Snow time

The last few days around Southern Georgian Bay have been fabulous winter weather - cold, yes but with sun and blue skies. If you like to ski, board - or just play in the snow, this is a great time to visit. Obviously, we can organise your wedding whilst you are there anywhere your fancy takes you. Horse drawn sleigh, dog-sled, carriage, hummer - we can arrange any of those alongside the more traditional aspects of a wedding like the celebrant [know a great one whose son plays ice-hockey locally], photographer, flowers and food. Accommodation in this area isn't a problem either, there are lots of high quality b&b's, hotels and chalets.

Here are some photos

Or take a look at our video - Snow Time 

Great ways to give 3

Bring your bear

Let me start by declaring an interest. I spend quite a bit of my spare time on the local fundraising committee for this charity. How did this come about? I had supported various charity fundraising events locally over the years but was surprised to be invited to join a committee. The approach came at just the right time as the kids had flown and I was left with an empty nest. What to do with my 'spare' time was something I had been stressing about. Obviously, I looked into what this charity actually DID. 

I was surprised, to say the least. However, apart from being a soft touch when it comes to kids, I thought that it wasn't really personal so if I asked somebody to help in any way and they refused, that would be it. My Mum suffered from dementia and I knew if I helped them, I would take a refusal very personally - as if the help had been directly refused to her. HOWEVER, in a very short space of time that proved not to be the case. If you know anyone who was given the polio vaccine - say thank you to Action, they funded  pioneering work on this; if you know anyone who has taken folic acid whilst pregnant - say thank you to Action for their financial contribution; an ultrasound scan in pregnancy? used a fetal heart monitor? ever heard of the Glasgow coma scale? they have even funded research to determine when to start milk feeds for sick premature babies.

So ... you get it?
It IS personal ... and not just to me -
they've made a difference in your life as well although you probably didn't know

This fundraiser is primarily aimed at children but you can join in too at your workplace because, go on, admit it - you DO have a favourite bear and it's fun!
All you have to do is visit the registration page on the Action Medical Research website and sign up. Then you nominate a day to take your bear in to work with you. It costs £2.00 per bear.
And that's it! Simple!

This is the link  http://www.action.org.uk/get_involved/bring_your_bear

and while you're there, why not take a look around the site to see what they do with the money they raise. 

[I never cease to be amazed at how much difference just a small amount can help]. Also, you may find a challenge that appeals.

What's all this got to do with wedding? Well you may just think that it's such a worthwhile cause you'd like your guests to bring a bear to your reception party and donate the appropriate amount of money instead of providing guest favours. If you're having an outdoor reception, what about a Teddy Bear's Picnic for your little guests? 

Go on ... do it today ... make a difference and feel good

Flowers

Looking through blogs and websites yesterday, I found the first 'different' bouquet that I've seen for a long time. The combination of flowers, leaves, patterns and colour really works.

Your posy is the first part of your ensemble guests see,
so it should be nothing short of jaw-dropping.

Must be honest and say, I don't find the other images that amazing but here they are for you to judge.

Two lush blooms plus two hairpins equals one alluring accessory
 -- think of it as a fresh-picked fascinator.
Garden roses like these are well suited for the task:
They’re extremely long lasting, lie flat against your head, and are fragrant  

Take the mantra “less is more” to heart and let a single flower shine.
Choose a captivating bloom from your bouquet,
like these ‘Showmaster’ amaryllis

Mixed greens -- in this case, sprays of exploding grass, leaves, and ferns --
are a florist’s secret weapon. Not only do they offer lushness and volume
without adding to your bottom line, but they also provide amazing contrast. 

The jasmine, roses, camellia leaves, and snowberries in this
attention-grabber form a loose cascade meant to spill
down the front of your dress. 

bring loads of drama -- the good kind -- to your reception tables.
When sending your flowers skyward, use tall vessels
(these soar to almost two feet) that taper at eye level
and keep the bulk of the arrangements well above guests’ sight line.

There’s nothing more romantic than walking toward your groom
on a gradient carpet of rose petals.

All images from Martha Stewart Weddings

Colour scheme - charcoal +

My son was a choirboy - many moons ago - and obviously did quite a lot of Saturday wedding duty. One has stayed in my mind as the colour scheme was stunning - cream and grey. Translate to the 2012 colours of  buttercream and charcoal and this is the result.

Also love the combination of rustic and elegance. And the car ... want one!

Found on an inspiration board at POSTCARDS and pretties.