by Sharon Auld

Great news! If you are getting married or vacationing in Banff, Alberta you now have more options for pet-friendly accommodations for you and your pet! We have just learned that The Rimrock Resort Hotel is now pet-friendly! They do have limited pet-friendly rooms available so do make sure you book in advance. Not only are you treated to the luxury experience of a resort in the Rockies, but your pet-friendly room includes a pet bed, food and water bowls, doo doo bags and even a fresh dog biscuit for your four-legged friend! Of course, there are also many great trails for you and your pet to trek. You can check out The Rimrock’s pet policy here.

In addition to The Rimrock Resort Hotel there are other great accommodations for pet lovers. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (Lake Louise) even has a Director of Pet Relations, Sonny a four year old Labrador Retriever who is trained as a Guide Dog for the visually impaired! You can find more information about taking Sonny for a stroll here.

The Fairmont Banff Springs and The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge also offers luxurious dog amenities and fresh baked biscuits daily, as does The Juniper Hotel and Bistro. You can expect to pay a daily room charge of about $25 to $50 extra for your pet; a small price to pay to have your four-legged family member with you on your vacation, honeymoon or wedding. Not to mention that several of these hotels donate some of the proceeds to local animal shelters and other great causes.

If you know of other great hotels in the Canadian Rocky Mountains that are pet-friendly let us know!

For more information on how to include your pup in your wedding read our post Including Your Four-Legged Friend in Your Wedding.

Photo Credit: cogdogblog

by Sharon Auld

A couple weeks ago we posted about a new, rising photography star in the Rocky Mountains of Banff and Canmore. Julie’s photos created a huge amount of buzz!  You can read our Naturally Chic interview with Julie here.  Julie Williams Photography is rapidly becoming one of the prominent wedding and engagement photographers in the Bow Valley and we absolutely adore her!  Not only is she an incredible talent, but she is one of the nicest people you will ever work with!

Here are a few more photos of her fabulous work!  You can also check out Julie at www.juliewilliamsphotography.ca .

by Sharon Auld

Naturally Chic Designs is a division of Naturally Chic Wedding and Event Design.  We create custom decor items using eco-friendly materials whenever possible.  Our main medium is wood.  We use reclaimed wood, naturally fallen wood, construction extras and eco-friendly paint and finishes.

As part our creative process at Naturally Chic Wedding and Event Design is to create custom designs for our wedding and event clients.  One of our goals is to provide signature decor items that reflect the couples’ theme, personality and style!  There is virtually no limits to the items we can create for our clients from unique altars, rustic wedding arches, to table decor and photo booth props.

We service Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, Jasper, Calgary and area!   We work with brides, grooms and other wedding professionals.  In addition to our custom items, we provide wedding rentals. We  have customers from all over the world purchase our natural products (as long as the items aren’t too big for shipping).

We are constantly adding new items and coming up with new and unique designs, so we have added a category to our blog just for Naturally Chic Design items!  If you have suggestions for unique items or a question about any of the products we can provide, send us an email at info@naturallychic.ca  or visit Naturally Chic .

By Sharon Auld

With renown picturesque beauty, arguably there’s nothing more beautiful or romantic than a wedding in the Rocky Mountains. Whether you’re contemplating an elegant, luxurious affair or a more serene, outdoor wedding there’s something for everyone including; gorgeous mountain backdrops, world class food, accommodations, spas, golf and ski resorts, and unlimited promise of adventure. Sounds perfect right? As magical as they are, perfect weddings don’t just happen. When deciding if a mountain wedding is right for you, there are several important factors to keep in mind.

Unless you’re fortunate enough to live in the mountains, your Rocky Mountain wedding will be a destination wedding requiring a clear game plan. A local planner who knows the area and local vendors can be your greatest asset in securing caterers, florists, photographers, and other local vendors. They can assist you in finding the perfect outdoor ceremony location and reception venue that is ideally suited to your style and budget. They’ll also let you know what permits you may require.

