Waves Fall on Wrinkled Earth

Quick post to spread the word about a very green gift! For a whopping $1.50 you can buy your guests (or a friend if you're not planning a wedding ;)) a tree seed kit from Canada.

It comes with everything you'll need (except the location) and the part that makes it even more cool? You can customize the label! I'm trying to think of my new tree spots right now ...

Keep Reading ...

Cha-cha-cha-changes

Back from vacation and it’s that time of year!

kd_2b_kk & bloggerbride have both gone from the betrothed & getting married stages so the Moments That Shine blog is going to be in need of a new Bride-to-Be author.

Beginning today and lasting until 9a.m. (eastern) on Friday, August 1st, 2008, I will be looking for entries from any interested engaged brides. To qualify you must have a date that is set in stone, be willing to meet a minimum amount of blog entries, be somewhat computer friendly and, last but not least, be in need of a planner!
For those of you who hadn’t yet discovered us when this offer ran last year, this is the brief run-down …


Right now is the call for entries. The entry should be a sample of your writing style, no more than 500 words. You can make it about any topic but if you make it about yourself and the wedding, you’ll have a leg up on some.

After the 1st I will narrow down the entries to the top three with the help of a panel of five judges.

Those three brides-to-be will be contacted and we’ll have a getting-to-know-you meet up. It sounds all official but I swear it’s not! bloggerbride & kd_2b_kk will tell you it’s just so I know we’re a good fit to work with one another … that and who would pass up an opportunity to chat even more about the wedding?!

After the meetings with the three ladies, I’ll make a decision on who the lucky lady is and we’ll start everything up.


Now, what’s in it for you? In a nutshell, me! This is the ONE free-of-charge full planning package Moments That Shine offers each year. That’s right … FULL planning. This isn’t for day-of coordination … it’s for the whole sha-bang. Some of the perks (but not all!):

* Full on-site coordination
* Access to all vendor resources
* Time & Budget Management
* Décor and Etiquette Advice
* Unlimited emails and phone calls
* Vendor & Client Meetings as needed

All entrants will be given a special offer, gift certificate, etc for participating and the finalists will have a little something extra. Honestly, this isn’t to be missed, folks. Hopefully the other ladies here can attest to how much fun this can be and how much help it was to them ☺

What to Do:
Email me your name, wedding date, location and approximate guest list number along with a sample of your style of writing (if you would like to attach a Word document that’s cool … just remember, 500 words or less). The address is inquiries@momentsthatshine.com and please have it to me no later than 9a.m., August 1st.

If you don’t get a reply from me saying I received it within a couple of days, please email me again. I don’t want to miss any of these! And if you need any more specifics on the contest or instructions, just email me and I’ll elaborate.
Can’t wait to hear from you all!!!

Keep Reading ...

OFFER: Free Destination Wedding Photography Services...

SugarTree Photography is now starting to expand into Destination Weddings!!!
I am offering Free Destination Wedding photography services to the first 2 couples who book with me between Dec 2008 and March 2009. Locations can vary from the United States, Mexico, The Caribbean and Europe. The only requirement is that they cover all travel costs.
This package will include up to 3 days of coverage - rehearsal dinner, full day coverage of event and a trash the dress session. Approx. 600-1000 images as 4x6 proofs on CD. That's a $3000 value! *High res. images can be purchased separately.*
If you know of anyone that is considering a destination wedding - please pass along these details! They won't want to miss out!

Keep Reading ...

Whistling a Happy Song

Best wishes tomorrow to Sophia & James! I'll be there bright and early tomorrow morning to ensure all the Smurfs are in the right places ;)

Keep Reading ...

Good Gifts of Love

One of the most amazing gifts I can receive is an invitation to an event I'm planning. Even though I know all of the details of the day, there's something about receiving the formal invitation in the mail that is so heartwarming. Instead of feeling like just another vendor involved in the day, I feel like a guest as well.

