Spring is Here - Maple Meadow Custom Landscapes

Maple Meadow Custom Landscapes, a family owned and operated business, services the Greater Caledon and Orangeville area. They offer the highest quality of outdoor landscape and garden services available. Since 1987, they have provided superior service to customers and have assisted them in achieving their goals.  They bring over 24 years of experience in all aspects of landscape construction, tree care and maintenance.

From Concept to Installation, they do it all!

Tree removal, maintenance and clean up.  Insured Professionals!

Lawn Care & Maintenance. Garden Design, Installation, Restoration and Maintenance.

For More information on Maple Meadow Custom Landscapes, please visit online @ http://www.maplemeadow.ca/

Help Us Keep Celebrating this Spring!

This Past Thursday... yes St.Patrick's Day, we celebrated our 5 year Wedding Anniversary! Whoo Hoo for us... Now we would like to help you celebrate your engagement by passing along the great vibes and savings.

This spring for any Wedding Reception Packages Booked we will include our Basic Dance Floor Lighting Package.

Come on and help us celebrate 5 amazing years and we will help get your marriage off to the right start too!

Cheers,

Dan and Laura

'Guest Blog' by Cendi Micor TASTE, TRADITIONS & TRENDS

I would like to introduce you to today's Guest Blogger... Cendi from Immortal Weddings.  Cendi is known for going against the crowd.  This attribute is perfect for those of you who really want your wedding to stand apart. She has a love for music, tattoos, concerts and movies.  She appreciates traditions, however, you cannot please everyone.  Trends are not a priority…why be like everyone else?  She can add a chic touch to your edgy style.  www.immortalweddings.ca

The 3 Ts of Planning- TASTE, TRADITIONS AND TRENDS

~written by Cendi Micor

When it comes to making decisions about your wedding, there are many things to consider. It all boils down to you and your partner's style and taste. You may also consider traditions that both of your families value. Plus, to make things a bit simpler, you should also take note of current trends, which may make certain items more accessible than obscure ones.

PICKING A DATE : You may have a date that is meaningful to both of your. For example, a dating anniversary. You may also be set on a specific time of year. As for your family, they may have superstitions regarding certain numbers and dates. Lately, it has become very popular to choose a date that is extremely easy to remember. For instance, October 10, 2010 = 10/10/10.

BRIDAL PARTY: The size is the first thing to decide. Do you want it to just be your closest family and friends or do you want to include as many people as possible? Does your family have a say as to whom you choose? Many people are no longer following traditional etiquette in terms of their bridal party. The number of bridesmaids does not have to match the number of groomsmen. There are now best women as opposed to strictly just best men.

~Photo courtesy of www.flickr.com

SHOWER: If you want all of your closest family and friends present, you can choose to have a co-ed shower. Traditionally, if you are not currently living together, you may want to have a gift registry. Traditionally, it should be the bridal party throwing the shower...you can have a potluck or luncheon. One modern trend that is occurring these days is to throw a Stag and Doe, which is essentially, to raise money for the couple.

STAG/STAGETTE: Do you want to go all out with the partying? If so, you may go clubbing, to the strip clubs, and get around in a limo. Traditionally, celebrating your last night as a "single", used to occur the night before the wedding, but this is no longer as common. Nowadays, a weekend getaway is huge...Vegas is a very popular trend.

~Photo courtesy of www.destination360.com

CEREMONY: Will you be exchanging vows in a church? Are there cultural aspects that you would like to include. Traditionally, the couple has their backs towards the guests. Throw a twist into your ceremony and ask your priest/officiant if he/she can stand off to the side on an angle or if you can face your guests. It is very common now to also have the ceremony and reception held at one venue.

FLOWERS: Are you going to include your favourite flower into your bouquet and/or decor? As it is tradition to keep your bouquet, why not have a mixture of both real and fake flowers? As for your bridesmaids and maid of honour, make it different and have them hold a single flower as opposed to a bouquet. Consider what is popular and what is in-season.

~Photo courtesy of www.womensweddingsdresses.com

ATTIRE: How traditional do you want your outfit to be? Do you want to wear a white dress...men, to wear black tuxedos? How will your family feel about it? It has become very acceptable to now add more colour to the bridal gown and the colour black is also now acceptable. The length no longer has to be full-length. Another twist could be to wear coloured pumps.

FOOD: What better time to have your favourite meal than your wedding? Traditionally, dinners are more common but it may suit you and your guests better to have a luncheon. A very popular trend right now is having food stations, giving everyone more of a chance to mingle. Also think about what type of bar you will offer. Plus, your cake...how many tiers and how much detail do you want?

