Absolute Wedsite

The Bride Posts

Flashworks Photobooth: Green Screen Demonstration

Edmonton's very own Flashworks Photobooth will liven up any event and you can't go wrong with our custom built booths designed to be as unique as your event!

 

We were back at Bridal Fantasy for the 4th year in a row and this year we had something extra special for the show-goers. In addition to our 20' x 10' display near the entrance of Hall C, show-goers registering for the [...]

Modern Urban Designers: Mobile Services

Celebrating our 10th Birthday in September and proud to be the Salon featured on the Bridal Fantasy Stage this past January. Modern Urban Designers is a unique salon and spa located in the heart of 124th Street. At MUD we offer full salon and esthetics services taking care of your every need.

We also offer educational sessions, product exchange programs, free consultations and our newest adventure, MUD Mobile. Our MUD Mobile services can be catered specifically for you on [...]

Overlander Mountain Logde: A Naturally Vibrant Wedding.

An Overlander Mountain Lodge wedding features the spectacular Jasper National Park backdrop and requires little glitz and glam. From a ceremony on our large deck to photo opportunities amidst mountains to your evening reception, you and your guests can have it all. Specializing in wedding events for an intimate group to larger celebrations, the naturally vibrant location with pristine forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife make Overlander Mountain Lodge a quiet yet festive wedding destination.

Borsellino Photo Booth: Spring Sale

Friends of Bridal Fantasy - Special Spring Sale!

http://www.bridalfantasy.com/images/uploads/Photo_Booth.jpg

Book a 5-hour photo booth rental before May 31st, 2013 and receive $75 off

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Why book our booth?

  • Hours and hours of fun and entertainment for you and your guests
  • Beautiful, elegant, sleek design, completely custom-built

Book Bella Vita Music For Your Wedding

Your wedding day is as unique as you are! Every detail you’ve planned reflects your individuality.  Allow us to offer that final musical touch to bring it all together. 

With a live musical backdrop for your ceremony, dinner or cocktail reception, Bella Vita Music will create the perfect ambiance to ensure your day is beautiful and complete.

[...]

Plan the Destination Wedding of Your Dreams

Book your Dream Destination Wedding with UNIGLOBE Geo Travel!
Customized Wedding Invites, Luggage Tags and Thank you Cards
Book your Free Consultation: 1.800.661.2454 or Travel@Geo.ca

This could be your Destination Wedding...

Sample Package:

Your Wedding Day:
January 23, 2014

Travel Dates:
0Jan 19-26, 2014

The Resort:
5 Star - Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa - All Inclusive -  [...]

Tips and Tricks for Choosing a DJ

We have all heard a fair share of information about DJ’s; but when it comes to actually hiring one ourselves, we suddenly draw a blank and realize this is all foreign knowledge. This is why you want to find someone that knows exactly what they’re talking about and exactly what it is that you want. There are, of course, many factors that come into play when choosing a DJ for your big day, but in this article we are simply going to share a few of the tips you truly need to know.

The first [...]

Incredible Engagement Stories - Lori & Mark

A love many years in the making...

Lori & Mark ~ June 8, 2013

Let me take you back to when I was 11 years old.

Mark and I met in grade 5 in Montreal Quebec. He left with his family to move to Calgary, Alberta when he was 16. We went on with our separate lives. I joined the military and married a guy and was married for 27 years with 4 sons. Mark was married for 25 years with 2 beautiful daughters.

We thought [...]

1st In Entertainment - Live Music and DJ Services For Your Next Event


1st in Entertainment DJ and live music is a business that takes pride in exceptional service and innovation for ten years running.  Text message requests and mobile internet downloads are just a few of their bright ideas. They are the only company in Calgary offering music packages that include both live music (classical guitar, harp, rock bands, string quartets etc.) and DJ services.  1st in Entertainment also offers a wide range of decorative lighting including custom monograms, up-lighting and LCD projectors (used for special effects and slide-shows).

Union Bank Inn - Modern Rennaissance Inn

This Modern Renaissance Inn welcomes you with luxurious accommodations, fine dining & elegant banquet facilities. Situated in the heart of downtown Edmonton in the Business & Arts District, we are honoured to maintain this historic building (formerly the Union Bank of Canada) while offering local residents and travelers alike the luxury and charm of a boutique hotel with all of the modern amenities.

Offering a unique collection of designer guestrooms and suites, all of our 34 guestrooms & suites feature fireplaces, fleece robes, in-room safes, Keurig coffee brewers [...]

Privacy In Marriage - Setting Rules To Avoid Trust Issues

Advice From Top Relationship Expert Debra Macleod, B.A., LL.B.

So, you've met the man of your dreams and he's proposed. Things couldn't be better. Then, one night you're sitting on the couch watching Netflix when his smartphone whistles with a text message. Playfully, you grab his phone saying, "Oh, who's texting you at this hour? Your girlfriend?"

To your surprise, he doesn't laugh but instead angrily grabs his phone and says, "Don't snoop through my phone, it's private." He gets up and reads the [...]

Five Steps For Creating A Bespoke Honeymoon

Want the Best Custom Tailored Honeymoon?


5 Steps for Creating a Bespoke Honeymoon

So much time, energy and money is spent on the actual wedding day that often honeymoon plans get put on the back burner. Take note: your honeymoon is the first adventure you and your love are going to be taking together as man and wife. It's a building block to your relationship's foundation of loving memories and a way to reward yourselves after making the wedding day fabulous for your [...]

Serve Up Delectable Treats For Your Wedding From Leah-Tarts!

Leah-Tarts is a family operated Bakery that has been in business since November 2011. Anne (Mother) does the baking, while her Son Jake and Daughter Alana handle Sales and Marketing.

Their product, the Leah-Tart, is a delicious moist cake inside of a tart shell topped with decadent whipped cream. They offer twelve varieties of Leah-Tarts as well as a monthly special.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart Cinnamon Coffee Cake Tart

If you're looking for a trendy new item to have at your [...]

Dasee Floral Boutique Present A Fresh Spring Wedding Concept

Cory Christopher, Co-owner of Dasee Floral Boutique shot an inspiration shoot for Spring weddings with Shandro Photo recently and we wanted to share some of the fabulous photos they sent us. Here are a few words from Cory about his inspiration:

"Spring is simply summed up by FRESH ELEGANCE. A collection of green, modern and structured elements carefully fashioned together to sing of the beauty of spring. A delicate balance of playful energy and refinement Spring celebrates a fresh beginning. For any couple it is an imagining of the possible and a [...]

Cakes in Vogue Creating Irresistible Works Of Art For Every Occasion

Maria Alejandra Medina has been baking since she was 8 years old, and has always enjoyed the creative experience. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Maria worked in the Oil Industry. She continued to bake and treat her family & friends with freshly baked cakes, cookies, and cupcakes. Soon, her determination to find her passion for life led her to leave her job and pursue her dream of being a Baker.

Maria obtained her Cake Designer Certificate at the Bonnie Gordon College of Culinary [...]

Best 2013 Booths For Bridal Fantasy Calgary

Bridal Fantasy Calgary was a fantastic event once again. The exhibitors had put together many fabulous booths and the competition was tight! The following exhibitors were awarded prizes:

  • David Latos Photography wowed our judges with this beautiful metal worked sign to win Most Outstanding Signage and Overall Presentation.

  • Special Event Rentals showcased an intimate lounge for the brides and their washroom trailers to win Most Creative Booth.

Bliss YogaSpa - Your All-Inclusive Get Away

Why go to different spas, lash lounges and spray tanning facilities when you can do it all under one roof? Bliss YogaSpa is an exclusive 8,000 sq ft full service spa with 2 Hot Yoga Studios.

Bring your Bridal Party for:

  • Manicures/Pedicures
  • Relaxing or Clinical Facials
  • Spray [...]

Rescueflats.com is launching their product at Bridal Fantasy Edmonton!

RescueFlats.com is officially launching their product at the 2013 Bridal Fantasy in Edmonton!


Be the first wedding to provide this thoughtful gift to your high heeled guests.

We asked fellow Edmontonian Sarah Befus, President of rescueflats.com:  What is the story behind RescueFlats.com? This is what she had to say....

Like many women, I love my high heel shoes! But I hate all the baggage that comes with wearing them. At every wedding, right around 10 o'clock, my feet start to sting and I have [...]

Incredible Engagement Stories - Trisha & Dylan

A wonderful trip back home...

Trisha & Dylan ~ January 18, 2013

Growing up my favorite place in the world was my family's cottage on a island in the middle of a small lake in Central Ontario. A few years ago my amazing fiance took the long trip across the country to Alberta with me so I could complete my PhD in Neuroscience. Being high school sweethearts he knew there is nowhere in the world more precious to me than home. So when we took a trip home this [...]

Incredible Engagement Stories - Michelle & Joel

Sirens, lights, a ring -  oh my!

Michelle & Joel ~ July 25, 2014

There once was a boy who fought fires
And a girl who couldn't resist her desires
To marry her dream boy
After nine years of playing coy
She thought he was spinning her tires

All day they spent at the mall
The Christmas rush almost started a brawl
He hugged her extra tight that day
Careful not to give it away
It ended abruptly when he got a fire call

She waited for what seemed [...]

Incredible Engagement Stories - Kayla & Rob

A sneaky sweetheart...

Kayla & Rob ~ January 18, 2014

Didn't know where we were going to till night before left. Went to Tahiti for 6 nights then Bora Bora 7 nights. Did a jungle safari and swam with sharks and sting rays. Most memorable was Dec 10/2012. That day snorkelled in lagoon and visited the Turtle Sanctuary. After long day went back to our hut. Beach dinner for two was cancelled due to possibility of rain. He couldn't decide now that dinner was cancelled what to [...]

Incredible Engagement Stories - Hailey & Sofiene

The trip of a lifetime....

My name is Hailey Mills, this truly is a story of romance. Me being a single lady, with 3 kids at home, had an opportunity to travel by myself to a far away distant land called Tunisia. I went for 5 weeks.

In my second week, I went to a city called Sousse. The first day in the hotel, this handsome man came over to give me my "Welcome Cocktail", he was the bartender of the hotel. As I turned around I was caught off guard by his wonderful smile and [...]

Creating The Perfect Turkey For This Holiday Season

This Holiday Season ... you're the newlyweds and newly elected by your new family to do the next holiday dinner. You can still sail into preparing a family feast with ease if you organize your menu and ingredients beforehand.

With both members of your family working, you need to keep this meal as effortless as possible but still come up with a traditional family fare in a polished and simple manner. Not as hard as it looks! With a little effort and organization, you'll pull this off and impress both [...]

Incredible Engagement Stories - Adell & Tom

Love isn't a crime....

Adell & Tom ~ December 21, 2013

Tom just came home from vacation in Tel Aviv (which I was unaware he was buying my engagement ring) We were visiting our family on Vancouver Island and picked him up from the ferrie terminal at about 1am in Nanaimo BC (Vancouver Island).

It was a trip like any other, after being apart for about a month (with his vacation) he hopped in the car and it was a quick kiss of welcome home (it was a kiss I've done a thousand times but [...]

A Twitter Proposal - Kat Von D and Deadmau5 Engaged!

Attention Brides: Twitter Proposals are now a real thing; Canadian Electronic Music Producer Deadmau5 (pronounced dead-mouse, real name Joel Zimmerman) has proposed to his girlfriend and now-fiancée Celebrity Tattoo Artist Kat Von D. The Twitterverse witnessed the proposal on December 15, when Deadmau5 popped the question by tweeting a picture of the ring (which is unfinished but will have a black diamond in the center, true to Kat Von D's style)

Here is the tweet and picture of the ring:

Kat Von D responded with a [...]

Uptown Girl - Beer For The Modern Woman

Uptown Girl Beer has created their beverages with the modern woman in mind. They wanted a sleek look to their products, innovative flavours and a calorie count that everyone can agree on. As the youngest brewery Owners in the world, Manjit & Ravinder Minhas have many ideas that will be challenging the Beer Market here in Alberta and all over Canada.

One of the things you may notice about their beer is that the bottles are smaller. At only 207 ML each, it is the perfect size to enjoy like a lady, and you won't [...]

Blue Sky Limos - Getting You There In Style

Blue Sky Limos is dedicated to providing you with Professional Limousine Services and Rentals in Alberta with upscale bus service to your destination in luxurious comfort.

Whether you are interested in a limo bus for your Wedding, Stagette, Bachelor Party, or a "Night on the Town" - Blue Sky Limos can provide a custom limousine package from $100 - $400 per hour with evening Stagette and Bachelor Party Packages starting at $40 per person.

Blue Sky  has several different types of limos in their fleet, including 5 different buses, stretch SUVs and Hummers, limo vans, [...]

Incredible Engagement Stories - Katie & Matthew

He couldn't even wait for dinner...

Katie & Matthew ~ July 27, 2013

It happened November 22, 2012. Probably one of the scariest days for me because it was my 30th birthday. I arrived home from school...yes, turning 30 and still in college. He arrives home. He promised to make dinner for my birthday, which isn't such an easy feat for him, so I was just getting things ready for him to make dinner. He is good at everything else...dinner just needs practice. I could sense that something was up because [...]

Incredible Engagement Stories - Nicole & Ryan

A Beautiful Winter Moment...

Ryan & Nicole ~ June 30, 2012

First of all, I have known Ryan for 2 years now, and I love him so much, he is awesome and the perfect man for me, he means the whole world to me. This is how we got engaged:

One night he invited me to take dinner with him at a sushi restaurant. We ate and talked about different things we were dealing with. It was a normal date, we were having a really good time, when suddenly he [...]

The Wedding Reel - How To Choose Your Wedding Videographer

The Wedding Reel is a Calgary based wedding film company that offers brides a blend of cinematic story-telling and documentary film making. No cookie cutter videos here! Each film is carefully thought out and produced in accordance with the clients' vision; the result is a true reflection of the bride and groom and a picture perfect record of their wedding day.

A well-produced video can be a wonderful memento of your nuptials. Imagine how amazing it would be if you could now see a video of your [...]

Bust Loose! Party Buses, Getaways, and More!

Bust Loose! Party Buses & Pub Crawls has an extensive fleet of party buses, limo buses and limousines; from their luxurious VIP Limo Coach to their infamous Rockstar Party Bus; they have a selection of unique transportainment vehicles to accommodate 8 to 44 passengers! Their party buses and limo buses are available for rent and are a viable group-alternative to drinking and driving and can be booked for:

  • Pub Crawls, & Progressive Dinners
  • Birthday Parties, Stags / Stagettes & Corporate Parties
  • Concerts [...]

Eternabloom - A Calgary Florist That Will Make Your Dreams Come True

Melissa Anne, Owner and Founder of Eternabloom, began by creating arrangements for friends and family as a hobby. Her undeniable gift combined with a fierce entrepreneurial spirit led Melissa and her amazing team to open Eternabloom in 2002. Eternabloom was quickly established as a top florist in the Calgary area focusing on premiere events and weddings. Eternabloom's Designers are skilled at creating a signature look that uses nature's gorgeous resources to the fullest effect.

Here is a testimonial pulled from their website:

"Once again Thank You....but no amount [...]

Incredibly Engagement Stories - Andrea & Shaun

A Perfect Lakeside Proposal...

Andrea & Shaun ~ October 5, 2013

Shaun and I have been dating for just over 6 years and always knew we would end up together in the forever kind of way. Shaun wanted to make sure the day was special and one that I didn't expect and would remember for the rest of our lives. Back in September he suggested a trip to Jasper for my Birthday weekend. We both love skiing and being in the mountains so I agreed and immediately loved the idea! When [...]

Lash Affair Opens Doors To New Location

Lash Affair has been known for amazing lash services for years now, and has just expanded to a brand new commercial location to better serve their clients!

Lash Affair is best known for their individual eyelash extensions: boasting a variety of 4 extension materials (synthetic, silk, faux mink, and siberian mink fur), 7 curl-types, 12 length choices, and 5 different thicknesses, and 10 colour options (black, brown, natural, colour etc). Lash Affair's lash variety is the largest in Canada and no two women will ever leave with the same set of eyelash extensions! Lash Affair custom [...]

Incredible Engagement Stories - Laura & Daniel

A Picture Perfect Moment...

Laura & Daniel ~ December 1, 2012

After 7 years together, a lot of ups and downs, and having two beautiful boys I started to think that we just got comfortable in our life that we had and that we most likely would not get married. So when we booked a trip to Washington D.C. to go to my cousins wedding I had no idea the plan that my significant other had in store. Two days after the wedding we decided to go to the Lincoln Memorial and check out the Smithsonian. I was [...]

Incredible Engagement Stories - Denise & Darren

A Romantic Boat Ride In Central Park...

Denise & Darren ~ September 7, 2013

Where to begin......Darren really wanted to take me to New York , just for a weekend getaway. So he planned, booked our flights and made all of the arrangements. We flew to New York on Friday June 29th 2012, arrived at our hotel and checked in, then hit the town. On Saturday, we planned to walk the streets and check out Central Park. Arriving in Central Park, we walked around chatting and pointing and taking [...]

The Ranch Roadhouse, Union Hall Nightclub and Whiskey Rock Are The Places To Party!

Edmonton has a lot of different Nightclubs, with so many choices it can be hard to decide which one you want to go to on the weekends!

There are three clubs that stand out to us because of their casual, just-for-Albertains attitudes and commitment to serving up a damn good time. For all the cowboys and girls out there, The Ranch Roadhouse and Whiskey Rock have the right kind of party for you, and for everyone else, Union Hall Nightclub is the place to party, no matter what style of clothing you wear.

Rene Strauss For The Platinum Bride: Get Red Carpet Ready Hollywood Style

Renée with our models for the Cover Shoot Styled by: Renée Strauss, Beverly Hills

Renée Strauss is a leader in the Bridal Fashion Industry; since the opening of her Beverly Hills Bridal Salon in 1982, she has constantly gone above and beyond for her Brides and Followers. Renée has styled for movies (My Best Friend's Wedding, Coyote Ugly), magazines, celebrity weddings (Paula Abdul, Diane Keaton) and many more! Her expertise is highly sought after and she is now filming the second [...]

Incredible Engagement Stories - Kayla & Keston

A Hot Air Balloon Ride They Will Never Forget...

Kayla & Keston ~ June 28, 2013

We have been trying to go on a hot air balloon for weeks in September. The rides kept getting cancelled because of strong winds. I was trying to convince my fiance to give up the hot air balloon till the next year when the winds wont be so strong in the summer.

When I thought he gave up the idea, I got a call from my now fiance while I was at work. He asked me to leave [...]

Liancarlo Bridal Couture - Every Gown Is A Fantasy

When Carlos Ramirez was growing up, he watched his mother support his family through her seamstress business. His love for design and construction grew, but when he was finished College he was awarded a full scholarship to the University of Miami Law School. If he had not made the difficult decision of dropping out to follow his dream, our world would be a little less beautiful. In 1981 he started his own design company Liancarlo, with his first Bridal Collection launching in 2001. His Company has skyrocketed to the forefront of the Bridal World; since then his [...]

Blo is North America's Original Blow Dry Bar

Blo is North America's Original Blow Dry Bar. At Blo, you're not cheating on your hairdresser. No cuts, no color: Just WASH BLOW GO.

Blo digs wedding belles. Our signature Blo Bridal in-bar service includes a 45-minute consultation prior to garter belt removal. When it does come time to get hitched, your consult Bloer will work his/her magic with a bridal updo or whatever you desire.

Our Blo On The Go (BOTG) Bridal service takes the style to your hotel, reception or other location to guarantee flawless pics. For those that lust after [...]

Sareh Nouri: Elegance With The Modern Bride In Mind

Sareh Nouri is rather new to the world of Bridal Gowns, her first Collection was launched for Spring 2012 and her Designs have been turning heads ever since. Nouri started designing after her own wedding in 2009, a career which was not a far cry from her former vocation as a Graphic Designer and Persian Calligraphy Expert. Her Dresses are made for the modern Bride and they feature amazing fabrics and innovative techniques; they have been featured on Slice TV's and TLC's Brides of Beverly Hills and continue to be in high demand.

After searching [...]

Incredible Engagement Stories - Morganne & Charles

Morganne and Charles Met In Nursing School...

Morganne & Charles ~ September 13, 2013

Early on it was obvious how well Charles and I blended together as a couple. Meeting in nursing school, we already knew we shared a passion for helping others. Finding out our common interests didn't end there was thrilling - we both shared a love for the 1950's, site seeing, and sushi! I never knew a relationship could be so spontaneous and so fun! Never letting a day off be mediocre, Charles drove me all [...]

Brides Beware! Buying Your Dress Online Can Be Risky!

Buying your Wedding Gown can be a daunting task; there are so many different styles, fabrics, and different embellishments to choose from. Some Brides would prefer to shop online for everything, rather than go into a store.

Budgeting is key and many Brides can't afford to spend as much on their Wedding Gown as they would like. However, somewhere out there is the Dress of their dreams, within their price range. It may or may not be found online.

A few things to keep in mind if you are thinking of purchasing your dress [...]

Jessica Biel & Other Celebrity Coloured Wedding Dresses

After a long week of waiting, Jessica Biel's Wedding Dress has finally been revealed! The photos from the Timberlake/Biel wedding were reportedly sold to People Magazine for over $300,000! We were excited to see that Biel chose to marry in a beautiful rose tinted Giambattista Valli Gown. In the cover, Timberlake is shown jumping for joy in a custom made Tom Ford Suit; they both looked fabulous!

Photos Courtesy of Refinery29.com

There have been quite a few celebrities that [...]

Bridal Shoe Guide Say I Do! In the Right Shoe for You!

Attention Brides: There are plenty of factors to consider when find the right Bridal Shoes for you, espcially when all eyes will be on you as you walk down the aisle. With so many different options out there, from flats to platform heels, and even UGG Boots; how can you decide? The choice can be daunting! Here are a few helpful hints and style suggestions:

First of all, your shoe wearing ability is a big thing to consider; if you don't normally wear heels, you may not want to try walking down the aisle in them. (The last [...]

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biels' Private Italian Nuptials a Huge Success

It's official ladies! Justin Timberlake is off the market. The Sexy Back Singer married his leading lady of 5 years, Actress Jessica Biel (7th Heaven, Total Recall) on October 19 in a well kept secret Italian Ceremony.

After years of dating and a brief split in early 2011, the couple discussed marriage soon after getting back together; in an interview with Vanity Fair Timberlake stated that Biel is "single-handedly most significant person in my life." After consulting with her Stylist, Timberlake went "rogue" and designed a custom engagement ring for her; he then proposed [...]

New York City Bridal Fashion Week Spring 2013

New York Bridal Fashion Week at the London Hotel from October 12 - 15 was a fabulous event featuring many talented and inspired designers. There were several trends shown throughout the collections, from chic column looks to gorgeous long sleeves. Many of the dresses from Spring 2013 are sure to captivate and inspire many Brides.

Three of our favorite collections from NYC Bridal Fashion Week were Sareh Nouri, Liancarlo Couture, and the always fabulous Monique Lhuillier.

Here are some of our favourites from each collection:

Sareh [...]

