Kate Mendonca, Author at Weddingbells

Archive for Kate Mendonca

A Two-Part Hawaiian-Themed Wedding In Winnipeg

Real Weddings

Posted March 22nd, 2019 | 10:26 am | By Kate Mendonca | No Comments

Winnipeg-based wedding photographer Charmaine Mallari met the love of her life, Jeff, in high school. “Our romance quickly blossomed, and we’ve been together ever since,” Charmaine says. In 2016, the couple eloped in Hawaii, and decided to hold a reception in 2018 to celebrate with family and friends. “The reason we held a reception after two years of being married is we wanted the updated family photos and having everyone we loved in one place,” Charmaine explains.

The couple decided to have a backyard celebration, and to bring the Hawaiian vibes back home to Winnipeg, they ensured their flowers and decor had a tropical feel. Palm leaves, coconuts and pineapple cake pops were among the elements. “We had a tiki head piñata filled with chocolate, candy and quarters for the kids, and they absolutely loved it,” Charmaine shares. “In addition, I put together a list of Hawaiian and tropical songs for the celebration.” The bride and groom also included a coconut toss game and a hula dance-off.

Charmaine and Jeff chose Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love” as their first dance song. “We are timeless oldies at heart and the simple lyrics resonate with us, since we were young when we met and fell in love fast.”

Charmaine Mallari and Jeffrey Ramirez, April 2, 2016 & August 12, 2018, Hawaii & Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Photography courtesy of Alexis Rose, Khammy Photography, and Stephanie Hodgson.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception venue: Groom’s family backyard in Winnipeg
Bridal gown: Custom made by Elena Stevenson
Hair: Josie at Hairology Studio
Makeup: La Estetica Beauté
Flowers: Deer Dutch
Cake & cake pops: Stephanie Anne Cakes
Rentals: C&T Rentals
Linens and backdropPlanned Perfectly:
Votives & decanters: Something Borrowed Wedding Rentals
Caterer: Danny’s Whole Hog
Videography: M-Squared Productions
Calligraphy: Stephanie Hodgson
Favours: Gem’s Plant Design
Music: Gilbert De Jesus

A Romantic Vineyard Wedding in Oka, Quebec

Real Weddings

Posted March 21st, 2019 | 1:37 pm | By Kate Mendonca | No Comments

After 8 years together, Guillaume brought Valerie to Quebec City to celebrate New Year’s Eve with an elaborate proposal planned. After watching a fireworks show, the couple returned to their hotel room, where Valerie found a trail of rose petals and the custom designed wedding ring Guillaume had created using a family heirloom diamond. A toast to the new year ensued, and the wedding planning began.

Valerie and Guillaume wanted every aspect of their wedding day to have a personal touch and to reflect who they are as a couple. Spending hours customizing everything from the invitations and favours, to the signs and decor helped them achieve their desired effect. As well as the DIY accents, Valerie and Guillaume invited a friend to officiate the wedding—in French and English to honour their families—and had guests play a special role in their ceremony. “We loved the idea of involving our guests,” says Valerie. “We passed the wedding bands around for friends and family to warm them with their love and wishes for a happy marriage.”

When it came to decorating their stunning venue, Au Jardin D’Emmanuel, Guillaume and Valerie were inspired by the rolling hills and lush greenery of the vineyard and wanted to play up its romance. With this in mind, they opted for colours in ivory and blush pink, with touches of antique mauve and gold. For decor, they used greenery, glass and mirrors to keep a light and whimsical feel.

To get the party started, Valerie and Guillaume’s DJ mixed all the top hits with ballads to create the perfect soundtrack. “He was able to create a laid-back, romantic ambience during dinner, and kept the floor packed until 3 a.m. with top dance tracks,” Valerie recalls. “To this day guests still talk about how fantastic he was!”

Valerie Sullivan and Guillaume Brisson, June 2nd, 2018, Oka, Quebec.

