Sophie Diego, Author at Weddingbells

Archive for Sophie Diego

A Fun, Summer-Themed Wedding in Toronto

Real Weddings

Posted January 20th, 2020 | 3:04 pm | By Sophie Diego | No Comments

Lorcan proposed to Jaclyn on one of their annual Algonquin camping trips. They canoed to a small beach for lunch, and while Jaclyn was unpacking, their dog ran over to her with a ruby ring on his collar. “It was very sweet and we got to celebrate off the grid,” Jacyln shares. “It was just the three of us, complete with a bottle of Veuve.”

The theme of their wedding encapsulated the feel of the summer solstice in the city, with a touch of Spanish flair. “Rattan, terra cotta, bougainvillea trees and summer pinks seemed like the right recipe to celebrate a summer wedding,” Jaclyn says. Additionally, they wanted to incorporate fun party elements, such as a custom-made oversized Connect 4 game, and crayons that matched the colour scheme for the guests to use on Kraft paper table runners. The flowers helped to tie the decor together. “The hanging floral installation above the row of harvest tables was such a lovely focal point for the room, and the pink bougainvillea trees took it to the next level,” Jaclyn says.

The food had to be exceptionally good for the couple’s perfect reception dinner. Appetizers such as popcorn shrimp, lamp lollipops and lobster rolls were passed around, and for the main course, plates of tacos, beef tenderloin and spicy rigatoni pasta were served. For the finishing magical touch, their caterer created the “Fin’s Bar” menu which featured two custom cocktails: Toot’s Pink Margarita and Bubba’s Paper Plane. “This was all a nod to our three pets—Fin, Toots and Bubba,” Jaclyn shares.

The dancing at reception was one of the main highlights of their wedding. The venue was the perfect size for the amount of guests, so the dance floor felt intimate and easy to get around in. For their first dance, Lorcan and Jaclyn chose Kacey Musgraves’ song, “Butterflies.” “We both love her music and ‘Butterflies’ is the one song we always sing along and dance together in the kitchen to,” Jaclyn says.

Jaclyn Harrick and Lorcan Duffy, June 21, 2019, Toronto, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of 3Photography.

Vendors:
Venue: The Jam Factory
Bridal gown: Loversland
Hair and makeup: Angie Di Battista
Flowers: Blush and Bloom
Stationery: Annette Street Press
Caterer: The Food Dudes
Music: DJ Rich Sweet

A Romantic Floral-Filled Wedding in Calgary

Real Weddings

Posted January 17th, 2020 | 1:26 pm | By Sophie Diego | No Comments

Christopher, a hopeless romantic, decided to custom design a gorgeous ring for his girlfriend Sara. He was waiting for the perfect moment to pop the question while their two families were together to celebrate with them. On the day he proposed, they were spending time with their loved ones, touring Calgary and Cochrane. Chris waited until they all went back to Sara’s home. “He summoned me down to the basement on the pretense that he needed help grabbing something from downstairs for dinner,” Sara says. “Chris he got down on one knee and asked me if I would marry him.”

Chris and Sara wanted their wedding represent who they are, where they come from, and pay homage to the people they love the most. They had this reflected in everything from their colour palette, flowers, vows and songs. Romantic florals, abundant greenery, candles, light and airy linens and hints of gold and sparkle were everywhere in the wedding decor. “My favourite colour is purple, so varying shades of purple, lavender, lilac, and mauve were used extensively in our florals,” Sara says.

Flowers by Janie handled the floral arrangements. “They transformed the venue into a lush garden full of flowers and greenery for us,” Sara shares. They had a selection of ‘must have’ blooms and herbs including delphinium, roses, peonies, rosemary, and bay leaves. Additionally, the arrangements Janie and her team created for the mantelpiece were absolutely stunning. “All of our arrangements were fresh, colourful, and fragrant,” Sara says. “We received numerous compliments from our guests on the beauty and abundance of our wedding florals.”

It’s become a tradition between Sara and Christopher’s friends to start an impromptu jump rope competition on the dance floor at each other’s weddings. One of the groomsmen smuggled a neon skipping rope into the venue for the dance competition. “Our friends and family got really into the idea and even I took a turn—poofy dress, heels and all!” Sara shares.

Sara McGregor and Christopher Piattelli, June 29, 2019, Calgary, Alberta.

