Wedding Wonderful 2013 by Lori Kluge

wonderful AUTUMN 2013 edition

weddings

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WEDDINGS WONDERFUL autumn 2013 edition

wonderful AUTUMN 2013 edition

weddings CONTENTS

Bridal Spectacular 2013 shines on ��4 On Our Cover ��5 Simplify the day with a wedding planner ��6 Mood music for any occasion ��8 Traveling in style as bride and groom ��10 Add historic charm to your wedding day ��12 Expert advice for planning your destination wedding ��16 Succulent bouquets create lasting memories ��18 Behind the veil ��21 How to host an unforgettable wedding ��22 The groom takes the cake ��24 Fine lines ��28 A welcome gift for guests ��30 Weddings Wonderful is an advertising feature of The StarPhoenix Creative Features Editor: Jeannie Armstrong Feature Writers: Jennifer Jacoby-Smith Hilary Klassen Ashleigh Mattern Jackie Blakely Front Cover Photography: Gina Yesnik, Portraits by Gina Layout/Design: James Grummett Advertising Sales Managed by: Brad Klebaum View online at www.TheStarPhoenix.com under “Special Sections” autumn 2013 edition WEDDINGS WONDERFUL

K.M. PAULSON GOLDSMITH LTD. 204-115 SECOND AVENUE NORTH SASKATOON, SK S7K 2B1 306-653-5333 • WWW.KMPLTD.CA

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shines on

Bridal Spectacular 2013 by Jennifer Jacoby-Smith of SP Creative Features

If you’re getting married any time soon, you don’t want to miss the Bridal Spectacular, Sept. 22 at TCU Place. Saskatoon’s largest and most spectacular bridal show once again shines a spotlight on the latest in wedding planning from around Saskatoon. Hard to believe, but the Bridal Spectacular celebrates 29 years this year. “It’s twice a year, so that’s a lot of bridal shows,” laughs show organizer Mary Obrodovich. She credits the show’s longevity to the continuing support of so many great local merchants. “We have Saskatoon’s best at our show. People know that there will be the best at our show, plus all the wonderful new exhibitors.” Part of the success, she acknowledges is from brides gushing to their friends about the amazing finds at Bridal Spectacular. Obrodovich never dreamt 29 years ago, the event would still be attracting over 1,000 attendees twice a year. This year’s show will feature over 65 exhibitors, including a large number of first-time participants. “There’s always new and exciting exhibitors in the show,” she adds. From photographers to hair and makeup to cakes to lingerie, there is so much to see and experience. A bride can find everything to make her wedding special. Of course, the fashion show is still everyone’s favourite part of the event, featuring the latest trends in wedding dresses, showcased by SHE Models. Bridal fashions are courtesy of Brides N Belles, while Tux N Tails serves up the latest fashion for grooms. In addition to finding the latest ways to make their special day extra-special, brides can enter to win a deluxe bridal package worth over $5,500. This year’s package features a $1,000 gift certificate from Simple Sentiments, $800 from Grant Romancia Photography, a wedding dance DJ package from Supreme DJ Entertainment, a free photobooth package from Photobooth Central , $500 towards the purchase of a gown from Brides N Belles, a $500 gift certificate from Uniglobe Carefree Travel, $250 gift certificate towards a designer cake from Bridge City Cakes, $500 in Tupperware from Cora Putz, limousine service for up to 12 people and two tickets to Craig Ferguson at TCU Place. The Bridal Spectacular goes Sept. 22 from 1 to 5 p.m. at TCU Place. Admission is $5 for brides and $10 for guests. For complete details and a list of participating merchants, see page 32 of this edition.

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WEDDINGS WONDERFUL autumn 2013 edition

Cover

ON OUR The StarPhoenix is pleased to feature this romantic wedding photo of Saskatoon bride and groom, Christine and Jordie, taken this summer by Gina Yesnik of Portraits by Gina. For a decade award-winning international wedding and lifestyle photographer Gina Yesnik has produced dynamic, emotive imagery that will be cherished by her clients for generations. Her passion and innovative approach embody the perfect union between art and technical precision. Her style is influenced by her love of fashion, cinema and beauty. Gina’s work has been featured in numerous magazines across Canada and the US. Gina is a multiple provincial and National Professional Photographer of Canada image competition winner. She won Top Portrait Photographer in Canada 2011! Her other recent wins include Top Wedding Image in Canada and Top Wedding Album in Canada 2010. Gina has recently achieved her Masters of Photographic Arts with the PPOC in 2011.

