My Family Vacation

It's not very often that my family and I get a chance to spend time with each other.  During wedding season, I'm quite focused on my weddings that I don't get a lot of chances to spend with my family, which is very important to me.  My husband, a general contractor, is also extremely busy.  So between the two of us, we rarely get to spend time with our children during our busy seasons.

This year we decided otherwise and planned a much needed family vacation.  My wonderful husband who is an avid sports fisherman hadn't had time this year to get to the lake and yearned deeply to be on the water.  I, on the other hand, not so much (ha-ha).  I was quite content to be sitting by the campfire with a good beer in my hand listening to the ever joyful peaceful and quietness known as my tranquility.

So being the event planner that I am, I needed a plan as to where we would be going and what we would be doing.  My husband, on the other hand, is more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of guy and just wanted to pack and go...A thought that always makes me cringe because at some point in the journey he'll look at me and say "I should have let you planned something" lol.  This year, I planned too and thus began my journey to plan our family vacation with no help from my loving husband, no clue as to where he wanted to go, where he would like to stay, nothing...thanks for the help hun!!

Seeing as we only had 10 full days of blissful tranquility, and two of those days for travel, I need to figure out where we were going to go.  And since we were hauling our holiday trailer, RV parks were my first idea...my husband's idea.."we can stay anywhere hun, even on the side of the road if need be"....right...like that was ever going to happen.  First of all I don't do "the side of road or anywhere for that matter."  I need hook-ups, I need washrooms, showers, power.  I know you're probably wondering to yourself, "well that's not really camping" well camping to me means all the comforts of home NEATLY tucked away in a 30ft holiday trailer with FULL hook-ups and NO TV. 

So I began to research where is a good place to go since we had limited time and distance played a huge factor.  Brian, my husband, wanted to go to the Okanagan which would have fabulous, but timing wasn't on our side.  He, of course, said to me "we can always stay at one spot to a couple of days and move on." Although he wasn't the one who had to pack and unpack the trailer every time we stopped...I think he might have forgotten that part.  I proceeded to tell him I was not planning on staying in one location for just two days...it takes me that long just to get settled ha-ha.  I said we have to stay at least 4 days as long as I got him on the lake.  He compromised and said okay, as long as I'm on the lake I don't care lol.

Well I found our location after Googling for several hours "RV Resorts & Campgrounds".  Hwy 24 was our destination or better known as the "Fishing Highway".  My husband was like a kid in a candy store.  He was surrounded by 124 lakes...we saw TWO.  Moondance Bay Resort was our first destination on Bridge Lake and I loved it.

However, getting to my "tranquility" was not so tranquil.  The first day was quite the adventure in itself and it all started when my wonderful husband decided to purchase a NEW truck..without telling me.  Nothing like coming home after dropping something off to find a different looking truck in the driveway and wondering "what the..."  Mind you he had this "I didn't do it" look on his face like the truck magically appeared out of no where.  Okay I have to admit it is a nice truck - 2014 GMC Sierra diesel 2500 (like I know what that is ha-ha).  We were set to leave at 9am but actually didn't leave until noon because he was buying a truck. 

The night before he purchased a bike rack for the trailer bumper and thought it would be a great idea if we bought ALL our bikes.  I proceeded to ask him "Ahh hunny, when was the last time you actually SAW me on my bike??"  Now my bike is a mountain bike that's burnt orange in color and has a large thick frame...unlike the rest of my family's bikes that are small round frames.  So after he fiddled with the bikes for over 2 hrs, he got them all on the bike rack with my daughter, Jordyn's, bike at the front.

We finally hit the road at 12 pm and start making our way towards Prince George, BC like a bat out of hell because he forgot to mention to me that we needed to be there by 5 pm so they can put a canopy on the truck.  We stopped at the bottom of Powder King for a quick stretch. Brian & the girls get out to check things out and all I hear is "Dad, where's my bike??"

Yep you guessed it...

We LOST her bike.  Somewhere between home and where we stopped, her bike flew off and all I can think of was "OMG I hope we didn't cause an accident."  Now being the ever loving and supportive wife that I am, I angrily looked at my husband, who was already saddened by the incident, and said in a not so friendly and warm tone "I TOLD YOU SO!!!"

