Venue Spotlight – Hudson

by laurarichert // June 3, 2017 // Comments off

Located on the 6th floor of the historical Hudson’s Bay building on Stephen Avenue, you’ll find a grand event venue with an open floor plan and loads of natural light, historic charm and new urban accents.I’m excited to have been invited to check out the new event space at their grand opening party called Hudson Unveiled.

Made my mark on the black light guestbook, can I just say that one of my couples NEEDS to do this for their wedding!

Throughout the evening, each new event space, each with its own theme, was unveiled. event uplighting wedding food stations
Each room’s theme had a signature cocktail to match, we loved the Canadiana cocktail made of Canadian rye, peach cider and maple bacon!

We started with sangria garnished with a fruit popsicle, then hit up the champagne bar for bubbly with choice of fresh fruit or fruit puree, and then enjoyed a few classic cocktails.

Can I just say, that the food is to die for!! Props to Oliver & Bonacini.

The Liquid Nitrogen dessert station seemed like a great place to start our evening. Imagine giving your wedding guests this experience!

How about these custom monogrammed chocolates! Did you notice the marshmallow and cinnamon hotlips topiaries?

You could find us hanging out around the Canadian Shucked Oyster Bar where guests could choose from house made hot sauce, mignonettes, bloody mary sauce, lemon and horseradish.
oyster bar at event hudson yyc Another exciting food station had a giant hollowed out cheese wheel, out of which was served wild mushroom risotto. With a smaller cheese wheel, this is actually a really easy way to add “WOW factor” to your next dinner party!

cheese wheel serving bowl

Here is a beautiful moose antler centrepiece at the whole roasted rare breed Mangalitsa pork at chef attended action station.

Live music and dance performances kept us entertained, as we mingled with wedding industry friends and hit up several different photo booths.

The sweet ending to this incredible event was champagne flavored cotton candy on a flashing glow stick.

Thanks so much for an unforgettable evening!

Event Venue: Hudson
In-house Catering: Oliver & Bonacini

Birch & Bunny Weddings is dedicated to providing a seamless journey down the aisle, and events that are truly a reflection of the two of you. Your vision will be executed down to the last detail, and I am honored to be a part of it.
Ask about Month-Of Coordination services, full Wedding Planning and Coordination or professional Consulting sessions.
Birch & Bunny Weddings and Events is proud to be WPIC certified. Servicing Calgary and area, Canmore, Banff, and destinations worldwide.

Love Poem Inspiration Shoot at Charbar

by laurarichert // March 13, 2017 // Comments off

In the heart of Calgary’s East Village, overlooking the Bow River is the century old Simmons Building that is home to Charbar. We knew this 102 year old building with its exposed brick, wooden beams would be the perfect location for this styled inspiration shoot. I chose a love poem by E.E. Cummings because it evokes the really romantic feeling that I was going for with my design for the shoot.

For a more bohemian bridal look I selected this crop by Theia with delicate scalloped eyelash lace and long sleeves. Pearl & Dot Bridal Boutique and we decided to pair that with a flowy bridal skirt by Kathryn Bass Bridal. Blissful Paper Co. created the beautiful calligraphy paper banner for our love poem.

This is a still image from the video by Cinderwood Films, just wait until you see the full video! Thanks to MaddPretty Salon for bringing out our model’s natural beauty.
Beautiful blooms with lots of rich colours and textures by Foxglove Studio.

CreateLove Designs created our invitation suite and menus with floral designs.

I had a style in mind for the table number, chair signs, place card names so I reached out to Custom Laser Works who even created a fun guest book alternative. (see down below). Bella Linens contributed lovely romantic lace on blush table linens as well as the draping and luxe candelabras!

I just love this little wooden bar cart from Orange Trunk Vintage, which we styled as a desert and drinks table with their other lovely vintage pieces.

Fancy some sweet treats by Modern Bake YYC? Oh how yummy these were!

Bringing together this incredible team of vendors to collaborate on this inspiration shoot was so much fun. Thank you so much for all of your effort and contributions!

Creative Team
Venue: Charbar

Photographer: JB Photography

Videographer: Cinderwood Films

Planner: Laura Richert of Birch & Bunny Weddings and Events

Decor: Orange Trunk Vintage Styling and Rentals

Florist: Foxglove Studio

Bridal Boutique: Pearl & Dot

Dress Top: Theia

Dress Skirt: Kathryn Bass

Cake, Desserts: Modern Bake YYC

Stationer: Create Love Design
Paper Banner Calligraphy: Blissful Paper Co.

