Chasing Cherry Blossom Weddings
Cherry Blossoms explode with “Romance”. This beautiful flower is the symbol of love and life and are awaiting to shower your wedding with their beauty.
This flowering tree is an exquisite wedding day inspiration!
Claire Pettibone named her 2010 Bridal Collection “Cherry Blossom” and designed every detail with the blooming Japanese flowering cherry in mind.
Badgley Mischka adds his mark with this gorgeous flower for a dramatic, flirty and feminine bride.
Whether you want to design your entire wedding around the cherry blossom or want to infuse a subtle touch, let me inspire you with ways to incorporate your Blossom theme.
There are wedding cakes and then let’s take it up a notch – “wedding cake couture”. This stunning wedding cake was designed by Allyson Meredith Cakes – http://www.amcakes.com – photo courtesy Click Photo Company Inc. Custom designed, this five foot tall stunning wedding cake consists of over 4000 handmade sugar cherry blossoms weighing just under 300 pounds. Your wedding cake may not be as elaborate as this one; however, your wedding cake needs to be an extension of the theme and an expression of you.
Continue the theme, with these pinkalicious Cherry Blossom Marshmellows flavored with Sakura blossoms. Yes, marshmellows have gone gourmet! Wow your guests! I promise, your guests will be smitten and begging for seconds. (Recipe courtesy – http://www.joyofbaking.com).
During your cocktail hour serve your guests your very own signature drink – “Pinkilicious Cherry Blossom Martinis”.
Tie in your Blossom theme with Laura from Laura K Design. Custom design invitations like this bold and fresh one is sure to make a lasting impression on your guests. See more at http://www.laurakdesign.com.
Cherry Blossoms can be blended with an array of beautiful colors to accent your wedding. Romantic pale pink, dark magical purple, soft beige and for a striking look, add the beautiful cherry color.
This week I decided to go “PINK” and “Chase the Blossoms”! The great crowds of cherry trees are exploding in High Park. It is a gorgeous wonderland and a priceless beautiful backdrop for an engagement photo session.
I also got to enjoy my own session with Steven and Heidi from Artage Pictures. This beautiful couple not only share romance together, but they also share the passion for the art of photography. It was a great experience to witness their vision behind the lense and bring it to life. Visit Steven & Heidi at http://www.artagepictures.com.
It is difficult to predict how long the blossoms will last. If you haven’t seen them yet, no, excuses!
Chase the Blossoms and Show your Love!
Casamentos Haute Couture Weddings
Real Love. Intimate Moments. Exquisite Weddings.
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!
Casamentos Haute Couture Weddings
Real Love. Intimate Moments. Exquisite Weddings.
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!
Casamentos Haute Couture Weddings
Real Love. Intimate Moments. Exquisite Weddings.
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.”
Casamentos Haute Couture Weddings
Real Love. Intimate Moments. Exquisite Weddings.
I promise….
Little girls dream of fairytale weddings from a very young age. Fairytale stories of being Cinderella and marrying a Prince. But what do little boys dream of. I thought it was fast cars and money.
I have to share this story with you as I found it to be so enduring and quite sweet. I was quite surprised when my son came home for lunch and he showed me a note that he received from a little girl in his grade one class. It said, ”Dear Dylan, Here is a Secret. I Love You. Do you love me? Circle Yes or No.” Well, Dylan circled, “Yes.” He made and colored a beautiful card for her and gave it to her the next day. At that point they were boyfriend and girlfriend. He would tell me that they would sometimes play recess together and she would kiss him on the cheek. I guess this is the beginning of learning and experiencing the innocence of love.
Well, as I was tucking my son in bed last nite he turned to me and asked, “Mommy, one day when I get married will you plan my wedding?” I replied, “Yes”. He then looked into my eyes and asked, “And will it be the most beautiful wedding of all?” I replied, “Yes, I promise it will be the most beautiful wedding of all!”
Hmm, in the back of my mind, I was beginning to recap scenes from the Monster-in-Law movie as I’d ask him, did you play with her today? This children’s romance lasted one month as his heart was broken when he told me that she ripped his card and threw it away. How could she? How cruel? Monster-in-Law wonders and asks.
Hmm, what lies ahead of me in the years to come. But I do promise that one day he will have the most beautiful wedding of all.
Casamentos Haute Couture Weddings
Real Love. Intimate Weddings. Exquisite Weddings.
fashion colors SPRING 2009
The word is out and what will be the hottest colors for Spring 2009. Bright colors return to the top 10 list for Spring ’09.
