Archive | May, 2011

bag it up: deux lux bags for calgary brides

So this is amazing – how much do you love finding one rad thing that would be perfect for your wedding day? It’s the best feeling, right? You find that pair of shoes, those earrings, that font, it just works perfectly with your vision and style. But wait – you also found the stockings, garter and garter belt to go with the shoes, the tennis bracelet that goes with the earrings and the colour for the font that makes your invites look dreamy. It all just – poof! – lines up.

So you know where I’m coming from. I had the chance to get a little sneak peak today at the Fall line up of Deux Lux handbags (don’t ask – it’s not as glamorous as it sounds). Think gorgeous creams, browns, taupes in a leather weave. Like boho meets city chic. L.o.v.e. So while I was cruising the new bags, I also caught a glimpse of this spring’s collection of handbags, totes, overnight bags and clutches. And I proceeded to have a mini internal freak out, as these bags are adorable and dare I say it – perfect for you. The bride.

Found at Calgary stores like Holt Renfrew and Urban Outfitters, these bags are sturdy. A Calgary bride’s dream. Think a little bit of shimmer with a boat load of practicality – what I love best is this is not a line that was designed with bridal in mind (maybe it was? doubt it). These bags are designed to be useable – to be thrown on desks and hallway floors, tossed into cabs and hold pens without lids. In other words – these are real bags that actually operate like a bag. So unlike your 4’’ heels, the earrings that cost you an entire pay cheque or the font that took you 36 hours straight to find, these bags will be useful way beyond your wedding day. You – are welcome!

The perfect size for your wedding binder, a water bottle and your agenda book, the Twinkle Tote for $196 is just the right tool to keep your head on your shoulders in the months leading up to your wedding.

I can not be the only one obsessed with bows. The Flirt Mini Messenger – $143 is a great little bag for meetings with your wedding planner, rehearsal dinners and bridal showers.

The Twiggie Wristlet, $143 makes a perfect gift your bridesmaids. Make sure your bridesmaids are matchy matchy in the least lame way possible.

The Twiggie Clutch, $159 is perfect for your wedding day. Small enough to tuck away and big enough to keep your lip gloss, cellphone and camera.

Pack your wedding night essentials in the Ipanema Large Duffle $119 and be sure to remember your toothbrush. You might not brush your teeth on your wedding night but you will absolutely want to brush them the next morning.

On your honey mooon, the Love Drops Tote for $137 is a relaxed and sophisticated bag that looks great when you hop on the plane, arrival at your hotel or to carry your magazines when you head to the spa.

real wedding: sarah and nate’s mount norquay – banff wedding

Erika from Two-Mann Tent Photography in Canmore sent us this stylin’ wedding that took place at Mount Norquay. Her bride and groom were thrilled with their images and so were we!

“What can we say. When we first began researching photographers, there was a lot to consider, but from the moment we were invited into their home, we knew Lanny and Erika were just who we wanted. Two-Mann Tent are not only professionals, they are artists with skill, natural talent, passion and a drive for what they do. These photographs are testament to how Two-Mann Tent are incredible at their craft. They represent the product of a team who communicate with their clients. Lanny and Erika mold themselves to who you are and what you want. We will never be able to express our gratitude for these memories and we feel honored that they captured our special day. If you are ever presented with the opportunity to work with Two-Mann Tent, our strong recommendation is to say YES! You will be delighted with the experience. It was the best decision we made in planning our entire wedding. Thank you Two-Mann Tent!” – Bride and Groom

Then Erika comments…

“From the moment Lanny and I arrived at Sarah and Nate’s Banff wedding, we ‘picked up’ on a beautiful and intense energy. Everyone present was so genuinely happy for the bride and groom. Even the weather gods and mother nature did their part and, as if communicating their approval, held back a major cold front which ultimately pushed through mere hours after signing their nuptials. And it hasn’t warmed up since. Their wedding was speckled with fabulous little romantic details. One of which was the unique and interesting way in which Nate and Sarah chose to collect the love and energy from their guests. As relatives and friends arrived, they filed past a small, red wooden boat containing smooth river rocks. Each guest selected a rock to hold onto during the ceremony and then return to the boat afterward. These rocks will be an everlasting reminder of the love and support that Nate and Sarah’s loved ones have for them. Lanny and I feel incredibly privileged to have taken part in such a beautiful and special day. Here are few of our favorite images.”

Photographer: Two-Mann Tent Photography

BLOG – www.twomanntent.com/blog

403.763-7401

the unmentionables

Or at least, they should be unmentionables, according to moi. I am a prude. More than a prude, I am a Prudey-tude. Of the worst kind. I cover my eyes when people make lurve in the movies, I usually blush whenever I’m in the underwear section at The Bay and the worst images burned into my eyes are the boys from my high school mooning each other. I know what you’re thinking – this chick sounds lame. I promise I’m not – I just feel like under should be kept under. Let your outerwear do the talking!

So it will come as no surprise that there will be no garter tossing business at my wedding. No, thank you, no underwear in front of parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, young guests or groomsmen. As far as for all the poor single fellows at my wedding who won’t have the chance to catch my garter – well, of the two that will be attending, one of them will be my older brother so really, I don’t think anyone is going to mind too much. But just because there will be no toss at my wedding doesn’t mean I can’t see a gorgeous garter when it crosses my path! They speak to my basic fashion senses – ruffles, embellishments and best of all, stretch to fit. And even I’ll admit – they are sexy-rexy and for those brides who don’t want to give up the once in a lifetime wedding photo opportunity, I bet the toss is pretty fun.

A few great places for brides to get a garter in Calgary? Check out Pink Ginger,The Cat’s Pyjama’s or SHE Apparel which are all great, locally owned and operated skivvy stores. If you have no luck there, don’t forget the old fall backs – Victoria Secret, Jacob or La Senza. There are plenty of garters out there for everyone!

Let’s call a spade a spade – we’ll all be wearing spanks under our wedding dresses on our big day, and if nothing else, a garter is going to make you feel slightly more feminine.