Summer 2014 Issue

ASK JANE

DAYUS-HINCH

Weddings

Real Local SUM 14

SPRING 2014 • $6.99

42

Michael Bonacini

Talks Food Trends

Jack: Magical Arts Specialist

Exclusive Interview With

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25274 99781

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Pnina Tornai SUMMER 2014 |

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Table of Contents Creatives 18

My Bridal Boudoir

22

Up and Coming

50

Blushing Bride

Perfect Proposals

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12

Chantal and Curtis

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Rachel and Spencer

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Brittany and Justin

Industry Experts 7

Ask Jane Dayus-Hinch

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Simply Beautiful

47

Financial Health Check

48

Designer’s Corner

49

Physically Fit

Crème de la Crème

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14

45 44

Sweet Creations

45

Nanny D’s Custom Cakes

46

Chubby Bunny

Feature Articles

Real Weddings

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Should I Rent or Buy My Dress?

30

Lacey and Justin

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Yellow Brick Road to DIY

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Ben and Lisa

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Summer 2014 Colour Trends

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Dennis and Marcela

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The Up and Coming

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Imma and Michael

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Jack: Magical Arts Specialist

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Maral and Mohsen

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Pnina Tornai - Wedding Trends

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Kasia and Allan

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Michael Bonacini - Food Trends

62

Tatiana and Aman

58

Jay Sese: Live Portrait Artist

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Is your Wedding Planner

WPIC Certified? www.WPIC.ca

The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada Inc. An Institute of Higher Learning since 2003 www.WPIC.ca

Editor’s Note

Dear Brides, Grooms and Wedding Enthusiasts,

After a very long, cold, and dreary winter, we know you are craving inspiration and warmth.

This Summer 2014 issue is just what you need to put you back into planning mode. Between the real weddings, perfect proposal, advice from industry experts, gorgeous cakes, and stunning stylized shoots, your wedding will be planned in no time. Don’t forget to give our amazing, reputable vendors a call to see just how they can turn your wedding day into your perfect day! A special thanks to the hard working teams that created wedding magic in the creative shoots. They always aim to inspire and stretch the imagination, showing brides that they never have to settle for something inside of the “regular” or the “usual” wedding template.

We were also very blessed in this issue to be able to showcase exclusive interviews we conducted with the best of the best in our industry. Pnina Tornai, a bridal designer from Israel, whose designs have graced Kleinfeld Bridal in the USA and now do the same at the Canadian locations through The Bay. Michael Bonaci, Master Chef and part of the duo Oliver & Bonacini talks food trends and how to wow your guests in this area of your wedding.

We were also able to interview Jack: Magical Arts Specialist and gather what he can bring to your wedding. As he says, think of him as that extra shot of alcohol to keep the party going.

There are many more exciting stories in the magazine to read and to be inspired by.

Without further ado, I present to you, The Summer 2014 issue of The Wedding Planner Magazine. Enjoy!

CARMELINA KARAS EDITOR AND C.E.O.

On The Cover

The wedding planner magazine PUBLISHER

The Wedding Planning Magazine E D I TO R - I N - C H I E F

Carmelina Karas C R E AT I V E D I R E C TO R A N D L AYO U T DESIGNER

Margarita Oudalova L AYO U T A RT I S T A N D G R A P H I C DESIGNER

Heather Attewell CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alysa Baker Angela Hickman Arti Patel Andre McCalmont Christin Twitchin Courtney Wattie Elizabeth Kogan Heather Nedham Helen Kats Jane Dayus-Hinch Jesse So Jessica Bianchi Kimberly Clark Necole Raquel James Renu Eapen P H OTO G R A P H E R S

Photographer:Valter Mendes • mendesphotography.com Model: Melissa Otting Hair: Olivia Carli • www.ariabeautyandsupply.com Makeup: Helena Livshiz • www.makeupbyhelena.ca

Anne Edgar Bill Giannos Dan Osadstuk Nathan Kwok Marcie Costello Randy Lange Raph Nogal

Floral and Decor Designs: Shelley Da Silva • www.weddingwowstoronto.ca

W W W. W E D D I N G P L A N N E R M A G . C A

Photographer’s Assistant: Ardean Peters

FA C E B O O K : / W E D D I N G P L A N G TA

• www.mynameisardean.com Stylist:Vanessa Di Palma • www.sposaitalia.com Wardrobe and Jewellery: Sposaitalia • www.sposaitalia.com

T W I T T E R : @ W E D D I N G M A G G TA INFO@WEDDINGPLANNERMAG.CA

Should I Rent or Buy my Dress?

B Y C O U RT N E Y WAT T I E PHOTOGRAPHY: RAPH NOGAL PHOTOGRAPHY

you’re a bridal fashionista living in the GTA, your options for wedding Ifgowns are endless. With ease of availability and an excess of styles and

trends, renting your gown isn’t only for those who want be thrifty! You can expect a designer gown rental to cost $400-$600, which includes the cost of alterations and dry cleaning. You’re limited in terms of customizability, but if you find the right designer gown on rental, this option could save you a lot without you having to sacrifice style for cost.

Looking for a bargain buy? You may want to consider buying your gown!

With seasonal sales like David’s Bridal’s $99 Dress Sale, or Windfall Bridal’s year round new and donated discount dresses, you’ll be able to hunt down a bridal gown that fits your body and your budget! There are secondhand bridal boutiques popping up all over the city with new and gently worn dresses.

Keep in mind that like other fashion trends, bridal stores have a high and low seasons. So, if you really want to find a great deal try shopping for your dress in the fall, when the bridal stores are more likely to go on clearance from summer weddings and liquidating “last year’s model”.

GO TO BRIDAL SHOWS. Even if you’re not looking for all the vendors and excitement that come along with these shows, the one thing you can count on are the dress deals. Whether there are dresses for sale on location (expect a hot price), or a coupon providing you 20% OFF, you’re bound to walk out with some great deals.

ASK FOR INCLUSIONS. You may not always be in a position to barter, but you won’t know until you ask! Ask if you can have the taxes thrown in if you pay in full today, or if they’d come down in price that extra $50. If you shop for your dress during the slow season, you’re more likely to squeak away with a little extra bang for your buck!

DON’T FORGET ALTERATIONS. When considering the final price of the gown, you will also want to quote out alterations the dress will need. Often times the store you purchased your dress from will offer in-house alterations. You may get a discount on your alterations for purchasing your dress and booking your fittings together. Feeling brave?

Try your hand at negotiating.

Whether you’re renting and returning your gown, or pre-planning your trash the dress photoshoot, you can find hot deals on your wedding gear at weddinggirl.ca/marketplace.

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industry experts

Ask Jane Dayus-Hinch

Jane Dayus-Hinch is the host of the TV show ‘Wedding SOS’ which was filmed in Ontario and NYC. Jane has been a wedding planner for the past 30 years and has won countless awards for her life-long services to the wedding industry. Her knowledge and expertise is sought all across the world as a guru of all wedding knowledge and is pleased to be a contributor to the Wedding Planner Magazine.

