We Are Moving!

We are moving! I want to thank all my past couples, and clients you made the last 5 years one to remember. Now it is time to move up to bigger and better. Don't worry we are just moving down the street. Are NEW location will have a main floor showroom, which I am really excited about. I will be selling Live Love Bath Products, Sister Axcentz as well as many other local vendors in our area. We are planning our OPEN HOUSE for July 2010, stay tuned for more information.

Petite Feet Shoe Sale

Oh my gosh did I see right, a shoe sale? Yep it is right around the corner and what girl doesn't love her shoes. This year is huge for colourful bridal shoes so why not try and get them on sale. There is over 20,000 pairs of shoes size 5 to 12, many popular brands such as Jessica Simpson, Fergie, BCBG, Franco Sarto and many many more.

Become a VIP member and you can shop on day 1! Advance shopping allows you to have more variety of shoes with a greater chance to have them in your size…and all you have to do is visit there web site and enter your email address.

www.petitefeet.ca



INTERNATIONAL CENTRE (HALL 4)

6900 Airport Rd. Mississauga, ON L4V 1E8

VIP DAY – Thursday, April 1st – 10am to 9pm
Friday, April 2nd – 10am to 9pm
Saturday, April 3rd – 10am to 6pm
Sunday, April 4th – 10am to 6pm
Monday, April 5th – 10am to 6pm
*Open Easter Monday



MARKHAM FAIRGROUNDS

10801 McCowan Road Markham, ON L3P 3J3

VIP DAY – Thursday, May 20 – 10am to 9pm
Friday, May 21 – 10am to 9pm
Saturday, May 22 – 10am to 6pm
Sunday, May 23 – 10am to 6pm
Monday, May 24 – 10am to 6pm
*Open Holiday Monday

Peak Men's Wear & The Wedding Suit

This week I had the pleasure to meet Neil from Peak Men's Wear located here in historic downtown Bowmanville. It is nice to see a place that caterers to our grooms out there. Wedding magazines always seem to focus on the brides dress and forget all about the men. They want to look there best for their bride, as well most men want to be comfortable.



When you think of attire for your groom you only think of a traditional tuxedo, but men just like woman, have choices for their attire. Peak Men's Wear offers Wedding Suit packages from $200. Wedding Suit packages include: Suit, Shirt, Tie, Vest and Pocket Square. To compliment your bridesmaids color choice they have 36 tie/pocket square colours. As well a choice of 8 vest colours. Peaks also specializes in ring bearer and junior groomsmen suits, so your wedding party will be looking there best.

So come in and visit Neil and his staff, they have over 25 years of experience and they are there to make your day enjoyable.



77 King St. W
Bowmanville, ON
L1C 1R2

peakmenswear.com

905.419.1336

Easy Guide to Place Settings

Whether you are planning an informal or formal event, you should know a bit about the anatomy of a place setting. This reminds of when I was in high school, my parents took my sister and I to this fancy restaurant and I was totally overwhelmed. I had no idea what glass to drink out of, or even which one was mine. Now with alot more experience I can enjoy a formal place setting. Here is an easy guide to help you know what to reach for and when.

RULES ON FLATWARE
Start from the outside and work your way in toward the plate as the meal progresses. Usually, the big fork is for the entree; the big spoon for the soup. Any utensils placed horizontally above your plate are for dessert.



WHICH DRINK IS YOURS?
Here's an easy tip to help you remember. Make a circle with your thumb and forefinger. Your left hand will form a "b" and your right hand will form a "d." Bread (b) is on your left; drink (d) is on your right.

ONCE YOUR UTENSILS HAVE BEEN USED
It never goes back on the table. When you're taking a break, rest your fork and knife entirely on the plate. When you are finished, place them diagonally on the plate, side by side, with the handles at 4 o'clock. The knife blade should face the center of the plate, not point out toward another guest (an ancient sign of aggression).

Join Us on Facebook

Want a place where you can discuss your wedding, children's birthday or special event. Or maybe just need a place to get some new ideas, we want this group to be fun and interactive for all are members.

Facebook Group:



We also have a fan page, where all are events are posted, pictures as well as comments from are clients. Come see what everyone is saying about "Almost Hitched Event".

Become a Fan:

Thank You

I wanted to thank all the brides,couples and mothers of the bride that made it out to the Welcome Wagon Bridal Showcase. It was a pleasure to meet and discuss your wedding plans. We meet over 100 brides, which is awesome!

