THE ONE THING THAT WILL MAKE YOU LATE ON YOUR WEDDING DAY

Timelines Are In-Place For A Reason!

Let's talk about them for a second.... and imma give you some advice!

These are tricky waters here....because in my eyes-timelines are a loose guideline to keep the day running smoothly. Yes you'll be 10 mis ahead or behind, and it's our job as a planner to gently guide you along without being excessively late.

It's like a science, I know how long certain tasks take and plan for our brides accordingly. By the time your wedding comes, we'll know if @britd (as seen in the photo above) is super organized and on time or not. - B, we love you for being so punctual!

So I'm going to tell you EXACTLY where you will always loose time followed by great advice to make sure you don't let that happen on your wedding day.

It starts with BEAUTY.

 Bellow I'm giving you explicit instructions on what to do and what NOT to do on your wedding day! 

GIRLS! This is so-so very important!!!

1. What's the number one thing that will mess up your whole day from the get-go?.....your bridal party arriving late for hair & makeup. This is so unacceptable ladies- get it together! xox Pack your bags the night before, make a list and check it twice because when the morning alarm hits- you gotta be up, present and ON TIME!! And no! You can not pick up a Starbucks on the way- why? Reason number two.

2. The morning should be relaxing and literally want for nothing. When your beauty team is onsite- it's go time. That means no leaving to pick up something you forgot at home or decide you need that Starbucks after all. To all the Maid of Honours reading this blog. This is your cue! It's your job to set the scene. That includes organizing snacks, making coffee, assembling the brides little curated emergencies kit, curating that itunes play list, helping the beauty team set-up, making sure the place is always neat and tidy etc. The morning is your time to shine. The wedding planner isn't there to micro manage everything- so that's your job now :) and for a limited time. You need to keep all the girls in-check with no extra chit-chatting while makeup is being done- this always slows down the process, because once you move your mouth- your artist has to stop. 

Next.....

3. Someone randomly decided after having their hair done, that they would rather have an up-do than that gorgeous blow-out the stylist just spent 1.2hrs on. For brides, once you make a decision at your trial- stick with it!! There is simply no time for two beauty looks. Same with your bridal party. To avoid this from happening, ask all your bridesmaids to send you a picture of what they would like their hair and makeup style to be in advance. MOH- your job again- make sure those pictures are printed and available for all your artists the morning of. CLICK HERE for my very own Beauty Prep document that I use for all my clients.

And there you have it. My achilles heel for loosing time on your wedding day.

Lastly, I'm going to throw some mathematic at yah! 

Add 5 mins for each bridesmaid and that will equal how late you'll be even if you follow all my advice ;) 

Keep in mind, this is just the tip of the iceberg and there's so much more I could chat about for days!!!

But until then my pretties, stay tuned and visit our blog often for more amazing advice, tips and tricks to help you get through your wedding planning. 

xo

Eliza

WEDDING STYLING & PARTIAL PLANNING

More and more clients are asking for me to design their weddings- but no necessarily coordinate and manage the full affair from A-Z. Personally, for the complete experience, Full Planning is the best investment you will ever make. BUT! There are some brides that love the research, planning, coordinating and endless vendor emails while using our online tools to keep organized. 

STYLING & PARTIAL PLANNING

The ideal service for couples who are working with an on-location planner provided by their venue, but seek professional assistance creating and executing a curated, cohesive wedding aesthetic. Our team will work together from the time of engagement to create your own personalized "brand," suggesting and sourcing everything from stationery to tabletop and reception layout. We will also suggest relevant wedding professionals whose aesthetic suits your event style, and we will work closely with your photographer and videographer on the wedding day to create styled vignettes and detail photos worthy of publication.

But let's break it down for you in detail! 

Concept Development, Strategy and Creative Direction  

Includes one in-person design consultation where we can sit down together and chat about your priorities, budget allotment and your overall vision for your wedding day. We typically like to pair this with a site-visit so we can walk the space as we imagine all the possibilities and room layouts.

Curated & Designed Story Board

After our main design meeting our team gets to work curating as first look at your mood board. Once the mood board is approved we then move on to creating your full Design Profile which includes, floor plans, sketches, blooms list, tabletop inspo. This document is for you to show your prospective vendors your overall vision and aesthetic. 

Access to our Online Planning Platform

Upon booking we automatically set you up on our planning platform where you will have access to all our tools. This includes a design studio, guest management, timeline creation, budget tracking, guest seating, notes section, Toast bridal tasks lists and even your very own wedding website. 

Vendor Referrals, Sourcing     

Upon design completion a list of carefully vetted vendors will be provided to complete your look.               

Vendor Design Appointment

We offer clients an additional vendor appointment of your choosing to accompany. This could be your florist, furniture rental company or stationary artist. 
           

