Here is a collection of my favorite funny wedding photos. Enjoy!

Photography by Jarusha Brown http://www.jarushabrown.com

Jarusha Brown is an amazing photographer based out of British Columbia and beyond. Her eye for detail is impeccable and for this reason, she is among the best of the best. For both her clients and I, her work is simply described as “whimsically natural”. I am so proud to be working with her this year for a few of my own projects and can’t wait to get started.

Here is Jarusha’s personal Biography:

I began taking photos in high school when I sold my saxophone and bought an SLR.
As it turns out, it was a very good move – I was a terrible sax player!

After many travels I ended up in Calgary to pursue my love of photography. Four years and 100s of rolls of film later, I received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography and haven’t looked back!
Since then, I’ve won a few awards, been showcased in various magazines and exhibited at the Glenbow Museum.

With Vancouver as my current home base, I’ve been fortunate to have my passion take me around the world and into people’s lives. Its been an exciting journey and one that I hope to continue for many years to come.

Thank you for taking a look!

Jarusha.

Find Jarusha on Facebook – Jarusha Brown Photography

Follow Jarusha on Twitter – @jarushabrown

Hopefully I can help shed some light on this subject for you. I have put together a list of essential questions that I make sure to ask during every initial meeting with a catering company

Here is my budget… what can you do for me? – Tell the company what your budget is and ask them what they can do within that price range. You may have some options at this point such as a choice between buffet or sit down service, or having the dishes and cutlery included in the same package.

Do you have any other weddings/events booked on the same day that could conflict with timing? If so, how do you work around this? - If the company has other events booked, make sure you are truly comfortable with how this situation is handled before going ahead and hiring them. Some companies may try to tell you it’s manageable, but they are sometimes biting off more than they can chew at this point.

Are you licensed? – This question might seem completely obvious but it’s still important to ask them if they have a full license (i.e. does the company meet health department requirements, do they have liability insurance…)

If you charge per person, does the cost per person for buffet vs. sit down vary significantly? – If it’s only a matter of a couple of dollars, it may be worth it to do a sit down service if the waiters are included.

Where do you get your food from? – Sometimes this is very important to know. You may want to research their suppliers to find out if they are reputable as well. The last thing you want to happen is find out the supplier has recently had any recalls or major red flags. 

Can I see you in action? – If you want, you can ask to see if the caterers have any upcoming events that you can go in and take a look at, just to see their set up in action and on display.

How much time do you need for set up and take down? – On your wedding day, timing is everything. You really want your caterer to be in and out and as efficient as possible.

Do you require gratuities? – Sometime catering companies will include the tip in the final cost. If they don’t then tipping is completely up to you. Find out whether or not the staff is allowed to accept tips before going ahead and doing so.

Do you do tastings? – Some companies will offer this for free, and others will charge a fee. Either way it is extremely important to have the chance to taste what will be served to your guest. Unless you are convinced the food is amazing, trying it beforehand is a MUST!

How much is the deposit and when is the rest of the bill due? – Make sure to find out in detail how payment is accepted and when the due dates are. Also make sure this is clearly stated in your contract.

If you ask these key questions, you will have all of the information you need to make a wise decision. Remember, you musty be completely comfortable with the company before hiring them to cater your wedding. Establishing a great relationship before the big day will make for a delicious event!

Alexander McQueen

In my opinion, Alexander McQueen was the most innovative and imaginative designer of my time (so far!) With four British Designer of the Year awards and the International Designer of the Year award in 2003, he had taken the fashion scene by storm in a short amount of time. His amazingly unique designs are nothing short of breath taking, and are sought after by countless celebrities. If  I could fill my own closet, I would in a heartbeat!

