Blog | Alexandra Lillian Weddings And Events Winnipeg - Part 8
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The First To-Dos, Before The I-Dos

Congratulations to all the beauties out there that just got engaged!  This is an exciting and special moment in your lives, make sure to take a step back and let it all soak in.  To keep this time as stress free as possible, here is a list of my top 5 to-dos, before the I-dos.  Follow these to-dos, and you will be well on your way to a relaxed wedding planning experience.

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Budget

Budgeting can be tough, especially with so many ideas, pressures and opinions on what your wedding day should be.  Any experienced wedding planner will sit down with you before jumping in head first and create a detailed budget.  This will allow for your planner to refer vendors, venues and designs that are within your budget and avoid potential disappointment later on.  Everyone deserves the wedding day of their dreams, but let’s make sure you don’t go broke in the process.

Choose Your Venue

There are venues out there to fit any style and budget.  The one tricky thing with venues is that popular and trendy ones book up far in advance.  Create a list of both your top three venues and top three wedding dates.  This way you have some flexibility and a backup plan if your first choice is already booked.

PRO TIP: There are dozens of hidden gem venues that fly under the radar which can be both more affordable and flexible than the trendy venues of the moment. I recently had a friend tie the knot in a relatively unknown campground near Winnipeg and the pictures looked just as incredible as venues triple the price and the bride and groom could have their wedding on a prime weekend.
Hire a Wedding Planner

Hiring a planner early in the wedding planning process will take a lot of stress off your shoulders, keep the process organized and save you money in the long run.  As a wedding planner, three services I offer are full wedding planning, month of wedding coordination, and consultations.  Each services fits a certain client’s needs and budget.  For example, full wedding planning clients can expect;

  • Monthly wedding consultations;
  • Creation of a budget breakdown;
  • Wedding design and inspiration;
  • Vendor management;
  • Creation of a day-of wedding timeline;
  • Confirmation and coordination of details and logistics with vendors, ceremony speakers and other service providers;
  • Collection of small décor for the wedding; and
  • Coordination of your wedding rehearsal, ceremony and reception.

As a planner I have worked with a wide range of wedding vendors in the province and would be able to suggest venues, florists, bakeries, officiants, etc. to fit your budget and vision. When you work with an experienced planner, you can be rest assured that you are working with professional, pre-screened vendors who are reliable and affordable (never mind that some vendors often throw in little extras for a bride and groom when the booking is made through a planner they have worked with before).

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Hire a Wedding Photographer

There is a wedding photographer out there to meet every style and personality.  Similar to wedding venues, great photographers book up far in advance.  This is why hiring a photographer is one of my top five to-dos before the I-dos.  Feeling stressed about how to pose and position yourself?  A great photographer will make you and your fiancé feel at ease and gently guide your through the photo process.

PRO TIP: In the past 4-5 years, many couples have began prioritizing wedding videos before wedding photos. While each come with their advantages and disadvantages, be warned that high quality videographers are far fewer in numbers than photographers and should ABSOLUTELY be booked early to avoid disappointment. While some photographers may claim to also be able to shoot video simultaneously, I highly recommend that you have a separate vendor for each service (I have unfortunately seen the results of a photographer trying to do both and neither product ended up being as good as it could be).
Choose your Bridal Party

Which best pals will you choose to have stand by your side on the wedding day?  Ignore the politics and pressure, think of who you are closest and trust most.  For some this is an easy decision, but for others can be difficult. If you are part of the latter group, don’t fret – not everyone has a rock solid group who are the automatic choice.  Regardless of your decision, everyone in your life will be happy and supportive on your wedding day.

Pro Tip: Wedding parties come in all numbers. I have seen as low as three and as many as seven. Also don’t forget your partners situation and their desires in filling out their roster.

 

Congratulations again on your recent engagement.  Happy planning!

