Hope, A Relief Fundraiser for Japan

Around the globe we have all heard, and seen footage, of the devastating 9.0 magnitude earthquake, the tsunami, and the aftermath of devastation in Japan.  Our hopes are high, for their safety and well-being.  And we can help.

This Sunday, March 27th, the Japan Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association  and  Canada-Japan Society of Ottawa  are partnering to host a charity reception and silent auction in an effort to contribute to the relief effort.  It will be held from 7-9 pm in the Governor General Ballroom of  the Westin Hotel, hosted by CTV's Stefan Keyes, and his excellency Kaoru Ishikawa, Ambassador of Japan, speaking at the event.  There will be performances by Soprano Noriko Hashimoto and Oto-Wa Taiko members including Aki san.

We were grateful to contribute gift certificates and services when we were contacted and there have been many other generous contributions of donated services and items. Tickets are $40, with all proceeds benefitting the Canadian Red Cross Japan Earthquake/Asia-Pacific Tsunami Fund.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

If you are unable to attend the event but wish to make a direct donation to the relief efforts, please donate here: redcross.ca/jetaaottawa/

Tickets are available at the door, with cash or cheques being accepted.
Contact japan.relief@jetaaottawa.ca, 613-366-5002 for more information or click here.

Love at City Hall

A little while ago we had the pleasure of meeting Ratko & Karolina as they wed on a wintry Friday afternoon at City Hall.  It was sweet & intimate, with their two closest friends by their sides and a charming, gracious officiant. 

With enough winter light still pouring through the windows we took some time for photos before heading to the Byward Market to celebrate at Mangia.  The cozy restaurant was perfectly suited for the memorable evening, with a romantic, sophisticated setting with soft lighting and the glow of candlelight.  

Our heartfelt Congratulations and Best Wishes to Ratko & Karolina!

Natalie & Darcy

100 Years of Women's Strength

Today marks the 100th International Women's Day.  There are events worldwide in cities, towns and villages.  You may not have participated in an event but probably (or perhaps once you've read this) you've had a moment or two of reflection.  About the women you live with, the women who raised you, the women you work with, the woman you hope to become or hope your daughters or nieces will become.

Canada's Theme for IWD this year is 'Strong Leadership.Strong Women.Strong World:Equality'  Here are a couple quotes I've seen that fit well.  (thanks Sharon)

The thing women have yet to learn is nobody gives you power. You just take it.   

Roseanne Barr

I myself have never been able to find out precisely what feminism is: I only know that people call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments that differentiate me from a doormat.  

Rebecca West

There is so much more that could be said.  My personal note here is a Thank You, to the women I am fortunate to be surrounded with.  

Their differences and similarities influence me and enrich my life in so many ways.  

They are all Beautiful. Strong. Unique. Independent. Kind. Incredible.

And I believe that I am no exception.  We all have phenomenal women in our lives.

My mother and grandmother.  The women who raised me.  Photo by William Au

A month for Love, Family and Community

February has come and gone and it was a busy one!

Apologies for the Radio Silence here....  We started the month off with meeting some great wedding vendors and new friends as well as new clients at the Wedbyhand show.  It was a lot of fun and we put out a favourite Canadian retro treat for snacking.  The photos of our table (with the Pink Elephant Popcorn!) are courtesy of Anne Marie Bouchard.

The week after the show we took in the computer for a little maintenance to upgrade our lives and help workflow.  It felt odd being without it for over a week but the time flew by with Valentine's Day, client meetings, a gorgeous wedding, and Rainbow Family Day, a community event.  (We were so eager to see the day's photos from the wedding that we admit to hooking the cameras up to the television and looking through them in our PJ's at the end of the night.)

Top Left: Thimblecakes Valentine  Top Right:  MPP Yassir Naqvi, Morris Rothman, Mayor Jim Watson  Bottom:  Rainbow Family Day Candids

We are still catching up on emails and editing.  It was busy through the end of the month with more meetings, an event for Erica Braun and the yoga fundraiser Power of Movement. 

Our WedbyHand special promo will be ending this Sunday.  Whether you were there or not, contact us to take advantage of the offer, natalielyle@me.com, 613.237.7835.

More posts to follow soon with photos!  I hope your month was spent with people you love to be around, whether young or old, family, friend, partner or child.