Tales of a Reluctantly Blissful Bride

The Flowers: Roses by Forget-Me-Not Flowers, Banff, AB

2010-04-27T20:44:00.018-06:00

I know that calla lilies tend to be the art deco flower of choice, but I keep coming back to roses ... and just roses ... for my bouquet. I think a smaller version of the bouquet pictured above would be just right, and our florists at Forget-Me-Not Flowers agree! We have decided to go with a combination of leonidas, pale pink, champagne, and peach roses for my hand-tied bouquet. We've also decided to incorporate the art-nouveau brooch from the bracelet pictured below (made by PenelliBelle) on the bouquet wrap. Absolutely beautiful!

The Music: Music Mosaic for the Ceremony, and Vintage Bowlly, Piaf, Fréhel with Some Modern Tiersen for Dinner - Très Bon!

2010-04-25T22:01:00.017-06:00

I have always loved classical music, and have had a particular and deep affection for all things strings! Having a trio of classically-trained instrumentalists, say the pianist, violinist and cellist who comprise the ensemble Music Mosaic, perform at our ceremony would make that most important hour of our wedding day beyond fabulous! Although we have yet to determine our full musical program for the ceremony, it goes without saying (!) that I will be walking down the aisle to a very personal and beloved favourite - "The Flower Duet" from Delibes' Lakmé.

In keeping with the classical/romantic/vintage, and, in terms of music, French (!), theme of the wedding, the "soundtrack" for our dinner will be comprised of a compilation of what I think is some of the most romantic music ever produced! I absolutely love Al Bowlly and Fréhel, and one can't go wrong throwing in a little Édith Piaf for a bit of a kick! And although composer Yann Tiersen is a modern master, I simply must include some of my favourites from Amélie. Beautiful, light, romantic, and warm music to compliment fabulous food and drink with family and friends - c'est magnifique!

The Dress: By Lana Lowon of Lowon Pope, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

2010-04-22T08:28:00.025-06:00

Finding my perfect gown was a feat that could only be accomplished by travelling to the centre of the universe - Toronto, Ontario, Canada! As part of my dress-shopping-trip planning, I consulted the one person I knew who would know of a stylish and unique shop at which to acquire the perfectly exquisite bridal attire I longed for - my Auntie S! Auntie S lives at the heart of the heart of our beloved nation - Queen Street West - one of the best streets to shop on in Canada! Auntie S knew of just the place for me to find my dress - a little boutique called Lowon Pope.

I immediately made contact with Lana Lowon, sent her pictures of the style of gown that I liked, my measurements and a picture of myself, and a budget. In less than a month, I was on my way to Toronto to try on the custom made dress Lana had designed just for me ... and I love, love, love it!!!! My A-line gown, which is made out of two layers of silk charmeuse and beaded embroidered net, is something that might be described as 1930s glam - it truly is MY perfect gown!!!

The Venue: Ivor Petrak Room, The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, Alberta, Canada

2010-04-22T07:44:00.003-06:00

Shortly after our engagement, my fiancé and I travelled to Banff, Alberta - the location of our first trip together - to view potential venues for our wedding. The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (also known as the "Castle in the Rockies") was our last appointment of the day, and because it was the most expensive venue we would be visiting, it was at the bottom of our list. Despite the cost, we decided, "just for fun," to keep our appointment and tour around one of the most beautiful and historic structures in the Canadian Rockies. Once we entered the Ivor Petrak Room, however, we were overcome by the mountain view and the beauty of our surroundings - we knew, almost immediately, that this would be the room in which we would become husband and wife and celebrate our lifelong commitment to each other with our families and friends.

The Theme: Art Deco/Art Nouveau

2010-04-22T05:34:00.003-06:00

When looking at dresses (I found only one that I liked in the one bridal magazine I bought) and venues (we visited three in the Canadian Rockies), it slowly began to dawn on me that I absolutely love all things vintage! It took a little longer to realize that "vintage" constituted a mix of the styles of art nouveau (an art movement popular at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries) and art deco (popular between the two World Wars).

Upon this realization, I have focused on choosing an art deco/art nouveau-style venue, dress, cake, flowers, decorations, and accessories for my wedding ... posts to follow!

Top Left: Portrait d'Ira by Tamara de Lempicka, c. 1933
Top Right: Moet & Chandon , White Star Champagne Label by Alphonse Mucha, c. 1899
Bottom Left: L'Amethyste by Alphonse Mucha, c. 1900
Bottom Right: Girl in a Green Dress by Tamara de Lempicka, c. 1930