Sandals Royal Bahamian Ocean view taken by a Flickr member - Swantho
Right after we got married, we basically spent all our moola towards the new place and the wedding. Now after few months of saving, we are going to our honeymoon!!
First of all, DO NOT CHEAP OUT on destination. We decided to go to Sandals Bahamas Resort for our honeymoon. Sandals is a 5 star hotel, and NO KIDS AROUND. Yay!
Except we paid the price for the “luxury” resort for like 3K each person!! (*gasp!)
You will probably hear your Hubby tell you “But you know you can stay in this other place for half of the price, and we can use the extra budget to do extra activities!”, DON’T DO IT! Listen to your voice, cuz it’s your only honeymoon!!
Right now being the time that the economy is down, everything is in deep discount. However, we will be going there on Dec 24 to Dec 31. There’s no discount due to the “hot season”. Sigh.
So I guess we’ll use this resort to its fullest. It has 9 different restaurants All-You-Can-Eat-AND-DRINK. (well, you are paying like 500 dollar a day at that place, so OF COURSE you can do whatever you want).
All inclusive activity including scuba diving and snorkeling. (Except you have to pay $70 for the course if you don’t have a PADI license). The only thing about Sandals Bahamas is that it has an offshore island! So you can go there and chill whenever you want. It also has a famous spa called “Red Lane Spa”. I heard it’s the best among the Caribbean island resorts.
You can see the list of Sandals Bahamian amenities here.
I’ll write up a review about the resort after I get back from my honeymoon! (The internet is not included in the price there! gah!!)
Tags: honeymoon, Sandals, Toronto Wedding & Bridal Resources, wedding
08.Dec.08 
wedding 
Comments (0)
I was reading my previous posts… I realize that I didn’t post my wedding itinerary.
Here’s my revised Itinerary, and you can always download Alex and Patty’s Wedding Itinerary and make your own!
| 9:00am to 12pm |
Getting Ready
Getting ready by 12pm and leave by 1pm to get to CityHall for Ceremony (We didn’t get a Limo, but we had our Bestman to rent a van to pick us up.)
*Reality check: There were several people who are getting married before us, and there’s a major delay, so I didn’t get into the Chamber till 3:30 |
| 3:30pm |
Taking photos around CityHall
Around City Hall, Osgoode Hall, University & Queen, In front of Canada life building
*Reality check: Due to the Ceremony delay, we didn’t take the photos around CityHall till 4:30ish.
|
| 4:30pm |
Get ready to go to Old Mill |
| 5:15pm |
Taking photos around Old Mill
*Reality check: Because all the delay before, we didnt’ get to Old Mill till 5:30 to 5:45ish. We end up having a little time to take photos around CityHall. |
| 6:30pm – 7:30pm |
Cocktail Hour
*Reality check: We only had a little time out in the garden taking photos, so we end up taking a lot of indoor photos while guests are having the cocktail hour |
| 7:45pm |
Bridal Party Introductions |
| 8:08pm |
Welcoming & Toast by Best Man |
| 8:10pm |
Dinner is served |
| 8:30pm |
After the appetizer is served, Best Man gives speech again |
| 8:45pm |
After the salad or pre main course meal is served, Maid of Horner gives speech |
| 9:15pm |
After the main course dinner is served, Groom gives speech |
| 9:40pm |
After the last course is served, Bride gives speech |
| 9:45pm |
Dinner Ends |
| 10:00pm |
Center Piece Give Away Game |
| 10:15pm |
Bride and Groom First Dance |
| 10:30pm |
Sweet Table and Cake Cutting
*Reality check: This Sweet table and Cake cutting was really late in my original schedule, and a lot of guests left without having the dessert. So make sure those out EARLY! |
| 10:30pm |
Dance Floor Opens |
| 10:35pm |
Bouquet Toss |
| 10:40pm |
Garter Toss |
| 10:45pm |
Last Dance |
|
Dance till the end of the night! |
Download Alex and Patty’s Wedding Itinerary as your wedding itinerary to get started. You can use this to work with your MC and ask your Maid of Honor to coordinate the event accordingly! Enjoy!
