The weather is perfect.

In terms of weather, September and October are the best months of the year. It’s not too hot, it’s not too cold and there’s generally still more sunshine than rain so you can still enjoy an outdoor wedding (but make sure your venue has an indoor or sheltered area, just in case). You don’t have to worry about looking shiny in your photos because you’re sweating so much and because it tends to be less humid, you’re pretty much guaranteed a good hair day. When the weather is on your side, it can help you look and feel the best you can on your special day (no running makeup and no frizzy hair!). After all, you don’t want you or your guests passing out from the heat or saying, “I do” through chattering teeth!

Take advantage of the natural beauty of the season.

If you plan for a fall wedding, you’ll find that Mother Nature has taken care of the decorations. When choosing the colour palette for your wedding, take advantage of the natural reds, oranges, and yellows of the season. The fall foliage provides a perfect backdrop for your photos and fall flowers with rich hues like Asiatic Lilies, Chrysanthemums, and classic red roses make for beautiful flower arrangements. By incorporating the unique, rich, jewel tone colours of autumn, your wedding will definitely stand out from all the traditional summer pastel colours.

Fall food is amazing.

There are so many classic fall foods that everyone loves that would be perfect for a fall wedding. Consider this: roast beef, mashed potatoes, and soup for the main meal, and for dessert apple pie, pumpkin pie, candy apples, brownies, and doughnuts (maybe even a doughnut wall?). You could also have a hot beverage bar with coffee, hot chocolate, and warm apple cider. There’s no limit to what fall foods you put on your menu.

There are so many great things that happen in the Fall – Halloween, Thanksgiving, pumpkin spiced lattes –  but you could make your wedding the event of the season!

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This article was written by Delaney Rombough.

As part of The Bahamas Out Islands, Great Exuma and its cays are the most exotic of the islands and has always been the best-kept secret of savvy tropical vacationers. As the jewel of this island paradise, Grand Isle Resort & Spa serves as the perfect honeymoon vacation – and it’s your gateway to exploring the destination. The resort sits on a mile-long stretch of ivory beach and sparkling clear waters, offering couples a stunning escape from the crowds of the main islands and Nassau.

The Exumas are all about life on and in the water. It’s where newlyweds can celebrate their unity by experiencing the true meaning of luxury, adventure and romance. You won’t want to miss out on these five ways to enjoy the stunning beauty of the Exuma Cays and the amazing creatures that call it home:

• Walk Along Sandbars – Enjoy a romantic stroll on sandbars at Mariah Harbour Land and Sea Park or Sandy Cay as you look out on the stunning turquoise waters. Who knows, you might even meet a sea turtle or two.
• Island Hop Around the Cays – Make treasured memories in well known, or even lesser known and untouched places such as swimming with pigs on Big Major Cay, petting nurse sharks at Compass Cay, and feeding wild rock iguanas on Allan’s Cay or stingrays at the nearby Stocking Island. For an underwater experience, couples can snorkel the Austin Smith Shipwreck in the Exuma Cay or visit the Thunderball Grotto near the Staniel Cay which received its name from the James Bond movie, Thunderball.
  
  
• Enjoy a Private Dinner – Dine at Grand Isle Resort on the Palapa terrace overlooking Emerald Bay which sets the stage for an intimate and romantic dining experience with authentic Caribbean cuisine. You can even hire a private chef to tailor your dining experience on the lower Palapa Terrace or in your private Villa
  
• Take Home Local Arts & Crafts – Shop generations of handmade pottery, jewelry, photography, ceramics and more at Sandpiper Arts & Crafts or the world-famous Straw Market.
• Enjoy Exumas Tranquil Beaches – Relish precious moments together in natural harmony at Emerald Bay Beach, Co Co Plum Beach, Tropic of Cancer Beach, Jolly Hall Beach, or Hooper’s Bay Beach.
  

The Exumas are simply the perfect place for couples to find themselves – and lose themselves – while in the heart of nature.

For more information about the resort or to book a stay at the Grand Isle Resort & Spa, visit www.grandisleresort.com.

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Get Inspired!

If you’re unsure of what you want your wedding to look like, this is the perfect opportunity to get inspired and get an idea for what your special day could be. Our exhibitors include gown shops, photographers, venues, cake shops, entertainment and anything else you could possibly need for your wedding. It’s a great way to see what’s out there and what’s currently trending and with so many options, it won’t be long before you know what you like (and don’t like) and have a spectacular vision for your day. And make sure to check out the fashion shows to get inspired for the wardrobe for everyone in your wedding party.

