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The Budget: How Much is too Much?

by on May 6, 2013 in Grooms Corner, Wedding Tips

You are now an engaged couple and everyone knows it. You’ve shared your wonderful news with the world and now it’s time to get down to business. There are a lot of items on your list that have to be checked off before you start going around looking for your color themes. First and foremost it’s time to look at how much you can spend on your day!

The budget: How much is too much?

When you look in magazines and online for wedding images, you will no doubt find an abundance of extravagant outdoor locations, seating covers, reception hall decorations, table center pieces and all kinds of beautiful little extra add ons. The wedding of your dreams can take you away to far off wonderful places. You don’t want to be woken up dramatically when you find out how much it all will cost.

Firstly, a wedding is a celebration and an announcement to the world that you are spending the rest of your life with your one true love. The two of you have to sit down and discuss what you are both able to afford to make that day memorable for the magic and not to look back and say ” we shouldn’t have wasted 2000$ on a crystal punch fountain” . There is no wrong amount to spend on your wedding, but just like when we were shopping for her ring, not everyone’s budget will be the same. Some weddings depending on faith and cultural backgrounds can wonderfully simplistic and cost in the 15,000$ – 25,000$ range. Other modest weddings can have a total price tag of 35,000$ – 50,000$. And of course there are the extravagant over the top weddings that can range from 75,000$ and up. It’s up to you and your bride to decide what your comfortable with spending. Come to a number that you both can agree on and then set sail to embark on a journey of your lives!

2013-Wedding-Costs

(Image Via Pinterest)

Don’t panic!

Looking down this road you are going to see a lot of big price tags. Some avoidable, some flexible and some have no choice. To help find out which is which, you can divide your wedding into categories:
Ceremony, Reception, Food, Entertainment, Decoration, Floral, Attire, Photographer/Videographer and Miscellaneous. Each of these categories should be assigned a number that you are willing to/can spend on them. If you go over on one you can always cut back on another and still get respect your over all budget.

Your bride to be will no doubt want all the bells and whistles. Let’s face it, every little girl has had the vision of the perfect wedding since they were old enough to know what a floral arrangement was. There is hope though. As she grew up, her vision of the perfect wedding has no doubt been fine tuned. Now the two of you will begin to decide what kind of wedding you will have by filling in the categories. You will see the differences between a DIY wedding and a cookie cutter wedding. Where you might think one option is the less expensive but actually come to see that it’s not.

An example would be an outdoor ceremony vs. a traditional ceremony at a church or synagog. Outdoor ceremony you will have to pay for a location, an officiant or officiants, service company to supply chairs, an altar, an arch with flowers, carpet, a table for the official book signing and wedding license etc. Also having to factor in the weather in that if it rains you will have to rent a tent to cover it all. Where as indoors you will have to worry about is the extra floral arrangements for the seats. Of course you will have to make a “donation” to the church or rabbi but that would have been included when you started your ceremony category.

Make decisions as a team!

piggies

(image via Pinterest)

There will always be something that you will want and she will not or vise versa. Remember you have now entered the world of compromise, whatever choices you make should be decided by how much you both want it. You will no doubt see a lot of advertisements saying “for the perfect day” or “no wedding is complete without…” Most of the time these ads are for those little extras. If you can afford them then by all means indulge yourselves. If you can’t, this is where your tact and suave comes into play.

Be patient!

Over the course of time between now and your wedding day, your bride will want to go to wedding events, seminars and blow outs. It’s your job as the groom to stay cool while you’re keeping an eye on her. Some brides will have a tendency to make their wedding the social event of the season and find herself in competition with every other bride out there. Over zealousness can come about quite quickly and destroy any hope you had of having a modest wedding. These situations can lead to fights and embarrassing circumstances. The last thing you want is a bride-zilla on your hands. That can put strain on your relationship, cause distance and in some extreme cases end your wedding before it began. But you’re in love and don’t have to worry about that. Be calm and collected and remind her that you have a budget to keep to. Hiring a wedding planner can alleviate a lot of these issues. If you aren’t really into planning and your fiancée is, hiring a planner is the best decision you can make. Your fiancée will turn to your trusted planner for all those cool ideas that you couldn’t care much about.