Laser Cutter: Custom Laser Works
Linens: Bella Linens

Salon: MaddPretty (Hair: Jason Mellor, Makeup: Chanel Piersol)

Model: Carolynne Scofield

Vanessa + PJ’s Intimate Banff Vow Renewal

by laurarichert // January 5, 2017 // Comments off

In an intimate twilight ceremony in the heart of Banff National Park, Vanessa and PJ renewed their vows to one another and expressed their ongoing love for one another after over a decade of marriage. They did so in the presence of their two beautiful children, their parents and a few close friends.

Vanessa and PJ returned from their honeymoon to discover that sadly their wedding photographer had shut down and left town with the film. Their lone framed photo of their wedding day was snapped by a friend, but now they have made some new memories and the lovely Jennie Guenard has captured these beautiful images for them.

The inspiration behind everything from Vanessa’s stunning Elizabeth Dye gown to the watercolour vow booklets and even their cake was inspired by the pretty colours in their mountain backdrop and the way it looked like a watercolour painting at twilight. I hope you all love these photos as much as we do!

Tamara of Bake My Day created this gorgeous cake and yes, she made that beautiful flower and it’s edible!

Isn’t Vanessa breathtaking? (and how about that gown?!) Vanessa wore the Elizabeth Dye Halo Gown in glacier and ivory.

What an incredible honor it was to be a part of your special day Vanessa and PJ. We’re so happy that you now have some photographs to hang on your walls. Yours is a love for the ages!

Credit where credit is due!
Photography: Guenard Photography
Planning: Laura Richert of Birch & Bunny Weddings and Events
Florals: Occasional Bloom
Cake: Bake My Day
Gown: Elizabeth Dye
Bridal Boutique: The Bridal Boutique Calgary
Dress: Elizabeth Dye
HMUA: Emilia Art Make Up
Jewelry: Joanna Bisley Designs
Menswear: Ed Williams Mens Wear
Stationery: Sarah Laree Designs
Popsicles: Family Freezed
Chocolates: Old Coal – Handcrafted Chocolates
Rentals: Orange Trunk Vintage Styling and Rentals
Cake Stands: Birch & Bunny Weddings and Events

Birch & Bunny Weddings is dedicated to providing a seamless journey down the aisle, and events that are truly a reflection of the two of you. Your vision will be executed down to the last detail, and I am honored to be a part of it.
Ask about Month-Of Coordination services, full Wedding Planning and Coordination or professional Consulting sessions.
Birch & Bunny Weddings and Events is proud to be WPIC certified. Servicing Calgary and area, Canmore, Banff, and destinations world wide.

Pantone Colour of 2017 – Greenery

by laurarichert // January 1, 2017 // Comments off

Greenery is fresh and organic, bright and revitalizing. It’s been announced by Pantone as their pick for 2017. It is symbolic of new beginnings, therefore the perfect addition to add to your wedding colour palette!

Greenery bursts forth in 2017… Satisfying our growing desire to rejuvenate and revitalize, Greenery symbolizes the reconnection we seek with nature.” said Executive Director of Pantone, Leatrice Eiseman. It’s a bold departure from last year’s combination Rose Quartz and Serenity.

Last summer a few of our couples such as H+B incorporated a lot of actual greenery into their weddings because Birch & Bunny couples are trend-setters!

See more from H+B’s wedding as well as a full list of credits.

Ceremony & Reception Venue – The Commons, Hemingway Room
Photographer – Gillian Stevens Photography
Wedding Coordinator – Laura Richert with Birch & Bunny Weddings and Events
Florist – Amborella Floral Studio
Vintage Rentals – Heather with Orange Trunk Vintage
Hair Stylist – Dawn Bradley
Makeup Artist – Trena Laine
Couture Dress – Sarah Cameron with Pure Creation
Custom Fabric Flowers for Dress – Lillian Chua

Laura Richert, Owner of Birch & Bunny Weddings and Events is dedicated to providing a seamless journey down the aisle, and events that are truly a reflection of the two of you. Your vision will be executed down to the last detail, and I am honored to be a part of it.