Imagine my delight when not only did I receive this in the mail but upon opening it up, looking at the uniqueness of this invite ...


This is from my Valentine's Day couple Yoko & Khalid. It was one surprise after another as I was unwrapping it ...





This invitation is so dear to me and I can't thank them enough. Between Judy C. and I, we'll see plenty of pictures of their day!!!

Keep Reading ...

Serious People having Serious Fun!

Hello folks...

Well, this blog has been along time coming and has finally arrived!

Some of you may have known me as K. Photography but in Sept. 2007 I changed the name to SugarTree Photography to better represent the type of style I shoot with - fun, creative and an experience you'll always remember!

I thought I would start my first post paying a tribute to when I felt my photography was renewed with a breath of fresh air last May 2007. I have had my company around for about 5 years at that point and was shooting weddings and portraits part-time when I decided that I wanted to take it to the next level. What better way to do that then to seek out and learn from others. And boy - did I ever! I stumbled across a woman by the name of Judy Cormier of Elementz of Fotographie - through Facebook of all places. (Which I am a die hard fan of and it has done wonders for my business.) She was providing a 3 day intensive course called "Get Serious". The knowledge that I gained from that workshop and the wonderful colleagues I now have in the industry just solidify why I was in it in the first place - Because my passion for it is undeniable. So I'm sharing with you a few images from last May to kick off the SugarTree Photography Blog!

Keep Reading ...

You Make Me Feel ...

Those who know me know I've been trying to change my habits for the better. This is true in a number of categories but one of the biggest is I'm watching my environmental footprint more than I thought I would be. Rather than going on a rant, I'd like to show you a couple of products I've been using for the past few months.

When I went to the Eco-Wedding & Lifestyle Show back in March, I met a lovely lady representing Green Beaver Company. They are involved in using all natural ingredients in a plethora of beauty products. The ones I faithfully use are the shampoo & conditioner ... the changes I noticed in my hair right away were amazing! My favourite is the Rejuvenating Cranberry line ...



The other product I now use is natural hair dye. This one is a bit trickier for people to find as there is one company in Canada that has a bit of a strangle hold on the market. That's not horrible though since the actual dye is great (on my hair anyhow). I use Herbatint (you can buy it in most nutrition and herbal stores ... my local Loblaws has even started carrying it). It actually gives my hair a great lift and is a lot better than any other dye I've used. They even recently came out with bold colours ... red & purple to name a couple!


I'm not perfect in my green movement but I truly believe every little bit counts. These are just a couple things everyone can try!

Keep Reading ...

Waiting in Sleep Until the Night Goes By

To any of you who have yet to do home renovations, let me give you this one little piece of wisdom ...

It's exhausting!

Keep Reading ...

Bittersweet Symphony

I spent a good couple of hours online at one site recently and I have to share. While my husband was busy talking on the phone, I was checking it out and then when he was finished talking, we decided to play Name That Tune. What does this have to do with events, do you ask? Or maybe you just want to know what on earth I'm rambling about.

While reading another wedding blog, I noticed a discussion about processional music. Everyone was saying how they are looking at using VSQ's 'Bittersweet Symphony' ... whaaaaa? I thought that was a song by The Verve? At first I didn't think too much of it because I was happy people are considering more alternative songs to use.

The VSQ thing kept bugging me though. Then I looked it up and found out what it stood for ...



Vitamin String Quartet.

Possibly I've been living in a cave and that's why I hadn't heard about them. If you're like me and this is new, basically they put together high-quality recordings of popular songs ... instrumental style! I could go on and on describing the songs and how perfect they would be but listening for yourself is the better way to go (be forewarned ... it's addictive!).

Are you and/or your other half a big Coldplay fan? How about a bit of THIS?

This is a favourite of many but with the VSQ version, there's a new flavour to it ... LISTEN HERE.

Flare for something more *you*? How about some Guns N' Roses ... okay ... maybe for the recessional ;)

There are more traditional wedding tunes like THIS ONE and THIS PIANO ONE.

