Lonsdale: A Romantic View of the City

Around springtime of last year, I collaborated with a few talented local vendors for an editorial shoot. Cityscapes and Romances- those are the guiding themes and inspiration of this dreamy editorial shoot set atop Lonsdale’s The View, which provides a glorious panorama of Vancouver.

The View on Lonsdale wedding venue
The View on Lonsdale – One of the best wedding rooftop venues overlooking Vancouver

The team played around with shades of purple and blue to complement the stunningly unique, crystal-studded dress by Vancouver designer Jason Siu. We wanted to show how versatile and sophisticated the colour purple is, especially when accented with specks of gold.

wedding editorial purple and gold

City Skyline’s clean and simple table setup and the minimalist altar made of flowing tulle and embellished with stems of eucalyptus presented a beautiful picture of classic elegance that doesn’t distract from the expansive view of the city.

wedding venue with a view in Vancouver

The shiny, mouthwatering canapés and desserts prepared by Forage Catering, the marble menu in vellum, as well as the wedding favours by Jules & Joy Gifts, added exquisite details to the romantic setting. The two-tiered fondant cake with a marble base and a top layer of rising glitters and white orchid topper was a showcase of subtlety and grace. But Vancouver Diamonds’ well-crafted oval cut halo engagement ring is just a sight to behold!

Vancouver diamonds wedding bands
Elegant marble cake by Bea’s Sweet Bakes + scrumptious desserts by Forage Catering
elegant wedding favors and gifts

With the city’s breathtaking skyline as backdrop and an open venue filled with natural light, simple goes a long way.

Vendors:

5 Tips on How To Have a Successful Long Distance Relationship

She’s a marketer in Singapore; he’s an animator in Vancouver. More than 12,000 kilometers in between them, approximately 120 pages of WhatsApp messages, and 730 virtual “I love you’s”-it’s amazing how both survived the challenging setup of a long distance relationship or LDR.

Now married to her husband, Shannan, my friend Yvonne shares with us a few pieces of advice on how to keep a healthy LDR…

how to keep a healthy LDR

Shannan & Yvonne on their wedding day

Hi, I’m Yvonne Chow. I’m a former beauty blogger, product marketing specialist, and had been in 3 long-distance relationships. I uprooted myself from Asia to migrate to North America after a two-year long-distance relationship to join Shannan who’s based in Vancouver.

Late last year, I quit from being head of Product Marketing in a global tech company; carefully squashed most of my belongings into three rolling suitcases; heaved tearful goodbyes to my family and friends; and got on that one-way trip to another continent. All to begin a new life with my husband, with whom I was in an LDR since February of 2016.

It was not easy, but these 5 things I’ll talk about helped us nurture and improve our relationship, which led to a happy marriage! I hope these insights will help you in your own LDR, too!

1. Schedule a time to talk.
Technology has made communication faster and easier, but it makes us complacent. How many times have we deferred replying to WhatsApp messages or responded to them in a cursory manner?

In an LDR, it’s crucial to set aside time to talk to each other because we lose the “immediacy effect”. Communicating verbally in-person elicits more natural responses, but because we couldn’t afford that, my husband and I decided to dedicate a fixed time each weekend to talk to each other over FaceTime – without distractions!

2. Practice honest, constructive conversations.
It shouldn’t just be mere updates or how-are-you’s. My husband and I treated each other like a journal and practiced articulating our feelings in an open manner.

You may find it easier to say, “I had a terrible day today-that’s it,” and expect your partner to understand. You’re not with your partner physically and it’s going to be difficult for them to read your body language and show encouragement without the nuances of physical presence.

Instead, try sharing, “I had a terrible day because this happened, and it made me feel this way, and I’m wondering what to do,” to be more constructive. Being specific opens up a natural path for deeper conversations and helps your partner support you better.

3. Listen to each other.
Many people search for articles that can help them articulate complex ideas better, but most do not search about how to listen. Communication is a two-way street – talking and listening. Remember to ask your partner about themselves too, and listen to know how their day went, what their struggles are, and what will make them happy.

4. Take advantage of the difference in time zones.
Although we couldn’t always communicate in real time due to different time zones, we used the delay to think about crafting meaningful conversations. This proved to be useful, especially when we were having disagreements. The difference in time zones enabled us to be creative and to carefully choose the words we write to each other.

5. Define your end goals.
That is both your own as individuals and together as a couple. This advice was given to me almost a decade ago by people who were in LDR’s and ended up getting married  (still are so far!) as well.

The reality is there’s no point being in an LDR if you’re not sure how you’re going to move forward. Distance does make the heart grow fonder but it does little for physical intimacy (and it’s not always about sex).

Simple gestures like a hug, a pat on the shoulder, and holding hands help form and strengthen the bond you have with your partner. I don’t think it’s healthy to be in a perpetual LDR without some form of commitment, because an LDR feels like a limbo state. So commit to a future when you will finally be together physically.

These tips really just boil down to having intentional communication. We need to fill the space between with our constant effort to communicate and listen to each other. Love is sure to grow stronger in spite of the distance.

xx,
Yvonne

You may read more about Yvonne, her married life, and adventures in Vancouver here.

Last-Minute Holiday Gift Ideas 🎄🎁

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! 

But it can also get a bit stressful, especially when shopping with huge crowds. A lot of people now resort to online shopping to buy loved ones the gifts they deserve minus the rush.

If you are looking for budget-friendly personalized but elegant gifts, head on to Etsy and browse in the comfort of your home.

Last minute gift Christmas candle gift box

Baby it’s cold outside soy candle in buffalo plaid gift box

 

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas….

But red is good, too!

If you are overseas but have a mother, sister, aunt, girlfriend here in Vancouver, Canada, why not send her this gift box along with your warm greetings this holiday season? It’s as if you’re hugging them with this beautiful twill scarf. And this trendy ceramic cup is perfect for that piping hot tea!

Scarf and Tea Gift Box Set Christmas Present

Scarf and Tea for the Lady Gift Box

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…

But my favorites are marshmallows with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. =)

Order your loved ones this Chocolate Lovers’ Holiday Gift Set, exclusive at our partner site, Givopoly.

Chocolate Lovers Christmas Gifts Box

Divine Chocolate Lovers’ Gift Box

Don’t find what you need? Check out our site for more gift ideas or our Etsy shop, and contact us for custom gift boxes with your requirement.

Happy holidays!

 

 

How I Started Jules & Joy Gifts

This year marks my second year as an entrepreneur. I remember the desire to venture into business came while working as a marketing executive in Sydney.

Training in Australia
In 2014, I worked for a small-to-medium enterprise (SME) that specializes in renewable energy home products. Since it was a startup, I needed to take on multiple roles –not just marketing and advertising, but also business development– while managing an offshore call center.

