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Fabulous Ladies and Fabulous Lashes!



Specializing in luxury eyelash extensions and premium lash extension products LashFabulous are dedicated to making you more fabulous with the finest service and highest quality CANADIAN products available in the industry. Guaranteed to have you leaving with the most flawless and beautiful set of lash extensions that will leave you wondering how you ever lived without them! Eyelash extensions are the ultimate beauty accessory for today's busy woman! CountDown Events would like you to meet Mara and Lisa, the two lovely ladies at LashFabulous who would just love to meet you and your Fabulous Lashes;


Mara Uhrle Mara is originally from Quebec and moved to the North Shore 20 years ago. Her fashion and retail industry background sets the tone for the new LashFabulous! Studio. Mara is an avid fitness enthusiast and is training for the "TOUGH MUDDER" in Whistler next June. Mara has been a “Lash Addict” for over a year now and couldn’t resist the opportunity to open a storefront location.


Lisa Tomanik Lisa is a BC local and has been a West Vancouver resident for the past 20 years. Lisa's career also focused in the fashion and design industry. The first time she tried the Misencil lashes two years ago, she absolutely LOVED them! It was time that everyone here on the North Shore should have the opportunity to indulge in the latest celebrity secret. With Lisa's busy social calendar she would NOT be without her LashFabulous Lashes!


LashFabulous! Is a newly opened business located at 1744 Marine Drive in West Vancouver. We are the only storefront location that deals exclusively with the high-end Misencil line (a Canadian product). All 5 of their technicians are very experienced and have received the extensive Misencil® training certification.


We look forward to seeing LashFabulous! at this year’s Crème de la Crème Grand Wedding Showcase and to see other wonderful purveyors with magnificent services join us on our Facebook fan page and twitter @CountDownEvents

Fabulous Designs and Custom Books with Papier By Judy



Papier By Judy: They design and create custom book style invitations which include fine papers adorned with an array of colours, custom monograms, rich embellishments like Swarovski crystal elements, metallic foils, ribbons or crystal buckles. Handcrafted with care to produce an item that is uniquely YOU for your next soiree!

Working with all budgets and events (Private & Corporate), they can design a complete line of complimentary items (Save the Dates, Programs, Menus, Favor Tags, etc). Let Papier create your book style invitation today and help your story unfold...


Photographs provided by Papier By Judy


If you would like to get in touch with Judy, drop her a line at info@papierbyjudy.com or visit their website at papierbyjudy.com Mention you saw them on the CountDown Events Blog and receive 10% off your 2013 wedding booking!


CountDown Events is very excited to have Judy and her fabulous designs joining us as a part of this year’s Crème de la Crème Grand Wedding Showcase.To keep up with news about other sensational exhibitors join us on Twitter at @CremeVancouver

Serving Up Delicious Dishes and Expert Advise!



One of our favourite aspects of planning a wedding is choosing your caterer. Just think about all of the yummy dishes and treats you get to sample before making your decision on what to feed your guests. So for all of you new brides and grooms out there we at CountDown Events have a special feature for you. We’ve asked one of our expert caterers Donna Wadsworth from Savoury City Catering and Events to tell us a little about herself and what drives her in her craft as well as some of her expert tips and suggestions on what you should be looking for when meeting with a caterer. So go ahead relax and enjoy that scrumptious dish, let us take away the worries of planning your wedding for you.


I envy people who, literally fresh from the womb, know exactly what they're put on this planet to do. I can still see in my mind's eye the slack-jawed expression of my guidance councillor when I replied "a bit of everything" to his question of what I wanted to do with my life. And for a number of years that's what I did - I audited university classes in Russian Literature (you could do that back then), travelled extensively, lived and worked in India and the Arctic, and generally treated life as one great and glorious buffet at which to nibble.
The only constant for me during my formative years was food - I cooked it, served it, and generally obsessed about it. My philosophy of food is thus: it is at its best when it is closest to its essence - where tradition and ingredients are respected in creating the finished product. Which is just a fancy way of saying - find the best ingredients you can lay your hands on, don't mess them up too much, and never (ever!) cut corners.


When I launched Savoury City Catering and Events in the spring of 2003 my goals were modest. I had no targets or plans for exponential growth, and in fact I'm ashamed to say it now, but I hadn't even a hint of a business plan. Instead, what I did have was the energy and enthusiasm to create a company that was intimate, and where food and service literally tied in a photo finish.

Enough about me: Here is some advice from the caterer to the future bride and groom….


Weddings, as you no doubt know, are a phenomenal amount of work and key for a successful day is to start the planning process as early as possible.
Involve your caterer in that planning process at the beginning. We can save you a bundle. Hire the best wedding event coordinator you can. They will save your life...your time...your energy, and make your day spectacular. Honestly.

