12th Annual Bridal Fair

2016 KAMLOOPS LUXURY

12TH ANNIVERSARY

SUNDAY JANUARY 31ST Cover photo by

TRU Conference Centre Campus Activity Centre

10:00 am - 2:00 pm Fashion Show at 2:00 pm

INFORMATION & BRIDAL REGISTRATION

WWW.TRU.CA/KAMLOOPSBRIDALFAIR.HTML Published by

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778.471.2445 • www.firstcomeslove.biz 12 th Annual Bridal Fair - 2016

Welcome

to the 12th Annual Kamloops Luxury Bridal Fair The TRU Conference Centre is excited to be hosting this year’s fair on Sunday, Jan. 31, in the Campus Activity Centre at Thompson Rivers University.

With show partners Viva Bridal and Common Sound presenting a bustling exhibitor fair starting at 10 a.m., and a luxury fashion show commencing at 2 p.m., the day is destined to be informative, inspiring and fun for brides, grooms and their loved ones.

The fair features more than 60 exhibitors showcasing their products and services and speaking with attendees one-on-one to illustrate how their expertise can make your wedding fantasy come true.

The many photographers, décor companies, bridal boutiques, DJ’s, mortgage brokers, spas, beauty companies, venues and caterers allow brides and grooms to find everything they need in one convenient location.

The exhibitors come equipped with samples of their product, including fabric swatches, bakery items, catering food samples, makeup and displays so no bride will go home empty handed.

The Bridal Lounge — a space where attendees can digest all the information — is once again available and guests are encouraged to take a break, sit down with their entourage for a bite to eat and review the exhibitors they have met.

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This is the perfect opportunity for family and friends to give feedback and advice that will help you make big decisions for your big day.

Our team of sponsors, co-ordinators and students who work to make this community event such a huge success are combining industry experience and innovation to bring forward a unique, memorable and free day to brides and grooms in Kamloops.

Longtime partner Viva Bridal provides all gowns modeled in the Fashion Show and, this year, we are excited Common Sound has also come forward as a partner to add even more value to the show.

Our Show Sponsors include Aglow Bridal Boutique, which is responsible for decorating the Grand Hall; Jonni's Styling Studio providing hair and makeup for models; GK Sound providing audio visual for the show; Wedding Butlers providing bridal bags; Sheer Florals and Silk contributing the Fashion Show bouquets; Empire Avenue Films, which will be capturing the essence of the show; Cheryl Blackwell from The Broadcast Centre, who will be hosting See Fresh, page 4

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Fresh ideas. innovation From page 3

the Fashion Show; Rozalind Ewashina Photography providing the photos for marketing material; and Kamloops This Week providing this Bridal Guide.

Carli Berry photo All these vendors provide products and services that allow us to put on a great show.

Brielle Hwalstad, Dominique Hazel, Cassandra Okawa, Jesse Faubert, In addition to the combined expertise from show Danya LeBlanc, Anthony Salituro. partners and sponsors making this year’s fair a truly unique event, the TRU Conference Centre brings in her to expand on her knowledge of different types of fresh ideas and innovation through three TRU students. events.

They have been working with show partners, Jesse “It’s helping me along my career path because I’m gainFaubert from Common Sound and Anthony Salituro from ing hands-on experience in the events field,” she said.

Viva Bridal, to co-ordinate, produce and market this year’s As the volunteer co-ordinator, she is involved with diffair. ferent aspects of the bridal fair such as registration, sponOur volunteer co-ordinator, Dominique Hazel, is a sorship, décor and vendor care and makes sure everything fourth year Bachelor of Tourism Management student at runs smoothly on event day.

TRU who is concentrating her studies towards festival and Cassandra Okawa, a third year Bachelor of Tourism events.

Management student, is our fashion show co-ordinator The opportunity with Kamloops Bridal Fair has allowed who has been working with show partners to plan the

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12 th Annual Bridal Fair - 2016

décor, fashion, modeling and production of the show.

This experience is helping her better understand her career choices and allows her to explore the options of events.

“I love the environment we are put in and the work we do to help make it easier for the bride to plan her big day,” she said.

This year’s marketing co-ordinator, Danya LeBlanc, is a fourth year Bachelor of Communications student who has been working to make sure no bride misses this one-stopshop opportunity.

“Working with Kamloops Bridal Fair is a unique experience where I have been able to put in the effort and receive the feedback I need to grow as a professional in the events field,” LeBlanc said.

Leading and overseeing the collaboration of partners and students and planning and organizing this year’s fair, Brielle Hwalstad, events and catering co-ordinator at TRU Conference Centre, is the glue that brings the team together. She is dedicated to creating a memorable event that will give brides and grooms all of the resources they need to start planning their wedding day.

On behalf of TRU Conference Centre, Viva Bridal, Common Sound, TRU student co-ordinators and exhibitors, welcome to the fair and congratulations on your engagement.

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12 th Annual Bridal Fair - 2016

Tips on Attending a Bridal Fair JENN PALLETT

PRE-SHOW

• Create a wedding email to give out to exhibitors and vendors. This will keep all of your wedding information in one place.

• Pre-register for shows if you can. Often pre-registration comes with a swag bar or a faster access into the bridal fair.

• Check out the bridal fair website to see what exhibitors are confirmed. This will help you narrow down your must-see list. It will help you get the information that you need and then focus on other exhibitors that may not be as important to your wedding needs.

• Get organized so that you can act decisively. Know what you want out of your exhibitors so that you can make decisions at the show. Lots of exhibitors offer discounts if you register for their product at the show.

However, don’t be afraid to ask if you can make an appointment with these exhibitors and still get the discount. Sometimes the exhibitor will extend the discount if you make an appointment to meet with them within a specific amount of time. You want to make sure that the exhibitor is right for you.

