Katherine Nelson, Author at Weddingbells

Archive for Katherine Nelson

A Rustic-Chic Waterfront Wedding in Toronto

Real Weddings

Posted December 9th, 2019 | 10:16 am | By Katherine Nelson | No Comments

When Danielle entered her apartment one afternoon, she found rose pedals leading from the doorway to the living room, where her boyfriend Trevor was surrounded by candles. “I proposed on a Wednesday so that Danielle would have no idea,” Trevor explains. While their song, “Hey Pretty Girl” played in the background, the pair slow-danced before Trevor got down on one knee. While Trevor had planned a romantic picnic in High Park for after the proposal, it began raining once the couple arrived at the park. “We took the picnic back to our living room floor and enjoyed the moment together before telling the rest of the world,” the bride shares.

Danielle and Trevor, who met at Oktoberfest in Waterloo, chose a mid-October day for their wedding. “We wanted to bring the rustic colours of fall into our wedding venue,” the bride explains. Set against the backdrop of Toronto’s lakeshore, the neutral colour scheme included soft ivory, cream and taupe mixed with lots of rich dark green. “It was the perfect fall day,” Danielle recalls. “What started as a bit of overcast turned into the sun piercing through the clouds and off the lake, creating a warm ambiance on a cool day.”

“Our flowers were hands down the best wedding detail,” the couple shares. At the ceremony, tall grasses and foliage lined the aisle to a traditional Jewish Chuppah was covered in greenery and pops of fall flowers. At the reception, the head table included a 16-foot live garland with mixed greens and a gorgeous floral arrangement hanging overhead. A unique touch was Trevor’s boutonniere, which included hops to honour his love for craft beer. “We love how personal our designer, Shea, made everything!”

Danielle and Trevor’s reception began with a traditional Jewish Hora dance. “Even though both sides weren’t Jewish, everyone got involved and absolutely loved it,” Danielle shares. The dance circle continued during speeches and was even joined by a saxophone player at one point in the evening. “Not one person was in their seat,” Danielle recalls. “Grandmas, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and parents were all dancing and it did not stop until the lights came on!”

Danielle Swartz and Trevor Thiessen, October 13, 2018, Toronto, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Barb Simkova for Tara McMullen Photography.

Vendors
Venue: Palais Royale
Wedding planner & designer: Shealyn Angus Weddings & Events
Bridal gown: Rime Arodaky from Loversland
Hair & makeup: Ashley Readings
Groom’s tux: Empire Customs
Flowers: Patchouli
Stationery: Brooklin Paper Co.

A Surprise Backyard Wedding in Palm Springs, California

Real Weddings

Posted December 6th, 2019 | 11:01 am | By Katherine Nelson | No Comments

Three weeks before leaving on a trip to Palm Springs, Andrew asked Brie if she wanted to get married while on vacation. “Initially I thought he was crazy,” the bride recalls. “Then, I realized that if we could pull this off it would be the best memory ever!” Luckily for Brie, her sister-in-law is a wedding planner, so they quickly got to work. Even at such short notice, the couple was able to successfully convince nine of their unsuspecting family members to join them in California.

With only three weeks to plan her wedding and find a dress, Brie knew she needed to find a dress quickly. “The fact that Bisou Bridal was able to get my dress ordered and ready was a miracle,” Brie says. “It made me feel romantic, tucked in, and beautiful all in one.” As an ode to her brother, Brie wore pink high-top Converse All-Star shoes with her gown. “He and I shared a pair when we were little,” the bride shares.

For their wedding day, Brie and Andrew planned to pull off the surprise of a lifetime. Minutes before their ceremony began, the couple presented their family members with wedding invitations in the backyard of their rented Airbnb. “Seconds later, they were walking into the backyard to champagne and music,” Andrew recalls. “Seeing the look of shock, denial, acceptance and excitement in everyone’s faces was incredible!”

Keeping things intimate, the backyard-style wedding was decorated with one long wooden table. Further, the family-style meal was cooked by a private chef. Brie and Andrew loved sharing their special day with such a small group. “At dinner, we got to have one conversation and all speeches had to be impromptu,” the couple shares. “It took them all night to realize what was happening!” As the evening went on, guests were presented with sweatshirts that said “Deer,” a play on Andrew’s last name. “It was so fun seeing everyone wearing them at dinner, comfortable, casual, and having a good time.”

