About Jennifer Troietto

Owner and Lead Planner of The Wedding Pixie
In love with all things wedding, elegant and timeless!

The Wedding Planner Magazine Style Shoot

What a thrill it was to lead a team of talented creatives for this style shoot which was featured in the pages of The Wedding Planner Magazine.  Given it was my first time participating in a shoot, I couldn’t be more proud of how it came together in the end.  A beautiful gemstone, aquamarine provided the inspiration behind this style shoot.  From the light blue of the sky to the deep blue in the ocean, aquamarine is known for its range of blue hues, sometimes even with a faint greenish shimmer. However, we were inspired to reflect a pure clear blue.

With exposed brick walls and wood floors bringing a natural raw charm, the vision was to create a dreamy and romantic setting by infusing the space with aquamarine, soft peach, pale blush, greens and white.  To add a touch of elegance to the vision, we subtly incorporated gold accents into the guest table with mercury votive candles, chiavari chairs, flatware and floral containers. Our stationery tied our look together by bringing in the gold and showcasing soft romantic elegant features in the design.  We also featured a peony bloom in all pieces as well. Gorgeous layered linens, a birch arbor with hanging florals and candles along with the sugar crystals adorning the main cake beautifully added extra touches of romantic detail to the sweet table.  The high and low florals, filled with lush peonies, garden roses, bleeding hearts and delphiniums, truly breathed romance into the space.  A floral trend we are continuing to see in bridal bouquets is the horizontal bouquet. To best highlight this type of bouquet, we opted to pair it with a simple yet stunning lace wedding dress. Our bride’s look was completed with shades of soft blue and blush in her eye makeup and her elegant up-do featured a delicate beaded band.

Make sure you scroll to the bottom for all the vendor love 🙂

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CONCEPT & PLANNING | The Wedding Pixie • VENUE | Spice Factory • PHOTOGRAPHY | The Butterfly Photography • FLORALS | Wine Country Floral • CAKE & SWEET TREATS | Sweet Avenue Cakery • MODEL | Vogue Models and Talent (Hamilton Toronto) • HAIR & MAKEUP | MIA Professional Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist • STATIONERY | Alicia’s Infinity • DRESS & ACCESSORIES | Heirlooms Bridal Shoppe • CAKE TABLE LINENS, CHIAVARI CHAIRS, CHARGER PLATES & NAPKINS | Gala Décor Wedding and Event Design • FLATWARE | The Pink Door Boutique  • GUEST TABLE LINEN & DINNERWARE | Higgins Event Rentals

The Wedding Planner Magazine Style Shoot2017-04-03T14:12:55-04:00

TWP Celebrates 3 Years of Business Bliss

Earlier this month, (March 15th to be exact), The Wedding Pixie turned 3 and like a mom, I couldn’t be more proud. Boy oh boy, what a journey these first 3 years in business have been!! My heart is SO full and I’m beyond grateful for the beautiful life I live today.

When I started The Wedding Pixie, the plan was for me to use it as a creative outlet because my day job in the corporate world just wasn’t cutting it anymore.  As with anything I do, I gave my all to the corporate job but with each passing day, I was becoming so unhappy and in many ways, the life was being sucked out of me.  I thought if I had a creative outlet to balance my analytical demanding job, then all would well in my world.  And for a few months, that plan was working well.  What I hadn’t expected though was how this business would light a fire of passion within me.  I had a business and more then anything, I wanted to see it grow.  Tending to the business on evenings and weekends wasn’t cutting it anymore.  I so often dreamed of the day I would hand in my letter of resignation and pursue my budding business full time.  In May 2015, my dream turned into reality when I FINALLY took the biggest (and scariest) leap of my life. Back then, I remember feeling like I was jumping out of a airplane. That is really the best way I can think of to describe it. Sitting here today, reflecting on this journey, I see the parachute did indeed open. I landed on my feet.  Yes, there were rocky days as it’s been quite the journey filled with moments of every emotion imaginable. Never could I have imagined that in the summer of 2016, my first real summer of being booked with clients, a time I really saw my dreams coming true, would also be the time I would have to say goodbye to my mom.  Juggling hospital visits, doctor meetings and grief in the middle of wedding season could never be something anyone plans for but it sure did show me exactly what I’m capable of in this life.

