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February 23, 2012
{ Toronto Centre For The Arts – Industry Night }
Last night, Jenn (the fab photog behind mINK Creative) and I cracked a bottle of Misterio Argentinian Malbec (it was AMAZING – definitely a must-try).
We caught up on life, chatted business for a bit, then donned some stilettos, and headed out on the town. Our destination? Industry Night at the Toronto Centre For The Arts (with a special Thanks going out to Derek for extending an invitation!) We were super excited to see what the Centre has to offer brides-to-be beyond its theatrical loveliness – and were so pleasantly surprised! First and foremost…. SO easy to get to + find parking (which, let’s face it, is a big deal in Toronto).
We were greeted by smiling faces and top-notch hospitality – particularly the glasses of wine poured and waiting in some couture stemware. The chard was a tad acidic for my palate, the red…. delish!
Everywhere we turned we bumped into fabulously hospitable industry pros, and even had a lovely staff member (Nancy, I believe?) offer to take a picture for us (even though she’d never used an iPhone) – how sweet! (the poor lighting was totally my fault).
We perused the gorgeous hors d’oeuvres displays, took in some classy little floral accents, and visited a few modern, carte-blanche event spaces perfect for some contemporary Happily Ever Afters. I’m dying to show this space to some of my real-world brides!
Most amazing gnocchi and my first time trying duck confit courtesy of Loic Gourmet…
Fabulous little chocolate + raspberry panna cotta treats from 10tation Catering…
Awesome chocolate mousse and rice pudding (to follow a wicked salmon + mango salsa + couscous treat) from A La Carte Kitchen Inc…
We also had the pleasure of meeting the lovelies (Anna and Mark) at Kostel Photo – wedding + lifestyle photographers from Port Credit.
Not sure who designed these beautiful little details – but the punch of colour was amazing! (and this is a super cost-efficient centrepiece alternative!)
Look at my lovely beauty — those eyelashes are do-die-for! Thanks for coming, Jenn!
The only shot of the two of us with relatively ambient lighting….. love this girl <3
{ Sponsor Shout-outs}
All in all, it was a fabulous night – with all kinds of Thanks for the yumminess, awesome service, and our fab Swag Bags delivered by….
Gourmet Galaxy Catering
(whose logo I couldn’t find anywhere!)
… and my favourite of all….. Starbucks {love}.
November 17, 2011
This past summer, an amazing WG couple, Amrita and Darrel, tied the knot in Toronto.
Their Hindu ceremony took place on Saturday of the May long weekend, complete with the handsome groom arriving on horseback and the absolutely stunning bride carrying an elegant white bouquet of roses and orchids.
A Western wedding ceremony and reception followed on Sunday, with festivities set to take place at the gorgeous Toronto Botanical Gardens. Purples, whites, blacks and bling inspired this stunningly elegant celebration.
Mother Nature couldn’t quite decide what she wanted to do with the weather for Amrita and Darrel. Our day went from beautifully overcast to slightly spitting… and back and forth again. We tried to make a rain call earlier in the day, but had our hearts set on pulling off an outdoor ceremony if possible. Even though we initially set up our ceremony decor outdoors in the Botanical Gardens courtyard, we also had to consider the threat the weather posed to our live musician’s equipment, and ultimately opted for a chic indoor setup instead.
Following a beautifully personalized wedding ceremony, the Newlyweds and their wedding party traveled to Union Station for some downtown urban photos and rejoined their guests in the evening for dinner and dancing at Woodbine Banquet Hall.
Here are some of the Behind-The-Scenes photos I quickly snapped with my iPhone throughout the day….
* note how we opted to re-use the ceremony aisle decor in front of the head table! the extra bit of candlelight added some dimension and romantic ambiance to the head table display.
{ the Details }
Wedding Planning + Coordination: done by Us!
Ceremony Location: Toronto Botanical Gardens
Ceremony Musician: Grenville Pinto
Reception Location: Woodbine Banquet Hall
Floral Design: Fleurish Design Studio
Reception Decor: LK Wedding Decor
Wedding Cake: Just Temptations
A hugely heartfelt Congratulations goes out to Amrita and Darrel!
The two of you hold a special spot in my heart and I’m honoured that you chose us to be a part of your Big Day! We love you both! xo
November 9, 2011
… and they lived Happily Ever After <3
Last year, our WG team met an amazing couple – Bobbie and Dave, who wanted to plan an intimate autumn wedding. WG Planner, Catriona, was up for the challenge of helping Bobbie create a picture-perfect Happily Ever After on a budget… and the results were incredible!
