Vera Wang is branching out to Men's wear...

I'm sure that the only time you husbands to-be only hear Vera Wang's name is when your bride to-be is asking for a little bit extra money to buy her absolute exquisite "Vera" dream dress. But now you boys can get your very own Vera, not a dress, but tux's of course.
Vera Wang and The Men's Wearhouse Inc. are working on a deal for rental tuxedo's. I can't wait to see what they dream up!


But don't worry ladies Vera has not forgotten about you, she is also in the works to develop a skincare and make up line to be sold at Kohl's.


She said: "As part of my incredible partnership with Kohl's, I will now be able to offer women all over America my own personal regimen for skin care and make-up."


"Like fashion, make-up is also transformational." Very true!! Love it.

Trending: Hot look for wedding fashion in the new year

I've been seeing a lot of this lately and really think its going to be a huge trend in the coming year or two. It's called the Illusion neckline, a transparent mesh, netting or lace, that comes in any style (V neck, heart, square etc.)

I see a lot in the Marchesa Fall collection and I just LOVE it. Very soft, girly and romantic.

Here's a couple of my favorites from Marchesa

Very Kate Middleton but funkier

I also like this one from Ines Di Santo,  it's got a more vintage feel (not a fan of the sun hat, haha)

And of course a Vera Wang with a lotta tulle! :)

What do you think? Any girlies rocking the Illusion neckline for your wedding?

Super cool: "Say yes to the dress'" Randy Fenoli will be at Isabelle's Bridal

The director of Kleinfelds in New York and star of "Say yes to the dress" will be at Isabelle's bridal in North Vancouver on January 23 for one day only!
How cool is that, shop for your dream wedding dress, and have a dream consultant right there with you helping you out. Can't go wrong there.
Spaces are limited and Isabelle's will be taking appointment bookings starting at 11am on November 23rd. SOO Soon, Save $200 to book your appointment, you have one week girls!! :) :)


Anyone know already that your going?

Real Wedding: Patrick and Christina September 2011

I had the pleasure of working with an amazing and loving couple Christina and Patrick this past September. Here's some great shots from their wedding held at the First Lutheran Church in East Vancouver, with the reception held at the Riverside Banquet halls in Richmond.


All photography was by Rafael Ferri with Match Studio Photography. Very nice guy!

The officiant Pastor Hergeshiemer was amazingly helpful and friendly, and as you can see the inside of the First Lutheran church was stunning.

 After the ceremony the bridal party headed down the block to the old Avalon dairy to release butterflies ( from Flutterbuys), then preceded to New Westminster for some more shots.



Florals were from the bride's friend Lori MaClean. She did a great job, very hard working.

A very beautiful shot of the couple. 

 The cupcakes were made by the bride with a little help from her friends. You can't see by photo's, but the frosting was sparkly, so very yummy. Took a couple home myself, just could't resist.

The stars of the whole event (besides the bride and Groom of course) was the band SIDEone. They were absolutely outstanding, with such a vocal range, they covered almost every band out there and did it well!













From what you can see there was a little bit of a Scottish theme, and of course that means bagpipes. Unfortunately I do not have photo's but the piper was Mike Chrisholm, and he did a fantastic job, also a very lovely man.


I wish Christina and Patrick a very happy marriage, and thank them for allowing me to be apart of their wedding. Such a loving couple!

Outdoor wedding? I've found the perfect way to "Save The Veil"

Today I stumbled upon something very interesting, and very unique. Something I think all brides needs if you are planning on having your photo`s or wedding in an outdoor setting. They're called ``Save the Veil`` wedding weights, jewelry for your veil. Created by Sounthern California wedding planner Jill Watson from http://www.savetheveil.com .

They are magnetic and slip on easily, they're non permanent and will cause no damage to your veil. Using these beautiful weights will keep your veil in place while the wind keeps blowing, perfect for the outside photo-shoot.

Canadian brides can order them online from the save the veil website, so far they come in four styles, made with Swarovki crystals, and Mother of Pearl.

*Pictures taken from "Save The Veil" website*

Cash Bar Alternatives

More and More I am seeing and hearing of couples whom are on a strict budget, are choosing to have a cash bar. Now I am the first to suggest budget friendly ideas but having a cash bar is usually not the first money saving idea I would suggest to my clients.

If social correctness is the utmost importance then having a cash bar is an absolute "no-no". Wedding etiquette clearly states that a cash bar is very improper.

You are inviting your guests to enjoy this night with you, most likely they are travelling a distance, buying you a lovely gift and may have even taken the day off work. Put it this way, if you were invited over to a friend's house and they charged you for each glass of wine you drank, how would you feel?