After one tiring day, my thoughts drifted to an imaginary company where I got to be the CEO. I thought to myself: How rewarding would it be if I could channel all my efforts at work into something that’s my own!

In retrospect, I was actually being trained in business while working for someone else without me realizing it.

The Move
A year later, my husband was offered a promising job on the other side of the globe. Newly married, we moved to Vancouver in the spring of 2015 to start afresh. While my husband had a blossoming career, I became an unemployed housewife. I didn’t mind having a rest from corporate work, and in the midst of rearranging furniture and doing laundry, my creative mind started to work.

My business plans were still blurry then, and it wasn’t until I took up calligraphy workshops that the idea of Jules & Joy Gifts began to unfold. Practicing calligraphy inspired me to create personalized wedding gifts that would later on become my very first best sellers!

Jules & Joy Personalized Calligraphy Gft Tags

Jules & Joy Gifts Calligraphy Tags

Making it Legit
Fast forward to several months later, I was a ball of nerves as I registered my business name and designed my very own logo! Small Business BC became my best friend. I went to their seminars and finance workshops to learn about profits and margins.

Taking the plunge to be an entrepreneur without proper training and guidance seemed like I was feeling my way in the dark, but experience is truly the best teacher.

Those couple of years of groping and playing by ear taught me a few things about business, the market, and how to make my ideas work. I’m just a home business or a micro-enterprise, as what they call it, but I’m learning, growing, and enjoying this opportunity to create.

1000 Sales on Etsy! 🎈

Please celebrate with me as I hit my first 1000 sales on Etsy! 😊

1000 sales on Etsy

When I opened my shop in the summer of 2016, I had a lot of fears and doubts. I thought I was not cut out for sales since my background is in corporate communications. I would always question myself. Would the North American market like my work? How could I compete with the pros? Would I be able to profit from my investment?

The past two years were a steep learning curve. I learned about customer service, inventory management, and a little bit of accounting. I had a lot of mistakes and wasted so much resource, but by God’s grace, I was able to power through after each setback.

I’m so grateful to my family for the support; to my husband, my angel investor; and to all my customers who put their complete trust in me. Happy 1K to us! 🎉💃

Sale on Etsy

To express our deep gratitude, the entire shop is on sale @ 10% off on all items so start shopping!

 

Things to Do After He Proposed

Congratulations and welcome to the hitched club!

Go on and pop the bubbly, because the first thing you should do is to bask in the joy of being promoted from mere girlfriend to THE ONE and only fiancée.

fiancee shirt

Photo from Etsy

When your heartbeat has finally gone down to its normal rate, here is a list of things to do to after you got engaged.

1. Set a wedding date.

This is very important to do before anything else, because it allows you to determine necessary details for the rest of the items on your to-do list.

Some things to think about:

  • Do you want a summer, winter, autumn or a spring wedding?
  • Do you want a longer or shorter engagement?
  • Do you want the date to be easily remembered? (i.e. 8-18-18)
  • Is your wedding officiant available on that date?

Set your chosen date but also be open to the possibility that you may need to move it depending on certain factors later on.

 2. Inform family and close friends and prepare for forever.

Take this opportunity to show off the bling to your babes! Share your happiness to everyone close to you and have an open ear for their tips and pieces of advice. It may also be a good idea to seek pre-marital counsel from older married couples or from professionals. Keep in mind that your wedding is a one-day affair but marriage is a life-time commitment. So don’t just prepare for the wedding day but prepare for forever.

 

wedding rings photography

Photo by Macy Yap

3. Plan a budget and stick to it.

Or not. =D Budgeting for a wedding is such a tricky matter to discuss and things can get out of hand pretty fast. Make sure you take time to sit down with your partner to set priorities and manage expectations.

Some things to consider:

  • What do you want to happen on your wedding day?
  • What are the major elements that should be allocated more funds into?
  • How many people do you want to invite?
  • Do you want to hire a coordinator or do you prefer DIY?

Most often than not, there will be unexpected expenses along the way so it’s better to save some funds for those things, too.

Wedding Saving Funds

4. Book the venue.

After you have (more or less) finalized the budget, it’s time to scout for a place to celebrate. The location can be anywhere – at a hotel, on a yacht, in your backyard or at the community church. Any place can be dressed up to be as dandy, as romantic, and as elegant as a wedding should be.

Some things to consider:

  • Do you want to be indoor or outdoor?
  • What theme or look are you after?
  • Are there ample spaces for a photo shoot after the ceremony?
  • Is it accessible to all your guests?

rustic wedding theme

Photo from Union Hill

5. Finalize the entourage list.

Now that you said yes to your man, it’s time for another proposal- not to another bride but to your future bridesmaids and groomsmen! Go on and ask the question “Will you be my…?” Say it with gifts or organize a pamper session with your besties.

groomsmen gifts

Personalized Bridesmaid and Groomsmen Gifts from Etsy

6. Go hunting for the dress.

Now ladies, do not make this a stressful occasion. It can be a fun moment you and your mom, sisters, and/or bridesmaids can bond over with. Look for inspiration in magazines, on social media, and even your mom’s closet. Not all body shapes are the same though, so it’s important to try every cut you’re eyeing on before saying yes to that dress.

Some things to ask yourself:

  • Are you into classic or avant-garde?
  • Will you dance with it or change into something else?
  • Will it look good with a long veil or a headdress?
  • Do you have time and budget for major alterations?

7. Send e-invites and save the dates.

Once all the major items on your wedding list have been ticked off, it’s time to tell everybody else. There are so many ways you can inform your guests about your upcoming wedding. You can create a Facebook page or send e-invites or even a video clip if you want to save trees and cost.

Some things to note:

  • Send save the dates as soon as you locked in your wedding date and booked the venue.
  • This is not a formal invite so make sure you put a note that the real invitation will follow.
  • Not everyone gets a save the date; 1 household = 1 save the date (and invitation).

Wedding Save the Date

Save the Date Cards from the Roche Shop

Yes, there are still more things to do after this list but you can then breathe and relax a bit, for you have already accomplished the major tasks. Don’t do everything on your own; remember to ask help and get input from your future groom as well.

May the road be smooth and beautiful to your happy ever after!
Xx

Thanksgiving Gifts in Autumn

Who doesn’t love fall? The warm colors, the shiny pumpkins, the orange-red maple trees, and the slight chill in the evening air will always make autumn my favorite season of all. This season is also about celebrations and giving thanks, and what better way to say thank you than by giving- our time or a part of ourselves to others?

For thanksgiving, we curated some of our autumn-themed items that comfort, delight, and express gratitude.

Adding fall produce to your gift baskets adds freshness and a pop of color.

