“You’re not marrying anyone, don’t just wear anything. Tuxedos are meant for special occasions and a wedding day is just that!” Mission Statement
 Photography: Kristi King Unlike women, who are used to dressing up, men may feel intimidated when faced with the prospect of wearing a tuxedo for their wedding day. Most men expect formal wear to feel uncomfortable until they actually try it on, and then, they are relieved when they find the outfit is quite comfortable and it looks great on them, too!
 Photography: Kristi King As with wedding gown fashion, certain styles come and go in the world of men’s formal wear, although the basics always remain the same with the elegance and romance of a tuxedo. Currently, the traditional black and white ensemble is very popular and, it never out of style. It’s a return to the glamour days of Hollywood, and the James Bond look!
 Photography: Kristi King Robin Fortier, Owner and General Manager states, “That every customer can expect a warm greeting and friendly help throughout the entire process. With a palette of great colours and patterns for vests and accessories, it’s easy to add a personal style and statement about that guy wearing the tux!”
Offering brand names such as After Six, Oscar de la Renta, Christian Dior, Bill Blass and Halston, they have a breadth of selection and everything is in stock. Out- of- town Groomsmen can be measured in the city they are in, and simply post their measurements on Monty’s website. Instant alterations are always available. There’s also a large selection of tuxedos and shoes and accessories for ring bearers!
When the Groom finally reaches the altar in his formal attire, it’s all a part of the wedding day magic that Monty Formal Wear creates. Trust their good taste, style and know-how for your special day.
 As seen in The Wedding Guide Windsor|Essex County
I attended the Grand Opening of Grill 55 last week and it was evident that a lot of love, care and planning went into this new WOW facility. The restaurant was replete with beautifully presented food stations and a full house of guests, all dazzled by the impeccable service.
From the moment you enter this newly-opened restaurant at the Holiday Inn & Suites on Huron Church Road, you feel the elegance and ambiance in this urban atmosphere. It’s sleek and spacious with a contemporary lounge club feel. The booths are roomy and intimate; perfect for quiet talks or family occasions. A large and stunning bar graces the room.
Sleek and modern, this spacious restaurant is the perfect place for a light meal or a celebratory dinner. The food is exquisite and well presented, but it’s the feel of the space that is also so very unique.
Outstanding food, presented with flair is the key to their future success. And, this team serves it up in an exemplary manner. Signature dishes and a signature drink, The Grill 55 Shooter is on a menu with international choices, and, is presented with great service and attention to detail.
The new private dining room is a gem of a space that can hold any party from an engagement, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, wedding or corporate meeting.
 Grill 55 Party Room inside Holiday Inn & Suites, Huron Church Road, Photo by Trevor Booth Photography Beautifully appointed with a gas fireplace and internet service, the room can hold up to 50 and is contemporary and filled with warmth. It is appealing to the senses, is soothing and inviting, and looks stunning set-up in party mode.
This is the newest party room in the area and has all the right ingredients to be a popular and busy spot for years to come. The 250 person ballroom is under total renovation and will open in time for December holiday parties.
The culinary team perfects the little details that make up any big day and will take your vision, whatever size your occasion and make it come to life. Dedicated to superior service and outstanding food, this is the place in Windsor|Essex to hold your next celebration.
Executive Chef Steve Meehan who is now the Director of Food and Beverages services has created a balanced and tasty menu that appeals to even the most discerning diner.
For more information/tour, please contact: Susan Holden, Catering Sales Manager, 519-969-7144, 1855 Huron Church Road, Windsor
Eleven years ago, Marcy Milne found her grandmother’s recipe book with its handwritten notes, written in the margins and she hasn’t looked back. While studying for her Masters and Doctorate degrees, she started Marcy’s Cakes and after her graduation, she returned to cake baking as a full time occupation.
 Photo: Marcy's Cakes Cake decorating is an art much like photography and Marcy has her own unique style. Her custom cakes are fresh; eggs, milk, butter and sugar are natural ingredients that produce a beautiful and delicious cake. With many flavours, fillings and icings to choose from and with names like Sunshine Lemon, Calypso Coconut, 24 Carrot and Golden Almond, her cakes have been discovered by Windsor and area brides-to-be.
Fillings for cakes vary and Marcy makes everything from Vanilla Chai Latte to butter cream, ganache, cream cheese and the traditional fruits. The choices are endless and her creativity is always up for a new challenge.
 Photo: Marcy's Cakes Her handcrafted, specialty cakes, cake balls and cupcakes are an indulgence and look as good as they taste. Each cake is made from scratch and they are simply unique in design and flavours, reflecting the personal taste of the couple’s wedding theme.
Anything goes for today’s cakes, including Milne’s Tuxedo cake with alternate layers of vanilla and chocolate cake filled with vanilla butter cream and chocolate ganache, Pink Lady, a vanilla cake layered with raspberry and vanilla buttercream and Breakfast at Wimbledon, layered with strawberries and whipped cream. Her flavours, fillings and exterior finishes will make your mouth water.
Marcy recently appeared on Slice Network’s, Cake Walk and showed off her style, baking a stunning Hollywood themed wedding cake that was a wow! Decoration is all important and she can take any idea and produce a memorable dessert. She knows that after a day of celebrating, nothing will taste as good as a freshly prepared, beautiful custom wedding cake.
