Gala of Hope

Weddings are so special in so many ways.  There are dreams and well wishes that are made by everyone who is a part of the special celebration.  A joyous occasion it is!!!

However, there have been weddings when my heart has been touched with the inspiration of hope.   New meaning to the word “Hope” is given when I find out that either the groom’s or bride’s parent is fighting a terminal disease and is hoping to be present at their child’s wedding day.    With gladness and tears of  joy, their speeches have touched my heart. 

I feel strongly about my decision to support a fundraiser which is near and dear to my heart – Colon Cancer Canada.   Colon cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer.  If screened and caught early – the chances of survival increase by 90%.

Colon Cancer Canada is organized by Bunnie Schwartz, President of Colon Cancer of Canada.  Bunnie Schwartz lost her sister and husband to this silent, but deadly disease.  Bunnie and her niece, Amy Lerman-Elmaleh, established Colon Cancer Canada in 1996 and since then this organization has raised over $3.5 million in an effort to find a cure.This evening Bunnie Schwartz and Amy Lerman-Elmaleh will be having their Annual Gala of Hope at Le Parc at 8432 Leslie Street, Thornhill.  Visit www.coloncancercanada.ca.

Casamentos Haute Couture Weddings  has generously donated a Wedding Planning Package valued at $5,000.00 to support Colon Cancer Canada.   We are dedicated to increasing awareness and giving back to the community.

Come join us this evening! 

Michael Danso loves Casamentos Haute Couture Weddings

 

Anyone can be wonderful or really good.  However, few have the interest or drive to create “Magic” for a couple’s Wedding Day.  “Magic” is a key ingredient which is needed to making a couple’s wedding day special and unique.   

I have shared this “Magic” at weddings with a dynamic singer, dancer and performer, Michael Danso.  Michael Danso has performed, and continues to perform, with some of the best Jazz musicians in the world, including, Grady Tate, Reggie Moore, Don Shirley and many more.  He has performed, appeared and done projects with Ella Fitzgerald, Goldie Hawn, Diahnne Carroll and the names go on.

I received this email today from Michael and I’m happy to share it with you.  Thank you, Michael Danso, for always being a part of my ”Team of Romance” and continously adding Magic to each of my weddings.   Meet Michael Danso at  www.michaeldanso.com.                 

“Hello Gabrielle,

Michael Danso here.  I think that it is a truism that sometimes things need to be said and I am taking the opportunity to do it right now.  I have known you for quite some-time now and have worked with and for you, and your Clients, on many an occasion.  I think that it is now time that you should know that I admire and appreciate the care and attention you give to the personal and professional needs of your Clients. 

I have worked with quite a few of the people on this so-called “Wedding Circuit”, and they all seem to have their own single tried and proven formula that they bring to every Client, and as a result, their Events are all so similar that they could be regarded as the same “Event Genre” with the only difference being the evening’s Client’s and guests.  

The music is usually the same choice of repertoire and type that worked “last time”; the floral arrangements and any planned special entertainment, seem to come out of the same box, and as the evening progresses it is scheduled exactly the same way.  As well as the fact that they (the “Planners”) usually leave the Event as soon as dinner is perceived to be served thus leaving Families, Friends and the Bridal Couple alone to handle any unforeseen emergencies by themselves. 

I have always noted and appreciated the time, effort and individual attention you give on each Wedding that I have worked with you.  Not one has been the same because you tailor the Wedding to the taste of your Clients with such a professional eye and caring attention to detail and the Client’s personal style  that makes the entire evening magical. 

Vendors who have worked with you speak highly of you and say they look forward to your calls because there is no uncertainty or loose ends when you give instructions for an Event.

You are a fine person who is one of the best in her profession, at the top of her craft.    Now you know why I always take your calls and do my best to be free to work with you. 

Thank you for the work and regarding my contributions to your Special Moments as being worthy of repeat performances. 

Wind, at your back, Gabrielle …. I remain

Michael Danso”

Planning A Wedding & All the Moments In Between

I couldn’t imagine my life not being a wedding planner.  Planning a wedding is not just about crossing out the tasks to do on a checklist, attending the day of and then moving onto the next wedding.  The moments in between planning “Hollywood” definitely forgot to show on the big screen.     

I must admit with every wedding I fall in love with “love”.   Couples come to me with dreams of what their perfect wedding day vision is.   I could go on and on about what needs to be done up to the day of , but planning a wedding is about falling in love all over again and all the moments in betweeen.   