For your guests, a destination wedding will mean travel, meal and accommodation expenses. Despite not having the same budget, you’ll want all your guests to feel welcomed and appreciated. Although many of your guests will welcome a “mini- vacation”, it’s a good idea to offer contact information at the lower, middle and higher end ranges for accommodations and activities.  Block booking of hotel rooms is a good way to get a great deal for your guests.  Keep in mind that it’s best to make arrangements well in advance because the mountains are a popular tourist destination especially in summer. It’s also helpful to provide your guests a package complete with maps, driving directions, places to eat and information on activities and events happening in the area.

If your wedding is taking place within a Canadian National Park, your guests will also require a Park Pass.  Make sure you and your guests allow extra time to get through Park gates as sometimes they can be quite busy!  You wouldn’t want your guests to miss your ceremony!  Also, National Parks have strict guidelines for outdoor weddings and group gatherings in pristine mountain areas, make sure you are well informed as to what this means for your event.

If your contemplating a wedding in the mountains, no doubt you are thinking about having an outdoor ceremony set against the unparalleled scenery. Be prepared for anything! Mountain weather can be extremely unpredictable and often changes suddenly. Make sure to let your guests know the ceremony will be outdoors and to wear comfortable shoes and clothing especially if they will have to walk a short distance. Dressing in layers is always a good idea! You may even want to consider having plenty of sunblock, bug spray, umbrellas and water on hand for you and your guests. And always, always have a back up plan, even if your back up plan is to have the ceremony indoors in the same room as the reception. Just remember to make the decision early to allow staff ample time to set up the room.

Whatever your decisions, stay positive, keep your sense of humor and remain flexible. What’s important is that you’re getting married surrounded by your family and friends. Likely, if there is any weather, it will clear up as fast as it blew in and you’ll have ample opportunity for fabulous photographs and time to enjoy the scenery.  With a thoughtful approach and a little extra planning a mountain wedding can be a unique and unforgettable experience for everyone (but don’t be surprised if you have an unexpected wedding guest)!

If you are contemplating a Banff wedding, Lake Louise wedding or a wedding anywhere in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Naturally Chic would love to have the opportunity to show you some of our breathtaking spots for an outdoor, mountain wedding!

Vendor Spotlight – Julie Williams Photography

by Sharon Auld

I’m a so pleased to feature Julie Williams Photography on our blog today!  Julie is an outstanding photographer based in Canmore, Alberta Canada and she specializes in wedding and engagement photography in the Rocky Mountains including Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, Golden and Revelstoke.

I first heard about Julie on Facebook.  I was hearing lots about this fabulous new photographer to the area and I thought I would check out her blog.  I was absolutely impressed by the images on Julie’s blog!  Not only does she capture the incredible scenery of the mountains so beautifully, but her photographs seem to completely express the love of the couples she shoots.

I knew my clients would love her photos, so I sent her an email.  Julie’s first email to me was “how can I help you?”…”if I can help you in any way let me know…do you need any photographs?…”!  I knew immediately how nice, caring and helpful Julie was.  I continue to hear nothing but good things about Julie and cannot wait to work with her on a wedding.  In the meantime, I have to settle for reading her blog and checking out the gorgeous photos after every wedding she posts.  This image is one of my favorites of Julie’s work.  To learn more about Julie check our Naturally Chic interview below!

How did you select photography as a career?

I seriously just fell into it. I had been working in the ski industry during the winter and restaurants throughout the summers for years and was obviously growing quite of tired of it. A few separate friends out in the Kootenays mentioned Western Academy of Photography in Victoria. One night, I looked into the school real quickly and on a total whim I applied really late in the registration process thinking I’d be at the bottom of a massive wait list. I was totally surprised when shortly thereafter I found out I’d been accepted and would be starting classes a couple months later. I convinced my boyfriend, [now fiancé!] Adam to pack up and move to Vancouver Island with me. I headed to photo school with the full intention of somehow getting into ski/snowboard photography. Turns out I’d rather just ski than bother to remove my mitts to take photos in the cold! Near the end of photography school, I began to wonder what I was going to do with all this expensive knowledge and Canon equipment I had on my hands. Luckily, I was contacted by an awesome local studio to come in and do some second shooting, post-processing and associate work. I gave it a shot, loved it, slowly started picking up my own jobs and am currently extremely stoked with where I’ve ended up! I’ve recently relocated my business to Canmore, Alberta where I serve the entire Bow Valley region, Golden BC, Calgary…and beyond! I LOVE to travel for work

What distinguishes you from other photographers?

