Agassiz Observer, September 01, 2011

confetti YOUR BRIDAL MAGAZINE

Fall 2011

The Hottest Makeup trends

Modern Day

Fairy tales Real Fraser Valley Weddings

loveMarried adrift at Sea It’s all about

swagger

brought to you by:

The Agassiz ❖ Harrison ❖ Hope

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confetti YOUR BRIDAL MAGAZINE

Contents

5

14

6

wedding checklist

18

modern day fairy tales

7

dream themes

23

weddings in retrospect

10

floral fever

24

tips for men

11

sound of music

25

it’s all about swagger

12

focus on the guests

26

beauty inspiration

13

dates to remember

29

destination weddings

14

gorgeous gowns

30

directory

contributors

18

Published by: The Agassiz Harrison Hope Observer 7167 Pioneer Ave. Box 129 Agassiz, B.C. V0M 1A0 Tel: 604-796-4301 | Fax: 604-796-2081 www.ahobserver.com Publisher: Andrew Franklin | Editor: Jessica Peters Sales & Marketing: Chris Franklin | Graphic Design: Brittany Best

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Distributed free to select businesses in Agassiz, Harrison, Hope and surrounding areas. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited.

The Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs.

your

destination wedding & honeymoon specialists ASK ABOUT OUR DREAM HONEYMOON REGISTRY

AFTER HOUR APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE! we’re here to help your dreams come true W

4

Janice Lonqvist Owner

confetti - 2011 | agassiz harrison hope observer

604.746.0406 • toll free 1.877.857.0880 www.oceanbreezeholidays.com • info@oceanbreezeholidays.com

Editor’s Note Welcome to our newest bridal magazine, Confetti! Throughout this issue, you’ll find various tips on everything from hair and make-up to flowers and dressing your groomsmen.

You’ll also find real life stories of couples who were married here in the Fraser Valley, and one story of a couple who were married at sea.

Weddings have exploded into a multi-billion dollar industry, and now television shows are devoted to finding just the right dress, just the right location — even just the right spouse!

But all weddings come down to just one thing: Love. We hope you’ve found it, and we’re glad you found us.

Enjoy Confetti,

Jessica Peters Editor – The Observer

confetti YOUR BRIDAL MAGAZINE

Fall 2011

The Hottest Makeup trends

Modern Day

Fairy tales Real Fraser Valley Weddings

loveMarried adrift at Sea It’s all about

swagger

brought to you by:

}

on the cover Champagne & Lace in Abbotsford, carries dresses by designer Paloma Blanca including our cover dress.

Paloma Blanca 4113

The Agassiz ❖ Harrison ❖ Hope

Oas s COFFEE & BISTRO

Catering meetings, showers & small weddings...

#1-7010 Pioneer Ave., Agassiz, BC 604.796.8800 | oasisbistro@live.com agassiz harrison hope observer| confetti - 2011

5

Wedding Planning

Checklist

Being organized is the best way to ease wedding day nerves. The earlier you start preparing, the better chance vendors will be able to provide what’s needed, or that changes can be made when unforeseen occurances pop up.

Select a date

Book a Band or DJ

Transportation

Couples should select a date for their wedding soon after becoming engaged. After all, it is the countdown to this day that will help you get organized.

Another vendor who often has a busy schedule is the wedding entertainer.

Book several months in advance!

Reserve the Ceremony Location

Wedding and bridesmaid gowns can take several months to order and be altered. It can also take time to find a dress shop that meets the needs of you, the bride, and your attendants.

Many couples forget to factor limousine or car rentals into their wedding-day plans. Arrange transportation for yourselves and your attendants to and from the church and receptions site. You may wish to have transportation if you have seperate location for wedding photos as well.

Traditional weddings take place in a house of worship. It’s best to meet with a pastor, rabbi or other officiate to see if the ceremony site will be available for your date. They will guide you through religious requirements prior to getting married, as well as any rules and regulations for the ceremony site.

Establish a Budget It’s best to determine exactly how much you can spend, and then set the budget lower because regardless how well you’ve planned, you’re going to end up spending more.

Book the Reception After securing the ceremony location, it’s time to book the place where the party will take place. This may be a catering hall, hotel, cruise ship, or even someone’s backyard.

Select a Photographer Photographers tend to book very quickly, particularly if they are well recommended. It pays to research and choose early in the planning process.