Now the fun can really begin!

So we have our ring, our fiancée and now our budget. It’s time to start dividing the tasks and shopping around to fill in your categories for where, when and how you want to get married. Buckle up and let’s roll!

Tony

Introducing your Parents

by on April 2, 2013 in Grooms Corner

imagetimSo now that you did all your shopping. Found the perfect size, cut, clarity, band and finishing. Did you get down on one knee? Whisk her away to some part of the world?Hold her in your arms through a dimly light carriage ride? Profess your love while standing in a field of her favorite flowers or something similar to all that? And did she say yes? …… Of course she did! You knew she would from the moment you met her, not to mention that feeling was reinforced the first time you kissed!

Disney Proposal

Now that you waited for her to wipe the tears of joy from her face and slide that ring on her finger, you probably took out your phones snapped a few pictures for Instagram, tweeted a few tweets and updated your status on Facebook AFTER you called your parents!

 

The Family

After all the phone calls have been made, all the text messages have been replied to and all the social media has been addressed. What do you do next? Well traditionally, you organize a sit down meeting of your immediate family for dinner at either one of your respective homes or a restaurant. This is where both family’s can officially be introduced if they haven’t already met each other. You regale them with the tale of how you proposed, where your inspiration came from and how you managed to get the courage to ask her fathers permission for her hand in marriage.

You’ll eat, drink, laugh, talk about your favorite things, talk about what made you fall in love with her. Keep in mind first impressions last a long time and these people will now be your family and you apart of theirs. How you get along with them now will set the tone for how the decision making will unfold during the planning process of your wedding.

 

image3

Traditions

Depending on what cultural background you come from, your parents may insist on a few traditions being observed at either the ceremony or the reception. For example Greeks, Romanians and other Eastern European nationalities are for the most part Christian orthodox. That will require you to have an orthodox priest at your ceremony. You can also have a catholic or any other denomination of Christian priest there as well to observe those traditions. If you or your fiancée practice Judaism, that would most likely indicate that you need a rabbi at your ceremony to observe the Jewish traditions.

Another example would be the Lebanese tradition of Debke and Zefee dances at the reception. These consists of dancers performing for the bride and grooming the dance floor in a line with locked arms going back and fourth kicking into the air. The Greek Zembekiko dance consists of everyone gathering in a circle around a shot of ouzo watching a sole dancer go around and around until he’s down on his knees and takes the shot without using his hands!

Keep calm and plan on!

There are many rituals and little traditions you may have never knew about that you will be asked to observe or take part in. There is a chance that you will be overwhelmed with all the requests and information being presented to you. As I tell to all my future bride & grooms, it’s your wedding in the end the only two people who’s opinion should be a force over all others is yours and your fiancées. However keeping in mind that these people will be your family within the next year or two and compromise is a world all it’s own that you will soon become accustomed to.

Take everything in, weigh all your options and advice you have been given and remember that no matter how hard you try you will not be able to make everyone happy on every little detail, so don’t let them cause fights between the two of you. This is a happy time when you plan the way you announce to the world that you and the one you love will be together forever. Take a deep breath because the ride has just begun!

Tony

*Images Found on Google.

Hooray! Spring has Arrived!!

by on March 26, 2013 in All Things Pretty, What Matters Most

Ahh Spring!

I have got to say, this is my ultimate favorite season. I love everything about it. The fresh breeze that’s slowly beginning to warm up. {For most of us: the snow is beginning to melt}. The sun stays out longer, the flowers start blooming. I love seeing tulips blossom. I love the simplicity of them with their bold pop of color. It’s tulip season people!!  The gorgeous pastel colors, the fashion; everything is bright, bold and beautiful. Spring introduces us, dark and gloomy winter habitats, that summer is just a hop skip away. Oh and Spring = Sugar Shack season! Hooray! I look forward to this time of the year to enjoy the typical good eats of ”la cabane a sucre”. Oh! and did I forget to mention Easter. I love Easter for almost the exact reasons I love spring, just add on the amazing food we eat on Easter Day & the yumm-oh chocolate eggs. Can I hear an Amen for Cadbury Mini Eggs!!!

