10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TENT WEDDINGS

A+C's wedding planned, styled & designed by Toast Events, Ottawa, 2016  |  Florals by: The DesignCo Florals  | Table Top: Plate Occasion's, Toronto

It's gonna get real - real fast! 

I've planned some pretty crazy weddings this year! We've had venues that don't have parking, running water or even electricity. It's a monumental task that not even clients whom we have planned for- know what we as a team had to accomplish to make sure their day was absolutely perfect. I literally blow my own mind every single time with the amount of work it takes.

What I'm about to share is based on my 7 years of experience which also includes the not so awesome garbage picking, errand running, problem solving, dish busing, buffet serving...right down to being a personal therapist. And everyone thinks I have a glamorous job! 

DID YOU KNOW that being a planner is considered by Time Magazine to be the most stressful job on the planet? I was a little taken back when I originally read it...but if you could walk a day in my shoes- you would agree. 

I love my blog because I write it in first person. It's almost like i'm really talking to you right now one on one. Don't forgive me for my bad punctuation or spelling errors because really, quite honestly I don't have time to care. But I will take the time to provide you 100% unadulterated insight on the wedding industry. So listen up, all you newly engaged brides and green wedding planners! You'll benefit from what I'm about to say. And for all us oldies! - high-five for being able to kick it for sooo long, My hat's off to you! 

 The classic things I hear paired with "tent wedding" is:

• Oh it's cheaper!
• I'm going to DIY everything! 
• I'm super organized
• I just want a simple wedding

Lies! If this sentence was paired with "I want a tent wedding". - you're lying to yourself. Setting yourself up for failure. Even though this is a blog post, I can see you glaring back at your screen rolling your eyes thinking- Why does she have to burst my bubble... she obviously doesn't know what I want...

Oh girl, but do I EVER know what you want! This industry is full of un-attainable ideas. I would know, because I too have fed the creative Pinterest monster with over the top style shoots and glamorous ideas that can quickly eat away an 80k budget..... Circling back, what you want - isn't what your going to get. But I can at least help guide you or even help you understand how to plan your wedding with or without a planner. 

SO LET ME SHARE 10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN YOUR PLANNING A TENT WEDDING

UNEVEN GROUND

So you think you have the perfect spot in your parent's backyard.! That's great- until you find out you need to re-level your whole backyard so that you have even ground. Sounds trivial right!? Well it's not. Uneven ground is wedding planner code for - we need to build you a sub-floor since you really have a "hill here" and the tent structure requires a flat surface. But hold on again! If you need to create a sub-floor and are essentially elevating the tent on a platform...you now need to have railings in any opening of the tent as well as stairs. - Wait did you say? Grandma's in a wheel chair..?!?.. now you have to build a ramp. Now wait a minute - your on a septic field? It ain't pretty but now your going to have to water barrel instead of having a nicely pitched tent.

Price Tag $5k-$8k

YOU FORGOT

That even though you now have your tent you need to furnish it. That literally means every stick of furniture, linen, plate, napkins, glasses, chairs, tables, dance floor....oh and don't forget the salt and pepper shakers! And here's the kicker - that electrical outlet you think you're going to plug into for electricity - that's just a pipe dream darling! I've tried....

Price Tag $4k to 12k

YOU DIDN'T CONSIDER

You didn't consider how old your tent was and that it hasn't been washed in a decade, you can see all the whole patches from quick fixes over the years and that the wind is making your tent flap around like it might just fly away at any moment... The chairs you ordered are also wobbly and falling apart...... 

Girl, tell me you thought about bugs. I'm not talking about the wasps, mosquitoes, farm flies...no no no my friend! I am talking about the little kamikaze flies that look microscopic then suddenly fly into your eye....you know what I'm talking about! Yeah well they love to get lost inside you wine glasses.....or better yet just plain die on your linen.... how they do it, I will never know! 

Have you heard about wicking!? The act: To absorb or draw off (liquid) by capillary action. Just a little heads up... your linen is going to do that.....from the dew in your grass. 

YOU NEED TO LOCK YOUR HOUSE

A tent wedding can easily become a house party. There are all sorts of reasons why someone will want to go inside! These are the best ones I've encountered to date.

1. I don't want to use the outdoor port-a-potty
2. It's too hot!
3. It's too cold
4. The football game is on....

Oh yes my dears... I have heard it all!

UNEXPECTED

So the weather's not looking too good, and it rains. If you haven't done your due diligence in raising your tent on a platform or re-surfacing your lawn you could be looking at a hot and humid tent with pools of rain waterunder your tables and even a soggy dance floor.

HOT COMMODITIES

Washrooms, Ice and believe it or not, water are hot commodities. All of which will have you running for extra t.p, hand soap, to the corner store to restock ice for the bar and refilling water pitchers. 

 

INVENTORY

As your wedding day approaches your preliminary rental order doesn't quite cut it anymore. Your guest list has grown or maybe shrunken and now that all your RSVP'S are in, you need to re-adjust what you've ordered for tables, chairs, linens, cutlery, plates, bar glassware, the amount of bars you need, dance floor size etc etc.... let the onslaught of emails begin. It literally may feel like a second part time job. I hope your good with MS Word because someone is going to ask you for a floor plan...

 

SET UP

So all your rentals arrive and suddenly you realize it's "drop off only" and it's up to you and your friends to set-up all your tables chairs, lighting, table cloths, centerpieces etc etc etc. Seems like its simple until you quickly see that you didn't leave enough space between the tables for chairs chairs and a decent walking path...or even worse!- the tent is too small for what you thought would work. 

But before you put absolutely everything out, you're going to need to count EVERYTHING! Because if they short you on glasses - disaster... or if you notice that you didn't receive- for example: 250 glasses...the rental company will assume you broke them and CHARGE YOU! Yup! You only have a few hours after rentals have been dropped off to count and find out what your missing and if anything came broken and needs to be replaced.

CATERING

What I'm about to explain is a HUGE thorn in my side! Caterers who are un-experienced, purposely under staffing to cut costs which results in poor food quality and lack of service. It never fails - my girls are always busing tables which is NOT in our job description. Please, what ever you do, don't cheap out on your catering. Because if we weren't there.,.. it would have been an absolute disaster! I don't care if it's just  BBQ or a buffet - you need to order more staff then you think you will need! 

 

TEARDOWN

Surprise! That's on you too! The day after should be for relaxing and nursing that epic hangover - after all you just planned the biggest party of your life! But no- you now have to pack everything up and wait for your rental tent company to come three days late to pick up your tent. I swear it's a tent rental company thing....

SO WHAT DID WE LEARN?