Photography courtesy of Shannon Yau Photography.

Vendors
Venue: The Lake House
Wedding planner: Paperdoll
Bridal gown: Durand Bridal
Bridesmaid dresses: BHLDN
Groom’s tux: Suit Supply
Groomsmen attire: Andrew’s Formal and Beaux
Hair and makeup: Valerie Guzman
Flowers: Flowers by Janie
Stationery: Art + Alexander and Minted
Favours: Cookies made by groom’s mother
Music: Solatido and The Local DJ
Officiant: Weddings by Tamara Jones
Rentals: Modern Luxe Rentals
Transportation: Quest Limos

A Colourful Multicultural Wedding in Toronto

Real Weddings

Posted January 15th, 2020 | 11:30 am | By Sophie Diego | No Comments

Kanyika and Atif’s first official date was at Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto, where immediately they knew they had something special. During their date, a couple got engaged right in front of them with a diver presenting a ‘Will you marry me?” placard inside the stingray tank. Atif popped the same question a few years down the road during a summer vacation in Italy. He took Kanyika to a spot overlooking Rome and the Vatican City to view the sunset. Then he went down on one knee and presented her with a ring. “He started talking about our future and how he saw us growing in the years ahead,” Kanyika shares. “I could barely focus on what he was saying through a blur of tears.”

Since Kanyika and Atif come from different cultures, they had a fusion wedding featuring Muslim and Christian traditions and including Pakistani and Caribbean elements. Blush pink and white were prevalent in the wedding decor with rich pops of peach and magenta as a nod to the bold colours of South Asian weddings. They had both a Nikkah and a Christian ceremony. “The best part of it all was saying yes to my best friend twice,” Kanyika says.

The florals were absolutely breathtaking. Kanyika specifically asked for peonies—her favourite flower—with English roses and ranunculus in the mix. “I almost cried with joy when the bouquets and boutonnieres were delivered to my hotel room,” Kanyika shares. “I had given our florist some ideas and inspiration for my bouquet, but I could not have imagined the final result would be so gorgeous!”

The smoke bomb photoshoot was one of the highlights of the wedding. They choose bright orange and hot pink-coloured smoke to keep with their colour palette. The colours produced a bold effect and made for spectacular photos. Although the weather forecast called for rain, The couple were fortunate to have it cooperate for this special moment. “The day went better than either of us could have hoped for with everyone having a great time and dancing to music from both cultures!” Kanyika shares.

Kanyika Yorke and Atif Khan, June 15, 2019, Toronto, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Lucas T Photography.

Vendors
Venue: The Aga Khan Museum
Wedding planner: Leigh Events Co.
Bridal gown: Essense of Australia from Sophie’s Gown Shoppe
Nikkah dress and Sherwani suit: Nucreation Fashions Ltd.
Groom’s tux: Suit Supply
Hair: Glenroy Simmons
Makeup: Neo’s Beauty
Henna: Expressions By Lavindi
Flowers: Delta Dawn Floral
Cake: I Do! Wedding Cakes
Stationery: So Pretty In Print
Decor: Soirée
Catering: McEwan Catering
Transportation: Allure Limo
Music: Garrick the DJ
Videographer: The Creative Graham

An Elegant, Laid-Back Wedding in Ottawa

Real Weddings

Posted January 13th, 2020 | 2:16 pm | By Sophie Diego | No Comments

Alexandra and Philip both have Philip’s sister to thank for setting them up. She brought Philip to a charity event where Alexandra was working. In a sea of 2,000 people, and with some liquid courage, their first encounter turned out to be a great one, and Philip’s sister’s match-making skills proved to be on point. “Two months later we were on a vacation in Mexico,” Alexandra shares. “Six months later we moved in together, and exactly one year later Phil got down on one knee.”

For their wedding, they wanted the event to feel laid-back, elegant and thoughtful. “The venue was set against a dramatic cliff overlooking the Gatineau Hills and we wanted to carry the natural green, blues and greys of the skyline indoors,” Alexandra says. For decor, long garlands of greenery, white florals and blue thistle covered the reception tables while tall modern arrangements added height to the round tables. They added dark grey taper candles with a mix of brass and crystal candlesticks. “It carried through the unfussy and relaxed feeling we wanted while still maintaining a sense of elegance,” Alexandra says.

