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GET THE LOOK: LAVENDER & HONEY

Posted in Ask the Experts, Cakes, Sweets, & Favours, Decor & Rentals, Flowers, Gowns & Formal Wear, Health & Beauty, Men's Formal Wear, Stationery, Venues, Wedding Planners, Wedding Resources, Wedding Trends, Wonderful Weddings Issue 6

Life is the flower for which love is the honey. -Victor Hugo

This lavender STELLA’S BRIDAL & EVENING COLLECTIONS gown is a dream come true

This champagne cart from ORNARE EVENT RENTALS adds the perfect touch for your guests

This dinnerware from COLLECTIVE EVENT RENTALS is the perfect compliment to any table

ASARYE PAPERIE + STUDIO takes stationery to another level with custom illustrations

Our flower dreams are complete with this elegant bouquet from ACADEMY FLORIST

VENDORS WE LOVE
Styling Emma Singh Creative
Photography Casey Nolin Photography
Gown & Jewellery Stella’s Bridal & Evening Collections
Men’s Formal Wear Aldo Formal Wear
Hair Afra Khalid, The Artist Groupe
Makeup Louise Serpa, The Artist Groupe
Flower Academy Florist
Linens Dream Day Decor
Decor Ornare Event Rentals
Furniture/Dinnerware Collective Event Rentals
Venue Manitoba Club
Stationery Asarye Paperie + Studio
AV/Lighting Elite Lighting Winnipeg
Female Model Tanisha Dhillon
Male Model Panache Model Management

Cake Sugar + Salt Bake Shoppe

REAL WONDERFUL WEDDINGS: AMANDA & PAVITRA

Posted in Cakes, Sweets, & Favours, Catering, Decor & Rentals, Flowers, Gowns & Formal Wear, Health & Beauty, Men's Formal Wear, Real Weddings, Stationery, Venues, Wedding Resources, Wonderful Weddings Issue 6

Amanda and Pavitra met in their first year of medical school and quickly became friends, and then a year later began dating.

Halfway through residency, they took a trip to the Rocky Mountains. Unfortunately, the first day of the trip happened to coincide with the start of the countrywide shut downs due to the pandemic. Before bags were even opened, the car was packed up and the trip was over.

Prior to leaving, Amanda and Pavitra went for a walk on the frozen lake and were the only two people in sight, which is when Pavitra proposed to Amanda.

As the pandemic unfolded, Pavitra and Amanda quickly realized they had to adjust their expectations of what the wedding would look like if they wanted to get married the following year.

Luckily, their wedding planner was able to create the most magical two-day wedding event that exceeded any expectations that either of them could have imagined.

Amanda and Pavitra wanted their wedding to be inspired by both of their cultures, which Emma was able to incorporate into so many beautiful details. The look they were going for was a timeless Boho vibe, which could be the ideal backdrop for the variety of cultural elements.

The colour palette was a wide range of neutral blush tones. They wanted a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere where all of their favourite people could meet, get to know each other, and catch up after many months apart.

“It all came together in such spectacular fashion thanks to the Emma Singh Creative Team!” -Amanda & Pavitra

VENDORS WE LOVE
Wedding Design & Planner Emma Singh Creative
Groom’s & Groomsmens’s Attire Eph Apparel
Flowers Academy Florist
Décor Ornare Event Rentals, Collective Event Rentals, Beyond The Lounge
Linens Dream Day Décor
Music Luminous String Quartet
Stationery & Signage Emma Singh Creative
Lighting/AV Elite Lighting Winnipeg

Photography Cody Goetz Photography
Videography The Collective
Wedding Gown Bliss Bridal Boutqiue
Indian Wedding Dress Asopalav, India
Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Attire Asopalav, India
Bridesmaids’ Saris Andaaz Fashions
Venues Hawthorne Estates, Fort Gary Hotel, & East India Company
Décor Trend Décor
Cake Sugar + Salt Bakeshoppe
Catering Evolve Catering
Music Big City All Star Band
Lighting/AV Canadian Event Production Services
Ceremony Officiant Marc Desrosiers & Pundit Venkat
Drummers & Horse AK Productions
Transportation Beaver Bus Lines
Jewellery Mortantra, India, & Andaaz Fashions
Hair Guy Lemieux VQ Salon
Makeup Nicole Avillanoza
Nails Almond Nail Bar