Celebrity Engagement and Wedding Rings With Glitz, Colour, Sparkle and More

Celebrity wedding and engagement rings are what dreams are made of... While most of us can't afford these styles of rings, there is a lot of inspiration to be found in them.

Here are a few favorites of ours, each with a unique cut, setting, or color; to inspire our Brides:

Miley Cyrus' actor beau Liam Hensworth proposed with this gorgeous antique Neil Lane ring. Reportedly costing upwards of $100,000, the 3.5-Carat Cushion Cut Diamond is set in an 18-Carat gold handcrafted art nouveau band. [...]

Luxy Hair Extensions - Get Your 'I Do' Hairdo In A Snap!

If you are looking for quality hair extensions for your wedding hairdo but don't want to permanently commit to them, look no further than Luxy Hair.

Luxy Hair is run by sisters Mimi and Leyla, it started after Mimi went looking for hair extensions for her wedding day. After searching everywhere, Mimi found that if the hair extensions were affordable, they were poorly made and thin at the ends; and if the hair extensions were high end, they cost an arm and a leg and the quality was still [...]

Bridesmaid Fashion Trends For Spring 2013

Your Bridesmaids are some of yours most honored guests; and they should feel fabulous in what they wear for your big day. Luckily, the current trends from the Spring 2013 Runways will have them looking classy and feeling elegant,  while still letting you shine as the beautiful Bride.

Here are a few great trends to look out for in 2013:

Peplums: The peplum has exploded in the fashion world; celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Kate Hudson and Blake Lively have been spotted wearing them. The look is simple, yet memorable and suits almost any body [...]

Social Photo Booths For Every Event

They  provide vintage style photo booths that combine the best of traditional design and modern technology.  A true, hard-shelled, luxury photo booth equipped with state-of-the-art equipment that is designed to make you and your guests look amazing! Their photo booths will create lasting memories of your event now and for years to come!


What do you get when you rent a Social Photo Booth?
  • Real vintage [...]

The Devil Didnt Wear Prada

Something was in the air on September 29th...

Two of the stars of the 2006 hit The Devil Wears Prada got married on Saturday night, with plenty of supporting cast nods from the hit movie.

Hollywood celebrity and stunner Anne Hathaway got her happily ever after to actor-jewelry designer beau Adam Shulman. The two were wed against a scenic Big Sur backdrop, at a private estate on the California coast, after being engaged for nearly a year.

Image courtesy of earsucker.com

The Princess Diaries star looked every [...]

Trena Laine, Makeup Artist: Bridal Beauty Tips

Loving & living in Calgary, Alberta, Trena Olfert of trena laine, Makeup Artist, has several years in the industry educating women about how to bring out their BEST from skin care to makeup. She specializes in professional makeup application for fashion runways, fashion editorials, commercial, bridal, grad and private consults. Check out these these tips for brides - Enjoy!

trena laine, make up artist

Hydration, hydration, hydration!

Moisturize your skin because there is nothing worse then putting makeup on dry flaky skin - even if [...]

Glitz Spray Tanning: Say I Do to a Spray Tan!

A radiant, natural-looking tan looks perfect against a wedding gown, and with a tan from Glitz Spray Tanning you'll be in expert hands to get the colour you desire. Making sure you look your best is our goal. Come in for a trial to see the no-orange, no-streak spray tan. One Spray Tanning session can give you the look of up to 20 sessions in a tanning bed. Airbrush Spray Tanning is your best option for your wedding day glow.

While walking into a spray tanning booth may [...]

Incredible Engagement Stories - Soleil & Trevor

A Weekend Getaway That They Won't Forget...

Soleil & Trevor ~ August 17, 2012

My now-fiancé/then boyfriend wanted to go for a weekend trip to the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton (Nova Scotia, Canada) which was rated the 2nd most beautiful island in North America. We drove all the way there without him giving any huge hints (I should have known something was up from how big his suitcase was though! He's never pack so much!) When we arrived we were getting settled into the cottage we rented [...]

Fusion Bollywood - We Make Your Dream Wedding Come True

Fusion Bollywood is a full service event decor company. Passionate, creative and forward thinking, industry. We consistently delivery outstanding customer service and conduct business with the highest level of professionalism. Paying exceptional attention to detail and quality, we pride ourselves on creating innovative and exciting event themes and decor. Fusion Bollywood will help you choose the necessary elements to transform your venue from ordinary to exceptional. Drawing from a broad selection of quality vendors as well as our own growing inventory, we will create and deliver a unique look, signature to your event.

The Loft Hair Joins Bridal Fantasy: The Fall Fashion Edition

The Loft Hair is a hair extension salon, based in Edmonton, Alberta. Our goal is to offer a unique service experience in the art of hair extensions. Having worn hair extensions for over ten years, I believe in offering personally tested extension techniques. When applied correctly, hair extensions will not damage the wearers' hair thereby making them safe and versatile.

Whether you're looking to add volume or length, I personally guarantee that you will leave The Loft Hair truly pleased in your choice of our services.

WIGS: If [...]

Attention All Brides, Grooms, Bridesmaids, Mother-of-the Brides/Grooms, and any Wedding Enthusiasts.

That's right! This Sunday September 23, you can have all of your wedding woes, wonders, and wildest wishes answered at the Edmonton Expo Centre from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm! Enjoy a full day of looking at everything from photographers, to flower arrangements, venues to transportation, and even décor and unique ideas! If that's not enough, you'll get a chance to win some great prizes, including a new Lexus CT 200h courtesy of Lexus of Edmonton and Derks Formals & Menswear.

Not [...]

SURPRISE: Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are Married! xoxo, Gossip Girl

And the entertainment world just keeps on surprising us...

This past weekend, Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina was host to the secret wedding of two of today's most hottest, and stylish, celebrities - Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. 

Image via Us Weekly

The two first met on the set of the Green Lantern in 2011, where Lively, 25, played the love interest to Reynolds superhero character. Having been romantically linked for close to a year, the two have remained quite tight-lipped about their [...]

"It's Not So Complicated" - Avril Lavigne & Chad Kroeger are Engaged

Canada was shocked last week when news broke that two of it's most famous rockers are getting hitched... to each other!

Avril Lavigne found her Sk8tr Boi in the form of Nickelback's frontman Chad Kroeger, People exclusively revealed. Originally getting together this past February, where Kroeger, 37, was helping the 27-year old songstress pen a new song for her upcoming album. According to family and friends they have the same values and really understand each other. The couple has kept their courtship on the serious down low with [...]

ViSi Weight Loss: The Perfect Weight Control Solution

ViSi Weight Loss is an all natural formulation that promotes optimal weight control without the jitters , hunger or confusion of other weight Loss Programs.

Featuring our proprietary Scandinavian Gold Blend, this proprietary formula is designed to support the body's weight control efforts on three major fronts appetite suppression , thermogenesis and the conversion of body fat.

HOW CAN VISI WEIGHT LOSS HELP YOU?

1. Is 100% Natural
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More Summer Celebrity Engagement and Wedding Annoucements

It seems to be quite the summer in the entertainment world...

Despite the news of certain relationships not getting the cliched ending, there are still some celebrity romances and relationships that are continuing to heat up and stay strong. From an engagement of one of our best friends, to the engagement of another person we wish was our best friend, and the secret wedding of the last member of our wolf-pack, these last few weeks have been busy in Hollywood social circles.

Image Courtesy of [...]

Shandro Photo: True Emotion, True Beauty

Haley & Michael Shandro of Shandro Photo are highly sought-after for their unique style of art.

Breathtaking colour and emotion are expressed throughout their photography portfolio. The have taken top awards in multiple competitions across Canada and Internationally; their work has been featured in various magazines and appearing in countless blogs. But most importantly - their clients love working with them!

Please note: All [...]

Incredible Engagement Story: Mark & Samantha

What seemed unfortunate, turned out to be planned...

Mark & Samantha~ 8/25/12/

My fiancé Mark and I met just after high school and fell in love shortly after, now our wedding date is set for our Ten Year Anniversary! Our Engagement Story is one that I will never forget; I was supposed to be heading out of town to visit my sister and my niece for the weekend, and so my fiancé (then boyfriend) was planning on going skiing for the weekend with my brother. I was super bummed out [...]

Buying a Home - Opening the Front Door to your New Life

Are you looking to buy a home with your brand-new spouse so that you can really start your lives together? Are you looking for a place that's perfect for YOU, but you can't seem to find anything that perfectly fits exactly what you're looking for? On top of that, is finding the right realtor even more difficult? Looking for someone who will actually listen to you when it comes to making the biggest purchase of your life? Look no further; we at Bridal Fantasy introduce you to Front Door Real Estate.

We met Robert Rudyk [...]

Incredible Engagement Story: Amy & Jason

One Anniversary that they both will remember forever...

Amy & Jason ~ 6/22/13

To celebrate our 4 Year Anniversary, we planned a hike and a picnic at one of my favourite childhood trails. We found a beautiful secluded spot by the bay, with a canopy of trees above us.

After eating some sandwiches and enjoying a beer, out of the backpack Jason pulls out a book; the book was full of photos of the two of us from the last 4 years, along with lyrics of some of [...]

The Perfect Wedding Destination - Silvertip Resort

There is nothing more beautiful than a mountain view while you say your vows to the man or woman you love, right in the heart of the Alberta Rocky Mountains. Nestled in the Bow Valley is Silvertip Resort in Canmore - the perfect place to exchange your vows. Not only will you have breathtaking views outside, but the gorgeous venue will have your guests floored. With large banquet halls crafted of wood and beautiful stone, your reception will be held in a beautiful location, with decorations set to your desire. Enjoy the large, vast windows to enjoy [...]

Theme Your Wedding Day

Theme weddings can be absolutely stunning. However, they have to be done right or it could just turn into a huge disaster. Fortunately for you, I'm going to outline three awesome trends for weddings this year, and give you some ideas!

1.      Eco-Friendly Wedding

Keeping the Earth green has been huge over the last few months, and an eco-friendly wedding won't only be beautiful, but it'll make you feel great! This wedding will have lots of earthy tones - greens, browns, pastel-y colours to match wild flowers. Your décor will also reflect your theme with [...]

Head Over Heels Wedding & Event Planning

Head Over Heels Wedding & Event Planning is based out of Edmonton and is owned by WPIC certified planner & shoe-a-holic, Amy Maier.

Amy believes that couples should have fun planning their wedding, and having laughs along the way is important. As much fun as she likes to have with her couples, it is never lost on her how important this day is to her couples and how much time and money is being invested.

"I don't believe in cookie cutter weddings, I believe that no matter the budget, every couple should have [...]

Ask The Expert: Courtney Owner of Lash Affair

Courtney Owner of Lash Affair, recently answered our top 6 questions about lash extensions. From what they are to the process of getting such a luscious full look.

1. What are lash extensions and why have they become so incredibly popular over the last few years?

Lash Extensions are the latest craze sweeping over the beauty industry. They are individual extensions that are adhered one by one to each natural lash, giving women the lashes they have always dreamed of! Lash Affair uses synthetic, silk, and cruelty-free [...]

Molson Canadian 67 keeps it light cool from the Engagement to Bachelor Party

Wedding Celebrations with Modern Flair

Casual, yet experience-rich parties with unexpected drink choices like light beer cocktails make all things wedding easy to enjoy while keeping couples on track to looking their best on the big day.

Molson Canadian 67 and Tara O'Grady, a wedding expert and owner of Toronto-based Bliss Events, have created four fun, stylish pre-wedding celebration themes showcasing a variety of low-calorie cocktails that are anything but traditional. From the engagement celebration to the bridal party, Molson Canadian 67 is a great fit for every occasion. [...]

Unique Handmade Clutch Purses by Allison Barnes Collection

Allison creates the most amazing one-of-a-kind clutch purses out of Men's Neckties. They are the perfect accessory for the wedding season, the little black dress and a night out on the town.

These clutches are a perfect gift for your bridesmaid!  They can rock them on your big day and at fun unique moments. Match your clutch purses to the Groomsmen Neckties.

Allison is accepts custom orders: choose from one of her in-stock neckties, or send [...]

Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves Tied The Knot

With spring coming to an end in the next few days, the summer of love is coming up in a big way.  No one seems to be able to escape the love bug.

The king of romcom's and the man best known for running down a beach bare-chested in his off time is officially off the market. On June 9th, Matthew McConaughey and his longtime girlfriend Camila Alves tied the knot at their home in Austin, Texas, surrounded by 120 of their closest family and friends, which included Reese Witherspoon, Kenny Chesney, and Woody Harrelson. [...]

Debbie's Fashion Design

Debbie's Fashion Design is a customer oriented family business that truly cares the way you look on your special day. We specialize in bridal wear such as evening gowns, bridesmaid, and mother of bride, etc.
 
Timeline to have your alterations done:
Alterations for your wedding gown should start at least two months before the wedding and five weeks before for bridesmaids, mother of bride/groom dresses. Using this guide for a timeline is best because if you start to early, you may end up with [...]

Father's Day is Fast Approaching! Check out Campers Village

There's been one man who has always had your back. He's always been there for you to hold your hand, be a shoulder to cry on, the one to make you laugh when you're down, and the one to celebrate with you when you're happy. He is the first man you've ever loved, and you will always love unconditionally. He's your father, and there is not one person who can touch the place he has in your heart. He taught you to ride a bike, to drive, to break the rules without your mom finding out, to [...]

Incredible Engagement Story: Yossico and Darrin

No Valentine's Day will compare...

Yossico & Darrin ~ 11/28/12

It was Valentine's Day, Darrin picked me up after work. Our plan for the evening was to go to Banff right away, so we could make it for our reservations at our favorite restaurant called "Grizzly House". Instead he was so insisting of taking me to Chinook Mall. Little did I know, Darrin had been planning for the proposal all day, with the help of his best friend Craig.

As we got into the mall, [...]

How to incorporate a brooch into your Wedding Day Outfit

When I think of a brooch, I think of my Grandmother; old, dated, and tacky pieces of jewelry...until I saw what she had. I was proven wrong when I saw the amazing pieces she had, and actually started imagining them on different gown designs I had seen. How nice would it be to have a little piece of your Grandmother with you on your wedding day, in a nice tasteful way? Also, something old, and borrowed!

But then I thought, it wouldn't look right to just stick a [...]

Chicks that Click They each have their very own love stories!

Who we are:

We are Sisters who LOVE photography! It started at a young age, we used to set up model shoots of each other and spend the day snapping pictures. Our love of photography grew and now we are able to do what we love and capture moments for couples in love.

What sets us apart?

We each have our very own love stories!

Melissa started her love story on a cold winter day. From the very first moment she knew she had met Mr. Right! Day after day, month after month [...]

What to get the Spouse that has everything?

 Okay, so you're married. You have the rest of your lives together. Awesome, right? RIGHT! But now, you also have anniversary presents...on top of birthday and Valentine's presents. You're going to run out of ideas sooner than you think...but did you know there was a traditional list of gifts that you should give and receive of a certain material corresponding to your anniversary year? Yeah, neither did I. But thanks to Wikipeidia, you'll seldom be without ideas! I'll break it down for you quick...

Incredible Engagement Story: Samantha and Chad

A ride that the two of them will never forget...

Samantha & Chad ~ 8/18/12

It was last summer on July 25 2011, Chad and I went to Capital Ex in Edmonton, AB.  It was a beautiful day to go on rides. We walked around all day playing games, winning prizes and enjoying the rides. We were staying till it closes because we wanted to watch the fireworks. It was almost that time so we started to walk to the Ferris Wheel so we could watch them on [...]

From the Experts: Divinity Productions

Why make your Reception look and sound the same as everyone else? We have the biggest selection of features for you to choose from, and the best DJs in the city.


You can choose from 4 packages designed for every budget and size of event. Go to www.EdmontonsTopDjs.com to check out videos of our setup or Call 80.994.4331 for more info.


We are proud to have worked with so many people over the past many years, check out what other [...]

Waterton National Park

My favourite thing about a wedding is that they reflect the relationship between the Bride and the Groom. If you're beach bums, a beach destination wedding is what to have; if you're religious, a traditional church wedding. Really, the possibilities are endless. For me, though, I'm a classic Canadian who loves the mountains, and I can't think of a better place to go than Waterton National Park for a nice, small wedding.

The thing about Waterton is that it's not overcrowded. As much as I love Banff and Jasper, I want my day [...]

Incredible Engagement Story: Anita & Tom

The wedding is planned, and the date has been picked! But wait... no ring?

Anita & Tom ~ 10/7/12

We had been planning to get married since July of 2011. We actually wanted to get married away from home (such as Mexico or Dominican.) But our Fathers both got sick and they can't travel, neither can his Grandparents, so we decided to postpone for a bit.

Then this past February of 2012, his Sister announced she was having a baby! Then two weeks later, [...]

JACEK Chocolate Couture

JACEK Chocolate Couture is a artisan chocolate company that offers a contemporary twist on high end chocolate.  Each chocolates is hand crafted in Sherwood Park, AB using fine chocolate, innovative techniques and fresh ingredients.  As chocolate designers passionate about catering to the modern bride,  JACEK Chocolate can customize wedding favours or provide pieces from the seasonal collection of truffles and chocolate bars.

Like fashion, JACEK Chocolate Couture launches a collection seasonally. Jacqueline Jacek calls herself a 'Cocoanista'; the fusion of Fashionista & Chocolatier. She applies the principles of haute [...]

In a Relationship to Married a Facebook Wedding

It used to be that all that told the world that you tied the knot with your man was that flashy ring on your finger and maybe a few photographs. Now, we have Facebook. Updating photo albums, to changing your status - now the world knows you're married! And you don't even have to know them!

Photo Courtesy of Hollywood Gossip

Well, Facebook's one and only Mark Zuckerberg shocked everyone this weekend when he tied the knot with long-time college sweetheart, Priscilla Chan. [...]

Delica Bridal, Edmonton's Premier Bridal Boutique

Delica Bridal, Edmonton's premier bridal boutique offers glamorous and exclusive bridal gowns for today's modern bride. Our educated, trendy bridal consultants work with you to help find the wedding gown that makes you feel glamorous and look beautiful.

Whether you are searching for a designer wedding gown or looking for modern dresses for your bridesmaids, we have a fashionable and exclusive selection to offer you. Delica Bridal is the exclusive Edmonton retailer of Lazaro, Alvina Valenta, Hayley Paige, Jim Hjelm Blush, Lillen Collection and Jenny Yoo. These designers [...]

Coney Island Candy - The Sweetest Show on Earth!

Have you noticed that a majority of weddings are offering different types of "dessert bars"? From Sundae Bars to Cookie Bars, it seems to be a growing trend! Have you ever considered offering a Candy Bar to your guests? Whether it is for your Engagement Party, Rehearsal Dinner, Bridal Shower or Wedding, Coney Island Candy on Whyte Avenue  has one of the sweetest assortments that Edmonton has to offer! Take a look for yourself...

They specialize in all things sweet!

Coney Island Candy offers the tastiest assortment of candy in town. They are [...]

JoyFoley Weddings specializes in making your wedding day perfect!

Stacey Foley WPICC, Owner and Lead Planner of JoyFoley Weddings, knew at a very young age that party planning was in her blood. Nicknamed the "Queen of Theme" by her friends she's famous for always making sure her guests have a great time and that no detail goes unnoticed.

In August of 2010 Stacey was given her opportunity of a lifetime when she was hired on by the Northern Bear Golf Club as their wedding director. For 2 years she worked hard learning the behind the scenes aspects to weddings by being [...]

Ask The Expert: Fly Away Weddings & Honeymoon

With Fly Away Weddings & Honeymoons, you have the peace of mind that you and your guests are getting the best value. They can arrange travel from almost any major city that your guests are coming from, even if it is from more than one location. They can also provide group rates as well as individual travel for late additions to the wedding guest list.  Their contacts in destination allow them to provide you with special extras that you would not normally receive from a standard travel agent.

Honeymoon Registry

BMP Photo Booths by Boller Media Productions

Our Photo booths are called MOJO Photo Booths that come from Chicago. After wanting to leave a job of 15 years as a Parole Officer and wanting to add something unique to my Photography Company, Trevor Boller Photography.

The booths take 5ft x 7 ft of space and a corner can usually always be found, even if set up in the hallway. The Photo Booths can fit 8-10 people with a record being 13 so far. The Photo Booths are enclosed with walls for the guest privacy so they can let their hair down with funny [...]

Spring 2013 Bridal Gown Trends

Welcome, Fashionista's! As I'm sure many of you fashion-forward brides know, designers recently showed their lovely Spring 2013 bridal collections in New York a few weeks ago, and are we ever excited about it! With ten major trends (which we've split up nicely for you into four categories) for this upcoming wedding season, there's no way you won't find something you'll fall in love with - much like your husband-to-be!

The first trend worth mentioning is colour. That's right, the coloured wedding dress is in, ladies and gentlemen! In fact, the big colour is red. Not convinced? [...]

How To Decide On Your Grooms Wedding Attire

If there are only two times in his life that a man will have to dress in a formal suit or tuxedo, it would be his high school graduation and his wedding day. Although most guys are completely against it, in the immortal words of Barney Stinson, it's time for them to "suit up!".

Tuxedos are always a classic option, and is formal wear at it's best. It gives a man a simple, elegant, and debonair look, a throwback if you will [...]

Century Casino: Your Home for Stag & Stagette Parties

So you're getting married (congrats!) and your wedding is just a few short weeks away. Well you know what that means? You need to plant the seed to your faithful bridesmaid and/or groomsmen on what you want to do for your Stag and/or Stagette!

What better way to spend your Stag or Stagette then at Yuk Yuk's Comedy Club. With Reservations of 10 people or more receive 2 FREE Appetizers and Yuk Yuk's/Century Casino Prize Packages!

"Yuk Yuk's, where the very best comics come to play"

Book Today:

Phone Number: 780.481.YUKS (9857) [...]

Incredible Engagement Story: Holly & Travis

Rather than explain the story...

Holly & Travis ~ 3/22/12

I'll let you see it for yourself! I'm a high school cheer coach and he proposed at the game of the season. Below is the link (my roommate video taped the whole thing!) Aside from being complete surprised by his extravagant entrance... He somehow snuck in 30 - 40 of my closest friends and family without me knowing!

 

Fingernail Frenzy: The Guide For Your Wedding Day Nails!

Every little part of your look has to be picture perfect for your special day. From your head to your toes, you need to look prim and proper.

Nails can be a tricky thing to decide on. Everything from colours, to design, even the medium you use can send you into a frenzy of confusion and stress. 

Here's a quick guide on fun fingernail frills:

1. If you have nice nails naturally, get a manicure. Plain and simple will do the trick. [...]

Duchess Catherine and Prince William are approaching their 1 year Anniversary!

For those of you who don't remember - and let's face it, who doesn't remember - the two were married on April 29thof 2011 at Westminster Abbey in London.  The Royal Wedding was absolutely breath taking and the "talk of the town" on the News, Social Media Outlets and Daily Chatter. Her dress is still on the mind of many and will be an inspiration to many trends for years to come.

The Bridal Fantasy Group was fortunate enough to hear firsthand about The Royal Wedding when Jane [...]

