The Bold and the Beautiful

I'd like to think of myself as a relatively bold potential future bride... and I have a friend who wore a floral summer dress for her wedding.

Would I be able to pass up the tradition of a white dress?  I've often thought about it when walking by a local designer's store in the market.

An article on CNN this week brought it to mind again.  Read the article here.


Could I wear a blue and green dress or a black dress?  Could you?

 

photo from CNN.

A Public appology...

Dear J,

I apologize for correcting you on something that was actually correct while we were at the wedding show.

Sincerely,
J (Trixie Tulip)

... and now for the back story.

My friend J (also not a bride but actively working on research for when her bf does finally propose) and I were cruising around the Landsdowne Wedding Show this weekend.  We passed one of the several jewelry booths and she declared "I'll just get *insert name here* an engagement ring".  I went on to correct her in saying that guys get wedding bands at the wedding not engagement rings... the moral of that statement is that even though I like to think I'm not particularly traditional, I definitely am with some things.

Now a couple days later, browsing the Ottawa Citizen.  I came across this article.

What the article asks is whether or not women are ready to give engagement rings?  I know that there are girls out there who do propose, I'm just not sure it's for me.

A new e-friend

Today I made a new e-friend (what I call those new people that I’ve met online but not in person yet) from Pen & Posey.  She’s a florist with Trillium Floral Designs in Kanata and is getting married herself.

She shared a great new link on her blog today Colour Lovers

Check out these great new colour palettes!  You can create your own or browse existing ones.  It even says you can create a palette from a photo... even though I haven't figured that out yet :P

Look at one that I made!

Ritzy-Bee Events!! The Buzzzz...

I should have done this long ago, ok well at least when I got my copy of Martha Stewart's recent Weddings magazine.

I met Maria from Ritzy Bee Events back in January when I was in NYC at the Preston Bailey event.  Maria was so nice to my friend K & I.  She spent time with us at the party then we met for drink later at The Standard.  What a sweet and genuine person!

Thanks again for that Maria and CONGRATULATIONS!!

You can read the article here.

Are you marrying a nerd?

With a delightful quote engraved on the inside a woman recently gave her groom a USB wedding ring.
"For a Lifetime of Memories"

It's cheesy, but I love it!  My mum probably should have got my dad one... too bad it isn't functional!

found on Mashable

Addendum- It is worth saying that "nerd" is not a bad thing... I love nerdy things!!

Published!!

A while back I mentioned that I was working on a project.  The time has come to reveal exactly what it is...

My very wonderful partner in crime was Studio 1948!  Laurie's photos and my words created an amazing Green City Guide for the Summer issue of Eco-Beautiful Weddings.

Please check out the feature (page 37) and the rest of the truly BEAUTIFUL issue!

http://www.eco-beautifulweddings.com/summer2010/

Where does the time go?!?

I thought that quitting both jobs and going to one job would give me more time to commit to my passion/hobby but instead I still seem to be running all over the place doing everything I possibly can to enjoy life.

Part of that is my new job and part of that is weddings...

My first wedding this year was a girl who has become a great friend!  (She also has an amazing collection of 80's music)  The DJ company, Quality Entertainment, once again stepped it up.  L's mum made lots of great cupcakes and the venue which I wasn't sure of before pulled off a great event with great staff.

Here are some of my pictures to hold you over until I get the professional ones!

Finally time to relax!

Once I am given time to relax, I love to read.

I spent the day on Saturday, catching up on my favourite Nora Roberts series, The Bridal Quartet.  I really did read it all in one day!

Savour the Moment, tells about wedding baker Laurel's romance with her best friend's brother Del.  From reading book's 1 and 2 it wasn't a big surprise that Laurel finds love with her best friend's brother or that he had feelings for her and we already know at the start that they will be together, after all it is a romance novel.  The book does give you the in's and out's of good friends getting used to seeing each other in a new light.  It's a light, easy read that is easy to get lost in.  Perfect for a beautiful day at the beach or in the park.

Now I can stop searching Chapters until November when the final book is released.  It's Parker's turn for love next!

I love Tweek!!