If I were planning weddings for mannequins, I wouldn’t have to worry about breathing these dreams to life.  So how does my passion stay alive?   Every couple keeps my passion alive.  When I plan, I feel like every one of my weddings are my very own.  I care about my couples, I dream their dreams, I feel their love, happiness and joy.  This passion is fueled by catching their smiles, their kisses and watching two people in love plan the most exquisite day of their life – their wedding day. 

This past week, the moments in between planning 2009 and 2010 weddings were marked on a wonderful note.  I was tingled with excitement as I listened to voicemail messages – “I’m seven months pregnate”, “Gabrielle, I saw your picture and it brought back sweet memories and I had to call you”, “My father still says, God Bless Gabrielle”, “Gabrielle, I miss You!” 

Yes, I do miss all my former Casamentos Brides!  Through you, I have been married countless times!   And to all my Casamentos Brides-to-Be, I love to dream!    

Summerlicious is Delicious

Not sure on where to host a rehearsal dinner, bachelor party or a bridal shower?  Why not take advantage of Summerlicious and celebrate the best of Toronto`s eclectic cuisine running from July 3rd through to the 19th. 

With 150 restaurants to choose from, feeling guilty about taking a long lunch or leaving work a little early is not an option when dining at one of the finest for a Casamentos wedding appointment. 

You can make reservations to one or a few restaurants and sample a wide variety of diverse and innovative cuisine through price-fixed menus ranging from $15-$45 per person.  Yes, reservations began June 18th, but not to worry, some restaurants will make an exception if reservations were not made by July 3rd.   Just don`t forget to mention, you are getting married and may be booking a private affair!

This is a great opportunity to get a feeling for the restaurant and decide if you would consider hosting your prewedding celebrations there.  Did you enjoy the surroundings…  How was the decor…How was the service …Is there parking available… Do they have a private dining room…Is there live entertainment… What menu options does the restaurant offer. 

Yes, you will be doing some homework but also enjoying yourself at the same time.  Here are just a few restaurant suggestions:

 Cafe Maroc of the Sultan`s Tent

  The cafe offers an area for cocktails, hors dòeuvres and a la carte dishes from an extensive French Moroccan menu.  For larger parties, there are  intimate booths that are divided by elegant drapery, Moroccan lanterns and palms that provide that feeling of elegance.  Let`s not forget the added entertainment – belly dancers.  For more information, visit www.thesultanstent.com.

Greg Couillard`s Spice Room and Chutney Bar

The Spice Room and Chutney Bar is a warm, inviting place for your taste buds to take an exotic voyage.  The bar offers a sexy and intimate, yet fittingly piquant setting for a private reception accomodating up to 50 guests for a seated dinner.  Stirring up Hazelton Lanes with his instinctive sense of culinary adventure, celebrated Chef Greg Couillard`s kind of enthusiasm brings the spice routes and tropical jungles of the world to Yorkville`s upscale glamour. 

Manyata Courtyard

Manyata`s unique space tempts the imagination to create the most dramatic events with class and style.  Manyata Courtyard is a majestic, versative event space which has transformed Hazelton Lanes glassed-over courtyard into a scene resembling the Palm Court at the Ritz.  The spacious 5,500 square foot room has cascading ivory drapes, tropical palms, wicker furniture and leather lounge seating.  Visit www.spiceroommanyata.com.

Of course, a great restaurant experience is made up of good wine,  food and great company, so I must acknowledge the extended warm service received to Casamentos Brides and Grooms from restaurant owners, chefs and wonderful staff at Auberge du Pommier, Autogrill, Big Daddy`s Crab Shack & Oyster Bar, Canoe, Centro, Coco Lezzone, the Drake Hotel, EPIC, Fred`s Not Here, Five Doors North, Hemispheres, Il Posto, La Maquette, Lolita`s Lust, Metropolitan, Mistura, Myth, Noce, North 44, Positano, Richlee`s, Senses, The Old Mill Inn, Victoria`s Restaurant, Wildfire Steakhouse and Zucca Trattoria.  Be sure to visit them for an excellent Summerlicious experience.

Visit www.toronto.ca for restaurant descriptions and menus.

DR. Dominican Republic

Casamentos is off to another destination celebration to what is one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful islands:  The Dominican Republic at the RIU Hotels, Puerto Plata. 

Please note that our offices will be closed until June 22nd and we look forward to servicing you upon our return.

Say “I Do” in a “Spot in the Middle of the Ocean” – Madeira, Portugal

Joana and Andrew wanted to get married in a “spot in the middle of the ocean” and situated between their native countries – Canada and Portugal. They found exactly what they wished for in Madeira Island, 527 Km. off the Moroccan coast and it is part of Portugal. This island is captivating and exotic and begs to be explored.

