WEDDINGS

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Lorraine Rutledge

Wedding Sales Manager, Vintage Hotels

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Katie Sams

Special Events Manager, Pillar & Post

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An Everlasting Image

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Prepped Head-to-Toe the Bridal Beauty Way

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Kaitlin Lepp

Special Events Manager, Prince of Wales

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Rikki Green

Special Events Manager, Queen’s Landing

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VintageHotelsWeddings

MillcroftWeddings

@VintageWeddings

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Jennifer Holmes

@VintageHotelsWeddings

Lead Designer, Clippings VintageHotels

Opinions and comments within this publication reflect those of the writers and not necessarily that of The Vintage Hotels and The Business Link Niagara Ltd. All advertising is accepted subject to the The Vintage Hotels’ discretion. The Vintage Hotels and The Business Link Niagara Ltd. will not be responsible for damages arising out of errors in advertisements. Any design, artwork, copyright or typesetting supplied by The Business Link Niagara Ltd. is for the exclusive use by The Vintage Hotels. Any other use not authorized is an infringement of copyright. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission of The Business Link Niagara Ltd.

Designed and Produced by Business Link Media Group | 905.646.9366 | BusinessLinkMedia.com HASKELL PHOTOGRAPHY

Romance Summer

Lorraine

With Vintage Hotels

Rutledge

Create those special memories with an unforgettable backdrop of beautiful surroundings, historic character, impeccable service, and a custom-made approach to that special day.

Wedding Sales Manager, Vintage Hotels

I

f you’re getting married at Vintage Hotels, your first point of contact is always Lorraine Rutledge,

the Wedding Sales Manager. A Niagara native, Lorraine has over 20 years of experience in the corporate sales and hospitality industry―and it certainly comes in handy. At Vintage, it all starts when the couple makes a request for information and sets up a meeting with Lorraine. She gives them a complete tour of the three properties and finds out what they like―whether it’s the relaxed country feel of Pillar & Post, the Victorian atmosphere of Prince of Wales or the fine elegance of Queens Landing. She’ll then settle on specific dates with the couple and inform the Special Events Manager which facility they’ve chosen. “I love meeting clients,” Lorraine says. “I get a thrill out of hearing their stories and seeing their rings. They’re so excited because this is a new thing for them.” Lorraine typically meets with eight couples per weekend―some of them are newly engaged, others are getting remarried. But Lorraine says all of them fall in love with Vintage

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Hotels’ breathtaking amenities―and need a little hand holding. “I’m a mom so my knowledge comes in handy,” she says. “I let brides and grooms know I’m here to help. I try to make them feel relaxed because it should be a fun process. It’s all about enjoying the engagement and enjoying the moment.”

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CREATE YOUR OWN

inter onderland

Choose from 3 spectacular hotels, featuring Victorian, grand Georgian or Country ambiance. Enjoy superb European cuisine and luxury accomodations set in scenic Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The perfect place to begin...

$99*

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Specialized winter dinner menu Wedding bar and wine service with dinner Complimentary 1 night stay for happy couple Special discounts from preferred vendors

Specialized winter dinner menu Wedding bar and wine service with dinner Complimentary 1 night stay for happy couple Sparkling toast at Midnight Noise makers and party favours Special discounts from preferred vendors

*per person, plus taxes and gratuities, subject to availability. Valid from November 1, 2016 to April 30, 2017

*per person, plus taxes and gratuities, subject to availability. Valid on December 31, 2017 only.

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NIAGARA’S PREMIER WEDDING BAND • LIVE CONCERT ENERGY FOR YOUR GUESTS • DANCE TO OUR EXPERIENCED LIVE MUSICIANS Sandy Vine and The Midnights rocked the night away with their incredible vocal ranges, musical abilities, and extensive song list. We highly recommend them as a reliable and stress-free band, who will truly entertain all

your guests beyond your expectations.

Greg and Paula S. • Queens Landing NOTL Wedding

All of our guests were up and dancing all night long, which was exactly what we wanted! They truly helped to make our wedding fun, romantic and wonderful! Shelby and Ashley M. • Niagara Area Wedding

Sandy wanted our whole experience to be easy and care free and he went out of his way to make this happen. Thank you so much...you made our wedding night a party that people will be talking about for a long time! Julie-Anne and Sean C. • Niagara Area Wedding

Sandy created the atmosphere that we were hoping for—great music and energy and a full dance floor! The band quickly picked up on our guests' tastes and played hit after hit. Caitlin and Jay K. • Niagara Area Wedding

From the moment they started until they finished, most of our guests were out of their chairs and on the dance floor moving and grooving. Would hire them again in a

heart beat!