Thank You Gifts

 

custom thank you gifts

Go creative with your personalized message.

Thanksgiving Gift Box

 

personalized bridesmaid gifts

Say thank you and mean it.

Thanksgiving Gift Basket

Brush Art / Brush Calligraphy Free Download

Summer is here, folks and that means the wedding season is upon us, making the nights shorter and our working hours longer. But we’re not complaining! We are grateful to all our customers and supporters who keep us going and creating!

sweet summer tropical leaves

As a thank you, I’d like to share some of our brush calligraphy artworks with inspiring and uplifting quotes and messages. They come in letter-sized (8.5 x 11 inches) canvases that you can download, print, and hang as a wall decor. The words in the artwork encouraged and comforted me during those times I doubted myself. May they bring you the same hope and encouragement.

wall art hustle brush calligraphy

1. Brush Calligraphy / Hustle is Greater than Talent   2. Brush + Computer Graphic Art / Goal Digger

Brush Calligraphy Watercolor Art

3. Brush Calligraphy / Blessed   4. Brush + Watercolor Handlettering / Breath

Galatians 6:9 tropical palm leaves brush calligraphy

5. Watercolor + Computer Graphic Art / Galatians 6:9

Click to download printable files here:
Hustle is greater than Talent when Talent doesn’t hustle.
Goal Digger
Blessed to be a Blessing
It’s Your Breath in our lungs
Let us not grow weary

 

What to Put in Your Wedding Day Emergency Kits

The season of wedding has begun! And since summertime is fast approaching, a lot of couples prefer to get married overseas, near the beach, or just somewhere far and unfamiliar. Most brides and grooms take care of their out-of-town guests by providing a welcome bag that will refresh and help them get through a day of traveling and recover from a jet lag.

Here are some ideas on what to include in your wedding survival kit from Jules & Joy.

Welcome Gift Basket/Bridesmaid’s Tote
Pack a drink, some small snacks like protein bars, and candy for your entourage and guests who are visiting from overseas. Include a small handwritten thank-you or welcome note to show how you appreciate their effort of traveling just to be at your wedding.

wedding welcome gift

bridesmaids survival kit

Relax & Recover Hangover Kit
Treat your groomsmen and bridesmaids extra special by giving them emergency/hangover kits. Weddings always come with plenty of food and booze. Get your squad to celebrate without all the hassle and well prepared for possible next-day hangover. Include antacid and headache pills, mints, wet wipes, and safety pins to ease all uncomfortable situations.

bridesmaids hangover kit
groomsmen hangover kit

Jules & Joy can put together your guests or bridesmaids and groomsmen’s hangover kits, which include personalized labels based on your wedding colours and theme.

Contact us for more information.

groomsmen hangover kit favours

personalized emergency kit bridesmaids favors

 

 

Wedding Calligraphy and Hand Lettering

What make weddings even more beautiful, aside from the love and memories shared, are the details and personal touches added into each visual setting. The bride and groom are obviously the center of attention but the family and guests are always treated extra special. For intimate weddings, welcoming your guests into the dinner table with their very own name cards will take their breath away. Jules and Joy is now offering personalized lettering and calligraphy services, as well as paper products that can be personalized according to your wedding theme.

Wedding Envelopes

wedding black envelopes with names

Wedding Invitation Envelopes Black with White Calligraphy for Names and Address

kraft envelopes wedding

Personalized Hand-lettered Kraft Envelopes for Wedding Invites

Escort and Place Cards

Table Place Cards / Wedding Escort Cards

Gift Tags

calligraphy gift tags

Personalized Gift Tags with Calligraphy

wedding calligraphy tags

Personalized Kraft Gift Tags with Calligraphy

Personalized Coasters

personalied marble coasters

Personalized Favors / Marble Coasters

 

 

Holiday Gifting Ideas

If you’re like many of us, you probably would put aside Christmas gift shopping until the last minute. To help you finish off that list, here are some creative gift ideas for your friends and loved ones.

Adding a bubbly is always a good idea.
What’s a celebration without some bubbly? The combination of wine or sparkling drink with a winter-scented candle is always a wonderful treat.

Christmas gift idea sparkling wine

Fill a basket with his favorites.
My man’s favorite drink is vodka so I put together a mule drink gift set with copper mug and some snacks. Needless to say it was a hit!

Moscow mule gift set

Moscow Mule Gift Set for Him

Make it Matchy-Matchy
If you’re giving gifts to a couple, one thoughtful idea is to get his and hers items.

Couple Engagement Gift

Luxury Gift perfect for newly engaged couples

But Yourself is the Best Gift of All
This season is about giving, not necessarily of material things, but those things that really matter- giving our time, our presence, our comfort, our helping hand, our selfless love. So no matter what you put inside that gift box, nothing beats the memories spent with the people we love.

Christmas gift box

And let’s also not forget Who the reason for the season is.
Merry Christmas, everyone! Xx

Wedding Inspiration: Once A Classic Bride

Looking back, my wedding day seemed like a big blur-one magical blur filled with fragrant flowers, camera flashes, nervous giggles, happy tears, and lots of kisses. The whole experience left me with so much gratitude and respect for the people who served me and made every moment of it beautiful and memorable.

bridal buoquet
wedding inspiration brideclassing wedding bride
As a traditional bride, I chose soft colors and classic styling. Our wedding was held in Sofitel Manila, a luxury hotel known for its stunning interior, subdued lighting and ballrooms decked with crystal chandeliers, the perfect venue for a classic bride like me.

bride and groom first dancegroomsmen bride tribebridal bouquetfather of the bridewedding inspiration groommother of the groombride's shoeswedding bandsVera Wang bridewedding-bridesmaidswedding inspiration details aislewedding inspiration cakewedding inspiration bride tribewedding inspiration detailsbride walking down the aislewedding inspiration details Biblewedding details rose in domesbride and groom wedding-inspiration-walkwedding inspiration bride and groom

Vendors
Photography:J Lucas Reyes
Planning:The Best-Case Scenario
Venue:Sofitel Manila
Styling:Dave Sandoval
Wedding Gown:Vera Wang
Bridesmaids’ Dresses:Jamie Go
Bride’s Boyfriend Shirt:Plum Pretty Sugar
Bridal Shoes:Salvatore Ferragamo
Groom’s Suit:Zara Man
Groom’s Shirt:Brooks’ Brothers
Invites:Kenneth Tan
Calligraphy & Gifts:Jules & Joy Gifts
Jewelry: Swarovski
Makeup:Bea Almeda
Bride’s Hair:RJ dela Cruz
Wedding Video:Mayad Studios

Printed Wedding Essentials

Now you’re engaged; the exciting times are up ahead! To add fun to our wedding planning, we’ve compiled a few must-haves and good-to-haves for our bride tribe and groom squad.

