Happy New Year of 2011!

Happy New Year! As the year of 2010 comes to an end and a new one begins, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you once again for your business and support. We wish you a happy, prosperous and joyful 2011.

Take your time to browse our 2011 new arrivals at http://www.supergiftplace.com. Use this code super10 to get an additional 10% discount at our already low prices. Note: This coupon code does not work at our sister site which offers 30% store wide sale Here. Drop us a line at support@supergiftplace.com if you have any questions or concerns.

Cheers! Best wishes to you all from SuperGiftPlace!

Early bird tickets for ENGAGE now on sale

Consider it a late Christmas gift from Marry Me to you; and quite appropriate for our last blog post of 2010. Originally, we were only going to sell ENGAGE tickets at the door but we had quite a large number of people requesting to buy them in advance so we figured we'd give the public what they want!

On our ENGAGE website, we have a Paypal option to buy your early bird tickets for $15 instead of $20 at the door. They will be mailed right to your home so remember to bring them to ENGAGE in order to gain access to Ottawa's first boutique bridal show !

Here is the original blog post to explain more about what ENGAGE will be offering Ottawa brides.

Start your wedding planning off right in 2011 and get your early bird tickets now. This event is only for one evening- not an entire weekend so don't miss out.

Have a safe and happy New Years Eve !

5 New Year's Resolutions for Married Couples

1. Have many date nights a month. Don't rationalize a lack of couple's time for any reason, and that includes your children. The best thing you can do for them is to make your marriage your top priority.
2. Check in often. Take at least 10 minutes each day to check in on one another. Don't go one day without learning how your spouse is doing.
3. Convey your appreciation every day. Let your spouse know three things you appreciate about him or her daily. Concentrate on the things that work in your relationship and what your spouse does well. Whatever you concentrate on expands.
4. Speak from your heart often. While one partner is generally more verbal than the other, frequent discussions about personal emotional topics make people feel closer and more connected.
5. Don't go to bed mad. Even though it's not always easy, particularly when you think you're right, putting a hault on the argument before going to sleep will give you a fresh start in the morning.
   

For five more tips, check out 10 Marriage New Years Resolution's for 2011.

Photo Credit

'Photogs Got Talent' Contest Closes Tomorrow

Hello again- just a quick reminder to let you all know that tomorrow is the last day to vote for your favourite photos in our "Photogs Got Talent" contest. The photos with the most votes will be incorporated into our new website home image.

Here is the original blog post to give you all the details:
http://www.marrymeproductionsblog.com/search/label/photos

We're so excited to see if you love the same ones we love :)

Celebrity Engagements

May and June are the most popular times for engagements but Christmas and New Year's are becoming just as popular. Case in point, Reese Witherspoon and LeeAnn Rimes just got engaged to their sweethearts.

Here is some info about the 'ice' they received this winter season...

Reese Witherspoon received a 4-carat Ashoka diamond stunner set on a pave diamond-and-platinum band from her sweetie Jim Toth. Apparently the co-owner of the store that designed the ring said that "the elegant cut has an old feel to it". As you may have noticed, retro inspired engagement rings have become very popular these past few years.

LeeAnn Rimes was seen showing off a 5 carat oval diamond engagement ring set in platinum. The ring also features single cut pave diamonds and tiny rose cut diamonds set in rose gold fleur-de-lis that are connected to the band. Apparently LeeAnn wanted the fleur-de-lis incorporated into her ring but gave her fiance Eddie Cibrian no other direction than that. So Eddie designed the ring by himself with his childhood friend who happens to be the jeweler that created the stunning ring that echos an antique feel but as a new ring.
Which brings forth another emerging trend in engagement rings- men seem to be doing the ring designing/shopping on their own again. Good for you guys !

And like LeeAnn and Reese, Marry Me says congratulations to anyone else out there who got a little something 'extra' from Santa this Christmas !

Wedding Theme Ideas

Need a theme for your wedding but don't have a clue where to start? Here are a few to consider:

• If you want a really romantic event, think about having your wedding on Valentine's Day or having a Valentine's Day theme.
• Want a wedding fit for a queen (and king)? Try a formal wedding.
• Are you, as a couple, really laid back and want a family vibe? Have a casual wedding.
• If you want to feel like glamorous celebrities, consider a Hollywood Glamour Theme.
• If you love nature and the outdoors, think about having a nature-inspired, eco-friendly theme.
  

For more ideas and tips, check out Wedding Themes and Styles.