1. Hire a planner - seriously!
2. Mow your lawn at least 4 days prior to your wedding
3. Put your linens out the afternoon of your wedding after the dew has evaporated
4. Buy/rent a generator twice as big as you think you'll need
5. Have a dedicated ice runner
6. SPEND on a well vetted caterer!!!!! 
7. Invite or let the neighbors know your having a backyard wedding. (no bylaw). If they do come, keep the volume up but turn your base down- that's primarily what they hear anyways...
8. Buy at least 24 bags of ice per 50ppl for the entire evening.... that includes cocktails, dinner and dancing
9. You need one bar with two bartenders and 1 bar back for every 100 guests
10. Count your rental inventory
11. Hire an attendant for your portable washroom
12. Make sure you have lighting not only in the tent but for pathways leading to the tent, for catering and for the bar
13. Garbage cans and disposal! Make sure catering leaves with all their garbage! 

and lastly....

13. Don't be a hero

Because if something is going wrong on your wedding day- it's already too late.

xox

Elise 

V+S WEDDING AT RESTAURANT 18

My absolute favorite exclusive downtown venue for the luxury bride.

When I think of this place it reminds me of mid week European wedding where the reception is more of a long meal with non-intrusive live music. Drinking and eating and drinking some more. As soon as you step into Restaurant 18 you can rest assured you will be wined and dined with hospitality and care like no other. The ambiance alone leaves little to decorate leaving only small design details for consideration. 

This was the perfect spot for V+S's wedding. When I originally met with this couple, we chatted about unique industrial wedding spaces in Ottawa while still keeping an organic look and feel. We explored Zibbi, Museum of Nature, Aquatopia, Le Belvedere and Restaurant 18. 

Zibbi's was a logistical nightmare (although certainly do-able) but rentals alone would eat half or more of our budget, Museum of Nature isn't the best for photography, Aquatopia was too small and too hot, Le Belvedere was a bit far for her elderly guests which left us with 18. 

The next challenge was keeping the organic look with 18's glitzy mirrored ceilings, gold tree trunk tables and their "Beetlejuice" chairs I love soooo much! And with Erin from the former Full Bloom - this was easily achievable. 

Using garden flowers and a transparent Eiffel stands we pulled the gold through the glass table from the ground up. Arrangements were designed to look loose and natural with a whispyness- almost like you could see a breeze. 

Dark maroon foliage was a stunning element carried throughout the design and decor ending with a sprig of greenery or bloom on each place setting.

Tucked away in the wine cellar corner was a long estate table for the bridal party, with those classic "Beetlejuice" chairs I love so much! Hedges of garden roses with black floating candles filled the gap between taller florals. This was a stunner for sure. We kept the design simple and to the point. Like I always tell me clients:

"Choose vendors that inspire you, then let them handle the rest."

Because in reality, a true professional will likely know what you want, before you even really know. 

BIG LOVE

Having a "personal brand" is a relatively new term. But it's something I've been doing for years - slowly curating my business to subtlety emit the essence of who I am, my philosophy's & what I'm all about. Incorporating this properly is not only hard because you need to know yourself well, but how you want others to perceive you.

There's only 2 things I want- 1. clients to know me before we even sit down for a cappuccino and 2. my work to speak for itself. 

Work hard until you no longer need to introduce yourself..

It's a tall order when you ask a like-minded professional to capture this "essence" through photography. But at the time, all I knew was that I wanted light and airy imagery and a photographer that didn't make me camera shy. Did I forget to mention I'm insanely picky? I hate cutting corners and better yet wasting time. I really am a "go big or go home" kinda girl and that's a tough act to follow. It's true, I demand nothing but the best from my team and more-so the industry professionals I work with. 

So before we delve into the awesome team who made the shoot what is was- let me set the scene days leading up to the shoot. I was pretty much hanging on by a thread. We we're in the midst of the most logistically intense weddings we had ever planned to date. I'm not talking small operations here, I'm talking about 300ppl + vip guest list in a venue that doesn't have a stick of furniture, electricity or even running water.......paired with Madison being the first planner to undertake Zibbi's inaugural wedding in their industrial space... To say I was stressed is an understatement. Basically the last three months had been solely dedicated to clients and my 10 minute return-time on emails. I almost cancelled our shoot. But I sat back and thought to myself - you know what?! It isn't fair to them. I organized all of this and I'm not going to flake out and disappoint- noway would I let this stress own me.

“It’s either cappuccinos with Hugo or Champange on the balcony....with Hugo. That’s how I see her - and thus how we shot her. There’s just no two ways about it.”

— Laura, of Laura Kelly Photography

So who were these awesome ladies that raised me up when I felt overwhelmed?! Who made me feel beautiful and laugh uncontrollably? Well, it's no other then Laura of Laura Kelly Photography, Kirsty from Topknot and Klava from Klava Zykova MUA. Words can not express how lucky I am to have these girls in my life. 

Since this shoot was to profile our team, it was important to me that we all looked natural, approachable and recognizable. Kirsty and Klava pulled this off magnificently with a crisp fresh makeup looks and effortless hair styles that matched the girls personalities. 

I have to give Laura a little bit of extra credit. I really was stumped on how to create this shoot. It's easy for me to do fabulous things for others and hit it on the nail. But when it comes to myself...I'm  overly judgmental and overthink things almost to obsession. It only took a three second pause on the phone and Laura replied "I'm thinking patio, sunset, you and your girls sipping champagne, just loving life." Her exact quote, I died! All we had to do was factor in Hugo (you all know who that monster is) and we were good to go:)

Not once did I feel awkward in-front of Laura's camera. She made us laugh, she captured us candidly and did little to no touch ups on the images afterwards - she's that good. I'm thrilled to say Laura killed it in ways I can't even explain.

It's rare that I step back and make time for me. Its all to easy to become consumed with the needs of others, that you forget about the most important person -yourself! Thank you Klava, Kirsty and Laura for helping us shine bright and capturing our bright light!

S+A AT LE BELVEDERE

When you walk onsite it's like a wave of calm slowly sinks in, and this planner is legit relaxed. The view is something I can't really describe. Le Belvedere is like a secluded Muskoka resort, better yet- something you'de see on the cover of a B.C tourism magazine. But I'm not there for the ambiance. I'm there for the exclusivity, five star service, world class cuisine, on-pointe amenities, guest accommodations and well, truth be told, Jessica. That's right, Jessica. The powerhouse  that has made Le Belvedere what it is today. Working in tandem with her is an absolute pleasure. She is one of a few I consider to be a top notch professional.

This past long weekend I had the pleasure of coordinating 2 weddings, one oh which was Sarah & Andrew's wedding at Le Belvedere. This couple melts my heart right down to the core- and for 24hrs I felt like family. 

Now I can't take ANY credit for styling Sarah's wedding, although I wish I could ;) This was all the amazing work of Rebel Petal. If you followed us on Snap Chat (eliseschmitz) last Saturday, you would have been privy to a video walk-through of the space decked out. We also posted pictures in stages to showcase the thought behind this gorgeous design. 

So let me break it down for you. Sarah had no idea what to expect. She provided Michelle & Gary aka "mastermind-florists-taking-over-the world" with her vision, color palette, budget and told Michelle to surprise her. 

Michelle got to work a dreamed up a three stage design concept. She highlighted each estate table with three completely different centerpieces as seen bellow.  

