Inspiration: Enchanted Forest

click to enlarge

Your Day, Your Way . . . With STYLE!

All right, so you're a bride who wants everything. Unfortunately, this often means you have to go EVERYWHERE and consult EVERYONE to get said EVERYTHING. It's pretty unwieldy, which I'm sure you're beginning to understand after following this blog. And you shouldn't have to compromise just because you're getting a headache. This is why today I present to you a one stop solution.

My Way With Style Designs

You want the destination wedding? Check. You want the event entirely coordinated? Check. You want unique invitations, an epic ceremony, and maybe even a custom wedding website? Do I have to say check another hundred times? Didn't think so!

Now I'm sure you're looking at me and going, "Oh yeah, right. In WINNIPEG?" Look at me with doubt again. Now smile, because you're wrong.

Taken from their main page:

"Our services are offered in a couture, boutique style where you, our guests, have services tailored to you individually.  Our sister companies combine together to offer our guests services such as:

Full Travel Agency Services: We specialize in Destination Weddings & Honeymoons Event & Wedding Coordination with full Event Décor Design Graphic Design: Monogram or Logo Design, Custom Invitations;  Web Design (for business or wedding websites) Paper Event Decor: Paper Lanterns, Parasols, Luminaries, & Fans in a wide range of textures and colours.

Our companies where dually created to take destination weddings and event management beyond.  Each department was developed separately in order to work individually or in a synergetic fashion.  We also have paired ourselves with some the best vendors/suppliers in the business.  All services can be  requested like a menu or made into a package.  By offering more, we are able to deliver our guests very best.  Simply said, your way, With Style! "

So this means you can Travel in Style, or if you're staying in Winnipeg you can have your Event With Style, and don't forget to Design With Style, which includes invitations, paper luminaries, or if you want to set up a Wed-Site! It's all here for you. Did I mention they also have a team of wedding commissioners to help you plan the ceremony down to a T specifically to your . . . you guessed it, style?

What else can I say about these guys, aside from the fact that you MUST follow them on Twitter/give them a ring? I know that when it comes down to my own special day, I'll definitely be calling on them to take care of all the hairy details, big or small!

Twitter!

Blog!

Contact!

p:  204.334.3396 or 905.233.4444
f:  204.339.6516

email by department:
e:  travel@mywaywithstyle.com
     events@mywaywithstyle.com
     designs@mywaywithstyle.com
     weddings@mywaywithstyle.com

Monday - Friday 11:00am - 7:00pm CST
Weekends & Holidays: Closed
(Office closed on long weekends) 

Miss Bee

Inspiration: Silent Movie

click to enlarge

For this Sunday's inspiration I drew from the palette of the old silent films: black, white and grey.

<3 Miss Charlie

If It's Not Like the Movies

classic movie romance

It's become a busy week here on the Prairies, and I don't have much of a post for you guys today besides a few words about Katy Perry (Again? you cringe). Her Grammy performance of the song 'Not Like the Movies' was so moving to me I just had to share it with you. I saw it when it initially aired back in February but I revisit it from time to time. The curtain with the projection of her marriage to Russell Brand actually makes me tear up it's so beautiful--especially with the song. So watch the video, for my sake!
<3 Miss Charlie

Miss Bee's Big Name Question

Today's question goes all the way back to second grade. When you had a crush on Billy and all you could do was scribble his name surrounded by hearts in your duotang. Then your name beside it. Then it allllways came down to you testing out what your name would sound like . . . with Billy's last name attached to it.

Would you change your name after you got married?

I work in a place whose customer clientele are, for the resounding majority, female and married. But I also get to peek at their customer files and I realize that they more often than not share a different name than their spouse. It's become a huge deal lately (maybe  a trend?) for women to thrust themselves into married life on the independent foot. After all, isn't taking a man's name so anti-feminist? You aren't their property, after all! And say you're an only daughter. Don't you want to continue the family legacy of your surname?

But still. I grew up SUPER EXCITED to take my husband's name! I felt like trying a new name was like trying a new pair of shoes. And no matter how forward-thinking I find myself to be, I still think there is something poignant and romantic to changing your name. It's that little out-in-the-world expression that this person has become a part of you and the identity that you show the world.