Photography courtesy of Sara-Maude Photographie.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception venue: Au Jardin D’Emmanuel
Bridal gown: Stella York from Punta Chiara Boutique de Mariage
Bridesmaid gowns: Dessy Collection
Groom’s tux: RW & Co.
Groomsmen attire: Le Chateau
Videography: AFC Films
Flowers: Astilbe Fleuriste
Makeup: Jean Francois CD
Hair: Hair by Jess G
Music: Martin Robert at MRzik
Hotel accommodations: Hotel Le Finlandais

A Vineyard Wedding In Niagara-On-The-Lake With Peach Details

Real Weddings

Posted March 5th, 2019 | 10:23 am | By Kate Mendonca | No Comments

For Anastasia, Marko’s proposal wasn’t a complete surprise. “I had casually mentioned to Marko at some point that my dream place to get engaged would be Santorini,” Anastasia explains. “So when we had to travel to Mykonos for a wedding, I teased him that he better take advantage of the opportunity.” Anastasia’s suspicions grew when Marko selected the hotel, and while they were on the trip one night, suggested to her that they stay in for dinner to watch the sunset. “I thought, this could be it,” she recalls. “I left the pool early, did my hair, put on a nice dress, to which he asked, ‘Why? We’re just staying in.'” The couple enjoyed the gorgeous sunset, with a nervous Marko going in and out of the room and fidgeting with his pocket. “When the sun set, he turned to me and said, ‘You probably know what I’m about to ask you,’ to which I said yes—and the rest is history.”

Anastasia and Marko’s vineyard celeberation included lots of greenery and white, with peach accents throughout the decor in honour of the beginning of peach season in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The theme was worked into the stationery, which featured a greenery wreath with eucalyptus touches and custom stamps with a monogram and wax seals for the place cards.

Despite arriving ten minutes late to the church because of a veil situation, Anastasia recalls the moment she saw her soon-to-be husband Marko at the end of the aisle as an incredibly emotional experience. “When my maid of honour started walking down and ‘Ode to Joy’ gave way to ‘Pachelbel’s Canon,’ I couldn’t hold it in,” she says. “I actually only looked at Marko for a few seconds at a time, and then focused on the priest, so I could keep it together.”

The team at Ravine Vineyard, along with wedding planner Danielle of Shaw Events and florist Melanie of Lush Florals helped craft a space that captured Anastasia and Marko’s vision. Everything from the peach tablescape, to the signature cocktails and food, to the bonfire and s’mores brought the entire event together. “We especially loved the florals—Mel worked so hard to source the colours with citrine roses and bright orange ranunculus!”

Anastasia and her father surprised everyone with their father-daughter dance, after weeks of rehearsing their Viennese waltz. “We took lessons and spent so much time practising, even rehearsing at 10 p.m. in the hotel parking lot the night before the wedding,” Anastasia says. “We did it, and it was so much fun!” Sparklers added an extra-special touch to the evening, along with the Niagara Falls fireworks that lit up the night sky.

Anastasia Ivanova and Marko Grubesic, August 11, 2018, St. David’s, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Andrew Mark Photography.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception venue: Ravine Estate Winery
Bridal gown: Elizabeth Fillmore from Kleinfeld Hudson’s Bay
Groom’s tux: Hugo Boss
Wedding planner: Danielle Shaw-Vaccariello of Shaw Events
Flowers: Lush Florals
Décor: Simply Beautiful Décor
Invitations: Minted
Seating chart and placecards: Statue Rue
Makeup: Grace Lee
Videography: Elle & Be Films
Music: Chamberlain Entertainment

A Lovely Backyard Wedding Along The Rideau River In Ottawa

Real Weddings

Posted February 26th, 2019 | 2:00 pm | By Kate Mendonca | No Comments

Theresa and Steve grew up in the Ottawa area together and were high school friends, but didn’t start dating until Theresa moved back home after university. With family playing a large role in the couple’s lives, it was only natural for Steve to include their family in his plans to propose. “Ever year Steve organizes an Easter Egg Hunt for my family on my parent’s property in Manotick along the Rideau River,” Theresa shares. “He let me family in on the secret—that he was going to hide an engagement ring in one of the eggs for me to find.” Sure enough, Theresa came across a gold egg. Upon Steve’s suggestion, she opened it, and inside was a ring box.