ESTATE TABLE ONE: Long garlands of Sallal and Eucalyptus leaves adorned with mercury vases w/  posy of creamed spray roses

ESTATE TABLE TWO:  Tall Hydrangea centerpieces with cascading Ivy 

ESTATE TABLE THREE: Low pedestal arrangements with Hydrangea, cascading ivy with peach and ivory roses.  

This cake is so dreamy. With Tulips in July and the sweet sent of strung Jasmine, I was LITERALLY in heaven people. FYI Jasmine in the floral world is RARE like a blue moon. First time I've ever had real Jasmine on this scale in over 500 weddings.

Now drift your eyes to the right-hand side of the page. The horseshoe...... I just died. The special attention Sarah's sister and Maid of Honor Jessica took in painting these in the "right" tone of gold......I stole one. I full on popped one in my purse and I'm hanging it on top of my front door. (for the record, there was one at my place-setting... I'm so not a shady wedding planner)

Cascading Ivy and Jasmine in this 10ft tall entrance piece. I love first impressions, especially when this is what you see when you first walk in the reception. 

And last but not least a video of our beloved couple on their wedding day by Up North Wedding Films. 

DREAM TEAM

Planning & Coordination: Elise Schmitz, Madison Kelly & Intern Allie Darwin
Venue: Le Belvedere
Floral Design: Rebel Petal
Cake: Take Another Bite
Hair Stylists: Salon Silk
Makeup Artist: Sarah Clayton
Wedding Video: Up North Wedding Films
DJ: Chris Lunardi
Solo Singer: Ryan Tansley
Officiant: Dr Alan Viau
Photography: Union 11, Derrek
Transportation: East Coast Limousines
Stationary: Ink Blossom

10 THINGS YOUR PLANNER DOESN’T WANT YOU TO KNOW

I feel like an oldie in the industry. Gone are the days when I was the youngest person to do everything. Starting in the biz at the age of 23 back in 2007, wedding planners were just starting to become a thing and the job title of an event planner never existed. Needless to say, I’ve seen and dealt with a lot – and hey, I’ve made mistakes too. But learn from my lessons ladies as the advice I’m about to give is unapologetic and may step on some industry toes. But you deserve to know the truth and I like transparency and honesty. 

Let me start by saying the industry is competitive- wedding vendors and planners pop up one year and are gone the next. Why you ask? Because the glamour aspect only lives for so long and they don’t realize how much work’s involved. Quite simply, they burn out. It’s a tricky business and the last thing you need, is to fall into their pit of over promise and under deliver- or worse, never show up.

So let me shed a little bit of insight on what you need to know about your planner before you sign on that dotted line

Planner vs Planner

A wedding coordinator provided by your venue is not the same thing as a wedding planner. There are 3 different types of planners out there. Venue event coordinators, wedding planners and the “weekend planner”. Please know that a venue coordinator is absolutely NOT the same things as wedding planner. Now, I’ve written a nice long blog post about this so feel free to click this link for more insight. In a nut shell a venue coordinator only takes care of the venues details for it to function properly from a food & beverage standpoint. A wedding planner on the other hand manages all aspects of your wedding from inception to execution. The event coordinator from your venue is definitely not interested is creating your day of timeline, securing your vendors and making sure they abide by their contractual agreements. Then we have the “weekend planner”. A term I’ve dubbed for young girls who like to plan weddings as a hobby. I’m going to say a little prayer for you right now if you’ve already hired one, because as they might be organized, decorate and look pretty but on the day of, if anything were to go wrong- they wouldn’t have the experience or the insight to make a judgement call on your behalf. 

Experience Trumps Credentials

It really does. Like I mentioned before, some seasoned professionals debuted when there were not educational programs available- thus they are self-taught. Be leery of planners with credentials from online institutes and weekend courses. There is absolutely NOWAY you can learn to plan a wedding and call yourself a planner after only taking a weekend course. So please, ask your prospective planner her background and don’t be scared to ask them about their credentials. 

She’s Interviewing You

I good planner is interviewed- but a great planner is actually interviewing you. I, as a planner also want to make sure the prospective client is a right fit for my company and hence do right by her. Her expectations need to be on par with my own as value and quality will not be sacrificed on my watch. You’ll never catch me cutting corners just to save a buck. 

Her Stats

How many weddings does she really do? It’s a double edged sword because in one respect you want to know that your planner has a healthy client roaster because that means she’s good at what she does and clients are seeking her out right?!?!… WRONG. That’s not always the case. A high client roster can also mean that you’ll essentially be the runner up to someone else wedding. That means waiting on her emails and details slipping through the cracks. What you need to do is find out why she takes on so many clients and for what reasons. Now I know you’re asking yourself, “So what’s Elise’s magic number?”. And to that I say 16 with a core staff of 5 girls, give or take an intern. 

Her support system

Mucho importante. Is she a solo gal or does she have a dedicated team? When I first started out in the industry it’s actually hard for to believe I did it all on my own. Legit by myself. Like what was I thinking?!?! Well I can simply say, I didn’t know any better. Now days I refuse to step onsite without my planner protégé and a junior planner. Because let’s get real, I could use 6 of me during certain times throughout the day when there’s a lot going on in a short period of time. So know that when you sit down after your grand entrance for dinner- we will be there to take your drink order.

Whose Got Her Back

Is she highly recommended by her peers? Do it. Drop her name while your shopping around for vendors and see what those fellow industry players say. Is she on the preferred planner list of key wedding venues and vendors? You should want to know about the relationships she’s built over the years. If she’s made the coveted preferred vendor list of some of the biggest players, then you know she’s earned it based on her integrity and hard work.

Moonlighter

AKA the “weekender” week·end·er
ˈwēkˌendər/
noun
1.    a person who spends time in a particular place only on weekends.

If you only need help the day of, this might be a good option for you. But not if you’re wedding is logistically challenging with a heavy vendor list. The moonlighters may not be able to provide enough support leading up to your wedding day. Reffer to tip #1 ;)
For the record, I ain’t now noun ;)

Vanity

Good marketing and a great website can be misleading. If you’re going to do any homework, now is the time. If you’re lucky this will be the only step you’ll really need for vetting a vendor. Once you have a reputable planner on your team, she’ll do the rest of the heavy lifting. 

The Price Is Right

She charges a premium for a reason. I know you’ve heard it before from your girlfriends “The best money I spent was on my planner” and it couldn’t be more true! Trust me when I say, I don’t want these words to come out of your mouth- “If I could go back- I’de have a planner”. It kills me when I hear this, because I know #TheStruggleWasReal. So real that I just had to hashtag that. Ask yourself “what am I paying for when I hire a planner?”. Pure and simple “peace of mind” and a chance to feel like a guest at your own wedding.