Yanni and Ashley S. • Niagara Area Wedding

CONTEMPORARY CEREMONY DUO • FUN COCKTAIL & DINNER MUSIC • NON-STOP HIGH ENERGY DANCE MUSIC FOR ALL AGES

WEDDING IN THE USA OR ACROSS CANADA?

WE TRAVEL. INQUIRE TODAY!

905-562-NOTE (6683) BOOKINGS@SANDYVINE.COM

WWW.SANDYVINE.COM

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IT’S ALL IN THE

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TRUTH & TALES

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TRUTH & TALES J.F. HANNIGAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Katie

Sams We are thrilled that you are considering one of our ministers from THE WEDDING COMPANY OF NIAGARA to officiate at your wedding ceremony.

The Wedding Company of Niagara was established by Derek and Shelly Rymarchuk in 1996. After pastoring and serving their community for years, Derek and Shelly realized that there was a need to provide a service to people who are in need of someone to officiate their wedding, funeral or celebration of life. For the past 20 years they have been offering wedding ceremonies and packages to brides and grooms from all walks of life and from various faith backgrounds. Their ministers have officiated over 14,000 weddings under the banner of the Wedding Company of Niagara and consider the Vintage Hotels as valued and long standing partners. The Officiants at the Wedding Company come from various faith and denominational backgrounds and are the best in our area. They are friendly, flexible and professional and their goal is the same as yours: A truly memorable wedding ceremony here in Niagara that you, your friends and your family will remember and talk about for the rest of your lives.

Special Events Manager, Pillar & Post

W

hen you need help preparing for “the big day,” it’s important to have a wedding expert

in your corner like Katie Sams. Katie is Special Events Manager at Pillar & Post. And it’s not unusual to find her working round the clock, whether it’s going over details with her service team or supervising on the wedding day itself. “I’m the main contact when it comes to execution,” Katie explains. “It’s really fun because you’re working with the bride and groom, and they have all these ideas you need to work out. You have to have that flexibility. Everyone’s different.” Katie says Pillar & Post has a cozy atmosphere couples really admire with its state-of-the-art amenities and country chic décor. Katie currently manages over 75 weddings a year, and she’s always there to lend a helping hand. “It can be stressful for people because they want everything perfect,” she says. “I make sure everyone feels calm about the whole process.” After working in the local hospitality industry for several years, Katie moved out west in 2013 and honed her banquet management skills at the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in Edmonton. Now that she’s found a home with the Pillar & Post team, the Niagara College grad says she’s enjoying the challenge. “There’s never a dull moment,” Katie says of her trade. “I love being a part of it all―and getting to see the fruits of my labours.”

1.877.641.3111 • 905.371.3695 weddings@cogeco.net

www.weddingcompanyniagara.com

J.F. HANNIGAN PHOTOGRAPHY

An Everlasting

Image Finding just the right wedding photographer is a great way to document your big event and tell your story.

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receiving their wedding photographs. Many have

tographer will be dressed in on your wedding

also encountered issues with printing and release

day. The last thing anyone wants (or expects) at

nce you know whether the photographer

rights to their images after their wedding day.

their wedding is for a vendor they’ve hired to

you are considering is available on your

Asking your photographer about their delivery

show up less than dressed for the occasion. Un-

wedding date, there are many questions that

time frame―and if they place any restrictions

fortunately, this has been known to be an issue

follow. “How much?” may seem the most ob-

on how you may use the photographs – is key to

and though it may seem like a no-brainer for

vious question and while it may be a deciding

avoiding your own wedding horror story.

most, it certainly is an eyesore when it happens.

