NEW ADVENTURES

Where Will This Road Take Me?

It has been my absolute pleasure to be in the wedding industry for the past 9 years. As a wedding planner I have been a part of over 45 events, each unique and memorable to say the least.  I like to think I've seen it all but there are so many more ideas to keep the wedding world spinning.

I had to laugh because what I've really seen would surprise most of my clients. The behind the scenes, broken/missing, soaking wet, full of bugs, melting, 911 calls, intoxication, locked cars, ink stained ... stories I've been a part of would make me a best seller if I decided to put them on paper.

Stories aside, it has been a blast! I have made memories I will cherish forever. That being said, I have made the difficult decision to no longer accept weddings to plan.  The many reasons have not made this easier to accept but I hope to revisit this opportunity if the occasion arises again.

In the meantime,

I still have several weddings to keep me busy until May 2014.  (Wow, I have such wonderful clients to make this one of the best seasons to come.)

WAIT I'M STILL HERE!

I will continue to serve engaged couples but in a different capacity.  I've seen weddings from every angle and I've shared my ideas to make each one special but there is one area that I haven't gotten my hands on yet. Until now da da daaaa! The ceremony, yes I'm going to become licensed as a wedding officiant. Why haven't I thought of this before?

I already have two weddings planned for this year and I'm so excited I can barely stay in my seat (also, I have a 1 year old who doesn't let me relax, ever).

If you are looking for an officiant please visit All Seasons Weddings. Soon you will see my smiley mug on those available to perform ceremonies.

I will hand in my radio headset and emergency kit at the back of the ceremony for a place where all the action happens.  Love! How can this get any better?

Not sure what will happen to this blog, maybe I'll re-design, re-focus, re-make it up as I go.

Thanks for the memories and giving me the opportunity to be a part of your lives. My heart is heavy with this decision but light again with new adventures on the horizon.

Much love,

Bethanie

Where Did 2012 Go?

Did my last post actually say January? For a minute that didn't seem so far away until my next breath was taken away when I realized um yeah it's October.

So what have I been up to?

A few weddings, yes. Unfortunately I had to decline several but for a really good reason...

No I certainly wasn't busy cleaning my fridge as you can tell, but I have an almost 9 month old little guy to fill all my spare moments and a lot of my formerly used moments to.  If you count backwards this explains why my last post was January. He arrived January 24!

So to be sure I offered the best attention to clients I reduced the number of events and put this guy into training. Future ring bearer for hire?

What will 2013 bring? Why all the questions? Well I've been asking myself a lot lately and the simple answer is; I can't wait to jump into more events. I just finished a wedding on Sept 29 and have already started on more.  Visit me at the Sunday, November 4 Chamber of Commerce Wedding Wishes Formal Affair at the Valhalla Inn. I can't wait to meet you and to ask how You're Invited can make your wedding uniquely yours and memorable for all. Hey, I like how that sounds!

See you soon.
Bethanie

Etsy Find-Destination Weddings

My first wedding anniversary will be here in less than a month and I'm becoming nostalgic for Punta Cana and the beach, sun and good times.  So I thought I'd spend some time on Etsy to find new ideas that may have inspired my wedding and now maybe yours.

Please note that I have not purchased items from these vendors but I found some fun items to share.  I wouldn't normally tell you to leave my blog, but if you haven't experienced ETSY yet... well get going. Then come back here of course.

Ana de Roux - Custom Invitations, Stationery & Design

This idea is making its mark with destination weddings.

Ribbon Made

Bright colours, fun images make me want to join them. 

Wildflowers and Grace

One of my wedding colours worn in a beautiful way.

Doll Birdies

For yourself, family and wedding party.  Keep everyone organized.

Of the Fountain

Find your luggage quicker at your destination with these attractive tags.

I could go on forever but I could also be up all night. Time to dream about memories made and future destinations I will find.

G night!