Theresa’s parents’ property ended up not only being the engagement location, but their wedding reception location as well. The outdoor reception took place under a large “Sperry” sailcloth tent with wooden floors, set against the natural beauty of the surrounding Rideau river. For Theresa and Steve’s drive away from the church after the wedding ceremony, they chose a 1932 Chrysler which set the tone for their classic, elegant wedding and gave the whole day a Great Gatsby feel.

One extra-special guest who helped make the day was Theresa’s friend and hairdresser, Adamo. “He’s been doing my hair for over 10 years and has become a good friend, so as soon as I got engaged I knew he had to do my updo,” shares Theresa. To complement her strapless gown and ward off the summer heat, she went with a textured, low bun that kept in line with the wedding’s elegant, classic theme.

At the reception, the couple made their grand entrance and went straight into their first dance—Jason Evigan’s version of “Cinema”. “It was such an amazing moment, dancing under the tent surrounded by family and friends,” says Theresa. “It meant a lot to have everyone there.”

Theresa Matheson and Steve Briscoe, July 14, 2018,

Photography courtesy of Anne-Marie Bouchard.

Vendors
Ceremony venue: St. Leonard Church
Reception venue: Bride’s parents property
Bridal gown: Sottero and Midgley from Kleinfeld Hudson’s Bay
Bridesmaid gowns: Show Me Your Mumu
Wedding planner: Tara-Lynn MacQuaig of The Event & Co.
Caterer: Epicuria
Flowers: Dirk the Flowerman
Stationery: Minted
Cake: Cakes By Micayla
Hair: Hair by Adamo
Makeup: Natalie Peachy
Music: Greg Fedor at First Choice Entertainment
Tent: Sperry Tents

An Elegant Museum Wedding In Winnipeg

Real Weddings

Posted February 22nd, 2019 | 10:00 am | By Kate Mendonca | No Comments

On a family vacation in Maui, Cory proposed to Melanie as the two watched the sun set. The couple wanted the magic from that moment to carry over to their wedding, envisioning the celebration as a whimsical fairytale with elegant touches. Greenery and gold added pops of colour to their white linens and modern feel of their venue, along with handmade lanterns that served as centrepieces at dinner.

Playful elements were included in the wedding, such as a candy tent filled with a vast assortment of treats for guests to create their own take-home goodie bags. “There was candy everywhere, popcorn in bags, popcorn to scoop, pretzels,” Melanie shares. “It was overwhelming, and I loved it all!”

Other highlights of the night included the speech made by Cory’s Dad (“It was way over the five-minute limit, but it came from the heart and was worth every second!”) and the Danny Kramer Dance band who kept the party going until the end of the night. At one point, Cory even joined the band on the drums to surprise guests with an extended rendition of “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder.

“Our wedding was such a memorable event,” Melanie shares. “We’ll remember it for years to come.”

Melanie Maurice and Cory Oliver, September 1, 2018, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Photography courtesy of Mike McCaffrey.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception venue: Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Bridal gown: Chantal’s Bridal
Groom’s tux: Moore’s Clothing
Caterer: ERA Bistro Catering
Wedding planner: Frances Wellink
Décor rentals: Planned Perfectly
Flowers: Academy Florist
Custom graphics: Quantum Graphics
DJ & uplighting: Crystal Sound Music Services
Hair and makeup: Bob and Page Hair Salon, Myuz Artistry Makeup & Esthetics
Lashes: Red Lash Studio
Music: Danny Kramer Dance Band

An Elegant English Garden Wedding in Vancouver

Real Weddings

Posted February 15th, 2019 | 10:00 am | By Kate Mendonca | No Comments

Alex remembers Chris’s Christmas Eve proposal as an extra special moment, since it also happened to be 30 years to the day of her own parents’ engagement. The proposal took place after snowshoeing through the forest while listening to old Christmas carols at Lost Lake in Whistler, B.C. “We were the only people there and suddenly Chris was on one knee,” recalls Alex. “We celebrated with champagne by the lake—it will go down as one of the best days of our lives.”

