HAPPY EASTER!!

Photo Credits: Hokuli'i Images

VIVA'S BOOK CLUB - WEDDINGS BY TARA GUERARD

Since opening the doors of Soiree by Tara Guerard in Charleston South Carolina over a decade ago, Tara has been noted as a leading arbiter of entertaining and style. She was selected as a Top 25 Trendsetter by Modern Bride Magazine and Soiree's work has been featured by a wide range of media including InStyle Weddings, Town & Country Weddings, and Martha Stewart Weddings.

In her latest book Weddings By Tara Guerard (January 2010), Tara takes you on a guided tour through twelve dream weddings and shares the tools and tricks of the trade from over a decade in the industry. The book is filled with ideas and inspiration, and each chapter overflows with beautiful photography and details to incorporate into your own wedding.

Here are a few tips from Tara for a successful Soirée:

▪ Hire a great photographer. You want someone who can capture the ambiance, the details and the memories.

▪ Choose colors and foods that reflect a time of year.

▪ Never do a seated dinner around a dance floor. Define each space - one area for cocktails, one for dinner, and another for dancing.

▪ Let your personalities show through at your reception.
▪ Try a 4X4 foot table for 8 - it's a guarantee that people will talk to each other.
▪ Offer guests a signature drink as a welcome. It is a personal detail and prevents that initial backup at the bar.
▪ For outdoor weddings, always remember... if you don't have a backup plan IT WILL RAIN!

BAKE ME A CUPCAKE

Who knew that when the cupcake craze hit Ottawa a few years back it would turn out to be more than just a passing fad lasting a season or two at best. Whether they're replacing the traditional cake at your wedding or simply being served as part of the late night buffet, cupcakes are here to stay.

The cupcake has really evolved over time. From the mouth watering choices in flavours of cake and icing to the many creative ways to decorate and display them, there's no such thing as the "standard" cupcake anymore.

Along with the evolution of the cupcake is the evolution of places you can now get them. The Ottawa area is full of great shops that create these yummy treats!! Here are just a few - The Cupcake Lounge, The Flour Shoppe, The Girl With The Most Cake, Isobels, Little Cakes and The Lush Cake.

Enjoy!!

BOUTIQUE BOUDOIR

Melanie Rebane of m photography is a true genius when it comes to boudoir. Creating images that are both intimate and elegant, the end result will have you feeling absolutely incredible about yourself. Do it for you, do it for him, do it for the heck of it!

For more information and to book your session please contact m photography at 613-769-6019 or melanie@m-contemporaryphotography.com

SHOP INSTYLE FOR A CURE

Grab your girlfriends, sip champagne, enjoy a cupcake or two and shop InStyle for a cure at Ottawa's hottest new wedding chapel... Weddings InStyle! Proceeds going to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.



Get your tickets here! Looking for more information? Please contact Weddings InStyle at 613-440-4446 or info@weddingsinstyle.ca

HAPPY ST PATTY'S DAY!!

Offbeat Messenger

INSPIRATION - THE COUNTRY WEDDING

Photo Credits: Jose Villa Wedding Photography

STONEFIELDS HERITAGE FARM

STONEFIELDS Heritage Farm is a fantastic new venue getting ready to open its doors and host your next corporate retreat, special event, private party, community function, and of course Viva's favourite - your wedding.

Picture this...

After spending time with your bridesmaids getting ready for the big day, you step out of the old stone farmhouse in your wedding gown. You're full of anticipation as you follow your bridesmaids through the courtyard to the field where your groom anxiously awaits. Your family and friends watch in awe. The ceremony is picture perfect. Your guests are escorted to the pool area for cocktail hour while you have your pictures taken around the property with rustic barns, stone walls and gardens as your backdrop. Your evening reception is hosted under a big white tent decorated with delicate white lights. You savour the peace, tranquility and fresh country air that surrounds you while you dance the night away with your new husband, your family and friends.

The beautiful 110 acre property is located just 40 minutes from downtown Ottawa in the lovely town of Carleton Place. For more information on wedding packages and to see if your date is available for booking, contact STONEFIELDS at 613-253-3313 or info@stonefieldsheritagefarm.ca

Photo Credits: Weddings by XPhotography