Then there's hyphenation. It can get pretty unwieldy, especially if you have a long name. Even having two separate names can make things confusing when kids start coming into the mix. But aside from hyphenating, there ARE alternatives. Hell, even guys are opting to take their wives' names! Or couples are swapping. Geez!

So what do you think, all you kids out there in prairie land?

Miss Bee

As The Seasons Change

image (c) Designs Delight

Spring is in the air on the prairies this week. The snow is melting, the river is flooding (of course) and the newlyweds are cropping up everywhere! It seems as though the second it hits about 10ºC here in Winnipeg, the brides and grooms are out in swarms. Just this weekend I saw three brides in wedding gowns out and about downtown.

All this talk of birds and bees and flowers got me thinking (not like that, out of the gutter people!). What is your favourite season for weddings? Is it the classic Spring wedding? An outdoor Summer ceremony? (Maybe a la Miss Bee's favs?) A Winter wonderland? An Autumn "I Do"?

image (c) photoblog

For me personally I love the idea of a Fall wedding. Something about the changing leaves, chilly air and comforting warmth of a crackling fire just gets me. It's not cold enough to warrant having to wear a huge jacket, but it's not too hot where you are sweating like a beast in your Vera Wang, desperately hoping your Degree Ultra holds up it's end of the bargain. There is just something special about an Autumn wedding that I almost cannot describe.

So tell me, what is your favourite wedding season?

<3 Miss Charlie

Miss Bee's Big Day Question

Gonna make this a short one. Ladies, I want comments! Come on! I love asking these questions, and I love picking your brains, but there won't be a discussion without some comments. I can't be the one talking here all the time! That's what Monday's are for. Grousing and heckling and henpecking. 

Now that I've got that off my chest, here's something I wanted to toss your way:

What do you think is the most important aspect of the 'wedding day'?

Maybe it's the dress, the champagne, the food, the ability to convene and reunite with family and friends that you love and hold so dear. Maybe it's not a 'thing', maybe it's just a moment. Maybe it's knowing your outdoor wedding hasn't been rained on. Maybe it's the anticipation of the fact that you are about to be paired up with the person you have loved for years. Or maybe the best part of the day is the END of the day, when you know the planning has gone off and you can sleep for the first time in months since the planning began.

Or maybe it's just the gigantic cake. That's also a pretty big deal.

Now remember guys, I want some talking! These Mondays are getting sad without at least one peck! 

♥Miss Bee

Inspiration: Modern Lines

click to enlargeS

Sleek, chic, elegant-- welcome to the modern wedding. Simple lines, minimalist design.

<3 Miss Charlie

Miss Bee's Top 5 Indoor Ceremony/Photo Sites

Ahh, more ceremony sites! Geez, you'd think that with all the press I'm giving ceremonies that they'd be a big deal or something! Well, this entry is to act as a pair up to my Outdoor Ceremony Locations post, because there are lots of us who don't want to chance the weather (beautiful options or not) on their special day. And you can still have an amazing ceremony/photography session without giving up the beauty. Here are my current picks for indoor venues!

Miss Bee's Top 5 Indoor Ceremony Sites

Millennium Center

Taken from the site's History info: "When the former Canadian Bank of Commerce building, located at 389 Main Street, became vacant in 1969, the monumental and imposing grandeur that lay beyond the massive ornate bronze doors came to be admired but largely ignored. One of the grandest architectural buildings in North America was to remain vacant for over thirty years.
 

The twentieth century had brought new prosperity and Winnipeg emerged as the prairies'
financial centre. Winnipeg was at that time touted to become the "Chicago of the north"
and the financial centre of Western Canada. With many banks deciding to expand
their facilities along a downtown section of Winnipeg, the area became known as
"bankers row.""

Mmm, classy, elegant, sophistocated . . . there is no doubt that the Millennium Center continues to be a hot spot for weddings and receptions alone. To book this epic venue, definitely do it as ahead of time as possible, or else you're going to be sorely disappointed! Check out their Event Gallery to see if it fits your big day vision, and learn more about the wedding packages they have to offer! Probably the most luxe venue next to the Fort Garry Hotel (which is coming up below!)

