Sex and the City 2

Well ladies, we saw the Sex and the City 2 at the Montreal premier last night thanks to the CJAD team! We had an official "girls night out" with dinner, then off to the theater for some shots in the photobooth with Virgin Radio - the lovely Christina made all the ladies look fabulous with her Photobooth Montreal set up!

We were really impressed by a group of ladies - I'd say around 20+ ladies who were all 40years+ attending the movie and really have a great time! You go girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now to the movie:
After some cosmo's and cupcakes, we finally got to our AMAZING seats to watch the film.

As promised, I'm not spoiling 1 minute of the film, but if you've seen the trailer, you know what's going on! An amazing performance by Mrs. Liza Minnelli certainly impressed me!
It seems like this years fashions was all about vintage (which I love!!), and the decor in Carrie and Big's house is GORGEOUS! I think everyone was thinking "I love that wallpaper" or "I want to decorate my house like that!"

The ladies jet off to Abu Dhabi, and the views, shots and decor there are that much better! It really was fantasy and fun! They certainly had a first class trip - and a trip that most of us would NEVER be able to experience, so we can experience it through them! ;)

Overall, the comment that most of us had was "We think the 1st movie was better" that being said.... this one was much funnier and lighthearted - no gut wrenching scenes like the first one!

It's a great film for a girls night out... so enjoy and have fun!

Valerie and the Maddy K Team!

A very sweet baptism

We had so much fun working on this baptism... partly because the mother of the little boy was such an easy going person and gave us 100% creative control!!! The only direction given to us was the concept of the bird... so we incorporated the bird and brought in the splash of colors to create the fresh look we wanted for this little boys baptism!!!

Of course Nicolina Servello from Maddy K Food worked on the wonderful desserts to create the beautiful sweet table - the desserts were devine :) 

These  photos were captured by Vatché Vick from Prizma productions - I must say he did such a great job and we look forward to working with him on future events!

For more photos you could go to our Facebook Fanpage photo album!

The Bridal Boudoir is Taking place at....

This year's Bridal Boudoir Affair will be taking place at the beautiful and historic Just for Laughs Museum.

 

The Just for Laughs Museum, located in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles on trendy St. Laurent Boulevard, is the place to go to go see anything from hilarious comedy shows, great contemporary art exhibitions to amazing musical concerts, and now the 2010 Bridal Boudoir Affair will take the Just for Laughs Museum by storm!

The Entire team simply can't wait to show you what we have in store... but you'll have to wait till December 5th 2010.

Maddy K Food by Nicolina Servello

We are very excited to be launching our new site for Maddy K Food by Nicolina Servello. The whole idea started last year in August when we designed a desert table for one of our brides... that lead to so much demand and requests from other brides that we decided to launch our own desert tables. Then came the trend of cheese tables and nut tables... which was definitely something that I wanted to offer my clients, but was not something I could handle on my own ... so in come the most talented and amazing chef Nicolina Servello!!!

I've known Nicolina for a good 8 years or so... she is bff's with a very close girl friend of mine, so we would see each other on events and special occasions! I was even invited to her wedding, which by the way was beautiful!!! So when I heard that Nicolina had left her job and was looking into doing this full time, I called her and we started talking and the result is our collaboration on Maddy K Foods!!!

Her style complements Maddy K ... her vision, her attention to detail and most of all her desire to always give the best she can is aligned with everything Maddy K is... hence we were a match made in heaven!!

Of course now that we have the talent and the ability we decided why stop just at cheese, desert, nuts... lets go all the way, and hence we decided to be a full house catering division! We are loving it and although we haven't done much marketing to push the service, we have already catered numerous corporate functions and events and are excited to be designing a beautiful desert table for a baptism coming up this week end!! 

We did a photo shoot for our website and the images just turned out gorgeous, thanks to our very talented photographer Patrizia Castiglione from Wedding by Magnolia! She is amazing and I always love working with her... not only is she fun, professional and talented, but she's also kind and caring and I love her for that!! 