So here I have prepared a few suggestions on how to cut cost for you big day while allowing your friends and family to have a worry free enjoyable time.

• First and foremost cut the guest list: Having a large guest list will really pull on the purse strings.

• Have a brunch wedding: People drink less earlier in the day.

• Have a standard bar rather than having premium top-shelf liquor

• Offer only beer and wine or maybe just have one or two signature drinks

• And of course the easiest: have a non alcoholic wedding. Nothing wrong with that.

If however none of these suggestions work for you and you have seriously considered what it means to your guests to have a non host bar, then by all means do the cash bar. Emily Post may not agree with this break from wedding etiquette, but times are changing. Just be sure to notify every guest that your wedding will require them to purchase their own drinks, you don't want guests showing up with no cash!

Wedding Insurance: WEDensure

All inclusive wedding insurance from WEDensure offered exclusively through NW Insurance Brokers Ltd in Vancouver, BC.


Why get insurance?
A lot can go wrong on your wedding day, and with wedding insurance you wont need to worry about it anymore!


What does it cover?
**Taken from the WEDensure website**

1. Cancellation or Postponement Expenses 
   A large concern for any bride and groom is the wedding being cancelled or postponed. WEDensure will cover the expenses that result from the cancellation or postponement of a wedding. We will pay for any deposits that were placed before your wedding and lost due to a delay or cancellation. For example, if you placed a non-recoverable deposit on transportation and hotel accommodation before the wedding was cancelled, we would pay for the deposit.
2. Additional Expense Incurred to Avoid Cancellation:
   WEDensure will pay for expenses that are used to avoid a wedding cancellation. For example, if the groom is traveling on a plane to the wedding and the flight is cancelled, WEDensure would pay for another ticket so that the groom can attend the wedding.
3. Failure of Suppliers 
   WEDensure will pay for any non-recoverable deposits from a supplier who fails to provide their services as agreed upon. For example, if a photographer is unable to attend a wedding due to an unforeseen circumstance, we would pay for the cost of another photographer.
4. Wedding Attire
   WEDensure will cover any damage to your wedding dress or suit after it has left the supplier and before the conclusion of the wedding. For example, if the bride's wedding dress is damaged, we will pay for either the tailoring or replacement cost of the dress.
5. Wedding Rings
   Similar to the wedding attire, this coverage will pay for any damages to the wedding band. The band is insured starting from seven days before the wedding until the conclusion of the event.
6. Wedding Gifts
   WEDensure will pay for any damages to your wedding gifts up to 24 hours after receiving it. The gift must be either at your house, the reception, or in transit between your house and the reception.
7. Transportation
   WEDensure will reimburse the non-recoverable deposits that were paid to a transportation supplier if they fail to meet their contractual obligations. For example, if the limousine that takes the bride and groom away from the reception cancels their commitment, we will pay for the costs of another transportation vehicle.
8. Photographs, Video, DVD, or other Medium
   WEDensure will reimburse the expenses incurred to correct, take, or retake the wedding photographs or videos within 90 days of the wedding.
9. Wedding Cake and Flowers
   WEDensure will pay for any direct loss or damage to the wedding cake or flowers seven days prior to the wedding until the conclusion of the reception.
10. Wedding Stationery
    This coverage will pay for any direct physical loss or damage to wedding stationery prior to the wedding. Examples of wedding stationery include: invitation cards, RSVP cards, menus, name cards, itinerary, etc.
11. Rented Property
    WEDensure will provide reimbursement for direct physical loss or damage to any rented property used during the wedding or reception.
12. Honeymoon
    WEDensure will reimburse you for any pre-paid, non-recoverable costs of travel arrangements for the honeymoon due to the cancellation or postponement of the wedding.

 Also included in the WEDensure program is Host Liquor Liability.

What does it cost?

Policy premiums or payments will range from $500 to $2,625 based on your budget and whether you want a $1 million General Liability or $2 million General Liability policy. 


How do I buy?
Call NW Insurance Brokers Ltd. toll free at 1-888-603-1931 or 604-602-1931

United Kingdom Building
Suite 1610 - 409 Granville St.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada V6C 1T2

Jessica and Andrew 2011 | More pictures

Signing of the Marriage license

A job well done!

The whole bridal party.

 A good laugh at the headtable.

Jessica and Andrew Powell Wedding | July 23rd 2011 |

WOO, finally got some shots of a wedding I did on Saturday July 23rd, such a cute couple and sooo much fun.
This is the Greenside room at Mayfair Lakes Golf and Country Club in Richmond.
The decor and ceiling draping was provided by Rose Balasabas with  http://rosechairdecor.com/

Nice shot of the headtable.

Nice shot of the smaller bridesmaid bouquet.