What is the inspiration behind the essence of these spring colors…Super Lemon…optimism; Fuchsia Red…hot, cool and neutral; Lavender…peace; Vibrant Green…organic colors that are drawn from nature and cool, peaceful, zen-like neutrals and pastels; Slate Gray…colors that have been sunkissed and weathered on a foreign exotic land; Palace Blue…inspired by four elements, Earth, Air, Fire and Water; Lucite Green…eternal spring; Salmon Rose…very girly with a gypsy touch; Rose Dust…city savvy but with a relaxed charm; Dark Citron…wit and playfulness.
The palette of these colors are definitely going to be striking when paired with the beauty of your bridesmaids. The question is what color will you choose?
Blue and Purple dominated Fall 2008 and they are going to continue to do so in Spring 2009. “Palace Blue” will have a spring navy-like tone. Purple will move into a lighter direction - ”Lavender”, a more softer summery hue.
Thien Le has captured the essence of these colors and has translated it to spell out romance. The Spring 2009 Collection was hitting the runway at L’Oreal Fashion Week here in Toronto. The Thien Le label made its debut in 1999 and has become synonynmous with glamorous and elegant eveningwear. Price points start at $1,000 for an evening gown and $2,500 for a bridal gown. 
View Thien Le’s Spring 2009 Collection at www.thienle.com.
Photo courtesy Thien Le.
Casamentos Haute Couture Weddings
Real Love. Intimate Moments. Exquisite Weddings.
This Day is All About You – Ryan and Jenn
Let me introduce you to Ryan and Jenn. On May 23rd, they flew in from Vancouver to have their engagement portraits taken by Mimmo from mimmo + naz at www.mimmoandnaz.com. After attending back-to-back vendor appointments, it was a nice romantic break stepping into the nature’s beautiful scenery at Don Valley Brickworks and watch this couple sizzle with romance. A Kiss here and a Kiss there – a Hug here and a Hug there. Much laughter was shared by all as I also enjoyed taking my own pics of Mimmo in action as well.
History was made after their first date. In their very own words, “We met for drinks on the patio at the Esplanade. Drinks went so well we carried on to dinner at a pub where the hockey game was playing. The Flames were making a run for the Cup and Jenn (who feels some loyalty because her hometown is Calgary) was following the series and tried to explain to Ryan that it wasn’t a true representation of herself because she wasn’t a hockey fan. She was just interested because of Calgary. Ryan hoped she was lying and was secretly a true fan, thus being the perfect girl.”
Ryan and Jenn are truly a wonderful couple to be around and their love is an inspiration for the wedding that lies ahead on October 5, 2008 at the Royal Ambassador in Caledon. This day was definitely all about them.
Photograper and Photo Courtesty: mimmo + naz
Casamentos Haute Couture Weddings
Real Love. Intimate Moments. Exquisite Weddings.
The Captured Moment
Whenever I am approached by a new bride, I am always captivated with the thoughts of how can I make her wedding day not a good wedding, not a great wedding but a “Magical Wedding”. What elements can I pull and weave together to truly make her wedding day the most memorable day of her life.
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of spending my afternoon at the elegant Royal York Hotel and I was doing just that. I found myself standing in the midst of the beauty of the Concert Hall and Ballroom and caught up in this emotion.
I was coupled with all the vendors (I prefer to refer to them as my “Wedding Day Team of Romance”) and together we came together and related to how the colors, the linens, the decor, the flowers, the lighting, and the music was going to be fully ensembled to create this magical wedding day. It was clear that we all understood that we all wanted to capture a moment in time.
I believe that whether a wedding will have guests of 30 or 300 attending, it deserves this special attention to every detail. I know one could read in magazines and blogs what to look for in a wedding planner, what credentials they should have and what associations they are members of, but really all of this seems so black and white when really isn’t it the beauty of the emotion of awe, the beauty of the colors, the beauty of the floral arrangements, the beauty of the music which well put together by a planner captures what every bride wants – the captured moment.
Yes, I do offer the black and white aspect of a qualified wedding planner but I always want to be captivated by the romance of the wedding that I have the privlege to plan and design. Truly, only then will I know and can be known as the planner whom understands the feeling of romance when it comes to planning a wedding.
Thank you to all my brides and grooms, whom allow me to be a part of their wedding day and step into their world of romance.
Photo courtesy of Florian Photography at www.florianphoto.com
Casamentos Haute Couture Weddings
Real Love. Intimate Moments. Exquisite Weddings.
