Thomas & Cotton

When Nuance Occasions started to plan the wedding of Thomas & Cotton over a year ago, they had a definate vision in mind, and were determined that their perfect vision would be perfectly orchastrated!!

The couple decided to have their marriage ceremony at Southminster-Steinhauer United Church with Reverand Nancy officianting. The beautiful ceremony included readings of what the 8 diamonds in their matching wedding bands would stand for in their marriage. Draped by the gay pride rainbow mosaics on the wall, the couple shared an meaningful ceremony surrounded by a circle of family and friends.

The first planning decision to be made was the reception venue. Being a professional trained chef - Thomas wanted a venue that could demonstrate excellent culinary skill and offer delicious meal options for their 65 guests. The decision was made to host the reception at the Marriott at River Cree - in the intimate Strongwoods Room.

To recognize Cotton’s asian background, the day had a distinct asian fusion flair to it! On arrival, guests were treated to hors d’oeuvres in the foyer with red organza draped tables and hanging red lanterns. The main room featured lots of ivory with mandarin red accents, with the focal point being the unique chair ties - designed to be a little more masculine and streamlined in their looks. It gave the room a really polished appearance!

The cake designed by Tamara of Simply Elegant featured a red double happiness symbol. Guests were presented with chocolate covered ginger favours from Carol’s Sweets, placed in custom labeled boxes with a double happiness symbol, which was placed on top of a lotus flower shaped napkin at each placesetting.

The couple sprinkled lucky chinese coins down the tables, which led to guests constantly coming to the couple to kiss and bless the lucky coin to keep as a memento of the day. And as the couple & guests feasted on their five course, white-glove served meal, the couple was able to take in how very special the day was for both of them.

As Thomas, Cotton and their guests bust loose on the dance floor to the music played by DJ Hotline - you could feel how much love their was in the room. Thomas & Cotton wanted a perfect day in so many ways, and I’m sure that’s what they had!  Thomas & Cotton, I hope you enjoy your tropical honeymoon coming up soon!! It was our disctinct pleasure to help you plan your asian 8’s inspired wedding!

Jolyn | Lead Wedding Planner

Nuance Occasions

Linda & Terry

While living in Ontario, Linda and Terry quickly came to the realization that they would need some professional assistance on their wedding day…and booked our wedding coordination services.

With St. Joachims Catholic Church set as a beautiful backdrop for this fall wedding, the day started, although not without some floral drama…but more on that later, it will have it’s very own post.

With everyone in good spirits, the day continued with lots of laughter during the photo session in the gardens at the Fairmont Hotel MacDonald, Edmonton with photographers F2 Studios - while preparations were underway for the transformation of the Wedgewood Room for their reception.

Lead Coordinator Emilie & Ashley also had to rework the floral centerpieces prior to the guests arrival and fix the cake from Cakes by Janna, since there were now no florals for it…but all was well when the guests walked in to be greeted by the couple and their expresso cup set favours.

With an incredible meal, great music and surrounded by fabulous family and friends - Linda & Terry did have a fantastic day, despite the hiccups the day started with…but afterall, that’s why you choose to have a wedding coordinator on-site, so that they can deal with the vendor issues, while you continue to enjoy your day.

Linda & Terry - we hope you had a great time rejuvinating in Banff and wish you all the very best as you head back East following your wedding! Thank you for allowing our team to be a part of your day!

And be sure to watch for an upcoming post, that gives a great testiment to exactly how wedding coordinators can manage the stresses on a wedding day - so that you don’t have to!

Jolyn | Lead Wedding Planner
    Emilie | Associate Wedding Coordinator
Nuance Occasions

Nuance Occasions Newsletter & Freebie

For a while, I’ve wanted to find a way to let my clients (past and present) and those interested in Nuance Occasions - an easy way to keep informed of recent weddings and fun ideas we’ve been working on.

I’m pleased to announce our first newsletter is ready to go…and will be packed full of wedding ideas, recent photos, vendor reviews by our clients, articles from vendors and so much more.

And even if your wedding day is past, you’ll want to be sure to pass our newsletter onto any of your engaged friends and colleagues…they’ll love you for it!

 * Click to add your email address *

And as a special thank you gift for you - anyone who signs up for my newsletter will receive a FREE article on 5 ways to personalize your wedding - easy to implement ideas to take your wedding from ‘great’ to ‘grand’!!

I can’t wait to share ideas in an email box near you!