Chris’s British roots helped the couple decide on an English garden theme for their wedding. Working with florists at Myrtle et Olive, the couple helped design florals in soft shades of cream and blush that provided a timeless, undone elegance to their day. A hanging botanical installation in the room’s centre made a huge impact, and brought that outdoor garden feel into the beautiful white ballroom, with accents of pale blue and grey throughout.

Alex raved about the team at Smitten Events, who helped make wedding planning fun and enjoyable. “The peace of mind we had on the day, knowing everything was taken care of, was priceless,” she says. The team helped bring her vision for an English garden to life, including sourcing the extra special details that Alex had her heart set on, like pale blue linens, tapered candles, and King Louis dining chairs.

Opting out of a first look, Alex and Chris decided to wait until their ceremony to see each other for the first time. “We’re both traditional and knew we wanted the first time we set eyes on each other to be when I walked down the aisle,” Alex says.

Alexandra Bain and Chris Burrows, August 12, 2018, Vancouver, British Columbia.

Photography courtesy of Christie Graham.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception venue: Stanley Park Pavillion
Bridal gown: Monique Lhuillier from Bisou Bridal
Bridesmaid gowns: Amsale and Dessy from Frocks Modern Brides & Bridesmaids
Groom’s tux: Ted Baker
Groomsmen attire: Hudson’s Bay
Wedding planner: Smitten Events
Flowers and event design: Myrtle et Olive
Lounge furniture: The Collection Rentals
Reception linens, chargers and chairs: Art of the Party
Hair and makeup: Denise Elliott
Music: Musical Occasions and Man About Town Entertainment

A Regal Fairy Tale Wedding In Banff

Real Weddings

Posted February 8th, 2019 | 10:00 am | By Kate Mendonca | No Comments

After a successful blind date initially drew Punteha and John together, Punteha reluctantly headed out on a month-long trip to Europe. “I was hesitant to leave because I wanted to explore the relationship,” she recalls. “Friends advised if he was the right person he would wait for me—and they were right!”

The couple’s fairy tale wedding took place at the grand Mt. Stephan Hall at the Fairmont Hotel in Banff. The theme for the event couldn’t have been more appropriate for the castle-like setting with its luxurious ballroom venue. Punteha and John wowed their guests with their decor, in particular the fresh florals that adorned the ceremony space, reception tables, and the Juliette balconies behind their head table.

The couple created a customized monogram for the event, which in turn was incorporated into all aspects of the day—from the invitations and the seating chart to the aisle runner and cake topper. When it came time to finally see the results of their nine months of planning, it was a triumphant reveal for the couple. “We closed our eyes and the wedding planner walked us into the room. When we opened our eyes we saw a fairy tale wedding straight out of a magazine—it was more beautiful than we ever imagined.”

At the request of the bride, a huge array of sweets filled the dessert buffet, which added extra wow factor to the celebration. The gorgeous scenery, paired with the attention to detail that Punteha and John put into their special day made for extra special memories that the couple will never forget.

Punteha Farzadmanesh and John Butcher, July 21, 2018, Banff, Alberta.