Bigger is Always Better – Wedding Tips from Preston Bailey
Preston Bailey is the spectacular wedding designer to the Rich and Famous.
Prepare to be amazed by Preston Bailey’s exclusive interview at the Rainbow Room in New York City. Get ready to take notes as he inspires you on how to turn your wedding into a spectacular soiree. You can learn more about Preston Bailey at www.prestonbailey.com.
Casamentos Haute Couture Weddings
Real Love. Intimate Moments. Exquisite Weddings.
Winetasting Honeymoon in Portugal
If one word could sum up a visit to Portugal, it would be romance!
This romance can be felt throughout the country. In a narrow street in Alfama, in Lisbon or the breathtaking beaches of the Algarve coast.
Portugal is simply one of the most romantic, sensual countries in the world and the perfect location for your honeymoon if you love fine food and wine.
May I suggest a Romantic Winetasting Honeymoon in Portugal. The wine lodges of Oporto and the Quintas of the Douro valley are landmarks on any fine wine lovers map. If you want to discover the Portuguese wine country, sit back and let me take you on a 4-day tour to the wine destinations and experiences you don’t want to miss.
Day One:
Begin your honeymoon in the city of Lisbon. Lisbon offers both cosmopolitan and historical charm. Engage in a sunset sightseeing tour of Lisbon. Visit the medieval winding streets of the “Bairro Alto” and “Alfama” quarters. A special visit to the Solar do Vinho do Porto is a must! Here you will enjoy a wine-tasting tour of this 18th century Wine Bar, located in a historic mansion where you can choose and taste several hundred varieties of Port available by the glass or bottle.
Enjoy dinner at a traditional “Fado” bar. At a “Fado” bar you will experience the traditional muscial expression of the Fado. Sung to the the harmonious accompaniments of guitars and viola. The Fado tells of happiness and sadness, of love and jealousy of times gone by.
Day Two:
Visiting Portugal would not be complete without discovering the historical quarters of Lisbon. Begin your day by visiting the Castle of Palmela wine cellars. Here you can partake in wine tasting’s involving the typical grape varieties of the region such as Castelao Frances, Moreto, Trincadeira and many more. Enjoy lunch at Alconena where you can enjoy regional cheeses, traditional main courses.
Continue your journey along the waterfront to the area of Belem. Visit the 16th century Jeronimos Monastery, the Belem Tower and monument to the Discoveries.
Returning back to your hotel, travel across the city to the Moorish Castello de Sao Jorge. This castle which dominates the city skyline offers the best magnificent view of the city of Lisbon.
In the evening, visit the 19th century Praca dos Touros do Campo Pequeno and enjoy an evening with the matadors.
The Portuguese bullfights differ from Spanish counterparts. The bull is not killed; instead it leaves the arena respected for its courage and in the company of a herd of cows. Spectators may throw hats and flowers in appreciation (of disapproval) of the skills of the matador. This is bullfighting for the purist.
Day Three:
Spectacular scenery awaits for you today. Leave the Gare do Oriente Station, Lisbon and travel north by modern high speed “Alfa Pendolino” tilt train to the fine city of Oporto. Porto in Portuguese. Oporto is called the capital of Portugal’s most famous wine-region-Port. In Oporto visit the spectacular Port Lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia.
Take in the attraction of Oporto: the church of San Francisco, the spectacular Stock Exchange best known for its golden, decadent Arabic Room, the two ancient bridges. In Oporto, stay at the famed 4-star CS Vintage House Hotel situated overlooking the Douro River. This hotel has a Wine Academy and a terrace that offers stunning views and above all the tranquility of the Douro Valley.
Day Four:
Dedicate this day to great wines, delicous cuisine and memorable views. Take a scenic drive towards the Douro Valley and head for Regua. Board a private Rabelo boat in Regua and enjoy a curise towards Pinhao. This is a stunning valley of steeped vineyards and dramatic rock cliffs. It is truly an unforgettable experience!
Treat yourself to a lovely VIP Wine Tasting at the Quinta do Passadour. This port crushes their entire harvest by foot. Here you will witness, and if you so wish, you too can take part in the unique opportunity to experience treading the grapes. Just be sure you never want to wear your clothes again and that you don’t mind having dark red legs for a few days!
A 4-day Winetasting Experience through Portugal’s scenic wine country is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you are interested in a customized Winetasting Honeymoon in Portugal or any other worldwide destination, you can contact us at info@casamentos.ca.
Come to Portugal and experience the romance for yourself.
Casamentos Haute Couture Weddings
Real Love. Intimate Moments. Exquisite Weddings.