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Select & Order Dresses

Order the Cake Order Invitations With endless styles, there will be many ideas to consider.

Decide on a style that best suits your wedding, based on its formality, the time of day and the wedding colours.

Choose a Florist Flowers add an elegant touch to the wedding day. A florist will provide flowers for the ceremony and the reception in many cases.

Formal Wear for Men Tuxedos are normally rented about one month before the event. vent.

However, if the wedding is taking king place during a peak party season, son, such as prom time, reserve several veral months in advance.

Bring out your personality in your cake. Find a local baker to bring your ideas to life, and order several months ahead.

Tying Up Loose Ends With all the most important decisions made, you still need to select wedding favours, address the invitations and purchase thank you gifts for the wedding party.

Refreshing beach drinks (alcoholic or non) will make your guests feel like they’re on a tropical holiday.

Destination Add excitement to your wedding without blowing your budget on a trip. Bring the beach to you!

Mini chocolate truffle cakes will be simply divine.

Add shaved white chocolate to make flower petals.

Fill glass bottles with sand, beads or shells for centerpieces.

Windmill favours add whimsy to your day.

MIKAELLA 1504

WOW YOUR GUESTS BY CREATING AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER. FUSE ONE OF THESE THREE INSPIRING RECEPTION STYLES INTO YOUR CELEBRATION.

Your wedding should reflect a little bit of who you are, and should be a fun affair.

Wow your guests and sweep them away with a themed wedding that shows off your dreamy side, your country roots, or your flair for the dramatic.

Check out these ideas for some inspiration, and start dreaming up your theme.

agassiz harrison hope observer| confetti - 2011

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ELLA ROSA BE105

Collect old watering cans and fill them with flowers for your centerpieces.

Wooden frames are great for photos of you and your man from when you started dating.

Hand make your own invitations by printing them out yourself and dying the paper with tea.

Country Looking for a simple look that won’t burn your budget? Sample from your own backyard!

Keep itt comfy, with these POORTE POOR RT boots from ALDO. Made ffrom leather and decorated decora a with buttons and ca cable a stitching.

& wedding decor dec o r ev ent event & we dding

Andrea Petersen M o b i l e P e r s o n a l Tr a i n i n g

604.798.0446 604.825.3204 www.angelkissesdecorating.ca

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5238 Crimson Ridge Chilliwack, B.C. V2R 0B4 train_an@telus.net

MIKAELLA 4105

Pearls are every little girl’s dream, and are a classic way to complete your look.

Roses are classic and never go out of style.

Many stationery stores carry perfect papers & embellishments to make your own invitations following your theme.

Vintage A style of enduring appeal...detailed dresses. A way to incorporate some of the family heirlooms into your own theme.

A cute little clutch is perfect for keeping your must-haves like lip gloss or tissues for those tearful speeches.

Lovely, private honeymoon accommodation; bridal & maids spa packages available.

Bask in the warmth of the Hot Tub, nestled at the base of Green Mountain.

Luxurious country comfort & delicious culinary experiences.

3048 Hot Springs Road Harrison Hot Springs, Agassiz Toll Free: 1-866-796-3048 | www.southgardenbandb.com agassiz harrison hope observer| confetti - 2011

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Floral Fever This year’s colour trends come in two distinctive groups: bright & vintage The vintage look To achieve the vintage, nostalgic look include soft pastels with an undertone of gray in your wedding colours. For example monochromatic creams fit right in. Pinks accented with grayish silver would be perfect for this look. Greens, cream and burnt red would also work well for a vintage look.

Navy is always regal and can easily lend itself to the vintage look when combined with other blues, especially other dark blues like royal blue, perhaps a touch of violet and sumptuous washed-out yellow or you could go with a faded platinum silver.

To match a vintage look in your bouquet or centerpieces, consider: • sweet peas • peach coloured roses • red gerbera daisies

Bright and fun Hot pink, carrot orange and many shades of green and blue are very popular this year.

Tropical colours in funky combinations are ideal. This contemporary colour theme can really make a statement. Let your imagination go wild for a wedding that will really stand out!

Ceremonies • Photos • Receptions Exit #135 off Hwy 1, Chilliwack Ph. 604.792.3799 | mintergardens.com

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To add some heat to your bouquet and other floral pieces, watch for: • bright, mixed gerbera daisies • orange calla lilies • watermelon or apricot roses • green orchids

Sound of Music With all the different music options available now, how do you make the right choice for your wedding? Here are a few pros and cons to help lead you in the right direction.

