HAPPY EASTER!!

Photo Credits: Hokuli'i Images

Sarah & Geoff's Engagement Party

I met Geoff several years ago when we both worked together at Abebooks.com (check it out - a great place to buy used and rare books online). We were on the "dart team" in the annual corporate games and became instant friends, spending time at Christmas and dinner parties over the years. Fast forward to last year when Geoff met Sarah and had that punch-drunk "I'm going to marry this girl" connection. Sarah has the most warm, beautiful arura and she and Geoff make such a perfect couple. Their wedding is this May and I cannot wait to be a part of it. Here are a few fun pictures from their engagement party a few weeks ago.


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VIVA'S BOOK CLUB - WEDDINGS BY TARA GUERARD

Since opening the doors of Soiree by Tara Guerard in Charleston South Carolina over a decade ago, Tara has been noted as a leading arbiter of entertaining and style. She was selected as a Top 25 Trendsetter by Modern Bride Magazine and Soiree's work has been featured by a wide range of media including InStyle Weddings, Town & Country Weddings, and Martha Stewart Weddings.

In her latest book Weddings By Tara Guerard (January 2010), Tara takes you on a guided tour through twelve dream weddings and shares the tools and tricks of the trade from over a decade in the industry. The book is filled with ideas and inspiration, and each chapter overflows with beautiful photography and details to incorporate into your own wedding.

Here are a few tips from Tara for a successful Soirée:

▪ Hire a great photographer. You want someone who can capture the ambiance, the details and the memories.

▪ Choose colors and foods that reflect a time of year.

▪ Never do a seated dinner around a dance floor. Define each space - one area for cocktails, one for dinner, and another for dancing.

▪ Let your personalities show through at your reception.
▪ Try a 4X4 foot table for 8 - it's a guarantee that people will talk to each other.
▪ Offer guests a signature drink as a welcome. It is a personal detail and prevents that initial backup at the bar.
▪ For outdoor weddings, always remember... if you don't have a backup plan IT WILL RAIN!

BAKE ME A CUPCAKE

Who knew that when the cupcake craze hit Ottawa a few years back it would turn out to be more than just a passing fad lasting a season or two at best. Whether they're replacing the traditional cake at your wedding or simply being served as part of the late night buffet, cupcakes are here to stay.

The cupcake has really evolved over time. From the mouth watering choices in flavours of cake and icing to the many creative ways to decorate and display them, there's no such thing as the "standard" cupcake anymore.

Along with the evolution of the cupcake is the evolution of places you can now get them. The Ottawa area is full of great shops that create these yummy treats!! Here are just a few - The Cupcake Lounge, The Flour Shoppe, The Girl With The Most Cake, Isobels, Little Cakes and The Lush Cake.

Enjoy!!

Ashley & Geoff - Engagement Portraits

Ashley & Geoff were high school sweethearts and have been together 14 years! I loved that they wanted to go to Goldstream Park to have photos among the trees for their engagement shoot. We went hiking up to a train trestle (you can see in pictures that it's almost higher than the tree line), whereupon I learned that I need to get into better shape! LOL Ashley and Geoff are among the nicest people you could ever meet (and they're photogenic too)! I know they are going to make an awesome bride & groom this August!

BOUTIQUE BOUDOIR

Melanie Rebane of m photography is a true genius when it comes to boudoir. Creating images that are both intimate and elegant, the end result will have you feeling absolutely incredible about yourself. Do it for you, do it for him, do it for the heck of it!

For more information and to book your session please contact m photography at 613-769-6019 or melanie@m-contemporaryphotography.com

SHOP INSTYLE FOR A CURE

Grab your girlfriends, sip champagne, enjoy a cupcake or two and shop InStyle for a cure at Ottawa's hottest new wedding chapel... Weddings InStyle! Proceeds going to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.



Get your tickets here! Looking for more information? Please contact Weddings InStyle at 613-440-4446 or info@weddingsinstyle.ca

HAPPY ST PATTY'S DAY!!

INSPIRATION - THE COUNTRY WEDDING

Photo Credits: Jose Villa Wedding Photography

STONEFIELDS HERITAGE FARM

STONEFIELDS Heritage Farm is a fantastic new venue getting ready to open its doors and host your next corporate retreat, special event, private party, community function, and of course Viva's favourite - your wedding.

Picture this...

After spending time with your bridesmaids getting ready for the big day, you step out of the old stone farmhouse in your wedding gown. You're full of anticipation as you follow your bridesmaids through the courtyard to the field where your groom anxiously awaits. Your family and friends watch in awe. The ceremony is picture perfect. Your guests are escorted to the pool area for cocktail hour while you have your pictures taken around the property with rustic barns, stone walls and gardens as your backdrop. Your evening reception is hosted under a big white tent decorated with delicate white lights. You savour the peace, tranquility and fresh country air that surrounds you while you dance the night away with your new husband, your family and friends.

The beautiful 110 acre property is located just 40 minutes from downtown Ottawa in the lovely town of Carleton Place. For more information on wedding packages and to see if your date is available for booking, contact STONEFIELDS at 613-253-3313 or info@stonefieldsheritagefarm.ca

Photo Credits: Weddings by XPhotography

WEDDING DRESS WEDNESDAY

Introducing Viva's newest monthly blog post - Wedding Dress Wednesday! Once a month Viva will feature a new wedding dress we've fallen head over heals in love with.

This month's Wedding Dress Wednesday features Sunday Rose from designer Monique Lhuillier's Spring Collection 2010. At $9500.00USD this ivory silk satin organza strapless gown with pleated bodice and rose embroidered A-line skirt provides the wow factor you're looking for on your special day.

In Monique's words: "One of my favorite gowns is Sunday Rose from my Spring 2010 collection. It is inspired by the use of lightweight fabrics that create a soft and ethereal feel. Each organza rose is cut individually using couture techniques. The fabrics used in this gown are of the best quality and the construction is contoured to create a very feminine silhouette. It makes for a heart stopping entrance on any bride's big day!"

Wear your hair up and simple pearl earrings for a classic look. For a more romantic look opt to wear chandelier earrings and tousled hair as pictured here.

Monique Lhuillier's signature style has made her one of the most sought after designers to the stars. Heidi Montag, Jewel, Ashlee Simpson, Pink, Alicia Silverstone, and Britney Spears are just a few well know celebs who wore Monique Lhuillier on their wedding day.

WEDDING TEMPLATES BY GOOGLE DOCS

Earlier this month Google Docs launched a collection of templates geared exclusively towards the bride & groom and their adventures in wedding planning. With these little gems you can now plan your entire wedding in one organized place. It’s wedding planning genius!!

Almost time to send out your invites? Dreading the hours you'll have to spend collecting and compiling all those addresses in order to get them out in time? Here is just one of many ways Google Docs can help.

Wedding Templates by Google Docs. Happy Planning!!