Just a reminder to all of those who attending, if you book your FREE Consultation before March 16th you would receive 10% off your package as well as a FREE gift from Live Love Bath.

I hope everyone enjoyed themselves and got all the information they where looking for.

With Love,

Bobbi-Jo Verschuuren

Spa Parties are here!

Little girls love to be pampered and primped just like their mother!

It's an ultra fun day of spa treatments,
relaxation, girl talk and makeovers!
Each child will be pampered with the works!!
Pedicure, Makeover, Up-do with Tiara (or funky hair accessory)…and don't forget
all the fun they'll have making bath salts.

2.5 .Hour Spa Party
$25.00 per child

2 PARTY HOSTESSES
To facilitate the activities
and assist with the pampering

CREATIVE ACTIVITY
The girls have fun making their own bath salts.



SPA ATTIRE
Adorable flip flops, and headbands (we ask child brings there own robes at this time)

SPA-RIFIC PAMPERING
The girls relax in style while being pampered from head-to-toe!
They are in for a treat with a soothing pedicure.

SPA ATMOSPHERE
We bring everything needed to create the perfect spa atmosphere,
from our elegant manicure table to the fun pedicure chairs!
The mood is set with scented candles
and relaxing spa music playing in the background!
The girls can talk or read teen magazines
while enjoying the royal treatment!
Plus, personalized water bottles keep the girls refreshed!

MAKE OVERS!
What pampering would be complete without a full make over?
The girls enjoy a spa-rific makeup session!

DELUXE DIGITAL PHOTO SESSION
The girls have a blast posing for their before and after photos!
Digital photos printed on site!

THEME FAVORS
Just what the girls need to continue more beauty treatments in the comfort of their own home!

ADD-ONS

You can create the ultimate party by adding these additional services:

• Custom Spa Invitations

• Spa Inspired Buffet



• Spa Inspired Cake ( choice of 2 designs)

• Funky Spa Inspired Cupcakes

• Additional Craft ( choose from many ideas)

All cakes supplied by Chrisi’s Cakes

Contact us today for more information:)

Money Saving Tips

There is no official name for this disease but many brides get it. There are four symptoms to look for, but I assure you there is a cure.

* 1st Symptom

Around three months before your wedding, you'll begin to second guess your decisions.

* 2nd Symptom

You'll get scared and think about what you can do to make your wedding better and more unique.

* 3rd Symptom

Then you will ask friends, co-workers and anyone that will listen to you, about what they think of your ideas.

* 4th Symptom

This is the most dangerous, you make a few last minute phone calls and start up-grading a few packages.

* The CURE

Stick to your original budget. As the wedding draws near, your emotions take over...sit back and relax. Your wedding will be as you first pictures it, and your budget still in tack.

I wanted to share this wonderful deal with all my brides. With your budget I know who saving a few dollars here and there can save in your overall budget. The Vera Wang On Weddings bridal invitation collection is inspired by the designer's incomparable style, incorporating timeless elegance, sensual textures and touches of luxe fashion in the design of fine wedding invitations. Invitations express a sense of originality and imagination; they speak to the unique personality and style of the bride and groom, and give the invited guests a wonderful, indelible first impression of the special celebration to come. In On Weddings, Vera Wang has created an encompassing personalized invitation collection that embodies the attitudes and personalities of every type of bride.


Personalized Wedding
Receive 25 pieces free with the
purchase of 75 or more pieces
Ends March 28th

Visit William Arthur, the signature of fine stationary

Welcome Wagon Bridal Showcase

Hope I can see alot of are local brides at the upcoming Welcome Wagon's Bridal Showcase. You won't want to miss it.

If you're planning a wedding, you and a guest will want to attend Welcome Wagon's Bridal Showcase. Welcome Wagon Bridal Showcases have exciting door prizes, fashion shows, planning guides, special displays and gift bags for every bride.

Which takes the guesswork out of planning your wedding by assembling everything you need under one roof. The Oshawa Bridal Showcase is tailored to are area, with local businesses.

And best of all, admission is FREE for you and one guest*. You even have a chance to win an exciting honeymoon to a sun destination, courtesy of Today's Bride Magazine.