Hiring a band Pros: • They can switch the tempo when the party needs a pick-me-up • Often they can modify songs to suit your wedding theme Cons: • Costs from $1500-$15,000 • You may have trouble finding a band that can play such a wide range

Our hotel offers 337 guest rooms, cottages & suites, each providing a wide selection of views, bedroom configurations & rates to meet your individual preference & budget.

As a guest of the resort, you'll enjoy access to five natural mineral hot spring & swimming pools, a children's waterpark & playground, tennis courts, nature trails & a nine-hole PGA rated golf course.

1-866-638-5075 for reservations

Hiring a DJ Pros: • Large variety of music • DJ’s are generally cheaper than a band Cons: • A bad DJ can kill the party • Your DJ can’t switch the tempo • Songs can’t be modified to suit your wedding theme, as bands can often do

Making a Playlist Pros: • Save big money • It adds a personal touch – select songs that mean something to you Cons: • The ‘look’ of an amateur job • Song flow can be awkward • You still need someone to man the iPod and sound system

100 Esplanade, Harrison Hot Springs, BC www.harrisonresort.com

agassiz harrison hope observer| confetti - 2011

11

guest s

Focus on the

In the race to get down the aisle, it’s easy to fall to the pressure of having wedding-day activities primarily focused on yourself and forget about your guests.

MELISSA KNOWELS PHOTOGRAPHY

Weddings | Engagements | Family Events | Sports | Commercial REASONABLE RATES

Davina Graham

Here are a few suggestions to help keep the focus on yourselves and your guests: Decor-eat Consider using hand-decorated cookies as place cards. Instead of flowers, use a cookie bouquet as a centerpiece. These edible decorations cost about the same as flowers and can double as favours.

604.854.1116 | 604.309.4328

Prioritize your skimping While everyone has the right to look like a princess for her wedding, blowing your budget on your dress while making your guests go hungry or feel unsatisfied does not spell happy wedding memories. Forego that pricey extra layer of lace on your veils so your guests can have that first course and everyone will leave the wedding smiling.

Sweeten the pot

www.photographybydavina.ca 12

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Many of your close friends and attendants are going to be heavily involved in every aspect of your wedding – engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, and wedding. Thank them for sacrificing their time and effort, and to rejuvenate them, offer sweet incentives. Provide snacks and beverages in the bridesmaid’s dressing room, offer to pamper them for a night.

Staying focused on your guests and not on yourself can make your day special and memorable for everyone involved.

remember

Dates to

Every bride has a different story.

There are the ones who dreamed of their wedding day since they were little girls. Slipping their tiny little girl feet into their mothers high heels, dressing the family dog in a tablecloth as a ring bearer, or worse, dragging an unsuspecting neighbour boy to the “chapel.”

And then, there are those who never gave a thought to marriage — that is, until they met “the one.” These brides may be learning the ropes at the last minute, and may even find themselves eloping!

Whichever type of bride-to-be you may resemble, there are still preparations to be made. There are pictures to be taken and there are memories to capture. Since brides want to —and should — look their best, two of the most important arrangements to be planned are with a make-up artist and a hair stylist.

The most important piece of advice is to have an idea of what you want to look like on your wedding day. Whether it’s a natural look for a country set wedding, or an upscale do for an urban nighttime ceremony, bringing in pictures for your stylist can save time and help your stylists get that picture perfect look.

A good stylist will suggest a practice run, and will want to see a picture of your dress to make sure the look complements it well.

Make-up application is just as important, and having a trial make-up application is suggested.

Even for brides not accustomed to wearing make-up, this is a big day and a thousand pictures will be taken of you and your groom.

Also, a true professional will be able to give helpful hints on how to help the hairstyle last well into the evening (even through a bungee jumping wedding!) and how make-up touch ups are not only possible but simple.

Brides-to-be will enjoy the experience more when those things they do have control over are just right. Enjoying the day, in your way makes your memories last forever.

So, get out that stack of bridal magazines, get creative and clip away.

Danielle Sallenbach Makeup Artist

604 604.798.0489 agassiz harrison hope observer| confetti - 2011

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GorgeousGowns

Modern designs play upon the inner individuality of today’s bride with sleek structured and flowing creations.

