Destination Wedding JigSaw Puzzle Game

I thought for the holidays we'd do something fun and interactive on the blog. I've created a JigSaw puzzle of one of my favourite Canadian destination wedding spots. Can you guess what popular wedding spot it is?

 Enjoy the JigSaw Puzzle everyone. Let me know what you think of it. Should this become a regular feature of the blog?

Win A Maya Wedding In Belize

Photo by Richard Holder Photography

We're very excited to be able to tell you about an incredible contest that our friend Lara Goldman of Romantic Travel Belize is running. She's giving away a 10 day wedding-moon in Belize. That's right, you read that correctly 10 romantic days in Belize.

Here's the best part; if you don't win or for whatever reason decide that entering a contest is way to much trouble you can still purchase the wedding package. There is one slight catch, it's a Maya Marriage of Many so you won't be alone as you wed. You will be celebrating the end of the Mayan calendar with 35 other couples at a real Mayan temple in Belize on December 12, 2012.

Here's what Lara has to say about the Maya Marriage of Many:

"According to the Maya, December 2012 will mark the end of a 5,126-year era, and is a time of renewal, rebirth, renaissance and new beginnings. In honor of this historic moment in time, 12 Productions Belize teamed up with Romantic Travel Belize and Destination Bride to create an epic event designed to bring love from around the world to the epicenter of the Mayan world. The 2012 Mayan Marriage of Many will be a celebration of love with a marriage en mass for 36 lucky couples on the Maya ruins of Cahal Pech on 12 12 Twenty 12.


Each couple will be able to invite 6 of their closest loved ones to witness the marriage and partake in the celebration from December 9th through 13th, 2012. Package prices range from $14,030 to $24,030 depending on the chosen hotel, with other add-on options available and then be whisked away for a tropical paradise honeymoon on the exotic paradise, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize."

Now you might have noticed that it says Romantic Travel Belize has teamed up with "Destination Bride". Again, you saw that correctly. If you don't know, Destination Bride, LLC is owned by Celebrity Destination Wedding Planner, Lisa Light. The photographer they are working with to photograph the wedding is a celebrity too. It's an awesome once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Now for the contest. It's pretty simple. Register via their Facebook page: Click Here!!

Then get all your friends to vote for you. You might want to consider rallying up support with your local community. Call the newspapers, call local wedding vendors, call your old school, be creative.

Contest ends January 7, 2012. The prize includes accommodation; but does NOT include airfare. Winners will be announced February 13, 2012.

If you would like to purchase a wedding package email me at info@mindlessSophistication.com and I will put you in touch with Lara.

You Are Cordially Invited To Experience Hawaii.

There’s no place like Hawaii!

Picture yourself on one of Hawaii’s idyllic islands
enjoying the region’s most awe-inspiring activities – relaxing
on the white sand beaches of Oahu or snorkeling with spectacular
sea turtles in Maui. How about exploring the majesty of live volcanoes
on the Big Island or experiencing the challenge of one of over
70 of the world’s most beautiful golf courses. . .
Hawaii has something for everyone.

Wondering where to start in planning your Hawaiian Destination Wedding or Honeymoon?

It’s simple. Just attend
Virtuoso’s Hawaii Virtual Travel Show
June 2, 2011 anytime between 10am – 6pm PST.

It’s an internet-based exhibition hall filled with preferred
travel companies that will showcase the best Hawaii has to offer.

One lucky attendee will win a $1,000 gift card!

And as an added benefit for attending, you’ll be the first to hear about
all the special offers and added amenities you can take advantage of,
only when you book a Hawaiian vacation through your Virtuoso travel advisor; Sandra Aaron at The Travel Network during the month of June.

Click here here to register directly

When Registering please say you were invited by Sandra Aaron of The Travel Network.

Get Married 40 Feet Underwater

An example of an Underwater Wedding - Crystal Bay, Bali

You've seen the video's on Youtube; but does the idea of having your own underwater wedding sound to difficult to coordinate? Not anymore thanks to the Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa.

Scuba certified brides and grooms at the resort can now "take the plunge" 40 feet underwater with their new scuba wedding package. The ceremony takes place in the worlds second largest coral reef. The package includes ceremony, photography, scuba gear, the brides bouquet, a bottle of champagne, and a romantic dinner for two at the upscale Alfredo Di Roma Restaurant. It's the perfect mixture of romance and adventure.

If you're a couple who loves the beauty of marine life and you're looking for something a bit different this could be the perfect wedding package for you.

The LEGO Love Boat

Princess Cruises is probably one of the most famous brand of cruise ships around. If you don't know Princess then chances are really good you know it's alter ego The Love Boat.

The 1970's hit television show Love Boat sparked a renewed interest in cruising that is still going strong. Maybe it's my age; but this morning I was pleased to discover an article on World Tourism News that brought back fond childhood memories.

