Brides unite @ The Ring's Winter Bridal Expo 2012, Jan 7 & 8, Waterloo Inn

The Wedding Ring's Winter Bridal Expo is one, big, fabulous bridal show with oodles of vendors, giveaways, new designs, the latest products and services and possibly even a sample sale or two! Limos, photography, decorators, shoes, accessories, cake tastings, couture gowns, live design palettes for brides to vote on, free access to the latest app from The Ring that'll make designing your wedding a dream, and soooo much more. Come join the fun at Waterloo Inn!

SHOW DATES: January 7th & 8th, 2012

TIMES: 11am to 5pm each day

LOCATION: Waterloo Inn
475 King Street North, Waterloo, Ontario, N2J 2Z5

ADMISSION PRICE: Free if you register

Admission, swag and automatic entry into a few of the biggest giveaways and prizes are free for anyone who registers ahead of time. Register for free admission!

ENVIE Intimates One Year Anniversary Gala and Fashion Show 

ENVIE Intimates is celebrating the one year anniversary of their retail location at Sportsworld Crossing. To celebrate they will be holding a weekend long event from November 24-27. The featured gala and fashion show will take place on Thursday November 24 and will showcase a variety of brands with fabulous promotions and giveaways. ENVIE is looking forward to sharing this occasion with its loyal customers, friends and family.

QUICK REVIEWS LINKS: to what you're looking for to plan a fabulous Kitchener-Waterloo area wedding!

Design Palette: Yellow & Charcoal  

The Creative Bride uses charcoal grey as a background colour with bright bursts of yellow to set the mood for a fun, fresh wedding. Grey has become increasingly popular over the past few years because of its chic sophistication and endless pairing options. A dramatic table overlay is the perfect base for this design palette and sets everything off. The gorgeous  yellow flowers from...

Latest reviews on wedding experts in the Kitchener-Waterloo Area

Moonseed Films captures couples before their wedding, creating incredible pre-wedding movies that your guests will love

We are always on the look-out for totally unique, creative, stand-out wedding ideas that we know our brides will love. So, when we met Celene Osiecka and Matt Dobson, owners of Moonseed Films, we knew we had to share this fabulous find with brides in The Ring.Moonseed takes your wedding to a new level, creating an amazing pre-wedding video filmed before the wedding to show on your big day. Imagine your guests’ reaction when they see you and your sweetheart as the stars in your own music video. Or, how much fun would it be to remake a scene from one of your favourite films?!

read more

The Event Firm gives brides peace of mind while planning the perfect party

It’s an ingenious concept; a full-service event company that provides all your wedding needs under one roof. The Event Firm’s goal is to make the task of organizing your wedding a snap, using their wedding savvy to design a stunning celebration just for you.It’s an ingenious concept; a full-service event company that provides all your wedding needs under one roof. The Event Firm’s goal is to make the task of organizing your wedding a snap, using their wedding savvy to design a stunning celebration just for you.....

read more

Awe, inspire, and enlighten guests with a wedding at THEMUSEUM

THEMUSEUM, a beautiful venue with distinctive architecture and eclectic, contemporary elegance, is the new kid on the wedding scene. Its powerfully transformative space is turning the heads of creative couples and inspiring exciting, unforgettable events. Through word of mouth it is quickly gaining momentum as both a ceremony and wedding facility, and has the potential to become a go-to for brides on the hunt for something completely different......

read more

Church of the Good Shepherd in Kitchener offers personalized and flexible ceremonies in a stunning Gothic stone building

With the recent royal wedding at Westminster Abbey, the trend of having a wedding ceremony in a traditional church setting is experiencing a revitalization. And while couples sometimes shy away from a church wedding, believing that it will be too moralizing or old-fashioned, a ceremony at the Church of the Good Shepherd is anything but. As Coleen, Steve, and Alison from Good Shepherd tell us, they’re open to pretty much any couple, regardless of your beliefs.....

read more

Libro Financial Group helps couples ensure their wedding—and life after the big day—is doable, affordable, and puts them on a path to bliss