Throughout the decor, the vintage crystal glassware was one of Alexandra’s favourites. Over the course of their engagement, they would pop into different vintage shops on many car rides to and from Ottawa, picking up vintage tumblers, wine and champagne glasses. “It was the most labor intensive part of planning but it was so worth it,” Alexandra shares. “The glasses looked beautiful along the table and helped make each place setting feel special and unique.”

The dance party was definitely the highlight of the wedding. DJ Gumby and he had everyone dancing, from five-year-old nephews to 85-year-old grandparents. “I don’t think we saw one guest sitting all night,” Alexandra says. “There were spontaneous limbo contests and crowd-surfing. It’s a memory we will never forget.”

Alexandra Blasioli and Philip Telfer, July 13, 2019, Ottawa, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Alicia Thurston.

Vendors
Venue and caterer: Le Belvedere
Bridal gown: Sarah Seven
Wedding planner and stationery: Ali and Alex Events
Bridesmaid dresses: Park & Fifth
Groom’s tux: Garrison Bespoke
Groomsmen’s attire: Jerome’s Menswear
Hair: Hair by Adamo
Makeup: Anusha Sagal
Flowers: Wedecor
Music: DJ Gumby of Gaines Entertainment

A Modern Tropical Wedding in Edmonton

Real Weddings

Posted January 10th, 2020 | 10:32 am | By Sophie Diego | No Comments

Allison was at a party one evening after volunteering at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival when she met Pawel, who also happened to be volunteering for the same event. Like a gentleman, Pawel offered her a ride home. “Upon saying goodnight we both realized we had dead cell phones so had to exchange numbers the old-fashioned way,” Allison says. “I was scrambling to write it down on a paper napkin.” Being true festival fans, their first date was at the Edmonton Fringe Festival, and they have been together ever since.

For their wedding, the couple opted for a ‘modern tropical’ theme with a touch of boho; an industrial vibe with a little glam. They worked with a palette that included black, white and green, with gold, marble and wood accents. For florals, they included monstera, fern, banana leaf and succulents. “It was important to me that the wedding felt like ‘us’ so I decorated with items that I would and have used in our home,” Allison says. “Some pieces were with some quirky, which is why it doesn’t fit exactly into a theme.”

Perfecting the ideal menu was absolutely essential for Allison and Pawel. One of their caterers, the Art Gallery of Alberta, designed signature cocktails, and they had local Polish beer and vodka for the bar. They also worked with a food truck, The Crooked Fork, which came up with a customized menu for their late night snack. They sourced Pawelek and Heath chocolate bars for the candy bar. “We made sure everything was a favourite of ours, has some meaning and or was locally sourced,” Allison shares.

One of the most memorable moments of the wedding was upholding the Polish tradition. Allison and Pawel had a “welcome bread and salt” ceremony where the parents meet the couple outside of the reception with an offering of bread, salt and vodka. The bread signifies that you never one can never go hungry in their life together while the salt is to remind one of life’s difficulties. There are two shot glasses and one has water, the other vodka – whoever gets the vodka will be the one in charge in the relationship. “Spoiler alert—we both got vodka!” Allison says.

Allison Heath and Pawel Zygmunt, May 18, 2019, Edmonton, Alberta.

Photography courtesy of Pam Kriangkum.

Vendors
Ceremony venue: St. Joseph’s Basillica
Reception venue: Art Gallery of Alberta
Bridal gown: Vintage from the bride’s grandmother
Reception gown: Xscape from Hudson’s Bay
Bridesmaid gowns: Hudson’s Bay
Groom’s tux and groomsmen attire: Indochino and Simon’s
Hair and makeup: Mai Makeup
Florist: Nature by Design Floral Artistry
Caterer: Art Gallery of Alberta, Zinc Restaurant, and The Crooked Fork
Cake: Aleksandra Zygmunt
Stationery: Beetle and Lark
Custom coasters: GM Designs Co.
Favours: Black Diamond Distillery
Music: DJ Joses Martin
Officiant: Father Roger Niedzieki
Limousine: Platinum Limousine
Photobooth: Revolution Entertainment

A Classic, Elegant Winter Wedding in Winnipeg

Real Weddings

Posted January 8th, 2020 | 10:44 am | By Sophie Diego | No Comments

Justin and Amy both had bad luck with dating—but that changed immediately when they were introduced by a mutual friend. “Justin and I were both hesitant to go on another failed date,” Amy says. “So the first time we met was through a very casual group outing for drinks.” After meeting for the first time, Justin asked Amy out for coffee, and their romance ensued.