To my beautiful couples, inside and out, who have trusted me with their weddings, I thank you for being wonderful and playing a role in my first 3 years of business bliss! To my vendor friends, you are all amazing for your support, replies to my countless emails and showing up on wedding days to do what you do best! I’m so excited for what lies ahead in the next year.

TWP Celebrates 3 Years of Business Bliss2019-11-05T10:18:55-04:00

WPIC Code of Ethics

Before I jump into the real intent of this post, I thought I think it’s fitting to share some of the backstory to my journey on becoming The Wedding Pixie.  If you are reading this, then hopefully you have already read my Meet the Pixie page and know that weddings have been my passion since I was 7. Well, long before The Wedding Pixie got its wings, when I was just a girl who loved weddings and all things pretty, I’d attend bridal shows just for the pure fun of it (Ok, if I’m really being honest, I’d geek out a little with excitement when one was approaching).

It was at one of those shows where I saw a booth to become a certified Wedding Planner. I still remember my initial thought…”OMG! Seriously? How amazingly awesome and fun would that be?” I took the brochure and tucked it away in my binder full of wedding things.  I went on with life because at that time, I was a full-time university student with readings, projects and finals to consume my time. It wasn’t until after graduation and landing a corporate job that I pulled out my binder to find the brochure again.  I honestly can’t describe the feeling but just knew, deep down, this was something I had to pursue.  I signed up for the course in September 2009 and looking back now, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.  When I took the course, I had no idea it would lead to creating this life and business I love.

When I’m meeting with potential couples, it always gives me great pride to say The Wedding Pixie, and day-of assistants, are proud graduates of The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada (WPIC). While this sounds all dandy and lovely, many couples don’t know what it actually means so I thought it was fitting to do this post and share their Code of Ethics.  As WPIC Certified Wedding Coordinators, we have been formally educated in Wedding Coordination and must abide by the following Code of Ethics. Failing to abide can result in losing our Certification and being disbarred from the WPIC Alumni Association.

Code of Ethics:

  • We do not accept kickbacks (money for referrals) from vendors. Vendors must know that the clients are the recipients of any discounts given.
  • We treat each client fairly, and we will be honest and upfront in the representation of our clients.
  • We uphold our ethics. We will not take or attempt to take clients from, or discredit, other vendors with gossip or slander.
  • Every client will receive a detailed contract for Wedding Day Direction, Destination or Full Wedding Coordination services.
  • We will provide all services agreed upon in the contract that must be signed by both the client and Coordinator at the commencement of service.
  • We believe in continuous education, networking and training within the Wedding Industry.
  • Our pricing is upfront and industry comparable.
  • We will make every effort to return calls and emails in a timely manner. (Within 48 hrs.)
  • We always endeavour to benefit our client and not ourselves. Vendors are suggested on merit, in the best interests of the client, not ourselves or the vendor suggested.
  • We cannot guarantee your wedding will be perfect, but we can guarantee we will do everything within our power to make sure it is as close to perfection as it can be.

If you are recently engaged, show yourself some love by hiring a wedding planning pro. For more information on  services and to enquire about our availability for your wedding date, send a note here. Don’t be shy, we can’t wait to hear from you!

WPICC Badge

Source: Wedding Planners Institute of Canada (WPIC)

WPIC Code of Ethics2019-11-05T10:11:01-04:00

Cherish Workshop Experience

While this post is definitely not my most timely, as the saying goes better late then never.

Earlier this year, May to be exact, I was fortunate to have been able to nab one of the limited seats to the Cherish Workshop.  Hosted by the lovely Laura Olsen of Laura Olsen Events and held at the Graydon Hall Manor (an elegant estate in the heart of Toronto’s city life), Cherish was a two-day interactive learning experience focusing on the how-to’s of styling and photography.

