One-of-a-kind Bouquets- The Bouquet House

~written by Cendi Micor

Although flowers do add a touch of decor to a wedding, I've never really been a huge fan of flowers. I totally love the idea of the flower-less bouquets because they are very unique and memorable. With that being said, check out these insanely brilliant bouquets...





~images courtesy of The Bouquet House

The founder of The Bouquet House is Tara Murney. She has a passion for one-of-a-kind bouquets and is able to use all her creative energy to create a keepsake for her clients that is co-designed by them as well. She uses quality materials like faux flowers, buttons, crystals, silks and satins to create a bouquet that will be like no other.

All you need is a vision, Tara will co-design your bouquet with you and she will take care of creating a bouquet that will last forever. Contact Tara today to get your bouquet!

DAMASK it up!!

~written by Cendi Micor

Lately, I am absolutely in love with the Damask pattern!! It is quite evident on my site since I chose it for my background. I am one who is just recently embracing vibrant colours, so until I can completely, I think the Damask pattern is a great way to add a little "spice" (so to say) to those weddings that are leaning more towards simplicity. For example, if you're all about the black and white, or just want one main colour, adding some pattern here and there is a perfect alternative to make your event stand out.

Just one tip: DON'T include Damask everywhere!!! Too much of anything is not good and you do not want your event to look like a Damask explosion or give someone a headache; patterns can be too busy =D

INVITATIONS : You want your invitation to express the style and formality of your wedding. If you want to keep it as formal and elegant as possible, one way to include Damask is by having it on the inner section of the envelope.



~Photo courtesy of www.weddingstationerydesign.co.za

RIBBON: You can purchase Damask ribbon and just use it as an accent while keeping the rest of the invitation plain and simple.

STAMPS/STICKERS: If you want to include the pattern in a subtle manner, try including it solely on the envelope

To incorporate Damask in the ceremony, you can have Damask ribbon or fabric wrapped around the stems for your bouquet.


~Photo courtesy of www.etsy.com

RING BEARER PILLOW : An adorable way of incorporating the Damask pattern is by having your Ring Bearer carry a Damask pillow down the aisle. It will really give your guests a glimpse of what to expect at the reception.

Including patterns in attire is huge right now...

DRESS : Depending on your style, a Damask wedding dress may be a bit much. But if it's YOU, why not right?



~Photo courtesy of www.designsigh.com

If you do not something this loud, you can always find a dress that has a bit of Damask along the lining of the train or just along the bust line.

TIE: The groom and groomsmen can wear a Damask tie. How cute would that look on the Ring Bearer or a Junior Groomsmen!?


PURSE: The ladies know that it is all about accessories!!! You can take an old outfit and turn it into something different and glamorous every time you wear it depending on your accessories. Carrying a Damask purse with your lipstick, compact, or breath mints will unify your Damask feel even more so.



~Photo courtesy of www.shysiren.com

The reception is where you will have to wrap things up and really make it all blend togehter. So, make it as memorable as possible. All your tables, no matter what shape, can have a solid colour with a Damask runner. OR you can use the Damask napkins. However, I would not recommend using both, depending on the width of the runner as it may be too much.

I would also recommend sticking to one set of colours in the Damask pattern. For example, if you choose the black and white, stick to it throughout. Switching to the brown and blue in other areas, again, will be too much.

CAKE: Regardless of how much you want to spend on your cake or how extravagant you want it, if you are going with a Damask inspired wedding, you really should use it on your cake. A cake can go from simple to elegant by adding a Damask pattern to it. Regardless of whether or not you want it all over, you can achieve this modern look by using stencils in specific areas. Speak to your cake designer and see what she/he can arrange for you.



~Photo courtesy of www.cakecentral.com

MONEY BOX: Your guests will not miss your money box if you go all out with Damask on your money box.


As you have seen, Damask is offered in many colours, many differents shapes and variations of details. Stand out and DO NOT BE AFRAID TO USE PATTERNS!

