#realweddings – Travel With A Purpose

Laura and Veer's Love is in the Tropical Chic Air

Posted on April 2, 2017by admin

After a nine year relationship Veer Lakhan- Joseph proposed on April 18th 2016 to Laura Narayansingh, local architect ( to view more on Laura’s work visit http://lauranarayansingh.com/ ) . Of course Laura said yes to her longtime sweetheart. Notwithstanding her creative spirit soared into ethereal bliss as she immediately dove into the creative design process for her designer wedding with her fiancé in tow!

The Rings:

The engagement was a complete surprise. She had no idea that Veer was planning to propose to her nor did she know that her best friend, an architect Amanda Bonvecchio was consulted by Veer to design her engagement ring. Amanda’s work can be viewed at http://www.amandabonvecchio.com/ .

Mapping the Wedding

The couple decided that if they were to describe the personality characteristics of their relationship they would earmark the words fun, light, playful and magical. They kept these key elements consistent and as a guide for every phase of the wedding.

Laura & Veer’s Wedding Theme: “Love is in the Tropical Chic Air”

This couple’s wedding was sculpted at the backdrop of the natural beauty of this island paradise. The couple chose a theme that best surmised their relationship. It was as though one were to look back on the wedding day one should be able to identify that they experienced what love is in the tropical chic air of Trinidad.

The date was set for Saturday 18^th February 2017 (the Saturday before Carnival Saturday)

Invitation:

After deciding on their design concept Laura consulted her cousin, artist Daniel O’ Brien to do an invitation suite post for the wedding. Each illustration in this suite was designed to be released in different phases for the wedding. It was Laura’s intention to bring to life each illustration at her wedding: The RSVP Card for the church, Details Card for the stage/ dance floor, the Invitation for reception dining and the Save the Date for the dessert station.

Save the Date Card

Illustrated by Daniel O Brien

https://www.thebasementmonster.com/

RSVP Card, Invitation Card, Details Card

Illustrated by Daniel O’ Brien

The Wedding Dress:

Laura is in love with silk. Her mother wore silk on her wedding day so it was natural that Laura wanted her wedding dress to be made from silk. Laura is a huge Berta dress fan girl and her heart was set on saying yes to at least one Berta dress but fate intervened and sent Laura in another creative direction. Laura stumbled upon ostrich feather lace by Sposabella Lace at a fabric store whilst dress shopping in New York City. Needless to say the trip ended in Laura purchasing all her fabric there. Laura began to sketch her wedding dress. She designed a cape for her dress because she wanted her own wings. She also wanted to create an illusion of floating. She approached Nissa Hanooman of The Little Black Dress TT for design consultation on the dress. The dress was sewn by Sharmela Persad, seamstress from San Fernando. Her crown was bought at Ilmes by Anna Sabga and gifted to Laura. Her mother also wore a similar headpiece. Laura marveled at the idea that she would be creating a memory in the likeness of her mother’s image. Laura’s wedding change outfit was designed by Nissa Hanooman and sewn by Timothy Chin Fat.

Laura in her wedding dress with crown and bouquet

Photo Credit: Julie Charlet

Laura tossing the bouquet in her wedding change outfit

The Groom’s Attire:

Veer wore a tuxedo by Ainsley in Long Circular Mall. He opted for his outfit in navy blue and black.

Veer in his tuxedo with his newly wed bride

Photo Credit: Julie Charlet

The Groomsmen:

The groomsmen wore navy blue suits from Zara with rose boutonnieres by Drew Manor Flower Bar.

The Ring-Bearers:

These toddlers donned matching hues to the groom’s outfit. Their attire included suspenders, trousers, white shirts, sunglasses and bow ties. They were James Bond “minis” who saved the day. They safely escorted the rings under tight security.

The ring-bearers delivering the ring package safely

Photo Credit: Nicco Quiñones

The Bridesmaids:

White was chosen as the colour for the bridesmaids. Laura felt this was a timeless look. They all wore the same dress silhouette and these were bought at Misguided.com for USD$40 each.

