To mark the 25th anniversary of Weddingbells, the magazine hosted a cocktail reception for 400 guests at the Windsor Arms Hotel Thursday and called on renowned cake designer Bonnie Gordon of the Bonnie Gordon School to create the decor—a display of 25 elaborate cakes.
“The editorial staff are huge fans of Bonnie Gordon, and 25 is a great number to work with. Bonnie delivered and then some," said Karen Cleveland, marketing and communications manager with St. Joseph Media, which publishes the magazine. "The cakes bring the message of 25 together, and it lends itself to a pretty impressive visual impact … all of these cakes would be perfectly at home in our magazine."
Cleveland said the magazine, published twice a year, has been promoting the anniversary for the past year with reader giveaways and contests offering the chance to win prizes like wedding dresses and diamond rings. “We have given away [prizes totaling] well into the hundreds of thousands of dollars," she said. The cocktail party, planned internally, was intended as a thank you to editorial staff, stylists, contributors, photographers, advertisers, and partners.
Guests received save-the-date sugar cookies created by Flour Fancies, followed by printed invitations crafted by Laura K Design. Attendees could have their photo taken by event photographer Claudia Hung and had the chance to sample a range of desserts and sweets from the Candy Store. “The sweet bar is very trendy in weddings, and we love candy, so we thought why not ply our guests with sugar as well as good times," said editor in chief Alison McGill.
The Windsor Arms served hors d'oeuvres like goat cheese tarts and risotto cakes. Cocktails made with Skyy Vodka and X-Rated Fusion Liqueur had names like X-Rated Passion, Skyy Passion Play, and Love Elixir. Rather than hand out gift bags or party favours, organizers gave attendees a small vase holding fresh flowers at the end the evening.
