Bridal Show Returns to Cambridge

The Cambridge Bridal Showcase, which is hosted by Welcome Wagon, is promoting its annual fall wedding show on Monday, October 3, 2011 at the Armenian Community Centre located at 15 International Village Drive. Doors open at 6:00PM, fashion show begins at 7:30PM and the event concludes at 9:00PM.

“We have La Crème Bridal Boutique and Tuxedo Royale presenting our fashion show,” said event coordinator Susan Casey. “We look forward to showcasing the hottest and latest wedding fashion trends to our bridal audience!”

The Grand Door Prize is "A Night On The Town in Pristine Luxury", courtesy of Brentwood Livery. This $500 upgradeable 5-hour package with professional, courteous, stress-free limousine service for up to 8 passengers also includes champagne.

“It’s been so incredible having notable local businesses work with us to create a terrific intimate show,” said Susan.

The show will feature many exhibitor displays, with everything from photography, bridal salon, insurance, jewellery, and planners to favours, investments, DJs, venues, accommodations, tuxedos and cake decorator. Engaged couples, along with their friends and families, will have a lot to see, touch and experience at Cambridge Bridal Showcase.

Show attendees will also enjoy complimentary delicious cake-tasting courtesy of Tiny Cakes.

“We will have a Hollywood entrance, with an official paparazzi, and the photos will printed and available at the event as well as online later on Facebook, courtesy of Focused Photography,” said Susan.

Susan also noted, “Spin Doctor Productions are such amazing exhibitors, we just had to bring them back again as the official DJ for our 2011 show.”

Brides can also listen to CHYM 96.7, 570 News or KIX 106 for our event announcements from September 19 to October 3, 2011.

Admission is free for bride-to-be and one guest plus the first 100 brides-to-be at our doors will receive a complimentary bridal gift bag. Brides can pre-register and get more information through our show’s website at www.bridalshowcase.ca or by calling 1-877-675-8463. Walk-ins are always welcome too!

Create Your Own Royal Wedding With Welcome Wagon

Welcome Wagon would like to invite you to attend our next Bridal Showcase, on October 3, 2011, at the Armenian Community Centre, 15 International Village Drive in Cambridge, ON. Doors open at 6:00 pm and the fashion show begins at 7:30 pm.

We offer informative displays, a fashion show, wedding planning guides, free gift bags for first 100 brides through our doors and the opportunity to win some amazing door prizes.

Admission is free for bride-to-be and one guest but registration is highly suggested. Walk-ins are welcome. To register, contact 1-877-675-8463 or online, www.welcomewagon.ca.

Join in on the Royal Wedding of the Decade!

With just four days to go until the royal nuptials, we're kicking our weeklong blog party into high gear with an all-new exclusive royal wedding Facebook Live Stream! While we may not all be able to travel to London to take part in the big day, we can definitely share in the excitement stateside!


We'll be commenting in real-time alongside our readers with the latest news, updates, and our thoughts throughout the week, and of course, during the wedding of the century this Friday.

But since there's no fun in celebrating alone, we want you to participate! So, share your thoughts, ideas, questions and more directly on the Weddzilla blog or download the live stream embed code and add it to your blog or website for your community to enjoy!


Step 1. Copy/paste this onto your site

Step 2. Share the link to your site on Facebook or Twitter and let's create the biggest viewing party online!

So, You're Engaged...Congrats!

It’s that time of the year!  Engagement season is here and now is the time to interview your prospective wedding vendors.  Meeting with the facilities manager, your officiant and your wedding planner is very important. But meeting a florist with your wedding plans can be a pretty daunting endeavour.

Fear not, here are 14 pointers to relieve you from floral stress:

1. Research – While many vendors have a referral list, it is important to do you own research and ask your own questions.

2. Interview – Interview at least 3 florist, even more than once if necessary.

3. Investment - Cheaper doesn’t always mean better! “You Get What You Pay For”.  Your wedding is a serious investment!  Note:  Be honest about your floral budget and your expectations. Does your budget coincide with your overall vision?

4. Flexibility – If you have a specific budget that you would like your florist to meet, be flexible to their recommendations.

5. Portfolio – Look at your florist's previous work.  Does it all look the same?  Does it inspire you? Does it look contrived, like the same old “flowers stuck in a vase” without creativity or ingenuity.

6. Creativity – Is your florist creative and innovative?  Can he/she create complex designs or create a custom design for your wedding or is he/she a “copy cat” designer?

7. Style – What type of florist are you seeking? Do you want traditional, contemporary, rustic, etc.  Interview florists who are willing to mesh with your style or give advice.

8. Knowledge – Seek a florist who is knowledgeable and is competent in floristry.  Is your florist aware of flowers, colors, seasons and how to properly nourish and condition flowers.

9. Aesthetics - Is your florist a visionary? Is she/he competent in the appeal and overall look of a design?

10. Quality – Does your florist design with Grade-A flowers?  Is your florist's work of excellent or low quality?

11. Trendy – Is your florist abreast of the latest wedding market styles and trends?

12. Personality – Are they friendly and easy to work with?

13. Hire a florist – Are you hiring a professional or amateur?  Ask for recommendations, qualifications, awards, recognitions, etc.

14. Responsiveness – Is your florist responsive? Does it take them weeks or sometimes months to respond to your queries?

Welcome Wagon Goes Bridalicious in Cambridge

Obtain the bridal resources needed to get your wedding plans started. Welcome Wagon invites engaged couples to our annual Bridal Showcase on October 4, 2010, 6PM – 9PM, at the Armenian Community Centre, 15 International Village Drive in Cambridge, ON.