MUSIC: What route are you going to take with your music? A DJ or a band? Traditionally, a receiving line occurs and an introduction to music takes place. Is this something your want? You must also consider how speeches will occur during the event. Are you going to have an MC? A great trend right is to allow guests to request songs on the back of their RSVP cards.

HONEYMOON: Are you more into hot, tropical atmospheres or sight-seeing in Europe? To have a more relaxed approach to your wedding, you can have a mini-moon, which is a small trip prior to your wedding. Traditionally, couples used to depart on the night of their weddings, whereas most couples no longer do this. An extremely huge trend now is the Destination Wedding. This way, you and all your closest family and friends can vacation together.

~Photo courtesy of www.sdweddinginsider.com

No matter what you ultimately decide, make your wedding about what YOU want. Not what you think you're supposed to do based on family opinions, nor what today's society is doing. Stand apart and make it memorable! And enjoy it!!

Why Shopping on Quality is Important to the Sucess of Your Event!

Why are your prices double of the other quote that I just received? - or -  Why would I spend that money on a DJ when I can use my Ipod? - or -  I have a buddy that will DJ for us and he will do it for free.  Unfortunately we do hear these questions every year, and it truly scares me that as event planners (bride & grooms, that is what you are now) you are not doing your research.

The number one reason that you pay more for a great DJ is that we go the extra mile every day to see that we are the best in the industry and that we are stepping up to every level of industry professionalism.  By hiring a fantastic and reputable DJ, you are making it known to your guests that you care about the evening you are preparing for them.  Whether you like it or not, when you plan a wedding, you will be judged. You will be judged on the venue, food, entertainment & decor. I recommend showing your guests the same care that you would if they were in your own home.

Here are a few simple answers to the above questions:

Price: Typically is associated with Quality.  Low end and new DJ's charge less. With this you get lack of experience, makeshift equipment and they probably do not have a very high professional standard. See below for more details.
Ipod Weddings: Don't do it! This is the worst thing you can do when planning a party of this caliber.  All you are doing is telling your guests that you not worth the expense of a DJ. Also you are planning for a one sided party, taking only your own musical tastes into consideration.
Free Friend Services: You are taking a huge chance here.  Maybe they are a good DJ, maybe not. Maybe they have the proper equipment & licencing, maybe not. Maybe they will actually show up, maybe not. Maybe they will get drunk and make a joke out of your party, maybe not.  For me, I wouldn't use this option unless they were a professionals and still have some form of contract.

Here are a few reasons why you pay more to get a Great (and legal) DJ for your Wedding.

Licencing - It cost money to have the Proper AVLA licencing.  This is the bare minimum that any person or DJ should have before they even consider playing music publicly.  The licencing is governed by the RCMP and it is considered illegal to play any recorded music publicly without this. This means your Ipod too!

Insurance - This is a must.  Would you have a contractor on your premise knowingly without adequate insurance? All vendors at your celebration should carry a minimum of 2 million liability insurance.

Music Sources - It is illegal to download music. DJ's are no exception to this rule. That is right, to stay above the law and do this legally, we are required to purchase all of our music (as of today, not even itunes is legal for us).  Most great DJ's are on weekly/biweekly subscriptions for Top 40 music.

Equipment - showing up with damaged equipment or a home stereo is not acceptable for any event. A great DJ updates and maintains their equipment regularly.  We personally update every piece of our equipment every second year. Only the best for our clients.

Contracts - A Must! Seriously... you would hand money over to a stranger without a legal contract, no wonder they never showed for your event.  This unfortunately is a common occurrence in the Wedding industry.  Make sure that you have everything in writing and the details are correct.

Taxes - Paying Cash for a DJ in some peoples opinions is a much cheaper method than doing everything legally.  If you have no paper trail of an agreement and if anything ever goes wrong, you are left to face the consequences should it be a no show DJ, or one that shows up with makeshift equipment and hurts a guest.

Behaviour - Have a No Alcohol policy set in place for all of your vendors.  Alcohol impairs peoples judgement... and worst of all a vendor who is drinking at your event has to load up their equipment and drive it somewhere at the end of the night with all of your family and friends travelling the same roads.  I actually heard tonight that a man was offering a $250 Wedding DJ package plus an open bar for himself for the evening.  Unbelievable.

Comfort - A great DJ gives you comfort  for the entire experience. From answering questions during the planning stages, pointing you in the direction of wonderful vendors to work along with, treating your guests with respect, and most importantly knowing how to conduct themselves accordingly. This includes and is not limited to appearance, conduct and most of all professional presentation especially when in the role of Master of Ceremonies.

