Tuesday, August 30, 2011

TESTIMONIALS!

Jessica and Trevor - June 23rd

Gallaghers Canyon Golf Course

We decided we were going to have a destination wedding in Kelowna as we are both from the West Kootenays. After researching vendors and venues our head was spinning and we were feeling pretty overwhelmed. Agatha came highly recommended by our photographer's who we had met with to have our engagement photo's done. We contacted A Stylish Affair after we returned from Kelowna for our engagement photo's and scheduled a date to meet when we were going to be back in the area. From the minute I sat down to have coffee with Agatha and discuss wedding plan's I felt at ease. Agatha has a calm collected presence and the ability to put your worries at rest with her years of experience and a genuine desire to make your wedding day a stress free perfect day that you always imagined. We would highly recommend Agatha to any couple looking for a very personable, experienced, honest wedding planner in the Okanagan area.

Many thanks again for everything.

Jessica & Trevor



Tiffany and Josh -

Quaaout Lodge, Talking Rock Resort, Shuswap Lake

"We decided we would like to do a weekend destination wedding in the interior as we are from the lower mainland. We didn't realize how much time and effort was required to research venues and vendors in the interior from a distance. After much frustration just trying to find a suitable venue, we hired Agatha only to help with the venue search. She was extremely helpful and even drove two and a half hours from Kelowna to Chase to look at Quaaout Lodge for us (which we ended up picking as a venue!). Since she saved us such a headache with the simple task of finding a venue, we decided it would be wonderful to have her help for the entire wedding planning process; especially on the wedding day!

Agatha was very helpful at researching venues for us; she also used her connections to help us get great deals with reputable people. She was fantastic on our wedding day. She took the weight off our shoulders and we were able to enjoy the most wonderful day of our lives. She arrived the night before the wedding to attend the rehearsal and was there bright & early the next morning to get started. We did all the decor ourselves and Agatha helped immensely. She also helped direct people where to go and how to help since she knew what we envisioned. She completely did all the dismantling of the tables that night after the wedding had finished. We absolutely could not have had such a carefree wedding day had we not hired Agatha and we would recommend her services to anyone!"

Tiffany & Josh Meredith
August 6, 2011


Lisa and Adam - Sept. 11/11

Summerhill Pyramid Winery, Kelowna

"As an out of town bride, I knew planning my Kelowna wedding would be quite the challenge. We decided to ease some of the stress by hiring a wedding planner and it was absolutely money well spent. Agatha was with us every step of the way, from venue to DJ to florist, helping us make our dream wedding a reality. She had ideas and information we never would have found on our own, and in the end, she really helped push our wedding from "good" to "outstanding". I would whole heatedly recommend Agatha as a wedding planner to any bride looking for a stress-free planning experience and a wedding that "Wow"s."

- Lisa and Adam


Sabrina and Ryan - August 1, 2011

Falcon Ridge Farms, Harvest Golf Course

Hiring Agatha to be our wedding planner was definitely the best decision we made leading up to our wedding. She was a fantastic resource during the planning stage and instantly gave us years of insight and experience about planning fantastic events. The recommendations and advice she provided were spot on and she help us find the best wedding vendors in the business.

Our wedding was everything we hoped for. It was truly the greatest day of our lives and we were flattered to hear many friends tell us it was the best wedding they had ever attended. Agatha played a huge part in that. She was organized, calm, and helped direct a perfectly executed ceremony and reception. Having Agatha work her magic behind the scenes provided us confidence and peace of mind, so we were able to simply enjoy the day. If we were to ever get married again (which we don't plan to do!!!), we'd definitely hire her again.

-Sabrina and Ryan


Tony & Lindsay - Sept. 3, 2011

Naramata Inn, Naramata, B.C.

Working with Agatha Soros in planning our wedding was a wonderful experience. From our first phone call, she was very professional and took a great interest in the details of our wedding. Whether suggesting a creative idea or helping us accurately manage our budget, Agatha offered welcome advice.


On the day of the wedding, it was an immense relief to know that many of the details we had spent so much time planning would be executed perfectly. We trusted in Agatha to make our vision a reality and she helped deliver exactly what we hoped for. You can’t control everything on your wedding day, but knowing we had the support of our wedding coordinator allowed us to focus on the joy of our day and each other.

-Lindsay & Tony


Ashley & Nikki - June 3rd, 2011
Cedar Creek Winery, Eldorado Hotel

We loved working with Agatha very much. We had a short amount of time to put together our wedding and having pretty busy work schedules did not help our situation. Agatha is very well organized and helped us with suggestions and things we would not have thought about for the wedding. Her planning is very detail oriented and any vendors she suggested seemed to work with our personalities very well. She did a good job with finding vendor selections for us as well as helped us to stick within our budget. Agatha helped us so much with our wedding planning especially with the short time frame, very busy schedules and being a destination wedding for us. She went above and beyond for us, really listened to us and could read us very well, and made up lists for us based on us. We would highly recommend her to any couple looking for a wedding planner in the Kelowna/Okanagan area. Many thanks!!