Wedding Milestone Cards
Celebrate each of your milestone as an engaged couple with these elegant wedding flash cards!

Personalized Wedding Milestone Cards

Honeymoon Wedding Milestone
Great as props for photo shoots so you can share your important milestones with your friends. Also a perfect gift for our bride and groom-to-be friends.

Wedding Milestone Honeymoon Card

Save the Dates
Announce your wedding date the classy way by sending save the date cards to your guests and family. Use a favorite song or quote as a design concept.
save-the-date calendar invite

 

Proposal Cards
Propose to your best man or groomsmen with these cool printed cards that can go well with any gift or as a standalone.

proposal-cards will you be my best man gift

 

Vow Cards
Write your heartfelt messages and wedding vows in these personalized vows card. Exchange this with your partner on your wedding day and treasure forever.

Wedding Vows Notebook
personalized vows notebook

 

Favour and Gift Labels
Let’s not forget our wedding gifts and souvenirs for our guests. Simple favours and gifts may be jazzed up to suit your theme with personalized tags and labels.

wedding favours labels
wedding gift tags

Personalize Your Gifts with Labels

Personalizing gifts simply causes the giver to exercise an extra ounce of thoughtfulness and creativity.  And no matter how big or how small a gift is, seeing your name on it makes it extra special.

We’ve made a list of our best-selling wedding gifts that were personalized. May these give you some ideas on how you can personalize your own.

Proposal Gifts
Gather some of the favorite things of your soon to be best man or maid of honour and pop the question!

will you be my maid of honour gift

Maid of Honour pretty in pink Gift Basket

Will you be my best man gift

Will you be my Best Man Gift Basket of Whiskey, Cuban Cigar, and Shot Glass

Whisky and Champagne
One of the most popular gifts for your bride tribe or groom squad is the bubbly. What is better than celebrating with a good ole Jack Daniel’s whisky or a French champagne?

Personalized Moet label

Bridesmaid’s Personalized Champagne

personalized whisky labels

Personalize your whisky bottles.

Hangover Kit
Of course, whenever there’s alcohol, there will always be a not-so-pleasant-feeling the next day (to some, at least). For out of town weddings, be the hostess with the mostest by providing your wedding guests and entourage with emergency and hangover kits.

groomsmen hangover kit

Groomsmen’s Hangover Kit

bridesmaids emergency kit

Personalized Emergency Kits for Bridesmaids

Groomsmen Socks
Funky, identical socks make for a fun photo shoot!

wedding socks

Photo by Millie Holloman

Groomsmen sock labels

Funky Socks with personalized labels

For more ideas on personalized gifts, check out our Etsy store. Xx

 

 

Audrey Hepburn Inspired Wedding Feature on Wedluxe

I came back from our Europe trip feeling a bit sad that summer is almost over here on this side of the globe, but my mood instantly shifted as I was informed of another feature by no less than Wedluxe, a sought-after guide on luxury weddings and stylish events. I’m grateful to Teresa Tran for giving me the opportunity to collaborate with her at the last moment. I am truly in awe of her talent and dedication to her craft. Kudos to the rest of the vendors who put together all the elements needed to create this amazing, Audrey Hepburn-inspired styled shoot.

Without further talk, here are the dreamy, beyond-beautiful photos captured by Ken Tan and featured in Wedluxe website.

Hope you get more inspired!

bride with wedding welcome gift pink gift boxAn Ode to Audrey

There’s no denying that Audrey Hepburn’s iconic style has served as inspiration for countless generations and will continue to inspire. Her glamour and elegance is translated into this styled shoot through a soft colour palette, gold tableware, and delicate pearl accents. Feminine, romantic, and oh-so-chic.

pink and gold wedding theme cake

Head on to Wedluxe blog for more ideas and inspiration on how to create that elegant and iconic wedding theme.

Source it:

Photography • Ken Tan Photo, Planning • Teresa Tran Events, Floral Design • Angela & Gabriel’s Flowers Inc., Venue • Stanley Park Pavilion, Makeup Artist • Makeup by Vivian Jun; Makeup by Tianna Tran, Hair Stylist • Hair by Clara Leung; Hair by Candace Deanna, Stationery Design • Made by Michelle Mark, Decor Rentals • Bespoke Decor Rentals, Gowns • Bisou Bridal, Jewellery • Jeweliette Jewellery, Cake Design – Soirette Macarons & Tea, Marshmallows • Butter Baked Goods, Cookies • Cookievonster Customer Cookies
Cake Stands and Dessert Platters • Chic Fête, Pearl Beads • Proline Trading, Chargers and Dinnerware • Atkinson’s, Gold Flatware • A&B Partytime Rentals, Chairs and Tables • Past Pieces, Linens • Paradise Events, Paper Flowers • Mur De Fleurs, Pink Gift Box • Jules & Joy Gifts, Ballons • Fun Fiestas by Ili

Tips on How To Give Meaningful Gifts

When you find yourself not knowing how and what to give, just remember these simple pieces of advice.

Wedding welcome gifts

1. Gift what you love.
Get something you would love to receive yourself. In almost all cases, whatever you value yourself is what others would find worthy, too.

Groomsmen wedding gift

2. Make it personal.
There are so many ways to personalize – by engraving gifts with names or monograms & customizing labels and prints.

Groomsmen socks with personalized labelsJack Daniel whiskey custom labels

3. Hand write messages. 
Nothing beats good old handwritten letters that come from the heart.

Personalized gift tags calligraphy

Gifting Ideas for the Bride and Groom

Giving gifts to a couple getting married can be quite challenging. This time, you don’t just think about two gifts for two persons but you need to think of a gift/s both persons would enjoy.

Bride and groom kissing under veil

Photo from BridalMusings

Here are some tips we picked up from experience.

Make it His & Hers
Matching, personalized gifts never go old. They are cute, fun and will always bring smiles to newlyweds. Pick some practical items that the couple can use at home or while traveling. Some of our favorites are hubby and wifey matching shirts, his and hers luggage tags, engraved wooden board, bed pillows and his and hers coffee mugs with funny anecdotes.

his and hers personalized wedding gifts

His & Hers Gift Ideas

Wedding Gift Mr & Mrs Ring Dish

Mr & Mrs ceramic ring dish to hold the couple’s wedding bands

Contribute to their Honeymoon
Why not get the tab for the couple’s flight to their honeymoon destination? This would require letting the couple know in advance that you plan to give them the tickets as a gift so they would not double-book themselves. If this is too much for your budget, you can instead go for a gift basket that includes items they can use in their honeymoon.

