Traditional Groom’s Cake

The Groom’s Cake is special way of honouring the groom. It is usually a gift from the bride to the groom, and, traditionally it is a dark cake of both fruits and nuts or soaked in liquor.

The groom’s cake may be presented any time during the wedding celebration, and it is also nice served as a toast to the groom at the rehearsal dinner to be enjoyed and shared in an intimate tribute to the wedding attendants and special guests. Or, serve it at the reception as a second flavour choice of cake for your guests.

Special boxed miniature groom’s cakes are also a nice touch, and make a sweet gift for your attendants. This follows the superstition that a maiden who sleeps with a slice of groom’s cake under her pillow will dream of her future partner.

Tradition also dictates that a bride who keeps a piece of her wedding cake will have a faithful and loving husband.

One of the nicest traditions of all is that of saving part of the wedding cake to share on your first anniversary. Before the advent of the freezer, the groom’s cake was always the cake reserved for this occasion, as the heavy fruit and liquor soaked cakes are preserved and carry a very long shelf life.

Many traditions are focused on the bride.  By including a groom’s cake as part of your wedding is a nice way to honour your groom. The cake can be modeled after a hobby, sports, or something that is important to the groom.

The groom’s cake is making a comeback after being popular about 25 years ago. It faded into the background as new customs overtook it,  but we’re glad to see it back; stronger than it has been in many decades.

September 18th, 2011

Underpinnings: The Delicate Touch Lingerie Covers the Bride

Cathy Reynolds opened The Delicate Touch Lingerie & Sleepwear, twenty three years ago with a mission to “get ladies comfortable.” The shop is an oasis of intimate, feminine and calm. She believes that lingerie should add a sassy feel to a woman’s persona; it’s an ingredient of woman’s empowerment in her wardrobe.

In today’s economy, symbols of pleasure; perfume, chocolate, flowers, and lingerie have the ability to satisfy this desire for feeling good. It’s a mind booster and a great feeling to wear garments that are pretty, lacy and soft.

Reynolds’s  intimate shop is the result of a lot of hard work and dedication; it’s comfortable and inviting. It is stocked with the labels of Chantelle, Prima Donna, Lejaby, Anita and Spanx, as well as other seamless body wraps made in Canada. She also offers the deliciously yummy and world-renowned product, Crabtree & Evelyn, a line of bath, body and feminine giftware; a sensuous and pleasing collection of scents and treats.

Cathy understands that brides today are practical; however they understand that an investment in lingerie is not something that is worn just once. Correctly fitted lingerie will ensure that a bride’s look is perfect and comfortable.

Certified fitters, called “lingerie experts,” are always available. Reynolds also suggests shopping early in the wedding planning because it’s important to wear your intimate apparel to all your wedding gown fittings. The wrong bra will cause shoulder sloping, neck curvature, headache and back aches, while the right one will improve posture, appearance and self esteem. It’s not just undergarments.

Lingerie was developed during the late nineteenth century as a visually appealing undergarment by Lady Duff-Gordon of Lucile, a pioneer who freed women from tightly-laced corsets. Today, its evolution continues with bold colours,  rich-looking and more breathable fabrics and styles;  some that can double both as under and outerwear.

The shop stocks over 5000 bras in all colours and styles from strapless, low plunge and push up styles. Today’s newest technology offers light weight multi- air bubbles with spacer fabric.

While you’re in the shop, browse for other items for your wedding. Forget about being practical for just this once and try on sensuous lounge wear from the large variety of elegant lines offered. What better time is there to splurge on feminine beauty and luxury than for your wedding and honeymoon? It should be your gift to yourself!

Lingerie could be coined “loungerie” and there’s plenty of selection to choose from. Check out their swimwear and know that you will look good before you can leave the shop with your purchase. “It’s all about the fit,” says Reynolds.

The Delicate Touch offers a bridal registry and gift certificates for all your guests and special thank yous, and is a specialist in Mastectomy fitting.

Specialized service and great attention to a proper fit  is what this delightful shop is all about. Their staff is friendly and adept at what they do, which is pampering the ladies! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 17th, 2011

Aisle Style 2012 Weddings

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!




					


September 8th, 2011 

 




						
		
		 

		




		
			
			Second Time Marriages

		




Chalet Studio Photography, Windsor, Ontario - will travel


It wasn’t that long ago that encore brides wore a pink suit and wed in the Clerk’s office at City Hall.  With so many weddings taking place around the country and second or subsequent marriages, the rules for “proper” protocol have all but ended.


Second weddings are typically the opposite of the way a first marriage took place. It’s a perfect opportunity for a home or garden wedding, a destination site, or an intimate ceremony with a larger reception.  Whether large or small, go ahead and host it with confidence. Take time to make it your own and put your signature style on everything you do.


Your wedding dress can be whatever you desire; a bridal gown in white, ivory or the many new soft colour tones of today. You may want to forgo the train and replace the veil with a fascinator or a sophisticated beaded hair accessory or hat.


This time around you may want your son(s) or daughter(s) as attendants and you may want to walk down the aisle alone or with your spouse-to-be. Or you may not walk to walk the aisle at all.


At the reception, there may not be a need for a receiving line; and in fact they are losing in their popularity depending on the formality of the wedding.


Re-affirmation weddings are increasing and while once reserved for 25th or 50th anniversaries, they are now taking being celebrated as early as the 5th anniversary.


At these ceremonies, may couples choose to recreate their wedding day, complete with original dress and attendants, while others opt for an officiant renewing their vows during an anniversary party.


The only thing to know, is that there are no rules for second-time or encore marriages. Good taste always is in style and your wishes can certainly be accommodated. You can have the wedding of your dreams so enjoy and have a great time with your wedding planning. Have fun, be daring and do the things that you may have wanted to do the first time around and didn’t. Like buy that beautiful pair of blues shoes!


 


 



					


August 9th, 2011 

 




						
		
		 

		




		
			
			Plan on a Boudoir or Glamour  Session

		




What better gift for your beloved than a sensuous portrait of you looking your romantic best? It’s also a great gift to yourself to capture your best look professionally for posterity.


Boudoir, or glamour photography is not a new concept but is finding a resurgence during the last couple of years. A boudoir shot could reveal a candid  playful shot of you alone or one with your special man. Whether you choose  a playful romantic picture in feminine lingerie or a playful seductive look in your favourite blue jeans and a lace top; your photographer’s goal should be to capture your expressions and feelings.


Sensuous and beautiful flowers are perfect prop for a boudoir/glamour session, Photo by Sheryl Davies




Boudoir is intimate and before you begin, you should select a photographer who makes your feel relaxed and at ease. Many photographers work with an assistant or encourage you to bring a friend or family member with you so you will feel comfortable.


Before you begin, ask your photographer to outline exactly what the session will include. Find out how much time you will need, what special services the time will include and of course what the charge will be. Some sittings include professional hair and make-up sessions and a number of clothing changes.  There may be special props, or backgrounds you may wish to use, as well a selection of clothing.


Your finished boudoir session can be turned into a beautiful gift. A wall canvas  is the most popular but a personal calendar with different poses for each month is a fun way to give your spouse a special wedding gift.


Many of our Windsor|Essex County area professionals offer this service and the results are spectacular and capture you at this place in time, during your engagement.


 


 



					


August 8th, 2011 

 




						
	
	
		
			


			
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