Rafter Six - A Hidden Gem In The Canadian Rockies

I recently had the good fortune to come across a hidden gem of a venue – Rafter Six Ranch! This family-owned operation is nestled at the base of the Canadian Rockies and is the ideal setting for any couple wanting a beautiful  mountain wedding with a rustic, heritage feel with a bit of a Western twist.

Located only 75 kilometres from Calgary, Rafter Six is a working guest ranch. Ideal for weddings of 80 – 185 guests, it has everything you need for your wedding celebration including picturesque ceremony sites, a reception venue with onsite catering options, and accommodations for guests. As an added bonus, there are lots of onsite activities for guests, allowing you to turn your wedding into a weekend event to be enjoyed by all!

There two incredible options as locations for your ceremony, giving you the choice of an indoor or outdoor venue. The Country Church has cozy charm and country feel, able to seat well over 150 people. Grand gothic windows allow the light to pour in and the stunning mountain scenery to be your backdrop as you share your vows.

For those who prefer to be married outside, the T’ia T’a Dina Fresh Air Chapel was where ranch owners, Stan and Gloria Cowley got married themselves many years ago. Surrounded by towering spruce trees, this magical location overlooks the magnificent  Kananaskis River. Guests can sit on benches created from half logs, completely in sync with the natural setting.

The Outdoor Chapel at Rafter Six, complete with log benches and an incredible view of the Kananaskis RiverThis beautiful Country Church has great cathedral ceilings and incredible views of the mountains surrounding it. 

After the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom are treated to a horse drawn carriage ride. What better way for a newly married couple to sit back and savour those first few moments together as husband and wife before going back and joining your guests for the main celebration!

What is more romantic than a carriage ride for the bride and groom immediately following the ceremony? (Photo credit: Edward Ross Photography)

While photos are taking place, guests can enjoy cocktails at the picnic grounds or in the SunDance Hall. Menus here tend to be served as buffet style, but you have the choice of good, old Western themed meals with options for BBQ chicken, steelhead trout, roast bison, and, of course, traditional AAA Alberta beef. The hardwood floor throughout is great for dancing and kicking up your heels with music provided by either a band or DJ. The fact that they have hotel accommodations and cabins on site means that your guests can come and enjoy the weekend safely and won’t have to drive home at the end of the evening.

 The Sundance Hall is rustic and filled with down home charm! (Photo Credit: Edward Ross Photography)Gorgeous windows inside the Country Church allow lots light in as well as provide your guests with incredible views of the Rockies. (Photo credit: Edward Ross Photography)

A growing trend is for the wedding to be one part of an event-filled weekend. One of the great things about Rafter Six is that the venue can easily cater to all of your wedding requirement, while also allowing you to put a unique spin on some of the regular traditional events. For example, what if your rehearsal dinner was turned into a sunset trail ride, complete with chuckwagon bonfire and BBQ? It would certainly set the stage for your guests, letting them know that they were in for a different type of wedding experience! Other options that make for great guest activities or options for a stag and doe parties include whitewater rafting , trail rides, ziplining, or an adventure ropes course. A wonderful way to finish off the weekend festivities is to arrange a nice brunch the morning after the wedding, as a great way for guests to get together one last time before they head back to their respective homes. It is the ideal location for your wedding celebration and all of the wedding-related events!

Onsite accommodations ensure that your guests will be able to enjoy the weekend and won't have to drive home at the end of the evening. (Photo credit: Edward Ross Photography) 

Rafter Six is ideal for the couple who wants a mountain wedding with country charm! What more could you want? The scenery is spectacular, the food is amazing, and you and your guests will be treated like family!

For more information about planning your wedding at Rafter Six, contact us at 1-888-790-6986 or info@creativeweddings.ca.

 There is always lots to do at Rafter Six from sunset trail rides to whitewater rafting and ziiplining. Great for the couple that wants to make their wedding an event to remember! (Photo credit: Edward Ross Photography)

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Edward Ross PhotographyCathy MacRae is a Calgary Wedding Planner in the business of making dreams come true! She is the lead wedding choreographer and design coordinator for Creative Weddings©, planning luxury-inspired and extraordinary weddings. Operating out of Calgary, Canada, she plans weddings for couples in and around the Calgary, Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise area. Her clients want a wedding that is all about romance, elegance, and personalized style! Her experience in the wedding industry allows her clients to have that unique wedding celebration that tells a story and sets the stage for their own "happily ever after." As a destination wedding specialist, she also works with couples who desire to wed in various picturesque dream locations throughout the world, including such exotic locations as Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Cathy is a member of the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada, the Association of Bridal Consultants, the International Special Events Society, and the Community of Wedding Innovators.

