Recently, Luxe Bridal had the good sense to host the launch party for Halftone Media; an album design company created for busy professional photographers. Halftone Media was founded by one of Ottawa’s sweethearts; none other than Liz Bradley of elizabeth&jane photography. (Her website is adorably captivating. We love her and her work!)The event was catered to Ottawa’s amazing pool of photography talent, whereby Maddy and I had the pleasure of putting many faces to the fellow tweeters we have been chatting with over the past 12 months.  Among those was Amy Symes of Amy Symes Photography who (spoiler alert!) happened to bring her camera (whoa!) and took some wonderful candid shots of our boutique (please see below!)

The event was produced by Amy Karlin of Splendid Events who just happens to be one of our favorite planners in the city (Amy not only enjoys organizing the lives of busy professionals and planning splendid weddings but the occasional mohito as well). We have had the pleasure of working with Amy on several occasions and we are so pumped to have her planning our 1st anniversary bash this September…(more info coming soon!)

It was only one short year ago that Maddy and I picked up the keys for 206 & 208 Dalhousie Street. In some ways the year has gone by wildly fast but when we look back at all we have accomplished in such a short span of time it seems impossible to have gotten this far already!

From leasehold renovations, delays at customs, City of Ottawa permits (ugh), earthquakes (thank goodness those huge mirrors in our sitting room didn’t fall over!) all leading to our desired result: Celebratory laughter and tears of joy from our brides (and more often than not, tears from me; as I am the crier in the Luxe family).

When we opened our doors officially in July 2010, we knew there were some amazing things happening on the bridal scene right here in Ottawa. No longer do Ottawa brides have to trudge her way to Montreal, Toronto or New York to find her dream dress with her ‘maids in tow. The top designers and bridal lines are all available right here on her doorstep.

As of late, we have had the pleasure of working with several of Ottawa’s best bridal boutiques and we know first hand that the service and selection brides seek is alive and well in our little city. As much as we would love to dress and style every bride that walks through our door we do realize that each bride has a unique vision of her wedding day and with that comes a desire to feel the most beautiful and confident she can in her dress. We love to recommend clients to our favorite local boutiques for wonderful service and excellent selection to narrow down her search for the dress. Why not keep Ottawa brides IN Ottawa? It’s a no-brainer to us.

Late last year, we met Antonella, the lovely owner of Mia Bridal Co. and the dynamic duo behind With Love Bridal Boutique, Dana and Becky and quickly realized we are all equally wedding obsessed entrepreneurs with similar stories and long term objectives. Not long after, we sat down over cocktails and shared some, “No, way. ME TOO!” moments and decided we just had to work together for the sake of Ottawa bridal fashion. Our first initiative was the Aisle Style Sample Sale hosted by the chic and elegant venue Weddings Instyle and we were joined by the awesome Christina of McCaffrey Haute Couture to make this collaboration the first of its kind in Ottawa.

As we approach the craziness of wedding season, I am happy to say I can pick up the phone and call Dana on a rainy Wednesday to send a last minute bride her way to sneak a peek at their collection of consignment gowns and know the bride will get premier service. I am thrilled for Antonella to reveal her dream boutique on Preston Street as she celebrates over 3 years in business (can’t wait to see the new digs!) and showcase her gorgeous collections. Let’s face it, it is savvy small businesses like these that create a cutting edge market for Ottawa brides while working to put Ottawa on the bridal fashion map once and for all. Maddy and I are proud to be a part of this growing community and so happy to know we don’t have to do it alone.

Ok girls. Listen up.

Luxe Bridal Boutique has teamed up with an amazing roster of wedding professionals to bring to you Ottawa’s premiere, sexy, risque, everything under one roof bachelorette party. So grab your girls, even the guys and meet us at Mansion Nightclub on Saturday March 26, 2011 for the bachelorette party to end all bachelorette parties. We are so not kidding.

We will entertain you with stellar pole dancing performances and live demos from 3Sixty Pole Parties, Limo tours of the Market courtesy of Robinson Limosine, deliciously sweet nibbles from our good friends at Auntie Loo’s Treats . And that’s just for starters. 

All proceeds from this sexy soiree will benefit The AIDS Committee of Ottawa. So please join us at Rouge: The Ultimate Bachelorette Party and let us help you create an unforgettable night among a passionate group of wedding professionals all while raising money for a very important cause.

What an awesome day at the shop!  Usually we are closed on Monday’s but today Lisa and I came in to do an awesome photo shoot featuring the bridal jewelry from Bel Bridal by designer Isobel Walker, whose work we feature here at Luxe.   With a mix cd pumping on the stereo system, and one (okay, maybe 6) trips to the candy bar we channeled our inner creativity to put together some stunning looks, all captured by Isobel’s professional photographer friend Chantelle Slocombe (I can’t wait to see pictures, she’s so great!)  We had a fun time matching Isobel’s unique collection with our dresses, proving that with the right dress, and the right accessories, any bride can achieve the personal, creative look she dreams of!  From elegant and romantic, featuring fresh water pearls and Swarovsky crystals (picture that with a lace Robert Bollock gown; so dreamy) to quirky and flirty pink crystal hair pins both classic and contemporary looks were created.  That’s one of my favourite things about wedding ensembles, they have the ability to let each bride’s unique personality shine through.  What a great time!