 

Day of Management by Planner & Event Styling & Production

On the day of your wedding our team will supervise the implementation of your design while working together with your photographer and videographer to create styled vignettes and detail photos worthy of publication. This includes full rein on our styling kit filled with gorgeous Mrs. Ring Boxes, hand died silk ribbons, vintage stamps, linens, props, styling board for flay lays etc. 

INVESTMENT 3,600

BRITTANY & ZACH HORTICULTURE BUILDING

I almost pinched myself when I walked into the Horticulture Building at 9 am to check in on set-up. There were no words. Even with partial decor I knew every design detail we worked tirelessly on was about to live it's own life.  It's one thing when you're designing on paper- but to see it all come full circle, is truly special. 

We first met Brittany when we're invited to plan her surprise proposal by Laura Kelly Photography. I had never met the bride or groom until just shortly before the proposal, when I shouted from a bush "Zach- show me the goods". (aka the ring) before I walked him to where his unsuspecting fiance-to-be was waiting. And I didn't know it then- but we were in it for the long run. 

Almost two years later Brittany and Zach tied the knot at the Basilica Notre Dame with their reception at the Horticulture Building. Brittany chose her vendors well, investing in the best of what she loved and trusted them to take her wedding from what she envisioned to something which was more beautiful then she could have ever expected. 

It was an absolute honour to plan and work with such a talented team on behalf of Brittany & Zach. 

FROM THE BRIDE:

“I can’t believe this is the subject of this email - i’m still a crying wreck today, I can’t believe how emotional I’ve been about all of this.

THANK YOU SO MUCH, from the very bottom of my heart, for everything you (and your team) did for us. Not just on Saturday but throughout the whole engagement. I’m still beyond overwhelmed at the perfection that was Saturday. Walking into that venue was a serious highlight for me.

Not only the set-up/vision (which i know included so many little touches from your own stash, which were truly breathtaking), but also the timeline, organization, and going to bat for me with the crazy people at the church - i cannot thank you enough!

I can seriously say that i look back on Saturday with zero regrets. There is not a single thing i would do differently. I honestly felt like I lived the Toast motto - i felt like the most special guest at my very own wedding reception! I let go of all of my anxiousness, nerves and stress and was able to just fully enjoy all of it!! I cannot thank you enough. Every single one of my family/bridal party who interacted with you and your team this weekend had glowing things to say. We could NOT have done it without you.

I’m so so proud of my wedding day - thank you so much, this is the best feeling!!

xox
B
”

— Brittany Dinardo

Planning & Design: Toast Events 

Photography: Laura Kelly Weddings

Video: Matt & Kat Wedding Videography

Decorator & Florist: Wedecor

Makeup: Klava Zykova

Hair: Top Knot

Stationary & Invitations: La Fabere

Cake: Serendipity Cakes

Dress: Hayley Paige 

Jewelry: Sarah Walsh Bridal

101 ON WEDDING CATERING CONTRACTS

There are so many things to consider when signing on that dotted line. But if you've never thrown an event before how are you supposed to know what to looks for or even understand what this contract is actually saying. To help put things into perspective I'm answering my top 6 most asked questions.

 

MINIMUM GUARANTEED DINNER GUESTS 

When you request a catering quote likely you'll provide a potential number of expected dinner, let's say 130 dinner guests. In your contract you may see a statement like " Minimum guaranteed dinner guests of 120." This means that your responsible in paying for that number of guests regardless of what your ultimate number is. Keep in mind that also means 120 adults and does not include children!!! Ultimately if your end up having 115 guests you're still paying for 130ppl. What I like to do is calculate what the cost difference is between 120 and 130 guests and ask if you can use that dollar amount in upgrading your meal or adding a course- that way you're not "loosing" money!

 

RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DETERMINE WHAT (IF ANY) FOOD IS SUITABLE FOR TAKE HOME

This is a health issue. Once food is out in the open and in an unregulated temperature food can spoil quicker then you expect. Most venues and caterers wont allow you to bring ANY food home. But if they add a clause like this- you're very lucky! 

GraTUITY POST EVENT

This means there is not gratuity included in your current bill. If you don't consider this while your comparing notes on various quotes, in the end it can end up in thousands of extra dollars you didn't factor in. Typically %15 grat is standard- for restaurants only. For caterers you're looking at %18 and for luxury hotels it can be upwards of %20+. 

 

CALCULATING COSTS

If you're trying to do your own math here is the formula you should use. Subtotal all the food and beverage. Now add your grat onto that. Subtotal again and then add your taxes. That's right! You read that right, your grat is taxed. Another sneaky way if your numbers don't add up when you get a real revised quote from a caterer.