For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddings.ca or call 1-888-790-6986.

Your Wedding Registry - Not As Hard As You Think!

Deciding on your wedding registry is a task that brides seem to put off for some reason. Perhaps it’s because so many couples have already established a home together already. Maybe it's because they think it's old-fashioned. Whatever the reason, couples need to understand that it should be one of the first things they do after they get engaged. Guests sometimes also want refer to your wedding registry when they need to purchase an engagement or shower gift, so it’s best to decide on this information earlier rather than later.

Wedding registries serve a direct purpose. They provide guests with a list of items that you would like and appreciate. The fact is that the majority of your guests are going to buy a wedding present. Isn't it better to get something you want than to receive three tea kettles or a vase that is the complete opposite of your decor scheme for your home?

Probably the first thing to do is make a list of items that you need. For some reason, brides think that a registry must include good china, but that would be only if you need it. There are so many options today. What about a good vacuum? How about a nice set of luggage? Sheets for you bed in a higher thread count than you currently have? Power tools? There are really tons of options out there, but you need to really sit down and think about it. It's not necessarily about what you currently have, but what would you want or buy for yourself if you could.

I would suggest you look at registering at two or three places, with at least one of them being somewhere that sells an assortment of items and at various price ranges. Make sure that you've selected items that cover a wide variety of price ranges. You want items that budget-minded guests can easily afford, but don't be afraid of signing up for one or two "fantasty" items, like that big screen TV or stereo system that people may choose to go in together and purchase for you. Your guests will appreciate it even more if they have the option to buy online and have it shipped directly to you.

Local stores that are easy to register at include:

• Sears
• Home Outfitters/The Bay/Zeller’s
• Crate & Barrel (Canada)
• Bed, Bath & Beyond
• Pottery Barn (Canada)
• Pier One Imports
• Williams Sonoma (Canada)

Think out of the box to decide on items for your registry. What would you buy for your home or honeymoon if you could?

If you are looking at dinnerware, glassware, or flatware, choose items that you're not going to tuck away in a buffet cabinet and never use. Choose pieces that mix-and-match, and that you would use (and appreciate) on a daily basis. Do you enjoy socializing? If so, think about expanding your list to different types of glassware beyond wine glasses and water goblets. Martini glasses can be a lot of fun and aren't always your "usual purchase" item.

If you are thinking about quantity for dinnerware and glassware, target for at least 12 items. You might not need them on a regular basis, but chances are you will have people over for holiday celebrations and need the additional coordinating dinnerware. (If you're worried about breakage, then up the number to 13 or 14 items, so you always have that complete set.)

It's also important to remember that there are lots of registry places out there beyond the traditional department store options. Here are some other ones to consider:

My Dream Home Registry (www.mydreamhomeregistry.com) – A unique registry option for the couple who have recently moved into a home or are planning on renovating their existing home. You organize it based on rooms in your home, such as the kitchen, the master bedroom, or the upstairs bathroom. You describe your vision, include current photos or what you want the room to look like when it’s done. People contribute to the room. Suddenly, your vision of double sinks in the master bathroom or a crown moulding might not be as far off as you originally imagined.

eHoneymoon Registry (www.ehoneymoonregistry.com) – Your honeymoon is supposed to be the trip of a lifetime! Unfortunately, with the huge costs associated with your wedding, some people tend to step it back. With a honeymoon registry, you can plan that trip the two of you have always dreamed about. Your big ticket items might be your airfare or accommodations that multiple guests can contribute towards, but also put smaller, more affordable options that are just as enjoyable on your list as well. These might include a couples' massage on the beach, breakfast in bed, a romantic Oceanside dinner at sunset, or a day of snorkelling. Creating a honeymoon registry is a great way to do some research on your destination and get excited about your trip!

Our Wishing Well (www.ourwishingwell.com) – This is a completely customized registry! You can basically request anything. This could be asking guests to contribute money to be used towards a down-payment for a home to actually buying a kitchen sink (and anything in between). It's not considered good etiquette to ask for money, but this is the next best thing!

