Allow Kicking Horse Mountain Resort to be your host and backdrop for the most important day of your life.  Have your alpine ceremony at the a one of a kind venue where within minutes of stepping into the gondola, you are surrounded by the pristine wilderness of six national parks.

From the “I do’s” until the last dance….. Start with a breath taking ceremony on the Terrace of the Eagle’s Eye Restaurant with the vast peaks of Banff, Jasper, Mount Revelstoke, Glacier, Kootenay and Yoho National Parks in the background.  Take mountain top photos to cherish for a lifetime followed by a reception in the restaurant and a fun-loving and memorable evening, dining and dancing the night away.

You are going to LOVE this venue!

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Mike & Megan

Angela,

We can’t thank you enough for planing such a perfect wedding for Megan and Mike. We enjoyed working with you so much and you surpassed our expectations.   You are an amazing person with many talents!  Everyone was so impressed with all you did. You did an outstanding job with Mike & Megan’s wedding and we can’t thank you enough! We hope you will look us up when you come to Florida. Please keep in touch as we have so enjoyed you.

Take care and keep in touch.

Love,

Bonnye

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View this article here: http://www.banffcragandcanyon.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1625872

By Shawn Slaght

shawn@thecrag.ca

With the wedding season just around the corner, there are many ways to make a wedding in the Bow Valley more eco-friendly according to local executive wedding planner Angela Schrempf.

Schrempf, who has been in the event planning industry since 2002 and currently operates Sweet Occasions Bridal Consulting based out of Canmore, said there are some simple and inexpensive ways to make a wedding more environmentally friendly.

“We like to focus on really being green about everything,” said Schrempf. “Because I respect the area so much.”

Schrempf said one of the things to consider when planning a wedding is to reduce fuel emissions used by guests and the cost of the venue rentals by holding the ceremony and reception in one place.

“There are many venues in both Banff and Canmore and all over the Rockies for that matter that offer both hotel services and services for both outdoor and indoor ceremony locations and receptions,” she said.

If that is not possible, consider getting a shuttle bus for the guests from the ceremony to the reception or carpool in hybrid vehicles.

There are also facilities that promote environmental preservation that can be rented out for special events. One of the local facilities that Schrempf recommended was the Chateau Lake Louise.

“They are really, really big about that with their expansion,” she said. “They actually reduced the amount of water they use and other utilities when they expanded and doubled their property size.”

She said there are also facilities like Buffalo Mountain Lodge and Emerald Lake Lodge that produce their own game and meat for the meals.

When it comes to brides, they can consider wearing gowns made of natural fabrics or wear a used gown.

With photography, she recommended going with a photographer who keeps photos digital and only prints out the photos that are wanted.

“They won’t actually send you a proof book. You can go online,” said Schrempf.

Schrempf also recommended planning an eco-travel honeymoon. She said eco-travel agents can be found online and can meet anyone’s needs such as hiking, lounging on a beach, or strolling through a museum.

“We don’t have to go on a cruise or do something that is going to harm the environment producing carbon emissions,” said Schrempf.

She also suggested, along with holding the ceremony in the Rocky Mountains, staying in the Bow Valley for the honeymoon.

“Ditch everyone and stay in the Rockies,” she said. “Go exploring, go on a lake and do some canoeing. Enjoy yourself, it is gorgeous here.”

Another idea Schrempf suggested was holding the ceremony near water and, instead of leaving in a limo, leaving the ceremony in a canoe.

With décor, a few of the suggestions Schrempf had included using soy candles, which burn cleaner and longer and spills are much easier to clean up. She also recommended using natural elements such as branches and river rocks.

For invitations, the paper can be made of high-recycled content or from alternative fiber such as hemp or bamboo.

“They are really unique in how you can get tons of textures, colours and designs,” said Schrempf. “You can really customize it and also the same price than going with your normal invitations, so why not.”

Flower arrangement can also be done with wildflowers. Also those planning a wedding can ask their florist about donating the flowers to facilities such as hospitals.

One of the simpler ways to make a wedding more eco-friendly in the mountains is to simply go outside.

“Why use lighting indoors and air conditioning when you can have your wedding outside,” said Schrempf. “Go to a lake or a meadow. There are plenty of locations around here.”

