Today's Bride Magazine | Fall/Winter 2022

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BEFORE

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contents

Fall/Winter 2022

TODAY’S BEAUTY 10 Things of beauty New products and some mustknow beauty tips.

12 Serve and protect Your skin needs protection.

Here’s how to keep it healthy and glowing.

TODAY’S REAL WEDDINGS 16 High school sweethearts A personal, intimate celebration with 50 guests.

20 Two is better than one Double the fun with two weddings, including a Nigerian celebration.

24 Flower power Truly stunning décor and florals that you will love!

28 Spontaneity & ambition This couple enjoyed a unique elopement that suited them perfectly.

30 We made it!

A few instances of bad luck couldn’t stop this bride and groom!

34 Love connection Travel and foodie photos brought this couple together.

38 She shoots, she scores!

Canadian hockey superstar Natalie Spooner gets married at the family cottage.

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FLOWER POWER

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ON THE COVER: Cover model: Destiny, b&m Photography: Lise Varrette Photo assistant: Mario Grassa Hair & makeup: Caitlin Cullimore Styling: Aliecia Brissett Dress: Watters, Yavanna Bouquet: Unfazed Floral Background florals: Flower Baby Floristry Rings: Pandora Earrings: Etereo

M A D I SO N -JA M E S .CO M

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RENEGADE FASHION

TODAY’S PLANNING

TODAY’S HONEYMOON

42 Crowd pleasers There are a lot of annoying things people do at weddings.

86 Dubai Get ready for top-of-the-line luxury.

44 Picture perfect Stick to your photography timeline on your wedding day.

92 Adventure awaits Looking for a thrill? Try these honeymoon spots.

48 Money talks Creating a budget and sticking to it!

98 Turks and Caicos Beautiful, tropical and peaceful.

50 Cocktail hour Take your beverages to the next level.

103 Cartagena Escape to this unique Colombian city.

52 Inspiration board: Make me blush South Asian inspiration with all the details.

TODAY’S FASHION

56 Inspiration board: African queen Style inspired by East African traditions.

64 Golden hour What’s so special about this time of day?

65 Making the cut Tricks for creating your guest list.

66 Inspiration board: Mountain love Escape to the mountains for a private ceremony.

70 Last disco Head to the roller rink for some retro bachelorette fun.

75 5 ways to entertain your guests Give your family and friends something to talk about.

108 Hello, gorgeous Beautiful dresses and pretty bouquets are all we really need.

118 Décolleté Stunning wedding gowns with unique necklines.

122 Renegade fashion Think outside the box, and be unapologetically you.

126 Shoe shine What will you go for –a heel, a sneaker or a boot?

128 Love language Our favourite romantic quotes from television.

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76 Inspiration board: Pretty in pearls You’ll love this soft, feminine wedding inspiration.

80 Nom nom nom 9 foodie favours that your guests will love.

82 Home made Just a few things to add to your wedding wish list.

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WIN A HONEYMOON TO OUTRIGGER KONA RESORT & SPA IN HAWAI‘I

84 Best buds Pro tips for choosing your florals.

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f rom t h e

ED I TO R

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Amy Bielby ART DIRECTOR Catherine McKenny ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR S. Dale Vokey COPY EDITOR Sonia Audet CIRCULATION Jennifer Gigis, jen@todaysbride.ca PRODUCTION Alicia Lerma Sylvie Thauvette ONLINE & SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Amy Bielby ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Shannon Dameron, shannon@todaysbride.ca

Leave it to the pros Recently, my cousin got married. My daughter was in the wedding, but aside from my assistance with random flower girl duties, I didn’t have much to do with the event. I did, however, tell my cousin that she could call on me, day or night, and I would help her in any way I could.

Cue the phone ringing the night before the ceremony, with my cousin’s pleading voice: “So, it turns out we have to decorate the ceremony archway ourselves. Will you do that in the morning?” I stuck to my word and agreed.

The next morning, I found myself on a step ladder, attaching flowers and tulle to a wooden archway. My husband and I meticulously arranged the tulle, stood back and assessed our results. Was it straight? Was it centred? In that moment, I became well aware that writing about weddings and actually being a wedding professional are two very different things. My respect for wedding vendors grew three sizes that day (and I already had quite a lot of respect for their talents and skills).

While the arch did end up looking okay (but was never used due to rain), this was definitely not my area of expertise. My advice to you: hire the best of the best when it comes to vendors.

They are the pros. They have the problem-solving skills to fix any issue and the creativity to make every detail look beautiful. Family members are good in a pinch, but they don’t hold a candle to the real deal.

SALES MANAGER Jennifer Gigis, jen@todaysbride.ca PUBLISHER Gerald Kinasz O O O

Today’s Bride and its logotype is a registered trade name of The Travelweek Group.

The publication is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced by any means without permission of the publisher. Today’s Bride is produced and distributed semi-annually.

Publication available without charge through selected bridal outlets. Available at more than 3,000 newsstands across the country.

The publishers cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or visual material.

512-130 Queens Quay East, Toronto, ON. Canada M5A 1P4 416.365.1500

Amy Bielby, Editor

W W W.T O D AY S B R I D E . C A

@todaysbridemag Join us on social media for all the insta-spirational, Pinterest-worthy, tweetable fun.

We love to connect (and regram), so be sure to tag us in your favourite posts! Here’s a taste of what we do.

TODAYS B R I D E .C A • 8

Top: Lise Varrette Photography

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter at @todaysbridemag

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Photography: Lise Varrette; Hair & makeup: Caitlin Cullimore; Styling: Aliecia Brissett,; Models: Destiny Rettinger, b&m, Christine Hood, b&m

BEAUTY

YOU’LL LOOK GORGEOUS ON YOUR WEDDING DAY NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO, BUT IF YOU’RE SEARCHING FOR SOME BEAUTY TIPS, LOOK NO FURTHER.

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BEAUTY

WHAT PRODUCTS DO YOU NEED TO ADD TO YOUR MAKEUP BAG? HERE ARE A FEW SUGGESTIONS, PLUS SOME MUST-KNOW BEAUTY TIPS.

Perfume There’s more to a fragrance than simply spraying it on your wrists and being on your way. Here’s how to get the most from your perfume: Apply it to your skin (don’t just spray it in the air and walk through it).

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Put it on your pulse points: side of the neck, behind the ears, or inside the elbows and knees.

These areas of the body are warm and will give your scent a place to anchor.

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Don’t rub it! Top notes are very important, so that means no rubbing your wrists together. Allow the perfume to work the way it was intended.

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Avoid spraying it in your hair.

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Try layering fragrances you love to get your own, personal scent.

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Dry it out Dry shampoo can be your best friend, especially when travelling (say, on your honeymoon for example). Use it sporadically (not habitually), spray at the roots, target the oily areas, and bam!

You’re good to go!

BONUS:

A LITTLE DRY SHAMPOO CAN ALSO ADD GREAT VOLUME TO YOUR HAIR!

FULLER, THICKER

& LONGERLOOKING LASHES IN JUST 4 WEEKS!*

Opposite page: Cartier Baiser Volé Parfum. At Hudson's Bay, Holt Renfrew, $149. Lise Watier Désirable Eau de Parfum Spray. At drug stores, Hudson's Bay, sephora.ca, $105. Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Petals Please, at mass retailers, $125. Eilish by Billie Eilish. Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, Hudson's Bay, $70–$80.

This page: Batiste Naturally Dry Shampoo. At major drug and grocery stores, $11–$14. Biolage All-in-One Intense Dry Shampoo. At hair salons, Chatters, amazon.ca, $30.

Pureology Style + Protect Refresh & Go Dry Shampoo.

At sephora.ca, $35.

*Based on Consumer Research Studies

TODAYS B R I D E .C A • 1 1

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BEAUTY

SERVE and protect YOUR SKIN WORKS HARD TO PROTECT YOU, SO YOU SHOULD WORK HARD TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN. HERE ARE SEVEN WAYS TO DO IT.

GET THAT SPF

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Drinking water is one of the best things you can do for your skin.

Keep a bottle of water within reach all day. Plus, add some greens to your diet. Green veggies contain chlorophyll, which helps to provide oxygen to your skin. You can also try adding chlorophyll supplement drops to your water or morning smoothie.

Omega-3s contributes to your skin’s ability to hold moisture, so flax seeds, chia seeds and salmon are good choices.

MOISTURIZE TWICE A DAY Moisturizers protect our skin from outside elements, while trapping in moisture. Once you find a moisturizer that works for your skin, use it twice a day, in the morning and at night.

SCRUB THAT SKIN Exfoliate your skin a couple times a week – face and body. We lose millions of skin cells each and every day. Don’t let that junk build up on your body. Choose a cleanser or scrub appropriate for your skin type, and gently scrub your skin (with a washcloth or cleansing brush) in a circular motion. If your skin turns red or you feel a burning sensation, stop. You don’t want to irritate your skin and cause damage. Find a new face product and experiment to find one that works best for you. Also, put your exfoliating on hold if you’re mid-breakout, or if you have any cuts or open wounds.

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CLEAN YOUR BRUSHES Think about it. When is the last time you cleaned your makeup brushes? Consider that you're constantly brushing dirt and oil back onto your face. Giving your brushes a gentle cleanse (use a little shampoo and water) once a month is a good habit to get into.

istockphoto.com

WORK FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Use a sunscreen or SPF product on your face each day, even if you aren’t planning on being in the sun. Lots of moisturizers, foundations and powders come with SPF, so it’s really easy to add it to your morning skincare or makeup routine. Don’t forget a lip balm with SPF to keep your pout looking perfect. If you do plan on spending time in the sun, don’t forget the sunglasses and hat!

TEST DRIVE YOUR

STOP TOUCHING Don’t put your hands on your face! Seems simple, right? But some people are chronic face touchers and it is hard to stop.

Touching your face only adds dirt and oil to your skin, so hands off!

WeddingMoon

®

CHECK IN WITH YOUR DOC If you’re over 30, you may want to see a dermatologist for a quick scan of your skin. Your doc will check moles, spots and any other concerning areas. It’s important to get ahead of any major problems.

PREVIEW YOUR WEDDINGMOON WITH UP TO 2 NIGHTS IN PARADISE! ®

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Beaches Resorts makes it easy for you to test drive your dream destination wedding and experience ®

our 5-Star Luxury Included Resorts first-hand. Be our guest for up to two nights at an exclusive rate starting at $275 per night double occupancy* and learn more about your upcoming Caribbean wedding.

Meet with the resort wedding planning team, review the décor options, or even sample the sweets to be served. Plus if you book your ®

WeddingMoon group of 5 rooms or more, under a group code or contract, you’ll receive up to $840 in credits, complimentary group inclusions, and more!*

1 Marcelle 10% Vitamin C + Probiotic Serum, at pharmacies, Walmart, $40

Resorts

by Sanda ls

JAMAICA • TURKS & CAICOS

2 Vichy Mineral 89 Eyes repairing eye fortifier, at drug stores, vichy.ca, $37

BEACHES.COM/TESTDRIVE CALL 1-877-BEACHES OR CALL YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR

3 Lise Watier Sun Smart Universal UV Shield SPF 30, at pharmacies, Sephora, Hudson's Bay, $41

*Visit www.beaches.com/disclaimers/ todaysbridefallwin22td or call 1-800-BEACHES for important terms and conditions. Beaches® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc. is an affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Beaches Resorts.

4 Avène Lip Balm, at pharmacies, shoppersdrugmart.com, $11

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Don’t you just love the joy in this photo? We hope it puts a smile on your face! Photography @arianadelmundo Planning @daniellejacksonevents

We are serving up beautiful fall wedding inspiration. Photo @one365photography. Planning @traceymevents

Oh, golden hour. That perfect moment of light that photographers live for.

Photo @rawfootagephotos Planning @kassiatjievents

@todaysbridemag Join us on social media for all the insta-spirational, Pinterest-worthy, tweetable fun.

We love to connect (and regram), so be sure to tag us in your favourite posts! Here’s a taste of what we do.

This is a masterclass in how to make your wedding reflect your personality.

Photo by @sofia_katherine #todaysbridemag #realwedding

Hey! Hang in there. Here’s a smiling dog. Hope he makes you smile, too.

Photo @photosbycaileigh #weddingdog #ringdog

While neutrals are more popular, pops of vibrant colours are exciting! Photo by @ambrphotos. Planning and design @adrynjiaboni

Anyone planning their wedding during lilac season sure is lucky! Photo by @olivestudiocanada. Co-producers @porcelainandvine @wla_events

This couple got a little extra love by becoming models for the day! Planning @helloebonyxivory Photo by @bowsandlavender

The love of lavender is strong in this one, from favours to food. Photo by @sparrowphotography.ca Cake @thesweetalley_yvr

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YOU THE FEELS AND THE INSPO.

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FROM INTIMATE ELOPEMENTS TO OVER-THE-TOP CELEBRATIONS, THESE REAL WEDDINGS WILL GIVE

Photography: Olive & Bean; Planning: The Pop-Up Chapel Co. (remaining credits on page 28)

REAL WEDDINGS

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R E A L W E D D I N G S | M A R I N A AG O S T I N O & L U K E F R AC C A R O

HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEARTS Together since Grade 12, this bride and groom had to scale their wedding back, from 200 guests to just 50.