This one-day bridal event puts fiancées in touch with local wedding professionals in one central location. With many beautiful exhibitor displays, brides can access many bridal services to make their dream weddings a reality. Large, overwhelming wedding events can create unwanted stress, but a leisurely walk through our intimate, charming bridal showcase can place engaged couples at ease and put ideas and concepts into perspective.

Our show offers a day of 'bridalious' fun. The first 100 brides-to-be greeted at our registration table will receive a free biodegradable gift bag filled with wedding goodies. Exciting door prizes are given out throughout our event. One bride-to-be will have the opportunity to win a 5-hour ‘Night On The Town’ limousine service, courtesy of Brentwood Livery. Meet our MC, an on-air radio personality from Rogers Kitchener Radio Group. A fashion show showcasing the latest in Bridal Gowns, Dresses, Formalwear, Accessories and Music will be a feast for the eyes and ears, courtesy of Simply Irresistible, Tuxedo Royale, and Spin Doctor Productions. And brides-to-be also have a chance to win an exciting honeymoon to a sun destination, courtesy of Today's Bride Magazine.

Admission is free for bride and one guest but registration is highly suggested and walk-ins are welcome. Call 1-877-675-8463 or online at www.welcomewagon.ca for more information and to register. Available to all brides-to-be, while quantities last: FREE Parking, a FREE Today`s Bride Magazine, a FREE Bridal Planner, a FREE Bridal Guide, and plenty of FREE information from local Bridal Professionals.

Welcome Wagon...Making Wedding Dreams a Reality!

Wonderful Time of the Year: Bridal Show Season

Yes, it`s that time in the year where the birds are singing, the weather is beautiful and bridal shows are pending. There are lots of wedding events to choose from. Many require an admission, others are free. These showcases range from small, boutique events to huge spectacular soirees. Which one to attend is more according to one`s tastes, availability and budget.

In the coming weeks, I will be writing about upcoming bridal events particularly within Waterloo Region in Ontario, Canada.

Congratulations to the engaged: you are now embarking on the journey of a lifetime and just getting started. Enjoy this wonderful adventure.

It's Bride Time!

Are you planning your wedding and don’t know where to start? Attending a bridal show is the first and best place for the pro-active bride-to-be to get started. Welcome Wagon will host their exciting bi-annual Bridal Showcase on Sunday, March 14, 2010 from 1PM-4PM in the rotunda of Kitchener City Hall, 200 King Street West in downtown Kitchener, ON. “Bridal shows can be a real financial windfall and timesaver for engaged couples,” said Susan Casey, of Kitchener’s Welcome Wagon Bridal Showcase. This intimate bridal event offers brides-to-be, their fiancés and guests the opportunity to meet with local wedding vendors such as photographers, videographers, DJs, caterers, travel agents, bakers, florists, and much more – at one time and at one location. “I will have some of the best wedding professionals from the Waterloo region and surrounding areas exhibiting,” Susan said.Not only do you get to meet with the traditional wedding exhibitors at this wedding event, “You may also find the smaller, independent artisans who can provide those inspired and unique touches for your wedding, for example, in jewelry, chocolates, and invitations,” Susan stressed.Our bridal showcases are full of great, exciting ideas! Guests can sample wedding cakes and edible favors. Free gift bags, bridal magazines and wedding planners will be given to brides-to-be (while quantities last). As well, brides-to-be will have the opportunity to win the grand door prize of a Special Occasion Package which includes a one-night stay in the luxurious Country Retreat suite, generously provided by Best Western St. Jacob Country Inn.
“We will have a bridal fashion show, and the DJ will showcase their musical talent.” She added, “And there are many chances to win fabulous door prizes, including an opportunity to win a coveted honeymoon vacation, courtesy of Today’s Bride magazine.” Admission is free. Pre-registration is highly suggested. For more information about the Welcome Wagon Bridal Showcase, contact Welcome Wagon online at www.welcomewagon.ca or by telephone at 1-877-675-8463.Exhibitor opportunities for Kitchener’s Welcome Wagon Bridal Showcase are still available. Space is limited. Don't hesitate to contact Susan Casey at 1-519-658-0687or suezavon@sympatico.ca.

About Welcome Wagon Ltd.:
Welcome Wagon is a community-based service which welcomes community newcomers and contacts new parents, brides-to-be, pre-retirees and new businesspeople with information on local businesses and services. The Welcome Wagon organization has over 1200 Representatives across Canada. Since 1930, it has served over 500 communities. For more information about Welcome Wagon Ltd, please visit their Web site: www.welcomewagon.ca.

Finishing 2009 On A High Note!

I just completed the last bridal show in Cambridge, ON for 2009. Wow! There was a lot of blood, sweat and tears put into it and now Welcome Wagon, my exhibitors and myself can reap the benefits.



For those of you who follow my blogs, I host several Welcome Wagon shows over the course of the year: the Kitchener Spring Bridal Showcase in March, the Cambridge Baby Shower in April, the Kitchener Fall Bridal Showcase in September and the Cambridge Bridal Showcase in October.



I am very thankful for the teams of volunteers who man my registration desk, help in facility preparations, assist me in completing tasks, pass out the free gift bags, model the beautiful bridal gowns and so much more. Without these true-hearted, friendly people who are on the front-lines with me, many times being the first face the public sees at our shows, I would be lost, dazed and confused. My gratitude knows no bounds.



To the exhibitors: without your participation, it would be impossible to do a bridal show! You willingness to work with me and Welcome Wagon Ltd., your promptness, the gentle persuasions and preparations you make, adds to the elegance atmosphere and superb promotions of our Welcome Wagon events in Cambridge and Kitchener. Thank you for letting me work with you and for you.