AT THE SHOW

• Printed labels can be a lifesaver for your hand and wrist at Bridal Fairs. You will easily and quickly be able to sign up for all of the giveaways and draws. It is best if you include your name, mailing address, phone number, email and wedding date.

• Dress comfortably. You will likely be on your feet for most of the day, so you want to make sure that you are comfortable. Then you can focus on the information being provided rather than your sore feet.

• Bring ID with you in case you win a prize.

• Have pens handy so you can make notes on the brochures and business cards you receive from exhibitors.

Write a little note on everything so that you remember those important exhibitors and what you discussed. It is easy to get overwhelmed during and after the show with all of the information. Unfortunately exhibitors will start blending and it will be hard to remember what information you discussed with each exhibitor.

• Bring your scheduler so that you can make appointments with exhibitors. Whether it be your phone, a wallet calendar or a planner, it will become an essential item at the fair.

• Bring swatches of material of your wedding colors.

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This will help exhibitors recommend items, or give you suggestions for your wedding.

• Ask lots of questions. No question is silly when it comes to your wedding. If it pops into your head, ask it.

• Bring those people whose opinion you trust. They will help you compare the benefits of going with specific exhibitors.

POST-SHOW

• Review the brochures and information packages you received. Sort it into piles of follow ups and discards.

This is where the notes you took during the fair will come in handy.

• Call or email those exhibitors that you are interested in to setup consultation to make sure that they are in fact the right person or company for you.

Jenn Pallett is the events and catering co-ordinator at TRU Conference Centre.

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12 th Annual Bridal Fair - 2016

2016 Weddings Personal, Intimate Affairs

NIKKI FREDERIKSON

This year’s wedding trends make creating the wedding of your dreams simpler by focusing on creating a more personal intimate affair.

Whether you dream of a formal wedding or a more intimate lunch reception, every wedding is unique just as each couple’s story is different. The biggest trend in 2016 weddings is making the ceremony and reception personalized to focus on the couple.

Nicole McEachnie, pastry chef and owner of the Vancouver B.C. based company Cake by Nicole, said, “this season, more people are choosing a more intimate ceremony and reception with a smaller guests list.

“A huge trend right now is using restaurants as a venue for a more intimate, budget-friendly day.”

Outdoor weddings are still very popular, especially on farms. To keep a more intimate atmosphere, you want to opt for a family-style dinner.

“Family-style weddings are really popular, instead of small round tables that seat 10, try a long table that seats 20 people,” Nicole said.

When it comes to choosing a theme for your big day it’s best to pick a theme that you as a couple both enjoy.

If you picture your wedding as one of the trend-setting weddings of the year, consider the following popular themes: beach inspired, vintage, glam or rustic. This year mason jars have been replaced by natural floral elements to create the rustic or vintage-inspired wedding.

With the biggest trend of this year’s wedding season being personalization, every detail of your wedding should be incorporated throughout the invitations, ceremony and reception and have consistency throughout.

This is easily done with the use of a color theme for the wedding.

This year’s most popular wedding colours are rose quartz and serenity. Rose quartz is a beautiful blush tone that could only be compared to a brides cheeks; whereas serenity is a gorgeous blue resembling the blue sky.

The two colours are complementary so using both on your big day creates a natural ambience.

If your style is more glamorous, a huge trend in weddings this year is metallics, particularly rose golds and copper tones.

“Metallics are popping up everywhere — on the invites, menu and even the cake. Metallics are coming through in all places of weddings,” Nicole said. To create a personal look, pair the metallic colours with calligraphy accents to make your décor pop.

When it comes to choosing a cake, Nicole’s recommendation is a beautiful naked cake topped with fresh flowers

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Pastry chef Nicole McEachnie, of Cake by Nicole, suggests using a fake display cake — with an additional slab for eating — as a cost-cutting measure.

to continue with a more relaxed yet elegant finish.

However, Nicole said “a lot of people are opting for a dessert table with multiple desserts, which sometimes can save you on a venues cutting fee, which can be anywhere from $2 to $7 per person depending on the venue.”

Another money-saving trick she has is the fake wedding cake. The pastry chef can decorate it and create an edible portion for cutting for photos.

Depending on your pastry chef, a fake display cake often is less money than a fully-decorated edible cake.

By ordering a sheet of the cake flavour to be cut and served to guests and displaying a beautifully decorated fake cake, you can often save a bit of money on your big day.

Creating your perfect wedding can easily become a huge task to make every detail perfect.

This year couples can enjoy a more relaxed personal wedding and stay with the trends of 2016. By choosing your theme and colours such as serenity or a metallic as well as opting for more natural décor and family style dining your 2016 wedding will be on trend.

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Say yes to the dress Dramatic sleeves and rustic themes

DENISE STREBCHUK AND BRITTANY STREBCHUK

2016 is going to be a great year for weddings! Being involved in the wedding industry is an exciting, rewarding and ever-changing business and we look forward to sharing some of the latest and greatest trends with you.

Even the experts have a hard time keeping up with the newest styles, but 2016 promises to be a beautiful year for those taking the plunge.

We hope you enjoy and possibly embrace many of the styles and décor trends available to you.

We’ll begin with what many are predicting for 2016 and beyond in bridal. The following is just an example of what you might be considering in the coming months when shopping for a wedding gown: • A return to traditional styles but with a modern twist.

• Fit and flare gowns will continue to have a strong influence with young brides.

• Plunging backs.

• Illusion backs and panels.

• Peekaboo lace.

• Tasteful cutouts.

• Sweetheart bodices will continue to be prominent with many of the major lines.

• Illusion bodices will also continue to be a favorite for many brides.

• Ball gowns will be sought after for the more traditional bride but the gowns may contain heavier details than in the past. For example, crocheted lace and embroidery will pop on the gowns.