Sunday March 7th, 2010
Octaviens Banquet Hall-Best Western Durham Hotel
559 Bloor St. W
Oshawa, ON

Doors open at 12:30pm

Here are just a few vendors that will be participating:

A SWEET AND SIMPLE TREAT
ALMOST HITCHED WEDDINGS
BLOOMIN BLOSSOMS
DURHAM COLLEGE/UOIT RESIDENCE
DURHAM WEDDING CHAPELS
EVENT DIGITAL PRODUCTIONS (705) 875-0111
EVERYDAY LUXURIES
FAYE'S DESIGNER BRIDAL
HOMELIFE DURHAM REAL ESTATE
I-DO-FOR-YOU
IN STYLE WEDDINGS AND EVENTS
INVESTORS GROUP- A.LONEY
JENN'S HAIR CHAIR
LASTING IMAGES PHOTOGRAPHY (289) 404-2760
LATASIA FINE JEWELRY- K.BELL
PARAGON TRAVEL- S.DAVEY-JULIEN
SEARS CANADA
SUGAR CHALET
SUNLIFE- J.STEPHENSON
TABLE CHARM
THE MORTGAGE CENTRE-S.COCKBURN

Grand Prize supplied by:
Lasting Images Photography

Special Show Package- 4 Hours photography coverage. Also: 1-11 x 14 wall portraits, 5-8 x 10 portraits, 10-5 x 7 portraits, 150-4 x 6 portraits.
Value: $700.00

The Perfect Gift for that someone special in your life...and yourself

After having my own boudoir photography session for a wedding gift for my then soon-to-be husband, it was such a positive and memorable experience, I decided that every women should experience it once in their lifetime. It was what gave me the push I needed to change careers and start my photography business.

Like most of my clients, I went into my own session feeling pretty nervous and concerned about what my fiance would think. I came out of it feeling completely pampered and feeling like a movie star or a model.

Boudoir photography is for all women to experience and enjoy. It really is the perfect gift for that someone special in your life to show them how much you love them. There is nothing else that is more expressive, creative and intimate then a boudoir photography session and the results from your session.

Whether you are celebrating a special occasion like your wedding, anniversary or birthday or just looking to do something nice for your honey, a boudoir session covers all the basis.

A session with Amanda Morrison-Hill Photography can be something as simple as a one-outfit session to a session lasting several hours, with several different outfits, props and looks with services from a professional make-up artist. There really is something for every lady and budget.

All the best in 2010!

Amanda Morrison-Hill Photography

905-447-1665

www.amh-photo.com

amanda@amh-photo.com

**If you are an Almost Hitched client, please inquire about a special VIB (Very Important Babe) discount and your free La Senza gift card to use for your session.

NEW Web site!

Heather Prosser Photography

Well it seems like this one took forever, but as my good friends and clients know I strive for the best. I t still has a few things that will be added this coming year. So stay tuned!

Heather Prosser Photography

http://www.almosthitchedweddings.com/

I would like to thank Jenn & Barb my editors and a Big Thanks to Heather Prosser who shared all her beautiful photographs. Oh and I should thank my husband, Dave and three year old son, Ryan for being patient with me the last few months. Love you both<3

Heather Prosser Photography

So check it out, tell your friends. You telling your friends and family about myself and my business is the best compliment I could receive.

Valentine's Day Special Packages

Well Valentines Day is right around the corner and I thought I would let everyone know that I know offer "create my special day" packages. This is for the men that don't have time to pick up all the small special details. Or like my hubby has no idea where to start. I get everything you need, flowers, card, gift, book ...restaurant reservations, hotel, and even find you a sitter if you need. Want to surprise your lady with a night at home.... We have great ideas for that too. Book for valentines now:)

Mocha & Blush Pink Inspiration

2009 Small Business Show

Just wanted to thank everyone who came out and supported our 1st Annual Small Business Show & Sale which took place in November. See you next year:)

Brides Vision & Bridesmaid Happiness

I have to say I love love love these bridesmaid dresses from Twobirds Bridesmaids. Finally a dress that will flatter any bridal party, no matter there size. Twobirds is a bridesmaids boutique dress company that marries a brides vision with the bridesmaids happiness. With 15 ways to style this dress it will keep the bride happy and the bridesmaids comfortable. I know I have a few bridesmaid dresses stashed in my closet, well lets face it I will never wear again. With these I could style it a different way and wear in the summer or to another wedding or dinner party. I just can not believe it took a designer this long to think of this one. Brilliant!!