See my collection of Spring fav’s on Pinterest.

So with no further delay, here is a recap of last years Sweet Table for two! I created this table with very little props to show you that it doesn’t take much to put together a great table. You need a few staple pieces, damn good sweets, and a creative mind et voila!

Easter Table

Easter Garden for two

The Staple piece in our Easter Table is our backdrop. Our vintage frame with floral work . This really screams Spring to me! Not to mention our gorgeous vintage table which gave us a lending hand on making this table give us the feel we were looking for. Our delicious sweets were provided by Millemiette and all other props were from our local dollar store. Yes, I said it, the Dollar Store!

With a little imagination, you CAN create anything. Remember it’s Spring, think COLOR! Pastel, Bold, Bright, all shades will do this season!

Don’t let this gorgeous season pass you by!

Keep Calm & Sugar Shack on!

T xo

Groom’s Guide to Preparing the Proposal and Choosing the Right Ring.

by on March 13, 2013 in Grooms Corner

True Love Date

Wedding season is right around the corner. As everyone gets excited over the bride and all the choices she will make to have the most memorable day ever, I’m here to take a look into weddings and wedding planning from the guy’s view. A peek into the silent stresses we deal with to keep everything running smoothly!

You’re in love! You’ve met the woman of your dreams and are ready to spend the rest of your life with her. But before you get to watch her walk down the isle, there are a few things that need to be done first. Let’s start with the obvious one shall we?

The Proposal

The Guide to ProposingA lot more guys these days are thinking of new and innovative ways to “pop” the question. Which in many ways can help to alleviate the tension and sometimes suspense of asking her to marry you. It’s one thing to be nervous and she says yes, it’s a completely different matter if she says no. But let’s assume you’re in a loving committed relationship and you have no doubt in your mind or heart she will say yes, how do you go about asking her?

There are a thousand and a half ways to ask someone to marry you. A lot depends on what kind of couple you are together, what setting and mood you are in all play a big role in how everything comes together. Some guys know exactly how, where, and when to do it (I myself have it all planned out. But, unfortunately for you, you’re gonna have to wait until she says yes to hear how I did it!). However, some guys have no clue how to go about asking the most important question of their lives. Don’t worry boys, fortunately there are resources available in these times of need.

There are always the classic choices: asking your father how he did it, getting inspired by a romantic movie or song, going to New York at Christmas and asking her in front of the lit tree at the Rockefeller Center, or even the “jumbo-tron” at a sporting event. Luckily we’re in the 21st century and that means the inspiration can be right at your fingertips. There is an abundance of information on the web that can help you think up a way instead of getting down on one knee. For example, thegroomslist.com is an example of a great place to get inspired. It gives you structured guidelines and suggestions to help you plan the right time, place, and manner in which you want to carry out your plans. It spans from the inspirational side helping you to get your own ideas, to actually going step by step even to make sure you’re getting married for the right reasons-at least, we all hope you are. There are many websites similar to this one that you can choose from, all you have to do is type in “wedding proposal” into your google search bar and you’re off!

So now that you have a good idea of how, when, and where your going to ask her, on to the next step…

The Ring

Tacori Engagement Ring
As men, the engagement ring we choose is not only a symbolic gesture that we are prepared to commit ourselves eternally, but rather a look inside to show how much we really know about our bride to be and how deep that knowledge goes. No choice is wrong, generally women will say yes to any question asked following the presentation of a diamond ring. But the ring itself is more than a gold band with a rock on it. We spend countless hours shopping and searching for that one ring that truly captures how we feel. That one ring that connects a part of both your souls.

The size, cut, clarity, and thickness of the band all reflect the culmination of the amount of time you have spent together and the adventures you have shared. Some guys can go with the “off the rack” rings. Others can get more specific in what they are looking for. And then you have the ones who know exactly what they want and go to extreme lengths to have the custom ring built to their specifications. All this to show that not every guy’s decision is easy and not every decision is hard, but they all show exactly how they feel (with respect to their budgets) to the woman they chose to grow old with.

