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.

Our New Web site

We've been going through a complete re-branding as you can see by the changes in how the blog looks.

The new re-branded web site is up. Please take a look. The new web site.

We've also hosting a Bridaluxe store where you can get everything from free wedding web sites, invitations, bling, etc. Pretty much anything you need to purchase to make your wedding a success you can find in this online marketplace. Bridaluxe hosts American companies so shipping might be an issue with some products. Companies like MyUs.com can help you with that

Feel free to visit the Bridaluxe store.

Soul Blogger - Shana Tova & Happy New Year

In the spirit of the Jewish High Holidays being just around the corner here's a fun little video from the good people at jewishtweets.org

To all my fellow Jews I wish you all a Shana Tova, a sweet New Year, an easy fast (if you fast) and everything else in life that is good. To all the non-Jews you there I wish you all the best in life too. It's going to be a great New Year.

Enjoy the video,

Sandra

PAY NO HST

HST is going to be painful for couples planning their weddings. That's why for the rest of the 2010 wedding season Mindless Sophistication will be covering the HST on all our non-travel related services. We can't control what other vendors do; but we wanted to make things a tiny bit easier on our wonderful couples.

This offer is valid on all Canadian based wedding/event planning, hourly consulting, day of coordination and our exclusive Wedding Concierge service.

You relax and let us worry about the tax man.

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