How to Incorporate String Balls in Your Wedding

If you would like to adorn the ceilings of your wedding venue with something other than paper lanterns or pom poms, you may want to consider incorporating some string balls. These balls can be any color you wish as they will likely be custom made (in other words, DIY). Here are some pictures of how wedding used string balls at their wedding.

~Monica Hui
Owner, Lead Planner and Designer
If you like our weekly ramblings, LIKE us on our Wishahmon page too! More goes on there!






 Pebble & Pine Photography 

Wedding Traditions to Ditch (Part 1)

Traditionally, wedding planners are supposed to have a wealth of information relating to traditions, customs, and etiquette. While I have the information, I rarely share these unless I am asked specifically. The reason is because I see myself as the bride and groom's #1 supporter of them having the wedding they want.

This three part series outline some of the wedding traditions I think should be or can be ditched when you are getting hitched. They are entirely my opinions and you can take or disregard any of these because ultimately you should be planning the wedding you want. I hope this suggestions just help take some stress off of couples that feel they must follow all the traditions to a tee. (So, not true!)

~Monica Hui
Owner, Lead Planner and Designer
If you like our weekly ramblings, LIKE us on our Wishahmon page too! More goes on there!

Having the bride's family pay for the entire wedding.
Times and relationships have since changed and cultures are also very different in relation to this "tradition." Many couples are getting married a little later in their lives, have established careers, and savings. Most are paying for their weddings on their own and welcoming any contributions from family members. My suggestion is always to plan a wedding within your means and do not put yourself or your family members in debt over your wedding. While you may have a wonderful wedding, you don't want to be paying for it for years to come.


  A Brit & A Blonde 

Inviting people to your wedding because you were invited to theirs.
Invite the people you want to share this special day with. Others invited you to theirs because they wanted you there for a variety of reasons. Do not let this become a competition on whose wedding was better or inviting them just because. It is not worth it for anyone in the long run.


 Anna Lee Media

Accepting a position in a wedding party out of obligation.
If you are not comfortable being in the wedding party for whatever reason, you should either decline or ask for another role in the wedding. Being part of the wedding party is a huge honor. You don't want to waste this honor when your heart isn't in it or you might not do a stellar job. If you are open and honest with the bride with your reasons and still offer to help out, she might not be upset with you. Just make sure you tell her how important the day is and how you still want to be very much part of it, but in a different way.


 Lin and Jirsa Photography

How To Chose Your Wedding Venue

When you think about venues, most people think of hotels. And absolutely, hotel wedding are one of the most popular and convenient location to host a wedding as it typically have a lot more amenities than some of your other choices. However, this is not to say that you cannot have fun trying out what may be just the right venue for you! As mentioned earlier, below are some of the other popular venues choices to consider:

·        
Hotels

·        Golf course/Ranch

·        Community Centres (Cranston Community Centre, Al Azhar Shriners and the Glencoe Club)

·        Restaurants (Teatro, Newport Grill, River Front Café, etc.)

·        Local attractions (Canada Olympic Park, Heritage Park, Lougheed House, Devonian Gardens, etc.)

Knowing the above choices, it is important to then ask the critical questions of the venue’s availability, what it has to offer in terms of meal options, available service styles and possibly audio visual services and requirements based on your needs. All of these should help contribute towards picking your venue as these can sometimes be the deal maker or breaker! However, the most important aspect still remains, how in love with it are you, and can you make do with all your wedding arrangements? If the answer is yes, then you’ve found yourself a winner!

Ken Hsueh

Associate Wedding Planner

I am 26, 100% made in Taiwan and flown across the Pacific Ocean in 1999 to this place called Canada. I’ve lived In Calgary, Alberta ever since and grew wonderful feelings about this city until winter… I have completed my study in the field of hospitality and have worked in the industry for over 7 years. I am happily married with 0 kids at the moment, which is great as we intend to travel more before we settle down with a family! 

 A&A Photography (Devil's Thumb Ranch, Colorado)

Simply Bridal Giveaway!

Is your wedding coming up and you need one special piece of jewelry to complete your bridal look? We have the perfect item to complement your bridal look and we are giving it away to one lucky gal! (Yup, even non-brides can enter this giveaway.)

******GIVEAWAY*******

ENTER to WIN a stunning silver rhinestone headband with pearls from Simply Bridal

The Prize: One lucky gal will win a silver rhinestone headband with pearls that retails for $69.99. 

