If you've already checked out our blog post on the L'Aperitif a la Francaise event hosted by Le Cordon Bleu last month, we hinted at the AMAZING parisian fashion show that took place that night.  Here are some more pics to showcase the beautiful dresses donned that evening by the fabulous models.  Ladies, take a look and get inspired this summer!  Dresses provided by Boutique Agathe St. Amour.

Of course, leading up to the finale and highlight of the night.... the Chocolate Dress created by the chefs at Le Cordon Bleu.  (for all you chocolate lovers...yes, that is all real chocolate!)
 

I just love the designs and dresses that were chosen and the way they were presented - so fresh, feminine and elegant!  Now that I've picked a few favourites, I just need a place to wear these to! :)

Have a wonderful weekend!
Mary

Gentlemen, start your engines!  Wedding season is off in full swing and of course, everyone is getting slicked out and spiced up for all the festivities to come.  I'm starting a series of posts to answer some of the common questions that you guys ask during the wedding day so keep checking back for fun and informative posts that you (and your bride) will appreciate! :)

So, how DO you fold a pocket square?  This is by far the most common question I'm asked during the wedding as guys are getting the final kinks worked out of their wardrobe.  Remember guys, this is NOT a napkin at a fancy restaurant - we don't need a white swan or ornate Origami, just something simple and elegant and something that suits your sense of style.

Most tux rental places will give you a stiffer pocket square suitable for the One-Point fold or the Two-Point fold .  But why not splurge and get yourself a luxurious silk hanky and try one of the folds listed below? 

My personal faves are the Astaire and the Puff, they a little less rigid and perfect for silk.  Take time to experiment with what fold suits you, then head on out and really turn some heads!

Rock on, gentleman.

Sam.

Special thanks to Belisi Fashions for their informative article.

The spectacular 2009 Aperitif a la Francaise event was held at Le Cordon Bleu this past Friday and was indeed the hottest event in Ottawa this spring! If you've missed it, here is a sneak peek of the amazing party and collaboration that showcases the best in French culture, food and wine. Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Institute also features the 5-diamond Signatures restaurant which we will have to come back for!  This was the perfect venue with a beautiful building, rooms and property that was transformed to host this event.

We were the papparazzi photographers that caught some of these famous guests that arrived.  Thanks to everyone for working it in front of our cameras!  It was so much fun to meet all of you that showed us your style and flair! :)

Getting ready for the show! Behind the scenes with stylist, Alison Hughes of HUSH clothes, and talented make-up artists and hair stylists from Holtz Spa. This room was buzzing with excitement as the models got dolled up for the runway. What an amazing group!
 

Cointreaupolitan, anyone?  These girls kept the drinks flowing all night long! For a delicious drink, check out this recipe.

Guests also received spa-inspired appetizers while pampered with hand treatments from Christine and her team from Holtz Spa.

The culinary treats were exquisite and prepared by the talented chefs at Le Cordon Bleu.  Not only were they amazing to eat, but a treat to the eyes too! Of course, we had to capture lots of the food that made this event so fabulous!
 

The event could not be the same without my favourite modiste and milliner, Madeleine of Chapeux de Madeleine (bottom right photo).  I just adore these hats on the girls and each one is so well suited and instantly makes a statement. LOVE it!
 

In the big tent, the evening entertainment began with a performance by French rapper, Najib Le Noble.

A sneak peek at parisian fashion show featuring some of the beautiful dresses from Boutique Agathe de St. Amour in Gatineau, Quebec. We'll be sharing more images from the fashion show next week, so stay tuned!
 

Some of the people that helped to make this fabulous event happen!
 

The French Ambassador to Canada, Mr. Francois Delattre, pictured here with Samantha Moonsammy of Starfish Events, Pamela Balkalian of Le Cordon Bleu, Guy St Cyr of Voyage Guertin, Jean Sebastien Malouin, and Fouzia Dine of the French Embassy.
 

And of course, what evening would be complete without some deep grooves and dancing.
 

Sponsors:
Ambassade De France Au Canada
Bacardi Canada
Ogier
Remy Pannier
La Roche Bobois
Kronenbourg 1664
Les Chapeaux De Madeleine
Boutique Agathe De St Amour
Hush Clothes
Holtz Spa
Fleurs signees Joel Marc Frappier
Voyages Guertin
Cointreaupolitan  

Special thanks to Samantha and Pamela for asking us to be a part of this celebration!  We are honoured to capture this worldwide exploration and sharing of French food culture.  It was amazing to see this part of Ottawa come alive for this event, which is what this city needs more of! The Aperitif a la Francaise has infused excitement in Ottawa, and has certainly brought out the potential of what this city is really is about: community, people, art, fine food and definitely a place that loves an excuse for a good party!

A HUGE thanks to Mr Andre Cointreau President and CEO of Cordon Bleu International, Sopexa Canada and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisherie for making this successful event possible.

Looking forward to next year's event!

Much love,
Mary (& Sam)

This Friday June 5th, Le Cordon Bleu is hosting the Aperitif a la Francaise event under the patronage of the French Ambassador to Canada.  You are cordially invited! 

We will be there along with Samantha and her team from Starfish events, whom sent us this invitation to pass along!  More information on what this worldwide event is about can be found here. Come and join us or check back for photos from the event coming soon...

This is the hottest event this spring! Celebrate under the stars with culinary treats by Le Cordon Bleu; a Parisian Fashion Show; DJ and a glamorous atmosphere inspired by the terraces along the Promenade de la Croisette at Cannes and an all-chocolate buffet and cocktails to deliciously round off the evening.  The event begins at 5:30 pm. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.  Also, for each ticket sold, $10 will be donated to the For the Love of the Bloom event in support of breast cancer research. What could be better!

Hope some of you could join us at this fun event.
We'd love to see you there!

Love,
Mary (& Sam)

It's Friday night and while most of our non photographer/non wedding industry friends are winding down for the weekend, we are typically either gearing up for a wedding or lifestyle session, editing, processing or like tonight, building a client's first family album.  

This process is always exciting for us as we know this will be enjoyed by the family for years to come -- which is also why it takes time, thought, and requires both our eyes and attention.  There is no set formula, but just like an artist, we are not satisfied until it we are both completely happy with the final finished product. 

We recently photographed a 1yr old baby girl from a past wedding client and it's always such a pleasure to be asked to capture their family's photos!  It just hit us what an awesome privilege we have to build relationships with our couples and not only to get see them grow as a family, but to continue to photograph them.

Here is a spread from their family album that we wanted to share: sort of a sneak peek to their session.  We don't always work with a theme for a lifestyle or family session, but in this case, when her parents told us that Alyssa loves to shop for clothes, we knew we had to include shopping as part of her session!

This moment was too cute not to have it's own page! :)

Happy friday, everyone!

Much love,
Mary (& Sam)