Insider Tips to Planning the Perfect Honeymoon

1.  Plan Early: I suggest starting to plan your honeymoon a few months after you start planning your wedding. This is an extra special vacation.

2.  Decide on budget, length of stay, preferred destination(s) and type of honeymoon:  There are so many options for honeymoon trips. It can be that relaxing trip with pristine beaches, or it can be a biking trip through Tuscany or a small group touring trip through India or a luxury cruise. What type of honeymoon defines you as a couple and is an experience you would cherish together?

3.  Consult [...]

Incredible Engagement Story: Shaun & Hazel

Not just your average stay in the mountains...

Shaun & Hazel  ~ 5/24/14

Well Shaun took me to Canmore and Banff and he had booked us a room at the most amazing hotel called Stoneridge  located in Canmore. We had been to Banff and Canmore before on our first weekend as a couple and gone up the Gondola and everything! However ,I wanted to take Shaun to see Bow Falls when it was frozen. So we had gone back. It was quite a task getting Shaun to go [...]

2012 Brad & Angelina Make It Official!

Well Bridal Fantasy subscribers, it's 2012! It's a year of wonder, a year of twists and turns, and a year of surprises. So, what is more surprising than Hollywood's golden couple declaring they're ready to tie the knot?! That's right, Brad and Angelina are officially engaged, and it's about time!

                                                                          Image Courtesy of USA Magazine

After seven years, and six kids, the globe-trotting couple has made it official with a huge, beautiful diamond placed on Angelina's finger. Although the couple [...]

7 Tips On How To Hire The Right DJ Service

At your wedding, people will talk. What will they say about the music?

These days, every one's a DJ! And everyone knows someone who knows someone that's a DJ. And just like friends shouldn't let friends move them, friends shouldn't let their friends DJ their wedding. It is true what they say about the entertainment at any event, it is one of the key components to a great time. It is no secret that the market is saturated with DJs, so how do you hire the right DJ for your budget?

Greenscape Bride: You Dream It, We Make It

Our talented teams of wedding specialists are recognized for their creativity, attention to detail, and ability to oversee the intricate details of even the most complicated event.


 

Whether your vision is tied to tradition, a fun, flirty and vibrant experience, or a rich and modern colour palette - our team is excited for the opportunity to create something unique for you! Be inspired with a few samples of our custom built centerpieces and room décor options.

G & G Designs Brings Vintage and Timeless Pieces to Your Wedding Day

Shirley Zago is a Canadian designer and the owner of G & G Designs. G & G stands for the names of her parents Gabriella and Gaetano who were immigrants to Canada from Italy. Her passion at this time is that of a jewellery designer who redesigns vintage jewellery to create one of a kind pieces. In studying the historical trends in fashion, she is intrigued by the timeless and classic styles of the 1940's and 50's and how fashion always tends to come full circle again.

Many changes in [...]

The Deerfoot Inn & Casino is the only Hotel, Convention Centre & Casino Property in Calgary!

The Deerfoot Inn & Casino is Calgary's finest hotel, convention center and entertainment complex. Their core value is 100% Guest Satisfaction! Their "YES I CAN" attitude is their assurance to you that your satisfaction is their first priority.

They are there to assist you in making the most of their services and facilities during your visit. Should you have a special request not featured, please do not hesitate to contact them for assistance.

Whether this is your first time visiting the Deerfoot [...]

Incredible Engagement Story: Eric & Gina

It was our two year anniversary date on November 1, 2011...

Gina & Eric ~ 8/11/2012

Since Eric and I are in a long distance relationship, I was thrilled for Eric to come out to see me and go on our very special two year date. Eric had planned a fun date for two in Regina. We normally exchange gifts in the beginning, but Eric said that his gift would have to wait, thinking nothing of it, I said, "okay!" The day began. We went out for lunch at [...]

Paper Panache Brings You The Trends For Invitations

As a graphic designer who has been in the wedding invitation industry for more than eight years, I have seen my share of trends. This season, Weddings are all about the colour purple!

Purple has been popular in high fashion, home accessories and now seeps down into wedding styles as seen in modern and bold damask prints, silk ribbon, and wax seals. "Regal and mysterious, purple is a glorious yet very complex colour, preferred by very creative and eccentric types," states Pantone's Book - A guide to communicating with colour. Commonly paired with black, grey or cream, [...]

Green Weddings: Taking vows in the arms of nature

No doubt that weddings today are an extravagant affairs, with money and attention to detail are being lavished to create the most memorable day for the bride and groom. As a result, weddings have a huge ecological as well as economical impact on us. But now, green is the new white. The whole world is going green as such more and more couples are opting for green wedding wherein they do their bit for the earth by [...]

The Nisku Recreation Centre Great for Any Event!

The Nisku Recreation Centre has been proudly serving the community for 37 years as a not-for-profit facility operated by the Nisku Parks & Recreation Society and owned by Leduc County. The Rec Centre is utilized by workers in the Nisku Industrial Park as well as residents from the surrounding areas.


Our Banquet Facility accommodates groups from as small as 8 or 10 all the way up to 275. It is a favourite venue for Weddings. Some [...]

Incredible Engagement Story - Cody & Tenecia

My fiancé and I had been dating for 2.5 years when I popped the question!

Cody & Tenecia ~ 7/13/13

My fiancé's mother had come to stay with us in October for a few month's while taking a program at Okanagan College for work. During this time, things were great but we'd both been working so hard with no vacation in sight till March (or private time). We'd talked a lot about our desire to get married and it was only a matter of him having the opportunity to secretly save [...]

Something Old, Something New, Something Glitzy, Something Blue.

There are five main parts that constitute a bride’s wedding day look – the dress, the shoes, the undergarments, the hair, and finally the jewelry. Although most brides think about the first four in great deal, some tend to overlook the last choice. The problem is though that the jewelry they wear can make or break your outfit. Too much and it will overshadow the dress you spent hours searching for, and add up to a gaudy look. Too little and it may not give your entire appearance that little extra glitz that it needs. Although [...]

Revolution DJ & Limousine Inc.

With over 1000 events every year Revolution Entertainment is the leader in mobile DJ services. It becomes very clear from their reputation that they truly realize the importance of QUALITY and SERVICE.

They are also experts in personalized weddings and have done 3000+ shows over the past decade. While being your 5 star wedding service. Revolution Entertainment also specializes in corporate functions, school dances and any special event that requires sound and lighting. No show is too big for them!

Their company mission is to make sure all clients are 100% satisfied with every [...]

Casting Call: They Are Back For Another Season

Renée Strauss is currently starring in her own TLC /Slice Network reality show "Brides of Beverly Hills" which continues to gain new markets world-wide. Film, television and commercial productions seek out her expertise regarding the design, construction, and trends of dresses, as well as the traditions and cultural nuances of weddings. Frequent New York and European buying trips keep Renée on the pulse of the worldwide fashion markets.

Renée designed the wedding wardrobe for Father of the Bride (making a cameo appearance in the film) and her co-star Kevin [...]

Wedding Photography: How to Find the Ideal Person to Document Yours

Your wedding day is fast approaching and you are stressed out, as you still have not found a photographer to document the occasion. There is no need to panic as there are many options available on the Internet. You can check out a professional who can capture those memorable moments in the best possible way. After all, the photos and videos are meant for posterity. Here are a few tips on how you can look for the right and talented photographer for your big day.

Photo Courtesy [...]

Budgeting for Your Reception

When it comes to weddings, the reception is the biggest overall expense. It encompasses the location, the possibility of feeding all your guests, drinks, dancing, and just the general party you want to be hosting in order to finish the celebration of your big day off right. Last week I had the chance to meet up with a good friend of mine for lunch. Tamara is currently in the midst of planning her nuptials, which is going to be taking place next September in Banff, and I was able to pick her brain on [...]

ABC Weddings Introduces A New Take On Photo Booths

ABC Weddings is Edmonton's premier Wedding Rental Service. ABC Weddings contains a variety of Rental and Retail merchandise to create your special event; additionally, with our available services of delivery and pick up, set up and installation we seek to put your minds at ease. With ABC Weddings the possibilities and combinations of our rental items, as well as retail and invitations, are infinite creating a purely unique and creative design made by you. From a wide range of Linen materials such as Satin Chair Bags and table cloths, to big top tents and [...]

Rehearsal What? A Quick Guide to Rehearsal Dinners

Leading up to your wedding, you have a million and one things on your to-do list: flowers, dresses, tuxedos, invitations, honeymoon planning - but don't forget about a key part in your wedding mayhem, your rehearsal dinner! Here are a few tips and ideas for you!

A rehearsal dinner is a gathering for the wedding party and family of the bride and groom. Because most weddings are formal with a sit-down dinner, it's a good idea to have a more casual dinner the night before. For example, renting out [...]

Elegant Simplicity - Black and White Theme Wedding

A little while ago, couple John and Michelle got married at the Brock House Restaurant in Vancouver. What grabbed our attention was the simple and elegant theme of their wedding: black and white.

Michelle, wearing a gorgeous ruffled piece, walked down the outdoor isle, scattered with white rose petals, carrying white roses, while her husband-to-be John, was waiting excitedly.

Michelle was preceded by her six beautiful bridesmaids, who were all wearing black dresses. Each dress was different - some strapless, some with one strap, one a halter - and they were all uniquely designed to [...]

D-I-Y: Your Wedding Flowers

Weddings can be expensive, so many brides are turning to DIY flower options to save a little money. It gives you a chance to let your creative juices flow and to add a personal touch to your decor. Plus, it gives you more freedom when choosing the flower types and accessories.

For centerpieces, you don't have to stick to flowers alone. Branches, twigs, vines, and even dried wheat can be used depending on the time of year and your theme. Spice them up with decorative crystals, textured spray paint, or satin ribbons. You can [...]

Gail Vaz-Oxlade: A Brand New Book!

Now, this is going to be a departure from the usual wedding planning postings. Instead, I'm going to introduce you to one of Bridal Fantasy's favorite authors, Gail Vaz-Oxlade. Oxlade is a Canadian financial writer and television host of such shows like Princess and Til Debt Do Us Part, who gives out her no-nonsense approach to financial situations.

Photo Courtesy of Harper Collins Canada

In her newest book, entitled Money-Smart Kids, Oxlade writes all about starting your kids off on the right financial path. Like all parents, you want your kids [...]

Pop versus Natural: Eye Makeup Trends

A big question for a bride is how to do her make-up on her wedding day. What is too much? What is not enough? What should be accentuated? Eyes? Lips? Or nothing? Since eyes tend to be the biggest issue many women have, we'll discuss this.

2012 has started off with a bang, using a lot of bold colours as accents in what would be seemingly dull outfits - bright shoes, scarves, and jewelry have been used to add that "pop" for your everyday outings. Well, the same has been going for weddings as [...]

Whats Your Favour? A Cheap and Easy Guide to Wedding Favours

I, myself, was pretty clueless when it came to the idea of wedding favours. I really had no idea what was an appropriate wedding gifts was, or how much it should cost. So, naturally, I asked my mother. She couldn’t even remember what she gave for her wedding gift. Needless to say, I was stuck. So I went to the next most reliable source: Google.

On Google, I found a few great websites on wedding favours, and possible ideas. They included stem-less wine glasses, engraved glass, even some cultural ceramic animals. [...]

Urban Affairs Putting A Classic But Modern Spin On Event Rentals & Designs

Urban Affairs joined both Bridal Fantasy Edmonton and Calgary this year and won Best Booth in Edmonton.

Urban Affairs, specializing in providing premier rental and event design services for weddings, corporate functions, parties and other events, Special Occasions brings elegance and innovation to the Edmonton and surrounding area’s event market.


By combining a high level of [...]

Getting More Money-Savvy with Kelley Keehn

 We all know, your wedding is going to be an expensive affair. It really doesn’t matter how small of a party you have, or how cheap your dress is – you’re going to be dropping some serious green on your special day. And why shouldn’t you?! You only get one of these days! But what about your hangover? No, I don’t mean your I-partied-too-hard-and-now-the-room-is-spinning hangover, but your money hangover. You’ll be getting ready to start paying off your credit cards and vendors, on top of starting your new life with your new family. I don’t know about [...]

M & K Candy Buffet Satisfies Any Sweet Tooth At Your Event!

M & K Candy Buffet believes that Candy Buffets are slowly replacing the "GUEST FAVOUR", as many are very expensive, left at the event and or not appreciated.


They are big fans of all things related to Candy! Candy Buffet, Custom Candy Creations, Wedding Candy Favours. Candy Birthday Bags, Candy Bars, Candy Bags, Candy Stations, Candy Catering, and Candy Themed Events Too! M & K Candy Buffet loves being a part of a very exciting industry.

Why You Should Hire A Professional Emcee for Your Wedding and/or Events!

So you’re getting married – Congratulations!  You’re busy planning for the most special day of your life. You’ve been to Bridal Fantasy and picked out invitations, flowers, a venue, a DJ, hair salon and a photographer.  You know where you’re going to pick out your “one-of-a-kind” wedding gown, the Groom and his men are off to Derk’s Formals & Menswear to get fitted for their tux and the Honeymoon destination is planned. It’s all so exciting!  You’ve put your heart and soul into having the best wedding ever…

Moving Stories Creates Love Stories On Film

What Moving Stories does is not the 'traditional' approach. Each couple is special, and Moving Stories tries to bring out what is special in each of their relationships. They do this by encouraging them to do interviews so they can find out things about each other straight from them or their close friends and family. Things like how they met, why they will succeed as a couple, and some questions about how they know each other. Moving Stories then take these interviews and cuts them with the footage collected during the [...]

Social Photo Booths The Perfect Party Favour

Social Photo Booths provides the best photo booth experience in Edmonton, with the only vintage style hard shell booth in the city and modern technology producing studio quality prints! Whether it is for a wedding, birthday, get together or a corporate party, it's great for any event!

Choose from 3 different packages:

  1. Indie for 3 hours
  2. Blockbuster for 4 hours
  3. Epic for 5 hours

 

These all include:

  • Unlimited black & white and [...]

A Chair To Remember at Bridal Fantasy Edmonton

Instead of our ordinary write up with thought we would show you just how fabulous A Chair to Remembers booth was!

European Jacquard Fabric with drapery and rouched chair covers.

Birch Trunk for a vase with fur and twigs, accented with hanging candles.

Thank you cards/favors - 100 year old barn wood with wool and jewel on glass charger plate, all set against the European Jacquard tablecloth.

Pictures Speak A Thousand Words

If you were at our recent Bridal Fantasy Bridal Show in Edmonton, then you would have been surrounded by hundreds of different fantastic vendors. And if you weren't? Well, you definitely missed out. From wedding cakes to DJ's, reception ideas to hair salons, Bridal Fantasy really did offer the upcoming bride with the be-all and end-all of resources to help them with the planning of their big day. However, there was one such photographer that really captured my attention.

New Image Creations is an Edmonton-based photography company that was started by a guy named [...]

Attention Future Brides & Grooms

Still need a suit for your wedding? Look no further...

Derks Formals & Menswear Edmonton & Calgary have a Suit Package available. Starting at $299! Includes Suit, Shirt, and Tie.
Come in today and let us help you get the perfect suit for your big day! Whether you're getting married or attending!

Deciding to Buy?


This deal is the perfect fashionable suit for your groom or groomsmen.

Deciding to Rent?

Derks Formals has an amazing selection of suit packages available for you to choose from.

Our Love in London winner has been chosen...

Congratulations to....

Chantelle DeGraaf & Tim Plant from Lone Butte, BC

The two of them won the 7 day Honeymoon to London, England Courtesy of UNIGlobe Geo Travel and Transat Holidays!

Here is their engagement story:

Our engagement day began at 10:30 am on October 29, 2011. When I got to his house, I saw that he had decorated the dining room for a beautiful, romantic brunch for two. The table was set for two with turquoise daisies as the center piece (My favorite flower [...]

Make Up Trends for 2012

 

On your wedding day, you still want to look like yourself, just a more perfect version. This is where make-up comes in, but remember that you still have to suit your theme and be true to yourself. You don't want to have so much make-up on that your groom can barely recognize you.

2012 make-up trends are leaning towards a natural look. Clean, clear skin, and creamy blushes in peaches and pinks. Since vintage glamour is becoming increasingly popular, bright red lips and soft smoky eyes are in. [...]

Last Chance to enter the Love in London Sweepstakes

 

Image courtesy of Instant Memories, Eva Comeau

Attention Brides-To-Be our Love in London Sweepstakes was held over for a few extra days so that we had a chance to receive the entries from across North America. We will be drawing the name tonight at midnight and will post it Tuesday morning! Thank you so much for all of the fabulous entries. It was a pleasure reading about all your engagement stories.

This glorious 7 Day Honeymoon was courtesy of UNIGlobe Geo Travel and Transat [...]

Mess Distress - Wedding Day Emergency Kits

You're about to have the biggest day of your life - you're going to marry the one you love! And let's face it, something is bound to go wrong...so don't let it ruin your day. This is more of a job for the Maid of Honour, and the Best Man - yes guys, this will be helpful for you too! You, honorary and best people, should make an emergency bag for you respective parties, and here's what to include:

For the Bridal Party:

  • Bobby pins
  • Safety pins
  • Baby wipes - if you get something on your dress, [...]

The Great Outdoors!

 

Among the rows of vendors at the Bridal Fantasy Bridal Fair, you are used to seeing stands about cakes, reception ideas, honeymoon hotspots, and even dresses. However, this year, Bridal Fantasy had a new addition to its vendors - Camper's Village!

Camper's Village is a premiere outlet for the active individual or family, and they offer a wide selection of products and services, which promote an active lifestyle outside. While some couples enjoy the quiet things in life, a lot more young, active couples are beginning to get married. They [...]

Incredible Engagement Stories - J'lyn & Jim

J'lyn & Jim ~ August 17, 2012


Friday December 9th started like every other Friday. Up at 3:30 in the morning, off to do my morning radio show at 92.5 JOE FM in Edmonton, Alberta but wow did that soon change. At 9:45 my boss Greg handed me a letter from Jim which stated that the next 24 hours would be all about me. He asked if I remembered that a year ago was the day of the surprise birthday party he planned for me? Um, no. He remembered of course...and [...]

Wedding Gifts Ideas for upcoming Receptions!

When going to a wedding, it's typically customary to bring some sort of gift. Usually the happy couple will register at a useful store, with a list of the things they want or need, and guests from the wedding can purchase them. Usually these places stores, like The Bay, Campers Village, Bed Bath and Beyond, Home Outfitters and Sears to name a few, all with the intentions of buying the bride and groom that lovely crystal bowl which they can serve [...]

Best 2012 Booths for Bridal Fantasy

Bridal Fantasy Edmonton and Calgary was an absolute success. With record attendance, the exhibitors were busy socializing and answering brides questions! For 2012, the following exhibitors were awarded booth prizes:

Photo Courtesy of Edward Ross Photography

Calgary

This year The Bridal Fantasy Group gave out ribbons for the following:

  • Edward Ross Photography showed off his talent with photographs of his previous work and won himself Most Outstanding Signage and [...]

Ceremony Decorations

The date has been set, the invitations mailed out. The bridesmaids and groomsmen have been chosen, and colors decided upon. All of these things provide you a general idea of what your day is going to look like, but when your guests walk into that ceremony, what do you want them to see?

Over the years I've gone to my fair share of family weddings, and as I'm getting older, I've started getting more invites to dear friends of mines special days. And the one thing that remains consistent throughout is the ceremony decorations.

When [...]

Platinum DJ

 

Author: Joe Klement

Platinum DJ offers FUN, YOUNG, and HIP DJs for your wedding or any event and will cater to your music tastes; we want to help you throw a party to remember! Whether it's country, dance, top 40, retro or rock, Platinum DJ offers a modern and up-to-date collection for your friends and family to boogie down to! We are also experienced with Ukrainian and Newfie weddings where there are special music requirements. We provide our clients with a written contract, a planning consultation, and professional service. We [...]

Michelles Grower Direct

Author: Becky Newhook

Michelle's Grower Direct might be new to Bridal Fantasy but we are not new to the wedding world. Our team had a fantastic first show in Calgary. It was a lot of fun to interact with brides and find out what they are looking for in the 2012-2013 wedding seasons. We are finding brides are looking for simple yet elegant bouquets for their special day and the biggest hit was the bling that we placed in and around the arrangements; definitely a show stopper. The fashion show [...]

Exciting and Creative Date Night Ideas

 

Date nights aren't just about spending money and going out. They are about filling in the parts of your relationship that get overlooked while you are both living out your daily routines. Try and figure out what you would like more of in your relationship, and base your date around that.

For the couple that spends too much time at work try a date night in. Grab a bottle of wine, light some candles, throw in a movie, and share a plate of dessert. Relax and unwind together in your own home. [...]

Bridal Fantasy Edmonton & Calgary 2012 has come and gone...

Bridal Fantasy Edmonton & Calgary 2012 has come and gone…

A extra special thanks from Gay Derk:


President/Editor of the Bridal Fantasy Group

Looking forward to Bridal Conference Edmonton on September 23, 2012 (Exhibitor space still available)

Thank you to everyone for an absolute amazing Bridal Fantasy Show(s). We had record attendance and number of exhibitors at [...]

Keep Nurturing A Love Relationship

A love relationship demands great 'maintenance' from both partners. It is not that effort is required only to improve a relationship. Effort is necessary even to maintain the relationship in status quo!

The common understanding is that love changes after the dating period and affection is on a decline. Why does it happen this way? The answer is actually very simple. The love and affection seem to be on a decline because the efforts put in are on a decline. In the dating phase, both partners go out of their way to keep the other happy and smiling and the efforts [...]

Bridal Fantasy Edmonton: The Bridal Show Everyone Is Talking About

As I am sure all you brides-to-be are aware we have our Bridal Fantasy Edmonton: The Bridal Show Everyone Is Talking About is fast approaching (January 22, 2012). Doors open at 9:30am!

This year Marks 30 years in Alberta for us and we cannot wait! We have our celebrity keynote speaker Renee Strauss and Kevin Lee from Slice TV's "Brides of Beverly Hills" coming in. Not to mention we are giving away over [...]

Real Life Wedding Planning: Part 5

 

On December 23, 2011 I finally got married. After months of planning, drama, and stress, it's over. It went perfectly, even better than we thought that it would. The ceremony was beautiful, the dinner delicious, and the guests entertaining and supportive. The schedule that I had been working on for weeks was followed exactly, to my surprise.

After the ceremony I expected to feel like a wife. I thought there would be some sort of feeling of relief, or a 'walking on the clouds' sort of atmosphere. Instead, I feel exactly the same as [...]

Bridal Fantasy Calgary: The Boutique Bridal Show for 2012

As I am sure all you brides-to-be are aware we have our Bridal Fantasy Calgary: The Boutique Bridal Show show fast approaching (January 15, 2012). Doors open at 10:30am!

This year Marks 30 years in Alberta for us and we cannot wait! We have our celebrity keynote speaker Jane Dayus-Hinch from Slice TV's "Wedding SOS" coming in. Not to mention we are giving away over $75,000 in prizes! And Molson Canadian 67 & 67 Sublime [...]

