You have to understand that I have no choice but to feature a company which I will be visiting at least 9 times today.
Pulling an all-nighter to watch The Wedding of the Century was certainly worth it but in order to survive this busy day filled with meetings, I’m going to need back-to-back Grande Nonfat Quadruple Americano Mistos. It’s just a matter of fact!
Have a wonderful Friday! x
It was so worth the wait! Kate Middleton - now Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge - certainly did not disappoint. She looked absolutely breath-taking in a timeless Sara Burton dress for the house of Alexander McQueen. Simple yet stunning accessories including diamond drop earrings, modern tiara and small bouquet completed the look perfectly.
Although shoulder baring bridal gowns have been the top choice of most brides for the past decade, I’m thinking this princess style icon has set the trend towards embracing lace sleeves. We’ll just have to wait and see!
Enjoy! x
Image Source: Weddingbells
Love the playfulness of unique whimsical calligraphy.
x
Source: Lindsay Letters
Apparently there is a secret competition amongst all Royal Wedding guests for who has the best hat. If I had a day where I could get away with wearing a giant hat or headpiece, I think this Philip Treacy hat would be my choice.
I love the burst of colour for a Spring wedding (doesn’t hurt that the bright colour will also help me to stand out amongst everyone else…maybe catch Prince William’s eye!)
I think I’d be in the running for best hat.
x
Source: www.philiptreacy.co.uk
Considering it’s the week leading up to the ROYAL WEDDING of HRH Prince William & Kate Middleton (can’t wait to watch!), I figured it was appropriate to post a few royal wedding details throughout the week.
By the way, if you can’t find me it’s because I’m glued to the “Royal Wedding Week” marathon on TLC. I’m learning quite a bit about Royal Weddings! Facts such as the Groom traditionally does not have a Best Man or Groomsmen - instead he has “supporters” and Royal Weddings traditionally do not have a reception - instead they have a modest luncheon following the ceremony. I’m wondering if this modern day Prince and commoner Bride might break some of these traditions!
ROYAL WEDDING VENUE
Westminster Abbey: Seats 2000
Visit the official Royal Wedding website for the most up to date news and photos: www.officialroyalwedding2011.org
x
A fantastic downtown Vancouver venue complete with a 60 room boutique hotel for all of your guests to stay on location. I must say their award-winning culinary team serves up THE BEST seafood buffet you’ve ever had.
Photograph by Tina Graham Photography
Photograph by Noriko Vickerson Photography
Wedding Package Info
Enjoy! x
Wishing everyone a wonderful day with their family & friends! I had a really fun time volunteering at the Roundhouse Community Center’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt yesterday!
More than 200 kids showed up with their parents to make Easter crafts, hunt for eggs, get photos with the Easter Bunny and jump in the bouncy castle until the chocolate sugar high was on it’s downward spiral.
Happy Easter! Now back to enjoying mini Creme Eggs!
x
Technically a “Feature Saturday” this week…couldn’t get this up on the blog yesterday! Thanks for your patience!
Since I gave you a bridal gown feast for your eyes on Wednesday (best of New York Bridal Fashion Week), I figured I should let you know where in Vancouver you might be able to get your hands on one of those dresses when they become available!
Meet Bisou Bridal.
As one of Vancouver’s premier bridal salons, Bisou Bridal exclusively carries many of the industries top designers, including Monique Lhuillier, Oscar de la Renta, Lazaro, Tara Keely, Alvina Valenta, Watters Brides and Lillen Collection (Vancouver’s own).
The no-pressure sales staff is an absolute treat and makes shopping for your dress less stressful than it may already be (decisions, decisions!!). A great selection of dresses and accessories in an intimate space - the perfect place to say “yes to the dress”!
One last tid bit that must be shared - Bisou Bridal is having their Spring Sample Sale on Sunday, May 1st, 2011 - designer gowns up to 80% off! Find out more info here.
For more info: www.bisoubridal.com
Enjoy! x
The biggest week of the year for all wedding dress designers: New York Bridal Fashion Week. Only the world’s best are showcased and those lucky enough to be present sit on the edge of their seat to get a first hand look at the Spring/Summer 2012 trends.
I’m in love with so many of the dresses showcased! An array of styles in not only the traditional white but in refreshing shades of pink (Reese Witherspoon has set the trend for blush coloured wedding dresses - she tied the knot earlier this year in a blush pink Monique Lhuillier).