Photographs provided by Savoury City Catering and Events


Chance is the enemy of a flawless wedding so leave nothing to it. I always get nervous when I hear things like "we don't have a rain plan - it doesn't rain in August in Vancouver" or "my uncle is a great bartender so let's use him", and while these statements may be true, why not at least option a tent and let your uncle be a guest instead.
Communicate your wishes for your wedding to all parties involved, so they can contribute in the most constructive way and make your day spectacular!


We want to thank Donna at Savoury City Catering and Events for sharing her passions and suggestions on the wedding catering aspect of planning a wedding. To read more expert advice on wedding and event planning topics follow us on Twitter @CountDownEvents and our Facebook fan page.

Attention Brides: Kenneth Pool Trunk Show at Blush Bridal



KENNETH POOL - For the bride who wants sparkle and glamour! The KENNETH POOL label has long been recognized for its embodiment of fantasy and drama with its grand ball gowns, luxurious fabrics and exquisite beadwork. This season there is a special emphasis on unique fabrications and couture details. Organza ruffles, sensuous silk jersey, and creamy duchesse satin dominate, whether artfully draped, elaborately beaded, or delicately trimmed with Swarovski crystals. Each gown encapsulates the essence of the collection: Ultimate Femininity combined with KENNETH POOL's signature brand of sexy, opulent, unapologetic glamour.
We are very excited to see the amazing designs at Blush Bridal on September 14th and 15th. xoxo CountDown Events Planning + Design

This Week's #FF Alicia Quan of Alicia Fashionista!



Name: Alicia Quan

Occupation(s): Business Owner/Social Media Butterfly at Capital Q Creative, Fashion + Lifestyle Blogger at AliciaFashionista.com and I also teach dance a few days a week.

Who is your role model: I have a few, but I’d have to say my dad. Without completing high school, he worked hard and fought his way to the top at a very reputable company. He eventually was able to start his own business and had such success he’s already retired very young. His constant dedication and drive is something I’ve always admired and tried to find within myself.
What do you like most about your job: Being able to have creative control and doing things like writing and photography on a daily basis is so ideal. I’ve also made some great connections and friends through both my business and blog. There are some really amazing people in Vancouver!
Daily ritual: I make sure to write out my daily goals and to-do’s while enjoying my morning Americano. It’s all about lists and organization when you’re setting your own work schedule!
The most rewarding part of my job is: Someone telling me that I’ve helped or inspired them is literally the sweetest feeling in the entire world. That’s what keeps me going!


What has been your biggest strength that’s helped you succeed in your industry? I’d have to say being an opportunist and the ability to network both online and in person.
Memorable celebrity encounter/interview: It was pretty surreal interview Jay Manuel from America’s Next Top Model. His “smize” is so intimidating, but he was really kind and fun to interview!
Favourite quote: A friend once told me “The greatest revenge is a life well lived”, which was really powerful at the time. I always keep it in mind when I’m going through tough work situations.
Describe your personal style: West Coast Chic
Dream vacation spot? At the moment it’s Paris and the South of France.
What is your favourite thing to take pictures of? People. I love capturing the beauty in those around me and I get so much joy when I can boost their confidence and give someone a great photo of them. Also puppies. Just because they’re adorable and such a challenge to photograph.


What has been your favourite event to attend? I’ve been to a ton of amazing events, but I have to say being at the Vancouver Fashion Blogger Sale (that Cee of Coco and Vera and I planned) was pretty amazing. It was the first big event I’d planned, and it was such a success, we’re already planning the next one!
Favourite Restaurant: That is such a tricky question in such a great restaurant city. Would have to say Bandidas Taqueria, Establishment Lounge, and Ensemble (mostly because I have such a crush on Dale MacKay).
What is your biggest indulgence? Shoes and chocolate.
If there was more time in the day you would: Be in the best shape of my life (or so I like to think).
Favourite social network: Twitter and Instagram are tied at the moment.
Favourite Blog: Cupcakes and Cashmere, Rockstar Diaries, This Time Tomorrow, and Atlantic-Pacific.

Photographs provided by Alicia Quan


Where do you go for good ideas? I always get inspired in coffee shops, and I suppose caffeine helps a little too.
Last song you downloaded: Alabama Shakes – I Found You…I highly recommend it!
What is the most challenging thing you have ever done? Quitting my nine to five and embarking on a solo business venture. I’d never quit a job before and there were so many unknowns about going off on my own. They say most challenging things in life are also the most rewarding, and it was hands down the best thing I’ve ever done.
What are you obsessed with right now? Spanish lattes, tennis (playing, not watching), pastels, and home décor.
Any other comments/thoughts you’d like to add: (ie. new business features you are offering now) I have a ton of projects on the go right now, including a new website for my Capital Q Creative company. So stay tuned!


Thank you Alicia for being our #FF of the week, we’ll be looking out for your new website. If you would like to see more of Alicia visit her on her blog page at AliciaFashionista.com and don’t forget to join us on twitter @CountDownEvents to view other upcoming FFs.

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