• Colour will continue to be a presence in the bridal industry. Blushes, golds, champagnes and soft greys will more than likely be here to stay. Ivory will remain a favorite with the majority of brides.

• Comfort will be a definite consideration and many brides will opt for the beautiful flowy light-weight fabrics such as chiffon.

• A-line gowns with ultra-feminine lace detailing will be the choice of the romantic bride.

• Victorian detailing that includes soft fabrics and lace.

• Cropped tops.

• Floral prints.

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12 th Annual Bridal Fair - 2016

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• Two-piece bridal suits.

• Layered lace on skirts.

• Overskirts that can be removed for your reception.

• Dramatic sleeves.

• Feather trims.

• Bateau necklines (a neckline made famous by Audrey Hepburn).

• Three dimensional details.

• Floral and laser cut appliques.

• Deep V necklines.

• Long sleeves are highly visible on the runways for spring 2016 but we feel sleeveless will continue to be a popular choice for many brides.

• Handkerchief hems.

Today’s couples want a wedding that tells their guests exactly who they are. They want their guests to have a great experience at their wedding. Romance is definitely back when it comes to décor.

Pantones 2016 new colours of serenity (a soothing shade of blue) and rose quartz will be lovely additions to the color schemes chosen by some brides.

We are witnessing a definite shift away from the bright coloured linens. Beiges, creams and all shades of ivory and taupe are replacing them to give a soft romantic feel to the guest tables.

Deeper colours such as merlot are being infused into other décor items such as florals and accessory items like candles and vases.

Metallics are still in demand.

Soft golds, rose gold and copper will show up on cakes and other food items as well as linens and décor.

Along with the naked cake, pies will be a popular choice at many dessert tables.

Candlelight and chandeliers will help couples achieve the romantic mood they desire. How can you ever have too many candles?

Rustic theme florals will be soft but not as muted as we have seen in past seasons. Again, merlot may be just a perfect addition for the “new rustic.”

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See Keep, page 12

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keep it personal From page 11

Couples are changing up their reception layout by opting for long rectangular tables mixed with smaller square or circular tables for a more intimate setting.

Lounge areas are another popular choice to make cozy and intimate areas for guests before and after dinner.

Rustic weddings will continue to be a strong trend. For some “rustic chic” will take its place, allowing couples to put their own personal décor touches throughout the wedding and will have a more modern feel.

Other weddings will have a more “shabby chic” feel that incorporates glamour, soft wood tones and crystal accents throughout.

Just-picked flower arrangements that feature whatever is in season will be popular. The wild look is in!

Centerpieces may have a mix of big and small blooms in more than one color and include spiky flowers, vines and have a natural look. For a formal look, choose a cluster of three to five different flowers in the same shade. The slight color variations will give you a soft and romantic ombre effect.

Some couples are asking their florist to include such things as coffee beans and fragrant herbs like mint and basil

into their centerpieces and other florals.

Try mixing up your centerpieces as there is no need to have each table look the same. Think high and low centerpieces and have your floral centerpieces on every second table.

His and hers cocktails will be easier on the budget and get the conversation started among your guests.

Rosé wine is becoming very popular. Think how pretty it will look beside all those soft romantic colours.

Buttercream cake frosting is making a comeback and naked cakes will be simply adorned with seasonal berries or real flowers.

Vanilla flavored cake has been replaced with salted caramel, white chocolate mousse, lemon, champagne, lavender-vanilla, apple spice, green tea and chai latte.

Now many brides and grooms are forgoing tradition and opting to have their photographer capture them seeing each other before the wedding.

Whatever trends 2016 holds, remember it is still your wedding. Maybe you will incorporate into your wedding a new trend that you will be the first to start.

Don’t be afraid to have it your way and make it special for the two of you. That’s what memories are made of!

Denise and Brittany Strebchuk own Aglow Bridal Lounge.

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12 th Annual Bridal Fair - 2016

Destination weddings Considering a destination wedding? It’s becoming more and more popular among engaged couples for many reason: it’s affordable, convenient and less stressful.

Here are a few more pros for jetting off to a tropical local to say your “I dos.”

STUNNING SETTING

You won’t need to break the bank on your décor budget.

Since you’re already in a gorgeous location with a tropical backdrop you won’t need to add as many décor pieces to make your wedding a beautiful atmosphere. Of course, you can still add your own personality with flowers, candles and unique pieces. There are plenty of options available to make it your own.

GROOMS ARE MORE INVOLVED

Guys are typically more excited about a destination wedding compared to local nuptials. Guys would rather plan fun excursions with friends like a fishing or ATV trip instead of picking out centerpieces.

QUALITY TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Most traditional weddings are only one day and trying to

visit with each guest is a hard task to complete. Choosing a destination wedding means you’ll have at least three days to spend real quality time with your loved ones.

VACATION TIME

Your wedding is the star of the trip but it’s also an added bonus for friends and family to have a vacation, relax, reconnect and celebrate. Plus, your honeymoon begins right after you say “I do!”

STAND OUT

Tying the knot in paradise means your wedding won’t be at the same hometown locations many of your friends have picked. There are plenty of destinations, resorts and locations to select from that will create a unique way to celebrate and stand out from the pack!

EASIER PLANNING

Planning any wedding means you will need to devote time and energy into making your day perfect. For a destination wedding, many resorts offer planning services.

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The unplugged wedding DANYA LEBLANC

Did you know 10 per cent of all pictures ever taken were snapped in the last 12 months?

In this digital age, where nearly every person has a camera on them at all times, memories and moments are easily recorded from many different angles, perspectives and places so no occasion is forgotten.

For the modern wedding, this is significant indeed, as guests are able to take pictures and share moments about their experience of your special day.