Known as the “Pearl of the Atlantic,” this sub-tropical island is a beautiful place with volcanic peaks, lush tropical coastlines and golden sandy beaches. It has several micro-climes so you can be walking among cacti on the dry mountain trails and within a few hours be surrounded by 6 foot tall calla lilies in the sub-tropics.

Not only is this a wonderfully romantic island, this choice honors Joanna’s heritage as both of her parents are of Portuguese descent.

Due to its wonderful weather, there is a wide variety of outdoor activities to keep all their guests busy. Count on surfing, scuba-diving, tennis, golf, riding and hiking in the mountains or along the levadas, which are ancient waterways. And do not forget the exquisite Madeira lace when shopping. Equally exciting and breathtaking are the dolphins and whales which make their home in Madeira during the summer months. You can spot these wonderful creatures swimming close by to the coastline.

Casamentos is delighted to be planning this destination wedding. With a guest list of 50 and still growing, friends and family of Joana and Andrew have a year to brush up on their Portuguese. An easy word to learn is “Parabens!” which means Congratulations.

Parabens! Joana and Andrew!

Celebrating Mother’s Day with Vera Wang

Celebrate this Mother’s Day with Vera Wang. Vera Wang has created gorgeous bouquets of roses with colors ranging from sheer pink to blush pink, delicate saphire colored orchids and long stemmed pink lilies.  Prices start at $55.00.

This is done in collaberation with FTD and orders have to be received by May 8th either online at Vera Wang Flowers www.ftd.com/verawang/ or by calling 1.800.736.3383.

A haute couture bouquet, a special fragrance and token of love, Happy Mother’s Day!

The Spring Wedding Co. Show

 Take a Walk in the Park with Us at the Spring Wedding Co. Show www.thespringweddingshow.com.  We are delighted to be one of six sponsors of the online event staged by The Wedding Co.

The virtual park will throw open its gates for 10 days from May 22-June 14, 2009 and admission is free and available 24/7.  Get fresh ideas for your dream wedding from the comfort of your own home and share the fun with your friends without worrying about the weather outside!

We are looking forward to seeing you there!

What is True Love?

I ask myself, what is the core meaning of  True Love?      True Love knows no boundaries.      True Love is passionate and sensual.     True Love never dies.   What is True Love to you?

“A lover only knows humility, he has no choice.”

“He steals into your alley at night, he has no choice.  He longs to kiss every lock of your hair, dont fret he has no choice.  In his frenzy love for you he longs to break the chains of his imprisonment, he has no choice.”

“A lover asked his beloved, “Do you love yourself more than you love me?”  The lover replied, “I’ve died to myself and I live for you.  I’ve disappeared from myself and my attributes.  I am present only for you.  I’ve forgotten all of my learnings.  But knowing you I have become a scholar.  I have lost all of my strength but from your power I am able.  I love myself, I love you, I love you.  I love myself.”"

“I am your lover come to my side.  I will open the gate to your love.  Come settle with me, let us be neighbours in the stars.”

“You have been hiding so long endlessly drifting in the sea of my love.  Even so, you have always been connected to me concealed, revealed in the knowing in the unmanifest.  I Life itself.  You have been a prisoner of a little pond.  I am the ocean and its tribulent flood.  Come merge with me.”

“Leave this world of ignorance.  Be with me.  I will open the gate to your love.  I desire you more than food or drink.  My body, my sense, my mind hunger for your taste.  I can sense your presence in my heart.  Although you belong to the world, I wait for the silent passion for one gesture, one glance from you.”

Visit RSVP Wedding Talk Blog at Casamentos Haute Couture Wedding Design Inc. at  www.casamentos.ca

The Wedding Show

Now, this is a show that you definitely do not want to miss.  Congratulations to you if you recently became engaged during the holiday season.  Now it is time to take the first step in planning your wedding.  

Prepare to experience the best that Toronto’s wedding industry has to offer in  an intimate, boutique-inspired atmosphere.   

The Details

Friday, January 9th 5pm-9pm     Saturday, January 10th 10am-6pm      Sunday, January 11th 10am-5pm

The Carlu, 444 Yonge Street, Seventh Floor

Tickets are available at the door for $20.00 (cash only).

Enjoy the experience of the Wedding Show at the Carlu.

Visit RSVP Wedding Talk at Casamentos Haute Couture Wedding Design Inc. at  www.casamentos.ca.