Although this is a wedding blog and Alexander McQueen wasn’t a wedding designer, I still find bridal inspiration in many of his pieces. I think if I were handed even a shoe from his collection, I could manage to plan a wedding around it alone based on its’ character and detail.

http://www.alexandermcqueen.com

I have recently discovered an amazing company. I can honestly say that when I look through Marchesa’s collections, I find something beautiful in every single piece. Each design is incredibly theatrical yet completely wearable. Wearable with poise and pride. The inspiration for each piece is admirable. Each piece tells a story and keeps you wanting more. I am simply dazzled by these eccentric designers

Here are a few pieces from the upcoming 2011 collection:

 Nicole Richie wore 3 wedding dresses to celebrate her big day. All three were Marchesa. This long-sleeved piece literally made me excited and giddy. I just couldn’t imagine a more whimsical dress. It looks right out of a fairytale… fit for a chic, fashionista princess!

ABOUT MARCHESA – Information from www.marchesa.com

“British born Georgina and Keren met at Chelsea College of Art and Design in London. Georgina,
a 2001 graduate of the Wimbledon School of Art, began her career as a costume designer. Keren graduated from Brighton Art College in 2000 and subsequently focused on print and embroidery design. Georgina’s draping and design expertise paired with Keren’s textile creations resulted in a business partnership and the establishment of Marchesa in 2004.

Elegant eveningwear, inspired by vintage and Asian influences, defines the Marchesa Collection. The beautifully crafted designs fuse high fashion with an eclectic aesthetic. Co-founded by Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, the company’s namesake and muse, Marchesa Luisa Casati, is the noted eccentric European style icon.

Based in New York, the Marchesa collection is presently available in Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman in the United States, Harrods in London, and specialty boutiques such as Holt Renfrew in Canada, Podium in Russia, Alothman in Kuwait, Boutique1 in Dubai, and Joyce and Lane Crawford in Hong Kong.” – www.marchesa.com

Photography by Sarah Amaral – http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&tid=1688813107027#!/group.php?gid=117649413742

 As we all know, getting a tattoo is becoming a more and more popular mean of expressing oneself. Big or small, visible or not, people are showing their unique style and cherished memories through permanently inking it into their skin.

“What if you can see it on your wedding day?” 

Traditionally, brides were urged to not get any tattoos that could be visible before their wedding day. If they did happen to have any tattoos that were visible, they would go out of their way to cover them up for the big day. Slowly but surely, brides are beginning to break out of this mold and are now showcasing what is now permanently a part of their bodies.  Although there are some negative associations that go along with tattoos (and some cultures to this day still ban tattoos) this art form is now growing on the otherwise traditional and conservative crowd.

Some cultures actually promote the appearance of marked skin on the bride during her wedding day. Mehndi (better known as Henna) is a temporary tattoo that originated within the Hindu culture. The bride’s  hands and feet are intricately designed by family members with a thick paste made of henna leaves and natural dyes. The design is then wrapped with Saran wrap for at least 6 hours. When it is removed and the hands and feet are washed, a beautiful orange/brown design is left behind on the skin. Generally the application process takes place 2 days before the wedding and is actually viewed as a celebration.

Whether you like it or not, brides (and grooms) are not hiding their tattoos anymore on their big day! As a tattoo lover myself I made sure to keep mine visible and I also made sure that our photographer captured them.

When: Saturday October 30th 2010, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Where: Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver, 791 West Georgia Street, Vancouver BC

Admission: $45 each

LOVE STRUCK BRIDAL SHOW  – http://www.lovestruckbrides.com/

When: Sunday November 7th 2010, 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Where: Vancouver Club, 915 West Hastings Street, Vancouver BC

Admission: Advance sales online $35 for brides and $30 for guests.  At the door $45 for brides and $40 for guests

TASTE OF MANHATTAN WEDDING SHOW  – http://tasteofmanhattanshow.com/

When : Sunday November 7th 2010, 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Where: The Gizeh Center, 3550 Wayburne Drive, Burnaby BC

Admission: $35 each or 2 for $60 

WEDOPIA FALL WEDDING SHOW – http://www.wedopia.ca/

When: Sunday November 14th 2010, 12:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Where: Executive Airport Plaza Hotel, 7311 Westminster Highway, Richmond BC

Admission: $50 for 2 tickets

URBAN WEDDING SHOW – http://www.weddingshowvancouver.com/

When: Sunday November 21st 2010, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Where: Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver BC

