Kiss The Bride

Ten Years!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 19:56:00 +0000

2017 marks the tenth year since I started my journey with Kiss The Bride. I can remember watching one of those wedding shows back in 2007, knowing this was the path I was going to take but not knowing how or where to start it. At some point during that show, someone said "something something ... kiss the bride ..." and I literally had a light bulb moment. I just knew that this was going to be the name of my company. As they say, the rest is history! I truly can hardly believe it has been 10 years! I've learned so much and had countless wonderful experiences as a wedding planner. I've traveled and met so many fantastic people. How does one even begin pay tribute to that? This is what I have been mulling over for months now. I'm not entirely sure, but I am going to try!

I did some digging in the old archives, digital photography was barely making a dent when these photos were taken! Since we are talking tributes, I had to share some photos of our very first few seasons! It's so fun to look back and see how not only photography has changed, but bridal wear, decor and trends too. ;)

<3 br="">

One Year Ago ....

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 20 May 2016 15:00:00 +0000

A lot of people questioned us when we decided to get married so far away from home. It wasn't easy, but it was definitely worth it. We had a ton of stressful paperwork to endure for the legality of being married in Italy as well as through the church. We struggled against language barriers, culture differences, time zones. We delayed the wedding for over a year to allow extra time for everyone to plan and save (including us). In short, it felt like we waited a decade. We now look back at that time with so much happiness. It was absolutely the most amazing 3.5 weeks of our lives. Side note – thank you to my mom who at times literally pulled me through days where I thought I couldn't endure the stress any more.

Still to this day we get asked “why Italy?”. Our answer is “why not?”. We knew we wanted to have a destination wedding from day one. Shawn proposed the day before we went on a huge family vacation to The Dominican Republic, so that set the theme pretty quickly. For someone who had been working in the wedding industry for 8 years, it was going to be a challenge for me to break away from work mode & separate the two worlds. We literally made a list of our top places, did the research and Italy won. At first we had our hearts set on The Amalfi Coast (hello have you seen that place?). After a bit more research Tuscany was slightly in the lead. Then I surprised Shawn with two tickets to Italy for his birthday in the fall of 2014. We used that time to explore and visit different places all over the country. When we arrived to the medieval town of Petritoli, which was neither in Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast, it was instant – we were in love.

We had driven all night and were so tired when we arrived, but were greeted by the two most gracious hosts imaginable, treated to a meal fit for a king and given two nights complimentary accommodation in their Palazzo. We stayed in a total of 5 different places, but Petritoli was the only place we stayed for 2 nights. When we left, Shawn kept asking “do we have to go to the next place?”, but I insisted that we give every place a fair shot. Though the last destination was the only real contender to the Palazzo, we found ourselves researching info on Petritoli while we were visiting this lovely countryside hamlet. That was pretty telling to us. I remember putting my iPad down, looking at Shawn and saying “what am I doing?”. We just knew. We could not wait to get back. Any one of our guests who joined us will tell you that Petritoli is simply enchanting. Waking up every morning to the most spectacular views of the rolling hills, mountains and other hilltop towns in the distance is beyond words.

Our favourite thing was walking down the steep cobblestone streets to the nearest cafe (our favourite was Bar Tre Archi) every single morning, greeted by smiling faces and treated to the yummiest croissants and pastries (I have to say also, we went to France for the first part of our honeymoon and no croissant even came close). Having our family and friends with us this time was so fantastic. They were able to fall in love with everything that we did when we were first there.

So, one year ago today, in that small hilltop town in Italy, I woke up to the birds chirping and the sun shining. I literally opened the shutters on my window and saw this view.

After jumping into the shower, I peeked out the door and saw Heather Wilkinson (our awesome photographer) on the lower level of the property working away and snapping detail shots. This confirmed my nerves – yep it was really my wedding day.