Bethanie

Just Enough Sparkle: Allison and Damien

There was just enough sparkle between Allison and Damien on their wedding day to keep the room aglow all evening. Yet who could deny the bride all that glitters.

A gorgeous combination of blue, cream and (a favourite colour of mine) crystals! were the perfect touch to this glamourous August 2011 wedding.

Vaillant Florists created these yummy bouquets for the ladies. There are not a lot of natural and stunning blue flowers, so I'm completely smitten with this combination of shades and texture.  Don't get stuck on trying to find the perfect colour of flower, they just don't grow that way. Instead, build a bouquet with flowers you love and ask your florist for a few unique varieties that will complement your vision.  Bring photos of your decor, dress and location to help.

My classic photo, I often try to take a photo of the rings in the brides bouquet.

The ceremony and reception was held at Fort William Historical Park under caterers from the Victoria Inn.  The garden area was a beautiful backdrop for their ceremony and the heat wave broke to a cool 30 degrees that day.  Luckily after a variety of appetizers and refreshing beverages we took things inside for the reception.

Thanks to Silk and Cedar for the decor.  I am always a huge fan how fabric and lighting can transform a room, even one as rustic as McGillvary's Landing at FWHP.

 Seriously, you may not be able to see how fabulous they are from my photo but the crystal brooches at the knot on each chair cover but I love, love them.  Also notice that there is a sheer fabric over the spandex chair cover.  A beautiful layer and a way to personalize your decor.

These tall slim centrepieces were perfect to bring height to the decor but not too wide to block the flow of conversation.

 There isn't a lot you can do to hide the canoe hanging from the ceiling but the draping fabric and lights surely took away the attention.  When it was dark the room had a wonderful glow.

Paper is another great way to customize your design. Allison and Damien hired the same designer to create all their stationery. If you're a DIYer (do it yourself) try to work with a similar font, paper or embellishment.

 Another great idea is to work with your photographer before the big day.  Work an engagement session into your photography package.  You may want to use your photos to create a guest book. I love those personal touches and its a book your more likely to look at again, over a book a signatures.

Don't forget to have some fun with your wedding.  This cake topper showed their sense of humour. Umm it as meant to be funny right Allison? Kidding Damien.

 How many times have you seen this shade of fondant on a cake? Wedding cakes don't need to be white.

Now this was just the beginning of a night full of dancing. The ladies got the party started with a routine choreographed by a bridesmaid.  Now this is what I'm talking about, personalize your event and make it a day to remember for everyone.  Once the dance floor opened for the evening everyone was moving and there was nothing anyone could do to keep the bride and groom from rocking the party.

I hope your wedding day was everything you imagined Allison. You had amazing vision and I was thrilled to be a part of your day.

All the best to you both in the many years to come.

Site: Fort William Historical Park

Caterer: Victoria Inn

Photographer: Scott Chisholm

Video: thanks to Lauren and Kristin for helping with the home video. Who knew I hired such multi-skilled ladies.

Decor: Silk and Cedar

Flowers: Vaillant Flowers

Officiant: Joyce Elder

Brides dress: Eva's Bridal

Bridesmaid: Alfred Angelo from Irma's Boutique

Men's wear: Moore's

Cake: Desserts Only

Thank you to KC, Kristin and Lauren for being a great team! 

Cheers from YI

Heather + Denis = 3

August 5, 2011 was not only one of the hottest of the year (40 degrees yikes) but it will be remembered for something much better.

Keegan invited friends and family to the marriage of his parents Heather and Denis! Not only was it a beautiful wedding but a party like no other.  This group can really rock a reception.

Keegan may have been wandering during the ceremony to find shade but the special moment was not lost on this great little boy.  Everyone else was just as pleased to endure the heat but only for such a fantastic pair.

(Thankfully Shannon the photographer was better at keeping her camera straight)

Until you see them together it could be difficult to see these three bold colours for your wedding.  Unless of course you're Heather and have a great ultimate vision. Try breaking out from the typical and go with more than 2 colours, not just one main colour and a complement. Just look how vibrant bright blue, pink and yellow look together. WOW!

