My Boudoir Experience with Jennifer Williams

Wow!  What an experience...I finally ticked one of the items off of my bucket list which was doing a boudoir shoot.  The photographer that I selected for this shoot was Jennifer Williams.  I had seen her work and knew that it was great and when I chatted with her I knew that I would be comfortable shedding my clothes in front of her.  She's worked with so many women and so many different body shapes and really understands how to make a woman look and feel good in front of the camera.

To start of  the day, I had my hair & makeup done by Kelly Trerise who is an amazing artist.  We all chatted and got comfortable and when it was time to start shooting, it was just Jen and myself in her studio.  We used lots of props that were in her place and I was able to change into lots of different outfits for the different looks I wanted to have.  I had prepared for the shoot by finding inspiration on her Pinterest board of various looks that appealed to me and while we were shooting she used the inspiration that I had found to create my own personal shots.

I never once felt shy or awkward during the shoot because I knew that Jen had shot so many women and this is really a passion for her.  She loves what she does and it shows!  And throughout the entire time she instructed me on how to pose...so I never felt lost or silly.

When I got my photos back I was thrilled.  There were so many fantastic shots...and I'm really very thankful for Jen for making this lifetime goal so easy to achieve.

Here are some of the women Jen has shot. And to start it off, check out this behind the scenes video:



Jennifer Williams - Boudoir Studio from Brice Ferre Photography on Vimeo.

 

Ask a Planner... "A Stagette You WON'T Want to Forget"

Help Ladies!

I don't want to sound ungrateful or come across like a bridezilla, but I'm getting married in June of next year and am worried that my maid of honour and bridesmaids are going to throw me a tacky "bride in a cheesy veil drinking from a penis straw" stagette at some local top 40 nightmare of a club and would love to avoid the embarrassing parade.  Can you please suggest some alternatives?

Thank you!
Anti Stagette Bride



My darling anti-stagette bride!

You are hilarious! Thank you for making me laugh out loud today!  I don't think you are a Bridezilla at all for wanting to try and avoid the cliche stagette party.  Good for you in fact for thinking about it and voicing an opinion while there's still time to come up with a different plan!  The great news is there are many awesome alternatives to the "traditional" stagette as you've so colorfully outlined above.

These days brides are often a little older, smarter, and are thankfully looking for some more creative, healthy, and/or interesting things to do with their girlfriends to celebrate the occasion.  I have listed below my top 5 suggestions for a Stagette here in Vancouver.  Maybe forward this post to your maid of honour and girlfriends as a sort of FYI... :O)  Good luck!!


TOP 5 STAGETTE IDEAS (that do not include veils or p*n*s straws):


1. Spa Party:  Who doesn't love getting pampered?  Contact your favorite local spa (or step it up a notch and make it a weekend affair at a destination spa) and book a group session for manis-pedis-massage for all!  Find a spa that offers private rooms or designated areas for group events.  Bring champagne, order some food, plug in a favourite movie like Bridesmaids if applicable, and RELAX!  Not the most unique idea, but fun and easy. My personal Vancouver Favs... http://spaon4th.com/  or http://www.absolutespa.com/  or http://www.purenailbar.com/

2. Pole Dancing Lessons: Yup I said it!  This new found fun fat burning activity is a really fun way to unwind and laugh yourself silly with your girlfriends while picking up some new sexy moves. http://www.poledancestudio.com/about.php

3. A Makeover Party: This one is both fun and practical!  What better time than now to try a new look or better yet learn how to enhance your best features like a pro with a private group makeover and lesson.  Contact Jayna Marie at Fancy Face Academy to inquire! http://www.jaynamarie.com/JBMakeupArtistry/Fancy_Face_Academy.html

4. Bootcamp: I know, I know it sounds awful, but it's actually really fun and whether you are a Grouse grind fitness fanatic or exercise avoiding couch potato you will enjoy the endorphin inducing activity (if not during at least afterwards when you are feeling happy and proud of yourself)! :O)  http://www.barrefitness.com/our-classes

5.Shopping Party: This is a super fun way to spend an evening with your girls! There are several local clothing and specialty boutiques in Vancouver that will book private shopping parties after hours at no cost.  Ultimately they are hoping you will make a few purchases to make it worth their while, but it's not mandatory of every attendee.  Many of them will allow food, drinks, and music to help set the mood!  http://www.sephora.com/  or book a Diva's Den Party at my absolute favorite store in all of Vancouver... http://www.changesclothing.com/

And if all else fails... A delicious and leisurely dinner at your favourite local restaurant sounds perfect to me!

