Thursday 27 September 2012

Blog-iversary

Today marks the one year anniversary of With This Bling! There have been many wonderful reasons to celebrate this past year, including our own trips down the aisle, and of course the discovery of our passion and love for the wedding industry. A big thanks goes out to our friends, families and fans for all of their support and inspiration.



Until Next Time,

A & S

Friday 14 September 2012

Real Wedding: Alana and Joni

This week marked a big first for me. I planned my first wedding (other than my own). And if I do say so myself, I think it went perfectly! Alana and Joni are an amazing couple and were such a joy to work with.

The wedding was held in a friends' backyard and it was the perfect backdrop for their romantic and intimate ceremony and dinner.


When guests entered they were greeted by many lovely little details. We had a birdcage, to hold all of the cards, a collage of the happy couple, flowers and lanterns. There was also an area for guests to write notes to the newlyweds and hang them with clothespins. The notes had different phrases on them for guests to write on, including "I knew Alana and Joni would be married when...", "In 50 years...", "You two are perfect together because..." and more.


Hor d'oevres and cocktails were served while guests arrived. A delectable cheese tray was on display and enjoyed by all, along with breads, crackers, veggies and an assortment of dips.


The ceremony started with a heartfelt speech from Alana's dad and then the two were married surrounded by a close gathering of their friends and family.  The love between them was so evident to everyone and it was an emotional and memorable ceremony.


Champagne was passed to everyone to share in a toast to the very happy and now married couple. Stir sticks were in each glass which read 'Alana and Joni' on one side and either 'Cheers!' or 'Salud!' on the other.


And then came some fun....


Dinner was catered by Barque Smokehouse and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. On the menu was caesar salad, cajun corn, potato salad, smoked chicken, smoked beef brisket and fresh buns.


The flowers were provided by Alison at Coriander Girl and were kept simple with white and green arrangements. The flowers were displayed in a variety of the bride's vintage mason jars and milk glass vases. Among the flowers we added mason jars filled with sand and candles and wrapped with raffia. As an extra personal touch we created fun facts about the couple and had them dispersed among the tables.


After some emotional and truly thoughtful speeches and toasts, the sweet table was opened. For the backdrop, I picked up a spare piece of wood lying on the side of the road and dressed it up with a DIY tissue paper garland.  An assortment of candy was served and adorned by birdcages and lanterns filled with candles. Later in the night, cookies and popcorn were added to the table (but I don't have any pictures).


For favors, Joni and Alana wanted to share a piece of their homes with their guests.  We made paper bag favors with 'thanks' and 'gracias' printed on them and used a Martha Stewart stencil cutter to scallop the edges. Inside guests were given a mini bottle of dulce de leche from Argentina and a mini bottle of Canadian maple syrup. The bride and groom also included personalized thank you cards inside each bag.


All photos were taken by Ted Chai.

It was an amazing evening and I was so pleased to be a part of it.

Congratulations again to Alana and Joni!

Yours Truly,

A

Thursday 13 September 2012

Seat Yourself

We, at WTB, are still totally smitten with seating charts. We love the practicality and the opportunity to add a little flair to your event. The options are endless for unique seating charts and escort cards but we think they are details that should not be overlooked.  We have compiled some of our faves to share. Check them out!

Vintage floral seating chart - found on SMP
"Where Am I Sitting?" - found on SMP
Stunning chalkboard seating chart - found on SMP
A world map used as the seating chart - found on Ruffled Blog
Hanging mirror seating chart - found on SMP
"The Best is Yet To Come" - Love it! Found on Pinterest
Window Pane Seating Chart - found on Wedding Chicks

When you're in the hot seat, these charts will score you come major points.

Until Next Time,

A & S

Wednesday 12 September 2012

Sneak Peak: Alana and Joni

"Te quiero y solamente usted." - Laura Ramirez

I had the honour and  privilege of working with Alana and Joni to plan their backyard wedding.  The happy couple decided to get married on July 31st and 42 days later it all came together seamlessly. Alana and Joni tied the knot surrounded by family and friends from around the world. Alana is Canadian and Joni is Argentinian, but the couple speak the same language: love.

Below is a sneak peak of their wedding, documented by Ted Chai:


Congratulations and Felicitaciones to the happy couple!  Your love is inspirational and it was a sincere joy to be a part of your wedding day as your planner and as your friend.

Stay tuned for many more pictures next week!

Yours Truly,

A

Monday 10 September 2012

Wedding Season

"There is only one happiness in life, to love and to be loved."  - George Sands

Mr. X and I have been on a bit of a wedding circuit the last few weeks and definitely enjoying being on the other side of the spotlight.  After several blisters, endless make-up appointments, many little black dresses and maybe one or two hangovers, I have come up with the following conclusion: your wedding day should be the best day of your life. Watching brides and grooms on their wedding day makes me yearn for that day again but also so grateful that we were able to enjoy it.  My main advice is to truly make your wedding yours and make your wedding wishes come true. Sitting in a room that emulates the couples' personalities and love for each other goes a long way and will impress your guests way more than spending your years' salary on flowers. If you are planning a wedding, be sure to make it personal.  Make sure each detail represents you (as a couple) and remember that the most important part is to enjoy every minute of your day.  Your guests will take their cues from their hosts so if you're having the time of your lives - they will be too!

If you too are going through wedding season, I hope you are enjoying yourself as much as I am. There is no greater gift than love and it is amazing to be part of so many wonderful occasions to celebrate the union of a husband and wife.

Thank you to all of the wonderful brides and grooms for including me in your festivities! And Congrats!!!

Yours Truly,

A

Wednesday 5 September 2012

I Found the Dress

"Whoever said money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to shop." - Bo Derrick

Over the weekend, I found myself caught up in a marathon of "I Found the Dress"; TLC's newest show documenting brides saying 'yes' to the dress.  The premise of the show is a bridal boutiquenamed Vows offers designer dresses sold off the rack at discounted prices.  Their goal is to find every bride their dream dress with price tags as low as $600.  It was impressive to watch the brides sort through the warehouse of white lace and taffeta and find their desired dress and designer within their budget.  They were able to get the champagne dress on the beer belly budget.

Staying within your budget or finding your dream dress on sale can be quite a tough feat, but luckily for brides, September is the best month for sample sales, trunk shows and sidewalk sales. Below is a list of upcoming sales in Toronto and Ottawa that will definitely be worth checking out. After all, if you are getting married next summer, it is soon time to say yes to your dress.

Theia Trunk Show at Mrs. Bridal Boutique September 6th - 8th by appointment only - call 416-925-1674

Monique Lhuillier Trunk Show at White Toronto September 13th - 15th by appointment only - call 416-849-9196

Rivini Trunk Show at Dina Alonzi Bridal September 14th and 15th by appointment only - call 416-236-0270

Sample Sidewalk Sale at Mia Bridal September 21st - 23rd - first come, first serve.  The sale will include dresses by designers Kenneth Pool, Amsale, Jim Hjelm, and Lazaro. Dresses will be up to 70% off!

Sample Sale at The White Dress September 29th and 30th - first come, first serve. The sale will feature gowns by Vera Wang, Badgley Mischka, Monique Lhuillier and many more and will be up to 70% off!


Don't miss these once-a-year opportunities to find your perfect gown!

Yours Truly,

A