Bridal Fantasy Bride Coupon

 


With most weddings sticking to a budget can be difficult but with Bridal Fantasy's Bride Coupon you'll have a handy resource right at your fingertips.

From Photographers to DJ's we have you covered! Some of last year's popular choices were 15% off Bridesmaids Package of four or more dresses courtesy of Tifany's Bridal for those picky bridesmaids or $300 of any wedding package courtesy of Images of Distinction. Grande Rockies Resorts offered 15% off the ballroom or outdoor ceremony space [...]

Bridal Fashions for 2012: Featured in Bridal Fantasy Magazine


We are so excited about our upcoming fashion shows and all the great bridal fashion you will see. We've got plenty of wedding gowns and even more bridal gowns to show you! We've got fabulous bridal up do's, amazing bridal makeup and lots of bridal bling. You can catch all the bridal gown fashion by picking up a copy of 2012 Bridal Fantasy Magazine on stands or at our shows! Visit our BF TV to catch the latest trends for weddings in 2012!

Bridal Fantasy Calgary - Hotel Arts

Bridal Fantasy Calgary [...]

Real Life Wedding Planning: Part 4

Today, my wedding is a week away. My mother and grandmother will arrive tomorrow evening and then comes complete insanity. Don't get me wrong, I am excited, but having the 3 of us together in my tiny house is going to be interesting. You see, they asked me to wait on some things until they got here so that they could help out. Such as my shoes, my hair appointment, make-up, and my flowers. Now I am starting to think this was a bad idea.

Since the end of November, I keep having extremely vivid and disturbing dreams about my [...]

Real Life Wedding Planning: Part 3

Since we are quickly approaching the date of my wedding, there isn't much left to do. As I write this, I still have one last dress fitting in about a week, and we have to pick up my fiancé's tux about a week before the wedding. Other than that, we are waiting.

So far, the hardest part of planning has been worrying about other people-who we should invite as a witness, if we would hurt someone's feelings, how to please everyone. That's why we decided to make it very small. We are getting married in front of and having a small [...]

Real Life Wedding Planning: Part 2

After deciding the date and the province, my fiancé and I moved onto planning the more intricate details. We started with an officiant. Neither of us are particularly religious and we wanted a small, simple ceremony. I set to work contacting all of the Alberta officiants in the Edmonton area and quickly learned that their prices vary quite radically.

Eventually we found the one that would work for us. Her price was right, and her personality and ceremony ideas matched ours. She suggested we do a sand ceremony after saying our vows, which we both thought was a great idea. Next [...]

Accessory Trends

 

2012 is going to be a year of color and sparkle for wedding trends in both decor and fashion. Fuchsia, turquoise, grey, and coral are all in and promise to provide decorations that pop and accessories that call for attention.

Because of the popularity of vintage weddings, bridal accessory trends for 2012 will include big, sparkly bracelets, chandelier earrings, and delicate brooches. This year will be all about sparkle and shine with an antique touch. Pearls are also an excellent alternative for a bride who wants a softer look. Birdcage veils are going [...]

Create the Perfect Turkey for this Holiday Season

 

This Holiday Season ... you're the newlyweds and newly elected by your new family to do the next holiday dinner. You can still sail into preparing a family feast with ease if you organize your menu and ingredients beforehand.

With both members of your family working, you need to keep this meal as effortless as possible but still come up with a traditional family fare in a polished and simple manner. Not as hard as it looks! With a little effort and organization, you'll pull this off and impress both [...]

Venue Decor and More!

The date has been set, the invitations mailed out. The bridesmaids and groomsmen have been chosen, and colors decided upon. All of these things provide you a general idea of what your day is going to look like, but when your guests walk into that ceremony, what do you want them to see?

Over the years I've gone to my fair share of family weddings, and as I'm getting older, I've started getting more invites to dear friends of mines special days. And the one thing that remains consistent throughout is the ceremony decorations.

When people typically get married in churches, the [...]

Incredible Engagement Stories - Lisa and Bryan

 

Lisa and Bryan ~ 9/30/2011

Bryan grew up in Maryland and Lisa grew up in Connecticut. When Bryan and Lisa first met they quickly realized their love for Disney. During Lisa's college years, she worked for Disney in Florida while Bryan worked for Disney in California; though there time working for Disney was short lived there love for Disney still remained. Something led Bryan to Connecticut and led Lisa back to Connecticut to finish school. Through the course of their relationships they learned not only did they have such a [...]

Real Life Wedding Planning: Part 1

I was not one of those little girls who played out her dream wedding with dolls or who knew what kind of dress she wanted since the age of 5. I never really thought about my wedding until I got engaged on December 23, 2008. Then, it hit me: I was going to have a wedding and I was going to have to plan it. Of course, I didn't start planning it until 8 months ago because I wanted to enjoy being engaged for awhile first.

Planning things is a gift of mine, so I didn't [...]

Hair today, gone tomorrow... but then back again!

As much as I love fashion, trends seem to be going through a revolving door. Pieces and styles that were popular 15 years ago seem to be consistently making a comeback. For instance, in today’s society you might look around the room and see flare-legged jeans coming back, shoulder pads in boyfriend blazers, fedoras, tapered pants, oxford shoes, wide black rimmed glasses. Everything revolves, albeit with slight and subtle differences to make things neater, but things are essentially the same.

In today’s celebrity culture, things are taking a step back [...]

Dress My Day - Chair Covers

It’s hard to realize that chair covers have become a staple for most weddings and the options are endless. The Bridal Fantasy Group has found some of the latest styles inspire to you.

If your venue already has great looking chairs, but you want to glam them up, these two options are for you.

Cake Couture - Edible Art: Book Launch

The evening of Wednesday, November 16, 2011, was a fun time for all who attended the book launch for Annie Dam, owner of Cake Couture; a cake boutique in West Edmonton. On display were a number of dazzling, chic, and edible pieces of cake art from her new book Cake Couture.

The cakes were honorable. From sculpted roses that looked real to an "I Love NY" cake that showed style and creativity at its best. There was even a blank cake made for guests [...]

Bridal Fantasy welcomes The Italian Centre Shop

The Italian Centre Shop will be attending this upcoming Bridal Fantasy Edmonton taking place on Sunday January 22, 2012!

The Italian Centre Shop has been a shopping destination for those of us who enjoy fresh, quality ingredients for years. Check out some of the best and lowest priced produce as well as pasta, sauces, coffee, olive oil, deli meats & cheese.

The Italian Centre is the perfect place [...]

Incredible Engagement Stories - Renee & Shawn

A limo ride that the both of them will never forget...

Renee and Shawn ~ 11/22/2012

Shawn and Renée's anniversary was on April 09, 2011, Shawn had planned to take Renée out and he had the evening all planned as a surprise. At 6pm Shawn pulled up in a limo and met Renée at the door with 11 red roses. While Renée laughed excitedly saying, “Oh my God Shawn, you didn’t have to get a limo to pick me up! I thought you were picking me up in your [...]

Bridal Debut puts on Bridal Bash 2

Bridal Debut puts on their second Bridal Bash, tickets are still available.

 

Enjoy your special day all over again, and what better way to spend it but with other former brides and bridesmaids in their dresses and gowns.

 

Prizes, Silent Auctions and much much more!

 

Don't wait. Get your tickets at any Bridal Debut now.

Bridal Bash 2

Sponsored by

"It's a Wedding!" Event Location: Red Deer

This past Saturday night, Gay Derk and Heidi Dennis were able to attend an amazing wedding event. At the Holiday Inn on 67th in Red Deer. The evening got off to a romantic start with a vow to renewal from Laura Cadrin from La Petite Jaune Fleur and her husband.

Brides were able to check out vendors in all categories photography, limos, jewelry, hair and makeup, gowns, floral, spa treatments, catering, venues, cakes, invitations, and much more!

Plenty of gorgeous gowns were showcased.

The Bridal Fantasy Group joins Telus TV

Last month, Kari Jespersen with Telus TV turned our ideas into reality when she created two wedding segments inspired by recent Bridal Fantasy blogs. Check out the segments below:

Fall Wedding Trends

Fall Wedding Trends on YouTube

For more information visit Fall Wedding Trends Bridal Fantasy Blog.

Adding an Heirloom Twist

Mom's Old Dress on YouTube

For more information on how to incorporate your mom’s wedding dress into your wedding visit Adding an Heirloom Twist Bridal Fantasy Blog.

Thank you to everyone who was involved, including [...]

Behind the scenes from our amazing Calgary photo shoots!

Two more busy days of looking at all the new bridal trends for 2012; capturing the romance and fashion to make these shoots timeless and bring our 2012 brides the latest upcoming styles and fashion trends. Watch as we are bring you more fashion, more details, more colours and more big style trends. We have so much incredible talent and polish and fashionable things to share with our brides. So they look totally elegant and beautiful on their wedding day.

Most importantly, a big thank you to all of our staff for helping out!

Wedding bells [...]

Las Vegas at the Wedding MBA: Wedding Merchant Convention

Here we are in Las Vegas at the Wedding MBA: Wedding Merchant Convention learning from the best:

Plus much, much more coming up! What a convention the Hegarty family has truly out done themselves.

Bridal Fantasy Magazine 2012 Photo Shoot

What exciting shoots!

Two solid days of looking at all the new bridal trends for 2012; capturing the romance and fashion to make these shoots timeless. Here’s a sneak peak of one of the upcoming Bridal Fantasy 2012 shoot. Watch out we are bringing you more fashion, more details, more colour. A big thanks to our models, fashion interns, stylists, hair and makeup directors, set designers and of course our fabulous photographers. There is so much incredible talent and beautiful and fashionable things to share with our brides.

Venues

  • Thanks to Barry and [...]

Kim Kardashian's Heavenly Wedding

Courtesy of People Magazine

“It was like we were in heaven,” “I felt like a princess” and “I am always going to remember how perfect it was” All quotes from Kim Kardashian and her new husband Kris Humphries about their fairytale wedding August 20 in Montecito, California. Pictures of the event are scarce but we managed to find sketches of the THREE, yes three wedding gowns by longtime Kardashian friend [...]

Adding an Heirloom Twist

Adding an Heirloom Twist...

Now that you’re engaged, don’t be surprised if your mom pulls out a dusty box from storage with her old wedding dress in it to reminisce.

When you’re styling your bridal gown, keep this saying in mind: “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed and Something Blue.” Finding something new, something borrowed and something blue is the easy part; but finding something old can be a little trickier.

Brides are putting a modern spin on [...]

Plan Your Wedding In A Day with Jane Dayus-Hinch

Ticket Options:

Option 1) VIP: $149.95 - 1 Day Wedding Workshop "Plan Your Wedding in a Day" with Jane Dayus-Hinch (Includes 2 tickets to Bridal Conference: Fall's Boutique Bridal Show) *Limited Seating


Option 2) Regular: $20.00 - Bridal Conference: Fall's Boutique Bridal Show - September 25, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It doesn't matter whether you're getting married in 6 weeks, [...]

Fall Wedding Inspiration

With summer sadly coming to a close, fall wedding trends are making the change of season a little less bittersweet.  An astonishing 32% of weddings take place in the fall and we can understand why – the colours and cuisine are so warm and inviting.

The hottest Fall trends include: rustic and gold accents, dim lighting, and harvest-inspired wedding favours and cakes! We love the idea of using wheat grass as a centerpiece or bouquet!

Incredible Engagement Stories - Nicole & Weir

She got something a little better than pajamas...

 

Nicole & Weir ~ 7/28/12

Nicole's fiancé proposed to her on Christmas Eve 2010. She had known from the very beginning that Weir was the one that she wanted to grow, learn and explore life with. While celebrating the holiday season with his family he had informed her that everyone opens a Christmas gift on Christmas Eve and that the presents are usually pajamas. Nicole had joined the entire family in the living room and go figure she had to open the first [...]

All-Inclusive 7 Day Luxury Honeymoon to a Destination of Your Choice

Bridal Conference: Fall's Boutique - Educating & Inspiring Today's Bride Prize

Just imagine an amazing all-inclusive 7 day luxury Honeymoon to a Destination OF YOUR CHOICE.


The package will include round-trip airfare, transfers and 7 nights in an all-inclusive accommodation.

Visualize spending 7 nights in a resort of your choice with everything taken care of. That could be you and your fiancé when you enter to win at our upcoming Bridal Conference: Fall's Boutique Bridal Show taking place on Sunday September 25, 2011; tickets are now available for purchase.

Incredible Engagement Stories - Skip & Takara

A family birthday party that none of them will ever forget...

Skip and Takara ~

Takara's Grandmother planned a big party for both her little sister and boyfriend Skip. Their birthdays are a day apart so it wasn't weird to be celebrating their birthdays with both of our families. The problem is no one was giving Takara any information about the party but they wanted her to invite people at the last minute. Well, that wasn't going so well; one thing she can't stand is last minute [...]

A Super Mario Inspired Wedding

I've seen numerous Disney and movie inspired weddings, but this Super Mario themed wedding is definitely a first for me. I grew up playing Mario Brothers on my old school Nintendo, so when I saw this Super Mario wedding (set design by: Primary Petals), it truly brought a smile to my face and made me reminisce of all the good times I had playing the game as a child.

With Mario and Princess Peach as the star of the shoot, here are a few of my favorite [...]

Incredible Engagement Stories - Cydney & Kiel

A perfect little afternoon stroll for an engagement . . .

Cydney & Kiel ~ 10/22/2011

On May 26, 2011, Kiel picked Cydney up from her office for lunch. Kiel asked Cydney where she would like to go for lunch . . . and seeing that she works downtown, there were many options to choose from. Thinking it was best to save money and stay close to work to enjoy more time with Kiel, she choose a small Chinese restaurant up the street from her office. After eating [...]

From Miss to Mrs . . . Make it Official!

Image Courtesy of: Wedding Paper Divas

Even after your "I Do's" and your honeymoon, there are still a few things that must taken care of before the wedding planning phase of your life is over. One of those tedious tasks often includes changing your maiden name. This task can sometimes seem like checklist of things to do on its own. So the following is a checklist of the to-dos for carrying out the process:

  1. Order extra certified copies of your marriage certificate for agencies that require originals before [...]

Jane Dayus-Hinch, Stopping By At Bridal Conference 2011

World renowned Wedding Planner and Slice TV's host of Wedding SOS, Jane Dayus-Hinch, stopped by Wedding Bells the other day, and soon she'll be making a stop at Bridal Conference: Fall's Boutique Bridal Show.

Because if you don't know already, Jane Dayus-Hinch is this year's celebrity guest speaker for Bridal Conference! With 25 year's of wedding planning experience under her belt, Jane must have dozens of tips and suggestions when it comes to wedding planning, relationships, and marraige. So make sure to get

Finding the Perfect Bridal Shoe


Andras Schram Photography

Sometimes finding the perfect pair of shoes for your wedding day can be just as tough as finding the perfect dress. With so many styles, colors, and textures to choose from, it can definitely seem overwhelming on top of everything else on your wedding planning checklist.

But before you go on your hunt for that perfect shoe, make sure to consider all the factors. Things to think about before putting down your credit card should include: the theme of your wedding, the height of your groom, [...]

Brides-To-Be & Future Hubbies . . . Get Healthy With EWG

Eating your fruits and veggies is important, particularly for the bride-to-be who is trying to shed those extra pounds and tone up before the wedding. But before you grab that additional stock of celery (or any other type of produce) make sure to look at EWG's Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce before you buy. Their shopper's guide will help you determine which fruits and vegetables have the most pesticide residues and which are the most important to buy organic. You can significantly lower your pesticide intake by avoiding the following 12 "most contaminated" fruits and vegetables [...]

Classy Casual + Sweet and Simple Bridal Hairdo's

Casual summer hairdos are not just for everyday wear. Many brides today are opting for more simple hairstyles for their wedding day as well. Destination wedding brides love how a more casual hairdo fits with their relaxed seaside theme, and brides having a traditional church wedding like a more nonchalant hairdo because it's delightfully sweet and simple. Inspired by the image above, which I got from Schwarzkopf featuring a bride with a cute and simple hairdo . . . perfect for a fun summer wedding!

Here are a few celebrity inspired casual [...]

A Fun Farm Inspired Wedding . . .

Not only has Chris and Lisa's farm inspired wedding caught my attention, so has Lisa's captivatingly delightful dress! Lisa looks effortlessly striking and carefree in every shot, and her turquoise long teardrop earrings, necklace, and bangles added a perfect little touch of exoticness. I truly have to commend Heidi Buecking for her incredible photography skills and Lisa for her amazing fashion sense. The ends of Lisa's wedding dress are almost doily-like and just so charmingly sweet and perfect for her farm themed wedding. I honestly could not have picked [...]

Fairmont Pacific Rim . . . A Perfect Wedding Destination, Not So Far From Home

Downtown Vancouver, Harbour View, Emerald Ballroom, and Wedding Décor

Providing guests with quality services, luxury rooms, and a gourmet menu of dishes, the Fairmont Pacific Rim would be a perfect wedding destination. With 15,000 square feet of event space, three ballrooms (that can accommodate up to 300 guests), a spacious foyer area with floor to ceiling windows, and its own kitchen . . . imagine saying "I Do" and then celebrating at a reception that overlooks Coal Harbour and the North Shore [...]

twobirds Have Officially Landed in Canada!

After watching Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaid edition, I'd have to say that twobirds' bridesmaids dresses would be a great solution to all the bridal party drama that you witness on the show (I'll explain why) . . . and who better to describe the drama on Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaid than TLC's General Manager, Amy Winter . . .

"When planning for a wedding, the bride needs to make a number of big and stressful decisions, one of which is dressing her bridal [...]

Suzuki & Cullis at the Local Farmers' Market

Gay Derk, President of the Bridal Fantasy Group, spent this past weekend enjoying ‘Canada's Organic Capital' with family and friends and ran into a national treasure . . .


David Suzuki pictured with Gay Derk and the Market Manager at Penticton's Farmers Market

This past weekend, on a visit home with my husband, I passed through Cawston in the Simikameen Valley to visit Forbes Farm where my nephew Jeremy was picking cherries. As I am a huge advocate of organic food, I always stop at local organic farms to [...]

Cakes for Any Occasion

We at Bridal Fantasy have seen hundreds and perhaps even thousands of lovely cakes over the years, but even so, new cakes from different designers still never cease to amaze us. And it is always quite nice when we get updates from our Bridal Fantasy exhibitors on their current projects and new ideas they have. Angela Dufault from The Cake Topper recently just sent over to us a few shots of cakes she's done and we just had to share. From simple and sweet to exquisitely detailed and refined, it seems [...]

Inspired by Sleeping Beauty . . .

And they've done it again! Disney's Sleeping Beauty was the inspiration for this photo shoot, and the team that made it all possible involved: Milton Photography (photographer), Flor Eterna (flowers), Brandy's Custom Cakes (cake), A Chair to Remember (linens), Special Event Rentals (décor), Jacquelyn Schafer, WPPIC - owner/lead designer Hitched Wedding Designs (design & coordination), Brianna Miniaci, WPICC Co-Owner/ lead Planner of Cherish Planning Inc (Coordination), Lydia Yapp from Edmonton Make Up Artists (make-up), Jamie Williams from Dandy Hair Salon & [...]

A Tornado of a Wedding - Emily & Matt

Despite the wind, rain, and TORNADO!!! . . . It didn't stop the festivities of this amazing couple's "I Do's"!

Soon after the couple's vows, it quickly went from light breezes and a clear sky to strong winds, gushing rain, and a gloomy gray backdrop (which made for a pretty cool picture . . . nice shot bobbi+mike). From the looks of all the photos, the caterers were able to rush the food inside and the guests all moved into to the tented reception area where dinner was [...]

Married and Moving Forward - Part 2

Special Guest Author: Gail Vaz-Oxlade the host of "Til Debt Do Us Part" and "Princess" on Slice TV

It was a truly a pleasure meeting Gail at last year's Bridal Fantasy. I sincerely recommend that if you ever get a chance to see/hear Gail speak at any event, it is definitely worth all the effort. She is not only witty and intelligent, she is beautifully charismatic as well. So as I promised, here it is folks . . . the second part [...]

Married and Moving Forward - Part 1

Special Guest Author: Gail Vaz-Oxlade the host of "Til Debt Do Us Part" and "Princess" on Slice TV

Match your dreams to reality . . .

Psychologists have identified a phenomenon that's probably been around as long as the Jack & Jill but hasn't been talked about much: The Post-wedding blues. After the frantic build-up to the big day, the let-down can be huge, particularly for brides. If you've been managing a team of service providers, coordinating a b'zillian details and [...]

Love in London Sweepstakes

Tell the world how you got engaged; from now until February 14, 2012 we want to hear about your love story, and all the details about your proposal.

You can be featured in our “BF Blog

Enter to win a seven-day get-away including airfare and amazing accommodations. Picture, you and your significant other strolling around England’s capital city; take a walk through London’s Aquarium, ride on the [...]

A Colorful Stampede Engagement

The Calgary Stampede starts off with a bang as Will and Kate stop by in cowboy attire and white cowboy hats to help kick start the Stampede's festivities! And as we are all experiencing the excitement of the Stampede right now, Bridal Fantasy wanted to share with our readers this fun Stampede engagement shoot from Orange Girl Photographs! Featured in the photos are Katrina and Mitch who had their first date at the Calgary Stampede, so it is only fitting that they chose the Stampede to be the [...]

Hot Tips from the Relationship Experts

Over the years, Bridal Fantasy has had some pretty amazing Relationship Guru's that have written for our magazine and we feel that they just have to be shared with our Bridal Fantasy Blog readers as well. With stimulating discussion topics such as "Experiencing Spiritual Union", "Relationship Revelations", and "How to Stay Married" . . . let our special guest authors Dr. Deepak Chopra, Blair and Melissa Dunkley from Results Now, and Steffany Hanlen a Personal Performance Coach help you to strengthen your marriage, love, and respect for one another.

Experiencing Spiritual Union Why We Get Married

Disaster Wedding Do-Overs!

We all dream and hope of having a wedding day where everything goes accordingly as planned. And even with a few mishaps throughout the day, many couples still get to have their dream wedding along with a lifetime's worth of joyous memories. But what happens when a your big day turns for the worse and a tsunami hits or your groom faints during the nuptials?

Well . . . in a new show on WeTV (premiering on July 24, 2011) called 'I Do Over', you can watch [...]

Your Very Own Disney Wedding

Disney’s fairytales and their enchanting Princes and Princesses have inspired thousands and even perhaps millions of girls, women, and wedding planners from all over the world. What girl can really say that they’ve never dreamed of having their very own fairytale story or having a magical Disney wedding with their Prince? Well, one thing’s for sure . . . my VHS copy of Cinderella has definitely put in some good solid hours throughout my childhood.

But there’s no need for dreaming now! With the help of Disney’s Wedding Team, [...]

Bridal Beauty Botch-Ups

Image courtesy of Room With a View

Whether it's a bad spray tan, a huge zit, irritation from a bikini wax, or over-tweezed eyebrows before your wedding day, don't stress! Pink Lady Krista Chapman from The Pink Book has got you covered.