 

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PLANNING YOUR BACHELORETTE PARTY

Wild Hearts – Styled Wedding Photoshoot

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What I love most about my job as a wedding planner is that I get to use my creative mind to design the wedding day of a couples dreams and coordinate innovative photoshoots to help other vendors do the same.  On October 1, 2016 I had the privilege to work with six amazing Winnipeg wedding vendors on my Wild Hearts wedding photoshoot.

 

Designing/coordinating a photoshoot is very similar to the planning I do for my full wedding and month of wedding coordination clients.  Creativity, strong communication, and organization goes into coordinating a one of a kind image that speaks to others.  It makes me so happy when either a wedding vendor or couple love an idea so much that they want to make it a reality!

 

All wedding photoshoots start with a vision.  Pinterest and a little wine are great to spark inspiration and get the creative juices flowing.  From viewing one photo on my Pinterest home feed, I felt that spark of inspiration and decided to bring in other elements.  These included; the venue, florals, photography, hair, makeup, food, drink, the dress, décor, and model.  As the seasons were changing from summer to fall, I wanted to have the shoot take place outdoors.  Outdoor photoshoots have their challenges; weather, light, wind etc.  Although the risks were high, everything came together perfectly on the day of the shoot.

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After crafting a vision, I contacted vendors that I believed would be a good match.  First was the photographer, Diana Shaw Photography.  This girl works her butt off to capture beautiful images.  One moment she will be kneeling, and the next climbing on her ladder to get the perfect shot!  Her imagery is soft, light, and captures the subject’s personality.  She is a natural at making a model feel comfortable.

 

The Floral Fixx was an obvious choice to work with on the photoshoot.  Their work is full of whimsical detail, and never disappoints.  When I originally contacted Julie at the Floral Fixx, she was so pumped to be involved.  With just a few photos, the Floral Fixx brought my vision to life.  The horse (Magnum) rocked a beautiful wreath made by her team of greenery and a touch of tiny pink flowers.  

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Kim of Colour Me Artistry was also a no brainer to include in the shoot.  Her style fit my vision perfectly.  Looking for dramatically seductive eyes and a bold lip?  Then call up this gal!  Kim’s makeup added that va va voom to the shoot, and took it to the next level.  Her fun loving, bubbly personality also added to the fun on set.

 

The stunning dress from Stella’s Bridal tied the shoot together.  DeeDee from Stella’s Bridal has an incredible eye for wedding trends.  When I initially approached her about the shoot, this was one of the first gowns she suggested.  The dress, Nicole by Maggie Sottero was a jaw dropper and looked insane on the model Hadera.

 

Gorgeous, doe-eyed, flawless.  Just three words I would use to describe the model Hadera Short.  As an aspiring model she was perfect for the shoot.  She was incredibly natural and confident in front of the camera.  Who else would be better to rock a stunning backless gown?

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For the décor and food, I wanted to stick with warm neutral colours.  The rustic Singer sewing machine table acted as the base for the dessert table. Atop the table were delicious Tall Grass Prairie cinnamon buns, and caramel corn.  I drive a sedan… and let’s just say that the Singer sewing machine table was a pain to transport, but it added that extra raw feel with the iron Singer logo and pedal.  Memo to me, next vehicle I purchase should be an SUV!

 

Shoots like this could not happen without an incredible group of vendors.  This group of babes took my vision and made it a reality!  Please go “like” their pages on Instagram and Facebook.

 

VIEW THE FULL WILD HEARTS ALBUM HERE

Canadian Destination Weddings – Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler Blackcomb stole my heart, and I’m positive it will steal yours as well.  As an all season resort, Whistler Blackcomb is sure to enchant your guests at any time of year.  In the summer month’s, guests can enjoy mesmerizing views of the densely forested mountains, while in winter they are transported into a winter wonderland.  The landscape is an incredible sight, and create the perfect backdrop for a wedding or event.

