A Rustic Elegant Same-Sex Wedding In Winnipeg

For Rob and Leon, it was important that they wed in the city where the two first met: Winnipeg. Fate brought them together when both were in the city for training in family medicine. The couple were engaged during a medical mission to Northern Haiti in 2016. "Leon proposed after a breathtaking hike up to the National History Park Citadel, which is a UNESCO Heritage Site," Rob explains.

Their wedding theme was a "love is love is love" and east-meets-west celebration with Great Gatsby-inspired details. "Our venue was filled with candle lights, making the room romantic and elegant beyond words," Rob and Leon share. The couple chose a palette of navy and gold, and encouraged guests to come dressed in black and white for a truly chic affair. The pair were even able to change the venue's "The Gates On Roblin" sign to "The Gays On Roblin" for the event.

Rob and Leon gave their wedding planner the freedom to execute some fabulous surprises for the couple as well as the guests. "Among the surprises were drag queens who not only served up bubbly, but also dished out entertainment on the dance floor," the couple recall.

Instead of bouquets, the grooms had their groomsmaids hold adoptable puppies. "It provided a nice touch, and resulted in four adoptions," says Rob and Leon.

The couple agree that the best moment of the day was the amazing party and celebrating with loved ones. "Between the music, the fun vibes, and being surrounded by loved ones, this was FUN on another level!" the couple shares. "The band and orchestra filled with the room with an energy that got everyone on their feet."

Robert Obara and Leon Waye, September 2, 2017, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Photography courtesy of Ashley Nicole Photography.

Vendors
Venue: The Gates on Roblin
Wedding planners: Just In Couture
Grooms' tuxes: EPH Apparel
Hair and makeup: The Be You Tee Bar and Black Smith Parlour
Groomsmaid Dresses: Dessy
Groomsmen gifts: Larsen & Erikson Flowers: Dress It Up Events Cake: Chocolate Zen Bakery
Band: Danny Kramer Dance Band
Harpist: Little Harp on the Prairie
Orchestra: Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra
Wedding commissioner: Marlene Pringle Miller
Rentals: C & T Rentals, Spark Rentals and Bel-Ayre Rentals
Fireworks: Archangel Fireworks
Videography:Roston Digital
Lighting: Event Light