This left them with a personal, intimate celebration that guests will remember as a time to finally celebrate, post-pandemic.

P H OTO GRAP H Y BY ER I C CHEN G PHOTOGR A PHY

VENUE: Elora Mill Hotel & Spa, Elora, Ont.

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NUMBER OF GUESTS: 50

BRIDE’S GOWN: Valencienne Bridal BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES: Various DÉCOR: Simply Beautiful Décor CAKE: Love in Bloom Cakes

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PLANNING: N ó ble Events

SUITS: Surmesur Custom Menswear

HAIR & MAKEUP: Alyssa Helm Beauty & Co.

STATIONERY: Olumis Calligraphy

WEDDING BANDS: Stor by Margot

BOMBONIERE: Sweets by Carmeli

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FLORALS: Forever Wildfield

STRING QUARTET: GTA Strings

GIFTS: Feel Good Gifting

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Advice from the couple: “Enjoy every bit of planning together that you can – it’s half the fun!”

Sharing is caring!

The best part: It’s tough to nail down the best part of a wedding day. Just ask Luke. “To be honest, the whole day was my favouite part,” he says. “The whole weekend together with family and friends, it was everything.”

Details, details: With such gorgeous décor, choosing a favourite is also difficult. “I would have to say the reception tablescape florals and design was my favourite. It blew me away. It was pure magic,” says Marina.

Making memories: “We think our guests will remember the venue and intimate feeling of our wedding as it was so different from the weddings we are used to,” says Marina.

“Everyone had time to enjoy themselves as many guests were staying for the weekend, which gave them the opportunity to relax and spend time catching up with everyone.”

The feels: Marina says the ceremony was amazing. “This was the first time seeing everyone gathered together in over a year and half due to the pandemic. I had never felt so full of love and happiness in one single moment.”

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R E A L W E D D I N G S | MARINA & LUKE

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R E A L W E D D I N G S | S C H O L A R S T I C A O K A R I K E & TO L U LO P E OY E K A N M I

TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE After a brief meeting at church, Tolulope tried to invite himself to a girls-only birthday celebration for Scholarstica. When he was denied, he stopped by with a box of chocolates. The following week they had their first date and Tolulope asked Scholarstica to be his girlfriend. They hosted both Nigerian and Western celebrations.

P H OTO GRAP HY BY SU MMER HI LL W EDDI N GS

VENUE: Terrace Banquet Hall, Concord, Ont. WEDDING GOWN: David’s Bridal HAIR: Treasure World of Beauty, Hair by Leo FLORALS: Flower Pie Toronto

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NUMBER OF GUESTS: 100

GROOM’S SUIT: Andrew’s Formals

BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES: Fashion Nova

FLOOR WRAP: Paragon Designs

STATIONERY: Sand Kreations

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PLANNER: Kauna Events MAKEUP: Olarah Glam

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DÉCOR & CO-DESIGNER: mmmdecors

CAKES: Cakes and Sweets by Anna, Cakerie Craft by Uroosa

CATERING & COCKTAILS: De Place Restaurant & Bar

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LOGO: Ore Media Services

Sew pretty: The material for the groomsmen and Ashoebi ladies was purchased at A&T Fabrics, and it was given to the ladies to choose their own style and sew.

Nigerian culture: The bride says, “We wanted a small event for the traditional wedding because traditional weddings are supposed to honour our parents and incorporate our culture. We only invited 50 people and, unfortunately, our parents had to join online.

We originally wanted to include some of my Igbo culture (where the bride gets a drink from her father and searches for her groom to feed him the drink and introduce him to her father), but since both parents joined online there was no point. I did two entrances where I dressed in my typical Igbo attire and greeted both parents and then changed to my top and wrapper to match my husband.”

Dress to impress: “For our outfits, we originally wanted burgundy, but my mom found a material for my wrapper that was more on the purple side, so we went with it,” says Scholarstica. “For my red dress, I had my mom sew typical Igbo bride attire to use for my first dance and entrance. We had both of our traditional attire sewn in Nigeria.”

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R E A L W E D D I N G S | S C H O L A R S T I C A O K A R I K E & TO L U LO P E OY E K A N M I

Change of plans: Unfortunately, pandemic restrictions hit the guest list. “Our original plan involved having both parents here in Canada for the wedding, but then there was a travel ban that prevented them from coming to Canada just a week before the wedding,” Scholarstica explains. “It was very sad for us as we had anticipated them coming. It was really hard to accept, but we ended up changing the wedding iternary last minute and had both parents join online.”

The favourites: “Our favourite part of the day was the exchange of rings at the ceremony,” says Scholarstica. “It was very memorable. Also, the music and dancing at the reception was fun, we danced all night.” She also says the couple’s dance at the reception and the bouquet toss were stand-out moments.

Honeymoon: The newlyweds spent time exploring Canada, going to Vancouver, Calgary, and then roadtripping to Banff.

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R E A L W E D D I N G S | M E L I S S A LO N G O & C O DY H O E K S T R A

FLOWER POWER Melissa and Cody met at the salon where Melissa worked. Cody went from being a client, to a best friend, to a husband. Together, they shared a magical wedding day, with a little help from the bride’s brother, who brought her dream wedding vision to life.

P H OTO GRAP H Y BY N OVA MA R KI N A PHOTOGR A PHY

| PLANNING: Twelfth Night Events | GROOM’S SUIT: Joseph’s Clothiers HAIR & MAKEUP: Moda Hair Salon, Katie Janzen | BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES: Azazie FLORALS & DÉCOR: RL Designs | STATIONERY: Minted | SWEETS TABLE: Grandma’s Oven RENTALS: RL Designs, Simply Beautiful Décor | VINYL: Event Graffiti CATERING: North Moore Catering | DJ: The Alpha DJ Company

VENUE: DeGroot’s Nurseries, Sarnia, Ont.

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NUMBER OF GUESTS: 130

BRIDE’S GOWN: Enzoani, Lavender Bridal Boutique

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Advice from the couple: “We strongly believe that every couple should have a first look before the ceremony.

It is such an amazing experience.”

Those details: Melissa says, “The details of our wedding décor were nothing short of incredible! From the surprise pyrotechnics during our first dance, to flipping our cocktail reception space into “Café Hoekstra” with the most beautiful sweet table ever designed, and all the gorgeous elements of the table décor – the details of our décor were show-stopping. I am lucky to have an incredibly talented brother in the wedding industry. He kept much of these details a secret from me once I shared my overall vision and colour scheme.”

Fire alarm: Upon arriving at the venue, the planner was informed that the candles could not be lit without written approval from the fire department. “Of course, my entire design plan incorporated so many beautiful candles,” says Melissa. “Our planner tracked down the personal phone number for the Sarnia fire chief. By the power of technology, a strong will to bring our dreams to life and great problem-solving skills, our planner and the fire chief came up with a plan that allowed us to have most of the candles lit.”

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R E A L W E D D I N G S | M E L I S S A LO N G O & C O DY H O E K S T R A

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R E A L W E D D I N G S | BRANDIE & KERI ROBERTS

SPONTANEITY & AMBITION This mini celebration was part of a pop-up chapel event, in which several couples get married in the same space, with the same décor, throughout the day. It’s perfect for couples who want an intimate day to share with their closest family and friends.

P H OTO GRAP H Y BY OLI VE & B EA N PHOTOGR A PHY

VENUE: Hycroft Manor, Vancouver

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NUMBER OF GUESTS: 10

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ENGAGEMENT RINGS: Eden Philippa

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BRANDIE’S SUIT: Wild Fang

FLORALS: Écorce Flowers

FURNITURE, PROPS & BAR RENTALS: Bespoke Decor MUSICIANS: Alex Frock

EVENT PLANNER: The Pop-Up Chapel Co.

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KERI’S GOWN: Dan jones, Rituals of Love Bridal

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CAKE & SWEETS: Cadeaux Bakery

HAND LETTERING & SIGNAGE: The Printing House, Courtney’s Crafty Cabin

OFFICIANT: Young, Hip & Married

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VIDEOGRAPHER: Farawayland Weddings

SPONSORS: Backyard Vineyards, The Lemon Square

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Wives: Keri says, “The best part of the day was getting coffee and tattoos after the ceremony. It was the first thing we did as wives, and it was just so authentically us.”

Growing together: “Our love story can be wrapped up in two words: spontaneity and ambition,” says Keri. “We want to experience everything together and we want to push each other to be growing constantly.

Throughout our three years of dating, I have graduated university, we have taken several trips chasing after good memories, gotten a couple matching tattoos, adopted a pup, bought a van to road trip where we can and moved across Canada.”

Favourite detail: The tiniest detail was the best of the day: a small pin on Brandie’s suit, with their dad’s face. He passed recently and it was a special way to have him as part of the celebration.

Make it you: Keri says, “I think with every decision made, we asked ourselves: is this us? We wore what we wanted, invited who we wanted, made sure to include everything that mattered to us. We had our guests dress in rock/punk aesthetic for us and had our party at an arcade bar.”

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R E A L W E D D I N G S | J E N A & R J YA S U I

WE MADE IT! After a string of bad luck (an extraordinary storm, no power, a car accident, parents recovering from COVID, a wardrobe malfunction and a last-minute cancellation from the babysitter), this wedding could not be stopped! In the end, the day was magical, leaving the bride and groom feeling extra grateful.

P H OTO GRA PHY BY PA LM TR EE STU DI O

VENUE: Stonefields Estate, Beckwith, Ont.

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NUMBER OF GUESTS: 95

| GROOM’S SUIT: Moores | MAKEUP: Olivia Foulkes | HAIR: Expressions Hair Design FLORALS: Capital Florist, Laces & Bows | STATIONERY: Vice Honey, Etsy Canada | DÉCOR: Laces & Bows TABLETOP RENTALS: Simply Beautiful Décor | DJ: CaptivSounds | OFFICIANT: Christine Libon BRIDE’S GOWN: Tara Lauren, Revelle Bridal Boutique

BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES: Various

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Memorable: What will guests remember most from this wedding day? Jena says it’s the venue.

And her one-year-old son in his little tux!

Party time: “Although the ceremony in the chapel was dreamy and unforgettable, nothing could beat having our friends and family together on the dance floor after being separated for so long. The DJ was great, the late-night snacks were delicious, and the company was everything. It was a magical night,” says Jena.

Favourite detail: “The flowers. Seeing them in person truly exceeded my expectations,” says Jena. “They were fresh, colourful, aromatic and abundant. My mother-in-law did an amazing job putting the centrepieces together and arranging the flowers all over the property.”

Personal touches: It’s important to have your wedding represent you and your personality. Jena did this with nature. “I’m inspired by nature, beautiful flowers, trees and greenery. Filling the beautiful spaces at Stonefields with fresh greenery, eucalyptus, peonies, garden roses and ranunculus was an expression of myself and love for our mother earth.”

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R E A L W E D D I N G S | J E N A & R J YA S U I

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R E A L W E D D I N G S | STEPHANIE NG & JASON TRAN

LOVE CONNECTION As Stephanie casually scrolled through a dating app, a profile filled with food and travel photos caught her eye. She hit connect. Jason, also seeing Stephanie’s foodie and travel pics, was immediately intrigued.

The rest, as they say, is history.

P H OTO G R A PHY BY EC3 MOMEN TS VENUE: The Guild Inn Estate, Scarborough, Ont.

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NUMBER OF GUESTS: 51

DAY-OF COORDINATOR: TWO Events & Decorations BRIDE’S GOWN: Stella York

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RECEPTION DRESS: Needle & Thread

BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES: Birdy Grey

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DÉCOR: TWO Events & Decorations, Fish Designs Co. STATIONERY: Fish Designs Co. RINGS: Blue Nile

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GROOM’S SUIT: Dikun

HAIR & MAKEUP: Miss-J. Makeup & Hair Styling | SHOES: Bella Belle

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FLORALS: Philia Flora, Fish Designs Co.

CAKE: Oishiii Sweets Cafe

WOODEN FIGURES: Wood You Mind

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LATE-NIGHT SNACK: Eggette Hut

VIDEOGRAPHER: J Gallagher Productions

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One small hiccup: The vow books were forgotten during the ceremony! While they were hunted down, the guests killed time by taking photos of the couple.

Traditions: The couple included traditional Chinese door games. “The bride hides while the bridesmaids try to deter the groom and groomsmen from getting to the bride through a series of games,” says Stephanie.

“If the groom and groomsmen fail at any of the games, they are dealt with a punishment or they can pay and bribe their way through.

We followed the door games with a traditional tea ceremony where the bride and groom pay respect to their parents.”

Guest memories: So what will guests remember most? Stephanie says it’s the latenight egg waffles. “It is definitely a snack that represents us, 100 percent. It is a local street snack from Hong Kong and we have it pretty often, along with bubble tea.” (Note: the place cards featured a wax seal with bubble tea!)

Virtual love: “Our original guest list was 110 and due to the pandemic, most, if not all, of our overseas family and friends could not make it. We felt disappointed, but we did a live stream of the ceremony so people could still join us on the day virtually.”