When I opened my door & walked down the little pathway to the pool, I was greeted by many smiling faces. It was such a blur, I can't even remember who was there with me that morning. I sat down poolside and I remember breakfast being offered to me – I wasn't sure if I'd be able to eat, butterflies were taking over my stomach at a rapid pace. I remember soaking it all in (or at least trying to) and that in spite of everyone scurrying around me and doting on me – it was so quiet and so calm, the wind was light and it was already warm so early in the morning. All of a sudden, I heard Shawn yell “I'M GETTING MAAARRIED TODAAAY!!!!” from the rooftop of the building beside us. It was the sweetest thing. I realized his excitement in that moment; all of the butterflies were completely gone and I was reminded that I was about to marry the most incredible person ever.

I had our stationery designer make a card in which I wrote a letter to Shawn for the morning of the wedding. Rumour has it there was a tear or two.

I also had a personalized leather Bible made for him with our names and date, as a wedding gift.

I remember being so excited as the clock approached 4:00. I couldn't wait to get down to the church, even though we had a crazy walk down steep cobblestone hills to get there (errr, did you see those shoes?). I wanted to run down! Thanks to my posse, I made it without even a wobble.

The ceremony was beautiful, I will never forget Shawn's face when he first saw me. Ever. Or the words that he said to me when I reached him at the top of the aisle. My fellow brides - are you with me? Is this not the most memorable moment ever?

Shawn also said some very sweet words to Victoria during the ceremony and we surprised her with a rose gold engraved locket. I don't think there was one dry eye in the house.

Afterward, we had local dancers perform outside of the church, which is a tradition in Italy (we tried to follow as many of their traditions as possible as we wanted an authentic experience). Our guests still comment on how this was the best surprise. Shawn was right in there with them, high kicks and all.

They led us down into our cocktail, a sweet multi-level space overlooking more stunning countryside views, where we had Italian bellinis, lots of food and hand made local gelato from a vintage cart. Sooo good.

We took some family photos during the cocktail and lots of the people in the town came out to see. They waved, told us in Italian that we looked beautiful and honked horns as they drove by. This little cutie insisted he must blow me a kiss & we stopped taking photos so he could do so.

As our guests enjoyed cocktail, we eventually left to take photos. While driving, we passed this random field, and hit the brakes when we saw the most stunning sunset view over the hillside imaginable.

Needless to say we stopped and snapped some photos in this field. We had to get up onto a little hill by foot and I had to take my shoes off (thanks Heather for lending me your flip flops and photographing barefoot to get the shot). I remember Shawn pushing me up onto the top of the hill while our photographers pulled me. Oh the things we do.

My favourite photo came from this place though. My favourite moment, unscripted. Just us, taking it all in and enjoying an embrace.

Afterward, we met our guests back at the Palazzo for a five course meal that was inspired by our very first dinner in Petritoli. But first, this group shot in the main house of the Palazzo!

Our favourite quote, from Ruth 1:16 "Where you go I will go, where you stay I will stay" was placed on the back of our chairs. This past January, we each got a part of the verse tattooed on our arms. #crazy

Our guests received locally made, organic olive oil in vintage bottles to take home. We also followed Italian tradition and incorporated rosemary which is meant to be a sign of good luck.

We ate al fresco in front of the landmark “Tre Archi” (three arches) & enjoyed some live Italian music.

During dinner, Shawn surprised everyone (especially me) by playing a song that he had written, sung and recorded for me as a wedding gift. What, you didn't believe me that he was incredible? Told you. It was the most romantic thing I could have imagined. More tears. It was beautiful.

We ended the night dancing to his song.

The experience at times really did feel like a fairytale, but for me the blessing to marry the man I married was the biggest fairytale of all.

I get to be sentimental, it's my anniversary.

Shawn, I can't say enough about you and how wonderful you are. You teach me about myself every day, you help me to grow, offer me your strength. We fail and succeed together. I am so happy and proud to be your wife. It's so hard to believe a whole year has gone by since that amazing day. Thank you for the privilege of being your best friend. Happy 1^st Anniversary!