Bringing together industry creatives with guest speakers Wedding Sparrow, When He Found Her, Caribou Lab and Tiffany Pratt, Cherish really did feature the very best of the wedding world.  Beyond the guest speakers, Cherish also included intimate classes and my favourite part, styling sessions, to provide hands-on learning and coaching.  As I look back on this time now, it was really a playing haven to have been surrounded by all the pretty goodness from All Things Lovely Paper Co., Plate Occasions, Blush and Bloom and Susan Murray Linens.  To have all those goodies at your finger tips to experiment with was a wedding planner’s dream…it was like waking up on Christmas morning.  I was totally inspired and motivated to be surrounded by these established industry professionals who provided me, and all the attendees, with nothing but kind guidance, encouragement and support.

To cap off the two days of learning fun, all attendees and sponsors were invited to an amazingly delicious dinner prepared by Graydon Hall Manor’s Executive Chef and beautifully styled by Laura and her team.  I may not be able to even begin describing the yummy feast we all enjoyed that night but I can tell you it was the best meal I have ever had in all of my 31 years.  While I was sad for the experience to end, the friendors (i.e vendor friends) I made in that time are ones I still remain in contact today with. I guess you could say, I still cherish them to this day 🙂

Be sure to check out the beautiful images by When He Found Her of the Cherish Workshop as featured on Wedding Sparrow Blog

An elegant table setting created by yours truly and captured by my Cherish roomie, Esther Funk.

Cherish Workshop Tablescape 1

Post image by Esther Funk Photography

Caught in the styling act..if you follow me on social media (if you don’t then what are you waiting for?) this pic will look familiar

Table setting action -cherish

Post image by Nina Polidoro Photography

Here are a few other Cherish highlights as captured by moi through my iphone…

Welcome to Cherish

Stationery Styling

Tablescape

Blush and Bloom flowers

Final Dinner

Cherish Workshop Experience2020-05-15T11:00:18-04:00

Pantone Colour of the Year – Rose Quartz and Serenity

Happy Holidays Everyone!!

It truly is the most wonderful time of the year 🙂 Yes, the holiday season is in full swing with all the cheer, eggnog and shopping going on but earlier this week, Pantone, the world’s colour authority, announced the 2016 Colour of the Year. Or more accurately Colours of the Year.

That’s right! Pantone went rogue this year by announcing not one but two shades to share the title with this year. As always, these will set the trend in design from furniture to appliances and of course, weddings.  So here it is, 2016 Pantone Colours of the Year (drum roll please)…Rose Quartz and Serenity!

Pantone 2016 ROSE QUARTZ AND SERENITY

Post image via Pantone: Introducing Rose Quartz and Serenity

I really should give you a minute or two to swoon over and take in these colour beauties.  So feminine, pretty and soft for a gorgeous wedding palette.  I couldn’t help myself in gathering some wedding inspiration focusing on these lovelies.  These hues of soft pink and muted blue remind me of everything calm, peaceful and tranquil like yoga, meditating and a picture perfect sunrise.

Pantone 2016 inspo wedding dress and flowers

Post image by Alice Swedenborg via Love My Dress Wedding Blog – A 60s Chic Rock n’ Roll Bride On Her Jetset Honeymoon

Pantone 2016 inspo wedding

Post image via Frieda Theres: Hochzeitsdeko in Kupfer

Pantone 2016 inspo wedding cake

Post image by Mark Davidson via The Cake Blog: 10 Sea-Loving Nautical Cakes Cake Design by Erin Gardner of Erin Bakes

What do you think? Want to know more about Rose Quartz and Serenity? Check out Pantone’s site here

Happy Planning!

Pantone Colour of the Year – Rose Quartz and Serenity2020-05-15T11:01:28-04:00

Wedding Tip Wednesday – Wedding Planner vs Venue Coordinator

Thanks to romantic comedies like The Wedding Planner and Father of the Bride, you probably have a general idea as to what a Wedding Planner is and what we can do for you.    However, with many venues now providing an on-site venue coordinator, many couples are often left asking themselves if they really need to hire a professional Wedding Planner/Coordinator as well.  The simple answer to this question is yes but before you say “well of course she would say that,” let me explain why these two professions are not one and the same.