It's easy to get lost in all of the hype of your big day and it's especially easy to lose sight of the long-term: your financial well-being. That's why, when we met with the experts at Libro Financial Group, we knew we had to share their services with couples in The Ring. We love that amidst all of the wedding chaos, they are there to help ensure that your finances stay on track......

read more

Frilly Bits creates custom hair jewellery, head pieces & feather bouquets for the stylish bride

Kalee McTaggart and Wendy Widdicombe, the mother and daughter team from Frilly Bits, create custom hair pieces for brides who want a look that’s entirely their own. Using materials like vintage netting from France and genuine Swarovski crystals, Frilly Bits aims to...

read more

Fabulous Feminine’s editorial approach to boudoir sessions will change the way you see yourself

When staff at The Ring began to research a photography company that specializes in boudoir sessions, we assumed it might be tricky finding past clients willing to share their flirty photos and posing details with thousands of online readers. Not only were we were wrong, we were overwhelmed with the feedback of so many women who were happy to flaunt what they’ve got and step up to sing their own praises of the Fabulous Feminine Photography Team (aka FabFem). At the FabFem (a division of nbphotos), boudoir photo shoots are sexy, fun and freeing. It’s about two women teaming up to inspire you to feel free to just be yourself in a judgement free environment. Offering you support and inspiration during your appointment, while respecting your personal boundaries and comfort zones. FabFem shoots are filled with the confidence-boosting attention and encouragement from Make-up Artist & Wardrobe Stylist Crystal Cox...

read more

Petrov Bridal offers high end designer lines for brides who want ‘WOW!’ gowns & accessories

After a lifetime of sewing (a trade that she admits runs in her genes) and over thirty years in the wedding industry, Eva Petrov is bringing high end bridal gown lines from Paris, UK and Milan to the doorsteps of London and Southwestern Ontario brides. At Petrov you can find that ‘wow’ gown and the couture style gloves or stole to go with it. Garters, jackets, veils, jewellery, flower girl baskets, ring pillows and more, are all either purchased or personally created by Eva for the Petrov Bridal inventory. The idea is to offer an impeccable level of both service and high fashion to brides who want to look stunning on their wedding day. We sat down with Eva to find out more about what she has in store for her brides. Here’s what we found…

read more

Clickr’s James Woo is all about creative lighting, one-stop shopping, and focusing on his clients

If you're looking for a photographer who’s adaptable, who’s not afraid to stand in the rain or lay on the wet ground to get the shot, and who plays on the light around you to capture images he knows you’ll cherish forever, James Woo of Clickr Photography should be on your must-see list this year.With packages that start at a minimum of six hours of coverage and go on to include high res files on DVD, fine art albums, unlimited photos, unlimited locations, same-day slideshows at your reception, online galleries and countless other options, there’s a lot to love about Clickr. But it’s a fresh and clean style without over processing that James says truly sets him apart. He goes for beauty and finds drama in light (or lack thereof).

read more

JJJ Video keeps it simple by offering experience, flexibility, quick turnaround, HD options & great prices at all times

JJJ Video Productions Inc., owned by John Cash, offers several things that local brides and grooms want from their videography: budget-friendly pricing, flexible options, a great reputation and a videographer whose level of experience means that he's very difficult to surprise. As of 2010, JJJ Video has been capturing wedding day memories on camera for over twenty-seven years. And while he may have seen the evolution of Beta to S-VHS and S-VHS to digital and now to HD, the things that matter to John have stayed the same - videos that capture the people, the relationships, and the events of the day are still the biggest priorities for most couples, and for JJJ.

read more

Erika Snyder's on-site make-up is for brides who want to look incredible & feel like themselves

Erika Snyder, a Make-up Artist based out of Elmira, was first recommended to us by several community wedding vendors who’d seen her work or had brides who swore by her services. But it was when we really got the chance to put Erika to the test (making over The Wedding Ring Magazine’s Spring/Summer 2010 and Fall/Winter 2010 cover brides!) that we knew this girl was destined to be famous.

read more

Indulge caters to weddings with a modern, local and organic twist on traditional dishes