My two favourite ones are HERE and OVER HERE (excuse the You Tube).

I challenge you to find some songs that wouldn't mean something to you :)

Keep Reading ...

Stormy Weather

Depending where you were last night, you may have witnessed one of the most magnificent rainstorms (with some good old thunder and lightning). My husband and I had the 'pleasure' to be driving in it for about an hour ... a few times with zero visibility. Luckily it was a Thursday night but it got me to wondering if there were any pictures out there with events taking place in these storms.
I found the regular rain sprinklings shots but nothing like last night ... which is good ;) If any of you have some shots with wind or lightning or completely insane conditions, send them my way and I'll post them.

I think the storm chaser in me has arisen ;)

Keep Reading ...

Mathematically Turning The Page

Found a handy little tool for any of you looking to figure out how big of a cake to buy for your event! Bakers, please feel free to disagree with any of the information as this is your specialty ... this seems like a pretty good guide to me though. Deciphering it can be a bit of a challenge so I've made it as reader-friendly as possible for you.


Above cake by cakegirls.

FOR ONE LAYER CAKES:
10-12 people = small oval or 6" round cake
10-15 people = 6" square cake
16-25 people = 8" round or 8" square cake
30-45 people = 10" round or 10" square cake
40-55 people = 1/4 sheet cake (9x13)
55-80 people = 1/3 sheet cake (11x15)
75-100 people = 1/2 sheet cake (12x18)

FOR ROUND TIER CAKES:
INCHES.......................FEEDS
4/6 ............................12-20
4/8 ............................20-25
6/8 ............................20-30
6/10 ..........................25-35
8/10 ..........................35-50
6/12 ..........................50-60
8/12 ..........................50-65
6/8/10 .......................55-65
6/8/12 .......................65-75
6/10/12 .....................85-95
6/10/14 .....................105-120
6/8/10/12 ..................105-125
8/12/14 .....................120-135
6/8/10/14 ..................135-150
8/12/16 .....................150-175
6/10/12/14 ................150-175
6/8/12/16 ..................175-195
6/8/10/12/14 .............180-200
6/10/12/16 ................200-220
6/8/10/12/16 .............220-240
6/8/10/12/14/16 .......280-300

FOR SQUARE TIER CAKES:
INCHES...................FEEDS
6/8 ........................28-40
6/10 ......................50-65
6/12 ......................70-85
8/12 ......................70-90
6/8/10 .................75-90
6/8/12 .................95-110
6/10/12 ...............115-135
6/10/14 ..............150-165
6/8/10/12 ..........145-160
8/12/14 ..............170-195
6/8/10/12/14 ......245-260

Keep Reading ...

I Don't Care If Monday's Blue

I am in love.

It seems that because I'm married already, I'm finding a bunch of different things that would be awesome for things like proposals and marriages. Oh well. At least I have a business in the correct industry, right?

The object of today's affection? Something totally frivolous yet yummy.


These are a wonderful paper creations you can let your imagination fly with. The Eiffel Tower creation opens like so ...


Perfect for a proposal!

But in case you're like me and don't have anyone about to pop any questions, it can also be used as a favour box for a wedding, shower or other special occasion. Here are some other great designs ...







The designer in question for these fun products is Denise Sharp from Studio d. Sharp. Her site is filled with other fun things like cake toppers, crowns and tiaras ... check it out!

Keep Reading ...

Wood I Be Your Girl ...

Still being on my mission to inform others and educate myself about anything eco-friendly we can do I was looking at rings today. One site that popped out to me has a bit of special meaning ...

Loving trees, forests and all things nature, these pieces of jewelry by Gustav at Simply Wood Rings actually gave me chills. Perhaps I first got all emotional when reading the description of his artistry ... here it is in his own words ...