While researching my upcoming project (I promise news will follow soon) I went into a little store I love on Dalhousie called The Workshop.  It's a great store with unique designers and amazing accessories!  The best part of the store is that it focuses on local and Canadian women designers.

The store (as great as it is) is not the point.  The point is this little accessory I bought while I was there.  It's a little tie necklace, by a company called Tweek.  Her stuff sells on Etsy, in Toronto and just the one store in Ottawa.  I've been wearing it everywhere and getting tons of compliments.

I don't have a picture of me and mine, but I'll borrow a photo from her Etsy site and hopefully she won't mind too much!

Wouldn't it be cute, if you were a girl and some guy's "best man", same sex wedding & both girls want to wear dresses or even just have your bridesmaids wear them with their dresses.  I just wear mine on casual Friday to the office.

Check it out ilovetweek.ca!

www.juliecbutlerphotography.com

So now I've spelt it out for you so you have no excuse not to check out her photos.

I met Julie recently at this fantastic networking event (haha... so I hosted the event), I met a number of great people there but I've had Julie's card in my jacket pocket since that night.

Julie posted some photos from a wedding she did recently, and not only did the pictures catch my eye, they have an amazing story. 

Just over a month after their engagement Joey was seriously injured in a motocross accident.  Married less than a year later, on their 7th anniversary.  It's truely an amazing story.  Read it here!

But first check out a couple of the photos here!

A different kind of "Green" wedding

So when I said I was looking for a green wedding I didn't even think of this...

A Bride and Groom in Wales spent 3 hours being painted green so they could be married dressing as their favourite couple, Shrek and Fiona.

I don't think I could have that patience, but I bet it was a great party.

Read the article here.

Ashton Station Bridal

Saturday night I ventured out in the rain and snow (at least we didn't have as much as Calgary).

I headed to Carleton Place to find the new bridal boutique, called Ashton Station Bridal.  It was the opening evening for this new exclusive Rivini boutique.  It is also the only store in Ottawa that carries these beautiful gowns!

When I went to the event, I was told that the boutique was in an old church.  In my head that meant that I pictured the place I was going to as a dark room in a basement.  Instead I walked up a set of stairs into a delightful, bright and fresh white room with beautiful dark wood floors.  Part of the room set up for a consultation then the back area set up with fitting rooms, large floor to ceiling mirrors and a beautiful church bench from a childhood church.

To add to the excitement of the evening Rivini's designer was on hand providing great insight about her diverse collection and greeting everyone in the room.

Check out the collection here and when you are looking for your dress.  I bet you can find it here!


** please note, visits are by appointment only.

M.I.A.

I'm talking about Missing In Action... I know I've been a little behind, but I promise I am working on something exciting!! 

My partner in crime this time is the very lovely Laurie from Studio 1948, a very talented Ottawa photographer!

The project will be unveiled soon, along with more information about Studio 1948!  In the meantime here are some of the beautiful photos as a little teaser.

I can't wait to spend the day playing photographer with Studio 1948, maybe I'll learn something for my hobby!

Working away....

Ever since the Networking event I've been a little lax on my blogging responsibilities.  I promise to fix that now.  With the conference under way and another project on the go I am definitely busy!

I did want to share some great photos from the Ottawa Wedding Professionals Networking Event.

It was a great time, I was very glad to put some faces to names and meet some new people as well.  Please stay tuned for the next event in November.

Thank you to Lago for letting us use your space!  It was beautiful!

and Michelle VandenBosch for the amazing flowers!

Carlo our fatastic DJ from Quality Entertainment! Nicole was one of our amazing volunteers!

and BH Photography for all the wonderful photos!

That just names a few of the amazing people that were involved!  Thank you so much!  See you in November!

urbanfête!

Last night after having “one of those days”, I left straight from work hoping to make it to urbanfête before it closed at 6pm.
I spent most of the walk going over what had gone on that day, everything I had to do that night and then thinking about speaking at our fantastic Sangria night tonight.

