Welcome to Ottawa David's!

Well, well, well...Ottawa has moved up in the world! (Remember the excitement city-wide when Old Navy and Forever 21 came to town?!!!) Now, we have finally also secured Canada's fourth chain of David's Bridal boutiques. The new store is located at The Ottawa Trainyards and has everything you need for your bridal party or prom. Be sure to plan a day with your favourite ladies and check this store out!

To get a head start, check out their website before you go here.

Check out the full story from CTV News here.

Not your average CHEESEcake!

I'm starting to see these talked about more and more and thought I better share the idea with those of you planning any special event this year: It's a Cheesecake!

Literally, a cake made with layers of cheese wheels!!! No, this does not have to replace a wedding cake or baby shower cake, but can complement any food table set out for guests as a cheesy twist on a cheese platter. Think about how your guests would appreciate some brie and grapes while dancing at midnight or playing games at a Stag & Doe. You can make it funky with coloured cheese such as blue, or printed rind cheese. Add ribbon, fruit or flowers to really dress it up and follow whatever theme you have planned.

Being a cheese-lover, this idea is a must on my list of haves at my next gathering...I just wish I could have a layered cheesecake in the fridge waiting for me at all times!

Beautiful Bouquets & Inspiring Decor Ideas

I couldn't resist passing this link along to you today - check out the Hot Bouquet Styles of 2012 on Weddingbells.ca

This bouquet above is my absolute favourite...I just want to eat it up! The combination of textures and soft and dark colours is stunning. So I just had to check out the creative stylist and stumbled upon JL Designs. Now operating out of Orange County, California, this floral and event designer (Carissa Jones) has quite the clientele list. Check out her site for more inspiring floral arrangements as well as decor ideas for any special event.

Be sure to click on her Picture Gallery for an insane number of gorgeous pictures from weddings and special events. Her perfectly staged and sunny pictures and venues are helping me forget all about the freezing rain falling here in Ottawa this morning! Hope you enjoy them too!

Inspiring Canadian Venues to Consider...or Copy!

Sorry for the delay in posting to this site my faithful friends...with three weeks to go before the arrival of my first little bundle of joy, I have become someone I hardly recognize anymore, someone who lets things slide (...dishes, laundry, blog posts...LOL!) I didn't even get around to my Christmas shopping or decorating until the 24th!

I am coming back strong; however, with some inspiring and Canadian venues that you can consider for your up-coming nuptials. If you can't get to the locations, take note of the decor and themes that you can likely recreate no matter where you may be. I am posting pics of my three favourites; one being only 35 minutes from Ottawa.

The first really drew me in with the flowing fabric ceiling and natural, understated centrepieces. I love outdoor tents, but the draping of the fabric truly creates a more romantic and intimate feeling in this one. If you're in British Colombia, check out the Hart House Restaurant in Barnaby for the "ultimate in West Coast elegance!"

Just East of Ottawa, you will find the Beantown Ranch - a gorgeous and rustic local for nature-lovers out there. Check out their wedding slideshow here.

Finally, what could be more fun for you and your guests than hosting your event in a brewery?!!! The Steamwhistle Brewery is smack-dab in the middle of downtown Toronto and offers that urban, modern vibe that can easily be transformed to fit your theme and colours. Lots of windows, dark wood and beer...just add flowers, lights and a little colour and you're good to go! I am so looking forward to attending a wedding here in the Spring...I'll keep you posted!

To check out WeddingBells.ca other 22 Stunning Real Wedding Venues, click here and get inspired!

Shower her with Diamonds!

I saw this super cute gift at a little kitchen store in the Eaton Centre in Toronto and thought I better snap a pic and share it - what a great shower gift it would make (along with something from her registry of course!)

I mean, really, what would make your cookies taste better than having their ingredients measured in diamonds!!!

If you're hosting the event, be sure to order one of these fabulous Silicone Diamond Ice Cube makers.

I found this one when shopping in Scottsdale, AZ this summer and had to pick it up (just in case!) My favourite U.S. kitchen store, Sur la Table, also carries diamond-shaped cookie cutters...you could go theme crazy with this one ladies!

xoxo

Make Your Bridesmaids' Wallets Smile!

Wanna make your bridesmaids the happiest of all at your wedding this year? Then you have to check out these eight gorgeous styles of bridesmaids dresses, on WeddingBells.ca, all priced at under $100 (some well under!)

What I really like about them, besides the prices, is that they don't scream "BRIDESMAID," rather they look like elegant and fun party dresses and could easily be worn to another event. I know, I know, brides will always try to convince their bridesmaids that they can wear the dresses again, but in this case, I do believe it!

So check them out HERE and send the link to your girlfriends today!

REMINDER: Ottawa Wedding Show this weekend!

Just a friendly reminder to those planning their nuptials anytime soon (or in the near future). Head down to the Ottawa Convention Centre for their annual Fall Wedding Palace Bridal Show. It's this Saturday and Sunday (September 10th and 11th). There are tonnes of exhibitors, fashion shows and prizes too. Even if you're not interested in talking to anyone, go just to get ideas: the displays are usually striking!!!

Why not make a day of it and have a nice lunch or dinner downtown afterwards, just because! I give you permission ;)

Enjoy and click HERE for more info!