Brienne Armstrong and Andrew Dear, March 11, 2019, Palm Springs, California.

Photography courtesy of Sweet Paper Media.

Vendors
Venue: Airbnb Private Residence
Wedding planner: Aly Armstrong Event Planning & Design
Bridal gown: Monique Lhuillier from Bisou Bridal
Flowers: Studio Kate Floral
Caterer: Chef Sarena
Furniture rentals: Signature Party Rentals
Music: Andy Mauser Music

A Rustic-Chic Fairytale Wedding in Scarborough, Ontario

Real Weddings

Posted October 28th, 2019 | 12:26 pm | By Katherine Nelson | No Comments

“I was having the worst day ever,” Steph remembers of her engagement day. In an attempt to cheer her up, Ben had insisted they visit Toronto’s Christmas Market but the couple arrived only to discover that it was closed. “When we got home, I had a feeling something was up,” Steph shares. Smiling almost uncontrollably, Ben asked Steph if she wanted an early Christmas present and suggested she look inside their Christmas tree. “There it was,” Steph recalls. “A small Tiffany box with a white bow. My heart dropped and I put the ring on before he could even ask me to marry him!”

For their wedding day, Steph and Ben went with a rustic-chic theme. “We both like the rustic vibe, but wanted to really impress our guests and take it up a notch,” Steph explains. Their colour scheme featured a range of blush and gold shades, which the bride found by scrolling through swatches on Pinterest.

For Steph and Ben, finding the right floral vendors was a challenge. “After several meetings with potential vendors, we were thrilled to find DT Floral & Decor,” Steph shares. “Craig was so genuine and brought our vision to life.” At the ceremony, a gazebo was transformed into a cherry blossom ceremony archway. “As I walked down the aisle, I felt like I was entering a fairytale,” Steph recalls. “I had my eyes on Ben, but I couldn’t help looking at all the decor and florals!” At the reception, table centrepieces were a mixture of tall gold trumpet candelabras and small floral arrangements. “Everything was so stunning and more than I imagined it would be,” the bride says.

For Steph, one of the most memorable moments of her wedding day happened before the ceremony and reception. While getting her hair and makeup done with her bridesmaids, Steph received a surprise visit from her grandparents. “They were not able to make it to the wedding, so they came to the house for some photos,” the bride shares. “Seeing them before the ceremony meant so much to me.”

Stephanie Char and Ben Avery, May 12, 2018, Scarborough, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Jessilynn Wong Photography.

Vendors
Venue & caterer: The Guild Inn Estate
Wedding planner: Cindy Li from Wonder Chic Events
Bridal gown: Demetrios from Sixpence Bridal Studio
Flowers: DT Floral & Decor
Cake: Posh Sweets & Co.
Favours: Donations to Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
Bridesmaid dresses: Forever Love Wedding Design
Groom’s tux: Indochino
Hair: Fiona Ip from Ford Beauty
Makeup: Beauty by Andrea
Music: Sole Power Productions, Liz Craig, Meghan Cheng
Officiant: Gary Nettleship from Enduring Promises

A Modern, Intimate Winter Wedding in Vancouver

Real Weddings

Posted October 23rd, 2019 | 2:33 pm | By Katherine Nelson | No Comments

Jenny came home from work one day to find her living room filled with colourful balloons. When she reached her bedroom, Jenny saw her bed surrounded by twinkling lights and covered in rose petals. Beside the bed was Bennet, down on one knee. “My heart was fluttering,” Jenny recalls.

Jenny and Bennet, who live overseas, wanted their Vancouver wedding to feel just as intimate as their proposal. The couple decided to host their small, 35-person ceremony and reception at Market by Jean-Georges restaurant at the Shangri-La Hotel. “This decision really allowed us to spend time with each guest,” Jenny explains. “There was so much love felt throughout the wedding.” With their decor, the couple wanted to create an elegant, yet contemporary atmosphere. Their colour palette consisted of blush pink, crimson red and gold. “We also added geometrical decor elements to help bring out the modern look we desired.”

