We were asked to provide some fleurs for a wonderful event to promote the book, Be… A Woman: Expressions of Life.  The event was held at the Verity Club, in downtown Toronto on Thursday, June 11.  Kim MacGregor is an author, motivational speaker and an absolute sweetheart! It was our sincere pleasure to provide the flowers for this wonderful event and great cause.  Please check out her website for more information on how you can obtain her beautiful book.  When you purchase the book online, $10 is donated to the Look Good, Feel Better Organization.  An all around win win! And while you’re there, nominate an everyday amazing woman for the Be… A Woman Awards. It’s absolutely fabulous to recognize that amazing women don’t have to be anything more than who they really are in their day-to-day lives to be an inspiration to women everywhere.  Cheers to the Women that BE!

Here is what Kim had to say about RFC after the event…

“I truly appreciate your generous contribution to our event. The arrangements you put together were stunning! Your flowers looked beautiful and gave the whole room a magical touch!  So happy to know you!
We have received so many great comments about the flowers - they were a wonderful addition!”

Kim MacGregor
Author/Motivational Speaker, Be…a Woman: expressions of life

 

Every guest that left the event at Verity, took home one of the ribbon wrapped roses in the larger vase.  They looked like flower lollypops! Soo cute, and such a nice touch!

Here is our interview with uber talented Toronto Wedding Photographers, Daniela and Melanie of Pink Pearl Images.  We’ve included plenty of eye candy as well.  Their work is fabulous and they are both super sweetie pies! 

RFC: - Who is the creative talent behind Pink Pearl Images?

Daniela: I’m going to have to say that Melanie is the creative talent.

Melanie: Daniela is definitely the creative talent behind Pink Pearl Images.

 

RFC: - How do you describe your signature style?

Melanie: I am fascinated with candid images of people. There is honesty in people’s faces and interactions when they are unaware of the camera. The look a father gives his daughter right before they walk down the aisle tells a story about their relationship. My goal is to capture that relationship in a single image.

 

RFC: - Tell us what it would be like to have Pink Pearl Images as your wedding day photographers.

Melanie: I would describe the Pink Pearl Images experience as relaxing. We are both very easygoing people. We spend time getting to know our couples and what they are looking for in their images before the wedding. Having two photographers on the day also puts couples at ease. While Daniela is shooting one important moment, I am on the other side of the room shooting something different.

 

RFC: - Can you share some of your ultimate really cool locations for wedding day pictures?

Melanie: I agree with Daniela. One of my favourite wedding images was taken in a hotel parking lot.

RFC: - What are some of the trends you are starting to see for 2009/2010?

Melanie: I’ve noticed a big movement towards green weddings. We’ve seen couples choosing locally grown flowers in their décor, wedding invitations, place cards, and menus made of recycled paper, organic food, and environmentally friendly wedding favours like handmade soaps.

RFC: - Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Melanie: Fashion magazines like Vogue and In Style. I have binders full of ads that I have ripped out of magazines. It gives me a lot of ideas for interesting lighting and posing.

 

 

RFC: - Have there been any crazy situations that you had to handle? Tell us all the details….

Daniela: Shooting a wedding where the bride didn’t know that the groom smoked. He chose their wedding day right after the ceremony to light up a cigarette in front of her. She starting crying and freaked out. We had to crack a lot of jokes to get the bride to smile during the family formals.

Melanie: There was a 4 hour break between the wedding and reception. We were supposed to meet the bride and groom at a park after the bride had changed into her second gown. The bride called and told us that she was running an hour behind schedule. We met the groom at the park and took some awesome photos of him alone. The bride called us again and said that there was a huge delay, and that she couldn’t make it to the park. We zipped over to the hair salon with the groom and had two minutes to get some portraits of the bride and groom alone before we had to get to the reception.

 

RFC: - Most memorable moment?

Daniela: The most memorable moment for me was the look on a groom’s face when he saw his brother before the ceremony. His brother couldn’t afford to fly in for the wedding, and all the groomsmen pitched in to pay for his airfare as a surprise present for the groom. It was a very touching moment to witness.

Melanie: We had a really camera shy bride. During her portrait session I took an image of her and showed it to her on the LCD screen. When she saw how beautiful she looked in that image you could see her eyes light up. She became much more relaxed for the rest of the photos.

RFC: - Tell us something about you that people would be shocked to find out?

Daniela: I can sing opera and was a dancer for seven years.

Melanie: In grade seven I had a bet with a couple of friends to see who could go the longest without eating meat. I haven’t eaten meat since.

 

 

RFC: - What 3 things will we always find in your purse?

Daniela: My cell phone, gum, and hand lotion.

Melanie: My notebook, pens, and sunglasses.

RFC: - Favorite quote?

Daniela: “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” Confucius

Melanie: “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” Dr. Seuss

RFC: - Finish this sentence…. “No matter how much you paid me, I would never….”