Bobbie had a gorgeous Autumn Harvest-inspired, country-rustic wedding vision. She wanted her nearest and dearest to experience all things Fall-elegant, from mulled apple cider to Vintage + Harvest inspired decor in an intimate, welcoming venue. Catriona helped Bobbie find Navy Hall in Niagara On The Lake – a DIY wedding venue that boasts some serious charm on a budget.
From custom-designed Save-The-Date wedding maps (made by the super-talented NattyMichelle on Etsy)…..
… to hand-made itinerary chalkboards….
… Bobbie spared no decor detail (she even planned to burn down the gorgeous array of pillar candles in the Navy Hall fireplace so they looked more rustic and authentic!)
While we splurged on renting elegant chiavari chairs from Simply Beautiful Decor, money was saved by creating a DIY backdrop (using Ikea curtains), making DIY bunting banners, and providing the florist (super-talented Melanie from Lush) with mason jars and various country-inspired containers for her spectacular creations.
Bobbie and Dave opted for an indoor ceremony to avoid any weather complications (always a key factor in a Fall wedding!) and guests enjoyed a beautiful personalized ceremony delivered by Sheldon Kofsky of Niagara Region Weddings.
The stunning bride walked down the aisle on her own, meeting her handsome groom half-way down the aisle. The two walked to front of the ceremony together to symbolize the joint commitment they were making to enter into marriage.
Immediately following the ceremony, guests enjoyed hot apple cider and hors d’oeuvres provided by the fabulous catering by David Glover – the Highland Chef. David also hand-crafted the evening’s dinner menu, complete with BBQ’d ribs, slow-roasted beef, and delicious fixings.
A DIY dessert table was a lovely treat following the succulent meal, and led guests into an early evening of dancing and celebration of love, laughter, and Happily Ever After.
Details of the wedding day were captured by Charity Swords Photography, and here are some of her favourites!
A HUGE thank-you goes out to WG planner + coordinator, Catriona, for being alongside Bobbie and Dave every step of the planning way. Here’s to wishing this fabulous bride and groom the picture-perfect ending to their beautiful beginning. Congratulations!!
September 28, 2011
{ the Scottish Rite }
Last week, we visited the magnificent and historical Scottish Rite Club of Hamilton – an exquisite combination of modern day amenities and classic elegance!
Located in the heart of Hamilton, Ontario, the Scottish Rite Club is a gorgeous setting for a truly unique event. With spaces to accommodate groups from 8 to 350, this hidden venue gem combines expert staff with a historic setting to create a truly memorable Ever After celebration!
{ the Ceremony}
The Scottish Rite offers various ceremony location options, from their beautifully manicured grounds enclosed in romantic black wrought-iron gates, intimate celebrations in the Round Room, to grand nuptial productions in the majestic Cathedral.
{ the Cathedral }
Ceremonies amidst the grandeur of the Cathedral at Scottish Rite boast rich upholstered seating, elegant lighting, soaring 50-foot ceilings, and a sophisticated, 4,000 pipe, 1922 Casavant Organ (with organist included).
Dozens of hand-painted backdrops are available to set the stage for your ceremony, whether you’re looking to create a romantic Renaissance Cathedral theme (pictured above) or an English Garden setting. No detail has been overlooked in the meticulous creation of these backdrops – right down to lights placed directly behind the Cathedral setting’s stained-glass windows to create the look of natural sunlight pouring through. You can collaborate between setting and music to create anything from a gothic, “Phantom Of The Opera” ceremony to a whimsical, airy, celebration of love.
{ the Photos }
Newlywed photos can be done right on site amongst the beautiful gardens, in the grand Cathedral, or throughout the various spaces inside the Scottish Rite building.
 
Located in the heart of downtown Hamilton, this venue is easily accessible from the QEW and offers your guests ample complimentary parking onsite, as well as various accommodation options in the immediate area.
{ the Reception – Round Room }
Reception options at the Scottish Rite are dependent on your guest count. Last January, we coordinated a beautifully intimate wedding celebration for a lovely couple who opted to host their reception (of about 80 guests) in the Round Room.
