Creative Proposal Idea - The League of Intrigue

Niagara Wedding Planner - Proposal Idea

The League of Intrigue

You know how many guys there are out there that feel the pressure of coming up with a proposal that gives his soon to be wife a proposal story worth telling...

It is tough coming up with a creative way to "Pop the Question"!  

But guess what... I have the perfect idea for you!!!  One any girl would love!  Who wouldn't like a little adventure and mystery popping up in their daily lives...

I spoke with Nathan from The League of Intrigue and got a little more information about the fabulous idea!

Hey Nathan, tell me about yourself?

Well, my name is Nathan Infantino, 31yrs old. Born and raised in Niagara. I'm passionate about food, wine, entertainment, travel and the social aspects of life.

What exactly is League of Intrigue?

The League of Intrigue is an organization which specializes in very unique and entertaining gift packages. It's a game, or an adventure of sorts. There has always been the problem "what do I get the person in life that has it all?" well, they've never experienced anything like this. It works for all occasions and dynamics but our experiences really stand out in a romantic type setting. We have expanded into wedding proposals, and the success and "wow" factor is exceeding our expectations.

How did you come up with this creative idea and how long have you been doing this?

The idea came to me in 2010. My girlfriend at the time, now wife, had taken a temporary work posting in a fairly remote location. After some time there she began to feel lonely and isolated, so I set to work on keeping her entertained and on her toes with surprises and clues in the mail all with the promise of leading her to a big surprise at the end. It worked out better than I had imagined and from then on the League was born.

What do you find most challenging about it?

The most challenging aspects are finding the sweet spot for every client, we never want to make the adventure too difficult or too easy. And, keeping it completely unique and fresh. No one will ever have the same experience as you did. This is especially important with the proposals. Your proposal is  completely one of a kind, yours and only yours, forever.

Can you customize one for a client’s specific needs?

Yes, our packages are actually customized and tailored to every individual recipient. Everything varies, from the level of difficulty, package content, the execution of the adventure, and the overall length of time of the package. A typical adventure can last anywhere from 1 day to 6 weeks, although there is no limit on that.

How do you keep coming up with all of the one of a kind ideas?

When coming up with ideas, I tend to draw inspiration from many different sources. Most tend to come from experiences I've had, experiences I WISH I've had, movies, books, childhood memories and social media. I also collaborate with the other members of the organization as well as friends and family who work and specialize in the entertainment/arts and wedding industries.

Sounds like a lot of work for you, how much does this cost?

While it is a lot of work, we try to make this experience affordable for everyone. We have packages that can start as low as $199.

Thanks Nathan for giving us a little more insight on this really fun idea!  If anyone ever wants to give this girl a fun gift... I will be waiting for my first clue! :)

For more information about The League of Intrigue...

Visit:  www.theleagueofintrigue.com

or

Contact Nathan: 

info@theleagueofintrigue.com

905-359-5389

All About The Bridal Shower

Bridal Showers - Niagara Wedding Planner

Where did the idea of having a Bridal Shower originate?  The first bridal shower took place centuries ago when a young and beautiful girl in Holland had been betrothed to a wealthy pig farmer.  The girl's father had refused to give her a dowry if she married the poor miller that she was in love with instead of the pig farmer.  The town they lived in was so touched by their love that they "showered" her with small gifts that ended up adding up to more than her dowry would have been.  The young girl was able to marry the man she loved.

Bridal Showers these days don't have the same warm fuzzy feeling as that one previously mentioned.  Unfortunately, more often than not, the invitee feels more obligated to attend than they actually want to.  Bridal showers have taken on this same old, same old kind of feel to them.  Guests arrive, they may have some snacks, some games are played(often dreaded) and then gifts are opened.

There are many ways to spruce up a Bridal Shower...

• Create a really fun theme
• Have a "round-the-clock shower" where guests are assigned a specific hour of the day and their gift must be relatable to that hour
• Make it co-ed and have couples able to attend together... This way your groom can also be a guest of honour and often more guests are likely to attend if they are able to bring someone
• Enjoy a casual get together such as a cook-out or BBQ
• Progressive dinner where a limo bus is rented and each course is served at a different restaurant
• Book a block of seats at a concert or the theater and after the show, enjoy a glass of wine

Traditionally the Maid of Honour plans the Bridal Shower with the help of the other bridesmaids.  Relatives of the Bride hosting this event is a definite etiquette no-no.  Therefore, if your sister is your Maid of Honour... someone else has to take the reins and plan one for you!