Millennium Library

 

Though I have yet to see a ceremony take place there, I do know that the library is an epic idea for photo opportunities (wedding, engagement, whatever!) and I've seen quite a few epic examples of this. This would be amazing for all of you book nerds out there, and for everyone who generally appreciates some amazing modern architecture! For more information on the library's hours, check it out here.

Museum of Man and Nature

Probably my favourite place to go as a child growing up in Winnipeg. I always swooned at the Nonsuch, and absolutely adored the fake downtown complete with Charlie Chaplin movie theatre. Somehow, to me, there was so much romance amidst the exhibitions on our Manitoba history, and there seems to be romance beyond that too! Available for booking for large groups (receptions or ceremonies with guests up to 700!), You can recapture all your childhood fancies and tie the knot at one of the most epic and unique indoor locations in Winnipeg. Check here for rental info!

Manitoba Legislature

Um, seriously, what other Canadian city (or any city for that matter) has a legislative building whose architecture is modeled after the Occult? (Don't know what I'm talking about? Hit up the library and take a look at this book, The Hermetic Code by University of Winnipeg's Frank Albo). It's gorgeous, it's luxe, and it's available for wedding photography! Unfortunately, no ceremonies here (boo!) but, BUT, it is such a gorgeous venue for photos, I just had to throw it in there. Info about reserving the Grand Staircase can be found here.

Fort Garry Hotel

Ahh, the piece de resistance. Fun fact: did you know that the artchitect who designed the Fort Garry Hotel went down with the Titantic? Well, this hotel gets more and more infamous the more you hear about it. Rampant ghost hauntings ring any bells for the seasoned Winnipegger?

But beyond ghosts and legends, the Fort Garry Hotel is the most luxe and grandeur you are going to get out of the downtown core for all your wedding needs. Rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, you may even want to honeymoon here knowing that Ten Spa is within the grounds! They offer full catering, and even an online event planner to help you out with the process, taking down all your info and helping you choose the perfect event package for your needs. If you want more heapingfulls of elegance and sophistication in one day, and you want a one-stop-shop for it, the Fort Garry is for you.

---

Are five locations not enough for you to choose from? Still thinking of somewhere like the Burton Cummings or the Pantages Playhouse? The Assiniboine Park bandshell perhaps? Well, thank the good graces that someone came up with a WEBSITE for that! Click here for more info on event venues throughout the city of Winnipeg! Awesome resource, to be sure.

♥Miss Bee

Manitoba Marriages Wedding Officiants

I seem to be on a ceremony kick lately! Indulge me, if you will. I think that, for the most part, the majority of wedding planning gets sunk into the after party, with very little thought on the actual part of the day that unites two people. I got curious and obviously started digging a little deeper (see my Helpful Ceremony Hints and my top Outdoor Wedding Sites), and realized that Winnipeg brides and grooms have a lot of options, especially when it comes to the officiant! So today's spotlight will be on a couple of interesting individuals who are there to bring you together (literally) on your day:

Manitoba Marriages

Gerrit Theule and Shyla Waldman are a pair of Winnipeg based wedding officiants who got together to form Manitoba Marriages in order to help not only Manitoban couples, but those living in North Dakota and Minnesota.

Taken from their About Us page, they "believe that you can have the exact ceremony that you want." They will help you write not just your vows but what you want your officiant to say, customizing your whole day exactly as you like it. They perform both religious and non-religious weddings incorporating exactly the elements that you want, and tailor everything exactly to you.

They are also availible to offer other services should you need them: Shyla is a trained chef, formerly of the award winning "The Tallest Poppy" in Winnipeg. Gerrit, on the other hand, is a professional classical singer, frequently performing in operas across the country. Having a trained opera singer perform at your ceremony would be epic, that's for sure. 

I also really love their ideas section on their webpage, which lists the type of ceremonies they've done. I particularly like the theme weddings and the idea of a princess wedding . . . wait, what even is that? Time to break out the Google!

At any rate, what got me the most about these guys is the flexibility and the tone of fun that they convey. I'd certainly consider them, even if I was swayed by their past performing of a nudist ceremony. How can that be wrong? Haha!