Meet the Vendors

The National Bridal Show is the perfect way to meet vendors who could help make your day special. At the National Bridal Show, you can check out their products and services in person and get an idea of how they can help you create your perfect wedding. Our vendors are here to provide all the information you need so that you can make the best, most informed decisions. Everyone wants to help make your wedding day the best it can be.

Everyone Can be Involved

It doesn’t matter whether you’re the bride, the groom, a bridesmaid or the mother of the bride, there’s something there for everyone. Mom and the bride can check out dresses, the groom can the best DJ is, and bridesmaids can check out decorations (or dresses for themselves). Everyone in your wedding party can be involved in helping make plans for the big day.

Freebies, Prizes, and Special Offers Galore!

Over the weekend, there will be lots of opportunities for freebies, prizes, and special offers. Don’t be afraid to put your name in draws because you never know what you could win. This is also a chance to save a lot of money if the vendors are offering discounts to those who come to their booth at the show. Weddings are expensive but simply exploring your options doesn’t have to be, so take advantage of the free samples!

Now that we’ve got you all excited about what’s happening at this year’s National Bridal Show, we hope you’ll come to check it out for yourself and get yourself in the mood to start planning the biggest day of your life.

Interested in joining us at the Show? Purchase your tickets here!

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This article was written by Delaney Rombough.

Do they snore?  Are they super messy?  Are they good with money management?  Do they want kids?

Take some time to consider doing the following 6 things before saying “I do”.

Talk About Money

This can be a touchy subject with some people being very private with their finances or very poor with their planning!  Talk through things like your savings so far and what you think you’ll be doing with your income once you’re married.  Are you planning to have a joint account or keep your separate accounts with each of you taking care of a certain number of bills? It may be a lot to get through but knowing where each of you stand, who will be managing the money for the family and what expectations are overall will not only make for a smoother transition but help solidify the family you’re starting together in the long run.

Family Planning

Another tricky subject for some is the question of children.  Do you want five while your partner will be content with just one and the dog?  Many couples can spend years in frustration arguing about this, so set each other up with expectations beforehand.  Try and come to a general agreement on what you’d like your family to look like in the next five, ten or fifteen years.  Maybe you want it to be just the two of you for the first few years and start trying for kids thereafter, or is it go time as soon as the honeymoon is underway?!

Take a Trip Together

Taking a trip together before you’re married will help give you a lot of insight into the little things that will come up after moving in together (assuming you’re not living together already!).  Things like general hygiene, organization, how they deal with stress (if the travel is less than smooth sailing), how they can pre-plan and more than anything, how it will feel to be with this person 24/7!

Meet Friends

The family meet up is guaranteed but see if you can meet up with many of your fiance’s friends beforehand.  This will allow you to understand everyone who is coming to the wedding day while also forming some great relationships with those that are most important to your wife or husband-to-be.  You will also come to know where everyone lives and if hanging out with these people is going to mean a road trip, a long trip or a quick 10-minute drive.  All important factors when you consider post-wedding social time.

Discuss Ex’s

No one loves the idea of discussing ex’s but its a good idea to have an open dialogue before the wedding day.  You can control the level of detail you’d like to go into but both of you should know about any significant past relationships especially if that person is still likely to cross your social path in the near future.  You don’t want to surprise your new spouse after the fact as it can lead to a lot of unnecessary arguing and hurt feelings.

This article was originally published by our friends at Suhaag.

Everyone hopes that their wedding is a memorable occasion – not only for the happy couple but also for the guests.  Making your event unique and adding those personal touches that make it exclusively yours is where the Instax Share smartphone printer and Instax instant cameras come in.

The Instax Share smartphone printer is an instant photo powerhouse that will let up to 8 people use it simultaneously through the free app. Ask your friends to print their candid shots from your wedding that you missed in all the excitement.

Or use it to print photos for your thank you cards with the reprint function. Make table assignments more fun by printing photos wirelessly to the printer from your social media memories then posting them on your seating chart.

There are lots of ways that Instax cameras can instantly make your wedding day fun. Put a camera and a roll of tape next to the guestbook so your friends and family can add a photo next to their comments. Pass an Instax camera around at each table, get each person to take a selfie, then get people to put their photos facedown in the middle of the table for a fun, new way to win the centrepiece. You can even create a personalized photobooth by throwing together some props from your memorable times as a couple.