PALOMA BLANCA - 4166 MIKAELLA - 1408

MIKAELLA - 1456 PALOMA BLANCA - 4152 14

confetti - 2011 | agassiz harrison hope observer

Somewhere out there, the perfect

DRESS AWAITS. It may be sleek and form fitting, detailing your every curve. It may be ruched, ruffled and pleated to add dimension and interest to the eye. It may be white satin, red velvet or be crafted out of a blush-coloured fabric (one of the hottest bridal fashion trends for 2012).

What the perfect dress will do is highlight your best attributes and hide any ‘flaws’.

The trick is to find the one that suits your tastes and works with your body type.

Some of the hottest looks for 2012 are dresses that seem turned “inside out,” such as this beautiful frock by Paloma Blanca, and duallayered skirts (top right).

The fun and flirty toes the line between traditional and avant garde, showing layers instead of hiding them, while keeping the much-loved shape of a ball gown.

For a hip-hugging look, trumpet gowns (bottom left and right) are a sophisticated choice.

But for the best results, book a time at a bridal shop close to home and be open to trying on different shapes and styles. There is so much to choose from.

Whatever you chose, you’ll be the belle of the ball.

PALOMA BLANCA - 4116 agassiz harrison hope observer| confetti - 2011

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love

CREATING THE MAGIC IS WHAT WE TO DO

bridal • mothers • plus size • flower girls • invitations • bridesmaids • prom 33811 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford 1.877.469.6777 | champagneandlace.com appointments recommended

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agassiz harrison hope observer| confetti - 2011

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Modern Day Fairy Tales “

Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.

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”

— Emily Bronte

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Matt and Megan kept it small and were married on a small hobby farm in Hope. Ashley and Joe chose an all out New Year’s Eve bash for their big day. And Justine and Ryan? They learned that love and flexibility are one and the same, when their picture perfect day was met with rainy showers.

Over the next few pages, three couples will share the details of their wedding days, ups and downs included.

They have shared their beautiful images to help some sage advice for those that about to make the big leap into wedded bliss.

Megan Matt

“

”

IT’S ALL ABOUT RESPECT.

One rainy day, Matt Tkaczuk told his girlfriend Megan that he really felt like taking their dog for a walk around Stanley Park.

Weird, Megan thought, to take their unruly dog out on a gloomy day.

For the whole trip, Matt looked queasy and Megan kept asking if they shouldn’t just go home.

“I was getting miserable,” she recalls, “and he was acting really weird.”

But Matt pressed on, parking in front of the Tea House Restaurant for a walk.

Then, after a year of dating, Matt proposed.

“He felt better after that,” Megan says with a giggle, and they went out to celebrate their engagement over dinner.

It didn’t take long (three days!) for them to start planning their wedding. And when it came to finding a location, Megan knew that her parents’ hobby farm in Hope was the perfect spot.

“We were there every weekend cleaning up,” Megan says. “Mom and I planted all the flower baskets ourselves. It was so beautiful.”

Having a relaxed frame of mind came in handy while planning for the wedding.

“I was really laid back about the whole thing,” she says.

“I wasn’t Bridezilla but I was organized.”

She says having a backyard wedding doesn’t necessarily mean it’s more affordable.

The couple used some other thrifty options to keep the budget reasonable, such as making their own favours (jars of homemade cookies), invitations and centerpieces.

She also made use of her skills as a make-up artist to help her bridal party the morning of the wedding.

Of course, they could have kept it really simple by only having a half dozen guests — something that would have pleased Matt, the shyest of the pair.

Instead, Megan kept the guest list to about 50 people, “in respect of him.”

Respecting your spouse’s wishes and feelings during the entire engagement process is something every couple should practice, she adds.

“Getting married is very different for them than it is for us,” she says. “They are going through a different experience so just be patient.”

About the Photographer: MELISSA KNOWLES PHOTOGRAPHY Melissa Knowles loves that when you look back at your portraits 10 years from now, your heart will melt because you remember your wedding day and love you felt on that special day.

Visit www.melissaknowlesphotography.com

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Ashley&Joe “

”

GO BIG OR GO HOME.

Success in life is all about taking brave and bold steps, and marriage is no exception to that rule.

For Ashley and Joe Gomes, that meant planning the biggest night of their lives on one of the biggest nights of the year — New Year’s Eve. “Well, I say go big or go home!” Ashley says, laughing.

