Awards from WedComp - International Wedding Photography Competition

We're so excited. Christina & Eunice have taken home some more awards from the international wedding photography competition WedComp. You may remember that Christina won first place last summer in this competition, which attracts some of the world's best wedding photographers. In addition to being a fantastic high-profile competition, WedComp proceeds also go to benefit an amazing cause: Thirst Relief http://thirstrelief.org/. We're excited to share our winning entries. Thank you to Victoria & Peter, whose wedding was featured in the photo above (Victoria with her bridesmaids and flower girls) and to Tristan & Jodi, whose candid-inspired portrait is next.

Christina's Nature Photos Published

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We're excited to share that two of Christina's nature photos will be published this year. The first is a photo of olive groves Christina took in Greece and it will appear on the cover of Alan Lightman's (author of Einstein's Dreams) new book "Song of Two Worlds." The second is her famous orca picture which will appear on a large panel near the breakwater - it will greet cruise ship passengers arriving in Victoria. There is an unveiling in May and we'll be there snapping some pics so stay tuned.

INSPIRATION - MARTHA'S CAKES

Photo Credits: Martha Stewart Weddings

VIVA'S BOOK CLUB - MARTHA, MARTHA, MARTHA

Martha Stewart and her team are full of great ideas when it comes to weddings. They provide us with never ending inspiration by creating beautiful floral arrangements, demonstrating step by step fab DIY projects and offering us the best tips and secret tricks of the trade. They're always coming up with something new to 'wow' us.
And who isn't wowed by a Martha Stewart wedding cake? Stay tuned for my next post - a peek at some of the stunning cake creations you can find in this book and on her website. It's a good thing!

Open the pages and you will find:
- How to decide what style and flavours are right for you, taking into account the season, location and theme of the event.
- Buttercream or fondant? Ganache or meringue? Useful charts explain the delicious materials bakers use so you can choose the ones that suit your taste and style.

- Creative ways to display your cake so it takes center stage at the reception.

- How to find and hire a baker, including questions to ask and contract considerations.

- Ideas for cutting costs without sacrificing quality or beauty.

- Everything you need to know about baking a cake yourself, with complete recipes as well as how-to decorating techniques with color photographs and reference charts.

HAPPY ST PATRICK'S DAY!

Photo Credits: The Knot, Project Wedding

St. Vincent de Paul Charity Ball

Kirk & Christina contributed their photography as a charitable donation for the St. Vincent de Paul Charity Ball this weekend at the Hotel Grand Pacific. It was so much fun. The costumes and dresses were amazing and totally fit the theme of the "Cinderella Ball". Almost everyone who attended (200 people) came by the portable studio we set up to take pictures by donation - there was even a lineup out the door! The event raised a lot of money and had a great time! Thanks to everyone who attended for such a phenominal time.

THIS MONTH'S VIVA LA WEDDING Q&A

Q - My church/ceremony/reception location has an on-site coordinator. Why would I need another one?

A - When there is an on-site coordinator Viva la wedding does not infringe on, but is rather a compliment to, the work they do. On-site coordinators specialize in the services they offer 'on-site', just as your florist specializes in creating beautiful bouquets and your photographer specializes in capturing the emotion of your day. Professional wedding coordinators are experienced in seeing the big picture and smoothly bringing all the components of your wedding together.

WHAT'S IN YOUR BAG?

Strapped on her shoulder, sometimes mistaken for an extra limb, an experienced wedding coordinator will never be caught without her wedding day emergency kit close at hand and while on the surface each kit may appear as unique as the coordinator carrying it, their contents are all the same - items you, as a bride, might need on your wedding day that no one else will seem to have.

The International Traveller Loop Handle Vanity Case in black was my pick but they can also be found in a ton of fun colours/designs and the interior doesn't dissapoint, keeping it's contents perfectly organized so items are easy to find. What items you're wondering? Well it’s not What’s in your bag? you should be asking but rather What isn’t? and when the reply you receive is Everything but the kitchen sink! we’re not kidding.

Bride’s Lipstick/Makeup

Makeup Brushes
Brush/Comb
Hair Pins/Elastics
Hair Spray/Gel
Clear Nail Polish
Nail Polish Remover
Nail File
Nail Clippers

Tweezers
Tooth Brush/Tooth Paste

Dental Floss
Mouth Wash
Breath Mints

Aquafina Hydrating Lip Oil
Nylons
Baby Powder
Vaseline

Hand Cream

Deodorant

Mirror

Kleenex
Cotton Balls/Swabs
Qtips
Visine

Tylenol/Advil/Aspirin

Allergy/Sinus Medication
Safety Pins
Corsage Pins
Sewing Kit
White Chalk

Shoe Laces
Shoe Polish
Tide Pen
Wine Out
Static Guard
Lint Brush
Band-Aids
Insect Repellent

After Bite
Sunscreen

Evian Water Atomizer

Wet Wipes
Hand Sanitizer
Duct Tape

Double Sided Tape
Scotch Tape

Adhesive Velcro
Flashlight
Batteries
Lighter
Scissors
Umbrella

We’ve all heard our parents say It’s better to be safe than sorry and as much as we hate to admit it, this time they’re right.

WEDDING PLANNERS INSTITUTE OF CANADA (WPIC)

Would you hire a wedding coordinator who wasn’t WPIC certified?

So much of your time and money goes into planning the perfect day, don’t trust that just anyone has the ability to capture your vision and execute it flawlessly. Certified WPIC coordinators are held to higher standards than just your regular planner. They are required to abide by the WPIC Code of Ethics or risk losing their certification and being disbarred.

When interviewing potential planners, ask if they’re certified and look to see if the WPIC button is displayed on their website.

INSPIRATION - MIMOSA GOES WITH...

Many brides have asked, “If Mimosa is the colour of the year for 2009, what does it go with?”
Don't let it scare you - think of Mimosa as nothing more than a shade of yellow. Here are a few inspiration pics to help you out.

Using it with white will give your wedding a clean, fresh feel.

Add grey/silver to the mix for a touch of elegance.

Rich shades of purple...

and turquoise are both great colour choices for spring and summer.

So are orange...


and pink.


It's perfect with reds...

and browns if you're getting married in the fall.

And if it's drama you're craving, check it out here with black.

Photo Credits: The Knot, Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding