How I Take Care of Myself During Wedding Season

The wedding season is stressful for everyone, but how do you stay in tip-top shape? This article will outline some practical ways to take care of yourself during the wedding season. Do these things, and you'll be on the road to wedding perfection!

Working Out with a Personal Trainer

Working out with a personal trainer during the wedding season is an excellent idea if you are a future bride. Getting fit can be difficult when you are busy with your wedding preparations. However, it is not impossible, as personal trainers can help you shed unwanted pounds and get in shape quickly. In fact, many trainers offer special packages for newlyweds. You can choose a package that incorporates phone calls and in-person sessions, keeping your costs within your budget.

Avoiding Processed Foods

Improving digestion is a major health benefit of avoiding processed foods during the wedding season. Processed foods are packed with sugars and additives that can upset your digestive system and adversely affect your skin's complexion—something you absolutely want to avoid when it comes to wedding photos and videos.

Sugar is a commonly-used ingredient in most processed foods, and it can cause bloating and gas. Instead, choose a more natural sweetener, such as honey, that contains only natural sugars. You can find these sweeteners in natural or organic foods and get a sugar fix from eating natural fruits.

Taking a Nap

While some brides wake up at 4 am to start their hair and makeup, others don't have the luxury of sleeping in until the afternoon. A lack of sleep can drastically affect your physical and emotional state, making it imperative to schedule a nap before the wedding. Taking a nap is the perfect way to rest and rejuvenate after a long day of wedding preparation. Make sure that no one disturbs you while you nap, and delegate the rest of your tasks to trusted assistants or wedding planners.

Avoiding Tanning Booths

There are a few ways to avoid getting too dark at tanning booths, especially during the wedding season. First, book your last appointment at least two days before your wedding. This will allow you time to correct mistakes before the big day and protect your wedding dress from stains.

Fresh spray tans tend to rub off more easily on fabric, so ensure you avoid moisture for eight hours after your appointment. Then, moisturize your body with hydrating lotion.

Taking a Vacation

If you're considering taking a vacation during the wedding season, consider the pros and cons of this season. As the wedding season approaches, prices on airfare and accommodations tend to go up. You'll also want to plan your vacation well in advance to coordinate your plans with friends and family. Luckily, several ways to get the best deal include shopping during holiday sales and signing up for resort newsletters.

One of the Most Unique Toronto Wedding Venues

Twist Gallery is a well-known art gallery but also serves as an event space Toronto relies on for custom celebrations, including birthday parties, weddings and receptions, and corporate events. Get in touch today at (416) 588-2222 or nadia@twistgallery.ca for more information!

Unconventional Wedding Ideas to Make Your Day Even More Unique

Your wedding day is supposed to be the most magical day of your life– full of love, friends, and family. That being said, traditional weddings aren’t the only way to go. Having personalised, different touches will give you and your guests a special experience that will leave a unique memory and inspire everyone to think a little bit outside of the box. Whether it is the wedding venue, food, or decorations, creativity will always shine through. At the end of the day, always do what makes you and your partner happy. Here are some ideas to inspire you: 

1. Unique Wedding Cake

Flavours aren’t the only thing you can customise in your wedding cake. There are so many unique options to do instead of your standard white tiered wedding cake. Going for a cake made of donuts, cupcakes, crepes, (or sushi?!) allows for your guests to actually enjoy a piece of cake without the mess and stress of cutting it evenly. Top it off with customised bobble head figurines of you and your partner for an extra touch of humour and cuteness.

2. Not-So-Typical Outfit

There is no denying that a long extravagant white gown is beautiful, timeless, and symbolic of a wedding day. That being said, there is nothing more symbolic than a statement outfit. Try a white pantsuit or 2 piece set instead of a traditional ball gown. It is both bold and memorable to step outside of the typical expectations. If you still want to wear a dress, opt for a short and breezy dress– perfect for summer and more comfortable to dance in all night! Speaking of comfort, always keep a pair of comfortable dancing shoes with you. Your feet will thank you later.

3. Book a Cool, Modern Art Gallery Instead of a Regular Event Hall

Let’s face it… we should leave the event halls for business conferences and high school proms. The wedding venue is the very basis of your special day, and choosing a venue that is beautiful and unique, enriched with art and culture can completely transform the magical feeling of celebrating love. In Toronto, there are countless galleries and event spaces to choose from– most notable Twist Gallery on Queen St W. This space offers open, high ceilings, huge beautiful windows, and is lined with incredible art from local artists to help you celebrate your day. Call (416) 588-2222 for more information.

4. Toss Out Bouquet Toss for a Fun New Game Instead

As fun as tossing the bouquet is, the game is admittedly not very exciting or inclusive to every wedding guest. If you’re opting for an outside wedding, consider setting up cornhole, bocce ball, or giant jenga to ensure all your guests can join in the fun. If your venue is indoors, have interactive games like Connect 4, Chess, and Tic Tac Toe stations. Add a DIY craft station to encourage creativity and allow your guests to leave you special little gifts to commemorate the magical day.

5. Audio Recorded Guest Book

You’re probably wondering what we mean by an audio recorded guest book. Well, it’s exactly that: a guest book full of sweet messages that you can listen to over and over! Your guests can leave you messages that will create the sweetest playlist of all time. Have both audio and written guest books if you want double the love!

