Our Favourite Pinterest Ideas for your Wedding

We hope you were able to catch us this morning on CTV Ottawa Morning Live's WeddingWeek"! We had so much fun sharing the best ideas we've seen on Pinterest. We know that just about every bride has a Pinterest account nowadays and at LEAST one inspiration board full of wedding ideas. But all those images can be overwhelming to say the least. So we scoured Pinterest for you and here are the best ideas we found...

 

Grandmas as Flower Girls: Enough Said!

Pinned from thefullbouquetblog.com

 

 

We think this idea is just too adorable for words. Give your grandmas a more active role in the ceremony by letting them act as young as they feel and be your flower girls for the big day! The look of joy on these two grandmas' faces says it all!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mismatched Bridesmaids Dresses



Pinned from thebridaldetective.com

Not only is this idea great for accommodating your bridesmaids' different body types but it is a great way for each of them to show a little bit of their personality in their role as loyal maid without disturbing the vision of your wedding. It can be up to you how different or similar the different dresses are - maybe a long dress for the Maid of Honour  or a funky sparkly number for your Junior Bridesmaid. The options are endless and letting your maids choose a dress that is uniquely them will make them feel fabulous as they stand by your side as you say your vows on your wedding day.

 

 

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Library Inspired Seating Cards

There are so many fun and unique ways to display your seating cards so guests can find their tables but we thought this one was super fun! Remember the days of the Dewey decimal system, when you had to search for your library books by opening wooden drawers and sorting through weathered index cards? Why not bring that nostalgia back to your wedding day? We love this super cute set-up for your guests' seating cards - alphabetized and organized!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Polaroid Memories

Pinned from stylemepretty.com

Another great twist on seating cards! Your guests have to find their seating card but must replace it with a Polaroid photo of themselves. Not only is it fun for your guests but you will be left with a bunch of great photos and memories of all your beloved wedding guests! Great for a wedding scrapbook or guest book!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Hashtag your Wedding!

 

Social media is a huge part of our lives so why not incorporate it into your wedding? Post signs throughout your venue with your wedding hashtag - like #thejoneswedding or #amy&mike2013 - so that you can see what people are talking about! Any photo that gets posted on Instagram or tweet that goes up on Twitter gets seen by the wedding party!

A Birthday Guest Book

 

Pinned from marthastewartweddings.com

 

Like anything that comes from Martha Stewart, we think this is a fantastic idea. Instead of a traditional guest book, have a calendar where your guests can find their birthdays and sign their name. Not only will you have a guest book that you will look at for the next year, you've collected all your guests' birthdays so you can celebrate with them and keep the information for years to come!

Keep the Kids Busy at Dinner

 

Pinned from weddingsandthings.tumblr.com

Are you worried about how to keep the kids entertained at your reception? Worry no more. Give each kid a package of drawing supplies and a blank card and ask them to create a special card for the bride and groom. This way, the kids are happy drawing and the bride and groom get an adorable message straight from the hearts of their youngest guests.

Honour your Relationship Milestones



Pinned from bridalguide.com

 

Looking for a creative way to number your reception tables? Use a milestone or interesting fact about your relationship for each one. Some examples? Table 7: The numbers of years we dated before getting engaged. Table 3: We had our first kiss on our third date. Table 14: We were born 14 months apart. Table 27: The number of bridesmaids dresses the bride wore before getting married herself! It's a great way for your guests to learn fun facts about you as a couple.


















Pinned from pinterestingisabelle.weebly.com

What to do with your Wedding Cards

Trying to figure out what to do with all the cards you for on your wedding day? Here's a simple solution, no matter what your arts and crafts skills are! Punch holes in the cards and bind them together using metal hoops or string. You'll end up with an album of cards that won't be misplaced and that you can flip through whenever you want.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Want more ideas? Follow us on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/marrymepro/ We are constantly finding new and great ideas for your weddings! We love to share!!

Elsa Corsi Trunk Show at The White Dress Bridal Couture on April 13!