I know a lot of photographers agree, and I have to say that I am a really strong believer in my blog. I devote a great deal of time to my blog, and I really do think it pays off in so many ways. I put a lot about my life up on there. I feel that by letting potential clients get to know me a bit through my blog, it truly helps attract the kind of people I want to work with. If a potential client is scared off by the fact that I have life beyond my business, chances are we wouldn’t jive well in the long run anyhow!

What kind of services do you offer?

I specialize in working with really cool couples of all ages, so long as they are in love! Weddings and engagement portraits are my bread and butter, and I also shoot a good amount of photojournalistic & fun family portraits. But really, I’m open to dabbling in all aspects of the photography medium. Since moving to the Bow Valley I have been contacted several times for a photo shoot with groups of girls in town for stagettes. I also sell fine art print from my personal collection.

You do engagement sessions as well, how do you find the perfect location[s] for the couple?

I live here because I truly love to hang in the mountains. Adam & I try to get out several times a week for hiking/skiing/biking/fishing/ect. While we’re out exploring I’m always keeping my eyes open for killer new spots and great light…when I spot something, I get us to backtrack so I can find a good access point from a road or street…Adam is very patient with my habits! Also, I make a much better passenger than driver while in the car; I’m constantly checking out the view in all directions and visualizing what it would look like through a particular lens…I forget what it is like to see the world like a normal person! While scheduling the session, we discuss if the couple has an ideal spot in mind, if so, we’ll try to incorporate that into the shoot. But typically, my clients travel from out of town for their photos, so they are usually more than happy to take advantage of my local knowledge and let me show them around all my favourite nooks and crannies. I am so lucky that I get to work with people who trust me so much!

What do you like most about photographing weddings?

The folks who hire me really are so great! I’ve yet to meet a bridezilla. I feel so lucky that I am able to do something that allows me to hang out with really cool people while being creative.

Do you have any wedding day photography tips for the bride and groom?

Once you find a photographer who 100% suits the style you are after, communicate as much as you can beforehand about what drew you to their work and the type of images you’re hoping for. Get to know them, and let them get to know you! Building a relationship of some kind undoubtedly yields better images and an overall more enjoyable experience on the wedding day. Ultimately, when it comes to the day of the wedding, sit back and enjoy it all…let your photographer do their thing. You chose them because you appreciated the style portrayed in their portfolio so trust their expertise regarding locations, lighting and poses.

Beyond weddings, what do you like most to photograph?

I love to have my camera plastered to my face when I am travelling. I really dig catching little slices of life and obscure views of the landscape.

Who in the industry inspires you and why?

There are a million super talented photographers out there, and the internet makes it so easy to find new inspiration. I follow tons of photography blogs from all over the world…too many to mention! I do love to browse other locals’ work, but I try not to pay too much attention to their technique and locations…I really think it is important for my work to be as unique and authentic as possible in such a small market.

Who else inspires you?

Well, my entire family is pretty awesome. They’re so fun and encouraging. They all dig the mountains in a huge way, so they try to get out here for a visit as much as possible. I’m lucky to see my parents & sister on a fairly regular basis even though we live several hours apart. And of course Adam; this guy is amazingly supportive and helpful in so many ways. He does my bookkeeping, keeps me well-nourished with a killer fruit smoothie every morning and tears me away from the office to go play outdoors when he can tell I’m getting overwhelmed.

What do you like best about living in the mountains?

Like I mentioned, we’re really into enjoying our backyard. It’s pretty awesome to have SO MANY amazing hiking and biking trails within such a short distance of our front door. In the winter I love to be able to drive 30 minutes in the morning, go for a few runs at the ski hill and then be back in the office by noon for work! Plus the people are all here for the same reason; it’s a great community to be part of.

What is the most unique wedding you have ever photographed?

