PERFECT PROPOSAL

Wedding Paper Divas recently ran an Engagement Story Contest (unfortunately only open to US residents) and Chris & Courtney of Connecticut were the winners! Here’s their story as told by the bride to be…

My boyfriend Chris and I are avid skiers, so when he told me that the lifts at our favorite resort (Killington, VT) were opening early for season pass holders one Saturday morning, I couldn't resist. We got up early and managed to be the very first to get to the lift. Unbeknownst to me, Chris had been in communication with the mountain staff for months and had convinced them to open the lifts a half hour early just for the two of us. There were a lot of people getting their skis together behind us, so I didn't think anything of it at the time. The lift attendants played along and said it was going to be a beautiful day, but really busy since it was a special weekend for pass holders.

About half way up the lift, Chris brought my attention to the returning chairs on the opposite side. There was a sign on the back of the chair that said, "Hi hunny!" I didn't catch on right away, but there were a total of 16 signs on the chairs that passed, each with a special memory or inside joke from our time together. When we got off the lift, the last sign at the top of the mountain said, "Will You Marry Me?". We clicked our skis off, Chris got down on one knee, said some of the nicest words anyone has ever said to me and asked me to marry him. I said yes, and then two of our best friends came out of the background holding cameras and champagne glasses with our names engraved on them. We toasted on the top of Bear Mountain!

Photo Credits: CRL Media Group

THERE'S ONLY ONE REAL 'TO DO' LIST

For all you brides (and grooms) feeling a little overwhelmed with the planning process and what seems like a never ending 'to do' list...


Photo Credits: Everyday People

INSPIRATION - MARTHA'S CAKES

Photo Credits: Martha Stewart Weddings

VIVA'S BOOK CLUB - MARTHA, MARTHA, MARTHA

Martha Stewart and her team are full of great ideas when it comes to weddings. They provide us with never ending inspiration by creating beautiful floral arrangements, demonstrating step by step fab DIY projects and offering us the best tips and secret tricks of the trade. They're always coming up with something new to 'wow' us.
And who isn't wowed by a Martha Stewart wedding cake? Stay tuned for my next post - a peek at some of the stunning cake creations you can find in this book and on her website. It's a good thing!

Open the pages and you will find:
- How to decide what style and flavours are right for you, taking into account the season, location and theme of the event.
- Buttercream or fondant? Ganache or meringue? Useful charts explain the delicious materials bakers use so you can choose the ones that suit your taste and style.

- Creative ways to display your cake so it takes center stage at the reception.

- How to find and hire a baker, including questions to ask and contract considerations.

- Ideas for cutting costs without sacrificing quality or beauty.

- Everything you need to know about baking a cake yourself, with complete recipes as well as how-to decorating techniques with color photographs and reference charts.

HAPPY ST PATRICK'S DAY!

Photo Credits: The Knot, Project Wedding

THIS MONTH'S VIVA LA WEDDING Q&A

Q - My church/ceremony/reception location has an on-site coordinator. Why would I need another one?

A - When there is an on-site coordinator Viva la wedding does not infringe on, but is rather a compliment to, the work they do. On-site coordinators specialize in the services they offer 'on-site', just as your florist specializes in creating beautiful bouquets and your photographer specializes in capturing the emotion of your day. Professional wedding coordinators are experienced in seeing the big picture and smoothly bringing all the components of your wedding together.

WHAT'S IN YOUR BAG?

Strapped on her shoulder, sometimes mistaken for an extra limb, an experienced wedding coordinator will never be caught without her wedding day emergency kit close at hand and while on the surface each kit may appear as unique as the coordinator carrying it, their contents are all the same - items you, as a bride, might need on your wedding day that no one else will seem to have.

The International Traveller Loop Handle Vanity Case in black was my pick but they can also be found in a ton of fun colours/designs and the interior doesn't dissapoint, keeping it's contents perfectly organized so items are easy to find. What items you're wondering? Well it’s not What’s in your bag? you should be asking but rather What isn’t? and when the reply you receive is Everything but the kitchen sink! we’re not kidding.

Bride’s Lipstick/Makeup

Makeup Brushes
Brush/Comb
Hair Pins/Elastics
Hair Spray/Gel
Clear Nail Polish
Nail Polish Remover
Nail File
Nail Clippers

Tweezers
Tooth Brush/Tooth Paste

Dental Floss
Mouth Wash
Breath Mints

Aquafina Hydrating Lip Oil
Nylons
Baby Powder
Vaseline

Hand Cream

Deodorant

Mirror

Kleenex
Cotton Balls/Swabs
Qtips
Visine

Tylenol/Advil/Aspirin

Allergy/Sinus Medication
Safety Pins
Corsage Pins
Sewing Kit
White Chalk

Shoe Laces
Shoe Polish
Tide Pen
Wine Out
Static Guard
Lint Brush
Band-Aids
Insect Repellent

After Bite
Sunscreen

Evian Water Atomizer

Wet Wipes
Hand Sanitizer
Duct Tape

Double Sided Tape
Scotch Tape

Adhesive Velcro
Flashlight
Batteries
Lighter
Scissors
Umbrella

We’ve all heard our parents say It’s better to be safe than sorry and as much as we hate to admit it, this time they’re right.