To Enter: Like our Facebook Page and you are automatically entered. This giveaway is open internationally. 

To Win: You must enter before June 26, 2014. The winner will be contacted directly! 

************************

Good luck!

~Monica Hui
Owner, Lead Planner and Designer
If you like our weekly ramblings, LIKE us on our Wishahmon page too! More goes on there!

Myths About Buying Your Wedding Dress Online

This is a sponsored post from Simply Bridal. Stay tuned for a special sponsored giveaway on Friday!

Myths About Buying Your Wedding Dress Online

If you’re a modern bride, you may be considering buying your wedding dress online. “I can get whatever kind of dress I want,” you say to yourself. “And besides, it’s so cheap!” This could be an amazing opportunity to get the unique dress you’re looking for. But some people cringe when they hear about shopping online for your wedding dress. Don’t let them sway you! Here, we debunk some of the biggest myths to buying a wedding dress online.

“It Will Be a Disaster”

Everything will be fine, as long as you find a reputable retailer (and there are plenty of those). Feel free to do your research about any company or retailer you’re looking to purchase from. Investigate their policies, check out all the reviews (good or bad) that you can find, and if you can, give them a call and talk to them yourself. By doing your homework, you will cut your chances of disaster by tons.

 

“It Won’t Fit Properly”

This one is pointedly false. You specifically give your measurements to the company that you are ordering from, so really, what you are paying for is a custom, made-to-order dress. By giving a designer your measurements, the dress will be made to your exact specifications, and will fit you like a glove.

“You’ll Lose Your Money”

Be smart about what kind of payment you make when you buying your dress (and anything else) online. Ensure you’ll get what you pay for by using secure payment options. If a buyer would like you to pay for your dress with wired money, money order, check or cashier check, then air on the side of caution. If you use a secure payment option, then if anything does happen, you will have proof, and it will be that much easier to do something about it.

“You’ll Never Know What You Want Because You Didn’t Try Any On”

Hey, some girls just know what they want! If you have a great idea of your body shape and what looks good, then you already know what kind of dress will be best on you. Just dress for the occasion that you are planning: if you are getting married in a church or chapel, it might be best that you look for a ballgown or a mermaid-style dress; if you’re having an outdoor wedding, then a tea-length might be your exact wave length.

As long as you are careful, you can be sure that you will get the stunning dress that you are looking for by buying online. Not only will it be perfectly made and unique, but it will also save you a ton of money. You can be sure that you will be striking and dazzling in your one-of-a-kind dress. 

Quality, honesty and value: That’s what we offer at Simply Bridal. Experts make our wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses by hand, using only high-quality materials. We provide ethereal, classic and fashion-forward wedding gowns that will match your body and personality. We keep our prices at a discount, so that every bride can afford the wedding dress of her dreams.
www.simplybridal.com 

Bridal Skincare Tip: Ingrid Millet Extreme Anti-Aging Cream

I know I can't stop the clock on getting older but I can definitely try my best to slow down the clock on looking older. I started using anti-aging products in my mid-twenties. Why so early you may ask? I was inspired by my friend, Jenny who told me she has been using eye cream since she was 16 years old. We are the same age but our eyes look drastically different. Her eyes make her look like she is still 16 years old.

Since I am always hiding behind a thick pair of glasses, I decided to focus on the rest of my face first. I am born with a round-ish face and sagging cheeks. Anti-aging creams and firming masks are a must in my daily, weekly, monthly routine.

I have been using the Ingrid Millet Extreme Anti-Aging Cream for some time now. While I can't vouch on whether it has made me look younger, I don't feel like I look a LOT older. This product is hard to come by in Canada and is on the pricier end of products. If you too would like to start using some preventive products, it is never too late or too early. 

~Monica Hui
Owner, Lead Planner and Designer
If you like our weekly ramblings, LIKE us on our Wishahmon page too! More goes on there!

Disclaimer: All of the opinions expressed are my own. I am not a skin doctor rather a wedding planner obsessed with her skin.  I hope to share the skincare products that work for me. I am not paid for any of my reviews. Just sharing tips girlfriend to girlfriend.

Decorating Ceiling Beams at Your Venue

Before becoming a wedding planner, I wanted to be an interior designer. I was always fascinated with structural details. Ceiling beams are my weakness. I love the look of them and would do almost anything to have them in my house. Unfortunately for me I live in an older bungalow that would be killer expensive to do.

