Simply Elegant
Little details like this one is what makes your wedding so unique and special.

                                         

                                        Striped Wedding Details

                                        www.marthastewartweddings.com

                                        Striped Wedding Detail

As the holidays approach, you may be thinking about taking your romantic relationship to the next level. If so, you may find yourself getting down on one knee, proclaiming your undying love and then popping the big question. The holidays are a perfect time for true Romeos to propose. You can take advantage of the excitement of the season and surprise her with a memorable and romantic proposal that she’ll never forget. Why not make the holiday season even more joyful by proposing to your sweetheart in a festive and creative way?

We at Simply Elegant love wedding proposals. Hey, that’s why we got into the wedding business in the first place. And we know that when it comes to a marriage proposal, planning is essential. Guys, this means you want to have the ring selected and the time and the place chosen. Seriously. You don’t want to “wing” one of the biggest moments in your life. Do it right, and your marriage proposal will be a
magical moment that you’ll both remember forever.

Where, when, and how is up to you. Some proposals are more private and others are way more public. Your declaration of love could be over a romantic Christmas Eve dinner or it could happen while you and your sweetie are getting your photo taken with Santa.

For those of you still searching for the perfect way to pop the question, here are few romantic suggestions…

Christmas Eve/Day is a perfect time to propose. Hang the ring box like an ornament on the tree. When the last present has been opened, that’s when you can suddenly notice that “there’s still one more
present.” It’s go time, Santa!

Another Christmas marriage proposal idea is to wrap the ring box inside successively bigger boxes so that your sweetheart will think the present is very large. As each layer is opened, the anticipation (and
the laughs) will grow. Get down on one knee right as the last box is opened.

Or you could hang a Personalized Christmas Ornament on the tree. If you use a personalized ornament as a prop, you’ll need to plan for the proposal far enough in advance to place your order, have it fulfilled, and pick it up or have it delivered. Your proposal ornament can have a straightforward proposal or give you an opening to get down on one knee and propose.

If you and your soul mate are the demonstrative types then a great time to ask the big question is while you’re having your picture taken with Old Saint Nick. Not only is this a great display of public
demonstration of your love commitment – but you‘ll also have a picture taken of the big moment. Again, planning is key. Set this up in advance with Santa and his crew. Let them know what your plan
is. You’ll probably want to make sure you get a few pictures, and having Santa and his gang in on your romantic plans will ensure everything will go off without a hitch. Plus, you and your fiancé will have the pictures to remember your special moment!

Or how about a musical proposal? Arrange to have a group of carolers come to your door to sing your dearest one’s favourite Holiday song. And arrange to have your carolers sing your marriage proposal in
the song’s last verse. As they do, drop down on that knee, profess your love and present her with the ring.

You can’t go wrong with a proposal over a romantic dinner. Take your fiancé-to-be to your favourite restaurant for a romantic dinner. Arrange it with the restaurant ahead of time so that when the meal is
complete, the waiter brings a bottle of champagne to your table. After glasses are poured, make a toast to the time that you and your girlfriend have spent together and the happiness that you’ve shared. Then bring the engagement ring out from your pocket, open the box and ask her to marry you. Your proposal will be an event in her life that she will tell family and friends for the rest of her life.

If the love of your life lives in another city and is flying home to spend Christmas with you, arrange for friends and family to join you at the airport. Make some signs for each person to hold up spelling
out “Will you marry me?” as your sweetheart disembarks. Make sure you’re the one holding the “Me” sign.

Ask her in a winter wonderland; write “Will You Marry Me” in fresh snow.

Whatever proposal style you choose, one thing is for certain, the holidays are the perfect time to propose, and we wish you and your sweetheart a life of love, romance, and happiness.

Planning a wedding is a lot like buying a house. You do the research, crunch the numbers, think ahead – and you put the best possible team around yourself to help you get exactly what you want. When wedding disasters happen, it usually comes down to poor planning. And many smart, capable couples just plain and simple don’t think through some of the basic details that will make or break their wedding. That’s what a planner is for.

We want every couple to have a happy wedding. So for everyone out there who may be getting married, and is trying to do it on their own, here are some common wedding pitfalls you can absolutely avoid with careful planning.

1. Nothing is as it was supposed to be. You talked to the caterer a hundred times, the florist at least a dozen, and you thought the person in charge of the reception hall was practically your new best friend. How on earth did they get it so terribly wrong? Like everything, the devil is in the details – and it all starts with the contract. Make sure you have signed contracts with all of your service providers and all of their deliverables, estimates and costs in writing. Know your rights when it comes to your service providers – and read every contract carefully before signing.