Here are some of the images... enjoy and remember we don't just do weddings, we can do this for  birthdays (kiddy ones too) , for bridal/baby showers, baptisms, bar/bat mitzvahs, anniversaries and any other milestone event you would like to celebrate!!! We take care of the food as well as the design/presentation, and that is what sets us apart from any other catering company out there :)

The Women that define me - Happy Mothers Day!

On the occasion of mothers day I wanted to dedicated this post to 5 very special women in my life!!!

Of course my mother: Adrina - a beautiful, charming, passionate and an extremely kind and giving person.  She has influenced my life in ways that I can't even explain. Since I was young she has not only made me believe that everything in life is possible with hard work, but also believed in me, when no one else did. She introduced me to the meaning of true luxury and of course to the world of Louis Vittons and Limoges! My love for beautiful things and my eye for style and design are due to her. As a child, I used to sit with her and flip through countless luxury home, decor, fashion as well as beauty magazines and point out everything a girl should know from her posture to the way to mix fabrics and colours!!! She was a true inspiration to me and has thought me that even when you just go out to the grocery, you still have to look proper and pulled together, because you just never know who you will bump into! Although she might not want to admit it, but my ambition, my drive and my desire to move forward and succeed is due to her and for that I will forever be thankful.  The passion that I have for my company, my family and for living life to its fullest; is a reflection of her love and passion she has given me and my brothers for years and years!

The second very influential woman in my life is my Aunt  Alice; who happens to be my mothers sister. She played an instrumental role in my life when I moved to Montreal, at a very young age to attend University. She was like a second mother to me and helped me directly and indirectly through the toughest years of my life. She thought me how to be strong, independent and wise. She has a way of making you see the important things in life; such as health, family and take everything else with a grain of salt! She also played an instrumental role in my decision to get married at an early age and recognize how blessed I was to have a man like my husband. The advice she gave me I will never forget! She continues to inspire me with her wisdom and open my eyes to things that you could only have and know with lifes experiences.

The third and very dear and sweet woman is my late grandmother - Siroun; she is my heart and sole and will always be part of me for as long as I live! She has instilled beauty in my life, kindness, generosity, love, grace and humility. For me she defined what a perfect mother was and should be. She was my sunshine through the hardest days of my life, she was the sweet voice I heard when I needed someone to cheer me up, and was the beautiful face I saw at my door when I needed someone to just come over and make some home cooked meals. She would not only come over and cook, but she would come, stay with me for days and change the space from an apartment into a home!  She thought me the most important gift in life - to love unconditionally! She used to tell me that it is not up to us to judge people but up to God and it is for us to forgive and give love. She passed away on a beautiful June day four years ago and although she never got to meet my son, I know that she is with the angels up there watching over us! 

The fourth woman is my other late Grandmother who I am named after - Madeleine. She passed away two months ago so I am still mourning her loss. She was a true definition of a lady in every aspect. Loved and respected by everyone. Her love for life was contagious. A true class-act, she lived her life to it's fullest perfection. Ever since I was a little girl, she used to teach me all the proper ways a lady should be, from the way she should sit, to the way she should walk.  Being her first grandchild, she always made sure I was ok and happy. She flew in all the way from San Francisco to be there when my son was born, and she stayed around for the first six months of his life. She loved him, and kept telling me that the best gift you could give a baby is a sibling to play with... she so wanted to see another great-granchild and I am so sorry she did not, but again I am sure she is up there with the angels to watch over us.

The fifth woman came into my life a bit later than the others. My Mother In Law - Mary - It's been 10 years now that I've known her, but she's been a great role model for me! Her love for her kids, for her husband and her family is contagious. She has been a solid support for me through out the years and continues to do so on a daily basis. It is because of her that Maddy K continues to thrive and grow. Not only is she a great mother to her kids, but she is also an amazing grandmother to my son. Her care and love to him, allows me to have the extra time I need for my business and for myself.  I look up to her and call her Super-Mom because she is truly the pillar that holds all her sons and her family together! A lady with a big heart and energy that even I don't have... she continues to inspire me to be a better mother and wife!

