A Beautiful, Romantic Wedding In Fort Erie, Ontario

Raluca and Kyle met in 2013 through mutual friends. Although their first encounter didn't spark a quick dive into romance, their relationship blossomed after a slow build up of getting to know each other. "We love a lot of the same things and just like spending time together," Raluca says. "By the end of our first summer, we became Facebook official."

The pair got engaged at Kyle's family cottage on Lake Erie while they were spending time at the cottage, a summer tradition. One evening, Kyle left to get pizza and wings for the two and when he came back, Raluca was in the kitchen. Their proposal wasn't traditional. "He took our dog Raffie and tied the ring around her neck on a ribbon. He sent her into the kitchen and as she was shuffling around trying to bite the ring from around her neck, he asked me to pick her up," Raluca remembers. "He then got on one knee and proposed."

The newlyweds' wedding theme was a combination of romance and whimsy. "We had twinkle lights under a white tent and you could hear the sound of waves crashing in the background," Raluca says. The colours chosen to compliment the venue were soft whites, nude, blush, pink, green and blue, giving the celebration an ultra-romantic vibe. The bridesmaids wore white, while the groomsmen wore suits in ranges of blue. "We wanted everyone to look and feel their best, so we kept the bridal party colours simple," Raluca explains.

To add to the whimsical feeling, the couple used floral in creative ways. "We had a ceremonial circle made entirely of flowers and greenery," Raluca enthuses. "It was a great alternative to an arch and was very well suited to the evening's mood."  Gold candlesticks and greenery decorated long harvest tables for the couple's reception.

One the bride's favourite moments was being walked down the aisle by her father, who she says played a key role in keeping her relaxed. "We have a great bond, so this moment really meant a lot to me," Raluca says. "We quietly chatted to one another, as a way to calm each other's nerves."

Raluca Melniciuc and Kyle Norton, July 21, 2018, Ridgeway, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Kayla Rocca Photography.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception venue: Windmill Point
Wedding planner: Ashley Pigott Events
Bridal gown: Hayley Paige
Groom’s tux: Made Clothing Co.
Groomsmen attire: Made Clothing Co.
Flowers: Bloom and Co
Caterer: Food Dudes
Hair: Salon Daniel
Makeup: Haley Bogaert Face Inc. 
Music: Sole Power