wpic – ALFRESCO

Romantic Backyard Wedding

Some of my favourite weddings to plan have been simple yet romantic backyard weddings.

If I had to guess I think we’re going to see a lot more of these types of weddings, what better way to celebrate your love than in your own backyard?! If you’re considering going this route here are a few tips to help take a simple backyard event to a romantic dream wedding

1. Use string lights to brighten things up & add a beautiful whimsical feel

2. Consider using “indoor decor” such as area rugs, couches/chairs to add style and function!

3. Add pops of colour where you can. Use things such as your table linens, dessert table, signs, florals etc. to add some extra vibrance.

4. Use plants/greenery to help turn small delicate accents into the dreamy romantic decor. This can be things such as centrepieces, simplistic decor accents, or small floral place settings.

5. Add something personal to you as a couple such as a signature cocktail, combined playlist, or fun games for guests.(And don’t forget the dance floor!)One of the easiest ways to turn a simple event into the wedding of your dreams is to hire a wedding planner that can help execute your vision and bring all of your ideas to life.

Book a consultation at alfrescowedding.ca, I’d love to chat about your big day!..

Photo Credit: Becca Vey Photography

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How to Stay Organized Planning Your Wedding

You’re engaged! Congratulations!

Before you start your journey of wedding planning, it’s essential that you have an organized plan to make the process as seamless as possible. No question, wedding planning can be overwhelming. There are a lot of details that go into making an event like this.

Not to scare you, but did you know that the average wedding in Canada can take 250 hours to plan. Having a Game plan before you start will make the world of difference of keeping your stress level down and feeling confident about your special day.

Here are our top 6 tips to help keep you organized with keeping track of your spending, to-do lists, and communications so nothing slips through the cracks.

1. Create a dedicated wedding email. Keep all your emails related to your wedding in one place. You can create folders within your inbox to easily find important emails. You can create folders for each of your vendors, helpful blogs, invoices etc. Give all your wedding vendors, and the venue this email.
2. Get a Wedding Binder or Folder. It might be a digital world, but you’re still going to need a place to keep important documents like contracts, invoices and brochures, so they don’t get lost. Again, create tabs for things like wedding inspiration, to-do lists, service providers etc.
3. Follow a 12-month checklist. Don’t know where to get started on first? Use a Wedding Checklist to keep you on track, and break things down in small manageable chunks.
4. Schedule Time for Wedding Planning. Set aside time on your calendar every week for wedding planning, just like you would a doctor appointment or a gym workout. If you don’t block off the time, it’s likely it will get put off….and this will always be at the bottom of your to-do list.
5. Use Spreadsheets. Spreadsheets are a fantastic tool to keep track of important information. You can use a spreadsheet for your Budget, Guest List with RSVP’s responses, Menu selection, and Thank you Cards. Enter formulas to automatically calculate your budget or add up your Guest List.
6. Get help! Planning a wedding is a BIG job, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. This is where a professional Wedding Planner can come in handy. Wedding planners have the relationships and knowledge to help achieve your wedding day vision and ease the stress. Alfresco Wedding Planner will put you at ease and guide you through what is possibly the most exciting, yet stressful time of your life.

Do you need help getting started or have questions? We are here to create the best Wedding Day Experience for you, as you deserve it. Contact us today liz@alfrescowedding.ca

Happy Planning!

Finalist for Best Wedding over $25,000 of 2018

I may not have won this award, however, I still feel proud of this wedding and being a finalist for the Best Wedding over $25,000 of 2018 by The Wedding Planner’s Institute of Canada.

Bride and Groom: Angelica and Joseph

Date: Saturday, June 9, 2018

Theme: Idyllic and Graceful. Everything about this wedding was picturesque from the Ceremony at Toronto’s oldest Roman Catholic church built in 1822 to the scenic and charming Venue overlooking Toronto’s city skyscape at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club.

This romantic love story began 5 years ago when Angelica traveled to Toronto and met Joseph. Eventually, she returned to Brazil, but the two remained close. But these two couldn’t live without each other and shortly after became engaged. It was a big undertaking to arrange Angelica’s family to fly to Canada for the wedding but was so worth it to see the magic between Angelica and Joseph.

Congratulation Angelica and Joseph!! You two are such a sweet and beautiful couple, I wish you both the BEST!!

Vendors Involved:

Wedding Planner and Coordination: Yours Truly Alfresco Weddings and Events

Ceremony: St. Paul’s Basilica

Reception Venue: The Royal Canadian Yacht Club

Photography: Willow + Birch

Cake & Desserts: Rania’s Cakes

Staffing: DGS Events

Florist: Beachwood Flower Shop

Photo Booth: Fun Shot Photos

Band: Scott Neary

BEST Wedding Under $25,000 of 2018 Award

BEST Wedding Under $25,000

Every year since becoming a Certified Wedding Planner by The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada, I look forward to going to the annual Kick-off Gala Party. It’s a chance for wedding planners to network and celebrate together. This year at the Awards Ceremony, I was recognized with the Best Wedding under $25,000 for 2018. I can’t tell you how excited, honored and grateful I am for this opportunity.

Photo Credit: Avenue Photo

Let me tell you about The Best Wedding Under $25,000 of 2018

Bride and Groom: Rachel and Scott

Date: December 30, 2018

Theme and design: Holiday Pop-up Wedding, Winter Wedding with a Royal Blue and Cranberry Red colour theme.

Have you ever heard of Pop-up Weddings? There are short and sweet luxury weddings, at a fraction of the cost, made easy and simple. The couple shows up dressed with their marriage license and ready to say “I DO”, everything else is done for them!

They had a compact plan to fit all the essential wedding aspects within 2 hours, yet not feel rushed: first look between father and bride, legal ceremony. champagne toast, cake cutting, first dance, mini reception, and family photos.

This wedding has all the elements of the perfect wedding: a love story, happy tears, excitement, spontaneous, a celebration, laughter, and fabulous food.

Rachel (the bride) is a wedding photographer with Love the Moment Photography, and we belonged to a networking group that met once a week. Since last summer, Rachel shared some of her wedding plans and ideas with me. Then last November her fiance reached out to me to inquire about a Holiday Wedding Pop-up event that I was planning, without Rachel’s knowledge. It was a spontaneous decision! A pop-up winter wedding was never a consideration for their BIG day. After being together for 8 years, engaged for 2 years, they became Husband and Wife in 1 month with 30 of their closest family and friends.

Congratulations Rachel and Scott!!! I wish you both all the best.

Photo Credit: Brooklin Photography

Video Trailer by Eddie Cristobal Videography: https://www.facebook.com/EddieCristobalVisuals/videos/216916485855262/

Vendors Involved:
Wedding Planner: Alfresco Wedding Planner
Venue: Millbrook Cathedral
Caterer: Hawley Crescent Culinary
Florist: Dream Bloom
Wedding Officiant: Lori Hayes
Photographer: Brooklin Photography
Party Rentals: Perfect Party Rentals
Videography: Eddie Cristobal Videography