If you have booked a venue that provides on-site coordinator, they will no doubt be a valuable asset to you and your fiance along your planning journey.  In all honesty, I enjoy getting to know the on-site coordinators myself because when we work together for you, the couple, we can make the other person’s job easier.  It is important however, to understand the key differences between an on-site coordinator’s role and what an outside professional, like The Wedding Pixie, can do for you.  By understanding these differences you will be sure to avoid frustration and disappointment down the road.

VENUE COORDINATORS

  • Work for the venue
  • Will advise you of the venue’s policies and procedures
  • Liaise between you and the venue’s operations staff
  • Are primarily focused the day-of your wedding on managing and fulfilling the venue’s responsibilities as outlined in your contract – i.e floor plan is executed correctly, ensuring proper set up of tables and chairs at each table and overseeing food timing
  • Typically leave once dinner is served turning the evening over to the venue manager

Another important consideration to keep in mind is the person you book and plan with at a venue may not be the coordinator working on your actual wedding day!

INDEPENDENT PLANNERS/COORDINATORS

  • Work for you, the couple
  • See to the finest details of creating your dream wedding
  • Supervise ALL aspects of the wedding day itself (Psst…we will even make sure Aunt Edna and Uncle Bob keep their distance from each other since divorce proceedings aren’t going well)
  • Will communicate with the venue and ALL your vendors before the wedding day to create a master timeline ensuring everyone is on the same page
  • Are focused the day-of your wedding on you and work with ALL your vendors striving to give you what is most important…the best wedding possible!
  • On the wedding day, arrive before your ceremony starts and leave after the late night table is served

WHAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE?

Take time to consider your needs throughout the planning stages and of course, on your wedding day and be sure to weigh all your options accordingly.  On-site venue coordinators are indeed valuable but since they work for the venue, they have boundaries in fulfilling  duties to the Bride and Groom.  Hiring an outside, independent Wedding Coordinator/Planner is the best way to guarantee the most organized and stress-free wedding experience.

Happy Planning!

 

Wedding Tip Wednesday – Wedding Planner vs Venue Coordinator2020-05-15T11:02:40-04:00

Eye Candy Galore – Beautiful Brooch Bouquets

For most couples, the bridal bouquet is considered a wedding day staple but what happens if you, or your fiancé, have an allergy to beautiful blooms?  Or maybe you just want to wow your guests by taking an unexpected yet personalized approach with your bouquet? Whatever your reason, I say no problem! From feathers to paper to ribbons, there are so many chic options that are not only gorgeous but also truly unique and one-of-a-kind. Oh and let’s not forget a favourite around here, the brooch bouquet, which is easily customized to suit your theme and colours. Whether you treasure it forever as a keepsake (psst…use it later if you renew your vows!) or pass it down to the next bride in your family for that ‘something old,’ brooch bouquets are simply stunning and add that touch of elegant sparkle to your big day.

For more Eye Candy Galore, be sure to follow the link below the image to the talented individual behind the creation.

Mlle Artsy

Post image via Mademoiselle Artsy

Post image via Forever After Bridal Brooch Bouquets

Post image via Mademoiselle Artsy

Post image via Mademoiselle Artsy

 

 

Eye Candy Galore – Beautiful Brooch Bouquets2020-05-15T11:04:13-04:00

Pantone Colour of the Year 2015 – Marsala

With this being the first post of the year, let me first start by saying Happy New Year!!!!

As the holiday season has now come to an end, I thought it was fitting to make my first post of 2015 highlighting the Pantone Colour of the Year just in case you missed it between all the Christmas parties, shopping and wrapping presents.  So here it is, the 2015 Pantone Colour of the Year is (drum roll please)… Marsala!

Dramatic yet elegant, rich and warm, when I see Marsala I immediately think of a fabulously satisfying glass of red wine.  What I love most about it though is it’s equal appeal to both men and women.

What do you think? Want to know more about Marsala? Check out Pantone’s site here

Patone Colour of the Year 2015 Marsala

 Post image via Pantone/Colour of the Year

 

Pantone Colour of the Year 2015 – Marsala2020-05-15T11:06:27-04:00

Eye Candy Galore – Captivating Cakes

Did you know according to tradition and etiquette, the bride and groom are only required to serve their guests a drink to toast with and a piece of wedding cake?   How about these ones; did you know the wedding cake dates back to the Roman Empire when cakes were made of only flour, salt and water? Or that the traditional Western wedding cake is fruit cake?!

