An Elegant Wedding With Rustic Charm

Dec 29, 2015

| By Roseanne Dela Rosa

Michelle de Villenfagne and Michael Stone (an Arizona Coyotes player) have known each other since they were teenagers–after all, Michael was billeted with Michelle's aunt and uncle so he could play for the Calgary Hitmen at the time. "When I was 14 and Michael was 16, he moved to Calgary to play junior hockey. He was lodging at my aunt and uncle's place," Michelle explains. "Our family is very close and we have family dinners every Sunday. For the first year, we avoided eye contact. We finally built up the courage to start talking to each other, and we haven't gone a day without talking since."

For their celebration the two were sold on Sirocco Golf Club–a stunning venue known for its views of the beautiful rolling hills. The couple exchanged vows outdoors under a DIY arch. "This was one of our favourite details," Michelle says. "I explained what I was hoping for to my uncle, then he and my aunt made it happen. They kept it a surprise, so it was amazing seeing the result."

Following the ceremony, the two ushered guests into their reception room, which was decorated with elegant floral centrepieces alongside a candy buffet and sweet table. To open up the dance floor, Michelle and Michael chose 'Come Away With Me' by Norah Jones–a fitting song choice that explained their hectic lifestyle. "With Michael being in the NHL, we have had to uproot our lives," Michelle shares. "His career path is full of uncertainty, so the lyrics 'come away with me' really spoke to us–our love will always be our home."

As the evening continued, the newlyweds opened up the mic to guests in lieu of glass clinking. One memory in particular stood out for the couple. "Our favourite story came from my aunt and uncle," says Michelle. "When I was 15, Mike was practising his autograph, so apparently I practised mine, too. They showed our guests a sheet of paper with Mike's signature, and there was 'Michelle Stone' in my writing. It was funny to hear that I had planned on becoming Michelle Stone since I was 15."

Michelle de Villenfagne & Michael Stone, July 11, 2015, Calgary, Alberta.

Photography courtesy of Heart and Sparrow.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception location: Sirocco Golf Club Bridal gown: Alvina Valenta from Schaffer's
Cake: Cake Sensations
Calligraphy: Angelique Ink
Favours: Three Foragers Bee Co.
Flowers: Flowers by Janie
Music: Outright Entertainment
Hair: Hair by Liz Mackinnon
Makeup: Karen Malcom