Elegant gift for newlyweds

Gift Basket for Newly Married

Honeymoon Gift Basket with a few essentials: Fragrance Bag, Love Soap, Aromatic Candle, Bath Salts

Encourage Making Memories
Help the newlyweds prepare for their new life together through gifts that would encourage them to make lasting memories- non-expensive items that would require more interaction between husband and wife. They can be a devotional book on love and marriage, redeemable love coupons to spice up the relationship, or even board games to play on date nights.

couple gifts making memories

Gary Chapman’s 5 Love Languages book, Redeemable Love Coupons, Date Night Board Games

wedding cookies bride and groom

Jules & Joy includes bride and groom customized cookies in its wedding gift basket

These gifts not only would solidify the newlyweds’ official role as Mr & Mrs but hopefully would also keep the romance alive long after the wedding day.

Need some custom gifts for your friends about to tie the knot? Consult with us!

Artfully Wed Feature

When I heard from Shawna of Sweetheart Events that the styled shoot we worked on last February will soon be featured by an online wedding style blog, I was beyond ecstatic! I know that the shoot was tastefully done, and it was an honor for me to be included alongside a list of seasoned and awesome vendors in Vancouver.

Customized Bridesmaid Gift Basket

I was asked to create a gift basket following the industrial-inspired theme so I used galvanized tin and chose gift items in hues of white, gold and blush pink.

This post is lifted from Artfully Wed’s website

This beautifully airy art studio wedding styled shoot from Summer Rayne Photo and Sweetheart Events showcases a stunning Truvelle gown, vintage decor and personalized wedding vows in an industrial warehouse space softened by the romantic color palette of dove gray, white, gold and Rose Quartz! The venue, a former winery, is a current working art studio where guests can look through the reclaimed window walls to see into the artists’ work spaces. The estate head table was accented with dove gray linens, rose tapered candles, green garland, gold dipped cutlery and a gorgeous centerpiece to bring out the subtle hints of the color palette. The unique wedding vows were written in calligraphy on a backdrop behind the cake table, as well!
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Artists
Photographer: Summer Rayne Photo
Event Designer: Shawna Spooner, Sweetheart Events
Venue: 100 Braid St Studios & Gallery
Floral Designer: Our Little Flower Company
Cake Designer: The Cake & The Giraffe
Dress Designer: Truvelle
Stationery Designer: Cornwall Stationery
Hair Stylist: Clarke Fryer
Makeup Artist: Savannah St. Jean
Vintage Rentals: Bespoke Decor
Lace Backdrop: Past Pieces
Chair, Linen & Napkin Rentals: Lonsdale Event Rentals
Calligraphy: Elizabeth Barr, Sweetheart Events
Rings: Carats
Bridesmaid Gift: Jules & Joy Gifts
Models: Jaclyn & Patrick

To His Manness: Gifts for Our Dads, Best Man and Groomsmen

We’ll be honest – when we began curating gifts for Jules & Joy, we only had the ladies in mind most of the time. We were mostly just conceptualizing the best bridesmaids’ kit or that customized beauty gift box for brides and their mothers. Not until we started receiving custom orders for groomsmen and best men gifts that we realized that hey, men need some boxes of tlc too! :p

best man gift

The best gift for your best man

groomsmen gifts

In time for father’s day, we also collected some neat items that our own fathers and the dads in our lives will be glad to keep in their man caves!
father's day gifts

personalized fathers day gifts

Personalized Father’s Day Gifts:

  • Good ol’ Whisky
  • Stainless Steel Beer Mug
  • Personalized Leather Luggage Tag
  • Engraved Pen
  • Monogrammed Argyle Socks

gift for dad

man cave items

 

Happy father’s day to all the awesome and strong daddies out there! Xx

Refreshment & Reinforcement: Thoughtful Gifts for Your Bridesmaids on Your Wedding Day

Your bridesmaids will help you shine your brightest and be your most relaxed and beautiful on your wedding day. They will be running around the venue and be your gofers throughout the day. They will be always on the lookout for any wrinkle on your dress or a tear ready to roll down your face. They will be your cheerleaders, ready to crack jokes and make light of what could be a very emotion-charged event.

Bride and bridesmaids 1

Photo from weddingsonline

Show them how much you appreciate their friendship and their presence on your big day. Thank your ladies with R&R gifts that will come in handy and make the day such a breeze.
Here is a collection of some gift items that your bridesmaids will be thrilled to receive.

bridesmaids tote with flowers

A customized tote (or a shirt) will make their “duty” as bridesmaids more official. 🙂

For out of town weddings, give out beauty products and some snacks the night before the big day so your ladies wake up looking refreshed and energized.

Bridesmaid's wedding kit

It’s always a good idea to throw in a necessity kit in case of emergencies and those ooops moments.

Bridesmaid emergency kit

Wedding day emergency kit with bobby pins, Band-aids, headache pills, mints, wet wipes and hair tie

bridesmaids custom gifts tote bag

If totes are not your thing, a simple nice box will also do. Collect a few of your favorite things like this temp tattoo…
And don’t forget to include the bubbly too!

bridesmaids gift box

If you want to go for something more personal and fancy, some options are customized robes, monogrammed bracelets, and Instax cameras, sleeping eye mask and a floral corsage.

bridesmaids custom gifts 2

Suitable for the fun-loving and feminine bridesmaids, these gifts are not only useful and refreshing but also instagram-worthy! 😉

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas and Free Downloadable Prints

We at Jules & Joy know how special our mamas are to us so just for Mother’s Day, we came up with a collection of pre-designed gifts that Mom will surely enjoy.

happy-mothers-day-gifts
Give Mom a tea and relaxation gift set on Mother’s Day.

gifts for Mom

Order the Mama Box

Something not too fancy but has everything Mama likes? We got ’em!

mothers day gift box

Custom Mother's Day Gifts

Order your custom boxes today.

To honor our beloved Moms, we also created 8 x 10″ downloadable prints that you can put in a frame and give as a gift.

8 x 10 mothers day downloadable print

Photo from KevindandAmanda.com

Download this print here – 8×10 Print Happy Mother’s Day.

Mother's day downloadable prints

Background photo from pexels.com

Download this print here – 8×10 Print All That I Am I Owe to Mom.

Downloadable print Proverbs 31 Mother
Download this print here – 8×10 Print Proverbs 31 Mother.

Downloadable label Supermom
Download this print here – 4 x 5 Print Supermom.

Hugs and kisses to all precious Mommas out there! XO

The Joy of Giving: Why Giving Makes Us Happier

giving gifts to bridesmaids

We’ve been told time and again that it is better to give than to receive. Apparently, this is not just to encourage us to be more selfless, but it is actually based on science. According to a research on 600+ Americans conducted by Michael Norton, a professor at Harvard Business School, “Regardless of income level, those people who spent money on others reported greater happiness, while those who spent more on themselves did not.”

