the wedding planner magazine - fall 2013 issue

THE W

EDD

ING

PLANN

ER M

AGAZIN

EFALL 2013

Perfect Proposals that will warm your heart!

A Parisian Shower of Love!

Featuring Necole Raquel Events!

PlannerThe

magazineWedding

FALL 2013 - $4.99 CAD

Invitation Etiquette to follow!

Alice in Wonderland

Stylized Shoot!

ofontents

03 Letter from the Editor

04 Staff

06 Articles06 A Fairy Tale Wedding

10 Perfect Proposals

14 Alice in Wonderland

18 I Do! With an Arabic Flair

20 I Do! With a Hawaiian Flair

22 Necole Raquel Events

24 Real Weddings: Anne & John

27 Simply Beautiful

28 Invitation Etiquette

30 A Parisian Shower of Love

34 Physically Fit

36 The Best Man’s Speech

38 Romance at Stone Edge Estates

42 Way Back Weddings

44 Stone Edge Estate

48 Financial Health Check

50 In a Different Light

51 Unigue Bachelor & Bachelorette Ideas

able

Cover Photo Credits:Photography: Daryl Shail, Virtuoso Photography [ (www.virtuosophotography.com])Bridal Gown & Accessories: Talia Massaroni, Accessories by Talia [(www.accessoriesbytalia.com])Hair: Andrea Dasilva, Creatively Beautiful Inc. [ (www.creativelybeautiful.com])Makeup: Caroline CB. Buzzanga, Creatively Beautiful Inc. [ (www.creativelybeautiful.com])Model & Shoes: Ris RumbleLocation: Stone Edge Estates, Georgetown, ON [ www.stoneedgeestate.com]

Brides, Grooms, and Wedding Enthusiasts,

Another summer has passed and we have enjoyed many weddings and engagements of couples in the Greater Toronto Area. We are pleased to be able to work with dedicated and talented vendors to put together two stylized photo shoots for this magazine, including Romance at Stone Edge Estate and Alice in Wonderland. The ambiance of Stone Edge Estate in Georgetown, ON is absolutely gorgeous and any bride using the estate as her backdrop would be stunning in the natural light on the grand staircase, in front of the rustic barn, and in the exquisite Bridal Suite. For our other shoot, the whimsical backdrop and twisted forest provided the perfect stage for our three beauties to be transformed into our take on the timeless classic, Alice in Wonderland.

In addition, we can’t forget about the amazing staff that worked tirelessly to put together this issue, gathering new and interesting stories including Way Back Weddings, a new section featuring weddings from the past, Perfect Proposals, submitted by our readers, and tips and tricks from our industry-specific columnists regarding finances, real estate, makeup, photography and much more! The magazine has been very fortunate to have so much amazing talent showcased in one place and we always encourage aspiring writers to give us a shout.

Have you visited our new website yet? If not, pop over to www.weddingplannermag.ca and take a look at some great offers from our Preferred Vendors, a behind-the-scenes look from our photo shoots, the online version of our magazine and to sign up for our newsletter to get FREE Wedding Planning advice.

Without further ado, I present to you, the Fall 2013 issue of The Wedding Planner Magazine.

Enjoy!

Carmelina KarasEditor in Chief

Letterfrom theEditor

To submit comments, questions or ideas about the magazine to the editor, please email [email protected] and include your name, age (optional) and city that you are from.

You may also include a picture.Photography by Marcie Costello Photography

Nathan Kwok

PhotographersStaff

Marcie Costello

Raph Nogal

Bill Giannos

Daryl Shail

Arti Patel, WriterAssociate Editor at The Huffington Post Canada Living/AOL Canada, Arti is a journalism graduate from Ryerson University. She also performs the occasional freelance multimedia work. Her focus is on women’s issues and human rights and she loves the good old interview.

Heather Nedham, ColumnistA motivated and talented business associate, she keeps herself fit by attending an intense bootcamp in addition to a personal fitness routine in the comfort of her own home. A “Tough Mudder” that is going to give brides and grooms the tools they need to get in shape for their big day!

Craig Belanger, Layout and DesignCraig Belanger, a freelance designer started his career working in the printing industry. Now working as a technology consultant, while designing on the side. He loves to be outdoors, traveling the world, and just experiencing new things.

Kimberly Clark, ColumnistA fantastic Real Estate agent turned writer who has offered her services to the magazine as a columnist. Currently resides in Markham, ON and loving mother of two, she is an active participant in local extracurricular activities including recreational soccer.

Renu Eapen, WriterRenu Eapen, currently a student studying advertising at Sheridan College, grew up in Dubai before moving to Canada with her family. She has a passion for anything and everything creative and is a huge movie buff. She loves nothing more than a good movie marathon.

Steven Freiria, Assistant EditorSteven Freiria’s attention to detail and love for writing gives him passion both on paper and in life itself. His keen eye has been a huge help to The Wedding Planner Magazine.

Elizabeth Kogan, WriterA York University graduate, became a freelance writer after having worked in the insurance industry for 12 years. Her passion for the twist that the creative word brings to everyday life is what compels her to remain true to the leap of faith she’s taken by joining the writing world. She is ecstatic to be working for The Wedding Planner Magazine GTA as its Bridal Show Correspondent.

Writers / Columnists

Barbara Kowalski, Photographer/WriterBarbara Kowalski is the owner of Real & Blush Photography, a studio that specializes in soft and documentary style wedding and portrait photography. She is a tea-obsessed, blog-crazed, Pinterest-addicted lover of beautiful things and admits to crying at every wedding she has photographed so far.

Andre McCalmont, WriterJoseph Andre McCalmont, a graduate of Queens University with a Bachelors of Arts Honors Degree, is a financial security advisor with Freedom 55 Financial. He can be contacted by cell phone at 647-669-4684 x243 or by email to [email protected].

Alysa Nicole Baker, WriterBorn and raised in Markham, ON, is currently studying Early Childhood Education at Seneca College part time while raising her beautiful daughter Mallory. She has a passion for child psychology and family law and spends her free time writing, researching, going to the zoo and science center. She is ambitious, strong willed, and believes that making a difference to one person can change the world.

Jesse So, WriterBorn in Scarborough, ON and currently residing in Markham, ON, Jesse is a freelance writer and a jack of all trades. He hopes to enter many industries and make a definite impact in the lives of young people.

