ALT/AR Ottawa's Luxury Socially Distanced Ceremonies

I know it’s been really hard. The uncertainty, constant challenges, mounting anxiety with the hope that something may change. But as soon as the clouds start to part and the sun start shining- the world has other plans.

But love always finds a way. It’s been a tough couple of months which has challenged me in ways I’ve never had to in my decade of planning weddings and events. What can I do to help that supports deserving brides & grooms and our industry... Many of my couples have postponed BUT still wanted to tie the knot in 2020 and celebrate their one year anniversary with all their nearest and dearest... like ringing in the new year with champagne and those scarce things called hugs. But even though they were postponing I still wanted to provide them the gorgeous ceremony they had envisioned for their special day. That even though not everyone could be with them, that there was still as much pomp and circumstance. And ALT/AR was born. The all inclusive socially distanced Luxury ceremony with the most sought after wedding professionals. The image you see here is what YOUR ceremony will actually look like. YOU will be walking down that same aisle... 

NOV 7TH & 21ST

NEW YEARS EVE & NEW YEARS DAY

Imagine walking down this exact aisle as you celebrate with your nearest and dearest.

Each date has 5 openings. Upon booking you will be connected with myself to guide you through the process of planning your ceremony. On your wedding day, upon arrival I will greet and escort your guests to the bright and airy socially distanced ceremony space. As you take your first steps down the aisle, musically accompanied by Luxe Duo, Edward, The Hitch Doctor will be in waiting to guide you through your vows. After the ceremony a Champagne toast, cake cutting and a fine art portrait session with Europe’s Finest traveling photographers Lace & Luce. And we can’t forget those keepsake details photos! Your ring placed and captured in Toast’s signature flat lay vignettes with a custom take home Vow Booklets.

INCLUSIONS

Ceremony in a light & airy space

Florals & Decor as seen in photos

Wedding Planning Assistance

Bridal Bouquet & Boutonnieres

Officiant

Live music by Luxe Duo

Champagne Toast

Petite Wedding cake

Fine Art Photography Session

Keepsake Vow Booklet

Let’s edit 2020 ; love always finds a way.... 

Or contact Beth from the Ottawa Art Gallery at bevans@oaggao.ca

S+A AT LE BELVEDERE

When you walk onsite it's like a wave of calm slowly sinks in, and this planner is legit relaxed. The view is something I can't really describe. Le Belvedere is like a secluded Muskoka resort, better yet- something you'de see on the cover of a B.C tourism magazine. But I'm not there for the ambiance. I'm there for the exclusivity, five star service, world class cuisine, on-pointe amenities, guest accommodations and well, truth be told, Jessica. That's right, Jessica. The powerhouse  that has made Le Belvedere what it is today. Working in tandem with her is an absolute pleasure. She is one of a few I consider to be a top notch professional.

This past long weekend I had the pleasure of coordinating 2 weddings, one oh which was Sarah & Andrew's wedding at Le Belvedere. This couple melts my heart right down to the core- and for 24hrs I felt like family. 

Now I can't take ANY credit for styling Sarah's wedding, although I wish I could ;) This was all the amazing work of Rebel Petal. If you followed us on Snap Chat (eliseschmitz) last Saturday, you would have been privy to a video walk-through of the space decked out. We also posted pictures in stages to showcase the thought behind this gorgeous design. 

So let me break it down for you. Sarah had no idea what to expect. She provided Michelle & Gary aka "mastermind-florists-taking-over-the world" with her vision, color palette, budget and told Michelle to surprise her. 

Michelle got to work a dreamed up a three stage design concept. She highlighted each estate table with three completely different centerpieces as seen bellow.  

ESTATE TABLE ONE: Long garlands of Sallal and Eucalyptus leaves adorned with mercury vases w/  posy of creamed spray roses

ESTATE TABLE TWO:  Tall Hydrangea centerpieces with cascading Ivy 

ESTATE TABLE THREE: Low pedestal arrangements with Hydrangea, cascading ivy with peach and ivory roses.  