One Trick Pony

My last words of wisdom. Remember how I told you I’ve made my mistakes too. Well here’s a confession paired with my opinion on planners that provide “added services” such as florals, decoration packages etc. I, once upon a time provided clients with floral design. A great money maker, but man oh man did it burn me out. Not only that but it increased my stress level by %110 percent. Not only was I liable and in charge of such an integral design element, I also had all the planning duties as well. No bueno. And any other planner out there doing this, I say stop! You’re overloading yourself and you’re going to drop the ball. To all brides out there, don’t ask this of your planner. 
 

So there you have it. My unadulterated insight. 

GUEST LIST 911

Your budget depends on it and choosing your guest list might be one of the biggest hurdles in the wedding planning process. It's no easy task and many clients ask this question expecting me to have the answer. It's a delicate matter and any advice I provide you is mearly food for thought as you know your friends and family best. So I'll let you now what I tell them...

 

HAVE THE BIG PICTURE TALK

Being newly engaged can be exciting and emotions can quickly get out of control and the big picture- lost from sight. Before you start talking about your wedding plans with friends and family it's important to discuss exactly how you "realistically" envision your wedding day. Doing this now will ensure there's no back tracking or quick thinking white lies.... I feel bad for using the words "white lies" but you know it, and I know it - it happens. No judgement here girl!

So ask yourself a few questions like; Do I want a large wedding? What's the overall vibe you'de like? Are you dreaming of an intimate wine country fete or a relaxed urban industrial gathering of friends? Or better yet...... ask your fiance...he/she might have some input;)

THE PRIORITIES TALK

Since you've collectively honed in on your vision it's time to talk priorities. It's the number one factor your wedding is built upon and how you'll be spending your hard earned moullah. So circling back; on the day of your wedding what is the most important element and whic details do you value most? Is it a killer diner menu? Location? Decor?....the list goes on, but pin pointing these elements on a scale of 1 to 10 are mucho important. This might lead you to realize your guest list must be reassessed. 

 

THE B TALK

Yeah I said it! The "B" word- budget. I hate the word, and it pains me just as much as you. But it's a uncomfortable yet responsible conversation every bride and groom needs to have. Know that the first budget you think is appropriate is probably not enough. We're constantly fed wedding inspo that unattainable and the sticker price can be shocking. but don't cheap out on those priorities we just talked about. Spend your money where you feel there is value. Good wedding planners can help you work those dollars and provide you with creative ideas on how to trick your guest into thinking you had more then you actually did. Once you have your budget nailed down ad that wiggle room and make sure you include tax and grat into your budget sheet. 

 

GOTTA CUT TALK

So your B talk ended up in the realization that you might not be able to invite everyone and their pet.....which is why I made this cool little chart! Enjoy, and happy chop-chop!

OTTAWA NEWEST VENUE: PARISIAN INSPIRED BARN

Last night the team and I attended Stonefields Loft Reveal- and it was everything we had hopped for! I keep saying to myself "Where was this 3 years ago when I got married!". And it's true, Ottawa has grown leaps and bounds with creative new wedding venues, indie vendors with super cool niche products to truly customize your wedding to your own personal brand. 

So let me tell you why I love this venue so much. First it starts with the people who run it. The very heart of Stonfields, Steph & Steve, the power couple.- well, at least that's what I call them, and I'll tell you why. 

Husband & Wife team + 3 year old twins divided by building the prettiest 130 year old Parisian inspired countryside barn, you ever did see! = POWER COUPLE

Steph & Steve, if your reading this- Way to raise the bar guys..... ;)

I had a nice chat with Steve and I asked him, "How do you do it..the re-build, running a full catered establishment..with small twins..." . Kids are a mystery for me and I loved his response, "Passion and dedication.". And it's true -if your passionate about what you do, you will not feel as though you have worked a day in your life. And from there he told me it took him 3 days to assemble every little crystal on their 8ft chandelier. And that my friends in patience.

The story behind the barn is quite astonishing. Not even 365 days ago this exact barn was located a few miles down the road fully functioning with cattle! Yup, yah heard me right...livestock people! I'de really love to see the before pictures.... So with this being said, the barn was dissembled board by board, numbered and re-assembled onsite where Stonefields big white tent used to me. The reconstruction started last October and was completed just in time for Steph & Steve's own wedding.

Decorated & Styled by Wedecor

With me, it's all about the subtle details. And let me tell you, there were no detail or expense spared. Two elements really took me by surprise, where I stood back and thought to myself; someone really knew what they were doing- like a boss! It might not matter to you but choosing the right tinted crystal for your chandeliers is extremely important. It defines the line between class and meh. I truly am hard to impress, but these statement works of art have the perfect amber undertone. Think Beauty and the Beast....yes that chandelier that literally glows without the lights turned on. I think it might have hypnotized me, because I'm sure I stared at it for a good 5 mins.

Second item- chairs. Oh no, not just any chair, the chair. You know the one, Parisian/Tuscan looking wooden chair we all drool over....well, these ones perfectly matched the 130 year old beams of the barn. I know what your thinking and no, it's not matchy-matchy, it's cohesive providing that detail which provides that polished look.

And lastly, throwing another style detail in here, the hay loft ladders. Their still there! Preserving the character of the barn by these simple details told me, Steve & Steph really put their heart and soul into building a unique wedding venue like no other.

THE DEETS

• Capacity 200 sit down dinner
• Heated floors
• Covered patio across the length of the barn
• Vaulted ceilings
• Large indoor integrated bar
• Tuscan/Parisian style chairs included with space
• Indoor & outdoor ceremony space
• Mini resort feel
• Exclusivity
• No barn animals :) 

RANDY FENOLI'S MESSAGE TO ME

A few months ago we were hand selected and invited to participate in Randy Fenoli's VIP event at Centrepoint Theaters. 300 brides attended Randy's speaking engagement paired with a boutique style bridal show with the who's-who of Ottawa's wedding professionals. Naturally, we we're honored to have been selected and were most certainly amongst great company!

HIS MESSAGE

Hearing Randy speak re-enforced my own wedding planning philosophies, that a wedding is really a "telling of the couples story". He talked about how important it was to be true to yourself and your own identity - and that this should be reflected in all elements on your wedding day. What's in and what's out really isn't important to Randy -I couldn't agree more! 

Randy mentioned a specific bride which came to him with quite a dilemma. She had tried over 30 glitzy beaded gowns and couldn't find the right one to match her barn reception venue. -hold the phone people! Dress + Venue = Must Match.............?!

At this point it was obvious to Randy that the brides personal identity was more prone to the sparkly beaded gowns with lace accents and Swarovsky crystals, than the understated boho countryside trend she was trying to emulate. And to this Randy replied, "You don't need to match the venue darling, just throw up a chandelier- now you match!".  My thoughts exactly; think outside the box. 

It's always nice to see your own values and philosophies in others. It confirms that I'm on the right track. What's that saying they say......"Great minds think alike." ;) 

 

APPLAUSE

Every now and again we get some incredible emails from our clients. My team and I pride ourselves in being present and attentive as we journey along with our clients. One thing I can say first hand is that we're here to gently guide and keep you on track as we plan one of the biggest celebrations of your life. So when we get a random email like this, well lets just say, it's very humbling. 