{ the Reception – Ballroom }
Coming up in the Fall of 2012 and the Summer of 2013, we are planning to host two larger weddings at the Scottish Rite, both set in the Ballroom – with its high ceilings and blank-slate decor that will allow us to create our brides’ unique, creative decor visions within the space.
{ an Inclusive venue }
The Scottish Rite is a full service catering venue. Its extensive menu options and beverage packages are remarkably affordable, complemented by professional catering and serving staff that will even-further accentuate your guests’ experience. You can choose to opt for an inclusive decor package provided by the venue, or take your Food + Beverage savings and use them to bring in your own decorator to transform the space into whatever your wedding heart desires!
{ a Real Wedding }
Just to show you some of the unique and creative ways we opted to use the Scottish Rite venue space at our last wedding….
We received guests in the main lobby…. (and gave them cute little DIY Ferrero Rocher escort cards)
… served cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the dining room….
… Offered drinks in both the Lounge and in the Rotunda….
… and served dinner in the Round Room.
(on a side note: the food was FANTASTIC and I’ll never forget how delicious the specialty Panna Cotta dessert was)
… and after dinner we treated guests to an Irish dancing performance courtesy of Reaney Academy.
Looking for additional information on Scottish Rite? Be sure to visit their website!
Questions about planning your wedding? Be sure to get in touch with us.
Still on the prowl for a fabulous wedding photographer? Check out the super-talented Jennifer Rose.
{ with Love, from Mary + Jennifer }
Thanks for joining us on ourVirtual Venue Visit to Scottish Rite! – check back next week for another unique venue.
If you have a specific venue you’d like us to visit and photograph for you, please let us know!
September 14, 2011
{ LIUNA Station }
“You’ll hear it in the click of your heels on the Italian marble floors. You’ll see it in the towering walls of oak paneling. You’ll feel it in the billowing Versace™ draperies.” - with a description like THAT welcoming you to their website, how could you NOT want to visit LIUNA Station?
An acronym for The Laborers’ International Union of North America, LIUNA offers classic, timeless luxury. This architectural masterpiece is testimony to rail travel’s popularity and is reminiscent of the opulence of a golden era.
LIUNA Station has been lovingly and carefully restored to its original splendour. Complete with incredible Art Deco statues and paintings, Italian marble floors and ornate ceilings, this venue offers some of the most extraordinary detail available to brides in the Hamilton and surrounding areas.
{ the Grand Lobby }
LIUNA’s Grand Lobby, complete with original marble columns and a unique gold and copper ceiling, is formerly the concourse of the train station. This immense room also doubled as the general waiting room for passengers or eager relatives. The Grand Lobby can comfortably accommodate groups of 150 to 300 guests.
Whether you choose for the Grand Lobby to simply greet your guests, host your cocktail reception or even provide the backdrop for your ceremony, its towering ceilings and lavish furnishings, are bound to leave your guests in awe.
{ the Continental Express Ballroom }
LIUNA Station offers two elegant ballrooms to host your group. For smaller, more intimate events, the Continental Express Ballroom provides seating for 75-150 guests. This space was formerly the cafe for the train station and served to accommodate many travellers for a quick bite to eat!
{ the Grand Central Ballroom }
If your wedding guest list tilts the scales at 250-700, the immense structure known as LIUNA’s Grand Ballroom is one of the most lavish banquet halls you can choose. Formerly serving as the Station’s waiting area, this majestic ballroom now provides brides with a gorgeous space to host their majestic day!
{ the Grounds }
Pristinely manicured hedges surround colourful gardens and a classic water fountain directly outside LIUNA Station. This space offers Newlyweds and wedding parties a gorgeous photo location without additional travel.
Located in the heart of downtown Hamilton, this venue is easily accessible from the QEW and offers your guests ample complimentary parking onsite, as well as various accommodation options in the immediate area.
{ an Inclusive venue }
LIUNA Station is a full service catering venue, with service modeled after the world’s finest dining destinations. Comprehensive menu and beverage packages allow brides to know that no detail has been spared, with all catering logistics (i.e. linens, tables, chairs, tableware, and flatware) covered in an inclusive per person cost. You can work closely with the LIUNA team to custom-tailor your menu to reflect your culture, your personal tastes, and even create signature bar drinks that match your colour scheme!
Looking for additional information on LIUNA Station? Be sure to visit their website!
Questions about planning your wedding? Be sure to get in touch with us.
