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 4th Annual Wedding Bliss for New Beginnings Fundraiser

~written by Cendi Micor



WEDDINGS JUBILEE presents the WEDDING BLISS Sale for NEW BEGINNINGS. Here is an incredible event in support of an incredible charity. NEW BEGINNINGS believes in aiding women and children from a state of poverty to self-sufficiency, but the key is to educate them so that they remain well. Denise, of WEDDINGS JUBILEE has been gracious enough to put all her time and effort for the past two months into this humbling event. I am lucky enough to have her as a colleague and friend and ask that you attend this event.





Whether you are looking for vendors, a wedding gown (worth thousands, priced from $90-$350), an intimate fashion show or just want to support a great cause, please save the date April 11, 2010 at the RAMADA PLAZA HOTEL. There will also being amazing prizes to win: $100o towards your wedding bands from ADAMAS courtesy of THE RING BEARER, Honeymoon (accomodation for 2) to the BREEZES Grand Resort & Spa courtesy of SUPERCLUBS BREEZES, a wedding gown from RITCHE and a tuxedo from MOORES and more!!!! They were also featured on Breakfast Television on March 22, 2010- "Ways to Recycle a Wedding Dress!"

~All photos courtesy of www.weddingblisssale.com

For more information...please review the Press Release below:


CONTACT: Denise Georgiou-Newell

pr@weddingsjubilee.com

416-500-6265

-- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --

HAUTE COUTURE + HONEYMOONS + ENTERTAINMENT

=BRIDAL BLISS FOR NEW BEGINNINGS

March 22, 2010, TORONTO, ON - What does low-priced couture gowns, scrumptious catering, thrilling entertainment and a free honeymoon mean? For the Torontonian bride it means pure bliss. But for the women and children of Toronto in need of a safe community, food and clothing…it means New Beginnings.

On Sunday, April 11th from Noon to 6 PM at the Ramada Plaza Hotel (300 Jarvis Street ), WeDDings Jubilee is proud to host the Fourth Annual New Beginnings Wedding Bliss Event (www.weddingblisssale.com) – whose proceeds support the effort to raise funds and increase awareness of New Beginnings' programs for women and children.

For just $20 or $25 at the door, brides will step into a wedding wonderland of exclusive, first-class never worn wedding gowns, starting at an amazing low price of just $99. Add in exciting entertainment, an ‘haute’ strolling fashion show, fabulous door prizes and giveaways including a chance to win a luxurious honeymoon from Breezes Resorts and $1000 towards your rings donated by the Ring Bearer, Canada’s premier online wedding magazine. There will also be many vendors on hand to assist with any of your wedding planning needs. You will have a memorable time that will be cherished almost as much as the wedding day itself.

Who We Are

New Beginnings' goal from the very beginning was simple: properly coach, support and encourage young women to successfully transition from poverty to self-sufficiency.
There are 3 main goals for these women once they complete our program.

1) To create a phenomenal life for themselves and their children. This will require personal and social development so they can reach their full human potential.

2) Building safe and stronger communities is everyone's responsibility, learning how to become ‘community builders' and to get involved is the way to ‘give back'. It is the key to community growth.

3) Last but not least, the goal for these women is to create a career not just find a job, so they become self-sufficient. Statistics show that people who are on social assistance who just got a job return to welfare (Welfare Toronto 2001).

Charitable Registration #86472 8225 RR0001

For more information about this event, to cover this blissful day or to arrange an interview please contact Denise Georgiou-Newell at pr@weddingsjubilee.com or 416-500-6265

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!

Our American Angels

~written by Cendi Micor

I woke up this morning and did my routine...turned off my alarm, grab my phone and checked my tweets. I tweeted about how grateful I am to have had a successful new year as a Certified Wedding Coordinator. Then, coincidentally enough, I came across a tweet from WISH UPON A WEDDING. This American organization was founded by Liz Guthrie as she was planning a large-scale giveaway. She came across so many stories of hardship that it influenced her to go out and do something positive.



They are America's only wedding wish grant organization and they allow the opportunity for couples with a life-threatening illness to have the wedding they are entitled to. Regardless of whether or not they have months or years to live, we all need to have our "big day" no matter how big or small.

If you would like to help, you can donate, take donation instead of gifts for a registry, offer chance to donate instead of favours and wedding vendors can contribute a portion of their profits.

So to all brides and grooms out there who are stressing over your planning....realize that there are others out there who are dealing with worse situations. Appreciate who and what you have and, at the risk of sounding cliche, live each day to the fullest!!

14 Things to Keep Your Heart Smiling

~written by Cendi Micor

Greetings all! This is my very first blog post and I figured I would get into exactly why we named our company "Immortal Weddings". My hubby actually came up with it and once he suggested it, it fit perfectly with our style.

When hearing "immortal" we wanted people to think words like forever, undying, infinity, eternal, always, never-ending, etc. Why? Because although your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, once it's done, there is still a marriage to keep up. This is a partnership that goes beyond your "big day".

So, in honour of those of you who celebrate Valentine's Day, here are 14 tips that have helped us along our 4.5 year marriage so far...