Combine all these wonderful 5 women and you get - Maddy K - It is with lots of love, passion and care that the company has been built on and it is a true reflection of all the wonderful woman that have touched my life and continue to do so on a daily basis!

Happy Mothers day to all mothers out there! Learn to celebrate and embrace being you!

Pascale Jacquin, Editor-in-chief of Mariage Québec will be Speaking at the 2010 Bridal Boudoir Affair!

We are, once again, thrilled to announce one of our Guest Speakers for the 2010 Bridal Boudoir Affair! Pascale Jacquin, Editor-in-chief, Mariage Québec, will be joining her Toronto counterpart, Alison McGill of Weddingbells Magazine, at the 2010 Bridal Boudoir Affair!

After completing her journalism degree at Concordia University, Pascale Jacquin did an internship at Elle Québec and was asked, after only a few months, to write articles for the magazine and website, as well as weekly chronicles for Voir newspaper. She then replaced Elle Quebec’s beauty and health editor during her sick leave and was offered the beauty editor’s position for Elle Québec Girl. She remained there until the magazine closed in November 2007. After working as a freelancer for magazines such as Coup de Pouce, Loulou, Pure, La Voix du Succès and Clin d’Oeil, Pascale was given the opportunity to replace the beauty, fashion, decor and gardening editor at Coup de Pouce magazine during her maternity leave in 2008.

In January 2009, Pascale learned she was pregnant and gave birth to a beautiful baby girl in September of that year. She was offered the editor-in-chief’s position for Mariage Québec as soon as she came back from maternity leave and has worked towards its success ever since.

Please join us in welcoming Pascale!

Weddingbells 25th Anniversary Party

Well first of all, we must thank Alison McGill of Weddingbells and Denyse Clermont of Mariage Quebec for having extended the invitation to us!

We attended the 25th Anniversary party for Weddingbells magazine in Toronto on Thursday. The venue , The Windsor Arms, was amazing! It's located very close to Bay and Bloor - which is such a great area.

There was some great eye-candy - from 25 gorgeous cakes to a cute sweet table, and an individual gerbera flower for each guest it was the perfect party for a 25th anniversary party! From the signature drinks to the food and music, the evening was a success! 

We want to congratulate Weddingbells for celebrating 25 years, and we hope to celebrate another 25 more!

  A special thanks to our friend, Tally of Phototerra studio for being a great host!! Their amazing new studio in the hip Distillery district is a must see!

Tell us how you met Mr Right and Win Tickets to the advanced screening of JUST WRIGHT

Go to the Movies with the Maddy K Team! Whether you’re Married, Engaged or Dating, tell us how you met your Mr. Right and you could win a pair of tickets to the advanced screening of the romantic comedy, JUST WRIGHT starting Queen Latifah, Common and Paula Patton!


Leslie Wright, a straight-shooting physical therapist who gets the gig of a lifetime working with NBA All-Star Scott McKnight. All is going well until Leslie finds herself falling for Scott, forcing her to choose between the gig of a lifetime and the tug-of-war inside her heart. Oblivious to her romantic overtures, McKnight is instead drawn to the affections of Leslie’s gorgeous childhood friend Morgan, who has her sights set on being an NBA trophy wife.
Is Leslie destined to play the role of “best friend” forever or will Scott finally see that what he always wanted is right in front of him. The game of love takes on the battle of the sexes in the romantic sports comedy JUST WRIGHT, starring three of Hollywood’s most charismatic personalities as they navigate the full-court-press of love.


You can bring your BJWFF (Best Just Wright Friend Forever) or Mr. Right!
All you have to do is tell us how you met Mr. Right (by commenting below) and you’re automatically entered to win!
Winners will be chosen at random on Friday May 7th at 8pm EST.
No purchase necessary.
Movie is rated General.

