DreamGroup's Wedding Tip of the Week

Time to buy the Pretty Sparkly Things!

Shopping for your wedding jewellery amongst all that sparkles can feel like an overwhelming task but we've compiled a list of our favourite places to buy your jewellery and perhaps a glittery thing or two for your bridesmaids as well!

Jeweliette

Playground to Vancouver's premier stylists and costume designers, Jeweliette offers an exciting collection of fashion jewelery and must-have accessories. From Bohemian to Glamourous, Jeweliette makes it possible for every diva to define glamour in her own unique style.

Total Image by Susan

All pieces are created with top quality components such as Freshwater Pearls, Swarovski Crystals and Semi-precious stones. Chain, earring hoops, studs and clasps are Sterling silver or 12K gold filled. All pieces are presented in a gift bag or box.

Sugarlime

Sugarlime has become an international icon with a growing list of celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Feist, Rachel McAdams, Kim Cattrall and Rebecca Romijn to name a few.

Sugarlime Jewelry is known for its trend-setting, high-end but affordable fashion jewelry designed with only the finest in hand-selected semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystals, fresh water pearls, charms and unique chains.

Claire Earrings

Joannie Necklace

Sasha Earrings

Clara Bracelet

Dakota Earrings

Weddings and the City...

DreamGroup's very own "Carrie Bradshaw", Suzie Moldowan, brought DreamGroup on board last year to assist her with the planning of her 2010 wedding. Since then, Associate Planner, Alicia Keats, and the rest of DreamGroup have been enjoying one of the most entertaining writers DreamGroup has ever seen! This week's glimpse into Suzie's planning journey is by FAR one of the most hilarious yet...enjoy!

Morning Alicia,

I thought it was about time to get back "in the loop" as I feel I have been dropping the literary ball to say the least. More to the point, I have not forced myself to think of anything beyond tomorrow's grocery list and this is growing old to say the least.

Now, having said that, I feel it necessary to use this email as a confession of sorts. More importantly, and to be honest, I fear that with motherhood has come a certain level of stupidity. Throw in an upcoming wedding and well, hey, you've got a recipe for craziness, no?

At this point, I require you to close your eyes and imagine all things holy (I am having you do this as I will most certainly be struck by lightening given my unholy and somewhat debaucherous lifestyle).

Hmmm, is that a word? Debaucherous? Oh well, it is now.

Anyways, please cue angels humming in the background as well and, just for spice, let's throw in a rockin' gospel choir too. Love them gospel singers!

Now, make your way into the confessional (you'll have to do this for me as well given my judaic roots) and sit down. You are ready.

Here it goes....

After I woke this morning and went through the regular routine of what morning brings: pee, baby, dirty diaper, nurse, clean any leftover dishes from soon to be's midnight snack, make breakfast for baby etc...I realized that I was getting anxious if not eager - much like I do every morning. But why? Why was I feeling giddy when there was clearly nothing exciting going on? Then it hit me.

Oh god. I can't believe I am admitting this.

I realized, moreover I had a revelation, that I, a well educated, competent, strong woman was anxiously awaiting the start of "Rich Bride, Poor Bride." A show on the Slice network that I think relegates me to some status unbecoming of ...well...I dunno. To make matters worse, once the program actually came on, I found myself spewing a litany of expletives once I learned that it was a repeat!

By god! How dare these people play with my sanity. I have small moments in the day that remind me I am an adult and this, sadly I know, is one of them. Just knowing that I myself am in the middle of planning a wedding, MY wedding, and with the help of a planner allows me to remind myself that I too am at an age that grants me certain privileges. I am more than a diaper changing, food pureeing, un-glamourous mommy. By golly, I am an engaged woman!

Indeed, in desperate need of a makeover which can easily be seen in that I have yet to put on a bra this week - not a pretty site given that I am still breastfeeding. Moving on....

On that note, while I have surrendered to "Say Yes to the Dress" and other such wedding cult shows, I have begun to suppress the shame. I have yet to figure out whether or not this is a good thing. At first, I told myself that I was falling victim in an effort to gain inspiration for my big day but once Mischa reminded me that that excuse didn't add up (primarily due to the fact that I had in fact purchased my dress within a month of the proposal), I soon realized I had to come up with some more reasons for my decline into the abyss of bad TV.

Having said that, and after another budget meeting yesterday with my fab planner, I now have learned that I have finally been heard by the buddha after all! Sweet jesus...he WAS listening!

Turns out that all those mornings that I insisted I was "educating" myself on how to stay within the budget have finally paid off! Yeehaw! Seems we are in fact not in the poor house just yet and after having it confirmed (by that amazing planner mentioned above) that we are saving here and balancing out there, we will still be able to "create, plan and wow!"

Start the parade folks cause this, in Moldowan-ese means more moula to play with! Ya! Ya! YYYYAAAAAAA! More shoes, more accessories, more details....the possibilities are endless really! Perhaps we'll have the aisle sprinkled with gold leaf? Maybe we can budget for personal servers to fan guests and supply grapes... I mean come on. There has to be some celebration. Some sort of recognition for all the hours I have spent on the couch, bouncing my daughter while "learning" how to manage my mom's money in the way of a budget?

