Hi everyone!
Things have been a little quiet in the world of our blog and there are some new and exciting things to come so stay tuned.
Our friends over at SmartBrideBoutique (www.smartbrideboutique.com) are running a fun contest looking for videos of all the funny and crazy things that can happen at a wedding. From a interesting entrance to a wedding, mishaps with the cake we have seen just about everything that can happen.
So why not dig through your videos and see what you can find, the contest runs from July 15 to September 6.
Who knows if your video is chosen you could win 1 of 2 Flip Video Cameras.
For more details please check out –> http://www.smartbrideboutique.com/blog/video-contest-share-your-favorite-funny-wedding-videos/20100715/396/
Until next time happy planning
Amalia
So if you have been following us on Twitter you may have noticed us retweeting about our friends over at SmartBride and their new and exciting series called “Obessesed with the Dress” www.smartbrideboutique.com .Well now they have a full website to go along with this as well as an amazing contest where you can win some amazing prizes
The whole premise for Obessesed with the Dress is the lengths brides will go to continue wearing there dress after their wedding day. There are different videos of brides doing some pretty funny things in their wedding dresses. Here is the link video to one of our favourites: Obsessed With The Dress - Booty Camp
But check out a polaroid of the different places brides have been seen.
With the contest they are asking people to submit pictures or video of the strangest place they have seen a bride in her wedding dress. For full rules and to enter the contest go to www.smartbrideboutique.com/obsessed-with-the-dress/enter/
Some of the cool prizes you will be entered to win:
Grand Prize
AWARDED TO JURY VOTED GRAND PRIZE WINNER
*2 – Super slick Nokia 5530 XpressMusic smartphones from Omegacell Communications, purveyors of the fanciest phones you’ll ever see.
*2 – Matching pocket-sized Flip Video Camcorders (one black, one white). Capture vibrant HD video anytime, anywhere.
2nd Prize
AWARDED TO THE TOP USER VOTED PHOTO
*$500 Gift Card to Sears
3rd Prize
THANKS FOR PLAYING – 20 RANDOM DRAWS FOR ENTERING & VOTING:
*10 pairs of filigree pewter earrings from Foxy Originals
*10 12-packs of Greeting cards from LauraK Design
To see other videos check out www.smartbrideboutique.com/owtd/
Until Next time
Happy Planning
Amalia
January 1 is different for everyone — Some like to look back at what they’ve done, others like to look ahead at what they’ll accomplish, while others just like to live in the present — soak it up — and enjoy what life has to offer them one day at a time…
Mahatma Ghandi once said, “Be the Change that you want to see in the world.” At Talen Events, we try to do this — little step by little step – one event at a time. We hope that if you’re reading this you too want to take the time to tweak what you’re doing.. maybe even a little, for your new years resolution.
This is why we give you a list of some worthwhile resolutions - Ecofriendly “Baby Steps” that can start you off in the right direction this year — Be the change you want to see in your world and maybe those around you will follow suit…
So without further ado:
- Go from Plastic to Canvas Bags at the Grocery Store
- Start buying Natural Cleaning Products
- Change your lightbulbs
- Don’t run the dishwasher unless its full — run it during the night instead of after dinner
- Don’t throw clothes away - give them away
- Start Carpooling
- Look for local vendors in your area — start using them
- Take an Eco-Vacation!
- Drink Water from the Tap
- Start Composting
- Grow your own Vegetables or Herbs
- Find something new you haven’t recycled before
- Read a book about Green Living
New Years Resolutions don’t have to be grim — so why not take this year and make a pact to do something that will save you money AND help the environment! Don’t forget to tell your friends and let them know what eco savy changes you’re making this year!
As Always.. Happy Planning! (And Happy New Year!)
Tiffany & Amalia
In our previous blog about Smartbride Boutique we spoke about the tips for sellers to get the best results, now we will focus on what you as a buyer should be looking for when deciding to buy your wedding dress or any other items from the boutique:
Tips for Buyers
1. Look for dresses that have already been cleaned. Then you’ll know which stains are permanent.
2. Deal locally so you can:
o Try the dress on - alterations can completely change the fit of the gown.
o Inspect the dress for stains or damages
3. Take a friend or your mom the same way you would to a bridal salon. They can be there to spot inconsistencies when your eyes start to go cross from all the different dresses!
4. Ask for the name and number of the seamstress who did the initial alterations, they know the dress best. A good tip is to call the seamstress before buying the dress with any questions you have. They will be able to tell you if the alternations you need will help or harm the overall look of the dress.
5. Do your Research! Check the retail prices, check out how much the asking price is and get ready to negotiate!
Here is an example of the dresses that are on www.smartbrideboutique.ca, this a
Vera Wang Wedding Gown.
As always for more information please check out the website www.smartbrideboutique.ca
Until next time
Amalia & Tiffany
We’ve made it! One hundred posts! And to make this extra special, we are introducing our new series on Eco Chic Honeymoons in Canada.
You asked, we found! By request of one of our readers we have done some research on the top Eco-Honeymoon spots in Canada. Over the next couple of weeks we will be featuring both resorts and adventures for you and your spouse to possibly enjoy.
