Ancaster Wedding Show A Big Success

KUDOS to Tiffany Walsh & Team members for putting on a great 1st ever Ancaster Wedding Show! Most vendors entering the show were a big uncertain as to what to expect - with this being the first show by this organizer in this location in this month!! But personally, I thought it was a great show.

The morning started off with a huge influx of brides along with their moms, future mother-in-laws, bridal parties, friends, family members - and even quite a few grooms! The afternoon was slower, but in my experience this fairly typical.

Brides were treated to some new vendors (including Jason Matos of Jason Matos Photography - yup, he's my son!), some vendors who are "regulars" at local shows, and of course, lots of great ideas, inspiration, samples and handouts!
To check out what vendors were at the show, go to: www.ancasterweddingshow.com
Congratulations to all the brides (& grooms) who attended - we hope that you went home with MANY great ideas for your upcoming wedding and that you found the perfect vendors to meet your wedding needs!

Don't forget Brides.... "Leave the Details to Me..." is offering a WEDDING SHOW SPECIAL - book by Oct 31, 2010 for your future wedding and lock in at 2010 rates!! (This offer is available to ANY brides - whether you attended the show or not!)

Thanks Tiffany for a "show well done!"

Bride's Morning Disappointment Doesn't Diminish Her Beauty in Any Way!

Shashika's day as a bride didn't start out too well - when her hair stylist failed to show up at her house to take care of her long, gorgeous hair, a bit of panic set in! However, family stepped in and helped to style her hair - and that of the bridal party! And they did a GREAT job! And while this set-back caused a short delay in the start of the wedding, everyone finally arrived - looking wonderful!! - and the ceremony proceeded with joy & special touching moments.

After the ceremony, photos were taken at the Illuminaqua Ampitheatre along the canal in Welland with family members, and then at the stately old courthouse with the bridal party. Then, the limo whisked the couple off to Niagara Falls. At a hotel there, Shashika changed into a "greek goddess" style wedding gown that her mother had made - and then they were off to the Botanical Gardens for their couple photos.

Meanwhile, friends & family gathered at the Club Italia hall in Niagara Falls for cocktails. When the bride & groom arrived, they greeted their guests in a receiving line, and then guests were then given a token gift which was a memorial to Joe's brother who recently passed away after a brief battle with cancer. A glass of champagne embellished with a "wild hisbiscus edible flower" in it was given to each guest as they entered the banquet hall for the reception.

All the flowers - bouquets, boutineers, centerpieces, church pew decor, and 4 large flower displays - were gorgeous in whites & yellows, providing sunny accents to the girls' yellow gowns. (Gowns & flowers were all made by Shashika's mom - what a talented lady!!)

So, despite the disappointing start to Shashikas' day - and despite the threat of rain all day - in the end, the wedding day was a huge success.... with beautiful hair and NO rain... and great memories made for this wonderful couple!


Congratulations Shashika & Joe!






VENDORS:
Ceremony Site: Rev.Will Alakas of Holy Trinity Anglican Church http://www.niagara.anglican.ca/parishes/index.cfm?PID=218
Photographer: Sarah of Indigo Stars Photography www.indigostarsphotography.ca
DJ & Videographer: Matt & Chris of Liquid Cube Productions www.liquidcubeproductions.com
Reception Hall: Club Italia www.clubitalia.ca
Decor Rentals: Creative Imports www.creativeimports.ca
Head & Cake Table Decor: Christina of Gala Decor www.galadecor.ca
Wedding Cake: Cheryl Miller www.cmweddingcakes.vpweb.com
Limo: Exquisite Limo www.exquisitelimo.ca

ANCASTER WEDDING SHOW

Brides-to-be.... THIS SUNDAY - August 22, 2010 - plan to come out to the all NEW Ancaster Wedding Show!

Great venue at the brand new Ancaster Fairgrounds - new vendors & some familiar faces - new looks - special features - great give-aways.... truly a wedding planning event you don't want to miss!

ADDRESS: 630 Trinity Rd, Jerseyville

TIMES: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm!
COST: $8.00 online in advance, $10 cash at the door


Check out all the exciting details at:

www.ancasterweddingshow.com

Fun Wedding with Sri Lankin and Trinidadian Grooves!

Malki & Gary survived the terrible humidity and a few passing showers on Sunday as they joined together as husband and wife. The day had a few highlights in my mind...

At the start of the service, Gary & Malki ended up standing kind of far apart -
but when musician Andrea Gal began to sing, Gary stepped forward & took Malki's hand -just in time to the song lyrics, "Draw me close to you...never let me go".... oh boy - I think a few tears were shed at the timing of that move!!

The reception hall was gorgeous! Tall elegant palm trees were set up around the room with uplights on them. The centerpieces were tall glass vases filled with tropical flowers & leaves, surrounded by 3 tulip votive holders. A steel pan player entertained guests during the cocktail hour & dinner... so there was a very tropical, "caribbean" feeling in the air!

After the guests enjoyed the receiving line, favours, shooters & picked up their custom-made "leopard print" place cards (in honour of Malki's love of this print!) the bridal party were ready for their introductions - and they all certainly made a Grand Entrance with funky dance moves... even the Ring Bearer did a few "break-dance" moves on his way in!! The party played up the entrance by doing a "soul train" routine.... and then this led to Malki & Gary's first dance together as husband & wife. Following that, they cut their cake, which was a spectacular creation on a gorgeous table display.