Until next time,

Emily the Intern

Congratulations! The moment you’ve been dreaming of since since you were a little girl is here!  You’re surrounded by continuous choruses of well wishes, the rock is safely planted on your finger (bringing even more “ooh’s and ahh’s”, and the occasional “It’s about time”) and you are ready to begin the (minimum) 250 hours that it takes to plan your big day. Yes.  250 hours.  The first time I heard this number I  instantly developed all of the noticeable signs of anxiety (wide eyes, accelerated heart-beat etc), and I’m not even close to being engaged.  However, lucky for you, bride to be; Samantha Moonsammy is here to save the day!  Coming from STARFISH: creative events + inspiration, Samantha’s Wedding Workshop is designed to help brides plan their weddings in a budget savvy, personal way.  Covering everything from bridal party etiquette to DIY centerpieces, her advice encompasses all things wedding, in a fun stress free way.  The information is helpful to all types of brides, whether you are a perfectionist (saving all your receipts and managing your zillion and one appointments in your 3 day planners) or a non-conformist (pink converse under your couture gown? Why not!)  Featuring slideshows of weddings she has worked on and several “budget boosting” tips, the workshop was beneficial to all brides (and grooms!) that made it out.  The last half hour was a meet and greet called “speed networking” featuring some of the most talented and up-and-coming vendors in Ottawa.  Those present included Isobel Walker of Bel Bridal jewelry (who is not only crazy talented, but such a sweetheart)- with a newly launched Luxe collection available exclusively at Luxe Bridal) and Hana Abaza of Co-Founder of Wedding Republic . (The awesome online gift registry – check it out) as well as  local, affordable photographers and hair stylists.  I can’t say enough about how informative this workshop was, and encourage everyone to keep their eyes posted for Samantha’s next workshop.

Happy Planning!

Emily the Intern

So I have been meaning to blog about Luxe Bridal Boutique’s amazing and fabulous neighbors…no more procrastinating! If you havent had the pleasure of strolling on North Dal lately..boy are you missing out. I mean, forget that you can find the coolest bridal shop this side of the Market – (k, dont forget) but you can also find some of Ottawa’s best shopping all in one ‘hood.

Every day when I pull into our little parking lot, I pass by the shops and boutiques on our stretch of Dalhousie (St.Patrick to St.Andrew) and start to imagine all of the places I am going to wear the fabulous sequin t-shirt dress I tried at Victoire…or how my friend Kim would love the hand made bloomers they carry. Not to mention the gorge red ruffled dress in the window of Workshop that screams “Maddy!” every time I see it.

And sooo…with great pleasure please join us North Dalhousian’s for two fabulous evenings of hoilday shopping on December 2 & December 16, 2010. Maddy and I are still working on exactly what we want to offer our holiday brides  but in the meantime please check out the press release below! (I love the expression, “press release”, it sounds so official).

“Buy local” is on everyone’s mind this holiday season… Dalhousie Street shopping parties are making it easy!

Ottawa’s newest and freshest shopping district is mixing holiday cheer with goodwill: the area’s hippest shops are hosting two fun, discount-filled shopping nights on Thursday, December 2nd and December 16th from 6pm until 9pm, ensuring everyone can support our local economy. The shops are spreading the goodwill by also collecting funds for the Dress for Success Ottawa to ensure everyone feels the holiday cheer.

The street has grown over the past few years and is now bursting with independent boutiques, shops, cafés, salons and spas.  It is the number one place to go in Ottawa if you’re a holiday shopper looking for unique accessories and sophisticated clothes for all the holiday festivities as well as a mountain of sublime gifts that will impress and surprise.  There won’t be a shortage of cool finds for
everyone on your list, and these are not your run-of-the-mill boutiques: they are independent, locally-owned, and pride themselves on helping you find something unique. So get yourself out of the mall and come be blown away by what we have to offer. And remember, you all know what happens when neighbours work together: one heck of a block party!

On each night, the shops on Dalhousie Street will be accepting donations for Ottawa’s Dress for Success. An organization that helps disadvantaged women feel confident and prepared for job interviews as well as giving them the clothing necessary to be at ease in an office environment, Dress for Success is changing the work prospects for many women in need of resources.  Helping this caring and encouraging organization will give many women a lot to cheer for this holiday season. And we on Dalhousie Street can’t think of a better way to bring balance to the holiday season. Santa wouldn’t want it any other way!

Aside from the obvious advantages that occur when a bunch of fun, funky boutiques are all nestled in next to each other, this shopping night will be one to remember because they’re being thrown for
charity! Additionally, as with any spectacular event, shops will be offering specials, discounts, food, drinks, raffles and other treats to celebrate the holiday season, so please – come celebrate with us!

Dalhousie Street Christmas Shopping Nights:
Thursday, December 2nd from 6pm to 9pm
Thursday December 16th from 6pm to 9pm

Location:
North Dalhousie Street (from St-Patrick to St-Andrew)
Drop off your offering to Dress for Success at any participating boutique.

Participating boutiques:
A Guy A Girl 2 Dogs and a Cat
Bridgehead Coffee
Canteen
Daya Organic Spa
Green Light District Design
Luxe Bridal Boutique
Nest Toy Boutique
Milk
Victoire
Workshop Studio & Boutique
Young Janes