Where does one go to find that ring? Some of the bigger engagement ring designers such as Birks, Tiffany’s, Tacori, and Crown Ring can be found either in jewelry sections of department stores or stand alone jewelry stores (and sometimes if you look close enough Costco but don’t hold your breath lol) Also you can look online at tiffany.ca, peoplesjewellers.com and tacori.com. These websites have guided sections to help you find the right ring to match your styles. They also have apps for your smart phone that you can download right from the website to help you choose and get an idea of the ring you want. Now off to the lab…

Building Your Ring

To start off, ask yourself, are you a white gold or a yellow gold type of couple? Because that’s not all there is. Now you can choose from platinum, rose gold, palladium, titanium, and sterling silver to name a few. This first choice will be crucial to help you down the line in choosing the his and hers styles for your wedding bands.

Once settled, we move onto choosing your stone. You have the choices of crystal, cubic zirconia, and other assorted gems such as rubies, emeralds, and sapphires if you’re not planning on a diamond.

Assuming you chose a diamond, your choices begin with either a solitaire or trinity set, where you have one big one in the middle and two small yet similar diamonds on either side. These diamonds will be the center of attention of the ring and is where the cut and clarity come into play. Princess, oval, emerald, marquis, cushion, and round are the main types. Then you have the choice of diamond inlays in the ring itself as well as what’s called a “cushion cut” around the main diamond being surrounded with little diamonds.

The clarity of the diamond is determined by the internal purity of the diamond under direct light, if there is any internal scratching then the diamond is less pure and generally less expensive. The carat deals with the weight of the diamond; the heavier it is the more carats and the more expensive. Then we come to thickness of the band itself. Keep in mind before you show up to an actual jeweler you should try to somehow get the size of her ring finger. Adjustments can always be made if necessary, but it’s always nice to get it right the first time at bat.

What You Should Know About Engagement Rings

Not all the sites offer prices but you can get a good idea of how much it will cost. Generally the rule was, you spend 3 months salary on the engagement ring. However everyone’s financial situation is different. Don’t feel bad if it takes you longer than 3 months and don’t be cocky if it takes you less. Everyone has their own budget and love has no price tag so do what you can, she will love it simply because you gave it to her. The average cost of a diamond engagement ring is 5,000 to 15,000$. Keep in mind as previously mentioned size, shape, cut, clarity of the diamond as well as thickness of the band all play a different role on the price tag (not to mention if you have connections in the jewelry retail field!!). If you’re not going with a diamond then you can imagine the price of your ring being a lot less expensive.

So, this is the end of the first chapter on our journey to the altar and beyond into marriage. See you soon with our next big step after she’s said yes!

Tony

How to build your Emergency Kit.

by on February 12, 2013 in All Things Pretty, Wedding Tips

While we hope you do not have any emergencies on your wedding day, having an emergency kit on your big day is the smartest move you can make. I’ve put together a how to build your own emergency kit for both brides AND grooms that I believe you should have handy on your special day… just in case!

Wedding Day Survival Kit

Let me first tell you why you should have an emergency kit.

It may happen due to weather conditions that your make up might start dripping off because of the high heat, or that your hair might start frizzing up due to humidity. For grooms, you might wish that in the summer heat you could just have a minute to freshen up. Why wish it when you can actually make it happen. Actually having everything with you will allow you to actually take those 5 minutes and freshen up, or fix your hair and makeup. Think about it, you don’t want to get your wedding pictures and find that you look so put together during your ceremony and then as the night goes on your hair and makeup is just a royal mess. Your emergency kit will allow this NOT to happen.

What should you put in this “kit”?

I’d suggest to ask your friends who’ve already gotten hitched. Ask them what they brought and what they wish they had with them. Make a list. Then write down all the stuff you think you need and you should have, and add to it what I have listed for you here. You will end up having a huge list, obviously you won’t need everything you have written down but the essentials will definitely stand out. Narrow your list down. For example, if you are getting married in the winter, and your pictures will be taken indoors, sunscreen won’t be something in your emergency kit. Be realistic and smart when you build your emergency kit. Just because I have it here, doesn’t mean it’s all things you will need. Revise your list and be realistic.

What should your emergency bag look like?

Once you have your list in check and you are confident with it, have a look at it. Remember, you will only be using these items that day, don’t go buying the value packs at Costco. Go to your trusted dollar store or closest WalMart and get the travel pack size. You will not only save money but also space. {No heavy bag allowed!! You’ve got that!?} Once you have purchased all your items, see how much you have. Find a bag that you have in the house. May it be a gym bag, a tote bag, or even a reusable bag that you paid 1$ at your favorite clothing store. I know the majority of you have a collection of these bags. {I admit, I am one of them!}. Just make sure you don’t have a bag that’s bigger than what you have to put inside. Organize your bag = Easy Searching.

Where should you leave your emergency kit on your wedding day??

The emergency bag should not be by your side but with someone who is always with you on that day, like your MOH or Best man. Keep it in the limo during pictures or under their table at the reception site if you don’t have your own bridal suite at point of reception.

Here are my top items I believe you should absolutely have in your emergency kit.

Here are the Fundamentals for both B & G:

Bride & Groom

  • Water/Water/Water { It’s so important to stay hydrated on this day }. {It’s going to be a LONG day}.
  • Snacks. Pack yourselves granola bars, fruit, a mini wrap or sandwich.  Make sure you eat!!! {It’s going to be a LONG day}.
  • Advil / Tylenol {It’s going to be a LONG day}.
  • Mints { Don’t chew gum! Have a mint}.
  • Water Mist {in Aerosol can} like one of my fav’s from Evian. ** This applies to all brides and grooms getting married in all seasons. Don’t miss out! You will love me for this.
  • Spray on deodorant. No mess, no white marks, no problem!
  • Visine
  • Compact Mirror
  • Kleenex
  • Band-aids
  • Stain remover {Tide to go pen or Shout Wipes are very good!}
  • Static guard
  • Sewing Kit
  • Tums

Brides: bride {Image via Pinterest }

  • Foundation Powder in your shade {Ask your make-up artist to give you a sample so you have for touch ups}.
  • Lip Stick {with liner} and/or Gloss: Actually buy the shade you will be wearing on your wedding day. You want to touch up your lip ware no matter what throughout the day. After all that smooching, your lip color will smudge away and fast!
  • Drinking Straws {So you can drink without ruining your lips stick}.
  • Eye Lash Glue. While some of you must be wondering.. “umm, what?” A lot of bride’s put on a pair of fake lashes to enhance their final look. If this is the case and they aren’t the permanent one’s, bring some glue. You never know, it might start unsticking during the night. {Which I’ve seen happen, way too many times!}.
  • Hair Spray
  • Bobby Pins
  • Chalk  {Covers Stains on your wedding dress}.
  • Extra pair of Nylon’s, undies, bra. {Hey! You never know!}
  • Clear nail polish {If you are beginning to get a run in your nylon put some clear nail polish and it will stop it from running completely}.
  • Personal Wipes.  You will want to freshen up! You can even clean your feet with them when you reach reception site, after your photographer maked you go in the most random places to take the most gorgeous shots! {True story!}
  • Tampon / Pad
  • Baby Powder
  • Sun Screen Lotion { Summer Couples}

 

Grooms:

Groom

  • Lint Roller
  • Mouth Wash
  • Extra pair of undershirt and/or undies and clean shirt
  • Safety Pins {in case your boutonniere got caught somewhere and needs saving}.
  • Hair gel / spray

 

Make sure to build your emergency kit within the month of your wedding and not the night before. Take your time to ask around, to write what applies to you. Make your list, go over it and go shop (Travel Size). Let us know your items on your emergency kit.

 

Tata

Why Hire a Wedding Planner??

by on January 16, 2013 in All Things Pretty

Keep Calm and Hire A Planner

Happy Mid January Lovelies,

It’s that time of year for most newly weds…. Shopping, shopping and shopping to book your vendors for your wedding day. This blog is dedicated to those who have these comments crossing their minds. “So, what’s the deal with wedding planners? What exactly is their purpose? Why would I have to hire one? I’m an organized person. I’m sure it’s just an extra expense that I do not need right now”. If this sounds like you, this read is for you. I feel like planners can sometimes have a bad reputation and people tend to think that it’s not a real profession. Hate to break it to you but it is! It is actually one expense that you will definitely NOT regret on your wedding day. Here are some tips to why you should hire a planner and what to look for in one.

