Couple's Wedding a "Hallelujah" ending!

Cheryl & Dave tied the knot last Friday evening in a wonderful ceremony in Cambridge, ON. As they are both a "bit older" and this was their first wedding, their family & friends were so excited for them both! Knowing their families' excitement, Cheryl & Dave's officiant announced at the end of the ceremony that they had chosen a special song for their recessional - in honour of their families. And with that, the "Hallelujah Chorus" came on and everyone broke out in applause & laughter as they made their way triumphantly down the aisle!! The reality is, if Cheryl's older brother had been still been alive and was at the wedding, we all know he would have yelled out a hearty "Hallelujah!" upon their introduction as 'Mr & Mrs'.... so it was a fitting song and a special tribute to her brother!

The weather certainly kept us on our toes as it would change from rain to sun every few minutes it seemed. Driving to the photo shoot, it was raining. Arrived to the site in the sun & managed to stay dry for the time needed to get some great photos - and then as we drove back, it poured rain again! But all worked out in the end!



The reception began with the Bride & Groom being "greeted" by family members blowing on party noise-makers!! Then, a surprise video montage was presented of Cheryl & Dave - all in great fun & good taste! The evening ended with an "English Country Dance" - very much like a square dance, but more of "waltz" type music than "country" music. It was so much fun and almost all of the guests were up and participating - even those who typically don't dance!


Congratulations Cheryl & Dave on a wonderful wedding day!

Ceremony Venue: Heritage Bible College & Seminary Chapel, Cambridge
Officiant: Pastor Karen West
Ceremony Musicians: Allison & Caroline, Doug Thompson & Paul Wilson
Photographer: Jason Matos Photography, Waterdown
Photo Site: Mill Race Park, Cambridge
Reception Venue: Holiday Inn, Cambridge
Cake Decorator: Lori-Anne McDonell, Barrie
Flowers & Decor: Zehr's, Cambridge & MaryLou Burkard
Reception "English Dance" Musicians: Rick & Jonathan Avery
Reception "English Dance" Caller: Sheila Scott

The Groom that Almost Wasn't Allowed to Get Married!

Heather & Matthew have been planning their wedding for months! And then, the week of the wedding arrived full of hope & promise.... but quickly became a week full of anxiety and fear - that the Groom would NOT be allowed into Canada to get married! Yup - Matt is an American and apparently there's quite a bit of paperwork involved in getting permission to enter Canada to get married to a Canadian and then live here for a few months! Upon attempting to cross the border on Thursday in order to be here for the rehearsal, he was promptly denied access because of missing paperwork and he was turned back at the border, along with a long list of things he had to do to "prove" that he would indeed return to the USA at the end of the summer.

So, the rehearsal Thursday night was interesting as we were missing the groom and his best man (along with two other groomsmen who we'd already known wouldn't be there). So we had 2 of 6 guys present! Heather held up amazingly well considering she had to practice marrying a "stand-in" for Matt - and considering the uncertainty of whether Matt would actually be allowed to come into Canada to get married on Saturday or not!

Well - thanks to a lot of running around on Matt's part, help from his past employer and even some important help from our local MP David Sweet's office, Matt was permitted to enter Canada and arrived on Friday afternoon - WHEW!!


The wedding day dawned with clear skies and sunny, warm temperatures - perfect for their outdoor tent wedding at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington and their outdoor Barn reception at Dyments' farms in Dundas. Everything fell into place and looked amazing!

And the most important thing is - they ARE married!!! YEAH! Congratulations Heather & Matt!

Ceremony Venue: Rose Gardens Tent, Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington
Ceremony Musician: Hanna Strauss
Officiants: Doug Veenstra & Pastor Jim Pot
Photographer: Katie Button, Dundas
Photo Site: RBG Gardens, Burlington
Reception Venue: Dyment's Farms, Dundas
Caterers: Maitre D' Catering, Burlington
Cake Decorator: Lakeshore Pastry, Burlington
Reception Musicians: Corrie Kessler & Band

Jessie & James Perfect Day!

Friday was a very special day - a perfect wedding day for Jessie & James.
Jessie was one of the most relaxed and laid back brides I've ever met - she just went with the flow and didn't stress out about anything! The bridal party were wonderful to work with as well - also very relaxed, just chillin' and enjoying the day - and oh so patient during the photo shoots where they had a fair bit of time to wait around while the bride & groom had their photos taken.