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Simplify Day the

with a wedding planner by Jackie Blakely for SP Creative Features

Wedding planner Tracy Fisher has assisted 2,000 brides and grooms with their wedding plans over the past six years. Her company, Simple Sentiments Event Design, specializes in helping brides and grooms achieve a one-of-a-kind wedding. Photos: Gina Yesnik, Portraits by Gina

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Planning a wedding can be both a beautiful memory and a nerveracking experience for a bride and groom and as Tracy Fisher, owner of Simple Sentiments Event Design explains, her company can help make the event less stressful. “The unique thing about my company is that we don’t just do the planning aspect of things. We can take care of a lot of the little details that the bride doesn’t think of or have time for,” says Fisher. Simple Sentiments Event Design offers a full range of services from the very basic décor rentals to planning the entire event. “We have different price levels, and we can also mix and match services.” Fisher can manage the day of the wedding or take the happy couple through the entire event planning process, from beginning to end. They offer an entire spectrum of services and arrange all the details from cake tasting to dress fittings. “We provide as much or as little facilitation as the bride wants, depending on her budget.” Planning packages include ‘Day Of ’, ‘Month Of ’, or ‘Full Planning’. “I have brides that come in and don’t know what they want or where to start and are super busy. I just tell them to take a deep breath.” Fisher facilitates the discussions around picking the date, the venue, etc. until the entire event is planned. “I work with vendors, meet with them, I work with the bride, the groom, and the families to make sure it all runs smoothly. I take care of everything from A to Z.” Fisher opened her company six years ago. “A wedding is so much stress and it’s not something someone does everyday,” says Fisher. “You rely on a planner for a year – and your planner needs to be someone friendly, someone you can count on, someone to give a hug when you need it, and someone you know who does this all the time that’s very reassuring for a bride.” There’s a small team involved in assisting Fisher to make dreams come true. “We have a great team – two in store all the time and five casuals.” Fisher, the mother of two children, has a background in theatre design. “I really just enjoy it. I love being the person who

WEDDINGS WONDERFUL winter 2013 edition

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looks at the bride as she goes down the aisle and tells her she looks beautiful. I love what I do.” Though she has some assistants, Fisher always provides the fine tuning and quality control over all weddings. The bride and groom work with her very closely from beginning to end. Fisher creates and monitors the budgets and timelines. “I have to have a good relationship with the bride and groom. If they email me at one in the morning, they have an email back. I think customer service is number one – in any industry – but in this industry it’s got to be number one.” Even though wedding planning costs money Fisher assures that it saves money in the long run. The moment you put wedding on the end of anything, such as flowers, prices increase – sometimes dramatically. “I’ve already built relationships. I know all the prices in the city,” says Fisher. “The average cost of a wedding is twenty-five thousand dollars but if you say you have a fifteen thousand dollar budget, I can tell you which florist or other vendors to go to. I’ve already shopped around. I can tell you where to go to avoid higher prices. I’ve aligned myself with companies who look at your budget before they quote you. “My job is to keep you from being disappointed and keep you on budget. You pay a bit more up front but you save time and money along the way - and time is money.” Fisher has helped with about 2,000 weddings over the past six years. Some of the more unique design requests included a Corpse Bride wedding, a rockabilly wedding and a high class tailgaters wedding. “We went to Pike Lake where there is a tiny hall and created the interior to look like a tent, had up-lighting everywhere, flowers,

and outside trucks were lined up, filled with beer.” Fisher has a night club, jazz-inspired wedding coming up. “It’s going to be stunning,” she says. Simple Sentiments Event Design will have a booth and a large display at the upcoming Bridal Spectacular Show, taking place Sunday, September 22 at TCU Place, presented by She Modelling. Details for her planning packages can be found at www.decorbytracy.com. Blakely is a Wakaw freelance writer

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Mood Music

FOR ANY OCCASION The Saskatoon String Ensemble is a flexible and versatile entertainment service. This ensemble of professional musicians will perform any kind of music, anywhere, for any kind of event, with any number of players. They most often perform as a string quartet, but can expand to a small string orchestra, or can downsize to a trio or duo for smaller locations and budgets. Their extensive repertoire includes the traditional classical repertoire for string quartet, as well as arrangements of jazz standards, and contemporary music. They really can play anything from Bach to Beethoven, Gershwin and Cole Porter, Argentinian tangos and Scott Joplin, right on up to the entire Beatles songbook, themes from the movies, and contemporary songs and soft rock. The Ensemble will take special requests and then make arrangements of almost anything –and they have had some unique requests! Recent weddings have featured groomsmen arriving to music from Star Wars and couples exiting their ceremony to the music of Viva la Vida by Coldplay. Weddings with a theme such as Beatles music, Disney songs, or only music from movies, are also popular trends. Book early for 2014 to avoid disappointment – as they are very