Contact Gerrit or Shyla HERE

Or call: 204-204-977-1706

Miss Bee's Big Budget Question

Welcome to Monday! Ahh, I can handle Monday, as long as it's as sunny as it has been the past week! Spring has FINALLY decided to show it's face, and I refuse to have a bad case of the Mondays when it's warming up and the days are getting longer. I also refuse to believe it's going to rain tomorrow. REFUSE.

Moving on. Let's get to this week's question, shall we? And let's get right down to the point to, because I feel like my question posts have been getting too chatty!

Who Should Pay For The Wedding?

Ah, it's an eternal struggle. Traditionally it's been the parents who take on the fiscal responsibility of fueling your nuptials. But nowadays couples want to be independent of their parents, and see paying for their entire wedding as a symbol of committing the time as well as moolah to a prosperous marriage. 

But alas! You approach your wedding with gleaming rose-coloured glasses, dreams of a hundred doves flying into the sunset and riding away in a horse drawn carriage all too palpable. But impossible unless you want to take out a loan or completely obliterate that nest egg you've been saving up for your first house. So your parents intervene! Or the groom's parents. Or some kind of Wedding Angel (c).

But then the logic/reason behind all your luxe wedding needs is brought into question. You want that 8 ft chocolate fountain but because either your or the groom's parents (or both) are footing the bill, they call the shots (and the chocolate fountain is shot down.) So, do you sacrifice the power for the moolah, or do you wait to get married for an extra year or two before you save up the money? And if the money is offered to you, ought you take it and run? Is it rude to refuse? Or ruder still to assume that your mom and pop, probably now retired, ought to pay out the nose for your four thousand dollar Vera Wang duds?

Talk to me prairie peeps!

♥Miss Bee

Inspiration: Spring

Click to enlarge

I think the title says it all. Thank god, it's almost spring! This rose-hue gown by Vera Wang still makes me all fluttery even a year later.

<3 Miss Charlie

Beautiful Bridal Party

Okay lets talk bridal party. What do you readers think is the best way to approach bridesmaid dresses? I've read and heard quite a few opinions on this, but I always like to hear more! Some say keep it cohesive--the same colour, the same dress. Others say mix it up--give every woman her own choice of colour out of a set you've chosen.

For me personally I think the most important thing is to make every one in your bridal party feel comfortable and beautiful. Some dress styles don't work on all body types, so giving your 'maids a few style options within your colour choices is another option.

Alfred Angelo has a huge selection of bridal party options, with each style coming in a range of over 55 colours! You have the option of 'trying' each dress in your colours which is a really helpful option.

Click to Enlarge

Here is a simple style of bridesmaid dress--classic strapless, but a little more flirty. Thanks to the handy colour selector I can pick any color combination! Here I've chosen the Espresso dress with coral trim.

Click to Enlarge

And here I've switched it up with an emerald dress and eggplant trim! Even if you aren't interested in purchasing gowns from this site, it's still a fun and helpful tool to get a sense of what your bridal party could potentially look like.

Here is a set I've put together illustrating my "many styles same colour" theory. Keeping with a 'grape' colour and floor length theme:

Each dress is relatively the same, but the different strap/waist style combinations can help your bridesmaids feel they are staying true to their own unique style and body type.

<3 Miss Charlie

My Secret Garden

Photo courtesy of My Secret Garden

 I know my flowers, and I know my city, and believe me, there is a load of talent here. If you want unique, designer, gorgeous and all around lovely, then you need to dip into the extraordinary world of My Secret Garden Design and Event Planning.

My Secret Garden 

Original Albert Street location. Photo copyright LP Gregory on Flickr

Previously located at No. 84 1/2 Albert Street in the Exchange (they are moving to the new address below!), My Secret Garden started out as a home based business, which quickly developed a sizeable event/wedding clientele (for good reason!) Part Harry Potter, part Dickensian Curiosity Shoppe, the store was formerly located in a turn of the century former carriageway, from which tearing yourself away used to be impossible. I've definitely had the pleasure of visiting them on one of my many walks through the Exchange, and it's always been a delight. Whether you're looking for a same-day takeaway bouquet (oh God, the rhymes!), or 100 centerpieces for a gala, they can set you up.