However, permits are required for holding an outdoor ceremony in the National Park. Or information is available regarding the permit by contacting the Banff National Park Information Centre at 762-1550.

Hiring local vendors and entertainment cuts down on travel and carbon emissions. Also acoustic musicians can cut down on electricity.

“Local vendors are not more expensive than in Calgary,” said Schrempf. “Calgary vendors are actually more expensive than our vendors.”

More information about eco-friendly weddings can be found at www.sweatoccasionsbanff.com or by contacting Angela Schrempf at 403-678-6366 or by email at angela@sweetoccasionsbanff.com.

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Creating an Eco Chic Wedding

By Executive Wedding Planner Angela Schrempf

Sweet Occasions Bridal Consulting

Banff National Park located in Alberta Canada is no doubt one of the most beautiful protected areas in all of North America.  A perfect setting for a luxurious wedding or an intimate elopement, the Banff National Park offers world class accommodations, dining & scenery that is completely unmatched.  The preservation of this gorgeous landscape is paramount and brides enjoying the Rockies can do a few small things to help preserve this beautiful place for their children.

Here are some fantastic tips to save the environment and some money:

Venues

• Host your wedding in National Park or natural reserve.  This is a great environmentally friendly choice; not to mention makes an amazing backdrop for your wedding!
• Host your ceremony and reception in one place, reducing the amount of fuel emissions used by the guests and the cost of venue rentals.  Buffalo Mountain Lodge & Emerald Lake Lodge are fantastic venues that offer beautiful natural ceremony & reception locations & lodging.  For the Princess Brides the Castle in the Mountains Fairmont Banff Springs also offers posh ceremony & reception venues and world class accommodations!

Lindsay & Daniel enjoy a natural ceremony in the heart of the Rockies.  Created by Sweet Occasions Bridal Consulting. Photography by Peak Photography.

Vendors

• Hire local vendors. The less transportation, the lower the vendor cost!
• As a wedding planner specializing in the Canadian Rockies I know that each vendor in my community can provide the same service & specializing in the Rockies.  Vendors from out of town will charge you more for their gas & travel time and will not have as much experience in the Rockies as local vendors.  Support the local economy and save yourself some money with our local vendors.

Design & Decor

• Look for soy candles, they’re made from a renewable resource, are cleaner and longer burning than regular candles.  Avoid those nasty table cloth cleaning charges at your venue because spills are easy to clean – just use soap and hot water!
• For the invitations & stationary use paper that has a high-recycled content or print your invites on a gift of seed paper.  Guest can plant your stationary and enjoy beautiful flowers!
• For placement cards pluck leaves from trees and handwrite the guest’s names on each leaf, add an shiny silk ribbon at the stem and tie the leaf around the napkin for the perfect natural touch!
• Give life to your guests with little seedling trees as favors.  As your love grows so will the trees and your guests will always remember how spectacular your wedding was every time they see their tree!

Fashion

• Consider purchasing a gown made of natural eco-fabrics like silk and hemp.  You could also please your budget by purchasing a used gown or wearing a family member’s gown.
• For your rings choose silver instead of gold. Silver mining has a much lower impact on our environment and there are plenty of gemstones besides diamonds to choose from which are equally beautiful and are one of the latest trends!

Transportation

• If your wedding is near the water instead of leaving in a limo leave your ceremony in a canoe!   Couples can also departed on depart in a horse drawn carriage, sleigh, or even on bicycles.
• Book a shuttle bus for guests.  Guests flying in will be happy that they don’t have to rent a vehicle and you will be helping the environment.  If vehicles are necessary consider carpooling in hybrid vehicles.

Photo by Peak Photography.

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My husband and I were grateful to have Angela and her team to help us plan our special day. We did not worry about a thing the day of and were able to enjoy each and every moment of it. Angela was very professional, organized and very attentive to our requests. Together her and her team created a wedding day that exceeded ours and our guests expectations.
If you are having your wedding in the Banff National Park area, I highly recommend Sweet Occasions Bridal Consulting to make your special day a stress-free one.

- Lindsay & Dan – May 10th 2009

Visit Sweet Occasions Facebook for more photos!

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Step 2
Get married on a holiday when the church will already be decorated. Christmas and Easter decorations already set up in a church can make a beautiful backdrop for your wedding.