There are even apps used to round up all guest experiences and photographs in a digital album that epitomizes the overall wedding experience.

While there are opportunities to capture moments the bride, groom and photographer might have missed; there is also the potential for the quantity of pictures taken, many which you might never see, to affect the quality of the special hallmark moments you want to encapsulate forever.

Ali Mathiesen, photographer and owner of Blondi Photography, speaks to this double-edged sword. As a

wedding photographer and goer alike, she has experiences first hand how too many photographers can be an obstacle to capturing important moments.

“Once, this guy — lets call him “Uncle Bob” — totally stepped in front of me right in the middle of the aisle and blocked one of the most important shots: the back of the bride’s dress and the face of the groom as she walks down the aisle.

“In a quiet, serene moment saying “please move” or something just is not really recommended” Mathiesen said.

And this type of occurrence happens frequently as guests use their cameras and phones and compete with professional photographers for shots.

Even when a guest photographer is not directly blocking a shot, having a cousin with her cell out beside the couple during their first dance is a bit of a mood killer, Mathiesen said.

“One photobomb is funny, but an entire album is not.”

The reason we hire professional photographers is because they have the experience and expertise to get the important shots and capture the most memorable moments,

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12 th Annual Bridal Fair - 2016

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We reserve the right to limit quantities. While we strive for accuracy in product description and pricing (which can be amended without prior notice by the manufacturer or typographical errors which may appear in this flyer. Product availability may vary from store to store. Some pictures may not be identical to current models

Ali Mathiesen, photographer and owner of Blondi Photography, suggests couples evaluate the importance of social media to them when contemplating a device-free wedding for guests.

which is why Mathiesen argues the value of having a good photographer at an unplugged wedding, rather than having a collection of amateur shots.

“Our job as photographers is to get angles that are best for the couple, and candids of how the guests react to certain events,” she said.

Whether or not the unplugged wedding is the right fit for a bride and groom is largely dependent on your relationship with social media.

Many couples opt to broadcast their special day and the guests experience and commemorate it in the online community, sometimes even incorporating a unique hashtag for the event.

When Mathiesen sits down with wedding clients she asks how important social media is to the couple. Knowing this is important to deciding how much — or little — technology you want at your wedding.

With both pros and cons on either side of the decision, ultimately deciding what is most important will tip your scales to one side and give you and your guests the experience that matches your values.

However, as a photographer and when attending as a guest, Mathiesen has observed that guests seem happier and more excited for the couple at an unplugged wedding where “the energy is like night and day” when their phones and cameras are put away and they can focus on the experience.

Danya LeBlanc is the marketing co-ordinator for the 2016 Kamloops Luxury Bridal Fair.

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Atmosphere

From a grand and elegant ballroom to a sweet and intimate setting, our freshly renovated event space holds the perfect room for you. The rooms are beautifully decorated to add to the ambiance of your reception.

From a candlelit dinner for 10, to an extravagant affair, the Coast Conference Centre will work with you to plan your custom menu, using the freshest locally grown produce and products available. Savour unique and elegant dishes perfected by our culinary team at ROMEOs Kitchen + Spirits, our in-house restaurant and lounge overlooking the beautiful indoor tropical courtyard.

Accommodation

Your out-of-town guests will be comfortable in our newly renovated guest rooms - all complete with a touch of luxury. Full service hotel; group rates available.

Our professional sales staff will help you get your wedding plans underway.

250-828-6660 • coastkamloopshotel.com

Vista Room

Hotel Lobby

Honeymoon Suite

1250 Rogers Way, via exit 368 from Hwy 1 | 250.828.6660 | coastkamloopshotel.com

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12 th Annual Bridal Fair - 2016

FREE Wedding Venue in July & August!!!

Don’t miss this special promotion.

Call our professional sales & catering team today!

Ph: 250-828-6660 coastkamloopshotel.com Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre

Kamloops’ Premier Offsite Catering Company

Need help finding a venue perfect for your reception?

Let us help.

With over a dozen unique local venues we can assist you with finding one perfect for you!

Call our professional catering team today!

Ph: 236-425-2499 www.uptownchefs.com

Published by KAMLOOPS THIS WEEK

17

Make the day a success how to ensure your wedding goes off without a hitch CONSIDER THE WEATHER

Nobody wants rain on their wedding day, nor do your guests want to sit and watch your wedding while the sun is beating down in 40-degree heat.

If you’re having an outdoor wedding, consider including a tent rental in your budget, which will cover you in the event of rain or sunshine. Another thing to consider when getting married outside is asking your makeup artist to use makeup with SPF to avoid any unwanted over exposure during the course of the day.

CONSIDER WHO WILL NEED TO BE FED

Most photographers, DJs or other vendors that will be around during mealtime have an expectation of being fed.

If you are unsure if they are expecting it, just ask. They don’t need a special place setting; vendors, like most DJ’s will sit and eat at their station anyways.

Make sure your bridal party is fed. Spending the morning primping and getting ready means most won’t have time for a bite to eat.

Then, they are carted off to the ceremony and you

don’t want anyone to have spent their day with an empty stomach.

POINT OF CONTACT

When a vendor asks for a point of contact, ensure it isn’t someone in the wedding party.

If the bakery is going to be late delivering your cake and they are frantically trying to call your sister to let you know, chances are she doesn’t have her phone stuffed into her bridesmaid dress.

To lessen the stress the day of, ask a reliable friend or family member that isn’t a part of the wedding party. Ideally the point of contact will be part of the planning process and will know what’s is going on, but will still be available during the day. This means they probably won’t be off taking photos with everyone and will ensure that they have their phone on them for a hiccup free day.

HAVE A WEDDING DAY KIT

Anything can happen, and to lessen the disaster of an ill-fitting garter or a drink spilled on a dress, always be

THE EVENT SPECIALISTS. WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED! You deserve the wedding of your dreams.

