Friday, December 31, 2010

Friday's Fabulous Find: Dutch Girl Chocolates

"Dutch Girl Chocolates is not just a place on Commercial Drive but an experience"



Owner of Vancouver's Dutch Girl Chocolates, Alex Temple, has created the vibe of an old world candy store. The chocolateiers at Dutch Girl use premium Belgian chocolate to produce an exotic collection of beautiful and delicious treats. But Dutch Girl is not just about chocolate, they also boast their dizzying 65 varieties of imported licorice. Stop by Dutch Girl’s Shop at 1002 Commercial Drive or call 604.251.3221 for more information today!

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Wednesday, December 29, 2010

DreamGroup’s Wedding Wednesday: Tip of the Week

Selecting your Transportation...


Your wedding day transportation is more than just a way to get from point A to point B; it's an opportunity to make a statement. So when it comes time to decide on your wedding car, look for a ride that matches -- and even enhances -- your wedding day style.



When you start scouting wedding car rental companies, make sure they have the sort of wheels you're looking for. This probably won’t be a problem if you're looking for a classic white limousine, but could be tricky if you have your heart set on a vintage Aston Martin. Remember, you're free to think outside the box when it comes to wedding transportation...Why not make your entrance and/or getaway in a boat, trolley, school bus, or even a helicopter?!

If you're not sure which wedding transportation will work best for you, check out this fantastic gallery of wedding transportation ideas from TheKnot.com to see how other brides and grooms got around on their wedding days.


Here are DreamGroup’s Top Picks for Transportation as well:


Remember: Your wedding car will be in plenty of pictures, so you want to make sure you pick the right ride.


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Monday, December 27, 2010

DreamGroup gives advice on Planning a New Year's Party

Since we are quickly approaching the New Year, we thought we would pass on a little advice that Principal Planner, Sarah Shore gave CBC viewers about planning a New Year's Party.

Check out what she had to say:

Friday, December 24, 2010

Frocksingday Event! 50% - 80% off on Dec. 27th*!

Bronzer image

We thought this was definitely worth sharing just before Christmas.

Frocks Modern Bridesmaids is having a huge sale on all their bridesmaids dresses, wedding gowns, shoes, & accessories.

This is one day only!

Monday, December 27th
10am-4pm

Frocks
2306 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC V6K 2E5

604.738.8622
www.frocks.ca

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Thursday, December 23, 2010

Last chance to Enter our December Contest!

This month's prize is perfect for the coming New Year and all of you who will be making a New Year's resolution to get fit!



One of Vancouver’s top personal trainers, Kalev Jaaguste has developed a revolutionary approach to personal training. One that will help you to achieve your fitness goals faster.

Realizing that being fit is as much about lifestyle as it is about a regular weight training or cardio regime, Kalev introduces 3Dimensional Personal Training to Kalev Fitness Solution.

3Dimensional Personal Training is a method that sees not one, but a team of specialized trainers working to round out your personal training experience.

Working one-on-one, or with a partner, your training team is a group of network pros. A cardio specialist, a weight-training specialist, a nutrition expert, boot camp specialists and fitness class specialists – all are there to help you launch your Version 2.0. And it’s all for about the same price as having a single personal trainer."



Here are the details of this month's prize...it's a goody and you get to choose which prize is best for you!

  • A 1 month membership to Kalev Fitness AND 2 personal training sessions, OR
  • 1 month of weekly personal training

All you have to do is follow @DreamGroup on Twitter and tweet "I want to win @DreamGroup's December Contest; prize is a Get Fit package from @KalevFitness valued at $400!" and then link to this blog post.

One winner will be picked at random. Winner will be contacted via email/Twitter for details on how to get their prize.

THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO ENTER FOR THIS PRIZE

Kalev Fitness is also offering a great special for Brides that want to get fit for their wedding.

$400 for one month of 4 personal training session per week" (pricing is individual and based on 1/2 hr partner session, it works out to $25 per session) What a deal!

They also have great boot camp fitness packages for the entire wedding party.

For more information visit the website Kalev Fitness Solutions

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Wednesday, December 22, 2010

DreamGroup’s Wedding Wednesday: Tip of the Week

Planning the Honeymoon...

In all of the excitement of planning the wedding, quite often the honeymoon plans gets left to the last minute but shouldn’t it be one of the more important aspects of the planning? After all, the point of the honeymoon is just for you, it’s a time to relax and reflect, but most of all enjoy each other.