All the stress and craziness went away as soon as I walked into the urbanfête store. Owner Christine was finishing up a sale and then gave me a tour of the cute store and then the studio space upstairs. The downstairs area is a little store space that sells sell cardstock, envelopes, clients can come in and get what they need to make their own invitations as well as notebooks, cards and cute accessories. It’s a bright and happy space I don’t think it’s possible to be unhappy or stressed in this environment! The open concept space allows both Kevin and Christine to work in the space, share their ideas, while meeting the needs of their clients.

The best part in my opinion is that when you are having urbanfête create your invitations they meet with you upstairs in the studio and you can see right away what your invitation looks like, with your names and your information. It feels real right away.

I went to the store intending on buying a few sheets of paper and left with lots more! It’s a great store and the friendly, happy ownership will make this business go far!

For Cake's Sake

Last weekend, after several tries... I finally met up with For Cake Sake.

I met Leigh the first time at the Wed by Hand Show.  I'm telling you, that was the show to be at this year!  Leigh is very sweet and quiet and has a genuine passion for making her cakes.  The prices are amazong too!  You will be surprised!

I wish I had got a photo of the first cake of hers that caught my eye a fondant bride on the top of the cake being rescued by her firefighter groom.  It was so cute!  This time I brought my own camera so I take some photos to share with them!

Check out the cakes.

We Do Printing!

... no that's the name of the company!

Back at the end of February I attended a wedding show called Wed By Hand put together by Beyond Events.  What a great show it was!  I was introduced to many great, local, independent wedding vendors!  No Costco invites there!

The invitations that did blow me away were the beautiful letterpress invites by We Do Printing.  The invitations are all handmade with a Heidelberg Letterpress.  Ian explained to me the complicated process that goes into creating each individual template (and they do it themselves) providing amazing quality!  I know I would make a mistake explaining it.

I also love that their paper is all eco-friendly cotton paper... one paper was even made from recycled jeans!

Located in Cornwall and with their new website live, please check out We Do Printing at http://wedoprinting.net/

Shop InStyle for a Cure!

Weddings InStyle has a beautiful loft style venue right in the middle of the Byward Market.  It was the perfect place to hold a fundraiser for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and place to show off White Haute Bridal's beautiful collection!

Last Thursday Jill and Amanda of Weddings InStyle along with Dana from White Haute Bridal hosted the fundraiser, raising $2000 for the Foundation and Dana sold 3 dresses on the spot.  What a success!

There was jewellery was on display from Frash Femme and Stella & Dot, little mini cupcakes from The Flour Shoppe and a photobooth from Mastermind Events.  Melanie from m photography, was slipping through the crowds taking all the photos.  I've seen them already and they are beautiful!!

Congratulations ladies!

In true Ottawa fashion, I even ran into a bride-to-be from High School!  Congratulations A!

A New Store?

Justina McCaffrey is bringing her dresses back to Sussex Drive!

Just two blocks from McCaffrey's Haute Couture, Justina will be teaming up with Ottawa business woman Christine Shaikin to present her new line of gowns.  The store will be renamed Justine & Justina.

Read the whole story here!

I know it's a holiday but...

I've spent too much time away from my baby (read: the blog) planning our fantastic Ottawa Wedding Professionals Networking event.

However, I have exciting news today!!  I got my new logo finally!  Let me know what you think!

From a random tweet a great idea grew!

In a fashion that is becoming quite normal to me, I started this morning with another meeting over coffee.  This week it was with Beyond Events to discuss a networking event we are putting together for Ottawa Wedding Professionals.

Beyond Events sent out a little message last week about interesting networking events, one of which was a Sangria tasting.  I'm a little partial to sangria and I thought it would be a great idea!  Just a few hours later messages were going back and forth with interest and possible dates.

After the meeting, it is safe to tell you that the time and date have been set: Wednesday April 21, 2010 at Lago Bar & Grill. 

Registration information will follow soon, in the meantime let us know if you are interested on the Facebook page.

Little Cakes

Wednesday night I attended one of Little Cakes monthly tasting nights!  Trust me their business is taking off!  They hadn't event hosted this March's tasting by the time the next one for April had already filled up.