It was tough (and very time consuming!) but I’ve picked my top 2 dresses from each of the designers and shared below. Monique Lhuillier definitely gets my vote for the best show - super feminine designs with the most intricate details. Oh so gorgeous! Vera Wang was a close runner up ♥
Monique Lhuillier
Vera Wang
Oscar de la Renta
Lela Rose
Reem Acra
Marchesa
Kenneth Pool
Claire Pettibone
Ines di Santo
Alvina Valenta
Alfred Angelo
Amsale
Badgley Mischka
Douglas Hannant
Anna Maier
Carolina Herrera
Christos
Jenny Lee
Ah, I love wedding dresses! Enjoy! x
Image source and to see more of NYBFW: www.vogue.com.au
@petite_pearl: All about conquering cancer this week! Looking forward to the @phnHornyGoats @TheBCRide fundraiser tmrw night & @letsfcancer event Friday!
I spent the weekend visiting with my best friend from University who lives in Victoria - we had such a wonderful weekend here in Vancouver catching up, planning our upcoming Vegas trip, discussing details for her 2012 wedding and reminiscing about our unforgettable University days.
The reminiscing of our University days is what leads me to today’s featured venue - one of the most lavish mansions in Canada, Hatley Castle. I earned my Bachelor of Commerce from Royal Roads University in Victoria otherwise known as Hatley Castle. The castle has been featured in various TV series and movies including Smallville and X-Men and was the location of Nelly Furtado’s sister’s wedding (paparazzi was trying to climb over the garden walls!).
Set amidst beautiful Japanese, Rose and Italian gardens, this 1908 Edwardian castle overlooks the Juan de Fuca Strait and distant glacier-capped Olympic Mountains. The exterior features intricate stonework and elegant statues while the interior features original wood furnishings, a double grand staircase and ballroom. This venue provides a lavish setting for any wedding or event.
CEREMONY
Italian Garden - Up to 50 guests
Croquet Garden - Up to 250 guests
RECEPTION
Castle - Up to 100 guests
Quarterdeck - Up to 250 guests
For more information: www.hatleypark.ca
Enjoy! x
Photo credits: Blue Olive Photography, John Heil Photography
Featured on Vasia Weddings’ blog today! Check it out and find out “What a Wedding Planner really does”!
http://www.vasia-weddingsblog.com/2011/04/yaletown-portrait-session-jessica/
Enjoy! x
I had the pleasure of meeting up with Vasia - [vah-see-yah] - earlier this week and chat all things weddings, more specifically wedding photography. Vasia is an amazing photographer and I wanted to pick her brain to find out a little bit more about her so that I could share her outgoing personality and talent with everyone.
We had a great afternoon sitting and chatting in the sunshine just like old friends (and that’s why I LOVE Vasia) even though we only met about a year ago. We met while working on the same wedding (me planning, her photographing) and I instantly enjoyed her company, her ability to be so personable, her professionalism and her creative eye to capture every moment at the wedding. I knew that I definitely wanted to stay in touch. And then when I saw the photos from the wedding we worked on together, I was sold and knew that I wanted to work with her again! So here is a small tidbit about the wonderful Vasia and some of her stunning photos.
Hobbies & a little about me:
Apart from photography, my other passion is decor and design. I love furniture, fabric, wallpaper… and the thrill of the hunt for vintage or new pieces. Before becoming a professional photographer I finished a diploma in interior design and I loved every minute of it. Travel is another one , my husband and I go on adventures every chance we get! In the 8 years we have known each other we’ve visited 18 countries.
You are so good at capturing the “realness”. You can feel the love and excitement within your photos. How do you make the bride, groom and wedding party feel relaxed and natural in front of your camera?
Its really important to me that my couples are comfortable with me before the big day. I always offer unlimited free consultations as well as a 1hour engagement shoot with every booking. That way we get a chance to get to know each other and the engagement shoot offers an opportunity to “practice” being in front of the camera.
Each couple is unique in the way that they feel about getting their picture taken. Sometimes they like having a lot of direction, other times I can just offer some guidance and they create the moments all on their own. Either way, being comfortable is really important, so I strive to make sure my clients feel great in front of the camera.
Can you share with us some of your recent work?
Website or blog you visit often:
Ruffled blog is one of my favourites for wedding inspiration! Wedluxe blog is another one.