Photo Credit

A Fête to Remember: Marc and Elise's Romantic French Wedding

Elise and Marc are some of the most elegant people you will ever meet. In fact Elise was 8 months pregnant on her wedding day and still one of the most beautiful brides we have ever seen. They are francophones so their wedding obviously paid homage to their French roots through a simplicity that only the French know but they threw in their own modern twist.

They had their reception at the Museum of Nature in the upstairs loft in October 2010. They chose not to bring in much decor or lighting, instead letting the modern beauty of the room softly mingle with the traditional French elements of their wedding. They kept their wedding colours muted (lattes and mochas, blacks and ivories) since the room itself is white. This was key or else the entire room would look unbalanced as 'edgy' battles 'classic elegance'.

It was stunning to see Elise dance a traditional waltz with her father against the backdrop of the funky leather lounge furniture we rented from Mikaza Home.

Here are just a few of some of the stunning shots of their wedding from our friends at Photolux Studios.

Happy Holidays

The staff at Marry Me Productions want all our brides to take a break from the wedding planning and enjoy the warmth and love that the holiday season brings.

We'll get you back on track with your planning in the new year. For now, enjoy a glass of wine with family and friends.


Happy Holidays !

Wedding Bouquet Styles

The main factor in selecting the style of your bridal bouquet is your wedding gown style and that of your bridesmaids.

It's essential to go for bouquet flowers that balance and complement the gowns as opposed to taking away from or overwhelming them. The size is important as well, and it shouldn't lessen or overpower the bride's or the attendants' appearance.

Here are four common bouquet styles to choose from:

Arm bouquet. This arrangemet of long-stemmed flowers is one that you cradle in your arm like you would a baby. It can be full and sweeping with several kinds of florals, or the bouquet can be minimal and classic with just one or two kinds of flowers. It's most frequently seen being given to pageant winners.

Cascade. This is also known as a teardrop bouquet, and it's a long, sweeping flow of flowers "water falling" from the middle of the bouquet. It's very dramatic and is still a favorite among brides; this bouquet is often made up of several varieties of flowers.

Nosegay. Also referred to as a posey, this arrangement is small, round and compact and has one or two kinds of blooms. They are usually wrapped tightly and tied with a ribbon and are frequently used for bridesmaids and flower girls. Additionally, it often has more greenery and ribbons than a traditional round arrangement.

Single Stem: This is most often made with a large, dramatic flower and is liberally wrapped with ribbon. Great flowers for this bouquet include hydrangea, calla lilies, birds of paradise and peonies.

Source; Photo Credit

Nicole Ritchie's Extravagant Wedding

If you're like me, you love a great Hollywood wedding. It's so fun to see what flowers, venues, entertainment and (of course) wedding dresses brides choose when money is no object. Nicole's wedding was no exception. She didn't really go the vintage-bohemian wedding route, she went magical and big- elephant big. And good for her. Her wedding really represented her- fun, but elegant. You only do this day once (we hope) so stay true to who you really are and don't jump on the wedding trend of the year. You want to look at those wedding photos for years to come and be proud of your big day. Even Sarah Jessica Parker (a style icon to many) admitted (in 2002) that she regrets wearing a black cocktail dress on her wedding day back in 1997.

Nicole and Joel got married on December 11 at her father Lionel Ritchie's palatial Beverly Hills home.
Apparently, ever since she was a little girl, the only two things she wanted at her wedding was a dress inspired by Grace Kelly's famous gown and an elephant- for good luck. Nicole's father surprised her with that elephant! Nicole and Joel's son was the ring bearer and their daughter was the flower girl (nothing more heart warming than seeing a couple's children involved in the wedding ceremony).

Under an outdoor tent, a magical 'French Garden' theme housed the guests all evening. Nicole and Joel wanted an 'old-Hollywood glamorous' feel for the wedding and apparently they went all out for the decor- can't wait to see those photos.

Nicole wore 3 custom-made Marchesa gowns including one featuring a ball-gown skirt crafted from more than 100 yards of hand-draped silk organza and tulle petals.

Some of the most beautiful aspects of the wedding involved no money at all: Nicole walked down the aisle to her father's song "Ballerina Girl" and during the reception, Lionel Ritchie sung "You Are" to his baby girl and his new son-in-law. Wow.

Here are some photos for you to enjoy.

