It’s eco-friendly, it’s fun, and it will please the budget friendly bride. Vist www.bridalswap.ca for more details.

Shark Fin soup is considered an item of luxury in Chinese culture and is primarily served at wedding banquets. With growing populations and the growing wealth of the middle class, the oceans have proven to be unable to sustain the growing consuption of shark fin soup. Despite shark finning being a cruel practice and a great risk to our eco-system, many have found it difficult to let go of the soup due to its strong ties to Chinese tradition and culture.

On October 13, 2011, Shark Truth with the support of Vancouver Foundation presented the Sans Fin Soup Contest. Chefs were invited to showcase their shark fin-free soup alternatives in a tasting challenge to 300 guests at the Renaissance Harbourside Hotel. Guests were shown that there are many alternatives to shark fin soup that can hold meaning, taste great and satisfy any wedding guest.

Here are the winners for the Sans Fin Soup Challenge:

Sans Fin Soup Star: Chef Edmund Yee – P2B Bistro & Bar, Abalone and Crab Soup & Fried Scallop Terrine

People’s Choice Soup: Chef Tom Lee – Edible Canada at the Market, Ginger Duck Soup & Pan Seared BC Shrimp & Crab Cake

Harry’s Favourite: William Tse – Sandbar, Sans Fin Soup & Seafood Sampler.

Founded in 2009, Shark Truth is a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to promoting awareness, education and action for sharks and around shark fin issues. Their strategy is to empower consumers to Stop the Soup by using a culturally informed approach and creating opportunities to position individuals to be leaders in change. Their long-term goal is to stop the consumption of shark fin in Canada in five to ten years. For more information on Shark Truth and how you can help Stop the Soup, please visit www.sharktruth.com

Who says wedding planning can’t be fun? Sometimes brides just need a night out with the girls! The Fraser Valley Wedding Festival on Monday, October 17 2011 will have a wedding dress sample sale, a matrimonial mall, and a décor showcase featuring fully decorated rooms.

Shop until you drop and then gossip with girlfriends in the complimentary bridal tearoom where you can indulge over a selection of cakes, cupcakes, wine, and delicious dips into the chocolate fountain.

Real Weddings will be there, join us and make it a girls night out!

The Fraser Valley Wedding Festival

Monday October 17, 2011, from 4-8pm

The Coast Hotel & Convention Centre

20393 Fraser Highway in Langley

Admission is $5 and $1 from each ticket benefits the Canadian Cancer Society

Wednesday July 13, 2011 was the launch date and grand opening for Nadia Albano’s chic new digs on Granville Street at Robson. Tucked away downstairs in suite 100 of the heritage Medical Building at  825 Granville Nadia Albano Style Inc is a full service hair, make-up and personal shopping  studio.

When we arrived the place was rocking and looking most glam. Local designers par excellence Maurizio and David of Debut Event Design looked after the goodies and made sure all of the guests were well cared for so our ebullient hostess could enjoy her evening and mingle with the local A-list.

Although it was pretty warm down there with all those lovely bodies packed into the studio’s modest space and with all the makeup lights blazing a couple of heavy duty fans kept us sane and the Margarita mix martinis laced with tequila had us not caring how hot it got.

The goodies and treats were delicious – espresso macaroons were the hands down fav of most of the guests we polled.

It was a lively night of beauty, style, and mingling at Nadia’s new studio. Visit her on the web and when it comes time to do your “do” and make sure your makeup is picture perfect for your wedding day be sure to check her out!

Photos by Select Photography
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Nadia Albano is a professional makeup artist, hair stylist, fashion consultant and educator. Widely recognized in Vancouver and the lower mainland, over the past decade, Nadia has provided her expertise at countless weddings, photo shoots, and fashion shows. Although bridal and desitnation weddings are her specialty, Nadia has a passion for fashion and loves creating customized looks for her clients through hair cutting, colouring, and wardrobe styling. www.nadiaalbano.com.

One of the hottest new cake designers in Vancouver is Anna Wawzonek of Anna Elizabeth Cakes. We spent a few moments with her as she talks about how she got started, what she loves and what makes her cakes gorgeously unique. This is one passionate and talented cake designer!

RW: How did you start as a cake designer?
AW: I originally studied science, but found that I really missed being in touch with my creative side. I had dabbled in cakes all of my life (my mum is an amazing baker) and after an intro cake decorating class, I decided to enroll in pastry school. It was a great learning experience and it really allowed me to establish a solid baking theory foundation. With that knowledge, I am able to create all my own recipes for some amazingly delicious cakes and fillings, if I do say so myself!

After pastry school, I interned with the amazing Cake Opera Co. in Toronto. Interning with two of Canada’s best really helped me expand my skills and knowledge, not only of cake design, but of the business side as well.

RW: So when did you launch out on your own?
AW: Anna Elizabeth Cakes officially launched at the beginning of 2011 and has expanded faster than I ever thought possible!

