When Craig Franklin proposed to Brianna Bisson he knew he had to get his future bride’s family involved. On their third anniversary, after watching The Nutcracker ballet and having dinner, the couple made their way to the home of Brianna’s parents, Chantal Craig and Canadian actor Yannick Bisson, of CBC’s Murdoch Mysteries. “My sister had just flown in and wanted to wish me a happy anniversary, along with my parents,” Brianna explains.
As they pulled into the driveway, Brianna noticed candles on the front steps. “I thought it was my parents just being cute,” she says. But walking up the driveway she spotted a poster on the door that said, “Will you marry me?” She turned to see Craig on one knee in the snow. “I immediately started crying, saying ‘Yes!’” Brianna reveals. “I looked up to see my family watching from the window. We celebrated with champagne that night and a lot of happy tears.”
Brianna and Craig opted for an art deco theme to complement their venue, the McMichael Art Gallery in Kleinburg, Ontario. The couple have always loved art deco style, and wanted to incorporate that elegant feeling into their day. They included decor and flowers in shades of black, white, silver, gold and emerald green. “The green and silver were picked first because Craig is a proud Slytherin!” Brianna says with a laugh, referring to the Harry Potter series.
For the bride, finding the perfect dress was a family affair. Brianna’s parents and sisters tagged along on the search. As soon as she tried on “ the one,” the tears started. “I remember my dad looking over at me and jokingly asking, ‘ Why did you bring me here?’ It was really cute and funny. We all got super emotional, and that’s how I knew it was my dress!” The bride and the bridesmaids carried bouquets filled with hydrangeas, roses and calla lilies—some of the bride’s favourite flowers.
One stunning detail was the ceremony arch created by Caspar Haydar. “Caspar did such a beautiful job decorating the altar; it looked stunning,” Brianna says. “All the decor was just perfect. Everything felt luxe without being ostentatious or gaudy.”
Brianna insisted that two special guests be present at the wedding: her dogs, who played a key role. “They were the ring bearers!” she says. “One of the only things I was insistent on was that my dogs be there for the ceremony. Seeing them all dressed up and fulfilling their duties made me so happy.”
Another moment of pure bliss came during the reception when the couple’s nearest and dearest gave the newlyweds words of support and encouragement. “The speeches really touched me,” Craig adds. “I found them genuine and from the heart, and I loved hearing all of the praises sung for Brianna.” The bride agrees: “Everyone who spoke was so eloquent.”
Following the speeches, Brianna and Craig shared their first dance to Ryan Adams’ cover of “Wonderwall.” “It’s such an incredible song that means so much to both of us, and we felt the cover really encapsulated our relationship.”
Brianna Bisson and Craig Franklin, October 14, 2017, Kleinburg, Ontario.
Photography courtesy of Elizabeth In Love.
Vendors
Ceremony and reception venue: McMichael Art Gallery
Bridal gown: Lazaro
Bridesmaid dresses: Reformation, Topshop and Show Me Your Mumu
Groom’s tux: Garrison Bespoke
Wedding planner: Bassett Events
Bouquets: Flower Nook
Decor: Caspar Haydar Design
Caterer: Daniel et Daniel
Stationery: Smudge Designs
Cake: Bobbette and Belle
Hair: The Cellar Salon
Makeup: Brianna Bisson and Sarah Smith
Music: DJ NinteTO
Officiant: Brian Manuel of Enduring Promises
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