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Follow Ciara DaykinHoly crap...9 days with no tweets!!! Film shoot went well-BB Declan is growing and doing REALLY well & I still need to write an ezine...LOL
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A survey done by Mercure Hotels of 1000 couples found that 60% of couples fall out with friends and family over wedding planning. That sucks! But I know it’s true. It’s often why couples come to us to help them plan their wedding.
Melissa Micallef from Mercure hotels said: ‘This research shows that couples often lose sight of their own dreams for their special day in trying to please other people. ‘Having a professional to take care of the planning details alleviates a lot of that stress. Making the most romantic day of someone’s life a dream come true takes a special type of person who is not only creative, diplomatic and meticulous, but above all a romantic who understands that every couple is unique.’
I pride myself on having built my company over the last 6 years on the above attributes. We’ve had many, many happy couples over the years and helped them achieve unique weddings inspired by both of their personalities. And when your personality is reflected in your wedding your friends and family are ultimately happy because they can see that the day is truly a reflection of the love you share.
I hope that we can help you. I’m excited to help you. Just click here to inquire about how we can help you plan your perfect day.
You can view the article here.
Follow the fabulous lives of the Firefly team, see our client’s testimonials and take a sneak peak at our events, weddings and any other special events.
Ciara and Simon Daykin talk about their favorite weddings that are far from cookie cutter. Everything from reversed wedding ceremonies to revealing a nightclub at the wedding reception! Check out the part 1 and 2 videos posted below.
Let’s be serious. Nobody hearts Mondays. So every Monday we are here to lighten the mood and talk about things we do heart: White Dress Photography in Calgary, AB.
www.whitedressphotography.com
As event planners we realize that photography at your wedding is super important. You will spend hours picking out flowers, hand picking little details, deciding on colors, arranging guests and discussing decor. After all of this hard work you should be able to look back at the photos taken and see how much fun your guests had, how great your decor looked, and of course how beautiful your dress was! (After all, you only get to wear it once!) This is why investing in a good photographer is key! –Trust us.
We’ve had quite the history with the talented photographers, Natalie and Teila, and we wanted to give them a shout out this Monday! They have worked together with us for many weddings. In fact, some of their work is featured in the 2010 Calgary Bride Magazine! Check out the photos below to see a wedding that we worked on together at the beginning of the month.
(Click photos for enlargement)
www.whitedressphotography.com
She Chose:
He Chose:
www.whitedressphotography.com
To see more photos of weddings and engagements go to the White Dress Photography website: www.whitedressphotography.com and visit their new blog at www.whitedressblog.com. You can also follow Teila on Twitter @TeilaWhiteDress
White Dress is based in Calgary but also has experience shooting in the Rockies. (–Nat and Teila also do amazing engagement shoots.)
Note to all couples out there looking for a photographer: We really enjoy working with White Dress and we’re sure you will too! Not only do these ladies know about current looks and trends but they love what they do and it’s pretty obvious to see that from their work. See for yourselves. 
Let’s be serious. Nobody hearts Mondays. So every Monday we are here to lighten the mood and talk about things we do heart: Ice-cream sundae buffets.
She hearts the idea of anything unique and far from cookie cutter!
He hearts the thrill of being able to customize an ice cream Sundae.
Having an ice cream buffet for a wedding on a hot summer day is a unique and fabulous idea. Guests can choose their own flavor and sugary, colorful toppings. If you have an outdoor reception, this will be a great way to cool off your guests, entertain children and keep people talking about your exceptional, vibrant and entertaining ice cream buffet.
Having a buffet is also a great opportunity for you to incorporate your wedding colors, theme and decor.
Photos found at www.eatdrinkchic.com
She suggests: Light pastel colors such as salmon pink or mint green and cream.
He suggests: Having someone serve the ice cream to avoid a mess and ensure the buffet line moves along quickly. This is especially important if you have a large attendance at your reception. Bon Appetite!
Let’s be serious. Nobody hearts Mondays. So every Monday we are here to lighten the mood and talk about things we do heart.
She and He heart Bedazzle my Bonbons.
Don’t be fooled by these bedazzled little bon-bons, they look too good to eat… yet they are completely edible. –And delicious! The glittery chocolate comes in six different flavors and 24 different colors. Flavors include mint, raspberry and even peanut butter. They are perfect for dessert displays, or just for indulging at a bridal shower. The glittery little treats have been featured in magazines and have generated their fair share of buzz over the past few years. The bon-bons consist of Belgium and Swiss chocolate. So how can this glitter they’re covered in be edible you ask? The glitter is a combo of sanding sugars and cake colorings which have no taste or even texture. If you’re interested in finding out more about these little gems visit: www.bedazzlemybonbons.com.
She and He introduce a weekly cutting edge style combo for him and her. We introduce to you, the latest styles from down under. In Australia every season is wedding season considering the temperature is rarely in the negatives, never mind all you poor Calgarian brides who put up with four feet of snow…. in May! This week we are featuring Australian couple, Emily and Josh. Their looks are simple, natural and beautiful. Need we say more?
