One trendy post processing technique is called Texturing. The key to texturing is picking the right type of textures, and the right combination to give the photo a special feel.

Boe Lefebvre, of Pokedog Photography, utilizes a variety of techniques. For example, he says:

"I might overlay an image of a scuffed up cement wall to give the image depth, and then add a vivid image of green grass for color, and finally a blurred image of bright street lights to vary the tone and exposure. There can be millions of combinations and unlimited layers created to craft a work of fine art that a wedding couple could have printed on canvas to hang on their wall as a conversation piece, without feeling the need to pull it down after the one year anniversary."

www.pokedog.com

If you’re looking for bridesmaid dresses, you can’t afford to skip Wedding World. With the variety of colours, fabrics, and price points, you’ll be sure to find something that catches your eye. They carry children’s, plus size, and maternity gowns, so everyone on your party is covered.

I love these sky blue dresses with the gathered detail and simple belting. The simple, elegant cut is fun, formal, and can be worn again.

Wedding World also has a tonne of bridal gowns. Some of the brands available are After Six, Alfred Angelo, Jolene, Madison Collection, Alfred Sung, Dessy, and Pronovias.

Visit Wedding World’s Website

Visit the Edmonton Location:

5361 Gateway Boulevard Northwest
Edmonton, AB T6H 4P8
(780) 433-1622

I love these invitations! You can plant them!

Each sheet contains a variety of wildflower seeds, and yes, the entire sheet can be planted. Bird’s Eye, Clarkia, Black Eyed Susan, Poppy, Catchfly and Snap Dragon are some of the gifts each invitation could contain for your invitee.

According to Botanical Paperworks, all you do is place the sheet on top of a pot of soil or small patch of garden, and then cover with a thin layer or soil. This paper is made from 100% post consumer waste. In 6-8 weeks the seeds will begin to shoot up. Invite guests to pot their invitation, and bring it to the big day!

You can get these in Edmonton through Shauna Filtz at Special Day Specialties. Check out her website for fantastic invitations and wedding accessories.

Despite its name, The Drowsy Chaperone should keep audiences wide awake and entertained.
“It’s actually a musical within a comedy,” director Max Reimer says. “The (character) Man in Chair tells the story of a 20s musical (that) actually materializes before the eyes of the audience.”  According to Reimer, The Drowsy Chaperone is about a showgirl that is getting married but she and the groom are both getting cold feet. In fear of losing the showgirl in the entertainment industry, gangsters try to stop the wedding.

“There’s an intelligence behind it, and the more you know about musical theatre, the more you love it,” he says.

The Citadel’s production of the show also includes three local actors – Julien Arnold, John Ullyatt, and Susan Gilmour. Reimer has returned to the city where he says it all started.

Click Here to Read More at The Edmonton Examiner!

Congratulations!

You’re getting married! Getting engaged is usually one of the most romantic, unforgettable events of your life. Excitement, tears, fears, congratulations, bridal jitters,
and love abound but so does the reality of planning the big day. So how do you get everything looked after without getting overwhelmed and also being able to take time to enjoy this

Two Great Ways To Plan Your Wedding

Enjoy our Wedding Survival Guide and Planner online. To start using this valuable tool click on the banner below:

Click the banner below if you would like to download the free wedding planner as a PDF.

Part 2: The Bridal Shower

The first party held in the bride’s honor, is the bridal shower. This gathering is most often given by the maid of honor, but may also be given by other members of the bridal party, close friends, or even by some colleagues.

The shower itself can take several forms and range in its formality with everything from a casual lunch to a formal seven course meal.

Who to invite: any female who is on the guest list for the wedding may be invited, however to keep the party more intimate, invite only those who are closest to the bride. If you want to host a more contemporary event, you may also wish to include male guests.

Timing: Due to the busy schedule of the bride, it is best to hold this event 1 - 2 months before the wedding date.

For a great bridal shower game idea click here.

In Gwyneth Paltrow’s newsletter GOOP. there is a newly featured article on Relationships that shed’s some light on how to make & keep a healthy relationship. “What does it take to sustain a happy and successful relationship or marriage?” Tune in to hear what four very wise women have to say in response to this time old queston!

Click on the above GOOP logo to go directly to the newsletter.

Take the Time…. before you buy, try on as many different styles as possible…gowns look different on your body type versus hanging on a hanger…walk around and sit down…make sure it’s comfortable…shop as soon as possible…gowns are ordered and are not always readily available right away, some made to measure can take six to twelve months.

Trying on wedding dresses can be one of the most daunting experiences a bride faces. You allow yourself to be swept up in a whirlwind of love and romance in the perfect dress that will take his breath away. Feminine chiffon, organza, and satin in whisper light layers, adorned with frills and flowers to put you both in the mood for love.

Establish yourself some boundaries to make this a happy experience. Consider the type of sleeves, neckline, gown length, and train length you want, and the gown style best suited for your body type. Remember to match your accessories to your veil and gown.

 Five Steps to Successful Gown Shopping:

1) Take along someone who knows your style and whose taste is similar to yours.
2) Talk to the shop professionals- they can advise you what is the best style for your figure or what fabrics won’t crease.
3) Remember that it is easier to take a dress in then let it out when you are planning to lose weight.
4) Consider the proper undergarments and shoes for fittings.
5) Take your time…try on lots of different styles until you’re happy with your choice.

Know Your Most Common Bridal Fabrics

Brocade: raised designs on a heavier fabric
Chiffon:   sheer silk or rayon
Lace:       hand or machine done, lace is popular in the bridal market
Organza: sheer but stiffer than chiffon
Satin:      smooth with a high sheen, popular now
Silk:        a natural, strong expensive but elegant fabric
Taffeta:   smooth, crisp fabric
Tulle:      open weave net, most often used in veils and under slips

Part 1: The Engagement Party

This party serves as the official announcement of the engagement. When extending invitations to guests, you may wish to not state purpose of the party (i.e. the engagement), as it is often nice to make the announcement a surprise. For a wonderful selection of invitations for your engagement visit The Paper Tree.

The party can be hosted by either the bride or groom’s family. It is the host’s responsibility to announce the engagement with a toast.

The form of this party can range from a formal sit down dinner to a more casual summer barbecue, or even a cocktail party. Making this a catered dinner will let the bride & groom-to-be have a night to relax before the planning busyness begins. Check out Ovation Catering & Banquets, serving the greater Edmonton region. The formality of this event should be established by both the bride and groom as well as the host, as this party sets the tone fore the rest of the engagement.

When choosing a ring, it is wise to consider what type of wedding band you will wear. Is it part of a matching set? Will you wear it alone? It is important to consider all these factors. Today some brides choose to wear only a wedding band. Most grooms all wear a wedding band. Whatever your choice make sure you’ve done your homework before making this big purchase. It is best to know when purchasing a ring the “Four C’s” Cut, Carat, Colour, and Clarity. In Ring Bling Part 1 Cut and Colour were defined. Here are the following two

Clarity:

• Is the most impressive quality of all.
• The more irregularities there are, the lower the value of the diamond.
• A flawless diamond must show no surface blemishes or interior inclusions when examined at a 10-power magnification.

Carat:

• The weight of a diamond is expressed in carats.
• The weight of a diamond is the most important factor when determining its value - however, a smaller carat diamond with better colour, clarity or cut can easily cost more than a larger carat diamond.

Most importantly, your ring’s cut, setting and stone should all be a reflection of your own tastes, opinions and backgrounds.

Sharpen your sparkler know how before making the big decision!