Paul Cummings, the Head Chef and Owner of Indulge Natural and Organic Kitchen, is putting inspiration and the local farming community back into the art of planning a wedding menu. He uses a bistro-style cooking approach and ingredients that are local, seasonal and chemical-free wherever possible to put a new twist on traditional dishes.Whether he’s serving from his Kitchener Farmer’s Market location, catering peanut butter panna cotta with caramel and a raspberry coulis (his take on his clients’ all-time favourite food - PB&Js) to 300 wedding guests, or teaching clients how to cook something new in their own homes, this Stratford Chefs School grad seems to look at cooking with a fresh perspective – and it’s obvious he’s having fun while he’s at it.

read more

Nestled on the river, NithRidge’s amphitheatre, gardens and tent allow for outdoor dream weddings

Nithridge Estate, owned by Terry and Marlene Schmidt, was already naturally beautiful on its own. But when you add in its renaissance ambiance, an amphitheatre for outdoor ceremonies, beautifully landscaped gardens and a horse drawn carriage, we knew that if this location wasn’t already booked solid, it would be shortly.Just twenty....

read more

Brentwood specializes in exceptional chauffeur service with genuine care towards couples

There are no shortage of people who have excellent things to say about Brentwood Livery. We'd heard from both brides and other experts in town that Brentwood was a call we needed to make. When we finally met Brent and Marilyn Ferguson, we could tell that everything about them and their dedication to their business, was genuine. With Brentwood Livery, you get the distinct feeling of being taken care of and they truly care about you, your guests and your wedding day....

read more

The Leith Quartet's expert musicians know how to stay in-synch with brides

The Leith Quartet has been playing right into the hearts of local brides for the past ten years. The four musicians use their expertise and rich string quartet sounds to set the stage for wedding ceremonies and receptions in the community. This tightly knit, well rehearsed and obviously talented quartet has their own way with weddings, and it looks like brides can hear the difference. Staff at The Ring sat down with Violinist and Quartet Representative, Bruce Skelton to find out more...

read more

After thousands of weddings, Don Perron's love for ceremonies never fails to inspire

It must take an extraordinary person to perform thousands of weddings without losing emotional involvement or intensity over time. But Don Perron of Pastoral Services of Guelph, has never lost his love for weddings, nor his power to perform them. Don has performed ceremonies all over Southwestern Ontario, from The Medieval Times Dinner & Theatre and reality weddings on the Slice Network to just about every local ceremony/reception site.

read more

Ku'r is the cure for all of your wedding day salon and spa needs

Ku'r Salon and Spa's goal is to make sure you're feeling and looking fabulous on the morning of your wedding day. This Doon South Drive spa is a one-stop shop for all of your beauty needs from head to toe. Taline Danaoghlian and Katrina Byrne, Owners of Ku'r, and their team of expert stylists and aestheticians work from the inside out, relaxing you with massages and facials and making you look gorgeous with manis, pedis, make-up and hair design. This is where a bride goes to get what she wants on her day. They offer bridal discounts, trials and customized packages, all designed to suit the needs of each bride and her wedding party.

read more

From Hollywood Blvd to K-W, Sonia Ryan's on-site make-up and glam style are a hit with local brides

Sonia Ryan, owner of Sonia Ryan & Co., is well-known (and well-loved) by brides and wedding experts alike. Depending on the day, she can be found speaking at women’s conferences, learning trade secrets in Hollywood, hosting make-up workshops in K-W, and training newer make-up artists on the ins and outs of wedding day beauty. Not only that, she recently styled the fabulous cover (concept, fashion and make-up) for The Wedding Ring Magazine's Spring/Summer 2011 issue. Offering everything from image consulting to personalized on-site wedding day make-up for bridal parties, Sonia is taking your look to your location. She’s fun, inspiring, outgoing, talented, and most importantly, tends to be a favourite with brides who want to rock their photos on their wedding days. Let us explain...

read more

Images With Attitude Offers Experienced Photographers Who Artfully Capture The Special Moments of Your Big Day

When John Cormier and his new bride Alisha walked down the aisle after saying “I Do” in front of family and friends on July 9th, 2011, there was one smiling face they were especially glad to see. It was Paul, one of their photographers, walking backwards just ahead of them, ready to capture that special first walk together as man and wife. Not far away snapping candid's of happy guests watching the couple exit the ceremony was Anita, the other half of Images With Attitude Photography.....