Still on the prowl for a fabulous wedding photographer? Check out the super-talented Jennifer Rose.
{ with Love, from Mary + Jennifer }
Thanks for joining us on Virtual Venue Visit #2! – check back next week for another unique venue.
If you have a specific venue you’d like us to visit and photograph for you, please let us know!
September 2, 2011
{ Balls Falls Centre for Conservation }
A popular wedding spot for both Niagara-area and GTA brides, Ball’s Falls offers natural beauty and wildlife at its best, spectacular vistas from the Niagara Escarpment, and the breathtaking backdrop of Niagara’s other falls. This showcase of environmental stewardship and cultural heritage offers you an eco-wedding experience like none other!
With a range of both heritage and conservation buildings and facilities, your wedding can be staged indoors, outdoors or perhaps even a bit of both!
The Ball’s Falls Centre for Conservation, Ball’s Falls Historical Church and The Big Barn are the main facilities and offer a diversity of settings and experiences – and dozens of photo opportunities within steps of eachother!
{ the Ceremony – Balls Falls chapel }
Nestled on the scenic Niagara Escarpment at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area, the Ball’s Falls historical church accommodates up to 110 guests. The interior of this restored chapel features warm wood-tones: both rustic and elegant. The chapel is heated to provide year-round access and the site has ample free parking for guests. Weddings can be accommodated at the Centre for Conservation or The Big Barn. With convenient highway access, this area is the perfect storybook setting for your special day!
A pump organ is available for your use at no extra cost. You must arrange your own organist (contacts are available). Other instruments may be used by your arrangement.
Chapel rentals are two hours long and can start at 9:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m., or 5:00 p.m. The church must be decorated during your rental time allotted, since other weddings may be booked before and after your wedding.
{ the Ceremony – Balls Falls Centre – Glen Elgin room patio }
Located directly outside the Glen Elgin reception room inside the Centre, this beautiful patio is a perfect place for a beautiful outdoor wedding ceremony!
Ceremonies can also be held inside the Centre and inside the Big Barn (typically used as reception space, but a fabulous rain-plan alternative if needed!)
{ the Reception – Balls Falls Centre – Glen Elgin Room }
The Glen Elgin room seats 120 guests (including your wedding party) at round tables (which must be brought in) or 150 guests (including your wedding party) at rectangular tables (provided by the centre). Outside chairs, unfortunately, cannot be brought in.
{ the Reception – Balls Falls Centre – Big Barn }
The Big Barn provides a rustic + country backdrop for eco-inspired brides. Seating a maximum of 190 guests (including the wedding party), the Big Barn rental comes with wooden tables and white plastic chairs (that can be covered, but MUST be used – no outside chairs may be brought in).
 
{ a DIY venue }
As a wedding planner specializing in planning beautiful events on a budget, I’ve used the term “Do It Yourself” (or DIY) Venue to describe locations that allow brides and grooms to bring in their own caterer and alcohol. The savings that can be had as a result of this are often staggeringly high – but it does create some trickier planning logistics that brides need to be aware of. All catering and decorating arrangements at a DIY venue are the responsibility of the bride and groom. This includes bringing in your own tableware and flatware rentals – everything from cutlery and plates to glasses, salt and pepper shakers, and water jugs.
If alcohol is being served, you must obtain a Special Occasion Permit, Party Alcohol Liability Insurance, and provide SmartServe certified bartenders.
The hours of rental of Balls Falls venues are between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. – guests must depart and teardown must begin promptly (make sure to work this into your itinerary!)
When planning a DIY venue wedding, make sure to consider things like locations of power outlets when seating your vendors. Think about DJ speaker placement in elation to elderly guests, and don’t forget to rent bread baskets! If you have specific DIY venue questions, or even questions about your wedding plans at Balls Falls – feel free to ask!
{ past Brides }
WG Couples previously married at Balls Falls include Kelly + Morgan (photographed by Rick Denham Photography) and most recently, Naomi + Curtis (photographed by Cindy at Absolute Photography). You can view these couples’ albums on the WeddingGirl Dot Ca profile on Facebook, or visit the photographers’ websites directly!
{ with Love, from Mary + Jennifer }
…. there you have it! our first-ever Virtual Venue Visit! Hope you enjoyed the ride, and stay tuned next week for VVV #2!
