Framing your wedding dress?

When something costs $4000 you would think that would be a very prized possession, and the wedding dress is... for a day? Most of us enjoy that dress fully on our wedding days, but afterwards most of  our dresses end up boxed up, hidden in the back of our closets to never see light again!

So what does a girl do, trash the dress photography sessions are amazing, but for many thousands of dollars I spent on a beautiful work of art am I really going to destroy it, just like that?!?!? NO WAY.. well maybe... but for this purpose and for the ladies out there who would never think of doing this I have a great idea for you.
Frame that beauty! Yes, you can actually have your dress framed and hung in your living room.

Like Adrienne Maloof from the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills did, check it out:

Photo Credit: Bravo

Would you consider doing this? I honestly think I would, maybe along my massive spiral staircase in my MASSIVE mansion's foyer.... that I will be building...someday heheh =D

-C

Pin your hearts out Brides & Grooms: Jump on the pinterest bandwagon

1 in 3 couples planning their wedding this year will use pinterest to help plan their wedding, that is up from 1 in 5 from 2010. Past bride and grooms must be finding success

Check these stats out:


Source: Splendid Insights Global Wedding Market Study Design: Kelly Ashworth 

 Some other interesting facts from Splendid Insights Global Wedding Market Study, today's brides and grooms value most for their wedding are: fun (77%), meaningful (70.9%), and comfortable (52.9%). I would say having fun at my dream wedding would be my number 1 priority, will you be having a big party for all your family and friends to kick back and have some good times? Follow me style on pinterest https://pinterest.com/chelsealinton/

Typical Format For a Wedding Ceremony

Most western wedding ceremonies will typically follow the same basic structure. Of course every ceremony will have its own flavour and style, depending on your officiant and your religion. Beyond this you will be able to use customized readings, poems, or you could add a special symbolic ceremony such as a sand ceremony.

Prelude: Before the actual ceremony begins, the guests will start to file into the ceremony location, when they arrive they will be either seated by ushers or they will find a seat themselves. Typically this will begin about 45 minutes before the ceremony begins.
Processional: This officially announces the start of the ceremony. The music will change from the quieter prelude music to your selected bridal party processional song. The parents and sometimes the grandparents are seated last after all the guests. The groom and best man will enter and stand on the right side of the head of the aisle. The officiant will then take his place at the head of the aisle, followed by the bridal party, they may enter in boy/girl pairs or walk down the aisle in a single staggered line.  The music will then change to a more suspenseful and dramatic song for the bride's procession.
Welcome: The officiant will now welcome all the guests.
Giving Away of The Bride: The officiant will ask who gives this bride away, the bride's parents or just her father will typically respond.
The Asking: The officiant will confirm that each party (bride &groom) each came on their own will and someone will respond with I do
Exchanging Vows: The couple will recite their vows to one another and express their love and commitment to each other.
A Final Reading, Song or Poem (Optional): There are a plethora of special and romantic readings or poems you can choose to have at this moment in the ceremony. You could even ask a friend to sing a heartfelt song.
Ring Ceremony: The couple will now exchange their rings with some meaningful words for each other.
Pronouncement/ Deceleration of Marriage: The officiant will proclaim the couple as legally married, the groom is now told to kiss the bride!
Signing of The Marriage Register: At this point the officiant will ask the guests to sit quietly while the bride and groom sign the marriage register.
Recessional: This is the official exit of the ceremony venue. The newly married bride and groom will lead the recessional followed by the paired up wedding party.

AND that would be it, it may look daunting at first but it really is not. Just remember to smile for all those pictures, and really feel the moment, it only happens once after all!! :)

Davie & Chiyo Trunk Show, April 11th

Up and Coming Vancouver area designers Davie & Chiyo will be hosting a Trunk Show on Wednesday, April 11th from 5:30-8pm. 
You will be able to see their entire collection, and I must say their clutches are just adorable. 
I hope to see you all there, I can't wait to get a clutch for no particular reason other than they are super cute! Check them out.

Aren't these perfect for your bridesmaids, available in many other colours.

How about this one for the blushing bride!

Forget weddings, I want this one just for myself!! :D
























Images are from Davie & Chiyo's etsy page.




Best part, besides all those cute clutches, you will be receiving 30% off all clutches and custom orders.


Check out their etsy page here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/davieandchiyo
RSVP Now before it is too late! lauren@davieandchiyo.com
Location: Gastown #10-319 West Pender St, Vancouver

Alternative, Stunning Wedding Dresses from Wai-Ching

I first came across Wai-Ching (http://wai-ching.com) while I was browsing through an online bridal magazine just admiring the beauty that is wedding dresses.  When I saw this one particular flaming red dress, in the world of wedding dress’ white is usually the dominant colour so seeing a red dress obviously caught my eye. Upon further researching Wai-Ching I continued to be impressed. The Seattle based brand creates the eco-friendly custom dresses entirely from scratch. Their collection does not just include red but really any colour your heart desires, not to mention the colour combinations are endless, just take a look at these pictures.  