Jane has always encouraged couples to embrace their culture and to uphold their customs and traditions.

There are so many to choose from. The most common is “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue, and something for luck a sixpence in your shoe to make all your wishes and dreams come true”. What is the meaning behind this rhyme? Something old bestows your ancestors’ blessings upon you.

Something new is your new status in life as a married woman.

Something borrowed should be from a happily married woman as a blessing of luck for your new life. Something blue personifies the Virgin Mary. Something for luck is a Greek custom involving three silver coins. One is given to a stranger, one is given to the Mother in Law and the last one is put in the Bride’s shoe so as she was carried over the threshold, she took wealth into her home.

Another common tradition in wedding is the bride carrying a bouquet of flowers. But why flowers, other than the obvious visual appeal? In years gone by when clothing was dark colours, long to the floor, no dry cleaning and very little washing, it was a congregation of the great ‘unwashed’. A Bride should only eat the best food, drink the finest wine, and smell beautiful things on her wedding day. So a Bride would carry a tussie mussie and hold it to her nose in Church so that she could breathe in the delicate perfume of the flowers. This has evolved into every Bride carrying a bouquet of flowers. Everything on a wedding day has meaning and value, from the throwing of confetti, to the red carpet, to the cutting of the cake, and even the gown and the veil. All of these traditions will be revealed upcoming issues of The Wedding Planner Magazine so make sure to keep reading!

Do you have any wedding questions you would like answered? Send an email re: Ask Jane Dayus-Hinch at info@weddingplannermag.ca.

-- Jane Dayus-Hinch INFO@JANEDAYUS-HINCH.COM

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industry experts Simply Beautful Recently, I discovered and became mildly obsessed with Instagram.

As @MakeupFIT, I follow international fashion icons, makeup gurus and fellow artists who share their inspirational work in colourful photos and enticing videos. Instagram is also where I discover the latest makeup trends.

Do you know want to know what looks are trendy on social media and coveted by brides around the world? It is the 1960’s inspired “cut crease” eye makeup. This modern look, together with the bob haircut, the beehive hairdo, mini skirts, bold geometric and black and white prints has been a high fashion go-to for decades.

It evolved into a white shadow/black crease look, exemplified by the 1960s model Twiggy with her iconic, bold eye makeup. The magazines often featured the glamorous Liza Minella, Barbara Streisand, Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor. International beauty icons, including Sophia Loren and Brigette Bardot, showed off their exaggerated, sometimes graphic, distinctive, dark cut crease eye makeup matched with nude or pale lips and pastel colours.

It was shockingly different from the famous red lips of the 1930s and 40s and the cat eye of the 1950s. For a time, lipstick took a backseat to eye makeup and the emphasis moved back to eyelashes.

False eyelashes (both upper and lower) were the fashion accessory women wore every day. Some even wore two sets! The fashionable dark line in the crease of the eye was left sharp and not blended.

This makeup technique was never done before. It was christened “The Mod Look” and would be a high fashion darling for decades to come.

Just last month, Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs sent their models down the runway rocking freshly lined creases. For Michael Kors’ Spring/Summer show, the models wore a bright pop of colour in the crease. At Marc Jacobs, they wore a classic Twiggy cut crease eye and nude lips. The retro-chic look is wide-eyed and sophisticated and when properly executed, can open up the eye and pull together your entire look. Best of all, you can easily create this runway-ready look right at home!

To create this look, be sure to use a primer on your eye lids so that the crease line stays in place. Next, use an eyeliner in a colour of your choice. Feather the edges with a matching powder shadow and a blending brush. Pair with neutral lips for maximum impact, and you’ll be on-trend and feeling groovy.

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industry experts For your wedding, make sure to leave the bridal cut crease eye makeup to the professionals. Even if you consider yourself an avid makeup enthusiast and choose to do your own makeup for the wedding, this is not the right time to be adventurous! This is the time to be confident and happy with yourself and with how you look. This is the time to shine and to wow. You should be and feel simply beautiful!

B Y H E L E N K AT S

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The Yellow Brick Road to a DIY Wedding Flowers and Ribbons and Love! Oh My! Brides seem to have one thing on their minds these days- DIY weddings. DIYs are a great route to take for many

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reasons. They help you save a lot of money and allow you to be as creative as you want. There is no limit to how unique and inventive your wedding can be when you make a lot of the things yourself. But before your head starts churning with ideas and you spend your night on Pinterest, let’s do a little something called “planning”.

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The first thing you want to do with your finance is create a budget. Set an ideal cost and a maximum cost. This will allow you to figure out where you want to spend and where you want to save. But always think about your guest. This may be your day, but your guests are important and you are the host. So make sure they will be able to feel comfortable and happy with your budget.

Once you budget is set, the fun part comes. The theme! With a theme set you will be able to figure out what creative things you can make. Choose a theme that has a meaning to you and your fiancé. Beach, autumn harvest, rustic and spring are some popular wedding themes. However, when thinking of a theme, draw from your backgrounds to create a unique theme.

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Picking a venue can be tricky. You want to make sure it fits your budget and can accommodate your guests. The ideal venue should work with your theme and allow vendors and caterers to easily get there. Think about what the weather would be like as well. If you are getting married during the summer in a garden, think about the heat and flying bugs. Make sure you have solutions to problems such as those.

Outline everything you need to get done. Have a timeline, so that you know what needs to get done before your wedding day. Once you have your timeline, make a list of things you can do on your own and things you will need help with. Ideally, alcohol, food, venue, djs and photographers are things you would want to spend money on. Ask friends and family to help out. You will be surprised with how many of your friends’ talents can be of great help.

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Once you have these things mapped out, you will have a clear distinction of where the majority of your money is going, Your theme will help you narrow down your creative ideas. Centerpieces, wedding favours and table settings are few of the things you can take care of by doing it yourself.

Now, you are ready to spend your night on Pinterest. So get cracking and let your mind spin those amazing ideas!

BY RENU EAPEN

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perfect proposals

Chantal and Curtis

was the most perfect proposal I could have ever imagined. After finding notes that led to me packing a suitcase and heading to Sudbury, ItOntario where I had gone to university for a weekend getaway, I soon realized my best friend was going to ask me to spend the rest of my life with him.

I soon realized my best friend was going to ask me to spend the rest of my life with him.

The first thing I wanted to do when we woke up on our first day there was head to the pathway by the water where our tree was. The tree was a beautiful birch tree that was carved with people’s names and sentimental symbols that overlooked Ramsey Lake. Curtis was excited to go and see if “Team CC” was still there, something we had carved when I lived in Sudbury two years earlier. We made our way down to the water and I ran right to the tree.

Curtis asked if I saw the funny things that people write. I scanned the tree only to realize at the bottom was his writing. Then I read the words “Chantal Will you Marry Me” and soon realized Curtis was beside me down on one knee with a ring in his hand. It took me a few minutes to connect it all, and realize I was that “Chantal” on the tree. It was actually happening, my best friend was asking me to spend a lifetime with him.