The kissing of the bride & groom was done with great fun - as they had to kiss for as long as a guest could keep a hoola hoop going! After a fabulous meal and a few speeches, Malki had a big surprise for Gary.... Caribana Dancers!! Three stunning dancers arrived and put on an incredible show, which of course included getting the bridal party and guests involved! What fun! After that - the party was well on its way.

Later that night, Gary & Malki changed into traditional "Sri Lankin going away outfits". Gary wore a very classy suit with a hot pink vest and Malki was adorned in splendor in her hot pink & gold sari & jewellry!

The day was a wonderful success! Congratulations Gary & Malki!

VENDORS:
Ceremony Site: Parkwoods United Church, Don Mills (Rev. Ellen Redcliffe)www.parkwoodsunitedchurch.com
Photo Site: Glendon College Campus www.glendon.yorku.ca
Reception Site: Venetian Banquet Hall, Vaughan www.thevenetian.ca
Ceremony Musician: Andrea Gal www.andreagal.ca
Photographer: Chuck of Pickering Photo www.pickeringphoto.com
Videographer: Dan of ChiliPepper Videography www.chilipepper.ca
Request Limosines: www.requestlimo.com
Cake Decorator: X-quisitte - Stacey Fernandes www.xgxcentral.com
DJ & MC - X-quisitte - Shaun Fernandes & Brian www.xgxcentral.com
Steel Pan Player - Kenn Lewis www.kennlewis.com
R.S. Divas Dance Troupe: www.rsdivas.com
Florist - Laurel Munro Floral Design www.laurelmunro.com
Decorator - Terri-Anne of TASAJ: www.Tasaj.com
Palm Tree Rentals - Amhurst Greenhouses: www.amherstgreenhouses.com
Hair Stylist: Angela Gale of Gorgias Hair Salon (friend of Malki's)
Makeup Artist: www.skmakeupartistry.com
Sari Dresser: Sobi Thiru www.luxurycakes.ca
Place Cards Designer/Calligrapher: Aliza Latta (friend of Gayla's)
Ceremony Decor: Heather Pearson (friend of Malki's)

Unique Reception at Warplane Heritage Museum

On Sat. July 31st, Phil & Brandy celebrated a fun evening for their Ontario Wedding Reception at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. The couple actually tied the knot earlier in July in Alberta - then had a great honeymoon for a couple weeks and ended up back in Ontario to celebrate with their friends & family here.

Brandy wore her gorgeous wedding dress for the reception and looked amazingly beautiful. The head table was set up under a HUGE warplane, and at the head table were Phil's sister & brother-in-law and brother & sister-in-law. The tables were all surrounded by various warplanes. Guests had the opportunity to view the planes & museum, guided by on-site volunteers. Each table was labelled by the name of a warplane, along with a picture of the plane. These table labels were done by the groom's dad who is passionate about warplanes!

The museum catering was DELICIOUS! HUGE portions of chicken breasts and side dishes were so amazing. Who knew that plane-specialists could cook so well!

After dinner, guests enjoyed a slide show of the happy couple, and tender speeches from the groom's parents & then from the bride & groom. Then, after dessert, "Relative Harmony" musicians led the guests all in a "contra dance" evening. Fiddle, piano & a "Caller" who led us all in what can be described as "english square dancing". What a great way to engage just about ALL of the guests - many of whom might not have danced at a typical dance!

It was a fun evening and a great celebration of this newly married couple.

Congratulations Phil & Brandy - and all the best in your new home in British Columbia!!


VENDORS:
Venue & Caterers & decorators - Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum http://www.warplane.com/
Musicians - Relative Harmony http://www.relativeharmony.com/
Flowers - Longo's grocery store
Cake - Stephanie Krish, sister of groom

Intimate Family-Focussed Wedding At Liuna Station

This past Friday afternoon, I had the privilege of coordinating the wedding of Val & Shawn. Val arrived to the venue in high style, riding like a true princess bride in a 1962 white Rolls Royce Limousine.

The ceremony was touching, and included Val's 5 year old son (THE most adorable ring bearer!!)
who helped them celebrate their new family unit with a symbolic "sand ceremony" where the three of them poured three different colours of sand into one jar at the same time. Rev. Deborah Coleman officiated the wedding ceremony with passion, humour and tenderness.

Following the ceremony, which was held in the Liuna Station lobby, family photos were done on site in the gardens and then the couple set out for photos at Pier 4 in Hamilton, enjoying the drive in the antique limo.

The reception was attended by about 70 close family & friends and was a true celebration of special family ties. Speeches were words of encouragement and support for this newly married couple and it is evident that they are surrounded by people who truly love them and care about them.
The day was a huge success and it was my privilege to work for this couple on their special day!

Congratulations Val & Shawn...

WEDDING VENDORS:
Ceremony & Reception Venue - Liuna Station www.liunastation.com Officiant - Rev. Deborah Coleman www.deborahcoleman.ca
Photographer - Milton from Split Image Photography www.split-imagephotography.com
Flowers - Josie Syers, Hamilton Farmer's Market
Limo - Memory Lane Limousines - www.memorylanelimo.com