Ask about Month-Of Coordination services, full Wedding Planning and Coordination or professional Consulting sessions.
Birch & Bunny Weddings and Events is proud to be WPIC certified. Servicing Calgary and area, Canmore, Banff, and destinations world wide.

Holly + Brett’s Wedding at The Commons

by laurarichert // November 8, 2016 // Comments off

Holly + Brett are a truly unique couple, so their wedding had to stand out! Laid back, sentimental, and so much fun, their wedding incorporated their personalities into every detail. Find out what they swapped out instead of the traditional wedding cake, bouquet or guestbook!
Instead of a traditional bouquet, Holly opted for handmade fabric flowers on her couture dress and to drape everything in flowers and greenery from top to bottom. Check out this pretty hanging greenery and ceremony vignette where Holly + Brett said their “I Do’s”

Fun details like this pair of vintage typewriters as a guestbook alternative, made Holly + Brett’s wedding so unique. Holly collected these items and created the banners for the reception decor herself.
vintage typewriter wedding guestbook
Holly carefully selected vintage pieces to create a warm and inviting lounge area.
Brett worked on his 1960 Chevy Bel Air so that he could drive his Bride Holly away in it after the ceremony.

Brett and several of the couples’ friends and family showcased their classic cars between the ceremony and reception.

After a brief rain (considered to be good luck for many years of happiness) we spotted a rainbow!

Instead of a traditional wedding cake, Holly + Brett opted for a vintage popsicle cart from Family Freezed. The popsicle sticks were even personalized!

To keep guests going through the night, Holly + Brett brought in a Food Truck for late night snack.
I had so much fun, with you guys! It was a true pleasure to be involved in your wedding and to work with the following amazing team!

Ceremony & Reception Venue – The Commons, Hemingway Room
Photographer – Gillian Stevens Photography
Officiant – Tamara Jones
Wedding Coordinator – Laura Richert with Birch & Bunny Weddings and Events
Florist – Amborella Floral Studio
Vintage Rentals – Heather with Orange Trunk Vintage
Catering, Rentals – Great Events Catering, Great Events Rentals
Bartending – Imagine Bartending
Desert – Family Freezed Vintage Popsicle Cart
Late Night Snack – Food Truck from Without Papers Pizza
Hair Stylist – Dawn Bradley
Makeup Artist – Trena Laine
Couture Dress – Sarah Cameron with Pure Creation
Custom Fabric Flowers for Dress – Lillian Chua
Featured on – 100 Layer Cake
Published in – Dote Magazine, Weddings vol.2

Bridal Expo

by laurarichert // September 12, 2016 // Comments off

The Details: Sunday, September 18, 2016 from 10am – 5pm
Booth #45 in the Artisan Area, BMO Center, Stampede Park, Halls D,E

Bridal Expo is Alberta’s biggest fall bridal show hosting over 150 of Calgary’s leading wedding specialists. Birch & Bunny Weddings and Events has some tips to help you navigate and make the most of your visit to Bridal Expo.

Plan Which Vendors to Meet
Take a look through the online Vendor Guide to see which vendors seem like they would be a good fit for you and your fiance. Keep an open mind at the Expo, but it is helpful to have a plan for where the vendors are whom you’d like to meet.

Bring a Friend or Two
A friend can help you carry your swag and enter contests, while you connect with vendors and make appointments. You may be tempted to bring your whole squad but choosing just one or two means you won’t be overwhelmed by all of their opinions. Maybe your Fiancé would like the chance to connect with vendors too?

Avoid the Crowds, Start in the Artisan Area!
Boutique vendors such as Birch & Bunny Weddings and Events will be located in the Artisan Area near the food trucks and fashion show. Skip the crowds by making your way to the Artisan Area while everyone else is crowded around the booths by the entrance!

Comfy Shoes
You will need about 2 or 3 hours at the Expo, and it can be hard on your tootsies.

Enter Draws
Print up labels with your name, fiancé’s name, wedding date and email address on them to save time when entering to win prizes. That way, your helper can put your sticker on the entry form while you connect with the wedding specialists! Labels will also be available for sale at the entrance. Birch & Bunny Weddings and Events will be giving away two prize packs each including a GC for $200 off Planning and Coordination services. Good luck!

