California Couture - Part III
November 19, 2008 by admin
Tuesday of the ABC annual conference was all about Colin Cowie and creating luxurious events!
Tuesday featured a couture tented breakfast and an awards ceremony for distinquished planners in the association. The morning proceeded with workshops on working in events beyond weddings…and then, the moment I had been waiting for. I had opportunity to hear Colin Cowie - event planner to the stars - speak and discuss his planning and production process for his events, and then had an opportunity to meet with Colin during another elegant luncheon. I even got my book signed!!! He is a very gracious man, and it was a true pleasure to hear about the work and process involved with creating his events.
The afternoon was full of competitions to create wedding inspiration boards with a team - I had some fabulous planners to work with, and although we didn’t win - I still think we should have LOL! Wedding Planners get a little competative when it comes to contests - there was a lot of stealing and cheating go on throughout the exercise - all in good fun of course. Then we were wisked away to a the Marina Institute in Newport for some oceanside cocktails and fun hors d’ouvres stations!
I was sad to see the conference come to an end…I had met so many incredible planners, including Mary Dann from California (as seen on ‘Whose Wedding is it Anyway?”), and planners from Bulgaria, Italy, and Argentina. I’ve met vendors I’ve only ever conversed with online, and I got to spend some great time with my friend Crystal! And although I shopped till I dropped and filled my bags to .25lb below the maximum limit - it was time to head home. I arrived home in the middle of the night on Thursday, loving being home, but wide awake with my mind swimming with new design ideas and new inspiration.
If you’ve read this far - I applaud you…I’m just so excited about this luxury wedding event and all the luxurious couture ideas we’ll now be able to implement with our very own Nuance Occasions weddings. This type of continuing education is so important for all wedding planners….as exhausting as it may be, it does rejuvenate the planners soul. Now…to start planning which next conference I’ll attend 
Jolyn | Luxury Wedding Planner
Nuance Occasions
California Couture - Part II
November 18, 2008 by admin
The Monday of the ABC conference featured stimulation of all my senses!
Monday began bright and early with discussions of how to ensure a California Couture look for our couples - with discussions about couture wedding fashion trends, hair and make up secrets, and photography styles that match client needs and expectations. We continued on with workshops about improved techniques for paper management (ie. my 3″ thick file folders LOL), and then came into the design portion at lunch, where the room exploded with over 20 different centerpiece inspirations and design elements!
Our afternoon featured lessons on fixing a bustle with unique techiques, couture napkin folding 101, and lessons on properly assisting a bride and bridesmaids with putting on a Sari. A lot of today was focused on relationships with clients and vendors and beautiful design elements.
Monday night I was able to fit in a little shopping, and by chance met Stacy of Wedding Window - a popular wedding website company. I’ve always loved what Wedding Window had to offer, but knowing the direction the company is going, has me even more excited about their next endeavors!
Part III to follow…
Jolyn | Luxury Wedding Planner
Nuance Occasions
California Couture - Part I
November 17, 2008 by admin
This past week, I had the pleasure of attending the Association of Bridal Consultants annual conference in sunny Newport, California. I’m exhausted, but I’m more rejuvenated then I’ve been in a while. The theme of the conference was California Couture - and the event organizers didn’t disappoint!!
My conference buddy was my good friend Crystal Adair-Benning from Distinct Occasions in Toronto - after getting settled on in to our posh Fairmont Newport hotel room on Saturday, the festivities quickly began the next day.
Sunday was our workshop day, where both Crystal and I became Sandals Certified Specialists - I’m so excited about these ‘Luxury Included’ resorts and what they have to offer for honeymoons and destination weddings (watch for monthly features on the resorts coming soon).
The vendor fair was like a candy shop for wedding planners!! I had opportunity to meet with some incredible suppliers, offering distinctive linens, uniquely designed chair covers, elegant invitations, couture keepsakes and luxurious favours. I’m so excited about these new options for our clients…some of the products are already planned for utilization in our upcoming 2009 weddings, and could be used in your wedding too when you choose Nuance Occasions to create your luxurious wedding!!
Sunday concluded with a pool-side reception to meet and greet other planners and conference organizers. I was treated to a selection of hors d’ouevres and a potatoe martini bar (complete with mashed potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes in a martini glass - and your choice of toppings: chicken, mushrooms, 3 types of cheeses, scallions, bacon & more). I got to personally test out a new travelling photo booth concept, and participate in southern California hospitality.
Part II to follow…
Jolyn | Luxury Wedding Planner
Nuance Occasions
Luxury Style: Ostrich Feathers
November 7, 2008 by admin
Well, if you like the dramatic look of feathers, then nothing says luxury like ostrich feathers!
My favorite store, www.ostrich.com is having a moving sale as they move into their new warehouse…which means you benefit from a coupon code!!
Company: Ostrich.com
Website: http://www.ostrich.com/shop/cat
Coupon Discount: up to 50% off (see notes below), minimum order of $50 USD
Coupon Code: MOVING2008
Coupon Valid: November 16, 2008 at midnight CST
You can find all the stipulations about the sale here: http://www.ostrich.com/general/081104moving.html
Have fun purchasing feather accessories for your upcoming wedding!
Jolyn | Lead Wedding Planner
Nuance Occasions
Bridal Style: Hair Jewelry by Tigerlilly
October 23, 2008 by admin
If you aren’t sure if you want to wear a traditional veil, but want to still be able to having a stunning hair look, then look no further than Tigerlilly!
Mandy has a very unique and creative styling, that suits brides looking for something offbeat or incredibly delicate. There really is a perfect piece for everyone.