By Vera Prehodchenko

O

factor, it shouldn’t necessarily be the most im-

When it comes to your wedding day, just like

Hiring an efficient wedding coordinator is

portant when finding a professional to capture

any big decisions in life, you’ll want to avoid

pivotal to helping you navigate the process of

your love story through the lens.

surprises. Whether it’s hidden fees, fine print or

planning your wedding day. Though a photog-

Photographer David Haskell of Haskell Pho-

in the world of photography, equipment failure,

rapher may not be the first person to come to

tography says, “When it comes to wedding pho-

it’s important to ensure that you’re fully aware

mind to assist in this process, a seasoned wed-

tography, it’s more than just conveying your

of any expenditures upfront and any potential

ding photographer can certainly be of aid in

individualistic style. It’s very much about being

liabilities are covered.

developing your wedding timeline. A knowl-

versatile. Your main client is the wedding cou-

There is no harm in asking a photographer

edgeable photographer can offer direction on

ple. With that in mind, one still needs to draw

about fees that may be applicable outside of what

adequate time allowance for photos throughout

on the ability to capture images that will ap-

is included in their wedding photography packag-

your day. Finalizing the timing for your celebra-

peal to the parents, the grandparents, etc. It’s

es. Based on your wedding timeline, if you think

tion with their advice kept in mind should come

important to stay up-to-date with trends while

you may require additional coverage, it is typical-

with relative ease.

ensuring that the photos will remain timeless.”

ly best to add that on before your wedding day,

David Haskell sums it up like this: “The

Just as importantly, giving the photographer

whereas purchasing additional images can often

most important thing is to measure the artistic

the opportunity to get to know you and under-

be arranged after the fact. Most importantly, be

strength of the photographer you may be hiring.

stand your photographic goals will help them to

sure to ask before booking a photographer about

When viewing their work, are you looking at

determine how to best cater to your needs and

what steps are taken in case of equipment failure

strong photographic images that are then edited

expectations for your celebration.

or personal emergency as well as if the photog-

to make them of the highest quality―or are you

Photographic documentation is a way of telling

rapher holds liability/business insurance. The

simply seeing a mediocre snapshot that’s been

a story that truly stands the test of time. A photo-

answers you receive may make or break on your

enhanced to slip by? Moreover, be sure that

graph is a memory captured forever. One of the

decision as to which photographer to book with!

you’re choosing a photographer whose work ex-

most common wedding horror stories out there

A less commonly asked question but one to

is about couples waiting for years or worse, never

certainly consider is what sort of attire the pho-

cites you and that you can trust to capture the beautiful story of your wedding day.”

Haskell Photography Reservations 905.687.1600 haskellphotos.com

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1 STILLS AND MOTION MEDIA 2 TRUTH & TALES 3 HASKELL PHOTOGRAPHY 4 TRUTH & TALES 5 GEMINI PHOTOGRAPHY 6 TRUTH & TALES 7 GEMINI PHOTOGRAPHY 8 TRUTH & TALES 9 HASKELL PHOTOGRAPHY

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Prepped Head-to-Toe the Bridal Beauty Way! By Miss Lisa Marie

L

ooking Drop Dead Gorgeous on your wedding day doesn’t happen by accident. It requires a fair bit of work and an umpteen number of (Do’s) right up until the wedding (I Do’s) Get the scoop on how to

prepare yourself from top to bottom by Miss Lisa Marie; Owner of Bridal Beauty Mobile Artistry Group.

LUSCIOUS LOCKS

FLAWLESS FACE

HANDS & FEET

Healthily smooth and shiny hair is the foundation

If you haven’t been diligent about your skin-care

There’s going to be a lot of focus on your hands

for any great style for your wedding day! Prepare

routine, now’s the time to begin: “Getting regular

and perhaps on your feet, on your big day, so

your hair at least 6 months in advance. Start off by

facials makes a huge difference in your skin’s tex-

your hands and feet should be in peak condi-

using a good salon shampoo and conditioner, along

ture and helps you have the best base for regular

tion. The sooner you can pamper yourself with

with a clarifying shampoo once every two weeks. For

Make-up or Airbrush. Cleanse, tone, and moisturize

a manicure and pedicure, the better! You’ll want

very dry and frizzy hair, hydrate with treatments

every morning and night. Exfoliate once or twice

your feet ready for those stunning shoes you’ll be

and masks at a salon and a have a monthly trim to

a week and use a good SPF every day! Always in-

wearing! Indulge your hands and feet while you

avoid split ends. If you have to blow it out, be sure to

clude your neck and décolleté, especially if you are

sleep and slather on a thick moisturizer on both,

use a heat protecting spray. Sleep with a satin pillow

wearing a strapless dress. Your last facial should be

cover them with socks and wake up with the soft-

case; it will prevent your hair from getting damaged.

booked no later than two weeks before the big day.

est skin ever!