Daniela: eat a raw tomato.

Melanie: go skydiving.

 

Thanks so much ladies!  Your work is absolutely beautiful and you capture your passion for details in every shot!  If you want to get in touch with Daniela and Melanie of Pink Pearl Images, you should visit their website, and make sure to check out their lovely blog filled with updated pretty pictures of their fantastic work.   

I am a huge fan of lighting, and finding the right light can make such a huge difference for your event.  Simple candlelight as well as uplighting a centerpiece whether done with a submersible floralyte, or using a lighted base makes for the perfect ambiance.  One of my favorite things to see  for head table decor is a candlescape.  Pillar candles at different heights for interest mixed with votives, and tealights can really make for a dramatic effect.  Mix a few different vases at varying heights of some roses, and fluffly flowers such as  hydrangea, peonies and/or mums and you have created a really beautiful head table.  Here are some pics of my favorite illuminated centerpieces and head tables. 

 

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I absolutely love these pieces by Jennifer Behr.  So sleek and simple they are just gorgeous! 

From her website:- “Inspired by the richness of silks, feathers, stones, pythons and leathers, materials are the starting point for Jennifer Behr. The collection is made by hand in her studio in Brooklyn where she works these materials into delicate headpieces. The leather and python pieces are produced with a network of small workshops in Brooklyn and Manhattan. This results in hair accessories carrying the soul of handwork, while remaining thoroughly modern in appearance. ”
 

How gorgeous! All pics above are from the extremely talented Nicolette Camille.  For more pretties, please visit her website.

We have been asked to create the flowers for 2 different editorials in Wedding Bells Magazine, for the 2009 Fall/Winter issue, due to hit stands in July.  The first time, we were asked to create a bouquet and centerpiece for a recreation of a real life wedding that had a vineyard/vintage inspired theme.  The bouquet was done with deep purple calla lilies and a collar of purple Alliums and two ribbons, one was a shimmery greyish purply colour and the handle was wrapped in a gorgeous plum satin ribbon.  We also attached a gorgeous brooch to the handle.  The centerpiece had a mix of Hyacynth, purple Callas, purple Alliums, some Heather, pinky wax flower and the vase was line with a large Aspidistra leaf.  Unfortunately, we forgot to take a picture of them before dropping them off at the Wedding Bells office, downtown Toronto.  We were not going to make the same mistake twice, so when they called again to ask us to do the florals for a 4 page spread on very trendy designer tableware we made sure to take some pictures before we left for the studio.  They asked us to create very low and lush arrangements in a rectangular vase in very deep and vibrant colours.  We are super grateful for being considered not once, but twice for the magazine, and can’t wait to see the issue in July!  We heart Wedding Bells!

 

 

 

 

Love this local talented artist, 5eizen I found on Etsy.  They make sweet ring pillows, hair clips, and really gorgeous accessories.  They are expanding the line to include Bridal Shawls, Garders, Bouquet Ribbons, Wedding Invitations, Wedding Guest Books, Wedding Programs, and Romantic Flower Girl dresses.  They also do custom work for those brides that want to put their own unique touch on their accessories for their wedding.  Check their site often to see whats new.  Toronto Brides… did I mention that they’re local?!?!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

RFC:- Who is hello DJ?

HDJ:- hello DJ! is ME - Lisa Ng, a 28 year-old, married, special events DJ, actress, cartoon voice performer & freelance writer - born to my immigrant Chinese parents in Toronto. I was raised in Mississauga, attended an arts high school. I attended The University of Toronto and graduated with an Hon. BA in Political Science & Cinema Studies. I love to cook, dance, travel and eat. I currently reside on the Danforth in Downtown, Toronto.

RFC:- Describe to us what hello DJ! is all about…

HDJ:- We are fun, young, hip and predominantly female DJ company. hello DJ! is not your cheesy wedding DJ company, the show is not about us - it’s about you! 

RFC:- How long has hello DJ! been in business?

HDJ:- hello DJ! launched in June 2005, almost 4 years ago. Since our launch, our success has snowballed and we DJ more and more events every year. We pay for very little advertising and rely on great word-of-mouth from our past clients, vendors and venues we have worked with.

RFC:- Where do you see your business in 5 years?

HDJ:- We will probably still be a single operator DJ company. I truly believe in personalized service and excellent customer care. I love meeting my clients and letting them know that I will be the one DJ-ing their wedding. There is no ‘bait & switch’. I want to learn about their music tastes & artists that they enjoy and incorporate as much of that as I can, while reading the crowd. We try go above and beyond whenever we can. If I see the Mother of the Bride missing and speeches are about to start - we will go out of our way to go and find them, so they don’t miss anything important. As a woman who has gone through the wedding process, I try to think of things from the Bride’s perspective and what we can do for her to make this day perfect. I mean, I wouldn’t want to start my speech if my parents were missing and out of the room! However I will never make promises I can’t keep, expectations have to be realistic and managed properly. 