There are so many ways that you can use Instax® instant photos to make your wedding day, and all the exciting events leading up to it, even more memorable. Visit the Instax booth at the Toronto Star National Bridal Show for more exciting ideas!

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If you can get through planning a wedding without breaking down, then the chances are you will get through anything life throws at you as a couple.  Wedding planning and trying to please family members can crumble the strongest of characters. Frances and Rob planned their Toronto fall wedding and left no stone unturned.  This resulted in the most relaxed couple I have ever seen.  The beauty of following these three easy steps is that a stress-free environment on the day guarantees everyone’s relaxed. The vendors can then maximize on their creativity rather than worrying about calming the couple’s nerves.

Create a colour palette

It sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many people assume it’s their vendors responsibility to match their colour.  By creating a colour palette, you are in charge of a designated colour scheme and can choose complementary tones.  By having a specific colour guide, there will be no discrepancy and you can link various shades throughout the wedding.  Wedding attire, flowers, accessories, favours and finishing touches at the reception result in a well executed and thought out event.

Behaviour

Your behaviour and stress management will play a major factor in your big day.  If you are bridezilla in the run up or running around like a headless chicken on the day, it’s going to impact the experience for all involved. A relaxed wedding couple will result in a relaxed wedding party who will be easier to delegate to.  Create a timeline of what needs to be done and when, and designate roles to those you trust most.

Guestlist

It can be tempting to want to invite everyone under the sun but limit your guest list to those who you are closest to.  This is your day and everyone in attendance should be able to stand up and tell a story about your relationship.  Surround yourself with those who have a vetted interest in seeing you get married and being there for you emotionally. A close-knit guestlist will result in heartfelt, genuine speeches that people will want to listen to.

We began our day photographing Rob getting ready at their house with his best man.  They had the ultimate man cave, so I utilized the pool table in some of the shots as they kept the mood light-hearted. Meanwhile, Frances was getting ready at her parent’s family home, so I dashed over to capture her preparations. The light radiating through a gorgeous oversized window allowed me to capture the intricate details of her dress and accessories. The flower girl was adorable, and you could see the excitement on her face watching her getting ready. I wanted to capture the size of the diamond ring in the flower girl’s hands as she was handling it like a precious treasure. The detailing in the lace against the sparkle of the diamond made for a stunning yet simple composition.

It was easy to see how well prepared they had been and how effortlessly the day ran due to diligent planning. There was such a relaxed vibe, and the Old Mill executed the event flawlessly. The colours of the wedding party and their floral arrangements worked in complete harmony.

When it comes to photographing the ceremony and reception, I always prefer to shoot in a journalistic nature.  This allows me to document the day as it happens, and reflect the emotions and energy behind it.  The integration of the children and their reactions made for such honest photography and a realistic snapshot of their event.

In an age where couples can be blindsided by the need to have a large number of guests in attendance, this couple had only invited those who were important in their life. The connections were obvious, and the love between the guests and couple was touching to witness.

Once the festivities were underway at the Old Mill reception, I took the opportunity to capture details of Frances’s planning. The part when Rob removed Frances’s garter was priceless as I caught Rob’s son with his jaw agog!

After the first dance and speeches, I managed to sneak my couple out to do my signature night portraits.  Having previously shot at the Old Mill, I had discovered a really special spot that makes for a dramatic backdrop. The cobbled flooring and street style lighting are reminiscent of a Parisian side street.  I had Frances and Rob reflect on the gravity of their wedding and captured their connection.

As they rejoined their friends and family, I got a statement shot of the two of them from behind. You see the matching red on the soles of their shoes and the textures of her sparkles and lace dress.  This shot sums up just how well put together their Toronto fall wedding was.  Every last detail was thought out and eloquently executed, allowing them to sit back and enjoy their day surrounded with those they love

Photo by: © DA Photography by Dragi Andovski 

Originally publish © 2018 at DA Photography Blog

2^nd Photographer and Lighting Assistant: Jacquie Dudley

Cinematography by: SDE Weddings

Wedding Reception & Ceremony and Photo Location: Old Mill, Toronto

So your best friend is getting married soon, and you’re faced with the task of planning the ultimate bridal shower… With the exception of the Bachelorette Party, this is the event that kick starts the bride’s excitement for her wedding. Feeling stressed? No pressure. We are here to alleviate your anxiety with the ultimate Bridal Shower Playlist. These songs will appeal to the masses, featuring classic love ballads, party starters and Top 40 bangers we will ensure that your bridal shower never has a dull moment. Check out the playlist below and let us know what YOUR favourite love songs are!

