from across Canada to inspire you.
Perfect for the vintage bride, Anoushka G’s latest collection was inspired by exotic locales around the world. Fluid lines, a soft pastel colour palette and a proliferation of delicate beads, flower motifs and detailing hinted at ports of call including South America, Japan, New York, Venice and London.
Photography courtesy of Christopher Dadey and White Gallery London
Sleek Audrey Hepburn-inspired lines as well as full, structured silhouettes reminiscent of Grace Kelly both made an appearance in Alan Hannah’s latest collection. The distinctly retro styles were brought to life with ornate lace, sinuous satin bows and carefully delicate crystal beading. Stealing the show was an ice white strapless column of embellished flowers finished with swathes of organza tulle.
Photography courtesy of White Gallery London Christopher Dadey
Now that you’re engaged it’s time to start thinking about your wedding invitations. These days something as simple as stationery can set the tone for your entire celebration. Be creative and choose a design that’s unique to you and your fiance, and that will show off your personality as a couple as well as the type of celebration you will host.
Bouquets bloomed at Bridal Fashion Week 2013. With a variety of colours, sizes and flowers–the designers took beautiful and unique to a whole new level. The arrangements perfectly complemented the gowns and there were bouquets suited for brides, bridesmaids, and even flower girls. If you’re looking for flowers that pop with style and want your girls to make a bold statement down the aisle, take a look at 15 of our favourite bouquets straight from the runways.
Melanie and Michel Desmarais, September 24, 2011, Ottawa, Ontario.
Photography courtesy of Laura Kelly Photography (www.laurakellyphotography.ca).
Vendors
Ceremony location: Saint Brigid’s Centre for the Arts
Reception location: LAGO Bar and Grill
Dress: Mori Lee from Alliance Bridal
Groom’s tux: Tommy Hilfiger from Tip Top Tailors
Hair: Oh Paradis Esthetics
Makeup: Shannon Boulanger
Music: DJ Joe & Co.
Cake: Cupcakes from The Flour Shoppe
Caterer: LAGO Bar and Grill
Favours: Personalized M&M’s
Flowers: Crown Floral Boutique
Stationery: Fanfare Designs
Others: Videography by Know By Heart Productions
During his Spring 2013 show royal couturier Stewart Parvin opted for simple silhouettes, minimal fuss and an attention to detail. The result was a collection of updated classic gowns to for the modern, elegant bride.
Photography courtesy of Christopher Dadey and White Gallery London
Demonstrating his love of theatrical designs, Ian Stuart did not disappoint during his Spring 2013 runway show at White Gallery London. Layers of silk, tulle and lace were embellished with overblown flowers, oversized bows, ruching and draping to create a collection that was truly the embodiment of high drama.
Photography courtesy of Christopher Dadey and White Gallery London
Photo courtesy iStockphoto
Etiquette expert Karen Cleveland has joined Weddingbells as a guest blogger solving all of your decorum dilemmas. Read on for tips on how to retain poise from the minute he proposes.
We have all sat through cringe-worth speeches during a reception. Perhaps the speaker helped themselves to a bit too much liquid courage, rambled on for ages, or made unfortunate digs at the bride or groom that went beyond good-natured jokes. No one likes to be humiliated, particularly in public and certainly not at their wedding. A great speaker can woo a room into a chuckle, or a tear, and every bride wants to feel like she and her wedding party, family and new husband are done proud.
Here are five essential tips to make sure your toasts are delivered without a hitch:
· Decide exactly who you want to give toasts and encourage them to please be brief. Three to five minutes is a long window of time to fill. By encouraging your speakers to keep things short and sweet, you might ease also any pressure that they have put on themselves to go on at length.
· Choose speakers that you feel confident can handle the task gracefully. If you have concerns about your maid of honour being too nervous or too lengthy, perhaps you could pair her up with the best man? Strength in numbers!
· If there is a particular speaker that you worry might go rogue, or tell that one humiliating story, speak to them privately and share your concern. Confide that you will undoubtedly be emotional on your wedding day and could use their support in holding it together, particularly during toasts. Hopefully as a good friend, they’ll concede and take it easy on you.
· Trust in your emcee to keep things in check. Request that this person keep things running smoothly on your behalf.
· Relax. Once you have set the stage, so to speak, it is out of your hands. Sit back and revel in the love.
Karen Cleveland is a Toronto-based etiquette advisor and writer. For more on her column, Finishing School, find her on Twitter or send her your questions and conundrums here.
Spring & More dream dresses, real weddings, beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas from our Spring & Summer 2012 issue.
Photos From Bridal Fashion Week: Anoushka G Spring 2013 Posted 05.25.12
Photos From Bridal Fashion Week: Alan Hannah Spring 2013 Posted 05.25.12
15 Cool Invitations You Need to See Posted 05.25.12
15 Stunning Bouquets from Bridal Fashion Week Posted 05.25.12
A Modern Black And White Wedding In Ottawa Posted 05.25.12