read more

Calla Studio uses a fun, relaxed approach to capture the connection between couples on their wedding day

It’s been fifteen years since Tina Weltz started out as a wedding photographer for Calla Studio in Elmira. She’s been lead photographer for the past ten years and we can see why. She can capture ‘the shot’. That shot that just sums up a couple and their relationship. The shot that people immediately point to....

read more

A beautiful backdrop for your wedding is always nearby at Hessenland Country Inn

Since 1984, Hessenland has managed to bring history, countryside and elegance together with a multitude of ceremony and reception spaces. They offer overnight accommodations, inside and outside reception spaces, two pavilions, two gazebos and a lookout tower, just to start.

read more

The Walper Hotel offers over 100 years of weddings with style, elegance & service

There likely isn't a bride or wedding vendor in town that would challenge the reputation of the Walper Hotel, or the elegance of a wedding that takes place within it. To most in the community, the Walper Hotel is both a Kitchener landmark and the epitome of elegance, class, and local history. Within its doors, you'll find six banquet room options, seventy-nine guest rooms, an on-site restaurant, a historical pub, and one hundred and fifteen years of experience in catering to royalty, celebrities, government - and of course many, many brides.....

read more

Personalizing your E-Shoot

An expert tip with Sweet Pair Photography (www.sweetpair.ca) (review on Sweet Pair)

Location, props and personality are some of the keys to engagement images that will make anyone smile and say ‘Awww!’ Rachel and Kurtis had been in the process of moving into a new home at the time they met Olga and Vladimir of Sweet Pair Photography, so for a unique approach, the photographers thought it would be fun to...

Designing your stems | Bridal bouquet ideas

Belmont Flowers shows how using exotic flowers can add flavour and style to your wedding design and bridal fashion

In these arrangements, Vildana, owner of Belmont Flowers in Kitchener (www.belmontflowers.ca) (review on Belmont) mixed vibrant colours and textures for four sweet table arrangements and one sweet yet dramatic bouquet. She explains, “It is always more interesting when you use different textures..."

Make-up tricks for Spring brides

An Expert Tip by Angie Keller, Make-up Artist and Creator of Jacha Minerals

Wash away the winter blues with some amazing new spring hues! A big trend right now in makeup and a must have look for brides this summer is to achieve the look of translucent, luminous skin, along with subtle elegant colours on the eyes and lips. Foundations filled with talc and heavy pore clogging ingredients are not going to help you achieve this look, so toss away your heavy winter makeup and replace it with light iridescent mineral makeup!

 A big, fabulous Serbian wedding { reality wedding story }

Dali & Nenad | May 14th, 2011 :: Serbian Monastery in Milton & Trinity Hall in Kitchener

Photography by Alicia Riley Photography (www.aliciariley.com)

It was July 18th, 2010 when Nenad took Dali to the 51st Floor (180 Panorama, set atop the 51st floor of the Manulife Centre) on Bay and Bloor. “I thought he was going to ask me and since I couldn’t wait I asked him and he pretended not to know what I was talking about.” The couple finished dinner, Nenad got the cheque, and then he invited her out to check out the view once more. By this time, she’d given up on getting a proposal that night. “But once we were on the balcony, he took out the ring and asked if I would marry him.” Full story and photos, here.

5 most common questions asked before booking limo service

An expert tip by Brentwood Livery

1. Why does price matter when selecting limo service?

As you look back on your wedding day, you are going to remember how you felt, not how much the service cost. A professional wedding chauffeur who is familiar with the local area, who arrives on time, who provides thoughtful service throughout the day in a clean & well maintained vehicle will long be remembered after the sweetness of low price is long forgotten.

2. Where are you located?

Brentwood is based in the heart of KW with local chauffeurs who are familiar with the area. When your vehicle is coming in from out of town, the possibility increases that it will arrive dirty. Worse yet, it could arrive late or not at all because of unforeseen traffic issues or unfamiliarity of the local area.

Choosing a local company also improves the speed to execute a backup plan should something go amiss with the vehicle.

3. Besides price what can be so different about limo service?

We hope it doesn’t sound cliché, but our people make all the difference...