VIVA LA WEDDING RECEIVES WEDDINGWIRE'S BRIDE'S CHOICE AWARDS™ 2011

WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, recently announced that Viva la wedding has been selected to receive the prestigious annual WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 for Wedding Planning/Coordination!

Recognition for the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 is determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 750,000 WeddingWire newlyweds. Viva's past clients are among those that shared their experiences on WeddingWire, the largest wedding review site in the nation.

Viva stands among the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire community, representing quality and service excellence within the wedding industry. Awards were given to the top wedding professionals across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, and were based on the overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

“WeddingWire is honored to celebrate the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire community,” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program, WeddingWire has the unique opportunity to recognize the best wedding professionals across the US and Canada. We applaud Viva la wedding for their professionalism and dedication to enhancing the wedding planning experience last year.”

We are happy to announce that Viva la wedding is among the very best wedding planners/coordinators within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding and Weddingbee. Viva would like to thank our past clients for nominating us to receive the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011. To see a complete list of this year's winners click here.

WINTER WEDDING INSPIRATION AT STONEFIELDS HERITAGE FARM

Every year we do an inspiration post on Winter Weddings and with the end of January fast approaching many have wondered... What are you waiting for? Well, we think you will all agree, this inspiration post was well worth the wait.

Ottawa photographer Melanie Rebane was behind this styled winter shoot. Below are some of the images Melanie captured.







Toronto Photographer Jon Rennie took the images below.







These images were taken at Stonefields Heritage Farm in Carleton Place and yes, the lovely ladies modelling these gorgeous gowns from With Love Bridal Boutique should look familiar. They're none other than Sarah Walsh who has been a long time preferred vendor of ours when it comes to makeup & bridal jewelry and Melissa Johnston whom we had the pleasure of working with back in 2009 on Krystel & Ivan's wedding at Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello. Melissa's images of their wedding were later featured on Style Me Pretty. Other vendors whose talents were captured in these photos are Full Bloom Floral Design, Isobel's Cupcakes & Cookies, and The Cake Whisperer.

THE PLACE TO BE THIS WEEKEND

Viva isn't usually a fan of recycling blog posts but with so many of our 2011 brides-to-be heading to the Wedding Palace Bridal Show this weekend, we thought our previous 2009 post "Wedding Show Survival Guide" might come in handy. Enjoy!!

Wedding Shows are attended by thousands of brides-to-be (and future grooms) each year. Not only can they be a fun way to spend the day, they’re also the perfect networking tool when planning a wedding because they allow you to meet with so many vendors in a short period of time all under one roof. But in order to make the most of your day and keep it as fun and stress free as possible, you need to have a game plan.Click on the image above for details on The Wedding Palace Bridal Show taking place here in Ottawa this weekend and review the tips below before going to ensure your day is an enjoyable and productive one.

1. The early bird gets the worm - Find out when the doors open and be one of the first brides there. If you wait until the afternoon it will be crowded and harder to get around with longer waits to talk to the vendors you’re looking to hire.

2. Slip on your Uggs for this event - Hard concrete floors mixed with hours of walking around from booth to booth can make for very sore feet at the end of the day so your shoes should be comfortable ones.

3. H2O – A simple bottle of water can cost over $3 so throw a couple in your bag before leaving the house in the morning. It can get hot, the air can get very dry and after spending the day sampling cake and chocolate covered strawberries - you’re going to need it!

4. Don’t bring the whole posse - While it may sound like a fun excuse to get all the girls together there are going to be A LOT of people there and it may be difficult at times to navigate through the crowd. Sticking to a group of two or three is best, otherwise your time may be spent trying to find your crew instead of focusing on finding vendors for your big day.

