Hot Day, Bad Traffic - BUT a Still a Successful Wedding!

The day dawned clear and hot and humid for Helen & Eric's wedding day today. And then the news came that a police investigation closed the QEW Niagara-bound for hours, resulting in huge traffic problems. However, with flexibility at Liuna Gardens on our side, the wedding happened as hoped, just an hour delayed. But the guests were understanding, the vendors were accomodating and it was a beautiful ceremony overlooking the lake. A nice breeze and shade of the trees helped to keep guests comfortable.

Following the ceremony and family photos... and photos with their little dog, Chico (wearing a tuxedo!) Helen changed into a beautiful red traditional Chinese gown to participate with Eric and their parents in the special Chinese Tea Ceremony. After the Tea Ceremony, it was back into her wedding dress for bridal party photos at Liuna's beautiful property.

The Cocktail hour was held at Burlington Golf & Country Club while the Bride & Groom had more photos taken there and then the reception followed.


Congratulations Eric & Helen on a beautiful and special day, despite the delayed start! It all worked out and was a special day!

VENDORS:

LifeImages Photography (Alex) www.lifeimages.ca
Norris Films Videography (Norris) www.norrisfilms.com
Liuna Gardens (Ceremony) www.liunagardens.com
Burlington Golf & Country Club (reception) www.burlingtongolfclub.com
Gala Decor (Christina) www.galadecor.ca
Lush Florals (Melanie) www.lushflorals.ca
All Life's Milestones Officant Tom Chire www.alllifesmilestones.on.ca
Quartet, Alicia & Trent www.aliciaandtrent.ca
Guitar & Vocals, Mike & Wendy www.mikefreedman.com http://www.wendyirvine.ca/
Andy's Cakes www.andysweddingcakes.com
Mainstream Entertainment (William) www.mainstream-entertainment.net
Fox Run Limosines www.foxrunlimos.com
Satine Makeup & Hair www.satinestudio.com
Chinese Lion Dancers www.sammychengtorontoliondance.com

Grindstone Church Volunteer Appreciation Evening

On Friday, Oct. 22, 2010, the staff of Grindstone Valley Bible Church honoured about 45 of the many volunteers (unfortunately they all couldn't come!)who give of their time to help run the many programs and areas of responsibility at the church.

The event was held in the hall of St. Luke's Parish in Burlingon - a beautiful facility! We decorated the tables with brown tablecloths, a taupe coloured placemat in the middle & then silk fall leaves & real pumpkins on that as the centerpieces, surrounded by 4 tealight candles. Other tables were set up for getting place cards, for beverages & then for decadent desserts.


A speaker came to address the group and challenged us to look after our inner selves so that we can better serve others.

It was a fun evening and I think the volunteers appreciated some recognition for the tireless services they provide to the church community.



VENDORS:
VENUE: St. Luke's Parish Hall www.stlukesburlington.ca

Rain, Rain, Go Away!!

Yesterday, John & Nicole had hoped to have an outdoor wedding ceremony overlooking the lake at the Burlington Golf & Country Club - but the weather just didn't cooperate.

The couple, their families and bridal party met at Dundurn Castle for photos before the ceremony - in the pouring rain. Thankfully, we had the whole covered back porch of the castle to do photos in and lots of big umbrellas to help keep everyone dry. We were also glad that no other bridal parties showed up for the same locale. Despite the rain, the couple were in good spirits and the photos will no doubt still be amazing. The "Big Reveal" moment was captured by the photographers - that special "first glimpse" of each other... priceless!

Back at the Burlington Golf Club, the alternative ceremony site was set up in the banquet hall. Guests were seated at their reception tables and a couple rows of chairs were set on the dance floor for family members. The head table & cake became the back drop for the ceremony
After the officiant, groomsmen, parents and groom entered, the processional was led by Isabella - the 9 month old adorable flower girl, "escorted" by her father as she toddled down the aisle to the delight of the guests. Following her was Charlotte, the 18-mth old flower girl, holding her mom's hand, and stealing the show with her cuteness.
After the rest of the bridesmaids, Nicole made her grand entrance with her dad, looking like a vision of beauty in her strapless gown and cathedral-length, laced-edged veil.

By the end of the ceremony, the rain clouds had disappeared and the guests were able to enjoy cocktails on the lawn, overlooking the lake, while the bridal couple were able to get some formal photos done outside.

The reception was a fun evening - a great meal, touching speeches, and lots of dancing until the wee hours of the morning! Special kudos for the staff at BGC as they were amazing to work with & handled everything with professionalism and integrity.

Congratulations Nicole & John - a beautiful couple.... I wish you all the best in your new life together as husband & wife!

Nicole & John's WEDDING VENDORS:
Photographer: Julie Johnson, Vine Images www.vineimages.com
Harpist: Chantal Dube 416-909-9944
Pianist: Christie Latta, clatta@cogeco.ca
Officiant: Harold Bridle (uncle of Bride)
Venue: Burlington Golf Club www.burlingtongolfclub.com
Decorator & Florist: Paula - La Fiora Floral Studio www.lafioras.com
DJ: Jeff from Bil Copeland DJ www.thunderdj.com
Cake: Lakeview Pastry www.lakeviewpastry.com