BRIDE 2 BEAD'S Bridal Blog

The Wedding Cake Shop

2009-05-15T08:45:00.004-04:00

If you haven't heard already you need to know about The Wedding Cake Shoppe that recently opened in Toronto.

859 College Street is the new location for Cindy Cohello and her cake creations.
I met Cindy a couple of years ago and instantly loved her style. I like to think I'm kind of picky about cake people; maybe it's because I too love to bake and deep down desire to have their job. However, Cindy's cakes stand out in my books because they are creative, unique, and full of value. There are many bakeries out there that do cakes quick and cheap but what if you are looking for something special, something a little different than what is shown in the sample book?
Please visit The Wedding Cake Shoppe to find out. There is no minimum size, unlike a lot of other bakeries. Cakes start at about $4 per serving, which gets you a plain, frosted base.

Or if your in the area and just want some coffee and a cupcake, they are open for that too. So whether its a big or small sugar fix your looking for, stop by and tell them Jessie sent you.

Fall Wedding Ideas

2008-09-23T20:05:00.007-04:00

Cake by Cheryl Kleinman, 718-237-2271

Fall weddings are some of my favorite. My wedding anniversary (#5) is actually coming up in a few days. End of September was a great time to get married. The weather is comfortable, more stable and depending on what part of the country your in, the colors can be amazing.
There are so many great ideas for fall weddings that don't involve pumpkins, orange or anything that resembles a Thanksgiving dinner. Here are some great suggestions that I found on www.theknot.com. Hope they inspire you to consider a fall wedding. I'm SO glad I did.

Fall Flavors
Make the most of the season by picking cakes with distinct fall flavors. Instead of traditional white cake, consider a pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting or a spice cake with blackberry filling and cream cheese frosting. For a lighter cake that will still remind guests of fall, go for an almond lemon cake with lemon frosting and filling.

Seasonal Colors
Color counts when you're designing a fall-inspired cake, and you can't go wrong with a color palette of burnt orange, brown, yellow, and red. That said, it's easy to go overboard with autumn hues -- add just a hint of fall color with a simple chocolate ganache or an ivory buttercream cake trimmed with orange or yellow. Or let the fall colors pop with an ivory cake covered in burnt orange, brown, yellow, and red sugar maple leaves.
You don't have to go over-the-top with add-ons to get an autumnal look.

Autumn Blooms
Match your cake to your bouquet by asking your baker to create sugar versions of your flowers. For a modern wedding, ask your baker to create a few large graphic sugar dahlias for your cake tiers. If you're going for a more classic style, find out whether your baker can "paint" small sunflowers on your cake using an edible dye.

Shapes and Add-ons
Decorating with maple leaves, acorns, and other fall-inspired elements made out of chocolate, sugar, or gum paste is one way to create a clearly seasonal cake. But you don't have to go over-the-top with these add-ons to get an autumnal look. Instead of brightly colored fall leaf shapes, consider a chocolate cake with molded-chocolate acorns or leaves. The tone-on-tone look will have the same effect with a more discrete style.

Cake By Ron Ben Israel, www.weddingcakes.com

Choose Sides
Whether you've already picked a cake design, or you've decided to take your cake in a not-so-seasonal direction, consider adding a side to serve with your cake to mimic the season. Serve cake à la mode with pumpkin ice cream; add a handful of caramel candies to each plate; or serve each slice with warm poached pears.
-- Anja Winikka

Wedding Podcasts!

2008-06-24T15:10:00.004-04:00

Did you know that you can now listen for ways to plan your wedding? What's next??
We all know that planning a wedding is very time consuming and most women at best have their weekends and maybe their evenings to try get all that planning in. But now, you can download wedding themed podcasts online and listen to some great tips while your in the car, at the gym, or trying to just relax. I think it's a great idea that I wish had been available when I got married, (just 5 years ago). Plus, it's free!

Without a doubt, my #1 pick is www.weddingpodcastnetwork.com

This website is your spot to get all the info you need on planning your wedding. They've got special podcasts for the groom, your mom, and even working out for your wedding.
Do yourself a favor and check them out asap. You can thank me later ;)

There are lots of others. Just search under 'wedding' or 'bridal' and see what comes up!
Happy Listening...

Ring things to consider....