5. Map it out - All Wedding Shows have a website that lists the vendors who are going to be there and usually include a floor map with their booth location as well. Take a look at the list and map if available before hand. Check out the vendors’ websites ahead of time and try to determine which ones you want to talk to. Highlight them on the floor map so they’re easy to find and when you’re at the show, only take the business cards and brochures from the vendors you’re interested in. It will make it less confusing when you’re weeding through your bag at home.

6. Q & A – Prepare questions ahead of time and bring a pen to take notes. You will be talking to many vendors all with different services to sell and information to give. Make quick notes after talking with each of them so you will remember what they said and what you liked/didn’t like about them.

7. Patience is a virtue - If you really want to talk to a vendor don’t get discouraged if their booth is crowded by other brides-to-be. Walk around and come back later. If the crowd around them doesn’t ever seem to get any smaller, wait for the fashion show to start. The floor usually thins out a little when the show is on.

8. Don’t give into the pressure - You’re sure to run into vendors who will tell you that they only have one opening left for your wedding date. While the best vendors do book up quickly, there are a lot of vendors at the show to talk to so don’t feel like you need to sign with the first one you come across.

9. Draws, draws and more draws - If you’re hoping tn win one of the many draws a Wedding Show has to offer come prepared with pre printed cards that have your name, address, phone number and email address on them. This will save you time at the show and make entering the draws a piece of cake.

10. Have fun! - After all, you’re getting MARRIED!! Whether you’re going with your fiancé, mom or maid of honour make the most of it. Go early, get down to business, and then head out for a great lunch and a cocktail or two to thank them for sharing in a productive day.

Review: Ugie Make Up Artist

Lagi-lagi gw akan menjembreng foto yang isinya muka gw..jangan pada bosen yaak..ahaha..Abisnya yang direview kali ini adalah Ugie Make Up Artist jadi pastinya lah foto muka-muka yang dipajang :D..

Awalnya gw berpikir cuma pake Mba ugie untuk akad nikah, karena biar yang resepsi dimasukin ke make up paketan di baju dan pelaminan Aceh aja. Tapi setelah dipikir-pikir dan Mba Ugie juga kasih harga yang sangat bersahabat, jadinya gw pake Mba Ugie untuk akad dan resepsi. Abisnya gw udah jatuh cinta liat hasil2 make upnya mba ugi. cantik cantik euyyyy...Dan yang paling penting ga menor dan medhok!! karena sering banget liat pengantin yang make upnya terlihat menor sekali..Sekarang mari di review satu-satu tentang make up akad dan resepsi adat acehnya :)

Akad Nikah

Make up udah dimulai dari jam5an dan pas make up akad ini blum ada fotografernya, karena dengan dodolnya gw lupa bilang ke bang koko untuk datang pagian..hahaha..ya udahlah yaa ga penting2 banget juga :p.. Dua foto dibawah ini diambil dalam dua kesempatan yang berbeda. Yang kiri (yg blm pake kalung) pas abis kelar di make up, kira2 jam8an. Nah yang kanan itu pas udah kelar semua prosesnya, sekitar jam stgh12an. Dan make upnya pun masih tetep oke :D..Kalung, bros, dan aksesoris di kepala smuanya dipinjemin juga ama Mba Ugie. Untung banget ada kalungnya Mba Ugie jadinya dibagian leher ga terlalu polos. hehe

Mama dan ade'2 juga di make up ama Mba Ugie. Khusus ade' gw yang kecil (yang dijilbabnya ada warna pink), make upnya emang sengaja dibuat setipis mungkin karena dia memang masih kelas 2 SMP dan pas abis acara akad ini dia mesti buru-buru ke sekolah karena ada ujian..hehe

Resepsi Adat Aceh

Prosesnya mulai dari jam3 dan lebih lama dari make up pas akad. Pas resepsi Mba Ugie bener2 cuma make up-in gw doank. Ade', mama, dan penjaga buku tamu, di make up sama krunya Mba ugie. Dan ini make upnya gw bilang tebeeelll banget. Muka gw yang aslinya hitam ini berubah jadi sangat putih..haha..tapi walaupun begitu gw ga merasa make upnya medhok ataupun menor, karena emang disesuaikan dengan kehobahan baju gw.