Here are the basic things you need to know about honeymoon planning from our friends at About.com:

Decide on a Honeymoon Budget:

You may have already decided this when planning your wedding budget. If not, sit down and do this before you decide anything else. Figure out if you have any frequent flier miles or hotel miles that can be used towards your trip. Consider putting all of the wedding expenses on a credit card that earns frequent flier miles for your honeymoon. (Be sure to pay it off every month – you don’t want to start a new marriage with a ton of new debt.)



Decide When to Go and For How Long:

First, figure out how many vacation days you have accrued, and how many of them you’ll need before the wedding for last minute planning. (It’s not uncommon for brides to take a week off, and grooms to take a couple of days.) Do you want to leave the morning after your wedding? Or, do you want to have some time after the wedding to unwind and pack when you’ll be more focused on it, and take your honeymoon a few days or even a few weeks later? Another option, for those who don’t have a lot of vacation days, is to take a weekend “mini-moon” after the wedding, and then take a long second honeymoon on your first anniversary.



Decide Where to Go on Your Honeymoon:

Each of you should take a few minutes to separately write down what you envision doing on your honeymoon. Do you want somewhere warm or cold? Do you want to go someplace far away and new, or someplace close to home? Do you want a resort where there will be other honeymooners to socialize with, or someplace secluded where it will just be the two of you? Do you want to be in a city with museums, restaurants and nightlife or, do you want there to be lots of athletic activities available? Perhaps you’ll just want to spend a lot of time in the room! Once each of you has your list, compare. Where there are differences, see if there’s one place that might have the best of both worlds.



Consider Visiting a Travel Agent:

While most people are booking travel online these days, a travel agent can be extremely helpful when planning a honeymoon. Not only will he or she have ideas about places you might not have thought of, but they’ll be familiar with those details like “do you need a visa?” and when the rainy season is. They might also have special packages or deals to pass on to you.



Learn More about Where You’re Going:

It’s never too early to get excited. As soon as you’ve picked a spot, buy a travel book, so you can read about all there is to do and see.



Arrange for Passports and Visas, if Necessary. Make Sure Your Driver’s License is Up to Date.

These pesky little details can take time and therefore are one of the first things you should do, once you know where you are going. I’ll never forget the trip where I got to the counter of the rental car agency only to be told that my driver’s license had expired only days before. Luckily the person I was with could rent the car, but I would have been better off with a little forethought.


Most importantly, as we mentioned above, take time to relax, reflect, and enjoy each other! You’re married now!

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Monday, December 20, 2010

Planning a Winter Wonderland Themed Wedding?

Then be sure to check out this gorgeous collection of accessories from the DG Boutique:


With a backdrop of glistening white snow, Winter Weddings can seem truly magical. Our exclusive new Winter Wonder accessory ensemble has been created as a fitting complement. With touchable embossed velvet, an exclusive snowflake that features a glacier blue square cut stone and even mini snowballs, every detail is a beautiful reflection of the wonders of winter.

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Friday, December 17, 2010

Friday's Fabulous Find: Brooklyn Designs Jewelry

Looking for a gorgeous necklace, bracelet or pair of earrings to complete your wedding day look? Then make sure to check out Brooklyn Designs!



The ever-evolving Brooklyn Designs Jewelry label has been known for its impeccable colour palette and high quality craftsmanship since 2003. The natural landscapes of the South Coast of British Columbia provide heavy influence and endless inspiration for each jewelry design. Each piece is hand made by designer Brooke Mosher. Brooke began her design career as a wedding cake designer and then transformed her creative passion to jewelry with the launch of Brooklyn Designs. Since learning her skills at the age of 9, Brooke has over 20 years of experience in jewelry design and continues to offer the highest quality of designs and customer satisfaction.


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Wednesday, December 15, 2010

DreamGroup’s Wedding Wednesday: Tip of the Week

How to word your invitations...

Besides Save the Dates (if you sent them), your invitations are the first thing people will see in association with your big day, which is why wording them properly can help convey information to guests well. While the final decision of how to word your invites is up to you, learning the basic way to word invitations can help alleviate some of the stress of preparing for your wedding day.



Start with who will be hosting the wedding. Traditionally the bride's parents host the event, but in this day and age it may be the bride and groom's parents. The Bride and Groom themselves, the bride's father or mother alone, or if parents are divorced and remarried than it can be as many as four sets of parents. List the hosts' names, followed by an indication that they are inviting you to the big day.


List the bride and the groom. Traditionally the bride is listed first, but if you so choose you can start with the groom, especially if his parents are hosting the event. Traditionally, you may also include middle names when listing the bride and groom.


Give the date of the wedding next, which is the most important piece of information on the card. List it numerically, or spell out the month, weekday and date number, year, and time, again depending on your choice.