Tags: Toronto Wedding & Bridal Resources, wedding, wedding blog, wedding itinerary
03.Dec.08 wedding Comments (0)
Brides! Here’s a cool company for you to look into wedding favours!
Consider the fact that most guests probably won’t really treasure your wedding favours, so don’t spend too much on it or better yet, make them either edible or useful!
One of my business unit in my company just changed it’s name, so they are promoting the new name using “The designer cookie” with their new name on it. Smart idea! First I thought it was paper on top of the cookies, but NO! it’s edible!!
And the cookies is so tasty as well. Unfortunately I just ate it before I write up this post.
But have a look at The Designer Cookies! you can use print guest name on the cookies, or print your wedding photos on it (no jokes!)
I think the price goes from $3 to 5 bucks. It’s not too bad. Go take a look~
Tags: Toronto Wedding & Bridal Resources, wedding, wedding favour
02.Dec.08 wedding Comments (0)
Many people had asked me how much that I spent on my wedding from top to bottom?
The answer is just below 16K CAD. Is that expensive? or reasonable? In fact, I don’t know. I did the best I can and I tried to minimize the spending by comparing deals.
And I have 60 people reception and not 200. I was actually quite happy to see everything turned out.
If you are interested to see my balance worksheet. Feel free to download it here.
Download Alexandpatty wedding balance sheet
Tags: toronto, Toronto Wedding & Bridal Resources, wedding resources
31.Oct.08 wedding Comments (0)
Our wedding photo package actually includes 200 4″x6″ prints. We decided not to go with those prints. The reason being that
1) I have to look for a photo album to hold them
2) I don’t have space to store them - we live in a newly built condo that storage doesn’t exist
3) They will get tucked away in our bookshelf!
So we asked Kevin to exchange the prints for a canvas gallery wraps 16″x24″. It’s basically photo print on canvas style and wraps on the canvas frame. It will be a nice addition to our new home.
You can see more detailed product shots from Kevin’s blog
Our canvas gallery wraps
Photo wraps around the canvas
Tags: photo, Toronto Wedding & Bridal Resources, toronto wedding blog, wedding photography
23.Oct.08 wedding Comments (0)
Few weeks ago, I decided to make my own wedding album with mypublisher.com. I didn’t go with my photographer’s options using their wedding book album. It’s not like I don’t like it, it’s because it’s really out of my budget! (each wedding book cost over $500!)
Mypublisher’s page paper are thin, they are not heavy duty cardboard page like the wedding book, but I think it’s good enough for me. Plus if you can find the promotional code online, you can “buy one and get one free”. So I can keep one and send my parents one 
I used two different photographer for my engagement photos and wedding, so I decided to put both of their pictures together into one album.
Mypublisher provides this “mypublisher” software that you can customize your book from the front to the back. The do have page template setup so you can insert up to 12 images per page. However, I’ve seen some people just make their own page layout in photoshop and the save it as one big image to insert onto the page. I didn’t bother to make my own layout, so I just use their template and put all the photos together.
The standard is usually 20 pages, but I added another 14 pages, and each additional page is $.99, plus I added the book jacket for extra $4.95. If you also want to try Mypublisher, I would actually suggest you to go for leather cover or just classic cover and NO JACKET. I thought they would print the cover photo on the actual book cover again but they only print on the book jacket. And the book jacket thickness is very flimsy.
See mypublisher pricing here
The total after shipping is $70.59 US, and then when it gets to Canada, you will have to pay $13 for custom tax. So I think it turns to cost around $40 per book.
You can view my photobook online as well
if you cannot see the link, go to Mypublisher’s Mybookshelf
and type in my order id: M801708
and enter the password: 1284869
Enjoy!
Front cover
inside page sample
inside page sample
inside page sample
inside page sample
album back cover
Tags: mypublisher, photos, Toronto Wedding & Bridal Resources, toronto wedding blog, wedding album, wedding resources
22.Oct.08 wedding Comments (0)
Finally, after one month and half wait, my photos are now here in my hands. Jon from Union Photography dropped them off this afternoon with care. I ordered 1 8″x12″ with 16″X22″ frame for extra large signing mat that I will be using it as guestbook at my reception.
Here’s all my engagement photos. It’s around 36 images, so get ready to scroll. I will later take those and feature them on my alexandpatty.com homepage.. stay tuned.