Advanced Screening is at 7pm on Thursday May 13th at the AMC Forum near Atwater Metro.

Good Luck!

http://www.foxsearchlight.com/justwright/

Guest Speakers for the 2010 Bridal Boudoir Affair

Announcing one of the Guest Speakers for the 2010 Bridal Boudoir Affair - Montreal's hottest wedding event and fashion show!

We pride ourselves on giving Montreal Brides the best possible event and experience at the Bridal Boudoir Affair. This year is no exception! We have a great lineup of speakers this year, and we are proud to announce one of them right now!

Alison McGill, editor-in-chief of Weddingbells magazine, will be speaking to Montreal Brides at the Bridal Boudoir Affair!

Passionate about fashion, literature and pop culture, McGill’s editorial mandate for Weddingbells is to produce an insightful, inspirational magazine for Canadian brides-to-be. Prior to joining Weddingbells, McGill was the editor-in-chief of Salon Magazine and producer of The Contessa Awards. In November 2005, in addition to her duties at Weddingbells, she was appointed editor-in-chief of FASHION18 magazine. An entertaining and engaging speaker, McGill has been featured as an expert guest on a variety of media programs including Canada AM, Breakfast Television, CityLine, CBC Radio, Rich Bride Poor Bride on Slice, Startv, eTalk, MuchMusic, MuchMoreMusic, Real Life on CTS and ET Canada. McGill studied journalism at Sheridan College and holds an Honours English BA from the University of Western Ontario.

Weddingbells magazine is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary, and we are excited for Alison to come to Montreal and speak to our brides about trends, fashions and everything else in-between!

We hope you join us for the 20101 Bridal Boudoir Affair! Venue and Ticket information coming very soon! :)

Afternoon Tea with Maddy K.

As we get closer to the wedding season, we realize how these times could become very stressful for brides... specially the ones that don't have wedding planners! There's still a lot of details to take care, scheduling, logistics etc... We are here to help!!!

On Saturday May 8th, is your opportunity to have afternoon tea with me (Maddy K) in a very informal intimate setting!! I will be having 15 brides at our loft to answer any last minute questions brides might have, as well as give guidance and share some tips! Of course I could also give you references to any last minute vendors that you still need to hire!

Quantities are limited due to space.
Date: Saturday May 8, 2010
Time: 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Registration - $35/pp

Please email: Madeleine@maddyk.com to register.

A dessert cheese table

As most of you already know, we have launched our Edibles Division called FOOD by Nicolina Servello!  Although the news was announced just recently, we have been very busy designing different  tables for our upcoming events...nut tables, desert tables, candy bars, after ceremony edibles and our favorite: dessert cheese tables... so while designing the dessert cheese tables, we turned to one of our favorite blogs Sunday Suppers for inspiration!!! If you don't follow this blog, then you should... it's the BEST!

Little did we know that we would find not just inspiration, but the perfectly designed dessert cheese table that was created for the Martha Steward's wedding blog!!! 

We just love how everything is put together and I am sooo sure after reading this post our other couples will be asking for a dessert cheese table too !!! 

Ohhh soo french.... I feel like planning a french country wedding now!

All Photos + Styling were done by Karen Mordechai
Styling Assistant: Lizzy Sall 

Nicolina and Maddy K are partnering up to launch a division of Maddy K Edibles called FOOD - by Nicolina Servello!

It's all about FOOD... everything you will need to know about FOOD! Of course she will be doing the MADDY K Desert tables, the Maddy K Nut tables and a lot of other exciting things!

Nicolina will be also contributing to the Maddy K blog on a weekly basis on a category called FOOD!


About Nicolina, fresh and simple preparation is her culinary trademark. She takes traditional, rustic Italian recipes and blends it with contemporary twists. She follow family virtues by cooking seasonally and locally, which fares well as her family owns a small farm in St. Eduard, Napierville.