#happilyevershawnnifer

Amanda & Ryan - 09.06.2014

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 00:32:00 +0000

I had such an amazing time last September at Amanda & Ryan's gorgeous outdoor wedding. Located at Amanda's parents' summer home, the day was absolutely perfect. Great weather, along with a view that would leave you breathless, all added to an already magical feeling for their special day.

You'll be able to tell in these photos how truly in love Amanda & Ryan are. Non-stop smiles that spread from ear to ear were plastered on their faces all day long as they officially tied the knot. Pair their own love with that of their families, and you couldn't ask for a better group of people to celebrate with.

Weddings like Amanda & Ryan's make me realize how much I truly love what I do and that I'm so happy to be a part of the Kiss The Bride team.

Wishing this gorgeous couple many years of happiness together!

Photography courtesy of Caro Photo

Wedding Coordination & Design: Kiss The Bride

Caterer: Murphy Group
Flowers: Prestige Floral
Ceremony Music: Zack Squires

DJ: Music Express
Cake/Sweets: Jennifer Prinz of City View Bakehouse

Hair: Laura Morgan

Hair Piece: Love Charlie

Winter Wonderland

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 23:12:00 +0000

Just because it's cold and snowy outside, doesn't mean it should dissuade you from the idea of a winter wedding!

While PEI may be well known for its gorgeous summers, I think it would be as easy to say that a PEI winter is just as remarkable...perhaps for different reasons, though. Words that come to mind: cold, snowy, icy, slippery. But most of all, winters on PEI are beautiful. When I look outside after a blizzard like today's, I know that I could never live anywhere else (even if I mutter under my breath while shovelling).

Recently, Styled in Lace featured a Kiss The Bride coordinated shoot on their website and now I'd like to share the photos with you. It shows that even if you'd like to be snuggled up in front of a fireplace right now, a winter wedding can be magical on PEI. Winter offers a clean palette with the ability to make whatever you can imagine possible.

Location: Green Gables Heritage Place

Photography: Rachel Peters Photography

Wedding & Event Coordinator: Kiss The Bride

Wedding Stationery: Kim Roach Design

Makeup: Michelle Cudmore

Design: Modern Jane

Cake: City View Bakehouse

Custom Bridal Headwear: Love Charlie

Props: Coulson's Used Furniture & Antique Shop

Mitten: Northern Watters

Horse & Sleigh: Wayne Bernard

Feature on TheKnot.com

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 22:24:00 +0000

Could we be any more thrilled to have our styled shoot featured on TheKnot.com? This was by far one of my favourite colour palettes and styled shoots we took part in!

It's the perfect way to close out 2014!

Check out the entire feature here!

Thanks to everyone who took part in this shoot!

Kiss The Bride - Coordination

Rachel Peters Photography - Photos
Modern Jane Design - Design
Kim Roach Design - Stationery / Paper Products
Cheryl Weeks Hairstylist - Hair
Michelle Cudmore Makeup Artist - Makeup
The Perfect Pear Bridal - Dress
Prestige Floral Studio Weddings - Flowers
Five Eleven West - Food

Dows - Tux & Accessories
City View Bakehouse - Cake / Sweets
Lowell Productions - Video

Kat & Craig Tie the Knot

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 19:50:00 +0000

Because I'm a born and raised Islander, a nautical themed wedding is near and dear to my heart. It feels like home.

No detail was forgotten when it came to Kat & Craig's nautical themed wedding this past August. Rich blues, complimented by subtle peaches and pinks, brought this theme to life. I also enjoyed the beautiful stationery provided by Kim Roach because it brought Kat & Craig's vision full circle.

Completing this nautical theme was a most beautiful bride and a handsome groom who are so very obviously in love. They're that couple that you look at and just know - they are in sync with each other and their love for one another is the stuff of fairy tales. I truly enjoyed getting to be a part of their day and am so very excited to share these photos with you.

