c ongrats! You’ve said yes to a life of love. Now you’re expected to say yes to a year of planning, shopping, re-planning and taste testing. Even if you can get on board with the free shrimp balls, all that checking and double-checking can seem pretty daunting. Fortunately, with a dash of help and a twinge of organization, you can breeze right on past all that pre-wedding stress and on to the good stuff. After all, a wedding is a celebration of commitment and love – you should focus on the goal and enjoy the ride. the engagement party - breathe in ...

d i Carlo Couture, from Montreal’s very own Antoinette Di Carlo, is the real deal - old couture with a finger on the pulse of contemporary chic. Each piece is a custom-made creation, thanks to Di Carlo’s unparalleled eye for detail, magical flourishes, and knockout silhouettes. From the exemplary beading and intricate seam detailing, to the equally pristine inside of the dress, Di Carlo’s craftsmans

i t seems guest books have ditched the book part of the equation, favoring thematic, couple-centric writing units instead. Though, guest-signer-thingy hardly does justice to the creative oddities that are engraved wooden benches and felt-marked quilts. Therefore, in the name of simplicity, we will maintain the malapropos moniker when roll calling the top ten most novel guest books (that aren’t books).

s ince graduation, you’ve gotten over pimples, bad hair days and bad boys, (sort of) so why should the prospect of public speaking still make your hands twitch and your speech stutter? You’ve come a long way - it’s time to rise above those nerves and to the occasion, and deliver a charismatic speech using your individual strengths as the backbone, and your love for the newlyweds as the heart. Now, chances are at some point or another you’ve been witness to both smart, funny, captivating speakers, and those who bomb- inducing some serious, audience-wide cringing. You’re aiming to land somewhere in th

f eet that crave comfort should not be ignored, even when loud, four-inch patent-leather pumps strive to drown out the yelps of pain. Pretty’s still a priority, but only second to getting through the day’s sundry activities blister-less. No question it’s cute when brides unleash themselves from the shackles of foot-torture around 10 pm and hit the dance-floor barefoot. But there’s nothing like getting trampled sans armour by girlfriends’ heels and hubby’s clumsy hooves to jar one out of a footloose trance. Besides, dresses are hemmed according to the missus’ height in stilettos, so skirt’s get

f ood fads may come and go, but a touch of confectionous class is for life. Hence, the delish magnificence that is the macaron. If the Greek word for ‘blessed’ is ‘makarios,’ then this is most definitely the niblet of the angels. The macaron of Paris is considered a delicacy - its batter composed of finely ground almonds, a snowy cascade of sugar, and feathery peaks of egg whites. Once the cream component has been cooked, the result is a dense, delectable dessert perfect for serving or scarfing on the sly. a sweet back in time

t he perennial headpiece is a blessed thing. Beloved by those more artful in their accessorizing, headpieces remind us that flappers, princesses and girls who wear garlands are not so anachronistic. Maybe shop at a local joint with a custom bent, because it’s true-blue of you to nod to your city’s cool artists. Then again, with a world of dramatic headwear just waiting to crown you ‘bride

c all it trash-the-dress, anti-bride photography, rocking the frock; call it whatever you like- it’s still the coolest thing to happen to wedding photography since the digi-cam and candid shots first broke through age-old bridal barriers. Trashing the dress is all about trashing traditions, and leaving a beautiful, expensive gown to sit in the attic is one traditional many modern brides are reluctant to embrace. Instead, they’re choosing to hop back in the tulle, and then into a lake a few days after the wedding. A professional ph

i nes Di Santo is taking the bridal wear stratosphere by storm, crafting artistic vision into sumptuous design with a flourish of fantastical textiles and intuitive ingénue. Di Santo’s couturier collection derives inspiration from the illustrious facets of the elusive diamond – intricate frosted beading, crystallized blossoms, Swarovski encrusted bodices, and foamy voluminous skirts shine with an unparalleled luster. precious elegance

t here’s nothing lovelier than lingering in Dutchess satin or crepe de Chine silk, sampling nibbles and tidbits of pillow-talk, while a hard-knock world rails on outside. Lingerie is an epicurean celebration of the feminine mystique – how much you dare to bare is up to you. a modest proposal Sometimes when a damsel says she wants to slip into something a little more comfortable, she really means something a little more comfortable. Luckily f