This cake is so dreamy. With Tulips in July and the sweet sent of strung Jasmine, I was LITERALLY in heaven people. FYI Jasmine in the floral world is RARE like a blue moon. First time I've ever had real Jasmine on this scale in over 500 weddings.

Now drift your eyes to the right-hand side of the page. The horseshoe...... I just died. The special attention Sarah's sister and Maid of Honor Jessica took in painting these in the "right" tone of gold......I stole one. I full on popped one in my purse and I'm hanging it on top of my front door. (for the record, there was one at my place-setting... I'm so not a shady wedding planner)

Cascading Ivy and Jasmine in this 10ft tall entrance piece. I love first impressions, especially when this is what you see when you first walk in the reception. 

And last but not least a video of our beloved couple on their wedding day by Up North Wedding Films. 

DREAM TEAM

Planning & Coordination: Elise Schmitz, Madison Kelly & Intern Allie Darwin
Venue: Le Belvedere
Floral Design: Rebel Petal
Cake: Take Another Bite
Hair Stylists: Salon Silk
Makeup Artist: Sarah Clayton
Wedding Video: Up North Wedding Films
DJ: Chris Lunardi
Solo Singer: Ryan Tansley
Officiant: Dr Alan Viau
Photography: Union 11, Derrek
Transportation: East Coast Limousines
Stationary: Ink Blossom

VENUE COORDINATOR VS. WEDDING PLANNER

Before I delve into the details, YES there is a difference! 

A little bit of history on my part. When I graduated from the Event Management program at Algonquin College, my first job was a Event Coordinator for a local venue, and believe me when I say "I can work a food and beverage budget like nobody's business!".  I also know all the back-end tricks venues use to make money as well as the true cost of the food your paying for before inflation. Don't ask me, you don't want to know! 

So naturally when I hear brides-to-be saying "Oh I don't need a planner the venue provides one." I tend to shudder. Because if you think a "venue coordinator" is a planner then you'll be quite upset with the lack of help on your wedding day. 

Here is the reality. Venue coordinators are responsible for any and all information which relates to directly doing their job and their job only. This means that they will do you floor plans, food & beverage orders and sometimes include very basic timing details. That's it. Anti climatic isn't it! On the Saturday of your wedding, the Coordinator will be on hand but will also be taking meeting with prospective clients while giving them tours of the venue before your guests begin arriving. So really, their not available to your beck and call. Let me break it down for you.

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VENUE COORDINATORS DO NOT

Provide you with advice on planning your wedding or negotiate with vendors on your behalf

Attend key vendor appointments or style weddings

Create your wedding day itinerary 

Follow up with all your vendors to make sure they know when to arrive and where to set-up

 Keep you on time throughout the day

Wont have a bridal emergency kit on hand to re-sew your broken bustle or provide your bridal party with advil, fresh pairs of stockings, granola bars, tide sticks and bandaids because the heels you bought for the wedding must have been purchased one size too small ;)

Will not receive vendors as they arrive onsite ensuring quality control nor cross reference rentals to make sure all contractual agreements have been fulfilled

Will not trouble shoot or resolve problems which are not related to the venue. So if your napkins come in the wrong color and your rented chivary chairs are falling apart...too bad!

They do not normally set out any decor on behalf of clients (favors, placecards, seating charts, signing table items etc)

Oh and they leave at 5pm before your event starts.... 

Do not cue speeches or attend to you guests needs. Nor will they get Uncle Sam a rum & coke even though the bar is closed during dinner or check and make sure the father of the bride's steak is served well done.

They also most certainly do not pack everything into your vehicles at the end of the night! 

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Now with this being said, there are some venues that have amazing coordinators that will go above and beyond the call of duty. And these coordinators will tell you that even though they may do more then the average,  hiring a Wedding Planner will be the best money you will even spend.

Truth be told, we don't want you to be one of those brides that say "I wish we had a planner". And we all know one of those girls! 

xoxo Elise  

Photo Credit: Andrew Geddes of Union 11