As the wedding was on a Friday evening, the couple decided to have their photos all done before the wedding, which meant that they'd see each other before the ceremony. But the photographer set it up beautifully for "the big reveal" moment. James was put in a corner on a porch, so he couldn't see the bride arrive. Then, they set her up - fluffed out her gown, had her back to James but turned slightly towards him, holding her bouquet - and then, with only the photographers on hand to capture the moment (the rest of us were not a part of this moment) - they got to see each other and share a special moment. Very romantic!

The ceremony was at the beautiful outdoor chapel at the Ancaster Old Mill - and a nice cloud rolled into place just as the ceremony started, provided relief to the guests from the sun - and it lasted just until the ceremony was over - amazing! The evening progressed with a casual and relaxed "stand up" reception - no seating charts or reserved seating - just a few tables & chairs set around the room and a few bistro tables, thus allowing guests to mingle and visit and enjoy the company of many other guests. Great eats and drinks, lively music, fun dancing - it was a wonderful wedding!


I was so thrilled to be able to coordinate this wedding and to work with such amazing people - bride & groom, bridal party, family & guests - they were all fabulous and made my job so easy and VERY enjoyable!

Congratulations Jessie & James!




Ceremony & Reception Venue: Ancaster Old Mill Inn
Photographer: Vine Images (Julie Johnson), Burlington
Photo Sites: Dundurn Castle, Hamilton & Old Mill, Ancaster
Florals & Decor: Botanically Bent, Oakville
DJ: Bill Copeland DJ Services (Jeff), Burlington
Videographer: Jesse Hunt
Cake Decorator: Kate Fretz
Officiant: Pastor Scott Anderson, B.C.
Ceremony Musicians: Ben Fretz & Jacob Fretz, Lianne & Jordan Phillips

Bridal Shoes

Your Bridal shoes are an essential part of your wedding day attire! You will be walking, standing, posing, photographing and dancing in these shoes - and so you must put some time and thought into choosing the right shoes for your special day. Not only do you want them to look good - but you'll want to be comfortable in them!

Several things you need to consider when purchasing your bridal shoes are:
* what style of bridal gown are you wearing? (ie. ballgown, sheath, mermaid)
* what is your fashion style? (ie. romantic, classic, sporty, casual)
* what colour is your gown?
* what are the special features of your gown? (ie. sequins, feathers, ribbons, beading)
* where will you be walking during your wedding day? (ie. grass, cobblestone, beach)
* what do you value most - comfort or fashion?
* are you taller or shorter than your groom?

There is a wide range of great options on the market for bridal shoes - and these shoes come in a huge variety of fabrics, colours, heel-heights, styles, decorative touches - and in a wide price range. Most brides typically choose a dressy, heeled shoe that coordinates with and compliments her gown.

However, some brides prefer to choose something unexpected or unusual when it comes to their shoes. Here are some unique ideas to consider:
* white canvas runners, dressed up by replacing the laces with ribbons and glueing sequins or beads onto the canvas
* white flip flops dressed up with embellishments to coordinate with your gown
* satin ballet slippers
* brightly coloured dress shoes that match the bridesmaids' dresses or your bouquet

If you choose a high-heeled classy shoe, you might want to consider having a second pair of flat, comfortable shoes to put on for the reception.

Plan to purchase your shoes well in advance of your wedding. That way, you will have the shoes available for your dress fittings and you will be able to wear them as much as possible around the house to break them in. If the shoes pinch or if your heels slip, go to a cobbler or shoe store to purchase accessories that will help to pad the shoe and protect your feet. Also, if you'll be walking on slippery floors, it is a good idea to scuff up the soles of your shoes to help avoid slipping.

A great little tip for high-heel shoes - especially if you'll be walking on grassy areas or cobblestones is to purchase a little accessory called "SoleMates High Heeler™." These plastic heel covers attach easily to most high heels and provide a larger surface area to walk on, effectively stopping your heels from sinking into the grass or wobbling on cobblestones. This specialty item is available in Canada only at "What a Heel" shoe store located at 453 Brant Street, Burlington, Ontario, or online at www.thesolemates.com

On your wedding day, you will be spending a lot of time on your feet - so be sure to find a pair of shoes that will be comfortable and that will also make the fashion statement that you want them to make!

Happy feet makes for a happy bride!!

Special Ways to Celebrate Family at Your Wedding

Some people are blessed with great family relationships – special people who have shaped and influenced your life and who mean the world to you. If you are so blessed - then your wedding is a wonderful time to honor those special people in your life.

Here are some ideas on how you can pay tribute to those closest to you on your wedding day – both those in the here & now, as well as those who have already passed on.

