Real Weddings – Mike and Melanie’s Vintage Valentine’s Day Wedding

Mike is a little bit country, while Melanie is more the sophisticated city girl. They started out as friends, and it blossomed into a wonderful love story. Ironically, they chose to get married on Valentine’s Day, but did not want their wedding filled with cutesy hearts and cupids. In fact, they had some very strong ideas to make their wedding uniquely their own in order to create a wonderful celebration that was a true representation of them!

Mike and Melanie wanted to make their wedding uniquely their own. – Photo courtesy of Edward Ross Photography.

Breaking with tradition, they chose to do their wedding pictures before the ceremony. By doing their photos ahead of time, both the bride and groom look fresh for their pictures. It also limited the time that guests will had to wait between the ceremony and reception. They were fortunate to work with Edward Ross of Edward Ross Photography. After taking some incredible photos at the Calgary’s Fairmont Palliser Hotel, he took them down Stephen Avenue Mall for some urban shots. It was a brisk -25°C, but the bride and groom held up well under the extreme temperatures and the pictures were absolutely stunning!
Ask your photographer for suggestions on where to get incredible photos. 

A great photographer will have a wealth of ideas that you have probably never even considered. – Photos courtesy of Edward Ross Photography.

The ceremony started at 5:30 PM at Wild Rose United Church. This beautiful church is located just outside Calgary’s downtown core, with gorgeous stained glass windows and a majestic pipe organ that fills the front of the sanctuary. While some might see it as problematic, the couple took full advantage of the double aisle, deciding to have both sets of their parents precede each of them down the aisle. As they walked in together, the bride and groom only had eyes for each other. Reverend Linda Hunter performed a beautiful ceremony with many personal touches and heartfelt moments. Purposefully choosing not to have attendants, Mike and Melanie had their mothers sign the marriage certificate while their fathers performed readings, making their ceremony a real family affair!

The ceremony took place at Wild Rose United Church. – Photo courtesy of Edward Ross Photography.

Photo courtesy of Edward Ross Photography.

Afterward, everyone immediately headed over to the Calgary Chamber of Commerce for the reception. The Enmax Ballroom was jaw-droppingly gorgeous in black and white with accents of red, thanks to Firefly Occasions. White ostrich plumes were used in the sconces of the perimeter of the art deco space, while alternating tall and short floral centerpieces decorated the tables. Elegant linens were brought in from California’s La Tavola Linens and were paired with beautiful black chair covers. Red satin napkins were used as an accent color, along with place-cards and table and menu cards printed by Glimpz Invitations.

Photo courtesy of Edward Ross Photography.

Instead of a traditional head table, the couple opted to have a sweetheart table for two, positioned right in the center of the room. What a great way for a couple to start their life together as husband and wife by sharing their first meal as just the two of them. Romantic, yet sweet at the same time!

One special touch that I really loved, and Mike and Melanie’s only nod to Valentine’s Day, was to name each table after a “great love in history”. Tables were named after fictional couples, such as Romeo and Juliet, Antony and Cleopatra, and Lucy and Ricky Ricardo. Others were named after real loves in history, like George and Gracie Burns, Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III, and Napoleon and Josephine. Even the kids’ table were named quite appropriately, Mickey and Minnie, and Bart and Marge Simpson. We wrote each love story on the back of the table card, giving guests some light reading throughout the evening.

Photo courtesy of Edward Ross Photography.

Breaking with tradition, Mike and Melanie also decided to forgo having a wedding cake. The Calgary Chamber’s pastry chef instead prepared a decadent chocolate mousse treat, complete with the couples’ monogram to satisfy the wedding guests’ desire for something sweet. After only one bite, everyone raved about their choice.

It was a beautiful wedding! Mike and Melanie’s wedding was everything they imagined and more. It was a pleasure to work with this couple in making their wedding day a dream come true! Special thanks to the vendors that contributed and helped make this event possible, including Edward Ross Photography, Wild Rose United Church, Calgary Chamber of Commerce, Glimpz Invitations, Firefly Occasions, and Grasmere Garden & Floral.

Congratulations to Mike and Melanie! Best wishes and happiness always! – Photo courtesy of Edward Ross Photography.

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area, who want a wedding that is a unique and personal reflection of them. She is also a destination wedding specialist, working with couples who desire to wed in various picturesque dream locations throughout the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.