2008-05-08T11:05:00.002-04:00

If anyone has watched the movie "Blood Diamond" after they already had their wedding ring, you were probably like me and looked at it and thought, "What happened so that I could get this rock on my finger?"
I went online afterwards and tried to find out if there was a way of knowing if I owned a 'blood diamond' or not. Basically there is no way of knowing after the purchase.

So if I could go back and do it again I would have looked for a great company like this: Ingle & Rhode.

They specialize in ethical jewellery. In particular they focus on 3 main areas:
- Human exploitation Most of the world’s precious metals and gemstones are mined and processed in horrendous conditions.
- Environmental damage Without careful management, mining can be environmentally devastating.
- Conflict (or blood) diamonds Over the past decade, tens of thousands of people have been killed in Africa in wars funded by the illegal sale of diamonds.

Here is a LINK to one of my favorite designs on their site.

And if you haven't seen the movie "Blood Diamond" yet, please do so. It will make you think.

A Magazine I should mention....

2008-03-31T15:04:00.002-04:00

So anyone who knows me knows I'm obsessed with bridal magazines. I can walk into a Chapters or Indigo and spend all day there and drop a bit too much cash on mags. I love the inspiration and ideas that come from some of the really well done magazines. And I'm not talking about the old style wedding magzine that is 97% advertisements. That's not unique. I'm talking about the new breed of publishing like WEDLUXE Magazine, SPOSA, and basically anything from the UK.
I'll get into those ones at another time. Today I want you all to know about WEDDING FLOWERS MAGAZINE.

A UK based magazine that is all about wedding flowers whether that be bouquets, centerpieces, corsages - you name it and it's there!

What I love about it is that there are full page pictures of really unique bouquets in color groupings. If you find something that you like you've got a great full size picture that you can take to your florist. They also profile real weddings to help you with ideas.

Take note of the great color and accessories used in UK weddings. They are way ahead of us here in North America and especially Canada, when it comes to unique style.

The magazine isn't cheap - I think it's around $10.00-$12.00 - but it's imported and well worth it. Some of their mags that I've bought years ago are still put to good use and full of great trendy and timeless ideas.

Wedding Invites that get guests excited for the big day...

2008-03-25T16:18:00.011-04:00

What's the first thing that your guests get to see in regards to your wedding? An invitation!
It's their first chance to get a feel for what your event is going to be like. Your color scheme, theme, style, and all the other little details that speak to who you and your mate are.

Invites don't have to be frilly to be eye catching they just need to be 100% you. Here are some pics of some of my favorites that I've come across:

The first company that I have to mention is TEARDROP WEDDINGS from Toronto, Ontario. The owner, Holly, is a true artist in many respects and gets idea of 'coloring outside the line' so to speak. She gets that wedding invitations are more than just words on white paper. It's you communicating to your friends and family just how much you want them there based on your personal touch. Do yourself a favor and visit her website!

Then I found this cool website called INVITATIONS BY NATURE. Their philosophy is that "quality comes from a synergy of commitment, experience, attention to detail, and innovation."
Check out some of their great styles. I love the ones with the crystals!

And finally, WEDDING PAPER DIVAS, based out of California, USA, have a great selection of classic, modern invites that are really eye catching.
They also have super fast turn around times for that wedding or shower invite in a rush!
Check out these great looks...

Blogging is back!

2008-03-07T18:08:00.002-05:00

Well, it's been a long few months. Where I call home it's been snowing practically every day and I think it's safe to say that I'm ready for spring and all that comes with it.
I've also been dealing with computer breakdowns and new internet providers, who, in the country where I am, are a rare comodity. So needless to say the blogging has been suffering BIG TIME!

However, with that being said, spring is almost here and with that new fresh ideas.
So stay tuned for some great new blogs from yours truly. Wedding season is upon us and we need to discuss all of it!

Talk to you soon....

Jessie Thomas
BRIDE 2 BEAD

Sparkling bubbly...

2007-11-29T10:28:00.000-05:00

So I just saw this on the bff bridal email (check them out at http://www.bffbridal.com/) and I had to give it a shout out too since anything sparkly get's me pretty excited.

2 major trends coming together in this product: Personalizing or monograms plus anything that glitters. On top of it - it's on a champange bottle! And who doesn't like champange?!?