None of this is possible without leadership. My area manager has open communication skills, willing to step in when an extra hand is required and can muster up enduring contagious energy in a moment's notice. She tells it like it is but will back you up when occasion calls for it. She makes me want to be better, stronger and faster. Thank you for being my guide.



If you do it, they will come: I was given sage advice several years ago about finding my bridal audience. Promote it, make it fun, provide an elegant, intimate atmosphere and they will flock. Last night, you flocked and said Welcome Wagon rocked! You enjoyed our exhibitors's displays, loved the fashion show, laughed through the entertainment and thrilled at our doors prizes. Your responses to our wedding shows touched my heart and made it easier to face the exhibitors at the end of the night--your happiness made them very happy, indeed.



I look forward to preparing for 2010--wanting to make the shows bigger, better and more fun. Please go online at http://www.welcomewagon.ca/ for the latest events information. It is a great source whether you want to go a show or if you want to exhibit in one.

The Wedding Nightmare Ends: Jakobstettel Inn is Sold

By Rose Simone, Record staff

ST. JACOBS The Jakobstettel Inn has been sold to a numbered company headed by Jim McConnell, president of Kitchener trucking company BLM Transportation Group. The inn was sold for $1.45 million in a cash deal on July 16, according to land registry documents.

McConnell said Friday he is not yet prepared to make a formal statement about why he was interested in the inn on Isabella Street in St. Jacobs, and what he intends to do with it. However, a note posted on the Jakobstettel website that says: “The Inn will be opening under new management in August with ten beautiful, distinctly furnished rooms for $199 to $399 per night.”

The two-hectare property includes a gated three-storey Victorian home with 10 guest suites, a heated inground pool with poolside cabana bar and grill, tennis courts and gardens, as well as meeting room facilities.

BLM was founded in 1984 with one truck and has grown into a company with 170 tractors and 500 trailers. It transports electronics, office furniture, general merchandise and foodstuffs throughout Canada, the United States and Mexico.

The Jakobstettel Inn was one of the businesses run by Daniel P. Reeve, whose troubled business ventures are now the subject of a criminal investigation by the Waterloo Regional Police fraud branch.

The fraud branch has received about 110 complaints and is looking into alleged investment losses of about $19 million, according to Sgt. Rob Zensner of the police fraud division. The investments are related to various businesses that were run by Reeve, including DPR Financial Inc., which was based in Cambridge, the Millionaire Group and Millionaire in You Wealth Institute in Waterloo, as well as the Jakobstettel Inn.

When the inn closed this spring, couples who had booked weddings there lost their deposits and were left scrambling to find other locations for their weddings.

Reeve left the inn heavily in debt. Tuerr Holdings Inc., which had first and second mortgages on the property was owed $680,765 on the second mortgage and Brunen Holdings Inc was owed $350,000 on a third mortgage, according to court judgments.

When the inn was advertised in a power of sale process last month, Grant Hagerty of DTZ Barnicke in Waterloo-Wellington, the real estate company that was appointed as broker of record, said the purpose of the “sealed bid” auction process was to get the best possible offer in the shortest time frame.


IMO: What is taking the Waterloo Regional Police so long to make an arrest?

Wanted: New Owners for Jakobstettel Inn

by Rose Simone
RECORD STAFF

The Jakobstettel Inn has been put up for sale with the hopes of finding a new owner by the end of next month.The inn, on Isabella Street in St. Jacobs, was one of the businesses run by Daniel P. Reeve, whose troubled business ventures are now the subject of a review by the Waterloo Regional Police fraud branch.

Waterloo Regional Police Sgt. Rob Zensner said the police have now received about 100 complaints about alleged investment losses that total more than $16 million. That includes investments related to the Jakobstettel Inn, as well as other investments sold through companies headed by Reeve.

The inn closed earlier this spring. Many couples who had booked weddings there lost their deposits and had to scramble to find other locations for their weddings. The property is now going through a power-of-sale process as the mortgage holders try to recover their money.

Tuerr Holdings Inc., which had first and second mortgages on the property, is owed $680,765 on the second mortgage; Brunen Holdings Inc. is owed $350,000 on a third mortgage, according to court judgments.

The inn is being sold in a rapid "sealed bid" auction process that aims to get the property into the hands of a new owner as soon as possible, according to Grant Hagerty of DTZ Barnicke in Waterloo-Wellington, the real estate company appointed as broker of record.

Hagerty said details of the inn's sealed-bid auction have been distributed to about 200 operators of inns and bed and breakfast properties, as well as other businesses that might be interested.
The sealed-bid auction closes on June 30 at 4 p.m.

Hagerty said the intent is to get a "fast and furious" serious bid process going. He said the seller, Tuerr Holdings, wants to get the property into the hands of a suitable buyer and "see it go to a positive use."

The two-hectare property includes a gated three-storey Victorian home with 10 guest suites, a heated in-ground pool with poolside cabana bar and grill, tennis courts and gardens, as well as meeting room facilities.

Hagerty said there are many possibilities for the property. A prospective buyer might be interested in running it as an inn or as a bed and breakfast, he said. Companies also might be interested in it as a guest house and meeting facility, and someone might even eye it as a private residence, he said.

"We are looking at as diverse a range as possible," he said.

There is no starting price for the bids, but the advantage of having a sealed-bid process with a short time frame is that it encourages serious buyers to put their best offers forward. "If they don't, someone else will," Hagerty said. "What we are trying to do is create a competitive bid situation."

Tuerr Holdings hopes to select the best offer on July 3, and finalize the sale by the end of July.

Canadian Wedding Trends Spring 2009

Weddingbells’ Annual Reader Survey reveals the most recent wedding-day facts and trends from Canadian brides prepping to walk down the aisle.