RFC:- Who is your ideal bride?

HDJ:- Fun, laid-back, open to lots of ideas with a great personality and sense of adventure. I love when I click with a client! You have to make sure that you and your DJ are a great fit. There are some clients I just have a great feeling about and you feel like you’ve known them forever. 

RFC:- What are some of the trends you are starting to see for 2009?

HDJ:-  Not wedding-related? The Herve Leger Bandage Dress by BCBG. I saw it on four different magazine covers this month. It’s like a tensor bandage for your entire body! How is that for a ‘body-shaper’ (literally). This trend is going to be HUGE! I would buy an original HL dress, but it would cost more than my wedding gown. I’ll wait for the knock-offs to start showing up at H&M and Zara.

Wedding related - less people are doing the garter toss these days. Some even omit the bouquet toss. People are no longer afraid of incorporating more fun & hip adult contemporary and indie rock into their Jazz & Dinner music mix. Picture more stuff by Feist, The Stars, Peter, Bjorn & John, Broken Social Scene, The Garden State Soundtrack, Gwen Stefani, Leona Lewis - there are no rules, it’s your day.

 

 

RFC:- What is your favourite first song?

HDJ:- ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ by Isreal Kamakawiwo’ole

RFC:- Is there any type of music you absolutely will not play?

RFC:- Have there been any crazy situations that you had to handle? Tell us all the details….

HDJ:- I try to roll with all the punches and handle crazy situations as they come!
 

RFC:- Most memorable moment? 

HDJ:- Marrying my high school sweetheart after almost 9 years of dating in 2007. 

 

RFC:- Tell us something that no one knows about you and would be shocked to find out? 

HDJ:- I was in a TV movie with Justin Timberlake and we had a scene together! It still airs on the Disney Channel.
 

RFC:- What 3 things will we always find in your purse? 

HDJ:- My flip phone! No Blackberry yet - I’m trying to put limits on how often I check my email. My Aveda SPF 15 lip balm - I love how it goes on so thick for those looong Canadian winters. My colourful Roxy wallet.
 

RFC:- Finish this sentence…. “No matter how much you paid me, I would never….”

Thank you so much Lisa! I absolutely love that version of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’.  Its got such beautiful energy, and I think it would make a great first song.  After meeting with you, it’s quite obvious you love what you do, and your passion shines through! Any couple would be very lucky to have you DJ their wedding!  If you would like to get in touch with Lisa Ng of hello DJ, you can email her or visit her website @ www.hellodj.ca.

Rainflower Company’s Fabulous Free Fleurs Contest just got better!  How?  Well, we’ve teamed up with Maria Ferragine from In Style Wedding Planners and DOUBLED the prize value to include $1000 value of Fabulous Free Fleurs and complimentary Day Of Co-Ordination valued at $1000.  You better not waste any time to enter because there is less than 72 hours left!  Contest closes January 30th, 2009.

Maria Ferragine, owner and lead co-ordinator of In Style Wedding Planners obtained her Hon.B.A. from the University of Toronto followed by her WPIC Certification from the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada. Constantly involving herself in seminars, educational programs and workshops, Maria offers exceptional and well-rounded service and experience to her clients. She is always looking to be in the ‘know’ of trends and up and coming ideas.

Here is a bit more about what Day Of Co-Ordination includes directly from Maria’s site.

This service is for the couple who plans and prepares their own wedding but chooses to have a wedding co-ordinator on hand for the entire wedding day to ensure that everything goes as planned. So many couples complain that they didn’t enjoy their wedding day because they were too busy making sure the photographer was capturing the right memories, and that the caterer was on time, to name a few of many potential areas of stress and concern for the newly-wed couple. With wedding day co-ordination, our couples can rest assured that their day will go as planned and that if for some reason something goes wrong, there is an experienced professional who can assess, modify and correct the problem. The fee for wedding day co-ordination is generally $800 - $1,200.

 

What do you have to do to win? Just tell us why you would be the best suited bride for this great giveaway in 150 words or less of course . . .Oh, and please include a picture of the happy couple! If you or someone you know is getting married in Toronto or the GTA between the months of March and December 2009, you are eligible to win. Please fill out the following form with all required information to enter.  But hurry!  Contest closes January 30th, 2009, and the winner will be announced February 2nd, 2009.

Good luck to all participants. We can’t wait to see your submissions!  To check out Instyle Wedding Planners click here.

I just love it when I come across precious little goodies, especially when they are related to the wedding industry.  Jamie Ann Johnson’s new website is full of yummy little wedding pretties and I just had to share! Check out her site for more original couture designs to help you personalize and incorporate into your special day.  Everything is just too cute, especially her Flowergirl Tutus and her Gartiers… Fabulous fun keepsakes of your wedding day!