2. The Wedding doesn’t fit the Couple. Plan your wedding for who you are, not who you wish you were. Some brides get so caught up in the romance of it all, for example, they choose gowns that are right for someone else, but not them. Or they have gowns altered well in advance of the wedding hoping they will be a size they haven’t been since grade school. Or they choose menus that sound good – but won’t be enjoyed by them or their guests. Your wedding will be perfect if it reflects the “you” that your friends and family love.

3. The Wedding doesn’t Happen. Yup, a wedding not happening actually happens. The most common reasons? Well, some are obvious, like one party or the other changing their minds. But there are other  reasons why weddings get cancelled on the day. Like the bride, groom or a witness showing up drunk. Doesn’t seem like too big of a big deal? It is. By law, marriage commissioners and members of the clergy cannot allow the marriage to proceed.   And don’t forget to get your marriage license in advance of your wedding. You will need the proper ID, including a copy of your birth certificate and a certificate of divorce if it applies. No marriage license, no marriage.

4. The Attack of Bridezilla. She is not mythical. She exists and is known to frequent Last Minute Land. It’s a terrible place where seating plans, music lists and speeches don’t materialize until, yup, you guessed it,   the last minute, if at all. She often forgets to pre-book her decorator, meaning her family is busy decorating on the day instead of enjoying their time together. She also sometimes has such high expectations of the day that nothing short of actual unicorns descending from the heavens could meet them. But all Bridezillas disappear at the first sign of relaxation and genuine enjoyment of the day, no matter what is going on or wrong.  Guests won’t remember the little things that weren’t perfect. They will, however, remember it as flawless if the bride is gracious, having a good time, and ensuring her guests are well cared for.

5. Couples lose at Weather Roulette. Some couples hold outdoor weddings but forget to make any kind of weather contingency. Did you know that in Calgary, June is the rainiest month?  Far too many couples learn that the hard way. Make sure you have tents and everything you need for a flawless back up plan if the weather turns against you. And if it does rain, know this: superstition says rain on your wedding day is good luck. Imagine what kind of luck you’ll have if it snows. And yes, in Calgary, it can snow in June.

There’s no question, a wedding is a lot of work. But it’s worth it. And if you can avoid the more common pitfalls, you’re on your way to a wedding day that will bring you many happy memories throughout the years.

Sometimes, you need a venue that offers a little bit of everything: accommodation, dining and an elegant space for an event. Kensington Riverside Inn could be exactly what you’re looking for… 

Kensington Riverside Inn

1126 Memorial Drive NW,
Calgary, AB T2N 3E3
Phone: 403.228.4442
Fax: 403.228.9608
Toll Free: 877.313.3733
www.kensingtonriversideinn.com
info@kensingtonriversideinn.com

Kensington Riverside Inn is a premier luxury 19-room boutique inn that combines upscale accommodations with an intimate charm. Located steps from Downtown Calgary along the banks of the picturesque Bow River, it’s a chic and stylish venue with a warm and personal feel.

The whole place has an upscale Bed & Breakfast feel to it. The inn’s superb 40 seat restaurant that was voted Best Hotel Dining in 2009 (Where Magazine), and was voted one of Canada’s best new restaurants for 2008 by enRoute Magazine.

Originally designed by award-winning architect Richard Lindseth, the Kensington Riverside Inn exudes an upscale residential charm with an ambiance that is light, airy, gracious and inviting. The stylish rooms were all individually decorated to make guests feel at home.

The 19 rooms and suites feature triple-sheeted Frette linens, heated towel bars, 42” flat-screen plasma TVs, personal wine cabinets, high-speed wireless Internet, voicemail, high-end furnishings, independent climate control and windows that open. Some rooms also feature gas fireplaces, double jetted Jacuzzi tubs, balconies and patios.

Because of the intimate nature of the inn, parking is limited, but not a deal breaker. The dining room can only hold 40-70 people for sit down dinners, and 80 people for a cocktail style reception wedding, so it’s only suitable for certain types and sizes of events.

For those looking to combine sophisticated elegance with intimate charm, Kensington Riverside Inn provides the perfect marriage of both.

The popular adage “Location! Location! Location!” holds just as true for events as it does for real estate. Carrying on in our ongoing efforts to help you plan your events, today we’ll look at Anderson Ranch.  For those looking to book an event outside of the city, its rustic location comes with nature’s very own majestic backdrop.