A similar experiment was conducted by Elizabeth Dunn at the University of British Columbia with the same results: the students who spent on others were happier than those students who spent on themselves. According to an article published by Berkeley University of California: Scientists also believe that altruistic behavior releases endorphins in the brain, producing the positive feeling known as the “helper’s high.”

joy in giving

Aside from the happiness factor, why is giving good for us?

In giving, you get something in return.
Some people call it the law of karma; some call it the boomerang effect. I call it Return on Investment. 🙂 We may not necessarily receive back the same value of what we have given or in its similar form or from the same person, but somehow, at some point, we get a return on our generosity. This is not to give us false expectations of always getting something back when we give, but this is about having assurance that being charitable is fruitful.

giving to homeless

Photo from Youtube

Giving makes a community thrive.
Sharing our excess with people who are in need not only gives us a sense of meaning but also strengthens our sense of community. It promotes cooperation, goodwill and healthy relationships. Author Sonja Lyubomirsky writes in her book, The How of Happiness says, “Being kind and generous foster a heightened sense of interdependence and cooperation in your social community.”

Giving is viral.
It has been proven that giving inspires others to do the same. How many online fundraising sites/projects have we seen being created, shared and successfully funded by strangers who were moved to give not just to help the cause, but because of the good example set by the rest of the online community? Generosity is definitely contagious.

Giving leads to contentment.
On this day and age when everybody constantly craves for more of everything – success, fame, material wealth, only few people find themselves in a state of contentment. But when give a part of ourselves, a portion of our time and resources to others, we realize that what we have is actually more than enough.

So go ahead, give. And be truly happy! =)

giving leads to happiness

Photo from tinybuddha.com

How To Effectively Use Monogram in Gifts

Let’s be honest – We often dismiss many of the favors and giveaways we receive because of their shouting logos and monograms that make the gifts appear tacky and thoughtless. A guest in an event I went to mentioned that she’d rather have more tapas than the cheap souvenir they gave as we left (I know how ungrateful!). I think one of the common mistakes is when we overuse or misuse our opportunity to personalize.

koozies

Photo from WedPics Blog

We suggest a few ways on how to effectively personalize your gifts and favors using monograms.

Know your monogram etiquette.
The traditional three-letter Victorian monograms are the most popular variety people use today. For single men and women, the initials of their names are used to create a monogram; the surname is usually the largest and placed in the middle. If you are giving gifts to a married couple, their initials are combined- the man’s initial goes first followed by the woman’s. But if you are giving gifts to married couples individually, tradition dictates to use the woman’s first name initial, married name initial and then her maiden name initial.

monogram rule for singlesmonogram rules for married couples

Choose the appropriate gift.
Almost everything can be monogrammed – clothing, leather goods, jewelry, even your tiny M&M’s can be personalized! The challenge is to pick the most suitable item in line with your event and based on what the receiver will surely want and would actually use. Always ask yourself – is this item something I would want myself? (Read: Avoid anything glossy).

Bridesmaids boyfriend shirt monogram

Beach wedding

Photo by Ellen Leroy Photography

bridesmaid's monogram bracelets

Be subtle.
Be careful not to overdo the prints, especially if you are using your own initials or names and logos on your giveaways. Use the appropriate font sizes in relation to the size of the favor. Whatever you do, always make sure that they read well.

monogram wedding favorsmonogrammed gift labels

You can never go wrong by making your monogrammed gift simple, useful and fun. Hope this list helps you!

Custom Favors for Summer-Themed Weddings

Summer means bright colors, aquamarine waters, seashells, sand in between toes, nautical decors and refreshing drinks. A beautiful season that gives us endless of inspirations on using season-related elements for possible wedding themes and motifs.

Photo from lecahier.com

Photo from lecahier.com

We collected a few of our favorite unique wedding favors that are perfect for your by-the-beach, under the sun knot-tying celebration. Feel free to tweak and re-design your own.

Pop and Bubbly
Give your guests a break from the summer heat with these refreshing thirst-quenching favors.

wedding favor drinks

Pop cola wedding favors

Photo by idoweddingsmalta.com

Beach-Themed Sweets
Bring summer details onto your dessert table with some seashell-shaped cookies or beach wedding candies. A simple combination of sunset and sea colors will already create an awesome summer-y vibe in your wedding reception.

summer wedding sweet favors

Right photo by Melanie Dorothy

beach wedding cookies

Left photo from glorioustreats.com

Summer Essentials
Flip flops and sunglasses are not only trendy but very useful giveaways for beach weddings. Another practical idea is to write your wedding program onto makeshift fans for an outdoor wedding.

flip flops and umbrella wedding favors

custom fans wedding favors

Photo from indybride2be.com

These favors are pretty classy but not expensive at all, yet they will be well received and much appreciated by the people who will celebrate with you.

Need your own personalized gifts and favors like these? Consult with us now.

Prepping Up for A Bridal Fair

The wedding season is here and we are more than delighted to celebrate with and serve our new brides to be and engaged couples. Of course this also means the coming of a myriad of wedding shows and bridal fairs and expos happening around the city. As much as we want to join every bridal show there is, we only intend to choose the ones that we can identify with.

Last February, we showcased our custom wedding gifts for the first time at the Swank Wedding Show. This month we will be at the Croatian Cultural Centre along with other wedding vendors for the Bridal Swap event.

“The Original Bridal Swap is a unique concept bringing together Past Brides, Décorators, Craft Artisans and other Sellers who have wedding related goods, with Brides to Be in a fun environment who are on the hunt for their perfect wedding treasures and dresses.”

As a (recent) past bride myself, I think the event concept is perfect! It creates a community of people who willingly share unique items and ideas to help the next bride celebrate her most important day.

Here is a sneak peak of some of the items Jules & Joy will bring in to this fair.bridal fair

These Kraft boxes with a white rose and tulle on the lid are perfect to house mini favors and treats.

kraft favor boxes

First dibs into a limited number of gift boxes, pretty packaging, ribbons, and sweet little things (all budget-friendly) will be available for the early birds. Get your Bridal Swap Van tickets here.
jules and joy gifts

A Gifting Station will also be set up so people can pick and choose items and customize their own gifts.

customize gift station

Hope to see you all there! =)
mini wedding favors

Rose-Themed Wedding Gifts


Spring is finally upon us – that moment when the cold wind is not too biting anymore, when darkness is not in a hurry to set in, when we finally wake up to the smell of fresh fragrance in the air, when gorgeous blooms abound.
Oh happiness!

spring flowers in Vancouver city

Speaking of flowers, I am beyond excited to share with you our one-of-a-kind, rose-themed wedding welcome and thank you gifts. With the rose-loving ladies in mind, we put together a collection of rose-based items that are fragrant, gentle and all-natural.

rose-themed gift items
Rose oil and rose water are most commonly harvested in Bulgaria, a beautiful country in Eastern Europe. They are widely used in cosmetics, for fragrances and skin care.