~Ashley and Nikki



Chantelle & Preston - August 12th, 2011
Executive Boardroom Houseboat & Ramada Hotel

I had the pleasure of working with Agatha for a few months leading up to my wedding. during that time she helped me deal with any situation that arouse. Her calm nature and support was very reassuring throughout all of the planing. She kept me on track and gave a lot of information to help me through the process. If it wasn't for her, I would not have been able to pull off my special day so well! I had no stress at all, and nothing to worry about for my Wedding. Agatha took care of everything so that I was able to sit back and enjoy the beauty of My Day! Agatha has a keen eye for detail, and it is very plain to see she is excellent at her job. I am glad I amade the decision to have her be a part of my wedding. She made everything go smoothly and come together perfectly. I couldn't have asked for anyone better. Agatha exceeded my expectations completely. She is a very caring and passionate person, and just a wonderful lady all around. I enjoyed planning my wedding with her, as well as having her there for my wedding day!

Chantelle and Preston, Aug. 12/11



Tori & Charles - August 15th, 2009
Backyard wedding at parents home, West Kelowna

It was such a pleasure working with Agatha to coordinate the decorative details for our outdoor wedding. Her calm, organized and extremely reliable approach was refreshing and much needed during the chaos leading up to the 'big day'. Agatha's remarkable listening skills, talent and unbelievable creativity helped us create the best day ever. I would highly recommend Agatha for coordinating any event!


Tori and Charles, Aug. 15/09





Thursday, August 25, 2011

Cityfolk Feasting!




A mere week ago I was indulging with friends at the annual Okanagan Feast of the Fields. A glorious event to which some 500 food and wine lovers ventured into the Van Westen's Vineyards and Cherry Orchards in Naramata. A feast for all the senses. A gathering of some of the Okanagan Valley's finest chefs, eateries, wineries, fruit and vegetable vendors. It's all about local, sustainable food, and there was no where else I would rather be, on this particular Sunday, every year.

Chef Bernard Casavant from Wild Apple Restaurant at Manteo Resort with his "Harvest Cone" of Apricot White Chocolate Infused Rice Pudding



Chef and Sommelier Mark Filatow from Waterfront Restaurant & Wine Bar with his "Hotdog" of local chicken and Morel Boudain

Executive Chef Ned Bell from the Four Seasons Vancouver and our local "Cabanas" Restaurant



A grand display of "Cornucopia of Stoney Paradise Farms Sungold Tomatoes" from the Chef's Association


I sampled everything there was but of course like others had my favorites. Although seemingly simple the thirst quenching fresh "Lavender, lemon verbena & lemongrass lemonade" from Okanagan Lavender Farm was much appreciated and incredible. I'll be the first one in their location next spring, when this concoction gets bottled for sale. Sipping and tasting, we wandered through a canopy of cherry trees, tent to tent.

Chef Roger Planiden's "Braised Short Ribs wrapped in Tyrola bacon and topped with Apricot/Peach jam" was my absolute favorite. Yum. A wonderful complimentary blend of flavors. Then there was the "Heirloom tomato and basil gazpacho with marinated spot prawns", from Naramata Heritage Inn or the "Petite Sloppy Joe" with 32 hour slow braised Angus beef and Valentines Farms Elderberry Vinegar BBQ sauce and caramelized onions. Who could choose.


Okanagan "Summer salad on a Sweet Potato Cup with Carmelis Goat's Milk Yoghurt Ranch Dressing and local walnuts" from the Patio at Lake Breeze



"Bacon & Eggs" filled with an incredibly rich and delicious liver pate, from RauDZ Regional Table. A very creative chef, not just in his food but his presentation.




Okanagan Lavender Herb Farm's, thirst quenching Herbal Spritzers.



Meadow Vista Honey Wines - superb and worth the try!

Not just the food, but the presentations and displays kept my eyes moving from tent to tent. Each display more enticing than the last. From all the fabulous wineries I had to say the newest and most unusual and truly appealing wine was the "2010 Libra" from Meadow Vista Honey Wines. Not a grape varietal wine but made from honey, an ancient form of wine making. Lucious and seductive, infused with apricots this dessert wine is unbelievable, pared with Sandrines Pastry and Chocolate's "Apricot Tart", they were both the perfect pairing.




A treck up through the orchard, but worth the work!



A barrel lid of sweets!


My two friends Bert and Lenda who share my passion for food and wine and who are always inspiring me to live well by indulging in the bounty of events and activities, food and wine the Okanagan Valley has to offer!


And last but not least, to top off the day and the event, the sweetness of "Mini Pavlovas".



See you all there next year in August. I don't know about you, but I can't wait, my mouth is watering just thinking about it. Enjoy the last of summer's rays and the bounty of your harvest.

Bon Appetite!
Agatha


Sunday, August 21, 2011

Michele's 3 Gowns Unveiled!

