events: bridesmaid dress cynthia rowley marchesa vera wang wedding
by kai events
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Always a Bridesmaid.

It’s an interesting phenomenon that we’re sure any rotating bridesmaid can attest to – how is it that fashion trends are constantly revolving yet the “bridesmaid dress” repels these trends like oil to water? We recently went shopping for yet another new dress for an upcoming wedding and lo and behold, we had already tried on every dress in the store – 7 years ago!
Now, don’t get us wrong, we are perfectly fine that there will be no chance of us having to don an ‘80’s inspired frock, a trend that took over the runways this year. But..oh wait…isn’t that a dress that actually IS from the ‘80’s in the rack? Great. Shoulder pads, here we come.
Thankfully there are some new options we came across in our desperate quest to find something that had a modern yet classy twist:
- Cynthia Rowley recently launched her first bridesmaid styles that are inspired by her runway collection. These dresses are truly gorgeous and would ensure enthusiastic claps from the bridal party.

http://www.dessy.com/bridesmaid-dresses/
Notte by Marchesa – we have never been able to resist the intricate folds and romantic flair that always grace a Marchesa gown so you can only imagine our glee when we came across their bridesmaid collection.

- No list of bridesmaid dresses would be complete without a shout out to Miss Wedding herself – Vera Wang. Her bridal collection is, as always, classic and refined.

http://www.verawangonweddings.com/shop/Dress_Gallery.aspx?Catalog=Bridesmaid%20Gallery
Now, if only Lady Gaga would get on board the bridal train. “Timeless” may not be a word used to describe her potential collection but “unique” would probably cover it. Though we’re not sure how Grandma’s would react to a birdcage mask rather than a hat.
events: bbq Bridges Chill Winston Dockside Lift Bar & Grill patio The Gallery Cafe The Galley Patio & Grill The Local The Mill Vancouver vancouver restaurants
by kai events
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Office Cubicals are Over-Rated. These Sunny Patios are Not.

We have to admit, one of the many perks of running your own events company is the ability to work from pretty much anywhere our little hearts desire. In the winter, we kick it old school in our office or a local coffee shop, as we have learned that laptops (and us!) do not bode well in the rain. However, when the temperature starts to rise and the sun is forcing us to finally bring our favourite pair of sunglasses out of hibernation, we embrace the opportunity to scour the city for the perfect outdoor office location.
Vancouver is home to a number of gorgeous patios so it can be a tough decision, where to set up shop. Here are a few outdoor spaces where you may find us and our laptops this summer:
- The Gallery Café – 750 Hornby Street, Downtown.
- Not only for the art lover, this patio is considered an “oasis amid the hubbub of downtown” – perfect for people watching while sipping a glass of well-priced wine.
- Chill Winston – 3 Alexander Street, Gastown
- It’s pretty hard to beat an afternoon spent on the cobbled sidewalk patio of Chill Winston while indulging in a big bowl of their signature hand popped popcorn.
- The Galley Patio & Grill – 1300 Discovery Street
- Casual and beachy, this low-key patio is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the gorgeous water views. Even better? The bike ride home to burn off the mountain of to-die-for nacho’s we usually inhale!
- Dockside – 1253 Johnston Street, False Creek
- Our personal favourite “office” location – one would be hard pressed to find a better patio then this one. But don’t dare try and take over the big white couch by the sidewalk – we plan on having a standing summer reso for this one (classic “Friends” style!).
- Bridges – 1696 Duranleau Street, False Creek
- Perfect for entertaining guests, a trip to this waterfront patio is not complete without a pitcher of their amazing sangria!
- Cardero’s – 1583 Coal Harbour Quay
- Sit on this slightly upper-scale patio while playing the game: “What yacht would you rather sail around the world in?”
- The Mill – 199 West Cordova Street
- Slightly hidden along the seawall is this large sunny patio with enough seating space to allow for a large social gathering. Another reason to visit? Bradley Cooper and Renee Zellweger checked it out last year, while in town to film for the A-Team. Enough said.
- Lift Bar & Grill – 333 Menchions Mews, Vancouver
- Uber classy, this gorgeous patio is THE place for après work cocktails.
- The Local – 2210 Cornwall, Kitsilano
- Those of us who live in Kits have a soft spot for this venue and are relieved to have the much-coveted patio, overlooking Cornwall, up and running again. Another bonus? The towering “Kits Beach Burger” (although it might be best to avoid ordering this on a first date – juice and meat dropping on your lap don’t usually make a good first impression!)
http://www.localpubliceatery.com/
If you are looking for the perfect location for an outdoor soiree such as a fundraising party, birthday bash, or wedding celebration, let us know. Although some of these venues are available for rent, we have some other Vancouver “hidden gems” up our sleeve that will guarantee to knock the socks off of your guests!
Spam Sushi Rolls, the New California Roll?
Our previous trips to Hawaii always had us spending time meandering the shops in Lahaina and wishing we knew how to play golf when walking across the green at Kaanapali. Wait, are you not supposed to do that?
This time, however, we jetted straight over to Oahu where we thought we might mix our days by watching the surfers on the North Shore and catching the Canucks games in a busy Waikiki bar at night. Although we were a tad apprehensive that staying in Waikiki would decrease our chances of experiencing the “true” Hawaii that we were so used to, we couldn’t have been more wrong! The air was scented with hibiscus, the beaches were gorgeous and more importantly, there was an ABC store on every street corner.
For anyone interested in visiting Oahu, here is your “must do” list, no Frommers required:
- Lanikai Beach, situated along Oahu’s Westward coast, is touted as the #1 beach to visit in America. We were a bit suspicious of this high rating and therefore entered a bet – if we didn’t agree with this ranking, we would have to find our own way back to your hotel. Readers will be pleased to know that we did NOT, in fact, have to take a crash-course on Hawaiian public transit. It truly is a gorgeous beach and lives up to its translated name of “heavenly sea”. Added plus – Don Ho’s house is literally situated along the water. Feel free to hum a little “Tiny Bubbles” in memory.
- Duke’s on Waikiki Beach – our Hawaiian home away from home. Well, one of them! See below! We will forever have fond memories of the Mahi Mahi fish taco’s and fun atmosphere.
- The Yard House was a frequently visited restaurant during our stay. Any venue that apparently has the “world’s largest selection of draft beers” is a friend of ours! After a long, “tiring” day at the beach, a casual dinner is always welcome, especially one that will have you surrounded by an energetic crowd – we compare it to Hawaii’s version of Bentall’s Cactus Club!
- And finally, if you are looking for accommodation that is perhaps a bit off the beaten path of Waikiki, a venture out to the North Shore will bring you out to the Turtle Bay Resort. Fellow fans of the Jason Segel movie “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” will especially appreciate the fact that it was filmed at this resort! Sadly, a room at the hotel does NOT include dinner with Jason. Trust us. We asked.
One question that we are still trying to get to the bottom of though: Does Spam originate from Hawaii? Because this must be the only explanation (and excuse) for “spam sushi” and “spam macadamia nuts”! No joke.