These dresses are perfect for the bride who is looking for something truly unique. I don't think you will have to worry about running into another bride on your special day with the same dress!

Knowing that having more colour in wedding dresses is a hot trend this year, I believe this brand is really going to blow up. If you are a trend setting and daring bride this is definitely the brand for you!!

Pricing for these works of art are right around the $2000 mark, not bad at all.

Check out facebook for their latest updates.

https://www.facebook.com/waichingclothing?sk=wall 

Picture Credit: Wai-Ching website

Outdoor wedding with high heels? You have to get these!!

Cruising through the blogosphere world (so useful!) today I stumbled upon this innovative and extremely nifty tool for outdoor weddings.
 "SoleMates, high heeler" allows you to wear your sky high stilettos and party the night away in any locale. Grass, mud, rocky unstable terrain, even docks are no longer a match for you and your kitten heal! 

Described on their website as "Discreet and easy to use, the SoleMates High Heeler^® attaches easily to most stiletto and kitten heels. By increasing the surface area on the base of the heel, it reduces the pressure on this area and prevents the heel from sinking into grass or falling into cracks!" 

No need to attach this little guy as it is mechanically engineered to fit snugly and has flexible material to grip your heel without causing any damage.
Available in four colours clear, black, silver, and gold. 


They retail for around $10 and at that price if I was a gall who enjoyed wearing my heels I would purchase at least one pair just to keep in my purse at all times!!

You can purchase these in a few stores in Vancouver Lord's Shoes Vancouver, Beautymark, The Fairmont Store, Bliss Consignment Bridal, Lisa's Bridal, and Champagne & Lace Bridal in Abbotsford. You can also order them online from their website.

\http://thesolemates.com/our-products/collections

Chelsea Linton Weddings Featured in Vancouver View Magazine

Recently I have been so busy with life, and well more life (lol) that I haven't had a chance to blog recently and I have something very exciting to share.
I was recently spotlighted in Vancouver View Magazine's Wedding Issue. The January/February wedding guide featured three local wedding planning companies Dreamgroup productions, myself and Angela Girard from Reflection Events. I feel so honored to be featured next to these talented ladies, and only just after a year of opening my planning business. The article features tips on keeping your wedding real, 2012 trands to watch out for and some great inside info into what it is really like being a wedding planner and "how the Jennifer Lopez  movie got it all wrong". Hehe you know what movie!!
The magazine also features a helpful guide to finding the perfect engagement ring.
Stop by your local shoppers or Save-ons to pick up a copy before it's gone.


HEY did I mention Ryan Kesler of the Canucks is on the cover, I personally prefer Bieksa, or Lapierre but a girl cannot complain when she is sharing magazine space with a Canuck!!!!

Oscar de la Renta trunk show at Bisou Bridal

Oscar de la Renta will be showing their 2012 spring bridal collection at Bisou Bridal in Vancouver (440 west 2nd avenue) on February 4th and 5th.
You will get the chance to try on 30 of their best selling dress'

You must reserve your appointment, call Bisou Bridal @ 604-696-0880

Now for the good stuff. Pictures!! Here are a few of my favorite dress' from their spring 2012 line.

I always love me a good mermaid style dress, I also think this dress would be more practical and would be easier to walk in.

 A very beautiful sweetheart bodice with a large cascading ruffle skirt.

And then this little number, I think it is totally unexpected, perfect for the bride that doesn't want the A typical bridal dress.















Image taken from www.brides.com and www.thebeautybridal.com

After 65 years well known bridal chain "Priscilla of Boston" is going out of business

Very sad but true another well known bridal chain is done. Kaput! But what is the most horrifying of this story is what they did with their left over inventoy. Like other well known big box stores that have had to get rid of their inventory at some point, Priscilla of Boston decided the best thing to do was spray paint the dress' (ruining them) and throw them in the dumpster..... REALLY?!?!?!? Some of those dress' were reported to have been worth $6000.... and now they're in the bottom of a dumpster. There are just too many brides out there right now that are trying to just have a wedding, let alone a nice fancy dress, why couldn't these dress' been donated to one of the many charities?

You can read the full story here http://www.ecouterre.com/priscilla-of-boston-defaces-unsold-wedding-gowns-with-spray-paint/priscilla-of-bostons-spray-paint-wedding-dress-3/

I hope that in the future other brands think first before they act next time. It's just so infuriating. :(

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!