Justin proposed to Amy on a camping trip in Minnesota. One evening after dinner the couple went out for a walk. Justin asked Amy if she wanted a photo on the dock. “I turned around to face the lake, and when I turned around again, he was on one knee and proposed,” Amy shares. “It was absolutely so sweet and was in such a special place for us both.”

The winter season inspired their classic and elegant wedding theme. Hues of champagne, ivory, dark green, black and pops of berry were incorporated in the decor and flowers. Champagne tablecloths and an abundance of candles created a romantic and cozy atmosphere. “I had a pop of pink and fushia in my bridal bouquet and the florals on the ceremony arch were beautiful shades of raspberry, deep fuschia and hints of greenery,” Amy says.

The wedding cake was one of Amy’s favourite details. The couple commissioned Buttercream by Alareen to create the perfect confection—in three tiers, as requested by Justin. The result was a dark green ombre cake with edible rosettes and edible gold paint. “She did such an amazing job, not only was her cake beautiful, but it was also so tasty!” Amy shares.

The first dance proved to be an unforgettable moment for the couple, set to Kina Grannis’ cover of “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” “We swayed to the most beautiful song and really soaked in the moment of our first dance and husband and wife,” Amy shares. “It was nice knowing everyone was watching and just taking in the moment with us.”

Amy Briscoe and Justin Jones, November 17, 2018, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Photography courtesy of Aimee de la Lande Photography.

Vendors
Venue: Niakwa Country Club
Bridal gown and bridesmaid gowns: 7th Avenue Fashions
Groom’s tux: Moore’s Clothing
Hair: Amanda Mills
Makeup: 2 Chicks and a Bag of Makeup
Stationery: Courtney Gilchrist
Flowers: Stone House Creative
Cake: Buttercream by Alareen
Decor: Planned Perfectly
Music: Crystal Sound

A Romantic, Whimsical Spring Wedding in Burlington, Ontario

Real Weddings

Posted January 6th, 2020 | 2:00 pm | By Sophie Diego | No Comments

Even though Ashley and Tayne both attended the same program at the same college, they didn’t meet until they swiped right on Tinder. Although they were in the same program, Ashley’s focus was design and Tayne’s was illustration. They met up on campus, walked around for a bit and got to know each other. Ashley was absolutely smitten. “From there, we’ve been together ever since,” she shares.

Due to some setbacks for their initial fall-themed wedding, Ashley and Tayne chose a romantic, elegant and whimsical theme for their spring wedding. The colours blush pink and dusty rose were reflected on the bridesmaid dresses, florals and the wedding invitations. The couple designed many of the decor items, including the invitation suite. “I took care of the design and calligraphy and Tayne was in charge of watercolour, the illustrations and the monogram crest that depicted our pooch and our cat,” Ashley shares.

Taking photos were an incredibly fun experience. Ariana and Alex from Ariana del Mundo photography were tasked to capture the special day. “Aside from being uber talented, these guys worked so well with other vendors and made our friends and family feel so comfortable,” Ashley says. The photographers’ light, airy style and keen eye for detail made the couple’s spring wedding feel extra perfect.

Ashley and Tayne were the first and last ones on the dance floor. Classic hits from the Backstreet Boys and S Club 7 got everyone on their feet dancing. “We both do impromptu dance parties in our living rooms,” Ashley shares. “The best part of the night was to just let loose and enjoy the celebrations with friends and family.”

Ashley Giudice and Tayne Wyatt, May 18, 2019, Burlington, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Ariana Del Mundo Photography.