The resorts that we will be featuring are:
- Matagami Ecolodge located in Matagami Quebec
- At Kwokwehala located in Hope British Columbia
- The King Pacific Lodge located in Princess Royal Island, British Columbia
- Pacific Orca Lodge located in Port McNeil, British Columbia
The advenutres we will be featuring are:
- Kayaking in British Columbia
- Whale Watching in British Columbia
- Blue Wolf Guided tours in the Rockies of BC and Alberta
Thanks for your requests, and keep them coming!
As Always Happy Planning!
Tiffany & Amalia
So sit back relax and enjoy as we take you on an adventure through Canada’s top Eco-Chic Honeymoons.
Cheers
Amalia & Tiffany
Hi Everyone! 
On August 20,2009 Amalia had the opportunity to be interviewed by Matt Street from CKCU 93.1 FM in Ottawa on their program Space, Places and Faces. She covered a number of green wedding topics – from food to invitations to gifts for your guests.
If you’re interested, check out the Spaces, Places & Faces Interview!
http://spacesplacesandfaces.ca/
Until Next Time… Happy Planning!
Tiffany & Amalia
Hey folks! We came across this bit of information today and found it so interesting we thought we’d share. Green beauty products are becoming more and more popular every day, but what about natural medicine?
What is Ayurvedic Medicine?
Ayurvedic medicine (also called Ayurveda) or “the art of living wisely“ is one of the world’s oldest medical systems. It originated in India and has evolved there over thousands of years. Many therapies used in Ayurvedic medicine are also used on their own like using herbs to treat illness or massage, and specialized diets
History of Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurvedic medicine originated in India and is considered one of the oldest systems of medicine in the world. It even predates any sort of written records and were usually handed down through word of mouth. Two thousand years ago, two ancient books known as the Caraka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita were written and are still considered to be its main texts.
The texts described eight main branches in Ayurvedic Medicine:
- Internal medicine
- Surgery
- Treatment of head and neck disease
- Gynecology, obstetrics, and pediatrics
- Toxicology
- Psychiatry
- Care of the elderly and rejuvenation
- Sexual vitality.
For more information on Ayurvedic Medicine Check out: http://nccam.nih.gov/
Until Next Time…
Amalia & Tiffany
Getting our pictures done for our press kit was a bit of a stressful process, but all that worrying was for nothing when we met up with our talented photographer, Jalani Morgan. From the moment we met it was kismet, Jalani understood what our focus was as a company and how we wanted our pictures to turn out and we couldn’t have been happier with the result!
Jalani’s positive outlook on the world was enlighting and brought out the best of us in our photoshoot. As someone who is insanely nervous to take photos, he helped me stay calm and take some of the best pictures I’ve ever taken!
Our entire photoshoot was lit by sunlight, there was no use of artificial light and we were able to capture some amazing shots along with the great Toronto backdrop.
One of the locations of our photo shoot was at the Ireland Park located down by the Toronto Island Airport. The park itself is a tribute to Irish immigrants who fled Ireland from the famine for the shores of Toronto.
One of our Favorite Candid shots:
We were styled by Nadia Ghandour in clothes by PreLoved, www.preloved.ca all our clothes came from old clothes, curtains.. even tableclothes and were redesigned to create unique outfits.
Our makeup was done by Jordana Maxwell http://www.judyink.com/JordanaMaxwell/ with the emphasis on us looking as natural as possible.
If you’re looking for a great, talented, fun photographer Jalani is definately our top pick. He also does engagements and weddings. Check out his portfolio at www.jalanimorgan.com
Until next time.. Happy Planning!
Amalia & Tiffany
If you’re reading this for the first time, you’re at the end of our blog series on Wedding Venues. If you’d like to check out our previous blogs on What Questions to Ask yourself, and What Questions to ask the Venue feel free! In this blog, we’ve got a few tips to help you “Green up” your venue.
- Find a venue that allows you to do both your ceremony and reception. It will help you decrease the carbon used for transportation.
- Use existing decor in the venue - it can save you money!
- Stock up your washrooms with natural and organic products like hand lotion, soap, and 100% post consumer recycled toilet paper and papertowels: 7th Generation makes great paper products and can be found at your local Home Depot!
As always we are here to help you with your planning needs, don’t hesistate to contact us if you have any questions!
Until next time, Happy Planning
Amalia & Tiffany
If you read our last blog In our last blog on Wedding Venues we discussed what questions to ask yourself when looking for a venue.. In this blog we will be discussing the questions you should ask while your at the venue. We’re going to be looking at four different areas: Venue Company, The Building itself, the food, and the decor.
#1 The Venue:
- What is the company’s Green Policy?
- How important is being a Green venue to them?
- If the venue is not fully certified green, what steps have they taken to become green?
#2 The Building:
- Where is there electricity sourced from?
- Do they use energy efficient light bulbs?
- Do they use energy efficient toilets?
- What energy reduction steps have they taken?
#3 The Catering:
- Where is the food sourced from, local farmers?
- Do they provide meals cooked with organic ingredients?
- Do they provide a vast vegeterian/vegan menu?
- What happens with the food if there are leftovers? Is there an agency that they donate it to? Do they allow you to take the food with you?
#4 The Decor:
- Where are the table linens sourced from?
- Are the table linens cleaned using eco-friendly products?
- If they have preferred vendors how eco-friendly are they?
Print out these questions and keep them with you. You never know when and where you’ll find the perfect venue for your wedding day!
And as always..
Until next time… Happy Planning!
Amalia & Tiffany