busy performing at 43 weddings this summer! Saskatoon String Ensemble can play at large and small venues, indoors or outdoors. They can easily move locations during an event – such as from the ceremony to the cocktail reception, and then on to the dinner. There are a multitude of possibilities for potential events where the Ensemble can provide live music including cocktail parties, dinner parties, birthdays, anniversaries, proposals, christenings, conferences, product and company launches, theatre productions, awards ceremonies, and art exhibitions to name a few! Anything you can imagine! Music promises to enhance the desired mood at a function: fun, lively, jazzy, romantic, formal, traditional, reflective, soft, regal, majestic, or jubilant. Inspired live music performed by the Saskatoon String Ensemble will transform events into moments with distinction and an experience of lifetime. Bookings can be made online or by telephone. Contact Marla Cole at (306) 292-6811 or (306) 384-7464. For details, visit www.saskatoonstringensemble.com.

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Style

TRAVELING IN

AS BRIDE & GROOM

by Jennifer Jacoby-Smith of SP Creative Features

For your special day, you need special wheels. When you’re sporting a Cinderella ball gown with several attendants, getting around can be a little tricky. And that’s where Living Skies Limousine comes in. James Ralston, owner, started Living Skies in November 2008. They recently added to their fleet to accommodate the demand for limousine service – especially for weddings. The fleet added a white stretch limousine and a black limo bus. The black limo bus accommodates 17 people and is perfect for larger weddings. The walk-in style makes it easier to get into and out of. “They can stand up in the limousine. For some of the weddings where the bride has a larger dress or train, that would be suitable for them,” notes Ralston. Living Skies offers a seven-hour wedding package which, Ralston says, “works for most of the weddings we do.” The drivers pick up the groom, groomsmen, bride and bridesmaids and take them to the venue. After that, they will take the wedding party to various locations for pictures and drop them off at the reception. The sevenhour package also includes a late night pick up if needed for the bride and groom after the reception. The seven hours can be divided up throughout the day if needed. Some couples will opt to have the ladies picked up and taken to their hair and makeup appointments.

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For smaller or shorter weddings the charge is $180 an hour with a three hour minimum. Drivers are impeccably dressed in a suit and offer a hand to the women getting into and out of their luxury carriage. Ralston also instructs his drivers to be chivalrous. “In the winter, for example, if there’s photography outside they’re supposed to be giving their coats to the bride and bridesmaids to keep them warm.” In the summer, the limousines come stocked with cold bottled water for long photo shoots in the sun. There are other perks as well. According to Ralston, “We offer red carpet service for the bride and groom at the church or wherever they want it. And champagne for toasting is supplied.” If a couple is just starting on their wedding planning, it’s important to get their limousine service booked ahead of time. Bookings for summer 2014 are already filling up. Ralston recommends booking at least six months in advance. It should be right up there with booking the venue and the photography. Before booking the limo, it’s important to know the number of hours the limo is needed and if the wedding party wants alcohol in the limousine. To enjoy a little glass of bubbly, the couple will have to purchase it through Living Skies. Living Skies has gone hi-tech for all their bookings. “We like to do everything online,” he explains. “We find it simpler if they can do it online. It’s secure. They know the date. They get a confirmation and know that part of the wedding is taken care. There’s so many things to think of, so we like to give them that peace of mind.” To check out Living Skies Limousine or to book that special date, visit www.livingskieslimousine.ca.

WEDDINGS WONDERFUL winter 2013 edition

autumn 2013 edition WEDDINGS WONDERFUL

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Charm

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by Ashleigh Mattern for SP Creative Features

The University of Saskatchewan has been a popular choice for wedding photos for decades, with good reason. The abundant green spaces and greystone buildings in their Collegiate Gothic style offer a gorgeous backdrop for your special day. One of the most popular spots for photos is by the Memorial Gates on College Drive. It’s difficult not to appreciate the old-world charm of these stone gates, built in the late ‘20s. But fewer people realize the university can also be a great place to host the wedding itself. Just steps away from the Memorial Gates, St. Andrew’s College offers a chapel that seats 100 people, and a reception area that can hold up to 125 people. Any denomination is welcome to use the chapel, plus it’s right on College Drive, making it easy to find, an extra bonus for out of town guests. Both the chapel and the main lounge have unique features that make them stand out: The beautiful stained glass window gives the chapel a classic look and

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The historic charm of St. Andrews College, along with its picturesque surroundings, makes it a popular wedding venue in Saskatoon. The college offers chapel seating for 100 and a reception area that accommodates up to 125 people. Photos: Jeff Lyons/StarPhoenix