Banff Garden Wedding Flowers

Step 3
Shrink your bridal party and your guest list. Fewer people mean fewer bouquets and decorations.

Step 4
Coordinate with another bride who is getting married around the same time as you. The two of you might be able to split the cost of flowers.
Step 5
Look outdoors for decorations. An outdoor wedding can save you tons of money on flowers and the Rockies are naturally beautiful!

Emerald Lake Lodge

Step 6
Supplement large arrangements with less expensive flowers. Usually, these arrangements are far away, so your guests won’t be able to tell anyway.

Step 7
Create your own arrangements. You can use silk flowers or even flowers from your own garden. And you save a lot of money in the process.
Step 8
Fill spaces with greenery instead of flowers. Large potted plants can be rented for significantly less than flowers. Ivy and other greenery is also beautiful as an accent.
Step 9

Think about fruit and other alternative arrangements. A vase full of fruit is just as eye catching, and it’s quite a bit cheaper.

Design by Angela Schrempf

Enjoy!

Angela Schrempf
Executive Wedding Planner
Sweet Occasions Bridal Consulting
www.sweetoccasionsbanff.com

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STEP 1 – Style & Length

When creating your own wedding veil the first step is to choose which style and length suites you and your dress best. You might want to visit some bridal shops and try veils on to get a better idea of what you like and what looks good on. If possible try veils on with your dress. Here are your length options:
Blusher: Shoulder

Waist Length

Fingertip length

Knee Length

Chapel: Floor Length

Cathedral: Dragging on the Floor

STEP 2 – Choosing a Clip or Tiara

Your veil can be attached to a headband, comb, tiara or any other creative object that you can fasten into your hair. You can purchase these accessories at various crafts stores like Michaels or a fashion jewelry shop. There are also wedding veil combs at most fabric stores and are usually under $10! You can also just use a plain, unadorned comb and you can stick into your hair for under a $1. Elaborate crowns, tiaras or decorated combs can cost more. You can always decorate your plain comb with come pears, beads or other accessories.

STEP 3 – Choosing your Tulle

Your tulle is your veil material. After deciding the length of your veil you can purchase your tulle. Tulle is available at many craft stores but I would recommend a fabric store as they have a better selection. Tulle is very inexpensive and can frequently be purchased for under $1.00 a yard, however the better the quality the better the higher the cost. After shopping around you will find that not all tulle is the same. It comes in many different colors, qualities textures and can vary so much that it is a good idea to purchase a yard of tulle you are considering to match it to your dress.
Upon finding the right tulle consider how many layers your veil will be, the length and your creative ability (if you’re not too creative you might have to start over a couple times).

STEP 3 – Cutting the Veil

You will need a workspace large enough to lay the fabric out flat and cut it. If your table isn’t large enough, clear out a space on your clean floor. You can purchase a veil patter at the fabric store or you don’t have to use a pattern at all! The shape of the fabric should basically a large oval. You can also just fold the tulle over lengthwise, pin it together so it doesn’t shift, and cut the bottom end, rounding off the corners. You can leave the sides straight, with just the bottom rounded, leaving the top end squared. The squared end will be the top of the veil that will be gathered on the comb. If you want a double layer veil, so that you have veil will cover your face, cut a smaller rounded piece of tulle.

STEP 4 – Attaching the Tulle to the Comb

After you have finished cutting your veil you can gather your veil by using a gathering stitch on the straight edge of the fabric. The tulle is now ready to attach to the comb.
You can attach the veil directly to your hand band or tiara or directly to the comb. I sigest attaching directly to the comb to avoid damaging delicate jewelry, and you can also take out the comb for the reception and still enjoy a headpiece.
Sew the gathered veil directly onto the comb or crown and it is ready to stick in into your hair!
MISSION COMPLETED! Wasn’t that easy!

STEP 5 – Finishing

You can chose to leave the tulle edge unfinished for a wispy look or you can finish the edge, by rolling it and sewing it. You can also choose to decorate the body of the veil by sewing of gluing small pearls, crystals or rhinestones on the veil.

Good Luck!

Angela Schrempf
Executive Wedding Planner
Sweet Occasions Bridal Consulting
www.sweetoccasionsbanff.com

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The Rocky Mountains can throw some unexpected scenarios at you on your wedding day so here are some useful items to include in your Rocky Mountain Wedding Survival Kit.