Helen Kats, WriterLong-time professional makeup artist, teacher and creative director of Makeup Fit Workshops, Helen Kats has been writing and talking about beauty, fashion, makeup products and tools for more than 15 years. Her expertise in makeup artistry ranges from business to casual chic beauty, to bridal photo finish, to high fashion, to catwalk, to stage to film.

A

Fairy TaleWeddingby Charis Wang

Prince Charming finally proposed and of course, you said yes! It’s a beautiful day, the birds are chirping and the bells are ringing. Now it’s time to plan the big day!

Growing up as a child, you may have dreamed, once upon a time, to get married like a Disney Princess. However, it probably seemed too difficult, expensive or maybe a bit too

cheesy for it to actually turn out well. Just to let you know, this is your wedding and as long as you love it and your Prince Charming is happy, the two of

you can live happily ever after.

Seeing full-out Disney weddings and Disney movie specific weddings, I would recommend you choose your theme based

off your one favourite Disney Princess. This way, you’ll be able to have a consistent colour scheme for your attire and flowers, a theme for your décor and favours, along with your invitations and itinerary. It makes life.. much easier.. and neater.

Here are a few things to take note of to make your dream wedding come true! I will be using Belle, from Beauty and the Beast, as my example for each idea.

First off, your hair and makeup should closely resemble your desired Disney Princess. For Belle, go for that famous “half up, half down” with a bun and loose curls. Don’t be shy to add in a tiara or a dazzling headpiece of some sort. If you’re worried about your hair colour, don’t worry about it. Everything else about

your wonderful wedding will make up for it! Likewise for makeup, keep the colour scheme similar to your

Disney princess (DP). Majority of the DPs have large, bold eyes, so don’t forget to emphasize your eyes with eyeliner

or even false lashes!

For your wedding dress, you probably have the perfect dress in mind. Go for it! Find the dress you love and wear it with confidence.

You’ll look stunning! As for your bridesmaids, they can wear dresses of different styles with the same colour of your DP’s dress. For example,

in Beauty and the Beast, Belle wore a golden-yellow gown. Likewise, your bridesmaids can wear golden-yellow dresses as you wear a dazzling white wedding dress. You’ll definitely catch the eyes of your guests! Along those lines, the men could still wear tuxedos, but have their colour scheme follow the Beast. Can I suggest a royal blue vest with a yellow hanky? It’s completely up to you!

Flowers, flowers, flowers. You have an outrageous number of 230,000 different flower species to pick from. That number may be intimidating at first, but after taking in consideration colour, appearance, various scents and of course, your DP, your list will narrow down drastically. Once again, I’d suggest you to observe your DP and note any flowers (or even fruit!) that are emphasized throughout the movie. For Belle, a bouquet

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of red roses would be a wise decision for the bride and a single red rose as a boutonnière for the groom. However, if you choose Rapunzel from Tangled as your DP, it would be hard to find a magical golden flower with healing powers for your bouquet. Find an alternate flower that closely resembles the mystical flower! May I suggest white and purple daylilies with some greens in the bouquet? Like I said, the wish is your command, girl!

Before I continue, I must say that your location can make or break your wedding. You’ll need to consider the number of family and friends that will be coming and choose a venue that will suit your liking as well. Try to find a place that closely resembles a romantic scene or your favourite location from the Disney movie. For our Beauty in love with the Beast, I would suggest a large hall with a staircase or chandelier, a grand library, as she loves reading, or even a nearby castle like Toronto’s Casa Loma. By doing this, you don’t have to put as much effort into making the place look like a Disney Princess wedding location, but you’ll still have to work hard as a bride-to-be to make it the wedding you’ve always wanted. You can do it!

It’s time to walk down the aisle and you have to find the perfect wedding music! Something other than Pachelbel’s Canon please! Well, if you want it, it’s all yours. You da bride! But if you want Disney, can I recommend you pick the soundtracks from Disney movies? For music, be flexible because one movie can only have so many songs. Pay attention to the tempo, the lyrics, the mood of the song and relax as the nostalgia rushes in while selecting them. Keep in mind, you’ve got the interlude, the aisle-walking, the signing of the registry, the recession and the dances at the end of the night. But don’t let that stress you out. You’ve got your man and your best friends for a reason!

“Be our guest, be our guest, put our service to the test!” It’s time for the reception and you have to worry about centerpieces, the food, the overall décor, the favours, the cake, games, dances and the list goes on. First off, take a deep breath. Don’t worry! Since you’ve already chosen your DP to spin your wedding off of, majority of the planning is already done for you. You just have to put the pieces of the puzzle together!

For centerpieces, it’s up to you if you want them DP specific or just DP in general. You can even do a bit of both. For

example, have a Beauty and the Beast themed wedding with elements of other DP included. Tables could be adorned with rose petals like the rose Beast gave Belle, while centerpieces could have red apples from Snow White.Food, glorious food! Everyone loves food, right? This can be flexible depending on your budget for the wedding. If you want to be authentic, go for popular food shown in the movie (Gumbo in Princess and the Frog) or do some research and match the cuisine with the geographical location of the movie. Since Beauty and the Beast was set in France, I would go for French cuisine.

There are so many components to your wedding and unfortunately, I can’t write about everything. Give yourself time to think and plan and don’t rush yourself. You can do it! Be creative and I hope this article gave you some ideas and opened the possibilities of a dream come true.

Last, but not least, don’t forget your gorgeous smile at the top of the staircase!


Perfect Proposals

We had been planning to go away on a mini vacation all winter but our plans kept getting postponed. By the

time March rolled around we were in desperate need of a getaway, just us. We wanted to go somewhere relaxing that we hadn’t been before so I suggested the Hockley Valley Resort. Perfect. We love the drive up to the country. And, since we both grew up just outside of Hockley, we thought it would be nice to finally check out the resort.

Finally, Saturday April 6th was here, our day to check in. On the drive up we were to pass both of our childhood homes en route to the resort. As we passed through Loretto we slowed down at my old home, I took in the memories, and we drove on. A few minutes later we were slowing down in front of Vince’s old house, but instead of taking in the memories and continuing on our way, he pulled into the driveway and turned off the car. “What are you doing?” I asked. “You can’t just pull into the driveway, you don’t live here anymore.” With optimism, Vince said “it’s fine, let’s go say hi.” “No way, that’s so weird.” I wasn’t about to go up and introduce myself to strangers. The whole situation was just bizarre. “You go, I’ll stay here.”