She grew up planting, cultivating and harvesting the crops of squash, string beans, fava beans, tomatoes, potatoes, fennel, garlic, onions and any other vegetable you can possibly imagine. She learned how to cook from the bounty that grew in front of them, still warm from the summer sun. She
approaches every dish she prepares with love, respect and true appreciation of the raw ingredient.

Although not classically trained, her eyes, ears and palate come from the best, mom & dad. Not to mention her time spent in Europe, where she lived for over 2 years. She takes as much pride in presenting her food as she does in preparing it.

People have said her cooking talents have the approachability of Jamie Oliver and the seductiveness of Nigella Lawson. However, shes describes it as Nicolina Servello: Pure & Simple.

The Tradition of the Wedding Cake

A few years ago couples were choosing to forgo the wedding cake - saying that they didn't feel it was important for them, and that they preferred to spend their money elsewhere!!! I am happy to report that this year couples have come around and lately we've been seeing the return of the 'wedding cake'.
Most couples don't even know what the 'wedding cake' symbolizes, but they feel it is an important element of a wedding! I personally think a wedding cake is extremely important, not just for what is symbolizes but because I feel you just can't have any sort of celebration without a cake... let alone a wedding!!! I usually tell my couples, would you have a birthday party without a cake... and then they understand and revisit the idea!!
As for those who don't know what the cake symbolizes; The wedding cake is a symbol of fertility. In ancient Roman times, a small loaf of wheat or barley bread was broken over the bride’s head to ensure that here would be many children to come. In Native American culture, the guests would each bring a small molasses cake with them which would be stacked along with the other guests’ cakes using apple butter, or another seasonal fruit preserve, in between the layers. Of course, the higher the final cake, the more popular the couple was.
As for the myth that a wedding cake looks good but does not taste good... it's just that; A MYTH! We have so many talented pastry chefs now a days that don't just design a beautifully crafted cake, but they also taste heavenly!!
So now you can have your cake and eat it too :)
The look of the cake should complete the concept of your wedding, so make sure you inform your cake designer of your colors, your decor concept and any other special elements being used in your wedding... a creative pastry chef will be able to incorporate all those elements and design a cake that is perfect just for you!
Some of our trusted designers that designed the above cakes for our Maddy K brides are:
La Gaterie
Luisa Galuppo Cakes
Decor Gateaux Montreal
Cocoa Locale

Patisserie San Marco - 514- 727-5401 - No website

Perfect Destination Wedding venues in Old Montreal !!!

Old Montreal is a very popular destination for weddings! We've done weddings for couples from all around including New York, Boston, LA, Toronto as well as London and Ireland!! All these couples seem to be attracted to the romance and beauty Old Montreal has to offer!!! We've put together this blog just for brides wanting to plan their own destination wedding in Old Montreal!Considered to be one of the most beautiful historic districts in North America, Old Montreal provides an enchanting backdrop for your wedding. Narrow cobblestone streets bordered by centuries-old buildings in the European architectural tradition, public areas and monuments, and the ambiance provided by the presence of the St. Lawrence River and the Old Port so close by make this the ideal location to celebrate your love.

The Montréal Science Centre, in the heart of the Old Port

The large and bright spaces of the Montréal Science Centre were created from the former sheds dating back to the early twentieth century, witness to Montréal’s industrial and maritime history.

The rental spaces available all share a common and remarkable feature: whether they be interior or exterior spaces, large halls or private lounges, they boast a spectacular location, on a site that is both historic and modern, one of the most popular in Quebec. Their versatility and the panoramic views they offer are unparalleled.

If you're planning to have a ceremony, cocktail and a reception all one in one location - this venue would be ideal! Our favourite is the Perspective and Passerelle for it's view but of course The Belvedere has a terrace that guests will love!