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R E A L W E D D I N G S | N ATA L I E S P O O N E R & A DA M R E D M O N D

SHE SHOOTS, SHE SCORES This hockey superstar bride has an Olympic silver medal and two Olympic golds.

She and her now-husband may not be able to agree how they met (at the Calgary Stampede or on the ice), but they can agree they each found the one, making them both winners.

P H OTO GRAP H Y BY ALEXA N DR A DEL B ELLO PHOTOGR A PHY

VENUE: Family cottage, Port Carling, Ont.

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NUMBER OF GUESTS: 25

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PLANNING: Vivian Lyttle Events

BRIDE’S GOWN: Martina Liana (ceremony), Essense of Australia (reception) GROOM’S SUIT: iSarti HAIR: Justyna Pakula

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BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES: Hayley Paige

TABLETOP: Simply Beautiful Décor DÉCOR RENTALS: Warehouse 84

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MAKEUP: Amy Janisse

| CAKE: Comfort Bakeshop | CATERING: North Catering | TENT & RENTALS: Special Event Rentals | OFFICIANT: Jeffery Watson | VIDEOGRAPHY: B. Maine Videography

FLORALS: Gregory Fast

STATIONERY: StatueRue

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Together: After postponing a few times due to COVID, this couple says the best part of the day was simply being together with their family and friends.

Getting personal: It’s all about making your wedding personal and unique. “We added in little pieces that made sure it felt personal,” says Natalie. “From having hockey sticks as wedding favours, to having old wedding family photos around, to having one of my brothers stand on my side, we felt the whole day really represented us.”

Missing you: With travel restrictions in place, some guests weren’t able to attend. “Some of my bridesmaids weren’t able to travel in from the States,” says Natalie. “It was tough not having them there, but our friend and MC made a beautiful video that included all of them, which made it really special.”

Roll with it: The best piece of advice this bride can offer is to be flexible during planning. “Things change so it’s good to have options going into it. The day of our wedding, it ended up raining so we were forced to move the ceremony into the tent instead of having it on the beach, but we were prepared for that. “

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R E A L W E D D I N G S | N ATA L I E S P O O N E R & A DA M R E D M O N D

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AND PLANNING KNOW-HOW – HERE’S THE INSPIRATION AND INFORMATION YOU’LL NEED FOR YOUR PERFECT-FOR-YOU DAY.

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DÉCOR IDEAS, BACHELORETTE PARTIES,

Photography: Nova Markina Photography; Florals: RL Designs; Planning: Twelfth Night Events (remaining credits on page 24)

PLANNING

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PLANNING

Crowd Pleasers KEEP YOUR GUESTS HAPPY AND AVOID THESE ULTRA-ANNOYING WEDDING MOMENTS.

Yes, it’s your big day.

We know. Everyone will constantly remind you of it. “It’s your day! Do what you want!” While this is mostly true, you do want your guests to enjoy your wedding, too.

It can sometimes be difficult to see through wedding-planning fog. You become so focused on what you want that you can forget that there are others you have to consider. If you want your guests left with nothing but good memories of your wedding, think carefully about these wedding frustrations.

WEATHER ISSUES Keep your guests well informed of all conditions for the ceremony and reception. They will want to dress appropriately.

If your wedding is going to be on a cliff in the hotter-than-hot sun, then mention this to your people via the invitation, your wedding website or word of mouth. Tell guests that suit jackets aren’t needed, or summer dresses are recommended, etc. On a hot day, have fans, bottled water, sunscreen and even sunglasses at the ready. Try to do everything to provide shady options, particularly for older guests.

Opposite of this, inform your guests if they can expect cool conditions – an evening ceremony under the stars or maybe a reception in an old barn.

In this case, shawls and blankets are a nice touch and will quash the goosebumps. Shivering through the vows is never fun.

Oh, and hot chocolate and apple cider are delicious, just saying.

CASH BAR

This tradition is on its way out, but still lingers at some celebrations. The idea is that the couple, couple’s parents, and often the wedding party, stand at the entrance and greet each guest. While it’s a great way to get face-to-face time with the couple, guests don’t really want to say hello to a bunch of strangers. Not to be rude, but it’s simply not the reason they are there. Instead, make time between dinner courses to visit each table and say your hellos.

While economical for you, it is a nuisance for your guests who have already (most likely) spent money to be at your wedding (gifts, dress, suit, hair, makeup, etc). An open bar is an important part of your budget.

If you’re looking to keep costs down, offer only the basics: beer, wine and three or four liquors. At cocktail hour, provide a fun cocktail or punch (enough for two glasses per person). You can also keep the bar closed during dinner and speeches, leaving bottles of wine on the table, but your guests will appreciate full access to the bar all evening. Be sure you have enough bartenders. When the party gets going, standing in line for 15 minutes for a beer can definitely be a buzzkill.

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THE RECEIVING LINE

Ahh. The cash bar. It has long been controversial and one of the most frustrating parts of a wedding.

LONG, LONG SPEECHES

Nothing beats a sentimental toast to the couple. The speaker cries. The couple chokes up.

The guests dab at their eyes with their white linen napkins.

Heartfelt words from a close friend or family member can truly be moving and memorable. However, not all people are blessed with this gift. Remember Monica in Friends at her parents’ anniversary party, struggling to intentionally make people cry? Awkward.

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OVERDONE OR OUTDATED TRADITIONS

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While many people still love the bouquet and garter toss (no judgement if you still want to do these things), others find them plain old irritating or even embarrassing, particularly when forced to participate. Many will eagerly run to the dance floor when all the singles are summoned, but others aren’t as keen to be subjected to an all-eyes-on-me situation. And if your guests are sensitive about being single, it’s even worse. Then, to top it off, you have to watch the groom remove a garter with his teeth? Shudder.

Speeches should be kept short and sweet, with minimal references to inside jokes, and need to be relatable to everyone in attendance. While this is difficult to control (you aren’t the one speaking, after all), be very clear to your speakers and MC about time restrictions. Speeches should max out at five minutes or you’ll begin to lose your guests’ attention.

OTHER ANNOYANCES TO NOTE: Screaming/unruly children LACK OF FOOD

Weddings on holidays or long weekends

istockphoto.com, Middle: Unspalsh

Food can make or break a wedding.

No joke. Sure, everyone is there to celebrate your love, blah, blah, blah, but they are also there for the food.

And this begins with cocktail hour.

If your guests are going right from the ceremony to the reception/ cocktail hour, there’s a good chance their stomachs are growling.

Be sure to have enough food on hand, whether it’s a small buffet, or passed hors d’oeuvres (with enough servers to do the passing).

Guests don’t want to be stalking the staff just to get their hands on a bacon-wrapped scallop. Plus, if the drinks are flowing while you’re off doing photos or greeting your friends and family, you don’t want empty stomachs. By the time the reception begins, you’ll have some tipsy loved ones on your hands.

Typically, reception dinners offer more than enough food, but after a couple hours of dancing, those tummies will be rumbling again.

This is when a late-night buffet, food truck or fast-food delivery really helps. Don’t overdo it on the desserts; if your guests are drinking, they would much rather indulge in a poutine bar or taco truck.

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The chicken dance/YMCA/line dancing Too much time between the ceremony and reception (especially when out of town) DJs who talk too much/put on a comedy act/play nothing but remixes No transportation between ceremony and reception Tearing down tables after dinner to make room for the dance floor, but leaving no seating

P L A N N I N G | BY J E SS I C A SA L E M M E , W H I M A N D W I L LOW P H OTO G R A P H Y

Picture Perfect IF YOU WANT GREAT WEDDING PHOTOS, SCHEDULE ENOUGH TIME TO GET ALL THE SHOTS.

How much time is needed for photography, anyway?

While there are big portions of the day that don’t require a specific photography timeline (most photographers switch to a documentary approach for the reception, for example), there are definitely key moments throughout your day where having the appropriate amount of time set aside for your photographer can make for chill vibes and amazing images for you to look back on. Here’s the breakdown.

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FIRST LOOK 10–15 minutes

GETTING READY 1.5–2 hours This gives time to take photos of your dress/ suit and any other sentimental or just super rad details you’ve incorporated (think heirlooms, vows, fragrances, accessories, anything that you’ll be carrying on your person). It gives photogs (and you) the opportunity for moments to naturally unfold, whether it’s hanging out on the couch and poppin’ champers with your fave people, or even if it’s those quiet moments alone, breathing, taking it all in. Having that time and space in the morning is key if you love a documentary style to photography and appreciate having the realness captured.

This time also allows photographers the time to capture the moments when you put your gear on for the day in a calm and natural fashion. You should feel calm, comfortable and special while this is happening, not pressured to get the perfect shot. You will also want to have the opportunity to squeeze in any reveals and be present if you’re sharing this experience with loved ones (Thanks for helping with the bow tie, Dad!). This is typically one of the last steps before you head out the door and oftentimes things might run behind, with everyone frantically rushing to get their stuff on – and those moments and up being rushed when documented. Make sure to plan ahead so your photographer has the time to find the best light and composition, and have those real moments emerge and documented.

Moments like a first look deserve space to breathe. You won’t want anything on your timeline to feel like a checklist of things to get out of the way – it’s about being present. So while the physical reveal might only take a split second, your photographer still needs time to get you to your respective spots, to hit play on “your song” and set the mood for ultimate eye leakage, to document the moment happening and time to step back so that you two have the space to embrace the moment, check each other out and sneak in all the hugs and kisses (while the camera clicks furiously from a distance)!

COUPLE SESSION 1 – 1.5 hours You finally get to connect with and be alone with your partner! Woohoo! When couples hear that this session should be over an hour long, they’ll often comment that it seems like a long time! But when the day comes, and it’s a wrap on their couple session, they realize how quickly the time flew by (seriously, where does the time go?!). Here’s why 1-1.5 hours is a great amount of time to set aside for your couples sesh: As professionals, photographers don’t want to send you off with just a handful of photos that resemble prom. It’s important for your photographer to have the time to cultivate and create natural moments as well as time to get you comfy with some posing that makes you look super cool & showcases your beautiful energy.

WEDDING PARTY PHOTOS 45 minutes – 1 hour If your photographer knows what’s what, they won’t want you to have boring, generic, copy/ paste photos of you and your ride or dies.

Make it a party! Have space to get creative when you’re with your crew so that you have a more dynamic gallery and a fun experience hanging out with your besties. Setting aside 45 minutes to 1 hour really allows for that balance, and gives photographers the time to get all those traditional group shots as well. Another thing to keep in mind: wrangling large groups of people together for photos and getting everyone on the same page can eat up some time, too.

FAMILY PHOTOS 15–30 minutes In most cases, to be efficient, photographers will call family members in and out of shots.

Make sure your family members know ahead of time that they will be required for photos so they don’t go running off to cocktail hour.

These photos can feel a lot more formal, but don’t refrain from being yourselves when you’re with your fam jam. Ultimately, these are your photos, so if it feels right, go in for that extra hug with mom, or get close and relax for those large group shots. Always do you!

A lot of the magic happens in the in-between moments, and that’s where prompts and a relaxed vibe comes into play.

Left to right: Cloud 9 Photography, Katie Nicolle Photography, ItkasanImages, Alexandra Del Bello Photography

It can take couples (and even photographers) 10 to 15 minutes to warm up to the camera or get into a creative groove!

BONUS TIP:

Set aside 30 minutes before your ceremony. This gives your photographer the opportunity to take care of detail shots (flowers, décor, etc.), document guests arriving and plan out where they’ll be standing when you finally strut down that aisle and exchange those vows!

BONUS TIP:

Depending on what the day looks like, your photographer might split your couple session between golden hour and right after your first look.

Discuss this beforehand, so you’re prepared and camera-ready.

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Advertorial

WHAT A WEDDING PLANNER WILL AND WILL NOT DO FOR YOU With the state of the world, weddings have changed a lot in last couple of years and so have the ways in which couples are approaching wedding planning. After an almost two-year hiatus, it seems everyone wants to get married, and they want to get married NOW! As couples learned, working with a wedding planner is essential to navigate the wedding world and to protect your investment on your big day. Because couples have realized the necessity of a wedding planner, there has been a noticeable shift in expectations of what wedding planners can and cannot do for you.

WHAT WEDDING PLANNERS CAN AND WILL DO FOR YOU: A wedding planner can save you time, stress, and money

A wedding planner’s main role is to help you navigate the world of weddings. They will be sure you stick to your budget and avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary expenses.

Planners can tailor your wedding professionals to the best people for your wedding

Photography Motion D Photography

Your wedding should be a reflection of the two of you and a wedding planner has experience with many different wedding professionals, so they can suggest the vendors that will be best suited to you and your needs.

A wedding planner can educate you in wedding etiquette

There is so much to know about proper etiquette – from wedding stationery to hosting a large event. A properly trained, certified wedding planner can help you every step of the way.

WEDDING PLANNERS GUIDE YOU IN ORGANIZING THE MOST AMAZING GUEST EXPERIENCE:

• Wedding planners live and breathe weddings and are fully immersed in the events world. They are able to help you create the best guest experience and suggest things you may have never even heard of.

• Planners will make recommendations based on what’s best suited to you and your wants, needs and budget.