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WEDDINGS WONDERFUL winter 2013 edition

feel, and with the pews arranged in a diamond shape, the setting is intimate and welcoming. The light and airy main lounge includes a stone fireplace and a grand piano. “It’s the perfect location,” said Carolina Castro with St. Andrew’s College. “We have a really nice, beautiful chapel, and it’s right on grounds so it’s close to the Memorial Gates, and a lot of weddings choose that location for pictures.” St. Andrew’s offer a sense of history that’s hard to beat. The college is over 100 years old, while the chapel was built in 1961. Originally founded by Canada’s Presbyterian church, today St. Andrew’s College is the United Church’s primary centre for theological education and ordination in the prairie region. Paul Dimmock and Amanda Shirley celebrated their wedding at St. Andrew’s College on Aug. 3. They’ve lived in the U.K. for the past six years, but came home to Saskatoon to celebrate their marriage with friends and family. “We knew that we wanted to get married on campus, as this is where we first met,” said Shirley. “In addition, both of us spent a lot of time on campus growing up as both of our fathers work at the U of S.” They used the main lounge for their wedding ceremony instead of the chapel because they didn’t want a religious ceremony, but also because they were attracted to the good

Paul Dimmock and Amanda Shirley married at St. Andrews College this summer. The couple resides in the U.K., but came home to Saskatoon to celebrate their marriage with friends and family. They chose to marry on the U of S campus where they first met. Photos: Naidu Photography

CONTINUED ON FOLLOWING PAGE

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acoustics and abundant natural light found there. The choice also allowed them to incorporate the staircase in the lounge as a grand entrance for the bride. “My favourite memory of the day is walking down the staircase as my brother played the bagpipes, looking to the front of the room, and seeing my future husband smiling at me,” said Shirley. “At the base of the stairs I was joined by my father and mother who walked me down the aisle.” They also made use of the meeting room overlooking the lounge for guests with babies or children who might not appreciate sitting through the ceremony, and they used the kitchen to serve some of

their favourite U.K. treats like scones with devonshire cream and jam. The couple also had their wedding photos taken on campus. Though they skipped the nearby Memorial Gates, their photographer found many beautiful spots: against the stonework of St. Andrew’s College, on the steps of the Thorvaldson Building, under the arch of the new Health Science Building, in the Museum of Antiquities, and in front of the Administration Building. Shirley said she would definitely recommend the space to other couples because the staff was wonderful, and the space was beautiful. Mattern is a Saskatoon freelance writer.

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Expert advice for planning your

Wedding

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by Jackie Blakely for SP Creative Features

Warm tropical breezes and golden sunsets that melt over the ocean while vows are spoken are just two reasons that couples are leaning towards destination weddings. But just how much planning needs to take place to enjoy a destination wedding? Jamie Angus, partner at Uniglobe Carefree Travel, can help. “We start with a full consultation,” explains Angus. “We determine the location, price point, and activities they want to take advantage of. We tailor the wedding for their dreams.” Angus custom fits the wedding to the bride and groom’s needs, so whether it’s a beach wedding at sundown or a gazebo wedding, Angus can provide a host of services that can make the experience more enjoyable and less stressful for the bride and groom. “Most couples’ planning starts about a year in advance, but it can be planned within six months’ notice of off-peak season,” says Angus. “Most brides like to give it a year so their guests have plenty of time to save up for the event.” Uniglobe Carefree Travel offers a host of other services designed to help make the wedding a stress-free experience. “We try to take all the work and stress away from the bride and groom.” Angus explains that it’s their job to get everyone organized for the event. “It’s sometimes more work than they (the bride and groom) anticipate.” From wedding invitations with venue and travel booking information and thank you cards for after the wedding, to personalized luggage tags, a personalized web page for the bride and groom that outlines the details of the wedding, Uniglobe Carefree page 16

Travel ensures that the happy couple get the most value and benefits out of their wedding package. “We’re the go-between for the bride and groom and the hotel – to get everything properly organized prior to the wedding date.” One of the most critical services Uniglobe offers is a 24/7 emergency service so if there’s any trouble with travel or other issues the bride and groom have someone they can get in touch with. This can be especially important for medical emergencies and hotel issues. Angus and her team also provide information on the type of documentation required for destination weddings, visa and passport requirements. They book the wedding time and arrange with the hotel for a minister or a justice of the peace to preside over the wedding. And if the wedding party is larger than 16 passengers, there is a free set of luggage for the bride and groom. “It’s really important to find someone who specializes in destination weddings,” says Angus. “We’ve booked about 30 weddings a year over the past ten years, so finding someone with experience is important.” And with the vast experience Uniglobe Carefree Travel has, Angus suggests that obtaining references from your travel agent prior to signing up with them is important. Destination weddings aren’t more difficult to plan than conventional weddings – just different. “Couples need to have a budget in mind and to narrow it down to a few options within their WEDDINGS WONDERFUL autumn 2013 edition

