We’ve moved! You can now find our blog over at
sensationalweddingvendors.ca/blog
As much as we loved this one, we decided to move quickly, before it got complicated!
Much love to our fabulous friend and awesome Graphic Designer, Chrissy!
Let’s Rock That Dress – Giveaway! May 19, 2009
After a very successful first month of blogging we are thrilled to announce a fantastic giveaway! In the spirit of all things weddings, we want you to inspire us in order to win this fantastic prize:
A ROCK THE DRESS SESSION!
2 HOUR PHOTO SESSION WITH PRO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS
EVE TRAETTO AND JENNIFER LEWIS
A rock the dress session (or trash the dress) is a photo session where the bride and groom get back into their wedding gear, go to some different locations and have tons of fun posing for photographs. It’s your chance to get crazy and get those images you dreamed of that you see in magazines…. nothing is too crazy! These are the images you couldn’t take on your wedding day for lack of time and not wanting to get dirty. Well now here is your chance!
What we want you to do is send us your unique wedding stories of grand proposals, unusual themes, cute moments… anything that will inspire us and pull on our heartstrings. The winner’s story will get published on our blog as well as the Photo Session (which will also feature on our blog).
Send in your short stories to: sensationalweddings@gmail.com as well as an image of you and your other half on your wedding day.
Requirements: This is open to residents of the Central Ontario and Muskoka, residents outside these areas are allowed to enter but you must be willing to travel to our area for the photo session. We would prefer you to have been married within the last 4 years and still have and fit in your wedding dress for the photo session.
The giveaway will run for the next two weeks, ending on Tuesday June 2nd and a few days later a winner will be announced!
We are very much looking forward to hearing your stories!
Good luck everyone!
Much Love
Eve and Jennifer
xoxo
Guest Etiquette for Weddings May 19, 2009
Etiquette. Fancy word for common sense. Or so you’d think … As wedding professionals, we see a lot of things.
Our friends at Always a Blogsmaid just posted a fabulous and insightful “What Not To Do At A Wedding” list to give guests a better idea of, well, what not to do. Here’s an excerpt -
“Last week, I answered a reader question about what to do when people reply with a guest when they weren’t invited with one. Since then, I had the unusual experience of having guests invite friends to join them at a wedding….. I can’t begin to express how wrong this is. I was standing there with my clipboard when I saw people clearly not dressed for a wedding attempt to enter the reception. I went over to stop these wedding crashers when a guest came over to tell me that it was “OK” and that they were friends of hers that she invited to stop by since they were going to go out together later anyway. If I thought it was a problem, maybe she could ask the bride.
Sigh. When we started this business, I always vowed not to become the #itch with a clipboard…. no one likes that planner. But, there I was, horrified and holding a clipboard. I tried to not use the words “barn”, “home training”, or “common sense” and instead simply let her know that it wasn’t OK as nicely as possible. However, I realized that there seems to be a general lack of awareness these days about what is wedding guest etiquette. If you know better, you’ll do better. So, I thought I’d lay out some basic rules of thumb that any wedding guest can follow! (btw, these are all ACTUAL things that we’ve seen people do.)
#1. The Envelope with the invitation tells you who is invited. It also tells you who is NOT invited. If it has only your name, then only you are invited. If it says & guest, then you may bring a guest. If it doesn’t have & Family or your childrens names on it, then your children are NOT invited. Peggy Post frowns on writing adult reception on invites, but unfortunately, guests seem to not understand that if your children aren’t included on the inner or outer envelope, they aren’t invited.
#2. Do NOT Wear White. Yeah, it’s just not OK. You must own SOMETHING else. I know you like that dress. You feel pretty in it. White is your favorite color. You know who else looks good in white? THE BRIDE. And why do it to yourself? The bride is getting her hair and make up done AND she’s accessorizing it all with the glow of love. You will never look as nice as she does AND you’ll just be “can you believe that woman in the white dress??”
#3. Don’t Dance Before the First Dance. You can sway during the cocktail hour, but when you get into the reception room, TRY, please TRY and contain your magic moves until AFTER the couple has been announced and done their first dance. (Note to couples: No matter how untraditional your wedding might be, if you aren’t going to do a first dance, do SOMETHING to open up the dancefloor, since most people will be waiting for your cue.