Signature Cocktails - A Special Touch That Can Help Make Your Wedding Your Own

Cocktails have made a huge and extremely welcome comeback over the past few years. Thanks to the creative genius of mixologists the world over, couples can arrange to have a unique cocktail drink served before dinner, during the meal, or at the dance party. With proper thought and preparation, this cocktail can even add to whole atmosphere of your wedding by incorporating your color scheme or other elements associated with your theme.

Signature cocktails are a fun way to add to your reception, even playing on your theme or wedding color choices.

So where do you start? The first step is to find a mixologist. This is the person who is going to create your unique and special drink. He or she is going to come up with the recipe that will be passed on to the bartenders, who in turn will create the drink for your guests. Many venues have a mixologist on staff, an expert who is specially trained to come up with a drink for all occasions. When initially talking with them, give them as much information about your wedding as possible. Let them know about your theme, your colors, and details about the food that will be served. Be sure to let them know about any preferences you may have. For example, if you’re having a winter wedding, you may want to choose to have a heated drink, such as a special coffee or even a hot toddy to warm guests. Tropical weddings tend to feature rum drinks mixed with fruit juices and garnished with an umbrella. With the right information, these talented individuals can come up with a personalized concoction that will add to the flavour of your wedding, even choosing a name for the drink that will reflect the theme of your wedding.

Probably the most common bases used for cocktails are either vodka or rum. Both are extremely popular and can be easily mixed with fruit juices to create decadent drinks. Extremely versatile, and with numerous flavours and variations to choose from, either of these are great choices as the basis for your signature drink!

Another popular choice is champagne, or sparkling wine. A splash of cranberry juice or pomegranate juice adds a touch of color and a dash of elegance. You may even want to look at getting edible flowers that can be added to the glass for a truly decorative touch. (For ordering information, check out www.wildhibiscus.com.)

Edible flowers in bubbling champagne or other sparkling wines mystify guests and are a definite conversation starter! – Photo courtesy of Wild Hibiscus

I would tend to avoid liquors such as gin, scotch, or port as they are an acquired taste. However, if they add to the theme of your wedding, go for it!

Especially with the increasing interest in juice bars, you may want to choose to have a non-alcoholic drink, using a combination of fruit juices to create a combination perfect for your guests of all ages.

Whether based on an old favourite that matches your theme, or an entirely new invention, signature cocktails are a great way to add some fun to your wedding celebration. They can be as unique and personal as the two of you with countless options available. I would encourage you to have some fun, lift your glasses in a toast, and let the party begin!

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area, who want a wedding that is a unique and personal reflection of them. She is also a destination wedding specialist, working with couples who desire to wed in various picturesque dream locations throughout the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

A New Take On Wedding Cakes

Wedding cakes have existed almost as long as the wedding ritual itself. As early as ancient times, the Romans ate a cake of flour, salt, and water, during the actual ceremony. (I know! It doesn’t sound that appetizing to me either, but the tradition had to start somewhere!) The wedding cake that we are more familiar with originated in Britain. It was a fruitcake, with the fruits and nuts as symbols of fertility. The custom was, and continues to be today, that the bride and groom must cut the cake together, symbolizing their unity, a shared future, and their life together as one. It’s a romantic tradition, and one that many couples continue to incorporate into their wedding day celebration.

This whimsical winter creation is just one example of what is possible! – Photo courtesy of Allan Maude Photography; Cake design by Cake Creations

Wedding cakes have come a long way over the past few decades. They come in every shape and size, and pretty much every flavour. It’s become an art form unto itself. Especially with television shows such as TLC’s Cake Boss and Fabulous Cakes, our imaginations are being put to test. Nothing is considered impossible anymore!

More recently, there have been a greater variety of non-traditional wedding cakes. The most popular variation, of course, are cupcakes. Towers of cupcakes are becoming more and more commonplace, especially after their ringing endorsement by wedding gurus, such as Martha Stewart. Whether they are all the same, or made of different flavours, they are assembled in the same multi-tiered shape and use a common decorating theme. One definite advantage to think about is that there is no cake cutting required as guests just come along and select one at their convenience.

