Spring has finally ‘sprung’ just in time for the first long weekend of the summer!  We’d like to wish everyone a wonderful weekend of fun and frolic.  Here at The Brides’ Project,  we will be open on Saturday, May 18th as per usual but closed on Sunday, May 19th. We will be back to our regular schedule the following Wednesday.

 The first is a Jim Hjelm.  This is a size 8 dress in ivory silk duchess satin, and the bodice is adorned with alencon lace with straps.  It’s not nearly as revealing in the bust as the stock image suggests, and easily made a little more modest!  Original retail $3800.

Our second pick was this incredible silk trumpet gown that was custom made… and what a piece of art it is!  It’s about a size 10, completely unique with one-shoulder styling and cute rosebuds at the back of the knees to produce a lovely silhouette over the butt!

Front:                                                                      Back:

Our third choice is this super fun Pronovias “Gaula” with lots of fluff!  It’s crinkle tulle has a cathedral length train to sweep away the hearts of all your guests!

And… finally, for the bride who likes a bit of ‘risque’, we also just acquired a brand new Cymbeline (Paris) dress that takes the cake.  The middle part that you see in the picture is removable to produce a short, flirty and fun dress for dancing.  Gotta love this piece!

As Emily says,

I got married to my husband Ken on April 20 of this year and it was extra special because it is in one of your dresses!
Last summer, I visited multiple wedding dress boutiques and I was getting so frustrated because I couldn’t find a dress that I loved.  One Saturday, I visited The Brides’ Project on a whim and found the one (and my veil)!  The dress is a Pronovias and only needed minor alterations.
My experience with The Brides’ Project was so wonderful that I have told every bride-to-be that I know that they should visit.
Thank you so much for all you do for every bride-to-be who walks in your door and for our community as a whole.

Well, she looked phenomenal, also with noted thanks to Pom Penner who did “a flawless job” in altering her dress.  Plus, she’s a hoot to work with  Here’s my favourite picture:

Emily and Ken… may those smiles follow you every day ahead, rain or shine  And thank you for sharing them with us!

As Amanda says,

“Thanks to The Brides Project for giving me the perfect dress. I had this dress picked out a couple of years ago and put a picture of it into a “future wedding folder”. Just as I was about to leave the store, I found it! Perfect size and all. It was meant to be… I added a chiffon bolero to the strapless lace gown to have a modest vintage look. The headpiece I am wearing in my photos was also purchased at The Brides Project.”

Congratulations Amanda and Rob!  And thank you so much for remembering us  We’re so delighted to have been a part of making your day special.

(Photos courtesy of Steve & Cindy Clay)

The first two that they chose are beautifully simple, closely fit dresses with simple focal points.  We chose the one below because mermaid styles are very in vogue, and the lines of this dress seem to make everyone who tries it on look really tall and lean!

The second one has a slightly different focal point with a vertical bow… also very stylish right now.  This silk piece would also be extremely comfortable and light for outdoor ceremonies in the heat.

Speaking of heat, and yes, soon I’m sure we’ll all be commenting about it… they picked a lovely chiffon dress that would also be suitable for an outdoor wedding whether here or in the Caribbean!  It’s simple, elegant and practical.

And finally… we all agreed that we needed something a little more fun and frivolous to add to our list of spring favourites!  This silk gown is also very light, but has a lovely fluffy skirt accented with silk flowers with shoes to match… and what a wonderful piece to wear for a garden wedding!

Remember… these are only a few of the hundreds of dresses that we have available, including many pieces that are one of a kind.  We receive at least one dress every day so the collection is constantly changing.

Michelle’s also a newlywed… with a wonderful new addition coming to her family in October!!  Congratulations twice over Michelle!

When she dropped by, she brought her stunning gown to offer to another bride, which Helen looks extremely excited about!

Michelle’s dress is a stunning size 10 Maggie Sottero in ivory lace… absolutely DELICIOUS!  While she was here, we had a chance to chat about Camp Quality and their amazing services.  Michelle had this message to pass along to our Brides’ Project staff and friends,

On July 28th – August 3rd, Camp Quality is partnering with Outward Bound Canada to run a week-long canoe trip in Algonquin Park for young adult cancer fighters, survivors and their siblings. We hope this will be the first of many trips aimed at getting young adults together to meet, bond and overcome some amazing challenges together.

It’s being able to provide kids and youth affected by childhood cancer with opportunities like this that make us so appreciative of the amazing donors who are there to help make them happen! Thank you to the Bride’s Project!

To help them with current program and this new partnership with Outward Bound, we donated $10,000 to help their efforts  Thanks to all our clientele who have made this possible!  And Thanks to Michelle for donating her gorgeous dress!  It won’t last long… that’s for sure!

I just love this picture of Jessica and Neil… she  is beaming, and I don’t think her hubby could look more proud  A special thanks to Byron Wong of Digistudio for the great shot!