 

What’s the best way to get to the top of a mountain?  Gondola of course!  Whistler Blackcomb resort is famously known for their Peak 2 Peak gondola, which connects passengers from Whistler Mountain to Blackcomb Mountain.  There are two segments of the gondola ride up to the peak of Whistler Mountain.  At the half way point, a server can hop onto the gondola and treat guests to hot hors d’oeurvres and champagne (approximately 15 minutes into the 30 minute ride).  A server can hop onto the gondola and serve treats and champagne.  Who wouldn’t want some bubbly while “flying” up the mountain?

 

Looking for an even more exclusive way to get up the mountain?  Private helicopters can be arranged to bring guests up to the wedding or for a tour around the surrounding area.  Helicopters add a little extra pop of excitement to your wedding day (and are sure to be talked about by your guests for months to come).  They can also be used to bring a bride and groom to a mountain peak for intimate sunset photos.  Now those would be some jaw dropping memories!

 

(Photo supplied by Whistler Blackcomb)

 

At the top of Whistler Mountain is the Roundhouse Lodge.  The lodge has many beautiful wedding ceremony and reception spaces each with a stunning mountain view.  These venues include the Glacier View Deck, Valley View Deck, Observation Deck, Valley View Room, Glacier Valley View, Steeps Restaurant, and Steeps Deck.

 

Each deck offers a one of a kind view of the surrounding mountains and quaint Whistler Village. The two indoor reception venues each offer a chic ski cabin feel and can accommodate up to 400 guests.  The Glacier Valley View Room offers magnificent floor to ceiling windows, using the mountain to create a natural backdrop.

 

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(Photo supplied by Whistler Blackcomb)

 

Steeps Restaurant and Deck is a wonderful option for couples looking for a more intimate wedding.  The restaurant can hold up to 100 people and offers both plated and buffet dinner options.  The Steeps Deck is the only covered deck on Whistler Mountain.  Over the next year it will be undergoing extensive renovations to improve its all season capabilities.  Be sure to make the trip out to Whistler in 2018 to see the finished product.

 

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(Photo supplied by Whistler Blackcomb)

 

Across the Peak 2 Peak gondola on Blackcomb Mountain is Christine’s Restaurant (a high end restaurant suitable for couples with the most discerning tastes). This restaurant offers a wonderful selection of food, drink, and a more modern feel compared to the previous venues on the mountain mentioned.  There are select wineries in British Columbia that exclusively sell their wine to Christine’s on Whistler Mountain.  This exclusivity shows how dedicated the restaurant staff are to creating the ultimate experience in luxury for their clients.  To all brides and grooms out there; when visiting Christine’s for a site visit, make sure to look around.  This restaurant is known for having celebrities stop by for a glass of wine or quick bite to eat.

 

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(Photo supplied by Whistler Blackcomb)

 

Whistler Blackcomb resort offers wedding packages for every budget.  This is an excellent venue to consider getting married if you adore the mountains or would like to treat your guests to the ultimate mountain experience.

 

Sending my love to you and yours! <3

Canadian Destination Weddings – Fairmont Chateau Whistler

With hotels all over the world, the Fairmont brand of hotels has made a name for itself in beauty and service.  The Fairmont Chateau Whistler is no exception!  With phenomenal service and stunning views, it’s no wonder this hotel is a popular conference, event and wedding venue for guests from across Canada and around the world.  On my most recent vacation to Whistler, I obviously had to pop in for a visit!

 

When walking in the Great Hall, I was greeted by the hotel’s charming staff and beautiful high vaulted ceilings.  The size and beauty of this hotel will take your breath away.  While visiting the hotel I was lucky to be treated to a delicious lunch and a tour of both their ceremony and reception venues by Tracy, their Conference Sales Coordinator.

 

First stop on my tour was the Grill Room.  When I imagine a ski lodge wedding, this is exactly what I envision.  This room can be transformed from a rustic ceremony to an intimate reception, and is perfect for weddings of up to 60 people.  For couples passionate about wine, a certified Sommelier can also be requested for a wedding (wow!).  Adjacent to the Grill Room is a private dining area perfect for a rehearsal dinner with friends and family before your big day.  This room is closed in by floor to ceiling windows, and can accommodate up to 20 people.

