http://melissawelsh.com/index.php/melissawelsh/blog/ en info@kootenaybride.com Copyright 2011 2011-02-17T19:49:15+00:00 kootenaybride/LEJUhttp://feedburner.google.com http://www.kootenaybride.com/comments/an_intimate_north_shore_wedding/ http://www.kootenaybride.com/comments/an_intimate_north_shore_wedding/#When:18:49:15Z Anja is from BC. Ben is from Montana. They met in China and live in California. With an international guest list, they wanted their wedding to happen in a place that would be memorable for everyone. The North Shore of Kootenay Lake was the perfect spot, with sweeping views of the lake and mountains on bare foot beach, and only a short drive from the nearest town. Stokes Poges Manor is an Old English inspired guest house ten minutes north of Nelson, British Columbia. With a large beach front, shaded lawn and a sprawling deck overlooking the lake, it fit every aspect of what Anja and Ben wanted their wedding to be. Beyond the intimate and relaxed feel of having everything in one place, what made this day particularly special was the presider. Ben’s grandma led the ceremony, delighting guests with a heartfelt story about life long love. With family and friends close throughout the day, and honest words from a wise loved one, this intimate wedding set a beautiful tone for Anja and Ben’s life together. Thanks to Anja & Ben for sharing their beautiful wedding photos with us! Photography by Bobbi Barbarich www.bobbibarbarich.ca Wedding Stories 2011-02-17T18:49:15+00:00 http://www.kootenaybride.com/comments/decorating_your_home_together/ http://www.kootenaybride.com/comments/decorating_your_home_together/#When:12:26:45Z Submitted by Selina Simon of Kootenai Moon Furniture, 476 Baker St., Nelson, BC, 250-352-5530, 1-888-352-5530 Today, greater emphasis is being placed on individuality and personal expression; a home should reflect who you both are. When furnishing and decorating your first home together, know what you love in your home. Consider your personal needs and desires before you start your decorating plan. Take your time to furnish your home; it allows you to refine your choices and develop solutions along the way, keeping you focused. Take photographs of the room or rooms you are looking to furnish. Spend time together looking through magazines and pull out pictures of rooms that you like. Consider what colors you both like. Include pictures of paint colors, furniture, and overall design elements. If you have seen the furniture pieces you both like, take photos if you can, and borrow upholstery samples, collect paint chips. Kootenai Moon welcomes you to take photos of your favorite pieces, to borrow upholstery samples, and catalogues. You can also visit our website http://www.kootenaimoon.com and follow the links to our furniture suppliers. Together, go through the magazine pictures, the furniture photos, upholstery samples and paint chips and begin eliminating the things that neither of you can live with. Together choose what you both most agree on. This process can be intimidating; however, you will survive the hardest part of furnishing your home - choosing the larger furniture pieces and paint colors - and each subsequent room will become easier. Another fun project, that will help you visualize your plans, is to create a story board together. Gather all the photographs and samples you both agree on, and create a layout on a poster board. It is important to agree on the major elements such as color and style of furniture. It will be the accessories for your home that will express your individual personalities. Have trust in the people who you work with. Use their expertise. Come in to Kootenai Moon and get to know our Design Consultants Laurel and Cecilia. Their knowledge and inspiring assistance will offer an exciting element to your decorating experience. They would be happy to do a house call. They are here to help you. Trust your instincts and feel good about your decisions. Most of all…Have Fun Together! Helpful Articles 2011-02-01T12:26:45+00:00 http://www.kootenaybride.com/comments/10_tips_to_renting_tuxedos/ http://www.kootenaybride.com/comments/10_tips_to_renting_tuxedos/#When:05:18:47Z Submitted by Noreen Lynas, owner of Cottons Clothing Company, 390 Baker St., Nelson, BC, (250) 354-4002 There are a number of things both the groom and groomsmen should know before renting their tuxedos or suits before the wedding. Here’s a top ten list to help you with your planning. 1. Don’t need pants? No problem. Black & Lee (with whom we work) will let you rent partial suits or tuxedos. For example, if you already have the perfect pair of trousers, you can just order the shirt and jacket. 2. Not all white shirts are created equal. Make sure your party looks uniform with the same colour pants, shirts, etc. The best way to do this is rent the same colour clothing from one distributor. 3. See the light. Black & Lee do offer light-coloured suits. Come in and check them out, especially if yours is a summer wedding. 