A U T H E N T I C C U I S I N E E V E N T S P E C I A L I S T S

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For many of us, winter is a magical time of year. For couples planning their nuptials, the season also presents a unique opportunity to create an incredibly romantic winter wonderland setting – and that’s just what greeted visitors to the 25th Annual Bridal Event & Fashion Show.

The event, held January 26 at Durham College, featured a winter wonderland setting by offi cial decorator House of Golden-Aire of Oshawa. Glamour was the order of the day and paid tribute to the Marilyn Monroe era, explains owner Lynda Dowe.

As displayed at her exhibit, she recreates that magical and timeless era through

the generous use of crystal beads, crystal centrepieces, fl ickering candles in assorted heights, strings of twinkle lights illuminated under tulle table skirts, and backdrops featuring elegant layers of ivory and champagne coloured satin fabrics. Décor elements included a scenic backdrop to the fashion shows that featured snow-laden tree and a colour palette of blues and whites , while also incorporating greenery from Bloom Field Gardens. Fellow show sponsor Tim’s Party Centre and Special Events Rentals completed the winter wonderland with hundreds of balloons in silver and blues – dozens of which featured coupons that could be redeemed for prizes from show exhibitors.

Vintage, glam and rustic glam among wedding trendsBridal Show Advertising Feature

Highlights of the must-attend event included two fashion shows. The fi rst featured designs by Sharmilli from SharleezConcept, a highly-creative designer who fi nds inspiration in fashions, customs, art and fabrics from across the globe. “I fi nd other cultures fascinating and like to mix modern and traditional elements,” she says.

Her creations feature intricate beadwork and distinctive colour and fabric combinations, including a gown that featured alternating layers of traditional Chinese fabric and ivory satin. “Some designs are fl irty and fun. One is short at the front and has a long train,” says Sharmilli. She will soon open her fi rst retail boutique in Whitby.

The second fashion show included gowns from A Perfect Dream Bridal Boutique of Courtice. Princess gowns, corset-style tops, lace, belts, sparkling tiaras, birdcage veils and feather fascinators were among featured trends. Bridesmaids’ fashions included a long chiffon dress in sunfl ower yellow, as well as a short dress in emerald green and another in sunmist green. A mother-of-the-bride dazzled in a one-shoulder dress in hunter green.

Grooms rocked fashions from Freeman Formalwear, available at Tip Top Tailors, and Moores Clothing for Men. Trends include slim-fi t tuxedo jackets and pants,

as well as bow ties, cummerbunds and vests in vibrant colours like Tuscany Malibu and sapphire blues, as well as fuchsia and bubblegum.

Bliss Bridal Boutique was among several bridal boutiques that returned to the annual event. “We’re starting to see gowns with a touch of gold as an accent colour or in beading,” says owner Sally Bevis.

Other trends: ombre, lace, crystals and beadwork, as well as detailed backs, with some gowns featuring a detachable train. “We’re seeing a lot of fi t-and-fl are styles but ball gowns are still in. There’s more choice for brides than ever before,” Ms. Bevis

says. “Veils are making a comeback.”

The prettiest wedding gowns

Photos courtesy of Thinkagain Photography

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Countrysinger/songwriter Lindsay Broughton hit the stage in front of the winter wonderland backdrop. The Canadian Country Music Association’s 2010 ‘Rising Star’ recipient wowed the crowd with songs like “Restless as the Rain,” along with stories about the inspiration behind some of the songs she has penned. The Brooklin resident has performed at the Boots and Hearts Country Music Festival as well as CCMA’s New Artist Showcase during Country Music Week 2010. Her self-

described musical sound is “fun modern-country” with a twist of pop fused/funky rock and her musical influences are rooted in country and rock.

Alfie Latanski, world classical guitarist, had performed classical and flamenco-style music on the main stage as well. His dreamy guitar playing provided beautiful background music setting the tone for the days events.

Country singer entertains the audience

Fun dining trends continue, Ms. Corbett reports. While candy buffets remain a favourite late-night snack for guests, brides and grooms are also serving cookies and other baked goodies, as well as popcorn. Fun trend alert: snow cones topped with a shot of liqueur or vodka instead of syrup.

