Royal Wedding – Crown Jewel Tones
I love the Crown Jewels tabletop. Not only because it evokes a sense of elegance, but because it also evokes the ultimate sense of luxury, romance and style!
I was privileged to work amongst great talented wedding professionals and I thank each one for sharing their talent and inspiring all brides for their own breathtaking “Crown Jewels” wedding.
Each of my productions start as a blank canvas and the “attention-to-details” in producing a design for my clients is what makes the ultimate difference.
At your wedding, guests will be seated and gathered at a table and will instantly observe the details that have been weaved together and carefully presented. There are so many elements to combine. However, let the color that speaks sophistication to you be the foundation that will bring together all of the fine details.
What inspired me to design the beautiful Crown Jewels tabletop? The Royal Princess Diana. She was between Royalty and a modern woman gracefully socializing in designer gowns – Dior, Versace, Valentino. 
The Crown Jewels table displays classic modernism just as Lady Diana did. The Saphire blue color reminded me when Lady Diana wore Victor Edelstein’s midnight blue velvet gown to dance with John Travolta at the White House dinner.
Not only do tabletops set a tone but the design must also speak to your guests of who you are as a couple. Classic, modern, sophisticated, glamorous. Don’t be afraid to mix and match colors, textures and looks. Let the design and creativity work for you.
Many thanks and credit to…
Photography: 5ive15teen photo co
Stationery + Menu + Favor Boxes: Palettera
Floral Design: Pink Twig
Cake: The Caketress
Photographed on location at: 99 Sudbury
Calligraphy: Barbara Kua
Chandelier + Centrepieces + Crystal Candlesticks + Accessories: Ev3nts Planning & Design
Gold Chiavari Chairs: Detailz Chair Couture
Gold Wingback Chairs: Furnishings by Corey
Stemware + Glassware + Cutlery + Gold Charger: Chairman Mills
Midnight Blue Sequin Table Linen + Crystal Charger: Have A Seat
Dusk Blue Satina Underlay Table Linen + Gold Topper Table Linen: Susan Murray Linen Rentals
Cocktails: Noble Culinary Inc.
Casamentos Haute Couture Weddings
Real Love. Intimate Moments. Exquisite Weddings.
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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”
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.
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.
A Girl’s-Only Weekend
Yes, every bride treasures memories of her wedding day for the rest of her life; however, she will also never forget the one last “hurray” before her big day – “the All-Girls Only Weekend.”
Those are the memories, that Casamentos Bride-to-Be, Mara, will carry as she was surrounded by her bridal party, best friends, family and myself collectively kissing her farewell her passage from singledom to marriage.
I can and I am sure you can also remember those slumber parties when you gathered with your friends playing games and gossiping until the wee hours of the morning? Well, this Girl’s-Only Weekend slumber party was filled with two fantastic, no responsibilities, fun, relaxing and laughter filled days.
Matron of Honour Linda hosted this Girls Weekend pairing an exceptional dining experience at Peller Estates Winery with the ultimate luxury: Pampering at the Prince of Wales Secret Garden Spa and Pillar & Post 100 Fountain Spa with overnight accomodations at the Pillar & Post and a fun-filled evening at Casino Niagara.
Pillar Estates Winery is one of the grandest and most posh winery facilities in the Niagara Region. The dining experience was exceptional. Each course was paired with one of their wines. I enjoyed the Carrot & Riesling Soup, Diver Scallop & Elk Bresaola Benedict, and for dessert the Dried Cherry & Apple Crumble. Each course was imaginative, delicious and beautiful in presentation.
The decision to leave the husbands and children behind was a “temporary” concern. May I repeat “temporary” as all the ladies agreed that the the men would survive. The Girls were going to enjoy this perfect short getaway in honour of Mara.
Essentially, it didn’t matter if one could tell a Pinot Gris from a Pinot Noir. This chilly October night at Niagara-On-The-Lake was a perfect and sophisticated way to throw a Girl’s Weekend.
“Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your Heart” -Eleanor Roosevelt.
This wedding will be a true memorable event as Mara and Tony will marry November 1st followed with a Filme Noir Old Hollywood Theme reception at Copper Creek Golf Club.
Casamentos Haute Couture Weddings
Real Love. Intimate Moments. Exquisite Weddings.
And the Winners Are…………………
Sandra and Mario are the grand winners for the Complimentary Full Wedding Planning Service. Their wedding will be taking place on September 19, 2009.