Photo courtesy of My Secret Garden

Not just looking for flowers? What makes My Secret Garden unique is that they not only specialize in the floral accents, but are also an event planning and consultation firm. They offer event planning, rentals, eco options, garden advice, and gorgeous gifts all in one location. One stop shopping for the win here, ladies and gents!

What cinches it for me is the Bonny Frasier's (owner and designer) philosophy:

"If I can create something beautiful, that touches someone on an emotional level and also pushes the boundaries of traditional floral design, I will have been successful at turning that passion into a thriving  business."

Here here : ) 

To view more sensational images from this amazing indie Winnipeg business, check out their galleries, or even their blog, which provides a few more epic photos from their various events about town (so much eye candy, eee!)

Although they are no longer located at the 84 1/2 Albert Street location (tear), they are still available for orders via phone or email!  Their epic services are also still available, including having unique hand-tied bouquets, roses, lilies or orchids delivered to you or a loved one on a monthly basis, and other offers for annual special occasion deliveries, roses, and pre-ordering discounts (see Shop Flowers for more details).

Photo copyright Manuel F. Sousa photography

Contact:

Hours of operation: 12 - 6, Tuesday to Saturday

mysecretgarden@mts.net

To book a consultation or order flowers: (204) 338-7749

Garden of Earthly Delights

Ooh look at all the pretty colours, the fancy linens, the delicious food! Not to mention all of the Hummers you rented to ferry your bridal party from the ceremony to the reception. And all that paper that you consumed to bring the day together: save-the-dates, invites, place cards, guestbook. And on, and on. You probably don't realize it, but having a big wedding has an immense ecological footprint. There's a lot of waste and a lot of unnecessary consumption, but we're usually way too busy having a good time to notice.

Of late, thankfully, a lot of brides are planning their nuptials with specific attention to green alternatives. Giving baby trees as favours, using recycled paper for place cards, or making the flower arrangements from what grows in your mom's garden. All really great alternatives to be sure! And vendors are following attentively with their own epic means of satisfying green brides!

So where can you find something fresh, new, and awesome my little prairie brides? 

Botanical PaperWorks

You want your mind blown? Well my friend, you surely came to the right place today. Oh dear. I stumbled upon these guys while I was looking for Winnipeg invitation shops, and it popped up rather innocuously. Seemed like a place that would have some sweet designs for me to peruse on my lunch break.

Sweet is an understatement.

This is probably one of the greenest invitation initiatives I've ever seen, AND it's Winnipeg-grown! (Oh lord how I will be pun-ished for that one). To get down to the basics, Botanical PaperWorks uses printable seed paper, a product they've developed that, when planted, composts away leaving wildflowers behind! Some classics you'll behold are Bird's Eye, Black Eyed Susans, Snap Dragons and more! (SWOON!) The secret is in the seed-embedded paper, which is mainly collected post-consumer waste from businesses and schools. This act itself saves local landfills 10 tonnes of paper per year. That's definitely not just peanuts.

Photo courtesy of botanicalpaperworks.com

Oh dear. This is something that has caught my heart very quickly. Because not only is it incredible ingenius and romantic, the entire company has a strong Eco Commitment mantra which applies to all of their products, including the wrapping the products come in (biodegradable, compostable corn plastic). They've also reduced their use of office paper, are members of the Green Hotel association, and many of the team members volunteer in local schools and non-profit groups to teach the three Rs to the young folk.

SO. What does all this super amazing stuff have to do with weddings, I hear you quivering? Well let's see! They offer a wide collection of invitations, wedding favours, thank you cards, place cards, and even confetti! You can also purchase the paper on its own and print out your unique design at home. And even aside from wedding stationery, they carry other promotional items (journals, post cards, calendars, business cards!) and gifts. Check check check itttt! Shop online or in store, whatever you fancy.

Instructions for planting your seed paper are here, along with a few delicious pics of customer-results! Any other questions, you can definitely hit up their very helpful FAQ. How are you not rushing to pay them a visit?! If I were you I'd be jumping in my '92 Grand Am and be jetting it down there faster than you can say biodegrade! All in the name of green, prairie brides. After all, you want to keep those wheat fields lush!