budget.” And make sure to ask about after-hour assistance and emergency backup. Extra costs can also impact the overall wedding design, so the bride and groom need to ask about extra costs, like those for flowers and photographs. “Insurance is always important,” says Angus. “A lot of insurance now covers special events, so ask about insurance and medical insurance. You never expect someone to be sick enough to go to the hospital, but it’s important.” Couples should make sure they know what documents are required to get married at their chosen location and what needs to be done ahead of time. “A lot of airlines and hotels offer upgrades to the bride and groom so it’s good to ask ahead of time,” explains Angus. “It’s good to ask to make sure you’re getting the best for your money.” Angus also suggests asking if there are any benefits in paying for the vacation early. “Sometimes there’s a discount if you do.” The top destination hot spot for 2014 weddings is Mexico, with the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Hawaii following close. The Dreams resort chain wedding packages are also really popular for destination weddings. Get a start on your wedding planning! “Booking early is better for prices and availability,” says Angus. Uniglobe Carefree Travel offers two locations in Saskatoon: 415 Circle Drive E. and 200 Central Avenue. Their website is www.uniglobevacation.com. Blakely is a Wakaw freelance writer.

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Bouquets

SUCCULENT

create lasting memories

by Hilary Klassen of SP Creative Features

Succulent wedding arrangements can be dismantled and potted, allowing you to extend the special memories and beauty of your wedding day indefinitely. Photos courtesy of Solar Gardens: the Living Art Company

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If you think the word succulent teams well with the word wedding, you’re not alone. Using succulent plants for your wedding bouquet or as a wedding theme has become an attractive alternative to using traditional florals and can be a spectacular way to create your own unique wedding statement. “People really do want their wedding to be special. They are looking for something different than what they might see in the mainstream. And succulents certainly are,” says Dan Mills, Floral Designer for Solar Gardens: the Living Art Company. The beauty and uniqueness of these desert plants will lend a distinctive aesthetic quality to any nuptials. Succulent bouquets allow you to extend those special memories of your wedding indefinitely, with the option of potting the cuttings afterwards. They offer longevity of use and beauty not to be found in the floral industry. Previously, one idea out there was, “Let’s include ivy in your bouquet arrangement so you can have aunty take a cutting from that and she can propagate it for you and then you always have a piece of your bride’s bouquet,” says Mills. “Now we have all this opportunity for something to go on living from that arrangement and that’s very appealing.” Each cutting from a succulent plant can be propagated to become its own plant, or arranged together in a succulent bowl. After the big event, the couple can set aside the bouquet, go on their honeymoon, then return to pot the cuttings in soil. In this way, lasting memories of their special day are visibly present with them over time. An important step in preparing these cuttings for propagation is to allow the cut end of the stem to callus. Mills says this takes anywhere from three days to three weeks. Once callused or healed, “they change their mind, they turn on the genetics to build the root system and we’re on our way to propagation,” he says. Even a single leaf has all the life that it needs inside it and will generate a new plant when callused and placed in or on the soil. Mills is an FTD Master Designer with 30 plus years’ experience in floral design. When a bride and groom take a walk through the greenhouses at Solar Gardens with him, there are a couple of things he wants to uncover about their plans. “Is it white-white, is it ivory, is it

WEDDINGS WONDERFUL autumn 2013 edition

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eggshell, I want to know is it black, is it grey, are you going to have chartreuse, what’s going on there, is there lace, are there pearls, those sorts of things.” But he also wants to know what they’d rather not have. “It’s even more important to know what they don’t like, what the bride doesn’t want to see on her day. My imagination goes as far as her intent,” he adds. Originally from Montana, Mills has also worked in Hawaii. Here in Canada he finds the nosegay style is a popular choice for bouquets and represents a lasting traditional option. “When I started it was cascades; big flowers trailing down.” He will soon create an arm bouquet which he says is a bit more casual as the bride moves down the aisle with it. Whereas “back in the day” pastels ruled, succulents can add attractive colour in shades drawn from nature. Mills points out a black prince echeveria, “which is very appealing, especially to the guys. “There’s a lot of rich deep colours here,” he says. For a guy who’s used to sweating the details of transporting flowers for a wedding, making sure they’re chilled and hydrated and arrive fresh and beautiful (kind of like the bride), Mills welcomes the opportunity to work with succulents. He can send off his creations without any water and no worries about temperatures. “Before I would have to take ten deep breaths every night and make sure they had coolers,” he says. Now, he’s assured the succulents will manage supremely well if cut a day before the event or even up to three days before. CONTINUED ON FOLLOWING PAGE