Vendors
Ceremony venue: St. Raphael’s Roman Catholic Parish
Reception venue and catering: Burlington Convention Centre
Wedding planner: KJ & Co.
Bridal gown and bridesmaid dresses: Elizabeth’s Fashions
Groom’s tux and groomsmen attire: Indochino
Hair: Hair by Soraya
Makeup: Makeup Worx
Flowers: Jessica Hobson Event Artistry
Cake: Dollop Bakery
Stationery & calligraphy: Monarch Design Co.
Favours: Strawberry jam made by bride and groom
Music: Something Blue DJs
Videographer: Threefold Studio

A Modern Boho Wedding in St. John’s, Newfoundland

Real Weddings

Posted December 27th, 2019 | 3:08 pm | By Sophie Diego | No Comments

Jennifer and Dawson met at the University of Montreal, where they had both just graduated from high school and spent the summer doing a French exchange program. In regular 2008 fashion, they became Facebook friends. A few months went by and they decided to start writing letters to each other instead of messaging online. “Around that four year mark I moved to Montreal to attend school. He happened to be visiting that summer,” Jennifer shares. “We got together and sparks flew.”

For the wedding, the couple envisioned a moody, bohemian-inspired theme with a touch of Newfoundland vibe. “We’re not super traditional, and it was important to us to stay true to that,” Jennifer says. “Instead, we tried to focus on having a chill wedding with an emphasis on having a big fun party!” They had family fly into St. John’s from all over Canada. “We tried to have less of the focus on us and more about having fun,” Jennifer explains.

Their photographer, Sandra Lee, was the best investment in their wedding. Jennifer had never liked having her photo taken, but Sandra helped her feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. “Our family couldn’t stop talking about how amazing and energetic she was,” Jennifer says. “I can’t wait to work with her again as our family grows!”

Getting ready with her best friend and maid of honour was a special moment for the bride. They stayed at The Inn by Mallard Cottage where they had a photoshoot and danced until 3 a.m. “We stayed here and got ready here. It was truly the most beautiful space, all inclusive, great staff!” The floral arrangements at the ceremony were by far Jennifer’s favourite wedding detail. “I particularly loved the cascading flowers that were called ‘love-lies-bleeding.’”

Jennifer Hitrec and Dawson Forsey, July 6, 2019, St.John’s, Newfoundland.

Photography courtesy of Sandra-Lee Photography.

Vendors
Venue and caterer: Yellowbelly Brewery
Bridal gown: Rue De Seine from Loversland
Accommodations: The Inn by Mallard Cottage
Flowers: Flower Studio
Groom’s tux: Bespoke from Sydney’s
Cake: Lily Lane
Favors: Squish Candy
Stationery: Paperless Post
Bridesmaid dresses: Club Monaco

A Romantic Whimsical Wedding with Modern Accents in Grunthal, Manitoba

Real Weddings

Posted December 23rd, 2019 | 6:05 pm | By Sophie Diego | No Comments

At the beginning of 2019, David was eagerly waiting to pop the question to his longtime girlfriend Angelica in Banff. They planned a delicious lunch overlooking the gorgeous mountains before skating on Two Jack Lake. David found a quiet patch of ice to propose to Angelica. “I said ‘yes!’ to the man of my dreams, just before he lost his balance and fell,” Angelica shares. “Thankfully, neither of us were injured in the making of this proposal.”

For their wedding, Angelica and David were inspired by the natural beauty of their venue, Cielo’s Garden, and decided to keep decor to a minimum. They envisioned their wedding to be romantic and whimsical, with a few modern touches. “We were drawn to muted colours in varying shades of brown and rose with burgundy accents,” Angelica says. Greenery was used to tie everything back to the surrounding woods and fields for a natural look.

The attire embodied a few personal touches, which made the occasion feel extra special. David had a customized label on his suit featuring “The Groom” and their wedding date. The designer of Angelica’s floral dress is based in Israel, which is the location where she and David took their first trip together. Only one shop in Canada carries this brand of bridal dresses, and it happened to be Calgary. “As soon as I tried it on, I knew that no other dress would be as perfect,” Angelica says.

The highlight of the day was initially the worst moment during the wedding. The best man lost the wedding band during the ceremony. When it came time to exchange rings, he pulled the empty ring box from his pocket and handed it to David. “A panicked look was exchanged between the two, before my aunt jumped to the rescue with her ring as a substitute,” Angelica says. Thankfully, the real ring was discovered during the registry signage. “The whole ordeal made for a hilarious speech as the reception.”

Angelica Quiring and David Homer, June 16, 2019, Grunthal, Manitoba.

Photography courtesy of Gina Brandt.