Ask special family members to be involved in parts of the ceremony.
• to hand out bulletins or “man” the guest book
• to be ushers and seat guests
• to be readers
• to provide special music during ceremony
• to light candles - This is especially sentimental if you are having a unity candle – have each of your mothers (or fathers) light one candle, representing your family & then as part of the ceremony, you each pick up your family candle & light one center candle, symbolizing the joining of two families to become one
• during processional, Bride can pause to hand a single floral bloom to groom’s mother and her own mother
• A special floral arrangement can be placed in a seat of honour with a deceased relative’s name on it

At the reception, you can ask special family members to play a role with some of the details.
• to “man” the guest book
• to assist guests in finding place-cards/seating arrangements
• to be the M.C.
• to give special toasts or speeches
• to provide special music during the reception
• have a special family dance after your first dance

Set up a display to honour your families – display in a large frame as a collage, or on a decorated backboard/bulletin board, or set up in nice frames on a table
• photos of your parents’/grandparents’ weddings (especially if they are still together!)
• Photos of special memories of you with family members
• Photos of family members who have passed on

Prepare a slide-show of your growing-up years with special family photo memories featured – put it to a great song about family/relationships.

How to be a Relaxed Bride on your Wedding Day

On your wedding day, the last thing you want is to be stressed and anxious.
Your dream day is here and you want to be at your best in every way – relaxed, excited, calm. Here’s a few tips & ideas to help you prepare for your wedding day so that you can enjoy the whole experience to its fullest…

• A few days before the wedding, hang your dress & veil up high, spread out so that wrinkles will fall out – steam if needed
• Pack your overnight bag and your honeymoon suitcases a day or two before your wedding day – keep a piece of paper and pen handy to make a list of the last-minute things you will need to pack on your wedding day
• Have all your travel documents, ID, etc. packed - make photocopies of documents and leave copies with family members at home.
• Lay out your purse, undergarments, shoes, jewelry, garter the day before
• Don’t have your bachelorette party the night before your wedding – the last thing you want is to be over-tired or worse, hung-over on your wedding day!
• Instead, get a good sleep the night before – drink some hot milk, or herbal tea, have a hot bath before going to bed to help you relax, and try to get to bed early.
• Set 2 alarms for your wedding day – 5 minutes apart – so that you don’t sleep in!
• Get up early enough to have a nice, long, hot shower or bath
• After bathing, lather your body with a soothing body lotion, put on a comfy robe & slippers to let the lotion sink in
• Sip your favourite hot beverage and enjoy a few minutes of quiet & calm – take time to breathe deep, meditate, pray, listen to soothing music
• Be sure to eat something light and balanced and healthy for breakfast – whole wheat toast, egg, fruit, whole-grain cereal, yogurt.
• If your tummy is experiencing some butterflies, stick with bland food – crackers, toast and tea instead of coffee.
• Plan your hair & makeup appointments so that you are done before your bridesmaids – you don’t want to be rushed at the end of the makeup session!
• If your wedding is in the afternoon, be sure to eat something at lunch as well – you need your energy and food to sustain you & to keep you from fainting!
• Be sure to give yourself enough time to get ready without feeling rushed
• Let your Wedding Day Coordinator and your bridesmaids / family take care of the details of the day – your role now is to just show up and enjoy the whole experience!

This is YOUR day…. Do all you can to be sure that you enjoy it!

Even a Wedding Planner Needs Help on Her Wedding Day!

The following is an email I recently received from a friend who went to a wedding that was NOT well organized. The bride in this wedding is, apparently, a Wedding Planner … but the following email about her wedding "flaws" just goes to show that even an experienced planner needs a good Wedding Day Coordinator to oversee everything!

Every bride needs a good set of helping hands, a pair of observant eyes and someone who is able to really pay attention to what is going on at the wedding – anticipating and dealing with needs before they arise!

Here’s what my friend told me about this wedding – and my own comments in italics about how a Wedding Day Coordinator would work to ensure these situations are avoided or corrected.
It's a bit long for a blog - but I believe it is well worth the read!!

Dear Gayla: We were at a wedding yesterday. The bride is a wedding planner and, if I were attending her wedding and looking for a wedding planner for myself, I would not choose her. I have never seen so much confusion and panic at the front of the church! Here are some things for your check-list if they aren't already there:

* all readings should be in the hands of the readers before the wedding (one of the readers thought she might have to read from an i-phone! Someone raced in at the very last minute and handed the reading to her) Your wedding coordinator will have a copy of all readings with her in her folder!


* have everything in place for easy lighting of the candles - not a lighter that is difficult to use! They finally lit a votive to light tapers and then used tapers to light the rest of the candles Your wedding coordinator carries “torch”-style lighters that are very easy to use!