Krista recommends that . . .

. . . if a spray tan has got you lookin' like an Oompa Loompa or one of the cast members of Jersey Shore . . [...]

Gamping . . . a modern take on camping comfortably!

There's a new style of camping and the folks at Paws Up are calling it Gamping . . . Glamorous Camping! Staying in one of their luxury tented accomodations might feel even better than your own home as each tent is approximately 405 sq. ft. and is outfitted with electricity, feather king size bends, western chic furniture and private decks! In addition . . . within just steps of each tent, Paws Up guests have access to private master bathrooms, a dining pavilion, and even your own personal Camping Butler! [...]

The Latest Bridalwear Fashion . . . Delica Bridal House

Edmontonian bride-to-be's will be happy to hear that there is a new bridal house in town and what a better way to celebrate its grand opening than to hold a bridal gown fashion show right at the studio? And with no surprise, the fashion show was a hit! Located along Edmonton's Elwood Drive, Delica Bridal House is surely the new bridal studio to watch as beautiful dress after beautiful dress was revealed down the catwalk of their in-store fashion show.

After our Creative Director and CEO of Bridal Fantasy [...]

I know it's Monday . . . but I would enjoy a Souffl anyday.

I know, it's Monday and it's hard to see the end of the week from here . . . but to relieve your Monday angst (or angst during any day of the week really), enjoy the following Vanilla & Pistachio Soufflé with Raspberry Sauce recipe.

The first time I ever wrapped my lips around that perfect spoonful of pistachio soufflé, I was in Las Vegas sitting at the Eiffel Tower restaurant watching the fountain show at the Bellagio . . . it might have been the atmosphere and entertainment as well as the fact that I was [...]

Long and Full Lashes . . . that Lasts!

What girl (or guy) doesn't all deep down inside covet and dream of natural feeling lashes that are continuously lush, full, and make your eyes simply pop?!? Well very few I would say. Well I'm calling on all the ladies with their hectic and busy schedules . . . *ahem that means all you busy brides-to-be. I've recently discovered this gem of a time and stress saver that is just brilliant! As you all may be wondering now, it's called . . . LashDip!

With just one LashDip application, [...]

It's Summer Time . . . Get Your Beach Bod Back!

It's summer time and for most people that means shedding the winter weight and getting back that summer beach body! It doesn't take a genius, just follow the simple rule . . . physical activity + a healthy diet = a healthier and fitter you! But it's hard, I definitely understand that . . . I can hear that refreshing green tea frappucino with whip cream calling my name right now! But as I recently learned from my wise friend: "Don't give up what you've [...]

Bridal Conference: Educating & Inspiring Todays Bride

Jane Dayus-Hinch International Wedding Guru & Host of Slice TV's "Wedding SOS"

Peter Merry              Heather de Kok                Sue Yeldon

The Best Wedding Reception... Ever!                   Grower Direct Canada                                   Maggie Sottero Bride


[...]

Stunning Wedding Dresses... without Breaking the Bank

Who says that gorgeous dresses have to come with a hefty price tag? Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to spend tens of thousands to get a look that screams runway diva. In fact, we’ll show you 10 gorgeous dresses that are bound to make your man fall for you (again!) and won’t leaving your wallet weightless.

The dresses range from ornate and intricate, to simple and elegant. All are classically beautiful and perfect for your big day. Dresses are a big part [...]

The Wedding Planning Adventure . . .

Spring is here, Summer is coming . . . and Bridal Fantasy can't wait to see all the different wedding ideas that will be springing up this season! With numerous amazing reviews, and years of being in the wedding planning industry, Special Occasions Event Rentals can customize an event design package based on every couple's specific needs. And with every detail meticulously handled, all you have to do is watch your dream wedding come true.

When you look back, planning your wedding [...]

Wedding Dress Spotlight . . . Isaac Mizrahi's Peplum Gown

As soon as my eyes set upon Isaac Mizrahi's Ivory Silk Faile Peplum Gown, I simply just had to share it's exquisiteness. As also mentioned on Savvy Scoop, the gown is now available online at The Aisle New York!

With it's elegant contour, simplistic beauty, and Mizrahi's brilliant use of the second skirt layer . . . I must say that it's truly a marvelous creation. Thank you Isaac for such a perfect combination of both fashion and art.

Just remember these wise words and tips of [...]

Incredible Engagement Stories - Melissa & Lyndon

An intimate engagement for two . . .

Melissa & Lyndon ~ 08/20/2011

After a year of dating I went out to a movie with my Mom one night only to come home to a candle lit and rose petalled house! Because we have to do long distance as I am finishing my last year of University, our summer of full time togetherness was about to end :( I assumed the roses and candles were just a end of the summer evening Lyndon had planned for us.

As [...]

Your Wedding Day . . . Give in to Boutique Charm

Boutique hotels for that extra touch . . .

Renowned for their excellence in quality and their magnificent ballrooms, boutique hotels are perfect for small to midsized wedding ceremonies and receptions that range from 50 to 150 people.

Many couples appreciate the intimateness and the warm atmosphere that many upscale boutique hotels hold. With first class dining and incredible honeymoon suites, what more can a couple ask more? If home is where the heart is, you don't have to go far. Within Calgary and Edmonton, you can find in both cities boutique hotel gems located right at the [...]

Tips and a Steal of a Deal on Your Wedding Dress

Ladies . . . it's our dream come true. Wedding World Bridal is holding their "Try it On...Take it Home!" sale right NOW through Sunday (March 27, 2011), where in stock wedding dresses and even current season styles are 50% off! You don't even have to make an appointment during the sale.

I don't know any girl that doesn't appreciate a good sale, especially on such an important piece of the wedding day. So while you are getting ready to rush off to Wedding World, keep in mind these [...]

Bridal Season Cocktails . . . Scrumptious and Sexy

Along with the wedding day, the bachelorette party and bridal shower are also one of the highlights of many brides' wedding experiences. So to make sure the party is a hit, all you need to know is that every girl always appreciates scrumptious appetizers, sexy drinks, and fun entertainment.

Here are a few delicious and sexy cocktails that we came across that would be perfect for any bridal party . . .

 

The Flirtini (Recommended: Bachelorette Party)
1 oz. X-Rated Fusion Liqueur
1 oz. SKYY [...]

Creating Happily Ever After

Special Guest Author: Dr. Brenda Wade

Advice and tips on making your marriage a life-long affair. On the day of the dream wedding, the beautiful bride and handsome groom share vows to love, honor, and cherish. After celebrating in the company of friends and family and the honeymoon, we ask the question, how do you get to happily every after? If your big day is approaching, you’re probably filled with joy, anticipation, and so much love you can’t stand it. So why is [...]

Finding the Right Wedding Photographer

Special Guest Author: Vitalia Daza, Daza Photography

Despite the cold and the snow, this was one of my favorite weddings to photograph so far! Beatrice & Cameron are so in love and they had complete 100% trust in me as their photographer. We met up, they looked at my work and they truly loved my style and my personality and I fell in love with them too, but they're the kind of people everyone can't help but love.

The Science of Lasting Love

Article By: Dr. Brenda Wade

How to Grow a Healthy Marriage
When Stephanie and Matt came to me for premarital coaching, they sat down on the love seat in my office, holding hands and glowing with love. I asked what they wanted to get out of their counseling and Stephanie replied, "I read in one of your books that there are two-thirds fewer divorces among couples who get premarital counseling. We love each other and we want to stay [...]

Greening Your Wedding . . . Bedrock Seed Packages

Bedrock's Custom Seed Packaging service is perfect for to give as promotional or fundraising materials, as well as wedding and party favors.

Just like the love you and your partner share, give your family and friends the gift of life, love, and nurturing by giving them a customized seed package from Bedrock Environmental.

So consider going green for your special occasion. By doing so, you'll also be helping Bedrock to preserve Alberta's beautiful landscapes and natural habitats. Check them out at www.bedrockseedbank.com/

Creative Characachers for Your Wedding Guests!

Couples are always thinking of new and interesting ways to ensure their guests also have an enjoyable time on their wedding day.

Well here’s a fun idea that we came across recently . . .

Rob Guthrie contacted us via facebook and let us know that he does characacher drawings for numerous occasions including weddings.

So after looking through his amazing gallery of different characacher versions of real life people, Bridal Fantasy thinks that guests would love to receive a characacher drawing of themselves . . . say for a [...]

Exquisitely Elegant in Monique Lhuillier

This week, we are featuring Los Angeles based bridal and evening wear designer Monique Lhuillier. Making waves in the business of bridal wear, Lhuillier’s gowns are beautifully exquisite and unique as she masters the art of layering and texture. And the celebrities love her, Carrie Underwood, Ashlee Simpson, Alicia Silverstone, Jewel, Kate Walsh, and Britney Spears all wore Monique Lhuillier wedding dresses for their big day.

In a recent interview, with the cinderella project, the expert team at Monique Lhuiller recommended:

  • “The most important [...]

Pretty in Pattis

The Pattis 2011 collection offers brides fresh styles, glamorous looks and fashion-forward gowns.

Pattis Bridal has been featured in many highly esteemed bridal magazines such as Brides, Modern Bride, The Knot, Inside Weddings, Modern Luxury Brides, and NOW our very own, Bridal Fantasy Magazine!

Here are a few images from the 10th Anniversary Edition of Bridal Fantasy Magazine (Spring/Summer 2011) that show-off a few of their amazing dresses...

Pattis is available in Calgary exclusively at Beautiful Bride. For more information, [...]

Bloom N Memories . . . Making Memories Last Forever

For any occasion that you want to remember, Bloom N’ Memories in Edmonton, Alberta will help you to preserve that memory tastefully and beautifully. For your numerous special occasions such as anniversaries, baby showers, proms, and weddings . . . encase those happy memories in an elegant keepsake box with precious items from your special day.

Many newlyweds have sought Bloom ‘N Memories help to preserve keepsakes from their wedding day such as invitations, the bride’s flower bouquet, and beautifully captured moments from the wedding day.

Take a look at a [...]

Learn the Secrets to Staying Calm While Planning Your Wedding - Don't Miss Deepak Chopra on Feb. 21

Bridal Fantasy is excited for the upcoming event with Deepak Chopra, M.D. at The Shaw Conference Centre on Monday, Feb. 21.

Recognized as one of the world's foremost leaders in the field of mind-body medicine, Deepak Chopra, M.D. is a best-selling author, teacher, and co-founder of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing. Nestled in the lush, coastal setting of Carlsbad, California, the Chopra Center offers a wide variety of retreats and workshops that fuse the healing arts of the East with the best in modern Western medicine.

Each year Deepak and the Chopra Center staff travel [...]

Wedding Dress Styles

Every bride wants to look beautiful on her wedding day. With the right planning, your hair and skin can look amazing. By looking through magazines and checking out websites, you can get great ideas for your bridal hairstyle and make-up.

With so many bridal shops out there, it's difficult to know where to start, but shopping for a dress does not have to be strenuous! You just need to determine what is important to you, whether it be cost, selection, or exclusivity. Most bridal shops will specialize in different areas. Depending on the dress you have in mind, you can begin [...]

A Fantasy Bridal Spread . . .

Oh my . . . Bridal Fantasy came across this enchanted photo shoot in Brides Magazine, and we just had to share.

Featuring model Valerya, Amber Gray beautifully captures the dream and fairy-like essence in this amazing bridal spread. The lighting, the props, the hair, and the wedding dresses!!! We couldn't do anything but look in awe . . .

Win Your Chance to Shop with Celebrity Stylist Liana Chaouli

This year at Bridal Fantasy Calgary 2011, a lucky bride and her guest will get the amazing opportunity to shop for her dream wedding dress with International Image Therapist and fashion expert Liana Chaouli. Travel in style by limousine through West Hollywood and Beverly Hills, where you will go shopping at Sak's Fifth Avenue, Lezu Couture, Simin's Couture, Monique Lhuillier, and others to find the perfect wedding gown, shoes, veil, and accessories.

And drum roll please . . . there will be even more prizes [...]

Bridal Fantasy Wedding Dress Watch: Alberta Ferretti

Alberta Ferretti's 2011 Bridal Collection is both pleasinglyly simple and beautifully elegant. With many streamlined features and soft silhouettes, Ferretti's softly layered wedding dresses are perfect for any outdoors or destination wedding. Bridal Fantasy simply adores the above two dresses! To see the rest of the wedding dresses from Alberta Ferretti's 2011 Bridal Collection, click HERE.


Bridal Fantasy Wishes Everyone a Happy New Years!

Bridal Fantasy would like to ring in the New Year by thanking everybody that have helped make 2010 such a great year! Our anniversary edition of Bridal Fantasy Magazine is coming out soon and all our bridal shows have been a success. Thank you!

If you’re still unsure about how to ring in the New Year tonight, not to fret, there lots to do! Here’s a list of different events happening around Edmonton:

  • Alcohol-free downtown party at Churchill Square, 7 p.m. to midnight (enjoy the fireworks).
  • International New [...]

Gail Vaz-Oxlade at Bridal Fantasy Edmonton 2011

Bridal Fantasy is soon approaching after the New Year, and things are rolling at full steam. Along with the excitement at Bridal Fantasy headquarters, everything for the show is set . . . Bridal Fantasy 2011 is going to be jam-packed with the latest wedding fashion, entertainment, wedding industry experts, and world-renowned guest speakers! So make sure to get your tickets for Bridal Fantasy Edmonton and/or Calgary right away. Tickets are still available online and at any Derks Menswear and Formals store.

Bridal Fantasy Edmonton is thrilled to have guest [...]

An Antipasti Wedding

Antipasti and prosecco . . . what a simple yet scrumptious idea!

Tonia from Itty Bitty Impact recently blogged about her wedding and the unique antipasti pot-luck that she had at her wedding. After seeing all of the gorgeous photos from her wedding, Bridal Fantasy couldn't help but share with everyone else all of her great wedding ideas!

After looking at all her beautiful wedding photos, her antipasti dishes seemed to fit perfectly with theme of the wedding. Every photo beautifully glowed of Tonia and Mike's appreciation for nature, simplicity, antiques, traditions, family, food, [...]

A Muppet's Proposal

Wedding proposals seem to be getting more creative year after year. And they just melt our hearts every time we read them. Recently, while browsing through Bridal Tweet, the Engaged Wedding Community, Bridal Fantasy came across this amazingly creative engagement story . . . and trust us, it's a must see proposal!

So the storyline goes . . . On December 12, 2010, a girl named Sara was sitting in a movie theater in New Hampshire watching the pre-movie trailers. After watching two trailers, a touching video about a Muppet's marriage proposal came on the screen. Just like Muppet Sid, [...]

Top 5 Celebrity Weddings of 2010

It’s a lot of fun to look at what the stars choose to do for their wedding days, and this year there was no shortage of eye candy. 2010 was a landmark year for celebrity weddings. From drop dead gorgeous and one-of-a-kind wedding gowns to exotic getaway locales and unbelievable extras for guests….these celebrities really know how to tie the knot.

Let’s ring in the New Year with a look back at the Top 5 Celebrity Weddings of 2010!

5. Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz  

Coming at number five we [...]

Boudoir Bride

TAIT Photography, helping women to discover their beauty and embrace their sexier side. With their professional boudoir photographers, women can be rest assured that they will feel as comfortable as they are in their own homes. A boudoir album is the perfect - for his eyes only - wedding gift. The experience is simply empowering and will help to boost every bride's self-confidence before they walk down the aisle.

Incredible Engagement Stories - Angelie & Aaron

The best Easter Egg hunt ever! Angelie & Aaron May 14, 2011 Aaron and I had been dating for almost 2 years when he proposed. I knew that he was going to in the near future, but I just didn't know when exactly! On Easter weekend (April 3, 2010), Aaron and I had planned to do some Eastery things together, since it's my favourite holiday. I took the bus to his house and we both had made easter egg baskets for eachother as kind of a childhood tradition. I [...]

Beautiful Bride in Blue

Snap Weddings recently blogged and posted pictures of a beautiful bride in blue. No, it wasn't a typo . . . it actually says BLUE! With the bride in blue, the groom in Chucks, and the bridesmaids in white, what else can make this wedding anymore unique? Well, with such a big bridal party (8 bridesmaids and 8 groomsmen) the main transportation they used was a [...]

Incredible Engagement Stories - Jessica & Virga

Jessica & Virga July 21, 2012 I hired two actors, 1 female and 1 male around our age (20-22 years old). I then hired a professional film crew. We spent an entire day shooting scenes to create a fake movie trailer. The trailer consisted of the male pursuing the girl he loves. The trailer represents our relationship, it represents the male doing everything he can to get to her and catch her. The trailer was made to the song "Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars. The [...]

Alarte Silks' Specializing in Couture Bridal Shawls

Alarte Silks Bridal Collection shawls are a great addition to any girl's closet! Simply view their tutorial section to find out tips on how you to wear your Alarte Bridal shawl, and voila, your once ordinary dress is now an extraordinary outfit perfect for that special occasion. These shawls would definitely add that some flare to your wedding gown. And just like each bride, each shawl is also one-of-a-kind. Each shawl is painted, pleated, and felted one at a time. [...]

Incredible Engagement Stories - Lisa & James

A truly picture perfect engagement . . . Lisa & James February 04, 2010 I am originally from NB, and always make at least one trip home a year. James was able to join me this year in August 2010. We took one day with friends to go see the Hopewell Rocks as James has never seen them. We were at the end of the beach when James said lets get our [...]

Luscious Layered Hair for the Winter Season

* Photos retrieved from Hairstyles-Pedia.com Winter is here and Bridal Fantasy feels that the holidays definitely justify a hairdo update . . . and we're thinking layers! Hairstyles-Pedia.com advises: “Adding layers to long hair is an easy way to instantly update your hairstyle without having to sacrifice hair length or making any extreme changes”. As well, soft layers and waves look amazing and are great for most face shapes as they do not [...]

Every Marriage Should Be An Extraordinary Marriage

Terry Bachynski is just an “ordinary guy” who is helping to make marriages across the nation Extraordinary! After 25 years of being happily married and raising his now four young adult children, Terry is living out his dream everyday by helping others to build strong and loving marriages �“ just like his own. On his website, Terry shares with his readers and fans that “marriage, as a relationship between two people, is the most profound way [...]

Niemierko: A wedding at The Orangery at Kensington Palace...and a Foot in the Door for the Royal Wedding?

With the date of the royal wedding announced (April 29, 2011) and Westminister Abbey chosen as the venue, many are wondering who will plan the millenium's biggest wedding to date. Among the speculated frontrunners is a company called Niemierko. Niemierko is a London based company that describes itself as “the wedding and event planning company of choice for savvy and stylish clients.” And plenty of saavy clients choose them. They are considered one of London's leading event planners. BBC recently called on founder Mark Niemierko for insight on what might happen at the wedding of Kate and Prince William.

Chris Fitchew, Making Impossible Weddings Beyond Possible!

The possibilities for your wedding are simply limitless with Chris Fitchew. Whatever the wedding theme or fairy tale story, Chris Fitchew, master wedding planner and master of ceremonies, will re-create it to your exact desires! His work was recently featured on the television show Wedding House: Home of Fantasy Weddings, check out some of the amazing weddings sets he's put together:

Celebrity Wedding Watch: Jessica Simpson Engaged

Jessica Simpson is engaged! Eric Johnson, Jessica Simpson's boyfriend of five months, proposed to Simpson on Nov. 11 The ring is a three-stone, Neil Lane ring with two diamonds and a ruby. Eric is an NFL player, and by all accounts seems to be the best thing to happen to Jessica in quite a while. Although the couple hasn't been together all that long, Eric scores gentleman points for visiting Jessica's father to get his approval before asking Jessica to marry him. Bridal Fantasy hopes that [...]

Sarah Yates Photography

Sarah Yates Photography Blog chronicles the adventures of a brilliant sassy woman who travels across the United States (sometimes Mexico,) working as a wedding photographer. Sarah Yates showcases her work in a way that makes us feel like we are chatting with a close girl friend, (one that just happens to go to an unreal amount of weddings); and certainly one that is willing to share the highlights of every event she attends. Read her witty manifesto here. It is this spunky, fresh attitude that [...]

Winter Wonderland Shoot at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise welcomed the Bridal Fantasy team with heaps of snow - snow that is just PERFECT for a Winter Wonderland shoot. Our models Bronwyn, Jennifer, Brooke and Sean braved the freezing temperatures and looked amazing in wedding gowns and formalwear against natural backgrounds - and the warm interior of the Fairmont. Calgary photographer Andras Schram went above and beyond, and even got down on his hands and knees to get the perfect shots of all the models. He's an amazing, award winning photographer. His 

Jessica Seinfeld's New Book: Double Delicious!

Bridal Fantasy LOVES Jessica Seinfeld's new book, Double Delicious! Reading Jessica's book will broaden your recipe repertoire and develop your healthy shopping senses. Her recipes for quick, nutritious dishes suit adults and kids. The advice included on reading recipes and labels makes the book stand out among the competition. Jessica's book teaches you all you'll need to know to become a healthier shopper. Plus, you'll learn to create some truly scrumptious dishes fit for the entire family. With the success [...]

Wish Upon a Wedding Foundation

"I'll get married when the time is right." For many, the right time to get married means having achieved the right level of stability in their relationships, both emotionally and financially. What are a few more months of planning, or even a few more years when you are looking at spending the rest of your life with one another? No one expects that time can become the one thing disallowed to them; but for so many people, this is a cruel reality that happens unexpectedly, and [...]

A Scrumptious Wedding Favor No One Will Leave Behind . . .

Bride Buzz, we truly understand your love-hate relationship with wedding favors! Bride Buzz and Bridal Fantasy both agree that after all the hard work and money you've spent on personalizing your wedding favors, you'd hate to see them being left behind by your guests. So why not give them a wedding favor that they'd hate to forget? Bride Buzz found a truly delightful wedding favor idea that all guests would enjoy . . . chocolate bars (nut free)! Who do you know that does not like chocolate? If you can name even one person, we suspect that the individual [...]

Incredible Wedding & Engagement Stories - Vanessa & Brett

Vanessa & Brett July 31, 2011 My fianc� and I used to go to junior high together when we were young and we went on this field trip to the Muttart Conservatory in Edmonton. Part of our trip included that we plant trees on the Muttart grounds; so we were partners and planted a tree together! And of course I was thrilled because I had always had a mini girl crush on him! After two years I ended up moving to BC and had seen him a few times after [...]

Setting the Atmosphere with a Mood Board

Bridal Fantasy is always looking to share the most unique and creative ways to staying on top of wedding planning. Preston Bailey recently shared with his readers the usefulness of having a mood board. What's a mood board you ask? Well . . . mood boards are collages made from photographs, sketches, clippings, fabric swatches and color samples that engaged couples wish to incorporate into their wedding day. Preston Bailey states that "mood boards are a great way to visually summarize what your client is looking for in [...]