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12 th Annual Bridal Fair - 2016

prepared for the unexpected. These are some things that you should put in your Wedding Day Kit: • Sunscreen • Bobby pins • Pens and paper • Travel sewing kit • Lip chap • Hairbrush • Safety pins • Hairspray • Bottled water • Mouthwash • Super glue • Toothbrush and toothpaste • Tide to-go • Scissors • Deodorant • Kleenex • Hand sanitizer • Tampons • Band-Aids • Vendor list • Advil • Lighter • Gravol • Tape

HAVE A VENDOR LIST

Write down the list of names and numbers of important people. This has been a popular idea on Pinterest but it is something everyone should do. Make sure this list is in your Wedding Day Kit for reference and your point of contact has this list as well. Here are a few people that need to be on that list: • Florist • Venue contact See Plan, page 20

Wedding

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Published by KAMLOOPS THIS WEEK

19

plan ahead From page 19

• DJ • Caterer • Hair stylist • Makeup artist • Limo driver

• Bakery • Decorator • Photographer/videographer • Officiant/commissioner

PRIORITIZE

Consider and rank your priorities and align them with your budget. Consider the smaller details and their level of importance to your day, then budget accordingly.

If you don’t think having a lavish wedding cake is a big priority for you, slash the amount you spend on it. If having a top-rate photographer is something that is really important to you, then allocate more of your budget for it.

BE WARY OF PINTEREST

Pinterest is a great tool for ideas or current trends but plenty of the DIY centerpieces you have pinned aren’t always cheaper to DIY. Consider your budget, the amount of guests, and time you have for wedding planning before running off to the thrift store to find teacups and matching saucers.

20

Chances are they will only have four and you will spend your whole day and a tank of gas running to every second hand store in town to find more.

There are always great ideas and it is a great place to spark some creativity, but you don’t want your special day straight from your wedding board. Be original and consider your own style while you’re planning your big day.

When planning DIYs for you wedding always do it in advance. Last minute searching and crafting is stressful and you won’t have as much time as you think in the weeks leading up to the wedding.

Things may not turn out the way you hoped they would so be prepared to have a backup (think Pinterest fails).

ALWAYS SEND THANK-YOU CARDS

Regardless if they gave you a gift or not, always send a thank-you card. They took time out of their lives to celebrate with you and you need to acknowledge it.

A tip for when it comes to the gifts: once unwrapped you probably won’t remember who it is from.

A good trick is to either tape the card to the gift they gave you, take a photo of the gift and who it is from, or even film unwrapping all the gifts. It is best to have a helper write in the card what they gave you.

12 th Annual Bridal Fair - 2016

www.divinetours.com Thompson Okanagan and Shuswap Winery, Waterfall and Tasting Tours Make memories and mark milestones with DiVine Tours Reserve your Bachelorette Tour Today! #250-572-0008 SONSEEKERS RIDGE GOLF COURSE Being ultra organized on your wedding day is going to make your life much easier. Have a list of all your vendors and contact information handy in your Wedding Day Kit with other emergency supplies, such as Kleenex, scissors and bobby pins.

HAVE A REHEARSAL.

Even if walking down the aisle seems like a no-brainer, it is always recommended to have a rehearsal.

Be sure to invite your photographer, especially if the ceremony is outside so they know what to expect for your wedding party and the weather at that time.

Ensure everyone knows where they are supposed to be walking to and from and take the sunlight into consideration, especially for photos.

Ideally schedule your rehearsal the day before at the same time as your wedding ceremony so you will have an idea of how the lighting will be at that time.

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BOOK IN ADVANCE

You can’t always plan when the proposal happens, but weddings need to be booked in advance for your venue, photographer, commissioner etc. to all line up on the date you would like.

Even if you are flexible on the date, all the vendors you want may not be, so be sure to book as much in advance as you can.

— TRU Conference Centre

Published by KAMLOOPS THIS WEEK

247 BLACK RD, SALMON ARM BC • 1.877.933.0258 sonseekersridgegolf.com

21

One-stop-shop venue the benefits of an all-inclusive location

plify wedding plans. Here are the three biggest advantages of choosing a one-stop venue:

KRISTA STOESZ AND DANYA LEBLANC

One of the very first questions that comes to mind when planning a wedding is, “Where are we going to get married?” And you go from there.

While choosing the perfect place to say “I do” is, of course, the most important part of this decision, there are many other things to keep in mind when thinking about the venue.

The weight of the entire wedding planning process is put largely on the selected location because it is fixed and must be considered in nearly every decision while planning.

For instance, most weddings will include a ceremony and a reception. As these events take place in two separate spaces, they typically result in downtime between events and can effectively cut the celebration in half. For this reason, many brides prefer to have their wedding at a one-stop-shop venue that provides these spaces side by side so guests don’t have to leave the festivity.

The one-stop wedding venue is a space designed to sim-

ON-SITE WEDDING CO-ORDINATOR

This is one of the biggest advantages for the bride and groom and will ensure your months of planning are less stressful. One-stop wedding venues will often have experienced co-ordinators who expertly work with their brides and grooms to create a complete wedding experience.

Their knowledge of the space, local partners, and trending ideas give couples the direction to plan their wedding.

NO TRANSPORTATION ISSUES

When your guests check into their hotel they can leave their car keys in the room and turn off their GPS. No navigating is necessary to find the ceremony because it is just across the street, meaning they can just as easily wander back to their rooms at the end of the night.

This convenience is invaluable to your guests and will also give you piece of mind knowing everyone arrived home safe at the end of the night.

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12 th Annual Bridal Fair - 2016

Get Polished at Kamloops’ Wildest’ Beauty Spot LET US PAMPER YOU!