• Planners schedule appointments and meetings with your wedding vendors and venue to fit everyone’s schedules. In order for a professional to manage your wedding day, they need to work with you in the weeks leading up to the wedding.

They will create the wedding schedules and be informed about absolutely everything about the wedding to properly manage it for you.

• Planners ensure the little things aren’t overlooked. We will strongly advise that you get wedding insurance for the wedding day. Implementing special moments into the timeline and to-do lists on your wedding day so nothing gets missed by you, your family or the photographer.

• A wedding planner’s job is to present options and educate you so that you can make informed decisions. Planners adhere to our ethics and best business practices.

• While wedding planners will help with negotiations and working with other vendors, they can also help you to understand why certain things cost what they do, and educate you on the labour and creation side of what you are paying for.

• We have very specific roles and duties for your wedding but most importantly we will be your voice of reason, sounding board and cheerleader.

We will have your best interests at heart every step of the way.

WHAT WEDDING PLANNERS WON’T DO FOR YOU:

Wedding planners are not your personal assistant and they do not know your personal or family relationships, so there are certain things they cannot or will not do. They won’t: • Create your guest list and arrange your seating plan • Decide on your wedding budget • Sign contracts and pay vendors or make decisions for you • They will not step in on just the day of the wedding • Be your bartender, bus person, driver, pick-up/delivery person, MC, cakecutter, napkin-folder, or cleanup crew • Process or obtain your legal documents • Nickle and dime other wedding professionals • Be a therapist, bouncer, or security guard • Tolerate physical or verbal abuse

BY DANIELLE ANDREWS AND TRACEY MANAILESCU Co-Founders of The Wedding Planner Institute of Canada Inc. www.wpic.ca

P L A N N I N G | B Y N O H A TA R A B A I N , R O S E L I T E E V E N T S

Money talks Tips to help you plan out your wedding budget

2 DO YOUR RESEARCH

1 IDENTIFY YOUR PRIORITIES

It’s important to understand where your priorities lie so you can have a clear mind when it comes to making decisions. When it comes to your budget, knowing your must-haves will allow you to determine where to splurge and where to save. Make a list of your top priorities and the things you don’t care about at all.

This will help you decide where to spend your hard-earned cash.

Look up local vendors in your area (three from each category should be good enough) and ask for their packages/pricing. Some vendors may already have this information available on their websites, but others will require some digging.

Remember to only contact the vendors who offer the services, style and quality you are looking for. If you contact a wider variety of vendors, you will find a huge difference in pricing, which will just leave you more confused and frustrated.

PRO TIP: Hire a weddingg planner. p Planners have already done the research, so you don’t have to. They know the vendors and their “average pricing” by heart. Once you give your planner an idea of what you’re looking for in each vendor, they will have a rough idea of what it will cost or will do the research for you.

Working with a professional will remove the guess work and stress.

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As an event planner, one of the most common questions I get asked is, “How much does the average wedding cost”?

The problem is that this is an impossible question to answer. There is no such thing as “average” when it comes to weddings.

Your budget is made up of so many varying factors – your guest count, vendors, venue.

No two weddings are ever the same.

So how are you supposed to know what is a “reasonable” amount for you to spend on your wedding overall? And what about on each aspect and vendor? Here are a few tips to outline a wedding budget that feels comfortable.

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CREATE A BUDGET SPREADSHEET Now that you have the information you need, create a budget spreadsheet and input those numbers. Try making multiple spreadsheets so that you can make comparisons between your first, second and third choices of vendors.

(Note that spreadsheets are your new best friend!

They will keep you on track with all aspects of your planning, not just your budget. Think invitations, addresses, RSVPs, schedules, deposits, etc.)

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CUT THE FAT Now that you have a budget spreadsheet, you can physically see the difference it will make in your budget to hire one vendor over another. If there is an aspect you’d like to splurge on, could you sacrifice other details in order to save some dollars? Or are there things you can even cut out completely? Don’t feel the need to keep things that you don’t care about; you’ll only regret it later.

Choose to put your money into things that will make you happy, not to please anyone else.

REVISIT AND CHANGE AS NEEDED

Your wedding budget isn’t set in stone. Your financial comfort level and priorities may change along the way, and that’s perfectly normal. The key is to keep track of everything and take precautions before jumping into any decisions out of excitement. Because let’s be honest – it happens! This is your wedding day after all!

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P L A N N I N G | B Y G R E G O R Y FA S T

Cocktail hour

LEVEL UP YOUR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES TO LEAVE A LASTING IMPRESSION.

GARNISH IT UP A garnish is defined as, “a decoration or embellishment for something.” Thinking of a garnish as an embellishment takes cocktail opportunities to a whole new level. To really make a drink pop, opt for colour-contrasting to your cocktail or glassware. Garnishes don’t have to be elaborate, but should feel intentional for an elevated look like – a piece of jewelry!

DO A DESSERT Is there a rule saying that a cocktail has to be liquid? Change things up and try something edible as your specialty cocktail. There are amazing liquor-infused dessert recipes that look fabulous when layered in a simple clear glass, like an irish cream cookies and cream parfait. Break the mold and opt for this treat at guest arrival for a refreshing snack.

GET BRANDED

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Whether you are throwing a wedding, bachelor party or shower, there is a level of “brand creation” that goes into each celebration to create a cohesive story.

In this case, the brand is you! For a totally ‘gramable cocktail experience, include your name or photo right on your cocktail. Top Melts, for example, creates an edible printed layer that dissolves on the frothy foam of a great drink. Starting at $8, it's a fun way to show off your engagement photos.

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KEEP THE CAN

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Serving a bevy from a can? Classy it up by removing the top and using it as its own glass. Add a garnish and a straw, and all of a sudden you’ve taken the most basic of bar service up to a sophisticated experience that likely your guests have never seen. Draft Top offers a can cutter for $33 – a small investment for a big impact.

ADD SOME CHEMISTRY Everyone loves a great magic trick; bring that same level of surprise and excitement to your cocktail hour with a little chemistry.

Try a cocktail that changes colour right before your guests’s eyes! Great recipes exist using items like butterfly pea extract, a deep purple that when mixed with acidity like lemon, changes to a vibrant pink.

GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR VESSEL Try using a different vessel to house your signature drink. Even the simplest of cocktails can be elevated with the right “glass.” Use something unexpected to bring in a theme and enhance the experience. How refreshing does a simple spiked lemonade look when presented in a terracotta pot?

Try this simple one for your next soire.

1 1/2 ounces gin 3/4 ounce ginger liqueur 1/2 ounce simple syrup 1 dropper b’Lure butterfly pea flower extract 3/4 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed Add the gin, ginger liqueur, simple syrup and butterfly pea flower extract into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.

Strain into a cocktail glass, then add the lemon juice to change the colour.

INVITE SOME BUDS Bud bars, CBD-infused meals and bud pairings have all been rising trends in the event world.

MAKE IT PERSONAL There is nothing more flattering than receiving something that was made especially for you – a simple but thoughtful gesture and even better if it is personalized. Make sure guests know you are thinking about them by including their names with their cocktail. This could be done with custom glassware or an accessory like a stir stick. Nine times out of 10, they are going to take a photo of it and remember the moment. Etsy is a great place to find custom stirsticks (that guests will definitely be slipping into their purse as they finish their last sip).

Mary Jane may not be for everyone, but the health effects of CBD are something most people can agree on.

Known for its relaxation and euphoric effects, it may just be the missing ingredient of a chilled-out evening all can enjoy. For something different, try including CBD in your next cocktail. It pairs well with a botanical-based drink like a Cucumber Gin and Tonic or Mint Julep.

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m ak e m e b l u s h THIS EVENT DESIGN IS FRESH, SOFT AND YET BOLD. THE GLAMOUR OF THIS SOUTH ASIAN INSPIRATION IS IN THE INTRICATE DETAILS – FROM THE DRESSES, TO THE FLORALS, TO THE DÉCOR.

Concept & floral design: Lena’s Floral Designs Planning & Coordination: INXVIII Events Photography: Lula King Photo & Film Venue: The Glasshouse Studios Luxury bridalwear: INXVIII Fashion Inc. Wedding bands & rings: Liane Vaz Designs Luxury fine china, tableware, furniture & gold gates: Roselle & Co Cake: Decadent Delights by Ashley Resin placecards: Carli D Collective Makeup: Soniya’s Makeup Artistry Hair: KKD Beauty Lashes: Soniya’s Cosmetics Model: Liv Grewal

A modern venue located in the heart of Mississauga, for intimate celebrations to grand affairs. Let us entice you with our delectable cuisine and all inclusive menu packages with something for everyone!

The Mississauga Grand promises to deliver a hospitality experience unmatched by any other in the GTA. 35 Brunel Rd Mississauga, ON L4Z 3E8 | 905.501.0043 mississaugagrand.com | sales@mississaugagrand.com

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B O A R D S | K A R I M A H G H E D DA I P H OTO G R A P H Y

afr ican q ue e n THE BEAUTY OF EAST AFRICAN WEDDING TRADITIONS THROUGH A CONTEMPORARY LENS. LOOK BEYOND THE TRADITIONAL EUROCENTRIC WEDDING, AND EXPLORE YOUR ROOTS. Planning: Weddings with Nia | Photography: Karimah Gheddai Photography Tablescape & florals: Zuhoor Designs | Stationery: The Creative Souk Tabletop rentals: Roselle and Co | Cookies: Zuli’s Cookies | Cake: Cakes by Mavis Makeup: Neo’s Beauty, BBM Beauty | Hair: Hair by Hanani | Dirac: Ejabo Boutique| Veil: Piaeva Inc. Models: Amal Abdi, Hala Ali, Hali Farrah, Amina Mohamed, Feven Tecleab, Lamme Yousouf Shoot assistant: Metti Maru | Saxophonist: Jay Smooth

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PLANNING

Golden hour

If you’re looking for the perfect wedding portrait, then golden hour is the ideal time to get ultraromantic images.

Because golden hour is such a small window of time (just as the sun is setting), it will take some planning on your part, your photographer, your planner and venue. To nail the perfect timing, you need to specifically schedule this time into your day.

FLORALS & DESIGN: Flourish & Knot PHOTOGRAPHY: Catherine Ledoux Photography GOWNS: La jolie robe

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HAIR: Styled by Talia

MAKEUP: Makeup by MaryK LOCATION: Parc historique de la Pointe-du-Moulin SILK RIBBON: The Maple Den

HERE ARE A FEW OTHER GOLDEN HOUR TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND:

1

Be upfront about your wants and needs with your photographer. They may want to scout your location first, to find the best location to capture the sunset.

2

Be flexible. If that special glow hits during dinner, be prepared to put down your fork and go towards the light!

3

Don’t hold back in front of the camera.

You won’t have long to get photos, so give it your all. Try to be as comfortable and natural as possible, hit those poses and let your smile shine.

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MAKING THE CUT As you begin wedding planning, one of your first duties is to set a head count and start on the guest list. This will be determined by several factors: budget, size of venue and your personal preference. Either way, trimming that guest list can be tricky. Need some help? Take this advice.

4 Start with your top priority people – close family and friends. Figure out your number of must-haves, and then move onto other groups of people.

4 Make decisions with your partner about extended family and work colleagues. Often, if you invite one person from work, you have to invite them all. Go all or nothing.

4 Ignore outside influences. Your parents may have their own guest list. If they are paying for the wedding (which is becoming more and more rare), they may get extra input. Otherwise, the guest list should be your choice alone.

4 Decide on your plus-one policy. Do all singles get to bring a guest? Or only those in relationships? Decide early on and stick to the rule. If you allow one person to bring a guest and not allow another, you might be in for some drama.

4 Stick to your number. If you settle on 100 guests, stick to 100 guests. If you keep adding as you plan, you’ll slowly blow your budget.

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4 Be ruthless. You aren’t here to hurt feelings.

You’re here to celebrate your love with your partner, and allow those important to you to witness it. You can’t help it if someone is offended if they don’t receive an invite. Stick to your plan and do what makes you happy.