Cupcakes are fun! It’s easy to have different flavours, and you can even incorporate a top tier of a real cake for the couples that want to save it for their first anniversary. – Photo courtesy Cakery Bakery

The one thing that I’ve learned since starting in the wedding industry is that there is no limit to what is possible. “Cakes” are being made of almost every edible sweet substance imaginable! I’ve seen everything from chocolate truffles, cookies, and even marshmallows. It’s definitely no longer the era of the wedding cakes that our grandparents are familiar with.

The bar has truly been lifted in terms of wedding cakes and what can be achieved. It’s a great way to incorporate wedding theme and colors, but more importantly, it’s a chance for the couple to have some fun and choose something that reflects their personalities and shows a bit of who they are. Have fun with it and may the creative spirit move you!

Photo courtesy of Cakery Bakery

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area, who want a wedding that is a unique and personal reflection of them. She is also a destination wedding specialist, working with couples who desire to wed in various picturesque dream locations throughout the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

You are welcome to publish this article in other blogs or e-zines, but please ensure the signature file above is printed along with the article.

Two Alternatives To The Traditional Wedding Reception

Newly engaged couples often sit down to begin planning their wedding. They have big dreams and stars in their eyes. However, often enough those exciting ideas are quickly tossed aside once they start figuring out the huge costs that are associated with having the big wedding reception they always imagined. First there is the cost of renting the venue. Probably the biggest expense is the food, which is normally a plated dinner or even a buffet, followed closely by the alcohol expense. Then there is the cost of entertainment, which usually means hiring a DJ or a band. Finally, there is the décor. When most couples start adding up the figures, it causes a lot of concern. How do they have the wedding reception that they want without the price-tag to match?

I think the first thing to remember is that the purpose of a wedding reception is for your guests to join with you in celebrating that the two of you have committed your lives to one another. It is a party to celebrate your marriage, but what you have to remember is that the party can take a variety of forms. Better yet, some of these forms will be able to save you money and make your wedding dreams more attainable than you ever imagined.

Cocktails Reception

One option to consider is to have a late afternoon or evening ceremony followed by an elegant cocktail reception. Create a lounge space with minimal furnishing that encourages your guests to visit and socialize. Servers can bring out trays of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres or maybe set up different food stations around the room. Perhaps you would prefer to set-up a dessert bar with a variety of decadent treats to satisfy any person’s sweet tooth. Whatever you choose, your food costs will be less than paying for a full dinner meal. A trio of jazz musicians off to one side can perform ambient background music or bring in that DJ who will really get the party started. It can be the black-tie affair you want, but without the price tag.

A lounge space is not only trendy, but a great way to utilize an open-spaced area. Guests can have the option of socializing or dancing in a club-like atmosphere.

Morning Brunch

Another option is to have a morning ceremony with either a brunch or lunch reception. Your food costs associated with either breakfast or lunch is usually much less than the price of having a dinner reception. Perhaps you might have a signature drink, like a mimosa, or perhaps you would choose to only serve local beers, but another added benefit of a brunch wedding will be reduced alcohol costs. A classical guitarist or a pianist could be hired to play background music, but you won’t have the additional costs of a DJ. Whether you choose an indoor or an outdoor venue, this can be a wonderful way to spend a weekend morning, especially if your wedding includes families and children.

A brunch wedding is more friendly than formal. It sets a welcoming tone that your guests will appreciate as they spend a wonderful morning together.

There are lots of great ideas out there that can let you have the wedding reception you want. Sometimes, you just have to be able to think outside the box, or know someone who can help you get there.

If you’re interested in getting started in planning your wedding, contact us at Creative Weddings and Occasions.

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

You are welcome to publish this article in other blogs or e-zines, but please ensure the signature file above is printed along with the article.

Real Weddings: My Big Fat Greek Wedding!

Last weekend, I had the incredible opportunity to witness and be part of the wonderful wedding celebration of Pete and Penny. Both the bride and groom are long-standing members of the Greek community in Calgary, Alberta, so it only made sense that the wedding would take place at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in a rich cultural celebration full of tradition and family heritage.

The bride spent the morning with her bridesmaids getting ready at her Koumbara’s house (kind of like your godmother/religious sponsor and maid of honor all wrapped up in one). With the main wedding color being bright fuchsia pink, the bridesmaids’ bouquets were made up of hot pink gerbera daisies, while the bride’s was made up of a combination of white and pink, always classic, roses. Once ready, they arrived in style at the church in a Bentley Rolls Royce.