The current economic situation hasn't put a damper on your wedding plans. According to our annual Weddingbells' Reader Survey, the average expected cost of the big day is increasing in 2009.

Over 1,300 of you responded, from Vancouver to St. John's, revealing your thoughts on everything from honeymoons to where he popped the question. Here is a snapshot of some of the results.

(The Weddingbells’ Reader Survey was conducted online from January 24 to February 16, 2009 by Nooro Online Inc. A national sample of 1,344 engaged readers participated in the survey. Confidence interval: +/-2.7%, 19 times out of 20.)

Popping the question:
48% of grooms asked permission from the father of the bride
59% of grooms got down on one knee
89% of brides received a ring; 28% of couples picked it out together
21% of engagements took place in December (top month)
Average length of engagement is 18 months

Here comes the bride:
Average age of engaged woman is 29.5
75% of couples already live together before getting married
89% of grooms won’t see the wedding dress until the big day
91% of brides have no qualms about sex before marriage
52% of weddings will occur between July and September
7% of couples are planning on doing a destination wedding
67% of brides will try and use eco-friendly products and services on their wedding day

Average wedding size is 140
Expected cost of a wedding is $19,274 (up from $17,300 in 2007 and $19,038 in 2008)
Budget breakdown based on anticipated costs:
Reception venue = $7,282
Bridal gown = $1,083
Wedding bands = $1,557
Photographer = $1,682
Wedding cake = $335
Florist/Decor = $881
Transportation/Limo = $569
DJ/Musicians = $805
Honeymoon = $3,632

Something old, something new, something...:
46% of couples foot the bill with their savings, 16% take out loans, 32% rely on family contributions
32% find wedding planning to be more stressful than enjoyable
36% anticipate having disagreements with their in-laws
69% of brides plan to take their fiancé's last name
41% think there is nothing wrong with returning a wedding gift for cash
22% say a prenup is the way to go
75% think their future spouse does his fair share of domestic duties
19% have more disagreements with their fiancé since becoming engaged; yet 55% say passion is up
22% admit they are not completely over their ex

Here Comes the Bride…

Welcome Wagon prepares for another wedding show in Kitchener

Despite the downturn in the Canadian economy, beautiful weddings are in the making as brides-to-be will once again meet for Kitchener’s Welcome Wagon Fall Bridal Showcase. This intimate wedding show will be held at Kitchener City Hall, 200 King Street West in Kitchener on September 13, 2009 from 1PM – 4PM.

Free gift bags, bridal magazines and wedding planners will be given to brides (while quantities last). As well, brides will have the opportunity to win the grand door prize of a luxurious 5-hour Girls’ Night-Out limousine service, generously provided by Brentwood Livery.

More than 20 exhibitors will be represented at this intimate wedding show.
"Couples still want to get married and tend to find creative, fun ways to fashion their big day even in this slower economy," says Susan Casey, Welcome Wagon’s Kitchener Bridal Event Coordinator.

Among the show highlights included is a fashion show by Sophie’s Gown Shoppe, Tuxedo Royale, Frey’s Flowers and Complete Music. Brides can look forward to winning exciting door prizes, and there is a chance to win an exciting dream honeymoon to the Bahamas, courtesy of Today's Bride Magazine. “If you’re planning to be married or know someone that is, come meet our exhibitors at Kitchener’s Welcome Wagon Bridal Showcase. It will be time well invested,” Ms Casey said. For your free invitation, please visit www.bridalshowcase.ca or call 1-877-675-8463 to register.

Exhibitor opportunities for Welcome Wagon’s Bridal Showcase are still available. Space is limited. Don't hesitate to contact Susan Casey at 1-519-658-0687 or suezavon@sympatico.ca.

About Welcome Wagon Ltd.
Welcome Wagon is a community-based service which welcomes new arrivals and contacts new parents, brides-to-be and new businesspeople with information on local businesses and services. The Welcome Wagon organization has over 1200 Representatives across Canada. Since 1930, it has served over 500 communities. For more information about Welcome Wagon Ltd, please visit their Web site: www.welcomewagon.ca.

Contact:
Susan Casey, Kitchener Event Coordinator, Welcome Wagon, +1-519-658-0687 or suezavon@sympatico.ca.

Save the Date: Upcoming Brides' Ball

Save the date... The Kitchener Brides' Ball has been set for Friday, June 19th, 2009 - and this year, it's going glam!

The Brides' Ball will take over Elements on King Street for an evening, filling up the venue with men and women in bridal gowns, bridesmaids dresses, tuxes and sexy suits. Think 'celebrity after-party' meets The Brides' Ball.

The event will run from 7:30 pm to 2 am and include cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, dancing, the 'tiara shop' and more. An online auction of products and services donated by local retailers and wedding professionals is scheduled to go live in May. Being held downtown and on a Friday night will allow even more people to attend this year - with the guest list set at 200.
The Kitchener Brides' Ball gives women of all ages and marital status a fabulous reason to ‘don a tiara’ and feel like a princess for the night. With tag lines like ‘Wear your gown again’ and ‘Tiara’s mandatory’ the dress code of the event is ‘Bridal or Formal’ meaning bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, ball gowns, cocktail dresses, suits and tuxedos are all welcome attire at The Brides’ Ball. "Every woman wants to wear her wedding gown again. And every man wants to play Prince Charming once in a while," says Anne Warren, Sales Director for TheWeddingRing.ca and Producer of The Ball. Warren, who is planning to wear a bridal gown, says, "After all, we spend a small fortune on a dress that we only get to wear once and we're very emotionally attached to it…" TheWeddingRing.ca had been looking for an excuse to let brides wear their gowns again when they developed The Brides’ Ball. "It was the perfect opportunity for a community of women - and their soul mates - to get all dressed up and experience a night they’ll always remember, in support of a great cause."

