SHOP HAPPY!
PHOTO: WWW. crystalclearphotography.ca
Shopping for that all important dress is an exciting experience. But it can also turn into a stress-filled event. So to skip the stress, consider these fabulous tips by Bliss Gowns and Events (www.bybliss.com)... ♥ Call ahead for an appointment if at all possible and plan for at least an hour and a half. Bridal shops staff according to appointments. You are always welcome to walk in, but you will receive the attention you deserve when you have booked time with the bridal assistants. Some shops even offer private bridal shopping experiences after hours for you and your party! ♥ You are welcome to bring photos or style numbers of dresses you like. If you want to REALLY be prepared, check out the shop's website ahead of time, check out the designers they carry, and then visit those designers online. Don't despair if that's not your thing - shops are ready and willing to help you out! And remember to keep your mind open to suggestions! ♥ Bridal shops would really appreciate if you didn't wear make-up while shopping. If that's impossible, at least try to leave the foundation off! ♥ Wear the undergarments you will most likely be wearing on your wedding day, including shoes. If you haven't found those things yet, extra pairs of shoes and foundation garments can be provided to you. ♥ Shops will have different policies on whether an assistant is the one to help you into the dress or not. Please, please wear undergarments and remember that you may feel uncomfortable in that thong while trying on dresses! ♥ Trying to decide who to bring with you for your shopping experience? Some brides come in ahead of time on their own and choose which dresses they wish to try on for the entourage. Others choose to use the occasion to bring female relatives from both sides of the families and others bring the wedding party and girlfriends. Whomever you do decide to bring, be sure they are someone you trust to give you an honest opinion and still respect your taste. Don't go too big or you will just find yourself trying to make everyone happy.
COME FLY WITH ME
Having my Dad fly myself, my bridesmaids, and our photographer in the classic twin engine Beechcraft was one of the most touching moments of my life (other than the actual ceremony, of course). The day was beautiful, so we circled April Point Resort (www.aprilpoint.com) on Quadra Island, making a perfect landing on the water. Of course, an aircraft with twin engines creates a lot of attention, and when people realized it was a wedding, the cameras came out! A small crowd gathered on the dock taking photos and giving well wishes. It was magic! ~ Julie Billinghurst 44 • The Wedding Ring Magazine VANCOUVER ISLAND | www.vancouverisland.theweddingring.ca
> Are you planning a grand entrance to your ceremony or reception? Email us: vancouverisland@theweddingring.ca!
PHOTO: www.menniememories.wordpress.com
My husband, Josi, and I met while working for my Dad at Vancouver Island Air (vancouverislandair.com) in Campbell River, and so serendipity required that an airplane would have to be involved in our wedding somehow.