Ottawa’s Hidden Gems

July 29, 2015 / no comments

Stonefields: Event Destination

A Stonefields Wedding. Photos by Ottawa Wedding Photographer Andrew Van Beek.

Stonefields is the perfect venue to hold a country chic wedding!…

“Prepare for the ceremony in the great room with your bridal party and in the Badchild Pub with your groomsmen.”

“Tie the knot on the front steps of our stone farmhouse or nestled between our rustic barns with rolling fields as your backdrop.”

“Guide your guests to the courtyard for cocktail hour while you and your wedding party pose for pictures around the farm.”

“Escape the excitement for some quiet time with your beloved in the Hawkins Settler’s Cabin.”

      “Celebrate with a sumptuous meal and dance the night away at your reception in our event barn.”

Sounds like the ideal wedding day doesn’t it!?

While visiting this lovely historical property you will find log cabins and rustic barns, plus acres and acres of rolling farmland and country gardens. Stonefields hosts all kinds of events from weddings to special gatherings in their event barn, making it the perfect outdoor wedding and events destination.

When booking at Stonefields, you will receive exclusive use of their property as they offer a variety of choices for your ceremony location and cocktail hour. Finally, when it comes time for dinner, you and your guest can enjoy a lovely prepared meal made freshly on-site by the Stonefields culinary team. With the fall season quickly arising, it is no doubt the lovely couple Stephanie Brown and Steve Malenfant are fully booked!

Location: 1985 9th Line Beckwith ON K7C 3P2 (Near Carleton Place)

More Info!

stonefields-wedding-18 stonefields-wedding-21stonefields 028a A Stonefields Wedding. Photos by Ottawa Wedding Photographer Andrew Van Beek.

 Aquatopia: Water Garden Conservatory

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“This four-season paradise provides year-round public access to a tropical oasis.”

The Aquatopia is a greenhouse full of tropical plants, streams and falls making it the perfect venue for a secret garden wedding. While you are here, you will enjoy experiencing not only being surround by beautiful water gardens but also the delicate scents that fill the air. As the sun streams through the glass walls and ceilings, your day will be made complete as it creates a heavenly atmosphere for an enchanting ceremony. This venue truly creates that magical feeling every photographer dreams of captivating – beautiful endless moments.

However, that is not all this lovely water garn conservatory offers. Following the ceremony, you and your guests can enjoy a gourmet meal with exceptional presentation provided by Tulips & Maple, one of Ottawa’s finest, award-winning catering establishments. To end your evening, you and your guests can enjoy a night of dancing under the stars no matter the season!

Location: 2710 March Road, Carp, ON, K0A 1L0

More Info! 

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Le Belvedere: A Venue With a View

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Settled on the side of one of Gatineau’s glorious cliffs, you and your guests can enjoy the breathtaking view from the Le Belvedere, as it overlooks the small town of Wakefield, QC. By providing such a space with a spectacular scenery accompanied by its culinary cuisine, this venue has been crowd one of Ottawa’s finest wedding venues.

People from all over the world travel to the Le Belvedere for their special day, as it is one of the most picturesque venues you will ever see. Their facility includes exclusive use of the Le Belvedere for your wedding reception and a gorgeous outdoor terrace; perfect for wedding ceremonies up to 200 people. In addition, the venue offers additional amenities such as their outdoor deck with lounge seating, fire pits and an outdoor bar as well as accommodations.

“Le Belvédère is sure to make any event enjoyable and memorable.”

Location: 40 Des Sentiers, Wakefield, Quebec, JOX 3GO

 

More Info!

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RSVP Would be more than happy to help you plan your wedding at any one of these three fabulous venues!

