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STYLE
6 BIG TIME
The latest looks from the bridal collections, plus three beauty essentials
STYLE
10 SWIFTIE STYLE
Two Canadian jewellery experts weigh in on Taylor's ring
REAL WEDDINGS
12 TO ROME, WITH LOVE
An Italian dream come true
18 FRENCH CONNECTION
A countryside destination wedding
PLANNING
21 MAXIMUM MICRO
How to have an intimate celebration
22 MORE FOR LESS
Making your wedding ultimate on a budget
INSPIRATION
24 A REGENCY ROMANCE
A perfect picnic for two inspired by Jane Austen
DESTINATION WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS
26 THE FAVOURITE
Tying the knot in the Caribbean
28 GOING ALL OUT
The mega-moon honeymoon trend
ASK AN EXPERT
32 DOG DAYS
A pup parents' guide to a stress-free wedding

















FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTESTS, TRENDS, IDEAS, BEHIND-THE-SCENES PHOTOS AND MORE.







More lace, more colour, more volume! Bridal designers are taking it to the max

Ethereal creations float like clouds in this brave new world of bridal design, where bigger is better and dreamy textures collaborate in imaginative ways. Designers are celebrating and taking a crank-it-up direction this season: Think antique Duchesse satin meets laser-cut florals, shimmering sequins pair up with delicate Broderie Anglaise, dramatic organza ball skirts and light-as-air tulle mermaid tails make shapely statements. Pearls on pearls appear on everything, from cinched corsets to gowns encrusted head to toe.
Here, the latest trends to look out for






























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Chau Lui, co-founder of the Canadian jewellery brand CELI based in Toronto and co-owner of Paris Jewellers Canada. She has been in the jewellery and diamond industry for more than 20 years, having made a variety of celebrity rings. shopceli.com


What’s your first impression of Taylor’s engagement ring?
CHAU LUI: I love it so much! I think it suits her so perfectly, her style, her vibe – everything! The ring is a stunning glamourous statement piece with an heirloom quality to the design, speaking perfectly to Taylor’s personality and style.
DANA SMITH: We love the ring with its vintage flair, heavier band and custom aspects.


How Taylor Swift’s engagement ring caused a frenzy, and what jewellery experts are saying about it

Dana Smith of Dana’s Goldsmithing in Port Perry, Ontario. Smith is a trained goldsmith (George Brown College – Jewellery Arts) and gemmologist (Canadian Gemmological Association and Gemmological Association of Great Britain), whose passion is oneof-a-kind jewellery designs. Smith’s shop includes design consultation tables and a separate showroom from the back shop, allowing clients to watch their experienced team at work. danasgoldsmithing.com
What about the shape and/or cut of the diamond?
CL: Taylor’s engagement ring is an ‘Old Mine’ cut stone, set in a delicate milgrain bezel in yellow gold and features hand etching on the band. Our old mine bridal pieces in our new bridal collection bring an old-world charm to modern bridal. They capture the soft, romantic character of antique cuts, but with a contemporary design that feels timeless. These pieces are all about heritage reimagined – designed in a way that feels classic and modern.
The settings are elegant and really make the focal point of the ring that stunning centre diamond. We actually started seeing the Old Mine diamond trend building over the past year and have it in a few different styles.
DS: The elongated old mine cut is a unique choice for this ring. The shape itself is trending right now as we’re seeing many elongated radiant and cushion cuts. The old mine cut is a perfect focal point to the ring’s other vintage characteristics.



Does size really matter?
CL: Size matters only to the person wearing it. We believe that what matters most is how it makes you feel, and that you love the ring everytime you wear it.
DS: Every diamond is unique just as every bride is. The sheer size of Taylor’s diamond is impressive, and consumers are tending to go larger with the option of laboratory grown diamonds if natural diamonds are out of their budget. We prefer to focus on the uniqueness of each design and the diamond that’s best suited for each bride, just as Taylor’s ring is for her.
What about the clarity of a diamond?
CL: Clarity refers to the inclusions inside a diamond, graded under magnification. What truly matters is how brilliant the diamond looks to the person wearing it – if you love the way it sparkles and looks on, that’s the right clarity.
DS: The clarity of a diamond is extremely important if you don’t want to see any inclusions in the stone, however, with increasing popularity of laboratory grown diamonds, some clients prefer to have visible natural inclusions as proof of the diamond’s natural origin.

