Guelph: Sarah Huton Photography plays on natural light and flexible styles

Almost nothing is off limits at Sarah Huton Photography. Sarah Huton, a PPO Qualified photographer, uses a contemporary but flexible approach to photography, adapting her services and shooting style to the dreams of each of the brides and grooms that come to see her...

Even though Sarah Huton started her business off without an advertising budget, relying entirely on word of mouth referrals, it doesn't appear she's had any trouble finding weddings to photograph. In 2006, her company took on approximately twenty weddings, with another twenty already booked for the upcoming wedding season at the time we interviewed them...

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K-W: Fresh Photography reflects the diversity & unique beauty of each wedding day moment

With Tracey Schlosser, even the 'detail shots' (photos of your custom designed table centrepieces, your gown hanging in your bedroom... ) have a unique angle to them, an element of Tracey's own style and vision brought to each image. This is what people hire Tracey for and why The Ring sought her out. With a college photography diploma, seven years in photography in Toronto, and the experience of shooting over fifty local weddings since opening her own studio, Fresh Photography, this young professional's reputation speaks for itself. Tracey comes recommended by not only brides, but local experts. This quiet, focused professional has photographed weddings of all sizes, location, styles...

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Cambridge & K-W: When you're buying a home, Isabel Pinheiro believes good Karma is good business

Isabel Pinheiro is inspiring. When you talk to her you can't help but feel infused with hope that buying a home is not only possible, but realistic. This RE/MAX Sales Representative seems to understand exactly where brides and grooms are coming from. Isabel gets it - where you are in your lives and in your budgets. She doesn't talk too fast or assume that you should know 'the lingo', she doesn't judge  your situation, but instead she seems to be truly happy to help you with such an important step. She makes it her job to help you turn your dream of owning a home into a real plan, a plan which she can walk you through from beginning to end...

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WeddingPhotographers: HowDoYouPick?

Emma Smallbone, of barebonephoto knows how difficult it can be for couples to try to compare and choose the wedding photographer that's right for them. That's why Emma has created her own personal 'cheat sheet' to help you interview and choose your wedding photographer.

Be prepared

After researching a few photographers on the internet, through referrals or local searches, make a short list. Make an appointment and ask lots of questions. Remember the photographs are one of the only things left after the wedding, and they can help you relive your wedding day for years to come.

Questions to ask:

• Describe your style.

An experienced photographer will have a really good sense of what they do well, as well as a portfolio to back it up.

• How long have you been shooting weddings?

Timing and quick thinking during weddings are important. And if they haven't covered a wedding before they may miss a key moment - the kiss for instance.

• Where did you get your training?

This may vary and can be confusing. College and University are a plus. Many photographers will get their best education working as an assistant for another wedding photographer.

• Will you have an assistant?

An assistant can make the day go so much more smoothly, and they will sometimes act as a second photographer, allowing you to get photographs from more than one vantage point.

• Are there any extras or hidden costs that are not included in your packages?

These can include mileage or charges for extra film or time.

• How much time you need for formal shots?

This varies according to the style the photographer. A traditional photographer may need two to four hours. A photojournalist may only need one hour. If you're on a tight schedule it could make a your decision for you.

• Are there any specific requests you as the photographer have?

Some request there are no other photographers at your wedding. Including Bill your snap happy uncle. Others want specific seating at the reception. If you want pictures throughout they may want to be seated near the head table.

Things to look for:

Does the quality of their work meet your standards?

Options and quantity of prints are important, but if you don't like the quality of the pictures, what good is a second album or 500 extra proofs?

Can you see an entire wedding shot by your photographer?

Any photographer can have twenty great shots after shooting for a couple of years. But seeing an entire wedding can show you whether every shot is up to your standards.

Is this someone you want around on your wedding day?

You will be spending most of your day with them. Your feeling towards them will come across in your pictures. Trust your gut. If there is anything about them that rubs you the wrong way, keep looking.

Communication is key.

Asking questions early will make sure there are no surprises, and your album will be everything you dreamed it would be.

- Article courtesy of Emma Smallbone, barebonephoto.

For more on barebonephoto, visit: The K-W Ring or The Cambridge Ring.

Best Western St. Jacobs Country Inn

Brides and Grooms are loving the St. Jacobs Country castle for themselves and their guests | Your friends and family may be coming from Guelph or from Collingwood. Whatever the case may be, it is the bride and groom's responsibility to reserve a group of rooms at a discounted rate and at a place that they know the people they love will be comfortable. Even if The Best Western St. Jacobs Country Inn didn't offer a discounted rate of up to...