Osgoode Hall
The Docks
The Distillery District (well, it’s near there, I don’t remember exactly where..)
Don Valley Brickworks
Tags: engagement photos, toronto, Toronto Wedding & Bridal Resources, toronto wedding blog
22.Jul.08 wedding Comments (4)
Today I have Fidelia to do a trial for my wedding hair and makeup. 
I personally prefer the makeup to be a bit more natural, can you tell there are actually two different color on the eye shadow? lol
Hair Trial # 1 - Half up-do
I think it’s pretty nice, however, it’s not exactly what I was looking for. I was looking for something either fully updo or let the hair down.
Hair Trial # 2 - Up-do
I even try the vail with the hair..
Hair Trial # 3 - Up-do version 2
Now, how about bringing back the bangs and change it up for a bit?
Hair Trial # 4 - hair down
I personally like this hair style the most. I will probably have the hair down and then have the curl at the bottom of the hair.
Tough call. I love either the updo or the down style.. now I guess I have a month left for me to decide which one to go for.
Tags: bridal hair, hair style, makeup, Toronto Wedding & Bridal Resources, toronto wedding blog, wedding hair
21.Jun.08 wedding Comments (0)
Today mark the day that Alex got his perfect fit suit from Indochino . I actually found Indochino’s name through a blog on National Post. It was by Jesse Kinos-Goodin’s Man with Wedding Plan. It was under one of his blog entry called “Man with a Wedding Plan: Tuxedos the easy way“. I got so impressed by his blog that I decided to check out Indochino. First of all, it’s a Canadian company based in Victoria, B.C., but the suit was made in Shanghai, China. We didn’t really care where it was made as long as it is good quality.
I was quite impressed on how easy to get a suit made ONLINE. Indochino’s site provide images or videos for instruction on how to measure. I measured Alex from top to toe and then we just bought the suit online. Two weeks after, the suit is here.
Despite the fact that Alex is 6 feet 6″ tall, and have long arms, we were having a difficult time to find a custom made suit that the price tag is not over our budget. The custom made suit in toronto all start with at least $1000 CAD if you want a 120 thread count tuxedo. I know ordering suits or clothes online is risky because you never really know how it fits.
However, Indochino said that they will refund you $25 if it ever needs alteration, OR you can return the whole suit too. So we took our risk and ordered it.
And? The suit is great! It’s 150 thread count, and 100% wool. I think it’s very nicely made, and the cut is great! There’s only few things that need to get fixed up (eg. button won’t go through the button hole, the arm is a bit long, and the waist is an inch wide) but nothing major.
And how much is the suit? $265 CAD including shipping and taxes. AWESOME deal.
I guess now Alex just need to find his vest and a shirt
See the photos below if you like to see other than just front view
Tags: Toronto Wedding & Bridal Resources, toronto wedding blog, tuxedo
30.May.08 wedding Comments (0)
Me and Alex hired a photographer for our engagement shoot - Jon Thorpe from Thorpe Photo. I actually found him from Facebook Ad. When I saw his site and his work, I was blown away by how beautiful they are.
Me and Alex visited Jon at his studio as well, and had a brief chat with him to take photo for our wedding.. however he was booked full on Aug 8. So we decided to have him to take our engagement photo.
Engagement photos are basically photos with casual wear except the photos are professionally taken. I need the photo so I can put them on the website, and show them off at the reception. lol
We have booked Jon the first week of June to take our photo. The session is around 3 hours, and the price is $400. Prints are extra. We didn’t mind the price because as long as they are good photos. How about where to take photos in toronto? I can’t really think of any on top of my head. So I asked Jon to sent us a list of location with details.
Osgoode Hall
Features: A stunning 1800’s historic building, with colourful manicured
gardens, cobblestone pathways and ornate iron fencing.
Location: Queen and University Streets
Permit: No permit required, however, be sure there are no events or
filming scheduled.
________________________________________
University of Toronto
Features: Charming old architecture on a beautifully landscaped campus.
Use is limited to certain areas, but those areas are great.
Location: College and University
Permit: $120 for non-alumni / $60 for alumni
Phone: 416.978.2187
________________________________________
High Park
Features: Incredible gardens and a wonderful pond.