I was SO happy that Jimmy & Tracy hired me to shoot their wedding in Golden BC this past January. They were actually the first couple to commission me while I was still living on Vancouver Island once we decided to leave the city for the Rockies…and it was the perfect introduction for my new career! I met up with Tracy and her friend Kim prior to the ceremony. Tracy was determined to do a run on her snowboard in her wedding dress so the three of us went for a few quick turns on the lower part of the mountain. After that, we headed up to the top of the mountain. We set up a reveal where she & Jimmy would see each other for the first time as she departed the gondola. We did our portrait session up there in the fog and snow…a perfect backdrop! Then we headed back into the town of Golden for the ceremony which was held on the pedestrian bridge right downtown which is a photographer’s symmetrical dream. Then it was back up to the mountain where they had rented a beautiful chalet and hosted a really cool BBQ. No chair covers, no center pieces, no guest favours, no first dance or cutting of the cake…just really tasty help-yourself burgers, drinks and mingling with friends. Here’s a link to their album design to get an idea of the feel of the wedding: [ http://juliewilliamsphotography.ca/blog/?p=3905 ] I hope that many of my upcoming weddings this season feature tons of neat ideas like this for me to draw inspiration as I am planning my own wedding for next summer! I want it to be loaded right up with plenty of creative touches and great thoughtful details.

Here’s some more of Julie’s fabulous photographs…enjoy!

PS If you like these photos I urge you to check out her blog (http://www.juliewilliamsphotography.ca/blog/ ) for more photos.  Truthfully, I picked the photos for this post  based on the images I liked best and these are not necessarily fully representative of all of Julie’s amazing work.

Thanks so much for sharing with us Julie and congrats on your own upcoming wedding!!!

Great news for brides!  The new J Crew Bridal Boutique on Madison Avenue in New York has opened. The official opening was co-hosted by Martha Stewart Weddings.  The store and the dresses look amazing!  The following photos are from the Little White Book blog…I didn’t see any photo credits but I am guessing they were taken by Courtney of Little White Book.  Enjoy!

I love that the dressing rooms have quotes on the walls!

The online shop has dresses for the brides, bridesmaids, and flower girls, as well as items for groomsmen and the ring bearer.  They offer shoes, lingerie, gifts and even have a dress fitting guide and other tips to help you out!

We have a deep respect for nature and the environment, and believe that a great wedding or event does not have to cost the earth. It is possible to have style and sustainability. Naturally Chic was created, in part, to assist clients in making ecologically responsible choices while planning beautiful and stylish events. Moreover, we believe that going “green” is about making lifestyle choices beyond weddings or events that positively impact the planet.

Naturally Chic is committed to helping clients make eco- friendly, socially responsible choices big or small. Going green is a process and anyone can take steps to reduce their impact on the environment. By incorporating green elements and making choices to lessen the overall impact of our weddings and events, we can help preserve the earth for future generations.  We believe that every effort, even small initiatives, can affect a positive change.

Weddings and events provide a unique opportunity for individuals and companies to showcase their values and commitment to a more sustainable lifestyle. As an eco-friendly certified company*, Naturally Chic adheres to the “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” principles. We also encourage our clients to partner with businesses that have fair business practices and a commitment to the environment.  Naturally Chic is committed to helping clients make eco- friendly, socially responsible choices big or small. Going green is a process and anyone can take steps to reduce their impact on the environment. By incorporating green elements and making choices to lessen the overall impact of our weddings and events, we can help preserve the earth for future generations.

As an eco-friendly leader in our industry, Naturally Chic is committed to our continual education of sustainable initiatives that we can all practice to help make our society and world a better place.

Naturally Chic is pleased to donate a portion of our profits to environmental and social projects. As wildlife enthusiasts, a couple of our favorite organizations include the World Wildlife Federation of Canada and the Medicine River Wildlife Centre. We select other projects and programs to support on an ongoing basis and will report about them on our blog. We are also pleased to choose organizations suggested by our clients.  We also ask our clients if they would like to make a contribution of their own to their favorite organization.

*We have an eco-friendly certification from the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada and are a preferred Green Bride Guide Vendor.