Alyssa Milano

The dress comes in 18 colours, 15 styles options, 4 lengths and has 3 collections to choose from, One Size Fits 0-14 and size B Fits 16-24

Trendy Bridal Shoes

A girl can never have enough shoes, wouldn't you agree? Well with 2010 already here I am already seeing brides taking on this new trend. Colour is huge this year, it will be bold but still elegant. By using a monochromatic color scheme, purple will be big this year as well as blue, but not as intense as royal blue. Oh and I can't forget grey....which I see taking over this season. This can be paired with pink, coral, blue or purple. So why not add a bit of colour to your bridal attire.

Ladies I know how hard it is to find that perfect shoe, but now it might be a bit easier. Seeing one rule for 2010 wedding shoes is...there are no rules! You can choose any shoe you want & love. Remember your wedding should reflect who you are, and what says more them what you wear for your big day. Everything goes with white so you could go with a sexy metallic, bright fruity colour or have you thought of what your "something blue" will be? Why not wear it on your feet. Wearing a colour bridal shoe will add a modern edge to your attire, which I absolutely love.

Wedding Show Season Is Here

Well Wedding Show season is in full effect. I remember when I was just engaged and I went to my first Bridal Show in Toronto, I have to say I had no idea what I was walking into. I was completely overwhelmed. There were hundreds of vendors, and some crazy brides. literally, I pasted out after only being there 20minutes. Ha ha my fiance thought I was going crazy, myself trying to get out of the crowd for some air. Now looking back I see what he meant. Anyways I thought I would share a few tips and tricks I have learned over the years and wanted to share. This way you will be prepared for whatever show you will attend big or small.

• Have address labels printed up for the event, you can even do these at home. Things to include are; Full Name, Address, Phone Number, Email Address & Wedding Date. You will be filling out so many ballots it just makes it easy to peel & stick all our required information.




• Before you attend the show look on the event web site; see what exhibitors will be participating and write down the ones you don't want to miss.




• Also if you are curious of an exhibitor that it already participating, book an appointment to ensure one-on-one attention.




• Make a plan, write a list of what you need to accomplish and in order of importance. This will allow you to stay calm and focused.




• Bring your fiance, friend, mother or even mother-in-law. Someone that you value their opinion from.




• Walk threw the show once then return to booths that made an impression.




• Take advantage of all the demonstrations, fashion shows, seminars, samples, get your make up & hair done and you can't forget about all the food and cake samples....yum O!




• Make notes as you go threw the show, what you liked, didn't like and what inspired you. As well write down the business that stand you. This is another reason to bring a friend, she can do all the writing.




• When you come home you will have a bag full of business cards, samples and little gifts. Start by sorting them out, take your note book and find all the business cards of the booths that stood out the most and inspired you. The Internet is your next best friend; search those companies to find out more information. Then all there is to do is to make some phone call to those special exhibitors.




• As well remember if you book an appointment at the show they usually take a percentage off your price. There are always deals at these show to be had, but do not conmit to anything that day. It is too overwhelming, just take a few days to get all the information you need.

I hope this helps you out at your next bridal show;stay calm, focused and you will not be one of those overwhelmed brides-to-be, I promise:)

Happy New Years!

Happy New Years from my family to yours!

Well 2009 has pasted and what a great year that was. I go to meet a lot of wonderful vendors in the Clarington area with the same drive and passion for weddings and events as I do. I want to thank my family and friends as well, I have been working like crazy the last year to grow my business and they supported me every step of the way. So thanks again.

I have to say I am so excited for 2010! Almost Hitched has so much going on I thought I would just share. Well to start off we will be launching our NEW web site mid February so stay tuned for that. Almost Hitched has teamed up with Heather Prosser Photography for our web sites artwork. Heathers work is absolutely stunning and I can’t wait to share some of her work with you.

Almost Hitched will also be attending Welcome Wagon’s Bridal Showcase which will take place Sunday March 7th at Octaviens Banquet Hall-Best Western Durham Hotel, 559 Bloor St. W, Oshawa ON. Doors will open at 12:30PM. We have been waiting a long time to get into this show and I couldn't’t think of a better time for us to showcase who we are and what we do. If you’re planning a wedding, you and a friend will want to attend Welcome Wagon’s Bridal Showcase. They have exciting door prizes; fashion shows, planning guides, special displays and gift bags for every bride. Welcome Wagon’s Bridal Showcase just take out all the guesswork. You will have everything you need under one roof, and every showcase is tailored to the local area, so all the businesses participating are local. Ohh….and did I mention admission is FREE for you and one guest. I will post more information sooner to the date.

Hope everyone has a great start to 2010!