What can I say? While the little girlaboutOtown and the fella went to see a movie this past Sunday afternoon, I snuck out to a champagne cocktail party to celebrate the launch of three new local businesses. It was a perfectly agreeable alternative to yet another animated princess movie for me, although perhaps not as far from a fantasy fairy tale as one might first think…
Hosted by three talented and enterprising young women to watch, this was one well-attended and classy party with a point. Appropriately associated with Valentine’s Day, the event was intended to introduce these smart new entrants to Ottawa’s increasingly stylish wedding industry. Regardless of where you stand on weddings, it is hard not to appreciate the genuine artistry these women entrepreneurs have expressed through their respective business endeavours.
Accomplished photographer and cinematographer Bridget Redmond of First Kiss Films uses classic cinematic techniques to chronicle “that special day” on 8mm and 16mm film stock to create moving memories that will certainly be worthy of a watch for many years to come. Beautifully shot and artfully edited, Bridget’s films are timeless, inspired and astonishingly appealing.
(While I was once married, my time for wedding cinematography has probably past. Nevertheless, I find myself wishing Bridget Redmond would consider spending a day with me and my three so we too might look through such a lovely and nostalgic lens at our lucky love!)
Photo of Bridget Redmond by Natasha Moine Photography, via First Kiss Films.
Anastasia Wilde, along with her partner in candy crime Jean Francois Labelle, are labouring together to make hand crafted chocolate treats with traditional fondant centres. Be Sweet Chocolates came about as a result of Anastasia’s “artistic appetite”, a few family recipes, and plenty of very pleasant taste -testing. Charmingly, these delightful bites are cooked up at a local maple sugar shack using fresh cream and fine sugars, and can be special ordered in small batches for any occasion.
Finally, Anne Marie Bouchard of AMBPhoto is a photographer of considerable talent who will no doubt be very busy this upcoming wedding season. For Anne, weddings represent all the things she loves to photograph most, and offer her an opportunity to capture moments that might have otherwise been missed by those in the throes of their festivities. Based on the stunning magazine-style photos I saw, Anne and her camera don’t miss much at all!
Photo of Anne Marie Bouchard, by Bridget Redmond via AMBPhoto.
Oh, and while we’re on the subject of wonderfully personal weddings, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Wed By Hand, Ottawa’s first ever “Indie Wedding Show”.
Coming up so very soon, this unique event connects cool couples with local crafters ready to help add personalized details to their special day. The show will feature a variety of artists making everything from the lettering on invitations to the last drop of icing on a wedding cake, and offer a one-stop-shop for budget-conscious brides delighted to dress in previously loved wedding wear.
Wed By Hand will take place on February 27, 2010 from 10am-3pm at the Courtyard by Marriott, 350 Dalhousie Street. Admission is only $3 and proceeds from the event will benefit Team Diabetes Canada!
So much talent being discovered, just met Bridget of First Kiss Films and Anne Marie of AMBPhoto and can’t believe what Ottawa has to offer the wedding industry! Don’t forget the brilliant and creative person behind the Wed by Hand idea – excellent opportunity for local brides and grooms to check out a select few a variety of artists!
Had the wonderful opportunity to meet with Bridgett of First Kiss this afternoon and I am very excited to promote her wonderful talents here in Ottawa and Beyond! Congrats to all on the opening and looking forward to the Indie Wedding show!