Memories By Marie

What is it that make a wedding photographer stand out? For Kelly and I, the answer is two very key things: A genuine and sincere personality & talent that surpasses creativity.

If you have not already heard of the name "Memories by Marie" let us introduce you to one of the industries best: Marie Murray!

Kelly and I have had the privilege of working with Marie not only on weddings, but also her portraiture services. We can not say enough about her work. She has the ability to take a photograph and transition it into a masterpiece. If a picture does indeed say a thousand words, then Marie's say millions.

http://www.memoriesbymarie.ca/

Above are pictures from our most reccent Memories by Marie wedding!

~L&K

Wedding Party Gifts

It seems with every couple we work with, sooner or later we always get the same question: What do we get our bridal party members as a gift?

Some even start a few steps back with, "Are we suppose to get gifts for our bridal party?"

So here is our thoughts on the Bridal Party Gifts:

Is it a must? - No
Should you do it? - Yes

The idea behind offering your bridal party members a gift closer to the wedding (usually on the night of the rehearsal dinner) is to show your gratitude for all of their help in planning, organizing and participating in your wedding. Often groomsmen and bridesmaids have contributed to the planning of Wedding Showers, Bachelorette and Bachelor Parties and/or Jack & Jills. They often help you and your fiance with some of the wedding "To Do's" and are a pillar of support throughout the process. The idea of the bridal party gift is a small way to say "Thanks!"

Who is usually given a gift?
- Often everyone in the bridal party including Flower Girls and Ring Boys. Many couples also choose to include Parents, especially when they are financially contributing to the wedding.

Here are just some of the common and not so common ideas we've seen over the years:

- Wedding jewellery for the bridesmaids to wear on the day of the wedding
- Shawls/pashminas for the bridesmaids to wear on the day of the wedding
- Cuff links for the groomsmen to wear on the day of the wedding
- Day of Gift Bags for the bridesmaids with items such as: Flip Flops, Sun Glasses, Lip Gloss, Kleenex, favourite perfume etc.
- Gift Cards for the Bridal Party; it's a practical gift that everyone can use! Examples: La Senza, Best Buy, Future Shop, LCBO, Restaurants, or any store you know your friends/family love!
- Personalized Clothing: Custom Jerseys or Caps for the sports lovers - Custom T-Shirts for the fashionistas!
- Treat them to an Activity: Golf, Cigar Rolling Workshops, Day at the Spa, Yoga Workshops, Cooking Classes, Wine Tasting Tours
- Get each member a subscription to their favourite magazine
- Personally Yours/Things Engraved: You can always find the traditional items here! Examples: Flasks, business card holders, pens, lighters, pocket watches, compact mirrors, mugs, Swiss Army knives
- Tickets to a show, concert, or sports event to enjoy after the wedding

The amount of money you choose to spend is up to you. The act of giving a gift isn't about how much you spend, it's about the thought you put into it!

~ Laura

Venue Selection

Oftentimes Couples have a dream venue in mind and will do anything in their power to host their wedding there. They throw budget out of the window ( afterall...sometimes it's Mom and Dad's money) and get the venue and food selection of their dreams.

But what if you are paying for your own wedding and you are stuck between choosing the venue of your dreams (one that is higher than your comfort level in terms of budget) and picking one that you feel more comfortable affording but doesn't meet some expectations?

Here's the deal. A wedding planner can help you stay on track of budget and allow you to feel more comfortable about your decision. Realistically, a wedding budget is a sliding scale. If you spend too much in category A...you need to scale back in category B.

I had this discussion with one of my Brides today. She fell in love with one of the venues we visited and yet she wanted to keep visiting other venues that were on the very other end of the scale. After each meeting she would look defeated because at the lower pricepoint...she just wasn't feeling the same way as she did with the more expensive venue. I could tell that price was prohibiting her to make a decision and allow herself to fully fall in love with that venue.

So I made her a deal....book the venue that you have fallen in love with and let me worry about your remaining budget. If we cut back on other area's...and become a little more thrifty or creative...you get the location of your dreams and we will stick within your OVERALL wedding budget.

She agreed and they signed on the dotted line this evening. The couple was beaming afterwards! So happy.

The moral of this story....look at the overall budget. Dont get caught up in the budget of each and every item right up front. Venue will be the largest price tag. So you need to be cautious and stay within your means...but don't settle too much. Get the venue that makes you feel amazing when you walk in the doors, the way your guests will. And then use your remaining budget wisely....if you go for the venue that was less expensive but doesn't have that "wow" factor...you will feel that way every time you walk into it. Afterall...guests always remember the food and atmosphere at a wedding.

The general rule of thumb is that your venue will be half of your overall budget. So if your venue is costing $20,000....your safe to say that your overall Wedding budget will be $40,000 . But these days...you can really get creative and help lower your other costs...especially with the help of a creative and talented Wedding Planner ;)

~Kelly.

'Rich Bride Poor Bride' Episodes

Looks like we have some tentative air dates for our first 2 episodes as Resident Planners on Slice Netork's "Rich Bride, Poor Bride"!

May 24th - Nicole & Adam, Hamilton ON
June 28th - Sukhi & Gurj, Vancouver BC

These are tentative dates , so we will keep you posted if they change. Otherwise...set your DVR's and get ready for two amazing weddings!

L&K
xo

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Jennifer, our Bride had her theme nailed down! We loved her creativity and dedication to her Winter Wonderland theme wedding. It was stunning!

Jennifer and Nick were married in December 2009 and we were (as always) honoured to be a part of this wonderful day!

Wishing you all the best...through all the seasons of love ;)

L&K

Back from Vancouver!

Laura and I just had an amazing time in Vancouver, British Columbia.

We helped coordinate the Sikh wedding of Sukhi and Gurj!

With approx 1000 guests, we were glad to be a team!

Congrats to the beautiful and charming couple!

We had a blast :)

L&K

Our first Rich Bride Poor Bride couple - Nicole and Adam Shea

A big Congratulations to Adam and Nicole Shea!

This past weekend, we had the honour of coordinating their wedding at Knollwood Golf Course. It was a beautiful day (despite the rain) full of love, happiness and emotion. It was all captured by the wonderful Crew of 'Rich Bride Poor Bride' on the Slice network.

We had an absolute blast with Nicole and Adam through the planning process and an even bigger blast at their wedding!

Here's to new friends!

Love,

L&K

new pics cont'd...

New Pictures...

It has been way too long since we last made a post! Busy Busy Busy!

Here are some recent pictures from two of the weddings we have done this Summer....Shirley and Leo - June 20th....&....Cheryl and Brian - August 15

Many more to post as well...but we are waiting for the rights to the pictures from our photogs...

Rich Bride, Poor Bride

It's official! We have been added to the Roster of Rich Bride, Poor Bride on the Slice Network!
2009 has been such a rewarding year for us and we want to thank all of you who have made it possible! We look forward to our weddings for the remainder of '09 and into '10, both on and off camera!

Lights, Camera, Action and most definitely Drama :)
L & K