Featured vendor: Urban Couture Photography

I had the pleasure of working with Jen Ollinger from Urban Couture Photograpy last week. Jen specializes in photojournalistic wedding photography. She is also extremely creative! She arrived at our photo shoot with all kinds of props - a picnic basket, ribbon, wooden letters, twine, clothespins...she brought so much stuff! She has a really creative eye for finding unique angles to capture the shot, and she carries this through in her wedding photography. We asked Jen to answer a few questions about her photography, and here's what she had to say:

Q: Why did you decide to get into the wedding photography business?
A: I've always loved being part of someone's special day, but when I took up wedding photography, I realized what I big role I would play. I love being able to capture those special moments that other people might miss - the tears on everyone's eyes as they watch the bride; the sparkle the couple shares. I realized this was my calling.

Q: What types of services do you offer?
A: I offer couture wedding photography, specializing in photojournalistic weddings. I also offer various lifestyle sessions such as e-sessions, couple sessions, family sessions, prenatal sessions and newborn sessions.

Q: What's your favourite part about shooting weddings?
A:  I love it all...it's a tie between when the father sees his daughter for the first time and when the groom sees the bride as soon as the door opens.

Q: How long have you been in business?
A: I have been doing wedding photography for four years now, and the Urban Couture family is ever-growing. I can't wait to become a part of people's lives with my camera.

For more information about Urban Couture Photography, visit Jen's website. You can also like the Urban Couture Facebook page and follow Jen on Twitter.

To contact Jen, email her at : jollinger@urbancouturephotography.ca or call 403.554.5465

Featured company: Pickle Lily Designs

I have a super talented company to share with you today! I stumbled across Pickle Lily Designs while I was helping a friend research potential bridesmaid gifts. Lily is the creative genius behind this company - she designs hand painted wine glasses for all occasions and specializes in hand painted glassware for the bridal party/wedddings. I had the opportunity to ask her some questions about her work and how her company came to be:


Q: Why did you decide to start Pickle Lily Design?


A: I have always been interested in decorative arts and have painted everything from murals to Christmas ornaments and everything in between. My new passion for painting bridal party wine and champagne glasses began when I discovered paint that actually sticks to glass and is dishwasher safe! I love working with brides and enjoy the fact that I can play a part in their special day!


Q: How long have you been in business?


A: Pickle Lily Design started 2 years ago


Q: What products do you specialize in?


A: I specialize in beautiful hand painted glassware for special occasions including weddings, birthdays, etc.


Q: Where can people go to find out more information and to purchase your designs?


A: I can be found at PickleLilyDesign.etsy.com or in Calgary, I can be reached at 403 236-1971

Image courtesy of Pickle Lily Designs

 Image courtesy of Pickle Lily Designs

Image courtesy of Pickle Lily Designs

Image courtesy of Pickle Lily Designs

Featured vendor: Twilight Affairs

We have a vendor that we'd like to share with all you brides-to-be. Twilight Affairs is a Red Deer-based wedding planner started by owner Ashely Martin. Ashley is a small town girl with big city dreams. She is a full-time mother of two, wife, event consultant, fairy godmother and vision achiever. Spare time is her nemesis! She is a passionate activist for local charities, groups and organizations. Twilight Affairs has grown out of her personal love for entertaining, volunteering, fundraising, and most importantly, people.

Glass Slipper Designs interviewed Ashley to learn more about how Twilight Affairs came to be and some of the big trends Ashley predicts will be huge in 2011:

1) What inspired you to start Twilight Affairs?


The inspiration came like many wedding/event planners when I planned my own wedding in 2006. It was a low budget, short time line, high stress time in my life and I needed help. Not having many friends that knew a thing about weddings or any family close by to lend a hand, I thought of how great it would be if I could hire a wedding planner. I looked into it and there was no wedding planner any where to be found in Red Deer.

During the planning stage of my wedding, I managed to sneak a few hours here and there and took a online wedding planning crash course. That is when it all started, I fell in love. I learned there was actually a timeline for things, a list of etiquette and traditions and so much more! I learnt how to cut costs, negotiate deals with vendors and even maintain a budget. I had confidence again, and went on my merry way planning my wedding. After my wedding, I got so many complements on the ceremony location, my dress, the food, and event. I thought,  "Ashley this is it, this is what you were meant to do!"

2) What cities do you provide services in?


Twilight Affairs provides services in Central Alberta, approximately in areas around 100 km around the Red Deer area. I consider events outside this area, but the are subject to travel fees.

3) What do you think the biggest trend for 2011 weddings will be?


I have been seeing a lot of vintage - what was once old is now new. Also, family-style seating is becoming more popular; sitting at rectangular tables is now the thing and rounds are old news. I am also noticing smaller guest lists with my 2011 clients, which creates a great atmosphere. I think if I have to put a label on it, I would call it the `Comfort Element'.

Surrounding your self with close friends and family, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere and carrying on the time old traditions and style that were at your grandmothers wedding is all the rage for this year.

4) What's the most extravagant wedding you ever planned?


I am currently planning the most extravagant wedding and corporate event I have ever planned! A double whammy!

For the wedding, there is a soft, whimsical theme with touches of vintage. Pretty mixes of pinks, orange and peaches with the slightest touches of green & glistening crystal. Oh so pretty! Watch out for pictures on my facebook page and website.

The corporate event is a Hollywood theme Winter Gala! We have the biggest room at the Capri Hotel, celebrity Radio D.J`s, live entertainment, celebrity impersonators, red carpet, bright lights and awards! I am SO excited about this one!

For more information about Twilight Affairs, visit the website at http://www.twilightaffairs.ca/,  email twilightaffairs@gmail.com or call Ashley at 403-350-0938.