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Floral Designer Dan Mills will assemble these cuttings for a Saturday wedding. The couple will also use small succulent plants from Solar Gardens as wedding favours. Photo: Hilary Klassen/ Star Phoenix

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Though succulent plants originate in the desert, all the current generation of plants at Solar Gardens is Saskatchewangrown. Mills likes the minimal carbon footprint he leaves. “It’s just me and my trouncing around through the greenhouses to choose from our many varieties here.” Solar Gardens is the dream and continuing passion of owner Roger Valliere, the author of the innovative and fresh ideas that have been introduced at their Pike Lake road location over time. The Living Art Company will continue to be open to the public on special dates and weekends, but is shifting their focus a bit. “We’re changing the thrust of our focus. Rather than accommodating the general public, beyond special days, holidays, weekends, things like that, we’re focusing on our class clientele and providing services to them,” says Mills. The new Firestick Café will soon play host to students with culinary interests. “Roger and I are developing a bread curriculum so people can come and spend a day and bake bread.” The Firestick Café, named after a succulent, is equipped with a wood-fired oven, another fresh idea brought to fruition. Succulent related classes will continue to be offered. To lock away your succulent-themed wedding, inquire about bouquets or learn about upcoming bread baking classes at Solar Gardens, visit solargardens.ca

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WEDDINGS WONDERFUL autumn 2013 edition

Brian King Centre

Veil

BEHIND THE Wedding day attire has changed in many ways, but one component of getting dressed up for a wedding that has withstood the test of time is the wearing of a wedding veil. Here is a look at the history behind the veil and why it is continued to be worn today. The veil as a bridal tradition may predate the wearing of white. Although there is no definitive reason for the wearing of a veil, many surmise it has to do with ancient Greeks and Romans’ fear of evil spirits and demons. This fear also led to the tradition of bridesmaids wearing similar dresses in order to serve as decoys for the bride. In an effort to frighten away or disguise the bride from evil spirits, brides-to-be were dressed in brightly colored fabrics like red and obscured by a veil. A veil also prevented the bride from seeing well, shielding the bride’s face from her future husband, especially in the cases of arranged marriages. Eventually the meaning behind the veil transformed as weddings evolved into religious ceremonies. The veil came to symbolize modesty and obedience. In many religions it is seen as a symbol of reverence for women to cover their heads. When white wedding dresses were worn to symbolize chastity, the white veil followed suit. Regardless of the origins, veils continue to be sported by today’s brides, who choose from a few different styles. A flyaway is a short veil that ends at the shoulders, while a sweep veil ends at the floor. Chapel and cathedral veils follow the bride at a significant length (nine and 12 feet, respectively). A blusher is a very short veil that covers just the bride’s face as she enters the ceremony. With a fingertip veil, the veil reaches the bride’s waist and brushes at her fingertips. The veil will coordinate with the style of the gown, and many wedding attire consultants suggest choosing the gown prior to the headpiece and veil. MNS

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Wedding HOW TO HOST AN

UNFORGETTABLE by Ashleigh Mattern for SP Creative Features

“Everybody wants their own wedding to be remembered,” said Amy Grant, who co-owns The Wedding and Party Boutique on Eighth Streeet East along with her mother Lynn Ganyo. If a couple is looking to stand out, Grant suggests they “go big or go home. “We’ll do bigger centerpieces, or bolder colours, or more lighting,” she said. To host an unforgettable wedding, drama is key. Bring in surprising entertainment, or choose an interesting venue. Do something unexpected and exciting. Grant mentions one bride who wore a black wedding dress while all the bridesmaids wore white, and says she’s inspired by celebrity weddings like Sean Parker and Alexandra Lena’s, who were married in a Redwood grove with guests wearing medieval costumes. Of course, couples should also choose styles that match their personalities and tastes. “We always suggest staying with what suits them as a couple rather than staying on trend or going with what’s popular,” said Grant. “You want to have your wedding represent the two of you.” Subtle design choices can make a big impact, and sometimes that’s as easy as thinking about lighting. Grant says she prefers clean looks, and clever lighting solutions are part of that design style. “Lighting is very important,” she said. “Lots of people don’t realize that, and it’s hard to picture when you’re trying to get your décor together.” Dramatic lighting requires you to think outside the box. Hanging strings of mini lights behind the head table is an easy solution, but we’ve all seen it done before. Grant prefers up-lighting to the minilights backdrop because it gives the event a more sophisticated, modern twist. “[Spot lights] change the way a room looks,” said Grant. “It just brightens the room a bit.” Getting help from professionals can be a boon to wedding planning. As Grant points out, they do this every weekend. Plus, the Wedding and Party Boutique offers pretty much everything a couple needs for wedding décor. For that reason, Grant cautions customers about shopping online. “We have brides coming in last minute for things either because they didn’t get their shipment CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