 Photo: Marcy's Cakes The wedding cake is also a focal point and second only to the wedding dress for attention, as well as being the spot for many picture- taking memories at the reception. Milne takes great effort to “touch” it as if it were her own. Weddings are special for her and the details are ever- important, as she takes pride in adding those touches to make it spectacular.
Marcy is also baking the Groom’s Cake, which is a gift from the bride to the groom, which is a delightful way to honour him. It can be modeled after a hobby, sports or a special interest. It is served at the rehearsal dinner or presented any time during the wedding celebration.
Her new shop scheduled to open October 18 and Milne is now booking weddings into 2012. Her custom cakes and dessert confections are only limited by your imagination.
Come to Marcy’s Cakes for endless wedding possibilities, authentic elegant taste treats and the sweetest moments of your wedding day! Specializing in wedding, cheesecakes, cake balls, cupcakes and special event cakes.
2694 Howard Avenue, 519-962-1099, http://www.marcyscakes.com
Planning a wedding is a very exciting time. However, it is important to create three important lists.; guest list, budget and wish list.
All go hand-in-hand and everyone knows that you can’t include everyone on the guest list. It would be wonderful to share with all you know, but it is impossible and expense is the biggest reason. It’s a special day with special guests. Your whole dream day will hinge on the guest list, so be realistic with your available money.
 John Lyons Photography, Windsor, Ontario- will travel Create only one guest list; this is the one! Never exceed the capacity of your venue. These guests most be very special to the bride and groom. And remember, once a guest is invited and accepts the invitation, that guest is counted as attending and can never be uninvited. Never feel that you have to add a guest as a courtesy.
When your budget is established and your final guest list tally is in; divide the number of guests into the budget and you’ll get your cost per person. Your total budget must include everything required for the day, so prioritize carefully.
Trimming your list is doable and sometimes those guests on the first draft are eliminated. You don’t have to invite everyone from your yoga class, office, home neighbourhood or workplace. In fact, you and your fiancé will have guests that have come to a beautiful celebration at a stunning location. The happy couple will be able to spend time with everyone.
Brides today want their wedding day to be as unique as they are. And this outside the box thinking is setting new trends for savvy brides in 2012. Designers are artfully combining bright colours with staple neutrals: much like an artist would paint a beautiful work of art.
Warm bamboo, honeysuckle pink, cedar green, deep teal, purple‐hued phlox, coffee liqueur, warm camel nougat and quarry are top shades for the upcoming season.
Wedding dresses have a lot of lace; a trend we forecasted six months ago. There are ruffles, beading and coloured sashes that are sexy and white is not as popular as soft beige, light blues, pink and even soft‐toned greens being introduced into the finest bridal lines.
Styles for gowns are sleek with brides not seeking out the traditional ball gown. Vintage is still strong and there’s no chance of finding their dress duplicated. They make a statement and are stunning in their design.
The venue is still a hot location, with couples seeking old buildings that have been re-purposed such as old train stations, raw factory space and combinations of indoor and outdoor spaces. Local farms and vineyards provide a rustic charm and the outdoor photo opportunities provide endless opportunities. Wedding environments will be more laid back; bookings with nature settings are popular locations. Beaches, parks, homes and other outdoor settings are also being utilized.
Birdcage veils have been in style for many seasons now and the Royal Wedding provided the fascinator, an edgy, over the top headpiece. Headbands and feathers are modern options to a traditional veil. No bride will be bare‐headed in 2012 with everything from glittering tiaras to extra large flowers in contrasting tones.
Shoes, once dyed satin white can now be bold red, purple or blue, peeking out from under that dream dress. Add a feather clip for a touch of fun.
Other ideas include button or feather boutonnieres, multi‐mini cakes as centrepieces, catering carts, such as martini bars, crepe stations, sundae bars, pastry tables and lemonade stands are vying for the bride’s attention. Photo booths continue to be a popular feature for guests.
Social media is centre stage with computer stations being set‐up for guests to leave comments. Webcasting to guests who couldn’t attend the day is heartfelt and, as the day unfolds, hash tags for Twitter are in sync with today’s online culture.
Venues should expect to receive requests for longer cocktail hours, rental companies will see an increase for lounge furniture and guests can expect the unexpected. Ceremonies will have a steady increase in personalization, focusing on the couple’s interests, hobbies and passions as part of the wedding day celebrations. Vows are being written and choreographed by couples with assistance from an Officiant.
Themes such as vintage, diamonds/pearls, romance, garden style, retro 50‐70’s and eco‐friendly are huge. Cakes are bold this year and 2 layered cakes are back with tiers of different heights. Cupcakes are still huge, with innovative flavours and colours.
Grooms are more involved in the planning with their brides, and they are contributing their time and ideas into their day; it’s a new culture in the industry‐ one that until recently has been entirely female.
The 2012 wedding season will find couples saying, “I Do” in a world of different ways. Many will continue partying well into the night with an after party, which is becoming a popular trend. This party has no rules or wedding checklists and is entirely up to the couple.
Wedding Guide Preferred Vendors are dream‐makers; the go‐to service providers with big shoulders and creative thinking. They can make a wedding come to life with all of the above ideas. This area is cosmopolitan irrespective of its size and anything and everything is possible for the next season bride!
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