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Best Western St. Jacobs Country Inn

A Cinderella wedding in a castle… for a weekend | The Best Western St. Jacobs Country Inn is your castle in the country. It is your best choice for an elegant reception site, and the best thing that ever happened to a bride and groom who have a small wedding and tons of out of town guests. The Inn is one hour from the Toronto airport, ten minutes from downtown Kitchener, and is a wonderful choice for couples with a small budget or a small guest list. You...

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Weddings of Love

Chris Love performs non-religious ceremonies based on faith in love itself | We met Chris Love on The Ring's chat boards about two years ago. At the time, she was busy posting advice answers on wedding planning, relationships, dealing with difficult family members and, well, you get the picture. So, why was a married woman chatting in our bridal forums? Because she could... Chris has always found herself completely drawn to all...

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Drumbo Tent Company Ltd.

Five generation family business offers shelter, style and quality for local outdoor weddings | Drumbo Tent Company has a reputation for serving brides with both shelter and style for local outdoor weddings. With the outdoor wedding becoming more and more popular, we wanted to be sure to tell you everything you needed to know about one of the best in the tent business. Talking with Owner Monica Taylor for the first time, we could...

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Scribes' Nook Inc.

Specialty invitations shop surpasses chain stores by adding personality and options to the do-it-yourself concept | It was in The Ring's chat forums that we first heard brides talk about Scribes' Nook as if it was some sort of do-it-yourself-invitations-goldmine right here in the heart of K-W. After more recommendations than any one company could fairly hope for, this little stationery haven seems to be winning out with brides over all of today's...

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Purely Music

Purely Music brings a classic touch to your wedding day with cello or string ensembles | Live instrumental music holds a unique power to set the tone of a wedding day with its characteristic rich sound and elegant appearance. Cellist, Natalie Williams, knows this better than anyone because she has been performing at weddings for over fifteen years. With talents that have taken her across the globe, we felt honoured that she chose to focus her...

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Petite Parfait

Local online boutique offers raw silk & couture designs for the little ones Interviewing Erika Mills of Petite Parfait | One of The Ring's most exciting and unique finds to date has got to be Petite Parfait. Owner and designer Erika Mills offers brides the best in bridal couture style for the smallest members of their wedding party. From luxurious flower girl gowns to baby boy tuxedos, Erika uses raw silk...

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Feature Chat Topic

HOT TOPICS

To Live Together or Not (with poll)

monica+ryan: "Hey guys just wanted to hear your opinions. We have opted not to live together as we are Christians and to respect his parents. Plus I think it gives a little something more special to look forward to - cuz the wedding day will go pretty quickly I think!"

DeeC: "DH and i didn't live together before we got married, and yeah, it's taken sometime to adjust with this other body in the bed hogging sheets when i'm used all of them for me or why on earth he won't pick up his socks but we wouldn't change it for anything in world. Was the right decision for us. No regrets."

amy&ajay: "We've been living together for almost 2 years. We were both tired of doing the long distance thing and it made more sense since I was paying a fortune to live in Toronto. We always thought we would get married, but after living together we were able to see what it was really going to be like to actually be together in the same house all the time... it's not about playing house. You really see how someone budgets, and how they handle larger responsibilities. It's not that I had this epiphany that we wouldn't get married after living together, but it made us both very aware of what we were marrying into.. so there are no surprises."

kathy5: "We have been together 5 years now, and moved in together after 5 months! We had both lived with other people before, so we knew what we were getting into. After the first guy, living together was a must for me before marriage! I was engaged the last time and he was NOT the person I thought I had been dating. It was a learning experience. Now I know I have the right man "

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Bride of the Month for March: Supervixen

Jenn @ The Ring: 'Hi everyone, I received a ton of nominations and votes over the past few weeks. It's amazing how supportive you all are to eachother as a group. Who says hundreds of brides in one room can't get along?! lol

Here's our winner, along with some of the best nomination reason I received.

WINNER: Supervixen

It was a close call, because Supervixen was neck and neck with two other brides, but in the end, Supervixen received the most nominations. Here's a few of our favs...

~ "For the 'You VS The Model' topic and because she's always so positive & supportive of other chat posts."

~ "She's a super girl who has gone through so much and is still so positive all the time!!!"