The Rose Gift Set (From top to bottom, clockwise):

mother of the groom custom gift

Rose water ensures optimal skin hydration, facilitates skin regeneration and prevents wrinkles formation. Due to its antibacterial properties, rose water also aids in healing scars, cuts and wounds. Rose oil is an anti-inflammatory agent and tissue re-generator loaded with therapeutic benefits for the skin.

rose lip balm

If you are looking for something that’s elegant, feminine and pretty in pink, the rose-themed collection is a perfect gift for any special occasion. Our sisters, moms and besties would definitely love them!

rose gift set for mother of the groom

Right or Left, Together or Separate?: How To Wear Your Wedding and Engagement Rings

When my then fiancé (now my husband) proposed to me, I gave him my left hand by default. When we were buying our wedding bands, I was not yet sure which ring finger to put mine on. Fortunately the ring that we decided to get goes really well with my engagement ring, so I thought of wearing them on top of each other. Like any other new bride, I was clueless about ring placements and traditions.

Vein of love
There is really no hard and fast rule on how to wear engagement and wedding rings, but each country and culture have their own set of guidelines and traditions.

Here are some of them:

  • In Catholic and Protestant countries like Russia, Germany, Greece, Spain, Norway and Poland, brides often wear their engagement and wedding rings on the ring finger of the right hand.
  • Those from England, France, Canada, US, Mexico, Ireland, Sweden and other Commonwealth countries generally wear theirs on the ring finger of the left hand.
  • Muslim weddings don’t normally include the practice of exchanging rings but they have already adopted this Western tradition.
  • Jewish couples wear the wedding ring on the left hand, even though it is placed on the right hand during the marriage ceremony. Jewish grooms place the rings on the index fingers of their brides, since that is the finger with which they point to the Torah as they read.
  • Women in Scandinavia wear three rings, one each for engagement, marriage and motherhood.
  • In China, brides wear their wedding bands on the right hand and the grooms on the left. This is based on the custom of ‘nan zhuo, nu you‘ (male left, female right). They believe that since the the woman is in charge of the household, she should wear her ring on the right hand because it has more force and influence.

  • Although rings are usually exchanged in Japanese wedding ceremonies, many Japanese couples choose not to wear their wedding bands after the ceremony.
  • In some parts of India, Hindu women may wear a toe ring or ‘bichiya’ instead of a ring on their finger.
  • Some women from Asia and the West wear the engagement ring on the left hand but move it on the right hand before the wedding ceremony to make room for the wedding ring; while some prefer to store away the engagement ring and wear the wedding ring solo.

Indian wedding

Photo from Pinterest

  • Some women from Eastern Europe wear their engagement rings on the right ring finger and the wedding band on the left ring finger.
  • Some people believe that the ‘correct’ way to wear the engagement and wedding rings together is the wedding band first and then the engagement ring on top of it.  Some believe that wearing the engagement ring on top of the wedding band also ‘protects’ it and keeps it stable and grounded together with their marriage.

Being right-handed, I prefer to free my right hand from any rings just for convenience and comfort. Whether we decide to follow our culture’s tradition or our own personal preference, the most important thing is we treasure and value the symbol that our rings represent – infinite love and fidelity.

Jules & Joy at the Swank Wedding Show


Last Saturday, we joined our first-ever bridal show and we had so much fun! The all-white façade and columns of the Vancouver Art Gallery on Hornby Street made the event glamorous and intimate.

Vancouver art gallery rotuda

Photo by Paul Behm

Kudos to Kim of Soirée Lounge for such a wonderful and well-organized event, which provided a venue for unique wedding vendors and respected industry professionals to gather and serve our city’s newly-engaged couples.

Swank Wedding Show rotunda

guests watching the fashion show below

As a first-timer, I didn’t know what to expect but I was very excited to personally introduce our small business’ service offerings to new brides. Our booth was located at the rotunda level of the gallery where some guests gathered to watch a fashion show. I kept the design of our cocktail table simple and displayed just a few samples of our custom gifts.

bridal favors and bridesmaid gifts

cocktail table booth

I met a lot of friendly and super pleasant brides and couples from all over who are very open to suggestions and new ideas. Their energy and the excitement they shared gave me more confirmation that serving them is what I love doing. =)

entertaining-guestspotential clientswedding gifts and favors booth

See you on our next wedding show!

Sweets for my Sweet: Our Favorite Sugar-filled Wedding Favors

I believe you can never go wrong with giving away sweets to your wedding guests. I know almost everyone would admit having a sweet tooth! Candies and pastries are not only satisfying, but they are also pretty and quite easy to find. Here are some of our favorite sweets that your guests would surely enjoy munching even after the party!

Sugarfina Champagne Bears
These champagne-flavored and smooth-textured gummies are simply yummy and addicting. And the elegant packaging with its transparent acrylic boxes and tiffany-blue labels makes Sugarfina candies an instant giveaway hit.

Sugarfina wedding favors

right photo from Mel Stringer

Personalized Printed M&Ms
Have fun with your favors by printing your wedding details on M&M candies. Choose the candy colors that match your wedding motif and serve them in tin cans or plastic pouches at your dessert table. Make something as familiar as M&Ms unique with your personalized details. Print whatever you desire – your names, wedding date, photos, favorite quote, initials and monogram.

printed M&M chocolates

ohlovelyday.com

S’mores
Our childhood’s favorite comfort food is sure to bring good (and delicious) memories on your wedding day. Our personal favorite is Peppermint S’more from Butter Baked Goods. The combination of marshmallow, softened cracker and chocolate is just perfect and irresistible.

from Etsy.com

left photo from Etsy.com

 

Chocolate Truffles
Another favorite is Ayoub’s artisan truffle chocolate with almonds and dried cherries. The perfect sweetness and a tinge of bitterness combined with fruit or nut will go well with any champagne or liquor. As they say, anything with chocolate is always a good idea.

Chocolate truffles

Chocolate truffles from Ayoub

French Macarons
Sophisticated, lovely and intricate– these bite-size pieces of flavor filled goodness can double up as gifts and wedding decor. Because macarons come in a variety of colors,  just place them in a simple box or mini jars and you’ve got wedding favors that are a feast for the eyes!

macarons favors

photos from Soirette and Deer Pearl Flowers

 

What about your own favorites? What are the sweets you want offered at your own wedding?