Australian native Ryan McNaught has built a replica of the original Love Boat out of LEGO. It measures 10.5 feet long and nearly 5 feet high. It's made from more than 250,000 LEGO bricks. This massive LEGO creation took 6 months to construct. One side of the ship duplicates the exterior. The other side is an open concept that displays the ships interior; complete with tiny LEGO versions of the shows cast. The only thing this LEGO ship is missing is a tiny little bride and groom. The Love Boat isn't only a place to find love. Princess Cruises have wedding packages too.

To view this ship visit McNaughts Flickr page which also includes examples of his other LEGO creations. http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanmcnaught

If you are interested in experiencing a bigger version of the Love Boat; Princess Cruises is holding a special three day sale which includes savings up to $1,000 per person, free balcony upgrades and up to $100 cash back on Mediterranean and Greek Isles cruises. The sale ends January 21, 2011. Feel free to contact me for details on this sale.

Not Just Wedding Planners; We're Virtuoso Travel Advisers Too

I'm really excited to announce to everyone that Mindless Sophistication Events has joined forces with Vision 2000 Travel Group which is one of the top five Virtuoso member travel agencies in the world. So as well as planning weddings we now have the ability to book travel. This will make the entire process of planning a destination wedding easier for our clients.

If you don't know what Virtuoso is let me tell you. They are an invitation only travel designation that is granted to only the top travel companies. 1% of travel agencies in the world have been invited to join and since Vision 2000 is in the top 5 of that top 1% I don't have to tell you that means they are the best of the best.

Clients who book travel will receive extra benefits at some of the VERY best luxury properties, cruise lines, airlines, etc. around the world. Through Virtuoso and Vision 2000 clients will now have access to luxury products that other travel advisers can't offer. A great example is that only Virtuoso advisers have access to selling Virgin Galactic flights. Could you imagine a vow renewal in space?

I'm still planning weddings both locally and internationally through my own company Mindless Sophistication Events and am looking forward to offering this new service to my planning clients; but am not limited travel booking to only Mindless Sophistication Events Clients. I am looking forward to working with other wedding planners to them book their clients travel. This is a win, win situation since we all speak the same wedding planner language. I'm backed up by an amazing team of travel professionals to help me serve all our clients.

Additionally, Vision 2000 has some great value added incentives that they offer clients; such as a free custom wedding web site with an online wedding registry. Couples booking their honeymoon without having a destination wedding receive a registry as well. Feel free to ask me about the complete list of value added benefits that Vision 2000 offers wedding couples and groups. I really believe that when it comes to destination wedding clients it's important to work with a travel adviser who can not only service the clients travel needs; but also understands the wedding industry. I hope that you all agree.

Vision 2000 has also supplied me with an online travel booking web site for general travel purposes. Feel free to check it out at Vision 2000 Travel Group - My Site and/or drop me a line. I look forward to sharing this new travel adventure with everyone.

Are You Planning To Propose Marriage?

Engagement Photo by ©Jenny Rollo

Traditionally December has been a time when people celebrate holidays and everything else that is good in their lives. So what better time of year then to surprise your beloved with a marriage proposal? Between the December holidays and Valentines Day is traditionally the busiest time of year for proposing marriage. If you're thinking of taking this step, here are some tips to help get you started.

1. Don't get overwhelmed by focusing on making this the most romantic, most special, life altering moment of your soon fiance's life. If you set an impossible goal it leaves to much room for things to go wrong. Chances are she'll be happy no matter what.

2. Talk about marriage before you propose so you know she's open to the idea. Surprises are great; but for example, if you've only known her a month there is a good chance she'll think you're moving to fast.

3. If you plan to ask her to sign a prenuptial agreement find out if she's willing to sign one before you propose. Don't waste a proposal on someone who doesn't want to protect you or herself in the case things go wrong. There is nothing worse then waiting until it's to late to find out she won't sign. It is also less threatening to discuss it before the engagement.

4. Have a plan for how you will propose. It doesn't have to be a fancy plan; but decide where you will do it, what you will say, etc.

5. If you plan to buy a ring take a friend or relative along who knows her really well. They can help you choose something she would like.

6. Don't play around with guessing her ring size or measuring her finger when she's asleep. Borrow a ring you know fits; but she never wears and bring it with you to the store. It won't take long for them to determine the size. You can return it immediately without her noticing.

7. If the thought of planning a proposal makes you anxious hire a professional. Some wedding planners also offer proposal planning. Another benefit to this is that when the time comes to plan the wedding you already know if you "click" with that wedding planner or if you should keep looking.

8. I know this sounds old fashioned; but out of respect for the parents consider asking the fathers permission. If you are really modern you might want to ask permission from both parents.

9. If romance isn't your thing consider proposing on a weekend getaway or vacation. Sometimes a change of scenery is all that is needed to make something feel special and/or romantic.

10. However you choose to propose; have fun with it and consider her personality. This shouldn't be a scary time. This is a happy time so focus on the happiness.

The Cutest Muppet Wedding Proposal

As an event planner who also plans marriage proposals I wish I could take credit for this amazingly touching Muppet inspired wedding proposal; but it was created by photographer Sid Ceaser (that's his real name) for his now fiance, Sara. I love this kind of creativity.