This article was provided by Samantha Scrivo, Laura Jackman & Taylor Budd.

Wine Smoothies

Everyone wants something cool and refreshing while celebrating a summer wedding, whether it be indoors or outside.  Consider adding a new twist to your bar menu with wine smoothies.  You can choose to offer two flavours, one that represents each of your favourite flavours or stick to a single signature smoothie.  The great thing with this drink is that it can easily lend itself to a virgin option as well.

Favours that are Eco-Friendly

Everyone loves a nice thank you after celebrating a wedding, but couples are constantly struggling with the question of what to get.  Consider going eco-friendly with your favour.  Mason jars and recyclable glass jars are very popular right now and are a perfect way to share a thank you while reducing waste.  Add in your favourite plant, seedling or herbs and give your guests something that they can take with them and enjoy much after the wedding is over.

Natural Centerpieces

With the summer season almost here, everything seems to be in bloom-so take advantage of it!  Flowers and fresh fruit can add just the right scents and colours to your room.  Your florists will be able to give you a good indication of what is available in your set budget, the exact time of year, quantity and colour.  Also, consider working with a food specialist who can carve out centrepieces made of fruit for a fun and edible experience for your guests.

More than Wedding Cake

Everyone loves wedding cake but there’s so much more fun to be had in the summer!  Consider a slushy bar during the wedding ceremony to keep your guests cool during what can be a very long ceremony.  You can also add a fun ice cream bar to your reception or call in an actual ice cream truck to come by much later in the night.  Guests can choose their favourites or customize depending on which company you decide to go with.

This article was originally posted on SUHAAG.

#1. Perfect – Ed Sheeran feat Beyonce. Obviously no love song compilation would be complete without a hit from Ed Sheeran. After the release of his third studio album ÷ earlier this year Perfect was the fourth single to be sent to the top of the Top 40 radio charts, and we know his duet with Beyonce will be a great success too!

#2. Love on the Weekend – John Mayer. Known for his ballads, John Mayer was the perfect selection for our list. After a three year hiatus he released his new album The Search for Everything this past spring, with Love on the Weekend as his first single. We recommend listening to this one on your next road trip together!

#3. From the Ground Up – Dan and Shay. Warning: this song might make you cry… This country/pop duo nails it on the lyrics and if this isn’t the perfect first dance song than we don’t know what is…

#4. Real Love Baby – Father John Misty. From his album Pure Comedy, this song deserves to be put on repeat. It is a great choice for a more casual and laid-back wedding. We think it would be ideal for a beach ceremony or bohemian inspired wedding, following the footsteps of the singer who got married in the gorgeous beachy coastline of Big Sur, California.

#5. The Cure – Lady Gaga. Thousands of viewers tuned in to watch her performance of this song during the American Music Awards last weekend, singing about the healing effects of love is a positive message that we love to stand behind!

#6. What Lovers Do – Maroon 5 feat SZA. Although their new album Red Pill Blues was only released earlier this month, this single is super catchy and all over pop radio. We think this song is perfect to play in the background while you get ready for your next date night.

#7. So Good – Zara Larsson feat. Ty Dolla $ign. This single is another catchy tune to add to your favourite playlist. Simply put- this song is so good.

#8. In Case You Didn’t Know – Brett Young. Are you having a rustic themed wedding? We think this country ballad would be ideal for your first dance, and you have Brett Young to thank for that! We also recommend Boyce Avenue’s cover of this song too.

#9. Something Just Like This – Coldplay feat. The Chainsmokers. Coldplay has been giving us music hits since the mid ‘90s and their newest single Something Just Like This is no exception. This song should be in your list of ‘must-haves’ for your favourite DJ/band to play during the wedding reception!

#10. Say You Won’t Let Go – James Arthur. Get the tissues ready because this mega hit from singer-songwriter James Arthur had to complete the list of Our Favourite Love Songs of 2017. We are sure this song is featured in a Nicholas Sparks blockbuster somewhere!

Visit the National Bridal Show this February 2-4, 2018 at the Enercare Centre in Toronto. To purchase tickets for the Spring Show please visit here! For frequent updates check out our Instagram, Facebook & Twitter!

Written by Taylor Budd.