Michele and Wil's - July 2nd, 2011 wedding in Kelowna has come and gone and this couple is headed for their 2nd wedding date in Singapore this November. I am happily reliving the details of my many months of full wedding planning with this couple, as the photos slowly come in from their photographer. Like many brides today, Michele had 3 gowns which she changed throughout her celebrations emphasizing the mood and styling of the event taking place. Thank you Darren (Darren Hull Photography) for these first glorious photos of Michele's three gowns. I can't wait for the rest of the reveal of their special day.



Above: photo credit Darren Hull Photography

Embroidered "Qipao/Cheongsam" - (body hugging) one piece Chinese dress or English styled Mandarin Gown worn by Michele for her traditional "Tea Ceremony". She looked stunning, for this traditional, family participation in her wedding day. It has become quite vogue to wear a Cheongsam both home or abroad due to it's elegance and traditional look.



Above: photo credit Darren Hull Photography

Chinese brides customarily change to a White Western style gown for the ceremony. Michele changed into a stunningly ethereal Vera Wang "Eliza" gown for the ceremony at Elysium Gardens.

The timeless magnificence in this strapless tulle ball gown with floating Chantilly lace, and a skirt swirling of organza insets, organized into an intricate pattern of tucks and pleats to create a sense of buoyancy. Delicate and light, magnificently worn by Michele. It was so HER!




Above: photo credit Darren Hull Photography

Michele's 3rd gown change for her reception, was what Chinese brides typically choose. Usually a long red silken gown is worn. Red for good luck and the strong color keeps away evil spirits or so it has been told over the centuries of this culture.

The multiple gowns display opulence and wealth.


Michele selected a flirtatious, satin Kenneth Poole, in a rich burgundy red, which mimicked the color of red wine and the winery location of their reception.



Stay Tuned for the final REAL WEDDING GALLERY for Michele and Wilfred's wedding, soon to be released!

Congratulations you two....

Agatha




Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Destination Paradise Found!


Above: photo credit from the owner

Last weekend I was coordinating a wedding for my Full Planning clients Tiffany and Josh who were looking for a Tropically inspired Destination wedding in the Okanagan. The resort they chose technically isn't in the Okanagan area but further north in the Shuswap, another magnificent seasonal lake district just 2 hours from Kelowna and 1 hour from Kamloops airport. Everyone was elated at the fabulous venue choice. A tropical party that transported them to far away places, yet within driving distance for most of their guests who came from the lower mainland and Vancouver. I snuck in a few pictures of the resort and wedding and thought I'd share them with you while waiting for the professional pics from the photographer.





Talking Rock Resort and Quaaout Lodge on the shores of Little Shuswap Lake is a superb waterfront resort with fabulous amenities such as 2400 feet of sandy beach, indoor pools, gym, spa and golf course. The resort is laid out amongst pristine gardens and lawns just steps from the waters edge. Nadine Mayer and her catering staff did a fabulous job of looking after the wedding guests. In fact all the staff at the resort are warm and personable, always willing to go the extra mile. The rooms are very comfortable each with it's own patio, views to the lake, 300 thread count sheets and duvets for your comfort.




Hear the Legend....Feel the Spirit.......and age-old traditions are honored here at this Native owned and operated resort. Authentic native gourmet meals, native interpretive areas, kekuli house, teepees and stunning setting all beautifully reflect the Native heritage and tradition of the area. Warm hospitality, shimmering waters and an 18 hole championship golf course is all this resort needs for any couple looking for an amazing Destination wedding in B.C.


The ceremony was held amongst the greens in the "Pit House" with the lake as a backdrop. Cocktails and dinner were "al fresco" style, outdoors amongst the pines. Tiffany chose sunny yellow and vibrant orange for her colors. Warm breezes into the night enhanced the tropical feel. Both avid golfers, and what better place to spend your wedding days but on a golf course, they added the golfing theme onto their table tops with hole flags for their table numbers.


As the preparations and setups took place, the girls were pampered by a mobile hair and make-up team from Tarnow's Hair and Day Spa in Salmon Arm. Each of the bridesmaids received a beach bag (bridesmaids gift) loaded full of fabulous supplies including a pair of bright orange thongs with a silk Dahlia adorning each shoe. Dahlias of course are Tiffany's favorite flower and were included in the bridal bouquets as well.















Guest seating cards strung on a line between the trees!




And as the sun goes down over the lake, the guests party into the night.




An extraordinary lake shot - Photo credit to the owner!

Thank you Tiffany and Josh for being such a terrific couple to work with during our year of planning for your special day. All your DIY details were beautiful. Your family and friends loved your choice of venue. A true Destination Wedding getaway. Everyone had a weekend full of activities and fun and then the young couple flew off to their second favorite destination - Hawaii for their honeymoon!

See you soon at another Okanagan Destination resort!
Agatha








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AGATHA SOROS, Kelowna, B.C.

A Stylish Affair is a full service Wedding and Event Planning company serving Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley specializing in Okanagan Destination weddings. We provide innovative ideas, expert planning and coordination, premier vendors and upscale design. We love all the little details and wish to assist you in bringing out the WOW in your event! My Wedding Blog is about informing brides from across the country about our extraordinary location and inspiring you to express your personal style.

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