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B O A R D S | P H OTO G R A P H Y BY C A P T U R E D BY K ASS

meet me at our s p ot AN INTIMATE WEDDING IN THE MOUNTAINS IS A UNIQUE AND ROMANTIC LOCATION TO EXCHANGE YOUR VOWS. AND EACH TIME YOU RETURN, YOU KNOW IT WILL BE YOUR SPECIAL PLACE. Planning & design: Love Spell Co | Planning & floral design: Floral and Field Design Co. Cake & pastries: Lemonberry Pastries | Stationery & calligraphy: Lovesky Design Inc. Embroidered napkins: Little Stitchy Bee | Dress: Mesilla, Willowby | Groom Attire: Ralph Lauren Hair: Hair Design by Jess | Makeup: Blush Beauty & Co | Models: Reagan & Trevor Maekelburger Videography: Kord & Co | Location: Kananaskis, Alberta

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Fran Sackler Floral Designs UNIQUE FLOWERS FOR THE UNIQUE WEDDING

905 884 5848 •

•

FRANSACKLERFLORALDESIGNS FRAN@FSFLORALS.COM

T O R O N T O

TOLL FREE 416.410.2226 www.acelebritylimousine.com

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B O A R D S | P H OTOS BY C H E L S E A A B R A M P H OTO G R A P H Y

l ast d i s c o TREAT YOURSELF TO ONE LAST BLOWOUT AS A SINGLE! THIS RETRO ROLLER SKATING PARTY IS THE PERFECT WAY TO LET LOOSE AND HAVE SOME FUN BEFORE THE BIG DAY. DON’T FORGET TO HIRE AN EPIC PHOTOGRAPHER TO CAPTURE EVERY MOMENT WITH YOUR BFFS. Coordination & floral design: Unfazed Floral | Photography: Chelsea Abram Photography Location: Studio Three | Cake & desserts: Melanie’s Cakes | Stationery: Write It Out Loud | Décor: Wedding Supply Co. Vintage Rentals: The Oscillitarium | Roller rink: Scooter’s Roller Palace | Silk scarf, ribbons & runner: The Maple Den Dress & accessories: Silk Row Bridal | Hair & makeup: RM Beauty Lounge Models: Rachel Lynn Proud, Juliana Bastone | Videography: Erin Harris Photography

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B O A R D S | P H OTOS BY C H E L S E A A B R A M P H OTO G R A P H Y

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TATTOO STATION No, not real tattoos (although, that might be fun, too). Instead, bring someone in to apply stick-on or paint-on tattoos. Go the extra step and have the “tattoo artists” create a personal wedding logo/tattoo for your friends and family.

WAYS TO ENTERTAIN YOUR GUESTS

FLOWER BAR Simple vases with an assortment of fresh or dried flowers is a treat for everyone.

You can leave the bar as self-serve, or have a professional florist assist with making boutonnieres or floral hair accessories.

Keep your guests happy by offering them something they have never seen before.

Try these unique ideas.

LIVE PAINTING Hire a talented artist to “live paint” the events as they occur. Your guests will love to watch as your wedding appears on canvas in real time.

ACROBATICS If space allows, bring in an acrobatic act or an aerialist to wow the crowd. Set to the right music, acrobatics can be really romantic and beautiful to watch.

istockphoto.com

FORTUNE TELLING If you’re having an outdoor or tented reception, set up an additional tent for tarot card readings or fortune telling.

Guaranteed the crystal ball will reveal many happy wedding guests.

Your Destination Wedding at home... s ,UXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL LOCATED IN 0ORT #REDIT -ISSISSAUGA S VILLAGE ON THE LAKE s %LEGANT AND PICTURESQUE BALLROOM WITH A WALKOUT TERRACE s 4HE &OUR $IAMOND "REAKWATER 2ESTAURANT IS THE PERFECT SETTING FOR YOUR WEDDING B A R

P A T I O

www.watersideinn.ca

!LSO A GREAT VENUE FOR "RIDAL 3HOWERS Y %NGAGEMENT 0ARTIES Y 2EHEARSAL $INNERS NERS Y Y !NNIVERSARIES !NNIVERSARIES

Contact Marlene Barcelos

905-891-7770

or email mbarcelos@watersideinn.ca to learn more about our flexible packages TODAYS B R I DE .C A • 75

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B O A R D S | P H OTO G R A P H Y BY J E SS I C A N OT E LO

pr et t y i n p ea rl s WITH BEAUTIFUL, VIBRANT BLOOMS AND PERFECT PEARL ACCENTS, THIS WEDDING INSPIRATION IS FEMININE, FLIRTY AND FULL OF FUN. Co-creative director, planning & coordination: The Memory Vine Co-creative director, concept creator & photographer: Jessica Notelo Photography Florals: Dream Occasions | Creative styling & décor: Superior Décor and Design | Venue: Storehouse 408 | Calligraphy: Blossoms and Ink Stationery: Paper Palette | Chairs: Divine Furniture Rental | Resin name cards, table numbers, styling boards, mirror: Ivy & Eve Cake: La Pâtissière | Gowns: Moviani | Veils, hairpieces & accessories: Blair Nadeau Bridal Hair & makeup: PearlGirlMakeup | Rings: Sfara Designs | Models: Cacie Carroll & Kevin Woods

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nom nom nom 9 FOODIE FAVOURS THAT ARE SURE TO PLEASE Guests love receiving wedding favours, but aren’t interested in random knickknacks that will just gather dust in their homes. Instead, go with an edible treat.

Search for a local vendor who can provide some spice for your guests. The bottles are usually cute and the sauce definitely won’t go to waste.

Individually packaged doughnuts, macarons or cookies are always a welcome treat – especially on that Uber ride home after the reception!

You can also try cakepops or even pie-pops.

Oil Tiny bottles of olive or rosemary oil look pretty and are handy in the kitchen.

Definitely a wedding favour that will be used.

Honey If you’re having an outdoor or barn wedding, honey looks beautiful on the table. Pair it with a mini honey stir stick or a beeswax candle, and you have a sweet little gift.

(Remember to source your yummy honey from a local farm!)

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Small bottles of wine or liquor are always a hit. Pair them with candy for some extra fun (for example, Fireball shots with cinnamon hearts).

Herbs and spices Go for bottled, dry spices, or a fresh potted herb. Anyone who enjoys cooking will be appreciative of a favour like this.

Hot beverages Packages of tea, coffee or hot chocolate are perfect for fall or winter weddings. Your guests will reminisce about your day as they sip a bevvy on a cold, snowy night.

Palm Tree Studio, istockphoto.com

Sweets

You can’t go wrong with chocolate! Have personalized packaging designed with your names or wedding logo.

Is there anything more Canadian? Everyone loves maple syrup and your friends and family will think of your wedding over breakfast.

Alcohol

Hot sauce

Chocolate bars

Maple syrup

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WEDDING

w ed n e s d a y NEWSLETTER

WWW.TO DAYSB R IDE.CA/SUBSCRIBE-TODAY TODAYS B R I D E .C A • 81

Clockwise from top left: Jessica Notelo • Aniket Sananse Photography & Anamika Events • Summer Hill Weddings • Olive & Bean Photography • Lula King Photo & Film• Karimah Gheddai

GET THE LATEST FASHION TRENDS AND DÉCOR INSPIRATION FROM THE EXPERTS AT TODAY’S BRIDE! PLUS ENTER TO WIN FABULOUS PRIZES AND HONEYMOON GETAWAYS! WWW.TODAYSBRIDE.CA/SUBSCRIBE-TODAY

t o d ay ’s

PLANNING

HOME

MADE Whether you’re creating a wedding registry or just looking to upgrade your housewares, you can’t go wrong with these household must-haves.

From top: SodaStream Fizzi Turn regular water into sparkling water with this cordless, compact gadget. sodastream.ca, $70 • Hamilton Beach Professional Immersion Blender Take your chef skills to the next level. Canadian Tire, $200 • Floral Print Rice Bowls Add some colour to your tabletop. Marshalls, $8 (set of two) • Navy Blue Non-Stick Frying Pan Perfect for making your person a romantic breakfast in bed. HomeSense, $25 • The Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro by Breville Seven appliances in one: air fryer, convection oven, dehydrator, slow clooker, toaster, grill and pizza oven. Plus, can be controlled by an app on your phone! breville.ca, $800. Dyson V12 Detect Slim Vacuum At less than 5 lbs, this cordless vacuum is super powerful, but compact. dysoncanada.ca, $850

TODAYS B R I DE .C A • 82

OO

I promise to be there in comfort, when you need something

I promise to be there when

to warm your soul.

you need a helping hand whipping up your

Professional Programmable Coffee Maker Model 49500

favourite treats.

Perfect coffee every time, high brewing temperature, oversized showerhead and cone brew basket provide optimal extraction.

O

O

Our Promise

Professional 7 Speed Hand Mixer Model 62656

TO YOU

I promise to always mix things up, from making a three-tiered cake to your grandma’s banana bread.

Seven speed with QuickBurst™ at every level, snap on storage case and lockable swivel cord for dual handed used.

O

I promise to keep things sizzling, any night of the

I, Hamilton Beach Professional,

O

take you, newlywed couple, to be your

week and all year round.

constant kitchen companion.

Professional Cast Iron Electric Grill

Through better or worse.

Model 38560

Professional All-Metal Stand Mixer Model 63240 hamiltonbeachprofessional.ca

Complete bowl coverage with planetary mixing action and specialty attachment power hub.

OO

O

O

Removable, pre-seasoned cast iron cooktop sears food on high heat to lock in flavour and can be removed for use on the stovetop or in the oven.

I promise to always lend a hand creating silky sauces, soups to morning smoothies and more.

I promise to be supportive, when you just can’t handle crying again from dicing onions by hand.

O

Professional Hand Blender Model 59750

Professional Spiralizing Stack & Snap™ Food Processor

Versatile blending with LED screen that provides instant speed-bar feedback.

Model 70815

Spiralize veggies with ease into large 12 cup bowl, with easy Stack & Snap™ assembly and no difficult twisting.

Let it be known, I promise to be with you lovingly for all of our days

O

t o d ay ’s

PLANNING

BEST BUDS

FLOWERS ARE THE FOCAL POINT OF YOUR DÉCOR, SO BE SURE TO CHOOSE YOUR BLOOMS WISELY.

WE ASKED D SOME FLORAL EXPERTS FOR THEIR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE FOR WHEN IT COMES TO SELECTING THIS OH-SO-IMPORTANT OH SO IMPORTANT ASPECT OF YOUR WEDDING.

Trust your florist

Find the right personn

SStay t a y iinn sseason ea s on

Go with a vendor you trust and give them full reign of flower types. Do not go scouring Pinterest for individual flowers.

A florist who is talented will take a colour palette and make it come to life with blooms you probably have never even n heard of. Never fails!

Finding a weddi wedding ing g florist who o understands y you our visi ision o is ess ssent entia ial. You ou your vision essential. will be working n c losely y with tthem he to br hem bring n closely your vision n to t life and the hey y need nee to t fo follo low w they follow through. Boo ook ky your florist e arly. You ca ar an Book early. can easily misss out if they are alre ready y boo o ked already booked up for yourr dat date e. Bringing in y ourr fl o st ori s date. your florist early is always yss a good idea be ecau cause e because they c the an help p in i the planning st stages ges a nd d can and su sug gest d es gn ideas to help ttransform esi ransfo ran sform m suggest design yourr venu you v e e. venue.

Seasonal varieties Seasonal Seas var ariet ietie ies of flowers flower flo w s are alw always ays b bes t. Loc Locall ally y grown g season sonal al flowers flowers best.

Locally and seasonal offer m offe ore perso pe erso s na nal a ity ty, m o men ove me t, t more personality, movement, g gor geous us sha shapes pes an and dm ore co ore compl mplex ex col colour our gorgeous more complex palettes. Co pal Consu nsulti lting ng g you y or l desi ora d esigne gnerr iis s Consulting yourr fl floral designer the best way to stay sttay educated ed edu d cat ca ed d and an re reali alisti stic c realistic a bout floral budgets bud udget getss and and sea sseasonality. sonali al ty. ali t about

-STEPH DEVINE, GARDEN OF ADEN FLORALS

Get colourful

-RY -RYAN R AN LONGO, LONGO LO GO, O RL DESIGNS

Do not b be e afraid afra aid d of of colour!! W White hite e and and blush blus bl ush h are the th he most mo t popular pop opul ular ar wedding wedd ddin ing colours colour co urss but but flower global al fl ower shortages ow sho hort rtag agess means they’re t ey th y’r ’re e more mo expensive expensiv ve and harder hard ha rder er When to get. Wh hen it it comes co ome mess down to the day day we pick up your flowers, flow wer ers, s, we’re finding we’ve v ve been shorted so much much of our order that we e have to scramble to find substitutes that sti still ill work for the aesthetic c heartbreaking. and it’s heartbreaking g.

You can avoid all of that that uncertainty by being open to colour. Better er yet, be bold! Give yourr pallete florist your colour palle ete t and trust them to make e magic for you.

-PATRICIA THIBODEAU, UNFAZED FLORAL

TODAYS B R I DE .C A • 84

--SARAH SARAH A SYLVESTER, L ITTLE T SHED FLOWER COMPANY LITTLE

t o d ay’s

LET’S GOOO! TRAVEL IS BACK AND IT’S TIME TO START PLANNING YOUR HONEYMOON. HERE’S WHERE TO GO!

Courtesy of VisitTCI.com

HONEYMOON

Before planning a honeymoon, be sure to check on up-to-date rules and restrictions about travel in your area.

TODAYS B R I DE .C A • 85

honeymoon

T R AV E L | DUBAI

Dubai. Limitless luxury.

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR THE ULTIMATE LUXURIOUS HONEYMOON, THEN THERE IS NO OTHER OPTION THAN DUBAI.

Located in the Persian Gulf, Dubai is the best of the best in everything. From epic architecture, to stunning beaches, to next-level opulence, there’s a reason it is known as The City of Gold. If over-the-top lavishness is your thing, you’ll feel right at home.

Tip: start saving now; this is a pricey trip if you want to go all out. But it’s worth it.

