Check-In & Win at Weddings InStyle, Events InStyle, Balance InStyle

Are you a Facebook junkie, or a twitter addict? If you are, then you’ll love the news that we have to share today. Starting this week, and repeated every week after, all of our Facebook Fans, and Twitter Followers on Weddings InStyle Facebook & Twitter; Events InStyle Facebook & Twitter and Balance InStyle Facebook & Twitter will be given an opportunity to win an assortment of goodies! From Spa Gift Certificates, to Trendy Restaurants all the way to your very own Personal Concierge!

It’s easy to win, and here’s how to do it:

Remember to Check-In to WIN!

Step 

Anytime you come into Weddings InStyle, Events InStyle or Balance InStyle on 107 Murray Street you’re only one step away from winning fantastic prizes. So be sure to check in to win!

• Whether you use Facebook, Twitter or Google+, we are watching for your check-ins. If you check-in, tweet or update your status saying that you’re at one of our businesses (and tag us), you’ll be automatically entered to win. Take a photo while you here to get an additional entry to win (and make sure you tag us so we can get the notice)
•  You can enter as many times as you like – so don’t miss an opportunity to check-in just because you already did in the past! Whether you are attending an event, coming in for a planning meeting or popping in to do a site tour – be sure to Check-In!

 Watch for the winner to be chosen every week

• Every month we will select a different winner of our Check-In and Win. If you win, you’ll receive a message from us with information on how to claim your free stuff.

There’s no purchase necessary, no cost to enter and no “favorites” being played. Just check-in via your favorite social network when you visit us and win.

Where has the time gone ....

I got a call today from my insurance company congratulating me on 2 successful years of business at my location in on Murray Street. I stopped and thought to myself - my gosh -  has it been 2 years already? and because we like to celebrate EVERYTHING InStyle did we really just miss an opportunity to drink champagne? Okay, well that in itself is just wrong, but where has the time gone? seriously?!


I had a specific vision in mind for InStyle and all the related companies that fall under the InStyle brand. Balance InStyle, Weddings InStyle, Events InStyle & new birthed I Do InStyle. Nothing like Weddings InStyle & Events InStyle existed in Ottawa at the time. I saw precisely what I wanted it to look like in my mind.


I called up my friend Fried Kemper who is a broker, and told him the crazy idea I had dreamt up and told him to take me building shopping.  He kept trying to convince me on other spaces that were off the beaten path and of course in a more appealing square footage bracket ... but I knew EXACTLY what I wanted, and the blank canvas that I needed to work with. He showed me MANY before I fell in love.


The minute I walked in ...  I just knew. This was it!! This is where I would create MAGIC.

Most of the people that walk into 107 Murray think that I clicked my ruby red heels and volia! Instant chic venue! Not the case. I took possession in June and I opened the doors on September 5th, 2009.  Let's take a little trip back in history shall we?

Main room a few weeks into construction

Main Room After Construction

My Office Before/During Construction

My Office Today :)

Framing In Kitchen

Kitchen After

InStyle As You Know It Today!

It's hard to believe that we have hosted over 100 Weddings & Events in the past 2 years. Weddings and Events are our expertise, this is what we do. We have done the homework so our client's don’t have to.  The caterer’s food is tasted, the baker’s treats are savored, the florist’s creativity is inspected, the photographer’s images are gushed over and the DJ’s vibe is heard. We have had the privilege to meet and forge relationships with some of the BEST vendors that Ottawa has to offer. You need a recommendation - we have a long list of amazing vendors from dresses to transportation. Don't be shy, ask. 

If we haven't had the opportunity to meet, please feel free to drop by. ( Call first so you aren't walking in in the middle of a ceremony) :)

September 5th, 2011 marked our 2nd year anniversary. Happy Anniversary to us and THANK you all who have supported us, promoted us, visited us, live and on Facebook, gotten married with us and allowed us to host you InStyle! We appreciate each and every one of you & we couldn't do what we do without you!

Amanda xx

Wedding InStyle Contest!

We at Weddings InStyle think it’s time for a contest! Who doesn’t love free stuff right?

All you need to do is become our “friend” on Facebook or “follow' us on Twitter.

We want to take the guesswork out of planning your wedding or next event.

Our initial two-hour consultation is a great start to planning your big day and should be one of the first things you do as an engaged couple. At this consultation we will present and discuss themes and an array of creative ideas, in keeping with your budget.

Whether you are at the beginning stages of planning or finessing the details, Weddings InStyle will work closely with you to provide the assistance you need, and only the services you want. From tips and ideas on how to create your wedding theme, to budget planning, to negotiating and liaising with vendors all the way to an on-site wedding planner on your wedding day.

Our work is like no other in the wonderful world of weddings. We have done the homework so you don’t have to: The caterer’s food is tasted, the baker’s cakes are savored, the florist’s creativity is inspected, and the DJ’s vibe is heard. We look forward to getting you married InStyle!

What if you are already married? Well we have another company under the InStyle brand Events InStyle and if you are the lucky winner, then you can use the time towards any event planning.

We'll be picking a random person out of all our Twitter followers and Facebook fans. If you are already a “friend” or a “follower” We thank-you for your "friendship" and wish you good luck!
Spread the word, tell your friends, they can friend us or follow us and win on your behalf.

We will be announcing the winner on June 1st, 2011 our various social media platforms. 

What an honour ...