An Elegant Toast By All

So you've safely made it down the aisle without tripping and you two are officially married . . . What now? The reception lunch/dinner party of course! With every wedding celebration, there will surely be toasts all around. Therefore, by providing unique "drink" options, it is a great way to allow everyone to join in on the festivities. We recently came across these two fun beverage alternatives that look just like your regular flute of bubbly champagne or an elegant glass of red wine . . . but they're non-alcoholic!

Working the Bridal Bouquet

For most of us, it is a rare occasion when we have the opportunity to walk down the aisle with bridal bouquet in hand. So to make sure that you look both regal and poised for your wedding aisle catwalk, here are a few tips we came across from Creative Weddings and Occasions, on how to work it down the aisle with your bridal bouquet. The Walk Down the Aisle First, remember that you are walking down an aisle amongst your closest friends and family, so there is truly no need to be nervous. Stumbling should be the least of [...]

Helping Your Gentlemen Purchase The Perfect Wedding Band

Us girls always ask . . . Why can't men's favorite past time be shopping? Well to keep your man happy and prevent him from spending too much time shopping for his wedding band, Jim Siegel from Siegel Jewelers recommends that by learning about the different metals that are used to make men's wedding bands, it will help him decide what ring best suits his personality and lifestyle. So before you and your partner walk into that jewelry store, make sure that he knows about the qualities [...]

Love In Bloom

If you attended a conventional school growing up, you can probably recall spent a number of hours from your formative years on a little thing we like to call arts and crafts. Every holiday meant another picture, another hand turkey, another lacy Valentines Day card… Before long your parents could no longer complain that their fridge was lacking in character, and soon their world was awash with color (Walls included.) Well this couple featured on Ali Degraff's photography blog has staged an excellent throwback to [...]

The Fine Art of Weddings

Prior to the advent of digital photography, we were severely limited in terms of quality cameras and photo-editing tools. Before SLR cameras and Photoshop burst on the scene, one would assume that they had captured the ultimate shot, only to find the picture was blurry, and the moment having passed and the opportunity was lost forever. Luckily, now even a layperson can capture a beautiful image if they are willing to pay the cost of the newest, most improved high tech gadget to hit the market…

Incredible Engagement & Wedding Stories - Ferne & Dave

How teamwork organized a perfect engagement . . .

Ferne & Dave September 17, 2011

It was June 6, 2010 . . . my fianc�'s birthday! We decided to go out for a nice family supper with his daughters and me. However, one of his daughters told me, "No you guys just go, I am going to stay to make Dad an Angel food cake for his birthday". So we ended up going alone while the girls stayed home to "bake their father a cake". [...]

The Tender Side of Carrie Underwood

Since getting married earlier this year to pro hockey player Mike Fisher, Country singer and sweetheart Carrie Underwood shares with her fans a few glimpses of her wedding day in her new video titled "Mama's Song". In the video, Carrie's mom is featured going through a photo album of Carrie's childhood leading up to a beautiful photo of the two Underwood gals on Carrie's wedding day. From tender moments shared with Mike to her Mama welling up with tears, "Mama's Song" is sure to warm the hearts of all her fans and viewers!

Incredible Engagement & Wedding Stories - Rachel & Nicolas

A truly touching story . . .

Rachel & Nicolas May 26, 2012

Nicolas was in the armed forces. I had made him a scrap book when he was away on course of all of our good times, and things we had made it through together to cheer him up when I saw him again. We would go weeks without contact, it was very difficult. One night he sat me down with my favorite wine and the scrap book I made for him in [...]

Short films, lasting memories

When planning a wedding, the focus is generally on enlisting the best photographer available to provide you with some great parting shots of the event, but some people choose to go beyond a static image and hire professional videographers to replay their memories frame by frame. Joel Serrato specializes in using cinematography to turn weddings into beautiful films that document the day's events.

Joel Serrato's films capture the human element of the wedding, film IV on his website inspires a sense of nostalgia absent [...]

DIY Weddings

Do It Yourself, or DIY is a fun way to personalize your wedding. From invitations, to decor, flowers, favours and even dresses, there are do it yourself opportunities for brides who have the time, interest, and motivation to explore them. Here are a few ideas Bridal Fantasy has come across recently: 1) This is a great DIY initiative because it doesn't require the bride to do any of the "DI" ing. When an overseas wedding meant that some freinds and family couldn't make it, this couple invited their friends to create peices of art to be sent over and included in the special day.

A Touch of French Flavor to your Wedding Favors

Ooh la la! Bridal Fantasy recently came across Green Wedding Shoes' tutorial on DIY Favor Bags filled with macarons! Mmmm . . . macarons, such delectable little things . . . simply mouth-watering just thinking about them. With color-coordinated labels already made to download, you'll only need a few more things for this delightful DIY project: - Color printer - Glassine favor bags (found here) - Ruler - X-acto knife - Double sided tape - And of course . . . MACARONS! Luckily for [...]

Bridal Fantasy Make-Up Tutorial (Part One)

Bridal Fantasy is pleased to bring you this make-up tutorial to help you look your best on your big day. Makeup by Nikolas Syhatheb. The rest of the tutorial continues after the jump...

Turning Your Wedding Inside Out

Bringing a new meaning to the phrase "outdoor wedding" this creative couple (featured on black and white {side by side}) held a breathtakingly vintage wedding, reminiscent of the 1920's. The antique accents helped to recreate a feeling of the bygone era where times were simpler, but it also managed to convey the feeling of subdued decadence. This is a great example of being elegant, without crossing over into the realm of extravagance.

Badgley Mischka 2011 Preview

Badgley Mischka's 2011 bridal collection was shown in New York recently. Badgley Mischka's couture gowns are globally sought after, and their designs influence many other designers. The styles that BM embrace are sure to be seen widely in gowns this year. Floral detailing and petal shapes were evident through many of the gowns. Oversized three dimensional blossoms, floral beading on torsos, and skirts with petal like layers were shown. Mark & James (Badgley Mischka's consumer line) 2011 collection was also shown. These gowns were less elaborate - [...]

It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month - You Can Get Involved

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. It's time to work together to support initiatives that help move the struggle against cancer forward. In the past twenty five years breast cancer awareness, early detection, and quality of treatment have improved significantly. There are so many ways you can help. In addition to attending local events (Like Fashion with Compassion), one of the easiest ways is by making wise consumer choices. Here are a few retailers who are currently donating partial or full proceeds to cancer research: Swarovski Crystals: [...]

Bridal Fantasy 2011 is only a few months away!

Wow...Bridal Fantasy 2011 is just a few months away. It's hard to believe that the year has gone by so quickly. This year's shows are taking place in Calgary on Jan. 16, 2010 and in Edmonton on Jan. 23, 2010. Tickets are just $20, and are available online. You can buy them here. Tickets purchased online will be mailed to the billing address provided closer to the show date. Bridal Fantasy Magazine's 2011 issue will launch at the Calgary show. This year's issue will have a new look and will contain all the information you need to make your [...]

Celebrity Wedding Watch: Russell Brand and Katy Perry

Katy Perry and Russell Brand are a special, fascinating, celebrity couple. With their wedding coming up soon, Bridal Fantasy thought it was a good time to take a look at some of the highs along their rollercoaster relationship. Love at First Sight On The View, the comedian shared his first impression of Katy, who he met after she hurled a bottle across a room at him. "At first I thought a woman with an arm like that [...]

Dreaming in Alberta

For those brides still in the middle of the wedding planning process, we have found an excellent planning resource at a modern proposal event planning. This site is filled with vibrant photos showcasing clever ideas other brides have utilized to make their event stand apart from the rest. The short commentaries left by the blog owners serve to highlight especially distinct features that otherwise may go unnoticed, or details that were unable to be captured by the lens of the camera.

It's All About LOVE

In The Name of Love blogger Bianca Juarez is making waves with her powerful enthusiasm and unyielding LOVE & faith in God. Stimulating new hopes and possibilities through her blogs and speeches, Bianca's LOVE for Jesus and riveting words of candor are inspiring audiences of all ages and demographics. Bianca not only teaches her audiences to go beyond their own fears, she also urges them to exceed societal expectations of themselves, "never limiting themselves to what the world says they can't do, but to go [...]

Updos For Any Occasion

From simple buns, intricate or loose curls, twists, tussles, waves, and even diamonds . . . There is so much that you can incorporate into an updo. Here are some ideas for some different styles that you can try with your hair: Casual: While you're running last minute wedding planning errands, do your long luscious locks feel like they're in the way sometimes? Or maybe you just don't feel like spending hours on your hair that morning. Well, if you're looking for an easy (Do-It-Yourself) hairdo, simply twist your hair into a bun for that "I didn't just get out of bed" [...]

Incredible Engagement & Wedding Stories - Ljubica & Adam

Ljubica & Adam August 27, 2011 We were on a family vacation in Tofino BC. It was now around dinner time and we had just dropped off Lubi's two kids at her parents cabin they had rented for the week so that we could go into town and have a date night. It was a beautiful sunny day with a slight breeze rolling through just to keep you from getting to hot. We quickly chowed down some Chinese food because that is what we were really craving and then [...]

A Chair To Remember Creates Events To Remember

Leave it to A Chair to Remember to put the perfect finishing touches to any event. From table linens, chair covers, and backdrops, they are your Fairy Godmother for table and chair decor.

Serving the greater Edmonton area, A Chair to Remember will take care of you from start to finish...from delivery, pick up, installation, and tear down, all these services are available to make sure that everything will look [...]

Vera Wang Dress Giveaway on Oprah

Since 1986, Oprah has hosted and developed the world's highest rated and most influential talk-show. She's had an incredible, 25 year career. This season will be Oprah's last, and it might just be the best season ever. It's packed with high-profile celebrities, highly engaging topics, and unbelievable gifts and giveaways. . . Those lucky enough to be in her studio audience are going to walk away with some outstanding prizes. Recently, Oprah's special guest was every bride's most beloved person (besides their fianc�) . . . Vera Wang! The [...]

Incredible Engagement & Wedding Stories - Kasey & Nick

Kasey & Nick August 26, 2011 I had purchased the ring a little after our 1 year anniversary of dating and just couldn't figure out a good romantic way to propose to her in our small little town. While I was at work one day in January I came across an article about people using GPS to go on scavenger hunts and I got an idea. I figured that she liked puzzles and loved surprises even though they annoyed her at the same time. So I decided that I [...]

Elizabeth Messina . . . Capturing the Beauty & Essence of Love

kiss the groom's Elizabeth Messina sets the standards for photography blogging today! Celebrating life, love, and kisses, Elizabeth truly brings to life the essence of both love and art through her photos and personal insight. Recently, some of Elizabeth's breathtaking photos were featured on The Wedding Chicks. The photos were taken at Bodee and Patrick's lovely wedding at The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. From colourful socks and pink stilettos, to traditional kimonos, each of Elizabeth's photos artfully captured the tenderness, beauty and style of each moment [...]

Let Your Surroundings Be Your Muse

Melissa Dominelli of CTV and The Bounce and her fianc�, Will, recently had their engagement photos taken in downtown Edmonton. Katch Studios brilliantly used Edmonton's downtown tr�s urban-esque surroundings and buildings as a backdrop to create a "New York" feel to the shoot.   The shoot was so perfectly executed that at first glance it's hard to tell that the setting is in downtown Edmonton. See all the photos here. It's inspiring to see such [...]

Smoky Valley Cheese Board.....Another easy but delectable recipe from Gail Hall

It's the weekend - time to unwind with friends and enjoy the crisp fall air. Why not add a bottle of wine and a cheeseplate? If you're in Edmonton, plan it for this Saturday night so you can head downtown to the Farmer's Market on Saturday to get some Smoky Valley Goat Cheese. For wine try: an oaked chardonney, gewurtrzaminer, or whatever you like. From Gail Hall's Seasoned Solutions: Whatever the time of year, a great cheese board is always a treat and great party fare. [...]

Incredible Engagement & Wedding Stories - Laurel & Christopher

Laurel & Christopher June 16, 2012 It was the most incredible day of my life, the day my bestfriend, lover and soulmate proposed to me. We both are very passionate for golf, so one day he took me to Saskatchewan's Elk Ridge Resort. We were planning on playing 18 holes of golf on our favourite course. As we were playing I noticed that there was no one in sight, usually there are other golfers in front and behind us. As we were on the 9th green, my fiance stopped, [...]

Married with Style

With the rise of the modern day wedding, weddings have become unique occasions, rich with colours and character; gone are the cookie cutter weddings of the past. Couples prefer to celebrate the state of matrimony today with creativity and style. Just check out this post we found at La Belle Bride! From kazoos to little cactus give-aways this couple managed to host an adorable wedding that is both fun and memorable at the Utah Zion national park.

Christian Siriano Adds Glam to Wedding Dresses

Look glamourous and feel fierce for your wedding day! The dress above was recently featured at Christian Siriano's fashion show during New York fashion week . . . and I must say that it is the perfect combination of fashion forward femininity, unconventional colour, poise, and fearless confidence. Every bride should feel their most fabulous for their wedding day, so don't feel restricted by conventional wedding gown styles. With Christiano Siriano's touch of couture on wedding gowns, his dresses (and pant suits) definitely help to break down the boundaries of wedding fashion for females!

Go Green for Your Wedding Day with cocodot

Embrace the convenience and efficiency of going green. Sign up for a free trial of cocodot (look for the Green box that enters the screen) this September and let your creativity soar! Using the thousands of designs and many tools available to you on cocodot.com, you can start creating elegant, trendy, and eco-chic invitations for any occasion imaginable. So add a touch of Green to your wedding and create Wedding e-vites on cocodot that will surely impress all your guests! Established publications such as O Magazine, InStyle, People, [...]

Til Debt Do Us Part's Gail Vaz-Oxlade's New Financial Show: "Princess"

Attention all Gail Vaz-Oxlade fans . . . her new financially focused show Princess is now airing Tuesdays @ 9pmET / 6pm PT on Slice. Watch as Gail firmly confronts financially irresponsible young women whose reckless behavior is threatening to put them and their loved ones into bankruptcy. Each show will cover a six week period where Gail attempts to transform each candidate into self-sufficient young women by taking away their credit cards, putting them on cash diets, and challenging them to start achieving certain goals. According to Slice, [...]

Incredible Engagement & Wedding Stories - Sarah & Clayton

Sarah & Clayton July 23, 2011 Clayton and I woke up Thursday morning (June 3rd, 2010) and little did I know it would be one of the happiest days of my life. Clayton and I were laying in bed discussing our day plans, Clayton wanting to know if I would be home between work and my night class, I replied "no that's dumb why would I drive all the west to the west end and then have to drive all the way back downtown, with no budging on my part [...]

Fun & Flirty Photo Shoot

Article and Photos By Chrissie Boon Recently I thought it would be a wonderful idea to get a group of local vendors together to do a fun and flirty photo shoot. I was finding that brides seemed to be lacking their usual inspiration when coming in for consultations and thought what better way to get their creative juices flowing then to show them the possibilities. Working with a group of all female owned and operated businesses was an exciting concept and seeing the visions everyone brought to the table was inspiring. Everyone had their own unique style and flair which, when all [...]

"Brides-to-Be Are Flocking to The Bridal Conference 2010"

The Bridal Fantasy Group wants to thank Metro Edmonton for the recent mention of The Bridal Conference: Fall's Boutique Bridal Show! The show is this Sunday at the Edmonton Expo Centre and everyone from The Bridal Conference staff, exhibitors, and bride-to-be attendees are all preparing themselves for the thousands of dollars worth of prizes and giveaways, 80 plus wedding industry exhibitors, and the professionally choreographed fashion show . . . what more can you ask for? We'll see you all soon at The Bridal [...]

Leigh's Elegant Designs' Fairy Tale Wedding Packages . . .

For most of us, upon hearing the word "wedding" an image of a beaming bride surrounded by flowers and smiling faces comes very easily into our minds. In actuality, none of us spend too much time thinking about the tremendous amount of work it can sometimes take to bring the fantasy to life… Until one experiences the task of planning a wedding first hand. Those of us who have been actively involved in the planning of a wedding have all witnessed it first hand, the moment where [...]

Say Yes To The Dress' Big Bliss Series

It's a dream come true, after a long arduous search, you've found each other... Weddings are momentous occasions designed to share the joy between two people who have chosen to devote themselves to a future with each other so long as they both shall live. Nothing could be more beautiful right? As brides plan for their big day, they can anticipate being the center of attention, feeling radiant and looking fabulous… Which believe it or not, can sometimes be easier said then done, it can be [...]

Make your Stag or Stagette a Real Adventure with Mountain Madness Tours

Congratulations! You're getting married! As you plan for your big day, you may be thinking about hosting a more unconventional stag or stagette party, but you're not quite sure where to begin. Why not let Mountain Madness Tours help you plan an adventure that you'll never forget? Mountain Madness Tours specializes in day-trips and weekend retreats to surrounding areas such as Jasper and Banff; their website lists a number of different activities, which include wine tours, golf tours, white water rafting, and even skydiving. From those poor weary [...]

Body Magic Produces Instantaneous Results

Body Magic is an effective and safe product for anyone that wants to look a little bit slimmer right before a special event! You can visibly drop 2-3 sizes in simply 10 minutes . . . How, you ask? By using Body Magic. It not only re-shapes your body, but also smoothes, slims, and helps you to achieve that hourglass figure that every girl desires. As their website states: "It's like a liposuction transformation without the surgery". Ardyss' Body Magic ranges from standard to custom sizes that also come in a variety [...]

Extraordinary Fabric Environments

Article by Special Guest Author: Karin Hoogland, QSD Event Services Weddings are moving more towards sophisticated, stylish themes that elicit an overall feeling. The combination of drapery and lighting has thus become a major element in the design of successful events and weddings. Whether your vision is to transform your venue from the basic to the elaborate or add a touch of sophistication and elegance to your ceremony or reception, the options with fabric design and lighting are boundless and can be customized to make a captivating wedding environment come to life. Wall draping �“ effective and decorative Drapery along the [...]

You Could Win a Volvo XC60 or an All-Inclusive Honeymoon Getaway at this year's Bridal Conference: Fall's Boutique Bridal Show

Congrats on your engagement! Now let's make all your dreams come true for your special day and afterwards.

We've partnered with some amazing companies this year to put together spectacular prize packages and giveaways to be won by our Bridal Conference bride-to-be attendees this September 19, 2010. Prizes include: - A brand new 2010 Volvo XC60 courtesy of Volvo of Edmonton - An All-Inclusive Honeymoon Getaway to Sandals Resort plus a $1000 Flight Centre Voucher (Bridal Conference has partnered with Flight Centre Group and Sandals [...]

Incredible Engagement & Wedding Stories - Tara & Jeremy

Here is a proposal that truly swept the bride off her feet:

Tara & Jeremy August 7, 2010 Jeremy and I have been together since September of 2002. On June 12, 2009 Jeremy proposed! I was coming off a set of night shifts and Jeremy woke me up later in the afternoon. I was not very keen on getting up and I guess you could say I was being kind of 'grouchy'. Jeremy has a pilot license and said he needed to go flying and take a [...]

Incredible Engagement & Wedding Stories - Kristen & Serge

Here is one crowd stopping engagement: Kristen & Serge March 09, 2011 It was New Years Eve in New York City at Time Square about 5 minutes after mid night. We were in a crowd of over 1 million people, confetti was flying through the sky, fire works had just went off, Frank Sinatra New York, New York playing in the background. We were on the corner of 46th & Broadway, as we started to walk away from the crowd, me leading the way practically at a run (it was cold & [...]

Incredible Engagement & Wedding Stories - Tania & Matt

Tania & Matt September 10, 2011 Once upon a time... There was a Prince who wished for a Princess. The problem was that throughout his kingdom (Louis Pasteur Middle School) no one knew he was a Prince, not even Tania. It isn't easy being a teenager. Even a girl destined to be a Homecoming Princess has to focus on her family and her grades and may not have a chance to notice the boy in the homeroom class, Matt. She definitely wouldn't have notice as he used to grade the papers [...]

Incredible Engagement & Wedding Stories - Jennifer & Paul

Here is an amazing enagement story that proves how love can conquer any amount of distance: Jennifer & Paul August 7, 2010 Paul and I met at the wedding of two friends. I was living in England and flew back to Canada for the wedding and he had flown to Ontario from Edmonton for the week. We started to talk at the wedding rehearsal about our travel experiences �“ both of us have traveled extensively and we both have a passion for outdoor adventures through our traveling. We each found that [...]

This Season's Latest Wedding Colours & Combinations

If you're still trying to decide the color schemes for your wedding, then check out Michelle Mospens' blog, "A Wedding Sketchbook." In a recent two-part  post, she features 2011's trendiest wedding colours. Mospens's Wedding Sketchbook is an interesting resource for brides who want to explore colour trends.  She's been forecasting next year's 'it' colours since 2001, and her picks have been quite accurate over the last nine years. An artist and professional invitation designer, Michelle [...]

Pink Wedding Dresses: 2011 Trends

Light pink dresses and white dresses with pink accents are on the trend horizon for 2011. They're great because they allow a bride to choose a classic look without giving up fun, individual expression. Plus, a pink dress takes the 'Fairy Tale' wedding to the next level. Any wedding dress can make a girl feel like a princess, but a pink one is truly for a girl who's looking for 'happily ever after.' For more on pink dresses click here.

Viva Las Vegas - Wedding Venues

Las Vegas. It's a city for adventure, love, and making memories. But it's not all wild parties and reckless nights. The city of lights has some amazing venues for weddings too. Here are a few of the favourites, in no particular order: Ceasar's Palace As the website says: "Why get married at a chapel when you can get married at a palace?" Ceasar's Palace offers a variety of packages to suit your needs, and promises to make your wedding dreams come true. You can look at their wedding brochure [...]

Win a Gown or lovely Gold Earrings by Entering Bridal Conference Sweepstakes

The Bridal Fantasy Group is all about giving away as much as we can. There are always new contests and giveaways in the works. Our newest contest is a sweepstakes brides can enter to win a gorgeous gown by Jacquelin Bridal, or a pair of pearl, 18k gold earrings.

Full Details:

Grand Prize Jacquelin Wedding Gown Courtesy of the Bridal Boutique. The winner can select any Jacquelin Wedding gown up to $1000.00 www.thebridal-boutique.com

2nd Prize 30 [...]

Hilary & Mike – Financially and Romantically Stable

Before tying the knot at an intimate Fairytale wedding in Santa Barbara, Mike Comrie and Hilary Duff signed a prenuptial agreement. Though they don't sound very romantic, prenups are actually an extremely smart way to organize finances, property ownership, debt resolution and asset division, etc., should something happen to end a marriage. What does this mean? That couples know where they stand financially at the beginning of their life together. Basically, if Hilary and Mike split up, they already have agreements in place to protect their respective interests, and [...]

Incredible Engagement & Wedding Stories - Marina & Marc

This is Marina & Marc's fairy-tale story of their journey to an "Enchanted Engagement".

Marina & Marc July 16, 2011

From May to June 2009, Marc and I were on a long road trip travelling throughout California. On June 5th 2009, which happened to also be my 23rd birthday, we were at Disneyland watching the fireworks in front of Sleeping Beauty's castle. Then after the fireworks . . . Marc took me into the garden by the castle where he got down on one knee and asked me if I [...]