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“I just want to tell you have WONDERFUL it has been to work with you so far!

As you can imagine during our move we have had to work with a series of companies and people in a short period of time to close up things with our old home and start things with our new home. With anything sometimes you get people that are great and some people you have to deal with are terrible. This week has been particularly difficult with a few companies and it has really made me stop and think about the people who have been great to work with.

I honestly can’t tell you how much I appreciate working with someone that goes with the flow, rolls with whatever and manages our crazy schedules.

At the beginning of this process I wasn’t sure if we needed a planner for anything other than day of and maybe some help with styling and some recommendations – now I WILL HIGHLY RECOMMEND a full plan to any one that listens and I will HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU and YOUR TEAM!!!

You have made this so easy – taken so much stress off of us and pushed us forward even when we were really busy and normally would have waited to make choices – You helped us get exactly what we want – even when we completely changed our minds – and you were excited and happy to take it on! You have been WONDERFUL and I can’t tell you enough how glad both Adam and I are that you are helping us. We are so lucky to have found you!

I personally think people in general don’t always take the time to recognize the companies and people that go above and beyond. So I did want to take this opportunity to tell you that it DOES NOT GO UNNOTICED and it DOES NOT GO UNAPPRECIATED!!!!

Thank You for all of your hard work so far!

Catherine”

— Catherine. E, October 15th 2016 bride

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DESIGNING ROSE QUARTZ & SERENITY

Designing your wedding with Rose Quartz & Serenity by Victoria Denofrio

Pantone’s 2016 colours- gorgeous hues of Rose Quartz and Serenity Blue, lends a softer side to design your special day with. Whether your taste is vintage, rustic, contemporary, botanical or minimalist, these hues can and will take your breath away. 

It's imperative you pair Rose Quartz & Serenity properly or face the potential unintended consequences of your wedding looking like a baby shower. When your designing with a specific palette, be mindful to ensure the right shades are chosen for a cohesive and seamless look.  

"My favorite way to add color is in the details. Tasty drinks, silk hand tied ribbons, stationary and the like. Think big picture, while ensuring your details aren't overdone. Compartmentalize your design areas, then like a coloring book, choose where you feel your color should be. If your table cloth is Serenity, avoid using that same colour for your napkin and table menu. Instead use the color for your stationary typography with a serenity ribbon detail and Rose Quartz floral centerpieces."

-Elise 

If a fully pastel scheme just isn't your style, adding muted shades and the bold pop of a dark colour may give you that sense of adventure your looking for. Feminine, yet lends to the gentlemen; like a navy blue suite! 

For picture references & credit, see our Pinterest account for more details and image links.

3 High-Tech Wedding Day Trends You Need to Have

Recently a bride of mine has asked me to reasearch how we might incorporate some cool tech into their wedding. A pet project for the groom who is very technologically in tune. A hard task right?! I immediately thought of the go to's; go pro cams, drones, live feed for grandma....but those are sooo 2010. I decided to do a little bit of research and my mind literally blew up. So here's what I found. And it only scratches the surface.

Your Robot Bartender

This is actually a thing!

If you have a passion for cocktails, the Somabar is definitely for you! It's similar to your Nespresso machine at home but it can make over 300 different types of cocktails. At a touch of a button, you'll see your cocktail pour out in under 5 seconds. Bar line wait time....crushed.

So how does it work? Well here's the kicker- it's an app controlled ordering system.

 How much is this going to cost you?  Pre-order for $429

Now this is something I could personally use in my own home for entertaining. Cue pre-wedding gift ideas.

3D Favor Printing

Insane right! Imagine being able to 3D print your guest favors right before their eyes! The Replicator from Makerbot will cost you a pretty penny, beginning at $3k U.S.D.  And low an behold this too has an integrated App. 

Naturally my next question was, "How long would it take to print an object?." The answers seem vary. But to put things in perspective, a small product with low quality settings can be printed in less then 10 minutes; for example, a key chain fob.

If time is not on your side, there is an online marketplace for printed products called Shapeaways. It offers up to 40 different materials and finishes that can be used for your custom 3D printed favors. 

 

Photobooth GIF

Photobooths have been around for a while and re-inventing them seems to be quite a chore. Recently when a client asked, "What's the next big thing for photo booths?". I was stumped; and for the life of me I had no answer. Until I came across PHHHOTO PRO. Instant moving pictures of social people, being dubbed the "perfect party app".

Pretty cool right?!

There are even wedding GIF videos just beginning to surface online, and their super cute!

So there you have it! Adding tech to your wedding can be fun and engaging if you incorporate it in the right way.

WEDDING DAY GROOMSMEN URBAN RETREAT

It's all to often that your man get's the short end of the stick when it comes to the whole wedding planning process. Time and time again the groom will lean over to me and say, "Tell me when to show up, and I'll be there!". And when it comes to planning a wedding, you know what, I couldn't ask for anything more! 

But on your wedding day while your getting all primped up, your groom and groomsmen are likely twiddling their thumbs anxiously throwing back a "few" celebratory shots. It literally takes the groomsmen 15 minutes to get ready, so with lots of nervous time on their hands, why not send them to a man retreat. That's right, I said it, MAN RETREAT. There is such a thing!

With the lumberjack / viking / hipster movement, it's now socially "acceptable" for a men to enjoy being groomed... like a gentleman. Thankfully the whole metrosexual term has been dead since 2007. I personally like my husband to take care of himself. He comes home looking dapper and well mannered. If only the barber would throw in some etiquette tips on the DL- I'de send him weekly.

With a discerning eye, I set out to find the perfect man retreat for my husband, but had a list of things that needed to be ticked off my "picky list" before I went just anywhere.

1. I wanted the barber shop environment to exude class, manliness and privacy. Almost like walking into a modern version of a victorian gentlemen's study.

2. Professional customer service with friendly approachable barbers who actually spoke. You know what I mean. No one likes a snobby mute man barber!

3. Because I was keen on purchasing some facial products for my husband, I wasn't interested in the usual "Aveda" or "Biotherm". I wanted a luxury brand, because he deserves the best. As does your man.

4. I'm a sucker for branding, so this too topped my radar.

I waltzed into Warren Chase not knowing they were closed on Mondays. But luck would have it, the owners were in, and the door flew open. I'm huge on first impressions, and I was literally transformed as I walked into the shop. I don't know who styled and decorated the place, but it's man heaven and exactly what I was looking for. I must have looked like a dear caught in headlights. And let me tell you INSTA bestfriend vibes with Trevor & Paul, the owners. I couldn't help dropping some serious cash for a plethora of services for my husband without feeling guilty. After all I was supporting local ;)

In the new year, I was excited for my husband to make his appointment. Naturally I tagged along to witness the whole process. Let me take you threw it... but first some visuals...scroll down & enjoy.....