Is it easy or difficult to have a ring custom made?
DS: Our designers make the process very easy, from choosing the right diamond to refining each detail of the design. We’ve been perfecting the custom design process for more than 30 years.
CL: Custom doesn’t have to mean complicated. Someone can bring their ideas for their dream ring, and we’ll bring it to life. We have a great selection in store of one of a kind designs to pull inspiration from. The best way to start the process is to book an appointment. We love dreaming with our clients from inception to the finished ring.
And typically, what would a couple spend on a custom ring?
CL: Every couple has a different comfort level with budget. That’s why we offer a wide range of options – in lab-grown and natural diamonds. We wouldn’t suggest what a couple should spend – our focus is creating the most meaningful piece possible with the budget that feels right for them.
DS: There is no typical answer to this question with engagement rings ranging from $5,000 to $50,000.
Any guesses on what Taylor’s wedding band might look like?
CL: I could envision her getting a secondary band similar to the first but with rubies instead of diamonds, as she loves rubies and wears them often. An example is our Contour Pave Wedding Band.


This couple chose Italy because, as Zsófia puts it, “we are from two separate countries (Hungary and the UK) and decided to get married in a third neutral country that we both love.”
The couple wanted to embrace the venue, Castello della Castelluccia (a few kilometres from the centre of Rome), and its natural beauty and to go for a timeless/elegant look, says Zsófia. “My dad knew the venue through his work and he had already asked us long before our engagement if we would like to get married in this exact castle.” The couple chose Italian fine dining prepared by the venue’s chef, since they also operate a very good restaurant, she adds. The atmosphere created by only having 60 of their closest friends and family there, eating outside under the stars was a special feeling.






“We decided not to have flowers so our guests would embrace the beauty and characteristics of the thousand year-old castle, the only flowers were the bridal bouquet – pink peonies.” The couple also chose a simple cake. “We requested a small, chic wedding cake with pearls on it to match the bridal accessories, but since we love all Italian sweets, we decided to have a dessert buffet as well.”

Zsófia and Russell incorporated some Hungarian traditions into the wedding, one of which was “kidnapping of the bride” after which the groom has to complete several tasks to get her back.

As for the bride’s look, Zsófia went with a simple, elegant “but still princessy ivory dress paired with a short veil. I especially loved the material of the dress which was heavy satin, and an extra special touch was a handmade pearly belt with a small bow at the back.”




The evening ended with a fantastic bang. “The
“and









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*No purchase necessary. The contest begins at 1:00 PM EST on August 1, 2025, and ends at 11:59 PM EST December 31, 2025. The decisions of the judges are final and not subject to appeal. The winner must be a legal resident and must have reached the age of majority in their province of residence. The winner must be someone other than an employee, or a representative of Couples Resorts Jamaica, Air Canada Vacations, the Jamaica Tourist Board and their subsidiaries and affiliates, media partners, and advertising and promotional agencies. The winner will receive a 7-day 6-night, all-inclusive stay for two at any Couples Resorts Jamaica. This voucher is non-transferable and is subject to availability at the time of booking. The prize will be awarded in the form of a gift certificate, and all terms and conditions specified on the certificate shall apply, including blackout dates. The prize voucher will be provided to the winner(s), within 2 weeks of receiving the winner’s name, and address. Airfare for two is included courtesies of Air Canada Vacations. The approximate value of this prize is $5,000.00 CDN; Based upon double occupancy. All other incidental charges are the responsibility of the certificate holder. Confirmation based upon the presentation of the voucher. No cash value. Any unused portion may not be refunded. Any other amenity may not replace package amenities. Other restrictions may apply. The prize will be awarded and the winner will be notified. Jamaica Tourist Board collects participants’ personal information to conduct the promotion. If the information requested is not provided, the participant may not take part in the promotion. By entering this contest, you agree to allow future communications from the Organizers; Today’s bride, Couples Resorts Jamaica, Air Canada Vacations and the Jamaica Tourist Board of this competition. You may, however, unsubscribe at any time.













COLIN AND JASON








For two guys from Atlantic Canada, an intimate destination wedding in Europe truly felt like a fairytale.
Surrounded by a small group of 21 family members and close friends, Colin and Jason travelled from Halifax to the enchanting town of Mouriès de Provence in the South of France. “For seven unforgettable days, we made ourselves at home in a private villa that became the picture-perfect backdrop for an intimate and elegant wedding,” says Colin.
After a few days of exploring historical towns, picturesque countryside and delicious foods, the couple woke up to their September wedding day. The morning began with
a chef-prepared breakfast – a feast of fresh local fruits, cured meats, pastries and the most heavenly French bread. Following breakfast, the wedding party sprang into action, adding the finishing touches to ensure every detail was perfect – the setup, the flowers and all the little things that make a day extraordinary. Meanwhile, their guests enjoyed the villa’s amenities, relaxing by the pool and soaking up the ambience.