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT US 

Sources:

www.stonefieldsheritagefarm.ca, www.aquatopiaevents.com, www.lebelvedere.ca

PhotoSources:  www.fifteenfiftyone.cablacklambphotography.melissajohnstonphotography.com,

 andrewvanbeek.comstonefieldsheritagefarm.blogspot.compondclinic.com

www.ottawalife.com,www.unioneleven.com, www.rowellphoto.com, ww.thirdflooryork.com

 

Sussex’s Wedding Boutique Slips Away at the Eleventh Hour

July 24, 2015 / no comments

Just when you thought everything was finally booked and going according to plan, you head to Sussex Drive to gaze at your darling dress one more time. To your surprise you have just learned that the beautiful wedding gown you have had your eye on in the window at McCaffrey Haute Couture is gone! Nonetheless, it is not just your dream dress that has been removed, it is all the other merchandise in the store as well. The windows are dark, the displays are bare and there is a bankruptcy notice hanging from the door. You slowly start to feel your gut turn inside out as you realize your wedding dream dress has just turned into a wedding nightmare!

If this story sounds familiar, you are not alone. It was announced on July 20th that the couture bridal shop we all love to stroll by in downtown Ottawa is now bankrupt! Unfortunately, this means only 50 brides will be receiving their McCaffrey gowns; leaving 20 brides dress-less for their late summer or early fall wedding. This painful short notice leaves very little time for these brides to scramble for something new.

 

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For 18 years, brides from all across Canada and even the world would travel to McCaffrey Haute Couture in hopes of finding the perfect dress. However, the company was almost $400,000 in debt due to owing various creditors. David McCaffrey blames this current state of affairs on the endless years of construction.  Whatever the case may be, RSVP Events along with many other future brides and window shoppers will be sad to say goodbye to the corner boutique we all loved to admire.

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RSVP wants to lend a helping hand to these brides as well as any others who have encountered a similar situation, by providing some tips for last minute dress shopping.

1. Bring a close friend

Invite a true friend to come with you dress shopping. Someone who knows your style and will be honest so you can pick a dress that is just as flattering on you as it is on the hanger.

 2. Go to a store where you can actually touch the dresses

Fabrics can look different in pictures; even the dress itself may look completely different when you see it in person.

3. Go to a store with an in-house seamstress

Since you are on a time crunch, meaning no more time for hiccups, an in-house seamstress is the best option. They are familiar with all the dresses they carry and will be able to give you helpful advice for what will work best.

4. Keep an open mind

Try not get caught up in finding your perfect imaginary dress. Let go – and try on all different styles; you might be pleasantly surprised.

5. Don’t worry about getting locked in

If you are really not sure, why not buy two and sell the one you do not end up wearing online. It’s always good to have options :)

6. Buy a dress that fits

Do not buy a dress too small, thinking you will have time to work off some extra weight in-between now and your big day. You most likely won’t!

 

We also recommend checking out some of our favourite bridal shops:

Luxe Bridal Boutique

Dominique Levesque bridal

With Love Bridal Boutique

 

Cheers!

RSVP Events | Ottawa Corporate & Event Plannersc: (613) 219-3552

Sources: www.ctvnews.ca, ottawacitizen.com, metronews.ca

Photo Sources: hotpinkbrides.com, www.ctvnews.ca, marrymeproductions.com

Mike & Ness

July 22, 2015 / no comments

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of teaming up with the dynamic duo, Mike & Ness for the first time ever. From the moment I met the two at Genevieve and Patrick’s wedding rehearsal, I knew this would be the start of something great. The couple was so much fun to work with – any reservations I had walking into that rehearsal were immediately eliminated by the warm smiles on both their faces. When I looked over and saw Mike and Ness giving the family a warm welcome as they entered the church, I was quickly reassured – these guys have something special, I thought to myself.

One day later, we woke up to the inviting summer warmth which welcomed Genevieve and Patrick’s big day. That morning Mike and Ness needed to be at two places at once, and what better way to accomplish this potentially difficult task, than by assigning it to a duo! Ness headed to the bride’s hotel room to capture the her morning memories, while Mike was needed early at the ceremony for boutonniere pinning with the groom and groomsmen. Following the morning preparations and a lovely fairytale ceremony, we headed for the reception at the Holiday Inn in Kanata.

Once Divine and I sat down for dinner with Mike and Ness, we got to learn more about how the two love birds united. The couple met nine years ago, thanks to a shared sense of humour and a love for pirates. After hearing how both share a love for expressing theirselves in a creative way and how they are easily inspired by the beautiful things around them, I was not surprised they had found each other – the perfect match.

