Dove Release

We have added a new, exciting and thoughtful element to our services - a Dove Release.  White doves are the perfect choice to signify eternal love, peace, new beginnings, prosperity, serenity, release, and hope.

The dove handler will explain why the doves are being used for this event, and reassure your guests that they will be travelling home to their dove loft located in the lush fruit landscapes situated between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. These beautiful white rock doves nest in their loft safe from predators and are released for exercise at least twice a day flying throughout the Niagara Region for training. The rest of their time is spent in their open-air aviary and frolicking in their country gardens.

When the handlers arrive at the event, they set up, introduce themselves, and after the wedding license has been signed show the participants how to hold their dove(s) and release it (them) from their hands or from a cage(s), whichever they prefer. We encourage them to choose a loved one to bring and read a poem as well because it has a lovely impact. We can explain to the bride and groom's guests the symbolic representation of the doves from the perspective of family unity as doves mate for life and are very family oriented because of this they return to their home ... our home, so there is no need to worry for we are not just setting them free.

Rustic Travelling & Display cages

Cinderella Display Coach

We can offer display birds as well and are happy to entertain guests after the ceremony by letting them pet, hold, and take photos with these birds while answering questions. This is often very exciting for guests as keeping doves and pigeons, is quite rare.

Old Dutch Capuchine Pigeons

These gentle pigeons will add finesse to your elegant occasion. At a wedding your Groomsmen will enjoy being represented by these distinguished, tuxedoed birds as they line the aisle of your ceremony or are stationed about a room or garden, each in it's own luxurious and appropriately adorned cage or all together in one beautiful cage for display. 

 Tiny White (Joyful) Zebra Finches

Guests will begin to chuckle when they hear these sweet, tiny birds laughing away in conversation with one another. Have them tweet merrily as they greet your guests entering your event or place them at the side of your loved one who has passed to celebrate their life and love of nature. 

On from yesterday

I almost didn't post yesterday's blog as I felt it was missing something. Realised in the middle of the night that it needed some wedding atmosphere to go with it! Because when I went, the day was not a sunny summer's day, I still have quite haunting images of the lake so I decided to show you two styled shoots that fit that feel. Ironically they were both shot in the UK - in Northern Ireland and Cornwall but never-the-less, they translate well. The first is from Paula O'Hara 

Magic on the Lake

 Credits:

Flowers & Floral crown: Tim at Floral Earth

Make-up: Jennifer Ireland

Hair: Lynette Murray Hair

Dress: Petticoat Lane Bridal

Model: Sophie Irwin

Headband: Ursula Bamford 

The second is from Sarah Falugo and her creative team - 

A rustic woodland wedding

Credits:

Photographer: Sarah Falugo 

Venue: Gwel an Mor, Cornwall, England 

Styling & Vintage Dresses: My Vintage Affair 

Styling: Sarah Falugo 

Styling: Lucy Jenner-Brown of Gwel an Mor 

Feather Headpiece: Holly Young 

Lace & Chain Headpiece: Holly Young 

Gold Leaf Headpiece: My Vintage Affair 

Flowers and Floral Headpiece: The Blue Carrot 

Paper Goods: Charlie Scribble 

Makeup Artist: Suzi Winter of Make Up Artist Cornwall

 Hairstylist: Number 8 Hairdressing 

Ring: Mirri Damer 

Tableware: Vintage Addiction, Newquay

Men’s Attire: Vintage Addiction & Revolver, Newquay

And just so you know - no animals were harmed in the creation of this shoot – they are well cared for at the Feadon Farm wildlife center, part of the luxury holiday lodge resort, Gwel an Mor where this photoshoot took place.

I hope you get the feel and the images didn't make you feel too chilled!

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!!