Melissa & Paul’s Thoughts About Sweet Occasions

By: admin on January 13, 2012

On a mountain top, under glorious blue skies and the sun warming our already glowing souls, with our Angel’s, family, and friends, we said I DO!!

To say this day was the epitome of what one considers magical or fairy tale like, would be an understatement!! The beginning of or more so the continuation of our happily ever after was everything I dreamed of and more, because this reality was far better than any dream one could ever have!

Working with Angela has been one of the greatest experiences of my life, as she was more than the most amazing, rock star wedding planner in the world, she was a friend! I believe this is why she puts together the most out of this world dream weddings, as she gets to know her couples and puts THEM in each and every detail, therefore the wedding is unique to them. When I think of Angela and her ability to capture your hearts desires into the most perfect, magical day that begins your lives together as Mr. And Mrs., a quote has come to mind

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.
Helen Keller

Angela feels with her heart and soul, and puts nothing less into your wedding day!! She loves LOVE and it shows in each and every heartfelt detail and every communication! It was important to me to have our Happily Ever After an expression of My Forever and me, and our Angel’s, for it to be filled with romance (I am the romantic), nature (I am a tree hugger), and a modern edge (My Forever) and the result was nothing short of BREATH TAKING!! Our wedding day was filled with little touches that made it unique, and Angela was there every step of the way making all my dreams a SWEET reality!

The whole wedding day was spectacular, from start to finish, I did not ever feel one ounce of stress, it was filled with giggles and laughter, and some mishaps (aka our limo “Dorothy” was not feeling well), and the best part was the kind of love that makes your heart race, your body tingle, and your soul feel like it is going to burst and shower everyone around you with LOVE and happiness!!

The reception room was sooo breath takingly beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes (I never even cried during our ceremony)!! Seriously, Angela creates magic mixed with emotion creating the kind of ambience that screams HAPPILY EVER AFTER!!

My one wish for future brides is to experience the magical day that begins their happily ever after as Mr. And Mrs. the way I got to experience it, in the loving, friendship and talented filled hands of the ladies of Sweet Occasions!!

Liz & Ryan’s Romantic Lake Louise Ice Castle Wedding!

By: admin on March 17, 2011

Liz and Ryan were married in Lake Louise, Alberta on March 7th 2011.  They chose one of the most stunning locations in Lake Louise to have their Wedding, the Ice Castle.  The Ice Castle is a Romantic ceremony location and they joined hands in marriage after the long flight from Fredericton, their home.

Ryan & Liz's wedding – Lake Louise Ice Castle – By Siddall Photography

Liz’s bouquet was composed of pink roses & white calla lilies.  Ryan, a fire fighter (just like my Man also named Ryan and also a fire fighter – ironic?) wore his freshly pressed fire uniform.  A stunning couple!!

Ryan and Liz were thrilled with Angela, Sweet Occasions Weddings Events & Rentals’ Executive Wedding Planner!

“Thank you again for a wonderful day, everything was perfect and we could not have asked for anything else. The weather was great!!

Thank you again!   We could not have done this without you! You did a fabulous job!!” – Elizabeth & Ryan Hallam

They were a lovely couple to work with!  I am so happy that I get to know so many wonderful people though a job I love!

Kicking Horse – The Rockies Premier Venue

By: admin on April 9, 2010

If you love the Rockies, this is one venue that you MUST consider for your wedding!  Located just outside of Golden British Colombia, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort has world class banquet facilities, top notch food & beverage and staff that please.

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!

Mike & Megan's Wedding

By: admin on October 23, 2009

October 9th 1009 – Chateau Lake Louise

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

Published AGAIN! "Make your wedding more eco-friendly" Featuring Angela Schrempf

By: admin on September 8, 2009

Make your wedding more eco-friendly

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.sweetoccasionsbanff.com or by contacting Angela Schrempf at 403-678-6366 or by email at angela@sweetoccasionsbanff.com.

Creating an Eco Chic Wedding

By: admin on September 8, 2009

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.

What Lindsay & Dan had to say about their Sweet Occasions Wedding!

By: admin on August 28, 2009

The Sweet Occasions Bridal team did an amazing job on our wedding. We provided a bit of a challenge to Angela and her team as we only had 3 months to plan our wedding but you would never have guessed with the beautiful day we had.

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!

Yokko & Bruce's Experience With Sweet Occasions

By: admin on August 28, 2009

Angela was fabulous, and if I could give more than 5 stars for quality of service, then I would. Starting with when I first called her, she was easily accessible, and I never felt like I was playing phone tag.

She pulled off a wedding more beautiful than I imagined in a place I had never visited, with just my deions of my destination wedding dreams to go on, and within budget. My fiance (now husband) was also impressed by how she thought of so many things to address that we had never thought about, but were obviously quite important.

She put our minds at ease, so that we could enjoy the weekend, rather than stressing over it. Guests remarked on our calmness prior to the ceremony, and we owed it to her, as well as the other fantastic vendors that she recommended.

For someone so young, she came across with experience and confidence, as well as a true joy for what she is doing. My father started having an asthma attack with the flowers in his boutonniere (who knew he’d have trouble with freesias), so she even improvised one in under 20 minutes! She even took our flower arrangements to local hospitals to “recycle” them. I’ve heard so many brides lament about how they did not enjoy their wedding as much as they had hoped, because they were stressed; I am lucky to say that with Angela’s help, I had the best time I could have imagined, even despite the rain that forced my dream outside ceremony at Lake Louise indoors (which was about the only thing that Angela did not have under control)! I recommend her for anyone thinking about having a wedding (or any event for that matter) in the Canadian Rockies.

-Yokko & Bruce Lee

9 Simple Steps to Save on Your Wedding Flowers

By: admin on August 13, 2009

Step 1
Use flowers that are in season. They’re readily available and cost less than flowers that are out of season. And all flowers cost more during the month of February because of Valentine’s Day.

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

Creative Wedding Entrance

By: admin on August 13, 2009

Who said you had to walk down the aisle? WHY NOT DANCE?! It is a celebration isn’t it?!

Here is a creative bride and groom that shook up the traditional processional. I LOVE the idea of customizing a wedding day exactly to fit the personality of the couple! Way to go!

As a dancer and figure skater for 14 years, why not merge my choreography skills with wedding planning?

Just Dance!

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