They've got all aspects of a nautical theme covered - right down to the socks!

Kat made a stunning bride - this smile was on her face all day!

These simple and gorgeous pew markers added a beautiful touch to the ceremony.

See what I mean about that smile?!

The reception was where the nautical theme really came together. Every detail imaginable was covered!

Kat & Craig's signature drinks were a hit with all guests.

Clean, crisp white and gorgeous blues made for beautifully decorated tables.

Hearts & Flowers provided all the flowers, including these stunning centre pieces. They brought a beautiful contrasting color to the decor.

What's a wedding without sweet treats for the guests to enjoy? Once again, the nautical theme flowed seamlessly to this display and these delicious sweets were enjoyed by many.

Wishing this couple many years of happiness and love!

Photography courtesy of Jane Decle Photography

Wedding Coordination & Design: Kiss The Bride

Ceremony Location: Our Lady of Mont-Carmel
Reception Location: Centre Goeland

Caterer: Chef Ross Munro from Prince Edward Island Culinary Adventures
Flowers: Hearts and Flowers
Music: Zack Squires
Stationery: Kim Roach Design

The Little Things

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 00:40:00 +0000

If I had to pick one specific thing that I love about weddings (which is hard, since there's so much to love!), I would have to say it's "the little things".

By this, I mean the unique touches that each couple brings to a wedding. Whether it be a beloved pet, a hobby they share, or a family tradition, all of these can be incorporated into a wedding day to help create an intimate and personal atmosphere. Infusing the personalities and interests of each couple into a wedding day truly speaks to what is important to them.

Take a peek at these special touches added to some of our previous weddings. The little things become more than just "little things" - they become the voice of our sweet couples and speak to who they are and what they love!

Instead of table numbers, Pam and Kent named each of the guest tables after a place that holds special meaning to them.

It was important to Jenn and Eddie that they include this special guy in their ceremony. He was given the exciting job of announcing the arrival of the bride! Too sweet!

Jenn and Eddie also wanted to make their guests feel special by adding these gorgeous details to each place setting. Each guest had a place card with their own menu printed inside, as well as a box of locally made chocolate truffles.

Lee loves Batman, so this tiny Batman peeking out of Lee and Gen's wedding cake brought in a special touch to their wedding that was important to Lee.

Jason is a huge Super Mario Bros fan, so Jasmine surprised Jason with the cute addition of Mario and Luigi to their wedding cake peeking out the back.

For Liz and Cam, Scottish heritage was a key factor in their wedding day. The family tartan was used as inspiration for their color palette.

As an animal lover, I can really appreciate Becky and Dan's special touches! Their dog, Molly, played a huge role in their elopement and this beautiful collar matched their design perfectly. They even chose their wedding colours based on Molly's collar!

It's always special when family comes together to help a bride and groom. Sara and Craig's family baked some seriously yummy pies, which the guests were treated to instead of a cake!

As you can see, the smallest details can have the biggest impact!

Photos provided by the following photographers:

Rachel Peters Photography

Katelyn Fraser Photography

Heather Wilkinson

Riki Sulis Photography

Jenn & Eddie

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 21:31:00 +0000

It's not every day that you get to work with a couple who are so unique & have such a clear vision of exactly what they want their wedding day to be. Though we connected first online, I was able to spend some time with Jenn & Eddie when they visited PEI from their home in Barbados a couple of times throughout the year that we worked together.

Yes, I said Barbados.

I remember their first trip to PEI! We had our first site visit out to the PEI Preserve Company & it was the coldest day of the 2012 winter. Quite the change from the sunshine and warmth in the south! :) Nevertheless, we had a great time touring the grounds, while we worked out details & planned logistics all the afternoon.

Jenn & Eddie's wedding was recently featured on WeddingBells.com and if you look at the amazing work of photographer Heather Wilkinson below, you will be able to see why!