A final tip for any bride or groom searching for their perfect wedding photographer:
Make sure you meet with your photographer first! Your photographer will likely be with you every moment of your wedding day: from getting your makeup done, to your first dance. Having a great connection with someone can make all the difference!
Find and follow Vasia!
Website: www.vasia-weddings.com
Blog: www.vasia-weddingsblog.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Vasia-Weddings
Twitter: @vasia_weddings
I love the look and feel of long reception tables! Both the symmetry and family feel they provide have always appealed to me.
If your reception location can accommodate it, long tables offer somewhat of a more casual “togetherness” feel. Almost as if you were sitting down for a large family gathering, everyone is sitting at the same table (one or a few, but you get the idea!).
Although they provide a more intimate setting, long reception tables work in almost any location from backyard to ballroom. Long reception tables can be dressed up with chandeliers and tall centerpieces for a more elegant look or with vintage vases and a variety of smaller floral centerpieces for a more casual look. And of course there are plenty of other options in between. A few that caught my eye…
Enjoy! x
Sources: Style Me Pretty, Crush Cul de Sac, Events by Heather Ham, La Partie Events
Nita Lake Lodge is Whistler’s most luxurious boutique hotel. Located in Creekside (4.5km from Whistler Village), this stunning hotel is romantically tucked away lakeside for an intimate celebration or event.
Characterized by it’s rustic “log house” feel and large stone accents (including a gorgeous stone fireplace in the lounge) this location exudes romance from every aspect. The rooms are grand and cozy (not to mention modern and new - I was in heaven and did not want to leave!). The surrounding property is scenic year round - the winter wonderland melts into a bird-chirping, flower blossoming spring setting, to a gorgeous lakeside retreat in the summer, to an unbelievably colourful setting in the fall when all the leaves are changing colour. Pick your season!
On their website, Nita Lake Lodge states their motto is “whatever you want”. If it’s possible they’ll make it happen. And they are not kidding! I coordinated a wedding at Nita Lake Lodge last spring and I only have great things to say - they were so accommodating in every aspect from food choices, sundae buffet wishes, last minute changes - you name it, they did their best to make it happen. I can’t wait to plan another wedding at this location!
For Meetings and Corporate Retreats:
Up to 200 guests - 6,800 square feet of meeting and event space that features one 2,500 square foot ballroom that can be divided into equal-sized areas, a pre-function area, breakout spaces and state-of-the-art audiovisual and multimedia capabilities
90 or more guests - Can often be afforded the luxury of exclusive use of the property, lending a unique, intimate atmosphere to any program
For Weddings:
CEREMONY
Dock on the lake - Up to 20 guests
Train Station - Up to 125 guests
Back terrace - Up to 150 guests (some seats, most stand up)
In front of fireplace in lounge - Up to 150 guests (some seats, most stand up)
If you like a particular space on the property, they’ll do their best to ensure that it looks like the best spot to say your “I do’s”
RECEPTION
The Ballroom - Up to 150 guests
For more information: www.nitalakelodge.com
Enjoy! x
I am someone who absolutely loves photos! I am always the one with the camera…not that I’m a professional by any means but I love capturing those moments and adventures you never want to forget. A basic digital camera does the trick for me - still takes great photos & videos but let’s be serious - when you’re actually looking to have an event or wedding captured on video by a professional, these are the guys for you!
Realistically Fictional Productions (RF Productions) describes their company as a contemporary wedding videography and photography company that specializes in filming weddings with cinematic elegance. What I personally was amazed by and have to highlight is their same-day videography service - I have never seen anything quite as creative and professional as theirs!
Same-day Videography: The RF Productions team spends the day capturing every moment of your wedding (getting ready, special encounters with family members, funny and cute moments, walking down the aisle, celebrations with friends that follow) and then have everything they’ve captured professionally edited into a video they present to you only a couple of hours later. The video is shown to you and and all of your guests (most of which are in the video!) sometime throughout your reception in place of or following a traditional home-made slideshow.
The video is a wonderful reflection on how special, fun and unforgettable the day really was - the team captures great and unforgettable moments you wouldn’t even think of or you maybe weren’t there for. Even I feel touched by their creativity so I can’t imagine how the couple feel when they have this wedding video to look back on for years to come.
Check out RF Productions’ website (http://rfproductions.ca/) to watch “Wedding Reel” - a sneek peek of their videography talent (gives me goosebumps!).
