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

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

Will You Barbie, Take Thee Ken?

"You know you've made it when you've been molded into plastic" - Cate Blanchett

One of history's most iconic couples finally tie the knot! Check out this fabulously creative (and pretty hilarious) shoot, staged by the talented France-based photog Beatrice De Guigne, showcasing  none other than Barbie & Ken, and their stylish trip down the aisle.

Plastic Perfection.

Sincerely,

S

Going to the Chapel....

"Today's the day, we'll say "I Do", and we'll never be lonely anymore..." - Going to the Chapel by the Crystals

I am overjoyed and honored to write that today I will be marching down the aisle to witness my friends get married!! Jayme and Steve are a perfect match and it is clear to anyone how happy they make each other. Today will undoubtedly be beautiful and memorable and I will be sure to share the pictures as soon as I can. Just check out their ridiculously adorable and gorgeous engagement shoot by the talented Assaf Friedman. Eeeek, I can't wait!

Jayme and Steve, I wish you both a lifetime of love, laughter and unadulterated happiness together and hope that today is absolutely perfect (which it will be, of course). Thank you for asking me to be part of your big day. I love you both.

Now, let the festivities begin!!!

Yours Truly,

A

WTB Hearts: Pepita Press

We've said it before, but we’ll say it again; we are truly passionate for paper goods, and are always on the lookout for innovatively inspiring styles for anything and everything printed. Naturally, we were thrilled to discover Pepita Press, a fab Etsy shop bringing unique to a new level by customizing distinctive designs for events of all kinds.

With invitations, save-the-dates and crafty bottle labels to choose from, Pepita Press helps put personal panache into any affair.

Keep Calm, Marry On - Wedding Invitation

Wild West Suite - RSVP Card

Save-the-Date 'Bookmark'

Custom Wine Label

Custom Beer Carrier

all photos courtesy of Pepita Press on Etsy

ImPRESSive.

Until next time,

A & S

Look Who Nailed It: Pretty Please

Along with most of the ladies I know, my nails are an obsession. My once weekly manicure (don’t judge me) is what I consider an elective necessity. One of my dream jobs has always been to be a ‘Nail Polish Namer’ (come on, how awesome would that be?). Then I came across Pretty Please, a fabulous, NYC based company that allows you to creatively customize your own bottle of nail lacquer!

With 12 amazing hues to choose from, ranging from perfect pastels to bright berry tones, Pretty Please offers you the chance to pick your fave shade and aptly name it! The ideal favor for showers, bachelorettes and bridal party gifts, impress your besties by tailoring the moniker to the event.

What's in a name???

Follow Pretty Please on Facebook and Pinterest for the ultimate inspiration and trendsetting tips.

It’s time to get pretty personal.

Sincerely,

S

Real Wedding: Cori and Jordan

"The best thing to hold onto in life is each other." - Audrey Hepburn

Cori and Jordan were married on May 20, 2012 in Toronto, Ontario. It was a sunny and warm day and the couple had their picture perfect wedding.  Every detail was planned and brilliantly executed by Sarah Cherry from Baker & Cherry Event Specialists. The Warehouse Event Venue was the host to this lavish affair and Scarlet O'Neill and Jesse Cappe of Big Ticket Productions were there to capture every moment.

Cori and Jordan said their "I do's" surrounded by their friends and family under the Chuppah which their groomsmen carried down the aisle. The flowers were created  by Susanna Carlascio at Wildflower & Company and were bright, bold and memorable.  It is easy to see why they were Cori's favourite detail from her wedding day.

C2 Catering Couture provided the food for the event and every dish was beautifully presented. Guests danced the night away to the tunes of Grooveyard.

Check out some highlights below from the talented Scarlet O'Neill:

Thank you Cori for sharing your wonderful wedding day with us. Wishing you and Jordan a lifetime of happiness!

Yours Truly,

A