Ness has always been artistic; drawing, painting and sewing since the time she was young. Having a creative eye, Ness went on to pursue the Graphic Design program at Algonquin College. It was not long after graduating that she discovered where her true passion lay – photography! She decided this was the direction she wanted to take and her partner Mike supported the idea as this too, was something he very much enjoyed. The two quickly discovered that doing wedding photo shoots gave them the most pleasure.

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 “There is nothing more fun than being surrounded by happy, and positive people all day long!” –Mike

 

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“When wedding season hits, I’m always so thrilled to see what new and creative ideas couples have thought up to make a day that is uniquely theirs.”- Ness

Once the couple realized they share the same excitement and dedication for not only photography, but weddings, the two decided to take the plunge and start their own wedding photography business, giving birth to Mike &Ness Photography.

Mike and Ness are currently living in Kemptville, Ontario and already are busy with a summer fully booked with weddings. It is easy to see that the secret of this humble couple’s success stems from their individual talents which compliment each other so beautifully.

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“Ness and I work so well together. I wouldn’t be the photographer I am today without her. Having someone to rely on every step of the way through a long and stressful wedding means I can focus on keeping the energy, and positivity high through out.” – Mike

I think I speak for all RSVP when I say we are ecstatic to have teamed up with Mike & Ness as they are now featured in our Wedding-in-a-Box package as well as one our preferred photographers we recommend to all our clients.

We look forward to joined forces again shortly!

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To see More of Mike & Ness’s work click HERE!

Cheers!

RSVP Events | Ottawa Corporate & Event Plannersc: (613) 219-3552

Arboretum Engagement: Claire and Chris

July 20, 2015 / no comments

With impeccable timing, the shoot began in the evening just as the sun was starting to set. The light streaming through the trees of the Arboretum Park made for some captivating photos of the couple.

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 Mike & Ness spent the golden evening hours shooting over the arches of the Arboretum Bridge.

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Of course, being from Canada’s capital, Claire and Chris are both huge hockey enthusiast and share the same love for the Ottawa Senators. That being said, they wanted their engagement photos to reflect their true personalities of being a young fun couple with an enjoyment for the true Canadian sport. Claire & Chris arranged an engagement shoot at an arena in Ottawa, which seems like they had a lot of fun doing!

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 The two recently tied the knot at the RA Center on July 11th, 2015 where both the ceremony and reception took place. We cannot wait to blog about the fabulous time we had and to reveal its darling decor. Stay tuned, as it will be featured on our blog in the next few weeks!

 

Photographer: Mike & Ness

Location: Arboretum Park 

Planner: RSVP Events

Cheers!

RSVP Events | Ottawa Corporate & Event Plannersc: (613) 219-3552

The Rockcliffe Pavilion Wedding: Alison & Mat

July 16, 2015 / no comments

On a flawless summer day, Alison and her bridesmaids spent their morning getting beautified by The Capelli Club in their hotel room at the Ottawa Marriott. The girls enjoyed a glass of champagne as they danced around their room to uplifting songs as they got ready. With the help from her bridesmaids, Alison put on each piece of jewelry that had been carefully selected for this extraordinary day.

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While Alison was busy getting ready with her girls, Mat was not too far away getting ready with a helpful crew of his own.

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After spending a year planning for a delightful day to celebrate with friends and family, Alison and Mat’s time had finally arrived. The couple chose to do their First Look and pre-ceremony photos at the Museum of Nature, since their ceremony was set to take place outside.

As Alison walked up to Mat for the first time on their wedding day, she took his breath away.

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Surrounded by their friends and family, the couple promised to love each other for the rest of their lives and tied the knot at The Rockcliffe Pavilion.

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After the couple sealed the deal and walked back down the aisle, everyone headed to the reception which was held in the lovely Summit room in the Ottawa Marriott. Within the beautiful revolving room overlooking all of Ottawa, the couple shared their grand entrance and was announced Mr. and Mrs. Jeffers for the first time.

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We had such a lovely time planning Alison & Mat’s wedding. The stunning emerald green paired with a light blush was the perfect combination for a robust, but yet feminine decor. It could have not turned out anymore beautifully. We wish this wonderful couple a future full of health, love and laughter!