THE ASSESSMENT

After you've checked in and have been caffeinated, our barber assessed my husbands hair  and man whiskers, asking quite a few questions from "how do you wear your hair every day" to pointing out certain intricate hair patterns he had - cow licks, flat hair, alfalfa hair and this patch grows faster then the rest. After this inspection a tailored hair cut complete with hot towels and scalp massage followed.

Hair Cut $45

THE CADILLAC SHAVE

They say, It's time to do it up "old school". The 45 mins ultimate 12 step shave is a full sensory experience that starts with a shot of bourbon and ends with his face as smooth as a baby's back side. 

As you can see, this is quite the process. I counted at least 8 hot towels and three straight blade pass-overs. Our barber, Corey was great an explaining each step and was super friendly. 

So how would I rate the whole Warren Chase? A++

The whole process took about 2 and a half hours. The perfect amount of time for your groom and his bridal party to enjoy a hot shave & trim before his long walk down the aisle. Warren Chase has 2 locations. Rideau Street and their flagship shop in Train Yards. So wether your downtown or in the south end, their shop has easy access. If you enquire you might be able to rent the morning solely to yourself. 

HOW TO INCORPORATE MINIMALIST WEDDING DECOR

I'm a Scandinavian minimalist at heart. The thought of clutter gives me anxiety which seems unnecessary. Don't get me wrong, I love an over packed antique shop and do enjoy other peoples organized clutter, but not in my designs. Coco Chanel once said " Once you've dressed, before leaving the house, look in the mirror and take off one thing". And on this premiss I've adopted certain personal rules which translate into my design philosophy. Quality over quantity. 

Minimalism isn't based on not having a stick of furniture in your house or living like your in an art gallery. Minimalism to me, means that all my possessions must have a purpose or some sort of significance behind them. For example, when I travel I will always buy a pair of shoes so that when I wear them I can relive those experiences. Sentimental right ?! 

So in design i'll often tell my clients to choose one "impact visual" that is meaningful to them, (which I call "the piece de resistance"), and then focus on adding a layer of complimentary details that will convey their personal style. And that's it folks! That my friends is my basic principle. 

To help you see what I'm talking about and to give you some idea's on how to incorporate this growing movement into your wedding design......i've had a little bit of fun on Pinterest. 

A minimalist mindset is all about not succumbing to every day consumerism. The "need" vs. "want". And when it boils down to weddings, it's easy for any of us to go over-board. But it's also all about feeling free, making creative choices without the fuss. Exhibit A: The wedding dress. A simple toned down gown with a striking detail will most certainly be fit for the minimalist and modernist. 

It's always been said "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". Naturally I beg to differ. I believe beauty is conveyed through the feeling of confidence, and with that comes radiance. Even though it's your wedding day, be true to yourself. Forget the acrylic nails and false eye lashes. Rather embrace your natural beauty with makeup that will enhance your features rather than sculpt your face. In a world full of Kardashian's, be a Diana. 

A great way in making your dinero's work for you, is by re-using florals from your ceremony and incorporating them into your reception. This could be taking garlands from your ceremony arbour and placing them on your kings head table or adding the aisle candles to guest reception tables. 

One might ask, why can't I......have all my bridesmaids dress in white? And to that I say, YES!!!!! DO IT!!!! Not only is it monochromatic and pleasing to the eye, it also takes the pressure away from "all eyes" on the bride. Besides, everyone knows who you are, no need to stick out like a soar thumb, especially if your shy.  If your not keen on this color scheme think Polar bear white bridesmaids dresses or change up the color of your wedding dress to a gorgeous dove grey, nude or even blush.

Because minimalism takes a required effort to "reduce ones life" to live life more simply, we can assume this takes some hands-on creativity. In a wedding this might include D.I.Y packaged handmade soaps, water color invitations with hand-calligraphy or even a modest butter cream cake home baked. 

So there you have it. A few key ways to include the minimalist look into your wedding. This blog post could have easily been minimum 8 pages longer....but I had to cut it short. After all, I'm a minimalist ;)

*Please note all pictures included in this blog post are from Pinterest and are not from any wedding or style shoot Toast has curated. We applaud each creative mind behind these gorgeous images. 

10 THINGS TO DITCH ON YOUR WEDDING DAY

It seems like now days I can almost predict what traditional wedding notions my clients are willing to ditch. It's true these things are out-dated and a bit ridiculous. So here is a list of 10 things you won't feel bad about ditching! 

I really personally dislike choreographed first dances. Let's get real, it looks unnatural. Not to mention of the DJ plays a different rendition of your song....well you better be good at improvising!  

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Too much icing and maybe 5 of your guests will actually indulge leaving you a month worth of cupcakes for breakfast. Donut Bars and Pie Tables are all the rage.

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When I first started in the business 8 years ago the average age to get married was 25. Now my clients all tend to be around 30. So with and older general attendance there seems to be less single people at weddings. So why throw a bouquet with only 5 people behind you?

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It's embarrassing! Sure it can be funny, but most brides are not really into this type of display.

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Step away from that mason jar girl! I know your tempted...but it's been overdone and has entered the "tacky wedding trends" book. You'll thank me later!

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Ditch your bridesmaids? *Gasp* I know right! Well it seems to be the trend. One standing for each or none at all. Although this is not a huge "thing" yet, my prediction is that you'll be seeing a lot more of this.

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The days of a book where guests just sign their name and sometimes leave a awkward note it way pasee. The polaroid scrap book is where it's at! Cute washi tape, glittery pens and retro polaroids. Can't get any better then that! 

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It's not quantity, it's quality! Seems like now days everyone is a foodie. B&G's are rather opting for a gourmet 3 course meal with an option than a two star 5 courses and a chicken main.

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Overdone just like cup cakes. Seems like there's no other alternative. Well let me tell you when I say gelato bar, espresso & macaroon bar, shawarma bar, andI have even ordered Mcdonalds cheese burgers and nuggets for late night.

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It's just too much fabric. With minimalism now trending in weddings most clients will splurge on bringing in chairs...even if we can only order them from Montreal or Toronto

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PRO'S & CON'S OF RECEPTION SITES

The biggest decision and the largest amount of your budget will be spent on your venue choice. There are so many options, but which is best for you and what should you consider in choosing your reception venue? Perhaps I can shed some light in helping you determine your perfect fit.

OUTDOORS

Let's face it, outdoor weddings are by far the most romantic, with gorgeous landscapes, glowing sunsets, bonfires and fresh air. Outdoor weddings are among my most favourites, however these settings host a set of it's own challenges and budget constraints. Having a big white tent and a blank canvas can easily throw your budget right out the window. 

CONS

Unpredictable Weather

I hate to say it, and some brides tend to be in a bit of denial when approaching the subject, but weather can make of break your wedding. I've heard horror stories of guests whom have attended rainy outdoor weddings that were wet, hot and humid. The three worst elements to endure in a silk gown. Always have a backup plan ready. 