We even alternated the flower colour on dinner tables.  We came close to becoming blue ourselves with colouring the water but with such great results it would have been worth it.

It may not have helped a lot but any shade was welcome while taking photos. Yet nothing could stop all the laughter between these close friends. Girls, you look amazing!

Having finally been able to shed their jackets the groom (right) and groomsmen stayed cool with their shades and fedoras.

Having been married for less than 2 hours at this moment Heather and Denis were all smiles and this certainly continued for the rest of the day.  They truly make each other happy and you can see it on the face of their plus 1, little Keegan.

Congratulations to all three of you! I wish you the best in life, love and happiness and many more smiles.

Ceremony and Reception: Best Western Resort Hotel and Conference Centre

Officiant: Trish MacGowan

Photographer: Shannon LePere

Video: Nathan Allard

Flowers: From the Heart Florist

Decor: From the Heart Florist

Jewelry and Alterations: Grandesign Sewing Specialist

Thanks to Kristin for helping YI today!

YI is Getting Married-Out of Town Bags

YI did get married in February 2011 in Punta Cana but how could I not share some more of my plans a few (several) months later!

A destination wedding could have been more relaxing than I made it but taking care of my friends and family was a priority for me.  I couldn't resist making Out of Town bags for all guest rooms.  It was a massive DIY project with so many pieces I'm not sure if I captured it all in photos.  Here are some ideas I put together.

 Red and aqua candies with the ribbon 'eat drink and be married'. Michael's had the cute crystal stickers and ribbon to add to the Martha Stewart bags.

 Each room got a personalized bag for the beach.

 Aqua flower bath bombs, face cloths wrapped to look like cupcakes with a cherry on top, a shawl with the tag 'to have and to hold and to shield you from the cold', welcome letter.

 Each bag had a iron-on Bethanie and Marty 2011 logo.  I would not suggest iron-on again though.  They also received a sleep mask for afternoon naps.

 A pair of slippers and each guest had their size sandals.  Love Old Navy $1 flip flop sale but I have so many left over!  Also a room key and tip holder that secured to the beach bag.

 I prepared mini just-in-case bags for guests that included: gum, tylenol, hand sanitizer, nail files, note book, handmade kleenex pouch.

I even made a magazine. Nope I didn't have a lot of time on my hands but it just had to step it up!  The 12 page mag included the wedding day schedule, travel/safety tips, stories about us, history on the island, word games and more.  Thanks to Lakehead Printing for the quick turn around on getting them to me before we left.

Big thanks to family and friends for helping transport these bags and other decor items to the Dominican.

I am missing that resort like crazy right now. Majestic Colonial, Punta Cana, you're the best and we'll be back!

Hope you find a few ideas that you can custom create for your destination or hometown wedding.  Spend a little extra time on the ones who are travelling to be a part of your celebration.

Enjoy!

Bethanie

2011 Brides

I often get a range of WOW's when people find out I'm a wedding planner.  I've heard everything from the wide eyed, that's so exciting WOW to the nose scrunching, furrowed brow, that must be hard WOW.

Well, no surprise but they are both right. I obviously wouldn't be doing this if it wasn't what I was passionate about, because as much experience as I have, there are always the 'what am I doing here?!" moments.

In the end there is only one WOW I am looking for and that is from the couple I am helping to plan their wedding.  Bringing their vision to life and making each moment memorable so they can enjoy the day is my top priority.

2011 is no exception.  YI has 5 weddings this year and each one has made a unique imprint on me.  What will you hear more about this summer?  How about:

*photo op with the couples adored pig
*a refreshing casual reception with yummy food stations and live band set on a stunning home property
*vibrant colours of magenta, yellow and royal blue
*diy projects to the max. This bride is seriously talented
*entertainment to get the guests involved and out of their chairs

Now let's get moving.  Less than a month until the first event so there is lots to do. 

Bethanie