#3a Don’t Dance During Parent Dances. Or any other “special dance” for that matter. I KNOW, I KNOW, you are an amazing dancer! But it’s awkward with you busting a move when the only other people on the dance floor are the bride and her dad.
#4. Don’t Skip the Ceremony. It’s just kind of rude. It makes it look like you just came for the free booze. It’s the most important part of the day.
#5. Don’t come late and Try and Come in During the Processional. You got an invitation. You know the start time. If for some reason you are late, don’t add insult to injury by cutting in front of the bridal party to try and squeeze in “unnoticed”. Hang back, wait for the bride to enter and THEN come inside. “
For the other 5 points on the list, check it out at AlwaysABlogsmaid.com
What type of guest do you want to be?
Much love,
Jennifer & Eve
xoxoxo
Bridesmaids and Bellini’s….. That Sounds Like Fun! May 17, 2009
Jennifer and myself are always trying to come up with new ways to connect vendors and brides, we have to say our new idea is a corker!
We would like to introduce our “Bridesmaids and Bellini” mini event.
Why is this event great?! : Well, brides… looking for that perfect treat for your best girlies? Or do you just fancy a night out? We know weddings are stressful and this is the perfect way to relax before the big day. We will have complimentary champagne and bellini’s , delish pastries as well as some of our favorite vendors showcasing their wonderful talents.
Stroll on in, grab a drink (or two!) and we will pamper you with make up, the bride will get her hair done, manicures all round as well as a few other mini spa treatments and beauty consultations, you will get to peruse through some beautiful hand crafted jewelery and at the end of the night Jennifer and myself with photograph you gorgeous gals!
Our first mini event will be held in North York Wednesday June 3rd from 6pm-11pm.
Spaces are limited so if you are interested book now to avoid disappointment!
Contact us at sensationalweddings@gmail.com for more information or to book today!
Much love
Eve and Jennifer
xoxo
Inspiration: Jackie O May 14, 2009
Brides have so many places to find inspiration for their weddings – what better place to start than the inspired style icon herself, Jackie O?
It is rumoured that Jackie didn’t like her dress – the Kennedy’s had given it to her the day of, and she felt it didn’t suit her style. It may not have been her first choice, but that dress definitely goes down in history as a fabulous choice indeed!
Want to bring a little bit of Jackie’s style to your big day? Here’s some ideas – starting with a fan-fricking-tabulous dress by Vera Wang!
For those of us that can’t afford the Vera dream (insert pouty face here!), J Crew (yes, I said J Crew!) has some awesome alternatives!
There’s also a great company, www.bluevelvetvintage.com, that makes some awe inspiring vintage-style wedding dresses! Check out my favourite -
Of course, you’ll definitely need shoes! These styles, again from J Crew, have a vintage look with a side of Jackie O-feel. Mmmmmm – perfect for either an entire vintage themed wedding, or as your favourite add on to whatever theme you’ve chosen for your big day!
(Note to self – re learn to walk in heels so I can wear draw-dropping shoes at my wedding!)
Whose your style Icon?
Much love,
Jennifer & Eve
xoxoxo
Muskoka Show Offical E-flyer May 11, 2009
Feel free to download this e-flyer and send to friends and family or even local vendors you think maybe interested in participating in our show!
Keep Checking back for information on our upcoming Brampton Show!
Much love
Eve and Jennifer
xoxo
For The Quirky Couple May 9, 2009
I saw this on an episode of Rich Bride Poor Bride and i thought it was a cute idea but the wedding planner and bride decided to overthrow the groom and ditch it. I think it’s really cute and not too expensive as a little add on. Plus you can save it as a keepsake or even display on your mantle! They are custom made by a Canadian company called iMoments. Basically, what you do is send them couple of pics of yourself and they create these little works of art that look just like you! Very cute and perfect as a cake topper or table display starting at $153 for 2 dolls.