The tree meant so much to us and he couldn’t have picked a better way to ask me to marry him

Curtis had driven to Sudbury the day before (a three hour trek), carved the tree (took over an hour) and had driven back (another long three hours), only to leave me notes lining our stairs at home to steal me away for the weekend. The tree meant so much to us and he couldn’t have picked a better way to ask me to marry him. Once I connected that the carving was for me, he told me how much our relationship meant with words straight from the heart and he put a ring on it! We sat on the rocks overlooking the water for hours, of course after we asked random strangers in the park to take our picture!

Fast forward four months later and we were married in the barn on his family farm. His family is known for their “Hewitt’s Sweet Corn” and we felt it was only perfect to capture our special day in a place that means so much while wearing cowboy/cowgirl boots, taking pictures in the corn stand and especially arriving in the corn truck! The perfect proposal led to our perfect day, and we have truly been lucky having two beautiful children Mason Reid and Lyla Jade. This is my fairytale and it all started with a beautiful birch tree -- the roots are where our family began.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: TARA GRAHAM • WWW.TARAGRAHAMPHOTO.COM

Summer 2014 Colour Trends

Summer is finally here! Well, almost. The sun is starting to shine and that grey drab of winter is almost gone. I know I wondered if the cold season of snow and ice would ever be over. With this new season comes bright pops of colour and a lot of weddings.

When determing your wedding’s colour scheme, start with these questions: 1) How much colour do you want to use? 2) Are you more comfortable with neutrals with a pop of colour? 3) Do you want one dominant colour with a few accent colours?

ambiance for your wedding day. Even if you used just two neutrals paired with the accent colour, your theme will be sophisticated with an added touch of grace.

After setting those guidelines, your next step will be to determine which colour to use for what. You should ask yourself what colours/tones do you gravitate towards? For example, tranquil, soothing colours. What colours make you happy or smile? What colours make you come alive? For example, hot pink or orange.

ALL-OUT: DOMINANT COLOUR PAIRED WITH ACCENTS

If you have been following the colour trends for 2014, you would be pleased to know that the Pantone Colour of the Year is Radiant Orchid (18-3224)! Radiant Orchid is a shade of purple and an exquisite colour for your wedding day. But how do I use it for my summer wedding?

SUBTLE: NEUTRALS PAIRED WITH COLOUR Use Radiant Orchid as the accent colour and the dominant colours will be white, beige, silver and metallics. This colour scheme is a pure and uplifting combination that will create the perfect

Use Radiant Orchid as the dominant colour and pair with teal/ turquoise and orange as the accents and a small dose of burlap (neutral) to break up the colours. This colour scheme is for the wilder, louder couple but still creates a romantic and stunning atmosphere for your special day. This captures the summer season by using bright, saturated and fun colours. No doubt, guests will be excited and energized about your wedding day!

No matter the colour scheme, just remember that this is your day and every element should reflect the happy couple to be. Go with your heart and choose what feels right for you. Don’t let anyone tell you no!

Happy Colour Choosing and looking forward to seeing what you pick for your summer wedding!

BY CHRISTIN TWITCHIN

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perfect proposals PHOTOGRAPHY: RANDY LANGE PHOTOGRAPHY

Rachel and Spencer

It was early 2010, one week after I (Rachel) moved to Toronto, Spencer and I met at a mutual friend’s get together. It was an instant connection when Spencer saw Rachel across the room and ventured over to spend the evening in conversation. Sparks of a new friendship began, and little did we know the road we were heading down. Over the next two years we became best of friends. With mutual interests and shared passions for design, photography, music and art, an unknowingly strong and unique bond was growing until the words I love you could not be denied. That friendship then took a turn for the next chapter in our lives.

THE PROPOSAL...

The night began when Spencer picked me up for a dinner date with a bouquet of calla lilies & baby’s breath in hand. This wasn’t out of the ordinary as he loves to surprise me on any occasion with these. We went to a nice & quaint Italian restaurant located in the Beaches east end. We spent the dinner speaking about how we can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives together (still wasn’t unusual for us) he then said how beautiful of a night it was and that he wanted to take a night shot of the Leuty Lifeguard station on the boardwalk in the moonlight.

This was a spot where for four years we would meet in the summer

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for a day at the beach, or to set a perfect landscape for an afternoon of design. We trekked across the snow to the spot where he began taking pictures. He then brought me on the dock, wrapping his arms around me as we looked out onto the beautiful lake in the moonlight. He told me how he had something very special for me and he pulled out a gold necklace which had belonged to his Nonna. Telling me how it would be an honour if I would wear it, he began to put it on my neck. When I turned around to thank him he was down on one knee...Rachel will you marry me?!

perfect proposals

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perfect proposals

Brittany and Justin

PHOTOGRAPHY: JENN KAVANAGH PHOTOGRAPHY

We woke up in Revelstoke, British Columbia on a foggy Monday morning in October. We were coming down out of the mountains on the last leg of a west coast road trip we had made for a friend’s wedding. It was a gorgeous day and we decided to stop at Lake Louise for lunch. As we were driving in, Justin motioned towards the sign for Moraine Lake and said he wanted to go up afterwards.

We proceeded to have a beautiful meal at the Fairmont overlooking the lake. As we were finishing up my headache from earlier continued to pound, despite the Advil I had popped before we left.

As we were leaving, we saw the road up to Moraine Lake was closed for the season, concrete roadblocks and all. Justin insisted that we sneak around it, while I suggested that would likely result in either a hefty fine or a slippery, icy mountain road death that left our poor Bulldog Skully an orphan for the second time in his short life.

Also, my headache was becoming relentless and I was starting to feel nauseous. I told him the only way we would be able to talk ourselves out of a fine was if he was planning to propose, which he obviously wasn’t because he had told me the week before that wouldn’t be happening for a while (I had been pestering him…again). I moodily added that he had no ring to show for proof so why not just get to the hotel so I could shower before dinner.

After a very Justin-esque huff, we were on our way to the Fairmont Banff Springs. Once we were checked in (and upgraded to a suite

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perfect proposals for no apparent reason) I had a hot shower and finally started to feel the headache subside. I dried my hair and got dressed, taking in the amazing views of the river and the caribou eating the golf course. While I was curling my hair (half-finished, one side curled the other straight) I told Justin he should order the valet to bring our car around. I walked over to the table, grabbed the slip and turned around to see my handsome, put-together man doing a strange lunge-type movement across the bedroom, mumbling something incomprehensible (I would later find out that he was asking if I needed an “extra accessory� for the evening).

Suddenly, he was down on one knee holding a navy blue box from his family jeweller, opened to expose a very delicate, beautiful solitaire flanked by five square baguettes on each side. His face reminded me of a kid on Christmas, mixed with the look of someone about to jump out of a plane for their first sky-dive. I had never seen that expression before. I said yes, kissed him and went back to curling my hair. It was all very surreal, strange and almost mind-numbing. I didn’t say anything. We went downstairs, got the car, drove to the restaurant and got a table, ordered drinks and then it happened. It sunk in.