Those attending the Durham Region Bridal Event & Fashion Show sampled goodies from such exhibitors as official caterer Shrimp Cocktail. It served shaved from the roast prime rib sandwiches, traditional shrimp cocktails, chicken salad in spiced black bean phyllo cups, and baby brie on garlic crustinis. “We talked to a lot of couples interested in hosting a cocktail reception or formal sit-down dinner in a smaller venue like a restaurant,” says owner Wanda Nippard. “Some are planning a destination wedding

and know not everyone will be able to join them so they want to host a celebration when they return.” Bakers like Cakes by Stephanie owner Stephanie Tenant predicts the rosette, rough/rustic icing and flowers (real and gumpaste) will be among the season’s hottest wedding cake trends. “Bling is still in,” she says, pointing to cake tiers wrapped in a bling ribbon.

About half of the couples Ms. Tenant spoke with want a traditional tiered wedding cake, while the other half plans to serve mini cupcakes. If serving cupcakes, she recommends offering three flavours, which could include lemon raspberry – a favourite for spring and summer weddings – cookies ‘n cream, chocolate orange and strawberry vanilla.

Wedding food trends 2014

Many brides-to-be enjoyed getting a mini makeover at Salon Blo of Whitby, with many more onlookers watching the transformations. “Most have a vision of what they’d like for their wedding day but don’t think their hair will cooperate,” says colourist Angela Arangio. “They’re often surprised by the possibilities.”

The team of Salon Blo stylists also did the hair and makeup of the models in the event’s two fashion shows. Loose up-dos were on trend, along with tulle fascinators, some adorned with crystals. Makeup trends included nudes and neutrals, as well as dramatic smoky eyes and cat eyes. “It’s about creating something timeless with a modern twist,” Ms. Arangio says.

Many brides-to-be enjoyed airbrush makeup demonstrations at Salon Amara of Bowmanville. The makeup is sprayed on in a fine layer, creating a natural look while still offering great coverage and longevity, and is great for hot and humid weather because it doesn’t cake, smear, run or melt away.

Gorgeous hair and makeup

Visit us online!

www.durhambridalshow.com | www.durhamregion.com | For information on the 2015 show email: mlea@durhamregion.com

Visit www.durhambridalshow.com for photos of the event captured by our official event photographer, Thinkagain Photography.

The Annual Durham Region Bridal Event & Fashion Show is sponsored by Beautiful Beginnings Bridal Magazine, which is distributed to more than 400 select retailers and suppliers throughout Durham Region in December and June. For magazine information visit www.beautifulbeginningsbridal.com

While brides-to-be were looking for crystal baubles to complement their gowns, their guys were interested in trying on tungsten and titanium wedding bands, reports Sonja Sanders of show sponsor Jewellery By Sanders of Oshawa. “The gunmetal look is still very popular,” she says. “It’s lighter than gold but can’t be dented.”

Many of the brides were accompanied by girlfriends who delighted in trying on engagement rings, with many falling in love with coloured diamonds -- one of the hottest trends in engagement rings, Ms. Sanders notes. Cushion cut or round cut diamonds are also favourite trends.

Jewellery By Sanders helped the Annual

Durham Region Bridal Event & Fashion Show mark its 25th anniversary with prizes that included three dazzling anniversary rings with round, brilliant cut diamonds and a cluster ring featuring colourless and black diamonds.

Boy bands rock

Ashley Lynn of Port Perry pictured in photo right stands to the left with boutique owner Crysal Adams. Ashley wins a $1500 Gift Certificate towards a wedding dress from A Perfect Dream Bridal Boutique.

Ring 2: A 14K white lady’s anniversary-style ring set with nine round, brilliant cut diamonds which total approximately 0.30ct combined. The suggested retail is $1,290.00Winner:Christine Cassidy of Whitby, left.

Ring 3: A lady’s 14K white gold anniversary-style ring set with five round, brilliant cut diamonds which total approximately 0.40ct combined. The suggested retail is $1,050.00Winner: Kristy Law of Oshawa pictured above on the left, with Sonja Sanders of Jewellery by Sanders.

Bridal Show Advertising Feature

Ring 4: Ticket holder #1753 pictured on the left, stands between Lindsay Broughton left and Sonja Sanders right, accepting her 14k white gold lady’s anniversary-style ring set with eleven round, brilliant cut diamonds which total approximately 0.25ct combined. The suggested retail is $990.00.

Ring #2 Ring#3 Ring#4

Big winners at the Bridal ShowAll our guests who cam to the show where automatically able to enter the draw with their admission ticket serving as a ballot. Our four lucky winners below walked away with terrific prizes from our show sponsors Jewellery by Sanders and A Perfect Dream Bridal Boutique. And the winners are.....