Obviously, interior design as a career did not work out for me but I love what I do now. When I came across the picture below, it made my heart flutter a little and made me think what if... To answer my own question, I love weddings, I love designing weddings, and I will always love ceiling beams. The picture below speaks to all of that.

If you don't have deep feelings about ceiling beams, hope this picture provides you with some inspiration for your own wedding! Enjoy!

~Monica Hui
Owner, Lead Planner and Designer
If you like our weekly ramblings, LIKE us on our Wishahmon page too! More goes on there!


 Lin & Jirsa Photography

Calgary Public Library Volunteer Appreciation Event 2014

If you didn't know already, I am born and raised in Calgary and I am one of the few of my friends that have a library card. (Ok, maybe you wouldn't have known about the library card.) When I was contacted to help out with the Calgary Public Library's Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event, I knew I was going to help out in whatever way I could.

I haven't heard of this event and when I met Azmin, Manager of Volunteer Resources, I immediately teared up hearing about the event. This is a volunteer recognition event and this one is particularly special because they are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Homebound Readers Program. The highest award called John Dutton Volunteer of the Year will go to five individuals who were the first group of volunteers who signed up 40 years ago and they are still volunteering with the Calgary Public Library. Having 40 years of dedication is amazing!

For the event, we designed and decorated the main stage for the event, the VIP area, and the VIP photo backdrop. The award recipients had the opportunity to have their picture taken as a group with Mayor Naheed Nenshi. (Absolutely love the guy!)

As a non-profit, there wasn't a huge budget to work with. I was volunteering my time, materials, and resources but still needed a little bit of help. When I called some of my vendor friends, they were quick to help and assist with the event. I couldn't have done the event without the help of:

Mariza and Barry of Red Rose Florist;
Chad of Allstar Show Industries;
Catherine of Great Event Rentals; and
Inge of Atlantic Antigua Wholesale.

If you would like to volunteer with the library, there are many opportunities to do so. Check out what they have to offer. It is definitely worth your time, whether it is once a week, a month, a year, or 40 years!

~Monica Hui
Owner, Lead Planner and Designer
If you like our weekly ramblings, LIKE us on our Wishahmon page too! More goes on there!

  

Awards for volunteer recipients

VIP room

Photo Backdrop For Volunteers and Mayor Nenshi!

Bridal Skincare Tip: Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque

With the weird weather we are having in Calgary, hotter temperatures outside (sometimes), being active outside more, it really wreaks havoc on our skin! This is the best time to ensure your skin is clean after a day of playing outside or running around. As you should already know, your skin repairs itself at night, If you don't clean your skin fully before applying all the remedies, it is really not effective, waste of time and money, and can do more harm (as it may clog up your pores even more.)

Obviously you need to wash off your makeup and cleanse your skin well. One thing that I like to do weekly if I remember is to use a deep pore cleansing masque. I always remember when I have breakouts. Word of caution, this masque is thick and can be drying. Often I don't apply the masque to my enter face. Only the problem areas at the time or my T-zone. No one says you have to use one product all over your face. Just use it where it is needed.

Remember it is all fun and games until you breakout the next morning. Keep your skin clean always!

~Monica Hui
Owner, Lead Planner and Designer
If you like our weekly ramblings, LIKE us on our Wishahmon page too! More goes on there!

Disclaimer: All of the opinions expressed are my own. I am not a skin doctor rather a wedding planner obsessed with her skin.  I hope to share the skincare products that work for me. I am not paid for any of my reviews. Just sharing tips girlfriend to girlfriend.

What's New at Wishahmon - June 2014

Originally, this post was going to be called Shameless Sharing but it really didn't sound very good. I don't often "advertise" or "sell" my services on this blog because I don't think it is interesting to read. Through my blog, you kinda know what I do and if you are interested in my services, there are always links on the side of the blog.

That said, things are happening constantly at Wishahmon and I want to share it with everyone because I am just so freakin' excited. I will try once a month to share what's new at Wishahmon. I will also try to keep it short and sweet too. If you are potential client reading this: Awesome, please continue to check us out. If you are an active reader of this blog and not interested in our services, no worries just skip a day and continue to support us. We will love you either way!

Mi2 has opened up shop in our shop!
Crystal bridal jewelry including necklaces, earrings, and hair accessories are now available to complete your wedding look! Prices range from $20-$200. If you already have a gown and would like to come by to check out the jewelry, contact us too! We would love to help out in any way.