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Cake

THE GROOM TAKES THE by Hilary Klassen of SP Creative Features

If the bride seems to own the greater part of the wedding day, the groom is beginning to carve out his own slice, of the cake that is. Groom’s cakes have been around for a while, from the Victorian Era in England to the deep south of the United States. Picture Shirley MacLaine chopping the tail off an armadillo cake in Steel Magnolias. Some suggest we have the young royals to thank for the current upsurge in interest in groom’s cakes. In a break with tradition and formality, Prince William had a groom’s cake made with English biscuits when he married Kate in 2011. Saskatoon cake designer Wayne Van Dyck has noticed growing interest in groom’s cakes here as well. The artistic owner of Bridge City Cakes says, “many times it’s a way to showcase something that is of interest to the groom which tends to be more manly than what you typically find in a wedding.” Charleah O’Callaghan agrees. She recently ordered a groom’s cake for her fiancé, Jase Jeanneau, from Bridge City Cakes. Regarding wedding decisions she had a lot of freedom. “For a lot of it, he said, just do whatever, pick what you want, it’s your day. So I wanted him to have something that was more about him,” she says. Jeanneau loves snowmobiling and the couple went together to meet with Van Dyck about creating a cake that reflects this passion. “Van Dyck was awesome when we met him, so right then and there we were comfortable with it,” says O’Callaghan. “We wanted to try something different and he’s very good with it too. He’s very open to

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everything. That was very nice.” The cake will be a replica of the sled Jeanneau has at home and will incorporate their wedding colours of purple and blue. The couple also chose to include a cupcake background to the cake which forms the shape of a mountain. They will cut the cake at the reception and cupcakes will be provided to wedding guests. The two were very excited to find someone who can make this type of unique cake. “Not very many people do these different kinds of cakes at this level of detail and quality,” says O’Callaghan.

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Van Dyck says he kind of stumbled into the cake designing field. “I’m an artist and I’ve always been creative, or tried to be creative,” he says. He grew up in Regina and when friends requested he do their cake, other friends followed and it became something he did once in a while. He went to work in the oilfield and did some industrial work but often felt that his creative side wasn’t being nurtured. An opportunity to take a course in Toronto opened up which he took, and started Bridge City Cakes shortly after. Three years later he’s become established at fulfilling dreams. For a guy who says, “If you can dream it, Bridge City Cakes can make it,” it seems the bigger the challenge the more passionate Van Dyck gets. “I really enjoy groom’s cakes, and maybe that’s the guy in me. I like to do wedding cakes but I really enjoy the sculpted aspect that comes along a little bit more with the groom’s cakes because they’re more thematic. Creatively and artistically, I get to deal with more sculpture when it comes to groom’s cakes,” he says. Van Dyck has worked with several brides who have come to order a groom’s cake which will be a surprise to the groom on the big day. In some cases if the catering package includes dessert, the groom’s cake will be the only cake. Jeanneau’s cake will be entirely edible. “We try to do edible as much as we can,” says Van Dyck. Occasionally, say for antlers done recently, other methods are needed, like using wire with fondant, or gum paste. “We’re very excited to see the end result,” says O’Callaghan. “He drew up something and it looks awesome. It’s a fun way to do something a little less traditional and all Jeanneau’s friends will probably think it’s pretty cool.” Van Dyck, who is assisted by his wife Arvelle on the business side, also does special and corporate events. “The sky’s the limit!” he says. You can find Bridge City Cakes at the Bridal Spectacular on September 22, or visit www.bridgecitycakes.com.