I could go on and on for hours of all of the reasons why it pays to shop on quality over price.  At the end of the day, your are leaving the success of your reception in the hands of one main person, the DJ.  How would you like the evening to go; Successfully or like a game of Russian Roulette?


Yours in Music,

Laura

Where will you get married?

I was reading an article sent from one of the websites that we advertise on and it was talking about a survey that it put on asking engaged couples:

 “Where do you plan to have your wedding reception?”
Here are there results...
33% - Banquet Hall
32% - Outdoor Venue
19% - Historic Mansion or Venue
7% - Hotel
6% - Private Home
3% - Religious Venue

In this online survey, over 3,500 engaged brides were asked this question and I was surprised by the results.  I actually expected Banquet Halls to be higher due to the sheer volume of Halls in the GTA.  But then again we have a distinct clientele and most of our couples are working 'outside the box' for their Weddings. 

By doing a little research in discovering what style of reception you want will uncover many different options. Here is a list of some of the amazing venues we are looking forward to visiting again this coming Wedding Season.

Marquees on Home Properties (three so far this coming year)
La Gondola Banquet Hall - www.lagondola.ca
Terrace on the Green (a couple of times this year) - www.terraceonthegreen.com
Toronto Park Hyatt (a couple of times this year) - www.parktoronto.hyatt.com
Berkley Church - www.berkeleyevents.com
Oakville Golf Club - www.oakvillegolfclub.com
Hart House - www.harthouse.utoronto.ca
Harbour Banquet Center - www.harbourbanquet.ca
Glen Carin Golf & Country Club - www.clublink.ca
The Alton Mill (a couple of times this year) - www.altonmill.ca
The Queens Landing Hotel - http://www.vintage-hotels.com/
Graydon Hall Manor - www.graydonhall.com
The Manor - www.bypeterandpauls.com
The Halton Regional Museum (a few times this year) - www.halton.ca/museum
The Kortright Centre - www.kortright.org
The Gardiner Museum - www.gardinermuseum.on.ca
Liberty Grand - www.libertygrand.com
The Terra Cotta Inn - www.cotta.ca
Big Win Island Golf & Country Club - www.bigwinisland.com
The Mississauga Convention Centre - www.mississaugaconvention.com
The Royal Ambassador - www.theroyalambassador.com
Hockley Valley Resort - www.hockley.com
The Design Exchange - www.dx.org

So now I as you... Where will you or did you get married????

How to Create a Unique Wedding Ceremony

This is the second of many in our new series “Our views from the Mountain… Looking over the Skyline of the City” blogs.



What is really required for music choices when planning the ceremony sector of your Wedding Reception?

Time and time again we are confronted with the same question when meeting with engaged couples. Many have attended Weddings over the years and remembered only the “traditional” musical selections that have been repeated over and over through the decades. This is not to say that the “classics” are not amazing pieces of music that truly set an ambience of class and elegance. However, Many couples have commented that these selections are not a direct reflection of their own personal musical tastes or mood they wish to unfold.

The traditional Wedding Ceremony when broken right down involves four basic sectors. Firstly there is the music that is played while guests gather at the ceremony location. Traditionally was provided by String, Piano or Organ typically at many Church or Courtyard style Weddings. The selections were usually Wedding classical pieces or even Hymn’s found within the Church’s Hymnbooks. Secondly there was a selection of song or songs for the transition of the Bridal Party and Bride Herself to move to the altar at the front. Thirdly There was a traditional selection played during the actual signing and witnessing of the marriage license. Lastly There was a traditional uplifting selection played during the walk back up the aisle as newlyweds also traditional.

Enter the new mentality. The couple that longs for their Wedding Experience to be fun for guests and themselves alike from the moment of arrival onwards. This not achieved by “reinventing the wheel” so to speak, but merely to introduce a wheel that offers the chrome and brash that many couples “roll with” in their daily lives.

We are often asked when discussing this type of migration what the “typical songs “ for this choice might include? The joy of this choice is the word typical is replaced with individual or unique . For those that have been following our promise that has became our mission, we strive for a Unique, Memorable and Fun Wedding Experience. By hand picking musical pieces that have meaning for you both as a couple, you have already indicated to your guests that there attendance is important and well thoughout. So many couples have commented in the past that they want there guests having a terrific time, be toe tapping, and feel included from the moment of arrival onwards.