Photographer: Brittany Lee Photography 
Florals: Beaudry Flowers
Bridal Grown: Ivoire by Kitty Chen, Luxe Bridal
Reception Venue: Ottawa Marriott (Summit Room)
DJ: Quality Entertainment
Ceremony Music: Duo D’Amore
Video: Two Rings Video
Limo: Infinity Limo
Hair Stylist: Kensey Young, The Capelli Club
Make up: Cris MacIntosh, The Capelli Club
Officiant: Rev. Brian Ballnger, All Seasons Weddings
Cake: Sweet Song Cake
Stationary: Paper Studio
Planners: Divine and Genevieve, RSVP Events
Decor: Divine and Marina, RSVP Events
Ceremony Chairs: Party Time Rentals
Photo Booth: Capital Photobooth
Photographer: Brittany Lee Photography
 
Cheers!RSVP Events | Ottawa Corporate & Event Plannersc: (613) 219-3552
 

New Wedding Ideas & Trends 2015

July 10, 2015 / no comments

Wedding styles seem to be growing with endless possibilities; it is remarkable we are expected to settle on one sole them – and stick with it! The influence of social media such as wedding bloggers and Pinterest open a new door for weddings, presenting all kinds of new ideas we never thought possible. The influence from these outlets have allowed the creation for wedding décor to flourish! We now have access to all kinds of DIY crafts, themes, bouquets, alternatives to alters and the list goes on and on, making it almost impossible to decide on one particular theme.

Whether you decide you want to stick with a traditional style wedding or branch out and try something new, there seems to be endless ideas for every bride and groom. However, if you are someone who isn’t sure and are caught between the two, the new 2015 trends compliment both styles, as it ties a traditional classic wedding with a fresh modern lift.

From foodie buffets to bouquets, here are the latest wedding trends for this 2015:

 

Floral Chandeliers: Hanging centerpieces

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Flowers: Peonies & Eucalyptus

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Bridal Party: One of a Kind & Mismatch

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Wedding Invitations: Boho & Vintage Style

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Refreshments: Craft Beer, Sangria & Local Labels

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Cakes: Unfrosted or Hand Painted!

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Head Table

Instead of the classical one line head table, we are now seeing tables set up with the bridal party seated on both sides – just like another guest table.

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Tasting Stations: Foodie Buffets

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Cheers!

RSVP Events | Ottawa Corporate & Event Planners

c: (613) 219-3552

Photo Sources: thebridaldetective.com, glitterinc.com, modwedding.com,  brit.co, myweddingreceptionideas.com,  mineforeverapp.com, mineforeverapp.com, projectwedding.com, theeverylastdetail.com, stylemepretty.com, theweddingscoop.com, burnettsboards.com, bridalmusings.com, alexanevents.com,  pnpflowersinc.com

Jocelyn & Jonathan’s Wedding

July 8, 2015 / no comments

We love to play games, and at this wedding we were lucky Jocelyn chose one of our favourites! As our bride Jocelyn got ready for her big day, she and her bridesmaids were able to calm their nerves while playing the humorist game of  Cards Against Humanity. While the ladies enjoyed their card game, the lovely Capelli Club was on site, working one-by-one to ensure each women felt radiant with confidence and beauty and ready to walk the aisle.

 

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The wedding took place in the Summit; a lovely revolving room at the top of Ottawa’s Marriott Hotel located downtown. Ashley Notley captured the wedding of Jocelyn & Jonathan, a venue which was full of soft whites and purples with a hint of feathers to execute their vision.  We describe the couples wedding as formal-meets-fun, with an exceptional dose of class!

 

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We had a marvelous time at the Jocelyn & Jonathan’s wedding and were pleased to have be selected to plan such a wonderful wedding full of charm and warmth. We wish the couple all the best and a life full a happiness, as this is what they truly deserve!

Cheers!