Starting December first, MOET & CHANDON are opening a temporary crystalization boutique in SOHO, New York.
You can get your name or your new monogram initials on your very own bottle of bubbly!
The cost at the store is $30.00 and uses real Swarovski crystals.
Now, since most of us don't have the ability to just pop over to SOHO New York, maybe this would be a d0-able DIY project?
My only request is that if your going to take on this project, for the love of everything sparkly DO NOT use fake crystals. If you do you just waste your time. Only real SWAROVSKI flat back crystals are what give any project it's "Wow" factor. Hit up your local craft store on look on ebay for some deals.

Either way be sure to check out: http://nymag.com/nymag/advertorial/moet/

Cakes you should know about....

2007-11-01T09:26:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! Sorry that there hasn't been a new post in a while. Computer problems are a bit of a pain. However! We're back and we've got lots of great new things to tell you about.

For example, who makes the best cakes around? Well we're going to start giving our opinion on that matter now every Thursday. Just like there is no need to settle for boring wedding favors there is no need to settle for a boring wedding cake. Cake decorating has come leaps and bounds since your mothers day and doesn't have to break the bank. In fact we will usually agree that the 'simpler' cake often looks best. It's well placed details that make the difference.

We start off this weeks edition by featuring FLOUR GIRLS from the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada.
To quote from their own website: "Using only the finest and freshest products, all of flourgirls' melt-in-your-mouth cupcakes, beautifully decorated cookies, ultra-decadent brownies, delectable cakes, lovely loaves and more are made from scratch with a huge helping of love."

People don't want to eat cupcakes or cake that looks like you got it at the grocery store minutes before the wedding! All of FLOUR GIRLS products look and taste like someone who cares spent good time perfecting your desserts.

Check them out at http://www.flourgirls.com/

Favor Friday!

2007-10-05T12:05:00.000-04:00

We're adding a new feature to our blog: FAVOR FRIDAY! There are SO many options for favors out there now on the web, why choose the same old candle or picture frame or any of those other boring old favors that you always dread getting when you go to a wedding.

Favors are a way to say 'thank you' to your guests for sharing in your special day so why not put a little thought into it instead of whatever is cheapest and easiest?

Now that we all have access to the world wide web, let's use it to our advantage and get something really unique and special to give to our guests! It doesn't have to be super expensive either just original and useful.

We're going to start off this topic by featuring a great Canadian designer, Karen Smallbone.
She is great at taking simple, inexpensive items, and making them personal with a custom designed monogram or graphic to fit in with your style or wedding theme. Everyone loves candy but some mints wrapped in tulle just isn't cutting it anymore. Why not put some candy necklaces in a great clear 'purse' to give as a gift.

Her design style makes even the simplest idea look very 'designer' and high end.
Check out her website at http://www.karensmallbone.com/ for prices, pics and contact info.

What do all the flowers mean?

2007-09-25T13:57:00.001-04:00

You may or not have realized but those flowers your trying to decide on all have a meaning to them. I thought it might help your decision making easier if you knew what some of the most popular ones meant. Or it'll confuse you and make your decision even harder. You tell me...

Baby's breath = Everlasting love
Calla lily = Magnificent beauty

Daisy = Innocence

Fern = Magic

Forget-me-not = Remember me

Freesia = Innocence

Fuchsia = Confiding love

Geranium = True friendship

Hyacinth = Sport and play

Iris = I have a message for you

Ivy = Friendship

Jasmine (pink) = I attach myself to you

Jasmine (white) = Amiability

Lilac = First emotions of love

Lily-of-the-valley = Return of happiness

Mint = Virtue

Oak leaf = Bravery

Orchid = You're in my thoughts

Peony = Bashful

Primrose = Youth

Ranunculus = Radiant with charms

Rose (white) = I am worthy of you

Rose = Love

Rosemary = Remembrance

Snowdrop = Hope

Sweet pea = Delicate pleasures

Sweet violet = Modesty

Tulip (pink) = Caring

Tulip (variegated) = Beautiful eyes

Tulip = Declaration of love

Violet (blue) = Faithfulness

BRIDE 2 BEAD featured on bridalwave.tv!

2007-09-11T16:42:00.000-04:00

I am quite proud to announce that BRIDE 2 BEAD has recieved even more attention from the wedding industry via bridalwave.tv!

If you haven't checked out this website or signed up for their DAILY email, what are you waiting for??? And yes, it's a daily email of all the latest and greatest things in the wedding world.
It's so much fun to read and really gets those creative juices flowing when your looking to create something special for your wedding day.
Check out our article here: http://www.bridalwave.tv/2007/09/bride_2_bead_ca.html

Butterfly theme? This is the place to be...