List the location next. If the location is well known by the guests, for example in a small town where only town members will be attending, you can list the name of the church or place by itself. Provide an address if you have a lot of guests coming in from out of town, or if the location isn't familiar.


Details of the reception will follow. If the reception is at the ceremony location, you can list the two together. You can also provide information about the reception such as what kind of meal will be provided, will drinks be available, dancing, or other form of entertainment. Provide dress code as well, for example semi-formal, certain color themes, or proper shoe wear for an outdoor wedding.


Decide whether or not you want to include directions to the event locations in your invites. These can be printed on the invitation, or a separate piece of paper to be stuffed with the invites. Decide if you want to include where the couple is registered.


Include a return RSVP card and envelope with postage provided with your invitations to make it easier on guests to RSVP. If you are serving different meals, have guests indicate what kind of meal they will want on this card as well. You may also offer an online RSVP option if you have a wedding website, but keep in mind that some guests may not be “internet savvy” so a paper option may still be necessary.

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Monday, December 13, 2010

Matt & Danielle's Fabulous Engagement Shoot!

Principal Planner, Sarah Shore, is currently working with the wonderful Matt and Danielle on their September 2011 wedding. Check out their gorgeous engagement shoot slideshow by the always fantastic John Heil Photography below:




Congratulations to Matt and Danielle on your engagement, we can't wait for your big day to be here!

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Friday, December 10, 2010

Friday's Fabulous Find: Absolute Spas!

Absolute Spa provides a world class spa experience to absolutely every guest. They are truly dedicated to making an absolute difference in their guests’ lives, not only during their stay but also at home.


Interested in booking a group event for your Bridal Party, Stagette, Bridal Shower or just a day of relaxation for your closest gal pals? Leave the planning & details to the experts at Absolue Spa!
Absolute Spa welcomes customized packages specific to your group’s requirements and cater to groups from 5-100 individuals. They also offer preset Bridal Packages as follows:

Absolute Bride:
Look your absolute best from head to toe. It’s your day to shine, all eyes will be on you…Absolute prescription facial, absolute manicure with paraffin, absolute pedicure with paraffin, bridal up-do, & Youngblood mineral makeup application (includes trial application).
Regular $425 SALE $385
Absolute Bridal Party:
The preparation for a wedding is just as much fun as the big day itself. Celebrate with your entire bridal party with luxurious pampering at absolute spa! Absolute manicure, absolute pedicure, formal up-do, & Youngblood mineral makeup application:
Regular $285 per person SALE $255

Contact group reservations specialists at info@absolutespa.com for more information regarding group events and Bridal packages tailored to your needs or phone the spa directly. 604.684.ASPA (2772)




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Wednesday, December 8, 2010

DreamGroup’s Wedding Wednesday: Tip of the Week

Purchasing Wedding Insurance...


A wedding symbolizes the time, energy and love invested in a relationship. Don’t let an uncontrollable event at your rehearsal, reception or wedding disrupt or even spoil your special day. Wedding Insurance protects your investment and ensures you get the memories that will last forever.



WEDensure is a comprehensive insurance product that protects your wedding investment from unforeseen or unpredictable circumstances. The most unique aspect of WEDensure is that it provides an all-inclusive solution of 12 different types of coverages. By using the "SAFE" process summary below, you will be able to purchase an "all in one" wedding insurance within minutes.


How WEDensure Works:


Submit the total estimated budget for the wedding. Please include all costs applicable to the wedding (from the flowers and invitation cards to the venues and wedding band).


Account for all wedding costs and keep record of the total budget. WEDensure will provide reimbursement for losses up to the total dollar amount equal to the initial wedding budget submitted. Your limit can be applied to any of the twelve coverages that we offer. WEDensure allows you the flexibility to spend your full limit on one specific coverage if required.


Feel protected and secure with WEDensure as it provides an all-inclusive solution that offers 12 coverages for one price.


Enjoy your special wedding day and leave the worry to us.


For more information and to purchase your coverage online visit WEDensure. Or, to speak with NW Insurance Brokers call 1-888-603-1931 or 604-602-1931 today.


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Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Last Chance to get your tickets to this always entertaining show!