“As two fairly casual guys, we didn’t need an entire day to prepare, so we took our time, laughing, chatting and savouring glasses of exquisite French wine. Before the ceremony, we shared a "first look" in the villa’s charming piano room – a moment filled with laughter, happy tears, and a joyful anticipation of the life ahead,” says Colin.


At 3:30 pm, the guests took their seats on the sandstone patio, surrounded by hydrangea and native flowers, for the ceremony. Officiated by a family member, the ceremony included a heartfelt gesture – a box filled with notes from each guest, meant to be opened on the couple’s first anniversary. “It was a beautiful, sentimental touch that we will treasure forever.”

After the ceremony, everyone participated in a relaxed photo session before settling down for a dinner that can only be described as divine. Prepared by a chef using fresh local ingredients, the meal was as delicious as it was memorable. Speeches followed, and the party ended the evening dancing on the villa's terrace under the canopy of 300 year plane trees.
Photography: Loick Senant; @loicksenant

We asked a hotel expert to weigh in on the micro-wedding trend. Here, Ligia Santos, director of sales and marketing at Kimpton Saint George Hotel in Toronto, gives us her tips.

Is the Micro-Wedding a trend, or is it here to stay?
“We see micro-weddings as more than just a trend – they’re here to stay,” says Ligia Santos. “Couples today are prioritizing experiences and personalization over large guest counts.” For example, a boutique setting such as the one at Kimpton Saint George allows couples to focus on what feels meaningful to them, whether that’s an intimate dinner, a bold design concept, or a highly curated guest experience.
Typically, how many guests would be invited to a micro-wedding?
“Most of the micro-weddings we’ve seen range from 25 to 50 guests,” says Santos. That size works beautifully in a boutique-sized reception room like the Peregrine at the Saint George, where the room can be transformed into something deeply personal – whether it’s a candlelit dinner, a chic cocktail-style reception, or a completely reimagined space designed with their planner,” she adds.

How do you set a budget for a micro-wedding? Just because it's micro doesn't mean it is “cheap.”
“Exactly. Micro-weddings aren’t about cutting back, but about allocating the budget differently,” says Santos. Couples often choose to invest in unique décor or experiences, with a reception room serving as a blank canvas that can be transformed to reflect their vision and create memorable, interactive moments for their smaller guest list, she notes.

Is there an experience or two that you can share from any recent weddings or romantic events you may have planned at the Saint George?
“One couple described their day as ‘our cozy, chic, and intimate wedding!’ says Santos. “They shared how the bright, versatile Peregrine provided the perfect backdrop for their vision, and how the hotel’s artful, boutique-style interiors made for stunning wedding photos.”
Another couple returned a year later to mark their first anniversary with an intimate, romantic dinner for just the two of them, she recalls. “They once again cherished the cozy, boutique ambience, enjoying candlelit tables, personalized touches and the same stunning interiors that had made their wedding day unforgettable. It was a beautiful way to relive their special day while creating new memories in the space where they first said ‘yes’ to a life together.”
www.kimptonsaintgeorge.com

Planning a big day – but on a budget? Here, a few smart strategies for making an affordable wedding the ultimate celebration

“To have the ’ultimate wedding’ you need to start with a budget,” says Ryan Duffy, the director of sales & marketing at Watermark Beach Resort in Osoyoos, BC. “Once a budget is established, we can help couples start planning their special day.” While budget might guide a wedding’s location or size, there’s no end to budget-friendly details that couples can incorporate into their special day, says Duffy, from flowers and decor to menu choice and music – or beautiful backdrops for the photography.
One in five couples are now choosing to marry away from home, showing that destination weddings are growing in popularity. According to a Research and Markets Destinations Wedding Market Report 2025, revenue is expected to reach $100 billion by 2028. And, as a destination that’s closer to home, you can still have your moment in the sun: Osoyoos is home to some of the warmest average temperatures in Canada, with more than 2,000 hours of sunshine each year.
Every ultimate wedding comes down to the details. “A consideration when selecting an ultimate destination is how it will meet the couple’s
requirements before and after the big day.” Location plays a big part, he adds. “For example, Watermark is located lakeside in downtown Osoyoos, surrounded by rolling vineyards. It’s a destination with everything in one location.” And, he adds, try to look for a location that also includes services that many venues might charge extra for or simply don’t have available. At Watermark, for example, beach barbecues, pet-friendly ceremonies, access to an on-site brewery and fullservice condos that can sleep up to eight adults and more are at the ready.
“Small intimate weddings are just as exciting as large lavish affairs,” says Duffy. The size of the event should

