could develop a new plan of attack for the day (and a whole new style/theme of shooting than originally planned) – the images turned out beautifully.

As for decor, it was as if Elizabeth had brought the outdoors in … I had never seen so many florals before! They were breathtaking!

All of that said, we didn’t even notice that it rained all day – our wedding day was even better than we had hoped for.

Wedding Coordinator, Flowers and Design:  Elizabeth Johnston of eventdecorator.com, photography by Rowell Photography

Muskoka facts from National Geographic… In Eastern Canada, “cottage country” covers any lake destination within easy driving distance for a quick weekend getaway. Central Ontario’s Muskoka district is close to Toronto—about two hours north via Highways 400 and 11—while still offering an unplugged pace that’s a world away from Canada’s largest city. The 2,500-square-mile natural playground includes 8,699 miles of shoreline; 17 historic towns and villages; and countless waterfalls and lakes bordered by the granite peaks of Algonquin Provincal Park to the east and the 30,000 islands of  Georgian Bay Islands National Park to the west. Spend the day paddleboarding on Muskoka Lake or exploring the Riverwalk and shops of Canada’s waterfall capital, Bracebridge.

Different dress, same fabric and colour
For the more traditional brides who want to spice up their bridal party while maintaining the classic uniform look, try having your ladies pick out the same dress (in material and colour) but in different cuts to suit their body type and personality. J.Crew has a fantastic online catalogue.  Offering many style and colour options in chiffon, silk-taffeta, or cotton allowing for the best of both worlds – matching bridesmaids with a splash of individuality.

Same dress, unlimited options
Convertible dresses are all the rage in bridal wear right now. Why wouldn’t they be with hundreds of unique ways to style them, every colour under the sun and varying lengths? These dresses are universally flattering and extremely comfortable. Not to mention can be worn again and again and look different every time. (Bachelorette party/rehearsal dinner/honeymoon outfit anyone? Don’t worry, our little secret.) Check out Twobirds Bridesmaids for their beautiful collection.  My personal favorite is the Rosette mini.

Mismatched dresses
This is by far my favorite bridesmaids style. Having different dresses for each of your bridesmaids is probably the most welcomed concept to women everywhere since the invention of the stiletto. Allow your ladies the freedom to find a dress they love.  One they feel reflects their style and comfort level (with bride approval of course!).   They’ll forever be in your good graces. Plus, they make such unique pictures.

Mismatched dresses in similar shades
If you like the modern idea of mismatched dresses but want to stick with a little tradition, try different dresses in the same colour or shade for more uniformity.

Rent the Runway
For all our American readers, Rent the Runway has just introduced Rent the Runway Weddings. If you haven’t yet heard of this fantastic site, prepare yourself for endless browsing. For a fraction of the cost, RTR allows you to rent designer dresses for a few days at a time. With the new wedding section, brides are able to pick the number of bridesmaids, the colour and length of dress. They are presented with different options to rent for the big day (added bonus: RTR sends you 2 size options free of charge just in case) Sadly, this amazing service is not yet available in Canada, so I am forever jealous until they do so.
NOTE: RTR is by membership only. There is about a 2-week wait to gain access to the site so sign up sooner rather than later!

Let us know where you found the perfect Bridesmaids dresses!

Nicole Gray, Design Assistant

Are you a guy who just became a Groom? Confused by tulle, lace, french silk, buttercream vs fondant, and a bevvy of other minute details you have no clue about? Here’s how to be the “perfect” Groom and make your Bride smile from engagement to wedding…

1. Wedding Talk
It happens (sometimes 24/7) so be prepared! At worst be sure to listen to your future wife as she discusses everything from bridesmaid dilemmas to placesettings, registry and showers. It’ll pay off in the end!

2.  You’ll Feel Like a Prisoner of the Wedding with a Million Questions.
Prepare for the firing squad! While “I Don’t Know” and “I Don’t Care” are not words most brides want to hear it’s likely you will feel beyond flustered at times so ASK for clarification but never shut down the conversation!

3. Battle Grounds for Planning
You are the in between… in between her and your family. Be prepared that this is not YOUR wedding but EVERYONE elses (ok so it is yours but trust me at times… it won’t feel like it!). It’s her job to deal with her family and your job to deal with yours. DO NOT cause conflict by forgetting this rule.

4. Gifts Are For Giving
The engagement ring was STUNNING but you’ve still got another gift to buy your lovely lady before the big day. Most couples exchange a gift the morning of the wedding or evening before and if you haven’t thought about it… she sure has! Go classic, elegant and JEWELRY if you want to impress.

5. Bachelor Party Etiquette
While it’s not OK to go on a week long bender and have your way with other ladies a civilized night out on the town (or even weekend away) with the boys is perfectly fine and acceptable. Think of it like Vegas tho… what happens there, stays there. Your bride to be doesn’t want the gory details and even if she asks… she doesn’t really want to know. Oh, and a big tip – no binge drinking or strippers night before the wedding. Your nerves are already on edge – no need to have half a bottle of scotch fighting you too.

6. Rehearsal Dinners YOUR Responsibility
While she’s got the wedding you and your family have some responsibility here too… rehearsal dinner is yours! Here’s some easy to follow tips: keep it small (bridal party, parents, spouses), set a budget and stick to it, it should be less formal than the wedding, and invitations should be given out (even if only in evite format).