The stars were definitly aligned when the Sandra and Mario first met. They were in high school and since then have never parted. I know they looked at the stars and matched each one with a reason why they love eachother. And since then the stars have never run out. May a special shining star be named “Precious” for life in memory of “Precious” for all the special moments shared and treasured with her.
This weekend Las Vegas awaits the arrival of this couple as they will enjoy and hope their luck will rub off on more winnnings!!
Congratulations and Best of Luck to Sandra and Mario.
Casamentos Haute Couture Weddings
Real Love. Intimate Moments. Exquisite Weddings.
Romance And F1 oozes at La Maquette Restaurant
I had the pleasure of dining at La Maquette with Casamentos Bride-to-Be, Becky Thursday evening. This restaurant speaks the language of romance and I can understand why Becky and her fiance Joe chose it as their wedding venue. The glass tiled exterior, waterfalls, sparkling chandelier, grand staircase and Conservatory overlooking the Sculpture Garden were setting the stage for a truly romantic wedding.
This restaurant is renowned for its romantic atmosphere and sumptuous culinary delights. Year after year La Maquette has been nominated for Most Romantic, Best Venue, Best Food, Best Service, Best Ambience and Best Desserts by Where Magazine’s Toronto voters. I invite you to take a video tour of La Maquette at www.lamaquette.com.
Becky and Joe are a sweet couple. Joe only has one request – “I don’t want any detail to overshadow Becky’s beauty on our wedding day”. Awww!!! No ladies, Joe does not have a brother. I can reassure Joe that he will see the beauty of Becky’s reflection everywhere that he looks on his wedding day.
However, Joe and I do share a common passion. He loves Ferrari’s and I love Formula 1 Races. Legendary Racer Michael Schumacher – the Best Ferrari Racing Driver of all times, stirred up my love for F1 forever. With that being said, a shiny sleek red Ferrari, driven by Joe, will arrive at La Maquette as they both make their grand entrance.
The excitement of designing their wedding kept me awake till the wee hours in the morning. Madonna’s song was playing in my mind, “Don’t go for second best, Baby, put your planner to the test”. Ultimately, this is what sets apart a great planner - Dedication and being precise and creative about every design detail.
Details are what makes everything a little bit more special. So we’ve decided to convert the Conservatory into a “Ferrari Lounge” and furnish it with contemporary modern furniture, serve a Signature red “Ferrari Cocktail”, offer cigars and serve edible treats stamped with the the Ferrari logo. I know Joe is loving this idea.
“Cheers” to everyone who enjoyed watching the best car racing talent the world has ever seen – Michael Schumacher. F1 is not the same without him.
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.
Fall in love at Graydon Hall Manor
One could fall in love with Graydon Hall Manor – the mansion, the grounds, the terrace, the water fountain. In a matter of minutes this mansion will take your breathe away.
As you step through the doors, you can feel the warmth and initimacy that this venue offers. The chapel has an overlooking balcony and is so beautiful. It is a perfect romantic setting for a candlelit ceremony.
Then imagine your guests being served cocktails, white glove formal service, on the stone terrace overlooking cascading water fountains and being drawn into the breathtaking garden for a private stroll. For dinner your guests then can proceed to the grandeur of the dining room.
It is no wonder that Graydon Hall has been consistently ranked in the top 100 venues in Canada. www.graydonhall.com
This afternoon I had the pleasure to enjoy a Tasting appointment in this gorgeous setting with Nicole Pieckenhagen, Managing Director and Amy Hopkins, Event Designer. The menu was exquisitely prepared by Chef Arpi Magyar. Chef Arpi Magyar holds the distinction of one of Toronto’s well-respected chefs. From executive chef of Pronto, Oliver’s and Auberge du Pommier, to chef and owner of Splendido and Cucina, chef Magyar will undoubtedly exceed your expectations.
Chef Magyar will custom create each plate for every event. For your consideration, Salad – smoked duck breast on a watermelon & watercress salad, drizzled with a honey champagne vinaigrette; Starter – goat cheese baked in crisp pastry with cracked papper & pistachios, paired with a warm pepper salad; Main – soya seared salmon with pastini, celery & leek, in a shellfish broth; Sweet Endings – baked pear with creme anglaise & black currant sorbet.
Graydon Hall will captivate you and promise many memories of a perfect wedding day.
Casamentos Haute Couture Weddings
Real Love. Intimate Moments. Exquisite Weddings.
