Fairy Godmother
It was day two of Bridal Fantasy Magazine’s gown and beauty shoot and Bridal Fantasy rocked the Elton John Costume on the Bridal Fantasy Magazine set!

Today was all about high fashion poses, no-limits imagination, and couture dresses. The fabulous costume from “Love Lies Bleeding,” the Elton John ballet performance by Alberta Ballet, helped to push the crew’s inspiration to the next level. Kelley McKinlay was the star of today’s photo shoot as he rocked the costume and joined various models adorned in lavish bridal gowns and jewelry by Aine Carlisle (photos of Aine Carlisle jewelry to be posted soon).
On top of that, the shoot featured custom designed sets by Christina Ignacio-Deines of ID Bohemia (www.idbohemia.com) which truly contributed to our “Fantasy” theme!
To see more behind the scenes pictures from today’s Bridal Fantasy Magazine 2011 photo shoot, visit . . . http://bit.ly/c6cmIK
Fairy Godmother
With the growing trend of destination weddings, couples are constantly trying to find the next new and exciting location to have their dream wedding.
One hot location to consider is the French Polynesian Islands. This paradise is an archipelago with more than a hundred different islands that you can have your once in a lifetime wedding on.
With a staggering 118 islands to choose from, you will surely find an island that will have everything you’ve ever dreamed of for your wedding . . . and perhaps even more! Famous for their Tahitian islands, with its “lush world consisting of dazzling waterfalls, soaring mountains, amazing plateaus, and pools,” Tahiti provides a perfect setting for weddings and honeymoons.
Another exotic favorite of the French Polynesian Islands is Bora Bora, which is “bestowed with towering volcanic peaks, lush green vegetation, and beautiful lagoons filled with rare as well as colorful fish and corals.” For a more traditional Polynesian wedding ceremony, visit the island of Moorea. Moorea is the home of the famous Tiki Village Cultural centre, and is the spot to perform traditional Polynesian royal weddings.
While you can leave your cares behind when you get to the islands, there are a number of necessary pieces of information and legal items to arrange before you leave. Like any destination wedding location, the French Polynesian Islands have specific document and legal requirements you need to be aware of. Check this website listing the conditions and requested documents to have before you start planning your dream wedding:http://www.houseoftravel.co.nz/travel-tools/weddings/tahiti/legal-requirements.htm.
All in all, the little bit of paper work necessary for your dream French Polynesian wedding is definitely worth it. The lush forests, waterfalls, white sand beaches, and extraordinarily clear waters are a must-see for anyone, and sure to be an unforgettable romantic experience for any couple.
Just looking at photos of the French Polynesian Islands brings on a desire to Google “Tahiti seat sales.” This sunny, blue paradise is perfect for any occasion whether it is a wedding, honeymoon…or simply a vacation.
Resources Used:
http://pakcikayo.com/informasi-anda/romantic-wedding-destination-in-french-polynesia/
Fairy Godmother
Don’t let the romance candle burn out. Keep your candle blazing by finding new and exciting ways to celebrate your love and relationship every year.
Be inspired by Albert and Marion Wagner’s marriage! After 64 years of marriage, Albert and Marion have recently renewed their vows and are truly more in love then they’ve ever been. After reading Albert and Marion’s love story, you can’t help but be inspired by their lifelong love for each other and by their enduring marriage.
There are often many reasons why couples want to renew their vows: they’re celebrating an anniversary landmark, they didn’t have enough money to have their dream wedding the first time around, or they’ve overcome significant hurdles together and now they’d like to reaffirm their commitment to one another . . . as you can see, the reasons are abundant. Just make sure that you are doing it for a special reason and not simply because you think it’d be fun. Marriage is a sacred ritual that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
The great thing about renewing your vows is that there are a lot fewer restrictions and guidelines to follow. This applies to the ceremony as well as to the reception afterwards. This time around, take things slowly and appreciate every moment of the celebration. Many couples feel that they were so caught up with the planning of their wedding that they were not able to truly take pleasure in all the special moments of their big day. Therefore, wedding renewal ceremonies are often a lot more intimate and casual. But if the reason for renewing your vows is because you didn’t have the wedding of your dreams, couples often plan a much more lavish wedding the second time around. If you do plan to have a more lavish wedding, consider these “don’ts”:
1. The renewal of your vows does not require an entourage with designated titles and responsibilities. Your vow renewal is about re-committing yourselves to each other. Don’t let insignificant details take away from the importance of your big day.
2. Gift registries are not necessary. Wedding gifts are given to help newly wed couples prepare for their new life together. You two probably don’t need to add anymore to the collections of things that you’ve obtained over the years.
