Ralph Heinze uses a 'keep it real' photojournalistic philosophy to draw you into a love story of photos

Ralph Heinze of One Great Day offers wedding photography that is an exciting combination of both still emotions and fine art. Those that choose Ralph, do so for his photojournalistic approach to weddings and his passion for turning your wedding memories into art.

Ralph is a member of the WPJA (Wedding Photojournalistic Association), shooting 90% unscripted, unposed images. His work draws you into it and tells you a story. He spends your wedding day capturing hundreds of moments and emotions with a quiet intensity that never intrudes on the wedding itself. With an all-digital medium and unique graphic design techniques, Ralph will be creating wedding albums that could rival even the trendiest coffee table art book.

Personally & technically speaking...

We asked Ralph what it is that sets him apart from others in his field. He explained that it's what he sees when he attends your wedding that maybe isn't the same as other photographers.

"It's the emotions that make the wedding. While I photograph the critical events - ceremony... click for more

Limousines, limo buses, and other luxury transportation (all things that stretch) offer a 'refuge' to the bride and groom throughout the wedding day. They are home to both your essentials (purse, bridal emergency kit, champagne) and your wedding party as you go from one location to the next and they also act as a place to get away from the crowd to regroup. Your chauffeur and vehicle are with you from start to finish in many cases, making them key players on your day. And for that reason, choosing the right one is important.

Brent Ferguson of Brentwood Livery takes the role of wedding transportation seriously. "Choosing the right limousine service can make or break your wedding," says Brent. "What would happen if the driver showed up late - or worse yet, didn't show up at all?"

To help brides in The Ring, Brent gave us a few signs that you're on the right path to choosing a limo you'll love.

1. Professionally trained and experienced chauffeurs with a thorough knowledge of your wedding locations.

2. High quality fleet of current style limousines (properly maintained, licensed and insured) available to view before you book.

3. A contract and proof of purchase for both the deposit and final payments.

4. Referrals from other wedding specialists and an extensive list of testimonials from delighted past clients.

5. The option to customize your package so that it works for you (timing, decorations, multiple locations, etc.).

All of this, in addition to service and personality, should play into your decision making process. For more on Brentwood Livery, click here.

Superstition is playing a bigger part than normal in this summer's weddings....

Obviously, no bride would walk under a ladder or break a mirror on purpose in the months leading up to her wedding, but we were surprised to hear that the luck pendulum swings both ways.

July 7th, 2007 - aka 7/7/07 - is proving to be one of the most popular days of the year (or century) to tie the knot. Even luckier, the day falls on a convenient wedding-friendly Saturday. And a lot of brides know it!

With three sevens on their invites, couples could potentially be blessed with triple the luck and a lifetime of happiness, right? Right. But there is one drawback...

Brides are starting to find that their luck has run out when it comes to booking vendors. "... Pretty much everyone is booked because everyone wants to get married on 7/7/7," says mandarin25, a local bride and veteran to The Ring's K-W & Area chat boards. Another bride, going by the nickname Infusion, admits that she is just beginning to run into troubles. But she is still confident, "I didn't have too much trouble with bookings so far, but it looks like decorators are harder because I have a popular date and there aren't too many in the area." Staff at The Ring called around ourselves and found the same. Nearly every vendor we spoke to was either booked solid for this wedding date, or had received more inquiries for the date than for any other in the entire year.

Our advice to those getting married on July 7th, 2007? If you have your heart set on specific vendors, try to book them as soon as you can. You can worry about all the little details later... Now that you have six months and three sevens on your side.

Brentwood specializes in old-fashioned chauffeur service

There is no shortage of people who have excellent things to say about Brentwood Livery. I'd heard from both brides and other experts in town that Brentwood was a call I needed to make. When I finally met David, his wife Marilyn, and their son, Brent, I could tell that everything about them and their dedication to their business, was genuine... click for more

Brentwood Livery

After hundreds of weddings, Don Perron's love for ceremonies never fails to inspire

It must take an extraordinary person to perform hundreds weddings without losing emotional involvement or intensity over time. But Don Perron of Pastoral Services of Guelph/Waterloo/Kitchener/Cambridge, has never lost his love for weddings, nor his power to perform them. Don has performed ceremonies... click for more

Pastoral Services of Guelph/Waterloo/ Kitchener/Cambridge

Oryan popular for cross-cultural cuisine, experienced catering team and banquet facilities

Oryst Pidzamecky and his associates at Oryan Catering and Event Planning, have two goals - to make sure that your wedding day is stress-free and your menu is delicious. "It’s the most important day of a couple’s life. They should have the confidence of knowing their reception will be as perfect as they’ve dreamed it would be." Oryan Catering... click for more

Oryan Catering and Event Planning & Artel Banquet and Conference Centre

Guelph's Cutten Club offers reputation, history, elegance and service for a spectacular wedding day

The Cutten Club is a private golf and tennis club that has been hosting weddings since 1931. Choosing a club that is recognized as one of the finest in the country means choosing reputation, history and elegance. You can expect high ceilings, natural light, fireplaces, and traditional decor... all... click for more

The Cutten Club

The Contrast

of Winter

"Winter colours are all about contrast... Intense vivid colour set against strong black, stark white or the sparkle of silver," says Karen. "This creates a sense of style and sophistication."

Ruby Kisses

According to Karen, winter sparkles are most often accented with cool winter colours, such as blue, purple and red. Ruby Kisses is made of freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals.

Blue Ice

Carrying on with the cool colours theme, this beautiful piece sparkles in the showroom and on your neck. It is made of Swarovski crystals and sterling silver for a simple but stunning look.

Collins Formal Wear

Brentwood Livery

One Great Day

CJ’s Cakes

Pastoral Services of Guelph/K-W/ Cambridge

Golf’s Steak House & Seafood

The Cutten Club

The Mindful Traveller Inc.

Carlson Wagonlit Travel

Petite Parfait

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