We’ve received some absolutely gorgeous dresses lately… in fact, we average at least one a day.  Some are shipped from all corners of the country, and others are dropped off at the shop by the lovely brides themselves.  Here’s just one example of our new arrivals.  If you’d like to try on this timeless lace  gown, we have a couple of appointments available this weekend.  Click here to book a spot!

And once you have that perfect dress… pop on down to the One of a Kind show for more shopping fun.  There you will find not only oodles of amazing handicrafts, but also two of our colleagues who will create the perfect headpiece to accessorize your gown.  Or, you might just decide… What’s Easter without a new hat?!!!

You will find Karyn Gingras of Lilliput Hats at Booth I-7:

And… Alisha Stephens of Love Charlie at Booth M-22.  I noticed that she also has some bridal headpieces with her at the show.

Recently I officiated for a completely lovable family… Melissa, Adam and their ringbearer Barley.  Barley is already dashing with his black ‘n’ white tuxedo colours, and pulled off the role with panache in his outfit!  Congrats to all of you, and thanks to Jimmy for the photo!

Several years ago I similarly officiated for Hoann and Jun.  Hoann started Cosmopawlitan just as she was planning her wedding, and I was awestruck by her energy and her love of four-legged creatures!  By the way, if you have a pet that needs grooming, you’re looking for a rescue or need anything pet-related… she’s amazing

Recently she mentioned that they carry some fun outfits for ‘ringbearers’… and these are SO cute!  Here’s an example of his ‘n’ hers, among the many options available:

That pic was in Wedding Essentials magazine, Nov/Dec 2012 edition in their article about couples incorporating pets into weddings.  Here’s a link to the event facebook album (the bride & groom were one of a dozen outfits on the catwalk): https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150185952718522.327589.32336208521&type=3  If you feel that your pooch should be more ‘stylin’, you know who to visit!

Thank you so much Melanie – your note brought a smile, some very happy tears, and renewed inspiration

[Shopping at The Brides' Project] was one of the most special parts of the wedding experience for me.  You may not even know how much this dress meant to both of us.  I picked out my dress just before Christmas. Only a week later, on Boxing Day, Brad’s mother told the family all gathered together that she had just found out she had uterine cancer and was going to have a complete hysterectomy in a few short weeks. Her biggest fear was not being ready in time for our wedding day, which we were celebrating at her house! Our biggest fear was not having her to celebrate with at all.  On the day we picked up our marriage license, we got the news that we had lost Jack Layton just moments before we picked it up. He had been such a friend and ally to us and our community in his time on this earth, and he touched us deeply.  We were both struck with such overwhelming sadness – and yet strangely, such joy knowing that we had helped to support your projects only months before, comforted the knowledge that he would have been so glad that we were doing what we could even long before he lost his battle. It gave us great hope. On the day of our wedding, we remembered Brad’s beautiful grandmother, who he loved dearly and takes after in his talent for art, and his wonderful grandfather, with whom he was so close, who both lost a battle with cancer and could not be there to share in our joy, and we also celebrated his nana’s victory over breast cancer only a few short years ago, grateful to have had her with us.

This dress and all your kindness meant the world to both of us. Brad has three sisters and the reality of the hereditary nature of breast cancer is with us always. Thank you for everything you do, and for allowing us to be a part of it. I can’t wait to share this dress with someone else.

Melanie and Brad used Alisha & Rob McAsh of Mirus in London ON as their photographers, and the pics are amazing!  I have to share the next one because I just love it

Melanie and Brad, thank you so much!  Mel is bringing her dress back to ‘mama’, so that it can be loved again… and again.  Make an appointment to come on in and have a chance to take home a dress filled with beautiful thoughts and karma!!!

RSVP: http://www.williamashley.com/weddingexpo/

A couple of weeks ago, Susan Hay, anchor of Global’s “Making a Difference” paid us a visit at The Brides’ Project.

This program airs on Monday and Wednesday evenings on the News Hour (5:30-6:30pm). The feature showcases the inspirational stories about the places we live and local residents who are making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Just in case you missed the broadcast, you can see the video clip here!

We were thrilled when Angela popped in a couple of weeks ago and was so excited to hand over her dress and offer it another home.  The clincher… she ROCKED the dress, and had such an amazing day that the glow was still there.  We share her wish that another bride feels just as incredible in this frock on her special day  The headpiece is here as well if you’d like the entire outfit!

Thank you so much Angela!  Our staff loved your visit, your exuberance, and the beautiful sentiments you have passed on for the next bride who finds your dress.  We’d also like to also thank her photographer Kevin Fung who took these incredible pics.

It’s a huge window display with several different areas done in various themes.  One of my favourites is the “Mrs & Mrs” section, with two dresses that are a perfect match for each other – just as the brides would be who wear them!