Your Wedding Planner Ditches You for a Larger Wedding!

by Sharon Auld

So, you’ve hired a wedding planner, signed the contract months ago and now you are hearing for the first time that the wedding planner you chose to work with will no longer be handling your wedding.  Instead, she has arranged to have an assistant take over for you (unfortunately this does happen).  You hired her, not her assistant.  What’s a bride to do?

Recently, I was reading one of my favorite wedding resources “The Bride’s Diplomacy Guide – Solutions to 150 of the Stickiest Dilemmas that Face a Bride-to-Be”, written by my favorite wedding author Sharon Naylor (www.sharonnaylor.net).  Sharon is one of the most prolific wedding authors in the United States and has written dozens of wedding books.  She is definitely considered an expert with all things related to weddings and I was quite intrigued when I came across this topic in the chapter: “Vendors with an Attitude”. In this chapter she talks about what to do when you encounter problems with vendors such as: creative differences, communication issues and negotiating with your vendor.  Questions are posed and Sharon offers her expert opinion on the subject.

So, how does wedding expert Sharon Naylor suggest you handle this sticky situation?  If I were to sum up the motto of the book, it would be that “a little diplomacy and grace go a long way in any wedding dilemma”.   Sharon suggests that you communicate with your wedding planner and although its sometimes commonplace to have an assistant handle administrative tasks and other related duties in the early planning stages, the bride-to-be needs to state (without any attempts at manipulating or guilting the planner) and I am paraphrasing here: “While we are happy with the progress thus far, we are looking forward to working with you. When will you be working with us?”.  Sharon suggests that if the planner tells you that your wedding has been assigned to the assistant, that you (the bride) have full right to turn down that arrangement as you interviewed and hired the planner.

To further, the response in the “Bride’s Diplomacy Guide”, Sharon points out that:

“If you signed on the dotted line to have her plan your wedding, she’s

in breach of contract and you should be able to get all of your money back.”

Of course, make sure you read the fine print in the contract to make sure that:

“…there’s nothing in there about agreeing to have an assistant handle your

wedding if the coordinator is unable to do so.”

Personally, I think this is all great advice!  I also think it is important that the bride knows that not all wedding planners will have the aforementioned clause in their contract for the purpose of ditching a smaller wedding for a larger, more lucrative wedding.  Some planners have adopted this clause in case of accident or injury to the planner. Not all planners are unscrupulous!  In some larger wedding firms, it is quite common that you will be assigned an associate planner and not necessarily the company’s “celebrity planner”.  In most cases, these companies are upfront and transparent; they will let you know who your planner will be before you sign on the dotted line.

It’s also a good idea to hire a planner that has been certified through a reputable association such as the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) or The Wedding Planner’s Institute of Canada (WPIC).  These associations generally have a code of ethics that planners adhere to and usually encourage transparent communications with clients.

There’s nothing wrong with a bride asking that the contract be amended to reflect her wishes.  If the company refuses to accommodate, then she is free to go elsewhere and is not locked into a contract she is unhappy with.  Some companies will have set policies and will not change them, while others may be more flexible. There’s no harm in asking for what you want…and always read the fine print to avoid pre-wedding surprises.  Bottom line?  If you are not happy with a contract, don’t sign it.  You have the freedom to work with whoever you want.

In honor of our new series, “Your Wedding Dilemmas” we are giving away a free copy of:  “The Bride’s Diplomacy Guide – Solutions to 150 of the Stickiest Dilemmas that Face a Bride-to-Be” to one lucky bride. All you have to do is write a comment on this post and tell me you are a bride-to-be.  Check back here to see who the lucky winner is.  Check out Sharon Naylor’s site for many other fabulous wedding planning books.   Feel free to send us your wedding dilemma questions and we’ll try and help.  Happy Planning!

Kindly Note*  Naturally Chic is not rendering legal advise in anyway. You are urged to contact professional legal representation if you are in need of legal advice.

Noteworthy Designs – Laura Hit

Interview by Sharon Auld

At the time of this posting my dear friend Laura Hit from Noteworthy Designs has made the decision to close her doors.  I was so sad to hear this as Laura is an amazing person and I really wanted to feature Noteworthy Designs as my very first Vendor Spotlight.  However, I can completely understand her decision to retire from business.  Laura is one of those people who gives her best to everything she does!  Laura and her husband Mesh have a beautiful baby girl and I am not surprised she would want to dedicate more time to her beautiful family.