~ "I vote for supervixen because she is a totally cool bride....she has great things to say in her posts, the You vs. the Model was totally original, and she's a staple on the boards!... I've also never seen her write a mean post, she's sweet, upbeat, positive.... She is just a really super person and I am glad I can call her my friend."

~ "...because her posts are so lighthearted and she makes me laugh."

~ "...she is like you said always positive and always is truthful!!! She also tries to help however and whenever she can on here it seems. She's been helping me figure out the stupid ticker thinger!!"

~ "...The You vs the Model was great. But also she is so positive and funny. She regularly makes my day with a laugh!"'

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It was perfect!

CChapman: "Everything was perfect! The weather wasn't bad - I knew we were taking a bit of a risk with having a March wedding, but at least it wasn't a snowstorm!! The ceremony was perfect, our niece and nephew (3 and 4) walked down the aisle beautifully (we were worried they'd have a last minute freak-out!) and both DH and I held it together through our vows. Our friend's say that one of their favorite parts was when DH took my dirty kleenex and put it in his pocket, replacing it with a clean one in the middle of a prayer! The picture-taking was exhausting but hopefully worth it - our photographer was great! We took some shots in the church and then just DH and I got some outside at the grist mill. Then we went to Kitchener City Hall and took some photos in the retunda. Our reception was fantastic - the Black Forest Inn looked like a fairytale. Everyone said the food was fantastic, and the dance floor was packed all night..."

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Hello Ladies :)

byersta:" Hello! A few of my engaged friends have been raving about this site, so I decided to check it out for myself. I got engaged in October on top of the Eiffel tower in Paris to an amazing guy. Most of our major planning is done, but I..."

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My FH saved my life.... Need I say more?

F&M: "OK, so my FH (wow, that still seems really weird) wasn't overly romantic, in fact he didnt even ask me.. He handed me the ring and sat down and started to eat... At least I got an I love you... before he gave me the ring... I've posted that before, but I have never shared with anyone really why I didn't care that he wasn't romantic.. One, its just not him, and secondly, he literally saved my life.... I will explain... I am an insulin dependant diabetic, have been for 22 years, and 3 years ago, I passed out while I was driving his truck... I was on my way to go pick him up from work, and passed out from low blood sugar at the wheel. Thankfully I didn't hurt anyone or anything, but I don't remember ANYTHING. I have never done that before... This is what I have been told happened, from the FH as well as the paramedics and his co-workers who witnessed it. My FH was at work, waiting for me to show up, and he gets a phone call from his boss, he tells him he needs to go to Strasburg and Bleams as I am in the middle of the intersection and not moving.. He was told that it didn't seem like me as if the truck had broken down I would at least be out of the truck yelling and kicking its tires (very true). So my FH comes down to the intersection, takes one look at me, and knows my sugars are low. He asks his dispatcher to have someone being down his bottle of Gatorade (lots of sugar) to see if he can get me to drink it to bring up my sugars. Meanwhile a bystander has called 911 and they are waiting for help to arrive. The Gatorade arrives and I won't open my mouth wide enough to drink it (for anyone that actually knows me, you will find that really ironic). My FH said that he was begging me to drink it, and yet I sat there with my eyes open and not blinking, one hand in his, the other on the steering wheel. He said the only sign..."

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My Diary:

rachel: "So last night I had my first shower. It was with all the ladies from work and I had a great time. We had it at a restaurant which was nice. We got a full set of luggage which was awesome!! Such a great gift. The only thing that sucked was when I had to give my speech!! I totally froze!!! I felt like such..."

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Sketchley Cleaners

Select Service Caterers of Fine Foods Inc.

Noccé Custom Gown Design

The Cutten Club

Director’s Cut Videography

Collins Formal Wear

Carrie Lynn Weber

A Universal Limousine Service

Willow Creek Studios

Grey Silo Golf Course

Chocolate Fountain Canada - KW Office

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Wings of Paradise

Golf’s Steak House & Seafood

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Walper Terrace Hotel

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Uniglobe Discover Travel

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Belmont Flowers

Roy-Al Rentals

Tuxedo Royale

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Petite Parfait

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Isabel Pinheiro, RE/MAX Twin City Realty Inc.

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JoRa Wedding Cakes

One Great Day

Scribes' Nook Inc.

Ultimate Affairs

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The Waterlot

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Magic Tunes Entertainment

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barebonephoto

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Concordia Club