I watched Vince knock on the door and a man answer. The owner seemed to be amused by his impromptu visit and chatted with

him for a couple minutes. When he came back to the car, he told me that the owner’s name is Frank and that he’s really nice. He also told me that he had asked if we could climb onto the roof and take some pictures. “Are you kidding me?! No way, that’s really weird. Please get in the car and let’s go” was how I replied. Vince begged me saying that it would mean a lot to him, especially since it was where he had first asked to kiss me when we started dating. Although I understood that it would be nostalgic, tears started to well in my eyes at the awkwardness I was feeling about climbing a complete stranger’s roof. Finally, after much convincing, begging really, I reluctantly agreed, but hadn’t yet clued into anything that might happen next.

I quickly collected myself so as not to look like an idiot. I introduced myself and apologized for my boyfriend and his silly request. Frank was very welcoming and said that he didn’t mind at all. The antenna tower at the side of the house that we used to climb to get onto the roof is two stories high. Looking up, I instantly felt scared and protested as I have a fear of heights. Frank suggested that we climb up the garage side instead as its only one story, offering to pull up a ladder for us. I was desperately wishing for Vince to give in to my whining and say that we could

Vincent & Jamie

just leave. I would have gladly taken that exit in a heartbeat. But instead I decided to brave the climb and not disappoint him.

I made Vince go up first and hold the ladder for me like his life depended on it. Teary-eyed and cursing the whole way up I managed to get onto the roof in one piece. Once I sat down I was happy that I hadn’t chickened out. The view was beautiful, and of course being up there was indeed nostalgic and brought back some great memories.

As we were enjoying the scene, I saw Frank come around the back of the house and start to take pictures of us. Ok, now this whole situation is even more awkward. I thought, of course he’s taking pictures of the nutty kids on top of his roof, I would! I found myself laughing it off and going along with the craziness while posing for some photos, before Frank left us to our experience. After a short while, Vince handed me the camera, a new fancy one we just got from his dad. He told me to take some pictures, but I couldn’t for the life of me figure out how to get it onto the panoramic setting. Luckily he distracted me from my impossible task by asking if he could kiss me, just like he had asked me 10 years ago. I couldn’t resist. He was being super cute. After the kiss, I returned my focus back to the camera and Vince turned away for a moment. He turned back and asked “Jamie, can I ask you another question?” It wasn’t until this instant that I finally clued into what was going on; why Vince had been so persistent in getting me to climb the roof. But before I could fully comprehend

the situation, Vince was down on one knee in front of me. He pulled out the ring and asked me to be his wife. In my whirlwind of excited giddiness, my response was something like “What?! No. What are you doing? You’re crazy!” (Now crying the Ugly Cry) and finally “Yes!”

Frank came back out with his camera almost immediately after to capture our moment for us. I couldn’t stop laughing , realizing why he had been taking pictures of us up on his roof only minutes before. I fully understood now that this wasn’t an impromptu visit at all, it was planned. Vince had the ring box hiding in the camera bag the whole time.

When we climbed back down, Vince explained that he had driven up weeks earlier to speak with Frank and his wife Alison about his plan. They were on-board from the beginning and delighted to be a part of our proposal.

I knew Vince was going to ask me sooner rather than later, but I had no clue that it was going to happen then and there. After all, staying at the Hockley Valley Resort was my suggestion. Later I found out that proposing on the roof was Vince’s idea all along, he was just waiting for an excuse to get me there and I ended up giving him the perfect one. Had I given in to my stubborn Irish blood and refused to get out of the car, I would have ruined his plan completely. Thankfully, I didn’t.

EvEnts that MakE You saY

“Oh My Gosh”

alExandria daMouni ownEr and lEad EvEnt dEsignEr

tEl: (905) 960-2886EMail: [email protected]

wEbsitE: www.ohMYgoshEvEnts.coM

FacEbook: FacEbook.coM/ohMYgoshEvEnts


This is one of those perfect “movie” proposals that forces streams of tears to flow down your face. Super short,

scrawny Shaun and frizzy haired Tanya met in high school through mutual friends. Shaun swept Tanya off her feet when he officially asked her to be his girlfriend in grade 11. The morning of their grade 11 semi-formal, Shaun placed a rose in every class Tanya had and by the end of the day he presented her with a bunch of flowers in hand, asking her to be his girlfriend. How can anyone ever say no?

Shaun took Tanya to an Italian restaurant for their first date. Although he was a ball of nerves, he knew Tanya was special.

Fast forward 10 years, Shaun is as romantic as ever and Tanya is still smitten by her man.

On April 25, a random Thursday, Tanya was under the impression that Shaun was out of town writing an exam. When Tanya left her room she found a note and rose taped on her door. The note was the first page of a storybook describing the day he asked her out, titled “Our Story”.

Shaun & Tanya

At that moment, she knew it was happening.

After failing to get clues from her roommates about what they knew, Tanya went about her normal routine. When she got to her car, there was another rose and page 2 of their story.

The third rose and note was on her desk at work, the fourth and fifth were on her car. The sixth was on her front door and the seventh on the door of her room. The final note instructed her to open the door.

Everything Tanya had been waiting for was behind that door. After having Shaun shout from behind the door that she needed to open the door soon, she entered the room and burst into uncontrolled tears. Shaun was bent down on one knee and told her about a promise he made her 10 years ago that he would always be by her side. He was surrounded by candles, balloons, sparklers and roses. He then asked for her hand in marriage and she said yes. They celebrated that night at the same Italian restaurant they had their first date at 10 years ago.

That closed their dating story and the rest is being written.

Like many couples, we are of different backgrounds. I was born in Canada to Portuguese immigrant parents and my

spouse emigrated with his parents from Russia to Canada as a young child. And to this day, we still get the question, how did you guys meet?

Cue New Year’s Eve... December 31, 1998.

After what seemed like hours getting ready for a New Year’s Eve party, a friend and I made our way to another friend’s place to enjoy a few drinks. As we were standing in the kitchen, the front door opened and a gust of icy bitter wind invaded the house. A group of guys walked in. One guy in particular, Viktor, was close enough to me that I felt compelled to turn my head to one side, just long enough to murmur a polite hi.