* have one person (not family) who arrives early at the church with everything that is needed for the ceremony (people were racing around trying to find someone who knew what they were doing)! Your wedding coordinator will be at the church early to make sure everything is in place (she will know this because she was at the rehearsal) and she will have a name tag identifying her.


* let grandparents know ahead of time where they will be sitting, when they should be there; and if they will be wearing corsages. It would be good to find out if the grandparents even want a corsage or boutonniere.Your wedding coordinator always verifies that all special guests are aware of their seating – that the ushers are also aware of who sits where – and ensures that everyone needing corsages or boutonnieres have them on properly - she also brings extra pins to make sure they stay on securely!


* if congregational songs are to be sung make sure that there are copies to give to the bridal party and the minister
Your wedding coordinator will ensure that words to songs are in place discreetly at the front of the church for the bridal party & minister to follow along with.


* make sure that someone knows where the washrooms are Your wedding day coordinator will not only be aware of washroom locations, but will check the washrooms before hand to ensure cleanliness and adequate supplies – and will inform bridal party & key people of location of facilities – or provide signage as needed to direct people


* if it is snowing make sure the steps and walkways are cleared before and after the ceremony Your wedding day coordinator will do this herself or arrange for this to be done – as well as adequate salting to avoid guests slipping


* encourage the minister to not walk up and down the aisle looking for the bride (she was 30 minutes late) Your wedding coordinator will be the one who is informing people of the status/location of the bride/groom or whoever is late


* try to avoid the asking a friend to be the hair stylist, especially not for the whole family/wedding party (the hair stylist was still doing the bride's hair 10 minutes before the wedding!) Your wedding day coordinator will always advise having multiple stylists and that the bride be done first – not last! As well the coordinator will adequately schedule the day, allowing enough time for hair/makeup & photos before the ceremony.


* think about the wedding and reception places from the point of view of people with walkers or wheelchairs, etc
Your wedding coordinator will have discussed specific guest needs with you ahead of time and will ensure that ceremony & reception sites are convenient for guests with special needs.


* try to get a reception place with room to walk between the tables (the meal gets served faster and people can actually move and get up easily to talk to each other and use the washrooms) Your wedding coordinator will review the reception site and numbers before hand to ensure feasibility of set-up – and then will “walk through” the reception hall before the reception begins to ensure that there is adequate space. Re-arrangements will be done as needed to ensure guest safety and comfort.


* keep speeches to a minimum time and number of people (there were speeches all during the meal along with a lounge singer and 3 hours of speeches after the meal!) The scheduling of events by the wedding coordinator will ensure that there is adequate time allotted for plans and will give counsel regarding speeches & entertainment
* I think my favourite was this: there was an elevator but when asked where it was the response was: "Just up those stairs" - something else to check out for people with physical challenges! Your wedding coordinator will ensure that elevators/escalators are easily available will post signs if needed to direct guests to them


* if there is a choice of meals for guests – here’s a couple suggestions: make sure the meal options are somewhat "equal" in value/size/quantity & perhaps you could include the menu choice with the invitations and let guests choose in advance when they reply. (We received a phone call about our choices and then there was confusion about what was actually being offered). Your wedding coordinator will advise on ways to adequately handle offering meal options for guests


* Check out the size of the dance floor and the ceiling height - it was a very small space and the ceiling was really low – one guest in particular actually had a difficult time dancing because he touched the ceiling – and he’s NOT that tall! Ok - I can’t even imagine what kind of room this was – but your wedding coordinator will review the dance floor spacing and ensure that there is enough room for guests to enjoy themselves without overcrowding (or hitting their heads on the ceilings!)


* The guests didn't get to dance for quite awhile as the bride and groom danced to a very long song; then one couple at a time danced - parents, attendants, etc Your wedding coordinator will work with your DJ to encourage the bridal party to enjoy their first dances within a reasonable time frame and then to quickly involve guests – the party is now about the guests enjoying themselves!


* All in all - if you invite guests to your wedding, treat them as guests and think about their comfort, food, drink, ease of moving, enjoyment, special needs etc. Your wedding day coordinator will do everything she can to ensure your guests are treated with utmost respect and that they enjoy the day as much as possible

I think there were more things that seemed to go wrong that I can’t think of now… but I don't think I have ever seen such a disorganized wedding! They surely could have used a "detail" person like you! I have to say I did think of you several times, thinking: "This wouldn't have happened if Gayla were in charge!"

SO - the moral of the story is this:
“You’ll never give a party that matters so much to you as much as your wedding reception. Remember that this is when the focus turns from you to your guests – and it is your obligation to treat them as honoured guests and see that they have a wonderful time."

Hiring a Wedding Day Coordinator will ensure that you AND your guests enjoy the event to its fullest.