Jolyn | Lead Wedding Planner
Nuance Occasions

Vendor Style: IAWAR Photography

Sam has such a great spirit - his smile is contagious and his energy is never ending! Sam is the perfect photographer for a couple looking for a distinct candid approach that has an artistic edge! I spend over an hour going through 800 photos when Sam sent me the link for Esther & Adams July wedding…and it was so tough to choose just a couple to share with you…but these are some of my favorites from his day with Esther and Adam!

And be sure to check out Sam’s website at www.IAWAR.com for even more incredible images!

I’m excited about working with Sam for more weddings in 2009 - so this definately won’t be the last you see of his work!!

Jolyn | Lead Wedding Planner
Nuance Occasions

Diane and Jeff

Diane & Jeff dreamt of beautiful fall day for her wedding nuptials when we started planning a year in advance…and mother nature sure came through as the rivervalley was awash with festive fall colors, bright sunny skies, and warmth in the air! 

Since Jeff worked out of town, Diane needed assistance in designing her dream wedding day. Nuance Occasions began to assist her in bringing her elegant fall wedding to life.

With the Fairmont Hotel MacDonald, Wedgewood Room as her inspiration, we set out to create an elegant wedding, that hinted to the fall outside, without crossing into the normal orange and red color scheme. Taking the hue of burgundy from her stunning Maggie Sottero mermaid style wedding gown, we went with a white on white palate with the burgundy and deep green accents.

Their special wedding ceremony was officiated by longtime friend Sharon, in partnership with marriage commissioner Sheila Smyth - it was a truly moving ceremony, that reflected their love and relationship. As the couple began their photo session with Nicole Medynski on the Terrace of the Fairmont Hotel MacDonald, Edmonton - the Wedgewood Room was being transformed into an intimate reception space for 95 guests.

With the bride’s favorite flower, Stargazer Lilies as the focal point for the lushious table centerpieces from Flowers by Merle - the mood was set. Graced by elegant stationery from Pink Polka Designs - the light silver designs perfectly suited to the Wedgewood Room.

When it came time for the menu, we made sure to pair the two loves of this couple - chocolate dipped strawberries for her, and apple pie for him! The favours were fresh chocolate dipped strawberries made by the Fairmont Hotel MacDonald place in acrylic boxes wrapped in white satin ribbon and silver bouillion wire. The dessert was a delectable apple tart tartin served with vanilla ice cream and raspberry coulis. And the strawberry shortcake wedding cake designed by Cakes by Janna - was definately the icing on the cake!

The couples’ first dance was a Rolling Stones favorite of theirs as they kicked off the party…that they didn’t want to end! Jeff and Diane’s wedding day was a perfectly tailored to their vision and their personalities.

Diane & Jeff - may you be blessed with may days surrounded by loving family & friends…your love for one another continue to defy the years!

Jolyn | Lead Wedding Planner
Nuance Occasions

Bridal Expo 2008

I want to thank all the Brides and Grooms who made it out to Bridal Expo at the Shaw on Sunday, September 28! Myself, Laurie and Emilie had a fabulous time meeting so many of you, and look forward to helping you plan and coordinate your upcoming weddings!! 

Our availability for 2009 (especially summer) weddings are getting really limited - so whether you need some assistance with day coordination or full wedding planning & design - give me a call at 780.486.5310 and set up your complimentary initial meeting to learn how my experience can help make your vision a reality!

Jolyn | Lead Wedding Planner
Nuance Occasions

Wedding Week on Breakfast Television

If you are in the midst of planning your wedding, you don’t want to miss Breakfast Television on City TV every day this week (September 22-26, 2008) in the mornings to get lots of great advice from many wedding professionals!

Each morning will feature wedding professionals giving you guidance on many different wedding topics: wedding registries, wedding flowers, wedding cakes, bridal gown advice and the top wedding trends!

And be sure to watch around 8:40am on Tuesday, September 23 as I discuss top wedding trends you need to know about and incorporate into your wedding.

And don’t forget to enter the ‘Trash the Bridesmaids Dress‘ contest sponsored by Breakfast Television & Bridal Expo for your chance to enjoy a fabulous day of pampering!

I hope you can tune in to wedding week - all this week!

Jolyn | Lead Wedding Planner
Nuance Occasions

Bride Style: 2 luxurious loves…

Technical Difficulties….

Well, I accidentally deleted my entire blog, and it’s lost in the nether regions of the internet LOL.

Please be patient while we rebuild it, and I look forward to adding lots of new content for you to view soon!

Jolyn | Lead Wedding Planner
Nuance Occasions

Bride Style: Adorn your neckline…

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

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