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A Sugar Shack Wedding in Rigaud, Quebec

Jun 27, 2014 | By Andrea Goren

High school sweethearts Melanie and Andrew wanted to honour their heritage with a truly Canadian wedding. Even Andrew's proposal was patriotic! Andrew, a lifelong Toronto Maple Leafs fan, had always vowed to never take Melanie, originally from Montreal, to a Leafs-Habs hockey game; however, a special exception was made one Wednesday night. Although this compromise was already quite significant, he made the night even sweeter by getting down on one knee outside of the Air Canada Centre (during a snowstorm no less!) and proposing to Melanie before the game. Although it was a big win for Andrew that night, unfortunately his beloved Leafs were not so lucky.

The couple chose an authentic sugar shack venue for their big day and accented it with hints of Canadiana for a "lumberjack-chic" look. Melanie and Andrew said their "I dos" in front of a glowing hearth after which guests enjoyed cocktails and music provided by a live fiddler. Dinner was served family style and featured a traditional Quebec "sugaring-off" feast, which included pea soup, tourtière, ham, beans, and the best part: lots of maple syrup!

The couple chose the classic song “The Log Driver’s Waltz” for their first dance because "the Canadian cartoon is a childhood favourite for all, and it seemed like a fitting choice for the venue," Melanie explains. Later in the evening, guests danced to traditional folk band Bezélbuth. More Quebec cuisine included sugar pie in lieu of cake and delicious poutine served as a midnight snack. Festivities continued at a wedding after-party in the Lumberjack Lodge, where some brave guests even opted to sleep in bunk beds without heat or electricity for an authentic sugar shack experience.

Melanie Wright and Andrew Sainsbury, October 26, 2013, Rigaud, Quebec.

Photography courtesy of Emma McIntyre Weddings.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception location: Sucrerie de la Montagne Bridal gown: Amy Kuschel from Mrs. Bridal Boutique Groom's tux: Ted's Style Shoppe Makeup: Heather Snowie Band: Belzébuth Letterpress maple syrup can invitations: Al Kwon