The little blonde Australian waitress came back with our drinks and I yelled it, literally yelled it, in her face. She looked terrified for a moment and then smiled, congratulated us and excitedly told her co-workers. I finally looked at Justin and saw, for the first time since he had slipped the ring onto my finger, the man I was going to spend my life with. My strong, brave, beautiful man. My best friend. My anchor and my secret keeper. I was home.

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creatives

MyBridal

BOUDOIR

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Necole Raquel James

Dress: Ines Di Santo, “Maia”, $5,500 Headpiece: Maria Elena, style #BN1056, $835 Shoes: Bittersweet, Peep Toe Satin Ivory, $148 Total Cost $7,000 and Under

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Dress: Ines Di Santo, “Maia”, $5,500 Headpiece: Maria Elena, style #BN1056, $835 Shoes: Bittersweet, Peep Toe Satin Ivory, $148 Total Cost $7,000 and Under

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creatives

Dress: Lea Ann Belter, “Scarlett” • www.lea-annbelter.com Scarlett is available in white, off-white, ivory, champagne, or blush dupioni with white or off-white organza.

Veil: Ines Di Santo, $2,000 Jewellery: Bittersweet, Pearl Necklace, $68, Pearl Comb, $38, Bracelet, $36 Shoes: Bittersweet, Peep Toe Shoe with Sequins, $258 Total Cost $5,000 and under

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Dress: Lea Ann Belter, “Florence” www.lea-annbelter.com Florence is available in ivory over offwhite, ivory, blush or champagne.

Shoes: Bittersweet, Ivory Satin Shoes Peep Toe with Bow, $158 Comb and Necklace: Bittersweet Total Cost $3,000 and under

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creatives I love bridal fashion and I love wedding dresses. This photo shoot has allowed me to combine my love for both by creating looks for brides within certain price points and sharing them with you. The inspiration for this shoot was to create a bridal ensemble to suit the needs of the modern day bride. My goal was to find local companies that provide bridal wear that is “off the beaten path”, so to speak. In doing so, I found an amazing venue in Toronto that is perfect for your wedding reception or next special event. This location is The Bata Shoe Museum. Located on beautiful Bloor Street in downtown Toronto, it is unique from other museums and galleries. If you love shoes, this is the place to be. The Bata Shoe Museum won a “City of Toronto Design Award”, thanks to its expansive modern style featuring details forged in glass, steel, leather and wood. The gallery showcases highlights of on the world’s foremost collections of footwear. The story of the museum itself? It is the result of the vision of one determined and inspired woman. Add the catering expertise of the city’s top chefs and you’re guaranteed a unique and memorable event. The Bata Shoe Museum can host corporate events for networking, press conferences, product launches and workshops, social events with seated dining, meeting rooms for up to 50, formal dinners for up to 125, and cocktail receptions for up to 300. The facility rental rates range from $500 to $2300.

indoor or outdoor wedding and it will have the lucky lady feeling like a princess with its full, lush bodice and accents. Finally, our stricter budget look features the dress “Florence” by Lea Ann Belter. This cute and sassy number works for those heading to City Hall, wanting to rock a more unconventional dress for their big day.

Makeup/Hair: Creatively Beautiful Email: info@creativelybeautiful.com Phone: 905-877-8497

Inspired by the romantic and rustic meets sophisticated look, our goal was to create a look for under $7,000, under $5,000 and under $3,000. Our deluxe budget look features the dress “Maia” by Ines Di Santo. This showstopper is not for the faint of heart and is for the bride that wants onlookers to gasp as she walks down the aisle.

Our moderate budget look features the dress “Scarlett” by Lea Ann Belter. It is geared to the romantic bride who looks to have either an

Creative Director: Necole Raquel James Necole Raquel Events – 647-339-7542

Venue: The Bata Shoe Musuem 327 Bloor Street West Toronto ON M5S 1W7 Facility Rental Department at 416-979-7799 x 243 or Email: specialevents@batashoemuseum.ca

To add the extra flourish to these looks, we found the new bridal collection from Bittersweet, who provided the shoes and jewellery for the shoot. Just an extra note, the largest size they carry is a size 9.

Every member of the team added their special talent and flair to create hair, makeup, and photographs that perfectly brought together the looks we were aiming to create.

Model: Simran Tak Photographer: Vanessa Picano vanessa.picano@yahoo.com

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creatives

UP & COMING

THE

• Hattie Dunstan •

My name is Hattie Dunstan and I am a 26-year-old jewellery designer living in Toronto, Ontario. I hand make and design all my jewellery using recycled vintage pieces. My work includes vintage brooches, clip on earrings and scarf clips. I take family heirlooms for brides and turn them into custom creations for them to wear on their wedding day.

I was born with Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic lung disease that eventually robs you of breath. Four years ago, I was on oxygen sitting in a hospital room not knowing if I would make it to the weekend when I received a call that changed my life forever. I underwent a double lung transplant at the age of 22 that saved my life. Since I know first hand just how precious life is I turned my passion for fashion into a full time job for myself. I wanted to be surrounded by people during the happiest moment in their lives.

What I love about working in the wedding industry is seeing the look on a brides’ face when she finds the perfect combination of something new and something old. Jewellery brings her wedding outfit together. After she has the dress and her veil, jewellery is the icing on the cake. I love helping her find that as she prepares for the day she will remember for the rest of her life.

While my every day jewellery collection has been growing for over 10 years, a little over a year ago, I opened up my online bridal boutique and have never looked back. Creating and working with newly engaged women to design the perfect piece of jewellery is something I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world. I am so grateful for my donor for giving me this amazing gift and allowing me to enjoy life for many more years! www.beadonor.ca Hattitude jewellery is as unique and one-of-a-kind as women are. Perfect for the vintage loving gal.

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creatives

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creatives

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Stylist/Coordinator: Hattie Dunstan Custom Bridal Jewellery: Hattitude Jewellery Photography: Vikki Christina Maria Photography Custom Headpieces: Blair Nadeau Millinery Bride’s Gowns: Something Green Bridal Boutique Decor & Sweets Table: Rouse Events & Design Hair & Make-up: AlyCat Makeup & Hair Artistry Florist: Springhill Flowers Graphic Designer: Paperboat Creations Venue: Bellamere Winery Vintage Clothing: JackPot Vintage Groom’s Suit: Moore’s Clothing Models: Kaitlin Sim & Alexander Goldoni

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real weddings

Lacey and Justin

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real weddings

October 4, 2013 Photography: Marcie Costello Photography Bridal gown & shoes - David’s Bridal Bridesmaid’s dresses & shoes - David’s Bridal Jewellery - The Bay Groom’s Tuxedo - Moores Hair - Tasha Leslie Makeup - Daniella Hirst Flowers - Festive Designs