PEARLY WHITES

SKIN DEEP

LUXE LASHES

Sparkling white teeth and fresh breath on your

Exfoliating is the name of the game, to have soft and

Whether you want to bat at those lashes to the

wedding day is a must! If you want to lighten your

toned looking skin! Exfoliate each day, whether in

end of the honeymoon or increase your lash

teeth, start off by trying a whitening toothpaste or

the form of a loofah or a body scrub. Follow up with

length for just one special day, there are many

an over-the-counter whitening system. You may

a rich moisturizer all over the body while skin is still

different ways to make your lashes stand out and

also want to consider a professional bleaching kit.

damp. Give your thighs the love it needs too with

get the wink that wows! Prepare your lashes 3

Start any whitening regime about one month be-

a regular monthly therapeutic massage before the

months in advance with lash growth serum, to

fore the wedding. Try avoiding or cut down on red

big day! Very beneficial for cellulite, helps to im-

promote growth and strengthen them. A good

wine, tea and coffee a week before the big day.

prove blood flow in your legs and reduces fatigue.

base allows you more options to consider.

NUTRITION

BEAUTIFUL BROWS

THE PERFECT POUT

Every bride wants to have that glow from the inside

Eyebrows are really the frame for your face, so

Before you pucker those lips; you’ll want them to

out and eating a well balanced diet will help you get

save it for the experts! If you don’t already have a

be in the best possible plump shape. Clear away

there! Eliminate processed, fatty foods and sweet

brow specialist then it’s a good time to find one.

dead skin and try exfoliating your lips at least

things at the very least 2 months before the big day.

You can choose to have them waxed, threaded or

once a week. A little brown sugar and sweet hon-

Your skin, nails, hair, body and mental health will

even tinted if you find that they are too light for

ey will do just fine. Finally, protect your kisser

thank you for it! Staying hydrated is also very im-

you. You should also have your last wax at the

lips with a au natural lip balm applying daily and

portant, so try to drink at least 8-10 glasses a day.

one week mark.

before bed.

BIKINI

FAUX GLOW

Gone are the days of shaving, so be prepared

Master the faux glow by getting a spray tan with a

down there starting at least 3 months before with

tanning specialist at least 3 months before the big

waxing or sugaring so you can be ready for the

day to be able to perfect the shade you desire. Book

wedding and honeymoon. The more often you

your final pre-wedding session three days before

get it done, the less painful it is each time. Book

the ceremony. If you prefer more of a subtle glow,

your last one 2 days before the big day!

then a self tanner is another option for you.

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905-931-4311

W

w w w .mobi le brid al b e au t y.c o m

E

l i s a @ m obi l eb rid al b e au t y.c o m

Prestigious

Hair & Makeup Design at your service

Kaitlin

Lepp Special Events Manager, Prince of Wales

P

lanning a wedding is never easy―unless you have an expert like Kaitlin Lepp on your side. A

graduate of the event management program at Niagara College, Kaitlin joined the Prince of Wales team as Special Events Manager in 2011 after doing a one year work placement―and it’s been her dream job ever since. “I’ve always been interested in planning,” she says. “I’m very organized and detail oriented and helped plan a lot of my friends’ weddings so it just comes natural to me.” Prince of Wales is a warm intimate venue with the capacity to hold weddings of up to 100 people. Here, Kaitlin has helped countless clients out with their big day―from young first-timers to couples getting married for the second time. “It’s such a rewarding job,” she explains. “I’m a real people person. I enjoy meeting the bride and groom and getting to know their dynamic.” And if something needs fixing, Kaitlin is always there for people. When it gets down to the nitty-gritty, it’s not unusual to find Kaitlin working round the clock, finalizing details, setting out place cards and favours― even attending to the bride right up until the wedding ceremony. But to Kaitlin, all that hard work is worth it. “It’s the happiest day of their lives,” she says, “and who

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wouldn’t want to be a part of that?”