 

PLANNING & COORDINATION FEE

But you might already have a wedding planner- so why should you pay for a coordination fee to a caterer? Well, it's because there's so much paperwork and time required to ensure your food & beverage team are prepared and ready to perform for your wedding. This includes the following:

• In person appointments
• Multiple emails throughout a 1- 2 year period
• Meetings with culinary team to map out custom menues
• Research for specialty requests
• Tasting
• Food & Beverage timeline prepration for behind the scenes
• Organizing staffing
• Inventory & renatls lists 
• Food requisitions
• Ordering food & beverage 
• Working with your planner on the elements of the day 

And this is just the tip of the iceberg, because a good catering company does so much more! 

 

FOOD & BEVERAGE COST INCREASES

We never really know what the economic climate will be like in the next year or two. For example there could be a Beef shortage and so the price in 2019 vs. 2018 has risen. Typically you can ask your caterer to lock in a max increase of %10. On a side note- this happened in the floral world a few years ago when there was a volcano erupt in Asia. This stopped air traffic and importers were unable to bring in orchid varieties for 2 weeks. So crazy right! This is also a huge reason why you should hire a planner. So we can impart this type of information onto our clients. They type of information that just isn't out there to find for yourself! A great planner will make it their business to know the inner workings of all these things you might never in your life think to consider!

And there you have it. Some of the most sneak hidden costs that can seriously break your budget! 

xox

Elise

2018 INTERNSHIP

JOIN OUR TEAM

We've heard you loud and clear! In answer to an overwhelming request in internships placements with Toast and a waiting list 25 deep for our 2018/2019 season, we're thrilled to finally announce that we will now commence interviews. To apply please send your resume to info at toast events dot ca. Please include your IG handle and a picture of you living your best life! We like to keep the working atmosphere fun and light :)

So! You think you might want to be a wedding planner, huh?! Well let me tell you- you're in for a ride! This industry isn't for the faint-of-heart and sitting in a classroom learning the basics on paper will never prepare you for what it's really like in real time. 

Chances are you’re more than a little wary of launching a new career in an industry where the most experience you’ve likely had is helping your cousin Sarah hang seven hundred fairy lights for her wedding. Don’t worry, we’ve got you!

Our internship is aimed at those who are seriously considering working in the industry, but don’t quite know where or how to start. This opportunity gives participants an intense, exclusive behind the scenes experience of what you can expect your new career to look like, without the stress and uncertainty of having to quit your day job first.

You’ll have the opportunity to pick their brains, observe and participate on the front lines of luxury weddings; all with a safety net knowing you’re working under the guidance and coaching of highly skilled professionals.

WHAT WERE LOOKING FOR

Commitment and drive. A highly motivated individual who learns quickly and can keep up with the pace with a positive attitude. This candidate must understand that function days often lead to longer work days which are primarily on weekends. Individual must be prepared to sign a commitment contract for the full 2018 season. 

• Marketing & Advertising, Photography background is a huge asset
• Experience in the industry is not necessary. 

INTERN DUTIES

• Attend ceremony rehearsal and client prep meetings are required
• Present on all function days 
• Assist Lead Planner with all event tasks
• Instagram take over on event days to showcase the behind the scenes as the day unfolds 
• Attend company strategy sessions

If this sounds like your calling, interviews begin first week of May, so don't delay. Send your resume to info@toastevents.ca .

That could be you in the picture above ;) 

xo

Elise

ADULTS ONLY

Toast Events Real Wedding Invite by Lafabere

Sorry but your kids aren't invited.....

In 2016 I started seeing a shift in couples requesting kidless weddings. Now in 2018, it seems like it's not even a question anymore. Quite simply- they should stay home. I know it sounds harsh. But that seems to be the way. In 2018 I'm seeing "black tie only"....

So obviously I get this question a lot. "How do I tell my guests their kids aren't invited to the wedding?".

STEP ONE: SETTING THE STAGE

And I feel like I've kinda mastered this one in a two step process. It all starts with the method of your message. The first way I suggest, is to subconsciously hint in the RSVP by adding a line that says " We have __#__ seats reserved for you".

If you don't think your guests will get the hint- add "adult only reception" in small letters at the bottom of your main reception invitation.

STEP TWO: THE BOLD

Likely after you've used the first two initiatives- there will be no need for any additional conversation. HOWEVER! If the "bold" decide to +1 their kid on your rsvp, you have but no choice to address the issue. 

If this guest is close to you, a personal call is in order. Explain that by having an adult only reception, what your really saying is that you want everyone to have a great evening laughing and dancing while having a few extra drinks without having to leave early because of their kids. What you want to communicate is that your wedding is the perfect excuse to take the night off and truly enjoy it. It's really not about you- it's about them. See how I did that ;) ;) 

If the guest isn't close to you, likely it's an invite by your parents- hence they should be the ones to call on your behalf and preach your message. 

CONCLUSION

I've never had any issues with the two-pronged attack ;) 

I would say that most guests no longer expect to bring their kids for the whole or even part of the wedding. So Don't be shy- what used to be a faux-pas is now the norm. 

x Elise 

Minimalist National Art Gallery Wedding

I'm going to hold this one dear to my heart for a very long time.