Four talented young musicians from Balmoral Traditional Learning Centre (where the groom’s brother teaches) provided the ceremony music, including selections from Pachebel’s Canon in D as the processional, Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring (J.S. Bach) for the signing of the marriage license, and Trumpet Voluntary (J. Clarke) for the recessional. The girls were placed in the choir loft at the back of the church, and as one wedding guest exclaimed, it sounded like “angels from heaven” as they played.

The ceremony itself was beautiful and poignant, with most of the words in ancient Greek. It is a ceremony that has remained unchanged for centuries and is full of symbolism. It included the Service of Betrothal, where the priest blessed the rings followed by the Koumbaro (couple’s religious sponsor and best man) swaps the rings three times between the bride and groom’s fingers, representing the Holy Trinity. It was followed by the Crowning, where the bride and groom are crowned with flowered crowns, or stefana, which are joined by a white ribbon. The ribbon represents the couple's unity and the crowns signify the couple's new role of king and queen of their dynasty (their home and future children); which they should rule with wisdom, justice and integrity. Finally, the priest led the bride and groom on the Ceremonial Walk, where they circle the altar three times, taking their first steps together as man-and-wife.

At the end of the ceremony, the couple escaped the church only to be literally showered by uncooked rice tossed from the many guests who had attended, for good wishes of fertility and felicity.

The reception was also rich in tradition. Held at Calgary’s Glencoe Club, guests had their photos taken upon arrival and wrote messages that will be matched up with their pictures later. One special feature on the signing table was framed photographs of the bride and groom’s engagement photos, along with wedding photos of both of their parents. A simple, yet effective idea to include family heritage.

The delicious cake was made by a friend of the bride. Covered in white fondant, the fuchsia and black geometric designs and pink gerberas helped continue with the bride’s vision for the decor. Although cut prior to dinner, it was served along with the late night snack.

After an amazing dinner, the party really got started! Music is a huge part of any Greek wedding and there was dancing long into the night. A combination of traditional Greek dances and pop music was played throughout the evening to keep everyone entertained. And what Greek wedding would be complete without the breaking of plates for good luck! When guests finally left for the evening, they were able to take favors of olive oil or ouzo, direct from Greece, to which bonbonierres were attached (an odd number of almond candies coated in white chocolate that are wrapped in netting).

It was a wonderful day with an incredible ceremony followed by a fabulous evening of fun and laughter! Even the weather was beautiful with sunny skies, perfect for the wedding photos. What more could a couple ask for? On behalf of Creative Weddings and Occasions, we wish Pete and Penny all the best as they begin this new chapter of their lives together. Congratulations!

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at cathy@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com .

You are welcome to use publish any of the articles above in other blogs or e-zines, but please ensure the signature file above is printed along with the article.

Idea To Include Family Tradition and Heritage In Your Wedding Reception

I just got home from an incredible wedding we did today for a fantastic couple! They had a traditional Greek Orthodox ceremony today in a beautiful church in Calgary. For anyone who has attended an Greek Orthodox wedding, you know that the ceremony is full of rich traditions and symbolism, right from the wearing of the crowns joined by a single ribbon, showing that they will be the heads of their new household, to the ceremonial walk, where the priest leads the couple around the altar three times to represent their first steps together as man and wife. As the couple and their families had both been members of the church since they were children, the priest had watched them grow up physically and spiritually. He knew them well enough to include personal experiences from their childhood, and make it more personable and meaningful for the couple, their families, and everyone in attendance.

For the newlyweds, family and tradition were both extremely important to each of them. After such a culturally rich ceremony, they wanted to find ways to continue with traditions during their reception. One idea was to include wedding photos of both sets of their parents, as well as one of their engagement photos on their signing table. It showed the history as well as the beginning of a new family - an absolutely beautiful idea that is easy to do, relatively inexpensive, yet extremely effective! (The best kind!!!)

Another friend of mine has used a similar idea in her home decor. She has her wedding photo, but like a family tree, has gone back and used both her parents' wedding photo and her hubby's, as well as the wedding picture of all four sets of grandparents. Talk about showing your family heritage!

As more and more couples are looking to make their ceremonies their own, it doesn't mean that we have to forget about the past. Sometimes the best ideas come from going back to the basics...

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at cathy@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com .