REAL WONDERFUL WEDDINGS: JENNA & CHARLES

Posted in Cakes, Sweets, & Favours, Catering, Decor & Rentals, Flowers, Gowns & Formal Wear, Health & Beauty, Men's Formal Wear, Real Weddings, Stationery, Wedding Trends, Wonderful Weddings Issue 6

Jenna and Charles really wanted their wedding to represent who they are. They went for a modern, rustic theme as they felt it captured them best as a couple. They wanted to have a fall wedding with fall colours, and chose navy as the main colour with some gold accents in the décor. Jenna and Charles had discussed the idea of getting engaged, so they knew they were ready. They felt their story was best told from Charles’ perspective.

“I had bought the ring in January of 2019 and thought of several ways to propose when I came to the realization that it had to be done near my hometown of Morris, Manitoba. I told Jenna that we were going skating at my family farm with relatives.

The day before, along with my father and my grandfather, I prepped the ice to skate on and set up a bench with a basket of important things from our relationship. That afternoon, I asked a close friend of ours to hide out in the trees and capture our special moment. I wanted pictures of this special moment for us to cherish.

I got down on one knee and asked if I could tie her skates. I told her that this exact spot is special to me– it’s where I learned to fish and spent countless hours as a child. I have these exact coordinates tattooed on my arm, and I told Jenna I wanted to share all of my special moments and places with her for the rest
of my life.

I asked her to marry me and she said yes! We shared some wine on the river before telling our family and friends. It was perfect.”

“One of the best moments was the first look, hands down.”

VENDORS WE LOVE
Photography Casey Nolin Photography
Bridesmaids’ Attire David’s Bridal
Groom’s Attire Eph Apparel
Groomsmen’s Attire Eph Apparel & Moores Clothing For Men
Round Tables, Easel, & Table Numbers Collective Event Rentals

Venue Starlit Point
Gown 7th Avenue Fashions
Videography William Ludwick
Cake Eric Bari Pastry
Catering Urban Prairie Cuisine
Linens Planned Perfectly
Flowers Couture Floral
Wedding Favours Lacoste Garden Centre
Music All Around Sound
Hair Hair By Luba
Makeup Cassandra Wootton
Stationery Etsy

WHY HIRE A PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP ARTIST

Posted in Ask the Experts, Health & Beauty, Wedding Resources, Wonderful Weddings Issue 6

Kelly Cherewick, Makeup Artist + Owner of The Artist Groupe

All eyes will be on you on your big day! Here’s why you should seriously consider hiring a professional makeup artist to ensure you look your best.

1. No stress on your wedding day. Getting ready is supposed to be a fun part of your big day, so why add stress? Keep that stress away with a professional makeup artist. We’ll create a makeup look to compliment your features and make you feel beautiful, because you’re worth it.
2. You want a natural look that suits your style. A pro knows all the different techniques and tricks to enhance your best features, and even the ones you didn’t know you had! We have special products to camouflage blemishes, scars, etc., and we are trained to work with all types of skin tones and facial shapes, and keep current with beauty trends.
3. Photos. We use products that will make you look fresh and beautiful without appearing too heavy. Professional makeup artists ensure your makeup shows up in photos and you don’t look washed out by harsh flashes or sunlight. We know how and what to use to make sure this doesn’t happen, and to ensure your makeup lasts all day and night.
4. Proper hygiene. A true professional always has hygiene rules in mind because your safety and health is very important to us. We properly clean our tools and makeup, use disposable wands, puffs, and sponges, and never double dip anything.
5. Professional products. We only use professional products and tools in our kits. We all have our favourite products, but using our makeup guarantees high quality results with each application.
6. Luxury service. Our on location service lets you relax with your friends and family. We offer trials so your artist gets to know you and your style, and create your desired look. Let us pamper you on your big day!

