Sophie Diego, Author at Weddingbells

Archive for Sophie Diego

A Simple, Elegant Wedding in Sainte-Marthe, Quebec

Real Weddings

Posted April 1st, 2020 | 11:33 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

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

Real Weddings

Posted February 17th, 2020 | 11:00 am | 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 in Grunthal, Manitoba

Real Weddings

Posted February 12th, 2020 | 12:00 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 was based in Israel, 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.

An Intimate Burgundy Wedding in Banff

Real Weddings

Posted February 7th, 2020 | 5:26 pm | By Sophie Diego | No Comments

Kaleigh and Collin were engaged in North Carolina, where they were visiting Collin’s family for the summer. They were doing family photoshoots where it came down to take a picture of both Collin and Kaleigh. “He surprised me on one knee with the most gorgeous ring. It was so special for us to have his mom and grandmother there, as they have both passed away recently,” Kaleigh shares. “It’s a memory of them that we will always hold close to us.”

For the wedding, Kaleigh dreamed of having it in the fall. But she wasn’t a fan of the snow and the freezing weather. “We decided to incorporate fall colours into a summer wedding,” Kaleigh says. Colours of burgundy, champagne, blush pink navy were reflected on the bridal bouquet, the cake, bridesmaid dresses and the reception decor. They picked the Rimrock Resort Hotel in Alberta on the infinity suite balcony for their vows. “It hosted the most amazing mountain backdrop and created the perfect space for an intimate wedding,” Kaleigh says.

The bridal bouquet was one of Kaleigh’s favourite wedding details. “My flowers were absolutely breathtaking,” Kaleigh says. “They did such a beautiful job creating the most stunning bouquet I had ever seen.” Throughout the bridal bouquet were voluminous red, white and pink roses with everest-green leaves for contrast.

Listening to the speeches was one of the major highlights of the wedding. Kaleigh’s sister and her best friend both wrote touching speeches, however, it was Collin’s best friend who stole the spotlight. “He wonderfully put into words not only how strong their friendship is, but also how he watched Colin and I fall in love,” Kaleigh shares. “It couldn’t have been more accurate.”

Kaleigh Myers and Collin Kerr, July 22, 2019, Banff, Alberta.

Photography courtesy of Jim and Nikki Photography.

Vendors
Venue and caterer: Rimrock Resort Hotel
Bridal gown: Allure Bridals from Lulu’s Bridal Boutique
Cake: Kake Canmore
Hair and makeup: The Hair Co.
Flowers: Willow Flower Co.
Groom’s tux: Indochino
Groomsmen attire: Men’s Warehouse
Favours: Hobby Lobby

A Charming, Elegant Garden Wedding in Newmarket, Ontario

Real Weddings

Posted February 5th, 2020 | 2:00 pm | By Sophie Diego | No Comments

Sonya and Cristyan were engaged at their five-year mark at Orlando Universal studios. They were underneath the Hulk roller coaster when Cristyan popped the question. It was an extremely loud setting because of the screaming riders. “I asked him if he was going to ask—and he said he did and was waiting for my answer,” Sonya shares with a laugh. “But when I answered, he didn’t hear me because of the screaming.”

A sophisticated, modern wedding venue wasn’t in the cards for Sonya and Cristyan, so they went with a theme that was more rustic and relaxed. Throughout their wedding decor, hues of ivory, gold and hunter green were prevalent. “We love nature and have always had a soft spot for botanicals, so the idea of getting married in a greenhouse sounded perfect to us,” Sonya says. “Saying our vows surrounded by lush, abundant greenery and florals was exactly what we envisioned.”

Sonya fell in love with her Canadian-made dress. Her Truvelle gown had beaded a French lace bodice with scalloped cap sleeves and an open deep-V back. The skirt was long, flowing chiffon and she customized it with an even longer, more dramatic train and chiffon bow. Sonya also decked out in a traditional Cambodian dress for their Cambodian ceremony. “I’m very simple with my every day fashion, so I didn’t want an overly bejewelled dress with lace and shine, but my Truvelle ‘Cambie’ gown was the perfect amount of sparkle and detail,” Sonya explains.

Madsen’s Greenhouse produced an unforgettable backdrop for the entire wedding celebration. The guests were blown away by the greenery and florals that filled the venue. “The delicate string lights, ivy-covered cobblestone walls and indoor trees created an enchanting charm for our wedding and made for wonderful photos and memories,” Sonya says.