NAILS - Gel Polish to Sculpted Gel Sets & trendy nail art PEDICURES - To treat your feet!

HAIR SALON - Cuts, Colors, Extensions & Up Dos MAKEUP - Special Occasion & Color Consultations WAXING - Facial & Full Body Services FACIALS & MASSAGE - To relax away your stress!

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A one-stop-shop wedding venue makes the day’s events convenient for guests.

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Bridal Gowns ~ Bridesmaid Dresses ~ Suits & Tuxes

ON-SITE PHOTOGRAPHY

Getting wedding pictures on the wedding day is extremely important for many couples. However, the hassle of interrupting the celebration to drive to a separate location for a nice back drop can be a buzz kill.

Many one-stop venues will have gardens or other landscaped places for this purpose. Put your wallet away, save money on that fancy limo and get back to your guests in time to socialize as husband and wife before the night kicks off.

If you’re looking for a one-stop venue to support a less stressful planning process and a complete wedding experience, look no further than the Thompson Rivers University Conference Centre.

Its experienced co-ordinators will work with you to plan your wedding ceremony, reception and book your accommodations in one place.

In the summer, the Horticulture Gardens provide a picturesque backdrop for a beautiful wedding ceremony where one might even enjoy an outdoor cocktail hour and hors d’oeuvres before moving into one of the three beautiful banquet rooms.

After a decadent dinner and a night of laughs, love and dancing, guests can stay in one of the comfortable and spacious loft suites on the 11th floor of the hotel right across the street. It doesn’t get any easier than that.

Krista Stoesz is the events and catering co-ordinator at the TRU Conference Centre and Danya LeBlanc is the 2016 Kamloops Bridal Fair marketing co-ordinator.

Published by KAMLOOPS THIS WEEK

Alteration A Al ltlteration lteratio teeratio rat Specialist

We have a fine selection of never worn wedding dresses for sale!

All alterations are included in the price of the dress.

We Guarantee

Happy Brides!

T: 778.470.0569 | tildencarla64@outlook.com 410 Tranquille Rd, Kamloops, BC

23

“A dress for

Bridal

every dream.”

Catering to one bride at a time Aglow Bridal Lounge will provide you with exceptional service, high quality designer gowns and a fun, comfortable environment. We carry some of the top bridal designers from around the world and have a large selection of Canadian made gowns. Sophisticated, modern, edgy, country or something in between, we’ll help you find the gown of your dreams. We carry : Mikaella, Madison James, Allure, Blush by Hayley Paige and are the exclusive carrier of Truvelle gowns in the BC Interior. Aglow Brides receive: 50% off of their hair piece and 10% off bridesmaid dresses, décor and photo booth rental.

Décor

Extravagant ceiling draping and luxurious linens At Aglow Bridal Lounge we are constantly sourcing out new and innovative items for the ultimate wedding ceremony, reception and event. We carry numerous specialty décor items and all the basics. Let us add the “wow” factor to your wedding.

Photo Booths

Kamloops’ most glamorous photo booths Our state-of-the-art pearl white booths feature: Fully customizable photo strips and 4”x6” prints An exterior LCD screen to showcase a photo or a slide show 8 different coloured LED canopy options 17” LCD touch screen inside the booth An 18 MP Canon T2I camera for high resolution photos Social networking and video messaging 10 person capacity inside the booth at one time Tons of props Optional scrapbook station

222 Victoria St.

24

250-572-2359

sales@aglowweddings.com

Winner of the 2014 Kamloops Chamber of Commerce

Retailer Award, 1-10 Staff

AglowBridalLounge.com

AglowBridalLoungeKamloops

12 th Annual Bridal Fair - 2016

the perfect look

Finding a talented styling team that will meet your needs Every bride imagines how she will look walking down the aisle, but we all know how hard it can be to actually create that perfect image.

A bride should have complete confidence not only in her styling team’s training and skills, but also in their ability to create the perfect look for the entire party.

One should meet for free consultations with each of their specialists prior to the wedding to co-ordinate and plan for the special day.

Finding a team of incredibly skilled, highly trained and creative professionals who will work together to create the exact look you're going for — whatever the theme, era or attitude — is an essential part of wedding planning.

The experience should also be as comfortable and personal as possible. What bride wants to be running around town from the hair salon to the makeup artist with their bridesmaids in tow just hours before saying “I do?”

The most convenient option is usually a team that can get together in one location or travel to the wedding venue.

A good styling team will be able to assess your needs during your free consultation to plan not only what is needed on your wedding day, but the preparations and

I

treatments necessary to ready your hair and skin in advance.

A team that will work together to create perfect skin, luscious lashes, artistic nails and the ideal fashion for your hair and makeup is essential to easing stress and tension on your wedding day.

Don't forget a photographer to capture intimate backstage shots of your party’s stunning transformation and the special moments with your bridesmaids and family.

Be sure to interview for and book beauty services early and provide plenty of input during these consultations.

Bringing dress pictures, wedding colour swatches and themes to your free consultation provides your team with an overall feel for the wedding and allows them to help create the perfect look you’ve always imagined.

Many brides want to incorporate hair pieces, extensions, veils, antique brooches or hats to their style; be sure to share these items with your styling team so they can be included in your look.

A good stylist will not only be able to create your unique See All, page 26

magine your wedding at one of the most charming settings in the Shuswap, surrounded by a historical village perfect for creating memories the will last a lifetime. We will take care of all the details and within budget, so you can relax and enjoy your perfect day.