When we suggest this alternative to the classical pieces of yesterday, there are so many wonderful choices for your Modern Hip and Trendy Ceremony. Our favorite choice currently for an “old mixed with the new solution” is The Vitamin String Quartet style music. This will prove to provide exceptional entertainment and ambience for all ages. Your young friends will marvel as they recognize the song that is playing in a classical context. Your parents and older guests will enjoy the variety, and overall distinguished mood that is enjoyable for all.

Don’t be afraid to step outside the box, and Happy Planning.

Giving your reception a head start, even before the guests arrive.

Planning a beautiful celebration is an art. Combining the perfect and unique elements that scream 'Wow, look how beautiful and original I am!' is something that professional event planners take ages to master.

However, planning a party and giving it all the right combinations to ensure a successful event is not as hard to master. Follow these simple guidelines and experience the difference that it will make in the results of your event.

*Music Selection* Work with a Dj that can feel a crowd. Talk about the music that you love to listen to while enjoying a meal with your partner, when your in the car and what makes you go crazy on the dancefloor.  Choose some of your favorite songs to be heard through out all of your event.  Leave room for your DJ to work their magic too!  We are masters at creating fantastic parties.  Make sure your Dj will accept your guest requests at the event, this is super important to have a happy crowd.

*Room Layout* When you are deciding where everything will be for your reception think beyond the seating plan. Bar... will this be in the room or in the hallway/lobby? If the bar is out of the room, your guests will be too. The same rule goes for late night sweet/food stations.  If you want the party to stick around, keep them in the room. Dancefloor... Having the dance floor set up in a central location is key to having your guests on it. 

*Where to Stick the DJ* Technology is fantastic and mobile DJ setups are becoming simpler, smaller and more portable.  With nice linens on the table and properly placed tape, a DJ table can actually work in a room that has been beautifully decorated.  Place the Dj right beside or on the edge of the dancefloor.  If you were to put the DJ in a corner away from the dance floor, behind a curtain or even in a different room, you are basically cutting the possible quality that the reception could be in half.

(Most Djs will choose if located by the dance floor put their speakers on either side of their table. This way the volumes are easy to set just right, there are minimal wires to tape down or have exposed and the amount of outlets need are minimal.)

*Important things to Remember* If a Dj cannot see the Dancefloor, how can they control it.  Don't place your grandparents where our speakers will be, we do our best to work with the logistics of any room, but having guests right where our speakers are is never a good idea.  Have clean Linens for our table, so that we can make it look as nice as possible.  Don't leave the music details to the last minute, have your reception planner completed atleast 2 weeks prior to your big day so that you can just relax.

By considering all of these simply things, I can guarantee a great start to any event.  Please consider chatting with us at any time before your event so that we can help you with any room placement problem or ideas that you may have.

Happy Planning!

Laura

A Fun Filled Dance a Thon Day

Thursday was a fun filled day with some of our younger friends at a great Dance a Thon Fundrasier

 

Our Uplit stage set up

Some fun "freestyle" moves

A very competitive limbo competition

The stage lighting made for a bizarre looking picture looking out.  Everybody was moving and grooving- fun fun and fun!

The True Advantages of Having Your Wedding on a Friday

This is the first of many in our new series “Our views from the Mountain… Looking over the Skyline of the City” blogs.

After meeting with a wonderful Bride-to-be this past week I felt totally inspired on her insite, Fresh ideas, and Unique approach. The concept of having a Friday Wedding is not a new one. Her reasons for doing so were not the usual justification which typically is based on cost savings and venue/vendor availability. (totally valid).  

The couples rational was more selfless. The idea that family and guests really look forward to their time off on weekends. This precious time that could be spent travelling, camping or cottaging need not be interrupted by the insertion of a Wedding smack dab in the middle of the weekend. In this individual circumstance, the Bride-to-be’s parents travel every weekend to a home on Manitoulin Island where they hope to retire one day. The Bride matter- of- factly pointed out,” I simply can’t take that unwind time away from Mom and Dad.”

Having done our own Wedding on a Friday, I also could add that it was a wonderful feeling to still have the entire weekend to enjoy after our celebration. For guests, it meant not having to wake up Sunday morning, get dressed , and drive home to prepare for work on Monday morning. Many out-of-towners lingered on an additional day to spend extra time and enjoy brunch with us on the Saturday. Such a bonus when we hadn’t seen many of them in a considerable amount of time.

To truly have two full days off after your extremely emotion filled day is also an advantage to many who may not be able to proceed into a Honeymoon directly afterwards due to work logistics or other circumstances. (Teachers getting married during the school year are a great example)

Laura and I have noticed to quite an extent that the direction seems to pointing towards “Fridays becoming the New Saturdays”. Your choices for venue availability especially without a year in advance reservation is far greater as well.