Even as I sit here in front of my computer, months later writing this, I still get a little teary eyed. It was so sooooo beautiful. It was such an honour working with Melanie & Charlie as we planned their Ukrainian wedding.

Weddings rich with culture and tradition always leave me with so many more meaningful memories. I'll never forget it when the priest, unscripted, sang grace.....with a choir. The building echoed. It was overwhelmingly magical. 

But instead of writing about this wonderful day, let me show you.

Photography by Joel & Justyna Bedford

DON'T FORGET THESE THINGS ON YOUR WEDDING DAY

There are so many things you need to remember on your wedding day. And even though you might have a planner taking care of things on the flip side- there is still a whole host of things you still need to remember for yourself. 

EAT

Don't chuckle at this comment, because I have fed more than my fair share of brides granola bars. I totally get it though, I'm not a big eater either, but on your wedding day eating is the number one thing you need to do since you won't have an appetite. It's not that you'll be nervous all day and not want to eat, instead it's like your adrenaline kicks in for 24hrs and you "feel" like - "Nahhhh I'm good, i'll eat later." WRONG! If you're my client you will be getting that 10 am call asking if you've eaten. 

 

DETAILS

Don't forget to grab the sweet little things you'd like photographed on your wedding day. Your invitation suite, jewelry,veil, shoes etc. Now you might think- who cares what shoes I'm wearing..". But fast-forward 30 years when you're flipping through those photos- .... you'll want to be able to remember those details. I personally wish my parents took more then just portraits on their wedding day...I would have loved to see what her style was like back then.

SUNSET PHOTOS

Have your wedding planner time your golden hour- 30 mins before the sun officially sets. It's the perfect opportunity to take advantage of that warm light, sneak away from dinner and take a few moments to yourselves for some impromptu portraits. With the butterflies gone from the ceremony and the reception kicked-off without a hitch, the golden hour is where I see some of the most relaxed and beautiful photos. 

PAUSE 

During the busy day- consciously take a moment here and there to really soak it all in. It goes so fast, so if you can slow down and really appreciate a few moments throughout the day- do it. 

And there you have it. The most important things you should remember on your wedding day. The rest as we wedding planners- is history!

xoxo

Elise

REAL TOAST BRIDE Christine:                PHOTO CRED: Joel & Justyna Photography

5 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN HIRING A WEDDING PLANNER

“Time is the new definition of luxury”

— Elise

Choosing your wedding planner will be your most important decision. An investment that can pay of two-fold in saving time, keeping it stress free, and convenience- industry short-cuts. But disclaimer- only if you research and choose the right planner for you. 

So where do you begin? Well the fact that you know you need a planner means your a million miles ahead the rest. You're already saving yourself hours of research and anxiety. What I can tell you is that the basic questionnaires provided online to interview a planner are, well- garbage. A good planner will most likely have an FAQ page that answers all those questions. But what's most important can't be obtained through blasé questions. So here are 5 things you need to consider.

VIBE 

Does she get you? I always love it when a client does their research about my company prior to contacting to obtain our services. By doing this, it's already been established that they already have a good feeling for who the planner is and what their company stands for. So ask yourself- are you looking for a planner who is more design oriented or one who focuses only on planning and organizational and administrational details? Or do you require a planner that specializes in Day Of Coordination only?

Discovering what type of partnership your looking for first and foremost important. This will help you narrow down your choices. Ultimately you want your planner to vibe on your level. When speaking to them you should automatically feel a genuine connection and be able to establish a good level of trust. 

REFLECTION

Does this planner mirror the style of wedding that your looking to create? Does she inspire you? And most importantly is their marketing and advertising genuine. Are they showcasing they're own clients or just inspirational images that aren't they're actual work? With social media these days, it's sometimes hard to tell. What I can say is "buyer beware". Some companies talk the talk but when push comes to shove- the experience is less than enthusiastic. I'll be writing about this exact subject in the coming weeks so be sure to check back! 

EXPERIENCE

It's not enough to only gauge a planner on how many weddings she's planned or how many years she's been in business or if she's "certified". If you really want to know her standing, ask whom her recommended vendors are, whom she's affiliated with, if she's on any preferred vendors lists, if she's been published and where, lastly, how many employees does she employ. This can provide you huge insight into how she operats her business and the success it's provided her. 

CERTIFICATION

I cringe at this all the time. Some of us dinosaurs have been around before wedding planning was considered a profession. So to now spend money to take a weekend course just to have an acronym behind their name - doesn't make sense. What they teach you in class is a quick crash course and theory. It doesn't prepare you for real-life situations, teach you how to make on the spot decisions etc etc. Because all of that is learn't on the job. The amount of experiences I've accumulated over the years can't be taught in a class, it's impossible. And to answer your question, I do have a degree in Event Management as well as Hotel & Restaurant Management. BUT I am not WPIC certified, and never will be. I personally refuse to take the course for said reasons above. HOWEVER! If you are looking for a wedding planner that's new in the game with less experience then she should at least have a course or two under her belt. Because if not- know that she's learning as she goes ;)

CLIENT ROSTER 

This is a big one for me. How many clients do they take on per year. If your looking for a more attentive planner, their client roster will most likely not exceed 10-16 weddings per year. If their boasting 20+ clients, you can count on delayed emails, details missed and a tinge of stress. If your a chill bride- then perfect. 