Tiara Shop Cocktails Hors D'oeuvres Dancing Donations Silent Auctions
Raffles & Prizes Grand Prize Online Auction Entertainment
Tuxedo-Lounge & Brandy Bar On-site Photo Booth Video to Air on RingTV
Plenty of Free Parking


QUICKER, BETTER & EARLIER BREAST CANCER SCREENING, CLOSE TO HOME
The Brides' Ball will prove there's strength in numbers. Awareness and funds will be raised for the Waterloo-Wellington Breast Centre (WWBC) at the Grand River Hospital. The WWBC is home to a regional breast assessment service and the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP), where patients are referred to by physicians and radiologists when abnormalities are detected. The OBSP service enables patients access to the new digital mammography technology, that has been proven better at detecting breast cancer in younger women, pre-menopausal women and women with dense breast tissue. By supporting the screening program and the clinic, we're able to help increase screening for all women in the Waterloo-Wellington region and provide quicker assessment for all women.

WHO
Everyone is invited - Company owners and their staff, brides & grooms, married couples, single ladies (pull that bridesmaid gown out of your closet!) and friends are welcome to don a tiara at The Brides' Ball.

DRESS CODE
Bridal or Formal. Last year's events saw tuxedos, suits, bridal gowns, bridesmaids' gowns and cocktail dresses.

TICKETS
Tickets are $30 each.
The Ball runs from 7:30 pm to 2 am.

BUY TICKETS ONLINE Click Here
BUY TICKETS BY PHONE 519-568-8007.
BUY TICKET IN PERSON A list of additional Ticket Ambassadors
will be available in May 2009.

HELP
A volunteer committee will be hitting the streets and The Ball to help raise awareness, funds, sponsors and ticket sales for The Brides' Ball and its cause. If you'd like to join The Brides' Ball team, contact bridesball@theweddingring.ca This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 519-568-8007. You can reach Event Coordinator, Anne Warren, directly at anne@theweddingring.ca This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 519-851-9889 as well.

The team at TheWeddingRing.ca and The Brides' Ball are encouraging every local business, retailer, wedding vendor and member of the community to take part in the event. There are endless opportunities to give back, either by attending or by sponsoring The Brides’ Ball or by running promotions in-store with proceeds towards The Brides' Ball event efforts.

If you have products or services to donate to the event, the online auction, the silent auction or more, please contact us!

The Bride's Ball is produced by TheWeddingRing.ca
Wedding Ring Inc. (also known as TheWeddingRing.ca or ‘The Ring’) is an Ontario-based media company that has been in business for nearly six years. The Ring interviews and reviews wedding vendors and trends from London to Toronto, offering their information free of charge to brides – online at TheWeddingRing.ca and in print in Bridal News Magazine. The Ring has a large membership of brides, with several million page views a year to their website. Their corporate office can be reached at 519-568-8007 or 1-877-203-3338 of by visiting www.theweddingring.ca

The Brides' Ball is co-produced by Pure Potential Weddings.

Wedding Nightmare, The Continuing Saga

Locked out Millionaire in You owner also runs closed Jakobstettel Inn

The Waterloo headquarters for the Millionaire in You Wealth Institute, owned and run by Daniel P. Reeve, has been taken back by the landlord for nonpayment of rent.

Mat Wolf, a principal in Solowave Investments, the landlord for the property at 423 King St. N., said his company changed the locks and took back the premises on April 16, 2009.

Wolf said Solowave tried for weeks to meet with Reeve in an effort to make arrangements to get back rent owed, but each meeting was deferred by Reeve.

"We have had no success in actually meeting with him and we went through a process of making a formal demand for the rent arrears," Wolf said.

Reeve is also the president of Jakobstettel Properties Inc., which ran Jakobstettel Inn in St. Jacobs until its sudden closing in early April.

The inn property on Isabella Street is in power of sale proceedings because of defaults on the mortgage.

Reeve said on an April 17 the Record interview that he hopes to meet with the landlord of the Millionaire in You office to work out an arrangement to reopen the office.

He also said that he is "in the middle of refinancing" the business.

Reeve also used to head Daniel P. Reeve and Associates Financial Services Inc. and was the "chief visionary officer," for DPR Financial Inc. Now, both websites, www.dpr-financial.com. and www.themillionaire-inyou.com, are no longer functioning.

Another site, www.corporateangel.ca, was still functioning as of April 17. It advertises Reeve's books such as The Millionaire Mortgage, which claims to show people how to "turn your mortgage from being a burden of debt into a high-earning investment vehicle," and do so "without even changing your cash flow."

The Millionaire in You Wealth Institute offices in the 5,000-square-foot building opened in November 2007.

The office was to be a state-of-the-art "command centre" for the Millionaire Group and its affiliated businesses that encompassed Millionaire Travel, Millionaire Executive Services, Millionaire Mortgages and other businesses.

Waterloo Regional Police are now "reviewing" 35 complaints about products offered by various businesses headed by Reeve, Staff Sgt. Wally Hogg said in mid-April to the Record.

In an interview on April 8 with the Record, Reeve said his companies have done nothing wrong and he is confident that nothing further will come from the review.

Reeve also said at the time that the Jakobstettel Inn was closed because he was training new staff. He said he planned to reopen it on April 21.

Former suppliers to Reeve's businesses say they also are owed money. Daniel Tuka of The Essential Image in Waterloo said he is owed $5,000, plus material costs, on a project completed about eight months ago to produce promotional DVD discs for The Millionaire in You Wealth Institute.

