1. Location: Before making a final choice on your wedding location, you’ll want to determine several key facts. Be sure to ask the event coordinator/manager about the following:

2. Food: When selecting the menu for your outdoor reception, keep in mind that heavy, hearty food is probably not your best choice. Food such as fruit, vegetables, chilled soups, light pasta salads, chicken, and seafood will be appreciated on a hot, summer day.

3. Favours: Favours for a summer wedding aren’t necessarily any different than they are for any other season; however, consider summery ideas, such as sunglasses, flip flops, scented candles, paper fans, potted plants, etc., to keep with the summer vibe.

Summer wedding ceremonies and/or receptions set in the great outdoors can be beautiful and romantic. By thinking ahead and planning accordingly, you’ll be able to ensure that your day isn’t ruined by forces out of your control.

Tags: Outdoor Summer Wedding Windsor Chatham Sarnia London Ontario

Here are some tips for figuring out what’s going to go where at the end of your special day:

1.  Check with your reception venue about their waste disposal rules and processes. This is especially important if your venue is handling the entire cleanup. While this might sound lovely, you do want to ascertain that they are not simply going to haul everything to the nearest landfill.

2.  If your venue does not handle cleanup, or if they don’t recycle the recyclables, then you’ll need to take this task on yourself. Your goal for disposing leftover wedding items is simple: keep as much out of the landfill as you can. To do so, you’ll need to separate everything into different piles:

3.  Donate what you can, but don’t be surprised if you cannot find a place that will accept donated food. If this happens, send leftover food and cake home with your wedding party, family, and other guests. Flowers are easier to donate. Check with local hospitals and nursing homes.

4.  Be creative with other wedding stuff you might have left over. As an example, create wedding scrapbooks with ribbons, invitations, place cards, and the like. Other decorations from your wedding and reception might also be able to find a home with a craft-loving friend or family member.

5.  In lieu of a gift, ask your wedding party, friends, or other guests to stay after the reception to take charge of or help with the cleaning process. That way, the job will get done faster, so you can get started on the honeymoon. Or you might want to consider hiring some college kids to come in and take care of everything for you. Just be sure you’ve given them direction so they know how to dispose of everything properly.

While cleaning up after your special day might not be on your planning radar just yet, it’s worth the time to ascertain your eco-friendly wedding stays eco-friendly to the very end. By figuring out what can be re-used, donated, and recycled, you’ll lighten the load that your wedding will add to a landfill. Good luck!

Corbett Productions have been in business since 2005 and have done over 2,000 events. With owner Andrew Corbett heading the five-man team, they service all of Southwestern Ontario including London, Chatham and Sarnia. Just recently, Corbett’s General Manager, Jesse Thivierge, celebrated his 200th wedding! We caught up with Corbett Productions to ask them a few questions on their secret to success. Here’s what they have to say.

We’re known for our versatility above all else. We’ve done events for pretty much every venue in the city, including Caesars Windsor, for all different types of occasions. Other than that, people know us for our contemporary, innovative style of Djing. Events today are looking for something much different than our parents’ generation, and we’re very in-tune with that. We not only reach the bar, we try to take it one step further and set it.

What are some of the unique services/items you offer?

We’re one of the only companies in our area to offer music videos. In addition, we have the capabilities to service ethnic events which is extremely important.

The thing I love most is that I perform for a different crowd at every single event I do. Our general manager, Jesse Thivierge just recently celebrated his 200th wedding, so you can imagine how many different types of crowds we’ve been able to please, and that’s not including other events like schools, banquets and fund-raisers.  We have proudly serviced over 2000 events in the past seven years.

This upcoming season I’d be on the lookout for Starships by Nicki Minaj, Let’s Go by Ne-yo, Dance Again by Jennifer Lopez, and Sorry for Party Rocking by LMFAO.

What is it that sets you apart from the competition?

We’re different from everybody else because we represent the new generation of Djing, despite already being around for so long. We’ve been finding that this new generation of brides & grooms, as well as their guests, are increasingly eclectic. We try to bring that forward through our sets. For the most part, you won’t find that traditional style of DJing where the DJ only plays ‘Oldies’ for the 1st hour, unless it’s specifically requested. We are very much about pleasing EVERYONE right from the get-go. So if you want classic rock or Top 40 to start off the night, that’s what we’re here for.

The most important thing I can recommend is look at experience. Those companies with cheaper prices are often the ones who aren’t as in demand, or are in-experienced in the industry. You want to look past the initial price and find out the quality of equipment they use, how long they’ve been doing this, and especially if they’re licensed. This is one of the most important days of your lives, so make sure you do your appropriate research and make sure you are hiring quality vendors.

Ask questions! This is the single most important thing you can do for yourselves. The more you know about what you’re purchasing, the better-off you’ll be.

Typical questions to ask are:

• how long have you been in business?
• what kind of events do you do most often?
• what kind of equipment do you use?
• are you licensed?
• how do you typically structure the night?
• when will you be setting up & tearing down?
• how many consultations will there be?