Jilbab para mama dibuat sama Mba Ugi. Hair style para ade' dikerjain sama krunya Mba Ugie yang juga make up-in mama dan ade'2. Mba Ugie bawa kru 2 orang, satu orang yang nanganin para mama dan add'2..satu lagi nanganin penjaga buku tamu.

Tanpa ragu gw memberikan nilai 9,5 buat Mba Ugie dan timnya. Bener2 puas ama hasil make upnya Mba Ugie. Mulai dari tes make up, akad nikah, sampe resepsi semuanya MANTAABB..Apalagi harga yang dikasih Mba Ugie juga oke banget, terutama karena gw tau banyak MUA diluar sana yang udah punya nama besar dan harganya ampe berpuluh2 juta, bahkan ada yang cuma tes make up aja mesti bayar 1 jt..

Ugie Make Up Artist - 081310805729

Review: Pilma Jilbab Stylist

Akhirnya sempet ngisi blog untuk review lanjutan. hehe. Yang di review kali ini adalah Jilbab Stylist gw pas Akad Nikah, yaitu mba Pilma Wati :)..Mba Pilma ini adalah jilbab stylist di majalah Anggun dan Paras.

Sebenarnya mah foto penampakan jilbab gw ud dipost di beberapa postingan sebelumnya. tapi tetep aja rasanya ga afdol klo review tentang jilbab stylist tp fotonya ga dikasih liat..haha. Sebenarnya yaa, gw ga mau banget tuh jilbab akad yang dibentuk bunga2, pengennya yang ala Irna La Perle..Kata Mba Pilma yang model2 begitu gampang banget bikinnya, cuma harus punya aksesoris jilbab yang mentereng. Dan berhubung gw ga punya, jadi mba Pilma berkreari sendiri deh dengan bahan-bahan jilbab yang dibawanya dan gw dipakein ampe 4 pieces jilbab. At the end, walaupun ga jadi yang ala Irna La Perle nyatanya gw sangat puas ama hasil jilbabnya mba Pilma :D..Bunga2nya pun ga berlebihan..

Selain gw, mama dan 2 ade' gw juga dipakein jilbab ama Mba Pilma. Jadi gw emang minta paket jilbab untuk gw, mama, dan ade'2. Dari segi harga, menurut gw mah ok

Kelar gw, mama, dan ade'2 di jilbabin, kakak spupu gw juga minta dipakein jilbab. Dan memang udah sngaja mau bayar tapi ternyata dikasih gratis ama mba Pilma :D.. "Kalau cuma tambah satu doank sih ga usah nambah. Kalau 15 tuh baru deh nambah," kata mba Pilma. Berarti sebenarnya kalau nambah 14 orang gratis donk mba?hahaha

Nilai yang gw kasih buat mba pilma adalah 9,5!! Pokoknya T.O.P B.G.T deh..Very recommended!!

Pilmawati Jilbab Stylist - 081563225770

INSPIRATION - HONEYSUCKLE

Every year Pantone announces the "Colour of the Year" (2011's colour being Honeysuckle) and every year brides ask us "How can we incorporate Pantone's colour of the year into our wedding"?

Accessories, accessories, accessories. Keeping things simple and classic, then using fun details and colourful accessories to help create a unique look is what weddings are now all about.

Accessorizing your timeless gown with a Honeysuckle clutch, shawl/cardigan or floral accent allows you to create a look that really is all about you. Your invitations, escort cards, table names/numbers, centerpieces, and bridal bouquets are a perfect place to add colour and details as simple as using Honeysuckle throw pillows on your lounge seating will help tie the overall look together.

Not only is Honeysuckle lovely on its own, it's the perfect accent colour for the ever popular black and white wedding and should you be daring enough to pair it with another vibrant colour... the possibilities are endless!

