Celebrating Love in Montreal

Love is celebrated in so many fascinating ways around the world. These romantic displays can be a beautiful way to solidify the love between partners, and ensure that their union lasts a lifetime. Whether you’re planning on travelling the world with your love, or staying in the city, these are ways to commemorate your happiness and love for one another.

On Ponte Milvio, in Italy, couples have displayed their oath of love to one another by fastening padlocks to the bridge. Their names, as well as short love notes and vows, are written onto the lock. It is a symbol of their love being unbreakable. The key to the padlock is then thrown into the river below, signifying that the bond will never be undone. Imagine all the lover’s locks that could line the Lachine Canal!

In Wales, an elaborately carved wooden spoon is presented to the love interest, as a way to tell their potential lover that they will always provide and care for them, (as well all know, the best way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach!). If the love interest accepts, they wear the spoon around their neck. As Montreal is a city of coffee lovers (or caffeine addicts, simply put), custom sugar spoons could be a thoughtful party favour for the engagement party, a small wedding, or as a gift to the newlyweds.

For those who were hopelessly in love, eloping was the sweetest crime—especially in England, where it became illegal in 1754 for persons under 21 to get married. That did not deter the young, passionate English lovers: they took a short day trip to Gretna Green, Scotland, and married there in secret. This is still a popular place for couples to visit, old and young, some even going to renew their vows there.  We are a city of churches, of green alleys, and historic architecture, making our city a very romantic place to love and marry. A way to spend a weekend would be to make short hops to our scenic spots and make it memorable with a few kisses and other cute ways of showing your love.

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Gretna Green Wedding Photography

We Love Moms!

Happy Mother’s Day to the women in our lives who have been by our sides from the very beginning, who have sacrificed for us and love us to no end! When a mother’s little girl (or little boy!) gets married, they are just as excited as their child and would do anything to ensure the wedding is fabulous and perfect. Above all, they want their child’s married life to be filled with happiness and bliss. It is a proud moment, and mothers want nothing more than to be part of the celebration.

What can your mother do for your wedding day?

Let her take care of the small details: last minute décor, the corsages and boutonnieres, mailing your invitations and setting up the place cards at the reception—these are but a few items on a long list of tasks that you, as the bride or as a couple, could let mom look after and give you time to move onto other things.

Let her be there when you choose your dress, and be there when she chooses hers: the dress selection process is the ultimate girl outing for mother and daughter (and sister, and aunt, and cousin, and grandmother, and BFFs!) This is the only time in both your lives that you will experience such an event, and is a time to bond with your mother. There may be little disagreements, but remember, she just wants to see you looking and feeling beautiful! When it’s time to choose her dress, tell her what you want, as this will help her find the perfect dress. Or, let her choose something that she feels her best in. She wants her daughter’s input, for sure! Always be honest (and flatter her too!)

Let her walk you down the aisle, too: this is a growing trend in modern weddings. Both dad and mom walking the bride down the aisle is a way to honour both parents equally, and have them hand you to your groom. Let your parents enter the church (or wherever your ceremony is being held) halfway, and then, join them. If you are not having a formal ceremony, and just a reception, let mom give a speech (because we all know she wants to!) as the reception begins.

Finally, let her give you some advice: she has gone through this, or maybe she has seen her fair share of weddings and knows, in her feminine wisdom, what makes a beautiful, lasting relationship. Make time for her to hear her stories and anecdotes, and give you some ideas on how to foster a wonderful marriage. These are precious moments that will bring you closer, and remember fondly as you enter this new phase of your life.

 

Monique Lhuillier Cobalt Lace Dress: Bride.com

 



 

Jim Hjelm Ivory Dress: Bride.com

Pretty Little Rings!

Yesterday was National Proposal Day, and the lucky brides-to-be got the ring of their girlhood dreams from the loves of their lives. Diamonds, white gold, and cushion settings are the classic idea of romance and eternity, and suit every woman. But! What if you’re the kind of lady who likes to wear something more flashy, rare, colorful, and totally unique? Here are a few engagement ring inspirations (if you're already married, let your hubby know you want a new ring for every anniversary!)

Rose gold:

The newest trend in gold accessories, rose gold is actually real gold with a hint of bronze mixed into the metal. The colour suits any kind of gemstone, such as diamond and emerald. Mix pink tones and choose morganite or lavender sapphire.

 

Halo rings:

For ultimate luxury, halos around the gemstone are made with real diamonds and can be looped, with two or three rings around in different sizes. These can also be added on later, called crowns. A jewelry designer will be able to make crowns and halos that suit your ring.

 

Colorful Gemstones:

Emerald and sapphires are making a huge statement comeback and appearing on engagement and bridal accessories over the last three years. Sapphires don’t only come in blue: try pink, yellow, purple or green sapphire.

Or, choose a gemstone for a specific month: it could be for a birthday, the month you got engaged, or first said, ‘I Love You’… then symbolism lasts a lifetime!

 

Love in Fine Fashion

We know that at Galleria Della Sposa, wedding dresses are a form of art, an expression of love, and a reflection of the blushing bride. Woven into the lining and lace, the poetry of love, marriage, and fashion.

 Love in Fine Fashion is a must-see exhibit for all brides to be (or brides who are nostalgic and want to relive their wedding day!). Thirty thoughtfully crafted dresses created throughout the 19^th century to today are on display, along with veils and shoes worn by the brides. Discover the styles of bygone era wedding dresses, and the artisans’ attention to hand-sewn beading, lace and delicate textiles, and haute couture structuring. Some dresses were made by the brides themselves, while others were made by contemporary designers such as Helmer and Marie Saint-Pierre. Shades of rich silk, plum and blue were the tendance of the turn of the century, white only coming into its own in the early 1900s. The silhouettes are so perfectly constructed, the brocade and lace designed and placed by hand; it’s stunning!

This beautiful collection of wedding dresses at the McCord Museum is on until April 12 2015.