May 17, 2011
Our WG team loves it when our favourite Showcase Vendors do amazing work for their brides and grooms…. and here is a perfect example from the fabulous Gala Decor!
Gianna and Nick’s wedding reception was held at the stunningly historic Liuna Station in downtown Hamilton, Ontario.
(This gorgeous image was captured by Derek Purdy, a Hamilton-based travel photographer – featured on the JessGetsCreative blog!)
With visions of a soft colour palate to accentuate the character of the venue, the Gala team suggested Champagne Satin table linens, adorned with elegant Ivory Lace overlays and finished off with Champagne Satin chair covers. The romantically understated elegance lent itself well to both the contemporary and vintage elements of this wedding design. To add a hint of opulence, Gala Decor’s new steel gold charger plates and matching Champagne Satin napkins met each guest at their table place setting.
No beautiful wedding decor design is complete without the perfect amount of softness and sophistication brought by flowers. In this case, Antoneitta from Heavenly Creations added lush ivory and purple tones in the floral arrangements.
The head tables and cake table were draped with ivory and champagne fabrics accented with diamond embellishments, to captivate the guests from all angles of the venue. To complete the ambiance of the function space, the walls were washed with purple lighting.
A special thanks to Mark Anthony from Mark Anthony Studios for the featured wedding day photography, and Congratulations to Gianna and Nick from Gala Decor, Dynasty Limousine, and all of us at WeddingGirl.ca! May the best day of your past be the worst day of your future, together!
October 21, 2010
This past weekend, WeddingGirl.ca coordinated an Autumn Happily Ever After for sweethearts Angela and Eric! Our wedding bliss began on Saturday afternoon with a rehearsal that we chose to hold on the waterfront in Burlington, at one of my favourite spots just below one of my favourite restaurants and wedding venues, Spencer’s On The Waterfront. This was our view as we practiced for Angela’s and Eric’s I Do’s!
After the rehearsal, I picked up all the pieces of the wedding I’d be setting up behind the scenes, and bright and early on Sunday, our wedding day began! Two Melissa’s from Pretty In Pink provided our bridal party with mobile hair and makeup services on site at the Courtyard Marriott on Upper James, where the bride stayed the night before. I stopped in to check on the girls mid-morning, and the hotel room was a whirlwind of hairspray, curling irons, and colourful makeup everywhere! The fabulously talented Andrea from Splash Photography was already busy taking pictures…
The flowers, from Mostly Roses, arrived just before I got there: a blend of dark reds, whites, and hints of green.
One of my favourite videographers, Chris from Fresh Canadian Content also arrived while I was visiting with the girls and began his wedding day filming. One of my favourite things about working with Chris and his staff has been the tremendous number of compliments I get about his work – not only from the bride and groom, but also the vendors who find that working alongside him is smooth, seamless, and completely enjoyable! This is the perfect example as to why personalities are so important when selecting your wedding vendors: you want to make sure everyone gets along on the day of!!
Once I left the hotel, I traveled back to the reception venue, Carmen’s Banquet Hall, and put the finishing touches on decor. I put together the centrepieces, embellished the head table, cake table, and the receiving table to match our burgundy/black/white wedding theme, and set out the escort cards in the lobby. If you haven’t hired a Day Of Coordinator, make sure to put someone in place to do all the little things!
Despite being planned on a budget, this wedding was all-class, with a marked design theme and personalized touches throughout the entire design concept. The bride lovingly poured over the smallest details, including personal place setting cards (DIY on embossed damask paper), bubbles for the guests at the ceremony elegantly tied with themed black ribbon, and even an engraved cake and knife set to adorn the cake table.
Angela and Eric’s wedding was my first opportunity to work alongside the staff at Carmen’s, and I must say, it was an absolute pleasure. Throughout the evening, I had the Carmen’s Maitre D’ assisting with all the ins and outs of the reception, helping me to ensure that everything ran smoothly, and all the members of the staff that I came into contact with were incredibly friendly and helpful (which isn’t always the case!)
The service at Carmen’s was great, the food was excellent, and Angela and Eric had, what they called, the “night of their life”! … after all, isn’t that what matters most?
Angela and Eric have been together for a long time, so their wedding day was simply a celebration of the union they already shared, and an opportunity for friends and family from near and far to celebrate in their love for one another!
A huge Thank You goes out to one of the most helpful wedding parties I’ve ever worked with, and family and friends that made my day with them just as enjoyable as I hope theirs was with me. All the best!!
