Aisle Seat Alison McGill

You no doubt know about lab diamonds. You probably know a little on the subject, but on this week’s episode—just in time for summer engagement season—you’ll learn a lot about them thanks to our guest Virginie Roy, CEO and founder of Montreal-based Proud Diamond. Virginie credits her lifelong love and passion for jewelry to her grandpa who who worked in the diaamond and gold industry. Lab diamonds are something Virginie is incredibly passionate about and are at the heart of her business. On this show, Virginie takes us on a deep dive into the world of lab diamonds. How they are created; the cost; and why they are a smart, sustainable, and ethical choice for every day, but especially for an engagement ring.

A career in PR and events was the beginning of Cameron Forbes life in party planning. Cameron is founder and principle of Forbes Functions based in New York, and on this show Alison and Cameron chat all about she is planning the perfect parties for Gen Z clients. Calling herself the “Fairy Godmother of Parties,” Cameron tells me no event is too large or too small for her and her team to handle, and Cameron’s goal with every wedding she works on is to make it showstopping and hyper-personalized.

Juliana Miranda is a Toronto based lifestyle expert and owner Mia Rose & Frank. She creates the most gorgeous personalized embroidered pieces including exquisite table linens, as well beautiful porcelain tableware pieces. Juliana is a former retail executive who worked for luxury brands including Tiffany & Co. and Holt Renfrew—trust when we say she’s a tastemaker and knows the DNA of a great party. We loved catching up with Juliana on this show who shares her amazing entertaining expertise and how it relates to wedding planning; how to create beautiful wedding tablescapes; and she even shares her thoughts on some classic wedding etiquette queries like where to seat those single guests.

Size inclusivity for brides is a huge conversation in the world of wedding style. The needle is moving, but we have so much farther to go. This was recognized by Laura Pantin and Monika Kakucska-Godin, two bridal fashion industry veterans who worked with together for a bridal designer for many years before breaking out on their own to open their Toronto-based bridal boutique More 2 Love Bridal which is Canada’s only store dedicated exclusively to curve size brides. Monika and Laura have made a huge impact with their business which opened in 2021 and stocks an incredible size range from 16 to 44. On this show Monika and Laura chat about how they are making a difference when it comes to inclusive and luxury wedding fashion so every bride can feel incredible—as they should—on their big day.

On this week’s episode we visit one of the world’s most incredible resort properties, Nemacolin, a luxury getaway in the mountains of southwestern Pennsylvania that also happens to be one of the most epic spots for a destination wedding. Nemacolin sits on over 2,000 acres of property and truly offers something for everyone; arriving and Nemacolin feels like a fantasy, and events here are truly bespoke and unforgettable. On this show we chat with renowned international event designer Ed Libby, founder of Ed Libby Events, famous for his iconic parties brimming with larger-than-life elements that bring the perfect fusion of high style and whimsy which he now does with Nemacolin as a creative partner. Ed is joined by Melinda Redling, Nemacolin’s director of wedding Sales who shares everything you need to know about planning the most unforgettable wedding at this incredibly exclusive and gorgeous location.

 

Our chat for this episode is dedicated to groom style and what’s trending for men this wedding season. My guest is Canadian designer, stylist and fashion creative Cynthia Florek who’s an expert in all things style, but particularly men’s style. Cynthia is currently the creative director at Tip Top where she collaborates on seasonal creative direction for the men’s fashion line. On this show, Cynthia shares how grooms are taking their fashion game up in 2024, what’s new in suiting and accessories for the big day and why impeccable tailoring is the essential for every sharp dressed man.