3. And . . . there is no need for a bachelor or bachelorette party prior to the vow renewal ceremony. The obvious reason is because neither of you are bachelors or bachelorettes.
And finally, presuming that your wedding was legally binding the first time around, the person who leads the ceremony this time around does not have to have official certification to do so. Choose someone who has perhaps been a constant supporter of your marriage, an older child of yours, or a mutual friend. In the end, whatever the reason is for your vow renewals . . . remember that this time around it’s about the re-affirmation of your love for each other, enjoy every moment of your celebration!
Resource used:
http://bit.ly/9r1Hsz
http://bit.ly/bAinGL
Special Guest Author
Images and Text by Emma Bowers (Jamaica Tourist Board)
Dare to dream about a beautiful destination wedding on a lively Caribbean island! Come to Jamaica; it’s just what you’re looking for. The diverse natural attractions, from jungle mountaintops to beaches bathed in the island sun, make Jamaica a destination that appeals to visitors from around the globe and makes this the ideal tropical paradise to say “I Do.” Jamaica’s tropical climate remains blissfully the same from season to season, so planning a wedding or honeymoon anytime from May to December can save couples up to 40% on hotels and other costs.
With so many beautiful locations all over the island, you’ll have a difficult time deciding on the perfect spot to celebrate the biggest day of your lives! You can choose an intimate wedding in a botanical garden, where you will exchange vows under a gazebo with the sound of rushing water in the background. Hold your ceremony at an island estate house, with a sweeping lawn that is ideal for your reception under the stars. One such destination is Rose Hall Great House, the most famous great house in Jamaica. Built in the Georgian style architecture, the three-story home was built in 1770’s by a rich plantation owner named John Palmer. Rose Hall sits upon the hill overlooking the Rose Hall area and blue sea surrounded by lush green flora and fauna.
Or consider Lover’s Leap on the South Coast of Jamaica. The dramatic name says it all about this unique place to exchange vows. Lover’s Leap is a sheer 1,700-foot cliff overhanging the sea and Cutlass Beach. Legend has it that two young slaves leaped to their deaths rather than be separated by their jealous plantation owner. However, modern couples can use this spot to exchange vows and enjoy the spectacular views. Active brides and grooms may hike down from Lover’s Leap onto a secluded beach. In addition to beautiful landscape, Lover’s Leap almost guarantees good weather.
If you’re imagining waves crashing, sand under your feet, and the sun shining brightly overhead, you can exchange your vows of love on one of the island’s beautiful beaches. If you are celebrating your day in Jamaica, why not do it the Jamaican way? From a reggae style steel drum band to traditional island wedding cuisine, start your new life as husband and wife, Jamaican style!
No matter what your wedding dreams may be, we can arrange a perfect event you’ll always remember. Resorts, small inns and villas across the island offer endless options to help you design your perfect wedding day, many offering a wedding planner to coordinate every last detail. Visitors can be married just 24 hours after arriving in Jamaica providing a prior application has been made for a marriage license.
For more information please go to visitjamaica.com or call 1-800-465-2624.
Fairy Godmother
At Derks, we carry a large variety of unique linen island wedding apparel for destination and beach weddings, events, and tropical vacations. We specialize in men’s linen beach attire such as linen suits, pants, and shirts.
The most important thing with linen is that the fabric is natural and it has a natural look. When purchasing linen clothing, one must know that there will be wrinkles, but that’s one of the delicate and unique features of linen. If you notice any heavy wrinkles, don’t worry, most hotels have in-house dry cleaning so get them to dry-clean it and the wrinkles will relax from the travel. Make sure that linen clothing is always hung up as it is super easy for it to wrinkle. Other than that, just relax, enjoy the hot weather, and have fun.
To look absolutely perfect, linen should be pressed. But if you’re doing your own washing, you can avoid some of the work. Never over-dry the fabric and avoid using the high dryer temperature while drying. Remove your clothes as soon as the dryer is done. If you can, put out the corners and press them by hand. All of these steps can greatly reduce the amount of ironing you have to do later.
Fairy Godmother

The Edmonton Journal has just published an interesting beauty article on a new hair trend called the “Brazilian Blowout” (read the Edmonton Journal article here)
The blowout is a temporary, keratin based, hair straightening technique that gives you a sleek, frizz-free look without harsh chemicals.
Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Nicole Richie have been seen sporting Brazilian Blowouts and recently, Richie blogged about its amazing results: “You HAVE to get a Brazilian blow dry!”. Salons across North America are quickly embracing this treatment as its success in Hollywood is inspiring many women (and men) to ask their hairdressers about it.