never matter, he adds, “it’s about the couple and their vision. We’ve had some spectacular weddings with just 20 to 30 people.” Couples always have reasons for having small and intimate gatherings. Sometimes it does come down to budget, while other times it’s more personal, he notes.
And what about those couples that are more apt to live in the moment? Can an elopement qualify as an “Ultimate Wedding”? “Absolutely. Weddings can be all about the destination and all about the couple and their vision. Elopements can be exciting spur of the moment events, or planned in great detail like any other wedding.”
• watermarkbeachresort.com


Set against the stunning in Beaver Valley, this styled session brought together a dream team of Georgian Bay, Ontario-based creatives to reimagine what a modern, unconventional wedding could look like through the lens of cinematic storytelling and Regency-inspired romance.
To celebrate 250 years of Jane Austen, the scene was inspired by Austen’s Pride and Prejudice for couples who love English-cottage vibes right here in Ontario.

touches while weaving in modern details like English-
idyllic location, allowing us to hold the ceremony on the dock overlooking the Beaver River and a dreamy picnic setting under the trees.




Fire & Flora created seasonal arrangements with a wild garden feel, and a romantic picnic display Rentals from G eorgian Bay Event Rentals and Honey Pot Rentals included vintage-inspired furniture,
THE LOOK



Why the Caribbean is this wedding expert’s dream destination
When we asked Marsha-Ann Donaldson, the corporate director of weddings & romance, Sandals Resorts International, she took a minute. “Wow, that’s a tough question to answer, it’s like asking me to pick my favourite cocktail on the beach.”
But for Donaldson, one place above all others is close to her heart.
“The Caribbean is filled with so many jaw-dropping backdrops, from our white-sand beaches and lush gardens to beautiful cliffs overlooking the sea,” she notes.
“I say ‘our’ because I am from Jamaica so I’m just a tiny bit partial to the region. But seriously, the Caribbean is stunning and there’s no shortage of adventure or romance to make your wedding unforgettable.”

As champions of love, the overwater chapels at many Sandals resorts have really become a signature magnet for the brand, she says. With stunning locations in Jamaica, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, these chapels offer 360-degree panoramic ocean views and a glass floor aisle, creating an unforgettable setting.


“I do have a particular soft spot for the brand-new overwater chapel at Sandals Royal Bahamian, located in Nassau, Bahamas,” says Donaldson.
“It’s the largest one we have and nothing beats the blue waters of the Bahamas.”
And another shoutout from Donaldson: “The stunning overwater chapel in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, our newest destination, which is the hidden gem of the Caribbean. And for those who don’t know which one to choose, I can say that they’re all fabulous.” Imagine saying ‘I do’ floating above the crystal clear Caribbean waters. Now that’s a wedding to remember.
MEGAMOONS ARE SEEING A RESURGENCE AMONG NEWLYWEDS – HERE’S WHY



“Go big or go home” – literally – is the whole idea behind romance & travel’s latest trend. “Megamoons,” or megahoneymoons, are exactly what they sound like: post-wedding getaways that go beyond conventional trips, whether this means booking bucket-list destinations, signing up for out-of-thisworld experiences, or travelling for weeks or months on end. Though they’ve been around forever, megamoons are seeing a post-COVID renaissance, with newlyweds going all out on the trip of their dreams. But how do you plan and prepare for a megamoon? And where should you go?
We asked John Hawks, Executive Director at Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Specialists Association (DWHSA), for the skinny on big, brilliant honeymoons that deliver lifelong memories.
Why do you think megamoons are gaining in popularity?


What are some pros and cons of a megamoon?
“Before the pandemic, almost all engaged couples cancelled their honeymoon plans. But in 2023 and 2024, they came roaring back, with couples determined to achieve the honeymoon of their dreams. Our members report many of their couples are now focusing more on their honeymoon plans than their actual weddings! They’re pulling back on their destination wedding guest lists and budgets, and increasing their honeymoon spend.”
“With larger megamoon budgets, it’s much easier to plan an itinerary that fits the interests of both members of the couple. If the bride wants a week at a five-star resort but the groom wants an eco-getaway in the mountains, a megamoon budget makes all of that possible. Another advantage is the fact that megamoons can last anywhere from 10 days to two weeks or more, which allows couples to stay longer in long-haul destinations.
“The biggest challenges with megamoons are the higher cost and longer trip length. Not every couple will have the budget and available time off work to plan such an intensive getaway.”