I decided to post my interview with Laura despite the fact that she will no longer be taking on clients.  It’s my wish that brides know that there are some really fabulous, caring vendors out there to work with!   We also wanted to take this opportunity to wish Laura the best of luck with everything she chooses to do, and if in the future Laura opens Noteworthy Designs or another business we would honoured to work with her!  Well, here’s the interview:

I am so excited to introduce our very first vendor interview on the Naturally Chic Blog!  If you aren’t familiar with Noteworthy Designs, then it’s time to get acquainted!  Noteworthy Designs is a fabulous, hand-made custom stationery company located in Calgary, Alberta.  Noteworthy Designs is owned and operated by Laura Hit.

Laura is a wonderful friend, colleague, and one of the nicest, most down-to-earth person I have met in the wedding industry!  Not only is she crazy talented, but she’s the kind of person who really cares about her clients.  She is so easy to work with!  You can expect nothing less than exceptional customer care with Noteworthy Designs.

How did Noteworthy Designs come about?

Since I was a little girl, I always liked doing crafty type projects. I love creating things with my hands – things unique and special. I specifically liked working with paper and began to teach classes to make cards and do some rubber stamping. I had friends and family asking me to make them cards and help with wedding invitations and it just kept growing. It was in 2007 when I decided to officially open Noteworthy Designs and pursue it further.

What Stationery Products do you offer?

Currently we specialize in one-of-a-kind custom handmade stationery including the full wedding line (save the dates, invitations, programs, thank you cards, etc) as well as birth announcements, greeting cards and really any type of stationery someone is looking for. That’s what I love about doing custom work; we can provide exactly what the client desires.

For those brides that want to “do-it-yourself”, we have packages to suit those needs as well. It can be fun to get your bridesmaids, family and friends together and create them with help. Noteworthy Designs will help you to design, get supplies and/or prep the supplies to make sure your DIY goes well and looks amazing.

You are a certified wedding planner, how does that help you when working with brides?

I am certified through the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada and did coordinate weddings until I pursued stationery full-time. This has come in handy, knowing how important the budget is to the couples. I do what I can to make the couples dream invitations fit inside their budget. Changing the cardstock, layout and embellishments can all help to still have the stationery they desire on the budget they can afford.

Pulling everything together to coordinate, match and flow is also key to a great wedding. Your wedding invitation is the first glimpse into what your wedding will be like. I always ask my clients what they would like their guests to wear at their wedding – that helps to determine the look of their invites. Plus making your invites unique and fun can only leave the invited guests waiting for more!

What are the latest stationery trends brides are asking for?

Bling is always popular and can take a simple invite to glamorous and special. Personalization is the way of weddings these days. Bringing out the couples personality, story and relationship is what makes weddings unique and memorable. I love it when couples step outside of the box and go with something that truly matches who they are. As well, pockets and unique folds is something couples are wanting. Making their invite interactive and almost like a little gift that their guests can open seems to be quite popular.

What are the current color palettes you are seeing?

Purples! There are lots of couples using various shades of purple for their weddings. Modern couples still love the silver accents, too. Even though turquoise is this year’s “in color” and you see it all over the place, I haven’t come across any brides using it in their weddings.

What tips do you have for couples choosing their wedding stationery?

Know your budget. Yes, stationery can range in prices and can easily increase in price if you aren’t careful.

Order more invites than you think you need. Plus make sure you keep one for yourself as a keepsake!

Have more than one or two sets of eyes proofread your invites before signing any approval to print forms! You want to make sure there are no errors!

Consult with a professional stationer to ensure you have the proper etiquette and wording for your stationery.

Who in the wedding industry inspires you?

Jennifer Sbranti from Hostess with the Mostess is a huge inspiration. What I love about that site (www.hostesswiththemostess.com) is that all the parties she throws, everything coordinates. From the invites to the place settings to the décor – it all goes beautifully.

Who else inspires you?

