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!

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!!