October 19, 2010
Happy Hump Day!
Last week, before the weekend craziness of coordinating a wedding ensued, I had the privilege and honour of accompanying the fabulous Missy Hirons of the new Niagara Convention and Civic Centre on her site visits with the wonderful Sue Zareski of the Niagara Parks Commission. Despite the inclement weather, the three of us ventured out to visit a few of the most popular wedding ceremony sites in Niagara, to perfectly complement a destination or pseudo-destination wedding reception at either one of the Parks Commission’s venues (if you’re hosting a smaller wedding) or at the brand new, state-of-the-art Convention Centre!
Our morning began with meeting Chef Elbert at Queenston Heights – who has had the distinct role of cooking for some really big-named celebrities (I won’t disclose the details – but we all know who they are!). Chef talked to us about his venue and its stunning backdrop for your wedding ceremony.
Following our visit at Queenston Heights, Sue took Missy and I to the Niagara Parks’ Botanical Gardens – another popular wedding ceremony destination. Here, not only are the perfectly-manicured gardens a stunning backdrop for wedding photography, the Butterfly Conservatory also offers a unique wedding venue option for a destination wedding.
Also on the Niagara Parks Commission’s list of fantastic wedding venues, Edgewaters Restaurant. With its breathtaking view of both the Canadian and American Falls, Edgewaters offers a beautiful venue for a wedding ceremony or reception on its outdoor patio or in the enclosed restaurant.
The next stop on our Niagara Parks tour was the famous Floral Showhouse. While, in the past, I’ve had many brides go to the Showhouse to take wedding photos, I didn’t realize that ceremonies could take place on site as well, and small, intimate wedding receptions could be hosted right on the property too! … definitely a multi-functional space, and with its lush, tropical backdrop, the Floral Showhouse completely embraces its destination feel!
We departed from the Floral Showhouse to make our way to Elements for lunch, but made a quick stop at Oak Hall – another popular wedding photo location (with special permission from the Parks Commission!) and an amazing venue to host small, intimate, private functions (think: couture bridal shower, intimate rehearsal dinner, etc).
- Oak Hall also comes with a tremendous history (as does most of the Niagara Parkway) so be sure to take a look at what Wikipedia has to say about it!
The final stop on our Niagara tour was Elements on The Falls: “Dining as close as you can get to the Falls!”. Sue invited Missy and I for lunch, and this was our view: (taken from my iPhone, so pardon the quality!)
Our food was fantastic as well!
Lastly, after our delicious meal, Sue took Missy and I over to the new Pop and Lolly’s, the new interactive candy shop! According to the Niagara Parks’ website, “… amid sparkling, vibrant colors and accessories, a confectionary chef works at a chocolate station or dips fresh fruit or candy into a decadent chocolate fountain. You’ll see the art of specialized hard candy being made and find a wide selection of candy and gifts, from traditional favorites to unique containers ready to fill from our colorful wall of bulk candy.” – and see we did!
Personally, I was particularly interested in the wedding stuff! – personalized bride and groom candy apples, decadent wedding themed truffles, and personalized hard candies!
I think the samples were my favourite part :-)
All in all, Missy and I learned so much from Sue about weddings in Niagara – not only about the ceremony venues the Niagara Parks Commission has to offer, but also the top-notch service and quality extended to all the brides who cross Niagara’s threshold. Between the NPC’s diversely beautiful venues, and the Convention and Civic Centre’s state-of-the-art reception facilities, there are some definitely memorable Ever-After’s in the making ~ and I’m so lucky to be a part of it!
October 4, 2010
Kelly and Morgan were married on September 18th, and since I’ve finally figured out a way to upload my pictures from an SD card without having my camera uploading cable, I’m FINALLY able to blog about it!
I first met these two only four weeks before their wedding day. Kelly contacted me after another WG bride-to-be, Christine, told her about who I am and what I do (Thanks for the love, Christine!). Kelly wrote to me and told me all about her’s and Morgans’ relationship: where they’ve come from, where they’re going, and why their wedding plans would be such a tremendously fabulous reflection of the two of them. I was completely touched by her story and I couldn’t wait to meet them both!
Milestones was the scene of the crime… we met, fell completely in love with eachother, and though I usually don’t allow couples to make any wedding planning decisions right on the spot, in this case, time was of the essence so we decided to start orchestrating Kelly and Morgan’s Happily Ever After right then and there!