Flowers were provided by Justyna Seckler from http://www.justfreshconcepts.ca/

Bridal bouquet with the engagement ring.

I would like to thank Christina Lazar-Schuler from Film Werx Studio Photography http://filmwerxstudio.com/, without her I could not bring you these beautiful photo's.

You can find more photo's from Jessica and Andrew's wedding at http://filmwerxstudio.com/blog/2011/07/jessica-and-andrew-richmond-wedding-photographer/

AND a big congratulations to Jessica and Andrew Powell. I will never forget this wedding or these newlyweds! *Tear*

Blush Bridal Trunk shows

Just saw that Blush Bridal in West Vancouver (1403 Bellevue Avenue) has just announced their upcoming trunk shows on Facebook.

Kenneth Pool Trunk Show

Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 10:00am

Vera Wang Trunk Show

Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 9:30am

Romona Keveza Trunk Show

Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 10:00am

Book you appointments early ladies
http://www.blushoccasions.com/


Not exactly sure what a trunk show is?
Well a trunk show is a travelling collection of bridal gowns from a specific designer.

What's included?
The newest designs of course! If you are looking for something unique and that no one else in town has, go to a trunk show you may find that winning dress.
Also you may have the chance to see designs that you would not normally see in your area.

Sometimes the actual designer will be there to show you her/his favorites. If not there will always be the brands specialist to answer any questions you may have.

Best part: Chances are you can score a deal!

Arrested on her wedding day :(

Arrested on her wedding day!    **Video**

WOW, imagine coming down the aisle and not seeing your future husband but rather the POLICE.

Well that happened to Tammy Lee Hinton arrested in Leoni Township, MI for identity fraud from three years ago.

She ended up stayed in jail for less than 30 minutes and what did she do afterwards??
 She went to her wedding reception to finish what she started!! Well her grand entrance was one not to miss, what do you say to your guests after this?

Just crazyness!!
Take a look at this happy bride's mugshot!

"Real Weddings" with Anna Elizabeth Cakes

Wedding Cakes Q&A with Anna Elizabeth Cakes

White by Vera Wang Fall 2011

After the successful debut of White by Vera Wang bridal gowns, David's bridal have just released the Fall 2011 Bridal Collection, introducing new Bridesmaid and Shoe Categories.


The line offers seven bridesmaid dress' new wedding gown styles


Bridesmaid styles are available in sizes 0-26, bridesmaid dresses are priced from $158-$198. 
Wedding gowns are available in sizes 0-14, with select styles up to size 26, gowns are priced between $600-$1400. The dress' can now be found in 250 of David's Bridal stores.


Here are some of my favorites:

My favorite Bridesmaid dress: Available in 9 colors including Ebony, Ivory, and orchid priced at $198.

More information about the collection can be seen online at www.davidsbridal.com

Dress quality: Helpful tips

To the blushing bride the most important purchase leading up to her big day may be her dress. After all there is only one perfect gown!

Dress' can cost in the 10's of thousands of dollars, but for most of us, we will not be purchasing anything with four 0's in the price tag. Ideally you want the dress with uncompromising quality and a price tag friendly on the wallet.

Here are a few things to look for when shopping for a quality dress:

First how does it feel when it's on? Does the material already feel uncomfortable, is it itchy?

All seams should be uniform, tight and lie flat. They should not look like they are about to burst.

The zipper should zip without a struggle, also the zipper should be hidden.

All the fine detailing such as beading, or sequins should be individually sewn in, not glued. While crystals should be clear all the way through, if they appear dark they may be fake.

If you're looking at a satin dress, a high end satin will look less shiny. The more shine the cheaper the satin.

Take a look at the inside of the dress make sure it looks completely finished. (loose thread, raw seams etc..) If it's unfinished on the inside it makes me question how much effort has went into the dress.

In the end remember saving money is great but you don't want to end up with a dress that needs costly repairs!

Wills & Kate: A Royal Wedding

          Fighting through a headache, I actually did it I watched the entire royal wedding. As a wedding planner I just couldn't miss THE wedding of the century!

          My favorites of the night are by far the hats/fascinator.The AMAZING HATS. They are just splendid, I wish we could appreciate a great hat in this side of the planet. The dress of the 1900 guests overall was incredibly brilliant, quite colorful. Although I think a few tried to upstage the bride!


         The men were looking dapper in their morning coats, always a personal favorite of mine for the guys.

         The dress: A white beautiful V neck with handmade lace, long sleeves with a fitted bodice, classy. Not an extremely long train 2 meters 70 centimeters. Sarah Burton creative director for the late Alexander Mcqueen.

