Vendor Reviews: Who does what, for how much, & why you'll love them.
Every bride wants to have some attention on her wedding day... but what if you want to feel like a star? Heather MacEachern of HRM Photography and her team will make you feel just that. It's not just her university degrees (in Photography and Education), experience and continual education in photography that sets Heather apart. We also happen to think that her enthusiastic approach to all things wedding, her evolving unobtrusive style, her work with internationally known bands, and her commitment to creating lasting relationships with her clients that also contribute to HRM's popularity. Heather takes all of this experience and translates it to what she loves most... Ontario weddings, which continue to inspire her even after shooting over 500 of them!
Read more
Bingemans has got to be one of the most recognized names in Kitchener-Waterloo's wedding and events industry. This name easily and repeatedly makes it onto the 'short list' of reception halls for most local brides and is on a list of exclusive and preferred catering companies at many other wedding locations throughout the area as well.....
Read more
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
From the moment that we walked through the door at Hauser Hall five years ago, we knew local brides would love it. Originally a church built in the 1800s, Hauser Hall is an incredibly romantic ceremony and reception location nestled in the countryside of Heidelberg, near St. Jacobs. Fully restored by the Hauser family (you'll likely recognize the name from Hauser Stores), this location incorporates old-world architecture, modern décor and an element of high-style romance that you thought you could only dream of for your wedding day.
Read more
From the rehearsal dinner to the ceremony and reception, and following up with a post wedding brunch, the Delta Kitchener-Waterloo can host any or all of your wedding events. The long-standing reputation of the Delta Hotels & Resorts brand is likely one of the reasons brides love and recommend this venue, not to mention the immense size of their ballroom, impeccable service, on-site accommodations, and the flexibility to customize a menu to suit your tastes.
Read more
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
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton stands by their 100% Guest Satisfaction Guarantee - or your room is free! Conveniently located close to Waterloo, Cambridge and several area reception venues, this hotel is the perfect place for you and your wedding guests to relax and spend the night in after the wedding day.
Read more
From before she was even in high school, Michelle Kauntz has been a photographer at heart. And she's been a wedding photographer even longer than she, herself, realized. Michelle shoots in what her brides call "a natural, easy" style, and she uses her photography talents to serve up wedding memories that couples can love for a lifetime – both locally and abroad. With packages that start and...
Read more
If you grew up in the K-W area, you likely already know Jirina's Bakery by name or by taste - or both. That's because after over twenty years in the business, Jirina's Bakery has earned a reputation for fresh, delicious flavour, and designs that can compete with any of the most traditional or ultra contemporary cake shops in the country.
Read more
Florist, Vildana Glisic, is an amazing woman whose life story is often told in words, colours, and flowers. Without even trying, she draws you in with her ability to adopt brides as if they were her own daughters. She shares her story as you share yours, simultaneously arranging flowers (of only the best quality and freshness) as you talk, putting together various design options and colour palettes to fit the dream wedding you just finished describing. At Belmont Flowers, every bouquet is designed by Vildana personally. It's the norm to find Vildana sharing a hug and tears with a bride on her wedding day because as far as she is concerned, "For every bride, her wedding day is the only day that matters... And that’s the way I treat every one of my brides' weddings."... Belmont Flowers constantly gets referrals from past clients... We interviewed both Vildana and a number of her past brides (who ADORE her, to say the least), to find out...
Read more
Both passionate about décor, Owners of Julia Weddings, Stella Erotokritou and Sophia Georgiou, have an enthusiasm that's contagious and a personable attitude that makes them easy to work with. And with a focus on making sure that each client is happy, we're not surprised that Julia Weddings came so highly recommended in the K-W and surrounding area.
Read more
Offering everything from chair cover rentals to floral design services, The Creative Bride specializes in customizing your wedding day, no matter what the budget is. Kimberley Rasokas, Owner and Creative Director, combines a passion for weddings with five years of experience in the wedding industry to offer local brides creative and innovative décor, flowers, gifts, accessories and guest favours. The Creative Bride can take care of it all, or just some, of your wedding needs, including backdrops, ceiling canopies, chair covers, centrepieces, bouquets, boutonnières and much more.
Read more
Guelph company, Roy-Al Rentals & Party Centre, spends each week helping couples create fantasy outdoor weddings customized just to their needs, and offering options to transform reception halls. The company has everything a bride needs to bring together the day she's been dreaming of since childhood. From tents, chairs, tables and linens to glassware, lighting, dance floors and wedding arches - the options seem endless. Roy-Al Rentals is one of those wonderful, long-lived companies that you feel safe trusting your wedding with. Operating since 1973, they have the experience, versatility and personal touch you can expect from a company that has been running successfully for three decades.
Read more
Wedding favours come in all shapes and sizes but when you're the bride, you want to say thank you to your guests with items that will be appreciated, remembered and that ring true to the style of your day. From tree seedlings to personalized golf balls to funky little purse hooks, Weddingfavours.ca offers a selection of items and ideas for wedding and shower favours, bridal party gifts, invitations and themed bridal collections.