These questions will typically get you the most accurate view of the service you’ll be getting.

A big congratulations to Corbett Productions on all of their success! Special thanks to Jesse Thivierge for doing the interview with us. If you would like to know more or book an event with Corbett Productions, you can contact them at:

Andrew Corbett & Jesse Thivierge
Owner and General Manager of Corbett Productions

Corbett Office: (519) 978-9852
Email: contact@corbettproductions.ca
Web: www.corbettproductions.ca
View Vendor Profile

The wedding of Violeta and Ryan was a fun-filled occasion, with a touch of Polish flair!

On the big day, we found ourselves at some familiar locations, filming alongside their photographer John Lyons. We started the morning capturing Ryan and the guys getting ready. Once the shoes were shined and the bow ties were tied, we made our way over to join Violeta and the girls. The bridesmaids donned their dresses as Violeta stepped into a stunning Maggie Sottero.

Watch the video now…

Once everyone was looking their best, we made our way to Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church. There, Violeta and Ryan exchanged rings and vows, and officially began the next chapter in their lives together! The creative shoot was a little bit urban and a little bit nature. We started off at Malden park, then made our way to downtown Windsor. We trekked trough a little mud, and we climbed a fire escape. Anything to get the shot!

The reception was held at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts. Violeta and Ryan celebrated with their guests, enjoying a terrific dinner, a live band and some late night perogies & sausage! It was a beautiful night, and a perfect end to an amazing day.

Thank you, Violeta and Ryan for having us along and letting us tell your story. We hope that you love the memories that we’ve captured for you!

-John

P.S. Check out their wedding photos by John Lyons! johnlyonsweddings.com/2011/12/weddings-in-windsor-ontario/

Perfect Shutter is a wedding videography studio based out of Windsor, Ontario.
perfectshutter.com/blogs/videography/

Tags: Windsor Chatham Sarnia London Real Wedding Inspiration Planning Videography

•Start Early

Planning for your wedding dance should begin in the early days of your wedding planning process. You really can’t start too soon. Waiting too long will only increase your stress and frustration as your wedding date draws nearer.

• Consider Group Classes

For the couple with little to no dance experience, you should consider attending several group classes before you try to choose a song or dance. Specifically, you should look for group classes that focus on beginner partner dances. The goal here is to become accustomed to dancing with each other to increase your comfort levels.

• Choose Your Wedding Dance

Once you’ve gotten a feel for moving together on a dance floor and understand each other’s limitations, it’s time to select your wedding dance. Some popular choices are the foxtrot, which is fairly easy to learn, the traditional waltz, which is the formal dance of choice, and swing, which is a fun and up-tempo choice. If you’re willing to put in more learning and practice time, consider upping the sophistication level by going with the salsa, rumba, or cha-cha.

• Choose Your Wedding Song

After you’ve chosen your wedding dance, it’s time to select the song you’re going to dance to. Perhaps you already have a song in mind, but if you don’t, research appropriate tempos for the dance you’ve chosen and go from there. For example, if you’ve decided to dance the foxtrot, then a slow love song or a ballad is the perfect backdrop. If you already have the perfect song chosen, but aren’t sure what type of dance would work well with it, check in with a dance instructor.

• Consider Private Lessons

If you have the time and money to do so, you should consider enrolling for private lessons with a dance instructor. They’ll not only be able to help you learn whatever dance you’ve chosen, but they’ll likely be able to give you tips to make your dance somewhat unique by playing off of your and your fiancé’s strengths. The best time to start private lessons is approximately five to six months before your wedding date. Even if your wedding is only a couple of months away, a lesson or two will help raise the confidence meter a fair amount.

• Practice Makes Perfect

Depending on your comfort level, you’ll want to work in practice sessions leading up to your wedding date. Sure, this might be tough to manage as the big day draws closer, but it’s worth every minute. For one, the more often you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become. For two, practicing allows you and your fiancé precious alone time, which becomes increasingly difficult to find in the midst of wedding preparations.

While the wedding dance is a wonderfully romantic and fun tradition, that doesn’t mean it’s a tradition that is right for everyone. If you and your fiancé decide to skip the wedding dance, that’s perfectly okay! What matters most is that your wedding day is a celebration of your love and commitment to each other, whether that includes the wedding dance or not.

For those couples who can’t wait to take a spin on the dance floor; however, the above tips will help them keep their two left feet at home, so they can dazzle and surprise their guests with their oh-so-romantic wedding dance.

Tags: Windsor Ontario Wedding Dance Lessons Routinc London Chatham Sarnia First Dance

Stacey is a familiar face here at Perfect Shutter. You may recognize her from the wedding of Allison and Brian, which we filmed in 2010. Stacey was maid of honour at her sister Allison’s wedding… but this time around, she’s wearing the white dress and marrying the love of her life, Marc.