Anderson Farm/Rocky Mountain Show Jumping
Phone: (403) 256-7150 
http://www.rmshowjumping.com

Map to Anderson Farm

It is, quite literally, a little piece of heaven.

Located just minutes south of Spruce Meadows and right next to Sirocco Golf Course, Anderson Farm is an idyllic equestrian facility with a beautiful and scenic prairie view.

With its marvelous grounds and stunning view, Anderson Farm is perfect for weddings, family events and children’s parties.

Adding to its allure is the fabulous price: The tent rental is $3000 + GST (may change for next year).  This more than reasonable rental price also has you covered when it comes to extras.

For example, Included in the 40×120 tent is:

• flooring and carpet (rain will not come into the tent this way)
• stage and dance floor
• chivari chairs (this year. may change to folding next year)
• 6’ and 8’ long tables and 5’ round tables (seating eight)
• tent heaters and tent lighting (modern chandeliers)
• power is included unless there’s a large amount needed (a band or event lighting for example)
• ceremony and picture spots available
• lots of free parking
• permanent washrooms – hopefully hooked up by May
• podium for speeches

On the flip side, it’s a bit of a hike to the washrooms which feels a little further in poorer weather, but effective tenting can generally solve the problem.  And wheelchair accessibility to washrooms is not available until the permanent facilities are set up. Make sure you check your dates before booking because the facility provides Show Jumping events and so these days are already booked.

Its proximity to Calgary is ideal for those wanting a get away within a one hour drive of the city – but not perfect for those wanting a more urban experience.

For those who want their event to marry Alberta’s wild with comfort and style, Anderson Ranch has all the ingredients to create a beautifuland unforgettable day, and at a very reasonable price.

An interesting trend is starting to emerge in weddings. Once strictly a bride’s domain, wedding planning is increasingly involving both the groom and bride. In fact, according to Bridal Guide Magazine, more than 80 per cent of grooms are involved to varying degrees in the planning of their weddings. That’s a significant shift from, say, your parents’ wedding.

And why not? Weddings are a HUGE amount of work – infinitely more work than most brides realize when they start down the path of wedding planning. If you’re doing it yourself, there is plenty of stress, er fun, to go around, meaning having a good, strong extra pair of hands to help may not just be a nice thing to have, it could be downright essential.

Besides, a wedding is about two people celebrating their new beginning together. It  may be your day, and of course you want it to be perfect, but here’s the thing – having him help with the planning doesn’t have to change any of that.  In fact, it could make your life a lot easier.

Planning a wedding is a lot like a marriage. It involves communication and compromise.

When a groom and bride co-plan a wedding, it’s important to determine right up front who is in charge of what tasks. You can decide by consensus (all choices must be co approved by both but are sourced by the one or the other) or by absolutes (the groom and  bride each have final say over their tasks).

As a rule, men are more interested in certain areas of wedding planning (hello food and music) and are often more than happy enough to stay well away from other areas (hello flowers and decors ).

Your groom may be passionate about a particular choice or direction regarding the wedding planning, and if that’s the case, you need to assess if taking it the direction you’d originally planned is really that important. That, really, is between the two of you – but even if you’re not crazy about his choices, do enjoy the fact that he wants to be part of the wedding and not just some guy who shows up on the big day in a tux with a ring.

Okay, sure, often enough the groom’s involvement in wedding planning has a lot to do with his type of personality. And there are guys out there who just don’t have the “wedding planner” gene. But even the ones who are ready to jump in are also willing to leave most final decisions to their future brides. Chances are, they have not grown up with the same expectations of what their wedding will be as you have – and they know that.

But there’s no reason why your groom shouldn’t have some fun too. In fact, a site called The Man Registry that launched a couple of years ago is getting a lot of buzz because it specializes in all things pertaining to grooms, including gifts for groomsmen, bachelor party planning and gifts that go beyond traditionally bride-centric gifts.

Whether it’s dessert choices or picking the first dance song, remember that a wedding is a wedding for two. No wedding is as beautiful as that of a a groom and bride who have worked together for a day that is special for everyone.   Pull off a great wedding day that reflects both of you as you’d like it to, and you’ve taken a great first step to a wonderful, long and happy life together.

Click here to view the embedded video.

For the ultimate eco-fabulous green wedding, how about an edible centrepiece?…yes, we said edible…yes, for your wedding.