People who paid deposits for weddings that were booked at the Jakobstettel Inn are also trying to get their money back.

The Wedding Nightmare Continues

Jakobstettel Inn can operate despite power-of-sale process.

The Jakobstettel Inn property in St. Jacobs is in the midst of a power-of-sale process because of defaults on mortgage payments, according to court documents.

The inn, located in an old mansion on Isabella Street in St. Jacobs, had been booked by couples who put down deposits for upcoming weddings. Those couples have been scrambling to make other arrangements since the inn suddenly closed down.

In a statement of claim served to Jakobstettel Properties Inc. on Jan. 22, the mortgage holder, Brunen Holdings Inc. of Kitchener, claimed it is owed almost $350,000 in principal and interest on a mortgage of $655,461 that was registered last June in the Waterloo Region land registry office.

Last month, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice granted Brunen Holdings the authority to issue a writ for possession of the property when it is sold, so that it can be turned over to a new owner.

Bruce Lackenbauer, a Brunen Holdings representative, said the court order basically allows the power-of-sale process to proceed. That process is now underway, but the writ of possession has not been taken out yet, he said.

"We don't want to get into possession until we have to, and the power-of-sale process requires appraisals and that sort of thing, so we are just in the process of that now," he said.

Lackenbauer said the power-of-sale process does not prevent the inn from operating. "We are not in any way preventing it from being open. That is up to the business, which is Jakobstettel Properties Inc.," he said.

The president of Jakobstettel Properties Inc., Daniel P. Reeve, has not returned calls since last week. His lawyer also has not returned calls.

Reeve said in an interview with the Record on April 8 that he was training staff and would reopen the inn on April 21, but couples who have weddings booked at the inn are still in a state of confusion about whether the property will be available to them. As of April 14, there was still no answering machine or voice mail system to pick up calls to the inn.

Wedding News: Strange But True, Part 1

April 16, 2009
Slice of 1871 wedding cake up for grabs
By LAURA NICHOLS - THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

LONDON (AP) — A slice of cake from one of Britain’s most controversial royal weddings was placed on sale at an antiques fair in Birmingham on Thursday.

The cake is thought to be the only surviving item from the 1871 wedding of Queen Victoria’s fourth daughter, Princess Louise, to the Marquis of Lorne.

It went on sale for 145 pounds ($215) Thursday at the Antiques for Everyone fair in Birmingham. The seller is antiques dealer John Shepherd. He bought the slice from a private seller who is a descendant of a noble family from Kent.

“I like unusual objects with history,” said Shepherd. “This was obviously treasured by the Royal Family, and I believe things should be treasured and looked after.”

The slice, which is one-inch thick and protected by parchment, is a tiny portion of the towering 5-foot (1.5 meter) cake served at Princess Louise’s wedding. The entire cake originally weighed over 225 pounds (102 kilograms) and took three months to create.

The wedding caused an uproar when Princess Louise angered the Prince of Wales by becoming the first British princess to marry a commoner. She was determined not to be burdened by the ritual of marrying another royal.

The cake slice is still wrapped in its original parchment, and it was kept for generations in a gentlemen’s “cabinet of curiosity” where men kept treasures to show off, such as fossils and pieces of Egyptian art.

The purchaser will be able to do whatever he wants with the slice. But event organizers suggest it would not be wise to gobble it up, given how firm it is.

“We advise them not to eat a 138-year-old piece of cake,” said Amy Kiernan, a spokeswoman for the fair.

Bridal Gown Definitions

I can well imagine that some of you brides-to-be may be confused by mass of bridal terminology used when you go to the bridal salon or just looking through a bridal magazine. Here are some definitions to assist you:

SILHOUETTES
A-line - Originated by Christian Dior, skirt flares away from body from under arms to hem; fitting through shoulders; similar to the princess-line.
Ball gown - Narrow-waisted shape with a full, bell-shaped skirt supported by petticoats or hoops.
Empire - High waisted, with the skirt falling directly under the bust-line.
Fishtail - See mermaid.
Mermaid - Body-hugging style with a skirt that flares at or just below the knee; also called fishtail.
Princess-line - Fitted through shoulders and bodice, skirt flares gently outward; no waistline.
Sheath - Svelte, narrow-fitting shape that contours the body; no waistline.
Suit - Modern shape finished with a jacket or coat.

LENGTHS
Ballerina - Falls to or slightly below the center of the calf.
Floor - Most traditional length, rests about an inch from the floor.
Hi-lo - See intermission
Intermission - Hemline falls to the mid-calf in front, floor-length in back; also called hi-lo.
Knee - Hemline just covers the knee; non-traditional length; also called street.
Mini - Above the knee; often chosen by second-time brides.
Street - See knee.
Tea - Hemline falls to the lower part of the calf.

WAISTLINES
Assymetrical - Begins at the natural waistline and angles down to one side.
Basque - Sits at the natural waistline in the back ad dips lower to form a V-shape in the front.
Blouson - Fabric is gathered just below or at the waist, creating a soft fullness.
Dropped - Falls below the natural waistline in classic flapper style.
Empire - Begins just below the bust line.
Natural - Sits at the waist.