Refuel
There will be some great options at the Food Trucks in the Artisan Area, so grab a bite and you’ll be ready to venture back out for more inspiration.

Post-Expo
Be sure to get in touch with the vendors who you connected with before your wedding date gets booked. Many of the vendors will be reaching out to you as well. Set up appointments with the vendors you connected with to discuss their potential role in your wedding.

Hope to see you there!

Kelsie + Jordan’s Travel Inspired Wedding at Sirocco

by laurarichert // August 2, 2016 // Comments off

On their wedding day, Jordan and Kelsie chose to celebrate their love for each other, and to pay homage their love of traveling together. Bride Kelsie created many DIY elements which made their wedding day oh so unique and personal.

I attached these adorably traditional cans (one of many DIY’s made by the Bride) to the get-away golf cart that whisked the newlyweds away for photos.Meanwhile back at cocktail hour, guests were wow’ed by more travel themed DIY decor and they were entertained by a highland dance troop. Choreographed by the bride herself I might add! Here is a link to Cinderwood Films’ video of Kelsie and Jordan’s wedding day.
The cake table featured 5 unique wedding cakes made by Alison LaFrance with Whippt Desserts & Catering. With delicious passion fruit flavor inside, each cake was more beautiful than the last!

Congratulations once again, to Kelsie + Jordan! Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your special day.

It was such a joy to work with Kelsie + Jordan, as well as the incredibly talented team who worked together on their travel themed wedding.

Ceremony & Reception Venue – Sirocco Golf Club
Photographer – Jeremy Martel and Amy Cheng with JM Photography
Videography – Megan Darragh with Cinderwood
Wedding Coordinator – Laura Richert with Birch & Bunny Weddings and Events
Officiant – Judy Wiltse with Vows by Judy
Cakes – Alison LaFrance with Whippt Desserts & Catering
Florist – Oscar and Janie with Flowers By Janie
Band – Two Bit Bandits
Hair Stylist – Rory with Shag Salon
Makeup Artist – Michelle with Trena Laine
Ceremony Arch – Birch & Bunny Weddings and Events

Writing Your Own Vows

by laurarichert // July 14, 2016 // Comments off

Guenard Photography

Writing your own vows is the most meaningful way that you can personalize your wedding and express your love on your wedding day. They should be heartfelt and sincere. The best way to do something is simply to begin, but getting started can be a little daunting, so Birch & Bunny has some tips for you!

Team Up
Whether or not you decide to write them together or share them with each other prior to the ceremony, it’s just nice to have agreed on a tone or style. Maybe you agree to aim for a light-hearted, casual tone or maybe more sentimental and formal tone is more your style. The plan could be as simple as both beginning with what your partner means to you, and ending with a few promises to one another.

Speak from the Heart
Just tell your partner how you feel about them. Nobody is expecting you to suddenly bust out a love sonnet for the ages, just as long as you mean it.
Writing Personal Vows

Share Your Story
Talk about how you met, what you’ve been through together or about the time when you knew they were “the one”. Your vows can be about your journey that brought you to this celebration!

Draw Meaningful Inspiration
Still not sure about writing your own? Be inspired by meaningful words- you could read something you wrote once in a Valentine’s day card. If the two of you have a special song that you could quote, or a poem you’d like to read, then go for it! Just be sure to explain what that quote means to you and your relationship, to make it personal.

Well my lovelies, I hope my tips inspire you to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard as the case may be). Trust me, when you read your amazing vows to your partner (and I know they WILL be amazing!) you will both cherish those words.

Chandelier Wedding Cakes

by laurarichert // May 25, 2016 // Comments off

Chandelier wedding cakes seem to defy the laws of physics and gravity. Suspended cakes are a real show stopper that guests will never forget! Hanging decor has been growing steadily in popularity over the past few years, so I wanted to take a moment to appreciate these impressive works of art.

If this isn’t glamour, I don’t know what is! The world was awe-struck when Kayley Cuoco had that gorgeous chandelier cake pictured above for her wedding to Ryan Sweeting.

These glamorous works of art are not just for celebrities though. I recently spoke to Lynnette, of Calgary’s own Swirl Cakes & Cupcakes about her Chandelier Cake creations.

Lynette, what is the secret to creating these gravity defying, upside down hanging cakes?
The secret is finding a cake designer who know the principles of engineering cakes and how tiered cakes are put together. Once these principles are mastered, anything is possible- including defying gravity!