Was that end of our adventure?? Oh no...there's more.  Here's what happened the rest of way in point form (you'll thank me later):

 1) had to buy Jordyn a new bike in PG
 2) bought a new canopy for the truck
 3) totally bent the back support legs on the trailer while getting the new canopy
 4) "big sigh"
 5) bought a new support leg in 100 Mile only to find out it didn't fit
 6) bought another pair of support legs in Kamloops when we went there after we settled at Bridge Lake for a few days.
Moved to Loon Bay Resort on Sheridan Lake after 4 days and it was just as beautiful.

The view from our RV site

  7) left Loon Bay Resort after just 2 days when our neighbours moved in and were LOUD thus losing my tranquility :(
  8) Made it Valemount, BC only for me to get stung by a Black Hornet (I'm allergic) and was rushed into Emergency when my tongue started to swell..Oh what fun...thankfully they were able to stop the reaction.
  9) Had to stay in Valemount just in case, however we did find a real gem of a campsite called Tete Jaune Lodge Campground on the Thompson River.

I must say that I truly enjoyed myself and enjoyed the time I had with my family and it's memories like these that will always stay with me.

Sheridan Lake

 

 

How to choose the RIGHT Photographer - Part 1

Choosing the right photographer is just as important as every other element in your wedding including your wedding planner.  As a wedding planner I work with every vendor chosen and often times choose the vendors to ensure each event is perfect.  But sometimes certain elements are already chosen, such as the photographer.

But how do you choose the RIGHT photographer?

I asked three amazing photographers, I’ve worked with in the past, that very question. 

Trent Ernst – Eye for Detail Photography

photographs by Eye for Detail Photography copyright 2013. used by permission

I’ve worked with Trent Ernst of Eye For Detail Photography before in the past and have always admired his unique style and vision with each photograph he takes.  I’ve also enjoyed his sense of humor.  This is what Trent said when I asked “What are 3 key elements in choosing the right photographer”:

“Some people think photographers just point a camera in the right direction and push a button. But there are as many photographers as people with cameras and each one has their own vision, their own way of looking at things. As a photographer, I don't want just anybody as a client, and I am going to be as picky as you are in choosing clients.  

Wedding guide books will have a list of twenty questions to ask photographers, from what type of gear they use to how long are they in business. I'm not a fan of many of these, as the questions don't really get to the heart of the matter. How does knowing that I use a Nikabladt camera with a 50 1.2 lens with turbo diesel injection let you know if I am the right photographer for you? All it lets you know is that I have a certain tool. Do you ask your plumber if he uses Mastercraft wrenches?

When I talk to clients, I tell them there are three things they need to be looking for when choosing a wedding photographer. The first is: Can I afford this person? Just like plumbers, there are people who have been doing this for a few months and who will charge enough to cover gas and coffee, just to say they are a photographers. Then there are others who have been shooting weddings for two or three decades and actually run a business with overhead and rent they need to pay each month, so wind up charging a lot more. Gary Fong famously charges $120,000 to shoot a wedding, though he is an exception, not the rule. Just remember, you get what you pay for. Sometimes you'll find a young up and comer who will charge next to nothing who knows what she is doing and will take killer photographs, but don't chose the photographer solely on price. This is why most photographers don't post prices on their website. Not because they are trying to trick you, but because if this is the only thing a potential client sees, there is a good chance they won't bother to answer the next two questions. 

The second question is: do I like this person's style? You need to look at their portfolio. What does their previous work look like? I typically tell people that you need to appreciate the photographer's style. If you can't see yourself in their photos, chances are, they are not right for you. I shoot dramatic images with strong processing and a lot of flash. Others shoot all natural light with lots of lens flare. Others shoot all black and white. Some pose every single shot. Others shoot photo journalistically. What works for you? 

The best relationships I have had with clients are the ones who insisted that I shoot their weddings because they loved my style. The worst are the ones who just need a photographer and I was the only one who was free.

Speaking of relationships, that's the third thing. Do you (pardon the pun) click with the photographer? There are people I talk to for the first time and we are fast friends by the end of the conversation. There are others who don't appreciate my sense of humour, or don't like the fact that I am a dude or think my breath smells funny. Whatever the reason, if you don't like the person, then they aren't the right photographer. 

