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Invitations for the Hindu nuptials were 20 pages thick, encased in silver, and contained jade necklaces or diamond watches for close family friends. The industrialist chartered 12 Boeing jets to fly 1,500 guests from India to the festivities in France that ranged from the Tuileries Gardens in Paris to the Palace of Versailles. Fireworks filled the skies and ‘Bollywood’ stars mixed with the guests who consumed five thousand bottles of Mouton-Rothschild 1986.

Vanisha Mittal Bhatia has a masters degree in South Asian studies and sits on the board of Mittal Steel, owned by her father Lakshmi Mittal, who is estimated by Forbes to be worth $51 billion.

Text by Norma-Jean Alt

Here are some seasonal flower suggestions for you to consider:

For a Winter Wedding, select from

• Daffodils
• Poinsettias
• Evergreens
• Amaryllis

Since winter is their flowering season, daffodils are reasonably priced and also look fabulous in large table vases, either at the wedding rehearsal or wedding breakfast. Also consider using the holiday season as a guide to your selection.

For a Spring Wedding, select from

• Tulips
• Lilies
• Hyacinths
• Ranunculus

Bright blues, pinks and yellows are very common in these spring flowers. They are also available in soft white and pale pastels. And although they combine well, there’s nothing quite as elegant and as lovely as a selection of spring flowers in a singular colour.

For a Summer Wedding, select from

• Daisies
• Gladiolas
• Zinnias
• Dahlias

Since the weather will most likely be quite warm, select flowers that tolerate heat well. This season offers you a large choice of flowers, including beautiful blue Delphiniums and Columbine. And, although roses are available from florists all year round, roses truly give a ‘summer feel’ to a bouquet.

For an Autumn Wedding, select from

• Sunflowers
• Chrysanthemums
• Hydrangeas
• Roses

With this season, take advantage of the full range of vibrant colours. With roses, look for Leonidas (a bi-colour chocolate brown) and Black Magic (the darkest, velvet burgundy). Also consider using a variety of fall-toned foliages, such as copper beech, croton leaves, or vine maple to add interest to your floral bouquet.

Once upon a time, the marriage season hit its height in June and wound down quickly after. But this is no longer the case, due to renewed design sensibilities and availability from around the world.

Text by Norma-Jean Alt
Photography by Dale Schappert

Rain on your wedding day:  you’ll shed many tears during your married life, or your marriage will grow stronger, just as plants need rain to grow, or you will have many children, or good luck.

Sunny weather:  symbolizes warmth and comfort

Encountering a nun or monk on your way to a wedding:  foretells a life of barrenness and poverty

Veil: in Roman times, the use of a veil was thought to disguise the bride so evil spirits couldn’t attack – became popular in Britain in eighteen hundreds – now often associated with modesty and chastity

Something old: bride may wear some heritage jewellery as a tribute to her family or even her mother’s or grandmother’s wedding gown, or signifying that friends will remain true

Something new: most often the wedding gown is new – symbolizing a successful marriage

Something borrowed: – can be anything – (maybe a lace handkerchief?) – to remind you that we all depend on the support of family and friends, particularly in time of need

Something blue: symbolizes your loyalty and devotion to each other – bride’s garter may be blue

Throwing garter: in France, ‘pieces of the bride’ were considered lucky so she threw her garter to guests – in other areas, the groom’s toss of the garter to single friends may indicate the next to wed

Throwing bouquet: single women rival to catch bride’s bouquet or alternate one provided just for this – to see who will marry next

Throwing rice, grains, flower petals or confetti: rice is thought to feed evil spirits, thus diverting their attention from the bridal couple; or bestowing prosperity and fertility

Tin cans attached to the wedding car: to make noise to scare away evil spirits

Groom carrying his bride over threshold: so she doesn’t stumble – a bad omen; also symbolizing Anglo Saxon custom of groom stealing his bride and carrying her away.