Grill Room Long Table Set-Up

(Photo supplied by Fairmont Chateau Whistler)

 

Next stop on my tour was the stunning Rooftop Chapel and Woodlands Terrace.  The Rooftop Chapel is my favorite ceremony venue at the hotel.  Who wouldn’t want to say “I do” in front of the beautiful mountains (Me! Me!)?  In summer, the venue can seat up to 400 people outside while in winter, it can seat up to 18 people inside the Chapel.  Despite the Chapel being more suited to only the most intimate of weddings, it does offer two fireplaces that add to the intimacy of your wedding day.  In the summer months a large white tent is built on the Terrace for a ceremony and reception.  This is ideal for larger weddings of up to 400 people.

 

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(Photo supplied by Fairmont Chateau Whistler)

If you aren’t already gushing over the different venues around the hotel, you are going to be impressed by their catering selection!  Here’s an example of a plated dinner menu.  I dare you to not be drooling after your done reading;

Roast BC Mushroom Cappuccino – herb crème fraiche
24 Hour Braised Short Rib – celeriac puree, roasted Pemberton root vegetables and cabernet jus
Strawberry Indulgence – cheesecake with strawberry sauce

 

How delicious does that sound?  To even further impress your guests, you can also serve up a slice of wedding cake.  The Fairmont Chateau Whistler offers many different styles and sizes, including the flavors; chocolate (available in gluten-free), vanilla (available in gluten-free), red velvet and carrot.

 

To make sure that additional décor is setup, day runs smoothly, and your personal needs are met the Fairmont Chateau Whistler requires that all weddings booked at the hotel bring a wedding planner or day of coordinator.  Since a venue coordinator and wedding planner have different responsibilities, I greatly respect their decision to ask this of their clients and have seen firsthand just how much smoother a wedding can go when a venue coordinator can purely focus on the venue operations.

 
I hope you enjoyed this blog post.  Next Sunday I will be introducing you to Whistler Blackcomb!

 

Sending my love to you and yours! <3

 

Canadian Destination Weddings – Hello Whistler

Suit case, check!  Coffee, check!  Boarding pass, check!

This lady is off to show you the crème de la crème of Canadian wedding venues.

 

When most brides think of a destination wedding, they think of sunny beaches and crystal blue water in Mexico or the Bahamas.  What most brides don’t think, of is all the beautiful destination wedding locations in Canada!

 

A few weeks ago I got to travel to Whistler, British Columbia.  The sea to sky highway took my breath away and was a beautiful start to the trip.  While I was there, I had the pleasure of seeing two of the towns top wedding venues, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler and Whistler Blackcomb.  Over the next couple of weeks I will be posting about my experiences at the venues.  I travelled 6,100 ft. up a mountain to see these venues and I can’t wait to share my experiences with you. Stay tuned!

 

Through my travels I hope to share with you incredible wedding venues all around Canada!  Who knew such picturesque hotels and resorts were right here in our own backyard.

 

I hope you enjoy my blog posts over the next couple weeks highlighting the Fairmont Chateau Whistler and Whistler Blackcomb.

 

Sending my love to you and yours! <3

Alexandra Lillian Weddings and Events_Winnipeg Wedding Planner_Whistler Weddings

What’s in my Emergency Kit

An Emergency Kit is my secret weapon to beat most problems that come up at a wedding.  This bag comes in handy more than you think.  My bright purple Lug bag is hard to miss.  She is equipped to handle everything from sewing on a missing button to removing a grease stain.  Trust me I am a self-proclaimed stain removal ninja!
Here are a few of my fav items to keep on hand.  This is only a handful of items I have for a wedding.  There are many more secret weapons in my Marry Poppins bag!

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Cards

Carrying two styles of cards in my bag allows me to thank vendors if they have gone above and beyond at a wedding.  Vendors work hard to create a memorable wedding day for a couple, sometimes lending a hand on things outside of their usual guidelines.  When someone helps you it’s nice to show how much it’s appreciated.  A nice hand written card is my quick way to say thank you.