Too tall, was my two-second assessment of Viktor. I didn’t plan to take it any further than that. Fate, however, had other plans for me. As we moved from house party to hotel party and the night went on, and predictably so did the vodka pouring, Viktor and I found our way to each other. I think I may have actually stumbled along the way, but nonetheless we started to chat. Ice cold Vodka and sweet Port took to one another.

It was clearly deeper than a party-in-a-glass and I knew it that very night. I was inexplicably ready to be myself with this person. Smart-mouthy; outgoing one second and then surprisingly introverted the next; all eccentric; all me. There was no special song playing that night. No guy crooning I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing in the corner of a smoke-filled room. Although in my world, the song would’ve been Careless Whispers. We started dating exclusively soon after that first meeting.

Less than two years later during the autumn of 2000, as Viktor and I were taking an evening walk along Toronto’s Ashbridges Bay, he stopped in his tracks. Startled, I asked him what was wrong. He got down on one knee. To say I was excited would be a grotesque understatement. Viktor seemed so nervous as he asked those sweet words, “Will you marry me?” and truly, I couldn’t understand why. To me, our love was and still is so evident, indelibly embedded in our souls; I didn’t see any other path than the one we were already creating.

Excitedly running out of Ashbridges Bay, I proceeded to call my family and closest friends, shrieking mercilessly at them, “We have a wedding to plan!” To celebrate, Viktor and I went to The Friendly Greek on the Danforth, the spot where we had our very first date.

The next day we boarded a plane as a newly engaged couple to Algarve, the southern province of Portugal, for a one-week vacation.

Liz & Viktor

Photography by:Lisa Crispo Photography

Photography: Marcie Costello, Marcie Costello Photography [ www.marciephoto.ca]

Evening Attire: Royal Posh Bridal [ royalposh.com]

Accessories: Amie DiCarlo, Artemis Fashion Jewellery [ www.artemisfashionjewellery.com]

Hair: Leanne Hermenegildo, Creatively Beautiful Inc. [www.creativelybeautiful.com]

Makeup: Caroline CB. Buzzanga, Creatively Beautiful Inc. [www.creativelybeautiful.com]

Props: Christina Gaspar, Picture Perfect 85 [ www.pictureperfect85.com] Marcie Costello Photography [ www.marciephoto.ca]

Happily Ever After Events Inc. Facebook - Happily Ever After Events Inc.

Models: Maria Nahri, Deena, and Alena Konovalova

Weddings with an Arabic Flair- Renu Eapen

Arabic weddings, which are called Farah, are big, lavish and glitzy.

However, before the wedding takes places, the groom makes sure that there is a furnished house to bring his bride to. This symbolises the duty the groom has towards his wife. The day before the wedding, the bride and all the ladies take part in a henna ceremony. During this event, last minute decorations and wedding arrangements are made. The groom offers the bride a gift, mostly made of gold.

In a traditional Arabic wedding, it is believed that a marriage is not official until it has been consummated. Either the bride or the groom can change their mind about getting married if they have not consummated, however, that tradition is rarely practiced these days. Muslim weddings have their guests sit according to gender. This is an important tradition as it prevents men from dancing with women who are not their wives and seeing women dressed immodestly.

The Katb Kitab is the official marriage ceremony which is held in a Mosque. The priest will start the ceremony by talking about the Prophet honoring his wife and educating the couple on how to honor each other. Rings are exchanged between the two and everyone toasts to their health.

The bride and groom sit on fancy chairs so as to indicate that they are the king and queen for the night. During the reception, the wealth of the family is shown by how many entertainers and how much food is provided for the wedding party. Lamb, chicken, rice, lentil dishes, succulent sauces and traditional desserts are the common meals provided to their guests. Dancing and singing is performed after dinner. The couple will have a zaffa, which is a loud procession to announce their marriage to the world. At the end of the wedding, the guests will join the wedding family and give the couple their blessing before they leave.


- Renu Eapen

Weddings with a Hawaiian Flair

Hawaiian parties are a lot of fun, so you best believe that Hawaiian weddings are twice as fun. Guests arrive

to the ceremony while ukulele music plays all around them. The minister, called the kahuna pule or kahu, chants as he walks the groom to the ceremony. The groom wears white with a red sash on this waist. The mothers of the bride and groom are escorted to their seats by the members of their families. The bridal party walk down the aisle while the bride is announced by the blowing of a conch shell. This calls to the earth, sea, air and fire to be witnesses to the occasion. After the blowing of the conch, the bride walks down the aisle wearing a flowing white dress and a crown of flowers. Leis are exchanged and symbolise their eternal love for each other. The couple’s parents present the leis to them while the couple gives their in-laws leis as well. While a traditional Hawaiian song plays, the couple recites vows to each other. The

priest dips a wooden bowl into the sea which represents strength and integrity. A Ti leaf represents prosperity and health and is also dipped into the water, then sprinkled over the wedding rings three times. Once the couple is married, they stand in a circle of fragrant tropical flowers. The bride and groom then pour colored sands into a glass jar, mixing them both together symbolizing that the two have now become one.

Once the wedding ceremony is done, the party starts. Dishes of chicken and fish are provided to the guests. Dancing and singing takes place and lasts late into the night. Most weddings take place on the beach which is decorated with flowers and fruits.

As a Hawaiian party plays out, the reception is full of liveliness. Toasts are made and drinks are consumed. Late into the night, the couple bid farewell and depart from the reception.


After working in a toxic environment that didn’t let Necole Raquel James play with her creative juices, she decided

to leave her job and start all over again.

“It was sucking the life out of me. I did not love it, however, the moment I got to do anything remotely involved with events I came alive and my brain started to work,” she says. “I remember speaking with the director in HR and I remember her saying to me, ‘you need to get into events that is where you belong.” I

decided I was done with the field of philanthropy and made the decision to start my own firm.”

But going back two years prior to this, James actually registered the business name but didn’t end up doing anything with it.

“It felt as though for the past three years I have been afraid to do what I really wanted to do and to follow my dreams,” she says. “I have worked in some great and not so great companies, I have learned a lot from the individuals that I worked for and with and realized that I really have the tools to not only start my own company but to be successful. Nothing was holding me back but me and my fear.”