        Kate's hair and makeup: Nothing dramatic, looking just like her usual self. Small Cartier tiara made in 1936 borrowed from the Queen, with hair mostly down.


 I wish she smiled more, maybe she was just nervous.

Two page boys and 4 flower girls just precious. Just want to eat them up!!

The ceremony: Hour long a traditional anglican service, with lots of prayer and song.

Kate did not promise to "obey" her new husband in her vows, but instead will "love, comfort, honour and keep"  her new man.


They did not kiss at Westminster Abbey, but there was two short ones for the public to see back at Buckingham Palace on the balcony.




Wish I could see the receptions.




When will I ever stop crying when I see a wedding?


Did any one but me stay up to watch this whole thing?

Photo: Getty

Get a manicure for the big day, you may regret it if you don't.

Some thing you may not have thought about:

Even if your not the type of person to get manicures or French nails, your wedding is the one day you definitely should. There are going to be a lot of photos with your hands, pictures will last forever and when you look at them you don't want to keep seeing unhealthy, chipped and discolored nails that can ruin a beautiful shot.

Second reason to have your hands in good shape: Your family and friends will ask a million times over to view your beautiful new rings. You don't want to feel self conscious of your roughed up hands,  show those babies off!
:D :D

Your hands don't get a lot of loving, a manicure can be a really relaxing experience so enjoy it the day right before.

Make it a treat for your bridesmaids, they have probably helped you out a lot in the last few months.

Diamonds are a girls best friend!

Diamonds are a girl's best friend, but Tacori rings showcase those Diamonds on a magnificent pedestal.

Hand Crafted in California these beauties take 4 weeks to make. The designs are extremely intricate and if you don't feel they are one of a kind enough they do custom rings as well.

If you are not engaged yet, I would give Tacori a look, they are absolutely stunning.

Their website is extremely helpful, they have a gentleman's guide so he will not feel over whelmed when trying to find the perfect ring. They even have a fun little quiz that'll send you in the right direction.

http://www.tacori.com/

Here's a couple beauties.

Check out their website these pictures do not do them justice.

Money Saving Tip

When buying your wedding dress, never tell the sales associate your full budget. Quote her around 80% of your actual budget, you still need to pay for alterations, shoes, and accessories. You don't want a nasty surprise later, it is always better to plan ahead!!

Favorite Wedding Flowers

Orchids- My absolute favorite.

Exotic. Elegant.

They can run on the expensive side, but their hardiness really makes up for it. They do not require as much water as other flowers, making them a great idea for bouquets or boutonnieres. Available year round.

Rose

Timeless. Romantic.

Full bloom in summer, and available in so many varieties and colours. They do well in heat, and have a fragrant scent. Do not buy these guys near holidays, prices sky rocket.

Calla lilies

Sleek. Classic.

Available year round and hardy , they retain their moisture without a water source. I love seeing these flowers as a simple bridal bouquet with just one to three blooms, with the long green stem.

Gerbera Daisies

Fun. Youthful.

Versatile and colourful, these happy looking guys are easy to handle, and can be used in a bouquet or as a centerpiece. Most importantly they won't bust your budget.

BHLDN Continued.... bridesmaid dress'

Out of the whole BHLDN line I'm most impressed with their bridesmaid dress' A girl could wear these beautiful creations more than once, I would!
Here are a few of my favorites I really can't name them all:

Anthropologie's BHLDN wedding line

The best word that I can use to describe the line is romantic, simply romantic. It has a soft dream like quality throughout, with a vintage flair.


My personal favorites: Bridal gowns


What I love: The colour, the beautiful detailing, and the soft arm coverings.
Price: $2600.00








































What I love: How bubbly and airy it looks, makes me think of blowing a bubble of gum, also love the detailing on top.
Price: $1800.00


































What I love: This one really grew on me, at first It didn't catch my eye, but now I love it from head to toe! It may be too conservative for some, but I'm a definite fan of its understated style.
Price: $600.00

My first post: The introduction.

So I have joined the blogger bandwagon. I hope you find something to enjoy!

First I should introduce myself.

Chelsea Linton "wedding planner extraordinaire" .....at least that's the end goal :)

I am a recently WPIC certified wedding planner serving the Lower Mainland BC, Canada. Working my very first season. I hope that with growing my business and this blog I will provide couples with insightful information.

Choosing wedding planning as a full time career was very natural. I always had a love for planning meticulously, I adore researching endlessly, and I have a true passion for pleasing others. Sure with those qualities I could have chosen many other careers, but let's be honest creating a onetime event that creates incredible memories for life is absolutely irresistible.

Enough about me, let's get to the goods! I'm very excited about my next topic. Anthropologie's new wedding line "BHLDN" 

Stay posted!