Imagine chocolate covered strawberries overflowing on fabulous decorative glass platters or on lovely tiered pastry stands.  Accent the strawberries with edible (pesticide free) organic flowers, such as gardenias, day lilies or roses.  You could even do it yourself if need be!

Directions

1. Melt one pound of organic dark chocolate with two tablespoons of shortening or grapeseed oil.

2. Dip the strawberries into melted chocolate and lay on parchment paper to cool.

3. Drizzle melted white chocolate over all or some of the strawberries for a striking accent.

Pots of edible herbs or wheatgrass accented with potted edible flowers also make a great centrepiece. Bonus:  your guests can take them to plant in their gardens for a lasting memory of your wedding.

This next suggestion can be truly striking and sublime.  Place apples, oranges, lemons, limes, pears, peaches, and other in season fruits and berries in tall, clear vases of varying heights.  Again, edible flowers and nuts as well can be included in this centrepiece.

How about edible bouquets with chocolate Ecuadorian roses and yellow violets along with sugared orange and lemon wedges? Fabulous! Here’s something fun: large ice cream cones topped with edible white carnations to form the scoops of “ice cream.”  Place the ice cream cones in glass containers on 2-3 stands of varying heights.  The kids and the young at heart will love these.

Edible centrepieces will wow your guests and best of all, leave nothing that needs to be thrown out! They are an eco-chic solution for eco-savvy brides….

Red roses and white pine cones

The ring is bought, the words rehearsed — you’re prepared. But you want to add a little special something to your proposal…think engagement flowers. You are brilliant! There are not too many women who will tell you they don’t love receiving a beautiful bouquet.

A picture paints a thousand words, but in the world of romance, a carefully chosen bouquet of flowers can be the most eloquent statement of your love — other than the fabulous ring you just bought for her, of course.

If you decide to give your love engagement flowers, here are a few tips on making them winter wonderful for your holiday proposal.

Go for elegance with a silver and white look or celebrate the season with reds and greens. Create a sparkling winter land of evergreens, white, silver, and crystal.

For a magical winter bouquet, use Austrian crystals or use a few strategically placed sparkling crystal flowers within the bouquet of blooms you choose.

Red and white aren’t just the colours of Christmas, they’re also the colour of love. The combination of red and white roses symbolizes union.

Bouquet Ideas

These arrangements can also be used to create floral centerpieces or given as beautiful hostess gifts too.

• White poinsettias mixed with red roses or tulips
• Red roses mixed with white lilies and holly
• Red and white roses accented with fragrant evergreens and eucalyptus.
• Calla lilies with clusters of purple/blue berries
• Gardenias, holly berries and ivy
• Hydrangeas and pomegranate with trailing ribbons
• Blue hydrangeas, baby’s breath and silvery eucalyptus
• Gardenias, red berries, white rose buds with green ivy
• White roses, white hydrangeas, white sweet peas, white ribbon and tulle
• Red rose buds, pinecones with pine leaves and red ribbon
• Red poinsettias mixed with white tulips or roses

Engagement Ring

You’ve got your plan of action on how and when to pop the big question. Now it’s time to think about the ring. It’s possible your bride-to-be (don’t faint – that’s what she’ll become!) has dropped many hints about what type of engagement ring she wants.

Study the kind of jewelry she generally wears. Is it simple of flashy? Does she prefer platinum, yellow or white gold? Does she prefer simple styles or something that will be instantly noticed? Do you know what kind of cut of stone she prefers?

It can pay to go window shopping for jewelry and take note of her reaction to certain shapes and styles. You may even be surprised to find out that she’s not a diamond girl. Remember the engagement ring is important – she’ll be wearing it for the rest of her life…no pressure though.

But if all else fails, consult with your girlfriend’s friends or sisters about ring styles.

Do you need a ring to propose? Technically, no, but many women may tell you that neglecting to have an engagement ring at your proposal is the most serious proposal related mistake a man can make. Need we say more?

Size matters

You should probably consider how to figure out the ring size of your girlfriend’s wedding finger. There is an easy way to do this without any measuring required. Chances are she wears a ring on her right hand ring finger and she’ll probably take that ring off occasionally.

Launch a covert operation and sneak the ring away to make an impression in a bar of soap or lay it down on a piece of paper and trace the circumference. But don’t get too hung up on ring size. Although it is nice to have a perfect fit, remember that jewelers can easily resize an engagement ring to make it either bigger or smaller.

But the right style right matters most. If you get it right you’re ahead of the game by demonstrating to your wife-to-be that you listened to what she really wants.

Now, get down on one knee, and good luck!