~Photo courtesy of www.valentines.ideas.org.uk

1. Value the simple things

As much as we all love to be showered by gifts, it's the simple everyday things that we do that matter most. How great is it to wake up every morning and have your lunch ready for you? When it's snowing out, it is so wonderful to have your partner clean off and warm up your vehicle so you don't have to worry about it. I knew my hubby was the one when I got home one day to find a single rose with a card attached to it, laying on my desk. I was about to start a co-op position and apparently he called my sister to let him sneak into my room so he could leave some words of encouragement. That moment was priceless! So no matter what, appreciate simple things that constantly remind you that you are on your partner's mind.

2. Be careful what you say when you're angry

Yes, we ALL fight with our partners but how do you fight? Whether or not you have a temper, there are times when we all say things we do not mean. If you need to, walk away from the situation until you calm down. Watch what you say and how you say it because you can't take back hurtful words once you say it.

3. Don't go to sleep angry

This is a TOUGH one. Because let's face it, at the end of the day, if you are fighting about something, especially if you are both hard-headed, you won't always see eye-to-eye by the time you are ready for bed. But you know what? That's okay! You can't always agree on everything. However, with that being said, you should be mature about the matter and make sure that you are civil when you lay down together. Say "goodnight", even if you don't mean it at the time. Is it really worth having one of you sleep on the couch? Will your problem be solved by the morning?

4. Keep dating and go on vacation

At least once a month, especially if you are parents, go out and enjoy each other's company. Whether it's during the day or in the evening, take time to do things you used to when you were dating. It does not have to be extravagant. Also, make the effort to put money aside to vacation together. Whether or not you bring kids, just enjoy time away from reality. Shop, eat-out and have no worries. Not everything has to be routine just because you are married; does not have to be boring.


~Photo courtesy of www.allposters.com

5. Talk and laugh

As much as you do get to a point where things are routine, take time to actually talk to each other. Obviously, you are not chatting on the phone for hours or chatting on MSN anymore, but talk about each other's days at dinner time. Turn the t.v. off and talk or play cards. Reminisce and laugh about memories. Remember just what it is about the other person that made you fall for them in the first place.

6. Money comes and goes

As a couple, finances are a touchy subject and it takes a while to get used to the idea that "what's yours is mine and what's mine is yours". At the end of the day, although you should consult each other, you really should keep your own accounts and have independence. No amount of money is worth fighting over...work on your issues together and you will find a way regardless.

7. You need "me" time

As much as you are a couple, you need to maintain your independence as well. Don't lose a sense of who you are. So, go out and have a girls night or enjoy a poker night with your boys. While your partner is out, unless there is an emergency, there is no need to call and check-in. Give each other the chance to miss each other; you don't have to do everything together. If you live together, enjoy the freedom of hanging out in separate rooms. Do your nails and pluck your eyebrows or play hours of PlayStation without interruptions!!

8. Let the little things slide

You don't always do things the same way. For example, the way you fold clothes may be different from your partner's way. Is it worth arguing about? Be lucky that your laundry is done. In other words, choose your battles wisely. Your relationship can't be perfect so don't nag about every little trivial thing. It's not worth your frustration.

9. Little words mean a lot

Now that you are used to each other's ways and completely comfortable, you should still make the effort to say "please", "thank you", "I love you", and "you're welcome". I bet talking to each other so much, you don't realize how infrequently you use these words. Also take time to compliment each other. It's nice to hear and can make a horrible day suddenly wonderful.

10. Intimacy

Yes, it may be difficult to keep the fire as intense as it was when you were dating but you need to stay intimate. Especially if you have kids, make time for each other. Also means being affectionate...hug, kiss, hold hands. You don't have to be "lovey-dovey" and constantly act like newlyweds or hormone-driven adolescents, but a physical connection is just as important as an emotional connection.

11. Support each other's ambitions

Even if you are not enthusiastic about your partner's career goals, be his/her cheerleader. Try to share their passion and respect their drive. For example, if your partner is starting a new business, give them an evening, without interruptions, and allow them to "do their thing". It shows just how much you want them to succeed.

12. Share responsibilities

It's now 2010 so there should no longer be the idea of " a woman's place is in the kitchen". Yes, I know this is an old-fashioned concept that exists but there is nothing wrong with a man cooking, especially if he loves it. Women can shovel, they can take out garbage. The chores should be shared as much as possible be you are both hard-working and both need a break once in a while.

13. Respect each other's family and friends

Luckily, I have in-laws that I get along with but we all know that many people are not that fortunate. Whether or not you get along with your in-laws, respect your partner and watch what you say. If you have nothing nice to say, seriously, don't say nothing at all. You don't have to keep your mouth shut about your opinions but say it nicely. Also, if your partner has friends you don't get along with (again, luckily I do not have issues with my hubby's friends) be respectful. He/she is friends with them for a reason so trust his/her judgement. I mean, you were chosen as a spouse, right?

14. Surprises!

No matter how big or small, take the time to surprise each other. Whether it's with concert tickets, flowers for no reason or even cooking his/her favourite meal, spontaneity is important.


~Photo courtesy of www.hookedonhouses.net

Well, I'm surely not an expert or marriage counsellor but these things have worked for me so far. Marriage does take a lot of work and effort but hope some of these tips can help put things into perspective.

Take care!