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real weddings

Ben andLisa Headley

OCTOBER 26, 2013 Photography: Randy Lange Photography Hair: Estetica Salon Makeup: Angie Morrone Gown: Mori Lee Suits: Custom made, Bourbon & Birch Bouquet: Linda, Flower Fashions Ceremony: Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses Photography Location: Willistead Manor Venue: Ciociaro Banquet Club Decorator: Allure Designs

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real weddings

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real weddings

Dennis and Marcela Bernal

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real weddings

April 19, 2014 Photography: Randy Lange Photography Photography Location : Chartreuse, Country Restaurant & Main Street in Kleinburg, ON Ceremony: Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses Banquet Hall: Paradise Banquet Hall Flowers: Design by Vi Suits/Shoes: Ted Baker Hair & Make Up: Nancy Fajardo Dress: Pronovias

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Jack: Magical Arts Specialist Minds have been tantalized and imaginations ignited through the talents of Jack: Magical Arts Specialist. You want your wedding to be unique. Jack understands that. He will take your wedding and create an element of magic that will engage, excite, and leave your guests begging for more. His job is not to steal the wedding show away but rather to enhance it. Jack’s tricks are effective icebreakers as his specialty is to unite the two families together during cocktail hour by getting them to work as a team on a trick.

Jack has performed for small shows, corporate events, cruise ships, birthday parties, fundraisers, and weddings. As a performer, he has evolved as his abilities have grown and matured. This is not a

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magician that shows up to put on a “show” and then is done: his goal is to take you away from the everyday world and transport you to the fantastical world of magic.

For thirteen years, Jack has demonstrated the strength of dreams and passion and works tirelessly to materialize his goals into a tangible reality. At the tender age of six, his mind whirled furiously to understand a magic trick that his grandfather had shown him. It was from that moment, that he understood his true calling. Fascinated by the craft, he would watch other magicians perform and wanted to do the same. Off he went to start his magical journey.

Many have claimed that the foremost rule of magic is to never reveal how a trick is done. Jack does not subscribe to this belief. He does, however, warn those inquisitive minds that when he shows his method, it will ruin the magic trick for them. The world of magicians can arguably be divided in two camps: those who create the tricks and those who perform them. Jack does both, teaching only those who desire to perform. When reflecting back on how he booked his first magic show, Jack reveals that a fellow passenger on a bus asked if he would perform at a birthday party. Says Jack, “I feel embarrassed now about how simple the show was. I’ve grown a lot as a performer since.”

Thriving on challenges, Jack endeavours to find ways to achieve mastery of difficult tricks, even those that seem impossible. Once he’s mastered a trick, he will then work to find ways to make it even more elusive and magical. He points out, “Anyone can make a coin levitate in his or her own hand. I want to make it levitate off of someone else’s hand clouded by smoke.” With Jack, you will never see him perform the same trick twice.

At one time, people believed the magic acts being performed were impossible. Jack strives to bring that feeling back into the hearts of his audience: to leave people, causing them to question their perception of reality. He wants to perform magic around the world, and watch the reactions of various cultures to the tricks he is featuring. He enjoys more intimate shows where people can see his tricks up close rather than being up on a stage.

PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVID D. PHOTOGRAPHY

Pricing for Jack’s performances depend on the amount of people, the location and venue, and the date. More information can be found at whoisjack.ca or by email at info@whoisjack.ca.

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real weddings

A Ceremony in a Bank - Imma and Michael

When it comes to finances and relationships, Canadians insist on two things: being with a partner who shares a similar outlook on money (important for 90%) and knowing about their partner’s finances, including income, debt and investments (important for 87% of those with a romantic partner). A new ING DIRECT study found that 60% of Canadians identify themselves as savers, and within this group, 58% said they wouldn’t consider marriage or a long-term relationship with someone who identified themselves as a spender.

Not surprisingly, among the 40% who call themselves spenders, the majority (87%) said they would enter into a relationship with a saver.

Whether a spender or a saver, more than half of Canadians (53%) cited managing money as the biggest financial stressor in a relationship, followed by having children (14%), buying a home (11%) and saving for retirement (10%).

Seventy-one per cent of Canadians surveyed said they know a great deal about their current or past partner’s finances. A third of respondents in a relationship said they keep money in a joint account with their partner, while another 33% admit to keeping money in separate accounts. Discussing finances is a weekly occurrence for a quarter (26%) of Canadians, while 21% said they talk to their partner once a month about money-related matters. Twenty-eight percent admit to speaking about the topic with their partner only when an issue arises.

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“Making time to talk about money and finances is an important part of any long-term relationship, even more so if couples are financial opposites”, said Andrew Zimakas, chief marketing officer at ING DIRECT. “If couples make this part of their regular dialogue and share in decisions about their financial wellbeing, they will be in a better position to manage any issues that may arise.”

As important as money is in a relationship, only 11% of Canadians have actually ended a relationship for financial reasons. Half of respondents said that they require five or more dates with someone before discussing finances.

When it comes to tying the knot, both spenders and savers said they have pinched pennies. Fifty per cent of respondents said they saved on their wedding, 48% of which were spenders and 52% of which were savers.

real weddings U N I T I N G T W O S AV E R S

Michael Smith and Imma Aliwalas both consider themselves savers. After experiencing personal and financial hardship in 2013, the engaged couple wasuncertain when they’d be able to have their dream wedding. Then the couple came across ING DIRECT’s ‘For the Love of Saving’ wedding contest last September.

The contest asked Toronto-area couples to submit a video explaining how they enjoy date night on a budget for the chance to win an all-expense paid ceremony at the ING DIRECT downtown Toronto Café, and $10,000 in an Investment Savings Account. Michael and Imma’s submission was one of the top three videos that were put to an online vote. When notified that they had won, the couple was overwhelmed.

“The ING DIRECT wedding contest has given us an exciting and unique opportunity to create a very memorable experience with our family and friends,” said groom Michael Smith. “From the very beginning, we’ve felt extremely grateful to be part of this, and the $10,000 has really helped get us on the right financial path.”

Michael and Imma were married on February 8, 2014 at the ING DIRECT Downtown Toronto Café, marking the first time in Canada that wedding vows were exchanged in a bank.

“A wedding in a unique venue like our Café isn’t something you hear about every day,” said Zimakas.

“This is an opportunity to showcase our location in the heart of downtown Toronto and demonstrate how we are helping to change the conversation about money.”

Sponsors who helped to make this couple’s day a reality include: Pretty Sweet, Blush Photography + Film, All Seasons, Petal and Paper and Pink Twig.

by Jessica Bianchi

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real weddings

Maral and Mohsen

August 24, 2013

Venue: The Persian Palace • www.thepersianpalace.ca Flowers & Design: Luxe Events & Design • www.luxeeventsdesign.ca Venue Sofreh: The Persian Palace • www.thepersianpalace.ca

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real weddings

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real weddings

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Kasia and Allan

April 1, 2011

real weddings

Venue : Moorepark House http://www.moorparkhouse.co.uk Dress : Pronovias • www.pronovias.ca Photographer : Graeme Pollock Photography Flowers : DIY : Foliage from Grassroots flowers in Irvine, Scotland http://grassrootsflowers.co.uk

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SweetCreations

Nanny D’s Custom Cakes

crème de la crème

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crème de la crème

The Chubby Bunny

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industry experts Financial Security Planning Basics Financial security planning is a process, not a one-time event. It can be a detailed, complicated process, and, as in many other aspects of life, you’ll only get out of the process what you put into it.