Chances are you'll be spending more time with me than with your husband to be on your wedding day. As a photographer, I want that experience to be something that you'll always remember in a good way. I still have people who come up to me and thank me for going, quite literally, out on a limb during their wedding, climbing a tree to get the right angle.  That's so much more gratifying than getting served with a restraining order by your former brides.*

There might be some specific questions you want answered (do you do spot colouring? Not if I can help it.), but if you start with these three questions as the heart of your conversation with potential wedding photographers, you will be miles ahead of the person who just asks about the equipment. “

*(Note: I have never been served with a restraining order by any former bride. Remember that sense of humour I was talking about?)

Quoted from Trent Ernst – Eye For Detail Photography

You can check out his amazing work at www.eyefordetailphotos.com

To see some of the amazing work Trent did for me at one of my weddings, please visit www.tlsweddingdesigns.ca/gallery

Stay tune for Part 2 of this blog with Danica Sullivan of DanicaGPhotography

Top 10 Trends for 2013

Here are my top 10 favorite trends for 2013

1. Vintage Inspired Weddings: The roaring 20’s

Although vintage inspired themed weddings is nothing new this year. I see this big trend in overall wedding themes for the next year.  The anticipation of the release of the Great Gatsby set the tone for the vintage flair from garden parties to swanky jazz club speakeasies.  We’ll most certainly see some styles influenced by the 30’s, 40’s and most definitely the Roaring 20’s, as well, we’ll see more Art Deco elements added.

 

1920’s wedding inspired board via idoinspiration.blogspot.com

2. The Color Mint

Mint was huge last spring and summer and we see it in the trends for 2013.  Several shades lighter then the color of the year for 2013 EMERALD, mint’s soft cool hues is a perfect match for fresh, modern and retro themes.

 Mint inspired wedding board via Interwined Events

 

 

3. Creative Backdrops

This year we’re seeing more and more creative backdrops than the traditional sheer fabric.  These backdrops are the focal point of your wedding ceremony and reception and offer a spectacular setting for photos of your first kiss to many kisses thereafter as well cake cutting.

Creative backdrop inspiration via TLS Wedding Designs – Weddings & Events


 4. Covered Centerpieces

Floral designs will be getting covered up and caged in for 2013.  A trend I used  back in 2008 with my very own “caged” design.

Floral design via TLS Wedding Designs – Weddings & Events

5. Lounge Areas

A growing trend this year for both outdoor and indoor weddings.  Creating a cozy lounge area for guests to converse will be greatly appreciated.

Lounge area via TLS Wedding Designs – Wedding & Events

6. Mini Menus

When it comes to appetizers and desserts, mini is IN.  A growing trend, your guests will love the presentations of everything small from dainty desserts to small sandwiches.  Just make sure there’s enough to go around!

Dessert Bars via TLS Wedding Designs – Weddings & Events

7. Beer

There’s nothing wrong with a signature cocktail at your reception and it has been a growing trend for several years.  Why not offer your guests something different – BEER.  With so many microbrews and craft beers available, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding something unique to serve your guests.  You can also create custom labels to cover the beer bottles.

8. Grooms In

In 2013, we expect the average cost of a wedding to increase slightly partly due to spending by the groom.  As more grooms begin to play an active role in the planning details, certain items such as groom cakes, grooms rings, accessories and unique groom gifts could significantly have an effect on the overall budget.

Via Pinterest

9. A Return to Elegance

2012 weddings reflected the economy with a shabby chic, DIY kind of attitude.  This year brides will be drawing inspiration from old world glamour from great movies such as The Great Gatsby, Anna Karenina and A Royal Affair, as well as the recent Royal Wedding of Will and Kate.  We’ll also see a growing inspiration to Elegance and simplicity will decadent fabrics, ornate lace details, corsets, decorative and ornate ceremonies and more formal receptions.

 

Elegance inspired wedding board via TLS Wedding Designs – Weddings & Events

 

10. The Fun Factor

Last but certainly not least, couples are now putting a lot of emphasis on FUN by adding a lot of fun elements into their wedding from lots of creative food stations, snack stations and late night goodies.  Carnival foods such as snow cones, cotton candy & candy apples will be popular for summer weddings.  Entertainment of all sorts will be a huge incorporation into wedding receptions and even after the ceremony with mini donuts, games such as bocce balls & horseshoes and even the ever-popular bouncy castles.