1. Time is of the Essence

The first and foremost reason most couples come to planners is because of lack of time to plan. Many brides and mother of the brides work full-time jobs and do not have the time to plan a memorable wedding. So we are here to make your time worthwhile. It has been said that the average couple spends 250 hours planning there wedding. That’s a whole lot of time to plan your wedding. Out of those 250 hours you are probably spending 1/2 of it on #2…

2. Vendor Relations

While you need to spend countless hours finding the perfect photographer, florist, baker, videographer, disc jockey etc.. to match your personality, taste and budget, we already have these relationships with the vendors and know which would work best with you. Limiting your selection therefore you won’t feel so overwhelmed. Rest assured that if a vendor is referred by a planner chances are they are a well reputable vendor. We work with only the best vendors in the industry, do I need to say more? Their work speaks for themselves but our relationship helps you get better service and better price. Especially when you are on a…. #3…

3. Budget

We work with you to plan the perfect wedding of your dreams with your respected budget in mind. Don’t think because you have a small budget you cannot afford a wedding planner. It is possible! We help narrow down what matters must to you and finding the best for your buck! And you know the best part…. ??? We actually help you save! Wedding planners provide so much service to vendors that they often offer negotiable discounts for their clients. Which means you SAVE. But what is a well organized, perfectly budget wedding without some #4….

4. Creativity

We constantly need to keep ourselves involved with the latest trends, and progressively studying the trends of tomorrow. We know what looks will work and what won’t and together we can build your color palette and design the perfect wedding scheme personalized just for you. While no two weddings are the same we work with you to really capture that you factor for your big day. Which brings me to #5…

5. Involvement

The great thing with hiring a wedding planner is that you can be as involved or uninvolved as you wish. Planning together or leaving it in our hands, you decide your involvement. We work together to get the “blue print” down on paper and then you decide your involvement and your custom package #6…

6. A la carte please

Most planners have three set packages: full service package, a slightly altered package and month of coordination. but since no two weddings are the same, we also tailor to your needs/wants while allowing you the option to customize your package . While one couple may want the full package, from A to Z, another may want a planner just for the day of, in case something goes sour. TRUST ME: You do not want to be the one dealing with the mix ups on your wedding day nor do you want Uncle Joe to handle them either. Your wedding should be smooth sailing from start to finish, or at least to you and your guests it should be. Which brings me to my next point.

7. Emergency Kit

Professional planners carry with them at all times an emergency kit. We have everything in this kit from an extra pair of nylons to gum, to snacks, to usb keys, to batteries (even for those old school guests who might have forgotten to change their batteries..)
This is to ensure that if something comes up, we can most probably fix it. We also handle special requests, such as refreshers for the newly weds. Ahh!! Which brings me to my favorite reason why you should hire a planner.

8. Enjoy The Process

When you are stuck planning the wedding, you don’t get to enjoy the process. Let’s face it planning a wedding can be stressful and a big headache especially when you want it to go exactly your way, but most brides that plan their own wedding end up looking forward for the wedding just so it can be done with. This does happen. Having a professional take over means you get to actually breathe and enjoy whats happening during each step. You get to look forward to your wedding day instead of looking forward to the end!

 

Be selective when choosing your planner. Make sure she is a legitimate professional, perhaps a certificate might help. Have a look at their portfolio or get some referrals from them. Get to know your planner and see if it clicks. You need to get to know your planner, you will be spending a lot of time together.

Hiring a planner is for your benefit. If you’re still unsure, reach out to me and let’s chat. I can help you see the bigger picture and hey! We might click.

Also be sure to check out my pinterest page. I’ve posted many boards filled of inspiration to fire your imagination. Have a look, perhaps I’ve captured a look you want for your big day.

http://pinterest.com/NikkaEvents/

I really hope I’ve made some of you see that hiring a planner for your wedding day is as important as purchasing your perfect gown.