The pretty bridesmaids all in two rows with their bridal bouquets

Photo Credit: Groomsman

Cake:

The Wedding Cake was designed by Jaime Gerard. This cake connoisseur was chosen by the couple because they knew her sugar artistry game was quite strong. They also felt that she would have been able to achieve the whimsical and fantasy elements of the wedding; installing 3 dimensional balloons on the cake without distracting from their classic “Love is in the Tropical Chic Air” theme. Visit http://www.jaimegerardcake.com/ to view more of her work.

Cake by Jaimie Gerard

Photo Credit: Jaimie Gerard

Photographer:

Julie Charlet was booked by Laura because of her impeccable creative direction and vision for snapping special moments and her ability to capture and edit those surreal vibes. However due to unforeseen circumstances Samantha Jackson filled in for Julie on the “big day”. Go to https://www.samjacksonphotos.com/ to reach Samantha. Notwithstanding Julie still put her magic touch on the photographs with her editing. The pictures above with the watermark “Julie” are samples of her work in photography editing. Go to http://www.juliecharlett.com/ to view more of Julie’s work.

Wedding Planner:

Tricia Ng ‘A’ Mann was hired as the designated wedding planner for Laura and Veer. They noted that she saved them thousands of dollars. Her ability to micromanage and coordinate vendors for the wedding was incredible.

Rate: The couple highly recommends Tricia.

Laura’s Wedding Planning Tips

Laura does not consider herself as a traditional nor an unconventional bride. She reserves that she just flows with her instincts undisturbed. Her mantra for planning on a budget, “where there is a will there is a way”. She noted that they were able to save on décor by sourcing and supplying some things on their own such as umbrellas and balloons. She further added that they decided to go with foliage rather than flowers for the table settings. Laura surprised her groom with a “shot for shots” drink station. Her Maid of Honour organized this element of the event. She borrowed a football goal post, footballs and set up the station with shot glasses and more than sufficient tequila and punchy punch for guests to refill.

Ceremony Location:

The Church of Assumption in Maraval was chosen for the wedding ceremony.

The Church of Assumption in Maraval

Reception Location:

The couple used the Drew Manor’s field as their blank canvas to stage their wedding reception. It was the first time a Drew Manor wedding was done on the field. The couple loved the unique location and the flexibility of the contract which allowed them to hire their own food and bar services. Also the reception took place on the Saturday before Trinidad Carnival so the timing and setting was perfect for hosting their own all inclusive fete/reception for their 400 guests. The reception venue can also be viewed at http://www.drewmanor.com/

Rate: The couple recommends this venue.

Laura and Veer Reception (3D Model)

Details , Layout and Design by: Laura

Laura and Veer Plan For Seating Chart (3D Model)

Details, Layout and Design by: Laura

Laura and Veer Seating Perspective 1 (3D Model)

Details, Layout and 3D Perspectives by: Laura

Laura and Veer Seating Perspective 2 (3D Model)

Details, Layout and 3D Perspective by: Laura

Laura and Veer Seating Perspective 3 (3D Model)

Details, Layout and 3D Perspective by: Laura

Laura and Veer Head Table (3D Model)

Details, Layout and 3D Perspective by: Laura

Laura and Veer Dance Floor (3D Model)

Dance Floor Details, Layout and 3D Perspective by: Laura

Laura and Veer Dessert Station

Dessert Station Details, Layout and 3D Perspective by: Laura

Laura and Veer field with balloons (3D Model)

Tent Details, Layout and 3D Perspective by: Laura

Caterer:

Chef Khalid Mohammed was able to capture the personalities of the two individuals in the menu he created for them. The menu included popcorn chicken and waffles as well as salted caramel popcorn cheesecake. In addition he was able to create the menu within the budget requested.

Rate: The couple recommends Chef Khalid .

Reception Music:

DJ and Hypeman; Kern and Aaron Fingal, Laventille Rhythm Section, The Triplets from Naparima Boys High School.