For the bride, another intimate aspect of her wedding was finding her dress. “The atmosphere at Clara Couture Bridal was so relaxed and I felt no pressure at all,” Jenny shares. As she was only able to arrive in Canada four days before her wedding, she worried this would be too last-minute to accommodate fittings and alterations. Luckily, the bride received her altered dress in just two days. “I was so in love with my Pronovias gown and it fit me perfectly,” Jenny says.

Before their ceremony, Jenny and Bennet wandered around Vancouver’s downtown area for their outdoor photo session. “Neither of us are normally comfortable with being photographed,” Jenny explains. “Annie and Tom of L’Estelle Photography put us at ease. We had so much fun and the photos were superb—looking at them, we could really feel the holiday spirit in town.”

Jenny Chin and Bennet Yeung, December 15, 2018, Vancouver, British Columbia.

Photography courtesy of L’Estelle Photography.

Vendors
Venue: Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver
Wedding planner: Live the Dream Weddings & Design Co.
Bridal gown: Pronovias from Clara Couture Bridal
Hair & Makeup: AC Makeup
Flowers: Proline Floral and Decor
Favours: Sugarfina
Caterer: Market by Jean-Georges

Gala by Galia Lahav Fall 2020 Wedding Dresses

Fashion & Beauty » Wedding Dresses

Posted October 21st, 2019 | 11:32 am | By Katherine Nelson | No Comments

In creating Gala’s ninth collection, head designers Galia Lahav and Sharon Sever wanted to harness the magic, freedom and emotion of the sea. Inspired by a mermaid’s eternal free spirit and unparalleled beauty, Gala’s latest collection is meant to empower modern brides to express their unique style on their wedding day.

In this collection, enchanting off the shoulder bodices and body-contouring waistlines are meant to evoke the silhouette of a mesmerizing mermaid. The ethereal gowns come in a range of captivating metallics and delicate blushes that resemble the multicoloured scales of beautiful underwater creatures and the hues of precious coral. Gorgeous fabrics including a chiffon-like netting and layers of soft tulle are embellished with intricate beading and sequins to resemble sparkling droplets of water reflecting the sun. The collection also plays with movement, featuring flowing sleeves that mimic the waves of the ocean. Delicate and graceful, Gala’s new sea-inspired gowns are perfect for the whimsical, destination-wedding bride.

David’s Bridal Spring 2020 Wedding Dresses

Fashion & Beauty » Wedding Dresses

Posted October 21st, 2019 | 10:53 am | By Katherine Nelson | No Comments

David’s Bridal recently released its Spring 2020 collection, which includes looks from David’s Bridal Collection, DB Studio, Galina Signature, Melissa Sweet and Oleg Cassini. With diverse options ranging from traditional tulle ball gowns to contemporary bridal jumpsuits, the store’s signature lines cater to all kinds of brides.

This season, top trends for the budget-friendly, size-inclusive collection include elegant and minimalist gowns, hand-sewn beading and alternate silhouettes.

David’s Bridal

DB Studio

Galina Signature

Melissa Sweet

Watters Fall 2020 Wedding Dresses

Fashion & Beauty » Wedding Dresses

Posted October 21st, 2019 | 10:32 am | By Katherine Nelson | No Comments

Watters is known for her stylish yet practical designs for the modern bride, and the dresses from the line’s fall 2020 line are no different. The gorgeous collection, calledd “Sunset in Rose,” was inspired by the soft light of sunset and the romance of delicate, feminine lingerie. The variety of minimalist gowns featured in this contemporary collection play on the imagination with clean lines and raw-yet-refined designs. Minimalist slip dresses and elegant ball gowns are enhanced with beaded embroidery, tulle and lace. The timeless and versatile new creations from Watters are perfect for today’s effortless bride.

A Bright, Airy Floral-Filled Wedding in Toronto

Real Weddings

Posted October 18th, 2019 | 5:16 pm | By Katherine Nelson | No Comments

On a cold, snowy night in 2017, Brad convinced a reluctant Kara to join him while he took their dogs out for a walk. On their walk, Brad brought up a conversation they had earlier about proposals. “Getting engaged seemed like light years away, but I indulged,” Kara shares. “I explained that I wanted something intimate and added that he should talk to his mom about it beforehand to calm his nerves.” Behind her, Kara heard Brad quietly say, “Really? I don’t feel that nervous right now…” As she turned around to ask him what he meant, Brad pulled a ring box out of his pocket. “He went on to say a bunch of lovely romantic things, none of which I heard because I immediately went deaf and just kept yelling ‘Is this a joke?!’ over and over again,” Kara recalls.