4. Keep your nose to yourself. Pocket squares do not have to be returned with your rental. They’re yours to keep…and launder. 5. Buy the tie. Or shirt, pants, tuxedo, whatever you choose. Black & Lee offer retail sales as well as rentals. 6. Shoe goofs. Make sure your groomsmen have the same type of shoes. The last thing you want is for them to show up in their black sneakers or work boots. 7. Cool cufflinks. Wearing cufflinks with a shirt helps keep you cooler because your shirt cuffs are more open and allow for better air flow. 8. Try before you buy. You MUST try on your tuxedo or suit a minimum of one week before the wedding to ensure everything fits properly. (Black & Lee traditionally delivers the week before the wedding.) 9. After hours party. We will stay open after hours if you’d like to come in with your entourage to try on the suits. Not all stores will offer this service but we definitely will. It ends up being more fun, relaxed and the photo opps are way better. 10. No peeking. It’s totally fair for you to tell the bride she can’t see you in your tux before the wedding. (After all, you aren’t allowed to see her.) Helpful Articles 2011-01-16T05:18:47+00:00 http://www.kootenaybride.com/comments/music_to_your_ears/ http://www.kootenaybride.com/comments/music_to_your_ears/#When:21:04:51Z How to find the perfect DJ for your wedding By Jeff McRae If you want your wedding reception to end on a memorable note with everyone dancing until the wee hours, laughing hysterically and singing along to the music, then you want a professional DJ. I have heard of a few ceremonies where the groom plugged his iPod into speakers and expected that to carry the party but I ask you: can an iPod compliment the mother-of-the-groom and get jiggy with Aunt Ethel? Can it don different coloured wigs and swap ski stories with cousins? In short, can an iPod entertain? A great DJ is a great entertainer – someone who involves guests in the entire musical show and ensures the party will be remembered for years to come. What follows are some things to think about when choosing your wedding DJ. First of all, you should know what you want in a DJ. Make sure you talk to different ones about their styles and see if they match what you’re looking for. Just like the meal and decorations, you can customize the music you’d like to play at the ceremony and you want a DJ who will accommodate your tastes. Obviously the best way to know a DJ’s style is to have witnessed him or her performing at another wedding or function. Keep in mind, though, that they could have been asked to play certain music or entertain in a particular way in accordance with the newlywed’s wishes. Therefore you want to ask them a lot of questions about what type of music they like to play and how they entertain the crowd. Ask if you can see a sample playlist and look for proof that the DJ owns a wide variety of music. A large library does not necessarily mean that he or she will be able to cover more styles and requests. (Nothing would be worse than hiring a DJ who has a library of 100,000 songs – and they’re all death metal.) You’ll also want to ask for their references and then check with them to ensure they were personable and played to everyone in the crowd. Again, ask if the DJ was a good entertainer. You want to find someone who will talk to the guests, get people involved and laughing. Find out what sets him or her apart from other DJs. When it comes time to discuss prices, ask about what is included. For example, what type of sound and lighting equipment do they have? What time are they prepared to start and what time will they leave? Will they supply a microphone or will you need one earlier for the speeches? Overall, prices will vary by region and by quality. Typically the higher priced DJs are more experienced, but again, references go a long way. If you have chosen a popular weekend to get married, such as any of the long weekends in the summer, you will need to talk to the DJs you’ve singled out as soon as you can because some of the more popular ones will be booked for these weekends up to two years in advance. In summary, to find the perfect DJ you’ll have to do a bit of homework. Know what you are looking for, find value for your dollar, explain what you want and then seal the deal. By following all these steps you’ll ensure you, your partner and even Aunt Ethel are dancing and laughing along with a great entertainer. Jeff McRae, has been an entertainer for the past 20 years. He has toured professionally as a musician and has integrated his experiences from the road into a successful DJ business. He is the owner of Aries Entertainment and the Fernie Shirt company in Fernie. Photo by Melissa Welsh Helpful Articles 2010-12-01T21:04:51+00:00 http://www.kootenaybride.com/comments/win_a_gorgeous_finao_guest_album/ http://www.kootenaybride.com/comments/win_a_gorgeous_finao_guest_album/#When:17:28:39Z We are hanging out at the Cranbrook bridal show - and having a fabulous time!  Today we are doing a draw for a GORGEOUS hand-made Finao guest album worth $150!  