BEFORE CHOOSING A PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP ARTIST CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:

1. View previous work or portfolio. A professional company will have a website, will be a registered business, and will also have an Instagram and/ or Facebook account. Check references if available. A contract/agreement should be offered to you to cover all bases and make sure both parties agree to prices and expectations.
2. Allow your budget to include hair and makeup. Makeup pricing should range anywhere from $80 to $120+ per person. Don’t wait to book. Most reputable artists book up quickly.
3. Book a trial. Ideally three months before your wedding.
4. Consider having a professional makeup artist for your wedding party, your mother, and your mother-in-law.

Kelly Cherewick has been doing makeup since 2001. She specializes in bridal and editorial makeup and is celebrating her 7th year as a Preferred Vendor at the Wonderful Wedding Show. theartistgroupe.com

Photography Casey Nolin Photography

GET THE LOOK: VINTAGE DREAMS

Posted in Ask the Experts, Cakes, Sweets, & Favours, Catering, Decor & Rentals, Flowers, Gowns & Formal Wear, Health & Beauty, Men's Formal Wear, Stationery, Venues, Wedding Resources, Wedding Trends, Wonderful Weddings Issue 6

May you dream of lovely things and wake to find them real. – JJ Heller

This cake from BELLA’S CASTLE looks too good to eat

A simple and beautiful tablescape lets the colour be the star of the setting

Pop the champagne in front of a castle dream

This stationery goes seamlessly with the rest of the wedding

VENDORS WE LOVE
Styling Bella’s Castle
Gown & Bridesmaid Dresses Hush Collection
Venue, Cake, Stationery, & Catering Bella’s Castle
Decor & Rentals Collective Event Rentals
Horses Darcy Bergmann

Photography Lynette Photographer
Videography Evergreen Films
Gown Livienne Bridal Boutique
Men’s Attire Fashions By Co-Op
Linens Party On Rentals
Florals Earth Buds Florist
Makeup Sara Claire MUA
Hair Jodi Mayret

GET THE LOOK: K-POP COLOUR BURST

Posted in Ask the Experts, Decor & Rentals, Flowers, Gowns & Formal Wear, Men's Formal Wear, Stationery, Wedding Trends, Wonderful Weddings Issue 6

I found I could say things with colour and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for. -Georgia O’Keeffe

This gown from ALDO FORMAL WEAR is all about the details

A balanced tablescape from EMMA SINGH CREATIVE glows under the pink light

HOUSE OF SILK created an everlasting bouquet with silk florals

A classy and comfortable suit from ALDO FORMAL WEAR

VENDORS WE LOVE
Photography Ken Lozano Photography
Tablescape Styling Emma Singh Creative
Formal Wear Aldo Formal Wear
Linens Dream Day Decor
Stationery Asarye Paperie + Studio

Florals House Of Silk
Hair JR Baldo
Makeup Beauty By Isza
Videography Garrett McEwen & Eric Peters
Models Panache Model Management

PLAN WITH PERSONALITY

Posted in Ask the Experts, Wedding Resources, Wonderful Weddings Issue 6

Creating Your Own Wedding Style Guide

There are very few opportunities in life where we get to do things exactly as we’d like, but now you’re in the driver’s seat, and this is your time to take the reins, write your own rule book, and be the change you want to see in the world. In more simple terms … just do what feels right. Relax, experience, enjoy, and plan a wonderful wedding that you and your guests will cherish and be proud of because it was truly a reflection of you.

Here are a few simple tips to help you start your own traditions and create a wedding style guide to help you plan your wedding with personality!

• Choose meaningful details such as objects, places and events that hold special memories. Give speeches from the heart, inject some humor, share fun facts about the couple, milestone moments, or stories of how you met.
• Select unconventional décor like whimsical mismatched furniture, make a custom backdrop, try bold colours like neon and rainbows, or give colourful parasols to guests while sitting.
• Wear unique attire. Incorporate lifestyle and cultural elements, era or pop culture themes, or unique alternatives for bouquets such as succulents and crystals.
• Choose a non-traditional wedding party including kids, grandparents or pets.
• Create your own ceremony format. Hold multiple events for different groups of guests, utilize virtual components, or try different seating arrangements like sitting in a circle.
• Plan unique entertainment such as a comedy show, a temporary tattoo station, hire an artist, take dance lessons with guests, make it a track and field day, play couple trivia during cocktail hour, or make a day of touring favourite attractions with guests.
• Personalize your stationery and wedding favours. Give something you made, write thank-yous ahead of time, create stationery with custom illustrations and calligraphy, or personalize escort cards for guests.
• Customize your menu with things like signature cocktails, cherished family recipes, fun food stations like sushi, waffles, ramen, charcuterie, and poutine, or mobile cocktail and beverage bar or food trucks.