2011 Weddingstar Magazine

2011 Weddingstar magazine includes 400 pages of amazing wedding ideas, inspiring real weddings, beautiful table settings, fabulous fashion accessories, favors for all budgets, plus 3000+ wedding accessories. You may view our free online Weddingstar magazine page by page for more wedding inspirations, DIY wedding ideas and decorations to fit in your wedding colors and themes (beach, fairy tale, butterfly, love birds, cherry blossom, diamond) with detailed and personalized touches. For Canadian brides, please enjoy the express delivery with one flat $15 shipping fee at http://supergiftplace.weddingstar.com. We are offering 30% discount of all Weddingstar products ( the discount is reflected at the product price list ) at our Weddingstar sister website for a limited time. You will find 2011 Weddingstar Magazine at your local bookstore too. If not, you may order it online and we will ship the new 2011 Weddingstar magazine full of wedding planning ideas and tips to your door.

Some highlights you will not want to miss inside the 2011 Weddingstar magazine:

• Dozens of new wedding gifts and wedding favors
• Stylish new themed collection accessories
• More great exclusive cake toppers
• Stickers and tags personalized just for you
• Many more hot new items making their debut
• A stunning feature on destination weddings
  
• Planning tips for the wedding of your dreams
  
  
  
  Visit us at http://www.supergiftplace.com
  

Cake Cutting Songs

One of the most romantic times during the wedding is the cake-cutting. It's the first task the couple handles as husband and wife! Lots of brides and grooms want certain songs played during this ceremony.

The music establishes the tone for the scene, and it will create a lifelong memory with both the couple and their guests. Check out some of the most common cake cutting songs: Most Popular Cake Cutting Songs.

Photo Credit

And the Oscar goes to...

Christmas came early for the Marry Me team when 2 weeks ago we got the news -and honestly, I can't believe that we have kept it a secret this long - but we couldn't post any photos until the magazine was released.

So finally, we're proud to announce that 2 of our weddings have been featured in back to back issues of WedLuxe - one of Canada's most luxurious wedding magazines. Last issue: Summer/Fall 2010 where Jennifer and Jason Spezza's lavish wedding was featured and the Winter/Spring 2011 issue (in stores now) featuring another fabulous couple's elegant Ottawa wedding: Monika and Brendan Bell.


However, the great news is not just that Brendan and Monika's wedding was featured, but that WedLuxe declared that this wedding was one of Canada's Top 10 "Haute-est Weddings" and Marry Me was awarded 2 "Best of 2010" Awards for Event Planning.


The email we received from from Angela Desveaux (editor in chief of WedLuxe) explains these awards:


"This year, WedLuxe is EXCITED to debut our first ANNUAL “Best of WedLuxe Awards” to recognize the individual contributions and extraordinary talent of the INCREDIBLE event professionals whose work has been showcased within our featured real-life weddings this year!

Since 2006, the mandate of WedLuxe has been to showcase the VERY best of the Canadian Wedding Industry.

Every issue, we receive hundreds of real-life wedding submissions and narrow them down to the top 7-10 in each region. We publish the most beautiful, most stylish, most creative and most exclusive weddings produced by Canada’s top-notch wedding professionals. The results? Truly, ‘award-winning’ work from everyone involved in each chosen story! So, we decided it was time to recognize the individual vendors accordingly! :)

These awards are to honour and celebrate your work as featured in the Toronto and Eastern Canada Edition(s) of WedLuxe – Canada’s luxury wedding magazine in 2010. Congratulations!"

To be acknowledged by one of Canada's most respected wedding magazines is an honour for us and a goal that Stacey Price set for herself when she began Marry Me back in 2005. We thank Angela and the Wedluxe team who continues to raise the bar for elegance in Canadian wedding magazines.

Monica and Brendan's drool-worthy wedding album will been uploaded to our 'gallery' on our paparazzi page early next week, so make sure you check it out.

Next stop.... planning Kate and William's wedding ;)

Thanks for all your support over the years- we're so happy.

A Little 'Teaser'

Love these pics? So did one of the most respected wedding magazines in Canada. Stay tuned to find out which magazine and if we won any of their awards.

Photos provided by MIV Photography

So exciting....

Tips for Bridal Lingerie

While your wedding gown is the most important thing you'll be wearing on your wedding day (besides the ring, of course), you don't need to forget about what you're wearing underneath. Here are some tips to make sure you look absolutely fabulous at all times:

• Choose a bra with great support. On your big day, your lingerie needs to be like a great friend-- supportive. The primary role of your lingerie? To give support so that you're comfortable and confident at all times. Your bra needs to be able to handle posing for photos, hugging and dancing.
• Know your size. The key to discovering the ideal fit that will support you from the ceremony to the reception is wearing the right-sized bra. If you're not sure what size you wear, visit a local lingerie shop or a store like Victoria's Secret to get a bra fitting.
• Don't forfeit style. You don't have to give up comfort for beauty. Your lingerie needs to reflect your individual style and make you feel confident.
• Prepare for the honeymoon. Don't forget about the lingerie you'll likely need for other occasions, such as your rehearsal dinner and the honeymoon.