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Ten Tips To Ensure Your Guests Have a Blast At Your Destination Wedding

[Editor's Note: Our guest e-zine author, Muriel MacRae, is the owner of Del Sol Travel as well as my business partner at Del Sol Destination Weddings. She has been helping couples plan and organize their dreams weddings throughout the world in exotic locations, such as Mexico, the Caribbean, and Costa Rica. An expert in terms of dealing with some of the challenges of group travel, she is well versed in finding resorts that perfectly match the needs and wants of her clients. Furthermore, her expertise in wedding planning makes her more than just your regular travel agent.]

Every couple who is planning a destination wedding worries about getting their guests to attend their destination wedding. Will they like the location? Does it cost too much? Am I imposing on them to expect them to travel so far? Will they have a good time?

Here are ten ways to get you guests to not only attend your destination but to have a fantastic time while they are there:

1. Once you have decided on the location and the date of the wedding, send out a “Save the Date” e-mail or card. For best results, try and do this a minimum of 12 months prior to your wedding so guests can prepare and plan accordingly to attend. [Editor's note: The more time your guests have to plan ahead and save, the more likely they are to be able to join you for the celebration.]


2. In choosing a location, make sure that it is one that your guests will enjoy. Consider the cost, the travel time to get there, and the activities available for the guest once they do get there. You may enjoy the rustic Eco Lodge in the middle of nowhere but your guests might not. Try to plan a location where the travelling time is within three to eight hours and with a limited number of flight connections whenever possible. Many of your friends and family will not want to spend two out of seven days sitting on a plane or in airports waiting for flights. You might have always dreamed of staying at a certain five-star luxurious resort, but if the price is astronomical, a lot of your guests will not be pleased. Be sure to also check that a variety of activities will be offered at the resort or can at least be found in the nearby area. For example, if most of your female friends love shopping, and the closest shopping area is 75 miles away, some girls could go into withdrawal. Your golfing friends won't be happy either, if they have to go without a game for seven days.



3. Work with a travel agent who is familiar with destination weddings and planning travel associated with destination weddings. Such a person can arrange group rates for your entire party as well as give you valuable advice in making your special day fantastic. You may think that the resort you saw on the internet is a real find, only to find out when you get there that the service is terrible or the food is really bad! You can do it all yourself, but is it worth it? You have heard the horror stories where reservations were dropped by the hotel or passengers have missed flights because there wasn't enough time left for proper connections. You don’t want that to happen to you or any of your family members, especially at your destination wedding! Make sure there is someone who will be looking after you and each of your guests in case something goes wrong.


4. Think about saving money for your guests by choosing an All-Inclusive package which includes airfare and hotel accommodation as well as food and drinks. It is usually way cheaper than purchasing these items separately.


5. Try to choose a resort in the area that is more economical as some of your guests will not have the resources to stay at the pricey resort you have chosen for your wedding. They will appreciate the fact that you have given them an option. [Editor's Note: Although many of you want to keep costs down for your guests, you do have to remember that there is often a huge difference in resort ratings between here and in the Caribbean and Mexico. While a three-star resort in the United States or Canada might work perfectly well for that budget-conscious couple, few people would be satisfied with less than 4.5 stars in the Caribbean or Mexico.]
   
6. Keep your guests updated about your wedding. Send out frequent updates. You may even want to create a free wedding website complete with wedding details, personal stories, registry information, and a photo gallery. Use a free site such as the link for Honeymoon Wishes on either Del Sol Destination Weddings or Creative Weddings and Occasions websites, http://www.ewedding.com/ , http://www.momentville.com/, or The Knot Wedding website at http://www.theknot.com/. Another site for a small cost is http://www.weddingtracker.com/. As well, a lot of couples are using a Facebook Fan Page and finding that also works well.


7. Arrange to have the resort hand out an itinerary to your guests at check-in time or be hand delivered to each room by a member of your wedding party. It is also recommended that you hand out a special welcome bag as a special "thank you for coming” which can include such items as flip-flops, suntan lotion, mosquito repellent, bottles of water, candy, small mementos, fun items, or a local craft.


8. Plan activities which your guests will enjoy. You are asking your friends and family to spend a fair amount of money as well as giving up their vacation time to be with you so you want them to enjoy themselves. Create an itinerary that is suitable for all age groups. Make sure that the events you plan do not always start early in the morning as many of your “night hawk” friends will wants to catch some extra shut eye. Also make sure to give everyone some free time so they can do some things on their own.






