JESSICA & MARTIN - SNEAK PEEK!!

Jessica & Martin were married at The Westin Ottawa in what was a truly breathtaking ceremony and a fun, fun, fun reception! Deciding to have their formals taken before the ceremony, Derrick Rice of Union Eleven captured the moment they saw each other for the first time on their wedding day. Want to see more? You're in luck! More of Jess & Martin's amazing images coming soon!

TREND OR HERE TO STAY?

When Viva first started coordinating weddings back in 2006, one of the fabulous couples who took a leap of faith and booked a new to the industry wedding coordinator helped to confirm not only my love of weddings but my love of couples who aren't afraid to do something a little different.



While hiring a food truck to feed your guests late night has become a staple for most backyard weddings, back in 2006 when candy buffets were the rage a food truck at your wedding was definitely not the norm. Seeing the jaws drop and the anticipation mount when 11pm rolled around and a food truck pulled up on the back lawn was priceless.



Five years later hiring a food truck for your backyard wedding is as common as hiring a florist to create your centerpieces, a dj to play your music, and a photographer to capture images of your day. Five years later I still love seeing the jaws drop and the anticipation mount when 11pm rolls around and a food truck pulls up on the back lawn.



As new ideas grow in popularity and become more and more common however, people start to wonder if they will survive the test of time or slowly fade away. How do you feel about the late night food truck? Whether it’s pogos and poutine, beaver tails or ice cream, are food trucks just the latest trend or are they here to stay?



Photo Credits: Justin Lee Photography

TICKETS, TICKETS, GET YOUR TICKETS!!

It's that time of year again! Time to attend the Ottawa Wedding Palace Bridal Show. Taking place on September 10th and 11th 2011 not only is this Ottawa's premier wedding show, it's home is now one of Ottawa's newest premier venues - the Ottawa Convention Centre.

Each year Viva posts a Wedding Show Survival Guide to help make your day an enjoyable and productive one. This year, the Ottawa Wedding Palace Bridal Show has come up with their own so we thought we'd share their tips with you.

1. Register online and enter to win the Bride's Night Out prize package!
Make sure you also register when you arrive at the show. Registering at the show will enter you into all of the grand door prize draws.

2. Create a temporary email address to be used while you are planning your wedding.
This way you can delete it when you no longer are interested in receiving special offers or hearing from the vendors.

3. Bring adhesive address labels.
This will save you a lot of time when you enter for prizes at individual booths. Most exhibitors will want to know your wedding date so make sure to add this information to your label along with your email address.

4. Don't forget your pen!
You're going to see so much at the show and talk to so many wonderful vendors that your head will be spinning by the time you head for home! Make sure to write notes on brochures or flyers from your favorite vendors while you're at the show, as you're about to drop them into your bulging goody bag - it'll help you sort out who all was who once you get home and start taking stock of the day! Collect any information you are interested in - take it home to look over again when you have some quiet time.

5. Make it a girl's day out!
Bring your friends, your wedding party, and your mom along to enjoy the big show! This gives them all a chance to feel more involved in your Big Day, and you'll be glad to have objective friends or family there to help you with your planning. Plus - it also means extra hands to help share carrying home all of the loot you're going to gather! (Want to bring the groom? Remind him that there will be delicious samples of all sorts of things, like BBQ and luscious wedding cake!). It is nice if your fiancé attends with you so that you are both involved in the planning process.

6. Make it a weekend event!
The show is open from 11am - 5 pm both days over the weekend - so if you get a bracelet for re-entry (available at registration), you can return for free on Sunday! Visit on Saturday with all of the gals in your wedding party, and then come back with your groom on Sunday to show him what you have discovered! (This works especially well if the groom has a limited amount of time or if your man is allergic to wedding shopping!). Don't forget to take in at least one of the two fashion shows that will take place each day (12:30 & 3:30).

7. Ask lots of questions, that's what the exhibitors are there for!
This is your big chance to talk with all kinds of wedding professionals - so don't be shy! Talk to the vendors and ask questions about their services, get the details on the wedding packages they offer, and how they can best serve you on your very special day! (A great tip: bring along ribbons or swatches with your wedding colors! This can help our vendors best help you!)

8. Bring your cheque book or credit card in case you decide to book services or hold dates with a deposit.
Many vendors will offer special day-of-the-bridal-show discounts, and many vendors or wedding venues book fast, so if you find the perfect photographer or your perfect wedding spot, you will want to be prepared to put down a deposit! Be sure to check on refund policies before giving any money, and read the contract carefully before signing.

9. Wear comfortable shoes (opt for your running shoes instead of the Jimmy Choos) and have a great time!

10. Relax and have fun - this is your wedding. Enjoy every moment - the day will be here and gone before you know it!

Don't have your tickets yet? Viva la wedding has 5 pairs of tickets to give away to the first 5 brides/grooms-to-be that email us. Some of our favourite exhibitors you won't want to miss... Barbara Ann Studios, Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello, Groovy Linen, Melissa Jonston Photography, Mikaza, Photolux Studio, Quality Entertainment, Restaurant E18hteen, Stonefields Heritage Farm, The Westin, and With Love Bridal Boutique. Enjoy the show!