Mmm…I love a good wedding cake.  I really do so it’s hard to believe that the light, fluffy and superbly decorated wedding cakes of today were once thick, heavy and baked with dried nuts and fruit. Oh, how wedding cakes have (thankfully!) evolved over the years. Gone are the days when your wedding cake was just a dessert served to your guests at the end of a great reception. With endless colour, flavour and shape options to choose from, wedding cakes are truly a form of art these days and have become the exclamation point on the whole wedding; a gorgeous and yummy finale!

With 2014 coming to an end, the team at Colin Cowie Weddings has come up with a list of the 20 Prettiest Wedding Cakes. These cakes will surely inspire and show you there are no boundaries and the sky is the limit when creating the symbol of your new union as husband and wife.

I love, love, LOVE this three-tier cake creation by Artisan Cake Company. With vintage flare, sheer uniqueness and perfect execution (to resemble a chalkboard), there’s nothing left to say but what a creative show-stopping masterpiece!

For more Eye Candy Galore, check out the full feature here. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. Warning: These pretty cakes will probably awaken your sweet tooth too 🙂

prettiest-wedding-cake-22_detail-colin cowie

 (Blog Source: WPIC – The Professional Wedding Consultant and Coordinator – Edition 13)
Post image by Artisan Cake Company and Hazelwood Photo via Colin Cowie Weddings: The 20 Prettiest Wedding Cakes
Eye Candy Galore – Captivating Cakes2020-05-15T11:07:24-04:00

Your Wedding and the New Rules of Etiquette

When planning your wedding, one of the most important factors you and your fiance need to consider is etiquette.  In today’s technology-based world where posts, tweets and hashtags are the norm, new rules of wedding etiquette are emerging.  Today I’m sharing some of the most common social media related wedding faux-pas and how to steer clear of them.

Announcing your Engagement

To keep it personal, do share the exciting news in person or by phone with the people nearest and dearest in  your life.  Your family and friends will want to hear the news straight from you.  And let’s not forget that the older generations will probably not have Facebook or Twitter accounts and could miss out on the news altogether.  Once these folks are covered, it’s OK to “post” or “tweet” to spread the news because let’s face it, it’s probably the most efficient way to do so. You can even indulge in posting or tweeting a photo of your engagement ring because once the news is out, everyone will want to see the ring and this will make it easy for them to admire from afar.  Psst…before you start snapping though, you may want to consider a manicure first:)

Planning your Wedding

Yes, planning your wedding can be stressful at times but taking your frustrations to social media is a no-no.  Venting about family drama and annoying bridemaids will only lead to hurt feelings and animosity towards your big day.  When you get the urge to “post” or “tweet,” pause for second and instead confront those issues directly, privately and politely either in person or by picking up the phone.

Keeping your “post” and “tweet” positive may seem like a no-brainer, but I’m here to tell you even those should be carefully considered.  Do you really need to update everyone on your search for the perfect dress?  And just how necessary is it to post a wedding countdown? Do resist posting constant updates because even though you are sharing with positive intentions, over-sharing will only give your guests wedding fatigue before they even get to your wedding.

And of course, keep the best wedding ideas you and your wedding planner have come up with for your big day a secret.  Look at it this way, do you really enjoy a movie as much when someone has spoiled the story for you?  Chances are the answer is no so as excited as you may be, don’t give your guests wedding spoilers and ruin the surprise for them.

Your Wedding Day

We’ve really gotten to the point where almost everyone (except maybe your older relatives) know what a hashtag is and how to use it so do ask guests to use a special hashtag for wedding posts, tweets and pictures.  To have a constant feed of posts, tweets and photos throughout the day, be sure to spread the word about your hashtag ahead of time.  Have a wedding website? Awesome! This is a great place to start spreading the word.

Your Thank-You Notes

The rule when it comes to your thank-you notes is quite simple and there are no ifs, ands or buts about it – handwritten only.

Happy Planning!

Your Wedding and the New Rules of Etiquette2020-05-15T10:58:32-04:00
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