Before you begin, you need to consider who will help you. Sound advice from a qualified, experienced financial professional can help you meet your financial goals. Trust is an important consideration when choosing your financial security advisor. Find someone who demonstrates an understanding of your personal and financial situation, with whom you feel comfortable working, and who has access to a wide variety of financial security products to meet your unique needs. Ask lots of questions and take the time you need to understand the information being presented to you.

Once you’ve chosen your financial security advisor, he or she will likely want to discuss your plans and goals for the future. These may change over time, but your financial security advisor needs some direction to help you work towards your goals. Partners should also be included in these discussions. It’s not uncommon for each partner to have different goals, or even to be surprised at their partner’s goals. Still, you should discuss your goals prior to your first meeting with your financial security advisor. Your goals may include:

you’re on track to meeting your goals, your financial security advisor may suggest you continue doing largely what you’ve been doing.

However, if you’re falling short of meeting any of your goals, your financial security advisor can provide recommendations to help you address them, including: • Changing the types of investments you currently hold • Making additional investments • Purchasing insurance products • Examining financial security planning strategies specific to your situation If these recommendations make sense to you, your financial security advisor will assist you to implement them, helping you reach your goals. An annual review of your financial security plan is also necessary for several reasons: • To make changes to your plan as your goals and circumstances change

•Retiring comfortably (at what age, and to what kind of lifestyle)

• To take advantage of new financial security products

• Saving for major future purchases

• To help keep you on track

• Financing a child’s education or giving your child a financial headstart • Providing financial security for your family in event of death, disability or critical illness • Owning a cottage (and keeping it in your family) • Building a successful business (and planning for succession) Your financial security advisor also needs to know what you’ve accomplished financially to date to prepare an accurate, meaningful financial security plan. This includes your insurance policies, investment statements, group benefits details, pension statements, Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment, etc. If you own your own business, your business financial statements should also be provided. Only after receiving all relevant information can your financial security advisor make the appropriate recommendations.

JOSEPH ANDRE MCCALMONT IS A FINANCIAL SECURITY ADVISOR WITH FREEDOM 55 FINANCIAL, A DIVISION OF LONDON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY. HE CAN BE CONTACTED

BY CELL PHONE AT 647-669-4684 243 OR BY EMAIL TO JOSEPH.MCCALMONT @F55F. COM THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IS BASED ON CURRENT LAWS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER RULES APPLICABLE TO CANADIAN RESIDENTS. IT IS ACCURATE TO THE BEST OF THE WRITER’S KNOWLEDGE AS OF THE DATE OFPUBLICATION. RULES AND THEIR INTERPRETATION MAY CHANGE, AFFECTING THE ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION.THE

Once your financial security advisor has all the relevant data, he/she will prepare a financial security plan that will compare where you are today with where you want to be in the future. In some cases, if

INFORMATION PROVIDED IS GENERAL IN NATURE, AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS A SUBSTITUTE FORADVICE IN ANY SPECIFIC SITUATION. FOR SPECIFIC SITUATIONS, ADVICE SHOULD BE OBTAINED FROM THEAPPROPRIATE PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS.

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industry experts

DESIGNER’S CORNER These days I feel like the whole world is getting inspired by florals.

I have noticed that florals are literally taking over all industries fashion, art, design, interior design, wedding trends, colour trends, textile design etc. Here are the top 5 trends in elaborate and overthe-top florals: 1- FLORAL HEAD PIECES From little halos for the flower girls to statement pieces, floral tiaras and crowns can be found everywhere. It’s the “IT” accessory for every bride. Some look more garden-like and others are more compact and modern. Either way, you now have the option to beautify your hair with flowers, not only feathers, jewellery or tulle!

2 - FLORAL CHANDELIERS This trend was born in conjunction with including regular chandeliers in wedding decor, with designers taking it one step further by adding florals to the fixture or making the structure out of the florals themselves. This, of course, is very costly, but nevertheless, because it is constructed by a designer by using their personal vision, you are guaranteed a custom and unique piece for your special day.

3 - FAIRY DUST WAND The most adorable trend for little flower girls by far! While traveling in Europe, I noticed how much emphasis is given to the participation of children on the day of the wedding. Their clothing, hair accessories, fashion accessories, shoes and jewelry are all as important as what the bridesmaids and even what the bride is wearing. One of the items that grabbed my attention was the flower girl’s “wand”. It’s a little mini bouquet that is put into a elongated wand-like holder.

To enhance it, additional details of ribbons and mini bells are added.

4- GROUPING/CLUSTERS OF FLORALS IN ONE PLACE No more solitary, large arrangements on head tables or one large centrepiece in the middle of the guest tables. The more items you have on the table, the cozier it gets. The idea of clustering items, such as pews, candles, centrepieces (small/medium/large) in one area adds not only an intimate sense of ambiance but also enriches the senses with different heights and textures. There is more than one item on the table to show off your wedding theme and decor to keep guests captivated and feeling like they are a part of the dream.

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5- FLORAL WALL BACKDROPS Floral walls, floral backdrops, floral curtains...we could really go on and on and on. Flowers could literally decorate any surface. For weddings, floral walls act as a backdrop for photo booths or to decorate dreary walls at the venue. Some couples design their initials in flowers, which is constructed, displayed in a large frame and used instead of the traditional picture at the receiving line.

The sky really is the limit here. Flowers are beautiful and are very sturdy. They are an absolute viable item that designers can use to create whatever it is you desire.

Enjoy fantasizing and have fun creating the je ne sais quoi of your wedding day.

Margarita Oudalova

Creative Director of LUXE events & design www.luxeeventsdesign.ca Makeup & Hair: Katerina Rapoport • makeupartistrytoronto.com Jewellery: Tara Fava Jewellery • www.tarafavajewellery.com Photography: Photasia Photography Re-imagined • www.photasia.ca Flowers: Luxe Events & Design • www.luxeeventsdesign.ca

industry experts

Physically Fit

Do you have enough energy to get you through the day? Planning a wedding can be one of the most thrilling periods in your life, but it can also be stressful, tiring, and emotional. Here are some factors to focus on as well as easy tips to implement to keep your energy levels where they need to be.

WHAT YOU EAT: YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT. 1. Is your food nutritious? A lot of food and snacks are high in sugar and refined flour, meaning you get full quickly but your body hasn’t received the nutrients you need to create energy. These foods throw off your ability to properly regulate blood sugar, resulting in low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia. This can make you feel sluggish and irritable, like the feeling of a “carb coma” after lunch at work.