Giggle. Giggle.

Ok Mom, settle down. No need to worry. I am fully aware that the grapes are excessive. We can talk more though, right?

Have a fabulous day ladies and be assured and comforted knowing that I am out there, keeping the slice channel in business, staying "current." Uh oh, gotta run. Wedding SOS is about to start!

Cheers!

Suzie

Click here to view Suzie's entire collection of entries so far!

DreamGroup Productions presents the 20th annual Brock House Wedding Show!

Known as one of Vancouver's best boutique wedding shows, the Brock House Wedding Show returns for what will undoubtedly be another amazing show.

Planning a wedding is a full time job. Let DreamGroup Productions & Brock House Restaurant make it easier by introducing you to some of the best wedding service providers Vancouver has to offer.

Whether you have yet to hire all your wedding vendors, or have only a couple left to decide upon, this event promises to Inspire, Inform, and Indulge every one of its attendees.

NEW this year! - VIP Tickets are available! They are $55 each (plus tax) and include: Guaranteed FRONT ROW seats at the Fashion Show and an exclusive VIP Gift Bag **ONLY 35 TICKETS AVAILABLE per show! These will sell out so get your tickets soon.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

11:00am-3:00pm and 3:00pm-7:00pm

with fashion shows at 1:00pm and 5:00pm

Location: Brock House Restaurant

3875 Point Grey Road, Vancouver (Jericho Beach)

Visit the official Brock House Wedding Show website for more information and advance tickets:

Tickets include:

• Passed Wine
• Delicious Hors D'oeuvres and Cocktail Fare
• Inspiring Fashion Show
• Live Music
• Fabulous Door Prizes from Participating Exhibitors
• Grand Prize Honeymoon Giveaway
• Exquisite Gift Bag for the Bride

Click Here to purchase your advance tickets through Clubzone.

DreamGroup's Wedding Tip of the Week

Writing your own vows...

This can be one of the most romantic and personal parts of your wedding but once you’ve started to write you may begin to think its not as easy as it looks! If that’s the case...don’t worry, the tips below will help you put together your perfectly personal and memorable wedding vows in just a few easy steps!

#1: What’s the Plan?:

You need to make sure you and your fiancé are both on the same page: Are you each going to write your own, or will you write them together? Will you show them to each other before the ceremony or save them as a surprise? If you're feeling shy, opt to write your vows together and even recite the exact same promises. If there's more you wish to say, privately, say it in the cards you exchange on the day of your wedding or even on your honeymoon.

#2: Create an Outline:

An outline can help to establish a structure that you both stick to. For example, start off with a couple sentences about how great your fiancé is and what you love about them, then add a few sentences about how you feel about yourselves as a couple, and then a couple more sentences about what you’re vowing to each other.

#3: Discuss the Tone:

What overall tone do you want your vows to give off? Humorous and Touching? Poetic and Mushy? Straight forward and No-Nonsense? It's up to the both of you. The most important thing is that your vows ring true and are an expression of how you feel and who you are.

#4: Set a Time Limit:

Decide how long you want your vows to be… No more than 2 minutes each is suggested. The idea is to declare your love not put him/her and the entire crowd to sleep! You have the rest of your lives to share with your husband or wife to be how much you love them!

Before your start writing…

To help you think of what sentiments to include, take turns answering this list of helpful questions. When you're done, look through your answers for the phrases that best capture your intended message and incorporate them into the structure of your vows.

1. What did you think when you first saw him/her?

You didn't want to go out to “that club” on that rainy night three years ago, but are now grateful your friends called you a sissy pants and coerced you in to joining them!

2. When did you realize you were in love?

Be specific. Was it when he brought you your favorite soup and trashy magazines that time you were laid up in bed? Don't underestimate the power of humor.

3. What do you have now that you didn't have before you met?

Focus on the heart and head, not material possessions. Has she taught you to appreciate beauty differently? Has he helped you learn to savor creating a home-cooked meal?

4. How has your view of the world changed?

Life has likely gotten better since the two of you joined forces, so tell everyone about it. Think about the new things you've tried with your mate. What have you experienced together that you never would have on your own?

5. What do you miss most when you're apart?

This will probably be something mundane but powerful. Perhaps the way he comes in and gives you a goodbye kiss before leaving for work in the morning makes your heart melt. Or the way she puts out your "lucky coffee mug" for your morning coffee before bed?

6. Where do you see yourselves in 10 years? 20 years? 40 years?

Be sure to include more than "Happily married in a big house with a white picket fence." What are your long-term hopes, dreams, and goals?

7. Is there a line from a movie, song, or poem that sums up exactly how you feel?

It's okay to borrow a line, as long as it's not too much of a cliché. Please don’t use “You complete me.” It’s so done!

8. Do parts of the traditional vows resonate with you?

Maybe you're not so keen about the "obey" part, but can you really go wrong with "love, honor, and cherish? Make them your own.