For all our fabulous brides who are looking to accessorize their wedding gowns, we have the perfect event for you! The White Dress Bridal Couture is hosting a trunk show on April 13, 2013, showcasing the exquisite wares of Elsa Corsi Beautiful Jewellery. 

Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Elsa’s jewellery has been worn by many Canadian personalities and celebrities like supermodel Cindy Crawford. In 2006, Elsa launched her bridal collection, featuring incredibly stunning pieces inspired largely by the glamour of Old Hollywood. For any bride looking to add some sparkle to their wedding day, Elsa Corsi Beautiful Jewellery is the perfect touch.

Style Me Pretty’s Look Book shows a sampling of the collection in all its splendour. You can also join Elsa on Facebook for the latest in jewels and to see photos of Real Brides wearing Elsa Corsi Beautiful Jewellery. 

Otherwise unavailable in Ottawa, the trunk show on April 13^th is a rare chance to find the perfect bit of Elsa Corsi sparkle for your wedding day.

Did we mention that Elsa herself will be there to help style brides with her expert eye? Don’t miss out on this amazing experience!

If you want a chance to shop the collection at the private trunk show, RSVP now to book your appointment. Appointments are available Saturday, April 13, 2013, between 12pm and 5pm. RSVP to elsa@elsacorsi.com. Showings will be at The White Dress Bridal Couture, 191 Preston St.

Book your appointment now so you won’t be disappointed! Every woman deserves to sparkle as brightly as possible on her wedding day!

All photos are courtesy of Style Me Pretty's Lookbook

Guest Blog by Melanie Rebane Photography - The Keys to Choosing your Wedding Photographer: Personal Style, Pricing and Professionalism

Choosing a photographer can be one of the most overwhelming parts of the wedding planning process. There are so many to choose from, each offering something different – different photography styles, different photo packages, and different personalities. Not to mention that your photographs will be the one thing that lasts long after the wedding is over. In today’s blog post, photographer Melanie, the lead photographer from Melanie Rebane Photography, offers her own pearls of wisdom about how to choose your wedding photographer. Here’s what she has to say…

There are literally hundreds of articles to help you choose a wedding photographer. A newly engaged couple can be completely overwhelmed by the advice and seemingly hundreds of photographers' websites but I would like to help simplify it a little for you from the other side of the camera lens.

 

Why is it so expensive? What can I expect to pay?
Let’s get this out of the way first. Many established and experienced photographers have invested up to $40 000 (or more) in the best equipment, all of which will be accompanying them to your wedding to ensure that it is captured perfectly. Running a professional photography business IS expensive. You are not just paying them to shoot on your wedding day, but also for all the behind the scenes work that takes place throughout the process, from planning to shooting to processing and design. You can expect to pay approximately $3200 on the lower end to $7500 or more for an established professional wedding photographer, depending on the products and services you include in your wedding package.

What to expect from a professional photographer?
You should expect a professional price list, contract and good communication with your photographer regarding your engagement shoot and wedding timeline planning. On average, wedding photographers provide their edited wedding images within 3-4 weeks of your wedding date. Albums take a little longer for design, changes and printing but, on average, 3-6 months is the turnaround from the beginning of the design to final printing. Don't be afraid to ask your photographer for references from recent clients before hiring them.

Experience is also important, albeit the hardest to quantify. A photographer’s experience should shine through their work in their ability to capture the story of the day by anticipating the key moments and all the meaningful details.  They will engage with your closest friends and family with ease, enhancing the experience of the day and capturing the personalities of your guests. They will have a consistent and established style and look to their work that will give you a good idea of what your wedding will look like too. You will find the work of experienced photographers gracing the pages of your favorite wedding magazines and blogs.

Can I reasonably expect to receive the digital files of my photographs?
Many, but not all, photographers provide low resolution watermarked proofs on a disc for you to share. Others provide edited photos on a disc printable to a certain size (i.e. 4”x 6”). Some provide web-only, watermarked images with images ordered for print on a disc. This all depends on how they have set their pricing to run a professional business.