NOTE:  I ADORE Kate Spade cards!  If you look hard enough you can often find them on sale at Chapters.  For an extra special touch look into local vendors like Oak & Linen to create hand-made cards.
Lauren’s (the owner) calligraphy is to die for!

 

Candy

For my personal use only… JK!  Suckers and smarties are a great way to get a flower girl or ring bearer down the aisle.  Don’t worry, I always ask mom and dad first!
Carry treats that are PEANUT FREE!  Allergies are common and you want to make sure that your sucker or smarties are good for everyone.  Companies are diligent on adding the peanut free sign to their label.  If you are unsure, bring the packaging with you to show parents.

NOTE:  Peanut free options; Jelly Belly jelly beans, Lifesaver Gummies, Sour patch Kids, Skittles, Mike and Ikes, Sweet Tarts, Dum Dum lollipops,  Jolly Ranchers, and Smarties.

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Baby Powder

Wedding season is during the summer for a reason, the suns out and the weather is beautiful.  Warm weather is great for photos but not so great for a bridal party in heavy clothing.  Put it this way, on a sunny 20 degree day it will be around 30 degrees under the brides dress…
Baby powder is the best secret to staying sweat-free under your dress or suit.  Right before doing up your dress shake a bit (or a lot) of baby powder under your dress.  Staying dry will also help with chaffing while walking down the aisle or for photos.

NOTE:  Baby powder helps keep you smelling fresh throughout the day and late into the night!

 

Deodorant

Same as with baby powder deodorant helps keep you fresh and dry throughout your day.  Antiperspirants are great to use leading up to your wedding.  That way the product is in your pores already and will keep you nice and dry.

 

Sewing Kit

This little baby comes in handy more often than you would think!  Buttons always happen to fall off of suites on the wedding day.  For this reason I keep black and several shades of grey and blue thread handy.
A sewing kit can save photos.  Who want to be missing a button in the middle of their suit jacket or even worse a button on their pants!

NOTE: Thread is the one thing to not cheap out on!  It may be tempting to buy a Dollarama sewing kit but please please please don’t.  Gutermann is a brand of thread that I highly suggest you purchase.

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Dental Floss

No one likes having food in their teeth… ICK!  Nip those pesky guys in the butt by having tooth floss on hand.  Make sure that you have a girlfriend there to have your back and let you know if there is something in your teeth – that’s what friend are for right!

 

Toothpaste

Toothpaste may seem a bit silly to have on hand but it’s great to freshen up your mouth without the sugary after taste of mints.  In a rush?  There is no need for a toothbrush!  Dab a bit on your finger and rub it over your gums and swish around your mouth.  Voila, you now have a fresh kissable smile!

 

 Tic Tac

Tic Tac’s are another great way to freshen up your mouth.  After eating delicious food and drinking a few cocktails things might not be too fresh…  Beat bad breath by popping one of these bad boys!

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Even though I carry these items on the wedding day I always suggest for couples to bring their own personal emergency kit.  A bride’s emergency kit will include more personal items like make-up and perfume.
I hope this gives couples insight into what they should bring with them on their wedding day.  Hiring a wedding planner is a great way to safe guard your wedding day from minor catastrophes like grease stains or sweat.

Happy wedding planning my loves!

How to Plan a Bachelorette Party

Brides and wedding planners aren’t the only ones that have planning to do leading up to the wedding – so do the bridesmaids!  They have the responsibility to plan a fabulous bachelorette party for their bff.

Listen up bridesmaids, get together over a bottle of bubbly and follow these four steps to plan the perfect bachelorette party.