”Paintball is a great source of exercise for any age,” says Evan Schroeder, the owner of Splatters Paintball in New Bothwell (20 minutes South of Winnipeg, and 15 minutes from Steinbach). “It’s a chance to leave behind the day-to-day stress and rejuvenate the spirit of adventure.”

An average game is about three hours and a basic package at Splatters starts at $30 per person with discounts based on the size of the group. There are also fire pits available for those who want to have a wiener roast afterwards.

Ladies planning a bachelorette party may wish to consider a more stimulating alternative which is what “it’s My Pleasure” offers. Located at 100-250 Panet Road, It’s My Pleasure includes a women’s resource center, dance studio and boutique. The main studio area is used for workshops, dance classes, toy parties and as a gathering place for women to get together to talk and have a cup of coffee.

“We can offer lessons in pole dancing or erotic dancing in our studio or in your home,” says It’s My Pleasure founder Tamara Thompson. “We also offer sessions in belly dancing, burlesque dancing or combinations of all.”

Thompson also organizes adult toy parties. “Our goal is to educate, entertain and empower women,” Thompson says.

Wedding Traditions in Asia

When it comes to weddings in the mysterious Far East, the rich diversity of Asian cultures, traditions and religions make for a wide variety of colourful wedding customs.

In Japan, purple is the color of love, with brides selecting an elaborately-embroidered silk kimono covered in purple iris-flowers. Weddings are traditionally Buddhist, where two strings of beads are interwoven during the ceremony, symbolizing the joining of two families into one. In Shinto ceremonies, natural spirits called
“kami”, are called upon to bless the couple.

Chinese traditions involve the gift of a whole roast pig given by the groom’s family to the bride’s family as an appropriate engagement gift. The bride’s wedding gown is bright red, symbolizing good luck, with elaborate golden phoenixes, chrysanthemums, and peonies, symbolizing wealth and good fortune.

Korean traditions call for a fortune-teller, known as a “kung-hap”, to look into the couple’s future before they marry. A harmonious union is very important since the engagement gifts often cost upwards of $40,000.

In India, it’s bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other for several days before the wedding. During the ceremony the couple hold in their hands grains of rice, oats, and green leaves, signifying wealth, good health and happiness.

Middle Eastern Wedding Traditions

In the Middle East, traditions have been passed down for several centuries and each region has a unique flavour. Parties figure prominently…the engagement party, the signing of the marriage contract party, and the Hena party.

Israeli brides wear “something blue”, symbolizing fidelity. Yemeni celebrations involve the entire community, with music playing an important role at the wedding reception.

North American Wedding Traditions

North American wedding traditions are among the most varied in all the world as they encompass many cultures. Mexican traditions have been influenced by Spain, France, and by their own ancient cultural traditions stretching as far back as the Aztecs. The United States has been influenced by every country and culture on Earth, making for a rich and varied amalgamation of traditions. Canadian traditions have been influenced by both English and French traditions.

And in almost all cultures, the marriage ceremony ends with the bride and groom exchanging a kiss, symbolizing for all people everywhere the physical uniting of two souls.

Text by Norma-Jean Alt
Photography by Joel Ross
Wedding Venue: Fort Garry Hotel
Wedding Cake by Belle Cake & Candy

My quest for the right type of exercise for my body began with taping a 7am aerobics class on TV and doing the class in my parents’ basement over and over again. I realized it was getting boring and I felt a little trapped being inside. I began to run outside during the warmer months yet still felt as though something was missing. A new gym opened in my area and it was very popular so I figured why not go there. I did a variety of exercises at the gym. I tried every cardio machine and played around with some weights.

I found that I did trim down but by the time I was in University I had reached my plateau. The greatest challenge I kept facing was that I never truly looked forward to going to the gym. I awaited the end of my workout every time and if I didn’t have a friend to go with me I could talk myself out of going. In my mid twenties I decided that I needed to hire a personal trainer. At first having a personal trainer was fun. I had someone catering to my specific needs and I always had someone to workout with. The only problem was I actually started to feel worse about my body. I gain muscle quickly and I was bulking up in areas I didn’t want to. I also did not look forward to the monthly cellulite checks.