All the insight provided in this post is purely so that you're "in the know". A bit of insider insight so that you can make an informed decision. And if I can give you any advice- don't rush, if your going to do any research at all, make sure it's on your potential planner. Because with a good planner the rest should be history! Literally.

xoxo

Till next time lovelies! 

 

MONTREAL WEDDING THEATRE ST.JAMES

How do you design for a client that requests an androgynous no colour wedding? It's a tricky question to say the least and it made me rethink my usual creative approach. Because our planning style is very concept driven, our first step with clients is a request to provide 25 inspirational images of how they envision their wedding day. This gives us a glimpse of what they naturally gravitate towards and provides a jumping off point for our design work to begin. Essentially we take these design details and build upon them taking it to the next level in ways they may have not considered before. 

So here is a snap shot of our brides images.

HER DESIGN SPECIFICS

Here's what I see at first impression.

1. Bold metallics
2. Absence of colour
3. Stripes
4. Tight-knit flowers
5. No greenery in florals
6. Dark linens
7. Traditional design aesthetic
8. Layered elements
9. Geometry & symetry
10. All around visually heavy design

A challenge right!? How do we take this inspiration and transform it into a more luxurious and effortless look? It's actually an easy answer. Get to know your client. During our conversations together it was apparent that decor was obviously very important to the her. 

“Everything needs to be over the top. Just a little extra you know?”

— bride

Theatre St James photo via website

Number one on my list- we had to add colour and loosen up those tight-knit florals while keeping everything androgynous. So I thought to myself, what colour does she gravitate towards in her wardrobe subconsciously? Nude. Next hurtle, how do we move away from black? Answer- Midnight Aubergine. 

And so her perfect pallet emerged. Now- the challenge of making this unique palette pop with something of editorial quality.

I take great care in designing all our weddings in a style and form which could be publishable. This requires adding elements which aren't normally seen everyday. Needless to say, I try to set the bar high. For this wedding- gold dipped greenery and metallic misted ferns throughout her florals was that added element. 

To keep this wedding luxurious, we decided to put our whole floral budget into a floral canopy which will host not only the nuptials but then transforming to frame the head table during the reception. And here's the kicker- I look at it this way. What do the photographers photograph the most during the wedding? The bride & groom. And where will the b&g be for %80 of the time? - under this insanely gorgeous canopy. So in the end all their images will look ultra luxurious full of gorgeous blooms, candlelight and crystal. I know what your thinking? But what about everyone else. Well, they get nothing- jusssssstttt joking! Long estate tables with different heights of candelabras and hundreds of candles. Not one single bloom. And it's perfect. 

I think its needless to say that we'll be doing a before and after blog post on how we transformed the space with tons of detail pictures. So stay tuned ;) August is right around the corner!

        xox

D.I.Y FRESH FLORAL HOLDAY TREE ORNAMENTS

Being German means Christmas is almost sacred. It’s a rule that no work is to be done until the tree comes down in January and if we could be in Europe this time every year - we would. The markets, food, and atmosphere are like nothing you’ve ever likely experienced. So to compensate, our Euro-Canadian festivities are almost ritualistic, right down to the tree only being decorated the week before Christmas Eve. In fact, when we were kids the tree was only decorated on the eve, with real lit candles. There’s a very specific way I like to decorate the tree. First, I like to hog the experience all to myself. No co-decorating allowed. But this year when my sister asked me to guest blog for the holidays, I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to share a D.I.Y of the cute fresh floral ornaments I make for my tree. And because I love my sister :)

FRESH FLORAL TREE ORNAMENTS

Materials:

12 Water Picks

1 Box of Dark Green Reindeer Moss

Green Craft Wire 

12 Roses (any colour) 

1 Bunch of Seeded Eucalyptus

Pruners

Glue Gun

Before you begin the project it’s always important that you re-cut and hydrate your roses in warm water, removing any bruised petals. I find Eucalyptus also dries out fast so be sure to make sure they're also in a nice vase of water.

 

Step 1:

Fill your water picks with water. Make sure their dried off and the cap is nice and snug so you don't have any leakage 

Step 2: 

With your glue gun, use bits of Mood Moss and adhere it to the water pick. Essentially this will help camouflage the water pick when you add your blooms to the tree. Feel free to use a bit of wire to secure the moss further

Step 3:

Take your rose bloom and re-cut the stem. Make sure you keep the stems long. I do this for a few reasons. It distributes the weight of the bloom over a larger area so that your branches don’t bend with weight. It also allows the water pick to be further inside the tree so that you don’t see it. 

