THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER GREAT YEAR!!

As we always do at the close of each year, Viva la wedding would like to take a moment to thank all the wonderful people we’ve had the pleasure of working with in 2010 and embrace the year ahead.

We feel honoured to have been chosen by so many fabulous couples this past year as their preferred wedding coordinator and are grateful for the bonds we formed not only with these couples but their families as well. We enjoyed being a part of each and every wedding we coordinated over the past twelve months and want to thank you all for allowing us to be a part of your special day. We wish all our 2010 couples a happy and healthy future.

Of course these weddings would never have been possible without the hard work of the many exceptional wedding vendors we are fortunate to have access to in the Ottawa area. Viva has developed outstanding relationships with some of the most established and reputable industry experts the city has to offer. Thank you for your talent, professionalism and willingness to go above and beyond to make our couples happy. Viva la wedding is looking forward to working with you all again in 2011.

Forward to 2011, Viva is excited to continue building the bonds now forming with our 2011/2012 couples. From simple and intimate to simply extravagant, Viva is thrilled about every single wedding that lies ahead. Not only will we be coordinating at some fun new venues, along with our old favourites, but we’re excited to welcome some new vendors who will be working on our weddings as well. Collaborating with our tried and true wedding industry professionals as well as embracing some newer wedding vendors now on the scene, Viva la wedding couldn’t be happier about our couples’ upcoming weddings and the year that lies ahead!

Happy New Year from Viva la wedding and All The Best to everyone in 2011!!

Photo Credits: Platinum Floral

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Viva la wedding would like to wish all our wonderful 2010 couples a Merry 1st Christmas!!

Contest

Vote for a chance to WIN a 16x20 fine art nature print!

I'm excited to announce the second annual Just-For-Fun contest! To ensure one vote per photo per person, I'm hosting it on my Facebook Fan page. The photos are my favorite from each wedding, with at least either the bride or groom in the frame. The couple featured in the winning photo will receive a 20-picture 12"x12" Shutterfly Album! And anyone who votes will be entered to win a free 16x20" fine art print from my nature photography web site at http://www.naturestocklibrary.com. The contest will close on January 20, 2011.

If you're a client, don't be shy about getting your friends to win you that album!!!!



Instructions
STEP 1
All you have to do is click "like" at the top of this page to become a fan of FunkyTown Photography. The fan page is here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=21535&id=112291562165498&saved#!/pages/Christina-Craft-FunkyTown-Photography/112291562165498

STEP 2
Then, scroll through the photo album on Facebook and vote on your favorites (click the "like" button under each photo). You can vote on as many photos as you like.

Thank you again to all the couples I worked with in 2010. You made my year one of the most fun I've ever had! And y'all looked pretty hot doing it too!

Barbados

Amanda & Matt's Wedding at the Crane, Barbados

Amanda and I hit it off instantly during our first phone conversation together and I just knew their wedding was going to be an amazing time. This couple has an infectious personality and they went out of their way to make me feel welcome within their close group of family and friends. I was completely charmed by everyone! Amanda and Matt are known for their great taste and all of the details (including a custom-made gown, custom ties designed by the couple and a great pear of shoes) were perfection. Amanda was excited about her veil and we had a blast seeing how high it would blow during our portrait session. We spent a nice full day going around the island, hitting just about every corner, for some dramatic scenery. I'm sure you can imagine it was a really hot day and Matt obliged standing out in the bright sun in a suit for several hours. I can't speak more highly of both of them. I had such a blast! Amanda & Matt, a HUGE congratulations to you both. I LOVED working with you!


Slideshow
Turn up your volume and click the play button to view the slideshow (it may take a few seconds to load)

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OTTAWA WEDDING MAGAZINE

Published twice a year, in July and December, Ottawa Wedding Magazine provides all the information and options you need to make your dream of a wedding day come true. From real wedding features, advice on planning, news about the latest trends, vendor listings and more... OWM is the must-have guide for Ottawa's brides-to-be.

What sets this wedding magazine apart from the others? OWM caters specifically to Ottawa area brides. All the features and vendor listings are local. Finally, Ottawa has our own Wedding Magazine!

OWM is circulated at The Wedding Palace Bridal Show in January, the Ottawa Wedding Show in March and September and at The Bay & Home Outfitters gift registry locations in Ottawa. You can also now find Ottawa Wedding Magazine on newsstands at Chapters, Loblaws, Shoppers, Walmart, and many more outlets across the city. Get your copy of the latest Spring/Summer issue on newsstands today, and look for Viva's ad along with many of our other Ottawa area vendor favourites!



