Where do I start. It has been some time since I blogged about this couple. I neglected to do updates on their planning because so much was still in research stages, but now we have lots confirmed that I can talk about.

CAKE: The original idea for Michele's cake came from a photo she sent me way back. We researched cake bakers and chose Veronica Stanton with Inifinity Cakes & pastries, in Vernon. A five tiered round cake covered in white fondant. Carrying through with the pewter color scheme, there are thin ribbons and bows around some tiers, stenciled imprints unlike a damask design on other layers. Absolutely beautiful. Simple, elegant yet creatively interesting. The top layer is edible, while the other layers are faux, since each guest will have an individual sized wedding cake to eat. We have one more appointment lined up in June for their last tastings to decide on filling flavors. Michele is still looking for the perfect flower petal in gumpaste to adorn the top of the individual cakes. These I can promise will be absolutely yummy as well as being incredible to look at. There is a cake reception in the gardens at Elysium, directly after the ceremony where these gorgeous lovlies will all be laid out on tables for consumption.

CAKE RECEPTION:

As I said, directly after the ceremony. The gardens will be filled with gorgeous blossoms, and honey scented floral fragrances, wafting in the air. Situated under the foliage umbrella of overhead trees and man made shade. We're presently searching for market umbrellas to shade the cake tables, beverage tables as well as the musicians. As Michele says, so much more delicate than tents. Wil put in his two cents, when he said NO TENTS. Agreeably why distort the beauty of the gardens with over sized white fixtures. Of course the hot Okanagan sun will sweat fondant very quickly if no shade is provided.

The beverages the couple have chosen are in keeping with the modern, chic feel of this wedding. Opting for liquid nourishment that is befitting the Okanagan summer, we have chosen to go with unusual glass beverage dispensers filled with mineral water and garnished with fresh fruit slices and artisan made lemonade with lavendar sprigs. So very Okanagan. This setup will be a spectacle for the eye and senses as well as liquid refreshments for the guests while mingling in the gardens. We will leave the wine consumption and toasting till the reception. Michele will be on the search for the perfect beverage dispensers.

In order to keep the guests cool, the couple is providing parasols for their comfort.

MUSIC:

With both Michele and Wil having varying tastes in music, this was a tough decision. We investigated several options for entertainment keeping in mind not only their tastes, but the ambiance and feel of their reception venue. Both agreed music should have a classical chamber feel for the ceremony yet perhaps a more upbeat modern direction during the reception. Non traditionally they opted for no dancing but more of a wine pairing dinner event.

So for the ceremony at Elysium Gardens we have classical harp by Ingrid Schellenberg. Upon the guests arriving to the reception venue, they will be greeted to a glass of wine and the sounds of classical renditions from the "Heartstrings Quartet" .

Now for the reception: Wil's taste runs from Celine Dione to Vanessa Mae's Storm, and opted for a classical band - something you would find at an evening soiree at the ambassador's gala. Michele on the other hand loves top 40's hits and a wide mix of alternate music. So here was the dilemma, which was it going to be. Dinner with a concert performance of a live singer backed by a band or rather dinner with sutle background music? Compromise came from them both when we settled for the "Ritz Melodia" 6 piece Salon orchestra, in keeping with appropriate background entertainment for their food and wine pairing celebration. Shari from "Full House Presents" assisted with booking these fine musicians for us.

Of course there is still lots of involvement for the couple, in selecting repertoire for each component of their music throughout the day.

APPAREL:

Michele has to be complimented on her exquisite, if not high end tastes. Her glorious Vera Wang gown is one of 3 for this celebration. Since in Asian/Western traditions, she wears a Chinese traditional dress for the Tea Ceremony and is the trend today, she has another stunning Kenneth Poole gown, to change into for her evenings celebrations. She will be a vision from early in the day till long after the sun sets. They have been searching for a suit for Wil. Probably a Hugo Boss custom fit and Italian hand made leather shoes are in the works. Bridesmaids in Pewter grey, one shoulder, Toga style cocktail length dresses. There is still the veil, shoes and accouterments still left to shop for.

RINGS: Since Wil designed Michele's engagement ring, they went to Tacori to have a customized wedding band made to match. Paul Tacori Designs fuse classic elegance with modern inspiration, creating some of the world's most highly regarded and exquisite jewelry pieces. What luck and so romantic too - the bands were ready and picked up on Valentines Day. Wil was so excited with his, he asked if he could wear it right away. How romantic of you Wil. They considered many options for Wil's ring, the emphasis on a more scratch resistant metal. He opted for a Cobalt ring, actually a good value metal and very scratch resistant. Simple, clean, elegant. I can't wait to see them.

STATIONARY: Michele's inspiration came from reviewing "Style Me Pretty's" website. Her tastes run to the most elaborate and discriminating when it comes to her invites. Michele loves the clean crisp look and elegance of embossing and letterpress. Who doesn't? Let's face it wedding stationary is the singular most important aspect of organizing your wedding. The invite sets the tone for the entire celebration. She chose her stationary from Pinkpolka Wedding Design.

The raised and stamped surfaces of embossing provide texture and character to paper, in a classic look with a vintage feel. This gal loves flowers, so it wasn't too much of a stretch to think that she would add a single delicate floral blossom to her stationary for that added personalization. Will it be a romantic rosette or the adornment of a single hydrangea petal? She is waiting patiently to get a sample of her crafted design. It will be letterpress for sure. They chose to have a postcard style invite, other enclosures for their Tea Ceremony, Map and Location but no RSVP's. Since the family and friends are always in contact and very close knit, they chose to request RSVP's online or by phone call. With time ticking, she'll be ready to send them out in April leaving adequate time for her guests to plan for attendance to her Okanagan Destination Wedding. The extravagance of her stationary ($25-per piece) will make them an attractive memento for her guests and thoughtful details will grace each piece. We'll see her design soon.

Stay tuned for more on their Decor, Tea Ceremony & Hors d'oeuvres Luncheon, Tent decor and Florals. I'll be posting more very soon!

Agatha