NECKLINES
Assymetrical - Begins at the shoulder and angles down to opposite side.
Bateau - Shallow curve cut the same in front and back; also called boat.
Bertha collar - A wide, deep collar that covers the shoulders of a low-neckline dress.
Boat - See bateau.
Halter - Fastens at the back of the neck, leaving the bare back.
Illusion - High collar made of a sheer fabric such as net, point d'esprit, or chiffon; appears almost invisible.
Jewel - High, rounded neckline with no collar or binding.
Off-the-shoulder - Falls just below the shoulder, with a collar or sleeve on the arm.
Portrait - Open neckline with a high back, gathered in front above the bust-line; leaves shoulders completely bare.
Queen Anne - High at nape of neck; sweeps low in front.
Sabrina - Extends from shoulder to shoulder, curving slightly down below the collarbone.
Square - Half-square or a rectangular neckline.
Scoop - Low, curved sweep extending to the shoulders; may be cut deep in front, back or both.
Strapless - No neckline, straight across the upper bust bodice.
Sweetheart - Low-cut, resembling the rounded curves of a heart.
V - Shaped like a V; cut deep or shallow in front, back or both.
Wedding band collar - High, fitted collar, popular in the 1890s.

SLEEVES
Bishop - Full sleeve gathered into a band at the wrist.
Cap - Short sleeve that just covers the top of the arm.
Gigot - See leg o'mutton.
Juliet - Long, fitted sleeve with short puff at the shoulder.
Leg-o'mutton - Wide and rounded at shoulder, fitting snugly on the lower arm; also called gigot.
Puff - Short, rounded sleeve; gathered at armhole or cuff.
Three-quarter - Ends just below the elbow; often finished with small cuff or band.
Wedding point - V-shaped extension of a long, fitted sleeve that comes to a point over the bride's hand.

TRAINS
Cathedral - Longer than one yard; reserved for the most formal weddings.
Chapel - Formal; extends about one yard.
Court - Separate piece of fabric that falls from the shoulders.
Detachable - Normally attached at back of waist, but may attach to the shoulders or wrap around the waist.
Sweep - Just brushes the floor.
Watteau - Cascades from the shoulders.

SKIRT DETAILS
American handkerchief - When the train is pulled up, it makes a triangle which points to the zipper on the back of the skirt.
Bustle - A gathering of fabric (may include the train) at the back waistline of the gown.
Carriage back - See pannier.
Carriage front - See pannier.
Flounce - A wide piece of fabric or lace gathered and attached at the hem.
French - Inverted inside the skirt.
Pannier - Gathered fabric draped over the sides of the hips; also called carriage front or carriage back.
Tiered - Layers panels of fabric that fall from the waist to the hem in varying lengths

VEILS
Ballet - Comes to just an inch above the floor, also called waltz.
Bird cage - Stiff; cover the face, falls just below the chin.
Blusher - Loose, worn forward over the bride's face or lifted back over the headpiece.
Cathedral - Falls 3 1/2 yards from the headpiece; ultra-formal.
Chapel - Falls 2 1/2 yards from the headpiece; formal.
Fingertip - Most popular style, reaches to the fingertips; suitable for all but ultra-formal gowns.
Flyaway - Multiple layers that just brush the shoulders.
Illusion - Transparent fabric panel or yoke.
Waltz - See Ballet.

HEADPIECES
Floral wreath - Worn over the forehead or nestled in the hair.
Juliet cap - Fits tightly to crown of head; may be made entirely of pearls or jewels.
Mantilla - Lace veil worn surrounding face.
Profile - Decorative comb worn on one side of head silhouetting the face.
Tiara - Crown or half-crown that rests on top of the head.

LACE
Alenćon - A delicate floral or leaf design on a fine-net background, outlined with heavy threads to define the pattern and add more dimension.
Battenberg - A heavy lace made with patterns of linen braid and tape connected with decorative linen stitching.
Chantilly - A web-like floral pattern outlined with silk threads on a lace background; soft to the touch.
Guipure - A heavy lace designed to show large patterns over a coarse-mesh background.
Lyon - An intricate, ornamental design delicately stitched over a net background; the pattern is outlined in silk or cotton.
Point d’esprit - Oval dots woven in a pattern on net fabric.
Schiffli - Intricate floral pattern (similar to Alenćon lace but lighter) embroidered directly onto the gown.
Venice - Heavy floral or leaf pattern in needlepoint, with motifs connected in lines.

OTHER TERMS...
Corset - A lace-up bodice that comes in a two-piece or one-piece style of gown; left and right sides of gown are laced up in the middle with a ribbon or tie.
Embroidered - Stitching onto the dress that is the same color of the gown or an accent color; usually a design of flowers, leaves, scrolling, lines, or initials.
Appliqué - a cutout decoration fastened to a larger piece of material.
Bust belt - Elastic that is sewn to the inside front of the gown that is fastened in the back of the gown; keeps a strapless dress from slipping down; also called a seat belt.
Seat belt - See bust belt.

Wedding Nightmare, North of Waterloo

No answer at the inn! Horror of horrors! What's going on north of Waterloo, Ontario?

Couples who had wedding plans at the Jakobstettel Inn in St. Jacobs, Ontario, Canada are suddenly scrambling to find other venues after the inn located in an old mansion closed.

Meanwhile, Waterloo Regional Police are reviewing 22 complaints about investment products offered by various businesses headed by Jakobstettel Inn's owner, Daniel P. Reeve, who also runs DPR Financial Inc. and The Millionaire in You Wealth Institute on King Street in Waterloo.

Staff Sgt. Wally Hogg of the Waterloo Regional Police fraud squad said the review is taking place to see whether a full investigation is warranted.

In a telephone interview with The Record, Reeve denied that there were any problems.

"We have hid nothing . . . we have done nothing wrong," he said.

Reeve said he fully intends to reopen the Jakobstettel Inn for business on April 21 and is training new staff.

He promised to refund money owed couples who booked weddings, but are now worried and want to cancel the bookings.

"If anybody wants to cancel, they will get their deposit back. If they want to continue on, great . . . we will honour any commitment," Reeve said.

Some couples haven't heard anything from Reeve or anyone else from Jakobstettel Inn. Others have started a Facebook group in an effort to find out what is going on.