RSVP Events | Ottawa Corporate & Event Planners

c: (613) 219-3552

Jocelyn & Jonathan’s Wedding Location: Ottawa Marriott, Summit Room May 16th, 2015 Photographer: Ashley Notley Photography Hair & Makeup: The Capelli Club Wedding Planner: RSVP Events Décor: RSVP Events

Monday Moments: Ella Rose Swinimer

July 6, 2015 / no comments

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Today, our Monday moment features our very own Ella Rose Swinimer, owner of RSVP Events. Not only does Ella have a passion for planning and organizing social affairs but she is also an amazing photographer and videographer! Ella comes from a background in Media and Communications and has spent her professional time over the last eight years as production coordinator and project manager on a variety of projects, both for commercial and non-profit organizations. Aside from managing RSVP Events, Ella is also the Director of Business Development at Media Expert; a full film production service and started Two Rings Video.

Having quiet the extensive background in filming and production, it is no surprise many of our clients request to book Ella as their wedding or events photographer for the big day! Having expertise in both fields allows Ella to gain a professional perspective as the two complement each other perfectly. For this reason, Ella is able to capture unique footage for each individual client as she understands and coordinates the exact style and angles to use depending on the specific occasion.

Below are some of our beautiful weddings captured by Ella Rose Swinimer. All our brides have been thrilled with the end result, and are pleased to have footage of such a memorable day they can now watch and share time and time again.

To see more videos shot by Ella, please visit: https://vimeo.com/tworingsvideo or check out The Two Rings Facebook page!

Cheers!

RSVP Events | Ottawa Corporate & Event Planners

c: (613) 219-3552

Bridal Couture – Plum Pretty Sugar

July 3, 2015 / no comments

PPS Couture is a new collection founded by Charlotte Hale and is the newest addition to the Plum Pretty Sugar brand. With having spent many years practicing the art of ballet, Charlotte’s past has given her a creative vision to design gowns for a breezy easy-lifestyle. Continuing with her signature look that started Plum Pretty Sugar, the new collection includes beautiful handcrafted gowns made from delicate chiffon and stunning silks. PPS Couture is made up of four feminine pieces, each covered with ethereal floral prints and blossoming silhouettes. Although the collection emphasizes femininity, Charlotte’s separates her gowns, from other collections by using boyish names to personalize each one.

If you are awaiting a unique, enchanting, flower like dress, RSVP recommends checking out the new PPS collection! Each gown is beautifully handcrafted in the USA and made from only the finest fabrics.

 

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Cheers!

RSVP Events | Ottawa Corporate & Event Planners

c: (613) 219-3552

The Buzz on the Brew House

June 29, 2015 / no comments

With today’s generation full of “foodies,” there appears to be a rise of new hip burger joints, fish tacos and craft beers, therefore putting The Mill St. Brew House in its prime. For this reason, it is no secret many people are buzzing about The Mill St. Pub being one of the “in-style” venues to have a wedding this year. If you are looking to achieve a shabby-chic or rustic atmosphere, RSVP would be thrilled to plan your wedding in this ideal space!

History:

The Mill St. Brew Pub opened in January 2012 within one of Ottawa’s oldest surviving mills from 1842. The historic limestone building was once an integral part of the world’s largest lumbering operations; known as the Thompson-Perkins & Bronson Pulp Mill.
Today, the Mill thrives on brewing their own innovative craft beers while still maintaining Canada’s brewing heritage. Yet, that is not all they are known for, it seems the historic brew house has built quite the reputation for hosting many memorable events with a unique view.
The beautifully restored site overlooks the Capital, and offers an attractive access to the Ottawa River. While hosting an event, you can enjoy the stunning view of the mill’s “ruins”, or dine overlooking the river from their glass enclosed Logger’s Chute Atrium. However, it does not end there; located upstairs is the Brewmaster’s Room, which makes the perfect venue to complete your wedding or large event. When reserving with the Mill St. Brew Pub, they also include a tour conducted by one-on-one staff brewers to complete the historic experience!

 

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For more information please contact US 

Cheers!
RSVP Events | Ottawa Corporate & Event Planners
c: (613) 219-3552

Source: http://ottawa.millstreetbrewpub.ca

Photo Sources: www.ottawatourism.ca, www.forbesphotographer.com, jbedfordphoto.wordpress.com, kymberliedozois.com