It certainly was a brave decision to hold their wedding for such a busy night, when others may have holidays planned, family functions to attend or otherwise be unable to travel.

Once they put the word out, though, they got an overwhelming amount of support in response — from loved ones living around the world.

Ashley and Joe are both conditioning coaches, who met through work in 2008. Over that time, Joe spent most of their time together traveling around the world training athletes, while Ashley went to school and worked in the United States, and eventually took work back in Vancouver. To top it off, Joe is from England, meaning most of his family would be coming overseas for a wedding.

With a date settled, they had to find a place to gather all of these people — initially close to 200 traveling guests.

“We were originally looking at Whistler because we

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really wanted to showcase B.C.’s beauty to our outof-country guests,” Ashley says. But during a Google search, the Fraser River Lodge popped up and she was immediately impressed.

“I thought, ‘this is it, this is perfect.’ The backdrop, the ambience, it just showcased Canada,” she says.

They got to work organizing a schedule and coordinating rooms for their guests. They even hired a shuttle van to take people from a hotel in Chilliwack to the lodge in Agassiz, to keep everyone safe during the party.

It was a lavish affair, with all the traditional touches, white flowers and the white dress.

“Being New Year’s Eve, it was a more glamourous-type feel,” she says.

And while it was all playing out as planned, Ashley and Joe took a moment to step back and soak it all in.

“One of the groomsmen gave us really good advice,” she says. “At some moment just step back and watch it all happen, soak it all in.”

Taking a slow sweeping glance around, and acknowledging the moment, put everything into perspective, she says.

“All these people, who love you are, in this one room,” she says. “It’s amazing.”

About the Photographer: WESTSIDE PHOTOGRAPHY Linda McCague comes from a long line of photographers.

She loves capturing the vibrant personalities and passion between couples. Her work has been described by many as creative, beautiful and romantic.

Visit www.westsidephotography.ca

Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa features 12 meeting and banquet rooms able to accommodate groups of 12 - 250. From weddings in the garden to meetings in the Forum Ballroom and gala dinners in the Conference Centre, we have the perfect venue for your next event.

100 Esplanade, Harrison Hot Springs, BC 1-800-663-2266 | www.harrisonresort.com

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Justine&Ryan ” “ BE FEARLESS.

Rainy days are a bride’s biggest fear when it comes to planning an outdoor wedding.

And when Justine Shaw and Ryan Evanoff chose the Fraser River Lodge in Agassiz for their location, its stunning backdrop of Mt. Cheam was a big factor in their decision.

And as the wedding day neared, everything was looking good. For 31 days, the summer sun lit the sky up with a glorious blue. There was barely a cloud in sight.

So, imagine Justine’s horror when she woke up to the

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drizzling sound of raindrops.

A completely overcast sky hid the mountain views, and cast a grey light over the valley.

“I was so upset,” she says, looking back. But thanks to the quick thinking of her mother, who ran out to buy a handful whimsical umbrellas for the wedding party, and the creative experience of the couple’s photographer, Justine’s mind was finally set at ease.

Rather than run inside, and out of the rain, their photographer used the elements to capture rich

confetti - 2011 | agassiz harrison hope observer

About the Photographer: LITTLE BIRD WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY Lara & Brooke are family photographers that have teamed up to provide wedding photography services for couples in the Lower Mainland. Their style would be best described as modern portraiture meets photojournalism.

Visit www.littlebirdweddings.com

images of the newlyweds.

Using the umbrellas as props, and trees as occasional shelter, Lara McAlister was able to use the rain to her lens’ advantage.

Justine believes her extensive online research finding a reputable photographer is what saved the day.

But it also takes a bride and groom who are willing to explore new options when things to go as planned.

“Be fearless with your photos,” she advises. “Try new

things, and do a lot of research beforehand.”

While you can’t control everything that happens on your wedding day, you can control your outlook. That’s exactly what Justine and Ryan did, and in the end it paid off.

“I had a total vision for my wedding,” Justine says. “And in the end it was everything I wanted and more.”

They also proved that true love doesn’t shy away from rainy days.

ret rospect

Weddings in If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?

What’s the best marriage advice you were given?

Dan: “Never go to bed angry.”

Justin: “I would have only invited my close family and friends.”

Sue: “Never stop dating each other.”

Lucy: “I would have done more research on photographers.”

Heather: “Fight fair, agree to disagree.”

Becky: “I would have eaten more dessert!”