Enjoy! x
This gorgeous morning has me believing (not hoping or wishing) that summer is on it’s way…it must be! Sunshine and blue skies certainly evoke cheerfulness so why not consider incorporating this bright colour into your wedding.
YELLOW: the color of sunshine - associated with joy, happiness, intellect, and energy
From personalized lemondrop cocktails to marmalade guest favors, and daisies to breathtaking yellow cymbidium orchids, fun-loving and cheerful yellow accent options are abundant. Get creative!
White and yellow create a young and playful appeal whereas combining yellow and black create a more dramatic look. Both look stunning, it just depends what you’re style is and what look you’re going for!
And if you’re considering a Spring wedding for next year, why not hide some bright yellow gumboots (for those April Showers) under your dress for a fun little surprise!
Enjoy! x
Sources: Martha Stewart, Real Etsy Weddings, The Bridal Boutique, The Party Dress, Wedding Woo, Brideorama, Project Wedding
To kick off the first week with our new themes, we are going to start out with someplace grand:
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler
I was in Whistler over the weekend and fall more in love with that town, especially Whistler Village, every time I visit. Although this ski village is only a short two hour drive from downtown Vancouver and nestled into our beautiful province, I always feel like I’m in a small European Village somewhere in Switzerland.
I’m certain that’s what the designers of the town were going for so they’ve nailed it but Whistler Village truly has it’s own feel and mood - cozy and relaxed. A perfect event retreat or wedding destination. And within Whistler Village, there is no place more prestigious than The Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
The Fairmont Chateau has several rooms and locations available for any event as well as wedding ceremonies and receptions:
CEREMONY
Rooftop Chapel, Woodland’s Terrace - Up to 18 guests (Winter Only)
Rooftop Chapel, Woodland’s Terrance - Up to 250 guests (Summer Only)
The Grand Fireplace, The Wine Room Restaurant - Up to 50 guests
The Croquet Lawn - Up to 100 guests (Summer Only)
RECEPTION AND DINNER
The Private Dining Room - Up to 18 guests
The Wine Room Restaurant - Up to 50 guests
The Chalet, The Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Course - Up to 60 guests (Winter Only)
The Woodland’s Terrace - Up to 250 guests (Summer Only)
For more information: www.fairmont.com/whistler
Enjoy! x
A short and sweet ode to Petite Pearl Events’ Social Media - yes that’s you Facebook page, Twitter page & Blog. And a resolution for consistency!
Although a very strong marketing tool (and a great resource for information), social media is very time consuming…more so, somewhat addicting! And I’m sure most of you can relate when I say it already seems there are never enough hours in a day. Having a “page” or “blog” is one thing but keeping it up to date is another. It’s one of those love/hate relationships! Blogging (or debating what I’m going to blog) until the wee hours of the night when I should really be getting some solid shut eye.
I love sharing ideas, posting information to archive for future and connecting with other businesses but hate changing my mind about what I’m going to post and when - that is valuable time I’m wasting! Social media is secondary to the goals and tasks required for me to fulfill the needs and expectations of my clients, therefore, I have found it quite challenging to be consistent with posts and updates. And the consistency is what is important to the credibility and personality of my business - plus I do love a challenge. So mark my word I’m committing to it 110% right here and now.
When presenting a problem, always present a resolution along with it: a goal for maintaining a Monday, Wednesday, Friday theme for posts! 3 posts a week - nothing less than this, but always the chance for more! Sounds fun and reasonable to me :)
VENUE MONDAY! A new venue will be featured every Monday. Details and features about the location, capacity of room(s) and photos. Information you need to begin the search for a perfect venue for your wedding or next event to take place! An excellent start to an online archive of hundreds of amazing and unique venues in Vancouver & Whistler.
WEDDING WEDNESDAY! A favorite of something…anything we see that we love and adore, feel inspired by or think is just plain fabulous. We want to share it with you! Flowers, cakes, cupcakes, decor, dresses, the season’s colours and themes, unique ideas, best songs - anything wedding!
FEATURE FRIDAY! Featuring an amazing vendor who is extremely talented in their field, a unique company we think is the up and coming or a recent wedding or event we had the pleasure of creating and/or coordinating. What is ours is yours.
Wahoo! I feel structure and organization already. And as most of you fine folks already know about me or should expect from an event planner, that’s what I’m great at and live for!
The inaugural Venue Monday post to follow shortly! x