The Brazilian Blowout was developed by Mauricio Ribeiro, a stylist from Sao Paulo, who now works and teaches in West Hollywood. This professional keratin-based treatment relaxes curls and leaves hair smooth, shiny, and frizz-free for up to 12 weeks. The Brazilian Blowout starts with a clarifying shampoo and as the hair is still wet, a protein based formula (comprising of amino acids, camu camu, and annatto seed) is applied to each lock of hair. The hair is then blow-dried and flat ironed at 450 °F (232 °C) to seal in the product. To complete the treatment, the hair is rinsed and conditioned with a specially formulated Brazilian Blowout masque.
The process takes about 90 minutes, and currently costs anywhere from $300 to $450…

Thorn Yewtree

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is an enchanting place where wedding dreams really do come true. Stunning vistas, pristine lakes and the magnificent Rocky Mountains make it the perfect destination for a magical wedding.
Their talented team including event coordinators and world-class chefs cater to all of your needs, whether it is a small, intimate gathering, or a grand and extravagant celebration. The outdoor venues, banquet facilities, golf course (the JPL was rated the #1 golf resort in Canada!) and Signature Cabins provide endless options for your ceremony and reception.
The resort is situated in the heart of the largest national park in the magnificent Canadian Rockies. It offers a wealth of accommodation options, from charming rooms and spacious suites to magnificent private cabins. It is renowned for its exquisite personal comfort, serenity and privacy. Every window in this mountain paradise frames views of endless forests, turquoise lakes, majestic mountains, and wildlife.
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is your every-season dream-wedding destination. Whether you are looking for a winter wonderland or vibrant summer wedding, you can promise your guests an experience they won’t soon forget. With over 700 acres of wilderness and adventure opportunities, not to mention a world class golf course, the JPL will take your memorable day to an unprecedented level.
Their Wedding Specialists are ready to help you plan your special day at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. You can contact them at jplweddinginquiries@fairmont.com or by calling 780.852.3301.
Magical weddings, magical settings. Let them make your special day unforgettable!
Fairy Godmother
Bridal Fantasy is the leading one-day bridal show in Western Canada. With shows in Edmonton and Calgary , brides are sure to find everything they need for planning their special day. With an amazing professionally choreographed bridal fashion show, and an eclectic mix of exhibitors, brides and grooms can have all their wedding day questions answered.
Plus you can win Fantastic Prizes - Like a Volvo c30 courtesy of Volvo of Edmonton, and so much more! Enter Our Sweepstakes Draw Here.
You can win this Volvo c30 outright - this is NOT a lease - $33,000 Value
Features like destination wear, flowers , and formalwear for the groom will make this an amazing wedding event no bride will want to miss. With everything from supplies to wedding venues, photographers to cake artists , there’s something for every bride at Bridal Fantasy!
Bridal Fantasy is an amazing way to find out all the unique and accommodating options available for brides. We invite you to shop around and enjoy all the free samples and luxuries provided at our bridal show. Don’t miss out on the coupons, specials and prizes that will help you cover your costs and stick to your budget. See you soon!
Calgary Bridal Fantasy - January 17, 2010 at the TELUS Convention Centre
$100 000 In Prizes and Gifts
Morning show: Doors open at 10:30 am, fashion show at 12:30 pm
Afternoon show: Doors open at 1:30 pm, fashion show at 3:00 pm
Buy Tickets Now
View our Calgary Exhibitors List Here
FEATURED CALGARY PRIZES:
Come to the Show and You Could Win Fabulous Prizes including the Fantasy Wedding Package which includes a 7-day honeymoon trip to Barbados! (courtesy of AMA Travel, Almond Beach Resort, WestJet and the Barbados Tourism Authority)
Other prizes include:
- A Seven Day All Inclusive Honeymoon Trip to Jamaica’s Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa, Courtesy of the Jamaica Tourist Board and Sunset Resorts Jamaica
- A $5000 Wedding Planning Package from Tying The Knot
- A JenniferScott Custom Bridal Gown
- $2500 Wedding Gown Courtesy of Bells & Bows Bridal Centre
- A Two Hour Engagement Session with Hair, Makeup & Styling from Deans Pictures Weddings
- A Two Night Bed & Breakfast package at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Edmonton Bridal Fantasy - January 24, 2010 at Northlands
$150 000 in Prizes & Gifts
Morning show: Doors open at 9:30 am, fashion show at 11:30 am
Afternoon show: Doors open at 1:30 pm, fashion show at 3:00 pm
Buy Tickets Now
View our Edmonton Exhibitor List Here
FEATURED EDMONTON PRIZES:
Come down to the show and you could win tons of great prizes, like the Fantasy Wedding package, which includes a romantic honeymoon trip to Barbados! (courtesy of Farlie Travel and the Barbados Tourism Authority)
- A Pampering Session (manicure, pedicure, haircut, massage and wax) from In Motion Style Group
- A JenniferScott Custom Bridal Gown
- A $500 Gift Certificate from Kuhlmann’s Floral Boutique
- A Bridesmaid Package from Wedding World Bridal
Bridal Fantasy 2010 Magazine Now out - Free issue for every bride at the show*
Tickets for both shows are only $20 each (this includes GST) and all brides receive a FREE copy of the newest issue of Bridal Fantasy Magazine ($6.95 value) and the Bridal Fantasy Wedding Planner & Survival Guide ($14.95 value) while supplies last. Don’t miss out on the coupons, specials and prizes that will help you cover your costs and stick to your budget. See you soon!