Ceremony Music:

Francis Pau and wind quintet, Singer; Dominique Akal, Guitarist; John Hussain

Videography:

Rize Above Productions ( https://www.rizeaboveproductions.com/services)

LED Stage Design:

Now Concepts ( http://www.now.tt/contact-us/ )

Event Consultation:

Laura is an architect and planning is her forte. Although she had been working on 3D modeling for this event for a month. Laura had been inspired by an installation of umbrellas at a site in Europe. A true architect Laura was fascinated by the design of the umbrella and its unparalleled aesthetics coupled with its quintessential functionality. Laura described her experience of this umbrella vision as , “An object whose beauty is overdone by its ordinary practicality floated so magically above me. It was incredible in its simplicity. I knew I wanted to remember that feeling in our wedding day.” She wanted to get another expert’s opinion on her wedding design concept . Event consultation took place with Ultimate Events Ltd. to discuss whether Laura’s design inspiration for the umbrella installation as a focal point could be executed without ruining the charm of the simple and classic wedding set up.

Tablescape with Umbrella Installation

Umbrella Installation Details, Layout and 3D Perspective by: Laura

Umbrella Installation

Photo Credit: Drew Manor

Design Execution Team:

Ultimate Events Ltd.: Installation of umbrellas above dance floor, outdoor kitchen for Chef Khalid, all other infrastructure related items; lighting and port a potties. Go to http://ultimateeventstt.com/ to reach Ultimate Events Limited.

Bouge Events: Supply of glass top, LED bottom tables, installation of balloons, seating chart and other fine details

Drew Manor Flower Bar (DM Flower Bar): The bride chose a mix of local anthuriums and roses because she wanted the classic and eclectic look. DM Flower bar supplied the bride’s bouquet, bridesmaids’ bouquets, bouquets for mother and mother in law, floral arrangements for church and table arrangements.

Laura and Veer Reception on Drew Manor’s field at night

Photo Credit: Drew Manor

Close up on Tablescape at Laura and Veer’s Wedding Reception at Drew Manor

Photo Credit: Drew Manor Flower Bar

Tablescape with flowers and foliage at Laura and Veer’s Wedding Reception at Drew Manor

Photo Credit: Drew Manor Flower Bar

Executed Seating Plan at Laura and Veer’s Reception

Photo Credit: Ultimate Events Limited

Executed Seating Plan at Laura and Veer’s Reception

Photo Credit: Drew Manor Flower Bar

Balloons at Dessert Station for Laura and Veer’s Reception

Photo Credit: Drew Manor Flower Bar

Laura and Veer on the Dance Floor

Photo Credit: Kyannah Andrews

Love was in the chic air that light, fun Saturday night full of playfulness and magic. Yet it did not stop there nor at 1 a.m. when the 400 guests attending Laura and Veer’s all inclusive wedding party departed for their homes. It manifested into the beginning of another phase of Laura and Veer’s love in the most beautiful design that is known to us all as life.

All Inclusive Wedding Party

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Candice and Andre’s Sunset Wedding

Posted on March 24, 2017by admin

(Click the link below that says “Candice and Andre’s Sunset Wedding Trailer” to view )

Candice & Andre’s Sunset Wedding Trailer

This is Candice Ramsubag. She is the creative entrepreneur for her brand Fairycakes. This company was started in 2010. Candice designs gourmet cupcakes and desserts. You can find out about her house flavours, specialty flavours and local flavours in cupcakes when you visit the link to her page below. You can also place requests for orders at fairycakestt@gmail.com

Photo Credit : FairyCakes Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/pg/fairycakestt/about/?ref=page_internal

Candice’s significant other is Andre Sinanan. He is the creative entrepreneur designing experiences for his brand Green House Entertainment. This company was established in 2009. Andre offers full service for your next event. You can also keep posted on his themed events and parties which are offered throughout the year by clicking the link below and reaching out to him with your request at greenhouseent@live.com

Photo Credit: Green House Events Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/Green-House-Events-210724222344583/

http://www.greenhouseevent.com/

These two creatives met through Candice’s high school friend Melissa. This matchmaker friend set them up and after about a month of chatting via phone they decided to meet in person. After a few years of courtship the two decided to get hitched!

Candice’s “Aha! He’s the one!” moment

Candice believes that there is no one moment when you know “he’s the one”. In her experience she believes it takes time to realize who you want to build your life with. Also she asserts that being aware that “this is the one” (who I want to build my life with) needs to be a mutual realization.