Start with a small purse, pouch or makeup bag and begin adding the following contents for those unforeseen emergencies.

Here are some key items to include:

Clothes

* Tide Pen
* White chalk (works amazing for hiding any stains that might appear on your dress)
* Static Guard
* Double sided tape
*Lint brush
* Packing tape (go for the clear)
* Sewing kit including scissor
* Safety pins

Face

* Makeup for touchups
* Powder (to banish shine in the photos!)
* Mirror
* Tissues
* Blotting tissues
* Q-tips

Hair

* Brush
* Bobby Pins
* Hairspray

Smile

* Gum
* Breath Freshener
* Floss
* Toothbrush and toothpaste
* Mints

Nails

* Clear nail polish
* Super glue
* Nail polish remover
* Nail file

Body

* Sun Screen
* Bug Spray
* Tampons
* Deodorant
* Advil/Tylenol/Motrin
* Alka-Seltzer
* Tums
* Band-aids
* Visine
* Purell

Feet

* Slippers
* Band-Aid Blister Blocks

Good Luck!

Angela Schrempf
Executive Wedding Planner
Sweet Occasions Bridal Consulting
www.sweetoccasionsbanff.com

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Creating an Eco Chic Wedding

By Executive Wedding Planner Angela Schrempf

Sweet Occasions Bridal Consulting

Banff National Park located in Alberta Canada is no doubt one of the most beautiful protected areas in all of North America.  A perfect setting for a luxurious wedding or an intimate elopement, the Banff National Park offers world class accommodations, dining & scenery that is completely unmatched.  The preservation of this gorgeous landscape is paramount and brides enjoying the Rockies can do a few small things to help preserve this beautiful place for their children.

Here are some fantastic tips to save the environment and some money:

Venues

• Host your wedding in National Park or natural reserve.  This is a great environmentally friendly choice; not to mention makes an amazing backdrop for your wedding!
• Host your ceremony and reception in one place, reducing the amount of fuel emissions used by the guests and the cost of venue rentals.  Buffalo Mountain Lodge & Emerald Lake Lodge are fantastic venues that offer beautiful natural ceremony & reception locations & lodging.  For the Princess Brides the Castle in the Mountains Fairmont Banff Springs also offers posh ceremony & reception venues and world class accommodations!

Lindsay & Daniel enjoy a natural ceremony in the heart of the Rockies.  Created by Sweet Occasions Bridal Consulting.

Photography by Peak Photography.

Vendors

• Hire local vendors. The less transportation, the lower the vendor cost!
• As a wedding planner specializing in the Canadian Rockies I know that each vendor in my community can provide the same service & specializing in the Rockies.  Vendors from out of town will charge you more for their gas & travel time and will not have as much experience in the Rockies as local vendors.  Support the local economy and save yourself some money with our local vendors.

Design & Decor

• Look for soy candles, they’re made from a renewable resource, are cleaner and longer burning than regular candles.  Avoid those nasty table cloth cleaning charges at your venue because spills are easy to clean – just use soap and hot water!
• For the invitations & stationary use paper that has a high-recycled content or print your invites on a gift of seed paper.  Guest can plant your stationary and enjoy beautiful flowers!
• For placement cards pluck leaves from trees and handwrite the guest’s names on each leaf, add an shiny silk ribbon at the stem and tie the leaf around the napkin for the perfect natural touch!
• Give life to your guests with little seedling trees as favors.  As your love grows so will the trees and your guests will always remember how spectacular your wedding was every time they see their tree!
• 

Fashion

• Consider purchasing a gown made of natural eco-fabrics like silk and hemp.  You could also please your budget by purchasing a used gown or wearing a family member’s gown.
• For your rings choose silver instead of gold. Silver mining has a much lower impact on our environment and there are plenty of gemstones besides diamonds to choose from which are equally beautiful and are one of the latest trends!

Transportation

• If your wedding is near the water instead of leaving in a limo leave your ceremony in a canoe!   Couples can also departed on depart in a horse drawn carriage, sleigh, or even on bicycles.
• Book a shuttle bus for guests.  Guests flying in will be happy that they don’t have to rent a vehicle and you will be helping the environment.  If vehicles are necessary consider carpooling in hybrid vehicles.

Photo by Peak Photography.

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