Photography courtesy of Corrina Walker.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception venue: Fairmont Banff Springs
Bridal gown: Martina Liana from Bisou Bridal
Veil: Daphne Newman
Bridesmaid dresses: The Bridal Centre
Groom’s tux: Munro from Harry Rosen
Groomsmen attire: The Bridal Centre
Wedding planner: Lynn Fletcher & Ashley Arndt
Flowers: Flower Artistry
Cake: Whippt Desserts & Catering
Makeup: Mehnaz Khan
Hair: Mountain Beauties
Jewelry: Calgary Jewellery
Stationery: The Social Page
Ceremony music: Bel Canto Strings
Reception music: Pez Productions
Videographer: Jordan Craig

A Non-Traditional Wedding With Rustic Flair In Chelsea, Quebec

Real Weddings

Posted February 7th, 2019 | 10:00 am | By Kate Mendonca | No Comments

High school sweethearts Kathryne and Jean-Philippe (JP to friends and family) began their engagement on a trip to Chicago, where JP surprised Kathryne at Cloud Gate with a proposal.

The two decided to hold their wedding ceremony outdoors on the O’Brien House terrace with a breathtaking view overlooking Meech Lake. “The weather was perfect, everyone we loved was present and the officiant was amazing, making everyone laugh and cry tears of joy,” Kathryne recalls.

Instead of a white gown, the bride chose a beaded nude dress with a gorgeous nature-inspired design for the occasion. Although not sold as a wedding dress, Kathryne added a slip to cover her legs during the ceremony that she later removed for the reception. “I tried a few traditional wedding dresses and nothing felt right, but I loved my final choice!”

To avoid clashing with her patterned dress, the coupled stuck to a palette of black with shades of gold to match the venue’s décor. As for florals, loose greenery and a copper arch for the ceremony was used to create an earthy, rustic vibe. The same foliage was used to tie in the table settings, adorned with simple bud vases.

In another non-traditional twist, Kathryne and JP chose to forego the DJ and band, and enlisted the help of a friend to take requests on Spotify. “He definitely nailed it,” Kathryne says. “I have never seen my grandparents dance like that!”

On top of the gorgeous setting of O’Brien House, a four course menu made with fresh local ingredients and wine pairings greeted guests at dinner. The first course was an heirloom tomato salad with wildflowers; the second course was walleye fillet with mushrooms and green peas; while the third course was grass-fed beef with a sprouted barley and green bean tart. Topping off the night was a simple naked cake, made by one of the bride’s childhood friends, and decorated with fresh florals.

Kathryne LeBlanc and Jean-Philippe Laplante, August 24, 2018, Chelsea, Quebec.

Photography courtesy of Rob Lloyd Wedding & Lifestyle Photography.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception venue: O’Brien Hotel
Bridal gown: Dress the Population
Bridesmaid gowns: Wilfred by Aritzia
Groom’s tux: Me 4 You
Groomsmen attire: Freeman Formalwear
Officiant: Lynne Langille from Exceptional Ceremonies
Flowers: L’Orangerie Floral Design
Stationery: Tuft & Ferrule
Cake: Maggie Seally
Hair: Richardson Hair Design
Makeup: Lyz Plant
Music: Spotify

A Park-In-The-City Wedding In Downtown Toronto

Real Weddings

Posted January 24th, 2019 | 11:01 am | By Kate Mendonca | No Comments

Anthony and Elizabeth were engaged during a trip to Santorini. “We were at the most beautiful hotel, perched on the cliffside, overlooking a sunset on the horizon, with a beautiful bottle of local rosé wine,” Elizabeth recalls. “Of course I said yes!”

The couple’s nuptials were part of the show Crazy Beautiful Weddings, where their planner Lynzie Kent of Love By Lynzie plans a wedding, leaving the decor a surprise for the couple until the wedding day. “The decor she created was one of my favourite details,” Elizabeth recalls. “I especially loved the flowers and how they looked so beautifully natural.”

The couple went for a “park-in-the-city” vibe by choosing a location that showed off the Toronto skyline. They then introduced softness and nature into the space to make it feel more romantic.

“My number one moment was the start of the ceremony,” Elizabeth says. “It was so exciting to finally see Anthony and get things going after so much planning and anticipation. I loved making it official!”