 

For reasons of integrity, professional photographers prefer to have larger prints ordered through them so that they can be retouched and perfected. It is a mark of their work as professionals to have their work shown the best it can possibly be. Be sure that you understand the terms and conditions of the copyright of the images and at what size and resolution they are being offered to you for personal use. Ask if there are additional charges to get what you hope for so you can accurately assess your overall costs.

Why do I need the album?

The albums and prints are the true final products of a photographer’s work, not the disc. For major milestones such as your wedding, there is nothing more cherished than a book that will tell the story of your wedding day for generations. Sadly, few people appreciate the design and retouching work that goes into creating a stunning wedding album or print and rarely do people take the time to print the jpegs on their discs after a year has passed.

Beyond the Pricelist: How do I evaluate one great photographer against the next?
All photographers being equal in pricing and professionalism, personal style should play a strong role in making your choice. You would not buy your wedding dress because it was “good enough” or because your friend bought the same one; you buy the dress that best reflects your personal taste and personality. It is no different when choosing your photographer. Meet the photographer. How your personalities work together and how they would work with your friends and family is a huge factor in the selection process - they are with you all day for one of the biggest days of your life. Their personal style and yours should have some common ground. It is a sure way to know that they will capture your day in a way that is a genuine reflection of you as a couple.

 

How to review a photographer’s portfolio with your personal style in mind.
Here are a few tips to consider when browsing the thousands of wedding images out there to find a photographer that will reflect your personal style as a couple: 

• What is the story? When you look at wedding photos ask yourself, “What story are they telling?”  Images should give insight into the personality of the people in them, the emotions of the day or the context around them. Remember, your future generations and friends will be looking at these photos and you want them to have a sense of who you were, not who you were pretending to be. Your photographer will be telling your story.
• Is there a connection? Are you able to connect with the people in the wedding photos? Do you have a sense of who they are? Are they happy? Awkward? Do they look natural? Is that how you want to feel/look on your wedding day?
• Is there variety and depth? Are you seeing close-ups and wide-angles? Are you seeing details and candid moments? Are you seeing a variety of lighting conditions, both daylight and evening? Are you seeing only the couple or their cherished guests as well?
• Do the bride and groom look amazing? Are the images flattering? Are these the photos that say “We looked beautiful AND we had the time of our lives”?
• Special effects and trends? No matter how cool or interesting a trend may be, there is nothing more classic than a clean photo that is true and well exposed. A black and white photo will be treasured and always be pleasing. Be sure that collections are balanced with classic shots as well as artistic/trendy images.

 

 

Melanie Rebane is a professionally trained photographer based in Ottawa, Ontario. She has had a number of weddings and style files featured on such blogs as Style Me Pretty, Wedding Chicks, Destination I Do, and Wedluxe - Canada’s Luxury Wedding Magazine. We have had the pleasure of working with her on some of our own Marry Me Productions weddings. We hope you find her tips useful when it comes to selecting your own wedding photographer!

Happy Valentine's Day: Dates in a Jar

It's Valentine's Day, and whether you love it or hate it, are married or single, it finds you every year. We know that our blog is dedicated to all things weddings but for this Valentine's Day, we thought it would be nice to include some fun 'date' ideas for you instead of Valentine-Day themed weddings/stylized shoots. This way, you can use some of the ideas for tonight or this weekend or whenever you are feeling indecisive.

First off, a way to make this fun- even for you as the planner, is to put together a Date 'Jar'. All you need are Popsicle sticks, a mason jar, a sharpie and some ideas (that we'll help you with a little later).

