Ask a Planner... "Engagement Shoots"

Hello DreamGroup

Can you share some ideas for cool backdrops for a Fall/Winter engagement shoot here in Vancouver? 

Thanks!
Lynn + Jeff



Hello Lovebirds!

I'd be happy to!  There are so many lovely options one might consider.  There are the more traditional ones like your favourite local hotel or perhaps a more cultural and experiential backdrop like The Art Gallery, the Library, any of the Bridges (either under or on), Stanley Park with leaves or snow is certainly charming, walking through Gastown, and even your favourite local restaurant might do the trick depending on what you have in mind.   

Around this time of year the hotels are my favourite "goto" for providing a warm and ambient backdrop. Some of my personal FAVs are Fairmont Pacific Rim, Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Hotel Vancouver, and the Sutton Place.
 
There's something very special and romantic about huge Christmas Trees decked out to the nines and the glow of the little lights all around!  Not to mention the spirit of Christmas and the effect it has on everyone around you which in turn tends to enhance any experience... engagement shoot or otherwise.   

Just be sure you confirm with the hotel ahead of time that you want to use the space as some require a reservation and some even charge a small fee.  Or... you could just show up and plead ignorance, but keep it short and discreet, and be prepared to run when you see security coming! :O) 

Wedding Planner signing off!  Until next week darlings!  And don't be shy!  Submit your questions by emailing us at askaplanner@dreamgroup.ca

XOXO
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.

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We promise to inspire, inform and indulge!

 

Monday's Montage: Groomsmen Gift Ideas

 

I know guys think women are hard to shop for, but when trying to find the perfect gift for your groomsmen, it may seem the opposite is true. Sure, you can always get them cuff links or a flask, but how many do they really need? You don't want to give them a gift that’s just going to end up in the bottom of a drawer or a box in the attic.. Try thinking outside of the box and choosing gifts that compliment their personal interests.

 

Many of these customized items can be found on Etsy, or for the man who has everything, Revolucion Style in Yaletown is full of unique ideas and very "manly man" gifts. Including mustache wax, and cigars! Enjoy finding the perfect for your supportive groomsmen, along with a man hug of course.

 

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 Brings to you 2 very Special Photographers

'Based out of beautiful Vancouver, BC, are SHARI + MIKE, a husband + wife photography team passionate about life, travel, and culture.'  They believe: "we were put on this earth for a purpose. To live life to the fullest. To love, to dance, to laugh, to create. We choose to live with passion and to see the world with color, depth, and creativity. It is our desire to tell your story. To create photos that capture the pure reflections of who you are. Photos that bring a fresh perspective of life... your life."
 

Yup, I am in love with these 2!

 

I have had a few opportunities to work with Shari and Mike and not only do they listen to what my client's want, they help my Bride and Groom feel relaxed and comfortable, but also capturing the essence of who they are.  Here's some of their work at one of the weddings I planned in June.

Their favorite events to photograph are ones that are unique, creative, fun and expressive. They love clients that want to have a good time and you can always count on Mike to bring his dancing shoes to the party! Just when you thought you hired a photographer, entertainment is included!  Mike is perfect to have around when the dancing gets started, he sometimes brings the Groom onto the dance floor and teaches him a few dance moves and of course it's always a hit with the guests!

Of course Mike has to show off...sometimes!  Trust me, this isn't even the half of it, he's got talent!

Most of all, Shari+Mike love a client that thinks outside the box and even more, one who makes the box they're thinking outside of. Mike's words, "We're not the "cookie cutter" type…..even though we love cookies:)".   As a planner who has the privilege of working with so amazing photographers, Shari+Mike are one of them.  To see more of their work and contact them click here.

Hope you enjoyed today's post and are inspired to try some dance moves of your own, or take the easy route and hire Shari+Mike.  Leave the dancing to the professionals! ;)

By Sandy Pandher, Associate Planner with DreamGroup Productions

With her "hands on" energetic approach to planning, Sandy offers a perfect balance between assertiveness and calmness -- two qualities instrumental in qualifying oneself as a great planner. This smart, savvy and dedicated planner's passion is in building relationships and connecting with each of her clients so that their wedding day can truly reflect who they are as a couple and what their love story symbolizes. Sandy is best suited to the busy Urban couple looking for a knowledgeable and intuitive planner to help bring their wedding vision to life.

Click here to sign up for DreamGroup's Mailing list!

We promise to inspire, inform & indulge!

Ask a Planner... "DIY vs. Hiring a Pro?"

Hello.  

Can you recommend a florist that will give me the best value?  I am looking for tall centerpieces of white and purple roses.  I can't decide between DIY or hiring a florist.  Would you recommend doing the floral yourself? Thx.

Rachel


Hello Rachel,

Wedding florals come in all shapes, styles and budgets.  Whether to DIY it or hire a pro often means you fall into one of two categories... creative and crafty or budget conscious -- and sometimes it's both!  You are either not afraid to get your hands dirty and genuinely want to be a hands on DIY bride or you are simply trying to maximize your budget and think DIYing will save you money.   

The truth is, it can save you money, but it's not always the case as it really depends on what you have in mind and secondly it comes at a different kind of cost -- a "time" cost.  Most brides who choose to DIY (whether it be for flowers, invitations or cake) say later on that it was far larger a project or investment of their time and energy than they could have ever anticipated.  Some regret it and others say it was tough, but they wouldn't have had it any other way.  They enjoyed being able to say they had a very active hand in making their own wedding vision come to life.  

As I touched on above, DIYing does not always save you money because once you purchase the vases, the flowers, pay for the gas to drive around getting all the bits and pieces it can often end up being very close to if not the same price that a modest wedding pro might have charged as they already own the vase and already regularly have flowers in store, etc.  This doesn't account for your time either.  Typically a floral centerpiece will range anywhere in price between $50 and $400.00 each depending on the size, type of flowers, and florist being used.

My suggestion is that you meet with a 2 florists (or maybe 3 if you have the time) to determine what your vision might cost and then do some thinking and a little homework and do what works best for you.  Below are a few local budget friendly (and reputable) suggestions for you to look into:

1. http://www.budgetblooms.ca/

2. http://www.fransflowers.ca/

3. http://www.flowerfactory.ca/

Good luck Rachel!  And be sure to check out these three previous posts about flower costs in Vancouver, Top 10 DIY tips, and Budget Stress!

1. http://dreamgroupplanners.blogspot.ca/2011/08/top-10-diy-wedding-planning-tips.html

2. http://dreamgroupplanners.blogspot.ca/2012/05/ask-planner-budget-stress.html 

3. http://dreamgroupplanners.blogspot.ca/2012/06/ask-planner-centrepieces-are-how-much.html

Wedding Planner signing off!  Until next week darlings!  And don't be shy!  Submit your questions by emailing us at askaplanner@dreamgroup.ca

XOXO
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!