The morning began at Stacey’s parents’ home in LaSalle. The girls had their hair and makeup done, as we filmed in the background. It was a relaxed morning, and we got a chance to hang out with Allison and some of the other familiar faces in the bridal party. Ahmad then made his way over to Roseland golf course, where Marc and the guys were playing a couple rounds. After some time on the green, the boys headed back to Marc’s to get ready.

Watch the video now…

The ceremony was held at Corpus Christi Parish in South Windsor. Stacey and Marc exchanged touching vows in front of their family and friends, and officially began the next chapter of their lives together as husband and wife.

After the ceremony, we followed along with their photographer Ahmad A. Taam from Signature Design and Photography. We spent some time shooting by the Detroit River and then made our way to do some filming at the beautiful Hiram Walker building.

The reception was held at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts. With all their friends and family in attendance, it was packed house at one of our favourite venues in Windsor. The decor was stunning, and the wonderful reception was a fitting celebration for a such terrific couple.

Thank you Stacey and Marc for having us along on your big day. We hope that you cherish what we’ve captured and love the way we told your story!

P.S. Check out Stacey and Marc’s photos by Ahmad A.Taam at signaturedesignphotography.com/Site/Blog/Entries/2011/9/22_Stacey_%26_Marc.html

- John Chan – Perfect Shutter

Perfect Shutter is a wedding videography studio based out of Windsor, Ontario. perfectshutter.com/​blogs/​videography/​

Tags: Windsor Chatham Sarnia London Real Wedding Inspiration Planning Videography

Visit www.thewindsorclub.com for information on their great wedding reception and banquet facilities including their delicious menus.

Contact the Windsor Club on their EverythingWedding.ca Profile

The pavilion is expected to be completed by May 2012.

Owner of Matronardi Estate Winery, Eadie Mastronardi, shares the following:

“Couples looking to getting married in 2013 should be booking us ASAP.
Mastronardi Estate Winery’s Event Pavilion will take our winery to the next chapter! We love outdoor events, we will love it more when we no longer have to wonder how the weather will affect your day!! Mastronardi Estate Winery is the ONLY wedding destination that offers all inclusive wedding packages – Schedule an appointment and see what else we have to offer!”

Check out this rendering of the beautiful pavilion.

Contact Information:

1193 Road 3 East  Kingsville, ON N9Y 2E5
519-733-9463
eadie@mastronardiwines.com
www.mastronardiwines.com

Tags: Windsor Ontario Winery, Wineries Windsor Ontario, Essex County Wineries, Windsor – Essex Wine Region, Winery Wedding

To celebrate Chalet’s 25th anniversary, we have teamed up with some great Windsor businesses
to bring you our biggest prize package ever.

We are so excited!

You’ll love this amazing give away event.
The lucky winners are going to have a night to remember. And it could be YOU!

✷Your private evening for two will begin with a Limousine ride from Mister J’s to Chalet Studio.
✷You’ll be enjoying a beautifully prepared candlelight dinner by CHEF LAURA CLARKE-GIBERSON of HARVEST SPOON.
✷SOIREE EVENT EXTRAORDINAIRE will be setting the mood with decor for your once in a lifetime dining experience.
Of course there wil be music and wine and lots of fun for two.
✷During the evening you’ll enjoy a photo session as Janet & ALAN of CHALET STUDIO create fun images of you.
You’ll receive a wall portrait to remember the fun too!
✷PICTURE THIS FRAMING will frame your portrait.
Other fun awaits:
The DELICATE TOUCH LINGERIE and SLEEPWEAR has a $100 Gift Card for the winning couple.
✷FORRATS CHOCOLATES Devonshire Mall will surprise you with a gift of Chocolate Delight….. Yum!
✷To top off the evening you’ll be whisked away to Windsor Inn on the River by Mister J’s Limousine
for an overnight evening stay. This will no doubt be an incredible night of fun for you to remember forever…

ITS EASY TO ENTER: Simply join the facebook fan page Chalet Studio Photography. If you are already a fan you can enter on your computer by clicking the “Win It” button on the left side of the page. Its the fourth button under the red hot arrow on the Chalet Date Night Photo.

it was December 30th.

it was foggy and damp.

it was the day that Janice & Roy got married

i drove to Cambridge, not knowing what to expect when i arrived at Langdon Hall. i cannot describe how i felt as i drove through the gates and heading towards to main house. i think my mouth hung agape for a while, but i recomposed myself when the valet helped me to the front door. Langdon Hall is a drop-dead gorgeous, jaw-dropping, goose-bum inducing venue for a wedding. i don’t kid about such things.

it was an intimate affair, with only 12 people (including the bride and groom), and it was exactly the wedding that Janice and Roy envisioned for themselves.

a lovely ceremony in the conservatory as the sun was setting, and a beautiful dinner in the formal dining room, right in front of a fireplace.

i want to thank Janice and Roy for allowing me into their lives for a brief moment. your family welcomed me with open arms, and it was a wedding i will not soon forget.

here’s their wedding story as told by me.