Perfect Postage! May 8, 2009
I just came across this fantastic website Perfect Postage and i am really excited by this find. As a photographer i am always striving to come up with new and exciting ideas to submit to my clients. Well this is a perfect way of being a little different and yet not spending a complete fortune! You can customize your postage stamps…. imagine sending out your invites and as a cute touch you put a beautiful stamp on the front featuring your fave pic from your engagement session! I had a look and they don’t just supply to the US but also Canada!
I am loving this idea and i am off to tell all my brides!
DIY – Let’s channel our inner Martha’s May 7, 2009
I’m convinced that somewhere, deep down, I’m a DIY guru. No matter that the only thing I DIY is my sandwiches for lunch (which, might I add, are quite yummy), I’m somehow convinced that if I really put my mind to it, I could DIY almost anything.
Prime Example Number One: My Own Wedding.
Although I’m forbidden from DIY-ing the entire shin dig, I’m bound and determined to add some creative flair by doing some of my own projects. As a photographer, and with such a deep history of photography running in my family, I’m on the hunt for amazing ideas that involve photos and DIY.
(Side note: When our wedding planner asked our theme, Mr. L and I spoke at the same time to answer – “Simple and easy on the eyes, ” he said in his normal voice. “PHOTOS PHOTOS PHOTOS!” I yelled in excitement. Who knew that was even a theme?)
Enter: Martha Stewart.
I found this great idea for displaying photos, and it seems like it can be easily transformed into reception decor (I haven’t quite figured out how. Or where. Yet). I’m going to let the idea marinate for a bit, but I’m convinced I can accomplish this sweet idea (hopefully without having to call my mom). Thought I’d share it with you – just in case you happen to decide to try it first, you can let me know how it goes. Otherwise, stay tuned in the coming year when I get around to trying it myself – I’ll be sure to post pics of a Martha vs. Jennifer DIY creation.
For all those interested, the complete instructions for this little cutie of a project can be found here.
Much love,
Jennifer
xoxoxo
What Do Men Really Want…? May 6, 2009
Ladies, throughout the wedding planning process we tend to push the men to the side a bit. We let them do the wedding ‘stuff’ that doesn’t really interest us… the limo, DJ maybe even the videographer but not much else. Most bride’s even choose the suits that the guys wear…. and i don’t blame them… we all know that men just don’t always think things through the same we do.
It’s hard to give a gift that both men and women will like but at least for the groomsmen we should think about something that they will actually LOVE! We all know about the standard engraved gifts: glasses, cuff links, money clips and the list goes on. I mean really how exciting is a whiskey glass with his initial on? Think outside the box, really think about what your groomsmen will really appreciate and know that you actually put some though into it.
Here are some great ideas for the guys!
For the outdoorsy friend:
Eddie Bauer has this great Hiking Daypack bottle which comes with a flashlight, survival guide, whistle, first aid kit, multi tool and much more for under $15!!
American Bridal has these great cooler chairs. They fold away for easy storage, have an over the shoulder strap so they are easily portable, all the while keeping your food/drinks cool AND you can sit on it! Fab find for just $30!
For the car fanatic:
Car detailing kits may seem pretty boring to the non car obsessed however, for the man who worships his car this is the perfect gift. Auto Detailing Supplies is an online store that has a variety of different sets at different price ranges.
For the avid sports fan
I’m not much of a sports fan but if i was this would be a fantastic gift for the guy who goes to games on a regular basis. I really can’t imagine those tiny seats at the stadium are very comfortable and Sports Nut Shop has these for just $30.
For the geek freak
Now this is something i saw on CSI a few nights ago! I didn’t really think it was real but apparently it is and i found it! It’s a little pricey but your geeky friend will freak out! It is a laser keyboard that you can connect to PDA’s using blue tooth and it projects a full size keyboard on any flat surface…. very futuristic …neat! Check out ThinkGeek for more budget worthy ideas for the gadget loving friend!
These are just a few ideas, your groomsman maybe into golf, traveling or skiing but the point is you can really get them something they will like with doing just a little bit of research into their hobbies and at prices you can afford.
One last idea! Perhaps your groom and his buddies are all into the same thing? A great gift for all might be to book a group paintballing session, go karting day or even organize a camping trip!