The inn was found locked with no information on its door. The phone was unanswered and there was no answering machine picking up messages.

Reeve said if anyone has any problems or questions, they should call his assistant at 519-883-8414 or 1-866-240-6737.

Welcome Wagon Gets Ready To Tie The Knot

Say “I do” to Waterloo Region’s exciting wedding event!

Welcome Wagon, the Canada's largest and most respected greeting service, will host a Bridal Showcase on Sunday, March 8, 2009 from 1pm - 4pm at Kitchener City Hall located at 200 King Street West in downtown Kitchener, ON. Brides and grooms will have the opportunity to meet and discuss their big day with many wedding professionals while discovering the latest wedding products and services.An elegant fashion show will be presented by A Moment In Time Bridal Boutique and Tuxedo Royale. Brides and their guests will be able to get an up close look at the gowns and formal wear in this intimate setting. Featuring unique displays and showcasing some of Kitchener's leading wedding professionals, Welcome Wagon’s Bridal Showcase also offers thousands of dollars in door prizes will be given to some very fortunate attendees. During the Welcome Wagon Bridal Showcase, one lucky bride-to-be will win the Grand Prize, a romantic one-night getaway, compliments of Best Western St Jacob Country Inn of Waterloo, ON. All attending brides-to-be will have a chance to win a romantic honeymoon getaway courtesy of Today’s Bride magazine. All brides-to-be will receive a free gift bag, filled with wedding products and services, plus a free current copy of Today’s Bride magazine and a free wedding planner (while quantities last).

"Brides have so many important arrangements and decisions to make before their wedding day…it can be overwhelming. This intimate bridal show gives them the brilliant opportunity to discuss their wedding dreams and interview the wedding experts personally," says Welcome Wagon Event Coordinator, Susan Casey. "Brides and grooms will have a chance to sample delicious cakes, view the photographer's work, meet the DJ, smell gorgeous fresh flowers, plan their honeymoon, pick a reception site, secure guest accommodations and a lot more—all in one day, at one location." Admission is free but by invitation only. Please call us to register at 1-877-675-8463 or visit us online at www.bridalshowcase.ca.

Exhibitor opportunities for Kitchener’s Welcome Wagon Bridal Showcase are still available—please contact Susan Casey at 519-658-0687 or info@welcomewagon.ca.

About Welcome Wagon Ltd.
Welcome Wagon is a community-based service which welcomes new neighbours and contacts new parents, brides-to-be and new businesspeople with information on local businesses and services. The Welcome Wagon organization has over 1200 Hostesses across Canada. Since 1930, it has served over 500 communities. For more information about Welcome Wagon Ltd, please visit their Web site: www.welcomewagon.ca.

Canadian Wedding Trends

I saw this article in Weddingbells--a Canadian bridal magazine. Some of the results were surprising...

Weddingbells’ annual Reader Survey reveals the most recent wedding-day facts and trends from those who know best—Canadian brides prepping to walk down the aisle.

Be it balmy, breezy or on the beach, summer is still the most popular time of year to tie the knot in Canada. And according to our second annual Weddingbells’ Reader Survey, you’re all breaking into a bit of a planning sweat while getting ready for your big day.

Over 1,500 of you, from Vancouver to St. John’s, took the time to respond to the survey, offering a peek at the major trends and wedding worries of Canadian brides.

Are you wary of a prenup, concerned about your age, or stressing about sex? Is the pressure to make choices—lilies or orchids, empire-waist or A-line dress, DJ or live band—causing you more worry than joy? If you can’t decide on a wedding budget, or where you want to honeymoon, take some comfort in knowing you’re not alone.

Who is She?
Average age is 29 among engaged women in Canada
71% already live with their fiancé/significant other
Average household income after marriage is $70,036

The Big Day
Average expected cost is $17,300
Average wedding size is 143 guests
20% have 200+ guests
56% of weddings occur between July and September: July (18%), August (20%), September (18%)
44% of engagements occur between December and February: December (25%), January (7%), February (12%)

A Year of Planning
The average reader is engaged and planning her wedding for more than 10 months
Decisions related to key purchases are confirmed several months prior to the wedding:
10-12 months Ceremony Location, Bridal Gown, Photographer
7-9 months Wedding Cake, Florist, Bridesmaid Dresses, Bridal Shoes, DJ
3-6 months Gift Registry, Groom’s Formalwear, Limo Service, Hair Salon, Honeymoon Location

Show Me the Money
Funding for wedding: bride/groom savings (47%), bride/groom loans (15%), family (34%)
Budget breakdown based on anticipated costs:
Reception venue = $6,015 (will pay up to $7,200)
Bridal gown = $975 (will pay up to $1,335)
Wedding bands = $1,450 (will pay up to $1,900)
Stationery = $300 (will pay up to $400)
Wedding cake = $340 (will pay up to $440)
Florist = $805 (will pay up to $1,000)
Guest favours = $330 (will pay up to $420)
Honeymoon = $3,735 (will pay up to $4,710)
46% of engaged women plan to move to a new residence within the next 12 months
Almost one quarter expect to buy a new vehicle within the next 12 months

The Honeymoon
The average honeymoon lasts 8.8 nights away from home
67% plan to spend their honeymoon outside of Canada
56% plan to stay at an all-inclusive resort

Things That Make You Go Hmmmm…
32% find wedding planning to be more stressful than enjoyable
23% agree a prenuptial agreement is a good idea (34% between 18-24 year olds)
42% anticipate having disagreements with their in-laws
19% are having more disagreements with their fiancé since becoming engaged
37% say their sex life has improved since getting engaged
24% claim not to be completely over past relationships