What are some things that a couple should keep in mind when selecting a cake company?
First is finding a company who is licensed. It is so important to hire someone who is certified in food safety and is inspected to ensure proper food handling is performed for the safety of you and your guest.

Next is find someone who matches your style and can create what you have envisioned. It’s also important to find a designer who bakes from scratch- this provides a better product and more flexibility in flavors and varying flavor profiles.

Finding a designer who has a good reputation and works with wedding planners can be helpful as well. Planners are exposed to a wide variety of artists and they have done the work for you to provide an approved vendors list who offer experience product and great customer service. We are proud to work with our wedding colleagues since we all have the same goal in mind- providing our clients with the wedding they desire.

What inspired you to get into the wedding industry?
We’ve been in business for just over six years and I’ve personally been designing for over 16 years now. Our company grew out of demand- it started as a hobby and then soon people who I didn’t even know where contacting me thru word of mouth to create something for them and a business was born.

What is your favorite thing about designing wedding cakes?

My favorite thing in designing a wedding cake is taking a couples vision of what they have and bringing it to life. There may be several styles or designs that they like and the challenge is to create those into one cake for them to reflect each element.

Once we’ve create the cake, we get excited thinking about how many guests get to enjoy a pastry sensation that looks beautiful and tastes great.

What is your favorite cake flavor?
My personal favorite is corona cake with lime cream cheese icing. But chocolate with salted caramel buttercream and chocolate ganache is a close second.

Yum, those look delicious and that chocolate with salted caramel buttercream and chocolate ganache sounds incredible! A huge thank you to Swirl Cakes and Cupcakes!

What do you think, is there anything more glamorous or memorable than a chandelier cake? Would you consider having one for your wedding?

Bridal Beauty Routine

by laurarichert // May 18, 2016 // Comments off

1. Manicures
Flaunt that engagement ring! You want your hands to look their best right when everyone wants you to show off that sparkler. Right after the proposal is the perfect time to schedule regular manicures.2. Beauty Sleep
Being well rested is key to looking and feeling your best. You don’t want to have dark circles or look tired on your wedding day.3. Nutrition
Be sure to drink enough water, eat a balanced diet and to stay away from foods that are high in sodium, or sugar for 30 days leading up to the wedding. This will help you to avoid bloating and skin issues. You will be glowing and feel energetic on your big day!4. Relax
Wedding planning can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you do not have a professional wedding planner by your side to ensure the process goes smoothly. Set aside some “me time” as well as quality time with your fiance each week where nothing wedding related is discussed. Bride relaxing How about a hike or some yoga? Whatever you like to do, it’s important to decompress a little, and will allow you both to feel refreshed when you do get back to the planning.5. Pearly Whites
Whitening strips or whitening tooth paste will brighten your smile, but professional whitening treatments from your dentist will be stronger and custom fit to your mouth. Many dentists even offer discounts to new patients. Try to avoid coffee and red wine, which can stain your teeth. Ok, I know that’s a big ask… at least drink your wine through a straw for a while.

6. Tanning
Stop tanning one month prior to the wedding. This also means wearing sunscreen and covering your shoulders to avoid nasty burns or tan lines. Don’t forget a lip balm with spf!

If you opt for a spray tan though, let your makeup artist know so that they can properly colour match your skin. The experts at Fabutan recommend that you get your spray tan done a few days in advance just to be safe. 7. Hair & Makeup Trial
Having a hair and makeup trial run is absolutely crucial to make sure you’re happy with your look. This is your chance to see how your MUA and hair stylist interpret your requests, and make sure you are both on the same page. Your stylist will get a chance to familiarize herself/ himself with your hair type and how it behaves. There may be a fee, so be sure to bring up the topic when you are hiring them.Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to looking and feeling fabulous on your wedding day!
Happy planning!

Birch & Bunny Weddings is dedicated to providing a seamless journey down the aisle, and events that are truly a reflection of the two of you. Your vision will be executed down to the last detail, and I am honored to be a part of it.
Ask about Month-Of Coordination services, full Wedding Planning and Coordination or professional Consulting sessions.
Birch & Bunny Weddings and Events is proud to be WPIC certified. Servicing Calgary and area, Canmore, Banff, and destinations world wide.

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