Yoko Chapman is Publisher, Editor-in-Chief, and Creative Director of Anthologie by Ayoko Design. She has worked as an editor, content creator, stylist, consultant, graphic designer and event coordinator with wedding industry professionals for over 23 years.

LOVE IS LOVE COLLECTIVES

Posted in Ask the Experts, Wedding Resources, Wonderful Weddings Issue 6

Inclusive Wedding Vendors and Resources for the 2SLGBTQ+ Community

LOVE is LOVE Collectives is a local wedding planning resource for the 2SLGBTQ+ community where couples and vendors offering an inclusion culture within their business can work collaboratively in a safe space. Vendors promote and empower the community by showing consistency of inclusivity throughout their brands, present an environment where folks can freely express who they are, and partner with others that hold the same values on inclusion and equality.

Eddie and Ryan Mendoza started the local collective in response to a need rather than a want. “We’d heard of a lesbian couple being turned away from wedding vendors because of who they are and it broke our hearts,” says Eddie. “This actually happened to us when planning our own wedding. It was a horrible feeling that we still remember well. If we can provide even a little assistance in keeping the excitement of the process alive, why wouldn’t we? We chose our wedding vendors based on being seen as equals and human. This allowed us to be authentic in who we are as a couple and not worry about what folks thought when we had our first kiss.”

The #loveislovevendor application asks broad questions regarding vendors’ knowledge of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, how they currently support the community, and what makes their business a safe place. Some vendors are community, but many are not. They are amazing allies open to your guidance and insight.

TIPS FOR CHOOSING INCLUSIVE WEDDING VENDORS

• Be your authentic self when you sit down with your wedding vendors. This will allow them to get to know the real you and give them the room for you to get to know them and create a comfortable and trusting relationship.
• When you introduce yourself to vendors, include your pronouns. This is a simple and easy way to open up the pronoun dialog early in the relationship.
• Be open and honest with your vendors about your diverse needs. In a perfect world, conversations around family, phobias, or fears would not exist. This is the ideal opportunity to educate them about chosen family and some of the silent struggles the community faces.

To find inclusive vendors, or download an application to become a Love is Love Collectives vendor, visit love_is_love_collectives, or email loveislovecollectives@gmail.com.

Yoko Chapman is Publisher, Editor-in-Chief, and Creative Director of Anthologie by Ayoko Design. She has worked as an editor, content creator, stylist, consultant, graphic designer and event coordinator with wedding industry professionals for over 23 years.

CITY CHIC

Posted in Flowers, Gowns & Formal Wear, Wedding Trends, Wonderful Weddings Issue 6

A Style for Every Aisle

Photography Casey Nolin Photography
Styling The Artist Groupe
Models Swish Model Management

For this issue of Wonderful Weddings Magazine, we explored the Winnipeg Exchange District and let our city be the stage. These aisle styles are a chic touch for any wedding in the city.

VENDORS WE LOVE
Gown, Bolero, & Earrings Stella’s Bridal & Evening Collections
Hair Carmine Wilson, The Artist Groupe
Makeup Tannis Legary, The Artist Groupe
Flowers Posh Pampas
Necklace & Ring Sutton Smithworks Ltd.

VENDORS WE LOVE
Gown & Earrings Stella’s Bridal & Evening Collections
Hair Carmine Wilson, The Artist Groupe
Makeup Kelly Cherewick, The Artist Groupe
Ring Sutton Smithworks Ltd.

VENDORS WE LOVE
Gown & Earrings Christie’s Bridal & Boutique
Hair Carmine Wilson, The Artist Groupe
Makeup Kelly Cherewick, The Artist Groupe
Earrings Sutton Smithworks Ltd.