Aine Carlisle Jewelry featured in Bridal Fantasy Magazine Photo Shoot

At our recent photo shoot for Bridal Fantasy Magazine 2011, we were more than honoured to feature jewelry designs by San Francisco based designer Aine Carlisle. The pieces were designed exclusively for this photo shoot. With oversized stones and pendants, these necklaces and earrings would undoubtedly make a statement! Images courtesy of Curtis Comeau and Grant Olson.

Day Two of Bridal Fantasy Magazine's Photo Shoot!

It was day two of Bridal Fantasy Magazine's gown and beauty shoot and Bridal Fantasy rocked the Elton John Costume on the Bridal Fantasy Magazine set!

Today was all about high fashion poses, no-limits imagination, and couture dresses. The fabulous costume from "Love Lies Bleeding," the Elton John ballet performance by Alberta Ballet, helped to push the crew's inspiration to the next level. Kelley McKinlay was the star of today's [...]

Models in Action at 2011 Bridal Fantasy Magazine Photo Shoot

Hollywood glamour. Bold colours. Unique sets. The day has been such a success. Our models have been chanelling the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O, and rocking custom statement jewelry with plenty of panache. Here are more on the scene shots of our girls showing off next year's trends in wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses from designers including Maggie Sottero, Martina Liana, ADK, and [...]

2011 Bridal Fantasy Magazine Photo Shoot Update!

Bridal Fantasy Magazine's 2011 gown and beauty shoot is currently underway. With a fantastic selection of wedding and bridesmaid dresses, fabulous jewelry, flowers, and a talented crew of photographers, stylists, and makeup artists, this shoot is sure to provide remarkable content for the 2011 issue, out in January. The collage above is a collection of shots from on location, this morning. More updates to come!

Artista Cakes – Designing Cakes for Any Occasion

We recently came across photos of some amazing cakes and we followed the icing trail back to Artista Cakes' Fan Page! Not only did their cakes look scrumptiously delectable, the themes and designs of some of the cakes and cupcakes were so imaginative and beautiful that it's almost a shame to ever have to cut any of their cakes! From Alice in Wonderland, Dr. Seuss, a large iPhone, Thomas the Train, unique patterns, to intricate floral designs, Artista Cakes can create a cake for any occasion. [...]

The Power – New Book by Rhonda Byrne

Rhonda Byrne, author of the 1996 nationally best-selling book The Secret has published yet another inspirational book called The Power. In The Power, Rhonda continues her revolutionary work as she reveals the single greatest force in our universe. Quoting Byrne, "Every discovery, invention, and human creation comes from The Power. Perfect health, incredible relationships, a career you love, a life filled with happiness, and the money you need to be, do, and have everything you want, all come from The Power. Intriguing and [...]

Incredible Engagement & Wedding Stories - Stephanie & Constantine

Here is an engagement story where a delectable dinner date turns into a precious night to remember . . .

Stephanie & Constantine September 4, 2010

My finace called me one afternoon and said "get ready, we're going out for dinner tonight.' I really wasn't feeling very well that day (we had gone out the night before) so I protested a bit, but he would not give in. He said he made reservations somewhere that I've always wanted to go to and he couldn't cancel [...]

Incredible Engagement & Wedding Stories - Julia & Chris

Since our last blog asking for couples to send us their engagement & weddings stories, we've literally recieved thousands of entries. We will be posting a series of particularly romantic, funny, unique, cute, sentimental stories. Here is the first of many to come, but this one was just so "meticulous" and perfectly planned by the Chris that we had to share with you their amazing engagement story:

Julie & Chris September 5, 2010

Part 1: Wednesday, July 15, 2009. We had an appetizer night planned one [...]

Nina Moro – Luxurious Pieces of Bridal Wear and Accessories

*Photos by Nina Moro Biography After successfully establishing her wholesale business in Ukraine, Lena Kanter got married to her love, Steve, and they both moved to America 7 years ago. Now a Cleveland resident and designer, Lena has made it her goal to create unique and customized pieces of elegance, couture, and self-expression for each of her clients. Currently designing for individual clients at her home studio, Lena loves to coordinate bridal and formal gowns with elegant and sophisticated accessories for brides that are seeking to create an image that is truly [...]

The Bridal Smokey Eye

* Photos by Katie Alton & Article by Erika Vincent Biography Erika Vincent was trained in hair styling and makeup at Complections International Academy in Toronto, Ont. Her focus is on wedding, glamour and photographic makeup and hairstyling. She has worked for MAC Cosmetics and now runs ""Perfection Hair and Makeup by Erika" serving Calgary and surrounding areas. She can be reached at hairmakeupcalgary@gmail.com I've been doing bridal makeup for almost ten years now and without a doubt the most common look I'm asked for is the smoky eye. A smoky eye [...]

Bridal Conference: Fall's Boutique Bridal Show - Sept. 19!

The Bridal Conference: Fall's Boutique Bridal Show, is an intimate and interactive way to educate today's engaged couples on planning their wedding and their futures. It's only weeks away. On September 19, 2010, at the Edmonton Expo Centre, engaged couples, their friends, and their families will be treated to two professionally choreographed fashion shows featuring the latest in bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, formalwear, and more. They'll also be introduced to a variety of wedding resources and have the opportunity to browse hundreds of beautiful gowns in our vendors selling booths. And that's just the [...]

Celebrity Wedding Watch: Hilary Duff Weds Edmonton's Mike Comrie

Hilary Duff and Edmonton's Mike Comrie were married in a romantic sunset ceremony this weekend. It was a small, family affair. Only 100 of the couple's closest family and friends were invited. Hilary's sister Haylie served as maid of honour, and Hilary walked down the aisle with her mother, Susan, at her side. The wedding took place at a $29 million estate in Montecito, Calif. on Saturday afternoon. Hilary wore a strapless Vera Wang gown, and her dark hair in a loose bun. Rose petals and candles lined the aisle.

Eat. Pray. Love...Let Yourself Go

This weekend, treat yourself to some soul food with a girls' night at the movies. Oscar-winning actress Julia Roberts stars in Eat. Pray. Love. Director Ryan Murphy's film is an adaptation of Elizabeth Gilbert's memoirs about her spiritual journey through Italy, Calcutta, and Bali. In the movie, Roberts plays the role of "Liz" as she travels to spiritual centres hoping to discover her inner balance. The cities she visits and the relationships she finds (and leaves behind) along the way create a [...]

Victoria's Secret Loves Canada - Grand Opening at West Edmonton Mall

Edmonton women rejoice! Canada's first Victoria Secret opened at West Edmonton Mall today, and Bridal Fantasy was there to get the inside scoop. The store is famous for setting the international standard for boudoir fashion.

Bridal Fantasy checked out the new bridal section. It's very impressive. If you weren't at the grand opening, then you should get to West [...]

Lemon Park Jewellery – Three Dimensional Journals

Vancouver based jewellery design company Lemon Park takes a bold, modern and adventurous approach to their jewellery designs. Using beads and semi-precious stones that have been personally sourced and selected by the Lemon Park team, those who wear their jewellery can feel confident that they are wearing unique, hand-made pieces. After years of working in places like Antarctica, Europe and Northern Canada, creator and designer Tania Gleave designed her first 'Rocks' necklace with stones that she had acquired during her travels. The story behind each necklace and [...]

Spring 2010: Fresh Bridal Couture

Admire the glamour of these couture bridal outfits for inspiration in planning your own looks. Visit Wedding TrendSpot's youtube channel for more.

Chelsea Clinton - An All American, Fairytale Wedding

On July 31, 2010, America had its own version of a royal wedding. Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky tied the knot. Chelsea looked simply breath-taking as her father, Bill, walked her down the aisle. The wedding took place at the Astor Court Estate in Rhinebeck, NY. Clinton wore a custom silk organza Vera Wang wedding gown. When asked how she felt about Chelsea choosing her as her gown designer, Wang commented: "It was an honour and a privilege to dress [...]

Fashion For Compassion: Shaken Not Stirred

Get ready for a fashion frenzy on October 7th, 2010 at Shaw Conference Centre. Fashion For Compassion is back - and bolder than ever. The theme of this year's event is "Shaken Not Stirred." If you've seen any of the James Bond movies, then martinis, sharp suits, sleek silhouettes, intrigue and glamour should come to mind. Here's a video of highlights from last year's fashion show: Tickets are available on Fashion For Compassion's website, along with a schedule of events, and details about the fashion show, food, and silent auction. If you're looking for an idea for [...]

Share Your Love Story: A Call for Wedding and Engagement Stories!

It's your turn to share. Bridal Fantasy wants to hear about your wedding. How did you make it an unforgettable day? From the dresses and suits to the location, d�cor …and everything in between. Tell us what made it special. Not married yet? Then we welcome you to share your ideas about what you want your dream wedding to look like. You can also tell us about your engagement. What made you say yes? Or, how did you propose? Tell us your greatest love story. Commemorate your love and [...]

French Polynesian Destination Weddings

With the growing trend of destination weddings, couples are constantly trying to find the next new and exciting location to have their dream wedding. One hot location to consider is the French Polynesian Islands. This paradise is an archipelago with more than a hundred different islands that you can have your once in a lifetime wedding on. With a staggering 118 islands to choose from, you will surely find an island that will have everything you've ever dreamed of for your wedding . . . and perhaps even more! Famous [...]

Gwyneth Shares Classic Summer Recipes on GOOP

Gwyneth Paltrow has frequently landed roles in award winning and box office hits. She also has a fantastic marriage to Chris Martin, and two beautiful children. To round out what some might call a perfect life, she is now establishing her own lifestyle brand, GOOP. On the GOOP website, Gwyneth frequently updates us on her life, her favorite fashion finds, favorite places to go, things to do, things to see, and even her favorite recipes. She also shares recipes, book reviews, and more from her famous friends. You can sign up for the GOOP newsletter here. Here are a few recipes [...]

Bridal Fantasy's Love In Paris Sweepstakes!

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! This is going to be one of the most exhilarating times in your life, so why not add to the excitement and enter our Bridal Fantasy Sweepstakes? Enter for your chance to win some awesome prizes, like a trip to Paris! Paris - the city of Romance and Love . . . can you think of a better place for a romantic getaway for you and the love of your life?

The Bridal Conference: Fall's Boutique Bridal Show

It's that time of the year again! On September 19, 2010, Bridal Conference: Fall's Boutique Bridal Show will take place at the Edmonton Expo Centre. This is a must- attend event for engaged couples, their friends, and their families. Couples will have the opportunity to win over $90 000 in prizes and gifts, and meet with wedding industry experts to get the resources and knowledge they need to plan their big day. Plus, ladies looking for the perfect [...]

Preparing For Better in a Long Term Relationship

New York Times writer Tara Parker-Pope recently published a book titled For Better: The Science of a Good Marriage. The book explores the nature of relationships and examines common social perceptions and misconceptions about marriage and divorce. The book discusses the biological basis for animal behaviors, trends in marriage, statistical analysis, and provides a lot of great insight. Throughout the book, Pope also assesses various factors that help keep certain marriages together and force others apart. Recently, Marie Claire magazine revealed some of the book's pretty surprising facts about [...]

Malene Grotrian Does Marvels to Vintage Wedding Dresses

"Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, and a Silver Sixpence in Her Shoe."

The quote above is familiar, and full of history. Britain's silver sixpence was in circulation from 1551 to 1967. The tradition of incorporating these elements into the bride's wedding dress and accessories likely became popular during the Victorian era (Approx. 1837-1900). Inspired by this wedding ritual, Malene Grotrian Design helps brides to restore their mother's or grandmothers wedding dress and turn it into a modern couture wedding for the new [...]

Wedding Vows & Anniversaries . . . They Don't Get Old!

Don't let the romance candle burn out. Keep your candle blazing by finding new and exciting ways to celebrate your love and relationship every year. Be inspired by Albert and Marion Wagner's marriage! After 64 years of marriage, Albert and Marion have recently renewed their vows and are truly more in love then they've ever been. After reading Albert and Marion's love story, you can't help but be inspired by their lifelong love for each other and by their enduring marriage. There are often many reasons why couples want to [...]

Have Fun With Your Bridal Shower

Bridal showers are an opportunity for those closest to the bride to "shower" her with their love, best wishes, and fabulous gifts. It is a tradition that has been happening since the sixteenth century. Since then, not much has changed. Bridal showers of all sorts today still encompass pretty much the same essence and etiquette. One thing should always be kept in mind when planning a bridal shower: the theme should suit the bride's personality and style. Recently, in the At Home section of the Edmonton Journal, a Mexican themed [...]

Jamaican Destination Weddings

Images and Text by Emma Bowers (Jamaica Tourist Board) Dare to dream about a beautiful destination wedding on a lively Caribbean island! Come to Jamaica; it's just what you're looking for. The diverse natural attractions, from jungle mountaintops to beaches bathed in the island sun, make Jamaica a destination that appeals to visitors from around the globe and makes this the ideal tropical paradise to say "I Do." Jamaica's tropical climate remains blissfully the same from season to season, so planning a wedding or honeymoon anytime [...]

Four Steps To Breast Health

LINKPINK 2010 The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation �“ Prairies/NWT Region's 2010 LINKPINK event, Co-Presented by The Canada Safeway Foundation and the Edmonton Journal, featuring seven-time Tour de France champion and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong, takes place August 25 and 26th in Edmonton. For event details, visit LINKPINK`s official site. Be part of the journey on the road to a future without breast cancer. Below is some valuable information about prevention, and maintaining breast health. 1) Reduce Your Risk When it comes to preventing breast cancer there is no magic [...]

DIY (Do It Yourself) Home Facial

Be Nice and Treat Yourself, Guilt-Free

For the stressed and budget conscious bride, wind down every month with a DIY (Do It Yourself) home facial, your skin will thank you for it!

1. Always start a facial with clean skin. Start by washing your face with your usual cleanser. Apply in circular motions from your neck moving upwards and then wash off.

2. Next, fill a bowl with hot water (not boiling) and add lavender or eucalyptus oil to the water to induce greater relaxation. [...]

Obtain That Flawless Glow For Your Wedding Day

There are a few beauty matters that all brides-to-be and her wedding party must attend to when preparing for the big day. Not only is choosing the right dress imperative, so is preparing your skin to look its luminous best for the wedding photos. So get that flawless skin to match your perfect wedding dress, just follow a few of these steps to ensure glowing skin for the big day.

Use Gentle Cleansers & Moisturizers

Be gentle to your skin, especially the few months before the [...]

Be Your Own Wedding Organizer

Most brides-to-be today balance very busy lives. They do it all: work a full time job, maintain a healthy relationship, maintain an active lifestyle, and still find time to plan their own wedding. If you are one of those brides, don't stress too much, there are hundreds of resources and tools available online that will help you with the daunting task. Not only are these online software tools FREE, they often cover some of the most intricate details you may not have even thought of.

Online wedding planning tools can be life savers. There are dozens of resources available [...]

Destination Weddings: Get Your Groom A Perfect Linen Suit

At Derks, we carry a large variety of unique linen island wedding apparel for destination and beach weddings, events, and tropical vacations. We specialize in men's linen beach attire such as linen suits, pants, and shirts.

The most important thing with linen is that the fabric is natural and it has a natural look. When purchasing linen clothing, one must know that there will be wrinkles, but that's one of the delicate and unique features of linen. If you notice any heavy wrinkles, don't worry, most hotels [...]

Getting What You Want from Your Photographer

Text and Photos by Sarah Pukin Biography Sarah Pukin Photography is a modern, edgy & fashionable Wedding & Boudoir Photography boutique located in Calgary, AB.  Recently Sarah was recognized for being in the top 5% of wedding photographers in the world and received the Brides Choice award 2010 from Wedding Wire. Sarah believes that every couple has a different love story, and a different style. She will capture your wedding discreetly and professionally while bringing her considerable expertise and experience within the worlds of weddings, high fashion and photojournalism. Sarah shoots both locally and internationally.

The Endless Options Of Your Groom's Suit

If your groom decides to purchase rather than rent, then the sky is the limit when it comes to buying a tuxedo or suit. From wild cuts and fabrics to the classic black one button, anything is possible.

There are many variables to consider when choosing a suit: time of day, location of event, themes, etc. Discuss what you both want (and what you don't want). Your personal tastes will come into play when choosing the attire for the big day.

Suits in particular [...]

Achieve Rejuvenation Naturally with Acupuncture

Research on cosmetic acupuncture has shown that the process stimulates the flow of blood and energy through the skin in the face, thereby hydrating and boosting the skin's supply of nutrients and oxygen, and reducing the signs of aging. More importantly, facial rejuvenation acupuncture helps to harmonize the whole body. Acupuncture not only resolves problems at the surface, but it also addresses the internal imbalance causing the problem in the first place. The process begins with a personal consultation and an assessment of your medical history, skin care regime, and lifestyle. Then [...]

Help Your Man Feel Comfortable with the Idea of Marriage

We've heard the same story time and time again, you've been with your significant other for years and now you're scared that he will never ask that four-word question you've been dying to hear for so long. If you've been dating for a while and you two are clearly right for each other, you need to figure out what is holding him back and help him to see that you are The One.

Fear of commitment can definitely hold [...]

Perfect 10's

There is nothing like gorgeous red nails to make a strong fashion statement. Bouquet colour and nail colour creates a strong fashion statement. Keep your nails short with the deep, rich shades. For longer lengths, try silver, sheer or white. Time your manicure to keep your nails at their best before the big day. Once the 'I dos' are done, everyone will want to check out your beautiful ring and you want to make sure your hands look fabulous. If you're wearing open-toed shoes or planning [...]

Thank You Cards: A Small Gesture That Means A Lot

Your wedding. You thought the day would never come, that the rollercoaster of parties and planning would never end. But, now your wedding is over and you've come back from the honeymoon, it's time to express your gratitude and appreciation for your guests' and for their wonderful wedding gifts. You may think that the task seems daunting, especially if you've had a large wedding, but it is a necessary step. Plus, the experience of reflecting on the gifts �“ both material and spiritual �“ that your family and friends [...]

Thank You Cards: One of a Kind Keepsakes

Thank you cards give you a wonderful opportunity to share your favourite wedding or couple photos. Say thank you with a personalized image of the two of you at your wedding, or in a more casual setting. A card with your picture can be a beautiful keepsake for family, and an inexpensive wedding favour for friends and acquaintances.

Go big with a corner to corner couple's collage, or keep it subtle with a small picture of the two [...]

Be Creative in Giving Your Cash Gift

When it comes to giving cash gifts, there are many creative options to be explored. From fun and glamorous card holders to unique paper foldings, there are plenty of ways to have fun with the presentation of your cash or gift card.

If you want your cash gift to stand out from the crowd and show the recipient(s) that you've put more thought and consideration into their gift than simply stopping by the bank on your way to the party, we have some suggestions for you.

Bridal Debut – Two Locations, Tons of Gorgeous Gowns

If you're looking for a wedding dress, don't forget to stop by Bridal Debut. They've been helping brides find their perfect gown for 14 years. They have a great selection of gowns in a wide range of sizes. Plus, they're not just in Sherwood Park anymore - Bridal Debut's has opened a second store in South Edmonton.

The South Edmonton location provides the same friendly, no pressure service that Bridal Debut is known for in a smaller, boutique like atmosphere.

The [...]

Smooth Out Messy Tresses with a Brazilian Blowout

The Edmonton Journal has just published an interesting beauty article on a new hair trend called the "Brazilian Blowout" (read the Edmonton Journal article here)

The blowout is a temporary, keratin based, hair straightening technique that gives you a sleek, frizz-free look without harsh chemicals.

Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Nicole Richie have been seen sporting Brazilian Blowouts and recently, Richie blogged about its amazing results: "You HAVE to get a [...]

Commemorate Your Special Day with Dalla Nonna

Starting out as college roommates, Jessica Bohrer and Rebecca Richards are now "lawyers by day and jewelry designers by night." Recently, they've launched a modern line of jewelry that aims to also embrace the past. The inspiration for their jewelry line dalla nonna, originated from the vintage pieces that were handed down to them from their mothers and grandmothers. Their jewelry line dalla nonna, derives its name from the Italian phrase "from the grandmother." As they both fell in love with the idea of "taking something [...]

CCKmode Organizes the Purse Dilemma

Start-up company CCKmode has designed a purse organizer that will relieve the hassle and stress of constantly switching between bags and purses…YAY!

The Claddagh Ring - Friendship, Loyalty, and Love

The Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish ring that has been given as a token of love or worn as a wedding ring for centuries. Each portion of the ring implies something different and special: love (the heart), friendship (the clasped hands), and loyalty (the crown).

The Claddagh ring has become an important piece of the Irish tradition because of its history and the immense [...]

Cakes that ARE Too Nice to Slice

Founder and master decorator Chrissie Boon of 'Too Nice to Slice' cake shop truly creates cakes that are literally too nice to slice. 'Too Nice to Slice' makes custom cakes to satisfy their clients' exact desires. The Kitchener Ontario cake maker has earned international attention, with cakes featured in numerous international cake magazines such as Wedding Cakes a Design Source and Wedding Ring Magazine. As well, 'Too Nice to Slice' recently won the WeddingWire 2010 Bride's Choice Award for Wedding Cakes [...]

A German Wedding Custom Turned Fashion

So what's the next new and upcoming culture craze and fashion trend? Well, it originates from the saying: Scherben bringen Giack, meaning "shards bring good luck." This trend has led to the popularization and transformation of a German custom called Polterbend, creating elegant must-have pieces that any girl can cherish and appreciate (as proven by etsy.com).

Polterbend (derived from the German verb poltern [which means to make a racket] + noun abend [evening]) is a popular German wedding custom in which on the night before [...]

The Ben Rose Wedding Band Keeps the Classics alive

"When I got sick of people asking if I'd be insulted if they paid me to play their wedding, I decided to become the best wedding singer in the world. I love weddings. I love wedding music. I love playing the Greatest Songs of All Time. I play originals too  - but I won't play a song of mine unless it can stand up next to The Beatles."  - Ben Rose

Ben Rose Wedding Band is a great source for live wedding music in Alberta. Ben Rose's fresh take on classics [...]

Bridal Makeup 101

By Joanne Black

Joanne has been working as a Makeup Artist internationally for 17 years.  Celebrities, international fashion shows, magazine editorials, weddings, and TV appearances are all part of her long resume. Now living in Calgary, Joanne continues with her passion on making women feel beautiful. More examples of her work can be viewed at www.behance.net/JoanneB

Every bride wants to look their most beautiful on their wedding day and a crucial part of that is how their makeup looks. If you are planning [...]

Top 10 Groom Survival Tips

Top 10 Groom's Survival Tips Although most of our blogs are for the brides to be, this one is for the grooms...

There are some things that a guy just has to know when preparing for the big day. With these tips, getting ready for the big day should be a bit more manageable.

1. Make a date with your fiance to get the marriage license. You must purchase your marriage license from the province/territory/country where your wedding will take place. If you are planning to marry in another country, [...]