CEREMONIES RECEPTIONS CATERING 751 Hwy. 97B NE, Salmon Arm, BC (250) 832-5243 • salmonarmmuseum.org LIKE US! fb.com/HaneyHeritage Published by KAMLOOPS THIS WEEK

25

UPLIFT. EMPOWER. MOTIVATE For a lifetime of beauty, we invite you to explore and fall in love with our high quality cosmetics.

all-day style

Be Bold. Be Beautiful. Be Younique

look but also know exactly how to manage your specific hair type and hold your style throughout the whole day.

Some looks like loose beachy waves may need to be set the night before but a high-glam set may need to be completed the morning of.

Outdoor weddings, for example, may require special netting or pinning to ensure stability on a windy day. Your free consultation also allows you to plan for a trial run of your style in the days before the wedding so you can be confident that you and your styling team have created the perfect look for you.

A well-trained and highly-skilled stylist will provide much more than just your wedding-day look. They will help you find products and treatments to keep your hair looking healthy and strong long after the wedding and to protect your hair on a tropical or humid honeymoon.

Cara McKelvey 250.319.3391 carasmascara@gmail.com www.carasmascara.com

Alana Palmer 250.319.5632 alanampalmer@gmail.com www.alanasmagicmascara.com

INDEPENDENT YOUNIQUE PRESENTERS

THE WEDDING CAKE SPECIALISTS

Bohemia

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Creating and designing wedding cakes from unique to traditional, Bohemia Bakery can create the cake you have always dreamed of, from an elegant rolled fondant masterpiece to a butter cream tower Bohemia Bakery can bring to life your vision of “The Perfect Wedding Cake.”

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26

From page 25

A styling team that focuses on meeting your needs and capturing your unique personality and style is key to a stress-free wedding day.

TIPS FROM THE PROS

• Choose a team that will work together and consult with them to create the perfect looks for your whole party.

• Co-ordinate all your services in one place and your personal preferences to ensure your special day runs smoothly.

• Decide what treatments are needed and when these should be done (hair, skin, lashes, nails).

• Test run styles to ensure that's the perfect look for you.

• Highlights, colours and chemical treatments should be done a week before.

• To add shine to dark hair have a high-gloss top coat applied a week before.

• Have a deep conditioning treatment done in the days before your appointment to give your hair extra strength and shine.

• Facial and spa treatments should also be done in advance.

• Doing this ahead of time allows hair and skin time to rest and recuperate before your wedding day.

• Never wash your hair the day of as clean hair does not hold style as well.

• Drink plenty of water, eat healthy, pamper and exfoliate your skin and use products that provide your hair the nutrients and care it needs in preparation for your day.

• Careful planning allows you to put complete trust in your styling team and makes for a stress free and memorable wedding day.

— Jonni’s Styling Studio

12 th Annual Bridal Fair - 2016

entertainment

make the reception a memorable event for you and your guests The more professional and experienced your entertainer is, the better your event will flow.

Some feel that the music is not a key factor in their event and choose an inexpensive entertainer. Don’t let a low price tag be your only reason for choosing your entertainment.

There are reasons why some performers charge more than others.

A performer and your Master/Mistress of Ceremonies are tasked with guiding your guests from one spotlight event to the next. This is one of the biggest parties of your life. It takes an experienced hand to make things move smoothly.

The following are some questions that will help you evaluate a DJ, band, or other entertainer: • How many years of experience does the entertainer have and is it reflected in the cost?

The more expensive entertainers usually have more experience and have already established a good reputation.

• If it is a band or musician, how long has the band been playing together?

You don’t want a band that has never played together before.

• Is your DJ licensed and insured?

A professional DJ will have his documents in order.

• Is backup equipment and a backup DJ available?

No one wants to be stranded on the day of their wedding with the task of finding a replacement DJ because the one you hired has suddenly disappeared. Make sure there is a safety net.

• Is the equipment and lighting top quality?

If you’re going to pay for an experienced entertainer, you might want to check that his equipment is as good as he is.

• Is the sound system adequate for the size of the room?

When it comes to sound, size matters. If your entertainer has one small set of speakers in a large room, it will end up sounding like a ghetto blaster.

• Does your DJ have licensed music by AVLA, suppliers like Multi-Music, Promo Only, and ERG (just some of the licensed providers)?

Not only is sound quality an issue, but playing burned See Hire, page 28

Memories to last

tiffanychristianson.com Published by KAMLOOPS THIS WEEK

27

Hire professionals From page 27

music off the Internet is considered stealing and is illegal.

• Will they play requests and is the music library up to date? This is your day, you should have the songs you want.

• Will the entertainer handle emcee duties and interact with the party? Or will he sit there and press play to the next 20 songs in his iTunes without saying much at all.

You are paying for entertainment, your DJ is there to entertain you.

• Is there an opportunity to view the DJ or musician in action or meet with them prior to the event?

You sample the cake before the wedding, why not the entertainment?

• Does the company have up-lighting, a projector, screen, monograms or any other special equipment offers available? See what your entertainer has to offer that sets him apart from the rest.

• Are there wireless microphones available? You may or may not want to be heard during the ceremony and reception.

• Are there hidden costs that are over and above the quoted price (travel, overtime, etc.)? Does the pricing include

setup, travel, overtime, taxes? These are need to know for someone on a budget.

• Does the entertainer have a time limit? If so, how long? Is there a charge for extra time if needed?

• For musicians, is there a continuous music charge?

You usually get three hours of entertainment, three hours divided into three sets, each lasting 45 minutes with a 15-minute break. If you want continuous music there is usually an additional charge.

• For musicians, what sort of music will be played during the breaks?

• What is the refund policy, in case you want to cancel or alter your date.

USEFUL TIPS:

• Make sure to book in advance.

• All professional entertainers have access to formalwear.

If they don’t, that is your first clue they’re not professionals.

• Make a list of what music you want played or not played.

• Ask for references.

— Tony’s DJ Service & Fiesta Sound Productions

Perfection The COLOMBO LODGE is a year round event facility.