BY AMY BIELBY

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

istockphoto.com

Start your honeymoon off right by flying with the best-of-the-best airline: Emirates. Flying with Emirates will ruin you for all future flights in your life, especially if you go business class or first class. As you enter (from your private lounge, and through priority boarding), you’ll be escorted to your sleeping pod and handed a glass of Champagne. Before you have a chance to take in your surroundings, you’re also offered socks, headphones, blanket, mattress for a bed, sleep mask, and an incredible toiletry bag filled with BVLGARI goodies. Then, settle in, indulge in premium cocktails, select your favourite meal from the menu, binge a show (there are hundreds of viewing options) or go visit the bar/lounge and stretch your legs. Before you know it, that 13-hour flight has flown by (literally) and your Mercedes is waiting on the other end to take you to your hotel.

Burj Al Arab Hotel

Jumeirah Beach Hotel Terrace istockphoto.com Credits: Photography courtesy of xxxxxxxxx

Photography courtesy of Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Burj Al Arab

Flying

Burj Al Arab, Talise Spa

TODAYS B R I DE .C A • 86

Babs Al Shams

Babs Al Shams

istockphoto.com

Atlantis

Atlantis Underwater Suite

The choices are pretty endless when it comes to hotels and resorts. If you’re looking for reasonable (by Dubai standards) then Jumeirah Beach Hotel is a great option. Located right on the beach, the hotel has recently been fully renovated and you have epic views of the Burj Al Arab (especially from your balcony at night). The staff is eager to help with romantic experiences, like bubble baths filled with rose petals, bouquets of flowers waiting in the room (they have an in-house florist), and delicious, sweet desserts delivered to your door.

With the Burj Al Arab right next door, you’ll have to stop by for a tour or a spa treatment.

Dubbed “the best hotel in the world”, you won’t want to miss exploring the iconic building. A tour includes a visit to the Royal Suite, which will level-up your idea of luxury. And unless you have Justin Bieber or Kardashian money, you might want to stick with a smaller room. If you don’t plan on staying, you can relax at the Talise Spa, share a couples massage, and take a dip in the infinity pool, which provides perfect views of the Dubai skyline.

If you’re looking for something completely different, escape to the desert and stay at Babs Al Shams, a hotel nestled among the sand dunes, with a more traditional Arabian look and feel.

Sip a pomegranate cosmo by the infinity pool, or take a nature hike to discover what the desert has to offer. They are currently renovating to make your stay better than ever.

Atlantis is another luxurious option. Atlantis is the focal point of “The Palm” (the man-made islands on to coast of Dubai) and offers rooms surrounded by their underwater aquarium. That’s right. You can hop into the bathtub with views of rays, sharks and hundreds of fish. Sunsets at Atlantis are magical – the perfect romantic ending to your day.

Doing At the top of the list for adventure and romance is a hot air balloon ride. Don’t be nervous. It is the most calm, peaceful feeling – nothing to be scared of. Start your day early with Balloon Adventures Dubai – around 4 a.m. – by heading into the desert in the dark, surrounded by just the sand and stars (keep your eyes on the sky, for shooting stars!). You’ll climb aboard one of half a dozen balloons and float up to 4,000 feet above the desert as you take in the sunrise. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can’t be missed. Upon landing, you’ll make your way to vintage Land Rovers, for a quick trip through the desert, to a Bedouin camp for breakfast and a camel ride.

When your adventure is done, it might be time for some relaxation. There’s no better way than TODAYS B R I D E .C A • 87

Photography courtesy of top to bottom, Babs Al Shams, Atlantis, Balloon Adventures Dubai, Amy Bielby

Staying

T R AV E L | DUBAI

Photography courtesy of Aura Skypool

honeymoon

Aura Skylpool

Burj Khalifa

heading to Aura Skypool, the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool. At 200 metres high, the pool offers views of Dubai like no other. As you make your way around the pool, you’ll be able to see Dubai from every angle. And when you’re done cooling off, sunbathe on one of the many sunbeds and take in the panoramic views (this is done best with a cocktail in hand, of course).

Make sure the Burj Khalifa is on your to-do list.

The skyscraper is the tallest building in the world, standing at 829.8 metres (nearly a kilometre!).

Whether you simply stand outside and marvel at its height, take a tour or visit the observation deck, this is a bucket-list structure you have to see to believe.

At Jumeirah Beach, Bastion is the way to go. The steakhouse serves mouth-watering apps, entrees and desserts. The tableside beef tartare is a musttry and the kiwami wagyu is heaven on a plate.

After dinner, visit Floor 24 for some after-dinner cocktails.

While at Aura Skypool, you can’t miss the sushi.

You’ll want to order a little bit of everything and try as much as you can. Every bite is delicious.

The Atmosphere is the perfect place for a romantic brunch, and the views are nothing short of spectacular. Located on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, you can indulge in a gold cappuccino (yes, it is actually covered in gold) while you take in the epic scenery.

The 9-course tasting experience at Ossiano (a Michelin-star restaurant in Atlantis) is a unique meal that you won’t forget. Chef Grégoire Berger will take you on a culinary journey like nothing you’ve ever experienced. This luxurious dinner is for adventurous eaters only!

TODAYS B R I D E .C A • 88

Photography courtesy of Amy Bielby

Eating

y r u x u L ADVERTORIAL

AND ROMANCE

Look no further than Serenity at Coconut Bay for superlative service, and an all-

inclusive couples-only honeymoon unrivaled in Saint Lucia.

This boutique resort’s 36 expansive Plunge Pool Butler Suites range in size from 1,200 to 1,900 square feet and are designed to provide you with the utmost in comfort and privacy, while surrounding you with the feel of natural Saint Lucia. You may never want to venture out of your romantic suite featuring an oversized soaking tub, glass-enclosed rain shower in an en-suite bathroom, and a four-poster mahogany king bed looking out on your private plunge pool.

In-suite dining is available for all your meals with butlers serving you breakfast in bed and moonlight dinners on your private pool deck. Feel free to indulge your cravings anytime with gourmet 24-hour room service, a picnic for two on Serenity’s mile-long beach, casual dining at the Pool Bar and farm-to-table fine dining at the Greathouse Restaurant.

Your Serenity honeymoon is also customized to your preferences before you arrive, with dining tailored

to accommodate dietary preferences including a culinary consultation with the Chef, and your in-suite bar is also kept fully stocked, and personalized with your favorite top-shelf liquor.

Relax with an intimate pool- or beach-cabana date at award-winning Serenity Pool and on the resort’s mile-long beach.

Recharge in comfort in a poolside cabana furnished with a hand-crafted day bed, a ceiling fan providing a gentle breeze and attendants seeing to fresh towels and cocktails. Enjoy the scenery and fountains

or close the billowy curtains for private ambiance. On the beach, oceanfront cabanas are designed with freshwater showers, daybeds and lounge chairs. Butlers prepare picnic lunches, beverages and snacks and are onhand to refresh everything you need. In the evening cabanas are transformed for romantic candlelit dinners under the stars.

Minutes from Hewanorra International Airport, Serenity at Coconut Bay is conveniently located to explore Saint Lucia’s world-famous attractions.

Choose from exclusive private tours of the most amazing wonders including playing in the mud baths at the world’s only drive-in volcano, swimming under a waterfall, seeing the worldfamous Piton mountains, and spectacular 360° island views at the world’s second highest lighthouse.

Serenity at Coconut Bay is Government of St. Lucia Certified providing comprehensive Paradise Protection Protocols all on 85 oceanfront acres and a mile-long beach assuring easy social distancing and a memorable luxury honeymoon.

To start planning your luxury honeymoon in Saint Lucia’s number one, traveler rated resort on TripAdvisor, call 877-252-0304 or visit serenityatcoconutbay.com. Ask about the Grand Romance Package!

honeymoon

T R A V E L | B Y J E S S I C A K E L LY

Adventure Time IF RELAXATION ISN’T YOUR THING, THEN TAKE THINGS UP A NOTCH FOR YOUR HONEYMOON. IT’S TIME TO GET A LITTLE CRAZY. LET’S GOOOO!

night swim, head over to Creston to check out the UFO Watchtower and maybe even take a gator wrestling lesson at Colorado Gators Reptile Park. Check into Mellow Moon Lodge in Del Start and end in Denver, essentially driving in a Norte for boutique accommodations not far loop, staying in boutique hotels in the area like from the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Catbird Hotel or The Ramble. Check out the Preserve where sandboard and sand slide rentals art all over the city, whether it’s through Denver are available just outside the park. If you’re in Graffiti Tour or Meow Wolf Denver, and dine the mood for something spicey, try some green at some amazing restaurants like Safta in The Source Hotel, Death & Co for cocktails, Snooze chilis at Calvillo’s Mexican Restaurant or Nino’s Del Sol before downing a green chili beer at for pancake flights and more. Discover Mount San Luis Valley Brewing Company. If heights Princeton Hot Springs Resort for romantic getaway in Nathrop, staying right on the property aren’t a worry, then head to the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park in Cañon City to rock climb, in a cozy cabin nestled in the mountains. After enjoying the springs for an evening and a private zipline and ride the skycoaster where you’ll

Colorado

Sandboarding, Canyon Swings and Horseback Riding

TODAYS B R I DE .C A • 92

momentarily freefall before soaring more than 305 metres above the Arkansas River. Settle in at the cabins on the Royal Gorge property for the evening before heading over to Manitou Springs Resort to ride The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the top of Pikes Peak for gorgeous views of the mountains and bighorn sheep. Check into the Garden of the Gods Resort & Club. You can rent horses to ride through the Garden of the Gods with Academy Riding Stables. Be sure to visit Cave of the Winds Mountain Park for the cave tour and Terrordactyl ride where you’re dropped 45 metres into Williams Canyon at almost 160 km/h before looping back to Denver.

istockphoto.com

The wedding is over and it’s time for the honeymoon. Many couples want to take time to relax and unwind after all that event prep, but sitting on a beach isn’t for everybody. For those adventurous couples who are looking for experiences of a lifetime to share together, here are some destinations that will give you adventure, sunshine and quality memories together.

Luxury, Spelunking and Diving

Bermuda is the ideal destination for couples looking to relax in luxury, and have easy access to snorkeling just steps off of the beautiful pink beaches. One of the best things about Bermuda is that you don’t have to take a two-hour boat ride out to find some incredible reefs full of vibrant fish in the area. Check into The Loren at Pink Beach in Tucker’s Town and splurge for a balconycovered suite, allowing you to enjoy local rum cocktails while taking in views of the turquoise waters, rain or shine. The infinity pools on the property are heated and guests have private beach access with snorkel gear available. Just a few moments, and you’ll discover a variety of colourful fish and sea urchins. If the water is calm, and you’re together, guests can swim out a little further to a vibrant coral reef. After a day of swimming, head over to Bermuda’s Crystal Caves to explore the stalactites and teal waters.

Bottom photo courtesy of nautilusliveaboards.com, istockphoto.com

Guadalupe Island

Swim with Great White Sharks

With Shark Diver and Nautilus Liveaboards, the most adventurous couples can experience an opportunity of a lifetime swimming with great white sharks in Guadalupe Island. The company itself leaves from San Diego, California, so couples can enjoy a few days in town first. Plan to arrive early, staying at Hotel Solamar or The Lodge at Torrey Pines where guests can paraglide nearby. Dine at Parakeet Cafe for breakfast, have a glass of Aperol spritz from the tap at Civico by the Park and enjoy margaritas and fish tacos at Puesto at The Headquarters. Check out the Flightline Safari at San Diego Zoo Safari Park to get a bird’s eye view of the animals, explore Balboa Park and visit Everyday California to learn how to kayak surf. When the shark tour is ready to head out, the group will travel together into Mexico, reconvening at a hotel near the marina before boarding the boat and traveling 20 hours to Guadalupe Island. Once the boat anchors, the team will get the cages ready to open the following morning around 6 a.m. They’ll stay open for the next three days, so guests will have in-and-out privileges to view these giant, magnificent creatures from below, no dive certification necessary. In addition to the sharks, you’ll spot fur seals, elephant seals, turtles and plenty of fish.

TODAYS B R I D E .C A • 93

Top photo courtesy of LorenAtPinkBeac, (bottom left to right) istockphoto.com, Unsplash

Bermuda

You and your partner can hike through the jungle, observing tarantulas and other animals along the way.

The group will hike to the beginning of the trail with inner tubes to try their hand at cave tubing. From there, relax in the tube while coasting through a natural cave in the heart of Belize. In addition to cave tubing, there are ATV adventures, ziplining and more, deep in the jungle. If you’re both looking to immerse yourselves in a cultural adventure, head to a local Mayan Village to see the chocolate making process from start to finish with Ke’kchi Chocolate and Culture Tours. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the growing process, tasting the fruit right from the pod, before heading into the village to observe and help with the chocolate process. Afterwards, guests will be guided into a local family‘s kitchen where there will be a chance to help make tortillas in a hot pepper oil from scratch using their handmade kitchen tools. It’s truly a unique cultural experience and a great way to dive deep into the local cultural practices. Splurge on a stay nearby at Royal Belize, the gorgeous 5-star resort right on the coast.