The Proposal

When this couple realized they found “the one” in each other they decided on “tying the knot”. Marriage would be their next step. Candice had zero anticipation of any proposal since already had plans to get married. But little did she know that her future husband had planned to pop the question at a friend’s birthday party which she had coordinated. Of course she was surprised and undeniably she said “yes”.

The Planning …

Candice and Andre have down to earth personalities. They consider themselves to be a simple and natural couple. They also knew what they wanted which was an outdoor wedding preferably seaside and in their words “with as minimal fluff as possible.”

Theme

They had an idea of what they wanted which morphed into a design concept; a sunset wedding. The sunset theme set the tone for following through with the experience. In Trinidad we have some of the most beautiful sunsets and this helped inspire the bride to choose her colour palette for her wedding featuring hues of yellow, orange, coral pink and magenta.

Photo Credit:Colors of the Sunset

http://colorpalettes.net/tag/colors-of-sunset/

Venue

The venue played a huge part in helping to design the wedding experience. The couple chose The Chaquacabana Beach Resort in Chaguaramas. They were able to capture the sunset theme and views. The experience was further enhanced when the groom arrived via boat. The ceremony took place on the pier over the ocean. The reception took place at the resort’s poolside which was still near the seaside. Candice and Andre did their own set up and layout for the event. They were their own design team and why not?! After all, this dynamic duo lives to create experiences.

Rate on Venue: Candice does not recommend this place.

Photo Credit: Chris Daniel Studios

(The set up for the ceremony on the pier over the water)

Photo Credit: Chris Daniel Studios

(The layout for the reception near the poolside but still close to he seaside)

Décor

Candice is very big on design. She was the main creative mastermind behind the décor for her wedding. This bride put her own signature touch on her centerpieces which were recycled bottles and candles which she handmade.

Photo Credit: Chris Daniel Studios

( Centerpieces )

Chris Daniel Studios

(Candles)

Invitations

The couple designed a message in a bottle type of invitation. Andre collected the sand from Maracas Beach and Candice designed and printed the invites. This helped guests to understand and feel what the couple wanted them to experience; a sunset theme with an outdoor and seaside type of vibes.

Photo Credit: Chris Daniel Studios

(Invitations- Message in a bottle concept)

Floral

Candice chose fresh flowers for the bridesmaids and flower girls. Kay’s Flower Shop created these simple but stylishly gorgeous bouquets. The bride’s bouquet, flower crown and veil were handmade by local bespoke designer Shaunelle Ramesar.

Photo Credit: Chris Daniel Studios

(Fresh Flower Bouquet for Flower Girls & Bridesmaids done by Kay’s Flower Shop)

Photo Credit: Chris Daniel Studios

(Bridal Bouquet was Handmade by Shaunelle Ramesar)

Bridesmaid Dresses

The dresses were designed with the experience they wanted to create and complement the theme and the location. Local designer Rhion Romany designed a two piece resort wear for the bridesmaids. Candice gifted all her bridesmaids with handmade necklaces by local designer Tobye Melissa Gill.

Photo Credit: Chris Daniel Studios

(Bridesmaid Dress by Rhion Romany and Custom Necklaces by Tobye Melissa Gill)

Photo Credit: Chris Daniel Studios

(The flower girls wearing different hues of the sunset)

The Bride’s Attire

Candice wanted a simple wedding dress that reflected her style and that made her feel comfortable. Local designer Adrian Foster customized a two piece ensemble for Candice. The top was hand beaded by Adrian and stands as a one of a kind design. As mentioned before the flower crown and veil were done by Shaunelle Ramesar.

Photo Credit: Chris Daniel Studios

(The Bride’s Outfit by Adrian Foster, Flower Crown, Veil & Bouquet by Shaunelle Ramesar)

The Groom’s Attire

Andre wanted to go for that “classic man” look. The groom wore a custom black and white suit . His look was completed with a pair of sunglasses. The groomsmen wore suits with ties characteristic of the various colours of the sunset.

Photo Credit:Keyon Mitchell

(The groom is the third from the left on his way to meet Candice with his groomsmen via boat)

The Cake

Candice is a cake boss so obviously she designed and crafted her own wedding cake. She created a 4 tier cake that was vertically cut in half. The open face was decorated with flowers.