Jenn was a bride of impeccable taste & class! The colour palette she chose and the vision of their wedding came through in all of the details.

Jenn's family is from PEI. They are a sweet, down home, kind & adorable family who were welcoming and so wonderful to work with! Jenn's father even performed the wedding ceremony himself! It was fun to host an Island wedding and showcase all of PEI's beauty, talent and culinary masterpieces for Eddie's family who traveled from Barbados to be here!

Thanks to Cynthia MacLeod & Co for showing everyone what a party on PEI looks & sounds like & the staff & Daniel Brenan Brickhouse for the exceptional service throughout the entire event!

Photography courtesy of Heather Wilkinson

Wedding Coordination & Design: Kiss The Bride

Ceremony location:Prince Edward Island Preserve Company
Reception location:Daniel Brenan Brickhouse

Bridal gown: Reem Acra from Ever After
Cake: City View Bakehouse
Caterer: Chef Adam Loo from Murphy Group of Restaurants
Favours: Normal Love Confections from Swiss Chalet Fine Foods
Flowers: Hearts and Flowers
Groom’s suit: Cesare Attolini
Music: Cynthia MacLeod
Stationery: Coral Pheasant and Kim Roach Design
Transportation: Prestige Limousine

Becky & Dan Elope

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 08 Mar 2014 01:29:00 +0000

I love my job, I love Canada Day & I love elopements. So, when Becky & Dan enlisted me to coordinate their elopement in PEI on Canada Day, I was thrilled! They took a van with their sweet dog Molly and drove from ON for a weekend getaway & their intimate PEI wedding.

Becky & Dan spent their weekend in a cottage on the water. The cottage was full of antique and nautical pieces which tied in perfectly to the design of their day! They chose to have their ceremony on the beautiful property, overlooking the south eastern shore.

Including Molly in the day was important, so they based their entire wedding colour palette on Molly's adorable blue and orange collar!

After the ceremony, we arranged to have a car take the newlyweds and Molly into the city for a patio dinner. Immediately following dinner, we arranged for them to be taken out on a private chartered boat. They enjoyed drinks, laughs and Canada Day fireworks from the Hillsborough River!

The cake was created by CityView Bakehouse and flowers by Hearts & Flowers.

A table for two was set for the newlyweds to enjoy cake and lemon pie, Dan's favourite!

Thanks Becky & Dan (& Molly) for allowing us to be a part of this beautiful day!

All of these beautiful photos are courtesy of the talented Katelyn Fraser!
www.katelynfraserphoto.com

Copper Wedding Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 14:00:00 +0000

When Clinton Hills Lodge approached our group to do a photo shoot, we knew that a fall themed shoot was the perfect choice! With the rolling hills of Clinton, PEI + a warm sunny autumn day + two beautiful newlyweds - we had the perfect recipe!

We were very excited to learn that both Wedding Chicks and Wedding Bells featured our shoot! See both of those features HERE & HERE respectively!

Our styled shoots could never be possible without the help of local vendors who give their time, services and products to us! The amazing list of vendors who participated in this shoots are:

Photographer: Rachel Peters Photography
Coordinator: Jennifer Clark of Kiss the Bride
Event Designer: Jane Gallant of Modern Jane Design
Venue: Clinton Hills
Makeup: Michelle Cudmore
Hair: Cheryl Weeks
Cake: City View Bakehouse
Stationery: Kim Roach Designs
Dress Designer: Kelly Moorehead of The Perfect Pear Bridal
Flowers: Michael Jackson of Prestige Floral Studio
Groom's Attire: Moores Clothing
Jewelry: Peter Norton of Nortons Jewellers
Glassware & Cutlery Items: Caseley's Tent Rentals
Knitwear: Northern Watters Knitwear
Allyson & Tyler - Bride & Groom

Looking Forward To 2014!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 19:53:00 +0000

I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas season! Hopefully some of you are still enjoying it and don't have to be back at work for a bit yet! I anticipate 2014 will be a very exciting year for Kiss The Bride with some big changes on the horizon, so stay tuned. I can't wait to share everything with you!