For their wedding colours, Kara and Brad chose a neutral theme of white, blush and grey with lots of greenery mixed in. “We wanted to keep the space looking bright and airy,” Kara explains. “The blush brought in a touch of softness and femininity, and the greenery contrasted with an earthy, natural feel.” Hints of gold were also found throughout the decor to tie everything together.

Above all, Kara and Brad’s favourite decor detail was their flowers. “I went back and forth a lot, and really had no prior knowledge of flowers,” Kara shares. “From our wedding arch and the table garland to the exact hue of rose I wanted, Rikki Marcone was able to turn my very vague vision into reality. Our florals were simple, romantic and fresh.” Another favourite detail was their naked, watercolour-styled wedding cake. “We wanted a naked cake, however I had seen a post that Andrea of Sweet Sister Chic Sister had done of a beautiful watercolour-styled floral cake,” Kara explains. “Andrea was able to incorporate both designs into our cake and it turned out beautifully, not to mention delicious. We were floored!”

For Kara and Brad, their first look was the most memorable moment of their special day. “We were both so nervous the morning of the wedding,” Kara recalls. “Being able to see each other before the ceremony, though still very surreal and emotional, definitely helped calm our nerves.”

Kara Alfonso and Brad Vivian, September 8, 2018, Toronto, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Paula Visco Photography.

Vendors
Venue: 99 Sudbury (Permanently Closed)
Caterer: Food Dudes
Wedding co-ordinator & flowers: Rikki Marcone Events
Bridal gown: Rime Arodaky from The Mews Bridal
Bridesmaid gowns: Park and Fifth
Groom’s tux: Suitsupply
Hair & makeup: Judy Lim
Cake & favours: Sweet Sister Chic Sister
Stationery: Minted
Calligraphy: Madelaine Calanza
Music: Sole Power Productions
Officiant: Nancy Doukas
Videography: Solely Love

A Modern Hacienda Hipster Wedding in Toronto

Real Weddings

Posted October 16th, 2019 | 1:12 pm | By Katherine Nelson | No Comments

Jess and Nate met while studying at Queen’s University, where Jess lived in a house with Nate’s friends. “Nate would often come over to the house to hang out with the guys,” Jess recalls. “Eventually, it became apparent that he was just coming over to hang out with me.” The pair began their relationship with a six-week backpacking trip across Spain after graduation. “We haven’t stopped exploring the world together since,” the couple shares. On an impromptu weekend trip to Ireland, Jess was surprised when their taxi rolled up to the stunning 800-year-old Ashford Castle instead of the Airbnb Nate said he booked. In the walled garden of the castle, Nate got down on one knee and proposed to Jess after 11 years together.

For their wedding venue, Jess and Nate chose Baro because of its hacienda-hipster feel. “We wanted to embrace the Latin-inspired food served at the venue and have the feeling of a big family gathering,” the pair explains. The couple incorporated clean and modern decor elements to match the venue’s atmosphere, including greenery and string lights hung from the ceiling.

Early on in the planning process, Jess told her mom that their wedding wouldn’t be beautiful, but it would be hip. “She misunderstood and told the whole family I was having a “hip-hop” wedding,” Jess recalls. Although the bride corrected her mother, this didn’t stop her best friend from rapping her entire speech to “Gangsta’s Paradise.” “She’s the only person I know who has received a standing ovation for a wedding speech,” Jess shares. “It was a total mic-drop moment!”

“We aimed to have more of a party than a wedding,” Jess and Nate explain. After dinner, the reception party moved to Escobar, a nightclub located downstairs from the venue. “It was chill, raw, hip and had just the right amount of couches and tables for us to dance on,” the couple shares. At midnight, the couple surprised their guests with a late-night McDonalds delivery to the club. The pair gave their DJ 10 must-play old school hip hop songs and told him of Jess’ habit of constantly changing radio songs. “He nailed it,” the newlyweds share. “Guests were asking for the soundtrack to our wedding!”

