Hidden fashion gem indeed...in Ottawa

I was recently introduced to a great designer here in Ottawa...Demu label is a hidden fashion gem in Ottawa.

Apparently "Demu stems from the word "Demutig", a German term that denotes Humble; the human characteristic we deemed one of the most admirable. Regardless of where this venture may take us, Demu will remind us to never take anything for granted and always give back to the world that provided us with the opportunity to write our own story and give us control of our own destiny."

Very cool website - check out their gallery!

Explore, Savour and Enjoy Ottawa

I was invited by to join C'est Bon Cooking on one of their Food Tours of the Byward Market. It just happened to be a beautiful day and perfect walking around the Market weather! And the company was fantastic...


I must admit that like many Ottawa natives, I thought I knew what the Byward Market had to offer: bars, restaurants, and an outdoor market of fresh produce. But when I attended this Food Tour, it really opened my mind and I learned alot about the wonderful businesses and unique offerings they each have. Not only did we visit several locations, but we tasted many different flavours, learned alot about the history of the Market, and were given an appreciation for cooking with different ingredients...exlored everything from truffle salt, fresh cheese, to beef tartar, and fresh herbal tea.




One thing that really stood out was the Savour Ottawa program - "Savour Ottawa works to develop and promote Ottawa and area as a premier, year-round culinary destination, with robust offerings of local foods and experiences for both locals and visitors to the area." What a wonderful program and I highly recommend everyone support them and the local farmers!

As an Event Planner, I'm always looking for unique ideas for events. C'est Bon Cooking Food Tours is a wonderful idea for anyone looking to organize an event such as a bridal shower, birthday party, anniversary, or even a bachelorette to which the traditional at-home parties or bar hopping are not as exciting or appealing. Not only do you get fresh air and exercise but great recipes and recommendations of what to try on your own.

I would highly recommend that everyone join one of these Food Tours...it's a wonderful experience and the ladies of C'est Bon Cooking are a pleasure to be around and really know alot about food and Ottawa!

Bring Back the 80s for the Weekend to End Women's Cancers

I will be supporting a cause that is dear to my heart on May 14th...my dear friend Brenda, whom I met a year and something ago and who just happens to be a cancer survivor is my inspiration to put on the Bringing Back the 80s event again.

Together with Carolyne from the Courtyard by Marriott, we all going to dress in our best 80s outfit, tease our hair, shake our thing, sing our karaoke hearts out, and raise some money for the Weekend to End Women's Cancers.

Come on out with your ladies and join us! There will be back and hand massages, custom jewellry, a boudoir photographer, epicure, fantasia, pole dancing, and lots of prizes and auction items!

Start off the season with Networking with Wedding and Event Pros

If you're looking for a warm, inviting space for a private event or wedding you must check out Stella Osteria on Clarence Street. It was our next location for the Networking for Ottawa Wedding and Event Professionals on April 26th.

We had a great turnout considering the wet and windy weather - at one point there was lightening and thunder. Many new faces amongst the many familiar faces - glad to see the mixing and mingling that took place!

Our featured sponsors for this event included photos taken by the folks of Eventbots, floral designs by Sage Designs, entertainment by the AMAZING Elliott Smith - Magician, stationary by Inky Designs, mini speed networking event by Fuchsia Factory, and destination wedding advice from Authentic Foodie Travels, TPI.

Enjoy the video of photos taken from the Eventbot on site - THX Eventbots.ca for sharing!

Photobooth fun!

Just had to post some fun photobooth moments from the Posh Wedding Show! Thanks to Nat from NDS Photography and Shakira from Little Cakes for making me smile (actually giggle)!

Looks like Allison, my awesome Wedding/Event Coordinator was also having some photo fun with the Ottawa Marriott Hotel folks!

Photobooth courtesy of Shutterbug Photo Booth - book them, it's a fantastic idea and alot of fun!

Hope everyone is having a fantastic Easter!

Preview of Ottawa Event Space this week

It must be that time of the year again - once the snow melts and spring is in the air, it marks the beginning of the busiest time for wedding and events. This past week was a pleasure as I was invited to preview a few unique event spaces around Ottawa.

The Westin Hotel - several of us Planners mixed and mingled with Tia and Anne 24 floors above the City overlooking the Canal and admiring the Parliament buildings. What a spectacular view from the Parliament Hospitality Suite...as the sun set, we enjoyed the company and overall experience. Apparently they have undergone a 7 million dollar lobby renovation and added 12,000 square feet of state of the art meeting space.



From this Day Forward - a unique and intimate space nestled in the downtown area. Husband and wife, Tony and Izabela, have created an atmosphere that is romantic for any wedding or private event. Close by to the Museum of Nature for photos and for anyone having a civil ceremony at City Hall..better yet you can host both your ceremony and cocktail reception at this one location.



Juniper Kitchen and Wine Bar - Phil and Vanessa are fantastic hosts and showed us first hand why Juniper's reputation is highly regarded. Before we sat down for a 4 course meal, we enjoyed a tour of the entire venue including a private room hidden away in the back and their very clean and impressive kitchen. All floral designs were created by Vanessa and the menu was delicious. Not only did I enjoy the company but the service was courteous and a pleasure to be around.



Soma Health and Fitness - this weekend was their launch of SOMA Events. What a great time at this modern yet elegant custom designed venue overlooking the Byward Market. Not only was the view beautiful but the music from their house band kept the group dancing. Definately for the clientele that is looking for unique.


And if you haven't already seen the publicity, the new Ottawa Convention Centre is all done and ready to begin hosting events. I'll be getting a private tour next week prior to the Open House on April 23, 2011. What a magnificent addition to Ottawa!

Networking for Ottawa Wedding and Event Professionals - spring is in the air!

Calling all Ottawa Professionals in the WEDDING & EVENT INDUSTRY - Welcome to "Spring is in the Air"...mixing business with pleasure and mingling with our peers working in the same industry.

Bring lots of business cards - this is your opportunity to collaborate, share ideas and stories, get to know who is new to the business and who isn't, and to meet some of our best Ottawa professional talent!

Stella Osteria - an intimate and unique event space - will be our host for the evening. Don't miss this great networking opportunity in the heart of the Byward Market. Meet Ida (co-owner) and Laura (Sales and Marketing) - the Team behind not only Stella Osteria but Blue Cactus and the Luxe Bistro.

This special night is presented by Beyond Events and will feature:

•Inky Designs - customized suite of artistic and hand-tailored stationery
•Fuschia Factory - express networking at lightening speed events
•Authentic Foodie Travels - exotic destination weddings
•Sage Designs - wedding decor and floral designs
•Eventbots - premium photo and video machine services that bring people together
•Elliott Smith, Magician - close-up minor miracles of magic

**Price per person includes opportunity to meet and network with 50 other Professionals in Ottawa. It also includes 1 complimentary drink: Red or White Wine, Draft Beer, or Basic Bar-Rail Drink and a chance to sample the delightful canapes by Stella Osteria:

1.Tuscan Grilled Chicken Skewers
2.Margarita Flat Bread
3.Antipasto Station
4.Caprice Bites
5.Prosciutto Wrapped Figs Brûlée
If the weather permits, a visit to the beautiful Rooftop area is also planned.

Don't miss out on this great event - tickets are limited as this is a private event... our last two networking nights sold out fast!!!

To see what the November event was like, please visit my November blog post.

We look forward to meeting more fantastic vendors!