RW: What do you love about designing wedding cakes?
AW: I love the challenge that comes with designing each cake—crafting something beautiful that perfectly represents a couple. I love being a part of such a special day in so many people’s lives and I love exceeding expectations. One of the best things is getting a note after a wedding saying that the cake was beyond what they could have ever imagined. I also love breaking preconceived notions about wedding cake; you would be amazed at the number of couples I have had in for consultations that tell me they had no idea wedding cake could taste so good. I love making people happy!

RW: What inspires your work?
AW: I constantly draw inspiration from everything around me. From gowns and dress designs, to flowers, to textiles—the smallest details can provide inspiration.

RW: Describe your style/aesthetic.
AW: While every artist has his or her own style, it’s also my job to create a cake that perfectly meshes with each couples’ taste and wedding decor. I love hand painting cakes and incorporating unique and unexpected elements; my own style leans towards vintage with a modern twist.

RW: What’s more important, the design of the cake or the flavour?
AW: They are both equally important—what is the point of a cake that looks beautiful, but tastes so-so? I pride myself on creating something that looks as amazing as it is going to taste!

RW: Some trends wedding cake trends for 2011-2012?
AW: It seems to me that cupcakes are on their way out and opulent, grand wedding cakes are back in style. Tall tiers, jewel tones, custom sugar toppers and metallics are just some of the elements that keep appearing in my designs for this year’s weddings.  Another popular alternative is multiple cakes; instead of a large five tier, why not try three smaller cakes? This makes for a beautiful centerpiece and allows you to explore more than one design option.

RW: If you made your own wedding cake, what would it look like, and what flavour would it be?
AW: Well, I adore all things elegant, antique and pretty, so I think my cake would be white on white with hints of grey and lavender. Maybe some sugar flowers and feathers and some sort of hand painted design inspired by antique French ephemera or vintage botanicals. For flavour,  I am a chocolate fan, but I think I would go with a light lemon cake with coconut buttercream and fresh raspberries.

RW: When you’re not around cakey goodness, what is your favourite food?
AW: I am such a foodie, it is so hard to pick a favourite! I love anything with Mediterranean or Middle Eastern influences. My all time favourite restaurant is Nuba—their mjadra lentils are to die for!

Vancouver wedding cake designer Anna Wawzonek creates custom wedding cakes in a myriad of scrumptious flavour combinations. Check out her website for more details.

Now is the time to start your bridal beauty regime to ensure you’re glowing and clear on the big day. We recently stopped in for a treatment and chat with July Cvijic, owner and practitioner at Vie Derma Clinic in the Marriott Pinnacle Hotel in downtown Vancouver to get some tips on preparing and treating skin for optimum bridal radiance.

1. How early should a bride begin preparing her skin before the big day?
I would need to examine her skin at least two months prior, followed by a consultation about the best treatment according to her condition at that time.

2. What kinds of special treatments should a bride undergo for a wedding day face that’s radiant, healthy, and clear?
Our special treatment for the wedding day is the Vitamin-C Facial. It results in a radiant youthful glow and preps the skin for makeup.

3. And what about body treatments?
Body treatments are just as important as facials.We have products and treatments that we can introduce to the bride.

4. We know that treatments to the skin are beneficial, but what about what goes into the body?
Nutritional value is as important as external treatments or products. My advice for the bride is to follow a healthy diet, follow a targetted digestive cleanser regime and take nutritional supplements if needed. For acne prone skin, a  special diet started two months in advance is helpful. In a consult, I can suggest specific diet or product needs.

5. What are some definite skin no-no’s?
My advice for brides is stay away from excessive sun exposure and limit consumption of alcohol, coffee, chocolate and sugar.

7. What about grooms? What should they do for their skin in preparation for the big day?
Yes, their facials are just as important as the brides’. It all depends on a groom’s skin condition: they may need two months or less, but a facial will help with a clean, healthy look for the pictures. If a groom has oily skin, a facial is crucial. At our clinic, we also have a mens’ products for at-home care.

Our staff experienced both a men’s and a women’s consult and facial. The verdict? Very thorough skin consultations and facials that hydrated, cleared, cleansed, and rejuvenated the skin!

July Cvijic is the owner of Vie Derma Clinic in Vancouver’s Coal Harbour. She has been involved in the wellness industry for most of her professional life having been trained and educated in a renowned Austrian aesthetic college. She is a dermatological guru of international repute and combines an instinctive flair with over thirty-five years experience. She is also a well-known teacher in the realm of skin diagnosis and treatment.

Vie Derma Clinic is located at 1150 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. Contact them at 604 568-3367 or email her at elledermaclinic@yahoo.ca for more information about their products and services or to book your bridal beauty appointment!

Happy Hearts Love Sharks: Win A Trip to Hawaii

Couples can make a huge difference on their special day through one simple decision.

Shark Truth has just launched their “Happy Hearts Love Sharks” wedding contest to encourage couples to protect sharks by pledging not to serve shark fin at their traditional Chinese wedding banquets.

To enter, send in a photo of your pledge at happyheartslovesharks.org.