Photo Credit: Chris Daniel Studios

(The Wedding Cake by Candice)

The Music

Candice and Andre hired a DJ to sound off their sunset wedding party. They contracted DJ Damian Kidd (Candice rates him as the best).

Traditional or New Age Bride

Candice donned away with the tradition of having something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. It is safe to say she was a new age bride for her sunset wedding. Candice wanted to do things differently. She wore sandals for her wedding. Instead of walking down the aisle with her father this funky bohemian bride set her own trends. She danced down the aisle with her father to Alternative Quartet’s version of Machel Montano’s popular song “Fog”. Her bridesmaids also cued in to do their own dance down the aisle but this time to Bunji Garlin’s hit “Differentology”.

Photo Credit: Chris Daniel Studios

(The bridal party getting ready to dance their way down the aisle)

Bride’s Tips

Saying yes to the dress

Candice advises that the “bride to be” should not look around too much because the future bride would fall in love with most of the dresses. Then it would be difficult to ascertain what she truly wants to wear on her big day. She emphasizes the need for the bride to have a vision of what she would like to wear and what would make her feel at her best and happiest. Once you know what you want you can then go design it, find it and or get it customized.

Photo Credit: Marc Jeffrey

(A snapshot of the bride and groom at their one year anniversary photo shoot )

Standing out rather than blending in

This bride says trends are always getting an update in the bridal industry. She encourages future brides to do their research and find pieces that can help them stand out. However, Candice believes once the bride is true to herself only then will she truly stand out. She further states that the choice of items should be characteristic of the bride and groom and represent them. Also Candice considers that the choices should be the ones that make the bride and groom the happiest.

Photo Credit: Chris Daniel Studios

(Candice and Andre set their own trends with their sunset wedding theme)

Surviving the Wedding Day

Candice’s tip here is to remind brides that this is their wedding so they should do what they want to do. She asserts that everyone needs to respect, understand and acknowledge this. Candice advises the bride and groom should try to understand that sometimes things happen at your wedding that you have no control over. She shares her mantra of keeping it cool and trying not to turn into a “bridezilla” by repeating the words “it’s okay…it’s okay” and shift one’s focus to their significant other who the bride will be marrying and beginning the rest of her life with.

Photo Credit: Chris Daniel Studios

(Candice and Andre exchange their vows)

Happily Ever After

Now that the honeymoon is over this bride gives her two cents on marriage. Her first tip is on communication. She says that neither man nor woman can assume what the other is thinking nor can they know which mood the other may be in. Her advice is for the couple to communicate and talk with each other. She advises wives and husbands against indulging in negative talk about their spouse. If you have something to say about him/her that concerns him/her then discuss it with him/her. Next Candice thinks that your spouse should be your first priority. She advocates for wives to support and build up their husbands. She further mentions spouses should encourage each other to live for each other. Candice further goes on to say that wives will only be as happy as their husbands and vice versa. Then she hits us with her rationale “ Didn’t two just become one?!” and drops the mic.

Photo Credit: Chris Daniel Studios

(Candice and Andre begin their happily ever after)

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Defining Bridal Identities

Posted on March 15, 2017by admin

So folks bridal season is here and there is so much more to being a bride in the world of creative design and planning and the world of the “Bridezillas”. I pray you keep it together and never end up in the Jurassic Park for “Bridezillas” because it is just not a good look for anyone. I have been exposed to weddings over the last six years of my life from assisting wedding planners and sitting in on consultations with couples for Martha Stewart Weddings, creative direction for wedding décor to blogging and even featuring a few wedding designers on my past fashion tours/parties on wheels. Nonetheless, there is something more to a wedding than a well planned event. Some weddings can actually reflect beaming rays of wedded bliss. On that note I have put together a few tips and fun quizzes to help you define your bridal identity and set you on your path to official wedding day plans.

Which type of bride are you?

