A Lovely Backyard Wedding Along The Rideau River In Ottawa

Theresa and Steve grew up in the Ottawa area together and were high school friends, but didn't start dating until Theresa moved back home after university. With family playing a large role in the couple's lives, it was only natural for Steve to include their family in his plans to propose. "Ever year Steve organizes an Easter Egg Hunt for my family on my parent's property in Manotick along the Rideau River," Theresa shares. "He let me family in on the secret—that he was going to hide an engagement ring in one of the eggs for me to find." Sure enough, Theresa came across a gold egg. Upon Steve's suggestion, she opened it, and inside was a ring box.

Theresa's parents' property ended up not only being the engagement location, but their wedding reception location as well. The outdoor reception took place under a large "Sperry" sailcloth tent with wooden floors, set against the natural beauty of the surrounding Rideau river. For Theresa and Steve's drive away from the church after the wedding ceremony, they chose a 1932 Chrysler which set the tone for their classic, elegant wedding and gave the whole day a Great Gatsby feel.

One extra-special guest who helped make the day was Theresa's friend and hairdresser, Adamo. "He's been doing my hair for over 10 years and has become a good friend, so as soon as I got engaged I knew he had to do my updo," shares Theresa. To complement her strapless gown and ward off the summer heat, she went with a textured, low bun that kept in line with the wedding's elegant, classic theme.

At the reception, the couple made their grand entrance and went straight into their first dance—Jason Evigan's version of "Cinema". "It was such an amazing moment, dancing under the tent surrounded by family and friends," says Theresa. "It meant a lot to have everyone there."

Theresa Matheson and Steve Briscoe, July 14, 2018, 

Photography courtesy of Anne-Marie Bouchard.

Vendors
Ceremony venue: St. Leonard Church
Reception venue: Bride's parents property Bridal gown: Sottero and Midgley from Kleinfeld Hudson's Bay
Bridesmaid gowns: Show Me Your Mumu
Wedding planner: Tara-Lynn MacQuaig of The Event & Co.
Caterer: Epicuria
Flowers: Dirk the Flowerman
Stationery: Minted
Cake: Cakes By Micayla
Hair: Hair by Adamo
Makeup: Natalie Peachy
Music: Greg Fedor at First Choice Entertainment Tent: Sperry Tents