Step 4:

Cut a few sprigs of Eucalyptus and wire it together with the rose bloom. 

Step 5:

Insert the tip of the Rose stem into the water pick making sure the tip goes right down to the base of the capsule. 

Step 6:

Once your tree is fully decorated, insert the bloom into the tree with the water pick closest to the main stem of the tree. And voila! You’re done! 

Once the Rose is finished blooming you can pop a new one in. Just make sure you add more water to the capsule ;) Flowers normally last about 3 days

It’s the perfect D.I.Y to wow your guests making your tree just a tad extra!

xoxox 

Elise & Hugo

 

PROPS

Galvanized tree collar, Canadian Tire $39.99

White Herrnhuter Sterne Stars, Artistic Landscape Designs Boutique $134.95 (they're currently on sale!) 

Wicker Basket, Home Sense $34.95

Fur Stockings, Home Sense $12.95

Fur Throw Pillow, Home Sense $26.95

Moroccan Pillow, Artistic Landscape Designs $165.95

Hugo, Chocolate Lab $ priceless

All ornaments are either form Germany or Artistic Landscape Designs Boutique

GBD HOLIDAY GUEST BLOG - ADVENTURE COCKTAILS

I love having guest bloggers, especially when it's my sister because she has such great taste and her posts are super cute! She's a landscape designer with a super cool Scandinavian design style (runs in the family) that's all about bringing the indoors, outdoors. Essentially the concept of extending your living space outside.

In the new year you'll be seeing a bit more of her, me, my other sister, lot's of Hugo etc as I ramp up my blogging to include a bit more of a lifestyle component. 

Enjoy! 

GBD'S HOLIDAY COCKTAIL MIX

As we all gear towards the holidays and are hosting parties for family and friends, it’s always nice to stumble upon a unique cocktail recipe. Going hand in hand with our belief in encouraging people to get out and enjoy the outdoors, we wanted to create a fun and dual-purpose holiday punch that could play a part. 
  
Start your night with your guests indoors, with a chilled, boozy punch. Later in the night when it’s time for a change of scenery, turn your chilled punch into a hot beverage to take outside! Start a campfire, take a quick jaunt around the neighborhood, or if it’s February in Ottawa –go for a night skate on the Rideau Canal! Which ever you choose, grab a thermos and take your GBD Holiday Adventure Punch with you.

INGREDIENTS:
2  (200 ml) Ginger Beer
2  (200 ml) Ginger ale
2 1/2  (1L) Perrier Original
1  mickey Jameson Whiskey
4  tbsp. Grenadine
2  lemons
2  oranges
2  cups frozen cranberries
1  bag Ice
6  Cinnamon sticks
Rosemary Sprigs, for garnish
2  cups apple cider 

INSTRUCTIONS:

CHILLED PUNCH

1.    Turn on the song ‘Mele Kalikimaka’ from the Christmas Vacation soundtrack and put on repeat…. It just feels right for some reason 

2.    Pour all liquids into punch bowl except for Grenadine & Apple cider and stir.

3.    Squeeze 1 full Lemon and 1 full Orange into punch bowl. Slice up remaining Lemon and Orange and add to top of bowl along with frozen cranberries.
4.    Pour in Grenadine and stir

5.    Add ice

6.    Ladle into ice filled punch glasses and garnish with Rosemary sprig
 
 

HOT PUNCH

1.    Pour contents of punch bowl into pot and place on stove top on medium heat
2.    Add cinnamon sticks and Apple Cider and let simmer for 5-6 mins. 

3.    When punch is heated to your liking, pour into mugs or thermoses and head outside!
  
Enjoy!

-The GBD Team

PHOTOGRAPHY INTERN

Are you an aspiring photographer? Or maybe you're a seasoned vet looking to diversify your portfolio and build your tribe through creative collaboration....

Which probably means you love photography, styling, pinning, social media and DIY's. Does the thought of capturing mini styled shoots and vloging along the way feed your creative soul? Us too! 

If we've checked off some of those boxes- being our resident 2018 photog intern might just be the opportunity you've been looking for:) 

So what does this "said" intern do?

INTERN TASKS

• Attend, photograph & edit life-style shoots and fashion sessions featuring Eliza & her team intended for their social media campaign, blog and Youtube.
• Capture & edit video highlights for IG trailers.
• Attend select weddings to capture the before and after of the art in how we transform spaces.
• Social media content creation which will be used for our social media

 

be part of our team

• 1 - 2 shoots days per month
• 20 edited images + a 15sec vid clip per shoot
• Internship commitment for one year begining Jan 1st 2018
• Highlighted on our website as our resident photography intern w/ bio

Send us an email telling us why you want to be our next intern!