9. Plan a welcome party with local food and music as a great way to get everybody to meet each other and begin the week in a fun-filled way.


10. Be a gracious and thoughtful host. Remember that the people you have invited to your wedding are your guests and it is your job to ensure that they enjoy themselves and have a good time. They have given of their vacation time and resources to be with you on your wedding day, and you want to make sure that they know how much you appreciate them for being there. Thank them for coming and tell them how much it means to you both. Don’t be resentful that you do not have of lot of private time as a couple. You have the rest of your life to spend together. Include a surprise during the week to add to the excitement.

Enjoy this special time in paradise sharing your vacation with your best friends and family. Remember to thank people for all of the things they have done for you. Make this event memorable and one that will be talked about for years when your guest tell others what a “blast” they had at your destination wedding.

If you want your guests to have a great time at your destination wedding and are not sure where to start, let us help you with your travel arrangements and planning by calling 403-477-0643 or e-mail Del Sol Destination Weddings to set up your FREE initial consultation.

If you wish further assistance in planning your wedding or decorating for you big day, please contact Cathy at cathy@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at cathy@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com .

Turquoise - The "IT" Color for 2010!

It's official! Turquoise is the "hot" color for 2010!

Pantone, the global authority on color and the provider of professional color standards for the design industry, made the big announcement a few weeks ago. As stated in their press release, "... combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing."

In many cultures, turquoise is considered a talisman of healing. It's a color of peacefulness, and of compassion, inspired by the color of water and the sky. For others, turquoise represents an escape, allowing people to imagine an inviting tropical paradise.

Turquoise is the perfect color choice for a wedding as it is a color that people respond to positively. With both warm and cool overtones, it goes well with numerous other shades. While we used various shades of turquoise paired with white at Calgary's Wedding Fair 2010, the most recent edition of The Knot has paired it with chocolate brown, fire engine red, bubble gum pink, and mint green.
In fashion, turquoise is extremely versatile. It can look elegant in classy silks and and jewels or casual and fun in cottons. It's a great accent color for purses, hair accessories, shoes, and nail polish for women, and ties, shirts, and hankerchiefs for men. The best part, is that it is universally flattering for both men and women, making it a great shade for outfitting your wedding party in.

Whether you choose it as the main shade or just purely for accents, turquoise is a fantastic wedding color! It's versatile and goes well on it's own or with so many other color hues. It can make your wedding attendants look amazing or your reception or ceremony venue look inviting and elegant. Take the plunge and make this color part of your wedding decor!
If you wish further assistance, or decor assistance for your own wedding, please contact Cathy at cathy@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

Decor Ideas For An Fall Wedding

As much as most of hate to see the end of summer, the fall season does give us some incredible options to work with when it comes to wedding decor. The oranges, yellows, browns and reds of autumn provide us with a fabulous and stunning palette of colors to work with. It also gives us a chance to bring in elements from the outdoors, including leaves, dried flowers, and possibly even vegetable gourds. Add to it the Thanksgiving season, and you may be able to incorporate a turkey or two.

One of our couples recently got married in a beautiful outdoor ceremony in a picturesque location in Southern Alberta on Thanksgiving weekend. Large containers of dried flowers, prepared by the groom's mother, were artfully arranged on either side of the trellis, filled with cattails, dried berries, and other plants unique to the area. To add some additional color, Blue Hydrangea brought in two large vases of curly willow and seasonal flowers that added color to the ceremony backdrop. Metal pails of flowers were also used to decorate the end of each row of chairs and line the center aisle. It was quick, easy, and economical, yet looked great!

The best part was that all of these items were able to be easily transported to the reception site at the Lynnwood Ranch (south of Okotoks) allowing the bride to continue the theme in her reception decor. She wanted to create an atmosphere that was both rural and rustic, and by incorporating and reusing items from the ceremony decor, we were able to add to the overall feel and ambiance at the reception venue. The metal pails of flowers were especially useful as we used them throughout the room including on the edge of the DJ stage, the coffee service table, in the washroom areas, and placed effectively throughout the room. A bride on a really tight budget may have even opted to re-use them as part of her table centerpieces.