And it was just the kick she needed – that love and passion for weddings and events had become her driving force for change. Necole Raquel Events was born, and James says interacting with others and the joy of owning her own business gets her up every morning.

“I just really love what I am doing, I feel like I am in a groove so to speak, this is my baby and I want to spend as much time nurturing it and watching it take flight.”

But she says along with the thrill also comes stress. Just like running any type of business, James says, there’s always stress involved – and sometimes it’s hard to work around it.

“It is really how you respond to it and what you do with it that really is the kicker. If you handle it in a positive way then you are good, if not, well it will be an uphill battle for you,” she says.

She is currently working with a corporate client, CHOZEN MEDIA, and says that she is getting requests for décor solutions, venues and dresses, and requests for pricing.

Working towards the future, James hopes to grow her business and create a name for herself in the industry.

“I see this company finally building some steam, really solidifying myself as a great planner and great business. I would like to branch out into the States and acquire more corporate clients as well, just to keep things interesting.”

Necole Raquel Events Profileby Arti Patel

Celebrate Love. Celebrate Life.

Email: [email protected]: (647) 261 - 6709Website: necoleraquelevents.com


WeddingsAnne & John Ondercin

Real

Who?: Anne and John Ondercin

When?: June 1, 2013

Where?: The Bear Estate, Cranberry Resort, Collingwood, ON

Photographer: Marcie Costello Photography

Cake: Monika Bakes Custom Cakes, Milton ON

Dress Maker: David’s Bridal

Hair/Make-up: Shannon Dennison, ([email protected]) Milton, ON

Florist: Smarts Flowers, Collingwood

Decor Company: Panache Design Works, Collingwood, ON

WeddingsAnne & John Ondercin

Real


BeautifulSimply

by Helen Kats

After the summer’s fun, hustle and bustle, nature seems to slow down. It blossoms in rich jewel tones of russet, ochre and burgundy, showing off its stately beauty.

As the weather gets cooler, and we gradually switch from light summer dresses and cute sandals to funky jackets and hot boots, our skin care and makeup routine changes as well.

You may notice that in the fall your skin becomes drier, less pliant; your bronzer does not look natural anymore, and the color of the lip gloss you were in love with in the summer, simply washes you out! Solution?

• Use heavier moisturizers that provide not only hydration, but also the nourishment of vitamins and minerals.

• Use anti-aging agents in your moisturizer and eye cream. Properly chosen cream should make your skin glow, not break out.

• Re-acquaint yourself with a facial scrub used at least once a week in a shower. This will keep your skin even and free of blotches and blemishes.

• Cleansing soap also needs to change to something gentler. Our oil glands are not as active this time of year. Get a cleanser that won’t strip your skin of your natural oils.

• Continue using sun block every day.

• For those of you who like extra hydration, use your sun block under your day cream. Otherwise, you can get a moisturizer with sun block already in it.

Makeup follows the same trend. To achieve the subtle, moist, glowing look:

• Use both foundation and powder to seal in moisture and natural oils.

• Use less bronzer and more blush to create a flushed look.

• Use richly-hued, darker colored lipstick or lip gloss to compliment paling complexion.

• If summer is perfect to play up your eyes, autumn is great for playing up your lips.

• Make the color of your lips a beautiful accessory for the face!

So, go ahead, fall in love with fall, and then your look will be synonymous with that of autumn: majestic, royal, grand and magnificent!


The big day is nearing and the guest list has been set. Now it’s time to send out the invites that will set the tone for the whole event. The question is “How do I say it right?” What is the best way to word the invitation that will

ask your family and friends to attend the best day of your life?

It used to be really easy. The bride’s parents requested the honour of your presence as they paid for everything. Now in modern times, it’s usually the bride and groom who pay for most (if not all) of the wedding with help from both sets of parents. The guideline is usually whoever is paying for the majority of the wedding is the host of the party. The following are a few examples as to what may work for your family.

InvitationEtiquette

by Angela Hickman

Jane Marie Smith

And

John Alexander Doe

Request the honour of your presence

As they exchange marriage vows

Together with their families

Jane Marie Smith

And

John Alexander Doe


At the celebration of their union

OR

OR


Mr. and Mrs. Richard Smith

And

Dr. and Mrs. William Doe


As their children

Jane Marie Smith

And

John Alexander Doe

Are united in marriage

You will want your guests to reply by a certain date and the best way to have them do so is to include a separate card with a postage paid envelope. The reply card should look something like:

The favour of your reply is requested by

October 11, 2013

M___________________________________________

_____ Will Attend

_____ Number of Guests Attending

_____ Regretfully, Not Attending

A good tip for the reply cards is to number them on the back of the cards. You will have a guest list you are working from so if someone forgets to write their name on the card you will have a way to reference who sent it.

Addressing the envelope is also very important. Who you list on the envelope are the only people invited to the wedding; so if you address the envelope Mr. and Mrs. to a couple who have children, it will be assumed children are not allowed. If it is okay for them to bring their families it must state Mr. Reid and family. Remember to use good penmanship or calligraphy if hand writing the envelopes. You can also use printed labels that will allow you to closely match the fonts on your invitations.

However you choose to word it, your wedding invitations should reflect what your situation is. There are a lot of variations that you can go with based on your situation (too many to list in one magazine article) so if you need more help ask your invitation printer for suggestions or check out invitationconsultants.com for some excellent examples.


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FitPhysically

Would you be surprised to hear that your fitness results (or lack there-of) are based roughly on 80% diet alone???

Well if you are, you’ve probably heard of the concept ‘Clean Eating’. It may sound like the current fad you’re waiting to pass on by, but really it’s not - it’s actually a lifestyle change that you can implement knowing just a few basic things that make a diet ‘clean’.

First of all: What is Clean Eating?Essentially, what we’re trying to do is eat food that’s as close to its natural state as possible. This means minimizing the intake of processed foods and foods with preservatives, added sugar, salt and unhealthy fats. This really is the extent of the definition. It’s not a complicated diet with adding and subtracting calories, and there are no rigid restrictions that make us miserable - just try to eat more of what nature gave us the way nature gave it to us!