Photo Credits: Image for Viva's ad by Derrick Rice, Design of Viva's ad by Cinnamon Toast New Media

New Awards

17th in the World - International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers

I woke up this morning and had a pleasant surprise in my inbox! The International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers (an organization with strict guidelines for membership, only accepting photographers by jury) has posted its rankings for the most recent quarterly contest. Some of my photos received awards and I placed 17th overall, which is pretty exciting considering the high-calibre of photographers in the organization. In the winter contest I placed 4th and in the spring contest I placed 7th so I'm thrilled to continue with a top 20 ranking in the world. A very special thanks to Sherry & Matt, Hanh & Kevin and Kara & Don whose images appear below. I grateful to have such awesome clients! (Thank you also to my fellow photography geek friends who helped me pick which images to enter).

The Decisive Moment Category - 2nd Place - Kara & Don's Wedding in Saskatoon


Family Love Category - 4th Place - Hanh & Kevin's Wedding in Calgary


The Wedding Dress Category - 9th Place - Kara & Don's Wedding in Hawaii



The Wedding Dress Category - 12th Place - Sherry & Matt's Wedding in Cabo


Framing the Subject Category - 13th Place - Sherry & Matt's Wedding in Cabo

 

Costa Rica wedding photography

DIAMONDS (AND PEARLS, AND SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL, AND...) ARE A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND

There's something about With Love Bridal that keeps us coming back...

Could it be the beautiful boutique style shop? The fabulous selection of consignment and brand new designer dresses? Or maybe it's the owners, Becky and Dana, who work so hard to ensure your experience at With Love is beyond exceptional?

Of course these are all great reasons why Viva is in love with With Love but let's be honest, it's the jewelry that keeps us coming back for more. Staying true to their goal of offering brides a unique and personalized shopping experience, the jewelry With Love carries is all hand crafted by local Ottawa area artists.

Viva's brides already know and love the talented Sarah Walsh who has been one of our preferred makeup artists for years, but Sarah's talent doesn't stop there. Sarah also designs stunning jewelry using freshwater pearls, swarovski crystal, sterling silver, and gold. Perfect for the bride (and bridal party) on her wedding day!

Another one of our favourites are the city inspired pieces Urbanite Jewelry creates using colours and materials (precious metals, wood, and glass) to help bring out each city's personality. These pieces are so unique. Truly one of a kind.

Along with Something Jeweled by Sarah Walsh and Urbanite Jewelry, you can also find designs created by Frash Femme, Seven15, and Sanddesigns.

The best part about all this jewelry is that you don't have to be a bride to buy it, which I guess is why we keep finding excuses to pop into With Love when ever we can. Whether you're looking for some sparkle to spice up that little black dress you're planning on wearing to an upcoming Christmas/New Year's Eve party or simply on a hunt for something a little more "everyday", there's a piece (or two) for everyone.

And what perfect timing is this? With Love Bridal Boutique is having a jewelry show this Sunday, December 5th from 10am to 2pm. We'll see you there!!

WEDDING DRESS WEDNESDAY

With so many gorgeous dresses making up the Blush line by Jim Hjelm, we couldn't narrow it down to just one for this month's Wedding Dress Wednesday feature so... we thought we'd tease you with a link to the Fall 2010 collection instead.

Fall 2010 by Jim Hjelm Blush

And it gets better. When you're done drooling over these fabulous dresses and are left sitting there wondering how to get your hands on one, With Love Bridal Boutique in Stittsville comes to the rescue! With Love is hosting the Blush by Jim Hjelm trunk show from December 3rd until the 11th. For two weeks only the entire 2010 Fall collection will be in store for you to see first hand. Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity!

To set up an appointment contact With Love Bridal Boutique via email at info@withlovebridalboutique.ca or by phone at 613-435-5542.

Mexico

Sarah & Adam's Wedding at The Royal in Cancun, Mexico

Sarah & Adam are people who like to have fun and their beach wedding in Mexico was all that and more. I think the slideshow and photos best speak for the kind of party they had - a total blast and a treat to photograph! The DJ brought along all kinds of party favors and everyone got into character on the dance floor. We spent some time doing portraits on the beach after the ceremony just as the sun was setting and the sky turned into a magestic blue (incredible!)... and the next day we headed to the Playa del Carmen area for a trash the dress session in some of the lagoons. These two made me feel like one of the gang and I can't thank them enough for such a great time. Congratulations Sarah & Adam!

Slideshow

Turn up the volume and click the play button to see the slideshow (it will take a few seconds to load). The song is called "Heartbeats" and it's by Melinda Ortner from Triple Scoop Music

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