Honduras

Snorkeling and BOSS Scooters along The Medoamerican Barrier Reef

Travel to Honduras via Regents of the Seven Seas to observe the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, one of the largest in the world, second to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Cruise ships can often be associated with kids taking over the pools, kitchy contests and overindulging in a mediocre buffet full of lukewarm food, but not Regents. They’re extremely adult focused, with classy entertainment like live music, excellent food with multiple sit-down restaurants included in the price, spacious accommodations where every room has its own balcony and walk-in closets, and top-shelf cocktails. Sign up for a snorkeling trip through Regents, or independently, that will take you both on a catamaran through the shores of Honduras, along the turquoise waters. At the reef, snorkelers can expect to see starfish, squid, and a wide variety of colorful fish. Whether you both snorkel the reefs freely or sign up for the BOSS underwater scooter experience, you’ll get to view these incredible coral reefs and the wildlife surrounding them as a newly married couple.

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TODAYS B R I D E .C A • 9 4

istockphoto.com

Cave Tubing and Cultural Mayan Chocolate Village Exploration

Inset photo courtesy of BOSS scooters, istockphoto.com

Belize

Looking THE G OOD ULTIMATE DESTINATION

A DV E RTO R I A L

WEDDING & HONEYMOON AT SANDALS® RESORTS IN BARBADOS

WHAT COULD BEAT THE MOST ROMANTIC WEDDING AND HONEYMOON IMAGINABLE SET IN THE TROPICAL PARADISE OF BARBADOS? Well, try those two special occasions rolled into one and there you have it!

Welcome to your dream WeddingMoon® at one of Sandals two all-inclusive resorts in Barbados. The island lures you with its cosmopolitan style and endless pristine beaches, where you can choose from one of two chic resort playgrounds: Sandals Barbados or Sandal Royal Barbados. Every love story deserves nothing but the best and a Sandals 5-Star Luxury Included® wedding and honeymoon in Barbados offers nothing but the perfect vision, as unique as your love story. Pick and choose to your hearts delight, making the entire experience very personalized with all the extras to make your most special day even more extraordinary. The WeddingMoon® becomes complete the moment you say “I Do” and the most romantic honeymoon of a lifetime begins.

Be guided into a Caribbean paradise for an exclusive all-inclusive honeymoon at Sandals Barbados, in

the spirited St. Lawrence Gap area.

You can choose between honeymoon accommodations spanning three unique villages and designed to feature everything from ocean views, personal butler service, and zeroentry lagoon pool, as well as private Tranquility Soaking Tubs™ on most patios and terraces. With worldclass cuisine at 11 unique restaurants, innovative bars and pool designs, and a nightlife like none other, you’ll have nothing but the best at your fingertips for your entire stay.

Or you can book your honeymoon at the all-suite Sandals Royal Barbados. With love top of mind, newlyweds will discover luxurious accommodations that defy every convention of traditional design, like pools suspended in the sky and Rondoval™ Butler Suites, all with signature amenities that offer an escape like no other. Plus, guests staying in top-tier suites enjoy VIP service that begins plane-side, where a Sandals

representative is waiting to escort and fast track you through immigration and customs, and get you on your way in style with a private RollsRoyce transfer. Yet you’ll feel the royal treatment all around with a number of Sandals firsts—a beachfront glassfronted infinity pool, a 4-lane bowling alley with a craft beer bar, two healthinspired restaurants, and a rooftop pool overlooking the heavenly beach.

When it comes to the most romantic places in the Caribbean, there are none better than Barbados, with some of the best and most coveted beaches in the world. Plus, when you book at either of these Sandals Resorts, you’ll experience two honeymoons in one with an exclusive exchange privilege with the Sandals Resort located next door, for a fully immersive Luxury Included® experience and access to endless amenities.

That means 5-Star Global Gourmet™ dining at up to 20 restaurants, unlimited premium liquors at up to 14 bars, every land and watersport under the sun, including scuba diving for certified divers, and more. So go ahead, and book soon to enjoy the latest promotional offers including up to $1,000 in Instant Credit*.

For more information: www.sandals.com/honeymoons, call 1.877.SANDALS, or contact your travel advisor.

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED

*Visit www.sandals.com/disclaimers/todaysbridefallwin22san or call 1.800.SANDALS for important terms and conditions. Sandals® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc. is an affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts.

A moment i n time a lifetime of memories

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honeymoon

T R AV E L | TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

Passion for Providenciales Privacy is the new luxury on a honeymoon to the gleaming Turks and Caicos.

BY DOUG WALLACE

TODAYS B R I DE .C A • 9 8

Home base is heavenley.

Off to the quiet side, on what is the roomiest section of Grace Bay Beach, away from the family all-inclusives and personal watercraft sits your honeymoon home base, the new Wymara Resort and Villas. A stretch of umbrellas the colour of the sand couldn’t be more inviting and there is seemingly never a lineup for chairs – just pick your spot and the towels appear.

The Canadian-owned Wymara, part of the Leading Hotels of the World collection, turned the pandemic down-time into a productive $10 million renovation. A modern, beachchic feel draws a younger clientele into the 90 rooms and suites, all with large bathrooms, luxe amenities, roomy seating and stocked kitchens.

Honeymooners settle into quiet, private cabanas on the beach or around the 650-square-metre infinity pool, which looks out to the sea beyond.

The resort’s Caribbean-forward Indigo is the number-one restaurant in town, as is the weekly beach barbecue, which brings everyone together

Photography courtesy of; (top left, below right) Visit TCI.com, Doug Wallace (top right)

he sky, the sand, the sea – it’s a winning trifecta, the simplest of ingredients, the cornerstone of the best, most relaxing honeymoon imaginable. And among the dozens of islands and cays of the Turks and Caicos, you’ll find these soothing elements set within myriad permutations of a thousand shades of blue.

This British territory, two sets of tropical islands separated by the Turks Island Passage, sits at the south end of the Bahamas, just north of the Dominican Republic. Nine inhabited islands play host to about 1.5 million visitors each year – and you could join them.

“Beautiful by nature” is more than just a clever marketing slogan here, it is a reality. The cerulean waters, soft trade winds, white sand, limestone cliffs and tropical dry forest create an idyllic environment, as if you were walking in a postcard. The sun shines an incredible 350 days of the year.

While hundreds of tourist brochures make mention of their pristine beaches, Turks and Caicos can actually mean it. The marine scene is unparalleled and the beaches beyond extraordinary, particularly Grace Bay Beach on the island of Providenciales, where most of the nation’s top resorts are congregated. Little wonder: this five-kilometre stretch of sand is continually voted the best beach in the world in the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice awards – no rocks, no seaweed, no pollution. Taken with its neighbours Leeward Beach and Bight Beach, the strip is just over 11 kilometres. A barrier reef about 1.6 kilometres offshore keeps the waters safe and calm.

on the sand for fried fish, smoked brisket, grilled lobster and live music.

Those looking for more privacy, a bit more space or a few more bedrooms, opt for the Wymara Villas on the south side of the island on Turtle Tail Bay, an ever-growing string of palatial multi-bedroom, multi-level luxury apartments.

Astoundingly, the water is even more aqua over here.

Providenciales has a plethora of other Grace Bay luxury, with honeymoon-worthy elegance and service to be found at a number of storied resorts, including The Palms, The Shore Club and The Ritz-Carlton. Just off-island, the upscale seclusion of Parrot Cay, Pine Cay and Ambergris Cay also yields a wealth of papering and privacy for special-occasion celebrants.

winged board, surfacing for air when need be.

Another new watersport quickly catching on is electric foil surfing, which combines surfing with kite-boarding. Here, an electric motor and hydrofoil wings pull your board out of the Parasailing? For sure. Paddling of all kinds can water as your speed increases. And for the truly occupy a relaxing few hours, too. Active visitors adventurous, flyboarding may be something to can also take lessons in kite-surfing, kite-boarding add to the to-do list. This is a jetpack experience and wind-surfing, as well as waterskiing and that sends you a few metres above the waves with wake-boarding. a water propulsion system you control with your With sub-winging, a rider is pulled at slow speeds feet and legs. Who knows? This could very well underwater by a boat, holding onto a small, be your new thing. passage between the Turks and Caicos islands to see humpbacks gracefully making an annual migration to their winter breeding grounds farther south.

Photography courtesy of Wymara Resort

Which way to the beach?

Recreation in Turks and Caicos is undoubtedly all about the water – and we don’t mean just staring out to sea, although that’s fun, too.

The scuba diving is splendid beyond words, the coral reefs and marine life truly vibrant and the excellent visibility a welcome plus. The variety, too, is special, with adventurers able to choose from beach diving, cruise diving, wreck and reef diving – all available within a very short distance of each other. There are plenty of little nooks and crannies to go snorkeling in as well, with the equipment easy to procure, most often from your resort itself.

Boat charters will take you out to fish the wide-open sea or wind you around the coastline with a drink in your hand. Whale-watching from December to March draws boats to the TODAYS B R I DE .C A • 9 9

Enter to win A honeymoon to

OUTRIGGER KONA RESORT & SPA IN HAWAI‘I

WIN YOUR WAY TO HAWAI‘I! START DREAMING NOW

When you think of the perfect honeymoon, Hawai‘i must be at the top of the list.

It is has something for every couple – the adventurous, the laid-back, and, of course, the romantic.

This epic prize includes round-trip airfare by Air Canada and a six-night stay at Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, on the Kona Coast of Hawai‘i.

You’ll experience all that Hawai‘i has to offer: the stunning sunsets, the warm ocean breeze, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

Jump in the water and snorkel with manta rays, tour a coffee farm, hike a volcano or partake in a whale-watching excursion to view the beauty of the humpbacks.

In your downtime, chill by the pool or get a massage (you can even get one in your own room!).

To Enter Contest and to View Full Contest Rules and Prize Details Visit todaysbride.ca/contests Terms and Conditions: *No purchase necessary. The contest begins at 1:00 PM EST August 1, 2022 and ends at 11:59PM EST December 31, 2022. The decisions of the judges are final and not subject to appeal. Winner must be a legal resident and must have reached the age of majority in their province of residence. Winner must not be an employee, a representative of Hawai‘i Tourism Canada, Air Canada or Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa and their subsidiaries and affiliates, media partners, advertising and promotional agencies.

Winner must not be a member of the immediate family (parents, children, siblings and spouse, regardless of where they are domiciled) of any of the aforementioned and persons with whom any of the aforementioned are domiciled.

Reservations for flight must be booked, within 4 weeks of the winner accepting notification of their prize pack.

Valid for travel on Air Canada, Air Canada Express and Air Canada Rouge scheduled flights only. Space is subject to availability in Q (Economy) Class at time of booking, and all travel is to be completed by 31 December 2023. Flights does not qualify for Aeroplan mileage accumulation or for mileage accumulation in another frequent flyer program.

If the travellers are unable to travel in accordance with the above or unavailable date restrictions, the winner shall be deemed to have forfeited the prize and another winner will be chosen. Please see remaining rules and regulations online at todaysbride.ca/contests

Enter to win this trip of a lifetime.

TODAYS B R I D E .C A • 1 0 0

Say “I Love You” the Hawaiian way:

GoHawaii.com/ca @gohawaiica

Photo: HawaiAi Tourism Authority (HTA) / Ben Ono

FALL IN LOVE with Hawai‘i

When you think of the perfect honeymoon destination, Hawai‘i is at the top of the list and always has been. The sweet-smelling air, the stunning environment, the adventure and the romance.

There are six major islands to visit in Hawai‘i: Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, Maui, and the Island of Hawai‘i! Each has its own distinct personality, adventures, activities and sights.

With so many options for honeymooners to choose from, there is something for everyone.

Island of Hawai‘i The Island of Hawai‘i is the youngest and largest island in the Hawai‘ian chain. Nearly twice as big as all of the other Hawai‘ian Islands combined, its sheer size is awe-inspiring.

From the many geological features at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park to the snow-capped heights of Maunakea; from the lush valleys of the Hilo and H– am– akua Coasts to the jet-black sands of Punalu‘u Beach, the Island of Hawai‘i is an unrivaled expression of the power of nature.

Maui Maui, known also as “The Valley Isle,” is the second largest Hawai‘ian island. The island beloved for its world-famous beaches, the sacred Iao Valley, views of migrating humpback whales (during winter months), farm-to-table cuisine and the magnificent sunrise and sunset from Haleakal– a. It’s not surprising Maui has been voted “Best Island in the U.S.” by Condé Nast Traveler readers for more than 20 years.

O‘ahu Sometimes called “The Gathering Place,” O‘ahu certainly lives up to its name. The third largest Hawai‘ian island is home to the majority of Hawai‘i’s diverse population, a fusion of East and West cultures rooted in the values and traditions of the town and country. It’s this fundamental contrast between the ancient and the modern that makes discovering O‘ahu — from bustling city life to laidback surf towns — so enjoyable.

Kaua‘i Kaua‘i is Hawai‘i’s fourth largest island and is sometimes called the “Garden Island,” which is an entirely accurate description. The oldest and northernmost island in the Hawai‘ian chain is draped in emerald valleys, sharp mountain spires and jagged cliffs aged by time and the elements. Some parts of Kaua‘i are only accessible by sea or air, revealing views beyond your imagination. You can kayak the Wailua River, snorkel on Po‘ip-u Beach, hike the trails of Koke‘e State Park, or go ziplining above Kaua‘i’s lush valleys.