Tents are Costly

Sure the price tag might says $1,200 but that rarely includes chairs ($8-$15 per), tables ($12-$15 per), cutlery & stemware ($5-$10 a setting), linens, ($12-$25 per) staging ($100-$250), dance floor ($300- $600), draping and electricity ($800-$1200). Add that all up and your tent doubles, sometimes triples in cost. All of these items are rarely charged in other site fees.

Temperature Control

If your looking for heat you'll be left with unsightly propane heaters which you routinely see on restaurant patios. If you do decide to go this route you will absolutely need to make sure the tent is well ventilated so fumes may escape your "enclosed" area. If it's the heat that's bothering you, the last things you should do is open all the tent walls. This encourages any slight breeze to knock over your gorgeous tall centrepieces into your guests laps. I've personally had one knock a guest on the head. Not a good situation! You can however have the option of installing ceiling fans. I've even had standing fans that spray a very light mist located just outside the tent so that guests may refresh themselves without ruining their dress or makeup application. Having paper fans and lots of water or cozy pashmina's handy is also key in keeping your guests as comfortable as possible.  

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HOTELS

Great food and exceptional staff. Everything you need right at your fingertips. Prep suites, ceremony, reception and accommodations all in one place. Bonus, no transportation costs which can save you upwards of $1,500. Because hotels typically host a variety of functions rentals costs are trimmed down to esthetic only. No need to bring in chairs, tables, cutlery etc etc. Hotels are truly an all-in-one experience. You can also arrange a post wedding brunch the next morning with your hotel guests, continuing your celebration. 

CONS

Lack of Flexibility

I always find this a challenge to maneuver. But a good wedding planner can encourage options and possibly work those loop holes you might not have thought of. Some hotels also have proffered vendors which you must work with. Your hotel may also be unionized which can slow down vendor set-ups. Tip: Never order any audio visual last minute. It's ghastly. And always check any possible looming strike mandates which could effect your special day.

Hidden Costs

It's not uncommon for hotels to sometimes double their pricing on Food & Beverage from one year to the next. What you choose today in your consultation may either not be available or the market price of your prime rib just might double. Other fees you might not consider, parking ($12-$25 per), vallet ($20-$25 per), cake cutting fees ($1 to $3 p.p), coat check ($2-$3 p.p), overtime ($100-$250 pr/hr).

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AT HOME

Sentimental of course. I think we all dream about having our weddings in our own backyard while getting ready in your childhood home and just steps from where your ceremony will take place. Set-up can be done they day before without rushing those last minute DIY details. 

CONS

Rental Costs Go Up

Just like a tent wedding your starting from scratch. The terrain in your backyard may also not be conducive to tent requirements, parking can become a nightmare and noise control in the evening can put a damper on your festivities. 

House Rules

Keeping guests outside and not in your home isin't as easy as simply locking the doors. Some aunt will always complain to use the in-house washroom or request to be in air-conditioning. Prepare yourself to be constantly kicking guests out. 

Runner

You'll need one person dedicated to just running around grabbing last minute things you forgot such as garbage cans and trips to buy ice to replenish your bar. You'll also be left with the mess at the end of the night. Although you may have the next day to clean up, leaving certain items outside may leave you with damaged linens and mucho wasps.

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BANQUET HALLS AND THE LIKE

The price is right, potential one-stop-shop for all your planning needs. In-house decorations and florals are some of the inclusive features in some banquet hall packages. Pretty awesome right?

CONS

POTENTIAL "WEDDING FACTORY FEEL"

We know that sometimes getting married in a hall with no windows can sometimes feel like being in a box. This could increase your decor budget to bring in ambient lighting or even hiding out of place wall art or random structural posts. It may also feel like your just another bride in a line up waiting for access to your space and quickly getting out before the next bride starts dropping off her decor items. Not to mention, you'll probably notice the horrible geometric patterned carpet.

RESTRICTIONS

Your bound by the rules. No fixing things to walls, no hanging items off chandeliers, enclosed flames or battery operated tea lights only. Storage is limited and power requirements for bands and Dj entertainment units can be tricky. As a planner I always need to know where the breakers are.

DOUBLE WEDDINGS

There is a real possibility that there will be another wedding beside yours. You may run into "the other bride" and sometimes even share common areas like foyers, washrooms and even bars. I have had instances where the adjacent wedding scheduled their grand entrance right as our wedding speeches were taking place. There is no such thing as a "sound proof room divider". Sorry ladies. All I can say, is be prepared to share and don't get upset if your not the only girl in a puffy white dress. 

THE SAME LOOK

Most weddings at banquet halls all tend to look the same unless you bring in big decor elements to wow your guests. This is where a wedding stylist or a planner can help you create a more unique and personalized look.

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RESTAURANTS

If your a foodie, a restaurant wedding might just be for you. Some restaurants are perfectly designed and decorated that minimal decor and florals are needed. Most restaurants also focus on ambiance so that expensive romantic lighting we love so much is at no extra cost. Custom menu, no problem! The sky is the limit in what you can achieve food wise. But be prepared to pay! 

CONS

Min. Food & Beverage Requirements

Yes, it's a thing. Some restaurants require a minimum amount spent on food and beverage for them to give you exclusive access on a Saturday. This could mean you could be looking at $14,000 to $20,000 in food and bar costs alone. Now, if your main priority is food and your not too fussy about adding decor and flowers aren't your thing, than this budget allotment will work for you.

Layout, Layout. Layout

Although a restaurant can be intimate and inclusive, it can also limit what you can do with your floor plan. You might have to sacrifice dinner tables on our dance floor with a possible flip. You also won't be able to move most tables as some venues boldt them to the ground or have partial "booth or bench" seating.  

Food Delays

Restaurants have a completely different dinning experience. The service is slower. For example, once guests are seated waiters will take guest orders from an A La Cart Menu (15-20mins), orders are then placed with the kitchen. 20 minutes will pass before the first course is served. You would think that salad would be easy and pre-plated. Wrong! Their kitchens are smaller as they normally prepare by staggered orders. This means they plate as they go. This gives you an extended eating experience which allows for speeches in between and lots of time for your guests to chat. Add another 45mins onto your average wedding dinner period. Because guests are sometimes used to quick service they may look at their watch, but I assure you, by the time the second course arrives they'll ease right into the longer dinner service. 

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Champagne, Roses & Love Notes

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.
I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;
so I love you because I know no other way -Pablo

I've been teasing my Instagram followers for a little over a week now with teasers from a shoot I styled back in spring with was just released as a 6 page spread in the Ottawa Wedding Magazine.

For this shoot to be published, the Editor had some specific requirements which she wanted to provide readers.

So as you can well imagine, I and all collaborating vendors had quite the task at hand. Since this shoot was primarily laid out before us, the real devil was in the details with the main question of - how do we convey a romantic feeling with the request of a more youthful shoot? And how do we tie two very different stories together? Let me tell you it wasn't easy and I still begrudgingly feel like I somewhat missed the mark. So let me break it down as to how we chose to represent these 4 requirements at hand.