Botanical PaperWorks Inc.

Toll Free: 1-877-956-7393

Local Phone: 204-956-7393

Fax: 204-956-5397

Email: info@botanicalpaperworks.com

Location: 111 Pacific Avenue

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m 

 

As always, follow Botanical PaperWorks on Facebook and Twitter as well!

 

♥Miss Bee

Say I Do to Pomanders!

(c)Say I Do Unique Boutique

Say I Do Unique Boutique is a Winnipeg-based Etsy shop that creates gorgeous fabric-flower pomanders and kissing balls for weddings!

Taken from the shop description:

Looking for unique ideas and decor for your wedding? Check out my shop for unique and hand crafted kissing balls and more! I custom design these beautiful pomanders in any color combination for your special day. These kissing balls are perfect for flower girls and bridesmaids (as an alternative to flower bouquets that wilt away!), aisle decoration, or wedding reception decor! Contact me and we can discuss all your customization needs!

(c) Say I Do

(c) Say I Do

(c) Say I Do

 And as the shop boasts: these beautiful creations will never wilt and fade like real flowers! They can be kept or given away as keepsakes! So why not try something unique for you wedding.

♥Miss Charlie

Dressgasm

'Claire' by Maggie Sottero

No witty words, no heart warming anecdotes, no advice. I'm just going to lay this before you plain and simple.

Wedding Gowns by Maggie Sottero

Enjoy.

Asha

Bernadette

Bernadette back detail

Geneva

Giselle

Isadora Ann

Milana

OK I lied I'm going to say one thing: the Milana above is my favourite dress of all time

Winona

Don't Single Me Out

I've noticed lately that there seems to be some prejudice against a single woman discussing weddings. I mean, not necessarily the fact that they are talking about their own wedding-- but weddings in general. Personally, since the launch of Little Bride on the Prairie I've had people ask me flat out: "Why do you care about weddings? You're single."and "what do you know about marriage and relationships, you've been single for years!" It struck me as odd that I had to have a relationship status to incur an interest in nuptials. Even odder that I apparently know nothing of relationships just because I am in said 'singleton' state.

 Personally, I have an interest in weddings from a purely aesthetic point-of-view. Would it be different if I were in a relationship? I can't say for sure. However, I don't think I lose credibility as a Wedding Blogger just because I myself am not planning a wedding, or thinking about a long term relationship.

Of course there are women who are in relationships that enjoy researching weddings online, and maybe they do appreciate the input from another woman who is in the same stage of life-- or maybe what matters is the quality of the information, not who it is coming from.

Martyrdom of Singlehood

I think people may picture the single as a woman in-waiting. Waiting for love, waiting for courtship, dating, romance, sweep-you-off-your-feet gestures, marriage, babies, houses, you name it.

Buuuutttt I like to picture myself more as a Warrior Queen (a la Boudicca) or some sort of strong soldier of singlehood.

I am proud of my relationship status. I don't think it makes me a lesser person to admit it either. Does it make it harder to understand the concept of marriage? Well, no, not really. I have parents and they're married. My Grandparents were married, my relatives have gotten married. I have friends who are close to marriage-- I think there are a lot of resources I can draw on to make educated decisions about what constitutes a good wedding and what doesn't.

The thing is, I love weddings. I love the idea of a great party, the dress, the amazing cakes, the table settings -- maybe I'm just an event planner at heart... But really!

I will admit that yes, I probably would have more insight in to the emotional aspect of getting married if I were in a serious relationship, and the commitment it takes. (I leave that all to Miss Bee because she is a smarter lady than I).

Yeah, I do tend to enjoy the more frivolous parts of getting married (like the shoes!) but I don't think that makes less of a wedding blogger because of it.

 I think what I lack in experience I make up for in enthusiasm. You can talk my socks off about your wedding and I will listen and give you my full attention for hours. Maybe its the student in me talking, but I enjoy hearing different perspectives on The Big Day.

So talk to me! Tell me your stories! I may be single, but I appreciate the huge event in your life when you said 'I do'.

 ♥Miss Charlie