"Most of my wooden wedding rings are made of salvaged lumber; some simply found.
Much of the lumber used is sourced from other crafts people. Lumber such as that from the elegant neck of a violin that had its beginnings filling orchestra halls with sounds that soothed the human soul, or the wood from the baseball bat of a mothers' young son.
All the material used to make these rings had a previous noble life before their transformation to a new life of beauty.
I handcraft every ring to bring out the warmth and honesty of the wood. I endeavor to maintain the original spirit of any wood that offers itself to evolve into something new such as a wedding ring, anniversary ring or just simply a celebration of nature ring."

Again, check out the site and consider a little something extra for the environment :)

Cheers,

S

Keep Reading ...

Like Spinning Plates

Another successful weekend was had at the Moments That Shine camp. The weather was beautiful and a glorious time was had by all. Details will come soon ... in the meantime, check out this great website ... Jessica Rust Designs.

If you're looking for a unique wedding/engagement/anniversary gift for someone (or even if you want to splurge for yourself!) she has some great artwork set to the dinner table!







Jessica also has some limited edition gems, silhouette plates and other special occasion gifts ... check it out!

Keep Reading ...

I Walk The Block & Window Shop

Anyone else an etsy addict? Each time I look at the website I'm amazed at the quality of artists and how out-of-this-world their fare is. Just by looking at the 'Wedding' section, you can find everything from gifts for your bridal party to garters to cake toppers.

Here is a collection of some of my favourite finds just from today ...


Whether you're getting married during the hot months or you have a flare for the dramatic, I don't know many women that could pass up a show-stopping fan like this by RoyalJewelz!


ArtfulBeginnings does these to-dye-for handerkerchiefs ... with whatever quote, monogram, wording you would like.


Perfect with that wedding dress! Contact stonesandstarling.


Wonderful for kids at the wedding ... can you imagine the colourful photos?! ribbonwands can hook you up with these ... well ... ribbon wands!


I'm a sucker for branding your event. If you have invitations, programs, menu cards, place cards AND a seating chart, wouldn't it be great if everything had the same picture or monogram? These stamps by officialinitial are an inexpensive and trendy way to achieve just that.

And I'm saving my two favourite finds until last. First up ...


This is sweet sweet sweet! Tired of the regular white ring pillow? I wish I had seen this when I was getting married because it would have fit in with things so well. Perhaps bstudio can help you out though!

And this is such a wonderful way to be chic, eco-friendly and frugal all at once ...


Autumn is my favourite season and I hope I get to see a groom sporting something like this in a few months :) tinarie21 is the artist here.

If you have some favourite finds, please share them!!!

Happy Almost Summer,

Susan

Keep Reading ...

Come My Love, I'll Tell You A Tale ...

Wow. Where does one begin? I do believe BloggerBride & Groom successfully managed to have the most picturesque wedding one could hope for. All of their details came together, all of their guests arrived safely, everyone looked beautiful and the skies even opened up in time for their ceremony ... perfect timing!

My photos didn't turn out that great and in essence are a stepping stone to the better ones we'll be seeing soon ... but in the meantime, enjoy a glimpse into the fairytale day ...

The bouquets for the bride and her five closest friends waiting to be unpacked.


Each bridal party member's dress was clover in colour but had a great embellishment unique to the wearer. This bridesmaid chose a cream sash.


The altar arrangements before going out to the chapel.


Detailing on the bride's dress.


Waiting for the processional to begin ...


Vows at last.


Blogger Bride & Groom ... perfect models.


A close-up of the bridal bouquet ... pink peonies and roses with a green collar.


And a close-up of the AMAZING shoes she wore.


The reception before ...


And after.





The centrepieces were wine decanters (filled with elegant orchids and bear grass) and four wine glasses. Classy and useful!


Because they wanted the guests to stay and enjoy the party, BB&G hired a school bus to take people from the hotel to the venue and back.


The chapel at night.

More in depth details and photos will go up on the main site as soon as we've sifted through the very best of the photos. For now, I hope you've enjoyed this brief glimpse into one of the most perfect days a couple could ask for.

Cheers,

Susan

Keep Reading ...