All you have to do is become a fan of ours on facebook! Log into your facebook account and search “Kootenay Bride” in the search field in the top right-hand corner! Become our fan!   Helpful Articles 2010-01-31T17:28:39+00:00 http://www.kootenaybride.com/comments/wedding_of_the_month_-_fernie_bc/ http://www.kootenaybride.com/comments/wedding_of_the_month_-_fernie_bc/#When:18:20:00Z Kylee Toth & Ben Ohler November 21, 2009 Fernie, BC Prep & reception Elk View Lodge, Fernie Ceremony Trinity Lutheran Church, Fernie Wedding of the Month 2010-01-10T18:20:00+00:00 http://www.kootenaybride.com/comments/kaslo_hotel/ http://www.kootenaybride.com/comments/kaslo_hotel/#When:14:56:24Z 2009-11-30T14:56:24+00:00 http://www.kootenaybride.com/comments/beautiful_spot_for_a_ceremony/ http://www.kootenaybride.com/comments/beautiful_spot_for_a_ceremony/#When:23:33:25Z El Nido is one of my favorite spots to shoot an intimate Kootenay wedding.  In fact my all time favorite aisle walk photo is of Kyla and her dad walking along the path through the trees.  If you’re looking for a natural setting, with stunning views - this could be the spot!  Give Mick a call - I know he’s booking for 2010! Enjoy! El Nido Vacation House (250) 229-5249 2170 Hwy 3A , Balfour, BC V1L 5B6 Locations 2009-11-06T23:33:25+00:00 http://www.kootenaybride.com/comments/unlocking_the_secrets_of_wedding_gowns/ http://www.kootenaybride.com/comments/unlocking_the_secrets_of_wedding_gowns/#When:19:37:37Z As a wedding gown designer, I’m asked a lot of questions about how one finds the perfect dress. My first piece of advice is start looking early. It can take upwards of four weeks for fittings and then six to eight months from the time you’ve ordered the dress to the time it is delivered. In other words, be safe and plan on the whole process taking about a year. My second piece of advice for brides-to-be is enjoy the process. It’s not everyday we get to wear full-length gowns, so savour the experience. Try on anything that catches your eye and don’t be afraid to experiment with different shapes, colours and fabrics. To help in your selection process, I’ve compiled a list of definitions and examples of silhouettes and styles you will come across. Give some thought to which styles will best compliment your body type and then have lots of fun trying it all on. 1. Ball gown: a fitted bodice with a full skirt. To get the full effect of the skirt, this gown should have a full crinoline underneath. 2. Mermaid: fitted to the knees and then the skirt flares out from just above the knee. Great for the hour glass figure as it shows off the curves. 3. A-line: the skirt part of the dress drops from the natural waistline forming an A shape to the floor. It hides your hips and shows off the narrowest part of your body, the waist. 4. Fit & Flare: fits through the upper body through to the hips and then the skirt flares from underneath the bottom line to the floor. It allows for more movement in the legs. 5. Sheath: fitted through the upper body and falls straight from the hips to the hemline. This shape doesn’t hide a lot of flaws but is stunning on those who are in tip-top shape. 6. Destination: although this isn’t an official “silhouette” it is a great option if you want a light- weight gown. These dresses can be any length (mini, cocktail, tea or full length) and are often made of chiffon, silk or polyester charmeuse, jersey, or a light-weight stretch satin. They are also lighter on the bank account. 7. Cocktail: a less formal look with a skirt that falls above or just to the knees. If this is the look you want, check out the bridesmaid section of the wedding dress store as most can be ordered in white or ivory and in a cocktail length, tea length or full length. Wedding Gown Terms Empire: style line found just underneath the bust Natural waist: waistline that sits at the narrowest part of your waist Dropped waist: waistline that sits closer to your hips Ruched: fabric is gathered in a horizontal direction Shirred: fabric is gathered in a vertical direction Bias cut: fabric is cut on the diagonal of the cross/lengthwise grain allowing the fabric to drape and cling beautifully to the body Sweetheart neckline: the neckline forms a heart-shaped look Halter neckline: a neckline that attaches at the back of the neck leaving your shoulders bare and often has a low back Princess seaming: style lines that cut vertically over the bust line and continue on through the waist and hips Train: A swath of fabric that extends from the back of the waist. They vary in length from the “sweep,” which just barely brushes the floor, to the Royal Cathedral, which is three yards (108 inches) long Andrea Hughes is a wedding gown designer and the owner of Kiss the Bride in Castlegar.  Visit her website at www.kissthekootenaybride.ca Helpful Articles 2009-11-06T19:37:37+00:00 http://www.kootenaybride.com/comments/aisle_walk/ http://www.kootenaybride.com/comments/aisle_walk/#When:21:24:02Z By Melissa Welsh Photography 2009-10-19T21:24:02+00:00