Vendors
Venue: Cielo’s Garden
Bridal gown: Flora from Blush & Raven
Flowers: Lily Stone Gardens
Groom’s tux and groomsmen attire: Coppley
Bridesmaid dresses: Park & Fifth Co.
Hair: Jenny Lepp and Jordanna Krentz
Makeup: Mesmereyez’d Makeup and Ellen Lamont
Cake: Double Take Cakes & Desserts
Bride’s jewellery: Joanna Bisley Designs
Caterer: Pioneer Catering
Videography: White Fox Videography
Officiant: Ken Quiring

Music: Crystal Sound
Stationery: Country Graphics & Printing Ltd.

A Lavish, Winter Wonderland Themed Wedding in Vancouver

Real Weddings

Posted December 20th, 2019 | 1:45 pm | By Sophie Diego | No Comments

Stephanie and Kisoo met in Beijing while both were taking part in a study abroad program. After some tumultuous times as an on-and-off couple, they promised each other that they would get married if they didn’t find other people by the time they were 30. Fast forward a couple years later, Stephanie found Kisoo asking her to marry him, “He gave me a letter asking me to marry him, promising me that he will always protect and be there for me no matter what,” Stephanie says. “He also gave me a blue Polaroid camera with lots of film. He said that he would love to capture many future happy moments with me.”

The couple wanted their wedding to feel luxurious and elegant, choosing a winter wonderland theme with blush, white, silver with gold accents. The welcome area was beautiful, and a hit with the guests. “It had a gorgeous gold metal entrance door covered with beautiful flowers, a wishing tree for guests to sign and pictures of us decorated on the table,” Stephanie recalls. For the ceremony decor, they included glimmering white trees to boost the wintery vibe.

The Tudor room at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia had a designated area for guests to take photos. There was an abundance of gorgeous florals, the decorations on the fireplace, and there was a classy white sofa with gold accents for an elegant touch. “There were gorgeous floors, crown moldings, and a romantic giant chandelier in the Spanish Ballroom,” Stephanie shares. “It’s every girl’s dream to have a venue this spectacular.”

The music and entertainment were the main highlights of the wedding. Stephanie and Kisoo chose Dinah Washington’s “What a Difference a Day Makes” as they first dance. “We picked this song because of its unique rhythm and it matched with our theme,” Stephanie says. Additionally, they had a caricaturist to sketch the guests, a jazz band to perform live music for the reception dinner and a harp player for the wedding ceremony.

Stephanie Jihyun Shin and Kisoo Bae, November 27, 2018, Vancouver, British Columbia.

Photography courtesy of JuMi Story.

Vendors
Venue and caterer: Rosewood Hotel Georgia
Bridal gown: Pronovias from Bisou Bridal
Wedding planner: WeDo Weddings Etc.
Hair & Makeup: Silvia Chen
Flowers: Balconi Floral Design Studio
Bridesmaid dresses: Bisou Bridals
Groom’s tux: Tom Ford from Harry Rosen
Music: Musical Occasions
Cake: A. Elizabeth Cakes
Stationery: Making Memories with Stationery

The Most Romantic Engagement Party Inspiration

Planning

Posted December 19th, 2019 | 3:40 pm | By Sophie Diego | No Comments

Karolina and Pawel met at her cousin’s wedding in Warsaw, Poland. “What started out as ‘who’s that cute guy on the dance floor?’ quickly turned into a first date,” says Kinga, Karolina’s older sister. “It was followed by a week of dates, and then a long distance relationship.” After being 7,000 kilometres apart, as Karolina lived in Ontario and Pawel in Warsaw, Karolina decided to move to Poland a year later, trusting her gut feeling that Pawel could be the one. Ten years later, Pawel enlisted Kinga’s help to pop the question.

Kinga and Pawel decided to host the surprise proposal at The Broadview Hotel on the rooftop patio, with a special engagement dinner inside the tower. “They would be visiting Toronto in the summer,” Kinga explains. “He thought it would be the perfect time to pop the question and celebrate with Karolina’s family and friends back home.”

After convincing Karolina to doll up for what she thought was an evening cocktail party followed by a musical, Pawel popped the question. He presented her a custom ring, made with an oval diamond and a single halo.”The first 30 minutes my hands were shaking. I was so surprised,”Karolina shares.“The love of my life was standing in front of me, looking as handsome as ever, asking me to spend the rest of my life with him. It was probably the happiest moment of my life.”