Jessica Khuat and Nathan Roth, September 2, 2018, Toronto, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Barb Simkova of Tara McMullen Photography.

Vendors
Venue & caterer: The Loft & Escobar at Baro
Wedding planner: Nagham Cararah of Love by Lynzie
Bridal gown: Marchesa
Hair: Jen Evoy
Makeup: Karen Kim
Groom’s tux: Kent Wang
Flowers: Stok Floral & Design
Cake: Momofuku Milkbar
Stationery: Minted
Favours: Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society
Music: DJ Lexx of Spectrum Agency

A Romantic Great Gatsby-Inspired Wedding in Toronto

Real Weddings

Posted October 14th, 2019 | 2:00 pm | By Katherine Nelson | No Comments

Micaela and Joel’s love story began at a local restaurant in 2002. “We were sitting a few tables across from each other and made eye contact,” Micaela explains. “Finally, our friends took initiative and introduced us.” On Micaela’s birthday in 2017, Joel surprised her with a trip to a jewelry store. When they arrived, he asked her to pick out a ring. “Simple and sweet, that day marked our official engagement,” Micaela remembers fondly.

Micaela and Joel envisioned an elegant and romantic wedding. The couple booked Toronto’s Windsor Arms Hotel as their venue. “The hotel has a very sophisticated look, rich in character and detail, with a Great Gatsby feel,” Micaela shares. For their wedding day colours, Micaela and Joel chose black, ivory and gold to complement their old-school venue. To enhance the hotel’s beauty, the couple decided to incorporate an abundance of florals and candles in their decor. “Our wedding planner Roxy and her team put so much effort into executing our vision, seeing the decor for the first time took our breath away,” the couple remarks.

For Micaela and Joel, the cake was a very important element of their wedding. The couple worked with their cake designer and wedding planner to create the perfect cake that would complement their decor. “We chose a five-tier ivory cake that was decorated with a fine lace wrapping on each tier. Flowers cascaded along the top to the bottom to match the florals that we had designed for our wedding,” Micaela shares. “It was a masterpiece!” Another custom wedding element was the bride’s gown by Whyte Couture. “After an endless journey of disappointment trying to find the perfect dress, I realized a custom gown was the answer,” Micaela explains. “The second I put on my dress, I was overwhelmed with emotion.”

For their wedding song, choosing “At Last” by Etta James was an easy decision. “After 16 years, we finally decided to get married,” Micaela shares. “The moment that the first words ‘At Last’ filled our venue, we thought, ‘The day has come–we are officially husband and wife!'”

Micaela Aguiar and Joel Vieira, November 3, 2018, Toronto, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Richard Emmanuel.

Vendors
Venue & caterer: Windsor Arms Hotel
Wedding planner & flowers: Roxy Zapala
Bridal gown: Whyte Couture
Bridesmaid gowns: White Toronto
Hair & makeup: Corrie Elle Artistry
Groom’s tux: Arcade Men’s Shop
Cake: Patricia’s Cake Creations
Stationery: Ivorie Paperie
Favours: Succulent Chocolates and Sweets
Music: Impact DJ, GTA Strings

A Gorgeous, Modern Hunt Club Wedding in Toronto

Real Weddings

Posted October 11th, 2019 | 11:11 am | By Katherine Nelson | No Comments

Tom and Christina met at a house party in 2014. The pair remained acquaintances before they went on their first date the following year. “Since then, we’ve been inseparable,” Christina shares. True to his relaxed personality, Tom asked Christina to marry him on the balcony of their Toronto condo. “We were in our ‘home’ clothes, a.k.a. loungewear,” Christina recalls. “Tom said, “You know I love you to bits, right?” Next thing I knew he was down on one knee and there was a ring in front of me,” the bride remarks.

Tom and Christina did not choose a specific “theme” for their wedding day. “I don’t like the matchy-matchy look,” Christina explains. Overall, the couple’s goal was to create a classic and simplistic vibe for their guests. “Coming up with table numbers for the reception was a challenge,” Christina recalls. “The only “theme” that made sense to us was pubs and restaurants, since we eat out a lot,” the bride notes. In place of numbers, each table’s motif was based on a pub or restaurant known to the guests at that specific table. “In the end it was a lot of fun and everyone loved it,” Christina shares.