Anthony and Elizabeth had practiced choreography for their first dance, choosing a sentimental song that held a lot of meaning to them. “We chose the Toulouse version of ‘I Will Follow,’ a beautiful cover of an older song,” Elizabeth says. “The lyrics resonated with us and how we feel about each other.”

Elizabeth Senra and Anthony Mete, June 23, 2018, Toronto, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Ryan Van Der Hout of Luminous Weddings.

Vendors
Venue: Globe and Mail Centre
Bridal gown: Lea-Ann Belter
Wedding planner: Lynzie Kent of Love by Lynzie
Caterer: Daniel et Daniel
Flowers: Tanya List
Makeup: The Beauty Team
Music: Electric Blonde

An Elegant Botanical Garden Wedding In Vancouver

Real Weddings

Posted January 18th, 2019 | 2:57 pm | By Kate Mendonca | No Comments

During a road trip through California in 2015, Grace had no idea that Kenny was planning an elaborate proposal. Kenny popped the question after a walk through Lovers Point Park in Monterey, before the couple returned to their hotel where even more surprises were in store for Grace. “I found the room decorated with candles, rose petals, a bouquet of roses, champagne, a wedding cake and a personalized photo album,” recalls Grace. “As I flipped through the album, I saw on the last page a picture of Kenny proposing to me on the beach just moments before, and the selfie we took after! Kenny had planned the whole thing with my two best friends.”

The couple knew that they wanted an elegant wedding complete with a romantic garden feel, and found the perfect venue in the UBC Botanical Garden. They chose the rest of their décor to complement the natural beauty of the gardens, and included white linens, gold cutlery and charger plates, and fairy lights to play up the intimate setting.

Since many of the wedding guests were travelling to Vancouver from out of town, Grace and Kenny took their wedding as an opportunity to showcase the west coast’s finest food and wines. At dinner, guests were treated to a family-style buffet of the bride and groom’s favourite local dishes, along with wines from the Okanagan Valley and beer from local craft breweries.

The biggest surprise of the night came when Kenny began entertaining the guests with his hidden saxophone skills. During the cocktail hour, the jazz band mentioned they were missing a member, and Kenny joined the band on stage in playing an Ed Sheeran tune. “His amazing performance surprised everyone, including me,” says Grace.”Before that moment, I had no idea he even played this instrument!”

Grace Hsu and Kenny Yung, July 1, 2018, Vancouver, British Columbia.

Photography courtesy of Nadia Hung.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception venue: UBC Botanical Garden
Bridal gown: Watters Bridal
Bridesmaid gowns: J. Crew
Groom’s tux: Hugo Boss
Wedding planner: Spotlight Events
Caterer: Savoury City Catering
Flowers: Botany and Co
Stationery: Minted
Cake: A Elizabeth Cakes
Hair and makeup: Carol Hung Makeup Artistry
Music: Beyond Sound Entertainment, Jeff Groh

An East-Meets-West Wedding In Vancouver

Real Weddings

Posted January 11th, 2019 | 10:22 am | By Kate Mendonca | No Comments

To celebrate the coming together of two cultures and sets of traditions, Claire and Andrew chose a colour scheme of red and white to symbolize their multicultural union. “Red is the traditional colour of Chinese weddings, whereas white is normally used in Western culture, so we wanted to combine both,” Claire shares.

Bringing the entire event together wouldn’t have been possible without the help of their wedding planner, Sahar of Modern Mint Event Coordinators. With Sahar’s expertise, the bride and groom’s vision for their wedding day came together just as they wanted. Red flowers by Dushan Flowers contrasted beautifully against the white linens and chairs, complementing the opulence of the wedding venue. The florals also tied in all of the other red details, such as the heartfelt letter written by the bride and groom to the guests, placed at each table setting as a thank you note.

“Walking into the reception hall as husband and wife was a beautiful moment,” Claire recalls. “Not only did we love seeing all our family and friends gathered in one room, but to have them cheer and congratulate us was the best feeling.”