When designing stationery, specifically for weddings, talking to the couple inspires me! I love hearing their love story and how it unfolded and brought them to this point in their lives where they are making a commitment to one another. I love incorporating personal touches to each piece of stationery.

What is one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you?

Ooohh, that’s always a tough question! Makes me really think. Let’s see…prior to owning Noteworthy Designs, I worked with people with disabilities. My most memorable job was working at a resource center for kids with Down syndrome. I loved my job. What else…we just celebrated my grandpa’s 102 birthday! I am his youngest grandchild (of only 4) and am the mother to his only great-grandchild. I think he is one of the oldest people with such a small number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren! And lastly, I have the most joy-inducing, smile making, love producing daughter you will ever meet!

What’s your favorite part of a wedding?

My favorite moment at a wedding ceremony is watching the groom’s face as his bride walks down the aisle. I love to watch the emotion on his face – excitement, in awe of his beautiful wife and the love that just pours out.

My second favorite part of a wedding is to see what the couple did different than the “norm”. Like I said earlier, something that makes the wedding personal. It’s an added bonus when that includes stationery that Noteworthy Designs created!

That’s a Wrap!

It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to do this interview!  Thank you so much Laura for taking the time to talk to the Naturally Chic readers today.   You can visit Noteworthy Designs at www.noteworthydesigns.ca . Thank you so much Laura for taking the time to talk to the Naturally Chic readers today.  I truly believe great things are in store for Laura in all that she does.

Part One

by Sharon Auld

Would you include your pet in your wedding? Let’s face it our four-legged friends are pretty much family, so it’s only natural we would want to include them in our most special day. And really, there’s no reason why you can’t include them into some aspect of your wedding. Figuring out what role they will play is key. Not every pet is suited to walking down the aisle as a ring bearer, but there is no reason that your pet shouldn’t be included in some way. Some people have chosen to use photos of their pet for table numbers, on invitations or save the date cards. Some want to have their wedding photographs taken with their favorite four-legged family member, others want to mention their pet in their wedding vows, while others want their pet front and center.

There’s no right or wrong way to have your pet partake in your celebration. However, it’s important to take  into consideration what you want, what’s comfortable for your pet and what’s considerate for your guests. Although it’s hard to imagine, not everyone will enjoy your pet as much as you do. There are those who may have allergies to pet dander and some who don’t like animals or are just plain afraid of them (sometimes it’s a small child or an elderly person who is worried that the animal might inadvertently hurt them). It’s important these reservations to your pet be considered so that everyone enjoys your special day. That might mean paying careful attention to seating plans and having your pet groomed prior to your wedding. It’s also really important to designate a handler who is skilled, comfortable and familiar with your pet.

And what about your pet? Would they rather curl up on their cozy bed and take a nap? Are they comfortable being around a lot of people or noise? As much as you would like to include your furry friend, think about what is best for them! That being said, many pets really enjoy people and attention. These pets are the best suited to take on larger wedding roles.

Another consideration for including your pet is whether or not your pet will be allowed at the venue. Most churches do not allow pets and many indoor receptions areas prohibit animals because of food regulations. If the venue tells you “no” and you still have your heart set on including your pet, you might want to consider an outdoor venue such as a ranch, park or private estate. Even then, not every outdoor venue will allow pets; many beaches and parks don’t allow dogs, horses or other animals. It’s best to check with your venue to be sure.

Once you’ve found your pet-friendly venue, it’s a good idea to inform all your other vendors. Think photographer, wedding planner, and officiant. Do they like pets or are they allergic? Are they going to be able to perform their duties properly or do you need to consider hiring someone else? If your planning on having flowers on your pet’s collar, then its a good idea to discuss this with your florist so that they can ensure that the materials they use are non-toxic and safe for your pet. You may also want to have a discussion with your venue’s landscaper. Are there potentially harmful plants on site or do they use pesticides on the lawn or spray to keep pests away? Even if a venue will allow your pet, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is a pet-friendly environment.

Despite some planning pitfalls, are you still wanting your four-legged friend to be a part of your wedding?

In our next post we’ll discuss tips to keep you, your pet and your guests comfortable and happy on your wedding day.