Amy: “The more you invest in a marriage, the more valuable it becomes.”

Carol: “I would have eloped.”

BRITTANY L. BEST PHOTOGRAPHY

Anne: “I would have told the hairstylist I was very unhappy with my hair.”

No matter how wonderful your wedding day is, there will inevitably be a few things you would change in retrospect.

Sam: “I would have hired a professional DJ instead of using a friend.”

Planning a wedding takes an incredible amount of time and energy so it’s easy to miss details that could make a big difference..

Bob: “I would have done photos ahead of time so there wasn’t a wait in between the wedding and the reception.”

Tara: “The groom!”

Sarah: “Always be honest, and make time to have fun with one another.”

Justine: “Make decisions together.”

Wendy: “Don’t focus on the destination, enjoy the journey.”

Claire: “When you think you’ve gone half way, go even further because from the other person’s point of view, your ‘half way’ won’t always look the same as theirs.”

Immerse yourself in the source of

pure relaxation at Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa. Healing Springs Spa features distinctive treatments that combine the therapeutic properties of natural mineral hot springs with an array of products found only at the world’s finest spas.

100 Esplanade Avenue, Harrison Hot Springs, BC • www.harrisonresort.com agassiz harrison hope observer| confetti - 2011

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Tips for

men So you’ve found the right girl, found the ring and even found the courage to ask her to marry you.

Now what?

Here are some tips to help you navigate through the next few months, or years, of planning your life together. We’ve asked around and gathered these tips to live by. Enjoy.

Ask how you can help We know, guys don’t like to ask for directions. But this time is different. Asking your fiancee how you can help will show her you’re committed to the entire idea of being married. This is the first big task of your long lives together, and a great way to learn how to be partners.

Caveat: When she tells you how you can help, be sure to give it your best try!

Take a load off In the final weeks before the wedding, your fiancee may need even more help than ever. Do step in and be Prince Charming. Surprise her with a trip to the spa, or for the cash-strapped, plan a quiet evening in — complete with candles, a warm meal, and a chance to unwind, be romantic, and remember why you’re getting married in the first place.

Caveat: Be prepared that all your fiancee is going to want to talk about on your romantic evening is wedding details. Be ready to listen.

Find a friendly shoulder Everyone knows that brides-to-be can become overwhelmed with the idea of marriage, and men are no different. Take a hint from the girls on this one and find a trustworthy friend who can lend an ear. Happily married couples tend to have solid friendships outside of their wedded bliss, so this is 24

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the time to be hanging with the guys, calling up your friends, and even contacting your dad for an overdue round of golf.

Caveat: If you and your fiancee have limited friends, consider joining a recreational team or group you’re both interested in.

Get buff You have anywhere from six months to two years to hit the gym and trim any extra weight you’ve been carrying around. Getting in shape now will not only make you look your best, it will help you live a longer and healthier life with the woman of your dreams. Two weeks before the wedding, go for a haircut and manicure (if only just this once!)

Caveat: If you do trim down, be sure to visit your tailor regularly to ensure your tuxedo fits just right.

Write a love letter We think this is the single best advice you’ll get, so read carefully.

Sometime in your engagement, jot down your most loving thought. Not a wordsmith? Go online and find an elegant verse from a poem or quote. Give this to your best man on your wedding day, and have him deliver it to your bride-to-be moments before she walks down the aisle.

Caveat: Keep it clean!

MELISSA KNOWELS PHOTOGRAPHY

Okay, we already know that a wedding is the woman’s day to shine. But remember that in the animal kingdom, it’s the males who preen and strut. So it’s no surprise that grooms are starting to pull out a little more style.

Here’s a few ways to make the men in your wedding party pop with pizzazz, from the ring bearer, to the best man.

The Skinny Suit

Tie it up

Way classier than the skinny jean, less frumpy than grandpa’s smoking jacket, the skinny suit has got to be the hippest way for a man to wear black.

Have a flare for the dramatic? Trash the boring old necktie and go for bowties, skinny ties, or maybe even an ascot.

There are countless ways to jazz up a modern suit with the quick switch of neck ware. Ask your tailor to steer you away from the traditional shape and find something more daring.

Colour him yours

It’s all about

Swagger

Guys can take a cue from your bride’s favourite hue. Are the girls going gaga for green? Looking into adding the same shade into your outfit, either as socks, ties or vests, will win you valuable points with your fiancee.