After a round of toasts and congratulatory words, the sit-down dinner followed—where the gorgeous party decor was unveiled. “The exposed brick and array of crystal chandeliers made the tower a perfect mix of industrial glam,” Kinga says. “The large harvest tables and multitude of candles added an intimate and cozy feel to the setting.” There were also custom napkins, wine glasses with the couple’s initials, a framed sketched portrait, custom infographic of fun facts about the couple, photo collages, balloons and florals. The couple were blown away of how perfect the night was. “Our story has really been like a movie from the beginning,” Pawel shares. “This milestone was no exception. I’ll never forget that day.”

Karolina Gacek and Pawel Lampert, June 24, 2019, Toronto, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Jessilynn Wong Photography.

Vendors
Planner and signs: Kinga Gacek
Venue: The Broadview Hotel
Hair and Make up: Radford Studio
Flowers: Westview Events and Florals
Chuppah: Chuppah
Cupcakes: Ampersand Bakehouse
Balloons: Balloonery

A Beautiful Golf Club Wedding with Neutral Details in Windsor, Ontario

Real Weddings

Posted December 16th, 2019 | 5:31 pm | By Sophie Diego | No Comments

In 2015, Daniel met Stephanie at the O’Maggio’s Kildare House in Windsor where he worked. She frequented the Irish pub with her friends in which shortly after, Stephanie found herself working there alongside her future husband. One night, Daniel asked out Stephanie out after her shift. “Steph responded that she wasn’t sure. She was on the fence,” Daniel says, “To which I replied, ‘that sounds like a lucky fence.’” From there, she agreed to go out for drinks and the rest is history. Three years down the road, Daniel and Stephanie were making their annual trip to their summer cottage in Muskoka. “We chatted while sitting on the edge of the dock with our feet in the lake. Then I changed my position to be on one knee and asked Steph to marry me,” Daniel shares. “The moment was so special because all of Steph’s family could see from up at the cottage.”

Stephanie envisioned her wedding to have hues of neutral tones, touches of light blush pink with clear acrylic decor. Their venue, the Essex Golf & Country Club, where Stephanie plays golf, had crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. “I wanted to highlight them by using acrylic details and neutral colours to complement the sparkle from the chandeliers, rather than use bold colours to contrast it,” Stephanie says. Within their ceremony, the neutral toned bridesmaid dresses and the striking black suits stood out against the gorgeous green backdrop of fairways, putting greens, and the large trees. “It all came into my vision,” Stephanie shares. “The pictures are proof of how beautiful it all looked together!”

One striking piece of wedding decor was the simple but sleek arbor that Daniel and Stephanie married underneath, built by Stephanie’s father and brother. It was stained in tan and had a pop of colour with the combination of florals on top. “This arbor is now in our backyard,” Daniel shares. “It will always be a piece of our special day that is forever with us.”

A very memorable part of the day was the speeches, in particular Stephanie’s father’s words. Her father talked about how Stephanie grew up playing golf until she quit the sport when she was 15. Right after, he told her that one day she would meet a guy that loves golf and would regret leaving the sport. And lo and behold, she met Daniel. Stephanie would continue to ask her father for golf clubs to which he would always reply “that ship has sailed.” However, during the speech, her father had a surprise up his sleeve. “He brought out a full set of brand new Nancy Lopez golf clubs and put it right in front of Steph at the head table,” Daniel shares. “This was so special for Steph and I, as we are now golfing together as a couple on a regular basis at our golf club.”

Stephanie Smith and Daniel Reaume, July 13, 2019, Windsor, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Eryn Shea Photography.

Vendors
Venue and caterer: Essex Golf & Country Club
Bridal gown: Allure Bridal from Bridal Couture
Groom’s tux and groomsmen attire: The Suit Shop Co. Ltd
Flowers: The Bourbon Rose Floral Design Co.
Decor: Swanky Affair
Bridesmaid dresses: BHLDN
Stationery: Kat Bering Design Studio
Hair and makeup: Salon Utopia
Desserts: Shelby’s Sweet Shoppe
Music: One Man Out Band
Videographer: Stenlund Videography
Engagement and wedding rings: Joseph Anthony Fine Jewelry
Arbor: made by father and brother of the bride
Ceremony and cocktail hour music: Jenny Sherman and Dave Labute
Wedding officiant: Royal Wedding Gardens
Guestbook: Starboard Press
Limousine: Windsor Cruze Limousines Ltd.