It was definitely worth the trip out to Kanata!  Dozen's of lovely little cupcakes in a variety of different flavours, the trick was to just pick one favourite.  I finally decided on my 2 favourites... Lemon Cranberry and Brownie.  My boyfriend, who was lucky enough to come with me, picked the Banana Rama as his favourite.

I asked some questions (and eavesdropped on other peoples) after I had made my tasting rounds to understand a little more about the finer details.  You can mix and match flavours, change the icing on any kind to another flavour, add fondant toppers, pretty little silver beads.  All their cupcakes are made from scratch and fresh, the day before your event.  When packaged properly you can keep the leftovers for brunch the next day and the ones with fruit in them stay fresh a little longer.

I wanted to say hello before I left (with the sugar coma just mintes from setting in) I had to interrupt because there was a line of people wanting quotes and placing orders. 

(sorry ladies I borrowed your photo from Facebook)

Go Green!

This past weekend in Ottawa was the Go Green! Expo.

A great idea, free admission (a suggested donation going to World Water Day) and lots of vendors on hand to teach us how to be a little more gentle on our environment.  Well it would be great to be eco-friendly completely, it's not always feasible so look for ways that you can make little changes to contribute.

I came across some great products by Green Beaver, who carries my new favourite lip gloss... and incase my opinion isn't good enough the same lip shimmers were featured in Canadian Living magazine.  My mum and I are very much enjoying the organic cranberry hand soap as well.  To add to how great this company is... that they are located in Hawkesbury, just outside of Ottawa and their products are in health food stores everywhere!

A cute little treat I found that could be used as a favour was the Clean Air Tree Kit made by the World Clean Air Foest Initiative (WCAFI) with every tree kit that you buy, they plant a tree as well.  Just think of all that Clean Air!

At the expo I had the opportunity to try lots of great vegan and organic foods including a fantastic organic ice cream by Mapleton's Organic (the mint chip was delicious!).  My highlight was visiting my new friends from Auntie Loo's Treats, watching her seminar on how to veganize Grandma's recipes, eating cupcakes & walnut coffee cake (yes this is a theme for me) and checking out the amazing Nintendo cake!

Eco-Beautiful Weddings

Eco-Beautiful Weddings just launched their second issue and it is beautiful!

This issue features some great articles!  Going Green is Sexy and Organic Spirits are just two of my favourites, great organic cocktail selections like the Mule de Fresca are great for any occasion.

Eco-Beautiful Weddings is putting together a seminar up here in Canada!  The seminar will be held in Toronto, I know it's a bit of a drive for us Ottawa folk, but if enough people are interested, perhaps we can make a road trip of it for a Tuesday in May!

We are looking for all types of wedding professionals who would like to participate!  Hopefully at least 1 photographer, 1 decorator, 1 florist.

The seminar is $200, as long as you register before March 8.  On March 8th, the price goes up!  If you are a little nervous at the price, please consider this: with the registration for the course you will not only get the seminar, you will also receive very valuable advertising by way of a photo spread we will put together at the seminar for the 1st International magazine focusing on Eco-friendly weddings (Eco-Beautiful Weddings)and a listing as an Eco-friendly vendor.  It's definitely worth it!

For more information and registration information please click here.

We are very excited!!  Let's show them what Canada has to offer!

White Haute Bridal

I had the perfect start to my day off on Friday, when I met Dana of White Haute Bridal for coffee at the local Bridgehead coffee.

Dana has had a very busy year so far, getting married last fall and starting her own business in January.  After thinking that she may need a new dress last minute and searching the classifieds, Dana was inspired to open what is now Ottawa's only consignment bridal shop.  Currently, Dana is operating out of her home in Kanata by appointment only, but not for long!  Her business is growing, with over 60 dresses so far, and looking at opening a retail space with her seamstress partner Becky.  They will be offering consignment dresses, custom gowns and select lines of gowns.

Dana's shop is just taking off!  With her genuine attitude, honesty and true passion for what she does White Haute will be around for a very long time!

Check out her upcoming event with Weddings InStyle

My new reason to get to the gym!

I want to get back in shape enough that I can take part in one of m photography's beautiful boudoir sessions.