Happy New Year to all! Stay safe!

Feature on Champagne Sweets

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 21:31:00 +0000

I'm so pleased to have been featured on a new and adorable Canadian content blog called Champagne Sweets! The wedding was one we did in NB last summer for Jasmine & Jason (previous blog post & details on this wedding here). I loved looking at all of the photos again and reliving such a great day! Thanks again to the amazing Heather Wilkinson for all of the beautiful photos!

Check out the feature below!

http://champagnesweets.com/2013/11/15/purple-white-new-brunswick-wedding/

Engaged

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 00:10:00 +0000

So, it's been a very busy year! In March I was taken completely by surprise when the love of my life & my other half proposed! Such a smart man. :)

He knew I loved rose gold and he did a great job choosing the most precious ring ever, a stunning peach sapphire with diamond halo! Here's a quick shot I took of it last week.

Love.

On to even more wedding planning...

Great Time To FALL In Love

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 21 Oct 2013 00:26:00 +0000

Okay, I'll admit it, I don't really love the fall. Yes I know it's pretty, the trees, the colours etc etc. I still don't love it. However, this year I can't really deny how amazing the weather has been & how beautiful the scenery on PEI is! For those autumn loving brides out there, PEI in the fall is spectacular, & it's off season, so deals are everywhere! ;)

ps there may just be some autumn themed inspirational stuff coming your way soon!!

CBCF CIBC Run For The Cure

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 09 Oct 2013 14:16:00 +0000

For the second straight year, I have been privileged to be the Teams Coordinator for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run For The Cure. What an amazing event! This past Sunday thousands came out on a beautiful sunny autumn day and ran/walked for a future without breast cancer. PEI raised almost $150,000.00 for this amazing cause. I couldn't be more honoured to be a part of such an incredible team and event.
Well done PEI!

The vibe on run day is like none other. There's an excitement in the air mixed with emotions of pride, joy and gratitude for survivors, while there's sadness and moments of remembrance for those who did not win their battle with breast cancer.

Survivors are so very important to us and we love spoiling them in the Survivor Tent each year! The Wall Of Hope is a fantastic way to look back on past runs, share success stories & pay tribute to those who are not with us because of this disease.

Please visit the Charlottetown Run Page on Facebook to show your support!

More Instagraming

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 22:22:00 +0000

A few more snaps from Instagram of 2013's weddings & events!

Insta-Love

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 15 Aug 2013 23:49:00 +0000

Don't forget to find us on Instagram to follow along as the events unfold, literally! :)

http://instagram.com/kissthebride

Sara & Craig - 08.11.12

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 16:48:00 +0000

Sara & Craig's rustic barn wedding was featured last week on the adorable www.theeverylittledetail.com. You can check out the full feature HERE!

Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Kiss The Bride

Photographer: Rachel Peters Photography

Flowers: Hearts & Flowers

Event Designer: Five Design

Invitations & Stationery: Kim Roach Design

Makeup Artist: Michelle Cudmore Makeup Artist

Bride’s Veil/Hair Accessories: Love Charlie

Groomsmen Attire: Dow's Menswear

Reception Venue: Green Island Getaway at Granville

Catering: The Sizzler

Jewelry: RUCHE

It's Been A While!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 20:27:00 +0000

I just read an article from the WPIC page on why you should blog, then felt super guilty because I haven't blogged for eons! So, here I am. It's been a crazy year! January brought a fantastic photo shoot which we lovingly dubbed "The Dreamers Shoot" & it was published on www.weddingchicks.com. I had such an amazing time coordinating this project!Take a look HERE!

ps I promise I won't wait so long to blog again.

Sneak Peek!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 06:02:00 +0000

Here are a few shots from a September wedding I coordinated for Genevieve & Dalton all the way up north in Miramichi, NB. Photos from the 2012 season continue to roll in, & I am looking forward to sharing them!