Include 10 images of your best work or a link to your portfolio

Be sure to include a link to your Instagram, website and Facebook Page

Serious inquiries only

info@toastevents.ca

OBORN AT THE NATIONAL ART GALLERY WEDDING

I'm a lover of clean lines, cool tones and crisp aesthetics with just the right amount of minimalist details. Our weddings are planned concept first. This means the discussions about priorities, budget and vision come first. Only then  can we begin to create a dream team of vendors to perfectly execute your desired look. 

Our new Toast bride Sarah, booked her wedding in the newly minted OBorn room at the National Art Centre. Envision 30ft ceilings & windows, 180 degrees view of the Chateau Laurier, Canal, Old Train Station and Parliament.  Now add a creamy pallet of hardwood-mimic tile, marbled tables and beige linen seating in your cocktail area. I could live in that space. So naturally a designers dream.

While working with Sarah's great taste and special requests of no blooms - we unveiled the following design profile, giving her the bigger picture of what her wedding could potentially look like.

WHY A WEDDING PLANNER, HIRED A PLANNER FOR HER OWN WEDDING

Confessions of a wedding planner: Why I hired a wedding planner for my own wedding day. 

Because look at this photo...... a fraction of the team you'll have behind the scenes on your wedding day. Now ask yourself... do you really want to be the go-to person for the day?

I've been in the game for quite some time, and even though I am more than capable of planning my own wedding, I knew on the day-of I needed a team of professionals to see my vision through.  I'm a firm believer that people are best at what they do for a reason. I can humbly digress and say that even as a planner, I can't and won't work on my wedding day. And here's why. 

 

I FORGOT MY CELL

You think I've mastered everything when it comes to wedding planning, but on the day of, I forgot my cellphone and even my overnight bag. Let's be honest- i lost my brain on the wedding day too. #toolegit

 

TIME WARP

For that day I literally lived in another dimension. A time warp that didn't care about the numbers on the clock. And to be honest, I never even checked the time to make sure I, master planner- was on schedule.

 

RECEIVING LINE

I always thought receiving lines were old fashioned. But there I found myself loving every second of The unscheduled and impromptu hugs and kisses as each guest left the church and wished me well. 

 

HOUDINI AKA THE HUSBAND

My groom disappeared and thought cocktails were more important that our bridal pictures. Hah! If it wasn't for my trusted planners I might not have reunited with my newly minted husband on the Chateau Laurier locks for some of the best pictures I hold dear to my heart today. 

 

MIC DROP

At the end of the night, I simply left and forgot to check in with my planners to make sure everything was taken care of at the end of the night. Yeah, I totally did that.

And to finish everything off, my planner actually took off her shoe and said. "Look at the hole in my shoe! I literally ran around like a maniac all night, and this is the result.

So what am I saying? Don't be the bride that works her wedding day and has a hole in the bottom of her shoe instead of her planner. 

10 MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT WEDDING PLANNERS

Myths and misconceptions- they're real. In an industry that fuels unattainable ideas and designs while saturating the market with unfounded wedding advice and information which can be misleading- it's hard to make the distinction in what's actually reality. So here are 5 things we want to shed some light on when it comes to the urban legends surrounding Wedding Planners. 

rban legend #1, You'll get all her discounts

Have you heard the saying "If you think hiring a Wedding Planner is expensive, you have no idea how much an incompetent one can". That's a stone cold fact my friends. So how do we begin to address the notion that hiring a Wedding Planner gets you massive discounts, than if you were to go out on your own. Let me debunk this tall tale- because it drives me crazy. A good planner will help you spend you hard earned moulah wisely, making sure you wont fall into the classic money pit-holes of over-paying for sub-par products and services. This includes DIY's that cost you more then if you were to pay for them, as spending money where your guests wont notice, frivolous delivery charges etc etc. A good Wedding Planner takes the guessing work out of the equation, providing you short cuts- saving you in the long run. So even though you don't see a discount on your invoice, rest assured that your money has been spent with intention and fore-thought. 

 

She's there to do all your running around

Negative. We're here to design and organize your wedding. There is literally no time for picking up your wedding dress, cake or stationary last minute. Your planner should be organizing the drop off of these items so these tasks don't fall on you.

She's your mediator

A much as we love to calm the waters and make things right, we're not trained to be inter-family crisis mediators. A planner must keep professional boundaries at all times and provide unbiased solutions in assistance.

She's a magician

There is only so much we can humanly do to address the issue at hand. Don't expect miracles to happen when in reality, it isn't feasible. Yes, we do have some tricks up our sleeves that will save you in a pinch but that doesn't mean things happen at the click of your fingers just because you hired a planner. 

She knows everything

Lets be real. No one knows everything. But this statement does depends on how many dedicated years your planner has put in and how many weddings she has under her belt. Event planning is a long process of learning as you go. No wedding planning course can prepare you for real-time issues, how to build vendor relationships, make on the spot decisions during a crisis or even how to think strategically. 