1. First, color code your Popsicle sticks according to the amount of time, planning, or money that an activity involves. That way, when you're looking at the jar, it's easy to choose from only dates that you know you will actually be able to do.
2. With a marker, write a bunch of ideas out on your sticks --1 idea per stick. If you don't have many at first, just keep the sticks and marker somewhere easy to get to so that you when you think of something you can write it down right away. Choose ideas that you actually want to do so that when you draw one, you stick to it. (pun intended).
3. Fill your jar with all of your date options and decorate it however you want! You can keep the sticks after you use them or toss them, but I would definitely add to the supply whenever you think of something so that the options are always fresh and exciting.

So, to help you get started, here are some ideas we have for you:

Dinner & A Show
Play some video games at a local arcade and then go out for pizza — ask them to cut the pie into the shape of a heart.

Try live entertainment, such as a band at a local bar, instead of a movie.

Pick a TV show, get a season's worth on DVD or On Demand and make a running date to watch it together every night.

Head out to a midnight cult movie, like The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Showgirls or Donnie Darko. The Mayfair Theatre has some classics playing every month.

How about dinner and some stargazing at the Museum of Science and Technology ?

Try brunch and a matinee; fancy restaurants are way more affordable in the a.m.

Pick up a bucket of fried chicken and head for the drive-in. Closed in the winter but this one is the one closest to Ottawa and will re-open in the spring.


Seductive Secrets
Put on your sexiest stilettos; sip fancy cocktails at a hotel bar.

Bubble bath for two. Candles. Champagne. Need we say more?

Oysters are said to be an aphrodisiac, so head to a seafood place, we love Whalesbone, and slurp them right out of the shell.

Take a dinner cruise: There is a company in Ottawa that offers this. The motion of the ocean sets off sensuous signals inside us (think water beds).

Gooey, sexy, delicious: Get a fondue pot and have a feast. Add a French movie and French-kiss all night. My favourite: Amelie.

The sultriest music? Jazz. Try a trip to a jazz club or a night at home with a CD by Cassandra Wilson. Brookstreet Hotel offers live jazz in their Options lounge Tuesday-Sunday nights. You could add on an overnight stay and a trip to their spa the next morning.

Make a finger-foods-only dinner and feed each other.

At-Home Dates
Take turns singing cheesy out-of-tune ballads at karaoke.oddcast.com or free karaoke.com.

Have your own version of trick-or-treating: Put on a sexy outfit and knock on the den door. Don't forget the treats!

Enjoy a rousing game of Twister.

Dress up your backyard picnic table with a white tablecloth. Add candles, fancy cheese, chocolate and voilà: five-star fun.

Too cold or wet for an outdoor picnic? Spread a blanket on the floor and have a living room picnic.

Make a mixed 'tape': by 'tape' we mean an iTunes playlist that you can load on your partner's ipod.

Create a beer garden: Scour local stores for unusual beers.

Invest in an ice-cream maker or a bread maker; then invent your own homemade treats.

Curl up with the Sunday crossword puzzle.

Order live lobsters, plop them in a pot and have yourselves a shore thing. (Try livelob.com, which even has a cooking guide.)

Bring home your favorite fast food, but serve it on your best china.

Cheap Dates
Museums usually have one free night a week, so hit one then. Check out the list of Ottawa museums here and find which afternoons are free.

Find a happy hour with 10-cent wings and two-dollar draft beers.

Take a sketchpad to a scenic bluff and draw your own version of the vista.

Grab a basketball and hit the free courts at the park.

Sample international food at a street fair. Ottawa is famous for their festivals so check out this website for a calendar of all festivals happening in our city.

Go to the library and page through the coffee-table art books.

Suit up and spend a late afternoon at an indoor pool. Chateau Laurier has an amazing indoor pool which is reminiscent of the 1920's. (think art-deco) It's only $20 to use it all day, and that gives you access to their fitness room too.

Head to the highest point in town. Spend an early evening watching the twinkling lights turn on.

Find a bridge and walk across it; the view can't be beat.

Drive out to a country field, lie down and snuggle under the stars.

Make yourselves the biggest, craziest ice cream sundae ever.

Creative Dates
Take a tour of the house you'd (someday) love to own.

Get your palms or tarot cards read.