Location: Bloor and Parkside (west, just north of the QEW)
Permit: Permission may be required, as events may be planned.
Phone: 416.392.8188
________________________________________
Casa Loma
Features: This famous castle provides a spectacular setting. Access to the
conservatory, terrace and gardens are all available.
Location: 1 Austin Terrace (near Bathurst and Dupont)
Permit: $200 to $300 depending on time of day
Phone: 416.923.1171
________________________________________
James Gardens
Features: Traditional park; lots of trees, flowers, bridges, some water.
Location: Edenbridge Drive (east off Royal York Road)
Permit: $50 to$100 per hour
Phone: 416.392.8188
________________________________________
Distillery District
Features: historic distillery built in 1832. Cobblestone streets, narrow
alleyways, and old brick buildings make a unique background for
interesting photos
Location: Mill St. (Between Parliament St. and Cherry St.)
Permit: $150.00
Phone: 416.364.4793
________________________________________
Centennial Park Conservatory, Etobicoke
Features: Three glass houses with interesting plant collections.
Location: 15 Elmcrest Road (west off Renforth Road, just north of Rathburn
Avenue)
Phone: 416-394-8543
________________________________________
The Old Mill Inn, Toronto
Features: Historic building with a beautiful waterfall and landscaped
gardens.
Location: 21 Old Mill Road
Permit: Permission normally required.
Phone: 416-236-2641
________________________________________
Union Station (Toronto)
Features: One of the largest and most opulent train stations in Canada,
with fascinating old architecture, both inside and out.
Location: 65 Front Street West (at Bay Street)
Permit: $100
Phone: 416-392-8188
________________________________________
Edwards Gardens Conservatory, Toronto
Features: Similar to James Gardens, but larger with a fountain and a
staircase. Edwards Gardens website
Location:
Permit: $50-$100 per hour
Phone: 416-392-8188
________________________________________
Cherry Beach, Toronto
Features: Situated on Lake Ontario (East end of Toronto), featuring Sandy
beach, wooded areas and a boardwalk.
Location: at the south end of Cherry St.
Permit: None required
________________________________________
Humber Bridge, Etobicoke
Features: Situated on Lake Ontario (West end of Toronto), featuring sandy
beach, parkland & trees, and walkways
Location: Lakeshore Rd. and South Kingsway
Permit: None required
________________________________________
Alexander Muir Gardens, Toronto
Features: Situated next to a ravine, beautiful sunken gardens, treed
walkways, benches, stone wall & stairs
Location: Yonge St. & Lawrence Ave.
Permit: $80.00
Phone: 416-392-8188
Example wedding: Tammie & Andy
________________________________________
TD Centre, Toronto
Features: Urban environment, tall skyscrapers, concrete walls, and small
greenspace
Location: Bay St. & Wellington St. W.
Permit: None if venue is canoe restaurant
Phone: 416-869–2277
Example wedding: Melissa & Kevin, Diane & Colin
________________________________________
Front Street/Esplanade area, Toronto
Features: Nice architecture, shops and outdoor cafes, greenspace with
flowers and water fountain.
Location: Front St. & Market St.
Permit: None required.
________________________________________
St. Lawrence Market, Toronto
Features: City architectural landmark, farmers’ market, indoor food market.
Location: Front St. & Jarvis St.
Permit: Call for permit information
Phone: 416-392-7219
________________________________________
Ashbridges Bay, Toronto
Features: Situated on Lake Ontario, features expansive beaches, a harbour
& marina, and boardwalk cafe
Location: Lakeshore Blvd. E. & Coxwell Ave.
Permit: Call for permit information
Phone: 416-392-8188
________________________________________
Hart House, U of T, Toronto
Features: Beautiful courtyard, grounds and Gothic style architecture
Location: 7 Hart House Circle (U of T Campus)
Permit: No permit required if wedding is held at Hart House.
Phone: 416.978.2187
________________________________________
Glendon College, York University, Toronto
Features: Beautiful Rose gardens, treed pathways, an old manor, and stone
walkways
Location: Bayview Ave.& Lawrence Ave.