*While supplies last.
Thorn Yewtree

Mexico - just thinking the name calls up images of beautiful beaches and incredible culture. Mexico offers something for everyone wanting to get married abroad. It is great for those wanting the fairytale beach wedding, or those wanting a wedding full of culture, or those just wanting to get away from it all. Mexico fits most every budget and is great for groups. Imagine water so clear, you can see to the bottom from almost anywhere. That is the backdrop to the white sand that your bare feet are standing in. Your dress is flowing in the breeze and your fiancé is across from you in a beach shirt and shorts. You exchange your vows in front of your friends and family. After many incredible pictures, you enter one of the all-inclusive restaurants to have your reception dinner. The food is incredible and the drinks are flowing. Your hotel wedding planner has taken care of everything - all you needed to do was show up. Easy. Simple. Beautiful. If you are planning to go away for a week, why not make it two. You can then have a honeymoon after your wedding. After everyone ventures home, go ahead and switch hotels. This will change up your vacation and give you something new to look forward to. An incredible way to start your lives together.
In Mexico you can choose a destination full of wonderful activities or the relaxation of a beautiful beach. There is the bustling non-stop atmosphere of Cancun or Acapulco or the more laid-back resorts of the Mayan Rivera. Acres of tranquil landscaped gardens, historical colonial cities, costal reefs, hacienda style hotels and miles of swaying beaches are just some of your options in Mexico. With all of its varied attractions, Mexico is definitely unique.
Columbine Goblinfilter

You’ve made it through the planning, the stresses, the ceremony and the fabulous party that followed. Now it’s time for you and your new husband to head off on your honeymoon! But where will you go?
The Caribbean: the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana, Barbados and more – pristine white sand beaches, relaxed atmosphere, lush tropical gardens and majestic architecture. Unspoiled scenery will take your breath away and forty miles of pearl-white sand with luxurious beach resorts line the eastern coast. Vacationers can hike trails and view some of the native species of animals and vegetation or relax on the beach.
Mexico: the Mayan Rivera, Cabo San Lucas and more – colourful resorts, full service spas and rich botanical gardens. The food is incredible and the drinks are flowing. There is the bustling non-stop atmosphere of Cancun or Acapulco or the more laid-back resorts of the Mayan Rivera. With all of its varied attractions, Mexico is definitely unique.
Jamaica – tropical plantations, immaculate white sands and sparkling waterfalls. Nestled in the hills or on the beaches, there is a wide range of delightful accommodations that will nurture your romance, and exceed your expectations.
Hawaii: Maui, Oahu and more – beautiful beaches, casual atmosphere, flowing waterfalls and amazing scenery. Each island has its own identity, from the commercial to the small and intimate, each supplying a little something special. Have a toast to the sunset in a catamaran off Lanai and stargaze atop Mauna Kea on the Big Island or dine and dance deep into the night on Oahu.
Las Vegas – your choice: quaint and romantic or crazy and kooky. Head out to see a Cirque du Soleil performance or watch the beautiful fountains at The Bellagio.
Cruises – a variety of different stops allows you to check out numerous locations on one trip. We strongly recommend opting for the balcony cabin and arranging a romantic sunset dinner on your very own balcony under the stars… or maybe breakfast served just the way you like it while sailing the high seas during the morning sunrise.
Paris, France – the city of love with quiet sophistication. There is a personality, flair and quiet sophistication in Paris and the rest of France that is unlike any other city in the world. Lovers can immerse themselves in the same romantic Parisian atmosphere that has inspired centuries of novels, paintings, photographs and films.
The Cook Islands – 15 islands with lush rainforests and white sand beaches. Escape to the magic of a tropical island is the ultimate in romance. The azure blue lagoon and endless sand banks are breathtaking, perfect for that romantic getaway.