Admission: FREE

CINDERELLA BRIDAL SHOW – www.cinderellabridalshow.ca

When: Sunday January 9th 2011, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Where: Pacific Inn, 1160 King George Highway, Surrey BC

Admission: FREE

32nd  ANNUAL WEDDING FAIR – http://www.weddingfair.ca/

When: Saturday January 9th and Sunday January 10th 2011, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Where: Westin Bayshore Resort & Marina, 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver BC

Admission: $20 online and $25 at the door

IT’S MY WEDDING BRIDAL SHOW – www.itsmywedding.ca

When: Saturday January 15th and Sunday January 16th 2011

Where: Tradex Trade and Exhibition Centre, 1190 Cornell Street, Abbotsford BC

Admission: $14 online and $16 at the door (partial proceeds donated to the BCSPCA)

INDIE I DO – http://www.indieido.com/

When: Saturday January 22nd 2011, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Where: Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, Vancouver BC

Admission: $15 online and $20 at the door

MORGAN CREEK WEDDING GALA – http://www.morgancreekgolf.com/

When: Thursday January 27th 2011, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Where: Morgan Creek Golf Course, 3500 Morgan Creek Way, Surrey BC

Admission: Tickets by donation to the Peach Arch Hospital’s “Oh Baby” campaign

NEW WEST WEDDING SHOW - http://www.vancouvervalleybarpros.ca/

When: Thursday January 30th 2011, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Where: Inn at the Quay, New Westminster BC

Admission: FREE

VALLEY WEDDING SOLUTIONS BRIDAL FAIR

When: Sunday February 20th 2011

Where: Ramada Plaza and Conference Center, 36035 North Parallel Road, Abbotsford BC

Admission: FREE

THE BAY ABBOTSFORD BRIDAL EVENT

When: Sunday March 30th 2011, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Where: The Bay at Seven Oaks Shopping Center, 32900 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford BC

Admission: FREE

CINDERELLA BRIDAL SHOW – www.cinderellabridalshow.ca

When: Wednesday March 16th 2011, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Where: Princess and the Pea Bed and Breakfast, 21628 48th Avenue, Langley BC

Admission: FREE

THE WEDDING SHOW AT NEWLANDS

When: Thursday March 3st 2011, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Where: Newlands Golf and Country Club, 21025 48th Avenue, Langley BC

Admission: FREE

CINDERELLA BRIDAL SHOW – www.cinderellabridalshow.ca

When: Tuesday July 5th 2011,  4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Where: Fort Langley Community Hall, 9167 Glover Road, Fort Langley BC

Admission: FREE

PORTIA DE ROSSI – Designed by Zac Posen

CHRISTINA AGUILERA – Designed by Christian Lacroix

FERGIE – Designed by Dolce and Gabbana

GWEN STEFANI – Designed for Dior by John Galliano

HEIDI MONTAG – Designed by Monique Lhuillier

IVANKA TRUMP – Designed by Vera Wang. Inspired by Grace Kelley

KATHERINE MCPHEE -  Designed by Manuel Mota for Pronovias

KHLOE KARDASHIAN – Designed by Vera Wang

P!NK – Designed by Monique Lhuillier

Andrea Maylone’s Testimonial~

“My husband and I wanted a very non-traditional wedding. Nothing was going to be by the book. However, we still wanted to throw a party that would be appropriate for our families and raging fun that our friends would remember forever. We needed help from the ground up and Sheila was there every step of the way. Nothing would have happened without her. She came to meetings with me and asked important questions I would not have thought of. Many of her contacts participated in the evening to make it as fabulous as it was. She contributed her own creative ideas, and focused my wild ideas into manageable, affordable fun. Sheila and her crew have a passion for weddings that is unmatched by anyone else I’ve ever met. Their energy, enthusiasm, and organizational skills during our reception were incredible. It was a treat for us to get to know her, and a privilege to have her work with us on one of the most important nights of our life.”

See more photots at – www.pinkribbonweddings.ca

Entertainment provided by – www.elite3.ca

Catering provided by – www.otlcatering.com

Reception location –  www.wisehall.ca