Choosing the "Right" Dress

Choosing your wedding dress can be just as stressful, if not more, than planning the entire event.  How do you decide which dress suits your body type?  Like very woman, we all have parts of our body we just simply want to hide and other parts we want to accentuate.  It’s important to choose a wedding dress that accentuates and flatters your best features.  Which shape are you?

Are you PEAR SHAPED, HOUR GLASS, SLENDER, ATHLETIC, etc.??

My shape is between the Hour Glass and Rectangle.

Once you’ve determined what shape you are, then comes the fun part – Pairing your shape with the right dress. 

A-line/Princess
Slim-fitting with vertical seams from shoulders to hem. Best for: ALL body types

Basque
Dips below the natural waistline and forms a “V” Best for: Pear shapes

Dropped
Dips below the natural waistline and sits on the hips. Best for: Hourglass figures

Empire
Small scooped bodice and high waistline with a slender skirt. Best for: Figures with thick waistlines

Mermaid
Fitted to the knee, then flared. Best for: Slim, tall builds

Sheath
Narrow, body-conscious style that hugs the bust, waist and hips. Best for: Slim, tall builds and petite figures.

 

There are so many dresses to choose from and many styles.  Choose a budget, and then go with family and friends and even your wedding planner.  As a wedding planner, we will know which style will suit your body type and what will truly look fabulous on you.

Ultimately YOU need to feel beautiful in your dress and truly; so whether is a short wedding dress or a full wedding dress, choose a dress YOU feel comfortable in and feel BEAUTIFUL in.

Need help in this area and more, please check out www.tlsweddingdesigns.ca for more information.

Thinking "Outside" the Box

One of the hardest things every bridal couple faces is being able to “think outside the box” when it comes to their wedding day.  Where do you begin??

Sitting down with each other and discussing what kind of wedding you want is a great start.  Do you want a Traditional Wedding, Modern Chic Wedding, Casual Wedding? Do you want a buffet style dinner or plated meal? Candy Table? DO you want your wedding to be FUN??

When you write down the “Kind” of wedding you want, this will help you immensely in finding the elements you need to complete “the look and feel” of your wedding. 

Try looking at items in a different way when you go and do everyday shopping.  Some of my neatest and innovative ideas come from the most unusual stores – Home Depot, Wal-Mart and even Home Hardware.  Don’t be conformed to sticking to what you see in Bridal Magazines, this year’s trends might surprise you.  Here are some unique innovative ideas to incorporate into your wedding:

©       Bouncy Castles

©       Caged Centerpieces

©       Uniquely shaped lampshades

©       Fishing lures (I know you’re probably asking yourself “fishing lures??”)

©       Candy Stations – an ever growing popular trend this year

The list is endless and only your imagination is your limit.  For more information or to help with your unique design, please visit www.tlsweddingdesigns.ca

Centerpiece designed by TLS Wedding Designs

The Color Wheel of Weddings

With so many colors to choose from, picking the right color has always been a task for some brides.  So for many years, bridal couples had stayed to a safe two tone color wheel.  However, there is one problem to that safe solution - you’ll never find the exact color in everything you need for your wedding. 

For the past several years, brides are now choosing from a color wheel to pick their colors rather than the traditional Red & White, Black & White, Blue & White, Red & Black, I think you get my point, two tone color wheel.

With a plethora of websites offering their take on what’s hot this wedding season for color, I always like to fall back onto a trusted source I was taught back in college during my art courses – The Pantone Color wheel.  I was taught that every color in the world can be created using the color wheel and every year the experts at Pantone.com do just that.

Did you know the Pantone color of the year for 2013 is EMERALD?

Pantone recently released their Fall 2013 Fashion Color report and I love it. 

The rich, elegant hues of the colors, this fall season, will set the stage for some gorgeous fall wedding celebrations.

You can mix & match any of these colors or use just one alone and be sure to wow your guests at your next event.

Which colors will you use for your fall wedding?

Be sure to check out www.tlsweddingdesigns.ca for inspirations or assistance on your inspiration of color and design. Together we can create lasting memories one detail at a time.