Much Love,

Tata

Au Revoir 2012 — Oh Hello 2013!!

by on January 2, 2013 in All Things Pretty, What Matters Most

Here we go! It’s finally a new year which means new beginnings for most!
As many of us look forward to the end of a year to put away bad karma, horrible days and stinky attitudes… I’d like to start the year and say.. HOLD UP!!! All those bad karma’s, horrible days and stinky attitudes are what I’d like to call “experiences” or “eye openers”. We need these little negative moments to make us appreciate the good ones. So take a moment and realize your 2012 horrible moments. Realize what made it horrible, and what did it teach you? Whether it be, a broken heart, a confrontation with a colleague, a disagreement with a family member, or life lesson like a loss of a loved one. What did these moments teach you?

As you probably all know mine was learning to cope with the tragic loss of my father. November 2012 marked 1 year since his passing, I lived 2012 one day at a time, in a deep depression. 2012 was definitely not the year for me but as I sit here realizing that I am ready to shift my attitude and get out of the gutter for everyone’s sake around me. I realized that yes it sucks!! It sucks losing the most important person in your life and as God is my witness, there is not a moment that goes by that my father’s face, voice and spirit isn’t on my mind. As difficult as it is to admit this and to practice what I preach, I want to be my father’s daughter. I want to make him proud and have his spirit live through me, as he would want me to. So I am taking this tragedy as a life lesson to never go to bed angry, to always say I love you!, to love more, hug more and to make those little moments matter. Again, I’m not thriving for that perfect attitude and perfect person (what is a perfect person anyway?!!?) I’m thriving for a better life, better attitude and try to make my heart feel good and of those around me. As Michael Jackson’s favorite song says “Smile though your heart is aching”. This is what I am planning to do for this new year, Smile!

2013 is going to be a great year for me. Why? Because I will be sure to make it a great one & how can it not be with the oh so precious little bundle that will be entering our lives so shortly, my precious little nephew! In a couple of months, 2 to be exact, a whole new reason to smile will enter the Carlucci family and we are all waiting with anticipation.

Common people 2013 is a year to make things happen. So what are you waiting for. Life doesn’t wait for you, you must live an active life!! Go on, come on! Grab a piece of paper and pen. Write down your 2012 “oh no’s” and take it all in. Let it hurt, and then do the best thing, and just let it go! Now look at today’s date {01-02-2013} you know what that means, its the day to DO. Write what you want to do for this wonderful year ahead and just do it!!! What do you have to lose besides your life?

Great things are going to happen over here at Nikka Weddings & Events, so be sure to come stop by often for great inspirations and finds. As I leave you to live your best lives, feel free to share with me your 2012 downfalls and your goals for 2013. Remember you might inspire someone else .

Follow my Pinterest board , what matters most: http://pinterest.com/NikkaEvents/making-things-happen-in-2013/ to see what matters most to me and what inspires me & go ahead and create your own board and share it with us below.

Special thanks to LaraCasey & EmilyLey for the continuous inspiration and motivation in my every day life.

Much Love,

T xox

 

Something old, something borrowed, something new in town…

by on September 20, 2012 in All Things Pretty

Hello Lovelies,

I know it’s been a while since my last chat with you, and I apologize. So much is going down with me and Nikka Events. As you all know August is a popular month to get married, and one of my best friends got married, August 18th, 2012. I had the honour in being one of her maids. :) The result of that wedding was amazing. Angie (the bride) was so nervous about the outcome of the wedding {from the weather to the music selection for her video to which items to bring on her honeymoon}. Ahh, what it took to peptalk her and keep her calm! Well, that all changed on August 18th, what a perfect day. The sun was shining; it was HOT but not unbearable hot. It was all just simply perfect!!!

The day was captured by the one and only, Marrone Video with their NDE (next day edit) Have a look here : http://vimeo.com/47980131 . Wasn’t that the cutest song! I think I’ve watched it about a million times since it’s been up live! eheh. {Obsessed much!?}

I want to take this time again to give them a huge shout out as it is officially ONE MONTH they are married. Congratulations Angie & Peter on your marriage! I wish you guys 100000 happy years to come. :) Whoot Whoot!