Timeless style Put away the cell phone for your big day and invest in a high-quality timepiece to keep on schedule through the ceremonies. It will add a level of class and sophistication to the rest of your wardrobe, and will become a favourite piece as time goes by.

Accessorize The girls have this one down pat, and men should, too. There’s something dashing about a man who can pair a top hat with a suit jacket, or isn’t afraid to wear something as obscure as a pocket watch or carry a fashionable cane. It’s as gentlemanly as holding the door open for your mademoiselle, which we trust you’ll be doing all day long.

St yle & sophist icat ion, with a hint of Rock Star

Limos for the big day. Wedding guest shuttles available.

Enjoy your Stag/Stagette on our Party Bus. VALLEY 604.755.7783 | VAN 604.288.7160 | www.phantompartybus.com agassiz harrison hope observer| confetti - 2011

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beauty INSPIRATION Make a statement with your

wedding-day beauty! Here are the

top 3 hottest trends

THE NUDE FACE The mystery behind that natural look is using warm skin coloured shades in a pinky-gold hue to give you a romantic, brilliant glow.

MODEL: Tonya Rodney MAKEUP ARTIST: Nicole LeClerc Wood BRITTANY L. BEST PHOTOGRAPHY

THE SMOKEY EYE Dark tones could look too harsh for your wedding day. Have a striking eye by using bright tones like purple and green.

MODEL: Kathryn Slack MAKEUP ARTIST: Amy van Wormer

BRITTANY L. BEST PHOTOGRAPHY

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confetti - 2011 | agassiz harrison hope observer

beauty INSPIRATION THE RED LIP Want to wow your newly betrothed?

Take a cue from the red carpet and rock the classic red look.

With cascading curls and an elegant dress, red lips are a bold yet beautiful way to walk down the aisle.

MODEL: Kaylin Slack MAKEUP ARTIST: Stephanie Young BRITTANY L. BEST PHOTOGRAPHY

AMANDA POLAK MAKEUP ARTIST

confetti YOUR BRIDAL MAGAZINE

Would you like to advertise in the next edition of Confetti?

Call today to reserve your ad space!

Contact Chris at: 604.796.4301 | ads@ahobserver.com

The Agassiz Y Harrison Y Hope

7167 Pioneer Ave • 604.796.4300

604.791.3979

AT YOUR SERVICE

ajp_@live.com

Office Hours 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday closed Mondays agassiz harrison hope observer| confetti - 2011

27

hope golf club all inclusive wedding venue

We love weddings & will go out of our way to make your day a memorable one that you will never forget! Whether you are wanting an intimate reception or you would like to throw an all-night party, we are here to accommodate your requests. With an onsite chef de cuisine & wedding planner you can be assured that your wedding day is everything you ever wanted.

beautiful | elegant | stunning | professional

• Up to 125 guests • Private Chef with Custom Menus • Fully Licensed Bar • Elegant River Front Ceremonies • Rehearsal Dinners • Gift Opening/Farewell Brunches • Personal Wedding Planner • Exclusive use of 90 acres for your photos • All-Inclusive Receptions

900 Golf Course Road, Hope BC 604-869-5881 • hopegolfclub.com

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confetti - 2011 | agassiz harrison hope observer

PRINCESS CRUISES

Destination

DESTINATION WEDDINGS Nothing could be more romantic than gazing out at the endless, blue-greens of the Pacific Ocean.

Seaside bed and breakfasts are an obvious choice for couples looking to escape after their wedding day. But for those who want to combine their love of the ocean – and adventure – with their wedding day, then cruises are an even better option.

Imagine sweeping oceanic views, day and night. Your eyes remain fixed on the constantly-changing horizon, beside the one you love.

This is not, however, a choice to be made lightly. When Melanie and Keith Kennedy of Agassiz took the plunge, they consulted their closest friends and family first.

“We didn’t want to do the big wedding,” she says. “We just wanted something nice and simple and to get away on a holiday.”

It wasn’t long before they were climbing aboard the Golden Princess, with Princess Cruise Lines, and heading for Alaska.

While they invited family along, they ended up traveling alone on what ended up being a very “intimate, memorable” cruise.

But it didn’t mean their loved ones were completely left out.

Thanks to the wonders of modern communication, the Kennedy wedding was broadcast in a live streaming event online. Back home, family gathered for an informal party to watch the wedding, and celebrate the union. When they returned from their trip, the newlyweds brought back a professional video to share with them as well.