The Filipino Wedding Ceremony

~written by Cendi Micor

As a Canadian with parents from Manila, Philippines, I chose to incorporate my Filipino customs into my wedding ceremony. In fact, it is very common for weddings in Canada to have intercultural traditions since the majority of our population are immigrants. With that being said, I would love to share with you the details and meanings behind a Filipino wedding ceremony.

One aspect that is very distinct is the attire. Brides wear the common white bridal gown, due to America's influence. However, grooms wear what is called a "barong". This is formal attire in the Philippines for men and can also be worn by other men at the wedding. It is an almost transparent shirt, that is usually buttoned-up and has intricate embroidery. Underneath you can wear a plain white undershirt. It is very convenient due to the extremely warm weather in the Philippines, however, can be quite difficult if worn during fall or winter seasons elsewhere.



~Photo courtesy of www.quezoncity.olx.com.ph

The ceremony, which usually is incorporated with a Catholic mass, consists of primary and secondary sponsors. The primary sponsors are couples chosen to be Godparents. Godfathers (ninongs) and Godmothers (ninangs) can be the same ones chosen by the bride & groom's parents during the baptism, however do not have to be. The secondary sponsors are three couples (who are randomly chosen, do not have to be married or dating) who participate with the veil, cord and candles. It is up to the bride and groom to choose but preferably one from each side of the family. Immediately after all sponsors are seated, the candles sponsors light two candles (one of each side of the couple) then have a seat. After the rings are exchanged....

Next is the coin ceremony, the coins are called the "arras". This is why aside from the ring bearer, a coin bearer is also needed in the wedding entourage. The priest is given 13 coins, and while the groom has his hands cupped above the bride, he passes them to the groom, who in turn allows them to flow into the bride's cupped hands. They are then passed onto a plate held by an acolyte (perhaps an alter boy/girl). The symbolism behind this is that there will always be fidelity and they will have a prosperous life. The groom passing them to the bride is significant as he is to ensure that he takes care of her materially.


~Photo courtesy of www.eventsinstyle.multiply.com

After a point in the mass called the Sanctus, the veil sponsors are asked to come up to the altar where the bride and groom will be kneeling. A large veil is pinned over the bride's head and around the grooms shoulders.


~Photo courtesy of www.photographybymonique.com


This symbolizes the male being the "head" of the household or "unity" as they are clothed as one. Once this is completed, the cord sponsors are called up to place a white cord, loosely around the couple's neck. It must form a figure-eight to symbolize their lifelong bond.

They candle sponsors are asked to approach the candles they lit at the begin of the ceremony, preferably the bride and groom's original baptism candles, and simultaneously light a Unity Candle in the middle. This symbolizes that as seen by God's eyes and their family, they are now to live as one. They are also supposed to light the Unity candle on every wedding anniversary.

The rest of the ceremony is conducted as a normal Western ceremony would follow and the same sponsors are expected to remove the cord and veil.

During the reception, it is very popular in the Philippines to release two doves as a symbol of love and peace. This is a custom that many cultures incorporate.



~Photo courtesy of www.chariots4hire.com

Another tradition, that is also used in Poland and the Ukraine, is the "Money Dance". This is where guests line up to take turns to dance with the bride and groom. The DJ is usually asked prior to the wedding, to have a list of songs solely for this moment of the evening. While dancing, money is pinned to their attire. Some couples may choose to avoid this tradition in fear of the "money-grubbing" stigma.

A few other traditions.....

**extremely bad luck for siblings to get married in the same year

**it is not wise to go out or travel the night before the wedding because you may get into an accident

**the groom must enter the church/place of ceremony before the bride

**an heirloom rosary should be held by bride along with bouquet during ceremony

**bouquet should be placed on the grave of a loved one who has passed

Want to say "I Love You" in Filipino, it's easy ...."MA-HAL KI-TA"

Coincidentally enough, this is being published on the same day as the MANNY PACQUIAO boxing fight tonight......good luck Pac-Man!!! Hope you all get a chance to witness a Filipino ceremony. It is long but very beautiful!