2007-09-06T09:07:00.000-04:00

So many brides are planning to use a butterfly theme on their wedding day. Usually they find a way to incorporate a butterfly into their monogram, wedding cake, the invites and maybe even the centerpiece's.

But if your serious about butterflies, this is the place to go:
Wings of Paradise Butterfly Conservatory in Cambridge, Ontario.
Check out their website at: http://www.wingsofparadise.com/

You can have your small ceremony there, your reception or both! They offer full catering in their restaurant the 'Paradise Cafe'.

Or if you need just a place to take some great pictures for your wedding, they offer a special package just for that. It's so hard to find someplace indoors for great photos! But the large amount of Natural light as well as the natural background make this a great option any time of year.

To 'veil' or not to 'veil'?

2007-09-03T15:03:00.000-04:00

For so many brides today deciding to even wear a veil or not can be an issue, (especially when discussing it with your mother).

After all, the main purpose of veil is LONG gone, thank goodness.
However, there is something very classic looking about a veil that many brides still love. And since it's really meant to be decorative only there are many ways to wear it.
But how do you pick what style or length suits you and your dress?

Well I found this great website to help those who are deciding what to do in the 'veil' department.
http://www.theflirtybride.com/faq.html

Here is a snippit of some of the great info they have posted:

Length Chart: Please keep in mind that the names of these lengths are approximations and will vary depending on the height of each individual bride. Keep in mind that it is the back of your gown that determines the best length to complement your gown.

Hope this helps you brides in the search of the veil!

Cupcake Accesories!

2007-08-26T09:36:00.000-04:00

So we all know that Cupcakes have been all the rage the last few years at weddings. But how do you make a cupcake stand out from the rest and still look classy? We've all seen those cupcakes that look like your friend's mom did them for you as a favor. How do you dress up a cupcake?!

Problem solved....

BRIDE 2 BEAD offers handcrafted beaded flower stems to add to the tops of cupcakes!

These flowers would make a great accessory for any spring/summer or garden themed wedding. Tie a little name tag around it with your name and wedding date and it makes a great favor to take home.

Go to http://www.bride2bead.com/ or email info@bride2bead.com for more information.

Canadian Wedding Awards / The Weddingbells People's Choice Awards...

2007-08-20T08:48:00.000-04:00

The Canadian Wedding Industry Awards will be given out for the first time this year!
It's a great chance for those in the industry to submit their best work from the year with the hopes of being recognized for their hard work.

I think this is a brilliant idea and about time that we recognize all the creativity and tallent from our own backyard.

Click on the link below to enter your vote:
http://www.weddingbells.ca/contests/13/enter/

The contest closes October 31st 2007 so hurry up and get your votes in!

Fresh Place Settings...

2007-08-09T16:11:00.000-04:00

Wondering what to do for place settings instead of the old typical place card?

Check out http://www.blumebox.com/ !
These great boxes turn into waterproof 'vases' that also allow you to write your guests name on it! This is a great way to incorporate your centerpiece flowers into your table arrangement and make your guest eager to sit down to dinner.

Real photographers - do they exist?

2007-08-07T09:41:00.000-04:00

I've often asked myself this question and been hardpressed to answer in a positive way. In a digital day and age where everyone and thier dog thinks they have the ability to be their buddy's wedding photographer it can be hard to find the one that actually knows the art of photography.
As a bit of a photography nut this has always been a beef of mine. There are WAY too many of the same old - same old poses and photo treatments for WAY too much money. Is it too much to ask that someone be creative???

Well, I believe its not now that I've met Emma Smallbone.
PLEASE - do yourself a favor and check out her website and blog to see some of her amazing work. She is one of the FEW people that actually understands the idea of thinking creatively without being tacky or unprofessional.

http://www.barebonephoto.com/
www.barebonephoto.com/blog

BRIDE 2 BEAD featured in Weddingbells magazine!

2007-07-31T09:00:00.000-04:00

BRIDE 2 BEAD is proud to annouce that one of our newest cake toppers is being featured in the Fall/Winter 2007 issue of Weddingbells!

Our "Crystal Garden Cake Topper" is featured on top of a beautiful 4 tier pastel colored square cake made by Yummy Cakes in Toronto.

This topper, like all of our others, is custom made so is available in many different color combonations.

Pick up a copy of the mag today!