On December 12, 2010 Sara was sitting in a movie theater in New Hampshire. After watching two trailers this touching video marriage proposal came on the screen. As the Muppet Sid pulled out the ring to propose to Muppet Sara the real Sid did the same. Both Muppet and real Sara said yes.

Niagara Falls is an unexpected Destination Wedding location

One of my greatest passions in life is traveling. I fully admit that I am not the type to stay on a beach resort lounging around. I like to discover the unique aspects of every country and culture. As a weddings and event planner there is nothing better then being able to combine my love of travel with my love of creating a fabulous event that people will remember for years.

Canadian planners sometimes forget the natural wonders we have in our own backyard. While Canadians are flying off to places like Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Vegas to have destination weddings many people are recognizing Canada as a dream destination location. Banff, Lake Louise, and Mont Tremblant are all amazing locations that people from all over the world travel to in order to get married.

A destination a little closer to home; for me at least; is Niagara Falls. Yes, I said it, Niagara Falls. You know, the place with the giant waterfall and then you turn around and "OH NO, WELL ISN'T THAT TACKY". For years the image below is what I thought of when I thought about Niagara Falls, Canada. Add some hotels, a couple of Casino's, an indoor water-park, a lot of American restaurant chains that oddly enough you can't find anywhere else in Canada and you have a virtual theme park created years ago to lure tourists to the Canadian side of the border.

Imagine my relief a few months ago when I was reminded that Niagara Falls, Canada has so much more to offer then the picture seen above. I actually did know there was an amazing park run by the Niagara Parks Commission. I knew there was a butterfly conservatory, a couple of enchanting golf clubs, a hot springs, and I knew the amazing history that surrounds the region. I guess living in Canada I knew all these things; but took it for granted so it wasn't top of mind. As an events planner I have a renewed enthusiasm for the place. I'm now in love with the venue's owned by the Niagara Parks Commission. I'm also in love with the the range of weddings that can be created in such a beautiful location.

You can have everything from a traditional romantic wedding surrounded by trees or overlooking the falls to a unique intimate ceremony in an air trolly over the Niagara Gorge. If that isn't good enough how about being married surrounded by butterflies or in their amazing floral showcase? I was told about a wedding that will be happening there soon where the bride is arriving on horseback. The staff is dedicated and absolutely not afraid to work with each individual couple to create the wedding that is right for them.

The Air Trolly over the Niagara Gorge where a couple will be married this summer. In this picture are myself with Sue, the Airtrolly operator, Tiana from the Niagara Parks Commission, and Selena Jamieson from Events...I Do! Photo taken by Gregory Jamieson.

I highly recommend everyone take a look at the Niagara Parks Commission web site to see many of the amazing venues they have to offer brides. Let me assure you each venue also has amazing food. Each has it's own unique features. One of the other things I love is their generous willingness to open up all aspects of the park to accommodate the desires of each couple. Can you imagine providing your guests with favours bought at the Niagara Falls gift shop? Not only can you do that; but the price is very reasonable. Gift shops have really improved over the years so there are some lovely items to choose from. They also make available the services of their famous candy shop Pop & Lollies. If a bride and groom wanted to create a Willy Wonka experience for their guests Pop & Lollies is definitely the place to go. It's the ultimate Candy Buffet. If providing the wares of the entire store is a bit out of reach how about allowing them to set up a Chocolate bar where staff will assist your guests in creating their very own custom chocolate bars? Still to much? How about providing your guests with especially made monogrammed hard candies created specifically for your wedding? It seems elaborate; but it's really not.

I could try to explain each venue myself; but it's really something that needs to be experienced. Maybe I'm a bit geeky for getting so excited about wedding venues; but hey I'm a weddings and event planner; wouldn't you be worried if I didn't have venues that I loved? If you're contemplating a wedding in the area give me a call. I'll hook you up with the best wedding you could ever imagine. With help from the wonderful staff of the Niagara Parks Commission of course. Best of all; compared to some Toronto prices a wedding at one of the Niagara Parks venues is cost-efficient.

For more details on how I can help make your Niagara Parks wedding dreams come true call 416-251-3278 or e-mail info@mindlessSophistication.com

Angus Glen Bridal Show

I just thought I would share a couple of pictures of the Mindless Sophistication table at this weekends bridal show that was held at the Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ontario. The venue was great. I met lot's of amazing brides and vendors. I wish I had time to take photo's during the show but; that shows you what a great event it was.

The booth was designed by the talented Carol Rame. She absolutely captured the essence of what Mindless Sophistication stands for. The materials used were all top quality. The design was elegant. She was able to blend my functional items; such as computer and banners with a design that was mindlessly sophisticated.

We accepted raffle entries for a draw to take place later this week. The prize is a beautiful Michael Kors handbag that is filled with:

- Godiva dark chocolate pearls
- A Complimentary Day of Coordination from Mindless Sophistication
- A gift certificate for a complimentary massage & personal training sessionc at the exclusive Shape Health & Wellness in Toronto
-Mikasa wine bottle stopper
- Swaravski crystal heart pendant necklace