•

Rehearsal Dinner

•

Wedding Reception

•

Buffet or Full Service Menu

Call Roberta Moroni, Operations & Events Manager for more information, or to assist you in planning your special event!

250.374.4914 | 778.257.8500 | www.colombolodge.com

28

12 th Annual Bridal Fair - 2016

the next step So you have attended the bridal fair. Now what? best how you process information so split it all the way that makes sense to you.

JENN PALLETT

You have survived bridal fair and now likely have a bag full of brochures, business cards and samples. The question is, where do you go from here?

After 12 years of hosting the event, we realize that, since the fair is a one-stop resource for all your wedding planning needs, keeping your thoughts and plans straight following the full day can be a bit of a challenge.

To assist in this organization process, we have some suggestions how to get through it all:

STEP ONE: PILES AND PILES

Sit down somewhere comfortable and tip the bag upside down, emptying all of the contents onto a table or the floor, just like Halloween candy.

Start sorting all the contents from your big pile, into smaller piles. The piles can be sorted by industry (decorators, florists, bakeries, photographers) or you can create your own piles such as want, need, garbage etc. You know

STEP TWO: BREAK TIME

Make a pot of tea, put on some fluffy socks and go watch an episode of your favorite show. Maybe bring some of those free samples with you? You need a break and should step away from the piles for a minute.

STEP THREE: SORT STUFF

Now that your brain is out of sort mode, go back to your piles and start to go through the information in those piles.

We recommended you take a break after each pile.

You don’t want to overload your brain with information and you want to be able to actually take in what you are reading. It is easy to start reading words without really comprehending.

This step can take a whole day or even a week. Spread it out if you need to. Your yellow legal pad will come handy See Research, page 30

Your Unique

Mountain Wedding Destination The Grand Makes Your Dreams a Reality www.sunpeaksgrand.com Published by KAMLOOPS THIS WEEK

.

1.844.SPGRAND 29

Research and compare STEP FIVE: BUDGET

From page 29

here. When sorting, note what companies stood out to you or that you spoke with and might want to do some more research on.

STEP FOUR: RESEARCH

Pull out your laptop or sit down at your computer and check out websites of those vendors that seem likely to offer what you are looking for. Do not throw out any of the information yet. Keep it just in case you decide to go back to it.

You will notice a lot of vendors offer pricing on their websites. This will help you to start comparing prices. If they don’t have pricing, you can contact them to inquire but don’t setup a meeting until you have finished your research and comparisons.

Make sure you are comparing apples to apples and not apples to oranges. One of the biggest mistakes that can be made when comparing is assuming that something is the same. Make note of items that are not included with one package or product that is included with the other.

This will help you see if the packages or product is similar.

Bring thAlle Girls!

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You are almost there. One more step before contacting the vendors.

At this point you have likely whittled down your piles to a few select vendors and packages or products they offer.

Before contacting them, check your budget. Do all of these vendors fit within your budget? Do they offer product or packages that can fit within your budget? It would be terrible to fall in love with one of the packages or products only to find out that there is no way that you can afford it.

STEP SIX: CONTACT

Once you have determined your selected vendors will work with your budget, it is time to start contacting them to set up meetings. After all your research, you are prepared to ask questions and you likely know what you are looking for. The meetings will be successful because you have investigated and have a good idea of what you want and what competitors are offering.

Good luck and remember this is your day, so make it special to you.

Jenn Pallett is the events and catering co-ordinator at the TRU Conference Centre.

ction Largest Sele ns of Bridal Gow ng ati Hall Decor Packages es Grad Dress s do Tuxe

Bridal Showers • Weddings Baby Showers • Or just for fun!

250.374.PINC (7462) www.pinkwithenvy.biz pink_with_envy@live.com 803 Seymour Street Kamloops, BC • V2C 2H7

30

L’Amoré Bridal & Formals Ltd.

1607 PANDOSY ST, KELOWNA BC, V1Y 1P6

lamorebridal.com | (250) 717-5673

12 th Annual Bridal Fair - 2016

The Perfect Team

For Your Styling Needs

Home of

Downtown is Trending Published by KAMLOOPS THIS WEEK

31

TRU CENTRE TRU CONFERENCE CONFERENCE CENTRE TRU CONFERENCE CENTRE

Getting Getting Getting Married?

Married?

Married?

TRU CONFERENCE CENTRE

Let Thompson Rivers University

Let Thompson Rivers University Let Thompson Rivers University Conference Centre assist you Conference Centre assist you Conference Centre assist you with your special day! with yourspecial specialday! day! with your

Complete Wedding Packages • Theme & Custom Menus CompleteWedding Wedding Packages •• Theme &&Custom Complete Packages Theme CustomMenus Menus Buffet or Plated Dinners Buffet or Plated Dinners Buffet or Plated Dinners Executive Loft Suite Accommodations • Horticultural Gardens Executive Loft Suite Accommodations Executive Loft Suite Accommodations••Horticultural HorticulturalGardens Gardens Our professional event planners will provide you with a complete experience Our professional event planners will provide with alasting complete experience that will exceedevent your expectations leave you you memories!

Our professional planners willand provide you with with a complete experience that will exceed your expectations and leave you with lasting memories! that will exceed your expectations and leave you with lasting memories!

We look forward to hearing from you!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Getting

We look forward to hearing from you!

The TRU Conference Centre Team The TRU Conference Centre The TRU Conference CentreTeam Team P: 250.371.5660 | F: 250.828.5392 | E: conferencecentre@tru.ca P: 250.371.5660 | F: 250.828.5392 | E: conferencecentre@tru.ca

P: 250.371.5660 | F: 250.828.5392 | E: conferencecentre@tru.ca

tru.ca/cac tru.ca/cac

tru.ca/cac