Here are a few basic principles that you can implement to make your diet ‘Cleaner’:1. Read Your Labels: Clean foods should have just one or two ingredients at

most. Think about the difference between freshly squeezed orange juice (ingredient - squeezed orange) vs. ‘Diet Orange Juice Drink’ (ingredients may not even contain a real orange!). We also want to beware of terms like sugar-free and low-fat; usually these foods have been altered in such a way that they are way beyond being considered ‘clean’ or natural.

(Helpful tip - if you can’t pronounce the name of an ingredient, you probably shouldn’t be eating it. Just sayin’.)

2. Prepare Food in a Healthy Way: Eating broccoli is a good thing, but if we cook it to the point that it’s yellowish and mushy, you can pretty well bet that most of the nutritional value is gone. The more we cook food, the more we break down its nutritional value. Healthier alternatives to cooking include lightly steaming, baking and sautéing.

by Heather Nedham

All About Clean Eating

Fun Fact - the tomato is scientifically considered fruit, but as far as cooking is concerned it’s considered a vegetable because of the savoury rather than sweet flavour. It’s also one of the few fruits or vegetables that actually become MORE nutritious when they’re cooked.

Here are some good choices to stick to when at the grocery store:• eat lots of plants and fresh, organic produce: organic by definition means grown without chemicals

• eat meats that are whole and straight from the butcher (i.e. avoiding heavy processing and additives)

• eat whole grains: they are referred to as whole simply because they haven’t been broken down during processing, and therefore closer to how they were created in nature

The key is to make manageable changes that get you closer to ‘clean’; don’t feel guilty if, for example, some of your foods contain more than 2 ingredients. Everyone starts somewhere, and by definition, the goal is to get closer to what nature gave us, not obsess about it.

So before you decide to make your new home the gym, consider this: maybe there’s nothing wrong with your workout routine! A few changes in eating habits could be all you need! Besides, you have much better things to do than increase your time at the gym - you’re planning a wedding!


The Big SpeechSo the seemingly daunting task has been assigned to you: giving the best man’s/maid of honor’s speech. Now most people will tell you to just write about the person and memorize it, say it in front of a mirror about fifty times and pray to God that you don’t choke when delivering the big speech. Now as much as that might work, the speech itself is what stumps people. So before you even start to create a masterpiece of drafts in your garbage can, we should start with some basics.

Simplicity is BlissWhen I gave my best man’s speech at my older God brother’s reception I had no idea how to prepare, but what I found was that simplicity is always best. A truly moving and memorable speech

shouldn’t be memorized and regurgitated on the day of. Write a brief outline of what and how you want the speech to flow. It’s important to know how long you have and the timeframe in which you will give your epic speech. Almost all speeches of this nature will begin the same, “good evening ladies and gentlemen, family friends and esteemed guests.”

But what happens after that? You go with what you know, you convey your personal experiences and memories with either or both parties (that being the groom and bride, either or). The point of this speech is to extend your gratitude and happiness that this marriage has happened. Try not to fall into the trap that almost all people do, don’t say more than you need to. So many people try and include details that they won’t remember, include things that

Best Man’sThe

Speech

by Jesse So


are beside the point. By having small prompts as to the memories or experiences you wish to share, you give yourself a small guide but also enough room for creativity.

Keep it simple and know that an epic speech isn’t about the speech but the way it’s delivered.

PreparationNow after you’ve gotten it all written down, the rough guides and pointers that you will need, you will need to have a general idea of how the speech will sound. Most people tend to memorize the speech and regurgitate it. That works for some, but I don’t tend to suggest that; doing that is like memorizing a text book and then trying to regurgitate it in front of an auditorium, the usual result is the speaker freezing and choking. By having small guides and

pointers, you can build the speech any which way you desire. It

gives room for improvement and leaves little to error as you don’t

have an exact speech. You may want to run the speech by a close

friend or family member to get some feedback as well.

Delivery Now the big moment has come, when you’re about to give the

speech, breath, smile, and be confident; even if you think you’ve

made a mistake or said something you didn’t intend to include, if

you’re confident, nobody will be able to tell. And have fun with

it, laugh and cry, understand that your speech will be remembered

and noted. It’s special because it’s from you, so go ahead and

leave your mark. And as they say: go out and break a leg!

Photography by:Marcie Costello Photography

Photography: Daryl Shail, Virtuoso Photography [ [www.virtuosophotography.com

Bridal Gown: Talia Massaroni, Accessories by Talia [ www.accessoriesbytalia.com]

Accessories: Talia Massaroni, Accessories by Talia [ www.accessoriesbytalia.com

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Was it the sweet sting of Cupid’s arrow that

inspired this love-match?

Or was it the classic tale of boy meets girl?

Perhaps it was a bit of both mixed with a fantastical dose of creativity.

This love story begins in May 1991 when Denise Morissette (Denise of French Canadian descent), a stunning statuesque beauty wearing a flowing lilac skirt and matching top and straw hat, met John Cooperwhite (John, of Scottish descent) a bus driver for Mississauga Transit. Denise was standing at a bus stop at the corner of Council Ring Road and the College Way in Mississauga en-route to work. John just happened to be her driver along Route 29.

“I did notice the driver was kinda cute,” Denise said, and then added, “he was wearing a pair of mirrored sunglasses. We never spoke until I was standing at the front door about to get off and I looked back at him and said ‘perverts wear those glasses.” Denise let out a laugh and then sauntered off the bus. The next day, she noticed the mysterious driver again and this time he was sporting different sunglasses.

It didn’t take long for the gods of romance to intervene and soon these two individuals succumbed to the power of their mutual

attraction and fell in love. Denise and John dated for 1 year and 9

months before becoming engaged. John proposed in a limousine on

Valentine’s Day: February 14, 1993.

The newly engaged couple unleashed their creative selves and opted not to have a Catholic

wedding ceremony (Denise is Catholic, however, John is not). Driven by inspiration, they came up with the most astounding wedding idea: to get married on a Mississauga Transit bus!

Getting married on a bus was originally their backup plan, Denise confessed, however, her and John decided to go ahead with it. Mississauga Transit provided permission for the ceremony to take place on one of their buses. Denise recalls “Bill Cunningham of Mississauga Transit was extremely helpful and worked hard to make sure the wedding was the best wedding that it could be,” she stated with fondness.