So what was next on my quest?

My cousin suggested joining a running program with her. I made her promise to not miss out on any classes because I needed her to motivate me to go. Again it was fun at first to try something new, however I never enjoyed running all those years ago and I realized soon that I didn’t enjoy it today either. I felt amazing once our runs were complete but during the entire run I would wait for the class to end.

So… I went back to the gym.

This brings my journey to last year. I was preparing for my upcoming wedding and quite frankly I was very stressed out. It was approaching fast and I anticipated all the things that could go wrong. Due to many things, stress being one of them, one morning I woke up with a sore back. As the morning progressed my back kept tightening. By the time I arrived at work I couldn’t breathe. My boss took me to the hospital where I was told I put my back out. I began going for physiotherapy and was told to not do any type of
exercise for a few weeks. I began to get antsy and feel as though I needed exercise to balance me especially in the months prior to my wedding. My physiotherapist suggested that I take up yoga as it might help my back. I had heard about hot yoga and I decided to give it a shot. When I first went to Moksha Yoga I was nervous.

I filled out all these forms, I told the instructor about my back and she was very understanding and helpful. The first class I attended was a 90-minute Moksha Yoga and Nena was my teacher. When the class ended I felt as though this whole new world had opened up to me. I loved it! As I went more and more I kept feeling better and better about myself and more importantly my back pain disappeared! As the wedding neared people started asking me how I could be so calm. They said I seemed more relaxed than ever. I just kept saying that at this point in the game, I’ve done what I can do and whatever else happens is out of my
control so I’m just going to enjoy the ride.

Yoga has done so much for me that it is impossible to keep my story to one paragraph! I haven’t even gotten to the best part yet!

The weekend of my wedding arrived. I felt ready, I felt excited, and I was mentally and physically in an amazing place (in fact I’d lost weight from yoga and my dress was a tad big – but still looked amazing!). I swear yoga saved my wedding day! The morning began with a wonderful latté and all my bridal party at the salon getting their hair done.

The only problem was that my hairdresser wasn’t there. He forgot about me! His boss had to go to his house and wake him up! He was over an hour late and in the end did a great job. For some reason, I was completely calm throughout the morning not worried about what would happen if he didn’t show. I guess I figured one of the 4 other hairdressers in the salon could do my hair if they had to. Everyone at the salon
expected me to explode and couldn’t believe that I didn’t even break a sweat. That wasn’t even the worst of it! I was off to do pictures, which we did before the ceremony. My fiancée and I had a great time and loved just being silly during the shoot.

We saw a playground and thought how amazing it would be to get pictures of us all dressed up in the playground. I still can’t believe I pushed my fiancée down a slide in his tux, or that I climbed up a play structure in my dress! Well, what did I expect? I leaned up against the play structure and when I leaned back I noticed blue chalk all over my dress. I just stood there and kept breathing in and out. I looked up and saw my fiancée, the photographer and the videographer all looking at me waiting for me to literally detonate. I didn’t! I just said that we all needed to work together now to get it off my dress.

Long story short, 95% of the chalk came off and no one noticed the other 5% except for those that already knew it was there (and it’s not visible in the pictures or the video).

I swear yoga has made me more rational and calm. I’m able to put things in perspective and focus on the more important things in life. I have finally found a practice that has not only allowed me to reach my physical goals but has been an emotional and spiritual exercise for me as well. I look forward to my yoga practice, I love being in the classes and I feel amazing when I leave! What else could you ask for?

Text by Jodi Kravetsky

When visiting Paris, Teresa Barbee of Uniglobe Geo Travel strongly advises bringing along a comfortable pair of walking shoes as you will suddenly find yourself mesmerized by the sights and atmosphere of this beautiful city.  Summers are sunny in Paris but they can also be very hot. The best time to visit Paris is in the late spring (May &
early June) or in the fall, from September to late October.

While In Paris…

A romantic walk down the Grand Promenade and a visit to the top of the Arc are strongly recommended. This is one of the most romantic places to visit in Paris; the view and history creates a romantic atmosphere.