There were two details that were important to Tom and Christina on their special day. First, was the bride’s bouquet of white roses. “Florist Lauren Sellen created the most classic, minimalist bouquet that looked modern from every angle,” Christina shares. Another special element was a nod to Tom’s Irish heritage. “Our friend Zach Hornblow is a jewellery designer, so he custom-made Tom’s Guinness harp cufflinks in sterling silver,” the bride explains.

After the entrance of the bridal party, local musician and busker Jordan Hart serenaded the couple and their guests with a performance. “The live music really got the crowd going before dinner,” Christina notes. At the rave-like reception, the DJ played a remix of Ed Sheeran’s “Castle on the Hill.” “All our friends and family were jumping up and down around us,” the bride shares. “It was like time stood still. That song became the anthem of our wedding.”

Christina Gonzales and Tomas Crowe, September 20, 2018, Toronto, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Danijela Gorley.

Vendors
Venue & caterer: The Toronto Hunt
Wedding planner: Grace Barbosa-Chin
Flowers: Coyote Flowers
Bridal gown: Mikaella Bridal from Ferré Sposa
Hair: Morgan Lovely Hair
Makeup: Erin Winn
Groom’s suit: Indochino
Cake: Cherry Cakes
Stationery: Minted
Music: Duo D’amore, Carlo Suarez and Jordan Hart

Galia Lahav Fall 2020 Wedding Dresses

Fashion & Beauty » Wedding Dresses

Posted October 10th, 2019 | 11:18 am | By Katherine Nelson | No Comments

Galia Lahav recently debuted its Fall 2020 collection of couture bridal gowns. Inspired by the beauty that comes from within, this brilliant new line is meant to celebrate a woman’s individuality with unique options for modern brides looking to make an entrance. Model Valentina Sampaio, admired for her confidence in becoming Victoria Secret’s first openly transgender model, shines as the face of the new collection.

The fall 2020 bridal collection features an array of romantic shapes, such as A-line, mermaid, and ballgown, which have been modified to be voluminous yet soft and flowy. The dreamy gowns come in subtle hues of ivory, blush and lavender that are enhanced with intricate silver embroidery. On different layers, delicate lace peeks through light-as-air tulle, silk or organza adorned with reflective finishes including beads and rhinestones. According to the brand, each layer of these elaborate gowns tell a story, much like each layer of a woman’s personality tells her story.

Danielle Frankel Fall 2020 Wedding Dresses

Fashion & Beauty » Wedding Dresses

Posted October 10th, 2019 | 10:45 am | By Katherine Nelson | No Comments

Since launching in 2017, Danielle Frankel’s label has been dedicated to designing comfortable yet chic wedding day options for the modern bride, including crop tops and pantsuits. This season, Frankel’s collection was inspired by different vintage elements: photographs of fishermen from the 1920s, antique lingerie techniques and a sterling silver belt her great-great grandfather gifted her grandmother in 1930s Mexico. Among Frankel’s newest bridal styles are belted coats, mini dresses, bustiers, overskirts and pantsuits. Neutral satins and silks are used throughout the collection, appearing in the form of gold pants and slip dresses. According to Frankel, these vintage-inspired designs are made for women who would steal their mother’s vintage gloves to wear with a new dress from a boutique. This juxtaposition of luxury and thrift, old and new embodies Frankel’s contemporary 2020 collection.

Ines Di Santo Fall 2020 Wedding Dresses

Fashion & Beauty » Wedding Dresses

Posted October 9th, 2019 | 5:06 pm | By Katherine Nelson | No Comments

Ines di Santo unveiled her 2020 fall bridal collection, titled “Under the Impression”—an ode to the Impressionist art movement and its focus on colour, texture, light and transparency. The couture gowns feature dramatic ruffles, illusion necklines, detachable trains and corset bodices embellished with hand painted silk flowers, 3D beading and intricate butterfly embroidery.

At the fashion show, the designer also debuted her footwear collaboration with luxury Italian shoe brand Bruno Magli. The stiletto heels featured in this collection are made with traditional textures such as tulle, chiffon, embroidery and lace combined with Italian leather in a variety of colours, ranging from subtle blush to rich red tones. The shoe collection showcases the perfect union between contemporary bridal design and traditional Italian craftsmanship.