Throughout the reception, the bride changed into two other gowns, including a traditional red qi pao dress that matched the couple’s daughter. Her final look was a sparkling v-necked frock, which the bride slipped into just before the wedding’s evening party festivities.

Claire Zhang and Andrew Thompson, March 31, 2018, Vancouver, British Columbia.

Photography courtesy of JuMi Story.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception venue: The Vancouver Club
Wedding planner: Modern Mint Events
Flowers: Dushan Flowers
Stationery: Making Memories With Stationery
Cake: Joconde Patisserie
Hair and makeup: Jayna Marie Makeup + Hair
Décor: Eclat Décor

A Laid-Back Winter Wedding In Kananaskis, Alberta

Real Weddings

Posted January 8th, 2019 | 11:11 am | By Kate Mendonca | No Comments

To surprise Jody with a proposal, Chris enlisted the help of her best friend, who flew from Vancouver for the occasion. When he was about to pop the question, Chris planned for the friend to “bump into them” and capture the entire moment. It was especially romantic since the proposal took place at the zoo—the same spot where the couple had their second date.

“We wanted to have a relaxed and easy-going wedding to match our personalities,” Jody says. “In tribute to all the stunning nature surrounding the venue, we used wooden accents to create a rustic vibe—they were also a nod to the woodworking company my dad and I own.” To accompany their rustic and relaxed vibe, Jody and Chris went with a palette of navy blue and blush, with hints of rose gold to match the bride’s engagement ring.

The couple chose to have a first look prior to their wedding ceremony, but that didn’t stop the two of them from anticipating their moment at the altar. “Once Chris and I were at the altar, it was as if no one else was in the room,” recalls Jody. “Even though we had just seen one another during the first look and pictures, we both had butterflies.”

Another highlight of the day for Jody and Chris was seeing the finished product of all the stunning floral arrangements and décor coming together, so that family and friends alike could enjoy it after months of preparation. “Between the rose gold cutlery, marble chargers, candles, rose blooms and greenery, it was absolutely gorgeous. Our wedding day was absolutely perfect!”

Jody Loewen and Chris Samaska, March 24, 2018, Kananaskis, Alberta.

Photography courtesy of Kristyn Harder.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception venue: Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge
Bridal gown: Essense of Australia from The Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaid gowns: Sorella Vita from The Bridal Boutique
Groom’s tux: Indochino
Wedding planner: Evelyn Clark Weddings
Flowers: Flower Artistry
Woodwork: LoewenBehold Studio
Seating Chart: Lovesky Design
Stationery: Minted
Cake: Kake
Hair and makeup: Annalisa van Kampen, Kelsey Friesen
Favours: Pretty Sweet
Music: Local DJ

A Beautiful Barn Wedding In Millgrove, Ontario

Real Weddings

Posted January 3rd, 2019 | 10:00 am | By Kate Mendonca | No Comments

Felisia and Minh, who have been together since their teens, wanted to create a special day that paid homage to both history and modern style. Their wedding day started with a traditional tea ceremony at Minh’s parents’ home, where both families exchanged tea and gifts, along with well wishes for a successful marriage to the happy couple.

The rest of the wedding day took place on a farm in a beautiful converted barn. “We fell in love as soon as we stepped into the space: everything from the charming loft overlooking the dance floor to the large harvest tables and soaring ceilings with exposed wooden beams,” Felisia shares. “We knew it was the only place we could get married.”

The couple chose to do a first look before the ceremony, which they say was definitely one of the best moments of the day. “When you’ve been with someone for as long as we’ve been together—12 years—nothing is necessarily a “first” anymore,” Felisia explains. “I think we were both caught off guard at how after all these years, that nervous, excited feeling could still happen.”

Wanting to do something different for the late-night food station, Felisia and Minh jumped at the chance to create an outdoor paella station, thanks to their friends at Paelleros. “They cooked everything on the spot in a huge paellera, as guests inside could catch wafts of simmering rice, spices and seafood, and watch the chef outside doing his thing,” Felisia says.

