Background in fine art & fashion gives Erwin Loewen’s photos an inspired edge

Erwin Loewen was an artist before he ever became a photographer. Years were spent as a pencil sketch artist learning to capture the shape, form and fall of light on his first subjects: horses and beautiful women. Since learning the art of photography, he has managed to transfer his artistic vision and skill to the camera and produces gorgeous wedding photos that show close attention to detail and a strong influence from the fashion industry. Balancing the traditional poses that brides expect with playful and fashion-inspired shots that truly reflect his brides' personalities, Erwin strives to customize his style to each wedding. We sat down with Erwin to get a closer look at his portfolio and to learn more... Erwin became interested in photography because, as a young sketch artist, he found that working from photographs was easier and more convenient than working from life. He began to pursue the craft as a supplement to his art, and soon after he met David Ritchie, a local commercial photographer. "David was my technical teacher. When I worked in a photo lab for him, he used to critique my work. He could be harsh, but whatever he said was always... click for more

Ceremonial white dove releases by Jacobs Loft offer a symbolic tribute to true love... and an incredible photo opportunity

Jacob Vanderschee of Jacobs Loft in St. Williams, Ontario has been raising and releasing white ceremonial doves at weddings for over fifteen years. Because doves mate for life, the release of them as you exit the church or are pronounced man and wife can be amazing. This service offers both a unique and symbolic way to celebrate your wedding vows while also making for an incredible photo opportunity. The Ring has seen the way Jacob can draw a crowd with his expertly trained doves at various bridal shows in the area. So, with a service that offers a real tribute to true love, The Ring knew we had to meet Jacob's Loft in person to find out more. Here’s what we learned... Jacob Vanderschee, Owner and Operator of Jacobs Loft ceremonial white dove releases, grew up in Holland where he was very involved in the raising of doves and pigeons, especially during his teenage years. After moving to Canada, he came across a dove ceremony at a market square while travelling in Quebec City that he was inspired to use his experience... click for more

Local online boutique offers raw silk and couture designs for the little ones

One of The Ring's most exciting and unique finds to date has got to be Petite Parfait. Owner and designer Erika Mills offers brides the best in bridal couture style for the smallest members of their wedding party. From luxurious flower girl gowns to baby boy tuxedos, Erika uses raw silk to create custom, hand-made fabulous gowns, little boy attire and bridal accessories. Erika uses no pre-set size patterns, but instead creates each gown based on the measurements of your little girls or boys. You can choose from several different sleeve, sash and colour options for gowns which are clearly laid out on her website. In addition to dresses, Petite Parfait also offers rosebud wreaths, hair buds, ribbon rose carriers and ring pillows. And for the little gentlemen in your party, she can make vests, pants, shirts, suspenders and ties to match the flower girl's dress. Erika has been sewing all her life. "I remember looking for fabric and materials to work/play with when I... click for more

Lifelong exposure to photography & graphic design skills create success for Eric Rockburn

It's rare to find a husband and wife who not only love to be together, but also love to work together. Eric Rockburn's success is hinged not only on his dual diplomas in graphic design and photography, his lifelong exposure to art and photography specifically, but also on the woman he married and works weddings side-by-side with. As newlyweds, Crystal and Eric create contemporary digital images for their clients, work to provide you with more than you'd expect to receive, and present it all in a professional, custom designed album. We sat down with Eric to learn more about his art and how he applies it to London and area weddings... Eric Rockburn grew up surrounded by the art of photography. His parents had their own photography business, working as a team from their in-home studio. "Creativity and art has always been part of my family," Eric explains. "My mom and dad have been a professional photography team since I was a child." Though he never really considered photography as a career for himself, Eric has always been interested in... click for more

From cuisine to decor - you name it, Culinary serves it | It's pretty amazing to meet people like George Anast and Sally Matous. Throughout our interview, the phone never stopped ringing and there were about twenty parties on the board for that week. Even so, George explained in detail what it is that they strive to do for every client they... click for more

A & M Sounds' appetite for music strikes a chord with London brides | Adrian Peters is a 'music enthusiast', to say the least. His total passion for what he does is exactly what you want when it comes time to hire that one guy who will control the mood of your guest list for about six hours. He has decades of experience, demands high levels of... click for more

Lori of Romantic Wedding Ceremonies gives equal ground to all couples, traditions and marriages | Lori Siska of Romantic Wedding Ceremonies has been an officiant for three years, personally officiating over 170 weddings and has played the organ at over 400 weddings. Lori performs non-denominational ceremonies in... click for more

Best of the bridal chat...

Subject: changing your name

"i changed my name, too. We have been together for 16 years already and over the years, people have called me Mrs. Easton so, I was used to the name!! But, I am still finding myself calling myself by my maiden name or when I sign my name- I have to correct myself sometimes- we have been married for 5 months now- people just laugh!!"

more from kpincanada

Subject: food for photographer and Reverend???

"What's your advice? I know you invite the Rev. to the reception (in our case just a dinner, no dance) but do I invite a guest for them as well? I don't have a personal relationship...don't even know if she has a partner. Do I need to send her an invite? And do I plan to have a meal for the photographer?" more from angelina_7374

Subject: Booking outdoor sites for photos

"Do you have to book your outdoor sites for photography? How do you go about it if we want to have it in a park?"

more from amanda

Subject: What to do with short hair???

"HELP! I don't know what to do with my short hair!

I will not wear a veil or tiara or put flowers in my hair for my wedding day. I've heard of brides putting sparkly things in their short hair to add some flare. Has anyone see this or done this before? thanks for your help!" more from mon

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From the editor...

Dear brides, friends & experts,

Wedding season is here, and so are new reviews on experts. Also coming to you this month are an open house and a bridal show, a lucky winner of our free limo giveaway, a spring giveaway for custom bridal party jewellery and so much more!

As always, everything here is local to you, to your wedding, and to your sense of wedding style. Enjoy!

Jennifer Goulden

theweddingring.ca & londonweddingring.ca, email: info@theweddingring.ca

event: Grand Opening

Open House

@ CJ's Cakes

CJ's Cakes is moving into a brand new storefront location in Conestogo. To celebrate, they are having a Grand Opening Open House on Saturday July 15 for all brides who would like to visit.

details

date: July 15th, 2006

time: 2 pm - 7 pm

location: 1884 Sawmill Road in Conestogo, Ontario (only minutes from Waterloo)

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Bridal News for:

Brantford & Area (new!)

Cambridge & Area

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