Champagne Saucer Known by champagne aficionados as the Coup, to me, evokes connotations of popular romantic eras and luxury. With this detail I hopped to create a feeling of remoteness from everyday life and a little bit of an aristocratic influence.

Naked Cake was an initial ask by the Editor as a "new cool non-traditional" cake. To me, I've had clients for the last three years request and have naked cakes. So how can I take this "relatively" new idea and put a fresh twist on it? Lightbulb! Semi naked cake with a sculpted fondant base adorned with hand painted calligraphy quote... Rosie from Osso Sweet delivered just that! 

next...

Como White Washed Charger. Craftmanship is also very important to me as a designer when selecting pieces. These handcrafted and hand-painted charger plates are made in Italy with techniques that date from the 13th century. An addition to envoke a more romantic feel by Plate Occasions.

Gold Cutlery The perfect pairing to continue our theme of a more mature sense of design aesthetic. 

Eclectic Chairs I always like to use a bold accent to grasp immediate attention from it's onlooker. I find chairs are a great conversation piece.  I often use different chairs when designing floor plans. Especially if my bride has expensive taste like me!

Floral Embellishment This detail is one of my standard go-to's when looking to soften the look of a stark object. I find small floral additions can add design continuity throughout any wedding or style shoot. Current obsession: Floral Drink Picks. Floral Reef 

Furniture is what I used to tie the boudoir to reception snaps hoping that it would make the shoot more congruent. 

Stationary.... another element I'm really crushing on. My clients will tell you, I always say, "Your invitation is your weddings first impression. This set's the tone for what your guests can expect on your wedding day". Working with Jessica from Ink Blossom is such a treat. She's always on point and I literally think she can read my mind. Not to mention, she exclusively hand draws most components in her invitations for a truly custom invite.

The transitional fashion pieces needed to be "one-of's". So naturally I call Meg from The Handmade Bride...  Our fashion pieces comprised of the boudoir rhinestone & tule overlay robette & custom dupioni raw silk bustiere, Maureen Patricia halter wedding dress, finishing with a dupioni cigarello pant & top. 

Linen can make or break your look. It can either look too heavy, no existent, busy or way too metallicy. (that's probably not a word).. So for this shoot I grabbed 6 different table linens and napkins from Mastermind Events. I spent 30 minutes staring into the abyss before the shoot contemplating linen colours and coordination. I'm telling you, colour pallets are HARD! Naturally I chose Ivory sequence with the Icy Pink polyester napkin. Side note it's okay to use polyester! not everything has to be silk!! 

Hair & Makeup was flawlessly executed by Stephanie Richardson & 2BU Esthetics to embody a fresh, clean and simple effortless look. 

For this shoot we were also very fortunate to have Up North Wedding Films capture some great behind the scenes footage which I've uploaded before vendor credits.

Photographer: Jemman Photography

Stylist: Elise Schmitz, Toast Events

Florist: Floral Reef

Hair: Richardson Hair Design

Makeup: 2BU Esthetics

Accoutrements: The Handmade Bride

Venue: Le Belevedere

Stationary: Ink Blossom

Cakes & Sweet Table: Osso Sweet

Props: Amy & Jen Decor

Linen: Mastermind Events

Tuxedo: Surmesure

Models: MIM

Video: Up North Wedding Films

Table Top: Plate Ocassions

BIG THINGS ARE HAPPENING AT TOAST

The New Year is my favourite time. It's full of new beginnings and fresh starts. A time that allows me to re-energize and re-focus. I'm really a "when the time is right" kinda girl, and let me tell you when I say that I am excited to begin a project that's been sitting on the shelf for over 5 years! 

Do you ever have that feeling inside you- that you were meant to do big things? To live an exceptional life based on the merits of your work? Well, I've always strived to do extraordinary things, some of which you wouldn't believe and I'm too humble to boast. This project might very well be one of my biggest accomplishments to date. And I am prepared for it to succeed or fall short of the mark, because really, I'm doing this for myself. 

There are very few people who know of what I'm talking about to which I say, this is top secret! I'll be micro blogging my journey on Instagram, though you might still not know what I'm working on. But all in good time my pretties! You won't be left in the dark for too long as I may need your advice and support along the way! 

Ciao for now! 

xoxo

Elise 

An Open Letter To The Wedding Industry

An Open Letter To The Ottawa Wedding Industry

Being in the events industry I think it’s in our nature that we always put other first. And in doing so we make a lot of sacrifices that sometimes go unnoticed.  Sophie, Jessica and I, knowing this all too well, felt that it was high time to celebrate- ourselves. Because after the 25hr workdays on coffee and granola bar diets we all deserve a night to dress up, sip those fancy cocktails and celebrate! But most of all it gives us a chance to reconnect with industry friends we seldom see during the busy wedding season. Thus Noel en Noir was born.

When we first started planning this event we all said, even if we only had 30 people show up, well, we’d have a good laugh, drink on everyone’s behalf and dance on the bar. Let me tell you, when I say we were astounded by everyone that came through those front doors.

So how can I begin to thank everyone who came out to Noel en Noir? Seeing your faces as you walked in truly made me feel like I was, dare I say, among family. I have such a huge appreciation for all the hard work you do and the businesses you’ve created from scratch, that to celebrate your success at Noel en Noir was more than any of us could ask for. Events like this strengthen our community and builds lasting friendships.

It’s official, we will be hosting Noel en Noir 2.0 with more surprises in store for 2016! Pictures are now up on Noel en Noir's Facebook Page  . My my, aren't you all good lookin'! 

Xoxo Elise 

Photo Cred: Nicole Amanda Photography

POP, FIZZ, CLINK!

It's kinda my thing. So any chance I'm extended the invitation to curate a party, well you don't have to ask, the answer is already, and always, YES!

And so the adventures of planning The Handmade Bride's grand opening of their gallery inspired flagship store began. Our main goal was to throw a chic party without the fuss and logistics of dealing with caterers, serving staff, bartenders, crazy rentals  etcetera, etcetera. But we needed to keep in mind not only what these fashion attendees would expect, but the fun factor, creative factor, charitable factor and the wow factor!

We decided to stay classy with a simple champagne bar, live mannequins - fun factor, a floral accouterment- the wow factor, a "Beyond the Veil" photobooth- fun factor  and an interactive painting station- the charitable factor,  where guests could, for a donation paint a live mannequins dress in support of Unicef's campaign against child labor.  

The evening was flawless. Over 40 attendees in the fashion & wedding industry perused our gorgeous live models, sipped champagne and left with a Beyond the Veil snap from MDNR photobooth.

Meaghan Brunetti, Owner of The Handmade Bride 

PHOTOGRAPHY: Jonathan Kuhn Photography

MAKEUP: Klava Zykova

HAIR: Top Knot 

GOWNS: The Handmade Bride

FLORAL ACCOUTERMENTS: Presh Florals

PLANNING & STYLING: Toast Events

PHOTO BOOT: Modern Photo Booth

CATERING: Gourmet Cuisine

RENTALS: Mastermind Events