Photo Credits: Borrowed & Bleu

2011 COLOUR OF THE YEAR

Courageous. Confident. Vital. These are the key words Pantone (the global authority on colour and provider of professional colour standards for the design industries) is using to describe 2011's colour of the year... Honeysuckle.

A colour for all seasons, Honeysuckle is both captivating and stimulating. The perfect accent for weddings, not only does this dynamic shade get the adrenaline going but the intensity of this festive reddish pink allures and engages.

A striking, eyecatching hue that works well for day or evening, Honeysuckle is guaranteed to produce a healthy glow when worn by both men and women and is flattering for bridesmaid's dresses, bridal accessories, and men's ties.

Stay tuned for a little inspiration post on how to use Honeysuckle to spice up your wedding. In the meantime, read more on Pantone's 2011 colour of the year here.

Review: Rinda's Henna

Sebelum nikah, gw udah pernah posting tentang Rinda's Henna disini :)..Kali ini mau review setelah dipakenya plus sharing gambar gimana penampakan henna tanganku pas akad nikah..hehe..

Jadi, hari Kamis, 9 Desember 2010, malam, Kak Rinda kerumah untuk pakein henna di tangan&kaki gw. Berhubung deal2an harganya bener-bener harga saudara serumpun (Kak Rinda juga orang Aceh - red), jadinya emang pas2an banget&Kak Rinda mesti naik angkot ke rumah gw untuk hemat budget.. Tapii ternyata hari itu jalanan ibukota sedang macet2nya dan yang rencananya Kak Rinda sampe dirumah gw jam7malam, jadinya baru sampe jam9 dan itupun tetep harus naik taxi..Maafkan akuu yaaa kak :D..O iya, ternyata pas sampe dirumah gw, Kak Rinda mengenali salah satu kakak sepupu gw dari Aceh yang ternyata adalah kakak kelasnya pas di SMA dulu. what a small world!!

Karena udah jam9, langsung lah gw siap-siap di henna. Gw cuma nunjukin gambar foto yang gw mau dan mulailah Kak Rinda meng-henna. Selama di henna, Kak Rinda ngobrol2 ama ade' spupu gw dan ternyata orang yang mereka omongin ya itu-itu aja...jadi skalian reuni deh mereka..hehehe..Malah gw yang ga ngerti apa-apa :p

Sekitar jam11an, proses henna-menghenna pun selesai. Gw suka banget ama hasil hennanya. Sesuai banget ama apa yang gw minta. walaupun antara tangan kanan dan kiri ya ga sama persis karena kan Kak Rinda menggambar langsung ditangan gw ga pake cetakan apa2, dan sebenarnya malah unsur 'serupa tapi ga sama' itulah yang gw suka :D..

Maaf kan yaa untuk yang dikaki ga ada fotonya..ada sih yang diambil pake bb pas dipakein tp fotonya ga oke..haha..O iya, untuk warna hennanya ada macam2, tergantung request dari kitanya juga..Plus biasanya kak rinda menyarankan warna yang cocok untuk bajunya juga.

Secara keseluruhan sih gw memberikan nilai 8,5!! Kenapa ga 9?karena warna hennanya ga terlalu tahan lama :(..Gw dipakeinnya kamis malam, tapi hari Minggu warnanya udah mulai pudar..Tapi siih kayaknya itu karena gw pilih warna merah kecoklatan, klo pilih yang warna hitam mungkin tahannya bakal lebih lama..

Buat yang pengen pake juga atau pengen nanya2, langsung aja mampir ke Facebooknya Rinda's Henna, atau hubungin aja by phone ke 081381121844 atau 02197969027. O iya, kalau ada yang nonton Jelang Siang di Trans TV tanggal 31 Desember 2010 kemarin, Kak Rinda ada diacara itu lhoo, segmen terakhir..Hennanya masuk tipi euyy :p..