Say "Cheese!"

Looking for a fun way to capture memories of your guests at your next special event? Photo Booth Rentals are continuing to grow in popularity and it's no surprise really...they're so much fun!

At a wedding I attended this summer, the photo booth was set up in a back corner of the room, so as not to distract from the other decor and elegance of the event. It also had a treasure chest of props for guests to wear as well when getting their pictures taken - now who can resist wigs, glasses, beaks and hats? Both young and old were having a blast in there all night (...the open bar helped people loosen up a little too I'm sure!) The best part was that the machine printed out two sets of each photo grouping so you could leave one copy with the bride and groom for their scrapbook and keep one copy for yourself.

Who doesn't love to look at pictures of themselves, honestly?! I have kept these pictures on my fridge and they still make me laugh daily!

I thought of this today as there is a Two-Hour Photo Booth Rental up for grabs on Ottawa's Living Social deals. Check it out here for all the fine print.

Enjoy!

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!