Wedding Planner signing off!  Until next week… keep those questions coming in!  Submit your questions by emailing us at askaplanner@dreamgroup.ca 

Cheerio,
Genève 

Click here to See Inside the Book

Genève McNally, Principal Planner, DreamGroup Productions

Genève first began her wedding career in 1999 as the Catering Manager for one of Vancouver’s most sought after wedding venues, Brock House Restaurant.  In 2004 Genève and college friend Sarah Shore ambitiously started up what is now one of Vancouver's longest running and most trusted wedding planning companies, DreamGroup Productions Inc.

These days, in addition to working with her clients in a full planning capacity and raising her two wonderful boys Harrison and Campbell with her husband, Genève focuses her attention on the sales and marketing aspects of the company and is most often the friendly voice you will chat with when first inquiring with DreamGroup.  Genève is known to inspire and excite both clients and industry associates alike with her exuberant personality and joie de vivre!  Her ability to be refreshingly candid and her in depth knowledge of the wedding industry have earned her the friendly moniker “Two-Cents McNally”.  Genève also teaches the Wedding Planning classes offered through the dg Academy and is the chief correspondent behind DreamGroup's weekly Blog feature Ask a Planner.

Click here to sign up for DreamGroup's Mailing list! 
We promise to inspire, inform and indulge!

Monday's Montage: Wedding Hairstyles

A big decision to complete your wedding day look! Whether you leave your hair down, pull it half-up, braided, add flowers or go with an updo, your hair style should reflect your personality. Be sure to try a few different options during your trial with your stylist, or why not enjoy 2 looks on your wedding day? Long flowy and romantic during your ceremony, then have your stylist on hand to pin it up with tons of volume for the reception. Best of both worlds and won't need to worry about your curls falling as you tear up that dance floor late into the night with your handsome new hubby.

 

I hope these help you find your inspiration for an unforgettable, romantic and definitely angelic wedding hairstyle. And don't worry, hairspray is ALWAYS available in DreamGroup's toolbox to keep your tresses perfect throughout the night.

Jayleen Deelman has been with DreamGroup since 2010 and has made her way from our Star Wedding Coordinator to a Dedicated Associate Planner. Jayleen is upbeat, good natured, and always smiling. She is attentive and with her passion for everything weddings she is key in carrying out a fluid and enjoyable wedding day experience. Clients adore her sweet disposition and her desire to make their wedding a memory they will never forget.

Friday's Fabulous Find : Dedicated to all drink enthusiasts!

 It is about time our city is blessed with a retail store of this kind! With everything from high end bartenders tools, an amazing selection of bitters, syrups and mixers, vintage glassware, bartenders lounge wear, an actual tiki bar, retro Guinness coasters, cocktail books and even cigars! Finally, a place for enthusiasts where everything they want is under one roof.

 

I did not stumble upon this classy joint, I was desperately looking for it!! A recent bride of mine asked for my help in surprising her groom with something special on the night of their wedding. As she explained, the drink they shared on their first date was Moscow Mule, and she would like to have it during a private moment just the two of them while she gave her own personal vows to  him.      HOW ROMANTIC!!

 

 

I had never heard of Moscow Mule before, but I quickly learn that it is soo delicious, served in a copper mug, and hard to find! Thank goodness I was eventually pointed in the direction of The Modern Bartender located in China Town. The owner is very sweet, helpful, and wow there are some fun pieces in that store!! I left with the perfect Moscow Mule Mugs for the bride and groom-to-be, and also full of thoughts for unique gifts for your wedding party, favours, and ideas to add personality to any wedding.

 

 
And after a beautiful wedding, private vows, and a special copper mug drink from their first date, the bride and groom lived happily ever after.. I just love my job. And had to share the love from The Modern Bartender

 

Jayleen Deelman has been with DreamGroup since 2010 and has made her way from our Star Wedding Coordinator to a Dedicated Associate Planner. Jayleen is upbeat, good natured, and always smiling. She is attentive and with her passion for everything weddings she is key in carrying out a fluid and enjoyable wedding day experience. Clients adore her sweet disposition and her desire to make their wedding a memory they will never forget.

Ask a Planner... "Post Marital Blues?"

Hi DreamGroup…

What does a bride do after her wedding when she’s missing the planning part and finds herself with way too much time on her hands?  Is there such thing as Post Marital Blues?  Gratitude for any advice.

Sincerely,

Bride feeling blue

My Sweet Bride Blue!

Totally absolutely completely normal!!!  Most brides who immerse themselves full swing into the planning of their wedding will feel some degree of post marital blues after the wedding day has come and gone.  For some it will be more prevalent than with others. 