Sonya Nov and Cristyan Leathley, April 27, 2019, Toronto, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Joey Ventura.

Vendors
Venue: Madsen’s Greenhouse Banquet Hall & Chapel
Bridal gown: Truvelle from Sash & Bustle
Headpiece: Olivia The Wolf
Shoes: Vera Wang from David’s Bridal
Bridesmaid dresses: David’s Bridal
Groom’s tux: Tip Top Tailors
Groomsmen’s attire: RW & Co.
Hair and makeup: Fancy Face Inc.
Flowers: RoomToBloom
Invitations: Minted
Stationery: Channon Leathley
Caterer: O’Malley’s
Cake: The Cocoa Cakery
Late night eats: Golden Bubbles
Favours: Etsy
Photobooth: PhotoboothTO
Music: Dynamic Music Solutions
Videography: Solely Love Films

A Rustic and Romantic Winery Wedding in Orangeville, Ontario

Real Weddings

Posted February 3rd, 2020 | 2:06 pm | By Sophie Diego | No Comments

Yvonne and William met on their first day of university in 2005, introduced through a mutual friend. They began having lunch daily and waited for each other to finish class to take the train home together. “Our friendship quickly blossomed and turned romantic after one month of seeing each other every day,” Yvonne shares. “We became inseparable ever since.” During the ceremony, the officiant shared a cute story of Yvonne’s first impression of William—in which it wasn’t his looks that first caught her eye, but his bright neon green t-shirt. “Our family and friends all laughed while William whispered to our officiant, ‘I still have that shirt,’” Yvonne says.

Yvonne always gravitated towards the colour pink, so the couple decided on a “romantically rustic” theme for the hue to flourish. To complement the pink, they incorporated shades of ivory, green with yellow accents. “We wanted the beautiful vineyards of our venue to be the focus,” Yvonne shares. “We did not want the flowers indoors to be over-the-top.” They opted for wild flowers and lush green garlands to decorate the reception room, with floral arrangements that included huckleberry, beargrass and salal paired with glass candlestick holders.

It was important for Yvonne to honour Chinese culture. During the traditional Chinese tea ceremony, she wore a Qun Kua (a Chinese wedding dress), which was a family heirloom from William’s mother. It was handmade with custom embroidery during the early 1980’s in Hong Kong. “Wearing the same traditional wedding dress handed down by from brides in different generations means good luck and also means I’ll have a happy marriage,” Yvonne explains.

During the reception, Yvonne and William played games with their wedding guests which kept them engaged and laughing all night long. William and Yvonne encouraged their guests to play a kissing game. Instead of tapping their glasses to get the couple to kiss, they asked other couples to get creative and share a unique kiss, which they would have to mimic.“Even my parents got in on the action, which prompted many shocked and hilarious reactions from family,” Yvonne says.

Yvonne Chan and William Kwan, July 6, 2019, Orangeville, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of 3Photography.

Vendors:
Venue: Adamo Estate Winery
Bridal gown: Reem Acra from Kleinfeld Hudson’s Bay
Bridesmaid gowns: David’s Bridal
Bridal jewellery: Swarovski
Bridal shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Groom’s tux: Indochino
Hair: Hair by Day
Makeup: Vanessa Elizabeth
Flowers: Cedar and Stone
Cake: The Red Velvet
Music: Tone Labs Music
Photobooth: Icode Photobooth Toronto

A Pink Island Romance-Themed Wedding in Vaughan, Ontario

Real Weddings

Posted January 27th, 2020 | 2:27 pm | By Sophie Diego | No Comments

Dominique and Craig met at pop-up nightclub in Toronto in 2015. “I was the young, energetic girl that never left the dance floor and Craig was the ‘cool guy’ hanging out near the bar,” Dominique shares. The club was scorching hot on the top floor, so she decided to take a break near the air conditioning. She noticed a guy—who she soon found out to be Craig—hogging the cool air. “I asked him to move over, and the rest was history,” Dominique recalls. Craig remembers that night fondly, and his initial thoughts were, “who is this cute girl with the brown skirt trying to steal my spot?”

With Dominique being a true fashionista, it took a long time to find the perfect wedding dress. After trying on multiple gowns, she fell in love with a graphic lace Hayley Paige number. “When I put the dress on, I felt everything people say a bride should feel,” Dominique shares. “I felt beautiful! It fit perfectly and my custom veil complemented it perfectly.”