What planning tips do you have for couples booking a megamoon?
“They should avoid ‘overpacking’ the itinerary and build in plenty of extra time for transfers and hotel changes so that one late flight doesn’t collapse the entire trip. Purchase top-level travel insurance and have healthy emergency savings ready; the longer they’re travelling, the more likely unexpected things might happen.
“Another good idea is to combine standard travel arrangements with ‘splurges’ if their budget gets out of control. For example, if 14 nights in a hotel suite in Hawaii is adding up too fast, they can stay in a comfortable room for 11 or 12 nights and upgrade to a suite or beachfront bungalow for the final few nights.
“And lastly, they should remember that not everything on the megamoon needs a price tag. After several days of pricey meals and shopping, their best memories may end up being the afternoon they spent in a local park and simply people-watching.”
What destinations or travel styles would you recommend for a megamoon?
“We see two big trends with megamoons: trips with a common theme such as ‘high foodie’ experiences or intensive wellness, which can mean being based at one or two luxury properties with culinary adventures or high-end spa treatments every day; and trips that include exploring nearby destinations, which may require long-haul flights to get to but are easier to go back and forth between them. This can include combinations like Italy and Croatia, or Chile and Argentina.”
❧ dwhsa.com



At Couples Resorts, we promise to make every moment of your wedding unforgettable. From the moment you arrive, your worries melt away. Our expert wedding planners will handle every detail so you can focus on celebrating your love. Choose your perfect Couples resort, and let us help you create a magical, stress-free wedding in paradise. Call 1-800-COUPLES or contact your travel advisor




By Ash Moore

The pup parent’s guide to a stress-free wedding day
Including your dog on your wedding day might just be the most heart-melting decision you’ll make – after saying “yes,” of course. Dogs bring an extra dose of joy, love and personality to a celebration that’s already bursting with emotion. But between timelines, tablescapes, florals and getting everyone where they need to be, juggling your pup’s needs can feel like a lot. The good news? With a little planning and the right support, your dog can be part of the day without any extra stress. After attending more than 150 weddings (yes, really!), we’ve gathered some tried-and-true tips to help you and your pup celebrate with ease.
Before the big day, decide how involved your dog will be. Are they trotting down the aisle? Sitting in the front row with Grandma? Making a cameo in portraits? Think about your dog’s personality and comfort level – some pups love the spotlight, others prefer a quiet hello. Choosing a role that fits their vibe ensures their presence adds joy, not chaos.
Dogs love routine. Help them feel confident by walking through their wedding role ahead of time. Visit the venue, if possible, rehearse the aisle walk, and introduce them to any key humans they’ll see on the big day. Familiar faces, smells and surroundings can make all the difference when it’s time for their moment to shine.
The best wedding gift you can give yourself (and your dog)? A trusted human whose only job is looking after your pup. That’s where a professional wedding dog attendant comes in. At Black Dog Weddings, we offer one-on-one care, managing everything from potty breaks to portraits with ease. We blend seamlessly into your wedding team so you can soak up every moment, knowing your dog is safe, happy and cared for.
◆ PACK THE PUP ESSENTIALS
Just like you’d prep a kit for your wedding party, your dog needs their own wedding day gear. Think: water bowls, treats, a leash, poop bags, lint roller, hand towels (trust us, drool happens) and their wedding attire. Keep their usual gear on until go-time to keep their outfit picture-perfect.
◆
Weddings are a lot – even for the most social dogs. Build in breaks, stick to their regular schedule as much as possible, and keep an eye out for signs of stress. Sometimes, a brief appearance is all your pup needs to be part of the day in a meaningful (and manageable) way.
◆ END WITH A SMOOTH SEND-OFF
After the confetti’s tossed and kisses are shared, your pup deserves a quiet, cozy spot to unwind. Whether they’re heading home with family or spending the night with a trusted care provider, a calm transition is the perfect wrap-up to their wedding adventure.
Ash Moore is the owner and director of belly rubs at Black Dog Weddings. Moore and her team specialize in making sure your dog is happy, comfortable and seamlessly included in your wedding day.
woof@blackdogweddings.com blackdogweddings.com






















