Nottinghamshire Aspect

There's new new magazine out in Nottinghamshire tomorrow - Nottinghamshire Aspect

If you see one, do pick it up and take a look at pages 134 & 135. There's a superb article on Maple Leaf Weddings - it's so exciting!!!

Don't forget we're here to help.

I found a gem

Every now and then, I come across a venue that is perfect. From the moment I step on to the property, I just know it's one of those extra special places.

Early in December, I had an appointment to meet with an Innkeeper and look at her Inn. I was tired having had two full days of meetings in Toronto (starting an hour after I landed), it was raining, no, more heavy drizzle and grey. There was no sign of snow which brightens and lightens the landscape, it was just dreay, wet and grey. The journey was easily 3 hours in good weather and I knew I could add at least half an hour for the weather. So I was grumpy - very grumpy!! I think we'd taken a wrong turning at least 3 times and I was almost ready to phone my apology, turn round and go back to Collingwood. Suddenly the Inn sign was there and we turned into the estate ... and I knew, just knew that the journey had been worth it. My mood lifted and then as we turned a corner at the end of the Inn, I was met with the most amazing scenery - it really took my breath away. A lake, woodland, a beautiful old Canadian manor house and a mist across the water - the perfect setting for a wedding in any season. I'd choose sunset with snow but that's just me!

The Inn in Winter

The Manor House in snow

The Inn in Summer

The Manor House in Summer

One the estate's cabins

Sun loungers overlooking the lake - a possible ceremony location

A tranquil pond area could also serve as an outdoor ceremony location

An indoor reception area

Four poster bed suite in the House

A terrace bedroom in the Inn

A double room in the House

Winter sunset across the lake

We welcomed 2013 in Collingwood

I must say I'm looking forward to 2013 as last year was somewhat of a mixed year for us. We lost a parent but gained a fabulous little granddaughter, so now I have a pair of a pair! My son's 2 boys, Robert & Toby and my daughter's 2 girls, Ivy and Mia. We spent Christmas with my daughter and New Year with my son and his boys in Collingwood. The boys took to the slopes at Blue Mountain for the first time and yes, Gramma had tears in her eyes when she saw them suited and booted - with helmets - for their first ski lesson. They're doing well and really enjoyed it after a few misapprehensions. I think they thought it was as easy as it looks!

Ready for the off!

Collingwood Town Hall

Ice Sculptures for New Year in Collingwood's Hurontario Street 2012

Collingwood is our Canadian 'home' town and we love it there all year round. It's where the idea of Maple Leaf Weddings started so I give no apologies for going somewhat over the top in featuring a wedding that took place there. It shows how beautiful the location is in the summer. Mimosa Flower Studio's blog reported  "This weeding was chock full of pale pastels ... lavender, blush, butter, ivory, soft green ... and seasonal florals including peonies, garden roses, delphiniums, lavender, herb and fern plants, moss, lily of the valley, succulents, lisianthus, clematis vine and other tidbits of gardeny goodness!"

Credits:

Floral Design: Mimosa Flower Studio / Wedding Planner: Distinct Occasions / Event Design: Design 2 Decor / Wedding Cake: The Caketress / Wedding Photography: A Brit and a Blonde / WedLuxe Winter Spring 2013 issue

Wedding Venue: Private Residence in Blue Moutain, Ontario

 So, there you have it. Collingwood in winter and in summer - the choice is yours. Even though the comparisons are no direct ones, let me know what you think. I'll perhaps to another blog featuring summer scenes and a winter wedding!!

The National Wedding Show 2

The end of last week and the weekend were busy for us as we were exhibiting at the National Wedding Show. Putting a stand together is not an easy task - never too sure how much/little to display. In the end we went for simple - mostly wedding images with a few scenic posters showing some of the Ontario landscape.

We were lucky enough to meet some super visitors to the show and also to get some AMAZING enquiries covering venues as far apart as Toronto (VERY urban, edgy and up-to-the-minute) and Kenora (up in the NorthWest of Ontario, VERY rural, laid-back and really only accessible by prop or float plane). So quite diverse - we should have some fun doing all the research and scheduling.

These two locations will give you an idea of the scale of Ontario.

From Toronto to Kenora is 825 miles in a straight line 

but to drive it's between 948 and 1031 miles 

Fall 2013 seemed to be the most favoured time for weddings next year and I must admit, I love that time of year in Canada and the leaf colours make a stunning backdrop and even in the City, they add something.

These are a selection of my favourite Fall wedding images taken by some of our photography partners.