Special Note: The space comes bare, so you will have to plan to hire a caterer and bring in all your rental needs. I would look into hiring a professional coordinator if you chose this venue.Website: www.centredessciencesdemontreal.com

Marché Bonsecours

Marché Bonsecours, with its superb view of the St. Lawrence, the Old Port and some of Old Montréal’s most striking historic treasures, is considered one of the ten finest heritage buildings in Canada.

They have Reception Halls with outstanding cachet that can handle groups of 100 to 975 guests. Each of the spaces have their own special charm, with old stone walls, high vaulted ceilings and ample windows.They make it easy to create the décor you’re looking for, from elegant to romantic or absolutely spectacular. Your guests will leave Montreal with lasting memories! Our favorite is the Salle De La Commune because of it's private entrance and the mezzanine... but of course the spaciousness of the Ballroom will make any wedding look spectacular!!!

Special Note: The space comes bar, so again you will have to plan to hire a caterer and bring in all your rental needs. I would look into hiring a professional coordinator if you chose this venue.
Website: www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/marchebonsecours



Hotel Nelligan


Hotel Nelligan is a luxury hotel located in Old Montreal. Europe at your doorstep. A building that’s over a hundred years old, traditional brick walls, French cuisine… Hôtel Nelligan exudes European elegance, but the charm it bestows on its guests is singular and all its own. Need some examples? How about its luxurious penthouses with breath-taking terraces overlooking the Saint Lawrence River, or its fine French cuisine prepared by the chef from Verses Restaurant or the friendly atmosphere of its Méchant Boeuf Bar. - this venue is the prefect venue to give your guests the 'Old Montreal Experience'.

Hotel Nelligan ranks top on our list of venues... because the room is versatile and the location is ideal for guests as well as the couple! Minutes away from the 'Basilica De Notre Dame' and the Old Port... the hotel is the ideal venue to couples planning a destination wedding in Montreal!
Ask for the 'I'll take care of everything' package and you just might end up dealing with one of our 'Maddy K' Consultants to plan your wedding :)

Special Note: The venue is turn key.
Website: www.hotelnelligan.com


Place D’Armes Hotel

The Place for contemporary yet classic design.
The Place for deluxe rooms that combine comfort with style. - We just love their penthouse :)
The Place for Rain Spa and its authentic hammam - Perfect place for bride and her bridal party to get ready for the big day!
The Place for restaurant Aix Cuisine du Terroir and its Quebec market cuisine. - The food is just impeccable
The Place for Suite 701 – Lounge, the lounge bar of the jet set. - Your guests will love to be there on a Thursday night :)

Place D’Armes Hôtel offers a reception hall with dance floor for up to 220 guests. With its traditional exposed brick walls and expansive windows, the hotel sets a traditional and modern mood. What’s more, the hotel offers a complete package, including wedding planning, so that your day is everything you ever imagined! (again you might be lucky and end up with a 'Maddy K' consultant)

This hotel is located right across from the 'Basilica De Notre Dame' church and is a block away from it's sister hotel - Hotel Nelligan. If you host a wedding at one of these venues, you could entertain your guests with a brunch and a rehearsal dinner at one of the many renowned restaurants that the hotel offers... which means that the more events you host with this group, the better your rates will get ;)

Website: www.oldmontrealhotels.com

Westin - The new Hotel in Old Montreal

Montreal’s newest hotel opens onto the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal and is located just across the street from the Palais des Congrès, Montreal’s largest convention facility. Le Westin Montréal hotel is perfectly located near the many downtown restaurants, galleries, boutiques and historic sites that epitomize Quebec's rich history and its joie de vivre.

Modern chic décor, delectable cuisine, stunning settings and sublime details combine for weddings from 20 to 500 people. Be one of the first to say ‘I do’ at this hotel.
Their Terrace adjacent to one of their rooms is just perfect for an outdoor ceremony or a cocktail or event a delectable desert table with a lounge area at midnight :)

Website: www.westinmontreal.com

For photos of weddings hosted at some of the spaces listed above, visit MaddyK Fanpage Photo Albums - Your're sure to get inspired!