How could you not? For 6-18 months before the wedding you likely spent 20+ hours a week researching, contemplating options, looking through blogs and magazines, making decisions, and then thinking some more and changing your mind.  You probably spent precious hours creating thoughtful bits and pieces to personalize your wedding, spent time playing over and over again how the day would unfold for you and your guests, how you would look, what your fiancé would be thinking when he saw you for the first time, and talked endlessly with family and friends in anticipation of this most important day.  Then all of a sudden it’s over in what often feels quite literally like two hours when in fact it was 20 hours from the start of hair and make up to when your head finally hit the pillow around 2:00am – time never flew by so quickly!

So, what do you do now?  I’ll tell you what you do!

You enjoy being married!!! This is such a special time in a woman's life when she can settle into a relationship that is committed, constant, and reassuring.  Relish in the idea that you have found a partner in crime to share your life’s journey.  I know a few people who have yet to find that kind of love. 

Next up, you wait in anticipation for the photos (and maybe film) which hopefully capture that very precious moment in your lives to perfection.  Complete (or begin if you have not already started) writing your "thank yous" to your generous guests and the wedding professionals who helped make the day what it was.  You might collect all the resources you used in planning your wedding and pass them on to a future bride in waiting.  Perhaps start a Blog to share your insights and best advice for those brides to be who might benefit from your wisdom. You may even have a couple friends who are getting married who might benefit from a friend who wants to get their hands a little dirty! 

And if you were that DIY/Crafty Bride who now has a garage or closets full of gently loved wedding treasures that should not go to waste sign up for a table at Bridal Swap taking place April 7^th at the Roundhouse in Yaletown - http://www.bridalswap.ca.

And for a small few perhaps you enjoyed yourself so much and were so successful at planning and orchestrating your wedding that a career in wedding planning is in your future - http://www.dgacademy.ca.

And if after all that you still find yourself feeling empty or need to find something to devote some time and energy into…. Why not start volunteering at your local food bank, SPCA, or other favourite cause because goodness knows the world needs more people to spend time helping others in need.

Congratulations on this very exciting time in your life my darling!  There are so many wonderful and exciting milestones ahead that will all require oodles and oodles of planning, thought, and implementation.  The best is yet to come!
 
Wedding Planner signing off!  Until next week… keep those questions coming in!  Submit your questions by emailing us at askaplanner@dreamgroup.ca 

Cheerio,
Genève 

Click here to See Inside the Book

Genève McNally, Principal Planner, DreamGroup Productions

Genève first began her wedding career in 1999 as the Catering Manager for one of Vancouver’s most sought after wedding venues, Brock House Restaurant.  In 2004 Genève and college friend Sarah Shore ambitiously started up what is now one of Vancouver's longest running and most trusted wedding planning companies, DreamGroup Productions Inc.

These days, in addition to working with her clients in a full planning capacity and raising her two wonderful boys Harrison and Campbell with her husband, Genève focuses her attention on the sales and marketing aspects of the company and is most often the friendly voice you will chat with when first inquiring with DreamGroup.  Genève is known to inspire and excite both clients and industry associates alike with her exuberant personality and joie de vivre!  Her ability to be refreshingly candid and her in depth knowledge of the wedding industry have earned her the friendly moniker “Two-Cents McNally”.  Genève also teaches the Wedding Planning classes offered through the dg Academy and is the chief correspondent behind DreamGroup's weekly Blog feature Ask a Planner.

Click here to sign up for DreamGroup's Mailing list! 
We promise to inspire, inform and indulge!

Monday's Montage: Pretty Pumpkins

I have finally come to terms and accepted that it is fall, and isn't it beautiful! Spiced lattes, gorgeous colours, crisp fresh air, boots and scarves. There are many gorgeous ways to incorporate fall into your wedding. I love the whimsical and earthy feel pumpkins can add to an event whether they are used as a light container, decor, for a centerpiece or to create a unique ring shot. Pumpkins are no longer just for carving jack-o-lanterns this month, below are a few beautiful alternatives in using them for your wedding look!

This month and this gorgeous season offers so many opportunities for a unique, one of a kind wedding. Enjoy, be in love, and stay warm!!

Jayleen Deelman has been with DreamGroup since 2010 and has made her way from our Star Wedding Coordinator to a Dedicated Associate Planner. Jayleen is upbeat, good natured, and always smiling. She is attentive and with her passion for everything weddings she is key in carrying out a fluid and enjoyable wedding day experience. Clients adore her sweet disposition and her desire to make their wedding a memory they will never forget.