Sunday, December 12th - 7:30pm
VOGUE THEATRE, VANCOUVER BC
TICKETS AT VOGUETHEATRE.COM
If you’re thinking of a stereotypical ‘choir’, you’re thinking all wrong. The Province’s Stuart Derdeyn once wrote, “Aliqua makes choir cool”, and that’s exactly the point. Aiming to reinvent the concept of ‘choral’, all female vocal group Aliqua is known for their signature dynamic energy and eclectic style. This Christmas is no exception with a set list including pieces ranging from the Maguire Sisters to Imogen Heap, from J.S Bach to Mumford & Sons, Leonard Cohen and much more. Backed by Rob Hamilton, Tilden Webb, Bernie Arai and Adam Thomas, this will be an exceptional night of holiday music you won't want to miss. Give yourself an evening away from the craziness of the season to actually get in the spirit with Aliqua.

one night
only, tickets now on sale here

Don't have the album yet? of course you do! but click here if you need more. which you do.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Friday’s Fabulous Find: High Heel Appeal

Are you or your Bridesmaids worried that you might stumble, wobble or fall in the FABULOUS heels you bought for your wedding day? Then check out High Heel Appeal’s “Ladies Night In - Princess Packages”!


Whether a group of girlfriends are preparing for a wedding celebrating a bachelorette party, throwing a birthday party, organizing a “Ladies Night In,” or just getting together for a good time, group high heel lessons are extremely fun and informative!


They bring High Heel Appeal to you! Suzanne Fetting teaches you how to have confidence and grace in your high heels at her studio or your location of choice. They have also teamed up with several makeup artists, hairstylists, and mobile spa services to make your night of pampering even better! They’ve got lots of ideas for a night at home with your dearest gal pals, to suit whatever mood you’re in. So if you’re interested in being treated like a princess in the comfort of your own home, call 604.230.5538 or contact High Heel Appeal now!


High heels are the one accessory that when purchased and worn correctly, they make a woman feel more elegant, powerful, assertive and confident! And NOTHING is more powerful than confidence!!!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Winner of Industry Achievement Award!


It was a fun and exciting night at the BC Awards Gala last night. There were lots of Vancouver's finest vendors in attendance and DreamGroup took home a very distinguishing award.

Geneve McNally won the Industry Achievement Award and Sarah Shore took runner up. What an honor to be nominated by so many peers in the Vancouver Wedding Industry. Thank you!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

DreamGroup’s Wedding Wednesday: Tip of the Week

Engagement Photo Shoots...


Over the past couple of years engagement photo sessions have become increasingly popular among engaged couples. Part of the reason couples are getting more excited about these engagement sessions is because they no longer have to be the traditional posed studio sessions of the past. Today, there are no rules - engagement sessions can be as fun and creative as you want them to be.


Still not sure if an engagement photo session is for you? Below are some info and tips from professional photographers about why Engagement Sessions are so important:


Get to Know Your Photographer: Your engagement session will give you a chance to get to know your photographer's working style and personality before the wedding. It is a great opportunity to get acquainted and feel comfortable with one another, especially if you've only met once or twice before. The engagement session also allows a good photographer to capture the real you and learn what your specific needs as a couple might be. For example, experimenting during the engagement session gives the photographer a chance to understand any self consciousness you may have, learn your preferred angles or “good sides”…etc.



Getting Creative: Making your engagement session unique to you as a couple is a wonderful way to ensure that you'll love the photos. So, before making any creative decisions you should discuss, as a couple, what the ideal overall look and feel of the photos will be after all is said and done. Also, choosing different locations that have some type of connection to your relationship will help you to be much more genuine during your shoot and you're almost guaranteed to appreciate them more in the long run.


Some great places that could potentially make your list of locations are:

  • Where you first met
  • Where you had your first date
  • A restaurant, coffee shop or any other location that you frequent as a couple
  • A really cool looking landscape or skyline that's near by
  • A location with lots or bright and vibrant colors
  • A location that would be the last place that you would think of getting your engagement photos taken, like an abandoned warehouse or old junkyard

Finally, don't forget to discuss your vision for the session with your photographer as well! They are a great source of ideas and inspiration...and have most likely done this a few times in the past!


Try before You Buy: If you haven't selected a photographer for your wedding day yet, an engagement photo session can be the perfect opportunity to test the waters and get a sample of a potential candidate's work. After the session, discuss how you feel about the quality of the images and how well the photographer worked with you. You can then decide if you want to continue the relationship by choosing the photographer to shoot your wedding.


Learn to Work with Your Partner:
An engagement session is an ideal time for you and your future spouse to get used to working together in front of the camera. You will not only learn what to expect from your photographer during the photo shoot, but from each other as well. If one of you is camera shy; what better time to practice how to loosen up?


Remember, whatever you decide to do, be sure to enjoy the entire process once it's time for you to take your photos. The more fun you have, the better your engagement photos and all of the memories that come along with them will be!