On the big day, July 10, 1993, the sun emitted powerful and vibrant rays as guests boarded a pompom decorated Mississauga

Way Back Weddingsby Elizabeth Kogan

Photography by:Denise Cooperwhite &

Paul Picard

Transit Bus at the Transit terminal at Erindale Station Road, the momentous Route 29. Denise’s guests told her that it was very hot on that day but neither Denise nor John took any notice. “We love it hot!” she revealed.

Wearing her something new dress, her something blue garter, and while she opted not to go with a something borrowed, she did have her something old, “My husband! He is 11 ½ years older than me,” Denise said with a good-natured laugh. They were both tremendously proud to have their young son Derick (Denise’s only child) as ring bearer.

John’s father, James, played “Mairi’s Wedding” on the bagpipes as the bride entered the bus. After saying their vows, John drove the bus bearing the sign: “Denise and John Just Married,” along the actual Route 29, while Bus Stop by The Hollies regaled the wedding guests. “That’s the way the whole thing started, silly but it’s true,” were the lyrics by The Hollies that seem to tell the true tale of John and Denise’s love story. Denise recalls that the guests were truly enjoying themselves and “many were having a good laugh at the whole thing.” One can only imagine the looks of awe on the faces of passengers waiting at the bus terminal as the wedding bus drove by. Mississauga Transit transfers were given to each wedding guest as a souvenir. Denise still has hers after all of these years.

Their wedding reception was held at the Knights of Columbus in Etobicoke. The first song of the night was, “It’s Nice to Be With You” by Tanya Tucker, chosen by Denise for John. Denise remembers being alone on the dance floor with John as dry ice surrounded them as they swayed to the music. Their wedding party joined them for the second dance chosen by John for Denise,

“When I Look Into Your Eyes” by Firehouse. As the evening came to an end, the wedding guests gathered together in a circle and surrounded Denise and John as they danced to “Almost Paradise” by Mike Reno and Ann Wilson.

This highly memorable and original wedding garnered extensive media attention. The wedding was featured on CityTV’s Brona’s Diary, The Toronto Star, The Mississauga News, and on multiple radio stations including one in Alberta. Denise later learned that their wedding was used as a centerfold feature in the Examiner. The Shirley Show also invited the couple as special guests on its “Weird and Wacky Weddings” special feature.

Throughout their years together, Denise and John have faced insurmountable obstacles. Both have dealt with their fair share of health-related issues including Denise’s diagnosis with thyroid cancer and John sustaining two heart attacks. They have also grieved the loss of John‘s father in 2006, the loss of Denise’s father in 2010, and the incredibly heartbreaking and devastating loss of their son Derick in February 2010.

Their commitment to each other has remained steadfast despite the tremendous life challenges that have come their way. Their wedding vows are words that they take very seriously and they strive to live out the meaning of “I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.” Denise will often say to John, “Well, we still have each other.” Words they continue to live by as they celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary this year.


Stone Edge EstateThe Ultimate Bridal Experienceby Donna Messer


Welcome to Stone Edge Estate, not your

average B & B, but one designed especially

for the bride and her bridal party! The evening starts after

the rehearsal dinner. 96 acres and part of the Niagara

Escarpment, Stone Edge provides a little R & R for the

bridal party before her big day. The indoor pool and hot

tub are located in a huge solarium, where orchids perch on

tables adding beauty to the ambiance of the room. Take a

leisurely dip in the professionally designed state-of-the-art

swimming pool, with a Jacuzzi to ease the stress of your

long, arduous day.

Photography by:Raya Arts Photography


It’s time for bed and your room awaits – each with a bathroom

ensuite. The “Escarpment Suite”, for the bride, is specially made

with a cozy conversation nook, a private balcony, and an adjoining

room overlooking acres of unspoiled countryside. They prepare

for bed knowing that tomorrow the hairdresser, manicurist,

makeup artist, florist, photographer and wedding planner will

show up bright and early. The services have been pre-arranged by

the bride and are accommodated by Stone Edge Estate. Nothing

is left to chance.

The bridal party awakes early and has a sumptuous breakfast. The

menu includes fresh fruit, a variety of fruit juices, waffles and

syrup, eggs, bacon, croissants, and fresh muffins. With advance

notice, special dietary requests can be arranged.

Breakfast has been enjoyed and it’s time to spend a little pre-

wedding girl time. The bride’s gown hangs in the spacious closet;

her attendant’s gowns await them in their rooms. Mirrors adorn

the spacious bedrooms, waiting to reflect the image of each girl

as they dress for the wedding. A light lunch has been ordered to

ensure no one faints from hunger. Feeling satiated, the bride and

her attendants prepare for their magical entrance at the church in

just a few short hours.

The photographer takes candid shots as the bridal party emerges,

transformed into images of perfection for this very special day.

Natural light helps capture the radiance of the bride as she comes

down the winding staircase in her stunning bridal gown. The

photographer takes additional shots outdoors as the Estate is a

perfect backdrop with the limo waiting in the circular drive. The

bride can also be posed against a historic barn, both rustic and

romantic.

After the wedding, Stone Edge Estates accommodates the bride’s

grandparents as they are elderly and have special needs. There is

an elevator with wheelchair access, wide doors and a bathroom

that provides easy access to both the shower and sink.

Peace, tranquility and romantic ambiance are a just few words

that describe the estate. It’s a wonderful venue for the bride, her

wedding party and even her family!


HealthFinancial

by Andre McCalmont

Why financial security planning is importantYour goals and dreams are unique, and your plans to get there should be just as unique. Financial security planning is about more than just retirement; it’s about helping make your dreams come true.

Throughout your life, you’ll likely move through various phases of wealth: creation and accumulation, management and preservation, and wealth transfer.

Creating and accumulating wealth require access to growth opportunities.

A financial security plan that is based on maintaining your financial situation, establishing regular savings goals and adhering to solid investment principles can contribute to successful wealth creation and preservation.

1. Plan for a lifetime of wealthA financial security plan gives you a greater chance to succeed in reaching your goals, including providing for future generations, contributing to charity or leaving a social legacy.

2. Understand yourselfSuccessful investing means different things to different people. Understanding your financial character and what you want your money to achieve provides the standards by which you plan for wealth and measure your success. Understanding yourself means considering, among other things:

• Your family• Your current needs• Your investment horizon• Your risk tolerance

3. DiversificationOwning securities of many potentially great companies of different sizes, in different investment sectors, and operating in different countries would be considered a better risk mitigation strategy than taking a chance on one company of one size, in one sector, operating in one country. Diversification can help reduce risk and produce more stable returns in your investment portfolio. One of the easiest ways to diversify is by using investment funds.