June is usually promoted as wedding season but not every bride fancies that time of year nor the colour palette suited for that climate and season. In Trinidad we only have two seasons; dry season (December to May) and rainy season (June to November). However, due to global warming our dry season has been a lot cooler than expected this year. Despite this fact you can still work with any of the four seasons; spring, summer, autumn and winter as a colour palette guide to planning your wedding. I am saying this because you have more naturally existing options this way and you can really build a mood board from the inspiration of the season that makes you the happiest. I am a firm believer in colour psychology I have subscribed to it most of my life. Colour almost always makes me feel some type of way. Once you have a season and palette in mind your planning can start to take some direction. Of course your partner is sharing this day with you so both of you should try and gauge some type of middle ground. However, if your fiancé does not mind you choosing what you want then girlfriend go ahead and make your designer moves.

Here is an awesome quiz that can help you identify which type of bride you are. Do the quiz and post your results below. I am ecstatic to find out what you got and to tell you what I got!!!!

http://junebugweddings.com/wedding-blog/quiz-are-you-a-spring-summer-fall-or-winter-bride/

(Photo Credit: www.junebugweddings.com )

Which wedding style best suits your personality?

Most of the weddings I have been to resonate with the bride and groom’s personality. I remember going to my friend’s wedding a few years ago. She had a Hindu wedding ceremony and a modern reception. I truly felt a sense of her personality in every aspect from the colour scheme (burgundy, yellow, white, gold) the music, the bridal wear, the cake, the photography, the food (Asian cuisine), the first dance (mix of modern and Indian dance choreography) and the reception after party (took place in their backyard with rustic signage, park benches, tents and countryside vibes). My friend is warm and bubbly and she has an insatiable appetite for food, hospitality, fun and the countryside. I believe when creating matrimonial spaces the style and vibe of the space is enhanced when the personalities of the bride and groom are captured. I have placed yet another link for a personality to wedding style best fit quiz below. Do the quiz and find your style!

http://junebugweddings.com/wedding-blog/quiz-wedding-style-best-fits-personality/

(Photo Credit: www.junebugweddings.com )

Which destination is your best fit?

Now that you have figured out which type of bride you are and what style best suits your personality perhaps you can work on which destination best fits you and your groom. Let’s try to be a bit inclusive here. We all know some grooms who rather do anything else than sit and be open and explore their inner groom persona (ha ha). It is worth the effort guys as you learn more about yourself and your partner. Destination weddings can cut a chunk out of the hassling,decorating, planning and creating spaces to host your wedding. These destinations are readily available and are naturally gorgeous to suit your wedding style whichever it may be. Nature’s design of seascapes and landscapes are compatible for your themed wedding.

I would always vote Trinidad and Tobago as the premier wedding destination because if you are a spring bride you can find a lovely garden, a summer bride can choose from many sea sides, an autumn bride can choose from forests to lakes to gardens to industrial settings and a winter bride can choose from loads of misty mountain sides. The only thing you will miss is snow. Yet, I assure you there are numerous event planners on the twin island that can get you a snow blower if you really need the snowy special effects. ( I mean we do have an annual ice party during the Carnival season so anything is possible). Darlings once you can dream it there are planners here who will create it for you. Just visit Simone Sant-Ghuran’s, Trinidad Weddings at www.trinidadweddings.com to find out more on the listed vendors there.

I am going to share another quiz with you below to help you determine which destination is the best fit. However, I do not want you to feel daunted if your result is a location out of your budget. I want you to remember that you can use the result as an inspiration for planning your wedding.

http://junebugweddings.com/wedding-blog/find-wedding-destination-perfect-fit/

(Photo Credit: www.junebugweddings.com )

I found all of these quizzes on www.junebugweddings.com curated by Nicole. I am in love with this site as a muse for any bride to be. It is over the top and out of this world. However, I feel there is something for everyone. I especially love that the content is relative to design. I mean even if you are not a bride to be, not even near engaged nor in any relationship it is still useful because of the high design elements. I recommend this site for event planners, persons in fashion or creative design and those who are curious to find out more about the role of design and how it affects our personal spaces and identity. I hope you do find some sort of motivation from my article and that it helps your creative thinking process with respect to bridal planning or even everyday scheduling for your own life and projects. Perhaps in some way it can affect positive change and help you to effect change in others