Other registry hints:

• Never, ever include where you’ve registered in the paper invitation. Traditionally, this information was given to the wedding party and the family members and they would direct guests where to go when asked. Nowadays, it is considered acceptable to put a link on your wedding website so guests have easy access. (Just make sure you send your link to your wedding website to your guests.)
• When you do receive gifts, be sure to complete a HANDWRITTEN thank-you note. Ideally, you want to send out thank you notes right away, but the generally guideline is within three months of receiving the gift. Try to put a personal note inside, including how you feel about the gift. For example: “We broke in the waffle maker this past weekend with a family brunch on Sunday morning. This is definitely the start of a new tradition!”
• Double-check and update registries (easier if they are online). People may have purchased gifts elsewhere than where you registered so update as necessary to avoid duplicates.

Registering does not have to be something to shy away from. Take some time and enjoy the process. Be creative and dream big! Most importantly, have fun!

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Edward Ross PhotographyCathy MacRae is a Calgary Wedding Planner in the business of making dreams come true! She is the lead wedding choreographer and design coordinator forCreative Weddings©, planning luxury-inspired and extraordinary weddings. Operating out of Calgary, Canada, she plans weddings for couples in and around the Calgary, Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise area. Her clients want a wedding that is all about romance, elegance, and personalized style! Her experience in the wedding industry allows her clients to have that unique wedding celebration that tells a story and sets the stage for their own "happily ever after." As a destination wedding specialist, she also works with couples who desire to wed in various picturesque dream locations throughout the world, including such exotic locations as Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Cathy is a member of the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada, theAssociation of Bridal Consultants, the International Special Events Society, and the Community of Wedding Innovators.

For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddings.ca or call 1-888-790-6986.

Calgary Wedding Bootcamp 2012

Creative Weddings Planning & Decor and The Fairmont Palliser Hotel are pleased to present

Dear Calgary Bride:

• Are you stuck trying to figure out how to make your wedding stand out from everyone else's?
• Have you got your wedding date picked, but now need to figure out what to do next?
• Are you overwhelmed by all of the wedding information out there and need help determining which direction to go in next?
• Are you struggling to stretch your budget in impossible ways?
• Are you looking for quality wedding vendors who you can count on for your big day?
• Do you have all of these fantastic ideas, but can't figure out how to tie them all together to make them work?

Attention All Brides - You're invited to join us for a fun and exciting afternoon on Saturday, April 21st, 2012 as some of Calgary's top wedding professionals share industry secrets and planning tips on how to turn your wedding into an AMAZING and INCREDIBLE event! This workshop will run from 1:00 - 4:00 PM at the Fairmont Palliser Hotel and is designed exclusively for brides in the midst of planning their wedding.

Whether your wedding is in two months or two years, this is an afternoon for you to learn from some of the best! Each vendor was personally selected based on their contributions to the wedding industry in Calgary. They will each speak on a wedding-related topic, sharing their expertise and providing you with valuable information that you will be able to take away and utilize immediately in your own wedding planning. After the presentations, you will then have the opportunity to interact with the vendors and ask them specific questions as they pertain directly to your own wedding.

Featured speakers will include:

Kevin & Ashley Hill, Snap Weddings

     TOPIC: "Cinematography - A New Take on Wedding Videos"

Mallory Lutz, Mandala Floral

     TOPIC: "Adding The WOW Factor With Flowers!"

Cathy MacRae, Creative Weddings Planning & Decor

     TOPIC: "Planning A Luxury-Inspired Wedding on Today's Budget"

Nancy & Maros Hana, Hanfoto

     TOPIC: "How To Get The Most Out Of Your Wedding Photography"

Trena Laine, Trena Laine Makeup Artist

     TOPIC: "Enhance What You've Got!"

The Social Page Stationary & Giftware

     TOPIC: "Wedding Stationary 101"

In addition, there will be table top displays, showcasing some of the latest trends in wedding design and decor, featuring wonderful floral centerpieces (that you can afford), incredible table linens (that you have access to here in Calgary), and customized stationary options - just what you need to jumpstart (or refine) your own design and decor ideas!