Read more
In the past, The Ring has visited and called Collins Formal Wear countless times in an effort to do research for our brides and grooms. Every single time we approach Collins, we are greeted the same way each customer is greeted - warmly and with appreciation. Even with tons of weddings on the go, clients filling their rental locations, and lots on their plates, the three owners of Collins Formal Wear - Lynda, Brad and Curt Collins never fail to provide exceptional service to each of their clients, which likely has something to do with the fact that they believe "shopping for a tux is like shopping for a wedding gown. It's not a decision to be taken lightly." It's for this reason, and for their extensive selection of high quality, exclusive formal wear, that The Ring decided every groom (and his bride) should know what we know about Collins Formal Wear.
Read more
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
Most brides expect photography and DJ services to each have their own line on their to-do lists. The three elements each play major parts in the wedding and ultimately come with their own set of research, quoting and hiring tasks. But Cameron Shaver Photography is one of the few local wedding companies presenting brides with another option offering multiple services under one roof. Cameron Shaver, Owner and Operator of the company, calls his business a one-stop shop for photography and DJ services, meaning you cross one, two or three things off your list just by meeting with him.
Read more
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
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
Like many Kitchener locals, the team at The Ring knew Elements and Wax to be hot spots on the night club scene. They open to the public on Saturday nights and then play host to chart-topping celebs like Lady Gaga, Our Lady Peace and Collective Soul at select dates throughout the year. It wasn't until we were scouting locations for The 2009 K-W Brides' Ball that we saw for ourselves how fabulous these locations could be for a multitude of different types of events - including weddings. From the dark, almost-vintage style space of Elements (which was once a theatre, complete with neon marquis in front), to the multi-level, more intimate space of Wax, the doors are open for glam-style wedding receptions, after parties, engagement parties and more. In fact, both Elements and Wax already host corporate events (from Manulife to Rogers), fundraisers and charity events - one of which, in the summer of '09, was The Brides' Ball. We sat down with Stephanie Van De Ven, Marketing & Events Coordinator at the company behind the club-style wedding locales, KW Guelph Weddings, to find out exactly what a bride can and will love about Elements and Wax. Check it out…
Read more
You’ve probably seen The Holiday Inn Kitchener-Waterloo Hotel & Conference Centre numerous times, as it’s been a fixture in Kitchener since the 1960s, and perhaps you’ve even set foot inside or spent the night. But what you may not be aware of are the magnificent ballrooms within and the option for an on-site ceremony. They can even host your engagement party, rehearsal dinners, bridal and baby showers.
Priding themselves on their high-end cuisine, elegant banquet rooms, flexibility, and willingness to meet your every need, the staff at Holiday Inn K-W say they are all about the overall experience to make it stress free and one of a kind. From a fully decorated hall to endless catering options, and overnight accommodations for your guests – the Inn does it all in one location, customized to your needs.
Read more
The team at The Ring has known Carolyn Pongracz of In Bloom Photography for years. And apart from her immense talent for capturing timeless images that couples will truly cherish forever, we've simply loved working with such a passionate, fun and kind photographer...
Read more
La Crème is a fashion and gift boutique whose name speaks for itself. Owned by Nancy Boudreau, La Crème has a reputation for high-style, top service and turning colour schemes into fashion statements. The trendy boutique has locations in St. Jacobs and Guelph, where it has built its clientele, won awards, set trends, and at some point over the span of its 20 years in business, become........
Read more
Over the years that we've known Danielle and Sasha Herakovic, it has been abundantly clear that their brides really love them. And not just as wedding photographers who capture those beautiful moments on your wedding day, but as friends who truly want your wedding day to be everything you could have dreamed of.
Read more
The Wedding Shoppe Inc. is a London-based, business run by Diana Li and her small team of dedicated staff. After opening up an online store in 2008, customer response was so positive that they decided to expand, opening a storefront in downtown London in 2010. This refreshing, fun and contemporary store offers over 1000 products in store and over 5000 products on their website from a variety of suppliers, all of which encompass just about any wedding style, from sweet and simple to extravagant and off-the-wall....
Read more
For Vince Pasqualino, Sabrina Quessy and the whole creative team at Evolution Concepts in Hair & Spa, going beyond just the wedding day look for their brides is something they pride themselves on. Through their (free) bridal consultations they try to learn each bride’s personality and adapt a look to suit them, while keeping up with and understanding the latest looks and trends in all bridal aspects, not just the hair.
From simple to extravagant, serious to chic, and sexy to easy going, Evolution combines their education, dedication and ten years of experience to create wedding looks of all styles. With a motto "To deliver superlative guest services in an inspired space that is respectful to both mankind and the environment," it's no wonder that brides already love Evolution.
Read more
Ralph Heinze and Ange de la Chevrotiere of One Great Day Photography say they don’t take photographs; they create them. Their images tell a story – your story - as it happens naturally throughout your wedding day. It’s photography that’s inspired by environment, available light, emotions, the naturally occurring chaos of people and life, and the core philosophy of the WPJA (Wedding Photojournalist Association) – “keep it real, tell a story and let people be themselves.” As a result, both Ralph and Ange are winners of the highly competitive international WPJA competitions and deserve to be at the top of any bride’s must-see list.
Read more