]]> http://www.thebridesproject.com/archives/985715/feed 0 http://www.thebridesproject.com/archives/985710 http://www.thebridesproject.com/archives/985710#comments Mon, 18 Feb 2013 04:58:55 +0000 Helen http://www.thebridesproject.com/?p=985710

Wouldn’t it be FABULOUS to win your wedding and save that money to buy a house or have an incredible honeymoon?!  We’ve teamed up with Mariposa Cruises to give one lucky couple a dream wedding on the water with all the bells and whistles – including a dress of the bride’s choice from us!

This incredible prize package also includes your invitations, flowers, decor, photography, dinner, cake, truffles, live music and a DJ for a group of up to 50 people on one of their gorgeous yachts.

Enter here, and good luck to everyone!

I can’t believe it’s already the middle of February, and for those getting tired of snow, shoveling, or just the grey days of winter… Family Day means it will soon come to an end!  To celebrate,  we will be open on Saturday, February 16th as per usual but closed on Sunday, February 17th. We will be back to our regular schedule the following Wednesday.

Recently we gave Belinda Dhubb several older silks… many of which retailed for 4000 Euros or more.  They needed some sprucing up, and she focused on the shorter gown market.

Here are some examples!

Dress 1 before: This was a very dated Italian silk… great fabric and a neat design with the handkerchief skirt.  After: So fun and flirty – and light!!!  The silk organza skirt moves beautifully and some cute flowers were added to the top

Dress 2 before: This poor dress had suffered too much damage from people pulling at the delicate fabric.  There was still much that could be used, so we didn’t want to throw it away!  Belinda worked her magic on this one!  After:  I especially love the shoulder detail that she added.  The silk organza makes it super soft and supple, and the beading under the empire waist adds a beautiful focal point.

Dress 3 before: This dress was pretty before, but rather plain.  After being on the racks for a while, we retired it until we could have a pro give it a second chance. After: I absolutely love the changes that were made.  The addition of the asymmetrical floral embroidery is gorgeous, and the lace detailing at the top of the bodice and hem adds softness to the design.  The colours now blend perfectly, and this short little number is just sweet!

Dress 4 before: WOW.  This is a 4500 Euro dress made of fine Italian silk.  But… very dated, almost Victorian in appearance!  The transformation is incredible… see below!  After:  Again, a little more of the floral embroidery was added for interest, and this lovely ’60s inspired piece will find a home fast!

Belinda also included a few trendy pieces for more mature brides who aren’t looking for a full-length gown.  Again, high end silks and laces were used to create some beautiful dresses, and these are the end product of her inspired creativity.

In total, we have at least 25 shorter dresses here, and many of the longer gowns can easily be converted!!!  If you have any questions related to redesigning a dress, perhaps even your Mum’s gown, give Belinda a call.  She can be reached at 905-790-8416 or drop her a line at belindadhubb@hotmail.com

In partnership with David Morris Photography, we are offering a special on ‘Trash-the-Dress” shoots that include the dress!  David is committed to having fun and (safely) providing you with a very memorable experience.  Laughter is required!!!

Here are some of his shots:

#1: A Leap of Faith

#2: Hot Dawg…

#3: Paint by Numbers… by the way, splash painting is apparently becoming a trend for adult parties… my hairdresser told me about a place you can go and splash paint your own masterpiece and do a group canvas as well.  Why heck!  Why not get together and make some wearable art!!!

You can contact David at info@davidphoto.ca or give him a call at 416-737-5407.  And don’t forget to check out his site because his wedding photography is amazing, and frankly… his packages and prices are unbeatable.  He also volunteers with a charity called “Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep“, providing photographic memories for parents who lose a baby.

BE A PART OF THE FUN!!!  WINTER TOBOGGAN SHOOT!

Whether you are a bride or not, you’re also welcome to take part in the fun.  We’re all doing the snow dance, and hoping to do a shoot in Riverdale Park with brides on toboggans!!!  Given that Mother Nature is rather fickle, we may not have a lot of notice, but we invite you to take part.  It will likely be a weekday night, from 6pm onwards, assembling at our store.  We provide crins/veils/toboggans, for the shoot, and all you have to do is come with a smile and desire to ride the best hill in Toronto!!!  Send us your name, phone number and email address to info@thebridesproject.com and specify TOBOGGAN in the subject line.

We’d like to extend a huge Thank You to Pauline Scott of the Coach House Bridal Salon in Waterdown. She took the time and trouble to drive all the way in to Toronto to bring us about 50 dresses to add to our collection. We don’t have pics, because the minute we post a new dress, it’s gone… and indeed, several have found new homes already. We’re also grateful to several brides who dropped off their dresses this weekend, and one of those was snapped up within an hour!!!

Donations, whether big or small make a huge difference here!  Thank you!