6. Unique Centrepieces

Although flowers and greenery are undeniably beautiful, they are basic wedding centrepieces that do not necessarily “WOW” a crowd. We suggest doing something more personal, something that reflects you and your partners personalities and can be sent home as wedding gifts for your guests. Pile 5-10 of your favourite books on each table, books that tell your loved ones the stories that moved you and the words that left their mark on you. They will likely not be reading during the wedding, but they can take home the book that stood out to them the most, and hopefully pass it on to someone else they love after.

At the end of the day, all that matters on your wedding day is you and your partner celebrating your love with the people who mean the most to you. Everything else is just details– but within these details is where you can get creative, exciting, and fun. Create unforgettable memories in unique ways by expressing your love with these little tips!

3 Tips for Hanging a Painting

So, you’ve just fallen in love with a piece of art you’ve seen in your local art gallery. You know that it would be the PERFECT addition to your home, so you pass through and buy it. The gallery director puts a little red sticker on it, signifying that this particular piece is spoken for; its dance card is full. Now comes the hard part: waiting for the exhibition to be over, so you can proudly display your new cherished treasure. But how should one display art? There must be rules to follow or a guideline? Sort of. Below are Twist Gallery’s 3 Tips for Hanging a Painting. Enjoy!

🎨 🎨 🎨

 3 TIPS FOR HANGING A PAINTING

🎨 Hang a painting by its focal point.

Every piece of art is exceptional and different. Art tells unique stories, boasts diverse triumphs and impacts viewers individually. Therefore, it’s your job; nay your duty, scratch that; your privilege to decide where the art’s focal point is located. Essentially, the focal point, is where the viewer’s eye is naturally drawn. Often times, this is the centre of the painting, however many artists play with asymmetry in space and varying scale. So, what does that mean? It’s up to you! You fell in love with this painting for a reason. Where does your eye naturally fall on the canvas? This part of the painting should be hung level with your eye. 

For instance, check out this vivid piece by Sandra Di Leo below.

Figure 1 “Rebel” by Sandra Di Leo; 30 X 40 acrylic on canvas; $2,100

At Twist, we’ve been debating where one’s eye instinctively falls on Di Leo’s work. Some follow the curves of the powerful black lines reaching rest inside the circular shapes. However, other eyes tend to focus on the bright colours, especially the electrifying greens and glowing pinks. Wherever you decide the focal point is located, it should be hung close to eye level. 

🎨 Carefully think about lighting the artwork. 

Lighting can be tricky, especially if you don’t have track mounted lights at your home. You want to avoid direct sunlight because it can be very damaging to surfaces. Try to mount the art in a room with lots of natural indirect light. Also, you’ll want to give your artwork even light. This is why many gallery’s mount works on walls with numerous light sources to ensure an even amount of light bathing the canvas. Lastly, consider the type of light (if not natural light). Fluorescent light is awful for dramatic art.  You’d be wise to stick with bulbs and light sources that replicate soft daylight. For example, take a glance at Courtney Senior’s “Where the Magic Happens”.

Figure 2 “Where the Magic Happens” by Courtney Senior; 48 x 48 acrylic on canvas; $2,000

As the bright colours shatter and splinter apart revealing the strong dark tones of the background, Senior’s expression is fully realized. A robust piece such as this requires a room full of indirect light. Any direct sunshine or incandescent light would overwhelm the already strong colour pallet presented. 

🎨 Group pieces of art together for dramatic effect.

When you are decorating a space, consider how several paintings can work together. Perhaps the canvas’ were created by the same artist and represent similar thematic elements or feelings? Conversely, this can work when the paintings are dissimilar. Imagine the contrast and complication to viewers by pairing pieces that clash or challenge each other. Can you think of a time when artistic elements clashed so strongly that the effect was incredibly profound and memorable? After all, art is about expression and creativity. Ultimately, it's up to you. Consider the work of Elena Dinissuk featured next.

Figure 3 “Beach Tranquility” by Elena Dinissuk; 24 x 24 acrylic on wood; $500

Figure 4 “Flying Over the Ocean” by Elena Dinissuk; 24 x 24 acrylic on wood; $500

These two pieces compliment and accent each other. The wild and energetic ocean waters of the first painting is referenced by the same blue hues in the second. Furthermore, viewers regard the land and sky embodied with oranges and pale blues in the second painting. This only highlights the lack of land in the first painting. As viewers begin to consider both paintings simultaneously, they see elements that are repeated and elements that exists individually. Dinissuk’s work instigates an exciting story of the majestic mighty ocean and our beautiful planet.

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our 3 tips for hanging a painting. And if you think we’ve missed anything, please comment below and let us know your tips. We’d also love to hear from anyone who has purchased from Twist Gallery in the past. How did you hang your art? Share a picture on Instagram and remember to tag us! @twistgalley 

And since you’re here, why not check out the other artists in our Artist Showcase? CLICK HERE.

To see what’s Upcoming at Twist Gallery CLICK HERE.

Keep us in your focal point by following us @Twistgallery and @TwistGallery!