Permit: permit required
Phone: 416-487-6798
________________________________________
Spadina House
Features: Victorian mansion surrounded by restored victorian gardens.
Location: 285 Spadina Rd.
Permit: Call for permit information
Phone: 416-392-6910
________________________________________
Black Creek Pioneer Village
Features: Fully restored rural ontario 19th century village
Location: Steeles Ave. & Jane St.
Permit: Call for permit information
Phone: (416) 736-1740 ext. 5444
________________________________________
Don Valley Brick Works, Toronto
Features: Comprised of distinctive industrial buildings, a quarry garden,
surrounded by parkland.
Location: Bayview Avenue and Pottery Road
Permit: Permission required.
Phone: 416-392-8188
________________________________________
Todmorden Mills, Toronto
Features: Adjacent to the Don Valley Brick Works historic site, the
Todmorden Mills Museum is a unique industrial settlement built in the 18th
century.
Location: Pottery Road, west of Broadview at Mortimer Ave.
Permit: permit required
Phone: 416-396-2819
________________________________________
Sunnyside Park & Pavillion, Toronto
Features: Situated on Lake Ontario, featuring beaches, Late 1800’s
architecture, iron gates, Courtyard with fountain, treed areas and a
boardwalk.
Location: Lakeshore Blvd. and Colborne Lodge Drive
Permit: $40 per hour (for up to 20 people)
Phone: 416-392-8188
________________________________________
Allan Gardens Conservatory, Toronto
Features: Six indoor greenhouses ¬ great for late fall and winter weddings.
Location: 19 Horticultural Avenue (south side of Carlton between Jarvis
and Sherbourne Streets)
Permit: $40 per hour (maximum 12 people)
Phone: 416-392-8188
Example Weddings:
________________________________________
Harbourfront, Toronto
Features: Toronto’s newest waterfront park.
Location: South side of Queen’s Quay Blvd. West (between Spadina Avenue
and Bathurst Street)
Permit: No permit required for outdoors; please call to inquire about
indoor permits.
Phone: 416.392.1111
Example Weddings:
________________________________________
North York Rose Garden, Toronto
Features: In the heart of North York, the Rose Garden has winding
pathways, mature trees and a lovely array of greenery and flowers.
Location: Northwest corner of Yonge Street and Park Horne Avenue
Permit: $12.25 per hour
Phone: 416-395-6055
________________________________________
Toronto Music Garden, Toronto
Features: Beautiful outdoor architecture, with spectacular indoor
opportunities.
Location: 65 Front Street (between Bay and York Streets)
Permit: Permission may be required, as events may be planned for certain
dates.
Phone: 416-864-3440
Example Weddings:
________________________________________
Fantasy Fair, Toronto
Features: Ontario’s only indoor amusement park, complete with rides and
attractions!
Location: Woodbine Centre, 500 Rexdale Blvd.
Permit: No permit required; however, rides can be reserved for a fee.
Phone: 416-674-5200
________________________________________
Other “Alternate” locations
Downtown Streets (candid walking shots)
Fields
Alleyways
Train Tracks
Building Ruins
Train Tracks
Other Locations to Consider
Allen Gardens
George Brown House
Humber Arboretum
Kensington Market (candid walking shots)
Mackenzie House
Old City Hall
Ryerson Campus (Gould Street)
St. James Park (downtown)
Toronto Island
Indoor Locations to Consider
Most indoor locations require permits, although often we are allowed to
take just the bride and groom inside for some quick shots, without a
permit. However, if the bridal party and/or family members need to join
the shoot, then a permit is always needed.
King Edward HotelFour Seasons Hotel
University of Toronto (Victoria College & Hart House)
Toronto City Hall
Old City Hall
Mississauga City Hall
Markham City Hall
The Eaton Centre
The Manulife Centre
Union Station / The Skywalk
Fairmont Royal York Hotel
St. Lawrence Hall
York Event Theatre
BCE Place (they will say “no” if you call in advance, but they have said
“yes” many times on the spot if we do some quick shots of just the bride
and groom)
If I found some where else interesting in toronto, I will post it up. Stay tuned!
Tags: toronto, Toronto Wedding & Bridal Resources, toronto wedding blog
15.May.08 wedding Comments (0)