We actually have veils but never told anyone.
Brand new to once loved, cathedral  to blusher veils, embellished or understated glamour, we actually have it all. Prices range from $30-$200.

Down the Aisle | Sibo Designs

We have a gown that was featured on Martha Stewart Weddings!
This is a one-of-a-kind satin dress was inspired by the world of ballet. It has an open back finished with delicate strings tied in a bow. Custom designed by the bride and made by a local theater wardrobe designer. 

It is ivory, size 4, altered hem for 5'4" bride, zipper back, no train. Price: $900. 

Photophilcro

Alright, that wasn't so bad right?! Do you share or sense our excitement? We are so excited! Stay tuned for what we have in store next month! 

~Monica Hui
Owner, Lead Planner and Designer
If you like our weekly ramblings, LIKE us on our Wishahmon page too! More goes on there!

Milk Glass Wedding Decor

Previously, when you decided you wanted a vintage wedding, you immediately scoured the flea markets for mason jars to use as wedding decor or centerpieces. If you are planning a vintage wedding now, I would like to suggest another alternative, milk glass containers and vases.

These are a little harder to find through flea markets and are definitely more expensive than mason jars but the outcome is absolutely stunning. Just keep your eye out wherever you are and give up the hope of having identical centerpieces for all your guest tables. Finding one milk glass container to use for your centerpiece will be hard enough, nonetheless times 15. Mix and match the containers and have different shapes, sizes, and heights. It will add much more interest. You can always pull the look together with your flowers.

Best of luck finding these milk glass containers. Who knows, we just may bump into each other eyeing up the same milk glass container at a flea market. I call dibs now.

~Monica Hui
Owner, Lead Planner and Designer
If you like our weekly ramblings, LIKE us on our Wishahmon page too! More goes on there!

Elizabeth Ann Designs

West Manor Events 

 Heather Bliss Photography

 Justin and Mary Marantz

 Studio Blush

Learning About Diamonds

Picking a ring is not an easy task and picking the perfect diamond ring is even harder. This is because guys are now required to spend more than 5 minutes at a single store! Yes, it is asking a lot from you and no, if you want them to be happy then you don’t have a choice.

The first step in buying a diamond is to understand the 4 Cs of evaluation. This will ensure you are picking something that is of a good value and fits with your budget!

Cut: This is perhaps the most important aspect of the 4 Cs! The cut quality is a determination of how shiny the diamond is going to be! A poorly cut diamond will leak out the light from the side or the bottom whereas an ideal cut diamond will reflect the light back through the top. This is what gives the dazzling look that makes most girls irresistible to them!

Clarity: A determination of the amount and location of inclusion (internal flaw such as air bubbles/cracks), or blemishes (external surface flaw such as scratches/chips) within a diamond. There are 6 categories under this section being the following:

·        F (Flawless)

·        IF (Internally Flawless)

·        VVS1-VVS2 (Very Very slightly included 1 & 2)

·        VS1-VS2 (Very Slightly Included 1 &2)

·        SI1-SI2 (Slightly Included 1 & 2)

·        I1/I2/I3 (Included 1, 2, and 3)

What does this all mean? In short clarity grade is a reflection of the diamond’s value. If you are on a tight budget, a VS1 or 2 clarity diamond would do the trick as anything above it, you are simply paying for its value as it will have no effect on the diamond’s appearance to the naked eye!

Color: As the name indicates, it is a graded range from D – Z indicating the color purity, with D being colorless and Z being yellowish/brown color. However, this does not apply to Fancy color diamonds as they are in a totally different category where color = value! When picking the diamond, note that anything between G – I are virtually colorless to most people! Hence, if you are looking to save a few bucks, staying within this range would definitely help. Anything more, you are simply paying for its rarity.

Carat: Simply a measure of the diamond’s size. The only thing to note here is that bigger isn’t always better! The ring should be a good proportion to the finger’s size to in order to maximize the ring’s quality.

Thanks again for reading and if you would like to read more into details, check out this website as it got all the answers you will need to know about buying a diamond ring!

Ken Hsueh

Associate Wedding Planner

I am 26, 100% made in Taiwan and flown across the Pacific Ocean in 1999 to this place called Canada. I’ve lived In Calgary, Alberta ever since and grew wonderful feelings about this city until winter… I have completed my study in the field of hospitality and have worked in the industry for over 7 years. I am happily married with 0 kids at the moment, which is great as we intend to travel more before we settle down with a family! 

instagram.com/laurenconrad