Jasper's Gem - The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is an enchanting place where wedding dreams really do come true. Stunning vistas, pristine lakes and the magnificent Rocky Mountains make it the perfect destination for a magical wedding.

Their talented team including event coordinators and world-class chefs cater to all of your needs, whether it is a small, intimate gathering, or a grand and extravagant celebration. The outdoor venues, banquet facilities, golf course (the JPL was rated the #1 golf [...]

Your Best Embellishments - Bridal Jewellery

The jewellery that you choose to wear on your wedding day is the single element that ties your whole look together. Are you looking for something glam and vintage, or delicate and feminine? Ostentatious, or subtle?

Traditionally, bridal jewellery is characterized by white crystal or pearls in a silver or gold setting. This look is timeless and lovely, but for those brides out there who are looking for something a little more unique, there are many [...]

Lipstick...Enhance Your Pucker Power

Lipstick is the quickest and easiest way to define your personality and bring a splash of colour to your face. It is the world's most widely used cosmetic product, and not only gives colour to the face, but can actually protect the lips from damaging environmental effects.

Consider the look that you want for your wedding, and be sure that whoever is doing your makeup understands what you want. Do a dress-rehearsal at least a few days before the wedding to make sure that you look exactly [...]

Selecting a Bridal Bouquet

A bride's bouquet is just as much a part of her wedding ensemble as her gown and veil. Empty hands look lonely, and carrying flowers is a traditional and romantic way to complete your look.

With so many different flowers and arrangements to choose from, making the decision can be exceedingly difficult. How big do you want your bouquet to be? What kind of flowers? Do you want to use only one kind, or a variety?

Compare the sizes and colours of the flowers that you have chosen to the colour of your gown to make [...]

The Castle, The Prince...The Perfect Veil

"Someday, when I'm awfully low, I will feel a glow just thinking of you, and the way you look tonight." ~ "The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra and from "My Best Friend's Wedding"

Choosing a veil can seem like a very daunting task if you don't know what you're looking for. One-tiered or two? How long? Beaded, ribboned, or unembellished? The wearing of the bridal veil dates back to the days of Ancient Rome, and though its style and cultural meaning has changed over time, it continues to [...]

Why Hire a Wedding Planner? 5 Reasons:

1) Having a wedding planner will save you time, giving you a chance to be inspired and creative. 2) Wedding planners are always looking for new ideas and researching to find all the new wedding trends. Our knowledge is at your fingertips, let us be creative with you! 3) Wedding planners have contacts in the industry that we deal with on a continuous basis. Not only are we confident in their work but we also get discounts from most vendors as well, making it easy to find [...]

Soleil Shoes - Fashionable and Practical!

Enter to Win!

It all started last July when Reed Palmer, the owner and designer of Soleil Shoe Company , attended a wedding. He saw the bride and bridesmaid had kicked off their heels and were all dancing barefoot at the reception. Dancing barefoot in dresses that cost hundreds of dollars! He thought to himself "there has to be a more practical and fashionable solution." He designed a ballet flat that can roll or fold to fit into your clutch or purse for [...]

Personalize Your Wedding Atmosphere with Live Music

Occasional Notes can increase the romantic ambience of your wedding day.

We've all been there, sitting at a beautiful wedding ceremony when the music stops and there is "dead air". The CD or MP3 recording has stopped and the bridesmaid is not quite down the aisle. Instantly, the romantic atmosphere of the entire ceremony is in jeopardy. Live musicians ensure that this won't happen to you. Your music will be seamless, uninterrupted and totally unique to you on your dream day. Live musicians can also enhance your [...]

Give her two red roses, each with a note. The first note says "For the woman I love" and the second, "For my best friend."

With just one day until Valentine's Day, one question is on all of our minds: what to get that special someone? Chocolate just doesn't seem to be enough, and jewellery can be pricy. Flowers are a perennial favourite that suit every taste, budget, and occasion.

Giving flowers to a loved one is a tradition that is revered around the world, and of course one of the most common reasons to give flowers is to express feelings of romantic love. No special event, [...]

All you really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt!

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, so why not pick up something for your sweetheart that's sure to make them melt? Chocolate is always a classic when it comes to gift-giving, appealing to the sweet-tooth of men and women the world over. Though originally bitter in taste, chocolate can be tempered and mixed with a variety of flavours to create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth treat that is enjoyable to every palate, as well as shaped and decorated to create something that is aesthetically pleasing as well as delicious. Calgary's Manon's and [...]

Wisewoman's Guide to Cookery....Amorous Pizza

As Valentine's draws near, it's time to start thinking about what you want to do this year to make your special someone feel, well, special. A tasty homemade meal is a tried and true way to get to anyone's heart. The Wisewoman's Cookery: Food, Sex, Magic & Merriment, by  Shannon Loeber and Mary Elise Edwards, has an abundance of great tasting recipes, including "Amorous PIzza." Plus much more. Wisewoman's Cookery shows you how to conjure intimate loving through food and manifest magic in the kitchen to increase fulfillment of life and sex [...]

Bridal Fantasy 2010 - winners!

What a wonderful time! Both Calgary and Edmonton Bridal Fantasy were huge successes - thanks to everyone who came out to the show :) Melanie Sinneave, our Calgary Fantasy Wedding Package grand prize winner (groom-to-be is Steve McDonald) is shown here with her mom (right) and Gay Derk (left), the owner and producer of Bridal Fantasy. Her prizes include a 7-day honeymoon trip to Barbados courtesy of AMA Travel, a $2500 wedding gown from Bells & Bows Bridal Centre, a $5000 [...]

Bridal Fantasy...The Bridal Show Everyone is Talking About

Bridal Fantasy is the leading one-day bridal show in Western Canada. With shows in Edmonton and Calgary , brides are sure to find everything they need for planning their special day. With an amazing professionally choreographed bridal fashion show, and an eclectic mix of exhibitors, brides and grooms can have all their wedding day questions answered. Plus you can win Fantastic Prizes - Like a Volvo c30 courtesy of Volvo of Edmonton, and so much more! Enter Our Sweepstakes Draw Here. You can win [...]

Bridal Focus 2010 - Best Gowns of the Season

On gowns… top three: The fabulous, elegant ball gown is making a comeback for this next bridal season. On the other side, we are still seeing the body-hugging silhouette, great for a girl with a fab figure. Fifties-style glamour is back in with its full-out Hollywood style and glamour. Big bows, belted waistlines and the absolutely stunning couture you see in "Mad Men".

Great Gowns at Wedding World

If you're looking for bridesmaid dresses, you can't afford to skip Wedding World. With the variety of colours, fabrics, and price points, you'll be sure to find something that catches your eye. They carry children's, plus size, and maternity gowns, so everyone on your party is covered. I love these sky blue dresses with the gathered detail and simple belting. The simple, elegant cut is fun, formal, and can be worn again. Wedding World also has a tonne of bridal gowns. Some of the brands available are [...]

Cute as a Button

What is cuter, or more special, than the little guys that celebrate our weddings with us.

Check out Spencer in this formal suit, jacket, pants, vest, shirt and tie. All for $99 as part of Derks' Little Nippers Collection. Photo courtesy of Andrew Peter Bradley (www.andrewpeterphotographer.com) Here are some tips to help you keep your little gentleman happy and handsome (or little lady looking her best):
  • Dress them at the last possible minute
  • Make sure they have access to videos, snacks and toys
  • Little ones need big, big [...]

Top 10 Songs to Play at a Party/Wedding During the Holidays

By Ben RBen Roseose Let me start by saying that I love Christmas music. If I could only take 1 album to a desert island it would be a fight between an Elvis and a Chipmunk's Christmas album. That said, nobody who books me for a Party/Wedding in December wants to hear Christmas Carols all night. My top 10 songs for holiday parties and weddings during the holidays goes something like this... 1) At Last, Etta James: This is the perfect first dance for a wedding or any [...]

Plantable Party Invites

I love these invitations! You can plant them! Each sheet contains a variety of wildflower seeds, and yes, the entire sheet can be planted. Bird's Eye, Clarkia, Black Eyed Susan, Poppy, Catchfly and Snap Dragon are some of the gifts each invitation could contain for your invitee. According to Botanical Paperworks, all you do is place the sheet on top of a pot of soil or small patch of garden, and then cover with a thin layer or soil. This paper is made from [...]

Classic & Playful: the Candy Buffet

Candy buffets are a delicious and colourful way to add a playful, classic touch to your wedding reception. A table full of treats is an irresistible draw for guests, not to mention a great conversation piece. If you're looking for an alternative to traditional favours, candy buffets are an affordable choice your guests will surely appreciate.

If you like the idea of a candy buffet, but you don't have time to set one up yourself, no worries! Edmonton's own M&K Candy Buffet Inc. has you covered. M&K provides a candy buffet service to Weddings/Bridal showers/seasonal parties/ ETC [...]

Girls Night In for a Good Cause

When was the last time you had a really good excuse to get together with the girls? Girls Night In makes it fun and easy to support an important cause, anytime you get together with the girls. It's a fundraiser that fits your lifestyle. Women all over the country are getting together and celebrating to help support research into breast, cervical, endometrial, ovarian and uterine cancers. The celebration is part of the Canadian Cancer Society's Girls Night In campaign. Joining the party is simple. Hostesses plan and register their party, collect donations from their guests, [...]

Reception Rentals

Photo booth rentals are a great way to liven up your wedding reception with a new, sleek modern design, you have a great spin on the traditional photo booth. This is one of the biggest trends and it makes for a fun and entertaining addition to your party. Guests get a great take-home gift and it gives some wonderful memories for the bride and groom.

You get four hours of [...]

Jewelry Roll Shop - New Sweepstakes Prizes!

Bridal Fantasy Sweepstakes has some great new prizes from the Jewelry Roll Shop . There are three prizes of a Checkered Jewelry Roll: one orange, one blue and one pink for three lucky brides! These are eye-catching bold colors in lovely hues and shades forming a checkered pattern. This is a wonderful jewelry organizer for traveling, for gift-giving or for storing treasured keepsakes at home. Each has two small pockets inside, a large pocket, and a strap for rings. 3" [...]

A Musical Comedy that will Make any Bride Laugh Out Loud! Get your tickets today!

The Edmonton Examiner Reviews Glowing Performance: Despite its name, The Drowsy Chaperone should keep audiences wide awake and entertained. "It's actually a musical within a comedy," director Max Reimer says. "The (character) Man in Chair tells the story of a 20s musical (that) actually materializes before the eyes of the audience."  According to Reimer, The Drowsy Chaperone is about a showgirl that is getting married but she and the groom are both getting cold feet. In fear of losing the showgirl in the entertainment industry, gangsters [...]

Diva's, Diamonds and Delicious Homes

Realty Diva shares her sizzling secrets for buying your home! Congratulations you sexy beautiful thing you!   Guess whose here to help you take a load off. Your very own Sassy Realty Diva! Take those stilettos off, put your feet up, and enjoy! 1. First: Are you really ready??? Owning a home takes a lot of time, emotional, physical, and financial care!    It's quite the plunge and planning it right can be one of the most Diva smart things you will ever invest in! 2. Do YOURSELF A BIG DIVA FAVOR. Figure out your monthly budget and the costs associated with owning your home and [...]

Colour That Talks - Creating The Perfect Look

Illuminate yourself in colours that do the speaking for you! "The colour of the object illuminated partakes of the colour of that which illuminates it." --Leonardo da Vinci, Artist Red - power, dominance, health ,strength "It can be a fascinating game, noticing how any person with vitality, and vigor will have a little splash of red in a costume, in a room, or in a garden...:" --Edgar Cayce

The Bridal Fantasy Wedding Planner

Congratulations! You're getting married! Getting engaged is usually one of the most romantic, unforgettable events of your life. Excitement, tears, fears, congratulations, bridal jitters, and love abound but so does the reality of planning the big day. So how do you get everything looked after without getting overwhelmed? Bridal Fantasy's The Wedding Planner is here to help.

Two Great Ways To Plan Your Wedding Visit The Wedding Planner Online Or download "The Wedding Planner" now

Bridal Showers AND PRE-WEDDING PARTIES Part II

  Part 2: The Bridal Shower The first party held in the bride's honor, is the bridal shower. This gathering is most often given by the maid of honor, but may also be given by other members of the bridal party, close friends, or even by some colleagues. The shower itself can take several forms and range in its formality with everything from a casual lunch to a formal seven course meal. Who to invite: any female who is on the guest list for the wedding may be invited, however to [...]

Gown Glamour- Taking His Breath Away

Take the Time.... before you buy, try on as many different styles as possible...gowns look different on your body type versus hanging on a hanger...walk around and sit down...make sure it's comfortable...shop as soon as possible...gowns are ordered and are not always readily available right away, some made to measure can take six to twelve months. Trying on wedding dresses can be one of the most daunting experiences a bride faces. You allow yourself to be swept up in a whirlwind of love and romance in [...]

Bridal Showers and PRE WEDDING PARTIES

Part 1: The Engagement Party This party serves as the official announcement of the engagement. When extending invitations to guests, you may wish to not state purpose of the party (i.e. the engagement), as it is often nice to make the announcement a surprise. For a wonderful selection of invitations for your engagement visit The Paper Tree. The party can be hosted by either the bride or groom's family. It is the host's responsibility to announce the engagement with a toast. The form of this party can range from a [...]

Ring Bling Part 2: Diamonds Are Forever

When choosing a ring, it is wise to consider what type of wedding band you will wear. Is it part of a matching set? Will you wear it alone? It is important to consider all these factors. Today some brides choose to wear only a wedding band. Most grooms all wear a wedding band. Whatever your choice make sure you've done your homework before making this big purchase. It is best to know when purchasing a ring the "Four C's" Cut, Carat, Colour, and Clarity. [...]

Ring Bling Part 1: Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend

Maximillion of Austria is said to have started a wonderful tradition over 500 years ago when he gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy to seal their engagement. The Duke made a wise choice - the diamond - proven to be a fitting symbol for everlasting love because of its beauty, hardness and rarity, not to mention its enduring value. Before purchasing a diamond every couple should understand the Four C's (cut, colour, clarity and carat). The diamond industry uses the Four C's to determine the [...]

GOOP's Got It Goin' On!

I've been a big fan of Gwyneth Paltrow's newsletter, GOOP. Recently Gwyneth featured some awesome tips from the famous makeup artist Patti Dubroff. There are some great tips for any bride in search of Makeover ideas and some great bath, detox and body scrubs...Enjoy! Click on the above GOOP logo to go directly to the newsletter.

Gown Trends That Will Inspire

Every bride wants a wedding gown the makes heads turn and hearts pound. There are so many fabulous designers out there, each with their own personal stamp on the gowns they produce. Here are some great bridal trends from some top designers for 2008.

1. keyhole necklines and spaghetti straps �“ this is a great place to play with colour 2. flirty sheer fabrics and exquisite beading �“ these types of gowns fit in [...]

Perfect Pics!

Take my breath away... Get the shots you want on your big day! By a landslide, photography is the #1 option when it comes to capturing memories from the biggest day of your life. Before the wedding, it's important to meet with your photographer so that you can give them direction as to what shots you definitely want. Maybe you want to ensure you have a candid [...]

Kelly Keehn - Couples & Money Interview

What is one of the biggest problem between couples in any relationship? Money. In the current economy, it's very easy to see why people are more tense and spend more time arguing about money. Kelly Keehn is a financial expert, speaker, elder planning counselor and author, along with being a contributing author to Bridal Fantasy Magazine. Recently she did an interview on CTV on couples and money - a great interview that every couple should see. Check out her website at www.kellykeehn.com - the video is right on the home page! There's also tons of other great resources to [...]

Crisis Management - Part 2

Severed Shoe - a broken heel is basically impossible to fix on the spot so act like a boy scout and always be prepared. Bring an extra pair of shoes with you. They don't have to be the exact same shoe - just have the same heel height. If you don't have a spare pair, don't do barefoot - at least not for the ceremony or the pictures. Borrow some shoes from a guest or one of [...]

The Wedding Bee

Check out this great blog post we found - an amazing way to create your own inspiration boards for your wedding day (or anything else!). It has great tips on an easy way to make up a insipiration board tailored to your specific tastes without having to know a whole lot about computer programs! http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/05/08/how-to-make-an-inspiration-board/ Have fun :)

Crisis Management - Part 1

Burned bride �“ looking for some more colour before your day and spent too much time the in the sun? Skin care experts all agree that tanning needs to be done in moderation and brides shouldn't tan three days before the wedding �“ giving the change for any redness to reduce. However, if your skin is looking more like a tomato than the brown you were looking for, counteract that [...]

Enchanted Forest

You can create a world filled with nature's magic on your special day. Fill your day with all the romantic glowers and blooms that represent a stroll in a garden...flowergirls with flower baskets overflowing with petal perfect blooms. Stay to the soft romantic palettes with soft pinks, white and the fresh greens inspired by nature. Carry the look over to your venue with bird cages or lanterns for centerpieces. 1. Elbow Park in Calgary, AB 2. Chair Decor by Special Event Rentals 3. Chair Decor by Special Event Rentals 4. All [...]

Brides Going Boho

Wanting to go a little on the wild side? Then introduce a bohemian vibe to your wedding with some magenta, purple, golden yellow and sky blue. Work that little bit of whimsy in with your cake, your invitations by using personal touches, colour and design or in your flowers. Use a lot of colour and optimism, it's your wedding. A time to celebrate after all, it's not all doom and gloom out there. The Bohemian Bride definitely gives out a positive, colourful, creative energy vibe.

Indian Flare

Ethnic inspired weddings are known for their glamour and glitz. Indian style incorporates jewels, bright colors and exotic fabrics. These accents are found in everything from the traditional bridal sari to the d�cor. There is no greater event in Indian culture than a wedding, and the extravagance of their celebration illustrates this. Indian couples that tie the knot in Canada usually adopt some Western traditions for their affair, for example, the wedding cake adapted from Western culture can now be found at many Indian celebrations. Why not let other cultures inspire you and add to the excitement of your day?

The Bridal Mini

Now this is a super idea for every bride...the Bridal Mini! Use them when you do hair trials and make up trails.  This prevents any accidents from happening to your dream gown and gives you a better idea of how you will look on the big day. An elegant mix of fun and function.It's also a lot of fun to wear at your bachelorette party or your bridal shower.  Your friends can sign it and you have a wonderful keepsake from that night! Because the Bridal Mini is designed with a corset back, it allows for weight gain or loss, and [...]

Last Chance for Las Vegas GNO!

Valentine's day is the final day for you to enter the Bridal Fantasy Sweepstakes for your chance to win the amazing weekend trip to Las Vegas for a Girl's Night Out! This fabulous vacation includes a stagette trip to Las Vegas for you and three friends, sponsored by Uniglobe Geo Travel and Air Canada Vacations. This awesome weekend trip (winner's choice of three or four days) includes airfare and accommodations at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino! Head over to the brand-new website and [...]

Bridal Fantasy Sweepstakes

It's back! One of the best online contests for bride-to-bes. Bridal Fantasy Sweepstakes has tons of great prizes for you to win, including a stagette trip to Las Vegas for you and three friends, sponsored by Uniglobe Geo Travel and Air Canada Vacations with airfare and accommodations at the MGM Grand! Head over to the brand-new website and click on the sweepstakes link to enter today. Good luck!

Get Your Whites Right

So you've gone online and magazine shopping, starting to prep for your big shopping day. You are going to get THE GOWN. But as you continue your research for the perfect dress you start to see terms you weren't expecting. Off-white, bright white, diamond, eggshell - what the heck is going on? Relax - we're here to help. See, wedding gowns come a variety of different 'whites', some of them not even white at all. We are here to direct you in picking the best shade for your skin tone. stark white - this is the brightest and crispest white and [...]

Dollars for your Dress

Your wedding gown is one of the largest purchases you'll make for your wedding day. So how do get the wedding dress of your dreams with paying a huge sum of money? Check out our tips on how to save on the dress without losing the style. Choosing a classic gown without a lot of embellishment can dramatically lower the price - sometimes up to 25%! You can also look at only having some of the trimmings i.e.: all the gorgeous beading and lace on the bodice but not on the train or the sleeves.

Time to Delegate

A lot of today's brides try to do everything themselves - turning them from a sweet girl into a Bridezilla! If you don't want this label to be applied to you keep one thing in mind - DELEGATE. Don't try to do everything yourself. Otherwise you will feel stressed out and not be able to enjoy all the things that go along with planning your wedding day.
  • The gift table: the place to receive gifts brought the ceremony and reception. Your helpers can also have a car parked close by and [...]

Colour it up!

Choosing your wedding colours can seem overwhelming but it's easier than you think. Keep some simple factors in mind and it will be a breeze. Site, season and style are the major players. Lime green doesn't really work with maroon and use what's around you for inspiration. So many factors to consider but making the right choice is vital to the mood of your party, your photos and defines the two of you as a couple. Daring Red, Conservative Black, Retro Silver or

So Many Styles!

With so many bridal shops out there, it's difficult to know where to start. Shopping for your wedding gown does not have to be strenuous! You just need to determine what is important to you �“ whether is be cost, selection or exclusivity. Most bridal shops specialize in different areas, so depending on what dress you have in mind and your body type you can being your search in a custom design shop, a bridal boutique or a consignment shop. We've compiled a list of the top styles in bridal gowns. [...]

Hair and the Girl

Plan a general timeline to help keep yourself organized when it comes to your bridal beauty. Make sure to include your skincare plan, any major hair changes you might want, tanning, waxing and trial [...]

Gorgeous Wedding Gowns

Before you buy, make sure to take the time to try on as many different styles as possible because wedding gowns look very different on a body than they do on the hanger. You want it to be comfortable and your wedding dress should make you feel like the perfect bride. Try to establish some boundaries for yourself when you go shopping. Think about the neckline, sleeves, train type and gown type you are looking for to fit your wedding day.

Most wedding [...]

Jewellery and Accessories

Wedding Rings

You want your jewellery and accessories to compliment your wedding gown, not compete with it. Keep this in mind when picking them out. Heirloom pieces are great for weddings and they can complete the "Something old, something new…" tradition of your wedding day! The general tone and style of your wedding day should be forefront when picking out your gown, jewellery and accessories. You don't want a princess [...]

Ready for Anything Bag

A calm bride is a prepared bride. Avoid last-minute jitters and frantic searches by stocking necessaries in a bag. This bag would be kept in the area where you are getting ready, and is not meant to replace your bridal purse. Make sure it contains the following: - scotch tape

What's Underneath?

bridal lingerie

Bridal lingerie is specially designed underwear exclusively for wedding day use. It provides additional support and shaping to the bridal gown, which will enhance your beauty. These sexy pieces of underwear can also give you an appealing look on your wedding night. They are available in many styles, colors and sizes.

Bridal lingerie comes in three main forms - bustier, corset and basque. A bustier is boned [...]

Make up

When planning out your make-up (whether on your own or with your stylist) focus on drawing attention to one dramatic part of your face. Do either a strong eye or lip, but not both. Don't forget blush for the apples of your cheeks, forehead, nose and chin. Pedicures and manicures are a must and should be done before the wedding day.

If you're looking for a more natural look, go [...]