The Art of Gifting

One of my primary love languages has always been giving gifts. For some reason, I get really excited about making a friend or a loved one feel happy, valued and loved through gifts. I most especially enjoy the thought process involved and the act of wrapping up a present with nice paper, ribbons and bows.

Today, let me share with you some ideas on making your gifts extra special and on how to use gift giving as an opportunity to exercise creativity.

Beautify with ribbons, flowers and foliage.

Accessorizing with pretty elements like ribbons and fillers will definitely make any gift stand out. Including a succulent or a small bouquet on the side will not only add a pop of color but also life (literally!) to any gift. Feel free to put in a leafy branch from your garden or tie up some satin bows to make your gift look more exciting.

ribbons and roses

Add a personal touch.

Don’t be scared to avoid the standard gift wrappers; create your own! If you’re into painting or drawing, use a simple kraft paper as your canvas and design your own gift wrapper. If you’re into calligraphy or lettering, write the name of the recipient or the occasion you’re celebrating (Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas, Happy Thanksgiving, etc.) across the plain paper according to your style. Anything goes!

personalized gift wrapper

2nd photo from www.brit.co

Follow a theme.

It’s always easier to think using themes and patterns. Think of a color motif or a particular design you like and prepare a gift using that theme. For example, if you have chosen a specific color theme, come up with a list of some favorite things (or food) that the person you’ll give the gift to enjoys, and choose the ones that come in the same color family and put them together in a box or basket. If you feel that buying just a single gift item seems insufficient, this is the best option for you.

gift baskets Vancouver

 

Express your personality by being creative with your gift giving. Reach a new level of thoughtfulness and be greatly appreciated for it. You’ll also feel satisfied after. 100% guaranteed.

 

 

The Bride and Our Bridegroom

I love weddings.
I remember when I was still single and my friends would invite me to their weddings, I would get really excited and giddy.  I would always get choked up as I look at my friend or family member march down the aisle blushing underneath her all-white, radiant glory. I love weddings, because it’s an opportunity to witness and celebrate a love story.

bride marching

I love weddings, also because of the symbols and metaphors contained within a wedding ceremony- how the ring symbolizes eternity; how the veil symbolizes the role of the husband as head and protector of the family; and how the cord binds the union of the couple.

In the Bible, Jesus performed His first miracle in a wedding (at Cana). Why of all occasions, a wedding? Because a wedding or a marriage is the closest depiction that we will ever have of an invitation from God. Jesus has sacrificially and lovingly chosen us to be His bride. He redeemed us and clothed us with white garments of holiness and righteousness – qualities impossible to attain on our own.

Bible veil couple wedding

I love weddings, because a wedding represents the groom’s higher level of commitment and pursuit. Just the same, through Christ’s ultimate act of love, He laid down His life to save all mankind, and make us right with God once again. We, as the bride, are being pursued relentlessly by the One who loves us the most. And for me, that’s a perfect love story!

Practical Tips for the Bride-to-be on Her Wedding Day


bride on her wedding day

Looking back, my wedding day seemed like a big blur, one magical blur filled with flower petals, camera flashes, nervous giggles, happy tears, and lots of kisses. The whole experience left me with so much gratitude and respect for the people who served me and made every moment of it memorable. It also left me with a handful of lessons and a bit of knowledge on weddings. The day after my wedding, I came up with a mental list of the things I should have done better. Don’t get me wrong, I have no major regrets, but I realize that I now have some experience and information that I wished I had had before my wedding day. Since I couldn’t turn back time, what better way to use them than passing them on to help future brides?

This list is in no way exhaustive. I was able to do most of the items while some are placed in my charge-it-to-experience mental compartment. =)

1. Get a good night’s sleep. Even if you have to knock yourself down with a glass of red wine (or something stronger), please do it. This will benefit you the most because you will have energy and you will look more radiant on your big day.

2. Write your vows before the wedding day. But if you didn’t have the time (like me) and you had to do it on the day of your wedding, it’s okay. Use the events leading to the day to inspire you. Put on your headset and play some music while writing. Go to a secluded corner and browse old photos with your fiancé to bring back memories and motivate the flow of thoughts.

3.  Have your teeth whitened days before the wedding. I had forgotten to do this! I bought whitening strips but because of intense jetlag, I was not able to put them on every night before our wedding day. If you are able, do this step so your smile is brighter in your photos.

4. If you have time, squeeze in a 30-minute workout on the day of your wedding and eat your breakfast. You will need all the energy you can get for the day. Trust me. 

5. Don’t put on conditioner when you wash your hair. This will allow your bridal hairstyle to stay and hold longer throughout the day.

6. Save your pinned stylized shots on your phone and review them during prep time so you are not stuck with the same poses during photo shoot.

7. Create a list of last-minute reminders or things to do the night before your wedding and pass it on to your coordinator or family members. Always ask for help. If you feel that there is something wrong or something may have been forgotten, voice it out to the people around you.

8. Ask your entourage to come to your room during prep time for moral support and candid shots.

9. Bring some toys so your bearers and flower girls will have something to play with. Kids easily get bored and irritated. The toys will help calm them down during prep and photo sessions.

10. Ask a relative or trusted friend to watch over your valuables. Make sure he/she does not have any other duty apart from that. When it gets chaotic, you’ll know where to find your stuff after.

wedding invitation and rings

 

11. Bring some props and personal decors. Print out your dating photos, a favorite love quote or a Bible verse and put it in a frame to enhance your wedding details. Pepper every corner of your prep room and the venue with things that you identify with.

12. Smile at all times. I believe every bride is beautiful on her wedding day. Stand taller and smile always because your wait is over. 

13. Remind yourself that perfection is not the goal. In any live event, there will always be glitches, mistakes and unplanned situations, so choose to be calm and happy in spite of them. There are only a few things you can control, and one of them is the way you handle stress. Release the worry and just savor every second of what will unfold. 

14. Don’t hold back on those beautiful emotions. This is the time to express your love and gratitude to your family, especially to your parents. You are about to leave them for good and be with your groom. Don’t be embarrassed showing those tears and being touchy with the people you love. These moments make good shots, too, and there is always time for a makeup retouch!

parents of the bride

15.  Stuff your bridal bag with mints and tissues. They will surely come in handy!

16. Go turtle speed on your march. Strut it well but strut it slow. Let the radiance of you slowly sink in with every pair of eyes in the room. Look ahead, never down, smile and enjoy your walk.

17. Mingle with your guests and thank each one of them for celebrating with you. Appreciate the time they spent in being witnesses to the happiest day of your life.

As they say, a wedding is just for a single day so don’t beat yourself up if you have forgotten to do some things you initially planned to do. Be grateful just the same because you are able to celebrate love and in a white dress at that! Xx