Paris is famed for the Eiffel Tower. When in Paris you should experience this wonderful spectacle during the day and later during the evening just before sunset. Arrive early and enjoy the perfect romantic lunch by visiting a local grocer for some cheese, bread, fresh fruit and a small bottle of wine. Now find a nice spot on the lawn at Champ de Mars beside the tower.

The Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour is the perfect way to see Paris. Hop on this open-top doubledecker bus and when you see something exciting hop off and catch the next one.

Book a unique dinner cruise through the heart of Paris! The entirely glassed-in boats offer perfect views of Paris and its beautiful monuments. Depart from the Eiffel Tower, cruise along the left bank until the Ministry of Finance at Bercy, return to the Eiffel Tower via the right bank.

Most wedding days are generally hectic. It seems like there are a million details to take care of. That’s where a concierge service can be of immense help to providing peace of mind on your special day.

“We provide a wide range of services to help the bride on her wedding day” says Adroit Concierge’s Lynn Nault who services brides in Winnipeg and the surrounding communities. “We do all the errands that need to be done.”

A bridal concierge service can help out well before the wedding day itself. A concierge service will stuff, address and mail out invitations, for example. On the wedding day itself, the concierge service will pick up the cake and bring it to the reception, for example, or pick up the boutonnieres and deliver them wherever they have to go.

“We also provide baby sitting services during the ceremony and reception,” Nault says. “We have a children’s table at the reception so that the adults can enjoy their suppers in peace.”

Text By Myron Love
For more information on Concierge Services contact Lynn Nault at Adroit Concierge.

Photography by Fred Elcheshen
Engagement Ring by Bijou Design & Creation
Text by Norma-Jean Alt

If you are shopping for an engagement or an anniversary ring, you need to familiarize yourself with the elements of diamond quality before you get to the buying stage. Invented by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the diamond grading system is commonly known as the “4 Cs” – carat, clarity, colour and cut.

Carat

Carat weight measures a diamond’s size. Each carat is equal to 100 points. Thus, a .75-carat diamond is the same as a 75-point stone or a 3/4-carat diamond. The larger a diamond, the rarer it is. Not only are larger diamonds found infrequently in nature, but they also show off the stone’s colour and cut to their best advantage.

Clarity

The purer a diamond, the more brilliant it is. A diamond’s clarity is judged by the number, colour, type, size and position of inclusions, i.e., “nature’s birthmarks” it contains. The fewer inclusions – the more valuable it is.

Colour

The purer the colour of a diamond, the rarer it is. Truly colourless diamonds are the most valuable, while those with subtle yellow or brown tones – as determined by a grading system – are less so. Comparing stones side by side is the best way to see the colour of each stone.

Cut

Cut alone is the single most important factor in determining the fire and brilliance of a diamond. While nature is responsible for the other three Cs, it is the cut of a stone that releases its sparkle and beauty.

There are several different shapes of cut diamonds. Marquis cuts are no longer popular. Today, Princess, Round, Oval, and Emerald diamond rings are chosen by many couples. The current trend is a ring with a center stone and side diamonds. As for settings, the prong setting is still the first choice for most buyers, but the bezel setting is also popular. The hot metal for diamond rings is still platinum. Although it’s pricier, it’s also heavier, hypoallergenic, and will never tarnish.

The following is the G.I.A. grading system standard for diamond colour:

Grade D, E, F: Colourless - This diamond colour is the finest and rarest.

Grade G, H, I, J: Near Colourless – Known also as White, experts sometimes find them hard to distinguish from Colourless when they’re set and offer excellent value.

Grade K, L, M: Faint Yellow - Referred to as Top Silver, these diamonds have a yellow tinge and are more common.

Grade M, N, O, P, Q, R: Very Light Yellow -- The yellow tint is easily noticeable.

Grade S-Z: Light Yellow - Even though you may not be able to see the almost imperceptible letter grade distinctions between colourless and near colourless, buying a diamond with G.I.A. Certification, will guarantee its quality.