2. Are you dehydrated? Not drinking enough water causes your blood to thicken, meaning slower circulation and less effective transfer of nutrients.

WHAT YOU DO: EXERCISE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY.

WHAT YOU FEEL: THE MIND-BODY CONNECTION. 1. Are you stressed or constantly feeling negative emotions? We don’t even realize the impact negative feelings can have on our physical body. They cause elevated levels of hormones (cortisol and adrenaline), which throws the body out of balance and causes exhaustion over time.

2. Are you getting enough sleep? When we aren’t getting enough sleep, the body can’t repair itself the way it’s supposed to. The nervous system can’t regenerate, lost energy reserves in the brain aren’t replenished, and chemical balance isn’t restored.

WHAT CAN I DO: REPLENISH YOUR ENERGY LEVELS. 1. Supplement your food intake with nutritional supplements to help give your body what it is lacking in the food you feed it.

2. Regulate your hormones by controlling the amount of stress you endure and consciously taking time to relax each day. Try visualization and meditation.

3. Our bodies are designed to heal themselves from the daily stresses of life while we sleep. Don’t shortchange yourself. Find a way to get 8 hours of sleep every night to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.

by Heather Nedham

1. Do you have a high level of toxicity? Physical activity helps eliminate toxins from your body. Toxins accumulate if they are denied a method of release.

2. Do you have a low metabolism? Lack of exercise causes the rate at which your body converts food to energy to slow down.

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creatives

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creatives

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creatives

Creative Director: Margarita Oudalova • www.luxeeventsdesign.ca Florals & Design: Margarita Oudalova • www.luxeeventsdesign.ca Makeup & Hair: Katerina Rapoport • www.katerinarapoportinc.com Photography: Tiffany Smith • ww.auraatalier.com Venue - Terra Cotta Inn • www.cotta.ca Bridal Gown: Oksana Mukha • www.oksana-mukha.com Groom Model - Linor • Bride Model - Vera Lipatova

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creatives

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PNINA TORNAI on Top Wedding Dress Trends INTERVIEWED/WRITTEN BY ARTI PATEL Choosing a wedding gown for your big day can be both hectic and stressful. Not only do you have to go through your own wants and needs, but you also have to go through a long list of fabrics, colours, designs and textures. While most brides don’t find the “perfect dress” in one go, it’s always useful to know which trends designers are going after each season to narrow down your own search. Fashion designer and wedding dress extraordinaire Pnina Tornai, who is known for her over-the-top see-through corset wedding gown, and all of her other looks on TLC’s hit series “Say Yes to the Dress,”, says 2014 is all about creating gowns with an illusion – mixing and matching laces, netting and beading.

“I would say [dresses are] even more close to body shapes, mermaid shapes, have very open backs and have pieces of jewelry in the back of the dress. I think the back is just as important as the front,” she tells the Wedding Planner Magazine.

As much as the wedding dress has evolved in the last decade, trends that are popular these days like blush gowns or dresses that sit over the knee may not be typical wedding attire. However, Tornai says wedding dresses this season, no matter what the cut or style, still comprise a lot of that classic detail brides go after. In addition to keeping wedding gowns a classic cream or white, Tornai says other details include getting them made in beautiful fabrics like silk, satin or chiffon.

“In my dresses, I love combining more than one or two fabrics,” she says. “I love the combination of several fabrics to bring more richness to the dress.”

Tornai says when she designs her gowns, the ideas just flow out of her. When we asked about designing something for the multicultural

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PHOTOGRAPHER: DAVID A PIKE • HTTP://DAVIDAPIKE.COM/

Canadian bride, the Israeli designer says it is something she is all too familiar with. Often, Canadian brides go to Kleinfelds locations in the U.S., mostly in New York, to buy a personalized and blinged out Pnina Tornai gown.

“I love the fact that there are many cultures here,” she says about Toronto during a wedding show hosted by The Wedding Room and The Bay. “It makes it more colourful for me and for my inspiration.”

For her latest design, Tornai says she just finished working on a modern Indian saree collection with ready-made sarees for brides in red and white. But when it comes to that hard decision of choosing something for your big day, Tornai says always choose from your heart. “Look at yourself in the mirror and see everything that you love about yourself. See that all the parts of your body you love are showing beautifully, and then ones we want to camouflage are not.”

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Top Food Trends

PHOTOGRAPHER: DAVID A PIKE • HTTP://DAVIDAPIKE.COM/

with Michael Bonacini

Besides the wedding ceremony, it’s fair to say guests always look forward to the food served during lunch or dinner. Wedding feasts can be extensive. From 10 to 12 course meals at Chinese weddings to buffet dinners and desserts at Indian weddings, foods bring people together.

“When you’re planning a wedding you want to make it a special day, so the food is an incredibly important piece of it,” says chef Michael Bonacini, co-partner of Toronto-based restaurant company Oliver & Bonacini. “It brings everyone together at the table, everyone is excited about it, and it really is the case of the bride and groom wanting to tailor make and customize every single course.”

Details matter and so does the food. While some wedding dinners have traditional meals that have to be served, couples for the most part play a

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huge role in choosing what they like. From the cake to the appetizers and midnight buffet, narrowing down your food options can go a lot smoother if you have a couple of tastings.

Bonacini says this year popular “foodie” wedding themes include midnight desserts or brunch the next morning, with lot more couples requesting chocolate – everything from dark, bitter and milk chocolate, to something a lot more gourmet like aged balsamic and caramel and sea salt chocolates at their venue.

“They become a talking piece,” he adds.

“[Food] brings everyone together at the table, everyone is excited about it, and it really is the case of the bride and groom wanting to tailor make and customize every single course.”

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And when it does come to picking your courses and desserts for the big day, make sure you do it with your partner. Avoid inviting additional family members or friends along for the ride to

GARRISON MCARTHUR PHOTOGRAPHERS • WWW.GARRISONMCARTHURPHOTO.COM

make the decision making process longer and more complicated.

Remember, this is your day to shine, and having additional feedback on food (along with the décor, dress and cutlery decisions) will make any bride overly stressed.

“I think the wedding cake is an iconic piece of weddings,” [Bonacini] says.

But as we all know, the cake also tends to be the “bride” of the food portion. Cakes can be exquisite or simple, on budget or completely over-the-top. We’ve seen triple layer cakes with fondant and beading, to pyramids of delicate French macarons and carefully designed cupcakes.

“I think the wedding cake is an iconic piece of weddings,” he says.

“There’s a full range out there and when it comes to choosing one, it’s about flipping through magazines, and bringing some ideas to the table.”

When you are choosing a cake, make sure you make note of the height, colour, and taste you want, as well as a budget. There’s nothing worse than going into a bakery without a set idea of exactly what you want in a wedding cake. If you can’t make a decision, dabble into some Pinterest boards or ask the bakery to show you samples.