Charlie "deconstructed" with recycled scraps

(folded clutch)

Charlie "deconstructed"

(full view with strap)

Charlie "erosion style"

(opalo umber with fire treated romeo grey and blue details)

available at AOT

DIY Churro Bar

One word. Awesome. I seriously cannot even describe how much I love this idea for a wedding. I grew up eating churros. They were literally a staple in my diet as a child. When I think of churros, visions of trips to Disneyland dance in my head. Oh, and incase you were wondering, Disneyland has the best churros ever. Hands down. At least that's what my 5 year old self tells me. When I stumbled upon this DIY Churro Bar, I raced over to the blog so I could post this. 

In a nutshell, here's how it was done: 

1. First, purchase pre-formed (uncooked) churros in bulk. A good place to check out is Costco.
2. Second, set up a toaster oven with directions on how to cook. Two minutes is ideal.

3. Next, set up a roll station with ideal "rolling" ingredients - things like cinnamon sugar, oreo's, nutmeg, etc... Cinnamon sugar is a must-have.

4. Finally, set up a dipping station with various toppings - things like chocolate sauce, caramel, and even ice cream. 

5. Oh, and don't forget direction cards too. You'll need to clue guests in on how to make their churros. Set everything up on a long banquet table, and you're good to go! 

Enjoy! 

Photos courtesy of Carly Taylor via A Subtle Revelry.

Thank You!

As the hustle and bustle of our fall wedding season begins, I just wanted to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to all of our clients. You have entrusted us with planning one of the biggest moments in your life, and for that, I am extremely grateful. 

I vividly remember when the first thought of starting my own business popped into my head...I was in my apartment my junior year of college after just finishing a huge research project on a "creative job I'd like to have one day". Fast forward 6 years later, and I not only have that "job", but I have a full-time wedding planning company that continues to grow year after year. I took a huge leap of faith not knowing if one single bride would even pick up the phone and call me. Well, she did...and now she is happily married, and is the proud mama of a beautiful baby girl.

We all get caught up with the daily in's and out's of life, that sometimes we need to take a few moments to reflect on where we came from, and where we are going. There are times when I look around my office and see all of my client's wedding binders neatly organized in a row, and I think to myself "I am really lucky". Lucky to have built a business from scratch, lucky that my business has continued to grow, and most of all, lucky to have some pretty amazing clients. 

To all of my past, present, and future clients - thank YOU from the bottom of my heart for making Simply Perfect Weddings what it is today. 

With love,

HEATHER & DUANE GET MARRIED!!

Here it is!! Heather & Duane's big day at Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello thanks to Derrick Rice of Union Eleven. A big thank you also goes out to All Seasons Weddings, Groovy Linen, and the amazing Paul Chacra Entertainment. Not only did they provide the duo for the ceremony and cocktail hour but the band 1945 rocked the reception. Outstanding! Needless to say, the dance floor was packed the entire evening. Even between courses! In my next life I will be hunting Paul Chacra down to play at my wedding. Enjoy the images (One of Viva's faves is the framed picture that was on display of Duane proposing to Heather. He got down on one knee at the Kentucky Derby. LOVE that it was captured on film!) and congratulations to Heather & Duane on what was a fabulous wedding day!

Cake Pops :: Cake on a Stick!

Incase you haven't noticed, cake pops are all the rage in the wedding world right now. These super cute bite-size treats make the perfect favor to send home with your guests. They can even substitute for your entire wedding cake (as pictured above)! Lovebites, a Pittsburgh based bakery makes these delicious little sweet treats if you are interested in giving them a try. Check out their wedding section for details on cake flavors and various packages available. 

P.S. Rebekah, the owner/creator of Lovebites, has so graciously offered a discount to all SPW brides, so if you're interested, give me a buzz, and I will fill you in on all the details : )

Photo courtesy of Magic Your Way Weddings & Photography via Lovebites.

Black + Yellow Chalkboard Framed Signage

I stumbled upon these black + yellow 'Bride & Groom' chalkboard signs on Style Me Pretty this morning, and wanted to share with our Pittsburgh brides. These signs are super simple to make, and would be a great addition to a black + yellow color palette. 

Tip :: Get creative with your frames, and don't fret if you can't find a chalkboard small enough to frame...use chalkboard paint on virtually any surface (even glass!) for an instant chalkboard!

Photos courtesy of Annie McElwain Photography via Style Me Pretty.

"Erosion" wallets and belts
"Erosion" wallets

"Kim" tri fold wallet/clutch

Real Weddings 2011 :: Kate & Adam 06.18.11 {Part 2}

Last week we posted Part 1 of Kate & Adam's "Kate Spade Garden Party" themed wedding. Today, we are bringing you Part 2 with more of their preppy details! Enjoy!

The dress/custom hanger. Kate's dress was handmade by her Mother. Absolutely incredible!

The invitation. Don't forget to send your photographer an invitation! 
 

Apple escort cards. Too cute!
 

The Cake.

Custom card basket.

Guestbook signage.

Guestbook/gift table. 

Centerpiece. Gorgeous!!

Place setting - custom napkin rings and menu cards. Love the preppy look!

Menu cards.

Stripey Straws. Need I say more?

Table # & centerpiece.

Tables. Love those Chiavari Chairs! 

Flip flops! Helpful tips here.

Favor Table Signage. 

Favors - Eat'n Park Smiley Cookies.

Late night bite. Mini sliders! 

Photos courtesy of Leeann Marie Photography.