Keep dreaming, but start planning

Check


4. Asset allocationIt’s not enough to be diversified, however. Diversification must be co-ordinated, efficient and disciplined to compose an asset mix suitable to your investment goals and risk tolerance. Reducing your exposure to taxes through efficient use of tax-deferred and tax-preferred investments is also an important consideration.

5. Keeping to the planHaving a sound financial security plan can help shield you from market euphoria and panic by giving you the confidence and discipline necessary to keep to your plan over the long term.

Regularly reviewing your financial security plan also provides opportunities to review your goals and make changes to your portfolio accordingly.

What your financial security plan can includeFinancial products are part of a well-thought-out financial security plan. Your financial security plan can include:

• Individual life insurance• Tax Free Savings Account• Segregated fund policies and/or mutual funds• Registered retirement savings plans (RRSPs)• Individual disability insurance• Individual critical illness insurance• Individual health and dental insurance• Business insurance• Group insurance• Group retirement plans• Mortgages

Banking products and servicesThe financial security products you purchase should address specific financial security needs. Your financial security and investment representative can help make sure each product you purchase plays a role in your financial security plan, and helps you move towards achieving your goals and dreams.

Joseph Andre McCalmont is a financial security advisor with Freedom 55 Financial, a division of London Life Insurance Company, and an investment representative with Quadrus Investment Services Ltd. He can be contacted by cell phone at 647-669-4684 243 or by email to [email protected].

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 of publication. Rules and their interpretation may change, affecting the accuracy of the information. The information provided is general in nature, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice in any specific situation. For specific situations, advice should be obtained from the appropriate professional advisors.


lightIn a Different

One of the first questions most couples ask themselves as soon as they begin to plan their wedding day is: what should the schedule be? Planning the timeline of the day in advance may seem daunting, but having a solid schedule – especially one that allows for plenty of room for delays – is a great way to minimize the stress of the preparations for a wedding, as well as the stress on the day itself.

A great way to start solidifying a wedding day schedule is to coordinate it from the beginning with your photography plans. Communicating with your photographer on the timeline helps them to be prepared for every event on the day of the wedding, from family portraits to the bouquet toss, and ensures that everyone is on the same page in terms of times and locations. Thinking of the timeline in advance also allows you to decide which events are most important for you to have captured. Perhaps you are planning something special for the guests at the reception, or you definitely want to have your first dances with parents captured – make sure to schedule these “must-have” events in the time that your photographer will be present.

Most photographers offer full day packages that allow you to have your entire day captured, from morning preparations to the cake-cutting in the evening. If you go with a full-day photography package, start your schedule by coordinating the end of the bride’s hair and makeup preparations with the photographer’s arrival. The photography will start with candid shots of the bride getting ready and putting on her dress with the help of bridesmaids and parents. Next, the photographer could visit the groom’s preparation site for some candid shots of the groom and his groomsmen putting on finishing touches such as their ties and shoes. It is also in this time that the first look would take place for couples who choose to see each other before the ceremony. Ideally, all of these first events should be a few hours in advance of the ceremony allowing for plenty of stress-free time for getting ready and travel.

After the ceremony, many couples opt for a several hour break from celebrations for formal family and wedding party portrait sessions. This can take anywhere from one to two hours and usually ends with a private session with the bride and groom. Make sure to have as much time as your schedule allows for this portion of the day, especially if you have a large family or wedding party and if you want some down-time before the busy reception in the evening.

It’s a great idea to have a plan for smaller events that will take place during your reception and evening and for all vendors involved to have a copy of this schedule. The DJ or Master of Ceremonies can be a great help in facilitating the schedule and making sure everything happens on time, and it is crucial for the photographer to be prepared for each event so as not to miss anything. Events to think of at this time are the grand entrance, speeches, first dances, bouquet toss and garter throw, cake cutting and the rough scheduling of the food courses.

This traditional schedule is a great starting point for beginning your wedding day timeline. Keep in mind that like all great traditions, this schedule can be changed, shifted and adapted to your needs and desires. The most important factor is that the timeline is built with realistic time allotments and that it is followed as closely as possible so as not to lose any precious photography coverage time. Good luck and happy planning!

by Barbara Kowalski

The Importance of a Schedule

There are many exciting activities you could plan in absence

of the more “traditional” bachelor and bachelorette parties. More couples are opting to spend their celebration – of being a single man or woman for the last time – with more unique and adventurous activities. Here are a few ideas that are sure to make your bachelor or bachelorette party an event to remember.

For the thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies out there, there are a number of activities that are sure to test your limits as well as your nerve. Skydiving and Bungee jumping are two activities that are likely to get your heart pounding. After all, who wouldn’t bond with friends prior to jumping out of a plane or off a cliff? Some other activities you could ponder over are Hand Gliding and Parasailing.

For the thrill seekers or adrenaline junkies out there that aren’t quite ready to test their fate or want something a tad tamer, consider options such as: Hiking, Camping, Paintballing or sporting events such as a Triathlon. There is nothing quite like keeping fit while having a blast with friends at the same time!

Another option that would be unique for yourself and your guests is to take some specialty classes. There are plenty of options to intrigue your curiosity and increase your knowledge base. These ideas include: Cooking, Baking, Dancing, Crafting and Fitness classes. Learn and ask about your guest’s interests, perhaps there is a class you and your guests wanted to do but were too shy or timid to act on? Do it as a group and enjoy your time together!

Have you ever considered having a pre-wedding honeymoon? Who wouldn’t want two honeymoons?! Take your guests on a group vacation and spend your last days or moments as a single man or woman lying on a beach in Mexico, visiting the pyramids in Egypt, or backpacking through Europe. Whatever tickles your fancy, a group vacation will not be forgotten.

This is going to be your last hurrah, your last celebration as a single man or woman so why not go out with a bang and keep it classy. Stay creative and keep an open mind, discuss your ideas with your guests and you’ll be sure to have the best bachelor or bachelorette party imaginable.

Unique Bachelor & Bachelorette Ideas

by Alysa Baker

memories forever

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the wedding planner magazine - fall 2013 issue

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