Photos by Craig Norris @ www.craignorrisphotography.ca

Happy Anniversary to ... Me!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 03:03:00 +0000

My very first wedding back in '08

Photo credit: Katelyn Fraser - www.katelynfraserphoto.com

Kiss The Bride is 5 years old this month. I can not believe that half a decade has passed since starting this dream. It has been five years of changes, ups and downs (mostly ups) and I am so proud to have built this company from scratch, into what it is today. Of course, none of that happens without lots of support and help so to my family and friends I must give a lot of credit. As well as vendors in the industry, the relationships I have developed with them and last but not least my clients who have been fantastic and inspiring for five straight years! I am celebrating on Facebook all month long so be sure to stop by my page (link in the Facebook tab above) to see what is going on!

Another photo with clients from my first season. I am looking pretty young here!

PEI Beach Surf Shoot as seen on {Style Me Pretty Canada}

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 01:33:00 +0000

What happens when a crew of vendors from Prince Edward Island come together on the hottest day of the 2012 summer? A fantastic collaboration of photos which is featured on Style Me Pretty Canada, showcasing the many talents and beauty of PEI!! I couldn't be more pleased to have been the coordinator for this shoot! Being the organizational part of this type of collaboration is never without a dull moment. Watching "the creatives" and their ideas come to life is always very fascinating!!

"Amy's" perfect hair and make up were the work of Michelle Cudmore of PEI Make Up Artist & Cheryl Delaney-Weeks respectively!

At times it is difficult to imagine when everything is laid out for a shoot how it will be portrayed through the camera. The one thing that I never have to worry about is that it will be done absolutely beautifully with the talented Rachel Peters of Rachel Peters Photography on the other side of the lens!

The stunning shoot design & tablescape is the work of Modern Jane Design!

Yes it's beer, root beer. Guests enjoyed this delicious drink courtesy of JJ Stewart's Root Beer on PEI.

All of the creative and fun stationery was the artistic work of Kim Roach of Kim Roach Design!

Guests also received these original hand crafted bracelets by Alisha Stephen of Love Charlie!

Chef James Oja of The Big Orange Lunch Box cooked up some PEI eats for all!

The mouth watering sweets including this to die for cake, orange and yellow macarons and so much more were all products of the talented Jennifer Prinz of City View Bakehouse!

Flowers were generously donated by Alan Preston of Hearts & Flowers!

Click HERE for the entire published article from Style Me Pretty Canada & more photos!!

Full list of participating vendors and contributors:

Photography: Rachel Peters of Rachel Peters Photography / Coordination: Jennifer Clark of Kiss the Bride / Photo Shoot Location: Prince Edward Island National Park (Courtesy of Parks Canada) / Design + Concept: Jane Gallant of Modern Jane Design / Floral Design: Hearts and Flowers / Catering: Chef James Oja of The Orange Lunchbox / Sweets: Jennifer Prinz of City View Bakehouse / Root Beer Favors: JJ Stewart / Paper Goods: Kim Roach of Kim Roach Designs / Wedding Dress: Dere Kiang via The Perfect Pear Bridal / Custom Hair Pieces: Alisha Stephen of Love Charlie / Hair: Cheryl Weeks / Makeup: Michelle Cudmore of Michelle Cudmore Makeup Artist / Groom’s Attire: Dows Menswear / Rings: Peter Norton of Norton’s Jewellers

Jasmine & Jason - July 28th, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 16:50:00 +0000

Jasmine & Jason first contacted me in May of 2011. Shortly after that, we began the process of planning their wedding. What a dream couple to work with! After a year of planning had passed, Jasmine flew out for a weekend of planning together in NB this past May. We enjoyed some cake samples (reason # 127 why I love my job) and had an amazing taste testing at The Tait House in Shediac with her super sweet Grandmother. I knew their event was going to be special and I was not mistaken.