Amanda O’Reilly, founder of InStyle & Co which consists of three separate entities; Balance InStyle, Weddings InStyle & Events InStyle was awarded the Ottawa Business Journal Forty Under 40 Award this past Monday May 1st, 2011.

OBJ Article highlights the 2011 recipients and the criteria used to reach their decision.

“This year’s list of 40 recipients proves Ottawa has the talent, creativity and the ‘jazz’ that goes along with moving a city forward into a vibrant place to work and live. The city is alive and well,” said Michael Burnatowski, OCRI Entrepreneurship Centre manager and one of the panel of judges determining the awards.  The committee included Mr. Burnatowski, University of Ottawa Telfer EMBA director Terry Kulka, Ottawa Chamber of Commerce executive director Erin Kelly, CellWand Communications CEO Nick Quain, OBJ editor Peter Kovessy and OBJ publisher Michael Curran, who also chaired the process. The judges collectively spent around 100 hours reviewing and ranking each of the submissions. All nominations were assessed according to a 40-point system: 20 points for business achievement, 10 points for expertise and 10 points for community involvement. “I really like the way the award itself is structured. It is a balanced scorecard, with a slight tilt to business achievements. It is a great way to think about what it takes to be a business leader in the city. It’s not just about business expertise – it is about being a part of the community,” said Mr. Kulka.

Amanda has a lot in common with her clients and understands the need to have things done quickly and without compromise. “To do” lists are a constant in people’s lives; it seems that as quickly as one list is checked off, another list is started. “Understanding our clients’ individual needs, building long-term, trusting relationships, and valuing client confidentiality are the standard at InStyle.

Balance InStyle opened its doors in 2006 and was the first in Ottawa to provide lifestyle management solutions from leisure to luxury all the way down to the routine and mundane. In 2007 Balance InStyle opened it’s second location in Naples Florida catering to snowbirds. 

Also in 2007, Amanda co-founded the Canadian Concierge Association to offer support and advice to those wishing to start their own Concierge Business after learning the ropes the hard way.

After running her business out of her home for the first few years Amanda decided it was time to take her game to the next level and took up residence at 107 Murray Street in the heart of the Byward Market.

In 2009 Weddings InStyle was created to offer couples opting for an intimate glamorous affair an alternative. "Budgets might be tight these days, but that doesn’t mean that style and romance are going away."

Civil weddings or bigger than “BIG” Sex in the City weddings were the options at hand, before Weddings InStyle. There were no turnkey full service options available in the downtown core that could accommodate 2–90 guests without compromise. In 2010 Amanda also became a licensed wedding officiant thus having the privileged to also perform ceremonies.

Events InStyle completes the trio. Offering premier event planning solutions that are a reflection of personal style that are customized to meet individual needs. 

Amanda is so passionate about her business and her clients and this is evident in everything that she puts her InStyle signature to.

Amanda and her team give back on a regular basis through the generosity of their clients. When re-organizing, purging or staging client homes, they often come across unwanted clothing, toys, and household items which they in turn donate directly to various women & children based shelters.

In 2005 Amanda co-founded the 100 Man Run and has helped raise over $100,000 for The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation a cause which is near and dear to her heart.

Amanda maintains that this award is a collaborative effort and is very thankful for her team, her vendors, friends and family who never lost faith in her vision, passion and determination to bring something new and InStyle to Ottawa.

Chic Event Venue

You already that Weddings InStyle is the intimate alternative to weddings in the capital, but did you know that we have another company called Events InStyle where we host a variety of events and functions?

We are experts at organizing and executing all types of events. We plan events that are a reflection of your personal style and we customize them to meet individual your needs. Whether you are hosting an intimate cocktail reception or a gala, you want a unique and unforgettable (for the right reasons) experience. No matter the theme we create flawless events that are representative of the hosts. Hosting your event at Events InStyle means your special function is guaranteed to be unique, chic and memorable. 

We have coordinated distinctive functions for organizations of all sizes; from small VIP dinners to large-scale corporate events. Our experience with top vendors enables us to recommend venues and service providers that will meet your specific needs. From invitations to decor, catering, performing artists, lighting and audio-visual equipment, we will orchestrate a seamless event at which you will surely feel like an honored guest.

Events InStyle’s setting offers a blank canvas upon which we work with you to create whatever look and feel you desire – modern, urban, romantic or elegant. Our 2000 square foot open concept event space features exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, granite bar, attractive lighting, state-of-the-art audio and stylish decor to suit any event.

Whether you’re looking for a simple cocktail party with a few close friends and family, a reception for 120 or a private dinner to impress your most important client, we can do it all… InStyle. Our event space has professional state of the art surround sound to add that little extra hint of you to your event. You can bring your own ipod with your music of choice or use ours. Let us help you take your next Event to another level… InStyle.

At Events InStyle we customize each affair and provide you with a chic and upscale palette, so you can create the look and feel that will make your event stand out. We are fully turnkey

and have all the support, resources, vendors and staff available, so that your event runs smoothly and is remembered by all.


• 2,000 square ft
• Accommodates 100 for cocktails
• 60 seated and served
• Central air conditioning
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Conveniently located in the heart of the Byward Market
• Warm brick walls
• Polished hardwood oak floors
• Adjustable spot lighting
• High loft-style ceilings
• State of the art multi-zoned Paradigm
• Audio Technologies sound system compatible with iPod
• 32” flat screen compatible with computer/CD/DVD for presentations/slideshows
• Wireless microphone available
• T1 internet access
• Conveniently located, easy access to mass transit
• Hotels within walking distance