The price of the ticket includes you and ONE guest (your groom, your mom, your maid of honour, your BFF, ...). You will be provided with a Wedding Bootcamp Training Manual full of insightful information, easy-to-use checklists, budget guides, valuable vendor interviewing guidelines, and so much more! Tickets for additional guests may be purchased separately.

Tickets are currently on sale at http://weddingbootcampyyc.eventbrite.ca/. Save money now by purchasing your tickets by Wednesday, April 18th for special EARLY BIRD PRICING.

 

Early Bird Pricing (up to and including April 13th, 2012)

Bride and ONE Guest: $30.00

Additional Guests: $12.50 (does not include Bootcamp Traning Manual)

 

Regular Pricing (April 19th - 20th, 2012)

Bride and ONE Guest: $40.00

Additional Guests: $15.00 (does not include Bootcamp Training Manual)

Please note that there are a limited number of tickets available and you must pre-register for this event. Don't miss out! Get your tickets now at http://weddingbootcampyyc.eventbrite.ca/. Tickets will NOT be available at the door.

 

But wait...

As a SPECIAL BONUS INCENTIVE, any brides that sign up for Calgary's Wedding Bootcamp before the Early Bird Deadline closes (April 13th, 2012) will also be given a copy of Creative Weddings' DIY Wedding Planning Basics . This invaluable resource is a series of recordings and templates, created and designed for DIY brides to help guide them through the wedding planning process. Topics include looking for and choosing your ideal venue, managing your guest list, budget hints and tips to save money, creating meaningful ceremonies, and so much more. This series alone retails for $145.00, and will be yours for FREE if you sign up before the Early Bird Sale closes on April 18th, 2012. You can buy your tickets HERE.

Wedding Bootcamp 2012 is a not-to-be-missed opportunity! Where else will you get industry insider secrets, advice on upcoming trends, and planning tips to make sure you're on the right path to planning your own SPECTACULAR wedding celebration! Sign up now and get your tickets at http://weddingbootcampyyc.eventbrite.ca/.

See you there!

For additional information, please check email event organizers at weddingbootcamp@creativeweddings.ca or call 1-888-790-6986, ext. 705.

Easter Marks The Arrival of Spring!

I know that March 21st marks the official first day of spring, but there's still usually so much snow and the days are so short that it's hard to get excited about it. However, today was Easter, and that always is a sign that the seasons are about to change. The sun feels warmer and seems to last a little longer. The snow has started to melt and you start to see more splashes of color. In no time at all we'll start to see green grass and flowers begin to bloom. Spring has arrived!

Spring also marks the start of wedding season! Peonies, tulips, and cherry blossoms are just some of the gorgeous florals we get to work with this season. They are available for such a short period of time, but a favorite of many brides.

The other thing I love about spring is the arrival of color. In our inspiration board, we highlighted shades of pink, one of the most popular colors for spring weddings. With so many variations and options, it's easy to see why it's such a hit! Enjoy!

 

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Edward Ross PhotographyCathy MacRae is a Calgary Wedding Planner in the business of making dreams come true! She is the lead wedding choreographer and design coordinator forCreative Weddings©, planning luxury-inspired and extraordinary weddings. Operating out of Calgary, Canada, she plans weddings for couples in and around the Calgary, Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise area. Her clients want a wedding that is all about romance, elegance, and personalized style! Her experience in the wedding industry allows her clients to have that unique wedding celebration that tells a story and sets the stage for their own "happily ever after." As a destination wedding specialist, she also works with couples who desire to wed in various picturesque dream locations throughout the world, including such exotic locations as Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Cathy is a member of the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada, theAssociation of Bridal Consultants, the International Special Events Society, and the Community of Wedding Innovators.

For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddings.ca or call 1-888-790-6986.

Wedding Planner Vs. Venue Wedding Coordinator

Do you know the difference between a wedding venue coordinator and a wedding planner?

I was recently speaking with a colleague of mine who works at one of the larger hotels in the Calgary area as their wedding venue coordinator. She is an extremely hard working individual, but expressed her frustration when clients come in and expect her to take on the role of a wedding planner. She works long hours, and goes above and beyond when clients have weddings at their venue, but receives complaints when she doesn't stay for the entire event. It got me to thinking, and I realized that the title they are given is perhaps a bit misleading and can be easily misconstrued. I thought it might be a good time to clarify things and establish the difference between these two job positions.