Jasmine warned me many times that she was "a crier". We chuckled in our attempts to find the perfect make up artist knowing her fate on that matter (with a few make up artist scares mixed in there too - all part of the planning fun). In the end, the happiest of happy tears were shed and as expected they both looked perfect.

The weather couldn't have been more cooperative for the outdoor ceremony! Their guests laughed and cried with them, hearing stories of their relationship and listening to their hand written, personalized vows for each other (Jasmine wasn't the only one tearing up, thanks a lot guys). I'd also like to take this time to thank Jasmine for getting me completely hooked on the song "Lucky Man" by Matt York (her entrance song). It's been on repeat in my car since July 28th. :)

Off to the beach with their gang in Shediac to enjoy the sun and photos with their baby Pipa, who I regretfully did not get the joy of meeting. One person I did have the pleasure of meeting and working with for the first time was their awesome photographer Heather Wilkinson. Check her out here: www.heatherwilkinson.ca

Caricature artist Marc Little joined the outdoor cocktail party and gave guests a nice take away portrait of themselves for those who were brave enough to have one done!

The cake, made by Karen Silliker of The Cake Box, was the talk of the entire reception! Not only was it stunning to look at from the front but Jasmine, as a surprise to Jason, had Mario & Luigi added to the back of the cake! I was on strict orders from Jason to make sure he got Mario and that his brother got Luigi "because he is always Mario". ;)

Thank you both so much for allowing me the pleasure of joining you on the journey to your wedding day!

All photos courtesy of Heather Wilkinson - www.heatherwilkinson.ca.

Summer's End!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 04:09:00 +0000

It's been such an amazing summer (and a very busy one at that, hence my lack of posting) and I can't believe it's September next week!! Back to school, back to the indoor activities and back to cold weather! Here is a very small sneak peek at some of the work I've done this summer! :)

Photo credit: Heather Wilkinson (heatherwilkinson.zenfolio.com)

Photo credit: Rachel Peters (blogbyrachel.com)

Fat vs Skinny

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 21:05:00 +0000

You've probably seen this photo floating around recently. It's an ad from a time when women wanted to gain weight, when it was seen as unattractive to be skinny. My, how times have changed. I hear so often from so many brides, that they want to lose weight for their wedding. "Bridal boot camps" are plentiful. There's an unbelievable amount of stress put on people to "look perfect" on their wedding day. That one day when we are all supposed to be Cinderella, perfection personified. We'll have photos that we are supposed to look back on in 40 years and remember our youthful beauty. What we need to realize is that we already are perfect and we need to stop trying to live up to this fictitious, unrealistic, unattainable standard! Women are beautiful! So get your make up done, style your hair just right, put that white (or whatever colour it may be) dress on and get on down that aisle girl! No need to try and change how you look! You are already beautiful!

"Its bathing suit season again and…horrors…you are TOO SKINNY! Working in the media and looking at diet and exercise articles aimed at whittling your beach body every day, it's a jolt to see vintage ads promising popularity to women (and men) by adding pounds and inches. "Since I gained 10 pounds," reads one, "I have all the dates I want." Obesity rates started taking off around 1975, about the same time these ads dwindled. But it's not just that people went overboard with sugar and fat consumption and portion size so the media needed to push a thinner look. The perception of acceptable body size changed as well. Voluptuous gals like Marilyn Monroe, Jayne Mansfield, and Raquel Welch flaunted their curves in clingy dresses and skimpy bathing suits. Now they would probably sweat it out in a tent dress. Too fat? Too thin? Too short? Too old? You can't win. There will always be an expensive product or procedure to "cure" some perceived flaw. If these ads teach us anything, its time to banish the body insecurity, don that bikini, and jump into the deep end. Summer's too short. -Sarah B. Weir, Shine Staff Writer"

http://shine.yahoo.com/beauty/back-women-wanted-fat-vintage-ads-push-weight-192700603.html