Melanie's sessions include a champagne brunch, hair and make-up session and some pictures of yourself from all the most flattering angles.  Melanie's great eye leaves everyone looking their very best!

I can't wait to try it out!

Stay tuned for information about the next session!

Doire Photography

My afternoon meeting on Saturday was with another very talented Ottawa photographer.  Melanie Doire, of Doire Photography.  Melanie started her photography career in Kingston, Ontario before moving up to Ottawa.  She told me that being in Ottawa has been very good for her, business is blooming as she is coming up on her 5 year anniversary in October!

Melanie told me that she is really looking forward to attending a workshop with Jerry Ghionis, in Toronto this summer!  Catch her while you can!

From Melanie:

My goal as a photographer is to create lifelong memories and build lasting relationships with my clients.  For many of my clients I tend to become the photographer to capture all the major milestones in their lives, and I want to make good photography financially available to people while still earning a living myself.

“How to get free photography for life”

I started a referral program to encourage word of mouth advertising for my past clients. 

For every successful referral (4 or more hours wedding booked) they give to me, my referring client receives a free 1 hour photo session that they can use towards any style of photography.  This way, a small but steady supply of referrals would pretty much give my past clients free photography for life.

Tasty Treats!

I had two very interesting meetings on Saturday, the first one was a little unplanned.  I had been wanting to visit a local bakery since it's opening and had either been too lazy or it was too cold to make the walk from my apartment.  So Saturday morning I rounded up my boyfriend with the promise of baked goods and headed off to Auntie Loos' Treats.  Auntie Loos' is little vegan bakery on Bronson, run by Mandy Loo and her very talented team.

Following the trend I've had recently, the whole team was very friendly.  Mandy told me all about her products, business and how she came to open her own little store.  Kate showed me some cupcakes she was working on for a bachelorette party that evening.  Her specialty is vegan baked goods, however she also makes gluten-free goodies, all the treats are priced the same as she doesn't think that anyone with a special diet should feel punished.

After a nice little visit, I left the store with a great sample of goods: cupcakes, scones, brownies and cinnamon buns.  Little did I know, but we had made it for the Cinnamon Bun Saturday (the only time during the week they are made).

You really should get in and try them, you don't need to be vegan to enjoy!  Trust me you will not regret it!  (Earl Grey Lemon cupcakes are to die for)

Eco-Couture

Thanks to some very interesting influences @ecobeautiful & @GreenWed, I have become increasingly interested in Eco-Friendly weddings and have been visiting all sorts of sites with "Green" tips.

Today I came across this designer out of Atlanta, Georgia, Maria Boszilkov.  The best part is that on top of the sustainable materials, 5% is donated to environmental causes, that's amazing!

What a great eco-chic dress!  I love it!!

** I found this through www.weddingchicks.com

Seminar in Toronto

We are still looking to fill some spots in our Eco-Wedding seminar in Toronto!

Photographers, florists, wedding planners... Everyone is welcome!

Follow this link for more information! click here

I hope we see you there!

Talk to me!!

If you have any vendors you would like to rave about...
beautiful pictures to share...
or questions about your upcoming wedding...

email me at trixietulip@gmail.com
 
I'd love to hear from you!!

you can also follow me on Twitter or Facebook

Coffee (and Tea) with AMBPhoto

Yesterday I had the pleasure of sitting down for a little chat with Anne-Marie of AMBPhoto, recently had a launch party with two other Ottawa businesses First Kiss Films and be sweet chocolate.

I have to say I love these little meetings because I am learning so much about some very interesting people.

Meeting Anne-Marie was like catching up with an old friend and she has such an exciting year coming up that I found myself excited for her.  Her year will include a wedding in Italy, one in Cuba and a dream workshop in Mexico with industry speakers including Abby Larsen of Style Me Pretty!  Anne-Marie studied English and Fine Arts at Bishop’s University which she followed up with a diploma in Photography at Algonquin, and then she discovered her love for photographing people.  Weddings specifically, she described to me, were a day that combines everything she loves to photograph people, food and different locations.  She is so genuine and professional with a true pride in her work.  The handmade CD albums are a beautiful finishing touch to show just how much she cares.

I know she will be successful!