Groom’s cakes designed by Wayne Van Dyck of Bridge City Cakes express the interests of the groom. Photo courtesy of Bridge City Cakes

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WEDDINGS WONDERFUL autumn 2013 edition

UNFORGETTABLE WEDDING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22 or it’s the wrong colour. Plus, it’s nice to support local business, and you get to speak to somebody in person about what your vision is.” The wedding day is all about the couple, and so should reflect their tastes, but it’s also an event for the guests, and more couples are choosing to entertain their guests and offer fun alternatives to traditional weddings. Grant recalls one wedding where they hired a fire thrower as entertainment! “Sometimes even just changes in timing can make a difference. You go to so many weddings a year and they’re all the same: ceremony in the afternoon, reception in the evening.” Couples are breaking traditions by ending the whole shebang before five o’clock, or hosting the wedding only in the evening. Lots of couples are also choosing to simplify their wedding by not offering dinner, or making the celebration shorter. If breaking the traditional mold of a wedding is too much, try changing up something small, like forgoing favours in preference of a candy bar, where guests can pick and choose the candy they want to snack on. Couples are even starting to get creative with the candy bar idea, instead offering ice cream bars, or coffee bars with cappuccinos and lattes. Forget the trends, and choose décor that both partners love. If you want a wedding that people will remember, be brave and go for the dramatic. Entertain your guests, and surprise them, so that years from now, they’ll be saying, “Remember that wedding where they did things a little bit differently?” Mattern is a Saskatoon freelance writer.

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Few wardrobe decisions are scrutinized as much as a bride-to-be’s choice of wedding gown. Finding the right gown means having an understanding of what silhouettes are available and what flatters certain body types. It is a good idea to try on a number of different silhouettes to find the one that is most flattering. Bridal salon employees are usually well-versed in matching body type to a gown and can prove invaluable when selecting a dress. Here is a look at some of the common types of gown silhouettes and why choosing this shape might be right for you: BALLGOWN A ballgown dress is truly a classic style, evoking images of fairy tale princesses. With a fitted bodice and full skirt that flairs at the waist, this silhouette is usually good for all body types. The ballgown style may not be ideal for petite women, as the skirt may overwhelm their figures. A-LINE Another silhouette very forgiving or appropriate for many body types is the A-line gown. The cut of the dress will fit to the waist and gradually fan out from the hips to form the outline of an uppercase “A.” When in doubt, A-line gowns are classic and sensible and a favorite among brides. TRUMPET Women who prefer something a little more form-fitting may select a trumpet silhouette. This dress is fitted through the body and then the gown flares out at mid-thigh level. Those who do not want anything tight in the hips and thighs will want to select something else. MERMAID A bit more fitted than the trumpet, this silhouette is close to the body from the chest down to the knee. The skirt then flares out slightly by the knee. Tall, thin women generally look best in this type of gown. MODIFIED A-LINE A balance between a traditional A-line and a more fitted gown, the modified A-line does not flare out as much. But it does flare out enough from the waist to hide areas around the hips and thighs. This is another good choice for a wide array of figures. TEA LENGTH Brides who do not want a gown that reaches the floor can opt for a tea length dress, on which the skirt generally falls between the ankle and the knee.

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SHEATH Lean brides who want simplicity in their gowns can opt for a sheath silhouette. The narrow shape of the gown from the neckline to the hem will definitely accentuate the body shape. Therefore, women who are shy may want to select a different option. Petite women who may be overwhelmed by more fabric can usually wear a sheath gown with success. WEDDINGS WONDERFUL autumn 2013 edition

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Welcome Gift

FOR GUESTS

Welcome bags are a wedding tradition that allow couples to show their appreciation to their guests for being there for their big day. Welcome bags often await guests when they check into their hotels, providing them with an instant token of appreciation. Though welcome bags need not be complicated or include any especially costly items, couples should keep in mind a few things when creating them for their guests.

Keepsakes. Couples having a destination wedding might want to include a memento of the trip in their guests’ welcome bags. Bottle openers, coffee mugs or keychains with the name of the locale printed on them make good additions to a welcome bag. But even those couples who aren’t having a destination wedding can include an item that reminds their guests of their trip, such as a shot glass with the couple’s name and the location of wedding. Snack attack. Some couples choose to include a snack in their guests’ welcome bags. Food makes a great addition, especially if your guests must travel a great distance to your wedding. The snack can quell

some hunger that developed on their trip in or be enjoyed on their equally long trip home. When including food in the welcome bag, be sure to include nonperishable items. Many hotels ask for the welcome bags a few days in advance, so perishable items may spoil before guests arrive at the hotel. Thirst quenchers. Bottled water makes a valuable addition to a welcome bag. Guests are used to staying in their homes, where a midnight glass of cold water is just down the hall in their kitchens. But vending machines that dispense cold drinks are not always easy to find in hotels, and guests will appreciate a bottle of water waiting for them in their rooms.

Show the way. Include directions to the wedding venue and a schedule of the weekend’s activities. Couples typically include directions to the venue with their wedding invitation, but guests do not always bring their invitations with them. Include directions and a rundown of the weekend’s activities in the welcome bag for guests who left their invitations at home.

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