Playing on the Thanksgiving time period, country-style stuffed turkeys decorated the buffet tables, along with additional arrangements of silk tiger lilies in the colors of bright oranges and reds, adding a holiday feel to the food lines.

Some couples think that their centerpieces have to be expensive to look good. If you get creative, there are many affordable options that can be quite effectively. At this wedding, we opted to use a set of three tea light holder at varying heights. Artificial leaves in autumn colors were pulled off a garland and scattered on the table around the holders. Ivory glass stones were also scattered around the centerpiece along with mini-pumpkins and other vegetable gourds. The flame from the tealights provided a warm, romantic glow. However, please note that the burning time of a tealight is relatively short. You may want to consider using LED lights instead (they make ones now that flicker like a candle) to avoid having to change them throughout the evening or if you are in a venue that does not allow open flames.

If your wedding is still a year off, one cost-saving idea is to take advantage of some the sales that might be on now and purchase some of the "seasonal" materials ahead of time. Even if you're not sure what you want to do, you will probably find ways to incorporate them, and not end up paying full price next year.

Fall is fantastic season when it comes to wedding decor! The bright colors of autumn give us lots to work with, and the natural materials available are plentiful. Look around, get creative, and most importantly, have fun!

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

Make Your Reception Rock!

Great receptions don't just happen. And it's certainly something you don't want to leave to chance. A great reception is planned well ahead of time and is full of ideas to increase the fun factor and guest involvement. After all, the wedding is over and your reception is the opportunity to kick back and celebrate!

One of the first things you want to consider is the appropriateness of the venue. Does it provide the type of atmosphere you’re looking for? There is a lot you can do with décor and lighting to completely transform the venue and create the ambiance you're after. You may even want to assign a theme. What about recreating the glamour of a classic Hollywood movie premier, or perhaps you want more of the party atmosphere associated with Mardi Gras. Think, you could decorate the room in colors of purple, green, and gold and have masks available for your guests to help get them in the spirit!

Choosing your source of music is equally important. Personally, I've always been partial to a live band, but a great DJ can be equally as effective. Whoever you hire, you want to be assured that they are able to read and react to your guests. In particular, you want to make sure that they have a playlist guaranteed to get your guests in mood. It is important to think of what types of music your guests are going to enjoy and respond to. Take the time at least a month ahead of time to work with your band or DJ to create a playlist that will match the mood and ambiance you desire for your wedding reception.

The other essential element is to come up with ideas that will encourage guests to become more involved. For example, at the recent wedding reception we did in Costa Rica, a Tequila Shooter table was set up in the middle of the dance floor as the band started their third set of music. In addition, members of the wedding party (arranged ahead of time) started handing out props, such as Hawaiian leis, straw hats, and maracas engraved with the newlyweds’ names. Combining the party props, the tequila, and pre-arranging with the live Salsa band to kick the music into high gear, allowed the partyto takeon new life and become totally reenergized.

Finally, you may want to make some plans with your wedding party ahead of time. Get your groomsmen and bridesmaids to start conga lines and keep the dancing going. Maybe even be more direct with your attendants by asking them to invite “wallflowers” to dance, giving everyone a chance to get more involved and have some fun.

Your reception should be a festive occasion and something that everyone can enjoy. It will take careful planning, but with the right attention, it can be the culmination of a great day and a fantastic celebration that you and all of your guests will remember fondly for years to come!

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasionsand Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

Making Your Wedding Your Own

Weddings have been around for hundreds of years and are an important part of most cultures throughout the world. Countless traditions and customs have been established as part of this sacred celebration that occurs when two people make a commitment to love, cherish, and honour each other. As a result, when a couple gets newly engaged, almost everyone they know has an opinion on what the wedding should be like, and aren’t afraid to express it.

For many engaged couples, the planning can quickly become very overwhelming especially when there are family members to please. The best advice I can give you is to step back from it all and figure out what is most important to the two of you. After all, this is your special day!
Don’t get me wrong! Tradition and customs are important. They help connect us and bring some of the past to the present and the future. However, these traditions should be also be meaningful to the both of you if they are going to be included as part of your wedding celebration. This is especially true if you start examining the costs associated with some of these traditions.
One the of the best examples I’ve seen is with a couple I recently worked with. Mike and Melanie had definite idea for their wedding. They had sat down and figured out what was most important to them, and were able to stick to their plans. It helped that the two of them were paying for the wedding, so although family members had opinions, the couple was able to have the final say.

