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!  

 

 

Full Bloom Floral Design

The Wed by Hand show introduced me to several very talented people, including Erin of Full Bloom Floral Design. Erin has spent the last 10 years living in Vancouver. In Vancouver, Erin worked started her own event planning company where they also provided event decor and florals. That was when she starting taking workshops from amazing international floral designers and artists, including an intensive 6 week floral design school studdying under Hitomi Gilliam. Now she is focusing on floral design as it is what she truly loves and is most passionate about. Recently, I got a chance to ask her a few questions.

1. What do you love most about designing?

I love how something starts out looking a certain way and then ends up looking like something so different. As I am designing there is a flow and as I am in it I sometimes don't even know where is will go. I love taking something and using it in a different way that we wouldn't normally think of.

2. Your designs have beautiful shapes and styles, what influences you?

The flowers are my main inspiration - their colours, shapes and textures inspire me.

3. You focus on being Eco-friendly and using local vendors. If you could give brides one tip to be more eco friendly what would it be?

Try to buy local - even request for it with your caterer, wine/beer, etc. I think it is so important to support our local community and small businesses.

4. The Eternal Tree is such a beautiful ideas, how did you get started with it?

Many years ago I had a couple give out tree seedling as their guest favors...I loved that idea. I remember taking one from that wedding and planing it in my courtyard (in Vancouver we had courtyards...no backyards). Everytime I looked at that tree I had great thoughts of that couple and how much they loved each other. So - I started on my own planting tree seedlings on behalf of my couples and telling them where I planted it so they could visit it and watch it grow just like their relationship. I also like the idea of me giving back to the environment after taking so much in flowers.

5. When you are working, what kind of atmosphere do you have in your studio? do you have a favourite artist or type of music you listen to while you work?

I always listen to music and all kinds of music. I put my ipod on shuffle and let it play. I love right now A Fine Frenzy, Tegan and Sara and old work from Kings of Leon.

Thank you to Melanie of m photography for the photos

Another big day for same-sex couples!

A new law took effect in Mexico City Thursday which allows same-sex marriages.  The same law allows same-sex couples to adopt.

It seems so natural to us here in Canada, but in the rest of the world there is still a struggle for the same rights.  The last couple days show that the world is starting to change!

Read the article here

Eco-Wedding Seminar in Toronto!

Hello to all my Ottawa and Toronto friends!

I am working with Katie Martin Editor-in-chief of Eco-Beautiful Weddings, an online magazine to put together her 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 create a little car pool of people to go to Toronto 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 her what Canada has to offer!  I know there are so many talented people out there!

A little about Katie:
Katie Martin is one of the world’s leading eco-friendly wedding experts.  She has owned and operated Elegance & Simplicity, Inc. since 1998.  Her firm has designed 1000’s of eco-friendly events and has been heralded internationally by magazines, newspapers, blogs and other forms of media. Ms. Martin is also the Editor-in-Chief of Eco-Beautiful Weddings® Online Magazine & Blog.  She has 3 books that will hit bookshelves in 2010

A Day of Change!

On the small scale, it's been a crazy day of change for me... accept one job resign from another.  It's a big change to me.

BUT!

In Washington D.C. today was a day of BIG change!  Today was the first day that the U.S. Capital recognized same sex marriage.  Hopefully soon the rest of the country will follow suit!

Read the full article here!

Just a quick post tonight...

A reminder to all of us!  Make sure you know your sources, especially when buying things online.

Boston Police and the FBI Cyber Crime Unit are looking into a website that advertised a wedding show at the Hynes Conference Center in Boston.  Over 6000 participants and vendors were registered and had paid by pay pal.

Read the full article online here.  Make sure you know what you are getting into!

The follow up from X Photography

As promised, please follow this link to the site for X Photography, photos from todays meeting are posted on their site. www.xphotographyweddings.ca 

Thank you very much Bridget for all your kind words!  I can't wait to work with you in the future!

See the rest of the photos here!

My meeting with X Photography

This morning was supposed to be the first meeting for Bridget from X Photography.  I spoiled the meeting a little after I spotted her helping out another vendor at the Wed by Hand show this past weekend!  What great team work.  I couldn't just walk by, I had to say hello, so instead of just meeting this morning it was our opportunity to just sit down and have a chat.

I met with both Briget and her husband Rashaad, the husband and wife team behind X Photography and also to be noted parents of 6!  Officially in the business for a year and a half, but they have had a passion for photography for years.  They really make it work!  These two make a great team, even shooting together.  With their wedding photography packages you get 2 photographers!  Rashaad goes with the groom and his wedding party and Bridget goes with the ladies to catch all the special moments getting ready!

Our meeting turned into a surprise photo session. (well it was a surprise idea to me!)  So much fun!  I can tell you that they are so nice and genuine that the smiles they get are real!  I can't wait to see my pictures and post them for you to see, as well as feature some of the weddings that they have done!