The Canadian couple with the most votes will win a trip to Hawaii to cage dive with sharks.

To Enter:

Go to Shark Truth’s Facebook page to see your photo and to vote.

Last year, Shark Truth diverted 3,600 bowls of shark fin soup (approx. 360 sharks) from the contest, this year they hope to reach 7,200 bowls and approximately 38 couples.

]]> http://blog.realweddings.ca/happy-heart-love-sharks-wedding-contest/feed/ 0 http://blog.realweddings.ca/the-bridal-party-at-hollyburn-country-club/ http://blog.realweddings.ca/the-bridal-party-at-hollyburn-country-club/#comments Tue, 10 May 2011 20:19:42 +0000 angie http://blog.realweddings.ca/?p=11114

Hollyburn Country Club in West Vancouver is hosting a free and unique event for brides-to-be and their “entourages” this Thursday, May 12 from 7:00-9:00 pm.

“The Bridal Party” is a fun girls’ night out giving women a chance to enjoy themselves while mingling (not walking from booth to booth) with Vancouver’s top wedding vendors to get ideas for bridesmaid dresses, gifts, flowers, showers and stagettes. Check their Facebook Event page for more information!

The Bridal Party

Thursday, May 12, 2011 from 7 – 9 p.m.

Hollyburn Country Club, 950 Cross Creek Road, West Vancouver

All are welcome!

Please RSVP with number of guests and names to bridalparty@hollyburn.org

The first 150 people to RSVP will be entered into a draw to win one of three prizes: reserve wine, a $100 wedding consultation from Sweet Beginnings Wedding Consultants & Event Planners or a three night all-inclusive escape to Siwash Lake Ranch.

The movie—premiering Friday, May 13—is a the female answer to The Hangover, and appropriately produced by Judd Apatow, producer of such comedies as Knocked Up, Pineapple Express and Superbad.

To win passes for you and a girlfriend, simply “Like” Real Weddings and The Wedding Belles on Facebook.

Then, post your funny/worst/best/OMG stagette or bridesmaid story onto Real Weddings or The Wedding Belles page, with our without an accompanying photo. The first 25 posts are eligible for the passes!

First dance dilemma: You want to follow tradition and do a romantic first dance but your secret guilty pleasure is donning daisy dukes and shakin’ your thang to Dance Mix 93. Plus, your hubby-to-be is a closet hip-hop star wannabe, gold chains and all. He would enlist Justin Bieber’s swagger coach if he could afford it.

Amy Alto and Moe Brody to the rescue. Dance choregraphers and owners of Clear the Floor, they specialize in first dances that fuse traditional dance with git down antics. Now onto their third year of bringing a bit of entertainment, attitude, and fun to the nuptial scene, they choreograph first dances for wedding couples as well as for wedding parties. They’ve even worked on a groom dance—a Michael Jackson medley complete with professional back up dancers.

“There’s a lot of companies that teach traditional dancing but younger couples don’t want to do that necessarily. They’re not as strict with tradition, they like to honour certain parts but also want to keep it more fun, more lively. Where do you go for something that’s not super traditional?” says Alto, about what inspired Clear the Floor.

Another spark that kickstarted Clear the Floor was Brody’s own wedding. For their destination wedding, her husband Brian suggested entertaining their guests with a fun, choreographed dance. The response was overwhelmingly positive and helped plant the seed for Clear the Floor. [Check out their wedding dance below.]

A unique aspect of Clear the Floor’s instructional approach is that it’s specifically for non-dancers. “People remember humour so the way we teach is fun and full of humour,” explains Brody. “We don’t want to do what traditional ballroom teachers do… shoulders back, stomach in, hand here. A lot of people can’t respond to that. It’s too much to think about.” Instead, they use visual cues, often funny, to describe different arm positions and movements. There’s the ‘octopus chicken wing,’ the ‘cinnamon roll,’ and ‘read a book, get angry’ which they promptly demonstrated for me right there in the cafe. Hilarious.

Brief lesson on how to make ghetto hands: Hold out your hands. Pretend you’re cradling three hardboiled eggs in each one. Flip them palms down. Start aggressively waving your arms like you wanna git up in somebody’s bisnatch.

These gals know practice is essential and though the lessons are a hoot, clients are expected to take it seriously and come prepared. They’ll videotape the moves and send their clients home to watch and rehearse between sessions. When couples opt to incorporate their wedding party into their first dance, Alto and Brody will don different coloured t-shirts, one to represent each of the attendants, and dance his/her moves on film. Each person will then get their own dance DVD and know exactly what to practice and where he/she fits amongst the others. Think of the pair as Richard Simmons, but without the barely-there shorts and curly ‘fro.

Classes are held at the Harbour Dance Centre in downtown Vancouver where Brody is a manager and dance instructor. They teach any style, from their inventive “fallroom” (fake ballroom) to hip hop and every dance is completely different: “The moment is really about them,” reflects Alto.

Find out more about Clear the Floor here and be sure to check out their work on YouTube.