Fly a kite.

Sign up for a one-night or weekend class at your local college- about anything ! We love Algonquin College I have taken a few Forensic courses there :)

Hit a farmers' market and scavenge for your dinner. The best ones in Ottawa are the Byward market, the Parkdale Market and the Little Italy Market.

Get an easy-to-operate remote-control plane, go to a park and take turns trying to avoid the trees.

Take a hayride.

Hit a flea market and find a beautiful blanket to snuggle in together.

Take a tour of garage sales in the ritziest neighborhoods.

Don't you just drive each other up the wall sometimes? Prove it — at an indoor climbing gym. Coyote Gym was Ottawa's first.

Head to an ice skating rink and strap on skates for some icy fun. Ottawa's Rink of Dreams is great if the canal is a bit too much for you to handle.

Poke around an antique shop.

Ride the Ferris wheel at a local carnival.

Give each other haircuts.

Pick out the perfect frame for your favorite photo of the two of you.

Mini Dates
Find a fountain and throw in 10 pennies, taking turns making wishes.

Write a poem together.

Stop at a fancy bakery and pick out a treat each — for each other. We can't get enough of Art is In

Feed the ducks.

Hold a kiss for one elevator ride.

One word: Frisbee.

Ride a tandem bike.

Get up early or stay up all night (wink, wink) to watch the sunrise.

Try this kissing challenge: 100 kisses in three hours.

Climb a tree together.

Man-Friendly Outings
Pick up The Girl's Guide to Football by Peaco Todd, for a mini tutorial. Then join your guy at his next big game.

Take a test-drive of a fun sports car, such as the Nissan Z.

Head to a batting cage and swing at some balls.

Trim your fingernails, wear thick socks and hit the bowling alley. Rock N Bowl is a great alternative to regular bowling- and you can drink alcohol as well !

Get in the saddle for a horseback-riding lesson.

Hit a sports bar and cheer on your team. Ottawa now has a huge sports bar located at 90 George Street called Real Sports

Map out a long bike ride through a local park.

Fire up the grill for burgers and sticky s'mores.

Play paintball.

Check out the action at the nearest racetrack. Rideau Carleton Raceway has live horse racing and the Hull Casino has just added a new horse racing game.

A bar, beers and darts. Anyone up for some healthy competition?

Hit the golf-ball driving range.

Work out your aggressions with some co-kickboxing.

Sniff out a cigar bar and loll around, acting like Tony Soprano. The only one in town (which is actually out of town) is over in Gatineau at the Hull Casino. It's called Bacchus

Unleash your inner pool shark and hit a dive bar or a pool hall.

Mini Getaways
Book a double massage at a fancy-schmancy spa.

Take a balloon or helicopter ride over your town.

Rent a fancy car. Tool around as if you actually own it.

Find a nearby bed-and-breakfast. Spend the night someplace where someone else makes the bed and cooks breakfast.

Outdoor Adventures
Grab a pair of binoculars and spend an afternoon bird-watching.

Log on to learner.org/jnorth to find out how to become a pair of butterfly spies.

Hit a hiking trail near you. The Gatineau Hills are amazing.

Snowfall? Call your man, make him run home and build a snowman.

Take a walk on the beach.

Culture Vulture
Check out the talent at a small local art gallery. We recommend Orange, Cube and Wall Space.

Get up and move: Try swing dancing, tangoing or square dancing.

See if your local college has a pottery studio and sign up for an evening class. If not, check out this shop that has been around in Ottawa since 1996.

Amateur theater is fun to see — and even more fun to try out for.

Find out which classes LCBO is offering: cooking, beer and wine tasting. DiVino is another great venue that offers cooking and wine classes.

Same goes for cheese shops. Call and ask if they have regular tasting parties.

Get all dressed up and catch an orchestra or opera performance at the NAC.

Nostalgia Trips
Dig out that concert T-shirt: You're never too old to catch your favorite classic rock band on its reunion tour.

Take a local walking history tour.