Subtle and unexpected personalized touches throughout the day made it extra special, including dinner knives engraved with their names and wedding date. “That extra touch was a sweet reminder that it was our day, and that everyone was there for us,” the couple says. At the end of the night, the venue gifted Felisia and Minh with a set of six of those engraved knives, which have become a cherished keepsake from their special day.

Felisia Canedo and Minh Huynh, August 3rd, 2018, Toronto, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Sean Go and Eric Chan of ES Imaging.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception venue: Earth to Table: The Farm
Bridal gown: Essense of Australia
Groom’s tux: Hugo Boss
Balloons: Blush & Pop
Caterer: Earth to Table: The Farm, Paelleros
Flowers: Flores Flowers and Gifts
Stationery: Vistaprint
Calligraphy: Krystle Navarro
Hair and makeup: Jamie Martinez and Taryn Abramsohn
Favours: Botanical Paperworks
Music: DJ Mensa

A Vibrant, Industrial-Chic Wedding In Cambridge, Ontario

Real Weddings

Posted December 28th, 2018 | 9:00 am | By Kate Mendonca | No Comments

High school sweethearts Kerry and Stephen wanted a wedding that reflected their personal style—a mix of organic and industrial with edgy touches. They achieved their desired aesthetic by incorporating design elements like concrete, marble and copper with vibrant colours, sharp lines and geometrics. At Whistle and Bear Golf Club, the couple found the perfect venue that would meet their every design need.

To go with the modern, industrial feel of the venue, Kerry and Stephen worked with the team at Blush and Bloom to create garden-style floral centrepieces and accents in bold pink and coral tones. They adorned the focal point of their ceremony, a dark wood arbour that was custom created for the day, with asymmetric foliage and vines for the less formal atmosphere they were going for.

The couple chose to begin their day with a private first look to ease themselves into the excitement of the day. “The moment Stephen and I had our first look was very emotional,” says Kerry. “We have been best friends for more of our lives than we have been apart, and seeing him in that moment, mere hours away from getting married, was something I had thought about for years.” Following their moment together, the wedding ceremony took place in the Forest View Room of the golf club surrounded by family, friends, and scenic forest views.

With a love of desserts but a gluten intolerance, Kerry and Stephen set out to create an extravagant display of gluten-free treats for their guests to enjoy. They stumbled upon Christina Wong from Truffle Cake and Pastry’s profile online and reached out to see if she would be able to put together the perfect dessert table. Done in vibrant shades of pinks and greens, and set on copper and marble serving trays, every element coordinated with the rest of the wedding decor.

“Our first dance was something Stephen was dreading leading up to our wedding,” laughs Kerry. “He is a self-professed awkward dancer, so we decided to enlist the help of a choreographer to teach us.” Their slow dance was set to Ellie Goulding’s cover of “Your Song,” followed by a surprise Bollywood dance number, much to the delight of their friends and family. They ended the night with another surprise for their guests—a grand finale of dazzling fireworks at the edge of the golf course.

Kerry Andrusiak and Stephen Sandhu, June 30, 2018, Cambridge, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Fiona Chiu Photography.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception venue: Whistle Bear Golf Club
Bridal and bridesmaids’ gowns: Vera Wang
Groom’s tux: GotStyle
Groomsmen attire: Signor Angelo
Day-of coordinator: Shaw Events
Flowers: Blush and Bloom
Desserts: Truffle Cake & Pastry
Hair: Uno Jo
Makeup: Judy Lim
Stationery: Paper & Poste
Favours: Happy Bear Designs
Music: Wellington Music
Videographer: Wild and Free Films
Fireworks: Northstar Fireworks
Linens: Linen Closet
Tabletop Decor: Plate Occasions
Tables: Guelph Tent and Event Rentals
Neon sign: Aoos
Custom cross stitch: NorthernBumble
Custom wine box: ReImagine Brewing