Photos from www.blumenthalphotography.com.au
To get Emily’s natural beauty look, accessorize with a hand made hair flower for your locks. We discovered a great example on www.etsy.com.
Let’s be serious. Nobody hearts Mondays. So every Monday we are here to lighten the mood and talk about things we do heart:
She and He heart the Flip Video Camcorder that was introduced to Canada last year. Basically it’s a device as big as your camera that can record anything from funny moments at work to special moments at weddings! We’ve been recording testimonals from brides and grooms as well as daily activities that happen here at Firefly Occasions Inc. Stay tuned for some video updates to be posted on Thursday.
For his and hers, choose from a variety of different colors.
Whether your wedding is this summer or next you need a wedding planner. Even if it’s just to take care of all the details on your wedding day, it’s totally worth it!
Brides have a lot on their minds leading up to their wedding day and it can be completely overwhelming. But wedding planning should be fun, not stressful. We don’t want you to get to your wedding day and just want it to be over.
That’s why you need a Firefly Occasions wedding planner. We can help you with everything from choosing the venue, down to choosing the napkin fold, or we can customize a program for you to help you just where you feel it’s most needed.
Our bride from this past Saturday posted this message on facebook that I wanted to share with you:
“Thank you Ciara and Simon & the team at Firefly Occasions for a wonderful wedding! We couldn’t have done it without you and everything was amazing!!! (Even though it had to be inside…)ha ha.” -Amanda
We’ll send you a free gift just for asking how we can help you (we’re fun like that!). So email us at info@fireflyoccasions.com or call us at 1-800-791-5636 ext 701.
I love to watch TV, I get some of my style tips from TV shows…yes I watch Gossip Girl, why you ask? Well, because Chuck Bass is one stylish bastard! In my style travels I have noticed that big, bold prints on shirts are making a comeback. I love this! I was in high school in the early 90’s when prints were all over dress shirts. Granted, the paisley and stripes were much smaller and understated than they are now, but I have to say, I prefer the BIG prints. Picture the shirt on the left, with a light grey, 2 or 3 piece suit, a bold white tie, white belt and white shoes and a crazy big pocket square. That’ll get you noticed! Now, not everyone is gonna love this style, but if you can pull it off and you feel comfortable doing so, I suggest you look into this new, big, bold print phenomenon.
The shirt above can be found at Indochino as part of their new “Blueprint Collection” and the pocket squares, as always can be found at Pocket SquareZ.
My good friend JJ Virgin, Celebrity Nutrition & Fitness Expert, has released her brand new book, “Six Weeks to Sleeveless and Sexy.”
I’ve taken a sneak peak at the book and it’s incredible. JJ’s simple, no-fail program will trim, tone, and transform your arms into your hottest accessory. And the best part is, you don’t have to spend your life at the gym to get results. JJ teaches you everything you need to know to fit your workouts into the nooks and crannies of your life, so there’s no longer the excuse “I don’t have time!” And with your wedding fast approaching I know that time is something you’re short on!
(In a hurry? Learn more at:
http://www.sixweekstosleevelessandsexy.com/)
JJ’s fun, tell-it-like-it-is method will teach you:
* The straightforward science behind great guns
* A NO-FUSS approach to eating that will increase your energy, help you build muscle, and get you off diets for good
* Simple strategies for avoiding the COMMON MISTAKES that can derail your progress – including how to reduce stress and change poor sleeping habits (that means you, party girls)
* The keys to building LEAN ARMS – and why your muscles will never get bigger from lifting weights (only smaller and more defined)
* Tips for showing off your hot new assets – flattering outfits, how to pose for pictures, plus more insider secrets! (you so need to know these tips for your wedding day photos!)
After six weeks with JJ, you will look and feel younger and have more stamina and confidence. You’ll be armed and dangerous! AND you’ll look smokin’ hot in your wedding dress, arms and all!
AND, when you preorder your book today, JJ has a SPECIAL GIFT for you – her “Top Ten Hottest Tips to Get Slim and Sexy Fast” Audio download.
To grab your free gift, just go to:
http://www.sixweekstosleevelessandsexy.com/
I know you’re going to LOVE this book. There’s a reason why everyone from celebrities to regular folks go to JJ for advice on diet, fitness and lifestyle. She knows what’s she’s talking about, and she walks the walk!
Enjoy the book and your free Top Ten tips from JJ.
I get this same question every year when wedding season arrives, “Ciara what can I do to look really hot in my wedding dress? It fits but I want to look amazing!” Well I always recommend leading a healthy lifestyle and getting in some exercise but having the same issue myself years ago when I was a bride I know what the REAL question is….
“I’m worried about my flabby arms, how am I going to make them look good in this strapless dress?”
When I was getting married I was so focused on my arms looking good because they’d be on display all day. Well my good friend and celeb nutritionist JJ Virgin has a new book, Six Weeks to Sleeveless and Sexy and it is the answer to your arm boohoos.