9. Can you think of a funny or touching experience that puts your partner in a new light?

The way he acts like a big brother to your little sister or helped your grandmother with the big move to the home last year.

10. Is there a harrowing experience that strengthened your bond?

When a close loved one passed on he gave you all the time you needed to ‘get it together’.

11. What goals and values do you both have?

Stating your common bond may just expose your inner Wordsworth. These ties -- whether they are a true love of wine or your shared faith – this is a great way to illustrate why you are so perfect for one another.

12. What about him/her inspires you? What do you most respect about your partner?

It may be his/her dedication to charity work or his ability to remain calm and in control no matter what is going on around you.

13. What promise can you make to reveal your personal devotion to your future spouse?

Here's an opportunity to really personalize your vows. Many couples pledge their endless love and devotion, but how many can promise to take the dog out in the morning, even after a long night of work or partying?

14. How will you grow and change together?

You probably know what your goals are, at least short term… Think about the steps the two of you will need to take together to reach those goals.

15. What metaphor (or simile) might best capture your love?

Think of something that describes or defines your love. Is your love as strong as a castle? Or is it peaceful like a mountain stream?

16. Why are you entering into this bond of marriage?

Think about why marrying your fiancé is so important. You may be surprised how the answer leads you to the perfect words of expressing your affection.

17. What will keep your marriage strong?

Find the bedrock of your relationship. What makes your relationship tick? Is it your resilience? Your shared sense of humor?

18. What are you most looking forward to about married life?

The wedding is just the beginning. What makes you excited about your future together?

19. What do you expect out of married life?

Defining your expectations will help you make and keep your promises. Think about your dreams, and what you’ll have to vow to do to make them come true.

20. What words do you associate with "love"?

Make a list of romantic terms so you can avoid overusing "love" -- too many repetitions dilute its power.

Okay, now that you've set the ground rules and answered the questions above you should have a solid foundation of ideas to draw from. So...pick up that pen or sit yourself down in front of the computer and start writing!

Good Luck!

FRESH by Savoury Chef...a great new way to feed your wedding party!

Check out this fabulously delicious and easy new way to feed your wedding party from Savoury Chef’s Fresh Menu! Inspired and excited by foods found in their own backyard, Fresh by Savoury Chef strives to serve fine food, consciously served and packaged, with quality above all else.

All you have to do is order lunch for your group online and Savoury Chef will deliver everything right to your getting ready location on the Wedding day!

Each item sent from Savoury's kitchen is created with an obsessive attention to detail- from the local, seasonal sourcing of many of their ingredients, to the uncompromising excellence and pride they instill into each and every final product.

Savoury's Turkey, Brie Cranberry Sandwich

Check out the About Fresh section of the Fresh by Savoury Chef website for delivery rates, hours and locations along with much more information!

DreamGroup's Wedding Tip of the Week

Getting your Marriage License...

You can purchase your marriage license within 3 months of your wedding date. When the time comes, here are some tips on how to get it:

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE TO MARRY IN BC?

• You do not have to be a British Columbia resident to be married in the province. However, you are required to get a Marriage License which is valid for a term of three months and only valid in British Columbia.
  
  
• Anyone over 19 years of age is eligible to apply for a marriage license in BC. Anyone under 19 years of age must first obtain the consent of both parents. No one under 16 years can be married without the consent of the Supreme or County Court.
  
  
• If one or both individuals were recently divorced within the last 31 days, proof of divorce must be provided. No license is issued until the courts finalize a divorce, normally 31 days after the divorce decree is issued by the Courts.
  
  
• To marry, blood tests are not required under British Columbia legislation.

APPLY FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE

To get married in British Columbia, the Marriage Act requires that the couple get a Marriage License. You may get married during the three-month term of the license. Only one member of the couple needs to apply in person for a marriage license.

The current fee for a Marriage License is $100.00 and must be paid at the time of application.

To ensure accuracy of marriage certificates issued after registration and to verify legal age to apply for a marriage license, primary identification in the form of a birth certificate, IMM/Immigration form, Permanent Resident or Citizenship card confirming:

1) full legal names 2) birth date 3) place of birth should be provided for both parties.

You will also be asked to provide information on your current marital status and address.
If the applicant does not have primary identification for the parties then the following documents may be utilized in a descending order of preference:

• Driver's License
• Passport
• Credit Card
• Bank Card
Other documents may also be accepted.

The marriage license is issued at the time of application. The marriage license is non-refundable, valid for three months and may not be extended.

WHERE DO YOU GET A MARRIAGE LICENSE FROM?

Search for a place near you

For more information, check out the BC Vital Stats website

Everlasting Candlelight...The Next BIG Thing!

Check out this fabulous new product from kranberry-lane Waxxed candlelight! When candlelight meets wallpaper design the result is...pattern!

• 7 designs to choose from
• Colours: white & cream
• Height: 5" , 6", 9" and 12" Pillars
• Pricing from $21.60 to $28.80 each
• One free oil pod with each candle for a total of 20hrs burn time per pod.
• Poured and finished by Canadian hands

Make sure to check out these great new candles along with kranberry-lane's other wonderful products here!