7. Remember All The Reasons You Decided To Marry In The First Place
Date night, a mini-break vacation, or even just a cuddle on the couch (sans wedding talk) will keep you both sane. Remember to enjoy your planning and love one another… the wedding is a day, the marriage a lifetime.

Lee..This summer has been a tremendous experience for me…both professionally and personally.

I first met Elizabeth for my interview as Design Assistant for EventDecortor.com.  As I walked into the studio, it felt like I had walked into a trendy and stylish wedding magazine.  I thought to myself “I don’t know if I belong here!”  With my nerves and confidence made of chiffon I carried my way through what I thought was by far, the worst interview of my life!  Dry scratchy throat and watery eyes, I had to ask for water and Kleenex, who does that during an interview?  I kept telling myself, “Do the best that you can and get the heck out of here!”  Elizabeth was more than understanding and tried to make me feel as relaxed as she could.  Low and behold, a few anxiety filled days later I was offered the Design Assistant position!  With and overwhelming sense of pride, joy and disbelief  I accepted and thought “how lucky am I to be able to work for her!”  It has been a journey of learning, development and self discovery.

I feel that I have had an exceptional experience working here this summer.  Elizabeth has amazing talent, is a trend-setter and a style unique all to her own.  We as Design Assistants have had the opportunity to work along-side her, share in her visions and truly experience her passion for the work that she does.  We have all been treated as part of a real team and as individuals.  Individually we have been encouraged to try new things and step out of our boxes!  Each step of the way we have had that guidance and encouragement while teaching and allowing us to grow.  There is a real sense of pride and accomplishment knowing that you have a small part of something as enduring as a couple’s wedding day. 

As the hot summer days have faded and turned into a crisp and colourful autumn, I reflect back over the past few months and draw on my experiences. These are some of my most vivid memories…I have experienced some breath taking beauty, whether it is in the form of a beautiful Bride, her handsome Groom and the love that their share.  Amazing Decor and Floral arrangements that have created a stunning back drop for such a magical day.  Glowing sunrises and the mist that lifts from the still waters off the Muskoka Lakes.  Seeing the joy in people at 1 am and having “Sweet Caroline” stuck in my head for days….and all the heavy lifting and back breaking work has all been worth it….because when you drive home at 4 am you can’t help but think about the incredible memories created.  You laugh and form friendships with the people you work with.  Most of all I have discovered that I too have a real passion for this Industry!  I have had an incredible teacher and mentor! 

Would I do it all over again?  Absolutely!

Lee Hoffer, Design Assistant

I have learned many things this season but one thing I have learned that speaks volumes to me, especially now that I am engaged and embarking on my own planning expedition.  I want to challenge couples to do something different! Make your wedding something that reflects you as a couple and not what tradition dictates. The process from getting engaged to the wedding day has been set out by society and tradition for everyone to follow. I challenge you to make it your own. Reflect your style and personality in everything you do.  Don’t have a sit down dinner, eat your favourite snacks for late night and play with the décor to the limit!

I will keep you all posted on the progress of the Wedding Planner Getting Married.  It is interesting when you are in an industry and all of a sudden have to do something for yourself that you help people do every day.  My goal this coming season is uniqueness and I am going to have clients do one thing at their wedding that no one else has done.  Being different, it is a lot more fun than being the same!!!

XOXO Happy Planning,

Jessica Stevens, Wedding Coordinator

“The Reaction”

“Admittedly the “life of a wedding design intern” is tiring.  Sometimes, when you’ve unloaded crates upon crates of decor, dropped linen throughout the room, laid out tablecloths, tied the 150^th chair cover, placed the 195^th candle, made the 65^th napkin treatment – sometimes, you think to yourself. “This is a LOT of work for ONE day” (especially when you know you’re going to be back in the middle of the night to take it all down!).  And it is… it’s a lot of incredible, detailed and beautiful work – and it is just one day – but it’s YOUR day.  For that bride, it is THEIR day and it is so important that the room be just exactly what they dreamed and envisioned.

A few weekends ago I had the privilege of being in the room when the Bride walked in to see it for the first time.  Suddenly all the work was 100% worth it.  This particular Bride was about to get into a boat and head to a dock to walk down the aisle to be married – but first, she came for a “sneak peek” at the room – we were finishing last minutes touches and details, adding a peacock feather here, lighting a candle there – ensuring the room was indeed perfect.  In she came, through the fabric draping that divided her fabulous lounge from her dining room – and her jaw hit the floor.  Her eyes welled up, she loved it!  And in that moment I thought to myself: “THIS is why we do this” – for that one moment, that makes the early mornings and late nights make sense, that makes every little detail the most important detail.  In that moment I felt honoured that each and every one of our clients invites us to be a part of their special day, and honoured that we get to do all the tedious and detailed tasks that solicit that kind of reaction.

So thank you – to each and every one of our Brides – for inviting us into your day and allowing us to transform your dreams into realities, for allowing us as design assistants to learn and grow under the very capable direction of Elizabeth into professionals in the field we love!”

Rachel Kay, Design Assistant

Muskoka Memories,
Elizabeth Johnston, Creative Director

Shutterbug Photography did a stellar job of capturing the special moments of this day. I absolutely love the photos with the bridal party in their rain boots. Those Muskoka granite cliffs… One of my true loves.

Truly inspiring clients,
Elizabeth Johnston, Creative Director