An Aviation-Themed Wedding In Winnipeg

Nathalie and Luke's paths first crossed due to a shared love of flying. "I am from Australia and grew up living on different South Pacific islands where my parents were posted for work," explains Nathalie. "My brothers and I were all fascinated with aviation, and as soon as we were tall enough to see over an airplane dashboard, we all trained as pilots and became private pilots. My older brother decided to pursue this passion and continue on to become a commercial pilot. After months of research, he settled on a flight school in Steinbach, Manitoba. While on a vacation to visit my brother, I met a lot of flight instructors and students from his school. One of the instructors stood out to me and though we only exchanged glances the first time we saw each other, something about him gave me butterflies. A few weeks later, he asked me if I enjoyed running, because he was looking for a running buddy. Although I am not athletic, for some reason I said 'yes'. Our running led to watching movies and going out to supper. It didn't take long for us to fall in love. Soon, however, it was time for me to go home. Two months later he turned up at my doorstep for an extended vacation."

Since travel had always been part of Nathalie and Luke's lives together, it seemed only fitting that they would tie the knot abroad with a ceremony in Hawaii, halfway between Manitoba and Australia. After returning home to Manitoba, the couple celebrated with a lovely reception at Winnipeg's Assiniboine Park Conservatory.

The couple's celebration was decorated in shades of blue to represent the varying hues of the ocean while airplane motifs appeared on everything from the groomsmen's lapels to the favours and cupcakes.

Nathalie says one of her favourite moments of the day was her first dance with her husband. "Luke and I had brushed-up on our waltz steps in order to feel more comfortable at this particular moment," she explains. "Yet when he held me in his arms, and the music started, we got lost in each other's eyes and the words of our favourite love song."Nathalie and Luke, January 25, 2014, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Photography courtesy of Melissa from Sugar & Soul Photography. Vendors Reception location: Assiniboine Park Conservatory Bridal gown: Vera Wang from David's Bridal Bridal party attire: Venus from Stella's Bridal & Evening Collections Bridesman attire: Le Chateau Groom’s tux: Calvin Klein from Moores Cake: High Tea Bakery Caterer:  Assiniboine Park Conservatory Wedding planner: Jia from Viva Celebrations Inc. Music: DJ Bryer from Summer Bounce Entertainment Game corner: Allied Coins & Amusement Custom decor: Amanda Bergen Creative Studio Favours: Viva Celebrations Inc. Hair and makeup: Avenue Hair And Skin Studio and Annalee Schellenberg Flowers: Academy Florist Programs: magnetStreet Stationery: One Plus One Designs