One of the big decisions came in the form that they chose not to have any attendants. They felt that they had so many good friends, how could they pick and choose? Instead, they opted to have both of sets of parents walk them down the aisle. As these were the most important people in each of their lives, they also had their mothers sign the wedding registry, while their fathers both performed separate reading during the ceremony. Many guests commented that it made the ceremony more intimate, and emphasized the close ties that this family shares.

This decision not to have attendants also impacted the reception in terms that there was no need for a head table. As an alternative, they arranged for a table for two to be set in the middle of the room, allowing them to share their first meal together as a newly married couple as just the two of them. Definitely a romantic touch!

Many wedding traditions, such as flowers, decorations, and wedding cake also come with big price tags. There are ways couple can look at reducing these expenses, by using alternate materials or eliminating them altogether. For example, Mike and Melanie didn’t really see the need for a wedding cake. As Mike said during the ceremony, “if you’re waiting for the cake, you’ll have to come back to another wedding next weekend.” The dessert they chose as a replacement was a scrumptious chocolate mousse, created and designed by the culinary staff at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. As a personal touch, each dessert was monogrammed with two letter “M”s, one for the bride and one for the groom! I certainly didn’t see any guests mourn not having cake as they took their first bite of these mouth-watering morsels.

When planning a wedding in today’s modern society, there are so many details to consider. What you must remember is that this day should be about the two of you. There are legalities that must be incorporated, but in terms of the other decisions, you must make them based on what is most important to the two of you. Rules and traditions are changing. Opinions of family and friends should be considered, but you are ultimately responsible for the final decision. After all, this is your big day! Make it special and meaningful for you!

For more original ideas to make your wedding and reception unique and personal to you, contact us as http://www.creativeweddingsandoccasions.com/ .

Love Story Centerpieces

Whenever planning your wedding, you want to be able to incorporate ideas that will make your wedding stand out as a unique and one of a kind event! The extra special little touches are what your guests will admire and will allow them to fondly remember your event for years to come.
One way in which you can do this is by assigning names to each of the reception tables instead of the traditional method of numbering them. This can work extremely well if you have already selected a theme that you want to incorporate. For example, one couple I recently worked with were getting married on Valentine’s Day. Mike and Melanie were adamant about staying far away from all the cutesy “heart and cupid” motifs normally associated with the holiday. However, they thought that incorporating tributes to some of the “great loves in history” was one way they could acknowledge Valentine’s Day, but in a more subtle and elegant manner that suited their reception decor.

The first step in making this happen was to create a list of “great loves”, some fictional and some real. Couples that we came up with included Romeo and Juliet, George Burns and Gracie Allen, and Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier. After researching each couple, I wrote a one-page summary of their story, which was then mounted on the back of a piece of cardstock, with a photo and title of the couple on the front. (A special thank you to Amanda at Glimpz for putting it all together for us.) The stories were mounted on miniature easels, two at each table, providing a way to identify each table as well as some light reading for guests during the dinner. Along with the floral arrangements and red votive candles, it really added to the overall effect of the table centerpieces.

There are countless ways you could adapt this idea to your own wedding. Here are some quick ideas:

• For wine lovers, name each table after a different type of wine (e.g. cabernet, merlot, chardonnay, ...).
• For a western themed wedding, name each table after a breed of horses (e.g. Palomino, Arabian, Clydesdale, ...).
• If you went for more of a “once upon a time ...” fairy-tale theme, name each table after a specific fairly-tale, perhaps focusing on love story themed ones that most of us know so well from our childhood (e.g. Cinderella and Prince Charming, Beauty and the Beast, Sleeping Beauty and Price Phillip, ...).
• For an elegant classic movie premier, turn to some of the greats films of all time (e.g. Casablanca, Gone With The Wind, Sabrina (original), and Roman Holiday).
  

As you can see, this idea is a fairly easy one to incorporate if you put some initial thought into it. It’s a little thing that can help bring out your theme, if you have one, and can make your reception a little more personable.

By the way, did I mention the “great love in history” couple we chose for the kids’ table – Mickey & Minnie Mouse, of course!

For more reception ideas, contact us at http://www.creativeweddingsandoccasions.com .