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A Nautical Wedding in Oakville, Ontario

Updated Jul 16, 2014

| By Vanessa Ortynsky

Vanessa and Chris are both competitive sailors and met at a regatta in Toronto in 2007. After a long day of sailing, Chris came up and asked for Vanessa's number. "I didn't even know it at the time because it was a new number, but luckily my best friend, Sarah, jumped in and provided it to him happily," recalls Vanessa. The couple, who initially sailed on different boats, now sail together as a team.

Their engagement took place on December 16, 2011. "Chris and I went to the Christmas Market in Toronto's Distillery District, and Chris kept asking to take a picture under one of the big Christmas trees. I was reluctant but went to take the picture when his sister appeared, so we spent the night walking about the market with her," explains Vanessa. "Later that night we went back home, we were watching Frosty the Snowman and he got down on one knee and popped the question! the rest is history. Although, Chris did really wadnt to propose to me under the big tree, at home was the perfect setting."

For their early autumn wedding, Vanessa and Chris decided to host their ceremony on the lake where they spend every day in the summer. Their lakeside venue turned out to be the couple's favourite wedding detail. "Erchless Estate has significant historical heritage for my family," says Vanessa. "I was glad we could get married somewhere that means so much to us."

Vanessa Macrae and Chris Dorrington, September 22, 2012, Oakville, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Meghan Andrews Photography.

Vendors:
Ceremony location: Erchless Estate
Reception location: The Oakville Club
Bridal gown: Barbar Allin at Becker's Bridal
Bridal party attire: After Six at Saratina Bridal. Groom’s tux: Brooks Brothers Cake: Cupid's Gourmet Cupcakes
Caterer: The Oakville Club
Favours: Donations made to Canadian Olympic Sailing Team Music: MacMillan Entertainment Group
Violinist: Serguei Tchepournov
Hair and makeup: Hair by Blo Blow Dry Bar and makeup by Lisa Mandel Flowers: A friend of the bride's mother Stationery: Quills Invitations and Fine Paper and Oakville Paper Boutique