Make a time capsule about your dating days to open 10 years from now.

Guest Blog: 2013 Bridal Beauty Trends from Ottawamakeupartists.com

photo: Photoluxstudio.com

Gone are the days of baby pink lips and nude eye shadow. Bridal makeup trends have evolved from understated and cautious to the forefront of the beauty industry. Traditionally dictated by celebrity red carpet looks and high fashion trends, brides increasingly want makeup that is cutting edge, sophisticated and never boring. In this month’s guest blog, beauty experts Amy, Elissa, Heather and Rachel of Ottawamakeupartists.com each dish about what trends they are seeing on real brides and share their thoughts on a hot trend: airbrushing.

Amy on trends and airbrushing

photo: Barbara Ann Studios

I find that brides are getting 'sexier', and more daring. They are embracing the smokey eye and/or the red lip. Modern brides aren't afraid to play with their makeup a bit more.

Even with new and different makeup trends, beautiful skin is at the top of every bride's wish list...and the trend towards airbrush guarantees this for every bride.

A fantastic way to provide coverage and a flawless finish while still showcasing fresh, clear skin is airbrushing. Airbrushing allows the bride and her attendants to forget about their makeup. It is incredibly long-wearing, helping their makeup to last the entire wedding day.

Elissa on effortless elegance

photo: psphotography.ca

Brides continue to ask for elegant and glamorous wedding day makeup. They want a look that is more special than their everyday makeup, but not so drastically different that it seems artificial or unnatural. There is a trend towards timeless and effortless elegance; incredibly flawless and smooth skin, glowing shimmering cheeks, naturally rosy lips and defined eyes. What every girl wants, right? Don't we just wake up like that?

 Brides are no longer afraid of makeup; they want everything it has to offer in order to make them feel their most beautiful. This doesn't mean thick and heavy makeup; it means understanding how makeup can help them achieve their dream look. Almost every bride is asking for false lashes to add extra drama to the eyes. The trick is choosing the appropriate style that compliments each bride’s eyes and lashes. I also have a lot of clients wanting dramatic, smokey and sexy eyes with an elegance factor that makes it perfect for the wedding.

photo: Fleischer Photography

Our clients are also so excited about airbrush foundation. We are able to achieve a flawless complexion with minimal makeup. It feels so light on the skin and lasts all night. Whether you need light or full coverage, airbrush looks so natural on every skin type.

Heather on brides as muses

photo:Photoluxstudio.com

Brides we see in blockbuster movies and celebrity wedding photos are the perfect muses for makeup artists and cosmetic brands everywhere. The best example is the vampire influence: bold lips, flawless complexion and subtly smokey eyes. Deep cranberry tones for lips and lip stains instead of sticky, goopy glosses are all the rage. We are seeing this trend carry over to celebrity weddings with a focus on perfected and often paler skin than we have seen on brides for a long time. That luminous look is really beautiful, especially with a sheer or slightly pearlized airbrush foundation so that deeper smokey eyes, naturally flushed-looking cheeks and lips really stand out.

Rachel on the bold and the beautiful

Brides love glam eyes! What constitutes a glam eye? It could be colour, shimmer or intense smokey drama but it undoubtedly always makes the eyes the focal point of a glam makeup. It’s almost over-the-top but with a sophisticated edge.

Increasingly we are seeing rosy and bright lips - that cherubic “bitten” look that evokes freshness and innocence that is sexy at the same time.

photo: Barbara Ann Studios

Big lashes are still super hot, from extensions to luscious false lashes. Brides love them. Bold brows are also making a comeback. Not quite the Brooke Shields brows of the 80s but big, brave and beautifully groomed to frame and enhance the eyes.

Radiant skin and the “no makeup” makeup go hand in hand. As seen on the red carpet or perhaps copied by red carpet celebrities who want to look fresh and flawless like brides, the perfected finish only achievable with airbrush is what every bride wants.

For more information, check out the talented ladies at Ottawamakeupartists.com!