JJ is someone that helped me lose 40 lbs this year (and it was mostly done by cutting out a food that was toxic to me that had been one of my favorites for years- but it’d been making me fat!). Was I ever thrilled! Her new book has her on the Bonnie Hunt show and countless radio programs. But I wanted to bring her directly to you to give you a little boost in your pre-wedding day health plan. Below is a special article for you totally focused on your optimal bridal health. It’s a great one from JJ that I know you’ll love. I hope you enjoy, “Want Hot Arms? Then Head to the Kitchen!”
Love and bridal bliss,
Ciara
P.S. I think the best testimonial for JJ is taking a look at her hot arms! This girl has got some guns!! Hope it inspires you to work those arms for your wedding day.
Want Hot Arms? Then Head to the Kitchen!
by JJ Virgin
Of course, the right exercise is crucial for shaping slim & sexy arms but it is only one part of my integrated program for creating the arms and body of your dreams. You must also feed your arms so that you are building muscle while burning off the fat. I am sharing three of my top tips from Six Weeks to Sleeveless and Sexy that you can put into action right away.
How to “Feed Your Arms”:
1. Drink up. Be sure to drink eight or more glasses of pure spring water in-between meals to keep your appetite at bay, support metabolism and burn fat. Don’t drink more than a few ounces with your meals because too much water during meals can dilute stomach acid and impair digestion. Drinking pure spring water throughout the rest of your day will also help your stress hormones stay balanced as even mild dehydration can raise stress hormones. And remember sodas, coffee and sugary sports drinks pretending to be water do not count as your daily water intake.
2. Eat a substantial breakfast. Research shows that people who eat a substantial balanced breakfast of clean lean protein, high fiber carbs and healthy fat lose more weight AND keep it off. Make a little time in the morning and indulge in a satisfying meal that will keep you going for hours. By the way, you don’t need to eat “breakfast” for breakfast. If you want a turkey wrap for breakfast, then enjoy!
3. Follow your workout with clean lean protein and a high fiber carb. The amino acids from protein support muscle growth and recovery, plus your body uses carbs to refuel your muscle stores of energy (glycogen) to set you up for success during your next workout. Please skip the sports nutrition bars, which I always dub “adult candy bars.” And remember: Just because you worked out doesn’t mean it’s okay to saddle up to Ben or Jerry.
Celebrity nutrition & wellness expert JJ Virgin is a public speaker, co-star of TLC’s Freaky Eaters and author of “Six Weeks to Sleeveless and Sexy, The 5-Step Plan to Sleek, Strong, and Sculpted Arms” available Spring 2010.
Preorder your copy now(it’s less than $10!) and receive her 10 Hottest Tips to Get Slim and Sexy Fast Audio(a $14.95 value) FREE at www.sixweekstosleevelessandsexy.com
By Ciara Daykin
Wish You Could Afford A Wedding Planner?
Many brides whish they could afford a wedding planner but you’ve been given a budget and you’re sticking to it. But it sure would be nice to have some help finding vendors that suit your personality, a venue that matches your style, and assistance with fitting all your details into your budget. Well I’ve got great news! A Firefly Occasions Wedding Planner can fit into your budget! We have a variety of programs to suit your personality, style and budget and we help brides save money on their wedding while providing them with a haute couture experience. Just click here to talk with us about how a wedding planner could fit into your budget. We’ll send you a free gift just for asking (we’re nice like that!).
By Simon Daykin
So you may have a suit, you may not. You may not know where to start when buying a suit. So here I come to save the day. Keep it simple for your first or multi use suit. The Black Performance Suit is especially well suited for men who want to look good but keep it simple. A simple black suit (well made and fit to your body of course) is a great place to start. This suit will take a beating and still look great and wrinkle free. Perfect for taking pictures, shaking hands and dancing the night away with your new wife. The blazer also has a great sheen, it makes wearing the blazer out to the club after your wedding on Friday night not only easy, but very appealing. From the wedding to any party, this black performance suit has you covered. Something you can wear to the wedding and to a ton of events and parties after the wedding as well. And yes, I do own one of these in Charcoal. Damn fine suit!
Click here to start shopping. And don’t forget to visit www.pocketsquarez.com to get a colorful pocket square to add the pop of color a black suit craves.
Get
into the planning groove by having our Associate Planner guide you along the way. You want to plan your own wedding but you don’t want to leave anything out and you certainly don’t want to be working on your wedding day. Instead we’ll help you get into the groove and keep grooving stress free and all the way to the altar! This is the perfect program for brides who’ve started planning but are feeling a bit stuck. Click here for more info.
With summer approaching and the warm wedding season bearing down on us, I wanted to offer an alternative to the black tux…so check out the White Dinner Jacket Tuxedo!
A classic American style choice, the White Dinner Jacket tuxedo is ideal for a summer wedding, or any black tie event. Not something many men seek out to purchase, the white jacket and accompanying black pants with satin stripe looks surprisingly fresh and classy on almost any guy. This timeless look remains trendy today, James Bond wore it back in the day and it’s still cool now. Plus when the wedding is over you can pair the jacket with a pair of faded jeans, chucks and open collared shirt and you’ll still be the best dressed guy at the party.
Click here to start shopping and if you need a pocket square to go with that tux (everyone should have at least a few), check out www.pocketsquarez.com.