Moloka‘i Hawai‘i’s fifth largest island, Moloka‘i remains true to its island roots, with a high percentage of its population being of Native Hawai‘ian ancestry who continue to preserve their rural lifestyle thanks to their love of the land.

Whether you’re led by a guide along the cliffs leading to Kalaupapa National Historical Park or discovering Papohaku Beach, one of

TODAYS B R I DE .C A • 1 02

Hawai‘i’s largest white-sand beaches, Moloka‘i is truly an island of outdoor adventure where Hawai‘i’s past comes alive!

Lana‘i The smallest inhabited island travelers may visit in Hawai‘i, Lana‘i offers big enticements to its visitors. Only nine miles from Maui yet a world away, Lana‘i can feel like two places.

The first is found in luxurious resorts where visitors can indulge in world-class amenities and championship-level golf. The other is found bouncing along the island’s rugged back roads in a 4-wheel-drive vehicle to explore off-thebeaten-path treasures.

Having so many options means the planning of the perfect honeymoon or destination wedding is so easy. You’re guaranteed to find something to match your personality.

When visiting, consider this: Several organizations offer opportunities for visitors to pay it forward, like beach clean-ups, native tree planting, and more. That relationship between people and place grows stronger every time you malama (give back). When you give back – to the land, the ocean, the wildlife, the forest, the fishpond, the community – you’re part of a virtuous circle that enriches everything and everyone, including your experience as a visitor.

gohawaii.com/ca

honeymoon

T R A V E L | C A R TA G E N A , C O L O M B I A

Cartagena charm You’ll fall in love with this magical Colombian city.

BY DANIELLE ANDREWS, PRESIDENT OF WEDDING PLANNERS INSTITUTE OF CANADA

ith a constant year-round temperature of 32° Celsius, Cartagena is a truly magical destination with bright, sunny days and warm, sultry nights.

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting for wedding and event planning, family adventures and for a romantic holiday. Cartagena just gets better with every visit.

If you’re marrying there, before your honeymoon, know that there are so many beautiful and unique places to have a wedding.

Many centuries-old monasteries and churches have been converted into stunning, romantic venues. Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena is one of the most popular wedding venues, 1850 is another stunning converted church, and one of my absolute favourites is Casa Santos de Piedra, a fairly new conversion in Getsemani that boasts two levels of event space, plus a gorgeous rooftop ceremony area. It just so happens to be directly across the street from my Colombian home away from home, Hotel Capellan de Getsemani.

Getting married in Cartagena is fairly easy.

You can either choose to get legally married your home country, or you will need a valid passport, a “Visa in force” or permission of the Administrative Department of Security (if applicable), an officially authenticated

birth certificate issued within the last 90 days (translated into Spanish and apostilized by the Foreign Ministry, a wedding application (signed by the couple), and an authentic certificate of no impediment or a certificate of singleness. If you wish to have a Catholic Church ceremony there are few more steps with the church, and you or your intended must be of Catholic faith.

Your wedding money will go much further in Colombia; flowers, entertainment and décor are a fraction of what they are in North America, so bring in those gorgeous dancers, and order all the local confections!

I highly recommend staying in one of the beautiful historic boutique hotels in the walled city or Getsemani for your romantic adventure. Most have rooftop pools and hot tubs overlooking the city. We booked a private outdoor jacuzzi suite and it was so special with the bubbles, candlelight, and wine. If you do choose a smaller boutique hotel for your wedding, you could arrange a buyout and it would only be you and your wedding guests staying there!

If larger resorts are more your style, Bocagrande is the tourist area and has many large hotels and resorts right on the beach. There are many great restaurants and it’s so nice to walk along the beach holding hands underneath the stars, with a

TODAYS B R I D E .C A • 1 03

view of Old Town all lit up in the distance.

There are so many things to do and explore in Cartagena, a walk through Centenario Park to see the wild monkeys and sloths that live in the treetops right in the middle of the city. A coffee tasting experience in Colombia is a given. A street food tour of the old city is a must, as is a day trip to the Rosario Islands for snorkelling and beautiful white beaches. One of my highlights there was a massage on the beach.

A quick taxi ride can take you to the highest point in Cartagena: La Popa Convent. Take in the amazing city views, as well as the art, museum and gilded chapel of the gorgeous convent built in 1607. History buffs will enjoy a tour of the old fort, Castillo de San Felipe.

The culinary scene in Cartagena is simply spectacular and must be enjoyed in the old walled city, either on a rooftop or in an amazing courtyard, but only after watching the sun set while sipping cocktails on top of the fortified wall.

After a wonderful meal, you can stroll hand-inhand over to Plaza de La Trinidad in Getsemani and dance in the square with the locals – there is a street party every single night!

With the beautiful charm and magical feeling of Cartagena, I truly can’t think of a more romantic destination in the Caribbean.

Left and right image: istockphoto.com

Centre: Photography by Pedraza Producciones

A Honeymoon to Remember BEGIN YOUR NEW LIFE TOGETHER IN PARADISE and we’ll make your honeymoon everything you dreamed it would be. With endless land and water sports, 5-Star Global Gourmet™ dining at up to 22 exceptional restaurants, unlimited pours of premium liquors, and nightly entertainment, Beaches

®

Resorts is all-inclusive, all the time, anytime.

From the most beautiful beaches to the most romantic suites in the Caribbean, your honeymoon will be perfect in every way.

JAMAICA • TURKS & CAICOS Voted World’s Best 24 Years in a Row At the World Travel Awards

BEACHES.COM/HONEYMOONS • 1-877-BEACHES Or Call Your Travel Advisor Beaches® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc. is an affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Beaches Resorts.

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DISCOVER THE LATEST BEAUTY PRODUCTS.

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OF THE LATEST DECOR TRENDS.

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LISTINGS FOR THE PERFECT VENDORS.

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TODAYS B R I DE .C A • 1 0 6

Clockwise from top left: EC3 Moments • Jessica Notelo Photography • Alexandra Del Bello • Nova Markina • istockphoto.com • Summer Hill Weddings

NEED A HAND WITH PLANNING? HERE’S WHAT WE’LL HELP YOU DO:

t o d ay’s

Photography: Karimah Gheddai; Planning: Weddings with Nia (remaining credits on page 56)

FA S H I O N

NOT SURE WHAT GOWN IS RIGHT FOR YOU? HERE ARE JUST A FEW IDEAS TO HELP YOU FIGURE OUT YOUR WEDDING DAY STYLE.

TODAYS B R I D E .C A • 1 07

t o d a y ’s

FA S H I O N

HELLO Photographer | Lise Varrette Styling | Aliecia Brissett Hair & makeup | Caitlin Cullimore Models | Christine & Destiny, b&m Florals | Flower Baby Floristry, Unfazed Floral

Photography assistant | Mario Grassa

Dress: Rivini, Austin Bag: ALDO Earrings & bracelets: Pandora

Dress: Watters, Yavanna Earrings: Etereo Rings: Pandora Bouquet: Unfazed Floral Background florals: Flower Baby Floristry

Dress: Mikaella, style #2403 Shoes: Nina Nayema

Rings & bracelets: Pandora Earrings: ALDO

Dress: Alyne, Frances Earrings: Etereo Bouquet: Flower Baby Floristry Background florals: Unfazed Floral

Rings: Lovers & Liars Necklace: ALDO

Dress: Watters, Frances Ring & earrings: Pandora Florals: Flower Baby Floristry

Dress: Mikaella, style #2408 Bag & headband: ALDO

Dress: Paloma Blanca, style #4975 Earrings: Etereo Gloves: Stylist’s own Shoes: ALDO Background florals: Flower Baby Floristry

Jewelry: Pandora

t o d ay ’s

FA S H I O N

décolleté Dresses all come down to the details, and focusing on the neck line is becoming more and more important. From asymmetry to mock necks to fully open décolletage, find the neckline that works for you.

Credits (clockwise, top left): Justin Alexander, LoveShackFancy, Ines Di Santo, Savannah Miller, Savannah Miller, Mikaella, Paloma Blanca

lillianwest.com

Credits (clockwise, top left): Dana Harel, Mira Zwillinger, Mira Zwillinger, Justin Alexander, Enaura, Reem Acra, Rami Al Ali

TODAYS B R I D E .C A • 1 2 0

R t o d a y ’s

FA S H I O N

RENE GADE FASHION

NOT INTERESTED IN FRILLS AND LACE? DO YOUR OWN THING AND OWN IT. Not everyone wants to look like a princess on their wedding day. And with the way weddings and venues are changing, fashion is moving right along, too. Your look should suit your venue, your vibe and your personality. Don’t compromise for anyone. Do you.

PHOTOS BY DESI R EE SER HA N PHOTOGR A PHY

WARDROBE: Zara FLORALS: Enchanted Atelier COUPLE: Daina & Jean

TODAYS B R I D E .C A • 1 2 3

Mix up your style between hard and soft.

Jackets are an amazing way to take your look to a completely different level.

Go easy, with denim, or really elevate your style with a leather jacket (yes, even over a wedding dress). Accessories will tell your story.

A L L U R E B R I D A L S . C O M

t o d ay ’s

FA S H I O N

SHOE

SHINE

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When it comes to your wedding footwear, you’ll want two things: shoes that makes a statement and shoes that won’t make you want to cut your feet off. Your best bet: a ceremony shoe and a reception shoe.

Heels are pretty and sexy.

Sneakers are cute and comfy.

Boots are just plain cool.

Make your choice.

From top, down: Aldo, Aldo, Bella Belle, Bella Belle, Vans Old School Platforms, Michael Kors Tilda Quilted Leather Combat Boot

TODAYS B R I D E .C A • 1 2 6

t o d a y ’s

HAPPY ENDINGS

Language Suffering from writer’s block when it comes to your vows? These romantic TV quotes might be just the inspiration you need.

–KHAL DROGO, GAME OF THRONES

Ever since I was young I never really understood anything about the world, and I never understood anything that happened in my life. The only thing that ever made sense to me was you, and how I felt about you. That’s all I’ve ever known, and that’s enough, that’s enough for me, for the rest of my life.

– CO RY M AT T H E WS , B OY M E E T S WO R L D

There’s no denying that I have feelings for you that can’t be explained in any other way. I briefly considered that I had a brain parasite, but that seems even more farfetched. The only conclusion was love.

– S H E L D O N CO O P E R , T H E B I G B A N G T H E O RY

I love that you are still the most beautiful woman in any room and that you laugh with your entire face. I love that you dance funny, not sexy, which makes it even sexier, but most of all, I love that you are still the same woman who all those years ago ran out of a blind date because she simply had to sing. You’re not just my great love story, Rebecca, you are my big break.

It’s like my life isn’t even real to me unless you’re there, and you’re in it, and I’m sharing it with you.

–LU K E DA N E S , G I L M O R E G I R LS The boat was actually Plan C, the church was Plan B, and Plan A was marrying her a long, long time ago.

Pretty much the day I met her.

–JIM HALPERT, THE OFFICE

– JAC K P E A R S O N , T H I S I S U S

In my time working for the state government, my job sent me to 46 cities in 11 years. I lived in villages with eight people, rural farming communities, college towns. I was sent to every corner of Indiana. And then I came here, and I realized that this whole time I was just wandering around everywhere, looking for you.

She’s so beautiful that when you look at her, your knees tremble, your heart melts, and you know, without reservation, that there is order and meaning to the universe.

– B E N WYAT T, PA R KS A N D R E C R E AT I O N

–T E D M O S BY, H OW I M E T YO U R M OT H E R

- PAC E Y W I T T E R , DAW SO N ’ S C R E E K

Everyone comes with baggage. Find someone who loves you enough to help you unpack.

THREE WORDS. EIGHT LETTERS. SAY IT, AND I’M YOURS. – B L A I R WA L D O R F , GOSSIP GIRL

When I was growing up, I didn’t have a normal mom and dad, or a regular family like everybody else, and I always knew that something was missing. But now I’m standing here today, knowing that I have everything I’m ever gonna need. You are my family.

– P H O E B E B U F FAY , F R I E N D S

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I’ve spent most of my life not knowing what right was supposed to feel like. And then I met you and everything changed. You make me feel right.

PAT R I C K B R E W E R , SC H I T T ’ S C R E E K

TODAYS B R I DE .C A • 1 2 8

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Top: Unsplash.com/Crystal Shaw; Istockphoto.com

You are the moon of my life.

That is all I know, and all I need to know. And if this is a dream, I will kill the man who tries to wake me.

WE. CREATE. MAGIC.

An elegant chapel, a terrace by the sea, lush green gardens. Wherever your journey takes you, Palladium Hotel Group has the destination you’ve always dreamed of.

Happily ever afters begin here.

For more information, please contact your travel professional, visit

PALLADIUMWEDDINGS.COM or call 1.866.865.8524

MEXICO | DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | JAMAICA

A lifetime of memories for the two of you

C R E AT E M O M E N T S W O R T H S AV O U R I N G Begin a lifetime of preparing delicious food with Wolf Gourmet, the brand that marries beautiful design with superior performance. Cooking together is a wonderful experience for newly married couples and Wolf Gourmet countertop appliances and kitchen tools are thoughtful gifts for couples that love to create in the kitchen.

You will prepare every meal with confidence for exceptional results every time - and a lifetime of moments worth savouring.

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