Drawing inspiration from their vacation in the Caribbean, the couple chose an “Island Romance” theme with a colour palette of blush, bright pink, coral, white and navy. The floor to ceiling windows at their venue, The Great Hall at the Doctor’s House, looked out to the gardens, giving their celebration a vibrant and romantic touch. However, the couple wanted to change the vibe in the party room after dark, so they hired a company to install a LED dance floor, which took the party atmosphere over the top. “The twinkling lights changed with the song choices,” Dominique shares. “During our first dance, it easily had us mesmerized. It was like we were dancing among stars!”

The couple’s reception entrance was electrifying, with the dance floor lit up and all their friends and family on their feet. “We have been looking forward to this moment for the longest time, and every moment was worth it,” Dominique says. The bride and groom performed a choreographed dance to the song mix of “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur and “Cheerleader” by OMI. “Despite the expected nerves, we pulled it off seamlessly!” Dominique recalls. “Everyone cheered when we finished and we had many compliments about it later.”

Dominique Ricketts and Craig Carter, October 5, 2018, Vaughan, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Kimon Kaketsis Photography.

Vendors
Venue: The Doctor’s House
Wedding planner: The Bride’s Boutique Planning Agency
Bridal gown: Blush by Hayley Paige from The Modern Bride
Bridesmaid gowns: The Dessy Group from Avenue 22 Bridal
Groom’s tux: House of Rome
Groomsmen’s attire: Custom made by Accapella Men’s Clothing
Hair and makeup: Jen Envoy Makeup Studio
Cake: Fruitilicious Cakes
Flowers: Rose Events and Floral
Music: DJ Skitz, Serguei Tchepournov, and Island Nice Entertainment
Floor decor: Marque Designs
Master of ceremonies: Jay Martin

A Rustic-Chic Wedding in Grunthal, Manitoba

Real Weddings

Posted January 22nd, 2020 | 2:49 pm | By Sophie Diego | No Comments

Bailey and Jonathan grew up playing hockey against each other, and because they were rivals at the same sport, they didn’t like each other very much at the time. After meeting again at a bar on New Year’s Eve in 2015, sparks flew. “The next day I actually sent my sister a text message saying ‘I’m gonna marry this guy one day,’” Bailey shares. Fast forward one year later, when they were celebrating their first Christmas together. They were taking family photos when Jonathan asked to take one more with Bailey. “I turned around Jonny was on one knee proposing,” Bailey says. “It was the perfect engagement as I always envisioned it involving my family in some capacity.”

Bailey wanted their wedding to be fun and laid-back, choosing a rustic theme for their celebration. Along with lush greenery and wood details throughout the decor, the bridesmaids wore petal-pink for a light and summery vibe, while the groomsmen wore navy blue. Bailey’s bridal bouquet featured various types of white florals, tied together with simple greens. “The flowers were absolutely stunning,” Bailey says. “My bouquet was everything I had in mind.”

When they stepped into the venue, the couple was blown away. “We had two day of coordinators who I gave free range to be creative and decorate along the rustic greenery theme—they absolutely blew my mind and it was literally my dream fairytale wedding,” Bailey shares. “The venue was everything we dreamed of and absolutely magical.”

Bailey and Jonathan didn’t do a first look, but met up before the wedding with just a door separating them. They had a minute or two to hold hands and take in their last moment together before getting married. “It was so special and as soon as I heard his voice and felt his hand in mine—any wedding stress or nerves that I had melted away,” Bailey shares. “I could not wait to become his wife.”

Bailey Bram and Jonathan Mitchell, July 20, 2019, Grunthal, Manitoba.

Photography courtesy of Casey Nolin Photography.

Vendors
Venue: Cielo’s Garden
Wedding planners: Danaka Howden & Jayda Pattyn
Bridal gown: White One from Helene’s Bridal
Bridesmaid gowns: David’s Bridal
Groom’s tux and groomsmen attire: EPH Apparel
Hair: Stephanie Carriere
Makeup: Jeanna Lee Artistry
Flowers: The Flower House
Cake: Laugh Love Cakes
Stationery: Etsy and Vista Print
Favours: coffee favours from Etsy
Caterer: Homestyle Catering
Music: Crystal Sound
Officiant: Bride’s brother
Videography: Silver Lining Photography Co.
Live singers: Laura Chammartin and Anna Madden

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 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