To Sell or Not to Sell {wardrobe dept}

After the Wedding I always assumed I'd sell "the Dress". Thinking that I wouldn't actually get emotionally attached to a garment. However, this garment is not just any garment. The Dress is such an integral part of the wedding planning process and the marketing of the importance of finding the Dress is instilled in every bride since a young age.

Perhaps because the search for the Dress was such a process and the fact that I travelled to New York City to purchase it at the now closed Priscilla of Boston. After the wedding I had the dress dry cleaned at a cost of $500, yes add the cleaning expenses to your budget. At the dry cleaners the owners who have been in the business for over 40 years, Courtesy Gown Preservation, suggested I sell it as it was such a timeless dress and great quality.

The question is; to Sell or Not to Sell? I'm leaning toward not to sell. What did you do with your wedding dress after the big day? 
(images: Renaissance Studios)

Newlywed Photoshoot: a new trend?

Perhaps my husband & I started a new trend? Nine months after our wedding we finally had the time for our "engagement shoot". Due to scheduling we didn't have the chance to have our engagement shoot before the wedding so why not afterwards! We had so much fun, stress-free, and we also got to showcase our first home together as the photoshoot took place at our place and a park near by.
Here are a few props:

Brides-to-Be: did you know there is a helium shortage in the Toronto area? It took me 3 hours to find a balloon place that actually had helium and when I finally did it cost me $16.00 for one heart-shaped 36" balloon.  Which by the way popped in the car on the way home...

Did you have engagement pictures taken? Anyone else after the wedding?

from vision to reality {Wedding Decor}

It was last year, June 2011, that I was completing the final look for the wedding. The look; vintage glam with a contemporary flare in shade of purple and pewter. Fortunately, I found a decorator who was able to execute my vision perfectly. Dina Da Costa from Designs by Dina was able to gather my thoughts, and lots of magazine tears, to achieve the final look. She also provided the flowers including the bridal bouquet, if your able to find a decorator that does both book it! You will save your self alot of stress plus it prevents a clash between two services. If your florist hasn't captured your vision or vice-versa you can have two distinct looks, especially if the florist also does the centrepieces and not the decorator.

my gorgeous bouquet

centrepieces that guests took home (they had to win it of course)

I have the tall vase & branches, which are now in my new home filled with other flowers

orginally the backdrop was suppose to be shelves flanked by two tall trees but that didn't work out. Keep an open mind! Sometimes you need a Plan B...

The "Mr & Mrs" letters were purchased at Walmart

The drama; the decorator had alot on her plate. Why? The banquet hall was not the prettiest, which I knew already, but they have the most delicious Portuguese food. This meant that the decor had to hide everything else I didn't like. The hall has the ugliest ceiling, normally there is drapery that hangs from the ceiling. However, being that I've been to countless weddings there (including my sister's) I wanted a different look and vibe. Not only did I have to ask the hall to take down the ceiling drapes but I had to pay a charge, hence, three gorgeous cascading crystal pieces were hung.  Oh! But there was drama behind the scenes, but only me and the decorator can laugh about it now (atleast I hope she can laugh about it now). Not between the decorator and I....other folks, I'll leave it at that! Trust me, there is a bit of drama at every wedding and not everything will go according to plan. Just remember to enjoy the day and let everything else slide. The groom and I did!

For more info:

visit Designs by Dina

(images: Renaissance Studios)

dressed to Marry! {Theodore 1922}

A bride has endless choices of bridal boutiques but where does a groom go to shop for a suit or tuxedo? In Toronto, Theodore 1922, where owner Miranda Black will greet you along with Chloe the friendly watch dog.

Chloe, the friendly watch dog

Back in September with just a little over a month till the wedding the groom was ready to go suit shopping. We decided that a suit and not a rental is the choice that made more sense. Originally, the groom wanted a grey suit. He looked around....One afternoon we both remembered a menswear shop in the Annex area of Toronto, eureka moment! Thinking it was close to closing time I called and Miranda answered, "how fast can you get here?". Basically, she stayed opened just for us. Having worked in retail myself I was so impressed with her personalized service and menswear knowledge we bought that night. I didn't think grooms had that feeling brides do when finding THE dress but he too had THAT moment. We settled on a black suit (which was tailored) by the brand Sand, a tuxedo shirt by ETON, and a black bow tie (did you know that bow ties are only to be worn after 5pm?). Who knew?

Do prefer a rental or owned suit/tuxedo?

For more shopping info:

Theodore 1922

497 Bloor Street West

Toronto, ON

(416) 850-0175

ask for Miranda!

(images: my own except for the groom's suit by Renaissance Studios)