Source

2011 Weddings - Colorful and Bright!

Round Paper Lanterns

Planning a colorful wedding for the new year of 2011 is as simple as several clicks away. We are excited to present the following new 2011 wedding decoration items with an array of colors to select.
Round Paper Lanterns: These decorative paper lanterns add an incredible new dimension to any party decor. They are especially stunning when used outdoors but will accent nearly any space. Mix and match the colors and sizes to customize the lanterns to your bridal shower or wedding needs. It comes with 3 sizes: 12", 16" and 20" dimensions.
Color choices:

Lavender,Pastel Pink,White,Lemon Yellow,Black,Chocolate,Caribbean Blue,Aqua Blue,Fuchsia,Candy Apple Green,Ruby,Plum
Paper Parasol with Bamboo Boning:
Ideal for a spring or summer wedding, these parasols are an incredible accent to any outdoor photographs! Bridesmaids can carry them in place of bouquets or they can be supplied to guests if the sun is a concern. They look absolutely breathtaking at a beach wedding!
Color choices:
Pastel Pink
Red
White
Purple
Aqua Blue
Fascia
Candy Apple Green

Preserved Natural Rose Petals:
These are genuine rose petals which are a sweet and green alternative to faux petals that must be picked up and fresh petals that tend to get crushed before they are even used. Great for flower girl baskets or when used in place of confetti!
Color choices:
Red, White, Purple, Pastel Pink

Wishing you all happy and colorful holidays!

Visit us at http://www.supergiftplace.com

DIY - Perform Your Own Personal Ceremony

Do It Yourself. I’ve been a Do It Yourselfer for longer than I can remember. So, it’s easy for me to understand when a person wants to do things for themselves. In fact, I heartily encourage it. I would rather show you how to fish than to give you a fish.

We’re talking about personal ceremonies not legal ceremonies like marriages. Let me give you a few examples of a personal ceremony.

Family Reunions. Those can be joyous or deadly. There was a person who called me dreading her family getting together for a holiday because there was always bickering and back stabbing. As much as she wanted to visit with her relatives, she was that reluctant to go. It also involved a trip of a thousand miles which made it impossible for me to be there.

The solution: I wrote a ceremony for her that she could orchestrate herself. It went so smoothly and beautifully that several family members that I had never met wrote and told me how bonding it was.

End of a relationship. A man had broken up with his live-in partner of several years. He still felt the presence of his partner and wanted to free himself, take back his own space, and at the same time, honor the fun times that were shared. I wrote a ceremony for one. It worked.

Here’s what I can offer you: I will write any type of personal ceremony with clear and concise directions that you or a person of your choosing can easily perform. This is not a legal ceremony. It’s strictly a ceremony or a celebration for you and your family or friends. All ceremonies are personalized and written with your wants, needs and desires in mind. The following is a partial list limited only by your imagination:

New Years Celebration
Burning Bowl
Forgiveness
Family Reunions
House Blessings
Reclaiming Your Space
Release of a Relationship
Starting Over
Your Choice……..

Make your request on the Contact form. I will get back to you to discuss the details. The modest fee of $100 may be paid through PayPal.

Wedding Budget Do's and Don'ts

Whatever your wedding budget is, there are certain things you should and shouldn't do. Read on for tips on saving money the right way:

Do hire a caterer who'll allow you to supply your own alcoholic beverages.

Don't have a cash bar.

Do cut your guest list in a sensible way.

Don't "accidentally" forget to invite your annoying cousin.

Do negotiate with your vendors.

Don't demand discounts from vendors.

Do book a photographer for her time minimum to shoot the ceremony and family shots. Also, ask friends to take party photos.

Don't ask your 17-year-old niece to be in charge of photographs.

Do connect an iPod to speakers. Create fabulous playlists, rent a good sound system, and bring an extra iPod.

Don't hire your brother's garage band to get the party going.

Do avoid unncessary details such as elaborate favors and napkin rings.

Don't hold back on food and drinks. Hungry and thirsty guests aren't happy ones.

Source- Brides Magazine, January 2011; Photo Credit