The next four weeks were a whirlwind of meetings, emails, schedules, confirmations, some tweaking of ideas here and there…. and soon, the Big Day was upon us! I promised Kelly and Morgan that it wouldn’t rain, and rain it didn’t…. it was sunny, crisp, and beautiful – a perfect forecast for their nature-inspired wedding!
Kelly and Morgan thought it most appropriate to get married at a popular Niagara location, Balls Falls – the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority – but with a unique twist. While most past brides have been married in the historic Balls Falls Chapel and had their wedding receptions take place in the Big Barn, these two took their reception to the brand new, state-of-the-art Centre For Conservation (a LEED-Gold Certified facility, designed to have minimal impact on the environment). We decided that guests should know about why the Bride and Groom chose to host their wedding here, so guests were greeted at the receiving table with a sign:
The wedding reception was held in the building’s Multi Purpose Room – with it’s elegant high ceilings and stunning floor-to-ceiling windows. Kelly dreamed of having white paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling, but after evaluating the ceiling situation (all 40+’ of it), I opted to compromise and hang the lanterns in the windows… which created a new, completely unique decor effect!
As a Day-Of Coordinator, I tend to get one of two things on the morning of a wedding: boxes upon boxes of neatly organized decor elements, all meticulously labeled and described in a decor scheme…. or boxes upon boxes of various “related” items and instructions to “do whatever”. In this “do whatever” case, I was absolutely thrilled to see all the little things that Kelly provided come together to create such a stunning showcase of her’s and Morgan’s eco-chic wedding theme.
Early on in our coordinating together, we had decided to use square tables instead of round, to stick with the modern/contemporary feel of the earth-inspired event design. The square King’s head table fit seamlessly into this floorplan. A special Thanks goes out to the amazing girls at Gotcha Covered for doing an incredible job with linens (chair covers + sashes and table linens) for this wedding!
Kelly’s amazing knack for DIY, and budget-concious approach to her planning left this wedding drenched in fabulous did-it-herself elements…. from the centerpieces to personalized table numbers and menus (thanks to Rick Denham Photography for those!) and even down to the seating chart and personalized place setting cards (I particularly loved the personal messages the bride left on some of the place setting cards – what a great idea!!). Everything from the simple lantern candle holders to the birch wood table number/menu stands coincided with the earthy feel that Morgan and Kelly were looking to achieve.
Other personal touches throughout the wedding day included a custom-made photo book as a guest book alternative (made by the insanely talented Rick Denham), DIY chalkboard sign (that I updated as events of the day wore on), a DIY Signature Drink bar sign, the DIY receiving box that also doubled as the donation box (to get the Newlyweds to kiss, donations were made to the Lincoln County Human Society ), Kelly’s personal bathroom “Reserved” sign, and topped off (pun intended!) with personalized Bride and Groom cake toppers (braces for Kelly who now has a million-dollar smile, and a cast for Morgan who broke his leg shortly before the wedding!).One of my favourite little “extras” was a gift Morgan and Kelly received, a “tile” with the saying – “It doesn’t matter where you go in life. It’s who you have beside you”. How very true it is!
The best part about the coordinating pieces of decor was that I could move elements of it around throughout the day / evening to create whole new designs in the function space. For example, knowing that not all the guests had signed the photo book, I took some extra centrepieces, an engagement photo, the venue information sheet, and some wooden crates, and used these to create a beautiful showpiece right outside of the reception doors. I then asked the MC to announce that everyone add in their best wishes to the Bride and Groom on their way out the door. – this is a simple example of how using what you already have can create luxe on a budget!!
To give you an idea of how quirky and unique this couple really is… the ceremony chalkboard sign read, “Clowns to the left, Jokers to the right.” - I heard numerous deliberations as I stood outside the church!!
And to highlight how very dedicated to their cause they are…. guests walked away with tree saplings to plant in Kelly and Morgan’s honour!
All in all, the eco-chic event design was flawless, the food was truly incredible (thanks to Chef Wolfgang at Wildflower Market!), and the bride and groom deserved nothing less than how perfect this day really was. I’m so thankful to have been a part of it! (and now I know how to wrap a cake table in burlap!!)
For more of my point-and-shoot pictures of this wedding, visit my Facebook album here! For Rick Denham’s pro photos, click here. Enjoy!!
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