I take a deep breath and clear my throat. I'm ready. I'm prepared. My questions have been thought out, typed up, read and re-read. I want to know more about décor and trends, colour palettes and wedding themes; I want to discuss how couples integrate vintage items while remaining current and fashionable…And then, just like that, in a single moment everything converges; my focus gets clear as I hear the words "well, hello my dear." Something about his accent and his composed confidence tells me exactly what we're going to discuss—style. The man is fabulous! Colin Cowie is a legend, a style icon in the wedding industry, and a celebrity amongst celebrities. In the most welcoming manner, he begins to share his ideas and experience on how to create that ever-so-special wedding.

Author of several books including Wedding Chic, Extraordinary Weddings, Effortless Elegance with Colin Cowie, as well as For the Bride: A Guide to Style and Gracious Living and For the Groom: A Blueprint for a Gentleman's Lifestyle, he has coordinated some of the most spectacular weddings around the

globe and appeared on television shows such as The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Today Show. His company Colin Cowie Lifestyle has designed and produced some of the most impressive celebrations. He exudes warmth and eloquence; in person as in his books, he is a boundless source of inspiration.

I want to know: how does a bride start to create her personal fairytale? I ask about colours, noticing they have found their way back into the wedding tradition. How does a bride choose her colours and what does it say about her personality?

Colin Cowie begins by discussing one very important element—continuity. "I'm a firm believer in creating a theme. If you pick a particular colour scheme make sure you keep it from beginning all the way through to the end. It's important to have a cohesive colour statement that's identifiable from the beginning to the end," Cowie explains. Colour selection can say something about your personality. "A vivacious individual may select bright colours like pink or orange while a more demur personality may prefer a deeper eggplant or cognac colour," Colin Cowie describes various possibilities.

Colour can also revolve around the seasons. "We see brighter colours in the summertime," says Colin Cowie. For instance, if you like the colour green for your wedding you can opt for "an olive green for the fall, or a hunter green for wintertime," Cowie says in his usual effortless ease with original ideas. The seasons can also guide you. For those of us living in a country where winters can get rather cold, I inquired about how we can add some warmth into our winter weddings? Why not "add an espresso bar which can be set next to the dessert section." Colin Cowie thinks of everything.

Another one of his fabulous ideas is to create signature drinks. "During cocktail hour, cocktails can be named after each bridesmaid," Cowie includes the bridesmaids with an elegant touch. Likewise, he continues, "you can name drinks served during the after party for the groomsmen." Imaginative ideas and unforgettable style are the foundation of every successful event. Whether it's through colour, a special signature drink, or the inclusion of a family heirloom, you can weave current trends into the timelessness of your wedding. That is what will define you; that is what will make your wedding special and personal.

Weddings are about magic, mystery, and tradition. I've also noticed that brides are incorporating vintage items that have special meaning into some aspect of the wedding. Colin Cowie has many suggestions, "you can fasten your grandmother's pin on your bouquet for that personal touch or if you have other items such as your mother's cake topper, including it in your wedding day adds to the sentiment of the day while honouring the past." I love that! "Embrace small details that add meaning and ritual," Colin Cowie adds. These details become part of the intimacy of your wedding day.

Colin Cowie's ideas were invaluable and insightful. My focus may have veered in a slightly different direction but I was utterly inspired by his words and touched by his demeanor. I believe this quote from his book Wedding Chic puts everything into perspective: "Your wedding is the beginning of a wonderful journey and getting married is a milestone that needs to be celebrated with passion." I agree- plan it with passion, live it with passion, and know that dreams do come true.

By Anna Lombardos