Make sure you're still smiling on your wedding day and hire a wedding planner! (Photo credit: M. MacRae) 

The terms are often used interchangeably but in regards to what a couple should expect in the terms of services,  there is a very big difference. Make sure you are in the know to save yourself some unexpected grief on your wedding day!

Many hotels and venues have a Wedding Coordinator on staff (also referred to as a Weddings Manager). This person is often associated with the venue's Sales and Catering team and their primary responsibility is to be your main point of contact with the venue. They facilitate and oversee all of the details pertaining to your wedding in regards to all information the venue requires. This person is involved, usually from when you first view the venue, right up to and including the day itself. They are familiar with the room locations, layouts, and venue occupancy numbers. Along with kitchen staff, they plan, organize and develop the food and beverage services at your venue. They also respond to the many emails and phone calls from prospective brides and manage a large volume of files pertaining to each of the venue's weddings, all in an effort to book the venue and keep the information organized. (In destination locations, such as many of Mexican all-inclusive resorts, some of these coordinators are responsible for keeping track of the details on up to five or six weddings a day - say goodbye to personalized service!) We're lucky in Canada and the United States that the numbers are much more manageable. However, most venues are still doing around 100 or more weddings a year, often doing two or more on a given weekend. They are expected to maintain files on each wedding, including all of the relevant information for each particular couple, inlcuding menu choices, final numbers, accounting and collection of the money, as well as manage any of the other special details in regards to AV equipment, or furniture required.  Depending on their work schedule, they may or may not be there on the actual day of the wedding, although the venue will have appointed someone as the main contact person on the wedding day to make sure that everything goes according to plan. Even then, it is unlikely for that one person to be there for the entire duration of your wedding, often passing the reins to an evening banquet manager. Venue wedding coordinators work very hard and do their best to ensure that their clients have a great experience, but they work for the venue.

On the other hand, we  have Wedding Planners. This person is experienced in all areas of  the wedding, usually working directly for the bride and groom. It is her responsibility to professionally guide the wedding couple through  the entire process. They get to know the personal style of the couple, along with their vision for their wedding. She works with them to find the best venue and vendors that will help make the couple's wedding vision a reality, while also sticking to a budget. They are involved with the overall organization and theme of the wedding, often right from the beginning, and work as an advocate for the couple from start to finish. It is their responsibility to ensure that the theme of the wedding is reflected  throughout the celebration, beginning with the style of the invitations, to the ceremony and reception flowers, the place settings, the music, the food, and the wedding dress. Most planners can suggest ideas to customize your wedding and make it uniquely your own, as well as share wedding etiquette and advice as needed. Perhaps most importantly, your wedding planner's first responsibility is to you, and she will be onsite on  your wedding day, acting on your behalf, to look after everything from start until finish!

A venue wedding coordinator is responsible for coordinating details about your actual event at the venue itself whereas your wedding planner is responsible for managing all of the details of your entire wedding. It is unfair and unrealistic to expect a venue wedding coordinator to take on the same responsibilities as a wedding planner.

One of the ultimate reasons for hiring a wedding planner is for the peace of mind you will have on your wedding day. You will be able to relax and enjoy your big day knowing that your wedding planner, who has been with you each and every step of the way, is there to make sure all of the vendors are working together to create an incredible wedding celebration just for you! 

Make sure you have all of your bases covered and have a wedding planning looking after you on your wedding day! To get started now, contact us at Creative Weddings at 1-888-790-6986 or info@creativeweddings.ca.

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(Photo credit: Edward Ross Photography)Cathy MacRae is a Calgary Wedding Planner in the business of making dreams come true! She is the lead wedding choreographer and design coordinator forCreative Weddings©, planning luxury-inspired and extraordinary weddings. Operating out of Calgary, Canada, she plans weddings for couples in and around the Calgary, Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise area. Her clients want a wedding that is all about romance, elegance, and personalized style! Her experience in the wedding industry allows her clients to have that unique wedding celebration that tells a story and sets the stage for their own "happily ever after." As a destination wedding specialist, she also works with couples who desire to wed in various picturesque dream locations throughout the world, including such exotic locations as Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Cathy is a member of the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada, theAssociation of Bridal Consultants, the International Special Events Society, and the Community of Wedding Innovators.

For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddings.ca or call 1-888-790-6986.