1. Choose the Venue(s)

No one knows the bride better than you, her best friends!  When deciding on a venue keep in mind her personality and taste.  The craziest bar in town may be for some brides while others prefer a more low key night with her girls at Ten Spa or on a scavenger hunt at Enigma Escapes.  These are two fab ideas if you live in Winnipeg.  Consider the comfort level of other guests such as the bride’s mom or aunt.  In this case more risqué locations may not be appropriate.
Once you make a reservation don’t forget to call and confirm with the venue one week before the party.
Don’t forget to consider transportation, especially if you have more than one location to go to.   Book a limo, party bus, or vintage vehicle.

Note: Tell your Winnipeg venue that you are there for a bachelorette party.  Often they will give preferential treatment to you dolled up ladies!

2. Create a Schedule

A detailed timeline ensures that all guests and vendors involved are on the same page.  Create two separate timelines: one for the bridal party and vendors and another one for other guests.

The timeline for the bridal party and vendors will have all the details, this will ensure the party runs smoothly.  Keep the guest timeline to the raw details such as where they should be and at what time.

 

3. Make the Guest List

Now that the party is planned, it’s time to create the guest list!  Ask the bride who they would like to see at the party to make sure that no one is left out and that no frenemies are invited!  Invite guests at least one month in advance so they can clear their schedule and come to the party.

Email or Facebook are easy ways to invite guests to the party.  Excel and Google Sheets are excellent ways to keep track of guests that have RSVP’d.  To be more formal, a printed invitation can be sent out.  If you are on a crunch for time, VistaPrint is an affordable printing company for invitations.

               NOTE: Do NOT invite your own friends unless the bride has agreed to an open ended guest list.  This is her day, so make sure the attention is solely on her.

 

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4. Party!

Now that all the heavy leg work is done, it’s time to plan the finishing touches.  Time to purchase a party dress, jewellery, and bubbly for the big night out.  Celebrate with your best friends and create memories that will last a life time – your bestie is getting married!!!

A note to all brides: Alexandra Lillian Weddings & Events wants you to enjoy your bachelorette party as much as your friends, so don’t forget to hire a Winnipeg wedding planner for your big day!

 

 

Top 3 Ways to Reuse Wedding Flowers

You have spent countless hours deciding on the style of bouquet and centerpieces for your wedding.  After the day you marry the love of your life, what are you going to do with your flowers?  As a Winnipeg Wedding Planner, several brides have asked me for some options of what to do with their old flowers.

Here are my top 3 ways to reuse and recycle your wedding floral arrangements:

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1 Gifts:

This is my favorite way to reuse wedding flowers.  At weddings I attend for friends or family, taking home flowers is always a kind gesture from the bride and groom.  It allows their wedding flowers to find a new home and brighten someone else’s week.  Who doesn’t love waking up to the smell of fresh flowers?

Wedding guests don’t usually take the wedding flowers home unless they are told.  Encourage the MC of the wedding to let guests know at the end of the night they are welcome to take the flowers and centerpieces home.  Make sure to emphasize that they are only allowed to take the flowers — not the vases! Your florist will not be too happy with you the next morning if any of the vases are missing!

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2 Donate:

One of my brides from 2016 gave me this idea.  Kaila is very sweet, I’m not surprised she’s the inspiration behind this idea. With so many of my brides getting married in Winnipeg I put together a list of organizations that would love your wedding flowers.

 

If you work with some amazing co-workers, it might also be a nice treat to bring your wedding flowers into your workplace (just be aware of possible allergies).

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3 Preserve:

For the crafty bride, preserving your bouquet is an excellent idea!

I am not an expert when it comes to preserving wedding flowers, so I have found an excellent tutorial video by “20 Mule Team Borax” to explain the process.

There are countless ways to reuse wedding flowers including many not mentioned here. I would love to hear from you with ideas you may have – Contact Alexandra today!

{Photography: Ally Papko Photography & Design}

Scandinavian Winter Wedding

Winnipeg Wedding Planner

Vendors 

Design + Coordination: Alexandra Lillian Weddings & Events

Photography: Scotch & Coffee

Venue: Deseo Bistro

Florist: The Floral Fixx

Dress: Stella’s Bridal Boutique

Stationary: Oak & Linen

Make-up: Darcee Liang