VENDORS WE LOVE
Gown Stella’s Bridal & Evening Collections
Hair Carmine Wilson, The Artist Groupe
Makeup Kelly Cherewick, The Artist Groupe
Earrings Sutton Smithworks Ltd.

VENDORS WE LOVE
Gown & Earrings Stella’s Bridal & Evening Collections
Hair Carmine Wilson, The Artist Groupe
Makeup Kelly Cherewick, The Artist Groupe

VENDORS WE LOVE
Gown Christie’s Bridal & Boutique
Hair Carmine Wilson, The Artist Groupe
Makeup Tannis Legary, The Artist Groupe
Ring Sutton Smithworks Ltd.

VENDORS WE LOVE
Gown Christie’s Bridal & Boutique
Hair Carmine Wilson, The Artist Groupe
Makeup Kelly Cherewick, The Artist Groupe

VENDORS WE LOVE
Gowns Christie’s Bridal & Boutique
Hair Carmine Wilson, The Artist Groupe
Makeup Left Tannis Legary, The Artist Groupe
Makeup Right Kelly Cherewick, The Artist Groupe
Necklace & Ring Sutton Smithworks Ltd.

VENDORS WE LOVE
Gown & Earrings Stella’s Bridal & Evening Collections
Hair Carmine Wilson, The Artist Groupe
Makeup Tannis Legary, The Artist Groupe
Flowers Posh Pampas
Ring Sutton Smithworks Ltd.

VENDORS WE LOVE
Gown, Earrings, & Headpiece Stella’s Bridal & Evening Collections
Hair Carmine Wilson, The Artist Groupe
Makeup Kelly Cherewick, The Artist Groupe
Ring Sutton Smithworks Ltd.

VENDORS WE LOVE
Gowns Christie’s Bridal & Boutique
Hair Carmine Wilson, The Artist Groupe
Makeup Tannis Legary, The Artist Groupe
Ring Sutton Smithworks Ltd.

BLUE HAZE BARBECUE DELI & CATERING

Posted in Ask the Experts, V.I.B Weddings Issue 5, Vendor Spotlight

MANITOBA’S PREMIER BBQ CATERER: AUTHENTIC WOOD SMOKED BBQ

Starting out as a small, Manitoba catering business in 2012, Blue Haze Barbecue has quickly grown into a highly sought-after catering company. It is complimented by a small restaurant and deli, as well as a food truck which has recently won Judges Choice, Best Food Truck Overall in 2019. They have earned many awards for their BBQ food right across Canada, including multiple first place takes for their ribs, chicken, pulled pork and the crowd favourite, Texas Style Brisket.

Catering to any event type – large or small, informal or formal – they feature slow smoked, Southern style barbecue. Using their own rubs and seasonings, meats are hand trimmed and slow smoked for up to 16 hours, then finished with house made sauces to compliment the wood smoke and seasoning blends. Their side dishes are made in-house, including the fan favourite Smokehouse Mac ‘n’ Cheese and their famous Apple Cinnamon Pit Beans.

When asked what sets Blue Haze Barbecue apart from the competition, Pitmaster/owner, Jason Dornbush says “I don’t see anyone as competition. We are all complimentary. We do what we do, and we do it well. My team and I operate under the philosophy that integrity comes first and we feel this shines through in everything we offer.”

The team at Blue Haze Barbecue strives for perfection and 100% guest satisfaction with all aspects of the catering experience. Weddings are their specialty, and guests can tell with just one bite.

“We had Blue Haze cater our wedding and they were beyond amazing. It wasn’t your typical wedding food and our guests couldn’t stop raving about how good the food was. We actually referred Blue Haze to some of our guests for their upcoming events. The Blue Haze team was very friendly and easy to deal with, no issues with communication. The food is very reasonably priced and tastes amazing! I would highly recommend to anyone looking for BBQ food.” – SM, Newlywed.

For more information, contact Blue Haze Barbecue Catering & Deli at 204.268.3086 (Deli), 204.996.0679 (Catering) or visit www.bluehazebbq.ca