INTERVIEWED/WRITTEN BY ARTI PATEL

PHOTOGRAPHER: DAVID A PIKE • HTTP://DAVIDAPIKE.COM/

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Guaranteed to Draw a Crowd

A S pe e d Port rait Art ist Makes We d d ing s U nf org e tta b le B Y J AY S E S E

Wthis question, let’s set the stage for that special day.

hat are these brides raving about? Before we answer The banquet hall is bustling with lively chatter and the atmosphere is electric. Guests enjoy cocktails as they mingle and await the arrival of their exquisite multi-course dinner. The DJ creates the mood with elegant background music. The flowers, decorations, cake - everything is ready. All of these items are expected at every wedding. Do you want something more? What can make it more memorable and unique?

Enter the speed portrait artist, sporting a gold and black tuxedo as he stands before his attractive workstation.

His presence merges with the opulent décor and adds to the ambience.

He is not simply a caricature artist. He does much more.

A speed portrait artist not only draws quickly and skilfully, but he does so in multiple styles: realistic, caricature, Marvel and DC Comics, Japanese manga and anime, and elegant glamour portraits. There is something for all ages, cultures and tastes. How fast can he draw and for how long? Up to 20 people per hour, up to 10 hours nonstop without decreasing in speed or quality of work. He is a creative machine that pours his heart and soul into every event he undertakes. A vocal impersonator of over 100 voices, he often sings to his subjects as he draws them, thus adding another dimension to the artistic experience.

Has this profile piqued your interest? The preceding paragraph is a brief description of what award-winning artist Jay Sese can offer at a wedding reception. He has appeared on Slice T.V.’s “Four Weddings Canada” and CTV’s “The National” as both a wedding artist and entertainer. Videos of the artist in action can be seen on YouTube.

Jay can be hired to provide entertainment and party favours for your wedding reception.

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1. COCKTAIL HOUR

While cocktails are being served before the bridal party arrives, a constant stream of guests line up to have their unique portraits drawn according to their tastes. Portraits are drawn as singles, couples or groups because the artist brings paper of different sizes. Laughter and wonder surround the artist’s workstation as his Japanese brush pen glides over the paper at a feverish pace. At the bottom of each sheet of drawing paper, a custom designed logo of the bride and groom has been preprinted with their names and the date of their wedding. The logo is the same image displayed on the easel with the framed 16” x 20” painting adorning the entrance of the banquet hall. The resulting speed portraits become official souvenirs of the wedding day—a truly unique party favour that guests will cherish for a long time.

2. DINNER

The artist usually does not partake in the meal because he knows the demand for his work is high and time is extremely limited.

Instead, he brings a protein shake that energizes him for the rest of the evening. As guests enjoy their dinner, he places a 22” x 30” inch sheet of paper on his easel and draws a group portrait of the entire bridal party. How is this done? Prior to dinner, he had quickly snapped photographs of each member of the bridal party, and he now uses the pictures as references to complete the group portrait so everyone can enjoy dinner uninterrupted. The alert videographer sees what is happening and sets up his camera on a tripod behind the artist, recording the drawing from start to finish to produce a time lapse video that the bride and groom will enjoy watching long after the wedding day. Intermittently, guests will leave their tables in between courses to enjoy this unique form of dinner entertainment.

3. AFTER DINNER

Guests have finished dinner and the artist has completed the large group bridal portrait to present to the bride and groom. Guests take pictures of the finished work as a keepsake. With dinner and speeches out of the way, the party now erupts. The DJ ignites the dance floor with pulsating rhythms and mesmerizing lighting effects and the ever popular open bar welcomes one and all. Amidst the vibrant dancing and boisterous merriment, the artist is surrounded by a crowd. Guests that missed the opportunity to be drawn during cocktail hour now line up to get their portraits drawn. The drawings before dinner were like creative appetizers. By this time, everyone

knows what the artist has to offer and they approach him with their own unique ideas: portraiture à la carte!

Empowered with a seasoned imagination, skill and stamina, the artist is ready and eager to meet any request: the flower girl desires to be a mermaid; the maid of honour wants to be Catwoman; the best man sees himself as a professional hockey player; the bride’s conservative parents choose a solemn, realistic portrait for themselves; the rowdy girls in the bridal party pose for a group drawing as Charlie’s Angels; a couple wants to be drawn with their dog which the artist draws from a photograph on their phone; the suave groomsmen get together to be drawn as superheroes from the Avengers and argue over who gets to be Iron Man; and the list goes on and on! The energy and passion that radiate from the artist’s work area are unmistakable, and guests return home with smiles on their faces and an original piece or art to hang on their wall or display at their office.

How popular are speed portraits among wedding guests? Not all want to be drawn, but everybody enjoys watching. On average, 70%-90% will want a portrait. At one wedding in Toronto, the

artist drew for 10 hours non-stop because all guests lined up, to the chagrin of the DJ who played music to an almost empty dance floor! That night he drew over a hundred people until the banquet hall closed. What if your guest count is in the hundreds? The artist specializes in Indian weddings, which have an attendance of 500 to 1,000 people. Mission Impossible? Not at all. The artist has a creative solution: The Overflow Plan. Before he leaves, he takes photos of the remaining guests and draws their portraits over the next few days (after having a good night’s sleep, of course). When the couple returns from their honeymoon, they pick up the drawings to distribute to the remaining guests for their enjoyment!

So, are you now thinking about having a speed portrait artist at your wedding? It is certainly something worth considering. The beautiful thing is that no two weddings are the same. Even if every wedding had a live portrait artist, the experience would never go stale because every work of art is one-of-a-kind. Still undecided?

Perhaps the words of newlyweds Chantalle and Colin may persuade you: “It was a huge hit with the guests and we would recommend it to anyone if you want a memorable night!”

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Necole Raquel Events Celebrate Love. Celebrate Life.

Necole Raquel Events is a full service wedding and events planning firm.

Here to turn all your wedding dreams into a reality.

P: 647-339-7542 E: necole@necoleraquelevents.com W: necoleraquelevents.com

memories forever

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real weddings

Tatiana and Aman

Cake: Fine Cakes by Zehra • finecakesbyzehra.com Bridesmaid Dresses: Superior Bridal, Dessy After Six Makeup: Allana, 647 780 2058 • Hair: Janet 416 828 1416 Flowers: LUXE events & design • luxeeventsanddesign.ca Shoes - Valentino • Venue: Casa Loma • www.casaloma.org Bridal Gown - Superior Bridal, “Windsor” by Maggie Sottero Tuxedo/Suit designer: GOTSTYLE Menswear • www.gotstyle.ca Photo/Video - Stephen Franklin Photo • www.stephenfranklin.ca

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| THE WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE

June 30th, 2013

real weddings

SUMMER 2014 |

page 63

Highlight Your Beauty on Your Wedding Day

K a terin a Ra p o p ort In c. p ro v id e s h ig h ly p rofe s s io n al m ak e u p an d h a irs ty lin g b rid a l s er v ice s .

www. k a te rin ra p o p ort. co m 416-826-5528 b o o k @ka terin ara p o p ort. co m