What To Consider Before Inviting Kids To Your Wedding

Planning

Posted December 13th, 2019 | 3:57 pm | By Sophie Diego | No Comments

Photo via iStock.

When it comes to putting together your guest list, you’ll have to think of which friends and family you’ll be inviting. Are any of your close family members children? Do your close friends have children as well? If there are some kids you’ll be inviting, does that mean you’ll be extending the invite to the kids of other guests as well? Here are some things you need to consider before it comes to inviting kids to your wedding.

Kids can play an important role in your wedding
If you already have kids, it’s more than likely that they’ll have a special role during your ceremony. However, if you and your partner aren’t parents and have junior bridal party roles to fill such as ring bearer or flower girl, you can consider asking young family members or family friends. Not only are they an adorable sight to see walking down the aisle, but it’s a great way to include your loved ones.

Do you know the kids well?
If you’re well acquainted with the children in some families, you might consider this when thinking of whether or not to have children attend your wedding. If you’ve never met your friend’s kids, or aren’t particularly close with them, don’t feel obligated to extend the invite. Whatever your decision, ensure that you make it clear whether or not kids are invited through your invitation and save the date. Addressing your invitation to “The Smith Family” extends the invite to the entire family, including children, while “Mr. and Mrs. Roger and Martha Smith” specifies who is invited so there is no confusion.

Make special accommodations for kids
Kids will likely need alternate meal options—a kid’s menu will help appease any picky eaters. It’s also helpful to include children’s activities to keep them busy such as colouring books or crafts.

At the end of the day it is your wedding. Your loved ones should be understanding and know that it is your decision to invite children to your wedding or not, and should respect that decision, regardless of whether or not they agree with it.

A Simple, Elegant Wedding in Sainte-Marthe, Quebec

Real Weddings

Posted December 13th, 2019 | 10:13 am | By Sophie Diego | No Comments

Patrick had to go with Plan B for his proposal to Jazz. Initially, he arranged an elaborate night of fireworks, a five course meal at a fine dining restaurant and champagne. However, the dinner took longer than expected, and the weather was so cold that the champagne froze into slush, so the night didn’t go as planned. But in the intimacy and warmth of their cozy home, he popped the question. “The moral of the story is, a Plan B is a great idea, but also letting things happen organically makes the experience uniquely yours,” Jazz shares.

For the bride, it was important to keep the wedding decor simple and elegant. She wanted the atmosphere to feel warm and relaxed yet sophisticated. To reflect this, she opted for tons of white flowers, lots of greenery, white lanterns, strings of fairy lights and candles to create a whimsical and magical ambiance. “It was vital for me that our guests feel surrounded by inspiring and inviting natural beauty,” Jazz says. “I focused on personalizing touches and details. It created an intimate and romantic setting that represented us.”

Throughout the wedding, there were multiple personal touches that made the day feel special. Patrick composed a song for Jazz to walk down the aisle to. “The number of hours and dedication he put into that piece was worth the wait!” she shares. Additionally, they had a personalized wax seal that stamped their marriage certificate, an engraved personalized ring box and hand-stitched handkerchiefs. The couple also hired an artist who painted a beautiful piece for them during cocktail hour for them to remember that special part of their day.

“Can’t Help Falling in Love With You” by Elvis Presley was the perfect song choice for the couple, as they wanted a romantic and classic song for the first dance. For the dance, Jazz’s father performed the piece on the acoustic guitar. “As a musician, his career, love and passion for music has had a huge impact on my life and is something my father and my husband really connect on,” Jacinthe shares. “I was thrilled to incorporate him this way on our wedding day.”

Jacinthe Gouin and Patrick Ippersiel, August 31, 2019, Sainte-Marthe, Quebec.

Photography courtesy of Andréanne Gauthier.

Vendors
Venue: Auberge des Gallant
Bridal gown: Monique L’Huillier from White Montréal
Hair and makeup: Alexia Baillargeon
Bridal accessories: Davie & Chiyo and BHLDN
Painter: Peter Farmer
Flowers: À La Vie Au Vert
Videographer: Rob Malo films
Music: Conkrete MTL and Mizz Maxine
Groom’s tux: Simons
Manicure and pedicure: Bella Clinique MB