Here are some of my favorites from Mandy’s collection:
Your hair jewelry should be a compliment to your dress design - it’s an important accessory. If you have a couple pieces in mind, and aren’t sure which to go with - speak with your hair stylist to finalize how you will wear your hair on your wedding day. Your stylist can help you determine if your hairdo will withstand a heavy piece or needs something delicate. Don’t hesitate to get a professional opinion about what will work best for your hair type and style.
Don’t forget to sign up for their newsletter for great savings!! And if you want to try on a piece for size…you can check out some of the Tigerlilly line at Bridal House Edmonton in north Edmonton!
Jolyn | Lead Wedding Planner
Nuance Occasions
Bride Style: 2 luxurious loves…
September 17, 2008 by admin
Vera Wang Barbie Doll - Edmonton Wedding Planner - Nuance Occasions
You wouldn’t believe the reaction I had, when I was stumbling through some celebrity blogs, to find a new product release, that really combines two loves of mine… a VERA WANG BARBIE DOLL - the Romantistic Bride!
This timeless beauty is a real tribute to gown designer, Vera Wang. Vera has full design credits for this gorgeous trumpet gown with lace accents.
This brings out the little girl in me (and I’m sure in some of my readers)….I always coveted the collector series as something elusive to the grownups…I may just have to look at gratifying a childhood ambition of owning a collector doll…she’s just too gorgeous to pass on.
And if you need a unique flowergirl gift, for the flowergirl who truly appreciates a great doll, then this may be the perfect gift to allow your flowergirl to begin dreaming of her own wedding day!
Jolyn | Lead Wedding Planner
Nuance Occasions
Bride Style: Adorn your neckline…
August 31, 2008 by admin
You’ve selected the perfect wedding gown…now be sure that you put the same thought into your neckline and how you’ll adorn it.
Although chunky jewelry is all the rage, you have to make sure it’s a compliment to your gown, and not a clash. If your gown or the top of it is very simplistic, then go ahead and wear something daring such as this butterfly pearl necklace by Gerard Yosca (that you can even borrow from www.bagborroworsteal.com )
And if your dress has any silver or metallic elements, I love this Cluster Collar Necklace designed by Majorica. It would be a beautiful addition to your neckline, especially with a more detailed dress…
There are many beautiful jewelry options…so don’t just settle for grandma’s pearls (unless they hold sentimental value for you)…but look for an incredible jewelry piece that you will be able to wear again and fondly remember your wedding day, during many other special occasions!
Enjoy shopping for your perfect neckline adornment!
Jolyn | Lead Wedding Planner
Nuance Occasions
Nuance Occasions in Ontario
July 29, 2008 by admin
As many of you know, this past week, I had the privilege of being flown out to assist a dear friend, Crystal Adair-Benning of Distinct Occasions, with a very elegant tent wedding out in Ontario at Wolfe Island. It required 3 days of complex set up, on a beautiful manor property…
Although I’m not able to share the photos on my own website, here is the link to Crystal’s blog entry that shows many of the photos of the day….give me a week, and I’ll have some photos in my hardcopy portfolio at the office for when you are next by. I’ve already had a couple of you bugging me to see photos of this wedding 
http://distinctoccasions.typepad.com/weddings/2008/07/everythings-all.html
Thank you all for your patience while I was away, I’m still playing catch up, but am getting caught up in emails and looking forward to many more of the upcoming weddings of my own clients!!!
Jolyn | Lead Wedding Planner
Nuance Occasions
2008 Wedding Industry Night
June 20, 2008 by admin
Last month, Nuance Occasions was priviledged to be one of the co-hosts for the first annual Wedding Industry Night!
Our goal was to provide Edmonton wedding vendors with an opportunity to meet and network before the summer wedding gets into full swing! As a wedding planner, I understand the importance of great vendor relationships, and this night was designed to assist all Edmonton wedding vendors to enhance their relationships, and foster a greater sense of cooperation amongst all the various service providers.
And I have to start off by thanking Kelsy Nielson Photographics for being our event photographer and capturing these great photos!
Our night started with dramatic decor at the Crowne Plaza-Chateau Lacombe - with colors of black, red and sage green accents!
Our punch & food was placed on a dramatic centerpiece table instead of a traditional buffet.
The ice sculpture punch bowl was decorated with limes to match our color scheme.
Comfortable seating clusters were created throughout the room to enhance the mingling atmosphere.
We were graced with harp music of Terry McDade, and our DJ for the night was Nuance Sound.
Nuance Occasions senior coordinator Laurie was even on hand to help out!
Alley Kat Breweries, a local microbrew company was out to provide free samples to guests, and showcase how much fun it can be to incorporate local products at an event!
To spice things up - especially with the trend to choreograph first dances - we brought in Salsa dancers for a little demonstration…
…and then they got the rest of us moving to the groove…it was tons of fun, and even I learned a few new steps!!
…the night was elegant…especially with floral accents from Laurel’s Floral & Garden!
…surrounded by Edmonton’s top wedding vendors….
…and it was my distinct pleasure to be able to assist with planning such a fabulous event!
After I had the opportunity to thank our event sponsors, we continued on with the party…and plans are already in the works for the 2009 Wedding Industry Night - with hopes to make it bigger and better yet!
Thank you to our fantastic sponsors, and all the Edmonton wedding vendors who came out…and I look forward to seeing many of you at my upcoming clients’ weddings this summer!
Jolyn | Lead Wedding Planner
Nuance Occasions
