via Lela Rose

WHEN?
Friday, February 5th and Saturday, February 6th
10am-6pm

WHERE?
White Toronto (www.whitetoronto.com)
19 Hazelton Avenue, Toronto, ON. M5R 2E1
Tel: 416 849 9196 / info@whitetoronto.com
Call to make an appointment.

To see Lela Rose’s collection, visit www.lelarose.com.

“There were black and white striped stockings. A black cape. Leather flowers. Black eyeliner. And black and white pinstriped boots. It wasn’t traditional. It wasn’t the norm. But it was perfectly them. It was the story of Jessica and Nick. Exactly as they wanted to tell it.“

I don’t think I could describe Jessica and Nick’s wedding any better than Brianna (of The Last Forty Percent Photography) already has. When LFP posted photos from this funky wedding earlier this week, I immediately contacted Brianna to see if I could re-post the pics. I even bugged Brianna into passing along questions to Jessica. (Thanks Brianna!). Lucky for you and I, Jessica graciously answered my many questions and even provided more photo candy from her ‘unusual’ Friday the 13th wedding.

You’re probably wondering why Jessica and Nick picked Friday the 13th. Jessica tells me there were a few reasons why they wed on such na “ominous’” date. 1) During their first year of dating, in lieu of celebrating their first Valentine’s Day together, Jessica and Nick, neither believers in the ‘Hallmark’ holiday, decided to celebrate the Friday, February 13th instead. 2) Jessica found amazing vendor discounts for a Friday in November (both an ‘off’ day and an ‘off’ month for weddings in Ontario, Canada) and surprise, surprise, there weren’t a lot of other couples sealing the deal on their selected date. 3) Jessica and Nick wanted throw an event that none of their families and friends had seen before, and that ‘strange’ can be fun. So this is how Jessica and Nick ended throwing a Victorian/Gothic/Rock n’ Roll inspired-wedding on Friday the 13th.

Getting Ready

If you haven’t figured it out already, Jessica isn’t your typical bride. She may have donned a white wedding gown on her big day but she made sure there were bursts of her personality peeking through, such as her striped stockings and matching platform shoes. Not totally satisfied with her wedding gown, Jessica had the original sash removed and replaced with a black one adorned with a brooch she had found.

Not wanting to spend money on fresh flowers that would eventually die, and looking for a way to incorporate leather into her ensemble, Jessica turned to The English Rose Company in the UK to create this amazing leather rose bouquet. A matching boutonniere was also made for Nick.

The First Look

Ewan Phelan is a genius for perfectly capturing these below intimate moments.

The Bridal Party

Stay tuned for photos from Jessica and Nick’s ceremony & reception at Bellamere Winery (London, Ontario) as well as some ‘behind the scenes’ photos from Jessica herself!

All photos by The Last Forty Percent Photography

Back in December, I attended the grand opening soiree of Sash & Bustle, Toronto’s latest arrival to the bridal scene. Described as a “modern bridal loft” by its owner Cynthia Martyn (who is already known as one of Toronto’s foremost wedding planners), Sash & Bustle houses chic bridesmaid dresses and bridal gown alternatives. Sash & Bustle is not like any other bridal salon I have been to (and I’ve been to A LOT). Located in the Garment Factory Lofts building, this industrial yet inviting boutique is filled with white modern furniture, crystal chandeliers, elegant bridal accessories, and of course colourful bridesmaids dress! At the back of Sash & Bustle, hang the ‘bridal alternatives.’ Think non-traditional, non-poufy, non-blingy, no superlong train but still fun, elegant and chic. One of Sash & Bustle’s ‘bridal alternative’ collections is that of Stephanie James Couture. Stephanie James is based in Hungtingon Beach, CA and is known for her flirty, vintage-inspired and unique bridal gowns.

via Stephanie James Couture

For those of you north of the border, Sash & Bustle is the only retailer in Canada who carries Stephanie James Couture! Even more exciting is that Sash & Bustle will be hosting a Stephanie James trunk show next weekend (Friday, January 29th – Sunday, January 31st), and Stephanie James will be there in person to consult with brides. Cynthia tells me that Saturday is completely booked but there are still appointments for Friday and Sunday. So if you’re looking for a gown that is unlike anything you’ve see out there already, be sure to check out Stephanie James’ trunk show.

Sash & Bustle
233 Carlaw Avenue, Unit 2
Toronto, Ontario
M4M 3N6
hello@sashandbustle.com
www.sashandbustle.com

via Anne Barge

WHEN?
Friday, January 29th and Saturday, January 30th

WHERE?
White Toronto (www.whitetoronto.com)
19 Hazelton Avenue, Toronto, ON. M5R 2E1
Tel: 416 849 9196 / info@whitetoronto.com
Call to make an appointment.

To see Anne Barge’s collection, visit www.annebarge.com.

WHEN?
Saturday, December 5th by appointment

WHERE?
Pearl Bridal House
76 Lakeshore Rd. East
Mississauga, ON L5G 1E1
905.278.5407
hello@pearlbridalhouse.com
www.pearlbridalhouse.com

To see the latest Christos collection, visit www.christosbridal.com.

Congratulations Chocolate Lover! I’ve passed along your email to Barbara and she will be contacting you shortly.

Thank you to everyone who entered contest, blogged/tweeted/facebooked about it. Both Barbara and I were overwhelmed by the number of entries (73 in total). You guys rock! A big thank you to Barbara for sponsoring the contest.

For those of you who didn’t win, remember you can purchase a personalized calligraphy rubber stamp from Barbara.

I myself bought the rubber stamp one as I wanted to play with different coloured ink pads but for those of you who will be using your stamp a lot (like to stamp 200 response envelopes), you might want to consider the self-inking stamp. And don’t forget, Barbara is currently offering 10% discount for those who place their stamp order by or on November 30 . Just mention my blog or the Stamp Yourself Happy Giveaway when you place your order. A stamp would make a perfect gift for any occasion!

Barbara ‘s 10% discount offer also applies to her services. Please visit Barbara Kua Calligraphy to learn more about Barbara’s calligraphy services.

WHEN?
Friday, November 13 to Saturday, November 21

WHERE?
Ritche Bridal

1662 Avenue Road
Toronto, Ontario
M5M 3Y1
www.ritchebridal.com
416.789.4378
Call to make an appointment.

To see more dresses visit www.palomablanca.com

I made poached eggs for the first time this morning….not bad! Next time, I’ll try making the Hollandaise sauce! Hope you’re all having a lovely weekend. Don’t forget, the Stamp Yourself Happy Giveaway ENDS TONIGHT at 11:59EST!!!