Angie's Wedding

End of August was dedicated to my new love, and what I like to call my “girl cave”. After months and months of research to what color my walls will be and what furniture pieces I will get, my home office is finally set. I finally have a place where I can work and let all my creative thought wonder around. Oh, and might I add, I finally have a home for my cake stands, candy jars and vases! WOOOHOOO!!!! Send me a shout out if you would like to see some picture of the cave. I still feel like I have a lot of last minute details to add to it, but that will come when I fall in love with the perfect items :) .

And for those of you who don’t know Nikka Events is getting a makeover. We are changing up our logo and look. I cannot wait to share it with you once it’s all done. It’s turning out to be so much better than I expected, thanks to the very talented graphic designer, director, blogger, film creator, Marco Luca :  filmshortage.com

Okay okay okay, enough about me! To all my DIY ladies & gents, the moment Montreal, qc has been waiting for since umm, FOREVER ….FRIDAY was the grand opening of MICHAEL’S CRAFT STORE. Yes, you heard me! Michael’s has arrived to Montreal, Quebec. No more driving an hour and a half away to go to the nearest Michaels. We finally have, not one but seven new store locations. Be sure to check out the canada.michaels.com for a store nearest you! I had the exclusive pleasure to go last Thursday and take a sneak peak! I was in pure awe, and what I’d like to call, heaven! Please note that if you are planning to go, give yourself a couple of hours to really take it all in. It is huge! For those of you who have no idea what a craft store can contain, well here is a short list of categories you will be sure to find. Everything from floral to ribbons to sewing to baking to beading to seasonal finds (halloween, christmas) to painting to framing to scrapbooking, the list goes on and on and on and on and on… Oh and might I add, they also have some yummy yummy treats!

This is a picture I took of the ribbon aisle… (It all couldn’t fit in one snapshot.. hehe).
Michael's Ribbon Collection

Alrightie, Future couples, get your craft-on!! Leave a comment below and let me know what you all think of Michael’s Craft Store. Those of you who don’t think you’ll have any interest in it, just give it a look and I’m 100 % sure you’ll find something you’ll like.. even candy!

Happy Thursday and mid-september love!

Ta xox

Not your typical Wedding Invitation!

by on June 21, 2012 in All Things Pretty

Hello Lovelies,

The weather in Montreal is HOT! What a perfect day for a HOT new topic!! ;)

RSVP

I just stumbled upon this awesome website! A couple created their own “website” as their wedding invitations and even more, to tell their story. Just looking at the first page you can right away tell what kind of couple they are and this is what makes it all the more entertaining. Click through the site and you will get to know the bridal party as well. Why not?

I have completely fallen in love with this idea. I honestly like to stick to the etiquette ways of doing things but this was so well done, how could you not love it? You give your guest a chance to get to you know as a couple. Think about it, how many weddings have you gone to and wondered how the couple met? Well, this is a modern and fun way to share your story and also give them something to talk about! LOVE IT!

Take a look and get ready to get inspired!!!

jennyandgrayden.com/

Are you the traditional type or would you do something fun and out there like this? Let us know!!

Much Love,

Tanya xox

Inspiration is Key

by on June 11, 2012 in All Things Pretty

Hello Lovelies,

If you are here, it’s probably because you have found love and are getting married in the next couple of months. First, I’d like to congratulate you on this amazing adventure you are about to embark on. Planning a wedding can be both a ton of fun or a complete anxiety attack. Which ever describes you, don’t worry, I’m here to tell you its going to be fine. How do I know you ask? Well, the internet is THE place for free inspirational finds. You will definitely find plenty of ideas that will spark your interest. The professionals in the wedding industry have made it extremely easy for you to see their work and help you find your specific style!

Here are my top 5 absolutely MUST visit sites for all you can find inspiration:

stylemepretty.com *

pinterest.com *

lover.ly

 greenweddingshoes.com

weddingobsession.com *

*these blogs provide work from Canadian professionals and weddings

Love is Patient: We are working hard at Nikka’s to provide you with weekly finds and even greater inspiration! Stay tuned!

If there is something you want to see more of, or have any questions for the team, please do not hestitate to contact us. We answer our e-mail quite quickly.. you’ll be surprised! 

info@nikkaevents.com

Have a great week lovelies!

Tanya xox

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