So there you have it. 5 expectations you need to check before you hire a planner. 

DO YOU WANT TO WORK ON YOUR WEDDING DAY?

Do you want to work on your wedding day? Or would you rather feel like a guest at your own wedding?

That's the only question you need to ask yourself when considering a planner. I bet I know the answer, and you do too. Don't become the stereotypical bride which after the fact, wishes she had had a planner. And I have to be honest. I cringe every-time I hear those words.

BUT MY GIRLFRIEND JUST GOT MARRIED AND SHE'S GOING TO HELP ME

You aren't your girlfriend. Her wedding also shouldn't be anything like yours. You have different priorities, likes and dislikes. Although your girlfriend is doing you a huge favour, she isn't working for YOU and her advice will only scratch the surface of what a planner really does behind the scenes.

 

MY MOM SAYS I DONT NEED ONE

Mama knows best right? But she won't be hanging up your decorations, checking to make sure your table linens aren't upside-down with the seams showing or making sure your rental company didn't short you on chairs. And if she says she'll step up, I'll tell you right now, everyone had good intentions and thinks they have more time then they actually do. As all the small tasks and oups's add up the week of your wedding, your mother, groom and bridal party may not be taking the added stress with grace. 

 

MY FIANCE THINKS WEDDING PLANNERS ARE TOO EXPENSIVE

A huge benefit in having a wedding planner is peace of mind so you're not constantly thinking- did I forget something? Which has it's trickle down effects to the people around you. Especially those who you naturally go to for support. Cue fiance. Yup, it's normally his job to calm the waters, reassure you everything is going to be okay when it's not. But what happens when he's sick of hearing about your wedding planning? Or has a small tinge of- we should have just eloped, type of vibe. It taints the whole process, and darn it! - wedding planning is supposed to be fun! And with a planner, it's our strict mandate that you ONLY get to do the fun stuff. Our team is here to support you, send you 3d mock ups of your floor plan because your mother in law just can't understand your vision or take that late-night call when you've had a mini bridal party meltdown. 

THE RECIPE 

Stress of that nagging to-do list + the feeling that your always forgetting something + last minute errands to run on time you don't have + family asking you too many wedding questions... NOW throw in a few sleepless nights and a bad dream and voila!

You now wish your wedding day would just be over, before it's even begun.

So I ask you..

DO YOU WANT TO ORCHESTRATE THIS, ON YOUR WEDDING DAY?

Watch the video. You're welcome. And girl, just pick up the phone and call me ;) 

MOMENTS WITH JOEL & JUSTYNA PHOTOGRAPHY

I've had the pleasure of working with Joel & Justyna for over 5 years on some of my most intricate weddings. Their work stands out above the rest with ultra moody and romantic undertones, capturing those small intimate gestures between couples, we, on the daily never really notice. 

LIKE IT'S 1950 VOGUE 

I'll never forget reading an article which referenced their work as- being shot as if their images would grace the pages of a 1950's Vogue magazine. And for me, this rings true. 

So I've decided, this time next year I'll be knocking at Joel & Justyna's door for our now annual wedding anniversary shoot. 

Thank you Justyna & Joel for capturing these special moments. 

Photographer: Joel & Justyna Bedford
Hair: Kylie Cheshire
Makeup: Faces By Noah
Dress: Norde Bridal
Mens Apparell: Hugo Boss

BRITTANY + ZACH URBAN ROOFTOP ENGAGEMENT

We were there when she said yes, and we'll be there for her on the biggest day of her life. 

You don't need to go far with Laura Kelly Photography for stunning photos. I'm totally coveting this love-nest engagement shoot as an alternative to the mainstream. And might I say it would make a cute 1st wedding anniversary shoot as well. 

Photographer: Laura Kelly Photography
Hair Stylist & Colorist: Top Knot
Makeup Artist: Klava Zykova Makeup

TORI + TRISTAN ZIBI INDUSTRIAL WEDDING

I first met Tori 2 year ago in a quaint little coffee shop off Wellington. Blonde, bubbly and bright-eyed she chatted away about her wedding vision in an industrial wedding space we all know as Zibi. She said:

"I want to turn Zibi into a Berlin night club...

know what I mean?!"

Excuse me while I die and go to designers heaven. This past weekend we transformed this chic industrial space into just that. Here are few sneak peaks of Tori + Tristan's wedding right here in Ottawa from Ali & Batoul Photography. 

Full gallery and Before & After transformation blog post to follow ;) 

Planning & Design: Toast Events
Decor & Florals: Wedecor
Photography: Ali & Batoul Photography
Makeup: Natalie Peachy
Hair: Showpony
Catering: Tulips & Maple
DJ: Oxygen Entertainment
Limousine: East Coast Limousines
Tent: Rebel Tents
Venu: Zibi