Thanks for the inspiration Amanda and Happy Planning!

The Civilized Bride Wedding Show in The Distilleries Friday January 21st, 2011

This past Friday evening, we had the pleasure of being a part of the Civilized Bride, a unique take on a bridal show.  Bride & Groom's to be were invited to mix and mingle with the GTA's finest Wedding Professionals while enjoying a cocktail and a canape. Here are a few pictures I took before it became too busy for pictures. 


The Bar



Wedluxe - Official Sponsor



Fantastic Fruit Platter Display



Guests Starting To Arrive

The Arta Gallery is a Fantastic & Hip Venue

Our Uplights Among the Great Art on Display



Funky Table With Promo Material

It was a great evening. Not only did I meet with some amazing couples, some of which booked us right on the spot, but I had the chance to finally meet some of the fantastic vendors that I hear about all the time while catching up with those who we work with regularly.



Wonderful Weddings of 2010 in review... Part II

Due to the popular feedback we received from our first launch of pictures last week,  Laura and I decided to add another round from my Wedding picture files.... Hope you Enjoy!

Just the boys having some fun at Wooden Sticks!



A Very Unique Wedding Cake at Markland Woods Golf and Country Club

Our Mini Starball effect.

Laura's creative flair gone wild as we uplit our meeting room and Christmas Tree

A wonderful Fall Wedding at Canoe atop the Toronto Skyline

A themed Wedding in Ancastor at Knollwood Golf and Country Club

The Sutton Place Hotel overlooking the downtown core

A priceless cake topper, for a wonderful couple

Ceremony Set up at Halton Regional Museum

Our uplighting on display behind the podium

A terrific fun filled evening at Toronto's Liberty Grand

An unbelievable evening at Toronto Design X

A funfilled cocktail hour at Markland Woods Golf

The outdoor Wedding Gazebo at Halton Regional in Milton

Many Thanks to all of our 2010 couples who made these memories possible!

The Civilized Bride - January 21st, 2011

Please join us this Friday evening as Dan and I will be participating in this new concept boutique style Wedding Show.  This will be a stunning and original event that has been sponsored by our dear friends at Wedluxe. Magazine.  Like the concept of Wedluxe, all vendors have been hand picked and are by invite only.  This will make for an enjoyable experience discussing your plans and dreams amongest the industries cream of the crop  Wedding Professionals. 

Stop by and say Hi... we would love to see you!

Cheers,

Dan and Laura Forbes

Ambient Decor Uplighting @ Hockley Valley Resort.

We recently had our Ambient Decor Uplighting set up for an elaborate display at Hockley Valley Resort with our good friend and fellow DJ Matthew Beauchamp.  Here are some pictures which show you just how amazing these fixtures are.  These were even taken during the day, as the sun set and it became dark outside, the room became a soft blue creating a whimsical atmosphere.

16 Uplights were used to highlight the entire ballroom at Hockley Valley Resort.

A Look Back at 2010!

2010...... what can we say other than WOW... what a wonderful year! Our business and family grew last year!  2010 was filled with amazing couples from all around the world.  We also travelled most of Ontario for Weddings and other amazing events. Words cannot tell you what a great year we have had, but pictures can.

~Here are some of photos of some of the highlights of our 2010~



Laura is now the Wedding & Special Event Coordinator for the Alton Mill.

 

Jennifer, Laura, Dan & Lisa in the Funky FotoBooth!



Reception at the Alton Mill

Great Music is Timeless ~ bringing free services to Seniors Homes

Kevin & Nora's Wedding @ The Old Mill

We welcomed baby Chase to the family on April 20!

We invested in Ambient Decor Uplighting (Hockely Valley Display)

Rustic/Elegant Wedding @ the Alton Mill.



Spring Wedding @ King Valley Golf & Country Club

Suze & Andrew's Royal Wedding @ the Royal Ambassador

Rocking it out in Chattam @ The Retro Suites

Uplighting in Aberfoyle.

Rockin' the Top Floor of the Sutton Place Hotel.

Lion Dance

The Great Hall - Toronto

Reception on the Lake with a beautiful Couple



Modern Wedding at the Gardiner Museum

 
2010 was a fantastic year.  We made tons of new friends and colleagues in the Wedding Industry and also had just amazing clients to work along with.  We took a more active roll in the CPDJA and are now reside on the National Advisory Committee. 

2011 looks very promising to make this past year seem lame.... stay tuned for some amazing announcements and updates on where we will go, work and take Sounds of Distinction Entertainment in this new year.

Dan and Laura Forbes