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Chamberlain Entertainment E N T E RTAI N I NG N IAG AR A SIN CE 1977

When you only have one chance to get it r ight... 905-937-4488 e vents@chamb erl ainenter t ainment.com

Rikki

Green Special Events Manager, Queen’s Landing

R

ikki Green is in the business of making couples’ dreams come true. As the Special Events Manager

at Queen’s Landing, she acts as the main point of contact for weddings, dealing with countless clients,

COLLECTION OF BEAUTIFUL CARRIAGES FOR

vendors and teammates. “When you’re working with brides and grooms,” Rikki explains, “you’re there to

Weddings & CORPORATE EVENTS.

help make their vision come alive.” With that goal in

FULLY NARRATED TOURS AVAILABLE DAILY

finer points like sampling menu and wine selections

mind, Rikki starts out by having initial meetings with her clients, walking them through the agenda so they can discuss everything from floor plans to special requests. That also gives them plenty of time for the or checking out potential suites if guests are planning to stay overnight. Rikki and her special events team

www.sentinealcarriages.ca 905 468 4943

are experts at what they do―and it shows―with over 100 to 150 couples choosing Queen’s Landing for their weddings every year. “The details are the most important thing,” Rikki says of her work. “They’re only doing this once so we make sure everything’s just perfect for them.” A graduate of Niagara College’s event management program and a new addition to the Queen’s Landing team, Rikki always loves the moment when everything falls into place for her clients. “You’re able to see it all come to life after months and months of planning,” she says of the big day. “Just to see the looks on everyone’s faces―it’s really rewarding.”

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Liquid Entertainment-Your Event, Your DJ

@liquiddjservice

DJ + MC + LIGHTING + PHOTO BOOTH + SILENT EVENTS CUSTOM WEDDING RECEPTIONS BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION TODAY 905.329.9005 www.liquidentertainment.ca

4 Nihan Drive, Unit #4 St. Catharines, Ontario L2N-1L1

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Jennifer

Holmes Lead Designer, Clippings

E

very day, Jennifer Holmes turns a simple request into a work of art. A graduate of the Niagara Parks

School of Horticulture, she originally worked as an independent floral designer. However, Jennifer began doing contract work for Vintage Hotels and ended up joining them full-time in 2010. As their lead designer, she works in “Clippings”―Vintage Hotels’ in-house

floral and decorating department. “I like having the flexibility to do what I love,” Jennifer explains, “and here, you’re doing multiple things at one time.” Based out of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s historic Miller House, Jennifer and her team take care of decorating seasonal decor for special occasions like Christmas, Easter and New Year’s Eve. They also take care of in-house functions and weddings, and provide flowers arrangements for dining rooms, lobbies, and guest suites. They even offer design classes and tutorials for guests and the community alike. It’s an exciting job, and one that always makes Jennifer―and her clients―smile. “I have a passion for making things beautiful,” she says, “and I love getting to use my creativity.”

TRUTH & TALES

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J.F. HANNIGAN PHOTOGRAPHY

TRUTH & TALES

Frank Krahn Pianist

LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU!

FOR MORE THAN

20 years

FRANK HAS PROVIDED PROFESSIONAL PIANO ENTERTAINMENT FOR WEDDINGS, COCKTAIL RECEPTIONS, DINING AND CORPORATE EVENTS

REPERTOIRE CONTEMPORARY FAVORITES

Frank recently performed for the Pathstone Foundation Hope Award

JAZZ

at which Margaret Trudeau was the guest speaker. Other celebrities he

BLUES

has performed for include Peter Mansbridge, Chantal Kreviazuk,

BOOGIE

Richard Dreyfuss, Jeff Healey, Walter Gretzky, Kyle Chipchura (Phoenix

RAGTIME

Coyotes) and Trish Romance. On May 12, 2017, he will once again be

CAJUN

performing for the Pathstone Foudation Hope Award at the Fallsview

LATIN

Casino Resort. David Suzuki will be the guest speaker.

FUNK ROCK MOVIE THEMES BROADWAY MUSICALS

(289) 820-4819 SEE THE PRAISE FOR FRANK FOR YOURSELF AT

FrankKrahnPiano.com FKRAHN@COGECO.CA

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SUGAR PHOTO STUDIO

STILL AND MOTION MEDIA

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