It turned out to be an affordable option for the Kennedys, costing about the same as a small, traditional wedding.

“It was not nearly as expensive as you would think,” she says, costing about $3,000 US for the seven-day cruise itself, and another $2,500 for the wedding package. The wedding package included flowers, cake, the ceremony itself, photography, champagne on arrival and a beautiful, 600 sq. ft. Penthouse suite with a balcony, jacuzzi tub and marble bathroom. The cruise included a few surprises, too.

“They treat you like royalty,” Kennedy says, and when they arrived back at their room after the wedding ceremony, the bed was covered in chocolate hearts and their suite was filled with balloons. And the following night, the captain made a special speech to the Kennedys and the other couples who were married on the ship.

Kennedy used to plan weddings, and knows how overwhelming the planning can be, and how out-of-control a budget can become. On a cruise, everything is pre-planned, chosen from a list of options by the couple prior to departure. There are no surprise costs, and everything is handled by the ship’s staff.

The experience has opened their eyes to the world of cruises, and they’re considering another trip in the future.

“It was just so relaxing, exactly what we were looking for,” she says. To find out more about wedding cruise options, contact your local travel agent.

agassiz harrison hope observer| confetti - 2011

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Directoryy Directory Accommodations & Locations Harrison Beach Hotel 160 Esplanade, Harrison Hot Springs 604.796.1111 www.harrisonbeachhotel.ca Harrison Hot Springs Hotel & Spa 100 Esplanade, Harrison Hot Springs 1.866.638.5075 (Reservations) www.harrisonresort.com Hope Golf Club 900 Golf Course Road, Hope 604.869.5881 www.hopegolfclub.com Minter Gardens 52892 Bunker Road, Rosedale 604.794.7191 www.mintergardens.com

Hair, Makeup & Spa Services Amanda Polak - Makeup Artist 604.791.3979 ajp_@live.ca Danielle Sallenbach - Makeup Artist 604.798.0489 Healing Springs Spa 100 Esplanade, Harrison Hot Springs www.harrisonresort.com

Home & Afar Ocean Breeze Cruise & Travel Centre 32535 Downes Road, Abbotsford 604.746.0406 www.oceanbreezeholidays.com info@oceanbreezeholidays.com

Limousine Services Ramada Plaza & Conference Centre 36035 North Parallel Road, Abbotsford 1.888.411.1070 www.ramadaabbotsford.ca Rowena’s Inn on the River (Sandpiper Golf Resort) 14282 Morris Valley Road, Harrison Mills 1.877.796.1001 www.sandpiperresort.ca South Garden Bed & Breakfast 3048 Hot Springs Road, Harrison Hot Springs 1.866.796.3048 www.southgardenbandb.com

Bartending & Catering Oasis Coffee & Bistro #1-7010 Pioneer Avenue, Agassiz 604.796.8000 oasisbistro@live.com

Phantom Limo & Partybus 604.755.7783 (Valley) 604.288.7160 (Vancouver) www.phantompartybus.com

Personal Trainer Fit Fun & Fab! Training - Andrea Petersen 5238 Crimson Ridge, Chilliwack 604.798.0446 train_an@telus.net

Photography Photography by Davina 604.854.1116 davina_graham@telus.net Stephanie Lauren Photography 604.799.8411 www.stephanielaurenphotography.com

Bridal Fashion Wedding Services Champagne & Lace 33811 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford 604.852.8686 www.champagneandlace.com

The online edition of Confetti can be found at: www.ahobserver.com

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confetti - 2011 | agassiz harrison hope observer

Angel Kisses - Event & Wedding Decor 604.825.3204 www.angelkissesdecorating.ca Sunam Event Services 604.773.4000 www.sunam.ca

EV E N T

S E RV I C E S

LIGHTING FOR WEDDING RECEPTIONS | DECOR | LOUNGE FURNITURE | 604.773.4000 | WWW.SUNAM.CA

Extraordinary

TRANSFORMATION POSSIBILITIES

Full Page RAMADA

Weddings at Our Place or Yours HI

Make your wedding day spectacular with Ramada Plaza & Conference Centre’s award-winning cuisine.

Our culinary and catering specialists will ensure an exceptional dining experience, wherever you have it.

HI

1-888-411-1070 ramadaabbotsford.ca