The bride should not assist with the planning of the shower.  The only thing she should get involved with is the guest list with addresses and phone numbers of all the invitees. 

If you are going to be having 2 Bridal Showers for reasons such as, location of where you live or family dynamics... be sure not to invite any guests to both as you do not want them to feel obligated to purchase 2 gifts.

Make sure that you have created a Wedding Registry.  If you do not, you will end up with 3 toasters, 6 bed sheets, and a whole lots of other items you may not need or do not like.  You may also want to consider creating a 2nd registry specifically for the Bridal shower that includes more personal items such as lingerie... Although it is not proper etiquette to include registry information on a Wedding invitation, it is to be placed in the Shower invite.

Anyone that you invite to the Bridal Shower MUST also be invited to your Wedding.  The only exception to this is if your office/co-workers would like to throw you a shower knowing they are not all able to be invited to the Wedding due to guest count.   Invitations for Bridal Showers usually should be sent out 4-6 weeks prior.  I suggest still using the good old fashioned snail-mail method of delivering invites.  Who doesn't love receiving a pretty little invite in the mail!

Some traditions you may want to consider doing for your Bridal Shower...

• Having your groom show up with flowers right before you begin to open gifts
• Using all of the bows from the gifts to create a bouquet that is used at the Wedding Rehearsal

What if the bride is from out of town and must take a plane back home after the shower?  Inform guests that each gift must fit in a shoebox.  If the gift they would like to purchase does not, most department stores give the option of having the bride be able to pick up the gift at the store nearest to where they live.

I hope this has given you a bit more insight on the Bridal Shower, where it originated and some proper etiquette.  If you would like assistance with planning one or have any further questions... I Love to plan them and would Love to hear from you!

Engagement Photos... Are they Necessary?

Engagement Photos... Are they Necessary?

 

Photo Credit: Eva Derrick Photography

After a very long cold winter... Spring is finally upon us.  One of the biggest tell-tale signs is the cherry blossoms!  This can probably be one of the busiest times for photographers, wedding season has really kicked off, plus portrait sessions, more specifically, engagement sessions!

Many brides ask me what I think about Engagement photos and if I believe they are necessary.  I personally think that they are a very good idea and something that should be considered for a few reasons.  I have asked Eva Derrick of Eva Derrick Photography to weigh in on her opinion of Engagement Photo Sessions.

Photo Credit: Eva Derrick Photography

Why do an engagement session?

"Some photographers might look at things differently than I do, but this is something that I include, complimentary in all of my wedding collections, and here's why." 

1.  Sometimes it's a chance to actually meet with the groom!  Wedding photographers are most often selected by the bride, and in the fast paced world we live in, sometimes consults are done solo, so many times this might be our first chance to meet in person. 

2.  It is a wonderful way to get to know each other, and continue to build on the relationship.  I take on minimal wedding clients each year to offer a more personal unique experience, and to help make this full circle, getting to know my couples one on one makes this more authentic.  

3.  Engagement sessions, also known to some photographers as a "practice session" can be just that.  It is a great way to practice how your couple photographs best.  Everyone is different, and therefore need to be photographed differently; and when you are photographing two people at the same time, they might need to be manoeuvred in a way to ensure they both look their best.  This is a great time to learn those cues, and keep them in mind for the wedding day when you might be on a tighter timeline.

4.  Almost all of my clients have never had a professional portrait session before, and might feel a little intimidated or unsure what to expect from the session, this reason alone is key.  If you are someone that might be nervous around the camera, or feel you "don't photograph well"  having an engagement session done is a great way to let those feelings pass.  This can also ensure you are much more confident in the process on your wedding day! 

5.  Sometimes it nice simply to have some additional imagery.  Whether you decide to send out save the dates, hang some canvas prints, have a custom guest book or album designed, this is a great way to get those images.   

 

Photo Credit: Eva Derrick Photography

The process leading up to the wedding is a wonderful emotional journey you are taking on together; often the biggest step you are planning together, so why not take some time to reflect, by capturing some memories together.  Whether it is something very personal like going up north to spend a quiet weekend together at your favourite cottage, or a picnic in the park on a sunny Sunday afternoon, capturing those moments together is precious in so many ways.

 

Eva is a very talented Photographer in the Niagara Region with 9 years of professional experience.  For more examples of her amazing work and information on her services, please visit her website www.evaderrick.com